To those expecting another chapter in the main story...April fools...you get this side story instead. Okay, I'm done now. Happy Birthday Subaru Natsuki.
The Following is a non-linear side story. Whether it should be treated as Canon or not to the story is debatable to the reader but it's made just for the heck of it. An actual update for the story will resume at a later date.
"Come on Baru, try and catch me," Typhon teased as she ran away from Subaru. The duo was playing a game of catch in the dream world yet despite the absence of any physical laws...Subaru could not catch the Prideful Girl. It also didn't help that she was riding the beast of despair for extra speed.
"You won't escape me, Ty," Subaru retorted. He hadn't given up hope yet. He was going to catch her eventually. While he attempted to overcome pride and despair another individual was watching him from the side with amethyst eyes filled with love and wonder. A soft smile formed as they began daydreaming of quarter elf boys and girls running around instead of Typhon.
"He's really great with kids," a timid voice spoke breaking the purple-eyed girl's daydreams. The half-elf witch turned to the supposed shy girl with a stern expression causing her to nervously hide. "Sorry I didn't mean to imply anything, Satella," the girl whimpered.
"Relax...I wasn't gonna attack you, Carmilla," Satella retorted as she moved around to allow the lustful girl to sit down.
"You can never be too careful," Carmilla stuttered.
"That's...fair," Satella admitted. Even if Envy was silent she was still worried the other ego would emerge when her guard finally dropped. All it would take is one slip and all Satella's progress would be flushed down the drain by Envy.
"So are you just daydreaming?" Carmilla asked in a friendlier manner.
"Yeah," Satella admitted. "I'm thinking about how nice life would have been if I hadn't made all those stupid choices back then," Satella lamented. Where did her bad decisions even start, destroying the world, taking the witch factor...forgetting to take the left at Albuquerque. If they hadn't forgotten that turn they would have avoided Pandora and then where would they be.
"I know that feeling," Carmilla said as she remembered her own past. She had gotten selfish, desiring all the love of those around her. In her lust, her powers awakened and she got her desire...and promptly lost the chance of true love she had. She had been so caught up with the desire to feel loved that she ignore she was already loved a lot. "But that's in the past and we can't change that," Carmilla admitted. Satella only shot her glance and Carmilla realized that telling that to a Witch who could rewind time to an extent might be insulting. "Sorry... the wrong choice of words...but you know what I mean right?" She stuttered
"Yeah...I know what you're saying," Satella answered. Even if she could turn back time...the point where she could return to was growing larger and larger. Maybe it would have been easier if she had access to her full power but Envy still held control of some. The Witch of Envy was ironically of the belief that they should always move forward, letting the past stay in the past...so long as the end was what she wanted everything else didn't matter...which made her the biggest hypocrite as she immediately reset the world when Subaru died.
"That's a relief," Carmilla sighed. Despite her improved relationship with Satella, Carmilla could only feel anxious whenever the strongest witch for annoyed. There was a brief silence before Satella spoke again.
"Hey Carmilla...can I ask a question?" Satella suddenly voiced nervously.
"Hmm, what do you want to know?" Carmilla asked as she noticed the jealous girl's nervous expression.
"Well...this is sort of embarrassing but what kind of gift do you think I should get Subaru for his birthday?" Satella asked. Carmilla glanced at the other witch shocked by what she heard.
"Wait Subaru's birthday is coming up?" Carmilla asked. Satella confirmed that it was in fact drawing near. Even if the actual day itself was far...the Witch of Envy had kept track of all the days that passed including the resets to know just when Subaru's birthday would have arrived. "Oh...this is so romantic that you're getting a gift for Subaru," Carmilla gushed.
"Well I haven't gotten one yet...that's why I am asking you," Satella responded nervously. She had also asked Minerva earlier but the Witch of Wrath was absolutely clueless about what to give. "To be honest I don't exactly know what to get…I mean…we can make literally anything we desire here," Satella pointed out as she formed a little dragon doll in her hand before it grew into a dream version of Patrasche before finally turning into Volcanica for a brief second before disappearing. "I just want my gift to be something special that really touches his heart and lets him know how I love and care for him," She told the other girl.
"I'm pretty sure he is aware of how much you love him," Carmilla said. Satella and Envy's love for Subaru was nothing secret. Everyone who knew the true Satella knew how…crazy she could be for Subaru…and that was understating it. She dragged him back from death countless times just because she loved him.
"I mean in a less stalker-ish and obsessive way," Satella groaned.
"So you…uh…you're aware of that," Carmilla sighed nervously.
"I may have started to realize it from his memories and views about love, Envy insists we aren't doing anything wrong…but I'm starting to think she's a yandere," Satella admitted embarrassingly. She knew Subaru was no longer afraid of her…but that didn't mean she would want him to relapse into his fears.
"Oh, she's definitely that," Carmilla confirmed. She had looked through some of the romance anime in Subaru's mind. Most were decent but in those more leaning to action…the yandere and masochists were not exactly her favorite characters. Even less when Daphne started pointing out that the Envy personality was in fact a Yandere herself. "But I'll admit you are a still way off that path…mostly," Carmilla said. "As for wanting a gift that's not showing your obsessive side…I'd stay away from any gifts where he has to be intimate with you," Carmilla warned. "While they may seem like good ideas…they can also be relatively easy to do," She pointed out.
"Well then what can I do for him?" Satella asked.
"Give him an experience…material gifts only provide so much happiness…any true gift of love has to be an experience that will engrave itself within his mind…in a good way," Carmilla mentioned.
"That still doesn't answer my question," Satella told her.
"Well, it depends on what you think Subaru wants the most," Carmilla told her. "You know him better than anyone else. What do you think he wants?" She asked Satella.
"What Subaru wants most?" Satella asked herself. Something she could give him that he desired more than anything. He wanted his friends to be happy, to save everyone but even that was not something she could give him right away. Wait a second…there was one thing he wanted that only she could give him. "I know what he wants," Satella muttered.
"Well that's good…what is it?" Carmilla asked.
"A date," Satella answered.
"I think you're missing the point," Carmilla sighed.
"Not with me, and not that kind of date," Satella told her. "I'm going to meet his parents," She told Carmilla.
"Oh…his parents…wait what?" Carmilla said in surprise, but Satella was already gone. "This better not end badly…although knowing his track record…yeah I'll get Minerva and Echidna now," Carmilla told herself.
When you're born as a child, the greatest love you ever feel is always towards the mother who carried you for nine months. The woman who takes care of you and nurtured you, or it's to the father who protected you and provided for you, who was always by your mother's side taking care of her and you. As you get older the love for your parents starts to wain but it doesn't lose any value, rather you start finding yourself feeling love for others elsewhere, maybe to friends, a pet, or other family members. Eventually, as you grow up that love you find elsewhere begins to focus on someone else, someone very special, your significant other, and perhaps your soul mate. You start to love this person and they, in turn, love you. One thing leads to another and you decided to spend the rest of your lives with this person, becoming husband and wife, a sacred covenant between two souls as old as time itself. From this sacred bond blooms yet another form of love; one that is arguably the strongest of them all, the love of a parent for their child, and the cycle begins anew.
These bonds of love are sacred, are usually what bind each and every human on the planet. However, not everyone is allowed to keep these bonds. Some children spend their whole lives not knowing their parents and never experience the warmth of a mother's touch or the firm hand of a father. As they grow up some may end up in relationships that end in heartbreak if they even choose to be involved at all. Lastly and perhaps the saddest of them all is the loss of a child to a parent. There is no greater pain for a parent than to lose their child, whether by death or by just not knowing where they went, such was the case for Kenichi and Naoko Natsuki whose only son, Subaru had disappeared one day.
Naoko Natsuki spent another day doing her usual routine. She woke up made breakfast for her husband, saw him off to work, and did whatever chores needed to be done around the house. She would clean their bedroom, the kitchen, and the living room. However today was a special day for her, she would go and clean her son's room. Naoko and Kenichi had left Subaru's room on touch for the most part…it was one of the few things they had to remember their son by, however, it was still prone to getting a bit dusty every now and then, so Naoko had decided to clean it ever so often so that when Subaru returned...his room would be nice and comfortable.
It had been just another day of dusting for the matriarch. She had gone into his room and was dusting his shelves talking care not to break any of the figurines on the shelves. She had changed his sheets and even swept the floor. She had even dusted the walls delicately in her attempt at making sure the room was spotless. She was just about to leave when she noticed to slightest movement in the corner of her eyes. Turning almost immediately she glanced around to see what the disturbance was. Nothing seemed out of place to her as she walked back in. She blinked wondering she had been seeing things as she looked around the room once more. Had she been paying closer attention perhaps Naoko would have realized something almost horrifying to think about, a second shadow had appeared standing right next to her own observing her. The shadow merely glanced at Naoko or rather Naoko's shadow for a moment contemplating its actions. Its hand was already reaching to grab Naoko's before it stopped. Naoko wouldn't be enough for what the shadow planned…it needed another, it needed Kenichi.
"So what's the plan for the birthday?" Echidna asked Subaru as she looked up from her book. She had been reading in the living room as usual when she finally saw the world hopper return from his training. She would admit their relationship had some tumbles but it was starting to improve…or at the very least he was starting to consider her more of an asset than before, willing to discard her completely because her actions weren't….moral enough for him.
"I'm surprised you know about that, though I suppose I really shouldn't be," Subaru told the Witch of Greed. Seriously he hadn't even been expecting to be reminded of his birthday let alone from Echidna of all people. He would never get over the Greedy Witch's strange fascination with him despite both being openly antagonistic at times. She was a bigger Tsundere than Minerva and perhaps even Ram; no doubt the same person who probably taught Beako to be one as well, except Beako was adorable and sweet and Echidna was…Echidna.
"It's not that hard to figure out if you read someone's mind and do the simple maths," Echidna laughed. "Although I was expecting you'd be at least a little happier knowing there are some people who know your birthday without having to be told," Echidna smiled deviously.
"Hate to break it to you but I'm not exactly up for a birthday celebration," Subaru told her. It was admittedly a weird concept for him to even think about. His power to Return by Death skewed time for him. Your birthday was always to signify another year of life with your age being how long you lived before dying and leaving the world. Subaru was a person who even if he died, would merely rewind to an earlier point in time. The concept of death no longer held the same weight to him even if it hurt and he wanted to afford it, as such, he wonders if his birth still meant anything. Could he consider the different reset points as alternate birthdays as well since he was technically reborn at those points?
"I'd stop overthinking those trivial concepts of life and death if I were you," Daphne told him from the couch.
"What? ARE YOU READING MY THOUGHTS?" He scowled at the Gluttonous Witch.
"No….you were spacing out again," Daphne told him as she turned back to her manga. "As it stands your birth or death doesn't matter…what matters is what you chose to do with your life," Daphne admitted. "If you spend so much time thinking about the pointless stuff, you'll miss out on what's right in front of you,"
"I'd argue with her but she is right," Echidna seconded. "It's pointless to ponder the philosophical aspects of Return by Death, it will just make things more complicated in the long run," She told the world hopper.
"And here I thought you would have loved Philosophy," Subaru told the Witch.
"It's useful in understanding a culture or individual…but philosophies in other areas aren't exactly pragmatic or practical for me," Echidna answered.
"Well as it stands I don't really have anything in mind," Subaru told them. "Just the usual stuff, I suppose," Subaru told them.
"Oh okay," Daphne said. There was a sudden silence in the room. "Do you want to see the new species of Great Hare I made?" Daphne asked.
"OH HELL NO! I'm out," Subaru told her quickly as he left the house. Echidna merely glanced at Daphne once he had left who was grinning from ear to ear.
"You didn't actually make a new Bunny right?" Echidna asked. She was admittedly a little worried about a second Bunny. A second snake or whale was fine, she could handle them but those rabbits were just pests.
"No, I just needed him to leave…although I do have plans for one, I'm thinking of recreating all three Greats with Shaula's gijinka ability, just for the heck of it," Daphne told her Greedy counterpart.
"As curious as that sounds…why did you need him to leave?" Echidna asked.
"You can't plan a surprise party for someone while they are still here," Daphne told Echidna as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Surprisingly the Witch of Greed took this all in stride as she turned back to her book.
"Well, I guess I'll go and starting working on a menu," Echidna told her.
"Leave out the body fluids and other stuff," Daphne warned before a small frown formed on her face. "Or at least make a separate batch of dishes for me, we need to be considerate that Subarun's still got a…his moral beliefs about food," Daphne told her.
"Of course," Echidna smiled.
"I mean it, Dona Dona," Daphne said.
Sometime later, Kenichi Natsuki arrived home to greet his wife. It was another at work, another wasted as he could not search for his son. He had gotten quite a bit of time off from his Boss to look for his son when he disappeared but he had reached the limit. Now if Kenichi wanted to avoid being fired he would need to work once more. The man had reluctantly agreed to know that if he was fired, things would only become more difficult than they needed to be for his wife. They needed to keep going; it's what their son would want. Subaru will return and he would have his family waiting for him with open arms. There would be no issues when he got back.
As the married couple reunited, they kissed and greeted each other. Both made sure to let the other knew they were doing alright, that they were still holding on despite the feelings of despair and depression that threatened to make them slip. It was one thing to know your child was dead, but to hear they were missing was another story. Your mind would run to so many possibilities; maybe he hated us so he ran away, maybe he was kidnapped. The former was scary because they knew Subaru had been having issues with school, but the latter was just as if not more terrifying. Was he alive, was he dead, was he trying to come home, was he safe, did he even want to come home? All those questions would run through the married couple's minds, but they wouldn't voice it, worried they might start extinguishing the hope that still burned in their soul. Hope that Subaru was alive and well, and hopes that he would return to them.
They were quiet over dinner. It wasn't as energetic or as lively as when their son was present, they didn't have any energy to spare for that. They merely ate in silence. They didn't even bother to restock on Mayo; it reminded them too much of their son who tried to eat it because they loved it. Mayo was another tease that perhaps they pushed away from their son unknowingly.
As they were nearly finishing up the couple had gone to put their dishes in the sink before heading to bed when they heard the most peculiar of sounds. It was the closing of a door. Both had turned to entrance on the slimmest of chances that it was the son returning or even the police coming to notify them about any progress with the case. However to their surprise, it wasn't the front door or back door that knocked…rather it was a bedroom door, Subaru's bedroom door.
Against both of their better judgments, the two parents walked quietly to investigate the sound coming from their son's room. Naoko had already gotten a broom and Kenichi a bat in case any fools thought it was a funny idea to break in. Opening the door slowly, Kenichi turned on the light before kicking the door open a little wider. The two of them entered the room looking for the source of the disturbance however nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Then the door slammed shut behind Naoko. The mean-eyed woman rushed to try and opened it but the door refused to budge. They were now locked within their missing room. Soon the lights started to flicker, first, it was blinking; the bulb shining bright before leaving them in brief stints of darkness but then the rate sped up. The periods of light shortened as the length of the darkness increased. Kenichi called out to his wife as he rushed to her side to protect her. Eventually, the two parents were left alone in the dark of their son's room, unaware of two dark claws that materialized behind them before grabbing them. Kenichi and Naoko Natsuki both fell unconscious atop their son's bed.
When the two adults woke up they found themselves in a familiar park, one that they always took Subaru to. They looked around perplexed by the sudden change in scenery. One minute it was night time and they were in their son's bedroom and the next moment they were outside during the day. Something was wrong here. They could feel it.
"Where is everybody?" Naoko asked. The park was quiet, no birds were chirping, not a soul was around; it was just the two of them.
"I don' know," Kenichi answered. He wondered if they had lost their mind. Maybe this was all a nightmare? That's when they were startled once more by the sounds of a can hitting metal. Both parents turned their heads to the source, a nearby vending machine. However it wasn't just the machine, there was a girl with silver hair who was getting some sodas from the machine. She was young, probably a teenager now turned young adult. In addition to her silver hair, she also wore a black outfit consisting of a jacket, skirt, and knee-high boots. The girl once she had acquired her sodas immediately turned to face them, albeit with a nervous expression on her face.
"Um…hello…" the girl spoke softly.
"Where are we going Satella?" Subaru asked the dark witch. She had appeared abruptly to him before he went to sleep and request he come with her. He found it unusual that she would make such requests since she always loves their nightly cuddle sessions and was always excited when they snuggled up in his bed. He did have a suspicion thought about what it might be about. It was his birthday and seeing as Satella was...Satella she no doubt knew this. She probably wanted to be the first to give him a gift even if he didn't really want anything. That still left the question up in the air as to what the gift might be though.
"You're aware how yin magic's basic shamac deals with separation right?" Satella asked. He nodded in agreement. The art of yin magic was previously seen as nothing but debuffs to most of the world. That was not the truth as he had learned from the witches of Greed and Envy, the smartest and the most powerful magic yin magic users respectively. It was so much more along the lines of space and time manipulation among other things. A lot of magic actually had been tone down in modern days. Perhaps it was the Mather's clan connection to the Witch of Greed that allowed them to remain so profound in magic while others struggled.
"Yeah," Subaru answered. "You've kept me on the basics of Shamac for almost a month now and while I can definitely see an improvement I'm still kind of bummed I haven't been able to use the bu stuff yet," Subaru admitted.
"Admittedly I'm still a little worried about letting you go bigger. Even if your gate's been healing over time...I'm still worried it can get damaged again. A broken gate will cause serious mana poisoning," Satella warned. Apollo and the others were here for Subaru now but it still frightened her that they could be separated. At the very least she wanted to ensure he could properly take care of himself without the worry of any recoil.
"I appreciate the concern but I can handle it," Subaru told her.
"I just want you to take care of yourself," Satella said softly. This caused Subaru's eyes to widen at that statement.
"I'll try and do so," He told her. "Thanks for having my back Tella," He admitted.
"It's no problem, but I should apologize for putting you in such positions. If I had been more mindful of your situation...maybe I could have done something," She grumbled to herself.
"You've admittedly done quite enough for me so far," Subaru told her.
"You say that but I always feel it's never enough," she confessed.
"You've given me a chance to make something of myself. You gave a hopeless NEET like me a chance to do something with my life. Before I was just a nobody who sponged of his parents' goodwill. A greedy pig that wallowed in his own slothful desires," he told her.
"Your parents love you a lot," Satella told him.
"I know...and I don't deserve it. They deserve so much better than me," Subaru told Satella.
"I'm sure if ask them, they'll say proudly that there is nothing greater than their baby boy," Satella admitted. "You're the sweetest, most handsome, most heroic boy I know. Kindness, its's makes a Subaru, a Subaru," Satella giggled.
"You just had to make that joke Tella," Subaru smiled.
"I needed to distract myself from the overwhelming anxiety I'm feeling," Satella admitted.
"Why would the supposed 'Devil of the World' need to be anxious?" Subaru asked.
"Because we're going to meet your parents," Satella answered.
"That's nothing...wait...what did you just say?" Subaru asked the words of the Witch finally catching up to him. Did she say, parents? Satella didn't answer merely stopping to show him to people who were now sitting in a bench just ahead of them with their backs turned to the duo. " Satella?" He asked. This wasn't really happening, right? Was this another illusion created by the magic of a Witch like Echidna's trials?
"I know what you may be thinking but those aren't illusions or copies or recreations," Satella told him. "Those are actually your parents," She said nervously.
"But how...don't tell me you isekai'd them as well," Subaru said worriedly. He wanted to see his parents but not this way. The world he was transported to may have brought happiness but Subaru also knew he suffered...a lot. He wouldn't forgive himself if his parents were now going to be a part of said suffering.
"I didn't isekai them...I know you'd be against that, instead, I've linked your dreams with theirs," Satella explained. "They are sleeping back in Japan and when they leave here they will return," she told him. "But I assure you...they are the real Kenichi and Naoko Natsuki who love you," Satella admitted. "Happy Birthday Subaru," She told him.
"I...I...I...don't know what to say," Subaru stuttered. He really didn't. He felt a whirlpool of emotions start to rage within him. He wanted to run to them. To call his parents and tell them he was there. He wanted to scream that he loved them and that he was so happy to see them again. However, that hit and delight wasn't the only emotion...he also felt a great deal of fear and dread. He wanted to run away to hide in shame. He may have worked out things with them before but that didn't mean he still had no regrets. He had accepted being isekai'd as if it was the most normal thing, not even expecting to return home. Sure he thought a lot about them but he didn't even try to go back. What would he tell them?
"Start with Mom and Dad," Satella told him as she gave him a reassuring smile as she gently pushed him forward to reunite once more with his family.
Naoko and Kenichi waited anxiously on the bench. That mysterious girl had told them she would explain things later but that didn't make them feel any better. Who was she and where were they? Those were all questions that still plagued their minds. Those thoughts though were interrupted by the crunching of leaves behind them. The two adults turned around to see the source, figuring the girl had returned to explain things to them. Instead, however, they were both met with a sight they couldn't believe. Standing before them tracksuit and all was none other than their pride and joy, Subaru Natsuki, their long lost son.
"Hey, Mom, Dad," Subaru stuttered. His parents responded the only way they knew how to. They rushed for their son pulling him into their embrace. The dam burst and all their emotions flooded out. The Natsuki family was crying tears of joy.
"They said they couldn't find you that we should let go," Kenichi said as he held his family once more. He had his wife and his son with him. There was nothing else the man desired more. "But we knew you were still out there, so we didn't give up, not once," He told his son.
"I was always there waiting for when you would come home," Naoko smiled. Her baby was once again within her arms. Oh how she couldn't wait to go and make something for them to all eat, they were finally whole again.
Subaru felt his heart drop at his parents' words. They truly were the greatest. They never gave up on him coming home. It made him feel all the more terrible that he immediately accepted the thought of never going back. He truly didn't deserve them…ouch. He blinked feeling as if something flicked his forehead; he glanced up noticing a shadowy hand right above him, out of his parents' view. He glanced to the side seeing Satella shoot him a look that said don't you dare think like that. He flashed a smile; this was supposed to be a happy occasion, Satella had brought them together because she thought it would make him happy not so he could self-deprecate.
"Mom, Dad, there is so much I wanted to tell you guys," He told them. This wasn't a permanent arrangement but he would need to make it count. He couldn't promise he would return but he could try and make things right with his parents before they separated. Echidna's trial had given him the solace in knowing they truly loved him, but this was his chance to properly show them he cared for them.
"We're listening Subaru you have our full attention," His mother answered. They had so many questions but they would listen to their son first. They had all the time in the world for their baby boy. Subaru sat with them on the bench, while the mysterious girl looked on from afar. Naoko didn't miss how the girl now wore a soft smile as their son laughed with them.
"Alright first off…what I'm going to tell you might sound crazy, it might even sound insane. Sometimes I wonder if I'm insane too, for even believing it," Subaru muttered as he took a deep breath. He was going to try and give them all the best possible aspects of his adventure in Luginica. He could see the worry in his parents' face as he spoke.
"Subaru we promise we'll believe you," Kenichi told his son. He wasn't going to let him slip away a second time.
"I was transported to another world the day I went to the grocery," Subaru told them. He said it as quickly as possible.
"Um…what?" Both parents said in confusion. Did they hear their son right?
"That day…when I went to the grocery store, I had finished cashing my groceries before I stepped outside. It was nighttime at first and then as I walked out…it wasn't. First I was right outside the grocery store, next thing I knew I was in a medieval world in broad daylight, surrounded by dragons and demi-humans and so much more," Subaru explained exasperatedly. He really wanted his parents to believe him. "Look I know it sounds strange but I can prove it," He told them as he created a Minya crystal with his hands. "See I can do magic," He told them nervously. Kenichi and Naoko could stare at their son in surprise and shock as they tried to process everything. "Mom…Dad?" He asked.
"I need a minute," Naoko said. This was so much. Her son had been isekai'd. She had oftentimes found herself looking at those books and stories Subaru liked to read trying to figure out why he liked them so much. Some were pretty decent and others not so much, but they all had a theme of having someone moved to another world. Naoko couldn't believe her son was actually pulled into such a situation.
Kenichi meanwhile remained silent. He wanted to accept this. Accepting it might actually be the easiest thing but it was just too impossible for him to believe. He touched the crystal Subaru had made, feeling it in his hands. "This has to be a dream," Kenichi muttered. It had to be. It would be the only way for it to make sense.
Subaru's breath hitched. Of course…it's all a dream. He should have seen that coming. It was too unbelievable for them. Even if they did truly love him, what parents would want to believe their son was kidnapped into a magical world. "Yes of course…why didn't I see that sooner? It's a dream, it's all just a bad dream," Naoko said. Subaru felt even more depressed. They couldn't accept it.
"And what if it is a dream?" Satella butted in. She could hear the conversation. Subaru was in starting to hurt and it was all her fault. She had to rectify it. "It's not wrong to dream to be reunited with your son," Satella said quietly. "Your son is an amazing boy, of course, you'd wish for him back. He deserves to be with you of course, and the monster that took him should burn in hell for committing such crime," Satella whispered.
"I…"Subaru tried to interject. He didn't know what to say now. He was at a loss for words for what to say to both his parents. Suddenly he heard it…some laughter. It was from his father.
"You know…you might have a point," Kenichi said to Satella. "We haven't given up on reuniting with our son, so why can't we just practice what we'll do when we finally do meet him," He laughed loudly. It hurt, knowing that this was perhaps just a dream, but Kenichi would use it to improve. He was going to see the knucklehead of a son again.
"You're right Kenichi," Naoko smiled. "We'll just have to practice pampering this Subaru," She told him.
Subaru smiled. He could understand why they wouldn't believe him. It was crazy but perhaps it was better for them to be in denial like this about the truth at least somewhat. If they knew about the true dangers he was in, they wouldn't stop worrying. "I would be forever grateful to be your son," Subaru told them.
With his parents now under the assumption of it being a dream, Subaru was free to talk with them about his adventures in Luginica leaving out all the nightmare fuel. He didn't mention all the death, or blood, or suffering. He told them though about all the highs; how he helped stopped an assassin, how he technically helped several princesses because, to be honest, that was the best way to address the candidates without getting into other world politics. He told them all about his battle with the Demon Beasts. Most importantly though, he told them about all the friends he made. He was painting a false image, but his parents were far more aware than he realized.
"And how much did you struggle to reach there?" His mother asked. He had described it way too perfectly. She could see the small cracks and flaws in his façade and so too could Kenichi.
"Pardon?" Subaru asked.
"Come on Subaru," Kenichi said. "We weren't born yesterday. We noticed how you were pausing ever so often; how you acted when you mentioned certain details," Kenichi told him sternly. "We had always noticed it before but we never thought to approach it directly. We promised ourselves we won't make that mistake again. If you are feeling troubled…if you're in pain…we want you to us," Kenichi admitted. "We just want to help," He confessed.
Subaru tried to dissuade them again. He tried to persuade them that everything was alright, but they weren't going to have it. They were firm in their beliefs in him. They pressured even when he tried to mislead them. Eventually, he had to give in.
"I can't tell you everything…it's not something I want you all to know," He told them.
"Just tell us what's hurting you," Naoko pleaded. She didn't like to see her son like this. Acting like everything was fine when it wasn't. He had been suffering from depression before. That time they played it off as a phase or assumed it would only need minor effort. They would help him overcome it this time.
"I…I'm scared mom. I'm scared that whatever I may do…it won't be enough for everybody. I won't be enough." He cried. "I've always felt…that I wasn't enough for you two. You are both the most amazing parents any child asked for…and I took you both for granted. I always felt that I wasn't enough for either of you." He sobbed. He went on to tell them how much he wanted them to hate him because of inadequacy, how he wanted them to scream at him to shout. He knew he made peace with it but he still needed to let his real parents know the truth.
"Subaru," Naoko whispered as she tried to dry her son's tears. "Subaru you'll always be enough for us," She told him. "We couldn't ask for a better son than you," She assured him. She then turned to Kenichi. Her husband merely gestured for her to move aside before he rested his hand on Subaru's shoulder. The next thing Subaru knew Kenichi hit him a hard blow to the gut, shocking Naoko and Satella.
"Alright you listen to me and you listen to me well," Kenichi growled at his son. "I don't know why or how you reached this conclusion but I swear, I'll beat it out of you if I have to. Seriously how stupid can you be, you wanted us to hate you because you didn't feel good enough for us. Newsflash Subaru, parents don't even hate their children, they worry and care for them" Kenichi shouted. "Subaru the whole point of loving and caring for somebody is that it's your choice. We love and care for you because you're our son and that won't change. If you are hurting so much then we want you to tell us so we can help you, don't bottle it up inside." Kenichi told him.
"I…I know," Subaru admitted. "I've had a lot of people help come to realize that," He told them. "I just want to say I'm sorry it took so long for me to figure it out," Subaru confessed. Kenichi's expression softened at his son's declaration.
"I sincerely hope you mean that," Kenichi said. "My son was my pride and joy, if I ever found out he was being used and mistreated…I'd…I'd,"
"We'd beat them senseless, no mercy, thrash them like there is no tomorrow," Naoko interjected. Subaru and Kenichi both stared at the woman. "Uh…did I say that out loud?" Naoko asked sheepishly. Her mama bear instincts must have kicked in far more than she thought.
"Was mom always so tense?" Subaru whispered to his father.
"When you mess with parent's child you should know it doesn't end well…I'm sure you'll know when you get older and you have kids of your own," Kenichi whispered back.
Subaru and his parents spent the rest of their time talking and catching up, both speaking their hearts at what happened, both leaving out key details on just how much they may truly suffering to make the other feel better. Admittedly his parents found some details rather endearing. If Subaru didn't know any better he swore maybe that they might want to adopt Beatrice into the family or even Patrasche.
"Haha…launching yourself off a giant icicle, that's the crazy genius I know Subaru has," Kenichi laughed. Subaru was sure his parents were only laughing and smiling because they thought this was all a dream but he wouldn't say anything.
"Honestly, that Ram sounds so lazy, if I ever meet her I'll be sure to straighten her out," Naoko said. Subaru's friends sounded nice but she still had some issues with them. The twin maids sounded like nice girls, but having Rem do all the work while Ram slacked off was a bit much. She also didn't like the stupid clown.
"Still I never would have expected you to go leading an army on a whale hunt," Kenichi pointed out. "I don't think I would have been able to do that. My son is so cool," Kenichi praised, causing Subaru to blush.
"It…it…was nothing really," Subaru said.
"Kenichi I think we may have raised Subaru way to humble and modest," Naoko said. "He doesn't even realize all the amazing stuff he's done," Naoko commented.
"And he thinks he doesn't do enough," Kenichi added.
It was all unreal to Subaru. He never thought he would have gotten this opportunity to speak with his parents again. He really underestimated how much it actually meant to him, not even realizing that he started tearing up once more. He made them proud. They still loved him. What else was there? Oh right…he had technically left them. He recalled the loops of the unthinkable present…where he died and left his friends weeping, he could only imagine what it must mean for his mom and dad.
"Hey mom…dad," Subaru spoke softly.
"Yes son," They both answered.
"I want to tell you something," He told them. "I want you guys to feel reassured. I know I'm missing and you both haven't stopped looking for me…but I want you guys to be happy. I won't be mad if you move on…just don't forget about me. You guys still have each other and so long as you both still love each other and love yourselves…I think that's enough for me to be at peace," Subaru told them. "I'm not saying to stop searching, but just don't blame yourselves for something that was beyond your control…okay?" Subaru said to his parents.
"Hehe…When did you become so mature?" Kenichi asked tears forming in his own eyes.
"I've had some great role models," Subaru answered.
"There is one last question I have though," Naoko told him. "You've told us quite a bit about you and your travels…but you never explained who she was," Naoko said as she gestured to the silver-haired half-elf. "Is she Emilia by chance?" Naoko asked.
"Oh…um…that's Satella," Subaru answered. "She may look like Emilia but she's a totally different person. She's sort of like my guardian angel. She's always been there for me and has saved me countless times," He told them. He left out a few other details like World Destroyer or Satella's status as being the equivalent of the Devil…that's not exactly the best impression you want a girl to have when you introduce them to your parents.
"Oh…is she your girlfriend?" Naoko asked. One does not simply make such claims about a girl. She remembered when Kenichi did the same thing for her. From the sudden red blushes forming on both the girl and boy's faces she assumed it was the case.
"Um…I…" Subaru tried to explain but he could not form any words.
"Haha…you didn't accept but you didn't deny it either," Kenichi said. " Just make sure that for all those claims you make, you treat the lovely lady with the same amount of respect and kindness she deserves, especially after making those claims," He told Subaru.
"Okay, dad I will," Subaru answered.
"Huh…I sure hope I remember this dream," Naoko said. She wanted to keep these nice moments with her son, even if it was a dream. She would burn them into her mind as fuel to keep her hope alive. "I better make a note of it when I wake, my son and my future daughter-in-law," She laughed.
"MOM," Subaru said flustered. Both he and Satella were now red tomatoes. Satella for the most part had always dreamed of this occasion but being here now, she really wanted to die from embarrassment. She knew praised from the parents was good and she might secretly enjoy it but it still felt…wrong to her. They should hate her for what she did but they didn't. In a sense she was in the same both as Subaru except unlike Subaru who deserved only their love, Satella deserved only their hatred.
The parents laughed at the two assumed youngsters. It was honestly the best gift Subaru could have asked; spending time with his family, but eventually, all good things must come to an end. Soon it was time to for them part ways.
"I wish it could last forever…but now we must go," Satella told them. She had given them as much time as she could have afforded. It was her gift to Subaru and her way of trying to atone to his parents and it wasn't enough. The only true atonement she could get…was returning Subaru with them. Not an easy feat under the current conditions, but she would find a way.
"We are grateful for what you've done," Naoko told her.
"And remember if this knucklehead is ever causing any trouble…just give us a call," Kenichi told her.
"I will," Satella said. Subaru and his family hugged once more.
"I love you, mom. I love you, dad." He told them.
"We love you, Subaru," both his parent told him.
"Take care Subaru," Naoko told Subaru. The boy could only smile with tears in his eyes.
"I will mom, and you and dad should take care as well," He told them.
"We will," They answered, and with that, they returned to their own world.
Subaru turned to Satella who was still staring at the spot his parents had occupied. "Thanks, Tella, this really meant a lot to me," He told her. It was not a gift he expected nor would he forget about it. This was the best gift he had received and nothing would surpass it, nothing.
"This was the least I could do," Satella answered. "I took you from them…it's only fair I allow you to see them again," She told Subaru. She didn't deserve any praise for this.
"That may be true…but if it wasn't for you, I never would have become someone my parents would be proud of," Subaru defended.
"Your parents were already proud…you just didn't realize it," Satella counted.
"Well then thank you for bringing me and allowing me to realize it," Subaru claimed.
"You would have…hmmph," Satella was cut off by Subaru silencing her by blocking her lips.
"Let me win this argument, it's my birthday," Subaru told her slyly. The Witch nevertheless relented still blushing from what happened earlier.
"You knucklehead," Satella told him as they started walking back. Subaru was lost in thought as he now relived the moments with his parents. He would keep these new memories forever. When they eventually arrived back in their own dream world they found things to be extremely quiet.
"Where is everybody?" Subaru asked.
"Maybe Apollo went hunting and they got bored?" Satella feigned as they walked inside. It was dark just like her garden. Subaru wondered why that was so since the world outside was still daytime.
"SURPRISE!" All the Witches shouted. The lights lit up revealing the entire house had been decorated for his birthday. It was then that Satella decided to be sneaky and blow a noisemaker behind him causing him to jump.
"Tada," Satella said.
"Wait…you did this?" Subaru asked.
"No, she didn't, this was done by the rest of us," Echidna corrected immediately.
"Eh…I was close enough," Subaru answered.
The party was as eventful as one was could imagine, it was technically the first Birthday party he could think of that was planned by Witches. It was much more fun than Echidna's tea parties. They had lots of food that Echidna had prepared surprisingly well. Subaru was sure Typhon and Daphne were rotating between sugar rushes and brain freeze all the while Minerva tried to scold the Witch of Greed of overdoing it with ice cream and sweets. They also ended up playing various party games, Daphne dominated karaoke surprisingly while Dona made them realize her singing was the most dangerous skill she possessed. Subaru enjoyed his birthday for the first time in years.
I'm not dead. I am alive and I just made this. I hope you all enjoy, please leave your reviews and praise and I'll see you all later.