Chapter 51: Saving those you love
A few months ago:
Emilia went outside to do her normal routine which usually involved Subaru assisting her with Royal Election things but this morning she realized that her knight was doing some early training with Sora and Elsa. Although things are still weird having the Bowel Hunter around after she attempted to kill them, she has gotten very familiar with her and has found her alright. She takes a moment to look at how her knight is holding his own against Sora.
'You can do it, Subaru.'
Emilia cheered Subaru on in her mind as she watched in amazed how Subaru swung his weapon and was coordinating with Elsa, someone she knows he doesn't like being around. As she watched, Subaru managed to use Minya with one hand while using his Keyblade to point directly at Sora to cast Blizzard, managing to push Sora back for a moment. As Emilia was watching with excitement, she was startled when she heard Kenichi talking next to her.
"That's my son, always improvising just like his awesome dad."
"-Yep!"
"Huh? Sorry about that, I didn't mean to startle you."
"I-It's okay, I should probably get to work on my duties."
"Need some assistance with it?"
Emilia paused for a moment, she is aware that Kenichi is also a knight of her camp along with Yabuto, Kishida, and Waraki since they pledge themselves to be fighting for her yet deep down she wishes to have Subaru by her side. She thought and thought before nodding at Kenichi, having the idea of having Subaru's own father tell her everything about her boyfriend. Kenichi gave a thumbs up before following Emilia towards a room filled with books. As the two enter, Kenichi assisted Emilia in studying for a bit before she proceeded to ask Kenichi about Subaru.
"What exactly does Subaru like to do?"
"Huh? Well my son likes to imitate his amazing dad but aside from trying to be like me, he really just enjoys being a hero. I have always seen him locked up in a room, playing his games, enjoying his manga."
"Manga?" Emilia asked with a confused facial expression which caught Kenichi's attention.
"Right, you all probably don't have that stuff here...um, well it's like story books that have drawings."
"That sounds nice."
"If you want to know more, you can ask Subaru since he knows more about this."
"Okay..."
Before Emilia could ask anything else, Naoko entered the room to check up on Emilia only to see her husband is with their future daughter-in-law.
"Oh, hello there sweetie, what brings you here with Emilia-chan?"
"Oh nothing sweet heart, just helping her out with some politics and answering her questions about our boy."
"Oh, what kind of questions?"
"She just asked what our boy likes?"
Naoko smiled at Emilia and proceeded to answer Emilia's question by telling her everything Subaru as ever liked back in Japan. This confused Emilia a bit since most things she doesn't know what they are due to her world not having many of those things, forcing Kenichi and Naoko to explain it to their best of their ability. After Emilia got a good grasp on Subaru back in his previous home, she was curious on something else.
"Did Subaru...ever liked any other girls?"
"Huh..."
Both Kenichi and Naoko were silent has they started to feel guilt since their son wasn't happy at some point, making it hard for him to get a girlfriend. Emilia first took this as a yes, making her feel extremely sad until Kenichi was able to clear this up by answering with a heavy voice.
"He really couldn't like any other girls. He was for the most part hurting trying to imitate me. This eventually caused him to be locked up in his room...so in another words, you are his true official girlfriend."
"Oh."
Emilia was surprised by this since she didn't think that Subaru would be depressed considering his personality. She then started to think carefully of their first meeting and started to notice how he does act like Kenichi. After having spend time with both of Subaru's parents, she noticed how Subaru takes a lot from Kenichi. She giggled a little since she started to now see some of Subaru's flaws, making her grateful that she is with him. Kenichi and Naoko both noticed this and just smiled, seeing how Emilia likes their son. There was a moment of silence before Emilia looks at the two and asks,
"How did you two met? When did you two fell in love with each other?"
Kenichi and Naoko both took a pause for a moment, a bit caught off guard with the question yet they were eager to answer with Kenichi being the one to respond.
"Naoko here was being tricked by some bad person, something I couldn't allow so I, the amazing person that I am, went and with my amazing talking skills, I managed to talk her out of the situation. The following day, I noticed that she was being tricked by the same person which my thought is "If someone's not looking out for her, she'll get sold off to a tuna fishing boat...!". That's how we met."
"Kenichi, I totally had it under control."
"Are you sure about-"
Before Kenichi could finish speaking, he noticed Naoko gave him a death stare which caused him to be quiet. Emilia did find this a little funny, but she was confused on what Kenichi meant by tuna fishing boat, causing Naoko to explain what Kenichi meant by that with the urban legend in Japan about women being sold into slavery aboard tuna fishing boats to keep the fishermen happy. After having explained that, she explained her side and how she doesn't like how Kenichi makes her look in his story, yet she still loves him. This is something that made Emilia slightly curious on how they knew they were the one for each other which Naoko responded,
"There is no right answer when choosing someone, your heart just knows it's right."
During present day, Emilia had awaken in an unknown place, causing her to think back on what had happened previously. She recalls confronting Regulus with her group, Sora taking on both Greed and Wrath, and lastly all the chaos of the fight before being knocked out. As she was thinking about what had happened, she realized that she was naked. She went to hide in the bed she was in as she was confused on why she was like that until she heard someone speak,
"Ah, it seems you've opened your eyes, how relieving, what a relief. I'm relieved you're safe."
Emilia looked to see that it is Regulus.
"However, I'm not comfortable with you walking around right after waking. Various things happened and you had a big day, so if there's something with your body it's a headache. That part, I'm telling you to go about your work with certain care. Moreover since it's not just your body, I mean."
"You are...Regulus? Right?"
"Yes! My name is Regulus Corneas. Representing the Sin Archbishop of Greed for the Witch Cult but something like that is not important to you. What is indeed important to you is just one thing. That I am your husband, and that you are my 79th wife."
"…Eeh?"
Regulus marvelously spoke with Emilia fretted and her pretty brows frowned but Regulus was not paying Emilia's reaction any mind. He was staring at the body of a girl covered only with a single light cloth,
"That appearance is poison to the eyes. I'll order a change of clothes to be brought over right away. You can relax. They are in the same situation as you, my other wives. Putting on wedding attire is something they would have gotten used to."
"A wedding dress, what do you mean? No, it isn't just that. Calling me your wife, what are you saying?"
"Right. I was forgetting something important! For one such as myself, that was dangerous."
Emilia opened her mouth to ask another question, but Regulus was not listening. He clapped his hands and lightly grabbed Emilia's shoulder as she was about to ask. As she felt the odd amount of force coming from those fingers, Emilia frowned. Drawing close enough to touch Emilia's forehead, Regulus gazed into her eyes.
"I was forgetting an important, important question. Your awareness of the wedding comes after this. Emilia, this is important, so I want you to answer carefully. For our future, it's very important."
" ――"
At that weird level of pressure, Emilia swallowed her breath and was silent. Taking her attitude as assent, Regulus smiled. With a smile, he asked.
"Emilia, are you a virgin? That's all, it's really important."
With a smile, he spoke. For a moment, Emilia did not understand the meaning of what had been said to her. Without thinking, she swallowed while Regulus in response raised a hand while smiling.
"Aah, I'm sorry for doing this so suddenly. I may have shocked you a little. Honestly, I apologize on that point. It seems I keep on having to say it, but I am a man capable of apologizing. There are unsightly people in this world who do not acknowledge their own sins and blame this and that, too small to admit they make their own mistakes. They think they do not get a single thing wrong, even if you empty out everything they've done since birth to this very moment and examine it. Mistaken so, I think they become like that, but just how arrogant can they be? If they could just examine what lies under their feet a little more, and compare themselves to the vastness of the world and come to truly understand how small of an existence they really are, then they would not end up like that, just a single apology, is what they call a personality? It reflects their character. Don't you think so?"
"Then, apologizing is important?"
"Correct! That's right, apologizing is important. What a relief. It's obvious, and you seem to understand that point, so I am quite relieved. In this world, people that can not understand something so obvious are unexpectedly many. It makes me dislike them. So, it seems there's no problem on the matter of adjusting understandings between the spouses about apologizing. I'm relieved, it seems like I'll be able to get along well with you from now on. And so, I apologized. The problem was, I was being a little impatient..."
Having spoken up to that point, Regulus' eyes looked Emilia up and down. As her body was only wrapped in a blanket, she froze up a little at that view.
"Yes, shyness is important even between spouses. On that point I think you are very good. Once again, it's about the question from just before, I'd rather you not misunderstand. I, more than anything, was not checking whether or not you are a virgin from a worldly point of view. I've said this multiple times, but I am your husband and you are my wife. It will not do for a marriage to lack strong ties of affection and courtesy. Connected with the long, long chain called love, devoting everything to your partner is obvious. Therefore, that you have never been touched by another man…That's the kind of assurance I need."
"Assurance that, I wasn't touched by others...?"
"Of course, checking whether or not you retain your maidenhood by sure evidence is nonsense. But as a kind of touchstone, I think it has such significant value. So, deliberately, even knowing it would be an experience you don't enjoy, I asked. I want you to understand that this is due to my love for you. Some stranger you don't love, who cares about how their virginity is. It's because I love you, that's why I'm checking."
Regulus fluently and continuously spoke of the rationale behind his thoughts. Battered by these waves of words, Emilia felt something creepy about the cooly-talking Regulus. Without knowing why, something about his appearance ceaselessly stirred a feeling of déjà vu in her heart, and the contents of what she heard pouring like water were not retained in her memory. Only, she was aware of one thing. What he treated as important, the term "virgin".
"And so, I want to ask once again. —Hey, are you a virgin? Or not?"
"Um, by "virgin", what do you mean? Sorry. I, haven't heard it before."
"...What?"
After being thrown a question prepared with flowery words, Emilia apologetically replied so. She knew Regulus had a strong attachment to the word, but Emilia did not know very well what it meant. She kept a mental note on this word to ask Naoko since she is taking the mother figure for her but for now she assumed it meant young girl. Inquiring in a low voice and hearing Emilia's reply, Regulus' expression clouded. Closing his eyes, he shut his mouth, fallen in thought like that, his appearance caused anxiety to creep up but the silence didn't last as long as imagined. Opening his eyes wide, Regulus reached his open hand towards Emilia.
"Excellent. —You are, my ideal girl."
"Eeh?"
Holding Emilia's hand, Regulus wore a bright smile on his face. It was a truly happy face, unlike the smile from just before. He had the kind of expression, that a beaming child might make after getting a toy they really wanted from their doting parents. Regulus grabbed and shook Emilia's hand up and down, and repeated the gesture many times.
"Yes. That is how it should be. The virginity of the body this, the virginity of the body that, it's not really suitable for me as a touchstone, I had always thought so. However, the true sense of pureness is what lies in your heart. Your body being virgin is a given! What's really important, is that your mind remains virgin as well. I feel as if I have reached a truth. Amazing. You have brought something new to my previously satisfied self."
"—"
"Yes, yes, I get it. Rest assured, I will welcome you as my wife. Besides, because of that I realized something important. Henceforth, when welcoming a new wife, just inquiring as to their virginity will be insufficient. If they are not at the level of a child lacking knowledge of what virginity even is, that lowers the value of a wife. An adulterous heart will not do. It is unbefitting of my wife."
After a moment of talking, Regulus commanded one of his wives to assist Emilia in getting her into a wedding dress. As Emilia was getting ready for the marriage, she learned of the things such as many of Regulus' wives that died and how it is risky for her to do something against Regulus since that would put the remaining wives at stake. After talking to No.184 for a bit, the venue's preparation proceeded at a rapid pace. Though they weren't professionals, the damage was repaired so well that it was barely noticeable anymore. Just by looking at the fine workmanship, one could tell just how often those women had to clean up after Regulus' tantrums. After Emilia agreed to proceed with the wedding, No.184 and a few of Regulus' other wives tended to her hair in the dressing room and decorated her with various adornments.
Except for the times when Annerose helped her with her hair, this was the first time Emilia's hairstyle had been so elaborate since Puck disappeared within the crystal. Her long silver hair was gathered up and woven into a braid. So as not to distract from the purity of her white dress, with only a few simple embellishments, Emilia's bridal gown was complete.
"――――"
Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Emilia admired the women's handiwork. Indeed, she looked very different from usual. With no one around to make demands about her hair aside from Subaru's occasional requests, it had been a while since she was imbued with such feminine charm. Though she couldn't help but feel it was wasted on her. No.184 speaks,
"Well, let's go. Please take care not to damage Husband-sama's mood."
No.184 reminded Emilia as they headed out of the dressing room. Turning into the chapel, Emilia saw that the attendees had already lined up, waiting for her arrival―― all of them wives of Regulus, along with Regulus himself in a white tuxedo standing in front of the altar. Although she didn't know the exact procedures, Emilia stepped onto the red carpet laid from the entrance and walked towards the altar where Regulus was waiting. Regulus nodded with satisfaction when he spotted the beautifully adorned Emilia,
"I almost didn't recognize you when you put on the dress, but the adornments took it to a whole other level. I was right to have kept No.79's seat vacant. I couldn't be happier with with my judgment."
"No.79...Why's that number vacant?"
"Well, there used to be a woman who I initially thought would be a perfect fit for that number, but unfortunately I deemed her unsuitable before the wedding could take place. Although her all important looks was very close to my ideal, I nevertheless reluctantly kept that seat vacant. But thanks to that, I met you, so it was all worthwhile after all."
"Kept...vacant...(What's that supposed to mean?)"
The mere sound of it reignited Emilia's already desensitized sense of awryness. But even with this vague outline, she couldn't quite put her finger on just what it was. Meanwhile, Regulus adjusted his suit in front of Emilia in her bridal gown.
"Well now, shall we commence the wedding ceremony? I suppose it's a bit on the informal side, but I hope you don't mind? As long as the ceremony proceeds properly, the rest are just superficial details. I'm not one of those fools who prioritize the surface only to lose sight of the essence. Failing to see a matter's substance that way is simply laughable. How can someone be satisfied with only exteriors and outward appearances? Content with their ignorant, self-contained existence, they're are too stupid to even notice that they're being laughed at behind their backs."
"――――"
While Regulus continued his convoluted tirade, No.184 walked to the other side of the altar. Apparently, she would serve as the facilitator of this ceremony. Indeed, she seemed to be fulfilling a coordinating role among Regulus' 53 wives as well. Though it wasn't clear what that coordination amounted to when Regulus could kill any of them on the slightest whim. That was just another reason why this man was beyond forgivable.
"Say, Regulus. There's something I have to tell you before I marry you."
Therefore, Emilia wanted to make it absolutely clear.
No.184's expression tensed at Emilia's words. But Regulus gave a surprisingly friendly nod in reply.
"Aah, that's right. There are some important things I want to tell you as well before you become my wife. Though I suppose I could gradually teach you after we are married, it's vital that you should be mentally prepared beforehand. To discover our differences here and there after we're already married would be tragic, don't you think? In order to make sure something so unfortunate doesn't happen, I think it's crucial that we openly share our thoughts with each other. Once we become a couple, we'll be bound heart and soul, so it's important that we sort this out first."
"Mmn, yeah. If it means being bound heart and soul, it's important, isn't it."
"Right? It's good that we get on the same page. So, my other wives must have already told you some of the rules, but why don't we go over them. First, once you're married to me, you are forbidden to smile."
"...?"
Frowning, Emilia didn't seem to understand Regulus' meaning. But Regulus raised a finger and continued,
"It's quite important, you know. I like your face. I really like your face. I select my wives based on their faces. Beautiful, adorable, charmingly well-proportioned faces. I've had 291 wives in all, and all of them had beautiful faces. Your face is adorable too. And that's why you will become my wife. Do you understand?"
"――――"
"Here's what I think. There are many, many people in this world much more selfish than I. Don't you often hear about couples whose love begins to die the moment they get married? They went into a relationship because they liked each other, but as soon as they're living together all sorts of problems start popping up. Incompatible tastes in food. Incompatible habits. Incompatible hobbies. Incompatible schedules. There're all sorts of selfish excuses, and once the illusions about their partner fall away, they treat them like trash. I utterly despise such hopeless people."
Smiling, Regulus happily extolled his views on love. Innocently, unreservedly, he raved about his indignation at those who scorned love.
"Who isn't a little selfish? But why the disillusionment? Someone you like may have different sensibilities than you, but why the disillusionment? How can people be so stupid? Isn't it absurd? That's why I select partners based on their faces. If my partner has a face I like, I won't grow disillusioned no matter what kind of person is behind it. Because I love that face. As long as that face is there, my love would never die."
"――――"
"Even if they don't put away their clothes after they take them off. Even if they're a murdering maniac who indiscriminately butchers children. Even if their cooking skills are atrocious. Even if they sold their own brother to pay off their debt and ran away. Even if they don't separate different colored laundry that'll color-bleed into each other. Even if they're a psychopath who secretly kills animals for fun. Even if they have god-awful taste in clothing. Even if they're money-grubbing by nature. Even if they don't like to bathe and smells like a homeless person. Even if they seriously believe the apocalypse is coming and keeps on talking about it―― I don't dislike them."
One after another, Regulus pointed to the 53 women present, shouting. It wasn't clear which one which of those descriptions matched which one of the women. Nor could Emilia understand how he could claim to love only their faces and separate that from the person underneath.
"I would never say it in past-tense like "I used to love". I love your face. Even if you're the Witch who seeks to slaughter every person in this world in utmost, excruciating agony, I will not grow disillusioned. As long as I have your face."
"...What does that have to do with not smiling?"
"It's very simple. There are times when a girl who's normally cute and beautiful can suddenly turn repulsive the moment they smile, you know? As if I could allow such a thing. So, it's not only smiling, but crying as well. Either way, I won't allow your cute adorable face to be distorted in any way. So, no smiling. No crying. No sulking. Only adorableness is permitted."
Holding Emilia's chin in his fingertips, Regulus quietly demanded. As for what would happen if she refused, those earlier events had already answered that question. But what made no sense was how he could he commit such senseless atrocities when he claimed to love their faces.
"You said you love their faces and would never grow disillusioned… if so, then why did you attack this person earlier?"
"Huh?"
Seeing Emilia pointing to No.184, Regulus tilted his head. Without lowering her arm, Emilia broke free from Regulus' fingers,
"If I hadn't pulled her away, this person would certainly have died. This is also someone whose face you love and therefore took as your wife, correct? If that's true, then how could you do such a thing?"
"Aah, that's simple too. It's because, temperate as I am, she still managed to upset me. I don't ask for much, do I? But some people are just way too inconsiderate. I thought surely none of my wives is like that, but what else can I do when it's right in my face? Since there's no helping it, I had no choice but to fulfill out my obligations."
"And so, you became disillusioned? You're contradicting what you said just now..."
"I'm not disillusioned. I still like her face, I still love her. Even if she's dead, that still doesn't change my enduring love for her. Don't you hear it often? "Even when someone you love dies, that person lives on inside your heart, because your love for that person endures and will not fade"? That's exactly how it is with me."
Regulus' twisted logic was impeccable. Impeccable, without the slightest confusion, his logic was complete within his mind. Without the slightest room for rebuttal, it was perfect, flawless. In front of the speechless Emilia, Regulus furrowed his brows. Because he spotted a color of distrust within the silent Emilia's eyes.
"I've actually been wondering for a while now...do you, maybe have a problem with me? If so, then that's really disappointing. I've already made concession after concession out of consideration for you, yet can't you appreciate my considerations at all? A person shouldn't be all talk, you know. If you have just the slightest consideration for other people's feelings, if you could just put yourself in other people's shoes, you wouldn't be like this, I don't think. If a person can't even make that modest effort, then I can't see how such a person can have any value whatsoever. It's disrespectful. More specifically, it's disrespectful to me. That, that's unforgivable."
"I think marriage should be something reeeaally beautiful."
"Huh?"
"It's a ceremony that joins two people who love each other and want to be with each other. It's a reeeaally big deal to like someone, and so, to find someone out of all the people in this world and have that person also like you back… is an amazing thing, I think."
Emilia in her bridal gown held a hand to her chest, while, listening, Regulus' face contorted with disbelief. The expressions of the wives in attendance, including No.184 at the altar, began to darken. They must be worried for her, Emilia figured. It was proof that they were compassionate, kind-hearted people after all.
"Why do you call your wives by their numbers?"
"Why get caught up on names? Just like getting bogged down by the superficials, it's a complete misunderstanding of love. I don't need these superfluous embellishments to be confident that my love is real. And so, there is no need to debase myself with such vain trivialities. For love to be equal, one has to let go of those inessential aspects, don't you think?"
"I see. But, I don't dislike being called "Emilia-tan" by Subaru at all."
"Subaru...?"
Hearing a name he could not let slide, a color of displeasure rose on Regulus' face but Emilia ignored the shift in Regulus' expression as she continued,
"When Subaru calls me Emilia-tan, his voice is packed with feeling and occasionally, when he leaves out the "-tan", I can immediately tell that it's something special. I don't think it's pointless at all. Names should...carry that kind of feeling."
"Hey uh, it's like you're just talking by yourself at this point, but, who is Subaru? It's a person's name, isn't it? Actually it's a man's name, isn't it? A girl who's about to marry mentioning a different man's name in front of the man she's about to marry, that goes against all common sense no matter how you look at it, doesn't it? Even if it's just some random stranger's name it still hurts, you know. It hurts. You know?"
"He's not a random stranger. Subaru is my chosen Knight, a Keyblade Wielder, a person who calls me by my name and tells me that he loves me."
"Hha!?"
Hearing Emilia's answer, a flood of bloodcurdling aura gushed from Regulus' body. Sensing this, No.184 and the other wives immediately tried to run for it, but Regulus immediately looked at them with anger in his voice,
"Don't move! Anyone dares move, I'll cut their head off!"
"――――"
Emilia stood silent by this while Regulus' anger died down a bit before turning towards her after he shouted at his wives.
"I'll let you explain yourself. Try to choose your words carefully so I don't misunderstand. I don't want this wedding to turn into someone's funeral. You know?"
Heaving his shoulders, shuddering, Regulus suppressed his emotions as he spoke. Held in place by Regulus' threat, none of the attendants moved but without flinching, Emilia met his swelling aura head on.
"Marriage should be between two people who love each other just like Subaru's parents but, I don't think this meets that criteria at all."
"――――"
"Because, I still don't fully know how to love a man as a woman. Even though I know I feel something for Subaru, even though I know it is love, I'm still learning. I'm still trying to get to the point where Subaru is at with me. But..."
Regulus fell silent. But Emilia wasn't thinking about him. Anyone could tell that Emilia's eyes did not see him at all.
"Even though I am slowly getting there, I'm sure someday I will tell him. One day I will tell my b-boyfriend, Natsuki Subaru, my dunderhead knight, that I love him. I've already decided who I'll love when that day comes, that's why..."
Taking a breath and looking up at Regulus, Emilia spoke.
"――I can never be yours."
"――hk! Aaaagh is that right!? Well I don't want a selfish bitch like you as my wife either! ALL THE BETTER HHAAHHH!?"
Regulus' face bursted red at Emilia's declaration. In front of Regulus' reaching fingers, Emilia's whole body surged with mana to meet his attack. To counter his unknown destructive mechanism, her first action should be――
"――!?"
Just when their attacks were set to begin, a violent noise crashed throughout the chapel. Accompanying the sound was tremendous momentum as something shot straight into Regulus' body like a bullet. Crashing into Regulus in his white tuxedo and shattering upon impact was a wooden door panel―― one of the two at the chapel entrance that they had just reinstalled. It had flown all the way from the entrance to hit Regulus.
"Master Sora! We kicked at the same time but the result's not the same at all! What's with your leg strength!?"
"Hehe sorry, I didn't think that the door would be that weak."
"The flashiness of the entry is nowhere near the same, okay? My kick only managed to open the door, but your kick landed a direct hit on the enemy..."
Two grumbling silhouettes appeared at the chapel entrance. One was a black-haired boy and the other a spikey brown-haired boy both wielding key shaped swords. Emilia's eyes widened in astonishment and in front of her, Regulus picked away the wooden shards like picking off insects. Standing there, unhurt, he was glaring at the two intruders with contempt in his eyes.
"You certainly have the gall, crashing a sacred wedding ceremony. I don't remember inviting any male guests, but mind telling me who you are and what wedding presents did you bring? HHA!?"
Met with Regulus' bellow, the two at the entrance looked at each other before they gave each other a nod.
"Keyblade Master, Sora."
"Apprentice of the greatest Keyblade Master and Spirit Knight without his spirit partner, Natsuki Subaru"
Announcing their names, Sora took a step forward with his apprentice next to him. Subaru gave Emilia a wink before pointing at Regulus while saying,
"I, Emilia-tan's boyfriend, object to this marriage and I'll be taking the bride with me."
One year ago:
Felt camp and Crusch camp both visited the Emilia Camp together, both groups wanting to check up on them. As they were there, both Reinhard and Wilhelm took the chance to assist Sora in training Subaru, Yabuto, Kishida, Waraki, and Garfiel. Sora had been training Subaru for a bit in formchange yet the Keyblade Master knows that his apprentice needs to increase his strength before he could pull it off. Kishida is someone who is struggling to fight since he has to learn to fight with one arm and use the hook arm in the other. Yabuto and Waraki need to practice more on their fighting techniques. Lastly Garfiel as to learn how to fight defensively without the use of his shields since he won't always have them with him. During the training session, Sora decided to do something different.
"Okay, for today we can have you five working with me to take on Reinhard and Wilhelm."
"Is that even a fair fight? It's two against six, Master Sora."
"You are very thoughtful Subaru-dono but in battle, sometimes you will need numbers to win the fight."
"Not ta mention Cap'n th't tis S'Reinhard himself! Th's gonna be fun!"
Garfiel hit his fists together with excitement since he has always wanted a chance to face off the Sword Saint himself. The three knights were aware that they stand no chance against Wilhelm, let alone Reinhard yet they know that this training session is to face opponents that are beyond their strength. The three thought back in the mansion and recalled that if Sora, Subaru, and their group hadn't arrived, they would've been killed by either the Mabeast, Elsa, or the Sin Archbishop of Lust.
The three took this as a chance to train themselves in the case they are ever in a position like that again. Sora waited until his group was ready before checking on Reinhard and Wilhelm to see if they are ready. The two nodded as Reinhard pulled out his Dragon Sword Reid, ready to fight Sora once again. The two sides waited until Sora and Reinhard charged at each other, both of them excited for their rematch. As their rematch started, the others turned their focused on Wilhelm.
"Aight! I got 'em!"
Garfiel charged at Wilhelm first, wanting knock him out so he can join his Master in facing Reinhard. As Garfiel goes to swing his fist towards Wilhelm's face, the old man easily dodged the attack with ease which caught the demi-human off guard.
"Sloppy."
Garfiel noticed this and quickly went on an offensive towards Wilhelm yet the old butler was able to dodge each attack with ease. As Wilhelm dodged each attack with ease, Reinhard assisted his grandfather by dodging one of Sora's attacks before quickly heading towards Garfiel's position to easily knock him out with one kick. As Garfiel was sent into a tree, Subaru and his three knight friends all charged at Reinhard and attacked in unison only for Wilhelm to interfere with the attack while Sora resumed his fight with Reinhard by going on the offensive. As Sora and Reinhard's fight gets intense, Wilhelm goes up against Subaru and his three friends, seeing how the three have improved a bit since their last sparring session.
"You four have improved but you all still leave yourselves open for attack."
Wilhelm within a few seconds was able to knock the four out, seeing how they still have an issue in coordination. As Wilhelm finished his fight, he looked up and observed the fight between Sora and Reinhard, seeing how they were going all out. The fight took a couple of minutes before the two decided to call it a draw, both Sora and Reinhard realizing that they will end up destroying the area if they keep fighting. After the fight, Sora talked to his group to explain what they need to work on. As they spoke, Reinhard and Wilhelm both had a descent conversation.
"You fought well, honored grandfather. You defeated Subaru and his friends within a few seconds."
"They have potential to defeat me but they still need work. I will say, they actually forced me to put effort in the fight, which is an improvement in their part."
Reinhard looked at his grandfather as he heard those words, surprised by just how strong the four knights are now. As he looked at his friends with pride, he still felt guilty standing side by side with his grandfather. Although the two are willing to fix their broken relationship, he still doesn't feel worthy of being next to Wilhelm, after having been the cause of Theresia's death. Wilhelm noticed that something was bothering Reinhard, causing him to ask out of concern.
"What is wrong, grandson?"
"...It is nothing, honored grandfather."
"Are you sure grandson? You can always talk to me about it."
"It is nothing of importance."
Reinhard did not wanted to disturb his grandfather with such problems yet Wilhelm knew that this was something bothering the Sword Saint. He took a moment to think before turning towards his grandson and beginning to speak in hopes of helping him.
"I am sorry my grandson. I'm sorry for everything."
"I do not understand, why are you apologizing?"
"Because I think I know what is bothering you...Theresia's death."
There was a silence between the two, knowing that this was the one sensitive subject that did caused damage between their relationship. Wilhelm cleared his throat for a moment before breaking the silence.
"After some thought, I made a realization that the White Whale couldn't have been the main cause for defeating your grandmother. The beast is powerful for sure but seeing that Sora-dono was able to take it on prior to facing you, it makes me think that there must've been another factor that lead to her defeat."
"Regardless, I still took her Divine protection. Should there have been a stronger opponent, I still contributed to her death."
"Do not think this way, my grandson. It is my fault for having treated you in such a harsh way for all those years. You were only a kid and I blamed you for it all. Please forgive me."
Wilhelm kneeled in hopes of gaining Reinhard's forgiveness as he was at fault for the guilt Reinhard feels. The Sword Saint was stunned by this since he did not know how to react to this. He did not like seeing his grandfather like this but at the same time he doesn't want to accept this forgiveness because he blames himself for the death of his grandmother. Before anything could be done, the two notice Sora and the others approaching them to which causes Wilhelm to stand back on his feet.
"Wilhelm, Reinhard, we are going to get some drinks. Do you two want something?"
Both Reinhard and Wilhelm nodded at Sora before following him and the others inside the mansion, causing the conversation between the Sword Demon and the Sword Saint to be put on hold. Reinhard put this moment on the back of his mind, not wanting to believe that his grandfather is actually forgiving him for killing his grandmother. Wilhelm kept a mental note that he needs to work hard to fix the relationship he broke for having blamed Reinhard when it wasn't his fault.
Present Day:
Wilhelm and Crusch both with their combined skills managed to force Xehanort to try a little, seeing how coordinated they were. As the two skilled warriors were giving the old Keyblade Master a little challenge, Xehanort smiled at the two before using Vanitas' trick to use a mirage of himself to allow him to attack his opponents when they least expected. Crusch was completely caught off guard by this, unable to defend herself and ended up send a few feet away from the fight while Wilhelm quickly charged at his former friend.
"You will not get away with that, Xehanort."
"Hm. Show me what you got, Wil."
Wilhelm's fury increased as he started to go all out on Xehanort, angry with how far his friend as fallen. As he goes on an offense with Xehanort deflecting the attacks with ease, he notices that he has to put a little more effort than before, seeing how the old butler still has a lot of potential despite not being in his prime. This impressed the old Keyblade Master as he was intrigued on how far his former friend will go before reaching his limit. While Xehanort and Wilhelm were in a heated battle, Crusch got up after recovering from Xehanort's attack, she turns towards Reinhard's fight to see that he is being pushed back somehow.
'This is not good.'
Crusch knew that Theresia got a massive power up thanks to Xehanort, allowing her to be a threat to the current Sword Saint. She got up and was going to assist Reinhard yet she knew that Wilhelm also needs some assistance. She took a moment to think before choosing to help Wilhelm, knowing that Xehanort is the bigger threat here. She got herself mentally prepared before jumping into the fight, assisting Wilhelm's aggressive offensive with her own aggressive offense. Xehanort noticed this and smiled as he was now being force to try a little bit more than before.
As he was holding his own against the two, Reinhard continued to deflect Theresia's attacks yet just as he was going to try to end the fight, she managed to use her new abilities to create a duplicate of herself to avoid taking a fatal blow. Reinhard looked at the main Theresia in heartless form, keeping his composure while deep down his guilt increased. He still recalls the screams his grandfather did when he found out he had the Divine Protection of the Sword Saint instead of his grandmother. This guilt was very strong, making it harder for him to focus which allowed Theresia to slowly gain the advantage until Wilhelm eventually joined in on the fight, assisting his grandson.
"Honored Grandfather?"
"Don't lose focus, my grandson. Together we can free your grandmother from this."
"B-But she is dead. She isn't real."
"I...I want to believe that there is a chance we can bring her back to the light. But I can't do that alone. Please, my grandson, help me save your grandmother."
Reinhard was at a pause, he knows what is right but at this moment he is given a chance to repair his relationship with his grandfather. He stays silent for a moment before he turns towards Theresia to see her charging at the two, creating two duplicate versions of herself in the process. Reinhard and Wilhelm stand side by side as the original heartless Theresia charges towards Reinhard while the duplicates take on Wilhelm. The two warriors nod at each other before switching opponents, with Wilhelm taking on the main heartless Theresia while Reinhard took on the duplicates to easily finish them off.
As Reinhard with one swing of the Dragon Reid Sword was able to destroy the duplicates, Wilhelm having recognized his wife's fighting skills managed to dodge and deflect most of the attacks until Reinhard joined in the fight, allowing the two to overpower Theresia. Meanwhile, Crusch was giving his all in pushing Xehanort back yet the old Keyblade Master was easily blocking the attacks.
'This man, the one who harmed the Keyblade Master, is quite persistent for his age.'
Crusch continued to attack Xehanort for a bit before jumping back, preparing herself to summon the strongest wind magic until all of a sudden a fire ball is thrown towards her without any warning. This forced her into going defensive, quickly throwing a weak wind attack to counter the fire ball before seeing the Xehanort teleported to her left side.
"You are not getting me with that trick again, old man!"
Crusch quickly dodged the attack before taking her chance to stab the old Keyblade Wielder in the chest. Xehanort noticed this and quickly used his free hand to grab the tip of the blade. Crusch was surprised by this before jumping back, having some fear in her since she knows that she is outmatched. Crusch stood silent for a moment before she pointed her sword directly at Xehanort before saying to him,
"I will not fall here! I will get up and keep trying until I finally defeat you!"
Xehanort looked at Crusch and can sense the fear in her yet he sensed her unwavering conviction to be much stronger, making him intrigued to see just how far she will go. Using his free hand, he creates a dark sphere and throws it at her, continuing their dual. Crusch noted this and quickly dodged the attack before charging at Xehanort, having a strong determined mindset in defeating the old Keyblade Master.
As Crusch was facing Xehanort, both Wilhelm and Reinhard were managing to overpower Theresia with their combined strength until finally they broke through the heartless shadow surrounding her with a combined attack. As Theresia fell to the ground, a swarm of heartless appeared only for the duo to easily take them down within a few seconds. Xehanort noticed this and quickly brushed Crusch aside before turning towards Wilhelm and Reinhard, seeing the two looking at Theresia as her body returns to normal with her normal attire this time rather than the witch cult.
"What do you see, Sword Saint?"
"I see...I see...grandma..."
Reinhard having noticed prior to Xehanort's meddling that the person once known as Theresia van Astrea was nothing more than a puppet but now he sees life, he notices that his grandmother is truly there with them. Wilhelm was uncertain at first yet all he did was approach Theresia and asked her a simple question.
"Are you alright?"
"..."
Theresia looked at them in silence for a moment, unsure on what to do as she was regaining her sanity and her original mindset. As the two warriors were unsure what Theresia was thinking, the three turned towards Xehanort as he began to explain things.
"You see, I had made a vow, a contract, with Theresia. That contract was should she ever need my help, I would always be there for her. Little did I know that she would meet death prior to my second return to this world to the hands of a witch."
"A witch? She died by the White Whale, Xehanort." Wilhelm commented, a bit confused by how his fallen friend would say that his love died by a witch's hands when it was by the White Whale. Reinhard was also confused by this, causing him to ask Xehanort why he said that to which the old Keyblade Wielder explained himself.
"You see, there is still a witch out there, one Eraqus and I failed to defeat in the past. That is something I most certainly regret but the next time I confront her, I will take her down myself. This witch is known as the Witch of Vainglory, Pandora. She is related to Theresia's original death."
"Pandora..."
Theresia spoke with weak words, memories of her life slowly returning to her with that name somehow having an impact on her. Wilhelm and Reinhard both turned towards Theresia as they notice her speak, both wanting to make sure she is alright while Crusch finally got up and noticed what was going on. The duchess passed the old Keyblade Master to check on her two allies, just noticing Theresia no longer in heartless form. Reinhard, Crusch, and Wilhelm all three watched as Theresia started to get up with the help of the three, feeling a bit disoriented for a moment before being able to return focus. As her focused returned, she looked at Wilhelm first and at the beginning she couldn't tell who he was until she recognized him by the way he was standing.
"W-Wil...?"
"Theresia..."
The two stood silent for a moment before they hugged, the two lovers were reunited after so many years. Reinhard and Crusch were both smiling at this, Crusch happy that her ally finally got back the person he cherishes highly while Reinhard is happy that his mistake had been fixed by Xehanort's actions. As Theresia and Wilhelm hugged for a moment, she turned towards the group and noticed Xehanort. For a few seconds she did not recognized him until she paid close enough to see that he is an older version of Xehanort.
"How much time has past?"
Theresia was completely off seeing her friend and her love being old men at this point while she is still in her youth. Wilhelm and Xehanort stood silent as they did not know how to respond to this. Before anybody could answer anything, Theresia looked at Reinhard and started to walk towards the boy, surprised that he is all grown up.
"Reinhard...? Is that you?"
"Y-Yes honored grandmother."
"Wow. You have grown into a handsome fellow. You look a lot like your father."
Reinhard just laughed it off, never thinking that he would be compared to his father in looks yet he just nodded it off. Reinhard took a moment before he started to have tears in his eyes, the guilt finally reaching its boiling point. He fell on his knees and started to cry as he no longer can handle the guilt in him and started to ask forgiveness to his grandmother.
"Forgive me honored grandmother...it was my fault you had failed...please forgive me for having taken away your divine protection...I'm sorry..."
"Reinhard..."
Theresia looked at her grandson, seeing just how much her death had such an effect on him and how he blames himself for it. She kneel down next to him and gave him a hug while petting his hair in hopes of comforting the current Sword Saint. As she did this, she spoke to him in a comforting manner.
"My little boy, you did nothing wrong. You were not the reason I died, so please don't blame yourself."
Reinhard couldn't hold back the tears as he still felt guilty no matter what his grandmother said until he heard Wilhelm speak.
"Your grandmother is right...you are not to blame for her death...it was wrong of us to do so."
Theresia noticed this and was unsure what he meant by it, but she knew that her focus should be on Reinhard. She continued to comfort the boy until he was able to let out all of his guilt, all the pain he had been holding on for so many years. There was a moment as Reinhard let the pain all go before he finally felt freed from his burdens. All his mind wanted now was to fix his relationship with his father, having been hostile for so long. Reinhard got up and smiled at his grandmother, thanking her for having helped him in relieving the pain he had held for a long time.
"I thank you grandmother, this really helped."
"I'm glad I can help you, my grown-up grandson."
"I just want to be honest about something, I do not wish to have had the responsibilities of the sword saint. I have been given such a task and yet I cannot do many things such as leave to other kingdoms due to the Reinhard law. I can't speak with people normally since I'm the sword saint...well actually there are two friends I know for sure I can talk to without them looking inferior to me..."
Reinhard paused himself as he thought about Subaru and Sora, the only two people to have treated him like a normal person rather than the sword saint. He smiled as he recalled a lot of good times with them while Theresia noticed how similar her grandson and her are. She took a moment to think carefully before speaking, causing Reinhard's thought to be interrupted.
"I know how you feel actually, my grandson. I actually didn't want to wield the sword you currently wield but after having saved your grandfather, I had made the choice to wield it."
"Choice..."
Reinhard paused himself as he recalled having asked Sora during the one year of peace on why he wields the Keyblade. The respond he got was that he was chosen by it, making a part of something bigger. That caused the Sword Saint to look at his sword, seeing how he was chosen to wield such an important weapon and how he was granted the divine protection of the Sword Saint, something only for important people.
'The Keyblade wasn't something you chose to do and yet you act as if that was the path you wanted because...you felt the need to.'
Reinhard started to understand just how selfless Sora was, choosing a harsh path, the path of a hero because he wanted to help others. This caused Reinhard to truly think carefully on what he wanted with his life until it finally hit him. He looked at his sword and smiled proudly at it.
"I was given such a big responsibility and although I wouldn't run away, maybe one day once I have completed it, I will be able to lay down my sword and rest. That is what I want."
Reinahrd van Astrea now knows the path he wants, to be the hero of Lugnica similar to how Sora chose his path with the keyblade but at the same time he wants to become a normal person once he knows the Kingdom is safe with people capable of protecting it. As he made this decleration, Theresia and Wilhelm both noticed this and smiled. Crusch also smiled for the sword saint, seeing that his confidence has returned to him. As they were all chatting for a moment, Theresia looked at Xehanort and approached him with Crusch and Wilhelm both warning the previous sword saint to be cautious with Xehanort. Theresia nodded at the two, understanding their warning before she approached her old friend.
"Xehanort, you have grown quite old."
"Hm. And you haven't aged a day. I might say I'm a little envious of that."
"Is that right, mister? Now where is Eraqus, I was expecting him to be by your side."
"He is dead."
"What...?"
Theresia was taken aback by this, not sure how to feel that her other keyblade friend is dead. She was sadden by this but when Xehanort revealed that he was responsible for his death, she backed away from him.
"Wh-What? What do you mean by that? Why?"
"He was in the way of my goal. Not only that but he was also part of another goal which worked."
"Wh-What..."
Theresia was completely stunned by this, she did not wanted to believe her friend, the one who revived her and saved her from being a puppet for the witch cult had fallen. As she stepped back, Reinhard and Crusch both got in front of her while Wilhelm was standing next to her in order to comfort her. Xehanort looked at Reinhard and was about to attack the Sword Saint until something else caught his attention.
"Ah. So they have begun without us."
"What are you talking about?!" Crusch asked as she pointed her sword at him.
"Sword Saint Reinhard van Astrea, could you accompany me? There is something much more important than staying here and fighting me."
"Is that right? What can that be?"
"Assisting Sora and his weak pupil in facing the Sin Archbishop of Greed, Regulus Corneas."
Reinhard and Crusch both observed Xehanort closely as they wanted to make sure he wasn't lying to them. Wilhelm looked at his former friend's eyes for a moment, seeing such darkness in them which only made it sad since only Eraqus was missing in this little reunion. He closed his eyes and spoke to both Reinhard and Crusch,
"He isn't lying. Even though he has fallen, Xehanort is still a man of his word. I also suspect that Sora-dono and Subaru-dono would do something such as facing off a Sin Archbishop."
Reinhard took a moment to think, recalling that the two keyblade wielders have already taken down the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, it wouldn't be far fetch that they would set their eyes on the Sin Archbishop of Greed. He looked at Xehanort straight in the eyes, seeing the same darkness his grandfather was seeing. He lowered his guard down and began to ask,
"What would you like me to do?"
"I would like you to accompany me in assisting them."
"Why would you assist Sora-dono and Subaru-dono, Xehanort?"
"Because Wil, I have a score to settle with Regulus. I don't think you remember but during my second visit, he tried to force a woman to be his wife and I stopped him but I wasn't strong enough to defeat him. This time, he will not leave here alive."
Crusch was intrigued by this since she didn't think someone like Xehanort would be assisting them in taking down another Sin Archbishop, Reinhard felt that this could be his chance to prove his resolve by helping his friends take down another Sin Archbishop, and lastly both Wilhelm and Theresia noticed their fallen friend's eyes to see that there was a glimmer of light when thinking back of a past event, seeing that this is a personal fight, one that won't harm them. Reinhard turned towards Crusch and his grandparents to check if they will be alright without him. The three nodded and gave Reinhard their best wishes with Crusch and Wilhelm telling the boy to be careful and to make sure Sora and Subaru don't end up dead.
"Don't worry, I will help my friends out."
"I believe in you, my grandson."
Reinhard was at a moment stunned before he smiled and nodded, seeing hope that things will get better after this is all over. He turned towards Xehanort and told the old Keyblade Master that he is ready. Xehanort noticed this and quickly created a corridor of darkness before the Sword Saint and himself both entered to reach Sora, Subaru, Beatrice, and Regulus' position fast. As Reinhard and Xehanort both leave, Crusch looked at both Wilhelm and Theresia to ask them what they should do now.
"Crusch-sama, find the others and alert them that my grandson will be helping Sora-dono and Subaru-dono in taking down the Sin Archbishop of Greed. Theresia and I will help the people who are in need of assistance."
"Are you sure, Wilhelm-dono? I can help you two out."
"It is appreciated Crusch-sama but we need the others to be alerted of what had happened here."
Crusch took note of this and nodded, understanding that the others need to be alerted. She wished the two good luck before going on her own into the city, in search of any of the other groups. As Crusch leaves, Wilhelm and Theresia both hug as they are happy to be reunited before they notice the witch cult nearby them.
"Theresia, my love, would you like to do the honors?"
"It would be my pleasure, Wilhelm."
Theresia looked at the witch cult and charged at them with Wilhelm watching, seeing how skilled Theresia is.
As Wilhelm and Theresia take on the witch cult, Priscilla and Al both enter the building Heinkel was located after having looked around for a bit. As they enter the building where Heinkel was tied up, Priscilla looked around and noticed that something was off. Al goes to search the building on his own until he notices the deputy trying to release himself from the robes he was tied up on.
"Man, talk about bad luck."
"Release me at once, you buffoon!"
"Now hey, that's no way to treat an ally."
"You are a buffoon!"
"Now Now, is that how you will treat an ally, because in that case then I can sever our alliance."
Heinkel and Al both turned towards Priscilla as she walked into the room, causing Heinkel to be quiet. Al went to release him from his restrains to see that he was angry at Reinhard for not having listened to him.
"My son will suffer for this, that traitor."
"Now, tell me what happened."
"Yes Priscilla-sama."
Heinkel proceeded to explain the situation with what happened, including the things he did since he knows that Priscilla will see through any lie. After having told Priscilla everything, she takes her fan out and begins to think deeply into the situation.
'I see, so that Keyblade Master really managed to make an alliance with someone like the Bowel Hunter. He really is a special kind of person to pull something like that off. Ever the more reason for him to be a part of my camp.'
Priscilla was even more impressed by Sora's actions, causing her to turn towards Heinkel and to warn him to keep his mouth shut about Elsa.
"Wait but why?! She is the bowel hunter! My stupid son needs to be exposed for having side with that woman over me!"
"No, all you will do is draw attention towards the Keyblade Master. I want him on our side! But if you are too stubborn to listen, then I guess I can't save your wife."
"No wait!"
Heinkel quickly retracted his statement and promised Priscilla that he won't say a thing, knowing that this is his best chance in saving his wife. Priscilla smiled at this and quickly turned towards the exit.
"Now that's settled, let's get going. We are going to need every sword if we want to kill all of these filthy witch cult bastards."
Heinkel and Al looked at each other before looking at Priscilla, having noticed what she said before following her outside of the building. As they leave, Priscilla smiles underneath her fan as she starts to thinks of many ways she can gain Sora's trust.
'Regardless of whether that boy ends up in anybody's camps, he is the key to saving this world. That I am sure of.'