Chapter 54: A hand towards hope
Subaru had finished making the speech, looking a bit unsure on whether or not he did a good job. As he was having some self-doubt in himself, he turns towards both Emilia and Beatrice to notice how surprised they were. He looked around to see everyone looking at him with a surprise and proud facial expressions.
"Natsuki-kun." Anastasia spoke to which Subaru mistook this as her being annoyed for his failure to make a good speech.
"Uwaha! I'm sorry! I'll do better next time!"
"Why're you apologizin'? Strang child."
"Huh?"
"It's a strange thing to say to a strange child, but, Natsuki-kun, did you..."
"Hm?"
"Did you use to be a con-artist back in the day or somethin'?"
"What's with that baseless accusation all of a sudden!? As you can see, I'm just a normal everyday student...or actually, in a certain sense, I'm not even a student!"
"Ah, no no...I didn't mean that in a bad way. I was just trying to say that the way you spoke was exquisite...how you cast them into despair only to lift them up again, simply an impeccable use of rhetoric."
"Rhetoric? The hell are you talking about? I blanked out right away and didn't even know what I was saying. All the letters on the cheat-sheet got blurred together and I couldn't remember a thing after I gave up reading."
"Yeah, you pretty much skipped our draft. You can't imagine how I felt when right off the bat you started sayin' things that had nothin' to do with what we discussed...but it seems I needn't have worried myself."
"I'm still very sorry about that! But generally, wasn't it more or less in line with the notes? I mean, if it was that bad, you would've stopped me, right, Anastasia-san?"
Subaru looked at the notes in his hand, the cheat-sheet he had forgotten about during the most crucial moment when trying to clear away the anxieties of the people in this city. Anastasia continued to speak to Subaru with a surprised tone of voice,
"I don't know how to put this but Natsuki-kun, your speech didn't even touch on anythin' in the notes. I mean, none at all."
"Eh?" Subaru spoke in a surprised tone of voice. He had thought that at least he read some of the words from the beginning part of the speech yet hearing that he used none of it really threw him off. This caused him to be completely thrown off by this yet before he could say anything, Wilhelm began to speak.
"It is has Anastasia-sama said, Subaru-dono. Your broadcast didn't contain any of the things we discussed beforehand. In particular, the part that was supposed to have been revealed at the start, about your accomplishment of slaying the White Whale and the Sin Archbishop of Sloth towards the latter half. Although it was very concerning, I think you did a pretty good job."
"Huh? How? I mean if I hadn't said my accomplishments then I would just be some random guy to them?! Maybe I should have start over the speech."
"Start over? Why?" Felix asked with a curious facial expression, uncertain why Subaru would say such a thing. This prompted the cat boy to say in a praising like voice,
"Nya thought it was amazing, Subaru-kyun!"
"Uh?"
"Although you did forget your notes, you showed an amazing ability to communicate and inspire others. Even though I am the Sword Saint, you have done a lot of great accomplishment than I have, such as defeating the White Whale, Sin Archbishop of Sloth, and you were the big key in defeating the Sin Archbishop of Greed."
"I mean yeah but..."
"Hello there."
"Huh?"
Subaru looked up and noticed Theresia approaching him. He was aware that this was Reinhard's grandmother but what threw him off a lot was how young she looked. They appeared to be close in age by looks alone, making him feel odd to call her Reinhard's grandmother. She patted the boy in the arm and had a thumbs up as she said,
"You really did good out there. I'm even motivated to fight off the Witch Cult."
"R-Really?"
Theresia nodded at Subaru's question, seeing that the boy needs some encouragement since he doubts himself. Subaru turned towards Emilia and Beatrice to ask for their input, wanting to know what they feel about his speech. Emilia and Beatrice both looked at each other before nodding with Emilia being the one to respond first.
"It was reeeeally amazing, Subaru. You are quite the influencer."
"Yes, Betty agrees with Emilia, I suppose. You made a good speech."
"A-Are you sure...?"
"Yes!"
Both Beatrice and Emilia nodded with the two quickly hugging the boy, seeing that he needs some encouraging. Subaru felt comfort by this for a moment before quickly turning towards Reinhard.
"Still though, I think you would have done a better job on the speech."
"Subaru, you shouldn't look down on yourself. You made a great speech, my friend."
"I don't know, I feel like you would've done better."
"Come on Subaru, stop feeling so down on yourself!"
Emilia spoke with an annoyed tone of voice, not liking how her knight had a low view of himself. Subaru was unsure on how to handle things but before he could respond, he senses something off. This causes him to quickly turn towards Beatrice.
"Beako, I think we better find the others as well."
Beatrice nodded at Subaru and quickly prepared to head towards the city only for Emilia and Reinhard to quickly ask the two if they can join them. Subaru looked at them and knew that their help could prove useful yet he wouldn't want to put their lives in danger, especially his own girlfriend. He turns towards his girlfriend before saying in a serious tone of voice,
"Sorry Emilia-tan but allow Beako and me to handle this. Besides, we have Master Sora to help us should we run into trouble."
"Are you sure about that? I can help!"
Emilia looked at Subaru with a serious and somewhat pouting face, wanting to help her knight yet Subaru insisted that she stay safe. He turns towards Reinhard and asks him if he can protect Emilia while he is dealing with the remaining Witch Cult.
"Are you sure? We can have my grandfather, grandmother, even myself assist you in the case you run into a bigger threat."
"I appreciate the help, Rein, but trust me that I can hold my own. As long as I have Beako by my side, nothing will get in our way."
"Just be careful, Subaru-dono."
"I will, Wilhelm."
The two nodded at each other before Subaru and Beatrice both started to head towards the city, with Subaru sensing that something is wrong. As the two head deeper and deeper into the city, Beatrice looks at Subaru and could tell that he is determined. This made her happy since she always enjoys seeing her contractor determined but she can also tell that something is bothering him.
"Betty knows something is causing you stress, I suppose."
"Hehe, I'm not surprised Beako."
"Now tell me what's bothering you, I suppose."
Subaru looked at his spirit and could tell that she was worried for him but also slightly annoyed at him for not talking about what is bothering him. He looked forward and took a deep breath before telling Beatrice what has been bothering him.
"I guess you could say that I'm worried for the others. I know Master Sora can handle himself but I just have a feeling that something wrong has happened."
"Hm. Well Betty is here to comfort you and protect you, I suppose. I won't let anything happen to my contractor."
Subaru smiled at this and gave Beatrice a headpat before looking forward, having something else bother him. He has realized that he hasn't died over a year, with his previous death having been with a broken Emilia since the last thing he recalls was a kiss he would call the kiss of death.
'The only concern I have is whether everyone made it out alive in this long loop...I'm hoping they did. We lost a lot off good people that can't be reversed since I don't know where the checkpoint is this time. It would be really shitty if I ended up back in the tomb.'
Subaru feared that he would loop back one year towards the events of the Sanctuary, knowing that this would be the worst outcome since he would have a hard time having everything happen exactly the way it did in this loop. Although he had this thought, he knew that this wouldn't be the case since his Return by Death would have moved to a different checkpoint. As he starts to feel somewhat at ease, both Beatrice and Subaru manage to find the hallway where Rem and the others are located.
He noticed them and quickly let out a sigh of relief, happy to see that everyone made it out okay. As Beatrice and himself start approaching the scene, they notice a dark figure fighting two people that look like brothers. Otto turns around has he ends up noticing that Subaru and Beatrice have arrived at the scene.
"Subaru-san! Beatrice-sama!"
"Otto, it is good to see you are alright."
"So am I, big bro!"
"Felt!"
Subaru and Felt both hugged for a moment before the others notice Beatrice and Subaru's presence. They all showed their appreciation for the spirit knight and his spirit arriving with Julius noticing that only Subaru can remember who he is.
"Seems like Gluttony took only your name Julius."
"Yes, it is very unfortunate but I'm not too worried. I know I will get my name back."
"Of course you will!"
The two spirit knights nodded at each other before Subaru finally took a good look at the fight, interested in the dark creature attacking the two Sin Archbishops of Gluttony. As he took a closer look, he ended up realizing that this is Sora in his rage form. He recognized this from the second trial and from the loop Petelguese killed Rem, Yabuto, Kishida, Waraki, and Julius in the same cave he was trapped in.
'I know I should be happy that you are still alive, Master Sora...but I don't want to see you like this.'
Subaru watched has his master in his rage form was managing to push both Lye and Roy to their absolute limit despite the two using Solar Eclipse to keep up with him. The two gluttony duo did their best to keep up with Sora's movements yet due to the Keyblade Master using the power of darkness, he gained a strong amount of boost on his stats, making him too much of a formidable foe for the two Sin Archbishops of Gluttony. Roy and Lye noticed this and quickly tried to sneak attack their opponent yet Sora was fast enough to dodge the attacks before landing powerful attacks, leaving the two on the door to death.
'No...We cannot die here...! This will...not be our end...! We won't...let Louis be left alone!'
Lye got up and looked at Sora with anger in his eyes, seeing the Keyblade Master as a massive threat yet he knows that staying there to fight anymore would lead him to his death. He quickly prepared to escape the place yet he noticed Roy was also at death's door.
"Brother, we are not pleased but this isn't brother's fault this time."
Lye quickly picked up his brother and managed to escape the area with Sora throwing many dark balls towards them. As the two managed to escape thanks to Lye using Solar Eclipse, Subaru quickly charges at Sora and tries to gain his attention since he doesn't want his master to stay in his rage form.
"Master! Listen to me!"
"..." Rage form Sora turns towards Subaru and notices that it is his apprentice yet the darkness had managed to cloud his judgement, causing him to attack Subaru. He notices this and quickly goes into his second form before managing to barely dodge the attack. As Subaru dodges the attack, he quickly goes to the group with everyone seeing that Sora is not in control at the moment.
"What is going on with him?" Julius asked with a concerned tone of voice.
"Master Sora mentioned that people from his world that use darkness have an added boost to their power. So he must be extremely strong yet that darkness is probably causing him to lose control."
"Well, this isn't good."
Ricardo spoke with some fear in his voice, knowing that Sora is way too strong for any of them to do something. Elsa and Felt both noticed this yet unlike Ricardo, they aren't afraid to do something to free Sora from his rage form. Rem also had herself ready for a fight, wanting to free Sora as well.
"We will free Sora, I know we will."
Subaru looked at Rem and could see that she is motivated to do something to help Sora come back to his senses. He smiles and nods at Rem before turning towards Beatrice, wanting to make sure if she can use her mana at this moment.
"I don't have a lot but I should still be able to help out, I suppose."
"Alright then, I will have you as my trump card."
Beatrice nodded at Subaru before stepping back alongside with Otto, since the merchant knows that he is out of his league in this situation. As the two step back, Subaru quickly got in front of the group to show that he is the one leading the fight against Rage form Sora. He points his Starlight keyblade towards his master while saying,
"Master Sora, I know you are in there. Fight off the darkness!"
Sora looked at Subaru and tried yet it seemed like some outside force was keeping him in his rage form. Unknown to them all, the mysterious figure was standing on one of the buildings, using his magic to keep Sora in his rage form, wanting to know how the group would break Sora free. He smiles before quickly increasing the area with darkness, making Sora think that the heartless are his allies.
"Let's see you handle this little illusion of mine."
The mysterious figure speaks has he is entertained with what is transpiring. Subaru notices this and quickly gets himself ready for a fight. As everyone was caught off guard by how dark the place they are in has gotten, Sora in his rage form started the fight by charging at Subaru with immense speed. Subaru tried to block the attack yet rage form Sora was too fast for him.
Subaru gets hit in the chest which causes him to be sent flying towards the group. Rem managed to catch Subaru while Elsa and Garfiel both charged at Sora, confident that their training with the boy will help keep him at bay. The two attacked at the same time yet Rage form Sora was able to deflect both attack with ease, not knowing that this was the plan on both fighters.
They waited until Sora goes on the offensive to do a sneak attack, with Elsa preparing to use Otto's knife and Garfiel waited for the chance to have his left arm transform into its beast form to land a powerful blow. Once they saw their opening, both Elsa and Garfiel managed to land the decisive blow with Garfiel's hit managing to do more damage than Elsa's.
Sora felt both attacks yet he was unaffected by them, causing him to turn his attention to Garfiel first and attacking him. The demi-human boy was caught off guard by this, forcing Ricardo and Julius to jump on in and block the attacks to the best of their ability in order to avoid having Garfiel take too much damage. As the two were able to block some of the attacks, Rage form Sora was able to easily knock the two away from the fight in under thirty seconds. As Julius and Ricardo were easily defeated, Felt quickly jumped into the fight with the intention of talking to Sora, hoping to get through to her hero.
"Come on Sora! You are better than this! You are a hero, my hero!"
Felt dodges every attack Sora throws at her using her divine protection, barely managing to escape Sora's quick attacks all the while trying to get through to him. Felt continued until she was left in a corner when Sora was closing in on her speed. Just as Rage form Sora was about to get hit, Elsa pushes Felt out of the way to receive the strong hit. She was sent into a wall, with her back hurting from the impact yet she looked at Sora and was both excited and disgusted.
'My My Sora Dear, I like this strength of yours but this is not you. This is not the you I like.'
Elsa stood up and quickly watched as Ricardo and Julius return back to the fight, causing the Bowel Hunter to wait for a moment to recover before jumping back in. As Julius and Ricardo were trying their best to hold their own with Sora, Rem noticed this fight and quickly tried to think of something she could do to help Sora, having a feeling that some outside force is keeping him from breaking free of his rage form.
'There has to be something I can do to help Sora.'
Rem thought and thought until something came to her mind, something that had happened a couple of months prior to present day.
A couple months ago:
Sora was outside the mansion at night, looking out at the night sky. He looked at the stars and all he could think about was his friends from the other worlds he had traveled with Donald and Goofy. As he looked up at the sky, he felt someone was nearby him to which he caused him to look to his backside. As he turns around, he notices that it is Ram standing there in the distance, having noticed Sora on his own.
Rem had also noticed Sora alone yet she also noticed her sister being there with her love interest. This made her curious to know what their conversation is about, causing her to go down the stairs and head outside without being detected. As she manages to reach the entrance doors quickly, she starts to overhear the conversation between Ram and Sora with Ram being the one to start the conversation.
"Sora-sama, what are you doing out here? Did Barusu did something stupid again?"
"No, he didn't do anything. I just like being outside here at night, reminiscing of my friends I left behind."
"Why did you left them?"
Ram asked Sora with a curious tone of voice, interested to know the Keyblade Wielder's reasoning. Sora looked at Ram for a moment before looking back up at the sky, thinking on what he could say without breaking the world order again. Before he said anything, he started to recall how he had a similar talk to Rem back during the first month in this world. He had a smile for a moment before making a proper response by completely impressing Ram.
Sora had explained to her how he managed to defy fate to save all of his friends to allow them to defeat the thirteen seekers of darkness, making Ram understand the extent of Sora's power. This made Sora smile a bit since he recalls this exact conversation with Rem yet similar to that conversation, Ram had analyzed a few holes in the story. Sora attempted to omit a few things yet his story didn't add up, causing Ram to say,
"Sora-sama, I can tell that you left out a few important details from your story."
"Huh?"
"Such as your actual reason on leaving your friends behind. I suppose something outside your control teleported you away from your friends and loved ones but something still doesn't add up."
"Well...um..."
"Ram-sama, Sora, what brings you two out here?"
Both Ram and Sora turned to see Rem standing there, wanting to join in on the conversation. Rem approached the two with Ram being the one to respond,
"I was just checking up on Sora-sama. You can take it from here, Rem."
"Yes Ram-sama."
Rem and Ram nodded at each other before Ram left the area, knowing that Sora is Rem's love interest. As she walked away, she turned to see Rem and sora together, causing her to feel some kind of joy in her heart.
'If anyone is going to make my s-sister happy, it better be you Sora-sama. I rather you than that idiot Barusu. He already has Emilia anyway.'
As Ram leaves the area, Rem checks up on Sora by asking him if he is alright. Sora looked at Rem and all he could feel is guilt. He still feels guilty that he couldn't be there for her to stop the person that took her name and memories. Rem could see the guilt in the boy's eyes, seeing that exact same guilt from Kishida as well. Wanting to comfort Sora, she approached him and grabbed his head gently before pulling him towards her chest while messing with his spiky hair.
"Everything is okay Sora. I know you feel this guilt but everything will be okay."
"..." Sora was left silent by this with his guilt still being there yet being near Rem made him feel happy, similar to how Kairi makes him happy. This helped ease his pain for a bit, allowing him to smile which made Rem feel happiness. The two sit down for a bit with the two looking at the night sky. He looked at Rem for a moment and for a brief moment, he saw Kairi sitting by his side, causing him to be stunned for a bit before noticing that it was just Rem.
"Sora, you okay?"
"Y-Yes, I was just...um...caught off guard by the way you look..."
Sora was stumbling in his words since he doesn't want to say that he saw Kairi just a moment ago. Rem noticed this and was unsure on what the Keyblade Master wanted to say yet all she did was give him a headpat. Sora was caught off guard by this yet he wasn't bothered at all. The two stayed silent for a bit before Rem broke the silence by asking,
"Would you ever return to your friends if it means you can't return back here?"
Sora stood silent by this, knowing that if there was a chance he can return back to Kairi, Riku, Donald, Goofy, and to everyone else then he might end up taking it. Then again, he was unsure whether he would leave his friends he made in this world behind.
"I honestly don't know but I can be certain that I won't abandon you all."
Rem looked at Sora and just had a smile on her face, knowing that Sora may go back to his friends yet he won't leave them behind. She gives Sora a kiss on the cheek before starting to get up. The Keyblade Master touched his cheek, a bit surprised by this before noticing that Rem is starting to make her way towards the mansion.
"You should get some rest, Sora. You have a training session tomorrow."
"You're right. I'll be right there."
Sora got up and quickly approached Rem. Before the two entered the mansion, Sora took one last look outside and noticed a shooting star appearing. All Rem could see is Sora's smile before he turned towards her, giving a nod that they should head to sleep. She gives the boy a nod and starts making her way into the mansion, her mind filled with happiness has the image of Sora smiling is in her mind.
Rem in present day remembered that smile, making her more motivated to do something to free Sora from the darkness that has taken a hold over him. She looked at Beatrice and asked her if she could make a distraction.
"What kind of distraction, I suppose?"
"I just need you to distract Sora long enough for me to get close to him. I have an idea."
"This better work then, I suppose. I don't want to be blamed or for Betty's Subaru to get hurt by this plan of yours, in fact."
"He won't be, I promise Beatrice-sama."
Beatrice looked at the blue haired maid for a moment before simply agreeing to assist, wanting to help out Sora as well. The two turned towards the fight to see Elsa and Garfiel both having returned to the fight. Subaru had gotten up and recovered from the powerful hit he received from his master. He analyzed the situation to see that they need to work together and have coordinated attacks if they want to keep up with his master's movements. Just has he was going to join in on the fight, Rem tapped him on the arm to gain his attention.
"Rem-Rem? What's up?"
"I have an idea on how to help Sora but I need your help, Subaru."
"Okay."
Rem explains her idea to Subaru on how to get Sora's senses back. Subaru takes note on what she said, seeing this as a better plan than trying to beat his master. He nods at Rem before charging directly towards Sora, confident that his strategy will work.
"Hey Master Sora! Focus your attention on me!"
Rage form Sora turned towards Subaru, having noticed what his apprentice said. As he lowers his guard for a few seconds, Beatrice quickly casts her yin magic and starts attacking Sora using El Minya. Rage form Sora noticed this and quickly threw his dark version of Kingdom Key towards the purple icicles. As he leaves himself open, Subaru charges at him only for the Keyblade Master to regain his keyblade back to block his apprentice's attack.
'I was counting on that, Master.'
Subaru smiled before yelling out Shamak to create a large dark cloud, allowing him to dodge Sora's attack since he was effected by the dark magic ability. As this happens, Subaru quickly yells out Rem's name, telling the blue haired oni that this is her chance to do something to help break Sora free from his darkness. Elsa and Ricardo both noticed Sora throwing two fireballs at Rem, causing the two to jump in the way to clear a path for Rem.
'I will help you, Sora. You saved me, you have been trying to help me...you care about me. I...I definitely love you. I love your kind heart, the strength you gain from your friends, and how dedicated you are on them. I know I ain't the same Rem that you met but I will do my best to make you happy because you make my heart warm, make me happy.'
Rem had a smile in her face with her heart beating a bit fast as she starts thinking deeply on the Keyblade Master. She continued to get closer and closer with Rage form Sora charging at her only for Felt to get in between the two, blocking the attack with all the strength her petite body could muster. Felt and Rem made eye contact and nodded, Rem knowing that this is her chance to do something and Felt understanding that Rem will save her hero from whatever he is going through. As the two acknowledge this, Rem gets the chance to tackle Sora to the ground, using her oni strength to keep him pinned to the ground.
"I know that someday I will be complete, that I will gain my memories and be the Rem that loved you. I know that there is a chance that you will leave to help others or even find your friends again but there is something I know I have to do. This is because I want to show you what I feel, Sora."
Rem without hesitation pressed her lips onto Sora's, causing a light to glow around the two with Rem's heart beating faster. Sora was able to feel this as well, causing him to be able to break out of the rage form he was trapped in by an outside force and felt an extreme warmth in his heart. This is the same warmth he felt when Sora went to kiss Kairi in the first trail of the Sanctuary, making him question just how much he cares for Rem and whether this is love he feels just like the love he feels for Kairi.
As the light around them starts to fade away, everyone noticed Rem and Sora kissing with Julius, Otto, Garfiel, Ricardo, and Subaru all feeling proud towards Sora for this while Beatrice and Felt were indifferent about this. Elsa looked at this and was looking very calm but deep down she did feel a hint of jealousy towards Rem kissing Sora. The two continued to kiss for a moment before finally Rem pulled away to allow Sora to get up.
As she sat down, they all saw Sora's face turn completely red which caused the boys to laugh a bit while the girls were just giggling at the sight of an embarrassed Sora. Rem didn't think much of this yet she did giggled a little in seeing the one she loved be a bit embarrassed by this. The two got up with Sora quickly apologizing to the group.
"I'm very sorry...I didn't mean to do this...please forgive me."
"There is no need to apologize. We figured you weren't in control. Something tells me that someone in the outside messed with that form of yours."
"Yeah Master, like Julius here said. We believe that it could've been one of the Organization members doing this."
"Yeah...it could be but still, I'm very sorry."
Sora bowed for forgiveness to which everyone accepted this to allow the Keyblade Master to get some closure from this. As the others helped Sora feel better, they all could tell that someone was approaching the group. They all turned towards the hallway that Lye and Roy had escaped to see Maleficent and Pete standing there. Sora looked at the two surprised, never believing that he would ever cross paths with them again.
"Maleficent! Pete! What are you two doing here?"
"Wait, what are you doing here, pipsqueak?!"
"I asked you first!"
"Hm. I guess you were sent to this world like us."
Maleficent looked around and was still impressed by just how much her power was still powerful despite the location she is in. The atmosphere turns sour when she looks at Sora and starts to speak in a very confident tone of voice,
"This world will be perfect for my heartless. This will make a nice world to cover in pure darkness."
"I...I won't allow you to do that...Maleficent!"
Sora pulled out his Kingdom Key once again and got himself into his fighting stance. Pete and Maleficent both noticed this and could tell that something happened to the boy since they can sense he is very weakened.
"Seems like the pipsqueak hasn't gotten stronger at all. Bwahahaha!"
Sora looked at Pete with a serious facial expression yet inside he knew that he made a point. Due to his rage form, he had been left a bit weakened and is possible for even Pete alone to beat him in a fair fight. Despite this, Sora was prepared to face his old enemies on his own until both Beatrice and Subaru joined his side.
"Subaru? Beatrice?"
"Don't you worry Master Sora, you are not alone in this fight."
"Yes, Betty's Subaru and Betty herself shall help you, I suppose."
Sora looked at the two and could see their determination, causing him to smile and give them a nod. Rem wanted to join in too yet Subaru looked at her and said,
"I know you want to help out Rem but I need you to stay with the others."
"Why?"
"Just trust me on this."
Rem looked at Subaru with a serious facial expression, showing that she wants to help yet she knows that both him and Beatrice combined can protect her Sora. This slightly convinces her to back down for a bit, giving Subaru a nod to show her understanding. Before joining the others, Rem gives Sora a kiss on the cheek before joining the others, causing Sora's face to turn red once again. Subaru and Beatrice both noticed this with Subaru patting his master in the back before they all returned their focus on Maleficent and Pete.
"Seems like we cross paths again, Maleficent."
"Wait Subaru, when did you-"
"When all of this started, we bumped into them and had a bit of a fight."
Sora looked at Subaru and was a bit off that Maleficent and Pete were in the city during this entire battle for the city. He looked at the two and felt that this was good since Subaru and Beatrice both know how dangerous she is. The two sides look at each other for a moment before Maleficent and Pete start the fight by summoning a swarm of heartless to attack the three.
As Subaru, Sora, and Beatrice prepared themselves, Julius and Rem both stepped in and quickly took down has many heartless as possible before Felt, Elsa, Otto, Ricardo, and Garfiel join in as well to help clear the path for the three. As Sora, Subaru, and Beatrice past through to take on Maleficent and Pete, Pete quickly charged at Sora to attack him only for Subaru in his second form to jump in and take him on.
"You think you can take on the great Pete?!"
"Don't worry, I will beat you up, stupid head!"
"You little...!"
Pete swung his large fist towards Subaru with everything he had yet Subaru was able to deflect off the attack, forcing Pete to keep swinging his fists until he eventually breaks the boy's guard. While Subaru continued to hold off Pete, Sora with Beatrice by his side go on to attack Maleficent. Both Sora and Maleficent have not had a proper battle against each other since Sora's first journey. The two had crossed each other's paths with Maleficent even helped Sora and the gang on a few occasions yet the two have yet to have a proper rematch. Sora went to swing his keyblade directly at Maleficent's face for a deadly attack, yet the mistress of evil deflects it with her staff.
"Hmph. Did you really think I would allow you to hit me with such a pathetic attack?"
"Don't underestimate me!"
Sora charged at Maleficent once again, prepared for an attack before quickly telling Beatrice to send her most powerful attack. Beatrice had caught on this and quickly build up her mana to use her classic ability, El Minya. As she started to cast this ability, Sora gained some distance from Maleficent to allow Beatrice to surround the mistress of evil with a bunch of purple icicles. Maleficent looked at this ability of Beatrice unimpressed, having seen it before and having countered it before in their previous match.
"If this is the best you got, then this is pathetic."
"Don't underestimate the great spirit Beatrice, I suppose."
Beatrice looked at Maleficent with a serious facial expression before allowing her purple icicles to attack in full force. Maleficent created a shield around her to avoid taking damage, being confident that nothing bad will happen to her. As all of Beatrice's attacks had managed to cause some damage to the shield, Maleficent still looked unscathed.
This caused her to look at Beatrice with an annoyed look before preparing for an attack of her own. Due to her confidence, she had failed to notice Sora close by. The Keyblade Master had closed in on her and with all the strength he could muster, he broke the shield around her and managed to land a powerful hit. Maleficent was send a few feet way from this hit, managing to keep her feet in the ground before looking at Sora with a serious facial expression.
She quickly had her staff glow green before creating a large portal behind her, sending rocks towards Beatrice and Sora's direction. Sora quickly reacted to this attack by destroying each rock with his remaining strength while Beatrice prepared to cast her last magic ability with the remaining mana she had left. As Sora and Beatrice were on the defensive, Subaru and Pete continued their fight with Subaru managing to figure out how his opponent fights. He dodged a couple attacks before managing to land a hit the moment Pete left himself open trying to hit Subaru's face.
"Grrr...curse you!"
"Don't underestimate me, fatty!"
"I ain't fat!"
Pete angrily created an energy ball and threw it directly at Subaru's direction with the boy managing to deflect off the attack. As Subaru was able to push back Pete's attack, Pete created a force field around him before charging directly towards Subaru himself, confident that he has the upper hand now. Subaru noticed this and quickly thought about using his Invisible Providence to break the shield yet he disliked this idea only because the more times he uses the sloth witch factor, the more his soul gets damaged by it. This causes him to have to re-strategize his plan in order to figure some way in breaking the shield surrounding Pete.
'There has to be something I can do to deal with this big guy...'
Subaru thought and thought for a moment before finally concluding that he should rely on his strength and the extra strength he gets in his second form.
'This usually isn't the best approach to majority of things but it's better than nothing.'
Subaru charged directly towards Pete, dodging and blocking everything Pete threw at him before finally getting close enough to do one powerful attack. As he was swinging his keyblade directly towards Pete, he noticed this and started laughing at Subaru.
"Hahaha, do you really think that will work?"
"We won't know unless I try!"
Subaru swung his keyblade with everything he had, having his strength increase by thinking about his parents, Emilia, his master, his three knight friends, Garfiel, Otto, Petra, Frederica, Ryuzu, and of everyone he has been fighting side by side. This somehow gave him the strength to actually break Pete's shield with one hit.
"What?!"
"Can't believe that actually worked..."
Subaru was surprised by this along with Pete yet unlike his opponent, the boy quickly regained his focus on the fight, managing to use this moment to land a couple of hits on him. As Subaru was hitting Pete, he did a three hit combo which ended up sending Pete towards a wall. With Pete almost out of the fight, he quickly summons a couple of shadow heartless to distract the boy for a bit while he recovers.
Subaru looked at the shadow heartless and smiled as he thought of how far he has gotten since he first arrived to this world. He looked at Starlight and smiled since he feels happy to be important before turning his attention towards the heartless. The heartless all jumped towards him with each of them trying to attack the boy yet Subaru with ease managed to take them all out in one swing.
As he takes down all of the heartless, Subaru looks at Pete's direction to see that he managed to recover within a few seconds. Subaru was caught off guard by this and ended up receiving a punch to the face, sending him towards a wall similar to how he send Pete flying into a wall.
"Don't get cocky now, pipsqueak!"
"Darn you...that hurt..."
Subaru touched his face and could feel a massive sting due to how hard Pete punched him. He looked at Pete and quickly got himself back up, not wanting to back down despite how much his face and his back was hurting.
'I won't give up!'
Subaru charged at Pete the moment he had recovered his strength, ready to continue the fight with everything he had in him. Pete noticed this and quickly created another force field around him before summoning a couple of Air pirate heartless to go and attack Subaru. The boy noticed the heartless having pirate attire, catching his attention for a moment before quickly taking them down with a couple of strikes.
As Subaru takes down all the air pirate heartless Pete send towards him, he attempts to sneak attack the Keyblade Wielder once again yet Subaru was prepared this time. He casted Reflecta to block off the attack, allowing the ability to easily destroy Pete's shield. This gave Subaru the opening he needed to land a powerful hit on Pete, sending him flying strong enough to break through the wall this time.
"Ha! I got you this time!"
Subaru smiles at this, seeing that Pete is knocked out now. He quickly turns towards his master and his spirit's fight, seeing that the two were doing their best to push back the rocks thrown towards the pair. He ran towards the two and quickly assisted Sora in destroying the rocks being thrown towards the Keyblade Master and the great spirit Beatrice.
"Subaru?"
"Don't worry Master, I took care of that large guy."
"Not surprised. You are Betty's contractor, I suppose."
"Haha, thanks Beako."
Beatrice continues to give Subaru a stare but the moment her contractor looked away, she had a smile on her face for a brief moment. The two keyblade wielders continued to hold their own for a bit until Maleficent stopped sending rocks towards the two and quickly started to transform into her dragon form.
"This time you will all fall to me, Maleficent, Mistress of all evil!"
As Maleficent turned herself into a dragon once more, making Subaru and the others on high alert while Sora looks at the transformation with a serious facial expression, having recalled this during the fight against Maleficent in Hollow Bastion back in his first journey alongside Donald and Goofy. Once Maleficent finishes transforming, she roars at the trio before shooting powerful green flames directly towards them.
Before Beatrice or Subaru could react to this, Sora quickly charged at Maleficent and with the remaining magic he had in him he casted Blizzaga to counter the green flames. As Sora's ice attack was able to push back Maleficent's attack, Subaru quickly stepped in and used Minya to give some damage to Maleficent's back side.
Maleficent felt this pain and quickly moved her tail towards the boy's direction, noticing that he is the one attacking her back. Beatrice noticed this and quickly created a field around the two to protect them from Maleficent's attack. As she does this, she turns towards her contractor to ask him whether he has a plan.
"Don't worry Beako, I think I have an idea in beating this dragon."
"That does not inspire confidence in Betty, in fact."
Subaru noticed this comment from Beatrice, yet he stood quiet has he started to think on how he can assist his master.
'Come on, there has to be something I can do to help Master Sora.'
Subaru takes a moment to think carefully for a moment before quickly telling Beatrice to prepare her mana to use Ul Shamak, having a good feeling that this is going to work on Maleficent. Beatrice looked at Subaru and just gave a simple nod, always liking when her contractor is confident in himself.
A year ago:
Subaru and Beatrice had asked Kenichi and Naoko if they can speak with them at the end of their days work to talk about something important. Both of Subaru's parents understood that their son needs to talk to them about something important with them, causing them to work hard in their daily work in order as fast as they can.
The two managed to finish fast enough to have almost half a day to themselves. The two meet up with Subaru and Beatrice outside after having watched Subaru's training with Sora. Both Kenichi and Naoko were impressed and proud in how far their son had gone since japan. After the training session, Subaru and Beatrice had their talk with Kenichi and Naoko with Naoko being the one to start the conversation by saying,
"What did you wanted to talk about, my baby boy?"
"Beako and I wanted to explain about the fact that I'm the contractor to the great spirit Beatrice and how this is important for the family."
"How so, my son?"
"Well...I will allow Beako herself to explain."
Subaru looked at Beatrice, seeing that she has her usual serious facial expression yet the aura she had around her was a confident one.
"Well since Subaru is important to Betty, I must also protect my contractor's family, I suppose. In a sense, I am your guardian spirit for your family."
"Hm. Odd for a spirit to look like a little girl." Kenichi had said with an eyebrow raised, a bit suspicious on Beatrice. The Great Spirit of the once forbidden library caught this and was a bit annoyed by it.
"I'm much older than you, in fact! Don't treat me like a little girl!"
"I'm not, I just see that you and my son share more a brother and sister bond than a spirit and contractor one. I mean if you want to join the family too, I don't think we-"
Before Kenichi could finished speaking, he could feel his right ear being pulled hard back Naoko due to having tried to get Beatrice to join their family. She was still slightly mad about him talking to Garfiel without consulting her about it first.
"Darling, please try to inform me about things before offering such things without me."
"Y-Yes dear..."
"Beatrice-sama, mind if I ask this question but what is your view on my baby boy?"
Beatrice took a pause for a moment, trying to understand the question Subaru's mom had asked her. She stood silent for a brief moment before speaking in a confident tone,
"Subaru is just Subaru, well mainly Betty's Subaru, I suppose."
"Okay, so should my baby boy be in any danger, what would you do?"
"Make sure he lives, in fact! Nothing bad will ever happen to my contractor!"
Naoko took a moment to process the answer she got before having her facial change back into a sweet smile. She can tell that Beatrice cares a lot for Subaru, leaving her satisfied in having the spirit join the family if she wishes.
"You are welcome to join the family, Beatrice-sama."
"That won't be necessary, I am a part of a contract with Subaru, I suppose. By default, I am a part of the family without the need of a last name."
"Alright, as you wish. Is there anything else you wish to tell us?" Kenichi asked in a curious tone. Beatrice took a moment to think before responding with,
"Since you both are Subaru's parents, Betty will protect you both has well. I may not have all my mana right now but I will protect you all, I suppose!"
Kenichi and Naoko both smiled at this, feeling some similar vibes of Subaru in what Beatrice said, making them confident that they can trust the great spirit. As the two are getting ready to leave, Kenichi looked at Beatrice to tell her,
"We are counting on you in protecting our son."
"Now hold up, I can hold my own!" Subaru said in an attempt to defend his pride.
"I know my son but sometimes it doesn't hurt having someone helping you when you need someone."
"Right..." Subaru stood silent by this has his mind went towards Sora, Emilia, Rem, Ram, Garfiel, Otto, and everyone else who has helped him in his journey. Beatrice took note of this has well and nodded at Kenichi's words, making it her priority to protect Subaru and his family.
Beatrice had thought back on that day and quickly knew that she needed to protect her contractor, the boy who managed to save her from the hell that was her contract to Echidna. She quickly gathered the small amount of mana she had left in her to prepare her trump card, Ul Shamak. Subaru waited for the right moment before telling Beatrice to cast the ability, seeing that Sora had gained his distance to dodge Maleficent's tail attack.
"Alright Beako, do it now!"
"Ul Shamak!"
As Beatrice cast Ul Shamak with her remaining mana, she managed to create a powerful black dust to surround Maleficent, causing her to realize that her senses were compromised since she can't tell what is going on for a moment before managing to break free of the spell through her free will. As Maleficent had broken out of the Ul Shamak ability, she looked around only to see Sora using all of his strength to land a powerful hit on her dragon head.
This caught Maleficent off guard while Sora jumped back with Subaru taking the opportunity to go and attack Maleficent before she recovered from Sora's attack. He jumped towards Maleficent's dragon head and just barely managed to land a hit of his own in the exact spot Sora hit, giving the dragon some more pain to deal with.
Maleficent was angered by this, causing her to push through the pain and quickly using her right dragon arm to attack Subaru. The boy noticed this and was prepared to use Reflecta to protect himself yet Sora managed to jump back in to block off the attack. Subaru noticed this and quickly used his magic ability to use Thundera on Maleficent to do some damage to her. As she got some damage from Subaru's attack, Sora took this chance to allow him to take down Maleficent in one more attack. Before he did this, both himself and Subaru managed to gain some distance with both keyblade wielders ready to attack together.
"You should stand back, Subaru. I don't want you getting hurt."
"I know Master, but I won't let you do this alone."
Sora turns towards Subaru, seeing how determined he was to fight alongside him. This causes him to smile and nod at his friend and apprentice before the two together charge at Maleficent, both going with everything they got. As the two swing their keyblades with everything they got, the two managed to do enough damage to cause Maleficent to be forced into reverting back into her original form.
As she was reverting back, both Sora and Subaru can see that their attack was very effective since they managed to push back Maleficent from her dragon form. As this was going on, Pete quickly got up and realized that Maleficent was in trouble. With all the strength he can muster, he got up and charged at both keyblade wielders while they were distracted. As Pete did this, out of nowhere he felt someone punch him in the face which resulted in him being sent flying towards Maleficent's direction.
Sora, Subaru, and Beatrice noticed Pete flying and landing near Maleficent's position, causing them curious to see who did this. The three turned their heads towards the direction Pete had come from to see Rem with her maid uniform badly damaged from the fight against the invisible heartless. Behind her was Julius, Garfiel, Otto, Elsa, Ricardo, and Felt, all of them tired out from the fight against the large wave of heartless.
Sora, Subaru, and Beatrice looked at Rem who just simply smiled has she helped her lover from being attacked by Pete. Sora gave a thumbs up to her which made Rem's face turn red with a smile in her face. As this happened, Sora and Subaru quickly turned towards Maleficent to see that she had returned to her original form yet she looked weakened from the fight.
"Give up Maleficent, you aren't going to take over this world!"
Sora spoke with a confident tone, even though he is extremely weakened from his rage form and from the fight against Maleficent. The Mistress of Evil looked at the Keyblade Master, knowing that no matter what she did now will only result in defeat. She turned towards Pete to see her minion injured has he was slowly getting up.
All she had was disappointment towards Pete for being so useless before being angry at herself since she should have had the edge on Sora yet she lost once again. A corridor of darkness was created behind Pete and Maleficent, alerting the two that this is their chance to escape. Maleficent looked at Sora and with a threatening tone she said,
"Do not think that this is over! I will return to conquer this world and see it be engulfed by darkness as all worlds should be!"
Maleficent turns around and begins to leave the world to enter the corridor of darkness with Pete having noticed this, causing him to follow her towards the corridor of darkness. As Pete and Maleficent both entered the dark portal to leave the world, Sora looked at the two and somehow he felt some joy in seeing them. Despite being enemies, he still felt okay having seen someone from the outside world that he knew.
'Just try to not cause trouble, Maleficent, Pete.'
Sora smiled at this while someone from a distance wearing the Organization coat looked from a distance, having been impressed with how events had gone. He closed the tome of wisdom he had with him, satisfied with how the context of the book was the same has what had transpired in the fight. As he looked down, he knew that Maleficent and Pete had to returned back to the outside world since their importance has reached its end.
"You two served your purpose to see if you can make this book bend to my will and now seeing that things went exactly how I wanted to, this might prove useful. Well I better get back, there is another person I have to keep an eye on things."
The mysterious figure turns around and goes into his own corridor of darkness, interested to see how the silver haired warrior is doing on another world. While the mysterious figure left, a certain petite girl just stood in another building. She had a lustful look in her eyes, feeling a sort of "love" towards Sora and Subaru.
"You both are very...interesting. I...I might you have love for you both."
The petite girl with long platinum hair just continued to look very lustful towards the two boys yet she knew that eventually she will get a chance to speak with the two boys. As she disappears, she smiles as she also awaits the reunion with Emilia.
As the girl disappears, Sora and Subaru both fist bump before the two along with Beatrice group up with the others before they all return with the others. As they are all heading back to where Emilia and the others are located, Elsa had separated from the group to avoid any conflicts. Before she left, Julius looked at Elsa and began to say,
"You are the Bowel Hunter, you are not to be trusted but thank you for having helped fought off the Witch cult's Sin Archbishop of Gluttony."
"Not a problem, knight."
Elsa and Julius nodded at each other before Elsa had left off with Julius going off with Sora and the group to meet up with the others.
As Sora and the others all gathered, they discussed how they are going to deal with the aftermath of the Witch cult attack. The conversation started with Crusch saying,
"We will need to help the people here. This city didn't deserve the amount of damage the witch cult did."
"I agree, we also need to help the people that are in deep sleep."
"Deep sleep?" Sora asked at Wilhelm's statement, a bit curious on what he meant by this. Wilhelm explained that during some of the fights, the gluttony duo had managed to put many people under the same circumstances that Rem was in prior to the events of the Sanctuary. This caused Sora to realize that Lye and Roy need to be stopped first before he can try to use the power of waking to see if he can wake people up. The conversation turned towards Theresia when Anastasia spoke,
"What are we going to tell the council of sage about the return of the previous Sword Saint? They are going to ask a lot of questions, not to mention that people will be asking questions as well."
"That is true Anastasia-sama but we will figure out as we go."
Wilhelm said this, knowing that it's going to be a bit of a mess regarding Theresia returning back into the kingdom. The group continued to talk about what to do with the Emilia camp having Otto and Garfiel both deciding to stay and help out, Felt and her camp staying to oversee the restoration of the city, and Anastasia's mercenaries staying to help protect the city.
As the leaders of the camps spoke with one another, Reinhard looked at Julius and was unaware of who he is duo to Julius' name having been eaten. He approached the once known as the finest knight and quickly spoke to him,
"I'm not aware of who you are, fellow knight. Are you a new knight?"
"Oh...right, you don't know who I am, Reinhard-san."
"Wait, do we know each other?"
"Well, I guess this is a chance to re-introduce myself to the great sword saint. My name is Julius Juukulius, the finest knight."
Reinhard looked at Julius with a puzzled facial expression yet he just smiled and bowed at the knight, wanting to see if he can be friends with this knight like he is with both Sora and Subaru. The groups all spoke for a bit before they all made an agreement that Crusch and her camp will return to the capital to inform the council of sage that the witch cult had attacked the watergate city yet lost the Sin Archbishop of Greed and the Sin Archbishop of Wrath.
They also agreed that all five camps should take credit of this since they were all fighting the Witch cult and the Organization. As the meeting concludes, Anastasia requests to speak with the Keyblade wielders in private. Subaru and Sora were curious on what Anastasia could want, so the three quickly gain some distance away from the group to see what the merchant wants. As the three are far away, Sora looks at Anastasia to tell that something is off.
"Before we start, could you tell me what happened to Anastasia?"
"Huh? What are you talking about, Master Sora?"
"Impressive, I didn't even say anything and you figured it out. You truly are interesting."
"Yes...Echidna."
Subaru noticed this and started to see what Sora was saying, noticing that Anastasia was speaking the same way Echidna was. Anastasia looked at Sora with a surprised facial expression before smiling, impressed at how smart Sora was.
"I am genuinely surprised that you figured me out this easily, Keyblade Master."
"I just had an odd feeling. Now Echidna, what did you do with Anastasia?"
"Oh she is alright, I'm merely borrowing the body to speak with you two. I'm a part of the scarf she wears, so I'm always observing everything Ana observes. There was something weird that happened though."
"Oh, what might that be?" Subaru asked with a curious and respectful tone.
"It was as if she all of a sudden forgot something, so I had taken over to keep her from forgetting the knight from the looks of it but somehow I can't get out."
"Wait, what kind of situation is this?"
"To put it simply, I overwrite my existence in Ana's Od, and I borrow her freely, that's the situation. In this state, I can control Ana's body at will, I can also manipulate Ana's gate, which is defective from the start, and use magic."
"What do you mean it is defective from the start?" Sora asked with some concern in his voice.
"No need to be concern. Here, allow me to explain. A girl who was born with a defective Gate. I think you already know that the Gate is an organ that absorbs mana from the atmosphere and emits the mana into the body, but the ability to absorb mana doesn't work quite well in Anastasia. She's someone who suffers from chronic mana deficiency. There is a person who has this defect of not being able to release mana, although you should already have an idea of who I am talking about."
"Wait, who are you referring to?"
"Oh really? That is unexpected but the one who has the deficiency of not being able to release mana is the descendant of the "Sword Saint". Although in his case, the amount he absorbs is unusual and it adds to his physical ability apparently, so there is no real harm."
"Reinhard?" Both Sora and Subaru think on this, a bit surprised by the information they had gained by Echidna. The three continue to speak with Sora revealing that there is a possible way towards the Pleiades watchtower with the card Xehanort had given him.
"Maybe this might be the key in waking people up from Gluttony and helping those who have lost their names or memories."
"It could also be the key to helping with your case should we encounter the sage, correct Echidna?"
"Yes Subaru-kun, that is precisely why I must go with you."
"Well we haven't talked about who we are taking just yet but seeing that there is a quick way towards the tower, we could always go and check on the mansion, Master Sora."
Sora thought for a moment, he knows that this journey could be dangerous and that he shouldn't bring too many people since he doesn't want to endanger his entire group of friends. On the other hand, having extra support can help out and can also allow Yabuto, Kishida, and Waraki to put their skills and training to the test.
"Echidna, try to not look too suspecious when speaking with other people. Subaru and I will see who would want to go with us to the Pleiades watchtower from the Emilia camp. I assume Julius would like to join us."
"He might, especially if there is a way for him to get back his name."
Subaru and Sora nodded at this conclusion with Echidna agreeing with the two, understanding that she needs to act like Anastasia for now. The three return with only Emilia, Rem, Julius, and Beatrice waiting. Everyone else had gone to start their part of the job they were assigned. As the three regroup with the four, Sora could sense that Elsa was nearby.
"Elsa, you don't need to hide anymore. You can come on out."
"My My, I didn't think you can sense me from this distance. Oh well."
Elsa popped out of the shadows with Julius being completely off edge to see that Sora and Elsa are well acquainted.
"What is the meaning of this, Keyblade Master?"
"I know how it looks Julius but Elsa has been reforming into a better person. After all, I did saved her life around a year ago."
"Still Sora, she is the Bowel Hunter. The most dangerous woman in Lugnica!"
"I am aware of this but she is someone I trust, Julius. All I ask is if you don't mention this to anybody. The last thing I want is for Emilia to get in trouble."
Julius looked at Sora straight in the eyes, wanting to see if there was a hint of deception yet all he saw was pureness at its finest. This caused a conflict within Julius since he doesn't trust Elsa at all but he does trust Sora. He crosses his arms to think for a moment before looking at the Bowel hunter with a serious facial expression.
"I will trust you only because Sora trust you. If you do a single thing that is evil or suspicious, I will take you down, Bowel hunter."
"That's fine, you are a knight so I would expect that."
Julius looked at Elsa with distaste yet he can acknowledge her has an ally since she did save them during the fight against Roy. He looked at Sora to ask him what is the plan, which caused everyone to look at the Keyblade Master. Sora noticed this and quickly explained how Xehanort gave him the ticket to getting the Pleiades watchtower.
"If I may ask, why are we heading there?" Elsa asked in a curious tone of voice.
"Well to put it simply, Master Sora and I think that this is a chance to talk to the sage and see if he can help deal with the effects of Gluttony."
"Hmm, that doesn't sound too bad but who will be going?"
Emilia had asked this question which is something the others were curious on. Anastasia quickly told the group that she will be going, knowing that this will prompt Julius to go since he would want to protect her. As Julius volunteers to go, Rem also volunteers to go as well with Elsa also volunteering.
"Okay, well that leaves Emilia-tan and Beatrice."
"Of course I will be going to go with you, I suppose! Betty will go where Subaru goes, in fact."
"I-I will go as well!"
Emilia and Beatrice both overwhelmed Subaru since he did not expected both of them to have a lot of energy in wanting to join in on the journey to the Pleiades watchtower. He quickly smiled for a moment before getting everyone back on topic.
"Seeing that we are all in agreement, there are eight of us going but it doesn't hurt to check if others want to go as well to the Pleiades watchtower. So we shall be heading towards the mansion to see if Ram, Yabuto, Kishida, Waraki, or anybody else wants to join in."
"That sounds like a plan but we should tell Otto and Garfiel about this."
"Don't worry Emilia, I can take care of that." Sora spoke since he knows that the two members of the Emilia camp should be alerted that they will be heading off to the mansion before going to the Pleiades watch tower. The group nods at this and quickly Sora and Rem go into the city to look for Garfiel and Otto to alert them of what is going on. Julius and Anastasia both stay watching Elsa to keep an eye on her while Subaru turns towards Emilia to ask,
"Can we talk in private for a moment?"
"Um...sure, Subaru. Is everything okay?"
"Yes everything is okay, Emilia-tan. Beako, can you give us a minute?"
"Just don't take too long or you will regret it, I suppose."
"Don't worry, I won't leave you by yourself for long."
"Hmph."
Beatrice quickly goes to keep an eye on Elsa while Subaru and Emilia take this opportunity to go somewhere far into the distance to speak in private.
As the two walk a few feet away until they know that their conversation won't be heard by anybody, Emilia looks at Subaru with some concern in her face. She is unsure on what exactly Subaru would like to speak with her about.
"Are you okay?" Emilia asked with a concerned tone of voice.
"Huh? Yeah, I'm alright. I was about to ask you the same question."
"Oh. Well I'm alright. What did you wanted to talk about?"
"Well...um...did anything bad happened when that bastard took you away?"
"Huh? What are you-"
"Sorry! Sorry! I was just worried when that bastard took you, I was afraid he was going to do something bad to you."
Subaru apologized has he interrupted Emilia, not wanting to feel clingy or anything since this is his very first time being in an actual relationship with the girl he loves. He is still having a hard time believing that it is true.
"I-I don't want to feel like I'm being selfish or anything..."
"Oh Subaru, you are such a dunderhead!"
"Huh?" Subaru was completely stunned by this, not expecting Emilia's reaction to be this. She looked at her own boyfriend straight in the eyes before slightly scolding him.
"You shouldn't have to apologize! I understand if you were worried about me...after all we are in a r-relationship-p..."
Emilia had not realized that her face had turned red due to her being embarrassed since she just said it out loud that Subaru and she are much closer than friends. The two stayed silent for a moment before Subaru finally broke it by saying,
"I'm not good at this. You are the first girlfriend I've ever had in my life...I just don't want to mess it up."
Subaru can recall how useless he felt back in japan when he let his insecurities, his inferiority issues get the better of him. Having wanted to be like his dad made it hard to make him create relationships and friendships with people of his world. Emilia looked at Subaru's eyes and can tell that he is reflecting back on his past, having been informed by Kenichi and Naoko of the tough time Subaru had.
She starts thinking of her own past, wondering what would Mother Fortuna or Guese would say about her relationship with Subaru. She understands a bit more of love and the different types of relationships thanks to Naoko's teachings, yet she is still learning. All she knows what to do is to comfort Subaru, and to do this she closes in and gives him a kiss in a similar way to how she received her first kiss with him back in the Sanctuary.
Subaru was caught off guard by this yet he did not complain, he was being kissed by the girl he loves deeply. The two kiss for a minute before their lips separate with Emilia giving Subaru a sweet smile that makes his heart beat faster.
"No matter what happens, I will always be proud of you, my knight. My one and only knight."
"That's right. I, Natsuki Subaru, am your one and only knight!"
Subaru smiled which made Emilia happy. The two stayed like this for a moment before returning with the group. The group waited for Rem and Sora to return yet as they waited, Julius turned towards Subaru to ask him,
"How is it that you and Sora are the only ones able to remember me?"
"I do not know. It could be many factors but I also think that it could be the Keyblade...no wait that isn't right since The Organization can also remember people. I don't know Julius but don't you worry, we will get your name back."
Julius nodded at Subaru, feeling a bit motivated himself. Just has the two nod, Sora and Rem manage to return with Julius's brother having been by their side. Elsa noticed this and quickly hid to avoid being detected by Joshua.
"Joshua?" Julius said.
"Hm. Who are you? You look familiar but who are you?"
Joshua looked at Julius with great curiosity since they looked alike yet he wasn't able to remember since Julius lost his name. This hurt the finest knight since his own brother doesn't even know who he is. Before anything could be said between the two brothers, Anastasia stepped in.
"Joshua, what brings you here?"
"Ah yes! Anastasia-sama! I was just listening to these two speaking to the merchant and the demi-human boy about you heading with them to the Pleiades watchtower."
"Yes, I will be heading with this knight over here, his name is Julius Juukulius."
"Juukulius? Interesting, you and I share the same name...Something is wrong..."
Joshua tries to think about this yet his mind was unable to tell what he is trying to recall since his memories were off. There was someone he admired but the only person he can think about is Anastasia. As Joshua was trying to think deeply, Julius just decided to introduce himself in order to at least establish some connection with his brother.
"My name is Julius Juukulius, we can worry about having the same last name later, Joshua."
"...You are right, Julius-san. Anastasia-sama, I highly encourage that you come with me to the capital. I don't want you in harm's way."
"I understand Joshua-san but I will have all of them protecting me. I just need you to take over a few things here before heading to the capital. If you can, help that merchant boy from the Emilia camp."
"If that is your wish Anastasia-sama, then I will follow."
Joshua bowed at Anastasia to show his respects before looking at Julius, having an odd feeling that the two are connected somehow. Although he would wish to know more to figure it out, he knew that he can't hold them back. All he did was ask Julius for one thing,
"Protect Anastasia-sama."
"You can count on me, Joshua-san."
The two bowed towards each other before Joshua went to find Otto to see if he or Garfiel needed any assistance. As Joshua left, the group knew that it was time to go to the mansion, knowing that they can't be wasting anymore time.
"Shall we begin our trip."
"Yes, we shall."
Sora answered Julius' question before him and Subaru both lead the group towards the carriages to get Patrasche to take them back to the mansion. As they started to make their journey back, Sora looked back and for a moment he saw the silhouette of the petite girl he had spoken briefly for a second before it disappeared. This left Sora uncertain on what could be the motivation of this girl yet he knew that she was important due to the aura she possessed.
"Master Sora, are you alright?"
"uh? Oh yeah, I'll be alright. I was just thinking about someone I had met."
"Oh, who might that be?"
"I never got their name but I'm sure next time I cross paths with them, I will ask for their name."
"Haha come on Master, you should always politely ask for a person's name when you don't know that person."
"True..."
Sora smiled at this yet his thoughts were on something else, feeling has if the person he met could be a danger to the group. This thought didn't last for long since Elsa and the others all got Sora's attention.
"Sora Dear, do you want to continue your story?"
"Wait, what story? What are you hiding from us, Sora?" Anastasia spoke as both herself and Julius were curious on what story Sora was telling the others. The Keyblade Master stood silent since he told too many people about him being from another world.
"Donald is going to kill me."
"Oh don't worry Master Sora, I doubt he will know about this."
"*Sigh* Well two more people won't hurt...I hope."
"That's the spirit." Subaru said since he wants to know the end of the story that led Sora to the same world he was isekai'd to.
That's the end of this arc, so a few things to say.
1. I will take a small break to work on what to do for Arc 6 since it will be different.
2. I will eventually start making another fanfic alongside this one to keep things fun, just having some life stuff to deal with.
3. Thank you all for reading this. I ain't the best honestly, there are a lot of better fanfics so thank you for your support. I will do better with the story and add more focus on the Kingdom Hearts element of things.
I should be back within two weeks at most with a new chapter.