A Broken Screen

by TheGimbler

The WHDAAA cast has finally finished the third arc, however, the Warden is attacked by an outside force! The mechanism for the screen breaks and starts showing the cast events that haven't happened yet! (Basically, WHDAAA cast reacts to moments in Re:Zero out-of-context)

1. Chapter 1: The Tower of the Dead

Welp, here's a thing that I've been putting off for too long. I've been working on this for about two months now, so this could just be a one-time deal, though I hope that I can follow through with making more chapters. Also, keep in mind that this is the first thing I've ever written, so criticism and tips are greatly appreciated.

In this, there are a few things I have taken a couple of liberties with. Namely that the cast only remembers up to before arc 5, therefore the characters will be reacting to actions they make in the future as well. I have a small list of chapters or scenes that I want the cast to react to (Pretty obvious what chapters), but if you have a chapter that you want to recommend, go ahead.

Also, this is a spin-off of another fan fiction. Please read 'Watching Him Die, Again and Again' by Reactionist before reading this one, or literally nothing will make sense.

WARNING: THIS IS FULL OF SPOILERS FOR THE ENTIRETY OF RE:ZERO UP TO ARC 7 CHAPTER 24 OF THE WEB NOVEL, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, DON'T SPOIL YOURSELF

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The screen turned black, concluding the third arc.

The room was silent, the watchers each had their thoughts full with what had just occurred in front of them. Some were angry at the pain and suffering that the person that they trust must endure. Others were depressed, witnessing their hero win once, and then losing one of the people he cherishes; Forced to carry the burden of her very existence by his lonesome, he's always alone.

One, however, was very interested to see the trials that the boy went through when he was resisting the path that he had set for him. That man, Roswaal L. Mathers would finally see the path that the boy followed to resist his Book of Wisdom.

I suggest you all rest for now. The fourth arc will begin tomorrow.

"...Would you tell us what it's about?"

A weak voice spoke out. A grey-haired boy, who had seen someone akin to a brother mercilessly tortured and killed, over and over, asked the question most had on their mind. The moment that he'd heard that there'd be a fourth, Otto's mind kept bringing tortuous scenarios that might affect his brother. All of them were improbable and meaningless to even think about. But through what he's seen already, the supernatural beings that seemingly appeared from nowhere, and the pain and suffering that was constantly reappearing on the screen, he could no longer silence the voices that constantly whispered how each scenario that he thought of, might have happened.

Unfortunately, I'm unable to tell you. Though I doubt that'll calm your hearts. Please remind yourselves that Natsuki Subaru is still seated in this very theatre. The punishments that you think you deserve, and (BZZZT) reassurance that you desperately need will come when he wakes up.

As the voice was speaking, all eyes trained on the sleeping figure. Everyone wanted something from the boy. Whether it's for him to join their camps for protection, for answers about every question that lingered in the darkest crevices of their minds, to teach him to be stronger, or for condemnation for the actions that they don't remember taking.

Otto Suwen didn't know what he wanted. His action of pushing his brother from the dragon cart made him want to be shunned, to be punished for his grave offense. But it wouldn't matter if his punisher wasn't the sleeping boy, as the very same boy wouldn't grant that wish. This contradiction led to him feeling in limbo, the anticipation of him waking up, while also dreading that same happening. Why do you still keep me around?

"When will he wake up? I remember that you said that he'd wake up during the fourth arc."

The green-haired duchess spoke in an imposing voice.

That's something I (BZZZT) know. It'll likely be when the arc (BZZZT), or during (BZZZT) middle.

"I'm not sure what that noise is supposed to be, in fact. But it's highly annoying, I suppose!"

"As mineself is just the slightest bit irritated right now, I suggest that you stop making those meaningless sounds."

"Calm down, princess, it's probably some connection error or something."

The room's emotion was in a frenzied state after the end of the third arc. A slight annoyance could set the room of people off against the warden that kept them there. The spirit in the sleeping boy's lap voiced her displeasure along with the fiery princess in the back. The helmeted man, Al, tried to calm them down by mentioning that it probably wasn't on purpose.

Something's (BZZZT)? The connection shouldn't (BZZZT) problems… Oh… OH (BZZZZZZZT)!

Before the irritation in the room reached its climax, something unexpected happened. There was another sound besides the voice. A loud explosion could've been heard throughout the room. Whether that sound was only the voice being attacked, or the emotional energy in the room suddenly spiking because that seemingly omnipotent speaker -Who could force the sword saint himself to do what he wishes- was attacked, is unknown.

The voice himself had said that some people were trying to stop him from showing the deaths of Natsuki Subaru. Perhaps one of these people had finally got him?

The room buzzed once more.

I never would've (BZZZT) that they'd let you out.

The warden was still there, but he sounded much less than he used to be, no longer holding any sort of strength in his voice. In that next moment, another voice, one that no one recognized, spoke. [The unknown voice is in italics]

Unfortunately.

They said that they'd put me (BZZZT) if I stopped you from causing any more problems.

Ha, haha, hahHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

You think that (BZZZT) can put you back?! The previous sage sacrificed himself to ensure that you'd be trapped for all eternity! His SOUL was destroyed! (BZZZT) of all people should know the implications of that!

Then can you put me back?

Unlike you, you stupid bitch, I was never born with such (BZZZT).

Luck…

I'm not sure who you are, but luck is not something so simple that someone can be born with it. But even a (BZZZT) could figure out that yours has just run dry.

The sound of something crackling was heard. Even if the warden was a jackass that had kidnapped everyone present, he was still fair and non-restricting of them. He even allowed them the ability to see Subaru's suffering, for better or worse.

He transported everyone to unknown space, for him to die could result in everyone present being trapped for eternity. So it's safe to say that they wanted him to live.

"Don't lose! Big voice!"

A little girl in a maid outfit cried out, trying to cheer him on. A voice, unable to even see what's happening, yet still cries out. A child that could still be called naive, even after all she's seen, is a blessing in a way. However, the effect of a simple voice can be catastrophic.

Ah, (BZZZT). In this scenario, winning could mean any number of things… All I need to do is- *BOOOM!*

After viewing life being taken over and over, most in the room had an understanding of what just happened. The charging blast that the unknown voice held was released. Naivety is so easily shattered.

Unfortunately, victory is only for the (BZZZT).

…

…

…?

Wait,

You broke the (BZZZT)?!

You jackass! That was the anchor for that place!

Tch, guess you don't lose this time.

And unfortunately for all you spectators, finding you (BZZZT) take a while.

...

Ah, also things might get a little rough, but as long as you don't kill the sage candidate in the room, I can get there and put you back where you belong.

"'he fuck's a sage candidate?"

Oh.

Oh fu-(BEEP)

The voice was forcibly cut off by a harsh beeping sound.

In the next moment, the room jolted. Bouncing everyone in their seats. Something had changed. The magic that had filled the room just moments before had vanished, and the slight vibrations in the air could no longer be felt; it could be said that the control that had permeated throughout the room had dissipated. Leaving only the confused and frightened residents.

As the room was now magicless, the residents had no idea what to do, so they looked towards the man who was the most well-versed in magic.

"Whaaaat? Does it look like I knoooow what's happening?"

"You could've made yourself useful for once in your life, but what a surprise! You're just a clown."

The former thief growls at the clown. Her opinion of him keeps dropping lower and lower. He was supposed to be the gReAteST mAgICian iN tHe KiNGdOm, but even that title was utterly meaningless. The moment that they get out of this place, she's sticking Reinhardt on him. There will be no compromise.

"Thoough that might be accurate, Beatrice is moooore well-veeersed in yin magic than I. She might have an idea about thissss."

"Hmph! That sounds like a total cop-out, good thing it's coming from you though because you're going directly to the slammer after this is all done!"

Felt earned a couple of approving voices and affirmations from the crowd. But the main focus still nonetheless shifted to the great spirit, who even the greatest magician in the kingdom had said was more adept at yin magic.

The spirit shifted around her contractor's lap to properly speak to them.

"This place is likely an isolated space, I suppose, created by that male voice; much like my own magic, the 'forbidden library', which uses doors as a medium. The female voice had spoken about an anchor being destroyed, if that anchor's something similar to the doors of the forbidden library, then we're likely floating in the middle of nowhere, in fact."

"Wait, what do ya' mean 'the middle of nowhere'?! You mean like in the sky or sumthin'?"

"I wish that were the case, I suppose. Rather we would be in an infinite void that has no end, with only this room existing within it."

"...Then could ya' maybe magic us out of here?"

Ricardo Welkin didn't want to show any sort of negative emotions. He didn't want to frighten the cat siblings next to him. But he also would rather think of a solution or at least try to be positive.

Naivety is so easily shattered.

"Without anything connecting us to the world, it would require too much mana to go back, I suppose. Much more than any of the people here could supply. In fact."

A positive mindset is easily betrayed and is far eviler than a negative mindset. Being negative means you won't be betrayed no matter what. If something negative happened, there would be no surprise. There would be no harm; no change.

Being positive means to have your heart open to be hurt. To show someone your true colors, and to try and uplift those around you. If you were to fail, you would undoubtedly feel worse after the fact. Only someone truly strong would be positive.

Ricardo Welkin is truly strong.

"That's fascinatin' an' all... but that just means that we have no way out."

The merchant speaks to confirm the situation.

"That's… correct, I suppose. Betty is incapable of taking any of us out of here."

"Haa, thought' so, unless anyone else here has some ability to take us out of here, we only 'ave one option. We gotta wai' on that female voice."

Anastasia's conclusion was the most logical. They had no other alternative.

However-

"NO! SHE KILLED THE BIG VOICE MISTER! SHE MIGHT KILL US!"

The little maid screamed out, tears flooding out of her eyes. Petra's conclusion was emotionally driven, but it was also valid. They had no idea who this woman was, she had shown up out of nowhere and had likely killed the person responsible for opening all of their eyes to Subaru's suffering. Some nodded along with her words, while others disagreed as it's likely their only choice.

The big maid looked down upon her with pity and powerlessness in her eyes. Petra was no older than twelve, yet her mind has shifted beyond childishness and has forcibly matured as a result of these viewings. Despite Frederica's best efforts to keep the worst moments from her, she now has doubt and weariness in her soul when facing the unknown. I wonder what Subaru-sama would feel in this situation...

Nevertheless, Petra had unknowingly split the crowd into two separate groups.

Would they allow the woman who attacked the warden to find them?

Would they trust the woman? Or not?

Did they even have a choice?

Before anyone could voice out their opinions, however, a faint buzz occurred throughout the room.

Unlike before, it was lifeless, robotic. It didn't feel as though it were alive, it had no soul controlling it. Truly, a soulless machine.

Thou, who hath reached the top of the tower. Step forth through the first floor, almighty petitioner. I, am Volcanica. In accordance with the ancient covenant, I ask the will of thee who hath reached the summit.

A moment of silence occurred before the eruption of shouts.

"The Divine Dragon?! He's here?"

"The Divine Dragon-Sama has graced us with his presence, pay your respects!"

"Divine is too good a title for you, you pathetic oath-breaker."

"Ah, whaaaat a terrific day, the Di-hgkk!"

"I'm afraid I cannot let you move out of your seat, Margrave Mathers."

"Wai', he said somethin' about a tower?"

"Mineself agrees with the boy, you're all getting far too excited from something so pathetically suspicious."

The room calms down at the princess's words, trying to collect their thoughts on what they heard. However, the room's air fluctuated once more.

My oh my, this is going to be very interesting ― The Natsuki Subaru murder mystery.

This time, a voice recognized by everyone present was heard.

"That… was Subaru just now right?"

"He sounded quite… mean, I suppose?"

"The woooord you're loooking for, is eviiil."

"You'd know about evil wouldn't you, you bastard clown."

"I'm gonna hafta rain on y'alls parade, something very wrong is happening 'ere."

Those who had more suspicions were the first to clue in on how wrong this was. A Subaru murder mystery? The Divine Dragon? Them being together in the same room was simply impossible. As Subaru was still sleeping in the very same room that they all were.

Therefore, this was-

"Another arc?"

Everyone's eyes bore down on the old man that spoke those words. Wilhelm Van Astrea was the only person in the room that had ever seen the Divine Dragon Volcanica and heard him speak. He would be able to confirm if the owner of the voice was the Divine Dragon.

"Wilhelm-san? Did you figure something out?"

"I believe so, Emilia-sama. That voice was indeed the Divine Dragon, and we haven't seen him with Subaru-dono in the arcs that we've witnessed so far. Them speaking couldn't be happening now, as Subaru-dono is still asleep, therefore what we're hearing now must be a future arc."

Wilhelm's reasoning was simple, but it made sense to the people in the theatre. But that brings up another question. Why are the arcs still playing if the warden was gone?

Before anyone could get reassurance, the room's stale air reverberated once more.

Are you the Witch of Envy? Or are you Satella?

This time, no one spoke. The Witch of Envy was an abhorrent existence; by the end of the third arc, it was confirmed that she was the reason for Subaru's suffering. Because of the stupid love that she feels for the boy, she allows him to suffer, and won't even allow him to speak about it to any of them. It seems obvious, but they were pissed off at her. And there was no doubt in their minds that they are the same person: An insane witch that tortures her crush in one-sided love.

The intervals between changes are getting shorter. With the room jolting once again.

Ahh, why must love fade?

"Echidna… Then this must all be from arc 4."

Anastasia jolted upright when she heard Echidna's name. She's always made sure that her spirit was never seen by anyone, so how did the half-elf of all people know about it? She forced herself to put her mind at ease, she isn't able to talk about her spirit in front of so many people, so she'll make sure to interrogate the half-elf later.

Another figure within the room, one who is still being held down by the sword saint, has their eyes sparkling. The Witch of Greed, Echidna was his teacher that had saved him multiple times. Even if he isn't able to complete his wish yet, he was still happy that he was able to hear her voice.

Leaving no room to talk, the room continued its constantly quickening vibrations.

The dead cannot bring anything with them, regardless of what great deeds they achieved during their lifetime. Even Emperors cannot escape from the natural course, once reduced to mere corpses.

The Lagunican royal knights in the room were in shock. The voice had belonged to the current Vollachian emperor, one that they had met not more than one and a half years ago. Why would he appear in this next arc? What the hell is going to happen?

That same emperor's voice brought great nostalgia and great anger to the fiery-haired princess. A faint red aura started to appear around her body as she gripped her fan tightly in front of her face. Her knight looked over at her in worry, whispering a quick "Princess?". She snapped her fan shut, and her aura disappeared. A goddess doesn't get angry at the happenings in the past.

The room's air entered a frenzied state.

For helping, with suicide, you… can't even, clasp a stone…Forgive me, for doubting you.

"Ah!? 'Hat was Anastasia-sama speaking!? What's this 'bout a suicide?!"

"That's... simply not possible! I only saw Natsuki-kun at the royal selection! I haven't seen him after that! And we've gone past the royal selection itself!"

Anastasia quickly speaks, forgetting her accent. The implications of what she said are quite severe.

But before anyone could get any sort of answer, the room buzzed once more, but this time, it didn't stop.

My name is just Emilia. Born in Elior Forest, the Witch of Glaciation. A fellow witch's spite isn't going to make me bend!

"Wha!? Wha's tha' supposed to mean?"

"Emilia-sama?… Please explain yourself!"

"All this time… we've been serving a witch?"

"Hmph! As expected of a half-devil, being a witch is simply a given for your tainted bloodline."

The room's opinion of her was immediately flipped on its head. Those who were close to her looked at her with weary eyes. A certain healer and princess looked at her with open hostility. And the few who had been close to a witch in their life simply didn't care.

"Please forgive me, Emilia-sama, but I have to ask you to remain still."

Julius, bound by his duty as a knight, started to move towards Emilia. His hand on his sword pommel; ready to pull it out on a moment's notice. He had sadness in his eyes, having to contain someone he considered to be greater than him. This will surely end any chance of being friends with Subaru, won't it?

At the moment the screen played Emilia's voice, her emotions froze, how apt of the Witch of Glaciation to feel nothing. To be empty can be refreshing if desired, but if it's because of shell-shock, then it's the worst feeling imaginable. Her entire dream of freeing the elves, to be the queen to stop inequality in the kingdom, was destroyed because she wanted to back-talk Echidna. Naivety is so easily shattered. As are dreams.

However, before Julius could reach Emilia…

I want to… understand you.

The Screen played another voice. Only one recognized it. That same half-elf who was now being condemned as a witch felt her emotions go haywire. She didn't want to feel anything, but she wanted to scream in rage. She wanted everything to go back to normal and for Subaru to wake up but doesn't have the power to do that. So what could she do? She cursed her powerlessness and didn't notice the tears of hopelessness coursing down her cheeks.

Next, try guessing. Hero.

Faster and faster, the screen now played. Not even leaving time for the viewers to think:

Just 's promised, 'm fuckin' killin' ya! Yeh!? NATSUKI SUBARUUUUUUUU!

As a last resort… Actually, no. As a first resort, they'll set this whole place on fire.

Better off dead.

Sin will become a wedge that allows no escape.

From what was said, it seems you were the one who tore apart Ram and Rem's sisterly love, weren't you. ーーKindly die whilst baying like a pig.

This place is, lonesome white, the final destination of the soul. The cradle of Od Lagna. ーーThe Hall of Memories.

I am a monster that hunts monsters. -For you too, the time to accept fate has come.

Unfortunately, only something akin to a god will be born. Gods are always so boring.

With those final words, words about something they couldn't understand. The screen flickered. Pulsated. The light moved up and down its entire length until it finally started making images appear. A sound started coming out of the screen, as the pictures finally started moving.

An expansive stairway in a dark grey color. *Tap* A figure is seen, walking up the stairs. *Tap* Putting one foot in front of the other, the figure slowly walks to its destination at the top of the stairs.

"Kill."

"That's Subaru…?"

"Kill."

"Why does he sound like that, I suppose?"

"Kill."

"Reinhardt, let him go and sit down." Felt ordered the sword saint to cease holding Roswaal and sit back down. "It seems that we have more pressing things to sit through."

"You too, Julius." Anastasia followed suit with her knight. "The witch ain't going anywhere with all o' us trapped."

Both knights obeyed their masters with no complaint. They were secretly glad that nothing drastic happened, especially Julius.

Emilia wiped away her tears and looked back up at the screen, praying that this arc will be at least a little better than the previous for Subaru. And that the witch thing won't be brought up again.

"I'll kill you. Definitely gonna kill you." Subaru speaks while walking up the stairs. *Tap* He has streams of tears running down his face. But also a horrid smile. Madness was permeating throughout his entire being.

Felix retched in his seat, "He looks just like when he was possessed by that damned cultist!"

Both Frederica and Ricardo covered the eyes of the young ones next to them, they didn't want them to see him like this again; they didn't complain.

"Is he possessed, or did he… fall apart?" Ram said with her eyes narrowing. Neither were good options, but the former would be a better scenario.

"Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill." He continues chanting. There is no sound outside the *Tap*of his shoes meeting the stone steps and his voice.

"Where is he?" Crusch spoke to no one in particular. "I've never seen so many stairs connected to each other."

The room went silent at her words, thinking about it. The building he was in had to be extraordinarily tall, and it was made out of some kind of stone. The attire he wore was also a clue; the only person that had seen the building in-person spoke with certainty:

"He's at the Sage's watchtower." The sword saint quietly spoke. Reinhardt had, at one point, been tasked with entering the watchtower and speaking with the Sage. But he had failed and allowed the Luginacan royal family to die of a mysterious disease. However, Subaru was able to enter the tower. Subaru is seen to be better than him in more and more aspects as each arc progressed.

"Does tha' mean we'r' gonna see th' Sage?" Garfiel spoke out in excitement. His mind temporarily stops taking in the horrific sight in front of him to let out an excited voice.

"Seeing the Sage-sama would be a great honor, even if it wasn't in-person." Julius affirmed Garfiel's desire, he'd wanted to know more about the legends of the past ever since he's learned about them.

His shoes finally meet the top-most step. "Ah", he squeaks out a noise. All of the rage and madness left his body, replacing it with fear and disgust. His hand opens up and lets the knife fall from his hand. He begins shaking his head in denial of what he saw.

"I don't think I want to see what he's seeing, I suppose." Beatrice spoke out with a weary voice, already steeling herself for the inevitable reveal. Most of the theatre agreed.

Traces of a massive battle appeared throughout the hallway. And at the center, was a corpse with a crushed head, with severed arms.

"That's awful…" Felt said.

The sight was difficult to look at, but they've seen worse on this very screen. Subaru being physically and mentally tortured was much harder to sit through than a corpse of someone that none of them recognized.

Blood permeated throughout the hallway, the corpse was the source. There were countless wounds along its body with blood pouring out. However, the head- or rather the lack of one- was the most egregious sight.

"Looks like a difficult battle occurred here." Crusch spoke in an inquisitive tone. "It seems that we know the loser as well."

"There are markings of a blade along the body and walls, but the head is clearly smashed." Wilhelm notes. "Being proficient with both weapons should attest to the skill of the other party."

"Subaru-kun…" Rem whispered as quietly as a ghost. She might be able to handle herself in a fight against such an opponent. But Subaru? He wouldn't stand a chance. Rem started praying for him to not come across them.

Brains were scattered along the floor, mixed with chunks of bone and blood. Subaru falls to his knees in disbelief. Little flashes of what the person once was appeared on the screen. A smile, a laugh, little jokes that she had once made.

"Ghhk-" Otto couldn't hold himself to looking at the screen for even a second longer, when will there be a moment to breathe?

"She must've been someone that we'll meet later on." Emilia said in a sad tone. Once they meet, she'll be sure to thank her for being kind to Subaru.

Subaru could no longer hold his 'composure' as he vomited. It reached the corpse, making the scene even more unbearable. But Subaru didn't care, his body continued heaving at the sight.

"I don't blame him." Al spoke in a disinterested tone.

"Oi. Th' hell's ya' problem?" Garfiel admonished him.

"What? I don't know her, and I've been where he is." He responded matter-of-factly. "Pity can only take you so far before it's bottomed out."

"Aldebaran." His princess spoke in a low growl. "If you like having a head, I suggest that you keep your mouth shut."

The lack of response was his answer.

Once his body didn't have anything left to vomit, Subaru laid spread eagle on the cold stone. Some people can have their lives taken away from them as cruelly as this as well, his voice came out of the screen without his mouth moving, as to say what he's thinking.

The residents of the theatre winced.

"That's…" Julius tried to find the words.

"Rather foreboding?" Felt tried to finish for him.

"Thank you, I believe that's the word I was looking for, Felt-sama." Julius thanked her.

"Me too, huh." Subaru spoke his thoughts aloud. Standing up, he wipes the vomit that was caked around his mouth. He looks back at the corpse and shakes his head whilst turning away.

"Are ya' sure ya' didn' mean plain ol' dark?" Ricardo asks Julius.

"That's another word that would've worked. Though I wish that weren't true." Julius shook his head, trying to shake his thoughts.

Turning away, the only direction other than past the corpse was the stairs that he just walked up. Subaru started shaking while looking at the stairs. More flashes occurred, but it was Subaru falling down the stairs, slowly turning into a broken pile of meat while screaming.

The 'parents' of the group immediately covered the eyes of the children. Even Reinhardt tried to cover Felt's eyes. Doing so wasn't enough to stop them from imagining what was happening. The cracks and screams were enough to do that.

"Mmph!" Anastasia quickly covered her mouth and looked away along with all of the weaker-willed members of the audience. Though the reward for sticking with looking at it might only be nightmares.

Roswaal stifled a yawn. His standing amongst the group was in the dirt, with only Ram still believing in him. He didn't want to change that by looking like an asshole. But this stuff was all rather boring, why not bring back Volcanica? That was interesting!

"Any..ways…" Subaru mumbled while picking up his knife and walking past the corpse. He seemed to be in deep thought while he was supporting himself using the wall to walk. "In that sense… The ones in the way are Ram and Echidna, huh. It'd be easier if that damn Julius was dead too…"

"Hah! I'd like to see you try." Ram snorted, a little knife like that wouldn't work on anyone in the room, save for maybe Anastasia; Certainly not Ram herself.

"Julius…?" Felix looked over at his completely silent friend.

The Sword Saint also looked to his friend, worry evident on his face.

The Greatest Knight, Julius Juukulius was staring at the screen with a completely blank expression. His mind was processing what was said, tearing apart the last words spoken by Subaru himself, trying to find the meaning of his words. Slowly. Realization dawned on him. There was no other answer than Subaru wishing, not only to not be his friend but for him to go to his death.

"Ah." That was all that came out of his mouth.

"Julius…-san." Otto looked to him, quickly realizing the effect those words would have on Julius.

Otto would've tried to get his spirits back up; try to help him as he helped Otto before. But his face held no emotion. A complete showing of apathy. At least, that's what would've been, if he didn't have tears running down his face.

Felix got out of his chair and walked over to him. Worry was plastered on his face, as he began to get a reaction out of Julius. "Julius-kyun… are you- Do you need anything?"

No reaction.

Felix began to physically touch him. He rocked him back and forth, shook his face, and even lightly slapped his face. After no change, he sighed, wiped the tears off his face, and went back to his seat.

"Is he… Is Julius okay?" Reinhardt asked the catboy.

"He shut himself within his own m-mind. He needs time to calm himself, or I g-guess… come to terms? W-wake up, he needs time to wake up." After correcting himself, Felix gives his verdict, his voice shaking.

"Why don't you put him to sleep?" Otto suggested. Rest is usually beneficial in these circumstances.

"I c-can't, when I t-tried to, my mana simply dissipated into the air." Felix replied.

The room, paying attention to their conversation, turned quiet. The lack of mana in the air became all the more apparent.

A few tried to use mana in any way. Be it in a fire spell, stamping their feet on the ground to shatter it, or to control the air. None of it worked.

"It seems that... magic is unusable." Crusch spoke to the crowd, confirming the knight's statement. "My mana just seems to… disappear."

"Well isn' tha' jus' great!" Garfiel growls in frustration.

"We'r' stuck 'ere with no magic, no 'overseer' and with my cap'n bein' all crazy!"

With the facts laid out on the table like that, no one wanted to continue the conversation.

"Above there… That fucking bastard." Subaru was shaking his head more fervently. The fear in his eyes grew the moment he looked up.

"Seems that he's speaking about someone else this time." Al commented.

"Righ', maybe he doesn' know his name?" Ricardo notes out loud. Just earlier, Subaru had named several people out loud, but this time he didn't.

He stopped for a moment, but then continued walking, he was always thinking about something. *Tap* *Tap* *Tap* His footsteps were the only thing that could be heard, as he stopped talking.

"We're going to see something else, aren't we?" Emilia states with a sad expression.

The group shared her sentiment. It wasn't even a question anymore, Subaru was going to come across another horrific sight, it was simply a given.

He gripped the knife tighter and tighter, his body freely radiating killing intent.

"I don' wanna see my cap'n like this…" Mourns Garfiel, shaking his head, attempting to control his swirling emotions. Which were reaching their peak.

"No one does," Agrees Felt. "except that clown probably."

At her words, the clown himself speaks. "Whaaat? It's aaall very faaascinating."

Garfiel slowly turned to look at him, an incredulous look on his face. "Ar' ya serious?"

"Mmm? Of courseee. To seee such thiiings, Subaaaru-kun is very lucky."

…

Garfiel snaps.

"THA'S IT! I'M GONNA TEAR YA APART!" Garfiel yells at the top of his lungs. Leaping out of his chair, he jumps straight to Roswaal in a single bound. He thrusts out his fist into the bastard's face. The moment before it connects, he gets tackled to the ground by Ram. Who attempts to restrain him.

"Get off Ram! 'M makin' this fucker PAY!" Screams out Garfiel, while throwing Ram off of him.

He was too late, however, as backup had shown up in the form of Rem. Oh, and Reinhardt too, I guess.

Garfiel realizes his disadvantage in this fight. So he turns to the clown whilst still struggling in Ram's grasp.

"'M gonna beat the shit ou' of yo- Ya're bleeding?" Whilst in the middle of his threat, Garfiel notices that his punch had scraped Roswaal.

He was bleeding. Because of his punch.

His words brought forth another revelation, since the Warden, the ender of all conflict in the room was gone; then they'd have nothing holding them back from attacking each other. Meaning that the clown was now free game.

All that realized the weight behind Garfiel's words immediately began devising a plan to either kill or incapacitate him.

Garfiel calms himself down enough to be able to control himself. He wasn't about to try to go through Ram to get to the bastard.

And also knowing that he can't fight against the Sword Saint, he begrudgingly walks back to his chair, but not without glaring at Roswaal the entire time.

Rem walks over to her sister, who was just beginning to stand on her feet.

"Are you alright? Nee-san?"

"It seems that, without mana, I'm very much weaker, Tch."

"Don't worry! Rem will help to protect Nee-san!"

"...Thanks Rem."

The two sisters walk back to their respective seats. The last one still standing in the top row is the sword saint.

Reinhardt looks down on Roswaal. "My patience has been wearing thinner and thinner with you with each subsequent viewing. Along with you attempting to kill the Divine Dragon. I feel as though I would be doing the room a great service by stripping you of your ability to speak."

He spoke quietly enough so that only the keenly listening clown would be able to hear it.

"If you make another snide remark, another distasteful statement, another betrayal. Forget stripping you of your tongue, I'll kill you the moment it leaves your mouth."

Without another word, Reinhardt walked back to his seat.

Roswaal L. Mathers hasn't felt fear in a long while, tracking back to a fateful day 400 years ago. He felt so powerless back then. In a room without mana; in a room where magic no longer affects. He's every bit as powerless now than he was back then.

Shaking in his chair, Roswaal wishes with all his heart to receive guidance from his teacher. He no longer wanted to be here. He wanted to run away. A truly pathetic man, who deserves no pity.

Subaru reaches a corner. Ready to stab anything that he meets, he turns the corner-

The 'parents' of the group immediately covered the eyes of the young children. All others braced themselves for the reveal.

-and the slashed corpse of Anastasia Hoshin was in front of him.

Ricardo shut his eyes as tight as possible and didn't say a word. The image of her lifeless eyes was going to haunt him for the rest of his days.

"That's… GHHK-!" Anastasia tried to play it off as much as possible. But she wasn't even able to get the second word out before she vomited on the floor.

Julius' eyes didn't even widen.

Anastasia's body contained a single massive slash from her shoulder to her opposite hip. Subaru's eyes widened as he touched his stomach and covered his mouth. However, he had nothing more to vomit.

"A single slash. That's all it took." Wilhelm closed his eyes. He felt little remorse. This woman was someone that he met only recently. However, that doesn't mean that she should die.

More hints of what Subaru was thinking appeared on the screen. A single purple-haired knight appeared, with emphasis on his sword.

"He can't possibly…?!"

"Barusu! That's the dumbest thing I've ever seen!"

Subaru thinks that Julius had cut down his royal candidate.

The purple-haired knight didn't show any movement, nor any recognition of what was shown. However, if it was possible to have even deader eyes. He had them.

The screen shows Anastasia's body in full. Her eyes were posthumously closed, and her body was draped in a white cloth.

"Seems that someone had the courtesy to give respect to the dead." Priscilla spoke out.

"But Princess, that brings up another problem… why was the first body given no respect?" Al pointed out.

"Al, information about future events is quite rare, in fact, one might state that this screen is the only way to get a hold of such information. So tell me, how should mineself answer this question?" Priscilla asks him dryly.

"Uhhh…" Al has no response.

"How about this, Aldebaran. Give mineself an answer, or you lose your other arm."

Hearing this, Al immediately deploys his barrier granted by his authority. However, there is no response. There will be no second chances, no redos. Shaking, Al gives out his answer:

"Because the world might have given you insight on future events such as this?"

"One might think as such, since the world works in my favor, then you'd naturally assume that it's always done so, and will continue to do so. However, to not pick up on this, you're a failure of a knight for not realizing how glorious your master is. You'll have a punishment later."

Al's sweat kept pouring out of his body. That's better than his good arm getting removed, right?

A side-by-side of the two corpses were shown on screen. Subaru had taken note of the differences in how each corpse was treated. Subaru sighs, "Echidna's gone too."

"Why would mother be mentioned here, I suppose?" Beatrice wondered out loud.

"Echidna's… your mother?" Anastasia asked cautiously, not wanting to betray the fact that she had an 'Echidna' wrapped around her neck. She had quickly wiped up the vomit around her mouth.

"The Witch of Greed, Echidna is the smartest mother in existence, in fact!" The loli states loud enough for everyone to hear her.

"The way mineself hears it, the half-devils camp is chock-full of traitors, murderers, and witches." The fiery princess spits out the last word like it was poison.

"Ah, 'uck off." Garfiel mutters loud enough for her to hear it.

"Mmm? Did mine ears deceive me? Did one of the traitors speak up in mine presence?"

"Trait'r? Th' fuck ya talkin' about?" Garfiel asked incredulously.

"Seems like the witch's camp is full of more than one clown as well. Were you not listening during those 'preview' voices, boy?"

"Ah. tha'? Wha' about it? My amazin' self won't believe a single word 'til I see it with my own two eyes, Bitch."

"Regretfully, no one cares about what you believe. These people have heard the words that you spoke. A backer that wishes to kill the dragon, a witch that's at the head, along with all the personnel wishing to and succeeding in murdering him. It has become clear that Natsuki Subaru belongs in any camp other than that witch's." Priscilla lays fact after fact out. Forgetting putting down, she drove the entire Emilia camp through the mud and tossed them off the great waterfall.

No one came to their defense, not even themselves. The weight of her words was heavy indeed. Every other camp, save for Crusch's realized that only Natsuki Subaru was truly salvageable from Emilia's camp, save for maybe Petra and Frederica.

Subaru started shaking harder while he turned away from Anastasia. *Tap* *Tap* He continued walking down the hallway. "Ghhk-"

No one spoke. But they all knew what he had found.

The body of the pink-haired oni was in front of him. There was no damage to her body outside of the giant gaping hole that was in her chest that went out her back. Her face was filled with remorse and rage.

"Sister…?" Rem quietly spoke, not wanting to believe what she's seeing.

Ram didn't speak. She simply felt the same emotions that her corpse on-screen was showing. Rage at the circumstances that they were in, and remorse in how she wasn't able to help Subaru; She had died having given no advantage to anyone. Her life is shown to be meaningless.

"Please… stop." Frederica whispered. Ram's usual prideful self, shattered into what is shown on screen, is too much to bear for the demi-human. She averts her gaze.

"Ah-AHHH!" Garfiel breaks the quiet atmosphere that had built up. He starts crushing the armrests on his chair. Harder and harder, he crushed them. He continued applying more pressure until his armrests were no more than splinters.

Frederica grabs her brother and hugs him, releasing Petra. But Petra knew that she didn't want to see what was happening, so she kept her eyes closed.

Garfiel starts crying into his sister's chest. Frederica herself starts crying into her brother's head.

Subaru vomited once more. But he continued onward. He seemed focused on finding a room. *Tap* *Tap* *Tap*

"What's he looking for?" Felt asked.

"Likely… The other bodies." Reinhardt gave out his answer.

Felt gaped at him. She wanted to know why Subaru would want that. But the words never came out of her mouth, she doesn't want to even consider the answer to that question.

When he finally reached his destination, he was greeted by two more corpses.

"Even Julius-san wasn't able to win?" Emilia spoke, shaking her head in regret and misery.

"Who's that little girl?" Reinhardt asked around the room, trying to forgo the sight of his friend's corpse.

"She's an assassin sent to kill Betty and the other residents of our mansion, I suppose."

"A little girl…?" The Sword Saint looked back up at the screen. The spirit wasn't lying to him, meaning that the small child that Julius died trying to protect was an assassin who tried and maybe succeeded, in killing Subaru.

Julius and the little girl were seated against the wall. The knight was riddled with wounds, and his left arm was missing. There was no life-ending cause on his body. "Blood-loss…"

"Looks like he fought until the very end." Wilhelm announces, bowing his head, giving his respect for the fallen knight.

"And yet, he was unable to protect the girl… Just who is the enemy in this tower?" Crusch spoke while narrowing her eyes.

The little girl was slumped against the wall, she had a peaceful smile on her face. One that accepted the outcome. Her hands were frozen holding her abdomen, where there was indeed a gash. The amount of blood led Subaru to the same conclusion as Julius' death.

"That's no face for a child to bear…" Felix whispers, eyes tearing up. "The one who did this wouldn't even spare the children…"

"Similar to the witch cult attack that we saw earlier." Otto points out. He wanted to be rid of those memories, and yet they continue to show themselves through what he was seeing.

"Dammit." The masked knight muttered to himself.

Subaru vomited nothing but gastric acid. He started breathing heavily. Losing control of his body, he started hyperventilating. Visions of the corpses that he saw started appearing on the screen. The headless corpse, which was completely obliterated. Anastasia's corpse, which was respected. Ram's corpse, which was remorseful. Julius' corpse, which failed to protect the little girl. And the little girl's corpse, who was content with dying.

"Barusu… Please fix this… Please don't allow this to happen." Ram looks away, her cool facade slowly fading as she wishes for it to end.

"Subaru… Where was I? Where was I in all of this?" Emilia shifts the blame towards herself. "Why didn't I protect him? Why wasn't I the one who protected him instead of him protecting me? Why am I only baggage to him? I only saved him once, and yet he continues saving me! Why am I so imcompetent?!"

"Emilia-sama, please calm do-" Rem gets cut off.

"Witch, I appreciate having ears that function properly, your screeching is quite damaging to them. Kindly quiet yourself, or I will have to quiet you personally." Priscilla speaks down to Emilia, who was placing all the blame on herself. "You have no need of competence, as the boy will come into my possession at the end of this farce anyways."

Emilia slowly looks up to the fiery princess, and back down. Her mind slows down to normal speeds. Would Subaru not be hurt if he was with her? Would he be happier with her?

A voice resounds in her mind,

"I love you, Emilia."

A voice that she admired, respected, longed for, and maybe even loved. That boy isn't here because of some obligation to her, nor is he in her camp because he is her knight. He's with her because he loves her. She has no say of what he wants or desires, his actions are his alone, and she will not force him away again. Through action or words, she will not make such a grave mistake as pushing Natsuki Subaru away. Because she…

"Priscilla, I'm afraid that Subaru is not going to join you. Because…" Emilia looked up with defiance in her eyes to the princess. "He is mine, and I am his."

"Hmph! A witch is hardly anything valuable. Mineself will teach the boy the true value of people, and he won't even give you a second look." Priscilla smiles and then continues. "This has turned into something increasingly exciting. A witch who refuses to let go of her plaything, and the plaything who doesn't even understand that he's been enchanted… This game shall alleviate my boredom for the coming days."

"I don't see it as a game." Emilia continues to stare at Priscilla.

"Of course you don't, playing a game with your life on the line is no game at all. That boy is the only reason why you're even still alive." Priscilla shakes her head at the pathetic sight of the witch wanting to monopolize her one ticket of continued life. "No matter, an undefiant opponent is no opponent at all."

"You aren't even an opponent." Emilia ends the argument and looks back towards the screen.

"Emilia… and Beatrice." Subaru named the two who he hadn't found. He looked around, searching for them.

"Seems like I was correct." Reinhardt affirms his previous hypothesis.

"But then, 'hat's he tryin' to confirm?" Ricardo wonders aloud. Subaru was trying to figure something out by finding all of the corpses, but what?

When did this all happen? Subaru's thoughts were televised through the screen. "The blood…" Was all dried up… Subaru is contemplating the timeframe of the massacre.

"How long… How long does it take for blood to dry?" Felt asks while looking at each of the knights.

"With that amount of blood… It could've been anywhere from twelve hours to multiple days." Felix replies solemnly. He couldn't make an accurate estimation without knowing how hot and dry the tower is.

"Doesn't that mean that Subaru-kun is alone in the tower? The attacker may have already left!" Rem speaks quickly whilst coming to a realization.

Ram's eyes widen in shock. If that's true, then will he kill himself for us again?

Subaru continued searching for the final two people. Eventually finding his way to a strange doorway covered in plants.

"That's a strange door." Otto speaks out in an attempt to get away from the dark vibe emanating around the room.

"C-certainly 's." Garfiel replies with a stuffy nose because of his earlier crying. "Lot's 'f… plants…"

"Ya' think we could do sumthin like that, my Lady?" Ricardo asks Anastasia, trying to ease the mood a little more.

"It would certainly be interestin' to try." Anastasia responds, taking quick mental notes of the doorway.

"I've got no idea on how you'd even do something like that." Al scratches his helmet. "Might be expensive…"

"'Oi! Don' go putin' my Lady down like that!" Ricardo yells in mock anger. "She migh' immediately take you at your word!"

The room was a lot less stuffy.

The plants magically moved out of the way of him as we stepped through the doorway. There was a large black lizard that saw Subaru walk in and it gave out a cry.

"Holy shit!" Ricardo speaks out in astonishment. "Tha' really is expensive!"

Al responded with raucous laughter.

"Patrasche! What's she doing there, I suppose?" Beatrice exclaims.

"Patrasche? Isn't that the earth dragon Subaru-kyun rode during the fight against the White Whale?" Felix asks the great spirit.

"Yes, in fact! Seeing her is a very good sign!" Beatrice beams at the cat boy. The ground dragon is incredibly loyal to Subaru. "He will be in good hands, Patrasche will protect him from further harm, I suppose. I'm sure he will be ecstatic to see her and-"

"Huh, what's with this lizard?"

Her hopes were instantly crushed.

"Tch," Subaru spun around and left the room. A rustling sound was heard behind him. He turned around to find that the lizard had followed him out of the room. "Quit following me!"

"Why is he being so mean? That ground dragon saved his life multiple times!" Mimi shouted out. Unable to understand why Subaru of all people was so ungrateful towards one of his saviors.

"Subaru's acting more and more suspicious the longer we watch this." Crusch spoke out in exasperation. "He's not acting like himself at all."

"Do you think he might actually be possessed like with nyat cultist?" Felix asked.

"It's a possibility. I just hope that, if true, he's able to go back to normal."

The ground dragon has ignored what he said, as it kept following him. Subaru turned around completely, and waved his arms, trying to scare it off, "It's not like I've got the time to play with you right now! I need to kill all the damn survivors in this tower! If you get in my way…" Subaru raised the knife to the dragon.

"'OI 'HAT TH' HELL?!" Garfiel yelled out.

"Subaru, what in the Od Laguna are you thinking, I suppose?!" Beatrice joined in.

Felix's eyes widened. Believing with all his heart that Subaru was possessed, he looked away from the screen; He didn't want his mind to become tainted with this false image of his fellow knight.

Crusch shook slightly in her seat. Patrasche was a gift from her to Subaru, something she was proud to have given him. And yet he's threatening to kill the ground dragon and the rest of the living in the tower?

"He was… asking about me… i-in order to k-kill me?" Emilia stutters out.

"He's possessed, he has to be." Otto shook his head in sheer disbelief. He will never believe that Subaru wanted this.

"Barusu…" Ram's eyes went wide the moment Subaru's eyes went mad.

"Subaru…-kun…" Rem couldn't believe what she was seeing. She had ridden on Patrasche with her hero in their fight against the White Whale. It was one of the best moments of her life. Yet Subaru was fine with dismantling that memory by killing Patrasche over nothing serious.

A resounding crack was heard throughout the room as Roswaal couldn't laugh at the implications of what Subaru had said and had cracked his chair's arms by the revelation of what Subaru's words mean. Subaru was his ticket into the future, his gospel that would lead him towards his goal. Roswaal only had the option of threatening his loved ones to force Subaru to stay on the path he had chosen. But the Subaru on screen was the complete opposite of what he was supposed to be.

A madman. One who doesn't care for the ones he used to love. Even thinking of going out of his way to execute them, and for what? Why didn't Subaru break in this manner? If this were allowed to continue, Roswaal's plans would all have been for naught. His 400 years of waiting, his suffering, the decisions that he's made, the people he's sacrificed, and all the negative emotions that he feels towards himself. All for nothing. Nothing. No reason. Not a thing will've mattered in the end. Why? How did this happen? Who did this to him? Who is this? This isn't Natsuki Subaru. He wouldn't sacrifice Emilia, nor anyone else. He wouldn't. He wouldn't. He wouldn't. He wouldn't. He wouldn't. He wouldn't. He wouldn't. He wouldn't. He wouldn't. wouldn't wouldn't wouldn't wouldn't wouldn't wouldn't wouldn't wouldn't. -Would he?

Would he?

The dragon looked down at the knife, but it was undaunted by Subaru's threats. "Ghhk". It looked back into Subaru's eyes with no fear whatsoever. Subaru's eyes widened in shock, then in fury. "DON'T YOU FUCKING SCREW WITH ME!"

"NO!"

"STOP IT, I SUPPOSE!"

"CAP'N!"

Subaru thrusts his arm forward into the side of the dragon. Impaling it down to the hilt. "How about-" He stopped speaking, and released a ragged sigh. He looked down at the hand that had stabbed the dragon. It was heavily shaking.

"Ah...Uh…" He looked back up at the ground dragon. It had not moved even a centimeter after it was stabbed. It simply continued staring into Subaru's eyes. There was no pain, rage, sadness, fear, shock, or any other negative emotion. It just stood there, showing what Subaru had just done.

"Why?!"

"This can't be real! This isn't him, it's not him! it's not him! PLEASE DON'T BE SUBARU!"

"This is abhorrent… Dammit…"

"My dream, my goal… What was the point in a single thing I've done?"

"Why does the ground dragon not fight back? The boy has attacked her and yet she feel's not anger, not shock, nor fear, but she would rather show the boy his error? What a fascinating animal."

"Subaru… Are you still in there?"

"Shit… Shitshitshitshitshit! Whatthehellwhatthehellwhatthehell!" Subaru started scratching at his head whilst taking a step back. His eyes were filled with an amalgamation of negative emotions, the opposite of the calm dragon. "You, those guys except you… and those corpses! As well as those guys still living! Those guys who I don't even know if they are alive or dead! What on earth are you all cooking up, WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO!?" The dragon didn't respond, of course, it didn't, it's a ground dragon.

"It's not him. It's not!" Emilia continued to deny what's in front of her.

"Is it another cultist…?" Otto weakly asked Felix, striving for an affirmation to set his mind at ease.

Felix could neither affirm nor deny what Otto asked. It would be a lie to say that he knew the answer, the one everyone in the room wishes for.

The question everyone held in their minds is Why? Whether that be, Why is Subaru acting insane?

Why did he stab his ground dragon?

Why did he get possessed? Why was he in the tower?

Why was everyone dead except him and Patrasche?

Why did he throw away the people closest to him?

Why did he throw away his goal and dreams?

-Why? Natsuki Subaru?

Subaru continued screaming at it. "I'm gonna kill every single one of these guys who tries to kill me! I'm gonna deny every single one who tries to depend on me! Don't get me wrong! Don't push your luck! It ain't a damn joke… acting like you're so close to me as you please!"

Eyes widened.

"As if I give a damn about any of you! As if I give a damn about what every single one of you are thinking! Every one of you is pushing their own damned agenda on me…! If you all have your hands full with your ownselves! Then I've got my own hands full with myself as well!"

Minds froze.

Subaru hadn't even realized that he started crying while he was screaming, he fell to his knees. "Like just leave me alone… Leave me be by myself…"

And finally, realizations occurred.

Subaru's still just a person. He has his own goals that he strives toward. And he's uncaring of anyone that would stand in the way of those goals. He wants Emilia and the rest of his friends to be happy. He wants happiness for them first, and himself second; Would he accept help in the way of training? Companionship? Protection?

The realization is thus: He might, but not if it's forced upon him. Those that stand in his way, even if the guise is for his benefit, he would refuse. And to force it on him was tantamount to declaring your animosity. Not a single person here would be able to handle an enemy such as him.

Crusch realized that Subaru worked for his current situation. It was worse than she can imagine, and yet he was able to get Emilia into the running of the candidacy by his lonesome. If given enough time, he can likely get Emilia back into the running even if Roswaal were to be imprisoned. Merging their camps so they can 'share' him is something that he despises, and yet she thinks she can make it happen?

Anastasia realized that she could never have Subaru. He didn't think like her, his benefits are secondary to what he cares about. Decisions that benefit her in any way she would make in a heartbeat, but he would not. He cares about the people around him, not what he goes through to achieve that happiness for them.

Felt realized that Subaru doesn't want protection, he doesn't want to be monitored. She was about to put him in the same position that she hates. To be followed and contained within a safe space, nothing dangerous, and nothing interesting.

Priscilla realized that the boy she is so interested in will fall apart if she were to pursue him. She wants to witness the kind soul that the boy holds, but he will lose it the moment he is pulled away from Emilia. The best way to witness that kind soul is to continue watching the screen.

Emilia realized that she was useless in what Subaru was going through. Not one moment was she useful. Not one moment did she help. Subaru simply gives more and more to her, and she hasn't truly given anything in return. However, she won't treat him any different. He wouldn't want that. She'll repay him through what he's been working for. Her being happy. And in turn, she'll make one of her goals to make him happy.

Wilhelm realized that he doesn't want to learn to protect himself more than him learning to protect others.

Felix realized that Subaru doesn't want to be hounded by him and the others to protect him. What Felix wants for Subaru, and what Subaru wants for himself, are prioritized differently. Subaru doesn't care about what Felix wants for him.

Reinhardt realized that Subaru wasn't like him. Subaru released the emotions buried within his chest, Reinhardt won't. Subaru values his freedoms over what other people want for him, Reinhardt does not. Is this why he's so much better than me? Because he's himself?

Julius… realized the faults within his desire for Subaru. He wants to be Subaru's friend, and yet he's never allowed himself to do anything other than banter. He's not once had a down-to-earth conversation with Subaru with no formalities, or banter. Subaru wants to be happy along with his friends, and yet Julius wants to train him so that he will be better prepared for horrific events that may not even come to pass. In Subaru's eyes, that time might as well have been wasted.

Al realized that being passive about events was the wrong way to go about it. The only other other-worlder didn't run away because he wanted to change the outcomes that he knew would happen. However, Al knows that this will result in suffering and the piling of the stress that they've seen on this very screen. Yet he was passive about Subaru's troubles. He never tried to help in relieving that piled stress, and the consequences are constantly seen through this screen.

Ricardo realized that Subaru didn't have friends that he could confide in. All of these people that he loves, but he isn't able to speak to them about things that he needs to get off of his chest. The witch is the worst influence in his life, in this one, and the next.

Mimi realized that Subaru isn't able to fix everything. She likes him as a person. The goals and ideals that he's working so hard for are admirable. He fixes all of the seemingly unsolvable problems that he comes across, yet he won't fix anyone else's. If they were to drag him into their camp, he might not help them with any of their problems like he does with Emilia's camp.

Tivey realized that Subaru never wanted to be depended upon. His leader's desire to take him into their camp is meaningless, as Subaru probably wouldn't join any camp if Emilia's camp were to be disbanded or if it lost its backer. He would only do it if Emilia were to join as well, But she's a witch...

Garfiel realized that Subaru needs the help of a friend in his endeavors. Sure, Garfiel himself had helped at one point when dealing with the Bowel Hunter, but that's all. All Garfiel has done for Subaru is punch his enemies and be his friend. But the level of friendship that he has given Subaru isn't enough. Garfiel needs to make himself known as a person Subaru can confide in, but how could he do that when everyone else in Emilia's camp is more mature? After hearing what he's saying, are they even friends?

Frederica realized that she needs to teach Subaru that he's among friends. Through everything they've been through, he still seems to not understand that. But he was always smiling… Was that fake?

Petra realized that Subaru is in a completely different world. A world of adults where she wouldn't be able to comfort him better than anyone else. He would never come to her because she isn't good enough to be sought out. She needs to become better; more mature. Then he'll finally realize her feelings. I'll become good enough for even you to praise me wholeheartedly!

Roswaal realized that Subaru's love for his friends is not infallible. If he were to kill Emilia and her camp, and Subaru simply didn't care… Everything will have been for naught. If he were to be slowly broken down over countless loops and lost all meaning in his life and friends' lives… Roswaal will never see his teacher again. That is something that he'll never allow, he'll never allow that to happen.

Rem realized that her hero remembers. He remembers that she killed him. Tortured him so he would tell her information he couldn't possibly know. He's held that anger and hatred inside of him and she's never noticed. She loves him, and he's told her that he loves her back. Did he force those words out of his mouth?

Ram realized that her berating Subaru, even as a joke, has certainly messed him up. Even if he fires back using his wit, she could never know how her words affect him mentally. If she berated him during a particularly horrific loop... Perhaps it's better to stop thinking about it.

Beatrice realized that she has been lax in taking care of her contractor. In that burning room, she had promised to save him, and yet what she sees is a completely different reality than what she promised him. He has problems that she's noticed, but never took any action for; simply ignoring it and hoping that it goes away. I... wasn't able to keep up my promise...

And despite the recognition of these truths spreading throughout the room, Subaru lay unmoving; Not knowing that the circumstances surrounding him are laid bare. His position was finally established among the viewer's opinions.

He sat in that one spot, crying. Seconds turned into minutes, as he didn't move, and neither did the ground dragon. *Rumble* "ah?" He had felt tremors from where he was sitting, faint, but growing closer with every passing second.

"What… What's happening?!" Felt yells out.

"Something's coming," Her knight responds, worry evident in his voice. "Something is very quickly approaching him."

Everyone in the room braced themselves for the coming force.

In the next moment, the ground dragon was in front of his face, jaw open, about to bite down on his head. "Huh?" was the only thing he could get out before his inevitable death…

"Tch, is the ground dragon finally responding accordingly?" Priscilla muttered, disappointed that they wouldn't see the approaching attack.

"No! She wouldn't-" Rem screamed out as her hero gets betrayed once more by the people he trusts.

"Patrasche! Sto-" Emilia begged the ground dragon to reconsider her current course of action; even if her words and actions cannot affect what she's seeing, she hopes that her words somehow have their desired effect.

Petra's eyes and mouth gape at the horrific sight that's about to occur in front of her.

"Gah!" Subaru shouted in pain, as the ground dragon had bitten into his shoulder and forcibly picked him up; The dragon took off running. Subaru's face twisted in fear at what's happening. I don't want to be eaten…

"She's… She's running from something with him!" Crusch spoke with relief in her voice. Patrasche was originally a gift from her to Subaru.

All in the room were increasingly relieved at the sight of the ground dragon taking Subaru, albeit forcibly, to a safer location.

"If the ground dragon is that forceful, then what the hell are we about to witness?" Al grits his teeth and mentally braces himself.

*BOOM* "Eh?" Subaru had no choice but to face the way that they had come from. A black haze had crashed through the wall where they were just standing. "AHH!" Subaru let out a scream, as the black fog started chasing after the two of them. The shadow seemed to have innumerable arms reaching out to him.

Nothing could have prepared him for the terrifying mass of shadows that were ripping out the walls and floors of the tower just to reach Subaru just a moment sooner. Al knew how to run from her, but it comes with a terrible price. It's pleasant to see her again, but she is still terrifying, 'she' being: "Satella…"

"Ah?!" Felix jumps in his seat after hearing Al.

"The Witch is after Subaru?!" Crusch clenches her teeth in worry for him.

"Stay away from him!" Otto yells out, but fear is evident in his voice.

"Patrasche, please keep him safe, I suppose!" Beatrice is trembling at the sight of the shadows.

"Please, please, please keep him safe!" Mimi speaks out in a voice feigning bravery, but it was obvious that it was fake.

"Where's the sage!? Isn't he supposed to protect this damn tower!?" Felt screamed out in rage at the supposedly omniscient person.

The ground dragon turned a corner, with the shadows not even bothering with turning, instead opting to crash through the corner. "You…!" Subaru looked at the dragon keeping him out of the shadows. He turned back to look at the black haze. He bit into his lips, making his decision. "GAAHH!" He forced his body deeper into the ground dragon's jaws to give it a better grip on himself.

"That destructive power…" Reinhardt spoke out in a hushed tone. He would undoubtedly be victorious against it, but he wouldn't be able to guarantee the safety of the people around him.

"He's entrusting himself to the dragon? Even after his whole speech about his camp should keep to himself?" Priscilla mused to herself.

"Please save him, Patrasche…" Rem shuddered when imagining what would happen to Subaru if he were taken by the shadows.

*BOOM!* In front of them, the wall was destroyed by the shadow, effectively blocking their path. The ground dragon made a split-second turn into a sub-corridor, saving both of their lives at the last second as the shadow swallowed up the space they were just in. But the shadow was an unstoppable force that was homing in on them. Slowly, but surely.

"Keep goin'!" Garfiel cheers on the ground dragon as it continues to flee.

"They are continuin' to lose ground…" Anastasia points out the grim news.

"She'll save him!" Rem continues to pour her hope into the belief that Patrasche will save Subaru even with the odds stacked against them.

"There's no chance…" Al whispers so that no one can hear him. He knew that Satella wouldn't fail here, if no one interfered, then Subaru would get taken at one point or another. The sage was the only one that he could think of with the power to force Satella to leave. But since they haven't done so already… Likely, Subaru won't have the luck that he needs to make it out alive.

"TCH! The Spiral Staircase!" Subaru let out his frustrations as the dragon had made a bad move. He looked down the stairway. "Oh no…" The shadows were blocking the area down the stairs and were even eating the tower, making it tilt while sinking.

"There's no escape down there… But there's no escape behind us as well…" They were effectively trapped by the shadow, which was still following right behind them. "Ah, -urgh!" He muttered out while thinking, his face contorted in desperation as he contemplated his next move.

"And so it ends…" Al shakes his head at the futility of running from Satella. She is inevitable.

"I hope… I hope it's painless." Ram speaks out with the futility of the situation fresh on her mind.

"It's the Witch of Envy. There isn't a chance of that happening." Priscilla flatly says.

"I know what I'm about to say is evil… But he should kill himself to get out of this." Roswaal speaks in a completely serious tone.

"Yo-" Felix tries to berate him.

"Do you think that is not the best option? Being consumed by the Witch of Envy is likely complete hell. Something that even I wouldn't wish on the person I hate most. That thing loves him in a completely obsessed manner, would she not keep him alive within herself for all eternity so she can love him forever?" Roswaal quickly interrupts him, speaking his mind against such a foolish stance.

"That's…" Felix couldn't come up with anything to refute his points.

"In order to escape that hell, he should simply die."

"Indeed, he would be better off dying and restarting than spending eternity inside that witch." Priscilla nods at Roswaal's solution.

"Escaping from Satella requires that you throw your life out the window. Quite regrettable what that does to you long term." Al shakes his head to rid himself of the memories.

While something abhorrent, it's the most logical solution. They've even seen Subaru commit suicide before, but this is a much different scenario. He must die to preserve his life, instead of preserving others.

"NO! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!" He screamed out.

But that idea was immediately rejected by Subaru himself.

Roswaal's hands immediately cracked the arms on his seat. If he were to fall into the shadow because of such a stupid notion...

The ground dragon that still held him made a choked roar. It started running even faster and made a majestic leap across the spiral staircase.

"Holy shi'!" Garfiel looks on with wide eyes.

"She's… flying, I suppose?" Beatrice stares up in wonder at the sudden transformation of a ground dragon to a sky dragon.

"Where is she going?!" Frederica questions the quality of the dragon's plan; she's just going to hit the wall.

"Don't fall." Roswaal watches intently as Subaru falling would mean the end of all of his ambitions.

The dragon hit the wall on the other side and dug its claws in, the tower had tilted enough so that it was able to run up it. "N...No way…" Subaru spoke out against his wishes. The shadow had completely swallowed the area where they jumped from. Realizing it didn't catch its prey, it rushed towards them, who were now running up the wall.

"No way?!" Felix felt the need to use water magic on his eye to make sure he was seeing things correctly.

"Wha' an incredible mount!" Ricardo laughs despite the circumstances.

"She's even wounded…" Rem whispers in awe. "Please save him, Patrasche!"

"But there's no point in all of this. He's going to die no matter what happens." Al reminded the room. "Satella won't ever let him escape."

"But she-" Rem tries to continue believing in Patrasche.

"The tower is sinking into Satella's shadows and the black ground dragon is also wounded." Al shakes his head and continues: "Listen, I want him to make it out of this, he doesn't deserve any of the things he goes through. But take it from me, death is the only escape from Satella."

"And how would you know that, Aldebaran?" Priscilla snapped her fan shut whilst inquiring about him.

"Personal experience."

"..."

The princess wasn't the only one who went dead silent at his words.

"And… Aaaand what would thaaaat entail?" The clown was interested in what he meant about that. If he was similar to Subaru, then Roswaal may have to look into getting Al into his camp if Subaru were to fall into the shadows.

"Not interested in talking about this any longer." Al shut it down, however.

Tendrils were flying all around them. The ground dragon was dodging everything that was flying towards them. "You…" Subaru looked at the strength that the dragon was expending to run up a wall whilst fleeing from an unknown force.

"See, I suppose? Patrasche is the greatest ground dragon Betty has ever come across, in fact! Subaru needs to reconsider his stance on the people around him!" Beatrice angrily speaks out as Subaru looked surprised at the lengths Patrache would go for him.

"Where is Patrasche trying to go?" Wilhelm speaks, trying to figure out what the ground dragon's endgame is. "If she's simply fleeing… Then I fear that it will soon be the end of this viewing."

Roswaal's impatience continued to grow as Subaru is still being saved. He had no Tome of Wisdom, no guarantee for the future except for Subaru himself. Each slight mistake that the ground dragon makes continues to make him more and more anxious. He whispers too quietly for any to hear him. "Please die, Natsuki Subaru…"

"If a single tendril hits…" Emilia's voice wanders off.

"It'll be the end." Al confirms her fears.

The crowd shook, they focused their full attention on the screen.

The shadow's main weight rushed towards Subaru.

"DODGE!"

"GET OUT OF THE WAY!"

The ground dragon moved faster than the eye could see and narrowly dodged it.

"Haaa…" The group collectively released a breath they were unconsciously holding.

"That huge mass of shadows is going too fast! It's going to hit the wall!" Crusch warns. The destructive power that the shadow has guaranteed that it will destroy the wall that the ground dragon is running on.

The shadow couldn't stop its momentum and crashed through the wall to the outside. Without hesitation, the dragon rushed through the hole.

"She's going outside?!" Felix cried out.

"She'll 'ave nothing to run on! It'll jus' be open air!" Ricardo bemoans the ground dragon's choice.

Subaru was being jostled and discombobulated through all of this. When the ground dragon jumped through the hole in the wall, he could now feel the fresh outside air. "We're… outside?" The outside was shrouded in darkness, not because of the shadow, but because there were no lights in the dark of night.

"It's so dark… It's impossible to see where the shadow is!" Tivey shivers into his sister's side.

"They're falling!" Ram practically has to force her eyes onto the screen lest she subconsciously looks away.

"Please be alright…!" Emilia clasps her hand tightly around the sleeping Subaru's.

"Uwahh?!" Subaru was released by the ground dragon, he was tearing up because of the pain from the teeth being ripped out of his shoulder. *BAM* He hits a hard surface and comes to a stop.

"She threw him?!" Felt didn't want to believe that the ground dragon had given up.

"She threw him upwards, meaning she is still trying to save him." Reinhardt looked on with weary eyes, both he and the ground dragon knew that they had no chance of escape from Satella. "However..."

"You need to sacrifice something to run from Satella. She sacrificed herself in order to buy Subaru a few more minutes." Al finished for the Sword Saint.

"N-no way..." Rem didn't want to believe that Patrasche would be forced to sacrifice herself to save Subaru for only a mere few more minutes.

"Ah…? Eh?" Subaru plants his feet into the ground and looks around. He was on something akin to a balcony, far above the shadow.

"She threw him quite faaaaar..." Roswaal noted. Hopefully, he would take this time to kill himself and restart this nightmare.

"Who cares abou' tha'?! Wha' about Patrasche?!" Garfiel yells, wanting Patrasche to be okay after saving Subaru so many times.

"The lizard…!" Subaru suddenly remembers that the ground dragon was no longer with him. He quickly rushed over to the edge and looked down. His eyes widen at what he sees. The ground dragon that saved his life was falling into the shadow.

"NO!"

"PATRASCHE!"

"AHHH!"

The moment she touched the main bulk of the shadow was her end. The end of Subaru's savior: Patrasche. Getting sucked into the shadow, leaving not a trace of her existence in its stead.

"She's... gone...?!" Crusch looked around the room to see if anyone saw the same thing.

"How terrifying..." Priscilla couldn't deny the sheer uncanniness of what she just witnessed. The ground dragon didn't get ripped apart, nor was it smothered. It simply... vanished.

"She... did good," Emilia spoke through her tears. "Patrasche gave her all in saving Subaru, including her life. Thank you so much Patrasche, I'm sure Subaru will thank you too when he wakes up."

"Righ'," Garfiel nodded, trying not to let his voice shake. "Truly a stunnin' show. My amazin' self will be sure to give all the proper respect to ya' after all this."

"Loyal to your master until even the very end..." Wilhelm bowed his head in respect towards the ground dragon's sacrifice.

Everyone in the theater grew to cherish Patrasche in one way or another in these past few minutes. She was a warrior to be feared. A friend to be loved. An animal that was ever-so-slightly human in a way. And they were all grateful, some, more than others. Grateful that she saved their friend. That she helped show Subaru that his friends love him. That she prevented the failure of 400 years of planning.

They all held three words in their hearts.

-Thank you, Patrasche.

"What… What the hell…" Subaru had a numb tone to his voice. During his silence, a white bird flew over and perched itself next to him on the balcony. "Ha," he let out a weak voice at everything that's happened to him. The bird doesn't react; staring at him with unfeeling eyes.

"Still, the world doesn't change, nor does it care." Al said with bitterness in his voice.

"What... happened to you?" Reinhardt cautiously asked.

"Satella, probably." Al sighs. "It's been too long, I don't remember much about those times."

"I'm... sorry to hear that." Reinhardt returns his gaze to the screen, wondering how this could all possibly end.

-Unbeknownst to him, if his divine protections were to still be active, the Divine Protection of Wind Reading would have blown all around the room.

The tower is still sinking into the shadows. And Subaru's life is still not safe. The shadow will take him, no matter how long it takes. Subaru sits down, whether from exhaustion or shock, is unknown, even to him. His eyes are defeated, his life: forfeit.

"The witch is still coming!" Petra says, shaking in Frederica's arms.

"She... Won't stop?" Anastasia says in horror, forgetting her accent. "Is she going to eat the entire tower...?"

"Yes. If that's what it takes." The masked knight once again speaks with knowledge of Satella.

"So this is the Witch of Envy..." Reinhardt notes everything he's seeing down in his mind. He needs to be prepared for the future, especially if he's going to protect the people dear to him. He'll do whatever it takes to defeat her. No matter what it costs, as long as he's the only one that has to pay the price.

Subaru suddenly jerks his head up, eyes narrowing. "...The hell are you?" He speaks in a quiet tone.

"There's someone there, I suppose!" Beatrice sits bolt upright.

"It's too dark!" Tivey speaks out in panic.

"Who 's it?" Ricardo says, attempting to get a better view.

"It's a... child?" Reinhardt says, straining his eyes to make sure what he's seeing is right.

"...Child?" Crusch asks slowly as she's realizing what the worst possible scenario could be.

"Next, try guessing, hero."

"That voice is-!" Rem stands so quickly that her chair cracks from the force exerted.

"GLUTTONY!" Crusch shouts in rage.

"Gluttony is a child?!" Felix desperately looks to Rem for confirmation.

"Oh no... SUBARU!" Emilia pleads with Subaru to do something.

"What'll happen if he gets eaten?!" Roswaal quickly realized the implications of the newcomer. Getting eaten by Gluttony might have the same consequences as getting eaten by Satella, that is, true death.

His worries are unneeded, however, as-

A swish of a blade is heard, and Subaru's head is launched into the sky. Dead.

---

Oof, a cliffhanger!

Had to do it to 'em.