Subaru and Halibel had just begun there trip towards a Ma-beast forest
Halibel wanted to give Subaru the best training possible knowing that Subaru may have engines following him.
Halibel genuinely liked Subaru and wanted him to stand on his own two feet.
So Halibel decided to bring Subaru into a ma-beast forest to camp/train
This would help Subaru become more aware of his surroundings and learn to constantly fight for long periods of time.
It was perfect and Subaru was also exited.
"You know Halibel, camping in a Mabeast forest is kinda genius on your part."
"There's no need to compliment me for things I know Subaru."
"No really, I mean it's near impossible to track me down in a Mabeast breeding ground." Subaru said happily
"Why do you think I've picked this spot? Anyways Subaru did you remember to lock the door? I don't want people breaking in and stealing... your appa's I guess it's all you buy excluding the daggers you brought with you." Halibel mocked Subarus lack of items
"Halibel I don't really need any luxury items. I'm a simple man, or at least I try to be. I've never sought out riches or power. But I'm the kind of guy who's forced into situations and just gotta role with it. And besides I have no need for luxury's because I have these six amazing spirits with me at all times isn't that right girls?"
"That's right praise me I suppose." Said Aeolus
"Yeah I'm here for ya Subaru" Said Blaise
"Correct as always Subaru." Said Shami
"Indeed that's right, you have us so there's no need for useless sedimentary garbage" Said Eon calmly.
"It's always nice to be in your company" said Aqua
"Your a down to earth guy, I like it." Spoke Toph
Subaru was smiling at his spirits while Halibel looked on with a soft expression on his face
"Subaru it feels a little insulting that you and your spirits always have these one sides conversations I feel so left out" Halibel then proceeded to let a fake tear fall down his face
"Aww Halibel don't cry... you'll waste your body's water supply." Subaru smirked
"Ah guess you've seen right through me." Halibel wiped away the fake tear.
"Say Subaru wanna sing a song on the way over?" Halibel asked
"No thanks."
"Oh come on. Listen to this. La,la,la I like to sing-a *mummble, mummble* I forgota da lyrics." Halibel sung beautifully
"Bravo Halibel now I'll never sleep again knowing such bad singing exists." Subaru dramatically said
"Eh guess being a assassin is more my style. Speaking of which, Subaru what do you wanna be when you've trained enough?"
"... we'll a hero was a good temporary job... but when I've finished my search for power, I'll probably settle in for a normal life. Get a girlfriend and rest. As for jobs... I could be a... bounty hunter... since I can't read too well that's the best current option since it pays so well and I can do it so easily. B-but besides the bounty hunting, a simple life."
"Hay you didn't ask me if I'm ok with you getting a girlfriend!"Said Aeolus
"Yeah before you do such a rash thing, you better ask me if she's safe to be with." Said Aqua
"Do you have any girls in mind?" Asked Eon
"W-well as for Aeolus and Aqua, I'm old enough to make my own decisions and to answer Eons question... no, my last love interest kinda... hurt me... a lot so I... Hmmmmm actually there might be one who never hurt me... but... Eon this is another question for another time."
"Very well Subaru."
Halibel was watching Subaru zone out as he talked to his spirits
Halibel decided to bring Subaru back so he snapped his fingers
"Huh"
"Anyways, ahh yes a simple life, what more could a man ask for?"
"Umm yeah we still talking about that?"
"Subaru I can't hear you or your spirits."
"Oh yeah he he."
Subaru and Halibel quickly arrived to the entrance of the Mabeast forest
"Well Subaru if you want to turn back now's the time. Once we enter I'll double your rent if you leave early."
Subaru looked confident as he had faith in himself and his spirits
"Halibel I'm ready for the four upcoming four weeks. A month if you will."
"Remember Subaru, I won't help you at all, once we enter. I'm here to train you not Baby sit you. If we get surrounded by ma beasts I won't help you. I expect you to look after yourself."
"Yeah I get it."
"Are you really sure?"
"I've never been more sure of anything."
Halibel put a paw on Subaru's shoulder
"And what do the little guys have to say about it?"
Subaru turned to his Spirits
"Let's give 'em Hell!" Said Blaise
"Subaru this is a pretty bad idea, so be glad I'm here to heal you." Aqua said annoyed that Subaru always goes to extremes to get strong but at the same time she found it to be admirable since he always put 100% into his efforts.
"This will be easy" said Toph giving a solid answer
"Hmph for a spirit as powerful as myself this will be a breeze." Said Aeolus not aware of the pun she just made
"If we're smart this shouldn't be too hard." Eon spoke calmly
"We've got this." Finished Shami
Subaru turned back to Halibel
"There all exited to go in"
"IM NOT!" yelled Aqua
"Yep everyone's exited to go in" repeated Subaru
Halibel could tell Subaru was kinda lying but decided to ignore it
"Then in we go."
Subaru had his spirits fully manifest as he entered
Subaru didn't want to admit it but he felt like awesome
When he first entered this world being in a ma beast forest would cost him a life most likely.
But now he was going to spend a whole month training and learning in the middle of one
And he was confident that he would make it out almost unscathed
So Subaru and Halibel began their journey into the forest
Day 0
Subaru and Halibel had been walking for about five minutes
Both on guard at all times
They listened for anything. Leaves rustling, sticks breaking. Or growling
For a short while nothing came their way
Rustle rustle
Subaru immediately turned to face the bushes that made noise as Halibel kept moving
Subaru communicated through his mental link with his spirits
"Shami, I want you alone to take this on. Prepare some Minya crystals."
"Understood" Shami prepared her magic
Subaru stood silent waiting
Then a Wolf gram launched out of the bush hungry for Subaru's flesh
Shami gladly shot it with a minya crystal petrifying it
Subaru smirked at the stature of a Mabeast
He then kicked the stature shattering it into many different pieces
"That was easy.. OI wait for me Halibel!" Subaru cried out realising that Halibel didn't stop walking
Subaru ran to catch up to the wolf
"Hay Halibel what if I lost you?" Said Subaru annoyed
Halibel not even looking at Subaru calmly responded
"Remember I'm not here to baby sit you."
"Oh right."
Subaru continued walking as he requested for his spirits to form a circle around him to protect himself from Mabeast while he kept up with Halibel
The two walked in silence
It had been half a hour
They both took in the scenery and surrounds
Until, Halibel stopped Subaru
"Just this once" Halibel spoke
"Subaru was confused to what the wolf meant."
Halibel then quickly turned around throwing a kuni behind them hitting a Guiltylowe ma beast that was following them."
"Wow, didn't even hear it coming." Said Subaru impressed
"Well you don't have my ears and since I forgot to tell you that stronger ma beasts live where we're heading I thought just this once I would help, after all I don't want you to die before we make it to the centre."
"Ha ha nope that would suck. But why not just let my spirits fight it?"
"Guiltylowe's like to wait until their targets are completely distracted before they attack. And when they attack they go for vital parts to ensure a quick kill. That is why I stepped in, may this be your warning to always watch your back."
"Understood Halibel-Sensi."
Subaru and Halibel kept waking.
The closer they got to the centre the more ma beasts would attack them
While Subaru's spirits did a great job at killing of the ma beasts Subaru had to watch out for Guiltylowes or other stronger ma beasts.
Halibel had absolutely no problem with the ma beasts
Ones that targeted him were met with a very swift death
If Subaru didn't have his performance enhancing mana boosters active he doubted he could even see Halibel attack the beasts.
Eventually they made it.
"Ok Subaru this is the stop."
"Ahhh finally we've been walking for three hours doing nothing but killing ma beasts."
"Don't get comfy yet, now that we're here it's time to train."
"Heh alright then."
Week1
Subaru and Halibel made it.
They had ventured to the middle of a ma beast breeding ground
And the first thing they did obviously was train.
Halibel began to push Subaru to his limits from the get go.
Forcing him to not only Fend of him but also the incoming Ma beats that never seemed to end
"Blaise use a El goa!" Blaise shot a El goa at a group of ma beats cooking them alive
"Aqua, keep spamming huma on the ma beasts." Aqua used water magic, using the blood of her enemy's to protect her Subaru
"Everyone else help me fend of Halibel"
As the spirits floated shooting of their attacks, Subaru was trying to think of a way to outsmart Halibel and also be safe from the ma beasts.
"Shami cast Murak on me now!"
Shami was confused on what Subaru's plan was but obliged
Subaru then jumped but instead of flying into orbit he grabbed a high up tree branch
"Stop the spell!"
Subaru was normal weight again
He stood atop a large branch calling his six spirits to assist him
Subaru could see Halibe bellow him Halibel shock his head
Subaru knew why he did that but Subaru saw this as a better place to fight
After all it's either he's down a spirit or two as they fight off the ma beats as he fights Halibel on a large flar surface, or Subaru takes to the trees with six spirits on a smaller fighting ground.
Halibel began to move at crazy speeds
Halibel this time was moving faster then he's moved when training Subaru before
Subaru closed his eyes requesting for his spirits to increase the mana boosters he had.
Halibel charged at Subaru aiming to knock him off the tree
But Subaru quickly reacted stepping away making Halibel miss his mark
And as the shinobi fell he threw 5 mana Infused kuni's at Subaru
Subaru saw this and did his best to block them
However one hit his left shoulder dislocating it
"Fuck!" Subaru yelled
"Aqua quick heal me!"
"Yes Subaru"
Subaru felt his arm heal quickly as is the magic of a full spirit
As Halibel hit the ground Subaru's shoulder was almost fully healed
"Nice trick old dog." Subaru smirked
Halibel just speed up even further
"Wha?"
Subaru couldn't see Halibel at all now he was moving faster then Elsa the bowel hunter.
"Shami your a affinity that excels at de buffs, do you have anything that could slow Halibel down?"
"Subaru I know a spell called vita, it makes things heavier."
"Use it on Halibel now!"
Shami casted the de buff on Halibel
Halibel felt the weight but that didn't stop him
Shami then surprised Subaru
"El Vita!"
Halibel for a second lost his balance making him trip over and fall
"Nice one Shami"
Subaru smirked
"Alright now use Shamic."
Shami obliged
As the smack engulfed the forest Subaru took this opportunity to take out his daggers plunging them into the trunk of the tree he was on and slid down.
Subaru landed on the floor a little hard but was mostly ok
Subaru instructed Aeolus to send El fura at where Halibel was last positioned
Aeolus did so and sent a wind blade at full velocity at that spot
And he heard it cut through something as blood sprayed
"Shit is he ok?"
"Aeolus clear the shamic now!"
Aeolus charged up a bit of mana and created a large shock wave clearing all the shamic
And Subaru saw... a dead ma beast
Subaru was relived to have not killed Halibel
Then he felt his shoulder getting tapped
Subaru tried to quickly react but was kicked really hard in the back by Halibel
"a-aqua."
Subaru quietly said
Aqua understood and began to heal him
Halibel approached Subaru
"You said you wanted me to train you harder then I've ever trained someone. You want to break your limits and go beyond. Well then get up and attack me NOW!"
Hearing this Subaru grabbed a large rock he was next to using it as support to stand up
Subaru clenched his teeth in pain but fought through it
"Halibel I will kick your doggy ass."
"Try it."
Subaru began to run towards Halibel and smiled
"Shami use El vita once more and Eon it's your time to shine."
Shami quickly used her spell making Halibel 100kg heaver
For the first time Eon unleashed his offensive spell
"Jiwald"
Halibel didn't have time to react to the spell that was heading towards him at the speed of light
And all thanks to the combination of El vita weighing him down and Jiwalds light speed capabilities.
"
Halibel was finally hit
"Ahhh... good job Subaru."
Halibel stood up with a burn mark on him
"I'm impressed you managed to hit this old dog."
Subaru smiled extremely proud of his achievement
He actually didn't think it would work
Yet it did
Subaru was determined to do it again
"Watch out dummy!" Aeolus yelled
Subaru turned around to see multiple ma beasts heading his way
Fort for him Aeolus easily cut through them
"You may thank me I suppose."
"Thanks Aeolus I owe ya."
Halibel stood tall
"Subaru what do you wanna do now?"
Subaru turned to Halibel
"Obviously I wanna continue training."
"Oh you don't wanna take a break, heal up, find food or water?"
"Ha I have a water spirit with me, I don't need to find water. As for food well I mean Ma-beast for me."
"Ahh Subaru how could you eating another dog in frount of me after so violently hitting me? Ohhh woe me!" Halibel let more fake tears fall.
"Halibel stop with the fake tears and come train me, and don't worry We could always just eat a black winged rat. I mean there's heaps of them it's a good thing their so easy to kill."
"Heh saw through me again, and don't worry about it I'll eat the rats while you may eat the wolf gram, I don't consider myself in anyways related to the witches creations but I'm still not going to eat it."
"Ok fair."
Subaru prepared to charge at Halibel again
And again
And again
Sharpening his senses
Perfecting his fighting style
Subaru trained with Halibel until he was bleeding out of most his body
His daggers covered by the blood of his palms
And dark cloak was covered with red spots from where Halibel hit him
That's right Halibel was now attacking with enough force to tear the skin and draw blood.
And by the end of the day Subaru and Halibel rested on top of a tree.
Subaru was laying down absolutely exhausted
Halibel wanted to get a conversation started
"Hay, big guy, you act managed to hit me once. You have no idea how long it's been since I've been hit. That makes it all the more impressive."
Subaru smiled
"Heh usually saying congratulations you hit me once in a fight is a huge insult... but coming from you is nice."
"Well I am the strongest in Kararagi."
"For now"
"Oh I would love to see you get stronger then me."
Subaru smirked
"Oh don't you worry I will Surpass you one day"
"Well when you do, don't become a villain. Do you know how bad it would be for my reputation if I trained some near unstoppable villain?"
"Heh don't worry, while I like any other man have my bones to pick... I truly want to love a quite life at then end."
Subaru sat up
"Thanks for the healing Aqua."
"You dummy, I've been healing you all day! At least try to not get so hurt."
"Aqua, this may surprise you but... each inquiry I get from this training, each time I hurt myself... I think of it not as a inquiry but as a progress mark. It's proof that I worked hard and learnt something new. Even if you can just heal it away... the skills I pick up will stay with me forever and that's something to smile at."
"S-Subaru y-you dummy." Aqua was shocked to hear Subaru say such... genuine words sure he never really lied, but this was emotional as well.
"So Halibel what's tomorrow?"
"Hmm, same thing basically. Ahh ok Subaru went to sleep dreaming of different ways to hit Halibel."
Day 6 week 1
Subaru sat in the ground with Halibel next to a camp fire that Blaise started
They were cooking Ma beast for dinner... again.
But it would make Subaru tougher
Halibel know Subaru was making incredible progress
He hadn't ever seen a human push themselves so hard
"Say Subaru, could you please get Aqua to produce some water for me?"
"Oh ok"
"Hay Aqua"
"Sure thing Suba."
Aqua began to shot water with the strength of a kitchen tap
Halibel opened his mouth and began to drink the water
"Ahh how refreshing that's Aqua" Halibel completed
Aqua just moved to Subaru she wanted him to thank her instead
"Thanks Aqua, your a life saver."
"Thanks Suba."
Subaru didn't understand why but Aqua started to call him Suba after 4 days of training with Halibel.
But that didn't Concern him no the opposite.
After all nicknames are the ultimate way of showing friendship
Subaru smiled as Aqua vanished
Subaru then readjusted his dark cloak
After so much training it had many holes and tears in it
If a random individual were to walk by they would think Subaru was homeless
Nope he's just been Training harder then Julius in the harshest condition possible
Subaru looked to Halibel noticing that besides the one spot he burnt Halibel's clothes were basically undamaged
"Hay Halibel, what's the secret to your clothes lasting so long?" Subaru asked wanting some casual banter with his Sensi
"Oh well Subaru it's simple really, firstly my clothes are high quality cause I actually put some money into mine. Second mine were designed to take a beating. And lastly mine aren't made of thin cloth."
Subaru observed his cloaks depth
"*sigh* and I didn't bring any spare clothes, and I burnt my jacksuit *sighhhhhhh*"
Eon manifested in front of Subaru
"Subaru, may I use restoration magic on your cloak?"
"What?"
"I'm a yang spirit so I can use restoration magic"
"Why didn't you tell me this before I almost became naked?"
"You never asked."
"Whatever just do it please."
"Fukugen Mahou"
To Subaru's surprise his cloak began to fix itself
And when the spell finished it was almost good as new.
"Wow I hate to admit it but it's nearly perfect."
"I am a powerful yang spirit after all, and even so I wouldn't do a lack lustre job fixing Subaru's clothing." Eon said happily
Subaru look to the stars
"It's another beautiful night, wouldn't you agree Halibel?"
"I've seen so many in my life Subaru. This isn't even in the top twenty."
"Well your older then me so makes sense."
Subaru closed his eyes
He was ready for week 2
...
Emilia, with the support of Cruschs and Anastasia's camp had arrived at Bannan
Julius walked behind Emilia instructing her on the direction to Subaru's house
Emilia was extremely nervous. She was finally about to meet her knight again.
"It's this way Emilia-sama."
Julius said a bit shaky
Being beaten to a bloody pulp in this location was something he wouldn't forget.
But if one beating felt that bad.
Julius didn't want to imagine how much anguish he and Felix put Subaru through each day.
Beatrice was walking by herself
Emilia wasn't worthy of being her contravention, no only Subaru Natsuki was worthy of such a high position.
"When this is over, I expect some punishment on the cat boy and knight I suppose."
Beatrice spoke out load but slightly aiming it towards Crusch and Anastasia
Felix looked down knowing that whatever happened he deserved
"That's right, there better be some punishment for what they did to Rems hero" Rem said
Crusch looked down a Felix with a empty look
"Worry not, when you get Subaru back, Felix will be fired from being my knight."
Felix hearing this felt his heart break into two
"Then he shall face the legal system, after all no knight regardless of the situation should backstab a fellow knight." Crusch finished stoically
A few of the knights from each group nodded their heads in agreement, I mean Subaru wasn't even a normal knight. He was one of the best hero's of their time, maybe even better then Reinhard.
Emilia turned to Anastasia
"And what about your knight?" Emilia spoke coldly
"*sigh* my ex-knight will receive the same treatment as Felix. Fired then trialed through the legal system."
Emilia looked ahead not completely satisfied with this result but for now it would suffice
"E-Emilia-sama Subaru's house is just over their." Julius said with all confidence leaving his voice
Emilia and Beatrice where the first to approach the house
"H-hello is Betty's Subaru here?" Beatrice spoke worried that they might see Subaru jump out the window and run away
Nothing...
"Hello! Is Betty's contractor home?"
Nothing...
Emilia spoke up
"S-Subaru it's me your Emilia-tan. Please talk to us."
Nothing
Rem walked up to the door
And turned the knob
it was unlocked... Subaru must have forgotten to lock it
Rem opened the door and Rem and Beatrice immediately were hit with a faint smell of the witch
"Subaru" Rem whispered
Rem called out through the open door
"H-hello Subaru-kun, it's me, Rem... I'm coming in."
Rem stepped in as Emilia, Beatrice followed as everyone else waited outside
Emilia was surprised that Subaru was living in such a small place.
It was also a very empty house
A bed
A table with two chairs
And a few out of date Appa's
Rem made her way to Subarus bed
And picked up a pillow
She put the pillow right up to her nose
And gave it a long sniff
"*sniffffffff*"
Rems eyes widened with desire as she missed this smell so much
But even better this would help her track down Subaru-kun
"Emilia-sama, I have found a trail of Subaru's smell, I can track him."
Emilia smiled with joy at this and put her hands together in excitement
"Excellent, soon we will all be reunited."
Beatrice was jealous of Rem
"Maid girl, give me that pillow I suppose!"
"Beatrice-sama?"
Beatrice gave a bored look
"I said give it I suppose."
Rem slowly handed the pillow to Beatrice
Beatrice gave it a sniff
"Betty's satisfied with this I suppose."
"May Rem please have the pillow back?" Rem asked
"No"
Emilia smiling at the two's antics went outside to deliver the great news
They would soon find Subaru