Contains Arc 4 spoilers
Intertwined Jumps
Chapter 0
Prologue
Where His Metaphorical Demons Lay
The lush velvet carpets rested beneath his feet; their vibrant color contrasting with the oriental candles flickering the gala. Friends, strangers, and an unassuming foe alike talked amongst each other, sharing a variety of drinks, stories, and conversations.
The lacquer-coated stone pillars and walls dressed in celebratory pointed banners kept the crisp air of the night at bay, letting the occupants stand comfortably in the center of the room or walk through the elegantly hand-crafted glass doors.
A lone boy kneeled atop the gold marble stage in his newly donned violet cape bearing the Royal Knight's Crest, and beneath was a white silk blazer with a gold chain across the upright collar. His bended legs were protected by complementary fine linen trousers supported by a leather belt with a gold buckle. His feet were sheltered in high quality flexible black leather boots. On his left side was a newly smithed ceremonial sword, made for this occasion.
In front of the kneeling young man with unkempt swept-back black hair was a single woman. The woman stood before him in a purple-trimmed blanche overcoat and a column dress of equally blanche fabric.
Her skin was one of a gentle paleness, her silver hair as white as the snow that may fall. Her irises were a gentle bright purple; they looked as if they were gems treated by a professional jeweler.
Her ears had the curvature of an elves', but lacked the sharpness and length of one; denoting that she was indeed a half-elf; one that bore resemblance to The Witch of Envy, Satella
The young man drew the sword on his side, centering his right hand on the flat of the blade and holding the hilt with an open palm up. He supported the ceremonial arming sword upwards, holding his head up as the woman before him slowly grabbed the hilt with her right hand and held the center of the blade's flat with her right.
He rested his hands on his right knee and lowered his head, indicating that it was the woman's turn in this ritual for the conferment of knighthood. The room fell silent; the once friendly atmosphere of the "fancy party," as a young demi-human boy had put it, had died almost instantly.
She raised the sword with her right, aiming the tip to the air. The steel blade reflected the candlelight of the room, near-blinding to the formally dressed attendees.
The Woman: The Sun that looks down upon a brilliant world; The Stars that keep watch over The World when it sleeps; The Wind, to The Water, to The Earth, to The Light; The Spirits that dwell in all things; The World that will accept you and nurture you, The Vast World into which you will be sent forth; The Pride that has supported you, protected you, and created you; May you find a way to live that will not shame all that watch over you, The World that nurtures you, and The Pride that supports you. May you live as your heart dictates, never fearing, never cowering, never hesitating; Have you the will to do all this, as all things surrounding you have done, to swear that you will henceforth protect the one standing before you?
The young man: On The Sun, The Stars, The Spirits, The World, My Pride; And on My Father and Mother; I swear it. I will protect you. I will grant your every wish. My Name is Subaru Natsuki; (looks up her) your Knight, Emilia, and yours alone.
The woman felt tears form and her cheeks blush, closing her eyes to avoid appearing weak in front of the crowd. She smiled that now, the boy kneeling at her feet, could call himself "Her Knight." What would the world think if she, a Candidate for the 42nd King of The Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica, was easily swoon by a simple black-haired boy of a non-existent background?
The Woman: Right .
She lowered the sword to ear-level, above the right shoulder of Subaru, returning the sword to him in a matter identical to its passing. He retrieved the sword and returned it to its scabbard.
He stood up, finally able to feel the blood flow in his legs. He looked straight ahead at the Woman he had finished swearing fealty to. He gave a warm goofy smile, looking more like a child the longer he made the face.
Subaru: This is nothing new, but you look so sexy and cute in that outfit, Emilia-tan.
Emilia: You dunderhead.
She playfully stuck the tip of her tongue out at her doofus of a Knight. Who was he to call her "cute and sexy" in the middle of potentially one of his largest celebrations?
The mood of the room reverted to its original air. People picked back up in their conversations, their plates, and their drinks.
Subaru went outside, standing on the balcony and resting his arms on the wall. He stared out to the woods of the mansion his knighthood celebration had took place; the Miload Family mansion, a branch House of the Mathers' family. The House had been eager to host the event because the orphaned heiress, Annerose Miload, was "head over heels," as Roswall had said, for Emilia.
Emilia: Subaru? So, this is where you were.
Subaru: Oh, it's you, Emilia. I thought some angle or fairy had come to get me.
Emilia: Are you drunk or something?
Subaru, as Emilia walks to him: I told you already, I don't drink. I'm only drunk on myself and the atmosphere right now.
Emilia: See? You are drunk. (lays her hands on the stone barrier) Are you getting along with Roswall? What were you talking about before the ceremony?
Subaru turned his body to look at Emilia better, then brought a right fist to his mouth as he coughed.
Emilia: Ah, I knew he was messing with you.
Subaru: You're so perceptive Emilia. I get the feeling that things are going to be even tougher than before.
Emilia: I think Roswall is just afraid of forgetting everything he's done. That's why he acts like that to get everyone's attention. Honestly, he's such a child.
Subaru: You're amazing, Emilia.
Emilia: You think so? (smiles, laughs, and coughs) Thanks. But I think that about you too. I really do. (turns to her Knight) There's something I want to say to my Knight later.
Subaru: What a coincidence, there's a lot I want to say to you too.
Emilia raises her left hand to the middle between them, balling her hand into a fist and sticking out her slender pinkie.
Emilia: Then it's a promise.
Subaru looked at her partially extended hand, seeing that she wanted to make a "pinky promise." He brought his right hand, stuck out his last finger, and wrapped it around her's.
Emilia: When the ceremony is over, we'll have an important talk. Would you come to my room?
Subaru: I'm a repeat offender when it comes to breaking promises, but when you invite me to your room at night, is breaking that promise even an option? Of course not!
Emilia: Sorry... I'm not really sure what you're talking about.
They let go of their hands, mutually agreeing that the contract had been made. Subaru gave a little wink towards the still confused half-elf.
Subaru, in a giddy tone: I can't wait to find out what we'll talk about.
Emilia: One evening might not be enough.
Subaru: If it's that important, I'll give you as many evenings as it takes. I'm your Number One Knight! Okay?
Emilia: O-okay.
Emilia took her eyes off her newly appointed Knight and stared at the ground beside him, clearly deep in thought and worried about something.
Subaru: Don't worry, Emilia. No matter what you say, I'll never become disenchanted with you.
Emilia: Subaru...
Subaru: What's important isn't the beginning, or the middle; it's the end. Besides, no matter what started it, it's not like it's still the same now, right?
Emilia: H-how... do... you know?
They looked through the glass windows leading to their balcony; people of all ages and races, humans and demi-humans alike, were eating, drinking, and talking with each other like longtime friends. Subaru smiled at them, watching them enjoy their time at his ascendance party.
Subaru: You were looking out over the hall with those sweet eyes before. Seeing that made it obvious. If making that circle around you bigger is one of your reasons for working so hard, (he looks deep into her eyes affirmingly) then let your Number One help you.
Emilia: You really don't mind if I rely on you?
Subaru: What'd ya' think I promised a minute ago? I want you to rely on me before anyone else. If there's anything I can help you with, I will. And if there's anything you don't understand, I'll think about it with you.
Emilia teared up along his words. His words of promise that he'll stay by her side and be forever loyal; that he wants her to be the one she could rely on so she doesn't burden herself. She smiles; smiles that he swears to be with her always, and he will never give up on her.
Emilia: R-right.
Subaru broke their tender moment with another of his strange tendencies. He raised his arms as if in victory, or showing off what little muscle he had to someone.
Subaru: All right, my doubts are gone now!
They both looked back indoors to the party, unsure what they should say or do next.
Emilia: Subaru, your face looks so sweet now.
Subaru: I wonder why?
They could see that Otto had his head down on the cloth covering of the table, and that Frederica had just foiled Garfiel's plot to sneak in a sip of wine.
Subaru: Maybe I'm just happy to see what you're seeing, and I think it's nice.
Emilia: Oh, I can understand that. It makes me happy if you feel the same way about it.
They look at the rest of their merry band of Liberators. Ram is standing, sleeping against a wall; Rem is holding onto her to prevent her from falling.
Petra is "dancing" with Beatrice; spinning around as the unenthusiastic and extravagantly dressed blonde loli holds her twirling hand still.
Subaru: I'm not so sure... That might not be quite right. I do think it's okay if we think differently... It's such a nice atmosphere, isn't it, Emilia?
Emilia: Yes, it is... I think this scene just might be my ideal. I'll never forget it.
Subaru turned his head back to her and snorted a laugh. He grabbed her hand and walked back inside to the middle of the room.
They danced; danced clumsily out of inexperience; danced gracefully out of celebration; danced happily as they spun around, smiled, and looked deep at each other.
They continued to dance with each other, unaware that everyone else had stopped to look at the reason for their invitation. After a few more minutes, the human knight and his half-elf Lady couple had stopped dancing, seeing that everyone had been evidently stopped and been watched them for some time.
The looked at their overlookers and back to their selves in embarrassment, and had started to walk around the room to find the others.
They turned around to face the dining table closest to the balcony, spotting Frederica scolding Garfiel about something. They walked over to them, partially hearing the argument.
Frederica: No Garfiel, no alcohol until you are 20. Natsuki had told him that drinking from an early age will lead you down a long spiraling path of depravity.
Garfiel: But Sis, Ram o' there said tha' she drank 'long with the 'dults as a kid. So wha's wrong with mine' am'zin' self takin' a li'l sip? I'm sure Boss woul' be okay with me hav'n a glass.
Frederica: Garfiel, I already said no. This is for your own good, so you could grow to be a strong and healthy man; and not end up like the hyenas in the Capitol slums.
Emilia: Frederica, what seems to be the problem over here?
Garfiel: Big Sis ain' let'n me ha' a sip here. Hey, Boss, back me up 'ere. Ju' look a' Cabbie 'er, 'e's gone 'n go' 'imslef a couple glasses in.
Otto, buzzed: Loooooookie 'ere, it's Naki an' a biiiiig cute kittyyyyyyy. Coooooome heeeere big kittyyyyyyyy. Le'me gi' you aaaaaaaaaaaaa belly rrrrrrrrruuuuuuub.
Otto lifted his head, squinting his eyes with tiredness and intoxication. He looked back and forward between Subaru and Frederica. He lifter his arms in a hugging manner aimed at Frederica's stomach. She stepped backwards; the drunk ash-haired fellow dropping his arms in defeat.
Frederica: Mr. Suwen, I believe that you've had more than enough alcohol for tonight. Garfiel, please escort him to the guest room.
Garfiel: Boss, c'mon, help me out 'ere.
Subaru, in a 'matter of fact' tone: A drowning man will even grasp at straw.
Garfiel, excitedly: An' there goes another one o' Boss' awesome sayin's.
Subaru: Gar, please listen to your Big Sis.
The muscular blonde stopped himself from arguing with both his Boss and elder half-sister, knowing it was pointless. So, he picked up his drunken ashen-haired friend, slung his arm around the back of his neck, and walked to the exit hallway.
Emilia, ponderingly: A drowning man will grasp at straw? What a strange insight. Subaru, what precisely do you mean by that?
Subaru: Well, my wonderful Queen, it is another philosophical quote from my homeland. It speaks volumes about how desperate a person can be in the face of certain misfortune. A drowning man is so desperate to survive and pull himself to the surface, that he'll cling onto whatever is in the water, even something as flimsy as straw. Garfiel wanted to get a sip of alcohol, and when Frederica said no, he tried to sway me with his praise and question why Otto got to have some drinks. He was grasping at whatever he had available.
Emilia: Ohhhh. Well, thank you Frederica, but Subaru and I must be going.
Frederica: Thank you for your time, Ms. Emilia and Sir Natsuki.
Emilia and Subaru wave at a bowing Frederica as they walk around the room to find other members of the party. They come across a strange sight of 2 young girls.
Petra: Beatty, dance with me, please? Subaru became a Knight today, its good a reason to participate with the other adults; or is it because you're too scared to dance?
Beatrice: Silly maid. I am not scared to dance, I suppose. I simply do not wish to needlessly expend energy in participating in foolish human pastimes. I am the noble and Great Spirit Beatrice; Protector of The Forbidden Library and The Contracted Spirit of Su- *ahem, Knight Subaru Natsuki, in fact.
As the 2 little women were bickering on how to spend the time at "Sir Subaru's" celebration, the Knight in question and his Mistress walked towards them. Subaru immediately knelt down in front of the cream-haired girl in red, and gave his short Spirit a small smile, looking more like a child than the noble Knight he supposedly was.
Subaru: How's my little adorable Beako doing? Do you want me to go get you a snack while you sit down and drink some juice or cider? Do you need help getting onto a chair?
Petra: Subaru, you were so cool up there. You almost looked like you were a real Knight.
Subaru put both hands over his heart, feigning the pain of a penetrating arrow. He wanted to spend time getting to know his newly Contracted Spirit, but the first thing the newly-hired maid, working for his Mistress' sponsor, called him a fake.
Subaru: * Akh , right through the heart. How could such a youth be so cruel and heartless? You're as bad, if not worse, than the kids back in Arlam. Don't be so mean to this lowly Knight.
Emilia laughed at the sheer relentless brutality of Petra to Subaru. It was good to see that Petra was steadily recovering from Elsa, Meili, Roswall, and The Great Rabbit.
Emilia: You silly boy.
Subaru: How could you, Emilia? It's not my fault kids flock to me like Ma-Beasts. I guess they see all the back-breaking coolness and manliness I tote around.
Beatrice: Beatty's Subaru is no simple lowly being. Making a contract, nay, being within proximity of a Great Spirit such as Beatty is cause for celebration on its own. But dear contractor, Beatty is not so much a child she can't sit on a mere chair. (floats upwards to sit)
Subaru: That's my Beako. (gives her a head-pat)
Beatrice: Normally, Beatty would blast away anyone that would even attempt to touch Beatty. But since it is Beatty's Contractor, she will allow it, I suppose. (smiles smugly at Petra)
Emilia: If people didn't know the ages of you two, you'd look like Father and his daughter. She's still so cute.
Beatrice: Ms. Emilia and Beatty's contractor have said that she is indeed the most fabulous and marvelous Spirit, therefore Beatty truly is the most adorable in fact, not that she needed confirmation, in fact. The half-elf even declares that Beatty appears to be the daughter of Contractor.
Petra: (pouts) Beatty is such a meanie. Subaru, will you still be able to come back to the village to play with us and show the adults your cal-is-then-ics? And could you tell Ms. Emilia to take her hoodie off? She isn't fooling anyone.
Subaru: Petra, as Emilia's Knight, I'll have to stay by her side even more now. If she has business outside the Mathers Domain, I have to be at her side. But if we do come back to the Domain, then maybe we could make a quick stop at Arlam. And that's a promise.
Petra looks at Subaru and smiles; he'll finally be able to take a break from being the best hero ever, and play with her, the other kids, and the adults again. She lets her anticipation loos for the rest of the world to see, as she raises her arms in celebration in a fashion to Subaru screaming "VICTORY" after his exercising.
Emilia: It isn't healthy for such young children to stay up so late. Beatrice, why don't you take Petra to a guest room, I'm sure Annerose would be more than welcome to lend you a room for tonight.
Beatrice: Does Contractor wish for Beatty to escort the child to sleeping quarters?
Subaru: Yes Beako. Please take Petra to one of the guest rooms. Down that hall (points to the exit), you might see Garfiel trying to get Otto to stay in one of the rooms. Just make sure to ask Roswall or Annerose before you take a room.
He places his hand of Petra's head and shakes her neat amber orange hair loose. She squeals in delight and catches herself yawning. She covers her mouth till she stops and rubs her eyes.
Emilia: Well, goodnight Beatrice, Petra. We must be going. Make sure to get some rest, because we'll be leaving first thing in the morning.
Beatrice: Subaru, make sure to come back to Beatty as soon as possible. She will assure you that you will stay safe as you sleep. But before you leave...
She extends her hand towards Subaru's chest, causing a faint blue glow to appear in her hand. The blonde girl lowers her arm after a few minutes, and holds the hand of her companion-in-age, taking off to find the Master of the House.
Subaru lets out a sigh of relief, that Beatrice had finally withdrew mana. He waves his hand goodnight for the 2 girls. He stands upright to continue walking along-side with the majestic Emilia.
They continued their pseudo-survey of the room; conversing with the attendees, taking bits of hors d'oeuvres, and taking glasses of juice, cider, or water. They thought Roswall would be in the gala, but he was still missing, along with the Ryuzu clone. They'd turn up eventually, as they always do.
They were about to leave, but saw that across the room were the Oni-Twin maids. As they moved through the horde of part-goers, they saw that Rem had put Ram in a chair, presumably to prevent her from tiring her legs for tomorrow, and had pulled a chair for herself.
Ram was using Rem's left shoulder as a pillow while Rem swept her sister's hair off her face. She gave both of their uniforms a cursory wipe-down with damp towels; removing any grass, dirt, food, or blood from their elegant possessions.
She pulled out her Morning-Star for maintenance; untangling the chain, relieving the spikes of any stray pieces of organs, and cleaned the metalic body of most bloodstains. She put it away, planning to treat her weapon properly when they arrived back to one of Roswall's other mansions.
Subaru: Hey Rem, nice to see that you can finally take a break.
Rem: Hello Subaru-kun, Emilia-sama. Rem is here at Nee-sama's side, happy that can have a break after her long days of working and helping Subaru-kun with saving The Sanctuary.
Emilia- Rem, are you sure that it's okay to let your sister sleep on the chair? What if someone spills a drink, or drops a plate?
Subaru: Ram is the type to shut-in on Golden Week to sleep and eat. I don't think she'll mind if someone drops a bit of food or drink near or on her. Besides, Rem here has demonically fast reaction time. And now that I'm a Knight, I have another reason to protect you all.
Rem: Once again, you shower Rem with praise, Subaru-kun. What was it that you say we are? "Demonically inspired"?
Subaru: Gods are boring and hands-off; demons are awesome and always in play.
Rem blushes at Her Hero's words. He was Her Hero; Emilia's Royal Knight; responsible for killing The White Whale, Betelgeuse, and The Great Rabbit; liberating The Sanctuary and stopping Elsa Granheirt permanently.
Sometime after he killed Betelgeuse, he started to vaguely smell like something else; he still had "his" smell, but had another one, similar, but somewhat different. He gained an even fainter smell shortly after exiting The Witch's Graveyard. Again, it was the scent a Witch Cultist would have; yet again, it was somehow different.
The first new "smell" intensified during his rather physical dispute with Garfiel, where the overwhelmingly powerful demi-tiger boy was mysteriously knocked back by something. In the moment it took for Garfiel to be sent flying back, Subaru had a look of confidence, as if discovering something new; but had another look of unexplained, sudden, and intense pain.
In all, the persistent boy had 3 "smells" on him. He still reeked of The Witch, but the other faint 2 had her thoughts set on the idea if there was someone, or something, else at play; influencing, guiding, or following him.
He was so full of life.
He was always eager to do chores for them.
He was always hiding something.
He hid his pain too well for someone as young as him.
Why did he hide it from them?
Where did he come from? Why was he so unfamiliar with basic lessons? Why did he write strange scribbles, but be unfamiliar with the standard glyphs? How is it that his hands were so soft, yet not be a Nobleman? Why was he so obsessed with Emilia?
What is his connection to The Witch? Why did he have the new smells? Why would someone who smells like a Witch Cultist go out of their way to do as much good for the world as he did?
What did he see in The Trials? Who did he see in his Trials? What did The Trial say to him? How much did The Trials change him? Was he still Her Subaru, or was he something else entirely?
How does he acquire such unnatural information? How was he so familiar with all of them? Why did he care for Her? Why did he act like he lost Her after the Whale Hunt? Does he still care for Her?
No matter: Rem was Rem; Ram was Ram; Emilia was Emilia; Puck was gone; Beatrice is now full of life; Subaru is still Subaru. They made it out of every dangerous situation thanks to Subaru's inhuman, rather, demonic inspiration, leadership, and information. They didn't doubt Subaru was an enemy, and they didn't have doubts about his strange behaviors or abilities.
He's just Subaru.
Rem: Now, I must excuse myself, Emilia-sama, Subaru-kun. I must take Nee-sama to a guest room so she may be comfortable in her sleep for our duties tomorrow.
She lifted her sleeping pink-headed twin with ease, carrying her "bridal-style," as Subaru called it. She bowed as best as she could and began to walk to the guest rooms in the adjacent hallway.
Subaru: She was definitely thinking about something.
Emilia: Thinking about what? Why would you say that? She was just smiling and caring for her sister.
Subaru: Through my extensively short experiences, I can sometimes tell when people are trying to hide something. Whether it's trying to act out plans or seeing the gears in their heads spin; I can beat down that wall with some staring.
Emilia: You're so strange, Subaru.
She looks around the room, gaining a few inches off the ground with the power of lifting with her feet; she inspected their surroundings, unsuccessfully identifying her target.
Subaru: Looking for something or someone, Emilia? You don't have to do a thing, just sit down and tell me who to find, and I'll go get them.
Emilia: It's nothing. I was just seeing if Roswall and the Ryuzu were still here. But anyways, let's move from here. I wanted to talk to you in my room.
Subaru couldn't believe his ears. The most beautiful woman ever was already following up on her plans to chat with him, privately , in her room. He couldn't help but let out an expectant grin, but managed to somewhat suppress it.
Subaru: All right. After you, Emilia. (vertically points a hand to the exit and sidesteps)
They begin to walk through the crowd of people, redirecting around tables, and dodging numerous Noble-children. They reach the hall leading away from the party, and heard numerous voices around them.
The first door of the row to their right was evidently the one Garfiel had taken Otto into. The varnished wood door was a crack open, letting a sliver of crystal-light through. Inside the normally elegant room were pair of voices; an alcohol induced slurring voice and a loud vulgar voice; Otto and Garfiel respectively. They peeked through the crack; spectating the battle between alcohol and muscle.
Garfiel was struggling to put his companion to rest on the bed, but the drunk ashen-hair fellow kept resisting.
Otto: C'm 'er smol kittyyyyyy. L'me gi' you aaaaaaaaaa belly ruuuuuub whiiiiiiiiile you sleeeeeep ri' 'er in m' laaaaaaappppp. Wee c'n wai' tilllllllllll tha' big kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiity comes o'er.
Garfiel: Cut the shit Cabbie. Boss an' Big Sis left it up t' me t' watch ov'r you. Don' make me knock s'me sense inta ya.'
Otto: Wwwwwwwwhy aaaaaaaaare yyyouuu su- *hic* -ch a meeeeaaaanie, smol kiiiiiiiiiiiiityyyy. I'm perffectlllllllyyy a'riiiiiiiii...
Otto passed out from his intoxicated ramblings of belly-rubs and playful squeezing of cats. He suddenly slouched forward; Garfiel catching and setting his friend down onto the expensive thread sheets. The young man began to quietly snore on the bed, sleep-talking about "playing with Big Kitty." Garfiel sat down on the chair of the nightstand, laying his head down on the dense brown wooden desk. He had the presence, behavior, and looks of a cat when he slept.
Subaru thought to himself that his merchant friend is gonna have one hell-ova hangover in the morning. They had planned for Otto to be the carriage driver back to the mansion, but now that he's out of the question, either Rem or himself will have to take over.
Emilia stifled a laugh with her hand, failing to notice she had been noticed by Garfiel, who lifted a thumbs-up sign from the desk. He dropped his arm, causing a dull *thunk* on the desk. He began to snore slightly louder than Otto, but it would be no more than a faint noise with the door closed.
She closed the door, letting Subaru know it was time to keep going. Outside the windows to their right, they could see numerous knights and people out in the front-lawn/field
Julius was communing with the lesser spirits, evident by the multicolored spheres of light surrounding him. Some strayed away from him, moving upwards towards the windows they were watching from. Julius opened his eye and saw the spirits' target: newly appointed Royal Knight Subaru Natsuki and Emilia. He waved towards them, and Subaru made the universal gesture, that was thankfully understood by the people here stuck in the magical Middle Ages: both hands held together flat pressed against an ear; the non-verbal sign of sleep.
Julius noticed the gesture and waved a goodnight in understanding. Next to the Spirit Knight were some Noblemen and women drawing bows. They nocked an arrow, pulled the drawstring, and let the arrows fly. Some dropped the bows and recoiled in pain as their incorrect stance, draw-technique, and lack of padding exposed their forearms to the mercy of the thin string of condensed hide.
A single person ran to the fallen Nobles in pain. This lone person put their hands over the injured arms of the Nobles and a blue glow radiated from their palms. With the help of the outdoor crystal-lights and the shine of healing magic, Subaru could see through the darkness that the healer was, in fact, Felix Argyle, the trap cat-boy Knight of Crusch Karsten; known as "Blue" in Lugunica; dubbed for his reputation as the best user of water magic, more specifically, healing magic.
Subaru felt a cheek muscle twitch; memories regarding Felix in the "cannon" loop and failed loops that he'd rather have forgotten. Subaru blinked away the venomous snaking of the phantom pain.
' That loop is long gone,' he told himself.
Emilia: Subaru, what's wrong?
Subaru snapped back to concentration, realizing that Emilia saw him spacing out; he remembered something that should never see the light of The Sun or the darkness of The Garden.
Subaru: N-nothing, Emilia. Just close to dozing off.
It wasn't the whole truth, but it wasn't a complete lie. His sleep schedule has been all over the place since Earth and every time he's Returned.
His unhealthy lifestyle of staying shut-in all day and night; solo and offline gaming on his PC or watching anime.
Jacking some random's BO2 KD; Blinking, dicing, sneaking, and parkouring his way through the streets of Dunwall in Dishonored; and grinding away the Jungle Trolls of Stranglethorn Vale in WOW.
When he "arrived" in this new world, he's had zero time for restful sleep. With the start of each new loop, all physical injuries are reset to whenever the checkpoint was made. The more he thought about it, the more it sounded like a messy Recall.
Although his body may be rested, his mind isn't. He remembers every detail of his deaths. He's caught himself dozing off during his butler hours after looping to save Rem, himself, and the villagers. When he "attended" Puck's Magic 101 class, he messed up royally, and Emilia resorted to feeding him a Boko Fruit so he could re-energize himself.
With the especially bad loops, he would catch sleep anyway he could, despite knowing he would be having nightmares for days on end. He'd try to sooth himself and ease the dreams with memories of home, think back to happier moments in this new world, sleep with Beatrice, or count "Emilias" instead of sheep.
?: -aru? Subaru? SUBARU?
'Damn it, I did it again,' he thought.
Emilia: Subaru, you spaced out again. Is there anything wrong, anything I could do to help?
Subaru: Sorry, I was just thinking about how proud my mom and dad would be. We stopped The Whale, The Rabbit, and Betelgeuse; saved The Sanctuary; I'm contracted with Beatrice; and I finally became your Knight.
Emilia: I'm sure that wherever they are, they're very proud of you. I know I am.
She continues walking down the hall, Subaru following suit.
The next 2 doors were shut; the adult voices screaming in enjoyment would be plainly audible from the hall if it were not for the party. Subaru's ears isolated and identified the noise; trained since birth in the 21st century, constantly surrounded by noise in the subs and cities; and total concentration during gaming, picking up sights and sounds during competitive matches would make a difference.
Emilia saw that the next door had a hanging sign on it; her name transcribed in basic i-glyphs on the wood plank. She pushed open the door and saw the standard items of a Noble's guest room.
A wood desk with a chair; a bed with blankets and pillows; a closet; a watercloset, a sink with towels, and washtub; crystal lights for the desk and room; and a time-crystal above the doorframe.
She entered the guest room provided by Annerose, and Subaru couldn't help but feel unwelcome in a room graciously reserved for his Mistress.
Who was he to enter Emilias room? Her Knight.
What exactly did The Heavenly Half-Elf want to discuss with a lowly human Knight like him? No clue, but hopefully it was something personal; something that would let him know that he had advanced in their friendship.
He closed the door behind her, sliding the massive bolt on the door's edge into the doorframe. There was no perceivable way that someone, other than a drunkard, would mistake the designated room for something else. So there shouldn't be any distractions in their conversation till the sun rises.
She asked Subaru to dampen 2 small towels; so she could clean her forehead of any stray sweat or dust, and so he would quickly wipe-down her coat.
He did as instructed, grabbing and moistening 2 small towels at the sink, but looked back in time to see her take off the ceremonial coat and drape it over the chair like she had exhausted herself all day.
" EMT," he whispered.
He saw her short, rounded elf-like ears twitch; he was always forgetting she had superior sensory when compared to the average human.
Emilia: Subaru, did you say something silly again?
Subaru, clearly lying through his teeth: No. But I can't help but say it again, that you look so sexy and cute like that.
She couldn't help but let out another embarrassed chuckle while her grin with her fingertips; anymore from him and her blood would start flowing through her face and ears. He really did have a strange way with words; almost always saying the right thing at almost always the right moment.
She uncovered her smile, and he smiled back. He looks so scary at first; his scary looking "sanpaku eyes" that he inherited from his mother, his ink-black hair from his father, and the air around him.
He had a smile worthy of the child he was. So bright and full of hope. So innocent and peaceful. So carefree and childish. He looked more like a child the more you saw him smile.
' Just another one of his uniqueness,' She thought.
On the surface, he was the most quick-witted and childish person you could meet. But as most know, the eyes are the window into the soul.
He was no child, not even close, not anymore. It was times like this that he could forget what only he knew and remembered. Look deeper and you would know that his eyes said it all, with Wilhelm being the first to really notice. He has been in touch with death on numerous occasions.
He kept going so the world could be a better place for all, and so he could become a better person. He wanted to find his reason to keep going, and he did, Emilia. He swore that he would do everything in his powers to keep the first promise, and to make her dreams come true. In doing so, he remembers what the world had forgotten, his lives ending in a variety of gruesome flavors.
Pain. Suffering. Elsa. Gutting. Blood. Stabbing. Blood. Dog. Bite. Curse. Bite. Mace. Mutilation. Wind. Mace. WhydoIdie. Cliff. Suicide. Frozen. Frozen. Decapitated. Frozen. Shattered. Letmeoutofthis. Betelgeuse. Felix. Julius. Suicide. Thisishell. Forgotten Rem. Sword. Suicide. Whyme. Mansion. Elsa. Elsa. Beatrice. Gutted. Donttrusttheeyes. Snow. Bunny. Horde. Biting. Biting. Chokingonblood. Biting. Echidna. Witches. Satella. Sanctuary. Petra. Echidna. Handkerchief. Suicide. Iknowsuffering. Rabbit. Roswall. Suicide. Biting. Biting. Biting. Emilia. Gone. Lost. Crazed. Shell. Empty. Kiss. Blood. Dead. Whenwillitend.
Emilia finished patting down her face and head; Subaru finished wiping her coat down. She sat on the floor, her legs tucked in, leaving her to sit on her heels and feet.
Emilia: Come here Subaru.
Subaru couldn't believe his eyes and ears. It's happening again. He thanked every lucky star and constellation for this moment. There was no way this was a dream. Was this a reward for all the saving and suffering?
He walked closer to her and sat on the floor in front of her.
Emilia: Lay your head down. And look in the other direction.
He complied; laying the right side of his head on her lap so he could face the door.
He could feel the softness of her skin; softer and smoother than the finest of silk; more soft and fluffy than the clouds that habit the skies; silks hand-woven by the gods for this one-in-a-multi-verse individual.
He could feel the warmth of her skin; the perfect balance of cold and heat, like the most comfortable pillow, one begging him to stay in bed all day and night; both perfectly cool and perfectly warm.
Subaru, turns head: What did I do to earn something like this?
Emilia: Don't look here... But you could say that this is your break. You've done so much for all of us; The Insignia, The Whale, Geuse, The Rabbits, The Mansion, Beatty, and now.
Subaru: Guess all my hard-work and semantics finally paid off, uh?
He let out a little laugh, grateful to whoever was in control that he was able to protect everyone close to him in the cannon loop. He's tested, tried, cried, and died multitudes of times over to protect everyone; dedicating himself to be Emilia's most utilizable pawn.
He had the opportunity to undo any and all mistakes of the past to ultimately receive the desired outcome. He could've undone all of his screw-ups and mistakes, letting the world know the best and brightest of Subaru Natsuki, the Knight of the Half-Elf.
But what was the point in undoing mistakes if you had nothing to show for your hard-work and dedication for a cause; if all you could do was die repeatedly to get to where you might be?
How many loops would it take to achieve the absolute best possible outcome? Dozens? Hundreds? Thousands of deaths? Who would he devolve into if he had died that many times? He's barely keeping himself together as it is, but what if he didn't have the friendships he's earned, or the emotional support to stay himself?
Who, or what, would he become? And by when? Who would still be with him in the next loop? Or in the next 5 loops? What would've happened to him if he did take Echidna's Contract back at the Sanctuary? What would he have done if The Witches never stepped in, or if he accepted regardless?
He slowly felt himself drift to sleep, wondering what, or who, he'll see tonight.
Emilia, softly: You know, you're like the little sibling I never had.
She started to stroke his head; gliding her hand across the top and gently running her fingers through his hair.
' He really is a child,' she thought.
' Looks like there'll be no nightmares tonight,' he cynically concluded.
He closed his eyes slowly, accepting the reality of the situation; he was going to fall asleep in Emilia's lap-pillow, and fall asleep without nightmares.
He felt a warm stream on both sides of his face, to tired to wipe them away; letting himself enjoy the moment while it lasted.
Subaru, sleepily whispering: Thank you, Emilia. You really don't know how much we've both done for each other.
And with that, the black-haired, nasty-eyed, mysterious boy fell asleep. Slipping unconscious peacefully, not a care in the multi-verse, enjoying what little time everyone saw in him in the loop. He knew it wouldn't always be this peaceful, and he's long accepted that fact; but he wasn't going to let anything, or anyone, stop him from becoming the best "him" he could be, and be alongside Emilia as her goals and dreams come true over time.
Heaven, Hell, Satella, Ma-Beasts, Sin Archbishops, The Witches, Roswall, or Fate. No force in existence could stop the stubborn boy that would eternally die.
Emilia gave him a little kiss on the forehead; partially in recognition of his fruits, partially in light of her undeveloped feelings for him, and partially in the fact that he looked both like a child and so helpless as he slept.
She's heard numerous times from the others that Subaru doesn't always sleep in peace. Falling off the side, muttering their names in despair, or having cold-sweats. It often comes upon Beatrice or Rem to comfort him as he slept.
Whatever he's been through and whoever he really is are things that he wouldn't share with them, hinting that his dreams would come true if he tried to talk about them; the result being catastrophic and unbelievable.
She felt her eyelids become heavy, and her vision started to fade to grey. She stopped resisting the temptation of sleep and let her body take control.
A few minutes later, she would slouch over the child-like teen on her lap; falling trap to the irresistible blanket of the sub-conscious. What good would a leader be if they couldn't follow their own procedures and plans?
She was mortal too, of course she needed her own sleep.
Congrats for making it to the end of Ch1 of this new FicI'll be trying to upload at least once a week