Chapter 5
Stay
A/N: Dialogue will be in Japanese until further notice
The white room full of mythical characters vanished, replaced by a nostalgic night-time sight to Subaru.
Subaru: Still can't believe teleportation is real.
Kanku: It isn't real. It's just a myth, a fantasy created by crazy people, just like what the CIA really does. Alright, 1:40 pm CDT to Japan time… 3:40 am local.
Subaru, in Japanese: Hey Emilia, this is what my homeland is really like. Welcome to Chiba, Japan.
Emilia: It's so amazing. And I can feel an abundance of atmospheric mana and nearby spirits.
There wasn't much to admire in their vicinity, just suburban houses lined along the street. The lampposts spaced along the asphalt road and open windows provided light to their surroundings.
Kanku: A Texan CIA Agent, a semi-immortal Japanese kid, and a Half-Elf from another world walk into the suburbs.
Subaru: The Half-Elf asks where they are.
Kanku: But the semi-immortal knocks on a door.
Subaru walked towards the door they were standing across from. The mailbox read, in katakana and kanji, NATSUKI RESIDENCE, and missing persons flyers were posted on its sides.
MISSING SINCE 2017
NATSUKI SUBARU
CURRENTLY AGED 21
(Colored picture of Subaru)
REPORT TO THIS ADDRESS WITH ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE INDIVIDUAL(S) IN QUESTION
Subaru took the flyers off, unnecessary because the "missing" individual in question was holding his own poster.
He folded and carefully stuffed them into his trousers, making a mental note to remove them before wash. Ink can be just as hard as blood to remove from fabric and clothing.
Emilia: You grew up here, didn't you? You suddenly vanished and then suddenly appeared after however long it's been?
She raises her hands to his face, wiping away his unnoticed tears and failing to groom his messy swept-back raven hair.
He smiles and gives her a hug.
Subaru: Thank you Emilia. For the things you've done that you do and don't remember. Those things will always be up here, (taps his left temple) somewhere.
Emilia: Just be sure to come back to me, okie?
Subaru: Loyal to the ends of my lives.
Emilia: Always returning to his Master's side?
Subaru: EMT! EMM!
Emilia: You dummy.
Kanku: Hey Subaru, better hurry up in there before your folks get more worried.
Subaru let go of Emilia and walked up to the NATSUKI door in front of him. Emilia stood behind him as Kanku watched from the sidewalk.
*knock* *knock*
…
*knock* *knock*
Sleepy Female voice from inside, getting closer: It had better not be more of you pesky repor- (opens door) -ters…
Subaru, tears forming: Hey mom. I'm back. And yes, I did take care.
Naoko, starting to cry: S-Subaru? Is it re-really you?
She brings her hands up to the face of the boy standing at her doorstep. He takes her hands and puts them against his cheeks.
Annoyed Male voice from inside: If its those damn vultures again, I'll- (sees Naoko at the open doorway)- call.. the.. cops.
Subaru: Hey dad. I'm home.
Naoko: IT'S REALLY YOU SUBARU! MY SWEET BABY BOY! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH WE'VE MISSED YOU!
Naoko places her head on Subaru's chest, tears falling down her face and soaking into his uniform.
Kenichi: Subaru, is it you?
Subaru full heartedly smiles at his dad while he holds his mom's head in his arms.
Subaru: Who else could it be?
Kenichi walks closer, wanting to start a sob-fest.
Kenichi, tears forming: No one else can make a smile as childish as yours. You haven't aged a day. And your clothes…
Subaru: That's what spending a year in another world does to you.
Kenichi: Another Worl- Come on in. Tell us everything that's happened to you the last 4 years.
Naoko lifted her head off her son's chest, not wanting to let go of him ever again. She saw that behind him were 2 strangers. A tanned American teen and a pale European girl with silver hair and amethyst jewel eyes.
Naoko, surprised: You brought company.
Subaru: I can explain everything. The girl, the suit, my disappearance.
Kenichi: Come on in boy. All the good air is escaping.
Subaru walked in and carefully removed his leather boots, not wanting to damage the fine artisanship of the shoemaker.
Kenichi waited till Subaru crossed his path, then sprung into action. He grabbed Subaru from behind and put him into a headlock.
Subaru: Gck. Damn... it… old man. Ackh. (Manages to make breathing space) *inhale* The first thing you do to your reunited son is nearly kill him?!
Kenichi: Oh toughen up. You go missing for 4 years and suddenly appear with a pretty girl by your side? It's within my fatherly rights to make sure that you don't get soft on your family.
Emilia followed Subaru's lead and removed her slippers at the entrance. Kanku stood at the entrance, unsure if he should head in with his new squadmates. Kenichi released his son from his bear-like grip.
Naoko: Come on in, we have more than enough space for the 5 of us.
Kanku: Thank you, Ma'am.
Naoko: Well that's someone you don't see everyday, an American that speaks perfect Japanese. How'd you learn to speak Japanese…
Kanku: Kanku. My dad's from Chiba, has work over here, and I wanted to get my language credits.
Naoko: Please, come in Kanku. There's just so much to take in, I don't know where to start.
Kanku: One thing for sure is that you should be proud of your son there.
Kenichi: Come on in Kid. Subaru and the lovely lady here say that you're needed for this whole schtick.
Kanku shrugged his shoulders in acceptance, walked in, and closed the door.
Naoko grabbed another chair from the kitchen storage as Kanku sat in the chair behind Subaru and Emilia.
Naoko came back with folding chair in hand, and propped it next to Kenichi, sitting comfortably in the plastic Lifetime brand chair.
Naoko: Subaru, who are these people?
Subaru: The fantastic girl here is Emilia, no family name, just Emilia. The American behind me will be important later.
Kanku: Woooow. Way to back the bus up.
Subaru: Oh shut it, Kaz. Anyway, Emilia here is from the world I was stuck in. She's a half-elf and a the most kind hearted person that isn't mom or dad.
Kenichi: Half-Elf? Son, you need to work on your bullshitting skills if you're gonna make me believe that elves, dragons, and magic are real. And her hair color? Silver isn't natural, and neither was your little obs-
Subaru: Consider Bullshit 100, 5 times Legendary. Emilia, if you may?
Emilia turned her head to the right and swept aside her long silver hair, revealing her rounded elven ears.
Kenichi: That's some pretty hardcore cosplay. What kinda paint did you use that makes your hair so natural looking? And the ears... what did you do that ma-
Naoko: KENI! (slaps him across the back of the head)
Kenichi: ITAI!
Emilia: My silver hair is all natural, that I can guarantee.
Naoko: Your hair is very beautiful, Miss Emilia, regardless of any dyes used.
Subaru: *sigh* Her eyes? What other times have you seen someone with purple eyes?
Kenichi: Those are some pretty bizarre contacts.
Subaru: Y'know, for someone that asked us to tell you everything, you're being pretty untrusting of your own pride and joy. But I guess that we have no other choice. Kaz, does Emilia have clearance to use her Ice magic?
Kanku: Emilia, go ahead.
Naoko and Kenichi: Clearance? Ice Magic?
Subaru: Emilia, something a little flashy, but not something that'll turn the house into a freezer.
Emilia thought about a spell she could cast that might convince Subaru's parents. She slowly began to lift her arms, palms glowing blue. An ice shield suddenly formed mid-air and it began to float around the room, going as far as 5 meters before being recalled.
Emilia: As a half-elf, I have superior physical and magical skill compared to humans.
Kenichi poked the sheet of magical frost, slowly drifting away like a bubble in the sink. Most doubts he had about Subaru's claims had been cleared.
Kenichi: So anyways Subaru, you were gonna teach us how to use magic. Is Emilia your girlfriend or wife? Are we gonna get "quarter-elf" grandbabies?
Kanku: Pfft. Nice try Mr. Natsuki. Officially, magic, monsters, and other races don't exist. And no, they aren't in a relationship.
Naoko: Officially? And they aren't dating? They look like they'd be a happy couple.
Subaru: My story isn't for the feign of heart, and this is gonna be a long story. You're gonna need a drink for this.
Kenichi, walking to the kitchen: Guess I'll get the harder saké. You want anything, guys?
Subaru: A Ramune if there's any.
Emilia: A cup of water, please.
Naoko: Remember to bring an ochoko for me.
Kenichi walked off to the kitchen and opened the fridge, grabbing his son an Orange Ramune, his favorite.
He opened the cup cabinet and grabbed one, filling it with tap water.
He opened the left side of his liquor cabinet and grabbed a hardened saké from the front.
He grabbed 2 ochokos from the sink and carried everything back, wanting to have a sit down with his son after all these years.
He placed everything on the table they gathered around and sat down, pouring himself and his wife some saké; handing Subaru the Ramune; giving Emilia the cup of water.
Subaru took the glass bottle and popped the marble stop, taking a sip; taking his time to enjoy the nostalgic taste.
Emilia drank her water, surprised by the material of the cup and the taste of the water.
Subaru: That night I went out to the Mini-Stop, my vision began to warble, like a Mario painting. The next thing I knew was that I was in a fantasy world with demi-humans, horse sized lizards, and a messy political state.
For the next 20 minutes, Subaru explained his newfound life in another world from zero. He described everything he underwent. From his first run in with The Alley Trio to his suicides; his butler days in Roswall's mansion to his knighting ceremony. Everyone that died for him and everyone that he died for. Every use of Return By Death and every encounter with Satella.
All of his accomplishments, all of his deeds, all of his deaths. Every moment of his journey vividly retold to his increasingly dismayed parents and friends.
The once full bottle of saké reduced to a quarter of its volume by the parents of the Tragic Hero and Knight.
Kenichi, serving himself another ochoko: I do- *hic*-n't deserve to be called a father anymore. You've suffered so much because of what some damn bitch forced on you. If she claims to love you, she would'a given you a less half-assed power. And Roswall? Sounds like a major piece of shit.
Subaru: I have so many friends to support me. And the 1st Trail, it was both of you that gave me a reason to keep going. I couldn't ever not call you the best parents in any dimension. Even though it was just a magic induced simulation, you really did save me. I never held anything against you 2.
Kenichi: Tha- *hic*-nk you.
Naoko, tears falling from her cheeks: You've died more than once, and still find the willpower to keep going? Suicide, murder, freezing, mercy death, and Rabbits. How did you not try and run away with that Rem? She seemed like a good enough person, and you found it on your heart to love her back even after she did that to you. I would love to meet her and see how demonically inspired you all can get.
Subaru: I tried, but she gave me the best pep talk of my life, convincing me to stick around and care for those that need me. If we ever find a way to travel, I'll make sure that you get to meet everyone, and beat the hell out of Roswall.
Emilia: Subaru… how are you not gone crazy like Betelgeuse? You've suffered more than enough to last multiple lifetimes, yet you keep finding a reason to keep helping someone as incompetent as me.
Kanku: Second time I hear it and it's still as devastating. Mr and Mrs Natsuki, you sure are lucky to have one stubborn and hardworking son.
Naoko, finishing her ochoko: He's risked himself at every corner and hardly receives any gratitude from that unstable Lugunica. And Emilia, that poor excuse of a father figure you call Puck has no right to call a sweetheart like you his daughter. I would like to take you as my adopted daughter, but it looks like you're in more than capable hands. Those other Candidates don't have any right to lead any country. And if we ever get to meet little Beatrice, I'll make sure to spoil her rotten. She sounds so adorable, and you make it sound like she's our real granddaughter.
Kenichi: I'm proud to call you my son. You've taken down Magical Terrorists, Monsters, and befriended the epitomes of all evil. Even that those Witches have some dubious reasons, they seem like good enough people. But thank gosh you didn't take Echidna's contract, there's no telling what your life would've been like.
Kanku: We also need to discuss recent developments and your futures.
Kenichi: Kiddo, how exactly do you fit in all this? This whole story's been about Subaru saving everyone, so when do you get mixed up in all this?
Kanku: Everything that has been and will be said is confidential to the highest degree. Any portion of this whole conversation that is leaked or compromised in any capacity is a threat to the wellbeing and future of the planet.
Kenichi: Did you say something crazy or am I drunk already?
Emilia: I don't fully understand everything, but I believe he said that everything said here needs to stay a secret.
Naoko: Who says that we need this conversation to stay secret? We're finally reunited with our son.
Kanku: The CIA says for this to stay secret.
Kenichi: Well then "Secret Agent Kaz", who else are you part of? The Illuminati, The Kingsman, NERVE? You got any proof or special abilities like my dear son and future daughter in law?
Subaru: Dad!
Emilia: Daughter in law?
Kenichi: Oops. Did I let that slip?
Kanku: Don't worry guys, this happens all the time. I never felt the need to carry a badge or any ID, but I got (pulls out his twin pistols) these. If you look at the inside of the hammers, there's a heptagram in the black one and a hexagram in the white one. Touch the hexagram and a reliable lie detector will appear. You could also take the word of your recently reverse-isekaied son or the half-elf from another world.
Naoko, eyeing the pistols: Subaru, is he really with American Intelligence?
Subaru: I'm as sure that he's part of the CIA as much as you 2 are mayo addicts.
Emilia: I'm not very knowledgeable in the workings of this world, but I do know that Kaz is very trustworthy and cares for his friends, just like Subaru.
Subaru: He got us lunch after we suddenly appeared in America. He brought a friend along, and we ended up getting into a shootout in a Tex-Mex restaurant.
Kenichi: You got into a shootout?!
Subaru: Thanks to his teamwork, he and his friend, Eleanor Van Hellsing, stopped the 2 Single Winged Fallen Angels that were trying to rob the restaurant. Emilia cast an Ice Shield and I protected her from the flying lead.
Kenichi: That's my boy!
Naoko: If you aren't kidding, then Van Hellsing, as in Abraham Van Hellsing from Bram Stoker's Dracula?
Kanku: I think she called him great-great-great grandpa Abe. If you still think I'm lying, then touch the hammer of the white pistol.
Kenichi, grabbing the pistol: Kiddo, I wholeheartedly trust my son and Emilia, but you're strange, there's just so-
Kenichi looked at the Maleakhe pistol, soaking in the strange moving shapes and runes in the metal. He touched the inside of the hammer and a bright light appeared behind him.
The hypnotizing warm light-yellow glow gave off a comforting feeling, like the gentle heat of the sun after the heavy rain.
A single figure descended from the strange hole in the ceiling. It's humanoid silhouette barely visible in the gentle light. On each side were 4 vertically stacked protrusions; 2 pointed up and 2 pointed down for both sides.
A single ring floated above its head. Its legs remained together. Its face veiled buried under the light. Arms extended outwards.
Everyone's eyes stayed glued to the mysterious being, in awe of its heavenly presence.
Naoko: A-are you an Angel?
The Being, female voice drunkenly slurring: OI! Kaguneararaginai, wha'd'yu call me for th- *hic*- this time? An' whoooooo're the other faces. Why dooo I sense some magic?
Kanku, with familiarity: Coors, how's it been? I haven't seen you in what? 1, 2 nights?
Subaru: I don't care what you are. Emilia is more beautiful. Emilia-tan Maji Megami.
Kenichi: Woah. Is this what miracles look like?
Kanku: Meet Corinnusarala, Corinn or Coors for short, my 8-Winged Guardian alcoholic Angel with a shotgun. Yeah yeah, generic ethereal protector with a gun.
Subaru: Aren't the Wicked supposed to turn to ash in the presence of Angels?
Corinn, slurring: Kegarin, whaaa'd'ya call me for this time. (Looks at Subaru) Kid, thasss sorta true, but I'm picking u- *hic*-p some weird magical crap from you. (Looks back to Kanku) I wash in the middle of purging some deeemons in Mosc-
Kanku: BULLSHIT. I can smell the Dos Equis, Cîroc, and Coors from here. No amount of Angel magic can hide it from me, and I need you to sober up already. I called you because I needed a righteous 3rd party for some questions.
Corinn, creating another glow: Gabe might be psychic, but you're almost as good as reading people. So why would you need me to as-
Kanku: I need you to help clear some doubts the Natsuki parents have. They don't believe my affiliation. So I called in someone incapable of lying. And quit the drinking already, you're gonna Fall one of these days and I won't be rushing to Absolve you when you crash and burn.
Corinn: Kan, Kan. I'm a professional Holy Being that's been around longer than the recent wave of humans. It'll take more than a little booze to Fell someone like me. And lets get a move on with the questions, I can already feel the local yokai coming closer.
Kenichi: An Angel… I thought that the wards and charms kept the yokai back.
Subaru: I gave up on relying on lucky charms and wards when I went over there.
Emilia: Is this what an Angel looks like?
Corinn: Half-Elf, you're in the wrong universe. Hey Kid, (looks at Subaru) you belong here, but you look like you were with her.
Subaru: Isekaied by a god figure from over there, known as The Witch.
Corinn: Uggh. Damn Hags. C'mon Kajun, lets hurry up. My feathers are sticky with ætherial.
Kanku: Mr and Mrs Natsuki, our 3rd party is here. Ask the question.
Corinn put her hands together in a praying manner.
Corinn: In the Name of Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, I swear to Fall or die if I lie.
A sword hilt made of gold appeared in front of her, a glowing white blade of Heavenly Fire protruded from it.
Despite a sword of holy fire freely floating in a modest home for 3, the blade produced no heat. Instead, producing a twinkling and crackling noise, like silver bells ringing in a raging fire.
Naoko: Is it true that Kaz here is with the American CIA?
Corinn: Yes, he is with the CIA. More accurately, he is the Leader of a team of operatives they've been Paranormally or Technology modified.
Kanku: And with that, there is no doubt that I could be lying. Okay Coors, you can fly away and jack off or whatever you Angels do now.
Corinn, while vanishing: Suck a dick.
Kanku: Last time I checked, that's your job.
Corinn disappeared into thin air while flipping him the bird, returning to Heaven or a similar realm.
Naoko: Such vulgar children. I could never understand why the recent generations are so obsessed with profane language.
Emilia: What did she mean by "suck"?
Subaru: Dirty thoughts are best left out of that pretty head of yours.
Kenichi, putting down the pistol: So what? Are you some magic-casting gun-slinging cyborg that runs a team of people from fairy tales and mythology?
Kanku: That, minus the cyborg. My team consists of The last of the Van Hellsing bloodline, The Grimmhallow Twins, The Son of The Witcher, plus the recent additions of The Half-Elf of Ice and her jSpirit Knight.
Subaru: Eleanor Van Hellsing, Hansel and Gretel, Gericault Riveria, Emilia, and myself.
Kanku: An elite special operations team of unique individuals. The Central Intelligence Agency Branch of the Research, Containment, and Understanding of the Supernatural, aka CIRCUS. The most covert branch of any Intelligence Agency in the whole world. My team, the Specialized Mobile Operations Team, SMOTe, is comprised of Paranormally and/or Technology Augmented Unconventional Operatives, P-A-T-A-U-Os, pronounced "Patas."
Subaru: A very secretive team of people with technological or magical enhancements. Most of which mentioned in fairy tales or fiction, but all unique in their own ways. Emilia and I are recruits because our magical traits and circumstances. They're a pro team of Monster Hunters basically, and they get paid a lot.
Kanku: We work tirelessly around the world in every city, state, region, and country to protect the normalcy of civilization. We kill monsters, stop paranormal terrorists, halt world ending threats, and before you say something along the lines of "Ripoff SCP", we make The Foundation look like they're as public as McDonalds. We protect the world from the things that bump and drool at night.
Naoko: So my boy has magic powers; he's the Knight of a Queen-to-be; he has a daughter; and he has a job with The CIA as a well-paid international Monster Hunter. I trust that you'll keep him safe.
Kanku: Cross through my heart and 12 trillion needles in my spine.
Kenichi, handing him the pistol: Kiddo, that's a little overkill.
Kanku, holstering his pistols: When it comes to CIA, there's no such thing as overkill. Don't worry, I make good on all my promises. I will personally guarantee that your son will be safe.
Naoko: Thank you, and sorry for doubting you.
Kanku: Because of your relationship as family of Subaru, we can't risk any information getting out. You have the decision to relocate, courtesy of CIRCUS, or you could stay here at your home.
Naoko: The Natsuki family doesn't run from problems. We trample all over them in shoes.
Kanku, dialing a number on his phone: SMOTe Actual, requesting Gate Guardians on my location... keep it out of the house… give'em a little pick-me-up. (hangs up) Now you are marked as a "Class 1 priority". You're under the protection of the CIA, anything you do outside the house will be monitored and you will receive bi-daily reports. Each of your accounts have been given a bonus 200k USD, or about 22 Mil Yen. You're free to spend the cash anyway you want, but try to be a little discreet about it at work Mr. Natsuki, we don't need your drinking buddies knowing Subaru is a newly initiated Agent. You're clear to say that your son has been found, and we'll keep the media out of this. Your overwatch will be observing and protecting you 24/7, and they won't disturb your lives. The reports will be hand-given at 6 am and 10 pm, so make sure that you pick them up before they freak out and bust the door.
Naoko: Just like that? You gave us free protection and money?
Kanku: This is the best package for the families of Agents and Assets of CIRCUS. We can't have an Agent worrying about their families. And on a side note, he'll undergo training and become an invaluable Operative that fights back the disruption of normality. He'll be part of the foremost team of Supernatural Assessors, assisted by the most cutting of edge technology and magic. He'll work in the shadows in shadows to protect those living in the light. (Looks at Subaru) So what'd ya say, ready to Hunt and Protect?
Kenichi: My dear son is turning into a Hunter? Will he be fine? Will he be under CIA control?
Kanku: Mr Natsuki, I swear that I'd risk myself before letting your son get hurt. But about our MO, we take jobs from basically whoever can hire us. Whether it's lesser gods or civilians, if they have the cash to call us, we'll take the job, and if they're evil, they disappear after the job. We can do our own cases, but we mostly get them from the higher-ups. If he wants to sit out of an Op, no harm no foul. He's free to decide what jobs he does, whether it's solo or team.
Naoko: He'll be safe?
Kanku: Never make promises I can't keep.
Naoko: Emilia, could you be a dear and make sure he doesn't get into too much trouble? You look like such a lovely couple. Make sure he takes you out sometime, and if he misbehaves, just let us know.
Emilia, blushing: O-o-on d-dates? Well, if it's a request from his parents, I would be rude of a future Queen to not oblige.
Subaru: Heeeey. I'm supposed to be the one doing the protecting, Emilia-tan. It's why I became your Knight. And Mom, cut it out. Don't be expecting quarter-elves or half-oni any time soon, I am just a teen that barely got hired. I have a life in another world to manage with a whole bunch of friends and a pet dragon.
Naoko, excitedly: You have a pet dragon?!
Kenichi: Does the righteous Knight save the fair Princess on a flying legendary fire-breathing dragon?
Subaru: Imagine a velociraptor with the temper of a protective dog, but with scales black as out hair. Her name is Patrasche.
Naoko: You always did like Dog of Flanders. And before I forget, whatever happened to your phone?
Emilia: Subaru, you never did tell me what became of your strange metia.
Naoko: Metia?
Subaru: Items with magical properties, some of which help non-mages use magic. And in exchange for selling my phone to a reputable merchant, I got the necessary forces to kill The White Whale and a terrorist group leader.
Kenichi: Our boy is a proper national hero, and a man-in-the-making.
Emilia: Subaru, make sure that you don't get into trouble when you aren't at my side. If it weren't for me, you'd probably be locked in the dungeons for your suspicious behaviors.
Kenichi: Hey, Kaz, if you spooks ever manage to find a way for us to visit that other world, be sure to let us know. We'd like to see how our son got so motivated and full of energy again.
Kanku: Subaru, in this week, you will undergo the proper training to be an effective member, so spend the night how you want. Whether you want to sleep here or in the Ops Room, you'll have your ass busted harder than anything before.
Subaru: Guess I'll get some rest here. Emilia, would you like to spend the night in your Knight's home, or would you want to go to the team room?
Emilia: I'm only staying here to help you stay out of trouble.
Subaru: Aww, you're so adorable when you try to be a tsundere.
He walks to his room and looks back.
Subaru: Oh, yeah, Kaz, can you give me a little help in here?
Kanku walks to Subaru and opens the door, sighing at the embarrassing mess and memorabilia in his squadmate's room.
Numerous posters and figures of women, all of which had white or silver hair.
Kanku: So that's why your old man was saying something about an obsession.
Subaru: Shut up and help me, will ya?
Kanku, propped against the door frame, quickly peaked around the room and held his hand out. A small orange sphere appeared in his hand; swirling particles and shapes moving in and out of it as it flickered with the intensity of dying embers.
He lazily tossed the ball into the room, and the questionable items vanished from sight.
Subaru: What was tha-
Kanku: Simple psionic based transportation spell. It sent all that stuff into a pocket dimension, and you'll be able to get it back when you finish your training.
Subaru: There's still so much I need to learn. But I've had a crazy day, better head to sleep now.
Kanku: Aren't you forgetting someone?
Subaru: Oh damnit, I'm such an idiot. I forgot to ask where Emilia will sleep. Le'me go ask.
He squeezed his way past Kanku and into the kitchen, where Emilia and his parents were talking with each other.
Subaru: Hey Mom, Dad, do we have any space for Emilia to slee-
Emilia: And he said that he's too young to drink because he isn't 20. Then said that he can't get on "adult websites" without guardian supervision, whatever that meant.
Kenichi, playfully scolding: Son, how dare you taint this innocent lady's mind with pornographic sites!
Naoko: Subaru! Why would you say something so inappropriate to dear Emilia? We at least gave you the privacy.
Kanku stifled a laugh, trying not to fold over from the embarrassment Subaru was subject to.
Subaru: Waitwaitwait, I only said it as a joke! She was the one who thought I was 11! And she got drunk that night, with Rem of all people! It was indescribably adorable to see drunk Emilia and Rem keep each other company while I served drinks. And I made sure Beatrice didn't have any.
Emilia: Subaru, when exactly are you talking about? All I remember is that you, Puck, and Roswall were judging snow sculptures.
Kenichi: You were that drunk? Never took you for a drinker. You thought he was 11? Well, he can be a little childish at times, but 11?
Subaru: You were tippsy and you tackled me. Then you said, and I quote, (mimicking her) "Alcohol's yummy. Its not fair you kept it a secret for so long." Then Rem starting purring on my lap after getting drunk. Ros wanted me to cover for Ram, so I left the 2 of you together for a moment. You 2 hugged each other and said (mimicking her again) "I love you Rem."
Kanku: Y'know, for the Knight dedicated to the service of a discriminated Candidate, you were so irresponsible.
Subaru: It was like, half a year before I became her Knight.
Kenichi: Subaru, when you have a drunk girl advancing on you, you be responsible and don't leave them to other drunk people.
Naoko: And a boy of your age shouldn't be drinking any amount of alcohol.
Subaru: If I remember correctly, the legal drinking age in Lugunica is 12. But she's 10 times that, and 17-year-old Rem's oni physiology is more efficient than a regular human's, meaning it'll go through her faster.
Naoko: SUBARU! It's rude to talk about a womans' age!
Subaru knew that this was his cue to silence himself, but he needed to ask one last thing.
Subaru: Ok, back to what I needed to ask. Where is Emilia sleeping?
Naoko: Ummmm… We can pull the couch.
Kenichi: Emilia, are you okay with sleeping on the couch? It probably won't meet the standards of mansion life, but it's that or a spare mat we can lay on the floor.
Emilia: No no, please don't spend any more of your time. You've provided so much to all 3 of us, and your son finally came home after such a long time. I'm perfectly fine with the couch, and I'm not a picky sleeper. I did spend my childhood in a tree trunk.
Kenichi stood up and walked to the couch in front of the TV. He pulled the cushion up, revealing the bare canvas sheet in the middle of a steel frame.
'If the furniture is strange, then how about other magics? Or monsters and more Ma-Beasts? How different are our homes?'
He extended the steel frame out to the floor, went to the storage room to find a spare mat, blanket, and pillow.
Kenichi came back from the storage room, barely holding onto the mat, pillow, and blanket. Subaru walked over to him and took the pillow and blanket.
Kenichi: Wow. And after so much this frail old man provided you for 17 and a half years, you take the lightest things.
Subaru, pointing at his dad's muscle: Sure, frail and old. It's not like you don't go to the gym after work, or wake me up with a restraint. And I'm wearing this. (points to his uniform) I don't know how you wash luxury silk and linen clothes from another world.
Naoko: Why do you think god gave you 2 hands.
Subaru: You'd think that, unless you've seen the other side. Isekais aren't all that they're cracked up to be. Just look at me for example, shut-in to national hero, but only thanks to some powerful people… and my power.
Kenichi placed down the mattress on the couch bed, and Subaru laid the blanket and pillow.
Kanku picked up the dishes and trash, and Emilia walked over to the couch.
Kenichi: It's not much, but it's made with love.
Subaru: Really Dad?
Emilia, giggling: Oh, you dummy. I'm perfectly fine sleeping on this. And if I remember correctly, the country of Kararagi has beds like this. Their food and drink is supposedly similar to here, according to what Subaru has said.
Kenichi: So what? They have futons, pull-out couches, saké, and yakitori over there?
Subaru: And coffee, but over there, its called coff. Apples are called appas, salt is solte, peppers are pepires, and cotton candy is called fluff or fluffy.
Naoko: Such strange pronunciations and names. But it's another world I suppose.
Emilia: Isn't Beatrice always adding "I suppose" and "In fact" when she talks?
Subaru: And that just makes her more adorable. She's a strong mage, she acts like an adult, and she likes sweet things, but whenever we go in public, people think that she's my daughter. Petra's always wondering why I don't spend time with her and the rest of the village kids, and The Witches seemed interested in me visiting them sometime. You'd never expect the strongest ones to be little kids.
Kanku: So what? Are you some sort of Lolimancer?
Subaru: Damnit, you said it too.
Naoko and Kenichi failed to hold in their laughter at a title their son holds.
Naoko: So what, are you always summoning and attracting little girls to fight at your side.
Subaru: Just Beatrice. It's not my fault that I'm such a charismatic person. I just happen to be in front of them when I do something badass, like that one time I jumped in and grabbed a bag of magi-stones from your carriage, Emilia.
Emilia: The Whale hunt? And the killing of Betelgeuse? Didn't you reluctantly fight him with Julius' help?
Subaru, making a finger gun: With the help of my Spirit Affinity, a Spirit Knight, Otto's driving, and myself getting possessed, we killed that bastard and his cronies.
Kenichi, thinking out loud: Spirit Affinity…. Knight…. possession…. (Snaps his fingers) Spirit Gun, Yu Yu Hakusho.
Subaru, pointing at Kenichi: Bang! Possession is no joke, having your soul shoved aside in your own body and loosing control. Imagine a fight for the steering wheel, except it's in your head and you're in intense pain.
Emilia: One of Ms. Crusch's soldiers told me that they and Rem narrowly escaped the Sin Archbishops of Greed and Gluttony. What were their names? Regulus Corneas? Lye Batenkaitos? Rem told me that before they started fighting, Regulus offered her and Ms. Crusch to become one of his wives.
Subaru, with a venomous tone of familiarity: Regulus. That asshat. Yeah, I know about Regulus, and his Authority of Greed. And his 290-some wives. He's on top of the list.
Kenichi: What did you call people like him? Sin Archbishops of the Witch Cult, right? And how many wives?
Emilia: The same Regulus that appeared with Pandora in Elior.
Subaru, eyes darkening: All too familiar with him and his Authority (muttering) corpse pieces…. dirt… a damn sword one time.(Normally) Lye Batenkaitos, Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, it's his fault Rem was forgotten in so many loops. I barely had enough time to kill The Whale and Betelgeuse, then rush over to Ms. Crusch's convoy to pull her and Rem out.
Naoko: Loops? Sin Archbishops? Rem and the other woman are fine?
Kanku: Best left thinking for after his training. (Looks at Subaru) Get some sleep. First light, you're getting ported to our training facility.
Emilia: Best that I be going to sleep too. I am a new member of his team, afterall.
She went to the pullout couch and laid down as Subaru and his parents went to their rooms. Kanku teleported to somewhere, most likely the training facility he mentioned.
Subaru took off his Knight boots and put them next to his bed. He climbed into his bed and looked at his clock.
4:10 AM
' 2pm-ish in America. Wonder when I'll start.'
He grabbed his pillow, fluffing it out, closed his eyes, and let his psyche wander into the dreamscape.
……
Memories flash. Death. Blood. Gore. Limbs. Rem. Emilia. Puck. Elsa. Ice. Echidna. Daphne. Sekhmet. Suicide. Hungry. Thirsty. Pain. Darkness. Abyss. Night. Skies. Bunnies. Biting. Biting. Biting. Biting. Satella. Envy. Sin. Witch. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Shadows. Words.
Must protect her. What if I get hurt? Save her. Will I have to die? Leave them. What about Rem? Live safe. What if I'm not happy? Can't die properly. It's Satella's fault. Should've taken The Contract. She just wanted to abuse It. Run from everything. But I have people to protect.
"Ashiteru. Ashiteru. Ashiteru. Ashiteru. Love. Love. Love. Love me. Be with me. Come with me. Join me. Stay with me. Leave your struggles behind. You are already with me. Wake up. It's not morning yet. Go to sleep. I'm waiting for you. Lie down. I'll be at your side. Stand up. Stay with me. Love. Love. Love. Love me. Call for me. I will go. Don't leave. Ashiteru. I am with you. Just call for me. I love, love, love, love you."
Subaru woke up in a cold sweat, remembering another nightmar; unsure and unable to differentiate the past, present, and future.
He felt a comforting on his arm. A familiar warmth; a friendly warmth; bodily warmth.
He willed his eyes to turn, afraid of what or who he might see.
In the darkness of his room, he could barely make out the thin silvery strands draped over a spheroid on his arm.
A sleepy voice came from it; so soft, sweet, and innocent.
?: I couldn't sleep, and I heard you saying something. You kept saying things like "Why me?" and "Get away Satella."
Subaru, groggily: Huh? Emilia? Why are you on my arm? Its not even sunrise.
Emilia, quietly: I hear and see the others talking about you having nightmares for unknown reasons. You usually sleep with Beatty next to you, or Rem strokes your head. I'm concerned about you, and I see that you want to care for everyone. You're actions have gone unpaid for so long, so here I am, giving back a tinsy bit.
Subaru: So you found that out too? Guess it didn't take very long. But we need to get some sleep, because we have a few hours before we start our basic training.
Emilia: I know. Just let me sleep here for a little bit longer. I can see why people like it when you hug them. You're like a comfy pillow and a protective blanket in one.
Subaru: So I upgraded my job from Knight to personal pillow?
Emilia: No, silly! I just thought that I'd be more comfortable sleeping here, at your side.
Subaru: Thanks Emilia.
Subaru's eyes felt dry, and his eyelids felt like they were being glued shut. He fell asleep, knowing he'll be safe and comfy for the night, able to sleep without nightmares.
Emilia: Dummy.