Authors Note: A bit iffy about this chapter, it still follows the same story of Arc 1, so there was little divergence.
The next few days went relatively smoothly, Subaru and Halibel would train along with the spirits. Halibel would complain about the sheer hardness of fighting 6 great spirits at once, but Subaru don't care. That sly dog deserved it.
Freeing and disbanding enslaved people was a lot more easier with the help of the spirits. Hestia got a bit carried away and burned down half of a forest, dying the sky red in return. The group had to quickly leave the scene before they were investigated for eco-terrorism.
The group also found it funny when Lucius grew himself larger and all the slavers, including the slaves, passed out from shock. The raven haired boy would have to be a lot more careful when it comes to the yang spirits form.
Now that all was said and done, Subaru Natsuki was done training as a student under Halibel, and he'd go to choose his own path. Who knows what grand adventure will await.
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"Are you sure that's everything Su-San?" Halibel scratched his chin as he observed the raven haired boy. "Y-yeah, that seems to be everything" Subaru replied. He looked at the bag wrapped around his shoulder, the sword latched on his back, and the clothes he were wearing. It seems like I have everything. "Spirits? Are you guys ready!"
"Everything is fine here!" Hestia said with excitement, waving her hands in the air.
"Things are fine by me!" Flint replied.
"If your good I'm good~" Aella blew out of her pipe as she smiled.
"Everything is as it should be" Lucius breathed air out his snout as he observed his master.
"Lela is fine contractor" Lela gripped her hold on Subaru's hand, Aqua did the other.
"I'm fine thanks!" Aqua smiled as her gold eyes reflected the sun.
"Alright, thats everyone, it's about time we depart" Subaru looked up at the sun, it was morning. They decided to leave early so they were first in line to grab a dragon carriage. Subaru had made enough money to do so, if he spent it wisely he could last a few weeks till he found a job. "I gotta say, it was nice trainin' ya Su-San" Halibel grinned.
"Yeah, you were a pretty good teacher, despite how annoying you were" The raven haired boy quipped. This got a chuckle out of Halibel as he crossed his arms. "Hehe, still got yer jokes huh? I'll get you later, so for now safe travels" The shinobi waved as Subaru and his spirits started to depart.
"I'll make sure to come visit some time in the future" Subaru said with a smile. "I'll hold ya to that" Halibel replied. "Are you ready young master?" Lucius butted into the conversation, there he stood at the end of the clearing. His body truly was large, Subaru had to marvel at him whenever he looked his way. Truly incredible.
Subaru decided he would ride Lucius to Banan since they didn't want to take the 20 minute walk. "Lucius is surely faster than walking, so we should get there pretty quickly~" Aella informed. "Yeah, you are right, let's go!" The spirit arts user said as they all started boarding on Lucius's back.
Despite Subaru's idea of wanting to ride Lucius, He was still a bit nervous of heights. All his other spirits didn't seem to share this sentiment as they all looked perfectly content on riding him. Only Flint seemed a bit nervous. It was extremely apparent since he grappled onto Hestia, large beads of sweat running down his face.
"Are you ok contractor?" Lela had a look of worry as Subaru held on to her. "I'm fine, it's my first time riding on a...y'know...dragon" Subaru scratched his head as he looked down nervously, Lucius started to depart as he slowly floated into the air.
"Here we go!" Hestia had a big wide smile as she saw the ground getting further and farther below. "Everyone hold on!" Lucius said. Subaru was truly nervous, the fact Aella was holding on to him too didn't circumvent this at all.
Everything below them got increasingly smaller and smaller, even Halibel seemed to look more and more similar to a dot. Ooh god! Subaru grappled onto Lela when he felt the wind hit him. He could see the treetops blurring as Lucius increasingly gained speed. After Subaru calmed himself, he started to analyze the world below him.
Pats the forest laid vast open meadows. The city of Banan was already in sigh on the horizon. In different directions there stood many villages. "What do you think?" Aqua asked, noticing her contractor's expression of awe. "It's...it's beautiful" Subaru replied with a smile. This fantasy world really is something huh? Glad I'm going to Lugnica, I want to see more of it.
A few minutes had passed and Banan city was already coming close, Lucius landed nearby so they could walk the rest of the way. Subaru didn't feel like repeating the mistake of letting Lucius be seen in his bigger form. The Yang spirit shrunk, perching himself on the raven haired boy's shoulder. "Alright guys let's go" Subaru gestured with his hands as his spirits began following him.
They strolled through the city, they would get weird stares here and there but everything turned out alright. Near the edge of the city was where the stables were located. They were lucky since they were right on time and only one dragon was left. "Heya Miss? Are you the owner of this stable?" Subaru asked as he inspected the many empty chambers that once held ground dragons.
"Oop, yup! I'm the owner of this fine establishment" The lady seemed to be too deep in her work that she was surprised by Subaru's comment. She quickly put down the supplies she was handling and went to greet him. "Is there anything ya need?" The shopkeeper asked.
"A dragon carriage would be nice!" Subaru informed. "Oh! Yer just in luck! There's only one dragon left!" Her face was giddy as she led them towards the dragon at the far end of the stables. The other spirits followed, examining their surroundings. "I hafta warn ya! She's quite a biter" All of them walked up to her, Subaru had to admit, she was a very beautiful ground dragon. He instinctively went to press his palm along the base of her neck. This got a few purr's from her, which greatly surprised the shopkeeper.
"W-wha? She's nice to you? Our other workers dreaded going anywhere near her!" She had a puzzled expression as she waved her arms around in panic. "Hmmm, it seems like she likes me" Subaru had a faint smile as he brushed the dragon's head. "Wow contractor! Your good at handling her!" Lela said with a smile.
"Alright Miss, I'll take this one" Subaru replied as he turned around to face her. "A-Ah alright! Just come with me inside to sign a few papers and she's all yours!" The woman said. The others seemed happy they found a carriage, they had to admit that riding on Lucius would drive too much attention.
Subaru nodded before staring at the ground dragon, petting it more. "I think I'll name you...Patrasche!" The ground dragon seemed content with the name, wagging it's tail as she nestled further into the palm of her new master's hand.
So they all headed back inside, clearing paperwork and payment before continuing their journey once more.
Subaru and his spirits stood in front of the carriage, looking at it with poker faces. "Uhh we got the carriage so, who is gonna hold the reins?" Aqua had a look of worry as she looked at everyone else. "Huh, I never actually thought about that" Subaru rubbed his head as he cursed himself for his inadequacy, not only did he not know how to read and write, but now he couldn't even lead a carriage.
"Well I can give it a spin, I'll just learn along the way" Flint cut in, his face a look of determination as he got on the front. "Are you sure? You don't plan on running us into a wall do you?~" Aella teased as she took another huff from her pipe. "Hey! I'll get the hang of this pretty quickly, just you watch!" Flint looked at Aella angrily as his face was red, he grabbed the reins as he sat in a more comfortable position.
"Welp, driving problem is semi-solved, everyone hop in" Subaru said this as Aella and Hestia boarded the back, Subaru had to help Lela and Aqua up since they were too small, Lucius stayed perched on his shoulder. He then turned and walked up to flint. "Here's the map, just go straight east until we meet the border" The raven haired boy reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded map, Flint grabbed it as he looked, before turning back to his contractor.
"Yup! Got it! Now get in, it's time we leave this city" The earth spirit said. Subaru could only sigh in exasperation as he boarded as well.
As soon as the carriage started rolling, it bumped unevenly until the ground dragons divine protection activated, the speed picked up and the roughness of the ground going against the wheels stopped. Subaru sat back against the wooden walls of the carriage, Lela was in his lap as she slowly dozed off to sleep. Damn it, she's so cute, I can die from her cuteness alone. The boy had a giddy expression as he continued playing with her hair.
Not in a million years did Subaru think he would end up where he was now. To think this would be my life..
Across from him was Aella as Aqua was in her lap. Subaru liked Aella's motherly tone, he felt like if there was something deep and secret he needed to say, he would probably tell the wind spirit it first and foremost. A smile dawned his face as he watched her rub Aqua's head, the water spirit getting drowsy and tired as well.
Of course, Aqua was mostly the caretaker of the group despite appearing young like Lela. Although The raven haired boy couldn't say it, he liked when she scolded him when he did something dangerous.
Lucius stayed perched on Subaru's shoulder, Subaru asked if he wanted to get some rest but he denied it, saying Spirits technically didn't need rest. There were a lot of things Spirits didn't need, food or water, sleep or hygiene. It was a weird thing, subaru wondered how life would be like if he didn't need any of those to survive. What would he strive for? People don't live to eat and sleep do they?
Exactly, they don't, so there's something that keeps spirits going just like humans and the like, goals. Every being in this world strives for something, spirits must do the same. He just wondered what they would strive for if they were basically immortal. Quite strange.
Flint was the one leading the carriage, every now and then there would be a swerve and Subaru and Hestia would scold him, he would laugh and say he was getting better-
He wasn't.
Hestia was an oddball, she was the only spirit that looked Subaru's age, despite that she was a lot more extroverted than Subaru would be in hundreds of years. Though the raven haired boy thought of himself to be more charming.
There were a lot of things to think about, like how Subaru was starting a new life in a new country with his spirit family, his lips curved upward at the thought. He could break out into a giggle at where he was now, it didn't make sense to him. Subaru had heard that it was good to leave your hometown sometime after you finish school, this was so you didn't get comfortable, and the new experience would shape you into a better person.
Subaru didn't exactly take the advice, but he could say he was doing something similar. In fact, one of the reasons he decided to abstain against staying in Kararagi was due to the popularity revolving his name. If he wasn't careful, everyone would be on his porch step looking for his recruitment. And while it was good to have some money, he didn't want to waste away his spirits in warfare or something, the thought sent shivers down his spine.
He could just hope the religious zealots of Gusteko don't find him.
"Are you planning to sleep anything soon Contractor?~ this'll be a long journey after all" Aella gave him a worried glare as she continued petting the hair of Aqua, Subaru only looked outside. "Well, I'll guess I'll rest a bit, that shouldn't hurt, I'll be in your care Aella" he said with a smile towards her, she only nodded.
"Yes, me and Lucius will keep guard for bandits and the like while your sleep~" she said as her face became more determined. "Alright, I'll be getting some sleep then" Subaru said as he closed his eyes, for the journey would be long.
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The next few days went by quickly, the spirits did pretty well when it came to ridding of bandits, no one came even close to the carriage. Yesterday they successfully crossed the border of Kararagi and right into Lugnica, and after another few days of travel, the spirit family reached the Royal Capital.
"We're finally here!" Subaru yelled as his arms flung into the air, his gaze settled on the city in the distance. "Can you try being less loud?" Aqua rubbed her eyes as she got up, the other spirits seemed to be surprised by his sudden outburst as well. "O-oh, sorry Aqua, I'm just so excited!"
It was morning, and the sun was just starting to peek over the horizon, even in the distance other carriages were seen making their way inside the city. "Well let's get moving then, I'm very excited as well~" Aella folded her arms as she had a content smile.
"Lela...wants to see the city too hmph!" The yin spirit pouted as she gazed at her master. "Alright Lela, I'll show you everything it has to offer" he went and sat down, putting her on his lap as he patted her head. "And you have to feed me sweets!" She added, her mouth drooling from the thought alone "...oh, that too" Subaru didn't seem all that eager, it just gave him the confirmation that his money would be wasted a lot on Lela today. "But I'll do it anyways for my cute little sister" he smiled, Lela only relished in his head pats.
"I can't wait to see how many enemies we come across!" Hestia proudly exclaimed. Every other spirit gave her a concerned glare. Throughout their trip Subaru had to stop her from burning everyone they came across, of course she seemed discontent with this. "You really are something, aren't you Hestia" the spirit arts user shook his head, a bead of sweat falling from it.
"Yup!" She nodded with a grin.
Shortly they entered the capital, already getting clearance from the guards. Once they were inside, they all could only marvel at how big it was.
"It's so green!"
"There's so many people"
"This is exciting~"
"Truly a wondrous city"
"Wow!"
"Amazing!"
Subaru could only smile warmly at the spirits reactions, City of Banan already impressed them, but the Capital of Lugnica blew their socks off. "Alright, let's book a hotel and get some grub!" All the spirits nodded at this. Lela seemed the most happy for the many desserts her sugar malnourished body could taste.
"Hestia! Can you stop smacking your food so loudly?" Aella had a 'I'm so done' look as she gazed at the spirit beside her, eating her food like a baby playing with play-dough. "Bwut it's shooooo gwood!" Her words were barely comprehensible as she shoved more food in her mouth. "For how childish you act, I'm surprised you didn't become a loli too" Subaru giggled as he fed Lela a cookie.
"Wah? But I wanted to be big and strong like contractor! So that's why I chose this form!" Hestia said in near outrage. "Haha! You should know I'm the strongest one here Hestia! Just look at these muscles" Flint began flexing, the fire spirit gave a jealous look, having regretted not having thought of adding muscles to her form.
"Aw man!"
"Don't worry Hestia, I'm sure contractor likes you just as much! Your appearance doesn't matter" Aqua wagged her finger as she bit from a cookie, snuggling more into Subaru's lap along with Lela. "That's right! I love my two Loli's as much as I love you Hestia!" The raven haired boy beamed. This got a blush from the fire spirit as she turned back to her food. "Still using that term, it sounds weird hmph!" The yin spirit said in an annoyed gesture, mad at her contractor's weird sayings.
"That's just his Subarism's, you'll get used to it" Aella winked. His band of spirits came to know a lot of Subaru's weird behaviors over the last month, they just chocked it up to a phenomenon known as a 'Subarism'. They laughed when Subaru pouted at the term used, him saying it was perfectly normal to say such weird phrases, of course they just laughed even harder.
The spirit arts user's face went red at the teasing, having forgotten to feed his needy spirit. "Are you forgetting something?" The near identical sister on his lap met him gaze to gaze, evil glare to evil glare. Although she looked 10x cuter with those eyes. "O-oh! Sorry Lela!" He happily sent another cookie into her mouth, which she happily ate.
"Contractor, I've been meaning to ask, but now that we are here, what do you plan to do next" Lucius spoke from his perch on Subaru's shoulder, sending a question his way. The mean eyed boy only put a finger to his chin, thinking. "Now that I think about it, I don't really know, I guess I need a job now" Subaru responded.
"Oh oh! Master! Maybe you can get a job as a knight! You should be very good at the sword now right?" Hestia happily chirped. To be completely honest, Subaru wasn't all that confident in his swordplay, he could take out a few random street thugs yeah, but anyone above that and he's done. I just haven't trained that much, it's been a month anyways.
Of course, sword skills don't grow over night, and they don't grow in a month either. "I don't know Hestia, I can parry very well, even at times I can send a good slash, but my skills don't grow that far after that" he racked his head in disappointed. "No need to worry Young master, we are your spirits after all, we will support you in all your endeavors" the yang spirit reassured his master, helping him out his depressive state.
"T-thanks Lucius, I can always count on you" Subaru then turned to the rest of his spirits. "Alright, let's just finish eating and we can go rent a hotel, after that let's go exploring!" This comment got him nods from the spirits. "Uhm, are you forgetting something?" That monotonous voice pierced his ears again as he looked down in fear at the yin spirit in his lap. "O-oh, sure..." Subaru said in resignation as he fed Lela another cookie.
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The rest of the morning went pretty well, they rented a few rooms at a nearby inn. Aella, Aqua, and Lela insisted on sleeping in the same bed as Subaru, to which he agreed, though a bit reluctant on allowing Aella to do so as well. Hestia and Flint had the room next to theirs. Lucius didn't need a bed as he was as small as a lizard, saying he would just sleep on a pillow.
After that they headed out to explore the city, seeing many sights and luxuries. There were many variations of Humans and Demi-humans alike. This truly is a fantasy world. Subaru once again had to comprehend that fact, his life in this world was hectic to say the least, but now that he could finally get away from that and enjoy this beautiful city, he wanted it to never end.
"How are you guys liking it so far?" The raven haired boy turned his head, a yin spirit sitting on his shoulders while another held his hand. "This city sure is big, but it's also loud" Aqua said while covering her ears. "I like it! It has so many good sweets!" Lela looked at the many stalls giving away tasty treats, other kids were begging their parents for some as well. "Hehe, I guess you could say that" Subaru replied.
Hestia, Flint, and Aella followed closely behind, Lucius sat on top of Lela's head admiring the view. "Hey! Let's go down this way, heard there's a fountain nearby" Subaru said as his spirits followed, another street filled with dragon carriages, passerby's walking along the side. They walked down the path, admiring the nearby buildings until then-
"OH NO THAT CHILD!"
"MOVE OUT THE WAY KID!"
"HELP!"
Several screams shouted out, the spirits and Subaru were quickly alerted, looking at what was assumed to be a threat. But what they saw shocked them. A kid was in traffic, seconds away from getting ran over by a dragon carriage, it would be a cruel death. "FLINT! Shield that kid" Subaru yelled. "On it!" Flint replied as he casted a spell.
At that moment a large stone wall intersected the impact of the dragon carriage and the boy, the wall didn't even crack under the pressure of the ramming. "W-what?" The child's voice said in confusion. "Get out the way kid!" A nearby knight grabbed him before pulling him to the side.
Many cheers began to release into the air, happy that they never witnessed a death. Subaru walked up to the kid, kneeling down next to him. "Hey man, make sure you don't do that again" he said in a scolding voice, the kid only nodded his head while thanking him. "Thank you for saving me" he then turned his head towards the earth spirit.
"A-and you too, what's your name mister?" Flint smiled. "My names Flint! Spirit of Earth and the contracted spirit of Subaru!" He posed, the nearby passerby's seemed enamored that he called himself a spirit. "S-spirit!" A sense of fear overcame him as he kneeled at his feet, his head on the ground. "I never got a chance to meet a spirit such as you before! It's such an honor"
While Subaru cringed at the action, flint took in the words with pride, lifting the child to his feet and patting his head. Hestia seemed to be tapping her feet while crossing her arms, her face red with envy. "Aw come on Hestia, I'm sure you'll get your spotlight soon~" Aella pat her shoulder, the fire spirit only growled.
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"Let's just take a short cut through here, that crowd got very big" Subaru didn't want to make himself known, after the crowd figured out he had 6 great spirits contracted to him, he attracted quite a lot of curious faces. Never again. Subaru sighed as his spirits followed him through the alley, until then-
"Hey hey outta the way!" The high pitched yell of a child resonated throughout the alleyway, Subaru looked forward to see 3 thug looking men, a long with a blonde haired girl running towards them. "Oop, you guys look pretty rich, but there's no use stealing when you guys look very tough" the thief grimaced as she jumped super high, landing on flint's head before pouncing on top of a building.
"Hey! What was that for!" The earth spirit boomed as he stomped his feet. "Haha! Flint was used as ledging" Hestia couldn't suppress her giggling as she watched the thief disappear from atop the building. Subaru could only stare in awe, his shoulders still supporting Lela who sported a confused glare as well.
"A-are you sure about this Kan? I don't think we can take on 7 people at once" the face of the bowl cut bandit shivered as he took a step back, glancing wearily at the people in front of them. "Y-yeah, maybe you are right! They look rich, but we stand no chance seeing as their are so many of them!" The burly man spat. "Besides, you see that dragon looking thing on that girls head, it could be a spirit" the white haired boy said as his voice sounded of that of genuine fear.
Subaru and his spirits could only look on in mere confusion at the conversation happening in front of them. "We stand no chance! Just back out!" Chin said as the three ran back out the alleyway, back down the path of which they came. "Well, that was something~" Aella said, taking a huff from her kiseru.
"They looked to be bandits, but quickly backed out when they realized how strong in numbers we were" Lucius formed a hypothesis on the matter. "Sounds about right, they stand no chance against us!" Hestia flexed her arms in pride. "But that was still weird though, I wonder what that girl was running from" Subaru angled his head in confusion, but his answer was quickly given to him when another person entered through the alleyway-
It could only be described as the most beautiful person Subaru had ever laid his eyes on. Her silver hair gleamed against the light, her amethyst colored pupils matched with the purple linings dawning her silky white outfit. The green crystal around her neck provided a nice contrast. If anything, it was like an Angel just appeared in front of the raven haired boy's eyes.
"Uh-uhmm" she stopped in her tracks, her voice gasping for air as she quickly took something similar to a defensive position, her eyes darted to each of their forms, taking in each of their eyes as she held a contemplative glare. It could only be similar to that of skepticism. Of course, the weird makeshift of people in front of her eyes was strange to say the least. She seemed rather frightened, but quickly stopped when she noticed the two rather young girls.
'They couldn't be bad, there are children with them' she must've thought. "Contractor? Do you know what's wrong with her?" Aqua looked up to meet the frozen in awe boy's mean glare, she quickly narrowed her eyes when she found him unresponsive. Subaru's face reddened as he looked at the woman, what made it worse was when her amethyst eyes locked back into his. An awkward silence ensued, before it was broken by the girls footsteps as she approached them-
"Ah-erm" she stammered. "Sorry about that, I was just taken aback, I was wondering if you guys saw a blonde haired girl run past here?" sweat ran down her forehead as she addressed them. "If ya mean that annoying kid that jumped on my head, then yeah we did, she went that way" Flint said in anger while his thumb pointed behind him, his face turned similar to that of an appa's when he heard Hestia snickering from behind. "Ah, alright, well I won't bother you guys any longer, thanks" she quickly squeezed past them as she made her way back down the alleyway.
"WAIT!" Subaru's voice boomed, even his spirits seemed taken aback. The girl turned her head back in confusion, her eyes blinking at the sudden yell. Ah crap, she's looking right at me, maybe I shouldn't have yelled like that. Some urge in Subaru caused him to do this, he didn't know why, but he just did. "Yes?" The silver haired girl said, her face cocking in confusion. "Ah-erm, surely you need help finding that girl huh? I mean, I could help"
He reached for Lela on his shoulders and put her at his side. Lucius retook his perch on his shoulder. "Really? I mean I don't want to bother you guys, you shouldn't have to worry for my own mistake" she said flatly, this caused Subaru to tense further, grappling for a way to maintain this conversation. "I'm sure I could be of help, no need to worry, I'm sure introductions are in order" Subaru held out his hand as he took a stance. "My name is Natsuki Subaru, and these are my wonderful spirits!" He beamed, the girl seemed taken aback. "Spirits? You mean these people-"
She took in all of their faces. "Yup, my Spirit family" his spirits seemed to beam with pride for their master. "To contract 6 spirits, who already have physical forms no less-" she said inquisitively, her eyes darting to the yang spirit. "It's a lot to explain, and I'd do it later, but for now what's your name?" Subaru's eyes met hers as he asked the question. She could only take a deep breath as she said her answer. "My name is...Emilia, just Emilia" a faint smile appeared on her lips.
"That smile is worth 100 points!" Subaru said, his lips curved into a grin. "Contractor? You are saying weird things again" Lela said. "O-oh, sorry sorry" Subaru rubbed his head. "You really are weird Subaru, but I also want you to meet my spirit as well" with those words she tapped her green crystal hanging near her clavicle, a shiny light overtook the alley as a floating cat emerged.
The cat was white and grey colored, and his form was similar to that of a kitten overall. "Hiya! names puck, nice to meet ya!" His voice was androgynous as he launched himself at Subaru. He managed to catch him in the palm of his hand, shaking it up in down like a handshake. "Nice to meet you puck, it seems you are Emilia-tan's spirit huh?" Subaru said. "Yup! And these others seem to be your spirits! I've never seen someone contract 6 great spirits before" Puck said in astonishment as he gazed at the unfamiliar faces.
"Well, they weren't always great spirits-" Subaru said with a wry smile, rubbing the back of his head. "Yes, a month ago we were just lesser spirits, but we grew into what we are now because of contractors help" Lela added. "Not only is your spirit affinity good, but it can also evolve spirits faster?" Emilia cocked her head, her mouth agape.
"I guess so, I never looked that much into it, we just trained and...the rest is history" his spirits seemed even more content. "As much as I wish to want to get to know you and your spirits, I reaally need to get my insignia back" the calm tone in the silver haired beauties voice was replaced by a sense of urgency. "Oh yeah..."
"Subaru, are you sure you want to help? I can't pay you back you know" Emilia held her head down in sadness. "Don't need to worry Emilia-tan, with the help of my spirits we will find your insignia in know time" Subaru pumped his fist in the air, his face determined. "Er...'Tan'" Emilia seemed confused at the term. "It's a thing in my homeland used to address someone you feel affectionate towards!" The spirits shook their heads at their contractor's antics, tired of his Subarism's. Puck seemed to catch on as well and hide a giggle.
"Oh, ok well then, let's go searching" Emilia had a small blush as she quickly turned around, gesturing for Subaru to follow.
And with that, the spirit arts user and the royal candidate set off.
A few minutes earlier:
"Im sure we will find it Lia, that pesky girl couldn't have gone far" puck voiced his reassurance from inside the crystal, Emilia only shook her head, trying to hide her own tears. "I-I want to believe that, but she's so fast, I can barely keep up with her" in front of them, they were giving chase to a blonde haired thief, her movement was agile as she ran through the crowd with ease, ducking and jumping over obstacles.
The half elf's superior strength and stamina was barely able to stay even with the girl. "Divine protection perhaps" Emilia thought, rummaging through the crowd. The blonde girl took notice of her pursuers, turning her head and sticking her tongue out. "Sorry! But a girl's gotta eat! Live strong!" She taunted as she turned into a nearby corner.
That statement caused Emilia to stiffen a bit. Was she wrong? That girl caught sight of her insignia and took it, thinking it was worth something and deciding to steal and sell it. "That girl, I know people like her have to steal to survive, but...but..." she shook her head. She needed her insignia, it was her only way to participate in the election, one where the odds were stacked against her.
They both ran for what felt like hours, the thief started getting nervous, knocking over barrels and people to create distance. This caused more obstacles to form for Emilia, jumping and heaving, her breath growing thin from the stamina and energy she was losing.
And to make matters worse-She turned a corner into a nearby alleyway.
"I can't lose her!" Her silver bell like voice yelled as she lost sight of the thief. She ran further and further towards the corner until-
"Lia...I sense a presence.." the spirit said. "E-Eh?" Emilia voiced her confusion by stopping in her tracks, looking at her green crystal hanging around her neck. "This mana...I'm not sure if it's safe to go down there" puck's voice was frantic, if not almost begging. "And why is that? That girl went down there also, she could be getting away with my insignia" Emilia said in outrage, tears threatening to fall.
"I know that Lia...but that intense amount of mana...just be safe alright, if you need me call me" the conversation ended right there as Emilia nodded, using caution as she slowly turned into the alley. But what shocked her was three guys running out, they looked like usual bandits, but what caught her eye was how scared they looked, wanting to escape the danger that lay within. Whoever is in here could be dangerous, puck was right.
She steeled herself as she awkwardly entered, but what shocked her was a weird arrangement of people. Her eyes darted to each of them, taking in their forms, she felt Puck shiver from inside her, beginning to speak. "That's what I was talking about...those aren't people. They are...spirits" even his self was shocked at the conclusion he had made. "Spirits? All 6 of them?" Emilia inquisitively asked, now that she thought about it, she felt large amounts of mana radiating from all but one, the last having the mana capacity similar to that of a baby's. "If all 6 of them are spirits, then that boy must be their contractor..but how?" Puck said, his featureless body staring at the mean eyed boy.
"Those clothes also, he seems to be a noble" she noted on the unfamiliar clothing, especially from how clean it looked, it was a good guess. While emilia was musing over the ordeal, puck had his own thoughts.
That boy has 6 spirits? How and why? They are all on my level...if we were to fight, I'd barely stand a chance. For the great spirit of fire, Puck had a hard time keeping his head straight. In front of him were 6 great spirits, all on equal skill as him. If that boy were to pull something on Lia..I wouldn't be able to stop it.
There was only one Emotion in Puck's mind-
Fear.
They walked throughout the capital, looking for answers for what was presumed to be an hour. After that they strolled through the streets of Lugnica once more in silence, until Lucius inquired something from Subaru. "You are aware of what that girl resembles hmmm?" The question took Subaru off guard, he looked at the dragon perched on his shoulder, taking in the question. "What do you mean? She doesn't seem off to me?" Subaru replied.
"She doesn't seem to be either, but seeing as she resembles the Witch of Envy, I say she poses a risk if you associate with her. Just me giving you caution" Lucius said. Subaru thought, when he first arrived to this world, he never learned how to read or write, his spirits helped him with that.
This almost meant he never took his time to learn about this world he found himself in, which means he wasn't caught up on its folklore or fairytales. Damnit, I need to learn soon enough... Subaru smacked his cheeks as he turned back to Lucius. "I'll except use caution, but I think I'll be fine, don't worry". The yang only nodded his head in understanding, silencing the conversation. Subaru could only glare at the Silver half elf walking alongside him.
After that, they strolled through the streets until they came across the sound of a child crying-
"Hey, does that girl look lost to you Subaru?" Emilia curiously pointed her hand into the crowd, her finger directed at a young green haired girl. "Yeah, she does...we should help" Subaru replied.
They walked over to her, she seemed to be crying as the passerby's moved on, disinterested in her. "Hey, uhm, are you lost? Where are your parents?" The silver haired girl kneeled down, but the moment the girl's eyes met her's she cried more. "Eh-Eh..." Emilia sweated as she stepped back, guilty for having made it worse.
Flint and Hestia cocked their heads in confusion and worry, while Lela and Aqua gave contemplative looks. The child kept crying until Aella stepped in-
"Hello girl, are you lost? What's your name?" the wind spirit knelt down, putting a palm to the girl's face and wiping her tears. The girl's breathing became ragged as she looked tearfully at the woman before her. "M-my name is Plum..." she replied. "Ok Plum, allow me to bring you to your parents" Plum slowly nodded, grabbing the hand of the spirit as the others watched on. Subaru only smiled at Aella's motherly nature, while Emilia looked astonished.
Sooner than later, plum ran out Aella's grip as she ran to another woman, presumed to be her mother. "MAMA, PAPA!" She yelled, as she approached an appa sells man. "PLUM! Where were you? I was looking all over for you" she held the girl into her embrace before looking at the assortment of people before her. "Thanks, you guys helped me find her? What could we do for you?" She said as she gazed at Subaru, Emilia, and the spirits.
"Eh? There's no need, just a friendly band of people doing their best!" Subaru replied, his spirits looked at him, baffled by his selfless nature. "Contractor really needs to learn to be a little more greedy" Lela said as she gripped his hand tighter. "Ouch ouch! Lela! Your strength" Subaru yelped. Emilia seemed to share this sentiment, walking up to the pair. "Hello, I was wondering if you guys came across a yellow haired thief? I'm looking for her, she stole something from me" Emilia said.
The green haired man at the stall looked at her, before pointing in the distance. "She goes by the name of felt, always causing trouble around here, she's should be in the slums" He clicked his teeth at her name, the weed in his mouth twisting. "thank you, Subaru, we got our lead" The silver haired half elf said excitedly. "Ah, then let's go! What are we waiting for?" Subaru said, readying himself.
"Unfortunately, the sun is beginning to set, the time we would arrive it'd be night time, if only we had a carriage" Emilia looked down in worry, not wanting to meet his eyes. "Hey Emilia, I got an idea" Subaru said. "Eh, and what's that?" She inquired.
"Follow me, let's go to a high vantage point"
"Subaru, this is-" Emilia looked at the towering figure in front of her. The white scales, the glowing yellow mane, it was incredible. "I know right? Lucius really is incredible! Shocked me the first time too!" Subaru said from above, sitting on Lucius's long neck.
Even puck came out his crystal, looking at Lucius with a sacred expression. Just who is this guy? Puck became even more worried for Lia's safety. "Well, are you coming on or what?" Subaru asked. His remaining spirits were already on it, ready to lift off. Emilia looked back to see the sun setting back in the distance, along with many people under them gasping in awe.
"A-alright, but this is scary!" She said, grabbing on to Subaru's hand and getting on. "Alright Lucius, to the slums we go!"
"Wait-wha-AHHHHH!!" Emilia yelled, seeing as the ground was become farther and farther away in an instant. "SUBARUUUUU!" She screamed, holding on to him. The spirits just giggled at her, making her blush in embarrassment. "Don't worry Emilia-tan, just hold on to me" The raven haired boy couldn't help but grin at Emilia's reaction.
They flew across the city at fast speeds, people under them were staring, their faces pale from what they saw. Emilia took this as a chance to look down as well. "This city, it's so beautiful from up here" she said. "I got to agree, especially at sunset" he responded.
So with that, they headed for the slums, which seemed to be getting closer and closer. Little did they know a certain red haired knight was close on their tail.
...
...
...
...
"Alright, we're here" Subaru said with a smile, Lucius landed on a large walkway, letting everyone off of him before shrinking. "Subaru! That was amazing!" Emilia said, her hair disheveled from the wind blowing against it, but other than that she looked ecstatic. "Yup, I told you Lucius was cool!" Subaru grinned, proud for his yang spirit.
"T-thank you, for giving me a ride here, you helped me so much today, and I never got to pay you back" Emilia said, her voice cracking as she twiddled her fingers. "No need to worry, I did this to help you remember?" Subaru wagged his finger, which made Emilia giggle. "You really are something Subaru, you dunderhead" she used her finger to poke him in the forehead.
"Who even says Dunderhead anymore these days?" The raven haired boy said in outrage. "As much as I'd love to see you two flirt, don't we have an insignia to be looking for?" Aqua cut in, squeezing Subaru's hand. "Ok ouch ouch! Let's go Emilia..."
"Lia, my time is over, hopefully since Subaru has 6 spirits on his side nothing bad will befall you, if so, I'll act accordingly to my contract" with that Puck yawned as he bursted into blue particles, having retreated into the green crystal. "Alright, see you later puck" Emilia said, no louder than a murmur as she gripped the crystal.
They all set out once more, in the distance the sun was setting more and more, and the yellowish hue set over them faded more until it was gone. Along the way they asked for directions, in which a man said there was a loot house nearby, they said felt went there numerous times, and that's where the items would likely get sold.
After that they came across it, there was light coming from the windows, giving them the impression that someone was inside. "Ok, so do we bust the door down or do we knock?" Subaru asked. "I propose we knock" Lucius replied.
"We should just burst in, the element of suprise is on our side" Hestia suggested, ready to fight at a moments notice. "You idiot, we can't risk a fight, we should just knock like Lucius said" Flint butted in, hitting Hestia upside the head. "Oww that hurts..."
"Hey Emilia, you do have the money to pay for the insignia right?" Subaru asked. "W-what? Why do I have to pay for something that was stolen from me?" The silver haired half elf poured in frustration, to which Subaru jolted back in shock. "Ah, so we have no money, well I propose another idea" Subaru reached into his pocket pulling out his phone. "I'll just sell my phone, it should be worth something" Emilia gasped at the fact Subaru was throwing away his possessions just to help her.
"Subaru...you know you don't have to do that..." Emilia ducked her head in shame. "I insist, I'm helping you remember?" Subaru reminded. The girl could only ducked her head in shame further, her eyes weary. "I'll make sure to pay you back" she said, Subaru only cocked his head in understanding.
"We should probably hurry, the sun is gone~" Aella alerted the group, seeing as it was night time now, they didn't have much time. "Alright, I'll knock, it's my responsibility to get it back anyways" Emilia said, walking up to the door. "Wait no! Felt would know who you are, let me do all the talking, once we are inside you can reveal yourself" Subaru said, walking in front of her.
He breathed in and out as he readied himself, knocking on the door. "For a rat?" The voice on the other side, akin to an old man said. "Huh?" The raven haired boy was taken back by the statement. Must be some password of some kind. "That means you don't know the answer, scram!" The voice boomed. "Wait hey! I'm here to buy something, is felt here?" Subaru yelled. Another second of silence ensued, until the door unlocked and revealed a tall giant of a man, his skin brown as his hair was bushy and all over the place.
Subaru almost fainted from shock. This guy must be at least 9 feet tall! "Eh? I never seen a boy like you around here, if your looking for something make it quick, there's already a transaction happening inside". Subaru peeked his head in, another woman, black hair similar to his was sitting at the table with the thief from earlier, the blonde was rubbing her hands together as she slowly reached for the bag being given to her.
The old man then looked behind Subaru, looking at the unfamiliar faces. "Uhm felt? You brought quite an audience here, did you get yourself into trouble again?" the two individuals inside were interrupted by the giants voice, turning to look at the people who just entered. "Rom? Who's-"
The thief's heart almost skipped a beat when she saw the head full of silver hair, ones who's amethyst eyes were locked onto hers. "It's that girl! And those people from before!" Felt got up from her seat, in a defensive position. "Well well well, it seems like you truly aren't skilled after all" the smooth sultry voice of the woman stood up as well, looking at Felt with a disgusted expression.
"Halt! If you can give me back my insignia Ill hold no Ill will towards you, neither will I think of turning you in, just-"
"And it seems like you led the person who you stole the insignia from right back to you" she licked her lips, her cloak opened, revealing two blades. "Ah, she looks like trouble" Subaru gulped. "Spirits!"
With that all his spirits got in fighting positions, ready to take on the threat. "Those are your spirits? To see 6 of them with physical forms, it's such an honor" she readied her blades, Contorting her form into a fighting position. "Wait! I already gave you the insignia! Just take it and leave!" Felt was confused on why her client was beginning to fight. "You failed, so for that, I'll kill everyone here, I can't wait to see your bowels!" She said in a sweet sickly tone, although it had a hint of affection.
"W-wha-"
"HUMA!" Elsa's slash was so fast, felt didn't even have time to dodge, luckily an ice crystal impacted her blade, allowing Felt to evade unscathed. Elsa only licked her lips, staring at the perpetrator. "Ah, a magic user? I'll be sure to give your bowels a perfect inspection" she smiled eerily as she launched herself at the half elf, but soon found that impossible-
"AL FURA!" Aella yelled, Elsa barely had time to dodge as one of her arms were completely sliced off. "Quite the powerful magic users we have here, I'll be sure to disembowel you all as well" She repositioned herself on a table, her arm having already been healed. "What? How did her arm heal that quickly? is she even human?" Aqua said in confusion and panic. "Giving new info to dead people doesn't sound smart right?" Elsa quickly replied, throwing her blade at the wind spirit, just for a wall of rock to intercept it.
"There's no chance for you to win, not when 6 spirits are here!" Flint said, his mouth forming into a grin. Felt and Rom backed up behind the counter, watching the interaction in disbelief. Elsa lunged at them in break neck speeds, luckily Flint was able to cast Dona and shield all of them. "I can't hold this for much longer, what's the plan?" He asked as he inspected the rest of the spirits.
"I can crystallize her with my spells" Lela replied. "She seems to have a healing factor, to what extent does it end is the question" Aqua put a finger to her chin, thinking of an answer. "Alright! Me, Lela, Lucius, and Hestia will take her on with Emilia, the rest will shield Rom and Felt and make sure they don't get hit in the cross fire, alright?" Subaru said.
The spirits nodded at their contractors words. Flint released Dona, the spirits followed Subaru's words, running to Rom and Felt's side. Lela quickly readied 10 yin crystals, sending towards Elsa's way. She managed to dodge most of them, but one of them managed to hit her leg, completely crystallizing and dismembering it. "Seems like I took a stray, oops" Elsa grinned as she launched herself at Lela.
But Subaru noticed this, unsheathing his sword and countering. "You aren't getting anywhere near her" The boy's voice was filled with anger, which made the bowel Hunter smile with glee. "Such bloodlust, you must really hate me don't you?" She said as she launched herself back, landing on a nearby table.
"That boy has 3 spirits on his side protecting him, and 3 spirits protecting that thief and giant, that leaves..." Elsa licked her lips, her eyes darting to the silver haired half elf. She lunged at Emilia, but she quickly formed a shield, strong enough to block her attack. The bowel hunter resigned to traded blows with Subaru and his spirits, but to no avail as she was being kept back.
When Elsa went in to attack. It surprised her when a beam of yang intercepted. "You aren't allowed to hurt my contractor" Lucius said amidst Subaru's shoulder.
The raven haired boy smirked in response, seeing as Elsa became increasingly more frustrated, Her hits become more sloppy. "It's been a while, and I haven't killed anyone in this room!" She lunged at Subaru again, dodging the yin crystals as she took his rear. "Got you!" She thought with sadistic glee. "Normally I'd aim for your bowels, but it seems like I won't be so lucky today"
Her hand moving to slice Subaru in half, but instead of the resistance of flesh fighting against her wrist, it was a burning sensation, one that completely melted her skin off. "GAAAAHHHH!" Elsa screamed, her arm complete charred. "That spirit is a fire magic user, I stand no chance, especially from how strong it looks" Elsa immediately rethought her position, no one in this room was dead, none at all.
"Yeah! Kick her ass! Uhh, whatever your name is..." Felt said from the sidelines, peeking from the wall Flint put up. Hestia held a thumbs up at the gesture, stepping in front of Subaru and Lela. "My name is Hestia, spirit of fire and contracted spirit of Natsuki Subaru, today I promise, I will strike you down"
At that moment, a blade made of flame appeared on her right hand, It's embers lightening the room with its orange glow. "That's the spell I taught her!" Subaru thought from the sidelines. Through rigorous practice, he taught his spirits new moves and spells, and what Hestia was doing was one of them."I stand no chance, Roswaal he...he knows what fire does to me...so why" she looked at the spirit in front of her, the grip on her blade loosening. "He never told me this would happen!"
Emilia could only look on from the sidelines, taking in the sight before her. "What's wrong? What happened to that bravado?" Subaru said with a grin, almost stiffening laughter. Everyone else couldn't red hold in their laughter as well. Elsa loved the thrill of fighting, to be close to death, it excited her, but no...she realized she actually had a chance of dying here. Elsa quickly tried rushing the spirit, to cut her down. But a yin crystal intercepted once more. "I'm seriously outnumbered here!" She could barely hold in her rage. She tried falling back, but Hestia came in close with her flaming sword.
The embers itself tickled Elsa's skin, like tiny gnats were chewing at it. "HAH!" The fire spirit yelled as she sliced with her blade of flame, cutting through Elsa's torso. "AHHHHHHHH!!!" A painful screech resonated as she fell back into a wall, Her breathing ragged. "Fire fire fire". Her cursed doll ability wasn't regenerating her body fast enough, so she could only dodge.
If Elsa stayed still, the yin spirit would send a minya crystal her way, making her move. If she went near the half elf, her body would be cut by icicles. If she went near the others...she wouldn't stand a chance against them. "IM GONNA DIE HERE, ROSWAAL DIDN'T PAY ME ENOUGH FOR THIS...I won't die and let Meili take...on Mother's wrath"
Elsa tried to escape through a nearby window, but was stopped when a searing pain hit her back. "Al Goa!" Hestia yelled, running towards the escaping assassin. "AUAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Elsa fell to the ground, her wounds already cauterized by the flame. Hestia held her sword over the Assassins neck. "Die, Villain" Hestia said, bringing her sword down. "M-meili..."
Those were the last words of the bowel hunter as her head was severed and the rest of her body was consumed by flames.
"Everyone seems to be ok" a huff of air left the mouth of Emilia, her hands on the crystal situated around her neck. "Yeah, I almost feel bad for her, I mean she didn't stand a chance..." Subaru rubbed his head, reuniting with his spirits. "Lela helped defeat her! It's only best if I deserve head pats!" Lela pouted, which got her contractor's attention. "Oh Lela, you are just too cute!" The raven haired boy began patting her head, which got a smile from the yin spirit.
"No one was hurt, that was pretty risky, she was tough for a human" Aqua said, looking at the charred body of the opponent. "She wasn't that strong, I could've cut her down myself" Flint boasted, going to meet Hestia. "I DID IT I DID IT! I vanquished my first nemesis!" Hestia said with glee, jumping up and down. "Calm down Hestia we know" Subaru said with an exasperated expression, though it held a hint of worry. She seems a bit too happy about killing someone...
"Ah...erm" Felt and Rom stepped up from behind the counter, looking at the state of the loot house. Which was broken, filled with many holes and knocked down tables. "Sorry, for stealing your insignia, you saved us from that woman, here" Felt shyly held out her hand, the insignia glowing brightly. Emilia gasped at the sight.
"No way...that can't-"
"It seems I'm right on time" the voice of a man cut in, everyone in the room was now on alert as a knight with red hair entered the loot house, though his clothes looked to be more casual. "I heard a lot of commotion from in here, I was coming to check on it, but it seems that problem has already been solved" Reinhard took a glance at Elsa's remains as he walked towards them.
He walked up to them, about to ask questions until his eyes locked onto felt, and then her palm. "N-no, this can't be..." his breath hitched a he walked closer. "Hey, you come out of nowhere and the first thing you do is act like a weir-Hey! Let go of me!" She retorted, but the Sword Saint didn't budge.
"Hey man, I don't know who you are, but what are you doing?" Subaru unsheathed his sword, aiming it at the man. "I'm sorry, my name is Reinhard Van Astrea, and no harm shall befall her. This is of utmost importance, this girl will be coming with me" Reinhard said, his grip on her growing stronger. "Then why are you holding her like that?" Subaru snapped. "I promise on Od that nothing bad will happen to her under my care" The sword saint responded.
"Hey! That hurts sto-" Felt could barely speak, The knight knocked her unconscious, putting her into a bridal carry. "That Insignia must belong to you, right Miss Emilia?" Reinhard retrieved the insignia, handing it to Emilia. "Y-yes, I've been looking for it after it got stolen, I'm happy I got it back" Emilia almost shed a tear, quickly wiping it.
Reinhard then turned to Subaru. "It seems you have quite a lot of spirits on you, my friend would be interested, but for now I must make haste" Reinhard immediately turned towards the door, darting out of it. "That guy really is something eh?" The raven haired boy said, his hand rubbing his hair, the other sheathing his sword.
"Spirits, you did good, especially Hestia!" Subaru complimented. His spirits beamed with pride. "Hey Subaru..." Emilia walked up to him, her palms to her chest. "Thank you for helping me, I wanted to know if you wanted to go back to the Mather's Estate, I'm sure he'll reward you kindly for helping" she meekly said, a small blush formed on her cheeks. "Of course Emilia-tan, plus, there's a lot more we need to talk about!" The spirit arts user beamed.
At those words the stomping of a ground dragon caused them to turn their heads to the window outside, they left the loot house, and was met with a pink haired maid, holding the reigns. "O-oh, Ram!" Emilia said as she walked up towards her. "Emilia-sama, I've been looking all day for you...also who's-"
The maid turned her head towards the approaching people. "Oh, that's Subaru and his spirits, he helped me retrieve my insignia, so he'll be coming with his" Emilia stated, holding no room for argument. Ram gave all the new people the stink eye, before returning towards her professional demeanor.
"Alright, let's go then, Roswaal-sama would need to be notified of this immediately" she said. It was a tight fit, but everyone managed to fit inside. With all said and done, they left for the Roswaal Domain...
Authors Note: fight was sorta anticlimactic, Elsa was getting stomped either way, no doubt about that.
Also: Great Spirit Knight will be going away for a bit, I want to work on another Re:Zero fic, one I've been cooking for a while. So for now this is goodbye.
Hope you enjoyed.