Re:Fabled Odyssey

by Iron Feathers

A compendium of escapades and lofty labors where Subaru ventures without his faction's knowing across the map, whenever possible. Losing himself in either solving folk's problems, forging mementos with varying people or seeking bombastic stunts in order to quell his morbid fears. Hungering greatness similar to Wilhelm's leads Subaru down a dangerous crossroad.

4. Dance on Dragonback

Alright, here is one of the bigger moments that led up to this story existing. As we all know, Subaru will undergo a hero's transformation in arc 7, and here is my twist on its implications. The commentary provided through the characters is hopefully something to prove entertaining. Because I honestly can't see those events not opening such a confrontation of choice regarding what's right and wrong and what to do for either your person or for something else.

Therefore, expect this to be on the wilder side, because I've went all out for this, or at least, almost all out. I haven't yet provided the heavier moments.

Oh, and of course, strap in everyone, since I'm pretty sure this might be the very first written confrontation on this site between Cecilus and Subaru, through many perspectives.

Please let me know what you thought and of course, please enjoy!

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ – use of this line will signal the transition from a past happening to the current one and vice versa.

Disclaimer: because, of course I'll be takin liberties when it comes to anticipating how the canon will progress.

---

Dance on Dragonback

---

"I rightly have reason to believe you mad."

"And my consideration of that is rightly nil. Speak your answer."

Inching gracefully a hand towards a goblet replete with wine, the pallid figure thoughtlessly fiddled with a white fan at its side.
"Out of what place does such a request take origin?"

Too refined. Kind of arrogant in a specific way.

Blegh…! A bit too much on the know-it-all type. Honestly, what was it with those archetypes?

That was the only thing Subaru thought at first if he were to be transparent. Of course, that wasn't to mean he disregarded this esteemed figure; not after Vincent' near ass-kissing. But hell, has this conversation since arrival ben a constant roundabout play of wits!

"Out of the same place that shouldn't concern you. I'll be repeating: Speak your answer."

Folding his arms beneath his chest, Subaru closely stared at the deathly-white general.

"It would appear this makes two of us inclined to repeat. Therefore, I must press on and politely ask: Out of what desire has such debilitating request sprung from?"

Subaru's right eyebrow slightly rose.

"I get you're the brains behind Vincent's decisive calls. But I don't get what kind of strategic mastermove you'd make by hearing that first." Fine! If the washed-up asshole wanted to play at learning the enemy approach, then so could he.

"Is it not obvious?"

"Oh right, I'm sorry, silly me~. Let me quickly rethink that and pop back on my mind reading glasses." Subaru's tone altered from the initially playful one to assuming a progressively morose and grumpy air. His eyes began to steadily scowl. "Putting aside your outward appearance, it's safe to be certain you're nowhere near as pure when it comes to your ways and thinking."

"Ah, then please forgive me if such was my offense. However, I was convinced of Subaru-sama's ability to understand me as no other until this very moment to be unfailing." Quickly, the pallid silhouette moved its fan upwards to make light movement with it.

Such a drama queen!

"Just the idea of knowing you better than anyone else is pretty sick to consider. Thanks, but no thanks, I don't want to associate with you any more than I have to." The cold reply was nearly immediate.
Standing stock straight, refusing the offered chair to lounge in beside the exquisite round table since arrival, Subaru consciously made every effort to not move any more than required.

"That is certainly harsh to hear from you. …" Pausing in his sedated action of using the sterile white fan, Chisha Gold sipped with ostentatious grace from the elegant goblet.

Even manners, such a tryhard!

"Thought you couldn't care less about what others think of you." Eyeing the cup wearily, Subaru maintained an impassive type of expression. He'd learned his lesson already by hearing this General persisting on every occasion to open up annoying and weird subjects regarding his every little gesture or move.

"Not when mindful of the gravitas your thoughts carry, along the impression I leave upon the audience observing thee."

"-hh…" Wearily and uneasily risking his attention through the corner of his eyes, Subaru barely looked over his shoulder at the closed chamber's doors before focusing on the 'white spider'.
"Is it mandatory to be mentally shoddy for the Divine General position?"

"As offensive as such a query might strike one, I am capable to taste the sarcasm in it. However, when applying this question unto the other Divine Generals, I do hesitate to be as lenient so as to excuse them from its implications."

"Right… Of course." Subaru let a faint smirk quirk at one of his moth's ends. "But you sure couldn't get the meaning behind the joke and started on a tangent. Is what I'd like to say." Before his face resumed to an uncaring look. "I know you're trying to get me relaxed or lost out of the subject, really, anything that works for you. But let's return to what's important."
Subaru stepped closer to the dark wooden table.
"I'm waiting for your answer regarding Cecilus."

"…"

His eyes narrowed whilst keeping the astute Divine General in their focus.

"Is it necessary to repeat myself in kind, Subaru-sama?" The stark white man innocently asked, plainly intrigued if he should state again his own priority.

"…" Making a disapproving expression with his mouth, as in a sullen downward pull, Subaru huffed through his nose silently before opening his mouth. "And is it necessary to bring up why I have no reason to expect you keeping your end of the exchange?"

"My, please pardon me." Setting his sterile white fan on the round table's polished surface, the fragile General straightened himself out of his seat and bowed. "Within this intelligence exchange, I never planned to deprive thee of my honest responses. This is but merely my method of gauging how should I act. Naturally… the answer thee provides is of decisive importance. And so, I must stress the priority of myself to now first your reply."

"You can spare yourself the extra workout, Chisha, it's just you and me here. Wishy-washy acts are kind of a drag to keep them." However, Subaru's response was unfalteringly harsh. Not a change whatsoever.

"Mm…"

Peeking through his draping stark white locks those golden, uneasy, things that had to be called eyes, Natsuki kept a steady stare back.

"Oh, but please do not consider my gesture to be exclusively dedicated to only your sake, Subaru-sama. But the gallery must also be entertained. For that I must advise thee to consider in the future to gain likeability." Winking at no one in particular, seemingly over Subaru's shoulder, Chisha assumed a normal pose to regard his visitor.
"Seeing how you've made great efforts to reach me, I strongly doubt you shall leave without things going your way, I assume?"

"Quickly changing matters after that creepy-ass talk to the walls…? Sure, sure, go ahead." Unable to restrain himself to just tonality alone, the knight rolled his eyes. "But you're right. That's how I've decided, like or not."

"To speak as if my actions will mean little once you've made your mind… Such act certainly is enticing by its sheer virtue of mystery."

"Ha~haha!" Raising a hand to cup his chin, a sly simper made its way on his face. "Well when you say it like that… It paints me in a pretty bad light, no? But, I'm right to think because of this light you see me in, you'll answer." Swayed Subaru once his head gently from one side to another much like a balancing scale.

"Mhh…" Humming lightly, Gold brought a dainty hand, supported at the elbow by his other arm, to rub his chin. "And to that, I cannot speak otherwise. Very well then-" Closing his eyes, breathing in audibly and embracing an intrigued disposition, the man spoke. "I, Chisha Gold hereby challenge thee, Natsuki Subaru, to earn the full authority held by the position of the fourth Divine General. As such, onwards from this moment, thee may stake thy claim at provoking Cecilus Segmunt in combat to fulfill this trial. …According to however thee may see fit."

"Now see? It wasn't so hard, hm?" Subaru relaxed an arm over his belt while thumbing the ring set on his other hand.

"Yet can the same be questioned upon thee? I now await hearing the elucidation to my previous query. Afterall, you must be a man of your word, correct? …Knight Subaru?"

"Haha… Ohh~, Chisha, I'm so selective on what promises I keep that by now all the countries should know my track record. I mean, I have a reputation to uphold!" Much to the General's surprise, the present knight boldly admitted to his lesser known vices.
Subaru pointed the ends of his fingers towards his chest while leisurely leaning his back much like after someone would wobble around after an incredibly well delivered joke. "Can't have myself going around letting people think I'm the noble type, can I? No one likes those anyway!"

"Hoh~ Thyself's character has indeed changed within the frame of visit to the Lands of the Wolf. Though as of whether or not that change is towards furthering thy maturity or deepening thy soul's void is of another matter."

"Am I asking too much from you to have a normal conversation? It's just us here."

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

"Uugghhhh….! They just keep talkin' and talkin'…!" Her brain was subjected to the exquisite feeling of exasperation. "Has an hour gone by without war time stories?!"

Waiting was never her strong suit. Quick and simple, now that sounded like the ideal approach. Well, at least as ideal as she'd normally indulge the mindset. Applying that kind of method to most things definitely reaped great results! Like, hell, she managed these once crumbling grounds under Heinkel's name as if she'd owned them since birth! Exactly because she didn't fuck around or beat around the bush, but plain and simply went and addressed said issues.
"Oooggh, shitting Od, thought big bro was made a kid back then, not an old timer!"

"Please be understanding Felt-sama, grandfather and Subaru are as birds of a feather. It must mean much to each to speak at ease like so." And right on effin time, her ever dutiful knight just had to earn more heat on himself by intervening with an explanation.

"Don't remember askin' you boy-scout. And hell's with that sweet talk, eh? Ya ain't off the hook!"

'Ah, she must be considerably mad.' Maintaining his smile, Reinhard picked up on his liege's progressively worsening use of street accent. A clear sign she couldn't be bothered to care about presentation enough to forgo it.
"Then, if I may?-" Keeping a palm raised as means to show his unfinished thoughts, the knight waited for the permission to continue, on behalf of not further angering the young lady with something she might not like hearing.

"Don't wait if ya can ask a question by first askin' for permission! Talk!"

Alright, maybe it didn't matter what he did, it seemed he was automatically in the wrong today. Must be a tough problem.

"Very well. Then, Felt-sama, if you have judged me to be wronging you somehow, I find myself wondering why I've been ordered to maintain my presence beside you? Perhaps a little time for recreation might put your nerves at ease. At minimum, enough to per chance reveal to me what could be wrong?"

"Oh-hoh! There ain't no space for the term 'judged' in what ya did by agreeing with big bro…. It's plain wrong to anyone if they'd know! And cool it with those suggestions, it's when I turn my eyes away ya go commit the stupid. From now on you pass by me first anything you think of doing! That's how we'll handle it. Got it? Now shadup and let me be mad."

Felt was as of now the definition of the immovable object. Fixing her tiny fists against her hips, the blonde stared with the sun's intensity at the two figures preparing the dragon carriage set to leave for the Karsten Duchy.
In fact, she may have even stared with such great intent, that it now explained why Wilhelm peeked over his shoulder at times towards her.

"I've got my eyes open on your bullshit, and from now on big sis will definitely know about big bro… Don't even think to ruin this for me." Spoke Felt now tamely. A hardly heard nuance of regret or rather, sorrow, tainting her voice. "I'm not letting this kind of shit to keep going. I'm sure… I'm sure now, big bro kept abusing this nonstop. …And you're by a shit margin any better."

"Felt-sama?" Reinhard's brow lightly scrunched. A though quickly passed him and made a faint connection to another topic that could perhaps fit the blonde's descriptions. Because, certainly, the emotions the young lady experienced were by no means far from what waves of unease washed over him during the night of his talk with Subaru.

"The last thing you, dumbass, need is an even bigger idiot to grab hands with and dance to whatever inane shit you see as 'right'. Just 'cuz it ends well doesn't mean it's all well." Felt moved her arms to fold beneath her chest and turn away towards the setting sun.

Beginning to pace on spot and taking to look down at the perfectly green grass, the young blonde's expression became contemplative. Maybe kicking at the ground she'd get some sort of clarity. Or some kind of assurance she's doing things right.

Or maybe that'll never be made clear to her.

Because, let her be transparent here: she still thought this plan to be dumb.

She still felt like calling Subaru out.

Rein was being Rein and he like most times went along with anyone nice enough to him. Especially going along with whatever Subaru would say. After all that must've been Reinhard's way of finding acknowledgement. Saying his grandfather and Subaru were as birds of a feather, singing in the same tune, was him talking from experience!

Felt saw right through it all!

Reinhard was a rightly condemned accomplice for accepting that fucked up way of thinking offered by Subaru and concluding to be cool with it. What was the difference in essence with that and being a suicide assistant, by the standards of danger Subaru tampered with for Louanna's awakening?

And Subaru? Don't even let her start running her mouth about him!

He was the peek achievement to describe a hypocrite! He was the one to even come up with that method for one! He was the one mushed in the brain enough to think what he did was righteous! And he was also the same idiot preaching to everyone to live their lives for themselves or prioritize their own wellbeing while he went exactly the opposite way!

…

Thus, she had to begrudgingly accept the current course of the plan. Managing the two with more context would be a good start.

Felt was convinced she'd be able to reign in Reinhard and be sure to nip in the bud whatever tendencies he could possibly reveal to mimic Subaru. She'd have this one covered.

And Emilia would certainly straighten out her brother once she got in on the reality behind the works of light and smoke. Felt unfortunately had to make a disgusted admittance, that Subaru was playing well. He was playing very well at the secrecy gig.
It was no secret to anyone, and definitely no secret to Emilia's faction, that Natsuki wasn't one for promoting selfcare through the power of example. And if that wasn't bad enough, no, then add to that him adhering to this idea he was responsible to act this way! As if it were expected of him to do so!

Although this plan, ushered and advised by Carol thoughtfully, was playing on the patient side, Felt still harbored a crude and bullheaded approach within her conscience. If need be, she'd do what she knew it was right to do from the start. Even if leaning too much on the emotional side may lead up to complications along the way, it was still something worth doing. At least, better than having kept on going without having known about this insidious face coddled by Natsuki.

…

The young woman shot a quick glance at her content and happy knight.

"And! …Go on." Felt looked sideways at Reinhard after dawning her typically tough and lively energy. "I'd still see ya if ya went ahead, it's all good. Go talk something up. I know you need it."

Elaborating on who and about what on this subject was useless.

Felt reasoned that more socialization with the old timer, who proved surprisingly sensible, would help mend Reinhard's familial life further.

"Mm?" Meeting the candidate's gaze with his own cheery one, noticeably livelier after her last 'command', made the redhaired knight to wear a bemused and content expression. "Ah, please be at ease, Felt-sama. As differences stand, what was debilitating can be considered at the least acknowledged. From this point on, I wouldn't consider the relationship I have with grandfather to be a regretful one any longer."

"Uh-huh, cool opinion and all, but tell, since when ya can consider a relationship with someone good if ya don't even have it to begin with?" Understandably, speaking with a sarcasm rich tone, the blonde leaned her hips a little over a side to adopt her typically roughish pose.
Bad posture unfortunately still being a staple of Felt she wouldn't part with.

"Precisely, Felt-sama." For whatever odd reason, the redhead took no ill message from that question and kept a cool composure. "While I most certainly can claim to carry no grudges towards grandfather, and guarantee you grandfather harbors no detest towards me, I also believe neither of us requires to pursue something beyond what we already have established."

"You-hk…"

Felt cut herself off. Any more and she would've blurted out how Wilhelm effectively disowned Reinhard since last they met at Priestella.

Having passed that heat of the moment, she thought those words would prove to have only been given out of grief. A reaction born out of the absurdity faced that day. She thought whatever was there to wedge the two apart had cooled off.

"You weren't this hesitant yesterday to stay around."

"Well, as per my explanation, Felt-sama. There is no reason to act uncivilized with one another." Reinhard closed his eyes shortly before opening them and taking to look over the dragon carriage being prepared. "Moreover, interacting a little at a time from the standpoint of 'freshly met strangers', is in itself hopeful. I dare say, it is a good re start."

With an honest smile, that was Reinhard's answer.

Probably today, Felt wouldn't necessarily get the whole meaning behind it. And more than anything, she'd like it to never need or want to get the whole meaning behind it. Getting to that point was a no-no from the start to her.

But she could come to appreciate the underline change for the better Reinhard arrived at.

That being said, Felt found some level of peace on that front and could put behind one problem, at least.

However…

Now came the real weight.

And unlike vaguely fabled entities like her bog bro described, she wasn't exactly sure how to go about lifting this problem over her shoulders.

---

"Barging inside the enemy's headquarters on diplomatic motivations, impelling them to publicly challenge you… hm… hmhm… ha-hah!"

Hearing that, was very unusual. Rare, to say the least. In fact, so difficult to imagine hearing it, that it may just be alien.

Tightly securing on the carriage's back a heavy, iron framed, chest, Wilhelm uttered with a soft voice before breaking into a graceful laugh.

His untroubled mien expressed an air of serenity. Those wrinkles, most likely earned from scowling and brooding despite the years, were filled with a childlike mirth. Hearing stuff like this? It was exactly what he could wholeheartedly admit to understand at a personal level.
The sheer amount of audacity and courage those actions presented in the form of a victory declaration in your adversary's face? Hoh! Wilhelm would lie if he would say to dislike that kind of approach.

Indeed. The dangers were obvious. The pressure of imminent destruction set on the cusp of an all-out civil war hanged above every decision Subaru could have taken in the Wolf's Domain.

But this specific approach?

Just as well, reeked of the takt only Subaru possessed.

"Hm~. Hearing such only serves to strengthen my realization all the more about Subaru-dono."

"Hah! Don't let it charm you, Wilhelm-san. Part of that episode I still chalk to Priscilla's exposure. Besides, I'm still what I am… That, and I haven't said the next part…"

Hesitantly, Subaru called out after fastening as well a crate filled with supplies to the carriage. Keeping his eyes fixed on the belt in his hand while sporting this ghostly, almost lost, appeal in his eyes worked as an effective way of saying: 'You just don't really get how badly I made things be.'

"I see you here today, healthy and safe. Well, healthy, as in the rather theoretical meaning… Loosely said." Wilhelm's visage bore a disapproving quality.

"Yes. Well and alright. Kind of thanks to Heinkel and Al really. …Hell, even Priscilla." Palming a side of his face to rub his wizened cheek, Subaru debated loudly. "Anyway, Heinkel's and Al's talk helped a bunch. Got me on the straight path to think clearly, heh!" Cracking a smile while maintaining that haunting look, much alike to looking through something instead of at something, Subaru flicked lightly at his chin.

"If so, I find myself rightly doubtful to believe Subaru-dono failing in any manner that situation."

"I thought so too. 'Til I opened my mouth to answer Chisha that last time… Not that I can say to regret it back then. But it goes to show…"

It was difficult to find the words that expressed what he felt and thought.

To face the music and admit the truth of the matter.

"Be it needed of myself to repeat as many times as it takes, I will do so without fail: Subaru-dono cannot be condemned for those happenings. Subaru-dono is 'unworthy' to be judged 'unworthy'."

And hearing this living legend's unwavering confidence in his shady deeds was only more aggravating if anything else considered.

It honestly felt like shit. Maybe that's what stealing felt like committing? Those lauders and this faith were certainly misplaced in him. That was Subaru's stubborn deduction. Or rather, objectively clear conclusion.

Fuck's sake, if by some unspoken horror his actual history, as much as it were to be considered of it, were to be laid bare, then he'd no doubt find himself worse than first arriving in this world.
The concept of 'you did your best' could not be applied to him! Looping until reaching the best outcome was something that attested to that.
In short, he could not shrug that weight. No place to rightly say 'welp! Time to relax now. I've done my absolute best!' Not when there always existed the term of 'having done better' nagging back at the corners of his mind.

That and… oh, boy.

He was a war-criminal for Christ's sake! Not that invoking that name here meant anything to anyone.
He couldn't pretend to hide behind any ideal white principles. Like Vincent hammered the notion constantly in his brain, as if his conscience wasn't enough. He was cut from the same cloth as that nut-job general and ruthless emperor!
Hell… it was so horrid to think about it that Subaru could say he was experiencing physical pain.

If he were worth any lauders, then he wouldn't have let himself to live with all those past and present crimes.

"Ri~iight… But, if it's not arrogant of me to say this: Wilhelm-san should not talk like that before hearing out everything."

Turning around to look Wilhelm in the eyes, Subaru let his palms rest on his hips.

Jittery. He didn't feel like staying put. So, he resolved to occasionally occupy himself by tugging what little he could at his right sleeve.
It was a short-sleeved garb, he knew and most definitely could see. But it just helped a tad on the psychological side to try and cover what little there was to cover of the Dragon's Blood trails left behind.
Thinking of the Dragon's Blood brought him the awareness that his right leg was experiencing a simmering something that was missing.

"Subaru-dono may test me. However…" Ostentatiously peering back at the Astrea grounds, Wilhelm took in a breath and turned with a sure face. "Recent events do not seem so supportive of those unnecessary claims. Not that they were needed."

"Even if knowingly I could be the one responsible for the mabeast activity in this time?" Subaru threw that out of nowhere. His statement no different in impact to what a child might earn by slugging a rock over a calm water's surface.

"…?"

However, Wilhelm didn't bear any visible reaction yet.

"Ugh, no wait, let me rephrase that…" With a crestfallen attitude, the tarnished knight cut himself off while shifting his attention across the garden. "What I mean is: Back when Chisha asked me why I was doing that, why I was doing anything really… I answered honestly. And I get the feeling that was somehow a mistake."

"How come?"

"See Wilhelm-san… looking back at it now, I let myself do as I wanted. And… and I felt good doing that. …Damn good!" Nodding to himself with a tightlipped mien, Subaru looked between the ground and horizon.

"…"

"I told Chisha. I told him how I wanted to win. Just like I told Al. Just like I told Heinkel. And just like I boasted to Priscilla." Making a pause, Subaru paced aimlessly around while mulling his choice of words. "I wanted all the laurels and respect. …I still want great deeds. To have them like a collection of trophies. So, in short, I wa-showed what a real glutton I am."

"Personally, I see the pursuit of achievements as commendable and worth respecting, should they be done for the sake of the person in question." Wilhelm retorted steadily.

"Sure, I think so too. In fact, I'm probably right to say plenty people think that way. But the way I went about saying that…"

"Ah, by that implication, is Subaru-dono perhaps doubtful to have communicated too much vulnerability to the adversary?"

"Pretty close with that, huh? …No, not really." At last resigning to force his hands to steady themselves and rest folded beneath his chest, Subaru grinned in a self-demeaning way. "After finding Chisha to have been in cahoots with Capella for sparking a war in Vollachia, I now understand what kind of fuck up I've done by saying what I've said…"

"…"

"I answered honestly. I said how if possible, I would take on anything bad or difficult in the challenge to prevent Vollachia from burning down. …Heh! I even said how I knew, how I was certain, my closest allies and loved ones would seek me. …And also admitted to how much I wanted them far away from it."

With that, color seemingly drained from Wilhelm's face.

"I knew since day one in the Empire, even if I have my own thoughts about it, that Emilia, Beatrice and everyone would look for me. …And I also knew how much I wanted them to stay put and safe. Like neat, priceless, porcelain dolls. In fact-" Subaru backtracked and plopped himself down over the carriage's steps to enter it. Tapping with the index his forehead, the black-haired knight couldn't even look the Sword Demon in the eyes.
"In fact, I wanted them to wait for me to return. Like your cliché old bedtime story about the hero returning accomplished home. Yeah…"

Wilhelm's eyes widened. He felt his jaw growing taught. And in his ears, a strident ringing faintly persisted.

"So… I…" Moving a hand to drum its fingers over a knee, Subaru lightly smirked in the same crestfallen manner. "I basically told him I wouldn't mind though for them to be stalled with small issues or business. You know… inconveniences. Just to kill their time to search." Looking back down and huffing a breath, Subaru waited a moment before continuing.
"Something eerily similar to what Wilhelm-san said about the mabeast activity…"

"…"

"…"

It was so silent, that the outside thrum of a passing air breeze became mute.

It was so silent, in fact, that Subaru could swear he was listening how his own blood rushed past his eardrum!

"…"

"…"

Not raising his head, Subaru had no clue what Wilhelm's visage could express. Anger? Disappointment? Scorn?

Well, that felt a little too exaggerated to think.

Sure, Subaru would think himself worthy of all of those reactions and worse. But after having come to know the man for this long, he couldn't bad mouth, or rather, think badly of him this way. It would've been a disservice to how composed and cool the old knight was.

"…"

"But it's alright… It will be-" Mustering the courage to speak, Subaru felt akin to having hurled a boulder over the frozen surface of a lake! The utterance of his words was ear-shattering from the silence previously experienced. "I've been thinking ever since yesterday on how to solve this. Therefore, so long as Wilhelm-san may accept, I want to do anything I can to solve this issue of the Karsten Duchy."

"But it will be alright… Mm…" Murmured the old Sword Demon.

Daring to sneak a look, Subaru furtively glanced back at the man standing stock still and right. Wilhelm's attention was cast a little further way. Pursuing that line of sight, Subaru came to notice two silhouettes by the mansion's adjacent garden.

Felt and Reinhard were there, most likely talking, and Wilhelm looked at them.

"That is very much like Subaru-dono to say, is it not?" This reply was said gently. "Thinking that way… Th-" The man cut himself off.

Much to Subaru's amazement, he met the still serene face of Wilhelm regarding him. Not a sign of negativity over its features.

"Of course, Subaru-dono would think so. Though currently, what I should most likely say is: Indeed, we will resolve this minor issue. One in no measure caused by Subaru-dono." Wilhelm considered himself undependable regarding words. Perhaps coming off as either too unprecise or even getting across the wrong message. Indeed, he did feel that more than likely what he wanted to say could have been done much better. However, surprisingly, he had found the young Subaru since first to be someone willing to understand his sloppy wordings and managed to peer at the deeper meanings he intended to define.

Hopefully that also went to be applied now.

Speaking as such, whatever guilt Subaru carried had to be put on standby. By force of the moment, it was clear Wilhelm understood something he did not and reasoned to act upon that knowledge.
It turned up to help enough with Natsuki's fear of causing further atrocities.

"I believe now, from context of circumstance, I may have inadvertently understood what lady Felt worries." The elder Astrea nodded to himself.
"Now, please, Subaru-dono." Wilhelm lent a hand to help the downtrodden Natsuki. "Put aside those worries you have. Currently, I must admit to my selfishness and ask: What happened after challenging the Blue Lightning?"

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

A set of great wings unfurled and stretched languidly, showcasing a surprising amount of gentleness and amusement with the action.

Much to Subaru's disbelief, Vollachia's flying dragons acted somewhat like his homeworld's parrots. The idea only reinforced itself as he admired the exquisite long and vividly colored feathers of the animal. It was very pleasant to know he managed to earn a flying dragon with a dash of orange to its plumage.

"Wishing for a swift death is the mark of weakness, Natsuki Subaru. More so, if that reveals to be your true desire, then have the decency to beg me of such release. Not the enemy."

Vincent was as expected, hard to deal with today. His fists tensed enough to tease out a sound of ripping cloth from his pristine gloves.

"The only decency one such as your lowly self should possess is the one to maintain thy charade to amuse mineself. Squandering such divinely offered grace by abandoning life is intolerable."

Priscilla waved her crimson fan elegantly beneath her chin, her face exposed. The frown on it capable to burn his back if she perhaps put the focus in it.

"I… have to agree. This, is pretty wild. I get the idea, but I don't get the choice." Medium was doubtfully looking between the two, royal blooded, vollachians before making eye contact with the man bombarded by those comments.

"Thought you were ready to trust me from now on fully." Subaru, intentionally distracting himself with menial work checking the flying dragon's condition, didn't deign to turn and confront their warnings.

"Yeah… That's 'cuz I was pretty sure bro would get his stuff together and lead us on." Al stepped forward to look at the soon-to-be-minced-meat-man while tapping his helmet. "This… ain't exactly what I had in mind."

"I command thee, Natsuki Subaru, to speak concisely!" At last, Vincent had his fill of the aimless conversation and moved to grasp Subaru's arm. "If this is some meaningless attempt at proving thy standpoint once again since Gural, I-"

"Calm, calm, Vincent." Subaru merely turned to regard the emperor with an easy expression. God knew deep down he was all but cool with the situation he would engage, but he had to perform. And for this show, he'd need his best mask possible.
"I got it." Moving a hand over the emperor's own, Subaru patted it with a slow, repeating, motion. "We're in the same boat. And I've made up my mind, Al here witness. I'll win it all."

"…" Keeping silent and bearing a soft appeal to his eyes, Vincent gave a once over the flying beast, evaluating it from head to talons much as if evaluating a product. He seemed to have found whatever he looked for in that answer. If he tested Subaru's resolve with that… then he looked pretty satisfied. "And what is thine explanation towards the beast's approval of thee?"

"Cans't thou see, fool? Creatures of the same ilk flock together."

Priscilla had not let up on her disapproval even a smidgeon. How ironic that perhaps she would've been the one most important to his plan this time? Perhaps, even crucial wasn't wrong to say.

Looking back at her glaring crimson eyes, Subaru thought momentarily why she even bothered to attempt and change his plan of action. He'd expected this stunt to even be encouraged by someone as her. Something like 'you commoner at last think rightly, now make haste to entertain mineself!' or similar enough.

It was of course probable Priscilla wasn't entirely devoid of empathy!
Big shocker, thought Subaru. On the if chance she possessed the emotional capability to understand the danger he'd face, Subaru had to admit he'd have been surprised!

Priscilla, possessing empathy? Impossible! That was his instinctual reaction to her.

However, having come to spend some rather tension filled days with her, he understood during his child-cursed state that Priscilla wasn't necessarily cruel for the sake of being cruel.

Oddly enough, Al would still support the idea that this was her unique way of expressing worry.
Right… and here he was making fun of Ram's way of expressing that emotion. Maybe it was best he didn't complain all that much anymore about her… Just maybe.

"As nice as it is to hear you, Priscilla, compare me to something so feathery. I have to chalk it up to probably nothing worth noting. I find dragons cool, and for whatever reason they are cool with me too. …Patrache especially." At the end of his statement, Suabru wistfully looked at nothing in particular while absentmindedly rubbing the dragon's wing.
"Can I rely on you for this?"

"Merely the thought of doubting mine divine self is worth retribution. However, thy lowly self has proven enough to earn some understanding of thy meager awareness." Priscilla's lip quirked down briefly and closed her eyes in a show of annoyance to entertain this discussion.

"…" Looking at Aldebaran, Subaru rose a brow.

"Eh, don't look at me. I'd say she's warmed up to ya. You're part of us now, bro. Don't think we'd leave ya on your own." As always, Al was the absolute bastion of assurance in his tumultuous adventure. If he managed to see this problem through without losing his mind, Subaru would have to dedicate a statue for this man in sign of appreciation.

"Thanks Al, you're the real hero here." Subaru let a subdued smile paint his pallid complexion, momentarily forgetting the pressing issue he'd face.
And thinking of… His eyes slowly fixated on the emerald shine possessed by Priscilla's resplendent jewels.

Set above her fair skinned neck, three precious stones of mindboggling application rested like an accessory. Yup… she'd definitely be the crux of his plan.

"Anyway… just… uh, here." Dejectedly, Medium advanced towards him and handed a deep black scabbard. Her words failing to express distaste, clearly showing she'd rather be the one to battle, it was clear to all Medium made great sacrifices in order to leave her principles at the door for this occasion.

"Thank you, Medium. Don't worry, I'll return it without a scratch." Giving a weak attempt at alleviating the girl's conflicted mind, Subaru delicately moved to receive the blade, on the off chance to not further annoy the typically vigorous girl.
"Priscilla… I don't want to sound like a jerk or anything if you might get this the wrong way, but: This, will not be a breeze. It's bound to hurt like hell at times. Though, ideally, I don't want to get there."

Subaru returned his gaze to the fuming matriarch, meeting her seething aura with a calm visage maintained with difficulty. Looked like he'd still go with a tense spirit, as expected when dealing with the red baroness.

"And thy comment surely is interpretable as offending. If a mere commoner believes I susceptible to such insignificant claims, then perhaps thee has not understood thy lesson since appropriately aged."

With a smug, but still miffed, tone the baroness lightly approached. Huffing once upon closing her eyes, it was clear she reminisced on recent memories.

And it also seemed she'd never let Subaru live down those past happenings, much to his discomfort.

"Mmh… a lesson I don't know if I'll ever be ok with, but… Thank you, Priscilla." Nodding once and clenching his jaw taught, Subaru closed his eyes and admired the lights only his eyes could ever observe. And with a reluctant utterance, going against his preference, something was called upon. "『Cor Leonis』."

…

And there. …The deed was done. Come later in the time of need, he'd rely on Priscilla.

'What the fuck… how can I live in a world and think that.' Shaking his head and shrugging his shoulders, Subaru turned to be met with Vincent's silent assessment.

"…" All that was needed to be said was said. Subaru didn't know if there was anything left to mention before going.

"Rupgana will be replete with soldiers. The imperial army prepared to soon bash down the citizens' doors and seek me. It doesn't matter what they find. Now with two clear sides to choose in supporting the 'rightful' emperor… Civil war will break out without need for bloodshed." Vincent only stated an event that was bound to happen. He only spoke what was ay stake. Abel only reminded Subaru what was pressing over him.

"Mhm, think I can already hear their drums or something starting to make some ruckus." Looking at a side, Al tapped his helmet, commenting in support of Vincent's statement.

"Good." Subaru nodded. "The more, the merrier. We'll need the people seeing us return with Segmunt at our side."

And with those words spoken, Vincent grabbed Subaru by the shoulders. With narrowed eyes and heavy tone, the emperor commanded: "Return victorious…" His words lingered. Leading up to the part Subaru always expected. He waited to hear now Vincent saying '-or not at all', however…
"Return."

Subaru was left speechless.

---

"Ah!" A delighted voice resounded with a smooth tone. "Fancy meeting you here!" Its cheery attitude would lead anyone astray to form a first impression.

The flying dragons grew restless, their plumage rustling in impatience.

"Saying it as if you weren't invited…" Subaru kept an unimpressed façade whilst keeping eye contact. His mask had to be perfect for this! "Aren't you the soulful one today, huh?" Taking note of his high spirits, Subaru made sure to keep his own under check.

"Of course!" Leisurely stepping over the graveled earth, producing knocks of wood at every step with his zaori, the man exuded a happy aura. "With gifts like these piling on at my doorstep, who in their right mind wouldn't be?"

"Gifts, you say? Already daydreaming of the achievement, I see. …Confident you'll win?" Subaru kept his hands deadest at his side. The black sheath at his waist, concealed towards his back, hung like a led weight from him. Wearing it alone meant he'd already sealed the deal.

"Oh? Expecting any other outcome?" Mirthful blue eyes regarded him along an open, full, smile. "Sorry, but everyone should expect my victory over all. It's only natural."

"Arrogant, aren't you?"

"Arrogant?" A light wind blew past them, making it so the man's long, dark blue, hair waved softly from it. "I don't follow."

"Right, not one for an open mind." With his jaw taught, Subaru's voice came out rather raspy and heavy. "Or are you aware and actively don't try to remedy that side of you?"

"Ah, please, the silver tongue treatment ain't my style. I can admit to not care for the mind that much. Anyway, nothing like Boss or Chisha." Propping vigorously his fists over his waistline, the man's haori slightly shifted at the action, further causing the weapons secured at his side to pop out in evidence.

"Naturally. I wasn't expecting to reason with an animal."

"…!..." The man's eyes widened.

"That's why I'm here to force you, rather than convince you." Subaru's evil eyes only served as an instigating factor with his last words.

"Now hold on! Aren't you… Aren't you contradicting here?" A slightly more demeaning simper bloomed on the man's face. "Pretty funny since you called me arrogant, earlier? But here you're saying stuff like that! Haha~haha!" It was oddly sounding like an innocent laugh. Once again, a misleading appearance. "And what say do you have to call me an animal? Hm~hm, if an insult, you're not very good with them, he~hehe!"

"Experience, I should say." The retort was humoristic. But Subaru still did his best to keep an expressionless appeal. "That and the dead giveaway of you ignoring your leader."

"Ignoring; you think that bad of me 'cause I don't answer Boss? Or… other Boss?"

"'Not good with the mind', huh, guess you're right. What I mean to say is: whatever means necessary suits you nicely. Anything for the Heavenly Sword title, right?"

"Anything for what's desired. I'm sure that's the country's motto, yup. Your point? I imagined you smarter than the average Joe, with all the popularity and legends." Coupling a disappointed curve of the mouth with mocking eyes sparking joyously, the man seemed hardly impressed. "Aahh… but, have I overestimated you?"

"Don't feel too bad, you are saying the entire truth with that. Besides, I also considered too much of you until now, Cecilus Segmunt. But as Priscilla tends to think: It is stupid to overestimate mindless mongrels."

"…" This time, Cecilus' mouth curved downward as an honest reaction, suggesting he didn't quite appreciate that. In fact, the cold stare he sent towards Subaru implied he took that pretty personally.
"If ya were anything great to consider, then what you say might-"

"Might hurt you? No use for words, as you said, but your reaction says otherwise. Oh, don't worry, I still fully intend to make good on my challenge. Right now, I'm simply being cruel, don't you see?" Subaru slightly raised his neck, gesturing to look at Cecilus from above.

If he weren't treading on thin wire before, he was definitely now. In this country, honor wasn't as prevalent as back in Lugnica before conducting anything agreed on, and he could find himself blinking back in time any second now if making a wrong move.
But pushing the moment was also very much required for this plan to work.

"Just like that? Being cruel to me 'cause you don't like me?"

"Yes."

"Hah! After last argument, I could've bet ya bluffed what you said about me. Mm… guess you were though vocal enough about your dislikes."

"Still am."

"Hah~haha! Then who's the true animal here?" Cecilus' eyes sparked as he set a foot forward. "You're not acting any better."

"Us both, of course."

"Hm? So, ya admit it?" The Blue Lightening smiled with enthusiasm and glee. Something about their last interaction left him wanting, to put into words. "All that talk about shitting on our way of going about. And denying we're alike. I figured you talked bullshit, but are you still thinking like that?"

"Of course, part of it I lied through my teeth. I'm particularly good at it." Making the conscious decision to expose his back to the criminal he confronted, Subaru turned to make his way towards his flying dragon. "Mostly I lied in order to spite Vincent and tell myself there's nothing in common between us. Getting all too friendly with the Bloody Emperor wasn't exactly a dream of mine."

"Well that's sad, I don't think that way of you. Even if you are kinda weak. You are a living legend!" Cecilus was speaking confidently. Judging by his tone, it could be said to even enjoy their talk. Perhaps he had been also itching to address this point between them since first meeting. "So why be so against mine and Boss's ways?"

"Why am I against your ways? Huh, don't know, probably because you are singlehandedly the worlds greatest killer?" What surged as a great burst of disgust succeeded to slightly falter Subaru's façade. A loathsome curve of the mouth betrayed his steady expression. "Probably because Priscilla is right? Because you don't take even a second to think before you act? I know I'm probably asking too much, but did you ever stop and think Cecilus? Did you do that when you made minced meat out of every soldier, man and woman, that found their way in your whirlwind?"

"We're talking of adults here, Subaru." Cecilus smiled widely, as if excusing himself so perfectly motivated everything he had ever done. "They could've just not fought me."

"Right. Real easy to do that in a place like Vollachia, huh? People grown in the mold of violent meritocracy, atrocities justified by guys like Vincent as the strong eating the weak, and a country ready to go at war over anything even with itself at the flip of a dime, and you're still expected to put bread on your family's table. Sure… they could've run away. Some choice that sounds like."

"Ah, not this again…" Cecilus seemed almost regretful as he waved a hand before wandering his gaze over their surroundings. "Thinking too much… that takes the entire charm out of things, wouldn't you say? I mean, we're about to face in an event like no other in history and you're trying to have me doubt myself now? Heh~hehe… you're not that much better, are you?"

"Hmh! Easy to say whatever bullshit suits for excuses. The strong eating the weak; nice convenient story to wipe away your misdeeds as just nature taking its course. This war sure suits your little quest for challengers, huh? Nothing better than a violent breakout to cash in on, couldn't help it after all. That way you'll reach your shiny fairytale status."

"You're talking like you showed me up? What of the strong eating the weak? You did act the same, after all. I don't see you piled up with all those others I've diced. You got here and got here on merits. You did it for yourself, like I'm doing things for myself, like I'm doing this now. Pointing at me means dick-all, if that's what's to be an animal."

"But it does." Subaru was confronted with an immense heat. His face could have faltered any second while struggling to keep an uncaring air. But half this battle was appearances. "You and Vincent are right to say I'm no better too. I did what I had to for my goals, true. Though not to say I butchered my path to victory. I looked the best I could for other means, no bloodshed if any. …I know too there could've been done better. But you, Cecilus? You're just disgusting, how naturally you resort to killing and keep on smiling so innocently afterwards like no big deal happened!"

Subaru's breath became pronounced and acknowledged his temper to be slipping from his reigns. And yet he had to resist this outburst. This wrath he felt, at the absurdity he saw in Cecilus!
Here he was, together with a criminal debating morals and truth. Oh well, make that two criminals, if the last days revealed anything. If before Subaru tried his damnedest to keep a grip on the slight chance to be redeemable enough and be called sane, this situation disproved him entirely. What kind of madmen did this?

The sparking point was difficult to determine for his friction against Cecilus.

Subaru was torn between either being in honesty disgusted by Cecilus' ruthlessness or by being envious at his ease of moving past a heavy conscious. Why did this fuck get to be this happy?!

Him smiling so genuinely in spite of what he did, had that man no scruple?!

"It happens." Towards that heavy accusation, the blue haired General only shrugged. His response, was shrugging. Every bit as childish as he was known to be, but even then! That was how he saw it. "Wind blows. Plants grow. Animals prey. People fight and die. So what? They died for what served them back, no? They honored this way at least. I mean, they did die doing their job by my blade, yes? I think that's plenty admirable, yup!"

With a satisfied visage and carefree attitude, the man grabbed the sash around his waist and hummed, content with his reply.

"It happens…" Closing is eyes and taking in a deep breath, Subaru kept himself together. There was no use debating with this man, he'd tell himself. It was useless to make him see anything else besides trial by force and need for bloodshed. Yes, Subaru would lie to himself like this constantly at every turn faced with reality… "It happens."

'Hmh, if this is the medium where Priscilla grew up in… Hats off, I guess, maybe I was the one quick to judge. Because I definitely would've lost it here.' Thinking so to himself, Subaru resumed once more.

"Then if it's all so black and white to you, please illuminate me, oh world's navel: Why are you just wasting your time, playing hermit, in that rundown shack while Vincent's ass' on death row to reclaim the throne? Ah, don't tell me-" A simper decorated Subaru's teasing front. "You're too busy 'studying the blade' eh?"

"Hey…! Hearing you say things like that kinda' ticks me off. Weird why that is. But to answer-" Cecilus folded his hands one beneath the other, concealing them neatly within his blue haori's sleeves. "I'll be the Heavenly Sword. Still, I'm just the sword here. Don't look at me, I don't make the rules. The hand commanding me calls the shots. You know… Boss's orders and all that." Winking mischievously, the General just as uncaringly shrugged off his problems. Or, it was him being truly such a purely narrowminded man he would take as literal whatever someone seeming to be the emperor would say.
"If there's more than one hand to answer to, ya kinda expect the sword's to stay sheathed~."

"Ah, so you just can't be bothered enough to try and figure it out yourself." Came Subaru's deadpan reply.

"Whatever could you be talking about~?" Musically wondered Cecilus with a wide grin and squinted eyes. His zori used once to knock on the rocks beneath.

"Uh-huh. Guess it's all the better that way." Resigning so, Subaru shrugged and turned to mount his flying dragon. "I'll act as the third hand and claim said sword."
The ruptured Guilty Whip at his hip. One of Medium's weapons at his waist's back. Vincent's dagger kept in handy.

Every surprise had to be played just right. Otherwise, any fair and square match resulted in no victory.

Animals like them, they'd do anything to win. And it was established already Subaru was one of them.

"Hoh? You say you hate me. Still, from all, you want my services?" Cecilus progressively widened his smile when speaking. Right now, in Subaru's mind, the General reached a point worth comparing to the Cheshire Cat. Or should he think, Cheshire Puck.

"Don't misunderstand, Cecilus." Intoning quickly, Subaru swiftly hopped on the flying dragon's back. No saddle or equipment there to help secure him. Otherwise, even the thought of liftoff could be kissed goodbye to. These proud creatures would not tolerate anything be laid on them. "I'm not criticizing you for the sake of my disapproval. I'm only listing off what your new job will forbid."

"…!..." Hard to believe, yet Cecilus was colored surprised. Those words definitely took him by storm. If anything, one might've thought him to be struck by that which is unseen.

Meanwhile, uncaring to Cecilus's condition inflicted by his declaration, Subaru assessed his partner in this trail by force.

Getting a feel for the shifting surface that'll serve as his ground for the challenge, the knight tensed his legs and steadied himself.
That was right. They'd be standing stock straight like trees for this while riding dragons.

Reason why was simple: This was Subaru's first advantage and surprise. To deprive the Blue Lightning of a medium he mastered to fight on. It helped that this condition only sweetened the challenge for the Divine General. Constricting them to not abandon their dragons at any cost until reaching the ground again was a pivotal point.

As for why…

The Royal Race's time constraints make a clear stopper for Subaru to cultivate the skill of a swordsman. The sacrifices required along his road, had cut down the ability to hone in any magical prowess.
Exactly why, it was necessary Subaru prepared ahead a few surprises to change the tide. Therefore, anything here went without saying, no stoppers to win. In Vincent's words, he is commanded to return victorious or to not return at all.

"Now hop on your dragon. I want to expect you remember at least the rules. So say, do you?" Natsuki maintained his tough act well enough.
Appearing as this mysterious and all-knowing person to Segmunt was another good move on his part. Breaking out of that mold later didn't matter. Whatever damage will come then, let it come. Right now, Subaru had to match the legends of his character spread among the people.

A tough order.

"…" The man tapped his foot against the earth and looked to be thoughtful for a moment. Hopefully he wasn't debating whether or not to break said rules on behalf of not caring to know them.
"No leaving our dragons. Victory is achieved from the other admitting defeat, is killed or their dragon lands first." Impressively, Cecilus recalled everything correctly. Not even missing a beat. He spoke calmly. No, that was wrong.

He spoke with an aura of excitement.

"Hah~hahhah~haha! Yes, yes! This is good, real good! I really like this you! Finally speaking my language!"

"So everything until my declaration went through an ear and out the other, huh? How airheaded." Subaru remarked offhandedly.

"Well, I did tell too much talk isn't my charm now. But I do have to ask, aside your want. Why did you bother to speak with me?" Cecilus's eyes glinted curiously, his mien contorting into something amused, like a child observing a funny performance. "You'd think someone so angry wouldn't do that."

"Now, now. I also told you to stop thinking yourself as the World's Lindworm. What I listed were my reasons as well." Passing a grazing touch over the ring set over his right ring finger, Subaru looked Cecilus in the eyes. "Plenty reasons at that to as you say, show you up!"

"Uuhh! It is personal after all! Yes, hm, yes. Where was this you the first time around?! See!" Opening his arms wide, the General in a single bound, one had to imagine from lack of visual evidence, and in what had to be an unbelievably small unit of time landed on his dragon's back!
"Isn't this so much more better? You admitted it too! Why act nicely when what you want is in your reach?" Cecilus spun slowly on the beast's back, massaging by the looks of it the dragon's scales with his wooden zori. "So just give in your hunger and do as you like! We fight for ourselves here, not anyone else! So let's stop with all this knight bullshit front. See, this is why I really like you, Subaru! You don't let any shit like that mean jack to you. Do what you want to!"

"You don't have to lecture me on that kind of hunger." Subaru's eyes minutely twitched. "Sorry I can't say the same. But thanks for the compliment."

"Alright-y then! Let's not dally anymore, I've been looking forward to this! I heard legendary mysteries of you, now ready your sword and amaze me!" Cecilus tensed his legs as his dragon began churning beneath, readying to take flight.

A heavy aura and looming threat bled from his favored swords.

"Sword? Legendary mysteries? Ah, you must mean sword skill." In the same action, Subaru's flying dragon slowly unfurled its wings. The Divine Protection possessed by it taking effect once the knight tested to see if he could walk on its stretched wings as steadily as on normal ground.

They'd have to get close, after all.

Much like Natsuki, Cecilus walked the outstretched wing of his own dragon, approaching the knight. The two walked the living bridge, set face to face.

To a passerby's eye, they would absurdly look to defy the laws of balance and weight distribution. Yet for them, thanks to the beasts Divine Protection it was as if walking a sloped hill. Facing one another, a few arms lengths apart, Subaru could see the blue haired man's annoyed face. No doubt a reaction to his last reply.

"Yes, what else ta mean?" Pointing a hand at Subaru's sheathed sword, in truth Medium's sword. And readying with his other to draw the favored Fiend lingering cruelty from its sheath, Cecilus exuded an overwhelming presence.

"Ah, of course, now's just a placeholder. Why should I use my sword when I won't need it?" Here it was! The second surprise! "Why need it when I'll knock you down just as easy?" At least that was somewhat true. This exchange was bound to last just like lightning.

"What…?!"

Judging by that look, Subaru struck the right nerves.

Cecilus hated with a passion anything connecting back to his sore spot regarding Reinhard. It was a sensitive subject, even more so for Subaru when in Cecilus's swords range. It was also an underhanded move. Taunting one with his past failures.

But this was only to be expected. Subaru didn't plan to fight fare.

"Prove dangerous enough and I might consider its need. Clear?" Subaru's repeated exposure to unfathomable abominations had done wonders for his nerves, hadn't it? Funny. He'd almost consider to thank Reid for his over the top acts. …Almost.

Cecilus was easily in a difficult spot on hat to think of this attitude.

"That so…?!" Scowling in spite, gnashing his teeth, and slightly untensing, Cecilus quickly adopted a cruel smile and leisure attitude. Leaning his torso backwards and opening his arms as if in a hug, the man spoke with irony. "Oh, I'm all for it then! So great you are, heh? I understand, oh, I do." His visage exuded a demeaning message. "I was about to be nice and give you some credit. Have people say you fought the first Divine General all out… Guess though you'll just have to make your loss more of a shame than an accomplishment!"

With a frustrated attitude, Cecilus sheathed back the peeking crimson glint of the 『Fiend Sword』! Much alike to how a child would angrily shove back a toy he'd previously been willing to share.
And instead, Segmunt, with lousy vigor, readied the 『Dream Sword』.

A resounding success!

The second move of Subaru's plan struck true! And reduced further Cecilus's battle potential by excluding the 『Fiend Sword』, his most prized possession, from the equation.
At least momentarily.

"What's this about?! Saying you loathe me, I kinda get. Though I'd kill a random cunt for saying that, you, I overlook. But insulting me? This already was personal for me too, but now what you trying to say with this shit?!"

Cecilus was bouncing between a porcelain fake calmness and erupting anger. His eyes stared with great bewilderment at the man in front of him.

"What I'm saying Cecilus, is-"

The dragons took off!

A whirlwind of dust and gravel revolved like storms in their wake!

The wind screeched when cut by the scaled beasts in their ascent!

The clouds above zoomed closer, their fluffy appeal turning to a heavy image by each millisecond!

A wave of cold passed them, yet unformed rain bathed them like a fine mist!

A deafened thrum of thunder boomed in the background! Flashes of light sparked far off in the distance!

Beneath them, the capital of Vollachia appeared as if infested by ants. The concentration of people filling its roads, a live witness to their unthinkable trial!

Subaru centered his feet.
His voice hoarse from the altitude and forced to holler to make itself heard.

His face molded tauntingly; Subaru answered Cecilus:

"LET'S DANCE!"

---

The land beneath twisted and stretched in a fish-eyed lens perspective. The horizon was losing itself like a foggy window image with the sun down behind. Orange traces tainting spots through mist and frail clouds. Fog beneath miraged a passing water. The winged dragon's feathers whistled violently in the wind.

And the thunder boomed far away in the background.

Beneath Subaru's winged dragon, Rupgana bustled with activity.
The imperial army poured through the streets, assembling by the center capitol's area. Faint beats of war-drums weakly reached his ears.

Cold. Differently from the ground bellow, these dangerous heights welcomed the two riders like a gentle winter.

And the smell…

"—sun!"

Prompting his dragon with a crude direction, free to interpretation, Subaru was flown adjacent to the following presence of a flying beast. The vague sun's orange glint behind, the Divine General in sight, a building noise alarmed the knight!

Like dull clicks of a sick heart, readily prompted of the man in front! Cecilus' wooden zoris resounded in his run across his wyrm's wings!

A predator enjoying the hunt. Faster than the eye could track, the General mocked the knight with every telling step like an approaching blight.

Subaru's irises widened while his eyes narrowed, and next surprise to call on was:

"『Ladon』!"

The age-old name from myths not of this world, invoked in a form too great for mortal minds, whispered a will of equal might. One great enough to go around the world and back again, its authority it could wind!

The hunger wreathed and coiled; the target set in sight. To hold, possess and own it all, without a way to fail!

A pain erupted like a singe in counterbalance to the call. A famine's weakness peeled away marks scarred over time, exposing rosy flesh and crimson droplets through layers of thick cloth. Unsatisfied, unfilled, unsatiated, left wanting and unfed. Merely clenching its jaws around that which it desired was unfair to say the least!

Cecilus reached Subaru, their wyrms billowing wings pointing at one another. The Blue Lightning's attentive eyes flashing in anticipation!

The 『Dream Sword』 was swung down!

Its aim, locked in. Its descent steady. Its movement perfected.
There was no avoiding or moving past it!
The end was set in stone already! That metal would strike flesh. And strike it did with savagery!

A booming clang resounded in the wake of contact!

"…" Segmunt's face soured in confusion, his body tensed. Once again, his sword was swung. The target struck! The point of impact violently echoing! A fluid and decisive movement of perfected skill. "This is—!"

Cut off from his bewildered state, a deeply confounded emotion filled the General's likeness. His nose and glabella scrunched in surprise, 'cause this was absurd!
Leaning a mere nose's length away and repositioning his Sword of Power before his body, Cecilus intercepted the offending limb outstretched in riposte!

The vollachian barely picked up the murmur over the whizzing gales.

"『Diligence』."

*▅▅▅▅▅▅* And once again the impossible happened!

Subaru's hands, with fingers pointed out, batted against the 『Dream Sword』 unharmed! No drop of blood, not sign of wound, not even a marking scratch.

"Hhah~ahah! I'm starting to like this more and more!" With a wild smile, Segmunt delightedly took stance and let his hand swirl a whirlwind of blows!

Naturally, Cecilus was aware how unspoken forces already ate at him. It was impossible to not notice for fuck's sake! When every drop's worth of magic was suddenly cut from you to the point he could wander if he ever even possessed a gate!
Laid bare of Fighting Spirit, as it would manifest in those who's martial prowess commanded instinctually their magic, Cecilus even so was all but defenseless.

Maybe he couldn't boast the same physical strength and speed that earned his moniker, but it meant jack-shit anyway when everything regarding his meritocratic efforts spoke of skill.

"…"

As expected to Subaru, once on the same field in terms of standard human limits, everything started to make sense. Not to say the deluge of accursed metal sent his way was any less predictable! Afterall, Cecilus might as well be unmatched, rule out Reinhard, in this era.
But that easily didn't mean as much when all you had to do now was to intentionally let your limbs interfere in the path! Going against the current warning one to preserve their life.

Subaru's arms wavered at the pressure applied! His hands left unharmed, but his resistance to opposing force truly tested.

From the right, going against the very instinct he should nowadays follow, his right hand jutted out, clumsily spreading his fingers to catch as if in a net the expertly wielded arm.

Cecilus made few adjustments, as to expect from a battle-tested veteran as he, leading with every motion his sword to peek closer and closer by Subaru's reach, nearing to embed in his body.

From the left, a curving flail let Subaru uselessly bat it away. A faint. The moment he moved against it, the 『Dream Sword』 retracted from touch.

"Gotcha!"

With a wide smile, Cecilus flicked sideways his wrist and plunged!

Natsuki's left hand came back just enough to make contact! Yet the redemption wasn't all clean.
The wicked weapon, grinding against the defending arm, slipped passed the knight's guard and tasted blood once slicing by Subaru's left thigh!

"—hk!"

Cringing internally and contorting his face from the unnatural pain the cold metal inflicted, Subaru's right hand moved to swipe away in the nick of time, avoiding by a hair's length bisection!

Staggering from the accursed injury, indifferent to the rush of adrenaline, Subaru stepped back to grasp his thigh. His eyes never leaving the General, he could feel his sweat being washed away by the rushing mist of unborn rain.

"Don't make this easy now!"

Lunging forth, an electric shade of radiating blue raised above his head, the following arc as per the others was unavoidable.

"Then don't make it, Cecilus." With a roguish smile at the impending doom, from Subaru's right hand, a charred black band gleamed with an unseen thrum of magic. A sweltering presence was forced in reality above the worn ring, and subsequently fired at the vollachian! An incandescent projectile belched at Segmunt, trailing embers and refracting shades of color in the mist, swallowing his silhouette in a firestorm.

That was when the smell tingled Subaru's nose once more.

Ozon.

The erupted tongues of fire withered and swayed, like snakes in their death throes, wriggled away from the wound inflicted on that which possessed no body.

The 『Dream Sword』, with its talent of harming even the unseen and shapeless, parted the firestorm not unlike a biblical recreation for Subaru's eyes to feast on.

Collecting enough presence of self to bring his form back on feet, Subaru acted again. This situation was nothing but a bad matchup. Truth be unveiled and things be called for what they were, this challenge was about danger and recklessness. And recklessness is what Subaru was all about!

"Anymore surprises?" Unaffected and untouched in the least, Segmunt readied at an angle his weapon with an elated comment.

"Come closer and get a look." Taunting with a daring grin, Subaru's bloodshot eyes narrowed in discomfort at the bleeding gash on his thigh, and forcefully advanced in Cecilus' range! With a swift slide of hand, the charred ring was moved to his forefinger.

A whizz from the air being cu apart signaled the approach of the offending war's arm.

In what could be honestly called the most absurd and braindead action possible, save for the circumstances, Subaru grabbed the azure iron, struggling to resist the force threatening to dislocate his shoulder. Jutting his other hand to press against the bloodthirsty sword, Subaru did his best to act as an unorthodox vice.

"Woops!" Giving a playful sound, Cecilus kicked Subaru's bleeding wound, managing to wriggle a good way out his weapon from the mindboggling hold! Seriously now, this was a Sword of Power, not your run of the mill cheap slag of tin. This artwork boasted the ability to measure against Reinhard's own infuriating sword.
To be batted aside and grabbed without a scratch or cut, this man could not be normal!

"Fuck!" Breathed out with a gasp the raven-haired knight once taking a knee, desperately maintaining his grasp on the legendary weapon.

"Jolting, right?" Yet with no sign of disturbance or care, the Divine General slightly bent at the waist to joke. Just a little more elbow grease and he'd wring out the blade. But hell, he had to admit it to the guy, this was fucking unbelievable!

"Tell me about it." Raising his head with a wicked expression, Natsuki let the magic do the talking and forced into obedience the tool gifted by Vincent to a new application. With 『Ladon』 enforced over it in the past, this neat little trick happened when changing the finger placement. Right now, fire wasn't the affinity made use of, no. Rather, it was water.

And true, as one should know, use of it beyond healing was narrow and simple. Oh well, due to various events and people, this nifty idea let itself theorize a more unconventional use of the element. And who better to test it on then the one who's moniker would reflect it? Their 'arena' only enforcing this opportunity.

Bursting with a stupefying sonority, ardent arcs cracked from the charred ring to coil over enchanted metal and travel down its length!

Spark and flash, accompanied by a popping ado for every brilliant arc lingered just enough to bewilder Cecilus. The 『Dream Sword』 eating away by virtue of touch or even presence at the bursting lightning, ensured the wielder came to no harm. That weapon was through and through a fearsome armament worth its myths.

However, the spectacle was just what Subaru required to push Cecilus back, even managing to startle their winged dragons! Causing the beasts to swerve away and part their confrontation just enough to catch his breath.

Pushing against his wounded leg as a crux, Subaru resolved to capitalize on the opening and make good use of the extensively stored mana his body suffered from. Without Beatrice, he might as well be a ticking time bomb, but this way, he had a pretty acceptable outlet.

Clenching his ringed hand, Subaru aimed however best he could at the swerving wyrm Cecilus rode and made an underhand throw. Od bless Clind, that creepy butler. Sending what could be well and truly called a bolt of lightning no different to how one might hurl a javelin.
Scaring off the flying mount of the General further to buy himself more time.

However, as to be expected in return of the Blue Lightning, only one presence in this trial was worthy to be noted as said phenomenon.
Although, denied access to the inhuman Fighting Spirit cultivated in his years of practice, Segmunt was no less capable. It didn't matter what new or ingenious type of magic was applied. It would end all the same. Example made rightly by the following swing to dissipate the incandescent bolt in nothing but fading motes.

"Yes, yes, yes! More, show me more!" If anything considered, someone was having the time of their life. Clearly, this challenge was more of a gift than trial, just as stated by the madman himself. "This' exactly it, Subaru!"
Besides, concerning him, all the new and innovative means fashioned to combat him were nothing more than love confessions! From his standpoint, it was only normal for who was to reach the epitome of a warrior to earn such adrenaline pumping surprises!

"Vollachians, huh? Gotta admire that passion." Mumbling without aim, Subaru stood straight and reached for his whip. Unfastening the compromised tool, his arm began to pendulate, then twirl. A weight pulling along at its tip, the whip's Guiltylow weavings stretched and crunched in clear sign of abuse. But it would serve him right once more today.

Hurling the tool skywards, or considerably higher than currently, clenching down on the middle portion of it, forgoing the natural handling of it, two weights now flew suspended. Ready to snap the material in a pull, Subaru locked his eyes on the inbound passing with Cecilus.

This perhaps would be the closest he'd ever get in this world to dogfights without modern jets. Not that he complained, the motion sickness was a godsent not having to deal with.

"Hahaha~ahahahaha~hahaha!"

Hearing that madman laugh was nothing short of a war-horn announcing his inevitable collision.

Pulling with force at the witchbeast weaving, a snap gave out, and a makeshift flail whipped to meet Cecilus head on!

Cecilus expertly positioned himself to bat aside the offending weapon with but a strike of his sword's guard. With contact made, the fluid material replete in inertia, was forcefully redirected! The snaking threads wiggling by the blade's guard, lashed Segmunt's backhand lightly, almost like a grazing wind.
Reigning control over his strained arm, repercussion of accepting directly all the kinetic force without any Fighting Spirit, the blue haired man couldn't help but cheekily smirk.

'Handle cast off on swing for weight? Crafty prick.' Assessing the nice attempt, a fruitless one, but nice nonetheless, Cecilus squinted his eyes to make out Subaru's silhouette from the sunset light filtering behind him. Readying himself to pass and strike at the equally baffling guy, Segmunt belatedly froze up upon distinguishing the two lines stemming from Natsuki's hold.

His reaction was peak performance!

An attribute mandatory of his renown.

A fluidity and precision only comparable to the best swordsman of a past era, one fabled for besting a Sword Saint itself.

Exactly. It was an incredible twist of the body. Performing such a fakir like act by swaying your back and sword hand behind to bat aside a deadly projectile was worth all the admiration!

An incredible reaction that saved Cecilus his neck, in exchange for his lower back… Catching the passing 'arrow' in an offhand once past the grazed wound, he appraised the object.

"Boss's… huh? Mmn, nothing less from him." With a warm tone, Cecilus nodded upon beholding the noble decorated dagger that carved a laceration along his side, above the hip. A thrice struck beast head, imprinted on a pristine dirk.

Having diverted the coiling end of the whip employed by Subaru, upon who's tip the vollachian dagger was fastened, Segmunt fondly clenched the object. Once again, another surprise… Clever, clever, from the knight. The sun surely hid its glint. A moment later and he'd have been perhaps compromised enough to forfeit the trial.

"It just gets better and better… Good." Mumbling before pocketing the knife for its safeguarding, saving Boss the grief from losing it, the General returned his attention to the opponent.

"Of course you'd stop it, fucking asshole…" Slightly miffed but not perplexed, Subaru had to accept the truth that Cecilus was purely on another playing field when down to combat.

Good thing he turned this trial more into a competition of wits than pure battle.

Faking indifference to his well and abused weapon, Subaru dropped the mabeast arm held by its middle. Only to catch in nonchalantly under his foot. Pressing down on it enough to not be swept away in the sky.

Not a second later, Segmunt was again before him!

The 『Dream Sword』 splitting air apart, filling the area around strongly with the smell of ozone, raced towards Subaru's neck!

Feverish panic raced down Natsuki's spine, threatening to freeze his heart from freight. And again, subscribing to that suicidal policy dedicated for this trial, he abandoned reason to somehow manage intercepting the blade with his bare flesh! The mental gymnastics done in order to convince himself of this course was in itself baffling.
The accursed iron delivered an incredible pressure and even succeeded to budge his frame, but ultimately bounced off his skin.

"Uuuh~! Thick skin~. What a jackass!" Teasing after twirling appreciatively the war's arm, Cecilus widely smiled before taunting with a welcoming gesture like an open embrace, stepping forth then smacking his face's cheek.

"Takes one to know another." No less came Subaru's elfish reply, his sense of humor pleasantly intact. Either that or so broken he was impervious to the absurd.
Tensing and steadying his chilled to the bone lacerated leg, Subaru in much the same vein coaxed Cecilus to go ahead. Subaru was convinced the General didn't require magic enforcement to keep his martial mastery. Throwing now a strike at him, once aware of his surprise using bare hands, wasn't as effective. He had to work off reacting to Cecilus' attacks, otherwise his attempts would just end denied and leave his neck wide open.
"What, too afraid your dainty knife's gonna break any time now?"

"Hahaha~hhahaha, ya little fuck! Say less!"

Spurned to action with such method, the Lightning bolted to attack!

Resonant echoes reflecting off their contact!

Hand met metal and company to the shaping storm was made in the heavens! Thunder and lightning, battled in attrition, with enchanted fringe against sin wrought virtue!

Left, right, left, right repeated like a dance in rhythm. Telegraphed movements meant to tease out every emotion and action from the black knight, were met ardently, with Od-abandoned care!

Cutting their way through clouds, bathed by frail mist, encircling the aerial space above Rupgana, riding winged dragons that swayed in the current, lower and higher, accompanied by booms and thrums of thunder above and war-drums bellow. Two starved individuals executing a performance never seen before!

On the same playing field.

One skilled.

One empowered.

This was anyone's match! As swing of blade bounced off a hand's thrust. Fingers pointed as if a sword, scratching against a legendary armament and with blood splattering in droplets to the earth beneath like warm and soothing rain.

Played all on the line, each for himself, this was beautiful!
This was entirely personal, selfish and self-justified. Just as it should have been!

Subaru's ears flooded with the noise of his own blood rushing. His legs grew numb and cold. His heart beat like possessed and mad, willing to break his own ribs just for more room to agitate! Keeping pace, enveloped by fear of skipping the rhythm, narrowminded from focus on the pattern, senses clogged from adrenaline, body unfeeling to his own motions and merely executing commands. Lightheaded and perfectly conscious, with every misguided use of breath. This was a feeling beyond thrill! Nigh impossible for him to understand at this time!

"Yes, YES, YES! THAT'S IT!" With fervor roaring out, the first of the Divine swung and thrust like a conductor leading a symphony! His music was unfolding before his very eyes in a form new to the world! These were situations he'd never expect, decisions he'd never seen, a moment unlike any other. And it made him feel so alive!

Cecilus directed the combat, enthralled by this stupendous dance like a child admiring fireworks!

With a swing from above, a thrust from the left, a pivot to the right reaching for the side, waving like a willow in the storm and rebounding off the opposition offered. This soon turned in a game of twisted trust! One leaning to be caught by the other, all done through his favorite means.

Upon a sudden jolt in the 'music', Segmunt skipped over the established rhythm, doubling back and extending towards the heavens, his sword pointed up!

With a slamming kick into the wing riding over, legs set steady, hips centered, the 『Dream Sword』 swung in a downward arc, passing by the norm of their intercepting reaches!

Emboldened by newly born sensations, with a mind cleared or drowned in focus, and synced through imitating behavior to the conducting General, Subaru reacted the best he could!

To deny the ineptitude and helplessness chaining him, moving past that hellish weight of inaction resultant of fear, meant passing sloth! He reacted. He took action. He chose!

A deafening ring like a screeching cry boomed! A sharp and pressing percussion trapped itself, like the 『Dream Sword』 stuck between Natsuki's palms!

The assured deliverer of death caught like a gentle butterfly by palms set in prayer.

The swing, so forceful despite done with human strength, that it made Subaru buckle under his own weight.
Applying all the force he could, heavily bending at the waist, leaning to the back, thus were the two stuck in a battle of attrition! One pushing, the other resisting and a blade in between demanding bloodshed!

Enchanted metal cried like old story's banshees, struggling from bending in such strenuous position.

"SHOW ME A GOOD TIME, SUBARU!" With humidity prickling at Cecilus' eyes, elated mien and joyful tone, the man leaned in and pressed his weight! Twisting the handle, Cecilus forced the vicelike stopper improvised by Subaru to part against his will. With space provided, the cold iron made a slow and steady descent against Subaru's chest! Parting the threads above his skin and biting his flesh, the enchanted weapon began to slide from left to right diagonally. Etching a crimson path in its restrained path that demanded more and more to dice!

Pain erupted in response astoundingly! In spite of worse to earn, in spite of other sickening sensations, in spite of more horrid memories, this cruel blade inflicted another wound on par with its nature.
Faltering now whatever small control still held over the blade meant death. And simply resisting would only serve so much.

"!" In mute response, unwilling to spare the effort of speech in such danger, Subaru rose his arms high, removing the blade's point away from his punished torso. And slid his hands kept in prayer down the weapon's spine! Striking against the armament's handguard, the two opponents were eye to eye.
And with one herculean heft, Subaru jutted his arms straight! The center weight, Cecilus' hands and handle, flew in accordance. The sword rejected and the man stretched back, Subaru's hands raced towards his head!

Going with the motion, leaning further back, Segmunt smacked aside the approaching hands serving as spear! Racing by his neck, an ardent sensation gingerly tickled down his trapezius!
A crimson rivulet trickled from the injured muscle. Staining red his blue haori and tickling his nose with iron scent. Segmunt's visage turned further ferocious, the thrill drugging his mind further.

"THAT'S THE SPIRIT!" Cecilus had his fill on demonstrations and teasing. He was well and truly starving now. He actually had to think on the fly. This one would require effort. Acting on muscle memory wasn't enough anymore. "THIS'S LOVELY!"

"Fuck!"

Appropriately, that was the only correct conclusion.

Because the deluge of hellish metal fell upon Subaru as a summer rain! A crown of color tailing the 『Dream Sword』, it mercilessly accelerated to snag his life away!
His bones creaked, the sinew in every joint audibly popped, a breath escaped him on each hit and a shudder traveled his frame on every exchange. The ado of this new dance was different, more violent and demanding of him. The sheer extasy fueling the swordsman proving as much. Subaru could only keep up so much until again, he would be punished by the General.

But it was alright, things didn't go out of his plan.

In fact, now was as best a time as any to finally return the onslaught!

"Try harder, Cecilus!" Daring the strongest vollachian, Natsuki hurled his open palm forth, ready to intercept the pointed tip launched his way. Positioning his body as complementary as possible for that goal, mindfully keeping pressure over the whip beneath his foot, Subaru succeeded!

In his right palm, the 『Dream Sword's』 tip now rested! Pushing against his skin, attempting to protrude his flesh, impeded only by a virtue wrought from sin, the weapon jittered in his grasp. But repeating this trick wouldn't cut it this time. Cecilus was ready, so another surprise was needed:

'God, let this work!' Gathering the courage, a blink's worth of time, a pallid comparison to anything else he's done before! No, this wasn't even worth considering over something remotely close to suicide.

With a determined decision, Subaru called off his one defense against this horrifying sword!

『Diligence』 flickered off!

And it was instant!

"WOOOOOO~HOOOOOOO!" Cried with great surprise and enjoyment Segmunt.

A cascade of crimson vapor erupted like a geyser from Subaru's palm! A mist so fine it hardly could be called liquid and not red sands! A jetting stream of red fountained with pressure along the azure metal spine that pierced his hand and reached through the back!
Pierced through, the twisted opening was here.
Subaru slid his stabbed hand down the sword's length!

Painting red along the cold surface, bathing the blade's unquenching bloodlust in a passing satisfaction, Suabru's tortured palm stopped against the 『Dream Sword's』 guard!

"『Diligence』!" With widened eyes and narrowed pupils, Subaru grunted out against his mind eroding pain what denoted his riposte!

Panic gripped the General's heart! The unexpected happened once more!

And Subaru's palm clamped down on Cecilus' sword hand!
A crunch echoed! A mushy sensation beneath his unfeeling fingers and blood warming his skin, Subaru gripped the retracting hand of Segmunt like an egg's shattering shell.

Their performance reached its boiling point.

Ready to kick off the man squeezing his hand into mush, Cecilus observed the world through a filter, everything slowed down. His reaction ceased only to reconsider. For Subaru's own right foot kicked off against his!

With heart racing, blood boiling and delirium tingling his brain, Cecilus compromised to be the first admitting a defeat on principles. He'd wished to rather be the one forcing Subaru to draw whatever sword he must've boasted about. But now…

!

A click haunted the unfolding chaos in the sky. A red glint sparked in the motion. And a malevolent presence flooded their surroundings.

Without even a warning, without even a sensation first, only registering the deed by sheer awareness, Subaru's right leg was severed!

Weird, was all to be described. Before pain registered, only the sickening realization of a weight disappearing from the self. A sudden unbalance that threatened to promise him slipping off and become a falling meteor towards the ground.

Black blood sprang in a manner no different from his right hand, thank god he held down on Segmunt to stabilize himself.
A mist of black lost itself from his exposed arteries and veins, muscle bisected for the world to see, and a pain… just, that pain… how could a simple edge inflict that type of punishment was stupendous! But that was a Sword od Power for you. Beyond the norm and commonsense.

"Hah! Well that's a shame…" Murmuring without aim, Cecilus was busy scouting for where the limb lost itself to. "But gotta admit, I like ya cour-!"

He barely got to turn back his head, the Divine General was met face-first with a kick!

His brain rattled against his skull! The impact pressing his nose unnaturally, his eyes seeing white spots and his teeth surging with maddening pain. Segmunt staggered back like in a drunken daze, clinging to his post by virtue of his right hand still being pressed down on by Subaru's own grip.

"The fuck…?!" His bewildered reply was ironic. Until now they seemed equally baffling to one another.

"Like it? Dragon Blood seems to love me." With an already forgotten misery, Suabru seemed as vigorous as ever! As if exhaustion had never graced him before. "Don't lose your head now Cecilus!"

Their winged dragons reacted.
Their steady flight became more erratic, something panicking them.

A volatile variation between descend and ascent overcame them. And Cecilus was brought face to face with the smiling Natsuki.

A swipe of the left arm met his incoming jab with the 『Fiend Sword』, letting off an unearthly ado to roar at the contact! As if opposing, conflicting to one another, the sword and were repelled.

Echo after each instance, no different than a thunderstorm, the sky was dominated by their clash of flesh and metal!

Subaru was determined, he already decided on victory. Therefore, his surprises were not exhausted. This plan… was impeccable.

"Well done, Cecilus." Segmunt's attention was caught. His breath hitched and his heart beat harder than ever. The words were spoken with an admiration that reached his heart. "You've made me use my sword." And those words smashed into him with an unforgettable importance. It was by far to complicated for him to even think those emotions over. He only knew that this… was right!

"Don't leave me waiting, Natsuki!" Ferociously smiling, Cecilus Segmunt readied himself.

If this was it. If this was as he'd imagine it. Then all would end in a blink. His strength subdued, his skills tested, his expectations blown out of proportions. He now faced the same man that achieved the impossible.

The White Whale. The Great Rabbit. The Sin Archbishops of Sloth and Greed. Town of Lugnica. World's Edge. All those bested and achieved by the one in front.

…

Their dragons plunged towards the earth!

…

Cecilus fearlessly stood right, his position resumed in stance and strength regained. "Come on!" His voice unhindered, he called out.

With a painful motion, and faux preparation, Subaru held his available arm at the ready. Mocking a position meant for a quickdraw, already telegraphing his intent for Cecilus to pick up on in advance.
It was certain, this would be written in stone.

!

With a scathing exertion of his voice, Subaru moved!

His empty hand already in motion and his feet already lunging, his hips positioned so Medium's sword swayed along his side. He seemed to fake reaching for that blade!

Cecilus spoke nothing, thought nothing, understood nothing and purely felt everything! An unbelievable wave of fulfilment intoxicating his vision and eye of the mind. His aim was set, for this achievement to become his!

The 『Fiend Sword』 was set in motion. The dedication put into his skill, its refinement, the unwavering ability reached, animated his desire and put in motion the culmination of this trial.

There was no room for failure, and Cecilus read this next exchange like a book.

The 『Fiend Sword』 approached Natsuki's lunging spear-hand, ready to cut his momentum, but there would be no such event this time.
Enacted under no Fighting Spirit and maneuvered by raw effort, Segmunt's sword nimbly and gracefully kissed by Subaru's strike. His reach was minimal and Segmunt's body was already reclining. That strike would not land, but his certainly would decapitate the young man!

Passed beyond the point of defense, the black-haired man kept his evil eyes unwavering, freakishly fixated, a spine-chilling quality imbued within them. His irises reflected a sudden intent and Subaru could only thank inside his mind Cecilus for his pristine capabilities. For his hands were already abandoned by their virtue. His next move in action.

"『Invisible Providence』!" Was exclaimed by Natsuki as his face approached the cleaving sentence executed by the General.

Before Cecilus' eyes, the impossible took shape.
The sword at Subaru's side launched itself out of the scabbard! Curving towards the right of his unavailable hand in angle to slash away!

The swords passed like shooting stars, one faster than the other. The hand did not reach Segmunt, yet in retribution Subaru's possessed blade showed no hesitation. However, first to claim blood was none but the 『Fiend Sword』, a blade that sung with glee as it struck true.

Right within Natsuki Subaru's teeth!
His jaw clamped on the metal! The merciless iron stuck within his maw. The sight brought a sense of wonder and disbelief to the General. A deep sense of admiration cementing itself under deserving lauders. But ultimately, foolish!

The edge slid along bone indifferent to constraints, unstoppable by a force unequal to its swing. The flesh gave way to the strength applied! And a loathsome squelch sounded.

Mirrored in a show of penalty, Cecilus experienced a fate all too similar yet considerably kinder.
His torso was like filled with fire, cut over, leaked with pain and blood! More blunt than sharp, the swing clumsily hacked at his frame in their violent current! Forcing the swordsman's body to shift with the momentum, Cecilus received a debilitating blow. One more attuned to encumbering than disabling, yet none the less… painful.

But the exchange wasn't as forgiving on the knight's side.

A gout of blood sprouted! A fountain of blood erupting from the cleaved jaw, spraying the two opponents and wyrms in their descent! Subaru's head slunk back, his head oriented skywards, his body morbidly standing yet staggering back.

His clasp unfolded over Cecilus' mushed hand and slid off the his 『Dream Sword』.

…

…

…

---

Parting off in their descent, the winged dragons flew in differing directions, seeking ground. Loosing themselves from sight, left numb from a roiling complexity of feelings and sensations, Cecilus numbly stared ahead while carried to the earth. A gentle landing as a feather signaling the challenge's end.

The challenge's end.

And he was the only one left standing. The only one… The only. The one and only… Him. Him! Yes, yes, him!

That only meant:

"H…ha…hah! …I- I've… I've won… hah! Hah-" Breathlessly mumbling his punished voice, with a clouded over look in his eyes, Cecilus awkwardly slid himself off his winged dragon to set foot on ground. A regrettable air to his almost sullen tone. The joy in his heart could not be met, yet the slaughter committed just now left his soul wanting for more. A missed opportunity. A wasted chance to fully indulge on the once in a lifetime event.

His eyes, clouded over, searched the sky, observing the now landing wyrm that was rode in challenge to him.

"This was… this was… hah…!" At a loss for words, unable to rightly express himself, Cecilus could only react by robotically sheathing his two favored Swords of Power and reaching to grasp and admire Vincent's dagger. His chest leaked on still red rivulets.
"This… what to say…? …Who to know?"

Lost without immediate landmark in his sea of emotions, Cecilus was left stunned.

Until an answer was given to him from the unimaginable:

"First, you could say, 'nice sport'."

Shattering his confounded moment, Segmunt turned his disbelieving blue eyes at the man dismounting his winged beast.

A roughish simper on his clean face. …On his…

"Wha-… you…!" A sudden flash went through the blue haired man's mind. "Dragon's Blood? Again? But no… I saw you-"

Positively dumbstruck, Cecilus wandered his eyes over Natsuki Subaru's crimson stained clothes and open wounds. His right hand, his thigh, his chest, the clothes beneath his neck… He was stained in crimson. His named wounds still open. All with the exception of his should-be severed leg, he was every bit capable to be harmed!

And yet… that which should have spelled death was…

"Wow, wow, slow down there Achilles. First off…" With an easy smile and relaxed attitude, Subaru strolled his way with a limp in his gait to Segmunt. "Welcome aboard! Try and get along with your new colleagues." Letting a passing laugh slip by himself, Suabru extended his pierced hand at the bewildered General, waiting to shake on it.

"I… I…" Looking around, back and forth, stopping his eyes over the winged dragon that landed him on ground first… Cecilus understood.

He lost by breaking the rules.

Over the wyrm that flew him and kept him safe during flight, Segmunt noticed far too late the makeshift bridle constricting his mount's head. Improvised from Natsuki's abandoned whip, it was just enough of a discomfort to wrongly treat the proud creature's pride. And winged dragons never flew encumbered by any equipment. That was the law to agree on in exchange for their service.
That bit about using the whip to attack him, even going as far as tying the knife to its end was nothing meant to actually harm him, but just leave an impression. It was purely a clever disguise.

One late to notice, made effective when kicked off by Subaru. The same foot sacrificed by cutting it off in order to miss its use.

"I… Heh… Hhehhehe~hahaha~" Left with his jaw loose, Cecilus began laughing at his result with a lost air to his person.

"Oh, and thanks for the care. Didn't want to lose this. It's mine, after all." Speaking with a detectable humor, Subaru reached his other hand out to take away the dirk held by Cecilus. Looking over the loyally serving weapon, the knight pocketed the dagger and regarded the warrior with a calm and satisfied expression.
"So… what do you say?"

Cecilus looked ahead, his face restoring itself in his typically calm beauty. A likeness passable to a woman's charm.

His hands, one of them purple and black, folded together under his chest, kicking over the dirt beneath in a moment of thinking. Segmunt absorbed the moment in its full.

Straightening his head to regard the man he contended against above Vollachia's capital, Cecilus spoke with a hardly believable resolve. Why wouldn't he? …He was showed up! The impossible was achieved.

Grasping Subaru's bleeding palm, the man smiled honestly. "Well… looks I'll be under your care now." His eyes reflected a sincere admiration. Just who in the hell did he entangle himself with?
"Boss."

---

From here on out, since I've addressed a few essentials since Vollachia, I will focus on the plot involving this misguided mindset of Subaru and how he'll choose to manage other hardships.

Please let me know what you thought.