This story was inspired by another one similar to this. It's called "The Wise And The Witch," by Flugel124. It's a pretty short yet very interesting read. I highly recommend taking a look at it. I don't wish to copy that story in its entirety, just use similar concepts and ideas. Since that one likely isn't being continued, I thought I could make my own version of it that expands on some ideas I had, as well as hopefully continue it after. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 1: The Endless Feeling of Together
Subaru looked across the empty, dark void in front of him, mentally sighing as he stared. He refused to blink, to even move from the position he sat in. His right arm rested on his right knee, which bent upward, as his left leg stayed stretched ahead of him with his left arm by his side. His mind was focused on staring ahead of him, and only that.
One would ask, "What could he be staring at? He's in the middle of an endless, dark abyss of the void." While, normally, that would be a good point since there's typically nothing to look at in the void, it, however, was not the case here.
What Subaru stared so intently at, was what looked to be a young girl. Her long, straight platinum hair gave off an almost alluring glow, very noticeable through the darkness around them. Her eyes reminded Subaru of the ocean, protected by long, similarly alluring eyelashes. She was seated as well, only wearing her signature white cloth, a blank expression on her face as she stared back at him.
That's how it's been for a few months now. Was it months? Or was it years? Subaru couldn't tell. Time wasn't a sense one had in this type of space. It didn't feel fast or slow, it just felt as though he existed.
He remembered how this happened. He remembered the seal, luring the Witch of Vainglory to him and performing the ultimate sacrifice to save everyone. He left everybody behind, to make sure they were safe. That was something he believed was worth it.
He remembered when they first arrived. The Witch seemed amused, going as far as to try to use her authority to escape. It didn't work. She tried a few times, before she gave up. At that point Subaru knew his own power, if you could even call it that, wouldn't work either. He didn't bother to try.
That was the first time the Witch of Vainglory broke her calm demeanor. Subaru witnessed the change that took centuries to happen. Her face itself displayed a variety of different emotions at the time. She had at the time underestimated him and had now become desperate, trying to get free through any means she could hope to find.
At one point, she tried to attack him with her own hands. When one of her strikes made contact with him, his body had not only taken zero damage, but he couldn't feel anything either. That's when Subaru learned that you couldn't get hurt or die in this place. Basic human needs like eating and drinking were also unnecessary, and even though they couldn't feel anything physically, they could still feel their emotions. They couldn't even sleep, either. Essentially, they merely only existed in this place and would continue to do so for all eternity.
After that, at some point, they learned that even though the void seemed infinite, it was not. In reality, it was merely a small, invisible box that surrounded them on all sides. It certainly explained why they were able to stand, sit and generally exist. It wasn't long before the two of them chose two separate ends and occupied them. Ever since then, they've only sat and stared at one another. It was all they could do, honestly. The void never darkened them; in fact, they could see each other as clearly as it were daytime.
It eventually dawned on Subaru that he would outlive everyone he left behind. This space existed outside of the natural realm, preventing them from needing basic human necessities and dying. He — they — would outlast decades, centuries, maybe eons worth of progression and life. It didn't bother him, really. As long as they were able to live and grow old happy then he was content with that.
They hated one another, he and the Witch. It was especially clear after they had first been sealed here. It used to be glares instead of stares, initially. He wanted to say he still hated her, but… it tired him. Holding one emotion constantly for so long extinguishes it. That's what happened to Subaru's hatred for her, and similarly her hatred for him. Their glares turned into blank, unwavering stares.
The silence, the loneliness they both felt was agonizing. Trapped within their own minds, the silence exploded in their ears. Time felt more prolonged than it actually was, enabling them to suffer in their heads more than before. Those years felt like an eternity.
On the brink of insanity and suffering eternal loneliness, words finally broke the wall. The wall that stood for years: the wall of silence. When words pierced that wall and entered their ears, they continued. They desired someone to talk to, to be with, to quench the feeling that was their loneliness.
When they talked, they made sure to make it last. They didn't want it to stop. They loved talking to one another. It grew on them more and more as it progressed. They talked about anything they could, anything they could find, but eventually they didn't even care about what it was. They just wanted to talk to each other. He started calling her by her name, and she called him by his. They talked for years.
"You know, I'm not from this world."
"Oh?"
"I'm from an island nation to the east called Japan. I suppose you haven't heard of it, nobody has."
"I have. The Great Sage, like you, came from that world."
"Really, him?"
"Mhm."
"I'm interested. I actually never knew that, could you tell me more?"
"The Great Sage, as I said, was someone that was from your homeland. He suddenly appeared in this world through something unknown. Other than that, all I know is that he trained himself in all kinds of magic, before going on to seal the Witch of Envy away."
"I see."
At some point, Subaru blurted out, "I can return by death." Along with the nullification of any and all authorities, the curse that followed him was included. He was free to speak of everything here. "I've died so many times…"
"How many times?"
"More than I can count, at this point."
She was silent for a little while after that. Subaru didn't like the silence, it felt like the eternity of loneliness was coming back for him and he had grown to detested that as their conversations grew common.
Eventually, she spoke, "Do you wish to talk about it?"
"Yes, please."
"When did you first die?"
"The same day I came to this world, and when I met Emilia. We tracked a thief that stole her insignia to a loot house in the slums. Everyone was killed by Elsa, the Bowel Hunter."
"Ah, her."
"You know her?"
"Mhm. Her and Archbishop Emerada share an intriguing relationship."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, perhaps. I never thought to meddle, at the time I perceived her as a good tool to us."
"I see."
"Please continue with your story. I apologize for interrupting. I'm interested in how this all ends."
"When I first returned by death I was really confused." He faintly chuckled at his past self. "It was all surreal. I didn't know what happened and I was completely clueless. Other than this curse of mine I had nothing in a brand new, dangerous world. I was just Natsuki Subaru, who was broke beyond compare."
"Then how did you manage to defeat her, if you were so disorganized and as powerless as you say?"
"Well, I died two more times after that."
"Oh?"
"I got killed by her again after trying to get the insignia back early. And the other death was an embarrassing mistake."
"Interesting. What was that death, then?"
"You won't leave me alone until I say it, will you?"
"Nope."
He sighed, "I got killed by three thugs in an ally after embarrassing myself in front of an entire street of people."
He heard her let out an uncharacteristic giggle, which surprised him, "Well I certainly can't blame you for that. As you said, you had nothing in a brand new world. You were only Natsuki Subaru, broke beyond compare."
Subaru let his mouth form a faint smile, "Yeah, I suppose you're right."
He continued to talk about his time at the mansion, not sparing much of any details. He wished to keep the conversation going, and he felt solace in the fact he was able to confide all of his bottled up secrets to someone at last without worry. In a way, he felt like his old self was there.
"I'm sure you know that I was a major player in defeating the Whale."
"Oh yes, I'm acutely aware."
"But did you know how I beat it, exactly?"
"Unfortunately not. I only received news that it had been slayed, not the methods in which it happened. What role did you play in its subjugation?"
Subaru felt a bit of his prideful self return in this moment, "Oh, not much, I only rallied the army when they had no hope, was the bravest man on the battlefield and acted as bait."
"I'm sorry, you acted as bait? I assume it's due to your smell?"
"Yup! A good portion of the battle was me being bait. Toward the end when it split apart I even rocketed up to the real one, stood on its horn to get its attention and then plummeted to the ground so it would follow me!"
"I cannot tell if you're foolish or brave."
"Hey! I looked really cool, you know!"
He continued to tell her about everything. He finished his story about the Whale Hunt, telling her all about the battle and what he had to do to get there. He told her about the battle against Petelguese. He didn't even notice he was basically bragging about defeating her cult, but even so she didn't mind at all. After that, he spoke of the Sanctuary, about Roswaal, the Great Rabbit, Beatrice, the trails, everything. It was refreshing and nice, both relishing in their conversation.
Pandora also talked a lot. She had lived for many, many years, after all. It was only natural that she had a lot to talk about. "You know, I was born this way. My natural looks and a power I couldn't control influenced everything around me."
"So you were born a witch?"
"Essentially, yes. Over time, I discovered my authority and merely used it for my own benefits."
"And I suppose that led to the cult, eventually."
"Yes."
"What was the cult's overall plan, anyway? To resurrect the Witch of Envy?"
"No, no. It's something… more selfish."
"Then what?"
She merely looked at him, then slightly altered her gaze downward, "I do not think it matters now."
He was unsure of what to say for the moment.
"You intrigue me, Natsuki Subaru." Her gaze was back on him.
"Why's that?"
"Hm… reasons."
"I'm not going to let you leave it at that."
"Oh, but I should hold some kind of suspense, no?"
"You'd just tell me eventually, you know."
"True," she giggled. "I'm still not going to say, though."
"Fine then, keep your secrets."
She went into detail about her childhood, her own sufferings and how she became the Witch of Vainglory. It was a story that Subaru couldn't help but intensively listen to. He found himself captivated in her tale, about her own life, as she was for his.
"Say, Subaru."
"Yeah?"
"Do you ever regret leaving everyone behind?"
"…Yeah, of course."
"Then why did you?"
Subaru thought for a moment, "I wanted them to live their future safely and happily, even if it didn't have me in it."
"That wouldn't make them happy."
"What do you mean? Why wouldn't it? They're safe, happy, together. What's there not to be happy about?"
She sighed, "Because the future didn't have you in it."
"…"
"You truly still value yourself as expendable in the face of everyone else's happiness? Is that why you came here with me, because you thought your life was low enough to sacrifice over theirs?"
"…"
"Say, Subaru."
"Hm?"
"What's it like to be loved by the people around you?"
"I-… Why are you asking that?"
"It is foreign to me."
"Really? Don't get me wrong, but I find that a bit hard to believe considering… you know."
"Yes, really. All interpretations of love that I've ever known were just fake concepts brought on by those affected by my appearance. It has been like that since I was a child. My looks were often defined as an 'inhuman beauty' and those that laid eyes on me often erupted into an endless tremble. Those I even merely glanced at would be swooned in eternal happiness."
"That must have been tough for you."
"At first. I grew accustomed to it and used it for my own benefit. Because, why not? They were so willing to do it themselves, weren't they?"
"Is that still how you think now, Pandora?"
"…I do not know what to think now."
"That's surprising. How come?"
"Say, Subaru."
"Yeah?"
"Remember when I said that you intrigued me?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Well, how do I put this…"
Subaru didn't quite know how to process what he was seeing. The girl in front of him, Pandora, known for her indifferent calm demeanor just developed a minor blush on her pale cheeks and averted her gaze like a shy school girl. Pandora. Of all people. This prison was really making them something else, wasn't it.
"You're different."
"Different how? I know my eyes are scary-looking, if that's what you mean, but I got that from my mom and I can't help it."
She actually seemed amused, "Not that. You. As an individual. You are unlike anyone I have ever met."
Subaru did not know how to intercept those words. He didn't press and she didn't proceed to explain. It was left on an open note, as they moved to another topic.
When they ran out of topics, they often talked about what could have been. Talk of the future often took up their time, as they indulged in various possibilities. Sometimes they even put themselves in a brand new world, imagining a new life from zero in a foreign place, or even imagining things in a scenario if they ever went back to the world they knew. It reminded Subaru of when he first arrived in Lugnica, in a way.
They made sure to hold on to each and every conversation. To remember everything. They didn't want to forget it. The years wouldn't take this from them.
So their bond grew over time. As they talked, necessity and need turned into fondness and care. Their words to one another started to possess a particular sweetness. They often mused of life before this, how they had been at each other's throats, glaring at one another across the room, and now they couldn't help but dote on each other.
At one point they became closer. Physically, emotionally and mentally. They had ended up crawling toward one another, meeting in the middle and latching arms and intertwining hands. They didn't know why, at first. Perhaps it was their loneliness again driving a need for physical contact. It didn't bother them, though; the intimacy actually felt quite nice. They never let their hands separate.
As time continuously droned on, feelings began to change between them. Mutual feelings of compassion and love started to bloom like it was spring. It became noticeable in their talkings, both of them not even knowing it. The feelings, their conversation, just all seemed so natural to them. It was as if nothing was wrong, nothing was different; they just enjoyed the moments.
"Say, Subaru," Pandora suddenly, randomly prompted.
"Yeah, Pandora?"
"You make me feel things I've never felt before."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you recall when I told you about my childhood? My sense of love?"
"Of course I remember."
"It's about that."
"Oh."
"I did not expect such a mundane reaction. Do you not like that?"
"It's not that. I just… I don't know what to say. I'm a bit surprised, honestly."
"When I said you were different from anyone I had ever met, it was because of how you treated me. Especially after we came here. It was nice."
"I don't follow…"
She giggled to herself, "Sorry, sorry. Maybe I should be more blatant. I like you as a whole; your genuinity, your resolve. I like your personality. I like your genuinity. I like your eyes. I like the way you hold my hand. I-"
"Alright, alright. I get it."
She giggled again. Subaru could never get used to that sound; though, he didn't think of it as a bad thing. "That started to turn into a rant." He sighed, "I didn't expect you of all people to start professing this kind of thing, to me especially."
"Spending an infinite amount of time alone with someone changes a person."
"I suppose it does."
"Say, Subaru."
"Yes, Pandora?"
"I think I love you."
"…"
"Nothing? Do you still love those other girls?"
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't still hold them very dear to my heart." It was one of the reasons he did this, after all. Wasn't it?
"Oh."
They sat in silence for what felt like another eternity. It threatened to eat them whole, and Pandora felt as if she had made a mistake. She felt her mind start to tear; she didn't want him to refuse her, to leave her. His words broke the silence:
"Say, Pandora."
"Yes, Subaru?"
"I love you."
"I love you too."
As time endlessly passed, that love only grew. Eventually, anything before their time together became a distant story, a blur which threatened to fade in the back of their minds. It was an unnecessary distraction in the path of their love. They had each other, they only needed each other. Those were the facts the two of them faced, as they came together more and more.
At one point, love turned into necessity. One could not live without the other anymore. They only had one another, they only needed each other. In essence, they belonged to each other.
With this new conversation developed. They mused the future; a future where they were eternally together, out of this prison, engulfed in their love. Perhaps they'd live a happy life, or even raise a family. It was nice to think about. Though, despite their drabbles, they never felt willing to completely commit to escaping. Why would they need to? Want to? They had everything they needed right there with them. At this point, what they were in was not a seal, not a prison, but a place of union. A place where they could love for all eternity.
Perhaps it was due to the accumulating insanity in the both of them, that they thought that. They hardly cared much. Falling into madness was inevitable. They started to bicker and fight about anything and everything possible. Their talks of ideologies and philosophy is what caused it. They disagreed to the point that they agreed. After years of that, it leveled into a constant. A pure, straight consistency of personality and identity from the both of them. Conversation ceased, and all that remained was true understanding. They truly became one in the same.
That did not stop the insanity, though. No, that was still as there as the darkness around them was. The void drove them mad. It finally broke them.
Their insanity made them desperate for something to do. They tried to have fun with intimacy. However, while they were able to feel the unyielding attraction and arousal necessary for it, the lack of feeling in their bodies made it impossible to properly do, much less enjoy. No matter what they tried, no matter how creative they tried to be with their actions, their ideas, it all led to the same place. A dead end. There was truly nothing they could do.
After another millennia passed, they realized that there was. Their minds finally seemed to expand into the sense of realization. They sat together, facing each other, arms and legs wrapped around the other in an everlasting embrace. Everything else became meaningless. Nothing mattered other than this. They would never move, not even a singular muscle. They merely relished in the other's presence. That was all they needed, for all eternity.
That's how it was, that's how it stayed. The black, silent and empty void entered a peace of singularity in the love of two individuals.
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
A whoosh. A small gust of air, in the form of a gentle breeze brushed into them.
Then it increased. An intense pressure of wind, one not felt for millennia, made its presence known.
The darkness on all sides began to become lighter, whiter, brighter. A bright light, other than their bodies, became present.
The faintest of rumbling. A soft pull, which grew stronger, invaded their space.
Their embrace mysteriously clamped tighter, as every new thing around them became overwhelming.
It was all new. It was all different. What was happening?
Yes, what was happening? What is happening?
What happened?