[AN: Well I'm posting this since I spent a decent amount of time working on it and at first I thought I'd just leave but I don't like the idea of being bullied out of posting a fic by bots. This the main fic I really tried on so I rather not let it go to waste. Not sure if I'll do a chapter two but yeah :/ The dox is fake btw but I hope nothing happened to whoever lives at that address.]
A great force was strangling a single neck.
Straddling them, a light body was pressing down on someone, disabling all movement.
Both legs and knees held down shoulders, small in size, the body floundering underneath without freedom. Before their eyes, white arms covered in vermilion abrasions were pressing down on their neck. An out-of-place thought flashed that it appeared like blossoming flowers,
Right in front of their eyes was a pair of pupils glowing passionately. Those crystalline blue spheres were filled to the brim with rage and despair.
Endless fury and hollow despair stretched deep within those large round eyes.
A blank thought that fell into those bottomless eyes passed through their head while they struggled to escape
Things, such as thoughts to escape, had already disappeared long ago.
The writhing legs, which had to serve as the vehicle of their final expression, were not an expression of a will to live but merely a tantrum born of sheer physical suffering.
The brain lacked oxygen, and the mind could no longer muster up the strength to keep going, but the body thrashed about in anguish.
Everything was discordant— each movement, each word, and each thought did not match anything else. It was quite repulsive, hideous, and twisted.
Can't I just die quietly? He wished for it silently inside his head. Just die peacefully as though he were simply falling asleep. That would have been the most enjoyable way to die.
Alas, such a wish was not to be granted anytime soon; far from being granted, their fate held the opposite meaning. Their eyes were wide open and bulging out, they foamed at the mouth like rabid animals, and their bodies writhed in pain like rotten fruit. There was no dignity or grace in this death at all. It was perfectly fitting, exactly what they deserved.
The brain lacked oxygen, and the mind had lost its will to live, but the body was still writhing in protest.
Everything was discordant. An unbalanced way of being such as that was unsightly.
Can't I just die quietly? I just want to die quietly.
As peacefully as possible, like I'm going to sleep, that'd be the most enjoyable way to die.
Alas, such a wish was not to be. Far from being granted, their fate was the complete opposite of that.
With wide-open eyes bulging from their sockets, biting down hard and foaming at the mouth, with a body grown emancipated after only a few short days, it was in this state that they twisted and groaned like a wounded beast.
A fitting end, or so ought to be said.
A fitting fate, or so ought to be said.
What, why, and how had they come to be in this kind of situation?
Suddenly, a voice was heard.
One unlike these animalistic groans, it was a cold yet clear voice.
The owner of those eyes laden with fury, their lips pressed thin as they squeezed their throat, looked up at the sound of the voice.
They could not find the answer even when asked what was so funny.
There was nothing funny here in the first place. There was not, so why even ask?
The question was confusing. Some rude kind of nonsense, a riddle.
Even if someone forced them to reply, they would not have any answers. Yet despite that, the time waiting in silence still felt like lying on a bed of thorns.
How many times had they been flung around like this, by the force of some divine providence, so absurdly and unreasonably?
There was nothing funny about it.
Then, was it that the person asking was directing it toward the wrong party?
Or was it that this person was enjoying this moment without noticing it?
Were they enjoying having this woman mount them like she was on horseback, strangling away at their neck?
It was detestable if that was it; their rational thoughts escaped.
Nothing was amusing here. Even though there was nothing, this question would be projected repeatedly, over and over again.
Not even projecting. She was not that far away. It was not even projecting.
Close enough to feel each other's breath, gazing up at the beautiful face of the girl opposite him, they were surrounded by her voice. Blanketed in it.
She had, without words, without hurtful abuse, shown clear hate in her voice.
Funny, and then.
The question seeking an answer was expected again but suddenly faded like mist.
Tilted the face of the girl in front of them suddenly tilted to the left.
Like that, her leaning body could not rise back. Her posture collapsed, and that girl's body crumpled onto the white snow. Of course, as the thin arm formerly wrapped around his neck had also come loose, their path to suffocation had ended halfway through.
Coughing, the bitter taste of blood ascended their neck.
Collapsing lungs inflated before receding again, sending much-needed oxygen through their body in turn. That was also a reflex from the survival instinct. A proper human being would not just refuse to breathe and die.
Questions like whether that would be something a proper person would do or not were something they did not wish to discuss at this juncture.
The feelings that had been present within their heart up to this moment, that of resigning oneself to death, now faded away. They had been replaced with a desire to live, dubbed oxygen, an obsessive desire that could not be let go. Frantically and earnestly, they greedily coveted more to the point of looking pathetic.
While like that, ceaselessly filling his lungs with cold air on every breath, they had come to realize.
Amidst the accumulating fluffy white snow before him, a girl collapsed.
The woman's unrealistic beauty was raised to even greater heights through the poor complexion of her face and lips. With her faint breaths turning to white mist, an omen of her life withering, her violently glistening eyes made a strong impression.
Looking carefully, the sight did not seem well-fitted for the snow.
Her uniform revealed bare shoulders and thighs; the thickness of its cloth was wholly insufficient for warding off the cold. The neck, the ears, and other areas easily chilled were exposed to the wind, a painful sight to witness.
They were only the clothes she happened to be wearing, although it wasn't just the woman but themselves in the same condition.
Whether it was the cold or the strong melancholy in their heart that was the culprit, they did not know.
In this situation, rather than worrying about the anomaly of their body, instead, they could not take their eyes off the girl in front of them.
She still looked beautiful, even fallen over in the snow, with half her face buried.
Unquenchable hate and fury seemed to inflame and keep that slender body alive. Covered in wounds to such an extent, it was a strange situation that the girl yet survived.
Countless corpses were lying around them, and the girl was in that pure-white snowscape.
Those beasts that consumed life indulged in it and destroyed the soul before the wind of this girl had all turned to corpses. So, in this place, the survivors amounted to only two. They and the girl, only two.
That, too, in a moment, could immediately become one, become zero.
What is it? So the girl delicately mumbled as they slowly stood beside her.
The fingers on both their hands were numb due to the frost, having taken a dark-red coloration. With body temperature having dropped immensely, no feeling remained in the cold fingers. Weak itching was the only evidence that the fingers were still attached to their body.
Shaking about those fingers that could not be relied on, they lifted a stone as big as a human cranium.
Without any reason or purpose, only a stone happened to be there.
The fact that they had raised it secretly brought them much relief.
They compared the stone in their hand with the collapsed girl.
For a moment, that stone held by their fingers seemed quite to resemble the face of the collapsed woman.
They did not know if they were laughing. However, the look that was ultimately seared into their mind was severe, like that of a demon violently projecting murderous intent and hostility onto them, and nothing more.
As to shake that off, they lifted the rock skyward in both hands.
Gazing upwards at that action, the owner of those pink irises spoke with a faint yet unquestionably clear voice,
Ram mumbled, "I will kill you."
Subaru's eyes are wide open, intensely focused on the leaving. With every fleeting moment, he remains vigilant, not allowing distractions to cloud his judgment. As he looks down, he notices a short-bladed sword in Ram's possession and decides to take it with him as he leaves.
The reality of the situation sets in. He's ill-prepared to leave, lacking transportation, food, or water. Anxiety starts to creep in, but staying here is impossible. They betrayed him, and he'll never forgive that. Emilia's the only one that ever bothered to even treat him like a , Subaru is ill-prepared to leave, lacking proper transportation, food, or water. Anxiety starts to creep in, and he begins to ponder how to survive in the harsh wilderness.
The unconscious body at his feet shifts. Without another thoughtAs he dashes through the dense forest, the sounds of rustling leaves and snapping twigs accompany his every step. Subaru's heart races as he comes to a sudden halt, seeking cover behind a large, gnarled tree. To his dismay, he finds himself face to face with a massive Guiltylowe. The fearsome creature appears unimpressed by Subaru's presence, gazing at him with a bored expression.
Knowing that attempting to flee would be futile, Subaru grips the hilt of the short-bladed sword tightly, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. A surge of adrenaline courses through his veins as he readies himself to confront the beast.
He resolves that should he perish in this encounter and be given another chance at life. He will steer clear of this treacherous part of the forest to avoid crossing paths with the formidable Guiltylowe again.
The Guiltylowe charged toward Subaru ferociously, its powerful limbs kicking up dirt and debris as it closed the distance between them. Subaru's heart pounded as he braced himself for the imminent confrontation. He positioned the short blade against the sturdy tree trunk, using it as a makeshift brace to reinforce his grip and steady his trembling hand.
Subaru momentarily shut his eyes, trying to calm his racing thoughts and muster the courage to face the formidable creature. When he finally opened them again, he found the Guiltylowe mere inches from him, its hot breath wafting across his face.
"Argh," Subaru shouted in pain as his grip on the blade tore his skin.
Bewildered, Subaru noticed one of the beast's horns lying broken on the ground nearby. The Guiltylowe appeared agitated, its gaze darting between Subaru and its severed horn. As Subaru stared into the creature's eyes, he couldn't help but feel an odd connection, as if he could almost communicate with the fearsome beast.
The realization made him wonder if there was more to the Guiltylowe than just its terrifying exterior and if, somehow, they had some sort of intelligence.
He thought, what just happened? I cut off its horn, and now it's awaiting my orders. Why is it calling me master now? None of this makes sense. It seems almost empathetic or intelligent.
Subaru's attention was abruptly diverted from the Guiltylowe as he spotted a pack of menacing Wolgrams. An alpha Wolgram led them, racing toward him. Their sharp fangs and predatory eyes made it clear they were intent on attacking him. Seizing the opportunity to test the newfound connection with the Guiltylowe, Subaru took a gamble and commanded, "Kill them."
To his surprise and relief, the Guiltylowe complied, launching itself into action with terrifying speed and ferocity. It tore through the pack of Wolgrams, its powerful limbs and deadly claws making short work of the snarling predators. The once-threatening Wolgrams were reduced to lifeless heaps on the forest floor, their crimson blood staining the earth.
Subaru stared in disbelief at the scene before him, struggling to comprehend what had just happened. His mind raced as he attempted to piece together an explanation for the Guiltylowe's sudden obedience. His only plausible assumption was that severing the beast's horn had somehow altered its behavior, compelling it to heed his commands.
As the Guiltylowe turned to face him once more, its eyes now reflecting a sense of loyalty, Subaru couldn't help but feel an uneasy mixture of confusion and uncertainty about the mabeast ally he had seemingly acquired.
Subaru looked at the dangerous mabeast. It snarled angrily, prowling back and forth amidst the massacred wolgrams.
Every instinct screamed at him to run from this terrifying alpha predator while he had the chance. But if he did... he'd be back at square one. Even if the wolgrams didn't get him, Roswaal or the knights would.
Trying desperately to calm his nerves, he approached the beast. It stopped prowling and glared at him. Subaru didn't stop and, taking a thick handful of its mane, pulled himself atop it.
Hopping on the beast, he commanded it to run. The sudden acceleration took him off guard, and he almost fell off. Commanding it to slow down, he regained his position, wincing as the bumps and wind threatened to throw him off. It was unpleasant but better than getting mauled by mabeasts or thrown in prison.
"Find a village and get food, water, and amount," Subaru said as the Guiltylowe found a sustainable pace for transportation.
Subaru thought of a name for the beast, "I'll call you Lowe."
The formidable Guiltylowe, now affectionately dubbed 'Lowe,' seemed to like its new nickname as they searched for the nearest village. Unlike Subaru, the Mabeast didn't require sleep or rest, and it allowed the Subaru, who was getting tired and already exhausted, to drift into unconsciousness as they pressed onward. Lowe was determined to locate a town or village where Subaru could find much-needed sustenance and rest.
Two grueling days passed, and Subaru's desperation grew. His mouth was parched from the lack of water, and his energy reserves had dwindled. He could only hope they would soon stumble upon a settlement where he could replenish his strength with food and water.
Lowe spotted a group of merchants traveling in the distance as they continued. Sensing an opportunity, the Mabeast remained hidden, patiently waiting for the right moment to approach. With its powerful snake-like tail, it gently lowered the still-unconscious Subaru to the ground, taking care not to disturb his fragile state.
When the time was right, Lowe sprang into action, pouncing on the unsuspecting merchant carriages and shattering them with immense strength. The merchants looked on in terror, frozen as they faced the monstrous beast before them. With a lion's head, a horse's torso, and a serpentine tail, Lowe was a sight to behold.
As the merchants braced for their impending doom, they were astonished to see the beast use its tail to swipe their bags and a saddle from one of the damaged carriages. To their amazement and relief, Lowe retreated without causing them any harm, leaving the bewildered merchants to ponder the strange turn of events that had just unfolded.
Lowe used its tail to place the saddle on its torso and the bags that carried supplies on its unbroken horn. Bringing Subaru back up and placing him on the saddle.
He began to move faster, seeing if the saddle worked efficiently, and it seemed it did. The night passed, and Lowe was able to get to the border between Lugnica and Kararagi. Avoiding the Guestko border, knowing it would be dangerous.
Subaru's eyes opened his eyes seeing he was on a mount and leather bags on Lowe's unbroken horn. They stopped as Subaru gulped down the water, near death from exhaustion and lack of nutrition. Eating the food quickly after he saw he would have enough supplies to reach a destination to enact his plan.
"Thank you," Subaru admitted. Never thought he'd thank a mabeast, but at this point, he had no idea who to trust or what to believe.
Lowe emitted a deep, rumbling purr, which Subaru could sense indicated its friendly response. The beast seemed to have an innate understanding of the surrounding terrain and advised them to continue traveling northeast. It warned against venturing towards the perilous regions of Guestko and Vollachia, where danger lurked at every turn.
Subaru agreed with Lowe's recommendation, finding solace in the wisdom and guidance of his newfound companion. As they continued, he learned that Lowe had been alive for an impressive four hundred years. The revelation confused and comforted Subaru, as it meant that the creature possessed a wealth of knowledge and experience that could prove invaluable in his hellish world.
Subaru looked in the distance. They avoided every city-state, and Lowe informed him more about mabeasts and his specialties. Lowe, due to being a Guiltylowe, was different from most mabeasts. Rather than howling or announcing its presence, they were tactful and silent. They are one of the most intelligent types of mabeasts as well.
Subaru compared it to being like a ninja as they avoided countless encounters with enemies due to Lowe's instincts.
Lowe looked down at one of the city-states, Master, we've stayed hidden. I will take you to a mountain cavern I believe can assist you in your goal.
"Lead the way. Why are we going to this cavern?"
Lowe responded, purring, If you desire to find powerful allies, I suggest you come here. It will help in completing your plan. It will make the process far easier.
"Alright, but that mountain is massive. We need supplies. We're almost out."
Lowe warned Someone is coming.
Lowe quickly dashed towards some bushes taking cover before hearing a voice, "The hell?"
"Don't worry. If things go wrong, we can avoid this." Subraru informed as he stared at the wolf-like man in front of him. Planning to use return by death to evade next time, which he hasn't needed to use thus far.
"Dogface?" Subaru asked. Confused by the sudden pressure. We can avoid almost all encounters, even with knights and guards. But this wolf-man appeared from nowhere like it was nothing.
Halibel glared, sensing no malice intent from the mabeast baffled him, "Who are ya? I'm a wolf of dogs. Not a 'Dogface.'"
Subaru got up as Lowe surrounded its snake-like tail around Subaru for protection, "My name is Subaru Natsuki. I came here to gain allies. I'm not a threat, and Lowe is my campaign." He stated, pointing his thumb behind him.
Lowe suggested whoever this person is, another ally useful for your plan. Not many can sneak up on me like that.
Subaru stared at the wolf-man. The long black fur of his disheveled black kimono with fading purple accents made him look even taller. His eyes were often narrowed into two slits, and he frequently had a gold kiseru between his teeth, giving off an almost relaxed vibe. He towered over Subaru like a dark statue draped in fur.
"The name's Halibel. You tamed a Mabeast?" Halibel asked in confusion. Only arriving outside the Banon outskirts due to sensing a threat. But now he had no idea what he was witnessing.
Subaru shook his head, "Well, sort of. His name is Lowe, and he guided me here."
Halibel had no idea what to say. But he sensed no malice from a mabeast which was enough proof for him. He took a puff from his kiseru, breathing smoke, and asked, "Subaru, eh? So what brings you so close to Zarestia's bed?"
Lowe purred. We are going to a location near a Volcano. If nobody has found it, you can gain the strongest Great Spirit as an ally. Zarestia is that spirit. You may gain two powerful allies from this.
Subaru responded, "I'm going to a Volcano to see if something is there. If it is, I will be able to contract Zarestia."
Halibel started to laugh before seeing the glare of both Subaru and the mabeast, or rather 'Lowe.'
Not believing the claim but seeing a boy with a mabeast, he pondered if he could also tame an evil spirit, "You look hungry. How bout we get some food? Then I can accompany you."
"That works," Subaru said, unsure if to trust him. The only person he currently trusted was Lowe.
Subaru walked into Banon as Lowe waited until night to arrive. Subaru found the area very similar to Japanese culture, and the people spoke in a Kansai accent. He planned to gain strong allies, create a place of his own then retrieve Emilia.
Sitting on one of the stools in Halibel's home as the sun set, Lowe silently entered the home without any of the villagers noticing. Subaru ate some okonomiyaki that Halibel gave him as the two were mainly silent.
Subaru ate it and evaluated his situation. Halibel seemed like one who could easily kill him and Lowe, so he must have a reason for not doing so.
"Halibel, why did you not stop me? Most would stop one with a mabeast. What is your goal?"
"Subaru, do ya know anything about Kararagi?" Halibel asked with a more serious tone.
Subaru admitted, "No."
"If ya can tame Zarestia as you did with— Lowe, then my job will be done."
Subaru seeing the opportunity asked, "If I do so will you work for me?"
"Banon is the only city-state that doesn't have slavery or corrupt majors. I can't leave, or else I'm leaving all these people I've spent years protecting."
Subaru remembered Lowe specifically avoiding all the city-states due to this. Slavery, prostitution, contract killings, trafficking, and mercenary work are common and legal.
He wasn't afraid of entering, but he learned the habits that Lowe naturally had. To not announce yourself or get into risk when unneeded. To be a silent predator. But he wondered how hard it would be to fix this issue, as he'd need more allies if he wanted a chance to face Reinhard in the future.
"How does the Kararagi government work?" Subaru inquired. The city-states reminded him of the concept of the United States from Earth. But it seemed there was no central government or law.
"It doesn't work. Each city got a Major. It's a cluster of unorganized and poor cities spread over a long distance. Only Banon is safe due to my presence."
Subaru rested his chin on his hand. His original plan was to get a mansion or something similar, but a nation would be better.
He thought of a group of city-states with separate majors. No crime enforcement and poverty. Creating a federal or central government and outlawing slavery while finding a way to enforce the laws. It sounds similar to the American Civil War. But if I use my knowledge from Earth, I can replicate what people have done in history. I planned two years, but it may not take that long.
Subaru sighed, "After I tame Zarestia, I'll fix this nation. I assume then you will agree?"
"Haha, big talk, but if ya can do it, I'd work for you until my last breath. Su-san, how do you plan to do something like that?" Halibel laughed, but the way Subaru spoke seemed convincing despite the task's nearly impossible difficulty.
Subaru said, "First, we acquire the Zarestia."
Halibel nodded, unsure of the truth to his statement, but if possible, not having to kill Zarestia would be preferable. It would also boost the military strength of kararagi.
He added, "Then, depending on the Major of Banon, we will either kill them or let them remain, depending on whether they are loyal."
"The major of Banon is a kind old man. His name is Alaric Blackthorn. As for the others, most likely, they will be killed, given your requirements."
Subaru went on, "As for military and law enforcement, I do have an idea. But that will take time."
Halibel noted that even taming the Great Spirit of Wind would be a massive gain in the military for the nation. But he could see Subaru had something different in mind.
He further explained, "After installing a President, which will be the Major of Banon, we will go to each other city-state and keep or replace the sitting Major." Subaru concluded his plan, "Release the slaves and find those talented to lead each city."
Halibel was impressed. For someone so young, he seemed to know his way around nations and systems for power. Seeing the moonlight, he suggested, "That plan works for me. Su-san, if ya pull this off, Vollachia may invade. We don't get no Divine Dragon as our protection."
Subaru grinned, "We will have one similar."
Halibel went to bed as Subaru laid his back down on Lowe. His fur was comfortable, almost like a pillow, as he questioned his original plan. Wondering if he even needed to do it the way he thought. He hasn't been betrayed and has had a loyal campaign for the past week. Learning more about the world as well.
Perhaps if Emilia were discriminated against for being a half-elf, he'd create a nation where that was not tolerated. Would that be a better solution?
"So ya sure bout going to the Jimua Volcano?" Halibel asked as the two left before dawn to avoid anyone seeing Lowe.
"Hal-san, did you know mabeasts have existed for four hundred years? They don't require to eat or sleep either. If you cut off the horn of one, they follow your command. There is a cavern within the Volcano, but it's a gamble." Subaru stared at the massive cavern beneath the Volcano that looked like a cave, "If it fails, we'll kill Zarestia."
The three stopped to stare at the crimson marks and obsidian floor. They lead up the walls, up to the ceiling.
The cavern's ceiling had a vermillion glow as if caught in the middle of a fire, light from the outside coming through the cracks and illuminating where it reached.
The splatters of what appeared to be bones glistened like diamonds, especially Subaru's, as it lit against the dim red glow of the cave. The crimson trails went all the way to the walls and ceiling, where they splashed into the shadows.
Halibel took the lead, "Whatever this place is sure is creepy. Keep ya guard up." then he wondered, "What was your goal or reason ya needed me to work for? Not like I care that much jus strange seems like fate or somethin."
Subaru wasn't certain either, questioning his own plan, "I don't know yet. I'll decide in time."
Lowe put out its tail, stopping both of them. Master, there is no need to go further. It will collapse if you do. Look to your left.
Subaru nodded in confusion seeing Japanese letters that were difficult to read.
Halibel laughed, "Ya know, Lowe is similar to a shinobi."
Lowe glared at Halibel, blinking in a way of agreeing. Due to that, he was a silent killer and smarter than most, if not all, mabeasts.
Subaru finished reading the barely legible words, "Well— it says something about Hoshin and to break it." Pointing towards the letters.
Halibel touched the obsidian wall to see it did feel hollow knocking on it. Using his elbow, he slammed through the obsidian, finding another room in the cavern. The room was very cold, with a breezy draft.
"What the—?" Subaru said, seeing three gems, a sword, and ancient notes in Japanese.
Lowe warned by taking the gems with its tail. Any human that touches this will die of mana poisoning.
Subaru noted the crimson gem, turquoise gem, and maroon gem. Finding a sword that looked the same as a chokuto from Japan.
Its black handle, wrapped in a traditional cord pattern, starkly contrasts the gleaming metal. The handle is adorned with an array of small golden dots strategically placed to form a pattern. As the handle ends, a crafted golden outline encircles it.
"Whatever the hell happened here. Someone from Japan was the one to make this sword." Subaru states picking it up. Then looking at the note surprised that it was kept in a state of being readable after all this time.
Considering to read it out loud, he looked at Halibel almost as if this was a test. He could kill him right now and take whatever those gems were worth. He assumed they were some ancient treasure.
"To anyone who finds this: Everything has fallen apart. Flugel left with Echidna, and I have no idea what to do. He told me to make a central government, but it was never my idea to even make this place in the first place. I hate my life. I want to die. Satella was the only one that saved me, and everyone left me after what happened. To anyone that finds this, consider it my will. For my useless life that I did nothing but claim Flugel's achievements."
Subaru paused, gulping at what he read and what was after.
"Whoever finds this, if you do anything, restore what I tried to do. It will fail. I'm so depressed I just want to die. This world is hell. Flugel is out at the Tower creating a copy of Reid and some trial system. I want to bring Satella back too. But it won't work. NOTHING WILL WORK. THIS WORLD IS HELL. Those who love will only learn of despair. Nothing in this world is pure. Everything leads to misery. - Alec Hoshin."
Subaru's hand trembles, "What the— what did I just read?"
He started to hyperventilate. The words of whoever wrote this sound like the words he thinks. Halibel took his kiseru, handing it to Subaru as he took a puff. Knowing the calming effect it has on the body and mind.
Halibel had his own questions. The name 'Satella' piqued his curiosity as these seemed to be authentic. But he could only assume that Subaru had no idea either. Let alone a mabeast guide them to this location.
Lowe purred, laying down and rubbing its fur on Subaru's shoulder.
"It's alright. Everything will be fine. I just— what did I just read?" Subaru responded, both confused and scared.
Halibel described, "Hoshin? Well, it does make sense. Those gems, I don't have a clue what they are for, but they look similar to Zarestia's light sphere."
Subaru sighed as his emotions changed from Wrath to Vengeance to Truth. He could see himself in those words. The words he might've written if he had continued with his original plan. He could see Halibel, Lowe.
If he could create a striving nation, then Emilia would be happy. As for him, he would have to learn how to become a true leader. Not one that unites a single nation but one that can leave a legacy behind.
He did not deserve love, or perhaps he was scared of it. Scared of the despair he felt, his future self warned him of.
"Let's go to Zarestia's bed. I will honor Hoshin's final request." Subaru said, refusing to shed a tear. His plans changed quickly, yet he couldn't leave like this. It felt too much like him to ignore whoever wrote that, even in distrust.
Halibel, Subaru, and Lowe, carrying the three gems or spheres within its tail, approached Zarestia's bed. The ground was a Byzantium purple bleak color. Halibel stood in front of both Subaru and Lowe as he knew this would turn violent if those gem-like spheres weren't connected to the spirit in some way.
"So be ready to be attacked, right?" Subaru asked in confirmation.
Halibel nodded as he turned to see the three gems in Lowe's tail begin to glow.
"UI Furu!"
Subaru started to pull out the sword, wondering if it was Hoshin's, as Halibel moved Subaru out of the attack.
"Lowe, return the spheres to her," Subaru said as if she continued to be evil, then they'd simply kill her the next loop.
Obediently following the command, Lowe swiftly hurled the spheres towards Zarestia, who stood poised and elegant in her distinct attire. A single lime strand complemented her milky-white shaggy hair, while her white eyebrows framed sharp, yellow almond-shaped eyes. Her white kimono resembled traditional burial clothes, adorned with a lime sphere and shortened to mid-thigh, accentuating her slender legs.
As the spheres were thrown, they seemed to defy gravity, coming to a halt and levitating behind Zarestia. Her own light sphere joined the trio, completing a quartet of floating orbs. Each roughly baseball-sized sphere hovered a few feet behind her, emanating an aura of power. The crimson and turquoise spheres were positioned just above her shoulders, while the maroon and ivory spheres levitated slightly lower, near her waist. The unusual formation created an enigmatic backdrop for her figure.
Halibel's senses were immediately overwhelmed by an immense, almost palpable wave of energy that seemed to permeate the air around him. The sheer intensity of this force left him breathless, and a chilling doubt crept into his mind, causing him to question whether to wonder if returning power could ultimately spell doom for the entire nation.
He turned to Subaru, who seemed calm. Leaving it up to him as he knew he couldn't tame a mabeast nor Zarestia.
Zarestia begins to shed tears, "Why? Why return my limbs?"
Subaru assumed her spheres must be her limbs, "Zarestia, I'd like to make a contract with you."
"Why— don't do it again—" She mumbled in fear. As her light sphere held her hatred, the other three held the rest of her emotions. She was lost in confusion and distrust.
Subaru recognized the look. He was the same, "Zarestia, eh? Tia's better. Betrayal? I won't betray you. I won't break your trust. If I did, I'd be a hypocrite. I found a note from Hoshin and these gems along with this sword."
Subaru thought about Beatrice. His mind was so conflicted with contradictions as he tried not to break down. Seeing another lost in betrayal and distrust triggered his own.
"I can't— no they— why?" She asked, staring only at Subaru with tears falling down her face.
Subaru looked down, "I'm so weak. I feel hatred and distrust, but I don't want to anymore. I can see you have something that could give me a future. Kill me or agree to come with me, and if you get betrayed, I will die with you. That can be our contract. I— can't take this anymore." Subaru walked closer as his emotions took control of his mind. He hugged her, mumbling as tears fell, "So pick one– I don't know the point of continuing not seeing anything, but the people I care for suffer."
Tia was frozen, not knowing what to say or do. Being isolated for so long, she forgot what it felt like for someone to ask her to help them genuinely. She had doubts, but it was hard to imagine this person betraying her if he was the same. Feeling tears on her shoulders, she thought about a life without being isolated. Maybe a life where she could live again. She still hated humans, but she could make an exception for him.
"I can try to save you too," Subaru mentioned as he realized he had asked her to save him without offering anything to help her.
Tia whispered, "I— can't. I hate humans."
"After being tormented with despair for so long, I realized something. Despair and love are very similar. Despair creates love, and love creates despair." Subaru broke the hug and stared into her eyes, "I would feel guilty if you killed me. Isolation is far worse than any other emotion. Being alone… I hate that more than anything."
"But— I want to — save me?" Tia asked as the thought of being saved from her current life of isolation was something she wanted but never thought she'd find or accept.
Subaru wiped the tears off his face, "You'd already have been saving me whether you chose to kill me anyway. I don't want to live without anyone anymore." he continued, "Tia, if you agree, then I will save you too, you'll get to live again and maybe I will too…."
"Contract? I don't want to be controlled by a contract."
"You won't be. Setting it up as a contract will be easier, but I won't force you to do anything." Subaru remembered, "I would like it if you didn't leave, though. I want to see color."
Tia grabbed his hand, "I— agree, but if you betray me, the-"
"Kill me then," Subaru says, cutting her off.
"I— will you care for me? I don't want— you to die."
Subaru smiled, "I will, I promise, Tia."
Tia looked at the mabeast and the wolf-man behind him, "Why do you have one of Daphne's creations? That sword— it was Hoshin's."
Subaru guided her to walk back to Banon with them as he was confused, "Did you know Hoshin? As for the lion, that's Lowe, not a mabeast."
"During the time of the Great Calamity. He stole my light sphere to speak to me. Wanting my aid in defeating Satella. I told him to find my lost limbs, and I would help— but that was so long ago." Her eyes looked down. She felt terrible for what had happened to him.
Subaru eyes widened, "Satella? How strong are you?"
"I don't know. I prefer not to fight." She said with a small smile, "But I am the Spirit of Nature. Mana, or what people call magic now, can be used in beautiful ways."
Halibel laughed, "Su-san, be proud of what you accomplished."
"Oh no— all credit goes to you. I think I'm a criminal in Lugunica." Subaru responded, thinking back to stealing food and wondering if anyone knew he tamed a mabeast.
Halibel nodded, "The news of this will spread if not kept silent. In terms of power, each nation usually has a Great Spirit. If I were to guess, Tia-tan is equal to Volcanica."
"But– they beat me with alcohol," Tia mumbled.
Subaru agreed, "We'll keep the news silent. Until everything is completed and this nation is reborn."
Looking down at what was Hoshin's sword and that note he left. He felt both obligated and scared.
"Halibel, I need you to figure out a way to make Banon citizens not afraid of Lowe." He laughed, realizing he would've never made it this far without him, "Hell give credit for the Spirit of Nature being restored to him. Couldn't have ever found that place without his guidance."
Subaru then pondered. He cut off its horn. Was any of it genuine? Or was his campaign merely a slave?
Looking down at Lowe, he commanded it to do as it pleased. He felt foolish for thinking something could be genuine when you force them into submission.
Lowe purred. Cutting off a mabeast horn doesn't only give you control of them. It allows them to think beyond their basic command of killing or hunting humans. Just like anyone, some are evil, and some aren't. I followed you both to repay a debt I can only remember and see if you can change this world.
"Me? When you first saw me, I was a jumbling mess. I still am." Subaru admitted.
Lowe bumped him in the shoulder lightly. You've done something nobody has done. Even if it was due to my help, you accomplished it. Mabeasts are an idiotic creation, but many can think as I can.
Subaru understood what he meant. He had many things to do. He knew the Royal Selection would start in four months. He had that amount of time to enact his plan.
Arriving in Banon, Tia looked dissatisfied with Halibel's home, "How is this going to fit all of us?"
"You and Su-san can figure it out." Halibel laughed. He was fine with a small home, not one that didn't take what he didn't need.
Tia smirked, "Hmmm, alright then."
Pointing a finger up, dirt forms as it consensed into rock. Forming four pillars, she then formed two to make a ceiling and floor. Creating outlines for windows and doors as it looked similar to a three-story house without a normal roof.
Subaru stared at the newly created 'house.' It lacked windows but was much bigger than Halibels sitting right next to his it dwarfed it in size.
Halibel taking a puff, sighed, "You really gon make me a couch potato again?"
Tia walked into the newly formed home. Creating a staircase and two floors, then adding walls to separate them. Combining earth and wind, she created sand, then used fire to create glass adding windows to the home.
Subaru stared at it, surprised, "Creating a house from dirt? It doesn't even look that bad."
Tia frowned, "Halibel, your turn! I made the house. You deal with the furniture."
"You win." He replied, turning around with a grin. Never in his life did he expect he'd be joking around with Zarestia about houses.
Tia noticing Lowe, made an entrance in the back that would fit him. She was now contracted with Subaru and could now start telepathically communicating with him. She also could sense his emotion as she watched him sit down, staring at Hoshin's sword in his hands.
Subaru could only think of those words. It almost felt like a note he left himself in the future.
Those who love will only learn of despair.
Nothing in this world is pure.
Everything leads to misery.
Subaru wanted to cry, but he couldn't. All he did was smile. The exact inverse of how he felt. He thought about bottling up all his emotions and locking them away. He needed to be strong, which he didn't believe he was.
But above all else, he was scared. Scared of love. Scared of despair. He had so many things planned he'd accomplish, but he knew he was nothing. He got a boost of false self-esteem from running away and was brought back down by reading Hoshin's note.
Tia sat beside him on the hard floor, seeing only Lowe in the room, "Subaru, what's wrong?"
"Nothing Tia don't worry about it." He mumbled. He went from being wrathful to prideful, and now he had no idea what he was.
Tia reached her hands over him and hugged him, "Hoshin lived a life of sadness. You now carry his sword, right? Don't put up an act because I can sense how you truly feel."
"You can?" He replied as his eyes widened. His jaw dropped slightly as tears fell down his face.
Tia wiped the tears off his face, "You saved me. I believe you'll save this nation. But what happened before that?"
Subaru's gaze went down, "I ran away from my failures. Even was going to kill her. Now I don't know how to do all of this. I'm a liar for even saying I could."
"Don't say that about yourself you saved me— from living out the rest of my life being alone and feeling nothing but vengeance. Subaru, you did it." She said shallowly. Hugging Subaru tighter as she wondered how she could help him.
He accepted it as he tried to clear his mind from failing to save Beatrice. Shedding tears felt relaxing. Maybe he was already bottling up all his emotions.
A few minutes passed, and Subaru broke the hug. He knew, at the least, he had people he could trust. Justifying himself of being a failure was only an excuse for inaction. If he couldn't do it how he was, he'd become the person that could. That's what he hoped, at least.
Staring at the moon, Vincent Vollachia grinned. Someone stopped the Night Weeping of the City-States before it even occurred.
He pondered if this person could also prevent the great disaster of Vollachia.
"Celsius go to the city-states of Kararagi, Banon more specifically. Find who either killed or tamed the Spirit of Murder, Zarestia. Once you verify it's the correct person, inform him of the following. Stay with him until you desire to return. Follow the person's orders or plans." Vincent stated, handing Celsius an envelope.
Celsius grinned, "Your wish is my command, your excellency."