"Why did you leave me?"

"Why did you choose her instead?"

"I remember you, Subaru."

"Come back to me. I miss you."

"Subaru, she's violating your rights."

Subaru's body was trembling when he woke up but filled with confusion. He used Cor Loinus to calm himself down, as he had no idea what had happened. He remembered Emilia telling him she remembered him, but at the end of the dream, he saw Regulus. How did this even happen? Is his soul linked to me somehow since I have authority? If it is… that would explain why my authorities acted independently. But why is Regulus trying to keep me alive? Even if his goal was only to save his soul alive, why would he appear in my dreams… it was a dream, but Regulus was there? This is so confusing I don't even know what's happening anymore. I used to have so many people, and now I'm just with Satella. But Emilia seems happy without me. I still can't comprehend how both gluttony and possibly Regulus are the ones that stalled the cycle that would end in her demise. Not to mention that Satella is now with me… it does make sense that my Cor Leonis could've been influenced as I didn't activate it, and it was able to drain all the negative emotions from the Witch of Envy. That's not something I could do… did Regulus do it? None of this makes sense… what is my purpose? Choose her instead? I hate to admit it, but… if I can't see her again, I'd only be risking her life by being selfish and not forgetting the past that doesn't exist anymore.

Subaru sighed as he got out of his bed, put on his clothes, and walked into the living room, where he saw Satella waiting. Is she wearing a different outfit? Subaru looked at Satella, who was wearing a different outfit. This white outfit consists of a white, long-sleeved top with a high collar, multiple straps, and buckles that give it the appearance of a straight jacket. The top is form-fitting, accentuating Satell's figure, and the sleeves are slightly flared at the cuffs. The outfit also includes a pair of white, tight-fitting pants that match the top's design, featuring similar straps and buckles running down the sides of each leg. Subaru looked at the table that was in front in the middle of the living room. Subaru almost laughed when he saw a chessboard.

Subaru walked towards Satella, who seemed less depressed than in the previous days. He smelled the scent of cooking as well. Subaru sat down on the opposing chair to where Satella was sitting. The chessboard was in the middle of the two on the table. Subaru was glad but still confused about how she even knew chess.

"Stella, how did you make a chessboard and make food? Also, can you make mayo?"

Satella looked disappointed, "Hello? Aren't you going to say anything about this new outfit I made?"

Subaru considered responding, but he couldn't say anything as she looked incredible. But the thought of that dream still lingered in his mind. He didn't know how to treat Satella or his relationship with her. The idea of being in love with her and her sister was… beyond what Subaru could even consider.

"It looks… good."

"Subaru, why do you always wake up later than me?"

"Why do you wake up earlier? Every night I get these dreams that feel like entire days, vivid… I still don't know what's even going on."

"What was your dream?"

Subaru thought of telling her, but the idea was not something that he wanted to bring up, but Regulus's words almost made sense to him. He couldn't imagine any world where Regulus made any sense, but if Emilia forgot him, why have nightmares of her past self saying I left her? She is happy… happier than when I was in her life. Reinhard protects her, and maybe I was never needed in this world. I am just the cause of her demise… this world is cruel. But I deserve it. If the Sage is a curse, then the world rejecting me only makes sense.

"Well, it was a weird dream. Emilia kept saying I had left her, but she forgot me, and it was for the best, or else… she would've lost everything due to me. She said… if I'm choosing you over her. Then a person who had the authority of greed appeared in the dream. I'm starting to wonder if somehow my authorities… I don't know. I don't know my purpose."

Satella thought as she also had a dream. But she didn't want to say it. But if Subaru said to him, then she should do the same. She understood what Subaru meant in terms of him choosing her over Emilia. But Satella didn't know as she didn't have a romantic feeling for Subaru yet. But her dreams showed something that only furthered her self-hatred. But she didn't want to do that to Subaru. She didn't know her purpose either or if she was needed. She wanted to see her sister, but if that only would bring her pain, then what's the point?

"Subaru… well, I had dreams that I think were the memories I lost when I was a monster. I saw myself repeatedly saying I love you and see you die and return. I wish I had known that before… love for me can be with anyone. It's not tied to being in love… but I no longer want to say that word. It feels like it means nothing."

Subaru flinched but almost in relief. He realized he assumed that Satella even loved him that way, like the other version of her. It was almost relaxing as someone who loves you for no reason or connection is meaningless.

"Stella, I'm honestly relieved by what I just said. I was so self-absorbed that I assumed you would love me that way. I didn't want… if you were in love with me for no reason, it would be the same as the Witch of Envy. But I still don't understand why the Witch of Envy loved me…." Subaru hesitated, "Don't take this the wrong way, but were you ever love someone that looked like me?"

Satella was surprised by the response. He said the Witch of Envy as if it was another person. But that was her. It was still her, even if she was controlled or had any excuse. Why was he trying to act as if it wasn't? She also found Subaru's response somewhat comforting. She agreed with his reasoning and began to regret how she would say the world loves so causally.

"No, I never… I never was even in love with anyone. Reid was always funny, Flugel was smart, and the others were more like friends. But I loved my friends… I shouldn't say that word to you anymore. After seeing how I said it to you, almost like some sort of obsessed demon… I'm sorry. But why do you refer to me as someone other than the Witch of Envy… that was me. I don't care what justifications you make I still did it."

Subaru sighed as he moved to the couch Satella was sitting on. He also had an idea of what may have occurred as her power isn't mana manipulation… the only thing he could compare it to would be something that creates. The power of creation itself. He sat next to Satella as he looked up and down at her new outfit. He remembered something about Satella always wearing black, but this is quite literally the opposite.

"Satella, I've still not seen all the memories of Flugel yet, but I know you are not the person who did this. You said you didn't care, but the Witch of Envy and you are the exact opposite. Some sins are named after the authorities in this world. Your power isn't an authority… I think it's the power of creation. You created a chessboard, food, and other things impossible with just mana. Satella, you are not the Witch of Envy, your Satella. We won't survive if we can't forgive ourselves. If you die, I will die. If you didn't come and helped me in the Sand Dunes, I would've been dead. Even if I somehow returned, I would've ended my life. You are my only hope for continuing… how about this I'll tell you a story, and then we can play chess… which I don't know how you even know about but then eat and make a plan. Your life isn't just trying to do good for what you think you did. You deserve… a lot more."

Satella froze for a moment at what she had just heard. She knew that Subaru remembered everything she had done to him. So why would she deserve anything?

"What's the story?"

"There was a man who loved his family and the world. He was smart and gifted and could create new forms of magic. He wanted to use that power to bring back the people who died as the war destroyed his nation. He created the power to do so however, in doing that, he was cursed. Everyone he loved would die, and he was immortal. He then had to view the world as nothing more than a game to avoid killing anyone and tried to create things that could kill him, but nothing worked. It was from a manga I read when I was younger, but tell me, is that person evil?"

Satella, not knowing where Subaru was going with this thought about the story. A man that wanted to help bring back the people who died. Then he got cursed and killed everyone he loved. But was he being immortal too? How is that fair? What did he even do to deserve that?

"No… why would he be? He was cursed, so he couldn't love anyone for just trying to bring back the people that died in a war. That sounds like a terrible curse."

Subaru put his arms on Satella's shoulders and made eye contact.

"Satella, do you not see what that means? Let's say that you were cursed as you wanted to help the world. Then you got cursed, similar to the story, and killed everyone you loved… and you were immortal. If you think he wasn't evil, you are not, either. I have things I regret and want to do, but thinking you evil is way too far. Your curse is now gone, and your ability to live again, so I refuse to let you force yourself not to enjoy life again."

Satella turned red. She was embarrassed she didn't see the point he was trying to make with the story he said. She thought about the moment he made as she knew she was being a hypocrite. But what is there to even enjoy in this world? She is hated and known as the worst person to exist. All her friends are gone… but all of Subaru's friends have forgotten him. She can't say all her friends are gone to him because it's cruel. She will forgive herself or try to if not for her Subaru. She formed a genuine smile.

"Alright, you got me… it'll be hard to try to forgive myself-"

Satella cut off as Subaru let go of her shoulders.

"It's hard, I know… trust me, I know. I know how hard it is. I've been trying to for my whole life. We are… almost too similar. It's weird. Also, how do you even know how to make a chessboard or wear new outfits, and you're completely different from the Satella this world knows of you as."

"Chess… I learned it from…." Satella notices the dread in Subaru's eyes as she realizes that Subaru hates Flugel, "Well, it doesn't matter, but I do know. I wear outfits because it's fun. Do you know how to play?"

Subaru was surprised by the sudden energetic voice that Satella had when she asked if he knew how to play. He learned on Earth but wasn't that good at it.

"I do. Also, that outfit is never minded. We can play."

"Hmm, you mean it's amazing? Let's make a bet. If I win, you have to… tell me the truth for anything I ask, and if you win, it's the same thing."

Satella likes to bet on chess games? She's so funny and knows things from Earth. It's refreshing.

"Stella, let's play."

The chessboard was marble with black and white colors. Subaru could only guess that this chessboard would be very expensive on Earth. As the two played, Subaru thought he would win, and at first, he was. He played white and had a significant lead. Satella begins to gain the upper hand then. Subaru was checkmated as Satella had a smug grin on her face.

"That is the Queen's Gambit. Subaru… maybe I should teach you how to get better. Or next time, we can play poker or checkers."

Subaru began to laugh as he felt he was talking to someone from Earth. He had countless questions about how she knew so much about Earth, but those could wait.

"Sooo I get to ask you anything, right?"

"Welp yeah, you do."

"Rate this outfit I made on a scale from 1-10."

Subaru's eyes flitted away. If he was honest, then… well, he did agree. The thought of Emilia's words kept coming back to his mind as then Regulu's words responded. It was confusing as he almost believed that he had formed Regulus as an excuse to forget about Emilia. But the authorities acting independently had to have some sort of explanation.

"Satella, it's nice… it looks great."

"Hmmm, is that it?"

"What do you me to say? It looks good on you. Do you me say you look good?"

"No, I wanted you to notice small details like how the outfit is completed with a pair of white, knee-high boots with thick soles and a few more straps and buckles for added detail. I spent so much time making this, but I'm hungry. Do you want to eat?"

Subaru nodded as he didn't know what Satella had made. He was baffled when she prepared Sushi somehow. He missed Japanese food, and it reminded him of his parents. Would they be proud of what he was doing? What was he doing? He needs to make up his mind. If he can't see Emilia, he and Satella can eradicate the Witch Cult. He knew elves had a more extensive lifespan than humans so he would die never… meeting her again.

"Why did you choose her instead?"

For some reason, Regulus, whether his soul was somehow still connected to him or a manifestation of his selfishness, but it made some sense. The thought kept appearing; he would usually break down by now. At the very least, it allowed him to continue. He then remembered how Satella healed Heinkel's wife. She said something about some form of magic that she couldn't do. He didn't remember but was curious.

"This food is amazing. Next time maybe make some mayo to go with it, but what was the magic used on Heinkel's wife? You said you were surprised to see it."

"Magic that uses the life force of a person instead of mana. I don't quite remember how I learned about it, but someone tried to use her life force, but the spell failed. This is why she was suspended, as she was not dead or alive."

Subaru continued eating a bite of the sushi, thinking of what may have occurred or who may have done that form of magic. It sounded more like some form of sacrificial magic or something that required a sacrifice… what was it. Subaru began to try to remember something… something essential but couldn't. It was about Emilia.

"Well, you did a good thing… that was Reinhard's mother. I hope that Reinhard is happy and Emilia is too."

Subaru's Cor Loinus activated as he was warned someone dangerous was approaching. But it started as a warning. Subaru looked towards the door to the house and saw in the distance two colors, both orange, which means both negative and positive emotions.

"Satella, someone is coming here that might be dangerous… I'll open the door. You stay in another room or something."

"Who? I can help you too."

"I just… please just wait. We don't have our issues on. They'll be here any minute."

Satella agreed and went into her room. Subaru had many thoughts in his head. It may be Roswaal considering we are within his domain. But he wouldn't be able to fight. He didn't know why, but he had himself die than her. He then wonders if Roswaal has the Tome of Wisdom, which would be another issue. Since Emilia isn't in his camp, Roswaal will probably win with Crusch. If he still had the Tome… wait, did nothing ever occur in the Sauntary?

*KNOCK*

Subaru, who was wearing his usual outfit, walked towards the door. Slightly annoyed that there was no hole to see who it was. When he opened it, he began to realize he probably would die. Reinhard and Heinkel. But how? How would they find this place? Unless… Roswaal had the Tome and told Heinkel that the people… how am I thinking like this? I was never this smart. I feel so off.

Heinkel looked surprised, "Wait… what?"

Subaru sighed, "Reinhard… do you already know?"

Reinhard looked in confusion, "What do you mean?"

Subaru asked, "Nevermind. What brings you here?"

Heinkel sighed, "We thought someone who could heal my wife was here, and we wanted to thank them. Sorry to disturb you."

Subaru replied, "No problem."

When he closed the door, he was panting. He thought for a moment that Reinhard was aware of Satella. The only thing he could think of was that Roswaal told them that for whatever goal he was trying to complete. Not to mention if Emilia had been there, then it would've been over. Subaru continued to wonder what his point was now. He could barely stop himself from talking to Reinhard how he used to. He used to talk to everyone, but now he's alone. In a world that was better off without him. When Satella heard the door close, she came back from her room. She could see that Subaru was struggling, but she couldn't imagine seeing people she used to know who that forgotten her existence. She respected that Subaru was able to continue in a situation like this.

When Subaru made eye contact with Satella, he began to worry about Roswaal. If he knew that Satella was back, no doubt revealing it would benefit his goal. If he were the one that helped finally kill the 'Witch of Envy,' then he'd gain power over the entire world just like that man did as well. But even Subaru doubted that Roswaal would go as low as Flugel did. He just wanted to be alone for a bit.

"Satella, let's just call it a day. We can do something tomorrow. I'm going just to rest."

"If there's… anything I can do to help you tell me."

Subaru returned to his room and lay on the bed as he began to shed tears. He does not enjoy seeing Reinhard and awaiting his death while wishing he could just talk to him like he used to. It felt worse than when seeing Emilia, as he would normally be able to talk to Reinhard about things. But now he had nobody but Satella, who even knew he existed. He wanted to harm himself but couldn't bring himself to do that. He tried to find some sort of solution or to fix Satella's image. Something… just something that would restore parts of his old life. He began to drift to sleep, not because he was tired but just didn't want to continue thinking.

Subaru opened his eyes to see another memory. He was watching something new. He was watching Flugel with a young half-elf that looked almost like Emilia.

"Are you just going to ignore me?"

Subaru turned his head and saw Regulus standing in the air as he witnessed the memory. He was still unsure whether it was a fabrication, but he didn't know if it wasn't either. But why would Regulus help him? Nothing made sense.

"Regulus, how are you here?"

"My soul was linked to you because of that dumb bitch, but then she left. Now my rights are being violated when I am dead. Selfish. Repulsive. It's inhumane. But she was not the only one to violate my rights. Flugel violated the rights by doing as I do not. I, Regulus Corneas, am a very kind and forgiving person. A charitable person that helps those in need. Beautiful things like my wives enjoyed the safety of having a place to stay and live."

Subaru listened as he watched Flugel doing some sort of experiment. He didn't know what, but he had a book in his hand. He could vaguely see the book but couldn't see the name. It looked almost as if it was a book of the dead.

"Are you ignoring me AGAIN? DO YOU THINK I AM A FOOL? DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT IS OCCURRING?"

Subaru begins to fear something that he dismissed at first. Something that might break his mind entirely.

"What? Tell me, what is he doing?"

"You sound scared when you should be REPULSED. I shall grant you the privilege of my knowledge as I am a kind and forgiving person, and I am much more violated by Flugel than you or Satella. Did you not see what was occurring before? Did you close your eyes because you couldn't bear to witness it? I see. I, Regulus Corneas, pity you. If you expect others to respect your rights, you must ACT. NOW WATCH WHAT FLUGEL IS DOING. YOU… FOOL."

Subaru begins to watch the memory that he begins to wonder if Regulus has already seen. He watched Flugul prepare some sort of spell or magic. A young half-elf did not resemble Emilia. He heard him speak.

"Trial 58."

"YOU SEE NOW? NOW WATCH CAREFULLY, SO YOU DON'T FORGET. I AM VIOLATED BY THIS IT MAKES ME WANT TO KILL THAT DISGUSTING PIG!"

Subaru watched as the young half-elf began to get covered in what looked like some material. It begins to form as he sees some form of energy or magic flow from the book to the person that was being encased. He then heard Flugel's voice again.

"It worked… finally now Satella can fulfill her end of this agreement."

"YOU, YOU, YOU REPULSIVE SCUM. So many perfect, beautiful young girls would've grown up to be beautiful wives. YOU KILLED FOR WHAT? To bring Satella's sister back… THAT IS A COMPLETE VIOLATION OF MY RIGHTS. UNFORGIVABLE, ABSOLUTELY UNFORGIVABLE."

Subaru had never heard Regulus scream so much while he ranted. He also didn't understand how Regulus was still here or somehow within his soul or part of it. He then began to regain attention as he looked. He saw… the body formed into what looked like a smaller version of Emilia. But she died? What am I witnessing? Subaru heard Flugel speak again.

"I thought this one would work… how much time must be required to gain what I desire from Satella."

"DO YOU SEE NOW? DO YOU UNDERSTAND? This is sickening. Why must I watch this with you? Why must you violate my rights? I was kind enough to lend you aid in using your authority that you STOLE from me, which was rightfully mine. As thus, I require you to kill Flugel."

The vision began to fade as Subaru woke up. His body was trembling, and his jaw was jittering. He couldn't deny what he had just witnessed nor what the truth was. Emilia died… and was brought back. Subaru didn't want to open his eyes or shed tears, but he sobbed. Kill how many? How many did he kill? Does Satella know this? Does anyone know this? Why was Regulus so offended? How twisted is this going to get? I never wanted to kill a human being before, but now I would if I could… kill Flugel. But I can't. There is no justice. I am merely forgotten to know the sins of the man known as a hero… and know that Emilia died. She was returned, and Satella was turned into the Witch of Envy. How can I even process this? I can't tell Satella, but what if she knew? Did she know? All those that died? She knew about the magic that looked similar to that… did she… what is the point anymore? I need to see if she did. I no longer have a role in this world. It's pointless… she would be a monster. Even if she forgot, I desire to know. I desire to see the truth regardless of if she remembers or not.

A warmth enveloped Subaru as he activated Cor Leonis as he could not have this conversation without confidence or, more so, without wanting to die as he learned the truth. Did Regulus say he already has seen this… did I already do it? Did I refuse to accept it? I just need to know. Subaru began to walk out of his room as he saw Satella sitting on the couch still. She was sitting with her tightened shoulders. Subaru walked towards her, not sure how to even ask this question. He sat down next to her and made eye contact. He remembered that Satella thought Emilia was dead when she first came here. He wanted to phrase this the best way he could if she didn't know.

"Satella… did you see Emilia die?"

Satella's eyes widened. She has been avoiding this question for the entirety of being with Subaru. She did see her die. So Subaru saying she was alive could only mean one thing. Flugel lied to her the entire time. He said it was possible to do, but she couldn't. She tried any form of magic, but reviving the dead required someone to die. She wouldn't ever want to do that, even to bring her sister back to life. Flugel told her he had a way of doing it without a sacrifice which she blindly accepted as accurate. She didn't want to cry, but after Subaru's question, she could only assume he remembered his memories of doing it. She knew that this would be far more break Subaru. She didn't mind reviving someone if it didn't require another to die, but the idea itself was wrong.

"Yes. He did it. I'm such a fool. I should've just been less naive. Everything I've done resulted in more tragedy… I just want to help, but I'm not… I'm sorry, Subaru."

Subaru glanced at Satella, who he could now sense was not lying. She didn't know what he did. He just wanted to end it. But he couldn't. Not now. What's the point of learning of so much suffering if I'm just going to die? I just… want things to go back, but they can't. Even if I could, I can't. What would my father do? He wouldn't give up… if Flugel was the catalyst to all of this, then was he also the… why am I thinking with these words? It's so humiliating his memories have influenced my speech. Fine then… I'll do it this way. I'm done hiding. I will make this world learn the truth and redeem Satella. All while preventing Emilia from meeting me… well, it was when her eyes were purple that triggered. Does Satella even have authority? I'm done hiding. I'll either die trying or succeed. Can I?

"Subaru, talk to me… please."

He saw that Satella was shedding tears. He knew they both needed comfort. Who wouldn't after learning so much? If I just didn't open that book, but if I didn't, then… there is no going back. I just need to talk.

Subaru put his arm around Satella. He could only imagine this was far worse for her to realize than for him. She was pure, then corrupted, and is living another nightmare now that she returned. He felt guilt, but this was something he needed to do.

"Satella… I will redeem you. I was told to kill Flugel, but he's dead… so I'll kill his image instead. I want to see you enjoy this world… and see your sister. Regardless of what Flugel may have done, she is still alive. That is my purpose."

Satella couldn't understand Subaru. Why do so much for her? After everything she had done to him, she already knew his reasoning. But why does he care? Why does he care for me to this extent? Redeeming the name of someone hated by all and convincing world history is a lie? Why could he leave, and even though he may be forgotten, he could find new people… why be stuck with someone like her?

"Subaru, why? Tell me, why do you care? Why do you care about me or what Flugel did to me… you can start another life you don't have to stuff-"

"Because… it's not how it was when I first came here. I'm not helping you because you're the first person I meet or someone cute… this time, it's much more than that. I feel like I just got sent to this world again. Everyone has forgotten me. It's the same as if I were brought into this world but met you how I did instead. But I'm doing this because… you don't deserve this hell after finally escaping it. You deserve the world to know the truth, and I will do everything I can to help you… I would've started another calamity. I'm just the same a curse."

Satella begins to process what he said. She looked at Subaru's face, which had a sad expression. She moved closer to him, trying to think of what to say. But she only knew that he was someone strong. Strong enough to be forgotten by everyone… forced to avoid the person he loved and to learn memories that destroyed him. But he still was trying to help her. She needs to help him too.

"I… wish I met you instead all those years ago. You want to help me after so much… I want to help you too. I don't know how to help you… tell me how I can accept this when I'm not doing anything for you. Please tell me what I can do to help you, Subaru."

"Be there for me… I wouldn't have even made it this far… just let me help you. That's all I want. I'll be happy if you are, and we can't stay hiding forever. I am forgotten, so that I will remake myself. I tried to do it before but… that would've ended terribly."

Remake himself? Why couldn't he have been sent to this world without suffering so much? I can only accept it and him… so many things. Emilia… that's something I hope you never learn. It would already be hard enough to know about me.

"Alright, but… thank you. Thank you so much. Let's have a better future… no more of this daily sadness. Subaru, you are strong. I wouldn't have been able to keep going without you, and I'm sure you think the same. So thank you."