[AN: Elsa doesn't show up since Roswaal won't send her… Subaru, in this timeline, ends up wanting to die, so the Tome of Wisdom doesn't calculate that Subaru is the person with the looping ability. Also, RBD may be changed since Satella gave him RBD to save Emilia however, due to Subaru's different personality and events happening way differently, no Elsa/Felt is happening. ]

Emilia clutched the insignia tightly, feeling mixed emotions as she walked through the capital's busy streets. She had just retrieved her insignia from the Castle, officially marking her as a candidate for the Royal Selection.

She felt a sense of happiness, knowing she was one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming the next ruler of Lugnica. But at the same time, she felt a sense of anxiety at the future that lay ahead of her.

The Capital was a place that was utterly foreign to her, and she felt out of place among the crowds of people who bustled about their daily lives. But at the same time, she knew that if she always stayed away from things that scared her or made her uncomfortable, she would never win the Royal Selection or save the elves frozen in the Elior Forest.

Ram stared at Emilia, thinking, "Emilia, should we return to Roswaal's manner?"

Ram continued to stare at Emilia, her words echoing in her mind. She knew Ram was giving her an out, offering to return to the safety and familiarity of Roswaal's mansion. But Emilia was tired of the same routine: always being cooped up in that place.

She thought about her life at the mansion, how servants like Rem and Ram surrounded her, and how she felt so alone. She longed for companionship, for the chance to be around people who were not bound to her by obligation.

And so, after much consideration, Emilia made up her mind. "Ram, I'd like to explore the Capital for a bit," she said. "I've never been here before, and I think it would be a good opportunity."

Ram nodded, a small smile on her lips. "Alright, Emilia, meet back here at sundown," she said. "I'll be waiting for you if you decide to leave earlier."

She was determined to make the most of this opportunity to see new sights, meet new people, and make new memories. Emilia felt a sense of excitement and anticipation as she set off into the city, eager to experience all it had to offer. However, she also feared what people might think or consider her due to her appearance.

Emilia walked down the busy streets, taking in all of the sights and sounds of the city. The tall buildings, the bustling crowds, and the vendors selling their wares were all so new and exciting to her. But at the same time, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach.

Despite her excitement, Emilia couldn't help but feel self-conscious about her appearance. She knew that her silver hair and pointed ears marked her as an elf, a race often discriminated against in the Capital. She wondered what people would think of her if they judged her based on her appearance and heritage.

Subaru's eyes slowly fluttered open, and he was met with an entirely unfamiliar world. He was still in a daze, and it took him a moment to realize that he was no longer in the place he had been just moments before.

What just happened? I didn't even die… did I?

Subaru stared at his hands, looking down and seeing his navy sneakers and black jeans. He pulled his tee shirt to see if the color was white. The same clothing he was wearing before. He touched his pockets, feeling the weight of his phone.

His gaze shifted around him, taking in the strange sights surrounding him. He saw dragon carriages flying overhead, people dressed in clothing that looked like something straight out of a video game, and other things that he couldn't explain with any logic or reasoning.

He felt a sense of fear and confusion wash over him, and he couldn't help but wonder what had happened. But his confusion and fear were quickly replaced with remorse and guilt.

Subaru overheard voices that he could understand were speaking Japanese. However, the signs he saw seemed to be some alteration or similar form of the Japanese alphabet. They resemble so close Subaru could make out what most signs meant with the help of context clues around the signs.

Why am I here? This is no fiery wasteland. If I did die, why did I get sent here?

Subaru walked around for a bit observing the area he was in. His emotional state was still filled with sorrow and shame, but he had no idea what to do now. He thought of just killing himself, but he wasn't even sure if he had died in the first place.

Subaru sensed the air around him felt purer or cleaner than he was used to in Japan. He saw many shops selling a variety of goods.

What do I do… do I try to live again? Living only brought sorrow to those I cared for last time. But do I throw away a chance to repent for my actions?

Subaru saw a merchant selling apples. He decided today he would try to help someone in some way at least and see if it was fruitful or if it was a curse to anybody that encountered him.

Subaru approached the merchant, "Hello, I would like to offer a deal."

The merchant looked at him with suspicion, noticing the odd clothing the boy was wearing.

"What kind of deal, kid?"

Subaru thought momentarily before responding, "If I can get you one hundred sales by the end of the day, my reward will be an apple."

The merchant looked at Subaru as if he was crazy, "There called 'appa's' kid, and why would you even offer such a deal? The benefit for you is a single appa…."

Subaru shrugged, "I don't mind. If you allow me, I will do my best to meet the quota."

The merchant nodded, "Go for it, kid. I don't mind. Just don't end up scaring all the customers away.'

Subaru bowed, "Thank you."

Subaru begins to survey the passing people.

No, no, no, no, yes.

Subaru approached the man, "Excuse me, sir, but would you like to buy an appa? They're fresh, and I'd like to sell them all before they spoil."

The man nodded, "Sure, kid, I'll buy an appa."

The merchant watched in excitement and shock as Subaru began to choose random individuals walking across the street seamlessly, yet every person he asked bought an appa from him. He noticed Subaru would change his request depending on the person, never using the exact words twice.

As the day slowly passed, a red-haired knight saw the boy with strange clothes and what he was doing. He couldn't explain how the boy could ask strangers walking by if they wanted an appa, yet the person bought one every time. He wasn't sure if he was doing some trick or was incredibly lucky. He decided to buy an appa from the boy himself and make contact with him.

The red-haired knight walked towards the boy, "May I purchase an appa?"

Strange, he just walked up to me. I guess it isn't surprising that regular customers will also come.

Subaru smiled, "Sure thing." He motioned Reinhard towards the booth.

The merchant looked shocked, "The Sword Saint?"

What?

The red-haired knight sighed, "Please just call me Reinhard. I'd like to buy an appa."

The merchant quickly bagged up multiple, "Here you go, have a good sir."

Did he forget to pay?

Reinhard then put a golden coin on the merchant's table before bumping into Subaru while walking away. When doing so, he activated his Divine Protection of Empathy, allowing him to read the boy's feelings.

The merchant was ecstatic, "You must be good luck. One holy coin for a bag of appas. You don't need to keep doing this, kid."

Good luck? I'm far from that, but at least I'm helping someone.

Subaru responded, "I'll continue until I meet the quota. So far, only thirty customers, so I'll need to complete seventy more."

The merchant realized arguing was pointless. He was beyond confused why this boy wanted to help him with no gain or reward other than a single appa. Nonetheless, the man was happy for the luckiest day he's ever had as a merchant.

This world is just the same. This ability to read people… only brought those I cared about to ruin before. Someone, please just break this cycle. Let me be wrong. Why even pity myself? This is just pathetic. I shall use whatever world or life this is to repent for my failures.

Reinhard watched as the boy's feelings continued to become worse and worse. Every sale he made with a smile, but he sensed nothing but despair, self-hatred, regret, and remorse. Reinhard could only imagine what had happened to the boy. His self-hatred rivaled his own. Not only that, but his ability to hide it was the same as his own too.

The day slowly moved forward as Reinhard continued to feel the boy's emotions worsening. He wasn't sure how to respond since the boy was no different from himself. He wore a smile that showed nothing of his self-torment. He knew that nobody could come to save him from his own struggles, but the idea of not being able to do anything gave Reinhard a perspective he's never had. He almost sees himself in the boy, hiding his emotions and smiling.

Subaru was at fifty-five sold appa's and feared he would not complete his agreed amount before the day ended. He wasn't sure how much he was helping, but he didn't want to do anything less than what was possible. If his life had no meaning, he'll give it to others and help them instead.

The day moved slowly as Subaru continued until the merchant he worked with seemed surprised.

Who is that?

A silver-haired half-elf accompanied by mid-aged women and a young girl appeared at the merchant's stand.

Let's see if any of these people can break my predictions. Judging by the situation, I can only assume that the mid-aged woman is the merchant's wife and the young girl is their daughter. That only leaves the silver-haired girl.

The wife and the daughter will thank the silver-haired girl, the merchant will make some joke and follow it up with the same gratitude, and she will respond by saying it was no problem and leave.

The middle-aged woman smiled, "This young lady helped me find our daughter. She lost in the Capital."

The merchant smiled, picking up his daughter with a small laugh, "Well, you got lucky today. Who knows what would've happened if someone didn't find you." the merchant turned his head, redirecting it to the silver-haired girl, "What is your name?"

The silver-haired girl hesitated before responding, "My name is Emilia, and it's no problem."

The young girl smiled at Emilia and said with a high-pitched voice, "Thank you."

The last is for Emilia to leave. This life will be boring, but if I can help people, I'll keep living to do that.

Reinhard watched in dread as he sensed hope momentarily, followed by self-hatred almost simultaneously. He hated what he was doing. Reinhard wished to the Od that the boy would find salvation. He deactivated his Divine Protection of Empathy and began to resume what he was doing previously.

Emilia stared at the boy, who seemed to be observing everything happening. He wore a gentle smile but wore strange clothing she's never seen before.

Why is she looking at me? I mean, she's cute, but she'll just leave in a moment or two.

Emilia went up to the boy, "What is your name?"

What? That would make sense to ask… now that I think about it, all I've been referred to is kid or boy, so I forgot people would ask for my name.

But what name do I even have? I shouldn't use the name my parents gave me… I'm the reason the cheerful family we once had got torn apart. That person, the cheerful boy who looked up to his father and tried to make him proud, has faded from my memory.

What was Subaru Natsuki has been warped into what I am now. A parasite that brings the people he cared for to ruin, a murderer, and a person who couldn't even protect the only true friend he had.

Emilia stared at the boy, who looked like he was thinking, "Hello?"

Why the fuck is a name so important. I'll just tell her I forgot it.

Subaru smiled, but his tone was shallow, "I forgot him ."

Subaru watched as a white-haired flying cat appeared next to Emilia.

The cat looked at Subaru suspiciously, "Lia, we should leave. This boy is dangerous."

Why is it that a flying cat can see it? He's right. I'm nothing more than a disease. Everywhere I go, I spread my sickness.

Subaru stared at the flying cat, "Your right, flying cat."

Puck remarked, "My name is Puck. Lia, let's go."

Puck the flying cat. Well, at any event, I know I helped this salesman.

The merchant looked at the boy after hearing the words said. He couldn't help but feel bad for him. He never even asked his name, but a spirit called him dangerous. He didn't want to stand back and let the boy think he was doing something wrong.

The merchant spoke, "Hey, this boy helped me for half the day get sales and asked nothing in return but a single appa. I don't know your problem, but this boy is far from dangerous. He's the first person I've met since becoming a merchant that offered assistance with no gain for himself."

What? I didn't predict that either.

Emilia stared at the boy, unsure what to do. She felt a sense of familiarity but wasn't sure why. She wondered why the boy wouldn't even give his name. She remembered he said he forgot him as his answer. Forgot himself?

Puck responded to the merchant, "I'm not concerned for your safety, only that of Lia's."

Will I bring this merchant suffering if I don't somehow solve this? He said the floating cat was a spirit, so I'm guessing it has some power. I can't let… I won't let others suffer because of me again.

Subaru spoke, "I'm sorry. I'll leave."

The merchant asked with a sympathetic tone, "Wait, what about your appa?"

Subaru turned his back and waved, "Give it to someone who needs it or sell it."

Subaru walked away, finding an alleyway to sit in.

I hope things didn't escalate further. I was the source, so removing myself should've solved the conflict. I haven't drank any water all day in the sun. I guess I can survive three days without worrying about that.

A few minutes pass, and Subaru hears a voice behind him, "Here."

What is the deal with this girl? I hope the merchant is alright.

Subaru turned around to see Emilia smiling, holding a bag of appa's.

Why does she even care?

Subaru stared at Emilia's amethyst eyes before responding to the gesture, "Thank you."

Emilia asked again with a shallow voice, "Please tell me your name…."

Why does she want to know? Fine, I'll tell her. I guess the first name doesn't matter.

Subaru smiled, "My name is Subaru."

Emilia looked at Subaru, the sense of familiarity increasing more. She still didn't know why, but how he acted reminded her of someone…. herself.

Puck appeared from Emilia's crystal, "Lia, did I not tell you to avoid this boy."

Puck the reason for logic. Wait, no. He would have no idea anything about me… so in other words, this spirit either hates me or controls Emilia like a pet.

Subaru decided to ask, "Puck is it just that you hate me, or is Emilia your pet?"

Puck looked at him with anger, "Pet? I could kill you in a second for-"

Subaru cut off Puck's sentence, "Then do it. Threats are empty without action."

Emilia stared at the Subaru holding the bag of appa's, "I was just trying to help, sorry."

Help? I don't deserve help or a savior. I'm not deserving of anybody or anything.

Subaru watched Emilia leave. He has had enough of this world. He saw how he hurt a person trying to help him. He dishonored what he swore he wouldn't do and told her his name. He just wanted everything to be over.

I used to be someone. Now I feel like I'm nobody and want to be nobody. I just want my existence to be erased from everything. I'm sorry to everyone I caused trouble. Perhaps god sent me to the wrong place.

Subaru picked up the knife left by the thug and put it to his chest.

I'm a murderer who caused everyone I cared for to die. It's unfair if I get a second chance not knowing if they did. I'm nothing. I wasn't meant to be sent here. I was meant to be sent to a void or a fiery abyss.

Subaru stabbed himself in the lung, dying slowly until his body failed, and Subaru Natsuki was on the verge of death.

However, a certain red-haired knight saw him in his near-death state.

Subaru's eyes slowly opened, and he found himself in a seemingly dream-like world. A lush, verdant garden surrounded him with tall trees and vibrant flowers in every direction. He looked around, taking in the beauty of the environment when he noticed that he was standing on a clear pathway. The pathway was well-trodden, with soft, grassy earth and small stones dotted along the sides. It looked like it could lead him to a destination, so Subaru followed it to see where it would take him.

What is this? How am I still alive? Or is this some pre-death illusion?

Subaru continued down the trail and came across a figure that resembled the girl he had encountered earlier. This person, however, appeared to be older and had distinct features of a half-elf, including silver hair and mesmerizing amethyst eyes. She was dressed in a somber black dress and was in tears, her delicate shoulders shaking as she sobbed. The sight of her distress tugged at Subaru's heartstrings, causing him to feel a sense of empathy for the half-elf.

Satella? Wait, why did I think that name when seeing her… she feels so familiar. What is this?

Why is she crying?

Subaru walked closer to Satella. He asked with a curious tone, "Satella?"

Satella looked at Subaru with guilt, "Subaru, I'm sorry."

Why do I sense this weird familiarity? Now that I think about it, I feel the same about Emilia.

Well, I don't know why I'm not dead.

Why is she crying? She looks as if she is calling for me. Why cry for a monster?

Subaru noticed Satela's amethyst eyes, shedding tears, "Satella, whatever you are ashamed of, or whatever is causing you this guilt, whether you're a demon, the physical embodiment of despair, or any other possibility, I won't judge or shame you. I am far worse than whatever you have done."

The more Subaru stared at Satella's amethyst eyes. He sensed some form of bond. Subaru was confused, considering whether this person was somehow Emilia or a future version of her.

Satella wiped her tears from her face, "Subaru, why did you try to kill yourself? Subaru… why do I continue to hurt you when I want to help you?"

Why does she even care if I wait? She said she tried. That means I'm still alive, but here… is this like a near-death experience? But I thought I had already died. None of this makes sense. How is she hurting me? I deserve to be hurt. That word isn't even enough to describe what I deserve.

She has the same look in her amethyst eyes. The eyes of someone who wants to die. The eyes of what I'd imagine my own empty eyes look like.

But yet I almost feel connected to her. I can only compare it to something like she's my forgotten love.

Subaru walked up to Satella, gently holding her hand, "When I look in your eyes, I see myself. You want to die. You say you were sorry for hurting me, but I deserve whatever harm may come my way. I'm not a good person.."

Why did it feel almost like my body was moving on its own to hold her hand? I don't get it.

Satella responded tearfully, "Subaru… I can't just abandon you, not after all of this. Subaru, I love you. I want you to have a life you enjoy. I don't want you to suffer. I want Emilia to be happy, but nothing ever works."

Emilia? Is she a future version of Emilia? I don't have the slightest idea of what's going on.

Satella continued, "I try over and over again. I'm so sorry, Subaru. All I've done is hurt you."

She hasn't done anything to me. I should abandon logic or reasoning at this point. All I feel the urge to do is comfort her. But why?

Subaru responded with a gentle hug, "Satella, it's okay. Nothing you did harmed me. You are not in the wrong. I must ask, are you, Emilia?"

Satella shook her head, "No, no. Subaru, if you view yourself so poorly, will you do something for me?" Satella began shedding more tears, "Please just stop. Don't hurt yourself anymore. You can save this world. Please just trust me. Emilia is not me, but please treat her with kindness and love. I want the both of you to be happy."

What? Can I save this world? When I first got here, I tried to help others, but it only led to me dishonoring the memory of the name my parents gave me. I wanted to die, but now… if she's right, I can't. Even if the possibility is slim, I will if I can repent for what I've done.

Subaru thought of the confirmation Satella just gave him. The idea of repenting for what he caused before he came to this world. He would be grateful if he could help save anybody, let alone this world he was in. He still would not excuse his prior actions, but he would at least be able to use his life to help in some way.

Subaru embraced Satella's affection squeezing his arms around her tighter, "Tell me, how will I do this? How do I have the power to save others? All I do is hurt them."

Why am I doing this? Why do I feel such a deep connection with Satella? I don't understand my body just moved on its own again. Emotionally I feel connected to her as if we had a thousand-year bond. I don't understand, but the comfort she gives me… feels like something I've never had.

Satella responded, "You developed a different ability. I don't know what it is, but it will aid you and help you protect those you care for. I promise you, Subaru, please just don't give up. Please never try to end your own life."

But her eyes are the same. She seeks her end… I don't get why she cares if I do the same. I don't understand this.

Subaru's body moved on its own and kissed Satella on her forehead. Before Subaru even realized what he did, his vision became hazy. Subaru heard a voice echo before his vision went black.

"No matter what, I'll always love you, Subaru."

Subaru's eyes opened. He saw the light, and the ground felt like the alleyway he was in earlier. He heard three voices.

"Lia, that boy is dangerous. Why are we still here, and why did you help heal him?"

"I believe you're incorrect in your assessment of Subaru. I verified that he was not dangerous."

"Puck, why are you arguing with Reinhard? Why are so against me meeting new people?"

"Lia, I'm just trying to keep you safe."

"Great spirit. I don't think you understand the mental state Subaru was in. It would be shameful for me to speak on his emotions, but I can say that your treatment and accusations against Subaru are… shameful."

"What do you mean, Reinhard?"

"Subaru just needs… he believes he's a monster."

Subaru decided to get up after listening to what voices he heard to be Reinhard, Emilia, and Puck. He felt his chest was completely healed.

Subaru looked as the other three realized he was awake. He looked at Reinhard, who stared at him not in the sense of pity but rather in understanding. Emilia looked at him with sadness and compassion, and Puck looked at him with caution and dread.

Subaru asked, "How am I healed?"

Reinhard sighed, "Lady Emilia and I found you near death. I used Divine Protection, and Emilia helped to stabilize you… it must be the Od that allowed you to heal so quickly."

Emilia… why do I feel that same connection I felt with Satella. Not to mention it seems nobody realized I stabbed myself.

Emilia thought of her previous encounter with Subaru and wondered if Subaru tried to kill himself because of something she did. She was used to being feared by everyone, but for someone to kill themself after seeing her. But she also felt a connection, something she couldn't explain, but she felt almost attracted to Subaru's presence.

Emilia started to shed tears, "Why did you do it? Was it because of me?"

No, no, no. Don't blame yourself.

Subaru walked closer to Emilia and hugged her, "No, no that's not it. I'm sorry. None of it had to do with you. Thank you for healing me. I had nowhere to go and knew nobody. You were the first person actually to care for me in this world. Thank you."

Suddenly everything froze around Subaru. Subaru was also frozen, almost as if the entire world had stopped. Subaru was still embracing Emilia when time froze. Subaru was frozen but could view the situation from a third-person perspective.

What is this? Is this my ability that Satella mentioned? Time froze. I can see both from my own perspective and from a third perspective… this ability is fantastic. If I had this when dealing with Fujino's situation, then… I could've saved them. If I had been able to think when they were about to enter the car, I could've quickly figured out a solution if I had endless time.

But why did it activate here? Is someone in danger?

Subaru observed the situation, trying to see if anything was off. He first looked for any signs of malice or ill intent towards anyone around him or himself. Looking at Emilia from the third perspective, he could see her still shedding tears. But he could tell they were tears of joy.

Emilia… why do I feel like I'm in love with you? I've never even felt romantic love, which is way more intense than I thought with Satella.

I promise I will protect you.

After Subaru examined the situation more, he could only tell Puck was infuriated with him. He knew this before, but why did time freeze? Was he about to be attacked? After Subaru considered that, time resumed.

Subaru gently broke the hug with Emilia and paid close attention to Puck's following actions. As he suspected, Puck formed two icicles at incredible speed and sent them flying at Subaru's head and heart.

No. No way I die like this? I have no time to evade their moving faster than my body can move to evade them. Emilia, why are you the only thing on my mind?

Before Subaru could die, Reinhard intercepted the two icicles. His face showed anger, which surprised both Emilia and Puck. Emilia was still in the process of realizing what had happened.

Reinhard stated calmly, "Great spirit. If you have a valid case against Subaru or a crime he committed, please tell me however, if you do not, then if you continue to attack him, I will be forced to restrain you."

Puck looked at Reinhard with hatred, "This boy made Emilia cry and make her think she made someone try to kill themself-"

Emilia felt the urge to stop Puck. She feared the future and knew Reinhard would likely not allow her to take Subaru with him. She didn't know why or what she felt but knew she needed to do something to prevent Puck from harming Subaru.

Emilia cut Puck off, "Puck, stop. Please just stop. If you ever kill or harm Subaru… I'll kill myself."

Emilia was lost at what she had just said. She was going to say she would never forgive him, but her mouth moved on its own.

Puck stared at Emilia with shock and sorrow, "Don't ever say that again, Lia. I won't do anything to Subaru."

Puck spoke honestly, as the idea of Emilia ending her own life because of his actions made him sick.

What did she just say? She barely knew me and would say something so extreme. Is it possible she shares this strange familiar feeling too?

Emilia asked Subaru, "I remember you said you had nowhere to go. I can try to see if Lord Roswaal would allow you to stay at his manner. I… wouldn't mind at all."

She's acting like a nervous girl around a boy she likes. Either it's the mask I can't take off even if I wanted to that's making her attracted to me, or she shares the same sense… almost like we've known each other for far longer.

Subaru nodded, "I'd like that."

Reinhard asked, "Subaru, I think you and me are similar in many ways. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask me."

Subaru smiled, "Thank you for saving my life twice."

As the night settled in, Puck flew back into Emilia's necklace. Subaru and Emilia stood there, facing each other in a seemingly deep gaze as if they were communicating through unspoken words. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful as if time had stopped just for the two of them. Their eyes locked on each other as if they were trying to convey a message, a deep understanding, without using words.

Ok, so Subaru's ability is just freezing time to think.

RBD manifested before because Subaru wanted to save Emilia, so he got a second chance, but in this situation, things happen differently, giving him this ability

No, Elsa because Subaru never gets RBD