AN: Arc 2 now comes to an end, and with this chapter title by "T.I." it's evident what this chapter is somewhat about. Stay tuned till the end to see what Arc 3 will be about...ENJOY!
Arc Two: A Dangerous Meeting
Chapter Eight: Dead and Gone
It had been three days since the Battle of the Sanctuary.
Rem was cleaning the drapes of a nearby window, in the vast halls of the Roswaal Mansion, solemn of the odd atmosphere in the air.
While repairs to the mansion were running smoothly, the inner relationships of the people within this home were not.
Ram, who once had an unblemished beauty to her, now had the right side of her face, around the eye area, burned horribly. Thus, she used her hairstyle to hide the injury as it healed...even if it would leave horrible scarring, even with Emilia's healing magic. It would be the understatement of the century to say that she now fully distrusted Subaru and Genau, with some leftover wariness for Beatrice. Yet, she knew that if she pulled any kind of stunt against any of the three, she would put herself in mortal danger.
She had no idea, even after all the time she knew him; if Subaru would order her death.
Roswaal...while missing his left arm, still went back to work as the high ranking sorcerer. It was evident he made some form of deal with Subaru in order for him to fully cooperate. It had something to do with the Royal Selection…
"But remeber Subaru-kuuuun, if you fail as my guide, I'll have you redo it all."
"Oh? So you knew about it?"
"...Yoooou, are not surprised at all?"
"Nope. I mean, nothing surprises me anymore to be honest. But let me be clear about something Roz-chi...I'M IN CONTROL."
"Ah."
"If something goes wrong I'll take care of it. But trust me when I say nothing is going to ruin what we all have here, got it? And if you even look at Rem or Emilia with a look I don't like…"
Roswaal could recall Subaru smiling, like he usually would, patting him on the back.
"I'll rip off your limbs and let Genau eat you alive. Then, I am burning Echidna's body."
"..."
"So please, work hard, Roz-chi!"
Irlham Village was completely left out of the loop of what had been occurring, not even knowing about the attacks or fights that transpired. And their introductions to the visiting Red Lanterns went as well as a mouse meeting a full bellied tiger. Unsurprisingly, slow introductions to Genau had caused uneasiness, especially among the children. However, Genau soon became a regular visitor to the village just to get meat to snack on and the only three people who seemed to relax around him were the Village Elders the Meat Vendor and Petra.
The Sanctuary itself had somewhat returned to a normal sense...but it could hardly be called worry free. The villagers who decided to stay, felt they were now under the careful controlling surveillance of a new power. The Red Lanterns flew by frequently, in order to check on the conditions of the town. Which didn't mean much in the grand scheme of things.
The death of Garfiel, made half of the denizens leave the Sanctuary for good, fearing the man who killed him and his growing influence. The rest, tried to tolerate them as best as they could, so they could live in peace.
Even after the Sizable Hare, a Ma-Beast made up of hundred of carnivorous rabbits passed around the Sanctuary, that luck came at a cost. According to whispers and hushes...the Sizable passed by several other villages instead, killing at least 120 people in their path of destruction.
Lewes Meyer, guardian caretaker of said graveyard; lost all her sense of worth, as she sat in her home, wasting away in stagnation. The depression in losing Garfiel erupted a sense of guilt for not trying to stop him, or even preventing this all from happening. She looked out her window and saw the pillar of light rise high into the clouds, a constant reminder of how the Sanctuary fell to the might of the Red Lanterns Corps.
Rem sighed sadly as she could somewhat see the pillar of light, far off in the distance, barely. She put down the duster, when she sniffed the air. The smell she whiffed out, was once a smell that brought her joy and splendor...now it brought pain and heartbreak instead.
She walked down the halls to greet them.
"Welcome back, Subaru-kun...the rest of you."
Subaru had now returned to the mansion with Genau and his two guests, Atrocitus and Dex-Starr.
"We have had a fine day of killing Cultist scum! Maid girl, we require nourishment to give us energy!"
"Very well, Atrocitus-sama."
Rem bowed politely and looked to Subaru, who had a normal smile on him...but…
"Subaru-kun, here."
Rem walked over and wiped some blood off his cheek.
"There, better."
"Thanks Rem, I appreciate it."
He patted her in the head, comforting her swirling emotions...but when she looked down, she saw Dex-Starr snack cutely...on a human finger.
She glanced over and saw Genau burp, tossing out a human eye onto the floor, he sniffed it before promptly sucking it in, chewing graciously.
"Ah, I'm hungry."
Rem looked up at Subaru and smiled.
"I will prepare some meals for all of you, will you all be in the library then?"
"Yup, the entire Revenga is meeting there of course."
"Revenga? Rem thinks that name sounds, extreme."
"Well, we're still the Red Lanterns, but it's a name just for fun."
"Fun...right."
Rem closed her eyes and bowed again.
"Than Rem will be on her way, excuse me."
Rem left them as they all floated over to a nearby door, opening into the Forbidden Archive, now a place Subaru referred to as the Comfort Eagle, especially since contracting himself with Beatrice, it officially now belongs to him.
The door closed behind them, all the while Rem continued...to hold back her emotions.
She hated Atrocitus.
Knowing that he created the Red Ring, she felt he was solely responsible for the tragedies that had occurred over the past few days. But she could say nothing, they were guests of the mansion until they went home, which was tonight. She felt glad they were soon leaving, but the fact of the matter was that Subaru still had the Ring and now they had Genau to contend with, even if his incessant hunger was a minor problem, compared to their regular assaults on the Witch's Cult and crime rings.
All of that was nothing, inconsequential to the fact that….her Subaru, was being lost. She felt that he was in a delusion of power. It was known Subaru was not someone known for his strength or power to boast...so the introduction of this Ring had made it go all to his head. As if he could do no wrong...everything he did was right...such a overwhelming sense of Pride.
"Rem, hey."
Rem turned around and saw Emilia sitting at a desk sipping on some tea, Puck napping on her shoulder.
"Emilia-sama, can Rem help you with anything?"
"Nah, just studying a bit, here and there…"
"Oh, I see."
"Hey...did, Subaru just come back?"
Emilia said this with a low, solemn tone.
"Yes, he just returned with...the other Red Lanterns."
"...Okay, I bet they just went to the Comfort Eagle then?"
"Even you are beginning to call it that?"
"It is a funny name."
"Well Rem agrees with that."
Rem and Emilia both giggled about the naming sense...until Emilia began to tear up.
"Emilia-sama? Is everything alright-"
"-I don't know anymore."
"Huh?"
Emilia wiped away the droplet of tears and put her pen and paper down.
"Subaru used to be playful you know? He used to smile so much that it was infectious. He...He did everything to make us happy, I'm not saying he still doesn't do that...but…"
"...Emilia-sama."
"Now with that Ring, he's always leaving to go kill Witch Cultists, he's always coming home with Genau, reeking of blood. And there are times when I can see Subaru actually happy. Happy that he killed people."
"Rem, that isn't the Subaru I...That I...Became friends with."
"...It's all his fault."
"Who?"
"ATROCITUS."
She gripped her fists as she could feel her own resentment boil over.
"That monster did this to Subaru-kun. Subaru-kun was a kind person who would never act like this, and yet, he killed Garf."
"...I didn't meet him, but he sounded like a nice kid."
"It wasn't his fault! Rem knows Garf was hot headed and temperamental, it was a gross outcome that he would see Subaru-kun as threat instead of a new friend! Subaru-kun did what he thought was for the best...but, he didn't need to kill Garf. But...I DON'T KNOW!"
Rem scratched her hair, trying to come to grips to the idea that her childhood friend was killed by the man she loves. Nothing was making sense to either of them.
And when she once eavesdropped on one of Revenga's meetings, she heard from Atrocitus that there were hundreds of Red Lanterns where he was from. She feared the idea of them ever coming to her home...she already saw the damage only four could...but if it were more…
"Rem wants things to go back to the way things were, before the Capital."
"...What happened?"
"...Rem was with Subaru-kun at the markets...everything was normal, Subaru-kun seemed to be getting over his sadness after, you left him."
"Oh…."
Emilia's face was guilt ridden hearing his state of mind at the time.
"Then, all of sudden he took me back to the Estate of the Karsten Household, claiming the Witch's Cult was coming."
"He knew?"
"Rem is not sure how, but he figured it out. Then, Karsten refused, he got angry and we left. Then Priscilla-sama, Anastasia-sama, the Knight's Guild and more...no one was willing to help. He was frantic and angry, Rem tried to help, but he wouldn't listen."
"And then, the Ring came?"
"Yes, it chose him...because of REM!"
"Huh?"
"Rem was so powerless to do anything for him! Nothing Rem did helped in the slightest...it's all my fault."
"Rem…"
"If I could've comforted him, proved my worth to him, none of this would have happened! He kept pushing me to the side, as if he didn't want me to get involved, Rem is not sure what she did for him to not want her by his side!"
"No, that's not-"
"-Rem is so sick of herself, how can Rem ever try and fix what has-"
"-NO! IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT!"
Rem was snapped out of her self insulting to see a clearly heartbroken Emilia, Puck now awake, floating next to her.
"It's my fault. I left him there! If I hadn't of done that, the Ring wouldn't have found him, he wouldn't have felt the need to wear it, he would be the same Subaru! I...I should have trusted him. I should have believed in him. Now, he...HE BARELY TRUSTS ANYONE!"
"That's not-"
"-It's true! I see it in his face, the only ones he actually trusts are his own fellow Red Lanterns and Beatrice. He somewhat trusts you...but ME? Why should he?! I left him, when he tried to stand up for me, tried to prove himself, I pushed him away. I thought I was doing the right thing, but once again...once again, my decisions have only hurt people. Roswaal lost an arm, Ram's face is burnt, Garfiel Tinsel is dead and who knows how many more lives are going to be lost?! How can I live with this? I…"
"..."
"I KILLED SUBARU!"
Rem stood there quietly, as she watched Emilia try and hold back her feelings of guilt.
"Emilia-sama, Subaru-kun is still alive. He's here, willing to protect us...even if it's by quite controversial means."
"But…"
"Subaru-kun will come back to us, Rem promises you that."
Rem walked over, handing over a handkerchief and bowed.
"I will be preparing some food, please wait while I begin."
"Sure."
"Then I will be off."
Rem did another bow, leaving Emilia to be comforted by Puck.
"Lia, it'll be alright."
"I hope so….I really do."
"It's all we can do right now."
Rem was down the halls, when she suddenly went to an adjacent room.
There in the quiet ambiance of the room, she let herself cry, holding her mouth so no one could hear her.
After a few seconds of sobbing, Rem wiped away her tears, fixed her hair, and took a very deep breath. She opened the door and left the room, leaving to once again, fulfill her duties.
"Uwahhh, ssssso hungry."
"Meow."
Both animals moaned about having to wait for their food to come, but were both ignored as the rest of Revenga; Subaru, Atrocitus and Beatrice sat by while discussing some matters at hand.
"So the Rings usually cause people to lose their sense, I suppose?"
"Precisely, it's surprising to see these two fully in control and able to create constructs."
"Seeing as how Rage is the fueling factor for these rings, it makes sense. Still, the best conclusion I can personally come up with...is mana, I suppose!"
Even Subaru raised his brows when he heard this theory of hers, as Atrocitus simply scratched his cheek.
"Mana, the energy that creates magic in this world? Spirit, you believe that may be the reason these Red Lanterns are in full of their mental faculties?"
"It's Betty's best guess at the moment, I suppose."
"Hm, putting that on the wayside, we should discuss what you'll be doing, Natsuki Subaru."
Subaru yawned as he looked over the situation.
"Well, just find a way to get more Red Lanterns. Probably have each one send a ring copy out into the world to find a host."
"Each Lantern can only do that once, but in hindsight, it will spread the Red Lantern Corps. Power."
"After that, or while I'm doing it...I'm getting rid of every Witch Cultist."
"I feel your rage. It is exquisite! Keep that rage in you as you continue your revenge!"
"Yes, Atrocitus-shishou."
Just then, Rem entered the library with a cart of food. She smiled and announced her presence, exciting Genau and Dex-Starr.
She placed two plates on the ground.
For Dex-Starr, grilled cod and a side of boiled chicken.
For Genau, it was his favorite dish. A large slab of steak wrapped in thick cut bacon, hard boiled eggs, a grilled chicken...and a piece of celery.
As these two went to town on their meals, Rem brought the cart over, but refused eye contact with Atrocitus specifically. But Subaru tapped her on her hand.
"Rem, would you like to sit with me?"
"Um, what?"
"C'mon, it'll be fun right?"
"...O-Okay."
So Rem did as she was told and sat next to Subaru. She fiddled a bit, but soon relaxed, even with her cheeks bright pink. Even so, she was there to listen in on the conversation…
"Now, like you were saying yesterday Atrocitus-shishou, the embodiment of rage is The Butcher, right?"
"Correct, it's power is what we harness to fuel the batteries, rings and ourselves...so the issue here is-"
"-The Butcher's influence might not be able to reach here as much."
"Again, correct."
Rem almost beamed with happiness, hearing that soon the ring Subaru had, was going to be obsolete, and he would return to normal.
"Hey, Atrocitus-shishou...is it possible to connect a gateway, or how about a breach to allow the Butcher to make influence here?"
"Hmmmm, you would need to create a path between both worlds, mine and yours. So that the energy of rage can seep in, and you would be able to create your own Core Battery."
"Right, but where would that be-"
Beatrice then pulled his shoulder.
"Huh?"
"Betty thinks you may know of one, I suppose."
"...Wait...you're right!
Subaru got up and ran over to grab a book, brown covered he had on a shelf near them Running back, he also grabbed the small coffee table and put it in the middle of this group. He opened the book, flipped through the pages and found it. Showing it off, he nodded contently.
"The Pleiades Watchtower!"
"Subaru-kun! That place is dangerous! They say the Great Sage guards it valiantly, attacking anyone who would dare get even remotely close to it!"
"Well yeah, but since it has the power to seal the Witch, it has to have a power source, so maybe we can borrow a tiiiiny bit of it so we can connect the energy we need."
"But what if the Great Sage gets in the way?"
"We'll kill them."
Rem froze, she couldn't even come close to comprehend the smile Subaru had, nor the nonchalant way he had just spoken to her. As if dealing death onto someone was as normal as tying a shoelace.
It put fear into her.
But she relaxed when she was patted on the head by Subaru.
"Don't worry Rem, I feel that won't be a decision to make until way into the future."
"O-Okay."
Subaru continued patting her head as he turned his attention back to Atrocitus.
"Even then, getting the rest of the world to accept us as their enforcers of justice, might be a huge roadblock."
"...THEN MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND."
Subaru thought about it, and soon saw images, no visions of that fateful day the world had abandoned him to die along with his friends.
And he grinned.
"You're right, it's the only way they'll learn."
"A fine Red Lantern you'll be turning out to be."
The conversation continued, as the coming time of their departure was arriving.
Nighttime was here, and the entire mansion's residents were there to see off Atrocitus and Dex-Starr. Ram could only speak obscenities under her breath at them. Roswaal was cautious of anything that was to occur. Emilia watched on, without too much emotion and Rem waited by diligently; though silently wanted these two to leave already. As Atrocitus and Dex-Starr neared the pillar of light, they turned back to see Genau and Subaru waiting by. Subaru decided to speak first and bowed to him.
"Atrocitus-shishou! I'll take everything I've learned from you these past few days, and take them to heart! I'll be a better Red Lantern for it! Thank you!"
"I need no thanks Natsuki Subaru! I want you to fulfill your duties as a Red Lantern and burn those who deserve it to smithereens."
"Of course!"
Genau nodded as he sat much like a regular dog would.
"I'll do my besssst too."
"From what I've seen of your fighting, you do well as a Red Lantern, Genau. Keep up the good work."
"Yessss."
Atrocitus looked to Rem and grinned wildly.
"Take care Maid girl."
"Rem thanks you for your concern, dear guest. Rem will do her best in the future."
Yet…
"Go, get out of here. Rem doesn't want you or that murderous cat here anymore."
He could feel her rage, even if she didn't show it.
"Silver haired elf, good luck to you."
"Oh uh, thanks Atrocitus-san."
He then looked to Roswaal and Ram, and only nodded, not saying a single grunt or anything to them. Ram could care less about it, but much like her sister wanted these two out of here as fast as possible.
"Little Spirit, Beatrice was it? Go forth and make the world your own."
"Betty doesn't need such demanding sentiment from a vile being like you...but thank you, I suppose."
Atrocitus and Dex-Starr began walking away and into the pillar of light, but both stopped as they quickly turned around.
"NATSUKI SUBARU!"
"Yes?"
He raised a fist into the air, loudly groaning as blood flowed out of his mouth.
"Natsuki Subaru, Go! Go and set forth the path that will shape the future! The guilty await your judgement, though they do not know it! Their blood will be the path to true salvation! Now powered by the truth of rage, GO! GO AND MAKE THIS WORLD, FALL TO THE GUIDING HANDS OF THE RED LANTERNS!"
"Go Subaru! Stomp out evil! Burn em'! Blood for the future!"
After hearing what could only be what one would consider a rallying speech, Subaru felt a surge of confidence within him to hear such impactful words from the original Red Lantern.
So he focused and his suit began changing...now all the white parts changed to completely red, he had red shoulder pads and crimson gauntlets and armor around his arms, covered on the sides with small red spikes. A sign of his commitment, a transformation for the future.
"I promise Atrocitus-sensei! They'll know what rage is!"
"Good luck then."
Atrocitus and Dex-Starr walked through the pillar of light and disappeared. Beatrice focused and then, the light broke apart, disconnecting their world and the other. The villagers watched on as they saw it fade away...Lewes watched from her window, bags under eyes and hair in a state of disarray.
Subaru nodded, a proud smile on his face, just as he clicked his fingers...the Lewes Clones arrived, now adorning red cloaks with black lines and buttons.
"Okay, escort us back to the mansion."
The clones accepted and slowly guided them back to their carriage. Emilia and Rem stared at Subaru and the new additions to his uniform, as if they were an indicator of the changes within his own soul.
Now, Rem hated that otherworldly man. The beast. Even without him being here, it was if she could see him next to Subaru and Genau, whispering things to them.
She had to do something...or things would go out of control.
Subaru had learned so much from Atrocitus, his past with the brutal massacre of his entire Space Sector, the battles he has had to defeat the Guardians, his formation of the Red Lantern Corps and the struggles they all have endured. Learning of Dex-Starrs past with the death of his original owner and the circumstances of battling so many powerful foes.
They both gave him so much comprehension on the matter.
But also a warning…
"Natsuki Subaru, if you continue to use the Blood Prophecies, just know this...there is a chance that at some point you might, go insane. Similar to me."
"No...I won't do that. I'll be just fine, I can control it."
Subaru said this as Beatrice took his hand and they had begun to make it inside the carriage.
The next day had come…
"Huh?"
"It is as I said Barusu, the Capital has sent a request to meet with you."
Ram stood outside the open door of the Library known as the Comfort Eagle, tapping her foot away in sheer annoyance. Genau was napping on the floor as Beatrice laid her body close, using him as pillow of sorts, all the while reading a book. Subaru was sitting close by on the floor, letting Beatrice rest her feet on his lap.
"Is this about Petelgeuse and that White...Shark or something?"
"First of all, it's the White Whale, get it right. Secondly, it probably has to do with those two things."
"Like giving me a reward or something?"
"I wouldn't push it against them, honestly Barusu...you have succeeded in a few days what no other person has been able to do in over four hundred years."
"...Means they're just lazy. Or incompetent."
"...Perhaps. But regardless of the Kingdom's capabilities, what are you going to do?"
Subaru played his fingers on the pages of the book he was reading, trying to come up with an idea that he could, well decide on. He had little desire to be praised by the ones who humiliate him almost two weeks ago, but he did need to prove himself to them as well.
In a way, he'd love nothing more than to rub it in their faces.
"You know what? I'll go. Three days right?"
"Yes, they want to see you in the castle, at the described time."
"Fine, I'll either fly there or wormhole my through. Either way, I can stick back here, and maybe go hunting every once in a while."
Ram somewhat grew nervous, she knew what his hunting entailed.
"Until then, let's kick up our legs-"
Subaru smiled timidly, blood floating out of his mouth.
"-And relax."
Three days later…
The time had come, and the Council was in the throne room, just as they did during the start of the Royal Selection. The knights stood by, awaiting any trouble that could potentially occur. Marcos, Captain of the Holy Knights also stood by, ready to give orders if need be and awaiting the arrival of their last guest.
Within the throne room, were others as well…
At least half of the nobles that were present during the commencement ceremony were gathered there as well, though some visibly groaned at what they thought was time wasted.
Ahead of them, near the throne itself...were most of the Candidates.
Crusch stared at the door stoically alongside her faithful knight Felix Argyle...and her compatriot Wilhelm, who seemed on edge.
Felt yawned loudly, making Reinhard give a wry smile at her antics.
Anastasia playfully winked at Julius, the Knight could only grin at her witty gesture.
The only one not present, was Priscilla Barielle and her party…
With five minutes passing for the allotted time, many were growing a bit restless. Marcos was about to announce the cancellation of this meeting...when-
"Huh?"
Felt noticed it first, and her small breath made others look...and begin seeing liquid swirl around in the middle of the room. More and more gathered until it finally grew enough to be the size of child. The knights raised their swords, ready to face whatever was happening. Everyone was on guard; when Crusch pointed out something everyone was neglecting to notice about the liquid.
"...Is that, blood?"
Once everyone came to realize it...the blood opened a hole in space, a red and orange radiance to it, with it, more blood leaked out and dissipated just as quickly. Emerging from that darkness, were three silhouettes. And so…
"Hi everyone, sorry I'm late."
Natsuki Subaru, Emilia and Genau had arrived.
The void shut off behind him, leaving no trace of it behind.
The knights sprang to action as they all became shocked at seeing Genau.
Genau simply growled at them, blood floating out of his mouth.
"Easy Genau, we just went hunting."
"Y-Yeah, Genau-kun, we have to behave while here. Please?"
Genau humphed as he looked away from the knights. Subaru sighed while also having blood leak out of his mouth.
Everyone there was stunned into silence. Not a single one detected mana interference, nor did anyone understand what they were seeing. Subaru seemed much more different than the embarrassing display from that fateful day...and along with him, a white furred Ma-Beast was there, sitting down and yawning...behaving like a tamed dog.
So Subaru started the conversation.
"So, why did we need to be here?"
"Natsuki Subaru. It has been reported by many reputable sources and eyewitnesses that...you have subjugated the White Whale and killed the Sin Archbishop of Sloth. Is that correct?"
"Yeah, and what about it?"
"...Do you realize the magnitude of your actions? What you have accomplished?"
"Hmmmm, um, that all of you were so useless you couldn't get it done?"
Silence filled the room. Emilia turned her head to see a smug smile plastered on Subaru's face.
"Four Hundred Years. In all that time, not a single person could stand up to that thing? No one bothered to take on the Witch's Cult? All those lives lost and homes destroyed. And you all did nothing?"
"Silence!"
The old Bordeaux could take his words no longer.
"How dare you speak in such a-"
"-You have no right to talk back old man!"
"I accomplished in one day, what none of you idiots could manage with entire armies by your side. Look those idiots in the fancy outfits over there! Holding up their swords like they are going to do something! Bullshit, do you guys actually do anything, besides make yourself look important?!"
One of the knights scowled at Subaru, but he simply pointed at the young man.
"Wipe that look off your face and put the sword down...OR I'M GOING TO BEAT YOUR ASS TO DEATH."
"SUBARU! STOP!"
Emilia got in front of Subaru who could only refrain from anything further, he was able to hold back the burning rage and so he turned his attention back to the Council.
"So I'm here to get a pat on the back and a good ol' thank you right? That's what I'm here for right?"
"In a sense yes."
"...I want them to thank me."
He pointed, right at the assembled candidates, making them all confused.
"What? Someone here is going to be the future leader of this kingdom, correct? Shouldn't I get thanks for making their country a safer place to live in? Hmmmmm? Well?"
The Candidates hesitated as they all could see the condescending stare Subaru was giving them, all of them knew he had no love for them; and other than maybe Felt and Reinhard, he probably hated them all.
But when Felt went first.
"Thanks nii-chan, you did really good!"
"Okay."
Subaru nodded with a small smile on his face, even Emilia was thankful for Subaru responding positively. Then, when Crusch stepped forward, Subaru stomped his foot loudly.
"Ahhhh, No, I don't think I'll genuinely believe anything you or Hoshin say. There is no, what is it, assurance, yeah, assurance that what you say is legitimate, y'know?"
"...I don't follow Natsuki Subaru."
"...Then I'll make it easy for you. I need you to prove it...so-"
He pointed to the ground beneath him.
"Get on your knees and thank me."
Finally, Ferris had enough.
"HOW DARE NYOU SPEAK LIKE THAT TO CRUSCH-SAMA?!"
"What? I'm simply asking for this simple favor? Or is it that Karsten can't do that much for me, after all that work I put in?"
"Nyou smug bastard. Now tell Ferri-chan, was all this some plan of nyours?!"
"HM?"
"Don't play dumb...Nyou knew Crusch-sama was going after the White Whale, so nyou decided to steal the glory from her!"
"...Karsten was going after it?"
Subaru was legitimately surprised as was Emilia...then-
"PFFFT! HAHAHAHAHAHA! What the hell?! Karsten was trying to kill after all?! Wow! Ahahaha! That is a reward in of itself! To know I crushed your aspirations, that's a riot!"
Subaru couldn't hold back his chuckles and laughter, to which Genau smiled at, while Emilia was petrified seeing him act like this.
"NYOU…"
"Hey now, don't be mad...with this, Karsten will know how I felt that day, remember?"
"...!"
"Oh, you recall it don't you?"
Subaru and Ferris glared at each other, until Wilhelm walked over.
"Hm? Wilhelm was it? What do you want?"
"...Natsuki Subaru, do you realize what you did when you killed the White Whale?"
"Not really, I actually killed it by chance."
Wilhelm froze in place, trembling when he heard it, his world spinning around him…
"By chance? It was taken away...by chance?"
"I just ran into it on the way to the Magrave Estate, but it was annoying, so I killed it."
"I have to let you know then...my full name is Wilhelm Van Astrea."
"Oh? You are related to Reinhard then?"
"Yes, I am his Grandfather."
Subaru tapped his foot as he once again sighed, not seeing the importance of this reveal.
"So? That have something to do with the White Whale?"
"...My wife was the former Sword Saint."
"...OH! OH. Oh, I see where this is going."
Wilhelm locked eyes with Subaru, waiting to see his response...only for Subaru to nod.
"Well, then it is safe to say that you wanted to avenge her right?"
"Of course."
"...But it was taken away when I killed the White Whale myself?"
"...That is the truth."
"What do you want me to say then?"
"I-I don't know. I'm not sure what to think, for the last sixteen years I have been in search for that vile beast, all to avenge the woman...I loved."
"Wilhelm, you should know it then."
"What?"
"...This is all your fault."
Wilhelm almost felt himself lost in a void of nothingness, hearing those words ached his heart and boiled his blood. He then peered at an unsympathetic Subaru.
"Wilhelm, all those years of chasing it and when the moment came to finally kill it, you...you failed to act."
"No...NO! I did everything! Searched the world to find a way! That is why I align myself with Crusch-sama! She has the authority and resources to find and kill it!"
"Oh, and how did that turn out?"
"Ah..!"
"Well look now, stumped huh? You made yourself a tool of the Karsten Household, hoping that your one desire would come true. BUT WHEN I ASKED HER FOR HELP, SHE REFUSED. YOU STOOD THERE AND LET IT HAPPEN."
"...!"
"HAD YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING. ANYTHING. YOU COULD HAVE LEFT TO COME WITH ME. YOU COULD HAVE TALKED BACK TO HER, CONVINCE HER, HAD YOU HAVE DONE IT, YOU WOULD HAVE ENCOUNTERED THE WHITE WHALE WITH ME...I would have let you kill it, drive the finishing blow for your wife. But no….your neglect to your own humanity led to all this."
Wilhelm looked at the ground, not being able to comprehend fully what he had done.
"In essence you became a dog. A dog for his oh so wonderful master! But when that very same dog saw the chance, the one chance to fulfill everything in his heart."
Subaru leaned in closer, a mocking smile with him.
"Your master yanked the chain, and you obeyed. Oh Wilhelm, WHAT A GOOD BOY."
"...No..."
"Wilhelm Van Astrea, because you followed your foolish masters commands, you abandoned the resolve to avenge your wife. You're going to have to live with that guilt, that because you did nothing, some snot nosed kid everyone looked down on took away your revenge."
"...Can't believe I'm saying this...Wilhelm...you-"
He snapped his fingers and pointed up at him.
"YOU'RE SLOTHFUL."
Wilhelm looked up and seemed like he was going to choke the life out of Subaru, until three red spear constructs hovered over his back.
They all turned to see Genau in a offensive stance growling at Wilhelm.
"Get away, from Brother Ssssssubaru."
"It talked…"
Even Crusch and Anastasia muttered this as they all stared at the unbelievable sight they were witnessing.
"Genau-kun, it's okay, put them away!"
"No! Ssssssister Emilia! That man issssss going after him! We may have to purge thissssss entire room!"
"NO! No, behave right now!"
"...You! Old man! Get away! Now!"
Genau growled menacingly at Wilhelm, as Crusch was slowly unsheathing her sword and even Reinhard was shifting his foot around.
"Very well."
Wilhelm limped away from Subaru to be back beside Crusch, yet his noble features were contradictory to a ruinous state by his defeated expression.
The spear constructs faded and Genau flew over to Subaru.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah, thanks. Make sure no one tries that again."
"Exactly."
Genau smiled as he said what anyone would call his little speaking quirk. Though one would say he was doing this to emulate Beatrice, who did appear to treat him like a little brother, even if she seemed to be annoyed by his antics. Whether he used the word appropriately or not, was something else entirely.
"Now then, esteemed council, if that is all, we're going to get going. We actually have work to do, you know, like getting rid of the Witch's Cult?"
The main council member, an old grey haired bearded man interjected.
"We have also been getting reports of you launching assaults on hideouts, care to-"
"-No not really. In fact, if you all could stay out of our way, that would be great."
Julius made his moment shine.
"Are you saying you would not aid the kingdom further your goal in vanquishing the threat of the Cult?"
"Hm? What's this?"
Subaru leaned forward a bit, putting a hand to his ear, as if he was trying to make out something.
"That's odd, I could have sworn you were asking help from someone who was 'irredeemably weak' and 'cannot stay by Emilia's side'? Hm, no I must be imagining things, because I'd rather jump out a nearby window then ever ask help from a bastard like you."
Even Julius knew he was bringing up the mock fight they had and the words spoken by Juukulius before everything, fell apart for Subaru.
"Just stay away Juukulius. Get in my way, and you will regret it."
"Is that a threat, Natsuki Subaru?"
"Did I mumble it? Stutter? You heard me clear as day, so take it to heart."
"..."
Subaru moved back, sneering at Julius, as the knight closed his eyes. He too, went back to be by his master's side once more, but had one last question.
"...Your powers."
"HM?"
"Natsuki Subaru, what are you and that Ma-Beast using? This is not regular magic is it?"
"Haha, nope. We're Red Lanterns."
That term made everyone question it…but being the one who saw his transformation, besides Rem, Anastasia had to ask.
"Natsuki-kun! What is a Red Lantern?"
"...Well, best way I can explain it, is we're the incarnations of RAGE, me and Genau."
Genau raised his tail and his ring began to glow ominously, Subaru raised his fist and grinned wildly as his ring also did the same.
"We're the future of this kingdom, no, this world! And with this given power, there will be more of us! Until there is no force greater than the whole of our Corps!"
"...?!"
"Our hate, our rage, our vengeance, that's all you need to rely on! After four centuries of turmoil and stagnation, this world is gonna have a rude wake up call! I promise you one thing and one thing only! WE'RE GOING TO WIPE OUT THE WITCH'S CULT!"
"...!"
"So sit back and watch."
Subaru and Genau lowered their rings and began walking away, making Emilia the only who bowed.
"We thank you for your time Council, everyone. We'll be taking our leave."
"Very well Emilia-sama."
Emilia ran to catch up with Subaru and Genau...so it was tasked for Genau to bark at the air and a blood portal opened up again. The three walked through it, Subaru and Genau looked back one last time. All of them saw Subaru somewhat squat down and whisper something to Genau, he nodded and Subaru stood straight up. Then, nonchalantly turned their heads back and made the portal close behind them.
With the room free of the three, the Council Leader looked to the candidates.
"Well?"
Crusch breathed out some annoyance.
"He's changed since the last time I saw him. He seems to be almost enjoying mocking us, but...the way he sees us, I can only somewhat understand it."
Julius spoke for his master.
"We will have to keep watch over him. He seems insistent that there would be more Red Lanterns, much like him and the Wolgarm. We've already seen they are capable of using some kind of magic without the use of mana...much like the abilities of the Sin Archbishops."
"Julius, you saying he's a Witch Cultist?"
"No, Anastasia-sama; after killing the White Whale and Sloth, this proves he stands against them, and from what we can see, he's in his own personal war against them."
"And us…?"
The room went quiet, until Felt cracked her knuckles and shut her eyes.
"Personally, I ain't got nothing to worry about. Seems like he isn't mad at me at all. Honestly though, I have no idea what you gals did while me and Reinhard were away...but even I can say that...you made a powerful enemy."
The two Candidates realized the severity of what was occuring, a man who killed the White Whale and Sin Archbishop of Sloth, was now an adversary. Nothing they could do would erase the past. They would have to own up to the fact they left him high and dry, and with this power, he could do something...whatever it would be.
"As for me and Reinhard, I think with enough talk and maybe even liquoring him up, we can probably be real buddies with him and Nee-san's camp. Right, Reinhard?"
"Yes, being allies with the camp that have accomplished all this, would be a benefit to us."
"Okay, when we get the chance invite them over and we'll really get things rolling."
"Yes Felt-sama."
While Felt was grinning smugly at the fact she would be the only camp to truly be friendly with the Emilia Camp. They began to leave…
Crusch's entourage was moving through the halls, when suddenly Reinhard was catching up to them.
"Grandfather!"
"...Ah, Reinhard."
Wilhelm left Crusch's side to speak with him, there in the sunlit halls, Reinhard looked unsure of what to say...but took a deep breath.
"Grandfather...about what Subaru said-"
"-It's true though."
"Huh?"
"...I have been ever diligent to avenge you Grandmother, putting myself through so many years of hardship and tribulations in order to accomplish this. However…"
"The time had come when I was tested, maybe by God himself. That, I was to help this one single boy, who came to us to save people dear to him. If I had gone with him, I would have been rewarded with the chance of putting right my mistakes of the past...But I didn't. My own selfish desires had made that boy leave empty handed to what even I assumed was the failure of death. And so, I was punished."
"Grandfather…"
"This was God punishing me. For letting Thearesia leave alone...For not going after her...And for not helping that boy. Truly-"
Wilhelm looked out the grand windows of the castle halls…
"-I am Slothful."
Wilhelm said his goodbye and made it over to Crusch and Ferris, who were both dead quiet the entire walk out of the castle.
Reinhard stood there in the halls, looking out the very same windows.
"I wish I could have said something to him."
He looked to the bright blue skies above.
"Things could have been so different."
Reinhard sighed as he left, meaning to catch up with his master.
Anastasia Hoshin and her entourage were leaving to make it inside their carriage, as they looked up into the sky…
"Hey miss! Miss! Look!"
Mimi pointed up into the air...and they all saw a red streak of light fly high into the clouds.
"One of them."
"But who?"
"Does it matter Julius? They're up to something…"
Both of them narrowed their eyes, unsure of what the Red Lanterns of the Emilia Camp were conceiving.
In a large room of a grand almost ridiculously lavish estate. There, a woman adorned with a beautiful red dress, discerning inly the most exquisite of styles sat on her throne.
Priscilla Barielle.
"Is everything being prepared?"
"Yes my lady. I got the required personnel and equipments needed."
There, was a tall man wearing brown armor and having a sword sheathed at his waist. Red hair, blues and a stubble beard, with a hint of alcohol in his breath as he grinned smugly.
"With this and the other item you requested-"
"-When the task is done, we will reward you handsomely."
"Thank you, Priscilla-sama."
The man bowed to her, but as she fanned herself. She looked out her window...and saw a red streak of light fly across the sky and hide itself within the clouds.
She almost made a sound, but stopped and shut her fan. She smiled seductively at the sudden sight.
"So you're making a move as well then?"
Back at the mansion, Subaru called for an emergency meeting with everyone there.
With that, they all gathered inside the Comfort Eagle.
Subaru.
Emilia.
Rem.
Ram.
Roswaal.
Beatrice.
Seven of the remaining Lewes Meyer clones.
"Subaru, what are we meeting for?"
"It's an incredibly important reason, trust me. As soon as Genau comes we can clarify things...Speak of the devil."
Genau flew into the room and sat next to Subaru.
"Well?"
"Exactly. Confirmed."
Genau then saw Beatrice and ran over to her, licking her up and down, as the spirit tried to push him away.
"Agh! Enough already! I am happy to see you too Genau, I suppose!"
Genau knocked it off and sat next to Beatrice who simply began petting his neck.
"Ignoring the cute kids there, now this is it. Ahem."
Subaru clapped his hands together, ignoring Beatrice puffing her cheeks at him and Genau tilting his head, a large question mark over his head. A cute sight.
"When I went to ask for help in getting rid of the Witch's Cult from all the candidates, each one outright refused to come. I may be angry at them about that, but I won't take out my rage on them, it would cause future issues."
"Then Subaru-kun…?"
"Rem, remember the meeting I had with Priscilla?"
"Of course! You came out injured! I was so upset by that."
"Thanks for letting me know."
Rem seemed to blush at his kind words, while Rem frowned at him.
"Come on Barusu, get on with it."
"Okay, so now...Priscilla was the most aggressive of the bunch. She seemed to take offense with something I did...and she made a promise."
"What?"
"...To destroy the Emilia Camp."
Everyone was now on edge with the new information.
"S-Subaru-kun, do you mean-"
"-Rem, at first I was sure she was bluffing. That she wouldn't have such an ego to actually go through with this...that is, until today."
"Did she say something at the meeting?"
"...She wasn't even there."
With Rem being snapped into an uncomfortable realization, and Emilia nodding along, they knew it was the truth, Roswaal used his remaining arm to ask.
"In ooooother words, with Priscilla-sama not in attendance, yoooooour suspicions were raised?"
"Yup, I had just hoped she was just being arrogant in not wanting to even being in the same building as me...so that's why I sent Genau to spy on her current quarters at the Capital."
"And the results?"
"Genau."
Genau nodded as he licked his fangs.
"Many people. Armor. Weapons. Cannons. All of it as Brother Sssssubaru expected, Exactly."
Subaru narrowed his eyes at the info.
Emilia covered her mouth with her hands.
Puck showed up and grew a stern look on his face.
Rem was shell shocked by the info.
Ram frowned menacingly.
Beatrice sighed at the annoyance.
Genau drooled in anticipation.
Roswaal closed on eye, leaving his golden one to look straight at Subaru.
The Lewes Clones stood there, still awaiting orders.
"Now that everyone is on the same page, I guess we can all prepare for the inevitable."
"Inevitable, what are you suggesting?"
"Isn't it obvious, Emilia-tan?"
Subaru smiled, sticking out his tongue playfully, a visage of sorts of his old self...but it was nothing of the sorts...Because now…
The true transformation was set to begin.
"IT'S TIME TO GO TO WAR."
Arc Three: The Bloodstained Roses War
Starts.
To Be Continued...
AN: Comfort Eagle is named after the "Cake" album of the same name; Revenga is of course the name of the great "System of a Down" song of same title.
The term Dangerous Meeting came from the idea of meeting the Devil. Even if you don't make a deal with him, you have tainted your own soul just by summoning him and that in of it self; can be disastrous...so there's that, I guess.
And yuuuuup! It's time for the Priscilla and Emilia Camps to go to war. Unlike the OG Re:zero Main story line where the time skip was fun but unimportant between Arcs 4-5; this will be vastly different. Now, we get to see some fun/tragic/gory stuff!
STAY TUNED.