AN: Hey you lovely people, this Sunday is Saint Patricks Day, and though I am not Irish, you can expect me and my pops to rock on the green and get smashed drunk! Ohhhhh yeahhhhh!
Anyways, here is the last chapter for Arc 5, leading to the intertwinning strings converging for Arc's 6-7!
Foreigner gets one last win for Song Title!
What will result in this World War? Consequences? Rewards? Both?! Check it out for yourself!
ENJOY!
Arc Five: The World War
Chapter 30: I Can't Give Up
At some point, Natsuki Subaru, a man who became desperate to save the blue haired angel who pushed him forward, and the silver haired goddess, who guided him forward...died.
He did.
Because once that Red Ring donned his finger, his cheesy, joke filled, quirky self, vanished. Instead, death and destruction followed his wake.
Now, all around him the flames started by his hatred, consumed the entirety of this capital; the volcano they were fighting in, continued spewing lava...the dark smoke billowing up, had lightning spark every once in awhile.
Subaru flew down dodging several sword projectile slashes from Halibel, right as Ram flung wind blades at him.
"FULA! EL FULA! FULA!"
He blocked them one by one, before puffing into smoke and appearing behind her, kicking her down, not before Subaru activated his second Revenga Art.
"Hama Yumi!"
Firing the rifles, Halibel used a much more massive slash to deflect them. Ram kicked off the lava and tackled Halibel straight to the cliffside. She hurled napalm blood at him, but he twisted himself free of her hold...only to be hit in the back by Unseen Hand Constructs. Breaking through the cliff, he used the rubble to zip around the air, as Subaru flew zig zagging at him. Halibel summoned everal shurikens, which only exploded around Subaru. Ram ran up the rocky cliffs and then jumped at Halibel landing some very fast punches at him. Halibel had his kaseru pipe finally break, so he spit it out, stabbing Ram in the throat.
Luckily for her, it only made blood spray out, but was not life threatening.
"Nraagghhhhh!"
Ram drill kicked at him, before creating a construct, a first for her; it was several roses, with sharpened ends, which successfully stabbed into Halibel's back. He fumed with anger and released a massive shockwave from around his body, pushing Ram back. Subaru made it over and had spiked tentacle constructs begin attacking him, making the two trade superfast, massive attacks. But Halibel pushed through it and landed a massive kick to Subaru's gut, making the man cough blood, before sending him flying. Ram got back to it, slamming her fist on the cliffside and throwing a newly formed boulder right at Halibel. He cut it in half, just for Ram to land a powerful straight palm, digging half the length of her fingers into his flesh.
His yellow eyes shined as he swiped his sword in retaliation...a section of the sky above, was cleared momentarily, letting the blue sky peek out of the smoke and ash. This was all from his single powerful backslash.
Though the intended result was also made; Ram's left forearm was sliced off, leaving her with only half of an arm.
"HALIBEL!"
Summoning her faulty horn, she roared out and made a large Atrocitus arm construct to temporarily replace her lost limb, grabbing Halibel by the neck and slamming him against the cliffside, proceeding to drag the swordsman across the rocks.
With his curses activating, blood sprayed out of her ears, mouth, eyes and nostrils, but this was all ignored. Halibel ceased her actions, by cutting apart the arm construct, leaving Ram with nothing but her blood spilling stump.
Ram tried for a knee to his face, but Halibel kicked off the cliff and landed his foot across her cheek, utilizing the torque to trade places, kicking her into the crater he earlier found himself in.
Chain constructs wrapped around Halibel, with Subaru trying his best to keep him from attacking her again. Halibel kicked the air, using the new momentum to get within striking distance of Subaru. But Subaru got two sword constructs and tried to cleave into him, Halibel used his sword hilt alone to block them. But Ram made it back behind him and readied a giant hammer construct, trying to swing it down. So he used two swords, this time to deal with both of them. However, Subaru had the sword constructs self destruct, making the pieces become shrapnel, forcing him to block them.
In his left eye, he saw something, red.
Subaru used his two broken fingers and gouged in Halibel's eye, just as he landed a swinging kick to his jaw. This allowed Ram to dissipate her construct and use finger nail constructs to form them into spikes, slicing open Halibel's large neck with a swipe.
With his patience wearing thin, Halibel masterfully did a quick draw sword technique, to cut them both open on the chest.
Both of them roared as they slammed slabs of iron constructs together, hoping to crush Halibel, but he kicked off Ram's face, leaving her entire left side hideously swollen.
Now in the air, Halibel dripped blood continuously off of his body, as he stared out to the east.
Something was not right.
Emilia hopped off her throne, and nodded happily, before stomping the floor and having the entire floor become ice, and sharp ice spikes sprung up. Halibel jumped into the air and kicked around the room, bouncing around avoiding ice spears shot by Emilia.
That is, until Emilia backflipped, created an ice spear and lobbed it at him, making Halibel jump off a pillar and straight at Emilia.
But even the Admirer was stunned when Emilia ran to him, closing the distance quickly, and stepping on his foot, making it hard to utilize his leg.
She tried an uppercut, missed.
Karate chop, missed.
Palm strike with her left, missed.
Turned the strike into a elbow strike, missed.
Emilia tried to do a heel kick, but Halibel flipped back and landed a brutal backflip kick, then with with his now free foot, a straight kick on her lovely face. She fumbled and rolled to the ground, but as Halibel tried to take the initiative, Puck appeared and stomped on the floor, releasing a humongous cold air pressure that destroyed the entire throne room, instantly, he also sent ice fluctuating throughout the room, until the entire side of the Royal Castle was destroyed...only a giant rose ice sculpture was to be seen, glistening in the sunlight.
Puck sneered as Halibel emerged from the ice mist, bloodied and looking relentless.
"Puck, it's okay."
"But Lia…"
Emilia helped herself up, even as blood spilled rapidly out of her mouth. Turning around, even Halibel was ashamed of the damage he inflicted on her, her lips were cut deeply and swelled, her right eye was swollen shut and deep purple.
Her nose was crooked, making it hard to breath, and blood oozed down her face.
Emilia stood up, unsheathing her ceremonial sword.
"You froze up this room good Puck, nobody's going to be getting in for a while."
"But why Lia?"
"I have...I have to prove myself Puck, prove to Subaru and the others, that I am not a defenseless little girl. I may need my protectorates, my bodyguards...but I am not useless."
Panting and huffing, Emilia readied the sword, as Halibel also began to breath heavily.
The King of Lugnica giggled.
"Hey there, sorry about that."
"Apologizing? Why? Why are you doing this? You are the ruler of this nation, would you not have a collection of people to guard you instead?"
"Yeah, but not this time. I have to make my mark on this war of ours."
"Eagerly supporting this death worshipping battle, I had a feeling you were messed in the head."
"Oh no, I didn't want this war."
Confused he tilted his head, as if to show he was morbidly curious on the matter.
"My Subaru is always trying so hard to make up for the world. Honestly, so much corruption, killing, and inequality exists, that I was ignorant of it all. This World War, will wipe the slate clean, we can fix everything and begin something wonderful."
"What?"
"You see, I committed a sin back then, many years ago. My home, my friends, my family, they were taken from me and I couldn't do a thing about it. I failed them...and in being unable to save them, or kill the person who was responsible for it, I committed a sin. I wish to be pure, as purely as Subaru sees me."
Her eyes went blank, as she made the most eerie smile she could at him.
"I can't let you become my sin as well, Halibel-san."
"...You, are deranged. Then I'll take the honor of resting you're troubled self, to the grave...EMILIA-SAMA."
They started a charge at each other, the warrior and the king, also locked into battle.
Back in the Capital battle, Halibel fumed in anger, as gravity was making the Admirer descend back...but he relented regardless.
"Even if we lose the capital, as long as the Great Castle survives, so will our country."
The Halibel Clones that were fighting the exhausted Red Lanterns leaped out of there fights, right up into the air, just to be next to the original.
They all spoke in unison…
"It appears even at this moment, I have been taking a relaxed approach against you all. I suppose, that when fighting a demon, one must use everything at their disposal."
And now, Halibel, with his left eye shut closed, blood trickling out of it, and a smile unlike any he had done before. It creeped even Ram out and made Subaru wary. His bloody gums were visibly, his fangs sharp and bright, and his right eye glistening even more yellow than normal.
"Natsuki Subaru, earlier you said that you, 'Didn't give a shit', when it came to my strength right? Well...prepare to see something beyond that."
He raised his sword, the other six did as well and they howled like the wolves they were ancestrally descended from. The sight made everyone stop their fighting and all look straight up at them.
In an instant, countless strands of their hairs shot up into the air, long and sharp, shimmering golden radiance...until there was millions of these things in the air.
And they swung their swords down…
"AVALOKITESVARA!"
They fired down so quickly, even the Red Lantern barely had time to process what to do next. Each strand of hair, imbued with mana from his own Od and Curse magic, would strike down and self destruct with the power level of an artillery rocket.
Thus, the entire area within the capital, and even a few meters away, was bombarded into nothing, leaving only the Palace in tact, due to the barrier protecting it.
The destruction resulted in a radius of at least 22 miles, being now covered ominously in craters. To add specification, the radius of the most powerful bomb, created by modern humanity, the Tsar Bomba, had a radius around 21 miles.
Making Halibel a true testament of strength.
Yet he heaved and puffed, he was considerably tired.
"Damn, that attack, I've only ever used it, to...hahhhhh, hahhhhh, huff, to push the Sizable Hare away from the country, but, hahhhh, it was worth it-"
Jolokia shot up into the air, through the smoke, behind his target and with his battleaxe ready for an overhead swing.
He blocked it, but before his other clones could ambush him, Moussaka and Attero attacked as well...UNTIL HE SAW IT.
ALL OF THE RED LANTERNS WERE FLYING UP, STRAIGHT AT HIM.
Subaru came up behind him and put him in a chokehold and forced him down.
A Halibel clone hopped back, and readied his sword which glowed yellow orange.
"HAHHHHH! YAK SHIN NAK!"
He spiraled out a wave of yellow energy that formed a dragon, which shoved back the Red Lanterns, but it broke apart suddenly.
Halibel got into a guarding stance, as he blocked….Reinhard and his Dragon Sword.
"You're-!"
He got kneed in the side, but headbutted Reinhard and used three punches to get him away. He kicked the air to prevent a descent back to the ground, but saw Reinhard getting helped by a few Red Lanterns using their rings to float him back up.
"Are you really complacent with all this shit, SWORD SAINT?!"
"I will do what is desired for my country, and with that, I lay down my life to see it survives!"
"YOU BUNCH OF CRAZY ASSHOLES!"
Reinhard punched a dent into his chest, but Halibel bit off a chunk of Reinhard's flesh, right at his right collar bone.
Meanwhile, Ram and Subaru tackled Halibel through a boulder and back into their original volcano battlefield. Subaru created a giant claw construct, three times bigger than his own body, smacking Halibel into the cliffside. Halibel jumped back to them, slicing the side of Subaru's head, making the scalp open like a flap, just enough to show the flesh over his skull. Ram got next to Halibel…
"BWARRRGGHH!
Puking her blood, she got his left hand, melting off four of his fingers, save for his thumb. So in retaliation, he jabbed her in the horn with it, almost knocking her out. She began to free fall, straight into the lava…
"RAM!"
"NEE-SAMA, WAKE UP!"
Rem's voice, coming from the necklace she wore, awoke her and Ram activated her ring, floating just enough to have her feet skid across the lava.
Ram used the right hand to keep her balance, as her left knee had given out, and bit her lips. The light emanating from the lava, showed off Ram's blood drenched, exhausted face.
Subaru had his chance and got a chainsaw construct ready to attack.
Emilia used her sword to clash with Hailbel's, but it was obvious that she was outmatched by his experience.
Yet the injuries he built up, shared by the other clones, was slowing him down. Halibel did land a slice on her cheek, causing blood to shoot out of her like a fountain. Being a mere spectator, Puck trembled in horror seeing his daughter so injured.
He wanted to do something, but he was not allowed to, she wouldn't let him.
Even with her cheek cut so open, that her teeth could be seen, she wanted to prove herself.
Halibel swung his sword and shattered her ceremonial blade, only for Emilia to grab the remaining hilt and use her blood to create a red ice sword which stabbed into Halibel's left shoulder. She then purposely broke it off the hilt and straight kicked it in. Halibel grumbled as he smacked Emilia while she was trying to backflip away, making her crash through the throne. As she got up, she used only her left arm...because her right arm, was ABSOLUTELY broken.
More obvious visually speaking, as her forearm bone was sticking out.
Puck panickingly wanted to fly in and save her, but Emilia gave him a harsh glare, and a shake of her head.
"I want this."
"But…"
"It's okay, we're gonna win."
Halibel grabbed the sword out of himself and made a mad dash towards Emilia, who could only put up a feeble Karate Stance, with one arm.
Now, it was time.
Subaru's chainsaw construct clashed with Halibel's blade, sending sparks flying between themselves, a sign that the weapons tried to break through the other.
A stalemate between the two ensued, which made none gain ground...until a single red beam, shot through his already open neck wound, spraying blood on Subaru's face...he looked back to see a completely exhausted Ram, aiming her ring up at him.
"YOU-!"
That was enough.
Blood spurted out of his wound, he lost strength, thus losing his grip strength and Subaru took the chance. He pushed the tip of the Chainsaw straight into Halibel's chest, spluttering chunky bits of flesh and blood straight out of him. Halibel groaned in pain, but Subaru let go of the Chainsaw, and added onto it.
Yes.
It was his first Revenga Art, Shiroyama, the double ended chainsaw staff.
But Subaru had no strength to push it forward, and struggled to hold onto it, as they were in a freefall, Halibel wrestled to get the weapon out of him.
Then….then...a Morningstar Construct hit him in the back, forcing him back up, and allowing the chainsaw to further dig through him.
Ram flew over and held the staff with Subaru and both roared out in exhausted fury, as they forced the whole weapon through.
In his fleeting moments, time slowed to a worm's pace, as his mind raced.
"Why? Why did this all happen? What was all this for? Why go this far? Why?!"
And at that second, he could've sworn, he saw the answer…
"You?...Were you the reason for it...THE MAID?"
Behind these two, also holding the staff, a ghostly figure was there, her hair sky blue, her eyes devoid of light, but also the same brimming color.
"Really? A single girl? Are you serious? The death? The mayhem? My friends lives? All this crap, for a single, girl?"
He shut his mouth, and glared softly at Subaru.
"I see, I messed up, big time even...but know this."
As blood dripped out of his eye, forcing the damaged organ open, he could only wish upon him, this last curse of sorts.
"Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, or even the next year, but someday. I don't know when, but Natsuki Subaru, I swear...ONE DAY, THE WORLD IS GOING TO MAKE YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE."
Both of his eyes were shot out by Subaru and Ram's rings, and as the construct shattered, his body, finally went limp. He began to fall, further and further, faster and faster, as his clones evaporated into nothing, both here and in Lugnica. And like that, finally, after hours of combat, Halibel fell into the lava, leaving nothing of his body left to bury.
Subaru coughed and began to fall as well, until Ram grabbed his hand.
"Ram?"
"I would've let you fall in there and be rid of you once and for all, any other time! However...my sister, her heart would break if I let you die."
"Ah, how nice of you."
"Don't make me actually drop you...Natsuki Subaru."
She flew them out.
Once they reached the top of a hill, they both crashed to the ground, and both laid there, flat on their backs, tired.
Ram held her blue necklace, both of them hearing Rem speak to them.
"Nee-sama, Subaru-kun. Rem is so utterly proud of you two! You avenged Rem and done the impossible, Rem cannot think of anyone else who would accomplish such feats."
Subaru panted, and Ram groaned in pain.
Yet Rem still spoke.
"Rem loves you both so much...Just know, that right now, REM IS HUGGING YOU BOTH, WITH ALL OF HER STRENGTH. REM LOVES YOU. NEE-SAMA, REM LOVES YOU AND WOULD NEVER ASK FOR A GREATER SISTER, AND SUBARU-KUN, REM WILL ALWAYS BE IN LOVE WITH YOU, FOREVER!"
Her voice...made the both of them, tear up, with Subaru using his clearly broken hand to wipe his eye.
"Thank you, Rem."
Right then, Wilhelm and all the other Red Lanterns flew over to check on them. Wilhelm checked Subaru and a surprised Frederica checked Ram...they both nodded to each other, and gave smiling nods to the others.
THEY ALL CHEERED.
"YEAAAAHHHHH! IT'S OVEEEERRRRRRR!"
Reinhard breathed a sigh of relief.
Genau nuzzled up to Mimi.
Nijino hugged Frederica around the neck.
Wilhelm shook hands with Ovidius.
Jolokia patted Kong on the back.
Moussaka held his head, melancholic.
Attero stuck his head up, proudly as Linnea stroked his fur.
Orlena, though not a Red Lantern, was carried in the arms of a Red Lantern, bruised as hell, but alive.
After almost a year, the World War was finally over, eventually all the occupants inside the Palace surrendered themselves and the Sultan was captured alive, along with his family of four.
Two wives and two pairs of sons and daughters.
In accordance with mob mentality, the Sultan was giving a public lynching and his family were sent into exile.
Moussaka fell to his knees, and cried uncontrollably. Jolokia stood there, keeping watch, as Moussaka found his brother's body.
"Bougatsa! Bougatsa! Brother! Auuwwwhhhh! Uwaaaghhhh!"
He covered his face, knowing the truth on the matter, but still had Jolokia there to comfort him.
It was just another life, lost in this world spanning conflict.
IN TOTAL:
The battle in the Capital was the largest scale of any battle in this war, yet the combined struggles in mountains, valiant last stands and air raids, left much of the country to lose so many lives.
Such was the war in the west.
Lugnica Casualties: 812,000
Kararagi Casualties: 4,000,000
AS A RESULT:
BY THE END OF THE WORLD WAR, OF THE 40 MILLION PEOPLE LIVING IN THIS PARALLEL WORLD...
.
.
.
.
12,889,000 People died by the end.
30%
OF
THE
ENTIRE
WORLD'S
POPULATION
HAD
DIED.
Subaru laid in a makeshift bed inside a tent, being worked over for his injuries by various medical mages.
Wilhelm entered the tent, excusing himself in, and looking quite stunned at the extent of damage Subaru took.
"Hey, Wilhelm."
"Subaru-sama, are you feeling well?"
"Oh yeah, I feel like a million bucks."
"A humorous comment shows you are doing fine, that is good."
Pushing back his fingers in, with a loud crunching sound, Subaru gritted his teeth and made a small gurgle, before breathing normally again.
"Um, is Ram doing alright?"
"She is well, we've managed to wrap up her blood loss and is currently resting, but still no luck on finding her arm I'm afraid."
"Nah, my leg and her arm fell into the volcano, along with Halibel."
"That is regrettable."
"Nothing to worry about, really, Ovidius said he's working on some...uh, prosthetics for the two of us."
Wilhelm scratched his chin, unsure of what that meant exactly, but did know some soldiers that had hook hands and peg legs, so he assumed that was the latter.
"I suppose I may need one as well?"
"Duh! You lost an entire hand, just tell Ovidius, he'll probably get giddy about it."
"His pension for crafting ceases to amaze me."
"I'll bet, ughhh."
Subaru's groan was a sign of how badly he was beat up, his eye still swollen even while being patted with ice packs, but they'd soon be using healing magic, so it wouldn't be an issue for too long.
"Is there anything you require?"
"Um, a beer?"
"Ahaha, I'm afraid we have to refrain from that at the moment. Anything else?"
"...Wine?"
"I see you are doing fine, I'll be outside if you need anything."
Noticing the weak smile he was giving, Wilhelm turned around, but heard Subaru call him again, but this time softly.
"Wilhelm."
"Yes?"
"Don't think this is it."
"Oh?"
"After everything at this epilogue, after this little adventure of ours...I can't give up, not here or now."
"...I see."
"I'm going to make this world the best out there, parallel universes be damned. I will bring peace, real peace to everyone. You still gonna help me with that?"
"...Natsuki Subaru, as a Red Lantern and attendant to Emilia-sama, I was already on your side. However, after all this, seeing the pinnacle of your drive and the strength gathered upon your whims...I can safely assure you, I'm with you. Especially, after you gave me the grace of putting my wife to rest."
"Okay, just wanted to know."
"Please, get some rest."
Subaru laid back down and allowed the ladies to continue their work on wrapping up his wounds, though even they were stunned by his injuries.
"Natsuki Subaru-sama, are you sure you are not hurt anywhere?"
"Definitely, but don't mind me, I've felt even worse before."
The ladies did seem creeped out by his words, so he went with a wry smile.
"Uh, well, I've died before, you know, frozen to death, throat slit, stomach cut open, and even crushed to death...uh…"
Looking at the frightened healing mages, he sighed.
"I'll just shut up then."
So with some relief, they got back to work.
Wilhelm took in a deep breath, as he watched the remaining survivors of Kararagi, emerge from underground bunkers and even hidden tunnels in close by mountains, even he relented in their stunned and horrified expressions. To witness the beautiful oasis of a home, within this desert landscape, reduced to a volcanic inferno, was mind shattering. He walked up a hill and ran into Genau.
"Brother Wilhelm."
'Genau, is something troubling you?"
"Well, I jusssst got word that the casssstle wassss attacked."
Wilhelm was stunned and about to fly off, but when he got a few feet off the ground, Genau flew in front to stop him.
"Whoa! Hang on there!
"What is the meaning of this?! You should have informed us sooner!"
"The thing issss, it wassss Halibel."
"I would deduce as much, but what if something has happened to Emilia-sama!?"
"Nothing hassss happened, he died before he could hurt Ssssister Emilia more."
"MORE?"
"Uh, well, sssshe wanted to fight him, but ssssshe got fucked up. Bwahaha!"
Wilhelm groaned at Genau's carefree attitude about the situation, but both floated down as they realized there was nothing to worry about.
"Then again the Great Spirit is there, and he'd prevent her from dying."
"Yeah, that Grey Rat would do ssssomethin' about it."
Genau wagged his tail, even as he was bandaged up as hell, a snarky smile blessing this hellish warzone.
Moussaka sat on a tree stump as...Mimi walked over to him.
"Hey mister, are you okay?"
"Oh, Mimi-sama, uh...I don't know."
"...Did a friend die?"
"...Yes, and so did my brother."
Instantly, Mimi had a complete understanding of what was troubling this man and sat at the floor patting his foot.
"There, there."
"Huh?"
"Mimi lost her commander, when we fought the Witch's Cult, you know?"
"Ah."
He wiped his tears and recalled how Ricardo a warrior working under Anastasia and mentor to Mimi, had been killed during the Red Lantern/Witch Cult War a year or so ago.
"I know about that."
"Well, Mimi thought she was fine after that, even after getting my ring, yup. But, a while later, Mimi would cry, and my lady and Subaru-nii chan said it's not bad to cry. So Mimi cried, and she still cries sometimes."
"...sniff."
"So, go ahead, cry if ya need ta'."
Moussaka thought about it, thinking of the wrestling they did as kids, the food they would swap angering their mom, both of them helping dad with their wheat stable, and their enlistment in the Vollachia Expedition Army.
The happy, sad, and exciting moments they had...made him lose it.
"My brother."
"There, there."
"Uwwwwuuuaghhh."
Mimi floated back behind him and stroked his hair, showing a motherly side to her, and comforted the mourning man.
There were heavy hearts, bruised and hurt bodies, eyes staring and glaring at them, but soon they would be heading home.
Emilia was sitting in the throne room, being healed by Beatrice and a few healing mages, as well as herself.
"Honestly, when you asked us to stay out of this fight, we didn't think you'd be this risky about it, I suppose!"
"Sorry, hehe, I was just trying to prove myself a bit."
"Subaru will have a field day with you once he finds out about it."
Beatrice then focused on another person.
"You told them right, I suppose?"
"Yeah, I told Genau-kun not to let Subaru know anything."
It was Petra.
Her eyes mostly devoid of light, like she was dead.
Making leg constructs for her missing lower half legs, they had wheels at the end instead of actually feet, making her move around as if she had rollerskates on, such was sadly not the case.
She strolled on over and checked on Emilia.
"Hey onee-san, you doing okay?"
"Yup, a little sore all over, but this won't stop me!"
Emilia put on the biggest, brightest smile she could muster, with Petra only clicking her tongue at her.
"I didn't need to come, did I?"
"I guess not, but thanks Petra-chan!"
"...Sure."
Petra strolled on away, but it was Puck who felt it, he could sense these kind of things. And he knew…
Petra was envious of Emilia.
In her head, she could see the fantasy that didn't occur, of Subaru returning victorious, but finding Emilia dead and mourning her death, sobbing gracelessly at her loss.
That would be when Petra would swoop in, and hug him tightly, promising to be by his side and to take care of all his needs, making Subaru instantly fall in love with her, and they would share a passionate kiss.
But she was still alive, so she could only stare with her cold eyes at the King, and would only be at Subaru's back, instead of actually next to him.
"Hmmmm, I wonder if this was how Rem-san felt."
Beatrice also noticed her demeanor, wondering if she was going to be the most troublesome Red Lantern among them.
With a breeze blowing through the open hole on the wall, as Emilia closed her eyes and smiled, and she could hear the silence of the capital, begin to slowly, but surely erupt into applause and cheering.
Days later...all the remaining soldiers, even the Gustekian volunteers who survived, marched through the capital streets, as it exploded into a parade of victory. Balloons, paper mache, streamers, fireworks and all that would accompany such a tremendous moment welcomed the situation.
Women blew kisses, kids threw flowers to them and food was handed out to some of the closer ones.
Even the Sage Council, who were informed of their retirement, as their positions would be filled in by several Red Lanterns, were watching generously even when they were initially against the war.
Bordeaux scratched his bald head as they watched the returning warriors, looking hardened and wiser than when they left.
"Hard to believe the giddy young men that left us some time ago, came back like this."
Miklotov nodded at his comment.
"As the information provided to us has said, the results of these battles were hard fought, even more so than the ones we handled during our generation."
"Honestly, to think, 12 million people have died, not since the Worst Calamity has the world been brought to such a brink of destruction."
"Yet once that turmoil ended, we found some prosperity in the end."
Bordeaux, grew more staunch in his demeanor.
"How long will that last? It had been 400 years since then, and within that time, look at the conflicts that arose within them."
"You refer to the Demi-Human Civil War, of which we were both involved in?"
"I was a warrior, and you were a noble, completely different."
Miklotov chuckled at the grumpy friend of his.
"Listen, what I mean is the current times as well! The attempted Coup in Vollachia a few years ago was just the starting flame...we had to contend with the Bloodstained Roses War, then it was the Witch Cult War, which now spiraled us into a, World War! The escalation, with the involvement of these Red Lanterns, is making even these old bones more restless."
"Even if we were to worry, there is nothing to be done, we're retired now."
'More like laid off."
"True, but it surely is a task, out of our hands...it's in their hands now."
They both looked up...at the over a hundred red streaks of light flying across the sky. The returning soldiers and civilians cheered as they reached out and howled out praise to them, the heroes of the war.
Bordeaux, did not look up whimsically….he grew restless.
Hours later, at the outside of Roswaal's Mansion, Emilia clapped her hands, her face bandaged up heavily.
"Okay, now with things out of the way, we have an announcement to make!"
All the Red Lanterns were there, standing atop the lush grass at the entrance, with Subaru and Ram having to lean their shoulders on Ovidius and Nijino respectively.
"We will be heading out in a few days to meet with the Dragon to setup the principle discussions on our covenant."
The Red Lanterns nodded.
Beatrice sat on a chair, with Felix, Reinhard and even Heinkel and the Three Buffoons in their own seats. The Royal Guards were off to one side, standing put and there to listen as well.
"Once I meet with Volcanica...I WILL HAVE HIM SEVER OUR AGREEMENT."
While Markos and the Royal Guards were stunned, the Red Lanterns and the ones closest to Emilia didn't think much of it.
"From now on...IT WILL BE YOU, WHO PROTECT US."
She referred to them, The Red Lantern Corps.
They took all the information in, and accepted fully, which is when Emilia walked over, moving through the Lanterns, until she got to Subaru.
Holding his bandaged up hand, she smiled at him.
"Will help me Subaru?"
"...Of course I will."
And with another breeze blowing around them, they all stayed put, happy to know that things would begin moving forward…
And they did…
TWO YEARS LATER…
Plum, the small girl that Subaru met five years ago, in his first two loops in this world, giddly ran over with some bread in her hands.
"Hey Plum, be careful, don't startle him!"
"I won't!"
Her father Kadomon was keeping watch in the front of his shop. His little girl, now a few feet taller carefully handed the bread.
"Here you go!"
An Ababil clone, perched on a concrete step, looked down and shifted his head around, like a curious bird. The jet black crow with red eyes, and now with a red collar with a number on it, pecked at the bread. Plum giggled, and watched as the Ma-Beast bird ate it happily. It leaned it's head allowing Plum to gently stroke it.
She giggled before it backed up and did a small caw at her, flying up into their air with a few flaps of its wings. Plum waved bye to it, as Kadomon sighed and scratched his head.
"Things sure have changed."
The Ababil flew into the air, as two zeppelins did in the opposite direction, a few streaks of red light going in various directions as well.
At the top of a ruins, where in another timeline, Subaru would take Rem up and plead with her to run away with him...that place was no longer there.
Instead, a curved jet black monument was there, inscribed on it were the names of those who died in the World War. At the bottom of it, were vases, each in corresponding order. One would have a red flame, and the other roses, like that.
At the very top, where the Royal Castle was...it was still being repaired, with specific requirements and demands. So, it was pretty empty, besides the construction worker here and there.
Things sure had changed.
"Um, you guys don't have to come this far with me."
"Nonsense, it's our duty to protect you, grrrrr."
"Sure, but don't you guys have something else to do?"
"As of right now, none."
"Okaaaaay."
Emilia, now with a short ponytail, walked through the halls of a newly acquired mansion in the capital. It belonged to the Karsten Family, but with the father unsure of WHO it was originally given to, he gave it to Emilia in good faith.
Thus the Karsten Mansion, became known by the public as, De La Soul.
In her new King's robe, wearing it much like her old cloak, she had her current two guards with her.
Jolokia and Moussaka.
"You two really are treating me like a child."
"Grrrr, not at all Emilia-sama, we are just ensuring nothing occurs to someone so important like you."
"And what do you have to say, Moussaka-san?"
Moussaka now with a quiff hairstyle with buzzed sides, connected with a luscious blonde beard, he peeked over at Emilia.
"Well, I don't mind, I can always see my girlfriend later today."
"Oh, how is Juel-san?"
"She is much better, she's taken well to her job as a merchant's assistant, thank you for asking."
Emilia nodded happily as Jolokia and Moussaka walked side by side with her, in accordance with guard duties, though the Royal Guards still protected the the De La Soul Mansion itself, it was demanded that intervals of guard duty were given to Red Lanterns to directly protect Emilia. At least, when all of the founding seven members were out of the Mansion.
"Here is my study room."
"Here we are then."
Moussaka opened the door for her, and Emilia took off her King's Cloak, hanging it on a coat hanger.
This revealed her new outfit, it was the exact same elastic white and purple outfit as her Mother Fortuna wore long ago. The only difference was her necklace, that held the crystal which housed a napping Puck. With the glow of the light of a brisk afternoon behind her, Emilia's scar, the one across her cheek...was visible.
She did a simple chest stretch, arms back and chest forward, and yawned. She then made it over to the table and patted it.
"What a day."
"Grrrr, a lot of paperwork?"
"Yup, we've finished up registering all the new homes that got built in the southern territories, as well as mining permits for the western territories."
"Who would've thought border expansions would be so mind-numbingly trivial, then again, I am a warrior, so we did all the chopping and dicing, and the like."
"Right, it's us that have to pick up the pieces."
"Grrrr? Well I apologize."
"Nahhhh, don't worry it comes with the territory."
Jolokia and Moussaka then noticed something, and both pointed behind Emilia at the window. She turned around and saw a red streak of light coming closer.
"Well, looks like somebody is back."
"Grrrr, then shall we wait a little longer?"
"Nah, it's fine, you two can go home for the day, besides I hear the other six are asking to hold a meeting, so I should be fine."
"Very well."
Jolokia and Moussaka did a respectful bow, but Emilia got curious.
"What are you guys doing later, with the rest of your day I mean?"
Jolokia answered first.
"In regards to myself? Grrrrr, my 'friend' Callaloo has asked me to take her to see a play."
"Ooooohhh, a friend huh?"
Emilia made a devious smile, moving her eyebrows in a suggestive manner, making Jolokia put on a wry smile and giant sweat drop formed on his head.
"Uh, I feel a little awkward telling you that, grrrrr."
Moussaka went next.
"I'm going to visit my girlfriend at her job, maybe drop off a snack for her."
"Aw, how romantic! But, doesn't her boss get nervous when you visit?"
"...YUP."
He winks at her, making Emilia giggle adorably.
"We'll be off then."
"Alright, buh bye."
They bowed again, floated up and flew down the halls.
Emilia went over and opened the window, and in flew in the returning Red Lantern.
"Welcome back, got anything good?"
"Hello there your majesty, and to answer your inquiry, yes I did. A fair amount of books as research material."
It was Ovidius Loman, wearing a charcoal grey suit vest with red lines, and a lighter grey business shirt, finished off by a black tie.
"Nice clothes...but you still have that helmet on."
"The helmet always stays on I'm afraid."
"Boo, you can be such a drag."
"Hahaha, maybe so."
He placed the books down and carefully opened a cabinet that took up an entire section of the room, on the right side. In there, was smorgasbord of liquor bottles, wine and more in there, the tapered wood kept everything at an adequate temperature.
"Anything to drink your majesty?"
"Oh come on, always this majesty stuff, I'm still Emilia you know."
"True, but Natsuki-san said it's a fun past time to tease you."
She crossed her arms and puffed her cheeks, showing how annoyed she got.
"Hmph, but yes, I'd like some Sherry."
"Oh wine huh? Well, I'll partake in some Rum."
Serving the drinks elegantly as possible he handed over Emilia's tulip glass and Ovidius removed his helmet, to fully enjoy this drink.
He glanced over and saw the two bottles...The Bird and Bees Premium Rum 12 Years, and Old Beethoven's Sherry Age 15, well crafted drinks part of their ever expanding collection.
He took a sip, breathing happily from the sweet and tangent taste with a powerful alcohol kick.
"Anything new Ovidius-san?"
Emilia took a seat on a chair, sipping on her cup, delighted by the strong sweet taste it was giving off.
Ovidius obliged and sat on the table meant for writing, and put his glass down next to him.
"Well, other than signing a few books and taking care of manufacturings for the Greenhouses, it's been a little more relaxing."
"The Greenhouses, we're sending to the western areas?"
"Yes, the former Kararagi territory is being tended to nicely, and we'll have the capability to heighten our food production with this."
"OH! And how is Gusteko?"
"Don't you mean the People's Republic of Gusteko?"
"Jeez! The sudden names and emerging countries, is soooo exhausting."
Ovidius made a holographic projection with his ring, showing the previous map of the world.
In the north, Gusteko.
In the east, Lugnica.
In the west, Kararagi.
In the south, Vollachia.
Sizes the same and everything...then he clicked his fingers and the lines of borders changed drastically.
"We've expanded so much, it can be daunting to see it, right?"
"Gusteko didn't change at all though."
"Only this little section here, right above the northwest, they gave us a plot of land, rich in minerals and mana stones."
"Maaaan, and we still get payments from them."
"So goes the spoils of war."
Emilia noted how half of Kararagi and Vollachia were absorbed into Lugnica, expanding the Dragon Kingdom to be the true and sole world super power.
"Hmmm, I like those little nations right there though."
"The island nations have been a good help for us. Especially in crafting more water based metia."
Just next to Vollachia, were a few small islands, which together made up two new nations.
One, a cluster of smaller islands, became known as the Commonwealth of Paman Tupelo, and a larger island was the Independent State of Aphex.
"Subaru did say that at the end of bigger wars, these things tend to happen."
"I can never be bored of his worlds intricacies."
He made the hologram disappear and they took sips of their drinks.
"What do think Subaru's meeting today is about?"
"I doubt it's anything too important, if it was, he'd have summoned all of us Red Lanterns together, instead of just the six of us."
"Me as well right?"
"Yeah, of course."
Emilia used her hand to caress the tulip glass in her hands.
"...Have...Have you seen Anastasia lately?"
"Other than her last visit here? No, not that I recall."
"I...I feel like she visits waaaay too much."
"But she works under you."
"I know that...but she gets a little close to Subaru, it makes me feel, uncomfortable."
"Mmm."
Ovidius couldn't bring himself to let her know about Subaru's NIGHTS with her, or the fact that she was constantly hinting she wanted to marry him.
"This is awkward."
"Huh?"
"Uh, nothing, nothing to concern you with."
Ovidius scratched the back of his head, nervous about this development, Emilia huffed, not being told what was on his mind.
The room got quiet.
"Ovidius…"
"Yes?"
"Can ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"It's about Subaru."
"Oh, well, um, I'll do my best."
She stared straight into his eyes, making him know this was dead serious.
"The thing is, I-"
Before she could ask the question, Mimi flew in and hugged Emilia.
"YAHALLO! Mimi is here! Hi! Hi!"
"Omph! Oh, hi Mimi!"
"Onee-chan! Onee-chan! I missed you!"
"...But we saw each other three days ago?"
Entering behind her, was Anastasia, wearing a truly spiffy white kimono. With her Tivey and Hetaro, the last two bodyguards she had, were watching carefully.
"C'mon Mimi, leave the King alone."
"Okay!"
Emilia locked eyes with Anastasia, and smiled, both of them did.
But even Ovidius and the two Pearlbaton siblings couldn't help but tremble, imagining an aura of a tiger and a dragon glaring at each other; Mimi was oblivious to this.
He went to deescalate the situation by walking between the two.
"Ah, Anastasia! Welcome, may I offer you a drink?"
"Oh, that sounds great, thanks. Good to see you."
"Likewise, anything in particular?"
"Hmmm, oh, that single malt whiskey, the one with the green bottle?"
"Ah, the Cerdic Single Malt Whiskey, 25 Year Olds at that! You have expensive tastes."
"You know it."
He went over and poured her a drink, as well as some dessert wine for Mimi, one with low alcohol.
Emilia glanced, a little ticked, at Anastasia.
"So what brings you here?"
"I heard through the grapevines that Natsuki-kun was having a meeting, so I thought I could spice things up a bit."
"Hmph, you just want to be near him, don't you?"
Anastasia blushed, making Emilia make a sour expression. Ovidius walked over and handed the glasses to each of their receivers, who were both delighted.
Emilia, wanted to ask something...but another visitor came in, one with four legs and white fur.
"Oh, hi there!"
"Sssssister Emilia, what'ssss up!?"
Genau entered the room, all the more the same after this skipping of time, save for the right side of his face.
Now, he had a tribal tattoo around his eye area, akin to a famous boxer Subaru told them about.
"You're early. What gives?"
"Meh, I ate my usual fill and finisssshed my vissssit to the Gussssteko Council, making ssssure they were doing the thingssss we wanted done."
"...You came for some liquor didn't you?"
"Bwaha, oh c'mon, I can eassssily get ssssome drinkssss at ssssome bar, but I like doing it in the company of my budssss."
Emilia softly smiled, watching as Mimi and her siblings began petting Genau.
Then, a voice came up behind him.
"Pardon me."
"Ah, Brother Wilhelm what up?!"
Wilhelm entered, he too looked the same, but his scars from the World War were visible, including a prosthetic left hand, colored bright black with a white gem on the top.
"Am I interrupting anything?"
"Nah, we were in the middle of watching Ssssister Ana and Emilia about to fight, it'ssss really exciting."
Both of them turned beet red and yelled back.
"NO WE WEREN'T!"
Genau laughed at them, while Wilhelm sighed at his tomfoolery.
Now two figures entered the room.
"Hey!"
"Hello everyone."
Nijino, now with long hair, which went down past her shoulders, smiled letting her silver lip piercing shine and waved playfully at them.
Frederica was close to her, having her scars known, especially from her fight with Garavito. Her long hair, was now tied into a massively long braid.
Nijino hugged Frederica's arm, like a giddy sister, making Frederica blush slightly.
"Are we late?"
Wilhelm gladly answered.
"No, but know this embarrassing fact, Genau was here before you two."
"HUH?!"
Shell shocked, they peeked down at Genau, who smiled his fangs sparkling with pride, making them both grumble at him.
Ovidius served drinks here and there, but Frederica brought up something, raising a brow.
"Emilia-sama, I heard Kong-sensei gave you a real ringer yesterday."
"Urk!"
"You have been keeping up with your practices, haven't you?"
The King of Lugnica, trembled and then pouted.
"His martial arts is hard though!"
"His Bo Tekken Ryu Style is the very same one being taught to all us Red Lanterns, we simply expect you to learn it as well."
"Okay look, I know I did a bad job handling myself with Halibel, but does he have to toss me around like a rag doll all the time?!"
"That's what it is to learn a fighting style from scratch."
"...Wait, I forgot, what does the Bo stand for again?"
"Apparently it was the original name of this land, before the covenant with the Dragon and the beginning of Lugnica."
Emilia nodded, but got side hugged by Nijino, who brazenly began grabbing her arms and abs, whistling playfully for every grab.
"Oh my. Emilia, if you keep getting buff. Subaru may find you, too burly!"
"HUH!? I DON'T THINK SUBARU, CARES...I think?"
"Hesitation, huh? Hmmmm."
Emilia blushed, but could take a hint, knowing how Nijino would like to tease her.
Then, a voice.
"Honestly, if you have time to goof around, we may as well be doing the same."
"Oh, hey Ram!"
Ram, her hair also longer, just above her shoulders, wearing the very necklace which housed Rem's soul, had her arms crossed staring annoyingly at them. Emilia waved at her, to which Ram nonchalantly gave a lazy hand wave, still Nijino kept speaking.
"What's up Ram?"
"I find it hard to believe that the ruler of our nation is allowing a simple girl to assault her body, the world truly has fallen apart."
"Quit it with the negativity. Oh, are you jealous? Want my heavenly hands, to massage-"
"-I'd rather you drop dead."
"Ahahaha! Such a frowny face, like always!"
Indeed, Ram was frowning, hands on her hips like she was about to scold her.
"Now now Nee-sama, we shouldn't be starting arguments."
"..But Rem."
"Please?"
"...Hahhhh, alright."
The voice giggled, letting Ram calm down enough. Her sister's voice would do that, now and again.
However, Rem had a question.
"Genau, wasn't Attero with you?"
Genau turned around to face Ram's direction, all the while, Mimi was playing with his wagging tail,
"Oh, he was. Buuuut, he ran into Soulfly and Poco a while ago, so they're walking around somewhere, havin' a talk."
"Ummm, Soulfly-sama is the giant sandworm?"
"Right, and Poco is that giant spider."
"...Can Rem guess who named them?"
"I did, why?"
"Nothing."
Rem yet again giggled, honestly imagining the confused looks those gigantic animals had when Genau proudly bestowed upon them, their names.
Whilst everyone was laughing and generally messing around, except for Ram, Wilhelm went over to quietly ask Ovidius something.
"And how is THAT coming along?"
"Project Ghidorah? Pretty well, all things considering."
"Will it be ready, by then?"
"Ah, ummmm, hopefully so. I want it ready for the Tower Assault, more than anyone else."
"Well, I trust in your ability."
"Thanks, don't worry Wilhelm, I will have Behemoth ready, mark my words."
The two men fistbumped, showing the coraderie entrusted between the two.
And now, he appeared.
"Hey, did you guys wait long?"
There, right next to Beatrice and her assortment of long pink beads and necklaces...was Natsuki Subaru. In relative terms, other than the far higher amount of scars he had all over his face, he would be the same.
That is, except for his haircut.
It was the same style he always had, pointy and all...but at the very bottom, it was now faded.
Time changes everything, even in small ways.
Beatrice, still using the body of Echidna, had pink earrings, and a pink belt around her waist, contrasting the black dress she had on.
"Goodness, we arrived later than Genau? This upsets me highly, I suppose."
"C'mon, we had some errands that took a bit more time than we expected, but we're here, so cheer up."
"Fine."
Beatrice humphed as clapped her hands.
"Let's get this meeting over with, I suppose."
Subaru waved at Ram, who nodded angrily, winked at the necklace, letting Rem know he said hi.
Emilia glanced softly at Subaru's left leg, underneath those pants of his, she knew about the prosthetic leg, they all did.
Even Ram's entire forearm and hand was as well, appearing black and grey where the intricate joints would meet, with a white gem on the top of the palm. Thus were the the prices paid in their battle against Halibel.
With the hellos and howdedoos out of the way, they made their way to another room.
All sitting in a circular table, besides Ram who had her back on a wall, this was their Round Table, their meeting place, their elite office.
"Okay, everybody comfortable?"
"Yeah yeah! Now does Mimi get something to eat!?"
"Later."
"...Mmm, okay!"
Mimi happily sat on Anastasia's lap, as her lord, her master...kept staring at Subaru. But it wasn't out of her usual sensual interests or just a teasing nature, no, this was more prevalent. Almost more serious, like there was an issue that needed addressing.
Yet, she never spoke up.
It was only Nijino who saw her expression, but took her attention towards Subaru, who was the only one standing up.
"Okay, okay, first let's get the pleasantries outta the way and say that everybody has been doing a kick ass job out there."
Everyone nodded.
"Now, that is also the reason I called all of you over."
Everyone looked at each other, confused about what he was hinting at.
The man then clapped his hands together.
"Everyone here has been on practical overtime for the past two years, hell, even I have forgotten what a vacation is. So, even though I do give you guys time off, I think we can use this as an opportunity to really collect ourselves, have some self-reflection, or take care of something they've been meaning to do, you know what I mean?"
Wilhelm was quick to catch on, but still had to ask.
"Subaru-sama, are you suggesting-"
"-Yup."
Wilhelm kept his eyes on Subaru.
Everyone did.
Genau.
Mimi.
Ovidius.
Nijino.
Frederica.
Ram.
Beatrice.
Tivey.
Hetaro.
Anastasia.
Emilia.
"Tomorrow, I want everyone, to take the day off."
With a happy grin, Subaru marked their single day.
One filled with mystery.
One filled with self reflection.
With revenge.
With confessions.
With pleads.
With annihilation.
And death.
The Founding Red Lantern Corps Members, would use this coming day, to its absolute fullest.
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In the darkness, no, more like swirling miasma-like realm, they were meeting.
"Okay, now explain this to me, you cunt."
"I want you to help broker an alliance with me.
These two feminine voices, spoke with absolute authority, and it was true, being the leaders of their groups.
"I'll ask you again, please join us."
"Huuuuhh?! You might wanna choose your words carefully you ugly sack of filth, you have any idea who the hell, you are talking to?"
"...A person, who once had a truly fearsome power, now stripped of it, and stuck instead with a fearsome form."
A large claw, massive in size, black fur with pink nails clenched into a fist.
"Want to keep that up you slutty meatbag?!
"I would refrain from that, I wish no conflict between us. I wish only for aid in pushing THEM down a peg."
The claw relaxed as dark wings fluttered loudly.
"Soooo, you want to really take on those bastards, huh? Even after all the shit they did to the world?"
"I do not fear them, only the influence they imprint into the people of my country. I fear that they will spiral my nation into madness and death."
"I couldn't give a shit about that, but me ending up like this? My beautiful self, stuck like this? They fucking did it, and I want nothin' more than to get even with them."
"I would provide to you anything I can for use in this coming campaign against them."
A moment of silence went between them, and emerging from the darkness, was the first woman.
"Well, my business has taken a hit cause of them, and if we make em' tumble, fall face first, or just fucking die, then I can get things rolling again. Alright bitch, I'll help you."
Capella Emerada Lugnica, former Sin Archbishop of Lust, and a woman stuck with her arm as a massive claw, with jet black wings and a large serpent tail, reached her normal right hand out.
Even more stranger, she no longer wore her revealing outfit. A dark purple qipao, one that ended right after her knees, still had her familiar haircut though.
On her shoulder, was a jacket, pitch black, but she did not put her arms into the sleeves, the wings wouldn't even allow it, thus it stayed on like a cape.
"That will be much obliged."
Shaking hands with her, in armor she meant to wear in a hopeful battle against the White Whale, was Crusch.
Her hair tied back into a ponytail, she looked gorgeous as ever, but sadly now had bags under her eyes.
Behind Capella, were the remaining Assassin's Organization members, minus their two dead members, Elsa and Meili. Numbering six or so.
Behind Crusch, were the people who took up the cause with her.
Among them, were disgruntled Vollachian civilians, surviving Kararagi Samurai and...Aldebaran, now wearing a green hoodless cloak.
Not only that, but Lewes Meyer, the original; Bordeaux, the former member of the Sage Council; and even the Elves, those who were frozen long ago in Emilia's childhood, having been freed and horrified at the state of their world, banded together to free the King from the Red Lanterns influence.
Standing above the two groups, massively, was the powerful spirit Melakuera. Known as the Arbitrator, this spirit sought of peace and tranquility for the world, but now has become angered by the Red Lanterns and their brazen acts of violence and destruction.
He was disappointed that he was alone in this.
Puck, the spirit who defeated him, was on the side of the violent overlords.
Zarestia was dead, all because she attacked Ram when she had a run in with her a year ago, mistaking her with a "thief" she was searching for, and was quickly ambushed by fifty Red Lanterns and killed.
Odglass was killed during the World War by Reinhard.
And finally, Muspel, the Spirit who was located in the south, wanted to be left alone, so he refused.
Thus the gigantic white gorilla, would use all of his own strength to get things done.
But floating down, he who created this secret dimension to have their meeting, landed as powerfully as one would expect of him.
"I will keep my involvement to a minimum. I do not wish to seek more destruction on part of the world, it has suffered enough."
"Understandable."
"Crusch, I still have things to investigate, about the dimensional tears occurring, and looking into where those Rings of theirs come from, but I will aid you all as much as possible."
Volcanica, the Mighty Dragon, declared as much.
Melakuera spoke to the Dragon.
"We may be able to find allies through your findings as well."
"That could also be a possibility, I will keep that in mind."
With that, Volcanica peeked down, at the orchestrator of this gathering of people, the leader that would stand up against the Red Lantern Corps.
"When do we start, Crusch?"
"Simple, we will inform them of our intentions, with a display of force...we will take from them, lives that are ever important and valuable, as a punishment for their crimes."
"...And?"
Crusch, gave a proud grin.
"IT WILL TAKE PLACE, TOMORROW."
For them, it was the founding of Exogenesis, those who would stand against this crimson evil.
All of it, coming to ahead...on...
ARC SIX: The One Day
Begins
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There two people, sitting in chairs, face to face with one another...
Lilliana: Well hellooooo! Ahem. It's me, Liliana Masquerade, the best minstrel in the entire world! Yup, definitely. Now, here we are at my very first segment for you all! Exclusively y'all, cause I loves you lots! Anyways, on my first interview for Minstrel Queen's Corner, we have our first guest! Yup, the dashing, daring and scary looking man himself, dun dun dun! Natsuki Subaru!
Subaru: *nods a bit* Hey there. Also, what do you mean scary looking?
Liliana: *Faces the audience?* So, we have some questions for you, I hope you can answer them suuuuper honestly! Can you do it? Can. You. Do. IT?!
Subaru: Well, yeah. Hey, who is this for again?
Liliana: First Question! You come from the world called ISEKAI, right?
Subaru: Well, actually-
Liliana: In Isekai, there are so many things different than our own, so let me ask you! What kind of music do you miss from there?!
Subaru: *scratches cheek* Uhhh, Japanese Folk Music?
Liliana: *slaps her knees* Second Question! What's your favorite song?
Subaru: "Subaru" by Tanimura Shinji. Wait, does that make me an asshole?
Liliana: Next! What's your favorite food?
Subaru: I like a lot of things, but I can't get any real Japanese cuisine here. Still, a plate of toast and eggs, with a side of rice and a heaping helping of mayonnaise, does it for me! Or, just anything with mayonnaise in general.
Liliana: Okay, mayonnaise huh? I don't like the stuff personally!
Subaru: *Squints eyes* Don't look so happy about it.
Liliana: Now, can I ask ya? What's a good way to get mayonnaise? Or how does our audience get the best out there?
Subaru: If you have time, try making your own, but if that's too hard, always get glass product ones. Those squeezable ones in plastic bottles, just ain't worth it, trust me.
Liliana: What do you miss from the other world?
Subaru: An ignorant answer would be, well, my video games. But honestly...my parents.
Liliana: What's your favorite color?
Subaru: Yellow and black? *gives a "I don't know" shrug*
Liliana: *swings her hair around* Let me know! If you still lived in Isekai, where would you like to travel to?
Subaru: *slaps his own knees* Again! It ain't called Isekai! Ugh, anyways, if I still lived there?
*scratches head* Um, probably South Korea, they have a ton of computer cafes and the like.
Liliana: Fun and interesting choice! Hehehehe, what would you want your tombstone to say?
Subaru: "You are already dead!" Ahahahaha! Ahem, that's funny where I'm from.
Liliana: When you don't work and stuff, how do you goof off?
Subaru: Just talk to the others, mainly Emilia and Rem.
Liliana: I heard about movies and stuff from your world, yup! I like the idea of them! What movie is your favorite?
Subaru: Ahaha! "Princess Mononoke".
Liliana: What can you not live without?
Subaru: ...It's a personal answer, so I'll just go with Mayonnaise.
Liliana: What's your biggest regret?
Subaru: *a sad expression hits him* Too many to count. I guess, Rem…
Liliana: *gets a tad nervous* S-Sorry, I see I hit a bad spot. Let's get back to the fun stuff! Humanities or Sciences?
Subaru: *makes an annoyed face* I'll go with humanities.
Liliana: *gets adorably serious* You have a plethora of women all around you, except me of course. You just aren't my type!
Subaru: *gets ticked* Hey now.
Liliana: We all want to know! Are you gigolo?
Subaru: *GETS REALLY ANNOYED* NO. NEXT QUESTION.
Liliana: Next! Are you into little girls?
Subaru: *waves fist a her* NO! Where did that come from?! Please knock it off with the deviant questions please!
Liliana: What's your favorite animal?
Subaru: Big Cats...uhhh, or, hmmmm...I guess right now, Jaguars.
Liliana: *seems surprised* Don't know what that is, but it's probably really cute.
*Subaru makes a construct of what one looks like, freaking Liliana out for a moment*
Liliana: Gulp. Oh, that's cooool?
Subaru: Right?
Liliana: *clears throat and takes deep breath* Anyways, next up! ...What's your type of girl?
Subaru: Hahhhh, again with girls huh? Um, Emilia and Rem? They're like...goddesses if you will.
Liliana: Which of the Red Lanterns do you get along with the most?
Subaru: *rubs his eye* I mean, I don't play favorites. Though I hang out with them all equally, I ask the most questions to Wilhelm and Ovidius, so one of them, just pick.
Liliana: Which Red Lantern gives you the most trouble?
Subaru: Genau. He eats a fucking lot.
Liliana: Last question for ya! Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Subaru: Hopefully, sitting next to Emilia, in a peaceful world.
Liliana: Okay! And that's it for Natsuki Subaru! Thanks for coming!
Subaru: Sure, but wait, again who is this for?
Liliana: IGNORED!
Subaru: *raises himself up* HEY!
*lights go out, and Liliana appears again, this time, with another guest*
Liliana: Now, for our second interview today, it's the Mad Genius himself, and the man who helps craft metia and love within my dear self. YUP! It's...OVIDIUS LOMAN!
Ovidius: Liliana, hey. Um, what are we doing again?
Liliana: Time, for, the FIRST QUESTION!.!.!
Ovidius: You don't have to yell.
Liliana: First question! Your leader has told you a lot and even shown you some things from his world right?
Ovidius: That is correct.
Liliana: Knowing this! Tell me my boy toy! What's your favorite music?
Ovidius: Electronic.
Liliana: What song was your favorite?
Ovidius: "Trans Europe Express" by Kraftwerk.
Liliana: What's something from Isekai, that you are interested in?
Ovidius: Computers, I'd love to get my hands on one.
Liliana: If you went there, where would you travel to?
Ovidius: China. A population of 1 Billion people, and culture never before seen?! Sounds completely fascinating!
Liliana: Now! What's your favorite food?
Ovidius: Shepherd's Pie. Particularly, the one my mother would make for us.
Liliana: *puts a hand on her chest* Awwww, how cute. Now, Favorite color?
Ovidius: Grey, I like the neutrality of it.
Liliana: What do you want your tombstone to say?
Ovidius: "I will keep learning, even beyond here."
Liliana: When you don't work, what do you do?
Ovidius: Read mostly, but I sample all the liquors I can. You know, just to assess if they belong in our cellars or not.
Liliana: *blushes* What's your type of girl?
Ovidius: Ohhh, a cute little thing, who can sing her heart out. It's a tough find though.
Liliana: *smiles seductively at him* I'll bet. Ahem, now then! Humanities or Sciences?
Ovidius: Science.
Liliana: Do you have any regrets?
Ovidius: …..I wish I could've saved my family.
Liliana: ...Right, um, sorry.
Ovidius: It's fine, please continue.
Liliana: I know you have heard about movies. So, which one would you eventually like to see?
Ovidius: *rubs a small napkin on his helmet* From how Natsuki-san explained it, I would love to see, "2001: A Space Odyssey".
Liliana: How about...Favorite animal?
Ovidius: What Natsuki-san has told me of them, at least what he knows about them, the Jellyfish is astounding. I wish I could take a close look at one. *twidles fingers*
Liliana: What can you not live without?
Ovidius: A book my mother gave me, I still have it safely locked away. A memento to the good times.
Liliana: Which Red Lanterns do you get along with the most?
Ovidius: Actually, it has to be Natsuki-san, he really gets me. Wilhelm is a fine person too, Frederica a close third.
Liliana: Which Red Lantern gives ya a headache?
Ovidius: Genau. His overeating can cause too much of a commotion.
Liliana: Finally...where do you see yourself in five years?
Ovidius: *crosses legs and puts hand together* Alive with my life-long mission complete. After that, maybe write an autobiography I really don't care.
Liliana: Right, thank honey, that'll be it.
Ovidius: *gets up* Great, I'll see you later tonight.
Liliana: Got it!
*Ovidius waves at her and leaves*
Liliana: *gives a happy peace sign* That's it for now, but stayed tuned as we interview the rest of the founding members of the Red Lantern Corps. This is Liliana, saying...CIAO!
TO BE CONTINUED...
AN: So yeah, the Liliana Interviews will be a Arc 6 exclusive thing, which will get little tidbits and insight into what makes the characters each tick. For fun.
So many references here, can you spot them all?! Also Paman is Indonesian for Uncle...so Uncle Tupelo? Hmmmm?
So sure, the next Arc will be individual adventures, with each chapter focusing on one to two of the founding seven Lanterns, with their own personal stories. Spiraling down to one big showdown of sorts in the end, and the lead in to Arc 7.
Please bear with me, I was just interested in the concept.
Until next time! Bye!