[Present time]

Absolute stillness descended on the colosseum like a suspended breath, a hush so complete that even the collective beating of hearts became audible. Every soul sitting in those stands, every knight and commoner and princess alike held their tongues in reverence or shock; save for a few gawking eyes monitoring with curiosity what had just happened. How could this be? Here he was now standing or rather floating, proudly above them all, as if propelled by some supernatural force - an imposing figure silhouetted against the pageant sky while sparks of lightning danced about him – his pale face lit with stern determination as his unfaltering stare met theirs.

Subaru regarded the knight's with silent amusement. The majority of them were clearly in dismay, their expressions distorted with fear as he stood before them. They'd wanted him dead a moment ago; now they cowered and shook at his very presence. It was an irony of fate that finally for once it took his side – after all, it would only make the next one more fun. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he turned to face them once again, unable to contain a small smile from spreading across his face even though on the inside he felt nothing but intense pleasure and sadistic glee at their terror-stricken reactions towards him and not only that he also felt a fury swell within him, an urge to make those who wronged him pay for their actions.

" Tsk, " Despite this, he knew that his mission must come first; he had already accepted it and promised Shazam, to see it through. But the pressure of his feelings was building up inside of him like floodwaters ready to break free - and eventually he decided that nothing would be resolved until these old debts were paid off, so with new-found strength in hand, everything else will have to wait while he settles the score first. He knew this was the only way for true peace of mind - anything less wouldn't do until every debt was settled, and so.

"Well let's not disappoint them" he murmured as he drew in a deep breath and opened his mouth to proclaim his grand entrance. His voice echoed through the Colosseum as he introduced himself ... again.

"MY NAME, IS NATSUKI SUBARU!," He paused for effect, slowly turning around so everyone could take in all of him. "I AM NOT ONLY STRONG; I AM FAST, WISE, BRILLIANT...AND I HAVE BEEN CHOSEN FOR GREATNESS, I AM SOARING ABOVE YOU NOW. THE SAME PERSON WHOM YOU CONDEMNED TO DROWNING IN HIS OWN LIFEBLOOD BELOW, HOVERED HERE NOW. THE WRONGED ONE - THAT's ME - WAS THE SAME BOY WHO HEARD YOUR CHEERS AND ENCOURAGEMENT AS YOUR FAVORED KNIGHT INFLICTED EVERY INDIGNITY UPON HIM WITH SUCH SAVAGERY. AS OF THIS SHINING MOMENT, I HAVE BEEN REBORN, INVINCIBLE AND ANOINTED BY DESTINY FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE ... ALTHOUGH MY MISSION SHALL BE PROSPONED A WHILE LONGER NOT UNTIL ONE BY ONE , I WILL HOLD YOU TO ACCOUNT, YOU WHO CALLED FOR MY DEMISE – MARK MY WORDS – THERE WILL BE NO MERCY SHOWN! " He finished with a dramatic bow, as lightning and thunder tore across the sky above them - adding even more awe-inspiring drama to the scene.

He hovered in the air, his shouts echoing with a chilling reverberation while the wrathful punishment of yellow lightning curled around him like electrical snakes. Paralyzed by fear and sheer astonishment, they stayed transfixed on the scene before them - a worrisome perfection worthy of one's worst nightmares. Some stood motionless while others made involuntary sounds of terror or facially expressed their deep-seated sense of dread. The lightning grew brighter as it wrapped itself tightly around him until all that was left floating was an ominous figure from some horrific film made real right before them with no hope for escape

-But thers those who are not scared at all.

"I had a feeling that this commoner was more than he appeared".

her scarlet eyes sparkling like rubies in the brilliant light of thunder. The lightning illuminated Subaru, floating in the air. Where others shied away from it with fear and wariness, Priscilla watched with curiosity and amusement. She smiled as if this was exactly what she had expected to find here; an otherworldly spectacle that was a delight to behold.

"It seemed that whoever thou had claimed was no more than a mere servant in the end, yet he turned out to be something much greater. Isn't that right ... half-evil?"

"...hk!"

Priscilla's voice rose sharply, and her eyes flashed with playful mirth. Her gaze locked onto Emilia who was besid her, who visibly flinched at The offensive nickname. A small breath left Emilia lips as she opened her mouth to speak - but before the words could form on her tongue, another voice came from behind them both.

"She's right, Emilia. What darkness lurks behind your actions? Are you engaging us in a game of cat and mouse, where we all three are the mice enacting your whim? Is this all part of some macabre plan to display your power to manipulate others using Natsuki Subaru, as you did with the Great Spirit Of Fire, ? Or do you have deeper motivations that remain hidden from sight yet drive all that you do?"

Emilia stood motionless and speechless at the accusations thrown at her by the green-haired candidate. Her mind raced to answer each one challenge with a response, but she could find nothing; it was like being paralyzed in her own body. She felt confused and disoriented, unable to comprehend what had just happened or why such an attack had been unleashed on her so suddenly. An eternity seemed to pass before she managed any words of reply from her immobile lips - shaking with fear and confusion.

".I-I..."

but even then all that emerged were fragmented syllables of confusion as time seemed frozen until.

Anastasia threw up her hands, a silent plea for peace. "Isn't that enough?" she asked, looking around The balcony overlooking the center of the Colosseum at each condidate in turn. "She's clearly not a person capable of playing such political games, and besides," she said turning to look with the rest of them out over the floating Subaru and into open air beyond. "We have bigger problems to deal with instead of accusing each other." Her voice was like a single note of music, suspended between two chords—a tense, unresolved harmony of seriousness and fear, that was unlike the jovial and marry Anastasia they know. She spoke to the gravity of the situation they had fallen into.

The four of them remained quiet for a moment, as if time had frozen in its tracks. Then Priscilla 's laughter broke the silence, surprising Anastasia and the two others who were with her. They turned to Prisicla just as she was covering her face with a fan while still laughing heartily gazing at Anastasia.

Anastasia watched Priscilla with confusion, narrowing her eyes at the crimson-haired woman who was now in stitches of laughter. "What's so funny, Priscilla-san?" Anastasia asked

finally getting control of herself after a few moments Priscilla answered.

"Thou knight is the only one in danger, and you are the only one who should be afraid. And that is If the commoner is out for revenge, - lest this day become thou knight last. "

"..Hk!" Anastasia tensed at Priscilla's words, her composure wavering for a moment as she thought of the consequences that could befall her knight. She steeled herself against the fear and smiled, determined not to show any weakness in front of Priscilla and tried to project confidence. Her blue green eyes were bright as they met Priscilla's gaze head-on; if nothing else, she knew that they had the winning card up their sleeve should Subaru-kun go through with his revenge scheme.

"Never underestimate the power of my knight - his strength is more than any feat of arms. He wields not just physical might, but spiritual strength as well ... besides".

She spoke with determination in her voice before turning her face to the door that led out of this balcony, a vision that lit her face with unbridled expectation. Emilia Crusch and even Priscilla followed the path of her gaze and there standing guard at the exit of the room was none other than the sword saint Reinhardt van astrea, hair a fiery halo about his head and blue eyes burning with an unflinching will. He stood like a sentinel determined not to let any danger from outside pass through the doors while he watched, His eyes were determined yet filled with shame for some reason, as he scanned the horizon for any attack that could threaten them – a threat to their safety and security that he would fight ferociously to protect from harm.

"After all, We still have the Sword Saint by our side"

Anastasia announced proudly, and as his title was called, and feeling the expectant eyes of the candidates upon him. Reinhardt quickly placed his hand over his heart in a light but professional bow, hiding his expression from view. With a determined nod, he spoke.

"Yes, Anastasia-sama, Priscilla-sama, Crusch-sama and Emilia-sama. I swear on my honor as a knight that ... Subaru will not harm any soul on this colosseum while I remain here." His voice was certain; his resolve absolute as the words tumbled from his mouth like pebbles in a rushing stream. "Should he transgress and attempt to act against another's wellbeing," he continued solemnly. "I shall do whatever is necessary to intervene; be it at the cost of li-..!!

"NO!!!"

Suddenly, a strong, firm voice cut through Reinhardt's words and commanded the attention of the three Candidates and one knight. They turned to find Emilia standing in all her courage with her gaze locked on them. Eyes shone with anticipation and curiosity, while others revealed scrutiny or confusion as they took in the half-elf Emilia the girl who had been so frightened and confused only minute ago .but seemed now undaunted by their presence. She stood before them without flinching; poised for action.

"I won't stand for any more harm to be done here," she declared decisively. "Subaru has suffered enough - and been the cause of too much trouble in return. I'm determined to talk him down from this path, " her voice filled with determination as she spoke the words: Subaru would never again have to endure anything that he didn't have strength and courage enough to face – not while he is away from me, she let the last part unsaid.

Emilia's strong and fearless words elicited a range of reactions from the group. Crusch nodded her head with a satisfied smile, while Anastasia mirrored the gesture in recognition, her green-blue eyes betraying a hint of relief. Presclia—her expression unreadable—brought half her fan to cover her lower face before shifting her gaze outwards over the balcony as if disinterested in what was being discussed. Finally Reinhardt smiled with relief at Emilia's words as though he had been awaiting such a word's; he gave a quiet bow before re-straightening himself contentedly.

"As you wish, Emilia-Sama, may we now go and speak to him?" Reinhardt said with a polite smile and kindness in his voice, But after hearing his words, Emilia shook her head firmly and gave him an apologetic look. Reinhardt felt confused.

"Sorry Reinhardt-san, but this is something that I must do by myself - the burden of responsibility lies with me, and me alone." She paused for a moment before continuing solemnly. " and besides I don't think Subaru will be able to trust another person who belongs to the Knights easily or at all..."

Reinhardt's heart sank as he heard her words, for he knew they were true. He had the power and opportunity to prevent what happened but instead, out of cowardice or indecision—he couldn't decide which was right—he stood motionless on the sidelines while Julius attacked Subaru with his wooden sword. The thought filled him with revulsion; was this really a fitting reward for one who had been instrumental in finding his lady Felt and saving her? His father's words echoed in Reinhardt's ears: "You are a monster".

――am really just a monster, he thought

"Reinhardt-san?"

Reinhardt heard his name called, and slowly shook himself from the short reverie he had fallen into. Looking up, he found Crusch and Anastasia looking at him in confusion while Priscilla standing by the balcony unconcerned about what was happening inside. It was Emilia who held a worried expression; she had been calling out to him all this while without being acknowledged. He felt a sudden jolt of realization followed by an unexpected stab of guilt as he realized how careless it was on his part to be distracted and making them worry.

Bowing deeply, he voiced his contrition. "My deepest apologies for my lack of attentiveness a moment ago, Emilia-sama, Anastasia-sama, Crusch-sama and Priscilla-sama. Please allow me to assure you that it is most certainly a mistake I shall strive never to repeat again."

Crusch blinked rapidly in confusion, as she tried to form her thoughts into words. But something inside of her stilled her; as she met his eyes and gave a gentle shake of her head that seemed to soothe whatever it was that spurred her on. While Anastasia only shrugged her shoulders in a nonchalant gesture, as if to say she had no interest in the matter. She gave the others an almost imperceptible glance and said nothing before turning away without so much as a word or another look back. Priscilla continued to watch the scene out on the balcony, careless of what was happening within. And lastly Emilia, she was caught off guard by his sudden apology, her brow furrowing in confusion. She began to say something else but he beat her to it as if he had already noticed the subtle shift of her body and readied himself with a response before she could even begin. She tried to catch up mentally, forming coherent words that would explain what she was about to do or say when he spoke first.

"Emilia-sama, I urge you to approach him now, before his temper takes him down an irreversible path. We cannot allow the situation to spiral out of control. Take action and speak with him while there is still time."

He said, his voice a firm and steady like an anchor in a storm. With great care he opened the door for her, his hand gently nudging her through until their eyes met one last time. The thunder outside was deafening as if to remind them that any moment could be seized or lost with haste. It shook Emilia into action once more.

"Good luck Emilia-sama"

With a subtle nod, he stepped back and bowed once more, she nodded at him gratefully before crossing over to take an uncertain step out.

As soon as the door closed, Emilia, ran. Her feet pounded against the ground and her heart thudded in her chest. She was focused only on one thing: Subaru needed to be saved. The thunderous sound of thunder bolts seemed to dissipate around her, though she noted it, not at all; all that filled her mind's eye was a determined mission.

"Be sure, Subaru, that I won't let you hurt anyone or yourself anymore".

And so, with a single-mindedness of purpose that banished doubt and left dust in her wake, she ran. There was no time for reflection or reassurance; only the goal before her mattered now.

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Subaru descended into the burned center of the Colosseum slowly, and once on the ground he surveyed the people around him with his eyes. He could feel their fear and their confusion as he slowly moved from one to another - looking them in the eye, holding their gaze for just a second before moving on. His presence filled the air with strength and power - his eyes burned with a fierce intensity that promised death if anyone dared to do something foolish. When his gaze settled on one particular person, he smiled fiercely, flashing angry lightning sparks from within the depths of those darkly luminous eyes.

"Julius"

Subaru let out a low growl, his voice full of anger. His eyes were alight with rage and he fixed them on Julius, who stood in the gate, ready for battle. His sword was drawn and held high, his expression tense and confused as he tried to make sense of what had happened. Felix was standing behind him but Subaru paid no attention to him; all his focus was directed at Julius alone as they locked gazes across the small space separating them.

BOOOOOOOOM!!!

Subaru's face twisted with determination as he gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, the air around him crackling with electricity. Thousands of tiny sparks danced across his arm in a deadly phalanx formation, ready to strike at any moment. Julius opened and closed his mouth but the thundering roar of lightning made it impossible to hear what he was saying – not that Subaru would have cared if he had heard; there was no way on earth that Julius' words could move him from this path, not after what had been done here today. No mercy would be shown this day.

Just as Subaru was about to unleash his wrath on Julius, with an array of devastating lightning bolts.

"SUBARU!! PLEASE STOP!!"

Suddenly, a loud familiar voice shouted his name. It was not loud enough to make its way through the crashing thunder but it somehow resonated within Subaru's soul and brought him back to himself, allowing him to override the lightning charges in his arms. He looked around and spotted her standing there just a few matters away from him, watching him -her face stricken with shock and also worry but still determined. the one person who could bring a sense of calmness in this moment of chaos.

"Emilia-tan?, what are you doi-!!"

"SUBARU!, please stop this madness!" she shouted, cutting through the air and interrupting him mid-sentence. "This is not you. You have to stop before someone gets hurt!" She stepped close to Subaru as she spoke, her voice a mix of urgency and desperation. Her hands reached for his shoulders in an almost pleading gesture – the gesture was meant to calm him, and her wide eyes radiating reproach.

"..hk!"

Subaru could see in her eyes that she was sincere, and for a moment he almost softened. But then he felt a pang in his heart – she had not enquired after his physical condition, only showing concern for what he had been doing rather than how he was feeling. He bit back any dissatisfaction and forced a smile to his lips.

"Emilia-tan, this isn't a place you can be right now. How about if you-!!"

"Subaru, listen to Lia, and stop what you are doing, you are causing her troubles".

Suddenly, Subaru was met with a flash of silver: A small gray cat had appeared in front of his face interruption him in mid sentence, its body seemingly floating as it stared at him with wide and angry eyes; Subaru could almost feel its fury radiating off its little frame. It seemed he - but what was they saying?

Subaru's eyes widened in shock and his fists clenched. He felt a boiling rage within, the kind of anger he hadn't let himself feel since the mansion helish death loop. It was like a weight had been lifted from his body as all of the injustice and unfairness that he'd experienced flooded back into his mind. How dare they? He thought furiously, clenching his jaw so tight it hurt as if to stop any words or screams from tumbling out of him before he could contain them. His face remained impassive but inside turmoil brewed - hatred and disbelief that this is how they expected him to act?, despite everything that happened to him - Had it not been for Shazam's intervention, Subaru would have endured a grim and gruesome fate. His body may have survived, unblemished on the outside, but within he would surely suffer intrusive human destruction. The force of the attack could easily rob him of an eye or teeth or worse yet cause long-term brain damage that no one – not even his parents - could ever mend. He shuddered at the thought of his new identity as one whose life is irreparably impaired by incapacity and suffering in this world; an object to be pitied instead of revered!!...suddenly Subaru's thoughts come to a stop as a sudden realization dawned on him – something he had not considered before. He felt as if, since his arrival in this strange new world, he had lost something vitally important to himself: self-esteem and self-protection. What was more valuable than that? His life and name held great value to those who cared for him – his mother and father most of all - even if it meant little to the people of this world. He must learn how much these things are worth to him, so that he may properly protect them with pride.

――I came to understand that if I neglected looking after my own safety and wellbeing, nobody else would, and should something bad befall me no one would stand up for me. My name deserved its own protection -I had long taken my safety and wellbeing for granted; assuming that it was something irrelevant so long as those closest to me are safe and sound and happy it will be deemed a victory regardless of the cost of my well-being ... BUT, now I knew how wrong this assumption was. If there was anyone in my life who could protect me from harm, it would be me - no one else. And with this knowledge came the realization that if I did not take a stand for myself and ensure my own protection and justice, then no-one else would either; so prioritizing self-love became an important part of understanding how to safeguard myself going forwards. Shazam has provided me with not only great power or goal, but also with a newfound confidence in defending both body and spirit against any injustice. really, - words cannot properly express the gratitude i owed him, he thought.

"Subaru ?"

Hearing her voice, he finally calmed down as he took a deep breath and slowly shook his head to clear away his thoughts. He turned back to Emilia, trying to force back a smile though his lips quivered. She was still standing there in front of him while puck on her shoulder, She could not take her eyes off him as he deliberated, standing motionless in the middle of the colosseum. He knew fully what she wanted to hear from his lips, and though it was against all common sense, he was determined to give her just that: a resounding 'yes I will do what you want' that only a fool would utter for reasons he knew but refused to acknowledge.

His fake smile was fixed, and yet he said with careful assurance, "Okay, Emilia-tan. You win. I'm not going to kill anyone in this place...happy?" The worry did not leave her eyes as she grabbed both of his hands with a serious expression; the relief within was nevertheless clear to see through her gentle gaze into his face. Her voice still held some lingering uncertainty as he can clearly see that she seemed unsure and wary of him, still even though it was clear from her expression that she wasn't really bothered by being so close to him. But something else about her made him take notice; however, he chose not to think too deeply on it and instead kept smiling warmly at her as He looked her straight in the eyes awaiting her response. "Do you," so she said in a gentle but sometimes firm voice, "Subaru promise me that you will never hurt anyone ever?" A slight twitch distorted Subaru's smile for a moment before he slowly nodded his tone was both gentle and resolute. "Yes, I promise," he said. Then softer still, "I won't hurt anyone in front of you, Emilia-tan. You have my word." He held her hands firmly as he spoke with conviction, his expression sincere and unwavering.

Emilia gave a small sigh of relief before finally letting go of Subaru's hands and smiling back at him warmly. "Thank you," she said softly, her eyes glistening with tears of joy.

Subaru could feel the gratitude radiating from her and also puck, happily on Emilia's shoulder, smiling and nodding in agreement reassuring her. He could feel the warmth emanating from their little moment of complicity, but not just them.

Subaru also noticed a collective sigh of relief emanating from the people sitting around them in the stands, as if everyone was suddenly released from an oppressive tension. It reminded him of a flock of birds taking off in flight; that sudden release into freedom and joy after narrowly avoiding disaster. He looked around at the other spectators, as they were smiling with something like awe at their shared sense of escape from danger.

He also, watched as Julius walked over to Felix and put a comforting arm around his shoulders. As if trying to impart a feeling of reassurance and to reassure him that everything will be fine.

Subaru finally turned his eyes up and he could see two of the Candidates for the Throne, and Reinhardt looking down at Emilia with a mixture of gratitude and appreciation . But unlike the other candidates, Prisicla seemed to be a bit bored--her face was expressionless as she stared off into space as if she was unsatisfied by what happened.

Subaru surveyed the peaceful scene before him: For a moment he allowed himself to be absorbed by their joyous atmosphere. But then his mischievous mind took over. As if an evil switch had been flipped on inside of him, he envisioned transforming these smiling faces into expressions of horror and shock; a devilish grin spread across his face.