Chapter 1
"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to become a villain."
These are the words that make the multiverse spin with all kinds of possibilities. This version of our hero, Subaru Natsuki, is far more powerful than even the Seven Deadly Sun versions of the 'hero' due to this Subaru never being sent to the world of ReZero and becoming a real Demon all because of Satella opening a portal to Japan but what if instead of Satella dragging Subaru to the world, someone intervenes the Witch of Envy.
This is the story of a boy who not only ruled Japan but became a true threat that would the land of ReZero fear.
Enter Subaru Natsuki: The Control Devil.
Japan.
"I can never get enough of this wonderful scenery." Subaru Natsuki said as he drank some of his drink before turning around with his fake smile. "Don't you agree with me, Haruki?"
Subaru Natsuki, the Control Devil, asked as he stood defiantly before a group of hunters and defenders who had banded together to thwart his dark ambitions. They were determined to stop him, but Subaru's powers had grown formidable, and a sinister grin played on his lips.
One of the hunters, their leader named Haruki, struggled to move forward but had a determined glint in his eye. "It's time to end your reign of darkness, Subaru," Haruki declared, activating a forbidden ability that he had been hesitant to use.
The ground trembled as a rift to another dimension cracked open, and Subaru was forcibly drawn into it. As he disappeared, a human life was sacrificed to complete the ritual, leaving the hunters and defenders with a sense of grim satisfaction.
But Subaru's reaction was far from what they had anticipated. Instead of fear or despair, he welcomed the change with a dark chuckle. "You underestimated me, which will become your downfall. You can have Japan. Meanwhile, I'll take on a new world to rebuild in my image." Subaru taunted as the rift sealed itself closed, leaving the group bewildered until Haruki's eyes widened.
"No. No!" Haruki yelled as he coughed out more blood. As the windows began to close around them as a red light turned on.
{Self Destruction in One Minute.}
Haruki's eyes widened as he realized that Subaru played them as soon as they entered the Demon's domain. The remaining hunters were left to grapple with the realization that they had only played into Subaru's hands, setting the stage for a new chapter in the Control Devil's story, where he could build his kingdom of demons without interference in a world that had never heard of him.
The Control Devil is the one who got the last laugh.
Haruki's life flashed before his eyes as his vision was clouded by a bright light and then smoke.
Subaru continued to fall through the portal; he smiled with a sense of amusement as he looked at his domain being destroyed, thanks to not only the Future Devil but also Japan thanks to the bomb he had in place for when Subaru was 'banished' to a new world.
"Thank you, Future Devil. I have to admit that the vision you gave me, as well as your parting gift, was perfect for me." Subaru said as he smirked and recalled the conversations he had with the Future Devil and enjoyed the Devil's sense of humor.
"I can't see the end of your future, but I can tell that when the hunters try to 'banish' you to a new place, it'll be a new playground for you with those people being afraid of you."
Those were the words of the Future Devil in their last conversation until he was killed by the rebellion that had been a mild annoyance until the portal opened up as Subaru safely landed on his feet. Now, in an unfamiliar world, Subaru looked around, retaining his powers as the Control Devil.
Subaru began to speak to himself, "A new world, a fresh canvas for me to paint in my image." His voice echoed through the unknown land as he contemplated his next move, unaware of the events that had unfolded in the world of Re: Zero.
Subaru found himself in an entirely different world, his powers intact and a sinister smile on his face. He watched the people of this new land go about their lives, ignorant of his presence. Subaru's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he pondered aloud, "Who shall I manipulate to reveal the secrets of this new realm to me?"
As he contemplated his next move, a strange sensation washed over him: a connection to his old world, Japan.
With a cruel smirk, Subaru decided to enact a plan that would send a clear message to those who had tried to thwart him. He invoked the contract he had with the Bomb Devil, channeling its destructive power. His base and the hunters who had attempted to rid the world of him were enveloped in an inferno of flames, consumed by the very power they had sought to use against him.
Far away from the midst of the destruction, Subaru's voice rang out, a mocking tone lacing his words. "You thought you could outsmart me with your feeble attempt to get rid of me? Your plan was nothing more than a child's game."
He chuckled darkly, the flames reflecting in his eyes as he looked at the destruction in his world. "But you forget, I am the Control Devil. You are mere insects and pawns in my grand design. This world is mine to shape as I see fit, and all will bow before me."
With his enemies defeated and his dark ambitions reignited, Subaru Natsuki, the Control Devil, began his quest to reshape this new world into a kingdom of demons under his rule.
Subaru Natsuki then began to wander through the alleyways, hoping to gain some knowledge about this unfamiliar realm. He approached the alleyway, eager to learn more about the world before a trio of thieves, the same as those in the canon story, surrounded him, demanding his valuables.
"Give us your money, and we'll leave you alone." Dumb Thief #1 said.
"Yeah!" Dumb Thief #2 said.
"There's three of us and only one of you." Dumb Thief #3 said as Subaru, ever resourceful, lifted his finger pistol, ready to turn them into a stain that would cover the wall. However, before he could enact his technique, a small, golden blur jumped off his back and left the four of them. Subaru was surprised by this unexpected intervention until, from behind the blur, a silver-haired half-elf appeared, her presence commanding attention.
The thieves addressed Emilia, "You've got quite the nerve to wander into our territory, stranger. We don't take kindly to outsiders."
The half-elf, cautious in her expression, responded, "Who are you, and where do you come from?"
Subaru, hesitant to reveal his true identity and abilities in this new land, answered, "I'm just a traveler who got lost. My name is Subaru Natsuki. Might I know your name?"
"My name is Emilia. It's nice to meet you. Did you happen to see a thief who stole my insignia?" Emilia asked, with Subaru being confused.
"An insignia? No. I'm a newcomer, so I'm not sure how things work around here." Subaru said as Emilia nodded, believing him, before thanking him.
"Thank you. See you later!" Emilia said as Puck looked at Subaru, with eyes filled with uncertainty, while Subaru watched the two leave him alone.
He couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief. He muttered to himself, "A girl that naive somehow managed to survive in this world. Intriguing."
Subaru then decided to stick to the shadows, watching and waiting for pawns that might pique his interest to appear. In this unfamiliar world, he knew he needed to tread carefully and find the right opportunities to exert his control and seize the power he craved.
"I have my powers, but I need to make sure that I can find only the ones who have a place in the world I desire to create. That silly girl represents that kind of naïveté will only get one killed and manipulated." Subaru said as he let a smile appear on his face. "But that makes me want to turn her into my loyal little puppet. She already acts like a puppy, so she'll need to be housebroken."
Subaru then walked through the alleyways and walked toward his destination, smiling as he headed to his location.
The slums.
He knew that the slums were the kinds of places where desperate individuals often sought refuge. Emilia, with her naïveté, might not have considered this. Still, Subaru was keenly attuned to the darker aspects of society due to his power and time in Japan as the Control Devil as he built his organization and empire.
"It makes sense that homeless dogs would gather in the streets to fight for scraps of false pride and pathetic food that not even a hobo would eat," Subaru said as he narrowed his eyes at the disgusting food in the trash and the people who suffered because of the unfairness of the world towards them.
"However, I refuse to let these people become dust to the wind just because this world doesn't care for them," Subaru said as he made his way through the winding streets, following his intuition, until he arrived at a rather run-down house known as the loot house.
Inside, he found Felt and Old Man Rom, who was examining the stolen goods. Subaru entered the room, intrigued by the presence of the insignia among their loot.
Clearing his throat to gain their attention, Subaru spoke up, "I couldn't help but overhear that you've got quite a valuable item there." He gestured toward the insignia, which lay on a table. "I'm willing to make an offer for it."
Felt eyed him suspiciously, but Old Man Rom, ever the shrewd negotiator, asked, "What kind of offer are we talking about here?"
Subaru reached into a hidden pouch and withdrew a small pile of money that he had swiped from unsuspecting nobles he passed through while hiding in the alleyways. "How about this? A fair amount of coin, enough to ensure you have a comfortable life for a while."
Felt and Old Man Rom exchanged glances, silently contemplating Subaru's offer. It was clear that the insignia held significant value to Emilia, and Subaru was willing to exploit the situation to further his objectives.
Felt finally asked, "Who are you, and why do you want this insignia so badly?"
Subaru, keeping his true identity a secret, replied with his charming yet enigmatic smile, "I have my reasons, but they are not your concern. All that matters is that I can offer you a way out of here with a pocket full of coins. The choice is yours."
Felt considered Subaru's offer for Emilia's insignia, but she hesitated. She finally spoke up, "I can't make that decision on my own. You'll have to negotiate with the one who paid me to steal the insignia."
Before Subaru could respond to ask who this woman was, the door to the loot house swung open, and a woman entered. She introduced herself as Elsa Granheirt, her demeanor carrying an air of polite curiosity. "I couldn't help but overhear that you're interested in purchasing the insignia that I paid them to steal. It is quite the rarity, I must say."
Subaru, not one to be easily fooled, remained silent, his eyes watching Elsa closely. He noticed her readiness to draw her knives, and a wry smile crossed his face. He had faced countless dangerous situations in his past back in Japan, and Elsa was proving herself to be a fascinating character.
Elsa continued, feigning interest, "I do appreciate your interest, but this insignia holds a special place in my heart. It's a keepsake of sorts."
Felt and Old Man Rom were unaware of the danger lurking in Elsa's intentions, but Subaru, with his dark history, decided to play along for the moment. He leaned in slightly, studying her, and replied, "I understand the sentimental value it might hold. But I'm willing to pay a significant sum for it."
Elsa's eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement, and she continued to play her part. "It's not just about money, you see. I'd need a very good reason to part with it."
Subaru, always the cunning strategist, leaned back and said, "I suppose we'll have to find a common ground, won't we? Let's discuss this further, then."
He was willing to play this dangerous game, curious to see how far Elsa was willing to go, all the while staying silent and amused by the unfolding drama.
"You know I recognize an intelligent businesswoman like yourself. However, I can't help but wonder why you are so interested in an item that is so insignificant and hires some low-quality thief to steal it for you. It makes me think you just wanted to bring Emilia here to do something, like, say, kill her?" Subaru asked as he hid his smirk. Elsa moved her left hand towards her knife while Subaru sat across from Rom and spun around in one of the seats before making a finger pistol.
"Though I suppose it does make sense since in the slums, you have to fight for your survival and take any chance to make money to escape the slums, right?" Subaru asked as he closed his eyes and spoke in a cold tone. His eyes opened to reveal them to be a demon.
"But sometimes, a dream shall remain a dream until the one who slumbers awakens from said dream," Subaru said as he looked at Old Man Rom before speaking to him.
"So why don't I release you from your misery?" Subaru said as he made a finger gun and shot a bullet at the giant.
"Bang," Subaru said as Rom's upper body exploded, making Felt and Elsa shocked as the back of the loot house and Rom's upper half was missing. Subaru then turned to the two and smiled. Felt tried to run away from the man who killed Rom, but it was all in vain because Elsa easily caught up to her and stabbed the small thief's back, forcing Felt to collapse to the ground.
The small thief struggled to stand as Elsa walked towards her and pulled the knife out. Felt tried to crawl away from the two monsters until Elsa sliced off Felt's head.
Emilia arrived at the scene as a horrified witness to the bloody massacre. Emilia, her gentle and compassionate nature in stark contrast to the brutality before her, stared at Elsa in shock and disbelief.
Elsa, her knives stained with blood, turned to Emilia, her demeanor still carrying an air of politeness. "Well, well, what do we have here? It seems you've arrived just in time, my dear."
Subaru, hidden in the shadows, observed the unfolding tragedy, his interest piqued by the chaos that had ensued. He couldn't help but wonder how he might exploit this situation to further his dark ambitions in this new, unpredictable world.
Elsa and Emilia clashed in a fierce and magical battle, with Puck supporting her in the struggle. Their powers collided, creating a spectacle of ice and frost against Elsa's deadly precision.
As the battle raged on and the sun began to set, Puck's presence was dwindling, his time running out. He knew he had to protect Emilia until the very end. With a final, committed effort, he sacrificed the last of his strength to create a protective barrier around Emilia and was then sealed away into his crystal.
Emilia, now left on her own, fought bravely, but Elsa's relentless determination and ruthless efficiency proved to be too much. In a decisive strike, Elsa overcame Emilia, ending her life.
Subaru, hidden in the shadows, was in awe of the display of power and cruelty that Elsa had demonstrated. She had proven herself as a capable and ruthless operative, the kind of Demon that Subaru had always sought to have in his arsenal.
With the battle concluded, Elsa stood triumphant, her knives dripping with the blood of her fallen foe. She was, in Subaru's eyes, a valuable asset.
With a sinister smile on his face, Subaru emerged from the shadows and began to clap, his eyes fixed on Elsa.
"Impressive," he said, his voice laced with admiration. "You truly are a force to be reckoned with."
Elsa, still carrying her polite facade, turned to Subaru, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Thank you," she replied, "I aim to please."
Subaru stepped closer to Elsa, his interest fully piqued. "I believe we could work together quite effectively," he said. "I have a vision for this world, and I believe you could play a significant role in it."
Elsa, intrigued by Subaru's proposal, replied, "Tell me more, and I'll consider it."
Subaru leaned in closer to Elsa, his voice laced with a sinister charm as he shared his dark ambitions, "My vision is to create a new world, a world where I am the supreme being of a land where demons reign and conquer. However, as an outsider in this world, I require the assistance of people native to this land to help me achieve this."
Elsa, intrigued by Subaru's grand design, asked, "And what role do you envision for me in this world you seek to create?"
"That's simple. You are a special person who shall become part of my empire for the new world; after all, why stop at just the capital of this kingdom when we can take the whole world and rebuild it in my design?" Subaru asked as Elsa was shocked by the goal of this man before her until the teen smiled back at her and held out a hand to her.
"So, shall we make a contract?" Subaru asked as Elsa nodded; after witnessing his power and thinking he could defeat Mother, she was ecstatic at this man before she asked about the contract and how they formed it.
"That's simple. Like this." Subaru said as he had a chain pull Elsa towards him. The woman was shocked by the sudden kiss from Subaru as he groped her breasts, making Elsa moan in delight at his gentle touch. She was overwhelmed by Subaru's gentle touch before Subaru ended the kiss and smiled as an invisible chain formed between them.
"And now you'll be reborn as the Shadow Devil," Subaru said as Elsa began to feel her body transform as it was enveloped in darkness. Subaru watched in awe.
"Beautiful."
Elsa's body was no longer human as she was now dark with white eyes and armor made of shadows. She then looked at Subaru and bowed to him.
"Elsa Granheirdt, the Shadow Devil. I thank you for letting me become part of your new world." Elsa said as Subaru smiled and cupped her left cheek. Elsa leaned into it like an affectionate dog before Subaru let her go.
"Business before pleasure, Elsa. Tonight is the start of our new world that we shall build." Subaru said as he looked at the crystal of Puck and Emilia's deceased body. A sinister smile appeared on Subaru's face.
"And now a new Demon can join us," Subaru said as he looked at the cat glare at him from within the crystal before Subaru chuckled and forced the cat to leave the crystal; he was then slammed into the ground by multiple chains coming from Subaru.
"Now, little kitten, why don't we make a deal so you can save the girl?" Subaru said by showing the cat Emilia's body as Puck glared at Subaru before feeling he couldn't transform, making Subaru laugh at the cat.
"Don't bother. I'm stronger than a pathetic little cat like you, so be a good pussy and listen to my deal." Subaru said as he whispered some words into the cat's ear before Subaru pulled away with Puck glaring at him and asked.
"And you'll bring her back to life?"
"Of course. I am many things cat, but a liar I am not, so do we have a deal, or would you prefer Emilia to be gone and be alone forever? After all, Emilia is your daughter in all but blood, so I don't think she'd mind if you took her body and fulfilled her wish, yes?" Subaru asked with innocence on his face, but the spirit, seeing past it, revealed a demon smiling at him.
"And in return for letting me have Emilia's body, you want me to help you when you call upon me?" Puck asked as Subaru nodded.
"It sounds like a fair deal, no?" Subaru asked as he held a finger out. Puck hesitated for a moment but then looked at Emilia's body before sighing and shaking the finger.
"I accept," Puck said as Subaru smiled and sent the spirit into Emilia's body.
"Good choice 'Emilia'."
Subaru said as he watched Emilia's body glow in an icy blue aura until Emilia's eyes opened up as they were now like cats until they returned to normal. Emilia's wounds began to close as she stood up and looked at her hands before clenching them. She looked at Subaru, who still had a smile on his face as he spoke to the cat.
"How do you feel, Emilia?" Subaru asked as 'Emilia' looked at him and nodded.
"I feel…strange. I'm a spirit that was created, but now I feel…whole?" Emilia said as Subaru smiled at her and patted her back.
"Now you and your daughter are now one," Subaru said as he placed the insignia back in Emilia's hand, seeing it glow. "Now, good luck living your life, Emilia."
Emilia nodded as she watched Subaru and Elsa leave her alone until a pink-haired maid appeared in the alleyway.
"Lady Emilia! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Ram. Let's go home." Emilia said as she clenched her fist over the insignia and smiled as she felt the warmth from the glow.
'Don't worry, Emilia. I promise to make your dream become a reality.' Puck said in his new body as he recalls the promise he made to Emilia.
"Hey Puck. Should anything happen to me, please promise me that you'll carry out my dream. I really want to help others, so please help my dream become a reality when I die." Emilia said as Puck nodded in response.
"Of course. After all, it's a father's job to look after their child, no?" Puck said that he wasn't really interested in other people as long as Emilia was safe and happy.
But now, Puck has failed to save Emilia and is now part of her and has taken on her identity.
'I'll keep my promise, Emilia. I promise I will.' Puck said in her head as she looked at the moon. Puck's world has been changed due to a Demon that he could've stopped but didn't due to his desire to protect Emilia.
"I must say that this little girl will be a wonderful assassin for our group." Subaru said as he patted the head of Meili Portroute, who had been a bit hesitant to join his army, but thanks to Elsa 'reassuring' Meili that Subaru meant her no harm before 'changing' Meili by having her drink some of his blood.
Meili's transformation was incredible since she was no longer just a little human girl but the Beast Devil, who was now a true Beast who ruled the ones under her control.
Meili still retained a humanoid form, but her features have taken on an ethereal and feral quality. Her eyes gleam with an otherworldly intensity, reflecting her connection to the creatures she controls. Protruding from her forehead are two intricately curved horns, reminiscent of those found on mythical creatures. These horns symbolize her affiliation with the world of beasts. Her hair has transformed into a flowing mane with streaks of untamed colors, resembling the fur of various animals. The colors shift subtly, reflecting the diversity of creatures she commands.
Meili's eyes now have a cat-like appearance, with slit pupils that enhance her predatory gaze. They change color based on her emotions and the specific animals she's channeling. And finally, her hands and feet have evolved into clawed extremities, granting her increased agility and a more formidable presence. These claws are capable of both delicate manipulation and lethal strikes.
"Apologies for being so rude to you, boss," Meili said as Subaru smiled at her and reassured her.
"It's fine, Meili. I understand your fear, and I do apologize for being rough with you, but it was the only way for you to see the beauty of the gift I was offering to you so you can see the world I wish to build in my image." Subaru said as Meili smiled as she snuggled with her new boss some more until Elsa reappeared from the shadows.
"I have returned from my surveillance mission. Emilia and her servant have returned to the mansion without any trouble." Elsa said as Subaru smiled in joy, knowing that the cat knew her place.
"Excellent. Now it's time to start dealing with this 'Mother' of yours, correct? Bring me to her." Subaru said as Elsa smiled and nodded before the trio left the capital of Lugunica. The moonlight dimmed to allow the Demons to escape in the darkness.
Unfortunately, the Control Devil has begun claiming two individuals and made them even stronger as his dream to rebuild a world in his image was now in order.
"Interesting. It seems that Subaru has changed sorts that have turned him into this. I'm really excited about what will happen with this version." A silver-haired girl with blue eyes said as she giggled, imagining their first meeting.
And now the gears of fate are turning.
Scene!
Now, some are wondering about Subaru Natsuki, but this Subaru is different due to him being a lot darker and calculating like his Wrath and Pride versions. Still, this Subaru doesn't rely on Return by Death due to him not having it at all!
This Subaru is far more powerful to be able to clash with Satella and Pandora. More will be revealed about how Subaru came to be the Control Devil and just what he'll do to the world of ReZero.
Stay tuned and let me know if it should live or not.