"What a dismal reception. I have deliberately honored this establishment with my presence. The proper response would be to bow your heads to the ground and shower myself with the admiration and praise I rightfully deserve."
Her voice, sharp and piercing, sliced through the murmurs of the room. It was a tone that commanded attention, not out of respect, but out of sheer, unbridled audacity.
"Incredibly pitiful, how shameful."
The room, caught off-guard by her sudden arrival and brazen insults, had not the time to muster a response, save for one individual who had not previously crossed her path.
"Who are you? Are you with that man?"
"Hmmm?"
Turning sharply, her red eyes locked onto the source of the inquiry, ensnaring Korra in a visual embrace that was as challenging as it was chilling.
"Who are you? I was informed this would be a meeting of fools, clueless of their standings, clamoring for the throne. Predictably, they've attracted supporters equally foolish. But explain, why does a filthy commoner such as yourself dare present?"
Her words were a blend of confusion and derision, crafted to belittle those who dared to share her air.
"Isn't that a bit too much, Princess?"
A voice, muffled yet clear, emerged alongside the metallic clink of armor. A man, formidable in stature with a jet-black helmet masking his visage, stepped from the shadows to stand beside her.
"Silence, Aldebaran! I did not command you to question my actions at this moment," she snapped, her fan flicking dismissively towards the man.
He could only sigh, a soft sound drowned out by the girl's continued tirades.
"You're a little late, Lady Priscilla. How long were you planning to make me act alone? I'd heard you were supposed to arrive earlier," interjected Heinkel, his voice carrying a mix of reproof and amusement.
"You will speak and dance only as commanded, commoner. You are to dance ceaselessly until I decree otherwise, and if you falter or perish in the process, so be it. Anyone who fails to understand their role or dares to correct a supposed error of mine will meet their death."
Heinkel's grunt was soft, almost inaudible, as he turned his gaze away, unwilling to confront her further.
"Priscilla. Did you bring that guy here?" Subaru's question cut through the tense air, drawing a sharp look from Priscilla.
"Listen, commoner. Just who allowed you to dare to speak to me without the proper honorific? Even the compassionate and generous I, when faced with such a helpless person, have a limit to my patience."
"You talk as if you've never met me before."
"As a matter of fact, I've never met such a fool like you."
"Eh?" Subaru's response was tinged with disbelief. "Are you for real?"
"Hey, Princess, you remember, right?" Aldebaran attempted to jog her memory. "It'd be hard to forget a guy who showed up at the Castle and did something dumb to embarrass himself in front of so many people. It's that guy. The Princess even clutched her stomach when she had a good laugh about it."
"I have no recollection," Priscilla dismissed, her voice icy. "Firstly, Al, I would never debase myself to the point of clutching my stomach in laughter. Do not demean an august presence such as mine to that of a mere commoner. I shall not exhibit such tolerance again. Next time, I shall sever your head."
Aldebaran's sigh was one of resignation as he exchanged a weary look with Subaru, who seemed to find some humor in the ordeal.
Korra, now thoroughly confused but intrigued, whispered to Subaru, seeking clarity.
"Well, that woman is Priscilla, one of the candidates like Emilia and the others," Subaru explained quietly. "And the man beside her is Aldebaran, you could say he is Priscilla's knight."
"For some reason, my servant seems to have taken a liking to you. To Al, who spared your life… No, there is no need to thank Al. Worship my forgiveness. If you do so, I shall spare you," Priscilla concluded, her tone dripping with condescension.
"Thanks for your generosity and consideration," Subaru replied, his voice laden with sarcasm as he bowed slightly. "Then, mind answering my question?"
Priscilla's proclamation was met with an oppressive silence, the air thick with unspoken judgments. "If you are under the impression that I brought this commoner here, then you would be correct. He is here at my calling; I thought it would make an interesting sight."
"An interesting sight?" Korra's voice was low, laced with disbelief at the audacity of the woman before her.
"That is correct," Priscilla returned her gaze to Korra, her eyes sharp. "Distorted family disputes, and the joy and sadness that come from relationships. Such ugly performances are so very exciting. In fact, do you see? The Sword Saint and the Sword Demon acted rather human. Such a sight is very rare."
The word 'Priscilla!' burst from Subaru, his voice cracking the tense air like a whip. Until now, he had managed to contain his simmering anger, but her dismissive enjoyment of others' pain finally broke his restraint.
"Stop, brother," Aldebaran interjected, his hands raised in a plea for peace. "There's no meaning in having a fight here. The Princess's poor character isn't something new. Just think of it as bad luck… as bad stars, and try to let it go."
"If you know your master has a poor character, then you should be trying to lead her onto the right path by reining her in!" Subaru retorted sharply, his words echoing off the walls.
Around him, the room remained passive, a silent testament to the delicate politics at play. Subaru's outburst was a solitary wave in a sea of calculated calm. Julius and Felix, representatives of other factions, notably refrained from engagement, their eyes flicking away from the brewing storm.
Subaru found little comfort as he glanced around, his fury unabated. It was then he felt Emilia's gaze, filled with worry and pleading for restraint, and Beatrice's slight tug at his sleeve—a silent gesture of solidarity.
"I'm wondering something," Anastasia's voice cut smoothly through the tension, her tone light yet carrying an undercurrent of steel. "Even though I didn't send you an invite, how did you come to learn of this meeting?"
Priscilla, who had been turning to leave, paused, the bait of confrontation too tempting to resist. "After all, a child running their mouth shouldn't be allowed to run free."
"Don't talk to me with that affectation, my ears are decaying! I am more than capable of keeping up with a quick-thinking fox."
"Oh my. Could it be that you're neglecting to mock me as a commoner?"
"If you have yet to see what you should have, then that level of ignorance places you in the same category as all of those other fools. Could it be that you are foolish enough as to want me to overlook you?"
The verbal spar between the two candidates was like a duel, each phrase a strike, parrying and thrusting with words instead of blades, exposing the deep rifts between their philosophies and ambitions.
Anastasia, her fingers caressing the fabric of her scarf, remarked softly, "Leaked information is quite worrying, you know."
"Anything that reaches someone else's ear has been leaked from a mouth lacking caution. And the more one learns, the more holes that can be found; this is self-evident. You are not the only one who observes and listens to others," Priscilla retorted, her tone dismissive yet pointed.
"A flying insect buzzes near my ear. But what can I do without knowing its location? I would have to catch the insect using my eyes and ears, which is precisely what I have done. Of course, the same holds true for you."
The conversation, a labyrinth of implications and veiled threats, continued until a seemingly trivial voice shifted the focus.
"That guy is Reinhard's father, yeah?" Felt chimed in, her voice indifferent, her face smeared with the remnants of her meal. She met Priscilla's glare with the defiance of a streetwise cat.
"After all, I've had some experiences at the Castle, so I caught what was going on from the conversation. I'm not really interested in this guy's family relations. Only, if Reinhard and the mister are together, that's different," she continued nonchalantly.
"Ho? And what did the little girl from the slums notice?"
"I don't really care about him, I'm not unrelated to him. The lands of the House of Astrea are in fact a lifeline for us. Except this guy hasn't actually given Reinhard the lands. The power of the family is still in the hands of that madman."
Reinhard, upon hearing his family's affairs laid bare in such a blunt manner, could not help but tense visibly, his expression hardening slightly as if the words had physically struck him.
Heinkel's voice rang with a haughty and unyielding tone. "Heh. Looks like you've finally realized the seriousness of the situation, idiot," he sneered, his face a mask of arrogance and misplaced pride. "I remain the sovereign head of the Astrea Family. The mantle has not, nor will it soon pass to Reinhard. After all, the burdensome intricacies of governance should not weigh down the shoulders of our esteemed Sword Saint."
Felt's reply came sharp and scathing. "A family head in name only," she retorted disdainfully. "You should be ashamed. Upon our visit to the Astrea domains, we found but a skeleton crew of civil servants and maids, their eyes red and weary, holding the fort. Now that we've begun restoration, you presume to reclaim the helm?"
Heinkel's countenance remained unchanged, a grin plastered across his visage as he declared, "Even as a figurehead, even accused of neglect, the crown of leadership remains rightfully mine. Have you not seen the improvements to my lands? The people are surely rejoicing under my rule, their love so overwhelming it moves me to tears."
The atmosphere in the room thickened with disdain for his contemptible display. His words, toxic and self-serving, seemed to drench him in an invisible storm of loathing, yet his joy appeared unscathed.
The madness of his delusions was now starkly evident to all present.
"Your fears are justified, master of Reinhard. The Astrea lands belong to me, and your support I shall not have. It's clear who has my backing!" With a grand gesture towards Priscilla, his allegiances were unmistakably declared.
"I've borne witness to your accomplishments over the past year," he continued, his voice swelling with a feigned magnanimity. "While I acknowledge their significance, the time has come for you to relinquish them. Understand this, and do so swiftly."
As anger seethed within the gathered crowd, a sudden interjection cut through the mounting tension.
"Hey, commoner," Priscilla's voice pierced the turmoil.
"Ahh? What is it, Lady Priscilla? I'm occupied with matters of—"
"Shut up."
The moment her command fell silent, Priscilla thrust her fan forward with a force that belied its delicate appearance. The fan snapped open, unleashing a fierce gust that sent Heinkel tumbling to the ground with a thud.
"Airbending?" whispered Jinora, a note of disbelief in her tone.
Heinkel lay sprawled, unconscious, his eyes rolled back in defeat. But Priscilla's fury was not quenched. With a fluid motion, she kicked him into the air, catching him deftly by the arm.
"Princess, please! Cease your wrath, lest you end his life!" Al's plea came just in time, halting her raised fist.
As Priscilla turned to face her helmeted servant, the other spectators—Korra, Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo—stood in shocked silence. Yet the drama unfolded further when a sword, shimmering with a crimson hue and engraved with flame-like waves, materialized in Priscilla's grip.
Al cautiously eased her grip loose. "Really, spare me. Drawing your Yang Sword in such circumstances is quite unnecessary—" His words were abruptly cut off as Priscilla slapped him hard across the abdomen, eliciting a pained grunt.
"That was exceedingly rude, Al. Who gave you leave to lay hands upon my flawless skin?" Priscilla's voice was icy, her disdain palpable as she glanced down at Heinkel, who was now writhing on the ground. "Though perhaps, there is merit in your caution. It would indeed be excessive to end his life."
"Then I hope you'll be gentler with me in the fut—GAH!" Al was struck again, mid-sentence, by a furious Priscilla.
"Hey!" Korra's voice echoed in the chamber, her tone laced with indignation. "Why are you being so harsh with him?"
"Ho? What I do with my servant is none of your concern, commoner. Or perhaps you too wish to experience my ire?" Priscilla's blood-red eyes glinted menacingly, a clear threat to anyone who dared cross her path further.
"Princess, please, no more scenes," Aldebaran implored urgently. "Sis, don't provoke her further."
"Silence! I am not a demon," she declared, her gaze cutting toward Al, who still lay sprawled on the floor. Her voice softened into a mocking coo. "I shall allow you the honor of licking my feet later as a reward."
Al's face contorted in protest, his voice a mix of indignation and embarrassment. "Don't put it like I get turned on by that!? It'll lead to misunderstandings!"
It was Aldebaran's timely intervention that seemed to divert Priscilla's wrath away from escalating further. With a flick of her wrist, she snapped her fingers commandingly.
"Schult," she called sharply, and from the shadows of the hall, a figure emerged. "Remove this commoner from our midst. Though lackluster, he proves a worthwhile recruit. Given the effort of his induction, it would be folly to cast him aside so soon."
"Yes, Miss Priscilla," came the reply, soft and deferential.
The newcomer, Schult, had pink fluffy curls and a slim build, his delicate features easily mistaken for those of a young woman. His voice, still untouched by the deepening of maturity, only added to his youthful appearance. Dressed in a butler's uniform, the boy seemed almost out of place in such grand machinations, his presence unsettling yet pitiable.
He was young, possibly the same age as Beatrice, if not younger. Schult approached Heinkel, who lay unconscious, and with a solemn respect that belied his slight frame, he began dragging him by the feet toward the exit. The task was clearly mismatched to his strength, but no complaint crossed his lips.
With Heinkel removed, the chamber's atmosphere shifted, leaving behind those entangled in the Royal Selection, including Korra and her young companions from the airbender family.
"So, what's the plan for him?" Felt demanded, her tone sharp, seeking clarity. "Do you intend to push us out of Astrea territory to weaken our position?"
Priscilla's response was dismissive, her confidence unshaken. "You need not weigh the words of a mere commoner so heavily," she scoffed. "Should the lord choose to exile you, who truly would follow such a command? Our people, simple though they may be, are not devoid of heart. They do not forget acts of kindness. Stir the waters too vigorously, and a wave will surely return to greet you. He lacks the strength to raise even a ripple."
"And why invite him here?" Felt pressed, seeking to understand the earlier motives.
Priscilla's lips curved in a smirk, her amusement clear. "Has it not already been made plain? I found the situation amusing. Everything I desire will inevitably fall into my grasp; that is the certainty of my existence. My path alters only with my whims, and it is I who set its course. I brought him here merely as a diversion, a trifle to entertain."
Her declaration was bold, an audacious testament to her belief in her own unassailable position. The challenge was clear: submit or dare to meet her head-on.
The other candidates returned her stare with a silent, steadfast resolve, their eyes unblinking, defiant. Priscilla's laughter rang out, rich and exuberant.
"Excellent!" she exclaimed, her delight palpable. "Though the outcome is foreordained, the journey promises to be replete with exhilarating challenges. You all stand apart from the ordinary, and once you prove yourselves as worthy adversaries, I shall engage you with all the strength at my disposal."
Felt's voice rose, fierce and unyielding, embodying the collective determination of the room. "I'll make sure you cry and regret that arrogance."
Subaru's sigh reverberated through the crisp air, a sound of resignation amidst the tranquil murmur of the fountain beside which he sat.
"What a joke."
Korra and the young airbenders, their expressions marked by a mix of contemplation and fatigue, shared the space, forming a makeshift circle of solace away from the earlier tensions.
Priscilla's departure from the hotel, alongside Al, marked the end of a spectacle that had unsettled the natural order, reflecting her innately disruptive and self-serving character. Her presence had cast long shadows over the dinner that resumed in the tearoom—a meal muted by the undercurrents of what had transpired, touching everyone, particularly Reinhard and Wilhelm. Their pain, though deeply personal and hidden behind stoic facades, hinted at the depths of the unresolved issues that lingered between them, postponing the hoped-for reconciliation.
"How could that be? That'd really be a coincidence among coincidences," Subaru mused aloud, his thoughts wandering to the composure of the breakfast attendees, contrasting sharply with the potential chaos that could have erupted had Garfiel been present. The thought of Garfiel's volatile temper in the mix was enough to paint a vivid picture of conflict and regret.
With the meal concluded, Otto had taken his leave for the Muse Chamber of Commerce, while Emilia and Beatrice retreated briefly to their rooms, preparing for the day ahead. Left to his own devices, Subaru found himself gravitating towards the open air, seeking solace in movement but finding only the discomfort in his shoe as a reminder of his inner turmoil.
"Those people were really annoying!" Meelo burst out, his youthful indignation unfettered. "If there had been a fight between us and them, I would have made them regret it."
"Meelo, airbending is not for violence," Jinora reminded him gently, her voice a calming balm. "I understand they were frustrating, but from what I gathered, none of them were just ordinary people."
Korra nodded in agreement, her earlier anger tempered by reflection. "True. Even though I was angry earlier, picking fights with those people would've been like digging our own graves."
"Well," Subaru sighed again, his voice tinged with a melancholy that seemed to deepen with his next words. "Even when I die, no one buries me."
His cryptic remark hung in the air, leaving Korra and her friends with furrowed brows and puzzled looks.
"I don't understand what you mean," Korra admitted, her confusion clear. "Are you talking about people here when they die?"
"No, not like that, obviously," Subaru dismissed with a wave of his hand, his gaze drifting away as if chasing his thoughts. "Forget it, don't take it seriously."
The conversation shifted, with Korra seizing the moment to delve into more pressing concerns. "In that case, I want to ask about, you know, our current situation," she said, drawing Subaru's attention back to the group. "Can we really not go back?"
"It's... Probably hard to hear, but..." Subaru's words faltered as he faced their hopeful eyes. "As far as I know, there's no way."
The weight of their predicament settled over them, a heavy silence enveloping the group as each person grappled with the reality of their situation—trapped in a foreign world with no apparent route home.
"Aldebaran, that helmet guy, he's been here much longer than me," he noted. "Also, the founder of Kararagi, Hoshin. I theorize that he wasn't originally from this world either. He's been dead for a long time, though."
Subaru's last words fell heavily among them, casting a pall that was almost palpable. The possibility that they, like Hoshin, might have to carve out existences in this strange new world loomed large, a challenge that seemed as daunting as it was inevitable.
A silence ensued, fraught with the gravity of their stranding, the air thick as if with fog, settling oppressively around each member of the group.
At the heart of their collective dismay was Korra, who seemed the most shattered. The specter of her greatest fear, conjured just the previous night—that a return might remain forever elusive—had now solidified into a despairing certainty.
Beside her, Meelo stood uncharacteristically subdued. The boy, usually a fount of irrepressible energy, now seemed weighed down by the grim reality of their plight. Nearby, Ikki, ever attuned to the subtle ebbs and flows of group dynamics, edged closer to her brother. Her expression, typically lively and curious, was now etched with concern.
"We're... really stuck here, aren't we?" Ikki's voice, breaking slightly, echoed the tremor of realization that had seized her usual fortitude.
"Indeed," Subaru responded, his nod slow, deliberate. "The only choice is to adapt and try to live a normal life here."
His words were meant to reassure, yet they hung in the air like a dirge for their former lives. The realization of their severance from everything familiar—their world, their loved ones—struck a keen blow. Korra, feeling a surge of responsibility not only for her own fate but for everyone's, visibly trembled under the burden.
Jinora, noticing Korra's distress, moved to her side and embraced her gently. She remembered her own role the previous night, comforting Korra against the storm of her worries.
"Rest assured, Korra, we're not alone in this," Jinora murmured soothingly. "Is there truly no path back, Subaru?"
"Well, as I mentioned yesterday," Subaru began, his tone reflective, "if there is a way, it remains unknown to me—and seemingly to anyone else who has found themselves ensnared here."
"So, you're saying there's still a chance?" Jinora pressed, seeking even a sliver of hope.
Subaru scratched his head, a gesture of his uncertainty. "If we speak of possibilities, then yes, there remains a possibility," he conceded. "I understand what it's like to suddenly be severed from those you cherish. But for now, you must accept the situation."
As he spoke of his distant connections in Japan, Korra, spurred by a surge of defiance, seized his collar.
"Accept it!? How can you say that!?" she burst out, her voice thick with emotion. "Do you have any idea what happens in my absence!?"
"W-well, no," Subaru stammered, taken aback. "I don't know your past or your importance. Does everything fall apart without you?"
"Yes! Without me, chaos will reign!" Korra's response was fervent, her anguish palpable.
"You're exaggerating. What are you, the president of United State?" Subaru's attempt at lightening the mood fell flat.
"Korra! Don't let your emotions overtake you," Jinora intervened, her grip firm but gentle. "Calm down."
"Calm!?" Korra's reply was almost a cry. "How can I stay calm, hearing this?"
"I know how hard this is," Jinora soothed, her voice a balm. "We all feel it. But we need to steady ourselves. Subaru knows as little about us as we do about him and this place."
Korra paused, her storm of emotions momentarily quieted. She closed her eyes, drew a deep, steadying breath, and slowly released Subaru's collar.
"Sorry, I got carried away," she apologized, her voice softer now.
"It's okay. I understand," Subaru replied, attempting to inject some levity. "Though I thought you might choke the life out of me, haha."
His joke about death, though intended to ease the tension, was met with uneasy glances—a stark reminder of the stakes for Korra, whose own brushes with mortality were no laughing matter.
Subaru's eyes flicked between Korra and Jinora. "So, why is it so crucial for you to return? Explain it to me."
"In our world, there exists a being known as the Avatar," Jinora began, ready to bridge the gulf of understanding between them.
"I heard that term when Korra exploded yesterday," Subaru recalled. "So, what is this Avatar? Is it truly that significant?"
"The Avatar is a title given to people who have the ability to bend elements," Jinora began, her voice a gentle murmur that seemed to weave the fabric of the world around them tighter. "People usually can only bend one element, while the Avatar can control them all. Starting from earth, water, air, and fire."
Subaru listened, as Jinora continued, "Korra in this case is the reincarnation of the previous Avatar. Since the first Avatar, they have continuously reincarnated with the same goal; to bring balance to the world and maintain peace."
Subaru, his eyes wide with the wonder of a child hearing tales of myth and legend, finally spoke, breaking the spell of Jinora's words. "Damn, sorry about that. I didn't know you were that important."
Korra, her gaze softening, replied with a light laugh, "It's okay, I'm sorry too. I got carried away for a moment."
"Yeah, now I get it. So, your ability is like Roswaal's but with responsibilities like Reinhard, huh? Wow, why am I the only one not blessed with fate here?"
The air thrummed with a new curiosity as Ikki interjected, a note of surprise in his tone, "Eh? Is there someone like Korra here too? Do you know him?"
"Personally. he is Emilia's sponsor, who nominated her as a candidate," Subaru explained.
"Wow! Isn't that amazing? Now there are two people who can use multiple elements at once!" Meelo exclaimed, his voice bubbling with excitement.
"Well, wasn't that almost happened? Dark Avatar, you remember?" Ikki's question hung in the air like a shadow.
"Oh, I almost forgot about that." The moment passed, leaving Ikki to palm her face at Meelo's response.
The conversation drifted as Korra redirected it with a hint of urgency, "Anyway, about this Roswaal—where is he? He wasn't at the banquet earlier."
"Yup, 100% correct. He didn't attend for some reason, and I also think I wouldn't last long near him," Subaru mused, his tone tinged with a mysterious darkness.
"Huh? Why?" Korra queried, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"Personal issues, that's all," Subaru replied, his words laced with an unspoken tension.
Curiosity piqued, Subaru leaned forward, the flickering lights of the city casting playful shadows across his features. "Oh yeah, can I see this 'bending' you keep saying? I'm not familiar with that term," he asked Korra.
"Sure," she responded, rising to the occasion. With a graceful motion, she extended her left hand, summoning a small flame with an effortless flick. "This is firebending."
"Wow, without spelling too? That's awesome!" Subaru exclaimed, admiration clear in his voice.
"Spelling?" Korra paused, exchanging glances with her companions before turning back to Subaru. "What do you mean?"
"You know, for a person to use magic, they need to spell it, most of the time though," Subaru explained, his voice a blend of awe and curiosity.
"Huh, that's weird," Jinora chimed in, her tone thoughtful.
"Can we learn magic too?" Meelo piped up, his young voice eager.
"Oh, now that you said it, I want to learn it too!" Ikki added, her excitement palpable.
"Well, that's a topic for another time, I guess. For now, let me see this bending first," Subaru concluded, a gentle letdown for the eager youths.
"Now, this is airbending." Korra's words were a soft prelude to the small tornado that she conjured in her palm, which had just moments before radiated fire.
"And, here is waterbending." Once again, Subaru watched in amazement as Korra manipulated the water in a nearby pool, coaxing it into a swirling dance before him.
"I wonder if Emilia-tan could do that," Subaru murmured, his thoughts drifting to another powerful figure.
As Korra restored the water to its rightful place, she turned back to Subaru, who nodded in satisfaction. "Yup, I think I've seen enough."
"Don't you want to see earthbending?" Korra inquired, a puzzled note in her voice.
"No need, I already have an idea from what you showed earlier," Subaru explained. "It's a bit different from magic, but similar."
"Is that so?" Korra's voice held a mix of curiosity and challenge, an echo of the tales spun by elders around ancient campfires.
"Can we see magic?" Ikki pleaded, her eyes alight with the boundless enthusiasm of youth. "Please, please, please."
"Well, if Beako were here, maybe. But since she's not, I can't," Subaru responded, his tone a mix of apology and regret.
"Huh? Why?" Ikki's confusion was palpable, her brow furrowed in puzzlement.
"Allow me then," came a dignified voice, drawing their gazes like a beacon in the dark. Julius Juukulius stepped into the light, his presence commanding yet benevolent. He smiled and bowed slightly, acknowledging his audience with the respect of a knight.
"Oh, if it's not the finest knight in the kingdom," Subaru's words dripped with a mix of jest and genuine respect, or not.
"I will accept the compliment, Natsuki Subaru," Julius responded, his voice smooth, the undercurrents of longstanding camaraderie and rivalry mingling in the air.
"Hah," Subaru sighed, a sound that seemed to carry both resignation and amusement. "What brings you here, Julius? Don't you see I'm busy here?"
"Is that so?" Julius's eyebrow arched, a silent challenge. "I wanted to show them magic. If I'm disrupting your time, I should take my leave."
"Oi, oi, I was just kidding. Don't take it seriously," Subaru quickly interjected, stopping Julius in his tracks.
"Oh, so I can stay here? Thank you."
Subaru could only grumble inwardly, while Julius smiled, seemingly satisfied with what he had just done.
"Would you like to show us magic, Mister Julius?" Ikki asked, to which Julius nodded. "Really? Show it, show it!"
Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Julius, ever the performer, did not disappoint.
When Julius extended his palm, six small orbs of light—red, blue, green, yellow, white, and black—materialized, spinning gracefully, their dance mesmerizing.
"Woah!" Meelo couldn't contain his excitement, his young voice filled with wonder.
"Is this magic?" he asked, pointing at the dazzling display.
"No, they're spirits, quasi-spirits to be precise," Julius clarified, his tone gentle, as if introducing shy friends.
Jinora, witnessing this spectacle, felt a surge of excitement. Though these spirits differed from those she knew.
"Hmmm," Julius mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Iku said that some of you have a high spirit affinity."
"What does that mean?" Korra's voice was tinged with curiosity, her eyes reflecting a keen interest in understanding this new aspect.
"Oh, so you guys don't know?" Julius chimed in, his tone a mix of surprise and intrigue.
"Hmmm," Jinora echoed, her hand to her chin in thought. "Does that mean someone who has a connection with spirits?"
"Correct," Julius affirmed with a nod.
"Well, isn't that just me?" Subaru said, a playful smirk playing across his lips. "They already know me, don't they?"
"Well, that's true. But for this one, it's not directed towards you, Subaru," Julius explained, his gaze shifting to Jinora, who stood slightly taken aback by the revelation.
Julius's eyes met Jinora's, who, despite her surprise, seemed ready to embrace this newfound recognition of her connection to spirits.
"What about me?" Korra interjected, her voice carrying a mix of hope and expectation. "I should also have a high affinity, right?"
Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo nodded in agreement, their faces lit by the soft glow of the quasi-spirits.
"Yeah, you're The Avatar after all," Jinora affirmed.
"I don't understand what you guys mean by this Avatar, but indeed. You also have a high spirit affinity," Julius said, turning to address Korra directly, his eyes thoughtful as he observed the reactions of his spirits.
"But for some reason, they seem to be afraid of you," he added, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity.
Korra furrowed her brow, the oddity of the situation settling around her like a thick fog. "That's... Kinda weird," she mumbled, her voice echoing slightly in the grand, open space they had gathered.
Nearby, the young airbenders, expressions equally puzzled, murmured in agreement, "uh huh."
Julius, a figure of calm amidst their confusion, nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed," he intoned, his gaze sweeping over the group with an appraising eye. "I'd like to discuss the matter more, but I think you all want to see magic, correct?"
Excitement flared instantly in the eyes of Ikki and Meelo, who exclaimed in unison, "Yeah!"
"Since we're in a place like this, I doubt I can conjure everything," Julius continued, his tone casual as if discussing the weather rather than the arcane. "So I'll just show a few."
With a flourish, Julius summoned a fireball into his hand, mirroring Korra's own abilities but with an effortless flair that made it distinctly his own. Then, as if to underscore his mastery, he conjured several ice crystals above his head, materializing from thin air. The display drew gasps from the group; Korra, accustomed to needing a source of water to manipulate ice, watched in amazement. Magic, it seemed, played by different rules.
"You can use different types of bend- I mean, magic?" Korra asked, her words tinged with a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
"Yes, thanks to my spirits. But previously I just used fire magic. Or, to be precise, La; my spirit was the one casting them," Julius explained, his voice warm with the fondness for his unseen helper.
"Fire magic? But didn't you just create fire and ice earlier?" Korra's confusion was evident, her brow furrowing deeper.
"Yes, that's fire magic. I guess you don't really know about magic, huh?" Julius's smile was tinged with gentle amusement, not unkind, but pointed.
Korra and her friends exchanged glances, a silent consensus of their shared ignorance. They shrugged in unison, a gesture of resignation to their learning curve.
"Well, let me explain it for all of you," Subaru interjected, stepping forward with a readiness to educate.
He delineated the six elements of magic: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Yin, and Yang. Each element, he explained, had a specific domain—Fire governed temperature, Water life and healing, Wind the external forces, Earth the internal, Yin the debuffs, and Yang the buffs. It was a tapestry of power, woven intricately and far more complex than they had imagined.
"And what is your element, Subaru?" Korra inquired, her interest piqued.
"Me? Mine is Yin," Subaru replied, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"Huh, so you're capable of making someone weaker, huh?" Korra remarked, a touch of respect threading through her words.
"Well, because of Beatrice, I know that Yin magic isn't always for that," Subaru replied thoughtfully. "I hope she's here, though."
The conversation shifted, the absence of Emilia and Beatrice hanging in the air like a silent question. "Now you said it, where are Emilia-sama and Beatrice-sama? It's quite unusual," Julius voiced the concern, his expression one of mild curiosity.
"They're not children," Subaru responded with a cross of his arms, his tone defensive yet proud. "They're at the age when they want some private time, and I have the decency to respect that right. I've set up a time and place for a date later."
Julius, catching the implications, offered a taunt wrapped in a compliment. "Although I am unfamiliar with some of the phrases you used, it seems that even you have learned to better understand the thoughts of others," he said, his voice smooth, hinting at mockery but softened perhaps by the company.
Subaru clenched his fists, his patience thinning. "Ugh, you!"
Realizing perhaps that his mockery might have strayed too far, Julius shook his head slightly. "Apologies. If you were truly incapable of being considerate of others, you would not have been able to denounce the Deputy Commander with such anger in front of everyone. I should offer you my gratitude."
"And to this lady too," Julius turned to Korra, his gesture one of genuine respect though his tone still carried a trace of his characteristic taunt.
"That sounds like a thanks, so please don't give me one," Subaru shook his head, dismissing the need for gratitude.
"Don't thank me," Korra echoed, her voice firm. "I was just annoyed with their behavior."
"It was precisely because of your attitude that others could calm down, even myself included. Both of your reactions were helpful, it seems," Julius conceded, his tone softened by the admission.
It was clear that the interplay of their different temperaments had somehow led to a better understanding, or at least a mutual respect amongst them.
Subaru's expression lightened slightly, recognizing the shift in Julius's demeanor. "Hey, Julius, are you toning down your mockery because Korra's here? You don't want to offend her, do you?" he prodded, a playful edge to his voice that sought to test the boundaries of their newfound camaraderie.
"Is that so? If that's the case, perhaps it's because I haven't gotten to know this lady personally," he mused, his eyes settling on Korra with a thoughtful intensity. "Korra, right?"
"I am," Korra confirmed with a nod.
Julius's expression morphed into one of contemplation, as if he were piecing together a puzzle in his mind. "For some reason, I'm not surprised by your behavior earlier, miss. Is it because you're acquainted with Subaru here? Not Emilia?"
Subaru's frustration bubbled to the surface, his words tinged with accusation. "You! You weren't planning to praise me from the start, were you?" he grumbled. His voice lowered, reflecting a moment of self-reflection. "I know. I should be calmer and more collected to be like a Knight. Even holding the position of Knight, I'm aware I still cannot consciously keep a cool head."
The air seemed to thicken with Subaru's admission, and Korra felt the weight of his words press against her own experiences. She too held the position of an Avatar and had undergone extensive training, both physical and spiritual, yet she still couldn't keep a cool head in times of stress.
"That is correct," Julius replied, his voice steady yet filled with an unspoken understanding. "Indeed, from a knightly perspective, your behavior was by no means commendable. However..."
His voice trailed off, and he took a step forward, causing a collective intake of breath from the onlookers. The room fell into a tense silence, watching Julius's next move.
"What are you doing?" Subaru asked, his confusion palpable in the thick air.
"It is as you can see," Julius responded calmly.
"All I can see is you bowing at me!"
"Not just for you, also for Korra."
This gesture was unlike anything expected of Julius; it was not a Knight's courtesy, nor a ceremonious ritual. It was devoid of any formal inspiration, a pure act of respect that disregarded status or expectation—a departure from Julius's usual demeanor.
Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo, who had been observing silently, exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of confusion and awe.
"Thank you. Thank you both for showing the indignation that I could not," Julius expressed, his voice carrying a warmth that resonated within the cool stone walls.
"I have no idea what you're talking about at all," Subaru replied, his tone a mix of annoyance and bewilderment.
"I think this is too much," Korra added, unsure of how to interpret Julius's actions.
"Valuing the honor of a Knight means that, no matter the occasion, you must act with virtue," Julius maintained, his tone resolute. "Caught between my Knighthood and my emotions, I quickly repressed my anger. However, seeing the passionate rebuttals, I felt ashamed of myself. So I wish to thank both of you."
Subaru, still puzzled, finally grasped the sincerity behind Julius's words. "Thanking us for being angry on your behalf, huh."
Subaru exhaled, a sound of realization escaping him, and Julius finally raised his head, meeting Subaru's gaze with an openness rarely shown. "What a stupid thing to say. Really, stop kidding around!"
"Stop kidding around, huh?" Julius echoed thoughtfully.
"Of course. Why would I be angry in your place? I was angry purely because I'd personally been ticked off, right, Korra?" Korra nodded in agreement, the absurdity of the situation not lost on her. "I could never do something as clever as express someone else's anger."
Subaru voiced his frustrations, his words cloaked in the weight of genuine misunderstanding. He stood alongside Korra, both outsiders to this tangled web of pride and protocol that seemed only to frustrate them further. Their shared indignation was not borne of duty or allegiance but a visceral response to the sanctity they felt had been violated.
"If you were angry, why didn't you say something? I couldn't have calmly dealt with the old man alone, but if you'd been backing me up then we might have phased him."
Julius, cloaked in the unyielding mantle of his station, replied with a restrained calmness. "No matter what, he is still the Deputy Commander of the Royal Guards. It would be fairly troublesome if I made an enemy of a commanding officer."
Subaru exhaled sharply, a gust of frustration. "Don't be so narrow-minded. You're always preoccupied with behaving like a knight, adopting a knight's demeanor, and so forth. Is even your heart sheathed in a knight's armor?"
Julius stood silent, the weight of the accusation hanging between them. Subaru, hands planted firmly on his hips, seemed to both challenge and dismiss the knight's gratitude.
"Even my heart is sheathed in a knight's armor? That's quite harsh, Subaru."
Subaru's own words lingered, edged and raw. "Though I think my phrasing was quite cool and artistic, just disregard it. I was only joking."
"No, I will take it to heart," Julius responded, his voice threaded with unexpected gratitude. "I'm grateful to be learning from you—a scenario I never imagined possible a year ago."
Subaru's thoughts drifted to darker memories, to the confrontation that had left more than just physical scars. "That uncomfortable chapter might be closed, but I still have nightmares about it," he confessed, a rare vulnerability in his voice.
Julius's expression softened, a rare concession to their shared history. "If it's within my power, I'd prefer this not to continue. The thought of encountering you in my dreams each night is unpleasant."
"That's rich, coming from the one at fault. Don't you think I'd rather dream of sweet moments with Emilia-tan?"
Korra and her companions could not mask their distaste, their faces a chorus of disapproval.
"Eh? No, no," Subaru stammered, waving his hands defensively. "Don't get the wrong idea! I'm not thinking anything inappropriate."
Amidst the tension, Julius's laughter broke through, resonating with an ease that seemed to momentarily bridge the chasm between them. Subaru responded not with words, but a low, irritable growl.
"Don't laugh after praising me! Take a damn look at yourself!"
Julius managed to suppress his amusement, his demeanor shifting towards reflection. "Anastasia-sama is a lovely woman. There is no greater honor than serving her, even at a distance. Naturally, I am very content with my role."
Subaru sighed, a sound of relief mingling with resignation. He cleared his throat, pivoting the conversation away from their personal grievances.
"About that bearded old man… he said he was the Deputy Commander or something, is that true?"
"Oh yeah, I wonder about that too," Korra mused, her skepticism evident. "He doesn't seem like someone who would hold such a high position."
"Right?" Subaru nodded, his agreement laced with disdain. "Even mercenaries have more ethics than him."
"Doubts are understandable, but it's indeed true," Julius chimed in, his tone carrying a thread of resignation. "That man is Heinkel Astrea himself, the Deputy Commander of the Royal Guards of the Kingdom of Lugunica."
"What the fuck?! Are they messed up in the head?!" Subaru blurted out, his astonishment bordering on outrage.
"None of the Royal Guards or other squires can question the qualifications of the Deputy Commander. In fact, the title of Deputy Commander is more like a decoration, and no one has seen him perform his duties as of yet," Julius elaborated with a shake of his head, his voice tinged with a hint of sarcasm.
Subaru's mind painted a vivid picture of a high official basking in accolades without bearing the weight of responsibility—a caricature of the privileged elite, epitomized by Heinkel's well-known incompetence.
"Could it be that he's exploiting his status as the Sword Saint's father?"
"Subaru, I think such talk is inappropriate in front of Korra and her friends," Julius cautioned, casting a wary glance towards the younger audience.
"Ah, geez," Subaru muttered, realizing the delicacy of their conversation, particularly since Julius wasn't privy to Korra and the others' unique background. "Sorry, Korra, I need to step aside for a moment with Julius."
"That's okay," Korra replied with a nod. "Go on."
"Come on, Julius."
After a respectful bow, Julius followed Subaru, who had now created a physical and conversational distance from Korra and her friends. Their discussion was evidently veering into territories not meant for open ears.
"So, what are we gonna do now?" Meelo pondered aloud.
"Wait for Subaru, I guess?" Korra answered, her tone uncertain. "I mean, I don't really know. I'm still confused."
Despite their earlier expressions of shock, everyone present was clearly mired in confusion about their current predicament. Here, Korra felt unable to fulfill her responsibilities, while the young airbenders faced an indefinite separation from their families.
"I want to see mom and dad," Ikki whispered, her voice carrying a longing for the familiar.
"Yeah," Jinora echoed. "We should have been able to meet them yesterday, but now we can't see them for who knows how long."
"Yeah, I miss them too," Meelo added somberly. "It's a nice adventure, but if we can't go home, I don't want it."
Korra's heart sank as she listened to her friends express their sadness. She struggled to find the words to comfort them, her own spirits faltering.
"Everyone, I am sorry," Korra suddenly declared, her apology breaking the somber mood and drawing surprised looks from the airbenders.
"It's all because of me," she continued, her voice filled with guilt. "If I hadn't run away, you wouldn't have had to search for me. Because you were looking for me, we all ended up trapped in this unknown world."
A heavy silence enveloped them as they absorbed the gravity of her words. Korra's head bowed, her regret palpable.
"There's no need to apologize, Korra," Jinora said softly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We're all in this situation together; no one is to blame."
"No, Jinora, don't say that," Korra countered, her tone resolute. "It's my fault for being the most disappointing Avatar in history."
"With that being said, as long as we're here, I will protect you all with everything I have, no matter the circumstances," she vowed, her declaration imbuing the air with a new resolve.
The group fell silent, their responses stifled by the weight of Korra's commitment. While Jinora had urged them not to blame Korra, the shadow of their plight still hung heavily in their hearts.