Chapter 4: An unbreakable bond
"Stop there thief!"
Felt stopped in her place, having recognized that voice and turned with slight joy in her eyes since she believes to have found the help she had been looking for. She turned towards the voice and was happy to see the silver-haired girl. As she turned towards her, she could see the boy she had left in the hallway to the three thugs.
"Hey there...you two..."
"Don't you hey there at us! You left me to die back there! You stole her insignia!"
"I'm sorry..." Felt paused herself before she began to cry, causing the two people to get slightly uncomfortable since they don't know what to do with a crying little girl that stole from the girl.
"What is wrong?" the boy said, feeling some sympathy towards her. She looked up with tears in her eyes, completely broken since all she can think about is not wanting Old Man Rom to die or Sora.
"Don't...Don't cry, what's wrong?" The silver-haired girl spoke in concern.
"I don't want them to die...I don't want Old Man Rom to die...or Sora…!"
The boy stood silent for a moment, trying to assess the situation before attempting to comfort the girl by tickling her. This only landed in her biting his hand, leaving him slightly annoyed.
"Hehe...you idiot...No, I have to get help. That assassin is going to kill Old Man Rom and that boy."
The boy and the girl both looked at each other, both of them still annoyed at the fact that Felt had caused them problems yet the boy was the first to say that they would help her. The girl was at first not wanting to but eventually she pouted before caving in.
"I mean it's not like I wouldn't help a little girl...just helping the person that stole from me is weird but you better return back what you stole!"
"I will, just please help Old Man Rom and the boy with a key."
'The boy with a key', the boy thought to himself before asking Felt to lead the way.
A few days had passed since Subaru, Sora, Reinhard, and Felt were allowed to stay at Roswaal's mansion. Within the five days, Subaru had intense training and studies with all the people there. Rem and Ram both helped Subaru and Sora learn the writing language of Lugnica, Puck and Emilia teaching Subaru and Sora of the magic in Lugnica while Sora also taught the magic he knows of the Keyblade, Sora teaches Subaru how to properly use the keyblade, and Reinhard along with both Felt and Sora trained Subaru in his swordsmanship skills.
During the fifth day in training, Roswaal had asked Rem if she could take Sora to the village to get some supplies for the big feast. "Mind if I ask why. Lord Roswaal? Clearly you wish to see the progress of Natsuki Subaru."
"Indeeeeeed I do but I also waaaant to learn more of the keeyblade master himself."
"If that is what you wish, I shall do it."
Rem bowed to Roswaal before heading towards the courtyard where Sora was located, watching Subaru trained with Felt. The purpose of this training exercise is for Subaru to learn to dodge each attack coming from Felt. As she was quickly moving all around him with her divine protection of wind, Sora assisted Subaru by telling him to focus on the energy around him before deciding where the strike will be to block. Subaru using the power he learned in a few days began to channel it in before deciding one area to block. As he attempted to block off Felt's attack, he was close yet Felt managed to punch the boy's face. This caused Subaru to fall to the ground, a bit annoyed with himself that he is having trouble.
'Damn it all! How come I am struggling to use this damn weapon. It should be powerful!' Subaru thought to himself angrily yet he was met with a kindness by Felt as she offered her hand to help him get up. He accepted it while asking her why she was being so nice to him.
"What? I can't be nice?"
"No, it's not that. Just feels weird you being this nice to me when we hardly know each other."
"Okay then." Felt immediately attempted to punch Subaru's face again yet his instincts allowed him to block off the attack with ease. Sora and Felt were both impressed by this, causing Felt to go on a barrage of attacks to see if the boy had learned anything within the past four days. He blocked each attack with ease before his mind quickly caused him to yell out, "Reflect!"
As he shouted the word, a barrier appeared around Subaru, causing Felt's attack to be blocked and for Sora to be surprised that his apprentice can use the ability Reflect.
"What on earth is this?"
"It's a reflection magic, allowing you to be able to deflect any attack within a few seconds."
"This is awesome, what can this weapon not do?!" Subaru asks in excitement, happy to have his own weapon of power since it makes him feel invincible. Sora took note of this and quickly approached him to warn his apprentice,
"I know the keyblade seems like a very powerful weapon to wield yet you must know that it is a weapon you must care for. It isn't invincible since any opponent stronger than you can cause the weapon to disappear should they have the strength to. Also if you allow darkness in your heart, it'll corrupt you and turn you...into a villain."
Sora paused himself, having been reminded of Xehanort. He recalled tales of Xehanort from Aqua and Ventus during their travel to the keyblade graveyard. The two stating on how Xehanort was once a proud keyblade wielder that allowed his heart to darkened and corrupt his way. Subaru took note of this and responded, "Yes, I know. Sorry Master Sora, I forget that I can be overly prideful sometimes."
Sora was left silent for a moment, still not accustomed to someone calling him a Master considering that he has yet to pass the Mark of Mastery to be dubbed a true Keyblade Master. Subaru got up and was about to continue sparing more with Felt while Sora watched from a distance. A few minutes passed before Rem approached Sora and asked if she could accompany her to the village.
Sora was happy to go, curious to see what is more outside the mansion, he lets Subaru know that he will be gone for a bit before going off with Rem. As the two leave, Felt looks at both Sora and Rem before making an odd question, "Do you think those two look cute together?"
"Huh? Sora and Rem-Rem? I mean I guess but it's not something I would normally think about."
Felt noticed the answer she got and ended up staying silent for the remainder of their little sparring session. As the two were continuing the training session of defense, Felt said something that Subaru never thought he would hear, "I still feel guilty. You and Emilia still helped me even after I had caused trouble for the two of you, you were the first to comfort me. And then seeing you get hurt..."
Felt paused for a moment, holding the tears inside of her yet she received a hug from Subaru, not wanting her new friend to cry. "Despite what that crazy woman was going to do, we all made it out alive. And once I get stronger, I'll make sure that you all are safe."
Felt smiled a little, happy to hear those words even from someone as weak as Subaru before the two continued on with their training session. After a while, Reinhard stepped into the courtyard and began to say, "Care to take a break you two? You don't need to force yourselves to overwork."
"What's the fun in that, Reinhard?"
"It is not good for you." Said the sword saint, a bit of concern for Subaru since he has been impressed by his progress yet feels like he is attempting to reach the impossible within a few days. "Training to be at our level of strength took a long while, Subaru. I may be the sword saint yet I still needed to learn how to use a sword before being able to wield it. I would assume Sora worked for many years to reach the level he is at."
"I know Reinhard but I want to get as strong as fast I possibly can, that way I can protect Emilia from any threat that comes her way."
Reinhard looked at Subaru and could see the determination in his malicious eyes, allowing him to slightly understand the young boy's ambition in wanting to improve as fast as he can. Before he got a chance to speak, the two heard a voice respond to what Subaru said,
"I appreciate the thought, Subaru, but I don't want you pushing yourself too hard. I don't want you to end up dying because of me."
Subaru and Reinhard both turned around to see Emilia, standing there looking a bit concerned for Subaru. The young boy was still feeling like he had to despite what she was saying to him. "I know Emilia-tan but I just need to repay the debt I have towards you for saving me from those thugs. For being the only person there when I had nobody."
Emilia looked at Subaru and normally she would get mad at him for teasing her yet she could see the determination in his eyes, wanting to protect her. She smiled before asking Puck to come out for a bit. Puck appeared in front of her and asked, "What's up, Lia?"
"Come on, it's time to continue training Subaru."
Subaru noticed this and quickly turned towards Emilia, surprised that she would want to help him actually train. Felt asked Emilia if she could help, to which the silver-haired girl accepted the offer. Felt smiled and the two quickly composed a plan in training Subaru's defense. As the two are planning something, Reinhard got up and continued his conversation with Subaru.
"I can see that you are very cared for, my friend."
"I mean it is thanks to you Reinhard, and to Master Sora that I'm learning how to fight. I also have to thank Rem-Rem and Ram for having been teaching me the basics of Lugnica's language."
Subaru stood silent for a moment, reflecting on his past life in Japan. He knew that the person he was there didn't care for anybody and took his parents for granted. In this new life, he may have still been weak yet he encountered people who cared for him even if they didn't know him. Emilia took the time out of her day just to help him despite the two not knowing each other. Sora showed him kindness like no other and despite having told him that he had failed to pass the Mark of Mastery exam, he still took the opportunity to train him.
Felt had shown kindness to him as well, despite the two not being fully acquainted at first yet learning that his kindness during her time of need is what allowed her to care for him, made him happy at himself that he gained another person he wants to protect. Lastly Reinhard, the sword saint himself, taking the time out of his busy knight duties to train him actually made him feel some pride that he is receiving training by the strongest of Lugnica.
He smiled and summoned his keyblade, "One thing I can say Reinhard is that I'm happy with the life I have right now and I'm grateful for all of you, making me want to protect you all when the time comes."
"That's good to hear my friend, I can assure you that with the progress you are going, you might become strong enough to protect everyone."
There was a silence with Reinhard seeing a side of Subaru he never thought he would see, the more true happy side of his. Before they could discuss anymore, Puck tapped on Subaru's shoulder. "Hey Subaru, we are ready to commence your training."
Subaru nodded and quickly went to the others; While this is going on, in the distance both Ram and Roswaal stood there, watching and observing everything.
"Hooooow goes his studies?"
"Barusu is doing well, he is still a worthless student but he is making some progress because of my sister and I."
"Thaaaaat is great to hear. How does Rem feeeeeeel about this?"
"My sister won't fail you, she has mentioned Barusu as a dark scent but I think it's the idiotness in him leaking out."
"Preeeety harsh of you. Hooooow about Sora-kun? Is he a threeeat or ally?"
"Sora is a dense person but honestly I don't mind his personality. It's quite nice having someone not make a fool of themselves all the time like Barusu. As for whether he is a threat to us, there is a chance but it is slim at best. He is too kind to be evil and I don't detect deception."
"Interesting."
During this time, Betty stayed in her forbidden library, wanting to see if her contractor left anything related to the keyblade since she hadn't been aware of the weapon. During the days of training Subaru had, she was observing one of Sora and Subaru's training of the keyblade.
("Remember this Subaru, the keyblade is a powerful weapon as it can produce magic and can do damage to almost anything along with defending majority of attacks but don't take it for granted. Abusing its power won't lead to anything good and using the power of darkness would only corrupt the user along with his weapon.")
Betty recalled those sentences from Sora, having taken into account that the weapon is probably in the oldest of books. As she continued to search, 'If I wanted that person to be between those two, I would choose Sora, I suppose. The other is a fool yet personality wise, I can relate to the fool for a little moment...is either of them that person.'
Betty stopped searching and started to cry a little, feeling sadness for being unsure whether either boy is that person she had been waiting for so long. While she was in tears, she accidentally slipped and grabbed one of the books on the shelf with her. As she was on the ground, she looked at the book she got and was surprised she had missed this odd looking book.
She examined the book and was curious about its content since it is unfamiliar with it. The cover had an odd looking Keyblade from the looks of it but she could identify that it is probably related to Sora's weapon's origin, prompting her to open it only to be annoyed that she cannot read anything but the cover itself. 'The book of prophecies? What kind of book is this, I suppose? How has Betty missed this...no, how is Betty supposed to read this, in fact?'
As she attempted for a way to translate the contents of the book, a mysterious figure was looking from a distance inside of the forbidden library. 'Normally I would want to mess with the boy whose power hurt my hand but I can't deny that moving the pieces here might prove useful to my entertainment in the long run.' The mysterious figure thought to himself before disappearing from the forbidden library, leaving Beatrice to find a way to translate the unfamiliar text.
In the village, both Sora and Rem got some supplies from there before the kids of the village approached the two, wanting to hangout with them. Sora pulled out his Keyblade to amaze the kids, seeing as they would want to see something cool. He allowed them to hold the weapon and swing it a couple of times before returning it to him. Rem enjoyed the company of the kids yet as she was with one holding a dog, she was bitten by it. Lucky for Rem, Sora was there to heal her wounds which impressed the kids even more.
After leaving the village, both Rem and Sora were walking to the mansion in silence for a moment before Rem decided to break it by saying, "I would like to ask you something, if you wouldn't mind."
"Sure thing Rem, what's on your mind?"
"Who or what is a Kayri? You called my sister the first day we met you and Natsuki Subaru."
"Kairi, she is my closest friend. She is someone I fought for alongside my best friend, Riku. She was...killed at some point during a battle against a man named Xehanort. I broke a few rules and abused something called the Power of Waking to save her..."
Sora had struggled recalling the moment of seeing Kairi getting killed in his memories, the thought of that brought a pain he had never felt before in his life and he still had yet to fully handle. Although he did manage to save Kairi, it still is a memory he wished wasn't there.
Rem looked at Sora and could tell that the memory of losing a loved one was painful, making her feel a bit guilty for having brought it up. Sora picked up on this and quickly reassured her,
"It's alright Rem, I know the memory of her being killed hurts but I still managed to save her from that permanent fate."
Rem looked at Sora and somehow the smile he gave towards her gave comfort to her, allowing her to smile. "My sister is always better at these things than me, she is better than me in every way."
"I don't think so, I think you each have something that makes you special and unique. I mean you have blue hair and you can cook such amazing food."
Sora had paused himself, having realized that Rem reminds him a bit of Aqua with the blue hair and the kind nature both share to a degree. Sora looked up and smiled at the sky, thinking about all the friends that are now safe with Xehanort and the true organization taken care of.
"Sora, is Kayri your girlfriend?"
"Girlfriend? I mean she is a girl and she is my friend..." Sora stood pondering on the question as he is unsure on what she meant which caught Rem's attention. Seeing Sora completely confused made her smile and laugh a little, seeing the denseness of his. Sora was left confused yet he still gave a smile.
'He is cute, even when he is confused he is cute.' Rem thought to herself about Sora.
"I mean was she special to you?"
"Oh, yeah. She was special along with Riku, Donald, Goofy..." Sora paused himself as he starts to think about the friends he had left. He really misses them yet he knows deep down that he will see them again someday. He smiled and reassured Rem that he is happy being with her and the others in the mansion. Rem was hesitant at first but with Sora reassuring her, she smiled.
The two were getting closer to the mansion, she wanted to ask something to Sora first which prompted her to say in a curious yet firm tone, "Sora, do you by any chance like demons?"
"Demons? Hmm I mean I've never met a demon before but if I could and they were good at heart, I would like them."
Rem looked at Sora and took in all that he said, causing a smile to come out. Sora laughed a little before they continued to walk. As the silence was taking over the air, Rem grabbed Sora's hand, surprising the Keyblade wielder.
"Is...it okay for me to...do this?"
"It's okay Rem."
Sora didn't put much thought into it yet he knew that Rem felt comfortable by this and smiled at him for allowing this, to which Sora smiled back as the two were returning to the mansion. As the two return back to the mansion, they are both met with Beatrice standing in the front of the door, waiting for Sora. She pointed to Rem and was about to ask her to leave them yet she smelled something odd in her.
She approached Rem and quickly told her to stay still for a moment. Rem and Sora were both unsure yet they allowed Beatrice to do her thing. She lifted her hand up, which began to glow, she then asked Rem to step closer to which the maid did without hesitation. After placing her small hand onto the maid's forehead, they all stood there in silence before a black mist was coming from Rem's shoulder in the exact spot the dog had bitten her.
"Um, Beatrice, what exactly is that black mist?"
"This girl was cursed, I suppose. Lucky for you two, I came just in time to stop the curse from activating."
Beatrice grabbed through the black mist before it disappeared, with Beatrice reassuring the two that Rem will be alright. Just as the petite girl finished speaking, Subaru along with Felt and Ram were walking past them, with Subaru and Felt both happy to see Sora and Rem yet the three noticed the two were disturbed.
"Sora, Rem-Rem, what is wrong?"
"If the dog was a shamac that cursed me...then the kids…"
Sora immediately realized the situation at hand along with Rem, causing the two to drop the things they got from the village before making their way outside the mansion. Ram quickly asked her sister what was wrong.
"Sister, the children in the village are in danger!"
"Are you certain about that, Rem?"
Rem nodded to her sister with certain before attempting to leave the mansion with Sora, both determined to save the children from danger. Before they left, Subaru and Felt asked if they can join in helping, wanting to make sure they can assist any way they can. Sora looked at Subaru and although he is yet to be strong enough to fight on his own, he did see the determination in the boy's eyes.
"It will be dangerous you two, I just want to make sure you are ready for the danger that is ahead."
"Don't think little of us, Sora! Subaru and I can take care of ourselves, right Subaru?"
"Yes! I'm ready to put my training to use!"
Sora smiled at both Subaru and Felt before allowing them to join in; He looked at Ram and asked her if she could alert Reinhard and Roswaal of what was going on and if they could protect Emilia while they are gone.
"Don't worry Sora, I will inform the Sword Saint and Lord Roswaal of what is going on. Just make sure my sister is safe or your neck along with Barusu's will be slit."
Sora and Subaru both laughed awkwardly when they heard that before they started to run towards the village. Rem looked at Subaru for a moment before looking forward which Sora noticed.
"What's wrong Rem? Does Subaru bother you?"
"N-No...it's nothing..."
The original Keyblade wielder looked at the maid and can tell that something is wrong, which he disliked since he wanted all of his friends to get along. He thought very carefully for a moment before he said to Rem in an attempt to have any possible tension between her and Subaru to disappear,
"He is pretty reckless, always wanting to put Emilia first and as an odd way of speaking at times but that's due to how excited he is to feel like he is a big part of something. Natsuki Subaru is someone who probably feels like he is worthless and wants to be special. I can sense a little hint of jealousy towards me but I can assure you that despite his flaws, he is still a good person and will do the right thing. Deep down he is scared."
Rem looked at Sora and at first she thought that he was trying to protect his student since Subaru is Sora's Keyblade student yet she paid close attention to what he said and realized that he is trying to help ease the tension between the two. She had seen Subaru attempting to befriend her and talk outside of the study sessions yet the small dark scent she smelled on him was keeping her at bay yet hearing Sora tell such things about Subaru made her at least want to give a possible friendship a try.
"Okay Sora, I'll try to be friendly with Subaru."
Sora smiled at this and the two continued to lead the way with Felt and Subaru catching up from behind them. During this, Rem grabbed Sora's hand again and looked at him to see if he would allow this again. Sora looked at Rem and smiled to show that he is fine with this, which made her smile and happy.
As Sora, Subaru, Rem, and Felt all four ran towards the village, Ram entered Roswaal's room and began to inform him what had transpired. Roswaal was looking into a book while hearing this, seeming pleased by what he is both hearing and reading. He turned towards Ram and began to ask,
"Haaaave you informed the sword saint or Emilia about thiiiiiis?"
"No, I haven't just yet Lord Roswaal."
"I can proteeeeect Emilia-sama, I would liiiike you to taaaake the sword saint to make sure the others suuuuurvive."
"As you wish, Lord Roswaal."
Ram bowed at Lord Roswaal before leaving his room, making her way towards Reinhard and Emilia's direction, knowing the two were chatting at this time. As Ram left, Roswaal looked outside the window of his room, I'm curious Natsuki Subaru, Sora, will you two be strong enough for what comes ahead. Well, one way to find out.
Here is another chapter, events are going similar to the main story yet there will be a shift in the next chapter that'll diverge from the main story in a big way. I enjoy reading all of your reviews and let me address something, once Melody of Memories comes out, it'll probably shift the story a little depending on what story elements we get there. I hope to keep the story interesting for you all.