Chapter 8: Returning to the Capital
It had been around a month since the fight with the Mabeast and Elsa, having had Subaru and Sora rest up for a bit before continuing their training. During the month, both keyblade wielders managed to keep good ties with the villagers, assuring that they are safe and that the dream eaters are strong enough to protect them from any danger should Sora or Subaru not be there when they need them. Also during this time, Subaru and Beatrice both managed to communicate more with the two attempting to learn everything in the Book of Prophecies. In order for Beatrice to even understand what the book was saying, she would rely on Subaru's knowledge yet she eventually asked him to teach her how to read his language.
Sora and Rem managed to get closer as well, with Sora being able to tell of all the adventures he had undergone during his time with Donald Duck and Goofy. As a new day arose, Sora decided that Subaru should learn some tricks of the keyblade such as the form change ability the keyblade possesses. During this training session, the two would notice an odd carriage arriving at the mansion. At first the two thought it was Reinhard and Felt considingering that Felt would want to visit them again yet when they inspected the carriage closer, they noticed someone unfamiliar was with them.
"Master Sora, I think we should check on what is going on? Could be important."
"I don't know, it isn't our business and it is probably something not related to us."
"Come on, we should at least check to see what is going on before returning to training."
Sora pondered this for a moment, unsure on whether it would be wise to check on things yet somehow he managed to convince himself that they should check what is going on. The two put away their keyblades and approached the carriage, seeing someone with cat ears entering the mansion while an old man stood outside. The old man was cleaning the carriage yet he had noticed Sora and Subaru approaching him.
"Hello there."
"Hello, to what may I owe the pleasure of speaking with the two of you."
"We would like to know what is going on?"
"I do not know where you stand but I did notice that you two were wielding odd looking weapons. Mind if I take a look at them?"
Both Sora and Subaru noticed the request the old man was asking, which the two didn't mind and quickly summoned Kingdom Key and Starlight respectably. As the two summoned their weapons, the old man was surprised by this yet kept his composure. He observed the keyblades for a moment before asking if they were knights for Emilia.
"Well-"
"Yes! We are knights for Emilia-tan. Though I'm more of Sora's apprentice."
"Right, I haven't given my name out. My name is Wilhelm Van Astrea."
"Neat name. My name is Natsuki Subaru, I'm Sora's apprentice."
Wilhelm looked at both Sora and Subaru, seeing that the two seem to be close friends considering that they are master and apprentice. Sora crossed his arms and thought about the last name of Wilhelm, having recalled that Reinhard's full name is Reinhard van Astrea. This prompted Sora to ask if he was related to the Sword Saint.
"Ah, I see you have met the current sword saint. I do wonder, how did you two meet?"
"He arrived to stop Elsa from killing all of us after I had drained myself of my power against the assassin. He then came here and assisted us in not only training Subaru but in saving the village from Mabeast and from Elsa."
"I see." Wilhelm said, interested in how Reinhard had been here assisting the two young boys in front of him. He then asked the two what was their affiliation with Emilia aside from being their knights, wanting to know how close the two are to one of the candidates for the royal selection. Sora stated that he was friends with Emilia while Subaru stated that he wanted to get closer to Emilia, having a desire to protect her no matter what.
"I see. So you are choosing the steep path to climb. Need I remind you that you are dealing with one who may be the future queen of Lugnica."
"Wait, future Queen?" Sora asked in curiosity to which Subaru felt bad that he had forgotten to tell his master all about the royal selection he learned from Emilia and Ram. Both Subaru and Wilhelm explained the royal selection to Sora, to which he was surprised that Emilia is one of five candidates that could possibly be queen. This made him think about the princesses of hearts, how there are a new set of seven yet he has yet to see the other princesses of light.
"I'm back Old Man Wil. Sorry to make you wait outside. I bet you were bored."
"Not at all, in fact I've been passing the time having an interesting discussion with these two gentlemen right here."
The person with a dress and cat hears took notice of the two and quickly inspected them, seeing them weird in their usual attire. The cat person noticed the two keyblades in both the boys hands, catching the cat person's attention but not for long.
"Ah, nyow I see…Of course. You two must be the boys Emilia-sama mentioned."
"Emilia-tan?"
"I guess you both know nyothing at all, huh? Let's go Old Man Wil. See you both in the capital."
As the cat person was entering the carriage, Wilhelm looked at the two boys and nodded to them, having enjoyed their conversation and asked the two if they met up in the capital, if they could discuss some more of their weapons. Sora was the one to respond with a yes, knowing that the old man was curious about their weapon. As the carriage left, both Sora and Subaru went towards the study room where they found Emilia, Rem, and Roswaal.
"Emilia-tan, what is this about you going to the capital? I want to go!"
"Well, see, we aren't going for fun."
"I know, you are going there because of the royal selection but I want to be there to protect you in case anything happens. Please, allow me to accompany you!"
Emilia was stunned by this, unsure on how to respond to Subaru's pleas and quickly looked to Sora for some assistance yet he was also wanting to go to the capital, having his mind set on seeing Wilhelm.
"This could be a chance for Subaru and Sora-kun to go to the capital and speak with the sword saint, Felt, and Old Man Rom. After all, they should check up on the three along with anybody that helped them in the capital."
Sora and Subaru were both thankful for Rem assisting them, which she received a thanks from Subaru and a headpatt from Sora, making her blush with happiness. Subaru turned back to Emilia and continued to say that he wishes to go see Reinhard and tell him of his progress while Sora wishes to see how Felt and Old Man Rom were doing. Before Emilia could respond, Roswaal had intervened into the conversation.
"Speeaking of this, Sora and Subaru must go Emilia. I have received a letter that the sage council wishes to speak with the one wielding a keyblade. Although they are referring to Sora, it would also be best that Subaru joins us as well. Not to mention that Subaru needs to receive treatment."
"Huh? Treatment?"
"You overused your already exhausted gate in the Mabeast battle...treatment would tend that wound."
Subaru and Sora both continued to listen to Roswaal talk about the cat person who they had barely met a couple of minutes ago, how they are the capital's most brilliant users of water magic as well as healing magic. Subaru asked Sora if the keyblade could heal his gate yet Sora explained that the keyblade can heal wounds but more outside wounds or stamina drain yet not interior wounds such as the gates or even a limb should a person lose an arm for example. This information made Rem and Roswaal both feel disappointed since they both hoped that the Keyblade could heal Ram's missing horn. Roswaal continued to speak,
"Felix is a peculiar character. Even Emilia-sama had difficulty enlisting Felix's cooperation..."
"Hey!"
"Really, Emilia-tan? You did that for me?"
"W-Well, it's partly my fault that you haven't healed yet...So you could say I'm repaying a debt for having helped me this much."
Sora and Rem both laughed a little seeing how Subaru and Emilia were acting before Emilia told them to get ready. They all took a moment to get ready but before leaving, Subaru entered the forbidden library one more time to speak with Beatrice. He explains the situation to Beatrice, wanting to inform her of what is going on.
"That can't be helped, I suppose. Since the sage council wants that boy and you, I guess I will just figure out the things we have both uncovered on my own. Not that I needed your help in the first place, I suppose."
"Hey! I helped translate but yeah, I will also do my best to speak to Master Sora about this."
"Why haven't you told that boy?"
"I just feel like this book might do some kind of damage to my master. I don't know why but it is a feeling."
"You humans and your emotions. Alright then, Betty will wait for your return so you can continue to be useful."
Subaru nodded at Beatrice with a smile before leaving, quickly getting his stuff ready for the trip to the capital. During the journey towards the capital, Emilia asked Sora if during his journey he had ever met an elf, still annoyed at a conversation they had previously regarding half elves and how Sora was dense about it. Sora crossed his arms and thought long and hard about this question.
"I sadly never encounter elves during my time with Santa Claus."
"Santa...cause?"
"Wait Wait Wait Wait...Master Sora, are you saying that you met Santa Claus, the Santa Claus?!"
Sora laughed a little while Subaru started to bombard his master with many questions regarding Santa Claus, in disbelief that someone like Santa really existed. After having asked all his questions, Subaru explained Emilia about Santa Claus, leaving her a bit unsure with the conversation.
"So does this santa...have elves as slaves?"
"No! The elves work for him, Emilia-tan. He isn't a bad guy."
Emilia stood silent for a moment, unsure how Santa is supposed to function with having elves work for him.
As they arrived at the capital, Subaru and Emilia both went to the city on their own while Sora and Rem went to the place they were all staying. Sora wanted to explore the city since he never got the chance to explore when he first arrived in the new world. Rem offered to accompany Sora, wanting to spend time with him but also to make sure he doesn't get himself lost. As the two were walking around the city, Rem begins to explain everything to Sora so he would be able to get through the city on his own should he find himself in the city on his own.
While Sora and Rem were enjoying their walk, Subaru and Emilia both went to buy appas from the owner of the shop, having felt obligated to buy something after having helped them out before making their way to the guard station in order to speak with Reinhard. While the two were discussing the royal selection with Emilia expressing her opinions.
"I do not like that you have to be there, knowing you, you would only be there because of me but seeing as the sage council might want to speak with you and Sora, I'll just have to keep a close eye on you."
"I'm not a kid Emilia, yes I'm rash but Master Sora taught me to respect authority so I will do just that. I won't lose my cool there."
"Do you promise, Subaru?"
"I promise, Emilia."
Emilia took note of this and took the young boy's word while the two arrived at the guard station. While waiting outside, a man in a similar attire to Reinhard's attire approached the two in a friendly manner.
"Well, if it isn't Emilia-sama. It's good to see you again. Have you been well since we last met?"
"Yes, everything is basically the same. You also seem well, Julius."
"The mere fact that you remember me is an honor. You have only grown more beautiful, Emilia-sama."
Julius got on one knee and kissed Emilia's hand, which did bother Subaru a lot to the slight point he was jealous yet having recalled Sora telling him about showing respect to authority, he put in his mind that Julius is showing respect towards Emilia. This helped calm him down a lot while Emilia continued to speak with Julius.
"Thank you. Forgive me for asking so abruptly. But I have business here, and I'd like you to act as my agent in the castle."
"Does your business involve this young man?"
Subaru took note that Julius was referring to him, causing him to bow to Julius in order to show respect just like his master taught him. Julius noticed this and introduced himself to Subaru as Julius Juukulius, a member of the Royal Guard. Subaru introduced himself as the apprentice to the keyblade wielder.
"Keyblade Wielder?"
"Yes, like my master, I have a weapon that Reinhard described as unique."
Subaru pulled out the keyblade to show it to Julius, surprising the knight and just like Reinhard and all the others who witnessed the keyblade for the first, wanting to inspect it carefully. Subaru allows this and watches how interested Julius is on his weapon before the keyblade disappears from Julius's hand.
"What an interesting weapon, Natsuki Subaru. Maybe when we get the chance, I would like to see the weapon more thoroughly."
Subaru nodded and managed to get in a good stance with the knight, feeling like his importance had increased ever since he had gained the power of the keyblade. Julius then asked Emilia to accompany him towards the conference mirrors, which is something Subaru is not aware of. Emilia explained that it is a metia that facilitates that allows people to talk to each other. Subaru was interested to learn more about this conference mirror yet Emilia had asked him to stay. Despite Subaru wanting to go, Emilia found a way to convince Subaru to wait outside for her.
While those events were going, Sora and Rem both continued to walk around the city with the keyblade wielder amazed by the city. As they were walking around the market area, Sora looked at a corner and noticed someone in an organization coat walking around before disappearing in the corner. This caused Sora to go after the person in the organization coat with Rem chasing after him. As he arrived at the corner, he noticed that Subaru was on the ground with some female standing next to him, faced with three thugs. Sora got his keyblade out and pointed it directly at the three thugs, asking them to leave yet the one in the middle didn't see him as a threat. He pulled out his knives and attempted to attack Sora only to easily be knocked to the ground.
"Don't bother my friend again!" Sora spoke with a serious tone, scaring the three thugs which caused them to run away. As they ran away, Sora quickly helped Subaru up in order to ask what had happened to the boy. Subaru responded that he wanted to help the woman right there yet she attacked him.
"Don't misunderstand. Even without you two, I was in no trouble."
The woman spoke with such confidence to which Sora found it displeasing since that attitude reminded him of Larxene. Subaru was annoyed at how ungrateful the woman was for having been helped by Sora, causing him to speak that she should be grateful. She response with,
"This world is designed to operate in the way that works best for me, so I am never at a disadvantage."
"R-Really? Well, I shouldn't have butted in, then. Sorry to interfere."
Sora and Subaru both caught up with what had happened, with Sora asking if someone with a black coat entered the alley yet he told Sora he didn't see anybody in a black crossed his arms and felt a bit awkward by this since he believes he could be seeing things.
"I finally found you!"
Sora, Subaru, and Rem all turned to see Emilia, who was pleased to see both Rem and Sora again in the city. As they all turned towards Emilia's direction, they noticed a person with a helmet next to Emilia.
"Emilia-tan, who is that?"
"The name is Al, she asked for my help while I was looking for a lost child myself. You should be happy to see her rather than question her who she is with."
"My, how attentive you are to wait where you knew I would be. I commend your dedication, Al."
Subaru was annoyed that the woman was a lost child yet before he could say something, he felt Emilia hiding behind him. Due to this, Subaru quickly tried to wrap things up yet the woman was curious to know what was on the bag he had.
"They're appas. You've never seen one."
"Don't make me laugh. Appas have white flesh."
"Well, yeah, the insides are white...wait, s-so you've never seen an unpeeled appa?"
There was a moment of silence to which Subaru's kind hearted nature allowed him to give the woman an appa before leaving with Sora, Rem, and Emilia. The four of them walked around a bit with Emilia and Rem showing Subaru and Sora much of the peaceful places of Lugnica. During this walk, Emilia asked Subaru if she knew that woman to which he answered that he didn't.
Sora, Subaru, Emilia, and Rem head towards the place they will be staying the night with Sora staying outside for a bit. Rem went to prepare dinner for Roswaal, Emilia, Subaru, and Sora while Subaru went to rest for a moment while Emilia went outside, having noticed the original keyblade wielder all by himself.
"Sora, what are you doing by yourself here?"
"Oh, hey Emilia. Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you all."
"Is something bothering you?"
Sora looked at Emilia as she went to sit down next to him while wanting to make sure that he is alright. He looked up at the sky and started to think about the organization, how much trouble they caused to not only his friends but to Axel, Roxas, and Xion. This eventually prompt him to speak,
"I thought I saw someone in a black coat today."
"Oh, was it someone you know? Like an old friend?"
"If it were Roxas, Xion, or Axel then maybe but I doubt it."
"Oh. What did they do to you?"
"They caused a lot of trouble to my friends and even harmed one of them. I know they are gone but I feel like they are never truly done for."
Emilia looked at Sora's eyes and could tell that the talk about the people that caused his friends and him trouble bothers him. She pats his head before reassuring him that if he were in need of any help, he could rely on her and their friends. Sora nods and the two quickly go inside, both knowing that the next day will be an important one.
The next day arrives with Subaru and Sora awoken by Roswaal personally, wanting the two to be full of energy when they are in the presence of the Sage Council. Having been awakened so abruptly left the two a bit tired for most of the ride towards the castle. During the ride, Roswaal looked at Sora and quickly started to chat with him.
"I knooooow you and I haven't spoooken a lot but mind if I ask, what is the source of your power? Whaaaaat pushes you to get stronger?"
"My friends. They give me the strength I need to push forward cause even when things seem tough, I'm there for them just as they are there for me."
"My Myyyyy, quite an interesting answer. Buuuuut the sage council would wish a more legit answer, such as how the sword saint himseeeeeelf as his divine protections and swordsman training to become powerful. You should be careful when they ask for that question, Sora."
"Thanks for the warning, Roswaal."
"Anytime. After all, I've grown quite fond of you and Subaru. Would be sad if something teeeeerrible happened to either of you."
Sora nodded at this, not wanting anything bad to happen to Subaru or to anybody he has ever met which led to his thoughts to Elsa. Though she is evil from what he picked up, he still feels like there is a possibility to save someone like her yet he knew the risk of doing that. Once they arrived at the castle, they entered the building with Roswaal leading Sora, Subaru, and Emilia around.
Once inside the castle, Roswaal explained that Emilia would be with the other candidates in the center while Subaru and Sora will stand next to the knights. Subaru asked why to Roswaal expressed that it is much safer being there. As he was explaining all that they needed to do in order to not cause trouble, they entered the grand hall to see a bunch of knights on one side and a bunch of nobles in the other. Roswaal sent Sora and Subaru towards the knights position to where they ended up bumping into Reinhard.
"You both came after all, Subaru, Sora. When I heard Emilia would be here, I suspected you two would be here as well."
"Reinhard, it is good to see you again. I have been looking for you."
"Hiya, Subaru-kyun! Sora-kyun!" Spoke the cat person known as Felix. Both Sora and Subaru were surprised to see Felix there in a knights outfit, allowing Sora to figure that Felix was a healer and a knight. Subaru was surprised to see Felix again and before he could get a word in, Reinhard started to introduce his friend.
"Subaru, Sora, this here is Felix Argyle. He is a knight and a friend of mine."
"Huh? Him?" Subaru expressed with confusion, considering that Felix's voice was extremely feminine. He began to complain about what is the point of Felix having cat ears and looking like a girl if he is a guy. To this Felix responded with,
"I don't know what to say. You're the one who made the wrong assumption, Subaru-kyun!"
Subaru was left stunned for a bit until Julius appeared in front of Reinhard and himself. Julius looked behind him and saw Reinhard, Subaru, and Sora. He looked at Subaru and nodded at him before observing Sora for a moment, deducting that he is the keyblade master of Subaru. This intrigued him yet he knew that he should focus on that after the meeting. Reinhard and Sora picked up Julius's respectful nod towards Subaru and asked the boy if he and Julius had met. Subaru said that they had talked when he and Emilia were looking for Reinhard yet their conversation ended when a knight with green hair spoke loudly,
"Now, if I may be so forward, I, Marcos, leader of the Imperial Knights, will direct today's proceedings."
Marcos spoke for a moment before the one with long purple hair spoke out that they should hurry things along to which the green haired girl agreed. The girl with green hair known as Crusch makes a statement that she knows why they all gathered yet when she is wrong, she immediately turns to Felix which he defends himself that it was merely a suggestion. Having realized she was wrong for jumping to conclusions, she asked the council why they are here. A small argument arises with the purple haired girl wanting things to be quick and telling the council that they are probably going to re-explain to them the royal elections and how they function. Eventually Al stepped up to ask how the royal selections work, allowing things to continue with Marcos speaking,
"We've gathered you, who are qualified to be the dragon's priestess, because a new prophecy has been engraved in the dragon stone. It says, From the five capable of becoming the nation's new leader, choose one priestess to enter into a covenant with the dragon. Knight Reinhard Van Astrea, come forward."
Reinhard listened to this after explaining to Sora and Subaru that the royal selection will have a change of history since they couldn't start because there were only four candidates. Reinhard steps forward and bows while he began to speak,
"Honored members of the council of wise men, I, Reinhard van Astrea, of the Imperial Knights, would like to announce my mission's completion. The dragon's priestess, the fifth and final candidate for the throne, has been located."
As he finished speaking, the doors to enter the grand hall open once again to show Felt wearing a yellow dress. As she was walking down the long red carpet with everyone taking notice on Felt, Reinhard continued to speak.
"The one I, myself, revere as queen. Her name...is Felt-sama."
As this is going on, from a distance a mysterious figure looks down upon the people entering and leaving the castle.
It has been a long while since I've been to this world and with this amount of peace, things would get dull. I wonder if I were to have something big happen, just to see if the boy is able to save everybody like he desires to.
He snapped his fingers once he finished thinking, spawning a couple of shadow heartless behind him.