Author's note: I took a bit of a break to understand where I want to go with the story. I want to make it long and amazing the build up for the final confrontation. Now I do want to make this note, no spoilers of Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory when this was posted (11/17/20) all the way until (11/25/20) to give people a chance to see the story. Also I want to remind everybody that this arc is a subaru focus arc with kingdom hearts elements.
Chapter 15: A long away path
After a day of having just layed down to think about the whole situation that transpired, he asks Wilhelm to help him train with a wooden sword. Wilhelm notices the determination in his eyes and accepts this, knowing that the boy wants to get stronger by any means despite having lost his weapon. Subaru within two days proved that he can wield a weapon, showing how it took a while before Wilhelm could disarm him. Although he was impressed, he could see the despair in the young boy's eyes. On that evening, Subaur stood by himself outside in the gardens to think before Rem arrived.
"Subaru, why are you out here by yourself?"
"I just...need time to myself."
"I know you are sad, Subaru. But I'm here to make sure you are not alone."
"Why did you stay, Rem? Did someone tell you to stay?"
"Sora-kun didn't want you to be alone."
Subaru stood silent for a moment, seeing that Master Sora wishes for him to be safe and healed just like Emilia. He looks at his hand and stretches it out in a vein attempting to regain his keyblade yet he is unable to, leaving him disappointed. This eventually sparks the question to Rem on whether he is pathetic.
"Subaru, you are a little bit pathetic but you also have a much braver than you give yourself credit. You not only saved Emilia but you showed that even in the brink of death, you kept getting up. That is something that I would call amazing."
Subaru looked at Rem and smiled at her, seeing that she was doing her best to cheer him up which he did appreciate. The only thing that really bothers him is not having his keyblade with him since he wished to have gotten stronger with the weapon he had since he met his master. The two look outside for a moment before they continue their conversation with Subaru being the one to continue.
"Rem, I do have to ask, how close are you and Master Sora?"
"Huh?"
"Yeah, I want to know if you two have gotten close together like have you all kissed."
"Uh...Um..." Rem's face turned completely red when she thought about Sora kissing him which did caught Subaru's attention. He laughed it off a bit, teasing Rem a little before he ended up getting punched in the gut. As Subaru fell to his knees from the impact of the hit, Rem called him an idiot before walking away all embarrassed from the teasing, thinking about a future where Sora and her could have children. As Rem was walking away, Subaru looked up at the orange sky with his mind set in healing but also in gaining strength to regain the power of the keyblade.
"Nya, you should be careful when speaking about love, Subaru-kyun. She really loves Sora-kyun."
"Oh, hello there Felix. What brings you out here?"
"Miss Crusch wants to speak with you, nya."
Subaru was interested to know what Crusch would like to speak with him, prompting him to go follow Felix into the building while Rem managed to catch up with the pair after having controlled her imagination. While they return inside the building, Wilhelm looks at Subaru and starts remembering points of his past during the Demi-human war. He recalls when he first met Eraqus and Xehanort.
In the past:
A young Wilhelm walked towards a ruined village, with his sword sheathed. As he was walking around the large field, he stops at a wide cleared area before he unsheathed his weapon. As he does this, he begins to swipe it melancholy. He was about to continue until he noticed something besides him, looking at him. He turned towards the person near him to see that it was a lady with red scarlet hair, watching the sunrise with her back to him.
"I haven't seen you before. What is a women doing here so early in the morning?"
The lady turns around with a surprised look in her bluebell eyes and she places a finger on her chin and hums in thought for a moment.
"Oh, don't worry about it. Just come here."
The lady smiled cheerfully and gestured for him to come close. The man didn't give a hint of emotion as he stepped closer to the lady. As he stood closer beside her, it was revealed that she was sitting atop a hill of condensed flower patches that bloomed and shined under the sunrise.
"Hey..."
Young Wilhelm looked at the ecstatic lady while she turned to him with a soft smile.
"Do you like flowers?"
The man looked at the lady with a surprised expression but before anything can be said, a couple of dark creatures appear. This caught the two to be on high alert with young Wilhelm ready to face the threat in front of them but before he could do anything, two young boys appeared and quickly took care of the dark creatures.
"Wh-Who are you?"
Young Wilhelm said has he was shocked to have seen such speed. The young lady looked at the two young boys with a shocked expression as well, surprised to see other people moving at the ferocious speeds. The young boy with black haired smiled at the pair and quickly says,
"The name is Eraqus. This here is my best friend, Xehanort."
"What is your names?"
Young Wilhelm and the young lady both looked at each other for a brief moment before they responded with the young boy answering,
"My name is Wilhelm Trias."
"And my name is Theresia."
The four started chatting with Theresia and Wilhelm a bit interested in knowing more of the keyblade both Xehanort and Eraqus had. As they were talking, the four created a bond with Eraqus, Xehanort, and Wilhelm all three agreeing to get stronger together.
When Subaru and Rem entered one of the meeting areas of Crusch's home, they were welcomed by her before Subaru in a polite manner asked Crusch what she wanted with him, having recalled the teachings his master had given him. Before answering Subaru's question, she turned towards Felix and began to ask,
"You didn't choose to tell him?"
"Nyo, I wanted you to do it."
"Wait, tell me what? What's going on, Miss Crusch?"
"You are to report to the Guard Station tomorrow with Felix. You are being asked there."
"May I ask why?"
"You will just have to wait for tomorrow, Natsuki Subaru. I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise."
"Um okay, anything else you would like to discuss?"
"Yes actually, when you received the keyblade, how did it feel exactly?"
Subaru stood silent for a bit, feeling uncertain if he really wants to reveal things like that due to how he doesn't want to be reminded of the weapon he lost yet he knew that Crusch and Sora made a deal that others would be able to use the Keyblade if they healed him up.
He crossed his eyes and returned back to the moment where he first got Starlight. As he started to recall the events, he described how the feeling was and how the power the keyblade has within him, getting Crusch's attention. As she got the answer she needed, she began to speak to Subaru in a calm and friendly manner,
"Sorry for the question, it was merely a test but I see that you are still hurt."
"Yeah, I lost a weapon that was mine."
"I understand how you feel but it does seem like you are not letting that get you down."
"I just want to make sure I get stronger." The moment he heard what he said, he smiled to himself since he felt that what he said would be something his Master would say. Crusch noticed this and quickly asked him and Rem if they would accompany her for some drinks to which Subaru mentioned that he is still too young to drink.
"Don't worry, you can drink water. I'm also just going to have a little bit. Do you want to drink, Miss Rem?"
"I think it would be best if I just drank some water."
"That's alright."
Crusch nodded at this before taking the pair with her to the rooftop of her home with Subaru surprised by Rem not accepting a drink. He thought about it for a moment on why she denied before recalling how she ended up drunk with Emilia, making him smile again but also feel sadness in his heart since he misses the mansion and the people there.
As they arrived at the rooftop, they all enjoyed themselves for a moment with Rem and Subaru drinking water while Crusch drinking a bit of wine. Crusch, Felix, Subaru, and Rem all four had a fun discussion, enjoying the night time before they were all going to sleep. As Rem and Subaru left the area, Crusch and Felix both had time to talk.
"What do you think of Subaru?"
"Subaru-kyun is actually a pretty okay guy. Weird but cool."
"Do you think he is worthy of what will happen tomorrow?"
"Nya, I hope so."
Sora and Emilia both looked up at the night sky after just barely having arrived at the mansion with Roswaal, informing Ram that her sister was taking care of Subaru while he healed. She had a blank facial expression before nodding at Sora, understanding the situation from what he explained regarding the Organization. They all had a rough ride to which the two rested for a bit before meeting outside with Sora being outside first before Emilia. The silver-haired half elf approached the Keyblade Wielder to see how he is doing.
"Are you okay, Sora?"
"Oh, yes Emilia. I'll be okay."
"Do you miss Subaru?"
"I do...you?"
"If I'm honest, I really miss him. I do wish we could've brought him with us."
"I do too, Emilia, but it is dangerous for him to be here."
Emilia and Sora both stood silent for a bit, both of them feeling guilty that they left Subaru behind. They stood silently on the grassy floor for a bit before Emilia was the one to break the silence between the two.
"So um Subaru told me he is from another world..."
"Wait what?"
"D-Don't get mad at him! I just wanted to know more of him."
"Hehe it's fine, I already told Rem about me...Donald is going to be mad about this."
"Donald? Is that your friend?"
"Yeah, he along with Goofy were there when I lost Riku and Kairi on my first journey. Ever since then, we made one and a half pint...actually a whole pint."
"You were close to them. Would you ever leave us to see them?"
Sora stood silent on that question, unsure on whether or not he would actually leave his new friends to be with his old ones. Before he could answer, Ram approached the two and told them that dinner was ready. This caused the two to get up from the grass and to start making their way inside. As he is going inside, he turns towards the night sky and begins to hope that Subaru will be alright with Rem, worried that The Organization is onto them.
In the distance, three organization members observed from a distance with one of them being Xehanort himself while the other two were Saix and Terra-Xehanort. The three took off their coats with the three starting their conversation with Saix beginning it with,
"Master Xehanort, why don't we just eliminate the boy and take the girl right now? This is our chance."
"All in due time, my faithful servant. The girl needs to be tested before we can confirm she is one of the seven. As for the boy, he will also be a pawn in our game. He will either give us seven new guardians or we will find seven princesses of hearts; either way our goals will be attained."
"Understood." Saix nodded at Xehanort once he heard this and backed off while Terra-Xehanort looked at the old man and started to ask about the boy Vanitas beat up. Xehanort took a moment to think before he recalled Natsuki Subaru.
"The false keyblade wielder, he shouldn't be a concern for now."
"But Xehanort, he could be useful to us."
Terra-Xehanort begins to explain how they can use Subaru to further their goals in getting Kingdom Hearts, to which Xehanort was intrigued by what he is hearing and impressed by Terra-Xehanort's thinking.
"I would do something like that but my promise to Theresia Van Astrea prevents me from doing so."
"A mere promise?"
"Don't misinterpret, Saix. I do not care about this world but as long as we are here, any promise made is a contract, one that has consequences if broken."
"My apologies Master Xehanort. I wasn't aware of this but what was your promise to this Theresia person?"
Xehanort closed his eyes to recall his time with Eraqus, Theresia, and Wilhelm in the time when Eraqus and himself were taking their Mark of Mastery. As he recalls his promise, he tells the two to which they were surprised by this. The three remained silent for a moment before Saix started to discuss the issue with Larxene and Marluxia, seeing that the two are from a different time and not from the time of the Keyblade Graveyard.
"Regarding those two, it would be a problem since they are likely to be killed first before we can find the seven lights, Master Xehanort."
"You are right but I have anticipated this, so there is another path in getting to our goal should the two fall prior to getting the seven lights."
Saix and Terra-Xehanort both looked at each other for a moment, having noticed what Xehanort said before giving him a nod at the old man, showing that they understand and trust in him. Xehanort looks up at the sky for a moment before creating a corridor of darkness for the three to leave the area.
The next day, Subaru was taken to the Guard Station alongside Felix in his royal guard attire rather than in his usual feminine attire. As the two were heading there, they managed to come across with Reinhard. Subaru approached the Sword Saint and asked him how he was since he hadn't heard from him since the fight against Xehanort's forces.
"I've been alright but what about you, my friend? How are you holding up?"
"I'll be alright, just keep training so I don't slack off. I know I'll get my keyblade back to me."
"That's good to hear, I do hope you regain your weapon once again soon."
"Yeah, same here..."
"Nya, don't depress poor Subaru-Kyun, Reinhard-Kyun. Today is supposed to be a good day, nya!"
"You are right, Felix. This is a day for Subaru."
"Wait, what do you mean? What is going on?" Subaru was on high alert since he was unsure what was going on. Reinhard and Felix both simply smiled before they led Subaru to a large room where many of the knights he had fought alongside in the city were at. As Subaru entered the room, all the knights stood firm and bowed to the young boy, confusing him for a bit before seeing the captain of the Imperial knights standing at the end of the room.
Reinhard and Felix both brought Subaru towards Marcos's position before returning themselves to the group, leaving Subaru extremely puzzled on what was happening. Before he could come up with some idea of what could be going on, he heard Marcos speaking to everyone in the room,
"I have gathered everyone here to honor this young boy, who although not a knight like us, he fought worthy enough to join our knighthood."
"Wait What?" Subaru spoke out of shock, not surprising anybody since they were expecting Natsuki Subaru to not know what they were going to do. All the knights in unison nodded at Marcos before allowing him to continue by asking Subaru to say his full name. Subaru completed this and said his full name as "Natsuki Subaru" in a normal tone rather in his usual exaggerated way with his odd posing since he knows that things are serious at the moment.
"Natsuki Subaru, we have gathered together here to acknowledge you as a knight, just like the Keyblade Wielder, Sora, mentioned you were Emilia's knight, we the Imperial knights shall acknowledge you as well."
Subaru was at a pause for a moment, unsure on how to take it that he is acknowledged as a knight. He feels prideful because of it yet he also feels empty since he feels like he hasn't earned the title of Emilia's knight. All he has done so far is hold his own against a bunch of weak to semi-mid tier heartless.
"Thank you for this, really but I can't take this acknowledgement. I know what Master Sora said that I'm Emilia's knight but I still have to earn the title for myself. I do wish to become a knight like you all."
"We figured you would say that, so we want you to have this in order for you to be for now a temporary knight." Reinhard approached Subaru with one of the uniforms of the Imperial knights, letting him know that the knights all made it together since they appreciated what he did for them and for showing bravery when being beaten to near death by Vanitas. Subaru grabbed the outfit and was guided by Felix to try it on to make sure it fit. Surprisingly for Subaru, it did fit him well on him. As he got out to show everyone the knight uniform, they all were happy to see him wear the knight uniform.
"Looks good on you, my friend."
"Thanks Reinhard though it fits a bit too tight on the neck area."
"That's how it is, you'll get used to it."
"I hope so, otherwise this thing will kill me!"
Reinhard and the other knights laughed for a moment before returning back to their posts with Marcos asking Subaru if he would consider being a knight at some point down the road. Subaru thought long and hard on this question since he is still Sora's apprentice. As he thought about it, Reinhard could sense that Subaru was struggling to answer since he is loyal to the Emilia camp and to Sora.
"Don't worry about having to abandon Emilia or having to stop being Sora's apprentice should you consider to join as the knight."
"So I can stay as Sora's apprentice if I were a knight with you all?"
"Yes, it shouldn't be a problem, right Sir Marcos?"
"Yes, we will allow it considering that many here have loyalties with other factions. The only thing we do ask is you will have a sulom duty to fight for the kingdom but you may remain as the Keyblade wielder's apprentice."
"Alright then, I may consider but first I would like to feel like I have earned the right to be a knight."
"That's understandable. You may keep the uniform as our temporary knight."
"Thank you Sir Marcos." Subaru bowed at Marcos before managing to talk to each knight, seeing how differently each one is yet they all share a mutual respect for him. This made him think of the loop where the three knights attempted to kill him, seeing as he showed himself in a bad light. He wondered how events would've gone should he had survived that fight but before he could think, the same three knights appeared in front of him. The one closest to have killed him in the previous loop approached Subaru and started small talk with him.
"Natsuki Subaru, you and I haven't had much time to talk since the battle against those creatures of the dark. My name is Yabuto Jinzadashi, this here are my partners Kishida Hisafumi and Waraki Seimoto."
Subaru looked at the three knights, Yabuto having short green hair with Kishida having slightly red short hair and Waraki having slightly messy brown hair. He smiled at the three and started to speak to them in a casual way, thanking them for being on his side against Marluxia. This thought made him realize that Julius is not around.
"Reinhard, where is Julius? I thought he would be here."
"He mentioned that he was going to go see someone but he didn't say who."
"I think I have a feeling it could be my master but I'm unsure."
"Hmm." Reinhard thought about the possibility of Julius going to Roswaal's mansion to see Sora. He did consider this a possibility after recalling how interested he was in the keyblade wielder yet he just considered it a thought. They all continued their talk with each knight wanting to see Subaru's combat skills. Subaru agreed and quickly took on Yabuto first and managed to hold his own with a sword since he still knew how to fight thanks to the one month training he had with Sora. Subaru managed to hold his own against a couple knights and some were more skilled than him yet he was much more humble, understanding that he still needs more training. After a while, Subaru and Felix made their way back towards Crusch's place with Subaru more motivated to want to get stronger despite no longer wielding a keyblade. Before he left, Yabuto and his group promised Subaru for sparring training to make sure their newest member gets stronger.
A few days past with Wilhelm and Subaru continuing their sparring, Wilhelm impressed by just how much progress Subaru has been making ever since he had decided to spar with him. During the sparring session, Subaru's offensive movements reminded Wilhelm of his training match with both Eraqus and Xehanort. He remembered that between the two, Xehanort was the one that gave him the most trouble while Eraqus seemed to not be taking the fight seriously until the very end. During this, Theresia would observe and have conversation with the two boys, getting him a bit jealous but not enough for the two boys to notice. Subaru jumped high before landing a powerful attack that forced the old man to be slightly serious, seeing that Subaru's skills in a fight are to be much desired.
"Impressive, within a few days you've regained some strength...no, you have surpassed what was expected."
"Thank you, it wasn't easy but thanks to Yabuto, Kishida, and Waraki for joining in the past few days, I've never felt better."
Wilhelm smiled and quickly warned the boy that he was going to be trying a bit more, making Subaru excited yet a bit cautious since he knows that Wilhelm is still superior to him. Wilhelm charged at Subaru to overwhelm the boy with a barrage of offensive attacks, seeing that Subaru's defenses were much stronger than expected. Within twenty seconds, Wilhelm got the opening he needed to knock Subaru a few feet before he hit the floor with his back, losing his wooden sword in the process.
"Darn, you are pretty amazing, Wilhelm."
"You are pretty good yourself, you've shown that you are not to be underestimated."
"Haha thanks." Subaru with Wilhelm's assistance got up and the two were preparing to spar again yet he noticed that Rem was going to go into the city to get some things. This prompted him to go with Rem since he wants to make sure Rem doesn't be on her own, having realized that he hasn't been checking up on Rem since the day he became a temporary knight.
"Rem, allow me to accompany you."
"Are you sure? I don't want to stop you from training. You seem to be enjoying yourself."
"True but I also don't want you alone. Plus I assume you miss Master Sora a lot so I will keep you company in his stead."
"If that is what Subaru wants, then it is alright. But no making a move on me, my heart belongs to Sora-kun."
"I know, and mine to Emilia-tan."
Subaru and Rem together left for the city with Wilhelm looking at the two, making him smile a little since he remembered the times he had to himself with Theresia without Xehanort or Eraqus interrupting the two. He would be swinging his sword and practicing while she would ask him if he liked the flowers.
Sora was outside practicing his fighting movements on his own, thinking about his fight with Xehanort and how easily he was defeated. This thought made him more determined to get stronger, so nobody else could get hurt. He felt guilty in his heart since he heard from Roswaal and Emilia that Rem got hurt trying to attack Xehanort, making him realize that the one who has to beat Xehanort and the Organization was to be him.
I can't lose to Xehanort again. If I do, everyone else would be at risk. Subaru would try to avenge me but without his keyblade, he will easily be killed. Rem would also attempted to do that but I don't want her getting hurt again...Emilia and Puck would also try to do something against the organization but I don't think they are strong enough to face them off. Maybe Roswaal could do something but I can tell that his heart is...dark for some reason. Reinhard could help but I fear that even Xehanort could be stronger than him...It is up to me to face the Organization once again and finish them this time...I have to do it alone…
Sora continued to swing his keyblade around, much faster as seconds passed by with his thoughts of protecting the people he had met and grew fond of. These thoughts eventually made him think of Rem. The feelings he is having towards Rem is similar to how he feels about Kairi, how he desires to protect the two with everything he got, eventually making him think again about the concept of love again. The people he recalls a lot about love were Rapunzel and Flynn, how Flynn almost died to save Rapunzel because he loves her. This thought was sadly interrupted when he heard someone speak to him from behind.
"My Myyyy, you are up early, Soooooora."
"Morning to you as well, Roswaal. Just practicing."
"I don't mean to booooooother you, buuuuuut you have a guest looking for youuuuuu."
"I wonder who could that be." Sora was curious to see who wanted to see him, at first he thought it would be Subaru but he knew that if it was him then he would be seeing him first rather than Roswaal. As he goes to see who it is, he is surprised to see that it is the knight Julius Juukulius.
"You are...Julius, right?"
"Yes Sora, I wished to have a sparring match with you."
"Huh?" Sora was a bit confused on this and quickly asked Julius why he wants to fight with him, only for the knight to answer in a serious tone that he wishes to know how strong he is compared to himself. Sora was unsure of this yet seeing that Julius wanted to fight, Sora agreed to this and quickly the two headed towards the courtyard to have their match.
"Sora, I want to ask for something before we begin our match."
"Yes Julius?"
"Do not hold back. Just as you had your fight with my friend, Reinhard, go all out with me as well."
As Julius finished speaking, he summoned his spirits to show that he is being serious in going all out, forcing Sora to have his Kingdom Key prepared for the fight. Julius charged at Sora and quickly went onto the offensive side without hesitation. Sora jumped back and started to block every attack heading towards his path.
He really is going all out.
Sora was completely surprised that Julius really wanted him to fight seriously, seeing that he is causing some small craters around him to each attack he deflects away from him. Sora paid close attention to the way Julius fought, seeing that he was attempting to throw him off yet Sora was able to deflect and dodge each attack without much effort. Sora was impressed by how much effort Julius was giving it, feeling each and every blow get stronger and stronger as the fight grew with Julius using his spirit arts to try to throw Sora off yet most of the attacks he was able to deflect off with ease or dodge roll.
Eventually the fight grew one sided the moment Sora switched from defense to offense. The moment he did that, he was beginning to easily overwhelm Julius, backing him into a corner despite how hard Julius tried to switch the fight back to him being on the offensive side. Sora took a couple of mild attacks before he managed to knock Julius to the ground effortlessly. Julius was at a pause for a moment, completely stunned that a boy like Sora could defeat him so easily but then he recalled how Sora was able to land a hit on Reinhard despite his friend having all of his divine protections on. This made him understand that Sora is much more powerful that could even rival if not surpass his friend.
"Sora, you truly are an amazing warrior."
"Thanks but I still need to get stronger."
"I would like to ask you, how did you end up being this strong? For a young boy as yourself to be closer to power to the Sword Saint, that is a big deal."
Sora laughed off the comment for a bit, still having to gain strength after remembering that Xehanort is a lot stronger than before. As the two were having a chat with Sora explaining all the stuff he went through during his journey without making the same mistake he did with Rem about revealing that he is from another world, Ram approaches the two.
"Sora, knight, would you two come on inside? There is something wrong."
Both Julius and Sora were a bit confused yet concerned by this, seeing as Ram's way of speaking is if something bad had happened. The two entered inside the mansion with someone in dark robes looking at them for a moment before disappearing.
During the morning, Subaru and Wilhelm with Yabuto, Kishida, and Waraki joining in the mix with the four knights together facing Wilhelm. Wilhelm paid close attention to how Subaru fights with a group by his side, seeing as Subaru is the one protecting the others will the other three knights were mostly on the offensive towards him. This impressed Wilhelm a lot since he now can see that Subaru's strong suite is protecting others. Before their fight could come to a conclusion, Rem had interrupted the five of them.
"Subaru, Wilhelm, you two are needed."
"What is up, Rem?"
"It is important."
Wilhelm and Subaru both nodded at each other and before heading inside with Rem, Subaru asked his three new friends if they would join them. Yabuto asked if it was okay to which Rem and Subaru both agreed that it was, Subaru wanting his new friends to join him in the case they are needed and Rem allowing this since she trusts the knights.
Once inside, things become serious once the conversion goes underway with Rem explaining that her sister and her have a shared sense, to which she senses a presence was not a good one.
"We don't know the details, either." Crusch spoke in a serious tone, "But it came from the Mathers domain, which you know as Margrave Roswaal's territory. Evidently, some troubling movement was seen in the vicinity of his mansion. Parts of the domain are already on high alert."
"Troubling movement? Could it be the people who attacked the capital and hurt my master?"
"Unsure but we did foresee this situation. From the moment the margrave declared his intention to back Emilia, a half-elf."
Subaru stood puzzled and silent for a moment, processing everything he heard until one of the knights, Kishida, interjected and asked if it could be the witch cult, knowing that they would probably want something to do with Emilia. Crusch and the others stood in silence before she was able to say to the knight that it was a possibility.
"Master Sora is there with Emilia, I know he will be able to handle whatever this is but Miss Crusch, I would like to go and check it out in case things don't go well for my master."
"That's quite the boldness of you, Natsuki Subaru, but if you leave, you will become my enemy."
"Wait, what do you mean?"
"Allow me to correct one idea you have. I have only allowed you to stay here as a guest, receiving treatment, because I am contracted to do so."
"Contracted?"
"Sora and I formed a contract regarding your treatment. Sora is not fighting for a rival camp specifically but you are. Should you abandon that contract yourself, I am not obligated to continue protecting you. The moment you leave this household, I will not hesitate to become enemies with you."
"Hmm that is unsettling, is there someway I can check Emilia without abandoning the contact you and my master made?"
"There is a way." Spoke Waraki in a curious tone, intrigued on how Crusch would easily allow things to escalate. Everyone turned their attention towards the messy haired knight. Subaru asked how since he didn't want to lose the friendship he built up with Crusch, Felix, and Wilhelm to which the knight responded.
"Considering that you are a knight, albeit temporary, you are still obligated to follow orders and to follow any mission assigned to you even if it does interfere with the contract."
"Nya, that is true but nyou know it is risky."
"It's alright Felix, after all you would also do something like this if you knew I was in danger."
Felix paused for a moment, seeing that Crusch was taking Waraki's side on this since it was something possible for her to accept. Should Subaru the temporary knight be assigned to go to the Mathers domain, she would accept this and still uphold the contract.
"Natsuki Subaru, as yourself you cannot go or the contract will be broken but because it is your mission to check on Emilia's state, I will allow it without the contract being broken."
Subaru looked at Crusch as she smiled, seeing that although it isn't an official meeting, she is still letting him go and will still uphold the contract with him. Subaru smiled before asking the other three knights if they would go with him. Yabuto, Kishida, and Waraki hit their newest member in the head with Yabuto responding, "Of course we would go, you idiot. You are the newest recruit after all, we have to look out for the newest of members."
Subaru smiled and quickly with Rem, they started to work on getting ready to make their way towards the mansion. As they all left, Wilhelm and Felix both looked at Crusch with curiosity in their eyes.
"Miss Crusch, mind if I ask why are you being nice to this boy? You know he will end up serving with the Emilia camp after this."
"I am aware of this, Wilhelm Van Astrea, but it doesn't change how he is the apprentice of that Keyblade Wielder. Somehow those two have some effect on people since for some reason I don't want to be enemies with them."
"Nyo! Nyou better not be falling in love Miss Crusch!"
"Don't worry Felix, I don't think it is love that I'm feeling and besides, we all know that he desires Emilia."
"Nya, that is true."
The three of them waited for the knights and the maid to meet them outside to see them off on their journey to the mansion. Before the group all left, Crusch gave Subaru a warning to be cautious since she felt that something was wrong to which Subaru took this warning and thanked her before they all headed off towards the path that'll lead them to the mansion.
During the way towards the mansion, Rem informed the group that they would need to take a different path due to the fact that there are some of the white whale fogs covering the normal path. Subaru was curious to know more of the White Whale, understanding that it is a Mabeast that has caused havoc on the world for 400 years.
"Damn, that is a long time. Why hasn't anybody stopped it yet?"
"You can't be serious, newbie. People have tried but nobody has been successful."
"Yeah, though the Crusch camp seems to be ready to try their best against this beast."
"Wait, really?" Subaru asked with curiosity, having thought deeply about what both Yabuto and Waraki said.
"Well after this, maybe we can help her fight off the white whale."
"We were hoping you said that, newbie. Kishida, Waraki, and I were planning on joining this dangerous task. We would benefit should you join us as well."
Subaru nodded at this, making his three knight friends to be excited in this before night time hit, where they all had to rest due to the ground dragon unable to keep going without resting first. They all rested for the night with Subaru and Rem getting a chance to speak. Subaru was in his room for a moment, thinking about how he would regain his power of the Keyblade before Rem asked to enter. He allowed her and for once he saw her in a different attire than in a maid outfit.
"Wow Rem, you look good in that."
"Thanks Subaru. What are you still up?"
"Can't sleep, I've been having a lot on my mind."
"Oh, what is on your mind?"
"Regaining the keyblade. Wanting to protect all of you because I've grown quite fond of you all."
Rem smiled at this since she saw a bit of Sora in Subaru, which helped her in giving Subaru a hug in order to put him to sleep. As he was feeling a bit sleepy, he could hear Rem say, "You should rest, Natsuki Subaru. You are my friend after all, the apprentice of the one I love. I want you to rest, allow me to help build the path for you to reach Emilia."
Subaru was awakened by the three knights very abruptly, with the leader being the one to alert him that Rem is gone. He took a moment to think about what happened the previous night to remember that Rem was speaking about how she would build a path for him to reach Emilia, causing him and his friends to quickly ask the person in charge of the place to see where Rem left. The person in charge gave him the letter of Rem.
"By the time you are reading this, I'm already gone. I want you to know Subaru that I have grown fond of you as well, you are nice to me and treat me as a friend, which is why I'm doing this for you. You still need to rest in order to heal your wounds. Once you are all rested, Sora-kun, Emilia, and I will all be waiting for your return."
"Rem..." Subaru looked at the note and quickly alerted the knights that they should look for someone to take them to the Mathers mansion. The knights nodded at Subaru, seeing the determination in his eyes and knowing that it is serious. Subaru and the knights looked around for a person until they ended up meeting with a man with green attire and white hair.
"Is your name Otto Suwen?"
"Huh...yes…"
"We need your assistance." Subaru pulled out a bag of coins Rem left for him to which Otto was surprised by this. He quickly guided Subaru and his three knight friends towards the wagon where he will be taking them to the Mathers Mansion.
Don't worry Master Sora, Emilia, Rem, Ram, Roswaal...I, Natsuki Subaru, will be returning to you all safely and fully healed.
A few things to note:
1. I wanted some original characters so the three knights will play a role.
2. Since Subaru proved to all the knights that he is worthy, he was chosen to be a part of the knights.
3. It will follow some of the anime but this Subaru is much different from the anime, keep that in mind.
4. As said in the beginning, this will be more Re:Zero focus with Kingdom Hearts elements added.
5. Subaru is much stronger having had training by Sora and now by Wilhelm and the three knights. Keep that in mind on the fights to come.
I really am putting everything I got with this series and will make it all lead to a good conclusion but that'll be a while before reaching that ending point so enjoy the story. I like reading all of your comments.