Chapter 24: The Sanctuary

As the group was entering the forest, Emilia started to feel sad that Puck hasn't come out yet, which did catch Sora and Subaru's attention. The two remembered their conversations with Puck earlier, causing the two to feel bad that they have to be ignorant about it. The three were silent for a bit before Subaru asked Sora if he could continue his stories of his journeys before he arrived to Lugnica. Sora looked at his apprentice for a moment and before he could say anything, Emilia also wanted to know more of Sora's journeys as well.

"I'm surprised by how interested you two are in my stories of my journey."

"Well Master Sora, you have an interesting journey. Makes me a bit envious of you."

"Subaru! You shouldn't say such things."

"Sorry Sorry."

"Don't worry about it, Emilia. I mean as long as you both are enjoying my stories of my journey then it is alright."

"Okay Sora. Now continue with your story."

"Where did we leave off?"

"I think when you were going to take your Mark of Mastery."

"Oh right."

Before Sora could begin talking about the Mark of Mastery part of his journey, the blue stone in Emilia's chest gifted to her by Frederica began to glow.

"What is going on?!"

"I don't know but I don't want to find out!"

"Wait Subaru!"

Subaru grabbed the blue stone away from Emilia but as he did that, she collapsed to the ground and ended up being unconscious which caused Sora to check up on her. As Sora does this, Subaru attempts to approach Emilia but the blue stone brightens the carriage for a moment. As the light dies out, Sora opens his eyes and notices that Emilia is still unconscious yet Subaru was missing.

"Hey, is everything okay in there?"

Otto looked inside the carriage and realized that Subaru was missing and Emilia was unconscious, completely worried about what could've happened. He asked Sora what happened to both Subaru and Emilia. Sora explained what happened yet as he was explaining, the carriage all of a sudden stopped which caused Otto and Sora to both be alerted by this. They looked around the carriage and noticed that there was a temple nearby.

"Sora-san, do you think that there is danger around?"

"I don't know about it but allow me to explore a bit. Take care of Emilia for me and Subaru."

"Wait!"

Sora got his Kingdom Key out and slowly left the carriage to explore the ruins nearby while Otto requested Sora to be careful, having a bad feeling. Sora nodded at Otto before continuing to look around the area. As he was walking around the forest, he started to think about how the place reminded him of Tarzan's world. He looked down and smiled before changing his keyblade from Kingdom Key to Jungle King. As he did that, he looks around and feels a bit uneasy that it is extremely quiet until he notices a little elf in white robes.

"Um...hello there?"

"..."

Sora looked at the small girl puzzled before she began to run away from the keyblade wielder, leaving him confused and uncertain. Before he could do anything, a couple of heartless appear out of nowhere which forced him to get his guard up once again. He looks around and notices that there are only a couple of shadow heartless around, making Sora to not feel like he should be fighting seriously. He charges at the heartless and easily takes them down in one hit, causing him to wonder if the Sanctuary is under attack by the heartless.

He runs towards the ruins and ends up noticing that Subaru is entering a tomb looking place, making him tempted to also join his apprentice there but before he could join in, a corridor of darkness appears in front of him to reveal Saix once again.

"Saix! What are you doing here?"

"To make sure you understand that we mean business. Have you decided on what to do with the maid?"

"I..." Sora was about to give a response yet he ended up hesitating since he doesn't know what is the best course of action to help Rem. From what everyone he has talk to about, Subaru and Felix both are against it as they see the organization as a big threat that shouldn't be trusted. Emilia is neutral on the matter since she is like Sora, both unsure on what is the best course of action. Petra and Frederica both were on the side of waking Rem up since they hated to see Rem in a state she is in yet they were also cautioning that the organization should stay away from the blue haired maid since they are aware how dangerous the organization is. Saix stood silent for a moment before saying to Sora in a slightly disappointed tone of voice,

"I had thought that you understood the situation. Master Xehanort is giving you a chance to wake the girl up rather than having her in a dark sleep."

"I know that but I need time..."

"Time is not something everyone has but since Luxord gave you a chance to think, I'll give you a chance to think. You have five days to decide or else we will resume fighting each other and taking the girl by force."

"I will not let you hurt Rem!"

Sora had his keyblade ready to fight Saix yet the organization member just simply turned around and left the scene, leaving Sora a bit stumbled by this until more heartless appeared around the keyblade wielder. Sora quickly deflected many of the heartless attacks directed towards him before taking them down within a few seconds. As he manages to win against many of the heartless, he notices a darkside type heartless appearing behind him. Sora turned towards this threat and quickly prepared to face the heartless until all of a sudden someone with blonde hair jumped up high in the sky and without warning destroyed the heartless.

'What the? Who is that?'

Sora lowers his weapon as he notices the blonde boy jump near his position. All the keyblade wielder can think is that the person next to him is pretty strong to easily take down the heartless in one attack. He waited until the right opportunity before he spoke with the blonde boy yet to his surprise he started to charge at him as if he was next on his list of opponents. Sora jumped back and managed to gain some distance from the blonde boy only for him to quickly charge at him again. Sora realized that he wasn't getting out of this without facing the blonde boy, forcing him to defend himself.

"T'is gonna be fun! You are no match 'gainst my amazin' self!"

"What?"

Sora was a bit off but he knew that his opponent was going to be persistent. Sore blocked every attack with some effort involved, seeing that the blonde boy is extremely strong with just his hands and claws. As Sora was defending himself with everything he got, he could sense that his opponent was aiming to take him down, forcing him to jump back and cast Firaga at the opponent.

The blonde boy noticed this and quickly punched away the fireball without any damage. Sora was impressed by this and quickly took the opportunity to go on the offensive side against the blonde boy, wishing to see how strong he is. As Sora goes to attack the blonde boy, Sora's opponent managed to deflect off most of his attacks without much problem until Sora quickly started to take the fight seriously.

Sora quickly jumped away from his opponent for a brief moment before going on a more aggressive like offensive. As Sora was beginning to push back his opponent for a brief moment before the blonde boy managed to escape the barrage of attacks Sora was giving. As he manages to escape the offense, he quickly gains some distance from the keyblade wielder and prepares to charge at the boy until the two heard Otto shout,

"Sora-san! Where are you?"

"There more of yer?!"

"Leave them alone, they have nothing to do with our fight."

"Like hell yer people have nothin' to do with this fight! I won't let any of yer get to Sanctuary."

The blonde boy charged at Sora with anger in his eyes, making the keyblade wielder realize that he is facing someone who is guarding the Sanctuary. He deflected a couple of attacks before quickly managing to ask, "Is your name happen to be Garfiel?"

"Yer got that right! I'm the amazin' Garfiel standin' in fronta ya!"

Garfiel quickly went on the offensive against Sora with everything he got, landing a strong hit on Sora's chest area. This hit sent the keyblade wielder flying for a moment only for Garfiel to manage to hit Sora strongly to the ground, creating a small crater.

As Sora hit the ground strongly, he slowly got up with Garfiel attempting to take his opponent out in one big hit only for Sora to gain the strength he needed to deflect off the attack with Jungle King, still confident in the keyblade's strength.

Garfiel noticed that Sora is not done yet, making him a bit excited to see how powerful his opponent is but also hostile since he doesn't like the idea of someone who is stronger than him entering Sanctuary without knowing if they are an ally or an enemy.

Garfiel jumped high before charging down quickly towards Sora to attempt another powerful attack. Sora used Curaga on himself in order to regain his full strength before jumping towards Garfiel's direction.

As the two's attacks clashed, it created a small yet powerful wave of wind that moved every leaf around while sending the two flying in opposite directions. Sora went back towards the crater while Garfiel was sent flying towards the forest.

As the two hit the floor, Sora was amazed that he found another person who is very strong though he can tell that Garfiel is nowhere near as strong as Reinhard but is up there in strength.

Garfiel in the other hand found it annoying that he is being pushed to his limit. He got up with anger in his eyes and quickly made his way back to Sora's position. As Garfiel returns to Sora's location, he notices the keyblade wielder facing off against the heartless.

"Oy! Are ya the one makin' them?!"

"No! My job is to take them down, the heartless."

"Wha-?"

Garfiel was uncertain of himself now as he heard that Sora's job is to take care of the heartless. Before he could do anything, he watched as Sora took care of the heartless on his own.

He took note of how with him, the heartless that were killed didn't show a heart while the ones Sora took down did. This caught his interest yet he waited until Sora finished the heartless before continuing their fight. As he charged at Sora, Subaru had jumped in between the two and casted Reflect to block the attack.

"Natsuki-san?!"

Otto and Sora were both pleased to see Subaru once again after he randomly disappeared. As Garfiel hit the barrier Subaru created, it disappeared only for some lights to appear near the blonde boy for a second before exploding on him. This surprised Garfiel, causing him to keep his distance yet having him be more hostile towards Subaru and Sora.

"Who the hell are ya both?! Who sen ya?!"

"We aren't here as a threat. Master Sora and I are just—"

"Ah, so my amazin' self is facin' a master an apprentice. Time for som' fun!"

Garfiel charged at Subaru to attack him yet Sora got a chance to deflect off the attack which surprised Garfiel. He quickly took a moment to regain his distance before charging at the two with everything he had. Sora and Subaru blocked off a few of Garfiel's attacks yet the blonde boy managed to land a powerful hit on the two, sending them both flying near Otto's location. Sora crashed into a tree hard enough to break it in half while Subaru landed on a couple of bushes.

"Natsuki-san! Sora-san!"

Otto quickly went to check on the two, first heading to Subaru to see if he is alright. Subaru got up and thanked Otto for checking up on him. Otto nodded at Subaru before going to check on Sora while Subaru got up and prepared to fight off Garfiel on his own. Garfiel looks at Subaru and smiles as he can tell that Subaru is much weaker than Sora.

This made him confident that Subaru won't do anything to him, making him swiftly charge at the boy only for him to wait for the right time before casting Reflect to protect himself. Garfiel noticed this and quickly stopped himself from hitting the barrier yet the moment he did this, Subaru took the opportunity to charge at Garfiel the second the barrier dropped and landed a strong hit that pushed the blonde boy back.

Garfiel was pushed a few feet back before looking at Subaru with anger that he even felt a bit of pain from the weaker of the two keyblade wielders. Garfiel looked at Subaru with hatred in his eyes before charging at him with everything he got.

"This time I'll fuck ye up!"

"You won't be hurting Subaru!"

Sora with the help of Otto got up in time to quickly be able to stop Garfiel from harming Subaru with a deadly attack. Sora at this time considered Garfiel a bigger threat, forcing him to switch his keyblade from Jungle King to Oathkeeper. Garfiel noticed the change of keyblades and quickly questioned Sora about it to which he responded that he simply switched his weapon.

"Seems like my amazin' self is just that good!"

"You are strong Garfiel but Subaru and I won't back down from this fight either."

Sora and Subaru nodded at each other, both of them knowing what they have to do with Garfiel taking note of this. He charges at the two yet is countered by Sora's attack before Subaru out of nowhere manages to hit Garfiel's face.

"One!" Subaru says before quickly charging at Garfiel to go for another attack. The blonde boy noticed this and quickly attempted to his Subaru only for Sora to come from the blonde boy's right side managed to land a strong hit in the stomach.

"Two!" Sora says as he manages to land the second hit, sending Garfiel a few feet back before both Subaru and Sora ran side by side. Garfiel noticed this but he was too busy catching his breath from the last attack to be able to do anything. As he was prepared to take on a physical attack, he saw both of the keyblade wielders jump up high with the two pointing their keyblades directly at him.

"And three!" Both Sora and Subaru shouted in unison before their keyblades fired two fireballs with Sora's being the stronger of the two. As the two fireballs head towards Garfiel's direction, he attempts to deflect the attack only for the two fireballs to explode on impact. The explosion sent the blonde boy flying across the large field with an injured right hand.

"Ya bastar's got me arm! I'll give ya that but yer done fo now!"

"Alright but we won't want to kill Frederica's brother, right Master Sora?"

Garfiel immediately paused himself in place when he heard what Subaru said, making him question on why do they know Frederica.

"Why the hell did I just hear that name from yer nasty mouth?"

"We know her, she sent us here."

"Tsk...!"

Garfiel lowered his arm and proceeded to heal his injured up while telling the two that they got some nerve to fight him. Sora put his keyblade away while looking at Garfiel a bit annoyed from what he said.

"You did pick a fight with us first. Though you are much stronger than expected."

"I'll see ya two are good gainst my amazin' self but don't let it get to yer heads."

Garfiel continues to heal his hand until Sora casts Curaga on him, making him be surprised that all of his energy is back to him and his injuries are completely gone. This made Garfiel curious on whether the two are some combination of a swordsman and a magician since he hasn't seen someone who can wield a weapon and use magic casually.

Sora informed Garfiel that Subaru and himself were keyblade wielders and allowed the blonde boy to hold Kingdom Key in order to see how the keyblade feels. Garfiel grabbed it and looked at it very carefully, a bit surprised that somehow a sword shaped as a key can be a deadly weapon. He swung it around for a bit to see how it feels before it disappeared from his hand and returned back to Sora's hand.

"What an interestin weapon ye got there. Never seen any like em type before."

"It's quite the unique weapon."

Garfiel nodded at this and they all went in the carriage towards the sanctuary with Garfiel starting a small conversation.

"Sorry bout before, my amazin' self is the guardian of The Sanctuary. Had you said ya knew Frederica, there would be no fight."

"Yeah true but you started the fight without allowing me to see that you were Garfiel."

"Whatever, anyway how did ye know my amazin' self was Frederica's brother?"

"I just had a feeling is all."

Garfiel looked at Subaru with some annoyance before crossing his arms and stood silent for a moment before turning his attention towards the sleeping Emilia.

"So this is the half-devil that Roswaal is backing."

"Half-elf!" Subaru said with anger in his eyes, disliking the way Garfiel is talking about Emilia. He pulled out his keyblade which got Garfiel's attention.

"Hey, look at that! Guess you can put some energy into yer voice after all! Wanna know how it feels to be a bazomazo bein' flung back an' forth?"

"Enough you two. Subaru, you can't allow your anger to get to you. Garfiel, I suggest you stop because I will not let you continue to speak bad about Emilia."

"Sorry Master Sora, I won't let my anger get to me again."

"Tsk."

As Garfiel looked away from Sora, they all noticed that Emilia was waking up which made Subaru be the first to check on her first. As she gets up, Subaru asks her if she was okay to which she was about to respond to what he asked yet she had noticed Garfiel, making her go hostile towards him.

"Who are you? Just so you know, I won't let you lay a finger on Subaru!"

"Hold on, Emilia-tan! I appreciate it, but as a guy, I have mixed feelings about this! Really, I'm fine!"

"I'm not gonna do anythin'." Garfiel spoke with a smile on his face and a confident tone of voice. "I don't want Ram givin' me hell later."

"Ram?"

"This here is Garfiel. The one Frederica warned us about." Sora added to a shocked Emilia so she would be informed that the Garfiel that Frederica warned is right in front of them. Emilia stays silent for a moment with Subaru asking Garfiel if the villagers from Arlam village and Ram are in the Sanctuary. Garfiel response to Subaru's question in a calm manner,

"Don't wanna believe me? That's yer call. Ain't no turnin' back now, though. We're already past the barrier."

"Then we're in the Sanctuary right now?" Emilia asked in surprise.

"C'mon, gimme a break. Weren't ya asleep 'cause ye got close to the barrier?"

"The barrier? Come to think of it, when the stone glowed..."

"It was at the exact same moment." Subaru thought long and hard while holding the blue stone before confirming to Garfiel, "So it was reacting to the barrier, then?"

Garfiel stood silent as he looked at the blue stone Subaru was holding with a displeased look, being reminded of something he wishes to forget. Sora chimed in to ask why did Emilia was the only one to pass out and Subaru the only one to get teleported somewhere else while Otto and him were unaffected. Garfiel looked at the keyblade wielder and answered,

"You all know damn well why the barrier reacted to her and not the three of you. As for why yer apprentice was teleported somewhere else, that I'm unsure. But back to the topic of miss half elf here, the barrier doesn't just react to half-elves. It works on my amazin' self and a lot of others too. That's cause..."

"Because you have mixed blood, too?"

Garfiel smirk as he sees that the trio are finally getting it. Subaru and Sora both begin to figure out that the Sanctuary is a place where demihumans with mixed blood live, making the two see that the barrier is keeping them all inside. As the two ask Garfiel of their theory, Garfiel gets up with excitement.

"You two got it! We welcome you keyblade wielders, Emilia-sama, and your two escorts, too!"

Subaru opens the window nearby as Garfiel finishes speaking to check the outside along with Sora and Emilia. As the three look outside, they see a couple of houses with many trees surrounding them. As they look outside, Garfiel continues to speak to them.

"Roswaal likes to go around callin' it the Sanctuary, but it ain't the kinda place that deserves such a nice name. Nothin' there but a hodgepodge of halfwits. It's just a dead-end testing ground."

They all look around and notice many of the villagers of Sanctuary looking at the group with fear in their eyes. This made Otto uncomfortable and began asking where he should park the carriage. But as he asks, he stops when he notices a red haired maid that looks a lot like Rem standing in front of his path and asks if they are back.

Subaru opens the little door in the front of the carriage to see that it is Ram. As everyone gets out of the carriage except Otto, they all approach Ram with her speaking to both Sora and Subaru.

"Sora, good to see you are alive and well. Barusu, still disappointing as usual."

"Hey! What the hell?!"

"Hmpt!"

Subaru looked a bit annoyed by the way Ram was acting towards him with Sora slightly giggling since he always found Ram and Subaru's interactions a bit funny. Ram eventually changed her attitude as she turned towards Emilia to speak to her.

"Emilia-sama, I welcome you. Roswaal-sama is waiting inside. Allow me to show you the way." Ram turns her attention to Garfiel, "Garf, take the ground dragon and carriage somewhere suitable."

"Tsk. Is that any way to treat me? That's just how I like it, though." Garfiel turns towards his right side and begins to walk while changing his attention to Otto. "Yo, cabbie, follow me."

"Are you referring to me?! That's the worst name I've been called yet! Also, I have to be alone with you?!"

"I'll pick up what's left of you." Subaru adds in with a smile and a thumbs up.

"Why am I being treated so roughly?!"

"What're you talking about? When I was unconscious and Master Sora was taking on the heartless, Emilia only stayed safe because you were there with her. I'm grateful."

"I'm also grateful too Otto, you helped us during the fight and you have been a caring friend."

"O-oh...W-Well, as long as you both appreciate me...Right!"

Otto smiled as he felt joy when he heard how he is appreciated by the two keyblade wielders, making him be happy to go with Garfiel. As he leaves, Sora smiles at the merchant he befriended after the battle with Marluxia before he ended up hearing Subaru say,

"He's too easy."

Sora pulled out Kingdom Key and wacked his apprentice in the head which gained more respect from Ram as she always enjoys seeing Sora hit Subaru in the head.

"Ow!"

"You should be more respectful."

"Okay Okay...I'm sorry."

As Sora and Subaru both finish their small talk, they turn towards Ram and immediately start thinking about Rem. Ram notices that something is off with them and quickly questions the two if something is bothering them.

"What?"

"Oh nothing. Just that Master Sora and I were worried about you since the last time we talked it was very brief. You and half of the villagers all went to Sanctuary without a means of communication so we didn't know if you all were alright or if you all made it safely."

"Well as you can both see, I am as lovely and healthy as ever. The villagers of Arlam are also safe, too. You can both be at ease."

"That is a real relief..." Sora spoke with a faint smile on his face, happy that the villagers are all alright and so is Ram yet the fact that she hasn't asked about her sister bothered him and it also bothered Subaru a bit. The two were unease still and Emilia caught on to that which made her get Ram's attention.

"Hey, Ram...This really isn't a place to stand around and talk. Would you show us inside?"

"Certainly."

Ram bows to Emilia before heading into the house nearby while Emilia checks on the two keyblade wielders, seeing that the two were a bit unease at seeing Ram. She asked Subaru if he was alright with him responding that he was a little off before the two turned towards Sora to see if he was alright since he was extremely close to Rem.

"Don't worry Subaru, Emilia, I will be alright."

"You sure Master?"

"I'll be okay Subaru. Let's just keep pushing forward."

"You don't have to do it alone, Sora. You have me and Subaru by your side should you need any help coping with this."

"Thank you. Emilia. Subaru."

Subaru and Emilia both nodded at each other and gave Sora a big hug to make sure they comfort their friend. Sora smiled at this and quickly started to remember when Goofy and Donald hugged him after Riku and he finally managed to return to destiny island. They all smiled before finally heading inside the house that Ram went in only to find Roswaal covered in bandages.

"Ah, Emilia-sama, Sora-kun, and Subaru-kun. It feeeeeels like it's been so very long since I laaaaaast saw you."

"I was going to slug you when I saw you again, but now...ow!"

Sora hit Subaru in the head once again for forgetting to show proper manners, to which Ram held her tongue in order to not smile at the sight of seeing Subaru getting hit again. As Subaru was holding his head from the spot Sora hit him, the keyblade wielder spoke.

"Aside from what Subaru said, what happened to you? How did you get hurt this badly? Need me or Subaru to heal you?"

"Well, now that is quite nice of you but I'll be fine. As for the first questions, wheeeeeere shall I begin?"

"Hey, before that, just one thing..." Subaru said after the pain from the hit he received in the head from his master started to die down, "The alliance with Crusch-san is on. Now are you satisfied with the results you got after you left Master Sora and I to deal with the Witch Cult without you?"

"Yes, mooooost satisfied. Truly, truly you two were the once-in-a-lifetime wiiiiiindfall I had long waited for."

"Oh really?" Subaru closed his eyes as he still felt bothered that Roswaal didn't help them in the slightest with Sora having some suspicion towards the magician since he can sense a hint of darkness in his heart. Emilia stood firm and started to ask Roswaal of the place they are at. She began explaining her unease and how the place doesn't feel like a sanctuary but more like…

"The Witch's Graveyard? Does it seem to make for more sense to call it that?" Roswaal spoke without his usual odd speaking patterns which caught Sora's attention even more. Emilia asked Roswaal what meant to which he replied with,

"Exactly what I said, nothing more or less. This is where the Witch of Greed, Echidna, met her end long ago, and in my mind, it is worth calling a 'Sanctuary.'"

"Echidna..." Subaru thought of the name, feeling like it is familiar yet he wasn't able to figure it out as Emilia asked him if he was alright. Subaru looked at Emilia and responded that he was alright before turning his attention to Roswaal.

"Why are you overseeing a place with that kind of backstory?"

"It's quite simple. This land has been overseen by the heads of the Mathers family for generations."

"So Roswaal, the Mathers family and this Witch of greed have-"

"Echidna!" Roswaal interrupted Sora which got the Keyblade wielder to suspect that there as to be some relation between Roswaal and The witch of greed. Subaru disliked this as he didn't like anybody showing disrespect to his master while Emilia was surprised by this. Roswaal returned to his normal demeanor while continuing to speak,

"My apologies, please, when you speeeeak of her, do use her name. The name 'Witch of Greed' makes her sound sooooo evil. That's nooooot very nice, it is?"

"Pardon me for that then, Roswaal. So the Mathers family and Echidna have been acquainted for a long time, so is that the reason you oversee this place?"

"Yes Sora-kun, though to saaaaay we 'oversee' is a bit of an exaggeration. Echidna's barrier prevents entry by outsiders who fail to follow the forest's proper procedure. In addition, the barrier has certain effects on those whose blood meets certain conditions."

"Basically anybody who has mixed blood are trapped in the barrier?"

"Coooooooorrect! You are on the maaaark, Sora-kun."

"But that doesn't explain how you got hurt." Subaru added as he was trying to figure out who could've hurt Roswaal the way he was. His first theory was Garfiel yet from previous interactions, he knows that Roswaal and Garfiel have interacted so it would be out of left field if Garfiel all of a sudden attacked Roswaal. Roswaal smiled before he gave Subaru an answer,

"We are all under house arrest here at the sanctuary. Myself, Ram, the villagers of Arlem...and noooow you three."

"What?" Emilia, Subaru, and Sora all said in unison before Garfiel entered the room from behind the three.

"The hell? You guys are still flappin' your gums in here?"

"House arrest...The are Roswaal's injuries..." Emilia looked at Garfiel with a bit of hesitation until he instantly responded,

"Nope. He got hurt 'cause he was rejected by the trial."

"Trial?"

"What does that mean?"

"You've seen what happens when you come in contact with the barrier, right? Mixed-bloods who go through that and still come in here are never allowed to leave."

"Unless someone beats the trials, am I right?" Sora asked, having used all the information he had gathered from Garfiel. Roswaal and Garfiel both looked at Sora with a similar mindset of how intelligent Sora is yet they both had a different reason to dislike him figuring things out.

"Seeeems like you are coooorrect again."

"If the trials are the answer in freeing people from the Sanctuary then I volunteer to take on the trials."

"Like hell ye would!" Garfiel's anger immediately controls him has he breaks a wall nearby him. Sora and Subaru both prepare to summon their keyblades should Garfiel try to attack them yet they see that Garfiel controls himself before continuing to speak,

"If anyone who isn't a mixed-blood tries it then they will end up like Roswaal here. All the villagers are rounded up in one place. So long as they don't act up, we won't hurt 'em. They even get three meals and a nap every day! This is our demand. Break the barrier surrounding this Sanctuary, the only one allowed to undergo the trial to do that is you."

Garfiel points at Emilia, making both Subaru and Sora unease since they speculate that the trial might be extremely difficult and wouldn't wish to have Emilia to face off the trial on her own. Garfiel continues to speak.

"If you can't break it, we won't let any of the villagers leave. Of course, you can't leave here yourself, either."

Sora, Subaru, Emilia, and Ram all head towards a church looking building to check on the villagers with Subaru and Sora both feeling unease. As they were heading there, Garfiel stopped them and asked if he could speak with Sora in private. Subaru was hesitant yet his master calmed him down and told him that he would be alright. Subaru nodded and quickly with the other two went to check on the villagers. Once the group left, Garfiel began to speak with Sora in a normal tone.

"I got a question for ye, how strong are ya?"

"That is quite hard to explain but before I can answer, may I ask why?"

"Yer were holdin' back, weren't ya?"

"I mean I do have other abilities under my disposal but I'm trying to not rely on them as much."

"Ah, yer one of them type of fighters. Makes sense but what are yer intentions in sanctuary then?"

"I'm here with my apprentice to help out. We are not here to cause trouble."

"Aight, then what are them creatures of darkness?"

"The heartless. They are creatures created of hearts. The keyblade is the only weapon that could free those hearts trapped inside the darkness."

"So yer saying that my amazin' self can't defeat them creatures of darkness?"

"You do beat them but the keyblade is the only thing that can permanently take them out."

"Hmm that is disappointin'. My amazin' self's been dealin with em for two months."

Sora crossed his arms as he heard this, having a bad feeling that ever since he arrived, the heartless had been appearing in the world as well. As he feels his blood grow cold of the thought that his arrival had caused more trouble, Garfiel got his attention again.

"Well regardless, ye better follow my orders as well. Emilia will be takin the trial, not you! Got it?"

"Yes, I understand Garfiel. I just wanted to help but I understand."

Garfiel smirks at the humbleness Sora was displaying before allowing him to catch up with the others, still having a feeling in his gut that he should keep an eye on the keyblade wielder. As Sora was walking towards the church-like building where Subaru, Emilia, and Ram are located, he ended up bumping into Otto.

"O-oh, Sorry Sora-san."

"It's alright Otto, I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings."

"A-Alright...Hey, Can I ask you something?"

"Sure thing, what is on your mind?"

"Well I know you are all busy but I would like to know what is going on? I want to help my friends anyway I can."

"Glad you consider us friends, Otto. I have also considered you a friend."

"Really Sora-san?"

"Yes. As for what is going on, it seems that we have a bit of a problem regarding leaving Sanctuary. Apparently the requirement to leave is if Emilia alone beats the trials and sets Sanctuary free. Otherwise none of us can leave."

Otto crossed his arms as he heard what Sora was saying, understanding that the situation is much bigger than expected. He quickly asks Sora if there is any way they can persuade Garfiel in letting the villagers of Arlem go without the need of going through the trial.

"There might be but he distrusts me for sure since he sees me a bigger threat. There is a chance you or Subaru could persuade him."

"That is very nice of you Sora-san to have faith in me and your apprentice...my friend, but I think for now let us get closer to the beast boy so we don't upset him from the get go."

"Agreed but rest assured, we will get out of this Sanctuary together."

Otto nodded and felt inspired by Sora's words before heading towards the church-like building alongside the keyblade wielder. As the two enter the church, they notice Emilia was getting along with the villagers which made Sora happy since he was aware how much distrust the villagers had towards Emilia.

As he was there for a couple of seconds, the villagers all noticed him and quickly charged towards the boy. Sora was happy to see the villagers are alright and quickly started to inform them the same things Subaru and Emilia did, making the villagers see that Emilia is needed for their survival.

As they are all enjoying themselves with asking Sora on how the events against the witch cult transpired, Otto and Emilia both looked and saw how much the villagers cared for Sora.

"They really do care a lot for him, right Emilia-sama?"

"They do Otto-kun, but it's because he has a way with people...just like Subaru does."

Otto looks and notices that Emilia smiled happily when speaking of Subaru, as she still feels the joy and happiness the boy gives her. Otto noticed this and quickly thought of something to help his friend in getting much closer with Emilia. As he thought, he decided to ask Emilia in a calm manner,

"Emilia-sama, I don't wish to meddle but what is your relationship to Natsuki Subaru?"

"Um...well...we are friends...i think."

"Emilia-sama, are you and Subaru in a relationship?"

"Um wait what? N-No...uh..."

Emilia's face turned red as she didn't know how to answer Otto's questions. She herself is still puzzled on what to do with Subaru's confession. Seeing that he isn't going anywhere, he suggested Emilia if she thought of making Subaru her knight.

This got her to return to her composure and to truly think about the idea proposed by the merchant. Subaru had proven to her that he will keep a promise and that even though he is in danger, he would still be by her side.

She is also aware that he is a temporary knight, which means that he could become a full fledged knight and be hers as well, which made her heart race for some reason. Emilia stood silent for a moment before she nodded at Otto, showing that she might consider the idea. Before they could go on, Garfiel approached Emilia and started to tell her that she should prepare.

"The trial is startin' at night so get ready."

"Okay."

"Oh and if yer boys try anythin' fishy, I'll kill em."

"As if you could kill Sora-san or Subaru-san!"

"Ha! If they are stronger than my amazin' self then you are all in trouble."

Garfiel left laughing at the thought that anybody could beat him yet in the back of his mind he did feel himself that he needed to be wary of Sora, seeing him as an actual threat for now. As Garfiel left the area, both Otto and Emilia were unease for a moment until Sora approached the two to ask them if they were alright.

"Y-yeah I'm alright, just nervous is all."

"About the trials?"

"...yes."

"Don't worry Emilia, I know you can do this."

"I agree with Sora-san, you can beat the trial."

"Thanks Otto-kun, Sora."

Emilia smiled at the two before they were approached by Ram and Subaru, both curious about what Garfiel wanted with Sora only for the keyblade wielder to answer that the beast boy wanted nothing more than to know about the heartless. Ram and Subaru were a bit skeptical about this yet they just let it past before they all prepared for Emilia's trial.

As night time hit, they all gathered towards the cemetery ruins with Emilia preparing herself by having the lesser spirits speak with her for good luck. While they watch Emilia prepare herself for the upcoming trial, Sora and Subaru both discuss the current situation in low voice in order for Garfiel to not hear their conversation.

"Do you think that the trial will be some sort of physical thing or more of a mental thing, Master Sora?"

"I think this seems more like a mental one. I mean I doubt the trials would be physical, otherwise I would say Garfiel could easily take them on without a problem."

"Yeah, he is pretty strong though we did show him who's boss."

"Calm yourself Subaru, I know we backed him into a corner but that doens't mean we should underestimate him."

"I know and I'm sorry Master Sora, I just think that he is more of a brute than someone who would think tactically in a fight so I think I may have a tiny bit of a chance in beating him. I mean he isn't that smart in a brawl, righ-?"

"Keep talking like that about me and I'll kick yer ass!"

Subaru's blood grew cold as he turned to see that Garfiel was behind him with a sinister smile showing. Sora looked at Garfiel with a serious facial expression before looking forward, not having any fear towards the blonde boy. As they look forward, they notice that Emilia's spirits disappear which prompted Subaru to ask,

"Did you get enough support from the lesser spirits?"

"Yeah. Everything's fine. Still, I think I'd like one last cheer."

"Can I do it?"

"I want you to. Please."

Subaru smiled at this and quickly asked Sora to step back a bit along with Garfiel in order to give him room for his poses to inspire Emilia. Sora and Garfiel look at each other and listen to him with Sora trusting Subaru in cheering Emilia while Garfiel does it to see what Subaru is going to do. As the two leave to give the boy space, he begins to move around while saying to Emilia,

"You can do it! Don't give up! EMC! Emilia-tan, major challenger!"

Emilia giggles at this with Sora laughing on the inside since he knows how silly his apprentice can be when it comes down to Emilia. Ram continues to look disappointed in Barusu while Garfiel feels indifferent about it. As Emilia giggles for a brief moment, she begins to thank Subaru as she now has full confidence that the trial she will be facing will be beaten by her.

She goes towards the building and stops for a couple of seconds before the entire building begins to glow green which causes Subaru, Emilia, Otto, and Sora to all be surprised at the sight of this.

"That means she's been approved as a qualified challenger in the trail." Garfiel spoke in order to inform Sora, Subaru, and Otto of what was going on. Emilia looked confident and stated to the group that she will be going into the building. As she was going there, Sora quickly told her to stop for a moment. Emilia asked what was wrong until she was given Kairi's good luck charm.

"What is this, Sora?"

"It is...a good luck charm given to me by Kairi. I want you to have it as a way to give you good luck."

"That is very nice of you, thank you. I promise to return it to you once this is all done."

"Hehe alright, just be careful."

"I will."

Emilia and Sora smiled before Sora returned to the group to see a slightly jealous Subaru and an annoyed Garfiel. Sora knew that Garfiel was watching him in the case he tried to take the trial in Emilia's stead while Subaru felt a hint of jealousy at the fact that he gave the girl he loves some good luck charm and that she accepted it. As the trial was going on, Subaru turned to ask Garfiel on why hasn't he tried the trial. This gets Garfiel's attention and all he can do is respond with, "If I could, I would, damn it."

As Garfiel finished speaking this, the lights in the building disappeared which caused everyone to worry. Subaru looked at Garfiel and asked,

"H-Hey, is she gonna be okay?"

"The light's not supposed to go out as long as the trial's going on..."

"Emilia!"

"Barusu!"

"Subaru!"

Subaru immediately charged towards the building with Ram and Sora chasing after him only for Sora to be right on his tail. As the two keyblade wielders were getting closer to the building, it began to glow once again. Ram stopped in her tracks and began to ask why with Subaru saying,

"I don't understand, but if I can get in there, that's good enough for me! Just stay there! I'll yell if I need you all!"

"I'm not letting you go in there alone!"

"But Master-"

"That's my choice, Subaru."

"Alright Master Sora."

Subaru and Sora quickly entered the building with Garfiel and Ram surprised by this. As the two keyblade wielders entered, they ran across a large hall all the way towards a semi opened door to find Emilia there on the ground unconscious. The two noticed this and run yet they are hit with something that causes their view to get disoriented while hearing someone say,

"First, you need to face your own past."

Subaru heard his voice and Sora heard his voice before the two keyblade wielders fell to the ground next to Emilia unconscious. The world was dark for a moment before a bright light was finally shown with sounds of water splashing. Sora looked around and saw Kairi on his right side. Kairi smiled at Sora and asked him,

"You alright?"

Author notes:

1. Writing Garfiel's lines was a bit annoying since I wanted to make sure I captured his web novel self.

2. Subaru's growth will be on his relationship with his master, you'll see when we reach later down the arc.

3. I do appreciate the critic, allows me to know where I'm going wrong or what you all enjoy which allows me to both improve as a writer and entertain you all.

I will make sure to diverge a lot from the anime with a few different things happening that will serve a purpose for the overall story and arc.