Chapter 26: Dangers on the outside
Subaru got a chance to talk to his parents about all the stuff he had to endure while in the new world, learning that he had been gone for almost a year in his world. His parents got along with Emilia, who was embarrassed by the fact that Subaru announced that she is the girl he loves in front of his parents.
They got along yet she would avoid questions regarding romance as she doesn't want to make a bad impression and she isn't sure how to answer properly. They also got along with Sora as well, surprised a young boy like Sora is extremely powerful.
The next night, Emilia had to undergo the trial once again yet she didn't feel discouraged as she got a pep talk by Naoko, surprised by how amazing Subaru's mother is. As they all waited outside for Emilia to beat the trial, Sora took the opportunity to speak with Kenichi to ask on how they even reach the world.
"Natsuki Kenichi, right?"
"Just call me Kenichi."
"Alright Kenichi, how did you and your wife get to this world?"
"Ah so some creep in a suit talking all funny like if he is supposed to be a clown or something opened some dark portal in front of us, telling us that we could see our son if we go through it but that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. We didn't trust it at first but then we realized that if there was a chance to see our son, then we were going to take it."
"Seems like that risk paid off. Were you both hurt?"
"A little, that thing is so annoying with all the darkness attacking you cause you don't have a stupid weird looking coat but no darkness stands a chance against the amazing Natsuki Kenichi!"
Sora smiled as he started to understand why Subaru acts a bit rash many times yet he is also worried that the person to have brought Subaru's parents to this world could've been Xehanort yet he wasn't sure. The two looked at the trial with Subaru having asked Garfiel if he liked Ram to which he responded with, "Well, she's hot, ain't she? Nothin' unusual about a guy bein' attracted to a strong, capable girl."
"I mean Ram-chan does seem like a capable girl."
"Thank you Naoko-chan. You should be more like your mother, Barusu. Respectful and well mannered."
"Hey!"
"Barusu?"
"Oh right, it is a nickname she gave me for some reason. Don't mind it too much, mother."
Naoko giggled as she enjoyed hearing her son having friends and being more active compared to when he was in japan. This made her pleased that someone was able to get him motivated to do something yet she felt a bit hurt that it wasn't her. As they all waited for a while, Subaru began to ask Garfiel if he wanted to do anything after the barrier was gone. Garfiel looked up and was unsure as he never thought about it.
"Well, that came outta nowhere. What do I wanna do once I'm outside? A guy who can come and go as he pleases wouldn't have a clue how the old hag and I feel."
"What about Frederica?"
"Huh?"
"What does Frederica think about the Sanctuary?"
"Didn't she tell you a damn thing?"
"She only said she couldn't explain it to Master Sora and I in detail. All she told us about you was your name, because of some oath."
"Oath, my ass. Hah! Talk about a handy excuse. Sounds just like her damn master."
"Are you and Frederica not even that close at all?"
"If you're askin whether we get along or not, nope, we don't. Anyway when yer master and you were in the graveyard yesterday, didn't you-"
Everyone noticed the lights of the graveyard losing its colors as Emilia began to leave it with tears in her eyes and crying in her voice. Subaru was the first to reach Emilia to check on her well being before Naoko asked Subaru if she could help her, having a motherly instinct to help.
Subaru nodded and entrusted his mother to help make Emilia feel better while Sora, Subaru, and Ram went to report to Roswaal. During their talk, Roswaal made a mention that he wishes to be partners with the two keyblade wielders yet Subaru outburst towards him about how Roswaal knew the witch cult would've been trouble and that he should've been there to help.
Sora stood silent for most of it yet he agreed inside and already had suspicions towards Roswaal. Roswaal told how proud he was of Subaru and how he is worthy of being a knight which only enraged Subaru, causing him to pull out his keyblade and prepare to hit Roswaal. Ram attempted to stop Subaru yet Sora pulled out his keyblade and prevented Ram from approaching Subaru.
"What is the meaning of this?!"
"Just watch."
Ram looked angry with Sora as she was worried for her master's safety yet she noticed that Subaru was hesitating to hurt Roswaal. Even the magician noticed this and could see that Subaru wanted to hurt him yet having been trained by Sora, he was resisting his every urge to harm him. He put away his keyblade and took a deep breath to calm himself before speaking to Roswaal, "You are lucky I have self restraint or I would beat your ass for that damn comment!"
"Leeeeet's not get off topic, now you asked why did I conceal information that I should have discloooosed to Emilia-sama? Why was I not present at the mansion when the Witch's cult waaaas preparing to attack? There is but one answer to all theeeeeese questions. To ensure that I would not have to confront the Witch's Cult myself, I personally...led these events to happen. After all, if I had solved the problem myself, there would be no way for Emilia-sama nor you, to claim any credit. It had a treeeeeemendous effect, did it not? The attitudes of the villagers of Arlam towards Emilia-sama are drastically different than they were before the Witch's Cult attacked. They now see her not as an incomprehensible relative of the witch, but as one who contributed to saving their lives."
Both Subaru and Sora disliked this greatly with Sora not liking Roswaal's thinking of having everything be done by them knowing that the Organization was going to also pose a problem while Subaru remembers the failed loops in which the village was destroyed.
As Subaru was about to rant at Roswaal, Sora stepped in and began to speak in a more serious yet calm like manner, "That is honestly very flawed thinking. The fact that we managed to get out of that alive with all the villagers safe was lucky on our part. What were you thinking when you created such a plan?"
"I had faith in Subaru."
"In me...you bastard...you don't know how many people were lost because of you!"
"Barusu, show some respect to Roswaal!"
"He doesn't have to. Because I don't trust Roswaal at all. Subaru, let us go. This conversation is over."
Subaru nodded at his master and the two were quickly leaving as they both couldn't stand the sight of Roswaal at the moment. Before they left, Roswaal had told them to keep their conversation a secret yet they didn't care much of it to tell Emilia. As they left, they went to check on Emilia to see that she is better, having had Naoko back her up and regaining her confidence with her motherly skills.
Subaru's father asked Sora to spar with him as he got a wooden sword from Garfiel, wishing to see how his skills are compared to Subaru's master. Sora pulled out Kingdom Key and the two went to spar with Sora proving in many sparring sessions that he is the superior of the two. Subaru watched for a bit before talking to Emilia once again, comforting her some more as he wants to show her that he believes in her.
The next two days passed with Emilia getting help from Subaru's mother in dealing with the trial while Subaru and Otto both managed to convince Garfiel to allow the villagers to leave. As they were preparing to leave, Ram had told Subaru that Roswaal said for him to ask Beatrice the question. Subaru was confused as Ram left the area, leaving Otto and Subaru to look at the villagers for a bit until Sora approached the pair.
"You two look like you're up to something."
"I mean we are not Master Sora but I guess Otto and I are as thick as thieves."
"W-Wait I'm not a thief!"
"It's an expression Otto, anyway I know you want to join us Master but I need you here in Sanctuary."
"I know I know, just want to make sure you two will be alright."
"That's nice of you to check up on us, Sora-san."
"I mean we are all friends after all, right Subaru?"
"You are correct, Master Sora."
"Of course but I do have to ask, why don't you bring your parents with you to the mansion?"
"I would but I think they are safe with you. That and my parents are helping Emilia with the trials, so I would rather not have them leave."
"Makes sense."
Sora, Otto, and Subaru all looked at the villagers for a moment before they heard Emilia's voice call out to Subaru.
"Subaru! Um...was I interrupting your conversation with Sora?"
"Nah, no problem. We were about done with the conversation. Besides, you take priority."
"That makes me really happy, but you should give priority to the villagers right now."
"Sure."
Emilia places her hand on Subaru. "May the blessing of the spirits be with you."
Subaru smiled and quickly hugged Emilia and Sora before going with Otto and Garfiel towards the barrier. During the trip, Subaru got a chance to talk to Garfiel, the two enjoying each other's company yet Garfiel makes a question on whether both Subaru and Sora took the trial. Subaru's hesitation was enough for Garfiel to tell that they did took the trial.
"You don't have to hide it. I can tell."
"And what's the point in asking me this?"
"It's simple. Either of you two can go through the trial in Emilia-sama's place."
"I can't! The precedent would-"
"It is really even necessary to overcome your past? I watched Emilia-sama go through the trial. I saw how it is breaking her, though lucky for her your momma is helping her out but for how long. I just can't stand to watch her eventually break. Yes, I know I told Sora that he can't do the trials but I rather him or even you than to see Emilia-sama break."
"..." Subaru stayed silent by this and eventually Garfiel had to leave since they were closing in on the barrier. He gave Subaru the blue necklace around him and told the boy to show it to Frederica should push come to shove. As Garfiel leaves them, Subaru looks at the blue stone and just puts it in his pocket. After a while of traveling, the villagers arrive to Arlam village to reunite with their families.
As Otto assists the villagers, Subaru heads towards the mansion alone only to find the door already open. He pulls out his keyblade and slowly investigates the place to see that there are many dead mabeast for the most of it until he finds a broken sword. He takes a closer look and realizes that something bad must've happened, which caused him to go check on Rem.
As he is running down the hallway, he feels something about to attack him, causing his instincts to take in and cast Reflect. This allowed him to block off the attack, giving Subaru enough mental time to prepare himself for combat. He looks around and begins to shout,
"Show yourself!"
"My my, you have grown to be quite the bold one but if you wish to know who is going to kill you, I might as well comply considering that you are Sora's apprentice."
Subaru's blood grew cold as he realized that his opponent was Elsa, the same person that caused him trouble in so many loops. He waited until he saw her holding both her knives, showing that she is ready to kill the keyblade wielder. Subaru got himself ready for a fight and quickly charged at Elsa, wanting to be on the offensive side of the battle first. He managed to push Elsa a bit, showing that he is much of a capable fighter compared to his first fight with Elsa that led to his first death.
"You have gotten stronger, show me more!"
"I'll show you this! Fira!"
Subaru shot a strong fireball at Elsa's direction which she managed to deflect off yet her guard was down, giving Subaru the chance to land a strong hit on Elsa's stomach area. She was sent back a few feet back with a little sting on her stomach. She was happy by this and gave Subaru a sadistic smile,
"My, I really felt that one."
Subaru smiled and was about to attack her again yet he noticed his stomach was already cut, causing him to try to cast Cure on himself only for Elsa to cut off both of Subaru's arms to prevent him from healing himself. As Subaru fell to the ground while bleeding out, he mustered all the strength he could to ask who hired Elsa, to which she responded with,
"Sorry but I can't disclose that information. I guess I will say that Momma, Meili, and I were hired to take out two maids and a spirit. Though I was surprised to see three knights here but sadly they weren't much of a challenge."
"You...bitch..." Subaru's world began to fade into darkness as he was finally entering death only for the unseen hand of the witch of envy to pull him out of there and back to the graveyard ruins in the moment where both Subaru and Sora had woken up simultaneously. Subaru looks around to confirm that the checkpoint had moved from the mansion of Crusch to the graveyard after the trial.
Before having the small conversation with his master, he immediately goes to check on Emilia to see that she is suffering. He wakes her up earlier than last time and quickly comforts her in a way that helps ease her fear, causing a change so that Sora doesn't need to put Emilia to sleep. The three walk out together and similar events play out with only this time Emilia appearing in the room prior to his parents arriving. Ram asks Emilia if she is alright with Emilia responding with,
"Yes...because Subaru was there for me, I think. We need to talk about the trial now."
"Yeah...but Master Sora and I have a pretty good idea of what it's about. It showed you your past, right?"
"Past?" Otto asked, a bit interested.
"How the hell do you know what happens in the trial?"
"You saw the ruins glowing, didn't you? I along with Master Sora were qualified too. And...we passed it."
Garfiel was shocked by this, feeling an amount of rage towards Subaru but more towards Sora as he told him not to take the trial. Emilia looked in shock yet disappointment in herself as she failed the trial while both Sora and Subaru passed. Ryuzu thought about this and was slightly intrigued by this.
"Assuming he's not joking, that's quite an achievement. If it's true, we can remove the barrier. Garf, how does the barrier look now?"
"No changes."
"So you lied. Drop dead."
"Hold on Ram, Subaru is telling the truth. The lady in the trial said so herself."
"Lady...what lady?"
"Didn't you see her Subaru?...Oh that's right, she mentioned that she took your memories of her out of your mind."
"What? Are ye serious?!...(why him though?)"
"Subaru...Sora...if that's true, how...what did you see?"
"I saw my friends that I left behind, I got a chance to get a resolution where I needed one. I don't know for Subaru's case but I think he also got a similar thing."
"I mean I got to make peace with my parents but that's not the point, I've come to learn of something worse. There are more of these sadistic trials, three of them actually."
"So...two more?" Emilia spoke with fear and disappointment in her voice. Subaru noticed this and quickly wanted to give a suggestion.
"Emilia, I have a suggestion. You might not like it, though."
"A suggestion."
"Master Sora could do the remaining trials in your place, and pass them. That's my suggestion. I want to be your strength but I have a feeling that Master Sora has more experience with this than the two of us. Besides he has dealt with lots of things compared to us, this is probably nothing. I don't know what you saw in your past but if it made you cry so hard and look like you were in such pain...I want to lend a hand!"
"Hold it! Yer just been sayin' whatever the hell ya wanted while we sat down and listen, but I don't want anyone but the princess, Emilia-sama, bein' the one to go through the trial. At the very least, Sora is the last person I wanna see gettin' rid of the barrier!"
"Why?" Sora asked in a curious and confused tone.
"I don't trust you at all."
"Master Sora is more qualified than anything, hell he has been through more than you."
"Is that so!" Garfiel looked with anger coming out of his voice, as he was tempted even more to punch Subaru. Before things got violent, Emilia quickly spoke out to calm everyone down by asking, "Subaru...Are you saying you can't trust me with this?"
"I wouldn't say that Emilia, Subaru is just looking out for you. He cares about you so much that he would do reckless things for you. He is just giving out a suggestion, even though he should know by now that adding me into the conversation only makes things worse."
"Sora...do you trust me with the trial?"
"I do just like Subaru. We just need to figure a way to help you deal with them like we did."
As Sora finished his sentence, someone knocked on the door with everyone on high alert yet it was revealed to be Subaru's parents. Subaru not wanting to diverge too much from the loop than he already did acted the same way he did before, managing to allow himself to get slapped in the face by his mother before he reunited with them for a second time.
Garfiel did not laugh this time as he was angry with Subaru yet he did feel pity for the parents. Subaru introduced everyone first before Naoko quickly went to Emilia to help her as her motherly instincts had kicked in when she felt that the girl was in pain.
As things were calming down, Subaru wished to speak with Garfiel and Ryuzu in private to ask them why they rejected his suggestion. Ryuzu answered that it was Roswaal's wish to have Emilia be the one to break the barrier and since he is the one overseeing the sanctuary, his commands are to be taken highly over others. Before leaving, Subaru asked Garfiel,
"What is it that you have against my master?"
"He is just...someone I distrust is all, I have my reasonin', no need to tell you."
"Okay but if I had suggested for me to take the trials-"
"None of you! It has to be the princess."
Garfiel and Ryuzu began to leave with Subaru realizing that the situation is much tougher than before. He knew that he needed to get to the mansion quickly to help Yabuto, Kishida, Waraki, Petra, Rem, and even Frederica from Elsa and her people. He quickly was about to speak to Roswaal yet he recalled in the last loop how his master didn't trust him, making him more convinced that Roswaal is hiding something. He went to him alone in order to speak with Roswaal about giving Ryuzu the suggestion of letting the Arlam people go.
"I don't think that I would be able to pull it off this time."
"'This time'...Why is that?"
"Garfiel hates my guts and I don't have time to convince him. Also I wish to tell the villagers at Arlam that their families are safe and sound."
Roswaal was intrigued by this and asked Subaru if he will be taking Sora which Subaru debated for a moment before ultimately saying no, since he needs Sora to be in the Sanctuary should Garfiel try to do anything. This leaves him alone until Roswaal told Subaru that he could take Ram with him. The next day, Ram and Subaru quickly got Patrasche and started to prepare to leave until Garfiel spoke with the two.
"Makin' your triumphant return with a pretty girl on each arm? You really got some nerve, don't ya?"
Subaru turned towards Garfiel and the two chatted for a bit with Garfiel revealing that he dislikes that he wasn't included in the decision yet he is letting it be. As Subaru and Ram prepare to leave, Subaru notices that Garfiel hasn't given him the blue stone. He asks Garfiel if he has anything to give him to which Garfiel is confused only for Ram to say,
"Then are you going to show some concern for me? The woman you love is leaving to fulfill her duty. Have you no desire to offer her some assistance?"
"You're only nice when you'll get somethin' out of it, aren't ya?" Garfiel, annoyed, quickly takes off the necklaces with the blue stone on it and throws it to Ram. "There!"
Subaru and Ram begin to leave with Subaru asking Garfiel to take care of Emilia and of his parents, wanting to have faith that Garfiel will take care of them. As they are on the road to the mansion, Ram and Subaru talk with Subaru beginning to talk to Ram about Rem, wanting her to know about her twin sister.
Once arriving at the mansion, Subaru's thoughts were of hope that he got there just in time, knowing that with his three friends protecting the mansion, they would hold off the threat long enough for Ram and himself to help yet he felt that if everything is already gone wrong that he would have to leave the moment he wakes up in the Sanctuary. He then starts thinking about Frederica and how she could be the enemy but his thoughts are interrupted when they meet up with Petra, who is waiting for them outside with Yabuto protecting her.
"You seem to have returned earlier than expected, newbie."
"Welcome back, Subaru-sama."
"Petra, Yabuto, it is good to see you two."
Subaru and Yabuto do their usual hand shake before Subaru hugs Petra, causing her face to turn red as she doesn't know what to do in this situation. Yabuto laughs a bit before asking both his friend and Ram on why they are back so early. Subaru quickly tells him that they should all gather in the mansion since he has information to give regarding that, knowing that they all need to be informed.
Yabuto goes to gather Waraki and Kishida while Petra informs the group that Frederica went to check on the forest barrier. This gave Subaru a chance for Ram to see Rem, knowing that she needed to see the twin sister that she had forgotten thanks to the Authority of Gluttony.
As he gives Ram a chance to see Rem, she was a bit uncertain on what to feel for the person that resembles her too closely. Subaru goes towards the meeting room where he is encountered by the three knights. He talks to them about what had happened in the Sanctuary before Frederica entered the room with Petra by her side.
"My you returned sooner than I expected, Subaru-sama."
"Good to see you too, Frederica. I was hoping to have you here a little early but there is something that I must tell you all."
"Alright then newbie, we are all listening."
"The mansion is going to be attacked soon. Before you ask, I got a tip from someone that you are all going to be attacked by The Bowel Hunter and her friends. Apparently her contract is to kill the spirit and two maids. That is why I came early so we can all head to Sanctuary."
The three knights were all unsure on how to take this information, making them feel happy that they chose to go help out Subaru seeing that the Bowel hunter is still a problem that the three would happily want to deal with together. Frederica and Petra were at a pause yet before anything can be said, Ram enters the room only to say,
"You started without me, how disrespectful you are, Barusu."
"Sorry but they needed to be informed that an attack is coming. After all, they are our friends."
"Well then, if we are going to head to the Sanctuary with them, the knights should keep their eyes closed since that is a place for nobody to know except those Roswaal wishes to see."
"We get it, it is a place of secret. Waraki, Yabuto, and I wouldn't do something like disclose the secret location of this sanctuary. We are knights after all."
"Hmpt! As if we can trust knights with something so easily, after all you are friends of Barusu meaning you are incompetent like him."
"Okay, this maid is just mean."
"Don't worry about it, Waraki, it is what it is. Oh right, that reminds me. Frederica, why did your stone glew and teleported me away from the carriage when we reached the barrier?"
"What? I don't know what you are talking about."
"Well then here is another question, are you working with the conservatives that don't want the Sanctuary free?"
"Conservatives, I don't know what you-"
"Sorry to interrupt but I have some business here." Everyone turned towards the door to see Elsa standing there, calm and collected. This caused Subaru and his knight friends to get out their weapons while Frederica and Ram both got in front of Petra to protect the new maid. Seeing that everyone was hostile, she smiled and started to speak in a fake innocent voice,
"Now this is unnecessary, I'm here to join in the talk, not to cause trouble."
"Save it Elsa, we know about your contract. You are here for a spirit and two maids!"
"Now, how did you find out about that?"
"Let's just say I got a lead."
"Now this is interesting Elsa, someone leaked your contract. That is not good, they should be punished."
Subaru and the others were all curious about who was speaking to Elsa except for Waraki, who had his blood boiling due to recognizing the voice speaking to the Bowel hunter. A small petite girl with blonde hair, wings and a tail, and wearing leggings, a bikini, and nothing more. Subaru was unsure on what to think of this yet he wasn't afraid to fight the new threat along with the others yet the one with most hatred is Waraki.
"You...you were there...when my village was..." Waraki looked as the little girl in front of her turned into the person he treasured most. This anger caused him to be the first to attack Elsa's partner only to be punched all the way across the room with Subaru and Yabuto to attempt an attack on Elsa's partner.
To their surprise, Subaru ended up seeing the girl change into an innocent little girl with Yabuto also seeing this as well. This caused the two to hesitate which allowed the opponent in front of them to punch them away easily. As the three were getting up with the help of Frederica, Petra, and Ram, they all looked wary as they realized that their opponent was not a normal one.
"Who the hell is that? Why did she look like an innocent little girl moments ago?"
"Newbie, I think she has some kind of power that makes her turn into whoever she wants."
"You are on the correct path, Yabuto. This bitch is with the Witch's Cult."
"Now is that any way to speak with the one you love, unless that is how you express love."
"Shut...up! How dare you show the form of the one you killed!" Waraki yelled at the little girl returning to the form she was when entering the room.
"Who are you?" Subaru pointed his keyblade directly at the girl that can change her form to fit with whoever the person desires. The woman smiled before speaking in a very sinister tone,
"I am the Sin Archbishop of Lust, Capella Emerada Lugunica. All the love and respect in this world exists to be monopolized by myself alone. If someone loves me, no matter how abnormal their desire is, I'll respond. In short, I am the ultimate embodiment of all kinds of virtue and beauty in the world. Any girl matching your preferences, I can become. Kahahahaha!"
Subaru and the knights all looked disgusted in their eyes, having to now deal with another sin archbishop after they just barely took down Sloth. Lust looked at the boys and noticed that Subaru had something interesting in his hand, a weapon she has never seen before.
"Elsa, my dear, is that the weapon you told me about?"
"Yes, though the original owner is not here sadly."
"I can't wait for the original to fall in love with my beauty, I wonder what kind of girls he likes."
"Go to hell!" Subaru said before quickly casting Shamak in an attempt to blind his opponents. As the room gets covered in a dark mist, Ram and Frederica take the opportunity to open a window and get everyone out of there with Subaru being the last one with his body hurting badly. As they all escape the mansion, Waraki looks up and begins to think on how to defeat the Sin Archbishop of Lust.
"What do we do, Subaru?"
"We have to get Rem and Beatrice out of there. Considering that the risks are too high, I think Ram should get Frederica and Petra out of here."
"No, I will not leave you here Barusu."
"We will also not leave you to face such creatures on your own." Frederica added, wishing to assist the boy in facing Elsa and Capella. Subaru was afraid of losing anybody yet looking at his keyblade, he knew that he had a chance to pull it off in this loop. He nodded at the maid and they all watched as she took off all her maid clothing to show her transformation. As she transformed, she looked at Subaru to ask him what was the plan.
"The plan will be this, Yabuto and his crew will take on the Mabeast that are coming here, Ram and you can take on Elsa and that bitch she calls mother. Petra and I will get Rem and Beatrice out of the mansion. Once we get the two out of the mansion, we will all make a run for it."
"That plan will fail." A voice spoke that got everyone's attention, causing them to turn their attention to the voice to see Saix standing there. Frederica and the knights were hostile while Subaru and Ram remained calm.
"Okay then, help me make a better plan."
"I will assist you in getting the girl out of there."
"You mean Rem? Why would you help us?"
"Master Xehanort needs her for the plans ahead, so I have to help you all in this plan."
"Then join in the fight, I can get Rem out of here safely."
Saix looked annoyed at Subaru yet knowing that they can't waste time, he simply nodded and pulled out his claymore weapon to show that he is ready to fight.
"I will join the maids in the fight against this sin archbishop."
"Okay, I guess this is better but just so you know, we don't trust you."
"Hmm." Saix gave Subaru a cold look before they all began to enter the mansion with Subaru confident that they would get through this fight with no casualties. As they entered the mansion, Saix began to think to himself, 'This is all according to Master Xehanort's plan. Getting the girl to safety is the top priority, the rest will be used to succeed that plan.'
He looks at Petra and can sense that she shares a light much stronger than the other candidates they had been looking at, causing him to question whether Petra is the true princess of light.