Happy New Year's!
So considering it is the new year, I might as well post this finished chapter. More information is down below.
Chapter 35: Regaining some resolve
During the second day, Subaru had searched around the Sanctuary to find as much as he could that could help him in finding the safest path to get the villagers out of Sanctuary safely should the great rabbit arrive. Sora continued to follow Garfiel until he noticed an abandoned looking ruins which made him curious to know what contained inside while Otto and Kenichi both prepared the villagers. Before the day ended, Sora had gotten Subaru to follow him towards Garfiel's hideout in order to investigate some more into it.
"What do you think he has there, Master?"
"I don't know but it seems important."
"Let us find then."
Subaru and Sora both waited for a moment before entering the suspicious ruins that were away from everyone. As they were getting closer to the ruins, they both pulled out their keyblades and entered with extreme caution. Once inside they walked through a suspicious looking hallway with the two having their guards up.
"Master Sora, what do you think Garfiel is hiding here?"
"Unsure Subaru but whatever it is, we will find out soon enough."
The two continued and continued to walk until they stumbled upon a wall that had a butterfly simple. Subaru looked around and noticed a placement holder for the blue crystal that was given to him by Frederica. Having a strange feeling, he placed the blue crystal on the missing piece and just as he set it there the whole room began to glow. Sora and Subaru covered their eyes as it was too bright to see anything. Once the light faded away, the two looked and saw that a new pathway had been opened to the pair, causing the two to quickly take a look inside.
They enter to see what seems to be a Ryuzu inside the crystal, asleep. This caused the two to have many questions on their minds since they have no clue what is going on and why there is a Ryuzu inside the crystal when they last saw her with Garfiel the night Subaru's parents arrived. The two keyblade wielders hear someone behind them, approaching the two which caused the pair to turn around to see two Ryuzus. Ryuzu Bilma began to speak to the pair,
"I never expected the two of you to discover this in only two and a half days after arriving here, Young Su, Young So."
"It was honestly by luck Master Sora found this place. I just happen to have the key to opening it."
Subaru and Sora both noticed the third Ryuzu next to the Ryuzu Bilma, which Subaru questioned on who this Ryuzu is.
"Is the girl on the left the one who led me here the afternoon where Emilia and the rest of us arrived?"
"That is unlikely. This girl is one of the guards assigned to this place. It was another who met you in the forest. One of the Sanctuary's eyes, nothing more."
"There's something I want to ask you. After that, I'd like to request your help, if possible."
"I shall not ignore your request, Young Su, Apostle of Greed."
"Apostle of Greed?"
"Yes Young So, Young Su is the Apostle of Greed. Us Ryuzus cannot deny the request of the Apostle of Greed. That is...what has been written in the contract that binds us, the copies of Ryuzu Meyer."
Ryuzu led both of the keyblade wielders towards a house but while that was going on, Emilia had a moment to herself as she thought about Puck having left her and broken the contract. Thanks to the assistance of Naoko, she was able to keep herself from completely breaking yet she still feels all alone.
'Why Puck? You promised me you wouldn't leave me...why did you break our contract? Why...Dad?'
Emilia pondered on this for a bit since she did got some insight on how being a parent is from Natsuki Naoko. Although there is a big difference between Puck and Naoko since not only is Puck more of a father while Naoko is more of a mother, the two would share very different ideologies. The only comforting thing she can gather is that Naoko told her with confidence that Puck will always be with her even if they are far apart. Those comforting words helped but she wished to have someone that she was close with to be by her side. The only person her mind comes to is Subaru, wanting to see his face and have him be by her side.
"Subaru...where are you...?"
Emilia wanted him by her side yet as she thought about Subaru, memories of a past that she doesn't want started to return to her slowly. This causes her to slowly panic since she doesn't want to face a past that is painful. She breathes heavily and prepares to scream in fear and pain of the past she had been running away yet her mind shifts when she feels someone pat her arm in a gentle manner. Her instinct was to say Subaru's name while turning to see if it was him yet she felt slightly disappointed when it wasn't him but it was Naoko once again with Kenichi by her side.
"Are you okay Emilia?"
"Y-Yes...Naoko-sama."
"You can call me mother, you know."
Emilia's face turned red once more as the thoughts of addressing Subaru's mother as mother made her embarrassed.
"No need to feel embarrassed by that, you are our future daughter in law."
Naoko glares at Kenichi which causes him to be quiet since he isn't really helping yet she did agree with what he said. Emilia looked down with a red face before asking for Subaru's whereabouts.
"My amazing son is probably executing his plan."
"Plan?" Emilia asked with a confused look. Naoko looked at her husband and hit him in the head, knowing that Emilia shouldn't hear of this plan since it would make things complicated. Kenichi looked down with a little disappointment in himself for saying that, forcing Naoko to have to do damage control.
"Subaru is just making sure everyone is okay. He mentioned that he was going to check on you last because he wanted you to be the person he spent the most time checking on."
Emilia smiled as she heard this, knowing that Subaru can keep a promise since he did back during the royal selection when Sora talked in front of the council and was forced to face off Reinhard. She then recalled the moment he confessed his love for her, making her the happiest she has ever been. This made her think about the love Subaru has for her, although she is not familiar with it at all, she does hope to understand it. As she thought more and more, something came to her mind. This caused her to turn towards Subaru's parents and ask them,
"What is love?"
"Huh?"
"What?"
"What exactly...is to love someone? Subaru has said that he loves me but...I don't know what that kind of love is..."
Kenichi and Naoko were left silent for a moment, thrown off by this but before either one could answer, someone knocked on the door.
"Come on in!" Kenichi spoke, allowing the person knocking to enter Emilia's room. As the door opens, it is revealed to be Otto which slightly disappoints Emilia again since she wishes it was Subaru.
"Suwen-san, what brings you here?"
"I'm here to speak to you, Kenichi-san."
"Ah right. Darling, your amazing husband has something to take care of. I shall return in a gifty."
Naoko nods at Kenichi and watches him leave with Otto while she stays to help comfort Emilia while also attempting to best answer her question.
"Love is very broad to ask. The love you speak about is one where unlike love you have for a parent or for a child, you want to treasure the person and be by their side. Sure, they have their share of weaknesses but loving someone is looking past those weaknesses and staying with them no matter what."
Emilia looked down and thought about it deeply on what Naoko said, attempting to understand how love is in order to make sure that she does understand Subaru's feelings and can appropriately respond to his love confession. While she learned more, Subaru and Sora arrived at a house where there was a fireplace holding two shields. The two keyblade wielders sat down with one of the Ryuzu clones holding Subaru's jacket.
"She seems awfully attached to me..."
"You do know who is responsible for creating this place, do you not?"
"I think it was the Witch of Greed, Echidna, right?"
"Yes Young So, this is a land built by said witch's hand, an experimental facility meant to fulfill said witch's dream."
"What was she experimenting on?"
"Can you two not see it right in front of you?"
Subaru and Sora both stayed silent for a moment, noticing what exactly Ryuzu said which caught the two off guard.
"Was there not a girl who looked just like me trapped within the magic crystal?" Ryuzu spoke with a normal tone of voice. "That was the true, the first, Ryuzu Meyer. All the other Ryuzus, including myself, are copies of her. We are imitations."
Subaru and Sora were both processing this information carefully with Subaru surprised that Echidna would create clones for some reason while Sora was reminded of the replica program. Although not briefed a lot on it, he was aware about making imitations of people such as the likes of Replica Riku.
"Does knowing that I am an imitation change how you see me?"
Subaru was hesitant since he wasn't sure himself yet without hesitation Sora responded,
"My opinion on this is that you are you and nobody else, Ryuzu Bilma. You have your own heart inside you. Those feelings and memories are yours and yours alone. They're special. Regardless if you were created as an imitation."
Subaru was shocked by this and a bit self loathing for not being able to say something like that to Ryuzu while the shocked Ryuzu Bilma stood silent for a bit before smiling, feeling happiness in the keyblade wielder's words.
"How kind you are, Young So. Our replica bodies are built upon cores of artificial od that has been produced by magic. Those cores are wrapped in mana given physical form, resulting in these bodies."
"Why the heck would she do an experiment like that?" Subaru asked, curious to know what Echidna's plans were with the Ryuzu clones.
"To add something to those bodies, obviously. Specifically, to add personalities, memories, and knowledge...In other words, a soul. She filled Ryuzu Meyer's body with her own being, and each time a body perished, she would make a new vessel to inherit its soul, which would make her..."
"...basically immortal." Subaru said, beginning to realize the reason why Echidna would always act so friendly and familiar with him. Since his Return by Death basically makes him immortal, making it clear why would she want to make a contract with him.
"So was Echidna's experiment a success?" Subaru asked to which Ryuzu quickly responded.
"No, Echidna's soul was not inherited. The witch's plans only came to pass in an imperfect form."
"An imperfect form?"
"Ryuzu Meyer was an insufficient vessel to house the Witch of Greed."
"And she couldn't have figured that out before she tried it?"
Ryuzu looked at Subaru for a moment before looking back at her tea.
"After the witch's death, this facility remains, and more copies continue to be produced. Since our bodies are made of mana, our saving grace is that we require no resources to survive."
Ryuzu takes a sip of her tea which Sora and Subaru both took note of this with Sora pointing out how she likes to drink tea. Ryuzu notices this and response to the keyblade wielder,
"This is merely a hobby of mine. An individual quirk that I acquired over my long life. I was one of the first four copies made, 400 years ago now. I was given the wisdom and personality to manage the ever-increasing copies, as well as the Sanctuary. I did suffer at first. I had no memories, only a job to do. I know not how many years passed before I truly felt as if I were alive..."
"..." Both Subaru and Sora looked down with sadness in their faces, not sure on how they would fare should they have been in Ryuzu's position. Ryuzu noticed this and quickly reassured the two keyblade wielders.
"Now, do not look so sad you two. In my own way, I have come to find significance in fulfilling my purpose."
"Okay, let's move the subject along to this, what did you mean by 'Apostle of Greed' earlier?"
"Put simply, it refers to the one who has the right to command us copies of Ryuzu Meyer. Did the witch no bestow upon you a symbol of her apostle hood in the graveyard?"
"What kind of symbol?"
"A part of her body, such as a strand of hair or a fingernail."
Subaru thought about it for a moment, trying to think hard if Echidna gave him anything related to what Ryuzu said until he recalled the tea that was made of her body fluids.
"Wait, the Chidna tea?!"
"Chidna tea?"
"She got me to drink her body fluids cleverly disguised as tea, twice."
"So you ingested a part of the witch. All joking aside, that surely must be it."
"That brat! What the hell did she make me drink?!"
"Wait, I am curious, does Garfiel also contain the apostle of greed title?" Sora had asked, curious since he is always around a Ryuzu. Ryuzu Bilma looked at Sora and answered him by giving a simple nod. Subaru noticing this quickly asked if Garfiel had gone under the trail which he also received a nod. Given the information by Echidna that Garfiel is afraid of the outside world and now learning that he went through the trial, they have a way to free him from his curse.
"Ryuzu-san...Don't tell Garfiel that I'm an Apostle of Greed, or that we've been in touch."
"Young Gar certainly would have something to say if he knew that the two of you was meeting with his lover."
"That isn't something Subaru and I would do! But thank you for giving us important information."
Both Sora and Subaru went outside and saw that it's already night time, making Subaru slightly panic since he needed to get to Emilia's room quickly since he wanted to talk with her. The two quickly started to make their way towards the house where Emilia is located until heartless appeared in front of the two. Subaru and Sora pulled out their keyblades and just as the two were going to fight them, Sora looks at Subaru and tells him,
"Go and see Emilia, I can handle these heartless on my own."
"Are you sure? I can stay and help you out Master Sora."
"It's alright, besides we can't waste any time. Emilia needs you at this moment."
"Okay Master, just be careful."
"I will."
Subaru nodded at Sora and quickly started to run towards the direction where Emilia is located while Sora with ease took down the heartless.
After running for a bit, Subaru reached the building and quickly entered but before entering Emilia's room, he took a moment to catch his breath. As he was catching his breath, his mother opened the door of Emilia's room, starting to look for him only to easily find him near the door.
"Hello there my baby boy, Emilia has been waiting for you. What took you so long?"
"Sorry mother, Master Sora had us looking at something interesting that was far off and we ended up losing track of time."
"Well then, I will allow you two to have your moment together then. Please be careful with my future daughter in law."
"O-Okay mom..." Subaru spoke with a red face, not having gotten used to her saying such things to him. He gets up and enters the room to see Emilia there, sitting on her bed.
"H-Hey Emilia...how are you holding up?"
"I'm okay, thanks to your mother I will be okay."
"Do you need some water? I can get you some-"
"It's fine."
"Are you sure?"
"It's fine. I'm okay...Stay here please."
Subaru nodded and quickly moved towards Emilia's position, sitting on the same chair his mother was in for the majority of the day. As he sat down, he wanted to know what had transpired since the contract with Puck had broken yet he didn't want to touch that topic just yet.
"Do you know what's happened?"
"...Mm. I spelt for some of the day and got a chance to talk to your mother and father. They are good people, I see now where you get most of your personality."
"Hehe..."
"But...I know I'm already making everybody wait during normal times and what am I doing...I'm sorry."
"No one is going to fault you for that. But anyway, the problem is..."
Subaru hesitated on bringing up the situation with Puck yet Emilia managed to calm Subaru's hesitation by saying,
"Don't worry, Subaru."
"Huh?"
"I haven't...forgotten that Puck's gone. I remember it. I'm not going to forget it and run."
"Aren't you?"
"Mm..."
Emilia gave a small nod, making Subaru understand that Emilia is not backing down from the trial yet he couldn't tell what she was thinking.
"I'm sorry, Subaru. I showed you so many bad parts of me. I worried you soo much."
"No, it's okay for you to worry me as much as you want. I don't mind that. Also I did worry you when I went to do the trial myself..."
Emilia looked at Subaru and could see that something he saw in the trial really got to him since he was screaming for the trial to stop. She grabbed his arm and wanted to know what he saw.
"Subaru, what happened to you in the trial?"
"...I was being forced to repeat the trial over and over. I just couldn't see you all suffer yet the trial wouldn't stop until I was broken...but I want to thank you for saving me."
"I'm sorry, I guess we both suffered because of the trial..." Emilia stood silent because on one hand Subaru is the other person who understands her pain which makes her relieved to have someone she can relate to yet on the other hand, she hated to see Subaru go through something like that."
"I'll be okay Emilia, I will be okay. Thanks to Otto, my father, and Master Sora, I was able to finally snap out of that."
"That's good. I'll be okay tomorrow. I want to believe that...Subaru, please."
"Huh?"
"Hold my hand. Can you please stay here until morning? If you do, then I'll definitely..."
Emilia's white fingertips reach timidly from under the covers. Seeing the offered hand, Subaru immediately grips it in his. He firmly cases her slender, dainty fingers.
"If that's all you want, no problem at all. But, Emilia..."
"I'm sorry, Subaru. I know there must be so many things you want to talk about and ask about. But... please, wait for morning. Because then, I can do my best."
"..."
"Stay like this until morning...Subaru."
Subaru can say nothing further in response to Emilia's near-pleading voice. He brings the chair closer to the bed, placing Emilia's grasped hand beside her pillow. Emilia looks at him with her eyes wavering. He nods while saying,
"Alright, I will, Emilia."
"...Thank you"
With that short exchange, Emilia's eyes again close. As the half-elf went to sleep, Subaru stayed there and watched over Emilia. He smiled and continued to stay there yet he heard her say before falling to sleep,
"...I trust you."
Subaru let out a sigh since he knows that he cannot leave the conversation with Roswaal off since the plan is to have a talk with the Margrave with Otto Suwen present to be the witness to their bet.
'I really wish that I could stay here with you all night Emilia, I really really want to but there is something I have to do.'
As Subaru had these thoughts, Sora enters the room quietly and notices that Emilia is asleep with Subaru sitting on the chair next to the half-elf's bed, holding her hand.
"Do you want me to leave you two alone here? We can move the discussion with Roswaal to tomorrow."
"We can't, I have to make sure he doesn't try anything to harm any one of us but...I really don't want to leave Emilia."
"I can go in your place for the discussion."
"No, that won't work because the contract is between me and him. Besides I know how to deal with that clown."
"Then would you like me to watch over Emilia for you?"
"I want you to but we need you there to make sure Ram doesn't do anything stupid."
"Well I can summon a dream eater to protect her from nightmares again, after all the begging you did yesterday night-"
"Hmm!" Subaru looked at Sora with an annoyed facial expression, not liking what he is implying yet he simply nodded since it was the best they can do. As he got up, Sora approached Emilia to see her before turning to Subaru to ask him,
"Are you sure we shouldn't alert her to what Roswaal is up to?"
"I want to but I fear she might hurt herself. I mean look at what I did, which not only cost me my qualification but almost made me go insane."
"Yeah but you should at least alert her."
"I will tomorrow Master but for now I want her to rest, after all I believe in her more than anybody."
"Even me?"
"Haha, are you jealous?"
"Not really, I mean we all know you love Emilia."
"Yeah...though I kinda hope that my parents stop saying that she is their future daughter in law, it makes me embarrassed since I'm not that far in Emilia and my relationship."
Sora giggled at this and quickly summoned Necho Cat dream eater to watch over Emilia before the two keyblade wielders. As the room was dark with nobody but the Necho cat there looking at Emilia's sleeping face only to give it a little nudge since it knows Emilia is not asleep. Emilia tried to fake being asleep yet the Necho cat was not fooled and kept messing with Emilia until she finally opened her eyes. She looked at the Necho Cat and petted it while saying in a weak voice,
"...Liar. Subaru, you liar."
She repeats this multiple times as she can tell that she is all alone in the room. She can understand Puck's actions thanks to Naoko's explanation though Subaru not keeping a promise really made her heart break because of all the people she expected to keep a promise, he was the one.
Subaru and Sora had gone outside of the building to meet up with Otto where he was waiting for the two in order for the three of them to enter Roswaal's room. As they enter, Ram gives Subaru a stare for a moment since it is really late at night to have a conversation but Roswaal allows this since he is curious to know what is going on. Subaru informs Roswaal that they will have Otto, Sora, and Ram all three be witnesses to the bet and the conditions of the bet.
Roswaal was alright with that and quickly laid out the rules for Otto, Sora, and Ram to note since Roswaal and Subaru were both under contract.
"Okay with Sora-san, Ram-chan, and I, Otto Suwen, present. We shall all three be witnesses to this contract of you two, Roswaal-sama, Subaru-san. The contract guidelines are that should Natsuki Subaru get Garfiel to leave Sanctuary under his own free will and Emilia-sama to pass the trial of the Sanctuary along with his own life being intact, he would be considered the winner. If any of these criterias are not met, then Roswaal L. Mathers will be declared the winner of the bet. Is that alright with both parties?"
"But oooooof course."
"I'm fine with that as well."
"Alright then, it is settled."
"That's good now Barusu, leave with your friends. You are disrupting Roswaal-sama's sleep time."
"Okay Okay, we just needed to make sure this was cleared."
"I wiiiiish you a good luck, Subaru-kun."
"..." Subaru didn't respond to what Roswaal said and quickly left the room to go into Emilia's once again yet he stopped himself. He realized that he needs to do something to help Emilia right before the trial begins.
"Subaru, what's on your mind?"
"I need to do something. It's for Emilia but I need to do this alone."
"At least tell me where you are heading towards."
"The graveyard, I think I know how to help her."
"You better not try to take the Trial again...actually how are you going to enter the building? You lost your qualifications."
"I only need it to be inside for a moment. I should be fine, Master."
"Okay but please try to be careful. The last thing we need is to lose you."
"Don't worry, I will be alright. Just please take care of Emilia for me."
"Okay."
Sora nodded at Subaru and allowed him to go towards the graveyard on his own, confident that his apprentice will be fine. While this was going on, he sat next to the door near Emilia's room and ended up falling asleep. As Sora went to sleep, he started to dream about the events of his past with Riku, Kairi, King Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and his other friends. He still dreams about the keyblade graveyard and how he failed at some point and witnessed Kairi be taken away from him.
As daylight was hitting, Emilia woke up and quickly tried to sneak away since she was hurt by what Subaru did the previous night, she opened the door slowly and was about to run away yet she looked at Sora and noticed that he was having a nightmare.
'Sora looks so...stressed. Why is that?'
She gets closer to him and notices that he is beginning to say Kairi's name in a sad voice, having the nightmare of seeing Xehanort strike her down. Emilia wished she could do something but she also had her own things to deal with. She patted Sora's head before leaving to make sure Naoko or Ram didn't spot her.
Garfiel was looking around for Ryuzu as he noticed that she was missing from breakfast which made him furious after having a full night to think about what Sora and Subaru said.
'The hell do I need to help Frederica. She left this place and never came back! Why should I care but...why would he wanna be friends with me? That dumbass! I don't need anybody! Now where is nanna!'
As he was looking around the area for Ryuzu, he ends up bumping into a beaten up Subaru, which caused him to be wary at first only for heartless to surround the two. Garfiel looked at the heartless before looking at the injured Subaru, making the conclusion that the heartless beat up Subaru and are now after him. He charged at the heartless and was able to take them down without any hesitation. After doing this, he looks at Subaru and was tempted to leave but the words the boy said to him the previous day had been playing in his mind.
"Ahhhhh! Goddamn it! I hate ya!"
Garfiel punches a tree to let out some anger he has inside him before going towards Subaru to heal him. As he is healing him, all his mind is asking is what happened to Subaru before asking why this boy even wants to befriend him since the two didn't have the best of starts. Once fully healed, Subaru finally woke up with his mind slightly disoriented from what he was up to in the graveyard. As he gets up, he begins to throw up which caught Garfiel off guard.
"Da fuck happen t'ya?! Ya look'd like shit before my amazin' self healed ya."
"Hehe, I guess I probably should've taken Master Sora's offer...shit that hurt a lot."
"Yer a dumbass."
"I know I am, but to answer the question, I was trying to find a way to make sure Emilia can take the trial."
"Hmph! Whatever. Just don't do anythin stupid, dumbass."
"Yeah Yeah."
"Oy, I got ya here so Imma ask ya, what did ya saw inside the graveyard?"
Subaru paused himself for a moment, he knew that if Garfiel found out either him or Sora passed the trial, he would instantly go hostile. This meant that he had to tell Garfiel that he failed the trial.
"I saw my past and I failed."
"Ya...failed?"
"Yes, I failed. I couldn't do it...then again life comes short when I'm confronted with my parents again."
"Ha, seems like ya got shitty luck."
"Yeah I do I guess. Thanks for healing me, I owe you one."
"Okay, yer going to help me right now then."
"What?"
"Granny had disappeared and seein that ya owe me for healin ya and savin yer ass from them dark creatures, yer helpin me find her."
"Alright."
As the two started their search for Ryuzu Bilma but during their search, the two have a chat with Garfiel wanting to at the very least know a few things from Subaru before making his conclusion.
"How did yer parents even come here? I know damn well they couldn't have entered the Sanctuary without a guide."
Subaru had to think for a moment, he knows that telling Garfiel he is from another world would surely make his master scold him for breaking the world order once again yet in this case, they need Garfiel in his side.
"Someone took them away from home and teleported them here, just like I was too."
"What'd ya mean?"
"I'm not exactly from this world but from another."
"Don't fuck around with me!"
"I'm not! I was taken from my home world and literally brought to a new one without anybody to help me out...well except Emilia. She was there when I was weak and then there was this assassin that tried to kill a few innocent souls yet Sora was there to stop her on two different accounts."
"Really? Hmm. Is yer master also from another world?"
"Yes though don't tell him I told you, I would get in trouble if I said this since it is the world order or something like that."
"Then why the hell did ya tell me?!"
"I guess I just wanted to be honest with you. As I said, I want to be friends and well friends should be honest with one another."
Garfiel had a moment to think on this, he did appreciate the honesty as he values people who won't lie to his face but he also is more hesitant towards Subaru since he is learning that there are other worlds now.
"Aight then, tell my amazin' self about yer world."
"I mean it might take a little while to explain it all, there is a lot to go over."
"Don't care, it's better than walking around in silence."
"Fine Fine."
Subaru began to explain everything about Japan such as its technology, it's people, and all of the boring and fun stuff to do in his world. Garfiel kept his facial expression blank but deep down he did find many things Subaru said amazing and fun. Although he is scared of the outside world, he does find some of what Subaru said somewhat convincing for him to at the very least take a look at them.
"So tell me, how did ya ended up being sent to the outside world?"
"Outside world?"
"The outside world from Sanctuary, dumbass."
"Alright Alright, I was just getting food late at night and literally I blinked and saw that I was randomly teleported to another world."
"Da fuck. How the hell-"
"I don't know but you along with Ram's forgotten twin sister have made a mention about the witch's scent in me so it is logical to conclude that she is responsible for this."
"Hmph."
Garfiel processes everything that he heard, he seems to understand how tough it must've been for someone who was minding their own business to all of a sudden be sent to the outside world. Considering that he failed the trial, something in Subaru's past must've haunted the boy yet unknown to the demi human, Subaru had already found closure of his past world. There was a moment of silence before Subaru started to ask questions.
"Why do you fear the outside world?"
"Eh."
"You don't have to answer but I would like to know."
"Non of yer business."
"Hey! I told you about my world, it's fair we trade something."
"Not gonna tell ya about my reasonings."
"Then how about this, would you honestly like to know what I saw in the trial? Like the full description."
Garfiel had a moment of pause, he was interested to see what kind of fear Subaru had that made him fail the trial yet he knew that it was too personal of a thing to learn. He continued walking while responding to Subaru's question.
"That's yer own business. It ain't right for me ta know that much of ya."
"Well, interesting that you have a sense of decency."
Garfiel and Subaru continued to look around for Ryuzu Bilma, at least that is the Ryuzu Subaru is looking for while Garfiel is looking for a different Ryuzu. As the two searched and searched, they eventually came across Ram and Sora.
"Master Sora, Ram, what are you two doing here?"
"Emilia has gone missing."
"What?!"
"Eh!"
"What do you mean she is missing?!" Subaru asked with fear in his voice towards both his master and the red-haired maid.
"She walked out and left, are you that stupid to understand Barusu?!"
"I know what the hell you mean by that but where could she have gone..."
"Seems like yer got a problem that ya need to fix. Tis fine, I'll search for m'granny myself!"
Subaru, Sora, and Ram watched as an angry Garfiel started to leave them in search of Ryuzu yet he was stopped when Subaru spoke up.
"Allow me to help you look for Ryuzu."
"Huh?"
"Eh?"
"What?"
Garfiel, Ram, and Sora all three turned towards Subaru, surprised by what he said which made Ram slightly angry.
"You would rather help an idiot like Garf than look for the one you supposedly love? You are an imbecile, Barusu."
"That is quite harsh. Don't get me wrong, I want to search for Emilia but I have a feeling I will find her while helping Garfiel. Also I kinda owe him one so I'm paying my debt as we speak."
Ram looked at Subaru with disgust before deciding to leave to speak with Roswaal while Sora approached Subaru to ask him,
"What about Otto? He will be waiting on the both of us for the plan."
"I know and considering that today is the deadline, I cannot falter but I entrust that you can speak with him for me. You know the plan Master Sora and besides, this is my best chance to get Garfiel to trust me."
"Alright, just try to be careful."
"I will and you as well Master."
The two keyblade wielders nodded at each other before the two split paths with Subaru following Garfiel while Sora went towards the location they agreed to meet with Otto regarding the state of the villagers. Garfiel looked at Subaru and was unsure on why he was being loyal to him when Emilia, the person Subaru cares the most for, is missing.
"Why are ya fucking here? Go search for the princess."
"Now is it wrong to want to help a friend in need?"
"What?!" Garfiel looked at Subaru for a moment, not expecting that question at all and was quickly annoyed by it.
"We'rnt friends..."
"Well why not? We got a chance to bond a bit, besides I consider you my friend."
"Why?"
"Because sometimes you can build a bond with someone even if it is a short time."
"Tsk. Whatever."
Garfiel brushed off this conversation, being strong headed about it since he really doesn't understand why would Subaru be nice to him.
As Subaru and Garfiel continued their search, Sora met up with Kenichi and Otto who were waiting for him and Subaru near the building where Roswaal is resting. Kenichi and Otto looked to see that Sora was by himself which caused the two to be a bit worried.
"Sora-san, where is Subaru-san?"
"He is working on getting Garfiel to trust him, he sent me to speak with you two about the plan."
"Seems like my son is already working on getting blondy to join our side."
"He is but for now, is everything set for the villagers?"
"Yes Sora-san, the villagers are ready to evacuate."
"Okay then, we should start getting the villagers out of here before Garfiel notices that something is wrong."
"Okay, my wife and I will lead one group while Suwen-san here takes the other group but what about you?"
"I'll stay here and look for Emilia."
"Wait, what happened to Emilia-sama?"
"She disappeared but don't worry about it, Subaru and I will find her."
"I have faith you both will, Sora-san. Just be careful."
"Same to you."
Sora and Otto nodded at each other before the three of them split up with Otto heading towards one location, Kenichi heading towards another where Naoko is located, and Sora heading towards the village to search for Emilia. During this Garfiel suggested to Subaru that the two should split up. Subaru nodded and quickly went on his own around the Sanctuary in search of Ryuzu Bilma. His instincts took him to the house he spoke with her the previous night. As he enters the house with caution, he finds a Ryuzu preparing tea.
"So you got here later than I thought."
"What does that mean? Actually forget it, I'm helping Garfiel look for Ryuzu."
"Ah, Young Gar didn't specify which one. He was looking for me, Ryuzu Shima."
"Ryuzu...Shima." Subaru paused himself for a moment before he recalls that the previous time he encountered Ryuzu Shima, it was in the loop that Garfiel completely distrusted him. Subaru sat down on the chair next to Ryuzu Shima and quickly started to converse with her.
"So I'm the first guest to arrive?"
"That's right. You're the first, Young Su. Hope you don't mind your tea being brewed strong."
"Either way doesn't matter. Say it's strong or say it's weak, leaf flavour's still leaf flavour."
"There's a statement with no favour for tea. Now I understand what Ram was grumbling abert."
Smiling wryly at Subaru, Shima pulls an empty cup over to herself. She pours the boiling
water into the cup, puts leaves in to soak, and pushes it over to Subaru.
"Here, your throat must be thirsting. Glug a cup, tardy."
"I feel like when I'm done sculling this cup, my HP's gonna be something where I'm headed
off to church. Anyway that aside,"
With his joking making Shima's brows knit in confusion, Subaru blows on the cup to cool it before bringing it to his lips. The thick flavour of grass passes over his tongue and down his throat. No matter what kind they are, and no matter who brews them, leaves are leaves.
"I couldn't even get used to Rem's tea... my body just doesn't accept this stuff, seriously."
"Now there's enough of your impressions, didn't even have to ask to know it. I ain't ever
brewing for you again."
Glaring at Subaru as he scrunches his face and sticks out his tongue, Shima drinks all of her tea in one go. She strokes at her long hair, her sleeves trailing as she plomps herself back on the bed, opposite Subaru again.
"I was thinking that would have settled us down before getting to the talk, but looks like it just caused unexpected trouble."
"When you throw information from side stories into the main text, the readers who just
happened to miss it will wind up being confused so let's go without any of that. Switch gears switch gears switch gears, and let's have our talk."
"Sure is easy ter say it..."
Shima sighs, dumbfounded, before staring intently at her small hands. Her gaze then passes through Subaru, seeming to stare beyond the door, to the outside.
"But leaving that aside, so it was you after all, Young Su. Thought it would be. You would have been more likely to show up than young Gar, otherwise neither of you would think of this place before my rotation."
"...you sure set up some disadvantageous terms for Gardiel. He'd probably start grieving if he heard that."
"Grieving, bawling, it's good for him to do that...but I'd anticipate a more serious reaction. If it'd been Young Gar who came here, that would have done away with that worry..."
Shima looked around the living room wall with her smile somewhat sad. Subaru follows her gaze to see hanging on the wall the silvery metal shields, two of them crossed over each other, decorating the wall as they had been before when Sora and Subaru were previously there. There was silence for a moment before Shima began to speak,
"It's a good thing you came here alone, Young Su. This isn't something I especially want people to hear."
"Yeah, I had Master Sora to deal with Otto and my father while Garfiel sent me to look around for you. Seems about right that it ends up with me being here on my own though there is something that I want to know."
"What's that, Young Su?"
"Did any of you Ryuzus ever go and do the trial yourselves?"
Shima stood silent for a moment, which only gave Subaru the answer he needed in order to figure a way to beat this loop. He needs to figure out what they saw and get in good with not only Garfiel but with the other Ryuzus as well. He presses Ryuzu on about what she saw in the trial to which Ryuzu Shima responded with,
"What I'm about to talk to you about is everything I've seen in the Sanctuary's foundation and...a part of the events leading up to Ryuzu Meyer being sealed in the crystal. Just what your going to think about when hearing this and what you are going to say to me afterward...will be something which one of the four representatives of Ryuzus of Sanctuary, I will leave it up to fate."
"If you are afraid if I will think differently of you then don't, I see you all as your own unique individuals."
"Flirty are we. Hehe, alright but it's something you'd better tackle with careful attention."
Subaru gives a nod to Ryuzu Shima, understanding the situation.
Author's note
1. The anime is about to start in a couple of days, I'm excited to see how things progress there. Because of that, certain events may be extremely different from mine and the anime.
2. Regarding the story, I used Season 2 Episode 10 for the conversation with Ryuzu since the characters hadn't known about the original Ryuzu mayer or about the apostle of greed just yet.
3. Also heads up regarding this story, I will have 9 arcs total. We are currently in Arc 4 but Arc 5 and on words it will be long chapters since lots happen.