Chapter 37: Trust in me!

During the moment Subaru and Sora both split up, Sora followed his heart as he was on a path to look for Garfiel. The plan that Subaru had in mind is that Sora distract Garfiel long enough to get Emilia to pass the trial. Should Garfiel start attacking either Otto or Kenichi or should Garfiel get violent at any point, it is Sora's job to keep him under control. As Sora heads towards the village, he can see Garfiel hitting a tree with anger.

"Fuckin hell! Where the fuck is nanny?!"

'I better be careful, seems like Garfiel is pretty angry here.'

Sora cautiously approached the angry Garfiel who is looking desperately for Ryuzu Shima yet his anger turned towards Sora when the Keyblade Wielder attempted to calm him down by having a small chat.

"Hey Garfiel, need some help?"

"Fuck off! My amazin' self can handle this!"

"I mean I want to help you out, you seem very stress-"

"I said fuck off! I don't need yer help!"

Garfiel continued to search around for Ryuzu Shima on his own, not wanting Sora to be around him at all. As he was walking on his own, he started to realize that something seemed odd which Sora caught notice of this.

"What's wrong Garfi-"

"Shut it! I gotta check somethin."

Garfiel went to see where the villagers of Arlam where and as he checked on the cathedral, he saw that it was completely empty. This stunned Garfiel for a moment before he started to search around until he started to tell that something isn't adding up.

"Sora."

"Yes Garfiel."

"Where are they?"

"..." Sora stood silent, he couldn't lie to Garfiel but at the same time he could not tell him what was going on since that would only put Subaru in danger. Garfiel caught notice of this silence which only infuriated him. His body started to grow a red aura while he said with his angry voice,

"Where. Are. They?!"

"Sorry Garfiel, I wish to tell you but I can't."

"And why's that?!"

"I made a promise."

"T'hell with promises! Where the hell are they?! I'm the guardian of The Sanctuary, I have to know dammit!"

Sora quickly summoned Kingdom Key as he started to feel Garfiel's anger heading towards dangerous territories. Garfiel noticed this and without hesitation began to attack the keyblade wielder, seeing him as a threat to The Sanctuary. Sora quickly jumped back and started to deflect all of Garfiel's attacks, not wanting to go on the offensive just yet.

'He is much stronger than the last time we fought, I better be careful. I don't want him getting a luck shot.'

Sora jumped back a couple of times as he wanted to gain some distance in order to calm Garfiel down by chatting with him.

"Garfiel, please calm down."

"The hell I will! Yer all been coming here and changing everything! Granny wouldn't be gone fer no reason! Y'all are a threat to this Sanctuary, all of y'all from the outside!"

"No we are not. I know that there are bad people in this world but we are not bad guys."

"Yer lying! All ya outsiders are a threat...I won't let ya take my home away from me!"

Garfiel with an angry voice charged directly at Sora with enough force to push the keyblade wielder back a bit. Sora was surprised by this strength and quickly got his guard up, knowing that if he kept this up, Garfiel would land a fatal blow to him yet he doesn't want to harm him.

'I don't want to fight a friend but if this keeps up, I will be forced to try.'

Sora jumps back a couple of times, avoiding a few of Garfiel's attacks which created craters when his fist hit the ground. Sora continued to jump back multiple times while trying to convince Garfiel that he isn't the enemy.

Eventually Sora slipped when attempting to land on his feet, giving Garfiel a chance to land a deadly blow on him only for some rock to hit his face, distracting him long enough for Sora to hit him in the chest with kingdom key. As Garfiel took the hit, he was sent flying a few feet away from the keyblade wielder, managing to land on his feet with his chest hurting a bit.

"Who da fuck attacked my amazin' self?!"

"Seems like you were in need of help Sora-san."

"Otto?"

"And don't forget me, the great Natsuki Kenichi, amazing father to Natsuki Subaru."

Garfiel and Sora both turned to see Otto Suwen and Natsuki Kenichi, standing together as if they had been there the entire time. Sora got up and quickly joined the two while Garfiel was incredibly angry seeing the two.

"Ya got some fucking nerves't attack my amazin' self! Where da fuck are the villagers?!"

"Ah, you mean the people from Arlam village? Right, so they are gone."

"What?!" Garfiel asked both confused and angry at what Kenichi said.

"Yeah, we kinda let them go and take a stroll, get a chance to breathe the outside air instead of being locked up like dogs."

"You think tis a joke!" Garfiel growled as he was slowly beginning to transform into his beast form yet before he could, he noticed Sora getting in front of him and his two allies. As he was in between Garfiel and his two allies, he pointed his kingdom key directly at him.

"You rely on that beast form won't do you any good."

"Oh yeah, why's that?!"

"Because Garf, that stupid form of yours slows down your ability to actually think in a fight. It also makes you an easier target to hit."

Sora, Otto, Kenichi, and Garfiel all turn towards the voice to hear Ram speaking, having her wand ready in the case she needs to fight. At first Garfiel was surprised to see the girl he is crushing on appear yet this angered him since she was on Sora's side. He got his guard up and responded to what she said,

"Oh yeah, so what! At least I can kick some ass with my amazin' self!"

"Are you really this stupid, Garf?!"

Garfiel was prepared to charge at Ram, having had enough of her yet Sora got in between the two.

"We honestly don't want to fight you, Garfiel. We are just here to help."

"Fuck you!"

Garfiel charged at Sora and quickly went to strike the keyblade wielder down yet he was able to block the attack. As Sora blocks Garfiel's attack, Ram quickly sends her windstorm towards Garfiel, forcing the demi-human boy to jump just to block the attack. As Garfiel is able to dodge the attack, he quickly looks at his four opponents and begins to crack his knuckles with some excitement.

"Y'all better make this a worthy fight, my amazin' self is itching for a fight."

"Garf, you will lose. You stand no chance against the Keyblade Wielder, let alone with me by his side."

"Ha! I can take em!"

Garfiel charged at the keyblade wielder once again, this time being ready for when Ram tries to attack him. Ram noticed this and quickly summoned another windstorm at him yet Garfiel was able to dodge it quick enough in order to continue his fight with Sora. As Garfiel goes on the offensive, Sora is able to easily keep up with the demi-human.

"Damn it, just stand still ya asshole!"

"What is it with you speaking with foul language?"

"Fuck off!"

Garfiel continues his offensive run towards Sora, showing that he isn't one to be underestimated. Sora deflected a few attacks before managing to switch from defense to offense, showing Garfiel just how different in power the two are. Garfiel was sent flying again which annoyed him since he wanted to land a strong and fatal blow to end this annoying battle. As he attempted to attack once again, a bunch of heartless started to surround the group.

"Damn tis fuckers!"

"Kenichi, Otto, be careful!"

"Don't worry Sora-san, Kenich-san and I can handle our own."

"Alright, Ram-"

"I can handle myself, Sora."

"Okay, just wanted to make sure."

Sora, Garfiel, Ram, Otto, and Kenichi all stood back to back as they watched two battleship heartless, a Behemoth heartless, a couple of Assault Rider type heartless, and a bunch of commander heartless surrounding the group. Before the battle started, a corridor of darkness appeared with Saix walking through the portal.

"Saix!"

"Who't fuck's him?!"

"Someone who isn't good. What are you doing here?"

"I'm here about your deal, will you accept it or do you not value Rem's life?"

Sora looked at Saix with anger in his eyes, catching the attention of Garfiel.

'Damn, never seen em tis pissed.'

Garfiel took note of this and quickly charged at Saix, seeing that he was a big threat just by the fact that Sora was being hostile towards the Organization member. Sora noticed this and tried to stop Garfiel yet the heartless started charging at the group with the exception being Garfiel. Sora summoned Lady Luck and quickly tossed it directly at Kenichi, seeing that he is still an ordinary human like Subaru. Kenichi noticed this and quickly caught the keyblade thrown to him before using it to face off the heartless.

'Don't worry Sora, I will use this weapon you lend me to kick some ass!'

Kenichi quickly charged at one of the Assault rider heartless, confident in his abilities with the keyblade Sora lent him while Otto was expecting Sora to give him a keyblade as well yet he saw that Sora was being attacked by the behemoth heartless. This slightly disappointed him since he wished to have been able to wield the keyblade even for a moment in combat yet using his divine protection, he was confident that he can still put up some kind of a fight.

Ram didn't hesitate to use Al Huma, taking down a bunch of commander heartless and one of the battleship heartless yet she was low on mana. This caught Sora's attention and quickly he used one of his three Ethers to restore Ram's mana.

As Ram feels her mana returning back to her, she is confused by this since normally the only way to get back her mana would be through Roswaal. She had a feeling it was probably Sora that did this yet she knew that this was a question for later when the other battleship heartless charging towards her.

Garfiel attempted to strike down Saix with everything he had yet Saix was able to easily dodge the attack before summoning his Claymore. Garfiel saw the weapon and was amazed by it for a moment before he was hit with it, sending him flying a few feet away.

Garfiel was completely thrown off by how easily he was hit away. This enrages the demi-human boy, causing him to quickly be able to land on his feet before attempting another attack at Saix. The organization member noticed this and easily brushed the boy to the side once again.

"You assume that you are all powerful yet you can't even handle a simple attack, how annoying."

"Don't ya dare to look down on my amazin' self!"

"I'm looking at a weakling."

"Grr!"

Garfiel continued to try to do some harm on Saix only to easily be thrown off course multiple times until finally Saix's patience grew thin, causing him to use a powerful attack to knock Garfiel down. As he swung his Claymore towards Garfiel in a more deadlier manner, Garfiel had been anticipating this and managed to dodge the attack, surprising Saix.

"Take this jackass!"

Garfiel managed to land a powerful blow on his opponent's chest, sending him back for a few feet away from him. Garfiel smiled as he was proud he was able to land a hit on Saix yet he realized that something seemed off. He looked closely at his opponent to see him just standing there, unfazed by the attack.

"Was that all? I was surprised by the fact that you dodge my attack yet if this is your best then you are a waste of my time."

"Wha..."

Saix looked at Garfiel straight in the eyes, giving some fear to the demi-human. He eventually charges at Garfiel to take him down in one hit only for Sora to manage to push Garfiel out of the way, taking the hit and being sent flying into a tree.

Garfiel saw this and was feeling guilt in his heart, watching someone who he distrusted since he met him taking such a blow for someone like him. He turned towards Saix and prepared to fight him, more motivated to beat the Organization member yet he just saw him walking away into the corridor of darkness.

"Where da fuck are ya going?! I ain't done with ya!"

"I have no business here anymore. If Sora doesn't head to the mansion in time, he will lose his chance to give his answer and we will take the girl by force."

"I ain't letting-"

"Continue and you will perish where you stand. I'm not here to watch a weakling play the hero when they themselves are too scared to even leave such a place."

Garfiel was stunned by this statement, knowing deep down that it is true despite not wanting to believe it or show it. He gave a growl at Saix as he ended up leaving through the corridor of darkness, leaving a very pissed off Garfiel to take his frustrations on the heartless. He looked at the Behemoth heartless and quickly charged at it with all the fury he had inside his heart.

't'hell does he fucking know?!'

Garfiel in one hit managed to destroy the Behemoth heartless, proving his strength comes when he is beyond pissed off. Kenichi managed to dodge a couple of the assault rider's attacks before managing to give a couple of hits before landing the ultimate blow that destroys the heartless. As he takes down one of the assault rider heartless, three commander heartless attempt to attack him from behind yet Kenichi with his strength was able to easily take them down in one swift attack.

"Ha! Nice try but y'all never stood a chance against the great Natsuki Kenichi!"

Kenichi got his guard back up after boasting for a moment to see two assault rider heartless attacking Otto, who was surprisingly dodging each of their attacks for a merchant. Kenichi quickly got into the fight and managed to land a hit on the assault rider heartless closest to him, leading the heartless to turn its attention to Kenichi while the other one continued to throw attacks at Otto.

'I have to prove my own weight in this!' Otto thought to himself, wanting to show that he is not one to be underestimated. He dodges a couple of attacks before casting El Dona, creating a swarm of earth mana and pinpoints it at his opponent, causing the ground to burst into spikes inside of the heartless before expanding outward. This was enough to take out the heartless, surprising Kenichi as he managed to land enough hits to eventually take down the heartless we were dealing with.

"That was some pretty cool moves, Suwen."

"Thanks for the compliment, Kenichi-san!"

The two quickly returned to focus on the last three remaining heartless only for Ram to use Ul Fura, easily taking down the last of the heartless. As the three quickly take a moment to catch their breath, they notice Garfiel heading off somewhere on his own.

"Garf, where do you think you are going?"

"Non of yer business, Ram!"

"It is my business, now tell me!"

"Look, ye may be hot but I ain't tellin ya!"

Garfiel began to run as fast as he could after finishing his sentence, causing Kenichi and the others to follow until Sora told them to stay out of sight once he joined them. The three asked the keyblade wielder if he was alright, with Sora giving them a smile and a nod, not feeling too much pain from Saix's attack.

"You sure you're alright, Sora-san?"

"Don't worry Otto, I've taken worse from powerful opponents."

"Just try not to be like Subaru-san, he is very stubborn."

"I know." Sora says while smiling, knowing just how stubborn his friend and apprentice can be. The four continued to run until they reached the ruins where Garfiel attempted to go in yet Sora was fast enough to block his way.

"You can't go in there, Garfiel."

"Why?!"

"Because..."

"That's where't princess is, isn't it?!"

"Look, Subaru might still need time to help Emilia out."

"Like hell! She ain't gonna pass't trial! She's too weak!"

"She may be weak but I know deep down that she can pass the trial!"

"Tsk!" Garfiel looked at Sora with anger, not wanting anybody to pass the trial if people like Saix were going to enter the sanctuary. Before either one could continue their talk, a familiar voice speaks,

"Seems like you two have been having fun, Master Sora."

Subaru having been explained by Sora everything that transpired made the boy realize that the only way they will be able to convince Garfiel is to get him to do the trial, seeing that he had already taken it and failed before.

"Garfiel, what did you saw in the trial?"

"What?! Like hell I will tell ya!"

"Hmm of course you would be stubborn, so let me propose a little competition between the two of us."

"Aight, what'd ya want?"

"A friendly fight, the winner gets to decide what the loser will do."

"Ha! Yer weak's fuck, like hell I would lose to ya."

"Well let us see, are you ready to fight?" Subaru says as he gets his Starlight keyblade ready for a fight. Garfiel smiled confidently as he knew that in a one on one scenario like this one, he would still be able to beat Natsuki Subaru without a problem even though he was somewhat injured. He cracked his knuckles first before responding to Subaru's question with, "Ready to kick yer ass!"

Subaru smiled and quickly casted Fira directly at Garfiel, beginning their fight with him taking the initiative. Garfiel punched the fireball away with ease before charging at his opponent, confident that he could take him out with one hit. Subaru was anticipating this and waited for a moment before he casted Reflect to block off Garfiel's attack while also making sure the light explosions did damage to him.

'That's it! I just have to keep on a strong defense until Garfiel is worn out. Once I get my opening, then I will give him the finishing blow.'

Subaru continued with his plan to keep himself at a distance from receiving one of Garfiel's attacks, knowing that one would probably kill him or at the very least knock him out. As Subaru continues to dodge and block off some of Garfiel's attacks, Garfiel begins to get annoyed by this and starts to slowly prepare himself to transform into his beast form, refusing to lose. Subaru noticed this and quickly was forced to go on the offensive to prevent him from going into his beast form.

"There is no way I will let you do that!"

"Ha!" Garfiel laughed as he managed to force Subaru to go into the offensive side, leaving him open to be attacked. Garfiel took the opportunity to attack Subaru, landing a hit on his chest and sending him flying towards Sora's position. 'Shit!' Subaru thought to himself as he felt his chest burning. He looked and saw that he was just badly bruised at the very least, forcing him to have to fight regardless of the pain he was feeling.

'Fuck! I got tricked! Damn it, I have to think of something or I will lose! I can't take another hit like that!'

Subaru started to think on everything he could do in order to take down Garfiel yet there was something he could do. He started to recall his last encounters with Garfiel in the previous loops and began to recall something on the loop he killed his father.

The hatred he had gained for Garfiel increased to the point where he created a dark fireball that was powerful enough to do damage to Garfiel. He also was able to create this power when he was facing his master, making him feel all those negative emotions in order to summon this power once again.

"I will beat you..."

"Huh? What was that?!"

"That I will beat you, Garfiel!"

Subaru spoke with anger in his voice, surprising Sora and Emilia as they watched Subaru creating a dark fireball with his own bare hands. Garfiel noticed this and quickly charged at the boy, not wanting to take any chances. Subaru waited for the perfect moment before throwing the dark fireball at Garfiel, confident that the anger he has within him is powerful enough to do some damage to him.

"Think you can handle this!"

"Ha! I can take it!"

Garfiel was confident in his physical strength that Subaru's attack wouldn't do much damage while Sora was a bit unsure about his apprentice using the power of darkness. He knows that people can use darkness for good such as Riku but he also knows that the darkness can corrupt people as well. Emilia was unsure on what to think, just fearing that this power Subaru was using could corrupt him if he relied on it too much.

As Subaru threw the dark fireball at Garfiel, the demi-human took the hit and was surprised that it did an enormous amount of damage to him. He was sent flying into a tree with his entire chest feeling an enormous amount of pain. Subaru was surprised by this and looked at his hand with shock, surprised by his own power.

"My gosh, that felt fucking amazing!"

"Ya son of a bitch! Ya ain't gonna beat me with that...cheap ass attack!"

"Are you sure about that? You look like shit."

"Fuck you."

Garfiel looks at Subaru with anger in his eyes, refusing to lose against Subaru yet he was completely worn out at this point. He didn't think Subaru's dark attack would actually do some damage to him. He closed his eyes and was prepared to go on an offensive attack yet something inside him caught his attention.

When he used the power of darkness, something in his heart had awakened. He could feel an odd power which made him interested to test out, he looked at Garfiel and waited for a moment before attempting a secret trick.

While this is going on, Sora and Emilia both turn towards their right side to see Roswaal watching from a distance, as if he was going to interfere with the fight. This caused the two to head towards Roswaal with Sora telling Emilia to watch over Subaru in the off chance Garfiel somehow attempts to kill their friend.

Emilia nodded and let Sora deal with Roswaal while he watched over Subaru's fight, having faith in both boys. As Sora approached Roswaal, the magician noticed him and quickly tried to start a friendly conversation.

"Sooooora-kun, what brings yooooou here?"

"Just making sure that you don't try something."

"Now why wooooould you think that?"

"I can sense the darkness in you. You are also here suspiciously as if you are going to stop Subaru."

"I merely came heeeeere to provide Subaru-kun some assistance."

"You are not." Sora pointed his keyblade at Roswaal, having been able to tell that something was wrong with that sentence. Due to the fact that Subaru and Roswaal are in a bet, there is no reason for Roswaal to assist Subaru since he would want his friend and apprentice to lose the bet.

"There is something wrong with you, Roswaal."

"Theeeere as always been a problem wiiiiith me..."

"I should have asked Echidna more regarding you, well I probably still could."

"What?" Roswaal's accent had changed and his demeanor had shifted to one of seriousness. This caught Sora's attention and caused him to get his guard up while Roswaal started to speak to Sora without his usual accent.

"You talked with Echidna?"

"Briefly but she did let me keep my qualifications. That's besides the point, why are you acting like you have given up in life?"

"That's none of your business, keyblade wielder."

Roswaal turned around and was about to leave yet he was inclined to give Sora some kind of advice.

"The problem in the Mansion won't be easy for you two. You'll need someone to help balance out the fight."

"What is wrong with you, Roswaal? I can sense your manner to be...one of giving up."

"This world is at its end anyway, so what is the point of trying."

"Because he will get through Garfiel like he is getting through with Emilia."

"Is that so? Well let us find out."

Roswaal said as he pointed directly at Subaru, getting Sora to turn towards his apprentice to see how the fight is turning out. Subaru somehow managed to land a hit on Garfiel from a distance which caught everybody by surprise. Roswaal was intrigued by this as well as Sora, both wanting to know what Subaru did while Subaru was surprised that he managed to create his own version of the unseen hands.

'That...was fucking amazing but I need to stay focus. We are both at the end of our rope.'

Subaru looked at Garfiel and saw that he just needed one more hit before he could beat the demi-human on his own. He puts away his starlight keyblade and begins to charge directly at Garfiel. He noticed Subaru charging at him and quickly with everything he had also started to run towards him. As the two boys were charging at each other, they both swung their hands at each other and in unison knocked each other out.

"Weeeeell, isn't that quiiiite a fight."

"Surprising how it ended with the two knocking each other out. Seems like the plan worked."

"Plan?"

"You didn't think we were just going to defeat Garfiel, did you Roswaal? Subaru as a plan in getting Garfiel to side with us which required beating him."

"What?"

"Also I think he got through Emilia, I can sense the strength of her heart having gotten back to her...no, actually it has gotten much stronger."

"..." Roswaal stood silent, beginning to regret making the bet as he was seeing Subaru starting to get his conditions of winning the bet under way. This made him think on what he can do to prevent events from differing from the gospel, since that is what he fears the most at the moment. He took time to think until he figured something out, causing him to return back into his regular demeanor as before.

"Thaaaat is a goood thing that our faith in Subaru-kun will be well rewarded. I shaaaaaall leave you to your things, Sora-kun."

Roswaal began to make his way out of the area while Sora went to check on his friend, seeing that he took a lot of damage just like Garfiel. Although he does dislike Subaru trying to use the power of darkness, he is proud of how he managed to hold his own.

He approached Subaru with Emilia also approaching the boy, both of them worried for their friend. As the two were close around Subaru, Sora turned towards Ram, Otto, and Kenichi's direction to give them a nod that they could come on out. The three got out of their hiding place and went to check on how both Garfiel and Subaru are doing.

"Seems like my boy is a badass like his father."

"Yeah, Subaru-san managed to beat Garfiel-san on his own."

"Hmph. Barusu got lucky."

"Okay Ram but you can't deny that Subaru actually beat him on his own, without the need of outside assistance."

"Hmph." Ram looks away for a moment from Sora's direction while in her mind, she does acknowledge Subaru as a worthy fighter but she will still mess with him. They all take care of the two injured boys with Emilia wanting to be the one to heal Subaru before allowing the boy to get a lap pillow for his hard work.

The others noticed this and caused Kenichi to smile as he sees his son get special treatment from his future daughter-in-law, Otto looked away to respect Emilia and Subaru while also getting jealous at Subaru, Ram looked away to take care of Garfiel, and lastly Sora smiled at how both Emilia and Subaru looked together.

Subaru woke up and noticed that he was in Emilia's lap again, making Emilia slightly embarrassed yet she smiled. As Subaru and Emilia spoke for a bit, Sora looked from a distance towards them and was happy that his apprentice was alright before turning his attention towards Ram and Garfiel for a bit.

He notices how Ram is allowing Garfiel to get a lap pillow yet is attempting to wake the boy up by poking him in his forehead. While this was going on, Kenichi and Otto approached the Keyblade Wielder to start a bit of conversation.

"What do you think, Sora-san?"

"I think Subaru's plan will work, we just now have to deal with the things in the Mansion."

"How will we handle the mansion problem?" Otto asked in a curious tone of voice. Sora looked at him for a moment before answering.

"I would assume that Garfiel and I would be the power duo and take on the threat while you, Subaru, and Kenichi get the residents of the mansion out of there."

"Do you think that you can take that guy with the black coat?"

"I have defeated Saix in the past before, I just need to be careful when he really does go all out."

Otto's blood got cold for a moment since he saw how easily Saix brushed Garfiel to the side yet he was confident that Sora could do something about it. Before anything else could be said, they heard Garfiel make a noise which indicated that he had awakened. They all turn to see that Ram shoved Garfiel off her lap and onto the ground. Sora and the others all approached Ram with Sora saying,

"You really are cold, aren't you?"

"When the moment requires kindness and the recipient merits kindness, then of course I'll be kind. That I'm not being so now means that this isn't one of those moments."

"Wait...my amazin' self got that merit?"

"It's utterly transparent what you want me to say. You mustn't be like Barusu, Garf. If you wish to know what a woman truly feels, devise a cleverer scheme."

"Hey! What the hell?!"

"Hmph." Ram looked away while Garfiel looked down for a moment until Sora approached Garfiel to offer him a helping hand. Garfiel looked at the keyblade wielder and hit his hand away, angry that he lost to Subaru of all people.

"Get that fuckin hand away from me!"

"Garf, show some respect to the keyblade wielder. If you lose to someone like Barusu, you would surely lose against his master."

"Tsk." Garfiel was angry by this and stayed silent for a moment before looking at Sora and accepting his offer to help get up after he offered it a second time. As Garfiel stood up, Ram began to speak.

"Garf. I'm going to give you a word of advice. Listen well."

"...yeah?"

"Garf, you're stupid so thinking is utterly pointless. A waste of time. Otherwise said, a waste of life."

"...Eh?"

"You are a foolish warrior but when you were facing an opponent that was easily throwing you like dirt, you managed to outsmart them and land a hit. If you had transformed, you would've been useless. Now I don't mean for you to abandon all rationality and transformation, in fact I will mention that your transformation makes you even weaker than when you are thinking. You become a bigger target and your weapons are slow. Stay in human form, focus on your opponent, and fight without thinking."

"Th-Th'hell's this?! Since when was this th'topic'v..."

"This is important. Because now you're going to fight on many occasions as an ally to me and Emilia-sama."

There was a moment of silence by everyone with Garfiel being annoyed by what Ram said. He looked at her and quickly retaliated,

"Fuck off! Yfuckin'piss 'round with me, be enemies, crush my ideas...n'yer still forgivin' me, n'telling' me t'forgive y'all!"

"Don't be an idiot. We don't forgive you and so you are demanded to serve us."

"Woah, hold on Ram, that's-"

"If we forgive him and stand like equals, then we will need to make requests to gain his cooperation. Besides, we are the victors and he is the loser."

"S fuckin' nuts!"

Garfiel kicks the ground with anger, not wanting to be some slave. As he was angry, he was surprised when Sora said,

"This is not what we want Ram, I mean it's more up to Subaru regarding that but I want to be Garfiel's friend."

"Wha...why?!"

"Because I know that deep down you have a good heart."

"Besides..." Subaru joined in on the conversation, wanting to make his intentions clear regarding what he wants Garfiel to do. "I want you to move forward."

"Uh?"

"I know it must be tough having to deal with your past but you should know that you are not alone here. You got the cruel Ram, my amazing dad, my awesome mother, Emilia the beautiful angel, my master, and you even got me."

"Hey, where am I in that list?!"

"Right, you also got Otto to be your punching bag."

"Hey!" Otto spoke with an annoyed voice as he was being teased while everyone giggled a little by his reaction, even Garfiel chuckled a little when he saw Otto's reaction. Garfiel took a moment to think yet he wanted to know what Ram wanted from him, he turned towards her and asked her, "What'd ya think I should do?"

"Prove that you're moving."

"What?"

"Aside from what Barusu said, you should confirm it for yourself."

"Confirm what?"

"Whether you are capable of changing, or whether you are still a petrified, whispering child."

Garfiel crossed his arms as he heard this, afraid of going back in there and experiencing the trauma he has been dealing with since he was last there. He was debating with himself whether he would go or won't instead of being assertive in saying that he won't go.

"...What'll I learn by going in?"

"You look resolved"

Ram wants Garfiel to reach a conclusion on how he should live his life, knowing he has been struggling with this for a long time. Garfiel was able to regain his composure when he heard those words. 'She's a good lady, someone to be thankful for.'

"Don't worry, Garf. If anything frightening enough happens that you cry, I'll comfort you. Our relationship goes back a long way, after all."

Garfiel along with the others were caught off guard by the kind words Ram said to Garfiel, causing Sora to think about Rem for a moment, knowing that this is the kind of thing she would say should she be trying to comfort the boy. Wanting to show that he appreciates Garfiel and wants to gain some trust, he also adds in,

"Whatever happens in there, I got your back."

"Yeah sharp teeth boy, I also got your back with my amazing skills."

"It's Garfiel, jackass."

"Aside from my father wanting to show off, I also have your back, after all you are someone I want to call a friend."

"I also would like to call you a friend, Garfiel-san."

Garfiel for once let go of his hubris and allowed himself to be accepted into a group, happy that he has people that will back him up. This caused him to start making his way towards the graveyard which caught everyone off guard.

"Hold up, are you going in there first, Garfiel?"

"Yeah, what'd problem?"

"I mean, at the very least change into some decent clothing at the very least. I mean you only have a loincloth that's ready to fall off at any second. There's a line for tawdry here and you've crossed it."

Garfiel takes note of this and seeing that Emilia is there and having figured that she is too innocent for something unfortunate to happen, he quickly leaves to get changed. As he left, Emilia remembered something and quickly pulled out the wayfinder that was given to her by Sora. She turned towards Sora and quickly handed it back to him.

"This belongs to you, Sora."

"Are you sure? You could use it for good luck when taking the Trial."

"It's alright and also...I had a talk with Kairi."

"Huh?" Sora was confused by this but also interested since he wanted to know how his friends have been doing since he left. Emilia noticed this and quickly recalled everything she talked about with Kairi before telling Sora the thing Kairi wanted him to know.

"She wanted me to tell you that everybody misses you, that she misses you."

"Oh..." Something inside Sora made him glad that Kairi and the others were okay yet he felt bad that they missed him. This is something he is sad about since he knows that there may be a chance he may never see them again yet he still keeps on hoping that he can find some way. He smiles and gives Emilia a thank you nod, feeling good to hear something from Kairi.

After waiting for a moment, Garfiel returns with fresh new clothing and starts making his way towards the graveyard. Before entering, Sora and Subaru wished him good luck which he appreciated before heading inside. While Garfiel was taking the trial, the group chatted among one another.

"Do you think Garfiel-san can pass the trial?"

"I have utmost faith in him."

"You should Barusu, he will do a better job than you could."

"What is it with you picking on my son? Do you have a crush on him or something?"

Ram almost threw up when she heard this from Kenichi's mouth, causing her to be disturbed by even the thought of that. She looked at Subaru's father with disgust in her eyes.

"Revolting! I'm a noble maid! I would never with such trash!"

"Okay...I was just asking."

"Barusu, you and your poor excuse of a father are idiots."

"Okay Ram, we get it. My father made a mistake."

"hmph. Moron."

"Anyway, to answer your question Otto, I agree with Subaru. I have faith in Garfiel that he can pass the Trial...he is someone who as a strong heart."

Sora thought to himself how like Emilia, Rem, Subaru, and Reinhard, Garfiel had a powerful heart which could qualify him as a guardian of light. While in deep thought, Kenichi answered Otto's question by basically stating how Garfiel is strong and can probably overcome any obstacle. Otto nodded at this and also put his faith in Garfiel.

They waited for a bit with Ryuzu eventually joining them, causing Sora and Subaru to quickly inform her of what had transpired. She was surprised that Garfiel went to take the trial and now waited alongside the group to see the result.

After a while Garfiel came out of the tomb with a blank expression, getting concerns from the group but more importantly from Ram and Ryuzu.

"Young Gar?"

"..."

"Garf?"

"..."

"Y-Young Gar. Erm, I..."

"Don't go making a face which don't look like yer. 'M sorry fer worryin' you."

"Young Gar." Ryuzu spoke before giving Garfiel a hug which gave him a smile. Sora and the rest sigh with relief since they were worried whether or not Garfiel could handle his past.

"How did it go, Garf?"

"Can't yer see with yer eyes th'results? Gotta say I expected somethin' more."

"For some reason that sounded like a middle schooler bragging about shoplifting, but if this is what you are saying...you did it?"

"Lined off an era for myself, m'thinkin'."

Garfiel smiled proudly at himself as he managed to pass the Trial and come to some conclusion of his past. This helped confirm more of Subaru's theory regarding that the Trial isn't unreasonable or impossible. He goes to pat Garfiel in the back before continuing to speak.

"Alright then. You keep riding off that momentum and go for the other Trials too, and-"

"Piss off! Only Trial my amazin' self's takin's this one. It ain't my thing t'be doin' th'others. Yeah?"

"Yes, you're right. The rest of this is my job. Can't have it be taken away."

Garfiel looked at Emilia and nodded at her, knowing that it is her job to beat the trials and free Sanctuary. Garfiel accepted this and wanted to give the half-elf some advice before she took on the trial.

"Witch's got her usual asshole thing goin' on. Make sure t'watch out."

"Huh? You're giving me advice? Thank you. I'll remember it well."

Garfiel nodded at Emilia and quickly turned to both Sora and Subaru, knowing that their kindness are the strength that helped him get through the trial.

"Garf?" Ram asked as she could tell that Garfiel was trying to say something to the two keyblade wielders yet he was being prideful. This caused her to poke his hip which caused him to talk.

"I probably passed the Trial 'cause of you two...thank you."

"...Master Sora, I think my ears are playing tricks on me, did he thank us?"

Sora gave Subaru a blank stare before he pulled out his keyblade to hit Subaru in the head which Subaru realized what his master was going to do.

"Okay! Okay! I was just joking around."

"Hit 'em! Serves 'em right!"

Sora was about to hit Subaru yet due to Subaru grabbing his head to protect it, both Sora and Garfiel began to laugh before Garfiel continued to talk with the two.

"Listen! If ya two wanna be friends, I wouldn't mind but there's somethin' I must warn ya both. F'the Sanctuary's change hurts or pains th'folks inside, yer both not gonna be gettin' any mercy! I know ya got some enemies, powerful enemies but if th'changes caused by either f'ya, ya both will be my enemies!"

"I understand. I know the Organization will be a problem but Subaru and I will work together to protect the Sanctuary from them or any that threaten it. I promise you that."

"I also promise that, under the name of Natsuki Subaru, I promise!"

"Aight, I trust ya both, Master, Captain."

There was a pause as both Sora and Subaru were dumbfounded by what Garfiel said. They noticed that he is addressing Sora as Master and how he is addressing Subaru as Captain. Garfiel noticed that they were stunned and just patted their shoulders before walking away, avoiding contact since his face was red yet Emilia noticed this.

"Garfiel, your face is sooo red."

Hearing this made both Sora and Subaru realize that what they heard was not a mistake but reality.

"Captain...I'm not the one heading this group, that's Emilia."

"But it was your group which beat Garfiel, Subaru. He accepted what came out of a man-to-man conflict, which means his Captain is you. Isn't it great, Captain?"

Emilia smiles without any ill will, which made Subaru lost on how to respond. Ram notices this and jabs the troubled Subaru in the side while telling him to "Accept it". Subaru looks at his father which he gives a thumbs up to his son.

"Alright, I guess I'll accept this but I'm not strong. If anything Master Sora should be the Captain."

"Leaving aside strength in a fight, you're the older party, Barusu, so at least give him that much leniency. Garf is a child despite how he appears. Doesn't it feel as if you've got a younger brother now?"

"Wait hold on, how old is Garfiel?" Both Sora and Subaru asked with curiosity while Otto and Kenichi were also curious to hear. Ram looked at the two keyblade wielders and just shrugged.

"I believe he's...fourteen this year."

"Fourteen?!" Sora and Subaru were shocked by this since Garfiel appears to be much older than that. Subaru suddenly agreed with being called Captain and with Garfiel's overly childish stubbornness.

"A middle schooler in the peak of his rebellious age...right there's a nightmare to tame..."

Subaru mutters to himself with his voice even more exhausted than after his fight with Garfiel. Kenichi grabbed Garfiel and started to tell the boy that he could join the family and be Subaru's younger adopted brother which caused Subaru to glare at his father.

"What? You could use a strong younger brother. Plus you both act similar."

"What? Really?"

"Dad! Stop this, heck what would mother think?"

"She will be fine with this...I think."

Subaru gives his father an intense glare while Sora, Otto, Emilia, and Ram all four laughed at this situation. Garfiel was fine with whatever happens though he hasn't had an actual father there for him so he is intrigued by the idea since he can tell Natsuki Kenichi is a good father. After a good laugh, Garfiel looks at Sora and asks him,

"Yer Captain's Master, mind if ya train me?"

"To use the keyblade?"

"No, t'get stronger. My amazin' self don't need weapons."

"Sure, that's not a problem."

"Awesome."

Garfiel smiled at this as he cracked his knuckles, excited to get training by Sora, knowing that he is much stronger than meets the eye. Sora smiled at this as he finally was able to gain Garfiel's trust.