Interlude 4: Pieces moving together
"Where did they go?" Spoke the silver haired half-elf, worried for Subaru, Sora, Kenichi, and Naoko's sake. The others noticed this question but their main concern was the witch they were fighting.
"What was that though? That creature."
"Th-That definitely seemed like the Witch of Envy, Anastasia-sama..."
Julius spoke with hesitation in his voice, still shaken up from the battle. Kishida took a moment to process everything that had happened with the random attack from an outside source managing to take away the witch but also caused Subaru, Sora, Kenichi, and Naoko to disappear. Once he got his senses back, he turned towards Beatrice to ask her if she knew anything related to the witch or what she did to Subaru and the others. Beatrice stood silent for a moment as she took note on what the knight had asked her. She looked at Kishida for a brief moment before looking forward, keeping a calm gesture the entire time.
"Whatever that is definitely could not have been the witch of envy herself, I suppose. As for what happened to Betty's Subaru and the others...I do not know what exactly happened but I can confirm that whatever happened to them was a result if yin magic."
"Yin magic." Ram said as this caught her interest. She has been aware of Subaru and Beatrice's affinity being yin magic with hints that Kenichi and Naoko could also have this trait but outside of that and Roswaal, there hasn't been any other yin magic users. She turned towards Beatrice to ask,
"What do you think she did to them, Beatrice-sama?"
"It is...unclear but she must've send them away...somewhere, I suppose."
The others took note of this with Rem and Emilia both scared that Subaru and Sora were send somewhere horrible. Elsa also felt a bit of fear in her heart, fearing that something bad could happen to Sora yet she recalled how the fight went, knowing that whatever Sora faces, the boy will survive. Meili was concerned that the witch could come back but at the same time she was unsure what it was. This caused her to ask Beatrice,
"Was that really...the witch of envy herself?"
The group felt a cold feeling when they heard this question, everyone having some fear towards the witch. Beatrice was the only one to keep her calm as she responded to Meili's question by saying,
"If it was the real Witch of Envy, Sora-sama wouldn't have done as good as he did, in fact."
"With all due respect Beatrice-sama, don't underestimate Sora-kun." Rem spoke as she was trying to stay calm while also being assertive. Beatrice took quick note of this which prompted her to look at the blue haired oni with an annoyed facial expression.
"I didn't say that, I suppose! I said that this so called Witch of Envy couldn't be the real one. Sora-sama is powerful but even so, he wouldn't have made it unscathed against the real one, in fact."
Beatrice said as her face turned a tad bit red, annoyed that she had to clarify herself to Rem. The group took note on this yet they were unsure whether this is a fact or not regarding the witch of envy. Despite this conversation, Julius wanted to move away from this by turning towards Emilia to ask her,
"What exactly did you and Sora-sama saw in the last trial?"
"Ah yes...um, we met Volcanica."
"V-Volcanica?!"
Both Julius and Kishida responded, both of them dumbstruck that they have the chance to see the divine dragon itself. Elsa took notice of this while she was taking care of an unconscious Shaula, her mind running on the thoughts of seeing the divine dragon's bowels. Although she has been trying to not be assassin she once was, she still can't help but want to see specific bowels with the divine dragon's being one that really catches her attention. While she was on her own thoughts, Anastasia started to say calmly,
"...First of all, let's try 'n sort out what happened. We're not gonna be able ta talk about things calmly unless we do tha'."
Looking around at everyone who'd gathered within the room as she said that, Anastasia took charge of the situation. Anastasia's white fox scarf, Echidna, was still wrapped around her. She brushed her fingers through her slightly dusty fur as she spoke.
"So, about that witch that attacked the tower jus' before..."
"It's gone, at least for now. Thanks to the power of the Divine Dragon, Volcanica, I'd say."
"Volcanica cleaved the looming shadow with its breath, I suppose. If not for that, we would have probably been in for a world of hurt, in fact."
Anastasia gave Beatrice a nod in response to what she'd said, as the latter folded her short arms together.
"The Divine Dragon's response to the crisis dawning upon us was simply magnificent, but even so, the state it's in isn't great, that remains unchanged still...Emilia-sama, as the dragon said anything?"
"Not really...when Sora and I went to take the trial, he was repeating the same words."
"That is...a bit weird." Kishida said as this was something alarming. Julius looked at the knight for a moment before looking at Emilia, also looking concern upon hearing this. Anastasia noticed the two knights being concerned.
"I'mma try 'n avoid callin' 'em "senile"… But, 'tis all the same as the Divine Dragon-san bein' a scary'un. Regardless, we gotta figure out if Subaru-sama and Sora-sama are alright."
"Beatrice-sama, isn't there some way to know if Subaru-kun is safe?" Rem had asked in a curious tone, wondering if both Beatrice and Subaru are connected similar to how Rem and Ram are connected through their synesthesia. The little spirit noticed everyone looking at her once again, causing her to be slightly uncomfortable for a moment before keeping herself calm by taking a breath.
"Betty can tell that Subaru's alright, I suppose. Throughout shared contracted, I can tell if he is alright or not. Right now he is safe, in fact."
"That is good to hear but we can't tell for the others. Subaru could be separated from his group for all we know." Julius spoke out with concern for his friend's well-being.
"We just have to have faith in Master and his master..."
The group turned with Meili happy as they see Shaula back up on her feet, assisting Elsa on her feet as her stomach was still hurting. Meili gives Shaula a hug while Shaula herself continues to speak.
"Master is strong and his master is super duper strong. The two will be fine. Even if separated, they are strong."
"She is right, Sora Dear and Subaru are both strong fighters. If they are separated, the two would find their way back to each other."
Emilia and the others noticed what both Elsa and Shaula had said, understanding what they are saying yet they all recalled that Sora had collapsed after he gave his most powerful attack on the witch. At first this worried them yet they recalled that Sora and Subaru aren't the only ones missing since Naoko and Kenichi were both also missing. Kishida looked around for a brief moment before saying in a calm manner,
"As long as Subaru, his parents, and Sora are together, they should be alright."
"Agreed. The only thing we need to know is where Subaru is located. Beatrice-sama, can you detect where he is?" Julius chimed into the conversation to which Beatrice looked at him for a moment before crossing her arm. As she does this, she closes her eyes and tries to use her contract with Subaru to see where he is located. As she did this, Shaula also tried to search for her master with the contract she shares with him. The group waited for a moment until both Shaula and Beatrice were able to locate Subaru's location.
"He is somewhere in the south, I suppose."
"Yes, very far south."
"Wait...how would you...did that idiot made a contract with you, in fact?!"
Beatrice looked with a hint of jealousy in her tone. Shaula took note of this and couldn't help but smile as she started to say,
"Yes, Ma~ster and me made a contract."
"That little...!"
Beatrice's face turned red with anger and a bit of jealousy, knowing that the second she sees her contractor that he will receive the biggest slap to the face. While the two were on about this, they were eventually brought back to topic when Emilia said,
"South...South of Lugnica is..."
"...Kingdom of Vollachia, of course Subaru would end up there." Kishida said with a worried tone, knowing that it is dangerous for anybody from Lugnica being there, especially a knight of Lugnica. Julius and Anastasia both also took notice of this, both of them aware of how dangerous things have become for Natsuki Subaru and his group. Emilia started to realize how dangerous things were once she made the connection of where her fiancé was located. Rem being worried for Sora's sake prompted her to say,
"We have to go down there."
"Rem-san is right, we can't leave Subaru, Sora, Naoko, and Kenichi there."
Emilia joined in to agree with Rem, causing Rem to nod at her with a smile, appreciating the assist. The others noticed this, especially Ram; Anastasia looked at the two girls and quickly she said,
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We still gotta take care of one problem. The tower."
"What do you mean?" Emilia asked with Kishida, Rem, and Shaula all three curious to what the merchant woman said. This was something Anastasia noticed, prompting her to clear her throat for a moment before answering the silver haired half elf's question,
"We finished th'trials. We might have left th'tower defenseless. And with the tower defenseless..."
"...the Witch Cult could try to free the Witch of Envy." Kishida said since he is aware what the Witch cult's goal is thanks to what Waraki had told him and Yabuto. This caused the group to be hesitant by this since now they not only had to worry about Subaru and his group but they now have to worry about the tower.
"If I recall, isn't the winds still protecting the watchtower?"
"Sadly no, when you all beat the trials, all the defenses are gone." Shaula had responded to Julius' question. This caught the other's attention with Ram being the one to respond for the group,
"What exactly do you mean by this?"
"Well beating the trials took out Master's defense mechanism things. So the only real protector of the Watchtower is me."
The group were at a pause for a moment since they now have to figure out how to have the Watchtower guarded while they are gone. Some did thought of having Shaula stay behind but knowing how long she has been in the tower made them hesitant to continue to think this. Elsa at this point had snapped out of her thoughts, having paid attention to what Shaula had said to the group regarding the tower's defenses.
She looked at Shaula and could see that she didn't really want to stay just by looking at her eyes. This made her feel bad since she did learn on how Shaula had stayed for four hundred years guarding the tower. Due to this slight pity, she looked at the stairs leading to the second floor and to the top of the tower. As she looked at that direction for a brief moment, she turned back to Shaula as she was thinking of a way to get someone else to protect the tower instead of Shaula.
"Why not have the Divine Dragon protect the tower?"
"Hm. That isn't a bad idea...assuming the dragon would even listen to any of us." Kishida said as he did see the bowel hunter's idea as one to take note of. The others noticed this with Shaula being the one most surprised by this. She didn't know the divine dragon volcanica was on the top of the tower and if the dragon agreed to protect the tower in her place, then she could finally leave and venture the world. Beatrice noticed this from Shaula, making her see that the two share the same issue that they had been trapped in one place for so very long, making her have a little smirk in her face.
'Hm. You are a stubborn...yet good-hearted contractor, I suppose.'
Beatrice understood now what Subaru had done, making a contract with Shaula to help her get out similar to how he got her out of the forbidden library. This caused her to look at Emilia to ask,
"Shall we go ask the divine dragon, in fact?"
"Sure..."
Emilia was uncertain if the dragon would listen to her yet it was worth a try, knowing that they do need the dragon's help in defending the tower. She looked at the others to make sure they were okay with this. Nobody seemed to be against it, prompting her to lead the group up the stairs all the way towards the top of the tower. Once they reached the top of the Watchtower, both Julius and Kishida both saw the divine dragon and couldn't help but kneel since they are both extremely lucky. They not only met the Sage's assistance and the first Sword Saint but now the divine dragon himself.
"We are just super lucky knights, wouldn't you say?"
"Yes Kishida-san, we are very lucky."
"Man...Yabuto and Waraki are going to be so jealous of this."
"Probably."
Julius had said this with his mind more focus on paying respects to Volcanica while Kishida just thought of every scenario of what his two best friends would tell him. As the two knights did this, Shaula slowly moved up as she was a bit nervous of the dragon itself. Emilia, Rem, and Ram all three displayed courage when looking at the dragon while Anastasia kept a calm composure. Meili was the only one scared since she saw the divine dragon as a huge creature that could literally eat her in one bite while Elsa was just more focused on the gut area of the dragon, seeing how big the divine dragon was and just how big the dragon's intestines would look like.
'My My...it looks so tempting.'
As Elsa thinks this, Emilia slowly approaches the dragon and begins to ask in a serious tone of voice,
"V-Volcanica, the Divine Dragon, could you assist us?"
"—I, am Volcanica. In accordance with the ancient covenant, I ask the will of thee who hath reached the summit."
"Um...Emilia-sama? Is that normal?" Kishida asked since what the divine dragon saying something like this makes no sense, especially since the half-elf asked a question. Anastasia crossed her arms and all she could say to answer the knight's question was,
"Let's wait for a moment, knight. He may still respond in a different way."
As she says this, the divine dragon lowers his head towards the silver half elf, showing that he is giving her attention. The group was slightly taken aback by this with Anastasia having a slight smirk on her face, having been right in her assessment. Emilia just looked at the dragon before looking at Shaula for a moment, knowing that Subaru would want her to be free from the tower just like how he wanted Beatrice to be free from the forbidden library. She turned back towards the divine dragon to ask it,
"Could you please take care of the tower while we are gone. Don't kill anybody but don't let anybody enter the tower until we get back."
"..."
There was silence in the atmosphere with a hint of worry coming from Kishida. Although he isn't normally worried, hearing Emilia's request caused him to be a bit worried.
"How would he know whose who?" Elsa asked before Kishida could, both of them knowing that the dragon can't tell from a distance. Just as Elsa had asked the question, the divine dragon stretched its claws down to Emilia with one of its talons fragmenting and breaking off. Emilia caught it with the assistance of Shaula as she noticed this and quickly approached Emilia to catch it with the half elf. As the pair do this, the group all interpret this as the divine dragon volcanica giving its promise to Emilia.
"Seems like the divine dragon understands us." Anastasia said with some optimism in her voice.
"Beatrice-sama, can you confirm this?" Ram asked as she wanted to make sure on what Anastasia had said along with Rem and Kishida. The group took note of this and turned their attention towards Beatrice, hoping the little loli spirt could provide some of her knowledge to them. She looked at the group annoyed since she doesn't like this amount of attention towards her yet she closed her eyes and answered the pink haired maid's question.
"That is one way to interpret this, I suppose. Though I must say that there is an abondence of mana stored in that talons. It is enough mana to be seen by a dragon, meaning that this could be used to cross to the tower safely, in fact."
"Well then, I think we can make our way back to the mansion." Kishida said with many agreeing to this. As the group were preparing to leave the tower, Emilia turned towards the divine dragon, noticing that it was looking at her with sad eyes. She waited until everyone left the top of the tower before saying to Volcanica,
"You see me with those sad eyes...is it because I look like Satella herself...? Or do you just pity me for looking like the Witch of Envy...?"
The dragon stood still and silent as it heard what Emilia said, this time remaining calm rather than feeling antagonistic towards the silver haired half elf. Emilia and Volcanica just looked at each other for a moment before Emilia looked away, not sure if silence was even a better option for her since she just feels more conflicted.
("Yes...well...she isn't as evil as people say but...she does look a lot like you...")
("How alike?")
("It's like if you are the same person...")
'Maybe I shouldn't have asked that question to Sora...'
Emilia's doubts would eventually be taken away when she felt that Volcanica was trying to reassure her by gently patting her shoulder with its nail of one of its fingers. Emilia saw this as a kind gesture from the dragon, causing her to only give a nod with a small smile on her face, appreciating the kind gesture.
She took a moment before she quickly caught up with the others, knowing that they are probably getting Patrasche and Frufoo ready for the journey ahead. As she went down to the second level, she noticed that the group was all tense for some reason.
"What's going on—?"
"Stand back, Emilia-sama!"
Rem spoke which caused the silver haired half elf to be on her guard, seeing that not only Rem was on her guard but also the others. She looked passed the group and noticed that there was the mysterious figure from before, wearing the same coats as the Organization that are against Sora. At first she was on her guard until she heard the mysterious figure speak,
"Now Now, no need to be so hostile."
"Says the one wearing that coat." Julius said as he had his sword ready for battle. Emilia took note of the voice and realized it was the same person that helped get Puck out of his crystal, even if it was only for one fight. He quickly got passed the group and in between them and the mysterious figure in hopes of calming the situation down. As she did this, she began to say,
"Hold on, he isn't our enemy."
"How do you know this, Emilia-sama?" Anastasia asked with a bit of skepticism in her voice. This was something the group also noticed, causing their attention to temporarily shift towards Emilia, making the half elf nervous for a moment before she responded with,
"H-He was the reason Puck was able to come out of the crystal. I also think that he isn't with Sora's enemies."
The group looked at Emilia with a skeptical mindset before one by one they lowered their guards with Beatrice being the first one. As each of them was lowering their defenses, Emilia turned towards the mysterious figure to ask him,
"Who are you? You never told me your name."
The mysterious figure looked at Emilia, noticing what she had said before looking at her group, noticing that the others were also curious to know who he was. All he could do was chuckle a bit which caused Kishida and Julius to both slowly raise their guard back up, not liking this at all. The mysterious figure continued to chuckle for a moment before saying to Emilia and by extension her group,
"Well, who could I be indeed? I could simply lie to you all and tell y'all that I'm a fortune teller, when I'm actually a brilliant artist or even a scholar. I could tell you that I dream of world peace, when I'm actually planning for its destruction. I could even say that I'm trying to guard the light when in reality I'm seeking for darkness. The truth is what you see with your eyes, not what you hear."
The group were left silent by this cryptic response that the mysterious figure had said to them, with only the scarf Echidna somewhat understanding what he meant. Anastasia and Ram sort of understood what the mysterious figure meant by this yet the others were uncertain with what he meant. The mysterious figure took note on the ones that somewhat understood him and the ones that didn't, causing him to turn around while having his arms crossed.
"Well, I assume you all want to know why I'm even bothering you all."
"Yes...what is your deal?" Kishida spoke out.
"Well considering that one of my—er I mean, one of the Organization members had went missing, I figured I should warn you that he was taken by a witch."
"A witch?" Emilia questioned as she is aware of the witches being all dead, even the Witch of Envy still being locked away. The others with the exception of Scarf Echidna and Beatrice were afraid that the one who took an Organization member was the Witch of Envy herself. Before Beatrice or Scarf Echidna could say anything, the mysterious figure quickly chimed in to take away the group's worries by saying,
"No need to get all sad. The Witch of Envy is still locked away in her little prison. So stop looking like it is the end of the world."
The group took note on his lighthearted tone when speaking to them, not bringing any confidence since they now have to figure out what witch is out there. Anastasia took a look at her scarf for a moment before looking back at the mysterious figure, trying to see if there is something she can use to get useful information out of the unknown person in front of them. She thought and thought until something came to mind.
"Are you a neutral party then?"
"Hm? I mean, you can say that but I'm also on one side or the other side. I can't really decide."
"Then I assume you do this for your own amusement?"
"...You could view it as such but if you think that is the sole reason for my actions, then you are being simple minded."
"Then what exactly are you doing here?" Kishida entered the conversation with a slightly annoyed tone of voice, tired of all the cryptic dialogue from the mysterious figure. "Get to the point."
"Well Well, seems like someone is not having fun."
"Grrr!"
"Alright, no need to get all steamed. I'm here to warn you all that your precious allies have been send far south."
"Yes, we already know that, in fact."
"Hm. Sharp one you are, little one. Well then, I assume you all are aware of how dangerous it is for two knights of Lugnica and someone who is powerful than that Master Swordsman of yours to be in Vollachia, especially right now."
"Why is that?" Asked a worried Emilia, already more concern for her fiancé than she was before. The mysterious figure looked at her for the briefest of moments before looking away and with some hand gestures, he responded to her question with,
"There are two outsiders, similar like Sora and Subaru, roaming around Vollachia but their presence is causing chaos. Where chaos grows, darkness appears."
"And the darkness is where does creatures from Sora-san's journey will appear." Julius added in as he started to understand the gravity of the situation his allies find themselves in. The others also notice this and start to also understand the situation, which causes Beatrice, Rem, and Emilia to all three want to get to Vollachia as fast as they can.
"How do we even get to Vollachia, let alone out of here? Last time I checked, we came here through a portal." Kishida spoke once again, as he needed to get the three girls to think clearly. Beatrice looked at Kishida with an annoyed facial expression for a moment before realizing that the knight has a point. Emilia and Rem were both able to calm down yet they are still worried for their boys. The mysterious figure took this opportunity to take the attention back to him by saying.
"Well there is someone who can assist you with that."
The group looked at him with some caution, still not trusting him at all despite the friendly manner he has shown them. Julius pointed his sword while asking the mysterious figure,
"What do you gain by helping us?"
"As I said, I play to no side but considering the witch took an Organization member. That puts everything in jeopardy, including my life."
"How so?"
"...that is sadly not your concern. All I can say is that we have a common enemy and that puts me on your side, for now."
"For now?"
Elsa questioned as she had her knives ready to slice the mysterious figure's bowel area, having a bit of thirst for seeing some bowels. The mysterious figure turned towards Elsa, having noticed her weapon and the way she was holding it. He was aware of her bowel interest, making him a bit nervous yet he returned to focus on the main conversation.
He summoned a card, one that the group was familiar with. As he had it in his hand, he tossed it towards the group to which Ram was the one to grab it midair. As she grabs onto it, the others look at the card with her to see that it is the design of the Miload's mansion. As they were distracted with that, the mysterious figure creates a corridor of darkness, preparing himself to leave.
"Where are ya going?" Meili said as she was the first to notice this, causing the others to quickly look at the mysterious figure. The mysterious figure turned towards the group as he realized that their attention was back to him.
"I gave you what you all need to leave the tower, I also gave you the warning of your precious friends and their situation. I think I have done enough for now. I doubt this will be the last time we speak. Good day to you all."
"Wait—!"
Emilia tried to stop him yet the mysterious figure left on the corridor of darkness, leaving the group a bit uncertain now. Kishida and Julius were both concerned that this could be a trap, Anastasia was suspicious of the mysterious figure, Elsa and Meili were both indifferent on the situation yet had their guards up with Elsa having a bit of concern for Sora's sake. Rem and Emilia were both more concern for Sora and Subaru's sake respectively, and lastly Ram and Shaula were skeptical of the situation.
"We should prepare."
"It could be a trap, Anastasia-sama."
"I'm aware, Julius-san, but we don't have much of a choice."
"Understood my lady."
Julius nodded which prompted the finest knight and Kishida to both head towards Frufoo and Patrasche to prepare them for the journey back to the Miload's mansion through the portal. As the two knights went off, Ram turned towards Beatrice to ask her if she could use her yin magic to see if the card is somehow a trap. The little drill-haired loli looked at the maid with a blank expression for a moment before starting to check on the card itself. While she did that, Ram turned towards Emilia and her sister, knowing that they need some reassurance.
"Emilia-sama, Rem-san, I understand you two are worried for Sora-sama and Barusu's sake. Try not to worry. Barusu's parents are there with them and the pair are pretty powerful warriors on their own right. Try not to worry too much."
"...Y-Yes, you are right n-neesama."
"R-Right...though it is concerning that they ended up in Vollachia."
"Yes but don't worry about them, Emilia-sama. They will be fine on their own. So long as the contract between Beatrice-sama and Barusu still exist, we shouldn't worry."
Emilia and Rem both nodded at what Ram had said, understanding that what the pink haired oni had said is correct. As the two nodded, they start to follow the group as they all make their way towards the wagon they were in when they first traveled towards the watchtower.
The one who was nervous about this was Shaula herself since she hasn't left the watchtower in over 400 years. As everyone was entering the wagon, she was the one that wasn't sure if she could leave the one place she had been in a long time. Emilia noticed this and quickly she approached the guardian of the watchtower.
"I know Ma~ster wants me to leave but...I don't know if I can..."
"...Are you scared of the outside world, Shaula-san?"
"N-No...maybe...I just...I don't know what to do outside. Ma~ster is so mean! He never told me what is out there~!"
"Subaru is a dunderhead...(but my dunderhead)." Emilia smiled as she had this thought in mind, knowing just how special Subaru as become to her. She took a moment before finding the words to help encourage Shaula. "The world can be scary but I'll stand by your side. We are friends after all."
"Friends...?"
Shaula question this as she hadn't had someone she could call friend for who knows how long. She looked at Emilia and although she saw Satella, she knew that Emilia was not only a kind girl, but someone she can call friend. She grabbed the hand the silver haired half elf offered in order to enter the wagon with the others, everyone preparing themselves for whatever can happen once they activate the portal to the Miload's mansion.
While the events of the tower played out, Reinhard had a moment to rest with Felt, as the two watched both Theresia and Wilhelm chatting in the garden nearby. The Felt Camp and Crusch Camp both returned to the capital after Garfiel and Otto had agreed to help the city. Wilhelm was hoping to find Heinkel before they left yet he had learned that his son went with the Priscilla camp out of the city during the attack of Priestella. As Wilhelm and Theresia were speaking, Felt noticed that Reinhard was not with his grandparents, causing her to somewhat worry for him. She approached him once he was sitting alone and started to say in a slightly arrogant manner,
"Well, what is the great Reinhard doing all alone here."
"Felt-sama, pardon me. I did not see you there."
"Don't worry about me, why are you here all alone? Shouldn't you be with your family?"
Reinhard stood silent has he heard this, a bit caught off guard by the question yet he wasn't sure how to answer this. He looked at his lady for a moment before looking forward, his eyes having a blank expression.
"...I um don't think I should intrude on their moment. They deserve to have moments together without me being around."
"That's a load of bull shit."
"Language my lady."
"I don't care, you should be talking to your grandmother at the very least."
"...I don't know what she would say to the one that got her killed..." Reinhard said this with his memories of the past playing on his mind, how his father and grandfather blamed him for everything that had happened to his grandmother. While this was going on in his mind, Felt got angry by this that she went to attack him yet he blocked it off like it was nothing.
"My lady, please."
"I know you feel guilty but it doesn't matter! You have been given another chance to talk to her, learn about your grandmother and even find peace with yourself by connecting to her. You have to try! As your lady, I order you to go spend some quality time with your grandparents."
Reinhard was at a pause when he heard this, not thinking that his lady would give such an order to him. He looked at his grandparents for a moment before looking down to the ground, recalling how he almost killed his grandmother for a second time. Although he would wish to stay where he is, sulking in his shame, he knew that it is his duty as Felt's knight to obey her orders. He got up from his seat and bowed at Felt before making his way towards Wilhelm and Theresia's location. As he was walking there, he recalled what his grandmother had told him in Priestella.
("My little boy, you did nothing wrong. You were not the reason I died, so please don't blame yourself.")
Although Reinhard had been told that he wasn't responsible for Theresia's death, he still felt like it was. He still felt that he had some responsibility for her death yet he wasn't sure. He also recalls what he said, having been honest about how he no longer wishes to wield the Dragon Sword Reid.
He grabbed the sword and thought back on how he wished so many times to give up on it, how he doesn't want to bare the large amount of responsibilities that come from being the Master Swordsman of Lugnica. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, knowing that right now is not the time to be thinking that.
'Remember, my orders from Felt-sama is to spend time with honored grandmother and honored grandfather. I mustn't worry them.'
Reinhard thought this as he put on a smile, wanting to keep a façade that will keep his grandparents from worrying about him. He knows that they need time together after Wilhelm had lost Theresia for so many years while on the other hand, Theresia needs to learn of everything that had happened after she disappeared and was presumed dead. Once he closed in on the two, he overheard the two having a conversation.
"So, do you like flowers?"
"...well, they are very pretty."
"That isn't an answer!" Theresia said in a playful manner, noticing how Wilhelm didn't say a yes or no. Wilhelm couldn't help but smile at the way Theresia said this along with Reinhard, surprised by just how playful his grandmother was back then during his grandfather's youth. As he approached closely, the two noticed him with Theresia having a smile on her face as she gets to see her handsome grandson while Wilhelm had a sad look on his face though like Reinhard, he tried to hide it with a smile.
"Honored Grandmother, Honored Grandfather, how are you all on this fine day?"
"Reinhard, no need to be so formal!" Theresia continued to talk in a playful manner, wanting her grandson to lighten up a bit though she did sense something was off. Reinhard on the other hand was caught off guard by the way his grandmother was acting. She looked at him closely before suspecting that their fight in Priestella is the reason for his hesitation to speak with her.
"Reinhard, there is no need to feel guilt. You were trying to protect your grandfather. I...I wasn't myself, if there is anybody to blame, it's Pandora."
The second Theresia mention the name of the Witch of Vainglory, the atmosphere suddenly felt dark with Reinhard and Wilhelm both looking at each other, both concerned as they hear the mention of a witch. Wilhelm got up from his seat and quickly entered the conversation by speaking in a calm manner,
"Theresia, I want to ask what happened when you and those who followed you to fight the White Whale."
"Well...I tried to protect everyone, but she came out of nowhere and..."
Theresia stood silent as she recalls just how easily she was taken down by the Witch of Vainglory. Wilhelm and Reinhard both instinctively gave her a hug as they can see her looking distress from thinking back on a bad memory. Theresia was caught off guard by this yet she accepted this, happy to see both her older version of her husband and grandson to comfort her. They stayed like this for a moment before Wilhelm and Reinhard step back for a bit to give Theresia some room to breath.
"That's what I like to see!"
"Hm?"
The three Astrea members turned towards the voice, noticing that it is Felt with her arms crossed with confidence. Next to the royal candidate was an old friend of Wilhelm and Theresia, Carol Fauzen.
"You haven't aged a bit, old friend." The older woman spoke, having a hint of envy towards her old friend. Theresia noticed and couldn't help but smile as she gets to see Carol once again although it still feels odd looking extremely young despite her real age being much older.
"Then again Lady Theresia, you should remain a young and beautiful maiden."
"Now hold on Carol, she is still married to me." Wilhelm quickly responded to what his friend had said, causing Carol to give him a sharp look. Although any man would have fear in their eyes by seeing Carol's sharp and scary facial expression, Wilhelm wasn't afraid if anything he was smiling. Both him and Carol hadn't spoken in a long while and now that Theresia as returned, the pair can relive some of the glory days. Theresia smiled at this before questioning her old personal attendant,
"Where's Grimm?"
"He should be around here, Lady Theresia. As soon as we heard you were alive and well, we both made our way back to Lugnica to see you again."
"Y-Yes we d-did." Said a raspy voice behind both Felt and Carol. The group turned to see an older fellow approaching them. Theresia approached Grimm and went for a hug on him and on Carol. The pair were surprised by this yet accepted it as they were overly happy to see their friend once again. Reinhard and Felt both smiled as they saw this, Reinhard mostly happy that his grandmother can reunite with her friends while Felt was just happy to see a reunion of old friends. Once the silence had passed, Grimm went to his notes and wrote to Theresia, "It is good to see you once again, Lady Theresia. A little jealous of how young you look but still good to see you."
"It is good to see you too."
Grimm had a smile on his face before both himself and Carol turned towards Reinhard. The pair hadn't spoke to the boy in a long while though they did hear something that they wished for clarification.
"Rein, I heard that you were bested in battle by some boy with a key. Is that true?"
"Yes Carol-sama. My friend Sora bested me in a one on one fight after having defeated Ricardo from Anastasia-sama's camp, honored grandfather, Natsuki Subaru's contracted spirit, and Felt-sama's grandfather, Old Man Rom. He is extremely powerful, he was even able to beat me with all of my divine protections activated."
"What?"
Carol and Grimm both looked at each other with a surprised facial expressions, the pair not believing that some kid was able to beat the Sword Saint. Theresia was a bit surprised yet she knew it was possible since Wilhelm was able to best her. Felt took this opportunity to boast a bit on her hero.
"Yeah! Sora is the best. He can take on anybody!"
"I suppose...wait, Rein, did you mention Old Man Rom? That giant beast from the demi human war?" Carol sounded a bit shocked before turning towards Wilhelm. "I never expected you would work with that beast."
"Don't call Old Man Rom a beast!" Felt spoke as she didn't like this slander towards her grandfather. Carol looked at the royal candidate which caused the two to stare at each other intensely for a moment before Wilhelm broke this tension by responding to what his friend had said.
"It was...unusual but my reasoning was to assist Sora-dono in his trial for Keyblade Master. Not only that but...I got to fight side by side with my grandson for the first time."
Wilhelm said this as he looked at Reinhard, having been proud of how strong he is yet also feeling guilty for putting him in so much hell for many years. Carol looked at Wilhelm and started to think about Xehanort and Eraqus with Grimm also having those thoughts.
The couple had recalled when the two keyblade wielders assisted them in the battle against the demi humans, how they fought with great conviction yet one day the pair disappeared. Eventually news came to them that Xehanort had returned but as an enemy than an old friend. Grimm wrote something on his notes before handing it to Carol for her to ask for him.
"Grimm asks if that boy is related to Xehanort in any way?"
"Sora-dono is a pure hearted boy. He in fact is Xehanort's enemy."
"Well...he must be a strong boy if he can beat Rein, even with all of his divine protections."
"He is."
Reinhard smiled as he closed his eyes, recalling every moment of the fight. Although he lost, he can say for sure that it was the very first time in his entire life that he had fun wielding his sword. He normally isn't fond of battle but somehow Sora made it fun for him. Carol and Grimm now wished to see this boy, wanting to see if he could compare to Eraqus and Xehanort. Before anything else could be said, a voice spoke from a distance to them.
"Pardon me for interrupting the mood but could I join in for a bit?"
The group all turned towards the voice and noticed that it was some mystery person wearing the Organization's coat. Reinhard took note that this person was worthy to face off against the Dragon Sword Reid, causing him to pull out his sword. Wilhelm also got out his sword with Theresia and Carol doing the same. Grimm knew he can't fight yet he can protect Felt, prompting him to get in front of her. The mysterious figure just looked at the group for a moment before speaking with exaggerated gestures to follow,
"Now Now, no need to be so hostile. Man, all of you changed from happy and calm to hostile and angry."
"What do you want?" Carol said in an aggressive tone.
"I'm just here to chat."
"We aren't chatting with someone who wears that coat! What does Xehanort want?!" Wilhelm said as he is fully aware of those who wear the coats follow his fallen friend. The mysterious figure looked at the old butler, having noticed how hostile he was.
"I'm not with him."
"Then why wear that coat?"
"Well Sword Saint, it is the only way to hide my identity. That and I can travel through darkness safely."
The group all looked at one another, a bit surprised by the answer yet they still kept their guards up. Felt pulled out her knife that she has hidden in her dress and pointed it at the mysterious figure while saying,
"What do you want, anyway?!"
"Well then, on to the main topic. Your friends, Natsuki Subaru and Sora, are in grave danger."
"What?"
"Big bro...Sora..."
"What do you mean?"
Reinhard asked as Felt and Wilhelm were both surprised by this news. The mysterious figure dropped his usual attitude as he continued to give the group the information he basically told Emilia and her group.
"Those two along with Subaru's parents were send down south, towards the Vollachia Kingdom."
"Vollachia? What are they doing there?" Carol said as she knows how dangerous it is for someone from Lugnica to be in Vollachia.
"They weren't there by choice. Normally, this wouldn't be concerning if it wasn't for three separate problems. The first being that a certain Vainglory witch is following the group. The second being that there are two powerful beings fighting each other, causing such darkness that leads to the third problem. A swarm of heartless are appearing all over the area."
"Vainglory witch? Are you talking about Pandora?!" Theresia spoke as she knows that it is dangerous for anybody to face such a being. This prompted her to lower her guard while saying in a bold like manner, "I'll go to Vollachia."
"What?! You can't Lady Theresia."
"But—"
"I know that you two don't want me to, Wilhelm, Carol, but I have to. Nobody should have to deal with that witch, not alone."
"Sorry honored grandmother but I will not allow that. I shall go." Reinhard spoke up as he put away his sword, sensing that there is no need for him to be wielding the legendary weapon. The others noticed this with Carol being the one to respond to the young handsome knight,
"Remember that the Reinhard law is still in effect, Rein. You can't go without permission. And I doubt you'll disobey that rule."
"I'm aware of that, Aunt Carol, but I may persuade the council and Marcos Gildark of the threat going on in Vollachia."
"That could be quite the gamble." The mysterious figure said, seeing that this could take too much time. "Normally as I said, I would stay neutral but since that Vainglory witch took one of m—the organization members as her own disciples, things could get deadly for all of us, including myself."
"T-Then what d-do you propose?" Grimm spoke despite his voice hurting him as he spoke in a raspy tone. Carol looked at him with a concerned look, not like when he pushes his vocal cords, yet she also wanted to know the same thing from the mysterious figure. The mysterious figure crossed his arms and thought for a moment before finding a solution.
"The council are pretty stubborn, they wouldn't care if Vollachia goes downhill but if you were to lie by saying that Subaru is 'captured', then—"
"Are you a fool? If any of us tell them a lie such as that, of Subaru-dono being supposedly captured, they would see it as a declaration of war. The last thing this country needs is to go to war of some lie."
"Agreed."
Both Carol and Wilhelm are too tired to see another war, especially one that could result in many innocent lives being killed. The mysterious figure found this answer a bit interesting yet he knew that he needed someone strong to help stop Pandora from whatever she is up to. He turned towards Theresia's direction before saying,
"Then perhaps she should go."
"Lady Theresia isn't going on some suicide mission...not again..." Carol said as her voice hinted that she is still guilty that she couldn't save her closest friend once. Theresia noticed this yet she knew that if she needed to wield a sword once again, then she needs to go but before she could even say anything, the mysterious figure created a corridor of darkness behind him.
"Where are you going?!" Felt shouted as she didn't like the mysterious figure. The mysterious figure turned towards the little girl for a brief moment before looking back at the corridor of darkness.
"I have other people to speak with. I trust that you all will have this sorted out but you best hurry...the longer you take, the more danger your friends are in."
As the mysterious figure says this, he leaves the scene. Once the corridor of darkness disappeared, the group was left silent as they now had to worry about another thing.
"I assume this 'Natsuki Subaru' is an important person. Rein? Wilhelm?"
"Yes, he is an important person to us, aunt Carol."
"Well then, we should stage a rescue mission."
"Wait but—" Theresia and Reinhard both wanted to respond to what Carol had said yet she interrupted the two by saying,
"If Lady Theresia is going to a dangerous place, then I'm going as well. I'm not going to have something bad happen to her again." Carol spoke with a determined voice, knowing that whoever harmed her close friend in the past is also in Vollachia. Grimm wrote something down before handing it to Carol.
"Grimm also wishes to assist us."
"And what about me?! I want to help too!" Felt shouted as she felt that she was being ignored. Reinhard looked at Felt and quickly gave her a response by saying,
"It is best if you stay here, Felt-sama."
"What?!"
"This is too dangerous for—"
"Cut the crap! I've dealt with danger before! I'm not going to let the boy who saved my life and my friend get caught in some danger that they aren't aware of!"
As Felt said this, she started to rip her dress apart once again. Reinhard wanted to stop this yet he knew it would be pointless. Wilhelm crossed his arms and tried to think of a strategy that could get all of them to go to Vollachia safely.
"I could discuss this with Crusch-sama, she might be able to help us."
"How exactly?" Felt asked at the old butler.
"She has much respect by the council and may even help make a case for them to allow Reinhard to head towards Vollachia."
"That may be true honored grandfather but as the man said, we need to act fast."
Wilhelm agreed with this statement. Although he has faith in Sora and Subaru, he knows that a witch is something that might be too much for the pair of Keyblade wielders. He crossed his arms once again and closed his eyes to think thoroughly on this. Eventually he came up with an idea, one he doesn't fully like but it might just work.
"We could split up. I can talk to Crusch to assist my grandson and I in speaking with the council. Theresia with Carol head towards Vollachia and try to find Subaru-dono and Sora-dono. The two will need to be warned of the upcoming threat."
"Where does that leave me?!" Felt shouted once again, noticing how she wasn't mentioned. Reinhard looked at his grandfather and understood what he was going to say, prompting him to be the one to speak to Felt.
"I understand you wish to help Subaru and Sora but this mission is extremely dangerous. They wouldn't want you to be in harm's way."
"But I—"
"I know your intentions are good, Felt-sama, but please be rational. If something were to happen to you out there, what do you think Old Man Rom would feel?"
"He would..." Felt paused as what Reinhard said did got her to calm down. Although Reinhard doesn't like to defy what Felt wants, he knows that she can't be in the same place as a witch, especially if it is the same one his grandmother once fought and failed. She crossed her arms in defeat while muttering,
"I just want to be useful."
"Perhaps you can be, Felt-sama. Accompany my grandson and I in speaking with Crusch and the council. You could play a big role in helping us in our part."
"...as long as I, in some way, help big bro and my hero, then alright." Felt spoke as she reluctantly agreed to this. Carol turned towards her husband to ask him what he would like to do, knowing that he can join her and Theresia into Vollachia or assist Wilhelm and his group with getting council to bypass the Reinhard law for this occasion. Grimm crossed his arms and put a lot of thought into this before he grabbed a pen and paper to write out his answer. Once he was finished, he handed it to his wife.
"I want to protect you and Theresia. If the one who took our friend's life is out there, I will not let you two go at it alone."
"Understood."
Carol said with a smile before turning towards the group, alerting them of Grimm's choice. Wilhelm and Reinhard nodded at this before they all started to go inside, preparing for their roles in saving both Subaru and Sora. As they were all getting their stuff ready, Theresia and Wilhelm both had the chance to speak with each other before splitting up once again.
"Theresia...do you think you'll be okay?"
"I understand that you have concerns...even I'm afraid to face that witch...but those boys you hold fond over, Subaru and Sora, they must be warned about Pandora."
"I do worry for Subaru-dono and Sora-dono but...I don't want to lose you again."
"You won't. I promise you that you won't."
"...okay, I trust you."
The pair hug for a moment before heading towards different directions with Theresia approaching Grimm and Carol to come up with a strategy to get into Vollachia while Wilhelm approached Reinhard and Felt, both of them prepared to meet up with Felix and Crusch to talk on a strategy in convincing the council in letting Reinhard go into Vollachia.
While Reinhard's group were preparing themselves, Roswaal was taking care of some paper work with Frederica's assistance. The two had been working together with Frederica keeping a close eye on her master all the while Yabuto and Waraki guard the Miload's mansion. As they were finishing up some paper work, Frederica turned towards Roswaal to ask him,
"Is there anything else you need, Roswaal-sama?"
"I thiiiiink I can manage. Thank you for the assiiiiiistance."
Frederica bowed at Roswaal but before she left the room, the two noticed a bright light outside the window, causing the two to quickly look. The two notice that after the bright light dies down, the wagon where Emilia and the others were in had returned with far off in the distance, another wagon was approaching the mansion.
"Seeeems like Garfiel and Otto haaaave returned along with Subaru-kuuuun's group."
"It does. Allow me and Petra-chan to greet them, Roswaal-sama."
Frederica bowed with respect once again before leaving the margrave's office. Just as she left was about to leave, Roswaal quickly asked her,
"Shooould you see Sora-kuuuun or Subaru-kuuuun, could you tell them to come here?"
"Of course, Roswaal-sama."
Frederica bowed once again before leaving the room. Once she left the room, Roswaal looked back outside with a blank expression. He was interested to know how the group did in the Pleiades watchtower but what really worried him was Pandora. He was warned by his teacher that she isn't to take lightly, especially with her broken authority. Roswaal sat back down and just looked at the ceiling for a bit, trying to see what his master would do in his place.
'Teacher...please guide me...'
"Still attached to your teacher I see."
Roswaal's thought process stopped abruptly when he heard a familiar voice speak to him. He slowly looked at the voice's direction to see that it was the mysterious figure once again. The last time the two spoke, he had told him to take action, to stop staying in the side lines. Roswaal was considering it yet he knows that if he went against Subaru and his group again, his soul would be destroyed, meaning that Echidna can't be revived. He stood silent for a moment before responding to what the mysterious figure said by saying,
"Whaaaat do you want?"
"Wanted to see if my favorite clown will join forces with me."
"Hmmmm. I have been thinking about what yooooou told me. It is tempting buuuut how do you propose I go arooooound the contract? The conditions are simple. I betraaaaay the group, my soul burns into nooooothingness."
"Yes but that is for the current soul of yours, should there be a way to change your soul up, making you into a new person, then there is a chance to change your current situation."
"Soul change? That sooounds quite dangerous."
"Eh. Maybe you are right, though your contract is between Natsuki Subaru and Roswaal L Mathers, correct?"
"In a seeeense, yes."
"Well then, I think with that, it should help you out. Aside from this conversation, I did had a real reason for coming here. You may assume that the two keyblade wielders are here with their group but some...unfortunate circumstances as ended with the pair to suddenly find themselves in Vollachia."
"Vollachia? Quite the unfoooortunate place to be."
"You would think that now but when you learn of the three problems that are added to them, you'll probably want to act."
"What do you meeeean by that?" Roswaal asked with a questionable tone, not liking where this is going. The mysterious figure turned around as he began to give all the information he had told to Emilia and Reinhard's group to the margrave.
"There are two powers that come from one of Sora's worlds he had traveled that are causing darkness in the kingdom. This brings the second problem, the massive amount of heartless appearing there."
"Weeeell, those two issues aren't soooo bad."
"Ha, that's until someone like Pandora gets involved."
"...wait, what?"
Roswaal voice changed into a more fearful yet slightly angry tone, dropping his usual odd speech patterns. The mysterious figure was interested by this since it meant that Roswaal was being true to himself now. He turned towards him to see the margrave in complete fear and rage.
"What do you mean Pandora is involved?! With what?!"
"She has her eyes set on the boys but she also has something that also threatens my existence and the barrier between this and...something else."
The mysterious figure paused himself since he didn't want to reveal all of the details to the clown in front of him. Roswaal took a moment to regain his composure before making his way towards the exit of his office. This caught the mysterious figure's attention, prompting him to ask,
"Where are you going?"
"As yoooou once told me, I should act if I waaaaant my desire's to cooooome true."
"Fair, just remember this Roswaal L Mathers." The Mysterious figure paused as he wanted to make sure that the Margrave was looking directly at him when he said the next line. Once he saw the margrave turn towards him just as he was about to leave his office, he continued. "That Vainglory witch won't make things easy, especially if she gets to either of the two threats causing chaos to Vollachia."
Roswaal could only give a blank stare as he understood the gravity of the situation. He knows that Natsuki Subaru is the way for him to accomplish his goal. This made it the highest of priorities to go and rescue him and Sora, knowing that he might also need the Keyblade master's assistance in the future to further his goals. He looked forward but before he left the room, the only single word he gave to the mysterious figure was, "Understood."
This was enough to convey the message that he understands what he is dealing with now. As Roswaal leaves the room, the mysterious figure stays in the room for a moment as he pulls out Beatrice's tome of wisdom.
He knew that Roswaal was going to assist in coming up with the plan to save Sora and Subaru without his interference yet when he saw the pages, he saw a slight change. Although it was a minor change in rosters, he knew that this change will drastically effect the ways things go in Vollachia. He closed the book and prepared a corridor of darkness to leave the area.
'Seems like my interference part is done. Time to watch how my actions take effect on the events to come.'
The mysterious figure thought as he left the world, knowing that his attention should be somewhere else at the time being yet keeping a mental note to come back as soon as he can. While he left, Emilia and her group were all getting down from their wagon, only to see that Garfiel and Otto have returned from Priestella.
"Emilia-sama, didn't think we would arrive at the same time."
"It is good to see you, Otto. Garfiel."
"How did things go?" Julius asked the pair, wanting to know how the city repairs went.
"Well knight, they went well."
"Yes, Garfiel and I did our part but we figured that we should return back to assist you all with anything you need from us."
"Well then, we are going to need both of you, in fact."
"Why's that?" Garfiel asked as he noticed the atmosphere change into a dark one with just one simple line from the great spirit. Before anybody could answer Garfiel's question, a certain magician took the opportunity to say,
"Subaru-kun and Sora-kun are in graaaaave danger."
They all turned to see Roswaal approaching them with Frederica, Petra, Yabuto, and Waraki by his side. Petra looked at Roswaal for a moment with disgust yet her hatred was put aside as she learns that her hero is in danger.
"And how do you know this?" Anastasia asked with suspicion.
"Weeeeeell, I happen to have come to thiiiiiis information the same way you aaaaall learned it."
"Ah, so by that mysterious figure fellow. Man, what is his motives?" Kishida questioned as he did not trust that man. Before the conversation of can continue, Shaula stepped out of the wagon to which those who didn't went to the watchtower were completely on guard.
"Who's th's?!"
"Hm? So this is what it looks like away from the watchtower! This is amazing! Wait, is that where Mas~ter lives?! Man, it's soo different."
Garfiel and Otto both looked at each other with confusion as they hear this, Yabuto and Waraki were left dumbfounded by this, Frederica and Petra were still a bit on guard yet they found no hostility on the new girl, and Roswaal crossed his arms as he recognized who this was. Waraki took the opportunity to put away his weapon while saying,
"Mind introducing yourself, madaam?"
"Ah yes! My name is Shaula, I'm the Sage's assistant!"
"Shaula?!"
Both knights kneeled as they heard the name, not having taken into account the rest of her sentence. Shaula couldn't help but look at the two with a confused facial expression while Kishida chuckled as he saw this. Rem and Ram both looked at Roswaal with each of them having a different expression.
Ram was happy to see the man she loves while Rem felt disgust towards him, having seen his true motives through Natsuki Subaru's book of the dead. As she was giving a slight glare, her thoughts eventually turn to worry. Now knowing the truth of her friend's secret ability, she worries that she might end up in a loop where her friend is dead and possibly her love. She turned towards Beatrice to ask her,
"Are you still connected to Subaru-kun, Beatrice-sama?"
"Of course I am, I suppose! What are you implying?!"
"I am just concern for Subaru-kun's sake."
"Hm..."
Beatrice didn't believe Rem for a moment though it wasn't too far fetched that she probably worries for his sake since he is linked to Sora. She wanted to say something about it yet she knew that this isn't important. Roswaal approached Shaula and bowed with respect before saying,
"Shall I giiiiiive you the tour of the mansion?"
"Sure!"
Shaula happily followed Roswaal as he gave the tour of the Miload's mansion, wanting to learn more of the Sage's assistant. Ram looked with jealousy as she did not liked this one bit. Frederica was skeptical of this yet her priority was to check on Garfiel, wanting to make sure he was alright. Elsa and Meili both eventually got out of the wagon to which Meili spotted Petra.
The little maid looked at the mabeast user and just turned away as she was still mad at her. At first Meili felt a bit discouraged until Elsa gave her a little shove, telling her physically to go and try to talk to the little maid. Meili was a bit hesitant yet she trusted Elsa's judgement and quickly followed Petra, calling her name and telling her to wait up.
"Hold on Petra-chan! You are going to fast."
Once Meili caught up, Petra just looked at her with a distained facial expression before looking back at the mansion.
"What do you want?"
"...have you ever wondered how Sora-san looks if he were our age?"
"Hm?"
For once in a long time, Meili as gotten Petra's attention since this was not a question she was expecting at all.
"A young Sora-sama? What are you talking about?"
"Well, let me tell you that Sora-san had become a young boy our age."
"What?! How?"
Petra asked as she was extremely curious, to which Meile was happy to see Petra interested in what she has to say. As Meili and Petra were speaking with the little maid now being interested in what the mabeast user had to say, Emilia noticed this and couldn't help but have a smile on her face. Elsa noticed this yet she didn't care, she wanted to be a good older sister to Meili. There was a silence before Elsa said to the silver haired half elf,
"We will only stay for a bit before we have to go."
"Huh? Why?"
"Moth—er I mean, the Sin Archbishop of Lust will still be looking for us. The last thing I need is to get you all in anymore trouble than you already are."
"We can protect you both."
"I appreciate it but this is our problem. I'll help you all with the plan to help my Sora dear and his apprentice but after that..."
Elsa was a bit hesitant. She wanted to help but she knows that if Capella finds out that her or Meili are in Vollachia, she wouldn't hesitate to go there to cause trouble. Which would be a bigger problem since there is already a witch in that kingdom, roaming around and going after the two keyblade wielders. Emilia wanted to have Elsa around despite how their history had started with them yet she understood. The group eventually started to make their way into the mansion yet Rem asked Ram if they can speak in private. Ram was a bit caught off guard by this but she didn't deny her sister's request, figuring that it is something important. The two oni sisters wait for everyone to go inside. Once that happened, Ram closed her eyes and crossed her arms while asking,
"What would you like to talk about, Rem-san?"
Rem looked at her sister and was a bit hesitant to say what she learned about Roswaal. She knows that the margrave has done so much good for the two. He saved their lives, he took care of them when they needed a home, and he even help them in getting back on those who destroyed their village and yet...
"Neesama, can I ask you something important."
"Of course, Rem-san. What's on your mind?"
"...how much trust do you place on Roswaal-sama?"
Ram opened her eyes as she heard this question being asked to her, catching her off guard since she didn't expect this. She took a deep breath before responding to her sister's sudden question with,
"I trust Roswaal-sama with my life...though if you are worried that I would choose him over my sister, you are surely mistaken. I may not remember our original history but I know our bond is strong. So there is no need to worry about that."
Rem did had a smile on her face hearing this yet that wasn't what concerned her. Her smile faded a few seconds while she responded to what Ram said by asking,
"If he harmed everyone again...? If Roswaal-sama were to...?"
Rem couldn't finish her question as she was hesitant on how her sister would react, knowing just how much Ram cares for Roswaal. The pink haired oni could tell that something was up, causing her to sigh before saying,
"If you are referring to Roswaal-sama doing something like what he did in the Sanctuary, there isn't much to worry. He is a good man underneath. Yes, he does make mistakes like everyone else but I trust that he won't harm us."
"I'm not sure...he was so willing going to hurt you."
"But he didn't thanks to Sora-sama. I'm sure he even regrets it."
"...what if he does that again?" Rem spoke in a hesitant manner, trying to understand what her sister's stance would be. "If he were to hurt us again...would you go against him?"
Ram had stern eyes for a brief moment, not liking to think of this possibility yet she understood her sister's worries. Considering that everything transpired because Roswaal followed the gospel, he would be blamed for the influence of the evil book. She took a moment to think of the right words before responding to her sister's worries by saying in a confident yet calm manner,
"Roswaal-sama would likely do that again if steered the wrong way by some outside force, an evil outside force. It is my job as her maid to bring her back on track."
"We are maids and we should serve our master but...we shouldn't have to set our master in the right path..."
"Wouldn't you want to make sure Sora-sama is on the right path?" Ram asked in a questioned yet respectful tone, to which Rem was caught off guard by.
"Of course sister!" Rem said in a knee jerk reaction. As she said this, she was left dumbfounded since she basically said that she would do the same thing as Ram would. She lowered her head while starting to apologize.
"Apologies Neesama, I didn't—"
"It's okay, Rem-san. I understand your worries and know that I will have your back but I also ask for you to trust me."
"I do, neesama."
The two sisters took a moment to hug as they wanted each other to know that they care for the other. As they were hugging, Rem felt some guilt since she does trust her sister but her trust for Roswaal is almost nonexistent.
Ram had a slightly frown facial expression, a bit uncertain since she really wouldn't know what to do with herself if she was forced to side between her sister and the one she loves dearly. After the two hugged, they made their went inside and managed to join in on the conversation of the plan. Yabuto started to speak on the plan by saying,
"Okay, so we have Subaru, his parents, and his master all four send to Vollachia. That means we will need to get to them quickly before the imperial warriors realize that two knights of Lugnica and a warrior that is stronger than the sword saint are on their property."
"Not to mention that Subaru-san and his group have a witch to deal with." Otto continued what Yabuto was saying, receiving a nod by the knight. Waraki had a bit of an angry facial expression since he already hates the witch cult itself but hearing that a witch is walking around boils his blood.
"Alright then but is this the witch of envy? Or some other despicable witch?" The knight asked as he was doing his best to remain calm yet both Kishida and Yabuto took note of this.
"We don't know but we should still be wary. If it is the Witch of Envy herself...we will need Sora at full power or have Reinhard join us." Julius spoke out, knowing that either warrior can probably take on the Witch of Envy. Kishida turned towards Julius to respond to what he said,
"That is if we can convince the council to bypass the Reinhard law this one time. We know how delicate that talk would be."
"Why can't we just tell them that Subaru is there?" Petra added in with Meili also wondering this question. The four knights all looked at one another for a brief moment before nodding in unison. As they all look at the group, Julius was the one to respond to this question.
"That would be a bad idea. Should we tell them that not only Subaru, a knight of Lugnica, is in Vollachia with his father, another knight of Lugnica...it would possibly end with war between the two nations."
"Hm. Well then, shall we split up once again?" Elsa suggested, seeing that this might be the case once again. The group looked at the bowel hunter for a moment before thinking on what she said, seeing that this could be the case again. Anastasia looked at her fur for a moment, getting some advice before saying to the group,
"Emilia-sama and I shouldn't get involved too much into this."
"Wait why?" Emilia asked in a bit of a concerned tone.
"Well, you and I are royal candidates. It's already hard enough going to enter Vollachia as a regular citizen of Lugnica. Imagine a royal candidate trying to enter that place. It would be a nightmare."
"We still can't abandoned them!" Emilia spoke out, wanting to help rescue Subaru, Sora, and her future parents in law from whatever danger they might be facing. The knights were all hesitant on this since they themselves didn't know what to say. Before anything can be added to what Emilia had said, Otto proposed something.
"Garfiel, Beatrice, and I can go. We aren't necessarily big names and we could enter without drawing too much attention."
"Hm. That might actually work, in fact."
"Agreed. You three could actually pull this off." Yabuto said, having a feeling that the three could enter Lugnica first before the rest.
"I will also be jooooooining as well."
The group turned towards Roswaal as he managed to overhear the last few parts of the conversation alongside Shaula. Frederica turned towards Shaula to ask her,
"Shaula-sama, did you enjoyed the tour of the mansion?"
"Yes! It's soooo different than the crummy old watchtower! I love it!"
"That's good to hear." Frederica said while having a smile. As she was smiling at this, the others in the group also found this moment enjoyable, especially Beatrice. The little loli spirit understands how Shaula feels to a degree, considering that she had been locked up in a room for four hundred years. There was a moment of calmness until Waraki turned towards Roswaal to return back the focus on what he said.
"Alright then, how exactly are you going to get in? Your reputation is much big for Lugnica, so I doubt you can just walk in with ease."
"Weeeell, I have my ways."
"If that is the case, then I will go."
"Waraki—"
"If there is a witch out there, she should feel death by my blade."
Yabuto and Kishida both looked at him with a bit of disappointment, seeing just how much his hatred for the Witch Cult is clouding his judgement. Julius noticed this and quickly approached Waraki before reminding him that he is a knight.
"Don't forget you wear the uniform of this proud nation. Petty vengeance like this will only disgrace this nation and get you killed."
"He has a point, Waraki. You can't keep acting on impulse."
"Okay then, what do you suggest? That we let this traitorous clown go and rescue our friend."
"Now thaaaaat was uncalled for."
"Back off, Roswaal."
"Enough!" Emilia spoke with a stern tone, disliking the conflict going on between the three knights. Waraki looked at Emilia for a moment with an angered expression before turning it one of guilt, knowing that the witch cult shouldn't be his priority. He bowed his head and apologized for his behavior before Emilia said,
"We will do this, Otto and his group will go first. The knights can go once Reinhard is able to while Roswaal assists me in finding a way into Vollachia."
The group nodded at this, some seeing how fierce Emilia can be once she takes the lead.
"I shall go to and check on Ricardo and the Iron Fang to see if I can send them south."
"I can join you, Anastasia-sama."
"No, I think you should stick when them, Julius-san."
"Are you sure, Anastasia-sama."
"Yes. Besides, they might need your assistance more."
"Understood."
Julius bowed as he respected his lady's wishes. While he did this, Petra looked at Emilia and asked what she should do along with Frederica, Rem, and Ram. Emilia looked at the four maids and knew that they are going to need everyone's help if they want to get Subaru, Sora, and Subaru's parents back safely.
"You four should accompany us. Roswaal and I might need help."
"If that is what Emilia-sama wants." Ram said in a respectful manner before they all turned towards Shaula, curious on what she will do. Shaula looked around the mansion, still amazed for a bit before realizing that the conversation as turned to her.
"Oh. Um...what are we talking about?"
"Hm...Shaula, would you like to stay here and guard the mansion?" Yabuto asked as he figured that she should stay and protect the mansion while they are gone. Emilia looked at the knight for a moment, a bit unsure on whether she should stay on her own yet Clind and Annerose Miload could assist Shaula in learning of the world she missed out on while she can keep the mansion safe. Shaula took a bit to think of this before she accepted this since she gets to learn more of the place her master as been. The group turned towards the bowel hunter to see what she will be doing.
"Meili and I will be...leaving. We need to keep moth—er, the Sin Archbishop of Lust away from this mansion and her attention away from the same kingdom the witch is located."
"But can't we still help, Elsa-chan?" Meili asked as she wished to help Subaru and Sora. Elsa looked at her for a moment before looking at the group.
"Meili, we can't. I want to help but we would make more trouble. To keep the Sin Archbishop of Lust away from Sora dear and his apprentice, we have to not get involved in this fight."
"Hm. I suppose that is smart. Better to keep the witch away from the Sin Archbishop of Lust." Kishida said as he knows just as dangerous it is for those two entities meeting will be. Meili looked sad as she wanted to help yet she understood. Julius crossed his arms for a moment before saying to the group,
"Well, I guess that is the plan. Waraki, Kishida, Yabuto, and I will go to Reinhard and get him to join us. Anastasia-sama will go and get some of the Iron Fang to Vollachia. Beatrice-sama and her group will find a way to enter Vollachia first. Emilia-sama and her group will look for a way to enter Vollachia without causing conflict. And lastly, Shaula will protect the mansion. Does anybody object to this plan?"
The group all looked at each other, wanting to make sure that they were all in agreement. Seeing that nobody objected, they all set out to their own rooms to prepare. As they did this, Emilia and Petra both walked with Elsa and Meili outside, seeing that the two assassin sisters were about to leave. Just as the two escorted them outside the mansion, Meili paused herself for a moment before taking out the wayfinder that Sora had given her. She knew that this must be returned to the keyblade master. This prompted her to turn towards Petra and hand it to her. At first the little maid was hesitant since she doesn't trust Meili until the mabeast user said to her,
"Sora-san gave this to me, I want you to make sure he gets it back."
"...alright. I'll return it to Sora-sama."
Petra spoke though Meili was able to detect a bit of jealousy when she said this. Meili couldn't help but smile when she heard her jealous tone, seeing that she just might be able to re-establish their friendship. Emilia looked at Elsa with a sad facial expression before asking,
"Are you sure this is what you want to do?"
Elsa would've responded with a yes if she wasn't hesitant about this. She does want to help Sora, someone she deeply cares for yet she knows that it's time for Meili and her to separate from the group for the time being.
"I care for Sora dear, and a bit for his apprentice. I would want to help but I don't want moth—the Sin Archbishop of Lust finding this place or encountering the witch that we were warned about."
"True...just be safe out there, the two of you."
"We will."
Meili said as she then turned to Petra to see what words she has to say. The little maid looked at her with a bit of anger, still pissed at what she and Elsa tried to do back in the original Roswaal mansion yet she did started to let that anger go away. She closed her eyes and sighed for a bit before reluctantly saying,
"Try not to get yourself killed. I still want to know more about Young Sora-sama."
"Of course!" Meili said in an excited tone, happy to hear those words from Petra. Elsa and Emilia both smiled at this before Emilia wished the two assassin sisters good luck. The two nodded at the silver half elf before starting to make their way towards the woods. As the two were leaving, Petra turned to Emilia to ask her,
"How much do you trust them, Emilia-sama?"
"They are on a better path, Petra. I know you still distrust them because...of what happened but thanks to Sora and Subaru, the two are people we can rely on."
Petra took note of what was being said. She knows that Emilia, Sora, and Subaru are all three too kind, yet she can also tell when they are being genuine. Seeing that Emilia can speak on their behalf without hesitation means that the pair of assassin sisters are probably not so bad.
She nodded with respect at the half elf before walking towards the mansion, knowing that she should prepare for the journey ahead. As she was making her way inside, Otto and his group started to make their way outside. Emilia turned and noticed just how eager they were in heading out.
"Already heading out you three?"
"Yes, Betty needs to get to her stubborn contractor and his master, in fact."
"Yeah, gotta help Cap'n and Master."
"Hopefully you can join us soon, Emilia-sama."
"I will but I trust that you can help Subaru, you three."
Otto and Garfiel both nodded at this while Beatrice just gave a blank stare. Just as they were about to leave, Emilia wished the three good luck before making her way inside, knowing that she has to prepare herself in finding a way to help Subaru, her fiancé.
'Don't worry Subaru, we are going to rescue you and Sora. Just hang on a little bit longer you two.'
Author's note:
Took a bit for me to write this, with life being well life, needing to edit some YouTube videos for my channel (GreenWarrior291), working on the other story, and working on a third story (at least the concept). It will be a bit slow from here on out but I want to say that this arc will have the most action with Subaru suffering one of the worst deaths by a certain foe that you'll meet in the first few chapters of arc 7. Hopefully you all enjoyed the chapter.