"I, am Volcanica. In accordance with the ancient covenant, the will of thee who hath reached the top shall be questioned."
"Is that..?"
With her knight's name finally returning, Anastasia was back in her body. Echidna told her about the things that occurred thus far. It was wild in merchant's opinion:
"Subaru wieldin' two great blades? And havin' a relationship with Satella? And bein' a forgotten legend of 400 years ago? Hoshin's balls! And what tables had to do with that?"
This, however, took the cake.
"… Divine Dragon Volcanica?"
Julius like his mistress was equally flabbergasted.
"Do ya know another blue dragon that calls 'imself Volcanica? No? Then it is Volcanica, ya dumbasses. I'm Reid, by the way. Oi, Volc, 'ave ya fallen asleep again?"
"Nay, myself just thought of a mirthful jab at the past memory."
"Ancestor…"
"Reid Astrea…"
"Reid-sama…"
All three Astrea descendants immediately prostrated themselves before their ancestor.
"Oi, idiots, stop bowin'. Did ya like our prank with da sword?"
"Prank?"
"Yeah, Flugel probably looked sick as fuck, huh? We got da Dragon Sword locked, so only us, original bastards, got it at full power. It's basically a glorified stick in yo 'ands, kiddo."
He stuck out his tongue before Reinhard who was beyond flabbergasted at this point.
"Ehm, he was, but he also ruined two perfectly good tables. And then da third one, but with da other sword."
Those cost Anastasia decent amount of money. Finding an intact one was a challenge in cult-torn city.
"Ha-ha, that does sound like Flugel! When hammered he gets stupidly capable, but also can't make a step without bumpin' into somethin'."
He turned to Subaru.
"Oi, nice to meet ya, buddy. Ya even got Tella here too."
"Master!"
Ever enthusiastic Shaula run to his Master first, arms outstretched. She ignored random people that were in the way, shoving them away. She also ignored the fact that all the space around her Master was occupied. However before she could topple the Sage, the Royal Candidate, the Great Spirit of Yin and Sage's Lover:
"E.M.M., in fact! S.M.M.!"
The two Yin casters prevented that, causing the scorpio to fall on her butt.
"Ow! That was mean, Tella-san!"
"Wait, S.M.M.?"
"Don't look at me, you named it."
She winked at him mischievously, of course both knew what that abbreviation meant (Satella-tan Maji Megami). Unlike Emilia, who paid little attention, Satella loved his cute acronyms. Subaru, in the meantime, wondered what else had happened in the same vein as his first adventure in this world.
"Time really is a flat circle…"
"By the way, who is she?"
"You don't remember, Master? I'm Shaula, Master's gorgeous apprentice!"
She made an exaggerated bow.
"Shaula, Sage Shaula? Julius, right that down."
"On it, my lady."
"No, not a Sage, no one can be called Sage but my wonderful Master."
"Wait, so Shaula is not a Sage?"
"Flugel called it psyop, whatever da fuck that means. He told Farsale and Hoshin to spread lies pinnin' most his achievements on da scorpio chick."
"Ah, so I did erase myself then..."
"Alright, cross da Sage part, Julius."
"Yes, my lady."
"Scorpio chick?"
"She's witchbeast, technically. You and Daphne made her in a spare time. You did not like Great Rabbit, so you two decided to make someone intelligent. Well, more intelligent than normal witchbeast."
Satella did not mind her. Shaula was a bit loud, but she reminded him of her beloved in many ways.
"But, why is she so…" "… noisy?"
"Hot? I wanted a hottie, ya wanted a loli. We placed a bet who can drink more – da one that won got to design her. Sadly, she's just into ya and pretty much no one else."
"You cheated, Reid. You mixed Fannel fruit into his drink."
"Yes, Satella is correct. That was an unfair play, friend Reid."
"Hey, I did not say: 'play fair'. Besides, drinkin' is da one thin' Flugel can beat pretty much everyone in. That and in sewing, oh, and in crossdressin'."
After sometime Shaula managed to found a spot near his Master, just behind Satella and her beloved. Turning to Divine Dragon Subaru said:
"You know that design is quite weird. I expected True Dragons to be a lot less humanoid."
Most people around him were miffed at his audacity, but after reminding themselves that he was the Volcanica's friend in the past, decided to stay silent. The Dragon, however:
"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Thou truly hath not changed, Flugel. Albeit, thou words do worry myself, hath thou not remember the path we walked?"
"Mhm, got back some bits from some sources and some speculation on my own part, but I had basically started fresh."
"Oh, no! Master forgot again? Is that why he didn't remember Shaula?"
"Ah, for fuck's sake, Flugel! Again!?"
"Wait how many? Is a casual amnesia something I do?"
"Three times. Well, four, if ya count this one."
"We need to get Master to Taygeta, ASAP! He always said, if he forgets things…"
"… get him to Taygeta, yeah. We gotta brin' him back after da party. Volc?"
"Myself shall accompany thou as well, old friend. Albeit, I wonder if thou memory loss was due to Satella?"
She nodded in answer.
"If so, than 'tis might be unnecessary, not 'til thou plan comes to fruition."
"Still he might need to take his old stuff. Maybe get more whiskey while he's at it. Speakin' off…"
Reid finally plumped the whole crate on a table, tilting it and it's contests in the process.
"… Best we've found in yo stash."
"Oh, more whiskey! I gotta get drunk again after this."
"Where do ya intend to take him? What is Taygeta?"
Anastasia had her own plans with him.
"Taygeta is da third floor, where his library is. We're going to his old base, Pleiades."
"Pleiades? Wait, Pleiades Watchtower?" "How convenient, huh..."
"Damn old me was eccentric… Pleiades, really?"
"Subaru?"
"Emilia-tan, remember how I said that I named after star cluster? Another name for it is Pleiades. So I literally named it after myself. I assume the other floors are Merope, Maia, Electra, Alcyone, Celaeno and Asterope?"
"Yep, Master. Asterope is a cellar, Celaeno is a ground floor, Alcyone has living quarters, There's a first trial in Taygeta."
"Electra is where my trial is."
"And Maia is where myself resides."
"And Merope?"
"It's were my seal is, dear."
"Yeah, so given we got ya now, I don't think our trails are necessary. Yo weird-ass monolith trial still workin' tho no doubt. Alright, goin' out tomorrow after getting hammered properly for da good ol' times! Volc will hitch us a ride."
Anastasia wondered if she could ask to tag along. After all visiting the Tower was her and Echidna's original idea.
"Ehm, excuse me, but why are you so certain that Subaru is your old friend Flugel?"
Emilia did not mind his new (old?) acquaintances. Still she wondered why they treated Subaru like a such a familiar face. If what Satella said was true, then he was Flugel, but why in all the paintings Sage was depicted so different from how Subaru usually looked?
"Oi, Tella, is that your child or what? Never knew he finally knocked you up."
"No, not child, its, well, complicated…"
Satella was a blushing mess and so was her lover.
"Well he shoulda, with all his efforts. I swear, six hours a day! In a row! Ya two were so loud about it too! Like, I get it, I'm da ladies man, but this fucker is a fuckin' monster!"
Men and women in the room had different thoughts on their mind. Certain people whistled, certain people shuffled uncomfortably, certain people experienced feelings of incompetence, certain person felt pride for her contractor, certain people blushed, certain person remembered the times with his wife when he was young (he loved his dear Theresia so much), quite many were jealous, some for Satella's luck and some for Subaru's relentless endurance, and certain person raised his thumbs up for his Captain, already coming up with a knight's new nickname.
"Six? Hoshin's balls! That's… I don't think my body would last that long. Alright, p lans of seducing him are out of the question. Eh, should not tell about Julius having these. "
"'Tis most impressive if one could satisfy his bride for six hours. Maybe there is some worth in him as a man... "
"Six? I don't think I can hold for that long. Still I would like to try… No, think of Fourier, Crusch!"
"Yes, I remember. Makes me really jealous of Tella-san. I wounder what Master do to me if I was in her place…"
"What were they doing for six hours? Kissing? But that's not loud, and well it does not make babies so… Maybe I should ask Subaru about this."
"As expected of Betty's contractor. His skills at seducing women are only surpassed by his shrewdness, in fact. No doubt Mother was probably curious about him as well."
"You were very good. Six was too much even with my own endurance. I usually fainted at the end."
"Not helping, Tella-tan. I understand why Envy is like this now."
The pair in question murmured with one another, both red as tomatoes. Subaru's thoughts were anything but pure right now, so were Satella's.
"What kinda face she made? Eh, no stop! No horny thoughts! Calm yourself… yes... calm... I am calm…1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9… 10. "
Subaru had an unfortunate expertise when it came to dealing with panic attacks, so he used the same technique to calm himself now. Satella, in the meantime, vividly remembered the nights that her love made her feel like royalty. She did not even attempt to calm herself down.
"As for yo question, child. It's coz of Tella. No one but him is tamin' that bitch."
There was sudden change of atmosphere as sparks of anger flashed in Subaru's eyes, previous thoughts were completely gone, in an instant, he got up, the Yang Sword was drawn and:
"SHUT THE HELL UP."
"Ah, shit, forgot how pissy he gets. Sorry, Flugel."
People were surprised both by Subaru's face at the moment (they were reminded about the promise he made if someone was to insult Satella), and by the genuine concern of Reid. The girl in question felt giddy.
"He would slam himself face-first into a wall if someone messes with his girl. What's worse is that he always breaks throu' that wall, too."
The Dragon, the scorpio and the one proclaimed to be Witch all nodded in agreement. Julius found himself resonating with Reid's words too. After all, he experienced the same during and after their duel. Some things did not change indeed.
"So what was he like? I just find what you just said incredibly accurate to my own experience with Subaru, Reid-sama."
"I mean besides what already was said? Utterly suicidal but always comes up on top. Sounds and acts like a dumbass, but actual genius beneath all of that. Wild shit always happenin' around him, he's a one big trouble magnet. Despite bein' weak as a chicken always rallyin' strong people. Incredibly smooth, like if he wants a girl or a guy, he gets it, matter of time really. At da same time loyal to da fault. Makes a strikingly hot chick by da way, almost got with him in bed that one time. As you seen, really fuckin' scary sometimes, those eyes can kill a Dragon. Would kill for his friends and family, in fact he did back in our day and probably in yos. Amazin' father, always had a bunch of little ankle-biters around him. Good at sewin', for whatever reason. Beneath it all, just really nice dude with a ton of personal issues."
"Friend Reid speaks truth. Friend Flugel is a remarkable individual."
"So Subaru really is…"
"... Flugel, nyah."
Felix finished his mistress's sentence, thinking the exact same. Everyone that knew him, figured that was, indeed, the case, as it was the most accurate description of Subaru they could think of. Most of them previously weren't completely trusting Satella's words, but when they were proven by Reid Astrea and Divine Dragon, they could not doubt them anymore.
"Hm, guys do you know why am I allowed to wield this?"
Subaru drew the Yang Sword.
"I mean, I get why I can wield the Dragon Sword, since I am a buddy to Reid, but this?"
"Oh, it's coz ya are an heir to Vollachia, like permanently."
"The hell?"
Satella chuckled, that story was rather hilarious:
"During one of the parties you and Reid barged into Vollachia and saved that era's emperor once. So, as a reward, he asked what you needed: Reid got a one-night-stand with one of his daughters, and you asked for the 'coolest sword'. Since then, you're an honorary heir to the Empire of Vollachia."
"I knew it!"
"Shut it, Echidna! Did not hear da Sage theory from ya."
"So can I wield like all of them?"
"Mhm, don't know why ya would tho. They are pieces of cheap trash. Beatin' opponents with chopsticks is what ya should do."
Grinning, he pulled out his pair. No one dared to question Reid's logic.
Reinhard found it humorous. Due to the Dragon Sword nature he often had to fight barehanded as well. Thought in his case it was a necessity. Suddenly, he understood the joke Subaru and Reid played on him. It almost made him lose his composure.
"You went on the rampage collecting all nine of them at some point, dear. Then you made the Dragon Sword. You should be well attuned to all of them."
"Huh, nice. So, new quest: 'Collect The Legendary Blades. Part 2.'"
Shaula began clapping in excitement.
"We are going on the adventure!"
"Hey guys, have you happened to kill two Archbishops along the way?"
"Whom?"
"Eh, they're like Witches, but worse."
"Worse how? How did they look like?"
"Twelve to sixteen looking, unkempt, erratic, hunched, really sharp teeth, always seem like they want to eat?"
"Oi, Volc does that rin' any bells?"
"'Tis might be those two that thou ran over."
"Wait, ran over?"
"Yeah, we had a roadkill along the way. Master, were we not supposed to do that?"
"No that's actually good and honestly really convenient. You saved a bunch of people and I got tad bit stronger cause of it. The victims are probably already looking for their relatives."
"Speaking off, Tella-tan, Rem's probably worried sick right now, can you bring her here? Oh, and Ram with Roswaal, they are probably wondering what's going on too. Oh, and Petra with Frederica and Meili, why not. Hm, add Joshua to the list too, Julius needs to meet his brother."
"Don't you put too much pressure on your girlfriend, I wonder? Yin magic is strong, but not all power…"
"Done."
"...full."
Before Beatrice could finish, the half-elf snapped her fingers, summoning everyone mentioned in. Predictably, the spirit was upset.
"How!? Why!? Urgh! Betty need centuries worth of mana for something like that, in fact!"
"Hey, I spent a lot of time studying Yin magic and my mana pool is actually quite big. Like really big."
"Why didn't you just dealt with Great Rabbit for your boyfriend then? Why pressuring Betty to deal with all Subaru's problems?"
"Hey it takes effort to force myself out of the seal. Plus, I always risk losing control every time I do. It's good right now, since he's here to deal with it. So, I can be more liberal with mana use."
Only Subaru noticed that it was the first words that Satella said, that were not addressed just towards him or their past friends.
"She must be feeling more welcome then."
It took a bit, but eventually everyone summoned made it throw the portals.
"Rem!"
"Nee-sama!"
"Brother!"
"Julius!"
Most of the people that were brought here paid no attention to their summoner. All but one:
"My-my, Subaruuu-kun. We are not so different after aaall."
"I'd argue we still are different, given you have zero chance with Echidna. You know, of all times I met her during Sanctuary not even once she mentioned you."
Satella found the burn particularly funny, as she was the only one, besides her lover, who saw the events taking place. Still she was a bit mad at Dona for attempting to steal her boyfriend, and attempting to break his mind in the process.
"She was in her own way yearning for me, you know. But just like you, she had zero chances. Not after what she has done to Beako."
In some other universe Subaru sneezed, surprising Emilia. At first, he thought about resetting, but after an hour of Emilia playing nurse to him, he reconsidered.
"That does feel rather nice."
Echidna inside his pendant scoffed.
Betty was indeed correct that Mother was attracted to her contractor. She was also very glad that she was chosen by him, or was she the one who made the choice? It was difficult to figure out for the former librarian.
There was a spark of genuine anger inside Roswaal's eyes.
"Bullshit. Besides, do you understand what danger you are placing everyone in here in?"
"Not bullshit. Besides, do you understand what danger you are placing everyone in by bringing her back?"
They do feel rather similar sometimes, don't they?
Their exchange was suddenly interrupted by blue-haired maid.
"The Witch!"
Predictably, her horn was already out, morning star and spells at the ready. She was about to unleash her strength at the offender, but:
Whack! The strike was blunt, but nonetheless incredibly quick and incredibly painful. In an instant Subaru pulled away from both of his silver-haired ladies, threw away Beako and shrugged off Shaula (to dismay of both), drew the Yang Sword, crossed the distance between them in a flash and made a singular precise blunt strike at Rem's horn. It was spectacular really, even Priscilla was impressed with his attunement to the blade.
"Ow!"
"What did I always tell you, Rem?! Think before you act! Do you see Reinhard with Dragon Sword in hand?! Do you see Volcanica breathing fire?! Do you see anyone else ready to fight 'til they die?! No?! Then why did you go 'oni-mode', huh?! Also, we have rules of not calling her nasty names. Sa-te-lla."
"Subaru-sama?"
Both Petra and Frederica were surprised by his sudden forcefulness. Neither had seen half-elf's knight this mad, especially to the person in question.
"Barusu, who gave you an excuse to hurt my sister?"
People did not know about what be impressed the most – the Sage's swift punishment for mistreating his woman or by the audacity of the red-haired oni. Said oni acted on reflex, the second she noticed a blade in his hands, her eyes widened.
"Nee-sama, you know full well, that your sister is a dumbass sometimes. Even if she means well."
"Subaru-kun?"
Rem touched a place where her horn used to be just a few moments prior. It hurt a lot.
"Ugh, I have to explain the whole thing again. Alright here's the synopsis, for all that missed it..."
