Hi again everyone! This chapter is much longer than the last, let me know if you prefer longer/shorter chapters. Personally I prefer them longer so will do that. If you spot an issue please let me know! Authors notes are gonna have errors and I've just accepted that, they're ALWAYS written seconds before I upload.
As always, I live off feedback even if it is only "this SUCKS" I'll appreciate it all the same. This will also be without a beta for a bit until my partner is won over by my dashing good looks (begging). Thanks again!
EDIT 10/8: FF ate my formatting so had to reupload, SORRY!
Re: Full Authority
Arc: 1 Chapter: 1
A New Beginning… Again
Lights and sound flashed by in a haze, each one overlapping the other until they blurred together in an incomprehensible cacophony of lights, sounds and sensations. Through it all a single image remained somewhat clear. A silver haired half elf.
'Are you ready to go, my love? It's time.'
Subaru gasped and lurched forward into a sitting position.
A splash of water had sent him flying back to the conscious world. Sputtering as if he had just been baptized, he forced his bleary vision to focus on the man before him saying something and trying to shove something in his hands.
As he opened his eyes the shadow of a large man stood over him, the noon sun behind him blinding Subaru for a moment. He moved a hand up to shield his face.
Kadamon… ?
Suddenly the events from before hit one after the other, each arriving with the force of a brick to the head.
He was back, all the way back. To day one in the Kingdom of the Dragon. Before everyone died and before everything went to shit irrevocably.
He should be happy shouldn't he? But the crushing psychological weight of everything that had happened and… somehow even worse… everything that will happen was debilitating. Would coming back this far even change anything? So much had gone wrong that he couldn't fix…
His mind turned away from those thoughts, to remind him of the small physical weight in his tracksuit. The small white, leatherbound book tucked securely away.
A gospel… So I'm a member of the cult now, eh Satella?
A small mirthless laugh escaped his mouth without warning.
No, that's just his damaged mind trying to distract itself from the overwhelming situation at hand.
Kadamon, for his part, was getting more worried for the kid in front of him. Each moment that passed the kid's complexion turned more pale, as if his soul was flying further from its body.
"Seriously kid, forget about the money! Just take these free of charge!" Kadamon said with more concern than a man of his disposition should be able to muster.
At this, Subaru finally moved. A shaky hand reaching forward and a thanks on his lips.
"T-thanks, Kadomon." Subaru said, his voice shaking almost as much as his hands.
"Yeah no problem kid… wait. Huh? How do you know my name…" Kadamon said with a suspicious look on his face.
But Subaru couldn't hear anything. Because the one sight he would recognize within a million- no; even in a crowd of a hundred million people Subaru would be able to pick her out in an instant.
Silver hair, pointed ears…. Emilia.
For a single moment all that existed was her. She appeared in his eyes as if illuminated in a dark void by a spotlight. His mind played over every moment he spent with her in every loop in an instant. She was only a dozen meters away, all he had to do was reach out to her. Even now after he failed her over and over and over and over and over-
Before he even knew what was happening, he was running. Accidentally mirroring his actions in that failed loop so long ago. He blasted past the well meaning appa seller and into the street, running after the oblivious half elf.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Subaru felt a spark in his chest. A spark that told him that he would save her, that he would save Rem. That he could save everyone he had failed, and right all the wrongs that he had committed along the way. That everything would be okay. Subaru felt hope and it was absolutely intoxicating.
That hope left him sprinting as fast as his conditioned legs could carry him, straight to the girl he loved.
And if this had been the Subaru from that failed loop oh so long ago. He would have kept running out after Emilia, screaming her name to the high heavens and he would have fallen down crying at her feet, just happy to see her once again.
But this was not the same naive boy from back then, who had come to this world unprepared for the realities of life, not to mention the realities of death.
Subaru's desperate dash slowed to a run, and the shout he had been preparing in his throat died away.
He was different now than he was five years ago. He had seen five years of terror, hardship, battles, victories, love and everything in between that. He had grown into someone everyone in the Emilia camp could count on. Despite Return by Death, he had grown into himself in ways he never thought possible.
His run slowed to a walk, just fast enough to keep Emilia within sight.
By growing into himself, he had also learned to slow down and think. Not always, but just enough to make the difference most days, and reduce the amount of times Return by Death had to activate.
Despite the super potent euphoria filling every nook and cranny of his mind he was able to realize that now more than ever… he needed to think. Rushing into things only caused him pain and heartbreak… or worse, hurt those around him he cared for most. The Royal Selection… The first encounters with Gluttony…. and so, so many more.
Subaru, who was still keeping his distance from Emilia, felt a small shiver climb up his spine, remembering such a potent combination of cringe and terror back to back like that could not be good for his health!
He lightly slapped his face to try and push away distracting thoughts like that.
Alright… okay… so let's see. What happened during that loop back then.
Subaru remembered… hatred. Hatred in Emilia's eyes.
Ah, that's right. I called her Satella in the middle of the street!
Rather than the light pats he did to get his focus up, he full on smacked himself, cursing his old self for being so stupid!
Alright then what happened… she stormed off and… oh crap! FELT!
As soon as that thought appeared in his mind he frantically looked around the rooftops, expecting the small blond blessed by the wind to be hiding there. Unfortunately for him, she was already on the ground hidden amongst the sea of legs, stalking her prey.
While Subaru desperately searched for Felt, Emilia had stopped walking to admire a window display, one of many in the commercial district, just a block or so down from the appa stall.
The little blond grew a very wolfish grin, for a human, upon seeing that her target was distracted. Choosing that moment, she struck. Moving with blinding speed, augmented by the divine blessing of the wind, she rushed past the distracted half elf and grabbed the insignia without a hitch.
Before anyone could blink she bounced off the tarp of a nearby stall, mantled off a balcony and was running along to rooftops for a quick and convenient get away.
Emilia hardly even knew what hit her. Though a lack of weight in her pocket alerted her quickly to the theft had just taken place.
"Hey! Stop! That's mine!" Emilia cried the moment she felt the empty pocket.
Quickly summoning her magic, she aimed a few -blunted- icicles at the fleeing girl to no success. She was moving far too fast for such slow projectiles to touch anything but her shadow.
Emilia visibly winced as the icicles crashed into the buildings, cracking and cratering the masonry. She waffled back and forth in place for a second, as if unsure of what to do.
"I'm sorry! I'll fix that later!" She finally yelled to no one in particular taking off In a sprint after the little thief.
The entire exchange lasted less than three seconds. So, Subaru, who was still looking for Felt on the Rooftops, was only able to catch a glimpse of the battle, before taking off after the half elf.
Thank everything that at least I still have stamina! Subaru thought as he sprinted after Emilia, still no plan in mind but knowing that he couldn't let the girl out of his sight.
As he ran with all his might just trying to keep Emilia in his view the sprawling labyrinth of back allies and narrow side streets blurred together into a tangled mess. The only thing still guiding his path was the occasional flash of silver hair at each turn. Guiding him forwards like a beacon in the darkness.
After running for what felt like hours, Subaru was left gasping, bent over hands on his knees just trying to catch his breath. His lungs burned, each inhale a struggle. Though how much was from the running and how much was panic from losing sight of Emilia, who could say.
Finally standing up and taking stock of his surroundings he was shocked. He was right back at the Appa stand!
Man this place has gotta be cursed there's no way we just ran in a huge circle!
Subaru turned to the man at the Appa stand, who had a surprised look on his face.
"Have you seen a silver haired girl run this way?!" Subaru shouted with no small amount of panic in his voice.
"Well hello to you too, ungrateful brat… but yeah she ran past and went down that Alley over that way." Kadamon said, pointing to a very familiar alley.
Oh my fucking god no. It canNOT be those three again…
"Thanks!" Subaru gave a small nod to the man and took off running once again. Heading to his least favorite alley in the entire universe.
When he turned the corner he wanted to feel surprised, but was already expecting the sight that was playing out in front of him.
Emilia was standing before three very familiar thugs, hand outstretched, icicles surrounding her. Subaru couldn't help but notice that much like with Felt, these too were blunted.
She's just way too nice! Do I run in? I know she's not in any danger but if I don't step in here will I ever get another chance?
In the split second it took for that thought to cross his mind, a plan was already half formed. He kept running until he was only a few meters from the standoff, and slowed to a light, non-threatening jog.
There was another situation just like this before the selection. Although that was Priscilla there, he could still use the same tactic here!
"Yo honey! Sorry I'm late, I got caught up haggling for appas of all things!" Subaru said with a casual wave and smile, sliding his arm in around the waist of a very confused, blushing half elf. "Are these thugs giving you any trouble, love?"
Subaru gave her his most dashing, suave smile, which no doubt looked nothing less than terrifying on his sharp face.
"Wha? I don- Who? Hu-?" Emilia could only sputter, the small blush on her cheeks growing deeper. Her spell faded away, melting back into water.
Oh my god… so CUTE! I mean, yes! Perfect! That stunned her, now to move onto phase two!
Knowing that he probably only had a second till she recovered, he let her go, stepping in front of her to confront Rachins Hoffman and goons, who had already drawn their weapons before Subaru had approached.
"Haha, so sorry about that! My wife just got a little lost and wandered off so if you don't mind I'll just be taking her and we will be going now nohardfeelingsright haha!" Subaru said in a fake sorry tone quickly trying to defuse the situation.
But he knew these punks, and something like logic had no chance of working on them!
"Sorry kid but that's not gonna happen! Hand over everything you and the lady got and we will let you go."
"Yeah drop the goods and you can leave!"
"Maybe leave her behind for a minute and we will send her back to ya in one piece.. Mostly."
The three thugs echoed one after the other, but the last one, from Rachins, made Subaru clench his fists so hard they almost bled. How dare they insinuate something like that about HIS Emilia?
But he was able to cool his rage that flared, and convinced himself that this was his one chance to get this plan to work. He was holding onto a level head if only barely.
"Sir, I must ask that you please step b-" Emilia began, finally getting her focus back after the unexpected contact.
Subaru threw her a quick glance and a thumbs up, interrupting her.
"Let me handle this, I've got a plan!" He whispered.
Subaru turned around and met the gazes of the three criminals, and prepared himself to fight. Only taking up a simple judo stance he learned in middle school. But this would work fine. After all, he had no real intention of fighting here.
As the three shifted, ready to move forward, Subaru just smiled. Took a deep breath to ready himself… and….
"REINHARDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD, HELP MEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Subaru thought of the master swordsman he called his friend. The memory of their first meeting playing in his mind.
"Thanks bro… you were there when I needed you most. This time, I'll need to rely on you later at the loot house so let's simplify finding you!
Emilia, the three thugs and even a certain gray cat observing from within the crystal on the half elf's chest widened their eyes in shock and surprise. What the hell did this weird guy think he was doing?
"REINHARD HELP ME THESE GUYS ARE GONNA KILL ME HEEEEEEEEELP!"
Subaru yelled at the top of his lungs, trying to insert as much drama and fear as possible into his voice. Hoping and praying that Reinhard hadn't only come that first time because he was pretending to be a maiden in distress.
Subaru wound down his yelling with a satisfied smirk. As if everything had gone according to plan. Everyone else just stood in stunned silence. Who was this absolute madman?
Now all we need is Reinhard to crash the party and everything will be A.-O.K.
Time ticked by, but no one appeared.
"Whew… Don't scare me like that. I might have freaked out a little bit there!"
"Just a little bit."
"Just a tiny little bit."
"Give it up, weird guy! There's no way The Reinhard Astrea is coming to save your sorry ass!" The fat thug said, the rest just laughing at the ridiculous idea.
Subaru just stood silently in front of an absolutely befuddled half-elf. Smiling like he had already conquered the world.
The thugs readied their weapons and began to advance towards the still smiling boy.
As they grew closer Subaru couldn't help but feel his confidence start to crumble just a little.
Uh… Reinhard? Cutting it close here buddy! Subaru thought with a panic. Had his estimations been off? Maybe Reinhard was too far to hear him by now. Was it too early? Too late?
As these thoughts ate away at his self confidence he readied himself for battle, truly this time. His hand instinctively went to his hip, searching for a whip that was nowhere to be found.
"Sorry about this Emilia, looks like my little plan failed. We are probably going to have to fight these idiots off after all!" He said with an embarrassed smile, looking back at the still deeply confused half Elf.
"I didn't even need help you know!…dummy" The half elf said under her breath as she raised her arms once again preparing to summon her magic. But not without throwing a quick concerned glance at the mysterious black haired young man.
Before they could launch their attacks the confident trio of thugs stopped advancing dead in their tracks with a gasp, staring at something behind both Subaru and Emilia.
"N-no freaking way… Red hair, a knight's sword with the claw marks of a dragon… there's no way he actually came!? Master swordsmen Reinhard?!" The fat thug said in absolute shock.
"Looks like I don't need to introduce myself." Reinhard said with a small nod. "... though that nickname is a bit much for me."
Subaru just turned around and cried manly tears of thanks for the timely appearance of his friend. Emilia glanced back with surprise in her eyes, clearly recognizing the man.
Thank you so much bro, if my first plan after coming back failed already I don't know what I'd do!
"... I don't know how much help my modest strength can be to these two, but if you wish to resort to extreme measures… as a knight I will be forced to act." Reinhard's monologue finished with a threatening hand resting on the sword at his hip.
"Man, screw this! It ain't worth it!"
The three low-lifes scampered away, scared for their lives and of the known monster that appeared before them.
"I'm glad we are all safe, are you both unhurt?" Reinhard asked.
Rather than the embarrassed stutter from the last time, Subaru just nodded meanwhile, Emilia just looked on, still very confused as to why the strange many had approached, and even tried to help someone like her.
"Yeah thanks a million bro!" Subaru said, walking up and patting him on the back. "I appreciate you coming to the aid of someone you don't even know like that. "
"Ha, such a refreshing casual tone…" Reinhard smiled, relishing the normal interaction that was so rare for him. " Once it was three against three they lost their advantage, if I had been alone things might have gone differently."
I sense no fear of me from this man… though he speaks as if he knows me yet I have no memory of him. Reinhard thought.
"Nice guy levels off the charts as always…" Subaru said with a sigh. He gathered himself and held out a hand. "I'm Subaru, nice to meet you Reinhard-san! Let's be friends!"
"Just Reinhard, please Subaru… and of course, I'd love to be your friend." He said with a smile. Though the smile soon morphed into surprise after looking towards the half-elf.
"... Ah Emilia-sama. I wasn't aware you would be in the capital today?" Reinhard asked, turning his body to focus on the half-elf.
Subaru, for the first time in this loop, was able to finally look at her clearly. Her silvery white hair lightly swayed in the slight wind funneling down the alley. Her brilliant violet eyes brimmed with emotion, overflowing curiosity was directed at him, but also a hint of appreciation and maybe a smidge of weariness. She was just as he remembered her.
Though she seems younger here. She certainly carries herself with more confidence in the future. Huh I never noticed how… small she seemed back here. I guess I was just blinded by my love back then~ Subaru was broken from his thoughts before tears could start to fall as Emilia answered the implied question from Reinhard.
"I'm afraid there is no time for pleasantries, Reinhard-san. My insignia has been stolen and the thief is getting away!" Emilia said, her original purpose for being in the Alley resurfacing with a small shake of her head.
"What?!" Reinhard yelled in shock. "We must go after them! We can't let them get away with this! Which way did they go?!"
Emilia pointed in the direction the thugs had run and turned to Subaru.
"It looks like you're unhurt… thank you for stepping in to help me in such a… unique way. But I really must be going. I can't waste any more time!" She said and readied herself to commence chasing once more.
Reinhard was even faster, already two steps down the Alley.
Subaru was shocked, he wasn't expecting them to take off like this so quickly!
But… maybe this was for the best? He thought about Emilia's broken body and the visions of seeing her killed over and over that simply wouldn't leave his mind.. Maybe it's better if he's just not involved in her life.
Reinhard will defeat Elsa like last time and-
Subaru's thoughts stopped. Last time?
Like last time when Elsa avoided Reinhard's attack, hid in debris and attempted to slice Emilia in half and was only stopped because Subaru was there?
Not to mention everything that came after… if he let them go alone… even if Emilia survives this time, what about next time. Even if everything goes right now, who will be there to save her later?
Reinhard will still leave with Felt. Emilia will still be alone.
"STOP! Wait for me! Don't leave me behind!" Subaru finally shouted and took off after them.
"There's no sign of the thief Emilia-sama. I think they've escaped. What did they look like? I'll pass the info on to the knights garrison so we can expand the search"
Reinhard said to Emilia, both had finally stopped just outside the walls of the noble district.
"I'm not positive Reinhard-san… I think she had blond hair?" Emilia said with an uncertain and slightly fearful tone.
This was my only chance to save my village and I already blew it… I can't believe I let my guard down like that! Emilia thought, tears of anger at herself threatening to show on her face.
They were interrupted by their discussion by a certain black haired young man, basically crawling up to them. So exhausted he could hardly stand.
"Why… *huff* are you both… *huff* so fast… *huff* ohmygod." Subaru said, falling into a sitting position against the wall.
Subaru side eye'd the duo who just stared at him with slight concern. Neither winded in the slightest.
"Ah yeah right…*huff* stupid sexy half elf and *huff* divine protection magnet…" Subaru grumbled, finally starting to catch his breath.
Emilia stepped towards Subaru either not hearing or not registering what he had just said. Reinhard covered his face to stifle a small laugh.
Oh? Not intimidated by the stories of the witch then? Or is it something else? Reinhard thought, becoming more interested in who exactly the young man was by the second.
Emilia approached closer to Subaru and crouched down to talk to him.
"Um… excuse me sir? Subaru I think you said? Would you happen to know anything about the thief I was chasing? They stole something vitally important to me and I must get it back!"
"And you better not lie because I'll read your thoughts, right Lia?" Puck said, the tiny gray cat making his first appearance, appearing from seemingly nowhere, hovering just behind and above Emilia.
"Indeed Subaru it is vitally important that you tell us everything you know." Reinhard insisted, stepping closer too.
Subaru looked into two pleading, and one amused face in the case of puck. Subaru thought for a second, as if weighing exactly what to say before just smiling.
I can trust these three, can't I?
"Yeah, I know exactly who stole your insignia, and I know where it's going right now too!" Subaru said, standing with a thumb to his chest. As if he was full of pride for that fact.
"Wow! 100% truth Lia! Who knew a criminal could be so shameless!" Puck said in a happy tone.
Reinhard and Emilia's faces both snap from Puck to Subaru.
"Waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwait! WAIT! It's not at all like that! I'd never hurt or steal from Emilia like that! I swear!" Subaru said, the panic clear in his voice.
"Hm interesting, that's true too! What a weird guy you are, Subaru!" Puck said in the same carefree tone as before.
Upon hearing that, Reinhard and Emilia both relaxed somewhat. Emilia, because this man wasn't in league with the thief, and Reinhard because he wasn't going to have to arrest his new friend.
Subaru was growing frantic. It was hard to make a plan when everything kept happening so quickly back to back. He was out of his element. Emotionally a mess coming back so far, and things were spiraling out of control.
There were dozens of ways he could think of to play this but with two human lie detectors standing before him all of those plans were shot down before they could even start.
He remembered in the white book that appeared with him when he woke up back here that he was in control of Envy… but what did that mean exactly? Could he tell them about Return by Death? Or could he only tell them about the future he knows will come to pass, but not how he knows that information.
The last thing he needed at this moment was the witch to start killing everyone indiscriminately like the last time he told Reinhard more than he should have…
So let's do what I do best and present technical truths until we have a chance to experiment a little!
Subaru breathed in and out to try and settle himself, but was interrupted by Emilia.
"Um.. Subaru… it seems like you don't want to tell us anything and you don't seem guilty… but please! If you help me get my insignia back I would be in your debt!"
Emilia… this kind even to a stranger who is actively preventing you from getting your insignia back? How could I say no to such a face?
With that thought in mind, Subaru smiled at the pleading Emilia, and took her hand.
"Have no fear my lady! Not only will I tell you both, but I've already come up with a foolproof plan to insure that your insignia lands back with you safe and sound! You can count on your Knight in not so shining armor!"
"Truth!" Puck shouted, adding nothing to the conversation.
Emilia pulled her hand back from and seemed just a little overwhelmed by Subaru's declaration.
The blush on her face fueled Subaru's determination for weeks.
Man this chapter was difficult to write. I had to change my plans three or four different times as I realized I didn't like the way the story was going. I feel like the start has to be a super solid foundation so hope that I accomplished that! I know that it was a little light on original content this chapter so I swear that after we get Emilia her insignia back shit is gonna take a major left turn.
Also, took the advice of Oxidant15p and changed the title to avoid confusion with similarly named fics!
Thanks everyone hope to see you in the next chapter.