Alive But Uncanny Guys! Seriously?
When Subaru's eyes fluttered open, the first thing he saw was the soft, golden light of a setting sun. The world around him felt distant, a blur of warmth and light that tugged him back from the abyss. His body screamed in protest, a dull ache radiating from every limb, yet it was overshadowed by a strange, unfamiliar comfort.
And then he saw her.
Emilia's face hovered above his, her amethyst eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Her silver hair, cut shorter than he remembered, framed her delicate features, and her expression was one of exhaustion and relief intertwined. Trails of tears streaked down her cheeks, catching the fading sunlight like drops of liquid crystal.
She was crying. For him.
Subaru's breath caught in his throat. His mind, still clouded from the pain and darkness, struggled to process the sight before him. He realized then, with a sudden jolt, that his head rested gently on her lap, her trembling hands brushing against his cheek as if to reassure herself that he was truly there.
"E-Emilia…" he croaked, his voice weak and raspy, barely above a whisper.
Her lips quivered as she let out a shaky breath, her tears falling freely now. "Subaru…" she said softly, her voice breaking. "You're awake…"
Subaru didn't know what to say. He wanted to speak, to ask her why she was crying, to tell her he was fine—even though he clearly wasn't. But the words wouldn't come. His chest tightened as he stared up at her, taking in every detail of her tear-streaked face, the raw emotion in her eyes.
She looked so worn out, as though the weight of the world had pressed down on her shoulders while he'd been unconscious. And yet, despite the exhaustion and sadness etched into her features, there was something else—something warm and radiant that made his heart ache in a way he couldn't describe.
Emilia sniffled, her hands trembling as she cupped his face gently. "I-I thought I lost you," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You were… You were so hurt, and I didn't know what to do…"
Subaru's gaze softened, guilt washing over him like a tide. He wanted to reach out, to wipe away her tears, to tell her he was still here. But his body refused to cooperate, the lingering effects of his injuries chaining him to the ground.
"Don't cry," he managed to whisper, his voice faint but steady. "Please… don't cry."
Emilia shook her head, her tears falling faster. "I can't help it," she said, her voice trembling. "You're always… always throwing yourself into danger, always getting hurt… Why, Subaru? Why do you keep doing this to yourself?"
Her words cut deep, the weight of her emotions striking him harder than any physical blow. He wanted to tell her, to explain everything—about why he fought, why he endured, why he kept pushing forward no matter how much it hurt. But as he stared into her tearful eyes, the words caught in his throat.
Instead, all he could manage was a small, broken smile. "Because… you're worth it," he said softly.
Emilia's breath hitched, her eyes widening as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. For a moment, she said nothing, her hands trembling as they cradled his face. Then, with a shaky sigh, she leaned down and pressed her forehead gently against his, her silver hair brushing against his skin.
"You're an idiot," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "A stubborn, reckless idiot…"
Subaru let out a weak chuckle, his eyes slipping shut as her warmth surrounded him. "Yeah… I'm an idiot."
Emilia's lips quirked into a faint, bittersweet smile, even as tears continued to fall. She stayed there, holding him, her presence a balm to the pain that lingered in his broken body. The setting sun bathed them in its golden light, the world around them quiet and still.
In that moment, words weren't necessary. All that mattered was that they were here, together, in the fading warmth of the day.
Subaru lay still, his body aching with every shallow breath. A long, quiet pause hung between them, the only sound the distant rustle of wind through the fractured ruins of Pristella. Emilia's hands remained on his face, her warmth grounding him in the present, but his gaze drifted downward, catching a faint glimmer of black against her chest.
Her pendant. The one he'd seen before.
His voice came out hoarse and broken as he forced himself to speak. "Hector… Did he—?"
Emilia shook her head quickly, cutting him off before he could push himself further. "Don't," she whispered, her hands trembling as they cupped his face. "Don't push yourself, Subaru. You're hurt…"
But Subaru's resolve burned through the haze of pain. "Just tell me," he rasped. "Is he—"
She hesitated, her amethyst eyes clouded with uncertainty. Then, after a long pause, she answered softly, "He's gone."
Subaru's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. "Gone?" His voice cracked, the word barely audible.
Emilia nodded, her lips trembling as she tried to piece her thoughts together. "I… I don't know how to explain it," she said, her voice shaking. "He just… disappeared. It's been hours now. When we found you, you were… you were like this. The others… they thought you defeated him."
Subaru blinked slowly, her words sinking in like lead. "Defeated him?" he muttered, his voice laced with disbelief. "No… that's not what happened. I didn't—"
He broke off, wincing as pain shot through his chest. His memories were fragmented, hazy at best. The overwhelming weight of Hector's authority, the shattering of the Eternal Coffin, and the final moments of their confrontation—everything blurred together, leaving only scattered impressions of despair and agony.
Emilia looked at him with concern, her hands gently brushing the hair from his face. "Subaru… you don't have to explain right now," she said softly. "We don't know what happened, and… and maybe that's okay for now."
Subaru closed his eyes, exhaling shakily. His thoughts churned with questions. Why did Hector leave? And what's going to happen now?
The sound of approaching footsteps broke through his spiraling thoughts, and Subaru turned his head slightly to see the faint outlines of figures in the distance. The camp—his allies—were coming. Anastasia, Garfiel, Julius, and the others had finally found them.
As the group closed the distance, their faces reflected a mix of relief and uncertainty. Garfiel was the first to approach, his golden eyes darting between Subaru and Emilia. "Captain…" he said, his voice gruff but uncharacteristically soft. "Yer alive… Thank the gods."
Anastasia followed close behind, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Subaru. "Natsuki-san, you've been through hell, haven't ya?" she said, her voice tinged with an almost motherly tone. "We were thinkin'… well, some of us were thinkin' ya might've actually taken down Melancholy."
"Is it true?" Julius asked, his expression neutral but his tone probing. "Did you defeat him, Subaru?"
Subaru tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat. He shook his head faintly, grimacing as the movement sent a fresh wave of pain through his body.
Emilia answered for him, her voice firm but soft. "He didn't. Hector disappeared on his own… We don't know why."
The group exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on them all.
"Disappeared?" Anastasia repeated, frowning. "That doesn't sound like somethin' Melancholy'd do lightly."
Subaru's breathing hitched, and he forced himself to speak through the pain. "He… said something," he rasped, his voice strained. "About Greed… and… her spirit…"
Emilia stiffened at the mention of Greed, her hands gripping Subaru's shoulders protectively. Anastasia's frown deepened, her calculating mind clearly piecing together the implications.
"We'll figure it out," Julius said, his voice steady. "For now, the priority is ensuring Subaru's survival."
Garfiel clenched his fists, his frustration evident. "Tch, ain't right leavin' things like this. I'll rip that bastard apart if he shows his face again."
Subaru let out a weak chuckle, his body trembling. "You're welcome… to try, Garf…"
The group's tension eased slightly at Subaru's familiar sarcasm, though the uncertainty of what lay ahead still lingered. As Emilia cradled him closer, the faint light of the setting sun bathed them all in its warmth. For now, Subaru was alive, and that was enough. But the questions of Hector's disappearance and what awaited them with Greed hung heavy in the air, a storm on the horizon yet to come.
Out of nowhere, a small, familiar figure burst through the gathering crowd, her blonde twin-drill hair bouncing as she ran. Beatrice, tears streaming down her face, practically threw herself onto Subaru, her small arms wrapping around him tightly.
"Subaru!" she cried, her voice high and trembling. Her grip was firm, and though it wasn't meant to hurt, Subaru winced as pain flared through his broken body. Beatrice immediately pulled back, her expression shifting to one of guilt. "I'm sorry, I suppose! I didn't mean to—!"
Her words tumbled out in a rush, her hands hovering over him as if unsure of where to touch. "You… you scared me, in fact! You always do this! Why, Subaru? Why?!"
Subaru forced a weak smile, his voice hoarse. "Beako… it's okay. I'm… still here, aren't I?"
"Barely, I suppose!" she snapped, her tears still falling. "You're an idiot, in fact! A reckless idiot who doesn't think about how I feel!"
Before Subaru could respond, Beatrice placed her hands on his chest, her small fingers trembling as she summoned her healing magic. A soft, golden light spread from her hands, enveloping Subaru in a soothing warmth. The pain dulled slightly, though the exhaustion weighing on him remained.
With Emilia's lap cradling his head and Beatrice's determined healing beside him, Subaru felt a fleeting sense of peace. And yet, a gnawing sensation tugged at the back of his mind, a void he couldn't explain. Something was missing.
His lips moved before he even realized it. "Rem…"
The name slipped from him like a whisper, but it sent a shockwave through his fragile consciousness. He blinked, the weight of the void crashing down on him all at once. His voice cracked as he repeated, louder this time, "Where's Rem?"
The gathered group exchanged confused glances. Emilia tilted her head, her amethyst eyes soft with concern. "Rem?" she asked hesitantly. "Do you mean Ram? Ram's back at the Matthers domain. She's safe, Subaru."
"No," Subaru said, his voice shaky but insistent. "Not Ram… Rem. Where is she? She should be here."
Emilia's brow furrowed, and she glanced at the others for clarification. Beatrice, who had been focused on healing, froze for a moment, her expression clouding with uncertainty.
"Who's Rem?" Emilia asked gently, her voice filled with genuine confusion.
Subaru's heart stopped, the words hitting him like a blow. His gaze darted around the group, searching their faces for some hint of recognition, of understanding. But all he saw were blank expressions and uncertainty.
"No…" Subaru's voice wavered as panic set in. "No, that's not… You know who she is! Rem! The girl who—she's always been—she's…" His words faltered, his breathing growing shallow as the enormity of the realization bore down on him. "You don't remember her?"
"I'm sorry," Emilia said softly, her hand brushing his hair in an attempt to soothe him. "But… I don't know who Rem is."
Subaru's chest tightened, his breaths coming in sharp, uneven gasps. His vision blurred as his mind spiraled, the name echoing endlessly in the depths of his thoughts. Rem… Rem… REM!
The weight of the confusion, the heartbreak, and the growing despair was too much. His body, already pushed to its limits, couldn't handle any more. With a final, trembling breath, Subaru's eyes rolled back, and his body went limp.
"Subaru!" Emilia's panicked voice rang out, but it was distant, muffled, as if coming from underwater.
Beatrice clutched his hand tightly, her tears falling anew as she frantically channeled more healing magic. "Subaru, wake up! Don't do this, I suppose! Don't leave me again, in fact!"
The world faded, darkness pulling Subaru under once more, her name—Rem—etched into his mind like a desperate, unanswered plea.
A sudden gasp tore through the stillness, and Subaru's body jolted upright. His chest heaved as air rushed into his lungs, his hands clutching at the bed beneath him. For a moment, he simply sat there, his eyes wide and unfocused, his mind reeling.
His body… it didn't hurt.
There was no ache, no searing pain, no weight pressing him down. He flexed his fingers, touching his arms and legs as if to confirm they were still his. He was whole, unbroken, at peace. It was so surreal that for a moment, he wondered if he was dreaming.
Subaru's eyes darted around the room. The soft light of an evening sun filtered in through half-drawn curtains, casting long shadows across what appeared to be a small medical room. Sterile white walls, the faint scent of herbs and antiseptic, and the quiet hum of the world outside surrounded him.
But there was no one else there.
Utterly alone, Subaru's confusion deepened. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed cautiously, his bare feet touching the cool floor. The silence was oppressive, his thoughts racing to piece together how he'd ended up here.
"What… happened?" Subaru muttered aloud, his voice hoarse. He winced at the sound, the words coming out weaker than he expected. He rubbed his temples, trying to focus. "I was… I was with Emilia. Beatrice was there, too…"
The memories were fragmented, like a shattered mirror he was struggling to piece back together. Images flickered in his mind: Emilia's teary face, the warmth of her lap, Beatrice's frantic healing, the confusion about—
"Rem," Subaru whispered, the name slipping out as the realization hit him like a cold wave. His chest tightened, and his hands clenched into fists. "I asked about Rem. And… and then…"
He racked his brain, but everything after that moment felt hazy. His last clear memory was of Emilia saying, "I don't know who Rem is." The echo of her words lingered, gnawing at the edges of his sanity.
Subaru stumbled to his feet, his legs trembling slightly but holding firm. He made his way to the door of the room, his hand gripping the handle tightly before he paused. The quiet was unsettling, and the pit in his stomach deepened.
"Where is everyone?" he muttered, his voice shaking slightly. His hand dropped back to his side as he stepped away from the door, his instincts urging him to pause, to think. "Something's not right. This doesn't make sense."
He sat back down on the bed, resting his elbows on his knees as he pressed his palms into his eyes, trying to force clarity into his thoughts. Hector… the Eternal Coffin… Regulus… Rem. What am I missing? Why can't I—
Subaru's breath hitched as fragments of the battle returned. The oppressive weight of Hector's authority, the chaotic clash with Regulus, and the sickening realization of how close he had come to death. And yet, here he was, his body unscathed, no wounds, no pain. It was as if none of it had happened.
"Was it all a dream?" he whispered to himself, shaking his head. "No… it was real. It had to be real."
The silence of the room felt heavier now, almost suffocating. Subaru's gaze darted to the door again, his confusion giving way to a creeping unease. Something wasn't right, and the longer he sat there, the stronger the feeling grew.
He clenched his fists, his voice low but resolute. "Alright, Natsuki Subaru. If no one's here to explain, I'll figure it out myself."
Taking a deep breath, Subaru pushed himself off the bed and headed for the door, ready to find answers—no matter what waited for him on the other side.
As Subaru reached for the door, it suddenly swung open with a faint creak. Standing in the doorway was a familiar figure, his composed demeanor quickly giving way to surprise. Julius Juukulius, with his impeccably styled mauve hair and sharp golden eyes, froze for a brief moment before stepping forward, his usual poise replaced by genuine relief.
"Natsuki Subaru!" Julius exclaimed, his voice carrying an uncharacteristic edge of emotion. "You're awake… Thank the od."
Subaru blinked, his mind still struggling to process everything. "Julius…?" he murmured, his voice hoarse and uncertain.
Before Subaru could say more, Julius moved toward him quickly, his expression softening with visible concern. "Don't move," he said firmly, holding up a hand as if to steady Subaru by sheer presence alone. "You've been through far too much already. Sit down before you hurt yourself."
Subaru hesitated but complied, lowering himself back onto the bed with a faint groan. His eyes scanned Julius's face, noting the uncharacteristic warmth in his usually composed expression. It wasn't like him to be so visibly affected.
"Julius…" Subaru said again, his brow furrowing. "What's going on? Where is everyone? Why am I even here?"
Julius knelt slightly, resting one hand on the edge of the bed. "Calm down, Subaru. It's a long story, but the most important thing right now is that you're finally awake. It's been…" He paused, his gaze flickering with unease. "It's been a month since you last regained consciousness."
The words hit Subaru like a bolt of lightning. "A month?" he echoed, his voice shaking. "No, that can't be right. I was just… I was with Emilia. I was—"
"You were unconscious," Julius interrupted gently, his voice measured but firm. "We've been doing everything we could to keep you stable. You were barely holding on when we found you after the battle in Pristella. It's a miracle you survived at all."
Subaru's mind reeled. A month? It felt impossible. His memories were still fragmented, but the sensation of lying in Emilia's lap, Beatrice's healing touch, and the overwhelming pain of the battle—it all felt so immediate, so vivid. The thought that an entire month had passed left him cold.
"That's not possible," Subaru muttered, his hands clenching into fists. "It can't have been that long. I—I would've known, right? Someone would've—"
Julius placed a steadying hand on Subaru's shoulder, his expression firm but empathetic. "You've been through more than any of us can imagine, Subaru. The fact that you're alive is nothing short of extraordinary. But please, don't push yourself. We'll explain everything in time."
Subaru's breaths quickened, his chest tightening as the weight of Julius's words settled in. A month. A month of nothingness, of being a shell in a world that had continued without him. And in the fragments of his mind, one name echoed louder than all the others.
"Rem…" Subaru whispered, his voice trembling. "Julius… do you know where Rem is?"
Julius blinked, his confusion clear. "Rem? Do you mean Ram? She's been assisting with—"
"No," Subaru interrupted sharply, his heart pounding in his chest. "Not Ram. Rem. Her sister. The one who—she's—"
Julius's expression grew more concerned, his brows knitting together. "Subaru… there's no one named Rem. I don't know who you're talking about."
The words struck like a dagger, Subaru's stomach dropping as a cold dread washed over him. His hands trembled, his mind spinning. "No," he murmured, shaking his head. "No, that's not—she's real. She's real. You have to remember her! You have to!"
Julius frowned, his concern deepening. "Subaru… you need to rest. Whatever you're remembering, we'll figure it out. But for now—"
"I can't!" Subaru shouted, his voice breaking. His hands clutched at the sides of his head, his breaths coming in sharp gasps. "I can't rest! Not when—when she's—"
His body suddenly gave out, the strain of his emotions and the lingering exhaustion overwhelming him. Julius caught him before he fell fully back onto the bed, his grip steady.
"Subaru!" Julius called, his voice tinged with panic.
But Subaru didn't respond. His vision darkened, his thoughts consumed by a single, burning question: Where is Rem?
Subaru's mind spiraled into a pit of despair as Julius's words echoed endlessly in his thoughts. A month. A whole month had passed, and still, no one remembered her. The pain in his chest wasn't from his wounds anymore—it was something deeper, a hollow void that swallowed him whole.
His fists clenched against the bed, his trembling hands gripping the sheets tightly. "It's useless…" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm useless."
Julius, who had been carefully easing Subaru back onto the bed, froze at the broken words. "Subaru, that's not true," he said firmly, his golden eyes narrowing. "You've been through hell, but you're alive. That's what matters."
"No," Subaru spat, his voice trembling as he stared at the ceiling, his gaze distant and unfocused. "You don't get it. None of you do. You all look at me like I'm this—this miracle, like I'm some kind of hero. But I'm not. I'm nothing. I couldn't even…" His voice cracked as tears began to fall. "I couldn't even save her."
Julius hesitated, clearly struggling to find the right words. "Subaru, whoever this 'Rem' is, we'll figure it out. We'll find the truth—"
"No!" Subaru shouted, his voice raw with emotion. "You don't understand! She's gone because of me! Because I wasn't good enough, fast enough, strong enough!" He gritted his teeth, his body trembling as he forced himself to sit up despite the pain. "The whole reason I—why I struck that deal with that devil… was to save everyone I cared about. To make sure no one would be left behind."
Julius's expression darkened slightly. "What deal? Subaru, what are you talking about?"
Subaru ignored him, his thoughts spilling out in a torrent of anguish. "I thought I could do it. I thought if I just pushed hard enough, sacrificed enough, died enough, I could make it all work. But no matter how hard I try, someone always gets left behind. Someone always slips through the cracks. And this time…" His voice faltered, his hands clutching his chest as if trying to hold himself together. "This time, it was her. And I couldn't do anything to stop it."
"Subaru…" Julius began, his tone soft but edged with concern.
"She's gone because of me," Subaru continued, his voice shaking. "Something took her—no, someone. An Archbishop of Gluttony. That bastard consumed her. And I wasn't there to stop it. I wasn't there to protect her. I failed her."
The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of Subaru's confession pressing down on both of them. His tears fell freely now, his body wracked with silent sobs.
Julius moved closer, his hand resting gently on Subaru's shoulder. "Subaru, you're carrying too much. You always do. But none of this is your fault—"
"It is my fault!" Subaru snapped, shrugging Julius's hand away. "If I'd been faster, smarter, better… maybe she'd still be here. Maybe people would still remember her. But no one does, Julius. No one even knows she existed." He buried his face in his hands, his voice muffled but filled with despair. "I
should've just died back there. I should've let it end. At least then I wouldn't have to live with this."
Julius's hand froze mid-reach, his expression hardening. For a long moment, he said nothing, his golden eyes studying Subaru's trembling form. Finally, he spoke, his voice steady and resolute.
"Subaru," he said quietly but firmly, "you're wrong."
Subaru didn't respond, his sobs continuing to wrack his body.
Julius leaned closer, his tone sharpening. "You're wrong about yourself. You're not useless, and you're not someone we could've just let die. You're the one who's stood up over and over again, even when it seemed impossible. You're the one who's pushed forward for the sake of others, no matter how much it hurt. That's not useless. That's strength."
Subaru shook his head, his voice barely audible. "It doesn't matter. Not if I can't save them."
Julius's grip on his shoulder tightened, forcing Subaru to look up. "It does matter," Julius said, his eyes fierce. "You've been through things most people couldn't even imagine, and yet you're still here. That's proof enough that you're more than you think you are. And whether you believe it or not, we—I—need you to keep going."
Subaru stared at him, his vision blurred by tears. The words were like a lifeline, pulling him back from the abyss, even if only slightly. But the weight of his failure still clung to him, heavy and unyielding.
"I don't know if I can," Subaru whispered, his voice barely audible.
Julius's expression softened slightly, his grip remaining firm. "Then we'll figure it out together. But don't you dare think for a second that your life doesn't matter, Subaru. Because it does—to more people than you realize."
Julius's golden eyes softened slightly as he kept his hand firmly on Subaru's shoulder. "I won't pretend to know the depth of your pain, Subaru. But giving up? Thinking you're better off dead? That's not the man I know."
Subaru looked down, his hands trembling in his lap. "You don't understand… I try and try, but it's never enough. I don't even know how I'm still alive right now, let alone what I'm supposed to do next."
Julius sat down beside him on the edge of the bed, his posture calm but his voice resolute. "You're alive because you're stronger than you realize. It's not about always succeeding—it's about not letting failure define you. You've fallen before, Subaru. What makes this any different?"
Subaru opened his mouth to retort but stopped, the words caught in his throat. "Because this time… this time, it feels like there's nothing left to fight for. If no one remembers her… if she's just gone…" His voice broke, and he clenched his fists tighter. "Then what's the point?"
Julius's gaze remained steady. "The point is that you do remember her. And if that memory means enough to you, then you owe it to her to keep going. You've faced impossible odds before. Don't let this one be the thing that breaks you."
Before Subaru could respond, a deep, resonant voice echoed in his mind, cold and sharp like the edge of a blade.
"Enough."
As Julius's words hung in the air, Subaru felt a cold shiver run through him. His chest pulsed faintly, the sensation resonating deep within his Od. Then, like the distant toll of a heavy bell, a voice boomed in his mind. It was low, deliberate, and carried the weight of centuries past.
"Cease thy lamentation, boy."
Subaru's body stiffened, his eyes widening as the voice echoed within him. It wasn't Julius—this tone was foreign, ancient, and carried a commanding presence that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
"Stride?" Subaru muttered, his voice shaking.
Julius leaned closer, concern etched on his face. "Subaru? What's wrong?"
But Subaru ignored him, focusing inward as the voice continued, cold and unyielding.
"Hast thou naught but weeping and despair to offer in the face of adversity? Thy moans of misery do ill become one who dares carry the mantle of Pride."
Subaru gritted his teeth, his fists clenching as he fought against the voice.
"Now isn't the time for this," he thought bitterly, trying to push it away. "I don't need your lectures right now."
The voice sharpened, cutting through Subaru's defiance like a blade. "And what dost thou need, child? A gentle hand to stroke thy brow? Words of solace to comfort thy broken spirit? Such frailty hath no place within thee. This 'setback,' as thou dost call it, is not the terminus of thy journey. 'Tis but a trial, and thou hast endured far graver trials before."
Subaru's jaw tightened, frustration boiling over. "You think this is just a 'trial'?" he muttered aloud, his voice trembling with anger. "You think losing her—losing everything—is something I can just brush off?"
Julius blinked, his concern deepening. "Subaru… who are you speaking to?"
Stride's voice ignored the interruption, growing more forceful. "Hold thy tongue, boy, and hear me well. Thou hast tasted despair, aye, but thou art not broken. Recall thy trials past—wounds that should have slain thee outright, yet thou didst rise. Why is this grief different, save for the depth of its sting? Dost thou believe thy pain is unique? 'Tis not thy pain that defines thee, but thy resolve to rise anew."
The words struck like a hammer, silencing Subaru's retort. His mind raced, caught between the weight of his sorrow and the unrelenting truth in the voice's tone.
"Thou art the Harbinger of Pride," Stride continued, his voice softening slightly, though its weight remained. "And yet thou dost grovel before the trials of fate as though thou art a mewling babe. Dost thou honor those thou hast sworn to protect by cowering thus? Is thy love for them so feeble that a single failure renders thee impotent? Rise, boy. Take thy pain, thy grief, and wield them as thy weapons. For shouldst thou surrender now, thou shalt lose far more than just her memory. Thou shalt lose thy very self."
Subaru's hands trembled, the weight of the words settling deep in his chest. His breathing slowed, his fists loosening as the storm of his emotions began to settle. He let out a shaky breath, his vision clearing as the oppressive darkness in his mind began to lift.
Julius watched him intently. "Subaru?" he asked softly. "Who were you talking to just now?"
Subaru hesitated, then looked at Julius with a faint, wry smile. "Just… someone reminding me to get my act together."
Julius studied him for a moment before nodding. "Good. Because we're not giving up on you, either. Don't forget that."
Subaru leaned back slightly, his body still trembling but his resolve slowly returning. Stride's right, he thought. This isn't the end. I can't let it be the end.
He exhaled again, steadier this time, and looked at Julius with a faint spark of determination. "Thanks… for not letting me fall too far."
Julius smirked faintly, some of his usual composure returning. "Someone has to keep you in line, Subaru. It's a full-time job, I assure you."
Subaru chuckled weakly, the sound unfamiliar but genuine. For now, it was enough. The path ahead was still uncertain, but the fire inside him had been reignited.
The scene shifted to the grand hall of the Royal Capital Castle, a chamber heavy with tension and judgment. The air was thick with anticipation, the murmurs of those gathered stilled by the weight of the trial. Standing before the Sage Council, Hienkle Astrea bore the full brunt of their scrutiny, his expression hollow but resolute.
The loss of the Sword Saint, Reinhard van Astrea, was a wound too raw for the kingdom to bear, a truth so catastrophic that it had been shrouded in secrecy. Few outside the camps and the Council knew the full extent of what had occurred—Reinhard, the kingdom's unshakable pillar, now a victim to the Warlock of Melancholy. The consequences of such knowledge would shake the populace to its core.
But here and now, in this sacred chamber, the blame for that unthinkable loss was laid bare.
Hienkle stood rigid, his gaze distant as Bordeaux Zellgef and Miklitov McMahon—two of the kingdom's most revered sages—laid into him with verbal ferocity. Their voices echoed off the ornate walls, each word a dagger aimed at his heart.
"You dare stand before this council, Hienkle Astrea, and claim responsibility for what you've done?" Bordeaux's voice boomed, his fists slamming against the armrests of his chair. The elder sage's face was a storm of fury, his bushy beard bristling with every word. "The Sword Saint, our nation's greatest defender, lost to the clutches of a Warlock—and you knew the risks! You betrayed your duty to the kingdom and your very family!"
Hienkle swallowed hard but remained silent, his head bowed slightly under the weight of Bordeaux's accusations. He clenched his fists at his sides, his knuckles white, but he refused to interrupt.
Miklitov, ever the composed counterbalance to Bordeaux's fire, leaned forward slightly, his sharp, calculating gaze piercing Hienkle. "Conspiracy, negligence, and foul play," he stated, his voice measured but biting. "By your own admission, you lured the Sword Saint into a vulnerable position, all to further your own ends. Whether through arrogance, cowardice, or malice, your actions have led to a calamity we may never recover from."
Hienkle's lips pressed into a thin line, his face pale but determined. "I take full responsibility for what has happened," he said finally, his voice low but steady. "The fault is mine, and I will bear whatever punishment the Council deems fit."
Bordeaux scoffed, his anger undiminished. "You will bear it, Astrea. Make no mistake. Your actions have put this kingdom in peril, and you've tarnished the name of your own family. To lose the Sword Saint—our greatest shield—because of your recklessness… It's unthinkable!"
Miklitov nodded, his expression cold. "This council has deliberated long and hard on the matter of your punishment, Hienkle Astrea. You are hereby stripped of your status as Deputy Commander of the Royal Guard and relieved of your position as a knight of the kingdom."
Hienkle's breath hitched, but he nodded slowly, his face remaining stoic despite the crushing weight of the sentence. "I understand," he said, his voice barely audible.
Bordeaux wasn't done, his voice rising again like thunder. "Understand this: you are a disgrace to the knights, to this kingdom, and to the legacy of your family. Were it not for the fragile state of the nation, harsher consequences would have been warranted."
Miklitov raised a hand, silencing Bordeaux's tirade before it could escalate further. He turned his steely gaze back to Hienkle. "You are no longer permitted to act in any official capacity for the kingdom. Your knighthood is revoked, effective immediately. You are to return to your estate and remain there unless summoned by the Council."
The finality of his words echoed through the hall, leaving a heavy silence in their wake. Hienkle bowed his head deeply, his voice steady as he replied, "I accept the Council's judgment."
The sages exchanged glances before Miklitov leaned back in his seat, his tone clipped and dismissive. "This trial is concluded. Leave this hall."
Hienkle turned and walked toward the grand doors, his steps steady but slow. Each step seemed heavier than the last, the weight of his disgrace pressing down on him. As the doors closed behind him with a resounding thud, the murmurs of the Council resumed, speculation and discontent swirling like a storm.
In the shadows of the corridor beyond, Hienkle paused, his back to the door as he exhaled shakily. His shoulders sagged slightly, but his face remained blank. The punishment was severe, yes, but it was nothing compared to the crushing guilt he carried for his role in Reinhard's fall.
"I deserve worse," he thought bitterly, his fists clenching. "I've lost everything. My title, my honor… and my brother."
He stood there for a moment longer before straightening himself, his expression hardening as he strode toward the uncertain future awaiting him.
As Hienkle stood motionless in the dim corridor, the weight of the Council's judgment pressing heavily on his shoulders, he heard soft footsteps approaching. They were measured and deliberate, yet there was an almost unnerving lightness to them. He didn't need to turn to know who it was—few walked with that kind of quiet grace.
"Yer standin' there like the world's gone dark," came a calm, lilting voice, each word carried by a subtle Kagaragi accent. "If yer ready to leave, then leave. No sense in lingerin' where yer not wanted."
Hienkle finally looked over his shoulder and saw Halibel, the wolf-man in his simple yet elegant kimono, standing a few paces behind him. His amber eyes glimmered with a mix of understanding and a faint edge of impatience. The katana at his hip swayed gently as he stepped closer.
Halibel reached out carefully, placing a hand on Hienkle's shoulder. The gesture was surprisingly soft, a stark contrast to the wolf's usual sharp demeanor. "Come on," he said quietly, his voice low but firm. "Yer carryin' enough weight as it is. No need to let the council's words crush ya more than they already have."
Hienkle didn't respond immediately, his gaze drifting down to the polished stone floor. His fists tightened at his sides, the tension in his body betraying his inner turmoil. "I failed," he said finally, his voice a hollow echo. "I failed him. And now… I've lost everything."
Halibel's tail swished behind him, his ears flicking slightly as he sighed. "Ain't my place to judge what ya lost," he replied, his tone even. "But yer still breathin', ain't ya? Long as that's true, yer story ain't finished. Might be worth rememberin' that."
Hienkle let the words hang in the air for a moment before exhaling shakily. Halibel's hand remained on his shoulder, steady and grounding.
"We should go," Halibel said, his voice soft but insistent. "This place don't have anything left for ya, and I ain't standin' around waitin' for more council nonsense. Let's move."
After a long pause, Hienkle nodded slowly, his posture stiff but resolute. "You're right," he said, his voice quieter than before. "There's no point in staying."
With that, Halibel stepped back slightly, his hand leaving Hienkle's shoulder as he gestured down the corridor. "That's the spirit. One foot in front of the other, yeah? Just like walkin' through the woods—don't stop till ya see the light ahead."
Hienkle hesitated for a moment longer before starting to walk. Halibel fell into step beside him, his presence silent but reassuring. Together, they moved away from the heavy doors of the council chamber, the echoes of judgment fading behind them as they stepped into the uncertain path that lay ahead.
The scene shifted to Subaru's room, dimly lit and quiet. He sat on the edge of his bed, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. Julius remained by his side, ever the composed knight, though his presence now felt more like that of a silent guardian than a stern observer. The room was heavy with unspoken words, Subaru's thoughts running circles in his mind as he stared blankly ahead.
The quiet was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps, the door bursting open as a small figure rushed inside. Beatrice, her twin-drilled hair swaying with each step, ran toward Subaru with tears already brimming in her large blue eyes.
"Subaru!" she cried, her voice trembling as she threw herself at him, wrapping her small arms tightly around his middle. "You're awake! You're really awake, I suppose!" Her voice cracked as tears spilled freely, her face buried against him. "You have no idea how worried I was, in fact!"
Subaru flinched slightly at the force of her embrace, his body still recovering, but he couldn't help the faint smile that crept onto his face. He lifted a trembling hand and placed it gently on her head, his fingers sinking into her soft hair. "Beako…" he whispered, his voice hoarse. "It's okay. I'm here."
But Beatrice wasn't done. Her tears continued to fall as she clung to him, her words pouring out in a frantic rush. "So much has happened, I suppose! Everything's been so terrible, and you—y-you just—!" Her voice broke, and she sniffled loudly, looking up at him with watery eyes. "I was lonely, in fact! You left me all alone, Subaru! How could you—how could you leave me like that?"
Subaru's chest tightened at her words, guilt and sorrow mixing with a warmth he hadn't felt in what seemed like forever. His lips quirked into a faint, bittersweet smile as he fought back his own tears.
"Beako…" he began softly, his voice shaking just a little. "Look what you've done!" He gestured lightly to her tear-streaked face, chuckling weakly. "You're getting my clothes all wet."
Beatrice blinked, startled by his sudden shift in tone, before letting out a hiccupped sob. "You—! That's not funny, I suppose!" she stammered, her face flushing as her tears continued to fall. "Don't make light of this, in fact! I've been so scared, Subaru! I—"
"I know," Subaru interrupted gently, his own voice cracking slightly as his hand continued to stroke her hair. "I know, Beako. I'm sorry. I really am."
Beatrice sniffled, her grip tightening around him as fresh tears welled up. "I was so scared, Subaru. You—you were so still, I suppose. I thought… I thought I might lose you…"
Subaru's smile faltered, and he let out a shaky breath, his hand trembling slightly as he cradled the back of her head. "I'm sorry," he whispered again, his own tears finally slipping free. "I'm sorry for making you worry. For leaving you behind."
Julius, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, quietly stood and moved to the far corner of the room, giving the two a semblance of privacy while keeping a watchful eye. His expression was unreadable, though there was a faint softness in his gaze as he observed the reunion.
Subaru's tears mixed with his laughter as he pulled Beatrice closer, his chest aching with both guilt and relief. "You're amazing, you know that?" he said softly, his voice trembling. "You've held everything together… even when I couldn't. I don't deserve you, Beako."
Beatrice shook her head fiercely, her arms tightening around him. "Don't say that, I suppose! You're my Subaru, in fact! And I'll never let you go again, I suppose!" Her voice was small but filled with determination, her tears still falling.
Subaru chuckled weakly, his forehead resting lightly against hers. "Yeah," he murmured. "And I'm not going anywhere. Not without you."
The scene shifted once more to a quiet chamber in the heart of the castle. The room was modest yet refined, its furnishings chosen with both utility and elegance in mind. Anastasia Hoshin sat near the window, her sharp blue eyes gazing out over the city bathed in the fading light of dusk. Her posture was rigid, hands clasped tightly in her lap, though her expression betrayed little of the thoughts swirling in her mind.
The soft click of the door opening broke the silence. Julius stepped inside with deliberate calm, his movements precise as always. He paused for a moment, saying nothing as the weight of his presence filled the room. Anastasia didn't turn to face him immediately, her gaze still fixed on the view outside.
After a long silence, Julius finally spoke, his voice measured but tinged with relief. "Subaru is awake."
Anastasia froze, her fingers tightening around each other. Slowly, she turned her head, her expression unreadable. "He's awake?" she repeated, her Kagaragan accent soft yet distinct, each word clipped and deliberate.
Julius nodded, his golden eyes steady. "Yes. He's weak but recovering."
Anastasia let out a soft breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly, though her sharp gaze remained. "That's a relief, I reckon," she said after a moment, her tone even but carrying an undertone of sternness. "Still, we can't afford to get too caught up in relief, aye? There's too much ridin' on this."
"Of course," Julius replied, inclining his head slightly. He recognized the mix of fondness and unwavering resolve in her tone, understanding that Anastasia rarely allowed herself the luxury of letting her guard down.
Her lips pressed into a thin line as she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms thoughtfully. "We should tell the others," she said with a faint sigh, her accent growing more prominent as her words softened. "They'll want to know he's alive an' kickin'."
"Right," Julius replied, though his gaze lingered on her a moment longer. There was more left unsaid, a palpable tension between them as the gravity of Subaru's awakening loomed over their conversation.
The quiet between them spoke louder than words. Subaru's survival wasn't just a matter of personal relief or camaraderie. His recovery carried implications far beyond their circle. His influence, his ties to Emilia, and his ever-growing reputation meant his presence was both a boon and a potential storm. The game they were all entangled in had grown more precarious.
Anastasia tapped her fingers lightly on her armrest, her gaze flicking back to the window as she spoke quietly, almost to herself. "The lad's got more weight on his shoulders than he knows, aye. An' it's only gonna get heavier."
Julius straightened slightly, his expression growing more serious. "You're speaking of the trial."
Anastasia nodded, her sharp eyes narrowing as she turned back to him. "Aye. Unbeknownst to Natsuki Subaru, his second trial's already waitin' for him. This one ain't about survival or desperation. It's a test of resolve, pure and simple. But it won't be judged by strength alone. Every camp in the royal selection will have eyes on him this time."
Julius's golden gaze flickered with understanding, though a faint tension crept into his features. "Then preparations must be made. If the trial proceeds, Subaru must be ready for what awaits."
Anastasia let out a faint, bitter laugh, shaking her head. "Preparations or not, the boy doesn't get a choice in this. None of us do. The tides are changin', Julius. The boy's smack dab in the middle of it now, like it or not. He'll have to step up, or he'll drown in it."
Her words hung in the air, heavy with foreboding. Julius nodded solemnly, his expression calm but resolute. "I'll inform the others."
The door clicked softly shut behind him as he left, leaving Anastasia alone once more. She remained seated by the window, her sharp gaze fixed on the city beyond. The weight of the coming trial pressed heavily on her mind, though she kept her thoughts to herself.
Subaru's survival had bought him another chance, but it had also thrust him deeper into the heart of the royal selection—a stage where every move would be scrutinized and every decision could alter the scales.
Unbeknownst to him, his second trial had already begun.
Authors Note:
If your a Rem fan, this is the beginning of a lot of pain..
Either way.
A few developments to look out for, Hienkles dismissal, Subaru and Emilias proper reunion. Beatrice being beatrice, etc.
When it comes to Hector, it seems like a lazy throw away. But trust me, the disappearance of the Warlock Of Melancholy plays a major significant role in the plot later. Of course it doesn't get swept under the rug so easily and theres a lot of questions and concerns.
But for today, proud to present this chapter, see ya at the next!