Not A Star In Sight!
Left, precision, aim, calm, strike.
Right, precision, aim, strike.
Left, a tilt, the sword was off centered, the balance shifted slightly forward-
That was wrong, again.
Right, precision, aim, strike, tilt- it was wrong.
No need for fury, try again.
Right, precision- footing's off-
The elderly man, time and time again, preformed the same routine, the same pattern of balance and dedication, but his swords play was off, his mind was.. off. For what reason, the Sword Demon had a warily idea, and most of it, in due part, was to Natsuki Subaru's responsibility, the slayer of the great beast that had tormented the sword's men for all these years. The raven-boy had done nothing wrong, and the Sword Demon understood that. The part that bothered Wilhelm the most was his failure to keep his promise. There was no revenge for Theresia, not at the least by Wilhelm's hands. These years, after all the practice and the tracking, the long sleepless nights, and sufferable days, they meant nothing, not one was worth it to this crushing blow of the little pride the hardened man had left. Subaru both knew where the whale, and was the one to slaughter it. Leaving Wilhelm to question if the boy, at this point had just been playing mind games with Wilhelm, as if it were some cruel joke initiated by the Od to punish the Sword-Demon for his sins.
The swordsman sighed, "There is nothing I can do now." His arms fell flat to the side of himself. The middle of noon, he struggled in his sleep the night before. To his left, the Karsten domain. In that direction he looked too. "Perhaps a visit is in order?" He looked back to the training sword he'd been using. The Sword-Demon raised his blade once more,
Right, precision, aim, strike.
A crisp air fell over the capital, Natsuki Subaru walked slowly. Today, after days of study and absence from the world. Natsuki Subaru would make his first public appearance. It was harsh, the isolation enforced on the raven boy by the Sage Council.
"Very much, those men are set to hold thou in thine grasp." Stride spoke from Subaru's od.
The Raven boy stopped to his surroundings. Standing still, this was the furthest the nasty-eyed boy had left the Astrea domain since he'd first returned to the capital. The location was familiar, it was the same sight that he'd formally meet Emilia loops ago, when the women claimed the name of the Witch, the day Subaru had first arrived in this new world. The wind blew through his hair to pull back the hood of the black cloak Subaru was wearing. mid-noon, the sun's warmth met his face, the capital stood peacefully.
"Thou dare to reminisce?" Stride teased, "Surely you miss that woman?"
"Emilia?" Subaru instantly blurted her name in question, not putting to much thought before his words. "Not at all, I am a new me after all. Why should I get involved with a girl that sort of threw me away?"
"Is that the way thou shall see it?" The Vollachian replied with a question.
"Well.." An uneasy tone to his voice, "Yeah, I mean-" The hazel-eyed boy looked to his hands a dejected expression on his face, "I tried, to offer her as much help as I could."
Stride perked a curious, "Hmm?"
"But even still, when I was giving her as much of my old self as possible, she still threw me away." Following his trail of thought, frustration began to brew within Natsuki Subaru, "I did as much as I could for that woman at the time!" Moving his arms, he tossed his fist to the side of a nearby wall, "Hell, I died for her!"
"Not that she would know?" Taking note of the raven-boy's fallacy, Stride spoke.
"Still!" Subaru did not care, he was angry all the same, "She looked in my eyes, even after I stood up for her at the castle, even when I took that beating, even when I was telling her how much I cared about her! She still had the audacity to throw me away!" His face was red, a mix of frustration, disbelief, all were present.
"Stop."
"What?!" Subaru looked to the side, no one, as per last assumption, it was Stride that spoke. Subaru almost hissed at the intervention.
"Thou should not get angry over a pity situation as this." The contracted spoke earnestly. "It is not within your right to get angry at her for actions thou did in thy past."
"B-but!" Disbelief, that was what Subaru was facing. "Do you even know how she made me feel?!"
"Worthless, yes, mineself is of understanding." Stride moved solemnly with his words, continuing with a slight hint of compassion, but utterly, no pity. "That is a road thou crossed. There is no reason for thine Subaru to breakdown now"
Subaru paused, now silent, he stared to the cobble footing beneath him, head down, expression blank. "…"
"Mineself knows thou must feel anger, distrust, and betrayal. But, in thine feelings, use them as fuel."
"Fuel?" Subaru perked slightly; his eyes began to move once more.
"Yes. Mine venerable self recommends using that anger, using that feeling of worthlessness, and self-pity. Thou shall use it to find thine strength, use it for that of creation! To fuel thine drive, to pursue thy goals." Stride paused, he calmed, "Use that energy to further thou self. If you truly claim to have changed thine character, this predicament wouldn't bother Natsuki Subaru at all."
Subaru paused, "…" He began to think through the sneeringly royal man's words, moving his hand to the cusp of his chin, lining his hand to stroke no existent facial hair, and replied in a respectable tone, "Fair enough." He spoke, "Really, you're right Stride.. There's no need for me to get angry. I probably just need a break, to focus on something else before I can even consider talking with Emilia again." The raven-youth sighed, folding his arms calmly to his chest and staring back towards Lugnica's royal castle. "And considering Roswall, who knows what I'll be in for."
"Thee jester is evil." The scornful man snickered, "It is reasonable to believe the Matthers will twist current events into his favor."
"That could be bad." The hazel-eyed boy paused, "If Roswall attempted to damage my reputation, who's to say what could happen, I'd be put in an impossible situation."
"But thou are no stranger to impossibilities." Pridefully, Stride replied.
The raven youths' lips begun to smile, his eyes gained traction and his face turned to a cocky expression, "That's right Afterall." Subaru took hold of the ledge in front of him, rough and course, the young Natsuki firmly placed his hands onto the stone and looked towards the city in front of himself with opportunity. "I am Natsuki Subaru, slayer of Sloth, subjugator of the White Whale! Hell I'd be damned if I let anything that wasn't progress hold me back!"
Stride toned in happily as his contractor was feeling ambitious once more, "Then what might this progress be?" Stride would smirk had he a body.
"A plan." The nasty-eyed boy replied instantly. "I'll study Lugnican affairs. Get a good knowledge of both national and international circumstances. I'll understand basic world law and history, perfect my use of common language. Maintain a good physique, and hopefully in months time, I'll be prepared to take on a greater task."
"Thine task being?" Pride continued his inquiry.
"Not paying attention earlier Stride?" Subaru teased. The latter of the two could only stay silent. "As said, I'm going to start a company. One that'll take a smile right off Hoshins face!"
"Revenge is a great motivator." Stride laughed.
"Hey!" Subaru taken back a bit by the former archbishop's laughter, "I'm serious about it! I already know what I'll do!"
"Mine-self sees this," Stride calmed down, his archaic voice subsided to continue with merit. "Work hard Natsuki Subaru, thou owe it to thy potential."
With closing remarks, Subaru would move to return to the Astrea residence. Stride would stay quiet as to let the boy continue with the rest of the day, chiming in now and then whenever the raven-youth got distracted with my external situations, or overthinking. The former Pride was determined to hold the boy accountable to his words. Subaru studied long, he studied hard. Much of his resources sourced from the Astrea library at the mansion. Now and then asking Heinkel or any passing Astrea servants for information when confused or lost on a topic.
Subaru through the passing weeks began to take greater notice of his environment, for one thing, Heinkel as the residencies host, was not as great as Subaru thought an Astrea would be. While not as strict with quotas and rules as the Sage council would demand he be. (Allowing the boy to leave the house on occasion.) There would be times where the red-headed man would get violently drunken to the point where he struggled to function. Many times, the otherworldly boy would find himself dumbstruck as just to how Reinhard Astrea was the son to that man.
"Guess the Appa did fall far from the tree…" Subaru muttered as Heinkel practically forced himself into his room one late night.
But other then constantly intoxicating himself, the head of the Astrea household seemed to be a crude man, stopping in on Subaru to question the boy, asking for details on the medicine and magic of the boy's world. Subaru inadequately would once explain the lack of magic of his home, putting an emphasis on technology. He would only get a confused look and have Heinkel giving up on him minutes later. Besides the fact, Heinkel had not been rude to Subaru, the boy was accommodated to his every need, and while a level of respect existed between the two, there was this awkward tension that remained. Being intuitive, the boy with midnight hair contributed it to being that he was a stranger with a vague reputation in a stranger's house for a unclear and unknown amount of time.
Other then the tension, their existed few rules. "Show up when I call for you." Heinkel spoke with a sense of authority, "I'm busy often, I don't want to be chasing you around." As any reasonable adult would. Furthermore, "There's a few rooms you can't be in, the maids will tell you. The one that you absolutely cannot be is marked with a blue door."
Subaru could only stare at the man, proceeding to nod in a, 'I completely understand.' Solemn way.
"Besides that, you got free will, I don't care that much."
With the rules set in place, Subaru could only wait. For the sake of disclosure, the boy had been given a black cloak to wear whenever he was to leave the residence. It worked, and the boy was able to ambiguously explore the city. Being able to fully immerse himself within Lugnican culture without a clear set goal, Subaru was able to get a general idea towards the state of the country, with many people being divided on the royal selection. As known, the amount of people who hated Emilia was relevant to this day, her name would be slandered in the countless pubs and bars the boy would visit. Said visits however being strictly non-recreational. The boy would visit taverns and markets, explore both the richer districts and on some days the slums. The raven-youth would spend time travelling each day, usually in the morning as to ensure proper security. His venturesome aspirations grew, the more wandering he did the more he heard. There would be constant whispers and talks of 'A Great Natsuki Subaru.' To the boy's knowledge, most of the lower-class peoples saw him as a hero, an underdog separate from the rich factions that dominated the nation. With his leave of the Emilia faction, he pretty much solidified this idea in the people's heads. While others that were more reasonable and of higher status had a vague distrusting of the boy, many believed that Subaru himself was no good. With no clear allegiance and many vague recalls of what the boy had been planning, who's to say he could be reliable? That he didn't have some nefarious plot planned. After all it had only been days since the boy had disgraced the nation and fought with the Knight of Knights Julius Juukulius. Beaten, the boy came back with unimaginable power. These people saw the boy as a threat rather than a hero, mostly since there was no clear way, they could control him. Natsuki Subaru was a mystery, nobody knew him, rather more, nobody knew where he was. One bald man stated during one of the youths' expeditions, "Of course its frightening! Knowing there's a guy out there with such raw power! We got a second monster on our hands and the governments doin' nothin'!" The nasty-eyed boy could only sigh in response. Some deemed him a monster, Subaru would have to prove them wrong, "as always with this world." He once stated. Regardless, the raven-boy could not allow himself to let anything get to him, he had to be strong and precise, even if his little field trips were just for fun sometimes.
Felt practically rushed Reinhard out their carriage, non-stop the girl could barely contain her eager excitement. Returning from Flanders, the former thief, now throne candidate pushed Reinhard to his surprise, out of their cart, who tried to reply to the rude force in a calm tone but was swiftly denied any speech as Felt ran out after the Sword Saint.
"Now where is he?" Felt spoke eagerly, "Where's my awesome big bro that butchered that big dumb fish!"
Reinhard, smiling coolly, could only raise his hand, "Well, it's not to say Natsuki Subaru is even in the capital, as I told you, even his whereabouts are unknown Ms. Felt."
"Cut the crap Red." Felt looked to her knight annoyed, "You have a million and one divine protections and not one of them is going to help you find Subaru?"
"I could, if you so demand." The red-head only replied earnestly.
"Really?" Felt paused, she looked at Reinhard, then grew a somewhat angry expression, "Then do it!"
The man sighed, "As you wish." Moving to call upon many of his divine protections, the boy was about to before being stopped by a look to his environment.
Another carriage entered the front yard, noble in design a clear symbol was present, the Karsten household.
"What's wrong?" Felt noticing her Knight, she put her arms to her hips and gave the Sword-Saint a curious look.
"It seems that we are not the only visitors here today." The Sword Saint kept his blue eyes pealed on the carriage, as it parked beside that of his and Felts. The dragons pulling it stopped, the door slowly opened, walking first step out, Ferris.
The cat-boy wore a blue dress and had an excited face, he looked around quickly only to take quick note of the Sword-Saint, who he then excitedly smiled towards. "How's it going?" waving his right arm as he reached the ground.
"Ferris." The red-head smiled, "It's been some time since the selection ceremony. How are you?"
"I'm fwine." The cat, lowering his arm begun to walk towards their knightly counterpart, "You seem uneasy?"
"It's nothing" Reinhard smiled.
"Wellll" Ferris proceeded to give the Sword-saint an earnest look, "It's abouwt to get a bit awkward. He didn't know that you'd be here."
On cue, Reinhard looked to the carriage. Exiting was an older man, still firm in posture, he had blue eyes, and tied grey hair. Instantly Reinhard knew this man to be his grandfather, Wilhelm Van Astrea.
"Sorry." Ferris apologized, "I know things aren't the best in the family."
Pausing, Reinhard calmed himself, "It's.. fine."
"Ok." The cat knight replied, "Nyow, what brought you and your lady here?" Ferris peered to felt, who had her arms crossed with a stubborn expression.
Gazing to the left, Reinhard was quiet for a second before speaking and turning his attention back to Ferris, "Do you know much of Natsuki Subaru?"
"Aha!" Ferris then pointed her finger at Reinhard, "Were here fowr the same thing!"
"You are?" The flame of a man practically perked up in reply.
"Well yeah. You see, we've got some insider info-" The blue was paused, Wilhelm who now joined the trio put his left hand slightly in front of Ferris as to block what the demi-human was too say.
"That's enough Ferris." The man spoke blatantly, then looking to Reinhard who had an awkward stare, the Sword-Demon spoke with precaution. "We are here on official campaign business, that is all."
"Right." The Sword Saint replied, clenching his fits slightly as his grandfather moved past him to the manor.
Felt who picked up on the tension immediately moved to Reinhard once the butler and cat were in the manor. The ruby-eyed girl pulled up to her knight with a concerned look, "What was that red? You look pale practically."
"My Grandfather", Reinhard still staring to the front of him.
"Your Grandfather? That old man's your Grandfather?" Felt sighed, "Jeez, talk about formality, are all noble families like that?"
He Sword Saint only chuckled slightly, "Not necessarily.."
The Lioness rose her right eye, "There's more?"
Reinhard stood quietly, he shook his head and then took lead in his right foot, "I'll go into explanation later Ms. Felt, now we must focus, you said you wanted me to track Subaru?"
"Well yeah, and hey!" She grew infuriated, "I told you to drop the 'Ms' part, It's just Felt!"
The redhead chuckled, "My apologies, Felt."
"Yeah, you better be!" She stook her right fist to her Knights chest in a jokingly manor, "Else first thing I'll do when I'm queen is exile your polite butt to Gusteko!"
"That would be illegal by international law." Reinhard smiled.
"Oh shut up red!" Felt laughed along as the two remained outside.
"Lwooks like your info's wrong?" Ferris announced as he practically glossed around the mansion.
Wilhelm steadfast as he observed the cat-boy. Looking about, the manor did seem to be perfectly empty, with no sight of a supposed Natsuki Subaru anywhere.
"I'd hate to disappoint Crusch again, can't we just say we found him, but like always, he juswt rannn away?" The blue further teased as he moved to look under a pile of books for a seemingly useless reason.
The Sword-Demon now sighed as he slightly turned his head downwards, "Perhaps those maids were unreliable, who was I too believe gossip I overheard."
"So, those maids said he'd be here, at this mansion?" Ferris inquired as he put his hands and clasped them together, turning around from the room he was searching to face Wilhelm.
"Those maids serve under the Astrea household, they mentioned Subaru to be the name of the boy staying here." The old man continued.
"Like." Ferris paused for a brief second, "Im nowt saying I don't bewieve you nyeow, but why would Subaru be here, you'd think he'd be somewhere wayyyyyy more confwidential nyeow." Smiling cutely, Ferris walked past his older counterpart who still stood stoical, "Maybe." The cat-boy got an idea, "Maybe Subaru's hiding from us! All we have to do is find him!"
"Ferris, don't-" But it was too late, the demi-cat already began to shout out the boys name. So much for subtilty Wilhelm would think as the boy continued.
"Subaruuuu!" One call as he walked upstairs, "Commmon, where areee you?"
Five minutes passed, with Ferris finally putting a halt to his ridiculous charade, he stopped at a room within an open door on the right side of the manor, pausing he peaked in. Countless books, stashes of paper littered the desks of the room. The bed was made but besides that, the place was a mess. Ferris, being curious forced his way through. Wilhelm moved in pursuit as to halt The Blue's advances but to no avail. The curious cat was knee deep in the room!
"Would ya lwook at this." Ferris announced as he moved to look at a sheet of paper, "The bwaysic aplphebet eh?" Then moving to the right, the cat would attempt to go into the drawers, reaching for the handels, he wou-
"Enough!" Wilhelm grabbed onto Ferris' right wrist which was already on the handle to the drawer, "We should not be here!"
"Awww, but Wilhelm, I'm just doing some investigating." The cat replied sarcastically, "Plus it's your house basically. No crime in looking around the place."
"Ferris, this is not how a knight should behave, we are jeopardizing not just our names, but the name of Lady Crusch as well, may I rem-"
"You know, coming into my room and seeing two men isn't exactly the 'warm welcome' I was expecting."
Both Cat and Man knew that voice, they both turned instantly to its origin. Leaning against the door frame, a smile on his face, wide posture and arms crossed, Natsuki Subaru made his appearance.
Emilia stood a wide stance before the trial chamber, she looked to her side, Rem and Ram gave the half-elf girl encouraging looks. Garfield on the other hand could only stare back. Emilia knew that she had to free herself and the people from the sanctuary. The amethyst-eyed girl didn't have any choice. Roswall was down, only able to gain consciousness between brief periods of time. While both of the maids would have to deal most of their attention to their employer. Only Emilia could answer to the trials, and only Emilia could free herself and the people of the sanctuary from the barrier around it. If she truly wanted to reach her goal of becoming King and freeing her people, all this was, was another challenge along the road. So, she swallowed her resolve, took a confident step, and boldly, the half-elf Kings candidate walked firmly into the tribulations of the Sanctuary, not a look back.