Night time had come to the city of Banan with all types of demi humans outside in what the Natsuki Subaru's would call the festival.
Natsuki Subaru and Emilia were both helped by the elder Natsuki Subaru and Natsuki Rem in finding some kimonos in order to be in proper attire for this festival. Subaru was a bit curious.
"Why is there a festival?"
"What? Do you not trust it?" Rigel questioned.
"It's not that. I just feel like this is too peaceful."
"Now, Now young me, don't start getting paranoid. Nothing bad will happen."
"...I guess." Subaru said reluctantly, knowing that usually things go wrong when they are too peaceful. Though then again, he might just be paranoid that someone new will come in and cause some issues.
He got onto the kimono he was given, noticing how he looked a lot like his fathers from back home on Earth when they had gone to such similar events.
"Man, you really look like dad." The elder Subaru said, surprising both the younger Subaru and Rigel. Subaru was surprised since he was thinking the exact same thing while Rigel was surprised since his father has never spoken about his grandfather.
"What was the old man's old man like?" Rigel asked Subaru, figuring that the young version of his father would know more about his grandfather rather than his own father.
"Wait, why are you asking him and not me?" The Elder Subaru questioned.
"Cause old man, you are very old. He isn't."
"Hey! I'm not that old!" The elder Subaru responded.
"I don't know older me, you seem to look the part. You certainly talk and act like it."
"Oh shut up."
Rigel slightly chuckled at this, enjoying that his old man was getting teased.
The Subarus chuckled as well since they didn't think that something like this would happen, making it for quite a scenario.
The trio laughed this off for a bit before noticing a certain wolf human appear in the room with his pipe ready to be smoked.
"Don't start to have fun without me, Su-san."
"Not our fault, you're the one who's late to the party." The elder Subaru said, seeing that Halibel had returned from his mission. "How did it go?"
"Went pretty well. Those bandits stood no chance."
"They are facing what is basically an equivalent of a Reinhard, of course they didn't stand a chance." The young Subaru added, knowing that Halibel's strength could be considered as the Reinhard of Kararagi.
"That's flattering to hear, young Su-san. Thank you." Halibel bowed at the young Subaru, appreciating the compliment.
"So Halibel-sama, are you going to participate in the festival this year?" Rigel asked since he was curious to know if his master will join them this time. Halibel noticed his apprentice asking this question with hope in his eyes, indicating that he wants him to go with them to the festival.
"I don't know..."
"Oh come on Halibel, join us."
"Not sure after what happened last time..."
"Wait, what happened last time?" The young Subaru asked, curious to hear the story behind this. Rigel and the elder Subaru both crossed their arms as they recalled the festival Halibel was referring to. The room was silent for a moment before the elder Subaru turned towards the admirer of Kararagi to tell him,
"I can guarantee that it won't happen again."
"Not sure Su-san, we both know that someone could bring alcohol again."
"Yeah but we will be prepared for it this time."
"Wait Wait Wait, what the hell happened? Did my dumbass older self get drunk or something?!" Subaru said with a strong sense of curiosity, now wanting to know what exactly happened. Rigel couldn't help but laugh at the thought of his old man being drunk.
"Pfft! As if the old man could get drunk."
"What do you mean?"
"Mom wouldn't dare to allow him to get drunk, plus we can't have that kind of alcoholic drink in the house anymore. Not after...well..."
Subaru was starting to get annoyed at the fact that everyone was avoiding the topic of what had happened to get Halibel to be hesitant in going to the annual festival.
"Oh come on! Just tell me already!"
Halibel, the elder Subaru, and Rigel all looked at one another for a moment before finally the elder Subaru spoke out on what had happened.
"*Sigh* Look, Zarestia has an issue with alcohol."
"Why? Does she hate the taste? The idiot people that overdrink it and make assholes out of themselves and others?"
"Well...she just hates it. If she sees it, she sort of goes a bit crazy."
"How crazy?" Subaru questioned, knowing that there were different levels of craziness. The elder Subaru took a moment to think on the right words only for Rigel to answer the question.
"The murder everyone type of crazy. She almost destroyed the entire city just by seeing one cup of alcohol."
"Just one cup of alcohol?"
"Yeah, just one small cup."
"Hm..." Subaru crossed his arms as he was surprised that someone like Zarestia would hate alcohol that much to the point she goes nuts. "...I wonder why?"
"Anyway...Halibel, come on. You should really join us this time."
"I don't know, I don't want another mess to clean up. Hell, I'm even surprised she is allowed to go."
"Well..." The elder Subaru rubbed his head as he knew the amount of hell he needed to go through in order to allow this to happen, after Zarestia begged and begged him to help her win back the trust of the public.
"The old man here had a lot of credibility, so should Aunt Tia destroy the town again, he would have to pay a hefty fine."
"Dang...I can imagine how unhappy that would make Rem."
"Ha Ha. Funny thing is, she doesn't know." The elder Subaru said which caught Subaru, Halibel, and especially Rigel's attention deeply.
"What the hell do you mean you didn't told mom yet, old man?" Rigel said with anger since he hates it when his old man tries to hide things from his mother.
"First of all, watch the language. Second, as long as Zarestia doesn't destroy the town again, everything should be fine."
"Sorry but I have to agree with your son, you are a moron older me."
"Oh, be quiet. I know what I'm doing."
"Are you now?" Subaru questioned which annoyed the elder Subaru, prompting him to tell them
"Let's just go, the girls should be waiting for us by now."
"Alright."
"Fine, but I will tell mom if you don't."
"I'll tell her. Just keep your aunt out of trouble."
"That should be easy." Rigel boasted as he was confident that he could keep Zarestia in check. After all, she seemed to favor him the most in the family outside of his mother, causing him to look down at a simple band of beads on his wrist that had been a gift from her.
As they were all walking out, the elder Subaru turned towards Halibel to ask him one last time to join them, knowing that this time it'll be fun without the worry of Zarestia losing her mind.
The wolf human debated himself for a moment before looking at the young Subaru, seeing just how excited the boy was in participating in this festival.
"Hm. Honestly Su-san, time sure flies by."
"It really does." The elder Subaru said as he turned to see his son and his younger counterpart speaking, noticing how close in age the two were. Halibel smiled before patting his friend in the back.
"I'll go next year."
"Aw come on."
"I know, I know but I want to make sure that you can keep our crazy murder wind friend in check before I consider going again."
"...*Sigh*, fine. I'll prove to you that everything will be fine."
"I hope so or you'll be in trouble money wise and wife wise."
"Haha...I know." The elder Subaru said reluctantly, knowing just how mad Rem will be when she learns of this...actually Ram might kill him for this.
Halibel just wished him luck before heading home, knowing that everything will be fine. As Halibel left the area, Subaru and Rigel turned towards the Elder Subaru to see that Halibel wasn't there.
"So Halibel won't be joining us."
"Yeah...though I have some feeling he will be nearby."
"We should get moving. Mom and the others should be ready to go."
"Agreed."
The two Natsuki Subarus nodded at Rigel before starting to make their way towards the entrance of the festival, the location they agreed to meet up.
----------------------------------------------------------
"How does Rem look, sissy?" Rem asked, having taken her time since it had been so long since she got to change clothes with her sister. Ram looked at her sister and couldn't help but smile with pride.
"My sister looks more adorable than ever."
"Of course! Rem always looks adorable." Zarestia added as she continued to help Emilia with her kimono.
Ram just looked at the Great Spirit of Murder with a sharp glare for a moment before returning with a soft look towards her sister.
Despite the fact that this isn't her sister from her world, she still adores her like she was her Rem.
She helps Rem with her hair, feeling a little jealous since this hair suits her sister and that Subaru had been the one to suggest it to her.
While Ram was helping to do her sister's hair, there was something in her mind that she wanted a bit of reassurance on.
"Sissy...Can Rem ask you something?"
"Of course." Ram said in a calm but caring tone. Rem took a moment to think of the right words before finally asking her question.
"Do you think...that Subaru-kun, my Subaru-kun, will end up loving Emilia-sama more than Rem...?"
Ram continued to help make sure Rem's hair looks amazing while trying to control her rage since this was one hell of a question.
'Stupid Barusu. How dare you make my amazing little sister doubt herself. I'll make sure you are punished before I leave.'
Ram finishes helping Rem with her hair before grabbing her hands, wanting to help comfort her little sister.
"Barusu is stupid, incompetent, and not at all wise. I still wish to murder him for what he told you."
"..."
"...but when it comes down to making a choice, Barusu wouldn't just turn back on it after making a decision. Aside from having good timing, he never backs down from his choice. If your world's Barusu is anything like the one from my world, then he loves you deeply and wouldn't just abandon you for Emilia-sama."
"Are you sure, sissy?" Rem asked with some doubt still hovering over her mind. Ram wanted to tell her sister that she was positive only for someone else to take that chance.
"Of course Ram is right, Rem."
Both oni sisters turned towards the voice, noticing that it was Emilia that spoke. She had finished getting on her given kimono, looking even more beautiful than ever. Rem and Ram were caught off guard by this while Emilia continued.
"Subaru is such a dunderhead but when he tells you that he loves you, he truly means it. He wouldn't lie about that. So if your Subaru says that he loves you, then he means it."
Rem was silent by this, still uncertain since she knows how deeply Subaru cared for her world's Emilia before he chose to abandon everything just to be with her.
Despite that, hearing this from an Emilia that had a Natsuki Subaru by her side did provide some reassurance. Before she could smile, there was something she wanted to confirm to herself.
"Aren't you worried that the Rem of your world could take him away from you?"
Emilia stood silent for a moment, recognizing this question from her talk with Roswaal after the events of Pristella but before the events of the Pleiades Watchtower.
("You say that, but wouldn't her awakening be troublesome for Emilia-sama? Subaru-kun has strong feelings for that girl, no matter how you look at it. In fact, they're as strong as the feelings he has for you.")
("Yeah. I think that's right. Subaru will devote himself to that girl for a while, and he might stop caring about me as well.")
("No. Under no circumstances would that...")
("It's fine.")
("...huh?")
("If it makes Subaru turn the other way, that just means that I'll be the one this time to do my best for him to turn my way. I'm not worried about Subaru suddenly not being there. Therefore, I'll also have him come my way, no matter how madly in love he becomes with Rem with how cute she is.")
("Eh? Emilia-tan!?")
Emilia understood why Rem would be concerned since that was something she should be concern with her Subaru but knowing how dedicated he has been towards her, she smiles.
"I understand why you would be afraid but trust in Subaru. He wouldn't be so scummy to stop loving you after you have been with him for so many years. He is a good boy. The Subaru from my world, he...he tries so desperately to help you. When nobody remembered you, he fought to keep you safe. When others wanted to leave you behind, he insisted on taking you along regardless. That is just the kind of man he is. Both in my world and your own."
Although Rem would still have some doubts, she does trust what Emilia was seeing since she also remembered just how much Emilia's Subaru cares for her, considering how he still cares so deeply for her while also caring for Emilia equally. Rem smiled as she bowed with respect towards the silver haired half elf.
"Thank you, Emilia-sama."
Emilia was stunned for a moment since she wasn't sure how to respond at first though one thing was certain, she felt happy for this world's Natsuki Subaru and Rem, having a happy ending.
Although she wished it wasn't at the cost of everyone else, she did see that the two in this world deserve each other.
This did add a little fear in her heart, fearing that maybe this would happen with her Subaru and her world's Rem.
Although it was a small fear, she had a strong determination to make sure that she doesn't lose Subaru.
'Even if Subaru goes that way, I'll also have him come my way.'
Emilia smiled with confidence as her heart had carved these feelings deeply into Emilia's soul. Zarestia had finished her new and clean kimono as she started to say,
"We should start going to the festival! I want to beat the boys there!"
"Me too!" Spica added as she also had her kimono ready for the festival thanks to Zarestia's assistance.
Rem, Ram, and Emilia all three noticed this from Spica, prompting the three women to smile at the little girl before agreeing that they should start making their way towards the festival.
As Zarestia carries Spica outside of the women's changing room, Rem and Emilia both begin a conversation about their respective Subarus, trying to see what is different between the two aside from age.
Ram was the last one to leave the changing room with a smile on her face, seeing just how happy her sister is in this reality.
This smile would hide a bit if not a lot of pain since she knows that this is a life that her sister from her reality might not get, especially if they can't find a way to awaken her from her slumber.
'I swear...I, Ram, will save my sister from whatever gluttony did. That is a promise.'
Ram burned this promise into very being, wanting to save her sister even more after seeing just how happy she could become. As Ram took that promise deep into her soul, she kept her usual composure as she caught up with the girls, all of them excited for the festival.
----------------------------------------------------------
The boys and the girls eventually reached the festival entrance at around the same time, both sides having noticed each other from a distance. Rigel was the first of the boys to be surprised, noticing just how cute his little sister looks in a kimono.
"So cute...!"
The Elder Subaru smiled as he watched how cute his daughter is but what got his attention was mostly his wife, his faithful wife that he loves dearly.
'I love my wife.'
The elder Subaru smiled as Rem noticed that he was looking at her with love in his eyes. She returned the favor by looking at him with love in her eyes, admiring how her Subaru looks while also noticing how the young Natsuki Subaru looked in a kimono.
This brought her fond memories of the first few festivals together, making her think of just how much time had passed. Subaru looked at Emilia, seeing just how beautiful the silver haired half elf looked in a kimono, causing his face to turn red.
'Emilia-tan...looks...so beautiful...'
Emilia looked at Subaru and couldn't help but see how good he looked in a kimono while also noticing that his face was red.
"Subaru, are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah...I-I'm okay Emilia-tan...!"
Emilia knew that something was up due to how Subaru was shaking, as if he was scared of something. She gives a serious look at her knight while saying,
"Come on Subaru, tell me what's wrong."
"N-Nothing is wrong, it's just..." Subaru paused for a moment as his exciting emotions were bottling up until, "Emilia-tan looks super beautiful!"
Emilia was taken aback by this, being surprised and slightly embarrassed.
"S-Subaru, you dunderhead!"
Emilia gives a light shove to Subaru for embarrassing her by shouting such things, causing her cheeks to turn a bit red.
The elder Subaru chuckled when this happened, feeling a little embarrassed at how his young counterpart acts, reminding him how he used to act. Before he could even say something to his younger self, he and young Subaru's ears were pulled by Ram.
"Ow Ow Ow!"
"Wh-What are you doing, Ram?" Emilia asked as she didn't know why she was punishing the two Natsuki Subarus.
"This one needs to keep his lustful side in check." Ram said as she looked at her world's Natsuki Subaru. She looked at him with a blank expression for a moment before looking at the elder Subaru's direction, a little hint of anger being shown. "And this one is still being punished for earlier."
"..."
The elder Subaru looked at Ram with a little fear in his heart, seeing just how scary Ram can be when she's really angry.
Emilia just stood silent while Rigel and Zarestia both chuckled at how the elder Subaru was suffering over a stupid joke.
Ram continued to pull their ears for a moment before finally letting go.
She approached Rem and Spica to lead them inside, wanting to spend time with the two.
She turned towards Rigel and began to say,
"Nephew, follow me."
"...okay."
Rigel was unsure what was going on but he just listened to his aunt, not wanting to be on her bad side.
Plus, he didn't really get to spend any time with her outside of having his butt kicked by her, so this would be a good moment to get to know her.
As the four of them entered, both the elder Subaru and Zarestia quickly caught up as they didn't want to be left behind.
The only two still at the entrance of the festival were both Emilia and Subaru. The silver half elf looked at her knight as she wanted to know,
"What did older you do to make Ram angry?"
"He said something dumb. Let's just leave it at that." Subaru said as he didn't want to tell Emilia what that joke was, not wanting to look bad himself since his older self is still him in a way.
Emilia just looked puzzled for a moment before looking at the festival's entrance, a bit nervous since she hasn't been in a festival herself aside from Subaru's festival back during Puck's magical release period.
Subaru could see that Emilia was nervous, prompting him to quickly grab her hand gently while saying,
"Come on, let's go have some fun, Emilia-tan."
Emilia looked stunned for a moment, caught off guard by Subaru's action but the smile her knight was giving made her heart feel warm while also prompting a smile on her face.
"Alright."
Emilia said as she entrusted her Subaru with what they would do at the festival.
The boy smiled as he led the way, wanting to see what fun things they could do.
The pair walked around with a lot of interesting activities available with one of them being...
"A shooting booth? Here?" Subaru questioned, wondering why something like this would be here.
"Yup, I helped make some cool activities exist." The elder Subaru said, having managed to catch up with him and Emilia. Subaru would've been startled if he hadn't recognized his own voice.
He looked at him for a moment before turning towards Emilia, seeing that she was curious to try out such an activity.
The elder Subaru noticed this and quickly handed his young counterpart some kararagi currency.
"Here you go. This should allow you to do most of the activities around here and to buy yourself and Emilia some food should you two get hungry."
"Okay. Thanks."
The elder Subaru nodded at his younger self before watching him and Emilia head towards the shooting booth.
As he looked, he closed his eyes as he recalled a conversation he had with his counterpart a little bit prior to getting him a kimono.
("Let's assume I go back and have the chance to save everyone. What would you recommend me to do?")
("Wait, are you being serious?! I thought—")
("It's just a question! I just want to know what are my options should I chose to change fate for everyone.")
("Alright. Well there is a lot I can tell you.")
("Well then, I'm listening.")
The elder Subaru recalls all of the events that took place on the loop that his young counterpart succeeded.
He heard from convincing Crusch to the battle with the White Whale to the battle against Sloth to the events of the Sanctuary and so on. He heard everything up until the events of the Pleiades Watchtower.
The elder Subaru closed his eyes as he understood what he would need to do to save everyone, including Rem and Crusch from their fate.
He would think more on the subject but he decided to drop it since it won't be needed at this time.
He looked back at Subaru and Emilia, seeing just how close his young self got with the silver haired half elf. This prompted a smile to appear before saying,
"I know I gave you a lot of hell...but you did well, my young self."
He watched for a bit before deciding to join his wife and children.
----------------------------------------------------------
The festival continued with the elder Subaru watching with his wife and sister-in-law as they observed Rigel, Spica, and Zarestia, watching the three have fun.
Subaru continued to do many things with Emilia, wanting to relive many of the fun things that he used to do in festivals when his parents took him while also making sure Emilia also has fun.
The two groups continued to do their own thing until they finally reached the middle of the festival where a band was playing music.
"Emilia-sama, did Barusu do anything stupid?"
"Is that seriously the first thing you ask?!" Subaru said with an annoyed tone of voice.
"Subaru didn't do anything bad. He actually helped me have fun." Emilia said with a smile, having been enjoying her time at the festival.
She even had a few souvenirs that he had won her, though she wasn't sure if she could take them back with her, it was the thought that counted. At least she had some yummy food and desserts to go with it.
The elder Subaru nodded at his younger self's progress.
Rem just smiled that Subaru and Emilia were enjoying themselves, figuring that they probably don't have time to have peaceful moments like this in their world.
("Still, I'm sorry Rem that I couldn't save you then...despite the fact that I declared that I would save you in front of Emilia-tan...it has been over a year and I have yet to save you...I really am a failure...")
Rem remembered those words the young Subaru said, seeing that he deserves this time of fun before being forced to go back and face a grim world.
'I'm happy to see you happy, Subaru-kun. You deserve it.'
As she thinks this, she smiles directly at the young boy. The group eventually notice that a slow song plays, catching Subaru off guard since a moment like this shouldn't be possible.
'What is this? I get my own festival episode moment?! Finally!'
Subaru thought with excitement since it had been a long while since him and Emilia had a chance to dance. The last time they danced was the night he became her knight. He turned towards Emilia and extended a hand while saying to the silver haired half elf,
"Can I have this dance with you, Emilia-tan?"
Emilia was silent for a brief moment before nodding, accepting Subaru's proposal. She grabbed her knight's hand as he led her into the dance floor with the other couples. The elder Subaru couldn't help but feel prideful towards his young self, as if he was his own son.
'I'm so proud of you young me, you actually did it.'
He takes this moment to be prideful before preparing to ask his wife to the dance floor only to notice that she wasn't by her side anymore.
'Eh?'
He looks around as he was caught off guard by this only to notice that Rem was with Ram.
"Wait."
"Barusu, this is your punishment. Unless you prefer another beat down." Ram said as she turned to look at him, death being shown to the elder Subaru.
'Are you serious? She's my wife! Man, you really can't take a joke, Ram.'
"Do you have something to say?" Ram spoke with a stern voice, knowing that the elder Subaru was thinking about her negatively.
"No."
"Then watch the children."
She turns towards the dance floor to go and dance with her sister. Rigel and Zarestia both laugh at elder Subaru's misfortune.
"Sorry old man, it seems like you're out of luck this time."
"Haha...yeah..." The elder Subaru said as he tried to play it cool. Rigel could see through this but his focus turned towards his sister, asking her if she would like to dance with him. Spica nodded which made Rigel smile.
The two went towards the dance floor while Zarestia just enjoyed the moment, liking how happy everyone was. She looked at her world's Subaru to see if he was still annoyed at what happened, hoping that would be the case so she could tease him. Though to her surprise he wasn't mad.
"Are you okay? Did you hit your head?"
"What? No."
"Then why are you happy right now?" Zarestia asked with a curious look.
"It's just that I'm happy for my younger self and his date. Those two belong together."
"...odd you would say something like that. Wouldn't you want him with Rem-san?!"
"Of course I do! Rem is the best...but we aren't the same."
"Hm?" Zarestia looked puzzled at this, not understanding what Natsuki Subaru meant by that. The elder Subaru noticed this, prompting him to explain himself.
"He is me and I am him. We share the same blood, the same name, the same upbringing—"
"Then how are you two different?"
"He made one choice that changed his life. I made one choice that changed my life. We both have different histories. He is with Emilia and I'm with Rem."
"Was that the change? A different love?"
"It's...more complicated than that." The elder Subaru said, starting to realize that he hadn't really talked to Zarestia about his issues prior to having met her.
He had chatted with Halibel about them, which helped him come to terms with his choice fully but he hadn't talked to the Great Spirit of Murder about it.
"I made a choice to run."
"Huh?" Zarestia was confused by this.
"I made the choice to run, with Rem by my side. That was the change. My younger self didn't run. He stayed and fought to save everyone."
"Oh..." Zarestia said as she finally understood what makes the two Natsuki Subarus different. The elder Subaru stood silent for a second before continuing to speak.
"That's what makes us different."
"Well...if it helps, I don't judge you."
"Hm?"
"I got to meet Rem, Rigel, little Spica, and even that wolf. Your choice may seem selfish, cowardly but I don't blame you for running. When things seem hopeless, you either run or fight. I don't think anyone would judge you for wanting to run away with Rem."
"..."
The elder Subaru didn't expect this from Zarestia though he didn't know what to expect with someone like her. He just smiled as he said,
"Thanks."
"I should be thanking you, I got to meet Rem-san and Rigel-kun!"
"Yeah, you did."
As the elder Subaru was enjoying this moment, he felt a tap on his shoulder. This prompted him to look to see that it was his loving wife, Rem. She extended her hand while saying,
"Would you like to dance, love?"
The elder Subaru was stunned for a moment before he closed his eyes with a smile appearing on his lips.
He had wished it was the other way around though he didn't really care, all he wanted was to dance with his wife.
Just before the two went towards the dance floor, Ram grabbed the elder Subaru's arm with a tight grip, catching his attention.
"Ram?"
"If you hurt her, Barusu, I will kill you on the spot. Understood?"
"...y-yeah."
Ram gave him a glare before letting his arm, allowing the elder Subaru and her sister to go dance while they had a chance. As the two went to the dance floor to start dancing, Ram stood next to Zarestia. The two together created a dangerous atmosphere with Ram looking at Zarestia sharply,
"You tried to kill my sister."
"Not this again."
"You will listen to what I have to say." Ram said as she looked sharply at the great spirit. "The next time you try to kill my sissy, I'll kill you on the spot."
"Do you really think you can even kill me?" Zarestia said with a childish tone.
"You'll die by my wand."
"Do you want to go then?"
Zarestia and Ram looked at each other with a death stare, both of them confident they could take out the other. They stood silent for a moment before Ram finally turned towards her sister and the elder Subaru's direction.
"You better take care of sissy."
"...what?" Zarestia was caught off guard by this. Ram continued to speak:
"I will be gone at some point so she will need someone to protect her. Barusu is too stupid and weak to do anything. My niece isn't strong enough to do it. My nephew might be strong but he lacks discipline, gets it from his stupid father and he is young. You on the other hand are strong and seem to care for my sister, so protect her. If something happens to her, I will come for you."
As Ram finishes speaking, she walks away, leaving Zarestia a bit dumbfounded. While this happened, the elder Subaru and Rem got a chance to talk.
"How have you been holding up?"
"Rem is doing fine. How does it feel speaking with a young you?"
"Weird honestly, but fun. I forgot how much of a handful I was."
"Yeah. What about...Emilia-sama?" Rem said hesitantly, wanting her husband to confirm what Ram had said. "Do you...still have feelings for her?"
This was a loaded question since he wasn't sure himself. He turned towards Subaru and Emilia's direction, seeing just how happy they looked together dancing.
The two were happy which made him happy since he knows that his young counterpart worked extremely hard to win Emilia's heart.
As he smiled at them, he looked at Rem and without any warning, he kissed her. Rem was shocked by this since she didn't expect something like this to happen and yet her heart felt an intense warmth.
She knew that this action was her husband saying that she loves her. She stood like this for a moment before closing her eyes, enjoying their intimate kiss for a moment. Once the kiss ended, the elder Subaru said,
"That's my answer. I love you, Rem."
"I...I love you too, Subaru-kun."
As Rem said this, she leaned on her husband's chest while a few tears came streaming down, tears of joy as she saw just how loved she was by the one she loves so deeply. The elder Subaru smiled as he definitely felt the happiest at this moment. While The elder Subaru and Rem continued their dance, Subaru and Emilia started their conversation while dancing.
"Did you have fun?"
"I did thanks to you, Subaru."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Subaru said as he definitely had fun. Emilia smiled for a moment before thinking back on something.
("Aren't you worried that the Rem of your world could take him away from you?")
Emilia had a little doubt in her mind though what she was about to ask was more out of curiosity than worry.
"Would you have preferred to have had this life?"
"Hm? Why do you ask that, Emilia-tan?" Subaru questioned as he was uncertain on why she would ask that.
"Because...that older you is happy here with Rem. Wouldn't you want that? To be happy?"
"But I'm already happy, Emilia-tan. I'm with you. Just as my older self is happy with Rem, I'm happy with you. I wouldn't have it any other way."
Emilia was surprised by this but she smiled, happy by the response she got.
She knows that Subaru cares for Rem but hearing that he would still stand by her side and is happy being by her side made her very happy.
The two smiled at each other as they continued to dance for a little bit before the music ended.
The festival would eventually reach its end, prompting the group to all head towards the exit.
As they were making their way, Subaru and his group started to glow which indicated to the boy that time was almost up.
"Seems like it is time for us to go."
"Really? I was just getting used to having you around." The elder Subaru said slightly sarcastically. The two subarus just laughed this off before finally saying their goodbyes.
"You better take care of Emilia, you chose that path. And I know you'll save Rem."
"Thanks...and also thanks for helping me see the truth. I needed that."
"Us Natsuki Subarus need to stick together."
"Y-Yeah..." Subaru said hesitantly since he still needs to make amends with the two subarus he basically had damned, if he can anyway.
While this talk was happening, Rem and Ram both hugged each other as they knew they weren't going to see each other again. As they were hugging, Rem said to her sister,
"Rem really missed you a lot, sissy."
"I missed you too, sissy."
"I hope to see you again."
"...I hope so too."
The two continued to hug for a bit before Ram disappeared. Right before that happened, Ram said to her sister,
"I'm proud of you."
"...thank you, s-sissy."
Rem smiled as a bright light started to shine around them. Subaru was also beginning to glow but just as this was happening, the two Subarus shook hands with the elder Subaru saying,
"I know the journey ahead of you will be tough but I know you'll pull it off. I believe in you, Natsuki Subaru."
"Thank you, Natsuki Subaru."
The two Subarus shared a respective smile before everything went bright.
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Subaru opened his eyes to see that he had returned to the white void. He felt annoyed at first before he looked at his hand.
("I know the journey ahead of you will be tough but I know you'll pull it off. I believe in you, Natsuki Subaru.")
'I won't disappoint, older me.'
As Subaru thought this, he smiled confidently before looking forward to see that the watcher was in front of him once again.
"So, I assume my work is done in that world?"
"You could say that." The watcher said, being vague as always.
"It was nice and all but what was my point of being in that world? To show me another path that isn't going insane and trying to kill everyone?"
"It was a gift."
"A gift? What do you mean?"
"That world needed to be helped but in the sense of giving closure to that Natsuki Subaru but also a chance for you to see what could've been for you."
"How is that a gift?" The boy questioned.
"Because you got to see Rem again."
"..."
Subaru was silent when he heard this, agreeing that it was a gift that he got to see her again, interact with her.
("I believe that you will be able to save your Rem. If you can save Emilia-sama, you can save your Rem. You are a hero.")
Subaru smiled when he heard this, being reminded just how important she is to him.
"Yeah, I guess you are right. It was a gift seeing her again."
"Yeah. Well, we should get moving on to the next area."
Subaru prepared to head out but he first wanted to check on Beatrice, remembering that she was asleep.
As he turned to see his contracted spirit, he began to think how cool it would've been to have her go to the festival.
Just as this was on his mind, he noticed that not only was the little spirit was still sleeping but also Emilia was there in her original attire.
"Emilia-tan!"
Subaru ran to check on both girls, wanting to make sure that they were alive. As he was checking on them, the watcher slowly approached the boy only to see that he was preparing to attack.
"Still holding a grudge on me?"
"Why...Why is Emilia here?!"
Subaru goes to swing his arm only for the watcher to dodge the attack while answering the boy's question.
"She's here for the same reason as Beatrice, they will help you in a later world."
"What?!"
"You see, Natsuki Subaru, I broke my rule a second time and brought someone too early. Now they must stay in this state if you want them to provide assistance when you need them the most. If you wake them up, you risk not only their life but yours."
"Mine? How? You bastard, just say things straight for once!"
The watcher stood silent for a moment as he looked at a direction away from Subaru, Emilia, and Beatrice. As the watcher does this for a moment, she turned back towards the boy to answer his next question by saying:
"The witch of envy would find this place."
"..."
"If she finds this place because you were acting rash, then we are all truly dead."
Subaru froze in place, having not thought about Satella in a while since he hasn't been using Return by Death personally.
He turned towards a sleeping Emilia and Beatrice, knowing how dangerous it would be for the witch of envy to see them. He got up and stood silent for a moment before asking,
"What happened after we left?"
"They had a happy life."
"...did my counterpart loop?"
"He did loop but that's all I will say."
"...okay." Subaru said, hoping that his counterpart would manage to do things better if he had looped all the way back to the stand.
As Subaru thought this, he turned towards the doors to see which one he will be dealing with next.
"Someone looks eager." The watcher said as he noticed a shift in the boy's attitude.
"I just want to get Beatrice and Emilia-tan out of this crappy place as fast as I can. So in order to do that, I need to finish what you had me start. So what is my next location?"
"This one."
The watcher looks behind him as a door appears, catching Subaru off guard.
"What the hell?! Where did the door come from?"
"They just do that when a new branch appears. Since this one is fresh, it would honestly be easier to help out."
"Wait, why this new one and not one of the ones over there?" Subaru pointed at the doors representing the symbols of Greed, Gluttony, and Lust since Sloth, Pride, and Wrath looked to be locked. The watcher closed his eyes while saying:
"Just trust me on this, the door behind me is a world that needs you. This Natsuki Subaru needs help."
"What kind of help?" The boy asked in a skeptical tone.
"The kind your older self had mentioned to you."
"..." Subaru paused as he remembered his conversation with his older self and how that helped him see the bigger picture.
He closed his eyes and just started to approach the door, seeing that he needs to get this done in order to continue on the other three remaining doors. Just as he was about to enter, one final question came to mind.
"Why couldn't I see the entire life of my two first counterparts? Why did it take that talk with older me to finally unlock all of the memories?"
The watcher stood silent for a brief moment, knowing that this was a valid question since the boy needs to see all the memories in order to succeed in saving the world. The watcher stood silent for only a few seconds before responding:
"Think of this ability as one that can only be controlled by the way the user thinks. If they only think about being a hero, then it will only show them the worst traits of what their counterpart had done. The power of memory unlocking is one that is rare and can only be gifted by me. Your desire of being a hero clouded the ability a bit but now that you have opened your mind, you shouldn't have trouble with that ability of yours."
"Are you sure?" Subaru questioned with a stern tone, not wanting to encounter any disadvantages with this ability.
"Yes."
"Hm. Okay but if something goes off and it's because your stupid ability you gave me didn't work, I'm going to punch your face."
"Haha, alright, I get it, Natsuki Subaru. Now go, this world won't save itself."
"Tsk."
Subaru just turned towards the door and went inside, a bit curious since this one had an odd symbol compared to the other doors. As he went in, the watcher smiled as he said to himself,
"Seems like I chose the right person for this job."
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After watching the door closed, the watcher looked to his left and spoke aloud, "So...what did you think?"
From behind one of the other doors, a figure walked out. Clad head to toe in a dark blue shinobi outfit that only left sharp, dangerous looking eyes free and a hole in the center of the forehead, they cut a mysterious figure.
"It's the old man, of course he'd get it done. Nice to see that I had an aunt though rather than just hear about her. Wish younger me could've beat her up but I was wet behind the ears even then and she was a veteran." A male voice called out.
"You are...what's the word I'm looking for...Tsundere? You hate him so much yet you have an unfathomable well of faith in the same vein." The watcher said with a chuckle.
"...yeah, you're lucky that you're a god or I would've put a fist to your head there." The male shinobi grumbled as he looked at the door Subaru had just gone through. "So what's that one?"
"If I wasn't telling Subaru what to expect, don't think I'll spoil you either on the specifics. All I can say is that this one is something that will be painfully familiar to you." The watcher stated with a waggle of its luminescent finger.
"That's already enough for me to guess because I know my roots on this crazy fucking journey."
"You Natsukis are so crass. Can't you just accept a single bit of happiness that comes your way?" The watcher said with a sigh that suggested frustration.
"...I try, but it's hard when you know they're not...you know."
"It's her and not her. The spirit, the maid, the princess and...well, it's not like you haven't gone directly in the steps of your father either. So ironic that you bring about women and men so similarly and yet so differently at the same time."
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. I didn't think that last one would even want to be a thing." The shinobi said while rolling his eyes.
"...were you at least comforted by seeing your family again in a happy state? Your sister, your mother and father?" The watcher said in a more quiet, respectful tone.
"I...it was good to see them all again. I wish I could have gone through that door myself but...my own are gone and there isn't anything that is bringing them back. I know that well enough. I made a deal with the devil and it took its due." The shinobi closed his eyes and shook his head while he admitted it reluctantly.
His wrist had a slight noise coming from it as he moved his arm, causing him to look down and see a well-worn wristband with three white orbs on it. Two cracks ran down the center of the left and right ones, leaving only the middle one untouched.
He touched each orb fondly and then placed a hand on his chest, where he could feel the Great Spirit contracted to him slumbering peacefully for once and not having to endure the same nightmares that he had.
"At the very least, being here can give some comfort and peace of mind to the future that will be coming my way."
"Maybe...maybe not. The future can never truly be written in stone as you've plainly seen. Give it time. You may surprise yourself...Rigel Natsuki."
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Author's note:
So here it is, the end of the journey into sloth if. Allow me to elaborate on a few things:
1. Why is Rigel there with the watcher?
For those of you that don't know, my friend and helper, Cloud Link Zero (writer of Re: Rigel story) had allowed me to have a small connection with our stories. If you wish to see the beginning of how Rigel met up with the watcher, go to his story to see.
2. Why was Slothbaru being harsh on Subaru?
Keep in mind that Slothbaru is an adult, although a bit childish at time, he is an adult and with that comes some wisdom. He was more lecturing his young self rather than trying to make him out to be a villain.
3. Was Subaru wrong on his approach with Wrathbaru and Pridebaru?
Depends who you are asking but let's not forget that main Subaru is human, he is bound to make mistakes (as many pointed out in FF during the ending chapters of wrath if).
4. What happens next?
Aganau if. I already have Subaru's ally for this one and he will only have one. You'll see when the chapter gets posted in April 1st.
I still want to thank Cloud Link Zero for helping me throughout this entire arc and I want to hopefully continue to give you all some good content. Until next time.