Chapter Text
Chapter 5: Shattering the Veil of Illusion.
The Witch of Envy slowly walked forward towards the Emilia camp.
Garfiel stepped in between Emilia and Satella,”You’ll not lay a hand on da Princess!” He yelled before being flung out of the way by the Shadowman.
“Watch your tone, boy.” The Shadowman yelled sternly. “You forget who you're talking-!” Before being silenced as the Witch raised a hand, stopping him in his tracks. He bowed and backed away.
The Witch slowly walked up to Emilia, as fear took hold of everyone, locking them to the ground. “W-What do y-you want, W-Witch!” Crusch barely stuttered out before covering her mouth, realizing she just mouthed off to the Witch of Envy!
She paid Crusch no mind, and no response as she looked at Emilia up and down, before speaking. But the words were like faint echoes. ~You need to realize I only want to show you the truth of my Beloved-d-d.~ Everyone quickly connected the words, realizing that she was talking about Subaru Natsuki!
“B-By beloved, y-you mean Subaru, c-correct?” Julius mumbled out, before Satella quickly shot him a look with his mark flaring in crimson red, dropping him to his knees in pain. “AHHHHHHHH!!” The pain reeling him back into despair and fear.
“JULI” Anastasia yelled before trying to run over to him before being locked into place. Many noticed they couldn’t move, due to Satella locking everyone in place with her shadows.
Satella cupped Emilia's face, gazing right into her eyes, into her soul, before she slapped her. Causing Emilia to fall backwards and taking many by surprise.. As she looked up she saw Satella crying, almost mourning. ~WHY!? Why don’t you understand you’ve forgotten someone so important to us-s-s?~
Causing Emilia to stare in shock. Could she really mean Subaru? Have I truly forgotten someone so important? To help him get tortured in that Dungeon? And to break my promise with my mother and lie to him? Am I really no better than her? Have I truly helped to cause pain and suffering on an innocent?
“I really am you…” Before being slapped again.
~YOU’RE NOTHING LIKE ME-E-E!~ Emilia flinched, before looking back at Satella. The fear crawled up her spine, the barely visible witch’s face etched with rage and sadness. As Satella turned around to face Echidna, walking towards the table before sitting down. As the Shadowman stood behind her, a symbol of their difference in status.
Echidna could only smile, looking at the fear wash over them before getting up. “Alright, I think that’s enough” Turning to face Satella, “Now that you’ve broken a few of them, I can explain why I’m here.” Turning back to face everyone. As they turned to her, Felt continued to look off in the distance, the image of Rom hunched over dead scarring in her memory. The tears threaten to escape again, before shaking her head, turning to where everyone else had been looking to distract herself.
“I believe I am due an explanation as to what is going on here?!” Rem yelled, tears leaking from her face. “Why do you all treat Subaru as if he’s some kind of villain?” Glaring at Emilia and the rest of the camp.
Reinhard stepped forward, “Miss Rem, Natsuki Subaru is being held as the Sin Archbishop of Pride. He has been held in Pristella for almost 8 months.”
Rem snapped her head towards Reinhard, hearing the unbelievable. “You’ve imprisoned my hero? For 8 months!?” Her eyes burning aflame to such atrocities.
Ram stared at her sister in shock, “Sister, what do you mean hero? He is the one who helped attack Pristella.” Reaching for Rem’s shoulder before being slapped away.
“Ram… you know Subaru isn’t one of them! Me and Beatrice confirmed that back at the mansion when Subaru arrived with Emilia!” She yelled, glaring at Ram. Emotions running high and being torn apart within the oni. Happy to awaken and see her sister again, sadness that her hero has been imprisoned for so long. Anger that even her own sister would do this to her.
Ram stared at her before turning around to Emilia, to which she shook her head in denial. “Rem, we have no memory of the boy in the mansion.” Twisting the knife in Rem.
“N-no, he was definitely there! How can you forget that!” turning towards Emilia, “Emilia-sama, you don’t remember Subaru saving you from the bowel hunter!?” Turning towards Reinhard and Felt hoping they would say something, but they all shook their heads in denial. The anger rising in Rem before turning around towards Crusch. “Miss Crusch, you remember Subaru offering his metia to you right!?” Praying that she of all people would understand.
Wilhelm stepped up at the moment, “Rem-dono, Lady Crusch has had her memories eaten by Gluttony after the battle of the White Whale. She doesn’t remember anything, but we do.” He said with sorrow.
Rem stared in shock then recomposed herself, “Then you of all people should remember the deal even if she didn’t!” Tears continued to stream down her face, all the memories of her hero remained within her, so why weren’t they with them?
Wilhelm only stared with confusion as to why the girl was so persistent in defending the cultist. “What do you mean by that, Rem-dono?”
“He was the one who gave Crusch information on where and when the White Whale would appear! Making an alliance between Emilia, Anastasia, and Crusch camp to take it down! He was the one to cut down Flugel's tree and use it to get the Whale stuck so you could make the finishing blow, avenging your wife!” Rem, losing her voice from all the yelling, collapses to the ground, covering her face with her hands.
Many could only stare in bewilderment and confusion, Wilhelm gritted his teeth together, hesitating to truly believe what the girl was telling him, but something in the back of his mind told him otherwise.
“Give Rem her hero back… please give him back.” She pleaded on the ground. Satella only stared at Rem, happy that one truly still recognized her beloved, but envy that she wanted her beloved to her.
Before anyone could say anything, Echidna clapped her hands together. Getting everyone’s attention, “Now then, how about an explanation? You are all in the castle of dreams to see Subaru’s story from the beginning, away from the lies that Gluttony hides in the shadows of your mind.” Echidna pointed out. Some could only look on in confusion. Hadn’t they just seen Emilia die, along with the boy?
“Are you truly showing us the truth, or is this another lie to fool us? Because what we saw was Emilia and that boy died!” Crusch pointed out. Before quickly glancing over to Satella, watching for any movement, before turning back to Echidna.
Turning to Crusch, Echidna’s smile widened, “Of course, they did truly die, and that was the true reality. But I promise all will be explained if you keep watching. Though, it's not like you have a choice to watch or not.” She said hummingly.
“My amazin’ self don’t have to watch shit if it ain’t gonna be real!” Garfiel yelled, before getting stabbed by a shadow in his left arm, grunting in pain.
“Garfiel! Garfiel-san! Emilia and Otto ran over to him before stopping themselves, a piercing gaze staring at them. Knowing who it was before evening turned around.
~You will watch his story, you do NOT have a choice in this matter-r-r.~ Satella said before releasing Garfiel, as he held his arm, he noticed it was no longer bleeding or hurting, as if it healed on its own.
Echidna turned back to everyone, “So any questions before we continue?”
Wilhelm had raised his hand, while clenching the other. “I do.”
Echidna grinned, knowing exactly where it was going. “Then ask it.”
Wilhelm’s attention turned to Satella, “Why did you create the three great Mabeast?!” Crusch turned to Wilhelm in surprise, not expecting such a question, but also wanting to know why they were created. Anastasia’s interest peaked in learning about the reasoning of such a beast being created to terrorize more merchants than anything else. Reinhard looked down in sadness, knowing the ‘role’ he played in killing his grandmother.
Satella stared at the old man, before turning to Echidna and nodding. “It was not the Half-whore who made the Mabeast, rather it was Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony.” Shocking most of them, as everyone understood that Satella made them terrorize the world. But to find out that she did not create them was shocking.
“What?!” Ricardo, Reinhard, Anastasia, and Crusch yelled in surprise.
Wilhelm threw his hand to the right, “You lie! Those abominations were her creations to threaten the world!” Turning to point at Satella, his anger and venom pouring out of him.
“Agreed, they were of your creation once you could not destroy the world.” Julius yelled.
Satella just stared at the man blankly, “What reason would I have to lie? Do not blame me for the creation of the Whale that killed your wife-e-e.” Satella said, fueling the already roaring fire into an inferno.
Wilhelm drawed his sword, charging at Satella. Crusch tried to grab him before he charged, “Wilhelm wait!” barely missing him. Wilhelm leaped into the air into a downward swing on Satella, before the Shadowman appeared in front of him, holding the sword with his hand. “I will not tolerate disrespect to my lady!” Throwing the sword back at the swordsman.
“WILHELM!” Crusch yelled, grabbing him by the shoulder as he turned to face her. “It’s not worth it.”
Wilhelm turned back to Satella before sheathing his sword. “Do not speak of my wife again! You do not have that right!” Glaring straight at her.
Satella looked at him blankly, “I will speak however I wish, because if she was still alive, she would be disappointed in you-u-u.” Wilhelm grinded his teeth, wanting to rip her head off her body.
The Shadowman turned to Satella before bowing, “My lady, I believe antagonizing them is a bad idea.” Before being flung onto the ground.
~They don’t deserve my mercy, even if they helped him in the beginning-g-g.~ Satella said, her arm lowered below her waist, indicating she was using magic on the Shadowman. ~Now, I believe one of the truths could come to light-t-t.~ Making most of the cast nervous about what could be revealed first. ~The first truth is that Daphne, the witch of Gluttony created the three great Mabeast to stop hunger around the land-d-d.~ Wilhelm gritted his teeth still, not believing the witches words for a second, but the doubt crept into him.
~Now then. I believe it's time we continue the show-w-w.~ Satella said before vanishing into the shadows. Before vanishing completely, she looked back towards Emilia. ~This shall not be the last time we will meet-t-t.~ Before her other side took over. ~YOU WILL ALL PAY. YOU WILL ALL PAY. YOU WILL ALL PAY. YOU WILL ALL PAY.~ She yelled loudly before disappearing. The fear returned to the cast before dispelling once she was gone.
The Shadowman got up from the floor after Satella’s spell dissipated. Brushing himself off before looking at the cast, “She’s like that for a multitude of reasons, She truly hates you all for what you’ve done.” Shadowman said, staring directly into Julius’s soul before turning to Felix for the same thing. “Now, in the next viewing, you will be able to hear the boy's thoughts in your head. Lots of you still doubt the boy, so listening in would make it easier to believe in the true reality.”
Many looked at each other in concern, listening to the boy’s insanity was something not many wanted. Before Reinhard stepped up, “I believe hearing into the boy's head would give us a more clear understanding of how he came to be who he is today” Hesitantly looking down before saying the next part. “And if he truly is an archbishop or not.”
“He’s not!” Rem yelled, barely keeping herself together, Have they all truly lost themselves without my hero?
Priscilla stared at the oni with a smirk, “I agree with the girl, even if she is more vocal and knowledgeable about it.” turning and pointing her fan towards Ram, “You there, twin. Why do you not believe in your own sister? We know for a fact he cannot bewitch anyone nor manipulate anyone.”
“I agree with Reinhard-sama.” Crusch spoke, giving support to Reinhard.
“Crusch-sama?! You can’t possibly mean that.” Felix exclaimed, outraged at such a comment.
Crusch turned to him, “Felix, is it so strange to listen in to hear his thought process? He even took away the dragon blood from me, why would he do that?”
“Because he offered to heal you! We couldn’t let such a decision go to waste.”
“Either way, we should look more into the boy.” Crusch said, raising her hand to stop Felix from continuing. Turning to face the Shadowman, “Please let us hear his thoughts.”
The Shadowman huffed and smirked at their decision. “As if you had such a choice...” Pulling out the summoning key from his suit. Holding it in his right hand, clenched it as it made a clicking sound. As it glowed in yellow, the grassy field dissipated and returned back to the appa stand in the capital. As they look around, they notice the time is set back to day.
“We’ve been brought back here without Emilia-sama?” Otto pointed out, looking around for her possible whereabouts.
“I don’t believe she’s here at all.” Reinhard said, turning to face the boy. He looked straight at the appa stand. Like he was looking off in the distance.
“What’s the matter, boy? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He said holding the appa in front of him.
The boy only stared at him blankily before raising his hand to his ear. “What?”
“Has the boy gone deaf?” Priscilla asked, confused as to why the boy was not responding properly.
“Look at his eyes, they look hollow. Like he’s seen horrid things.” Wilhelm said, inspecting the boy closer. “Does he truly remember what happened to him in the future?”
“I asked you about the appa. The appa!” Raising it up and down. “Do you even have money?”
The boy then raised his other hand, ‘What?”
“Or maybe he’s already lost his mind.” Felix said worriedly.
The merchant, getting annoyed, raised his voice to the boy. “Don’t ‘what’ me! The appa! Are you buying it or not?”
Finally hearing the merchant, he lowered his hands to dissuade the merchant, “Oh… No, like I said I’m broke beyond compare…”
“The hell? If you’ve just browsing, then move along. I run a business here. I don’t have time for window-shoppers.”
Now standing in the middle of the street, Subaru looked around, now noticing the time of day. “What’s going on? Wasn’t it just nighttime a minute ago?” Raising his shirt up to look at his stomach, “The wound on my belly is gone…” The picture of Subaru and Emilia dying appeared in everyone’s head. “Oh, right! Satella! Damn it, didn’t Puck ask me to take care of her? I have to get back to that shop!” Looking around for the quickest way.
Everyone could only stare in shock and fear, the boy had truly died and went back in time!
Emilia stared at the boy, wondering why he would even help her. She, a half-elf, resembles the witch. But she knew the boy didn’t know who that was, all he saw was Emilia for who she was. But he could later become obsessed with the Witch. All of these if’s swirled around in Emilia’s head.
Rem stared with horror, her hero died before meeting her?! Why? Why was the world so cruel to a boy just arriving in their world? Had Gluttony truly taken everything from her?
Reinhard inspected the boy, noticing his eyes seeming to be so… hollow. Dying seemed to have taken a toll off of him. And may do so again.
“This is absurd! He dies and goes back in time?!” Felix yelled, his vow as a healer wouldn’t let such absurdity transpire in front of him. “This is a disgrace against life itself!”
“Felix! Calm down, if this was true, then why didn’t he rewind before we captured him?” Crusch asks, wondering why in the world the archbishop would let themselves be captured? Unless it was for a plan for infiltration.
“Such crud power in the hands of the cult.” Julius spat, venom leaking out of his tone.
“Hahahaha you fools really are so funny to me, it's like watching jesters mess around.” Priscilla laughed, pointing to everyone.
“Princess, I don’t th-” Al tried to stop Priscilla before she slammed him in the stomach.
“Quiet Al.” Priscilla said before whipping her fan open to fan herself. “These jesters are true fools. They know not of the pain he goes through and only assume the worst.”
“Whas that supposed to mean?!” Garfiel yelled, enraged by her comment.
“I always have to enlighten commoners, be grateful that I may do so.” She said smugly. “The boy came to our world, against his will, and immediately died on his first day. Do you believe that he wanted to die? And then to be brought back with the memories of his previous time? What if this is not the first time? What if he has been dying the entire time? How would you deal with him having died in that terrible cell? You truly have no idea of the consequences that’s yet to come.” she said, pointing her fan to the boy, while the Shadowman turned to her with a smile.
Before anyone could say anything, Subaru started running into a back alley. As he ran, he was stopped again by the same thugs.
What's got you so spooked?
Why are you in such a hurry?
If you don't wanna get hurt, then cough up whatever you've got!
“Of course we run into the same jesters from before.” Priscilla said, fanning herself.
“Yes, yes, here is everything I have on me.” Subaru said, putting his bag on the ground.
“Now bark like a dog!” the little one said.
Subaru looked up and glared at them before going in for a punch, “Don’t get cocky you bastards!” Knocking the middle guy out, then round kicking the little guy into the wall. The bigger guy tried to punch Subaru before getting his arm twisted by Subaru, finishing them off. Afterwards he ran back to the loothouse, slamming on the door to open before a big man walked out.
Reinhard watched the scene play out before making a comment, “So he can defend himself,” looking around, the area looked familiar, “I believe I was in the area on this day.”
Emilia stared at the screen before turning to Reinhard, noting what Reinhard had said, “If you were in the area this day, this was the same day you saved me from the Bowel Hunter.” Reinhard turned down to her and nodded, looking back towards the screen.
“And when you kidnapped me for the Royal Selection!” Felt exclaimed, punching Reinhard in the shoulder.
“Miss Felt, I believe I already apologized for that.” Reinhard pointed out before Felt turned back to the screen, huffing in annoyance.
‘Shut yer trap! You tryin’ to bust down my door when you don’t even know the signal or password?!” As the world slowly vanishes, switching to the inside of the bar, showing the big guy behind the bar and Subaru at the counter. As the big guy drinks away, Subaru makes a comment to how he shouldn’t be day drinking, since he could die young.
A few could only look around the loothouse in confusion, wondering why he came here so early in the day and why he was brought to this moment in time. Maybe the boy truly did want to save them? Many doubted the case, aside from the select few that spoke to their counterparts. The boy still had bags under his eyes, already feeling the weight of dying and going back in time.
“I wonder if maybe this is what I saw in his eyes when we interrogated him.” Wilhelm said, before looking away, frustrated and confused, wondering if the boy truly is just the one that truly took down Sloth and Greed, and the Whale. That maybe he truly was innocent, and that they have made a grave mistake .
Felix looked at Wilhelm in disgust, “That doesn’t matter! Either way, with this power he has most likely manipulated his way to all these events! He still is manipulating us even now with the Witch-!” Before being cut off by an invisible hand around his neck, as he was slowly lifted up into the air, he saw the Shadowman raising his right arm towards him in a grip.
“I will not have you disrespect my lady in front of me, watch your words, or I can amplify your pain double fold.” He said sternly, staring at Felix before dropping him back to the ground.
“Actually, this is a dumb question, but.. have you died recently?” Subaru asked somberly, staring at the big man before he laughed at such a ridiculous question. He then follows up to ask if he’s seen a silver half-elf girl around. As he denied seeing someone matching the description, he asked what he was doing there, Subaru then stated he was looking for a stolen insignia.
“He’s trying to get the insignia for me? But why?” Emilia wondered, questioning if this is what the boy meant when he said she saved him during his interrogation.
The old man tried remembering if he heard of anything like that before stating that a girl was coming by later with some good loot. Subaru immediately perked up at hearing this, questioning if it was Felt that was bringing it. The man confirmed that it was her, but questioned if the man had money, Subaru stated he was flat broke, but had something of value to trade, that being his phone.
Felt looked on in confusion and fear, now knowing that her client was the Bowel Hunter. Praying she doesn’t have to see old man Rom dead again. Reinhard noticed Felt’s emotion, placing his hand on her shoulder, she turned to him in confusion and then understanding his actions, turning back towards Rom.
Priscilla noted the boy’s actions, pondering why he would sell his most valuable item just to get a random girl’s insignia, could it be desperation, maybe assurance in another world, in an unfamiliar place. “Keep entertaining me boy, you have already shown yourself worthy of my presence. Al!” She said, as Al turned to her, she grabbed him by the helmet. “After we are done here, we are to take the boy under our camp. And you will train him up to make him a proper knight, as it seems he needs it.” Before releasing him.
Al sighed before turning back to the boy, “Will do Princess.”
As the world slowly switched to Subaru sitting outside, he looked around, noticing some of the slum dwellers before Felt appeared. After a quick chat they headed inside after Felt gave the password. Once inside, Felt quickly had something to drink before showing Subaru the insignia, she then asked what he had to pay with. Subaru denied having money but quickly showed Felt and Rom the phone, demonstrating the pictures that he took of both of them. Rom said he could get the insignia with that kind of bargain, but Felt said he would still have to wait for the other person in case they had more than the original offer. After hearing knocking coming from the door, Felt went to answer it, before a beautiful seductress entered with a drape over her back and purple feathered top.
The Emilia camp, Felt, and Reinhard stared in disbelief, that the Bowel Hunter would be the client, and not kill on site compared to when they first met her.
“This bitch again!” Garfiel growled aloud, his heart racing at the thought of the Bowel Hunter hurting Emilia again.
Anastasia looked over towards the Emilia camp, noticing their reactions, “Do ya know who this is?”
Emilia nodded, “That is the Bowel Hunter, she attacked the mansion about a year and a half ago.”
As they kicked off the deal, the woman revealed to only have exactly twenty holy coins, while rom said that Subaru’s phone would sell for no less than twenty, meaning he won the insignia, as he posed in victory, the woman asked what his plans were for the insignia, as he boldly stated he would return it to the owner.
Everyone’s heart dropped, realizing that this was the worst thing he could’ve done. “Of all the things to say in front of her.” Crusch said huffing. Not believe such foolishness from the boy.
“It seems his honesty will get him killed.” Otto pointed out, more nervous that even though it was not real, the presence of the Bowel hunter in front of him shook him.
As the tension in the air struck, Subaru felt the sweat trickle down his face, as the woman turned to him with a grin, “I see, so you're with them.” As Felt lunged to push him down, the lady had swung to cut open Subaru’s guts. Rom charged the lady with a giant club, swinging but never hitting a single shot on the lady. Before she cut off his hand, and then used a glass to cut open his throat. Subaru could only stare in shock before Felt got up.
Felt stared in shock, seeing Rom die again, and in a brutal way broke something inside the girl as she rushed towards the giant man. Trying to reach for him, but falling right through him, tears streaming down her face. “Rom, Rom, please be ok Rom!” She yelled, not already noticing the giant was already gone before collapsing from the mental strain on her.
“You bitch… How dare you?” Felt glared at the woman before she turned back towards her.
“Oh? It seems you have more courage than your friend there. But if you resist, you may very well get hurt.” As she stared at her.
“Like you don’t intend to kill me either way, you psychopath!” Wiping away the blood on her face.
The woman started to twirl her dagger, “If you move around, my hands might slip. I’m quite rough at handling blades, you see.” Before getting back into a stance.
Felt turned back to Subaru, “Sorry you got caught up in this.” As she flashed forward unsheathing her dagger, trying to land a hit on the woman, but missing.
“How wonderful. I can see you are loved by this world. I envy you!” As she cut Felt in half, leaving only Subaru left. “I take it you've given up?”
Reinhard stared in despair, seeing his lady die right before his eyes. Felt also could only stare before breaking down and hitting the floor. As Reinhard picked her up, he heard her whispering to herself. “Please… please Subaru, save him… save us all.” He could only look at her with pity before being whisked away to another place. Disappearing from his arms, he quickly looked over to the Shadowman.
“She is dealing with her demons now, not to worry.” Shadowman said, before turning back to the scene.
Subaru looked over to her, “Dammit…” As he stood up.
There we go, you finally stood up. 'Course, it's less fun since you took so long. But still, not bad. As she stared at him, Subaru gathered at his strength and courage and yelled, charging towards the woman.
Before Subaru could even do anything she blocked his punch and then returned one by punching him in the face. “It's no use.
I see you're a novice. You've no divine protections or techniques. I'd hoped to squeeze wisdom out of you, but you lack that, too.”
Holding his nose as blood leaked up he glared at the woman, “Shut up! I do have my pride! I can't believe you… After you've put me through all this…”
The woman only stared with indifference at the boy, “I do acknowledge that you have extraordinary determination. If only you could've stood up and done that sooner, things might have gone a bit differently for these two.” Subaru stared at her, before remembering how he had died last time, by her cutting his gut open.
She stared at the boy before sighing, “I think it's time to end this little game. I'll send you to meet the angels.” As she slowly started walking towards the boy. He got into a stance, with his fist by his sides, as she ran towards him, cutting in a horizontal line, he took a step back dodging it before spinning around kicking her.
A few were shocked that he remembered how she killed him last time, and used that knowledge against her, but knew it was for not, as the boy hadn’t even realized it. But as soon as they realized the hit, they felt the same pain too. Almost everyone fell to their knees, grabbing their stomach again, as it bled out again.
“This bitch, I’ll kill her again!” Garfiel yelled, trying to pick himself up again.
“Damn again!?” Otto said, clutching his stomach in pain.
“Ram is done with this woman, can we move on from her now?” Ram said annoyingly but in incredible pain.
The woman stared at him with a blushing face, “Ah, you're full of surprises. I certainly felt that one.” As Subaru looked with determination at her, it vanished as soon as he realized and looked down towards his stomach, realizing she had cut him open.
“I managed to open up that belly of yours when we passed by one another. The one thing I excel at when using a blade.” As Subaru collapsed to the ground holding his stomach, she approached him, grabbing his shirt to expose his stomach.
Julius and Felix screamed in pain, their mark beaming red. The Shadowman could only look on with a smirk at their pain. But of course, they rightfully deserved it.
“Just as I thought. Your entrails have such an interesting shape to them, and such a lovely color, too!” She said while grinning at his stomach.
“It hurts... It hurts… It hurts... It hurts…” He cried holding his stomach.
“Does it hurt? Are you suffering?” She teased him while he bled out. “Do you want to die?”
As Subaru stared at her, his vision became blurry, turning “Die? Am I dead? Am I still alive? When will I die? When will I die? When?! I'm scared... I'm scared… I'm scared! I'm scared! I'm scared! I'm scared! I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die!”
His thoughts projecting right into everyone’s head like a loud metia ringing right in their ears. Echoing the same thing over and over.
“Yes, you're slowly losing body heat… You're slowly growing cold…” Looking right into his eyes.
As his breath slowed, he had his final thought. “Oh... I'm dead.”
As he thought the last words, the pain vanished from everyone, but the words kept echoing into their heads. Never leaving the forefront, a reminder that the boy IS dying, and that he does feel everything.
“So the boy dies again, I wonder how many times it will take for him to get it right?” Priscilla said while fanning herself.
“My hero has died once again!” Rem screamed, tearing up at such torture he has gone through. “Why is the world against him so!?”
“Betty’s true contractor keeps dying, and I have forsaken him.” Beatrice looks on at the ground where he bled out. Knowing she couldn’t do anything, and has made so many mistakes towards him. “Betty will fix her mistakes and save you after all of this is done.”
“So this is why I saw death in his eyes.” Wilhelm said, standing back up, wiping the sweat from his forehead from the pain. Still wondering where along his path he became an archbishop. Crusch looked over towards Wilhelm before looking over towards Felix, his body still convulsing from the pain. As she tried to move closer, the Shadowman appeared in front of her, cutting her off.
“None shall help or attempt to heal the ones with the red mark, they have earned their judgement.” He said before turning back to the two men on the ground.
“So you keep showing us these… what do you call them?” Anastasia asked, questioning why they kept seeing him die.
“They are called ‘Failed Loops,’ where Subaru has met an unfortunate outcome and dies and the world itself gets reset to a point, out of his control.” Shadowman answered in annoyance, not really wanting to answer the deceitful merchant.
“I see, so why do we keep seeing these, and not the one he lives in?” question why her time was being wasted.
“All these questions and you still have not reflected on yourselves.” He said laughingly. “Only a few have truly reflected on their errors and mistakes, but so many foolish kids have yet to realize the truth. Don’t worry, in time you all will.” He said before the world turned back to the plains.
In another loothouse elsewhere,
Felt was being held by a misty fog, before being set down by the figure. Still tearing up at what she saw.
“So you're just going to stand there and cry, when you haven’t even realized your laziness hurts others.” A voice mimicking hers said, before she turned around. Seeing herself, she only stared in disbelief.
“Your… me?” She asked shakingly.
“Of course I’m you, but a much better version, since I would’ve actually helped big bro.” She said laughingly, raising her arm to her chest. Before looking back to herself, “You need to realize you really messed up by letting him rot and not listening to him. Hell you even pushed for him to be executed, and you don’t even realize he saved us.” She said that last part in scorn.
“W-What…?” She stammered out, barely making the words out. “How did he save us…?”
“He made us run to get anyone outside to help, luckily I ran into Reinhard. And from there we were saved!” Spewing out the last bit with venom.
“Did he save Rom?! Please tell me! I can’t have Rom dead!” She cried and begged.
The other Felt could only look on in pity, “You already know the answer to that.”
“But I…” She tried to mumble, but realized that Rom still in fact lived. Her mind slowly returned to normal.
“If you still doubt the boy, ask Reinhard to confirm it, or Crusch, either way, whatever their ability tells them is the truth.” She advised her forgotten self. The other Felt nodded, before wiping away the rest of the tears, before heading towards the door. As the light peeking from out the door enveloped the room.
As Felt reappeared in the plains, the table and the two witches appeared again.
“Before we begin the next little bit, I did want to show everyone what my love is currently doing.” Satella said before revealing a screen above herself, showing Subaru running down the prison hallway.
Felix immediately raised his voice, “He’s escaping and you’re keeping us here!” Yelling at Satella before being immediately silenced.
“Of course he is, time is still continuing in the real world. And don’t worry about getting him, no one is leaving in time to stop him from whatever he does.”
“Of course you would let one of your own escape!” Garfiel yelled at Satella before being slammed into the ground.
“Be QUIET!” She yelled, making everyone fall. “Now let’s see what reckoning he will bring to the prison.”
Chapter 6: The Reckoning of the prison, and the great Journey.