Under the Mercy of Few

. . .

In those silent shades of grey

I will find a place

To escape the endless night

To find a new sun

He had been running for his life for some time before he reached the cave. He was panting hoarsely, with his heart pounding heavily in his chest, and his stomach feeling so sick that he could taste the bile rising into his throat. Nonetheless, he pressed on, dragging his tired and battered body through the entrance of the ancient tomb, which enveloped him in its welcomed shadow.

His incessant shivering gave way to the warmth of the cavern, as he felt a small measure of heat return to his frozen body. He stared with two wide eyes, which were unblinking, and with pupils so dark and blank that they appeared almost lifeless. He fell to his knees in a pitiless fashion, uncaring of their condition, which were iced over to the point that they almost couldn't function.

His thoughts were equally dull and depressant. She was here, but his vision was failing him. Hazily, he stood with the last bit of strength that he could muster, and he crept in the direction of the light. His clumsy footsteps provided a vibration of a dull thud which bounced off the winding corridor.

"—Subaru?"

As he heard that wonderful crystalline chime, it beckoned to his faded senses like a dinner bell. He followed the direction from whence it rung so beautifully. As he had done so, he felt his strength return to him, and the heat of his body envelope him in a brilliant blaze of fire.

"Emhh…" his mouth went to speak her precious name, but no discernible words came from it.

He heard soft footsteps approaching him swiftly. Sure enough, before him laid bare a most serene and innocent sight. Who stood there was the silver-haired, doe eyed half-elf to which his plight began.

At the sight of Subaru, she rushed to his side and took hold of his hand, to which he returned more than kindly. Taking notice of Subaru's state, she gasped softly at the severity of his condition. Her amethyst orbs glistened in the moonlight which pierced its way through the darkness of the tomb. Her face was contorted in a worried manner, much like that of a mother concerned about her child. She gripped his hand tighter, but was surprised when she felt his weak grip grow stronger.

"We ha-have to go, Emilia." he stuttered on his newfound voice. The bitter cold which so silenced him before dissipated at an alarming rate, partly to do with the proximity of his partner and the warmth of the air.

"Now!" he begged.

Without a word he stood and took her hand in an almost violent manner, and began to turn on his heel toward the exit of the tomb. But without question, she followed quietly, knowing that now wasn't the time for argument.

The brevity of the situation was lost to her, but she felt an unfathomable amount of pain and suffering emanating from Subaru's every movement. Pensively, she gently squeezed Subaru's hand in the most tender and apologetic way she could.

In a subtle moment, she noticed him slightly turn his head, and for a moment his eye contacted hers. His hazel brown eyes clashed almost without notice, with her swirling purple orbs. For an instant she felt his heavy and weary gaze push her down with unbearable weight, and then he faced forward and continued his march of solitude.

As the pair exited the tomb, they were met with a cold chill which sent a horrendous shiver down Emilia's spine. Snow graced the ground, and the trees were frozen in an otherworldly manner. This had to be the work of a powerful user of magic, she deduced quietly to herself. The fall of snow was noticeably fading however, signifying an end to the inclement spell, but the freezing air remained howling wildly.

Subaru stood silently, Emilia's hand still entrapped by his vice grip. He appeared to be listening out for something, but Emilia didn't quite understand who or why things were happening as they were.

Subaru listened intently, but only heard the shrill call of the whistling wind. "We still have time." he spoke darkly.

Turning to Emilia, Subaru reached into his pack and withdrew a familiar cloak. It was Emilia's old cloak, adorned with purple cat ears and all.

"My cloak!" Emilia said. "Where did you get it?"

"No time for explanations." Subaru responded. He held out his hand, and in it the cloak. "Take this and put it on. This may very well be the only way."

Emilia nodded gingerly and gently took the cloak from his hands. She wrapped it around her body and pulled the hood over her head. The cloak was specially imbued with magic to obscure the identity of those who wore it, except to those she desired to reveal her identity to. In this case, only Subaru would be able to tell who exactly she was, and to others, she appeared to be a regular human girl.

"Come on, hurry." Subaru took her hand again and began to run madly across the thick sheets of snow.

In the distance, she heard an ear-splitting shriek, possibly from some sort of demon beast. She felt Subaru grip her hand even tighter, and he began to pace himself even faster than before, which was already almost to a sprint. Through the heavy snow, it was difficult to traverse indeed, but even so they kept running, and running, out into the moonlit night sky under the infinum of stars. The smell of smoke was heavily laden in the air, as was the baleful smell of death.

Every now and then, Emilia would hear a blood-curdling scream coming from the dark forest which surround them, but Subaru would pay no heed, nor would he divert his attention from wherever he was taking her. This behavior was so unlike the Subaru that she knew, that she even felt a little scared. Although, she wasn't scared for herself, but scared for Subaru, for what he was carrying on his shoulders alone, and without her help. It pained her heart to be as utterly useless as she was. Her breath was becoming more and more labored as they made their way, with the icy cool current of air biting at her lungs, threatening to stifle its function. Breathing was indeed becoming a difficult affair, and no doubt Subaru was fairing even worse than she, but something not unlike pure madness drove him to fight through his ailments.

After some time, the two were becoming more and more wary as the elements bore down on them with an utterly heinous fury. Even so, Subaru's eyes widened sharply. His goal was in sight.

They began to approach the magical barrier of Sanctuary. He prayed that the cloak would mask Emilia's existence as a half. It was the only chance they had, and it was the last-ditch effort that Subaru so haphazardly came up with in his madness. Maybe, just maybe, this one idea would come to fruition. In this hell that he had been damned to, there was still one last glitter of hope left, and he held her hand so tightly, channeling every ounce of pain and suffering he had endured into her. It was unintentional, but he couldn't mask it any longer. He bit back a curse he so wanted to let out. His eyes could not shed any tears because they were so dry, and so bitten from the icy wind. Nevertheless, he gripped Emilia's small, frail hand even harder, and pressed on.

As she passed through the invisible barrier, Emilia began to feel light-headed, but even so she kept her composure and followed his footsteps carefully. Clearly, the magical cloak she wore found itself at odds with the magical nature of the barrier erected around Sanctuary. Normally, a half who dared to come close to the barrier found themselves lost to the world, as the barrier kept their spirits trapped forever inside of the barrier. It appeared the cloak really did mask her presence to the magical barrier. It was imbued with powerful magic indeed.

For the first time, Subaru smiled to himself, but out of view of Emilia that so she couldn't see. It wasn't a smile of happiness, or joy, as he couldn't muster to bring himself to feel any such thing after the events that had transpired. It was a smile of sheer and utter turmoil. Turmoil at the fact that they had the hope to escape the bitter cold death the rest of the people of Sanctuary were suffering.

Subaru mourned his friends. Truthfully, he didn't want to go on living anymore, but he couldn't leave Emilia to die alone in that lonely tomb, and to suffer a death so brutal and maniacal as to be eaten alive by the Great Hare. It was a death that he had once experienced, and one that he couldn't bare to let happen to the innocent girl he swore to protect. The depths of his sufferings were almost unbearable. His loss of the power to redo, so sudden and so unexplained, damned him to this forsaken purgatory forever. But while his silver-haired maiden still drew breath, he couldn't resign himself to the sweet surrender of death so easily as Roswaal L. Mathers did. No, he would find a way to make things right, even with his back against the wall such as it was. He had to be that way, he couldn't give up, if only to respect the memory of those that he lost.

He felt a weight pull him back, impeding his step.

Turning to face what kept him from their salvation, he saw Emilia, almost unconscious from exhaustion. She had collapsed to the snow, clearly struggling to breathe. Subaru, not fairing much better himself, grimaced deeply, and knelt beside her shivering body. Even with the cloak, she still suffered the effects of hypothermia. Subaru was almost in the same shape, but he had grown a little more accustomed to the devilish chill than she had. He looked to the North. Behind them was Sanctuary, a killing-field for the Great Hare. They had to get away from here, and fast, lest the vile famished Hare seek them out as well.

He had to protect her. He had to save her. He had to! There was no other reason for his existence now.

Channeling what little strength he had left, Subaru braced her motionless body and hoisted her above his shoulders. Luckily enough, her petite frame did not prove to be an insurmountable task for even the likes of Subaru to accomplish.

He took a step and stumbled, catching himself before he fell. Cursing to himself, he tried again, trudging slowly through the snow, and yet again taking another step, and another step...and another. One after another, Subaru swore to his soul.

"I will…" he whispered hoarsely to himself.

What came next was unintelligible amongst the howling shriek of the blistering wind.

After some time, the moonlit sky began to give way to sunrise, and the horrible night was suddenly vanquished in a brilliant maroon red which began to peak itself over the green trees. By now, the snow had all but melted, as the magic which created the environment had long since been silenced. You could even hear birds chirping and other wildlife creating their morning sounds. It was as if they had stepped into another world entirely. A peaceful green world opposite of the bleak, cold hell they found themselves entrapped in just the night before.

Subaru didn't know how long he had been walking. He didn't quite care. Even as his body should have shut down from exhaustion long ago, he kept going, he kept willing himself to not give up. He still carried the motionless girl on his back. By now she was softly sleeping, as he could feel the tickle of her even breath on the back of his neck. Her arms were wrapped gently around his neck, and he carried her from underneath her legs. He would have liked to rest, but honestly, he did not want to disturb her peaceful sleep so locked away from this terrible world.

As the warmth returned to the air in brilliant style, Subaru breathed a deep sigh of relief. He hadn't seen a sign of the Great Hare since they made it across the Sanctuary Barrier. He wasn't sure why the Hare had ceased its brutal attack, but he didn't quite care anyway. He was just glad to have escaped that hellish nightmare, as selfish and inconsiderate as it was. He was powerless now, he couldn't redo, and he couldn't just go back and fix things like before. He was just a normal human being now. It was because of this, he couldn't throw away his life so recklessly. This was the final chance, the final timeline, as doomed as it was. He had to make the best of it anyway.

Subaru didn't know exactly where they were going, but all he knew that anywhere was better than where they were coming from. As the cool air had completely dissipated, Subaru had decided that maybe it was time for a little rest. He took a short path off the road next to a large old tree, adorned with winding moss hanging from its many branches. Finding some soft green grass, he decided that this was a good spot to relax a little bit. He gently knelt and lowered the sleeping girl in his arms down to the ground, laying her on the velvety smooth grass.

The shade provided by the tree was calming indeed. There was a gentle breeze in the air much unlike the violent blistering wind from the night before. The weather was agreeable, and the sun began to peak over the trees of the beautiful forest. The boy breathed in deeply, absorbing the atmosphere, and let out a haggard sigh.

He looked down at the sleeping beauty. Her elegant, rounded visage made it appear that nothing had ever transpired at all. Indeed, she was unaware of the events that had happened, and she had invested her trust in Subaru to take care of her even though she didn't fully understand why he had taken her the way he did. She had put her innermost trust in him, and for that, he felt a warmth overtake his body at the realization she had surrendered herself to him in all her innocence.

"Emilia…" he cooed her name softly as he went to move her silver bangs from her eyes.

Her eyes were heavy, even though she slept soundly. No doubt she was wary from attempting the trial so much and without rest. His eyes narrowed, as he noticed the glowing green crystal at the base of her neck was unusually dull and lifeless. There was a small crack at the tip of the crystal.

Subaru went to touch the crystal, but as he made contact with the lifeless thing, he felt nothing.

"Puck." he called out the vaunted spirit's name. There was no response.

If Puck was gone forever, surely their situation was even worse than he could have imagined. Subaru was almost powerless compared to most of his adversaries, and now Emilia may have lost a good amount of her power and familial support as well.

"Even you can be like me."

Subaru stepped back slightly at the memory of Roswaal's dying decree. It rung in his head, beckoning him to give in to madness, like that man had. He had gambled everything, even his life, on Subaru's power to redo. The memory of the Hare ripping him to pieces, eating him alive, was fresh in his mind. What utter madness had taken over that man. Now that power he relied so heavily on ceased to exist for reason's he could not explain. He could say the few words, and with no repercussions.

"I can return by death!" he declared to no one in particular, with no ill effect or consequence.

That sinister spirit which resided within him, was seemingly gone without explanation or cause. Subaru considered the possibility of suicide, to end it once and for all. His tiny meaningless existence only had the importance that it did because of the one power that gave him an advantage over anyone else, and now that was gone too. Of course, if he killed himself, would not return like before.

He would be dead.

Feeling the dark thoughts of death welcoming him into its loving embrace, he peered down at the sleeping angel before him. Again, he remembered why he kept pushing himself to keep going in this evil world. He was doing it for her. It was a selfish reason. He wasn't doing it for himself, he wasn't doing it for those that he lost. That was only an excuse, he realized. He was just doing it for her. She was his final link to this damnable world that had made him suffer like no other.

Subaru fell to his knees next to the motionless half-elf. He may have fell a bit too close, because Emilia's eyes slowly lidded open, revealing her vibrant amethyst eyes. Her emerald pupils narrowed at the somber boy who knelt before her. Without him noticing, she carefully sat up, and reached out her hand to clasp his.

"Subaru?" she called him, his name rolling from her mouth like a gently flowing river. She carefully fingered his lifeless hand with her own.

A chime from the sweetest bell broke him from his dismal trance. He looked up from the grassy knoll, and locked eyes with the exotic beauty which cascaded his every thought. Instantly, he felt his heart stop, and his throat began to swell, rendering him unable to speak. His eyes began to well up, and a lone tear escaped down his cheek.

It was intercepted by a compassionate finger.

"Subaru." she cooed his name again, gently stroking his face.

Tears were flowing freely now from his stricken eyes. She cradled his head in her arms and led him down to her lap where he found peace where none could give it. In utter resignation, he collapsed into her, all the emotions that he had been holding in, escaped freely with reckless abandon. He was almost wailing like a small child against her now. She could feel her skirt becoming damp from his sadness. In his despair, she brought her mouth within an inch of his ear, and sung sweet nothings to him in her own desperate effort to calm him. She stroked his hair back and forth, and drew sweet circles on his convulsing back.

At her tender embrace, Subaru exposed himself in all his grief. The soft melody of her soothing voice threatened to lull him to sleep. He felt the hair stand up on the back of his neck, and a comforting warmth overtook him. The deaths of his friends caused him such insurmountable grief, of her friends too, even if she didn't know it. He didn't know how to tell her. Maybe she already knew, maybe she could sense it emanating from his own anguish, from every cry that escaped his mouth. Even so, if she knew, she still had to be strong, so she could bring comfort to him.

Any the case, he didn't care. He welcomed her soft and loving touch. He wanted to bury himself in her, to fall asleep, and never wake up. In her arms, his sleep would be without nightmare, without visions of death and destruction. It would be a fitful sleep with only the memory of her enchanting smile which brought the deepest warmth to his being, even so stricken by the pain of loss. That was her power over him, that was her spell to which she had cast upon him.

While Subaru released the agony of the world upon her small frame, Emilia blinked, letting a little, single solitary tear of her own sneak by. It fell wistfully onto Subaru's hand as he desperately clung to her legs. In an instant, Subaru's cries ceased, his convulsions coming to an unexpected end. He slowly withdrew his face from the comforting escape of her lap, and with a keen eye, looked up at the woman who held him. Her gorgeous amethyst eyes were sprinkled with small tear droplets, ready to fall at any moment. Even so, she held them dutifully, as Subaru's still fell solemnly.

In an instant, his hand cupped her cheek, and in another, his lips covered her own.

Beneath the lush canopy of ancient trees, two lovers went largely unnoticed by the inhabitants of the forest. Squirrels nestled deeply in their warm burrows, birds fluttered throughout the air, playing their joyful games and singing their songs, and the deer frolicked among themselves, enjoying the peaceful blue skies which graced them.

Through all of this, the two continued their elaborate dance, ignorant of all the sufferings and happenings of the world which surround them.

Subaru knelt forward, deepening his kiss, quickly becoming intoxicated with the sweet scent and taste of his partner who he so loved dearly. Her glowing amethyst orbs were still speckled with tears, but still they did not fall. As he continued, she lidded her eyes shut, as a small, pleasurable moan escaped her. Subaru didn't know specifically how long they had been locked together like this, but he wanted more, and more. As Subaru breathed heavily through his nose, tickling Emilia with his desperate breath, she remained still, holding her own breath ever so diligently. Noticing this, Subaru ceased his wanton and unexpected romance to allow some air to enter her lungs.

Emilia panted hoarsely as she laid back against the base of the tree, her normally rose-colored cheeks now painted a bright shade of red. As she recuperated her senses, Subaru continued to stare her down with a lustful gaze.

She looked nothing short of mesmerizing as she laid against that old wise tree, whose branches jutted out over them like ballerinas in step. Her glistening vibrant eyes reflected brightly in the sun, and her silver hair flowed gently in the wind. She was truly something so otherworldly beautiful that he couldn't find a competent way to describe her using only words.

He himself was full of wild emotion, from pure sadness one moment to a bashful joy in another. The best way to describe his current self was pure uncontrollable mania. Emilia however, did not bore an expression of anger, or dismay, but of a serene innocence. She blinked inquisitively at Subaru, seemingly trying to read his mind, or see why he had come at her with such eager hunger as he did. She breathed short, quick heavy breaths as she stared him down, possibly somewhat disappointed that he ended their dance so abruptly.

Noticing this, he quickly crawled over to her, placing his hand on her own, interlacing their fingers together perfectly.

He had never felt so much uncontrollable desire for anyone in his entire life, his intense yearning for her overcoming his normally pragmatic self. He pressed himself desperately against her petite frame and his mouth orbited hungrily in the direction of her pale creamy neck.

Emilia, just recovering from his prior advances on her, did not expect another one, but it wasn't completely unwelcomed, nor was it unpleasant. She let out another sigh, which contained a mixture between excitement, pleasure, and confusion. Simultaneously, Subaru began playfully kissing her neck, tenderly taking in every bit of her that he could while lost in the heat of the moment. He absorbed her taste, her smell, and her touch, as every bit of her was so intoxicating that he felt himself unable to stop. Her heat enraptured him, encasing him a pleasurable ball of fire.

For her, his kiss excited her just as much, as it was unlike anything she had ever felt before. She didn't know why this was happening, but she couldn't bring herself to stop his playful advances, and so she gripped his hand harder, and pressed pleasingly into Subaru, her too, beginning to lose herself in the moment.

As he felt her press herself into him in such a receptive response he did not expect, Subaru almost lost himself right then and there. Instantly, he found himself dancing from the cream of her neck, to the side of her jaw, to her ears, and back to her parted lips. It was a momentous feeling, and it felt nothing short of a small piece of heaven within this hellish world.

"Subhh—" she partially mouthed his name as he further explored her mouth. His hand traveled to the nape of her neck to gently tip her head back, so he could maybe delve even deeper. Growing bolder, Subaru clearly had lost all semblance of thought into what he was currently doing.

Suddenly, one of the lone tears that she held up until this point, escaped quietly down her cheek.

As Subaru felt the heat of its touch, and its admittedly salty taste, it momentarily released him from the dreamscape of a world he had escaped to. His eyes widened at the shock of what he was doing. Shock began to replace itself with anger, anger replaced itself with grief, grief at himself for his reckless actions. As he stared into her tearful eyes, he cursed himself for his insolence in taking advantage of her fragile and susceptible state of mind. Even still she stared at him with the same innocence and purity that she always did. What had he done?

"I'm despicable." He didn't say it aloud, but he wanted to.

She lay against the mossy tree breathlessly, splayed out and still, like a deer alert in the forest. Confused at why Subaru had ceased his actions, her emerald pupils were dilated to an enormous size from the excitement which took over her every thought. She noticed his aura was much different than it was just moments before. Now, his eyes were again dark and full of sadness and his perpetual grimace had returned to grace his heavy features.

Mistaking her confused innocence for displeasure, Subaru used it to further justify why his vain futility. He quickly stood, and with heavy steps he turned and walked off, clearly beside himself.

Noticing this, Emilia stood and with haste, she gathered herself. She quickly followed him and in a small gesture of reassurance, she took hold of his hand. Subaru immediately froze, as if he was caught in a bear-trap.

"Subaru, why?" she questioned him. "What is happening? Why did we leave everyone at Sanctuary? Please tell me, please! I don't understand what's happening, or why we are here." It was a plea for the truth.

Darkness overtook him, and as she mouthed something else, it was all but lost to his ears.

Subaru felt a cold chill overtake his body, a brutal, merciless snap back to the reality which beset them. It was as if all the hot blood in his body began to dissipate, and with it the warmth as well.

It was Emilia's nature to allow others to take precedent over herself. Subaru knew that, and yet even so he was still somewhat disappointed at her question. Amidst all the pain of remembrance from the night before, he still held his reverence of her over everyone else. He truly was disgusting, he thought to himself again. Why did he always feel sorry for himself? Maybe he just wanted to be acknowledged by the last person alive who mattered to him. The only reason he still drew breath.

He flinched as he felt her hand squeeze his gently to awake him from his inner chastisement. Turning to face her, he locked eyes with her amethyst orbs yet again, exposing his inner turmoil to her. Accidentally letting his guard down, he noticed her face contort into one filled with both concern and understanding.

Holding both of his hands now, she silently begged him for an answer. He really couldn't hide his emotions from her. It wasn't possible. He had to tell her anyway, he couldn't hide it from her any longer. He narrowed his eyes at her, and his mouth went to speak, although there was a slight pause as a small gust of wind ruffled the feathers of the forest.

"They are all gone," he said, looking down as he uttered the words. He wasn't man enough to look her in the eye as her heart broke. "They were killed by the Great Hare. Roswaal, Ram, Beatrice, everyone at Sanctuary is gone, and everyone at the mansion was murdered too."

He fell to his knees in defeat, still avoiding eye contact with Emilia. He hadn't heard a sound from her since he admitted the truth, as all he heard was the shallow breeze flowing through the trees, and the occasional chirp from the birds.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..." he cried, as he resigned himself to sorrow. It was all he could do to keep from breaking down right here and now in front of her. He had to be stronger, he had to-

A soft hand cupped his cheek, breaking his thought.

"Subaru," she spoke softly. It was almost eerie how calm her voice was, as if nothing had happened at all. He slowly looked up at her angelic face. "You've been through a lot, haven't you?" The gentleness of her lullaby contrasted heavily with the bleak thoughts which plagued his mind.

"Emilia…" Subaru broke. His voice faltered, his body shook, and his face contorted in anguish. "Why…is it so terrible? Why? Rem… Ram… Everyone… Why? Emilia…"

By now he had latched onto her for dear life, like he was about to lose her forever. He gripped hard enough that he maybe would never let go. He surely didn't intend to. Tumultuous emotions blanketed his fragile mind. Indeed, he was the weak one. Emilia had to be strong for him, for now, she was his strength, as he was hers.

"I know…" she whispered soothingly into his ear, rocking him like a toddler.

A tear or two escaped her glistening eyes as well, silently mourning her own losses. But for now, she had to comfort the one who felt their deaths rested on his shoulders and his alone. The weight was unbearable to hold alone. Because of this, they would bear such a burden together.

"Please… listen to my voice, Subaru."

As he lay there in her lap, attentive to her sweet voice, she began to weave him a beautiful song. He couldn't quite understand her, as she seemingly sung it to him in a different language, but it was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard. It must have been the language of the angels, as its sophistication and elegance were unmatched. The purity and serenity of her voice captivated him, enchanting him under a mystical spell, and he began to lose himself in sweet surrender. Her voice was like the sound of the crystal-clear ocean, flowing endlessly until the end of time, or the singing voice of a songbird, flying freely through a mountain pass over an ancient azure river.

Fumbling to find the words to describe such a pure sound, Subaru tucked himself into her, and his eyes slowly began to close shut. For once, he felt some measure of peace.

As he resigned himself to lay in the angel's arms, she continued to sing her song to him long after he passed into the oblivion of sleep. His eyes were dried, and his breath was even now, no longer chaotic and full of agony. She stroked his forehead with every bit of love and tender care that she could conjure. She wanted to comfort him, be there for him, as he had been there for her. He had done so much for her, even if it came to the disastrous conclusion that it did. He sacrificed himself for her, his purity, and innocence. He was scarred now, she knew. It was all that she could do to be there for him in his darkest hour.

"Sleep, my Knight." she wove every syllable into his ear with meticulous care.

Soon, she found herself nodding off as well, lost in the peaceful moment for which they shared. Maybe her claim for the throne had ended, maybe her journey to free her people was all but folly. It didn't matter anymore. The only thing that mattered to her now was this boy in her arms who had given her everything he had, and so, she would return the favor in the best way that she could. Her eyes lidded, once, twice, her grip on his hand loosening ever so slightly, even as his remained steadfast. In a moments time, beneath the brush of the luscious trees, Emilia fell fast asleep, in the arms of her hero.

If anyone dared to pass by a long and winding road southeast of Priestella, none would notice the two nestled beneath a wise tree just off the path. Only the wildlife of the forest came to see who their new visitors were, curious to see who had intruded upon their territory. But even they refused to disturb the two and their sacred rest.

Subaru's sleep, while calm and peaceful, was full of thought. In the dark depths of his mind, he pondered to himself a future with Emilia and Emilia alone. Was he selfish for that? Was he selfish to want to find a peace in this world when so many had suffered and died for nothing? He didn't quite understand or immediately find an answer to his questions, but even so in the deep underworld of his subconscious, he dreamed of love.

Amongst that wonderful dream of love, he heard a distant, but soothingly familiar voice.

I know which is my fate

Bond to Erian's old tale

I'll be always there

Fighting the ancient sin

Moon shine in this eternal night

. . .

Subaru was awoken by gentle drops of rain.

He blinked his eyes open, struggling to banish the sleep from his mind. He realized that the beautiful blue skies had been replaced by a bleak, smoldering grey sky. The sound of birds singing in the air too, had vanished. Now the happy sounds of toads excited by their newfound puddles had replaced them in large number. Eddies of rain began to fall from the trees from above, however, the large canopy which surrounded them provided ample shelter to keep them from the worst of the downpour.

Gathering his wits about him, Subaru sat up and shook Emilia gently. Her long dark lashes fluttered, and her eyes peaked open, revealing her gentle amethyst eyes. Smiling softly at her, the first real genuine smile he had in ages, Subaru took her hand and shrugged.

"Look at this weather," he quipped nonchalantly, as if she hadn't realized they were being rained on. "Shouldn't we get to someplace warm, Emilia?"

Returning his smile with one of her own, she nodded politely in agreement.

"Of course."

She stood with his help, brushing off her skirt. Noticing her apparent condition, she wouldn't mind a shower and a change of clothes as well. She pointed toward the west. "If we take this road a little further, we will come to the crossroads between the Capital and Priestella. Maybe we should go to Priestella?"

It was just a thought.

"Priestella, huh?" Subaru wondered. "Isn't that the port city between Kararagi, Gusteko, and the Vollachia Empire?" Maybe they could run away from Lugnica, far away from the troubles which plagued them?

Emilia nodded delicately. "Yes, Subaru." she said, appearing to be nervous, as if she was unsure on what she was about to say. "I want to get away from here. Now that Roswaal is gone, my sponsorship for the throne is gone with it. I don't have a reason to be here any longer."

Slowly, she reached her hand out to Subaru.

"Will y-you take me away from here?" she stuttered, revealing her unsurety.

Stunned, Subaru looked at her with slight apprehension. Was this Emilia he was speaking to, or was it the Emilia whose mind was made so fragile by Roswaal's machinations and deception? He couldn't tell for sure, but regardless, he would do her best to protect her in any way that he could. In an instant, he decided what he would do.

He took her hand. Emilia looked up at him with vibrant, emotional eyes.

"—Subaru…" she whispered softly. "You will support me?"

Subaru nodded. "Of course, Emilia. I will always be there for you. I made a promise, and I don't intend to break that promise."

It was the last promise he had left, to save her. All his other promises that he made had been broken, to others, and to himself. However, he could do nothing about it now. He had to pick up what he had and move on. This was the one promise that the rest of his promises were built upon.

At this, a warm, rosy color tinted her cheeks. "Thank you, Subaru," she whispered shyly, giving him her best bright smile that he so adored. "Thank you for being there for me."

"Let's get out of this rain, Emilia."

With her hand in his, he decided to take her far away from here, away from all the troubles of the world.

She looked wondrously up at him, and he met eyes with her.

"Let's go to Priestella." he said with resolve, and he looked forward.

She smiled softly at him, and with a step, they began their journey.

There were many winding paths and intricate roads that led them to their destination. However not all paths that led them to Priestella were the safest. Some were infested with beasts of all kinds, and others with bandits ready to pilfer anything a passing traveler had. It was because of this, that Emilia and Subaru had to tread more than carefully. With limited supplies, they needed a way to find food and shelter and fast. They would avoid the road to the Mathers Mansion, as Subaru knew what dangers awaited them there, regardless if Roswaal was dead or not. They would be wise to avoid the main road in general. So, Subaru chose to take the road less travelled, to escape attention that the unusual pair would bring.

Nobody sung high songs for halves in this area, and with her likeness to the Witch Satella, Emilia would most likely spend most of her public appearances concealed under the safety net of her magical cloak. Subaru didn't mind at all, in fact, the last thing he wanted was to bring attention to themselves. He wanted to disappear with Emilia, never to be seen again. That was the only way they were going to live any long and prosperous life together, as such a high number of evil agents clearly sought out Emilia for reasons he did not fully understand.

Between the path leading toward Arlam Village and the Flugel Crossroads, the pair found a long-abandoned road, whose crooked path looped in and out like a snake. By now, the weather had long since deteriorated into a murky bog of a storm. It was because of this that the pair met very few travelers on the roads, as all the sensible merchants and vagabonds were nestled comfily in warm shelter.

The surrounding forests were shrouded in a misty fog as thick as the sheets of ice they traversed just the night before.

"Ah… If only we had a dragon carriage!" Subaru exclaimed to no one in particular.

Emilia chuckled quietly to herself behind him.

He really missed Patrasche. Hopefully that loyal girl made it out of the massacre by the Hare. His memory briefly took him back to when he found the loyal beast trapped in the stables at the Mathers Mansion. He had ridden her back to Sanctuary before letting her go, as she could not traverse the frozen hell created by Roswaal.

He remember the haunted memories of Petra and Frederica. The violence of their deaths, and the despair it brought.

He shook his head to release them from his thoughts.

"Maybe we can hitch a ride with someone?" Emilia added innocently, thankfully breaking him from his momentary return to grief. "There's always someone willing to pick up a gir-"

"No, no, no." Subaru gestured in disagreement. "We should avoid contact with anyone for now. I don't want anyone to know where we are or who we are. It's safest for us that way."

"Okay!" Emilia nodded quickly in agreement. Now that she thought about it, it would be extremely important to conceal her identity to everyone but Subaru. Cautiously, she adjusted the hood she wore back over her long pointy ears, concealing them from view.

Feeling his stomach growl profusely, Subaru grimaced. He hadn't eaten for what felt like days now. He was certain Emilia hadn't eaten either, as she had locked herself away for days at a time in the tomb, endlessly attempting the trial until she could do no more. He looked back at her, watching her keep pace quietly behind him. She seemed to be at ease, and she clearly wasn't in anymore distress than he was.

She truly was amazing. Her strength seemed to grow as his began to fade. It was like a natural balance that they shared, an ability to pick each other up and hold one another through the most desperate of times. He was just worried about the fragility of her mind. He still remembered her confession of love to him in the tomb, real or unreal as it was. Even though she appeared strong, her mind was in a gentle state during that time, so he kept it as a memory locked away in the back of his head rather than at the forefront of his thoughts. He wouldn't prod her about it, instead he would let her fragile state of mind heal, as he would let his own heal as well. Both Emilia and himself needed time to mend themselves. Time healed all wounds, thankfully.

"Look!" Subaru was jolted from his deep thought by Emilia shouting excitedly. "Over the trees, there's smoke. It could be Nicia."

"What's Nicia?" Subaru questioned her, as he peered over the forest. He cupped his hands, as if he were staring through an eyeglass.

Through the damp foliage and moderate trickle of rain, he could see a light hazy smoke through the clearing. The fog appeared to end as well, no doubt there was something over there.

"It's a village in between Priestella and Ladrima." she said, explaining to him in simple terms. "We can find food and shelter there, and wait for the storm to pass. Should we make a stop there?"

"I think so." Subaru agreed with her. "It should be small enough to avoid a lot of attention from outsiders, but big enough to get lost in."

Truthfully, he would prefer to make the trek straight to Priestella. The city was large enough for anyone looking to lay low to lose themselves in. They weren't criminals on the lam by any means, but they wanted to act like such. Avoiding unwanted attention was extremely important right now, especially when word gets out of the death of Roswaal L. Mathers. Come to think of it, he didn't give it much thought before, but some will become suspicious about Roswaal's death. Some may even blame Emilia for his demise that he created for himself. He wouldn't let her shoulder the blame for that bastard's evil machinations.

Subaru took her hand and the two began to pace themselves a little faster than before now that they were close to civilization.

He couldn't wait to get a warm cozy bed by the fire, and a hot meal. If he could just sleep for more than a few hours at a time, his mood would improve dramatically. No doubt Emilia needed rest as well. She was probably more stressed than he was, from the trial, the deaths of her friends, and the loss of Puck. He didn't even want to know what she was really feeling. All he knew is that he would do his best to support her as she supported him.

The two crossed a small wooden bridge which hung over a shallow creek. Becoming more and more anxious as they approached the village, Subaru felt himself starving.

He was thirsty too. Their provisions were nonexistent, and they had been travelling for almost a day with nothing to fuel their tired bodies with. Finding himself unable to last any longer, Subaru ran down to the stream, and he fell almost head first into the water. Hungrily, he drank from the fresh water, cupping it in his hands and bringing it eagerly to his mouth.

Oh god, he thought to himself. He didn't realize how thirsty he really was. Likewise, Emilia knelt beside him, and she enjoyed some of the pure stream herself. It was a peaceful moment shared between the two. The sounds of the gentle rain drops coupled with the rhythmic flowing of the river was soothing indeed, even if Subaru found himself almost shivering from being damp so long. He was just glad to be at peace with Emilia for now, and finally soon they would have some ample rest.

"Not bad, huh?" he said, making a cute little remark to her as he continued to drink from the river.

"It really isn't." she replied shortly, waving him off. "I was thirsty!"

They both shared a good laugh between themselves, and soon enough they continued on their way. The village was close, not even a half mile's way down the dirt road. After all the walking they had done, it felt like no time before they passed through the entrance of the settlement, and they found themselves at a broad wooden gate.

At their arrival, a rotten wooden panel slid open, revealing a cloaked figure who eyed them down with peculiar curiosity.

"Who goes there?" he questioned the pair cautiously. "What brings you two to Nicia? We want no troubles' here."

"Our business is our own." Subaru replied defiantly. "We have just come to seek a little bit of warmth and shelter. We would be infinitely generous of your hospitality if you would allow us. We won't stay a days' time, and then we will be on our way." He gestured to his partner who appeared to be a normal girl.

The man nodded in understanding, and he unlocked the gate. Cracking the door open, he said, "A boy and a girl all the ways' out here with no supplies? Oh, well, okay then. You can't be too careful these days, there's been word of bandit and Mabeast attacks all over Lugnica! Terrible times these are."

Subaru nodded in understanding of the guard's worry, and they followed their safe passage into the village.

The village itself was rather impressive for one as remote as it was. It wasn't on the direct road to Priestella, but quite a bit out of the way. It wasn't an ideal trade route per say, but clearly the village was functioning at a high capacity, as the buildings all appeared in decent shape.

Obviously due to the inclement weather, travel was short in the village. He numbered a great deal of shops and stores to choose from, but he had his eye on the inn which resided across from the gateway into the village.

Its nameplate read, "The Dancing Dragon". The image on the nameplate showed a ground dragon in dance with a mug of mead in its hand.

Aptly named, Subaru thought to himself.

As the pair entered the inn, they were met with a merry sight of men and demi-human alike, all sharing in drink and festivity. The inn was dark and dreary, and it held travelers from all walks of life in its halls. It was like something straight out of a fantasy book that Subaru used to read when he was a kid. Staring in wide wonder, he shot Emilia a smirk, and she smiled softly back at him.

As they approached the bartender, he stared at them with one wide eye. The other had apparently long since been gouged out. "Well would you look at what we have here!" he said, in bombastic acknowledgement. "What brings you youngins out here to Nicia?"

"We are just staying for one night." Subaru said, placing three gold coins on the table. "Would you mind if you gave us a warm room, and a hot meal?"

Taking the gold pieces in his hand, the bartender smiled greedily to himself.

"Well, we might have been completely booked before, but I think I can accommodate you!" he said as he turned around and grabbed two wooden bowls for the pair, and two mugs.

Subaru watched him curiously as he scooped out two nice sized bowls of soup for them. Emilia smiled brightly to him, she was clearly starving. The bartender also filled the two half pint mugs full of mead.

"Here you two are!" he said, politely handing them their dinner, spoons, mugs, bowls and all. "Last door down the hallway, on the right."

Taking the door key from the bartender's massive stubby hand, Subaru gave him his thanks and the two made their way through the bustling inn all the way to their room.

Sliding the key in and turning it deftly, Subaru opened the door, revealing a nice little comfy room complete with one bed, a desk, a lantern, a nice view of the village through the window and a lounging area. The bathroom really wasn't all that impressive though, but it would have to suffice.

He turned to Emilia, noticing her struggling to carry the two mugs of mead and the bowls of soup. He laughed slightly at her predicament, her clearly not enjoying it at all.

"Here, let me get those for you." he said, taking his mug, and bowl from her. Any moments more and she probably would have dropped it all. "Okay! Let's eat!"

Emilia nodded happily to her partner and the two dug into their meals with absolute lust. Forgetting his table manners, Subaru slurped down the soup and chugged the mead as if it was the last meal he was ever going to have. Laughing at the sight before him, Emilia sipped some mead from her mug as well, enjoying the pungent burn of its alcohol as it trickled down her throat.

"Mhmm…" she hummed, letting out a pleasurable groan of contentment. She wasn't an alcoholic by any means, but she really did enjoy a good drink, especially after all the events that occurred. She felt her stresses and worries slowly melting away with every sip.

Subaru however had not enjoyed his meal at all, devouring it all just as he had got it. The mead was surprisingly stronger than he had suspected, because he began to feel a little lightheaded.

"It's sooooo good." Emilia said to him, drawing out a few syllables for effect. "Hey Subaru, are you okay?"

She looked at him funny as if something may have been wrong with his face.

His cheeks had turned bright red, like he was nervous for whatever reason, and his face was sort of…blank. Maybe he was allergic to alcohol?

She grabbed his hand and squeezed him slightly to get his attention. It took him a few seconds to realize she was staring at him dead in the eye.

"Hey, don't you like to drink? You drank that so fast! I thought you didn't enjoy alcohol like that, Subaru."

He gave her his best wiry smile and a curious thumbs up. Wordlessly, he stood up and plopped unceremoniously on the bed, obviously unconscious.

Emilia chuckled quietly to herself, covering her mouth to stifle an even louder laughter. Subaru really was something special, she thought to herself.

Getting up, she picked up the used dishes and began to scrub them clean in the sink. After that was done, she removed her damp cloak, shirt and dress and hung them near the window to dry. Shivering to herself, she felt relief as her skin finally began to dry. Worryingly, she noticed Subaru had not taken his clothes off, which were still soaking wet from the rain outside. If he slept like that, surely, he would catch a cold.

Sighing gently to herself, she stepped quietly over to his motionless body and very carefully, began to remove his shirt. As she pulled the shirt off, it revealed his naked body to her, painting her cheeks with red at the sight of it. Her innocence may have been too much for her to handle sometimes. Luckily enough, he did not stir one bit as she had done so.

The culmination of alcohol, exhaustion, and the warm environment must have taken its toll on him, she thought to herself.

After hanging his shirt on the wall as well, she too tucked herself into bed, savoring the warmth which overtook her body. It was a nice, warm feather bed which was actually very comfortable for the price they paid.

Pulling the sheets back, she tucked Subaru in, who still lay unconscious on his stomach. His mouth hung open just slightly, as his breath was even and smooth. She had never slept in such proximity to someone like this in the long years of her life. Her heart pounded heavily in her chest, as it was an exhilarating feeling to be this close to Subaru. She was so close, that she could feel the warmth of his body roll off onto her own, encasing her in his presence. Pulling the warm sheets over herself, she too began to feel the effects of exhaustion overtake her.

Not a few moments later, in the warm embrace of each other, Subaru and Emilia slept peacefully next to one another, the rain still falling gently outside.

Unbeknownst to Emilia, the emerald green crystal at the base of her chest pulsated, full of life.

Hopefully, the peace would last. Puck mused pensively to himself.