fics I read

The early morning air was thick with mist as Subaru and his group prepared to set off toward Banan. The nasty-eyed stretched his arms above his head, breathing in the cool air while Beatrice stood by, brushing down her dress and glancing up at him with her usual, unimpressed look. "Beako, you ready?" Subaru asked, rolling his shoulders.

The spirit gave him a sharp nod, her curls bouncing. "Betty is always prepared, I suppose."

Heinkel, half-awake, staggered forward, shielding his eyes from the rising sun. "What's the rush, kid?" He slurred, looking like he hadn't slept a wink.

"Just excited for Banan. Plus, Halibel will show us around, right?" Subaru gave a sly grin to the towering wolf-man who had joined them the night before.

Halibel merely nodded, his stoic face unchanging. "I'll take ya there, but remember, Banan's not as forgiving as Kyo. People there have a way of testing strangers."

"Nothing I can't handle, right?" Subaru winked at the triplets, who had finally settled after the chaos of the previous night's encounter.

Mimi, ever-enthusiastic, gave him a wide grin. "Mimi thinks Subaru can handle anything!"

The dragon carriage was back in service, with a new driver at the helm. Subaru took his seat next to Heinkel, with Beatrice settled on his other side. Across from him, the triplets had formed a cozy huddle, with Halibel taking up the front position, his keen gaze fixed on the road.

As they set off, the carriage began its steady rhythm, the clopping of the dragon's claws muffled by the morning mist. Subaru pulled out a map, pointing to their route through Kagaragi. "So, Halibel, what's Banan like?"

Halibel paused, thinking. "Banan's where Alec Hoshin made his final stand before uniting the lands. It's got history, but it's not peaceful. Ya'll see a lot of traders and mercenaries, people with their own agendas. Best watch yer back."

"Sounds like my kind of place." Subaru glanced at the others. "We're keeping a low profile, everyone. Don't go attracting trouble, okay?"

Heinkel raised an eyebrow, chuckling. "You talkin' to us or to yourself, kid?"

Subaru shrugged. "Guess we'll find out soon enough."

As the morning wore on, the carriage bounced over rough patches of road, and the forest gave way to stretches of rocky plains. The midnight-boy noticed his spirit staring out the window, her usual expression softened.

"Beako, what ya thinking about?" he asked quietly.

She turned her gaze to him, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "This land is different, I suppose. The magic here feels... layered, like it holds old secrets."

"Couldn't have said it better myself." Subaru sighed. "It's got a different energy, doesn't it? Makes me wonder if there's more to Alec Hoshin than just legend."

"People in Banan think so." Halibel's voice cut in. "They say Hoshin's influence lingers, like a ghost. Some even say he left behind instructions—a hidden code for those he considered worthy."

"Now you're just tempting me to go treasure-hunting!" Subaru chuckled, casting a glance at the Hoshin triplets. "Wouldn't you three love to dig into Kagaragi's 'mysteries?"

The triplets looked at each other, grinning. "Sounds like fun!" Mimi chirped. Tivey adjusted his monocle, looking intrigued. Even Hetaro cracked a smile, giving Subaru a thumbs-up.

Around midday, the landscape began to change again as they neared Banan. They could see the city walls in the distance, towering and formidable against the hazy sky. The air grew colder, and a faint scent of smoke and spice drifted toward them.

Halibel pointed ahead. "Banan's just beyond that ridge.""

As they entered the city gates, the bustling atmosphere hit them immediately. Vendors shouted their wares, mercenaries in armored cloaks moved through the crowds, and the streets teemed with people haggling, eating, and laughing. Subaru and his group were immediately met with stares, and Subaru could sense the sharp eyes on them as they made their way through the crowd.

"We should find an inn before anything else," Subaru said, tightening his hold on Beatrice's small hand. "Let's try not to lose each other."

Just as they reached a quieter street, they were approached by a group of guards. Their leader, a tall man with sharp eyes and a heavy scar across his cheek, stepped forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"Welcome to Banan. Word's spread of a strange group coming in from the east. What's your business here?"

Subaru met the man's gaze evenly, feeling Halibel's steady presence beside him. "We're travelers," Subaru replied smoothly. "Here to learn about Kagaragi. And I've got a personal interest in yer land."

The guard raised an eyebrow, glancing at Halibel. "Is that so? Interesting company you've got, stranger. Just make sure you don't get involved in things you can't handle."

Halibel gave a nod, and the guard withdrew, though not without a lingering look. As they continued down the street, Subaru turned to Halibel. "Friendly place."

Halibel chuckled, "It's Banan's way of keeping order. Don't mind them—they'll warm up to ya if ya don't cause em' problems.'"

The afternoon sun cast a golden hue over Lugnica's bustling marketplace as Julius moved through the crowded streets toward the Hoshin Company headquarters. His mind buzzed with questions after his conversation with Reinhard, and he felt a need to understand Anastasia's view on recent events. Her casual attitude about Subaru's growing power and close relationship with her triplets puzzled him.

When Julius entered the Hoshin Company's grand office, he found Anastasia reclining in her favorite armchair, a sly smirk playing on her lips as she observed him. She looked relaxed, but her eyes glinted with her usual sharpness.

"Lady Anastasia," Julius greeted, bowing slightly. "I came to discuss our friends in Kagaragi—particularly Subaru."

Anastasia gave a mock sigh and placed her chin in her hand. "Our friends? Ya seem quite concerned about them, don'tcha, Julius? I think ya been around that boy' long enough to know he's got a strange talent for attractin' trouble."

Julius felt a flicker of irritation at her nonchalance but kept his tone measured. "Indeed, but Subaru has gained something recently—something that feels both powerful and... unnatural. Are you not concerned about the risks he might bring to those around him?"

Anastasia raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Julius's cautious approach. "Power always brings risks. But sometimes, the reward's worth it." She waved her hand dismissively, then leaned in, her tone dropping. "Besides, Subaru's ambitions intrigue me. Kagaragi's a place with a history of great people shaping the future—people like Alec Hoshin. Doesn't it make sense that our friend might do the same?"

Julius's gaze hardened. "With all due respect, my lady, that ambition could easily turn dangerous. Subaru may believe he's seeking good, but power like his, unbalanced, could become unpredictable."

Anastasia's eyes glinted with a rare seriousness. "Oh, I know that well enough. But I believe in the boy's character. And honestly, Julius, haven't ya ever wondered why certain people, like Subaru, carry such weight on their shoulders? I think he's here for something more than what he even knows."

Julius fell silent, absorbing her words. He admired Anastasia's perspective, but he couldn't shake the feeling that her trust in Subaru was tempered with something more—an expectation that he couldn't quite grasp.

Anastasia leaned back, watching him thoughtfully. "Yer my knight, Julius, and I trust yer instincts. But sometimes, risks are worth taking. I'd like ya tah'' keep an eye on Subaru. Don't hinder him, but if he starts crossin' lines, that's when ya step in."

A small, uncertain smile crossed Julius's face. "Understood, Lady Anastasia. I'll keep my distance for now, but I'll be ready if things take a darker turn."

As he turned to leave, Anastasia called after him, her voice taking on a warmer tone. "Julius, remember—sometimes we can't see everythin' people carry. But if Subaru really does want to change the world, we may want to see just what he's capable of."

The late afternoon light glowed warmly over the capital as Crusch strolled along one of the market avenues, her ever-watchful attendant Ferris close beside her. The air was lively, filled with the sounds of vendors calling out prices and children laughing as they darted between market stalls.

Crusch adjusted her hat, her eyes scanning the street with quiet determination. "The capital feels tense today, Ferris. Do you feel it too?"

Ferris tilted his head, his cat-like ears flicking in response. "Oh, Ferri feels it, Lady Crusch. So many emotions swirling around, nya! People are always so chatty about rumors in this city."

As they rounded a corner, they nearly collided with Reinhard, who had just exited a nearby shop with a contemplative expression. Standing beside him was a familiar but unexpected companion—Felt, looking as if she'd rather be anywhere else.

Crusch stopped, her usual calm momentarily replaced by surprise. "Reinhard? And Lady Felt! It's quite the surprise to see you both here?"

Felt crossed her arms, giving a dismissive wave. "Don't get too excited, Crusch. I'm just here 'cause I had to be. This city isn't exactly my favorite place."

Reinhard smiled warmly, his gaze moving between Crusch and Ferris. "A pleasure to see you, Lady Crusch. And Ferris, as well." He gave a small nod of acknowledgment, though his attention quickly shifted back to Crusch.

"It seems everyone has business in the capital these days," Crusch replied with a polite smile. "Are you here on a matter of duty, Reinhard?"

Reinhard's eyes sparkled with that ever-present sense of responsibility. "Indeed. I'm just helping Felt here with a few personal matters. It's an important visit for us both."

Felt rolled her eyes. "Yeah, 'important,' right." She shot him a pointed look but didn't protest further.

Ferris gave her a sly grin. "Ferris doesn't remember seeing the famous Miss Felt shopping in the capital before. Are you and Sir Reinhard looking for something specific, nya?"

"Eh, nothing you'd care about," Felt replied with a shrug. "This big city stuff just isn't my thing." But her curiosity got the best of her, and she glanced at Crusch. "What about you two? Here on some big royal business?"

Crusch's smile held a touch of mystery. "I believe our business here is a bit less 'royal' than usual. Ferris and I are simply keeping our ears open."

Reinhard looked intrigued. "It seems the capital is a nexus of activity for us all. Perhaps it's a sign of things to come?"

Ferris gave him a playful tap on the arm. "Ooh, Ferris likes that idea. Who knows what rumors will spread with all these important faces gathering in one place?"

Crusch's gaze softened as she regarded Felt, sensing the young woman's reluctance to be here. "Felt, it's clear you'd rather be elsewhere, but it's not easy to escape the reach of destiny. Perhaps it's fate that brought us together today."

Felt shifted uncomfortably. "Look, I don't need all this 'fate' talk, alright? I'm just here because I have to be. But you all do what you want."

Reinhard placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Fate or not, the people you meet can shape your path. Perhaps this meeting will mean more than you expect."

The two groups shared a moment of camaraderie, feeling a shared sense of purpose despite their different paths. After a polite exchange, they parted ways, each party returning to their respective tasks. Yet as they walked away, Crusch couldn't help but wonder if this was only the beginning of a larger connection between them all.

As evening fell, the raven youth and his companions settled into an inn. The walls were decorated with old maps and tapestries of Kagaragi's history, adding to the intrigue. Subaru relaxed in his seat by the fire, enjoying the warmth after a long day's journey.

Heinkel raised a mug high, a playful grin on his face. "Here's to getting here in one piece," he declared, his voice booming over the noise.

Subaru clinked his glass of milk against Heinkel's, leaning back with a satisfied smile. "And here's to figuring out whatever mysteries this place has waiting for us."

The nasty eyed boy's heart raced at the thought of exploring the archives and museums, uncovering secrets that could lead them to Hoshin's legacy. The midnight boy developed a large focus on the ancient warrior due in fact to the overall style of Kagaragi.

Around him, the triplets huddled closer, their energy infectious as they whispered excitedly about the legendary Alec Hoshin. Mimi's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned closer to Subaru. "Do you think there's really treasure hidden away? Like in the stories?"

"Treasure or not," Tivey chimed in, adjusting his monocle, "the knowledge alone could be priceless. Imagine what secrets we might unveil!"

Hetaro, ever the practical one, crossed his arms, nodding seriously. "But we should be careful. Not everything about the past is pleasant. There might be dangers lurking, too."

Beatrice, perched comfortably by Subaru's side, allowed a small smile to escape her usually composed demeanor. "Betty thinks we'll find something fascinating. There's always magic tied to history." She peered at Subaru, her expression eager. "And you'll be the one to uncover it, I suppose."

Halibel stood by the window, arms crossed, a silhouette against the soft glow of the streetlamps outside. He gazed out at the darkened city, his face thoughtful. "Enjoy yer night. Tomorrow, we'll start with the archives. See if there's anything to Hoshin's past." His tone was steady, a mixture of excitement and caution woven together.

"Sounds like a plan!" Subaru replied, a thrill of anticipation coursing through him. The combination of excitement and adventure made his heart race. "Who knows what we might find? Maybe a map leading straight to treasure!"

"Or ancient curses," Halibel added dryly, turning back to face the group with an eyebrow raised.

"Curses, treasures, and everything in between!" Subaru exclaimed, leaning forward, enthusiasm bubbling over. "As long as everyone in one piece, I'm ready for anything."

They settled into a rhythm, the conversations weaving in and out, stories blending with laughter, and the warm light of the inn creating a cocoon of safety. Outside, the city of Banan lay quiet under the blanket of night, but inside, the fire burned bright, echoing the hopes and dreams of those gathered.

As the night deepened, Subaru felt a sense of belonging wash over him. This journey was about more than just treasure or legacy—it was about the bonds they were forming and the stories they were creating together. Whatever awaited them in the archives of Banan, he was certain they would face it head-on, together.

"Tomorrow, we dig deep!" he declared, raising his glass once more. The group echoed his sentiment, hearts set on the adventure ahead.