Re:Zero - Echoes Of Fate

Subaru awoke after a deep and long slumber, feeling refreshed both in mind and body. As his consciousness gradually returned, the warmth and peace of the room seemed to seep into every corner of his being, as though the very air around him was laced with comfort. He drew in a slow breath, inhaling the subtle scent of old paper and herbal tea—scents that had become oddly familiar in this strange, new world.

As his eyes adjusted to the soft light filtering in from the window, they fell on two familiar figures standing nearby: Beatrice and Hikari. The sight of them filled him with a quiet sense of reassurance, though a pang of uncertainty still stirred in his chest.

He rubbed at his eyes, still trying to banish the fog that lingered at the edges of his thoughts. The dream—or nightmare—he'd had was already slipping away, like water through his fingers. Yet the emotions it left behind were stubborn, clinging to him like damp clothes. His heart felt heavy, but not as suffocating as before. It was as if a thick fog had begun to lift, if only slightly, revealing hints of the path ahead.

Hikari's golden eyes met his. They shimmered—not just with light, but with a strange, piercing clarity. There was something unearthly about her gaze, something that made Subaru feel exposed, yet understood. Looking into her eyes was like staring into a mirror that reflected more than just the physical—it reflected regret, fear, hope. It reflected him.

Then, as quickly as it had come, the glow faded. Her eyes returned to their usual, human state.

"Onii-chan is finally awake, Beako," Hikari said, her voice carrying a soft, trembling edge. Relief was there, certainly—but so was the sharp tension of barely suppressed emotion. It was the kind of voice one used when something precious had nearly been lost.

Beatrice nodded slowly beside her, her arms crossed and expression unreadable. "It's noticeable. His aura has completely changed," she said in her usual flat tone—but underneath it, there was a flicker of awe, and perhaps a whisper of caution.

Subaru pushed himself into a seated position. His muscles ached, but not painfully—more like the residual soreness after a hard-won battle. As the numbness drained from his limbs, he became acutely aware of his own presence, of the way the air shifted around him, and of the subtle way the world felt different. His thoughts, too, were clearer now. Yet beneath it all, guilt clung to him like a shadow. "Yeah... I'm awake, Hikari," he murmured, avoiding her gaze. "I'm really sorry I made you worry."

He bowed his head, not just in apology, but in surrender—a quiet acknowledgment of his failures.

In an instant, Hikari was on her feet. Her steps were quick and deliberate as she strode to his side, and before he could react, her hand came down hard on his head.

"That's for worrying us!" she said sharply, her voice laced with pain and restrained anger. Her brow furrowed, and for a moment, it looked like she might burst into tears—but she didn't. Instead, she slowly unclenched her fist, letting the tension flow out of her body.

Beatrice followed a moment later, approaching with her signature pout. She raised a tiny hand and gave Subaru's head a firm smack of her own. "And that's for being reckless with your life again," she said, nose twitching. Yet her voice, though stern, was filled with something deeper—an affection she refused to say out loud.

Subaru blinked at them both, touched in a way words couldn't quite capture. Those hits—while sudden and stinging—didn't hurt in the way he expected. If anything, they reassured him. They reminded him he was alive. That he was loved.

A soft chuckle escaped his lips, and almost simultaneously, the two girls stepped forward and wrapped their arms around him. It wasn't a tight embrace, but it was warm and sincere. Subaru returned it with a gentle squeeze, his heart calming beneath their touch.

"You're right to be angry," he said quietly, voice steady. "But I promise... I'll be more careful now. I mean it this time. Things will be different. They have to be."

Beatrice slowly pulled away from the embrace and stood, folding her arms again as she gave him a stern look. "You'd better mean it. I love my master, but you... you're not him. You're you. That comes with its own responsibilities."

Before Subaru could respond, the very air in the room shifted. The space around them shimmered, like a heatwave passing through solid stone. For a moment, everything went still.

Then, with a subtle yet powerful distortion, Flugel appeared—seemingly stepping out of the fold between moments. His presence brought a new kind of pressure, like gravity had just doubled. The room grew colder, quieter, more ancient.

"Talking behind your master's back, little Betty?" Flugel asked, his voice laced with dry amusement. The smile on his lips was deceptively gentle, but it didn't reach his eyes. No—it was a mask, and beneath that mask, something far older and more calculating stirred.

Beatrice shook her head firmly, not even dignifying the statement with a reply. Her usual seriousness was etched deep into her face, an expression she wore like armor. She didn't need to say anything—her silence was its own response. Flugel, watching her impassive demeanor, let out a long, exaggerated sigh and reached out to give her a light flick on the forehead. Even that minor gesture shimmered faintly, as if laced with a subtle touch of magic.

"At least I saved the day," he muttered, the corners of his lips twitching downward in a slight frown. "If it weren't for me, Subaru wouldn't have even made it there in one piece." His voice carried the tone of someone who knew his efforts would likely go unappreciated. Still, there was no mistaking the hint of pride that clung to his words.

Subaru, still cradling Hikari in his arms, slowly stood. He shifted his stance and turned to face Flugel, his expression a mixture of gratitude, determination, and the weariness of someone who had seen too much in too short a time. "Thank you for that," he said earnestly. "But it's time we looked ahead. What we've done is done. What matters now is what we're going to do."

Flugel floated lazily in mid-air, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. A soft smile played at his lips. "In that case, here's my advice: take care of things on your own from here on out, and start searching for a proper manor. You'll need a base sooner or later."

Subaru raised a hand to his chin, his brows furrowing as he slipped into thought. His gaze dropped to the floor before drifting back to the girl in his arms. "I don't want to leave Hikari and Beatrice behind... Without them, something feels off. Like I'm missing a part of myself."

Hikari wriggled slightly in his arms, then gently pulled away. She stepped back and planted her feet firmly on the ground, her hands on her hips. Her eyes, usually full of childish wonder, now held a spark of seriousness. "Onii-chan," she began, her voice clear and resolute, "I've grown up, you know? I can take care of myself. And I can look after Beako, too. I'm not a little kid anymore. Even if you're not around, I'll be fine."

Flugel chuckled, a light, teasing sound. "I doubt Betty really needs protecting, to be honest. She'd probably roast anyone foolish enough to try. But I won't put that theory to the test, little lady. Betty? Any thoughts?"

Beatrice narrowed her eyes at him, arms tightening over her chest as if reinforcing a wall. "There's no issue for Betty," she said crisply. "But Subaru must return to us promptly. No excuses. I won't tolerate him being kept away longer than necessary. That's final."

A brief silence fell over the room, stretching long enough for each of them to reconsider their positions. There was no fanfare, no dramatic agreement—just the quiet recognition that things would proceed as Flugel had outlined. Perhaps not with wholehearted approval, but with a kind of resigned logic. As was often the case, Flugel had seen the path ahead before anyone else.

Subaru stepped out of the room. The door closed behind him with a quiet click, leaving behind the warmth of his companions and stepping into the cool stillness of the hallway. His footsteps echoed softly on the floor, steady but heavy with the weight of unspoken worries. Thoughts churned in his mind, looping over themselves in quiet chaos. Deep in his chest, a hum vibrated—a discordant melody of longing, fear, and fragile hope.

"At the very least," he whispered to himself, "I need to tell Emilia or Rem. I can't just vanish."

Reaching the end of the hallway, he paused by a tall window and gazed out. The air outside was crisp, and the faint blush of dawn had begun to creep over the horizon. Pale golden light brushed against the stone walls, banishing the last remnants of night. A new day was breaking, and with it came the stirrings of purpose within Subaru's heart.

Taking a deep breath, he squared his shoulders and turned. With slow, deliberate steps, he made his way toward the room where Emilia was staying. The corridors were still and hushed, the kind of silence that pressed gently on the ears. Every step seemed louder, more meaningful.

As he neared her door, he could hear soft shuffling and low murmurs—signs that she was already awake. From the sound of things, she was having a quiet conversation with Puck. The familiarity of those voices brought a strange comfort, but also an unease that knotted his stomach. He wasn't sure what he was going to say. Only that he had to say something.

He stopped at the door and exhaled slowly. Clearing his throat, he knocked three times, each tap precise but gentle.

"Mili... It's me, Subaru. May I come in?"

There was a brief pause, then Emilia's voice called out, startled and hurried. "Subaru? Ah! Wait just a second!"

What followed was a clatter of motion—quick footsteps, objects being scooped up, the creak of a closet door. Subaru imagined her scrambling to tidy the room or hide whatever disarray she felt self-conscious about. A faint smile tugged at his lips.

After a few seconds of muffled rustling, her voice returned, this time more composed. "Okay! You can come in now."

Subaru placed his hand on the doorknob, heart thudding just a little faster than before. Whatever awaited him inside, whatever conversation they were about to have—it would matter. More than either of them knew just yet.

A faint smile crept onto Subaru's lips—unbidden, yet undeniably genuine. For the briefest of moments, despite the endless storm of suffering, grief, and regret he had weathered through countless loops and painful losses, he found solace in the quiet beauty of the present. It was fleeting, fragile even, but for someone like Subaru, moments like these were treasures beyond words. Above him, drifting lazily near the ceiling like an afterthought of the cosmos, Flugel hovered with his usual air of detached indifference. His eyes remained closed, his expression somewhere between sleep and amusement, as though the world beneath him—Subaru included—was of little consequence. And yet, in that oddly serene moment, his presence subtly eased the knot of anxiety tightening within Subaru's chest.

He lingered by the door for a second longer than necessary, hand resting on the knob. The handle felt cold under his palm, but the air inside the room seemed warm—perhaps from the sunlight, perhaps from her. Finally, with a slow, deliberate motion, he pushed the door open. It creaked faintly, the sound barely audible over the soft rustling of the wind outside. Light streamed in through the windows, painting gentle golden stripes across the floorboards like divine brushstrokes. As he stepped inside, his eyes immediately found her.

"Good morning, Mili," he said softly. His voice was a careful whisper, gentle and vulnerable, as though speaking any louder might rupture the delicate atmosphere. His words carried not just affection, but also a thousand unspoken apologies.

Emilia stood by the window, her back partially turned, sunlight spilling around her like a halo. She wore a simple yet graceful white-toned dress that shimmered subtly with each of her small movements. Draped over her shoulder was her loyal companion—Puck. The tiny spirit's fur glistened under the light, his tail swaying idly like a feline guardian keeping watch. Her hair, silver and radiant, shimmered in the beams of morning light. But Subaru's gaze was drawn not to her attire, nor to her striking presence—but to her eyes.

Emilia's eyes held a kind of exhaustion that sleep couldn't erase. A weariness born not just of the physical, but of emotion. And yet, despite the shadows beneath them, they softened the moment she turned to him. There was a quiet relief there, a flicker of something warm that reached out and touched Subaru's aching soul.

"Good morning to you too, Subaru," she responded, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of caution. "It's pretty early… Did something happen?"

He inhaled deeply. The air in the room was thick—not with dust, but with meaning. Guilt churned in his stomach like a storm. The events of the past few days clung to him like a second skin: the words he had thrown like weapons, the emotions he had mismanaged, the people he had failed. He hadn't just come here to speak. He had come to atone.

His knees almost buckled beneath the weight of it. He bowed—deeply. Not a hesitant tilt of the head, but a profound, respectful, remorseful bend that made his entire posture tremble. His head hung low, and with it, all pretense fell away.

"Emilia… The things I said to you... the way I behaved... I hurt you. I know I did. I can't take it back, and I can't promise I won't mess up again. But I needed to say... I'm sorry. Truly, deeply sorry. Even if you never forgive me."

His voice cracked. It wasn't from weakness, but from sincerity. Each word felt scraped raw from his chest. His eyes stung, moisture building behind them like a tide threatening to break. But he held it in. Showing vulnerability wasn't easy, not after everything he had endured. And yet, before her, he let it spill.

Then came the warmth. A hand, soft and trembling, touched his cheek. Emilia had crossed the room in silence, and her fingers now pressed lightly to his skin, grounding him in the present. Her touch didn't fix everything. But in that one gentle act, it told him he wasn't alone.

"Yes," she said quietly, her tone firm but gentle. "You did hurt me, Subaru. And I was angry. I felt lost for a moment, not knowing what to think of you. But… Puck told me some of what you've been hiding. Things you didn't want anyone to know. I realized I never asked how you were. I assumed you'd always just smile and carry on. That wasn't fair. So... I'm sorry too."

Her voice wavered at the end, and a soft blush bloomed across her cheeks. She lowered her gaze, briefly staring at the floor as if ashamed of her own words. The slight tremble in her hand lingered on his cheek for a second longer before withdrawing. Subaru stared, unable to speak, struck by her sincerity.

She had struggled too. And he hadn't seen it. He'd been so lost in his own spiral that he hadn't realized he'd pulled her into it as well.

Then, her eyes lifted—not to him, but above him. She frowned slightly. "I knew something felt off about you yesterday. That behavior... it wasn't yours. Was it Flugel?"

From above, an audible hum of amusement floated down. Flugel opened his eyes with dramatic flair. The veil of invisibility dropped like a curtain, and his figure shimmered into view, reclining mid-air with all the arrogance of a god bored of his own performance.

"Bingo," he drawled, lips curling into a mischievous grin. "Those weren't Subaru's words. They were mine. So stop directing that righteous fury at the poor boy. He barely has the backbone to say half of what I did."

Emilia narrowed her eyes but exhaled with a resigned smile tugging at her lips. "Honestly, Flugel. Must you always meddle like this? Still… I suppose I'll let it slide. Just this once."

Subaru blinked in mild disbelief. Confusion and relief warred within him. He shot Emilia a sideways glance, then, without speaking aloud, directed his thoughts upward.

"So... you and Puck planned this? You faked a fight just to make it seem like I said those things? To… what, protect me?"

Flugel gave a casual shrug, as if his theatrics were merely a passing favor. *"Let's call it a loan. But don't grow reliant, Natsuki Subaru. I don't rescue mortals twice in the same week."

Emilia stepped closer again. Her expression was soft, but her concern had not faded. If anything, it had deepened.

"Puck told me you collapsed. He said your mana reserves dropped so low that you just... fell. Like something snapped. Are you really okay now? Please don't lie."

Her proximity made Subaru's breath catch. Her presence was overwhelming in the most gentle of ways—like warm sunlight on frozen skin. He could feel her worry, see it reflected in her violet eyes. But he couldn't meet her gaze. His cheeks flushed.

"A-Aah... Yeah. I mean, I feel okay now. I still have most of my mana. I got some rest, more than I probably needed. And... I think I'm okay now."

Emilia studied him for a moment longer, then nodded slowly. Her posture relaxed just slightly. She turned and lowered herself gently onto her bed, the mattress barely shifting under her weight. Her hands folded in her lap, and she let out a soft, weary sigh.

She turned to Puck, a smile curling on her lips, full of familiarity and love.

"That's good to hear, Subaru. Really… it is. Right, Puck?"

Puck had floated over to where Flugel hovered in the air, his small, feline form gliding with silent grace. His attention lingered on Subaru and Emilia, his eyes filled with the quiet depth of one who had seen far too much yet still chose to hope. After a moment of still observation, he gave a subtle nod, as though confirming something unspoken.

"Yeah... No more fighting," he said softly, his voice barely louder than a whisper, yet resolute.

Flugel extended his hand, fingers like ethereal branches stretching through the air. Without hesitation, Puck raised his small paw and tapped it lightly against Flugel's knuckles. The faint bump between fist and paw echoed through the quiet room like a chime—a symbol of understanding and unspoken trust. In that moment, a silent pact was made. It wasn't grand or ceremonial, but it was real. A brief flicker of peace bloomed in that space, delicate yet sincere.

It was a fragile peace, yes—but it was a start. And from that start, something greater could grow.

A gentle hush settled over the room as if the air itself recognized the significance of the exchange. The tension that had hung thick in the atmosphere now thinned, like fog giving way to a clearer horizon.

Not long after, Subaru inhaled deeply and let the air out in a slow, steady breath. He closed his eyes, trying to silence the conflicting voices within him. The whirlpool of doubt, the echo of past failures, the burdens he had carried so long—all of it began to calm. When he opened his eyes again, there was clarity in them, a light that hadn't been there before.

His gaze immediately found Emilia, and it did not waver. Though he still carried uncertainty within his heart, it no longer ruled him.

"There's something I need to tell you," he said, his voice steady, laced with determination and a hint of vulnerability.

Emilia tilted her head, her long golden locks cascading like silk over her shoulder. Her amethyst eyes shimmered with curiosity, but a faint shadow of apprehension crept into her expression. "Hm? What is it, Subaru?"

He hesitated, struggling against the weight of what he was about to say. The words sat like stone on his tongue. Then, as if deciding there was no room left for doubt, he turned and walked toward the door. He opened it just a crack and looked into the corridor, checking both directions with sharp, deliberate movements. No footsteps. No whispers. Just silence.

The coast was clear. He exhaled again, closed the door behind him, and faced Emilia with a gaze that left no room for confusion.

"We're leaving Roswaal's mansion," he declared firmly. "I'm going to find us a new home... and I want you to come with me."

Emilia blinked. Her eyes widened slightly, and for a heartbeat, she said nothing. Her lips parted, then closed again as she searched Subaru's expression for the motive behind his sudden resolution.

"That... might actually be a good idea," she finally replied, her voice tentative. "But why now? Do you have a reason that goes beyond impulse, Subaru?"

Her question struck deep. Subaru winced slightly, raising his fingers to his temples as a dull ache throbbed there—a physical echo of the emotional weight he carried. He drew in another breath, as if preparing for a plunge, then began to speak with measured clarity.

"There are a few reasons," he said. "First, Roswaal's mansion is simply too far from the capital. That kind of distance creates more problems than it solves. It's not just about inconvenience. Strategically, politically, and socially—it's isolation. We're out of reach when we need to be connected. We're missing chances to grow, to influence, to prepare for what's coming."

He began pacing slowly, as though walking through the thoughts as he spoke them. "If we were somewhere more central, you'd be able to interact with the people more directly. Not just nobles or officials, but regular citizens. They need to see you. Hear you. You're not just a candidate. You're hope to a lot of people who are still waiting for a reason to believe."

He stopped pacing, eyes still on hers. This time, his voice dropped—softer, sadder.

"But more than all of that... it's about you, Emilia. You're under so much pressure here. Roswaal says he's protecting you, but the truth is... he's using you. Watching your every step. Measuring your reactions. Everything you do, everything you say—it's all under scrutiny. That's not protection. That's control."

His voice tightened, his hands curling into fists at his sides.

"I don't want you to live like that. I want you to be somewhere you can smile freely. Somewhere you can grow into who you truly are, not who someone else wants you to be. I've been thinking about this for a long time, Emilia. I didn't say anything until now because I didn't want to pull you away from what you'd built here. But the truth is... I think we need to step away to move forward."

Silence followed his words, but it wasn't empty. It was full—dense with meaning, with possibility. Subaru wasn't just suggesting a move. He was expressing his loyalty, his commitment, and his hope.

Puck, who had been sitting quietly on Emilia's shoulder, floated down between them, spinning slowly in mid-air. When he spoke, his tone was soft but unwavering.

"Lia... Subaru's right. And deep down, I think you know that. He's not doing this for himself. He's doing it for you. Maybe a change of scenery is exactly what you need. Maybe it's what both of you need."

Subaru nodded, eyes still fixed on Emilia. "I've already taken steps. I've talked to the right people, convinced them. All that's left is to find the right place. That's why I'll be staying in the capital tonight. I'll spend the evening searching and finalizing things. By tomorrow morning, I'll return to you—with news and a real plan."

And with those words, a quiet yet unmistakable shift occurred. It wasn't loud or dramatic. But it was powerful.

A new chapter had begun—one no longer shaped by Roswaal's machinations or the isolation of distant halls, but by Subaru's choice. A future built with his hands, and for once, not for survival... but for something better.

For freedom.

For her.

Emilia puffed her cheeks and pouted, her lips pursed tightly in mock frustration. Though she tried to appear playful, the flicker of sadness in her violet eyes was unmistakable, clinging like a faint shadow to her features. Her arms crossed as she stepped a little closer, gazing up at Subaru with a mix of concern and reluctant understanding. "You're leaving again..." she murmured, voice laced with hesitation. "Fine, just this once, I'll let it slide. But how did you even get Roswaal's permission? He barely let Puck agree to this. Honestly, I didn't think you'd actually go through with it this time."

Subaru turned his head slightly and tilted it toward the figure floating lazily behind him, an exaggerated shrug accompanying his words. "I didn't. That weirdo did."

Flugel hovered with calm detachment in the corner of the room. His robes rippled slightly, though no wind stirred the air. The dim light caught the glint in his eyes—a sly, calculating gleam that contrasted with the ever-present mischievous grin tugging at his lips. "That clown's arrogance really gets under my skin. Normally, I wouldn't bother. I like to watch from the sidelines, keep my hands clean. But the moment he started trying to take credit for our inventions? I figured it was time to get involved. No one hijacks my work and walks away smiling."

Emilia let out a long sigh and shook her head with a tired expression. She unfolded her arms, letting them fall to her sides as she approached the window and stared out briefly, as if weighing her thoughts against the sky. "Alright then... We'll talk about this again once you find that manor. I just hope things turn out the way you think they will. Be careful."

Subaru nodded, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. "They will. I have to believe they will. And I'll make sure I give it everything I've got."

After a brief but heartfelt farewell, Subaru stepped out of the room. His footsteps were soft against the carpeted floor, but the weight of the moment followed him like a silent echo. He moved with purpose but also with the heaviness of someone leaving a part of himself behind. The hallway stretched ahead in gentle shadows, leading him to his next destination: Rem's room.

He knocked gently and was greeted by silence. Then, a quiet "Come in" drifted through the door. He entered slowly, and the warmth of the room embraced him. Rem was seated at her desk, hands folded in her lap, eyes calm and expectant. He explained the situation as he had to Emilia. She listened in silence, her expression unreadable, but her eyes told him everything: the worry, the trust, the silent plea to stay safe.

When he finished, she rose and stepped forward. Without saying a word, she wrapped her arms around him in a soft but firm embrace. No speeches, no advice—just presence. That wordless gesture anchored Subaru in the moment. He held on, just for a second longer than he needed, before pulling away. Her smile was gentle, understanding. It carried more weight than any words could.

Finally, Subaru made his way to his younger sister's room. The door creaked softly as he opened it, revealing a dim, cozy space warmed by the amber glow of enchanted lanterns. "Hikari. Beako," he said softly.

Inside, a small workspace had been arranged near the far wall. Scrolls, schematics, and detailed technical drawings were spread across the table. Hikari and Beatrice were huddled over one of the designs, carefully analyzing and redrawing the lines with intense concentration. The only sounds in the room were the quiet scratching of pencils and the occasional shuffle of paper.

Hikari looked up first, her eyes lighting up instantly as she saw him. Her entire face brightened. "Ah! Welcome back, Onii-chan! Did you make up with Emilia-nee?"

Subaru chuckled softly and nodded. "Yeah. I had a little help. Flugel actually turned out to be surprisingly useful this time around."

He stepped farther into the room, watching the two girls work. It was strangely comforting—proof that life continued, that progress was being made even as he prepared to leave. "Anyway... I'll be heading out soon. I just wanted to let you both know before I go."

Beatrice stood from her seat with a slight huff, her golden curls bouncing with the motion. She glanced at Subaru, then flicked her hand toward the cloak hanging on the wall. "Take the cloak with you," she said curtly. "Honestly, I'd rather not have to heal your sniffling self when you come back."

Subaru reached for the cloak, already halfway through draping it over his shoulders. As he fastened the clasp at his chest and adjusted the fit, he felt a quiet strength settle over him. This garment was more than fabric and thread—it was a reminder. Of what he carried, and of who he needed to protect.

"Alright. I'll be quick. You two stay safe here, okay? No unnecessary risks. Let's stick to the plan and see it through."

He looked at them both, his gaze lingering briefly on each face. There was so much he wanted to say—but this would have to be enough. A final nod. A shared silence.

Then he turned toward the window.

He reached out, unlocking the latch and pushing it open. A gust of morning air rushed in, crisp and cold, brushing past his cheeks and rustling his hair. Outside, the sky had begun to brighten, hues of gold and silver streaking across the horizon.

He stood there a moment, just breathing, letting the air fill his lungs. Then, without another word, he stepped onto the sill. One foot poised, weight shifting.

With a sudden motion, he launched himself into the open sky.

In that instant, golden light exploded around him in a perfect ring, swirling with energy. His mobility skill activated: [Yang Travel - Active]. Subaru's body glowed like a comet, a stream of radiance trailing behind him as he accelerated, faster and faster.

He soared across the sky, cutting through the morning light like a streaking star. The wind howled around him, the world below a blur. And far ahead, the silhouette of Russell Manor came into view, bathed in the warm light of dawn.

He was already on his way.