I dreamt that I was Senator Proteus' secretary not too long ago and I am glad to know that my subconscious didn't slap an OOC tag into my inner fanfiction because he IS an AWFUL boss. My skittish coworker goes missing under mysterious circumstances and the mech doesn't bat an optic. Moreover, he never bothered to hire a replacement and instead pushed the additional work onto me WITHOUT raising my pay. Then, he proceeds to subtly threaten my life whenever I get the least bit of social interaction with his political enemies.
Boss, I was just trying to do my job π
All of this could have been forgiven if there was some unprofessional action underneath his desk but my sleepy eepy brain decided to go the canon compliant route and make him as smooth as a Ken doll down there.
You know the phrase "in your dreams"? Well apparently mine didn't get the memo. I can't even be spared a small crumb of indulgence in the incorporeal realm.
Inspired by @zeivira "No rest for the wicked." & "A Difference In Medical Opinion" by petalil on AO3. Thank you guys for this delicious ideaβ₯οΈ
After achieving knighthood, Subaru spends the day with his fellow knights. Will he be able to prove his worth despite his "condition"? More at eleven.
As Subaru sits with the knights for the first time after his knighthood ceremony, he finds himself drawn to their day to day life.
He's always been so used to their rigid manners and unmoving posture, but now that they're in the barracks - away from judgement and their duties, their demeanor completely changes. They exchange greetings, funny stories and short anecdotes from their patrols.
Subaru quickly finds himself relaxing right beside them, they sit together and chat about mundane things. However, he could sense wary glances towards him.
'Is this because they don't accept me?' Subaru wonders. But he quickly quashes the thought. The knights have been nothing but respectful to him - even if they haven't, Subaru was sure that their prideful nature would have forced them to be more vocal about their objections to his knighthood.
'It can't be that. So, what's making them so wary of me...?'
The thought stays in his head when lunchtime rolls around. By this time, Reinhard, Julius and Ferris have joined him. They sit together alongside a few other knights named Hamish and Jameson.
"So Ser Subaru, have you been enjoying your stay?" Asks Ser Hamish.
"Yes, it's been very fun! But..."
"Subaru, I can sense some mixed feelings. Is everything alright?"
"Nya knyow Subaru-kyun, nyu can always tell us what's wrong."
"Do not fret Subaru, if someone is bothering you - I will act accordingly."
"That's right Ser Subaru! Don't worry!"
"Well, it's not bad and no one's bothering me! Jeez... Anyways, it's not that. I just felt like some knights were staring at me weirdly."
The five knights stay quiet. Ferris and Julius throw knowing glances at each other. Reinhard looks down at his food with an awkward expression. Ser Jameson's shoulders tense and Ser Hamish's fork becomes really interesting to look at all of a sudden.
"Seriously, what's with this reaction!? C'mon guys, you know something. Spill!"
The five knights look at each other, as if waiting for someone else to clear the air.
"Did I do something!? Geez, it must have been embarrassing...!"
"No no! Ser Subaru you have done nothing wrong! No one is offended by you being here!" Mumbles Ser Jameson.
"That's right, Subaru! You are very welcome and all the knights enjoy your presence." Adds Reinhard, clearly attempting to clear up the misunderstanding.
"So what is it, then? You guys are clearly hiding something. I need to know if it's important." Responds Subaru.
"In reality Subaru, while your presence is welcome. The news of your knighthood wasn't well-received by some knights." The previously quiet Julius explains with a steady tone.
Subaru feels his shoulders drop in disappointment.
"While everyone greatly respects your contributions to our country. Many had objections of letting an ill man into the ranks of the Royal Guard."
"I'm not that ill! I can hold my own just fine!" Subaru interjects. Deep inside, he feels a little shame creep up in his chest. The fact that others see him as fragile and useless hurts.
"We know Subaru. However, that hasn't stopped some objections from being raised. Fortunately, Captain Markos did well to quash any objections." Reinhard says.
"But that's not what you guys said earlier. You guys kept saying how much 'the knights like you' and all that stuff. You know you don't need to lie to me right? I'm old enough - I can handle the truth."
"That's because the objections didn't come from malice but rather a place of concern." Ser Jameson confirms.
"Huh?"
"Subaru, when the knights heard of your...condition, there was a growing sentiment of granting you a considerable retirement instead of active duty." Julius reveals.
"That's true. Most of the knights attempted to change the captain's mind about your enlistment because you have already served well. They believed you deserved an early retirement." Ser Jameson explains.
"Geez, an early retirement? That's a bit too much! I mean, what am I gonna do for the remaining sixty or something years of my life? Just sit around and do nothing? Yeah no thanks, I would rather serve-"
As Subaru looks up at his friends mid-rant, he stops as he sees their shocked faces. Ser Jameson drops his fork, Julius' eyebrows knit together in confusion and worry. Ferris' mouth drops, completely stunned as if Subaru just declared himself a witch cultist. Ser Hamish appears to be completely white with a deadpan look on his face. Meanwhile, Reinhard stares in confusion, his eyes trained on Subaru.
"S-subaru, what do you mean by sixty years? How o-old are you?" Stammers Ferris, who still hasn't recovered from shock.
"That's weird, I'm eighteen years old Ferris. And I mean I'm gonna live sixty more years, so I would die in my eighties. I think?"
The temperature drops significantly.
"Hey, what's with this reaction all of the sudden!? I didn't say anything weird! C'mon, guys." Implores Subaru.
"...Subaru, the average person lives for about one-hundred and fifty years. They are considered elderly when they're one-hundred and twenty years old." Reinhard chokes.
Now it was Subaru's turn to be shocked.
"Hold on, did nyo not nynow this?!" Exclaims Ferris. His arms holding his weight on the table.
"No! No one in my family ever lived that long! Sixty is retirement age guys!"
"Oh my Od."
That was not how lunch was supposed to go.
After that disaster of a lunch, Subaru can feel the knights states morph into extreme worry and sympathy.
Every time Subaru attempts to do anything helpful, the others step in and take over the task.
"Don't worry Ser Subaru, I'll take over now."
"Don't bother yourself with this, Ser Subaru."
"Allow me to help you!-"
Is this what being a Disney princess feels like? Feeling like a damsel in distress leaves a sour taste in his mouth. Subaru knew that the knights had good intentions, but their constant need to help him and take over every single task in his place only served to reinforce his feelings of inferiority.
Subaru wanted to prove himself. He has long since given up on proving he's not ill. That he doesn't have a partial Sleeping Beauty Disease. Because he has come to the realization that he always will be so in their eyes.
After all, he's an outlander with a foreign physiology. In a world that functions with no need for sleep, he is considered functionally disabled.
There is nothing he can do to change that.
But that doesn't mean he won't try to exceed expectations.
With his trusty whip by his side, he will show everyone his worth.
In a carriage bound for the forest, a small team consisting of Sir Jameson, Sir Hamish and Subaru led by Ser Yonas prepares to investigate a Mabeast sighting.
"Villagers claim to hear distant howls and violent thumping in all hours. Not only that, but also a previous check up has confirmed a significant rise in mana levels on the premises." Sir Jameson explains.
"There is no need to explain further. Sir Jameson and Sir Hamish shall head east. I will head west and -" Yonas' eyes dart towards Subaru. "Subaru will remain here with the coachman."
"Hey! I'm a knight too! How come I have to stay here!?"
"To protect the coachman of course."
"The coachman doesn't need protecting he's holding a barrier stone! You're trying to bench me."
"I'm not sure what you mean by 'benching you' but I will not allow a man of your condition to step unto the field. Otherwise, you risk holding us back."
"Sir Yonas, that is an awful thing to say..." Mutters Ser Jameson. He wanted to defend Subaru's honor, he was the slayer of Sloth and the Great Rabbit after all! However, Ser Yonas doesn't seem moved by his meager comment.
"Be quiet, fool. If he falls asleep during this mission, not only does he risk himself but also all of us. As the acting Captain of this mission, I will not allow dead weight." States Ser Yonas.
"it doesn't work like that! I don't fall asleep randomly! And definitely not in the woods-" Subaru tries to defend himself, only to be interrupted.
"Your illness will hold us back." Ser Yonas declares, not allowing any room for argument.
"You don't know anything about my illness!" Subaru yells.
"I don't care to know. Remain here, Subaru." Ser Yonas spits out. He gets up and motions for both Ser Jameson and Ser Hamish to move out and begin their mission.
The sympathetic knights throw sorry glances at Subaru. They couldn't disobey their superior officer.
The three leave Subaru to sulk with the coachman, who places a gentle pat on his shoulder.
"Y'know son, you're a good man. Don't take what Ser Yonas says seriously. He's always like that." The coachman says, trying to comfort a grumpy Subaru.
"How do you put up with an annoying guy like that, then? I'm not staying quiet if he decides to insult me again next time!" Subaru declares, putting up his arms dramatically.
"He he, why not challenge him to a duel?"
"And have a repeat of Julius? No way! I specialize in battles against witch cultists and beasts - not knights! Thank you very much!" Subaru shuddered, he had learned a good lesson in the Capital that day. He could still feel Emilia's cold look.
"Well for what it's worth, you saved my little nephew in Arlam that day. To me, you'll always be our hero." The old coachman confesses.
The comment drills itself deep in Subaru's heart. He feels blood pumping into his cheeks as he becomes red in the face from embarrassment.
"Aww, thanks man. I appreciate it. Hey, do you know why Yonas is such an ass?"
"I'm afraid only Ser Yonas can answer that question. I know for a fact that he was the leading voice against your promotion."
'That's because the objections didn't come from malice but rather a place of concern.'
Subaru remembers Jameson's comment. While Yonas's behavior hints at a more malicious reason, he trusted Julius' words far more.
'Could it be...' Subaru wonders.
"Y'know son, I have been the coachman for the Knight Order for the better part of twenty years now. Not once have I heard a single bad word about Ser Yonas. That boy was always kind, a little harsh but kind nonetheless." The old coachman admits.
'Is....Is Ser Yonas a tsundere?'
"That boy has seen a lot. While I haven't confirmed it, I have heard rumors that Yonas's younger brother has fallen into an eternal slumber years ago."
"Oh...." Subaru looks down at the grass, his shoulders drop and his face softens.
This would make sense. Subaru was a constant reminder of his younger brother's affliction. No wonder he disliked him.
Subaru gets up with new-found determination, he pumps his fist up into the air and declares : "I'm Natsuki Subaru, and I won't stand back even when I'm ordered too!"
He steps off the carriage and heads into the forest.
"Son, where are you going? You're disobeying orders! Ser Yonas won't let this go!"
"I didn't become Natsuki Subaru by following them! I'll see you later, old man. Thank you for the pep talk!" Subaru says as he runs off in the same direction as Yonas.
"That boy is gonna get into so much trouble..." The old man sighs. But deep in his heart, he hoped he wouldn't.
Ser Yonas has severely underestimated the number of Mabeasts in the forest. He didn't think he would run into an entire herd of them. As he runs across the foliage, attempting to reach higher ground to hopefully gain an advantage.
The beasts are gaining up on him.
His hopes are for naught as a massive cliff looms over him, blocking his escape. Yonas unsheathes his sword as he prepares a final stand.
"I will not allow the witchbeasts into the village!"
He takes in a deep breath and shouts :
"I am Ser Yonas Verdant. A proud Knight of Lugunica. Prepare to die."
The beasts don't understand. Yonas was sure that even if they could, they wouldn't care. They bare their teeth and ready their claws.
His life flashes before his eyes. Visions of a woman and two children, a comatose man and a respectable home rush through his mind.
"Hey buddy! Looks like you're in a pickle, my guy!" Laughs a familiar voice from above.
See Yonas looks up in disbelief only to find Subaru, grinning down at him. But before he can interject, Subaru yells :"Get away man! Nature's strongest attack incoming!"
Without thinking, Ser Yonas dodges to the side, moving from underneath the massive cliff into a nearby river.
The earth shakes. A massive wave of dirt and rock crashes into the witchbeasts and buries them underground, kiilling them instantly.
The sound of growls and bones breaking slowly fade as the monsters die underneath the mound.
'What the hell just happened.' Ser Yonas thinks as he drags himself out of the river. A rough hand helps him on his feet.
"What the hell was that!? How did you do that!?" Yonas screams at Subaru.
"Chill dude, the cliff was eroding so I just moved a few rocks. Then the whole thing just crashed into itself. Don't worry, I had everything under control."
"Under control? Under control!? You dropped the entire cliff! Are you insane? Not only did you disobey direct orders, you also engaged in a dangerous stunt! Do you have anything to say for yourself!?"
"Geez I'm sorry I saved you, asshole!"
Ser Yonas flinches.
"How about this, let's just sit in silence and wait for Hamish and Jameson to pick us up. They must have heard the cliff crashing down." Subaru suggests, any goodwill he had towards Yonas fades away like dandelions in the wind.
They sit next to each other in silence under a tree. The gentle wind breezes past. The pale moonlight envelopes the world. In this tranquil environment, Ser Yonas finds his anger fading away.
"I apologize for my earlier harshness. While I don't agree with your methods, you did, in fact, save my life."
"...You're welcome."
"I must also apologize for my treatment of you earlier. You did not deserve such words."
"Why did you hate me so much?" Subaru softly asks.
"In truth, I was jealous. My brother has been sleeping for five years now with no signs of waking up. And when I heard of you, I became inexplicably angry-why is my younger brother cursed to forever sleep while you wake up?"
Subaru looks up from the ground and shifts his gaze to where Yonas sits. He is sitting completely drenched in water with his face buried in his knees, as if to hide himself from the world.
"So I took out my anger on you. It was shameful of me to insult a great knight such as yourself. You, who has saved more people than I ever have-"
"Don't insult yourself like that, man. You're a good guy and a great knight. You help people every day. You saved people too. Don't forget that. I'm sure your brother will be proud of you."
Yonas raises his head from his knees and looks at Subaru with tears in his eyes.
"Even when I reminded you of your disease? Even when I bullied you back in the carriage, even when I-"
"That's the Yonas from an hour ago. The Yonas sitting in front of me now has apologized to me."
Subaru takes out a handkerchief from his pocket and begins wiping his tear-stricken face.
"I have heard of your diminished lifespan from the other knights. I just wanted to say that I truly am sorry."
"Don't feel bad. I don't. I've been like this my entire life and so have my family so it's not like I feel left out or something. What's the difference between living for eighty or one-hundred and fifty years? I'll still live a good life that's for sure."
"How can you be so confident?"
"You're not gonna live if you keep wondering about the future. You're gonna make mistakes in life, so try your best to learn move on, y'know."
Yonas stares at Subaru in shock.
"So you're just going to forgive me that easily?"
"Yes."
"Why? If it were anyone else, I would have been challenged to a duel or..."
"Geez man, calm down! I forgave you because you're genuinely a kind guy, like deep deep inside."
For the first time in a long while, perhaps since the day his beloved younger brother fell into his never-ending coma, Yonas truly laughed from deep inside his soul.
Unable to hold himself back, Subaru begins laughing as well.
And that's how they're found.
Upon making their way back to the guard station, the crew went into their separate ways and Subaru finds himself sitting next to Reinhard.
"Hey Reinhard, were you also against me becoming a knight?"
"...Yes, I was. I believed an early rest for you was far more appropriate."
"What changed your mind?"
"It was the way you looked at Lady Emilia during your knighthood ceremony. You had such a love-filled gaze. I knew that in that moment, you have found your will to live."
Subaru blushes as he looks up at the night sky. For the first time in a long time, a burst of honesty devoid of any jokes spreads in his chest.
"I just wanted to live with the girl I loved for the rest of my life."
His eyes feel heavy and a yawn escapes his throat.
"Oh Subaru, Ferris has prepared a room for you tonight before you return to Lady Emilia."
"Thanks man....I appreciate it" Subaru mutters as he stumbles into his room. As soon his head hits the covers, sleep overtakes him and he passes out cold.
As sunlight creeps in through the window, Subaru is startled awake by the feeling of someone watching him sleep. He opens his eyes, only to find a group of at least a dozen knights staring at him as he slept.
"Oh, c'mon guys!"
Who are Ser Hamish & Ser Jameson and Ser Yonas? I made them up for more world building. I thought it would be better to see more characters other than the known cast.
I actually started writing this one shot in February but then school ate my will to live lol. It started as comedic & then became a bit more depressing as I kept writing.
A massive thank you to @amphimoria for catching a lot of (dumb) mistakes made by me. English is not our first language, so forgive any mistakes ty β₯οΈ
I see that you finally posted your first work. Congratulations.
You may have bested me, having crossed the finish line when I barely completed the first lap. Yet, let it be known; this WITCH refers to capitalization as...."capitalism". π¬
I would have let your ignorance slide if not for your OUTRAGEOUS last tag. You started this conflict by calling me a "robot hoe" and now you shamelessly claim FALSEHOODS?
Inspired by @zeivira "No rest for the wicked." & "A Difference In Medical Opinion" by petalil on AO3. Thank you guys for this delicious ideaβ₯οΈ
After achieving knighthood, Subaru spends the day with his fellow knights. Will he be able to prove his worth despite his "condition"? More at eleven.
As Subaru sits with the knights for the first time after his knighthood ceremony, he finds himself drawn to their day to day life.
He's always been so used to their rigid manners and unmoving posture, but now that they're in the barracks - away from judgement and their duties, their demeanor completely changes. They exchange greetings, funny stories and short anecdotes from their patrols.
Subaru quickly finds himself relaxing right beside them, they sit together and chat about mundane things. However, he could sense wary glances towards him.
'Is this because they don't accept me?' Subaru wonders. But he quickly quashes the thought. The knights have been nothing but respectful to him - even if they haven't, Subaru was sure that their prideful nature would have forced them to be more vocal about their objections to his knighthood.
'It can't be that. So, what's making them so wary of me...?'
The thought stays in his head when lunchtime rolls around. By this time, Reinhard, Julius and Ferris have joined him. They sit together alongside a few other knights named Hamish and Jameson.
"So Ser Subaru, have you been enjoying your stay?" Asks Ser Hamish.
"Yes, it's been very fun! But..."
"Subaru, I can sense some mixed feelings. Is everything alright?"
"Nya knyow Subaru-kyun, nyu can always tell us what's wrong."
"Do not fret Subaru, if someone is bothering you - I will act accordingly."
"That's right Ser Subaru! Don't worry!"
"Well, it's not bad and no one's bothering me! Jeez... Anyways, it's not that. I just felt like some knights were staring at me weirdly."
The five knights stay quiet. Ferris and Julius throw knowing glances at each other. Reinhard looks down at his food with an awkward expression. Ser Jameson's shoulders tense and Ser Hamish's fork becomes really interesting to look at all of a sudden.
"Seriously, what's with this reaction!? C'mon guys, you know something. Spill!"
The five knights look at each other, as if waiting for someone else to clear the air.
"Did I do something!? Geez, it must have been embarrassing...!"
"No no! Ser Subaru you have done nothing wrong! No one is offended by you being here!" Mumbles Ser Jameson.
"That's right, Subaru! You are very welcome and all the knights enjoy your presence." Adds Reinhard, clearly attempting to clear up the misunderstanding.
"So what is it, then? You guys are clearly hiding something. I need to know if it's important." Responds Subaru.
"In reality Subaru, while your presence is welcome. The news of your knighthood wasn't well-received by some knights." The previously quiet Julius explains with a steady tone.
Subaru feels his shoulders drop in disappointment.
"While everyone greatly respects your contributions to our country. Many had objections of letting an ill man into the ranks of the Royal Guard."
"I'm not that ill! I can hold my own just fine!" Subaru interjects. Deep inside, he feels a little shame creep up in his chest. The fact that others see him as fragile and useless hurts.
"We know Subaru. However, that hasn't stopped some objections from being raised. Fortunately, Captain Markos did well to quash any objections." Reinhard says.
"But that's not what you guys said earlier. You guys kept saying how much 'the knights like you' and all that stuff. You know you don't need to lie to me right? I'm old enough - I can handle the truth."
"That's because the objections didn't come from malice but rather a place of concern." Ser Jameson confirms.
"Huh?"
"Subaru, when the knights heard of your...condition, there was a growing sentiment of granting you a considerable retirement instead of active duty." Julius reveals.
"That's true. Most of the knights attempted to change the captain's mind about your enlistment because you have already served well. They believed you deserved an early retirement." Ser Jameson explains.
"Geez, an early retirement? That's a bit too much! I mean, what am I gonna do for the remaining sixty or something years of my life? Just sit around and do nothing? Yeah no thanks, I would rather serve-"
As Subaru looks up at his friends mid-rant, he stops as he sees their shocked faces. Ser Jameson drops his fork, Julius' eyebrows knit together in confusion and worry. Ferris' mouth drops, completely stunned as if Subaru just declared himself a witch cultist. Ser Hamish appears to be completely white with a deadpan look on his face. Meanwhile, Reinhard stares in confusion, his eyes trained on Subaru.
"S-subaru, what do you mean by sixty years? How o-old are you?" Stammers Ferris, who still hasn't recovered from shock.
"That's weird, I'm eighteen years old Ferris. And I mean I'm gonna live sixty more years, so I would die in my eighties. I think?"
The temperature drops significantly.
"Hey, what's with this reaction all of the sudden!? I didn't say anything weird! C'mon, guys." Implores Subaru.
"...Subaru, the average person lives for about one-hundred and fifty years. They are considered elderly when they're one-hundred and twenty years old." Reinhard chokes.
Now it was Subaru's turn to be shocked.
"Hold on, did nyo not nynow this?!" Exclaims Ferris. His arms holding his weight on the table.
"No! No one in my family ever lived that long! Sixty is retirement age guys!"
"Oh my Od."
That was not how lunch was supposed to go.
After that disaster of a lunch, Subaru can feel the knights states morph into extreme worry and sympathy.
Every time Subaru attempts to do anything helpful, the others step in and take over the task.
"Don't worry Ser Subaru, I'll take over now."
"Don't bother yourself with this, Ser Subaru."
"Allow me to help you!-"
Is this what being a Disney princess feels like? Feeling like a damsel in distress leaves a sour taste in his mouth. Subaru knew that the knights had good intentions, but their constant need to help him and take over every single task in his place only served to reinforce his feelings of inferiority.
Subaru wanted to prove himself. He has long since given up on proving he's not ill. That he doesn't have a partial Sleeping Beauty Disease. Because he has come to the realization that he always will be so in their eyes.
After all, he's an outlander with a foreign physiology. In a world that functions with no need for sleep, he is considered functionally disabled.
There is nothing he can do to change that.
But that doesn't mean he won't try to exceed expectations.
With his trusty whip by his side, he will show everyone his worth.
In a carriage bound for the forest, a small team consisting of Sir Jameson, Sir Hamish and Subaru led by Ser Yonas prepares to investigate a Mabeast sighting.
"Villagers claim to hear distant howls and violent thumping in all hours. Not only that, but also a previous check up has confirmed a significant rise in mana levels on the premises." Sir Jameson explains.
"There is no need to explain further. Sir Jameson and Sir Hamish shall head east. I will head west and -" Yonas' eyes dart towards Subaru. "Subaru will remain here with the coachman."
"Hey! I'm a knight too! How come I have to stay here!?"
"To protect the coachman of course."
"The coachman doesn't need protecting he's holding a barrier stone! You're trying to bench me."
"I'm not sure what you mean by 'benching you' but I will not allow a man of your condition to step unto the field. Otherwise, you risk holding us back."
"Sir Yonas, that is an awful thing to say..." Mutters Ser Jameson. He wanted to defend Subaru's honor, he was the slayer of Sloth and the Great Rabbit after all! However, Ser Yonas doesn't seem moved by his meager comment.
"Be quiet, fool. If he falls asleep during this mission, not only does he risk himself but also all of us. As the acting Captain of this mission, I will not allow dead weight." States Ser Yonas.
"it doesn't work like that! I don't fall asleep randomly! And definitely not in the woods-" Subaru tries to defend himself, only to be interrupted.
"Your illness will hold us back." Ser Yonas declares, not allowing any room for argument.
"You don't know anything about my illness!" Subaru yells.
"I don't care to know. Remain here, Subaru." Ser Yonas spits out. He gets up and motions for both Ser Jameson and Ser Hamish to move out and begin their mission.
The sympathetic knights throw sorry glances at Subaru. They couldn't disobey their superior officer.
The three leave Subaru to sulk with the coachman, who places a gentle pat on his shoulder.
"Y'know son, you're a good man. Don't take what Ser Yonas says seriously. He's always like that." The coachman says, trying to comfort a grumpy Subaru.
"How do you put up with an annoying guy like that, then? I'm not staying quiet if he decides to insult me again next time!" Subaru declares, putting up his arms dramatically.
"He he, why not challenge him to a duel?"
"And have a repeat of Julius? No way! I specialize in battles against witch cultists and beasts - not knights! Thank you very much!" Subaru shuddered, he had learned a good lesson in the Capital that day. He could still feel Emilia's cold look.
"Well for what it's worth, you saved my little nephew in Arlam that day. To me, you'll always be our hero." The old coachman confesses.
The comment drills itself deep in Subaru's heart. He feels blood pumping into his cheeks as he becomes red in the face from embarrassment.
"Aww, thanks man. I appreciate it. Hey, do you know why Yonas is such an ass?"
"I'm afraid only Ser Yonas can answer that question. I know for a fact that he was the leading voice against your promotion."
'That's because the objections didn't come from malice but rather a place of concern.'
Subaru remembers Jameson's comment. While Yonas's behavior hints at a more malicious reason, he trusted Julius' words far more.
'Could it be...' Subaru wonders.
"Y'know son, I have been the coachman for the Knight Order for the better part of twenty years now. Not once have I heard a single bad word about Ser Yonas. That boy was always kind, a little harsh but kind nonetheless." The old coachman admits.
'Is....Is Ser Yonas a tsundere?'
"That boy has seen a lot. While I haven't confirmed it, I have heard rumors that Yonas's younger brother has fallen into an eternal slumber years ago."
"Oh...." Subaru looks down at the grass, his shoulders drop and his face softens.
This would make sense. Subaru was a constant reminder of his younger brother's affliction. No wonder he disliked him.
Subaru gets up with new-found determination, he pumps his fist up into the air and declares : "I'm Natsuki Subaru, and I won't stand back even when I'm ordered too!"
He steps off the carriage and heads into the forest.
"Son, where are you going? You're disobeying orders! Ser Yonas won't let this go!"
"I didn't become Natsuki Subaru by following them! I'll see you later, old man. Thank you for the pep talk!" Subaru says as he runs off in the same direction as Yonas.
"That boy is gonna get into so much trouble..." The old man sighs. But deep in his heart, he hoped he wouldn't.
Ser Yonas has severely underestimated the number of Mabeasts in the forest. He didn't think he would run into an entire herd of them. As he runs across the foliage, attempting to reach higher ground to hopefully gain an advantage.
The beasts are gaining up on him.
His hopes are for naught as a massive cliff looms over him, blocking his escape. Yonas unsheathes his sword as he prepares a final stand.
"I will not allow the witchbeasts into the village!"
He takes in a deep breath and shouts :
"I am Ser Yonas Verdant. A proud Knight of Lugunica. Prepare to die."
The beasts don't understand. Yonas was sure that even if they could, they wouldn't care. They bare their teeth and ready their claws.
His life flashes before his eyes. Visions of a woman and two children, a comatose man and a respectable home rush through his mind.
"Hey buddy! Looks like you're in a pickle, my guy!" Laughs a familiar voice from above.
See Yonas looks up in disbelief only to find Subaru, grinning down at him. But before he can interject, Subaru yells :"Get away man! Nature's strongest attack incoming!"
Without thinking, Ser Yonas dodges to the side, moving from underneath the massive cliff into a nearby river.
The earth shakes. A massive wave of dirt and rock crashes into the witchbeasts and buries them underground, kiilling them instantly.
The sound of growls and bones breaking slowly fade as the monsters die underneath the mound.
'What the hell just happened.' Ser Yonas thinks as he drags himself out of the river. A rough hand helps him on his feet.
"What the hell was that!? How did you do that!?" Yonas screams at Subaru.
"Chill dude, the cliff was eroding so I just moved a few rocks. Then the whole thing just crashed into itself. Don't worry, I had everything under control."
"Under control? Under control!? You dropped the entire cliff! Are you insane? Not only did you disobey direct orders, you also engaged in a dangerous stunt! Do you have anything to say for yourself!?"
"Geez I'm sorry I saved you, asshole!"
Ser Yonas flinches.
"How about this, let's just sit in silence and wait for Hamish and Jameson to pick us up. They must have heard the cliff crashing down." Subaru suggests, any goodwill he had towards Yonas fades away like dandelions in the wind.
They sit next to each other in silence under a tree. The gentle wind breezes past. The pale moonlight envelopes the world. In this tranquil environment, Ser Yonas finds his anger fading away.
"I apologize for my earlier harshness. While I don't agree with your methods, you did, in fact, save my life."
"...You're welcome."
"I must also apologize for my treatment of you earlier. You did not deserve such words."
"Why did you hate me so much?" Subaru softly asks.
"In truth, I was jealous. My brother has been sleeping for five years now with no signs of waking up. And when I heard of you, I became inexplicably angry-why is my younger brother cursed to forever sleep while you wake up?"
Subaru looks up from the ground and shifts his gaze to where Yonas sits. He is sitting completely drenched in water with his face buried in his knees, as if to hide himself from the world.
"So I took out my anger on you. It was shameful of me to insult a great knight such as yourself. You, who has saved more people than I ever have-"
"Don't insult yourself like that, man. You're a good guy and a great knight. You help people every day. You saved people too. Don't forget that. I'm sure your brother will be proud of you."
Yonas raises his head from his knees and looks at Subaru with tears in his eyes.
"Even when I reminded you of your disease? Even when I bullied you back in the carriage, even when I-"
"That's the Yonas from an hour ago. The Yonas sitting in front of me now has apologized to me."
Subaru takes out a handkerchief from his pocket and begins wiping his tear-stricken face.
"I have heard of your diminished lifespan from the other knights. I just wanted to say that I truly am sorry."
"Don't feel bad. I don't. I've been like this my entire life and so have my family so it's not like I feel left out or something. What's the difference between living for eighty or one-hundred and fifty years? I'll still live a good life that's for sure."
"How can you be so confident?"
"You're not gonna live if you keep wondering about the future. You're gonna make mistakes in life, so try your best to learn move on, y'know."
Yonas stares at Subaru in shock.
"So you're just going to forgive me that easily?"
"Yes."
"Why? If it were anyone else, I would have been challenged to a duel or..."
"Geez man, calm down! I forgave you because you're genuinely a kind guy, like deep deep inside."
For the first time in a long while, perhaps since the day his beloved younger brother fell into his never-ending coma, Yonas truly laughed from deep inside his soul.
Unable to hold himself back, Subaru begins laughing as well.
And that's how they're found.
Upon making their way back to the guard station, the crew went into their separate ways and Subaru finds himself sitting next to Reinhard.
"Hey Reinhard, were you also against me becoming a knight?"
"...Yes, I was. I believed an early rest for you was far more appropriate."
"What changed your mind?"
"It was the way you looked at Lady Emilia during your knighthood ceremony. You had such a love-filled gaze. I knew that in that moment, you have found your will to live."
Subaru blushes as he looks up at the night sky. For the first time in a long time, a burst of honesty devoid of any jokes spreads in his chest.
"I just wanted to live with the girl I loved for the rest of my life."
His eyes feel heavy and a yawn escapes his throat.
"Oh Subaru, Ferris has prepared a room for you tonight before you return to Lady Emilia."
"Thanks man....I appreciate it" Subaru mutters as he stumbles into his room. As soon his head hits the covers, sleep overtakes him and he passes out cold.
As sunlight creeps in through the window, Subaru is startled awake by the feeling of someone watching him sleep. He opens his eyes, only to find a group of at least a dozen knights staring at him as he slept.
"Oh, c'mon guys!"
Who are Ser Hamish & Ser Jameson and Ser Yonas? I made them up for more world building. I thought it would be better to see more characters other than the known cast.
I actually started writing this one shot in February but then school ate my will to live lol. It started as comedic & then became a bit more depressing as I kept writing.
A massive thank you to @amphimoria for catching a lot of (dumb) mistakes made by me. English is not our first language, so forgive any mistakes ty β₯οΈ
I see that you finally posted your first work. Congratulations.
You may have bested me, having crossed the finish line when I barely completed the first lap. Yet, let it be known; this WITCH refers to capitalization as...."capitalism". π¬
Optimus Prime wears the pants in the relationship and so did Orion. You can't brainwash me into thinking that Megan is the one calling the shots because HE is the one receiving them and these are the undeniable FACTS.
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