Chapter Text
“Ah, Sir… Julius-dono. You have arrived.”
Julius' shoes echoed as he stepped into the prison tower of the capital and shuttered. Only taking shallow breaths of the dingy and stale air. It coated his tongue with the taste of iron bars and musk. Only serving to remind him of what the Council of Sages had ordered done here in the past.
“Indeed.” Julius swallowed the painful reminder. That hesitation of the man in front of him. “I was hoping to speak with him.”
Wilhelm nodded, his face graven. “Pride?”
Julius’ frown deepened, “We do not know that yet.”
The lines on the old man’s face deepened. “I suppose…you are correct. I apologize, Julius-dono. It’s simply difficult for me to accept certain things. The Great Spirit of Yin told us of his miasma. And though something within his eyes gives me hope that this is all a misunderstanding… It gives me great pause to change my mind about the danger possibly posed by a member of the Witch Cult, let alone a Sin-Archbishop. I hope you understand.”
Julius nodded, refusing another word. Instead, his eyes travelled down the depth of the cavernous stairs and into the murky barracks of the prison.
He had heard what the supposed ‘Sin-Archbishop’ had offered to prove himself innocent. He had laid out details of the life he claimed to have lived, that no one remembered, and begged for one opportunity to show everyone his loyalty to the kingdom.
Julius had listened with special care, especially after what happened at the Watergate City. The ‘Sin-Archbishop’ had claimed that he was the knight of Emilia, one of the royal candidates. That he had fought in the Hunt for the White Whale, in the Battle against Sloth, and most recently, against Greed. All these things were nearly ridiculous to lay claim to. He would have been labeled a hero if true. Julius was also close to labeling him a crazed Cultist at first…
That was until the raven haired boy said his name.
Julius had lost everything in the Battle of Priestella.
Everyone, including his lady, had forgotten him.
Captain Marcos, Felix, Anastasia, Mimi, Tivey, Hetaro, Ricardo, even Reinhard.
And when that boy claimed the very same had happened to him. Calling out for anyone to remember him, to just remember him.
It was such a simple thing to ask…
Yet impossible. Because no one did. In that Julius could relate, much too deeply too.
He had remembered Julius.
There had to be some hidden truth in that. And Julius needed to know.
Why did he remember, when everyone else forgot?
Wilhelm adjusted the tie on his uniform awkwardly. “I was told…You and my Grandson were… are friends. And that we fought together once. Is that true?”
Julius played with the edges of his knight’s uniform. “Indeed. We fought Sloth together. And Reinhard and I have known each other for years now.”
Had known each other for years. Gluttony had stolen that away too.
Wilhelm nodded at Julius with a look of recognition. Not recognizing Julius himself…No, recognizing him as a person, and his deep pain. “Then, I am sorry I do not remember, Juilus-dono.”
“If what he says is true,” Julius nodded at the prison barracks, “Then we both have apologies to give. Let us hope it will not be too late.”
Screams. Screams of pain.
Julius flinched at the sound, and gripped his hands tighter in his palms. He hated the sound. Like torture. Like the sounds of knife carving bone.
But he held still.
Wilhelm's face paled as well, “It sounds as though Felix-dono has finished speaking with him. Let us hope it is over soon.”
Julius agreed.
But every second felt like an hour.
Julius’ ears began to ring with the sound of screams. He began to edge closer and closer to the stairs. Wanting…no needing… to know what was happening to him.
But before he broke…the screaming stopped.
“Felix-dono! Is it over?” Wilhelm shouted.
“...It’s…It’s done! O-Old Man Wil! IT WORKED!” Felix’s effeminate voice echoed through the hallways, and Julius’ breath hitched.
“T-truly?”
The two knights of the kingdom stared at each other for a moment and took off down the stairs, rushing past the cells, each one getting darker and dustier until they reached his.
The so-called ‘Sin-Archbishop of Pride’’s Cell.
Julius took in the scene with wide eyes, the candle light illuminating the walls of the grey cell. The corners were dark with occlusion.
Felix was cradling Crusch’s body, now completely absolved of the Dragon’s blood curse that had been plaguing her since the Battle of Priestella a month ago. Her eyes blinked awake and smiled, gently.
“F-Ferris…”
“Crusch! Crusch! N’ya alright!” Felix wept, burrowing his face into Crusch’s neck.
“I-I cannot believe it! My Lady!” Wilhelm quickly knelt next to Crusch, checking her over for any lingering wounds or signs of the curse.
But Julius…Julius only had eyes for the Raven Haired boy, coughing on the dirty and grimy floor. His eyes were baggy, clearly exhausted after the process. His arm discolored into a gangrenous looking purple, his hair grew out in dark locks until it reached his shoulders. It was unkempt after so long in the cell, the dirt and sweat had made its texture shiny with oil.
And despite the pain he had just endured, the boy…smiled.
He smiled at the healed valkyrie, and wept slow, meaningful tears.
“I-I’m glad I was able to- KOFF! …help.”
That proved to Julius, more than anything, more than even calling out his name. That the boy was true to his word. To weep tears for another, to push past your own pain for the sake of someone else showed the boy’s true colors.
“Subaru…”Julius said. Recalling the name he had on repeat in his mind. Practicing each syllable for the past month he had not been able to see him, just so that he would get it right when he saw him next.
Subaru looked up from the floor, on his knees, tired, and greeted the knight with a snarky remark, “Hey Julius. How’s it going, you jerk?”
Julius frowned, and rushed to help the boy up. Subaru’s body leaned into his, warm to the touch. Julius placed him gently on the cot of the cell, and sat beside him. Looking over the boy’s body, ensuring that he was alright. He was thin, the Sages must have only allowed the bare minimum amount of nutrition to keep him alive.
Julius felt disgusted that he had been sitting around doing nothing. Assuming that things would work themselves out fine, all the while this kind hearted man sat in the dark.
“Are you well?” Julius asked, though his memories denied him their past, he was still concerned for him and held him up gingerly.
Subaru coughed, his face plaid and eyes glassy. “Yeah…Yeah…I’m fine. It felt like holding one of those games that test your pain tolerance with electricity at the Chuck e. Cheese. Except I couldn’t let go…”
“W-what do those words mean?”
Julius was quite certain the boy had begun rambling about nonsense from the pain, but before he could advise that he should get some rest, Felix turned and cried out.
“Thank you! Thank you! You…you helped her when I couldn’t! I couldn’t do a damn thing! Ferri-chan is…is…”
He broke down in sobs again.
“Many thanks are in order, young man. I’ll see to it that you are released at once and returned to your camp post haste! And…if you could please accept this old man’s apology…I should never have doubted you…” Wilhelm looked at Subaru with an expression of deep gratitude, bowing low.
Subaru waved a hand, “Don’t worry about it Wilhelm… maybe put in a good word so that I can get a better bed? With that- Koff!... I’ll give this place a good five stars. How ‘bout that?”
“Pardon the intrusion.”
Julius’ head snapped up at the knight that stood in the doorway. His flaming red hair would be distinguishable from miles away. His sky blue eyes scanned the people in the cell, hesitating on Wilhelm, and continuing over to Julius and Subaru sitting on the cot.
Julius flinched. Seeing the look of neutrality on his best friend's face felt like a jab to his stomach. In all the past month, Reinhard had been sent on mission after mission, and even though Julius wished desperately to reconnect with his old friend, the chance had yet to arrive.
“Grandson.”
“Esteemed Grandfather.”
The two men addressed each other coolly with a nod.
“I have spoken with the Council of Sages…”
“Will they let him go?” “He’s inn-nyacent! I swear it!”
Julius and Felix spoke out, over each other.
“...”Reinhard hesitated for a moment, his eyes downcast and saddened, “The Council has decided to keep ‘Pride’ imprisoned. And stage an execution.”
The room went quiet.
“R-Really?” Subaru’s face displayed abject horror at the announcement.
“But! What of the results of his actions?? What just happened in this room is evidence of the highest order that Subaru is innocent! We simply need to inform the council-”
“That’s not the issue, Julius-dono.”
He turned to face Wilhelm, dusting himself off the floor and helping his lady up alongside him.
“The issue is one of saving face. The Battle of Priestella was a victory over Greed and Wrath, yes. But the Sin Archbishops of Gluttony, and Lust caused the most harm by way of casualties and injuries.”
Reinhard nodded, “To restore faith in the Council, they wish to publicly execute Pride. Since Wrath’s authority could cause untold harm. And despite his actions, the public knows Subaru-san as the Sin Archbishop of Pride. ”
“Subaru-san…huh?” Subaru whispered, barely audible to anyone, save Julius.
“So…they will simply allow an innocent man to sit condemned until his judgement day? Simply to placate the populous?” Julius didn’t understand. It couldn’t make sense! The knights were the pinnacle of the kingdom. They were supposed to be impartial, fair, and be the role models for the citizens of Lugunica.
And they were supposed to…what? Turn a blind eye?
The finest of knights, could not allow that. Even if his name was eaten, and stolen from him.
“When is the execution scheduled?” Julius asked.
“A couple weeks from now. They wish to make an auspicious day of it.” Reinhard grimaced, “The Day Pride is Humbled.”
“Making a pun out of my death is pretty messed up…” Subaru murmured. Despite the threat to his life, he had stayed relatively calm. Which confused Julius.
What have you experienced before this day, Subaru Natuski?
Julius stood up from the cot, and faced everyone in the room. “I know my relationships with all of you have been severed, but I believe we’re all in agreement that this man is innocent. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“Indeed, Julius-dono.”
“N’yes! Ferri-chan is sure of it!”
Crusch blinked at Julius, “I also agree.”
The sting stabbed him again when she had looked at Julius. It was venomous and to the bone. She had been barely lucid when he had last seen Crusch, so of course she wouldn’t have recognized him. But that did little to alleviate his heart.
“Then as the sworn Spirit Knight of Anastasia Hoshin, Royal Candidate I ask one request. If you would all humor me, I wish to avoid this man’s death. At most any cost.”
“But… Julius-dono. What could we do to fight the Council’s decree? Their word is absolute!”
Julius’ eyebrows furrowed in concentration, “I-I am not sure. But please! Should the ‘Sin-Archbishop of Pride’ disappear in the coming week, I ask you all…Please keep your silence…”
No one spoke for a moment, what Julius was proposing was high treason. And they had no reason to listen to his request. He had no name, in the last month all he had done was try and re-establish himself at his home. One which had erased all traces of him, and no longer felt like his. He had reclaimed his title, and his lady had accepted him. But there was something preventing things from returning to the way they were. Some indescribable barrier which barred them from connecting the way they did before.
It was selfish, he was being selfish, but he needed to cling on to the vestiges of his life. What was left of it. And Subaru was the one that held on to those ghosts.
“I will remain silent.” Reinhard voiced. Nodding at Julius in confirmation.
“Ferri, will nyat say a word!”
“My lady has been returned to me. I’d dare not speak anything against you or Subaru-dono.”
“I will not either, Julius Juukulius.”
Julius looked at each of the people in the room with gratitude.
“W-Why are you sticking your neck out for me?”
Julius looked down at Subaru, his hair was blocking his eyes, and prevented Julius from seeing the expression on his face.
He got down on one knee in front of Subaru, “Because, Subaru, though I don’t remember our time together, I can already see the person you are. Someone who would take another’s pain and make it your own.”.
“But you don’t even remember me! Idiot! Before you get yourself hurt or arrested, think about that first!” Subaru scolded, the pain in his eyes clearly searching for something in Julius’ eyes. Recognition, perhaps.
“It matters not if I can remember you. I wish to aid a friend in need. That’s what you said we were. Is that not right, Subaru?”
Julius nearly reached out to touch Subaru’s hand in comfort. But retreated, unable to make that jump quite yet.
“Always so arrogant, you never change.” Subaru rolled his eyes and laid back, a coughing fit threatening to rack his lungs.
Julius smiled slightly, he had a sense that while Subaru’s words were biting, there held no venom beneath it. Subaru broke out into a fit of coughs, covering his mouth with his hand, he leaned forward and shut his eyes tight.
He immediately patted Subaru’s back, “Let it pass, we’ll find a way to get the help you need.”
Subaru breathed in deeply and nodded his head, “Thanks, I guess.”
As he turned to face Reinhard at the cell’s entrance, Subaru spoke up once more.
“W-What about Emilia-tan? My camp? Any word from them?” Subaru looked at Reinhard with hope.
The Sword Saint kept his eyes on Subaru, continuing to force the mask of neutrality. “No. I’m sorry. They are still under the impression that you are Pride. And with a half-elf representing the camp, they have deemed it too risky to fraternize with a possible Sin-Archbishop.”
Subaru’s breath hitched.
Reinhard pulled in air, deep into his lungs, “I’m sorry. Subaru-san.”
“T-They’re…leaving me behind?” Subaru asked, his face twisted in pain.
“Perhaps, they will be open to speaking with you eventually. But from the word I have received most recently. There appears to be no chance for that now.”
Subaru sunk into himself, tears beginning to fall from his eyes, his cheeks lined down with their paths. He tried with all his might to roll over into the cot, but struggled to lift his legs onto the bed. And fell into a coughing fit.
Julius immediately stepped in, and pulled his legs up and onto the cot, patting his friends back again, hoping the cough would pass quickly.
“Ugh,” Subaru finally breathed out, his voice raspy and hoarse. “Thanks again, but…can I have a moment. Alone?”
Julius looked down at the raven haired boy once more, before nodding. “We’ll grant you all the space you need. Simply have one of the guards summon me and I will be here. I swear.”
“Uh huh.”
Subaru faced the wall next to his cot, and waited patiently for everyone to file out.
Julius hesitated a moment before closing the cell door, and said over his shoulder.
“I will be back for you. Soon.”
Subaru Natsuki said nothing. His shoulders were shaking slightly, and his body tense.
Whether they were sobs or a coughing fit approaching, Julius did not know.
“So ya wanna break an Archbishop outta jail, huh?”
Julius scratched his head, slightly tense in the Anastasia camp’s office. The woman in question was talking around lightly scratching her chin at what the Finest of Knights had just proposed.
“It is something I must do Anastasia-sama. I cannot leave him to rot in that cell!”
Anastasia paused at the window overlooking the Juukulius grounds. Her eyebrows furrowed. “I can see where yer comin’ from. Notta great feelin’, seein’ someone ya care ‘bout put in that kinda situation.”
“Then you will help me?”
She smirked at him, “Did ya always have a habit’a breakin’ people outta jail?”
Julius adjusted himself in his seat. “Um, no my lady. This is a first for me.”
“Yeahhhh, me too.” She raised a finger, “I’ll help in tha name of our past friendship. On one condition, a’ course.”
“What is it, my lady?”
“Yer sure that he was the knight of the Emilia camp?”
“Yes. I believe so.”
Anastasia turned around and looked into Julius’ eyes, her merchant’s mask on, telling Julius that her mind was quickly processing everything about the situation at hand and had made a judgement befitting the Merchant Princess.
“Then I want ya ta report on the information given ta ya by this Natsuki character. See what he knows about ‘em. Their secrets. Anythin’ useful at all fer tha Royal Selection.”
Julius’ throat bobbed as he swallowed, it was a big ask. But fair was fair, and he had known when asking his lady for assistance that she would search for an advantageous way to profit off of it. It was one of the reasons he had become her knight in the first place. Her prension for greed.
So he bowed, “It shall be done.”
"Anastasia Hoshin" smiled. “Then I gotta idea er’ two.”
Subaru Natuski’s heart was torn.
He couldn’t blame anyone but himself for the circumstances of his current situation. He had been the one to rush towards Gluttony after defeating Regulus. He was the one who didn’t explain himself properly. And he was the one who volunteered to take the Dragon’s Blood curse for himself.
It was all his fault.
He had been crying for a while now. And in between coughs and shallow breaths he held on to the one last thing he had.
The promise Julius had made to him.
The days had passed on without a word, and Subaru was beginning to worry that even he had abandoned him.
He was curled up into a ball on his cot. True to their word Felix and Wilhelm had been able to give Subaru some nicer amenities. A cot that actually felt comfortable to sleep in. A change of clothing. He was even given better rations of food. Something that Felix had claimed took a while to negotiate for, and a whole lot of nya’s to explain.
But despite their kindness, Subaru couldn’t help but feel hopeless. He missed Emilia and Beatrice, he missed Otto and Garf. Ram, Patrasche, Frederica…
Rem.
Not Roswaal though. He was okay not seeing him as much lately.
He heard the click! Of his cell door, and slowly peeked over his shoulder.
“Subaru, please hurry.”
His black eyes met amber, and he felt relief wash over his body at the sight of Julius.
He didn’t forget me. Thank god! Being stuck in a never ending, dead-end loop in prison sounds like hell!
Subaru tried to get up, stumbled a little against the wall, and got up again.
“Took you long enough.” Subaru whispered.
“I apologize for my lack of punctuality. But I am here for you now.” Julius slipped an arm under Subaru’s and helped him up the steps of the prison tower. Carefully making sure that Subaru didn’t over extend himself.
Reaching the tops of the steps, Subaru flinched at the sound of a booming voice.
“So this is the guy I’ve been hearin’ so much about!”
“Oh! It’s just you Ricardo…” he relaxed at the sight of the wolf man.
Ricardo tilted his head with humor in his eyes, “I take it we’ve met?”
Subaru smirked, “Yeah… we have. How’s your arm doing by the way?”
Ricardo shrugged and led the pair forward towards the exit of the gate house. “I’m workin’ with what I got. Ana-bo tells me we’re takin’ ya to Kararagi.”
Subaru looked at Julius with a surprised expression. “Is that right?”
Julius nodded, his face serious, “She has a home there, and taking you out of the country is the safest option we have to assure you aren’t arrested once more. Anastasia -sama has agreed to let me go on a sabbatical while I get you settled there comfortably. We’ll stow you away with the Iron Fang’s cargo until we get there.
Subaru nodded in confirmation. “Okay, let’s do it.”
“Oh-kay?” Julius raised an eyebrow.
“It’s basically saying everything’s good. Damn, how often do I have to explain that!” Subaru clicked his teeth.
The trio snuck around guard patrols, thankfully Julius had the information available via Captain Marcos of the patrols in the area.
Half way to the Iron Fang’s caravans, Subaru stumbled and nearly fell forward in a coughing fit.
“KOFF! Ughhhh,” He raised a hand, signaling the two to wait. “Sorry…I-I think the cursed in my lungs or something. This damn cough won’t go away!”
Julius leaned down, “Will you be alright the rest of the way?”
Subaru nodded, “Yeah. Yeah. Just give me a second you impatient jerk.”
Julius watched with baited breath as Subaru stumbled up and tried to take a step, falling back down on his knees coughing. “Subaru!”
“I-I Don’t think I can walk. I’m fucking this all up! I’m sorry. KOFF!”
“Don’t say that. You are sick with a curse, there is no reason for you to apologize for that!”
“Julius is right bro! Don’t worry I’ll carry ya if I have ta!”
Ricardo was about to put his sword away, Julius raised a hand to stop him. “Do not worry Ricardo, I can take care of him.”
“Ya sure? I know tha kid’s scrawny right now but he’s still like, half yer weight!”
“I’m more than half his weight!” Subaru spoke out.
Julius ignored his cry and nodded at Ricardo. “I am sure.”
He leaned down and put Subaru in a bridal carry, causing the raven haired boy to look away.
“Is something wrong, Subaru?”
“Ugh, don’t make this weird! Keep going!”
Julius frowned, unsure of what was bothering him, “As you wish.”
Moving slightly slower with Julius holding Subaru, they made it only a little past their originally designated meeting time with the Iron Fang’s caravan.
Ricardo joined up at the front, preparing to lead the mercenary group out of the capital, while Julius placed Subaru gently inside one of the covered wagons, hiding him behind the boxes filled with weapons and supplies.
“Once we get out of the capital we’ll get you situated more comfortably, in the mean time, there are some people here who wish to speak with you Subaru.”
“Eh?”
Subaru looked out the back of the wagon and spotted three figures from across the street rushing forward to meet with them before they departed. He turned to Julius and smiled genuinely.
“Subaru-kyun!” Felix met the boy’s eyes happily, Crusch and Wilhelm trailing behind.
“Hey guys! Coming to see me off on my maiden voyage?” Subaru smiled.
“Indeed Subaru-dono, we wish to give you thanks once more. And to bid you safe travels to the City-States.” Wilhelm patted Subaru’s shoulder with warmth.
“I also wished to tell you that I will do everything within my power to assure you are able to come home someday.” Crusch stood tall, nodding at Subaru with respect. “I wish I could repay you for all that you’ve given me. I’ve ordered my Camp and men to look into any and everything they can about Lust’s curse. Felix is also putting in his all.”
“Well get nya feelin’ better soon!” Felix nodded in confirmation.
Subaru’s eyes welled up in tears. “T-Thank you all. I’m sorry for causing you so much trouble.”
Wilhelm shook his head sternly. “Hold your head tall Subaru-dono, you are a good man. You have caused no such trouble. In fact, I am glad to have known you. Even for this short time.”
Subaru smiled with melancholy, memories surfacing of their moments in battle, in Priestella, The White Whale, and Sloth.
He wished they would remember him.
“We’re headin’ out!” Shouted Ricardo from the front, the wheels hitched as the ligers began their lurch forward.
“I’ll see you guys soon, alright?” Subaru smiled, making a promise he didn’t know if he would ever be able to keep.
“Be well, Subaru-dono.”
“Safe Travels! I’ll find a cure for nya! I swear!”
“Reach out anytime Subaru-dono!”
As the trio began pinpricks in the distance, Subaru fell back and sighed, long and deep.
Julius sat beside him, looking up at the caravan’s ceiling.
“Wait, you're staying here with me?”
Julius looked at Subaru, puzzled. “Yes, I figured I could keep you company. It is a long trip.”
Subaru made a face, “Put me back in the cell!”
“What? What do you mean?”
“Why would I want to spend a long road trip with you! What are we gonna do this whole time!”
“I…figured we could talk?”
Subaru made a face like he just tasted something sour, “TALK? How long is this trip anyways? Priestella was roughly a week and a half! You wanted to talk for a week and a half??”
Julius shrugged shyly, “It is actually two weeks.”
“TWO WEEKS??”
And so it went, with the clear night sky, and the stars above shining in a glorious brilliance. While the two forgotten knights shared the first of many nights, together.