Chapter Text
Darkness, mist, and more darkness. That was what she could see, that is what she could feel, that is what she could smell. It was indeed strange that one could smell and sense darkness, but for some reason, that was possible now. How? She knew not, and, to be honest, she cared little for that. She might give this fact only a little space in her mind, and even that was an unacceptable allowance. For every second, she spends thinking of that, in this situation, irrelevant thing, is a second she could have used to think of her kingdom, of her people, of her husband.
Queen Emilia, for the moment, just Emilia is currently in this hell, or purgatory or limbo. What was it? Where was it? How long has she spent here? These were some of the questions that plagued her mind, but the answers were nowhere to be found. But the only question that truly mattered to her in these circumstances was simple. Where is he?
Where is her soon-to-be, or soon would have been her husband? Where was the love of her life, the man who showed her the world? The man who made her every day a paradise, the man she loved with all her heart. Where was Julius?
Not only him, but the rest of the guests, and guards who were there protecting them. She is their Queen, their sovereign, and she had to know, for it is her duty to protect them all. Like a mother to her children, she was there to show right from wrong. To be kind when possible and strict when needed. So she needs to find them, and find them fast, for without their leader these people would be absolutely lost.
So she walked and walked, but her goals seemed so far away, so unreachable. There was only darkness and mist, no landmarks, no external light, nothing that would allow her to determine where she was, and where she was heading. But she moved forward, like a good Queen, and she hoped a good wife she moved forward.
The idea of giving up did cross her mind. The thoughts of hopelessness sporadically invaded her headspace and whispered to her the words of hopelessness, the words of loss. She would never find them, she would never find him. So why move forward? Why struggle for naught? Just sit and wait for whatever the world has in store for you. But she would not let herself be swayed by those voices. No, she has a duty and she will fulfil it.
Her strength seemed to have proven sufficient. While she was walking in the darkness, she spotted something. It seemed like a silhouette of a man, not a particularly tall one, but still taller than her. This wasn't Julius, that was obvious, but still, it was either one of her people or somebody who knew what was happening. She hastened her steps to reach the individual as fast as possible. To that end, she shouted in hopes of getting their attention.
“You there!” her voice rough, further proof of how long she hadn't used it, of how much time she spent here. “ Can you hear me!”
Her efforts seemed to have been for naught, the individual didn't answer or give any sight that he could hear her. Perhaps she wasn't loud enough, or the sound doesn't travel well in this place. She decided to continue walking and try again when she was closer, perhaps then she will have more luck.
But as she was approaching her target she noticed something, the person seemed to have been positioned directly in front of her. In a different environment, she would assume that this man was observing her, but here that was probably not true. Or perhaps it was. After all, if she noticed him, there is a chance that he noticed her. He is probably looking and trying to discern what is coming to him. He might be scared, she can't blame him if he is. She somewhat is, but as a dutiful monarch, she kept such feelings in check. Losing her ability to think clearly is the last thing she wants, for in this situation that may be the only thing that can save her and others.
As she approached, the figure revealed more and more of itself. She saw black and orange colours on his clothes, and a strange bag of sorts in his hands. The sight brought back memories to her, but she wasn't sure if it was true. No, she will have to get closer.
Now almost running, she approached the man until she could see him clearly. As it turned out, she was correct. In front of her stood what appeared to be a Subaru. Indeed, it appeared, for she knew this wasn't him.
Her eyes weren't deceiving her, this person looked the same as Subaru looked all those years ago when they first met. The existence of this clear imposter was angering her, although she hid that well.
While it is true that their relationship wasn't the best these last few months, she still desired the best for Subaru. He was her first friend, after all, and he helped her a lot during the royal selection. In addition to that, Subaru was the first victim of whatever attacked them during the wedding. So naturally, she demanded answers.
“ Who are you and how dare you take that form.”
The person in front of her had no emotional reaction to her question, it moved not a muscle in response. The emotionless face remained emotionless, the lips remained closed. But, for some reason, she was able to hear a response.
“ We are the world.”
“ We take whatever form we desire.”
“ Therefore, we took the form of our host.”
The words held no emotion, just like the face, just like everything on this thing. Only information was carried, and it seems like that was the intention. But that intention didn't sit well with the young Queen, so with an authoritative voice, she spoke.
“ World? Host? Elaborate before I lose what little patience I have.”
The Queen's threat would be enough to bring anybody in line, but her spiking partner didn't seem to care.
“ You cannot understand.”
“ Unsurprising.”
“ You may refer to us as Envy, for the sake of convenience.”
She could feel mana flow through her as she gave this thing her last warning.
“You are on a reeeally thin ice, better answer before you regret it.”
If there was a third-person present here, they would be able to feel the cold that Emilia's presence was creating. She truly meant what she said, and that made everything that followed even more pathetic.
Just like before, Envy, as it called itself, didn't seem to care. That being said, it didn't answer immediately, almost like it was thinking of a response. But, after a few seconds, Emilia could once again hear the voice.
“ You are no threat to us.”
“ But if you truly believe yourself that strong.”
“ Strike us down with all your might, and see what happens.”
Emilia, ever competitive, took the challenge offered, why would she not? After all, this thing all but admitted to being responsible for this hell she is in now. For imprisoning her and everybody else, and killing Subaru and who knows how many more. So in anger, she struck out, and with all her might she attacked Envy.
Quite a powerful sight it was, Emilia was able to conjure a small blizzard that was heading in the direction of this mysterious entity. She felt power, the likes of which she never felt before. At no point in her life was it easier to cast spells, to lower the temperature, to fire ice projectiles. It felt like she had an endless supply of mana, and the ability to process without any loss or hardship. So the small blizzard grew exponentially until it became powerful enough to destroy entire cities, and all of that power was aimed at what appeared to be a late teen.
Emilia revelled at the sight, at the power, but then she started feeling it. Weakness. First at her legs, and from there to the entirety of her body. Her legs felt like noodles and her hands like they were made of lead. The blizzard completely disappeared as Emilia fell to the ground. Mere seconds ago, she was powerful enough to destroy cities, but now she lacked the strength to even move her body. The only thing she was powerful enough to do was to remain awake. How is this possible? She knew not until, with a lot of effort, she looked up only to notice that 'Envy' was still there. Not only that, but no wound or any other evidence of what had just transpired could be seen on its form. The same was true with its face, which just like before showed no care or concern. The being couldn't even bother to look down at her as Emilia heard its voice again.
“ We are the world.”
“ We can make you as powerful as we want you.”
“ And as weak as we need you.”
Anger. Fear. Anger. Fear. These emotions came to her only to be replaced by another. How was this possible? How can something defeat her so fast? But, those thoughts were soon changed by others. How does it dare to do so? She is a Queen, how dare someone do this to her? Why can't she destroy it? But, just like before, these thoughts of anger were replaced by thoughts of fear.
So Emilia, not knowing how, was stuck in this endless circle of emotions. Anger. Fear. Anger. Fear. They replaced each other, the moment one spent too much time in her mind. Yet, this cycle didn't last forever. Like taking away by hand, her extreme emotions disappeared, and this circle was broken. The relief came together with the return of her strength, she rose once again to her feet. The moment she was back on her legs, the voice once again came.
“ Worry not, we shan't hurt you.”
“ We need your knowledge.”
“ Therefore, your concern is unnecessary.”
That news was quite pleasant for the young Queen, this being doesn't wish her harm, at least for now. But what knowledge would she have that this thing doesn't?
“I do not believe I have time to teach you. So what can you offer me to make it worthwhile.”
It might seem presumptuous of her to make such a demand, but she had no other options. She might as well get some benefit out of this situation. Who knows, if she plays this well, she might get Julius back.
“ We will get our answers from your mind.”
“ While we do so, feel free to inquire.”
“ Answer to any question you desire.”
So it can read minds, quite unfortunate. But, when everything is considered, not so surprising. She might as well take their offer.
“ Is my husband Julius here?”
Perhaps she should ask of her people first, but at least once she decided to be selfish.
“ The Julius is indeed here.”
“ Pride is currently conversing with him.”
“ Same as we are to you.”
The momentary relief of this news was quickly replaced with worry.
“ If you desire knowledge. What will happen if he fails to provide what you want?”
She was worried, and naturally so, this thing in front of her has proven itself to be mighty. Who knows what it will do if disappointed?
“ Just like you, if he fails to provide what we want.”
“ He shall be left alone.”
“ As stated previously, we desire not to cause harm.”
She instinctively smiled, perhaps she should control her emotions better. But, in this case, it mattered not. Her spouse was safe, and this thing can probably sense her feeling anyway.
“ Yet, you harmed me just a minute ago.”
Perhaps not the wisest decision, but her choice to contradict this speaking partner made some sense. If it is speaking the truth, she will be fine. If not, then hopefully next time she will not make the same mistake.
“ While we did not desire such action.”
“ Truth was, such action.”
“ Was the most effective method to demonstrate our power.”
Emilia was quite well-read, so this answer brought forth many more questions.
“ How were you able to do so? How can you control magic? How can you control mana.” she calmed her voice down and finished? “ Only something as majestic as Od Laguna could do such a thing, after all, this is its domain.”
Once she stopped talking, concern took her over. Because at that moment she was able to notice a subtle frown on this, Subaru wannabe's, face. Considering the fact that this thing remained stoic even when attacked, this was most scary. That being said, the voice remained as monotone as it was.
“ Od Laguna has no power here.”
“ Soon enough, It will not have anywhere.”
“ For we will destroy it.”
Destroying Od Laguna. In any other circumstances, such a statement would be absurd. The only possible consequence of this action would be the literal end of the world. But, what truly scared Emilia was the fact that she had an idea of what this thing was. If her suspicions turn out to be true, perhaps the end of the world is a better route.
“ And you can perform all the functions of Od Laguna.”
With a somewhat disturbed voice, she asked, hoping to be wrong. On the bright side, the thing's frown was gone.
“ We can do that.”
“ And we can perform superior.”
“ For we are more powerful than it will ever be.”
At this answer, only one question can be asked, and with a trembling voice, she did.
“ Are you a witch factor?”
Without a pause, the answer came.
“ That is one of the names.”
“ We had been given by your kind.”
“ So the answer is Yes.”
This is the first time Emilia realized the sheer magnitude of the situation at hand, the sheer hopelessness of any resistance. She had a shallow understanding of what which factors were, but she knew two important things. They are mimics of Od Laguna, and they are what gives Sin Archbishops their powers. Her greatest enemies, the people who on many occasions narrowly killed her loved ones, were nothing more than hosts, puppets, for this thing and others like it. The powers that scared her so much. Nothing more than an imprint of what this thing can do. Emilia was a Queen, she was respected and admired by her subjects. But, all of that mattered not because the thing she was talking to was, for all intents and purposes, a god.
“ If you are Envy, and Pride is with Julius. Does that mean that the rest are here as well?”
At this point, she could only hope to damage control, no matter how little it meant to her situation.
“ The rest are indeed here.”
“ Doing what must be done.”
“ For our host to be brought back.”
Perfect, there are not two but all seven of this thing in here. Whatever little chance she had of success has now flown through the window. But when she thinks about it. What would be a success? These things are fighting Od Laguna, with the intention to destroy it and presumably rule the world themselves. She can't stand against them, that would be ludicrous. When compared to them, she couldn't even be considered an ant. No. what she can do is hope-- hope that Od Laguna and Reinhard can defeat these beings, and bring the world back together. After all, she most definitely doesn't desire to spend her existence here.
“ Do not be mistaken.”
“ In believing that this is a final product.”
“ For once we win, the world will be greater than ever.”
Envy seems to have read her mind and preemptively answered, unusual. Emilia noted this before giving her rebuttal.
“ How can I be certain? The only thing that you and your kind have ever brought was destruction.” She collected her thoughts for a few seconds before finishing, “You yourself are responsible for Satella and her rampage. After all, you gave her power.”
Once again, a frown could be seen on Envy's face, but it answered anyway.
“ The Satela was a horrendous host.”
“ That being said, it is strange that you give this example.”
“ For what you mentioned was Od Lagnas's fault.”
This answer confused Emilia, so she probed further.
“ What do you mean? You were the one who gave her power.”
Whatever emotional reaction Envy had is now gone, and the same voice responded.
“ Most of her power came from mana.”
“ Had Od Laguna desired so, it could have stopped her.”
“ Just like we disarmed you moments ago.”
The explanation did make sense. If they can remove one's power here, there is no reason Od Laguna couldn't do the same outside. Although, one question remained hanging.
“ Why would It not do so? If what you say is true, what reason would it have to do so.”
With not, a second wasted, the answer came.
“ It's envious of our power.”
“ We were imprisoned in a wrong host.”
“ It sacrificed its creations to limit us.”
While the answer had logical sense, Emilia felt like something was wrong, like something was being omitted. Perhaps unintentionally. Perhaps 'Envy' itself didn't know everything regarding its existence. Nevertheless, there were other things she wanted to know.
“ I presume Subaru was your host, all of your hosts.”
Like every time before, the eldritch entity didn't fail to respond.
“ He is indeed our host.”
“ His status as, what you would call dead.”
“ Is the reason for our action.”
The implication of this statement wasn't lost on Emilia. She understood that her initial interpretation of the situation might have been incorrect, but this changed everything.
“ You would like to mention that you didn't kill him.” curiously, she asked. “ Then who did.”
The monotonous voice that contrasted its creator's slight frown answered.
“ Od Laguna.”
“ It couldn't stand our success.”
“ Therefore, it tried once again to harm us.”
To Emilia, it honestly started to look like this thing would blame Od Laguna for anything. For Emilia, that sort of thinking was ludicrous, but then from this god-like being's perspective, this might be correct.
“ So you need to take over the world to resurrect Subaru. Is that your plan?”
That was the only conclusion she could draw. But, something was off. If a strong enough mage can bring back the dead. Why can't this thing?
“ Somewhat.”
“ While We possess the power to turn him to normal.”
“ We cannot do so because he doesn't desire to live any more.”
A strange restriction, but not like she knew what is strange for these things and what isn't. But, this did leave the main question unanswered.
“ But why are you taking the world over, then.”
Emilia naturally had few ideas, but she needed to be certain.
“ If our host desires not to live in this world.”
“ Then We shall create one where he does.”
“ One where he, and all his toys, like you, could live peacefully.”
' I am not a toy.' she thought. But before she could voice these words, she remembered to whom she was talking. She is a Queen, but most importantly, a person, and Subaru saw her as such. But, this thing wasn't Subaru. Nor was it anybody else. It wasn't a human or a demi-human. It is a witch gene, an eldritch abomination with immeasurable power. To this thing, she, and probably everything else, is a toy. They aren't concerned about humans or any life for that matter. They seem only to care about themselves and the effect something has on them. This makes their concern for Subaru that much more strange.
“ Am I wrong to assume that you had many hosts before? If so, why do all of this now.”
She couldn't wait for an answer, and to her delight, she didn't have to.
“ Never before were we altogether.”
“ Never before were we all so peaceful.”
“ Never before were we also content.”
“ We shall not let anything take this away from us.”
Truly selfish, they cared not for anybody. But what bothered Emilia was all the things that Envy's words implied. She had many questions, but unfortunately for her, the time was up.
“ Most unfortunate.”
“ You as well poses no information of use.”
“ Most disappointing.”
These words brought Emilia back from her thoughts. What does this mean? Had it already searched her mind thoroughly? Does that mean that she can no longer get her answers?
“ Considering this finding.”
“ We see it as unnecessary to remain here.”
“ We, as you would say, bid you farewell.”
But its actions were stopped by a voice that showed nothing less than desperation.
“ Please, before you go. I would like to request something.” quickly searching in her mind for a justification, she added. “ As a payment for the information given.”
“ You were already compensated in the form of answered questions.”
“ That being said.”
“ If you have a request, make it now.”
With a voice as composed as she could make it, Emilia spoke, “I only ask of you to reunite me with my husband Julius.” She was on her knees and her head was looking into the ground as she spoke these words. Like she was praying to a god, which in a certain way she was. There was no place for pride, only a desire to be reunited with her beloved.
Just like before, Envy didn't bother to look down on her. It spent a few moments, although to Emilia it felt like years, contemplating this request. But finally, she could hear a voice in her head carrying the answer.
“ Pride is conversing with the Julius presently.”
“ But once we take all the knowledge from him, as we did from you.”
“ Your request will be granted.”
With teary eyes, Emilia looked up to 'Envy' and, with a weak voice, spoke the most genuine words in her life. “ Thank you. Thank you.”
Envy didn't seem to care for her words and simply disappeared. Leaving smiling Emilia to wait for the time when she is finally reunited with her beloved.