[Ext. Forest clearing at night.]
(Petelgeuse, Subaru, and Puck are mid-battle. Emilia lays dead on the ground.)
Puck: “Now die!”
(Puck sends a barrage of ice attacks at them, instantly killing several witch cultists. Subaru gasps.)
Petelgeuse: “Oh, my brain, it… trembles!”
Subaru: “Puck!!”
Puck: “Be quiet Subaru. I don’t care what you have to-”
(Puck’s body starts contorting. Puck winces. Subaru gasps. Petelgeuse’s Unseen Hands crush Puck.)
Petelgeuse: “My, what complacency and negligence, that is sloth! Should’ve seized the moment and killed me when you had the chance but it’s too late!! Even with the element of surprise and your immense power you failed to do… what you needed to do!!
(Puck breaks free of the Unseen Hand. It starts to snow.)
Puck: “Foolishness. If you truly want to kill me…”
(Puck, now evolved into a huge beastly form, crushes several frozen cultists.)
Puck: “Then grow a thousand shadows! Half of what Satella could!”
(Intro #2 plays)
Subaru: “Uh, Puck, is that… really you?”
Puck: “Can’t you tell? Maybe it’s cruel of me to ask.”
Petelgeuse: “Unbelievable! Eigh, This is unbelievable!”
(Petelgeuse chews on his fingers)
Petelgeuse: “It cannot be! Eigh, It simply cannot be! Aeugh! My spirit, my faith, everything I’ve devoted my love to… Eigh, at the hands of a mere spirit??”
Puck: “A human who’s only lived a few decades shouldn’t talk to a spirit about time.
Petelgeuse: “Time has absolutely nothing to do with the depth of one’s faith! I wish you wouldn’t compare me to a fool like you, a being that lives for eternity, but wastes most of it in idleness! Such detestable audacity! Eheeaaaughh, My brain… it’s tremblinginginginginginginging-”
(Blood starts to leak from Petelgeuse’s eyes)
Puck: “Death isn’t even a punishment. This is why I hate all of your kind.”
(Petelgeuse starts to freeze)
Petelgeuse: “The ordeal has finally been completed. Even if my body dies, my wishes will be called to the exalted witch’s side, and I shall receive her LOVE!! OH HOW I LOOK FORWARD… TO OUR AWAITED REUNION!! HUHUHAUAHA!!!”
Puck: “He quit while he was ahead.”
(Puck crushes Petelgeuse with his giant paw.)
Puck: “Now then, shall we have a little talk? Subaru… You have committed three sins. First, you broke your promise to Lia. You don’t seem to understand how important one is to a spirit arts user. Nor do you seem to care to learn.”
(Subaru winces as he begins to freeze.)
Puck: “Second, you ignored her explicit wishes and came back here. And third… You let Lia die.”
(Puck breathes in Subaru’s face.)
Puck: “In accordance with my contract, I will now destroy the world.”
Subaru, through gritted teeth: “But, why?”
Puck: “Lia is… Emilia is my entire reason for existing. There is no point in living in a world without her. The fog is coming closer. Looks like a troublesome one has been drawn here.”
(Subaru tips over onto his face, breaking his arm off from his body.)
Puck: “Gluttony… I suppose they call it the White Whale now… You called it here, let Lia die, and now it’s your turn.”
(Someone starts laughing as Subaru completely freezes over..)
Puck: “You’re so useless.”
(The scene fades to black with the laughter continuing.)
Subaru: *I’ve heard this laughter before. The voice of a man I hated to death.*
(It is revealed that Subaru himself is the one laughing.)
Subaru: *No… It’s me… I’m laughing at myself… I let Rem die, killed Emilia, and now I’M going to die in vain…*
(Subaru’s body slowly cracks into shards of ice)
Subaru: *I… I really am so…*
(As Subaru's tongue cracks, the scene cuts to black.)
Puck: “You’re slothful, Subaru.”
(Subaru gasps as he returns by death. He’s back at the market, and has dark circles under his eyes. He looks up at the sun.)
Rem: “Subaru! Hey, what’s the matter?”
Subaru: “It’s you…”
Rem: “Yes, it’s me. Your Rem.”
(Rem touches Subaru’s cheek)
Rem: “Goodness, I’m sorry, I didn’t notice. This city crowd is making you tired, isn’t it?”
Subaru: “What did you say? Oh, yeah. I feel tired, that’s it. I’m out of energy and worn down. So tired…”
(Subaru holds the hand that is holding his cheek. Rem drops her basket of appas.)
(Subaru is running down the street, dragging Rem along with him. She looks scared. He’s breathing frantically.)
Rem: “Subaru!!”
(Subaru stops in his tracks and lets go of her hand as he turns to face her. They both are out of breath.)
[Ext. Ancient terrace overlooking the capitol city.]
Subaru: “Wow, Sorry about that! I was feeling kinda stressed, so I skipped out on explaining. My apologies, didn’t mean to freak you out.”
Rem: “Really, you mustn't do that! I know you’re giving a great deal of thought to our situation when you do these sorts of things, although, I don’t hate it when you’re so forceful.”
Subaru: “Sorry I worried you like that, I’m doin’ fine now. Guess you’ve only seen me being pathetic… and getting depressed about everything all the time. But I finally get it.”
Rem: “What do you mean by that? Get what?”
Subaru: “I’ve bothered a lot of people with all my contemplating and agonizing. Buuut I finally figured out how to take care of everything. Honestly, when I really think about it, it’s what I was told from the very beginning, but I just wouldn’t listen. I just don’t know when to give up, y’know?”
Rem: “But I think that’s one of the things I find so wonderful about you.”
Subaru: “Hmh. Things I’ve realized, I’ve been forced to realize, all kinds of experiences and choices brought me to the place where I am now. But I’ve actually had the answer for a really long time… I’ve made a decision. Rem…”
Rem: “Which is…mm?”
(Subaru outstretched his hand for her to shake.)
Subaru: “...run away with me. As far as we can go.”
Rem: “Huh?”
Subaru: “I’m gonna leave the capital and head far west, or, maybe north… I haven’t decided yet.”
Rem: “Wait a second-”
Subaru: “Yeah, I heard it’s hard to get into the south kingdom, so one of those two. I don’t like cold weather so I’d personally recommend heading westward.”
Rem: “Hold on, what are you-”
Subaru: “Thing is, this could turn out to be a really long journey, and I know this is a last minute decision so it won’t be easy to pull off.”
Rem: “Subaru, wait…”
Subaru: “Huh?”
Rem: “The way you’re talking it sounds like you’re serious about this. As if you want to try and go to another country that isn’t Lugunica. Oh! Knowing you, it must be because you’ve had another great idea about what our next move should be, something to help Miss Emilia and Lord Roswaal! That’s it, right?”
Subaru: “That’s not what this is, Rem.”
Rem: “Huh?”
Subaru: “There’s nothing I can do in the capitol. And I’d be every bit as powerless if I headed back to the mansion. That’s what I figured out. So again, run away with me. Please, Rem. Staying here is not an option. That’s what everyone’s been telling me this whole time. I didn’t want to believe that it was true, so I denied it with all my might. But yeah, they were right. No one needed me around for anything.”
Rem: “No, that’s not-”
Subaru: “It’s a cold hard fact! It’s been plainly spelled out for me, over and over again! That’s why I’ve decided to just disappear. It’s for the best. Anything I do will just lead to a dead body. Or maybe more, depending on what happens… I’ve had enough of all this. Let’s run, Rem. You and I can’t stay here. We shouldn’t be in this country!”
Rem: “But this is all so sudden, I can’t think straight!”
Subaru: “I’m sorry it’s coming from out of nowhere, I really am! But we don’t have time! I know it’s not fair to ask… but you must make a choice.”
Rem: “What do you mean?”
Subaru: “Choose me, or choose someone else. But you have to choose. Let’s get a dragon-drawn carriage and head west. We’ll leave Lugunica and go far west to- Kararagi, was it? We’ll buy a little house and live there together. Even if bad things happen, I can keep going if you’re there. Just having someone waiting at home for me with a smile? No matter how tired I am, if I know you’re waiting for me, I can make it through anything! So please, choose me! ‘Cause if you do, I'll give you all that I have for the rest of my life. I’m begging you. Let’s run away from here. Live out your life with me!”
Rem: “Mm. Subaru. Look, I- I’m sorry but I can’t run away with you. We have a plan, I mean we’re supposed to sit around and laugh together as we talk about the future, remember?”
Subaru: “I- I remember! And maybe we can laugh now, but, you know! Once we start, once we actually get moving then… I bet we can both find a way-”
Rem: “I’ve thought about it too, you know. We would arrive in Kararagi and rent a place to stay. As long as we had a home and some work, we could manage to get by somehow. Fortunately thanks to the graciousness of Lord Roswaal, I’ve received a formal education. So I think it would be easy for me to find some kind of work, even in Kararagi. You on the other hand might have to do manual labour, or maybe just take care of things around whatever work I have, like an assistant or something! Once the two of us had a stable income, we could look for a better place to live! In the meantime, you could study, for maybe a year or two, so that you’d be able to go out and find a decent job. Something that would benefit from your creativity! We would go to work, spend our evenings together, and once we had enough money, we could buy a house. Maybe even open up a little shop of our very own! After all, Kararagi is a pretty thriving town, so I’m sure we could earn a living on one of your fanciful ideas! And once our jobs were on track, um, it’s embarrassing to say, but… we could have a baby! The child would be half demon and half human, so I’m sure it would be feisty, but I know that they would be completely adorable. Whether we ended up with a boy, a girl, twins, or even triplets! I’m sure that it wouldn’t be all fun and games and good times, and I know that not everything would work out exactly the way I imagined it, I mean the two of us might end up having only daughters and no sons, so if you were hoping to pass down your family name, you might end up being disappointed with that.”
Subaru: “Rem, I-”
Rem: “But either way you’ve no need to worry! Even when the children grow up and reach the age where they might begin to treat you coldly, I’ll still be right there by your side! In the neighbourhood, we’ll be known as a couple of old romantic lovebirds, the kind who still laugh and flirt with each other after so many years. Growing old together...”
Subaru: “Then why don’t-”
Rem: “I would feel bad for doing such a thing to you, but I would prefer to die before you if possible. I want to die quietly in the home we’d made together, lying on our bed, with your hand in mine, surrounded by our children and their children, and I’d say: “I lived such a happy life.” Then, with all you there, take my last breath. If I could do that, I’d end my life so happily. So very happily.”
(Subaru starts crying.)
Subaru: “I don’t understand… Then why, Rem? If you want it that badly then why can’t-”
Rem: “Because you’re not smiling. If you really wanted that future, one with the two of us growing old together, I would die so happy. I would love a future like that with you, and knowing you truly care enough about me to want me there with you, when you run away leaving everything behind, makes me happy from the bottom of my heart. But I’m afraid I can’t do it. Because I know… that if we run away together now… the Subaru I’d be leaving behind, would be the Subaru that I love most. Now please, tell me what happened that’s bothering you so. If you can’t tell me, then just trust me. I swear that I’ll do something to make it right!”
Subaru: “Hhg”
Rem: “But for now at least, we should return to the manor. If we can take our time and consider things calmly, maybe we can find a different answer to whatever the problem is.”
Subaru: “I’ve agonized over this, I’ve thought about it, I’ve suffered for it! And that’s why… I’m giving up.”
Rem: “Look, It’s easy to do. But-”
Subaru: “Did you just say what I thought you said?”
Rem: “Subaru you’re shaking…”
Subaru: “Don’t give me that crap!! There’s nothing easy about giving up! NOTHING!! You think I’m just doing nothing, thinking about nothing, cutting myself off from everything, throwing my ENTIRE life away, leaving every last thing I know and care about behind, and that’s all it took for me to call it quits?? That’s a LIE! It was NEVER that easy for me! It was so much easier for me to go on thinking that there was something I could do to make a real difference, but I know now that there’s nothing I can do, there’s no way out, understand? The only path everything leads to is giving up! If I could do something, then I’d do it. I swear that I would.”
(Subaru starts to cry again.)
Rem: “Listen to me. It IS easy to give up. But… it doesn’t suit you at all. I don’t know what painful things you’ve been through. Or what you’ve done that makes you suffer so terribly. And I know it would be wrong of me to say that I understand whatever it is you’ve been experiencing to make you feel this way. It would. Even so, there’s something that I do know about all this. I know for certain that… You are someone that cannot give up on something when you’re halfway through. And I know for certain that… You are someone that can smile when you talk, about all of your hopes and wishes for the future. And I know for certain… that you are someone that can’t give up on the future. No matter what.”
Subaru: “I’m sorry. But you’re wrong. I’m not that kind of person-”
Rem: “I’m not wrong. You haven’t given up on us. Not Miss Emilia. Or sister. On Lord Roswaal Or Miss Beatrice. Or on anyone else. That isn’t who you are.”
Subaru: “You don’t know what you’re talking about, I HAVE given up. Carrying it all was impossible from the very start. My hands are so small that it all slipped through my fingers. Leaving nothing behind.”
Rem: “No, that’s not true, that’s not true at all! You have-”
Subaru: “BullSHIT!! WHAT DO YOU KNOW! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU ACTUALLY KNOW ABOUT ME, HUH?! NOTHING! I’ll tell you what kind of man I really am. I have no strength but I want it all. I have no knowledge but all I do is dream. There’s nothing I can do but I struggle in vain like an idiot. I- I hate- I HATE MYSELF! All I do is talk a big game and make myself sound like a big shot when I can’t do anything. I never do anything yet I complain with the best of them like it’s my job or something. Who the hell do I think I am?! I’m a fraud, it’s amazing that I can live like this and not feel ashamed. YOU KNOW I’M RIGHT! I’m an empty shell, there’s nothing inside me at all. I know there isn’t. Guess that’s obvious. Anybody could see that. Before I came to this place, before I got in the situation that led me to all of you, do you have any idea what I did with my life? I did nothing, that’s what. I’ve never done a single thing worth mentioning. I had all that time and freedom but I just squandered it away on nothing. I could have done anything with my life but I never did a damn thing. And what you’re looking at now is the result. This cowardly weak worthless crybaby! All of my powerlessness, all of my incompetence, is the product of my rotten and pathetic character. Wanting to accomplish something important when I’ve never done anything to earn it goes way beyond the limitations of arrogance. The cost of my lifetime of laziness and all the wasteful habits I forged along the way just ends up killing both you and me. That’s right. I have no character. Even when I thought I could go on living here, nothing changed about who I really am. The old man back at the manor saw that part of me perfectly, didn’t he. I wasn’t trying to get stronger, or trying to make things better. That was a lie. I was just striking an obvious pose to justify myself. To say that I was trying my best. And it wasn’t like I wasn’t doing anything. To be able to appear to be doing everything I could. I wanted to say I couldn’t help it. To be told that it couldn’t be helped. I was only pretending to push my body to the limit so that all of those excuses would be possible! Even when I had you help me study, I was just posing to cover up how embarrassed I felt to be such an incompetent idiot. Deep down inside, at the core of my heart, I’m just a small, cowardly, filthy piece of trash, who's always worried about how others see me, how they’ll accept or judge me, and nothing- NOTHING ABOUT ME HAS CHANGED!! …I’ve known it since the very beginning. Everything that was happening was my fault. I’m the lowest of the low. I absolutely… hate myself.”
Rem: “Listen to me, I know that no matter how deeply you’ve fallen into the pit of darkness, you still have enough courage to reach out your hand. I love it when you run your hand along my hair. I feel as though we can understand each other without ever saying a word. Just through that bit of contact. I love the sound of your voice. Just hearing you say a single word makes my heart flutter and feel warmer. I love how much of you I see in your eyes. Normally they look so stern and serious, but in those moments when you’re being kind to someone, I really love the way they soften. I love your fingers, too. For a boy, they’re so delicate, but when they hold mine, I know they’re the strong slender fingers of a man. They make me feel safe. I love the way you move when you’re walking. Whenever we’re out walking together, I love the way you occasionally turn to make sure I’m keeping up with you, and never leave me behind.”
Subaru: “Stop-”
Rem: “I love the way you look when you sleep. You seem unguarded, like an infant. And your eyelashes are so long. When I touch your cheek, you calm down. And when I playfully touch your lips, you don’t even notice. And it makes my heart ache terribly. I love you!”
Subaru: “Why would you say that?”
Rem: “When you said that you hate yourself, and told me all the reasons you feel that way, it made me want to counter those reasons, and tell you all the absolutely wonderful things I know and love about you.
Subaru: “You’re just seeing what you wanna see! Those things were all phony! That isn’t me, I know myself better than anybody ever could!”
Rem: “That’s not true!! All you know is yourself!! How much do you know about the Subaru that I see?? The one I was just telling you about!!”
Subaru: “Why… Why do you like me so much? Cause I’m… I’m nothing but a small weakling… I’m running… Running away just like I did last time… So why do you even care about me?”
Rem: “You don’t know? Because… You’re my hero, Subaru!
(A flock of doves fly behind Rem, and the sun shines down on them both.)
Rem: “Back in that dark forest, when I didn’t even know who I was anymore, and couldn’t think of anything but violently lashing out, you were the one who saved me! When I woke up, unable to move, and sister was exhausted after using too much magic, you faced the mabeasts all alone as a diversion so we could escape! There was no way you could win, and your life was in real danger, but you still stayed… and made your way back to my arms… still warm from the battle. When you finally woke up, you smiled at me and said the words I wanted to hear most, when I wanted to hear the most, from the one I wanted to most hear them from. My time has been stopped… for so very long… ever since that horrible fiery night… that tragic night I lost everything I had in this world except for my sister… my time has been stopped. It was you who melted my frozen heart, and through your neverending care and kindness, made the time that had been stopped for me for so long… start moving again! I’m sure you have no idea how you saved me that morning, or just how happy you made me feel… There was so much joy inside me, I couldn’t hold back the tears. Understand? That’s what I believe! No matter what painful things may happen, even when it looks like you’ll go down in flames, when no one else in the entire world believes in you, when you don’t even believe in yourself and you think that you can’t go on, I will still believe in you!!
(Rem embraces Subaru, making him gasp.)
Rem: “The Subaru who came into my life and saved me… is the hero that I will always call… mine!”
(Rem kisses his forehead. Subaru goes limp as she pulls out of the hug.)
Subaru: “No matter what I did or how hard I tried, I couldn’t manage to save anyone.”
Rem: “I’m here. Don’t you see? The Rem you saved is right here!”
Subaru: “I’ve never done anything. I’m empty. No one will even listen to me.”
Rem: “I’m right here. I’m ready to listen to anything you have to say. I want to.”
Subaru: “No one expects anything of me… No one in the world believes in me. I’m no good. I hate myself.”
(Rem kneels down to his level and touches his cheek. Tears well in her eyes.)
Rem: “No matter how you feel about yourself, I still love you!”
Subaru: “You really don’t mind… that it’s me?”
Rem: “I want it to be you! I wouldn’t want for it to be anyone else! If you can’t forgive yourself for being empty and having nothing, then let’s start from here, right now! At this very moment!”
(Rem steps back.)
Subaru: “start… what?”
Rem: “Just like when you started time for me after it had been stopped for so long. We’ll make the time that you feel has somehow stopped for you… begin to move again! Let’s start over, right here… from square one! No, we’ll start from zero!!”
(A ray of sunshine illuminates Rem like a deity. She holds her arms out. Subaru gasps.)
Rem: “If it’s too hard for you to walk on your own, then I’ll hold you up! We can both share the burden, supporting each other walking side by side. Isn’t that more or less what you said to me that morning? Show me how awesome you can be, Subaru! Show them all!”
Subaru: “Rem.”
Rem: “What is it?”
Subaru: “Emilia is the one I love.”
Rem: “I know.”
Subaru: “I want to see Emilia smile. I want to be of help to Emilia’s future. Even if she says I’m in the way, even if she tells me to leave her, I want to be right there at her side. Using my feelings for her as an excuse to get her to understand everything was pretty arrogant of me, huh. Man, do I feel stupid. It’s okay if she doesn’t understand. I just want to save her. If there’s a bleak, painful future waiting for her, I want to take her away to a future where we can all laugh together.”
(Subaru walks over with his hand outstretched for her to shake once again.)
Subaru: “Will you help me? I need you. I can’t do anything alone. I’m lacking in everything. I’m not even sure if I can keep walking straight. I’m just a weakling, so fragile and small. I’m asking… to make sure I stay on the right path. To help me realize when I’m wrong. Will you help me?”
Rem: “mhm… You’re a cruel man, you know that? You ask this of somebody who confessed their love for you and then reject it?”
Subaru: “Hey, it’s also hard for me to ask this of the one who rejected my once in a lifetime proposal. You wanna just call it even and move on?”
(Rem and Subaru giggle together. Rem curtseys.)
Rem: “I’ll be there to help with whatever you need. I’ll do everything I can for you. If it helps my hero, if you greet the future with a smile, then it’s worth it!”
(She takes his hand.)
Subaru: “Thanks, Rem. And now watch me. You get a front row seat!”
(Subaru pulls her into a hug.)
Subaru: “You’ll see the man you feel in love with… become the most awesome hero you and the rest of this world have ever known!!”
(Rem starts crying.)
Subaru: *I’m watching you, you’re watching me. So I won’t look downward. Not anymore. Subaru Natsuki’s story will begin right here. At this moment. My life in another world starts here! From zero!*
(Title card: ゼロから “From Zero”)
[That night, at the Karsten mansion.]
(A group of people sit in a room. Felix, Lady Crusch, and Sir Wilhelm stand opposite the room from Subaru and Rem.)
Crusch: “Are you serious?”
Subaru: “Yes, you heard me correctly. I’m proposing an alliance between the Emilia and Crusch camps on equal terms. And the information I’ll offer for that purpose is this: The next time and place you’ll find the White Whale. That’s the one card I can play here.”
Wilhelm: “The White Whale?”
(Wilhelm stares intensely at Subaru. Subaru gasps. Wilhelm calms down. He half-bows at Subaru.)
Wilhelm: “Please forgive my indiscretion, I suppose I still have much to learn.”
Crusch: “I must say, it seems a bit out of nowhere for you to suddenly bring up the White Whale like this.”
Subaru: “Oh, I wouldn’t say that. When we first began this negotiation, I mentioned the magic stones that were found in Elior Forest, located inside Lord Roswaal’s domain. If sharing the mining rights is an insufficient incentive to seal this deal, then I suppose I’m gonna need to offer up an additional push. So listen to me. I’m absolutely certain that the information I can provide will help you in your plan to bring that thing down.”
Crusch: “There’s something I’d like to ask you about concerning this matter. What made you feel this would be enticing to me? Since we’ve never discussed it, this seems oddly focused to present.”
Subaru: “For the past few days I’ve noticed a few things that bothered me. First, the traffic to and from your mansion. It’s been just a little excessive if you ask me. Also, I heard in the capitol that you’ve been buying up a lot of weapons and armour lately. Plus…”
Russell Fellow in flashback: “If Miss Crusch’s goal were to be attained, then Mr. Wilhelm, I’m confident such an outcome would suit your desires.”
Subaru: “Based on those observations it seemed like you were planning something big. ‘Course I can’t exactly prove that, can I. Who’s to say? Maybe I only made the connection because I happen to know the White Whale will be appearing soon.”
Crusch: “I have another question, Subaru Natsuki. On what grounds do you know when and where the White Whale will next appear?”
(Subaru slides his flip phone towards her on the table)
Subaru: “Because of this.”
Crusch: “And what is this contraption?”
Subaru: *The moment before that went down, I happened to notice…*
(Subaru flashes back to his previous White Whale encounter. He recounts that he noted down the exact time it started to happen because his phone fell out of his pocket and he saw the clock on the home screen. It read 15:13.)
Subaru: “That device is what you’d call a Metia.”
(Crusch and Felix pick up and inspect it closely.)
Subaru: “It tells me exactly when and where that monster will appear.”
Crusch: “I find all this a bit hard to believe… But I see that you aren’t lying.”
Subaru: “I appreciate you believing me but… I’m surprised you did so easily!”
Felix: “Telling lies will get you nyowhere with Miss Crusch, she has the divine protection of wind reading!”
Subaru: “Uhh, say what?”
Crusch: “Whenever anyone attempts to tell a lie, there’s a telling wind that blows around them. I’m able to see that wind. There’s no evidence of it now.”
Subaru: “So then, does that mean you’ll agree to an alliance in exchange for all the information I have on the White Whale?”
Crusch: “Not so fast! That’s not what I said. Whether or not I agree to the alliance you just proposed, and whether or not I believe you, are entirely separate matters. This important decision… will determine not only the outcome of the royal selection itself, but the entire future of the kingdom.”
Voice from the opposite side of the door: “Hey, would you mind if I listen in on this little chat too?”
(The doors open, and Anastasia Hoshin and Russell Fellow walk in.)
Fellow: “Pardon us.”
Crusch: “Anastasia Hoshin and Russell Fellow?”
(Hoshin giggles and waves at her.)
Hoshin: “Now this isn’t fair at all if you ask me. You asked us to come and then here you are starting things without us! Let us in on this too!”
Crusch: “I wasn’t aware of this invitation, was it Subaru Natsuki who asked you to come here?”
Hoshin: “Well to be exact, it was this blue haired girl he keeps with him. I only heard the gist of what you are talking about but if you’re really planning on putting down the White Whale, I’m all about it. For us business folk, whether that thing is around or not is pretty much a life or death matter, so our mercenary team will help with whatever you need!”
Fellow: “In addition to all matters that are concerning the White Whale, I’m interested in the concession proposed by Mr. Natsuki regarding the possibility of mining rights to the magic stones. If the aforementioned alliance is formed, magic stones mined from veins previously untouched will be distributed to the capitol, through miss Crusch. As the merchant guild’s representative, I cannot let this offer go unheard.”
Crusch: “Natsuki called you as well?”
(Fellow nods.)
Subaru: “I’ll say it once more, what I offer in return for this alliance is a share in the magic stone mining rights, and information concerning when and where the White Whale will next appear. You’d have everything you need to locate and attack that terrorising mabeast… and then bring it down!”
(Crusch and her subjects stare at Subaru.)
Subaru: “If what I said doesn’t have any appeal for you, then forget I mentioned anything about it. On the other hand, if your goal and my wish align the way I think they do…”
(Subaru stands up from his chair and outstretches his hand for Crusch to shake.)
Subaru: “...Then let’s defeat the White Whale! Let’s go on a hunt together!”
(Subaru gulps. Crusch sighs.)
Crusch: “I still have several questions concerning this arrangement, but it was brilliant of you to uncover my plans.”
Subaru: “So then…?”
Crusch: “I have questions, as well as doubts. Some things you’ve said are unclear to me so I’m having difficulty agreeing immediately. However, I will choose to trust your eyes, and the spirit that led you to create this situation.”
(Crusch stands up and shakes Subaru’s hand.)
Fellow: “I would say that the deal is made, then.”
(Subaru groans and flops back into his chair.)
Fellow: “There may have been a few touch and go moments, but I’m glad it worked out, Mr. Natsuki. I trust the promise we made earlier still stands?”
Subaru: “Yeah, you bet! You were a big help! Once the whale has been taken care of, I’ll hand over the metia to you.”
(Crusch sighs.)
Crusch: “Looks like you laid some groundwork beforehand. Were you waiting outside the door for your moment to enter?”
Hoshin: “Yes! But it was entirely up to us when we interrupted. Well, far as negotiations go I guess that barely gets a passing mark?”
Subaru: “Took ya’ long enough, what were you doin’ out there? I thought you were never gonna come in!”
(Hoshin winks at him.)
Hoshin: “When negotiating there’s always a perfect time to make your move! Right, well, as you’re getting ready for the subjugation and such, don’t forget to patronize the Hoshin Company!”
(She leaves the room along with Russel Fellow.)
Crusch: “You paved the way for everything before negotiations began, huh? You’re surprisingly shrewd in your tactics! I commend you!”
Subaru: “My review and preparation paid off, that’s all! To be honest, I couldn’t be more relieved.”
Felix: “You can say that again, you look completely worn out!”
(Felix laughs and giggles with Rem.)
Subaru: “Well, Rem! We somehow managed to save face for staying in the capitol, right?”
Rem: “Indeed! Once again you are truly wonderful, Subaru!”
(Flashback to a previously unseen conversation between Rem and Subaru at the terrace earlier in this episode.)
Rem: “The Witch’s Cult?”
Subaru: “Yeah, they’re on the move and have got their eyes on Emilia.”
Rem: “Coincidentally, Lord Roswall had a feeling that something like this might happen as well.”
Subaru: “I wanna stop them, and I just don’t have the fighting strength to do it. I have to start negotiating if I hope to pull some together. You think you’ll be able to help me?”
(Rem nods.)
(Flashback ends.)
Wilhelm: “Mr. Subaru.”
Subaru: “Uh…?”
(Wilhelm bows.)
Wilhelm: “I must thank you.”
(Subaru stops slouching in his chair comically fast.)
Subaru: “Huh??”
Wilhelm: “You have my deepest respect and most humble gratitude, equal to that which I offer to my lady Dutchess Crusch Karsten.”
Subaru: “Oh, well… That’s, uh…”
Wilhelm: “As perceptive as you are, I’m sure you’re aware. But if I may introduce myself. My family name is Astrea. I took the previous master swordsman, Theresia van Astrea, as my wife. Which in turn gave me the honor of the lowest seat in the bloodline. That is who I, Wilhelm van Astrea, proudly am. Thank you for so very kindly granting this old man the opportunity to slay the loathsome mabeast that took my wife.”
(Subaru stands up, shocked.)
Subaru: “Uh, Sure of course! I knew that! No big deal! I figured Miss Crusch would weigh that into account and accept my offer with that in mind-”
Crusch: “Subaru Natsuki, the Wind of Untruth is blowing from you.”
[That night. Ext. Karsten Mansion lawn.]
(Soldiers have set up camp in the front lawns of the mansion. They talk amongst themselves around campfires as Hoshin, Fellow, and Wilhelm go about their own duties. Subaru stands away from everyone.)
Subaru: *I get it now, you bought all the dragon-drawn carriages for this, and that’s why I had trouble getting a ride back to the mansion.*
(Felix approaches him from behind.)
Felix: “You’re still awake, huh?”
Subaru: “No way I could sleep through all this, everyone else here is working through the night.”
Felix: “They have nyo choice, we don’t have much time nyow!”
Subaru: “That’s true, the White Whale’s next appearance will be tomorrow night, in the area that’s right around Flugel’s Tree.”
Felix: “Given all the travelling it takes to get there, we’ll just barely make it! Besides, can’t you see it in nyall of their faces?”
Subaru: “Huh?”
(He looks around at the soldiers, some of them laughing by the fire and some of them focused on their training.)
Felix: “Nyot a single one of them is preparing unwillingly. Everyone in the entire kingdom wants to be rid of the White Whale. Especially old man Wil over there.”
(They look at Sir Wilhelm as he inspects a soldier’s sword.)
Subaru: “He said… it took his wife.”
(Felix nods.)
Felix: “Hm. Since before you were born, he’s been chasing after that awful thing. His wife was the Master Swordsman. Even knowing what her duties entailed, her death was no less tragic.”
Subaru: “The previous Master Swordsman…”
Felix: “Well! Now you know the story! You should stop worrying about things and try to get some sleep! Besides, there’s nyothing you can do to help with supply, distribution, or organization of this mission anyway!”
(Felix turns his back on Subaru and begins to walk away.)
Subaru: “That may be true but you didn’t have to say it and rub it in my face!”
(Felix laughs cutely as he walks away.)
[The next morning. Ext. Karsten Mansion lawn.]
(Subaru, Rem, and Felix stand before a long line of ground dragons. Felix is in his knight uniform.)
Subaru: “So… I’m supposed to pick whichever one I want?”
Felix: "What're you complaining about nyow, don’tchu’ like ‘em??”
(Subaru walks along the line barely inspecting each one.)
Subaru: “It’s not that, I’m glad you’re letting me borrow one, but I don’t know enough about ‘em to figure out what I’m looking for. I mean do I look like a guy who studied ground dragons for decades or somethi- wait…”
(Subaru stops in front of a sharp looking black ground dragon with orange eyes and floppy ears.)
Subaru: “Are you the same one from before?”
(He recounts seeing the same ground dragon pulling Wilhelm’s carriage previously.)
(He reaches out with his hand and the ground dragon’s head tenderly meets his hand. He scratches it and giggles. It seems to enjoy his pets.)
Subaru: “Well, it looks like this is the one for me!”
Rem: “Wow, I’m surprised. This type of ground dragon is known for being really proud and difficult, yet it took to him right away!”
Subaru: “Felix, I’ll take this one! It’s love at first sight!”
Felix: “That’s fine by me, but don’t say love at first sight, you’re making little Rem pouty wouty!
(Rem gasps, embarrassed.)
Rem: “I’m not pouty whatever-you-said! I’ll be nice to it, I promise! I can do it!”
(The dragon turns to look at her. They seem to heatedly glare at each other. Rem winces.)
[Int. Karsten Mansion great hall.]
(The lavishly decorated hall is full of people. Subaru and Rem stand together in the crowd. Suddenly, a person making heavy footsteps coming from behind Subaru puts a huge furry brown hand on Subaru's head. Subaru gasps as the hand turns his whole body around to face this new person. We see that they’re a large and tall muscly demi-human with brown fur and a wolflike head. Sharp teeth line his jaws as he grins down at Subaru. His black shorts are ripped in a way that it almost looks like he tore out of them by flexing. He’s wearing nothing on his torso save for a metal pauldron with a red symbol on it. Two strands of his hair are tied with red hair ties and hang down to resemble sideburns. The rest of his brown hair is in a long mullet.)
Subaru: “Hey!”
Demi-human: “My lady was tellin’ me aboutch’ you. I believe you’re the star of this little show, aren’t ‘cha.”
(Subaru spots the symbol on his pauldron.)
Subaru: *That logo… a demi-human from Kararagi?*
Subaru: “So I take it you’re with Anastasia?”
Demi human: “Sure am, what gave it away? I’m Ricardo, head of her mercenary team!”
(Ricardo spots Rem as he shakes Subaru around by his head.)
Ricardo: “It is nice to meet you too, little lady!”
(Rem bows slightly.)
Subaru: “Keep it down! Also be careful, you’re huge, you’ll snap my neck!”
(Ricardo notices something across the room and doesn’t pay attention to Subaru.)
Ricardo: “Hey, my lady!”
Subaru: “Easy!!”
(Ricardo lets go of Subaru and walks off.)
Subaru: “Argh. Holy crap!”
(Crusch walks up behind him as he rubs his neck.)
Crusch: “Must be the pride of Anastasia and the Hoshins, The Iron Fang. Impressive. They all do look rather formidable. So did you sleep well last night?”
Subaru: “Yeah, but I nearly died a second ago. Oh, judging by your outfit I guess you’re fighting too, then?”
(She’s wearing metal armour that covers her torso and arms, as well as a long flowing red cape.)
Crusch: “Well of course I am, do you really think I’m capable of just sitting in a chair and waiting for good news? To be honest I’m more surprised that you’re participating. Are you skilled in the art of combat?”
Subaru: “That would be a no. But even if I can’t fight, let me tell ya’...
(He points at himself with his thumb.)
Subaru: “Someone here’s gonna come in pretty handy in this battle against the White Whale. And that’s me!”
Crusch: “Really? What makes you say that?
Subaru: “Well, it’s not exactly something I’m really happy about but, I seem to be the type of guy that attracts mabeasts like moths to a flame!”
Crusch: “Seriously? Uh…”
(She turns to look at Rem. Rem nods.)
Rem: “It’s the truth… In fact, Subaru has saved my life before thanks to that very ability.”
Subaru: “So, I figured I’d run around under the White Whale’s nose on my borrowed ground dragon and draw its attention, while the rest of you ride in and launch an all out attack!”
(He smacks his fist into his hand and shrugs)
Subaru: “Eh, at least that’s the tactic I’d recommend anyway!”
Crusch: “So you’d risk your life… to be the bait? Ugh… Shockingly I don’t sense any lies in that idiotic statement. Never thought I’d doubt my divine protection as often as I have in the past half day but this is a unique set of circumstances.”
(Subaru grins innocently.)
(The sound of a great door opening echoes throughout the hall. The three of them gasp and look in that direction. A group of old-looking soldiers shuffle in.)
Crusch: “They’ve arrived.”
Old soldier: “Greetings, Miss Crusch. Reporting as ordered under your command.”
(The old soldier glances at Subaru.)
Old soldier: “Is this the boy?”
Crusch: “Yes, the very same.”
(The old soldier grabs Subaru's shoulders. He gasps.)
Old soldier: “You have my gratitude.”
Subaru: “Huh…?”
Old soldier: “Because of you, our greatest wish may come true, and we couldn’t be happier about it. I thank you.”
Subaru: “Uh…”
(The old soldier laughs and pats Subaru’s shoulder. He then bows in front of Miss Crusch before moving along into the rest of the great hall.)
Rem: “It seems they’re all people who have a history with the White Whale.”
Subaru: “Those soldiers, are they all just like Wilhelm, then?”
Crusch: “Indeed. Many of them are men who have since retired from fighting on the front lines. They’ve donned their armour and joined our subjugation force at Wilhelm’s invitation. Their experience is comparable to those of the capitol’s active knights.”
(The old soldiers greet Wilhelm. Felix walks up to Crusch.)
Felix: “The time has come, Miss Crusch!”
Crusch: “Right!”
(Subaru and Rem continue to watch Wilhelm greeting the old soldiers. Subaru’s face becomes focused.)
[Int. Karsten mansion’s great hall.]
(Felix, Crusch, and Wilhelm are standing in formation to address the room. Crusch is leaning on her sword.)
Crusch: “Four hundred years… since the White Whale created by the jealous witch made the world its hunting ground. Trampling the weak, and dominating the land as if it were its owner. Four hundred years have passed. Countless lives have been lost to the beast during that time. Given the unscrupulous nature of its fog, the number of graves we cannot even inscribe with names will only rise.”
(The old soldiers are holding back tears. Subaru notices that one of the soldier’s palms is bleeding from it being clenched so hard. Subaru re-focuses on Crusch.)
Crusch: “But the days of helplessness and sitting idle end today! Those of us gathered here will end it! We will strike down the White Whale and stop any further tragedy! We will give the despair that fell short of true sorrow a chance to shed long overdue tears!”
(One of the old soldiers is starting to cry in emotional turmoil. Crusch klangs the tip of her sword on the stone floor.)
Crusch: “We move out! Our destination is Flugel’s Tree on the Lifaus Highway! Tonight we slay the White Whale!”
(Crusch unsheaths her sword and points it at the door.)
Crusch: “With our own hands!!”
(The room erupts with cheering as all the soldiers throw up their fists.)
[Ext. Lifaus Highway, around sunset.]
(The cavalry rides to Flugel’s Tree. Subaru and Rem are riding Subaru’s ground dragon together. Subaru notices someone pulling up beside him. It’s Mimi, along with another orange cat demi-human child that looks a lot like her. They’re riding on two separate regular sized wolves.)
Mimi: “Hey there, I’m Mimi! Glad to know ya!”
Other cat child: “I’m Hetaro, it’s nice to make your acquaintance.”
Subaru: “Yeah, nice to meet you! Aanyway, not that I had any reason to doubt it but, uh, you really are the second in command, aren’t you?”
Mimi: “Hmm? Wait a second have we met somewhere before? I’m thinkin’ about it but I totally don’t remember seeing your face at all!”
(She leans on Hetaro.)
Hetaro: “Hey, c'mon sister you have to sit up properly!”
Mimi: “He’s so weird I totally don’t remember!”
Subaru: “Don’t worry about it, just talkin’ to myself! I’m Subaru Natsuki. From the resemblance I guess you two are brother and sister, huh?”
Hetaro: “Yes, my big sister and I will do our best to-”
Mimi: “Mimi and Hetaro are the strongest!! The captain’s here too, so we’re the super strongest!! Ahahaha!!”
(She tries to lean on Hetaro again but he blocks her. She starts singing.)
Mimi (overlapping with Hetaro): “Strongest, strongest, super strongest!! Hehehehehe!”
Hetaro: “Honestly, my sister and the captain tend to be hasty with decisions, so I’m the one that usually gives the orders.”
Subaru: “I see. I don’t envy that at all.”
Ricardo: “What’s the matter, bro? You’re lookin’ kinda gloomy!”
(Ricardo rides alongside Subaru on a huge wolflike mount.)
Subaru: “And who’s fault is that? A captain shouldn’t go around making trouble for his men!”
Ricardo: “Hey, that’s a nice ground dragon you got there.”
Subaru: “Heyeah! Thanks for saying so. But honestly I only borrowed this one because it kinda seemed to like me. Come to think of it, the ones you guys are riding look pretty different.”
Ricardo: “They’re called rigers! I guess you don’t see ‘em too often around here, though. They aren’t as strong as those ground dragons, but they’re much more lively. If it comes to a brawl against the Whale, That’s where they really shine, so watch closely!”
Subaru: “Heheh! Well, if that’s the case, shouldn’t you have ground dragons pull the cargo then?”
Ricardo: “I hear what’chre sayin’ but we gotta manage our luggage on our own. If you think the White Whale’s our only enemy, you’ll get the rug pulled out from under ya.”
(Subaru gasps as he thinks back to his horrible first encounter with Petelgeuse.)
Ricardo: “After all, there’s no guarantee we won’t run into thieves on the road.”
Subaru: “If anybody's got the guts to take on a fully armed group like this, they wouldn’t settle for being thieves.”
Ricardo: “You got a point there! HAA HAHAHA!!!”
(Ricardo rides past Subaru to some soldiers up ahead. He tells them something inaudible and their faces light up.)
Rem: “It looks like Mr. Ricardo is doing his best to try and ease everybody’s nerves a little bit. Hey, what’s wrong?”
(She glances back at Subaru. He scratches his temple.)
Subaru: “Gahh. I thought I’d fully prepared myself for this, but… I wanna be heroic. ‘Course wanting something and making it happen are two different things entirely.”
Rem: “Mm.”
(The cavalry rides towards the massive tree on the horizon, silhouetted by the bright orange sunset.)
[Ext. Evening at the camp at the base of Flugel’s Tree.]
(Subaru has climbed up onto one of the roots and is looking up at the canopy. Rem is standing behind him on the ground.)
Subaru: “Whoa, it’s huge!!”
Rem: “It’s impressive, isn’t it! You sound happy!”
(Subaru chuckles and taps the trunk with his palm. He notices something carved into the bark.)
Subaru: “Ohoh man, check this out. Looks like people have carved their names into the trunk. We’re not on some field trip, that’s just bad manners!”
(He motions to Rem.)
Subaru: “Hey, Rem! Gimme a chisel!”
Rem: “Even you should know doing that will get you in big trouble, Subaru. With me for starters!”
(She looks up at the moon in the night sky.)
Rem: “So the White Whale is coming here? Honestly, I’m opposed to using the Witch’s Scent to draw it here. It’s much too dangerous. It worries me.”
Subaru: “I’ll use whatever I can to stop it.”
(He jumps down from the root.)
Subaru: “I mean, if it gives us even a slightly better chance of winning, it’s worth it. For a guy who’s lacking in pretty much every way imaginable, this is the only way I can pitch in and compensate.”
Rem: “You’re so wonderful, Subaru.”
(Subaru smiles at her before taking out his flip phone. The time on the screen reads 12:19.)
Rem: “So, that metia will tell you when the White Whale is coming?”
Subaru: “Yeah. I set it to make noise when it’s time. And to be honest, without this-”
Rem: “That’s a lie.”
(Subaru gasps and looks at her.)
Subaru: “What- Hold on! What are you saying?! If it’s a lie then how am I gonna help catch that White Whale-”
Subaru (overlapping Rem): “-In the first place! I can’t do it on my own, you know! That things just gonna swoop down and-
Rem (overlapping Subaru): “It sounds as if you’re speaking like someone from Kararagi. It doesn’t suit you at all.
Subauru “-No no no no! I mean there’s no way I could be lying! Even Miss Crusch said I didn’t have the wind thing blowing around me! And she would’ve seen that, so-”
Rem: “It’s alright, Subaru. I can always tell when you’re lying, with or without the power to see the telltale wind. I also know every time that you can’t tell me why you’re lying. So there’s no need for you to try to convince me to believe whatever excuse you’re coming up with. Or wrap everything you’re saying in lies. Or try to take the blame upon yourself like that. It’s not necessary… because I have absolute faith in you, Subaru. Mm.”
(Subaru tries to hold back his tears. He turns away from Rem.)
Subauru: “Man, looking up at this huge tree really gets you fired up, doesn’t it Rem?!”
Rem: “Yes, it certainly does.”
Subaru: “I don’t think I’ll be able to relax if I don’t look up at it for a long time! I won’t be able to look anywhere else for a while!”
Rem: “Yes, I understand.”
Subaru: “Should say thanks instead of I’m sorry… in these situations.”
Rem: “Well… in that case… you’re welcome! Besides, if I look back on all that’s happened between us, I’m far more grateful to you, Subaru. So we’re even!”
(A few minutes later, Subaru and Rem walk up to Wilhelm as he stands alone looking out at a patch of yellow flowers.)
Subaru: “Uh, Wilhelm? I heard a little bit of the story from Felix. That you’ve been seeking revenge on the White Whale ever since it took your wife away from you.”
Wilhelm: “Please forget that. It was all time idly spent in an old man’s delusions.”
Rem: “You truly love your wife with all your heart, don’t you?”
(Wilhelm turns to face them.)
Wilhelm: “Yes. I love her more than anything. More than anyone. No matter how much time passes without her. My wife was a woman who loved to make the time to look at flowers. She never wished she had to carry a sword, but the sword she wielded loved her more than anyone. With no choice but to live for that weapon, my wife gave in to her destiny… and accepted her fate. When I married her, I made a decision. She would abandon the title of ‘Master Swordsman’. I tried to take that life away but the sword wouldn’t allow her to do it. Mr. Subaru, I thank you again. In the battle before us I needn’t look any further than my own sword for answers. And perhaps I will finally… be able to visit my wife’s grave. At last I can stand before her once again.”
(Subaru outstretches his arm for Wilhelm to fistbump.)
Subaru: “Let’s do everything we can and work together to beat the hell outta that damn whale. I promise to give it everything I’ve got.”
(Wilhelm slightly nods his head and fistbumps Subaru.)
(Later that evening, the soldiers have formed three neat groups to attack the White Whale. Miss Crusch and Felix stand side by side in waiting.)
Crusch: “Only a short time remains before us.”
(Felix nods in agreement. Everyone else waits in silent focus. Crusch touches the decorative symbol on her sword’s crossguard. Suddenly, an unnerving ringtone begins to play from Subaru’s flip phone. Crusch looks over at him.)
Crusch: “Soldiers! Be ready!”
(Everyone unsheaths their weapons as the ringtone continues to ominously play. They all look up nervously, searching for the whale.)
Soldier: “I’m looking, but I don’t see it!”
(The rest of the soldiers whisper amongst themselves, the ringtone droning on.)
Crusch: *It’s not coming??*
Soldier #2: “Behind us, look!!”
(Everyone turns around to look at where the soldier is pointing. A huge shadow is projected onto the trunk of the tree. The shadow of the whale. They all then look up at the moon and gasp. The flying whale’s huge figure is silhouetted by the moon. It emits a low tone and we see that its eyes are glowing red. There’s a purplish translucent magic circle hovering above it. It flies down and over the army at a dangerously low height and bellows. Everyone is frozen in shock. The ringtone stops. Subaru and Rem take off on their ground dragon.)
Crusch: “Soldiers!!”
Subaru: “LET ‘EM HAVE IT!!!”
Rem: “EL HUMA!!!”
(The spell causes ice crystals to fire at the whale. They embed themselves in its thick hide. Blood rains down on them. The rest of the cavalry is still frozen in place, but they look out to see Subaru smiling and holding his fist as he rides towards the White Whale. They gasp. Miss Crusch chuckles before breathing in.)
Crusch: “SOLDIERS, FOLLOW THOSE TWO FOOLS INTO BATTLE!”
(The soldiers start yelling as they begin charging towards uncertain death.)
(Title card: 白鯨攻略戦 “Battle Against The White Whale”)