#julius: I've only had them for a day and a half but if anything happened to them I'd kill everyone in this room and then myself

[mishy-mashy]

So far there's the magician that likes to make fun of Joshua and has problems to sort out, and a kid who causes property damage on a daily basis and obsesses over instruments (OCs)

These aren't the only ones but I just think that of all my fics or Re:Zero OCs, the cutest is about Julius taking in another spirit (look at Pooka or Chamov for an image on the general character concept)

Including:

Julius has a spirit that's like a son to him

"Julius." Emilia turned to the knight with a smile.

Before Julius could give his own greetings, a fluffy head popped up from his left shoulder. Their cute face blinked at them, before a smile spread across their face.

Ho ho!" the demi-humanoid spirit shouted in greeting, holding onto Julius's shoulders without his help.

Subaru screamed.

Playing shop

Sure, he didn't have much idea about money, but that's why he paid attention to what the lady said! As per the rules of Lady Anastasia, money had only three rules!

1. More money is good!

2. Keep as much money to yourself as you can because that's good!

3. High prices aren't good!

With these core principles in mind, the little demi-human-looking spirit stood over a small box that acted as a shop counter.

"How much is this?" Julius asked, crouching in front of the makeshift desk and holding a valuable metia encrusted with gold.

Of course, because high prices are bad, that must mean they're bad for both the seller and buyer!

"Free, because high prices are bad prices!"

"... I see. How much is your most expensive item?"

"1 bronze!"

If his little spirit friend had hands, he surely would've held up a finger instead of his hoof.

"But I like you, so you can have it for free as my most loyal customer!"

Julius was his only customer, but he kept quiet on that.

".... Thank you for your hospitality."

"Thanks for your thievery! Please come again!"

Rule 3.1: Giving things for free is the equivalent of highway robbery.

Spirits can get sick?

"Buuu..."

"Are you okay?"

Said spirit was on the ground, forehead pressed and tiny arms wrapped around its tummy. Even though Julius couldn't see his face, they sounded like they were half-crying already.

"Feels cursed... buhuu..."

Everyone thinks the spirit is a real demi-human so the spirit needs a last name

"What's a last name?" they asked, doing their best to peer over the paper from the too-tall (read: average height) table.

"A name that identifies you to your house."

"My crystal?"

"No... Do you have a name you want?"

"Super-Cool-Mister-Big-Man!!"

"Let me rephrase that—a last name that's ideally one word?"

"Execution!!"

".. Where did you learn that word..." Julius sighed, not surprised.

"Blood! Murder! Explosion! DEATH TO ALL!! MIMI! IRON FANGS!!! TAKE NO SURVIVORS!!!"

Julius grew slightly embarrassed as others started to crane their heads, judging him for apparently teaching a child those words.

At least he knew where his friend learned said words.

Spirit worldbuilding

".. I'm not sure why he hasn't come out since then," Julius murmured, tapping his finger against the magic crystal that housed them.

It shook slightly—the only response he received up until this point.

"Are you okay?" he spoke to the dormant spirit, unsure if they could hear him. Julius could not receive a verbal or telepathic reply either, like with his little spirits.

After all, they were not—

[apricusnights]

Chapter Six: Schism.

Location: Cathedral Of The Sun, Delta Town.

Julius: "And what brings you here yet again Brother Shin? Another complaint about how I'm running the order I was elected to run?"

Shin: "Elected is a strange term. You were given your position thanks to the Ascension Protocol during the Checkmate invasion.."

Julius: "And I have retained my position through several votes held by the order. It seems I'm doing a better job than you care to admit. Perhaps had you not spent years endorsing the former first templar..who by this point seems to have never existed..well, we might be in a different situation right now."

Shin: "Enough!" Barely managing to control himself. Every impulse he had was to throw Julius through the cathedral wall. The only issue was, Julius hadn't done anything wrong...and he had the backing of the High Priestess.

"This is about a member of the order, Sister May. Your second in command as it were. I want to know why she spent so much time with the High Priestess recently."

Julius: "Ask her yourself. It was nothing I had anything to do with. Perhaps she simply wanted a bit of guidance. I admit I've been quite busy lately."

Shin: "She's loyal to you and you alone...I am hard pressed to believe you know absolutely nothing about this."

Julius: "She is loyal to me because I was one of the first to greet her when she stumbled in out of the cold. Though if I recall, you were the one who trained her when she entered the order. She holds just as much respect for you as she does for me. We were both there for her after what befell her family. Such a tragic event."

Shin: "I should have known better than to expect any sort of answers from you. Have a blessed day Brother Julius." Turning and exiting the office before he said something he'd regret.

Julius: "You as well Brother Shin."

Solomon: "Brother Shin, if I could have a word?" Motioning for Shin to enter his office just as Brother Jerome was leaving with a stack of books.

Shin entered the office and closed the door behind him.

Shin: "May I be of service Brother Solomon?"

Solomon: "Care for a cup of tea?" Pouring them each a cup before sitting down, the chair creaking a bit. "I really should get a new chair one of these days. This one feels as if it's going to fall apart any second. Unfortunately, it's not the only thing."

Shin: Sipping his tea before nodding his head. "I'm so used to seeing the cathedral full of people. Now we're barely getting half of what we used to unless it's a particularly special sermon or event."

Solomon: "The Emperors have revealed themselves to more of the world. I believe it's hard to see something so powerful, and so ancient and not wonder if it's holy. Sometimes faith is questioned when something you must believe in is up against something tangible."

Shin: "I'm afraid that isn't the only reason. The High Priestess has become.."

Solomon: "More erratic in her behavior. It's hard not to take notice of what's happening. She's becoming more militant if that's the correct word. I fear something terrible may happen soon, especially with the more recent events."

Shin: "I'm..afraid I don't know what you're referring to."

Solomon: "You recall the young woman who displayed a rather incredible awakened ability after the avalanche struck a small town in Smokey Gardens years ago correct?"

Shin: "Yes, I believe her name was Lazuli. We tried unsuccessfully to recruit her to the order."

Solomon: "The High Priestess continues to send representatives to try that very thing. Despite being told no on various occasions she refuses to let it go. I fear her patience is running thin, I also fear that she'll soon refuse to take no for an answer."

Shin: "Forcing someone to join the order has never been our way."

Solomon: "And perhaps you can convince her of this. I know you were considering accompanying Julius on this next expedition down to the lost cathedral but perhaps a greater opportunity is being presented to you."

"Allow Julius to undertake his journey without any complications. He will likely take his second in command with him. It leaves you with a chance to speak one on one with the High Priestess and attempt to set things right."

Shin: "Perhaps you're right. I have been meaning to speak with her about a few things. Seems there will be a perfect opportunity for this." Finishing his tea before standing up and heading to the door.

"Thank you for the tea Brother Solomon. Have a blessed day."

Solomon: "Any time. Have a blessed day Brother Shin...and good luck." Watching as the other man left his office.

Julius via a broadcast: "Greetings everyone. You are all presented with a chance to see something truly special. We have in fact discovered the long lost "underground cathedral". I will be personally leading the next expedition and would like to bring several of you along with me."

"It is a chance of a lifetime. A chance to be among the first to see something incredible. Consider the holy relics, the ancient tomes, the tapestries, and likely much more. You'll be able to step foot inside a holy site not visited since the final days of the empire."

"I have left a signup sheet in my office. There will be plenty of room so please do not rush. I hope to see the sheet filled up with names. Should you have any questions, please feel free to seek me out."

"May you all have a blessed day."

The broadcast sent to Church Personnel and Scholars ended.

[kuronanox]

Recovering - Fuegoleon Vermillion

"She's very sick right now." Owen tells Fuegoleon as the crimson lion captain sat down next to (Your Name) holding her hand. "With some rest and not much activities she will heal slowly."

"I see, thank you." Fuegoleon tells Owen as he left the two to talk.

"I'm sorry, I've been so weak." (Your Name) quietly says giving a painful smile.

"Stop being sorry, it doesn't matter if you are weak or strong. I will protect you." He tells her wiping the sweat from her forehead. She shakes her head and grab both his hands into her small ones.

"You should remarry."

Fuegoleon eyes widen, it was unexpected of her to say such a thing to him. "What are you going on about?"

There was silence in the room as (Your Name) started to cough harshly, the red blood falling onto the sheets. Fuegoleon was already up from his seat and holding her body. He rubbed her back and offered a cold glass of water.

"Let me go get Owen."

She grabbed his arm and shook her head. "It's fine, I just need to rest."

He sighed, he knew she was so stubborn.

"Why do you have to be so stubborn, even on your death bed?"

"This isn't my death bed, I'm just sick." (Your Name) argued. Fuegoleon rolled his eyes and fixed her bed sheets. "I have to go. Captain duties."

She nodded her head as he softly kissed her forehead . "Goodbye, I'll come home soon." She promised him, Fuegoleon looked back and gave her a small smile.

The following weeks passed and she was recovering slowly. There was definitely process, she no longer was coughing blood and was able to walk around without fainting. Fuegoleon didn't visit much because of work duties but Leopold would come.

"How's everything?" She asked the younger boy.

Leopold was so full of life, him and Fuegoleon were definitely opposites when it came to personalities. "AMAZING! Aniue has been training me personally!"

(Your Name) smiles, he was amazing with children.

"Sometime I feel helpless, sometimes I feel like I've failed Fuegoleon." She tells Leopold as the younger child tilted his head.

"What do you mean? Aniue loves you!" His face a little redden out of irritation. Leopold knew, there was a age gap between the two but that doesn't mean he didn't know anything.

He remember when (Your Name) and Fuegoleon were younger, about their early twenties. She use to pester him all the time, it was a one sided love at first.

When Leopold was about 7 he would see (Your Name) around the house following Fuegoleon. She was like a parasite stuck onto him. Often times he would find his brother pushing her away or calling her a nuisance because he was all about training and becoming the next captain.

"How did Aniue fall in love with you?" Leopold asked, curious on their relationship.

(Your Name) smiled and looked out the window.

"I guess time? I don't actually know. After I stopped pestering him Fuegoleon started bothering me. I guess you can say a switch flipped off."

Leopold giggled he couldn't see his older brother bothering a girl because he was always so serious. "I think brother hit the jackpot, (Your Name) older sister is pretty." He cheers her up by jumping in the air as if he won a race.

"Oh! I have to go now! Training with aniue! He's going to be upset if I'm late!" Leopold shouts giving her a kiss on the cheek before running off. (Your Name) eyes widen as she slightly smirked. "You really are growing up now."

Fuegoleon watched his squad members as they practiced their magic but his mind wasn't paying attention. His thoughts were about (Your Name) he missed her next to him everyday.

Every morning he woke up it was alone and every night he went to bed it was alone. The bed sheets weren't nearly as warm as he wanted it to be.

Fuegoleon sighed as he clocked back into reality when his men asked what they needed to do next. "Everyone good job today, get some rest."

Leopold ran to his brother and walked beside him. "Are you going to see (Your Name) tonight?"

"Tomorrow morning I have some papers to do." He flatly states as Leopold pouts, Fuegoleon was acting a little down.

"Aniue? Why is (Your Name) older sister always sick?"

Fuegoleon stops walking and sighs, this was a topic he never liked talking about. Not even to Mereoleona. He felt like he failed (Your Name) that day and onward.

"She had a miscarriage 3 years ago, we didn't tell anyone she was pregnant because she wasn't showing yet. Because of that her captain sent her onto a dangerous mission. I told her multiple times to give it to someone else but she refused."

Fuegoleon paused to catch his breath as Leopold tried to soak in the information without asking to many question.

"(Your Name) and her team called for back up and I rushed to the area, by the time I arrived half the team was dead and she was unconscious with a wound on her stomach."

Fuegoleon quickly turns his back onto Leopold, he didn't want to show his younger brother that he regretted not stopping her that day.

"Ever since that day, she stopped taking care of her health and because of her wounds were so deep she will never fully recover. I failed her that day and everyday since."

Without saying anything else Fuegoleon bid his farewell and walked to his chamber. This was a big step for him. No one ever asked him what happened to (Your Name) after. They just assumed she was just sick a lot.

(Your Name) was harshly awaken by loud screaming coming out from the building. The Clover kingdom was set ablaze, before she could run and aide Owen stopped her, but she argued with him that it's also her duty to help the kingdom.

"Trust the magic knights." He told her and she angrily laid back in bed. "I wonder what is happening."

Laying back down she looked out the window, the fire wasn't comforting like Fuegoleon, it was menacing looking.

(Your Name) started to see the flames die down after a few hours. "Looks like they settled everything."

Footsteps outside her door were rushing around, she couldn't tell what was going on but the medics were probably helping the wounded.

It wasn't until Leopold slammed her door open and he was sweating, his face full of panic. "Aniue!" He yells out of breath as she rushed out of bed and followed him.

She ran towards the bed she found Fuegoleon on, he was unconscious and his arm was gone. "How-?" She stops and covered her mouth as the tears chocked out.

Julius was there as he patted her head and took a seat beside Fuegoleon. "He did his best." He continued by handing her Fuegoleon grimoire. She gasped.

His grimoire was half gone. "He could have died and I was laying in bed the whole time."

Julius let her onto good news. "He's fine now, the only downside is when he will wake up."

(Your Name) and Leopold sat close together for comfort. "I'm calling Mereoleona to take over for now."

The following weeks were hard for her, Leopold and the squad members. There was a lot of adjustments that were made.

(Your Name) was finally back home and the good thing was that she could watch over Fuegoleon.

"I feel like our roles have reversed." She sadly smiled as a knock made her look up.

Mereoleona walked in the room with a look of disappointment in her face. "Looks like we have some guys that need to be put in their place, Fuegoleon is first."

(Your Name) just chuckles as Mereoleona cross her arms. "Whoever did this to him definitely was strong, we are a facing an huge enemy right now." (Your Name) hummed in response and grip Fuegoleon hand tightly.

Mereoleona stared at the two and recalled when they both started dating, she had never seen her little brother head over heels for nobody. "You should take care of yourself more... holding onto the past won't help the future." Mereoleona told her little sister in law.

(Your Name) smile lightly as she caresses the back of her beloved hand. "I know, I never blamed him for being late that day. It was just fate telling us we weren't ready."

"Then don't blame yourself for not being able to help him today. He wouldn't be to happy to see you in distress especially since you are sick."

(Your Name) looks down ashamed of her actions the past few years, of course she knew she was unhealthy. After losing the baby and getting a heavy wound that would never fully recover she fell into depression and started to punish herself. She blamed herself for letting her child and teammate down that day.

"I-" She paused and swallowed before speaking again "I told him to remarry."

Mereoleona roughly hits her head and yell. "BAKA! Don't take his love for you lightly!"

"YA!" (Your Name) screams and threw a hit back. "I know, I just don't want him to be stressed out anymore."

"Like I said, don't take his love for granted."

Leopold then walked into the room, he was smiling. "YEAH! Aniue love for you is bigger than this world and so is ours to yours, I know you are sick but we all know you use to be a strong magic knight before!"

(Your Name) grew flushed and chuckled, she lost a baby but right know she was surrounded with her family.  

She didn't know how long she waited for him but (Your Name) decided it was time to recover and get healthy again. She trained endlessly day and night, toning her body and magic again. She felt a sense of relief being able to be out of bed and fight again.

(Your Name) heard news that Leopold was trying to protect the people in the squad as their vice captain had been taken over by a elf. "Please let me make it to him on time. I can't lose anybody else."

Leopold was on the floor, he needed to get up, he was going to be the captain one day but his body wouldn't move. "Leopold!" She yells reaching out to him as a orange flame engulfed them from behind.

"You did well (Your Name), Leo." Fuegoleon deep voice flows out as she sees him walk out. A feeling of burden had been lifted off her chest. Of course he was there to save them when they needed him the most.

"What took so long stupid?" she lightly punches his side as he lovingly gives her a sincere smile.

"Don't worry, I made it on time." Fuegoleon reassured her as she sees a salamander next to him. "I see you picked up a new friend along the way."

He chuckled "It's a long story but we will have time later once the kingdom is back in safe hands." Fuegoleon pauses and gives a good look at her. The color was back on her face, and she gained a few pounds.

"It's good to have you back my love."

"I can say the same for you mister, looks like both of us bedridden doesn't sit well."

Leopold pushes himself in the middle. "HELLO! AN ELF IS ABOUT TO KILL US! SAVE THE HAPPY REUNION FOR LATER!"

"Ya Leo, let us adult handle the situation." She smirked as Fuegoleon and her both throw a powerful blow. "Yes, Leo don't take us for granted. We've handled worse enemies together."

Leopold just throws a baby tantrum and smiles after, he was really glad they were both back.

"(Your Name) let's go." Fuegoleon says taking her hand as she gladly accepts.

"For now, we both are broken somehow in some form but we will continue to grow together."