To Be Forgotten

Hello, hello, hello everyone and welcome back to Re:Zero A New Crusade! It's been something of a wait but at long last the adventure of our fellow Crusader can finally resume! And to one of our guest reviewers, there shall be some wholesomeness. And last thing before we get started, I'd like to give a shout out to Noble Eight and my other fellow readers who requested this story and character in the first place, you've all helped make it into something wonderful. Now then, onto the story, DEUS VULT!

The Grassy Plains of the Mathers Domain

It was truly a wonderous day for Sir Ulric. Formerly a Crusader who fell in battle against Saladin's forces during the siege of Jerusalem, the knight had found himself in a strange world of monsters, demi-humans, half elves, an actual race referred to as demons, spirits and magic. It was quite daunting at first adjusting to the world, especially upon his discovery that he could somehow travel back a certain amount of time for every instance death befell him. And he'd died and returned a fair number of times now in his efforts to keep his new mistress, Emilia, and the now love of his life, Rem, safe.

He'd sworn loyalty to his half-elf mistress after she treated a near fatal wound he sustained protecting her and a few others from an assassin named Elsa. She'd also seen fit to teach him about magic with help from her main spirit, Puck, allowing him to wield a number of abilities he once thought only existed in dreams. And he'd made use of every one of them upon encountering and battling the witch's cult, a massive flying beast known as the white whale and the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Betelgeuse Romanee-Conti. It had taken the brokering of an alliance with Emilia's royal rivals, Crusch Karnstein and Anastasia Hoshin, to bring down both the whale and the cult members to protect Emilia, everyone else in the mansion and the local villagers as well.

It had been a long, painful struggle but at the end of it all Ulric was able to finally achieve victory. And now he rode upon his giant wolf-like mount, Spiegel the liger, with his mistress Emilia sitting right behind him. Yet despite all of the good fortune, it took three words to bring absolute dread crashing down on him. "By the way Ulric," said Emilia from her seat behind him, "I've been meaning to ask. Who….is Rem?"

The knight felt ice in his veins at the question. 'Who is Rem?' Surely Emilia knew, she had too. The blue-haired oni had been tending to her and the rest of Roswaal's manor for some time, well before his own arrival several weeks ago. And his lady was a compassionate person who cared deeply for others, she wouldn't just forget someone who'd been helping her for so long. "Lady Emilia, surely you remember Ram's blue-haired twin sister Rem? She's served as a maid at Roswaal Manor for ages."

"I'm truly sorry Ulric," said Emilia, "I can remember Ram just fine, but I can't recall ever having met someone that looks like her with blue hair. I was under the impression Ram didn't have a sister."

"She's always had a sister," said Ulric, "I know I didn't imagine the woman I fell in love with, and trust me when I say I'm not thinking of Ram. She hates my guts and would likely be revolted at even the thought of intimacy with me."

"Is it just possible I was never able to meet her," said Emilia hopefully. She could tell this was distressing to her knight and she didn't want to upset him after all he went through just to save her.

"You've met her," said Ulric, "for you to just forget her like that, something else must be going on." That's when it hit him. Images flashed through his mind of the battle with the white whale as he recalled what happened to those who were touched by its fog. They were forgotten. But the whale was dead, so what could've caused this to happen.

"We need to get back to the capital and regroup with Crusch's camp as soon as possible. Something's happened."

Nighttime: Crusch's Residence in the Capital

It was unfortunately just as the knight had expected. They'd passed some wreckage on the wagon ride over and now that they'd arrived, the scene before them was of a battle lost. Knights were being bandaged and carried in on stretchers while the ones who couldn't be moved were being tended too where they lay. "This is, awful," said Emilia upon witnessing the scene before her as she put a hand over her mouth.

"Everyone here was in the process of transporting the injured and the white whale's corpse to the capital," said Ulric as his eyes roamed over the numerous familiar faces, "but there's no daggers like the ones used by the cultists we dealt with. Moreover, wasn't Crusch also-?" His question was answered by the sound of wailing. Turning their heads, the half elf and Crusader saw that it was none other than Felix Argyle, the cat boy, crying his eyes out with his head buried against the side of an unconscious Crusch Karnstein on the ground.

Wilhelm was kneeling next to them with a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I heard Lady Crusch was supposed to be a powerful fighter," said Emilia, "what could've done this to her?"

"I wish I could say for sure," replied Ulric as he looked around, "my lady, with your permission, I'm going to search for Rem."

"Of course Ulric," said Emilia with a nod, "I'm going to see if there's anything I can do to help here. Go and find the one you love." The knight nodded as he began walking through the camp in earnest. It was honestly taking everything he had not to run from one section of the temporary outdoor medical ward to the other in search of her. The reason being was he was afraid he'd miss her small form if he hurried too quickly.

In spite of that, he still had a white-knuckle grip on the handle of his sword as he began calling for her, louder and louder as time passed. At one point he mistook a young recruit with blue hair for her before quickly moving on, eyes roaming ever faster as he felt panic attempting to set in. Then, when he feared he might've overlooked something, he caught a glimpse of black, white and blue. "REM!" The knight nearly barreled over the healer who was tending to her as he knelt by the unconscious girl on the grass.

The oni girl groaned a bit as the knight lightly shook her in an attempt to wake her. He'd thought he'd succeeded when the girl's eyes opened partially and looked into his own. "You," said Rem, "are you Ul-." Her sentence hung in the air as her eyes fell closed once again. The knight frantically checked to see that she still had a heartbeat and was still breathing.

"I take it you know who this girl is," said the healer, a man wearing a white tunic and doctor's coat with a white cloth mask and bandana covering most of his facial features.

"How bad are her injuries?" Asked Ulric, trying to keep his voice level as he began to cradle his beloved in his arms.

"She'll be fine physically," replied the Healer, "but her memory and presence have been erased. Until you came along, not a single person here recognized her as part of the caravan."

"Is there anything that can be done to help her," asked Ulric, almost pleadingly.

"I'm afraid I've tried everything I know," replied the Healer, "but her mind is beyond my abilities to repair."

"What about Sir Felix?" Asked Ulric, "could he possibly have a method for this?"

"He's tried everything he knows and more in his attempts to heal Lady Crusch," replied the Healer, "but his own powers of healing have proved just as ineffective. I'm sorry Sir Knight, there's just nothing any of us can do right now." The man then turned and headed over to the next group of injured soldiers and Iron Fang mercenaries, giving Ulric and Rem some much needed privacy. The former Crusader let out a long breath as he went over the options in his mind, and came up with one.

"There is one thing that can still be done Rem," said Ulric as he reached into the cloth folds of his armored attire and pulled out a vial of fast acting poison, "at this point it'll probably mean I'll need to slay Betelgeuse again. But I've grown somewhat adapt at ending his life, so you and the others will simply need to remain where you are a little longer this time." He then closed his eyes and bowed his head, reciting a prayer to God above that he'd be successful this time. "To us my beautiful oni, Deus Vult," said Ulric as he tilted the vial back and downed its contents. The cold embrace of death followed soon after.

The Mansion of Crusch Karnstein Once Again

Despite his prayer, it appeared the Lord in Heaven had a different plan. Ulric's point of returning from death had moved again. Now it was at the beginning of his ride back with Emilia, after the wagons were attacked and after Rem was erased from nearly everyone's memories. 'So it appears there are limits to even this curse,' he thought as he sat in a chair next to the bed Rem was currently sleeping in. He was currently in his blue tunic, having left his armor in his own room. Though his sword still hung from his hip. Rem had been put in one of the many bedrooms within the mansion and with blue curtains, a nightstand, and pair of windows to gaze out of it was a rather nice room. Though good furnishings weren't about to fix the mood Ulric was in as he sat and watched the oni maid continually stir between sleeping and awake.

Any other time Ulric would've admired the peaceful look on her face while she was sleeping, but right now it was utter torment. His musings were interrupted, however, when a number of green particles similar to lesser spirits suddenly appeared and merged in the air in front of the knight. In another moment, a small floating grey cat appeared. "Puck," said Ulric as his surprise quickly turned to indifference, "is Emilia in need of assistance?"

"I'm not restricted to coming out just for emergencies or teaching," said Puck, "Sometimes I just feel like talking."

"But why come all the way to me when you have Emilia to converse with?" Questioned the Crusader.

"I see you don't recall that I have a connection to this girl as well as Emilia," Puck reminded him, "so it's only natural that I'd drop by to check on her from time to time."

"That's right, you're connected with Rem as well," said Ulric as a possible idea occurred to him, "do you have a way too-?"

"I'm afraid even my power can't help what's happened to her," said Puck with a shake of his head, "I can tell you that she should be waking up soon though. And while I'm at it, I may as well tell you about Gluttony too?"

"I take it you're referring to more than just the sin," said Ulric, "is 'Gluttony' another Sin Archbishop like Betelgeuse was the sin of Sloth?"

"Pretty much," confirmed Puck, "to put it simply, the Authority of Gluttony is capable of eating all kinds of things, including names and memories. He can eat someone's name and make everyone forget they ever existed, or eat a person's memories and make them forget everything about themselves. If you get both your name and memories eaten, there's nothing left but an empty shell. That's what's happened to this girl, though for some reason she still seems capable of functioning."

"Rem is a far stronger person than even she realizes," said Ulric as his hands turned into clenched fists on his knees, "but the fact that she has to suffer yet again due to the actions of these fanatics, it's more than enough to make my blood boil."

"That's why I'm apologizing up front," said Puck, "you see I got a favor I need to ask of you. I hate doing this now but you're one of the few people I can count on, so please, take care of Lia for me." He gave one last smile before vanishing in a flash of green light, leaving the knight alone with the maid once more. It would be another few minutes before he would leave the room, knowing that he couldn't shirk his duty as a knight for too long.

"So this is where you've been," said Crusch as Ulric stepped into the green and yellow hallway. The royal candidate had taken to wearing her evening clothes which consisted of a long-sleeved red dress and a small cape around her shoulders. "How is she right now?"

"She's been going back and forth between waking and sleeping," replied Ulric, "I've been assured that she'll wake any time now. But until then I'm basically helpless to do anything other than watch as she struggles through this. It seems Ram may have right about me being a bad knight."

"I don't believe that's true at all," said Crusch, "you've accomplished numerous feats in just these last few days that speaks volumes to your capability as a knight. What's more, I believe you made that girl extremely happy."

"She was looking forward to a peaceful day together," admitted Ulric, "the problem right now is actually finding a peaceful day. Speaking of which, were you here looking for me your Ladyship?"

"Yes," replied Crusch, "everyone is currently gathered in the lounge. We plan on discussing the current situation and it would be good to have you there Sir…," the royal candidate stopped all of a sudden as she tried to say his name. It was clearly on the tip of her tongue and yet it still escaped her grasp.

"Sir Ulric," offered the knight, "Or if it helps for right now I believe my lady might allow you to refer to me simply as Ulric."

"Yes of course, you're Sir Ulric," said Crusch in slight embarrassment, "I've been told I actually owe you a great deal. Please forgive any rudeness I've been displaying you thus far." The woman went to bow but was stopped by Ulric holding out his hand.

"You needn't apologize for something out of your control," assured Ulric, "you have plenty more important matters to remember other than my name at the moment. Neither I nor my lady shall take offense right now should you happen to forget our names." The royal candidate didn't look entirely convinced, but she let the matter drop there and led the knight to the lounge.

As its name suggested, the lounge held a number of comfortable chairs and sofas, all of which were covered with green cushions. Black and brown tile decorated the floor and green curtains adorned the windows. Had any of them actually had an appetite, there were a number of cabinets on the back wall with fine china sitting upon them. Currently, the five-person group consisted of Ulric and Emilia sitting across from Felix and Crusch with Wilhelm sitting off to the half elf's right. A table sat in the middle of the group, providing a little distance between the gathered speakers.

"I'm sorry for making you deliver that message Lady Crusch," said Felix.

"It's quite alright Sir Felix," replied Crusch.

"It's just Felix for you," he replied, "you and I have known each other for ages after all, so it makes me a little sad when you talk like you don't know me."

"I'm sorry," said Crusch with a quick bow, "things won't be like they were before, but I'll try my best, Felix."

"You don't have to worry," said Felix, who'd switched to his casual, though a bit odd, choice of blue and white dress, "I'll always be on your side, so there's no need to rush Lady Crusch. And besides, it's like I'm seeing a side of you I've never gotten to see before!" The feline knight was practically ecstatic at the idea. Even Ulric had to admit it was strange dealing with her as she was now. Before it was rare to get an apology from her and even then she would give one with a confident, professional air.

"Ulric," said Emilia, getting the knight's attention with a slight expression of worry on her face.

"There's no need to worry about me your Ladyship," replied Ulric, "my mind is focused enough to at least make it through a discussion." Emilia still looked slightly worried, but nodded her head in understanding nonetheless.

"Well now that Sir Ulric and Lady Crusch have returned," began Wilhelm, "we can begin our talk."

"We should start by reviewing where we currently stand," said Felix, leading the discussion, "from the reports given, by the time the Iron Fang members who escaped managed to bring back reinforcements from the capital, the only ones left were the casualties and-."

"Those suffering from a similar affliction to mine," Crusch finished for Felix.

"According to one of Emilia's spirits," said Ulric, "Lady Crusch's memories were eaten by Gluttony, while Rem not only lost most of her memories but her name as well." It was impossible for the knight to keep the frown off his face as the thought of Rem in her current condition flashed through his mind yet again.

"There have also been several reported cases from the capital of memory loss beyond the capability of healers to fix," said Felix, "and another unexplained malady dubbed 'Sleeping Beauty Sickness'. But given all of the recent evidence."

"It should be considered the work of the witch's cult," said Wilhelm as his gaze shifted to his mistress. For some reason it caused her to shift uneasily. "Oh, I meant nothing against you Lady Crusch. My apologies if I frightened you."

"No," said Crusch with a tired sigh, "I apologize for being such a hopeless master. I've been trying my hardest to remember you as well, but it's proving, difficult." Felix also sighed at the situation before them.

"We finally managed to take out Sloth," said Felix, "and now another Sin Archbishop has popped up. This whole thing really sucks. Of course, it was going to happen the moment Emilia became a candidate in-."

"Do not start down that line of thought again," said Ulric as he leaned forward a bit, "need I remind you that everyone in that cult is an insane fanatic!"

"You got that right," said Felix, "they're fanatical about getting rid of the half-elf, Emilia."

"Maybe it really is my fau-," Emilia started to say with a dejected look before Ulric spoke up again.

"Do not blame yourself for the misguided actions of others," said Ulric before turning to Felix, "and you should put more thought into your own accusations before you speak. Did it not occur to you that the cult attacked the caravan in retaliation for the death of the whale?" Felix might've responded to that but was cut off by Crusch.

"He is right," said Crusch as she turned to Felix, "I also cannot ignore the comment you just made, so apologize." The feline knight looked a bit dejected as his cat ears drooped. "It is crystal clear where the blame lies, and you should not ridicule someone who has made a true statement."

"Y-Yes Lady Crusch," said Felix before bowing to Emilia, "I apologize Lady Emilia, and to you as well, Sir Ulric."

"Let us forgive and forget then," said Ulric as he relaxed his posture, "it would be best if we resumed our original topic of discussion."

"Before we do, let me say one thing first," said Felix with a tone of seriousness in his voice, "about the original arrangements for our alliance…can we just scrap that idea?"

"'Scrap' the idea," repeated Ulric, "are you suggesting we dissolve our current alliance, Sir Felix?"

"Alliances are formed when they benefit all parties involved," explained Felix, "and you are currently asking us to ally with Lady Emilia, the target of the witch's cult. Can you promise that Lady Crusch won't be hurt again if we agree to such an alliance?"

"I recall the terms of our original arrangement being the death of the white whale and the eradication of the cult members targeting my lady," reminded Ulric, "you knew beforehand that coming out unscathed would be difficult given the unknown nature of our foe and knew very well that you'd also be facing the witch's cult, yet you agreed anyway. Furthermore, Rem was also among those hurt by the cult despite your own contingent of knights and a number of the Iron Fang mercenaries being present at the scene. Are you saying I should promise something that you yourselves could not also guarantee when the situation is reversed? It seems to me you're being unrealistic, or at least unreasonable, about why we should dissolve the alliance."

"I too am opposed to such a move," Wilhelm spoke up suddenly.

"What," said a surprised Felix, "but why are you opposed old man Wil?! Just look at what's happened to Crusch! What point is there in continuing to help Emilia and her friends now?!"

"It is in regard to this 'Gluttony'," replied Wilhelm, "the one who attacked Lady Crusch. We may be given an opportunity for revenge so long as we continue our alliance."

"Is revenge more important to you than Crusch's life?!" Replied Felix angrily despite Crusch's protest, "I know this is hard on her too! She has no idea what's going on and can't remember anything, so how can you expect her to fight?!" Felix turned to his lady with a pleading look, "I'm sure I can do something about your memories! It might not be enough right now but I'm sure I can fix this in time with my magic. So I'm begging you, please don't put yourself in any more danger!"

The royal candidate seemed to consider her knight's words for a moment before a small smile crossed her features. "Felix," said Crusch, "thank you for worrying about me." She then turned her attention back to Ulric and Emilia. "Right now, there is just too much I don't understand. I cannot remember even a single detail about who I used to be, and you are all no doubt perplexed about how to interact with me. But to everyone who has retained their respect for me despite these circumstances, I must express my thanks." She gave a short bow then before continuing.

"Felix, I know that your concern for me is genuine and that you're doing your best to guide me. And I could do as you say and walk the safest path. But I loathe the thought of continuing my life knowing nothing. If I have any choice in the matter, I'd rather choose for myself than do what someone else says."

"L-Lady Crusch," said Felix as tears began to form in his eyes. Crusch was quick to take his hands in a reassuring gesture.

"Felix," she said, "we'll see this through, together." The feline knight was too overcome by his own emotions to give a response, leaning his head on his mistress's hands as his tears flowed freely now. It was a touching scene, and Ulric couldn't help but be impressed by Crusch yet again. It seemed even though she lost her memories, her heart had not changed.

"If this is Lady Crusch's will," said Wilhelm, getting Emilia and Ulric's attention, "then it is likely that no one will be in favor of dissolving our alliance."

"Indeed," said Crusch, "I know I will probably be a great deal of trouble to you both, Lady Emilia and Sir Ulric."

"No, it's quite all right," said Emilia with a simple shake of her head and a smile, "we can't exactly say we're all on the same page ourselves. For now, we need to rejoin Ram and everyone else whose at the Sanctuary. And we'll need to talk it over with Roswaal too." A murmur of agreement was heard in the room then as the meeting came to a close. Ulric had planned to stand guard outside of Emilia's room for a while but she insisted, or rather ordered him, to go and see Rem.

'It seems my lady knows me better than even I thought,' mused Ulric as he took a seat next to his sleeping love. He'd said prayer after prayer since bringing her into the mansion, and now he found himself bowing his head once again. "Everyone says she shall awaken Heavenly Father," he prayed, "but in the end it is you who determines whether or not any of us shall rise to see the next day. Please Lord, if it is your will, let Rem, let the girl who is dear to so many awaken."

He didn't bother keeping track of how long he knelt there with his head bowed and his eyes closed, truthfully it didn't matter to him. He didn't move until a small sound caught his ear, a tiny groan that was unmistakably female. Looking up, Ulric noted that Rem's eyes were fluttering open as she tiredly took in the room around her. "W-where am I," asked the maid before turning her head to the knight, "and, do I know you?"

"You do," said Ulric as he tried and failed to stop tears of joy flowing from his eyes, "you and I know each other very well."

"I don't even remember my own name," she said as she sat up, "would you happen to know?"

"Your name is Rem," said Ulric, "and for whatever reason, I'm one of the few people that remember that fact. Both your name and memories were eaten by a monster, so almost no one is going to know who you are or your relation to them. But don't worry, there are plenty of people here who are willing to help you through this."

"I," Rem said as she mulled over his words, "thank you. I'm sorry if it causes you trouble, but could you help me remember who I used to be?"

"I'll help in every possible way I can," said the knight, "so I should probably start with my name. I am Sir-."

"Ulric," said Rem suddenly, "that is your name isn't it? Sir Ulric?"

"It is," said a somewhat astonished Ulric, "perhaps it won't be so difficult to help you remember after all."

"I don't know why," said Rem, "but for some reason, your name just surfaced in my head. And it made me, happy, I think. Tell me, were you and I close?" Ulric gave a soft smile as he put a hand on her cheek.

"Closer than either of us could've imagined," replied Ulric, "tell me, what is it you feel when you look at me right now?"

"I feel," she started to say as she looked for the right words. After a moment, she covered Ulric's hand with her own and spoke with a little more confidence in her voice. "I feel safe having you here, like I could put my life in your hands. I don't know why, but I feel like I can trust you, no matter what."

"That is because you mean more to me than almost anything in this world," said Ulric, "I may have sworn a knight's oath to Lady Emilia, but my heart belongs to you." Rem looked away as a bit of red tinted her face.

"This is a lot to take in," she said, turning back to face him, "but somehow I know you're being sincere. So, I will trust you, Sir Ulric. Please, help me remember who I am."

"You have my word, not just as a knight but as a man," said Ulric as he took her hand in his, "I'm going to help you Rem, however long it takes. I will return what was taken from you."

"And you won't be alone," said Emilia as she suddenly entered the room, "I may not know anything about you myself, but if you're important to Ulric then you're important to me as well."

"W-who are you?" asked Rem as she moved away slightly from Ulric, a little embarrassed for some reason that someone had walked in on the two of them.

"My name is Emilia," she replied as she bent down a little to make speaking to Rem easier, "It's a pleasure to meet you, well, again."

"Your ladyship, you needn't-," Ulric started to say before Emilia spoke up.

"There's no need for you to carry this burden alone Ulric," she said, "let me carry the burden with you as well. You saved my life one more than one occasion, so this time, let me save you." Ulric wanted to argue further, but he'd come to recognize the look in his mistress's eyes. She wouldn't be dissuaded, her kind heart wouldn't allow it.

"As you wish, your ladyship," said Ulric with a slight bow, "and while it might go against my pride as a knight a little, thank you." He turned to Rem then. "I swear to you now, Rem, before God and the world that I will do everything and more to get back what was taken from you. So until then, do you think you can bear with it?"

"I will," said Rem with determination in her eyes, "and Emilia, Ulric, thank you." The three of them would manage to have a restful sleep that night and awoke the next morning to what would become another harrowing journey.

And there you all have it, the beginning of a new season for Ulric, Rem, Emilia and the rest of our heroes! Hopefully you enjoyed this long awaited chapter and as always, feel free to leave a comment or review about what you liked/disliked or if you've got any neat ideas for future chapters. Be sure to stop in next time as our Knight encounters a few new faces at the mansion and the sanctuary. 'Til then.