Promises, Reunions, And Engagements

Hello everyone and welcome to the latest chapter of A New Crusade! Now first things first, I should probably have clarified this a while back about the harem thing: Ulric is not gonna suddenly turn into a womanizer or a pervert. Nor will he become like that over time, but rather other women will become infatuated with him over time due to his actions. Rem is and always will be his one true love and it is gonna take a lot of work before he even considers the idea of a harem. As mentioned, I am attempting the harem route because that won the vote but I do not plan on completely compromising Ulric's character to do so. Now, with that out of the way, let's answer our guest review question: Yes, I probably should. Truthfully should've done that a while ago. Now then, enough talk, on to the chapter!

Nighttime: Outside Main Village Cottage

"I suppose I shouldn't be all that surprised that Roswaal didn't agree to surrender," said Ulric, more thinking aloud than anything, "I was hoping to settle this peacefully after everything that's happened, but it's likely he'll accelerate his plans now."

"It might not have worked out," said Garfiel with a smirk on his face, "but hearing that bastard get an earful sure made me feel pretty good."

"I also agree with what you said," added Otto, "though it did probably blow our chances at peaceful negotiations."

"What's done is done," said Ulric as he crossed his arms, "and we don't have time to fret about it now. For the moment, we need to proceed over to the mansion as fast as possible and see if we can't evacuate everyone before the assassins arrive."

"It wouldn't be ideal for us to run into them right now," said Otto, "we're shorthanded as it is and from what you've told me, the ones coming to attack the mansion are extremely dangerous."

"If they're gonna be that big of a problem, I'll go with ya," said Garfiel, earning him a couple of confused stares, "what?"

"Garfiel," said Otto, "you do remember that the mansion is outside of the Sanctuary's barrier, right? Won't you lose your soul or something since you're a half-blood?"

"The barrier," said Garfiel with a raised eyebrow, "that won't be a problem. I got a mixed-blood dad and a human Mom, just like my sister. So my own blood is too thin for the barrier to stop me."

"I was under the impression that you were half-human given what you told me upon our arrival," said Ulric, "do you and your sister not have different fathers?"

"Oh, that," said Garfiel with a sigh, "my Mother had shit for luck and her taste in men was just as bad. You try and figure it out from there."

"Perhaps I shall later," said Ulric before suddenly clapping Garfiel on the back, "for now, I'll only say that you should've told us sooner. Because I believe one of our problems has just been solved!"

A Few Minutes Later

The carriage was currently parked in front of the old Sanctuary's church with the other half of the villagers from the Mathers domain gathered around it. Ulric had just finished loading up his part of the luggage when Garfiel directed his attention to a pair of wrist gauntlets that seemed to have evil red eyes and horns on the back for decoration. "You even have armor, of sorts, for battle," said Ulric, "I suppose I can't fault you for wanting to be prepared."

"It's not like I actually need them," said Garfiel smugly, "I'm already the strongest one in the Sanctuary. But just to keep ya from worryin', I'll use these and be even stronger!"

"Your strength will most certainly be put to the test where we're going," said Ulric with a nod, "so be prepared to fight with all of your might. But also try to be careful, I'd rather not see your reunion with your sister tarnished by either of you dying."

"Don't worry about me boss," said Garfiel, "I won't let you down. After all, no one can outrun Reinhard, as they say."

"And they'd be quite right about it too," said Ulric. 'Though I still find it amazing the man has a saying about him while still being alive,' thought the Knight as he turned to Otto.

"Everything's set and ready over here, Sir Ulric," said Otto, "we can leave at any time."

"Excellent news," replied the Knight, "now let us hope its merely mine own paranoia that the assassins might show up early. After all, misinformation can be even more catastrophic than no information whatsoever. I've seen battles won and lost just by one side knowing more than the other."

"Oh, that's a pretty good one boss," said Garfiel with a thumbs up.

"It's merely a fact of war," replied Ulric, "the more correct information you have, the easier it is to anticipate your enemy's next move. Though at the moment we're acting more on intuition than actual fact, so thank you both for following along with me despite that."

"Well your 'intuition' is usually pretty spot on," Otto pointed out, "and I'd agree with your assessment too, given what we know of the Margrave's behavior thus far. He is confident, but if he has even a shred of doubt that his plans could be stopped, he'll take action."

"Indeed, and speaking of which," said Ulric as he turned to the pink-haired maid who'd been standing off to the side for the last few minutes, "I'll be leaving the care of the Sanctuary to you for now, Ram."

"Do as you like," she replied in her usual dismissive tone, "and be assured that I am going to do as I like from this point on as well."

"Understandable," said Ulric as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a familiar, crystal necklace which he tossed to the maid, "so in case the situation turns bad, I'll be leaving that with you. I'll have more than enough help where I'm going now that Garfiel is coming along."

"You needn't worry," replied Ram, "I'm not you, I know when to act with caution."

"As you say," said Ulric with a shrug before turning and heading over to the carriage. Stepping up on it, the knight proceeded to address the gathered villagers. "My fellow villagers of the Mathers domain," began Ulric, "first, my sincerest apologies for the delay in returning you all to your homes. I promise as soon as we get the current affairs sorted out, I will personally-."

"Sir Ulric," said the Village Elder, "you needn't worry about us. Our internal officer has already told us all about the situation." She glanced at Otto as she said this.

"Go ahead and get going," said another one of the villagers, "I hear you've got a girl waiting for you back there! And even if you don't, Petra's definitely waiting for you!"

"You are quite correct in that," said Ulric, shaking his head a bit. He was trying to be serious at the moment, but it was hard with so many smiling faces looking at him. "Though I should probably say-."

"Just give it a rest and let us help you already," said another of the villagers present.

"Very well then," said Ulric with a smirk, "let us be off! To the Mansion!"

A Short Time Later: The Witch's Graveyard

"And then the three idiots hitched the carriage to Ulric's very clever liger," explained Ram, who'd been waiting for Emilia to exit the temple ever since the others left, "and have set off to take care of the issue at the mansion."

"Is that so," said Emilia, still shaking off some of her surprise at being greeted by Ram and only Ram at the entrance to the temple, "I guess I understand. But honestly, sometimes I don't know what I'm going to do with that knight."

"You could always have him flogged," suggested Ram, "I'd happily do it personally."

"I am a little angry with him, yes," admitted Emilia, "though a flogging might be a bit far. I'd just like a thorough explanation from him on how disappearing before my triumphant return is knightly in any way?"

"Make no mistake, Lady Emilia," said Ram, dropping the playful tone from her voice, "Ulric's loyalty to you as a knight is unquestionable. If he left now, then it is because he knows he is fulfilling his duty to you and to those he knows you care for."

"To hear such praise of him coming from you," said Emilia, "it must undoubtedly be true."

"I never said he was any good at the job," replied Ram, "merely that he is very loyal. But I must ask, Lady Emilia, if you are returning now does that mean?" Emilia nodded in response to the unfinished question.

"Yes, the trial is complete," said Emilia with a smile, "I was finally able to confront my past, though it's as Ulric said after my first attempt: two more await me. So I'll need to enter the graveyard again later." Ram's eyes widened upon hearing Emilia's statement, or rather, the lack of fear in her voice.

"You truly have become stronger," said Ram before suddenly bowing her head, "your ladyship, I feel I must apologize to you."

"What's bringing this on?" Questioned Emilia, absently fingering her necklace out of habit.

"This is the first time I've ever lowered my head and meant the words I have spoken," said Ram, "before now, I did not believe it was possible for you to get back on your feet. But now, you are here standing in front of me with your chest held high and eyes that are facing forward. The only points you lose are for the tear marks remaining on your cheeks."

"Huh," said Emilia as she wiped at her face, "oh drat, I thought I got them all. Anyway, did you decide to help Ulric and Otto because you thought I was a crybaby?"

"Don't be silly, I'd never help those two," said Ram, "it was you that I helped, and you who has proven that it was worth my while to do so."

"O…..kay, but why?" Questioned Emilia, still a bit confused about Ram's reasoning. "If Ulric and Otto didn't convince you, what did make you decide to help me?"

"When asking for something, one must show one's sincerity," said Ram before suddenly kneeling before Emilia with her hand over her heart. "You see, I have a grave request, Lady Emilia. I beg of you, here and now, please save my master Lord Roswaal."

"You want me to save, Lord Roswaal," said Emilia with a confused tilt of her head.

"He has become possessed by delusions from the Witch of Greed," explained Ram with sadness in her voice, "for a long, long time these delusions have bound his soul, almost like a curse. While I might not have minded that, even if he didn't spare me a second glance, even if I was just a tool to him. But now, his delusions have caused him to stray from a clear path that would grant him a clean conclusion. The wish he once desired, has lost direction and now he clings to words merely for aesthetics. Please, Lady Emilia, break through all of that."

"What do I need to do?" Asked Emilia with a now determined look on her features.

"Fulfill Lord Roswaal's true wish," said Ram, "by assuming the royal throne."

Even Later: The Mansion

The mansion itself was dark, all of its lights turned off for the night. The only source of illumination was the light of the moon and stars shining in through the windows. And throughout the halls, all was still and quiet, save for one particular area. On one of the upper floors, the sound of two pairs of running feet could be heard, along with a sweet but worried voice. "Keep hold of my hand, Petra," said Rem as she led the frightened girl down the hallway, "we just have to make it a bit further and we'll be out of the mansion."

"I'm trying Rem," breathed the orange-haired girl behind her. The only reason she was able to keep up with the oni maid was due to her grip on the other's hand and even then it was difficult. The both of them were in their night-gowns, Rem's being a greyish green while Petra's were yellow, attesting to the fact that they'd both been rudely awoken. Neither of them currently knew the reason why, but Frederica had been insistent that there was some sort of threat to the mansion and that the both of them needed to get out immediately.

Petra had naturally protested at the two of them leaving Frederica behind. The woman was practically a big sister to her despite only knowing her for a short while. But Rem quickly recognized that the situation was serious and had done as the half-beast woman asked, leading the still reluctant Petra away. 'Please be safe, Frederica,' thought Rem as the image of another appeared in her mind, 'Ulric, I wish you were here right now. We need help.'

The oni girl felt the hairs on the back of her neck prick up then as a presence seemed to appear behind them. "Get down!" ordered Rem as she tackled Petra to the floor. It turned out to be just in time as several sharp needles embedded themselves in an urn and the end table holding it, shattering the piece. "My, what adorable little girls," cooed the voice of a woman as she came into the moonlight, the glint of her purple-bladed kukri catching the eyes of both maids as she approached, "you two must be the smaller maids. And there's no need for trembling in fear, I'm certain your bowels are quite beautiful. So be good girls, and let me send you to meet the angels."

Rem moved in front of Petra as the woman raised her blade, expecting pain at any moment. But then, the window burst open next to the frightened maids. The next thing the two girls knew, a figure had stepped between them and the assassin, catching the blade with her currently transformed beast hand. "Frederica," the two exclaimed in unison at the arrival of the larger maid.

"You two are being bad girls right now," said Frederica without taking her eyes off the assassin, "when I told you to run away, I shouldn't have had to say as fast as you can. I'll have to punish you both later."

"Right," said Petra, the relief evident in her voice despite her superior's supposed threat.

"We will," said Rem with a nod of her head, a smile on her face inspite of the situation.

"Oh how lovely," said the assassin as she backed away, freeing her blade from the maid's grasp, "you must be the bigger maid then. I'm so glad you're all together now, and such close friends. So I'll be kind and lay out your bowels side by side to see how well their insides go together."

"Not a single word of what you just said makes sense," replied Frederica as she raised her transformed fists, "whatever kind of thinking you call it, it's not very tasteful."

"And you have demihuman blood I see," noted the woman while eyeing her opponent's hands and tail, "while that would've been a problem before, I've improved my skills after nearly dying in a skirmish in the capital. You won't be a match for me."

"I do wish I could lay the blame on the one who failed to finish you off," said Frederica before glancing at her two co-workers, "Rem, Petra, get outside the mansion. I'll handle this." The two maids clearly wanted to argue, but a quick glance from their superior told them it wasn't up for debate. She turned her attention back to the assassin then, "I don't know who sent you, but the three of us appear to be your targets."

"Very good," affirmed the assassin with a slight shifting of her blade, "three maids and a little spirit girl. I'm quite excited, actually, I've never cut up a spirit befo-CLANG!" She was stopped midsentence by a sudden charge from Frederica as she blocked a claw swipe towards her stomach.

"RUN!" Exclaimed the half beast maid as she took another couple of swipes at the assassin. Rem nodded before grabbing Petra by the hand again and leading her down the hall. Their would-be killer jumped up and threw some more needles at them. Fortunately, Frederica moved in front and swiped them aside. "What's worst than your taste is your personality," she mocked, "both of them are good girls who I'm quite proud of and I won't let you lay a hand on them!"

Their battle ensued then, with some attacks impacting the walls hard enough to shake the halls. "Rem," said Petra breathlessly, "we can't just leave big sister Frederica behind."

"We don't stand a chance against someone like that," said Rem as the two continued down the stairs, "I might be an oni, but I don't remember if I could actually fight. The best we can do for Frederica right now is to not be in the way."

"I just-wait a moment," said Petra as an idea came to her, "what about Beatrice? She's supposed to be a really powerful mage, right, maybe she can do something if we find the right door." This suggestion actually brought Rem to a stop at the bottom of the stairs as she weighed their options. "Please Rem, we can't let big sis fight that horrible woman alone."

"Alright," said Rem after another few moments, "we try a few doors and if we can't find her, we do as Frederica said and get out of here." Petra nodded happily in agreement to this as she rushed over and opened the first door on one side while Rem went for the other. One after another they opened a door, frantically calling for the miniature mage. 'Where are you, Beatrice,' thought Rem as she opened another door, finding only an empty room again, 'your home is in danger so why are you sitting in that library doing nothing?'

"Where are you Beatrice," said Petra, thinking aloud before the both of them thought aloud, "Ulric, please help."

"Worry not ladies," said a familiar voice as a figure stepped out of the shadows, "your knight in shining armor is here! At least that's what I'd like to say, but I've honestly never held a sword in my life."

"Otto!" Said the two maids, surprised at the Merchant's sudden appearance.

"It's good to see you're both unharmed," said Otto as he pulled out a glowing green stone, "and while I don't have a sword on me, this little piece here will work pretty well too."

"But if you're here," said Rem, "then, did he also come back with-."

"No need to worry," said Otto, "he was the most adamant about getting back here once he learned what was happening. Right about now he should be arriving to help Frederica, with a little reinforcement in tow."

The sound of another crash could be heard after that as Frederica was thrown against the nearby wall. "Why do you insist on going for my stomach every time," coughed Frederica as she struggled back to her feet.

"I thought my hobby would've been obvious by this point," said the Assassin with a wicked smile on her face, "I am the Bowel Hunter, and as such, I cut open bellies!" She rushed forward then, her blade poised to do just that. But at the last moment, she was interrupted.

"Cut open this!" Exclaimed Garfiel as he moved in front of Frederica, the Assassin's blade clanging off of his armored gauntlets, eliciting a look of actual shock on her face, "normally dealing with a blade wielder would be a problem for me since I like to use my fists, but with these," He clashed his knuckles together, the gauntlets sparking on impact, "I don't have to worry about being cut up, making me the strongest there is, right?! What do you think, Big Sis-whoa you're huge!" Garfiel had expected his sister to be a little taller than him, but he hadn't realized that she'd stand nearly a whole head above him. "Are you really my sister, I feel like I should call you something like 'Big Bro' instead-UFF!"

The Half Beast Boy was quickly silenced by Frederica kicking him in the stomach. "Don't be so rude the moment we met back up after all these years," she said with a hint of annoyance in her voice. But her expression quickly softened despite her irritation as she noted how her little brother had changed since she last saw him, "you've also grown quite a bit."

"That just sounds like sarcasm," coughed Garfiel while holding his stomach where he was kicked, "seriously, why are you so damn huge?"

"Perhaps I can help with the height difference," said their opponent, "If you don't mind me interrupting your happy reunion."

"I mean thanks for waitin' on us," said Garfiel, "but we ain't the only ones gettin' a reunion tonight." The Woman was about to ask what he meant by that when she suddenly felt a presence behind her. She raised her blade just in time to block the sword coming down on her, watching sparks fly as the blade slid down her own. She countered with her signature slash for the stomach, but that attack was parried before she felt an armored leg hit her stomach and force her back a few feet.

"Hello Granhiert," said Ulric as he took up a position next to Garfiel, his helmet on and his sword in a guard position, "It seems you and I have yet another unexpected, and unpleasant, dance with death this evening."

"Oh quite the contrary, Sir Knight," said Elsa as she twirled her blade in her hand, "it's an absolute pleasure to see you again. Have you taken care of your bowels since our last encounter?"

"You know this woman?" Said Frederica with a glance in his direction, "don't tell me you were the one who didn't finish her off in the capitol."

"That honor belongs to Reinhard," replied Ulric, "but in his defense, this woman isn't a normal human. It's still a bit unclear to me what she can and can't survive."

"Works for me," said Garfiel as he rushed in, his gauntlets clashing and sparking with Elsa's kukris.

"Frederica," said Ulric, holding up a hand to stop the maid from also charging in, "as much as I'd appreciate extra assistance here, I need you elsewhere."

"But why," questioned the half beast maid, "three of us would be better against-."

"It would if she were the only intruder," said Ulric, "but a mabeast tamer is also here. I need you to find Rem, Petra, and Otto and lead them to the exit out through Roswaal's office if possible. Garfiel and I will handle this assassin." Frederica still didn't look entirely convinced but eventually nodded before giving a few parting words.

"Make sure my little brother doesn't get himself killed," said Frederica.

"I will so long as you protect the woman I love," said Ulric with a glance back in her direction, "so we'd both better give it everything we've got." The maid smiled in understanding before turning and heading down the hallway.

"Going somewhere," said Elsa as she leapt over Garfiel and attempted to give chase before being quickly intercepted by Ulric who clashed with her in a blade lock.

"I'm afraid she's already left this little ball," said Ulric as the two strained against each other, "you'll have to deal with having only two partners for this dance."

"I can accommodate that quite easily," said Elsa before breaking their bladelock and dodging a few punches from Garfiel before leaping past him and landing a few feet away, "I just hope you've learned a few more steps since our last encounter. Now, shall we pick up where we left off last time?" She drew a second kukri while she said this, as if signifying how seriously she took the current battle.

"Bring it on bitch in black," said Garfiel with a grin on his face as he clashed his gauntlets again.

"I'd rather dance with Rem, personally," said the Knight as he also readied his sword, "but who am I to deny a woman a simple request. Let us resume!" The three fighters charged forward then as the darkened halls of the mansion became a shower of sparks and clashing blades.

And thus, the battles begin for the Sanctuary and the Mansion as all the pieces have fallen into place. And I do apologize if this chapter was a little short, but it just seemed right to end it right here. Hopefully you all still enjoyed the 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 Ulric, Garfiel and the rest of those at the mansion face off against Elsa and Meili! 'Til then.