Ascension: Knight takes Pawn, a re:zero fanfic

The crisp spring air rolled across the quiet plains as Reinhardt and company made their way to the Mather's Domain. The current sword saint watched the grass sprint by from the inside of his carriage. While the scenery was monotonous, the red haired youth had much on his mind. Recent reports of highly unusual activity from within the Mather's Domain had occupied his thoughts the whole trip. Merchants reporting empty villages, forests silent and seemingly devoid of life, several mabeast corpses mauled and dismembered and most unsettling for Reinhardt, zero contact with the Emilia camp. Upon first hearing the reports, the governing body of Lugunica sent a messenger to verify the situation and to get the Marquis's assurance that it would be handled.

That was four days ago. Neither the messenger or response returned.

Fearing that the Emilia camp was plotting against the country, they assembled a strike force to eradicate them. Upon hearing about this attack, Reinhard volunteered to accompany them. Knowing that his presence guaranteed victory, the counseling accepted his proposal. However, Reinhard had a different goal, to establish contact with Subaru and Lady Emilia and find out what was going on. He didn't want the blood of his friends spilled if he could help it.

The sun had just reached its peak as the highway began to enter the forests surrounding the Miload estate. Conifers and shrubbery surrounded the caravan as the road narrowed.

"We should be coming up on one of the local villages cited in a report, stay your guard" shouted one of the knights on top his dragon.

"Hanz and Richard take your dragons and loop around the village. Scout out the mansion further ahead of us, we don't need any surprises." Ordered the commander.

Snapping to his senses Reinhard instinctively clutched the sword fastened to his waist. He understood his duty to the country and fellow knights but never like playing the soldier expected of him.

"Commander if I may, could I journey ahead and confirm these reports myself. There would be no need to eliminate them if this was all a misunderstanding."

"We can't risk you being spotted, Sword Saint. It could alert the half-elf and her subordinates to our intentions. Your duty is to suppress your presence in the carriage until we reach the estate."

Sadness once again began to fill his brilliant blue eyes. That's when his stomach sank. His Divine protection of life sense which had alerted him to the various life forms within his vicinity had suddenly been reduced only to the caravan. No birds, No insects, no travelers, no mabeasts, nothing. The normally bountiful forest was devoid of life.

Or rather empty of life connected to Od Laguna.

"Strange, the forest is unusually quiet today," said the carriage driver.

"No kidding, even in the dead of night there's always something sounding off" said another knight.

That's when the dense trees and shrubs began to dissipate. Man made structures dotted the horizon as the village came into view.

The leader of this force slowed his dragon and signaled his troop to slow as well.

"Form up, our mission is only to silence the witch and her supporters. We don't need the locals after us, so leave them be unless they engage." Barked the knight commander.

Now resembling a royal envoy to the territory, the knights began their final approach to the village.

The village was bustling with life as the residents went about their daily routines. Chopping wood for tonight's hearths, exchanging goods with each other and visitors, cleaning today's hunt. Everything seems normal.

The children running and playing, lunch roasting in various homes, land dragons waiting patiently for use. Life was perfect.

Everything and everyone contradicting the several reports of a deserted village.

"Huh, so much for an empty village" scoffed a knight.

As much as this revelation should have eased Reinhard's mind, his instincts began to tick. Something was terribly amiss, not a single soul present save his fellow knights and their land dragons were registered within his life sense.

As the caravan rolled into the village, they were the talk of the town. Everyone came out and greeted the royal carriage. The children waved ecstatically, the women gave proper curtseys and the men bowed in respect. The elder of the village flagged down the unexpected guests.

"What brings a royal envoy to our humble village"

"We were with a crucial message for Lady Emilia, in regard to the royal selection" lied the commander.

"A critical message you say…. "

Tension filled the air as the entire village froze

Every person stared at the brigade

"... "

"Liers are bad guys you know" the elder replied with a childish voice

"This is official business, interfere and it will be considered treason against the kingdom"

"Bad guys"

The onlookers whispered

"You wouldn't be a guy would you mister?" the elder asked. His voice … that of a young maiden.

"What trickery is this?! Move aside or be trampled" Shouted the commander as he reached for his sword.

Something about the elders' voice confused Reinhard. I've heard it before but where he thought.

Silence filled the village air

Deafening silence

"Hehehe" the elder laughed

"Hehehe"

The whole village erupted in giggling

"Loosen up there sonny, we don't want any trouble" the elder said brandishing a delightful smile

Then as if they shared one purpose the whole village flashed brilliant smiles

The children, the parents, the men, the women

All shared in a moment of delight

Even the land dragons seemed to express happiness

"The lady's estate is only a short trip down that road, should reach it just under an hour" the elder assured

"... Alright then. Good" spat the commander

"Let's move out"

The convoy slowly picked up speed as it exited the village along the designated road. All while the populace waved farewell, still smiling with joy.

"She's excited to meet them" one of the village boys said

"Maybe she'll share the leftovers with us" the parental figure said, patting the boys head.

Drool pooled on the corners of each villagers mouth, as the prey wandered further to their doom.

"That village was full of a bunch of freaks"

"No kidding, I swear one of them was looking at me like some kind of starved animal"

"Quiet down back there were coming up on the rendezvous point"

Coming to a halt the riders circled around the carriage.

Reinhard get out here, we shouldn't have to worry about being spotted from here.

"Of course sir" Reinhard answered

Stepping from the carriage the sunlight caught him just right. He looked every part the hero and chosen savior of the world.

"Some guys have it too easy" mumbled once of the knights

"Strange, Hanz and Richard should have reported by now" noted the captain.

"Reinhard, can you feel them with your DP of life sense?"

"No, they may be out of range"

Unease set over the troop.

Seizing his chance, Reinhard broke the tension.

"Sir, if I may. Could I approach the mansion alone? With Richard and Hanz lagging behind, I'm the only one capable of scouting the mansion and returning in time."

Despite the assertiveness of his question, Reinhard was quite nervous under his skin. He rarely lies and certainly doesn't defy orders. Maybe his recent friend has been a terrible influence on him after all. The thought brought warmth to the usually stoic eyes of the hero.

"I didn't want to use you too soon, but without the scouting reports from them, we'd be charging in blind. Make haste then, be back in 10 minutes"

"Yes sir, I'll be right back"

Gripping his sword, Reinhard raced down the road engaging the few stealth divine protection he had. His steps made no noise, the wind danced around him leaving no scent, and his body radiated with a soft white light, hiding his being to threats. He needed to be fast to save his friends from certain doom.

No sooner had Reinhard exited his hearing range did two familiar faces appear.

"There you two are"

"Took your sweet ass time huh"

"Maybe we don't have to wait for Reinhard after all"

"You lot, shut it. Hanz, Richard, report".

"..."

"What, mabeast got your tongue"

"..."

Only lifeless eyes stared back at the prey.

Reinhard made short work of the distance and found himself just inside the tree line surrounding the estate. The exterior looked normal with a few of the staff doing yard work. However when he focused his senses to investigate he was met with only horror.

The sharp smell of fresh blood nearby assaulted his nostrils. The labored pained breathing somewhere inside alongside soft droning and loud heart beats filled his ears. Metallic taste dominated his mouth at the sheer amount of iron in the air. Life sense only picked up a handful of individuals with their presence weakening by the minute.

"Good afternoon, We've been expecting you Mr Knight" a small girl called from behind.

Panic flared in Reinhard's eyes as he turns to meet this voice

Doing a proper curtsey was a golden haired maid with a red ribbon fastened to her hair.

Flashing a smile to play off the situation, Reinhard replied.

".. you scared me there little one, what brings you out here?"

"I wanted to meet the great Sword Saint, myself" Petra said with an adorable smile

"Wouldn't you rather receive me at the mansion?" Reinhard questioned as he motioned to the Miload house.

"Don't be silly, I have to see if you're a bad guy first."

Fear struck Reinhard at that moment. Her voice, her cadence, and childish goal, all beat for beat matched the elder. That shouldn't be possible.

"The others were all nasty individuals, especially the old guy, but they shared the same sentiment about you. That's your head and shoulders above the rest"

"..o .. others?" Reinhard asked nervously

"Yeah! Your knight friends! They were all meanies that needed to be punished" said the small maid

"..." What did you do crossed his mind

"We welcomed almost all of them into our ranks"

"..." Almost

"Yeah unfortunately one of them started sprinting towards the estate"

Looking back toward the direction he came, Reinhard made out one of his fellow knights sprinting covered in blood.

"Don't worry, he's almost with me"

"Reinhard! Help! Help! I don't want to die!" Screamed the knight

Suddenly a tendril from further back slashed at the knight. His left leg no longer obeyed him as it was cleanly bisected and fell to the ground.

"Aarrgggg" he screeched in bloody horror.

Melancholy occupies the frozen sword saint. I let everyone down. He was a failure once more. I cant save anyone.

More tendrils appeared from the forest and slowly wrapped around the man

Reinhard could only watch as they picked him up.

And shredded him into a pulpy mist.

Viscera and blood traveled far from the execution site, landing on the maid and her guest.

"He was a fighter! Most don't get away" she said cheerfully.

Sickness swelled in Reinhard's stomach as he watched the little girl happily pick up part of the gore.

And proceed to eat it

*crunch*

Blood and juices flowed from her mouth, staining her face a crimson red.

"Mmmmm, they always taste the best when they're scared" the girl said, licking the residue from her face.

"..who..no...what are you?" Reinhard asked, taking a step back, and firmly gripping his sword.

"I'm just Petra, Reinhard. Sword Saint hailing from the Astrea Family, Felt-sama's personal knight and savior of the world."

"..."

"I know everything there is about you.

"..."

"Your drunkard father"

"Stop"

your guilt over killing your grandmother,

"I said enough" freeing the scabbard from his waist

"your nonexistent relationship with your grandfather. I could go on and on".

In the blink of an eye, Reinhard brought the scabbard down across her shoulder. When he realized what he had done, it was too late. The earth trembled from his swing. Gusts ripped across the forest, snapping branches and scattering leaves and debris. With dust and smoke obscuring his view, Reinhard could only wait and hope he didn't make a mistake.

When the dust settled his fear was realized, a mangled golden haired girl laid on the ground. The blunt object had spit her in half, crushing her bones and tearing her flesh. Blood pooled around the corpse, dying the ground a deep shade of red. Tears welled up in the corners of the young man's eyes.

"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to…" he started

Before he froze at the horror.

The corpse beneath him was staring with life in its eyes.

A twisted smile remained on the disfigured face, curling more and more.

She spoke with the same cheerful tone

"But the most important thing is your deep connection with Od Laguna."

The broken form twitched and creaked as it slowly pushed itself up to face him. Bones were jutting out of the girls skin, muscles torn from their proper alignment, tendons and arteries swaying in the breeze. Her body beyond repair, yet moving with life.

"..h..how?" Reinhard stamperred, stepping away from the shouldn't be alive, let alone able to move. Before he could formulate his next plan of action, he sensed movement along the tree line.

Two knights emerged from the forest, sporting light cuts and bruises. Their uniforms were covered in blood and dirt.

"Hanz ? Richard? Thank the dragon you two made it. Now get behind me, those things are dangerous." Reinhard barked as he placed himself between 'her' and his comrades.

Lowering his stance and drawing his blade, Reinhard took a defensive stance to get his friends to safety.

"Looks like your a bad guy after all"

"Proper hero's don't hit little girls you know".

His stomach sank as he turned to his friends. Delightful blood stained smiles crossed their faces ear to ear. Unfinished entrails and flesh hung between the teeth as their cold eyes glared at the hero.

'Hanz' lunged at Reinhard, snarling as his face split open revealing a labyrinth of teeth. 'Richard' accelerated to the flank as most of his clothes and flesh melted away leaving only his former friend's face on the gory skeleton. Its fingers growing into long blades of blood covered bone.

Instinctively Reinhard easily countered the monster, his arm swinging gracefully as it cleaved the creature's arms in half. Unphased at the loss of limbs it's jaws cracked open to encompass Reinhard's head. Ducking, he delivered a swift kick to the ribs. Bone and flesh splintered at the intensity as the torso buckled inward. The amalgamation rocketed backwards into the forest from the overwhelming force. Seizing the opportunity, the second creature swiped at his new blind spot. A half second too slow, Reinhard kicks back to safety with ease. The claws whistle through the air as they miss, leaving it off balance. Capitalizing on the opportunity Reinhard, dashes forward. Gripping the blade he unleashes a flurry of strikes, eviscerating the beast. In the blink of an eye, the monster disappears into a red mist. Only the head and its twisted smile remain as it falls to the ground.

"Very impressive Mr. Knight!" An adorable voice calls out

Reinhard turns with shock, the once mangled girl is now not only upright standing but free of any injuries.

"Let's play for a bit"

Petra vanished in front of the knight. A small foot embedded itself into his left cheek. His chin rotated slightly as the trees behind him creaked and snapped from the blow. Reinhard watched as the maid used the kick to create distance between them.

Needing answers, Reinhard sheathed his sword and took off in pursuit. To his surprise, the girl dashed forward to meet him. Their fists collided over several seconds. Air blasts echoed out over the forest as Reinhard caught and deflected every punch.

"What's happened to the mansion's residents?"

"Everyone is safe inside, Mr Knight. I promise."

Each strike came faster and harder than the one before it. Were he not blessed with immeasurable strength, she would have easily killed him.

"Then stop this madness, no one else needs to die."

"I can't stop until I've completed my goal."

"Which is?"

"Spreading love for Subaru to all corners of this country."

Attempting to subdue her, Reinhard grabbed her arm mid thrust and swung the maid overhead. Adapting mid air, Petra slammed her free hand into Reinhard's forearm. Upon impact, her fist collapsed into a mess of mangled blood and bone. While her flesh fractured, Reinhard winced at the mighty blow. Finishing the downward arc, he smashed her into the ground. Her small body scattering rubble and dust into the air.

Looking down at the crater he buried her in, another twisted body laid there. Blood pooled around it, as the neck was bent horribly at an unsettling angle. However this time, her eyes remained closed with no devilish smile.

Using the moment of peace, Reinhard examined his right arm. He flexed his hand and was greeted with tinges of pain.

He was injured.

Over his years as the world's hero, never before had he felt such pain.

"... she can't be allowed to live…." the knight said under his breath. He knew that if she made her way to a more populated area, then only death and destruction would follow.

The creature opened its eyes. The once flowing blood halted and slowly reabsorbed into the body. The crushed and disfigured skeleton cracked and popped as it reset itself. The tears and cuts along the flesh closed and mended anew. Her neck straightened as her form returned to its normal state.

Knowing his duty Reinhard readyed his sword. If only he knew what happened out here. If only he could have saved his friends. If only he were a better hero.

Patting the dirt from her apron, Petra smiles warmly. Nothing he could do would ruin this beautiful day.

Raising his sword above his head, mana begins to accumulate in the blade. The standard sword slowly glows bright blue as the atmosphere is drained.

"I'm sorry little one"

"It's ok Just remember to smile for me"

Energy cracked throughout the air as the sword couldn't bear anymore.

"Goodbye"

Bringing the sword down, the energy vaporized everything in front of the knight. The surrounding trees, the road and finally the little girl were all reduced to ash. All that was left was a scar of scorched earth and burning trees along the new clearing.

He lowered his head and said a small prayer on behalf of the original Maid and his comrades. Turning his attention to the mansion, he searched his life again. Only three signatures registered, two in the west wing and one in the east. Sword at the ready he approached the mansion.

The staff he saw attending the grounds were all gone. Only piles of bloody flesh remained in their stead. Their forms dissolving without the leader, surmised Reinhard.

After securing the perimeter, he entered the building. Death and blood hung heavy in the air as the ghastly sight of the main hall assaulted his eyes. Men, women, …. children. Corpses plastered across the wall connected by external muscles, blood vessels and organs. The victims all partially melted into the pulsating flesh wall. Faces full of not terror or pain, but happiness and delight with dazzling smiles. These too were beginning to unmeld and dissolve.

Once his search was completed he would need to purify this hellscape. Navigating the melting gore, Reinhard made his way up to the west wing. Slashing the growth barring the door, He entered the room with the two signatures.

Lady Emilia and Great Spirit Beatrice lay encased in pulsating tissue. Entrails and malformations bound their hands and feet to the wall.

"Dear Dragon, May they be ok."

The knight rushed over to Emilia and carefully cut her out of the fleshy prison.

"Lady Emilia are you alright?" The beautiful half elf slowly blinked her purple eyes open.

"..wa..wh...where am I?" She whispered

"It's ok, everything is ok now. Let's get you and Beatrice out of here." Reinhard assured her

"O...okay"

With a final pull, the candidate for the throne was free. After helping her catch her balance, he made his way to the great spirit on the opposite wall. A few strokes from his blade severed the connective tissue.

"Thank you Reinhard for rescuing me and Beatrice." Emilia said with a bow of gratitude.

"Lady Felt may have my sworn allegiance, but as Sword Saint the safety of the kingdom rests on my shoulders." He replied with a short smile. He began to dislodge the spirit from the mass.

"I'm actually sorry for not getting here soon enough"

"Don't touch Betty so casually, in fact" the twin tailed girls said with attitude.

"I'm sorry, I just need to pull you out"

"Then hurry, I suppose. Betty only waits for her contractor." The girls said with a smug pout

The little spirit was easily released from her confinement and began to shake the excess fluid from her dress.

"Where is Subaru?"

"Indeed, where is Betty's Subaru, in fact."

"He's ok, he's likely trapped in the same situation you two were. I'm actually heading there now."

Then we shall accompany you, I suppose"

"Actually I would like you both to exit this place and I'll meet you when I'm done. I don't want either of you to get hurt on my watch" the sword saint pleaded.

"That makes sense. But if you need a hand just let us know"

"Hmmff, you have permission to bring Subaru back to her Betty. Should you fail you shall face my wrath in fact"

Bowing to the girls, Reinhard left to fetch his friend. Most of the grotesque furnishings were all but gone as pools of viscous fluid and meaty chunks covered the floor. The melting flesh had made his journey to Subaru much easier compared to the girls. Taking this as a sign of good fortune, Reinhard rounded the corner to the hallway. Unlike the rooms that came before, there were no signs of flesh or blood along the ceiling, floors and walls. Everything was pristine.

"He's here"

"Welcome"

Voices not his own whispered. Grabbing his hilt, Reinhard searched his immediate surroundings.

"Good"

"Hehe"

The voices praised before letting off quiet giggles.

"Who's there?!" the knight demanded to voices. Focusing his senses and relying on his divine protections he completely searched the hallway in an instant. Nothing. The hallway was empty. The only sounds were the ragged breathing from the room up ahead.

Upon hearing the labored breaths Reinhard moved forward with gusto. He wouldn't let his friend be in pain. He reached for the handle as soon as his arm could. With a small twist, the heavy bolt unlocked with a metallic click. Pushing in, he readied himself for whatever laid on the other end. As the room came into view, his blue eyes scanned the surroundings. Two chairs sat alone in the middle of the room. An eloquent chair fit for a lord and a throne crafted from the bone and meat of its victims. Everything else was gone. No art, no rug, no additional seating. Just a sterile, empty room. And a black haired boy breathing shakily.

"Subaru are you ok? Can you move?"

"..."

Walking up to the boy, Reinhard noticed his hair and head were coated in blood. Subaru's eyes were crimson red from crying as the tears remaining glistened. Something has caused him great pain.

"Let's get you out of here." he said, offering his hand.

"..."

Looking directly into his eye, Subaru recited in a hushed tone.

"Just smile…"

"...love awaits us…"

"...If we smile"

Seeing his anguish first hand, Reinhard placed his left hand directly on Subaru's forehead.

"Now rest"

That instant, Subaru's expression softened as his breathing returned to normal. His bloodshot eyes brightened and began to shut. The distraught face he wore only seconds ago was now at peace. Catching his slumping friend, Reinhard carried the boy outside to freedom.

"You made it back, thank you." Emilia said with childlike enthusiasm.

"Betty's Subaru will always come back, in fact." the spirit said puffing out her chest.

"Would you mind holding him a second, I need to lay their souls to rest."

"Sure, do what you need to" Emilia replied as both girls held the unconscious boy.

Nodding Reinhard makes his way back the the edge of the property. Relaxing himself, he draws his palms together as he accumulates mana in them. "May you all find peace" he whispers. Raising his hands to the heavens, a brilliant white light envelops the building. It shines brighter and brighter, encasing the building in pure white. Then the light vanished. The building disappeared into a flurry of ash that slowly rained back down.

As the sword saint busied himself with purification the two girls comforted the comatose boy. Holding his hands and ruffling his hair they watched his chest rise and fall. Still unresponsive to their touch, Emilia and Beako embraced Subaru. Showering the poor boy in much needed affection. Pulling him close the two whispered in his ears. Their voices caused the boy to shudder and flinch. "Shh, shh. You'll be ok"

With the nightmare at hand over, Reinhard lamented at those lost. He should have come sooner, he could have saved more. Even as the monster fought in that girl's form, the thought of killing a child will haunt him. Another page filled in his guilt ridden heart. His only solace was that he saved his friends. Returning to the only three survivors, he was ready to get back home.

"We're looking at about an hour to return to the local village. Hopefully we can find anyone else and secure passage back to the capital."

Still holding the sleeping boy's hands, both girls nodded at the sword saint.

"I will do everything in my power to make sure you three return safely, I swear it."

While the two smiled warmly at the knight, they knew it wasn't meant for them.

Moonlight illuminated the man made clearing in the forest. Only hours earlier did a mansion reside here, now just a graveyard of ash. The clearing was devoid of all life on this breezy evening.

Yet...

A small girl...

With Golden hair...

Stood smiling at the center.