AN: Sorry it took so long to do this, I've had some painful muscle issues from work related stuff, so I had to take it easy for a while. But I am feeling better now, and I've got the next chapter here! Arc Six is here!
And yes, RE:ZERO is confirmed for Season 2, HOLY CRAP FILLED SANDWICHES! I am beyond Hype levels right now!
Not only that, but so is Oreigaru and Kobayasahi-san as well! Not to mention I got my tickets for Avengers Endgame and a upcoming Weird Al concert, jeez, the world is a nicer place, I guess! Anyways, here we now have the main structure of the One Day Arc for all to see.
Song title comes from The Carpenters song, "Yesterday Once More". It really is a beautiful one too!
I hope everyone has a great day, and nothing goes wrong for any of you! Please be well, and drink happily and eat aplenty. ENJOY THE READ!
Arc Six: The One Day
Chapter 31: Yesterday Once More
Everything happens in a relative motion, time constantly moves forward, unchallenged.
And within such rules, there is the fact, that the world's vastness results in so many actions, reactions and nullifying steps within a set moment. More or less, within a span of time, countless events can unfold; big, small, important, or meaningless. Regardless...they can happen simultaneously.
And one would be stunned, to see how in their home, their country, continent, or even their planet, that such a staggering amount of incidents can transpire. An hour, a minute, or even just a second, too many situations would be there to be seen, or unseen.
Thusly, no one would be surprised, how many happenings might occur, in just ONE DAY.
WILHELM: An Uncomplicated Dialogue At The De La Soul
It was the early morning and a Ground Dragon was doing it's faithful task.
Pulling the carriage along, two people sat inside next to one another. Grey hair, old bodies.
Grimm Fauzen and his wife, Carol.
"We should be almost there."
"Is this really a good idea Grimm?"
"Carol, Wilhelm is our friend, a long time one at that. We have a duty, to speak our minds to him."
"I understand that, but for us to come here…"
Holding his wife's hands, he reassured her, making Carol put on a wry smile.
In the driver's seats, were their twin granddaughters Grassis and Flam, both pulled on the reins when they reached the main gate of the De La Soul Mansion. The Dragon came to a full stop, as a man approached them...a Red Lantern.
Not even his eyes could be seen, that was how well protected his red armor made him. Two horns on the side of his head, like that of a viking, adorned his powerful steel helmet. Yet it was his triangular visor in his helmet that flickered a small spark of red light, placing fear into the girls and their grandparents.
"What is your business here?"
"We-We have come to meet with an old friend."
The armored man, crossed his arms, then got on the ground and seemed to "listen" to the ground. After a few tense moments, he stood back up and used his thumb to point at the gate.
"Go on ahead then."
"Th-Thank you."
But as the sisters did a bow with their heads, Grimm was horrified at the man's speed. Leaving behind a red streak of light, and was now inches away from Flam, pointing right at her face. The four family members had their hearts skip a beat and Flam trembled, sweat dripping off of her face.
Heart thuds matched the brutal seconds they were all caught off guard by this. Though all four of them were capable warriors, it was easy for them to ascertain this, using their skills as fighters to calculate, imagine, what the results of their attempts to fight back would be like.
THIS RED LANTERN WOULD SLAUGHTER THEM, EASILY.
Yet.
"Have you eaten little one?"
"HUH?"
"I have some candy, would you like one?"
Stunned by the reasoning behind his ominous motion earlier, she nodded sheepishly and in fear.
The armored guard handed her a small candy, and proceeded to walk back to his position. The gates then began to open as he used his thumb again to point.
"If you get stopped let them know one of us guards let you in, the name's Gyra Spyro. Just so you don't get into trouble."
"O-Okay."
"Have a nice day little ones."
Whipping the reins, the carriage began to move, as the creeped out family tried to get away from him as quickly as possible. As the carriage got farther away...Gyra spoke into his shining ring.
"Company, I listened to the core of our world, and I felt nothing. But just in case, send someone to check them out."
The carriage was finally in front of the mansion, and everyone disembarked from the carriage. But before any of them could take a breath, stretch or even mutter a sound-
"Who are you, and why have you come?"
A hideous, growling voice, it sounded like that of a demon straight from hell itself...maybe because it wasn't human at all.
Turning around they saw him, Attero Dominatus, the large guiltylowe snarled at them, as the ring on his left paw shined.
Grimm was stunned to see him, and could barely even move, knowing how dangerous a regular one was, this one in particular was worse, due to his accomplishments in the World War and his current Red Lantern status.
Thinking fast, the twin girls made their move, they quickly bowed courteously to him.
"Oh great Attero Dominatus, we have come seeking an audience."
"We seek to meet with one of the Founding Seven, Wilhelm Van Astrea."
Attero tilted his head.
"Who let you in?"
"The guard at the front gates, he who goes by Gyra Spyro."
"I see."
The large black lion sniffed them, making all four of them, feel like they were going to pass out from the pressure. Attero then had his ring scan the carriage, nothing made him pounce or alert the others, so he was satisfied.
"Very well, I will go and find him, though it will take some time and I am not allowed to leave you unsupervised."
The Guiltylowe took in a deep breath.
"GROOOOOOOARRRR!"
The ear splitting roar, was the signal for another some Ababil clones, numbering six to show up and perch themselves to carriage. They glared down at the family as Attero began floating.
"I shall return in a moment, wait here."
The tension was horrendous once Attero left, they huddled together, with Grimm and Carol prepared to defend themselves if need be. The Ababil cawed suddenly and their eyes shined much more ominously than before.
Grimm and Carol were veteran combatants, and their two grandchildren could hold their own in a battle.
Yet, what worried them more, was if the Ababil engaged in a attack with them, would that alert other Ababils? Or worse, could that guard from earlier interpret it as an aggressive assault and end up facing them?
How much would an incident like this, spiral out of control, until all four of them were dead?
But just as suddenly, the Ababil stopped, and just as quickly, flew away.
"I never expected for you all to show up like this."
Wilhelm floated out of the main entrance with Attero right next to him, both landed very quickly.
"Do you need me to stay Wilhelm-dono?"
"No no, this is quite alright."
"Very well, if you need me, I will go and take up front guard duty with Gyra."
"Understood."
Attero flew away, as Wilhelm nodded.
"Now then, Grimm, Carol, welcome. I apologize about the security, but since Emilia-sama frequents here most of the time, it is required."
Grimm and the others were still silent about all this, but Wilhelm's quaint nod snapped them out of it.
"Please, do come in."
"Very well."
There were hardly any hellos or greetings with this, no, it was too stressful to think of such a thing. And with their hearts still racing, they followed Wilhelm inside.
What surprised them, as they all sat together as a family on the excellent couch, was the normalcy of it all.
It was shocking how lovely and normal this mansion was, most civilians who never stepped inside, only imagined some kind of horror show waiting inside, maybe even prisoners corpses strewn about like ornaments.
"At least that is what we've heard."
"Goodness Carol, we may be more aggressive in our battle tactics, but we're not mindless barbarians."
Wilhelm said this as he poured them tea.
"This is the finest tea we have, I hope you all enjoy it."
"Is it alright for us to have such a luxury?"
"If Ram-san knew, she'd have a tantrum, it is hers after all. However, Subaru-sama has allowed us permission, he'll talk it over with her tomorrow."
"...You spoke with him?"
"Yes, I contacted with my ring earlier, he gave us the blessing to allow you inside."
Grimm narrowed his eyes as Wilhelm handed them their proper glassware with the strong yet sweet smelling tea inside.
Sitting across from them, Wilhelm sat on his chair, sipping on his tea.
"Though if you prefer, I can call a maid over and have some chai tea prepared?"
"Chai? Tea? Uh, no this is fine."
"Very well."
Then, Wilhelm looked at the corner of the room, and sighed. The Fauzen family were perplexed, and glanced behind the couch, the young ones, lifting themselves adorably to do so.
"We should be fine on our own, you can go and patrol the halls."
Mist.
A small faint mist, and emerging from it, now into plain view was Sagittarius. Sagittarius, the Lewes Clone that had survived the battle against Cecilus, now with gold ornaments and armor pieces over her usual robe, stared blankly as she walked away from her spot.
Like a phantom appearing before them, the family trembled.
Sagittarius kept walking to the door, ignoring them and focusing on Wilhelm.
"Please, enjoy yourself as well, you have permission to eat or drink what you will, Subaru-sama's orders. Okay?"
"...M...ay…"
The clone left, shutting the door behind her, as Grimm nervously stared back at Wilhelm.
"Again,I must apologize, we do not have too many guests over, so the security here gets heightened when we do."
"When was she-"
"-She was following you the moment you crossed the hall."
Though they wished to voice their anger, anxiety and shock that they were still not trusted even when Wilhelm specifically got permission from Subaru, he halted them.
"Now then, may I ask what this visit is about?"
Grimm and Carol relented, all of them setting their cups down on the coffee table, and they took in a deep breath.
"Wilhelm, we have been friends for a very long time, have we not?"
"Indeed we have."
"We can speak freely on any matter with each other, correct?"
"Undoubtedly so."
Carol reached her old, but still strong looking hand out to him, making Wilhelm raise his brows.
"Then please Wilhelm, come with us."
"Hm?"
"Just, take off that ring and come with us."
"I do not follow?"
Grimm put his own hands together.
"We want to ask you, to put down that ring and come with us, to help you away from all this."
"...You wish me to leave the Red Lantern Corps?"
"It may sound selfish, and I know that we should've instead come here with pleasant greetings and conversations instead. But we have to try, and save you friend."
"...Save me?"
Wilhelm frowned a bit.
"Who says I need saving?"
"Wilhelm, please, understand what it means to be where you are at."
"I am one of the Founding Seven for the Red Lantern Corps here in this world, I know what my position is."
"But all the turmoil and strife that comes with it?!"
"I may have lost allies, had bridges burned between me and others, but I enjoy myself where I am. I'm at peace with myself."
Carol clenched a fist.
"You think...that after everything these...ba-...men did, that it's forgivable or even justified?!"
"I cannot be as morose and say everything we've done has yielded positive results, but I think we've done what's best for everyone."
"How can you say that?"
"Being the Swordsmanship Instructor for our Corps, I have explained to my men, how taking a life should be the last thing-"
"-We're talking past issues not current circumstances!"
"...What happened has happened. Nothing can change that."
"True, but focusing on that, we'd be able to notion on how to save you from a horrid outcome!"
Wilhelm sipped on his tea just a bit, before setting it down again.
"I beg your pardon, but what does me being here, have to do with an untimely outcome?"
"These people, their bloodthirsty warriors. You have honor, you are a swordsman who my husband and I respect dearly."
"Then can you not accept me being with them?"
"How can we?! They're using the anger you felt, after you lost Thearesia for their own gain!"
"...Though that was indeed the anger utilized, my wife being lost was all the more reason for me to keep staying with them."
Wilhelm seems to be easily annoyed with this, but Grimm himself pressed on.
"I know how desperate you were when you went after the White Whale, and to have it taken from you by Natsuki Subaru, must have been difficult."
"I've already accepted that I made too many mistakes back then, and it costed me my revenge. But now, I have been given a purpose again, and will help the man who both took and returned it to me, with all my power."
"How?! How did he give you purpose again?!"
Wilhelm thought long and hard about it...should he tell them, how Thearesia was brought back as an undead being and was allowed to rest in peace after Subaru allowed it? Even when they were indeed friends? That they loved her so?
"That is a secret."
Grimm, Carol and their granddaughters grew frustrated that he wouldn't say.
"Earlier, you said-"
"-There are some things, that are better left in the shadows."
When he said that, they could sense it, see it in his eyes. Indeed, there were things Wilhelm had seen, that could easily make their hearts wrench and minds break.
What foul killings, horrible experiments and unbridled massacres had he seen since he became a Red Lantern?
They definitely would not be told.
"I am having a hard time understanding you Wilhelm."
"And it's best you leave it that way."
"How?! I want to come into an understanding with you, we've known each other for that long!"
"Things can easily change in a small span of time."
Carol gripped her uniform, clearly having none of this.
"Why are you backpedaling on this Wilhelm?! Is it something they have on you?"
"I am here of my own volition."
"Your mind is manipulated by that thing then?!"
"No, nothing of the sort."
"THEN WHY?! The same bastards who got our granddaughter killed, are trying to take you as well! So how can you even-"
"-Is that what this is about?"
Wilhelm sighed as he punched the table, startling them all.
"I know about what the circumstances behind Sarah's death, and I am truly sorry you lost her, but she knew. She knew what it meant getting involved in the war between Emilia-sama's and Priscilla Barielle's camps would entail. Anyone, would realize the significant danger with involving one's self to a battle meant for the Throne! Sarah would've seen it."
Carol's eyes were shaking, and she was biting her lips, as Wilhelm continued pressing the matter.
"Sarah was a fine warrior, but a warrior should come to know what that word means. It means the risk is there, whether she was on Priscilla's side or Emilia-sama's. And tell me, what if she had stayed with you all?! She would've been held to protect Felt-dono at Priestella, what's to say she did not die there instead?! Would you blame Subaru-sama then?! Well? Answer-"
SLAP.
Carol heaved, and teared up after slapping Wilhelm. But the Red Lantern showed no anger, no resistance, he simply wiped his cheek.
"I apologize, I went too far."
"...I…"
"I understand I really do."
"But...NO! I can't stand to see you with them! They got my beautiful Sarah, our little girl...she still had a future. She was going to give us so many memories, of her adventures, her eventual marriage and then, maybe some children...anything but this."
"So goes the horrors of war."
"And what about you?! If you know full well about such terrors, how could you go along with it all!?"
A moment of silence, there was nothing said, no breaths made too high. Then, quietly Wilhelm did a small smile.
"I enjoyed it."
All four of them, were terrified of his answer. Carol held her granddaughters as Grimm sat back, further pressing on the couch.
"Why?"
"Thearesia...she, was my tether to true sanity. That woman, my wife used her love, her kindness to bring me out of my uncontrollable lust for death and murder. You remember, don't you Grimm, how I earned the name Sword Demon?"
"...Yeah."
"But I lost it, she was gone, and nothing could tether me. Not my son who despised me, not my grandson who I shamelessly blamed for her death, not myself. I thought going after the White Whale would have yielded something, a point of existence. But it was stolen, no, I tossed it aside. Following a master, who I still do not recall, making me leave Subaru-sama to die, only for destiny to kick me down and have the Whale killed."
"...Then-"
"-Then I became a Red Lantern, while the Priestella Conflict occurred all around me. And just like that, I was given the purpose again, to continue living. And with it, with the countless battles, deaths and duels I had endured, I was back."
Wilhelm, turned his contemplative expression, into a creepy half smile.
"I went back, to zero."
"You…"
"I enjoyed every minute of the World War, the battles in Vollachia and Kararagi, had this old heart of mine beat again, a rhythm returned after so many years."
Wilhelm could see it...the malicious, ecstatic smile he had when he fought alongside his fellow Red Lanterns against Halibel. Or when he defeated Cecilus, before he turned around to face the cheering men with a stoic expression...hidden with his back turned...was his monstrous, insane smile. Teeth bared, eyes wide, blood dripping and hair a mess, simply put-
"I have returned to being Wilhelm of the past, The Sword Demon now reborn again."
"No...we can save you...just…"
Grimm held out his hand, as if it was some vain attempt to bring Wilhelm with him.
"Wilhelm, I know you too well. All the years we've fought together, laughed together. I was there to help you in Vollachia, there for your wedding, for the birth of your son...I wish to help you no matter what. Please, please damn it. Open your eyes!"
Wilhelm shut them for a second, then opened them again...and reached out. Grimm and Carol seemed happy...just for it to be dashed as Wilhelm's prosthetic hand shook his hand, letting go as Wilhelm sat more comfortably on his chair.
"Now that you have my answer, was there anything else you wanted to discuss?"
"...No."
He got up from his seat, along with the rest of his family.
"We apologize for wasting your time."
"Not at all, please do come by when it peaks your interest."
"...I doubt it."
Though it was a whisper, Wilhelm could see the dissatisfied looks on their faces as they bowed and left the room. EVen the granddaughters scorned him as they left the room. Wilhelm sat there, by himself, he stared out the window and watched the morning clouds pass by.
"I am sorry, but that's life Grimm. You were my friend, my first true ally."
Yet he then motioned his right hand up and saw the ring on it, brimming in the sunlight.
"My destiny has changed is all. For the love I have is gone, familial love, tender love, friendly love, erotic love, respectful love, generous love, pure love...I have none of it left."
CLosing his eyes, he saw the flowers, the large field and a broken wall...sitting on there was a happy woman with velvet red hair.
"All because...I was slothful."
Wilhelm made a smile, more genuine and sweet than he showed before.
"We hope you have a good time. Enjoy yourselves on this day graced upon us."
Gyra waved them goodbye as the gates opened to let them out of the estate, Attero keeping a close watch. The granddaughters using the corner of their eyes to glare at them-
"You should hide that anger better."
Both of these small girls trembled and looked back, seeing Attero lay on the grass, he nodded at them.
"Red Lanterns can sense anger, and a noble, beautiful being like myself senses it even better. If you wish to do so, learn to mask it better."
'S-Sure."
"May the Crimson Truth help you."
They said nothing back, but simply hid their disgust in being told that. The carriage reins whipped and it moved away.
Gyras and Attero continued staring at them.
"What do you think Attero?"
"...I think this needs to be dealt with."
His red eyes glimmered, and Gyras nodded as his own eyes flared red.
Grimm sat next to his wife, with defeated expressions, when a faint sound could be heard. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a conversing mirror and flipped it open.
"Yes?"
'Hey, how'd it go?"
"...Badly, he didn't come."
"Damn, sorry to hear that, but y'know you can't save everyone."
"I suppose not."
Using his other hand to rub his beard, his eyes sharpened.
"There is no helping it, Wilhelm is brainwashed by those demons, we tried our best, but he cannot be saved."
"Well shucks, at least we did what else we needed to do?"
"Yes...we have dropped off the metia off in the exact spot needed."
"Great...great…"
"This way, we can save Lugnica."
And so…
"Yup, we'll save it alright."
Aldebaran stared down at the metia, confirming things well.
"Let's get the ball rolling then."
The day was half way done…
.
.
.
.
Outside a large dojo, within the early morning of this specific day, a practice could be heard underway.
Inside, a student and her master practiced intensely. Wearing a red gi, Frederica pulled off masterful kicks, punches and even a spinning elbow strike, but everytime, she was knocked onto the ground. A large kick even made her fall back, she tried numerous styles, until finally she fell on her behind exhausted.
"Excellent work, let's call it a day."
"Thank you, Kong-shisho."
Kong sat in a traditional master pose, and tossed Frederica a towel. She eagerly wiped the sweat off of herself.
"Have I even progressed?"
"Undoubtedly so! You have reached a higher level than any other in my Bo Tekken Style, even more than my son."
"...Your son."
Kong sighed as he saw the sad expression she made.
"Listen to me Frederica, I have told you before that my son's death was coincidental, nothing more and nothing less."
"But-"
"-He participated in the war, as any other soldier. I am only proud he died in such an honorable way."
What Kong referred to, was his sole son, Luzbel. He voluntarily enlisted in the Kararagi front and was sent as a swordsman...but never forgot his training. Many would speak of moments where he would toss away his sword and simply use the Bo Tekken style to defeat enemies.
He was well liked, respected...then, he and an army of 340 men had to defend a mountain...only for an army of 40,000 Kararagians to begin an assault on the fort.
After losing more than half his men, he made a last ditch effort for his soldiers to escape, and solely...with only a few weapons on him, he sacrificed himself so they could escape.
The last thing those retreating men and women saw, was Luzbel using his martial arts to kill many men, block attacks and toss men to their deaths off the mountain.
He died of his injuries, before reinforcements took back the mountain.
"Luzbel gives me such pride."
"Still…"
"Frederica, though the Red Lantern Corps did initiate the war in of itself, we the people, joined readily. Thus I can never fault them for it, nor anyone else who lost a loved one."
Frederica accepted with a smile.
"Now there is something I wish to discuss with you."
"What is it sensei?"
"I have a humble request of you."
He then shifted his legs and formed a dogeza bow.
"Would you, Frederica Priestella, in a moment I no longer live, take up the mantle as being my successor?"
"Wh-"
"-We can no longer have children, thus I can see no one else in the entire world who can keep the Bo Tekken Style alive, but you."
"...I-"
Frederica held her face, shocked beyond belief.
'I do not know what to say."
"Say whatever comes to your mind."
"...I feel like I don't deserve it."
"I see."
Yet Frederica sat in her own pose and gripped her fists, close to her knees and made her decision known.
"But, if I can, I will work to earn such an honor, so please...give me time."
"There is no need to rush, my pupil."
He smiled, giving off the look of a gentle giant.
Frederica did a quick bow, but still on her knees, yet they still continued the conversation.
"By the way shisho, what have my other friends progresses been like?"
"Well, as I discussed with the Seven Founding Members, each one had a different level of skills in unarmed combat."
Kong rubbed his rugged beard, as Frederica listened closely.
"You Frederica, are the one with the most aptitude in physical combat amongst your peers, meanwhile Ovidius-sama is the lowest, thus I am forced to work overtime with him."
"What about Subaru-sama and Emilia-sama?"
"Emilia-sama is coming along well, though Subaru-sama is struggling with grapples and groundwork, but he is doing fine."
"Mimi-chan and Nijino?"
"Mimi...is too young for most of our moves, but she knows some tosses and footwork. Nijino is an excellent kicker, but her guard against grapples and overall defense needs fine tuning."
"Wilhelm-san and Genau? Or wait, does Genau even need training?"
"Genau-san is a wolgarm, so I cannot teach him any actual moves, but some simple steps and muscle movements are good enough. Wilhelm is a quick learner so, he's doing quite alright."
Frederica was relieved, but also tried not to giggle. Having a hard time not imagining Ovidius being tossed around or Genau believing he was dancing and not actually training.
Then, the door slid open and in entered…
"My husband, is there anything you need?"
"Oh, nothing I can think of."
Entering within their training room, was a small woman, with strands of grey hair over black. She had her wrinkles here and there, but had slit eyes and a charming smile.
But her size, it was otherworldly, she was no taller than Petra herself.
The woman sat by her husband, showing the nearly 7 and a half foot tall man next to a 4 foot tall girl.
A true contrast.
"Wow, Subaru-sama told me about lolicons, I wonder if shisho is one as well?"
"I don't know what a lolicon is, but I find it a troubling word, thus I take offense to it."
"Haha, sorry."
Frederica rubbed her head, as even Kong's wife giggled at his funny response.
"But still, you are so glowing Tennille-san."
"Thank you dear, your compliments make me feel spry as always."
Then, as Frederica felt comforted by her smile, she felt a sense of downcast contemplation. Anyone with a brain cell, could see the troubled swirling within in Frederica, so Kong pressed on the matter.
"Is something troubling you, Frederica?"
"Shisho...I am happy to be where I am right now. To be given such an opportunity like this, and to be a proud Red Lantern Member, and yet, I don't know."
Though Kong himself was not the best expert when it came to the human mind, his wife did, so Tennille would have a go.
"Frederica-chan, something is holding you back then?"
"F-For two years now, I feel like something is shackling me, pulling me down from what should be my most proudest moments in life."
"Do you know what it is?"
"I have no clue."
"Hmmmm, maybe it's your past?"
"It can't be, everyone knows Gluttony stole my memories, so why would it bother me?"
"Maybe not so much bother...but I feel like you wish to put things to rest, to move forward even more."
"I can, I wish I knew what it was."
Tenille scratched her chin, before coming to peeked realization.
"What about where your old home?"
"My old home?"
"Indeed, they tracing your steps back can help one clarify things much more."
"That could be it?"
"You should go, you'd be surprised how much something like this can help."
Frederica stood up, and stared down, contemplating things in her head, thoughts swirling and formulating.
"Frederica-chan, do you know where that would be?"
"Well, the maids who I am good friends with, constantly mentioned a place I was from."
"Oh? And where would that be?"
Kong and Tennille watched expectandly, as Frederica looked straight at them, a light glimmering in her eyes.
"A place, close to the Roswaal Estate, it was called-"
FREDERICA: Sanctuary of Evocation
Landing on a dirt road, Frederica began her stroll towards the walled village. Yet, this was no longer a simple town, but instead a flourishing city of sorts. No longer was it poor infrastructure or dirt being kicked around everywhere.
Frederica knew this was due to payments given to them for their participation in the World War and defending of Irlham Village during the initial pre battle.
Magic cannons aimed outwards on the wall, flowers grew along the grass leading up to the entrance. The guard looked down, making sure to see who was coming in...seeing the Red Lantern uniform on her, he waved at her and proceeded to give the okay to let her in.
Frederica continued her stroll and glanced around the Sanctuary.
Frederica had recalled many times that Rem and Ram had constantly told her of the past she had in the Sanctuary. Specifically, Ram was the one who hounded her the most about trying to "reawaken" memories in her head. Yet, every time it didn't work whatsoever, she always gave off a defeated and depressed aura when it failed.
The golden haired former maid, could tell she wanted to rekindle an old friendship, and always felt bad for Ram, so she became friendly with her, which seemed to raise her spirits...but the word she mentioned would always haunt her.
The Sanctuary.
In many respects, the Sanctuary had also become a tourist attraction. It was widely known that the First Red Lantern, Atrocitus, had blessed this place with his presence. Not many people in this world had actually seen him, and those that did, reveled at his fearsome appearance and overwhelming power. Thus, much like Jerusalem of Israel, or the Mecca of Saudi Arabia, this thriving village became a place of worship.
Praying he would return and grace their world again.
Frederica could see one of the three monuments found here.
A large pillar made of redwood, with red ropes wrapped around it and latched down by red painted stones. This was the monument apparently placed where Atrocitus appeared from a pillar of light.
More north, there was a Tomb, which is said to be where Beatrice was reborn. It was hailed as some kind of portal into the afterlife, and some believed that kissing one's hand and touching any part of the large entrance, would send some kind of message to a loved one. No one was sure who came up with that idea, but it stuck.
The final was a rusted over and dust covered Magic Cannon with statues of men sitting around it.. This was a monument that honored those who lost their lives in the World War, specifically 45 young men who volunteered, only to never return.
Frederica could see the wondrous beat that the village was following, people going about their business, carriages making a trail and children at peace, just kicking a ball.
Then, an older woman tapped her shoulder.
"Huh?"
"Oh my, Frederica-chan, it has been a while."
"Oh hello."
"My, my...you are still as lovely as you were all those years ago."
She didn't know how to respond, brushing her hair nervously. The old lady remembered the truth of the matter, and sighed sadly.
"That's right, you lost your memories."
"Sorry, did I know you?"
"Well, along with your mother, in the past I helped you lot out with a few things here and there."
"Right, my mother…"
The sadness felt by this woman, hearing Frederica say it so blissfully, made the woman wipe away a tear.
"In the end, you are the last person from that family."
"Really? I had there was someone else."
"Oh! That's right, Lewes-san, might be around somewhere."
She pointed to a cabin, far from where they standing. Frederica shook hands with the old woman and made her trek to the cabin. The old woman waved at her, sadly...remembering a certain mother holding a baby and being followed closely by her daughter and Lewes...knowing full well, that was but a distant memory.
A tear was shed.
As Frederica kept on going, she would get hellos and waves here and there, from people who seemed to know her from the past. A past which had crumbled away by the hands of the Witch's Cult, never to return again.
The sun wasn't so much setting, but the sky was getting a little more yellow and orange, so she had spent a lot of time exploring this place, called the Sanctuary.
Finally, she made it to the decrepit cabin, noticing the moss and mold growing all over it, the broken windows and an odd concrete smell, she wondered if anyone lived in it.
All she knew, was that this was a Lewes Meyer that actually had a personality, and was the caretaker of the Sanctuary. But it inferred by Ram especially, that the Battle for the Sanctuary, left her weakened and unwilling to fulfill that role any longer.
Now it was left up to another Red Lantern, a lizardman who was a relative of Libre Fermi, named Jamiroquai Hermes.
He himself was busy surveying forestation plans from the uncharted forest surrounding the Sanctuary.
Glancing all around the cabin, knocking on the door, and calling inside...there was no response. Using her ring to scan the entire building, there was only two crickets inside, the only living lifeforms.
Sighing, she began to turn back...only to face a messy haired Lewes Meyer, this one wearing a disheveled white robe and bags under her eyes.
"Frederica?"
"Oh, hello there-"
THe bucket she had in her hands, was dropped to the ground, spilling the contents as the little spirit ran to her. Wrapping her leg in a huge hug, the Lewes teared up and sobbed a bit, leaving a stunned Frederica to pat her on the head.
"Um, there there?"
"Huh?"
Releasing her hug, and looking up at her...seeing the gorgeous young girl, the granddaughter she took care of...a long braid, faint scars on her face, and that oh so hideous red uniform. It instantly broke her heart.
"No, I heard abou' it, bu' I though' it wasn' true."
"About me being a Red Lantern?"
"NO! Tha' yer memories...they're really gone? YA DON' REMEMBER ME?!"
"No, I am sorry."
Lewes was in a panic, trembling as she held her neck, like she couldn't breathe.
Rushing over she grabbed her long braid, startling her.
"Uh, hey!"
"Yer long flowin' hair, you were growin' it, since ya were a wee lil' babe...Now like this."
Letting go of it, she shook her head, as her eyes seemed to be shrinking and growing, a state of peril filled her gut. But she shook her head, coming up with a crazed idea.
She took Frederica's hand, and began pulling her.
"What the?"
"Come wit' me! I have an idea!"
"What-"
"-I'll bring back yer memories! I know I can do it! C'mon Frederica! C'mon!"
"Um, sure?"
Thus, began a hard fought struggle. Lewes Meyer dragged Frederica around the entire grounds. Showing every place from her childhood…
A field where she would play-fight with Garfiel.
A creek that she and her mother would wash clothes with.
The cabin she used to live in with her family.
Her childhood clothing.
Her toys for her birthday over the years.
All this to solicit some kind of response, a possible relapse of her memories, anything to free her, from the perceived vice grip of the Red Lantern Corps.
Yet, every sing time, it was the same answer.
"Sorry, I don't know."
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"Nope, nothing rings a bell."
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"Nothing, nothing at all, sorry Lewes-san."
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"I'm afraid, I have no memories of such an event."
Lewes, was seething with horror, she feared that may be no way of saving her. So she took her to one last spot, of which she hoped could do something, ANYTHING, for her.
Reaching it, after a furious pace and tears forming under her eyes, they found it.
A gravestone, among many others outside the reaches of the gate.
One which held the name, Garfiel Tinsel.
Lewes, breathing raggedly, and nearly tripping over herself, ran over and wiped the stone with her tired hands.
"Look. Look! This, this is yer lil' brotha, Garfiel!"
"...hm."
"He was a good boy, a lil' good boy! And do you know wha' happen' ta him, do ya?!"
Lewes was sure when she learned the truth, that her heart would waver, her trust in the Red Lantern Corps would diminish and-
"Subaru-sama killed him."
"...Wha?"
"I also know that Ovidius and Genau forced me to have my memories eaten."
"...But-"
"-I also know, how much they trust me."
Lewes trembled as she fell to her knees.
"I was a threat, much like my brother was. Had it not been for their decision to erase my memories, and give me a second chance at my own life, I would be dead much like him."
"They, did it though?"
"I know, but I understand their intentions. To protect me, a friend to Rem, Ram and Emilia, they sought to make me more compliant with their wishes and restart from zero."
"BUT THAT IS LIKE MURDER ISN'T IT?!"
"Lewes-san...how would that be?"
Frederica narrowed her eyes at her…
"I was a simple maid, saving up money to establish a home for these citizens, my people. Aimless, and wandering, I couldn't even save my younger brother from whatever foolish fancies he deluded himself in. And even more so, I foolishly raised my hand against the Red Lantern Corps, which would have earned me an immediate death sentence!"
"But...they gave me a new opportunity, a forced one, but I got to live. And now, my people have bright beautiful homes, go to sleep with full bellies, and are free to move a botu in this country. I feel stronger, I am more free to do as I wish and even now, I have been offered to continue the legacy of my master, HOW IS THAT NOT LIVING?!"
"And your family?! WHAT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY FREDERICA?!"
"...I have a family."
Frederica smiled, but knowing why, Lewes began to weep.
"Lewes-san. My family wears red uniforms, they speak with me, have dinner with me and let me have my opinions known. Wilhelm-san trains with me, Ovidius-san helps in my studies, Genau-kun dines with me. Mimi-chan plays with me, Nijino-san goes shopping with me, and Subaru-sama will just sit down and discuss even small matters with me, making me laugh along the way. Not just them, but Emilia-sama, Ram-san, Rem-chan, Beatrice-san, Attero, Sagittarius, all of them are my family."
"They push me forward, so I will stand firm and protect what I have now, NOT WHAT I ONCE HAD."
Lewes Meyer stared up at her discerning jade eyes, with her own bright blues darkening as she bit her lips till they bled.
"This is wrong. THIS IS WRONG! This is all his fault!"
"He killed Gaf'! He took my home! HE'S TAKEN EVERYTHIN' I HAVE EVER NEEDED!"
"...You mean-"
"-YEAH! NATSUKI SUBARU!"
She fumed with anger, her cute little face scrunching into a horrible scowl.
"Everything, everything, everything! All of this has been apart of his hideous intentions and desires! Nothing, nothing is sacred to him! I'll make sure he pays for this! All of this!"
"...With his life?"
"NO DUH! I'll make sure he di-"
CHUK!
"HUH?"
Frederica launched her fist into Lewes' chest, just past her wrist.
Confused, horrified, heartbroken, these were the swirling emotions filling the completely defeated Lewes.
A sense of disillusionment surged into her mind, and the scorching pulse of betrayal etched into her heart.
Looking up at her daughter, expecting to see a warm smile from the golden beauty she knew, instead was staring back at a cold eyed woman who had no love for her.
"I am sorry."
"P-Ple-"
"-But to say such things, and with the aura filling into your eyes, I could sense the looming threat you would've become. Truly, Lewes Meyer, though you were my grandmother in a sense…"
"I can...save..please.."
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"To move on, I have to let you go."
"I love…"
"My last shackle."
"Please! Plllllleeeeassseeee! Uwaaaaghhhh! Uwaaghhhhh! Pl-Pl-PLEASE! Uwaaghhh!"
Lewes cried, cried, and cried, her voice tearing out of her horrid weeping.
Until finally, Frederica punched straight through her, sending her off as little specks of light, dancing into the air, until nothing was left and her life was gone.
Gazing at the sky as those light orbs faded away, Frederica shook her head and began walking away, having freed herself, of that oh so forgone past.
In the middle of the square for the Sanctuary, she encountered Jamiroquai, a snake lizardman with dark green skin and bright blue eyes, wearing a fitting Red Lantern Uniform.
"Hello Frederica-dono."
"Greetings."
"Forgive me for asking, but I heard you had business with the previous caretaker."
"I did."
"And may I ask how it went?"
The silence she gave off and the troubled stare she formed, gave him all the information he needed. He scratched his neck and sighed.
"I see, I had a feeling she was becoming trouble."
"Keen observation, but true."
"I'll...take care of it, maybe say she went on a pilgrimage of some kind."
"Great, thank you."
They bowed to each other, as Jamiroquai kept going about his business, but as they both moved out...both got red beeps on their rings. Specifically, emergency ones, used only to alert Red Lanterns to be aware of a possible or resulting disaster. Both Red Lanterns flew into the air to get a better view…
"Frederica-dono, look!"
"Just, what is going on?"
In the distance, in the direction where the Capital would be...were a few plumes of smoke, raising up to the clouds.
"What-"
Frederica was getting a audio message on her ring.
"Hello?!"
"Ovidius-san?! What's going on?!"
"Frederica, get to the De La Soul right now!"
"Tell me what's happening!?"
Then, he mentioned something, that of which sent shivers down her spine.
"It's bad, some of our friends are dead and there's reports of explosions! Frederica! WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!"
In a single day, two stories of self-reflection, had come to an end. But the day itself pressed on, with the blazing encounter ready to occur, and the resulting fiery showdown...set to commence.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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Liliana: Hello! Hello! Yup, this is it! Another one of my interviewing spectacles for all of you beautiful people to watch! And today on Minstrel Queen's Corner? Well….ahem, first we start with an oldie but a goodie! He's a soldier, who has been around far longer than I've been alive...do you get that he's old!? Thaaaat's right, it's the Sword Demon himself, Wilhelm Van Astrea!
Wilhelm: Thank you for having me...the comments about me being old, will be swept under the rug, for your sake.
Liliana: *sweats heavily for a bit* Ahaha, a-anyways, it's great to have you sir. Now onto the questions! Your current leader Natsuki Subaru comes from the world Isekai, correct?
Wilhelm: *scratches beard* Yes he does.
Liliana: *sitting straight in her chair* Knowing the things you know, tell us, What kind of music do you like from there?
Wilhelm: *rubs top of his head* Blues and Jazz.
Liliana: Ooookay! What's your favorite song?
Wilhelm: Ruby's Arms by Tom Waits
Liliana: On to much more recognizable stuff, What's your favorite food?
Wilhelm: Anything made by my late wife, particularly her Beef Tenderloin with mashed sweet potatoes.
Liliana: Speaking of your wife, what did you like doing with her, on your off time?
Wilhelm: *closes eyes for a moment* Take dragon rides through the lush forests surrounding her residence. Just me, and her.
Liliana: Back to the Isekai questions again, What is something you'd like to see over there?
Wilhelm: I do wish to see the natural beauties of that world. The Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Mount Kilimanjaro, but in particular, places with flowers I had never seen before.
Liliana: Wow, how nice! But if you did go there...Where would you go?
Wilhelm: *rubs chin* Hmmmmm, I suppose it'd be Norway. The images Subaru has described of it, sound truly mesmerizing.
Liliana: And your favorite color?
Wilhelm:...Red.
Liliana: What do you want your gravestone to say?
Wilhelm: "Faithful to the end."
Liliana: When you don't work, what do you do?
Wilhelm: Sharpen my senses, keep up with my training...maybe even...practice yoga.
Liliana: Ummmm, cool?
Wilhelm: *a sweat drop appears above his head* Please don't force yourself.
Liliana: What's your type of girl?
Wilhelm: My wife, next question.
Liliana: Fastest answer yet! Uh, oh! Humanities, or Sciences?
Wilhelm: Humanities.
Liliana: Any regrets?
Wilhelm: *eerily stares at her* Too many to count, let's move on.
Liliana: *trembles* Uhhh, ahem, sorry. Knowing about movies, which one would you like to see?
Wilhelm: Franco Zeffirelli's, "Romeo and Juliet".
Liliana: What's your greatest strength and weakness?
Wilhelm: My fighting prowess...my cleaning ethic.
Liliana: What can you not live without?
Wilhelm: *taps sword hilt* This sword right here, it was a gift by my wife.
Liliana: What's your favorite animal?
Wilhelm: The falcon, graceful and dangerous, I've been fond of them since I was a child.
Liliana: Which Red Lanterns do you get along with the most?
Wilhelm: I believe it's Frederica and Ovidius, we work swimmingly together.
Liliana: Which Red Lantern gives you the biggest headache?
Wilhelm: *cross popping vein appears near head* Genau, he needs to control his ravenous hunger.
Liliana: Finally, where do you see yourself in five years?
Wilhelm: *crosses arms seriously* I won't answer that question, I find it ridiculous. I could die in two years, a month, maybe even tomorrow. I am not selfish enough to suggest that I am going to know how the future will unfold.
Liliana: This has been eye-opening, and a great view into the mind of the Sword Demon himself! Wilhelm, thank you for your time.
Wilhelm: * a respectul headbow* No, thank you, I did enjoy my time here.
*Wilhelm gets up and shakes hands respectfully with her*
*lights go out, once back on, Liliana appears sitting across from her next guest*
Liliana: NOW! Here is our next guest! She's the rising star within the Red Lantern Corps! The Master of Combat, YUP! It'ssssss Frederica Priestella!
Frederica: Hey, good to be here.
Liliana: Tell us sister! On your opinion of Isekai, and of the musical offerings from there, we have to know! What's your favorite music?
Frederica: Rap music, the way they make simple words move in such a melody, it's striking.
Liliana: Your favorite song?
Frederica: Kick and Push by Lupe Fiasco.
Liliana: What are interests you from that world?
Frederica: The legends over there! Hercules? Superman? Anubis? All of these things, are just something I'd like to see the writings and statues of.
Liliana: Where would you travel over there?
Frederica: Brazil, these "beach" places that Subaru-sama has talked about sound great, plus the homeplace of Jiu-Jitsu? Count me in!
Liliana: Favorite Food?
Frederica: Chicken Shish Kebabs! Subaru-sama and Genau are surprisingly good at making them! Even though I was told I used to like meat pies...I just don't see myself eating them.
Liliana: Yo! How about your favorite food?
Frederica: *plays with strands of hair* Um, gold, I guess?
Liliana: What do you do when not working?
Frederica: Painting, it let's me show off some creativity, the kind outside of fighting.
Liliana: I'm sure Subaru-sama has told you about films, right?
Frederica: Naturally.
Liliana: Ooookay! Which one do you wanna watch one day?
Frederica: *claps hands together eagerly* The way it sounded, when he explained it, I would love to watch"Million Dollar Baby"!
Liliana: What can you not live without?
Frederica: *smiles somberly* My family, the one I have right now.
Liliana: What would you want your gravestone to say?
Frederica: "Always strong, in body and heart."
Liliana: Favorite animal?
Frederica: The Tiger! They seem so cool.
Liliana: Smart, smart! Speaking of smart, which is it for you, hmmmm? Humanities or Sciences?
Frederica: Sciences
Liliana: Now onto the sexy! What kind of guy do you like?
Frederica: *rubs nose in deep contemplation* Hmmmm, it'd be someone with a muscular frame, tall, brooding at times, but very caring and gentle when he needs to be. Maybe even likes to train himself, with blue eyes and, oh, a deep sense of justice. I don't think I'll ever find someone like that, though I had a dream I married someone just like that, and had two beautiful kids with him. Gosh, dreams sure are nice.
Liliana: I always like how dreams make us ponder about things such as love, it's neat! Any-ways! Which Red Lanterns do you get along with?
Frederica: Mimi and Nijino, though Wilhelm is easy to talk to.
Liliana: What exercise do you like to do?
Frederica: Hindu Squats.
Liliana: In Subaru's world there are a toooon of fighting styles right? Well...What fighting styles would you like to bring over here?
Frederica: Jeet Kune Do and Sambo; truly his world trumps ours in the ways of unarmed self defense!
Liliana: Ohhhh, nice! Now, which Red Lantern gives you a hard time?
Frederica: *scratches neck* Honestly, I don't have issues with anyone...well, except Genau's eating habits, they bother me a bit.
Liliana: What's your biggest regret?
Frederica: *punches her own palm* That I didn't personally get to kill Halibel and Cecilus for what they did to us!
Liliana: Here we are, at the final question! Where? Do? You see yourself in five years?!
Frederica: *plays with ears* Hmmmm, welp, I guess continuing the traditions of the Bo Tekken Style, maybe even visiting Subaru's world?
Liliana: And that's it! Hey, thanks again for coming.
Frederica: *nods with appreciation* Absolutely, this was fun.
*Liliana gets up and high fives her*
Liliana: *gives peace sign* That's it for now, stay tuned for another great interview to come! Buh Bye!
AN: Many, many foreshadowing moments here, I think?
Name References EXPLANATION!:
Jamiroquai - Famous English Funk band.
Gyra Spyro- Spyro Gyra! An American Jazz Fusion Band.
Tennille? - Captain and Tennille!
Luzbel - Mexican Heavy Metal Band
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Opening song, that'd play over credits would be, "Lucid Dream by nonoc". She did sing for that recent OVA, so I felt it was appropriate. Images would include a rapid motion sequence zooming in on different shadows, reflections and windows to show the various situations the characters are going to be finding themselves in. Before ending with Crusch jumping down from the clouds, with sword ready as Subaru flies up to encounter her.
Ending song? Welp, it's "One Day by Matisyahu". It just fits, and it sounds good as well! The entire sequence would just be featuring all of our main characters and what they would dress up like if they lived in the same world as Subaru, just minding their own business. Ending with a shot of Emilia and Rem in cute modern clothes, looking up as a red shooting star passes over the sky.
And that's it for now! Stay tuned for the next chapter, until then, Au revoir!