In the wee hours of the morning, the noise of men can be heard as the servants of the Karsten household prepare carriages. It was finally time for the residents of the Roswaal Mansion to return. In front of one carriage attached to a certain black earth dragon stands the two candidates for the throne with friendly smiles on their faces.

Crusch: Let me make it clear that you're welcome to stay here. I would gladly host the both of you for as long as you like whenever you like.

Emilia: We really appreciate that, but for now it's important for us to get the villagers back home. Maybe one day with Roswaal's permission.

Crusch: Alright, very well. When you do, I hope you'll give me the opportunity to repay my great debt to Kaoi.

Emilia: I'm sure he will appreciate your gesture no matter what.

Crusch could only let out a small smile before turning her head to the carriage before them.

Crusch: He really cares for that woman. Doesn't he?

Emilia blinks in confusion for a moment before realizing what she means.

Emilia: Yeah, although I have no recollection of her. She and Kaoi seem to have a close bond.

Inside the carriage sits a melancholic pair. A certain pink-haired oni casts her eyes on the floor while a concerned demon slayer holds her hand.

Kaoi: Ram…

Flashback

Ram is lying on the bed in her pink nightgown as Kaoi had just finished telling her about gluttony.

Ram: …

Kaoi: …

Ram: …

Despite not saying or doing anything out of the ordinary. Kaoi can feel the inner turmoil writhing in her heart and the dread she is anticipating when she meets her lord and sister.

Kaoi: …. Ram?

In a gentle motion, the demon slayer moves his hand and slowly grasps Ram's still hand. The pink-haired oni slowly moves her head to face Kaoi.

Kaoi: I know you are going through a lot of emotions right now but I promise you. I will find a way to fix this. Roswaal's the best magician in the country right? Then he probably has something up his sleeve for this. It may take some conniving to do but it will be worth it.

Ram: … okay, bakaoi…

Flashback End

Kaoi hated the fact that he could do nothing for her right now. Never before did he feel so powerless.

Kaoi: Roswaal, I may have my suspicions but right now you are my best bet to help Ram right now.

Soon Emilia enters the carriage and snaps the two out of their pensive state.

Ram: Lady Emilia Eh!

Ram tries to quickly get up and bow but found herself immediately dizzy. Soon caught by Kaoi and put back down into the seat.

Kaoi: Careful Ram, you're still recovering. You shouldn't be moving so fast.

Ram: Bakaoi…

Emilia: He's right. Despite Felix's magic, he still recommends that you get as much rest as possible.

Ram: … as you wish, Lady Emilia.

Kaoi: Here, let me help you.

Slowly Kaoi lays Ram along with the carriage seat with her head laying on his lap. Ram soon falls asleep before she could protest Kaoi's action.

Soon after the carriage begins to move.

After a long silence, Emilia speaks up.

Emilia: I'm certain you'll find a way to help her.

Kaoi: Hm! … You think so?

Emilia: (hums in confirmation)

Emilia pauses for a moment before her eyes go into a more ponderous look.

Emilia: Kaoi… about what I said.

Kaoi: Huh?

Emilia: after your duel with Julius when you said that I hide my heart behind a wall of ice.

Kaoi: [sighs] Look Emi, we were running on very high emotions that day and sometimes we say things we really didn't mean to.

Emilia: Except you were right.

Kaoi: What?...

Emilia: I'm sorry. Guess I'm not doing a very good job of explaining it. It's not like I wanted to hide anything from you, but I'm just not sure how to put it into words.

Kaoi stares at her for a moment before releasing a sigh.

Kaoi: It's okay we can have a proper talk about this when we get everything settled at Roswaal's.

Emilia once again looked at Kaoi for a moment before she hums in agreement.

Timeskip

As soon as everyone arrived at the village, a wave of confusion permeated the crowd as they wonder about the whereabouts of the villagers that weren't driven to the Karsten Manor.

Emilia: Rem and the others haven't returned from the Sanctuary?

Kaoi: Sanctuary?

Emilia: It's where Roswaal said he was taking the remaining villagers to. I don't know where it is. Roswaal just said it was sort of like a secret base and that…

Kaoi: That what?

Emilia: Oh, it's nothing.

Kaoi then dons a serious look on his face.

Kaoi: Emi. If there were any important information about Sanctuary that Roswaal told you about, I would like to know.

Emilia: Oh! I'm really sorry. I guess I should have asked for more details.

Kaoi: (sighs) We should head to the mansion then and think of what to do next. Ram was pretty close to Roswaal so she probably knows where it is. I'll ask that when she wakes up.

Kaoi then looks over the driver of their carriage, Otto. Who had come with them in order to negotiate a trade deal with Roswaal, lest he ends up in bankruptcy by the end of the month.

Kaoi: Otto! I'm going to need you to take us to the mansion.

Otto: What?! Over to the mansion?

Kaoi: It'll be alright. Just take the carriage and dragons around the back.

Timeskip

Carrying the unconscious Ram on his back. Kaoi and Emilia walk up the steps to the front door.

Kaoi: By the way Emi, how is Puck? I didn't see him since last night.

Emilia: I don't know. He hasn't spoken to me either or come out of his crystal.

She then looks at the crystal that houses the cat spirit.

Emilia: How are you Puck? Are you awake?

No response from the crystal.

Emilia: He's not responding.

Kaoi: That's peculiar…

Kaoi then knocks on the door hoping that Beatrice will open the door.

?: Yes? One moment, please.

Kaoi: What?

Hearing a completely unknown voice put Kaoi a bit on edge as the doors opened.

?: Welcome home, Miss Emilia.

Standing in front of them is a long-haired blonde woman with thick eyebrows dressed in a more modest maid uniform.

?: I've been anxiously awaiting your inevitable return.

Emilia: Wait, Frederica?

Kaoi: Frederica?

The blonde maid lifts her head and gives a toothy grin that shows off her sharp teeth. Which Kaoi thought was a bit cute. Even saying it under his breath. Not noticing the glare of the slowing waking maid.

Frederica: Yes, it is I, Frederica, ready to serve-

Kaoi: Ram! Wake up! You're choking me-arg!

Frederica and Emilia turn their heads to Kaoi who was being slowly choked by the arm of the girl he was carrying.

Scene Change

After sitting Ram down and sipping on freshly made tea. Kaoi listened as Frederica explained that she was a maid at the mansion who left for personal reasons but came back at the behest of Roswaal.

Frederica: Now if you allow me to ask this question, who is the pink-haired girl that bears a resemblance to Rem?

Kaoi:... Her name is Ram and she is Rem's twin sister. She was Roswaal's right-hand maid who came with us to the capital. On the way back to the capital after the subjugation of the White Whale. The returning caravan was ambushed by two archbishops. One of them was gluttony who then ate her name.

Ram: It's certainly good to see you again Frederica. Even if you don't remember me.

Frederica: Well regardless of circumstances, it's good to see you as well, Miss Ram.

Ram: Please Frederica. We've been co-workers for some time. You don't have to address me as such.

The blonde maid gives a smile which lifts Ram's mood a bit.

Frederica: Very well. It's just that I wonder how the master and Rem will react when they discover our new guest.

Kaoi: You and me both.

Emilia: That reminds me. Have you heard anything from Roswaal, by the way?

Frederica: Sadly in these situations, I have no way of truly knowing what goes on in the master's mind. To the best of my knowledge, there is only one person in this world he trusts enough to share those intimate details with. The great spirit of this mansion's forbidden library, but if what you say about Ram is true then…

Everyone then turns their heads to Ram.

Ram: … indeed during my time in the mansion. I have been privy to many of Lord Roswaal's secrets. Including the location of where he currently resides… Sanctuary.

Timeskip

What proceeded then was a long talk about what happens next. Frederica would be given two days to prepare everything and allow Ram some time to recover. When the time to go comes, Kaoi, Emilia, and Otto led by Rem will take Otto's carriage to Sanctuary. Frederica warns them about an individual by the name of Garfiel. To which Kaoi notices Ram scoffs under her breath.

Kaoi: Could Ram know this Garfiel? I guess I'll find out when we get there.

Walking along the empty corridor Kaoi sensed a familiar presence behind one of the doors. Kaoi calmly opens it to find the blonde twin-tailed spirit of the library reading a book.

Kaoi: Hello, my teacher.

Kaoi said with a smile. Happy to see the blonde yin spirit after all that has happened.

Beatrice: It seems like Betty's student has returned.

Kaoi: It's great to see you, Beatrice. Hope you were okay during the Witch Cult.

Beatrice: Hmph! I am more than capable myself thank you. Now then…

Beatrice gives Kaoi a more serious look in her eyes.

Beatrice: What do you want from me, I suppose?

Kaoi: … Okay, I just want you to take a look at this.

Kaoi then pulls out a certain black book he got off of sloth.

Beatrice: [gasps] A Gospel. Now, why do you, of all people, possess one of those?!

Kaoi: I found it among the remains of the Archbishop leading the attack on the village.

Beatrice: I see. What became of him?

Kaoi: He's dead His body disintegrated after I slew him.

Beatrice was shocked at this news.

Beatrice: Then it seems that you've left me behind, too, I suppose, Betelgeuse.

Kaoi eyes widen as Beatrice spoke the name of his recent enemy. Not only that but it seems like she knew him.

Kaoi: Beatrice… did you?-

Beatrice: It's none of your concern! Back to the matter at hand. If you manage to destroy Sloth, A Sin Archbishop, then what happened to his witch factor I suppose?

Kaoi: His witch factor?

Beatrice: Just what is Roswaal doing?

Kaoi: Roswaal?! What does he have to do with this?

Beatrice: … The answers you seek lie in the Sanctuary. You'll find what you want to know, I suppose. His true intentions, the meaning of the Gospel, answers about the Witch Factor, everything, they're all there. If you want them, then that's the place. The half-beast girl you met earlier can lead you down there, I suppose.

Kaoi: This is getting seriously suspicious.

Kaoi thought as he closes his eyes for a moment.

Kaoi: Very well, Thank you, Beatrice. If there is any way I can repay you for this.

Beatrice: …

Beatrice didn't reply back. Indicating it was now time for Kaoi to leave. Just as he was about to go through the door.

Kaoi: For what it's worth. In his final moments. I believe I sensed some semblance of the man he once was.

Beatrice: …

Kaoi: … See you later, Beatrice

As the door closes, a single water droplet fell on the floor.

Two Days Later

Standing in the middle of the room, Kaoi is all dressed up in his restored Demon Slayer uniform. Teruo also sits still on his perch.

Kaoi: …

Teruo: …

Kaoi: … I believe it's time to go, right Teruo?

Teruo: Agreed.

Kaoi then moves to open the door as Teruo perches on his shoulder. Outside his room, Kaoi sees a familiar little girl with a red bow but in a maid's uniform.

Petra: You all set to go?

Kaoi: Yes, Petra.

Petra: [giggles]

The two then walk along the corridor together.

Kaoi: To be honest, I'm impressed with how well you are able to move around the mansion without getting lost and I admire your decision to leave your home at such a young age.

Petra: I'm 12 years old! I'm old enough to be a working grown-up now! Wait. I mean a working adult! And I would appreciate it if you'd treat me more like an adult, too!

Kaoi: I can relate. I was only 14 when I started training and 15 when I became part of the corps. Just get better at speaking politely and get fully initiated by Frederica and I will.

Petra: Hmmm! I mean yes sir!

Kaoi smiles.

Kaoi: Petra, can I ask something of you?

Petra: Yes Kaoi, anything for you!

Kaoi: Can you look after Teruo while I'm at Sanctuary, please.

Petra: Alright!

Kaoi: and Teruo I want you to look after Petra as well.

Teruo: Caw Caw Okay.

Teruo then moves from Kaoi's shoulders and onto Petra's head.

Petra: Waaah!

Kaoi: [chuckles] Don't worry, Teruo did the same thing to me when we first met. He'll be gentle.

Petra: Um… If you say so.

Kaoi: and one more thing.

Petra: huh?

Kaoi: If you ever come across Beatrice, please make sure to take care of her as well. I think she's going through something and it would help if someone was there for her. I know I'm asking a lot but-

Petra: Understood, you can count me!

Kaoi: Huh?

Petra: [giggles]

Kaoi: Hah.

Scene Change

The group now stands ready at the carriage. As Kaoi approaches he can see certain pick-haired oni in a maids uniform. Although Ram's name was eaten. None of her possession disappeared. It came as a surprise to Frederica that there was a uniform tailored to Ram's physique in the wardrobe room along with her glacial period clothes. It seems that the memories of a person whose name was eaten disappeared along with written records. Their personal possessions remain but somehow go unnoticed.

Kaoi: Glad to see you're doing great, Ram.

Ram: hmph! Of course, I am, Bakaoi. You shouldn't expect less.

Kaoi just smirks as he is happy that she is okay. Then he mentally cringes as he remembers his… love confession.

Kaoi: I'm just glad she didn't hear that. After all of this has been settled. I can give her a proper confession.

Emilia: Look after the mansion for us. Teruo, Petra, and Beatrice, too, all right?

Frederica: Yes, you can rely on me. Please take care, and be safe during our travels, Miss Emilia. And bring this with you. It'll allow you to get past the magical barrier in the forest and enter the Sanctuary. From that point, the ground dragons should be able to take you directly to the location I described.

As Frederica gives the stone to Emilia. Ram pulls Kaoi aside and whispers in his ear.

Ram: Bewear of that stone.

Kaoi: Bewear?

Ram then returned to her position as Frederica continued to talk.

Frederica: Do take good care of the Sanctuary, and please don't forget the one that I mentioned earlier.

Emilia: [grunts] We'll be waiting out for Garfiel. I promise you.

The little maid nervously approaches Kaoi.

Petra: Um, excuse me. Mr. Kaoi?

Kaoi: Yes Petra?

Petra: I hope that you'll accept this from me.

Kaoi looked confused for a moment before Frederica explained.

Frederica: Lending a white handkerchief to a traveler, who later returns it stained and worn from his journey is an old custom. It's thought to be a sort of prayer for safe travels while he's away.

Kaoi: I see. Thank you, Petra. I promise to return it.

The demon slayer grabs the handkerchief and wraps it under the hilt of his sword.

Petra then quickly moves behind Frederica.

Ram: Bakaoi, I believe we should be on our way now. Frederica, thank you for helping us.

Frederica: You're welcome, Ram.

As the carriage is pulled. The two remaining maids bow to the traveling group.

Frederica: Safe travels, and best of luck to you.

Teruo: Be Safe Caw Caw.

Petra: [laughs] Goodbye, Kaoi! You'd better protect that lady! You hear me?!

Frederica then pulls a letter out from her uniform.

Frederica: Master, I did it exactly as you instructed me to. So now everything depends on Miss Emilia and how she handles the Sanctuary. There's nothing we can do but pray.

Scene Change

Kaoi: So Puck is still not coming out?

Emilia: It feels so odd. I've called out to him several times, and I can feel the link from our contract, but…

Kaoi: Has anything like this ever happened before?

Emilia: Yes, but not very often. There have been a couple of times in the past when he didn't show up for a few days,

Kaoi: Hmmm…

Kaoi then thinks back to when Puck asks him to take care of Emilia three nights ago.

Kaoi: Just what exactly is happening? …

Emilia: Don't worry. I have contracts with lesser spirits, too, and I can also fight with them if the need arises, so no matter what happens, I can fight alongside you.

Kaoi: Thanks.

Kaoi: It's just that there seems a lot of things that we don't know and the answers lie in Sanctuary.

Emilia: I see.

The driver's window then opens and Ram comes into view.

Ram: Lady Emilia, We just arrive in the forest!

Emilia: Thank you, Ram.

Kaoi and Emilia then look out the window to see the somehow strange forest. Kaoi then recalls what Frederica told them about.

Frederica: The Forest of Clemaldy. A special barrier there protects the Sanctuary from outsiders. It makes them lose their way to prevent them from getting too close. That's the reason it's come to be known as the Lost Woods.

Kaoi: So then the Sanctuary should be ahead of us.

Kaoi then notices Emilia clutching the seat as she looks at the forest.

Kaoi: Feeling tensed, Emi?

Emilia: How did you know?

Kaoi: I don't need my empath powers to tell that you were feeling nervous.

Emilia: I'm sorry for worrying you. It's just that we're about to arrive at a village where only demihumans live.

Kaoi: and you believe that you might see another half-elf.

Emilia: To be honest with you I've never even seen another half-elf before. But, yes, maybe in the Sanctuary, there'll be…

The blue stone that was given to Emilia starts to glow.

Kaoi: The Stone!

Ram: Bewear of that stone.

Kaoi then quickly grabs the stone off Emilia and prepares to throw it out of the carriage. That is when Kaoi hears a thump and sees that Emilia had fallen unconscious. He then hears another thump in the driver's seat and the muffled cries of Otto.

Kaoi: Emilia! Ram!

The blue stone then glows brightly in Kaoi's hand. Blinding him

Scene Change

When Kaoi comes to his senses. He sees that he is not in the carriage but somewhere in the forest.

Kaoi: What!

[brush ruestles]

Kaoi turns to the source of the noise and sees a young pink long-haired girl in a white robe.

Kaoi: Who are you?

Kaoi then notices the pointy ears that he sees on one other person.

Kaoi: Are you an Elf?

The girl didn't answer but instead runs away from Kaoi.

Kaoi: Wait!

Kaoi then runs after the bare-footed girl across the woods. Try as he can, Kaoi eventually lost sight of her until he arrives at a clearing and what seems to be an entrance to a temple of some kind.

Kaoi: Did she go in there? Is this the Sanctuary?

Feeling like there was no option other than to investigate. Kaoi enters the strange structure.

Kaoi: Just what is this place?

Kaoi continues his way into the darkness. Hopping to find the girl from the woods. After some time he hears a voice.

?: I see…

Kaoi: Who?

?: So that's the root of your desire? How very interesting.

Kaoi turns around only to find himself suddenly in a grassy field.

?: My apologies. Did I startle you?

Kaoi quickly turns his head to the source of the mysterious voices and sees a white-haired woman in black. With pale skin sitting at a garden table under a purple umbrella.

?: It's been quite a long time since I spoke with anyone, so perhaps I was a bit too eager. My name is Echidna, but that isn't my title. Perhaps you would know me a bit better as the Witch of Greed.

I am back! Sorry for the wait, readers. College got busy and then I got caught up in binging the Stranger Things 4. Loving it by the way. I'm going to be listing to Running Up the Hill when I write now.

Then I started playing the Xenoverse games, but now I am back in the writing zone with full force.

Hope you guys are excited about what comes next. Remember for any images go to my deviant art page under TokuJensen.

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

Omake:

Aboard a large airship, stands a man in Gold and Black Aztec Dog armor.

TokuJensen: Oh Hello there TokuJensen here. It has certainly been a while. Got me an airship and a Shipwright to go with it!

At that point, a man with purple skin and white hair turns around in a swivel chair.

Fu: You mean slave.

TokuJensen: You mean on probation. Everyone this is Fu.

Fu: Hey.

TokuJensen: You see he was a bit of a naughty boy messing with time.

Fu: I just wanted to conduct some experiments.

TokuJensen: Jiren and Broly nearly shattered the whole universe! Do you know how many people got hurt!

Fu: Hey that's not fair, I got hurt too.

TokuJensen: Tell that to Yukka.

Cuts to a heavily injured Sayian in bandages drinking a senzu bean smoothie

Yukka: a bit bland.

TokuJensen: Eventually he was captured but the thing is the Time Patrol didn't exactly have something for an arrested offender. I mean Demigra was blown to smithereens by Curtido's Kamehameha and Mira was Dragon Fisted by Yukka. So the Supreme Kai of Time decides to put him on probation with me as his probation officer. Now we travel the multiverse looking for problems to solve.

Fu: and to fill out my sentence.

TokuJensen: Don't be like that. Come on it'll be fun. Now let's see our first stop. The Twilight Realm!

Fu: Aren't you forgetting something?

TokuJensen: Oh right come back next time for Re: Slayer Chapter 24: Reunions.