Chapter 27: A Maiden's Gospel
Kaoi: [gasps]... [coughs]...
Kaoi shot up from the ground, grabbing his neck as he heavily breathes.
Kaoi: Was I killed? Who was that? What were they doing in the mansion?
After calming down, Kaoi took a look around his surroundings.
Kaoi: This is… the Witch's graveyard? This must be my new milestone. Right after the trial.
Emilia: [groans]
Kaoi: Emi!
Rushing towards the fallen half-elf, Kaoi picks her up as she regains consciousness.
Emilia: Kaoi…
Kaoi: It's alright, Emi. I'm here.
Although Emilia seemed calm, that quickly went away.
Emilia: It wasn't me! It wasn't!
Kaoi pulls her in for a hug of comfort.
Kaoi: I know, Emi. I know.
Scene Change
After returning to the aftermath of the first trial, Emilia seems to have recovered more quickly than last time since she is now present at the meeting where Ryuzu introduces herself.
Emilia: I've finally calmed down.
Kaoi: You really think you're fine? If you need to rest more-
Emilia: Yes... because Kaoi was there for me, I think. We need to talk about the trial now.
Kaoi: … If that is what you want to talk about then alright.
Emilia: For starters, I would like to know how Kaoi was able to enter the graveyard.
Kaoi: Huh?
Emilia: N-Not that I'm ungrateful or anything. It's just that I thought anyone that wasn't of mixed blood would be repelled like Roswaal.
Otto: Yeah, I had a similar question to that, too.
Kaoi: I… don't exactly know how but for some reason I became qualified.
The room stood quiet as they process what Kaoi had said.
Kaoi: It was quite similar to when I entered the graveyard the first time. When I got teleported. I enter the ruins and pass out. Moments later I wake up with these vague memories. I can't make anything out but I still get pieces of information from them.
Emilia: Like what?
Kaoi: The first time was learning that I was qualified and the second time, this time…
Kaoi debated in his mind whether or not to tell them that he passed. He didn't want to make Emi feel worse that he passed it and she couldn't. However, it is for the best that the group has all the information available.
Kaoi… that I passed the trial.
Garfiel: [scoffs]
Emilia: [Gasps]
Ryuzu: Hmm... Young Kao passed, eh? Assuming he's not joking, that's quite an achievement. If it's true, we can remove the barrier. Garf, how does the barrier look now?
Garfiel: No changes.
Ram: So Bakaoi lied.
Rem: No Ram! Kaoi wouldn't lie to us like that!
Before Kaoi could answer, he sense aggravation from Garfiel but his expression remained neutral. Kaoi thought Garfiel would feel more positive considering he suggested that Kaoi take the trial in the last loop.
Kaoi: That's very peculiar.
Emilia: Kaoi… If what you said is true then how… What did you see?
Kaoi: Like I said. These memories are very vague but from what I can gather. It seems like there are three trials in total.
Emilia: So... two more?
Kaoi: That is why there are no changes in the barrier. All three trials must be completed in order to dispel it.
No one else said anything as the atmosphere became tense. Kaoi can take all three trials and pass them but at the same time prove that Emilia does not have what it takes. What kind of ruler or even person can she be if she can't even overcome her own past?
Kaoi: Look, it has been a rough night so we should all probably go to sleep.
Everyone silently agreed as they all move to their respective sleeping quarters.
Kaoi: Garfiel, you have a moment?
Garfiel: What do you want?
Kaoi: I couldn't help but feel that you dislike the fact that I passed the trial.
Garfiel: Grrr… I don't want anyone but the princess bein' the one to go through the trial. That's it.
Kaoi: Am I to assume there is a reason for this or…
Ryuzu: This is what Young Ros wants. Young Ros believes that Emilia-sama should be the one to liberate the Sanctuary.
Kaoi: So you're just moving on the words of Roswaal?
Garfiel: Don't get me wrong! I hate that son of a bitch but... you get it, don't you?!
Kaoi: The Sanctuary would fall under his domain again if the barrier were to be dispelled.
Ryuzu: This land is overseen by Young Ros. No one among us wishes to defy him and endanger our position. I hope you and the others know that I am sorry.
Kaoi: Just how far does this "conspiracy" go?
Garfield: So even if you are qualified, I ain't lettin' you do it!
With that, no more words are exchanged and the two left.
Kaoi: It feels like despite getting answers. I get more questions in return. But I need to figure out what to do about the mansion first. If Elsa did kill Frederica and Petra then why leave me to assumably her partner? Or perhaps it was a copycat. That would explain why I never came across her but then why kill me with a different method? Whoever it is, I need to stop them before the attack.
Kaoi then gets a flashback of something Garfiel had said in the last loop.
Garfiel: Oath, my ass. Hah! Talk about a handy excuse. Sounds just like her damn master.
Kaoi: Along with getting answers from Frederica, herself. In any case, I need to go back to the mansion.
The Next Morning
Ram: Where are you going, Bakaoi?
Ram stands as a bystander to Kaoi preparing Patrasche for travel.
Kaoi: The Mansion.
Ram: May I ask why you feel the need to not inform, Lord Roswaal?
Kaoi: I told Rem that I need to check up on some things and to pass that along to the others when they wake up.
Frustrated with Kaoi's tone, Ram walks over and turns Kaoi to face her.
Ram: I've had it with you, Bakaoi! What is with your attitude toward me all of a sudden?
It dawns on Kaoi that he never had that interaction with Roswaal and Ram in this loop.
Kaoi: I shouldn't be acting all pissy. At least, not right now… It's nothing, Ram. I'm sorry. I'm just very stressed right now. A lot is on my mind.
Ram, almost convinced let Kaoi go.
Ram: Fine. You're forgiven… for now.
Kaoi: It's fine. I can make it up to you later.
Ram: You can start by making sure that the saddle is properly tightened. I don't want to fall off.
Kaoi: Wait, you want to come!
Ram: Don't get me wrong, I don't like this. With Master Roswaal in his current condition, I don't like the idea of leaving his side. But I need to make sure you don't do anything foolish on your own and I can trust Rem to take of his needs.
Kaoi: On one hand, Roswaal has her in his pocket. This could be a way of keeping tabs on me. Refusing her could tip him off that I'm on to him. On the other hand, having Ram by my side gives me an advantage in numbers over the intruder.
Kaoi: Fine, you can come.
Ram: Like I need permission from you. You're still my junior.
Kaoi: Right.
Garfiel: You've really got some nerve, you know that?
Kaoi: Huh?
Surprising the Kaoi, Garfiel stands in front of them.
Kaoi: I didn't expect you to come out so early in the morning. So you heard?
Garfiel: Frankly, it pisses me off that this was all decided without me, but I ain't gonna fight it.
Kaoi: Thanks. We should be on our way.
The demon slayer mounts on the back of Patrasche and later helps Ram.
Garfiel: You're not gonna say goodbye to the princess?
Kaoi: It'll be fine. Take care of Emilia.
Kaoi then snaps the reins on the black earth dragon and the demon slayer and maid are off.
Scene Change
Kaoi was deep in thought as he rides with Ram to the mansion.
Kaoi: Okay, time to gather my thoughts. The last time I went to the mansion was two days after passing the trial. The residents of the mansion were attacked by some assailant. Whether it be Elsa or someone else remain to be seen. However, if this loop goes downhill then next time…
No, wait! Next time? I don't want there to be a next time… God, I'm getting too used to this power for my liking. I just need to make sure everyone gets out fine and-
Ram: Bakaoi.
Kaoi: Yes, Ram. What is- Oh!
It had seemed the pair had finally arrived at the mansion as Petra with Teruo still on her head bows to greet the visitors.
Petra: You returned much sooner than I expected.
Teruo: Caw. Caw. You're back. You're back.
As Kaoi dismounts, he almost rushed over to hug the sweet girl but manage to restrain himself from doing so.
Petra: Is something wrong, Mister Kaoi?
Kaoi: …It's nothing. Hey is that a handkerchief wrapped around your wrist?
Petra: Oh... It's to match the one I gave you.
Kaoi couldn't help but smile at the girl's sincerity.
Ram: Petra!
Petra: Eep!
Ram: Get that bird of your head. A maid must be always presentable.
Petra: I'm sorry miss Ram but even with Frederica's help he always just keeps coming back.
Ram: And now you will receive my help.
Kaoi: [chuckles] I wouldn't recommend that. The harder you resist the harder he will as well.
Ram: We'll see about that.
Teruo: Caw. Caw. Good luck.
Ram then gives Teruo her signature glare but the crow did not care. Kaoi and Petra were holding back their laughter at the sight.
Kaoi: By the way, Petra. Is Frederica nearby? I have some questions for her.
Petra: She's out patrolling the forest barrier. It may be a while before she gets back.
Kaoi: Okay then, we can wait inside for the meantime.
Time-Skip
While Kaoi waited in the lounge, Ram went with Petra well she learned from Frederica.
Frederica: You returned sooner than I expected, Sir Kaoi.
Walking into the room, the blonde maid greeted the demon slayer with her sharp smile.
Kaoi: Yeah, I just had some questions for you.
Frederica: Is that so? Since Lady Emilia is not with you, I assume the trial is not yet complete?
Kaoi: So she knew about the trial and the true nature of the barrier. Yes, that is the case.
Frederica: Very well. Let me make some tea for you.
Kaoi: Sure
After a small amount of time for Frederica to make the tea and set it in front of Kaoi.
Frederica: What would you like to ask me?
Kaoi: Well, I would like to start off with this.
The demon slayer pulls out a very familiar blue stone pendent to Frederica. Shocking her in the process as he hands it over to her.
Frederica: Isn't that the stone that I gave to Lady Emilia?
Kaoi: Yeah, so imagine my surprise when we came across someone with a similar accessory around his neck.
Frederica: So you met, Garf.
Kaoi: Your younger brother I presume.
Frederica: Garf did not tell you so himself?
Kaoi: It was quite easy to tell from your faces.
Frederica: Then you are correct. I am Garf's... Garfiel's older sister by blood.
Kaoi: Now on to my first question. Why did you give Emilia a rigged stone?
Frederica's widen as she is left speechless by the question.
Kaoi: This is the first time I've used my empath powers this way. But if she isn't going to talk then I can gauge her by how her emotions react. Right now she is surprised. At the accusation or calling her out? To be more specific. Did you set the teleportation trap on the stone?
Frederica: Mister Kaoi?
Kaoi: Now I'm sensing confusion in the mix.
Frederica: What do you mean by "teleportation"?
Kaoi: She's genuinely confused so Ram was right. But if she didn't know about the trap and she gave us the stone regardless that it wasn't needed. Then…
Ram: Having one-on-one time with Frederica in my absence?
Standing in the doorway is Ram, ruffled a bit as she holds Teruo. Who is trying to escape her grasp. He manages to do so and perches himself onto Kaoi's shoulders.
Ram herself, taking a seat and taking a sip of the tea meant for Kaoi.
Ram: Your skill at making tea hasn't improved since we left, I see.
Frederica: Oh... but making tea is the one thing I excel at. What an unlovable girl you are.
Ram: I'm perfectly lovable. If I were more lovable, the world would be in danger.
Frederica: Why do I feel like you always have a sharp retort ready?
Ram: Now back to the question at hand. If you don't know about the teleporting, why did you give Lady Emilia the glowing stone?
Frederica: Well...
Ram: You can't tell us because of your oath? If so, that's a pathetic excuse, Frederica.
Frederica looks at Ram with shock before closing her eyes and replying to her.
Frederica: Honestly, where do you get off speaking to your co-worker like that? However, you are right. I cannot tell you anything.
Ram: Sticking to your pathetic excuse, I see. Then there's nothing more to discuss.
The Pink Maid gets up and into a battle stance.
Ram: Your refusal to answer the question makes your betrayal clear. We will restrain you and take you to the Sanctuary. Then we can figure out who's been giving you your orders.
Right now, Kaoi couldn't be more confused about what's going on.
Kaoi: I can only think of one person Frederica would take orders from no questions asked. If that is the case then why are these two at odds? Is this because of the effects of gluttony or something else?
Frederica: If you insist on taking me to the Sanctuary, I will not resist.
Kaoi: So you will stand by that oath that much, huh?
Ram: It means you'll have to use force to make her, Bakaoi. That's the kind of excuse she needs.
Ram then calmly sits right back down to drink the tea.
Kaoi: I see… you know for someone who doesn't remember the other. The two of you work surprisingly in tand- Hrk!
Frederica: Mister Kaoi!
Ram: Bakaoi!
Kaoi: This bloodlust. I recognize it.
Teruo: Intruder at the door! Intruder at the door!
Looking towards the door, Kaoi and the others see someone he had not seen in a long time.
?: Well don't go stopping on my account. Go on. Finish your sentence.
[ Play Re:Zero Season 2 OST Elsa Granhiert ]
Elsa the bowel hunter stands at the door with a frightened Petra at knifepoint.
Elsa: Not going to finish. Oh well, now, let's keep that promise we made.
Petra: Please… all of you… Run!
Ram runs in with her wand.
Ram: El Fura!
A burst of wind is fired at Elsa, who dodged the attack only for Frederica to transform her hands into that of a beast and strike her at the side.
Elsa let go of the child to block the incoming claws.
Elsa: Partial beast transformation... You have demihuman blood. How lovely.
Frederica: Petra!
Growing a large yellow tail, Petra took hold of it at Frederica's call.
Ram: I'll shred you!
Ram cast another flurry of wind blades but Elsa blocked it with her arm. Blood splattered on the floor.
As Elsa moved her arm down, she caught sight of Kaoi with his own blade drawn.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing, Third Form: Blazing Universe!
[clang!]
Only for Elsa to block it with her knife and with her incredible strength hold back the sword.
Elsa: Goodness, that hurt. I thought I was a goner. I like it.
Elsa licks her lips in anticipation which Kaoi growls at in disgust.
Elsa: Maids in large, medium, and small, and one deliciously young man. I'll put you all on a table and compare what's inside your bellies.
The maniac eyes in Elsa were becoming more apparent as she said that.
Ram: Even Garf's pick-up lines are better! Bakaoi!
Kaoi: I got you!
Disengaging with Elsa, Kaoi joined the others away from the attacker.
Kaoi: Shamac!
The room is immediately filled with black smoke.
Kaoi: Everyone! The window!
As everyone make their way to the window, Kaoi was hit with a piercing pain caused by an iron skewer in his back shoulder. Looking back, Kaoi saw that more was incoming!
Petra: Kaoi!
Kaoi: Flame Breathing, Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!
As Frederica and Petra jumped through the window. Kaoi protected them all by blocking the other skewers. Kaoi then jumped to join the others with Ram and Teruo doing so last. The maid casts one last spell at Elsa.
The group take a small moment to lay down and rest as they had just jumped from the second floor.
Petra: Kaoi! Are you alright?
Kaoi: Yeah, I'm good. I just gotta.
Reaching toward the skewer on his back. Kaoi grunts as he pulled it out.
Kaoi: Ahhh…! Seems like she has new tricks up her sleeves. We should get moving though before she catches up to us.
Ram: Agreed.
Petra: But Kaoi, what about Beatrice?
Kaoi: Right! She's still inside.
While Kaoi did not doubt that his teacher can handle herself against Elsa. Kaoi didn't want to risk her but going back would endanger the maids. There is also the matter of when the other assailant would show up.
Kaoi: Alright! Listen up, I'm going back inside to get Beatrice. The rest of you go to Sanctuary.
Ram: No, Bakaoi! We all should-
But Kaoi turned around to Ram with stern eyes.
Kaoi: This is not up for debate, Ram! Out of all of us, I have the only one to have fought her before therefore I have the best chance of fighting her! Now be quiet and-
Frederica: Kaoi!
Kaoi: What! Huh?
As Kaoi looked over at Frederica, he notices that Petra is shaking while she clutches at Frederica's skirt. After calming down, Kaoi realizes that he sensing fear from Petra.
Ram: Scaring a child. Honestly, Bakaoi. You have no shame.
Kaoi: … you're right. Petra, I'm sorry for raising my voice like that.
Petra: It's okay, Kaoi. You're just very stressed.
Kaoi: That doesn't mean I should lose my cool like that. Look I'm not going to leave Beatrice behind and I won't have you be put in any more danger. I'm going in to get Beatrice while you all escape on Patrasche. I promise we'll catch up to you.
Petra: Okay, Kaoi. I trust you.
Kaoi: Thank you.
Frederica: Now, Kaoi…
Kaoi: Yes Frederica?
Frederica: You won't go in alone. I'm coming as well.
Having said that, the senior maid ripped apart her uniform leaving her in her birthday suit. Making Kaoi blush and turn away.
Kaoi: What are you doing?
Ram: She's deliberately choosing to draw the short straw. You're just like Garf.
Frederica: Petra and even you, Ram are my precious junior colleagues. Also, it is incorrect to say I am "just like Garf." Garf is the one who imitates me.
Frederica then couches to the floor as the blue stone starts to glow. Yellow fur grew around her body as it shapeshifts into something resembling a lioness.
Frederica: [Roars]
Kaoi: She fully transformed.
Frederica: Petra, I am sorry for frightening you. You did wonderfully, resisting the urge to scream.
Petra: Yes... Yes! Please be careful!
Frederica: Kaoi, I will hold off Elsa while you look for Beatrice. Ram, I'll leave Petra in your hands.
Kaoi: Very well.
Ram: No need to remind me. But if you fall too far behind, I'll make you regret it.
Frederica gave out one last roar before jumping into the room they were in.
Ram: The same goes for you as well, Bakaoi.
Kaoi: Don't worry about me. Also, watch out for anyone else. Elsa may have not come alone.
Ram: We will.
After getting things clear, Kaoi makes his way inside the mansion.
Scene Change
Running as fast as he can, Kaoi opened door after door, hoping to find his teacher but to no avail.
Kaoi: Come on, Beatrice: Stop hiding! Everyone needs you right now!
[Bang!]
[ Play Re: Zero Season 2 OST Decisive Battle Against the Mabeasts ]
Suddenly the wall was torn apart as a great black beast walks into the mansion accompanied by small bat-like creatures. The main one resembles a lion with horns and a snake-like tail.
Kaoi: Mabeasts!?
[Roars]
The monster roars as it charges at Kaoi.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing, Seventh Form: Ring of Inferno!
Jumping over the beast, Kaoi strike it at the neck but the blade failed to make it all the way through.
Kaoi: It's stuck
[Roars]
The black lion beast tries to get Kaoi and his sword off of it by bursting through another wall.
[Bang!]
Kaoi is flung from the beast's back as his sword is dislodged. Hitting the ground on his back. Some of the debris hit his face and made a cut over his eye which is now leaking blood.
Kaoi: [groans]
As Kaoi was about to get up, the black mabeast leaped at the demon slayer so Kaoi rolled away. Making it crash into the wall. This combined with the other battle shakes the mansion. However, the beast quickly recovers.
Kaoi: That's it Flame Breathing -Fire Magic, First Form: Unknowing Fire!
Kaoi's sword is set ablaze, and the slayer dashes at the beast as it dashes at him. Kaoi mangoes to duck under while taking its front leg with him. The Beast fell, unable to support its weight properly with three legs.
It tries to strike Kaoi with its tail.
[ Shank!]
Only for Kaoi to slice it off.
[ Roars ]
The mabeast cries out in pain at the loss of its limbs. Kaoi didn't care as he puts the mabeast out of his misery by thrusting his blade through the mabeast's head.
Kaoi left the room, wiping the blood off his face, and went back to running.
Kaoi: This is bad. This is very bad. If Elsa brought mabeasts with her, there's no telling how many they are or where they are. I need to find Beatrice fast.
Time-Skip
As the demon slayer returned to his search, he was once again interrupted by the wall bursting apart and Kaoi prepares to fight.
Kaoi: Another mabeast!
But it wasn't another mabeast that greeted the demon slayer but the bloody bodies of two maids.
Kaoi: No…No, No, No…
Kaoi quickly rushes over, kneeling to remove the debris covering their bodies.
Kaoi: It wasn't supposed to be like this. None of this was supposed to happen!
Elsa: I agree.
Kaoi quickly gets up as Elsa approaches him from across the hallway.
Kaoi: If you're here then Frederica….
Elsa: Don't worry. She proved to be quite enjoyable.
Kaoi: Grrr… Who! Who sent you after us?!
Elsa: I don't speak of my clients. I do have that much courtesy, at least. Though, since you came back sooner than expected, this didn't play out exactly as my directions specified.
Kaoi: Specified?
Elsa: Two maids and one swordsman Oh! And a crow if I feel like it... It was supposed to be timed to your return.
Kaoi: Someone sent her at the time of my return?
Elsa: Nothing else to say. That's fine. I'll just send you to meet the angels.
Kaoi: [screams]
Fueled with anger and despair, Kaoi meets Elsa in a clash of blades.
That is until a door is open and Kaoi felt a pull. Forcing him in and hearing the door close.
Laying on the floor, Kaoi sees the familiar ceiling of a library.
Kaoi: [heavy breathing] why… why now…
Kaoi uses his arms to lift himself up from the floor. He looks upon the blond guardian of the library.
Kaoi: Why chose to act now, Beatrice?
Beatrice: For someone that has been saved. You sure are indignant, I suppose.
Kaoi: Well, I wouldn't be if you had let me find you earlier! Now everyone is…
Beatrice: Why should I have to do that? I haven't a single reason, I suppose.
Kaoi: Then you have no reason to do what you just did, either!
Beatrice became shocked at what Kaoi had said.
Beatrice: I don't understand. I don't understand!
Kaoi: Yeah, me neither!
In an act of fury, Kaoi turned his rage toward the stool in the room. Not even using his blade but his fist to destroy the piece of furniture. His eyes widen as he sees what became of the wooden seat.
Kaoi: Why is that here?
Laying on the floor, surrounded by pieces of wood is a recognizable black book that lives in Kaoi's memory in infamy. The gospel of the witch cult. A book supposedly filled with predictions and prophecies that its members follow faithfully.
Beatrice said nothing as she picks the book up and hold it close to her like it was her most precious.
Kaoi: Beatrice, why do you have that book?
The spirit said nothing as she simply open the pages of the gospel.
Beatrice: I haven't been commanded to answer that question.
Kaoi: Beatrice… Teacher… please answer my question…
Beatrice: That isn't in the book either, I suppose.
Kaoi: Are you not allowed to do anything that's not in the book?
Beatrice: That question isn't here, either.
Kaoi: God damn it, Beatrice! Answer me!
Beatrice: Yes, I suppose! That's right. Everything I do is in accordance with the Gospel's guidance, I suppose! That is the meaning of my life! That is the purpose of my existence!
Kaoi: So then… the reason you pulled me in here is because you were instructed to do so? When you taught me magic? When I told you stories? Everything between us was because of that book?
Beatrice: Yes, that is why, I suppose!
Tears were threatening to fall from the spirit's eyes as she points at Kaoi.
Beatrice: Everything I've done, everything I've seen, everything I've said... All of it was written in this book! As if you ever could have moved my heart on your own, I suppose! Don't be so full of yourself, human! Everything I do is for Mother! You are just... You are just... A human! A human! A human!
A human…
Those were the last words that reached Kaoi's ears as everything slowly but surely fell deaf. He fell to his knees as his senses became dull from all that he just experienced. He just wanted this to end.
He didn't even pay any attention as the library doors were opened. Only taking the blade in his hands and placing it on his neck.
Before anyone could react
[Shink!]
[Splat]
The blade ran smoothly through his neck. His last sight being the dismayed expression on Beatrice's face.
Wow! That was dark.. and sad. Hopefully, that doesn't become a habit. Thanks to you all for reading this latest chapter.
Feel free to voice your thoughts in the comments and have a wonderful day.
Omake: TokuJensen's Airship Adventures
TokuJensen sits in a fetal position as he rocks himself back and forth muttering...
TokuJensen: Second Rule of Popo's Training… Second Rule of Popo's Training…
Fu and Midna stand next to him uncomfortable before Fu took notice of the audience
Fu: Oh! Hi, everyone! You seem to have caught us in a bad time. You see Toku wanted a KX-series security droid from the Star Wars universe and we made a pit stop in a variation of my universe.
Midna: Where we all blacked out except for him and he's been like that ever since we woke up. And each time we ask what happen.
TokuJensen: First Rule of Popo's Training! Don't Talk About Popo's Training!
Fu: He does that. So come back next time… I guess. In chapter 28: Snow White Terror.