The Lonely Librarian's Plea
Hello everyone and welcome to the latest chapter of A New Crusade! Now first off, an announcement. For those of you who don't know I currently have plans to put this story on hiatus again upon reaching the end of season 2 of the anime, which will basically be the next chapter. The reasons are the same as before, finding a reliable manga or light novel source has been difficult and there are a couple of other stories that I'll be getting back too as well. So if anyone knows about Re:Zero season three I'm all ears. And thank you to everyone who's supported and continues to support this story, and since we've no guest review questions at the moment, let's get on with the story!
Nighttime: Outside the Flaming Ruins of Roswaal's Mansion
The way Ulric would describe his current condition, is everything was sore. His body hurt from the numerous cuts inflicted onto him by Elsa and now that he had a moment to breath, he noticed how much the salt from his sweat was stinging the cuts. Moreover, his insides felt like a wild horse had been kicking around the bowels of his stomach and chest. The likely reason being the new ability he'd used against Elsa. He hadn't noticed at the time due to being so focused on the battle but using it had apparently caused a backlash which was resulting in a fair bit of pain.
It was likely also the reason he'd passed out. In fact, the last thing he remembered was killing Elsa and yelling in triumph, a moment which had quickly been followed by pain and unconsciousness. 'I suppose there would be some kind of price for using an ability without full knowledge of how it was utilized by the previous owner,' thought Ulric as he felt the witch factor still present in his body. It was much more noticeable than before that it was indeed sleeping within him, waiting to be awoken at a moment's notice. It'd likely be less difficult the next time, though Ulric still believed a bit of caution should be observed.
'I suppose I could at least give it a new name,' thought the Knight, 'Unseen Hand was the on the nose title Betelgeuse had given it, but I prefer something more representative of the hand of God. Perhaps I should try, yes, that will do. I'll call this strange new ability of mine: Unseen Providence. It shall be like the Unseen Providence of God that works at the time deemed necessary. I'll need to train with it a bit in order to see how useful it will be, but for now it did it's job.'
In the meantime, he needed to try waking up and assessing his current situation. Bad things tended to happen to those who fell asleep in the middle of a fire. So with a surprising amount of effort, the Crusader slowly but surely opened his eyes. But instead of flames reaching for the sky all around him, he found himself gazing at the starry sky above and at a pair of beautiful orbs that went from worried to relieved in an instant.
"Ulric," said Rem, relief filling her eyes as she leaned down and gave him an awkward hug. It was at that moment the knight realized his head was resting on Rem's lap, "he's awake everyone, Ulric's awake!" A murmur of voices sounded then as he viewed several other people moving in, though one annoyed voice stood out among the rest.
"Will you all keep it down I suppose," said the familiar, mildly irritated voice of Beatrice as Ulric looked down to see that she had her hand on his stomach, green healing magic emanating from it as he felt the pain slowly leaving his body. "He might be awake but his body is still something of a mess, so I'll need another minute I suppose."
"Please, just make sure he's okay," said the worried voice of Petra who was standing close by, "he saved all of our lives."
"Nice to hear my hard work is appreciated," said Otto sarcastically, not liking the downplaying of his own role, "I'm the one who actually got you and Rem outside of the mansion."
"But it was also your oil that set the mansion ablaze in the first place," said Rem, "while I will thank you for helping us kill the Guiltylaw, we're now a group of unemployed maids."
"W-Worry not," grunted Ulric, "if all goes well, I'll ensure Roswaal keeps you all employed. And thank you Otto, for getting Rem and Petra to safety. Even a victory over a monster like Elsa would've been hollow had they died."
"There, see," said Otto, "at least someone appreciates all my hard work."
"Yeah but I'm still a little pissed I didn't get to tear apart that Elsa bitch myself," said Garfiel, "you wound up killing her right as Frederica and I were coming to help."
"And Meili," questioned Ulric, not wanting to take any chances after all it took to bring down Elsa.
"I snatched her out from under some falling rubble," explained Frederica as she stepped a little closer, revealing her body was currently only covered by a large blanket, indicating she'd gone into a full beast transformation at some point. It was indeed a useful power but it showed absolutely no mercy to one's wardrobe. Ulric found himself wondering, not for the first time, how Garfiel was able to keep from ripping his pants despite the larger size of his own beast transformation in comparison to his sister's. "You needn't worry, I knocked her out cold and then Beatrice put a sleeping spell on her along with a spell to block her control of mabeasts. We won't have to concern ourselves with her for now."
"That will do for the moment then," said Ulric as he sat up, groaning a bit as he did so at the soreness in his entire body.
"Try and take it easy Ulric," said Petra, who moved over to help him sit up, "Lady Beatrice said your body's taken a bit of a beating."
"Not entirely the phrasing I'd use," said Beatrice, "but it does sum up a few of your injuries I suppose."
"How bad is it exactly," inquired Ulric, "I did fear that I might have sacrificed my gate in the process of killing Elsa, though it's a small price to pay so long as you're all safe."
"Amazingly, and by that I mean through some strange twist of fate or sheer dumb luck, your gate has held together, though it is a bit wider now. I can't explain how just yet but somehow there was a drain of excess mana from your body at the last second," said Beatrice, "adding to your good fortune is the lack of any vampirism within your blood, though I did a quick purge just to be sure I suppose. I also tended to your wounds because this bunch wouldn't stop pestering me about it, though I have my own reasons for needing you alive I suppose."
"That reminds me," said Ulric, "who do I have to thank for literally pulling me out of the fire after I passed out?"
"That was me boss," said Garfiel as he pointed a thumb at himself, "like I said I was pissed that I didn't make it in time to help finish the assassin bitch but I was able to grab ya and scram before anything fell on ya. Then I brought you out here while Frederica took care of Meili."
"And I assume Beatrice was out here waiting for all of you as soon as you exited the mansion grounds," said Ulric.
"She was," said Rem, "she showed up shortly after Me, Petra and Otto reached this point. Not long after that, she contemplated going after you but by the time she showed up to help you'd already dealt with the assassin."
"And if I recall, you and I have an important discussion we need to address I suppose," Beatrice pointed out.
"Indeed we do," said Ulric as he got to his feet with Rem helping to steady him, "and you'll forgive me if I seem slightly rushed but we'll soon have a situation at the Sanctuary that needs resolving. So, everyone if you wouldn't mind, Beatrice and I need a little privacy."
"What's so important that you need all of us gone to discuss it," questioned Garfiel with a raised eyebrow.
"What I intend to discuss is a matter that is very personal to Beatrice here," explained Ulric, "no doubt she would appreciate keeping it between as few people as possible." Garfiel didn't look entirely convinced but Frederica stepped forward and put a hand on his shoulder.
"We understand, Sir Ulric," she said with a nod while also handing the knight his sword which he proceeded to put back in its sheathe, "just call for us should you need any assistance." She then proceeded to lead the others away as the knight turned back to the miniature magic user.
"So, let's pick up where we left off," said Beatrice as she pulled out a familiar book and held it closely to her. Ulric knew quite well what she was referring too.
Flashback Before Elsa's End: The Forbidden Library
"To put it simply," said Ulric, "I'm going to tell you about the one you refer to as 'that person'." This got Beatrice's attention as she looked up from her book, the blank tome of wisdom.
"What do you know about 'that person', I suppose?" Questioned the mage with a serious expression on her face.
"I know you've been waiting fo them for a long time," said Ulric, "ever since Echidna ordered you to look after this library, four hundred years ago."
"Betty is well aware of how long she's performed her duty," she replied, "what Betty is not aware of is who, specifically, 'that person' is."
"I can tell you who they are not," said Ulric, "'that person' is not someone who's meant to end your life. That is something you decided for yourself after waiting for so long and facing nothing but disappointment."
"And what would you know of my desires," said Beatrice, "what would you know of sitting in here day after day, watching a door and jumping slightly every time it opens? A mere human such as yourself couldn't possibly comprehend how wearying it is to live for so long, I suppose."
"You're right, I cannot," said Ulric, "I can barely imagine a hundred years let alone four hundred. And being under contract, you have no choice but to do as instructed. But what specifically were the instructions for finding 'that person'?"
"There were no instructions dictating that I find 'that person'," replied Beatrice, "only that I wait for the one suitable to inherit the forbidden library."
"And were you even told how you might be able to identify this person?" Questioned Ulric, "were you told whether or not they'd even be aware of what their role was?"
"I," Beatrice started to say before looking down for a moment, "I was not I suppose. Mother always had a plan, so I assumed there'd be some sort of sign or indication."
"I can tell you what her plan was," said Ulric, "but as mentioned when I entered here, I'm short on time. So if you want to know more about 'that person', the first thing you'll need to do is leave this mansion before it burns down."
"And why should I believe that you would know anything I suppose," replied Beatrice, "you're not the first to come in here with such claims."
"Whether or not you believe me is up to you," said Ulric as he turned towards the door, "what I can tell you is that should I die, you won't be getting any answers whatsoever. So think it over and think quickly, will you help us defend this mansion and get your answers, or will you simply sit there staring at a blank book that refuses to tell you anything even after four hundred years?" He let that statement hang in the air as he opened the door and exited into the burning mansion. It would be more than a few minutes for Beatrice after that until she made her decision.
Irritably, she sat up and went for the door, hoping very much that the knight was still alive. And also hoping she wasn't about to waste her time. "You'd best have something good, I suppose. Otherwise, I'll make you regret it." She opened the door then and went to find the knight, hoping she was making the right decision.
The Present
"To begin with, I'd wished you'd made up your mind a little sooner," said Ulric as he rubbed the back of his head a bit, "we'd have had fewer injuries that way."
"You are assuming Betty had a lot of reasons to help in the first place," said Beatrice, "be happy that I even bothered to set foot outside of the library I suppose."
"You didn't have a lot of reason to care about Ryuzu Meyer at first either," Ulric pointed out, "and yet she became your best friend in time."
"How do….you know about that?" Questioned Beatrice as her expression turned more serious.
"You could say she told me," replied Ulric, "through her clone known as Ryuzu Shima. Tell me, do you visit her at all these days?"
"Let me ask you something instead, knight," said Beatrice in a low tone, "would you be able to stand seeing the face of one you held dear attached to another body, or in their case bodies? Could you bear to see the faces of your long departed comrades as simple, soulless dolls walking around with no memory of who you are or what they meant to you?"
"I suppose I wouldn't be very fond of it," said Ulric, "I've had several nights where I saw the faces of my comrades in my dreams, and in many cases my nightmares."
"Then you can understand, can't you," said Beatrice, "how fleeting life is, how quickly people can die. To one like me who can live for centuries, the lives of humans are like candles that burn down in mere moments I suppose. But if 'that person' had come, if you could be 'that person' for me, then my suffering could at last come to an end."
"If by 'that person', you mean someone who can end your life, I'm afraid I can't do that," replied Ulric, "I'd much rather help end your suffering another way."
"And how do you intend to do that?" Questioned Beatrice, "can you bring back Mother, Roswaal, Ryuzu, Geuse? Can you bring back a single person that I've lost over the centuries?!" Tears had started falling from her eyes at this point, "what can you do I suppose?"
"Convince you to bring others into your life," replied Ulric, "though that in itself is more your choice than mine."
"And what would be the point of that?" Questioned Beatrice bitterly, "all I'd be able to do is watch them die. They'd leave me behind, just like all the others before. I've no reason to let anyone new into my life if all they're going to do is leave me some day!"
"What's the point of sitting alone in a room while the world passes you by," Ulric asked back, "that is most certainly a form of suffering in itself. And you've been suffering for a long time, haven't you?"
"Ever since the day I lost Ryuzu and Mother disappeared," said Beatrice, "all I've done is wait for 'that person'. Roswaal and I barely spoke during that time and once he passed, he was succeeded by another member of the Roswaal clan, which has continued to this day. Some people found their way into my library over time, but none of them proved to be capable of being 'that person'. Eventually I came to realize, 'that person', was never going to come. Even meeting back up with Puckie couldn't assuage my loneliness because he spent all of his time with Emilia."
Beatrice paused for a moment as another thought occurred to her. "And then you walked in, a clueless knight from a land that even I've never heard of. Someone who valued my knowledge and help and was willing to converse with me from time to time, even honoring the occasional request."
"You believe me to be capable of being 'that person'," said Ulric, "Or at least you've believed it at one time or another."
"But you already said you wouldn't fulfill the role of bringing my life to an end," said Beatrice, "and while you might be capable of inheriting Mother's knowledge, I can't help but feel my trust will be betrayed again, that you'll die and leave me alone like everyone else."
"It is the destiny of all of us to one day be called home to Heaven or face punishment in hell," said Ulric, "it is the fleeting nature of life that God has given us which makes it so precious. And why you should try to enjoy the life you have."
"You make it sound so easy," said Beatrice, "you claim to have fought in a war yet you let new people into your life with the same vain hope that they'll survive along with you. How much did you really value their lives if you let others replace them without a second thought-?!"
"THE ONES I'VE LOST WERE IRREPLACABLE!" Shouted Ulric, "everyday I prayed that my comrades and I would make it through another battle, but those prayers were not always answered. A position in the ranks can be filled easily enough but the holes in one's heart cannot. I considered many times whether or not there was a point in hoping that we'd all survive, but those of my friends who did survive reminded me that my comrades would live on within our hearts. God did not forget them, and so long as we worked to keep their memory alive our comrades would live on within us."
He pointed at Beatrice then. "You've never forgotten those important to you even though it's been four hundred years and I guarantee that if you let others into your life then you won't easily forget the memories you make with them either. Their stories will become yours to pass on and to live for. Yes, it will be painful when they pass and I shall one day pass onto the next world myself. But even if it's just a fleeting moment for you, it can still be a fleeting moment that you'll remember for all time."
"You really think you can do that," asked Beatrice, "you really think you can just move my heart to the point that I'll never forget you? If you just became 'that person'-."
"There is no 'that person'," said Ulric, "and even if there was, why should it matter? I know you Beatrice, you're not a horrible girl despite the front you put on. You want to let others into your life, you want to make new memories, but the fear of loss stays your hand along with a four hundred year old promise. But you can break that contract, you can leave the library behind and even if you don't you can still get to know people outside of your sworn duty. Loving Rem, treating Emilia like a sister, valuing the lives of the others at the mansion including yours, much of that goes beyond my duty as a knight."
"But how can there be more to me other than what Mother told me?" Questioned Beatrice, "What else am I supposed to do other than what I was contracted to do? I'm a spirit, all I can do is what I was told to do?"
"All you were told to do was to look after the library and wait for a person who was never going to show up in the first place," said Ulric, "but you've helped me on more than one occasion, you've helped those in the mansion when asked. Was any of that strictly part of your duty as a contracted spirit?"
"I was just doing it so I could get back to my library," said Beatrice.
"You could've said no," Ulric pointed out, "you are only contracted to Echidna right now, not Roswaal, not Emilia, nor me either. None of us forced you to help us, you chose to do that just like you choose to leave your door open for those you wish to enter. Were you really serious about never letting anyone else in, you'd disconnect your door permanently from anything else as I'm certain you're fully capable of."
"Don't talk like you know me," said Beatrice, "I left that door open because Mother asked me to keep the library at Roswaal's mansion. I was just fulfilling her wishes and that required putting up with all of you."
"And now the mansion is gone," said Ulric, "which is the fault of Roswaal and our fault for not finding a mildly better solution. But we can find a new place for your library to be connected to, assuming you even really want to return to it now."
"I have too," said Beatrice, "I promised Mother I would-."
"You are four hundred years old, Beatrice," said Ulric, "you're well beyond the age where you can make your own decisions. You've lived in that library long enough to learn every bit of knowledge it contains so there's almost no need for the library at all. Even the contract you speak of can be broken and a new one formed. I know because I've seen it, which is why I know the only one keeping you in that library now is yourself and your fear of ending up alone again, but there is so much more you can do than merely sit in a library for eternity waiting for a person that not even your Mother knows the name of."
"Then what should I do?" Questioned Beatrice, "my world has been that library for centuries and without it, what purpose would I have?"
"You could start by helping us," said Ulric as he held out his hand, "I've seen and felt the power you wield multiple times, Great Beatrice, and it could be put to more uses than I could even imagine. In my times of need, I've always turned to God and he in turn has provided me with aid in one form or another. Tonight I believe you can be that help, no, that salvation for numerous souls who even now may be crying out for help. So I ask of you, nae," Ulric knelt down on one knee, "I beg of you not as a knight trying to uphold his duty, but as your friend who wishes to save his other friends. You may find this hard to believe, but not a single one of us wants to see you sad and even though we shall pass some day, we shall do our best to ensure you never forget the time you're able to spend with us."
"That's…..not fair," said Beatrice as her barely restrained tears began flowing freely, "it's just not fair…that you'd ask for my help like that. I already know…that you'll leave me eventually. I already know….that one day you'll be gone…..and I'll be alone again."
"Then I'll have to make a family for you to meet," said Ulric, "and I'll introduce you to other people and their families. We'll stretch that moment you'll have with each and every one of us to its fullest. You'll be so busy helping to take care of all of us that you'll forget all about being alone and you'll be constantly telling our descendants about us, so much so that you'll never forget the time we spent together. You'll have so many happy memories that even the worst of times will be bearable, but that all begins with you making the choice to step out of your library and letting us lead you into a new life. So I beg of you again, Great Spirit Beatrice, choose us."
Ulric held out his hand a little closer then, praying that he'd said the right words. Beatrice hesistated for but a few moments, moments that seemed to stretch out far longer than they actually did until finally, she reached out her hand and took Ulric's. Pink light surrounded the both of them then as a mystical connection formed between the Knight and the Miniature Mage. "I'll hold you to that promise, Sir Ulric," said Beatrice, "from this day forward, I am contracted to you as your spirit. So tell me, how can I help you fulfill your words to me?"
The Knight smiled at her for a moment as he stood up, prompting Beatrice to ask him what was so funny. "I simply realized," said Ulric, "this was the first time you ever used my title of 'Sir'."
"Because you were a nuisance before," said Beatrice, "but now, you've come to try and save a fair maiden like me. I can't think of anyone else other than a knight doing that for me right now."
"You honor me," said Ulric with a slight bow, "now as to how you can help us, it will require that we return to the Witch's Graveyard to face the enemy there. You've no doubt heard of it, the Great Rabbit."
"Is that all," said Beatrice, "it's only been four hundred years since my last battle, and now I'm contracted to a novice in the spirit arts, though at least you have some magic training to offer. As things stand, it should serve as the perfect handicap against one of the three Great Mabeasts."
"Well we all must start from somewhere," said Ulric with a shrug before their attention was drawn to the arrival of the others.
"Ulric, is everything alright?" Asked Frederica as she, Garfiel, Rem, Petra and Otto approached with Spiegel in tow.
"You should all feel grateful," said Beatrice, her old demeanor returning, "I've decided to help this hopeless knight out with the other problem in the Sanctuary."
"We'll need to leave now, though," said Ulric, "Roswaal might have already cast the spell of snowfall."
"Then I'm going with you this time," said Rem, having somehow found the time to change into her maid's attire. He would later learn that Petra had a spare set which had been incorrectly sized she'd yet to return to the mansion. "And before you try to argue, know that the one you refer to as my sister is still at the Sanctuary as well as Lady Emilia. So I have no intention of letting you out of my sight this time if the danger is still that great."
Ulric simply sighed before holding out his hand for Rem to take. "How is it that even without your memories you know I'd have trouble refusing such a request?"
"All I know for sure is you nearly died not long ago," said Rem, "I don't intend to let you push your luck anymore this night."
"If you insist then I'll bring you along I suppose," said Beatrice with a pout, "just remember not to get yourself into trouble."
"I want to help too," said Petra as she also tried to step forward but was stopped by Frederica.
"We still have work to do here," said Frederica, "I'll need your help when Meili wakes up."
"But I-," Petra attempted to protest but was quickly silenced by a finger to her lips.
"Ulric must save his lady and Rem must save her sister," said Frederica, "I promise I'll take us all to the Sanctuary when this is over."
"W-Well then," Petra moved forward and hugged Ulric's waist, "you'd better not die, alright. I almost lost Rem and Sister Frederica tonight, I don't want to lose you either."
"You have my word, Petra," said Ulric as he patted her head, "take care of things here until then. I know Frederica will need the help." The orange haired girl smiled as she nodded and released Ulric, stepping back as Frederica stepped forward next.
"Well I don't have much to say that hasn't already been said," she commented, "other than thank you, for helping my brother and letting me meet him again. And also," she quickly pecked him on the lips before hopping back, "good luck." The Knight didn't respond at first, mostly out of shock that another woman had kissed him in front of Rem. But they beat him to it before he actually could speak.
"SISTER FREDERICA!" Exclaimed Rem and Petra at the maid's bold action.
"What," she said with a smile, "I was merely telling him thank you and good luck. So you'd best be going, Lady Emilia still needs your help."
"We're late as it is I suppose," said Beatrice as pink magic surrounded them again, "now hold onto my hand and don't let go." The three of them shot up into the sky then, another star lightning up the night as they sped towards their destination.
The Witch's Graveyard
'Not yet,' thought Emilia as she froze another mass of the rabbit mabeasts, 'I won't let anyone die here today!' She still wasn't entirely sure what was going on. She'd come out having finished the third and final trial while also accomplishing the lifting of the barrier by smashing the complex spell connected to Echidna's body, only to run into a practical blizzard happening outside. Thankfully, Puck had still been at work by providing an icy shelter to shield the villagers from the elements.
She quickly learned after that the cause for the snow, or rather who: Roswaal L. Mathers. She would have to deal with him later, though. For now he was on the steps of the temple healing Ram while everyone else was now able to gather inside the chamber behind her. Somehow, the snow had attracted this great multitude of white rabbit mabeasts. Emilia didn't know how long she'd been holding them back, only that for the first time she'd actually felt cold from using so much of her magic. But she would not yield so long as there were people depending on her.
"Mother, Geuse, everyone from today," said Emilia as she raised her hands and gathered more mana, preparing to continue the battle, "and the words he said. So long as I never forget them, I won't give up!" Her train of thought was interrupted then as a pink light seemed to land behind her.
"My sincerest apologies for being late, your ladyship," said the familiar and welcome voice of Ulric as he stepped up next to her, "It took me longer to deal with the issue at the mansion than I'd hoped. But worry not, I've brought help."
"It's good to see that you are well, Lady Emilia," added Rem with a smile.
"Ulric, Rem, Beatrice," said Emilia as a smile came to her face despite the situation, "I was starting to worry. It's good to see you're all safe."
"We'll be safe once we deal with this," said Beatrice as the three of them stepped forward, "just don't blame me for whatever happens next."
"I wouldn't dream of it," said Ulric, "now then, it's time to slay another legendary mabeast! DEUS VULT!"
And so, our heroes now stand united against the final threat facing the Sanctuary that Roswaal has brought about. What shall their next move be? And before anyone says it, I know, Ulric's conversation with Beatrice likely wasn't as impactful as Subaru's 'Choose me' speech, but that is not an easy scene to top or even tie with. Despite that, I hope it still came off as convincing as far as Beatrice's character goes, and if not, feel free to let me know in your comments and reviews along with what you liked/disliked or if you've got any neat ideas for future chapters. Be sure to stop in next time as our heroes release their combined might against the overwhelming numbers of the Great Rabbit! 'Til then.