Re:Zero FF Beatrice Heart Crossing

Chapter 8: Old Castle, New Calamity

A familiar room covered in old books; she knew it well. Beatrice sat in the center of the floor squeezing her knees. She couldn't remember how she got here but something wasn't right. A voice whispered from the shadows, "You belong here". Beatrice didn't respond, but felt wetness on her cheeks as tears flowed from her eyes. The voice came again, this time louder. The small spirit shivered and closed her eyes. Why couldn't she remember? The shadow voice came again a third time but now she felt the floor slip from under her. She was falling and didn't know why, all she knew is that this wasn't right. She focused as hard as she could and finally she was able to mouth one word.

Beatrice: "Subaru."

The falling spirit said the name of the boy who saved her and became frantic. She had to get out of here, she had to get back to him at all costs. She screamed his name as loud as she could as the world became white around her.

???: "Lady Beatrice!"

Beatrice opened her eyes and saw a familiar ceiling from her bedroom. She reached for her face and felt the tears that stained her cheeks. As she moved to sit up she felt a sharp pain in her head. Her fingers moved up to address the pain and felt fabric wrapped around her head.

???: "Please don't try to remove that! You still need time to heal before you can use your magic."

Beatrice glanced over and saw a familiar head maid sitting on Subaru's bed. Next to her was a small child who Beatrice immediately recognized as Mina.

Beatrice: "Mina?"

Adella: "Yes, this young lady and her mother were waiting here with Miss Niki. Her mother had to return to the village, but this young lady demanded to wait. I had no choice but to oblige."

Mina: "Mommy and I bwought you a pie!"

Adella: "Indeed. I have prepared you a slice. I want you to eat before you ask your questions. I'll happily indulge you then."

Beatrice: "Uhh... okay, I suppose."

Mina: "Mina will help!"

Mina scooted over onto Beatrice's bed and grabbed her plate from Adella. She scooped up a small piece before feeding it to Beatrice.

Beatrice: "Bleh!...Ack! That is no pie, in fact!"

Adella: "Huh? Did I neglect to mention it was a fish pie? Don't be rude my lady, it would be an offence to turn down a present."

Mina: "Have some water."

Beatrice: "Thank you, Mina, I suppose. It is delicious, in fact."

The spirit glared at the head maid as she finished up her meal. Mina took her dishes once she was done.

Adella: "Okay, as promised, ask away."

Beatrice: "What...where is Subaru?"

Adella: "I thought that might be your first question seeing as you woke up yelling for him. Master Subaru stayed up all night after he had you carted back here. I demanded he rest but he refused so I suggested he go take a walk with Miss Niki while little Mina and I watched over you. He should be back soon."

Beatrice blushed when she realized her voice had made it out of her dream, but she was thankful that Subaru hadn't heard it. She recalled their conversation after fishing and felt a rekindled embarrassment.

Beatrice: "What exactly happened to me, in fact?"

Adella: "I am told that you gallantly rescued little Mina from falling by using mana to jump. However, after handing her off, the area collapsed due to the impact and took you with it. You injured your head on the rocks below and sank into the river. Master Subaru dove in and retrieved you before running back to the village. They gave you first aid and arranged a cart to bring you back here. If you want more specifics, you might ask Master Subaru."