AN: Thank you to everyone letting me know about my SHIT grammar over the past few days. I have punished myself accordingly (trust me). So I will work on this problem as I go...BUT HEY! ARC Seven is ending here! What come's next? Well...we'll have to find out won't we?!

AN Fun Fact: Sinead O'Connor won Song Title this chapter, for her song, "Thank You For Hearing Me"

ENJOY!



ARC Seven: Quest of Sand and Memories

Chapter Fifty Eight: Thank You for Hearing Me

It was now a few minutes later...Batman sat on the edge of the destroyed wall, looking out at the world that he was now essentially trapped in.

Subaru and the others were busy finishing preparations, to venture down the tower to a place where Shaula says she will be able to teleport them out of the tower.

"Just to let ya know though, teleportation spells cannot get you back here."

"Soooo if we wanted to come back here?"

She wagged her finger as she smiled at him.

"You'd have to brave through the desert again."

"Ugh, after all we went through, I'd think it'd be some time before we do that again."

Shaula laughed at his disdain...but soon reached over and hugged him tightly.

Subaru could sense a crushing pressure behind him, and he could tell Emilia and Rem were frowning behind him.

"I'm glad you came back after all this time."

"...Shaula, for the last time, I am not your sensei."

"I don't knoooow, are you sure about that?"

"Yeah, very sure."

Shaula broke up the hug and stared down at Subaru. The young man was indeed saddened to think that Shaula would be once again be stuck inside the tower to fulfill her role as the guardian who watches over it.

He came to the conclusion Shaula had always been waiting for Flugel to return, and relieve her of the arduous, lonesome duty.

"Shaula."

"Yes?"

"What would it take for you to leave the tower?"

"...As soon as repairs are done, if sensei traded places with me, then I'd be able to at least stay by his side."

"Sadly, I can't do that."

"I understand…."

Shaula nodded as she made her way to the stairs they had climbed to get there. Shaula looked back at Subaru for one last second and gave an understanding nod.

Subaru watched as she began stood by the stairs, then felt his cheeks being pinched.

"OW! OW!"

Emilia and Rem were glaring up at Subaru as they continued the assault on his cheeks.

"Jeez Subaru, you shouldn't be so easy to hug like that! Or are we just chopped liver?"

"Who even says that anymore? OW OW!"

Rem pinched him harder as she furrowed her brows.

"Rem thinks Subaru-kun's affections are precious...so he should only show those to Emilia-sama and Rem."

"Don't be so greedy!"

They let go of his cheeks, which were now bright red and inflamed. He looked over and smiled at the two girls he loved and had a good laugh at their pouting faces.

"Take this seriously!"

He laughed even harder as both girls yelled at him.

The fun ended when everyone saw Batman got up from his spot and began making his way to meet with the others. However, before he did that he made it over to the podium that held the star that was his ticket home. He touched the podium….and felt a very familiar shock to his entire body.

"AGH!"

He kept a grip on the podium as he he fell to his knees. Blood boiled inside of him and he bit his lips so hard that they began to bleed.

"Batman! Let go of it!"

Julius grabbed a hold of his arm and yanked him away from the podium. The momentum sent both of them falling back, as Batman clutched his head and opened his eyes...he saw them again.

The black vines stretched out of the podium and all around the room. Looking back he saw Subaru surrounded by the vines, Rem and the others were luckily this time freed from them. He looked over and saw some of the vines going through the hole in the wall. He rushed over and looked outside, he saw that the tower was covered in the vines and a humongous one was next to them, going down into the ground.

He blinked, and they were all gone, he leered over at Shaula when it was all over.

"Shaula! Do you know about it?!"

"...I might assume you'd be referring to the Algol vines you saw?"

"ERR! Tell me! What is it?! Neither Echidna nor anyone else has been clear to me on what it really is!"

"...I feel as though you need to figure that out yourself."

Batman marched over looking as though he wanted to fight with Shaula, but was stopped by Deathstroke who grabbed his arm.

"I get that you're upset by this, but come on. You're better than this."

Batman yanked his arm free and made ragged breaths as he noticed everyone was staring at him.

"There's nothing left here. LET'S GO."

Batman turned his body and made it past Shaula, heading down stairs by himself. Subaru, Emilia and Rem could only watch as Batman was seemingly losing his grip.

"Okay, this should be a good spot!"

Shaula and the entirety of the team was now in the Celaeno layer with all their belongings in hand. The two carriages were pretty much ready for the trip back. That was though…

"So Meili, do you want to come back with us?"

"Well...Naked-onee san is someone I really like."

Meili was speaking with Deathstroke as she held onto her toy tighter and tighter.

"I just...don't think I should leave her alone or anything."

"Honestly, I think you'd be safer here than anywhere else from the organization."

"Yeah, they would never be able to get close to this place."

Meili smiled while she said this, but she was adamant about staying...mainly because it was quite possible she wouldn't be able to see him again. She was then picked up and given a surprise hug by the fellow assassin.

"I think Shaula would be a good guardian for you, she can teach you a lot of things I'm sure."

"..."

"You'd be able to keep her company as well."

"..."

"Don't worry, if someday time permits, I'll come back here and visit you for sure."

"Y-You promise?"

"Hell yes."

She smiled as she hugged him back, finishing their tearful goodbye.

Meili was standing next to Shaula as she prepared to open the spell that would send them to the edge of town.

"Alright everyone, congratulations on being the first group in traversing the tower! From here, you can make it home."

"Shaula, thank you for everything."

Subaru did a polite bow alongside everyone minus Batman and Deathstroke. The assassin pointed at Shaula with a massive pressure emanating from him.

"Take care of Meili for me."

"Yes, I will gladly undertake the task of raising this cute girl with me."

"...Thanks."

Meili waved with her toy at Deathstroke and he simply nodded back.

Soon, the world around them warped and they saw less and less of Shaula and Meili. Meili looked up happily at Shaula and gave her a hand.

"Let's go!"

"O-Okay...Meili."

"Yup!"

The two walked hand in hand as they made their way up the stairs...Shaula smiled, knowing she would no longer be alone in the tower as she would wait...for Subaru to come back.

"Always hate this feeling."

Soon they couldn't see anything but a mixed void...then, a figure in the distance.

"...do...ne….."

They all flinched in seeing the figure made of light walk towards them slowly.

"What….done…?"

"Huh? Batman-san do you hear this?"

Rem looked back at him, while he was on top of the carriage. His eyes widened as he looked at it.

"What….-ve...done?"

"The hell is this?"

The figure then stopped and pointed directly at them.

"Just what...the hell have...you all done?"

The void around them dissipated, along with the mysterious figure. While they were shaken up by what they all saw, they had to focus on what they were seeing.

They were back at the edge of town, near the entrance of the Augria Sand Dunes.

"Holy crap, we made it back!"

Several citizens came out of their homes, including a most recognizable bar owner as they rushed over to the group.

"No way...kid! You made it back!"

"Yup...it was a success!"

Everyone in the town were shocked to hear that they made it back alive. They could believe it however, as an entire group returning was unheard of and an explosion they heard earlier sounded different than any other before. It was too loud, in fact, they assumed the explosion could be heard by nearly the entirety of the kingdom.

Unbeknownst to them however, was the fact that the resulting explosion released a wave of power that could be felt by anyone who could even sense mana. So anyone with even the most remote skills in magic, felt it.

So they knew they weren't fibbing or anything.

This group in front of them conquered the Watchtower.

The entire town asked them to join in the celebration of their conquest, and so they decided to stay the night in town.

While they were eating and drinking the night away...Batman and Deathstroke were sitting in on a nearby rooftop.

"What are you going to do now?"

"...I don't know."

"Personally, I don't mind staying here. Good money to make her,e and no one uses guns to fight here, just skills and talents. Makes it more fun here to be honest."

"...Of course you'd say that."

Deathstroke was watching as Batman stood brooding over the small town with the stars high above him.

"If we're stuck here, why not just enjoy too?"

"You think this is some kind of goddamn vacation?!"

"...I never said that."

"Well...WHAT DID YOU MEAN THEN?!"

Batman's yells were luckily drowned out by the celebration below them, gripping his chest as he snarled at Deathstroke.

"Do you have any idea what this means?! We are trapped here! There is now way to get back, and everyone in our world will come to the conclusion that we died!"

"..."

"My city….my sons...I now lost everything! There is nothing left for me anymore! My one and only mission, to protect Gotham, I FAILED!"

"..."

"FAILED IT! Now I have to continue with this sense of failure as I continue to live with it etched into my damn soul. So what then?! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?!"

"...That's for you to come up with Batman. We need to make the most of what has happened to us, right?"

Deathstroke finished his glass of mead and put his helmet back on.

"I'm still under contract to protect Emilia and Subaru, just until the end of the Royal Selection. When that contract ends...then I have to consider my next move. Hell, maybe I'll come and stay here in the Watchtower, or just become a vagabond….that's still a while's a way though."

"...!"

"So get over yourself."

Deathstroke jumped down from the roof and joined some citizens as they began asking him questions about the tower.

Subaru was dancing with Beatrice, with Emilia watching as they discussed who would go next.

Julius was letting a tired Anastasia rest her head on his shoulder as he stared at the bonfire lit for them. Images flashed in his mind...from what Batman told him in their discussion about his world, there were terrifyingly powerful beings where he was from. Beasts that could that destroy entire mountains, beings that traversed time itself to commit murders and entities that altered peoples minds. Julius….was suspicious of the world Batman was from.

Batman kept looking down at the group celebrating their victory as he held on to his tin cup filled with wine. He almost wanted to take a sip...but quickly crushed the cup in his hands and slammed it on the ground.

"DAMN IT!"

The celebration continued into the night.

Word was now quickly spreading.

Not known to the conquest party, was the fact that it was actually decided long ago that if a party would one day defeat the tower, an emergency metia call would be made to the capital.

A selected official did just that, and now the Sage Council received conformation that a group successfully did it.

After over four hundred years, someone made it to the Pleiades Watchtower and made a wish.

The Council were surprised to hear that it was an alliance between the Emilia, Crusch and Anastatia Camps that accomplished this goal.

Miklotov's eyebrows raised as he could clearly see what was happening.

"I see then."

"Miklotov-sama?"

"The Royal Selection...may be in that group's favor."

The other council members began discussing amongst themselves as they heard three names that were the cause of deliberation.

Emilia.

Natsuki Subaru.

Batman.

However, these deliberations spilled outside of the capital as well...and soon they reached the other three kingdoms.

The Nobility of Gusteko panicked as they learned Deathstroke was part of the subjugation group, paranoid at the idea of Lugnica trying to get at them by giving asylum to such a deadly killer.

The Senate of Kararagi debated if they should keep border security tighter on Lugnica on account of what happened in Priestella.

The King of Vollachia demanded to know from his loyal followers what they planned to do in the event of Lugnica invading them, now that they had proven themselves over and over again with their recent conquests.

All the rival kingdoms agreed, that Natsuki Subaru, and Batman, were two of the biggest threats to their hierarchy; next to the Sword Saint and the Dragon.

It was now the next morning, the villagers waved them goodbye as they made it to the open road. Subaru yawned loudly, as he was still quite tired from the previous night. He was at the reigns of the carriage as he looked ahead at the road they originally came from. Subaru took a moment to glance inside the carriage and saw Beatrice reading a book given to her by a villager on the subject of "Astrea Legends". He smiled as he saw Rem and Emilia sleeping next to each other, clutching their heads as it was obvious they were hungover from the celebration.

Julius was smiling as he looked down at his beloved Shaknar, who was now able to remember his master fully. The spirits were twirling around him, most likely ecstatic in being reunited with their friend.

Anastasia seemed gloomy in losing Echidna, but as she looked up at Julius she couldn't help but smile, at seeing him be so happy. She decided to move on, even if it would be a painful experience.

Batman, Deathstroke and Pamela were all dead quiet.

"Hey Batman-san, do you think we could open up the portal here?"

"Batman-san?"

Batman glanced over at Subaru with a deadpan look to him. He squinted his eyes as he nodded to the suggestion.

He raised his palm in front of him and focused.

"Al Ermac."

In front of them, a large tear in space opened up with a yellow hue to it and they could see what remained of the Flugel Tree.

"So there huh?"

They passed through it...but as they did, Batman turned his head to look one last time at the village they were leaving. Beatrice noticed immediately that Batman was not looking at it out fondness.

They passed the portal and they made to the highway that may have very well started this entire event.

Subaru stretched out his arms, as everyone got out of the carriages to do the same. Rem walked over to Ram and gave her a big hug which she returned back.

Subaru jumped off the carriage driver seat and ran over to surprise Beatrice with a hug from behind. He raised her up and twirled her around. He was quite joyful, while Beatrice was beet red and fidgeting with him.

Finally, Pamela stepped out of her seat and walked over to the grassy ground, Subaru stopped his fun and gently placed Beatrice down.

"Pamlea-san?"

"This is my stop."

She turned around with an apathetic look as she glanced at everyone.

Batman stepped forward as he stared at her.

"Where do you plan on going?"

"Don't know...now that we're stuck here, I guess I'll just live in the forest or something. It's just as well, it's where I belong anyways."

"..."

"Don't worry, I'm sure to live in some really secluded area. Won't bother anyone."

She began to walk away further into the grasslands, then she heard a voice call out to her.

"Pamela-sama!"

Peeking her head over shoulder she saw Rem calling out to her.

"Rem, was it?...I'm sorry about attacking you, it was a spur of the moment thing."

"Rem forgives you for that so where-"

"-It doesn't matter does it?"

Rem was shot down in asking any more questions as she looked over at Subaru who put on a genuine face.

"And Crusch-san?"

"...Hey Natsuki Subaru-"

She looked at him one last time as she put on a smile more reminiscent of her past self...just as vines sprang out of the ground.

"-Thanks for everything you did...and tell Otto I'm sorry."

"Pamela-san-"

"-Our date is cancelled."

She jumped up and the vines caught her in the air, then as they quickly shot forward, more and more vines shot forward carrying her away, breaking apart the dirt underneath with such speed and ferocity, she was now so far away, she was barely visible.

The rest of them stood there as they were not even able to say goodbye.

Julius met with Subaru and the others, while Anastasia chatted with Batman.

"Maaan, this sure was a super stressful past few months."

"Indeed, I honestly wondered myself if we would've been able to make it back."

"Ohhhh? What's this? The Most Valuable Knight was shaken up by something?"

"I wouldn't fall for your shenanigans no matter what."

"Heh."

Subaru and Julius both relented and gave each other a firm handshake.

"Thank you for everything Natsuki Subaru, Emilia-sama, everyone...I am forever in your debt."

"Don't sweat it, it's what...um...buddies do you know?"

"...Yes, I will remember that very well, my friend."

Rem and Emilia were happy to see Subaru acting so cordial with Julius. Beatrice held on to Subaru's sleeves and bowed nicely to Julius, and he did so as well, alondg with his spirits.

Anastasia was speaking with Batma with a resilient Deathstroke nearby, who standing on the carriage.

"Listen, I just wanna say...I'm sorry."

"...About what?"

She seemed to be fidgeting with her hair as if she was embarrassed to speak any further. He knew what it was about.

"...Is it about the spying you had placed towards me?"

"How?! How did you know that?!"

She suddenly panicked as she realized she had been found out. Batman nodded his head in seeing her unexpectedly act like this.

"It's quite alright, you would have all reason to spy on me. I beat Julius in a one on one fight the first time we met and he himself pummeled Subaru in their first encounter. To anyone else, it would look like the two Camps would eventually have bad relations and could spark conflict. Thankfully I recognized them, otherwise Deathstroke might have done his job and well...you know the rest."

"...You oversimplify it...but yeah."

"Luckily-"

Batman moved his hand to Subaru who was happily chatting away with Julius.

"Within the past year, I think Subaru's done a fine job of bridging most of the camps together."

"Most?"

"I honestly don't have that much opinion on Priscilla."

"Yeaaaah, she is a total odd ball."

Batman smirked as Anastasia laughed it all off in a friendly manner, she then took his hand and gave him a good shake.

"I hope we can work again in the future."

"Sure, as long as both sides get something out of it."

"Heck! That's my kinda talk!"

She laughed again as she made it over to the rest of the group as Beatrice and Subaru were once again horsing around.

Batman's smirk slowly fell and he was back to brooding.

The groups now split off finally. Julius and Anastasia waved them all goodbye, as they took their carriage back towards the capital.

"C'mon Patrasche! Let's go home!"

Patrasche let out a gleeful roar as she raced forward, just then, Beatrice tugged on Subaru's shirt.

"What's up Beako?"

"Subaru, it's Batman."

"What about him?"

She glanced back, with Subaru following. While the image of Rem and Ram speaking with a laughing Emilia warmed his heart...it was Batman sleeping in the carriage that concerned him.

"Didn't he already sleep?"

"Yes, Betty believes he's forcing himself to sleep, I suppose."

"Why would he do that-"

"-That man has just learned he could never go back to his home...how would you feel if something forced you away from Betty, Rem and Emilia?"

She looked back to Subaru waiting for his answer, he looked down at his spirit and made a hurt face.

"Honestly it'd be worse than death."

"Then there is your answer, I suppose."

Subaru realized Batman was facing a type of pain even he couldn't come close to understanding. He was facing an obstacle that he had no hope of beating...and the only chance he had of actually doing so, was taken away from him.

The carriage arrived at the gates of the manor and the attendant who worked at the gates stepped out as he yawned loudly.

"Hey, is there any business you have-"

The dog demi-human rubbed his eyes...and saw Subaru happily waving at them.

"Hey there!"

"...OH-OH-OH-OH! Subaru-sama! You have all returned!"

"Yup, mind letting us in?"

"Very well! Please right this way!"

As the gates opened, Subaru was surprised to see the guard run off and make his way to the mansion.

"Hey! EVERYONE! ANYONE! Big news!"

"Oh what is it?"

"S-S-Su-Su-Su-"

"It's okay, out with it."

"S-Subaru-sama and the others have finally returned!"

The young maid straightened her skirt and put on a determined smile.

"Not to worry, I'll take care of this."

Subaru and Batman disembarked from the carriage, both of them noticing that something was different.

"I don't see anyone outside."

"We took over four months for this journey, I don't expect them to be noticing us so soon."

Subaru seemed to agree. Subaru sat Beatrice on his shoulders while he decided to hold hands with Rem and Emilia as they walked inside.

When they opened the main entrance, in front of them was a maid bowing to them...she seemed familiar.

"Welcome back all of you."

Subaru squinted his eyes and got moved his head closer. Then sprang back, when he figured out who this girl was.

"P-Petra?!"

"Yes Subaru-sama, you promised I'd be the one to welcome you all back, correct?"

In front of them, was Petra, except she was now a few feet taller and her formerly short hair was now tad bit past her shoulder, held by her trademark red ribbon.

"G-Growth spurt?!"

Petra seemed to frown at him.

"Hmph! I come to give you a greeting and the first thing I hear is some strange phrase? You're a deplorable man, Subaru-sama!"

"Um, no no! I mean I'm glad to see you did grow more pretty than before! It's remarkable!"

"Well...Subaru's kind words are acceptable too."

Petra shook her blush away, then moved closer to them and bowed to the other members. She then raised herself and beamed with happiness, seeing someone she hadn't seen in a long time.

"I'm glad to see you back, Rem-nee sama."

"Um, yes, Rem is as well. And might Rem say, Petra-chan is growing up to be a quite beautiful girl."

"Um...well...yes-A-Anyways, please all of you come in, everyone else is waiting for you."

Subaru peeked over at Batman who was observing his surroundings, then the dark knight glanced down at the maid leading them to the parlor.

"Petra….how long have we been gone for?"

"Huh? Did you lose that much track of time?"

"...?"

"Subaru-sama and the others have been gone for an entire year."

Batman stood frozen as he heard this, Subaru and the others did the same. Even Deathstroke was legitimately shocked to learn that they were away for such a long time, he couldn't help but step over and speak more directly with Petra.

"That's-That's crap! We took at least a little over two months! Plus, Batman used his teleportation spell to get us here!"

"But it's the truth, I'm 14 right now, my birthday was a few months ago."

"Fuck. No fucking way!"

Deathstroke then looked back at Batman as they both realized what had happened.

"The time fluctuation, not just inside the tower, screwed up our arrival time...I also believe that when we punctured through the Sand Time, it sent us further into the future as well."

"So it's just another damn trick to get at intruders huh? If the heat doesn't kill you, or the Ma-beast or the miasma...then even if you come out of the Sand Time, time will move forward and you'd come back with everyone you know outside either dead or just way too old to remember you!"

Deathstroke calmed down and looked out the window.

"Um, Slade-sama...where is Meili-chan?"

"...She's staying somewhere safe."

"Oh? And will she come back?"

Deathstroke then kept walking down the halls as he spoke frankly.

"...Probably not."

Petra was confused seeing him act this way. Batman held her shoulder as he squatted down to speak directly with her.

"We've been through a lot, this past year...so we need to go and speak with everyone else on the matter."

"Of course."

Petra nodded, understanding that such a mission would be taxing on them.

"Ohooooooo! Welcome back everyone! I am so glaaaaaad to see everyone in one piece."

"I didn't think I'd ever miss hearing that voice."

Roswaal was joyously peppy sitting in his table, spreading his arms wide as he announced their return. Emilia noticed someone hugged her side, she looked down and saw Annerose eagerly embracing her.

"Emily is back!"

"Hey Annerose, it's soooo good to see you again."

Clind was right next to her winking at Subaru and the others.

From behind the butler, in a frenzied hurry, arrived the current head maid…

"Batman-sama! Everyone!"

Frederica quickly hugged Batman's arm and smiled happily as she usually would. Rem was quite shocked in seeing her teacher act this way.

Frederica quickly noticed everyone was staring at her, so she composed herself, letting go of Batman's arm and bowed to them.

"Excuse my earlier behavior, I was just so happy to see you all back. I'll try to control my emotions better."

Rem slowly walked to her teacher and bowed as well.

"Rem is happy to see you again, Frederica-sensei."

"And I am absolutely glad to find that you have come back, Rem."

Frederica patted her head as they both smiled endearingly towards each other.

Everyone sat down to discuss everything that had occurred in the "year" that they were gone.

"Subaru-sama! They thought you were the great sage?"

"That's right Petra, my uniqueness almost got me confused for someone else."

"Subaru-sama, is great..but not in such a grand fashion, I think?"

"Wow, that stings."

"Well for Subaru-sama...unique is the right choice of word?"

"Ouch."

Subaru gave a wry smile seeing Petra being so critical of him as usual.

Then the doors swung open and a familiar voice rang out in the room.

"Boss!"

"Oh! Garfiel!"

Garfiel immediately ran over and gave Subaru a humungous hug, one that made his face start to turn red. Emilia tugged at Garfiel's shirt.

"Garfiel, Subaru is still tired from the journey."

"Oh, yea' sorry 'bout tha'!"

He let him go, giving Subaru time to breath again. Rem glanced up and was surprised to see Garfiel actually outside of the Sanctuary and also being chummy with people from outside his home.

"R-Rem? Is tha' you?"

"Yes Garf, it seems that you not only want to take Nee-sama's attention away, but also Rem's Subaru-kun. Rem will have to deal with this swiftly."

"'Kay! 'Kay! I get it! I get it!"

Garfiel put up his hands and gave a panicked smile...but relaxed as he looked at Batman and Subaru, giving them both thumbs up.

"Knew ya' two could do it!"

Also entering the room seemed to be a walking corpse that resembled Otto.

"Wait, Otto is that you?!"

"Ah! Natsuki-san! Batman-dono! Everyone has returned safe and sound…"

Otto's skin was a bit paler and he had bags under his eyes.

"Oh, don't worry about me, just been overburdened with paperwork stacked on top of paperwork, barely any sleep, and of course always worried about what happened to you all...so nothing to worry about."

"But Otto-kun that all sounds like something to worry about!"

Emilia put a hand on her face as she looked at the shrugging man. Otto glanced over and saw Rem looking at him.

"Oh, you must be Rem-san, it is a pleasure to meet you."

"Rem is happy to meet a friend of her Subaru-kun. Even if Rem worries he is at death's door."

"Can no one give me a damn compliment?!"

Subaru looked over his shoulder with a genuine smile at his friend.

"I see that though you worked hard, you're still standing...that's something Otto."

"N-Natsuki-san."

Otto smiled as he had tears forming on the corner of his eyes.

"...And if you're still walking around, that just means you haven't been working hard enough at all! So we'll make sure to remedy that, Roswaal give this guy so much paperwork that he somehow merges with his chair."

"I swear, this past year I have no idea what the hell I was worrying about!"

He then looked as everyone seemed to nod in agreement with Subaru.

"Oh God! Now my peaceful year is coming crashing down!"

"Oldboy, if this is what you call a peaceful year, even I'd hate to see what a bad one looks like."

Deathstroke nodded his head as the others chuckled at Otto's misfortune, except for Batman.

However, the fun ended when Rem stood up along with Ram and each stood next to Roswaal as they did in the past, even if Rem was in her nightgown.

"Well, we have our beloved Rem baaaaaack. So I think we should all be thankful that-"

"-Just a moment."

Roswaal was surprised to hear Rem talk over him, she then saw the usually calm Rem...was looking down at the seated Roswaal...an intensity in her eyes that he had never seen directed towards him, from her.

"Roswaal-sa-No, Roswaal L. Mathers...Rem would like to know something very specific."

"...Ask awaaaay Rem."

"Nee-sama and Subaru-kun informed Rem, that you were involved in a few incidents two years ago...is that correct?"

"I admit, that I did some quite underhanded tactics in the past."

"Very well, Rem understands."

She suddenly sprouted her horn and slapped Roswaal with enough force that his body crashed through his desk, effectively destroying it.

She took a deep breath as her horn shrunk back. She then glared down at the injured Roswaal.

"Then effective immediately, Rem is no longer a servant to you Roswaal."

Everyone, including Roswaal, was shocked that Rem, gave up her position, one that she worked to be excellent at; gave it al up in a manner of seconds. However, as Ram could be seen clearly scared that this would force Rem out of the mansion…

"Then we'll hire her."

Everyone turned and saw that Batman raised his hand with a calm expression; alongside Natsuki Subaru.

"Subaru-kun…Batman-san?"

"Rem-rin, both me and Batman-san, now have high positions in the Lugnica system. I'm a proud knight of Emilia and assisting subjugator of the White Whale and Sizable Hare, I found out from Julius that I'll be receiving a reward salary for it. Not only that, but I I'm going to be paid by Roswaal all the same."

Batman then placed his elbows on his knees and turned his head to look at the clearly startled Rem.

"And with my position of Light, I get a monthly salary combined with what I get from Roswaal. Me and Subaru don't mind at all sharing that with you."

"...Rem...Rem is so joyous! To have her hero and friend be willing to help Rem, Rem doesn't know what to say!"

Rem was holding back tears as she was now given a chance to stay in the mansion with her sister.

Ram looked at Batman and smiled at him, even as she was helping up Roswaal, as the right side of his face was swollen terribly. Frederica noticed this, and raised an annoyed look on her face, Ram got the picture and chuckled as she looked back at her sister. Rem was still unsure of what was happening.

"Then...Rem will you be of service to Batman-san and Subaru-kun?"

"Sure Rem, but that doesn't mean you can't still help your sister or serve Emilia-tan and the rest of them. Though you have to decide if you want to serve Roswaal-"

"-Rem accepts. Rem will be in service to Batman-san, Subaru-kun, Emilia-sama and everyone besides Roswaal."

"Roz-chi has really fallen hard huh?"

Subaru chuckled along with Rem. When she finished she did a courteous bow to the two of them. Subaru gave a radiant smile seeing this….while Batman suddenly got out of his seat and made his way to the hallway. Frederica tried to follow him.

"Well, I'll get to work on setting up a contract to be written up...in the meanwhile, everyone should go and relax, it's been a long journey."

"Ah, then I'll accompany you as well-"

"-NO!"

Frederica stopped after being startled from his loud demand, Batman kept walking away as he didn't even turn around.

"-I'd like to be left alone."

"U-Understood."

Batman just kept walking, leaving everyone concerned on his behavior. Petra went with pleading eyes to Subaru.

"Subaru-sama, what is wrong with Batman-sama?"

"...I guess we have to tell you all...ah, but first."

Subaru looked at Deathstroke and pointed at Roswaal right after.

"Fine."

Deathstroke got an X-Potion intending to heal him enough to continue the conversation.

"There is something you should all know."

.

.

.

.

.

"WHAAAAAAAT?!"

The members of the Emilia Camp that did not accompany them to the Watchtower nearly leapt out of their skin, when they were told everything they learned and experienced, including-

"-Boss! You an' Bat-aniki are from 'nother world?!"

"Well, we come from separate worlds. One where he's real, and the one where I am from, and he's just a fictional character."

"Dat's fuckin' crazy! Wha' does this mean?"

"Well…"

Subaru stuck a finger out pointing up as he closed his eyes, beginning to explain.

"...This would mean there are countless worlds, other than this one you all know. Multiple realities, or a multiverse, as Batman-san called it."

"Subaru, does that mean there are other...well me's?"

"Most likely Emilia-tan, Batman-san said that he's encountered other versions of himself in the past. So that would mean there are other versions of all of us."

"Soooo, we could meet them and be friendly with them-"

"-Not exactly."

Otto was puzzled by his counter.

"What does that mean Natsuki-san, wouldn't that mean our other versions would be the same as us?"

"No dice I'm afraid. Batman-san told me, he's met lots of versions of himself, some that were weaker or stronger than him. Some were nicer or meaner than him...but some were also evil, like a version of him called Owlman."

"Owl-man? Wow, this is making my head spin!"

Otto held his head as he couldn't comprehend the idea of the multiverse.

Emilia was still curious.

"Subaru, you said that your world was normal, right?"

"Yeah, I did."

"What's normal in your world?"

"Well, in my world there is no magic or anything like that."

"Yeah yeah, you told us that already...but if your world is like that, how do you know so much about elves, onis, dragons and magic?"

Subaru cupped his chin into his metal hand as he gave it some thought.

"Where I'm from, those thing are heard about in story books and stuff. Sometimes they get made into movies, videogames and anime."

"What are those?"

"Ahhhh, how should I explain it? Movies are like plays you watch on a metia, like the conversation mirrors you guys have. Videogames are plays where you can control the characters in the story, and anime are plays that are like a painting that moves like real life...I guess I can say it like that."

Everyone was literally dumbfounded by Subaru's explanation, with Petra giving everyone's thoughts.

"Subaru-sama's world sounds amazing, even if it doesn't use magic!"

Subaru put his hands up trying to calm everyone, but Roswaal made himself known.

"Buuuuut Subaru-kun, how does your world defend itself from attacks and the like?"

"...Mostly we have made weapons to defend ourselves, the use of things like swords and shields has fallen by the wayside. We now use guns and bombs."

"Hmmmmm? What's a gun?"

Emilia gave an angry look as she explained what a gun was, using Deathstroke's previous weapons as a perfect example...even going as far as to reveal how Batman's parents were killed by a gun.

Rem frowned angrily hearing this.

"Rem doesn't like these g-uns at all."

"Yup, me neither Rem, I hope I never see one again."

Rem and Emilia nodded as they both agreed that the weapon in question gave them a bad feeling. Of course, many of the others felt the same way.

Subaru stood up as Beatrice continued holding his hand. Subaru himself seemed to be uncomfortable in talking about the next subject, so it fell on Beatrice.

"And there is of course, something else you all must be informed of, I suppose."

.

.

.

.

"Oh no."

Petra held her mouth as she tried to not show a mournful appearance.

"Batman-san...shit, this isn't fair."

Otto grabbed his hat and gripped it tightly, most likely feeling frustrated for even Batman.

"Tha's some bullshit, after all tha' crap Bat-aniki wen' through?! This sucks!"

Garfiel slammed his fists together, clearly not happy about it.

Roswaal looked more disappointed for some reason, but had a look of condolences to him, as if he too understood what it felt like to lose something so important.

Frederica gripped her maid outfits' sides as she looked at the hallway where Batman left earlier.

Subaru placed his hand on the top of the chair where he was sitting on, and looked downcast from it all.

"We got everyone's memories back and got our beloved Rem back...but-"

"..."

"-Batman lost everything. He's stuck in this world...possibly forever."

The camp members were silent as the realized their cherished ally and friend, who worked hard to help everyone in their most dire moments...was met with nothing to be considered a reward.

"What do we do now, Subaru-sama?"

"Well Petra...for now, let's leave him be."

"For how long?"

"...For however long he needs."

The group decided to leave it as is, they would let Batman have his alone time. And they did

….. Now he wouldn't come out of his own room, for seven days straight.

"Should we do something Subaru?"

"I don't know."

Subaru was sitting in a table across from Emilia, studying with her. Now in the seventh day since Batman refused to come out of his quarters, everyone was going about their business in the mansion...but an air of stress filled the mansion as everyone was concerned about him.

Otto had trouble focusing on his paperwork, especially when he thought about what happened to Pamela Isley and her apology to him.

Garfiel would always look at the window where his room was, while he was training.

Beatrice would knock on his door and wait for a response...then would be disappointed and walk off.

Ram and Petra would deliver his food, they would leave the tray outside his room and watch as the door crept open...then saw his gauntlet free hand quickly reach out and grab the tray. There would be times Petra or Ram would call out to him...but he would never answer back, leaving the tray outside when he was done.

Annerose and Clind would slip him lettered messages, some asking for replies...all of them said to leave him be.

Frederica continued her duties...leaving him be as they were ordered.

"Subaru, I don't think I can take seeing Batman-san being like this."

"I know, but he's lost pretty much everything, I don't think anyone here could say something to cheer him up."

Emilia held his hand as she look like she was agitated by what was happening.

"Everyone is concerned about him! Why doesn't he get that?!"

"I think he's just venting a bit...give it some more time."

Suddenly they heard a knock on the door.

"Come on in Rem."

Rem entered the room, carrying a tray of fruits for them all to snack on.

"Rem is sorry she is late...Rem tried to give some to Batman-san, but he refused."

"Damn, he won't even come out for Rem."

Rem set the tray down and took a tired breath.

She was now wearing a brand new maid outfit to differentiate her from the others, even from her own sister. It was similar to a maid outfit that she had for days off, which was less revealing than her previous one. While Rem was concerned about it, Subaru commenting that it made her look cute. changed her mind.

Subaru worked painstakingly on updating it with his own unique spin. He made orange wristbands with a purple R embodied on each one. He also made two orange lines go down her shoulders to match her wristbands. Two orange lines go across her waist and hips; then as a final gift, he made her a hair-clip that went with her purple band, cleverly, it was in the shape of an orange bat.

She of course, adored the look.

"Rem thinks this has gone far enough, don't you think?"

"Rem is right Subaru, I think it's time we used force!"

The two ladies agreed and pouted at Subaru, making him scratch his cheek as he closed his book.

"I don't think that might work, he might get really angry."

"But Subaru-kun, Rem is worried about his health! We cannot let him go down this slothful path."

"Being a person who was once like this, I do agree that he needs to come out...but he may be in a bad state of mind, so forcing him out might make him act aggressively."

"Batman-san...would attack us?"

"Not saying that...but what if he runs for it? We'd truly never see him again."

All three of them got sad thinking there was no easy way of dealing with this. Subaru held both girls hands as he put on a look that seemed to be contemplating what to do next.

Just then, the door opened again and out came Deathstroke and Beatrice.

"So...Emilia, Rem and Subaru are all here! How typical, hope we didn't, well...interrupt an intimate moment with you three."

All three of them blushed beet red as they heard this. Subaru quickly let go of them and waved his hands around in a panic.

"Knock it off Slade-sensei! We were just discussing Batman-san's situation."

"Oh that bull crap."

Emilia looked at him not understanding his stance on the whole situation.

"Slade-sensei isn't worried about this at all? I mean, about going home or anything?"

"Unlike him, I make do with what life throws at me. I never had too many people that wanted me around, not even my own kids, so I'm alright with staying here. Lots of people I can still challenge!"

"Hahhhh, Slade-sensei sure comes up with some brutish remarks."

Emilia and the others collectively sighed at his comment, however it didn't deter him as he motioned at Beatrice who continued the conversation.

"Yes, well...Betty has come with Deathstroke to inform Subaru and the rest of a...startling development, I suppose."

"What happened?"

The spirit gripped her the sides of her dress as she looked a bit concerned by what she had to say next.

"...Frederica just entered Batman's room."

Earlier, Frederica stood outside of Batman's quarters and knocked three times.

"Batman-sama, it is Frederica...I have come to speak with you."

Nothing...

"Please open the door and let me in, I only wish to talk."

Nothing again...

"Open it."

Once again, nothing but-

"OPEN THE DOOR OR I SHALL BREAK IT DOWN!"

Her roar echoed down the halls, alerting Deathstroke and Beatrice, who happened to be walking down the same hall. They were shocked to see the door actually open and Frederica entered in. The two then rushed off to go inform Subaru and the others.

Frederica was now in his room, she could see that the entire room was dark with little to no light entering in whatsoever. She then activated a nearby lamp...and saw the mess.

"Batman-sama."

His bed covers were strewed across the room, there were papers with numerical equations and spell charts littering the floor and desk. His bathroom mirrors were broken, as if they were punched in. She was looking at Batman sitting on the bed, no longer wearing his batsuit, in nothing but in pajama pants...they were splattered in blood, most likely from his bloody knuckles that were wrapped up in ripped up bed sheets.

He glanced over, and it was obvious he had most likely barely gotten any sleep.

"What can I help you with, Frederica?"

"...May I sit on the bed?"

"Go right ahead."

Frederica sat next to him politely, as a maid would.

For a few minutes, neither of them said anything...Frederica took the initiative.

"Batman-sama...please tell me what is troubling you."

"...You wouldn't be able to help."

"You do not know that, it's better to let someone close to you help."

"And why do you want to help me Frederica, out of a sense of duty?"

Frederica scoffed at Batman's harsh tone.

"No, it's because I can't bare to see you like this."

"Well, I'm sorry that I can't always be the calm, passive person I always show myself to be. I didn't know I had to keep up appearances for you all."

"...I didn't mean it like that."

"Then what?"

Bruce glared at her, it was obvious he was just frustrated about everything, but she would not be dismayed.

"I mean I care for you very much, and I think you don't need to be secluding yourself in stagnation. You are better than that-"

"-You think I've been doing nothing in here?"

Bruce quickly got up and went over to grab a bunch of papers from his desk. He turned to show her the different papers in a rough manner, crumbling up the edges of them. She kept her eyes on him not willing to show any weakness in front of him.

"Look at this, I've been doing nothing but calculations, theories and writing algorithms to come up with a way to find go back home! That's what I've been doing here!"

"...And what did you find?"

He dropped his arms as he looked down at the floor, looking as if he was just hit in the gut.

"I found that the only way to open the portal, would be to use the same mana quantity of the star, but it would require 20 Roswaals worth of mana...and it would result in their deaths."

"You did not-"

"-Of course not! I would never sacrifice anyone….but what am I supposed to do?!"

He crumbled up the papers in his hands and threw them on the ground. After that, he scratched his head over and over again.

"I've done everything I could! I went through all of the fights, all the rescues and all the missions. So what then?"

"Batman-"

"-WHAT DOES THAT WITCH WANT FROM ME?!"

He spun around and grabbed his desk tossing it at the wall, shattering it into pieces.

Frederica kept her composure, even as Batman clawed at his own shoulders.

"I've lost everything! My home! My friends! My own family! If I can't go back to them, they'll think I'm dead! How can or anyone else in this world help me?!"

"..."

"You can't...no one can."

He looked at her with almost a crazed expression.

"So how am I supposed to stay calm? How?! What is supposed to keep my posture intact in this sit-"

"-By remembering what you still have."

Bruce stopped his mad actions as he looked over Frederica, who put a brave face as she stood up.

"What?"

"Batman-sama, you have not lost everything. You have your friends; Subaru-sama, Emilia-sama, Rem, Ram, Petra, Otto-sama, Beatrice-sama, my brother Garfiel...the list just goes on and on. Even if this is not your home, we want you to be at peace here, we care for you."

"...No."

"We do, we all have the deepest respect for you and-"

"-Why can't you get it?!"

Frederica's calm demeanor almost broke apart as she saw Bruce scream at her.

"This is not my home! I cannot stay here! I don't belong here with you! I can't be with any of you! It hurts to even stay here a single-"

Frederica abruptly slapped Bruce.

"F-Fre-?"

She then slapped him again on his other cheek.

He calmly held his now irritated cheeks, but noticed something about the maid.

She was trembling.

"Is it that painful?"

"What are you-"

She raised her face and it was clear that she was bawling her eyes out.

"Is that painful to be with us?! TO BE WITH ME?!"

"...No...I-"

"-I would do anything to help you! Ask it of me, and I shall do my damnedest to give you everything in me! And right now, the one thing I want to help you with, is making you happy! To make you willing to move on! To live again!"

"...Why? Why are saying these things to me?"

"...You know why."

Frederica went and began to stride to him, she quickly cupped his cheeks softly, and she pressed her lips against his. His eyes grew wide, as even he wasn't able to react.

She removed her lips from him, but kept her hands on his cheek. The maid gave a pained smile as she stared into his eyes.

"I say this, because I'm in love with you."

His face slowly shook, as his eyes trembled. Her words frightened Bruce down to his very soul.

Love. Love was a word that Batman always felt was something he had to push away, otherwise it would weaken him, get in the way...or even be used against him.

But here standing before him, was someone in this world, one he was trapped in, professing their love for him. Frederica stepped closer to him, but he quickly walked back, his back hitting the wall.

"Frederica, you can't be in love me...there wouldn't even be-"

"-Of course there is. In the entirety of my life, everyone has shown some form of disdain or fear towards me, mostly for my abnormal teeth. It would force me to cover my mouth whenever I had to laugh or smile. And I always thought I could never find someone who would accept me for who I am."

"...!"

"Until I met you! You showed me such kindness and accepted me for who I was. You didn't care about my demi-human blood, but showed me genuine respect. You saved me so many times during that fiery night, risking your life to do so. My heart was touched. My very being felt that it wanted you….Batman-sama, I love you."

"Stop it…"

"And the more I watched you, lived with you...my love for you only grew. When we went to town together, my heart would skip beats. When I watched you train Subaru-sama and Emilia-sama, I would be so proud of you. Ahaha! When I saw you speaking with Ram for long periods of time, I would become quite jealous. All of this, because-"

"-DON'T SAY IT!"

He kneeled down and clutched his ears, appearing to almost not want to hear what she had to say next.

"I can't! I can't Frederica...I can't love you."

Tears began streaming down her face….

"Why?"

"Because...if I fell in love with you, I-I-I might focus on you."

"...?!"

"And if I focus on you, I'll forget about my old home in due time! It's been happening because of Subaru and the others, I don't want that! I was supposed to go back! So why….Why am I still here?!"

Frederica gently placed her hands on his shoulders as she kneeled down to speak closer to his face.

"Batman-sama, I know that right now, you feel like you're falling down a pit of despair. Everyone has that moment in their life. And I have heard about the arduous life you have had in the past. So that pit is incredibly deep."

"...!"

"But, there is always a reason for people to fall my love."

"...?!"

"Tell me, why do we fall, Batman-sama?"

Bruce's eyes widened as he peeked back at the wet green eyes that were gazing at him.

He was scared of what she was about to say next.

"So we can learn to pick ourselves up."

Bruce's world slowed down, a light shined through the curtains and enveloped her in it. She shined brilliantly to him.

The words she spoke were words that his father and Alfred told him several times in the past, they were encouraging words that helped him even in his darkest moments. Even in his world, he began to feel the deep gripping sense of seclusion, Alfred was gone and many of his friends were either dead or could no longer help him. He was truly becoming shrouded in the shadows.

Not now. Here the shadows were slowly being breached away by the lovely golden haired girl standing before him. He felt his heart flutter as she rubbed her hands on his arms.

He quickly stood up, making Frederica stand with him.

"Batman-sama?"

With a fast reaction, he grabbed her shoulders and brought her in for a passionate kiss.

"Mmh."

"Mmh!"

She was quite startled by it, but sunk into it and hugged his waist. She then realized he was beginning to french kiss her, she moaned as she could feel the saliva between them, mixing together.

Losing their balance, they both fell back into the bed, with Batman on top of her. He removed himself from her lips as he looked into her eyes. She had an affectionate aura in her gaze as she touched his chest and began rubbing it.

His eyes widened and he immediately got up from her. She sat up from the bed, watching as Bruce covered his mouth.

"I'm sorry Frederica...but I can't."

"...I understand."

She straightened her dress as she made her way to the door. Without looking at him she asked him a question.

"Will you be coming out then?"

"...Yes."

"Then I did my job well...thank you for hearing me out."

As Frederica exited the room she saw the entire Emilia Camp outside waiting expectedly for something. She seemed to ignore them and walked down the hall, with a fixed expression. However when she turned the corner she began to weep.

The door opened again and Batman came out of his room, the first time in about a week.

"Batman-san!"

He was surprise attacked by a group hug from everyone. He could hear them yelling at him one by one.

Subaru.

"You big idiot! You should have just talked to one of us damn it!"

Emilia.

"You had us all worried!"

Rem.

"Rem was going to kick down your door out of anger you know!"

Ram.

"I hope you don't make this a habit, I'd rather deal with another troublesome one like Barusu!"

Beatrice.

"Why does Betty have to deal with such annoyances, I suppose?! Refrain from worrying us all again!"

Otto.

"You really stressed us out!"

Petra.

"Please don't ever do that again!"

Garfiel.

"Was gettin' really pissed off! Thank goodness ya' finally came out!"

Deathstroke nodded his head, giving him his words without actually talking.

Bruce hugged Subaru back and gave a genuine smile.

"Sorry...and thank you."

From the pit of despair, Bruce Wayne climbed out of the darkness with a shining ray of light. Once he was outside of it, he found a new reason...to live.

"Everyone...there is something I need to say, other than sorry again."

"...?"

"My real name."

Everyone let go of the hug and looked up at him, as the sunlight finally hit his face.

"My name is Bruce Wayne."

In the next few days, Bruce re-adapted into his life in the mansion. Training continued with Subaru, he finished the contract making Rem their maid, and officially began preparations to bring Puck back to Emilia.

However, everyone noticed Frederica seemed to be ignoring him or outright running away from him.

One night, Frederica was preparing to retire for the night, when Petra came into her room.

"Frederica-nee san! We have a situation in the kitchen that needs your immediate attention!"

"And the others?!"

"All of use are on the way to deal with this as well!"

Sensing the urgency, Frederica grabbed Petra and they dashed off to the kitchen.

Once they entered the kitchen, they saw all of the staff huddled in front of the dining table. Once they turned around and saw Frederica enter, they all smiled.

"What is it? What is the emergency?!"

They all got away from the table only to reveal Rem and Ram laying out something on the table. The head maid's eyes widened as she looked a beautiful green/gold dress laid out on the table with a golden necklace with a jade stone on top.

"Rem? Ram? What's going on?!"

The twin maids looked at each other and giggled at her confusion. They turned back and bowed, speaking to her in unison.

"Frederica, Batman-san has requested your company tonight."

She blushed madly hearing who exactly it was who planned this out. She even looked down and saw Petra giving a devious little smile, so she put her down with a slight frown.

She quickly pointed at the dress and necklace on the table nervously, Ram holding back her laughter seeing this.

"Um, and that stuff on the table?"

"Well, Batman-san has requested that you wear this for the meeting."

"N-N-No way, I couldn't possibly wear that!"

The two sisters then faced each other pretending to whisper to each other, but obviously wanted to be hear.

"Nee-sama, Nee-sama, didn't Batman-san spend a lot of money on all this? It would be a shame if it had to be all thrown away."

"Rem, Rem, didn't Batman-san say he got, because it would look lovely on Frederica? Such a shame to discard it."

Frederica's face was bright red and she finally gave in.

"Alright! Alright! I'll wear it!"

Frederica stepped out, into the requested meeting area of the balcony near the garden. Her dress looked lovely on her, and she nervously stepped out. She looked over at Bruce who was sitting at a small table in a charming tuxedo.

She blushed intensely as he got up and walked over to he, he held out his hand and she took it, walking her over to the table and sat her down. He then sat in the seat across from her. In front of them was a bottle of appa juice and two glasses with ice. He poured them their glasses and they clunk their glasses.

"Um, Bataman-sama...what's going on here? The dress? The juice? The necklace?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

Bruce had a good chuckle as he took another sip of his juice.

"This is a date."

"D-D-D-Date?"

"Yes."

"B-But, when I told you I loved you...you said you couldn't."

She looked saddened saying it, but Bruce put his cup down and looked into her eyes with his own blue eyes.

"Frederica, I'm sorry. What I meant to say was...that I wasn't ready for our relationship to go that fast, I wasn't ready to love you the way you did for me. I still need time."

"Time?"

He nodded as he clapped his hands.

With that, several lanterns lit up which were tied up on ropes that were strung up against trees. Combined with that, a hiding Emilia summoned her lesser spirits to light up the garden.

In front of Frederica, was a sight of lights and beauty, accentuating the beautiful flowers that were ahead of them.

"Frederica, I want to get to know you more, learn from you, and finally make you the most special person to me...and that will take time. But I think it'll happen of we work on it."

"Batman…"

"I want to fall in love with you, even it will take a bit of time...are you willing to wait Frederica?"

"...Of course! You will see I am quite the patient person."

The two seemed to laugh from her comment.

From the door, they were being watched by everyone, minus Garfiel, all of them quietly cheering them on.

Frederica slipped her hand on top of Bruce's, she half expected to be rejected...but instead he moved his hand so he could hold it tenderly.

She smiled, beaming with happiness as the two looked up at the bright moon up above.

The moon was being observed by Priscilla as she fanned herself. She then glanced at a paper that described the Pleiades Tower Conquest. Her finger scraped on the image of Natsuki Subaru.

Observing the moon as well, Al looked up at the moon, with Schult standing nearby...under his helmet, his hazel colored eyes furrowed; as he whispered to himself.

"Guess I need to do this now."

The Sage Council held another secret night meeting, to discuss what they had learned from Julius.

"Other worlds…"

One by one members of the council muttered the terrifying things they had learned about Batman's world.

"Men who can punch holes into the moon."

"Entire armies that can fly in space."

"Immortal warriors."

"Men who control the waters of the world."

Miklotov made an uncharacteristically serious expression as he reviewed what they had learned from Julius, days earlier.

"Then it is agreed...should the time come, and Batman becomes a threat...we must take action against him and his world. Which may also have to make use of the Sage Candidate, Natsuki Subaru."

The rest of them nodded in agreement.

Bordeaux then glanced over and raised his brows as he looked to the shadows.

"Understand? You know what this means correct?"

"Yes, for the safety and peace of the kingdom, I would undertake the task."

From the shadows emerged Reinhard.

"Should he become a threat, or his world possibly invade...I will kill Batman."

At the end of the world here the flat world cut off and the waterfall fell into the darkness of space...two light emanated fro behind it.

A large booming voice broke through the falls.

"Then the deal is made?"

A soft voice followed.

"Yes...I have brought you this world to fulfill our goals."

"This goal of mine, would mean the destruction of your world though, you understand?"

"It doesn't matter. As long as I keep him by my side, I do not care what you do to this world...or any other."

"Very well. I shall consume the dark energy that resides in the space outside of the world and regain my strength."

Slowly dark energy swirled into the spot of the fall where the two orbs of light were peering through.

"You will have your desired one and I will accomplish my grand mission of saving the entirety of everything."

"I'm counting on you…."

The soft voice disappeared and the dark energy continued seeping into the falls where it was residing, and it began to growl.

"For this world to think it could exist outside of my knowledge, it will surely suffer."

The lights of it's eyes began to shine even more ominously.

"When I gain enough strength...they will all know! For the crime of just existing outside of my divine sights, I will destroy this world...and everything living in it!"

The moon shined over the vast world, unknowing of the actions taking place under it's own light.