AN: Look it's JDUBZYT doing his usual schtick! What a guy! Thanks again!

ARC Four: Battle From Zero

Chapter Twenty Eight: The White Whale

There was a heaviness in the air as Subaru and Batman stood there in the small patch of grass at Crusch's Estate. Subaru forced a smile and laughed as he patted Batman's shoulder.

"Ahahaha! What on Earth are you talking about Bruce? What even is a time loop? Is that like-"

"Subaru, DON'T."

"But come on, man. Do you really think I have some almighty time travel powers? Me of all people?"

"Listen. You knowing about Elsa attacking the loot house, for me, was simply coincidental, maybe you even overheard at some point."

"..."

"But then at the mansion, you knew where items were, that you shouldn't have even known about. How would you, it was your first time in the mansion. Your uneasiness while working there was noticeable as well, what would you be scared of that that it made you act that way?"

"I…"

"Then the Wolgarm Incident, you seemed to know about the curse inflicting you before anything. How? How did you figure out you were cursed Subaru? That wasn't a guess or an assumption...you knew."

"Not true….that isn't-"

"And now you know about two separate attacks, one by a giant monster, who you've never seen before and the Witch's Cult, a group you claimed is already near the mansion. Again, Subaru...how? How did you find this out? Either you are working with them.."

"Do you honestly think I would-"

"Or you have seen it all before?"

Subaru became quiet and still, after hearing it. He looked down at the ground as Batman put a hand on his shoulder.

"You don't have to say anything. If you could, you would have told us before."

Subaru hung his head low, only to be surprised by half hug by Batman.

"It's alright son. You're gonna be okay."

"..."

"Can you tell me anything else about it?"

"No..."

"...Alright then. But just know something Subaru, you are not alone in this."

Subaru started to weep as he heard this. For the first time since he came into the new world, someone understood, even if only a little, some of the pain he had to go through since he arrived.

Seeing this, Batman decided not to question him further, hoping that someday he'd explain to him properly.

But in the back of his mind he worried about a single thought.

"If I figured this out….so did Roswaal."

The next morning, Subaru and Batman had to select the Ground Dragons they would use in the ensuing battle. Batman decided to pick a simple grey blue one with red eyes. The Dragon tilted its head at Batman as he softly patted it on it's neck.

"For now, I'll call him Zorro."

The dragon wagged it's tail, seemingly liking the name he had chosen for it.

Subaru picked a black one with yellow eyes that seemed to have an interest in him.

"This one Ferris, it's love at first sight."

"Okay! But don't say it like that, Ferris can see Rem-chan pouting hearing you say that."

Rem actually pouted at this statement.

"Rem is not, Rem can be nice to it!"

Rem intensely gazed at the ground dragon, now called Patrasche, and it was as if sparks flew between the two.

Batman and Zorro could only shrug their shoulders at the sight of it.

After a boisterous meeting between Crusch and her followers. There they met more allies including a large demi-human named Ricardo.

"Oho! So you're the one who started this whole gig?"

"Are...are you with Anastasia's group?"

"Yup, names Ricardo good to meet you. You too little lady."

But it was when he caught a glimpse of Batman that he stopped and smiled at him.

"Oh...so you're the one my lady was talking about, the one beat Julius, right?"

"...in a manner of speaking."

"Hahaha! Well, you do seem like a tough one. Nice to meet ya, Batman, right?"

"Yes, pleasure."

The two shook hands, but Batman noticed that Ricardo's grip was very rough.

"..."

"When this is all over, how about we go a few rounds?"

"We have to be both alive for that to happen."

Ricardo let out a cheerful laugh and patted him in the back as he left, catching up with Anastasia.

Batman shrugged his shoulders as he met up with Rem and Subaru.

"And what was the plan we were coming up with?"

"Simple. We need the Batwing in this fight."

"But you're saying that this thing produces a fog that interferes with my signal?"

"Yup, we need you to go around the area and summon the Batwing and meet up with us later."

"Hmmmm...alright I'll leave now, hopefully by tonight I'll catch up with the rest of you."

"Alright! We've got a game plan."

The three seemed hopeful that their plan would fall into place. Batman quickly mounted himself on his new ground dragon and left to get the Batwing.

Later, Subaru and Rem were on the way to the Flugel Tree when Subaru heard something.

"Come in Subaru!"

Subaru clicked into his ear to activate the comm link Batman gave him before he left.

"Batman-san, this is Subaru. We're on the way to the Flugel Tree."

"Good, you were right, the signal is weak, it'll take a bit more time to get into contact with the Batwing. But I'll race back as soon as I get it."

"Alright then sir."

"You two be careful until I get there."

"Okay, we'll see you then, over!"

"Be careful, over."

When Subaru ended his conversation, he looked around seeing all the nearby riders staring at him, confused about what seemed like utter madness. Subaru blushed madly at this, only for Rem to save him by explaining he was using another Metia he had in his possession.

It was nighttime, Rem and Subaru were talking about the coming battle when Rem explained her belief in his abilities, and claimed that she had complete faith in him.

"Rem…"

"Yes?"

"I told you, I love Emilia..."

"Yes...you did."

"But…"

He got close to her and looked deep into her eyes.

"But whenever I look at you, my heart flutters."

"Subaru-kun…"

"I just don't know Rem, I guess I like you."

"...Rem doesn't mind being your second wife."

"...I'll talk to Emilia about it, if she's okay with it."

"Yes, Rem will do her best as well."

Rem smiled elegantly at Subaru, getting closer to him, enough to hold his hand…

"Ahem."

Subaru trembled when he heard a voice coming from the Comm link.

"B-Batman, did you listen in on this?"

"...How romantic."

Subaru and Rem blushed madly as they found out the truth.

Later, before things were put into motion, they spoke with Wilhelm about his own purpose in this fight. He was fighting to avenge his own wife, Theresia Van Astrea, the previous Sword Saint, who was killed by the White Whale. He had been tracking it for years now, and with Subaru's help, he had finally found it.

"Thank you Subaru-dono. With this, I may very well visit my wife's grave with my restored honor."

"Don't just thank me, I really didn't do much! But still, I'll do everything I can to help you take this bastard down."

Wilhelm shared a friendly fist bump as everyone moved to prepare for the ensuing battle.

The time came but Rem and Subaru noticed Batman was still nowhere to be seen. They ignored this as they heard Subaru's phone alarm go off.

The White Whale was to show up.

Everyone searched around them for any sign of the monster. But it was Rem who noticed that Subaru was not looking around them but above them.

"There it is…"

Rem saw Subaru narrow his eyes and looked in the same direction his eyes were directed at. There she saw the moon, and a large figure flying towards them. Soon everyone saw it and realized what it was. The White Whale came close, as it flew right above them all, roaring as it did. Crusch was about to give the order to strike but…

"Let him have it!"

"Al Huma!"

Patrasche sped off with Subaru and Rem mounted on top, Rem fired her ice magic at the beast, hitting its underbelly. Crusch and the others were shocked by this act of bravery as they could only see Subaru look back at them and raise his fist high into the air.

"Everyone! Follows those two fools into battle!"

The entire army charged forward. Magical cannons fired their beams at the side of the Whale, it roared loudly at the impacts. Another cannon fired the Night-banisher spell high into the air, making the night sky as bright as daylight. The entire military bombarded it with fire blasts and even more magical beams. Some soldiers flung flails and even spears at the beast.

Finally, Wilhelm leapt into the fray and jumped onto the White Whale, he sliced into the monster with rapid slices all around the giant creature. Then he was knocked off, only to be caught by his trusty ground dragon. Subaru decided to lead it away from Wilhelm.

"Let's go Rem!"

"Yes!"

The White Whale followed them for awhile as it was suddenly sliced by a powerful green wind slash. Below it was Crusch who used her Hundred Man Sword Strike on the creature, instantly grabbing its enraged attention. It released a massive roar at another group of soldiers blowing them away as it charged right at her. Then it was hit on the side by Mimi and Hetaro's sonic blasts. The attack was quickly followed up by Anastasia's Fang of Iron mercenary group, who attacked from the side. They hacked away at it while Crusch went around and used more of her Sword Strike to injure the beast more.

The White Whale became angry and released a huge shockwave around itself and sent people flying away. The White Whale then tried to continue towards Subaru, but Wilhelm was flung into the air by Ricardo and was able slice away more of the White Whale. Finally he reached it's left eye and actually cut it out. The Whale screamed in pain, as Wilhelm fell back to the ground near Subaru. Lifting up the eye with his sword, he stared back at the beast, nearly drenched in blood.

"Pathetic."

Just then, they all noticed the Whale's remaining eye turned blood red and a humongous humming sound was coming out of the White Whale. Immediately, the White Whale let out a powerful roar that made everyone wince in pain, even Ricardo and Wilhelm.

Then it stopped...just as a powerful fog exploded out of the White Whale.

The entire area was now encased in fog as Subaru and Rem were trying to regroup with everyone. In the distance they could hear the death cries of many of their comrades as they were picked off by the White Whale. Subaru and the other survivors later regrouped as they tried to figure out how to escape from the fog.

They then heard a loud high pitched scream all around them, soon after many soldiers fell into a state of madness. Even Rem clutched her head in pain.

"Rem! What is this?!"

"It's like Mana Intoxication, but even worse!"

"Wait, so is it like Scarecrow's Fear Toxin?"

"No...hah...hah...it doesn't seem to be as strong as that, fortunately."

Subaru realized he needed to give the healers all the time they needed, so he raced off with Rem to catch the Whale's attention.

He then did the only thing he could.

"I can Return by-!"

Just then he felt the pain in his chest as usual...but he also heard something…

"-ve you."

Subaru panted as he returned back to normal.

"Well Rem? Do I smell?"

"Yes! You stink!"

"That's the answer I wanted, but did you have to say it like that?"

The White Whale followed them in the thick of the fog. But it suddenly appeared next to them again, they dodged it thanks to the quick assistance of Wilhelm and Ricardo.

Mimi and Hetaro also appeared letting out their sonic scream and sending the White Whale away. Wilhelm kept slicing into the White Whale alongside Ricardo.

"This is actually getting exciting ya know?!"

"Still, to believe that a mere beast such as this took out my wife. I don't think it was possible."

The White Whale moved around as it forced both men to fly off the White Whale. Wilhelm took the chance to slice off it's tail as his ground dragon caught him.

"Wilhelm-san!"

"Be on guard! It's still somewhere around here."

They all stopped as they searched around the area to see where it would attack from.

That's when Subaru looked up and saw the massive cloud of fog falling towards them.

"THE FOG IS COMING DOWN! RUN!"

They all attempted to scatter away, but the force of the blast sent all of them flying away.

Wilhelm fell down hard, next to a stray flower. He looked at it, remembering something from his somber past…

"GET OUT OF THERE!"

Wilhelm was too late to react, as he swallowed up by the White Whale.

Subaru could only stare in utter shock, before he heard a voice yell out to him.

"WE GOT TROUBLE!"

Subaru was knocked away by Ricardo from a fin of the White Whale and caught by Rem. Sadly, they saw Ricardo on the ground covered in a fountain of blood.

Above them, they saw the White Whale flying around them, as if swimming through the sky. Subaru stood up in the grassy field as he stared up in horror at what else he saw.

"This can't be happening…"

Above him were three White Whales flying above them, letting out an almost victorious roar.

Subaru simply stared as the White Whales circled around them, the light purple light's from their backs being the only light seen as the Night-Banisher was now gone. Many soldiers around them fell to their knees and simply had the expression that they had given up.

Even Crusch was losing hope in surviving the fight.

Subaru looked over at Rem who had had a frightened look stuck on her face.

Then it dawned on him…

"I like it better when she is smiling instead."

Subaru smacked his cheeks as he got onto Patrasche again and grabbed Rem, carrying her bridal style.

"Subaru-kun?!"

"We're not giving up Rem! It doesn't suit us right? Not you, not me and not anyone else here!"

Subaru then allowed Rem to take the reins as they charged forward toward the White Whales.

The rest of the soldiers were doing their best to make it to the Flugel Tree, but many were picked off by the White Whales. Crusch did her best to stave off the Whales, but she was becoming exhausted and practically no one around her was helping.

She then saw Rem jump onto one of the Whales and heard Subaru scream out.

"Keep it up Rem! If we get him out before it swallows him, we may be able to save him!"

Rem continued attacking with her Morningstar with all her might, but the Whale continued to Subaru when it smelled him.

"The only one who is allowed to sniff Subaru-kun is REM!"

She hit it several times but it kept moving forward, Subaru was able to escape death thanks to the quick movements of Patrasche.

Subaru saw another Whale heading straight towards him from the side, ready to fire a Fog of Elimination at him.

But he was saved in the nick of time by Mimi and Hetaro, firing away the Fog with their Sonic Scream. He was even able to hear the good news that Ricardo survived the encounter earlier and was taken to Ferris.

A comment made by Ricardo made him realize something very important.

"When we attacked it, it seemed lighter and weaker than before! We must be tiring it out."

"So that's it!"

Then he saw movement in the White Whale's side. Rem saw it as well and attacked it, Mimi and Hetaro assisting in opening a small hole in its side. From that hole a hand emerged.

Wilhelm let out a pained scream as he fell back down to the ground. Subaru caught him in the air and laid him down on the ground.

"Wilhelm-san!"

"...Too careless."

He fell into unconsciousness, at the moment Subaru asked the two Pearlbaton siblings to take him to Ferris.

As he walked away, they asked he what he was going to do...only to see him look over to the right of him and smile. Rem questioned this...only to hear a very familiar sound.

"Rem!"

"Subaru-kun!"

"Yup. It's time to bring this fight to it's climax!"

Subaru got back on Patrasche with Rem taking the reins, as he held out a fist and screamed as loud as he could.

"Everyone! Let's do this! This fight is reaching the final round! Urah!"

"Subaru-kun?"

"Come on Rem, join me okay?"

"...Yes!"

She smiled as they both raised their fist into the air, while Patrasche stuck out her head high.

They let out a proud vibrant battle cry as the Batwing flew over them.

The Batwing flew towards one of the Whales as it unloaded a flurry of bullets against it. The Whale screamed in pain and tried to hit with a blast of fog, but it flew down under the blast and fired a missile under its belly. As it went under him the missile exploded behind him, making the Whale flinch in pain. The Batwing turned to its side quickly and fired two missiles at another Whales face. Blinded the Whale moved around erratically, as it too was also hit by a flurry of bullets.

The Batwing turned away and flew over Crusch and the others who were near the Flugel Tree. Everyone stared in shock at the mysterious thing that arrived and battled the White Whales. As the Batwing flew over them they heard a voice come out of it.

"Everyone take the injured out of here. It's too dangerous at the moment, the rest of us will keep the White Whale busy."

They could not believe it was now talking to them, though luckily Crusch and Ferris instantly recognized the voice.

"Batman?!"

The soldiers reacted with instant shock at who was inside the mysterious object they were looking at.

"Batman? Is that really him?" "What is that thing?" "Where is he? Is he inside it?" "Is that thing a Metia? No. It doesn't look like one I've ever seen!"

The Batwing flew away from them and raced towards to two White Whales heading for the Flugel Tree. He got as close as he could, then did a barrel roll away from them, even releasing two missiles at them. The blasts clearly wounded the White Whales as they changed direction and even started chasing after the Batwing. The Batwing went fast into the air, before turning around and actually firing more bullets at the White Whales chasing him. He passed through them and aimed his attention to one that seemed to be staying out of the fight. It was higher up so it glared down at the Batwing, sending down a shockwave as it roared.

The Batwing flew away from it and fired a anti-tank round into the side of the Whale, it screamed in sheer pain and writhed it's body around in the air. The Batwing then flew down and fired two more anti tank rounds at the two other White Whales, making them move erratically away. The Batwing shifted to the side and fired a spray of bullets at the Whales, before one turned and hit the side of the Batwing with a Fog blast.

"Damn!"

The Batwing began malfunctioning, so Bruce decided to land it. But not before firing several flash explosions at the Whales, preoccupying them as he got to safety.

He landed in a clearing near where Subaru and Crusch seemed to be discussing something. They covered their faces as the winds from the jets of the Batwing blew debris and grass everywhere. Batman leapt down and checked the damage to his trusty aircraft.

"Not too serious...but I just don't have time to fix this!"

The others caught up with Batman as he moved away from the Batwing.

"Batman-san!"

"Subaru! Rem! Glad to see you're both okay!"

"Yeah, but the Batwing?!"

"No good, some circuits got cut, I need some time to replace them, and right now time is the one thing we don't have."

"Well we came up with a plan to take care of these bastards. Wanna hear it?"

"Go for it."

Subaru revealed to Batman that two of the Whales are copies of the original one, flying above them, watching the fight from a safe distance.

"So you want to get it's attention?"

"Yup, but my idea of getting its attention...is well…"

"Crazy. Suicidal. Nonsensical. Crazy."

"You already said the last one!"

The two slightly chuckled as Batman gave a hard pat on Subaru's back.

"They may be crazy Subaru, but your plans have a habit of working out. So let's do it."

"Yes!"

It was decided that Subaru and Rem would go after the original while everyone else took care of the copies.

Batman activated a door under the Batwing and lowered a large cube that was inside it. He then placed his hand on a scanner, making a door slide open in the cube. Batman entered it, this brought the curiosity of several nearby soldiers who came closer to observe it.

Then two bright blue lights came from the cube, and a large mechanical hand grasped the outside. The soldiers backed away in fright as a large metal figure, easily ten feet tall exited out.

A machine that took five years to built. A weapon that costs more than sixty percent of his world's countries spend on their military. A tool designed to wage war with anyone, even the Justice League.

THE JUSTICE BUSTER.

"Let's go."

The Justice Buster suit quickly fired its jet exhausts and charged at one of the White Whales. He could see Crusch and many other soldiers charging at it. But before they could even strike the beast they turned their attention to the Justice Buster charging right at the White Whale.

Crusch could only gasp at the sight.

"What is that?!"

Then, the Justice Buster connected a massive punch to the side of the White Whales face. Six of its huge teeth flew out of it's mouth, it's right eye was popping out of it's socket and it's cheeks caved in. The Whale then flew several yards away, the punch made a massive shockwave that sent debris flying everywhere.

Crusch and the others could only stare in shock at how strong the thing in front of them was, with just one punch it sent the White Whale flying.

"Everyone. Help me take care of this one here!"

Crusch and the others recognized the voice belonging to the Batman.

"Batman? Is that really you?!"

"Yes! Now hurry, it's coming right at us!"

The Whale roared at them in a fury as it charged forward. Crusch used her Sword Strike to wound it further, while several Fang of Iron members latched onto its side and proceeded to stab it. The Whale released another shockwave, knocking them all away. It then used it's Fog of Elimination to erase several people, before turning its attention back to Crusch.

Crusch prepared to swing her sword at the Whale as it narrowed its eyes at her. Crusch then let out a proud yell as she focused all her strength into her sword. The Whale prepared to fire a blast of fog at them all.

"Here is a gift from Gotham, you son of a bitch!"

The Justice Buster then swung it's fist, now encased in a plasma shield and struck the side of the whale.

A sea of blood spewed out the other side of it, covering the nearby land. The Whale simply trembled for a bit before it laid on the ground and convulsed it's entire body. It could not roar, let alone whimper as it simply laid there with a giant hole in it's side.

Everyone could only stare in pure disbelief at what they had just witnessed. One of the White Whales had been completely defeated.

"Quick! Harpoon it down! I'm going after the other one!"

The Justice Buster sped off and made it's way to the other Whale. Before he could reach it he saw Subaru free falling, as the original White Whale chased after him.

Rem caught him with her chain and got him back on their ground dragon, her chest caressing his face.

"Thanks for saving me!"

"No, thank you for the treat!"

"Wait, what-?"

They had no time to talk as they saw The Whale was now on the ground chasing them down. Subaru smiled at this as he screamed out in a victorious manner.

"Eat this you bastard!"

The Flugel Tree soon exploded in half as it began to fall over, right above the White Whale. The tree crushed the Whale, but the resulting shockwave sent Subaru, Rem and many others flying away. The Justice Buster put up a plasma shield to protect himself and several others from the resulting air pressure.

After a few moments the fog cleared up and the Whale was pinned to the ground by the great tree. Emerging from the dust, was a newly recovered Wilhelm.

He sliced and stabbed into the now trapped beast.

Every slice brought a memory into his mind of his wife.

The day they first met.

The flowers they would gaze at.

The day she saved him during the Demi-Human Civil War.

The small fight they had afterwards.

The moment he defeated her in a sword fight and when he professed his love to her.

Their marriage.

Their son.

Her very last day with him...before she went off to battle the White Whale.

After so many slices, he raised his sword high into the air and spoke softly at the near dead beast.

"Sleep. For all eternity."

He stabbed it one last time in it's head...and with that the White Whale let out one last breath and shut its last remaining eye closed. It's clones disappearing into mist.

Wilhelm Van Astrea looked up at the early morning sky and proclaimed loudly.

"Theresia. It is over. I...I...I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART!"

Crusch stood before everyone who could see her and proclaimed.

"The White Whale, scourge of humanity for the last four hundred years, has been defeated! By the sword of Wilhelm Van Astrea!"

Everyone let out cheers and applause, some even cried of joy at their victory.

The Justice Buster moved over to Subaru and Rem who seemed to still be on the ground when his sensors heard something.

"Can you please say I love you?"

"...I love you. Isn't that obvious? If you're not with me I can't live on."

"Ahhh...I'm so happy."

"No Rem wait…"

"I love you so much...Subaru-kun."

"Don't fuck with me here! Stay by my side Rem!"

"Can...Rem stay by your side?"

"...The answer is obvious isn't it? I won't let you go to anyone else's side!"

"S-S-Subaru-kun…"

Subaru brought his face closer to hers and spoke with affection in his voice.

"You are mine...I won't let anyone else have you."

"Proposal accepted!"

Subaru almost flew back as Rem sat back up, realizing too late that she was feigning her death to get him to be more honest with her.

"You sneaky little demon!"

"Yes, Rem is your little demon. And now Rem is to be by your side! You can't take it back."

"Geez, Rem…"

They soon had their foreheads together as they smiled happily, it seemed as though they were going to do something else...but..

"Isn't that enyagh you two?"

They saw Ferris standing next to the Justice Buster watching them.

Subaru berated Ferris for watching them so sinfully, making Ferris laugh at him for being so nervous about it.

"And you Batman-san?! W-W-What do you have to say for yourself?"

The Justice Buster simply stood there, staring at the two. Before it gave them a thumbs up.

"AND JUST WHAT KIND OF RESPONSE IS THAT?!"

Subaru calmed down when he saw Rem smiling. The trio looking out at the beautiful sky that graced their victory.

It was now several minutes after the battle and everyone was preparing to leave in the two teams.

One back to the capital, for the wounded and to take the White Whale's head with them.

The other, to help Subaru and Batman combat the Witch's Cult.

Crusch and Wilhelm finished a conversation with Subaru on allowing the soldiers and the Fangs of Iron to help him.

They saw Batman returning from the Batwing after returning the Justice Buster back to it's holding place.

"Oh, Crusch, Wilhelm, hello."

Crusch gave a polite bow, while Wilhelm got on one knee to him.

"Huh?"

"Batman-san, we wish to thank you for your help in the conquest of the White Whale."

"To be honest, I don't know if I deserve any credit for this, I came to the battle pretty late all things considering."

"True. But it was your actions that helped save more lives, as well as my own."

Wilhelm nodded in agreement as he looked up at Batman.

"You protected Crusch-sama from the Whale and gave ample time for many injured comrades a chance to recover, including myself. Thank you Batman-dono."

"...It's nothing, really."

"But!"

"Even if you were complete strangers I would have done the same thing, regardless. So you don't need to feel indebted to me, as long as Subaru and the rest of you are alive, everything is fine."

"...Thank you."

Wilhelm stood up and gave a firm handshake to the Dark Knight.

Crusch smiled as she also gave him a handshake.

"I guess I can be really jealous of Emilia for that reason alone."

"For what exactly?"

"She has two very brave men on her side, both of which are very interesting...to say the least."

"...Interesting way of putting it."

Crusch chuckled a bit as she waved him goodbye, ready to head back to the capital with the others.

Rem was saying goodbye to Subaru when she noticed Batman was walking towards them.

"Batman-san!"

"Rem, I heard you were heading to the capital, your injuries are too severe."

"Yes, Rem must leave Subaru-kun...even though Rem doesn't want to."

"Don't worry Rem, I'll take care of him."

"P-Promise?"

"Yes."

She then stuck out her pinky finger to him, with tears forming in her eyes.

"P-Pinky Promise. Subaru-kun said that this a kind of promise that you can't take back no matter what!"

"Oh yes, of course."

He then put out his pinky and they made the informal contract.

"I promise to take care of Subaru while you heal in the capital."

"Okay! Thank you Batman-san!"

He was then shocked by a surprise hug from Rem, her arms around his waist.

"Thank you Batman-san…"

"...Yeah."

He returned the hug as he made sure to hide the smile that formed on his face.

With that, the group had left to the capital. Subaru waved Rem goodbye, while Batman only raised his hand and stuck out his pinky finger.

Rem smiled as she waved them goodbye.

Batman and Subaru regrouped with their group, on the way Batman explained he did not feel comfortable in taking the Justice Buster with them, it's bulky nature would make it hard to move without the Batwing. So he left it behind and activated a cloaking device on the Batwing, until he could come back and fix it later.

The two met up with Ricardo, Mimi and other remaining Fangs of Iron members, as well as Ferris and Wilhelm, as they were prepared to discuss the mission ahead.

But Batman noticed that another group was coming towards them.

When they looked over, Mimi was excited to see that her other brother Tivey was coming, along with more Fang of Iron members. But they also saw someone that angered Subaru and surprised Batman.

"W...Why is he with them?"

"Oh, surprised to see him here too."

Ahead of them was Anastasia's knight Julius, riding a radiant blue ground dragon. His eyes slightly narrowing at the sight of them.

The battle against the White Whale was over, but the next one ahead, was already off to a rocky start.