AN: Awesome thanks to "OnePunchPlayer" for the chapter title. A winner is you!

And so...this is it.

ARC Seven: Quest of Sand and Memories

Chapter Fifty Seven: Awakening and Consequences

With her sky blue eyes opening, the first thing Rem saw as she woke up, was her beloved sister, Ram.

"Nee-sama?"

Ram's eyes trembled as she looked down. The memories flooded back into her mind…

Their birth.

The childhood they shared together.

The destruction of their home by the Witch's Cult.

The bygone days of their maid duties at the Roswaal Mansion.

The moment Rem showed she loved Subaru to her.

The training they both underwent under Batman's tutelage.

Then, the day that would be the last she would ever see her...when she left to the capital and never came back.

Ram's eyes began to tear up. Her voice whimpered as she softly caressed Rem's cheeks.

"Rem?"

"Nee-sama?"

Rem's voice sounded quite tired and she was struggling to move her aching body. Ram placed her forehead softly on Rem's own and could barely keep her eyes open, as water flooded out of them.

"What's wrong, Nee-sama? Why are-"

"-Rem! Rem! My little sister!"

Ram whimpered back these words in between painful sobs.

Rem could only look up, confused as ever, she had not even the slightest idea why Ram was crying.

"Nee-sama."

"My beautiful little sister. How could I ever forget you?! I love you so much! Rem! Reeeem…"

Rem held out a frail palm and gently cupped her older sister's cheek. Ram felt so happy and sad at the same time.

She felt an overwhelming happiness in having her little sister back after all this time.

However, she also felt the crushing pain...that for an entire year, she forgot Rem completely and would have been willing to sacrifice her for Roswaal's goals. She felt sickened by it.

Ram finally opened her eyes as she forced a smile for her concerned sister.

"I'm just so happy, to have you back finally."

"What do you mean by that?"

Rem titled her head as she clearly didn't understand.

"Rem, don't you remember what happened to you?"

"What happened to Rem?"

Rem tried to think about what it was that-

"Wait…"

Then the memories flooded back into her.

Her battle against Gluttony, Greed and Ivy. The vicious ordeal strained her already exhausted body and she recalled how she dodged an air slice by Regulus, then flipped away from a large vine that slammed the ground. And with that, Ley dashed next to her and touched her face with both hands...and he licked his palms.

After that, she woke up here. To Rem it was only a few seconds after the fight.

"But where are we Nee-sama? Where...where is the Witch's Cult?! Is the mansion all right and-"

Rem tried to get up, struggling in doing so. Ram quickly stopped her.

"No, you mustn't get up! Just relax and stay put, you've been through a lot."

"But Rem has to! Rem needs to see if...if Subaru-kun is alright."

"...I can assure you, that Barusu is doing just fine."

Rem was once again confused, but several shadows soon covered Rem's face.

She looked up and was happily surprised to see Emilia and Beatrice. Emilia was covering her mouth as she cried happily, while Beatrice was smiling down at Rem.

"Emilia-sama? Beatrice-sama? You're both okay!"

"Yes, nothing to worry about, I suppose."

Emilia wiped away her tears as she squatted down to speak with Rem. She smiled happily at Rem, as she began speaking one to one with her.

"Good to see you Rem."

"Rem is happy to see you as well Emilia-sama."

Then, Rem knew what to ask her.

"How did everything go in the mansion? Is everyone safe?"

"...Yes, thanks to Subaru and Batman-san, everyone was saved, we were so lucky to have them."

"Wow. They did it."

Rem smiled, with an air of pride knowing that the two she entrusted the safety of the mansion to, succeeded in doing so. Her Subaru had now become much more heroic than she realized.

She then remembered the other person she was looking at.

"Beatrice-sama? Why are you outside the mansion?"

"That has to do with what had occurred some time ago, I suppose."

"Huh?"

"Betty is now Natsuki Subaru's contracted spirit. Together, we have accomplished many great things together, I suppose"

Rem's eyes widened, realizing her hero now had a powerful spirit like Beatrice as his partner. Her expectations in seeing him, were only rising.

"Um, who are these people?"

She turned her attention to the others in the group whom she did not recognize.

Her attention first went to the purple haired knight and the cute girl that was next to him.

"Well Rem, the knight there is Julius, and next to him is Anastasia Hoshin."

"...! But wait, aren't they your rivals in the Royal Selection? And…."

She slightly glared at Julius.

"Didn't he hurt Subaru-kun?"

Julius lowered his posture, probably understanding why she would be quite upset with him.

"It's okay Rem. They didn't get along at first, but both Subaru and Batman-san are now friends with him."

"Really?"

"Yup. They helped each other a lot! He helped Subaru beat the Sin Archbishop and he went and teamed up with Garfiel to put an end to Scarecrow."

"Garfiel? Scarecrow?"

Rem was shocked to hear those familiar names, Emilia only nodded happily.

"Yeah, Garfiel left the Sanctuary and is now friends with all of us. And well, so are they…"

Emilia turned her head to the side, Rem followed and saw a young girl she seemed to recognize and a strange armored man.

"And they are…?"

"Um well, that's Meili and...Deathstroke...they came to help us."

"But...I feel like I recognize her-"

Rem then remembered the Ma-Beast incident she and Subaru worked together to stop. She clearly remembered the little girl Subaru had to save in the chaos of that night, and how she disappeared after everything was done.

"Hey there, Rem-onee san. If you recall, we last met during that mission I had in Irlham Village."

"Mission?"

"Mm. Yup, I was the one who sent those Ma-beast."

Rem trembled when she saw the nonchalant smile emerge from Meili's face, Emilia sighed seeing this and pointed at Deathstroke.

"And like I said, he's Deathstroke...he's an assassin who was sent to kill us all."

"What?!"

Rem once again tried to get up and gritted her teeth at the assassin's in front of her. This time it was Beatrice that helped keep her from going anywhere.

"There is no need for that, I suppose. They are no longer a threat."

"Nonsense! Rem won't allow people so dangerous to be near Nee-sama and Subaru-kun!"

"It's kind of late for that."

"What do you mean?"

"...When they attacked us, they were both defeated by our forces, I suppose. After that, in order to protect themselves from punishment by their organization, they were hired by us."

"They-They're employed at the mansion?!"

"Yes, Subaru and Emilia made the deal with them, so now those two reside in the mansion...and they came along with us to this tower, I suppose."

"Tower?"

Ram patted Rem's head, finally having had her cry, as she genuinely smiled at her sister.

"Rem, you won't believe it, we're in the Pleiades Watchtower."

"No way! But not even the Sword Saint could make it here!"

"Well...who do you think we had to help us instead?"

Batman then made his to the group as he slowly got on his knees and looked at Rem.

"Batman-san?!"

"Rem…"

"I'm so happy to see you're alright!"

Rem had small streaks of tears run down her left eye. She was overjoyed to see her friend to be alive and well, but she clearly noticed all the new scars on his face, as well as the fact that his Batsuit looked much more ruffed up and torn than before.

"You must have been through so much, haven't you?"

"...It was a lot to contend with for sure."

"But...I know that when you and Subaru-kun are together, you do the most amazing things."

"...I-I'm sorry."

"Huh?"

Batman clenched his hands together as he actually had tears begin leaking out of his eyes.

"I failed Rem. I couldn't save you...there was so many people I failed in saving. If I had just been more attentive, more focused...none of this would've happened. I should have had some sort of-"

"-Batman-san."

He then felt his right fist being lightly tapped, he looked down to see Rem smiling brilliantly at him.

"Batman-san did his best, you kept everyone safe. And that's what you should be focused on, not on the people you couldn't save...but the ones you did save."

"But…"

"No no. None of that. Rem believes that Batman-san is a great hero, so he shouldn't be so down. Okay?"

"...You really are something Rem."

She happily giggled, letting Batman finally relax.

"Um, Batman-san…"

"Yes?"

"Is that the woman who attacked me?"

Batman looked back and saw Pamela sitting on the ground as she hugged her knees.

"Although she is, Pamela was a real help to us all. Forgive her. She must have panicked facing you and two Sin Archbishops."

"...Well...If she helped Subaru-kun and Nee-sama, I can forgive her."

"Thanks."

Pamela looked down and gripped her knees harder.

"Well...um, where is Subaru-kun?"

Her face went bright red as she asked this...making Batman sigh loudly, but his face turned serious as he gave her a clear warning.

"Rem, before that happens...there is something you need to know."

"What is it?"

"...Your existence was eaten by Gluttony during that fight right?"

"I believe so...but-"

"-Rem...it has been a year since that fight."

Rem held her breath as she heard this. She just couldn't believe what she was hearing, that for almost an entire year she was slumbering away, while the world moved on.

"In that amount of time, a lot has changed, including Subaru."

"Subaru-kun has changed?"

"Yes...I need you to relax, alright Rem? It won't be easy to see his changes."

"Rem will do her best."

Rem's eyes were sparkling, in her mind she was imaging an even more handsome Subaru. She almost had steam coming out of her ears as she blushed madly.

Then, Batman motioned his head...Subaru made his way to Rem.

Rem looked up and….was dead quiet.

"...Subaru-kun?"

She saw the bandages that were now littering his face.

The strange eye he now had.

The cold metal hand that looked foreign to her.

He sat down next to her, his body was obviously trembling at this point. His eyes were fixed on Rem and nothing else. He slowly reached his hands over, as if to hug Rem...but she flinched when he got close. He instinctually stopped his hands...becoming afraid that Rem was scared of how he looked.

But his fears washed away as she intertwined her fingers with his. She smiled up at him…

"Subaru-kun...I'm back."

"...REM!"

He quickly pulled her body towards him and embraced her in a powerful, but affectionate hug. He buried his face into her shoulder as he began to cry her name over and over again. She couldn't help but cry back as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"It's okay Subaru-kun...Rem is here...Rem is here."

"Rem...thank God!"

The rest of the group watched on with happy expressions as they continued watching the tearful reunion.

A few minutes later, Deathstroke suggested that Rem and Subaru should be left alone to catch up. Ram was unwilling to comply.

"Not a chance! I want to stay with my sister."

"And you'll have the chance to do it, but why not let these two have their moment? Subaru has a lot tell her, about how things are anyways."

"...I just-"

"-Besides, out of everyone here...don't you think Subaru suffered the most?"

"...Honestly, you are such an infuriating man!"

"Whatever. Come on Red-head, just leave her be."

Rem seemed to pout at Deathstroke for being so rude to Ram, but Subaru quickly mentioned that Deathstroke gave nicknames to everyone he had little respect for, noting that he only called a handful of people by their actual names, based on seeing their strength.

Ram gave one last hug to Rem as she let Subaru hold on to her. He hugged her from behind as he gently patted her head...putting an air of romance between them.

Ram sneered at Subaru and made a "I'm watching you" motion with her fingers.

Emilia waved at them as she walked side by side with Beatrice outside to relax on the stairs.

Batman and Julius also sat on the steps as they looked out to the Augria Sand Dunes….as the topic of Batman's world came up again.

With that, everyone was gone...including Pamela, who was utterly silent throughout the reunion.

Now alone, Rem asked Subaru…

"Please Subaru-kun, tell Rem what has happened since I've been asleep. Including what happened to your eye and hand."

She slowly rubbed her palm on his metal hand...making him blush; in response, Rem laughed at seeing this.

So Subaru told her everything.

The defeat of Petelgeuse.

Them finding Rem and Pamela.

The hiring of Petra; and Frederica returning to the mansion.

Otto and Garfiel joining the group.

The freeing of the Sanctuary, and the battle against the Death Trio.

The death of the Sizable Hare.

Roswaal's sinister involvement with everything.

The destruction of the mansion.

Batman's and Deathstroke's training regiments.

Batman becoming the Light and Subaru officially becoming Emilia's knight.

Frederica's obvious flirting with Batman.

The journey to Priestella.

The battle that occurred there against the Witch's Cult.

The deaths of Regulus, Roy, Scarecrow and Sirius.

Grodd's invasion.

Subaru losing his hand and eye during the battles.

The eventual journey to the Pleiades Watchtower.

The Sand Time conquest.

The trials in the tower; Reid and Joker.

And of course; the fact that Batman, Deathstroke and Pamela were from another world. While Subaru himself was from a different one as well.

Rem sat there silently absorbing everything she had just heard.

She was proud of everyone for their accomplishments and feats.

She was sad that she wasn't there to protect Subaru, and prevent the injuries he sustained.

She was seething with rage towards the Witch's Cult and the trouble they caused...and at her master, for nearly getting everyone she loved killed...she promised to speak with him directly on the matter.

She was also dumbfounded to learn...that the man she loved, and the friend who she respected...were from other worlds. This was something beyond her scope of understanding.

"So...Subaru-kun is not from this world…?"

She knew Subaru was strange in his mannerisms and the knowledge he had. And she always felt that Batman dressed strangely and had weapons she had never seen before.

She always wondered about it...and now she had her answers.

"And Batman-san wants to find a way home?"

"Yeah, we think this Watchtower might hold the key to getting him back home."

"So...if he does find it, he'll leave us."

Rem got anxious about the possibility of never seeing her friend again, but she knew it was something he earned after everything he had was to accomplish.

"Rem thinks Batman-san deserves to go home. Rem would miss him terribly, but it is understandable to reward him for his efforts."

"Hahaha, gosh, you're right! He has been through so much with us, I think we can finally pay him back with this."

The two had a good chuckle about it, then they stared at each other for a good solid minute. They didn't speak, they just stared.

The two of them enjoyed the company the other.

"Um, Subaru-kun…"

"Y-Yes?"

"Please stop staring at Rem...Rem is a little embarrassed by it."

She blushed madly at him, making him look away and blush as well.

Rem took a breath and smiled.

"Subaru-kun has really become a great hero. Rem knew he would."

"When I work as fanatically as I do, it was bound to happen I guess."

"...Yes, of course."

She nodded happily with him, then she finally turned around and put her hands on his chest.

"Well Subaru-kun...Batman has his reward, so um...well…"

"What's up?"

"Um….does...does Subaru-kun want a reward too?"

Subaru seemed confused by her suggestion, but noticed she put on a cute brave face.

"N-Nah, having you back is more than enough Rem. Really!"

"Hmmmm…"

Rem put on a doubtful look, it made Subaru's cheek turn bright pink, so he used the cold feeling of his metallic hand to rub the back of his head. Hopefully to sober him up.

"Subaru-kun."

"Y-Yes?"

"Then Rem would like a reward instead!"

"Uh-Um, why's that-OW!"

Rem then pinched his cheeks harshly as she frowned at him.

"Because Subaru-kun took so much time to find a way to bring Rem back! Rem thinks you were having too much fun with Emilia-sama and the others to worry about me."

She pouted away from him for a moment.

"Ouch ouch! No, it just took us a long while to find a way to save you! Ow! Ow! I swear!"

Subaru's face turned serious as he looked down at Rem and brought his face closer to hers.

"Didn't I tell you...I-I love you."

"Subaru-kun."

"I know it's wrong and unfair to say that, especially since I confessed to Emilia too, but, I know what I feel towards you. So it pained me so much, to be the only one to remember you...so I was the one who most wanted to bring you back! No matter what!"

Rem relaxed and let go of his cheek, but then put on her own serious face.

"Then let Rem have her reward."

"...Okay. On account of your hero being so late on his rescue, you can ask of him anything. My life? It's yours! A finger? Take it! The moon? I'll probably get it. My heart? Well...you got a good chunk of it already, but regardless of that! Anything Rem. Anything...and you're hero will do it.

Rem giggled a bit at hearing Subaru's exaggerated words.

"Then...Rem'll have this."

"Ah-"

Subaru's entire being stopped as he recognized this feeling. This warm sensation of life surging through his being. It made his heart race...and he knew exactly what it was.

"Mmh."

"Mmmh."

Rem was kissing him.

Her soft lips pressed against his own, she had her eyes shut. Seeing this. Feeling this. Subaru decided to place his normal hand softly on the back of her head. Their teeth smacked together...then Subaru felt something odd. His teeth could feel something squishy and soft pressing against him. He was unsure of what it was, so he decided to brave through it and open his teeth.

He quickly realized what it was.

Rem was giving him his first deep kiss.

He was nervous and didn't know exactly what to do, but even so, he couldn't help but also go along with it. It felt good and he wanted to at least do this for Rem.

.

.

.

.

Their lips separated as the two left a trail of saliva between them.

The two of them felt like they had just been in a new state of pleasure…

"Subaru-kun."

"Yes, Rem?"

Rem smiled at him as she cupped his cheeks and gave him a beautiful smile.

"Subaru-kun, even though Rem knows you still love Emilia-sama, and that she took your first kiss...Rem is still in love with you."

"...!"

"Rem will always be by your side. Remember, we made our promise?"

"Of course! How could I forget that?"

"Besides-"

She then pressed her thumb on his lips and winked at him.

"-Even though it's my first kiss, it's Subaru-kun's first real 'Adult' kiss...and you technically proposed to me first. Right?"

"...Hehehe, your are a real demon when it comes to love huh?"

"Yes. Rem is fanatical like her hero."

Subaru and Rem hugged each other.

Subaru wasn't sure if he could convince Emilia in letting him also marry Rem when the time came.

Rem wasn't sure if Ram would be happy with her decision in staying with Subaru.

But for now, the two only cared about each other and the were looking to the future with nothing but smiles and laughs.

Unbeknownst to Subaru and Rem...they had been watched by pretty much everyone.

Batman and Julius breathed large sighs of concern for the young man and the shaky path he was taking.

Deathstroke and Meili were quite surprised by what they had seen.

Ram was quiet as she narrowed her eyes at Subaru, clenching her fist, as powerful vortex surrounded her.

Anastasia was giggling away.

Pamela tilted her head at the event in question….but turned her attention to the two girls next to her.

Beatrice was smiling for Subaru, having a person so important to him come back, she was glad to see him so happy.

Emilia was smiling at them, but in her own thoughts, she felt slightly jealousy. She was fine with sharing Subaru, she was not a greedy person...but she felt a little nervous about it.

"Guess Subaru was right...we'll have to share him equally. I'll have to work hard on it!"

She quietly giggled at the idea of Subaru being shared by everyone to the point of exhaustion...then it hit her.

Soon...Batman was going to leave.

She wasn't sure if she was ready for it. She had known him for quite some time, and she grew to like him like a sibling. However she could see how he desperately wanted to get back and she promised to help him, so Emilia knew that their time was short.

Subaru saw that Rem was still having trouble getting up, so he decided to carry her to the wheelchair, bridal style. She of course got embarrassed and hid her face into his chest. Subaru couldn't help but laugh at this.

Everyone soon met up and Rem introduced herself.

"Hello everyone, I am Rem. Proud member of the Emilia Faction and maid to the Roswaal Estate. Nice to meet you all."

"Courteous isn't she?"

Deathstroke nonchalantly twirled his fingers as he said this. Rem seemed a little annoyed with his attitude.

Ram quickly jabbed him in the side and got to push her sisters wheelchair in place of Subaru. Julius was now staring at the large door that was in front of them.

"Now then, is it assumed that the door in front of us is where the more difficult wishes must be made."

"This is the zero layer, so in usual video games, this would be the place where we get the grand prize."

"Video-games?"

"Ah, nothin' just another phrase from my own world."

Julius seemed a little confused by it, but Subaru's words were ignored, and they decided to open the door. As it swung open, they saw a long hallway with a beautiful mosaic door at the end of it.

On the way there, Subaru decided to speak with Emilia.

"Hey Emilia, are you...alright with this?"

"...To tell you the truth, I was really surprised that Rem actually loved you the same way you told me. She seemed sooooo enamored with you."

"Well...I wouldn't be able to lie and say I didn't feel mutual about it-"

"-But!"

Subaru looked over and saw that Emilia gave a quick wink at Subaru.

"I did give you your first kiss and we've through a lot more right?"

"Um, well yes."

"Hehehehe!"

She smiled as she took Subaru's normal hand, Beatrice taking the other one.

"Beako."

"Betty is alright with Subaru being in love with...R-Rem. However, unlike her, I am the closest to your heart and soul, so there is no beating that, I suppose."

"Being cute as usual I see."

Subaru smiled down at her, making the spirit clutch her staff tighter and blush at his compliment.

Rem glanced back and nodded. She put on a determined face, as she vowed to get closer to him, to make up for the time lost. Her older sister Ram could only sigh at this.

Batman caught up with Pamela. She was hugging her shoulders, seemingly troubled by something.

"Pamela?"

"...leave me alone."

"So your memories are back?"

Pamela turned her head to look up at Batman her eyes were wavering.

"Yeah, no shit they came back."

"So, what's wrong?"

"I...I am chosen by the Green, to be the protector of nature itself. Humanity is a scourge in the world and I have always tried to find a way to get rid of them."

"..."

"That has always been my mission. Always. So why….?"

"...?"

"WHY AM I FALTERING SO MUCH?"

Batman could see Pamela bite her lips, trying to keep herself from crying.

"I hate this! These new memories of mine, they're a nuisance to me. I don't need them! They'll get in the way-"

"-Because you finally care about someone else?"

"...It's not fair. Now that I met Crusch, Ferris, Wilhelm, Otto and the others….I honestly don't think I could anything to them. Damn it! How could I let this happen?"

"...Having some humanity isn't a bad thing you know-"

She suddenly turned and poked him harshly on the chest, her eyes glaring at him.

"-Like I want to hear that from someone who let Harley get killed!"

"...!"

Pamela realized how unfair she was being...so she turned back and marched forward. Even as everyone stared at them, clearly knowing Pamela was having some sort of trouble. She ontinued speaking with him even as she walked away.

"Batman...if we do find a way back, I want to go with you."

"Surprising to see you so willing to leave."

"This world has a much more deeper appreciation for nature, so I see no need for my presence here."

"And?"

"...I don't want Crusch and the others to see who I really am."

She continued walking away, with the others not far behind.

They finally made it to the door, Shaula now making her way through the group. She placed her palm on the door. Ram told he rthat the person in front of them was the Sage of the twower, further suprising Rem.

"Sail the open stars, reach that which holds the world together and see the truth of everything."

The door soon slowly opened in two...there they saw a large light in front of them.

"Holy crap! What the hell is that?!"

"Subaru…"

"Batman-san?"

"It's-it's a star!"

In front of them a large luminous sphere of white plasma. It was being held by a sort of podium that wrapped around the edges. It almost looked like the top of a chandelier.

Subaru and the others were mesmerized at the sight. Batman himself was surprised that there was no gravity interference in being so close to it, nor were they being burnt by it or anything. He deduced the structure holding it in place was preventing this. Shaula stepped next to it with her hands on hip, with Meili still hanging on her shoulder.

"Why is there a star here?"

"Well, it's actually something my sensei made."

"You're master made this?"

"Yup, stars are just excess mana that is clumped together and stuck in space."

"So you're saying the sun itself is a clump of mana?"

"Well, that one is pure mana of fire...so it'd be a bad idea to go near it."

"Right...so the rules of this world are still completely different."

Batman sighed, but it was Deathstroke who asked the next question.

"Tell me then, is this where we can make our wishes and shit?"

"Yeah, this star is the power source for it...so we can use it to complete the tasks."

"Cool."

Julius stepped forward and decided to ask for his wish.

"Please return all the victims of Gluttony to their rightful states. Please!"

The star shined a tad. Then they felt the tower shake.

Suddenly, countless books from the Corridor of Memories shot over them and circled around the star. The books then stopped as they just floated around the star. A high pitched noise soon followed and the books flung open, followed by a bright light.

When their vision came back to them all the books flying back the way they came from...but suspiciously...Subaru could've sworn Anastasia was quickly flipping through one of the books. When she saw Subaru, she quickly let it go and it flew away.

She put on a smile as she made her way to the star.

"Well, can we separate Ana from myself?"

The star pulsated and streams of light reached over and began entering her body...but as they did Batman raised his brows as he saw Eridna was whispering something to the star.

Another flash of light later, Anastasia clutched her head, making Julius run over to her.

"Anastatia-sama?! Are you well?!"

"...Julius, what's going on? Weren't we in the city just earlier?"

"...I will explain everything in due time. Other than that, I am so glad to see you well."

Julius bowed to her in his usual manner, making Anastasia giggle as she patted him on the his shoulder.

That's when she noticed it…

"M-My scarf?! Echidna...where is she?!"

Everyone glanced around and realized that it was true, her usual white fox scarf was now gone. And Echidna was nowhere to be seen.

Deathstroke cautiously glanced around holding Meili close to him.

"That fucking spirit! What did she do?!"

"...I think she made a secret wish to the star."

"...! And just what would she ask for?!"

"...For now, we need to focus on this situation."

He pointed at the star and everyone saw that it had gotten smaller than before. Pamela glanced over at Batman as she saw this too.

"Are the wishes making it decrease in size?!"

"Most likely, so we need to prioritize our most important wishes."

He walked over and stared at the star.

"Is there a way to save the victims of Capella?"

A voice rang out that sounded like all of them speaking in unison.

"The key to their salvation lies in the one whose sin rests in the desires of the body."

"So we need Capella to change them back?"

"Or…"

"...?"

"...You need to find one, whose capabilities are higher than theirs."

"...So we need to find Lust, or a person who could outshine her transforming abilities?"

Batman nodded and figured he could find some people in his world who could help.

And finally…

"We are not from this world, can you help us three find a way home?"

The star pulsated...then it shrunk to the point where it was the size of a sedan.

Then the very space in front of Batman started to break like glass. Until finally, it shattered open, leaving a space large enough for a city's worth of people to walk through.

Shaula was surprised to see something like this...since she hadn't seen it in a long time.

Emilia and Beatrice held onto Subaru.

They then heard strange noises come out of the tear...except to Subaru and the other worlders.

Car horns.

Airplane engines.

Modern music.

They could see in the dark void, foggy images of his actual world.

Buildings that were unrecognizable.

Flying metal wings.

And...a large metal structure in space.

"I did it...finally…"

Batman clenched his fists and smiled at it all.

"I can finally go home."

Batman, Deathstroke and Pamela were standing in front of the group. Deathstroke made it over to Meili, who was hugging Shaula's leg.

Deathstroke then squatted down and looked at her.

"Meili, have you decided yet?"

"...I don't wanna."

He sighed at this, but quickly patted her on the head looking at the young girl he had known for a year now.

"Then take care Meili, be a useful girl for everyone, okay?"

"Y-Yeah."

She suddenly got teary eyed and hugged him around his neck.

"Bye then."

"Yeah, goodbye."

Pamela met with Julius giving him a handshake.

"Please tell Crusch and the others, I am sorry for not coming back…"

"Understandable, I will inform them."

"Thank you."

She turned away to head towards the portal.

"Pamela-san!"

She quickly turned around and saw Julius bow to her.

"Thank you for everything."

She gritted her teeth as she once again looked away.

Subaru and the rest of the group was now meeting with Batman.

"Well, I hope all of you do well in the future. Don't worry, I'll come back some day to take care of Grodd, so it won't be a true final goodbye."

"Yeah...but we'll miss you."

Emilia looked down, upset that her friend was finally going to leave for good.

"Emilia, I want to say good luck to you on the Royal Selection. I know you have what it takes."

"T-Thank you."

"Until we meet again."

The two shook hands as Emilia was doing her absolute best to hold back her tears.

Batman squatted down to speak with Beatrice.

"Well Great Spirit, I'm afraid this is it."

"Betty will show a pleasant goodbye then, I suppose. You have been a good friend to Subaru and the rest of us...so it will be odd not to have you around."

"Yeah, I might miss it too."

"Will you miss Betty, I suppose?"

"Of course, you're one of the most dependable people I know, I am going to miss you very much."

"...Then take care...and may the blessing of the spirits be with you."

She happily patted him on the shoulder as she saw him off.

Patrasche leaned over and licked Batman's cheek. Though startled at first, he smiled as he affectionately patted Patrashce's cheek.

"Take care of Subaru for me."

The ground dragon roared proudly at his request.

Rem looked up at Batman with tears streaming down her eyes. Batman nodded at seeing her.

"Please be well Rem."

"Yes, Rem wishes nothing but the best for her friend."

"Until we meet again."

"Yes."

The two shook hands, as Rem did her best to wipe away her tears.

Batman turned his attention to Ram, who was quiet the whole time.

"This is goodbye Ram."

"Indeed. I shall see you off then."

"Do your best in taking care of Rem."

"Hah! As if I need you to tell me that."

"That personality is still remarkable."

Ram then dashed to Batman and gave him a surprise hug, even her sister was surprised to see this.

"Promise you'll visit again someday."

"Yes, I promise. And tell Frederica and Petra I said goodbye. And to Annerose and Clind as well."

"And Roswaal-sama?"

"...Tell him to behave himself."

"Haha. I shall."

Ram smiled up at him...then pulled him down and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Rem blushed at seeing this, she always thought her sister loved Roswaal, but she guessed her sister and Batman were REALLY close.

She removed her lips from him and went back to Rem.

"Then it's settled...this not a final goodbye, but simply a short break from the mansion."

"You really are tough one to deal with. But yes, a promise is a promise. When we see each other again...how about some steamed yams?"

"...Hahahahaha, definitely."

Ram stopped her laughter as she wiped away a single tear from her eye.

Batman and Julius bowed to each other, words were not exchanged...feelings were.

Batman waved goodbye to Meili and Shaula, Meili herself flashing a peace sign. Shaula promised that once they were through the portal, she would close the portal behind them.

Finally, Batman met with Subaru.

They didn't say anything to each other for a full minute.

The two men hugged each other as their final farewell.

They removed each other and fist bumped one last time.

"See ya Batman-san."

"Yes."

Batman and the other two were now standing in front of the portal as they looked back one last time. They nodded as they began stepping to the portal.

Some cried.

Some smiled.

Everyone was glad to see them reach their reward-

"-ose it."

Subaru then thought he heard something.

He looked closely….and saw that Batman and the others stopped dead in their tracks, in front of the portal. He was confused by it-

"SHAULA! CLOSE THE PORTAL NOW!"

Everyone trembled as they heard Batman scream, so they got closer to the portal. Shaula made it over first.

"What the heck is-"

She soon stopped as she looked into the portal.

"What is…?"

Subaru and the others rushed over to them.

"Batman-san! What's wrong?!"

"Close the portal now! There's-"

"-What are you…"

That's when they noticed it.

"THERE IS SOMETHING STARING BACK AT US!"

Inside the portal, in the far distance two large orbs of light were fixed on them.

"What the heck is this?!"

Silence filled the room as the eyes were staring back. Not blinking. Not moving. Just staring.

Then...what sounded like a single heartbeat filled the room.

The two lights suddenly started to get larger...it was heading straight towards them. The pressure it exerted made the three of them leap away from the portal.

Deathstroke rolled on the floor as he yelled at Shaula.

"CLOSE IT GOD DAMN IT! FUCKING CLOSE IT!"

"Hang on!"

She began to quickly close the tear….then it stopped and began spreading again.

"Wh-What the?!"

"Oh shit! It's forcing it's way!"

The two lights were so large they seemed to be larger than the star's previous size. The lights looked down at them all. And for a second, they all thought they could hear a growling sound emanate throughout the room. It made all their hearts skip a beat.

The portal was now stretching wider and wider, the star behind fluctuating more and more.

"Shaula! Close it!"

"FUCKING CLOSE IT SAGE!"

Shaula screamed back at them as sweat drenched her body.

"I'M TRYING! THIS THING IS-"

Suddenly all sound left the room and the star collapsed in on itself, as a bright light shined brightly.

The room then exploded.

.

.

.

.

.

In the darkness, a soft voice spoke...

"The deal is made then…."

.

.

.

.

.

Subaru woke up and saw that the walls to the room were now completely destroyed, letting him see the rising in the distance of the sand dunes.

"Subaru!"

Subaru looked up and saw that Emilia was healing him alongside Rem.

"Are you finally awake?"

"Y-Yeah."

"Thank goodness! You had us all worried….you made Beatrice put out a barrier alongside Julius and saved us all."

"Wait...Julius has his spirits back?"

"Yup, they came back sometime while we were waiting for you and Rem outside."

"Wow, that's good!"

Subaru sat back up as Rem rubbed his messy hair.

"Subaru-kun should be more careful! Rem will worry to no end if you do that again!"

"It's okay, as long as the rest of you are alright, then Worrying about me should be the least of your worries."

Just then, Subaru turned to see Batman grabbing Shaula by her shoulders, making him get up alongside his two healers.

"What happened to the portal?!"

"The portal collapsed in on itself."

"Can we find another one?!"

"Portals to other worlds like that one, do not happen naturally. They require a powerful spell such as this one to accomplish."

"...Can you open another one?!"

Shalua looked downcast as he asked this of her.

"No. Even I don't have even a quarter of the mana reserves needed to do such a thing. The star has been depleted, it now has to reform inside the podium. it will absorb mana from outside the tower overtime, that's why no outside this tower can use magic for long."

"Okay, how long will it take?"

"...Stars are vast buildups of mana that take years to form."

"How long?"

"You have to remember that it is not easy to-"

"-HOW LONG?!"

Shaula slapped his hands away and stared at him...but put on a concerned expression as she saw the rage in his eyes.

"It will take 15 years."

"...15 years?!"

Batman grabbed his head and started to wince in pain.

"I can't wait fifteen years-"

"-That is, if you're in the tower."

"Huh?"

"Time moves differently in the tower than it does outside...so the time correlation may very well extend the length of time outside."

"H-How long?"

"...150 years at the least."

Batman heard those words repeat over and over again in his head.

"Also, I cannot permit you to stay here."

"HUH?!"

"It was YOUR wish that led to this damage to the tower. Since I feel bad for you, I will let you leave here alive...but I cannot permit YOU to stay while I repair the damage that your wish caused."

"No…"

Shalua made it past him as she went to check on Subaru.

"How are you Sensei?"

"...Okay I guess."

"As soon as you are rested up...I must ask you all to leave while I begin repairing the tower."

"O...Okay then."

"Thanks….And I'm sorry."

Everyone saw how Batman fell to his knees and had his hands drag on the ground.

"NO….NO! NONONONONONONONONONONONO!"

"Batman-san…"

"NO….!"

Batman slammed his fists on the ground with an absolute fury and searing sadness.

"NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Batman's scream echoed out of the tower and out into the vast desert below them.

Bruce Wayne's last chance of returning home was ripped away from him.

The conquest of the Pleiades Watchtower was complete.