AN: Welcome to Arc 6. Enjoy yourselves!

ARC Six: The Watergate City War

Chapter Forty Four: The Priestella Invitation

Time had moved forward for the Emilia Camp.

With the disaster that loomed about defeated, Subaru and the others found themselves in another mansion that they would live in for the remainder of time.

There they had met a young girl named Annerose Miload. Her indigo colored hair seemed to accentuate her blue eyes, which all together gave her an aura of nobility.

Though Batman found it odd that she was quite attached to Emilia, even calling her Emily.

"People in this world have an odd naming sense I guess."

Alongside this girl, was her trusted butler Clind, an experienced man for sure, his skills with the whip impressed Subaru and Batman enough that they asked him to help in Subaru's training.

Thus, Clind became the third coach that would teach Subaru and Emilia the art of fighting. Originally, Emilia was not part of the plans for training, but Batman surmised that should a time come where they were unable to fight with Magic, Emilia and Beatrice would be the most in danger. Of course, Beatrice was forbidden from training because of Subaru's overprotective nature.

In the end, Emilia agreed to the idea of training, and was quite excited to learn from her new teachers.

Batman. Deathstroke. Clind.

Batman and Deathstroke trained Emilia and Subaru in combat. Each of them learning a specific fighting style that Batman felt they could benefit from.

For Emilia, she was given a silver dagger and learned Krav Maga for general self defense by Deathstroke.

In the case of Batman, she was taught Taekwondo, due to her seemingly powerful legs.

Clind trained the young man in the art of Parkour, due to his high stamina. He also seemed proficient with the whip, so he trained to become a whip user.

In the case of Batman, he trained Subaru in martial arts from Japan, mainly Karate and Judo.

He also continued the original training they did in the mansion. Subaru even figured out how to make special throwing stars with magic stones imbedded in them.

Fire for explosive attacks.

Light for blinding attack.

Earth for extra impact attacks.

Wind for slicing attacks.

The most negative aspect of the training for Subaru was that he had do it 6 days a week, with a strict diet regiment...which limited his mayonnaise intake.

"My precious white maiden…"

"Just get over it Subaru."

"NOT FAIR! Emilia doesn't get this kind of treatment! Favoritism!"

"Please knock it off."

But Subaru hated to admit that the training was working well and he felt even stronger than before, though he would feel sore all over his body.

He noticed his muscles getting bigger little by little.

His stamina increased.

He felt a little happier about himself.

Deathstroke continued with his bodyguard duty with the Emilia Camp...but once in awhile...

"Oi. Assassin."

"What is it Fang Boy?"

Garfiel met with Deathstroke who was practicing his swordplay on a tree.

"Bad smell. Comin' from the northern part."

"Tsk. I'll take care of it."

Deathstroke went off and easily found a small number of Witch Cultists arriving through the woods.

"Hi there."

The Witch Cultists tensed up, but Deathstroke dashed towards them. His left eye gleaming red as he stared at one of them, face to face.

"Bye."

Some time later, Deathstroke arrived as Subaru and Emilia headed outside to begin training. Emilia noticed him emerging from the woods.

"Hey, did something happen Slade-sensei?"

"...Nothing at all Half-Elf. Let's get started."

Subaru didn't like the nicknames Deathstroke gave them, especially Emilia's, but he knew Deathstroke only worked for them and didn't actually like them.

"Something wrong Kid?"

"Nah, just thinking is all."

"Good. Now get into the damned position and let's go."

One day, it was announced that Subaru's dream of becoming a knight would come into fruition and his knighting was to occur.

Subaru was nervous about it, but he was comforted by Beatrice, who simply told him to take it with pride.

During the coronation, everyone could clearly see Batman had a proud look on his face.

"Congrats Subaru."

The celebration afterwards was met with Emilia admitting to Subaru and Batman that she was trying to meet the Dragon to acquire a sample of it's blood to help free the elves of Elior Forest.

"Speaking of which, Emilia. Mind if I ask a favor?"

"Not at all. Good right ahead."

"...Would it be possible for you to get me an audience with Volcanica? He might be of help to me in the future."

"...Of course. After everything you've done, you've earned it."

Emilia smiled, as Batman breathed a sigh of relief. Subaru happily patted him on the back as they looked up at the night sky.

Ram then came out to see them as she bowed politely.

"Batman-san, we received a letter from the Capital. They wish to verify the last message you sent them in person."

"Thank you Ram. Well, looks like it is happening."

"By chance, what exactly is it they want?"

Batman quickly read through the letter and folded it back before handing it back to Ram.

"Looks like I'll be leaving to the Capital tomorrow."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"...They want to give me the position called the Light."

Ram and Emilia's eyes widened, while Subaru tilted his head, not understanding the situation.

"Huh? Kind of position is that?"

"S-Subaru, you don't know what this means?"

"Not really."

Ram sighed loudly at Subaru's comment, thus she began to explain.

"You dolt."

"A diss first?!"

"Anyways. With this, Batman-san will have the sacred honor of being recognized as the strongest Yang magic user in the entirety of Lugnica."

"Whoa! That is big news! First I become a knight and now you're going to be recognized to the entire country?!"

Batman seemed to narrow his eyes learning that he'd be given such a position, but quietly accepted the news.

"Also, I've been asked to give proof that we defeated the Sizeable Hare."

"But...we didn't actually record it or anything. So that'd be pretty-"

"-I did though."

A small silence befell the group….

Then Subaru's eyes widened, his mouth flew open, while Ram and Emilia seemed to not understand what they were talking about.

"S-S-S-SERIOUSLY?!"

"Yes, the Batwing has a camera underneath it that can record for me. I decided to record the fight...for a bit of a keepsake of sorts. Not only that, I have a computer I can use to play the footage."

"Well, it would be fun to watch it for old time's sake."

So with this, Batman would head to the capital. The next day, the kingdom was shocked, as the Light Position was given to Batman, and that the Emilia Camp defeated the Sizeable Hare.

The news was quite the positive occurrence for the Emilia camp...but it was two names that really caught people's attentions.

Natsuki Subaru. The knight of Emilia.

Batman. The Light.

These two were now famous not just in Lugnica, but the rest of the world. The two of them killed a Sin Archbishop, saved a town from Scarecrow and helped in the extermination of 2 Great Demon Beasts.

They became legends overnight.

"Huh?! Why the hell do I have to go?"

Deathstroke had complained as he was given the task to go with Petra to the Capital.

He absolutely refused. But no one else could go with her.

Everyone was too busy to go with her, and it was her first errand to the capital alone...so they wanted her to be safe.

"I'm paid to keep the Kid and the Half-Elf from getting themselves killed until the Royal Selection ends. Not babysitting."

"Look Slade-san, we really don't want you of all people to go with her...but we can't let her go off by herself."

"..."

"Look. How about this. If you go with her, we'll ask Batman-san to spar with you. How about that."

"...TSK. It has been boring these past couple of days."

Later, Petra was walking through the streets with Deathstroke by her side. The two of them together made people notice the odd pair.

"We just need to pick up some materials for Roswaal-sama. I hope this doesn't take too long."

"Hmph. Whatever."

"Sorry you got dragged here to watch me...I...I'd like to be more useful to everyone, nt rely on everyone...you know? Not be such a hindrance."

The two were quiet the entire walk.

Petra acquired what was needed and she eventually went outside the shop...to find Deathstroke gone.

"Ahhh…"

Petra was now anxious as she now lost her bodyguard for the day. She felt angry one second, then sad, then she had tears forming on the sides of her eyes.

She decided to walk back to the carriage as it was now getting late.

"Hey little thing. You a maid or something?"

Petra now realized she was in an alley and was surrounded by some shady looking characters.

"Um-I'm just…"

"I ear maids make a pretty good living. Mind if you share a bit?"

"No I...I'm sorry I have to get going."

Petra tried to walk past him, but he quickly blocked her exit and noticed the bag she was carrying.

"Let's see what we got here. Must be nice-"

"-No! You cannot have this!"

Petra yanked the bag away from him a hugged it tightly. This enraged him, so he raised his hand in the air as he was preparing to slap her. Petra closed her eyes, ready to get hit-

"-Huh?! Who the hell are you?"

"The little brat's with me."

Petra opened her teary eyes to see Deathstroke grabbing the man's raised hand and crushing it.

"Brat. Close your eyes for about a minute."

"...'kay."

Petra shut her eyes and could easily hear the accompanying noises.

Screams.

Slicing.

Bodies falling.

Then nothing.

"Alright. Open them already."

Petra opened them to see Deathstroke kneeling to look eye to eye with her, so she wouldn't look at all the corpses around them.

But just then, one of the goons sprang back up and tried to stab him in the back. Deathstroke felt the killing intent behind him and-

"KYAA!"

Petra slammed a wooden beam she found on the floor to the goon's face, knocking him out cold.

Deathstroke stared for a bit at the young out of breath girl.

"AHAHAHAHA! That was something. Way to go."

He then patted her on the head and motioned her back to the streets.

But Petra threw a pebble at the back of his head.

"Huh?"

"Where did you run off to?! I was so worried, and scared and...what happened?!"

"...Someone suspicious was following us. So I took care of them."

"Took care of them?"

"Yeah, an old co-worker of mine from the assassination guild, probably trying to find out where me and Mieli were staying...Luckily he was known as a knife thrower...so I took care of him."

"...I see."

As Petra realized the situation she let out a small huff and began walking to the carriage back to the mansion.

At the mansion, after Petra held onto to Subaru for a while, Deathstroke met with her in the hallway.

"You did good today."

"Sure…"

"Now listen I have a proposition for you. How about I train you a bit...but in secret."

"Secret?"

"Of course. The Kid and Fang Girl would give me shit for doing this. What do you say?"

Petra took some time to think about his offer. And she wanted to be of help in the mansion for Frederica and Subaru's sake. She wanted to be useful.

"Okay I accept."

"Fine then. We'll meet early in the morning, get some sleep Petra."

"Okay...huh?! Wait...what did you say-"

"-I said get some sleep."

"...Okay."

Petra smiled a bit as she headed to her room. Deathstroke removed his helmet as he glanced out the window of the mansion, staring as a small breeze that blew by.

It was then, Deathstroke trained Petra in secret, in the art of Bojutsu.

Petra wasn't the only maid who began to slowly change after the Sanctuary.

"Ah! Batman-sama, I have some snacks for you if you'd like!"

"Oh thanks. But…"

Frederica was now outside Batman's room with a literal buffet's worth of food on a cart.

"Isn't that a bit much?"

"Oh...well...if you'd like I can always throw it out."

"Wait. Just help me out here."

"Very well!"

Frederica happily sat next to him as they ate their meal together.

"Ah! Batman-sama, I've prepared a bath for you! Please enjoy."

"Well, thanks a lot-"

As he entered he could see flowers and actual birds gracing the interior of the bath, making even him flinch from the sight.

"Th-Thanks. It seems pleasant enough."

"Please enjoy."

"Ah! Batman-sama, I have to acquire some materials from the next town over. Would you please accompany me?"

"Well, training is done for now. I guess a little walk wouldn't hurt."

"Yes."

Subaru and Emilia were resting from their training when they both saw Frederica hold onto Batman's arm, making him slightly look away from her.

"Well look at that."

"Yeah! I've never seen Frederica get so close to someone before. It's really surprising."

"Yeah…"

Subaru and everyone in the mansion, minus Garfiel, could clearly see Frederica's intentions for being so nice to Batman.

"Good luck you two."

Many things happened in those days...

Subaru's two day birthday celebration.

Otto's birthday bash.

The invention of a windmill.

Garfiel and Subaru going ghost hunting...only for Batman and Frederica to scold them later.

Otto going to his hometown and being targeted by his childhood crush.

Emilia doing her best to celebrate the one year reunion when she met Subaru and Batman.

Petra impressing everyone with her singing voice.

Batman taking Frederica and Petra to a field of flowers he discovered.

Subaru and Batman bringing the holidays of Labor Day and Halloween to the new world.

Subaru placing a beautiful jade necklace next to a sleeping Rem.

Subaru finally defeating Otto in a sparring match, but still getting beat by Garfiel easily.

Patrachse and Verhoe getting into a friendly race...that everyone betted on.

Otto and Petra attempting to sell mayonnaise to several markets...not getting much success.

Deathstroke killing another assassin, one who used powerful fire magic, out in the forest.

Everyone playing the sport of "American Football".

Frederica helping Garfiel and Subaru make meat pies.

Batman and Deathstroke having a 6 hour sparring match.

Beatrice getting a diary as a gift from Subaru.

Mieli having tea with Deathstroke.

Subaru battling Annerose in a game of tic tac toe.

Cicada hunting in the summer, Emilia the clear winner.

Leaf catching in the fall, Ram being the victor.

Snowman making in the winter, Petra still the reigning champion.

A martial arts tournament in the spring, Garfiel came out on top, with Emilia second, Subaru third and Petra...beating Otto.

Now...it has been one year since the start of the Royal Selection. A year of tribulations...

"A visitor?"

"Yes Batman-sama, they said they're here to see Emilia-sama and Subaru."

Petra was in the kitchen informing Batman, who was now in a regular suit and tie, eating an Appa with Peanut Butter, yet another creation they brought from their old world.

"Who is it?"

"He said his name was Joshua Juukulius."

"...! So he's related to Julius."

Batman finished his snack and quickly told Petra to inform Subaru of what was happening. He could guess that Subaru was training while Beatrice was waiting for him. Bruce quickly suited up in his Batsuit, though he took the time to look at the stitching and patchwork that was done to it after his battle with Deathstroke, though he clearly didn't mind.

Batman made his way to Emilia's study, where he could figure they would all meet up.

"Hey Bat-ojii san!"

Batman head a familiar voice, one that he hadn't heard for a long time.

"Well look at this. Mimi, it's you."

"Yup, nice to see ya again!"

Mimi Pearlbaton, a young child warrior Batman and Subaru met during their battles with the White Whale and the Witch's Cult.. She was indeed a powerful combatant, but she was clearly immature for her age.

Although…

"You seem to be growing a bit."

"Hehehe, just you wait! When the time comes, I'll be bigger than even you."

"Well...I'll look forward to that."

Mimi put her hands on her hips and laughed heroically, making even Batman smirk a bit at the child's antics.

Then down the halls he saw a young man with light purple hair, dressed finely and wearing a monocle.

"Well, you must be Joshua."

"Indeed, good morning to you Batman-dono. It is good to finally meet you."

"Please leave out the honorific, I have enough people who do that already."

"Unacceptable. For a man with the position of Light and one who had bested my older brother in combat, I must refer to him by his status."

"...Hmmmmm. You are his brother."

Batman smirked a bit, seeing quite the similarity between this young man and his older brother.

"However."

"Though you have my respect through your position, I cannot find myself to befriend you."

"Oh?"

"Your victory over my brother caused quite the stir in my family, Julius-onii sama now must prepare in restoring his honor by one day defeating you. So it's best I keep clear-"

Joshua was then met with swift kick to his leg by Mimi.

"Owowowow! What in the world-"

"-Be a little nicer Joshua! Bat-ojii san is a friend of ours, plus he's someone our Lady wants to invite."

"...Yes I understand."

Just then, behind them Deathstroke arrived with Otto and Garfiel.

"Alright we're here. Now let's get this meeting over and done with."

The meeting between the Emilia Camp and Anastasia's emissaries was underway.

"First and foremost, as representatives of our associated houses we wish to thank you all for the participation of defeating the Sizable Hare. Thank you."

"Thanks! Thanks!"

The two of them bowed politely. Subaru was holding hands with Beatrice and seemed to grin widely at their words.

"Heh. It feels good to be appreciated once in awhile. Right my all cute, all powerful, Beako?"

"Y-your praises will not make Betty's heart falter, I suppose."

"Sure sure."

Subaru slowly patted her in the head and the two of them smiled.

Joshua seemed to be grimacing at Subaru and his antics.

Joshua seemed to have some disdain towards Subaru and Batman.

In the case of Subaru, he seemed to dislike the fact that his brother would associate with a knight of no nobility. And even call him a friend.

In the case of Batman, he was most likely upset and disbelieving when he learned his noble older brother was defeated by someone like him.

So, it was safe to say Joshua had no love for these two men.

However, Joshua had a job to do and turned his attention back to Emilia.

"And so, it comes to my attention that I must inform you, that Anastasia-sama has invited this camp to a get together in Priestella . We would be happy to have you."

"A get together?

"Indeed, a peaceful meeting of all the camps is underway with planning helmed by Anastasia-sama. Emilia-sama may bring her knight and anyone else she feels comfortable with."

"An invitation to Priestella City...Priestella is the Watergate City, yes? The big city near the border between the Kingdom of Lugnica and the Kararagi City-States."

"You are correct. Anastasia-sama is presently sojourning there, rather than the Capital...and she wishes to invite you."

"Well...I'm happy for the invite..but I'm not quite sure what to think of it all."

"Anastasia-sama invites you out of her beneficence. She has noticed the valuable object you are searching for in Pristella."

"What I'm searching for?"

In that delay, the opponent takes full control of the conversation.

Grinning, Joshua speaks on:

"In Priestella City there is a shop selling spell stones, in which slumbers the high-grade colourless stones that you desire. I believe that you are currently seeking an anchor for the Great Spirit?"

Joshua bowed as he finished and escorted Mimi outside to let everyone decide on the matter.

With this new information, everyone in the meeting room pondered on what should be done.

"Well I can't say this could be some sort of trap, especially inviting the faction that can boast of slaying two of the Great Demon Beasts and a Sin Archbishop."

"Yeah, but even if we do accept, we can't be too sure about anything going wrong."

Otto and Subaru had come to that conclusion that it may not be a trap they had to be careful in how they approached the situation.

Garfiel slammed his hand on the wall as he began to speak as well.

"Forget that weedy Joshua prick, you see the cat kid who was with 'im? That girl's damn tough. An' she was starin' at my 'mazin' self. She musta figured out 'm th'strongest guy in the place."

"No no. Trust me, that probably wasn't it."

Batman quickly regained control of the situation.

"Now listen, this is an important invitation in my opinion, especially with regards to you Emilia."

"Why's that?"

"Simply put, after my inauguration into the Light position and proving the defeat of the Sizeable Hare, we've really stayed out of the public eye. This could help serve as good PR for Emilia, especially now that people could start having a more positive view towards her."

"Wow. I didn't think of it that way."

"In addition, we have the opportunity to get a jewel that can house Puck. Something that I'm sure you of all people would appreciate at this moment."

"...Right."

Emilia put a hand on her chest as she heard this.

Batman took a deep breath as if to finish his deal thoroughly.

"So if we do not accept it, we lose not only the jewel, the possibility of bringing Emilia's reputation to a more positive light….but we could come off as rude to Anastasia and the others. With that, altogether our goal is set back and our reputation is tarnished, not to mention becoming enemies with another Faction. So…?"

"...Okay. We have to accept."

Emilia stood up proudly as she accepted Batman's proposal on the Priestella Invitation.

Subaru nodded to this, but…

"Batman-san, is it safe to say I can pick the team that goes with us?"

"Well...you did say you played video-games when you were younger, so I hope you'd have some strategic methods to your madness."

"Yeah...well-HEY! Natsuki Subaru is a man that always knows what's best to do!"

"...Sure, sure."

Subaru grimaced as Batman snickered at Subaru. But, before they headed down to meet with Joshua and Mieli and inform them of their decision to go….

Subaru announced the Priestella party:

Deathstroke. The Terminator.

Otto Suwen. The Merchant with the Mouth. (He hates this title)

Verhoe. The Dragon of the Suwen Clan.

Garfiel Tinsel. The Strongest Shield.

Batman. The Dark Knight of Lugnica.

Beatrice. The Great Loli Spirit. (She hates this title)

Patrasche. The Dragon Queen. (She loves this title)

Natsuki Subaru. The Rising Sun Knight of Lugnica.

Emilia. The Silver Haired King.

"With this. We're ready for Priestella!"

Subaru raised his fist high into the air and let out a victorious yell, and was quickly joined in by almost everyone.

That night, as everyone was getting things ready for their trip for Priestella, most of them seemingly excited to visit the Watergate City.

From what Batman and Subaru theorized, after hearing about it from Joshua during dinner, the city had rivers, boats and buildings built on top of the lake it was founded on, thus similar to that of Venice, Italy.

Subaru quietly entered the room and sat next to the bed.

"Got lots of things to tell you today. Since some guests showed up uninvited, and with this crazy offer. I started my day with my usual.."

Subaru speaks calmly to her as she sleeps. He uses his same comedic phrasing as always, but his tone is incredibly gentle. He speaks as though lulling a child to sleep as he cheerily tells her about his day.

He gently brushes her blue hair and gets closer to her, to inform her of the day's events...he smiled and his eyes softened.

There Natsuki Subaru sat next to the Sleeping Beauty.

Three days later the group had begun to leave for their new destination.

Roswaal seemed to give his support for the venture, though he had to go with Petra, Ram and Frederica to a meeting with the nobles of his nearby territories. Most of them though, agreed that even if he disagreed, they would take it with a grain of salt.

Petra said goodbye to Subaru and Beatrice and gave both of them a cheerful hug.

"I promise to do my best with everyone!"

"We're counting on you."

Subaru patted her head and glanced over...to see Frederica carrying a simple sack to give to her brother.

"Here Garf, some extra clothes and provisions just in case anything happens."

"Uhhhh...'kay. Thanks, Sis."

Frederica then turned her attention to Batman who was preparing some tools for the road ahead of them.

"Ah! Batman-sama, I have some utilities for you to take as well."

"Oh well thanks…..uh…"

Behind Frederica was some sort of sack that was easily bigger than herself with stuff protruding out of the top of it.

"Don't you think...that's a bit much?"

"...Well…"

Frederica looked as if she was about to start crying, she turned away and placed her hands over her mouth.

"If you wish, I can throw this all out. And then, all the hard work I did would be for naught. All those hours slaving away-"

"OKAY. I'll take it. Just please stop."

Frederica turned around and smiled, making Batman force himself to sigh.

It was decided Batman and Deathstroke would ride in the Batwing, following the carriage closely as to catch any trouble that would come.

With a chorus of goodbyes and hands waving the two groups set out for Priestella.

Twelve days later, the carriage and the Batwing were observing towering, grand walls.

Subaru took a quick breath as he gazed up at them.

"Looks like a damn prison."

"Joshua said it was a sightseeing spot, but Betty doubts that, in fact. It looks far more depressing than relaxing, I suppose."

Their carriage is travelling across the massive, stone Tigracy Bridge, which leads to the front gates of Priestella. The Batwing is slightly above them and begins to descend to let Deathstroke and Batman stretch their legs.

Several guards got nervous as they saw Batwing land near the Gates, as it was impossible for it to enter the specific entrance.

But they were then stunned to see who it was going through the gates.

"What the?! Batman-dono?! Then that means the carriage there is-"

"Yes. Sorry, but I was informed we need to do some paperwork when we entered is that correct?"

"O-Of course. We are honored to have the Faction that houses the great Batman and Natsuki Subaru, a-a-as well as Emilia-sama of course!"

Batman nodded and he along with Deathstroke entered the gates along side the carriage.

Many guards seemed to be caught off guard by the appearance of Batman, Emilia and Subaru. The three of them standing side by side made them look like some sort holy trinity to the guards, a trio that quickly caught the attention of the world at large.

Some of the guards even began to huddle around them as they began asking questions about the various battles they had...

"Was it scary to face the White Whale?"

"How in the world did this little girl help to defeat the Sizeable Hare?"

"How much preparation did it take to defeat Sloth?"

"Will you be planning to subjugate the Black Snake?"

"How did Scarecrow look? Is he as terrifying as they say?"

A head guard shooed them off as they looked a bit frazzled by the attention they got.

After signing their papers, Deathstroke seemed pissed about the whole ordeal.

"Hmph! What a bunch of crap. It's just some papers just to make sure you 'promise' not to do anything bad while in the city."

"Don't say that Slade-sensei! It may seem that way, but it also means your conscience will be keeping a close eye on you."

Batman, Subaru and Deathstroke looked at Emilia with hesitant eyes as they all said the same thing.

"...We'd have world peace if everyone were as strict on themselves as you."

Otto stuck out a finger and waved it at everyone.

"There are nationals laws that must be upheld, but the Mayor and Lord who manage the city have rather extensive authority there. There are many things about Priestella that simply differ from national law. The paperwork will surely mention what they are, so please refrain from mocking it and actually read it."

Subaru smiled wryly as he noticed who Otto was saying this to.

A costumed vigilante.

A demi-human who has lived outside normal society.

An actual assassin.

"Probably the worst people to say this to."

The carriage moved again and the Batwing flew back into the air and went over the walls…

"Look at that."

"...Pretty nice to say the least."

The two riding the Batwing looked out at the city below them.

The city is circular, enclosed in turn by the circular walls. Ignoring the fact that its size is that of a city, its shape is essentially that of a sports arena.

The outer rim is the most elevated, elevation dropping the closer you get to the centre. Dense rows of stone buildings line the tiers of the city, the most western-seeming architecture that Subaru or Batman has seen yet.

Large canals run through the town, with notably massive canals...rather, waterways, dividing the circular city into four even sections.

They all sees several gondolas paddling on the water, and a large water dragon emerging from one of the small rivers.

This was the City of Water...The Watergate City Priestella.

"It's like a goddamn fantasy book."

"It's like a mythical Venice by the looks of it."

The citizens below were minding their own business, when they heard the roaring of a sound they never heard before.

As they looked up, they could see the Batwing flying high above them. Some of the citizens were startled by the sight...but some of the younger folks eased up when they recognized it.

"Ah! It's the flying Metia Batman uses!"

When a young voice yelled that out, the rest of the citizens were shocked. They had heard of the Batman before. But no one there had ever seen him before, but they knew of a few important facts about him.

He was a member of the Emilia Faction of the Royal Selection.

He was given the position as the strongest Yang magic user in all of Lugnica.

He along with Natsuki Subaru had helped defeat the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, the White Whale and the Sizeable Hare.

He was said to be a powerful warrior that could even transform into metallic giants.

And of course, that he had a flying Metia.

The citizens were now curiously looking up at the flying machine as it soared high in the sky. It turned in the air as it was heading to the bridge where Subaru and the others were.

When the Batwing passed by certain park, a tanned young girl stood up next to a fountain and clapped her hands.

"Oho! They're here as well! Well then!"

She spun around and caught the attention of everyone that was there.

"Ladies and gentleman! Gather around and I will sing you a song that captivates your hearts and captures your souls! Hehe!"

The young girl grabbed her small guitar and smiled at the newly formed crowd.

"Today I will sing to you! 'The Heroic Legend of the Batman'!"

Right there and then, Liliana Masquerade, an acquaintance of the Emilia Camp from a year ago... began to sing.

The Batwing had passed by a small market and the citizens were astounded by the sight of it...except one person.

"Geez, he sure can have a dramatic flair."

The pink haired girl looked up and smiled as she hugged her arms.

"It'll be a nice reunion though!"

Linnea Helena quietly hummed to herself as she was excited to meet him again after so long.

The Batwing passed over a small alleyway, startling a two young children for a moment. The young girl with curly light golden hair held onto

"What was that?"

"Wait...Oh wow. That's the Batman! Remember they say he rides around in a flying Metia!"

"Oh...he's a good guy right?"

"Yeah! He and Natsuki Subaru are great heroes that helped beat up a bunch of bad guys!"

"Well...at least it wasn't that scary. Let's go then."

"Okay."

The two children held hands and wandered away...unaware someone was watching them from a nearby rooftop.

"Ahhhhhhhh. Such Love…."

Her face obscured by a hood, only her violet eyes could be seen...as they focused on the two children.

The Batwing flew by a house and a small group of women noticed it...then they heard footsteps walk over to them, making them flinch in terror. They got up and quickly turned around to bow.

"Welcome back husband."

The man continued walking forward and slowly caressed the heads of each of the women.

"Let us go then."

He said this as he began to walk, the ladies began to follow him closely…

"HEY."

The ladies once again flinched in terror as they hear his unpleased voice.

"What's for dinner?"

"P-pasta with wine reduction."

He turned to glare at them all, his very aura brought fear into their hearts…

"...Excellent. I have been craving that for awhile. Let's go."

The ladies eyes...now vacant of a soul followed their fake smiles as they followed the white haired man.

Nearby, in a back alley a young man with long hair and a vicious look on his face smiled as several shadows raised from the ground around him.

"Yes. YESYESYESYES! Let's feast…"

From the shadows emerged several Witch Cultists.

On the top of a clock tower a man was sitting down, setting something up...before he sniffed the air.

"So...they're all here. Very good, I was hoping I could get help with this."

As he stood up a small black light hovered around him. He looked down at the city below him and smiled.

"What an excellent place for a field test."

Scarecrow then held out a small black book in front of him, looking at it affectionately…

In the streets below him was a small child was looking around at all the passersby and the bustling city around them.

"And it's all mine to have."

She then put on a disgusting smile.

The Batwing was now next to the carriage and flying next to them.

Subaru held Beatrice's and looked up to Garfiel who was balancing himself on top.

"Yeah, this's stunnin'. So Otto wasn't just spoutin' bullcrap."

"Hell yeah. I can't wait to see what comes next!"

Everyone had an excited look on their face, as the carriage and Batwing continued forward…

The Emilia Camp had arrived in the city of Priestella. Along with others. Those that could be seen as allies...and those that would not.