AN: This is it folks! NON-CANON STORYTELLING! WOAHHHH! In seriousness, here is the start of Arc 8! What twists and turns will develop in this saga?! Let's find out...

AN Fun Fact: Sharp eyed Batman fans will know what armor Batman is wearing this chapter. And sharp eyed Re:Zero fans will know a bit about someone this chapter...ENJOY!

Arc Eight: Sins of the Past

Chapter Sixty: Great Days Gone

"Hahhhhh Haaaaaaahhhh!"

"Come on Subaru! One more go!"

Subaru swung a high kick at Batman, but the sandbags tied to his arms and legs really made him struggle. Batman blocked it with his forearm, then intended to toss him away.

"Oof!"

Subaru followed the movement and wrapped around his shoulder. Batman smiled seeing this, then locked his leg around Subaru's hip and spun his body to push him down. Subaru let go of him and chopped at Batman, but he kicked it away, and then did a spinning kick. Subaru used both arms to block it and allowed himself to fall to minimize the damage. Subaru then kicked at Batman while he was in the process of leaping back up...but Batman dashed past him and palm thrusted his chin...ending the training session.

"Hah, Hah, Damn! Can't you go a little easier on me? Phew!"

"I did. Just for that absurd assumption, we are going to train harder tomorrow."

"God dang it."

Batman helped Subaru up and removed his sandbags, letting Subaru have free use of arms and legs. Subaru swung his arms around, noticing they felt lighter and faster, making him smirk.

It had been six months since the party had returned from the Pleiades Watchtower. Everyone was doing their best to return to some formality at the mansion. To some, it had been an odd turn of events, as many of those who left, returned with changes less physically and more emotionally.

Deathstroke was more distant to those he had little interaction with, many of the servants noted he would act unsympathetic to any of them...Well-

"Slade-sensei, um excuse me?"

"Oh, Petra."

Deathstroke seemed to always have time for Petra.

He did have friendly, if not quarreling attitudes, towards the twin maids. He began to call Ram by her name after they had a sparring match at the request of Roswaal. Deathstroke won, but Ram gave him a hard time...so she gained his respect. Rem showed her stuff when she had begun training again; wanting to be better suited for protecting Subaru. Deathstroke was impressed.

He had little interaction with Frederica, or "Fanged Maid" as he called her. However he did not demean her in any way, as he saw her as one of the most capable of the servants around.

"Well, you see...Rem-onee sama said that the 14th of February is a day called Valentine's Day. And since you all weren't here, I didn't have the chance to give...everyone their gifts."

"I see."

"So...here!"

Petra handed Deathstroke a small choclate covered strawberry from a tray she hid behind herself.

She was looking down, away from it. The confection looked alright, but it was obvious it wasn't one hundred percent perfect.

He then removed his helmet and ate it all in one bite. After chewing it for a bit, he swallowed and nodded at the young maid.

He patted her on the head and moved on.

"Thanks Petra."

Petra smiled as she carried the tray away to give away more of the treats to the others...

Not noticing Deathstroke pulling out a letter from his belt and glancing at the contents of it. He sighed.

Emilia was hard at work studying for the Royal Selection, when she got a visit by Ram.

"Oh Ram, nice to see you."

"To you as well, Emilia-sama. Tea?"

"Yes please."

Ram brought in her tea and snacks, now wearing her own unique accessories she "demanded" or "asked politely" from Subaru. She had her usual maid outfit, but now she wore black gloves that followed the same aesthetic of her work clothes. Attached to them were purple ribbons and etched on them were the insignia of the Magrave line. She also now had a blue earring that Rem had provided her, to make up for their missing birthday that year.

Emilia enjoyed her tea with Ram, who decided to take a break as well. They enjoyed some small talk about the recent developments...including…

"So, Emilia-sama, have you seen my sister?"

"Rem? Oh, I think she is heading to go see Subaru and Batman-san. I think, they're training right now."

"Ugh, how she can spend so much time with him?"

"You mean, Subaru?"

"Of course! I mean…."

She quickly frowned at Emilia as she placed her cup down. Even Emilia knew what she was about to bring up.

"How can you just accept this? Subaru loves both my sister and you?! Are you alright with this?!"

"Well...I'm not so greedy to want Subaru all to myself-"

"-That's not the point!"

She slammed her hands down on the table making the cups and utensils shake a bit.

"You should know as well as anyone! Only lords or someone of higher status is allowed to have...a...a-"

"-Polygamous marriage?"

"Blegh! Yes that!"

Ram seemed disgusted by that word, making the half-elf set her cup down and sigh a bit.

"Ram...I think I have feelings for Subaru."

"..."

"But I want to wait until I fully realize my feelings for him. Even then, I know Subaru loves Rem just as much as me. He said he fell in love with me the moment we met...but it took time for him to fall in love with Rem. So I understand that he, well, doesn't want to hurt either of us. That's Subaru for you."

Ram noticed Emilia blush slightly when she said this, but put on a stern face.

"That's why I am open to the idea, even if it is out of the ordinary."

"I...I just can't accept this. Rem deserves better than this!"

"Huh?"

"If you all married, Rem would obviously be secondary to Emilia. You'd be the main wife...and I don't like that."

"You really do love your sister."

"...Naturally. And that's why you should think this through! Even if all three of you came to an understanding, you still can't marry Subaru."

"Well I can."

"Huh?"

Emilia stood up from her chair and pointed a finger in the air, putting on a smug face.

"If I marry Subaru, then there's that problem taken care of."

"After that, I just marry Rem, then all three of us would be together! Easy right?"

"...You're not serious are you?"

"Oh yes! Suuuuper serious! Once I'm King, I can do just that. Meaning, I have to work extra hard so Subaru and Rem can be happy!"

"...You understand what marriage is right?"

"Uh, yeah! When two people love each other veeery much, they get married. I love Subaru. I love Rem. So that's a done deal!"

Emilia nodded with an aura of confidence, as if she solved the grand obstacle ahead of her. This only made Ram slunk back into her chair and made it known she still disapproved.

"Ram...are you that much against Subaru being with Rem?"

"Yes and no."

Emilia was clearly confused by what Ram said. The maid chugged down her tea and began to make her point clear.

"My lovely little sister and Barusu love each other, there is no doubt about it. Normally, I wouldn't object so much to their engagement. Not as much."

"I think I got the last part. Heh."

"But my clan never followed polygamous marriage, so we never practiced it. We brought up to believe in a singular relationship with the one you marry."

"..."

"But Barusu is from a different world, we don't know how his culture works. Just knowing that his people went to the moon proves that they are quite different than us. I...I want my sister to be happy. And knowing that Barusu coerced her into this is just-"

"-Actually Rem told me she was the one who brought it up."

"...Please tell me you're joking."

"Nope."

Emila gave a bashful smile as Ram facepalmed hard enough that both felt it. Poor Ram couldn't help but feel her world spinning as she realized there was no use in telling them anything.

They were goiung to go through with this ridiculous plan that her sister came up with.

"Do you hate Subaru?"

"...No, I don't exactly hate him, or even like him...but-"

"-You respect him?"

Ram sighed as the words were taken right out of her mouth.

"Yes, over time I have gained admiration for that fool. He has not only been a man of good timing...but also very brave and never willing to give up...the scars on his body prove that."

"...True."

"Still, I wouldn't say I respect him that highly, I still respect Roswaal-sama and Bruce-san the most."

"Hahaha. But you two are still really good friends."

"Please refrain from using that word."

Ram mumbled her thoughts as Emilia happily chuckled at her behavior.

Garfiel had been busy bitting on some swords when he went to go visit Otto. The former merchant was slaving away at his paperwork.

"Otto! Wha's up?"

"What's up? What's UP?! These piles of papers! It's as if Roswaal-sama is dumping anything and everything on me!"

"Oh?"

"I mean!"

He pulls out a crumbled piece of paper from a bin next to his seat.

"THIS IS A RECEIPT! FOR CLOTHING! HIS CLOTHING! I don't even do these!"

"Hahaha! It's like he mistook thi' place for a trash bin!"

"I really hope not!"

Otto sighed disappointingly, as Garfiel sat on a couch in the office.

"So Otto, wha' do ya think abou' Emilia gettin' her Grea' Spirit back?"

"...I think it would be great for the team."

"I kinda' agree, but I am also concern' ya know?"

Otto's eyes lifted as he noticed Garfiel's tone shift.

"Why's that?"

"Dunno, maybe it has ta do wit' th' fact tha' Bat-Aniki said tha' once Puck returns, he and Boss are goin' to interrogate em?'"

"Hmmm...do you know for what exactly?"

"Na really, Bat-aniki does keep...a lot of secrets ya know?"

Otto nodded with low spirit.

When they learned that Batman had plans to take ALL of them out, should the situation called for it, everyone felt a little troubled by it. While everyone forgave him, there was still a level of unease over the fact that they didn't know what other secrets he had.

Batman eventually told them everything about himself, his world and the events that unfolded before he came to their world to ease their concerns.

"I honestly do not see Batman-dono needing to hide anything else from us. He's...stuck with us. So I figure he has now become protective towards everyone."

"No dobt abou' tha'. Tho'…"

"Hm?"

"Still upset wit' him...jus' a bit."

Garfiel smirked as he tossed Otto and appa and began to leave.

"Don' ya die on me bro! We still need a office slave for th' team."

"Garfiel...WAIT. Did you call me a slave?! Damn it, can all of you please knock it off!?"

Garfiel laughed at his funny reaction and left him to his business. Otto quietly laughed it off and took a bite.

Subaru took off his training shirt to dry off the sweat from the training regiment. Using a towel to wipe off the excess sweat, he turned his back towards Batman.

"..."

No matter how many times he sees it, it makes him uncomfortable. The black veins of the dragon blood coursing through his body and the smile shaped scar on his back from his fight with the Joker. It made Batman think of some of his biggest failures while in this world.

"You okay?"

"Yes, just thinking to myself."

"Oh?"

"We have to be preparing for the ceremony of Puck's return and...to be vigilant on the chance that we encounter more Witch Cultists in the near future."

"I'd rather not think about those kind of things...then again, it'd be foolish not to."

"So we should always be prepared."

Subaru rested the towel on his shoulders as he noticed Batman looked away and stared up in the blue afternoon sky.

"Bruce?"

"...I have been having some trouble sleeping."

"OHHHHHH? Has it been a certain someone?"

"No Subaru, this is more serious."

Subaru stopped his joking manner as he could sense the serious tone Batman was making.

"What...were they dreams or something?"

"...Yes."

"Wanna tell me what they were about?"

"...Us. All of us."

"Huh?"

Batman now turned around as laid it all out for his friend.

"I dreamed of us. The Other Us'."

"…!"

"You standing near a great fire...me attacking the mansion….both of us, fighting against one another...then there was-."

"...?"

"-A large dark tower standing where the palace stood, overlooking the capital...with my symbol shining over the clouds above it."

"...Batman-san, these sound like."

"Correct...I think I'm seeing alternate worlds in my sleep."

They both contemplated on the manner.

"But why?"

"My last contact with the Algol Tree, might have something to do with it. That tree seems to stretch out throughout this universe's timelines...it actually may be the key to your power too."

"Return by Death?"

"Just a theory though."

Subaru sighed as he looked at the mansion, his mind clouded by the ideas of the Algol and the multiverse...especially since it sounded like most of the ones he and Batman have seen, were mostly bad or even downright terrible.

This also made Subaru hopeful.

He viewed the world they were living in right now to be one of the best ones, but he'd make sure it make it even better.

Rem was now in view walking to them with fresh towels and glasses of water on a tray.

"Subaru-kun, Batman-san. Hello."

"Hey Rem."

She began handing out the towels...staring at Subaru. Her cheeks became red as she watched him rub his face, revealing his bare upper body to her.

"...Mhmm."

Subaru now had a much more athletic look to him, tighter more defined muscles were now his. Rem just continued enjoying the view.

The three of them continued making their way to the mansion. Rem was holding Subaru's hand as they walked.

"Subaru-kun, aren't you and Batman-san going to the capital tomorrow?"

"Yeah, apparently I got to accompany Emilia to some shindig for some sponsorship deal and Batman-san has to report to the Sage Council."

"And Rem cannot come along?"

"We'd love for you to come, but the trip will be less than a day and we'd like some of your awesome cooking when we come back."

Rem blushed from Subaru's comment.

"Very well, Rem will do her best to make Subaru-kun a meal worthy of praise."

"That's my girl."

He began to pat her on the head, something she loved getting from Subaru.

"There you all are, I suppose."

Beatrice came out of the door rushed over to hug Subaru.

"Hey Beako, easy there I'm still sweaty from exercise."

"Betty will hug her Subaru, rain, snow or otherwise. Subaru should know this by now, I suppose."

"What a cutie."

Subaru picked her up with one arm and let her clutch around his neck, carrying off in a affectionate manner. Rem seemed to pout a this...then she held herself high knowing she's been closer to him since before his contract.

Just as they made it to the door, Frederica came out bowing to them all.

"Welcome back, the bath is ready for you both."

"Maaan, I did work up a sweat. Thanks Frederica."

"No worries, I am just a humble servant."

Her expression changed when she saw Batman arrive, she put on a bright blush as raised her brows at him. He removed his mask and winked at her, now making her face completely red.

Bruce made his first move and took Frederica's hand.

"Can't let them be the only ones right?"

"...Yes."

Bruce led Frederica away leaving the other three to giggle at their affectionate actions.

Though it had been only six months since Bruce and Frederica started to date...it only took three months for their relationship to actually cement them as a couple.

Then there was one night in particular a month ago.

"Bruce, can I ask you for a favor?"

"Fire away."

Frederica was now in his room in her nightgown, Bruce was working on some calculations for using mana based on Puck's contract. He wanted to help Emilia get him back asap. He set his pen down and looked over at her.

"Well….um...we're more than friends right?"

"Sure."

"So...um...well...could you…?"

She gripped her gown, seemingly embarrassed of what she was going to say next.

"Could you let me sleep with you?"

"...E-Excuse me?"

Batman literally dropped his pen from his hand and removed his mask, he felt he must have heard something wrong.

"Come again?"

"...Bruce, I wish to sleep with you tonight."

"...Come again?"

"Please refrain from joking around!"

Frederica put on a sour look as her entire face was tomato red. She timidly looked down as she tried to explain herself better.

"Bruce, you were gone for a whole year! And we...never got to celebrate my birthday together last year."

"November 11th, right?"

"Yes, and I never got a gift! So I demand they we sleep together, you know, just for tonight."

"..."

"Uh-uh-W-w-Well, we can just cuddle but that's it! Nothing serious...got it? Just that."

Frederica twiddled her fingers, unsure of what his answer would be. Batman was always a serious man, so he might see this as a foolish request and not-

"Alright then."

"H-HUH?"

"It's pretty much a sleepover in a sense right?"

"...!"

"It shouldn't be a problem right?"

"N-No it wouldn't...thank you."

That night she laid next to Bruce as he quickly dozed off...however in the middle of the night he was awoken by a sudden hug in the back by Frederica.

"Mhmm...F-Frederica?"

"Sorry...it just feels good like this...go back to sleep."

Bruce sighed as he shifted his body over and hugged her in return. So the two began kissing.

"Mhmm."

"Mmmph."

Frederica cupped his cheeks and massaged his shoulder.

Bruce began rubbing his hands on her waist.

Frederica continued the kissing as she started to claw his back. She stopped when she heard him moan and tried to speak.

"I-I'm sorry."

"It's okay, I don't mind."

He then nibbled on her ear causing her to hold him tight. He then whispered in her ear.

"We are not doing anything serious tonight right?"

"...Y-Yes."

"...There is still something I can do to, pleasure you."

She then saw as he got under the covers .

"B-Bruce what are you doing?"

"..."

"Just what-"

The event continued well into the night, as Frederica covered her mouth with a pillow...making sure to not alert anyone else of Bruce was doing to her.

The next morning Frederica woke up, her hair was a mess and Bruce was actually fast asleep.

"He's never slept so long."

Frederica sat up and looked over at him and her heart began to beat faster. She was now one hundred percent in love with the man.

"I wonder if this is how Rem-chan feels when she's with Subaru-sama?"

She tried to straighten her hair as Bruce slowly began to sit up.

"Ah, good morning."

"...Morning."

Frederica leaned over and kissed Batman on the cheek, smiling as she did. The two stared at each other, both of them rubbing their hands together, as if they were ready to continue from last night.

Then someone barged in.

"Yo! Bat-aniki! My amazin' self was jus' wonderin' if we could actually-"

Seconds after that, silence filled the room. Garfiel stared, as his sister mouth dropped and Bruce tried to use his ninja skills to silently slide back into the blankets. Both of them expected him to have a massive tantrum about what he was seeing. Frederica sprung out of bed, getting herself ready to try and calm him down.

"Um...I'll jus' come back later."

"Garf-?"

Garfiel left, closing the door behind him.

The two just stared at the door, not believing that Garfiel kept his calm from seeing his sister in such a precarious situation. Frederica's eyes wandered around, not sure what she was going to do.

However to her surprise, when she saw him later that day, he was still his quirky self doing his usual shtick.

It was with Batman, however, that he gave the silent treatment to for the next two weeks. Childish antics per usual.

Now inside the mansion, Petra raced over and handed over the rest of the Valentine's chocolates to her friends, they all enjoyed them...except Subaru, he didn't seem to get one.

"Um, Subaru-sama...th-this one is for you."

"Wooow."

A lovely ornage box wrapped in a yellow ribbon was handed to him, it was clearly chocolate inside. Anyone could see Petra must have worked especially hard on this one more than the others.

Subaru smiled as he took it from her hands, her face lowered, not knowing what he would say.

"Thank you Petra, I love it."

"...Y-You're welcome!"

She raised her eyes and smiled at Subaru, she then received a head pat from her cherished one, making her especially happy. Rem smiled at the entire thing...but raised a fist in the air as she put on a determined face, her horn slowly peeking out as well.

"Rem musn't lose her spot."

"Relax Rem, you still always be my fanatical demon."

Rem cupped her cheeks, blushing happily from the comment.

Beatrice was set down so Petra could drag her off and play.

"Aw, wait! Petra hold on, I suppose!"

"Come on Beatrice-chan, I'm so happy that I could play all day today!"

"No, I wanted to stay with Subaru! Wait! Cease this, I suppose!"

Beatrice looked back and saw everyone waving her goodbye.

"You traitors!"

"We love you too Beako!"

Later, the entirety of the mansions residents were now gathered for dinner. They began to discuss everything that was going to happen tomorrow as well as small topics such as the countires of Japan and the United States from the other world.

Surprisingly, Emilia insisted that she go without Roswaal in order to test herself in what she has learned over the past two years through her studying. Roswaal actually agreed and gave her his blessings.

Subaru sat with Emilia and Rem to his sides and Beatrice on his lap. Ram and Petra stood next to Roswaal as he glanced over and saw that Frederica was standing next to Bruce, who was wearing his formal wear. Garfiel playfully glared at Bruce, Otto nervously chuckled at the sight.

"So, me and Emilia-tan are heading to a sponsorship deal in the capital right?"

"Correct Subaru, we have to gain some more backers, especially since, to the rest of the world, we were on a year long quest. Time travel is weird."

"Time traveling sure does suck."

Subaru and Batman both grimaced at the thought.

"'Kay now, Roz-chi said something about a bodyguard coming with us? Won't Batman-san be enough?"

"Subaru, while I'll be with you two during the trip there, I have to go the mansion for my own agenda. So you two will be wide open."

"Aren't I enough?"

"Emilia is more than capable of defending you two...but I still fear that something can go out of hand."

"IGNORING ME HUH?"

Subaru pouted, making Rem and Emilia laugh. Subaru calmed down though and looked at Roswaal.

"So who's this bodygaurd we're getting?"

"Sheeee is the granddaughter from a line oooooof bodyguards protecting the Magrave lineage since her grandmother. Her name is Sarah Remendis."

"Sarah huh? Well is she like tough?"

"Oh, well! She may noooooot have the magical prowress of Emilia-sama, the brute strength of Batman-san, oooooor the escapist skills of Subaru-kun, but she is aaaaaa capable fighter, to be sure."

"Why did mine sound like a diss?"

"Huhuhuhu."

Roswaal chuckled it off, but Subaru thought about what kind of girl was going to be taking care of them.

Then his two cheeks were pinched.

"OW! OW!"

Emilia and Rem gave Subaru sour looks.

"What were you thinking about Subaru? Hope it wasn't anything, n-naughty!"

"Rem agrees, Subaru-kun needs to refrain from such impure thoughts...unless they have to do with Rem or Emilia-sama!"

Subaru's eyes watered from the pain and he apologized profusely from it. Everyone around him laughed at the exchange, making the girls blush immensely. Frederica hugged Bruce from behind from laughing so hard, Garfiel meanwhile did his best to happy for the two of them, even if he couldn't help but be a overly concerned little brother.

Roswaal rubbed his chin as he looked at Subaru, then at Bruce. He whispered to himself…

"Maybe this will be it?"

The next morning, when the sun was barely coming out, everyone was outside getting ready to head to the capital. It was decided to forgo using Batman's teleportation spell, in order to conserve it for an emergency. Batman put on his new suit he spent the last three months building.

"Um, Batman-san...doesn't that suit look a little heavy?"

"Maybe so, but it's what I have to work with. I am still charging the other two armors and my old suit is torn up badly from the last few months."

"I guess so...still, it looks uber cool!"

It had a metal helmet shaped like his usual mask, armored shoulders and what looked like heavy armor around his arms, chest and legs. His usual vicious white yes were still there of course. All of it covering his normal Batsuit, though it was quite torn up underneath.

"I thought of making this design just in case I needed to go one on one with Superman at one point. Luckily, there is some fine metal depositories in Roswaal's domain."

"Geez, there you go again trying to take on everyone."

Subaru playfully punched his chest with his metal hand, making the two of them chuckle.

Just ahead of them a carriage dropped off the bodyguard who now being sent with the three of them.

Subaru was quite stunned to see her. With Roswaal's description of what this girl's grandmother Carol looked like, she was essentially the splitting image of her, even her height. Except, she wore a Magrave insignia stamp on her uniforms left shoulder.

"Oh, um, Sarah right?"

"Yes, that is my name, it is a honor to finally meet you all."

She did a quick bow to them, but when she looked up at Batman her calm demeanor flattered as her eyes narrowed.

"Yes, this one would be Batman-dono?"

"That's right nice to-"

"-Yes, please let me just say I have zero intention of being formal with you."

Everyone was taken aback by her staunch refusal to be nice to him.

"Sarah-san, just what do you have against Batman-san?"

"Yes, I should answer that for you Emilia-sama. I have trained since my very birth to be a diligent servant to the Magrave family...and yet when the time finally came for my duty to be finally fulfilled to become a willing bodyguard, this man showed up."

"...That's true, Batman-san did show up when Roswaal was looking for someone to take care of me."

"Yes, I was going to be ready some time by the start of the Royal Selection to guard you with my body and being...until this complete stranger showed up and took my rightful birth given place."

"Don't say that! Batman-san is a dear friend and he's been through soooo much with us."

"Yes, maybe so. Though I accept wholeheartedly with Subaru-dono being your knight, as he worked for that position tirelessly...for Batman to show up and just take the spot is irksome, regardless of what he's accomplished in the past two years. So I would ask you kindly, to let us drop this conversation."

Emilia couldn't say anything else, as she bowed to Emilia, then Subaru...and turned her head away from Batman. The two men could only sigh at the haughty girl they now had to travel with.

Just then, they felt a piercing aura behind them. The three of them turned around.

"UH."

"Oh shit."

Frederica had a intense sour look on her face, her hands slowly transforming into paws and a unbearable killing aura surrounded her body.

"G-Garfiel! Do something about this!"

Subaru turned to see Garfiel was literally now half a football field away from them. The young man waved at them enthusiastically.

"You got this Boss!"

"DON'T RUN AWAY!"

After Batman calmed Frederica down, she hugged Bruce goodbye.

"Hurry on up, okay?"

"Sure, sure. Make sure everyone is doing alright, okay?"

"Of course, my love."

She kissed him passionately, not caring that everyone could see them.

Rem and Emilia blushed immensely seeing them do this.

Otto and Subaru howled in a comedic fashion.

Garfiel took a deep breath, but calmed himself.

"If Sis is happy, then I should really get ova' it."

Ram and Roswaal chuckled seeing this.

Petra scratched her cheek, thinking she shouldn't be seeing this.

And as for Sarah-

"Tsk."

-She turned away in annoyance.

Emilia, Batman and Subaru got in the carriage. Beatrice pouted up at Subaru, she also had wanted to come, but she had to help stay and work on some algorithm Batman left for her, so they could speed up the process to bring Puck to them.

"Subaru do be careful! Betty will give you good thrashing if something does happen, I suppose."

"Cute and scary, that's my Beako."

"Don't make fun of me!"

Subaru leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, making her tremble and turn bright pink.

"W-W-WhAT?! S-S-S-SUBARU?!"

"Call it a good luck kiss."

Beatrice retaliated and used Murak to float up and kiss him on the cheek.

"Now Betty wishes you luck! Take that, I suppose!"

"...Thanks Beatrice."

Beatrice floated down and smiled up at him. Then, Rem made it past her and kissed Subaru in the mouth. When she let go, he took a deep breath as he didn't expect her to do that.

"Wow."

"Haha, Rem knows how to give the best good luck kisses. And only for her Subaru-kun!"

"T-Thanks Rem."

Her rubbed her head and she smiled bashfully.

She stepped down and put her hands together to look at Batman and Emilia.

"Batman-san, Emilia-sama! Please take good care of Subaru-kun."

"No sweat Rem, we'll take good care of him!"

Emilia stuck her head out and gave her a wink and thumbs up. Rem did the same as well.

Ram could be seen almost wanting to cry seeing her darling sister being corrupted by Subaru.

The carriage pulled away as everyone waved them goodbye.

Subaru and Emilia watched as the mansion got smaller and smaller in view until they rushed forward. Subaru was sitting near the window so he could look over at Patrasche. She seemed to be happy being able to carry them all to their next destination.

"Can't beat my Patrasche huh?"

Subaru sat back inside the carriage, Sarah was in front driving the carriage, she was lucky Patrasche was ordered by Subaru to let her drive...otherwise she would have refused to even move a muscle.

Though the sight of her struggling with Patrashce in his mind, made Subaru chuckle a bit.

The three of them continued the journey...eventually Subaru took the reins giving Sarah the opportunity to rest inside. She seemed to frequently talk with Emilia with a calm demeanor...but always slightly narrowed her eyes at Batman.

"Can't we just talk about this in a civil manner?"

"Incorrect, I wish to hardly even speak with someone like you."

"You are quite the sharp one aren't you?"

"Hmph. Yes, I wish to refrain from being given a remark like that from you."

Emilia clapped her hands together as slightly frowned at Sarah.

"Sarah-san, I do not wish to seem mean or anything of the sorts. But, Batman-san is one of my best friends, so I'm not going to forgive anyone who badmouths him!"

"...!"

"Batman-san has lost so much these past two years! And for you to sit there and-"

Batman then quickly grabbed her shoulder. She looked up at him, his head was shaking side to side slowly.

"But Batman-san."

"It's alright Emilia, not everyone is going to like someone in general, you should know this better than anyone. So I'm going to be strong like you and not let it get to me."

"O-Okay."

Emilia took a breath and relaxed. Sarah sat there astonished in seeing the bond they had.

"Yes...you two…"

"...?"

"Yes. You both seem to have high camaraderie with each other, as if you've been through years of combat, even though you two have only known each other for two years."

"It's been...quite the journey for all of us. But Subaru and Batman-san have always been working hard for us. So natuarally I trust them both to no end."

"...!"

Sarah could in no way respect Batman as a bodyguard, just seeing him in such an outlandish armor was enough for her to question his skills. However, she couldn't shake the slight...very slight, acknowledgement she had for what he had accomplished.

The White Whale.

The Sizable Hare.

Sloth.

Greed.

Wrath.

Gluttony.

The Pleaideas Watchtower.

They were tasks that entire countries, armies and even powerful warriors like the Sword Saint could never defeat.

Yet, in the last two years, this novice bodyguard worked with the Emilia's knight to defeat these obstacles that were a challenge to the world for the last four hundred years.

"Incorrect, I cannot."

Sarah still refused to acknowledge him. No matter what.

The carriage made it inside the capital...but the moment they stepped out, countless citizens surrounded them. Many asking for autographs, to touch them or even women swooning over Subaru and Batman.

"Damn...maybe we should wear messy clothes like celebrities do?"

"I think we'd be too noticeable even then."

Sarah did her job and brought out two forearm blades and sliced up the ground, scaring the citizens back.

"Yes, please back away now. Make way for Emilia-sama and her entourage!"

The four of them made it past the citizens and…

"OH! Hey there!"

"Well, I'll be damned. You really are them!"

Kadomon waved at them as they were now in front of his fruit shop.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

"Yeah, I didn't expect to see you again. But man, to think that the broke as a joke kid from two years ago, would end up being a knight!?"

The two laughed it off, while Emilia bowed to Kadomon, making him bow back. Then he noticed the other two. While he did a slight bow with his head to Sarah, who gave one back, for Batman…

"C-Can you do me a favor and wait right there?"

"Uh, excuse me?"

"Just one second!"

Kadomon ran inside and they could hear noises coming from inside. Sarah got in a battle ready position...but Batman placed his hand in front of her, as if to calm her down.

Kadomon rushed out of the shop, holding hands with two people.

"See what I tell ya?"

Out came a lovely lady with purple hair and brown eyes, his wife...and a small little girl that Subaru recognized instantly, quietly whispering her name.

"Plum-chan."

Plum was a little girl that Subaru remember from his very first loop in this world. Seeing her now two years older and happy as can be...made Subaru want to cry. He did his best to not to though.

"You okay Subaru?"

"Yeah, something in my eyes is all."

Subaru calmed down and waved at the little girl.

She looked to her right at Subaru.

Then to her left at Batman.

She did this several times, back and forth.

"W-WOOOW! It's Batman and Natsuki Subaru!"

"See? I told you they were here."

Plum excitedly made it over, fidgeting around, unsure of what to do.

Batman kneeled down and shook hands with her. She giggled happily and looked back at her parents.

"Mom! Dad! Look! I'm shaking hands with Batman!"

"Wow sweeite you sure are lucky!"

"Yeah!"

Plum then shook hands with Subaru. She then remembered something and ran back inside in a hurry. She came back and brought out two pieces of paper. She handed each one to them.

Both men smiled.

For Subaru, it was a crudely drawn picture of himself and Batman beating up the White Whale. He smiled more when saw the White Whale was crying with x's for eyes.

For Batman, it was a drawing of Batman and Subaru next to the Watchtower raising their hands in the air saying, "We did it!".

Both men thanked her for the gifts.

For the next several minutes Plum was sitting on Batman's shoulders as Subaru decided to buy some fruit from him. Sarah noticed behind them that many people were whispering and pointing out at them.

"Alright here ya go!"

"Thanks man, you are always a big help."

"Sure, was kinda worried when you rushed off last time with your maid."

"Oh...Um...Right! I had just remember we were going to be late for the meeting to take down the White Whale, really messed up with that!"

"Well, okay."

Subaru tried to laugh it off, but Kadomon saw reason to pry any further.

Plum was now saying goodbye to her heroes.

Kadomon even went as far to explain that, in the last two years, Batman and Subaru have tied with the Sword Saint as the most beloved heroes in the entirety of Lugnica. Their exploits have been written down, sung by a wandering minstrel and even made into a play.

Subaru and Batman could only grimace at the last one.

"Bye bye, Batman-onii san and Subaru-onii san!"

"Bye Plum take care okay!"

"Will you visit us again?"

"No doubt about it!"

Plum smiled happily at the idea.

"When I grow up I'm going to make my dad's shop the biggest one in the entire capital!"

"Sounds good."

"And I'll be like Anastasia Hoshin, I'm going to have knights to protect me!"

"A very important person, huh?"

"Yup, and I want people like onii-san and Batman-san to be protecting me!"

Batman nodded and patted her on the head.

"We'll be looking forward to that."

"Okay!"

And with that, they left and waved them goodbye.

Behind them, Kadomon's shop was suddenly flooded with customers. It seemed that his shop had now become famous for, "Exclusively serving Batman and Natsuki Subaru", so it ended up sticking with them.

They could only thank those two from a distance.

Batman decided to split off from them.

"This is where split up."

"Okay, Be good to the Sage Council okay?"

"Sure thing. Emilia, good luck on everything."

Emilia nodded with confidence. Subaru looked over and gave him a big ol' thumbs up, which he returned as well.

He then glanced over at Sarah.

"Please take care of these two."

"Yes, Batman should realize who exactly he is speaking with. I don't need you to tell me how do my job."

"Alright then."

Batman pulled out his grappling gun and fired away. Shooting through the air and then began jumping from rooftop to rooftop.

Even Sarah was surprised to see Batman move so nimbly in the heavy looking armor. Subaru snickered at seeing slightly surprised face.

"Now shall we go?"

Emilia took his hand and they began walking off. Sarah close behind...looking to the direction of the palace, where Batman had had ventured to.

It was now two hours later, Batman was led into the halls of the castle, all of the knights had begun whispering and some even swallowed their breaths looking over at Batman. They could feel his imposing aura and were even impressed by his armor.

"Here we are Batman-dono."

The doors opened up and Batman was now in the meeting room that he was in just two years ago.

"Batman-dono, thank you for meeting with us."

"No problem."

Batman stood there glancing over and seeing Reinhard there.

"Hey Reinhard."

"Batman, it is good to see you."

However, Batman quickly noticed that he had a serious demeanor, making the dark knight cautious of what was occurring. So Bordeaux started the meeting.

"Batman-dono, there is a very important reason we have brought you here. I could think that someone with your talents would know exactly why."

"...Julius told you about where I'm from?"

"Nothing gets past you."

Miklotov chuckled, but stopped when he saw that Batman was staring at them. It was quite obvious the armor he was wearing did not help the mood, making it seem as though he was ready for battle.

"Ahem. Then to the topic, Batman-dono, we have been informed that you unable to return to your old home, we are sorry at your unfortunate situation...but we must also know-"

"-If my world can breach over here?"

"Correct."

Reinhard stepped forward.

"We have reason to believe that if you were to enter our world, some others could do the same."

"Like that person of light?"

"...! Then you have seen him as well?!"

"We saw it at the Augria Sand Dunes. I do think as well it was someone from my world, but it's not that easy to reach this world. I think it has something to do with Od Laguna."

"You believe it protects this world from such an event?"

"Yes, otherwise your world would be frequently visited by other worlds correct?"

Everyone was quiet.

"Furthermore, if I can't find a way back, they more than likely can't find a way in."

"And if they did? What are the chances your world will not try to invade?"

"While the theory that some denizens of my world would most likely try to attack...if we met with my friends there, they'd more than be of help defending your world."

Reinhard seemed at ease hearing this...but still-

"On the off chance that your world tried to invade us...how much of a chance do we have?"

"With you factored in as well?"

Reinhard nodded.

"...Hahhh, in the unlikely event that my world somehow turned all 'evil' and tried to attack this place?"

"Let's be hypothetical about it."

"...You'd lose your world in half a year."

Everyone gasped loudly hearing this.

"Relax though, that would never happen. Your world is safe...and even if some outside force tried to invade...I'd stand with you."

"And why is that?"

"...Subaru and the others are under my protection for as long as I am here there is no doubt about that...but also…"

"Hm?"

"I...have someone I need to take care of. I would never let anything happen to her."

Everyone was stunned to hear that Batman had a lover...making them think that she'd be the sole thing needed to keep him on their side.

"Now if this whole conversation is over."

Batman gave a respectful bow, then turned his back to everyone. Miklotov and the others watched as he made his exit.

"I have to meet with Emilia and Subaru."

"Very well, the meeting is adjourned. We have proven that Batman-dono has no intention of brining harm to this land."

As Batman exited the room...he could only whisper to himself.

"After everything we did...you'd still do this, huh?"

At the exit of the castle, Reinhard was outside waiting for him. It was reaching the evening hours as the sun turned purple and ornage.

"Batman, I just-"

"-Relax Reinhard, you and the council had every right to be suspicious of me, now that the knowledge of other worlds is revealed."

"We can't take the chance of Lugnica being compromised, especially by enemies we know nothing about."

"...Couldn't you always come to me?"

Reinhard's eyes widened, then lowered, filled with regret that he never thought of to simply ask his friend.

Batman sighed as he put a hand on his shoulder.

"Everything is alright Reinhard. We both can't be right all the time or think we know whats best. But we learn from them, so try and learn from this."

"...Thank you Batman."

Reinhard and Batman bowed to each other and went their separate ways.

Though the Sword Saint sighed loudly…

"But Batman now has a lover huh?"

He looked out at the sky and couldn't help but make a troubled face.

"Felt-sama is not going to be pleased."

The business meeting was now over, Subaru took a deep breath as he was bored out of his mind talking with the brokers for these companies. But the rigorous studying Emilia did really helped in the situation, and they succeeded in getting the sponsorship deals.

"Emilia-tan sure is amazing though."

"Just hard work being rewarded."

"Yeah, yeah. E.M.G. Emilia-tan. Major. Genius."

Emilia laughed at his usual antic...then leaned over and kissed him in the cheek.

"Uh…"

"Just got a little anxious...so felt like doing it."

"Do...do you want to really kiss then?"

"Um...well...I'm curious about it. I have seen you and Rem do it before...so-"

"-Your wish is my command."

Subaru leaned over and kissed her on the lips. She moaned as she felt his tongue caressing hers. They broke the kiss and they both stared at each other.

"E-Emilia-tan sure is a good kisser."

"S-Stupid Subaru."

She then reached over and hugged him. He felt happy as can be, being with her. His first-

"Yes, has the meeting been successful?"

"GAHH!"

The two stopped their snuggling as Sarah entered the room. She glanced over the two of them with her usual calm face.

"Yes...I can see why Subaru-sama is quite popular at the mansion then."

"I hope your not insinuating anything?"

"Incorrect, nothing of the sort."

Subaru then scratched his head and tried to change the topic.

"So, Sarah-san, how come you never say no?"

"Yes, in my family we see that word as an ugly word that does not belong in our lineage. Such a negative response should be unbecoming of anyone in the Remendis family."

"O-Okay."

The room became silent...then Subaru sat up and decided to lighten up the mood.

"Hey! I saw a really good bakery down the corner I think I'll get us something nice, right?"

"Yeah let's go."

Subaru then shook his finger at Emilia and gave her a wink.

"The two ladies should stay here and chat, while I venture out and get them something to snack on."

"But…the fruit?"

"That's for the mansion, we'll share it with the others. Can't go back without bringing Rem and Beako back something!"

"But still..."

Subaru put a finger on her lips and gave her a wink.

"Easy there, Emilia-tan, let me do this for you."

She nodded happily, so he removed his finger, turning his attention to Sarah.

"I trust you'll take care of our future king then?"

"Yes, but are you sure there is nix reasoning to follow you?"

"Come on, if I can't make it to a store, what kind of knight would I be?"

Sarah was silent and simply sat back down.

"Besides, Emilia is the big shot here, so you need to protect her, yeah?"

"Yes, very well Subaru-sama, I shall stay behind to guard Emilia-sama."

"Great! Now...let's see, I know Emilia wants something with berries, how about you?"

"...Yes, something with a bit of saltiness would be nice."

"Got it, I'll be back!"

Subaru rushed off to get the snacks for the two girls.

Sarah sat quietly...but Emilia asked her a question that almost made her drop her normal aura.

"Sarah-san...are you jealous of Batman-san?"

"...!?"

"Well?"

"Incorrect. Incorrect, Emilia-sama. I have not such irksome feelings like that towards him."

"O-Okay-"

"-But."

She looked at Emilia, her lime green eyes gazing at into her.

"Yes, That man stole the position I worked my entire life for! I will never show him even the slightest amount of goodwill...how can I? He stole it...my reason for living."

"Sarah-san."

Emilia put a hand on Sarah's shoulder. She didn't show even the slightest emotion of sadness on her face...but what could be said about her insides, was a different story.

Subaru was now carrying four bags of bread for everyone, while he was snacking away on his piece of chocolate pastry.

A strawberry cream flavored cake for Emilia.

A lemon sherbet for Sarah.

And a regular croissant for Batman.

However, as Subaru was nearing an alleyway...someone he recognized caught his eye.

"Oh, guess I should go say hi."

But when Subaru followed him to an alleyway...he disappeared.

"Huh?"

Then he turned around and saw he was right in front of him...spooking him almost out of his skin.

"Wah! Damn don't do that! That was scary!"

"..."

"Anyways, how have you been-"

Something hit the side of Subaru's head...knocking him out.

Batman arrived inside the building where the meeting was taking place.

"Hey everyone, how did it go?"

"Batman-san! H-Have you seen Subaru?"

"No, I thought he was with you all?"

Emilia stood up and began to tremble, her fingers nervously twiddling.

"He went out to the pastry shop outside to get us snacks, he hasn't come back...and it's already been ten minutes!"

"What?!"

Batman rushed out the door and jumped out an open window, his heavy suit making a crater form under him. He dashed through the crowd, Emilia and Sarah were not far behind. Batman saw the pastry shop ahead...then noticed the alleyway near the corner of it.

He ran over to it...and saw three bags and a half eaten chocolate pastry. He observed the scene…

"Yes! Batman-dono! What have you found?!"

"...Look here."

"...! This is...!"

Subaru's whip and his custom utility belt were on the floor. Next to the bags...was a small spot of blood.

Emilia was shaking as her covered her mouth.

Sarah had a guilt ridden look in her eyes.

Batman got up and looked everywhere he could…

"SUBARUUUUU!"

His vision returning back to him, he squinted his eyes and found himself tied up. He looked around and saw he was inside of a regular looking carriage.

"Hey kyoudai. You're awake huh?"

"...uhhhh."

He looked up and his eyes widened as he saw the person. The person who tried to speak with and most likely ended up knocking him out.

"A-AL?"

"Sorry about this...but there's some things we need to care of. For my princess...and myself."

His tone of voice lowered with his last words...Subaru could swear he saw his eyes leering down at him, through his helmet.

Subaru quickly figured out what exactly was going on…

"You gotta be kidding me...I-?"

Subaru gritted his teeth, now ready to scream out his very serious predicament.

"-I'VE BEEN KIDNAAAAPED?!"

Subaru's screams echoed out of the carriage, one that was now far away from the capital. Signaling the start of a series of complete and utter disasters to come.