AN: Last chapter before everything hits the next gear...hold on to your butts folks!



AN Fun Fact: Re:Zero veteran musicians Myth and Roid won the song title with "sunny garden Sunday"! Good thing too, I had no title for this chapter. ENJOY!

ARC Six: The Watergate City War

Chapter Forty Five: Sunny Garden Sunday

"Haha! This place totally reminds me of Water 7 from One Piece!"

The Faction members continued traveling on the bridge as they got closer to their destination. Next to them, a large Water Dragon emerged, seemingly taking interest in the Batwing.

The large serpent stared at the jet with a curious tilt of the head. The Batwing then did a roll away from it, and spun to the other side of the carriage. When it was obvious that the Water Dragon got upset, Patrasche let out a roar and scared the serpent off.

"At least we know who our favorite dragon is."

"Yes, she is the most admirable, I suppose."

Reaching the Inn they were told they were staying at, Subaru and Batman quickly noticed how it looked very Japanese.

The type of building one would see in Ancient Japan, with this Subaru got a message on his Comm Link.

"Subaru, do you see this?"

"Yeah, it looks like…"

"...something from our world."

"Yeah, Otto mentioned that this very place was where that Hoshin guy appeared. So i'm guessing we weren't the only ones summoned here."

"...True, but the question will always be why?"

Their thoughts were cut off when they realized they had arrived.

The Batwing landed nearby the entrance, startling some of the hostesses there. Out from the top leapt down Batman and Deathstroke.

From the carriage everyone stretched their legs as they exited out. Subaru at this point was letting Beatrice sit on his shoulders and gazed up at the Inn alongside Emilia.

Otto took the Ground Dragons to their stables to rest from the long journey, and while he was away a familiar face appeared from the entrance.

"Hey everyone, hope you didn't have too much trouble getting here."

Anastasia Hoshin welcomed them.

In a room clearly intended for formal meetings, everyone sat on their mats on the floor.

Except Deathstroke, who stood outside keeping guard, also because he had no interest in the meeting at all.

Julius and Joshua showed up after, along with Mimi.

"Ah! Garf! You're here! You're here!"

"Hell yup! I'm here ta-!"

"-Let's go! Let's go!"

Mimi held onto Garfiel's hand and proceeded to drag him out of the room. Garfiel begged for help, but alas, Subaru and Otto did a small prayer for him as he was dragged out.

Some inn staff came in to offer tea and moist towels for them. Everyone enjoyed a few sips and thanked the staff. Batman decided to wipe down his face, so he removed his mask.

For the Anastasia members, it was the second time they had seen his face, minus Joshua. But they could clearly see that a year since seeing him had put him under strenuous actions, noting all the new scars on his face.

Batman wiped himself down a bit, before putting his mask back on, letting Anastasia relax.

"Now that's all out of the way. I suppose we all have some things to discuss right?"

"Yes, we were told of a jewel that can be found in the city right?"

Emilia and Anastasia took the reins of the conversation as everyone else could chime in.

"The negotiating with Kiritaka Muse went well in that regard."

"Wait...why does that name sound familiar?"

Emilia put a finger on her lip and tilted her head a bit to try and remember...only for Batman, Subaru and Beatrice to sigh loudly.

"It's him."

"Oh man oh man, it's that guy."

"Blegh. It's that man, I suppose."

The three of them recalled the event from over a year ago when they had to save Lililana from Kiritake and his fellow obsessed goons. It wasn't dangerous for them, but it was quite the annoying endeavor.

Realizing that the negotiations would be a little tense once he meets them, Subaru and Batman considered not going, in case their presence would hinder their prospects.

Then Julius appeared and did a polite bow to the two.

"Greetings, Subaru-dono and Batman-dono, I hope everything is in order."

Subaru and Batman simply sighed at his chivalrous attitude.

"C'mon Julius. Don't be so uptight about all this, adding a -dono to all this is kind of just unnatural."

"We already have people on the streets calling us that, so we'd like it if we had people we associate with do it as little as possible."

Julius smirked at the response.

"Of course, please forgive my attitude. It's just, to see the both of you rise so high in the world in just a year...I'd say it brings me pride to be your friend."

"Well...yeah...that's okay I guess."

Subaru seemed embarrassed by his proud statement. Anastasia of course, giggled a bit at the response.

"As usual, our knight is attentive to Natsuki-kun."

"It's nothing that special. I am merely discussing the attitude of a knight as his senior. The knights of the kingdom of Lugnica may be judged from his behavior."

Julius introduced himself to Otto and Beatrice, with the two of them giving their own introductions, with quick quips from Natsuki Subaru.

"I'm Otto Suwen, Emilia Camp's Minister of Internal Affairs...well thanks to a certain someone."

"There seems to be bitterness about that decision."

"Originally, I was supposed to be merely a simple merchant, what has become of me?"

"Well, because I'm always struggling, so I'll dump everything on Otto."

"Gosh, that sounds like the pressure of the world is about to crash into me! Ugh."

"Betty is the great spirit Beatrice, I suppose, and Subaru's contract spirit. As you can see, I rank highly both as a spirit and in cuteness. I would appreciate a delicious tea and sweet snack, I suppose."

"Maintain your majesty until the end!"

Then the attention turned to the guard outside their door.

"Oh..uhmm. That's...Slade...RIGHT! Slade Wilson! Yup. That's his name. He's our second bodyguard!"

"Hmmmm...forgive me for saying this Subaru. But that man has a fierce aura to him. As if he's ready to kill at a moment's notice."

"Riiiiight...it's part of his charm!"

Deathstroke humphed at the comment as he continued keeping watch.

With the meeting over, Subaru and the others headed outside and were ready to get a boat to traverse the rivers of the city and make it to their meeting spot.

Garfiel then returned as the exited the Inn.

"Damn, I was so unlucky. If it hadn't been for that dog faced guy, I don't think I would

have survived."

"By dog faced guy, do you mean Ricardo? Weren't you on a date with Mimi?"

"A date, what a joke. As soon as that midget dragged me away, another midget identical to her attacked me and nearly killed me! If I'd retaliated, they probably would'a started crying, so instead I had to spend the day runnin' away..."

It had been Ricardo who had stopped the catastrophe.

Mimi, of course, had two twin brothers who could have caused it.

Perhaps it was Tivey, whose calm disposition could have been hiding a sharper side.

Or perhaps Hetaro, fearing that his sister would be taken away, had displayed his siscon tendencies for the first time.

Whoever it had been, the situation seemed fine now.

"Well, I didn' wanna be excluded from ya' plans, so I rushed over here, captain."

"We were planning on meeting the guy who's selling the magical ore. In retrospect, we

probably should've waited for you, one of our most trusted bodyguards."

"Of course ya' should've."

Subaru added the relieved Garfiel to his party and headed toward the docks. All the boats were fairly small, each only having room for eight people, including the boat's sailor.

However Subaru seemed to shake a bit as they entered the Water Dragon led boat, and Batman noticed this.

"Subaru, don't tell me you get seasick."

"Well I haven't been on too many boats in my life, but honestly I feel really queasy."

"...Hahhhh, alright this is where we get off."

"Huh? But-"

"We can't force you onto this boat and have you puking all that excessive energy away?"

"Excessive?!"

Batman patted his shoulders, turned him around and led him away from the boat.

"Emilia, go on without us, me and Beatrice will go with Subaru by foot to meet you all there."

"Well...okay, but take care all of you."

Batman nodded before turning his attention to Deathstroke and Garfiel.

"Keep them safe you two."

Garfiel held out a thumbs up, while Deathstroke gave a 'okay' sign with his hand.

Batman and Beatrice escorted Subaru out of the boat.

The three of them were traveling along the streets of the city, getting attention from many passersby who wanted autographs.

"We sure do get a ton of attention huh?"

"Being part of the Faction most talked about right now, sort of does that you. Besides, you should have seen how our visages were all over the Capital. Of course our faces would be quickly recognized."

"Well...with a face like mine and a costume like that, that'd be easy."

Batman then felt a tap on his shoulder and was ready to fight back...but…

"Hehe. Not as cautious as you used to be?"

"Linnea?"

Linnea smiled up at him as she gave him a big hug.

She was holding a pretty white purse and wearing a lovely pink spring dress with a white belt around her waist.

"It's been so long! I haven't seen you since your inauguration!"

"Well, we have been busy of sorts….It is good to see you again."

Linnea let go of her hug as she glanced at the other two who were simply staring at her.

"Oh...OH! You're Natsuki Subaru-san! It is sooooo good to finally meet you."

Linnea quickly bowed in a respectful manner to him, leaving him a bit flustered, but he also bowed.

Linnea squatted down and happily patted Beatrice on the head, which gave the spirit a conflicted look.

"Oh and who is this? So cute."

Beatrice freed herself and hid behind Subaru.

"Wha-wha-wha?! Do not touch Betty so freely! Subaru is the only one to be rewarded with my heavenly hair, I suppose."

"Beatrice be nice okay?"

Linnea giggled a bit a she saw her tremble a bit behind Subaru.

"Sorry sorry. Beatrice, huh? You are quite the cutie."

Beatrice and Subaru seemed to relax as the woman gave them a very warm smile.

As the group continued walking the streets, Linnea explained to them that she was there to visit a family member she hadn't seen in five years. Her shop was currently being taken care of by a friend.

"So when I saw your flying Metia I got excited and was hoping to see you tomorrow, but today I saw you and Natsuki Subaru-kun walking around. So I just had to say hi."

"Um, Linnea-san isn't there anywhere you had to be?

"Hmmm? Nah, I was on my way to the Inn I'm staying at, but I just had to talk with you, been meaning to for a long time."

Subaru nodded happily, but had a concerned expression when he saw how Linnea was leaning her head against Batman.

Beatrice tugged on Subaru's sleeve as they both nodded to each other. Both of them envisioned an enraged Frederica leering down at a defiant Linnea as bat shaped sparks flew between them and they slightly cringed. So they whispered to each other.

"How do you think Frederica would react about this development?"

"Well, knowing how that maid is towards Batman, I'd figure that it would not end well, I suppose."

Linnea's ear shifted a bit as she looked back at the two with a sour look, making them flinch a bit. She then grabbed Batman's arm and leered up at him.

"Hey! Who is this Frederica?"

"She's a maid who works where I live with the others. She's quite dependable."

"...! Is she pretty?!"

"Well...yes she is quite…-wait why are you asking this?"

"Hmph! No reason!"

She angrily pouted as the group continued their way to the Muse Company, looking for a way to get there faster.

That's when they saw a crowd forming near a park.

Linnea practically dragged the three of them to go see what was happening.

There they saw a captivated assembly of people and easily recognized the reason for this. Or the person.

"Liliana."

Liliana sung, using only her voice and fingertips, created an energy comparable to that of an orchestra.

Even Batman was quietly amused by the song, while the others were holding their breaths.

As the song came to its climax everyone was silently transfixed by it all...and with a single final hum came to an end.

After everyone's applause, Liliana looked past the initial crowd and saw them.

"Ah!"

Liliana leapt down from the water fountain she had been standing on and rushed past the crowd to come face to face with them.

"Well! Well! If it ain't the manservant turned knight and Batman! How are are all of you doing?"

"Ah, Liliana, it has been a long time since we last saw each other I'd say. We've been busy."

"Yup! Heard how the hero I sing about is now a world renowned one! Hehehe! Now my song will spread farther and farther! Yes. Ah, speaking of which care if I tag along with you two?"

"Hmmm?"

"I want to hear about your adventures! The White Whale, The Sizeable Hare and everything else you've been up to! I want to add more verses to the ballad about you! Please?"

Liliana's eyes twinkled as she said this and put her hands together in a pleading manner.

The three of them sighed a bit when they all turned to see Linnea with the same expression.

"Good grief, I suppose."

Now the group of five were moving through the bustling city with Liliana guiding them to the Muse Company.

She seemed hesitant of course, as Kiritaka was still obsessed with her, even after Batman's "personal talk" with him.

"I want to spread my ballads throughout the kingdom and maybe even the world...but he usually keeps me trapped in this city."

"Don't worry about it Liliana, when this deal is over me and Batman-san will have a word with him."

He put out a thumbs up and smiled, making the girl cheerful as can be.

Subaru was then of course, met with his hand being gripped harder by a seemingly displeased Beatrice.

Batman was browsing around at the splendor of the city...when he felt two eyes staring at him. He quickly turned around. This startled everyone, Batman looked from left to right and even at the rooftops...but he didn't see anything.

Linnea placed a hand on his arm.

"Something wrong?"

"No...just my nerves is all. Let's go."

They continued traversing the streets, unaware that blocks away on a rooftop a black hooded figure standing.

"The smell…"

Her pink eyes stared out the city as it sniffed the air animalistically.

"The smell...stronger...everywhere…"

She hunched over and clenched her hands.

"Kill them all….all of them...all of them...my enemies…"

Right then and there, two horns appeared from her forehead and her eyes narrowed immensely.

"DIE DIE DIE DIE DIEDIEDIE."

Batman and the others were now outside the Muse Company..seeing that the others hadn't made it yet.

Subaru figured that they were to be the ones to start the negotiations.

"Well...let's wait for them inside."

They entered the building and saw splendor of people and items being sold, but they made their way further into the spectacle and found the place they were looking for.

As they entered they saw a familiar pale gold haired fellow speaking with some people, until he glanced over and saw a certain someone.

"AH! My true epiphany, one who has captured my heart!"

He rushed over and seemed to enraptured, heading towards Liliana. She got nervous and hid behind Subaru, this seemed to catch Kiritaka's attention and he glared at him.

"How...how dare you get so close to my Liliana?!"

"Wha?! Listen man, I understand liking someone but being possessive is not the way to be doing things!"

"Silence! I don't want to hear that from a scoundrel who already has a girl with him!"

He immediately pointed down at Beatrice who was still holding his hand, but now seemed upset at Kiritaka.

"Now give her here!"

"Beatrice...let go of my hand…"

Beatrice could sense the seriousness in his voice, so she did as told. Kiritaka aimed a punch at Subaru. Subaru calmly took a breath and used two defensive hands to guide the fist away from him and then grabbed the back of his shirt and the top of his pants before tossing him back.

Kiritaka shook his head and glared up at him. Then he remembered…

"Y-y-you're the one from the Magrave Mansion! Natsuki Subaru!"

"Say it don't spray it. But yeah, even after everything that we all went through last year, you're still the same piece of work from last time!"

"Err. Still trying to take Liliana from me...I'll show you, you were for the Jewel right?!"

"...!"

"Well in that case I'll-"

Kiritaka's words fumbled when he saw the one person he was scared of approach him. A goofy looking expression of fear took over his face as tears formed on the sides of his eyes.

"B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-BATAMAN?!"

"Well if Subaru and Emilia here, I wouldn't be too far off would I?"

Batman leaned over to reach a trembling Kiritaka's ear.

"Now let met tell you something."

Batman began whispering to Kiritaka. No one else could hear what they were saying.

"WAH! OKAY! I SWEAR, I'LL STOP! PLEASE RIGHT THIS WAY!"

Batman turned around to face the others and gave a plain thumbs up, everyone had a slightly anxious look.

"Hey, Beako...what do you think he said to him?"

"Nothing that concerns Betty. Though, knowing Batman it wasn't anything pleasant, I suppose."

As Emilia and the others reached the building, they were about to enter, the doors opened.

"Hey Emilia-tan."

Emilia's eyes widened as Subaru's party walked out of the door.

"Subaru? How'd you get here before us?"

"Don't worry Emilia-tan! The luck of the stars and love guided us here. And well…"

Subaru reached behind himself and pulled out a box for her.

"Here you go."

"Ah…."

When she opened it she saw the plain Jewel they had come for. A happy tear filled expression was firmly on her face and she quickly hugged Subaru.

"Thank you. Thank you."

"Well, it wasn't just me of course. Batman-san sweetened the deal."

Emilia glanced up and saw Batman have a quick smirk on his face.

She then gave him a side hug and began thanking him as well.

"Natsuki-san, how did you manage to acquire it?"

"Easy my simple little fool."

"Fool?!"

Batman, Beatrice and Liliana pointed at Batman with victorious poses.

"He threatened him."

"He scared him, in fact."

"He was gonna beat him up."

Batman grimaced at their comments as Linnea laughed.

Emilia was overjoyed to see Liliana again, and she introduced herself again this time to the others. It was decided that Linnea would allow Liliana to stay in her room for the time being.

"Well it has been an eventful evening. But I enjoyed it sooo much. Emilia-sama, everyone, please take care! Hope to see you all around!"

"Hehe! Take care all of you! If you want come visit the park tomorrow, I'll hold a special concert for you all!"

The two of them waved goodbye, while Linnea looked one last time at Batman and winked.

The entirety of the group...minus Garfiel and Emilia were all snickering at Batman.

"Alright let's head back now."

But before they started to move out...they saw him pull out something that made both Beatrice and Subaru get serious...it was the second thing they acquired from the Muse Company.

A Book of Knowledge.

"Tha's!"

Garfiel shuddered at the sight of it. Batman then narrowed his eyes at it and tossed it into the air.

He then aimed his palm at it.

"El Jiwald."

A heat beam fired from his hand and the book burned away into ashes.

"Batman-san…"

"That kind of thing is too dangerous to have around. If the Muse Company continued holding onto it, it would have eventually attracted the wrong crowd."

"Yeah...guess it's for the best."

"Now here, let's go."

Batman then placed two hands in front of him before taking a deep breath.

"Al Ermac."

A small tear in space appeared in front of them and they could see the Plumage Inn with several people in front of it.

"This'll save us the time. Well, let's get a move on."

Everyone soon walked through the tear and it closed behind them.

Reaching the outside of the Inn they noticed Joshua arguing with a thuggish looking person with grayish blue hair with pink streaks. They saw that his he had a oddly large tongue with a piercing.

"Hey I know that guy, he's one of the Three Stooges!"

"That's an old reference even for you kid."

"No that's not what I mean Slade, I mean I met him before in the Capital. He tried to mug me twice."

"Crooks aren't what they used to be."

Deathstroke and Batman shook their heads and began walking over with the others to hear the commotion.

"Brah, I'm telling I'm with them, honestly! Check your facts!"

"I honestly can't believe that such a ruffian like yourself would be allied with a respected knight like Reinhard."

As if to mock him, Reinhard had suddenly shown up walking to the scene and waved at both of them.

"Hello Joshua and Chin!"

"Wait wait wait wait! You mean to say this man here is-!"

"-Of course, he along with three others are allied with Felt-sama."

"Oh….."

Chin had a sour face look on his face, but as he turned his head his mouth dropped.

"Oh shit! It's the Emilia Camp! Batman and Natsuki Subaru! The Light! And that guy we tried to steal from twice!"

"I'd love to forget about those awkward memories thanks! And I did a lot too!"

Chin crossed his arms and nodded his head.

"Man, to think a lame brain that used a bunch of shitty cowardly tactics would take down all those monsters. It's crazy."

"Ughhhhhh. Just what we need a critic."

His fellow members laughed at his misfortune, when they were recognized by a certain knight.

"Well, we all meet again. Good to see you all together."

"Hey Reinhard! It's been too long."

Subaru and Batman shook hands with the Sword Saint and they chuckled at the turn of events of the last year.

"But still, to see Subaru recognized as a knight, Batman given the title of Light and all to the accomplishments you two have done. I'm happy for you both."

"Heh. It's nothing when you got people to take care of you know. Just so happened they were threatning the things I wanted to protect."

"Hm, so it seems."

Reinhard gave a smile and welcomed the rest of the group. Though Garfiel and Deathstroke could be seen whispering to each other.

"So tha' guy's th' Sword Saint huh? Supposed to be the strongest in Lugnica."

"Really? Hmmmm….I'd like to take a swing at him."

"Hehehe, yea' itchin' to test my amazin' selfs strength on him."

"Whoever took him down would be considered the best…"

Garfiel and Deathstroke eyes darkened as they stared at Reinhard, making Subaru feel a chill run through his spine.

Everyone went inside the Inn and made their way to the event room Anastasia reserved for everyone.

There the Crusch Camp was.

"Oh! Crusch-san, Ferris, Wilhelm-san, Pamela-san!"

The faction turned around and were happy to see the Emilia Camp arriving.

Wilhelm bowed respectfully to the group, and Crusch was about to, but a quick tap on the shoulder by Pamela stopped her.

She took a deep breath and calmed down.

"Hello everyone it good to see you all in good spirits and safe here."

"Nyah! It's been so long, I haven't seen anyone since Batman's inya-guration!"

Pamela steeped forward and flashed a peace sign at the group.

"Gosh! It's been too long, Emilia how have you been?"

"Oh Pamela-san. I've been busy but always striving to be better."

"Good Good!"

Deathstroke was staring at the unrecognizable girl in front of him. Seeing Poison Ivy acting so chummy with everyone slightly unnerved him. She was wearing a stylish green cold shoulder sweatshirt, with flowers adorning her belt, and a pretty light green pants with a flower vine decal running through it.

She looked over and put her hands together, smiling at Deathstroke.

"So many new faces. Introduce yourselves!"

Garfiel stepped forward.

"I'm Garfiel Tinsel. Th' Strongest Shield of the Emilia Camp!"

"Wow, what an explosive personality. You do seem strong though!"

"Hehe! Yup."

Beatrice did a bow with her head.

"I am Beatrice, the Great Spirit contracted with Subaru. Fear my might, I suppose."

"Ohhhh, you look so adorable, but sooooo prestigious. Subaru-kun is lucky to have you."

"Yes, he is indeed lucky to have Betty."

Otto stepped forward, but it was obvious that he was incredibly nervous.

"H-hello. I'm Otto Suwen, Minister of Internal Affairs for our Faction...nice to meet you."

"Gosh, don't be so nervous Otto-kun."

"Yes, but I just don't want to make this aw-"

Pamela placed a finger on his lips and smiled.

"Relax. You're doing fine cutie."

Otto's face turned beet red and it looked like he was about to faint. So Pamela removed her finger and put it on her own lips and smiled...then Otto had steam coming out of his ear.

Deathstroke stood there as Pamlea made it over to him.

"And you? I'm Pamela Isley."

"..."

"Something wrong?"

"No, it's just...well...I knew you before you lost your memories."

"Really?! ...Was I different?"

"Yes. It's bit odd to see you this way."

"Well...hearing that...makes me wonder if I should gain my memories back."

The room fell silent as Crusch and Ferris looked at her worringly. But Pamela shook her head and her smile returned.

"The past isn't important. It's the now that is."

"...!"

"So you're name?"

"Deathstroke."

The room fell silent.

Subaru and Otto rushed over and shook him with fear on their faces.

"IDIOT! Why did you have to say that?!"

"We wanted no one to know who you actually were! Now they'll know we have a hired assassin on our payroll!"

"Otto you're damn plan fell apart! Handle damage control."

"Wuh? You were the one who suggested it!"

Deathstroke sighed as he removed their hands from him. Wilhelm was the one who spoke up first.

"Subaru-dono. I understand all of you were nervous about the idea of exposing his identity. But even if you lied to us, it does you know good."

"How come?"

"Ahem. Well, the assassin Deathstroke has become renowned in the last year...ironically during your own time."

"Really?"

"Yes... along with you and Batman-dono, the last year has seen the rise of many figures. Deathstroke, the Master Assassin. Scarecrow, the Demon of Fear. Grodd, the Devouring Conqueror. We trust your decision in hiring him, so we won't ask too much information about it, rest assured."

"...Wow. Well, if he's that famous, then there's a chance that everyone know what Slade looks like...so it pretty much was a waste of effort."

Subaru noticed the conflicted look on Batman's face. He figured he may have felt a sense of responsibility for these criminals running around without himself stopping them.

Just then Pamela hugged Subaru and Batman.

"But it's so good to see the two of you, my heroes!"

She let go and sat next to Crusch and Ferris. Her hair tied in a lovely braid sat on her shoulder.

"Ahem. Well I can see that everyone is ready to see everyone."

"Yeah, Crusch-san how have you done with Pamela-san?"

"She's quite nice to have around. In the last year we learned she can use Fire Magic so she trained in using it. Though, even I admit her normal powers are more than enough to suffice."

Pamela giggled a bit as she motioned to Wilhelm.

"Wilhelm-san also trained me in some form of sword play. Though I can only use this!"

She got up and retrieved a long suitcase from the floor. She opened it and revealed her new weapon. Subaru was more than ecstatic to see it.

"Check. It. Out! A rapier!"

"Wow! Haven't seen too many of those around! That's cool!"

"Haha, right?"

Otto twittled with his fingers.

"Um, it's very nice to look at, plus...um, you look nice with it."

"Aw..thanks Otto-kun."

"Your...welcome."

Otto rubbed the back of his head and blushed a bit...something Subaru and Garfiel noticed very quickly.

Wilhelm and Ferris spoke pleasantries with Batman and Subaru.

Deathstroke was busy dealing with Chin, who seemed to think he was the coolest thing he ever saw.

Otto was chatting away with Garfiel...though every few seconds he would look at Pamela who was happily chatting away with Emilia.

Through the entrance arrived Felt and her last subordinates Ton and Kan. She was wearing a black crop top with her usual red scarf and yellow pants.

"Ah! Batman! Onii-chan!"

She rushed over and high-fived the two of them.

"Seeing you've moved up in the world Onii-chan. If I was sibling I'd be finally proud of you."

"Thanks...wait what do you mean finally?!"

She laughed about it and patted him roughly on the arm...seemingly annoying Beatrice.

This however, ended as she turned her attention towards Batman.

"Hey."

"Hello Felt, it's actually really good to see you again."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You were one of the first people I met coming to this country, so I'd be worried about you."

"Oh...um...hey Batman."

"Hm?"

She did a quick twirl and put her hands on her hips and put on a serious face.

"How do I look?"

"...Good, the dress I saw you in was good. But this one does seem to fit your personality better."

"R-Really?"

"Yes."

"...Nice."

She put on a big grin and fist-bumped Batman. Though when Batman turned around to speak with Otto...he didn't notice Felt was looking up at him with a blush on her face.

Subaru and Beatrice did...and now they were imaging Frederica, Linnea and Felt all leering at each other, as lighting struck behind them.

"I kind of feel sorry for him."

"He lived a good life, I suppose."

Anastatia arrived with her members. Ricardo immediately bear hugged Batman and Subaru.

Deathstorke was busy trying to get Ton, Chin and Kan away from him, who had sparkling eyes as they looked up at the coolest guy they ever saw.

Julius was discussing his own issues alongside Anastasia with Ferris and Crusch.

Wilhelm was speaking with Garfiel, who seemed to enjoy his stories.

Emilia, Felt and Pamela were laughing at some funny stories, at the expense of Old Man Rom.

"Rejoice! I have arrived!"

.

.

.

.

.

Priscilla entered the meeting room, to the silent surprise of everyone. The only Faction to arrive late, was the only one not even invited.

During dinner, everyone, except the Priscilla Camp as they were uninvited, gathered to have their meals. All the candidates sat next to their knights and their respective members...though everyone noticed Mimi sat next to Garfiel. Garnering the young man death stares from her two brothers.

Subaru was surprised to see Japanese dishes around them...but…

"Hey Batman-san. Did we bring enough?"

"I think so...but remember! Every one of these you drink you owe me fifty push ups in the morning."

"Yeah...better just have one then."

Batman then pulled out case and kindly asked a hostess to pass the contents to his fellow members.

Each of them receiving a bottle with a cork on the top.

Each of them grabbed it and opened it carefully.

"Here...we...go!"

They opened them and all of them made a popping sound. This surprised everyone to see this and each of them poured the contents into their glasses. Everyone could see the contents had poured like an ale, but the foamy head dissipated quickly and they saw that the color was dark but see through.

Crusch was the most interested in it.

"Um, Natsuki Subaru, just what is that?"

"This? Oh it's something me and the others cooked up."

"...?"

"Cola."

"Co-la?"

"Yup. Where me and Batman are from this drink is super popular! Everyone's at least had this drink once in their life. I even knew people who drank it everyday."

"Oh what is it?"

"Batman-san gave us the rundown. It's a soda that uses vanilla, cocoa leaves and several other ingredients that is mixed with caffeine and carbonation, don't get us started how hard it was to make that!"

The Emilia camp chuckled as they remembered all the failed exploding batches they made.

"After that some sugar and water, BAM! You got Cola!"

"Oh…"

"Wanna try?"

Subaru decided to share some with everyone and handed them small tasters of the drink. Everyone seemed cautious of it, but decided to drink it, as they saw the Emilia Camp enjoying it.

Mimi was the first to critique it.

"MMMM! It's good! It's good!"

The entirety of the dining hall was surprised by the Cola and it's flavor. Most of them enjoyed it immensely and even asked for seconds.

Anastasia and Otto both agreed that Cola would be quite popular and had money signs appear in their eyes as they discussed possible trading agreements. Subaru and Emilia chuckled.

"Hope it goes better than the Mayonnaise sale."

"I think Otto-kun can do it...with Anastasia's help of course."

"...It sounds like you only half believe in him."

During dinner, Subaru and Batman became subject of discussion as Wilhelm and Julius commended them for their defeat of the Sizable Hare. Crusch and Ferris were even more helpful as they commented how they were beneficial in defeating the White Whale and the Sin Archbishop Sloth.

Subaru seemed a little embarrassed by it all...but Batman was quietly listening to it all.

"Batman-dono."

"Yes Wilhelm?"

"I...can see you are conflicted by this. Forgive me for saying this….but you feel guilt over the ones called Scarecrow and Grodd."

"..."

"Natsuki Subaru-dono. Batman-dono...according to our information you two first came into the Capital's attention when you defeated Scarecrow in Dunharrow. Around that same time, Grodd appeared and started his campaign in Vollachia. So it safe to assume, you and them are from the same place of origin?"

"In a manner of speaking...yes."

"But please do not let it cloud your mind. You are not infallible, you cannot be everywhere at once "

"Huh?"

"I know you wish to defeat those two, but you have done a great service to the world alongside Natsuki Subaru-dono. We thank you for it and should the day come when you two would need help in putting an end to their evil, we'll be by your side."

Everyone smiled at Batman and he felt a sense of relief.

At night, Garfiel and Deathstroke challenged Reinhard to one on one matches to test their strength on the Sword Saint. So they moved to the Inn's Garden area, filled with a small pond, cherry blossom trees and beautiful stone formations.

Garfiel went first and used his twin shields to bombard Reinhard with his strike...but Reinhard hardly moved as he blocked them with his hands.

Next, Garfiel used his own strength to try and kick, punch and even at one point bite him...but Reinhard hardly moved as he blocked each strike.

Garfiel then leapt into the air and did a diving kick to try and crush him...but Reinhard hardly moved as blocked the strike, though a crater formed under him.

.

.

.

.

Reinhard did get a bruise on his left cheek and his clothes were ruffled a bit...but right below him was the defeated Garfiel.

"You ain' th' Sword Saint for nothin'!"

"Yes, it is a title I have to live by."

Garfiel laughed loudly at the exciting fight he was able to enjoy.

Subaru, Julius and Ferris seemed to enjoy the sparring...but they got quiet when they saw Deathstroke get his turn.

Deathstroke pulled out a pistol and fired it directly at Reinhard...each of the bullets missed.

"Heh."

Deathstroke charged at him with his sword and sliced at his jugular, but Reinhard blocked it with his hand. Deathstroke turned his body to kick at his cheek, but Reinhard quickly spun him in the air.

As he spun, he grabbed his Semi Automatic Rifle and fired it at Reinhard...every single bullet hit around him.

"Stupid ass Divine Protections!"

He then kicked his sword at him, though it missed he was able to use wind magic to charge back at Reinhard and try to stab him in the eye with a knife.

Reinhard saw this and simply sliced the knife in half with his bare hand.

Deathstroke then used his electrical staff and did everything he could to try and take Reinhard down, even hitting him head on with an Electric Bolt.

.

.

.

.

Reinhard did get a bruise on his chest and had a bit of blood on his cheek...but before him was Deathstroke laying on the floor defeated.

"Wow. that was thrilling stuff!"

Subaru said this as he and Julius walked over to help Deathstroke up.

He slapped away their hands and got up just fine.

"Don't forget kid, I've got a healing factor...and apparently he does too."

They looked over and saw several lesser spirits aiding Reinhard in healing his injuries.

"That was fun Sword Saint...but remember, I'll figure out a way around your Protections and when I do-"

Deathstroke then did a cutting motion with his finger on his throat.

"-You're done."

"Haha. I will look forward to that day, Slade."

Deathstroke rubbed the back of his head and went off with Garfiel.

"Come on Faged Boy, let's get some food in us."

"Hell yea' I'm starved after tha'!"

Ferris' ears moved around as she was happy the fight was over.

"Nyah, that was quite the sight. Slade Wilson-san was quite the nya-otable fighter right?"

"He was the one who trained Emilia and myself in self defense."

"So is he easy to work with, Subaru-kyun?"

"Hmmmm. He's a pain."

The four knights laughed away the comment Subaru gave.

Subaru and Batman were now walking through the halls ready to take a bath when they noticed Wilhelm in a traditional japanese bathrobe coming back from the bath.

"Hey Wilhelm!"

"Ah, Subaru-dono and Batman-dono."

"We're on the bath to discuss some things."

"I see. You two do seem to always be up to something."

"Hehehe, just two great heroes trying to save the world one day at a time."

Wilhelm laughed a bit at his little joke, so the three of them hung out and discussed a few things, such as Wilhelm's training as a young man and his wife, Subaru's own training and his love for Mayonnaise and even Batman's friends such as a few named Clark Kent and James Gordon.

But Batman brought up a certain subject came by...

"I noticed you haven't really talked to Reinhard much today, he's your grandson right?"

"...It's a bit complicated."

"We have time."

"You recall how my wife lost her life against the White Whale?"

"Yes, and again we're sorry for your lose."

"Thank you. Continuing from where I left off. My powerful wife could have easily handled the White Whale...but at that time she lost her Divine Protection of Sword Saint."

"How did that happen?"

"The Divine Protection passes through generations at random through descendants. And so-"

"-It passed to Reinhard when she went to fight the White Whale."

"With the loss of that Divine Protection she lost all the others as well...and she lost her life."

"...Wilhelm, you can't blame Reinhard for it. It was outside his own control, blaming him as a child wouldn't solve anything."

"I realize this."

"...Listen-"

At that moment Batman revealed his past about his own son and how it ended up for him...it was the first time he told that story to anyone outside of the Emilia Camp.

"So I think you should talk to him, try and understand him Wilhelm."

"...I see."

Subaru got his chance and patted him on the shoulder.

"We can give you some advice on that."

Under the bright moon up above Batman and Subaru gave some advice to the great knight Wilhelm.

It was a sunny morning as everyone gathered for breakfast as the Factions gathered at the dining table.

Wilhelm glanced over at Reinhard and saw his chance.

"Ahem. R-Reinhard...how have you been?"

"...Ah, well busy as can be. Working with Felt-sama can be time consuming."

"Yes we both have it rough as I can see."

"Right?"

Batman and Subaru were taking a deep breath, hoping that what they were seeing was the rebirth of a lost relationship between family.

"And just how is it I found you bunch here huh?!"

Everyone turned their attention to a man who appeared to be in his mid thirties entering the dining room even with the hostesses trying to stop him.

"Father."

Reinhard looked up to see his father arriving.

"Just absolutely typical of you and that girl, wasting time around and not actually getting anything done."

"Father, listen we were just-"

"-Quiet. I'd rather not hear anything from you. You and that girl have done more than enough to ruin the Astrea households reputation. Bringing street trash into our home and having progressed in very little in the Selection."

"Father…"

"You know what? I should kick both of you out of our home. Yes, if you want to be around street trash you should honestly live like one!"

Wilhelm got up and began yelling at him.

"Enough Heinkel! You cannot speak to your own son this way! Please calm down and-"

"-Nonsense! I saw how you were trying to get chummy with him, it sickens me to see it. You still haven't gotten over it, so don't try and act-"

Subaru slammed his hands on the table and screamed at him.

"Shut up! At least they're trying to mend those issues! You're just being a total asshole, apologize to Reinhard and Wilhelm-san right now!"

"Huhhhh?! Ah, Natsuki Subaru, the knight who everyone is saying defeated all those foes? ABSURD. Even compared to my idiot son, you have no stance on my argument-"

"-Of course I do! They're my friends and I'm not going to let you badmouth them in front of me! No matter who you are!"

Wilhelm and Reinhard held their breaths as they Subaru get seriously angry for their sakes.

"Absurdity, I am the head of the Astrea Household and-"

"-Enough! Please leave!"

Emilia got the attention of Heinkel as she had an unusually angry face, along with the rest of her members.

"To talk to your precious family like that is an absolutely abhorrent action. Please leave at once."

Otto…

"Saying this to your own grandfather...have you no shame?!"

Garfiel…

"Talkin' crap to yer own blood like tha' makes me wanna knock yer teeth out!"

Beatrice…

"You are an abhorrent man who sickens Betty to no end! Leave or I will show you out, I suppose!"

Deathstroke…

"Leave or I chop your head off."

Batman…

"You sicken me Heinkel Astrea. To speak that way to the person who raised you and the person who would look up to you and to a young lady...you disgust me. Get out!"

Heinkel at this point was angry to spoken to in such a way. But even Pamela got up from her seat and yelled at him.

"Yeah! Get out of here! Everyone was enjoying themselves until you got here! Beat it!"

Crusch, Anastasia and Felt also made their voices heard.

"Your dishonorable actions have spoiled the mood and we wish for you to leave!"

"Yeah! Way to be such a buzz kill! Get going already!"

"Yeah! Get the hell outta here!"

Heinkel stood firm as Priscilla and Al arrived behind him.

"Not happening! I have brought him and will not allow him to be removed!"

Subaru glared at her.

"Firstly, you weren't even invited and secondly, why the hell did you bring him here?!"

"...I think I recognize you...who are you again?"

"HUH?! How the hell did you forget about me, geez what an airhead."

Al seemed to give him a thumbs up.

"I still remember you nii-chan. Don't worry, if something doesn't occupy the princess' attention for long she forgets about it. Nothing to worry about!"

"That is like a medical condition, that is something to worry about!"

Subaru turned his attention back to Priscilla.

"Why did you bring him anyways?"

"I felt...it would be fun."

"Typical."

But soon everyone noticed Pamela got up from her seat and came face to face with Heinkel.

"Hmph. What is it you want?"

"I'm asking you to leave nicely!"

"...Tsk. Not a chance."

"Okay."

She smiled a bit, before several sprouted from the ground and wrapped him up tioghtly.

"Now apologize to your family and then us for ruining breakfast!"

"N-N-N-NO…"

"Have a nice trip Heinkel-san."

The vines then proceeded to slam him over and over on the floor and walls of the dining room and threw him out the door.

His bloody and bruised body slumped to the ground, tears leaking out of his eyes as he passed out.

The vines went back into the earth and Pamela dusted her hands...until she saw the mess she made.

"AH! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make such a mess!"

She turned around and had a sad expression on her face.

"Crusch I know I promised not to cause you trouble here! But that jerk really made me mad, so I had no choice! Forgive me!"

"Uhm...yes I forgive you."

Pamela turned her attention to Anastasia.

"I'm so sorry for the damages! Please charge me for whatever the cost would be!"

"Nonono. You did alright in my book. So don't worry about it."

"Really?"

"Yeah, relax."

Pamela breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed enough to sit back down...and Otto spoke to her.

"You're amazing Pamela-san, you really did show him!"

"Nah, it was nothing. Just didn't like him saying all those things to them, thanks Otto. And good job on really giving that jerk an earful."

"Ah, it was n-nothing."

Otto smiled but a had red streak across his face...something Subaru grinned at.

Julius whispered to Subaru thanks for sticking up for Reinhard to which Subaru gave his best answer.

"Friends stick up for each other."

"...Yes, you're right."

It was now mid-afternoon and everyone went their own ways to explore the city.

Garfiel was once again dragged away to the unknown by Mimi.

Otto decided to get some flowers for some reason.

Deathstroke decided to speak with Reinhard and Wilhelm with a walk.

Batman had a friendly meeting with Felt.

Meanwhile, Emilia, Beatrice and Subaru decided to go see Liliana at the park...there they saw Priscilla dancing along with her music, helping to captivate the audience more.

When the fun was over Priscilla ordered Subaru to get them some snacks.

"Huh? I don't want to get you of all people some snacks!"

"Well, it seems your company also wants some."

Subaru turned to see the pleading eyes of Emilia, Beatrice and Liliana with eyes filled with splendor directed towards him.

"Please Subaru. I'd like something sweet."

"Subaru must keep the pretty Betty satisfied with great treats, I suppose."

"Come on manservant, I owe ya one!"

Subaru sighed at this, and relented as he was now on his way to buy some treats.

There in the crowd he ran into Chin.

"Yo!"

"Yo."

"Funny running into you here."

"Yeah, um listen, I just wanted to say…"

"Hmmm…?"

"Look, we were different folks back then ya know? And we didn't have the time or patience for things...so we're sorry for ya know?"

"...Yeah, no worries."

But as Subaru was about to invite him…

"Look up in the time tower!"

A voice rang out and both Chin and Subaru looked up to see someone standing there at the time tower.

A person who wore a large dark coat, chains that dragged from their arms and had a bandages covering their entire face except their eyes.

"Welcome! All of you! To the public display of love I am about to show you! Yes. Love. Love? Love. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!...LOVEEEEEE!"

"...Wait…"

"Let me introduce myself.."

The person bowed respectfully and slowly rose up and glanced at everyone with their violet eyes.

Subaru shook, getting Chin's attention…

"Hey, what's up man?"

"Oh...Oh shit...Oh shit...!"

The person raised their hands out and bellowed their title to anyone who could hear.

"Member of the Witch's Cult, Sin Archbishop of Wrath, Sirius Romanee Conti!...DESU!"

The Sin Archbishop's eyes widened in pure ecstasy.

The peaceful morning that was to bring a bright Sunday...faded away as a shadow casted over it.