AN: JDUBZYT helping out with his PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWERS! (or just really great grammar skills) Thanks again.

AN FUN FACT: The chapter title is from the song of the same name by Michael Kiwanuka! Enjoy.

ARC Five: Trials of the Sanctuary

Chapter Thirty Two: Home Again

It was now the next morning and the preparations were made to head back to the Roswaal Mansion. Subaru placed Rem inside of a special carriage that housed a bed for her to rest in. Subaru brushed her hair and smiled as he gazed at her. All Subaru knew was Ferris's explanation that she was under the "Sleeping Beauty" syndrome. Something that has been seen time and time again since the arrival of Satella.

Batman entered the carriage behind Subaru and sat next to Rem.

"Subaru, let's try it again."

"Are you okay with it?"

"...If it helps this girl, then yes."

Batman reached out with his ungloved hand and touched Rem's cheek.

Once again, an electric current flowed through his body, he could feel all the muscles and organs in his body burning. In his mind he saw the same electric currents and flashes of light. It was the same memories from last time, with the same blurriness as well.

But this time he heard something.

"-ru-kun."

Subaru grabbed his wrist and moved him away from Rem. Batman rushed out of the carriage, throwing off his mask and puked onto the floor. But it wasn't food that came out, it was blood and saliva. Crusch and the others stared at him with terrified concern...when he looked at them, they could see veins all over his face and blood leaking from his eyes.

Ferris quickly healed him and Emilia demanded an explanation.

"When I touch that girl Rem...I think I can see old memories of her."

"So do you remember her?"

"No, the memories are hard to see and comprehend, but I do know two things."

"And they are?"

"She worked at the mansion and she was very close to Subaru."

"Oh...I see. Well, you should stop! You're getting hurt and I don't like it at all!"

Batman nodded at the very motherly behavior of Emilia. He later went to see his land dragon, Zorro as he was saying goodbye to him, with the Batwing now fixed he no longer needed his services.

"Thanks for everything Zorro."

The ground dragon growled sadly as Batman petted him softly on his snout.

"Until we meet again, be nice to Crusch and the others."

He left the ground dragon as it let out a roar akin to a bold farewell.

Batman then met up with Wilhelm as they shook hands.

"Thank you Wilhelm for everything."

"No, thank you Batman-dono. If I must say, you and Subaru-dono are truly this generation's next heroes."

"Subaru? Well, he has the potential."

"Yes indeed."

"Please take good care of Ms. Isley, and be careful too."

"Yes, we will keep her comfortable here...but also watch her very closely."

As Batman walked back he saw Isley watching over some flowers in the garden as she hummed a tune.

He felt unnerved by her abnormally passive behavior, but he reminded himself that the same things were happening to Crusch, so he let it go.

Batman made it over to the others as they were saying their last goodbyes, he looked to Crusch who seemed to be quite anxious around him.

"Take care Crusch, I hope we can resolve all of this in the near future."

"...oh, yes. Thank you for everything Batman."

Batman nodded and began shaking hands with her, he gave a small smirk, which seemed to relax the atmosphere a bit. Ferris noticed this and slightly pouted.

Batman shook hands with Ferris...but noticed Ferris seemed to be staring at him with a blank stare.

"And thank you Ferris, without you we would have a lot less help in the battle with the Sin Archbishop. You were quite integral to our victory as well."

"...It was nyothing."

Ferris laughed quietly and smiled as he let go of his hand. Batman then saw Pamela come towards all of them and gave everyone a quick handshake. But…she put on a sensual expression as she leaned over to Subaru and Batman.

"Well? How about a good luck kiss for the road?"

Subaru had his face turned completely red and made Batman slightly grimace at the suggestion.

"Ms. Isley, I've told you how your powers work. The last thing we need is Subaru passing out on us."

"Hehehe, it's a joke. It's a joke! Relax!"

Batman stared wide eyed at the woman in front of him. Before, he knew her as a dangerous adversary that had little positive interactions with normal humans. But at this very moment, it was as if she was a completely different person.

"Um, Batman?"

"Oh. Sorry Ms. Isley, I'm just not used to seeing you like this."

"Hey...before I lost my memory...what kind of person was I?"

"...A person who had a passion for plants."

"Hmmmmm...sounds about right."

"Yes. Well then, take care."

"Hey one last thing!"

"Hm?"

She raised her finger at Batman and pouted a bit as she looked straight into his eyes.

"Pamela! Just call me Pamela for god's sake."

"...Right, sorry."

Batman took a small breath and looked again at her.

"See you again, Pamela."

"Yes, until next time."

Pamela patted Batman on the shoulder as she stepped back to be side by side with the rest of the Crusch Camp.

The two camps looked at each other with smiles on their faces, except of course for Batman.

They began to walk away as Batman pressed the buttons on his gauntlet and summoned the now fixed Batwing. Crusch was of course surprised due to no longer having any memories of it. Batman entered the Batwing and checked on it's condition. Seeing everything was alright he sounded off the intercom.

"Subaru, I'm going on ahead just to make sure everything is alright. Make sure to let Otto know the directions."

Subaru stuck his head and arm out of the carriage, giving off a smile and thumbs up to confirm that he heard.

Batman the flipped some switches and pushed the throttle, sending the Batwing off as it flew far into the sky.

Otto was in the driver's seat looking up at where the Batwing was and turned around to look at Subaru, clearly shivering from some abject terror he felt from it.

"Um, Natsuki-san? What was that exactly?"

"The Batwing, a top secret metia that he created."

"W-w-w-was I supposed to see it?"

Subaru put on a devious smile as he looked over at Otto.

"Nope. Not really…"

"What's with that face? What's with that tone? NOTHING YOU SAID MAKES ME FEEL RIGHT AT ALL!"

Otto's loud shouting echoed out high into the sky.

With Subaru and his allies finally gone, Pamela grabbed onto everyone in a group hug. As she let them go she motioned them inside.

"Let's all head inside already, I'm sure we all have a ton of work to do!"

Wilhelm pondered at this.

"Oh? And what work would you be speaking of?"

"Well, Crusch seems like an important person so she probably has some things to do, like paperwork and such. Wilhelm looks like the butler, so a ton of cleaning and such is in order. And Ferris is the cute mascot of this bunch, so he has to keep up his appearance!"

Crusch seemed to be a bit overwhelmed by her status.

Wilhelm merely sighed at his own status.

And Ferris seemed to be confused about his status.

"And nyou Pamela-chan? What will nyou be doing?"

"Well...I'd like to help out. So I can take care of the gardens, whip up some nice tea...oh and practice my powers a bit."

The group seemed a bit worried over the idea of her practicing her powers, but Pamela explained otherwise.

"You guys saved me and that means I owe you one. No, not just that."

Pamela clenched her fists and put on a brave expression as she looked at them.

"I need to get ready for the day we run into to the bastards that took our memories. Don't worry Crusch, when the time comes, I'm going to help with everything I've got to get our memories back."

Crusch smiled as she put a hand on her shoulder.

"Let's both do our best."

Pamela smiled elegantly as she took Crusch's hand and they headed back into the Estate. Wilhelm followed close behind, unaware of Ferris behind him...staring off into the distance, where the Emilia Camp had left to.

Anastasia Hoshin was listening to her Fang of Iron mercenaries as they informed her on the subject she wanted to know most about...Batman.

She learned about the Batwing.

The Justice Buster.

And the Justice Armor.

She sat quietly as she watched Mimi playfully re enact some of the unbelievable feats Batman had done during the battles against the White Whale and Sloth. Although Anastasia enjoyed seeing the ever adorable Mimi doing her best to explain, she was quietly unnerved by it.

For just a second, Anastasia lightly rubbed her white scarf….which seemed to move a bit.

After about two hours, Batman was now looking down at Irlham Village. He could see the village was still at about half capacity, remembering that they sent the other half of the village to another location. There, in the distance, he could see the mansion still standing. He was glad to see it still in one piece, but did wonder how the occupants were.

He hadn't seen Ram since she helped in evacuating the village, but he hoped she was okay.

Beatrice should've been in the Forbidden Archives, so she should be safe.

Then there was Roswaal, his failure to intervene in the Witch's Cult attack had put him on the hot seat with Batman. He wasn't even sure that he would be able to contain his rage against him, if they saw each other.

Batman landed the Batwing in it's usual spot outside the mansion, as he leaped down he browsed around to see if anything suspicious had been around. He found nothing out of the ordinary so he made his way inside the mansion.

"Good day dear guest I've been expecting you."

After opening the main doors he was greeted by an unfamiliar voice which put him on guard.

He saw in front of him was a yellow haired woman with glimmering green eyes, wearing a maid outfit that was longer that Ram's. She was tall for a lady, but she clearly had natural beauty to her, as well as…

"I see, you must be Batman-sama. I was told that you would be arriving with the others."

The woman looked Batman up and down, analyzing his figure.

"Yes, a tall strong looking fellow with an outrageous dark outfit that gives an air of intimidation."

"..."

"With such an aura around you, I figured it'd be you."

The girl had a quick laugh about it, showing her abnormal sharp beast like teeth. Batman slightly relaxed when she laughed, though surprisingly, this behavior confused her, making her elegantly cover her mouth.

"Huh? Um, Batman-sama, does my teeth not bother you?"

"Why would it bother me?"

"Well...it's just…"

"Not normal? Don't worry, I've had many friends who weren't normal, or even human for that matter."

It was true though.

Aliens. Demons. Spirits. Robots. New Gods.

All sorts of beings have been allies of Batman and he has never minded it one bit. For Batman, what makes a person a person, was their character.

That was when Batman noticed the woman was staring at him, making him a bit uncomfortable.

"Are you quite alright, miss?"

"OH! Yes, sorry I was a bit distracted, not used to seeing someone with such strange armor is all!"

The woman was clearly going to use her hand to cover her laugh, but she stopped when she looked at Batman again.

She put her hand down and laughed happily. This helped Batman finally lower his guard and relax. The woman then did a courteous bow, as one would expect a maid would.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you Batman-sama, I am Frederica Baumann, a maid in service to Roswaal-sama."

"A maid…? Why haven't I ever seen you around here before?"

"I have been taking care of another establishment under the Mathers territory, thus we have not had the pleasure of meeting before."

"I figured he was rich, but even I feel a little overwhelmed at this point."

Frederica giggled at his comment as she brought over some tea and a bowl of Mulligatawny Soup. Batman took a deep breath as he figured that Ram was the one who suggested the set up for him.

Batman sat with Frederica while he took off his mask in order to enjoy the soup. He sipped on the soup he looked over his shoulder and noticed Frederica was looking at him as well. When he turned his head, she looked away and began to start a conversation with him.

The conversations continued as they waited for Subaru and the others.

The talks were about the White Whale, the battle against the Witch's Cult, the Batwing and of course…

"If you do not mind me asking Batman-sama…"

"Yes?"

"Why do you wear a mask? You are *ahem* handsome, so I see no reason to cover your face."

"Well, I suppose it's just been the way I did it back home. If my identity as Batman was revealed there, my family and friends would be in danger. So I'm just used to doing it this way."

"...I understand."

Batman and Frederica had been enjoying each other's company, when Subaru and the others had finally arrived. When Subaru entered he was greeted by Frederica, who was getting used to smiling in front of Batman, that she forgot to cover her mouth and made a huge grin, spooking Subaru.

Luckily, he was reprimanded by Batman and Emilia.

"Geez Subaru! Frederica is still a girl you know!? Don't be so rude."

"Subaru, I would emotionally beat you with words right now….but I learned this is more effective."

Both Batman and Emilia pulled on Subaru's ears, making him yell in pain.

"Owowowowowowww! I'm sorry okay?! I'M SORRY!"

Subaru was forgiven, but not before they all saw Frederica laugh cheerfully at the scene before her.

With everyone settled inside and Subaru placing Rem carefully on a spare bed, Batman went over to Otto to speak with him.

"So, Otto right? You ready for whatever comes next?"

"Ah, Batman-dono. Well, I'm not sure what's going on, but it appears I have to travel with you three to another location to see Magrave Mathers."

"You really want to see him don't you?"

"Yes, it was part of the deal me and Natsuki-san had for my help...other than buying all of my oil supply."

"Crafty little kid."

Batman smirked at Otto which made the young man feel bashful. Otto then excused himself, giving Batman a chance to check up on the rest of the mansion. As he randomly looked into a door and luckily found Beatrice sitting on her chair looking down on the floor.

"It's good to see you Beatrice."

"...Sure."

"Is everything alright?"

"Nothing in particular. I just had to deal with that annoying fool again, I suppose."

"Subaru came to see you? Well, just as well, he's probably been worried about you for awhile, and so have I."

"Like I need you to care for me!"

Beatrice threw her arms up in the air as she was clearly annoyed by what Batman said. Then Batman cut to the chase.

"Alright, you can tell I came here for some information right? We'll I need to ask you-"

"-It's about the Sanctuary isn't it?"

The Sanctuary.

A place unknown to everyone, except by Frederica and possibly Beatrice. All Batman knew about it was that in two days they were expected to head there and meet with Roswaal and Ram. Batman felt incredibly suspicious about it.

Why do we need to meet there?

Why are the other villagers still being held there?

What's in the Sanctuary?

What...is Roswaal planning?

Batman wanted to know as much as he could about this mysterious place.

"Is there is anything about this Sanctuary you can tell me?"

"...No I cannot."

"Not even a hint?"

"Listen, all the answers you seek will be found once you reach it, I suppose. That is the very same answer I gave that boy."

Batman nodded and began to walk out the door, but he turned around before closing it.

"Beatrice."

"I don't what's going on yet…but if Roswaal is up to something I'm going to stop him."

The door was slowly closing behind him as he uttered his last words to Beatrice.

"No matter what his book says."

The door finally closed as Beatrice let out a small whimper.

"Why? Why do you two try so hard to go against the destiny of everything?"

She then reached over and grabbed a black book from under her usual seat and cradled it.

"You are both fools…."

Subaru and Batman discussed everything felt they needed to. Subaru and Batman learned about the Demi-Human War from some books they found, one thing they learned about was the fact that Thearesia Van Astrea had single handedly helped end the war.

It made both of them remember Wilhelm and the song that Liliana sang to them weeks ago.

Continuing their research, they learned that the town inside the sanctuary was full of Half Demi Humans, making Subaru wonder if Roswaal had a thing for them.

Even when Subaru fell asleep, Batman continued his research, even going as far as breaking into Roswaal's private room and looking through as many documents as he could.

Finally, after hours of combing through he found only one piece of useful information, a name.

"Echidna..."

Batman pondered about the significance of the name, but would think on it some more.

As he left the room, he realized Frederica was waiting outside in the hall, as if waiting for him.

"A tad late is it not?"

"Yeah…"

"May I ask what you are doing?"

"...I'll be honest with you, I don't trust Roswaal. So right now I was looking for any info I could on his relationship with the Sanctuary."

"Well, I hope it was well worth the effort and mess you made, yes?"

"...Firstly, I didn't really. All I found was some info about the Mathers family keeping watch over the place and someone named Echidna."

"Does that name mean anything to you?"

"Well...I can't really say."

Batman seemed a bit frustrated with all the secrecy everyone had when it came to the Sanctuary, so he decided to deal with it later.

"Also, don't worry I cleaned up in there, so you can go to bed."

"Huh?"

"Well, working to keep the mansion in stable condition by yourself is impressive but probably strenuous, so I'd rather not add more work onto it for you."

"Oh...well...that's fine then."

Batman nodded and walked away with his recovered mics from Roswaal's private study. Frederica took a breath and looked inside to see that he was indeed telling the truth.

She put on a smile with a slight pink hue on her face.

The next day, Bruce decided to work on his utility belt when someone seemed to knock at his door.

"You can come in."

The door opened and it revealed an all too familiar face, a young girl with reddish brown hair topped with a red ribbon and cyan colored eyes. This time though she was now wearing an elegant maid outfit. It even made Bruce's eyes widened and made him stand up.

"Petra!?"

"Ah, hello Batman-sama, sorry I wasn't able to say hello to you yesterday, Frederica-oneesan was busy training me."

"You work here as a maid now?"

"Yes, they had a position open and I decided to accept it."

"...Are you sure that's what you want?"

Petra walked over and sort of slapped at Batman's hip with a disgruntled face.

"Of course! Otherwise I never would have accepted right?!"

"Oh, yes right…sorry."

Petra put on a pretty smile as she handed Batman a cup of tea and a appa. Bruce nodded in thanks, and sat back down but became easily nervous at the idea of her falling into Roswaal's plans.

Petra noticed this and patted him on the shoulder as she smiled again.

"Just leave it on the table and I'll pick it up later. By the way, it's my first time seeing you without your mask, you look handsome!"

"Oh? Handsome was it?"

"Yup, like a fully grown up Subaru!"

Bruce couldn't help but make a displeased face at being compared to Subaru like that, but smiled a bit when he saw Petra giggle.

Bruce later met with Subaru and Otto in the lounge area. Otto seemed more relaxed seeing Batman without his mask on. They discussed the travelling arrangements that were going to be made for the trip to the Sanctuary.

Subaru and Otto would take Emilia in a carriage, while Batman would take the Batwing for himself and possibly scout the area before they arrive.

Emilia had arrived and seemed a bit nervous about the whole event, Subaru comforted her as best as he could.

"Thanks Subaru, I still have some things I have to learn don't I?"

"Yeah...but not just me, Batman-san is also here to help you with anything. So you can ask help from us, there is no shame in that."

"...Yeah."

Emilia began to smile as she usually does, making Subaru feel a little more relaxed. Otto then raised his hand and smiled.

"Hey Natsuki-san, what about me?"

"Oh, didn't see you there. Well, do your best in being Emilia-tan's human shield. Counting on you!"

"Why is it I get the most dangerous role in all this? And you're smiling, please stop it!"

Subaru bellowed out a laugh, which made Emilia also laugh. Otto continued being upset, while Batman was looking out a window, furrowing his eyes.

Then the day had arrived…

Everyone was outside preparing to depart,Petra and Frederica then met them outside. Subaru twirled Petra around and complimented her on her cute maid outfit. Petra slightly blushed and seemed to headbutt Subaru in his gut. Subaru smiled down at Petra who smiled back and handed him a white handkerchief, which Subaru accepted graciously.

Frederica handed Subaru a blue pyroxene necklace for Emilia in order to enter the Sanctuary, lest they become trapped in the Lost Woods. She was unsure if Batman would be okay, as the only other person to arrive by air was Roswaal.

Batman met with Frederica who was saying goodbye to them with a courteous bow.

"Good luck to you all, and may you be safe in your travels."

"Hey Frederica, can ask you a favor?"

"Yes you may."

"Okay, please take care of Petra while we're gone, she may act like an adult but she is still a child."

"Hahaha, yes she's like Ram when she was younger."

"Oh? So Ram was the same as ever even as a child? Interesting. And another thing."

"Yes?"

" Could- *ahem* could you also keep an open guard around the mansion."

"Pardon?"

"It's just...yesterday...I felt like someone was outside in the forest, watching us. I hope it's just my paranoia acting up again."

"...Not to worry, I will be ever vigilant in protecting the mansion."

Batman then walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Thanks, I'm counting on you."

"Oh….yes."

"Well, we're off, take care."

"You as well…"

When Batman turned around to watch Otto speak to Patrasche using his Divine Protection, he was unaware of Frederica looking at his back with a red hue to her cheeks.

The Batwing soared through the sky leaving behind a stunned Frederica.

Subaru smiled as he looked at Patrasche.

"We can't let him beat us there now can we?!"

Patrasche let out a mighty roar along with Otto's ground dragon, Verhoe, and they sped off to catch up with him.

Frederica and Petra waved them all goodbye.

"Hey Frederica onee-sama?"

"Yes?"

"You think they'll be okay?"

"I'm sure they will be. Why do you ask perchance?"

"Well...it seems like you're worried about Batman-sama the same way I worry about Subaru-sama."

"What?!"

Petra started to laugh seeing the red faced Frederica lose her composure. Making the current head maid start pushing Petra back inside the mansion.

Frederica could only sigh loudly as she also wondered why she was feeling so weird…

It was now hours later, Batman was in the Batwing when he received a signal from Subaru in his Comm Link.

"Yo Batman-san, how's it looking so far?"

"Subaru. Nothing out of the ordinary so far, how is everyone else doing?"

"Good for the most part."

"And that means?"

Batman could then tell that Subaru was now starting to whisper.

"Emilia is worried since we haven't heard from Puck…"

"Where could that spirit be?"

"Emilia said he was probably going off spreading world peace."

"How righteous of the little guy."

The two had a good chuckle about the whole thing...that was until another call a few hours later.

"Batman-san! BATMAN!"

"What happened Subaru?!"

"It's Emilia, she passed out and I can't wake her up!"

"Hold on I'm turning around right-"

"- The stone that Frederica gave Emilia is glowing! You don't think it's a-!"

Then absolute quiet…

"Subaru come in! SUBARU!"

Batman turned the Batwing around to find out what had happened to them. He flew over the carriage and found it had grinded to a stop. He landed nearby and was able to leap out to search inside. There he found an unconscious Emilia and a frazzled Otto...but…

"Subaru? SUBARU?!"

Batman realized that Subaru had gone missing. He searched around for awhile until he thought he saw something. He chased after it for a while and finally saw it.

It was a young looking girl with pink hair a white robe who was staring at him, then she ran off again.

Batman chased after her through the forest until he made it to a clearing and found it…

"Is this a tomb?"

He was staring at a large stone structure that seemed to be reminiscent of an ancient tomb of some sort. As he began to slowly move towards it, he heard a voice behind him.

"Best not go in there if ya know what's good for ya!"

He heard a strange accent coming behind him and turned around to see a young man with blonde hair, emerald eyes and vicious beast like teeth.

It reminded him of…

"Are you related to Frederica Baumann?"

"Wuh?! Tha' hell do ya mean by that?! You know my sis or somethin'?!"

"Yes, I met her a while ago. You almost look like a splitting image of her."

"Tch. Stupid ass compliments ain't gonna be gettin' outta this mess!"

The young man stepped forward closer as he narrowed his eyes at Batman.

"My amazing self ain't gonna tell ya this again...GET AWAY FROM THERE."

Batman furrowed his eyes as he said this, as the participants stared at each other.

Subaru was lost in daze as he found himself on bottom of a grassy hill, that was unfamiliar to him.

As he reached the top he found a small white table set up. Sitting there she saw a young woman sitting there, with snow white hair, a fair complexion and dazzling black dress.

As he got closer the woman opened her eyes to reveal them as lush brown as she looked up at him.

"Ah, so you've finally arrived."

"Who-who are you exactly?"

"Ah yes, let me introduce myself."

She set the teacup in her hand down as she smiled sensually.

"I am Echidna, and currently you are in my grave."

Subaru stared at her and moved towards her uncomfortably, as he took a seat she passed him a cup of tea and smiled.

"Well, is there anything you should be saying?"

"Oh right...um my name is Natsuki Subaru, nice to meet you Echidna-san."

"Oh just Echidna is fine. But I'm sure you want to ask me more of than that right?"

Subaru took a breath as he began to ask Echidna any questions he could.

Firstly, he had learned that he was currently inside a separate dimension inside her very Tomb, one that she crafted herself.

Secondly, he had learned that who he was meeting in person was in fact Echidna the Witch of Greed, who has of course, long since been dead.

Thirdly, he had learned that the Mathers family had been in charge of taking care of the tombs for centuries.

But also…

"Hey Echidna."

"Hmmm? Yes something you'd like to ask?"

"Do...do you know anything about the Sin Archbishops?"

Subaru hoped that she would know something about them and maybe even a way to bring Rem back.

"I'm sorry, I do not. But I am all the curious of you telling me about them."

"Oh next time. Forget I asked…"

Once again, hope was dashed away from Subaru, but he couldn't give up yet.

"Sorry, but I think I'm done for the day...could you well, show me the exit?"

"Huh? Really, but we were both learning so much from each other! You can ask me anything! I'll tell you-"

"Well Echidna, it was interesting and all, but I have to go, I'm sorry."

Echidna sighed sadly as she put her teacup down. Then she smiled.

"Well, the least I can do is to inform you that the tea you drank was made with my body fluids, it'll help the Witch Factor inside of you settle in, okay?"

"Yeah I mean it is-WAIT! I drank your what?!"

Echidna laughed as she put her hands on his chest.

"You have been given the qualifications and the Witch Factor should settle soon. You must not speak of this little tea party between us, Subaru."

She then took her hands off of Subaru and licks her fingers.

"Hopefully, we'll see each other soon."

The world around him shattered away….and he awoke inside a strange structure.

"Where am I?"

As he got up and exited the strange stone building he found himself inside of, he looked out to see the outside…

"Uh...hey."

He saw Batman and a young man staring at each other. The young man's eyes widened as he saw Subaru exit out of the Tomb. Batman saw Subaru and rushed over to him.

"What the hell were you doing?!"

"Sorry, I got lost after all the craziness."

"Honestly, you can be such-"

As Batman took a step closer to Subaru and his feet touched the steps, Batman felt his entire body burn and an electric surge hit through skull. Batman let out a slight grunt as he fell to his knees.

The feelings went away as he began to breathe normally again.

"Batman-san?!"

"I'm alright Subaru really. Just a little-"

Batman then looked up at Subaru, to see the black vines surrounding him once again, but when he looked up further…

"What the…?"

In his eyes he could see the Tomb was encased in humongous black vines, and when he looked closer, he could see very tiny vines slowly growing. When he blinked his eyes they were gone.

"Hey get tha' hell outta there!"

The young man jumped behind Batman, most likely to grab at his cape. Batman leaned back and allowed the young man's hand to lightly touch his cape. Then he spun his body hard and flipped in the air before skidding on the ground with his feet. The young man turned around and showed a displeased face, gritting his teeth hard as he looked at Batman.

It seemed as if the two were about to fight…

"Wait! Batman-san, where is Emilia?!"

Batman then relaxed as he looked up at Subaru's worried expression.

"She's unconscious but alive! In fact-!"

Batman dropped his fighting stance and fired a grappling hook up a large tree and flew into the air with it. This seemed to startle the young man as he watched. Batman reached the top and could see Otto looking around nervously, he seemed to have a bump on his forehead, most likely having a run in with the strange young man from earlier.

"Otto! If you can hear me, wait right there! We're on the way there!"

Otto looked up and became relieved to see him and waved back. Batman then leaped down and looked at Subaru and the young man.

"Subaru! We are heading out and...Frederica's brother, we may need your help so hurry up!"

"HUUUUUH?! The fuck kinda' reasoning is that? First' a all-"

Before he could finish Batman summoned the Batwing, it was high over them as they all looked up at it. The young man slightly shook seeing it, not out of fear but…

"THA'S HELLA COOL!"

Batman entered the Batwing and spoke through the intercom to alert anyone nearby.

"I'm heading to the town inside the Sanctuary, I'll check it out before you enter. Young man, help Subaru and the others get to there safely."

"...HUUUUH?! NO WAIT-"

Before the young man could finish, the Batwing sped off and eventually found the town. The denizens looked up in absolute terror at the metallic beast that was high up in the air. They began to run into their homes and the streets emptied out in seconds. Batman landed it and looked around the shabby looking town. He ran around and even jumped onto a rooftop to get better look around. In the distance he could see the carriage riding along to the town.

"Please do not frighten the citizens this much, they'll poison your food at this point, just be done with you."

"Only a person like you would think up something so cruel you know?"

Batman responded as such to the familiar voice. He then jumped off the roof, letting his cape float him down to meet her.

"Good to see you made it here in one piece, Ram."

"Hmph! My skills for survival are at their top peek, thank you very much!"

"So is that why I had to leave you all that food for yourself when I left?"

"Nevermind that, Emilia fell unconscious as we got here, I wasn't informed that was going to occur."

"For a person who excels at gathering information, you were taken by surprise eh?

Ram put up mischievous smile at him, which made Batman slightly upset.

"Though do not worry, I know that once she makes it here, she will be fine."

"Good, Subaru is on the way along with Frederica's brother."

"Oh you met Garf?"

"Garf? Please tell me that's another one of your nicknames."

"...Right, his name is Garfiel, but I have known him for a long time, so that is what I call him."

Batman nodded and smirked a bit when he looked again at Ram.

"What is it?"

"Nothing, it's just good to see you again."

"...Yes, well it is good to see you as well."

They both smirked at each other as they began noticing the townspeople were now coming out of their homes and looking at Batman. Some children hid behind their parents as they stared at him. Seeing this Ram took charge as she put a hand on Batman's chest.

"Everyone do not worry, this is a bodyguard of Emilia-sama, Batman. He is a special guest of Roswaal-sama, please show him some hospitality."

The residents could be seen murmuring as they heard this, with some surrounding the Batwing and simply marveled at it.

Batman began walking away with Ram next to him.

"Let's go greet the others and get things started."

"Yes, I know Barusu will have a lot of questions...but what about you?"

"...I want to talk to Roswaal."

Ram seemed distraught by his answer, it did make him feel guilty but he couldn't let it go.

He NEEDED to speak with Roswaal.

And thus, the carriage arrived past the town gates.

"Now...let's see what's going on here.

The party has now arrived at the Sanctuary, unaware of what fate had in store for them.