AN: This is it, you beautiful people you! Final Arc is here!

To quickly answer a frequent question; no, this Arc will not be as long as Arc Nine, it'll probably be at about ten chapters.

But I also wanna discuss something!

Someone left a comment that puzzled me a while back, while I enjoy criticism and opinions from you folks, this was truly a head scratcher. The review said that this story was 'not an appropriate crossover' and that I should have made a different one that matched it.

Hmmm...he does have a point there. It's weird to have Batman meet Re:Zero. Stupid me, I should have realized that before!

Thank goodness we live in a world where weird crossovers don't exist; like say... NBA Basketball Star Charles Barkley playing ball with Godzilla, the Nesquik Bunny meeting Superman or Archie Comics battling the Predator...

...Oh wait, those actually happened. Someone got paid to write those.

So before people find something odd and try to scream against this crossover or anyone else's on this site...just remember...Shin Chan fought Shin Godzilla (wowzers) and Jerry Lewis has met the Justice League; and they are official...the world is an odd place. Still! Everyone is entitled to an opinion, so I accept it!

Still, this a fanfic, take it with a grain of salt please, good sir.

Ahem. Sorry about that long tangent there.

Anyways, PLEASE E-ENJOY!

ARC Ten: Return to Life

Chapter One Hundred and One: Who is Bruce Wayne?

"Who is that, Beako?"

Subaru was utterly confused, scratching his ear.

"Bruce...Wayne?"

Emilia thought long and hard about it, even putting on a thinking man posture.

"Sounds like a noble name...was he an aristocrat?"

Rem rubbed her chin trying to figure it out.

"Bruce…?"

Shaula tilted her head.

"Hahhhhh...sounds kind of plain for...haaaaaah, a name."

Sekhmet twiddled with a strand of her hair.

"Hmmmm, never heard of him. Who is he, Beatrice-chan?"

Petra tapped her shoulder, to further inquire about his identity.

Beatrice sighed as she pulled out a piece of paper. It was the picture Subaru doodled on the other day.

"Care to explain this then, I suppose?"

"That? That's just some doodle I made."

"Right, but what is it of?"

"Um...it looks like a bat?"

Then he put a finger on his lips, something, at least for him didn't sit well with what he just said.

"That's it, it's your memory of our old friend, Batman."

"Wha?"

Soon he shook his head a let out a little laugh.

"Oh gosh! Come on Beako, Batman? When did you get interested in superheroes?"

"Betty has had no interest in them until after the Convergence, I suppose. More importantly, it seems the degradation of everyone's memories is much more serious than I thought. Alright, I suppose."

She picked a small bag that was next to her seat and pulled out something. She tossed it on the table and it spun for awhile, before stopping right in front of Subaru. Seeing it, Subaru and Rem seemed to smile with nostalgia.

"A throwing star!"

He picked it up and observed it up and down. Emilia chimed in.

"It's been a while since I saw you use one."

"Yeah, sure miss using these back in the old days."

Beatrice then tapped the table.

"If you had your reminiscing fun...tell Betty, I suppose. Where did you learn to use those?"

Subaru flinched a bit, before he had a relaxed smile.

"Well duh, Rem taught me."

"...Um, Subaru-kun."

"Hm?"

"...Rem didn't teach you that."

He looked a surprise from her statement, turning her gaze to Emilia, she shook her head. He had his answers. But now he too was unsure where he learned such a skill.

"Subaru, when you fought the White Whale with Rem, who accompanied you?"

"No one, it was just me and...and...huh? Was there-"

"-When you and Emilia went to visit Elior Forest to check on the frozen elves, who made his own observations with you, I suppose?"

"...That's-"

Subaru clutched his head, the feeling of a hot throbbing pain could began to fester.

"Subaru, when that rogue Oni, Reese attacked you all at Pristella City...who was it that fought her alone?"

"No...h-hold on that's...Wait."

He was clearly having a hard time processing her questions...he thought he could hear a voice. A voice he felt indebted to, but one he barely recognized. Muffled and distorted.

Beatrice then looked at Rem, who was comforting him.

"Rem, a few days ago, we had Mulligatawny soup did we not, I suppose?"

"Y-Yes, that is correct. Rem did make that-"

"-Who taught you to make it?"

"U-Uh, Rem is...not sure…"

She also clutched her head, making Emilia startled.

"Beatrice what are you doin-"

"-When you sang for the villagers and those nobleman at the village...you got stage fright, and someone had to distract them with their own singing, I suppose. Who did it?"

"...Um, I don't remember?"

"Subaru had help in inventing Cola, right? Who helped him make it, I suppose?"

"I-I...Beatrice what are you doing?!"

She held her own head as she too was feeling the pain as well.

She then had to continue.

Beatrice turned her attention to Shaula.

"Shaula, we were kicked out of the Watchtower due to someone's wish breaking a part of it away...whose wish did that?"

"...Hang on...that's-"

Shaula now held her forehead, she too was struggling to remember, having some sweat drip down her face.

Beatrice sighed as she then looked over at Sekhmet.

"Sekhmet-san, why did you decide to live with us?"

"Convenience."

"...Was it not to get close to someone, I suppose?"

Rem and Emilia raised their aching heads to face Sekhmet, Petra also looked at her with intrigue, or jealousy, no one was sure.

"Hahhhhh, relax I have no interest in the kid."

"Then who are you interested in?"

"...I don't know."

She rubbed her head...then for some reason...she heard something in her head. A voice muttering something, like a distant memory.

Beatrice nodded her head and now faced Petra, who was sitting next to her. Petra was obviously scared as she saw how everyone looked like they were in pain from her speaking.

"Petra."

"B-Beatrice…?"

"When Subaru had to save all of you from the mansion against the Ma-Beast...who helped defeat the Ma-Beast?"

"...Um, Otto-san and Garfiel right?"

"There was another, was there not, I suppose?"

"Beatrice...please stop, this is...scary."

She gripped her own shoulder and shivered, this was due to her seeing an image of Frederica hugging someone flashing in her mind. She respected that man...but she couldn't remember who it was.

Beatrice wasted no time.

"All of you, when Emilia was attacked in the capital, who helped Subaru save her, I suppose?"

"Beatrice, hang on!"

"No Subaru, you have to try! When we couldn't defeat Reid in the Watchtower who took the initiative and cleared it with our other lost friend?"

"S-Stop...wait, there was someone else too?!"

"Who was it that commanded the rescue team to save Subaru when he was kidnapped, I suppose?!"

"Beatrice, my head feels like it's about to explode!"

Beatrice took in a deep breath.

"WHO SACRIFICED THEMSELVES SO WE COULD ESCAPE ENVY?!"

That question.

It was what made tears escape Subaru's eyes. Not just his own, but Rem and Emilia did as well.

The three of them saw a blurry image flash across their minds, of a strange dark armored figure facing a large black mass of shadows with a golden sword.

Subaru wiped his cheeks with his metal hand...then he thought about it.

"This hand…"

He touched his face.

"This eye?"

"It was Bruce. He did it to save you."

"...Beatrice, what is happening?"

They all seemed to calm down a bit, but the feelings they had were still there.

Feelings of loss, love, respect and...friendship. Beatrice smiled as she folded the piece of paper in her hands.

"Unlike Gluttony's Authority, your memories are not lost, nor are the objects he made altered. His existence has still been tampered with, him being lost in the Algol Tree when it collapsed has spiraled him in a place between time and space, where the human mind is barely able to comprehend, I suppose."

"This guy, um...Batman...is he alive?"

Beatrice made a pained face as she clenched her hands, something Petra noticed instantly.

"I would say he is indeed alive..but…"

"Hm?"

"In that space, time moves slowly and awkwardly. He does not need to eat, or sleep, or use any of his bodily functions. And he is unable to escape anywhere, even if he tried to use magic."

"...How long has he been in there?"

"Two months. But for him...it's been two years."

Everyone was stunned to hear such a thing. Rem could only wonder if this 'Bruce Wayne' had not gone insane by this point. Emilia feeling some sadness for said person, did feel the urge to help him, even if she didn't remember him.

Subaru got up from his seat.

"Beatrice, if this is all true. If we really were friends, with um, B-Batman...why do you remember?"

"Betty is beyond human strength of spirit and will, now. Or did you forget what I was titled a month ago, I suppose?"

She crossed her arms as she looked up at Subaru, expecting an answer.

"R-Right, you're officially recognized as a Great Spirit now."

"Yes, Beatrice is now the Great Spirit of the East, one who holds command of time and space, I suppose."

Looking incredibly proud of herself, she nodded her head with a smug smile.

"Indeed, and as such it would evident that such a thing would not be impossible for Betty and the others to remember him."

"Others, Beatrice-chan?"

"Of course Petra! The other spirits remember everything, I suppose."

"T-Then all five Great Spirits know about Batman?!"

"Correct. Not only that, but that is something we will need to discuss."

Everyone was now completely focused but prepared to hear her important info.

"We are about to have what we have dubbed, 'The Spiritual Summit', I suppose. It will be the first one we will ever do, but we expect to do this once every six months."

"Hahhhhh, Spiritual...Huhhhhhh, Summit?"

"It will be a meeting where we Great Spirits will discuss worldly events and come up with strategies to fix any happenings. In this case, I will bring up the case of Bruce Wayne and whether any of them will help us get him back, I suppose."

"Sounds...very productive, huhhh, compared to the old Great Spirits."

"...What we learned from the Forgotten Conflict is that by being divided, we were unprepared for a large scale disaster, nor could we meditate conflicting matters, I suppose. With this, we'll be able to have meaningful discussions and find solutions to the world's problems."

Everyone was quite impressed with her speech.

"We will not let the world be nearly destroyed like it was last time, I suppose. Even if.."

"If…?"

"...From what we agreed upon, should the leaders of this world become a threat to this world, we spirits; Great and Lesser will take control of the world."

"B-Beatrice that's world domination you're talking about!"

"...If it's to protect you all, then it does not concern Betty."

The spirit sighed as she began to stand up.

"We'll speak about that when we get there, I suppose."

"Hey don't push that off- Wait, when we get there?"

"Isn't it obvious Subaru? I'm taking you all with me, I Suppose."

"W-Wait, can we even go to this Summit?"

"Sure you can, just stay close to Betty and don't make fools of yourselves, I suppose! Some of these Spirits are easily tempermental to strangers, so I suggest not screwing around."

Beatrice raised her brow at Subaru, making him pout.

However, Rem stood up as she gazed at Beatrice.

"Beatrice-sa-um, Beatrice, what do you hope to accomplish by bringing this, Batman-san back to us?"

"...Everyone is wounded in their hearts, and because they cannot remember him, nor Pamela or Deathstroke, there is nowhere for those feelings to latch onto to. Eventually, it will become toxic to you, I suppose. One day, Subaru and all of you will begin to fall apart. A cruel fate, I suppose."

Subaru heard something, another memory.

"Fate, will not be kind to you…"

He shook his head as he closed his eyes.

Opening them again he put his hands on the table.

"Alright, I trust you Beako. If what you're saying is true, then this Bruce Wayne is someone we can't just leave be. If he's done all the things you've said he has...then we owe it to him to save him!"

"I feel like...he was someone I grew to care for...deep down. So I'll go with you, let's go to the Spiritual Summit!"

Rem and Emilia nodded.

"We'll come too!"

"Yes, Rem will accompany Subaru-kun wherever he goes."

Petra stood proud as well.

"A-As Subaru-sama's maid, I feel it's only best I accompany him as well."

"You sure Petra?"

"Definitely! If this Batman-sama was really our friend, then we got to all help out in any way we can!"

She clenched her fists to show her determination...although…

"This trip might bridge the gap between me and Subaru."

Her mind was filled with romantic thoughts of her and Subaru together, making her blush immensely. Sekhmet yawned loudly.

"Well, if I stay here by myself...Hahhhhh, then I'll probaby starve to death, so I'll tag along."

"...Learn to be a bit more self reliant, I suppose."

Shaula looked away…

Her mind saw the same blurry image of the dark armor clad warrior fighting Envy, just as she was teleporting herself out of there. And all she could feel was guilt. Absolute. Unrelenting. Guilt.

She could have saved him.

"I'll go too."

"Shaula?"

"Se-Subaru, I want to see if this trip...gives me a chance to find my purpose in life...now that the tower is gone...I need to find one."

"...Maybe this trip will do something for you."

He smiled at her, which made her look away, a small pink tinge to her cheeks.

"Then it's settled."

"W-wait...Garfiel is coming over for a visit isn't he?"

"We'll take him along...besides, I mean to also speak with Frederica and Sarah."

"Why them?"

As Beatrice walked away twisting her arms around to stretch them out.

"They were his fiances, so I thought they would desire be the first to see him, I suppose."

"Oh."

.

.

.

.

.

"HUHHHHHH?!"

Even Sekhmet and Shaula couldn't hold back their shock. Making Beatrice giggle at them.

And so they began preparations…

"Hey, hey! Wha's up Boss?!"

"Garfiel!"

Subaru ran over and gave Garfiel a big hug.

Now they were in the capital and on the way to the complex where Sarah and Frederica worked. But on the way they caught up with an arriving Garfiel and Mimi.

Garfiel looked relatively the same, except he had a purple Yukata draped on his shoulders. Holding his hand, was a taller Mimi, who had a tomesode on. Her hair was a tad longer and she had a necklace with a blue jewel on it. She smiled happily at them.

"Hey you guys!"

"Mimi, it's good to see you again!"

"Yeah, onii-san! We were so excited to see you all, but I can't hold it any longer so Mimi has to tell you! A surprise! A reallly big one!"

Garfiel flinched in terror when he heard her say that. He motioned her with hushes and shaking hands.

"H-Hang on! Wait till we see sis-"

"-Mimi is pregnant! Mimi is going to be a mommy!"

...Silence filled the busy streets...almost everyone stopped what they were doing and squinted their eyes at Garfiel. Even his friends did so, taking a small step back. At this point Mimi smiled innocently, while Garfiel's bright red face looked like he was about to die of embarrassment.

They took the conversation elsewhere as they could see knights chasing after them.

"I mean, wow Garfiel...youth sure is a sight to behold."

Everyone nodded in agreement with Subaru, to which Garfiel yelled out some incomprehensible gibberish, making Mimi laugh.

"Don't laugh, it'll only make me feel worse!"

Garfiel sighed as they continued walking.

Subaru was curious though…

"But how?"

"Well, a few weeks ago, Mimi came back shoppin' wit' Anastasia and she bough' herself a kimono...when she tried i' on, she looked so...h-hot in i', something awoke in me. So I kind of grabbed her and...and...carried to my-"

"-Don't kiss and tell my brother."

He patted his shoulder as they continued through currently being reconstructed city, Garfiel looked up and smiled.

"Still, she's everythin to me righ' now Boss."

"Take care of her then."

"Yeah."

The two ginned at each other, turning to look at the girls.

"So when we were done, Mimi and Garf took a shower together! It was soooo tiring, but it was was fun! Hehehe!"

"AHHH! SHE'S TELLING ALL THE GIRLS!"

Garfiel panicked immensely as he saw Mimi laughing away, while Emilia and Rem were blushing listening to the passionate story she told them. Sekhmet made sure to cover Petra's ears, even if she was curious about the story. Shaula covered her face, having to imagine the steamy scene described to her. Beatrice looked ahead at Garfiel and raised her eyebrows at him.

Garfiel slumped his shoulders in defeat.

"My...my life is over…"

"...Don't lose spirit Mr. Tinsel."

"Um, Boss have you...you know, with them?"

Subaru became red faced as well...looking away just a tad.

"Y-Yeah."

"...Both of them?"

"...S-Sure."

"...Hehhhh, how long then?"

Garfiel had a mischievous grin on his face.

"...T…Thirty minutes altogether."

"Heh...I got an hour."

"GOD. Youth is priceless."

The two chuckled away their misfortunes, as they were now reaching the complex.

As they made their way through the busy rows of room, Mimi sat comfortably on Garfiel's shoulders, as Beatrice did the same with Subaru. Sure enough they saw a golden hair person in a coat and dress walking the halls.

"Big Sis!"

"Garfiel! Everyone!"

She rushed over and gave him a big hug, then waved at everyone else. They waved back as she took them all to her room. Reaching it, they saw Sarah sitting on a bed sipping on some tea, wearing an off duty tank top and shorts.

"Oh! Yes, everyone it's so nice to see you all again."

She got up and did a humble bow. So did everyone else.

They got comfortable, speaking pleasantries with each other. Petra hugged Frederica, having missed her so much in the two months apart.

"So, what is it we are to speak of?"

"Firstly, ahem….Garfiel got Mimi pregnant. Surprise."

Garfiel made a horrified face as Mimi hopped up and down in excitement. Frederica's brows twisted as she glared at him.

"And you're taking responsibility?"

"Y-Yes, Sis."

"Good. Be a father that leads by example."

"O-Of course, I'm be th best damn dad in th world damnit!"

She smiled at his commitment.

"Yes, Garfiel-kun, congratulations. I hope you and Mimi-chan have a pleasant and bright future."

"Um, thanks Sarah."

She also smiled at him, making Mimi hug his sides.

"That means Garf belongs to Mimi."

"Mimi!"

Everyone chuckled at her slightly clingy attitude. Until Emilia cleared her throat.

"The thing is, we came here for you two as well."

"Us as well, Emilia?"

"Yeah...apparently we're about to go on a journey to bring someone back."

"Someone back?...Like Minerva-san or Meili-chan?"

"N-No...a person named Bruce Wayne."

The moment she said that...Frederica and Sarah trembled, making Sarah spill some of her tea. Subaru's visor zoomed in on their faces, noting that both of them...almost seemed terrified.

"Bruce…"

"Frederica-onee sama?"

Petra rubbed her back, trying to calm her down.

"I...I had a dream about...a man named Bruce...and when I woke up, I was crying."

She held her head in pain, as did Sarah.

"Yes, I too had a similar dream...when we were at the Algol Tree...someone in armor stayed behind...someone, important?"

"No way…"

Subaru and the others realized the severity of what was happening. For both girls to dream of the same mysterious man, it was not coincidental. This was something else entirely.

"Bruce…?"

Garfiel held his head...seeing an image of two men sparring in front of the mansion...but he couldn't recognize them, it was all too blurry. Beatrice walked away and to a cupboard by a mirror Frederica had in her room, she opened it up and pulled something out.

"Care to explain what this is?"

They all saw a precious looking diamond ring.

"I...don't know, I had it on when we came back from...the tree…"

"...It's your engagement ring."

"My what?"

"Bruce gave it to you two months before the Royal Selection ended. Remember, we all heard you screaming in applause, the whole day you were beaming in excitement from this gift, I suppose?"

She then turned her attention to Sarah.

"And the ring you have on?"

"Ah!"

She realized she too had a ring similar to Frederica's.

"When he gave that to you...you were so embarrassed, you ran to your room and stayed there for half a day!"

"I-Incorrect...wait, we were both engaged to him? Like how Subaru-dono is with Rem and Emilia?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes, I suppose."

"D-Did we love him?"

"Ha!"

She put her hands on her hips before pointing at both of them.

"Of course, I suppose! There wasn't a moment back in the old days, when you two weren't at least conversing with him."

"That's-"

"-Making meat pies."

A memory flashed across their minds of cooking. Sarah was terrible at it, but Frederica and another person was doing their best to help her.

"And those times you stood out to see the fireflies."

A vivid vision of a person standing in the middle of fireflies flashed to them.

"Stop it…"

"Or the times you three would go over Emilia's studies."

"Please…"

Another, sitting in a desk with Emilia as someone went over a book with her.

"No more…"

"...Or how Bruce would talk to you three in secret about the baby."

Both ladies eyes widened in terror as the memory of them meeting in a gazebo. As Frederica rubbed her belly, making Sarah hug her...and the man in their visions….patting her on the head, leaning down to-

"STOP IT!"



Frederica ran over and grabbed Beatrice, shoving her high into the wall. Garfiel tried to stop her, but it was Sarah that held her shoulders.

"Frederica…"

"I…"

"Just let it out."

"...Why….am I crying?"

Both women's faces were drenched in tears as Frederica slowly put Beatrice down. Frederica fell to her knees and cried into her palms, Sarah hugging her as she too cried.

Everyone stood there in shock...but also in pain. The events Beatrice spoke of seemed to hit home for them, making them anxious about who this person was.

Beatrice dusted herself off and squatted down to Frederica.

"Frederica, Sarah."

"Huh?"

"You two were among the closest people to Bruce, thus the memories Betty has brought up has resurfaced those feelings deep within you."

"...I see, that explains it."

Frederica went on to explain about all the suitors that came to her and Sarah...but every time they turned them down, both of them feeling that there was someone they already loved. She handed her back the ring.

"Then, there you go, I suppose."

"So...Bruce...Wayne…."

She nodded to her response as she stood up.

"We are inviting you on a journey, to bring that troublesome friend of ours back to this world and restore everyone's memories back to normal, I suppose."

Emilia and Rem stepped forward, showing them their hands.

"Will you come with us?"

"To save the man you fell in love with?"

It only took a second for them to answer.

"I want my life back."

"Yes, we're coming along."

They each took one of their hands. Garfiel held Mimi's hand. The couple looked at each other and nodded.

"Coun' us in as well!"

"Yeah, Yeah!"

Petra questioned this.

"Are you sure about that Garfiel?"

"Yup, we got a week of vacation anyways. So if anything, we can contact Anastasia and inform her that it's taking us a bit longer to head home."

"Well...if she gets mad, don't place the blame on anyone."

She waved her finger at him, making him comply.

"Besides, I feel like I owe thi' guy somethin' anyways…"

"Mimi, thinks she remembers a weird ojii-san who helped us before. So if he was Garf's friend, then I'm gonna help!"

"Mimi..."

"Mimi knows what it's like...to lose someone."

She clenched her hand...making Garfiel pat her on the head.

"Thanks."

"No prob."

The group had now expanded to a team of eleven.

Eleven individuals all seeking to bring back a lost friend.

"Carmilla, Daphne. We're leaving this place in your hands, alright?"

"Um, ah...okay, just-c-c- come back safe okay?"

She received a hug from Frederica, making her smile happily. Daphne was in a wheelchair, due to her muscles still needing to heal from her time of being handicapped in her coffin. But she learned to use her arms to help her move around.

"Okay, but what do we do about food, Fre Fre?"

"Well, there's some ladies here who know how to cook, just ask them nicely to take over for a bit."

"M'kay, you and Rah Rah, make it back in time okay?"

The two girls waved them goodbye, though both of them had a shadow cover their face.

"What do we do know?"

"Uh...um, let's walk around...an-and see if people need anything done?"

"OH! Maybe we can even get free snacks from them! Yes! Let's go!"

She used her arms to make the wheelchair speed off, leaving a completely startled Carmilla behind.

"W-wait a second! DON'T LEAVE ME BEHIND!"

Carmilla chased after her, leading to their own week long adventure in this place they called home.

As the team all made their way outside. They all took a moment to think things through.

Garfiel was carrying the giant bag of supplies they needed.

Subaru brought along provisions, as well as his Helmet of Divinity and a whip, in case trouble hit.

Frederica was in an adventurers outfit, one she was given as a gift by Minerva.

Sarah herself was back in her usual armor.

Mimi had her staff with her.

Beatrice had her staff, but quickly put it in a pocket dimension so she didn't need to carry it around.

Emilia and Rem acquired their own uniforms for the long journey.

All of them looked like a team ready for a long odyssey.

"Now then, we need to make our way to the castle, I suppose."

"Castle?"

"Yes, as you know, the world is in such a terrible state right now, that crossing out of the country would be detrimental without the right paperwork. So we need express permission from the government."

"Isn't there a wait time?"

"...Two weeks."

"Two WEEKS?! But I thought we were leaving now?!"

Everyone sighed, especially Sekhmet.

Beatrice made a sour face.

"Knock it off all of you! Anyways, Betty has already come up with a plan for that anyways, I suppose!"

"How's that Great Spirit?"

"Beatrice is just fine, Shaula. Ahem. We're going to get permission from someone of the highest regard, and one who was also very close to Bruce, I suppose."

"That being…?"

"Queen Felt."

"Oh."

They took a moment before they all gasped loudly.

Beatrice made a proud look as she puffed up her chest.

"Leave everything to Betty."

And so, they made their way to the Castle….

After getting through security, of which Beatrice was able to get them passed no issue. Every time a guard tried to stop them, they would instantly recognize the Great Spirit Beatrice and move aside out of fear, especially with the horrifying rumors floating around that she can send people to other dimensions, vaporize limbs off, or make them prematurely bald...terror incarnate.

Now they were outside the office waiting for the staff to let them in.

Eventually they were let in, however, there was someone else there they did not expect to see.

"Oh! Julius!"

"Subaru, everyone, what a surprise."

They shook hands as they watched Felt put on a large sweater...a type of clothing she somehow remembered from her time in the Converged World.

"Hey, so what's up you guys?"

"Well, we're here to get some quick permission to leave the capital."

"Well...we do go back a long ways, I think I can manage that."

She then sat forward gazing at everyone with a sharp look.

"But for what reason, can I ask?"

"...Beako."

Beatrice saw her cue.

"We are going to meet with the other four Great Spirits, to see if we can back our old friend, Bruce Wayne."

"...Bruce….Wayne…"

She seemed to have a conflicted look on her face, as did Julius. Felt scratched her cheek, while Julius fixed his suit...but also patted the scars on his cheek. From a battle he hardly remembers.

"Betty knows that next those two behind me, you were the most obsessive with him."

"Wha?"

"Well, you would almost always visit the mansion once a week to see him, and even demanded he go out with you for your birthday, I suppose."

"Wait...h-hold on...my head…"

Slight images flashed across her mind; a dark clothed man was sitting across from her. It began to hurt thinking about it.

Beatrice then saw Julius also grit his teeth.

"Juukulius, tell Betty who it was that you saw as a rival, I suppose?"

"None that I-"

"-Then who defeated you in the capital all those years ago, I suppose?"

"That is-"

He clutched his shoulder as he had a blurry memory of a certain person sparring with him, then another of them in the Pleiades Watchtower, looking over the vast desert. He couldn't see him clearly, but felt genuine respect for him...and two other people that were there, someone in armor and a woman.

Beatrice then made her way to her desk and found just what she needed to find.

She pulled out a small tiara covered in luminous gems and diamonds.

"And this is, I suppose?"

"Huh? Where did that come from?"

"Bruce. Bruce bought you this for your birthday, you liked it so much that you'd bring it up in so many conversations, I suppose. Remember-"

"-CUT IT OUT!"

She was holding her head as she knocked the tiara out of her hands, falling on her knees as she continued to hold back the pain.

"Tell me Felt, right now, I suppose!"

"No, wait-"

"-WHO DID YOU MEET BESIDES SUBARU ALL THOSE YEARS AGO?!"

She flinched as she remembered seeing an imposing figure near her old place of residence, a shabby shack. But the person she was seeing was tall and quite frightening...yet…

"Why, who is he?"

"Bruce Wayne, Batman, he was one of our friends…"

"Really, I think he's scary to look at."

"True, he can be-"

"-BUT WHY?"

She raised her head showing that she had tears dripping down her cheeks, completely wailing.

"Why does my chest hurt when I think about him?"

"...Betty thinks you know why, Felt."

Felt continued crying as she reached over and retrieved her tiara, she held it close to her chest. All they could do was walk over and comfort the girl as best as they could.

Subaru noticed Julius was looking out the window, clearly hiding his expression.

A few minutes passed as Felt calmed down, even having to chase away some knights that mistook the situation and were ready to fight Subaru's group. Julius reassured them.

Felt used some tissues to blow away the last of her mucus and took a deep breath.

"Okay okay, so that was...weird. But it also felt kind of good too."

"Well, yeah, it's like pressure escaping through the body, y'know?"

Subaru gave that remark as Felt sighed.

"So you want to find a way to bring...B-Bruce back right?"

"Beako says we're going to meet with the other four Great Spirits to find a possible way. At least, we hope that's what the outcome ends up being."

"Right, well, here."

Subaru was handed a document, with Felt's signature. With it, they were given a one way pass to exit the capital.

Rem questioned the matter of their destination.

"Beatrice, do you know where this um, Summit, will take place?"

"Yes, near the new mountain, close to the northern hillsides, Deacon Blues."

"D-Deacon Blues?!"

Julius interjected.

"Great Spirit, wasn't that a recent sighting of one of the new...God Beasts?"

"God Beasts...yes, one of them was there, as I recall, I suppose."

"And of the three, it was the 'Inflamed Barghest'."

Beatrice spat out her opinion of it.

"Of the three, that one is the hardest to get close to."

"Hahhhh, then what of the other...threeee?"

Sekhmet yawned as the others were also curious, so Beatrice gave them a rundown on the new scourges of the world.

"'Inflamed Barghest', is powerful with it's magic and quite hard to catch, making it something that is equal in danger to that of the Sizable Hare, I suppose. 'Sky Wraith Garuda', is the fastest of the three, and it's unique physiology make him more immune to magic than that of the White Whale, I suppose. And of course, 'Mountain God Viboron', is simply humongous and it's overall defense is staggering. Betty thinks that of the three, that one is the biggest threat, I suppose."

"Have you seen them Beatrice?"

"Well Emilia, Betty has seen Garuda personally...as for Barghest, it wanders about, so I've only seen the destruction is has left behind, I suppose. As for Viboron, one of the other Great Spirits, Gustav, chased it away, and it's somewhere in the Deep Sea, I suppose."

Everyone was indeed interested to hear more about these new creatures, even if Subaru was annoyed that all the effort they put in to destroy the Great Demon Beasts, now seemed pointless.

"A hero's work is never done, I guess."

"What happened Subaru?"

"Ah, nothing at all Petra."

She got a quick head pat, which made her blush instantly and melt into the gesture...ignoring the sharp gazes from Emilia and Rem.

And so, with Felt giving them her own blessings, they began moving out.

"Hey Subaru nii chan."

"Yeah?"

"...When you see this um, Bruce…"

She seemed embarrassed in what she wanted to say...but she gritted her teeth and outright told her true feelings.

"Tell him to come visit! I...I really want to see him!"

"...Yeah, definitely."

He smiled at her which, she returned with her own usual grin, before he bowed to her.

"If the queen wants it, then it'll be done."

"Oh knock it off."

She lightly kicked him out, both of them chuckling...and silently hoping the trip would go as well as they hoped.

Julius met with out in the halls, showing them to where they would retrieve their Riger and carriage. Of course it would be a Riger, due to all the Ground Dragons going extinct during the Forgotten Conflict, they were forced to use Rigers borrowed from Kararagi for transportation, though work was being done to see if giant birds known as Armored Emus could be used in the future.

"Subaru, I wish nothing but the best of luck out there."

"Thanks man, I honestly hope things go right out there."

The two buddies shook hands and said their goodbyes. Julius bowed to them as they waved back. He watched as they disappeared from view.

'Good luck."

He silently said this as he went back to see Felt, he saw how she sat in her usual seat...this time with the tiara on the desk, in clear view for all to see. He smiled about it...but still they had to continue the discussion they were having.

"Now then Felt-sama, I think we should take appropriate action."

"...Those assholes are still at it?"

"Yes, they are getting more brazen by the day...we fear this may soon reach Witch Cult levels of upheaval."

"Damn, this totally sucks, and after all the shit we went through with the Witch!"

She cracked her knuckles as she looked out the window, up to the skies.

"...Screw them."

"My sentiments exactly, Felt-sama."

She narrowed her eyes.

"Anti-Life Society…"

Subaru and the others made it to their quite large carriage and saw their grey furred Riger. It stood tall as it looked over the group, it was evident though, that is seemed to be interested in Subaru. Subaru went over to pet it, it flinched when his hand got close...but soon eased into his palm and he petted it.

"You may not be Patrasche, but you seem nice enough."

It let out a small growl, seemingly enjoying the petting.

So Subaru decided to name it…

"How about...Shep? It's nice right?"

The Riger nodded as it's lime green eyes gazed at Subaru.

And with that the others soon joined in on the petting, integrating Shep as the newest member of their group.

As they left the Estate Grounds, they saw a window fling open, and Otto stuck out his head.

"Natsuki-san, everyone!"

"Otto, you son a bitch! Don't show up when we are already leaving! WORTHLESS DUDE!"

"Hey! I HAVE WORK TO DO YOU KNOW?! ALTHOUGH I DO MISS THE VERBAL ABUSE EVERY NOW AND THEN!"

Everyone was surprised to hear that comment and took in deep breath.

"SADIST!"

"BUWAAH!? Even Sekhmet joined in?!"

He sighed loudly, but relaxed as he waved at them.

"GOOD LUCK!"

"THANKS!"

Subaru waved him goodbye as they found themselves out of his sights, making Otto sit down as he gazed out the window.

"Maybe I should have finished early..oh well."

He dusted his hands off, though he regretted not seeing them sooner, he was able to wish them luck. And he accepted that.

Otto made his way to his desk as he pushed aside a doodle he made of a symbol...all the while giving some water to a rose he had in a vase.

They passed through the city, seeing the large monument near the center of he capital. It was a large statue of the the Dragon Sword Reid...below it was a vast park filled to the brim with roses. No one knew where they came from, but they could be found all over the capital. Sure enough it was rumored they were a parting gift from the souls of the Astrea family. Even if the last remaining member was Reinhard's mother, who had awoken from her slumber. She worked hard to help Felt in whatever she needed.

She would visit the monument every day. And sure enough as they passed by it...they saw her there, giving slight nod to the them. Subaru bowed his head, as did the others. Their carriage made it through the temporary gates and was now out of the capital.

She softly touched one of the roses...and closed her eyes as she smiled.

Afterwards, she got up and left to fulfill her duties.

A few hours later they found themselves making their way to through the forests outside of the capital...soon they took a shortcut that actually had to trek through the heavy brushes.

Sekhmet was asleep, resting her head on Petra's lap. Shaula was gazing out to the forest...before she opened her eyes wide.

"STOP THE CARRIAGE!"

The carriage came to a halt and Subaru noticed Shep was growling now. He looked ahead and from the brushes came out the reasoning for their sudden stop.

"Wow, really? Nostalgia beasts?"

In front of them were a couple of Wolgram, all of them growling at them. Subaru and the others stepped out to face the threat, but Sekhmet and Shaula faced the back, as several more showed up behind the carriage.

Subaru got his whip ready. Emilia her ice swords and Rem her own Morningstar. Petra even got a retractable bo staff out and ready...then the Wolgarm sat down.

"Huh?"

They let their tongues out, like a normal dog would...but…

"Nii-chan and the others? What are ya doing out here?"

A voice came out of the forest, so they turned to see a raptor like Ma-Beast step out and someone walking beside it. Wearing a dark hood that matched her dark blue outfit and an orange scarf this person had on.

"It's been toooo long hasn't it?"

Petra made her staff go back to it's normal size as she rubbed her eyes.

"No way, is it really you?"

"Yup, I'm back!"

She removed her hood, revealing an all too familiar young lady.

"What's up you guys~?"

Meili said this as she gave a cute wink to them all.

And so, the journey to bring back a soul lost to the new world, had just started...with the smallest of snags showing up.

AN: And so the jounrey starts! Arc 10 is in full swing. I'd say the opening for this Arc is "Frozen Rain" by Myth and Roid while it's Ending is...um, "Zenba Kimi ga Ita Kara Shittanda" by Konomi Suzuki. Just thought it up for fun. Use your imaginations in how they would look!

See you all in the next chapter.