Chapter Twelve: The Hawk, the Dove, and the Owl.
The core members of the Justice League, Tohdoh and his people, Kallen's original cell, Rakshata and Orpheus, Kaguya acting as a representative of Kyoto's investments, and Cornelia with her own inner circle were all gathered in the Watchtower. Fate had brought many of them in discreetly although with what Lelouch and Rivalz had learned Schneizel was a part of the Secret Society as well. As such he was privy to all that DeVoe knew.
However these revelations did not make things easier for all gathered. There was a tense atmosphere in the air, an irony given they were all on the moon. Dr. Fate had given the history of the Justice Society of Britannia and of Vandal Savage. And while Cornelia still had her doubts she couldn't deny what she was seeing with her own eyes and what she had experienced. But even if she still wasn't sure about much of this, she was determined to ensure her siblings would be safe this time.
"Let's get this out of the way right now," said Superman. "Yes, Cornelia is a part of the Britannian Empire that currently oppresses Japan. But given that pretty much the entire Empire is a front she's kind of a...well a..."
"Paper tiger," said Batman. "A diversion for the world to look towards while Vandal Savage and his Secret Society operate the Empire from the shadows. So for those who hail from Japan and have issue with her and her people being here...get over it."
"Easy for you to say spooky," yelled Tamaki. "I didn't sign up to join with the fucking Brits."
"She's agreed to work with us under heavy monitoring, which I will be overseeing," said Barda, walking up to Tamaki. "And if the Batman gives you the order to work with Britannians you will obey. Or you will answer to me."
As intense as Barda's training was no one who had lived through it was willing to guess what her idea of discipline could be. Tamaki hushed and hid back from Barda.
"Besides, the whole point of the Justice League is to initiate change in the world, and that includes Britannia," said Superman.
"That is all well and good Superman but you cannot expect us to act as if all is forgiven considering how much the Japanese have suffered at the hands of Britannia," said Kaguya.
"With respect to the suffering of the Japanese Lady Kaguya, Britannia is nothing compared to what I fear may be coming," said Scott. "And I don't just mean this Secret Society but something far worse."
Barda and Scott locked hands, Nunnally quickly going to their side while Batman simply nodded from where he stood. Now was the moment of truth for all of them.
"When Dr. Fate showed us the history lesson Barda and I recognized the device Vandal Savage used," said Scott. "It's called a...Father Box."
"Like your...Mother Box?" asked Ohgi.
"Yes," said Scott. "Only...evil, pure evil."
"I get you're saying that your rather lovely little box there is alive but speaking as a scientist there is no such thing as evil technology," said Rakshata. "Only evil users."
"You've never seen the technology of the New Gods," said Scott. "Our people."
"New Gods?" asked Chiba.
"Presumptuous I know," said Cornelia.
"What exactly gives you the credence to call yourselves that?" asked Darlton.
"Mother Box can show better than I can tell," said Scott. "Be warned though this can be...somewhat of an ordeal."
Scott held up Mother Box and in a flash of light all gathered were seemingly sanding in the vacuum of space.
"There came a time when the Old Gods died," a incorporeal female voice spoke in a gentle tone.
Above all saw a large planet where a great world was alight with the flames of war before finally erupting in fiery explosion.
"In a fiery Holocaust the most ancient of races, so dubbed the Old Gods of the Third World by the rest of a fledgling universe, were no more," the voice of the Mother Box narrated. "In the aftermath, from the ruins of their realm the one became two."
Two halves of the planet began to circle one another and form. One world began to grow lush with life. People began to form, beautiful in ways almost impossible to describe. On the other world however the terrain became harsh and hellish.
"Life returned and the New Gods were born to both worlds," said the Mother Box.
On the lush world history sped up to where a magnificent city floated in the sky where the magnificent figures dedicated themselves to advanced arts and sciences. Flaunting fantastic and wondrous powers. In what could only be described as a glorious palace sat what many deduced to be the ruler of this world. He was a powerfully built man with white hair and a beard and soft gentle eyes holding what looked like a Shepard's crook.
"One world, New Genesis, ruled by the wise and benevolent Izaya the Inheritor, whom to all is known as Highfather," said Mother Box.
Batman looked over to Scott's scowl at the image of Highfather but said nothing as the scene shifted with the dramatic showing of the other planet eclipsing the sun of New Genesis.
They were all then taken to that other world and their senses bombarded with horrific imagery. An industrial nightmare where massive plumes of flame rose from great pits. Where lines of countless slaves were forced to work in dangerous and unsafe conditions as monstrous armored figures hovered over head like locusts tormenting them to work faster as they built nightmarish war machines and images in the likeness of this world's ruler. Said ruler was seen standing above it all, a towering figure who almost seemed sculpted from rock. His granite face a grimace of pure contempt and absolute control. Looking at him shook Lelouch to his core. It shook everyone in fact as if the very fear of this unknown figure was in their DNA.
"The other dread Apokolips, ruled by he once known as Uxas now known and feared by all as the dreaded Darkseid," said Mother Box. "Darkseid's absolute goal, his very existence, was the total subjugation of reality. For millennia he ravished the cosmos in search of the one tool that would allow him to complete his goal: the Anti-Life Equation. That which would allow him to eliminate all free will within the universe. As sister world to Apokolips, only New Genesis had the means to halt Darkseid's ambitions. Thus war among the gods had begun anew."
Scenes of war erupted as fighters from New Genesis and Apokolips clashed in battles almost to great for their mere mortal senses to comprehend. Cities, nations, worlds, galaxies themselves seemed to be the battle ground between the two worlds.
"Despite the best efforts of New Genesis to contain him, Darkseid's evil spread and the war spread as well threatening to consume all of creation," said Mother Box. "For the sake of all that was, the one who had sworn neutrality in the pursuit of knowledge, Metron proposed the Pact. A delicate peace treaty to stop the war, at least for a time."
A being in a floating chair hovered above a wasteland where Darkseid and Highfather stood at opposite ends. At their side were to women, though the woman beside Darkseid was old and ugly with a dark gleam in her eyes. Batman saw Barda and Scott react to seeing her and made another mental note of it.
He also noted how the women were holding bundles, babes wrapped in blankets.
"Darkseid and Highfather would exchange sons and never seek open war with another again unless one struck out first," said Mother Box.
The two women met and exchanged sons. As this happened Highfather looked away, ashamed as the son of Darkseid was brought to him and his own child brought to Darkseid.
"But the ambitions of Darkseid are not so easily halted," said Mother Box as the image gave way to reality.
It took a moment for everyone to adjust to what they had seen. While many had seen war and devastation never on such a scale. And the image of Darkseid alone had reduced Euphemia, Nunnally, and Kaguya to tears and in need of some comfort.
"I think for now that's enough information," said Scott.
"Damn straight," yelled Tamaki.
"That world...that Apokolips," Cornelia muttered, holding onto Euphie for dear life and staring at Barda. "You're from that hell hole aren't you?"
"Yes," said Barda, holding onto Nunnally. "I was born there. Ripped from my mother at birth and trained brainwashed to obey, fear, and worship Darkseid. As are all on Apokolips, our fear gave him his power. But even worse...I was bred to cultivate more fear. Among his forces is an elite band of warriors, not unlike Britannia's Knights of the Round. They are called...the Furies."
"You were one of them," said Batman.
"I was their leader," said Barda. "I...I did horrible things, far worse than Cornelia ever did. I didn't even consider the evil of what I was doing. Not until I learned what goodness was, true goodness. Till...a miracle happened."
Scott gently stroked his wife's face as Nunnally hugged Barda tighter, more to comfort her rather than a pleading of more comfort for herself. Batman also walked over and removed his mask, revealing Lelouch's face. He hugged Barda as well, solidifying that he would not reject her for her past. The Blackhawks said nothing, processing this revelation silently and allowing the family their moment. They also noted how this was the first time they had seen the Batman's face, but such things were to be talked of later.
Cornelia looked at how close Nunnally and Lelouch were to Scott and Barda and her heart was filled with envy. If she had only done more perhaps they would be coming to her for comfort. She also thought of what Barda had said to her earlier about how similar they were. But even if she was a conqueror as well, Cornelia couldn't bring it to say that Britannia was anywhere as hellish as Apokolips. Though she did admit that the face of Darkseid was similar to the face of her father. Or was it that the face of Charles was similar to the face of Darkseid, as if he were the model for all conquerors.
"But...but what does this...Darkseid have to do with what's happening here?" asked Ohgi.
"Like Mother Box said, Darkseid's ambitions didn't stop with the Pact," said Scott. "Even with the deal in place Highfather was wise enough not to trust Darkseid. To counter any active aggression on this plane he set up a constant agent who was bred in the ideals of New Genesis and act as a powerful counter to Darkseid and to be an ever present guard dog for this reality. But Darkseid is as cunning as he is cruel. He's not above having a world turn against itself for the sake of his conquest and his quest."
"For this Anti-Life Equation," said Kallen. "What the hell does that mean anyway? Does he want to use math to kill everyone?"
"Not kill, if Darkseid only wanted to end all life in reality he could find a myriad of other means to do so," said Scott. "He doesn't want to destroy life. He wants to destroy what makes life what it is. Life is free will, life is personality and individuality. Anti-Life is the destruction of that. No free will, no individuality, no consciousness in the universe, save one, Darkseid."
Hearing this sent a shiver down the spines of all present, save perhaps Fate who stood unreadable. Lelouch thought of what that meant, to have the power to eradicate free will. A part of him couldn't help but find that it would be useful but none the less found it disturbing.
"Yeah this is all...really scare and kind of shattering but...what the hell does any of this have to do with Japan?" yelled Tamaki.
"Not just Japan but the entire Earth," said Tohdoh. "This started with the Father Box. It's a device of Apokolips isn't it?"
"It is," said Scott. "The Apokolips counter to the Mother Box. Capable to all the functions as Mother Box but meant to serve Darkseid's will."
"But then what's it doing on Earth and in the hands of Vandal Savage?" asked Rakshata.
"I don't know," said Scott. "But the tools of Darkseid do not simply fall onto relatively underdeveloped worlds. He has a hand in this. I just don't know what. But...if the hand of Darkseid is acting on Earth, all the struggles you thought of value are now rendered mute. For once Darkseid's gaze is upon a world he will have it by any means."
"So you're saying that not only is the Empire I've dedicated my entire life to nothing but a sham ruled from the shadows by some evil immortal superhuman," said Darlton. "But that same immortal superhuman is in league with some otherworldly space demon?"
"Frustrating I know," said Scott. "But this is the way of Darkseid. Endless manipulation and plans within plans to obtain absolute control of the universe. I don't know about how Savage knows Darkseid or if he's even aware but...this has become so much more complicated."
"No shit," yelled Tamaki. "All I wanted was to kick the damn Brits out of Japan. But then this weirdo in the bat suit came up with these other freaks and instead of wailing on the Brits they just break their shit and act all high and mighty and..."
Suzaku created an emerald clamp around Tamaki's mouth.
"Thank you," said Ohgi, exhausted by Tamaki's outbursts.
"Look, I understand how you're all feeling," said Scott. "I know how terrifying and powerful Darkseid can be and how insidious his plans can be. I've fought him long enough to know at least that."
"You're Highfather's son, aren't you?" asked Lelouch, looking directly at Scott.
Scott locked yes with his adopted son, who now realized how they clicked so well. They were both princes in exile.
"Yes," said Scott. "Highfather, Izaya the Inheritor, is my father. I am a child of the Pact, raised on Apokolips and by all honesty Darkseid's adopted son. Though trust me that brought me no special perks. I was just thrown into the slave pits and largely forgotten about. Brutalized and trained in many of the techniques that...that I passed onto you. It's also where I had to teach myself how to escape. I got good at it, good enough to know the ins and outs of Apokolips like the back of my hand. That's how I eventually met a man named Himon, a former resident of New Genesis who had been captured during the war. He was the one who developed the Mother and Father Boxes. He helped me hone many of my skills, gave me Mother Box, and together we tried to introduce rebellion to Apokolips. I sought to rally the slaves by rescuing them from their overseers and destroy Darkseid's war machines. Which is how I met Barda. She tried to kill me."
"So you married the woman who served the tyrant who oppressed you and tried to kill you?" asked Ohgi.
"And never looked back," said Scott holding onto Barda. "Barda turned against the Furies and...and eventually we came to Earth. Where we found you two. The rest is as they say is history."
"Wait, what about you rebellion?" asked Kallen.
"It failed," said Cornelia.
"Watch your tone," said Barda, rising to her feet. "Scott did everything in his power to bring hope to that cesspool of a world. He..."
"It's alright Barda," said Scott. "Yes...I failed. Darkseid has ruled over Apokolips for nigh incalculable eons. Freedom and hope aren't even words there as far as people are concerned. He has ingrained himself into every part of the population's collective psyche. He is God on Apokolips and once Himon was killed, Barda and I left. When we came to Earth and found Lelouch and Nunnally. It wasn't until Fate showed us your past life Hawkman that we realized Darkseid had his hands in Earth as well."
"Then why not leave again?" asked Cornelia.
"Because we like Earth," said Barda. "We're setting roots here, our children are here. And I'd rather die defending this world for them than trying to change that hellhole."
"Earth is our home now," said Scott. "And home is a place you're willing to defend."
"Yeah, because that place looked like Hell," said Rivalz.
"But why would one of Darkseid's Father Boxes be on Earth though?" Tohdoh pondered. "And does Savage know where it comes from?"
"If he does than he's been willingly collaborating to sell out Earth for centuries," said C.C.
"But why wait centuries if he has access to this Darkseid?" asked Cornelia.
"And why would he set up Britannia as he has?" asked Euphie.
Lelouch thought back to his clash with DeVoe and how he had deduced that everything that day was meant as a diversionary tactic for some plan.
"Paper tigers," he whispered.
Kallen had taken Rolo to visit her mother and to help her around since she was still recovering. She understood the young boy's pain and the two of them got along quite well. He also took good care of the collection of frogs Kallen apparently kept.
"She should probably set some of these frogs out, they're starting to multiply," he muttered as he cleaned their pen, taking care of the eggs that had been laid.
As he continued cleaning the house he respectfully went through Kallen's room. As he did he accidentally knocked down a small pouch on her nightstand. When he picked it up a small blade came out.
"What?" he muttered.
He figured that Kallen had it as a from of protection. These were dangerous times after all. But as he knelt down to pick it up he noticed something pinned beneath Kallen's mattress. Pulling it out carefully he found it to be a sharp projectile weapon in the shape of a bat. He quickly put it back and ran out of the room a thousand questions running through his mind. Such as what kind of connection could Kallen have to the Batman?
"This is all total bullshit," yelled Tamaki.
"I think we're all aware of how bad this is Tamaki," said Ohgi. "Screaming about it won't help because no one wants to listen to it."
Kallen's original group took to a private room in the Watchtower to discuss the recent revelations as well as the likelihood of having to join with Cornelia, and Batman's apparent identity as a Britannian prince.
"We signed up to kick those Brits out and get back Japan not to fight some intergalactic demon lord and a whole mess of...super-villains," said Tamaki.
"Well it doesn't look like we have a choice now," said Inoue.
"She's right," said Minami. "Besides it hasn't really changed much if you think about it. Japan's still oppressed and we're still fighting. It's just that...well things are more complicated now."
"But do we really have to work with Cornelia?" asked Nagato. "And what's the deal with Batman apparently being her 'younger brother'?"
As they continued to argue Kallen entered the room, hoping to bring an end to this and get them on a singular direction.
"I know that all of this can be...overwhelming," said Kallen. "But nothing has changed. Our goal is still the liberation of Japan. It's just that...that this isn't just about Japan anymore. I know it's infuriating, that's all we wanted when we started, that's all I wanted. But if Vandal Savage is in contact with this Darkseid and he comes to Earth it won't matter if we're Elevens or Japanese, everyone is going to be in danger, including the Britannians. And speaking of them, I know what Cornelia has done and who she is. I can't say I like that we're going to have to bring her in but that's just how it is. She has reason to be against Savage and..."
"Yeah because apparently Batman's her brother," said Tamaki.
"As far as he cares he's Scott and Barda's son," said Kallen. "And if Barda can change from serving that...thing then we should hope we can count on Cornelia as an ally. Batman is going to put her on a trial basis. If you don't like it Tamaki you're more than welcome to take it up with him. I'm sure it'll go better than last time."
The others snickered as they recalled how Batman had knocked Tamaki out with one punch. Tamaki merely grumbled at that.
"Look, I know it must have been frustrating for all of you," said Kallen. "Relegated to the back while I worked with the League, leaving you to clean up our messes and handle the grunt work. But you're all my family and I want to do this with you. I want us all to stick together on this."
"She's right," said Ohgi. "No matter what we stick together. All hands on deck."
Looking at the view of the Earth from the Moon was a truly wondrous experience for Euphie. Just as wondrous as seeing her siblings again after all this time. The joy she felt at seeing Nunnally, and seeing her healed when last she was so badly injured.
Even seeing that horrible Darkseid creature wasn't enough to completely damper Euphie's joy. For Cornelia though she was positively seething. Both with how apparently her entire life and career was an elaborate front for immortals and alien gods to play with the world. And how Lelouch and Nunnally found more comfort in the arms of Barda, even knowing all she had done which made Cornelia's actions seem like those of a playground bully.
But perhaps Lelouch and Nunnally's love for Barda was greater than the enormity of her crimes. And while Nunnally, as infinitely kind as she was, welcomed Cornelia with open arms, behind the mask of Batman Lelouch eyed her with constant suspicion. She would have to earn her brother's trust and she felt it would only come through the trials of combat and a test of loyalty. Most likely he would demand she have her forces pledge to him, as Barda so demanded. A though thus crossed Cornelia's mind and she left the guest chamber she and her inner circle were granted and went to meet with Lelouch.
Euphemia not far behind. When she came to the meeting room and tried to get the doors to open the green image of the Martian Manhunter came through the walls.
"May I be of assistance Princess Cornelia?" he asked.
"I want to speak to my brother...Martian," said Cornelia.
"I believe at this moment he is with his family to..."
"I am his family," yelled Cornelia.
"Cornelia please, um...J'onn is it? If it's not too much trouble can you please ask Lelouch to speak with us?" Euphemia asked.
J'onn's eyes glowed for a moment.
"He will meet with you in your quarters," said J'onn. "Please be patient."
Cornelia growled and turned in a huff, Euphie trailing by her sister.
"Sister please, you should try to calm down," said Euphie.
"You expect me to calm down when he deliberately snubbs us in favor of that alien?" countered Cornelia. "Even after she admitted that everything she's done is far greater than the crimes she accuses me of."
"She also raised him and protected both him and Nunnally, as well as ensuring that she could walk again," said Euphie. "All we did was..."
"I KNOW WHAT WE DID," Cornelia yelled, frightening Euphie.
When Cornelia saw her leap she regretted her anger instantly.
"I'm sorry Euphie," said Cornelia. "It's just this...I can't get calm. It's like..."
Euphie placed her hand on her sister's shoulder and the white glow coming from Euphie helped Cornelia breathe.
"I think we should consult more with Dr. Fate about our...condition," said Euphie. "For now we should wait for Lelouch. I'm sure we can work everything out."
Schneizel stood before the transport ships that carried what were officially referred to as 'emergency aid' to help keep the Area stable. With the incidents involving the Purebloods and the Samuroids, trust in the military was at an all time low, while people were also afraid of another attack from the Elevens. Only the Justice League appeared to be in favor with the public.
Everything was going exactly as planned. Now it was time for him to contribute. He was looking forward to it, had been ever since he saw the reports on Batman whom he quickly deduced was Lelouch. In their childhood they had been something of rivals, Schneizel being the only one whom Lelouch could never beat at chess. Now it was time to take the rivalry to the next level with their newest game. Brother to brother, owl to bat.
Lelouch looked out at the Earth, having heard J'onn's message about how Cornelia wanted to speak with him. And how she seemed less than happy. He knew it would be inevitable that Cornelia and he would have to speak. He imagined it was quite a shock to realize that the one who had humiliated her time and time again was in fact her younger brother.
He often thought about her in the time since they last saw one another. Largely he thought about how betrayed he felt when she did nothing to save him and Nunnally from exile. That and coupled by her actions in the military had soured the image of the loving big sister he had in his mind.
"You should go to her," said Scott, walking up to Lelouch.
"J'onn told you?" asked Lelouch.
"Lelouch I built this place, the security feed is at my finger tips," said Scott. "I saw how she wanted to meet you."
"I doubt she fully believes everything we showed her," said Lelouch.
"I can't blame her," said Scott. "We're essentially ripping away everything she thought was real. Same with the others. It's not easy having that kind of revelation thrown at you. It can make you do foolish and reckless things."
"You're referring to what I did after learning about Savage," said Lelouch.
"Mother Box knows best," said Scott. "She sent me a report about your emotional state not long after you learned about Savage. She also picked up some interesting conversation between you and Kallen."
"That was nothing," said Lelouch.
"She's a nice girl," said Scott.
"She's too emotional and acts on impulse, all fists and fury," said Lelouch.
"Remind you of anyone?" asked Scott.
"What you and Barda have is different," said Lelouch.
The revelation of Scott and Barda's past was an interesting one to say the least. Lelouch had always deduced a painful history but seeing it was something else.
"Now you know why we get along so well," said Scott. "Both exiled princes we. Though Japan, even as it is now, is heaven compared to Apokolips."
"I...I can't imagine," said Lelouch.
"And I hope you never face the reality," said Scott. "That was always my hope. My hope that once Barda and I got on Earth we could finally live peaceful lives."
"Then you found us," said Lelouch.
"Then we found you," said Scott. "Found you and...loved you."
"Why not simply take us to...never mind," said Lelouch.
"Why not take you to New Genesis?" said Scott, finishing Lelouch's question. "Same reason you're holding off speaking to Cornelia. Lot of baggage."
"I always hated Charles for what he did to Nunnally and I," said Lelouch. "Treating us like pawns and throwing us away but what Highfather..."
"It's different," said Scott. "I don't like it but in the end it's a different scenario. Highfather was thinking about what was best for reality. Even if I had to suffer it was a way to keep Darkseid at bay."
"Which didn't work," said Lelouch.
"No, it didn't," said Scott. "But in a twisted way...as much as I hold such pain for what he did to me I can't completely hate him for it. I wouldn't have Barda, or you and Nunnally if not for being sent to Apokolips."
"And what about the other child?" Lelouch asked. "Darkseid's child?"
"He grew up on New Genesis," said Scott. "In my place."
Lelouch saw the sour expression on Scott's face and chose not to press the issue. He was about to turn when Scott touched his shoulder gently.
"Lelouch I...I know this must be frustrating for you," said Scott. "Like it was with Savage. Not only did you have to learn about Barda's past but...but my failures. I'm the one who taught you everything I knew about rebellion, the way Himon taught me. I taught you that straight war wasn't the answer. That it's better to use mercy with power to prove you're better than the tyrant you're fighting. That it's not enough just to topple the old regime but to show the world that there is a better way. I tried that on Apokolips and...and failed. I tried to change Apokolips from the inside, to win the hearts and minds of the slaves so they could rise up. But...it failed."
"You changed Barda," said Lelouch.
"The real miracle," said Scott. "What I'm trying to say is...Earth is not Apokolips. The Emperor and Savage and perhaps even Darkseid have been warping the minds of the people for the Source knows how long. But they're not as lost as the damned souls on Apokolips. They can still be reached if they have the right person reaching out for them. A signal in the clouds to cut through the darkness of the night's sky. I know you've had this drive for vengeance inside of you for so long. This deep anger that fuels you. I can't change that about you but I've tried to give you the tools to focus it. To use it in a way that doesn't hurt others or yourself. To keep you as well Nunnally sees you, the loving big brother. It hasn't been easy, the Source knows I do not approve of the costume or of that horrible brand but...you haven't taken a life. You've bruised and bloodied but you haven't killed. You don't need to because you're a better man than your father, a better person. You don't need to be a greater evil than the great evil of the world. You can be a better good, the one thing they cannot corrupt. And even if you can't fully shake off the darkness in yourself you can use it to guard others from darkness. Given everything that's happened I can imagine you'd lose patience with our methods so far. That the only option that might have effect would be to declare total war. But that's a trap and there is a way out of any trap. There's always a way. Never forget that...son."
Scott left Lelouch to think about what Scott said and looked back over the world.
In Darkseid's palace one of the most dreaded places to be was the laboratory of Desaad, Darkseid's chief scientist, torturer, and servant. It was there he had been playing with a rather interesting 'toy'. One donated by Darkseid's confidant Vandal Savage.
"Will he be ready soon Desaad?" asked Darkseid, looking over the mockery before him.
"Soon oh great Darkseid, I will admit my work has had quite the dramatic effect and has left him in a rather...delicate state as you can see," said Desaad. "But rest assured I will have him ready by the time Savage wishes him."
"And what has your work yielded on him specifically?" asked Darkseid.
"Nothing too remarkable," said Desaad. "While yes his psionic abilities are impressive nothing I feel that would truly come close to allowing you your prize oh great and dark one. Although...it may be possible that the bloodline itself could be of use."
"Be clear Desaad," said Darkseid.
"Of course great one," said Desaad. "I simply mean to say that the power is shared between him and his brother, possibly to any other family with the same specific ability. But because it is split up it is naturally weaker due to the spread. If one were removed however the others would have more power to draw on."
"Would this one become more suited if the brother were eliminated?" asked Darkseid.
"More powerful but alas I fear his mind is far too shattered," said Desaad. "It is all my technology can do to keep him stable. His foolishness from earlier cost him dearly oh great one."
"Then his brother would be the next logical choice," said Darkseid. "I will speak of this to Savage when next we meet."
"With all due respect great Darkseid, why do you allow such a lowly creature as Vandal Savage such...honor?" asked Desaad. "And if I may be so bold, I do not believe he submits as he should before you."
"Of course he does not," said Darkseid. "Savage is a resource, nothing more. His ambitions allow him to better cultivate that resource. But ultimately he is a pawn...of Darkseid. As are all in the vastness of reality."
Savage sat comfortably while he awaited news of Japan. At this point V.V. was still not quite ready. It would take time thus to allow that time he felt it would be prudent to issue a few challenges for Lelouch and his super friends.
It would serve his plan well if they survived. Accelerate his goals by decades at the best, if they survived which would be a tall order. Especially for who he wanted to handle the girl with the lightning. But if all went well he would advance tremendously. And all it would cost him would be an empire.
"Down with Britannia," Savage chuckled. "Long live the Justice League."
After settling things with Ohgi and her friends Kallen walked around the Watchtower, still trying to process everything. As she did she eventually came back to the command center where she saw Lelouch looking over security footage of Cornelia and Euphemia, the former pacing anxiously. Lelouch appeared to be lost in thought as he looked over his half-sisters.
"It's rude to eavesdrop," he said.
"How did..."
"I'm well trained in stealth you're not," said Lelouch. "Is there something you need?"
He shut down the footage and the screen was filed with images of the recent battles in the Settlement.
"I was just trying to clear my head," said Kallen. "You know instead of sitting here brooding you could..."
"Cornelia knows my secret now," said Lelouch. "Barda may have meant well but until I am certain I can secure her loyalty and her cooperation the best thing now is that she remain under constant watch. She may yet be scheming something and even if not until I can figure out a proper use for..."
"Did she really mean that much to you?" asked Kallen.
"What?" asked Lelouch, still with his back turned.
"Cornelia," said Kallen. "She must have meant a lot to you for you to try and ignore her so much. I know exactly what that's like."
"I don't believe..."
"I thought my mother stayed because of my father," said Kallen, walking up to Lelouch's chair and turning it around so she could look him in the eye. "I felt so betrayed because of that. After what had happened to Naoto? After what Britannia did to Japan? After he had left her for another woman? I saw her as pathetic and weak. I didn't realize what the truth was until it was almost too late. She was on Refrain and she would have been caught sooner or later if the Wizard didn't tell me. I could have lost her forever and would have gone on not knowing the truth. She was there for me and I pushed her away because I was so...so bitter about everything."
"Heartbreaking thought I can't say my situation with Cornelia is the same," said Lelouch.
"From where I stand it is," said Kallen. "You're letting your anger keep you from seeing what's plain to see."
"And what is that?" asked Lelouch, rising to his feet.
"That your sister just wants to put her arms around to and hug you," said Kallen. "And before you make some clever remark about her searching your armor for a soft spot to stick a knife, take a good look at her face."
Kallen reached around him and brought up the video footage of Cornelia and Euphemia in their room. Lelouch turned and saw a clear view of Cornelia's face. While he could see anger, he could also see...tears. She was upset.
"I'm not going to pretend that what she's done in the past isn't horrible," said Kallen. "But given what Barda told us about where she come from, about what she was, don't you believe that maybe Cornelia can change to?"
"That's different," said Lelouch.
"No it isn't," said Kallen. "Maybe I don't know everything of what Barda and Scott went through on that hellhole world but from what I've seen of her Barda isn't the kind of person who would serve that monster Darkseid. At least not anymore, something changed her, gave her a reason to change. And Rivalz is right, we're trying to change Britannia. But if we're going to do that we need to give them a reason to change. Give them...hope."
Lelouch looked at Cornelia once more but all he could recall were the bullets that tore through his mother because Cornelia wasn't there to protect her. To protect them.
"Cornelia's only hope is to be useful to us or she will be in a cell for the rest of this war," said Lelouch.
He shut down the computer and was about to leave when Kallen caught him by the arm.
"If you're about to go an vent your anger in the only way I know you can then...then stay away from Rolo," said Kallen.
"What?" asked Lelouch.
"I don't want your anger anywhere near him," said Kallen.
"Do you think I'd hurt him?" asked Lelouch. "I captured the killers of his parents. I did that for him."
"You also beat one of them into never being able to use their legs again," said Kallen. "And as far as I've heard there's been nothing about giving her the same kind of treatment Nunnally got."
"She's a monster, she's lucky she gets to breathe," said Lelouch.
"And that's the kind of anger I don't want to expose to Rolo," said Kallen.
"Once again, I should point out how you have little right in judging me considering your own past," said Lelouch. "Before you received your power you were a terrorist."
"And since I got my power I have been trying to use it the right way," said Kallen. "The way I thought we agreed to when we started."
"When we started all there was against us was Britannia," said Lelouch. "We thought we were the exceptional in this world but in the grand scheme of things we're just one of many."
"Sounds like you've taken the message you wanted to strike into Britannia to your own heart," said Kallen. "And just what do you want to do about it? Do you want to scrap the initial plan and go into open war? Force Savage to unleash his own metahuman forces in broad daylight and fight them that way?"
"It is...an option," said Lelouch.
"After seeing what Scott and Barda showed us you actually think that's an option?" yelled Kallen. "A full on war between super-beings?"
"Considering that the psychological approach won't work with him we are somewhat limited," said Lelouch.
"And what about the people?" asked Kallen. "The people who don't have powers?"
"There are no wars without casualties," said Lelouch. "And we may have no other choice than to fight directly."
"And how are we going to fight? Lethally?" asked Kallen.
Lelouch said nothing, Scott's strict non-lethal armament rules were not easily forgotten. But with the power of his enemies and the potential threat of Darkseid, could nonlethal methods be the right method?
"Perhaps," said Lelouch.
Lloyd had been arrested for willingly going with the Purebloods plot. Cecile had been cleared but now her place was somewhat in question. Eventually though it was decided she be reassigned.
Though she would be off base and essentially leased to a civilian researcher. A prominent name in the field of robotics and medical cybernetics, Dr. Silas Stone.
Shirley's tank had to be moved, according to Nunnally she was beginning to stir and Lelouch didn't want her to wake up and become more overwhelmed than she already would be.
Rivalz watched over her and with his x-ray vision and other super senses to monitor her vitals. Her heart began to race and her body began to convulse, she was waking up.
Her eyes shot wide open and when she realized she was submerged in water she began to panic.
"Shirley," Rivalz cried, hands to the glass. "Shirley calm down, it's alright it's me Rivalz."
Seeing Rivalz calmed her down and to her surprise Shirley found she could breathe in the water. She tried to speak but wasn't sure if she could with the water.
"Don't worry," Rivalz said. "I'll call for the others."
Schneizel's equipment was ready and the necessary preparations were being made in the city.
"As soon as they return we'll be ready," said Schneizel. "Felix has been a help in setting up the location."
"When you start the conditions will be realized to them," said DeVoe. "With Cornelia and Euphemia there..."
"I suspect there will be considerable trust issues to delay them long enough," said Schneizel. "Until the Talons are ready to fly."
Is it possible for a mermaid to cry? That was a question whose answer was being played before Lelouch. After Rivalz had called to tell that Shirley had awoken, he, Kallen, Suzaku, and C.C. had gathered to her tank.
Shirley had been able to recognize Suzaku as Alan from school though this didn't ease her at first. Nor did the fact that her friends from school were wearing the uniforms of the Justice League. The unhappy duty of recalling the fateful night came down to Lelouch, the Batman, about what happened with Mao, and her father. The knowledge of her father's death is what forced Shirley to set herself in the fetal position. C.C. arranged for a spell to better allow communication between them and her.
"We...we've run as many tests as we can run from Mother Box to Fate but...we can't reverse what happened to you," said Lelouch.
Shirley sobbed in the water, the sounds being strange considering that they were indeed in the water. But none the less they were hard for Lelouch to hear, emotionally speaking.
"But I'm going to keep working at it," said Lelouch. "And once that's done.."
"Does my mother know?" Shirley asked, raising her head.
"She...she thinks you were kidnapped as your father was killed," said Lelouch.
"I guess...at least that part was true," said Shirley.
"Shirley we didn't kidnap you we...we tried to help," said Rivalz.
"We never meant for you to get hurt," said Suzaku. "We...we were reckless but we will do everything we can to try and make this right."
"How Alan?" Shirley yelled, pressing against the glass. "No...no that's not your name."
"No but Shirley everything else you knew about me at school is true," said Suzaku. "All that was different about me was my name."
"While everything about you was a lie wasn't it...Lelouch?" said Shirley, her eyes firmly locked on Lelouch.
Lelouch's eyes shifted downward in shame.
"All the while you were at school you were the Batman and not only that but you were a prince?" she yelled. "And you Rivalz, you were an alien. All of you, all of you lied to me, to Nina, to...no Milly knew didn't she? The way she'd make it so you four could have privacy in the clubhouse. How she'd send us away? Is she..."
"She only figured out who I was because she's really smart," said Rivalz. "And apparently Milly had history with Lelouch's...royal family. Shirley, none of us were lying to hurt you. If you knew...if someone found out about us and that you knew about us..."
"I'd get hurt? Then what is this?" she yelled.
The glass began to creek slightly.
"What are you going to do to me now?" she cried out. "Keep me in this tank like a pet goldfish?"
"No," said Lelouch. "We're going to figure out how to deal with this."
"And what about my mother?" Shirley yelled. "You just left her to think I was kidnapped after my father was murdered?"
"I...we couldn't risk information about us getting out," said Lelouch.
"So you let her suffer while you lied and kept me here," Shirley sobbed. "Just to protect yourself."
"What we're trying to do...Shirley we...we're trying to make the world a better place," said Lelouch.
"Then is this my better place?" she cried, the tank creaking again.
"Lelouch, step away from the glass," said C.C. realizing what was going on.
Lelouch ignored her and pressed his hand toward the glass.
"Shirley I swear I will make everything right again I promise," he said.
"You're lying," she yelled.
The glass gave way as all the water violently struck Lelouch and the others were thrown back by the water. The water itself then lashed around as Shirley flailed from her containment. Lelouch eventually manged to grab her and in one fluid motion hit her with a hidden injection device containing a specialized knock out drug. Within minutes she was still and unconscious again, though it wouldn't be for as long as before.
"I'm sorry," he said, cradling Shirley in his arms.
Pat had gone back down to Earth to speak with Milly. Luckily she had agreed to meet for lunch though she was considerably busy given all the events of recent. But once they sat down together Pat explained the whole situation. To say it was something of a mild shock for Milly to discover that her stepfather had such a history would be an understatement.
"So...everything was a..."
"No," said Pat, taking her hand. "No, I might not have had my true memory when I married your mother but I do love her is real. They way I care about you is real to Mills. It's just that...now that I have my memory back I have to do something about it. Savage can't run Britannia any more and if he's in league with something even worse then that really means I can't just do nothing."
"And what am I supposed to do?" asked Milly. "You, Rivalz, Lelouch, almost all of my friends are involved in this secret war and I just what am I expected to do? Rivalz almost died fighting that Metallo thing."
"I know," said Pat. "And we're going to work on a way to make sure all of families are safe but Savage knows about us and as long as DeVoe is at the school and Schneizel is running the Area we have to do it carefully."
"Then why haven't they done anything?" asked Milly. "If DeVoe and Schneizel are with the bad guys then why not just give an all out attack."
"Because Savage isn't a fool," said Pat. "He's up to something and for now he's having them take their time."
"What?" asked Milly. "What does he want?"
"I don't know," said Pat. "Savage is older than dirt and smart as all hell. Whatever he's doing he's going to be damn sure it hurts us in the end. And I have to make sure you're safe Mills. Rivalz's a great guy, he'll he's literally super, but Savage can kill him and will if it helps his plan. I want to give you something to help protect you if he and I can't."
Pat looked around and placed a crimson belt on the table.
"What's this?" asked Milly.
"Something that'll help," said Pat. "At least I pray to my lucky star my girl."
"Is he going to make me wait another seven years before speaking to him?" yelled Cornelia.
"To be fair you spoke with him when you fought him," said Euphie.
"I had no idea he was Lelouch," said Cornelia. "I was fighting the Batman. "
"Who is Lelouch," said Euphie.
"That doesn't help Euphie," said Cornelia.
The door to their room opened and rather than Lelouch, Suzaku entered and was somewhat wet.
"I'm sorry but Lelouch...he's kind of busy so he can't meet with you," said Suzaku. "He wants you to go back to Earth."
"If he believes he can ignore us then he is sorely mistaken," said Cornelia. "After seven years we finally have a chance to see our brother again and..."
"You can wait for at least another night," said Suzaku. "Look all of these...revelations with Scott and Barda and Darkseid, DeVoe and Schneizel planning something in Japan, and...some personal matters he's gone out to clear his mind."
"And what does that mean?" asked Euphie, beginning to worry.
Suzaku looked down slightly, he knew what Lelouch did last time. He didn't approve but he wasn't in much of a position to argue. Lelouch didn't pummel the innocent, he punished those who deserved it, those whom the system couldn't.
"Most likely he's going to prowl rooftops in the settlement and find as many corrupt noblemen, extremist Japanese, and any other such criminals as he can find to beat them into a bloody pulp," said Suzaku.
Euphie gasped and Cornelia scowled.
"Is that the kind of man that beast has raised?" growled Cornelia.
"Lelouch is...complicated but once he's blown off some steam I'm sure he'll be able to meet and talk with you about...everything. Till then it's best that you go back to Earth and..."
"And what?" yelled Cornelia. "If this...Secret Society is indeed real and Schneizel is apart of it then Euphie and I won't be safe there."
"That's why I'm going with you," said Suzaku. "And Superman will be listening out. And if Schneizel tries anything we can be there..."
"And as a result Euphie and I would be forced on the run," said Cornelia. "If the Secret Society truly rules Britannia then..."
"It doesn't mean you're in immediate danger," said Suzaku. "The Emperor is a member and if Schneizel is too he may attempt to make a deal with you."
"A deal?" asked Euphie.
"I'm not sure, Lelouch is really the strategist but if Schneizel is aware of your powers he may try to bring you into the fold of the Secret Society," said Suzaku.
"If that's the case why have us leave this base?" asked Cornelia. "Why not just stick us in a cell and be done with it? I'm sure that's what your fellow Elevens would like at the least?"
Suzaku glared at Cornelia and took a breath, no fear.
"Those Elevens are on the outs with Britannia," said Suzaku. "And if Schneizel does try to kill you and by a miracle, provided by us, you survive both you and Euphemia will be as well. Essentially stripped of all your titles, ranks, and privileges. Stripped of all dignity as well, just like them. So for all intents and purposes you may well be no better than those 'Elevens' soon to be former princess Cornelia."
"Why you little..."
Suzaku summoned forth a green hand to hold her.
"It's alright, I won't hurt her I just don't want her to hurt me," said Suzaku, attempting to calm a worried Euphie. "She's got a bit of a temper doesn't she?"
"She's...not so bad once you get to know her," said Euphie.
"Must have made childhood fun," said Suzaku, giving a coy smile to which Euphie couldn't help but giggle at. "Rivalz when to gather the others in your party, Nunnally will send us back with her Mother Box."
Suzaku and Euphie walked side by side while the former carried Cornelia in the green hand.
"I know your reunion with your siblings isn't what you thought but...Lelouch will come around," said Suzaku.
"You and he are good friends?" asked Euphie.
"My family sheltered him and Nunnally before the invasion," said Suzaku.
"Did you..."
"Have my powers?" asked Suzaku. "No they...they sort of found me. I wasn't born with them, with the ring. I think out of the original group only C.C. and perhaps Superman were born with their abilities, in some manner of speaking. Sensei did say it was possible for some metahumans to be born with their powers though."
"And you take a man who dresses like a bird seriously?" said Cornelia.
"Says the woman who is being held by a giant glowing green hand in a moon base built by gods from outer space," said Suzaku.
Cornelia grumbled in response while Euphie giggled once again.
As indeed was his habit, Lelouch had taken to the garb of Batman and was now on the hunt. As he soared through the air masked by the night he thought of all that transpired on the Watchtower.
The revelation of Scott and Barda's past.
Kallen's words about how his range may be harmful to Rolo.
His conflicting feelings about Cornelia and Euphemia joining him.
The threat of this entity Darkseid and his unknowable schemes with Savage.
And at the core of his turmoil as always was his mother Marianne's death. Did her death come as a result of Savage's plots? Did it even matter anymore? All of these issues swirled in his mind as he stalked for someone to sink his fists into. As he leapt from a tall building he opened his cape and glided across the air. But as he did so, with the moon covered by clouds, he didn't notice the shadow falling on him. He fell along with assailant, attempting to fight him off as he did. Eventually he managed to break free and launch his grapple to a nearby building. It caught and he ascended to safety. As he turned, collecting his bearings, his attacker flew up and Lelouch got a good look at him. A figure in an armored suit not too dissimilar to his own. But while Lelouch garbed himself in the image of a bat this figure seemed to have an affinity for the owl, often a predator to bats.
This Owl-man struck hard and fast, Lelouch barely able to block. The attack told him much about who he was fighting. Strong, focused, and dangerous. The two wrestled each other on the roof, countering blow for blow. The Owl-man was larger but Lelouch was quicker, though not fast enough to avoid a slight scrape against his exposed cheek.
"Who are you?" he yelled.
"I'm Owlman" said the assailant.
As Lelouch readied himself for another attack his vision began to blur. The talon had been laced with some kind of drug and a fast acting one at that. He reached for Mother Box only for the Owlman to strike with a projectile that knocked the device off of the utility belt just as Lelouch lost consciousness.
Nunnally had such hopes when Cornelia and Euphie were brought to the Watchtower. She hoped Lelouch would be able to welcome them as well and they could join them. Together with Scott and Barda perhaps all of them could finally be a real family.
But Lelouch still had such anger and resentment in his heart towards Cornelia. She believed that Lelouch was willing to welcome Euphie, still the girl they played with as children, but Cornelia was the issue. To him even if she wasn't the killer of Marianne she was a key factor in her death. She had failed to protect her, to protect them, and although Nunnally had been healed from the wounds inflicted to her that night she had to admit there were still some wounds yet to heal. But healing required facing what gave her the wounds in the first place. She hoped her brother would realize this and learn to forgive.
PING!
"What?" Nunnally yelled. "Are you sure Mother Box?"
PING!
"Oh no," she cried, her panic gripping her hands forcing her to rely on the mental link J'onn had established.
Booming to Earth, and accompanied by a disguised J'onn and followed closely by Green Lantern and Superman, the two princesses and their allies made their way back to the palace.
"Your highness just what is our plan?" asked Darlton.
"I'm honestly not sure," said Cornelia. "My brother has sworn against The Empire. The Empire may all be a front for some Secret Society that deals with immortals and alien gods. If it's all true then...then my entire life is nothing but a sick joke. What's even the point of everything I've ever done if it was all to serve something that...dark?"
"Your past may not be able to be undone but you are now in a place where you can change your future," said J'onn disguised as a Britannian soldier. "As well as the future of Britannia."
"You say that like it's so easy," said Nonette. "You can't believe how much of an issue this is for us. Everyone here has been raised to believe that Britannia is the greatest nation on Earth. That our way of life was the most ideal and that everyone else was wrong. That our expansion was about bringing enlightenment to people who were wrong. That other people were wrong."
"And in that thought process you have done perhaps what Darkseid and Vandal Savage wished," said J'onn.
"What are you talking about?" asked Guilford.
"Your world is...divided with deep scars running along the division," said J'onn. "Cooperation between the various nations on Earth would be difficult even if a great enough enemy descended that only unity could defeat."
"So what Britannia was made to weaken Earth for this Darkseid to come and conquer us?" yelled Darlton.
"It is a possibility though one cannot truly know the mind of the Dark Lord of Apokolips," said J'onn. "Even on Mars we heard legends of his tyranny and his dark brilliance."
"And here we all thought we were bringing peace to the world only to make it ready for darkness," said Euphie, her face fallen. "We truly are horrible aren't we?"
"You were...misguided," said J'onn. "But you are not an evil person. In truth none of you are truly evil."
"And just how can you be so sure?" asked Nonette.
"I looked into your minds and through them your hears," said J'onn. "All of you believed that you were fighting for honor and for a world where one day such violence would not be necessary."
"Just who gave you permission to invade my mind Martian?" yelled Cornelia.
"It was a request of the Batman," said J'onn.
"Well from now on if my brother wants to know what's in my heart he can ask me himself." yelled Cornelia. "Till then stay out of my mind. And Euphie's too."
"I apologize it was quite..."
J'onn became silent for a moment.
"Something is wrong," said J'onn. "Batman has been attacked."
"What?" Cornelia and Euphie both yelled.
"As soon as you are safely..."
"Screw that," yelled Cornelia, grabbing J'onn by the collar. "I am not losing my brother again. Now take me..."
"Take us," said Euphie. "Please."
Batman awoke in what looked to be some kind of tomb and found Mother Box missing. He tried his communicator but couldn't get a signal. He tried the mental link but found it to be blocked.
'This is nothing,' thought Batman. 'I can escape any trap just as Scott taught me. It won't take me long to find my way if I can focus.'
As he go to his feet he suddenly felt a trembling as the walls of the tomb gave way to a wave of water. Struggling against he was caught by the ankles by an unknown assailant. He managed to pull out a Batarang and sliced at the hand of his attacker as the water seemed to ebb away. But once it did he got a look at who he was fighting against
"S...Shirley?" he stuttered.
Shirley looked at him with glassy eyes, her body now more fish-like and monstrous.
"You hurt me...again," she said in a hideous hissing voice.
"Shirley I...I swear I didn't mean to," Batman stuttered. "I want to help you."
"Help me?" Shirley cried. "You allowed this to happen to me. You knew how I felt about you and let it happen anyway. Did you hate me that much?"
"No Shirley please I'm your friend," Batman cried.
"Then why? Lulu why?" Shirley cried as she continued to transform, sprouting tentacles and claws and the water came back. "Why didn't you save me?"
She wrapped her tentacles around Batman and dragged him into the depths of darkness. Desperate to survive he sliced through the restrains and swam back to the surface. As he gasped for air he looked up and saw another figure looming over him. She wore a familiar orange dress though it was stained with blood. Her beautiful face was marred with tears as he could see from her cascading black hair.
"Why didn't you save me son?" his mother Marianne asked.
Euphie knelt down to pick up Mother Box who pinged slightly in her hand. Around her were gathered Suzaku, J'onn, Rivalz, Scott, C.C., and Kallen, all in appropriate uniform.
"According to Mother Box a man in an owl suit attacked Lelouch," said Scott, interpreting the ping. "Knocked off Mother Box the second Lelouch went for it."
"So he knows about the Mother Box," said Suzaku. "He's got to be with the Society."
"I'm not seeing Prince Schneizel at the palace," said Rivalz looking out with his x-ray and telescopic vision.
Cornelia growled the red hot anger rising inside of her. Euphie worried as well but her glow was more out of an attempt to keep Cornelia calm.
"There's got to be a way to find him," said Euphie.
"His comm is down and J'onn can't get him on the psychic link," said Scott.
"So they're good enough to counter science but magic may be another issue," said C.C.
"What do you need?" asked Scott.
"Something belonging to Lelouch and I can get a locator spell up and working," said C.C.
"Could you use this?" asked Euphie, offering the Mother Box.
"I wouldn't recommend it," said Scott. "Combining Mother Box with Earthly magic could be...problematic."
"Give me a second," said Kallen.
She shot out with the speed of Mercury, racing towards her house. She was sure to get in and get out before either Rolo or her mother were aware and was soon back with the others with the Batarang. It was one she had found lying on the ground in Shinjuku and decided to keep it as a souvenir. It didn't take C.C. long to get her spell up and running and the Batarang flew out into the night sky.
Suzaku formed an emerald carpet for Euphie, Cornelia, and C.C. and flew off with the others in pursuit. Eventually the came to a large church.
"Stop," C.C. yelled.
"What..."
Rivalz was cut off when he struck an invisible wall around the church.
"What the hell?" yelled Kallen.
She summoned lightning around her fists and attempted to batter the invisible barricade.
"That's not going to work," said C.C. "The entire building is guarded by blood magic. And from what I can tell centered around Prince Schneizel."
"What the hell does that mean?" yelled Kallen.
"It means unless we have someone with Schneizel's blood we can't get in," said C.C. "That's what Blood Magic is all about. We can't get in."
"But I can," said Cornelia.
She attempted to push past the others and get to the church only to be caught by Kallen.
"How do we know this isn't all part of a plot she and Schneizel cooked up?" said Kallen.
"Let me go or lose the arm you Eleven bitch," yelled Cornelia.
She began to struggle against Kallen's grip and as they did Euphie ran in past them.
"Dove," she yelled out of some instinct, transforming into her other form.
"Euphie no," Cornelia yelled.
Kallen had been surprised by the younger princess actions enough for Cornelia to break free and rush into the church after her sister.
"Hawk," she cried, transforming as well.
Atop the church watching all of this Owlman smiled as he blended in with the gargoyles.
'Two birds and one bat,' he thought.
"Kanon, begin," he said speaking into his communicator.
"Yes sire," said Kanon.
With that he went into the church to play with his siblings.
"We should thank Dr. Crane for his contribution," said Kanon, hanging up his conversation with Owlman.
"Jonathan's concoctions do come in handy from time to time," said DeVoe wheeling alongside Kanon. "but these are impressive as well."
The two of them were before over a thousand figures in cylinders dressed in black and gold garb wearing the masks of owls.
"They are beautiful aren't they?" said Kanon. "The Talons of the Owlman's court."
Author's Note: I was hoping to feature more action but character moments took up a lot of length. Next chapter will feature more action and have Cornelia and Euphemia really explore their new abilities and the dark truths of Britannia. It will also begin the chapters which initiate specified challenges focused on a member of the League that build up to the catastrophic end of what is the R1 of this story. And while I introduced Darkseid here a little earlier than I had hoped he won't be featured too much. Like Savage he will plot behind the scenes until the time is right. And now that Lelouch and the others are aware of him and justly afraid of him things are only going to get harder for them down the line.
Next Turn: Night of the Talons