Chapter Thirteen: Night of the Talons.
Entering the church Euphie began to look over for the building while Cornelia rushed in.
"Euphie you shouldn't be here its..."
"I'm not going to stand by anymore," said Euphie. "Not like before."
"Euphie..."
"No, Lelouch was right to ignore us," cried Euphie. "We were his sisters and we didn't do anything to help him when father banished him and Nunnally. We forfeited all right to call ourselves family that day. Can you truly blame him for preferring Scott and Barda to us?"
Cornelia couldn't find the words to argue.
"So my wayward brother is the ward of the New Gods interesting," a voice said in the darkness.
"Schneizel," Cornelia yelled, recognizing his voice.
She also recognized how he knew what to refer to Scott and Barda as.
"It's true isn't it?" she asked, furious.
"Is what true Cornelia, do be specific?" Schneizel's voice said with a slight laugh.
"I know about Savage," she yelled.
"So you've also met with what remains of the Justice Society of Britannia," said Schneizel.
"You know all about them?" asked Euphie.
"Indeed," said Schneizel, still hidden in shadows.
"Then you know everything has been a lie," said Cornelia. "That our entire Empire is nothing but a front for this...Secret Society. My...my entire career is a sham."
"I wouldn't say so Cornelia," said Schneizel. "The philosophies of Britannia are true, it was just Vandal Savage who first penned them down. The strong do have dominion over the weak as is the natural course. We of our...Secret Society simply have a different view on strength. You're welcome to be a part of it, both of you."
"But what about Lelouch and Nunnally?" cried Euphie.
"Well...bats have always been somewhat of a vermin to be...exterminated," said Schneizel. "For the greater good."
Cornelia clenched her fists tightly, trying to find where his voice was coming from in the darkness.
"Continue against me, against the Society, and you may find life difficult Cornelia," said Schneizel. "For both of you."
"Please Schneizel, we don't have to do this," Euphie pleaded. "If you know about the Society you know that we're all being used. You were one of our closest siblings, you shouldn't be attacking us."
"I'm sorry Euphie, but this is for the best," said Schneizel. "It will finally lead to the one thing that has eluded mankind of centuries: peace."
Cornelia tried to find Schneizel in the dark above her, getting in front of Euphie as she did. Little did she know that Schneizel had descended in silence behind them his claws ready to tear into Euphie.
Waiting outside the church was a pain, especially for Kallen. It wasn't that she held a great deal of feeling for Lelouch but none the less he was an ally who deserved her aid in times of battle. But she was helpless as he was trapped with a deadly foe and two wild cards. Even if she believed that Cornelia wasn't a part of the Secret Society she doubted that she could be trusted completely.
Euphemia on the other hand seemed almost too innocent, not unlike Nunnally.
"Can't Mother Box get us through?" asked Suzaku.
"The Blood Magic barrier is causing interference," said Scott. "There's nothing we can do as of now."
As he stood with his arms crossed Rivalz's ears picked up unusual sounds in the city.
"Guys I think...
Explosions rang out in the city cutting off Rivalz's statement.
"Damn, this has to be part of Schneizel's plan," cursed Suzaku. "Let's go."
"What about here?" asked Kallen.
"I'll stay by the church in case something happens," said Scott. "Go."
Green Lantern, Superman, Shazam, Martian Manhunter, and C.C. all went out into the city leaving Scott standing vigil over where his adopted son was being held, silently hoping for his safe return.
Beneath the church, Lelouch continued to struggle against the ghostly image of his mother.
"My son...how you have failed me," Marianne's ghost said.
"No...no mother I...this is a lie," Lelouch groaned. "Drugged...this is a hallucination."
Marianne loomed greatly over her son, the blood of her wounds dripping down on the costume of the Batman her son was garbed in.
"You have disgraced me my son," said Marianne. "My death still does unavenged while you play this outlandish play."
"I've tried mother," Lelouch cried. "I've...I've tried to find clues but..."
"But you have taken up the cause of others and abandoned me to the limbo of those who cannot find peace," moaned Marianne.
"The...cause of others?" Lelouch muttered.
Lelouch thought of Scott and Barda, who had adopted and loved him as if they were his actual parents. Scott who had taught him the arts of stealth and escape and science. Barda who had trained his body into becoming a powerful weapon.
At first all they wanted to do was to give him and Nunnally shelter. It was only after he came to trust them enough to reveal his past did they give him the help he would so need.
'You need this,' Scott's voice echoed in his head.
Lelouch had once asked Scott why he was willing to help him defeat Britannia even though he was a stranger.
'You might not believe me but I know what it means to be hurt by a tyrant,' said the memory of Scott. 'If you don't overcome the tyrant and liberate the world he rules then no matter how far you run or how long you hid he will always hold you. That's the only way you'll ever find peace.'
Scott had been talking about himself and Darkseid, Lelouch knew that now. Scott was trying to give Lelouch the peace he couldn't find. He had failed against rebelling against Darkseid, his soul was still trapped then. Every time he smiled at Lelouch he was hiding a secret pain, Lelouch could see that now. He was trying to give Lelouch the peace and freedom he had never been able to find.
And Barda, her past now revealed, the evils she had done. No, that she had been forced to do. Enslaved by Darkseid all her life, plagued by guilt that she feared would destroy the family she had found and built with Scott and them. What he had seen of Apokolips, how he had heard the screams of children, he could guess how Barda became a Fury. She was tortured, conditioned since childhood and made into a killer. She was robbed of her innocence, just as he and Nunnally were. And she sought to help him avenge that innocence.
All of this running through Lelouch's drug addled brain while the ghostly Marianne berated him, another memory came to mind. It was not long after he and Nunnally were first banished to Japan. After he and Suzaku had become friends and played in the woods, a young Lelouch fell through a whole in the ground. It was there he was attacked by a swarm of bats. That day left an impact on Lelouch, the bats had frightened him. Even when he and Nunnally were adopted by Scott and Barda when he slept the bats came to his mind. As he grew and began to arm himself, the image of his fear became the image he would use to instill fear into others. The fear that would become his weapon against the corrupt of Britannia and of all the world. He would become the bat and he would tear back all that had been robbed from him and form a peaceful world for Nunnally.
No, not just for Nunnally, not anymore. Scott and Barda, they were oppressed still even if they were no longer on Apokolips. He would make this world peaceful for them as well. And even more, he would get what was deserved for them, their own vengeance.
"Lelouch...you are a disgrace," Marianne's ghost hissed.
"No," said Lelouch, the persona of Batman taking over. "I am not a disgrace."
Batman rose to his feet staring down the ghost, now appearing as a rotting corpse.
"I am vengeance," he growled. "I am the night. I...AM...BATMAN!"
The ghost vanished leaving only the basement of the church. Focusing his senses he could hear that there was battle going on above him. A battle he would now join.
A kind of sixth sense had alerted Euphemia to Schneizel's attack, she dodged his attempt to grab her, which allowed Cornelia the opportunity to strike at his torso with a powerful kick.
Schneizel's Owl-suit protected him even though Cornelia's attack.
"Enhanced strength to go along with your new outfit, it suits you Cornelia," said Owlman. "Though perhaps we should address each other by our...characters."
"I'd rather avoid such childish tropes," said Cornelia.
"Oh but it's such a delightful masquerade," said Owlman. "And you did call out a name before you entered the church. Hawk I believe it was, and dear Euphemia as Dove. Hawk and Dove, fitting given your personalities."
"Then what are you? Owl?" Cornelia growled.
"Owlman to be exact," said Owlman. "How wonderful, we've all taken our alter egos in some way from the world of ornithological academia. Save for Lelouch of course, the Batman"
"What have you done with him?" Euphie cried.
"He's still alive if that's what you're worried about," said Owlman. "Though given what he's been going through I can't help but wonder about his mental state afterwards."
Schneizel's dismissive attitude enraged Cornelia and she gave out with another kick. However Owlman caught her leg and delivered a blow to Cornelia's leg that would disable her. He then went to strike at Euphemia, but she dodged with impressive speed.
"I've studied what there is of your abilities, both of you," said Owlman. "Cornelia, despite your training and discipline are struggling with the greater degree of strength you find yourself privy to. Not to mention the rage weakens you, blinds you. And you Euphemia, the opposite for as always you're too kind of use exercise any strength even though it..."
Euphie attempted to strike at Owlman, only for him to catch her hand and twist it, forcing her to her knees.
"Euphie!" Cornelia yelled.
Relying on her good leg Cornelia leapt out only for Owlman to throw Euphie at her.
"Given time you'd come to develop your skills better and possibly become a threat," said Owlman. "But that I believe that's not going to be an issue."
As Owlman draw close a Batarang flew towards him. He spun around and caught the projectile.
"Ah, I see you've recovered," said Owlman.
He drew a grapple from his belt and ascended to the rafters. The church was dark but that was just how the both of them liked it.
"Sticking to the silence and the darkness," said Owlman. "Disciplined and patient, these have served you well little brother. But a known fact about the animal kingdom, owls see better in the dark than bats."
Owlman activated his night vision to better track his foe. But this was exactly what Batman had been hoping for. From his vantage point he threw a flash bang which blinded Owlman. Batman took this opportunity to strike, sending his foe falling. However, even blinded, Owlman's cape flew open allowing him to land safely. Batman leapt down with intent to strike, using his cape to glide down for a powerful kick, but Owlman had recovered enough to dodge and tossed out several sharp projectiles, slicing at Batman's cape. However, when the was swooping down as Owlman dodged, Batman managed to toss a few small charges onto his suit, specifically at his cape, which he now detonated from his belt control. It destroyed Owlman's cape easily.
"It would appear we are both grounded," said Owlman.
Batman said nothing, merely focusing on his enemy. He also took Cornelia and Euphemia into consideration. Cornelia was down a leg and Euphie, despite her power, had no combat experience. Owlman was without his cape but if he was anything like Batman he was a walking armory none the less.
"You're best option for victory at this moment would be to completely ignore them," said Owlman as if reading Batman's mind.
Lelouch bit his cheek, ever since they were young Schneizel had been the one sibling who frustrated him the most. Tactically brilliant, Schneizel had been the only one he could never beat at chess. And the trap he had set was clever, but it seemed almost too small. Too sloppy for Schneizel to even use. Why keep him in a church for a fist fight? Why go through the effort to set up some way to keep the other members of the League out save apparently for their sisters? Then there was the drug Schneizel had hit him with. It was most likely a minor dosage given how he was able to overcome it so quickly.
"This is a distraction," said Batman. "Keeping me here and I assume you have a means for the League to be distracted outside the church."
"It is good to see that you've not let your mind wane little brother," said Owlman.
Lelouch drew back the cowl and Schneizel did the same, the two brothers facing each other in true for the first time in seven years.
"One thing I'm curious about Schneizel, is this DeVoe's plan or yours?" Lelouch asked.
"I would be remiss to discount Professor DeVoe's teachings throughout the years," said Schneizel. "But this is my operation."
"This isn't to kill me," said Lelouch, not as a question but as a deduction. "If it was you'd have used a stronger drug or a greater poison when you scratched me."
"Indeed, I could have," said Schneizel. "A lovely cocktail developed by one Dr. Jonathan Crane. One of the many scientific minds who have devoted their brilliance to..."
"To Vandal Savage," said Lelouch.
"Indeed," said Schneizel. "Would you like to meet him? He's been quite impressed by you Lelouch."
"Not interested," said Lelouch.
"I figured as much," said Schneizel.
Lelouch had his hands behind his back, pacing around the floor in tandem with Schneizel. Hidden by his cape, despite its tatters, Lelouch was tapping on a hidden computer on his gloves. Without Mother Box he needed another means of escape, one which would allow him to take Cornelia and Euphie with him and get a tactical advantage over Schneizel.
"Are you the only one of our siblings who is part of the Society?" asked Lelouch.
"I was offered membership," said Schneizel. "I earned Savage's interest, not unlike you."
"So he invited you in," said Lelouch. "The others in our family sans our father are thus ignorant of the Secret Society, like the rest of the world."
"Indeed," said Schneizel. "They'd lack the vision that Savage so appreciates."
"And what vision is that?" asked Lelouch.
"The peace that comes with a stronger world," said Schneizel.
"Sounds no different from the regular Britannian propaganda," said Lelouch. "Though I doubt Savage truly cares for Britannia, if he's as old as he's supposed to be. He's seen nations rise and fall constantly if that the case. Britannia would thus have to be a means to an end."
"Don't expect me to simply tell you everything while you prepare whatever it is you're fiddling with behind your back Lelouch," said Schneizel.
"You've told me enough as is and I can find out the rest," said Lelouch. "Besides...I'm done fiddling."
The sounds of a speeding vehicle made themselves heard in the Church as the stone wall gave way to a large armored vehicle. It almost struck Schneizel who was forced to grapple to the roof to avoid being hit. The vehicle spun around with its backside to Batman. It opened up to show two seats which Lelouch ushered his sisters into quickly. As he did so, two machine guns at the head of the car opened fire at Owlman who worked to dodge. Eventually they struck true and he lost his balance, forced to dig his claws into the masonry to hold on.
Lelouch got into the driver's seat and drove off as the back also close. He shot off in the car, leaving Schneizel to once more use his grapple to get to the ground. He examined his body armor and found little serious injury. He also noticed one of the rounds Lelouch had used and picked it up.
"Rubber bullets," he muttered slightly curious. "Interesting."
A group of unknown assailants wearing dark clothes with owl like masks began laying siege to various emergency service sectors of the Settlement. Armed with more archaic weaponry these figures were none the less impressive fighters. The attacked the Justice League without fear and despite how hard Shazam hit them they didn't seem to be bothered by pain.
'Guys, I did a check, their vitals are off and I mean way off,"'Superman's mental voice rang out through the psychic link.
"I'm breaking bones with every punch I give them and they still come without even saying a word," Shazam yelled. "I kind of guessed something was off about these guys."
She was fighting off against a group of attackers who were laying siege to a Britannian Knight Police precinct. It made her uneasy to defend the people who often persecuted her people for even the smallest offenses. She was tempted to release every Japanese person in the cells but a voice in her head advised her to be cautious. She didn't know why those people were in their cells. If she released them she may be releasing legitimately dangerous criminals back into the streets. Being Japanese did not make a person good by definition.
'Am I still really doing right by the Japanese?' she thought.
When she gained her powers Kallen though she could be the savior of her people. That ever day she'd been tearing down the structures of Britannia and shattering the chains of oppression that held her people. But joining with the League she had been forced to fight her own people as well as some Britannians. Because of this she often heard Japanese view her, along with the others of the League, with suspicion. If it wasn't clear what side she was on how could they trust her?
Rivalz's words about how the League stood for all people seemed to have an effect. But for Kallen it was still an issue that bothered her. She also thought back to the Wizard's vision of Black Adam.
She wondered if the story of Black Adam was really as the Wizard had said it was. Tohdoh, Hawkman. spoke of Black Adam as an old friend and the image of the past Dr. Fate had shown seemed to be a different view than what the Wizard had shown her. Black Adam was like her, a victim of tyranny, but what she saw of how he had enacted liberating his people, slaughtering the entire nation that oppressed him, it made Kallen sick. When she started she was willing to fight and even to kill. She was so sure she hated Britannia in such a way she'd have once gladly enacted such similar vengeance. But the sight of slaughtered children in the Wizard's vision, as well as the senseless killing of Rolo's parents, had given her pause to the notion of spilling blood, even Britannian blood.
And when she looked over at some of the Britannians she was guarding she saw a young girl holding onto an officer and a woman, most likely the girl's parents. There were families in Britannia, just like there were in Japan. People who just wanted to live their lives in peace and safety. The girl probably didn't understand what Elevens were or how her home was made. She was just visiting her father alongside her mother. And now she was trembling in terror for her life and it made Kallen's heart hurt to see it. Power swelling inside of her she pushed the speed of Mercury and the strength of Hercules to crack the bones of all the black garbed terrors. And as she fought she noticed a stuffed tiger lying on the floor, likely lost in the scuffle. Once she was certain they weren't getting up she picked up the tiger and handed it to the little girl giving a soft smile as she did before flying off to the next fight.
Monitoring the incident DeVoe smiled, the plan was going well. The Talons were spreading chaos and terror but the power of the Justice League was considerable. If they were to continue to be delayed a little more power was needed. He took up a pawn piece and moved it forward, the hidden technology doing its work.
Although the strength and speed of the assailants was impressive their weapons were fairly archaic. Suzaku was able to counter them fairly easily with the power of his ring. Even contained them in a giant birdcage construct he had made till things got settled. But several flashes of light in the street caught his attention and it was only thanks to his quick reaction time that he was able to put up a protective barrier when a shell was about to strike him. The light dimming he saw a considerable number of advanced tanks now in the street.
"DeVoe," he deduced.
'Guys we have more trouble, heavy artillery just...it's just here,' he said throughout the mental link.
Scott leapt onto the car and Lelouch drove back to his hidden bunker from where he called the car. Once everyone was out he went to the computer to monitor the situation in the Settlement. He also checked in on a tracer that was hidden among the explosives he used to destroy Schneizel's cape. He was on the move and so far had not found the tracer.
He also looked at the incidents the others were dealing with, both the masked assailants and the tanks that seemed to come out of thin air, all a distraction as he thought. Schneizel wasn't going to join his soldiers, he was headed somewhere else.
"Where is he going?" Cornelia asked from her seated position as Scott began to tend to her.
Lelouch cut a glare back at Cornelia. He still felt complicated feelings about his sister, though he couldn't entirely tell if that was all his own or if he were still under the influence of the drugs. But now wasn't the time for his feelings. Now was the time for action.
"According to the map he looks like he's making his way to a place called ACE Chemicals," said Lelouch. "Most likely to secure materials for the same drug he used on me earlier. At least that's my best guess. My knowledge on the inner workings of the Secret Society is limited. But given the targets selected by the assailants and these sudden tanks at key emergency response areas the only goal one can hope to achieve: chaos. Add in the drug that Schneizel hit me with and the chaos gets multiplied considerably. And even if that specific drug weren't the goal there's enough in ACE to make devastating weapons."
"You think Schneizel would make a chemical weapon?" asked Euphie.
"I'm...not sure," said Lelouch. "So many factors entering that I never accounted for before. I never before imagined that my enemies would be willing to burn down their own Empire and..."
Lelouch thought back to the Metallo incident and how bad it made the Britannian military look. He then looked over the incident map before him. Emergency response in the Settlement would be significantly hindered, leaving it open for attack from either Eleven terrorists or even foreign invasion from the Chinese Federation. That would be if not for the Justice League. If the Justice League saved the Settlement, once again showing up and humiliating the Britannian military. If this kept up and the Empire still denied and tried to go against the League the common people whom the League defended, Eleven or otherwise, wouldn't stand for it.
This was his plan, his goal when he started the League, but it was being done by the enemy.
"Lelouch?" asked Euphie, walking up to him.
Lelouch turned sharply, startling her though that wasn't his wish. Euphie looked at him with such pleading eyes, so similar to the ones he knew as a child.
"It's...it's nothing," said Lelouch. "No matter what they have planned for those chemicals it can't be good. I'm going to stop him."
"Not alone," said Scott.
"He caught me by surprise before I'm ready now," said Lelouch.
"According to Mother Box you still have traces of whatever kind of drug he hit you with in your system," said Scott. "If you push yourself you might just trigger another episode."
"That's a risk I have to take," said Lelouch. "Have Nunnally deploy Barda and whatever League members aren't already engaged. And deploy the Blackhawks as well, those tanks are numerous and well armed. Even with powerhouses like Superman and Shazam they're going to be hard to contain as is."
"I can acknowledge that but there is no way I'm letting you go alone," said Scott.
"I'm coming too," said Cornelia, her leg now fully healed thanks to Mother Box.
"No," said Lelouch.
"I'm not asking your permission Lelouch," said Cornelia. "I am not going to allow a potential chemical weapon to be built and deployed in an Imperial settlement. Even if our empire is a front for some psychotic immortal I still swore an oath to defend the people of Britannia."
"You'll only get in the way," said Lelouch. "Both of you are a liability."
"I'm an experienced soldier dammit," said Cornelia.
"Who is new to her metahuman powers which appear to be powered by rage which you can't control," said Lelouch. "And Euphie has no combat training whatsoever. Schneizel took you down like it was child's play. You're both to remain here until further notice. Let's go Scott."
Lelouch thew back on his cowl as Scott opened a Boom Tube and the two departed, Cornelia's protests drowned out by the Boom Tube.
"Damn him," Cornelia yelled. "If he seriously expects me to remain here then he's..."
"Cornelia calm down," said Euphie, her white glow getting brighter.
Cornelia drew breath and did as her sister said.
"He's right," she sighed. "In our sate we can barely control ourselves enough to fight Schneizel, who has no metahuman powers we know of. It's just..."
"Frustrating," said Euphie. "I know how it feels, to feel...useless."
Cornelia turned to Euphie with a sympathetic look and held her sister's hands. It cheered Euphie up a little bit to know no matter what she could count on her sister.
"I'm not staying here," said Cornelia. "Even if I can't use my powers so well there's more I can do. Perhaps I can use Lelouch's computer to..."
The computer shocked her before she could even touch a single key.
"Protected against unauthorized users," groaned Cornelia. "Damn it."
Euphie looked over at Lelouch's Mother Box, lying on a table nearby. Lelouch and Scott used his to open a Boom Tube and left his tone behind. Mother Box seemed to respond well to her before, Euphie recalled, perhaps it would do so again.
"Um...Mother Box?" she said, gently picking up the device. "I know we're strangers to you. That by all definition we've been Lelouch's enemies until recently, but please if you truly are alive then you can understand feelings. Understand how I feel. I loved Lelouch and Nunnally very dearly. As did Cornelia, who looked up to their birth mother Lady Marianne. When she died and they were banished our hearts broke. Perhaps things would have been different if we did more to stand by them, I can't tell. When we thought they died our pain was doubled. I'm so happy now to know that they're alive and that they weren't alone. That even if they were without us they were loved and cared for. It hurts to know Lelouch doesn't trust us, perhaps rightfully so. But all we want is to be a family again. I know that they're family with you, with Scott and Barda, and to you we must seem outsiders. But please give us the chance to earn the right to call ourselves family again. Send us to help Lelouch, because I know you must love him as well. If you don't believe we are trustworthy then...do with us what you will. But all we ask...all we pray for...is the chance."
As Euphie finished a tear fell on Mother Box. The alien device was silent for a moment as if thinking about Euphie's request. After what seemed like an eternity to the kind princess Mother Box pinged and gave off a comforting aura. She opened a Boom Tube and Euphemia smiled as happy tears
With the powerful gusts of wind at his disposal, Orpheus was able to use the power of the Red Tornado to toss enemy tanks into the air. It was apparent that these were drones controlled by some unseen mastermind. As such the League and the Blackhawks, armed with their own Knightmares provided by Kyoto, to go all in with their attack.
"Be sure to collect as much scrap as you can," Rakshata's voice came in over the radio. "I'd like to study them for a spell. And be careful with my child."
"I'll be sure to be as careful as possible while fighting in a war zone," said Orpheus.
"There's no need to be sarcastic young man," said the disembodied voice of Charles 'Chuck' McNider.
Once he was Dr. Mid-Nite of the Justice Society but before his death he made a digital copy of his mind hidden in the goggles he used in life. Rakshata found them and after getting acquainted with Chuck, as he liked to be called, she found him quite the company even without a physical form. Both of them being technologically savvy they had a natural rapport. One that Orpheus found just a little unsettling. But then again this whole job was becoming more and more bizarre by the day.
Working alongside aliens, wizards, and apparently gods from outer space. Not quite the job he though he'd be signing up for, he was just a mercenary after all. But if this was the future, if this was evolution, war was going to evolve as well. As such those who found work in war needed to evolve. More weapons like the Red Tornado, weapons that could seemingly bend the elements to their will, would become the new norm to try and keep up with all the new people the world, and the worlds beyond, would produce.
Leading the Holy Swords against a fleet of drone tanks Hawkman noticed the strategic mind at play.
'They're only putting up as much of a fight as to keep us busy,' his mental voice ran out through the telepathic link.
'This is all to distract us from the church and Batman,' Shazam said.
'I'm alright,' Batman's mental voice said. 'I'm with Scott and about to take out a key player. Keep on the battle and secure the city. If all goes well we can secure the Settlement.'
Batman cut off before anyone else could respond, leaving only to follow his instruction.
At ACE Chemicals, Owlman, equipped with a new cape, stood in the center mixing room and prepared the various concoctions. As he began to work the controls a Batarang hit the console and Batman descended to face his brother. He did not descend alone as Mr. Miracle joined his side.
"So, the New God comes to answer your prayers," said Owlman.
"You know of my race then you should know about who Savage reports to," said Mr. Miracle.
"Great Darkseid, yes," said Owlman. "Although I've never had the honor of meeting him I know enough to rightly fear and respect him. Although to say Savage reports to him is not entirely correct."
"Whatever Savage's relation to Darkseid ultimately it is Earth that will suffer," said Mr. Miracle. "It's not too late, help us. Surrender and give us all you know about the Secret Society and we can stop whatever plans they have before catastrophe befalls this planet."
"Catastrophe was always the destiny of Earth," said Owlman. "The destiny of man I should say. Look at the world as it is now, the world created by humans. War, racism, hatred, all of these are the fruit of humanity's so vaunted free will. When presented with Darkseid's vision, a world removed of that free will the only logical result is the one thing that has evaded this planet, this universe: peace."
"That supposed peace is a joke," said Batman.
"It would remove everything worth living about life," said Mr. Miracle.
"There is a price for everything," said Owlman. "And if giving up all free will is the price of absolute peace then so be it."
"All of this is rather academic," said Batman. "If Savage doesn't report to Darkseid, then what is their relationship?"
"You don't really expect me to just reveal everything to you here and now do you little brother?" asked Owlman.
"Not here, not now, but you will," said Batman.
Owlman chuckled at his brother's little threat.
"So you will not kill me but yet you would be willing to torture me eh?" said Owlman.
Batman's eyes narrowed at his brother, his non-lethal stance seeming like an obstacle yet again.
"But of course if you want to get that far, you have to defeat me," said Owlman.
"My thoughts exactly," said Batman.
As both Batman and Mr. Miracle got into a stance the latter vanished in a flash of light, not the usual means of travel.
"DeVoe," growled Batman, at the same time picking up on the conversation via the Mental Link.
"The good professor has been enjoying the show," said Owlman, tapping at his cowl.
"He can escape any trap you've set," said Batman.
"Perhaps, but not in enough time to save you," said Owlman.
"It'll be time plenty to help me throw you in our cells," said Batman.
Without another word more the two brothers charged at one another.
Scott appeared inside of a cramped metal shell with a red alarm light as his only source of illumination.
"Well this is just perfect," he muttered. "Still with me Mother Box?"
PING.
"Good, think we can..."
PING.
"Shielded, a little gift from Darkseid no doubt," said Scott. "Can you at least tell me where..."
The sound of a cannon fire caused the machine to vibrate, as if it were just outside where he was trapped in.
"Scratch that Mother Box I can guess where I am," said Scott. "Inside on of the drones DeVoe is sending at our allies. Whom I guess are close by and ready to smash me into bits right?"
PING.
"Well that's just perfect," said Scott. "Well better get to work. Hopefully this is just a standard tank and it won't attract a lot of attention."
A larger tank with stronger armor and weapons gained Barda's attention. Its weapons were enough to tear several of the Blackhawks Knightmare Frames apart and the armor was think enough to shrug off their attacks.
"Fall back," she said to her squadron. "This one is mine."
She gripped her mega-rod and charged straight on into battle.
The Boom Tube opened close to where Lelouch was supposedly standing, leaving both Euphie and Cornelia on a catwalk overlooking several open tanks of glowing green chemicals.
"Euphie stand back I'll handle..."
"We'll both go," said Euphie. "I can't fight but I can keep you calm enough that you can focus. I'll stay close but not too close and I'm fast enough and agile enough to avoid attack. We can argue about this or we can go help Lelouch."
Cornelia glared at her sister and cursed at how she did have a point. Euphie's abilities would help keep her calm and focused and that's what Lelouch needed now more than anything.
"Very well," she said. "Let's..."
Cornelia was interrupted by the arrival of several of Owlman's Talons.
Gaining access to her Ystin, Nonette went out alongside C.C. and Dr. Fate. With the regular military still effectively crippled, and thanks to her authority as a Knight of the Round, she had little to no resistance in deploying.
She also went with Guilford, Darlton, and Darlton's sons.
"I can't help but wonder if DeVoe is going to try and have me flagged now," she muttered.
"The Knight of Nine soon shall shine," said Fate. "On victory's wings she will ride, Camelot's fallen glory by her side."
"What?" asked Nonette.
"It's a prophecy, or at least part of one," said C.C.
"And it means?" asked Nonette.
"Hard to tell with Fate he...he can be difficult," said C.C. before turning her attention back to the drone tanks. "Reknit syot."
With a wave of her hand at the utterance of her spell the drone tanks shrank into wind up tinker toys for children.
Batman and Owlman matched each other blow per blow.
"How long were you trained by the Society?" asked Batman.
"Not long after you were exiled, by then Savage had taken note of my skill and thought to sharpen it," said Owlman. "The Owl motif I came up with after recognizing you as Batman. And with our dear sisters as Hawk and Dove, at least as I call them, we all seem to have a fondness for flying creatures. Though as always you're the odd one in the flock. We chose birds whereas you chose to be a bat. Odd choice if I must say."
"It's served me well," said Batman.
As the two continued to clash, outside the room Batman caught a glimpse of a fight happening over the tanks. He saw flashes of the colors Euphie and Cornelia were now wearing.
This momentary distraction allowed Owlman the chance to catch Batman in a headlock and force him to look though the glass.
"It would appear our sisters just keep interfering in our fun," said Owlman. "My Talons will make short work of them. Lovely works aren't they? Chemically altered into an almost death-like state. Mentally conditioned to be absolutely loyal to my command. Unable to feel pain, remorse, or empathy."
"More monsters from that evil factor H.I.V.E.," growled Batman.
"Good and evil are two sides the same coin," said Owlman. "If the Secret Society are pawns of Darkseid as your Scott Free said then what are you? Has it never crossed your mind that you are only the pawn of Mr. Miracle's war effort against Darkseid? That whatever bond you have with him is a lie? That you're no more a pawn than I am? That would make everything you've ever fought for a joke as well now wouldn't it"
Batman growled as he struggled against Owlman's grip.
"Oh come now brother, why so serious?" Owlman said.
Batman motioned his gauntlets just right and lunched the spines at the sides into the exposed part of Owlman's face, cutting in deep at his cheeks. His grip loosened Batman was able to overpower Owlman and toss him through the window onto the catwalk. Batman followed soon after, leaping off of Owlman and joining the fight between his sisters and the Talons.
Euphie, although not engaging in fighting herself, proved to be able to dodge the Talon's attacks. Cornelia did the majority of the fighting between the two, being able to hold off the group with great ferocity.
"I told you two to stay behind," Batman yelled, launching a grapple through a Talon that was about to attack Euphie and threw him aside.
"I don't take orders from you little brother," yelled Cornelia.
"If you want part of the Justice League you will follow my orders," yelled Batman. "Now get out of here, I have this under control."
A Talon almost caught Batman in the back, but Cornelia drew a knife from one she fell and threw it into the oncoming foe's head with enough force to send it back.
"Clearly," Cornelia yelled.
"Oh come now I do so hate family squabbles," said Owlman, rising to his feet and sending the Talons away.
Scott worked his way around the systems of the tank slowly and surely. All the while being rocked by powerful blows from outside.
"I have a feeling that's Barda out there," said Scott. "If this armor's thick enough to deal with her we've got real trouble on our hands."
Worming his way through the tight corridors, undoing some of the wires that were in his way, Scott increased his speed if only because he knew by now Barda would be getting irritated.
He felt the tank rock back and forth, as if something were lifting it up into the air if only slightly.
"She's irritated," said Scott.
With the Blackhawks handling evacuation and support Green Lantern was free to engage the tanks on his own terms. Forming his own Knightmare Frame construct once again he opened fire on the tanks.
"What's all this worth?" he muttered. "All this destruction, all this manipulation? It's just needlessly bringing about pain. I won't forgive this Savage."
Diving down and using a large green sword to go along with the Knightmare construct he sliced through scores of tanks as others opened fire on him. They were powerful but thankfully they weren't using the same chemical Sportsmaster used on his equipment. That wasn't to say they weren't doing a number on his power reserves.
The barrage was enough to force him into a more defensive position but as he did thunderbolts from on high blasted through the tanks attacking him.
"You alright?" Shazam asked.
"I'll need to charge my ring soon but I'm fine," said Green Lantern. "How's the fight going so far?"
"Those masked freaks seem to have fallen back in favor of the tanks," said Shazam. "Hawkman's managed to organize the Blackhawks to keep it localized. There are some with stronger armor and weapons but Superman, Barda, and I are taking care of them. So far they've made no truly serious attempts to push the lines."
"That's because this is all a diversion," said Green Lantern. "DeVoe is controlling the drones to keep us from helping Batman at ACE."
"We've managed to take out their numbers," said Shazam. "Maybe one of us can go help him."
"ACE could very well go up in a huge chemical explosion," said Green Lantern. "I have enough charge in my ring I can at least contain any kind of blast if..."
"And if it goes up with Batman still inside?" asked Shazam.
"He'll find a way out before, if that happens," said Green Lantern. "Stay with the others, I'll keep you all informed."
With that Green Lantern was off, leaving Shazam among the scraps of the drone tanks.
Barda completely flipped over the tank she fought against, rendering it immobile. Once that was done she leapt back and spotted a weak spot at the back. Taking out her Mega-Rod she let loose a mighty blast and with that one shot the monstrous tank was blown apart.
"Nice shot honey," said Scott's voice.
Barda turned in shock to find Scott standing casually behind her.
"Scott what...where you in there?" she asked.
"I was...wanna know how I got out?" he said with a coy smile
"You reckless fool I could have killed you," she said, grabbing him by the sides and lifting him up. "And where's Lelouch?"
"Still in trouble," said Scott. "We better hurry."
Cornelia hated to admit it but Schneizel was well trained. Between both her and Lelouch, Schneizel was holding them off well. She had never assumed so before, always seeing Schneizel as more of a diplomat. Just one of the many lies that made up her life she thought.
"You bastard," Cornelia yelled, laying in a punch at the right side of Schneizel's mask, cracking the visage. "Traitor."
"Careful sister, from a certain standpoint you are a traitor," said Schneizel, through lips bloodied by Lelouch's attack, almost making it look like he was smiling. "My service to the Secret Society is no different from your service to Britannia. The same rule applies, Survival of the Fittest. In the end it just isn't about the people of one nation of out so many."
Cornelia and Lelouch continued to try and lay into Schneizel but he was still able to dodge and block a majority of their attacks. Euphie hung back as per her agreement with Cornelia. However an idea came into mind. As soon as she was certain that Schneizel was too focused on her siblings she leapt into the air, did a flip and managed to land a solid kick in on the other half of Schneizel's mask, shattering it. This allowed Lelouch the opportunity to strike him with enough force to send him over the rail. Lelouch caught him by the wrist before he fell into an open vat though. He still had one thing to ask his brother.
"My mother," he said.
"Ah, so behind the cape and cowl, in spite of learning the horrible truth behind his nation and the cosmic horrors that lie beyond the stars, in the end you're just a little boy crying for mother," said Schneizel with a light chuckle. "It would almost be funny if it weren't so...pathetic."
Lelouch lessened his grip on Schneizel, though he gave no response. Euphie gasped and tried to stop him but Cornelia held him back. She wanted to know the answer too.
"One last time..."
"Don't bother Lelouch we both know you do not kill," said Schneizel. "Not much hope for a bloodless rebellion. Must be frustrating, having that restraint placed around you. By Mr. Miracle perhaps? For one who grew up as he did, he's remarkably naive wouldn't you say?"
"I'm losing my grip Schneizel," growled Lelouch.
"As you have lost this round," said Schneizel. "Zugzwang."
Lelouch flinched as suddenly explosions began to rock the building.
"Pit you didn't get here early you might have stopped me from mixing the right chemicals and adjusting the pressure valves," said Schneizel. "And with my Talons out there tampering with the equipment I'd say you've got...ten minutes before this entire plant explodes and a cloud of the same drug you were struck with envelops the settlement. It should be quite a sight to see."
"You'll die here," yelled Lelouch.
"Will you allow it?" asked Schneizel. "Does the Batman's no kill rule involve leaving his enemies to die? I know Cornelia would kill me but would you let her? I wonder how this will effect your hopes of reconciliation, if there ever was a chance to begin with?"
The building continued to shake and blast, the platform becoming less and less stable. Lelouch lost his balance as well as his grip.
"Schneizel," Euphie cried.
Lelouch tried to shoot out with his grapple but the trembling of the building made it almost impossible for him to get a clean shot. Mother Box, resting on Euphie's hip opened a Boom Tube, taking the three of them away from the exploding building. As he fell Schneizel expected to be teleported via DeVoe's science. But no such thing came and he fell into the vat of chemicals.
DeVoe knocked down a white knight.
"A pity Schneizel, but you served your purpose," said DeVoe.
He looked over at the window sill where perhaps an even greater mind than his rested.
"I shall keep them busy while you make your preparations," said DeVoe. "And I believe I have an optimal candidate should you take interest."
His colleague said nothing but nodded none the less. It would take time but once he was ready his challenge would be perhaps the most monstrous.
The Boom Tube dropped the trio of siblings off on a building adjacent to the chemical plant which was now bursting. Lelouch roared in fury at being denied the answers he had been seeking.
Overhead Green Lantern saw the three and breathed a quick sigh of relief before he cast a dome over the plant. As he did so he descended to their level.
"My ring should have enough charge to hold the blast but we'll still be left with a lot of gas," said Green Lantern.
Focusing on the incident at hand Lelouch took Mother Box from Euphie and began to issue calculations.
"Focus on containing the explosion let Mother Box and I worry about the resulting gas," said Lelouch.
Another Boom Tube opened and Scott and Barda came out.
"Thank the Source," said Barda as she went to her adopted son.
"Hold that thought," said Lelouch.
ACE Chemicals soon blew completely, Suzaku's will and energy pushed but he held the dome none the less until the explosions were finished, leaving only the gas. Lelouch opened a Boom Tube which sucked in the toxic fumes until there were none left save for the smoke from the flames.
Kallen returned home, legitimately exhausted from the day's fight and revelations. After checking in on Rolo and her mother she removed her day clothes and went straight to bed.
She failed to notice, not that she would have given care to notice, a lone caterpillar sitting idle at her window sill. Had she noticed it thought she might have noticed its odd features and how it seemed to stand upright and watch her with intent. As if it had something on its mind.
Scott and Barda prepared for bed, respecting how Lelouch wanted some space for tonight.
"He's only going to get angrier," said Barda.
"I know," said Scott. "I just...I don't know if I can help him anymore. My methods just don't seem like they'll be enough for him. Not with the enemies he's going to have to face. Especially if he has to face..."
"I'm not letting that monster near either of them," said Barda, climbing into bed. "And your methods have always been what Lelouch has gone by. You're his father, not that puppet who sits on the Britannian throne. He loves you and wants to honor you."
"Honor a failure of a rebel?" asked Scott, sitting on the edge.
"You are not a failure," said Barda, drawing her husband to her. "Think of what you're designing for him now. No matter what danger he faces he'll overcome them and fly out like a bat out of hell."
"It's not even close to being ready. BAt if I can't give Lelouch what he needs to in order to ensure he can make a peaceful world for himself and Nunnally then I need to reach out to someone who can. Perhaps...perhaps we need to call in the dog," said Scott. "He's no stranger to war."
Barda held Scott tenderly knowing the weight behind his words. She just hoped that no matter what Lelouch, despite whatever frustration he may feel, didn't forget everything Scott had done for him or how much he loved him.
The drones were finished off and the Talons were gone. The night was won, at least that is what it looked like to someone like Tamaki, who spent the rest of the night getting drunk on Blackhawk Island with the new recruits.
But in Lelouch's penthouse there was a more somber feel. He had sent Cornelia and Euphie back the the Palace, he was in no mood to speak with them the rest of the night. With Schneizel gone it would be safe for them so long as they kept themselves guarded by people they trusted. J'onn went with them as extra protection. Though he did promise they would speak once he was rested. For now he sought seclusion as was his mood. He had lost the last lead to his mother's killer, to the truth, but also he had lost a brother whom, despite a rivalry, once did love.
He also thought of how Schneizel had mocked him. Mocked how his methods were made to never take a life. Would that be the only way now to win? Scott had always sought to instill in Lelouch an understanding that life was sacred. That there were weapons greater than an executioner's blade when seeking justice. But he himself had now admitted that he was a failure as a rebel. Were his teachings any good if they did not get him the results he sought during his rebellion?
What results could he truly expect if he stuck to non-lethal tactics? His foes were without such restrictions and worse he was playing right into their game. Schneizel's last taunt 'Zugzwang', it told him all he needed to know about where he was.
'Zugzwang,' Lelouch thought, repeating the term.
A chess term meaning 'compulsion to move'. A situation in which a player is put at a disadvantage because of their obligation to move, with the result only helping the opponent. His enemies had the board stacked against him and he couldn't even see the board. But at least he had managed to rid himself of a key opponent. He could rest peacefully for now.
Amidst the ruins of ACE Chemicals one of the runoff pipes had spat out a lone figure. As he crawled through the wreckage rain began to pour from the heavens. As he crawled the details which had led him to such an end raced through his mind. How he had believed that the plan would involve his well being. How he believed that he would play an important role in the coming of the stronger world. His own plans and ambitions for himself and for Kanon, his number one hand. All of it meant nothing to the Society, a fact he always knew but when presented with the reality of it. When presented with the meaninglessness and the utter pointlessness of all his ambitions and plots, each just a part of a game for Savage, in turn part of a game for Darkseid, all he could do...was laugh.
As he laughed he straightened himself and saw a puddle of water in which he could see his reflection. His hair no longer had its golden shine, now a bright green, as were his eyes. His skin a chalk white color. But the most distinctive feature was the addition his brother had given him, the large smile now a permanent red. His laughter increased as he gripped his head, fingers running through his now emerald hair.
Author's Note: Mostly action this turn and somewhat shorter than my most recent chapters. Hope it entertains none the less. Cornelia and Euphie are now more or less in the League, the truth revealed to them. But the danger is far from over. Challenges galore are on the horizon. Some of which won't be fully realized until a few more chapters. Next turn will be more character driven as Lelouch comes to terms with Schneizel's 'death' as well as bits with the other League and more time with Rolo which will help form a dynamic relationship. And Scott and Barda make arrangements to better secure the safety of their adopted children. But afterwards come Challenges for these super friends which will all lead them to the devastating conclusion to R1.
Next Turn: Family Ties.