Chapter Eight: Princess Guillotine.

In reaction the the signal, and to several subsequent incidents involving various criminal organizations the Royal Family, called several of the siblings together. Of course given now that they no longer acted as a proper family of monarchs, some referred to them in hushed tones as The Royal Gang.

"It would appear indeed rumors of the Batman's demise in Area 11 have been proven false," said Odysseus, or Two-Face as some called him, in the tone which people new him best.

"Then we'll make 'em true," he said, although his voice sounded considerably gruffer as he shifted to his scarred half. "The Bat is the reason we are as we are."

"Yes," said Odysseus, agreeing with 'himself'. "Had we not been swayed by the Batman as our sisters..."

"Ex-sisters."

"Ex-sisters were yes, perhaps things might have turned out different," said Odysseus. "We would not be as...off-kilter."

"At least you're finally showing some spine," said Carine, seated across from Two-Face. "Even if it is half of one."

Two-Face rose and growled only to be stopped by a knife thrown by Zsasz into the table in front of him.

"There was a time you'd be killed for that," said Two-Face.

"That time has passed dear brother," said the voice of the man whose house they gathered in.

At the head of the table sat Emperor Joker, looking pleased with himself. Kanon as always stood by his side, although it seemed he had fresh bruises on his face.

"This is a momentous day," said Joker. "The Batman...returns."

"A foul time to sound pleased," said Two-Face. "Clovis, or Firefly if we're abandoning all real names...if...if..."

As if by compulsion Two-Face pulled out his coin and flipped. Scarred head up.

"Firefly has been compromised," said Two-Face. "The Batman is a disruptive element. While we are not as...beloved as we were before, our power is unquestioned in the Homeland and Savage has ensured us that. Even assistance against this so-called Insurgency. It would be preferable if rogue elements were eliminated."

"In other words 'kill the Batman'," said Carine. "I have a place reserved for that troublesome Eleven."

Joker giggled to himself. He had never revealed the truth of his siblings. That joke was for him alone to share. Especially since all data referring to Lelouch had been mysteriously erased, as if by magic.

"If he were an Eleven, why isn't he in Area Eleven?" asked Odysseus.

"Doesn't matter. He's a dead man none the less."

"Assuming any of you are up to the task," Joker laughed. "Given where he's been...well let's just say I doubt any of you are up to the challenge. The most challenging, aside from me, would be our dear sister Guinevere, but she's not one for court anymore."

"Should have had Firefly burn her out when that was an option," said Two-Face.

"Now, now," said Joker. "Let our sister tend to her garden. Batman will go after her just as he will go after you all."

"Don't you mean after 'us' all?" asked Carine.

"He's on the hunt, and you're the prey," said Joker. "I'm the endgame. All I have to do is wait."

"While the rest of us are left to fend for ourselves?" Two-Face yelled.

"Exactly," said Joker. "After all...I am the Emperor. I won the toss."

Two-Face growled at the reminder. When he had been released and freed from Japan by Joker, the brother that scarred him so viciously proposed a compromise. He would forgive all transgressions and relinquish his place as Emperor to the Joker on the results of a coin toss. Good heads for Two-Face to take the throne and kill Joker. Bad heads for the Joker to reign and for Two-Face to obey him.
It was not Two-Face's lucky day that day.

"Well I didn't agree to anything," said Carine.

"You get to carve up as many people as you want in your little play area," said Joker. "Don't complain."

Carine's knight Zsasz drew his knives, of which he had many, but Carine raised a hand. At the side of Joker's throne was his ever present bodyguard, the masked muscle man Bane.

"The Batman is a threat to all of us," said Prime Minister Hugo Strange. "He has already toppled one of your number. The Royal Family, or the Royal Gang as the plebians refer to you..."

"At their own risk," said Carine.

"Must still be seen as in control of Gotham and of Britannia," said Strange. "The Insurgency still lacks the numbers to pose a serious enough threat. And the spattering of new vigilantes that have seemingly cropped up in the Homeland are as of yet leaderless. Saying the same for the scattered Justice League. But the Batman's return has provided a rallying cry. They will come in force to flock under the banner of the Batman. He must be eliminated now."

A gunshot echoed in the throne room as Strange clutched his bleeding shoulder. The Joker held a smoking gun in his hand, chuckling at having shot his own prime minister.

"Not now," said Joker. "Not till I've had my fun. Now out all of you."

As Carine and her knight left, the scarred princess gave thought to a plot to lure out the Batman. She would not be hunted by some upstart Eleven in a mask. She would trap this peasant and prove to all she was a force to be reckoned with. And she had a special place on her own flesh for a mark as notable as the Batman. She just needed the right bait.

"A moment dear brother," Carine asked, calling for Two-Face.

"A rare pleasantry sister," said Odysseus, still clutching his shoulder. "What do you want brat?"

Carine held Zsasz back for the moment.

"I believe there's been too much strife in our family," said Carine. "Guinevere has held up in her garden and Schneizel is actually hoping for the Batman to take us out. We should take the initiative. You're still halfway capable of reason. An alliance between the two of us is only logical. Combine our territories and we will be able to seize control of the city. You will continue to administer your own law. All I ask is to be...the executioner. I still have plenty of flesh which has not yet know the blessed joy of the knife. It should be a record of how many of our enemies have fallen. Our own record of justice. A record which should include the Batman."

Odysseus hummed as if in thought, bringing out his coin.

"Good Heads, we agree," said Odysseus.

"Bad Heads, to hell with you."

Odysseus flipped the coin, it landed on good heads.

"Deal," said Odysseus. "Family should work in tandem."

"Good, we just need to stage a proper venue for the Batman to come," said Carine. "One of your trials."

"That can be easily arranged," said Odysseus. "I have prisoners which I've yet to process. Including one who attempted to make a play for my life. An Eleven interestingly enough. She came close but none the less failed. My...bailiff was too much for her. She is still alive of course. Justice...must be served properly."

"I couldn't agree more," said Carine. "And I have something which should serve you well. Something I've wanted to put together for quite some time."

Using the technology of Apokolips, and Scott's training on traps and prisons, Lelouch was able to develop a holding cell to house Clovis. He mostly kept begging to not let 'the Witch' near him.
Lelouch was also able to set up an advanced computer relay system after 'borrowing' a few parts from various H.I.V.E. warehouses. Even using the equation on several H.I.V.E. workers to bring down to the cave to set it up. Once they were out and left in the city, they had no memory of what had been done.
Thus they were left to bear the brunt of their superiors disappointment.

'Unfortunate, but necessary,' thought Lelouch as he sat before the powerful computer array.

Ensuring it couldn't be tracked back to him in the cave by H.I.V.E. Or even by Gordon and his men. In spite of their apparent alliance Lelouch thought it would be best to keep some distance.
However he was sure that in his stolen equipment they were equipped as well. Better weapons and body armor. He didn't take the time to include non-lethal options. Given the state of the world soldiers like them needed to be fully armed. But he wouldn't go that far. He already compromised himself enough with the use of the Equation. He saw firsthand how cheap life was on Apokolips, just as Scott did. He respected his adopted father's desire to avoid taking life now more than ever. He briefly wondered if Scott would respect him now, knowing what he held and what he had been forced to do.

'Focus,' Lelouch thought.

He had enough to contend with in his dreams. And indeed the Dream Lord was true to his word. On Earth he was confined to his nightmares. He could not hold this against Dream. It was simply one of the issues he'd have to deal with.
A minor issue when faced with real life opponents such as his twisted family. But Clovis was an easy target. The others would be more problematic. Emperor Joker was too well guarded in Wonder Tower and held too much control over the city. Odysseus, or Two-Face, was heavily guarded in his sector with an army of enforcers. The courthouse he had taken over was now a fortress. That would be an issue. Guinevere kept to herself in the park and gardens, along with the orphans of Gotham. For their sake he'd have to deal with her to at least ensure their safety. As long as that wasn't an issue and she kept to herself Lelouch believed monitoring her at least was the best option.
Carine was thus the weakest of the opposition after Clovis. That little psycho was blood hungry but she wasn't skilled in combat. If anything that was what her knight Zsasz was for. Zsasz had a reputation which rivaled that of Luciano Bradley in terms of blood-lust. Made him Carine's soulmate in that regard.
Another key issue was the H.I.V.E. Mind itself. Gathering intelligence from some of the officers he had taken control of he learned it had been developed by and controlled by someone called the Mad Hatter, deep beneath Wonder Tower which relayed the control signal.

'The end goal should be the signal controlling the H.I.V.E. Mind,' thought Lelouch. 'If I gain control of that I can claim the entire country. After that it's a matter of contacting whatever resistance forces are still fighting in the Homeland. But before any of that I need to gain control of the city. Next target should be Carine, while not as powerful as Odysseus or Guinevere have become, seizing entire territories, she's problematic none the less. No strong move to take territory. Simply reports that wandering into said territory is lethal. Marks upon Carine's flesh give a story at how many she's had killed.'

The communicator Lelouch had given Gordon rang out. Lelouch ensured a built in voice modulator was part of the device.

"Gordon," he said.

"Damn it works," the former policeman said. "Never mind that, Batman we've gotten word that Princess Carine and that Two-Faced brother of hers have entered into an alliance."

"Are your sources reliable?" Lelouch asked.

"They haven't given me bad info yet," said Gordon. "How do you think I've managed to last this long? But back on point, they're saying the two are coming together to 'bring order back to the realm'. Promising a demonstration via a televised trial of supposed dissidents. Including an Eleven...er Japanese assassin who tried to kill Two-Face."

That sparked Lelouch's interest. While he still wasn't considering death to be a line he was willing to cross, he could use another skilled ally. Besides, this was an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.
To bring down Carine and stop Odysseus's Reign of Terror which would rival that of Robespierre.

"They're not being secret about it," Lelouch guessed.

"No, at least there's no attempt to hide it from what I've heard," said Gordon. "Batman...I think it's a trap."

"Of course it is," said Lelouch. "But it's also an opportunity."

"We can't hit Two-Face, he's turned the Courthouse into a fortress," said Gordon. "He can hold off and hide a battalion in there. What's more there's some rumor going round."

"Rumor?" asked Lelouch.

"Some kind of monster Two-Face has for 'disorderly prisoners'," said Gordon. "Don't know if its true but still."

"Shouldn't be an issue," said Lelouch. "Do you know when the trial is supposed to happen?"

"A day's time," said Gordon.

"Don't do anything rash until I give the word," said Lelouch. "I need to gather intelligence first. Be ready."

Lelouch cut the line and began to formulate his plan. He had only a day and this current night. He'd need to be quick but also clever. But if he was both he'd topple to enemies and significantly reduce his enemy's hold on the city.

Beneath the Solomon Du Britannia Courthouse, in the jail cells where prisoners would be held until trial, one was isolated from a group. The group consisted of former city councilmen, military officers, and even a priest, who had tried to speak out against the reign of Emperor Joker. But the one who was isolated was of special importance. She was a Japanese woman who had attempted to take the life of the Two-Faced prince. In revenge for the death of a man whom she had considered a father.
A gentleman's gentleman who cared for her in spite of the traditions of the Empire. He had taken her with him after a time in Japan, in which she was somewhat lost in spite of a set of impressive skills. The man gave her kindness and direction, training her in the ways of professional service but always ensuring she was treated with dignity.
That man was gone now, killed for trying to stop Two-Face's thugs from stealing 'tribute' from the home he had maintained. Killed on the whim of a coin toss by the scarred prince.
The man's kindness had allowed her never to feel vengeful. Even in spite of what Britannia had done to her native Japan. But now she had vengeance in her heart. And she had gone on the hunt for her adopted father's killer. Only to be met with a beast which beat her severely but did not kill her on its master's command. Wanting instead to make a public display of her demise.

It wasn't hard finding the center of Two-Face's territory, the Solomon Du Britannia Courthouse, named for a previous Emperor noted for being a 'fair' giver of the law. Of course the definition of 'fair justice' in Britannia had always been skewed.
Some believed that Odysseus was now bringing a new breed of fairness to the Britannian legal system. Former nobles were subject o the same kind of 'justice' as commoners who found their way into the courthouse. The toss of a coin, letting luck decide destiny.

"My father once said all men are not created equal," Odysseus said, fiddling the coin in his bad hand. "But all men are judged equally. By the one force which rules all our lives. Chance, the randomness of being. Whether we are born prince or peasant. Whether we are rich or poor. Whether we are guilty or innocent. Whether we live or die."

He spoke to his gathered troops. Many of them former Britannian military who now had one side of their uniforms tattered to show solidarity to their prince. Among their number, face obscured by a riot mask, was Lelouch.
It was easy enough the previous night to sneak into Odysseus's territory and make off with one of the soldiers. One who was close to Lelouch's size. It was even easier when that particular squad returned and unmasked. Now he had a small number of controlled agents in enemy camp. The rest of the day he spent gathering intelligence. He'd need it, since Carine was now bringing in her own people.
She also brought a 'gift' to demonstrate the new alliance between herself and Two-Face. A considerably large object set at the center of the court room covered by a sheet.

"Chance has now brought for this opportunity for unity in bringing a better order to our city and soon enough to our empire," Two-Face continued. "Thanks to our sister Carine and her generous gift. An instrument which once brought terror to our ancestors but now our instrument of final justice."

With a snap of his scarred fingers Two-Face's men removed the drape, revealing a restored and functional guillotine. Lelouch recalled the film he saw as a youth. Of a disguised hero who rescued the aristocracy of old Europe from the Revolution from this device, allowing the birth of modern Britannia.
Ironies were abound for him. At least his alias was a little more intimidating than a flower.

"Since our father's fall from grace and our brother the Joker rose to the throne, Britannia has been at strife with itself," said Two-Face. "But let this union be the beginning of the recover. And let a new purer justice reign."

Lelouch managed to sneak away from the cheering crowd of soldiers. He took to the shadows and rose up to the rafters, sure to done the cowl of the Bat. Once he was perched in shadows he watched as the night's prisoners were brought out for the 'trial'.
The one at the lead was distinctly Japanese as he could tell. She was also the one bound tightest in chains. Late twenties by the look of her, orange eyes with dark hair. She had been roughly handled but still in fairly good condition.
The others were people of fair influence in the city before being reduced by the Royal Family. Although Lelouch had to admit he was more open to calling them the Royal Gang. It fit more with the true nature that was now revealed for all.

"Remove the gag," said Carine, seated on Odysseus's right hand as he took the judge's stand.

"State your name for the court," said Odyssues, flipping the coin in his hand whilst the Guillotine was made ready.

"My name...is Sayoko Shionizaki," the battered Japanese woman said. "And you killed a man I called a father, all for standing up to you. His name was Alfred Pennyworth. And I will avenge him."

"The name is familiar, but there was no murder on the part of the court," said Odysseus. "His fate was just."

"You say that even though you decided on nothing but the flip of a coin," yelled Sayoko. "I knew the laws of Britannia were unjust but to sake it to this extreme is wrong even for you people."

A guard struck Sayoko at the gesturing of Carine. Next to Carine, Victor Zsasz smiled gleefully.

"Don't waste anymore time on the Eleven's words," said Carine. "Just get to it already."

Odysseus flipped his coin, coming up bad heads.

"Guilty," said Two-Face. "Place the accused in position."

Sayoko was grabbed by guards and taken to the Guillotine. But as they approached the device of execution, a burst of smoke disrupted the action. Sayoko understood the action, but was none the less surprised by it. She then felt the men to her sides be torn away and heard the sounds of violent actions being done against them. She also felt her restraints being cut.
She saw what looked like a living shadow cutting through the fog and attacking the soldiers. Even some of the soldiers seemed to be attacking their own comrades for reasons she couldn't explain. Some leading the other captives out of the courtroom. Sayoko could only stand in awe of the incredible display of speed and skill. The warrior was impressive in his abilities of the martial arts. Even as well trained as she was she found it difficult to keep up with his movements until the smoke finally dissipated. Sayoko could finally see her mysterious rescuer. A weird figure dressed in the image of the bat.

"The Batman," she said in no small amount of awe.

She had heard of the mysterious figure terrorizing Britannia in Japan who brought together the Justice League. She never imagined she would see him in person though.

"The court acknowledges the presence of...the Batman," said Odysseus.

"This is over Odysseus," said Batman.

"That stopped being our name the day you let the Joker maim us," growled Two-Face.

"And now you've sided with him," said Batman.

"Fate provided a path," said Two-Face.

"I don't believe in fate," said Batman. "You had the choice, you just gave it away to a coin."

"A common complaint of me was...I was never truly decisive to begin with," said Odysseus.

"But now, my choices are much simpler."

It was as if there were two men in one body. Once giving the tone of his half brother Odysseus, the fairly weak willed prince. The other time giving the tone of a furious tyrant. In a way Odysseus was now the perfect allegory for Britannia itself: two-faced.

"As are mine," said Batman.

"I think we've wasted enough time on your words Eleven," said Carine.

"I'm not Japanese," said Batman.

This sent Carine aback while Two-Face cocked and eyebrow. The notion that a Britannian would resist them in such a way was inconceivable to the scarred princess.

"Then all you are is a worthless common traitor like the rest," said Carine.

"You call me a supposed traitor, while you, a princess of Britannia are aiding in the abuse, robbery, and slaughter of her own people," said Batman.

"The weak are meant to be destroyed," said Carine. "It was as my father said when he brought Brainiac down. They are the meat of the strong and I intend to eat well. And I will mark upon my flesh the testament of the weak as they sacrifice themselves to my glory. My faithful knight Victor joining me in this."

"Then you're both sick," said Batman.

"The court has heard your testimony Batman," said Two-Face. "Judgement will now be levied."

Two-Face flipped his coin, landed on the scarred side.

"Guilty," he said. "Bailiff will now carry out the sentence."

The entire courtroom began to shake as the doors were broken off their hinges with powerful force. Batman grabbed Sayoko and ducked to avoid debris.

"Solomon Grundy," Batman, recognizing the creature that burst in.

"It took some time to fish him from the waters where your ally Superman dumped him," said Two-Face.

"Since then he's been useful in dealing with...unruly prisoners."

"Solomon Grundy, born on a Monday," the beast said as it charged for Batman and Sayoko, violently brushing off all that got in his way.

Batman grabbed onto Sayoko and launched his line. They had managed to avoid a strike from Grundy only for the line to be cut by a knife thrown by Zsasz. Batman stuck the landing, as did Sayoko in spite of some injuries no doubt left by Grundy.

"How bad?" he asked.

"Enough," she said, understanding his tone.

Batman inwardly cursed as Grundy prepared to charge again. He attached his cable launcher to Sayoko's prisoner jumpsuit and launched her upward, much to her surprise, while he charged at Grundy. Grundy struck low but Batman was quicker, leaping atop his shoulder and pulling out two batarangs from his chest, a feature of his alien armor.
As they were based on the armor and weapons of Steppenwolf of dread Apokolips, they charged with stored power. Batman threw both projectiles into the creature's eyes, blowing them out.

"Damn him," Carine growled. "Victor, kill this commoner."

"With pleasure princess," Victor Zsasz sad as he charged towards Batman, who leapt off of Grundy, knives drawn.

He slashed out at Batman who dodged as quickly as he could attack. Both barely dodged a wild swing from Grundy. However it was Batman who recovered first and leapt off of Zsasz and back onto Grundy. He struck cables into Grundy's shoulders and then began to ride him as if he were a wild stallion. He pulled Grundy in the direction he wanted the lumbering beast to go, right to Zsasz and an oncoming group of soldiers coming to reinforce the situation. Zsasz dodged the wild swinging of the undead creature while the soldiers just shot right into the beast. This only added to Grundy's rage and made it easier for Batman to manipulate the course of the monster, while he was protected by the sheer size of Grundy's mass.
Zsasz attempted to throw a knife at Batman, but Sayoko leapt on top of him. In spite of her aches from when Grundy captured her, Sayoko refused to sit back. She was in shape enough to handle a mortal man like Zsasz. As she got off of him she took one of his knives. When he recovered the two of them circled.

"Well this is a pleasant turn of events," said Two-Face.

"Damn it Victor kill the Eleven and the Bat already," yelled Carine. "And get your beast under control brother."

Two-Face merely grimaced, especially on the scarred side. He took out his coin and flipped. The result was the scarred side. Carine at this time was more focused on the fight at hand.
Her knight fighting a wounded Eleven who was actually holding her ground as the Batman steered around the monstrous Grundy like some rodeo act.

"All of you are incompetent," she cursed. "If I were Empress I'd..."

"You're not," said Odysseus, pulling a gun from his coat and aiming it at Carine's head.

"And never will be."

Before Carine could protest the gun fired and a bullet ran through her skull. Zsasz heard this and focused his attention on the scene.

"My Princess!" he cried.

Sayoko used this moment of distraction to her advantage and slashed across Zsasz's face. This only seemed to agitate him even more.

"No...I haven't earned the mark...my princess hasn't..."

Before Sayoko could deliver a finishing blow the wild Grundy, driven by the Batman, smacked him aside. The blow sent him flying against the wall which finally rendered him unconscious.
Sayoko looked on to the Batman who seemed to be driving Grundy to the guillotine. She caught his white eyes and in spite of his mask and lack of pupils she could understand the suggestion he was giving to her. She ran out and with all her strength she swept down and kicked out the leg of the lumbering Grundy. The Batman had planned his control of the beast's rampage well. Grundy landed atop the Guillotine but his head fit where all who were to be shaved would go. The force of his landing undid the hold of the blade which fell down and decapitated the beast.

'Grundy's a zombie,' Batman recalled. 'He'll be fine.'

Batman, having landed with a grace Sayoko could barely believe, now walked onto Two-Face who stood in his booth with now two guns in hand.

"The court now recognizes the Batman," said Two-Face. "How do you plead?"

"On what charge?" Batman asked. "If this is a true court of law then I have the right to know what I am charged with. Odysseus might not have been the most forceful of the royals, but in matters of law he had proven himself to be rather cunning. And fair."

This seemed to register with a part of Two-Face who took out his coin. It landed good heads.

"The charges are treason, sedition, terrorism, vigilantism, trespassing, assault, endangerment of minors, destruction of public and private property, and assault upon several members of the Royal Family," said Two-Face. "How do you plead?"

"I am due legal council," said Batman.

Sayoko tried to run up to kill Two-Face but the Batman stopped her. Before she could protest she caught a glare from the Batman, one that actually sent a shiver down her spine. Indeed, this was a man who wielded fear as masterfully as any samurai with his blade.

"I name Odysseus due Britannia as my legal council," said Batman.

This seemed to catch Odysseus off guard before regaining some semblance of composure.

"Impossible," said Two-Face. "One cannot be both judge and council at..."

"My judge is the man called Two-Face," said Batman. "I repeat, I name Odysseus due Britannia as council."

Sayoko watched as this sent Two-Face trembling. He pulled out his coin and again it landed on the good heads.

"I believe...my client pleads not guilty your honor," said Odysseus.

"Noted," he said again in the tone of Two-Face.

Sayoko could scarcely believe her eyes. The Batman was forcing Odysseus to go against himself in this mock trial. But she feared more soldiers would come any minute. Already she could hear the sounds of fighting outside the courthouse. What was the Batman planning she wondered?

"To which charge?" Two-Face asked.

"I must speak with my client," said Odysseus. "Well?"

"We can classify all my crimes under the umbrella of treason," said Batman. "To that we plead not-guilty."

Sayoko was confused, the Batman had admitted he was Britannian. Now he was saying he was not guilty of treason when, even to her as a Japanese woman, all his actions could be called treason.

"We plead not guilty to the charge of treason, all other crimes being in relation to that singular charge," said Odysseus.

"Very well," said Two-Face.

"Our argument if I may ask?" asked Odysseus to the Batman.

The Batman walked up to Odysseus and whispered into his good ear.

"Councilor?" asked Two-Face, as if he wasn't hearing what 'Odysseus' was hearing.

Sayoko began to wonder if the Batman was just as mad as this self appointed judge who just murdered his own sister on the flip of a coin.

"The charge of treason suggests that the Batman's actions were against the lawful government of the Holy Britannian Empire," said Odysseus. "However, we put before the court that this charge be dropped on the basis that the government of the Holy Britannian Empire was 'not' lawful."

That caught Sayoko by surprise. While she would rather the Batman simply kill this man as he had killed Grundy, she had to admit it was hard for her to turn away from this strange drama. But she couldn't help but wonder why the Batman was staging it so.

"Would the defense elaborate?" asked Two-Face.

"The facade of the Holy Britannian Empire was a front for a Secret Society in league with alien powers to bring chaos to the planet," said Odysseus. "Evidence in part by the arrival of Brainiac. However the defense says that the broadcast of the late Emperor Charles Zi Britannia publicly allying himself with Brainiac, while genuine had been made in advance of the invasion and with prior knowledge of said invasion. Made under the direction of the head of this Secret Society who propped up Charles to begin with and had been the true mastermind behind Britannia, H.I.V.E., the invasion, and several other serious crimes against the human race. For evidence we request the testimony of...the self stylized Emperor Joker."

This shocked Sayoko greatly, but still she didn't know what the Batman was planning.

"Defense is willing to allow remote testimony if the Joker cannot be here in person," said Odysseus.

The scarred side of his face grimaced as he pulled out a communicator. A holographic display came up, the loading screen waiting for connection. Within moments Sayoko saw the horrid grin of the man how now sat as the Emperor of Britannia. His eyes wild with a mad joy she could never imagine. His chuckle sent shivers down her spine.
As vile as the previous Emperor was, even Charles did not give off this feeling of sheer dread. This feeling of...evil. An evil that was entirely self-aware of its own nature. Self-aware and happy about it.

"My, my...what a show this is," Joker said. "I've been watching with baited breath."

'Watching?' she thought.

Then it donned on her, the Batman was broadcasting this somehow. He wanted to make a show out of this. Something to convey to the public for whatever good she'd thought it would do.

"I knew you'd do something but...this is so...wonderful," the Joker laughed.

"Is the Emperor prepared to give a response to the accusations levied by the defense?" asked Two-Face.

"He's right on all counts," Joker said without hesitation. "I was even a part of this Secret Society even before I...got this lovely make-over. I was behind the Talon incident which led met and the Batman to...a most wondrous confrontation and the rest is history. But that is neither here nor there. The Batman is right, the Empire was a sham, always ways. But we needed the world's hatred on us. We needed to be the bad guys and make no mistake you sniveling little worms out there who are watching this, we, meaning you, are the bad guys. I won't spoil everything and say why we needed to be hated. Sorry Bats, not going to get it all from me. But I will say, I'm so happy you're back. Back from the really bad place. The place we sent you. The place where there are alien horrors far worse than Brainiac. Horrors, which I know will be coming for us soon enough. You've traded one hell for another. And this time...this time...we're all gonna burn."

The Joker then descended into a fit of laughing. Sayoko had her hands to her face, she recalled the horror of the invasion and now there was worse coming. Two-Face on other other hand seemed indifferent, though perhaps he was two minds on the subject. The Batman however was stoic as the communication was cut.

"There you have it your honor," said Odysseus. "The Batman's actions were not those of a traitor. As a self admitted Britannian he felt it was his duty to fight against this illegitimate and dangerous false government for the sake and safety of the Britannian people and for the human race. We move that all charges levied under the umbrella of treason be dropped."

"Noted," said Two-Face, who flipped the coin.

But this time the Batman moved. So fast that Sayoko almost didn't catch his movements. He caught the coin in mid air and with that fist that held it smashed into Two-Face with enough force to render him unconscious.

"Court is adjourned," said Batman, tossing the coin away.

Sayoko went in for the killing blow but Batman stopped her.

"This man is a monster," she said. "He killed man who was like a father to me. A good man who died for no reason at all. He does not deserve to live."

"Perhaps," said Batman. "But all the same, he lives."

"Why?" Sayoko yelled. "In spite of what you have said you are a traitor to Britannia. What value do you have on his life?"

"None," said Batman. "But there has to be a example."

"I will make one," said Sayoko.

"No," said Batman. "You will not."

"You would battle me after coming to my aid?" she asked. "For him?"

"Once I'm done with Joker, he and the rest of the Royals must be made to stand trial for all they've done," said Batman. "There's more than your petty vengeance to consider.'

"Petty?" Sayoko yelled.

"Yes," said Batman. "Many innocents have died. What of their justice? Your blade can only take one life in payment for the life taken from you. But all others will be denied."

"What do I care of the others?" asked Sayoko.

"Is that what this man who was like a father to you taught you to believe?" asked Batman.

In fury Sayoko attempted to strike out but the Batman slapped away her knife in a move so quick it told her of his skill. Even if she weren't still battered from Grundy she doubted she'd be able to match well against the Batman.
He acted and spoke with such a certainty of his actions that no matter what she said or did he would not budge. He would fight defiantly against her. Against her and any other vengeful soul like her would wished to take the life of this man with two faces. She could tell from the Batman's tone it wasn't out of particular love for the man.

"What do you want?" Sayoko asked.

"I want something vengeance can never bring," said Batman. "A future."

The sound of marching boots echoed and Sayoko turned as soldiers came in.

"Batman," a mustached man said coming up to the two of them. "We've taken care of the outside forces. Strangest thing, half of them surrendered on sight."

"They're cowards Gordon, as all criminals are," said Batman. "Carine's dead, Two-Face shot her. I'll secure him with Firefly for now if that's alright with you."

"Got a lot of folks who'd rather string him up now," said Gordon. "But...we're getting his territory and weapons supplies. Worth more than just one asshole."

"Only for now," said Batman. "They'll all be made to answer to the people. The people, not to the mob. For now I suggest you have your men secure as much of this territory as you can. Get weapons out of the hands of Two-Face's men and sure up defenses. This is your territory now, hold it and make it safe."

Gordon nodded and went along with Batman's suggestions while the Batman collected Odysseus. Sayoko watched this, unsure of what to think. She briefly entertained the notion of killing Odysseus while he was slung over the Batman's shoulder. He would be slowed down, but then she saw his allies.
She watched as the Batman carried the object of her vengeance away. She heard the roar of a strange craft and soon enough it was done. She had been left alone. Alive, but alone and without her vengeance carried out.

"You alright?" the man Gordon asked.

"My...my father was killed by that two faced monster," said Sayoko. "I sought blood vengeance and the Batman has denied it of me."

"You and more than a few others," said Gordon. "But Batman has a point. People need to see these bastards taken down and made accountable for their crimes. Because this should be an empire of law, true law. Not the kind that men like that officiate where innocent people have to suffer."

"For one so strong and so obviously grim the Batman sounds quite naive," said Sayoko.

"It doesn't really matter," said Gordon. "It's the nation Batman and I agreed on. The nation where I can raise my daughter in safety."

Sayoko didn't know how to respond to such words. A part of her still wished for her vengeance against Odysseus. But what the Batman said and how he brought up her adopted father Alfred made her think of the old man.
He was so kind and good to her and to others. The pain of his loss would never leave her. But now without the chance to take revenge upon his killer she was without direction. She was a trained server without anyone to serve. And she was a huntress without prey.

Lelouch secured Odysseus along with Clovis in the makeshift prison he made in the caves. Sure that neither knew where they had gone so that when he inevitably had to return them to Gordon they could not betray the location of his...bat cave for lack of a better word.
The cave was becoming more functioning with how he set up the technology of the cave. So far it was still rather bare but he had plans for the cave. When he got the chance he would clear out space for more equipment, vehicles, and weapons. Of course he couldn't live in a cave all his life, as much as he could find a good enough reason to do so. There was also the hidden Wayne Treasure and a legacy that one could take. He'd put all these bits into play eventually. For now he focused on the present.
He had anticipated Odysseus's madness would make it easy to create a show as he did. Hacking into imperial news broadcast signals was easy enough given information he had squeezed from H.I.V.E. agents. By now his broadcast would have been seen all over the Homeland and likely further than that. He believed that this would other nations not aligned with the One Earth Regime but still against Britannia hold off in continuing their aggression against Britannian people. It might also get some people in the One Earth territory to think about this attack on a people who were led by an unlawful government.
Of course the important issue was the Britannian people. He needed to ensure that there would be no support for a return of the old regime. The Britannian people needed to know that the old ways were wrong and evil. Of course he imagined some would repute this as the Joker had shown himself to be a madman. But of course it would likely get Savage to start sweating. Joker would become a security risk for the Secret Society. Pitting the two against one another could play out well enough for him in the future.

'Two down,' Lelouch thought. 'Three counting Carine.'

He had not anticipated Carine's death. He underestimated Odysseus's madness in this regard. He despised Carine that was sure. She was the polar opposite of Nunnally in every way. But he didn't want her dead like that. If he had been faster he could have saved her so that she could live to stand trial as well.
This would be a learning experience, he would be sure to end the fight quickly to ensure his prey lived long enough to meet real justice.
But for now his list of enemies in Gotham grew shorter. There were only two power players left now. Guinevere and Joker himself. Guinevere or Poison Ivy as many called her, had been isolated but scores of orphans were in her garden. Her metahuman powers also made her a dangerous wild card, and he disliked wild cards. Besides he needed to ensure that the children were safe.

'Two to go,' he thought, now ready to set his sides on Guinevere.

Author's Note: Sorry it took so long but I've been fairly busy. Re-titled this chapter too but hopefully it still works. I also kind of cheated by having Lelouch face off against both Odysseus and Carine but Carine was the weakest and I didn't think she could hold a chapter on her own and I definitely needed to get to Odysseus. I also kind of combined this to shorten the Gotham Arc. I want to try and get to the Khandaq Arc where Lelouch goes to help Kallen as soon as possible. Also in time for the Black Adam movie. So I'm going to try two chapters to finish off this arc and get some chapters out for the Khandaq Arc for the month of October. I'm also going to bring in some of Lelouch's allies in the next chapter. Also in case some didn't get it I am planning to have Sayoko become Lelouch's maid in also how she has a personal history with Alfred Pennyworth. But in addition to this she will be suiting up as this world's version of the Huntress in addition to becoming Lelouch's own Alfred. This is just the beginning for her and she'll be featured more later on. Likely next chapter along with another character I want to work more with and have cast in an interesting role which I think fits him. I won't say who just yet, wanting to leave that a bit of a surprise.

Next Turn: Forest of the Knight.