Chapter Nine: Forest of the Knight.

Guinevere had taken the park as her base. She erected a massive plant which seemed almost a castle and dense hedges with poisonous thorns for defense. Reports of anyone who tried to cut their way into her castle of vines ended in the phrase, 'never seen again'. Only orphaned children seemed to be able to enter with out fear. Even now, perched on a lone building overlooking the park, Batman could see children calmly walking towards the dense hedges of thorns which parted before them.

"I see you've recovered well enough," he said, realizing he wasn't entirely alone.

Behind him Sayoko from a week ago stood in an outfit of dark purple and white cloth. An effective ninja outfit if he did say so himself.

"Your skill truly is impressive Batman," Sayoko said. "To determine my arrival in such a manner. I have come to make amends for harsh words I spoke earlier. I was filled with a desire for vengeance. Even though I still wish for Prince Odysseus's death, I acknowledge that as a warrior you have broader goals in mind."

The Batman said nothing, focusing on his enemy's fortress.

"You are planning to attack the poisonous princess next are you not?" Sayoko asked.

"Obviously," said Batman.

"Then as part of the debt owed for my life allow me to assist you," said Sayoko.

"If you want to help, go to Gordon," said Batman. "He'll need all the help he can securing Two-Face's former territory."

"Gordon appears competent enough with his men and the weapons secured from Odysseus," said Sayoko. "I insist Batman, for both my personal debt to you and for how you have eased the burden on so many of my countrymen in the past."

Batman continued to say nothing.

"I also have a means of attacking the princess," said Sayoko.

This time the Batman turned to her. He said nothing but nodded, indicating what his desire was.

He pulled at his hood as he got off the small boat. He came in quietly through the Gotham River to avoid detection. Bad move for a scout to get detected. It wouldn't matter too much if the boat was discovered, he'd be long gone by then. He had plenty experience infiltrated behind enemy lines in the past.
Although he had to admit he never did it wearing so much...green.

The incident with Two-Face's trial had sent ripples through the One Earth senate, an inheritor of the old E.U. Savage attempted to gain control of it with as many senators he had in his pocket but even that was only so much. The general public was also something to consider. In the offices of Supreme Chancellor Superman, Savage and the Cyborg impostor conversed with other members of their Society.

"The Batman has no true proof," yelled the Cyborg-Superman. "I'll go there myself and..."

"And do nothing," said Savage. "Remember your operating system is the same as the O.M.A.C's. For all I know that laughing lunatic truly does have a means to interfere with their operating systems and yours. He already has the mind behind it under his sway."

"You have to admire my boy's cunning," said Eclipso from her base on the moon. "He's clearly learned how better to fight the likes of us."

"That's what troubles me," said Savage. "Before he was a reckless youth just lashing out at what angered him. But now...now he's thinking strategically at last. Picking off weaker lieutenants, gaining territory, disrupting the mentality of the enemy support."

"The Senate are fools," said the Cyborg-Superman. "We should dissolve them and..."

"Patience Gottwald," said Savage. "Something you learn when you become an immortal is patience. As of now we still need the senate. Even more we need them to continue to support the war effort against the Britannian people and to keep the public in line. We already have critics of our 'rehabilitation' camps as is. This announcement the Batman has put out will only bolster them if they believe the entirety of the Britannian government was illegitimate."

"Which it was if you think about it," said Lloyd.

The Cyborg-Superman glared menacingly at the scientist who only chuckled.

"It will do nothing," said Cyborg-Superman, once Jeremiah Gottwald. "That announcement came from a man they despise and regard as a madman. I am still Superman in their eyes. I will say it is a fake. That Batman has betrayed humanity along with the rest of the remnants of the Justice League in siding with Britannia."

"You can try, but this isn't going to go away so easily," said Savage. "The boy is greatly changed I can tell. Not rushing at the bits for vengeance. Calculating, surgical, and thinking about how to lay out the future fields of conflict."

The Eternal Tyrant chuckled and the ghost of a smile graced his face.

"If he puts the Clown in his place he could effectively, by one way or another, seize what is left of Britannia," said Savage. "Take control of H.I.V.E's technological base and...my word. We could have an actual war on our hands. With one side I have not influenced. A truly genuine world war where the victor does matter. It's...been ages since I've had a war like that."

Savage allowed himself a time to let old memories of when he would lead armies across vast swathes of land. He could hear the sing of swords as the cut through the air and banged against shields. He could smell gun-powder and mustard gas. He could feel the thrill of the victory as he plunged his flag into the captured soil as ravens gladly ate the feast he provided for them. The thrill of the victory he had earned with his own efforts. The last time he had wars like that was when Khufu was in his frist life, before the cycle of reincarnation left him at the constant disadvantage before Savage. But Lelouch wasn't like Khufu, he had more of an edge than the old bird.

"It has been...too long," said Savage. "There will be no interference in Britannia. Even if the Batman removes the Joker."

"But sir..."

"There will be done," said Savage. "A true war will be upon us. That will help us control the Senate. The Batman will advance whereas the Joker has been content to lounge in his palace and boredom while the Empire fell apart. The Batman will work to reform his League, bring some of these new metahumans and costumed fools into his cause. Form an alliance with the Amazon Queen no doubt. As well as rescue the Champion from Mind."

"That's another issue, Mind hasn't been quite so...informative of his actions," said Eclipso.

"Neither has Dr. Ito," said Lloyd.

"If I had to guess he's going to be bringing back some...old friends using the girl," said Savage. "Surprised Black Adam actually opted on the tactical retreat. Then again the Rock of Eternity is a mighty fortress."

"Will he release the Sins again?" asked Gottwald.

"No, Mind will go for even greater forces," said Savage. "No doubt to challenge me. We might be allies Gottwald but never forget...none of us a what you call good people. Is it any wonder why we allow the enemy to call us a Secret Society of Super-Villains?"

"If Mind is going for his own Society after all this time it could be a viable distraction for both the boy and for the One Earth Senate," said Eclipso. "I might even throw my hat in. Give the boy one big reunion. His lover and his...well my pet could use the exercise after her...adjustment."

"I'm sure that'll have an effect," Savage chuckled.

He saw what Eclipso had done to Barda and found it...interesting. When it became apparent that there was still something left in the former Female Fury to mutilate Eclipso simply couldn't help herself. Going further than the brainwashing and the mask. To an extreme he didn't think of. Eclipso wanted to prove that Big Barda was nothing but a beast. The results of her work seemed to suit that claim.

"And I've noticed strange energy fluctuations coming from Area 11...oh Japan I should say," said Lloyd, with an amused chuckle. "I wonder if Dragon King is making new friends."

"We've allowed Ito to reign solo for too long," said Cyborg-Superman. "That land should be reigned in just as it was before."

"You're supposed to be playing the role of a liberator and protector," said Savage. "Not a conqueror, not until it is time. Ito indeed may be going just as rogue as Mind, perhaps with some outside help. But these both can be used to our advantage. But for now, let the boy have his fun in Brtiannia. A true war may be upon us for the first time in a long time. I can't wait."

"With Two-Face removed, the Batman's allies of the former Gotham City Police Department have taken over his territory," said Strange. "Carine is dead along with Grundy. The latter should be easy enough to remedy."

"He'll go after Guinevere next," laughed the Joker on his throne.

"How..."

"Because my dear Penguin," Joker said, cutting off Bartley, "the Bat won't allow a wild card like her to run free. Not to mention those little types she's taken in. He can't ignore them not knowing if they're alright. Which reminds me, how is Pyg?"

Bartley, ignoring how Joker kept referring to him as a Penguin, swallowed. He was nervous around men such as Pyg. Pyg had this...disturbed feeling about him. And what he did to those whom Joker sent to him...it made Bartley's blood run cold.

"Penguin? Do I need to drill another ear in your skull?" laughed Joker.

"Oh...no sire," said Bartley. "I do believe...Pyg is satisfied but...he has expressed a desire to continue his...good work," said Bartley.

Joker smiled widely as an idea came into his mind.

"What's the name of that doctor?" Joker asked. "The one with that lovely drug he built off of Refrain?"

"Dr. Crane," said Strange. "Although he has taken to an alias himself. He has insisted he be referred to as...the Scarecrow."

"Goody," said Joker. "I'd like to speak to him. He has an important patient to see."

Along the rooftops Batman was impressed with how Sayoko was so able to keep up with him. But as he followed her direction he noticed that there was another following them not too far behind.
He got in front of Sayoko and gave a silent gesture for cover, gambling his faith that she'd understand. She did and as they took to the roof of an old Cathedral they took to cover. Whoever was following them soon caught up. From his place in the shadows Batman could make out the shape of their stalker. It looked like a modern day Robin Hood.
Curious, Batman threw a batarang at the stalker only for the archer to masterfully deflect the attack with his bow and with that same fluid motion notch his bow.

"So it is true, the Batman is back," the archer said. "Isn't it?"

Batman stepped out of the shadows along with Sayoko, who had a kunai knife in hand.

"Where was the Justice League based before the invasion?" the archer asked.

"Blackhawk Island," said Batman. "A secret military base long ago established as a precaution by Hawkman, the leader of the now decimated Justice Society of Britannia."

"That's easy enough," said the archer, his arrow still notched.

Sayoko tensed to attack but Batman held up a hand.

"A test," said Batman.

"Who was the pilot of the Red Tornado Knightmare Frame?" asked the archer.

"A mercenary named Orpheus," said Batman.

The archer lowered his bow and then pulled back his hood. The hair was familiar to Batman while the green mask obscured the face.

"There's been a bit of a change," said the archer, Orpheus.

Batman motioned for Sayoko to stand down. She did so, albeit reluctantly.

"What are you doing here?" Batman asked.

"I've been in Britannia for a while," said Orpheus. "When the signal was broadcast all over I made a beeline for Gotham. I won't be the only one. Robin and his own crew the Titans are supposedly en route. As well as the sisters, Hawk and Dove."

"What have you been doing in Britannia?" Batman asked. "Aside from the Robin Hood cosplay."

"This suit...it once belonged to someone else," said Orpheus. "When I gave up the Red Tornado I was a bit lost. I couldn't just go back to being a mercenary. Perspectives kind of change when alien robots start dropping down on all of us. I was a trainer for any Britannians whom we managed to rescued and were willing to fight. As well as some others, that Ashford girl, or rather Stargirl as she's now called. She's a quick learner and I got to talking with her step-father. He showed me something, a picture of one of his old friends. A man who looked...a lot like me. His name was apparently Oliver Queen. Got me a bit curious and I did some checking into things and...he was my father. Apparently when their old Seven Soldiers were taken out and their minds scrambled over, Queen somehow got involved with my mother Oliva Zevon."

"A former Knight of the Round," said Batman, recalling the name.

"At some point I don't know his memory might have come back and he started up again," said Orpheus. "He was called...the Green Arrow and killed in action. Leaving mother to have both me and my twin sister."

"Oldrin Zevon, currently the Knight of Honor to Princess Marrybell Mel Britannia," said Batman.

"You know it's kind of annoying and just a bit creepy that you knew that," said Orpheus.

"I made sure to research you when you were hired," said Batman. "There were gaps but not enough to completely erase who you were. The Zevon family is a matriarchal run family. The eldest daughter taking control as the head. Oliva Zevon is now deceased but in the time her brother Oiaguro is head as well as the head of Pluton, the former covert intelligence agency before it became defunct by H.I.V.E. Current whereabouts unknown."

"Seriously?" asked Orpheus.

"I made sure to learn everything I could about any opposition I'd have from Britannia before...before things changed," said Batman. "Records of a son however end prior birth."

"Well let's just say my uncle has as shady nature but...he didn't want me raised in the Society," said Orpheus. "He took me out of the country and had me sheltered in what seemed like a Buddhist ashram. In truth it was a training ground for someone whom Savage has enough 'respect' for to keep a fair distance from. Uncle thought he was doing me a favor. Making sure I'd be taken care of and become strong. In a way he was right. But still screwed me over. Tell me smart guy, ever heard of Ra's Al Ghul?"

Sayoko gasped in shock at the name while Batman remained stoic.

"Translation, the Demon's Head," said Batman. "A rumored terrorist leader heading what has been called the League of Assassins. No known image exists, some believe he's a myth."

"Oh he's real, trust me on this," said Orpheus. "Taught me well too, considered me a prize student. Even sent me on...on a few early jobs. He and Savage have known each other for a while. Some say, a very long while. And I mean long. But...at some point they had a difference of opinion. I don't know the full story but Savage developed enough respect for Ra's that as I said he tends to keep his distance. Even allowed assassinations of some of his followers in various world government positions and corporate areas to go unpunished."

Batman hummed in thought.

"That does not make him a potential ally," said Orpheus. "When they call him the Demon's Head you better believe he is a demon. I learned that the hard way. Do you know what happens when you refuse to wed the daughter of the Most Dangerous Man in the World and try to elope with your real love?"

"I can imagine," said Batman.

"I don't need to," said Orpheus. "After...after that I was lost. I couldn't defeat Ra's, even if I was his best student. So I became a mercenary, a gun for hire and well the rest is history."

"And now?" asked Batman.

"Pat Dugan told me my father, Oliver Queen, was a good man," said Orpheus. "He didn't just take the Robin Hood look, he lived it. He tried to help the little guy. Till the big guy stomped him. I've been stomped on my whole life. Denied everything by the Zevon Family, the League of Assassins, and even Rakshata when she got her big idea. But this...this is mine. I'm the Green Arrow now and no one's taking that from me. And although I never knew him, I'll do right by my father Oliver and do what he did."

"With a bow and arrow?" Batman asked skeptically.

"Says the man who fights with boomerangs shaped like bats," said Orpheus. "And currently working with a woman who has kunai knives?"

"Touche," said Batman. "Keep up or be left behind. We've wasted enough time."

Sayoko led on her two masked companions to a lone sewer outlet. She led the way, asking Batman if he had a means to see in the dark as she did not wish to use a light

"This is counterproductive," said Orpheus, holding onto Batman's cape as to not loose his way. "Sure the sewers might get us close to the park but with roots like what she's got, we'll still be no closer to getting in. Even if we can find the right path. These sewers are a maze. Even if we could see where we were going."

"I know where I am going. I have a friend who can help," said Sayoko. "Only...he's a bit shy around people."

"A friend who lives in a sewer?" asked Orpheus.

"For good reason," said Sayoko. "He provided me shelter when Mr. Pennyworth died and in spite of his appearances he is a kind man."

Batman recalled some of the intelligence that he had gathered. Quite a few odd rumors.

"The crocodile man in the sewers," said Batman. "Supposedly a cannibal."

As if on cue of this discovery the water splashed violently as a towering scaled figure sprang up in front of Batman and Orpheus. Orpheus let go of Batman's cape and quickly grabbed an arrow. A very special arrow that once the head was pressed a bright light illuminated the sewer, blinding the crocodile man. Batman was able to cover his eyes as was Sayoko.
Orpheus threw up the arrow and was about to notch another when Batman caught him.

"Hold," said Batman.

"What do you mean? This was a trap," Orpheus yelled.

"No," said Batman as the crocodile man straightened. "A feint isn't it? The rumor of a cannibal crocodile man makes for good urban legend. A good enough legend can make for a good defense."

"It's...worked out so far," said the crocodile man. "Sorry, couldn't help it. Old habits and...it gets fun to scare folks every now and then."

"This is Waylon Jones," said Sayoko.

"Back in the freak show, they called me Killer Croc," said Jones.

"Wait so we're not getting eaten?" asked Orpheus.

"If he really wanted to attack he would have five minutes ago at the least," said Batman.

"You knew he was following us?" asked Orpheus.

"Sensors detecting the vibrations of the water," said Batman. "Excluding the three of us and any small vermin there was one which would have suggested an impressive shape and stature. Keeping an eye on us, when he saw us with Sayoko he would have assumed either she was a hostage or we were friendlies."

"Bit of both," said Croc. "You didn't even flinch...Batman."

"I've seen a lot worse," said Batman.

"Waylon has been kind enough to supply me with information he overhears from above," said Sayoko. "It was how I was able to get close to Two-Face."

"Didn't listen when I said he had a monster," said Croc.

"Not anymore," said Batman.

"He knows the waterways better than anyone," said Sayoko. "If we follow him we can get to the root systems of the park in no time."

"And we're just going to trust a seven foot tall crocodile man with razor sharp teeth to lead us into a dark sewer without any back up or support?" asked Orpheus.

"Did you and the League not trust a man dressed like a bat?" asked Sayoko.

"Well I was never really a League member," said Orpheus. "Just a spare pilot at times and even then a hired gun. But...yeah point taken. Bats?"

"We're wasting time," said Batman, looking up at Croc. "Well?"

"I can get you guys there," said Croc. "Heard how you helped Sayoko so...you're okay in my book Bats."

With that Croc began to lead the four into the sewers.

"So after ditching the circus I tried making it on the street," said Croc. "Didn't take well."

"Given your condition and the nature of Britannian society I can imagine," said Batman. "So it became safer in the sewers for you."

"Yeah, till Sayoko kind of washed up here," said Croc. "She had been in a fight and needed a place to hide. She even brings fresh food from time to time. Better than living off rats."

"Rat's not so bad," said Orpheus. "Pairs nicely with week old coffee, especially military grade."

Continuing on through the sewers the four noticed how masonry began to give way to large roots.

"We're coming up on the root system," said Batman.

"Yeah but even so it's gong to get so dense we're still no better off at trying to get in," said Orpheus. "Unless we want to try and dig our way up."

"We're not digging," said Batman. "Do you have any explosives?"

"Yes but...oh I don't like where this is going," said Orpheus.

Batman pulled forth a special type of batarang from his suit while Orpheus pulled forth a special arrow. The latter notched his bow as Batman readied his shoulder. Croc and Sayoko pulled back, somewhat understanding what they were planning.

"One," said Batman.

"Two," said Orpheus.

"Three," both men said as they loosed their respective weapons.

Said weapons struck the roots at the roof of the sewer and exploded in a fury, spreading flame throughout the root. This seemed to upset the others as the earth began to tremble.

"What now?" asked Orpheus.

"Now we're being summoned," said Batman.

The roof gave way as both men were wrapped by vines and pulled upward through the now forced loose soil. Croc and Sayoko ran back to avoid being caught as well, also to avoid falling debris.

"What the hell was that?" asked Croc.

"Some kind of plan of the Batman's I'm sure," said Sayoko.

"He's nuts," said Croc.

The two masked men were pulled up from the ground and into the dense jungle that was once the Gotham park. They were pulled upward to a large tree which almost seemed to take the shape of a palace.
Bound tightly by the vines that had pulled them up from the ground the archer and the knight were brought before a large rose. The rose bloomed open until it seemed more like a throne where sat the woman once known as Guinevere Sue Britannia. She wore a dress which seemed reminiscent of her usual style, now seemingly made of giant flower pedals. Her feet were bare and her skin had seemed to take a green hue to it, like that of a plant.

"The much discussed Batman," she said. "And a miserable archer playing at Robin Hood. I have heard you've caused some trouble for my brothers, Clovis and Odysseus."

"Firefly and Two-Face, yes," said Batman. "I intend trouble for all the Royal Family that still continues to oppress the innocent."

"It is no matter to me your intents," said Guinevere, also known as Poison Ivy. "The affairs of commoners and other apes in truth are of no consequence to me."

"Then why hold orphan children hostage at all?" asked Batman.

"I hold no one hostage," said Guinevere.

As if obeying her mental commands the plants vines lowered and the poison princess and her prisoners were taken down to a level where numerous children tended to various flowers. As well as trees which bore fruit and various vegetable crops. Some children rested in beds of soft sod and there was apparently enough fresh water from the parks pond which they could drink from.

"Looks like a small farm," said Orpheus.

"They are fed," said Guinevere. "So long as they aid in the ending of the plants and grow knowing that they are to serve their betters. The true elite of the world. The Green, that which has been here before apes came to pollute and burn away all that was truly beautiful in the world. Let my mad brother and that alien across the sea slaughter all whom they wish. These children of this forsaken city will be allowed to live. To live to provide the carbon dioxide needed for the Green to live. And they shall learn to obey the Green as their commoner parents once learned to obey the royals of old. And I shall be as mother and Empress to them all."

'Same superior attitude and ambitions if only now with a plant theme,' Lelouch thought beneath the mask of Batman.

"Okay, great plan but in about five seconds lady you're going to be hit with whatever cunning strategy Bats here has," said Orpheus. "Right about now. Now...Bats you do have a plan don't you?"

"We're here to help you," said Batman.

"What?" yelled Orpheus.

"How presumptuous," Guinevere scoffed. "That I would accept help from some lowly rebel such as you. And against what could I possibly..."

Batman's suit began to ring out.

"What is that?" Guinevere yelled.

"I've been sure to rig my suit with a monitoring system alerting me to the movements of H.I.V.E. forces," said Batman. "Joker knows that you're one of the most powerful people in this city. You have a fully functioning means to providing sustenance and security. Not to mention your abilities make you a formidable force in your own right. So far the Joker has ignored you so far. But that'ls changing, a large deployment of H.I.V.E forces is en route."

"There have been those who have attempted to attack me before," said Guinevere.

"But the Joker hasn't been one of them," said Batman. "And just because he is insane do not assume that he's lost any of his reputed intellect. He'll have a means to get through your defenses. And if not you, the children whom you want to to raise into your new world as mother and empress. If you truly wish to be either, you will defend them."

"And your supposed offer of help?" asked Guinevere.

"You've kept to yourself so far and have given security to these children," said Batman. "For the moment I'm willing to let you be. My main objective is the Joker and H.I.V.E."

"So wait you're okay with letting this psycho plant lady stay right where she is?" asked Orpheus.

"Provided she continues to care for the children who come to her for protection," said Batman. "As far as I can see they are being taken care of and are in no danger from her. But the Joker is a danger to everyone. After he's taken care of we will settle thing with you, Poison Ivy."

"A slanderous name," said Guinevere. "Although...you make a fine point Batman. That lunatic brother of mine would eventually come for me. And you have been...effective at fighting if nothing else. You would be a great asset to my own security forces."

"Security forces?" asked Orpheus.

Guinevere drew the plants which she sat on and which held her two masked interlopers down to another area of the park. Large pods were placed in a row in a rather ominous setting.

"I think I saw this movie," said Orpheus.

The pods opened up and revealed various people. Some in uniforms, some not, all with a dazed look in their eyes.

"What the hell?" asked Orpheus.

"If I had to guess part of her abilities includes the manipulation of pheromones," said Batman. "Some plants use them to ward off or attract various animals and insects. And some have been known to have hallucinogenic or mind altering properties."

"So we're about to be roofied into the service of a psychotic plant lady to be her personal bodyguards," Orpheus concluded. "Wish I was still getting paid for this so I could say it's not worth the amount."

"You chose this," said Batman. "Live with it."

"The last choice," said Guinevere, motioning the two close to her. "Sealed...with a kiss."

"No thank you," said Batman.

Spikes shot out from his suit and with a powerful flex he shredded the vines holding him and Orpheus. The two managed to land on their feet as Guinevere drew back and her hypnotized minions drew forth. Orpheus notched and shot five arrows in less than a minute. They were unique arrows which when striking the hypnotized men sent them flying back with powerful concussive force.

"Concussive arrows," said Orpheus.

"Impressive," said Batman. "Keep on them, I'm going for the princess."

Before Orpheus could respond Batman launched himself off of Orpheus's shoulder and grappled after Guinevere, who attempted to rise up to flee the fight.

"Great, leave me down here with the plant lady's zombies," Orpheus grumbled.

A scale model of Gotham as it was now was laid before Joker in his own private war room. It also included a model of Guinevere's plant fortress.

"Crane is en route with a significant force," said Bartley, waddling up to his mad Emperor.

"He's there," Joker laughed.

"He sire?" asked Bartley.

"The Batman, Bartley my bloated bird-brained buffoon," Joker laughed. "He's there I know it. Going for her and he's probably expecting a surprise."

"We've seen no means of...'

"He's there," Joker yelled. "He is there as we speak, I know it. I don't know how but he is in there with her. I wonder what she'll do with him, for he'll do with her. Will he capture her? Kill her? Who knows what he'll do?"

Joker hobbled over the model in a fit.

"Oh this is so wonderful," he said. "I've been so bored as of late. I knew he'd come and now he is. I almost lost faith for a bit but then that signal blew up. Do you know what it means to be denied the thing that gives your life meaning until finally it comes back to you out of the blue?"

"Not quite sire," said Bartley. "But...I thought...you have often said that the...the joke of life is that people think life has meaning when it doesn't?"

Joker cast a furious glare at Bartley. The last one he cast like that left the man with a lip that made him waddle like a Penguin, hence his new name.

"That is for 'people', you Antarctic ass," Joker growled. "I am...Emperor Joker. My only meaning is to prove that life has no meaning to those nitwits. And my only meaning can exist if I have someone to argue against. Some deluded fool who in spite of all evidence to the contrary, tries to hold onto that farcical pantomime we call sanity in this insane world. That all our wondrous delusions, delusions of nationality, of identity, of loyalty, of...well everything. Everything...is a joke. Swirling together like how all colors in the end fuse into white when everyone things white is absence. But this argument needs an opposing view to mine. Someone garbed not in jolly white but in morbid black. Someone who truly represents the absence of meaning in this world but continues to delude himself into believing that there is something to fight for. Trudging himself along in spite of it all. The straight man to my comedian."

"You mean the Batman?" asked Bartley.

"Duh," said Joker. "Honestly however did I survive in an empire as dull as what was before?"

"I...well you always..."

"Rhetorical," Joker snapped, smacking Bartley on the head, flattening the top hat Joker forced him to wear. "Oh dear, I seemed to have ruined your hat. I'd say go to the Hatter but...well Nina's hats are...special after all. Speaking of we really should ensure that once the Batman is done with his current adventure he finds plenty of surprises when he goes after her."

"You mean...you expect the Batman to...but Crane and..."

"Nothing can stop him," said Joker, gleefully. "Oh he'll slow him down but where he's been and what he's faced have prepared him well I'm sure. Hoping he'll at least drive him to the greatest of extremes. To me where he becomes so stressed by trying to uphold some, moral code, that going up against me...makes him snap."

"You...you sound like you want him to kill you," said Bartley.

"Oh...if he did...you know what that means don't you Bartley?" Joker asked, getting uncomfortably close to Bartley's face.

Bartley sunk back at the sight of the hideous grin that plastered Joker's face.

"It means...even if he kills me...I...win," the Joker chuckled.

Guinevere continued shooting out vines to try and trip up Batman as he continued to advance upon her. Attempts of her to wrap him up in vines were negated when he morphed his Apokoliptian metal-fabric cape into twin blades as he once did with Kanto.
The heated blades cut away and burned the plants which tried to wrap around him.

"Stay away peasant or you will..."

Batman finally managed to get close to her and cut away all the vines which made up her throne. The two fell to the ground, Batman taking the brunt of the fall and then wrapping his cape around the two of them.
Before Guinevere could react Batman clamped her mouth shut and undid the holographic field over his eye which bore the Anti-Life Equation.

"You will open your garden to all who need shelter and give crops freely as well as protection to all who come to you," said Batman. "And when the Joker is no longer Emperor you will surrender to my authority. Which you will recognize and obey at all times."

The Poisonous Princesses eyes glossed in a show of submission. Batman drew back his cape as the vines calmed. But it was also at this moment that Batman began to feel the ground tremble.

"Joker's made his move," said Batman.

"So...what now?" asked Croc.

"I'm...not sure...the Batman seems to be a most decisive warrior but it appears that he does not consider it necessary to share his plans," said Sayoko.

"Only when necessary," said the voice of the Batman from Sayoko's outfit.

Sayoko gasped in surprise and searched for the origin. She found a small bat-shaped device in her clothing.

"When did..."

"You have skill but so do I," said Batman. "Joker's begun his attack on Guinevere's Garden. I need you to do something for me. Croc too if he's still there."

"What...what do you need?" asked Sayoko.

"I'm about to send a few packages your way," said Batman. "Take them out of the sewers and get them to Gordon. They'll be stable but fragile so be careful."

The communication cut out after that.

"Wonder what he's sending," said Croc.

The ground began to shake once more and as the two drew back masonry gave way to earth as vines deposited several scores of pods before the two. Sayoko looked at one of the pods and gasped at the sight of a slumbering child inside.

Guinevere brought herself and Batman back to where they were before with Orpheus standing atop a pile of unconscious men.

"Bout time Bats," said Orpheus, nothing another arrow. "So are you...'

"Do you really want to finish that thought?" Batman asked.

Orpheus said nothing and relaxed his bow.

"She good?" he asked.

"We've reached an understanding," said Batman. "Joker's making his move. I've had Guinevere evacuate the children and sent them to Sayoko and Croc with instruction to deliver them to Gordon. We'll deal with Joker's attack force."

"Alright but how?" asked Orpheus. "We don't know the size of the forces or what other surprises Joker might be sending."

"We'll manage," said Batman.

"We also don't exactly have much in terms of armaments," said Orpheus. "I didn't bring a Knightmare with me after all. You know trying to get in a hostile nation as incognito as one can get while dressed as a modern version of Robin Hood."

"Stay in the garden for any ground forces and protect Guinevere," said Batman. "I'll deal with the armed forces and Guinevere will be able to use her vines as well. Anything else we'll adapt as necessary."

Batman shot out a grapple at one of the tall thick trees and went up, leaving Orpheus in the green.

"And he leaves me alone...again," said Orpheus. "To fend for myself against enemies who outnumber me...again. While he does something big and important...again. Yeah it's official...I hate him."

Once above the trees Batman could get a better view of the forces in coming. Several Glauster style Knightmare Frames, twenty-two in total. As well as one very imposing tank-like machine. It had a torso like a Knightmare Frame but with massive guns on the arms and shoulders. As well as a large circular device on the chest plate which seemed to be charging up.
Just as the Batmobile flew up towards the park area the device blew out in a plume of what looked to be gas. Wasting no time Batman leapt for the Batmobile and sealed it tight.

"Gas weapons, Orpheus might be in trouble," said Batman.

The orange gas blew into the dense park fortress as several of the Knightmares opened fire to try and blow a hole in the dense trees to advance on. A quick scan of the Knightmares revealed a majority of them were unmanned. With that in mind he dove his machine down and unleashed a volley of missile blasts upon the machines. However this seemed to work to the advantage of a few others, APC vehicles with large saws attached mowing their way in. As he made a turn to go after them, his craft was struck by a beam from the large vehicle.

"Shit," Batman cursed as he began to lose altitude control over his vehicle.

Still having some maneuverability he attempted to control the way he fell. He avoided various gun blasts from the large machine and its surviving forces. His sensors detected that the main weapon was charging again on the large machine. Controlling the dove and setting the controls for a Kamikaze run on automated Batman launched himself from the craft just as the canon fired. He had been sure to cover his mouth with a re-breather to negate the gas.
The craft was destroyed but Batman continued on. Gliding down through the smoke and attaching himself to the back of the machine. He clawed into the mecha and began to interface with his suit.

"My turn," Batman said.

Taking control of the mecha he began opening fire upon the enemy Frames. However he couldn't find a means to shut down the gas dispersal device. As he continued to decimate the attack force he heard a hatch open above him. Looking up quickly he barely dodged a scythe blade bearing down on him, slicing the re-breather off of his mouth.
Batman leapt back and used his cape to catch air to soften his fall. His new foe, this mech's pilot came down on a cable and Batman, in spite of holding his breath, took time to look him over.
The pilot was dressed in the patchwork rags of a scarecrow. This...Scarecrow came at him again with the scythe, apparently not bothered by the gas.

"I've hoped to meet you Batman," said the Scarecrow. "I was told you already once had a taste of my formula before Schneizel transformed into what he is today."

Beneath the cowl Lelouch recalled how Schneizel once drugged him with some kind of reverse Refrain drug. One that brought his worst fears to life. Recalling the effects provided enough distraction for Scarecrow to land a hit on Batman's shoulder. The armor protected him well enough but the force of the attack caused him to exhale. And thus take in some of the gas.

"Breathe it in Batman," said Scarecrow. "Breathe in the fear."

Something Batman didn't know is that Orpheus was equipped with his own re-breather in case of a gas attack. The attacking H.I.V.E. forces spread out from their vehicles in the search for targets. Blending into the green of Guinevere's forest he notched a special arrow made for a situation such as this.

'Thank you Rakshata,' he thought as he drew, the clawed arrowhead glowing read.

He fired into the ground in the middle of the squad. Crackling red radiation released in a massive blast beneath the ground, breaking up the formation and throwing them into chaos.

'Radiant Wave Surge Arrow works,' Orpheus thought as he launched a line to descend into the now disorganized group.

He was back on Apokolips. Pits of fire sending massive plums of smoke into the sky. But it wasn't Apokolips exactly. Lelouch was indeed on Earth. An Earth made into a second Apokolips.

"No," Lelouch whimpered.

The sides of the streets were crammed with civilians chained together and dressed in rags. The ground trembled and Lelouch looked up and saw a parade of damnation. Not like before in his dreams. On two floats flanked by what looked like giant Parademons fused with Knightmare parts, were posts in which the crucified bodies of his friends and allies were all on display.
Kallen, Suzaku, Milly, Rivalz, Shirley, Ohgi, Rolo, Tohdoh, J'onn, Pat, all of them nailed to posts. But it continued to get worse as he saw Scott dressed in rags and bound in massive chains to a post. Barda similarly chained in a post next to him. His sisters, Cornelia, Euphie, and Nunnally all dressed like slaves and huddling in despair and terror.

"No," Lelouch cried again.

He dreaded to look up and see who had done this to everyone he had ever cared about in his life. But in his heart he new the answer. He knew what he feared. Looking up he beheld Omega sitting proudly upon a raised throne.
Lelouch could only tremble on his knees as Omega came down, holding in his hands what appeared to be a triple bladed halberd. Omega stood above him raising the horrible weapon ready to strike.

"Move," a shrill voice yelled.

Lelouch, or rather Batman, regained his senses and dove as the blade came down. He straightened after a role and formed his cape into a sword as the next strike came.
He stayed on the defensive as Omega continued swinging his blade. Without any finesse or true skill.

'This is the gas,' Lelouch deduced.

When he caught the next attack he relaxed the cape and wrapped it around the 'halberd' and pulled back in a spin. It sent 'Omega' off balance and in the same motion Batman delivered a powerful kick to his midsection, sending him reeling to the ground.
Batman then got on top of 'Omega' and began to smash his fist into the cowled face of his great fear. He struck and struck and struck again until that same shrill voice from before got his attention.

"Batman does not kill," it said.

Lelouch stopped striking, breathing more and more gas in with each breath. The vision of 'Omega' was not moving. Checking his pulse revealed that he was still alive. He was still alive and Lelouch was still left with the visions of all he loved crucified and enslaved right in front of him.

After being shook up by the blast the H.I.V.E. agents were in complete disarray. Orpheus shot arrows of various design on his enemies. A ricocheting stun arrow took out several regular soldiers. An instant freeze arrow took out sword wielding combat specialists. There were at least two towering lieutenants. Orpheus got one with a powerful shock arrow. He got the other with a design he swore Rakshata made just to prank him, a boxing glove arrow.
After dealing with these various variants of villainous varlets, Orpheus decided to look and secure Guinevere to ensure she didn't ready a knife for his and Batman's backs.
He made his way to where she had stashed herself away when the fighting began. To his surprise she was hunched over as if in pain.

"Are you alight?" Orpheus asked.

"This gas," Guinevere groaned. "It's killing my plants."

"And it's lingering," said Orpheus. "And Batman didn't give me a communicator and I have no idea what he's doing. Heard some major explosions but..."

"Batman...authority..."

Orpheus helped her straighten herself and got a good look at her eyes. They seemed quite red but he attributed that to the gas. He recalled what she said though and the way she said it. Something about Batman having authority. Perhaps another effect of whatever kind of gas this was.

"Batman has given me orders," Orpheus said. "He wants to know if there is anything that can be done on your end? Maybe anything that could help with this gas?"

"There...there may be," said Guinevere.

She connected herself to her vines, seeming to be in pain. Even more gargantuan plants grew up with large flower buds which seemed to absorb the gas into them.

As the gas began to recede Batman still found himself in a limbo of reality and illusion.

"What...who was talking to me?" he muttered.

He saw Omega shift back into that Scarecrow figure but he couldn't see anyone else who would be there to speak. No one was there. None who might have said anything to him.
He caught his breath as his senses came back to him. He stood up and restrained the Scarecrow. He noticed the gas was receding much too slowly into the large plants that were springing up. No doubt because of the machine Scarecrow had piloted. Grappling up to the cockpit Batman hacked into its systems once more. Downloading the various files aboard the computer he then rerouted the power conduits to the Sakuradite core. Soon enough the entire machine would destruct.
He got Scarecrow to a safe distance when it finally blew. After that the gas began to be absorbed even faster. Looking over the flora he could tell that the gas was having a negative effect on the plants. And likely a negative effect on Guinevere. He grappled up the trees instantly.

From his place in Wonder Tower overlooking the city, Joker laughed as the cloud at the park dissipated. It also looked like the trees might wilt as well.

"Well the Scarecrow's big brain was naught but straw," Joker laughed. "Better get a refund from the Wizard. And dear sister looks like she might be wilting on the vine. He'll be coming here soon."

"And then I will break him again," said the voice of Bane, coming up behind Joker.

Alongside him were Bartley and Kanon watching with unease while Bane was an unreadable monolith of power.

"Oh I'm sure he hasn't forgotten you," said Joker. "Oh this is going to be fun. But of course he's going to start with Hatter. Be sure to let her know. Make the usual promise, the little nut job will go gaga over it and do whatever it takes."

"Sire...perhaps we should ensure that security around Hatter is tightened with our own methods," said Kanon, coming up sheepishly to Joker.

Joker turned, his smile gone. He inhaled and then exhaled before smiling again as he walked up to Kanon.

"Oh Kanon, where is the fun in that?" asked Joker. "That's the most important thing in the end. I spent so long before I was inducted into the Society trying to keep the Empire together while Charles dithered away. I always thought he was a useless excuse for an Emperor even then. But then I tried to ensure the plans of Savage went to hitch for the sake of a stronger world. But when I met him again after all these years. When I saw what he had become and when our clash left me...well enlightened. I realized that the entirety of human endeavor, whether it be legitimate building of empires or the machinations of immortal madmen, are all pointless endeavors of little men dancing on a spinning blue marble circling down an infinitely black drain into nothingness. So...I'm going to try and have fun with life. That fun happens to involve playing a game with the one who helped me find my true self. It's like the games of chess I would always play. My epidermis now the white sheen of the side I would always take. And he...all garbed in black and midnight and nothingness. It's the game in true life, white and black. And I am going to enjoy my fun...and no one is going to get in my way."

Joker got close to Kanon's face. Kanon, who for over a year has withstood the abuse coming from what was once his sworn Prince, simply readied himself for another blow. Joker's face softened as with one hand he stroked Kanon's face gently.

"Oh Kanon," Joker said. "Why so blue? Don't you know...you've always been my number one. Always."

A shot, fired from a gun in Joker's left hand, rang out as a bullet passed through Kanon's heart.

"And now I'm sad," said Joker as Kanon slumped, dying to the ground. "I can't have that Kanon and...well you dying here is just going to make it worse."

Pulling out a switch from his coat the Joker opened the window he had been observing the latest bit of theater from.

"Bane if you wouldn't mind," said Joker.

Bane picked up the dying Kanon and with one arm threw him out the window like rubbish.

"Now I need something to put me in better mood," said Joker. "I think I'll listen to Pagliacci that will cheer me up."

Making his way into the garden Batman found Orpheus cradling a fallen Guinevere as the last of the gas was taken care of. The trees thus released a plume of seeds flying throughout the air.

"You were prepared for gas," Batman deduced, noticing the incapacitated soldiers on the ground.

"Yeah, also not the important part," said Orpheus. "Look she's in a bad way. I'm not sure if she's going to make it."

Batman knelt down and examined Guinevere. Her transformed green skin now seemed grey with her veins showing with red color. She was indeed in a bad spot. Lelouch had no love for Guinevere as a sister. She was always cruel to him and Nunnally. Even Cornelia hated her personally. But...his recklessness had already caused Carine to die before she could be judged by the people she had wronged. And in spite of her crimes and his own personal issues with her Guinevere had acted as a guardian of the orphans of Gotham.
He couldn't contain her like he had been able to with Clovis and Odysseus. And he didn't have the resources to help her medically.

"Well...she is the enemy so..."

"We plant her," said Batman.

"I know but..."

"She's like a plant," said Batman. "We need to plant her in soil and ensure she gets water. Soil with natural nutrients which will help purge the toxins from her system. But assuming she recovers quickly I might not be able to get to her to ensure..."

"I think I may know a place that can work," said Orpheus.

Orpheus led Batman and the unconscious Guinevere to a location not far from Gotham. A swamp land called Slaughter Swamp.

"Not the most encouraging of names," said Batman.

"Well from what I've researched of this place it was often used as a dumping ground for the mob," said Orpheus.

"Personal experience?" asked Batman.

"I may have been a merc but I didn't do shit like that," said Orpheus. "Anyway, this place has some spooky stories about it. Our pal Grundy supposedly got his start here. Remember him?"

"I decapitated him," said Batman.

"So that's a yes," said Orpheus. "Anyway, we can put her here for now. As for when she wakes up, well...I eventually got a one on one with Fate. Super creepy by the way and he told me of...things. Things in places like swamps here. Connected to elemental forces and shit that honestly make me nervous. Given all she can do and all those plants took in, some...thing is likely keeping an eye on Gotham's flora."

"So we're gambling on a...Swamp Thing to come save the day when the Poison Princess wakes up, if she wakes up?" asked Batman.

"Pretty much but only because we don't have the means to treat her and since there's really no rule of law and a whole mess of angry people who would like to kill her and I'm guessing you're still a 'no kill' kind of guy, we're low on options," said Orpheus.

Batman thought about the issue and found no real argument. And given he didn't know how long she would be out or if indeed Guinevere would awaken, he could use the time to take care of the Joker.

"Fine," said Batman.

Finding a spot beneath a bent tree the two dug a hole and buried the former princess in it before filling it with earth once more.

"Worse case scenario we just contributed to the rumor of Slaughter Swamp being a dumping site," said Orpheus.

"We need to do better," said Batman. "The Royal Family needs to face justice for their crimes. They need to be alive to do that. Otherwise...nothing will have changed. Really changed, Britannia would still be a place where the strong rule."

"From what I've heard of the Insurgency there isn't much love for the name Britannia anymore," said Orpheus. "Apparently surviving members of the old Senate have been bringing up the stuff Washington's Rebellion was built off of. They're working in contact with the Insurgency to bring about what they call 'The Revived Dream'."

Batman chuckled at that.

"Yeah, corny I know," said Orpheus. "But...they do want to change this nation. There will be change. The Insurgency is working to gather as many surviving members of the Senate together so that they can have all they need to set up a new provisional government. Something to keep order until a more developed government can be formed."

"All talk until Emperor Joker is dethroned," said Batman. "And the H.I.V.E. mind is secured. That's the next objective."

"I'm surprised he hasn't done more to catch you since you got here," said Orpheus.

"He doesn't have to catch me," said Batman. "He knows I'm coming for him. He knows, and he's waiting."

"Yeah and that Wonder Tower is a fortress and we're not sure where the H.I.V.E Mind is," said Orpheus. "Insurgency hasn't been able to get much useful intel other than it's 'under the tower'."

"Luckily we know someone who knows the underground of Gotham," said Batman.

"So a Dark Knight, a barbaric dragon man, a ninja, and an archer are going to storm the fortress of an evil clown Overlord," said Orpheus. "Or were you going to do the whole thing by yourself? Because honestly you seem to radiate this whole 'I work alone' mentality that just makes you insufferable."

Batman said nothing as he turned to go back to the city.

"I need to gather intel," said Batman. "Once I'm done I'll form a plan. Help the people in the city until it's time. I'll let you know when I'm ready...Arrow."

"Oh come on you can't just say 'hop' and expect me to..."

Batman set off a smoke bomb and when it cleared he was gone.

"Yeah, I really don't like that guy," said Orpheus. "Still...nice he used the codename."

It took longer than expected to get back to the cave. Once he was back he was sure to feed Clovis and Odysseus in their makeshift holding cells. Once he was away from them Lelouch removed his suit and sat in his chair before his computers. The cave was still so bare and uncomfortable but for now it was a good place to rest.
After he removed his suit he breathed deep, feeling that perhaps the gas was still working in his systems. He just needed to rest as it worked its way out of his systems.

"I am always with you, gas or no," the voice of Omega rang out.

Lelouch opened his eyes in shock to see Omega standing before him. His nightmare now a waking one.

"You should have killed her," said Omega.

"Oh learn a new song," the shrill voice from earlier spoke.

Lelouch looked around and saw a most confusing sight. A floating midget dressed in a Batman suit.

"Hey Lelouch, I'm Bat-Mite, your biggest fan," said the midget.

It was going to be a long night of withdraw.

Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait. I originally hoped to get the Gotham Arc finished before Black Adam hit theaters so I can start the Khandaq arc and reveal what's been happening to Kallen. But during October I started a new job and that has taken up a lot of my time so I can't write as often. Or sometimes I just don't have the energy to write. But I have had time to plot out how the story will go. Like at the time of this I was planning to add a few tasteful references to V for Vendetta in future chapters. But I obviously am not going to be able to get anything up by the Fifth of November, even though I remember. But I will put in a few bits for fun later. After all if there's any other DC property that can fit so well with Code Geass it would be V for Vendetta.
But that's beside the point, the next chapter will be used to end the Gotham Arc but not the threat Joker presents. I also wanted to introduce more allies for Lelouch. Not ones I've worked with before or haven't had the chance to work much with. I didn't do much with Orpheus before other than making him the pilot of the Red Tornado. I made him the new Green Arrow now, essentially modeled after Conner Hawke, Oliver's son. I went that way since having Oliver there continues how almost everyone in the Zevon family has a first name that starts with 'O' and there is no known mention of who his and Oldrin's father was so I took it as an opportunity. So thus expect Oldrin to become Speedy or Arrowette in the future. I also brought in Croc as an ally modeled after the version from the Batman Earth One books in which Killer Croc is an ally to Batman. I'll do more with him and Sayoko, who will soon enough take the name Huntress, next chapter. Also for those surprised by the little guest, trust me I know what I'm doing. Don't think Silver Age, think about Grant Morrison's run on Batman and what he did with Bat-Mite. Essentially a question of whether or not Lelouch is going mad at the moment. He had the negative part of his mind represented by Omega. The positive is thus represented by Bat-Mite. And he'll be treated them as hallucinations brought on by Scarecrow's fear gas like what Joker was in Arkham Knight. I also did want to update on Halloween but that didn't happen obviously. Anyway I hope this satisfies for now and hope to have more soon as possible.

Next Turn: The House of Cards.