Chapter Fourteen: The Knight of Eternity.
Going on their hunch Lelouch and Ohgi went to the subway system of Gotham.
"Pretty sure the trains aren't running," said Ohgi.
"We'll see," said Lelouch, in his full Batman persona.
"Guess we should just be glad that we've managed to get enough of the water out of the streets to even get down here," said Ohgi. "I can't imagine how much work it's going to take to get this city up and running again."
"Enough time for the scum to amass power," said Batman. "Crime and corruption will grow in the shadows. Like roaches fleeing to dark crevices to breed. They'll attempt to take advantage of the situation when they feel they can do so safely. It's not safe now, all the criminals who thrives under the reign of Emperor Joker are now being forces to flee or are falling to resistance. But it will come back."
"You're not much of an optimist," said Ohgi.
"I'm a realist," said Batman. "The problems of old Britannia will still crop up. It will not be easy for the nation to change. Especially since I all but threatened them with ensuring that former Honorary Britannians are given equal citizenship in this new nation should they come fleeing the chaos of their homelands. The racism of Britannia will create lingering effects. It might never truly fade, if at all. There's also the weakness of the Congress. They still need to ratify and forge new legislature to legitimize their government. To give them the powers that a nation must have."
"Such as rebuilding their armies," said Ohgi. "Although I can't imagine the people are in any shape to want to fight. Even with the Insurgency forces I can't imagine the armed forces will ever regain the strength of the old imperial forces."
"They won't," said Batman. "The rest of the world has their eyes on this new nation. The assembling, training, and arming of armed forces from what was essentially the former Britannian Empire will only antagonize foreign powers."
"Well it's not like the League can handle all the duties of national defense," said Ohgi. "And don't even think about international defense at this point."
"True, eventually forces must be made for this nation's defense formed by the new government," said Batman. "But to build an army you need more than just the legal authority. "
"You need people to believe in the nation," Ohgi said, thinking about Japan. "Building up a national spirit out of a people who have had their entire society collapse is not an easy order."
"No," said Batman.
"As well as getting used to losing their old name," said Ohgi. "But can I ask you something? Do you really think it'll work? This United States of America concept? A lot of this new Congress were already in with the Britannian system."
"They represented the common citizenry, not the nobility or royalty. They know how to run a government and that is what is needed. Same with any former Imperial soldiers or scientists out there who are either fleeing persecution from the One Earth or trying to make it under former Imperial Warlords. We need people who know how to do the jobs needed to get a functioning governmental, military, and technological system up and running. They will have to be carefully vetted, monitored, and watched but we can't afford to turn away useful skills and knowledge at this point. I'm not expecting perfection or absolute peace," said Batman. "Compared to the ideals, the reality will most likely fall short, but the ideals will still be worth fighting for. That is the function of the Justice League of America. To fight for those ideals when the people who are supposed to implement them fall short or lose their way. We're a check to their power."
"But who checks us?" asked Ohgi.
"I have a feeling some are already thinking that way," said Batman. "If there is any good coming out of the collapse of the Britannian Empire, out of Charles and Joker's actions, it's that the people will now question their leadership and those whose duty it is to protect them. They will question everything and everyone. Us included and especially. If they never want to repeat what they've had to go through under Emperor Joker they will have to be eternally vigilant."
"Do you think the people will really accept that?" asked Ohgi.
"Some more than others," said Batman. "But are you really asking about the former Britannians?"
Ohgi realized what Lelouch was getting at.
"I'm starting to forget what Japan was before the occupation," said Ohgi. "Or maybe I'm realizing I remembered it wrong. Or maybe I never really had an idea of what kind of nation I'd like to see once the occupation ended. If it ended at all. Ito's Japan is a nightmare beyond my wildest imaginations. I've been talking with some of the League who have been working to evacuate people from Japan. Ito hasn't even bothered building any kind of governmental infrastructure. All power is strictly in the hands of his new Japanese military. Corpses dangling from street lights to set an example. And do you want to know the real horror? I hear they're not all Britannian corpses. Japanese who speak up are being killed too. Killed for speaking up in the name of common decency, and renounced as traitors. You say the people here need to be vigilant going forward. That's a lesson the Japanese have failed then."
"We'll get to Japan soon enough," said Lelouch. "But Kallen comes first."
"Agreed," said Ohgi. "But are we sure we have a way in. Who was the Old Man? Kallen told me the Wizard who granted her power died."
"We'll find out soon enough," said Lelouch.
The two of them came to a station where Lelouch pulled out the coin and placed it in the token slot. The two passed the turnstiles and waited.
"If we are able to find Kallen, do you think we'll find Black Adam?" Ohgi asked, mostly to pass the time.
"Possibly," said Lelouch. "He might prove to be a useful ally if he still has no love for Mr. Mind."
Lelouch noticed Ohgi's grime expression.
"I don't like his methods either," said Lelouch. "But against such foes we need all the help we can get."
"But what about the people of Khandaq?" asked Ohgi. "If we go after Mind we're also going after Shalia and Shamna. That means we'll be toppling the legitimate rulers of a sovereign nation."
"Yes," Lelouch said simply.
"Just like..."
"The irony is not lost on me," said Lelouch. "But we're not going as conquerors. We're going as liberators."
"That's a thin line," said Ohgi.
"Yes," said Lelouch.
"In fact you could almost say you are the conqueror of Britannia," said Ohgi. "You toppled their royals and have now stripped their nation of its name."
"I know," said Lelouch. "I'm also seizing the lands of the Royal Palace. I initiated a command for a squadron of Bat-Frames to demolish it entirely."
"The Royal Palace?" Ohgi asked.
"I intend to build something better over its remains," said Lelouch. "Where once stood a Palace of Tyranny will stand a Hall of Justice."
"You'll also be sending a message," said Ohgi. "The Royals aren't the greatest power in this nation anymore. Instead it's the Justice League. You might not say we're conquering anything but the fact is we are."
"If we are we're not out to conquer people but rather the evils that beset them," said Lelouch.
"If that's the case you're preparing for..."
"A Never-Ending Battle," said Lelouch. "That's what Rivalz called it once."
"Yeah," said Ohgi. "You know, I sometimes think about him. I thought, someone so powerful raised in a land which constantly said the strong deserve to rule over the weak. But he wasn't like that. He was this...kind person. All that power and what I remember most from what little time I was in a room with him, what I remember most was that he was kind. I've been thinking about that for a good long while now. All the power we have, all the power I held when I shared with Kallen. More power than I ever thought possible for any person could have. Is really possible to have all that power and just be...kind? I think of Black Adam and...the things he's done with his power. Can we even really stay 'good'? Are we even good to begin with? For god's sake, that day all this started, I thought we were stealing poison gas. I was going to gas the very people I've worked over a year to try and save. The people I saw as the most evil on Earth. What right do I have to any kind of power if I cannot decide whether I am good or bad?"
"Quite the conundrum isn't it?" a new voice spoke.
Batman turned, batarang in hand only to see a shadowy coming from the darkness. One he did not expect to see in reality. The Lord of the Dreaming, walking in the land of the waking world.
"Dream?" Batman muttered.
"You can travel outside the Dreaming?" asked Ohgi.
"With frequency," said Dream. "I have my reasons for coming. But none of this is coincidence of course. Powerful forces are at play. There is a gathering being called."
Dream stood along with Ohgi and Batman.
"Called by whom?" asked Batman.
Dream pulled forth a pouch of sand and blew it forth. The two mortal men beside felt slightly drowsy for a moment before seeing a lone figure walking through a desert.
"What is this?" asked Batman.
"A story," said Dream. "Once upon a time, a young practitioner of magic sought knowledge. Traveling far from his homeland he soon came to a land where stood a palace where all pilgrims of magic came to at the time. The young wizard eventually came to a great and wise king. The young wizard formed a true friendship with the king. Who inspired him with his great wisdom even as the king's natural human failings, including age. The young wizard, had by his great magic earned a defense against age. The young wizard, not wishing to for the world to lose such a mind as the old king's, cast a spell upon the elderly king."
The sands spun the story showing images of the story the Dream King wove. The images of the old king became recognizable to Ohgi.
"Solomon," he said.
"The Wizard, though still in his impetuous youth was already a great and powerful enchanter," said Dream. "The spell he cast drew forth the king's spirit for power. Bound to a staff carved from a sacred tree of his homeland, the king's wisdom could flow into the wizard. The wisdom of the king and all his knowledge told a story passed on of an ancient battle. From a time when gods walked among men and guardians from the stars to do battle against a dark invader from beyond. As well as the machinations of an immortal who had made an onerous deal with the dark god. Believing that a time would come when gods would entirely leave man to their devices, the wizard was inspired. Inspired that a champion must be put in place on the Earth to guard mankind from the darkness of their own hearts and the darkness of beyond their ken. Seeking the powers of the greatest gods and heroes he traveled the world. From the Styx he drew upon the spirit of the invincible Achilles. In Rome he was blessed with the divine strength of the mighty Hercules. As well as the speed of the messenger Mercury and the stamina of Atlas. But the most potent came from the lord of the Greek Pantheon, the omnipotent Zeus whose power would be the catalyst of the transformation and the fundamental fuel which would further empower the others."
The sands shifted and showed the Wizard traveling through ancient Greece and Rome.
"The Wizard took the blessings of these gods and heroes and with the wisdom of the king's spirit he fashioned a spell which would grant vast power to those who spoke it," said Dream. "The Spell of the Living Lightning also known..."
"The Power of Shazam," Batman whispered.
A great rumbling ran through the tunnel as the sands dispersed. A train pulled up to the four gathered. A train unlike any Ohgi had ever seen. Colored in colors and images the likes he could never have imagined. The doors opened up and Batman had to push Ohgi in to go in and break him from the daze. The three were thus seated and the train went on.
As the train rode, crackling with lightning, Dream continued the story.
"The Wizard, now named as Shazam, the Champion of Magic, had many adventures," said Dream. "Battled many evils of his world. But even empowered with the wisdom, strength, stamina, power, courage, and speed of the gods, he was still a man. A man has many weaknesses."
Inside the train the sands formed an image of the Wizard, rather Shazam, with a beautiful woman in his arms.
"The Champion fell under the sway of a woman,"said Dream. "But no mortal woman. This was a demon sorceress who bore two children."
The sands shifted into images Ohgi recognized.
"That's Shamna and Shalio," Ohgi gasped.
"Born under the names Blaze and Satanus," Dream narrated. "For attempting to usurp the power of their father they were bound in mortal flesh. But skilled so they were they held off age, living under various names. Blaze, a powerful seer and seductress, foretold events that would eventually lead to their chance to seize their father's power. Manipulating the mortals of Khandaq to ensure royal positions for her and her brother. As well as finding and seducing leaders of the hidden Amazon nation of Bana-Mighdall."
Dream conjured images of Shamna seated on a throne while warrior women stood at attention before her.
"Amazons?" asked Ohgi. "Like the ones now in the British Isles?"
"A broken off sect long hidden in the deserts," said Dream.
"You said she seduced their leaders," said Batman. "She can call them anytime she wanted then. She could have fought off Britannia's invasion of Khandaq if she wanted to."
"I heard Shamna was often described as a prophetess. I thought that was just a reference to her place as the religious leader of Khandaq but no, she's a real seer, she saw Black Adam returning," said Ohgi. "She didn't call the Amazons because if Khandaq were seen as being oppressed by Britannia it would have been easier to manipulate Black Adam. And her brother, he put himself through those injuries. All of this was set up to manipulate Black Adam. That arrogant cruel son of a bitch. How could he be so stupid?"
"As you said, he was arrogant," said Dream. "Pride and arrogance can blind a man to many manipulations. The question thus is not how could one fall for them. The question is how does a man set right what he had made wrong?"
Batman sensed that Dream was talking about more than just Black Adam.
The three stepped out and entered the foreboding structure. Walking into the central chamber they ignored the statues of the Sins. All eyes were focused on who sat at upon the Wizard's throne.
"Black Adam!" Ohgi yelled.
"I had heard the sound of the train," said Black Adam. "But I would not have guessed you would be among its burden Kaname Ohgi. Or you Batman, and certainly not one of the Endless."
"And I know of you Teth Adam," said Dream. "It was I who tended the fleeting hours of peaceful slumber you cherished as a slave. And I who observed your sleepless nights of torment afterwards."
"Adam, we don't have time for this," yelled Batman. "What are you doing here? Mr. Mind is currently..."
"Ruling Khandaq alongside the the Wizard's demon spawn? I know," said Black Adam.
"Then what's happened to Kallen?" Ohgi asked, regaining his composure.
"Judging by her absence, as well as a strange fluctuation in the mystical energies I felt a year ago, she is in grave peril no doubt," said Black Adam.
"A year? So likely you've been here even before Kallen had been captured," Batman deduced. "That's likely when Mind got out."
"Very clever," said Black Adam. "And yes, I am ashamed to admit it but Mind's escape was a result of my own foolishness. Some time after Kozuki had taken the Britannians out of Khandaq, I used the gate beneath the Wailing Prison to inspect the Rock. At that time, a Khandaqi metahuman solider, Folgnar the Shadow Thief, followed me. He hid in my own shadow and whilst I was ensuring the Rock was stable he retrieved Mind."
"I'm also guessing you soon learned that Shamna and Shalio weren't who you thought they were," said Batman.
"After I noticed Mind's escape I searched the Library of Eternity," said Black Adam. "It was there I found an image of whom, as you said I assumed to be Shamna and Shalio. By then, I had already shared my power with Shalio, seeing him as a kindred soul. Originally I sought to fight but that strange sensation came over me. When I returned, Shiori Kozuki was empowered and possessed by Mind. Not only that, Mind had used a spell constructed by a Duke of Hell meant to mock the Wizard's spell and given it to Bitool. Bitool was the former warden of the prison. But he had the soul of a bandit, and now with the power of a demon, the power of IBAC. Thus when I originally exited I was met by powerful foes. While it sickened me to leave my country, I knew I could not allow Mind to ensure the Wizard's spawn entry. I left and shattered the door."
"Well Mind's trying to fix it using..."
"Eternium, the element the Rock is made of when it was forged with stones of Heaven and Hell ," said Black Adam. "Yes, there is plenty of it in Khandaq. It was only a matter of time before Mind would try that. I assume he's already enslaving my people for that purpose."
"He used to use the Brtiannians we were escorting," said Ohgi. "It's thanks to Batman sending help we escaped. We've also been giving as much as we can against them in Khandaq. We've also tried finding Kallen. All the while here you are hiding in a giant rock."
Black Adam flew up to Ohgi and grabbed him by the neck.
"The fact that you have made trouble for the monsters who are now oppressing my people is the only reason I am not breaking your neck for that insult," said Black Adam, before releasing Ohgi. "While I do prize Khandaq above all things, even I know that the Rock of Eternity must be secure. There are more than just the Sins held in these walls. And beyond that there are paths from here that can lead to other realms. Including the Rock's twin."
"It's...twin?" asked Ohgi coughed while trying to regain his breath.
"The Rock of Finality," said Black Adam. "And I have a feeling that Mind may well seek it out. He did not bother plan the freedom of the Sins as they had failed him once before. But the Rock of Finality, that holds within it, the horrors he once commanded."
"What is it?" asked Batman.
"The Rock of Finality is a prison," said Black Adam. "Mind is such a foe he battled the Wizard in years when he was the Champion. And myself when I was Champion. Between the two of us we threw into that cage many of the horrors Mind unleashed. His...Monster Society of Evil."
Batman hummed in thought.
"The broadcast I sent out would likely cause the people of Savage's One Earth Government to stop and think," said Batman. "If Savage cannot continue promoting Britannia as the enemy of the world he will need a new enemy. Even if Mind could be attempting to break off from Savage's Secret Society this is an opportunity for him to continue arguing that his government is the only way for Earth to stay safe. If Mind gets this...Monster Society free, Savage could send his forces. I doubt it'd be a show battle either, especially if Mind is indeed attempting to fully break off. Khandaq would be destroyed."
"And that is why I am attempting to secure the Rock," said Adam, releasing Ohgi. "I will not allow my people to face the destruction of the Monster Society or Savage's Society. As such, I am preparing to make the ultimate sacrifice. When Mind attempts to open his door I will unleash all the power of the Rock of Eternity through. That will destroy the bug for sure."
"It...it could also kill Kallen, her mother, and god knows who else," said Ohgi.
"A small price to pay," said Black Adam. "Although...I will be saddened by the loss of Shiori Kozuki. She spoke up to me with a courage and...perhaps a wisdom I've not heard since...since long ago. Her loss lessens the world. But now, before I worry about those invaders yet to come, how is it you all interloped into the Rock of Eternity? For the Dream Lord, I know the Endless may exist in all realms. But for the rest of you..."
"Is it just you here Black Adam?" asked Batman.
"Of course," said Black Adam. "Why?"
"Batman was given...clues I guess that referenced some of the gods who make up the power," said Ohgi. "That's what led him and I down here. I don't know about Dream."
"I will keep my reasoning for coming in person to myself for now," said Dream. "But of course the root of all of this is the woman Kallen Kozuki. I have no been able to find her in the Dreaming. And...though some inquiries of my own I found that her soul has prematurely passed into the realm of Hell."
Lelouch and Ohgi's blood ran cold.
"You mean she's...she's..."
"I have it on very good authority that Kallen Kozuki still lives," said Dream. "But her soul is no longer tied to the world of the waking. Banished to hell before the end of her natural life. A blasphemous incantation only performed by those who flaunt the laws of the universe."
"That is Mind," said Black Adam.
"Why separate Kallen's soul from her body?" asked Batman. "Why not just kill her? And what happens when a soul is removed from a body?"
"A body without a soul can be manipulated easier by a powerful enough sorcerer," said Black Adam. "Which Mind unfortunately is and no doubt working to make Kozuki's body a puppet."
"Puppet? With access to the power?" Batman muttered, placing his hand to his chin.
He put his eyes on Dream and studied him closely. A hard thing to do given the ever shifting nature of the Dream Lord. But Lelouch felt that there was a sort of kinship between them. One that allowed him to at least guess at his motivations.
"This has nothing to do with the welfare of the Dreaming," Batman said, walking up to Dream. "You have been to Hell before haven't you?"
"i have...on more than one occasion," said Dream. "I know the laws and ways of Hell. Or least I did with some of its former rulers."
"Then I have to ask...are you mainly here to offer yourself as a guide?" Batman asked.
The Dream king gave a silent nod.
"Then we'll leave immediately," said Batman.
"Wait are you serious?" asked Ohgi.
"If you go there is a chance you may never return," said Black Adam.
"I escaped from Apokolips," said Batman. "What is one more realm of torture?"
"Do not let a past victory, narrow as it already was, fill you with false bravado," said Dream. "Hell is vast and finding Kallen Kozuki's soul will be no easy feat."
Black Adam put his hand to his chin, the wisdom of Zehuti working into his mind.
"Souls close to one another can find each other," said Black Adam. "Someone who loves Kallen Kozuki more than anything in the world."
"Kallen's mother?" asked Ohgi. "But she's..."
"Possessed by Mind," said Black Adam. "But Mind would only be using the physical method. Like the worm he is he'd have crawled into Shiori Kozuki's brain, seizing control that way. But her soul is another thing. A soul that loved her daughter so much she endured the humiliation of slaving under a woman who took her lover's bed. In theory a soul like that could be used to guide you to Kallen Kozuki. But bringing her bare soul into Hell would put her in great risk. Assuming we can successfully tear her soul from her body. Such a spell would require her body or at least a piece of her mortal body."
"Ask and you shall receive," said another haunting voice.
The Spectre appeared, holding in his hand strands of brown hair.
"While I am no longer bound to the mortal flesh that was Naoto Kozuki, sentiment is part of me," said the Spectre. "These are but few scant reminders of what mattered in the life of Naoto Kozuki."
Spectre also pulled forth red strands.
"Kallen's hair too," said Ohgi.
"With those few strands we could indeed summon forth Shiori Kozuki's soul," said Black Adam. "But it would still need a vessel to hold her soul. Something that along with her daughter's hair could be made into a makeshift compass. Something that could also...by Zehuti's wisdom I have it."
Black Adam shot off with the speed of Horus. Before anyone could properly react he returned with a fabulous golden jewel.
"This, a relic hidden by the Wizard," said Black Adam. "Once held by the Queen Hatshepsut to bring peace to her kingdom, this jewel is a conduit for one of the greatest goddesses in Egypt. The goddess Isis. If we bind Shiori Kozuki's soul to this then along with those strands of her daughter's hair a mystical compass can be formed from it. It may also be used to hold Kallen Kozuki's soul."
"Then it sounds like you can work the spell," said Batman. "After that..."
"Again, do not assume you are going to have an easy quest," said Black Adam. "By now Kozuki is either enslaved to any of the demons of the pit. Or worse she has become corrupted and is now a demon herself."
"Don't underestimate Kallen," said Ohgi, getting into Black Adam's face.
"What he says is true, assuming the girl hasn't been corrupted into being one of the demonic horde she may yet still be a slave. To win her you will need more than physical prowess. You would have to gamble for her freedom. Of course you would likely have to put up your own soul as well," said Dream.
"It wouldn't be the first time I've had to gamble my way out of damnation," said Batman. "Although...who chooses the type of gamble?"
"It tends to depend on who is challenger or challenged," said Dream.
"You've had to gamble against demons before I take it," Batman reasoned.
"It was an...unpleasant chapter of my life," said Dream. "One in which...I was faced with my own sins. My own...failures. In truth that is in part why I wish to accompany you. While I admit I do not at times fully understand the feelings of humanity, I do understand what it means to fail someone you cared for. And the desire to make it right. We are much alike in that regard I do believe."
Lelouch said nothing in a silent agreement with the Dream Lord. It did not take Black Adam long to create the mystical circle and begin his spell.
In the hidden sanctuary of Khandaq, where Mr. Mind in Shiori's body oversaw the construction of a new door to the Rock of Eternity, a sudden shock went through the body.
The body slumped over and from inside Shiori's brain where Mind had nested, the alien worm found himself confused.
"What was that?" the parasitic worm asked himself. "Something is happening."
Control of the mind and body was still his. Regaining composure Mind walked over to the cage where the empty husk of Kallen Kozuki looked up with a blank expression.
"I'm going to have to use you soon," said Mind, using Shiori's voice.
The husk of Kallen simply stared blankly, like an infant being told a lecture on physics. She could not comprehend the phenomenal issues at play. Mind was also have some issue contemplating many of the strange things he had noticed going on with his host. This latest sensation just another of a few light odd bits. Like there were slivers of the host that were being ebbed away.
In a flash of light the spirit form of Shiori Kozuki hovered in the circle.
"W...where am I?" she asked. "What has...happened to me."
"Shiori," Ohgi called out, walking to the edge of the circle.
"Ohgi, what is happening?" she asked. "I...I went to sleep and...where is Kallen? You!"
"Fear not Shiori Kozuki," said Black Adam. "You are as of now a soul rendered from your body. A body which has already been stolen by a deadly enemy of your daughter who has condemned her soul to Hell."
Shiori gasped in horror at such a revelation.
"But you can help us as we endeavor to rescue her," said Black Adam. "The jewel below you is of great power. It can contain your soul and that of your daughter. The connection you have with her, the great love that gave you the strength to endure any humiliation, will be out guide to your daughter's soul."
"I...I don't understand but I'll do anything to save my daughter," Shiori said.
With that Shiori's soul went into the jewel, in which her hair and Kallen's were secured.
"It is done," said Black Adam, picking up the jewel. "Shiori will be able to detect her daughter's soul and it should guide you even in the pit."
"Now's the question of getting there," said Batman.
A light crack was heard and all turned to the thrones and saw at the foremost throne was an unusual looking golden staff. Batman walked over to investigate, picking it up to inspect said item. A staff of two golden snakes.
"A Caduceus," said Batman. "Mercury."
"A coin with an image of Zeus, a drive from Atlas, now Mercury," said Ohgi. "Adam you are the only one here aren't you?"
"How about I drag you through every chamber to be sure?" Black Adam growled.
"As I said, this is a gathering," said Dream.
"Forces are at work here of great power," said Spectre. "And a change is coming that will decide the fate of the power of SHAZAM."
Batman noticed what almost looked like a bead of sweat forming on Black Adam's brow. Whoever was arranging this was obviously connected to the gods who supplied the power of Shazam.
"Power, stamina, speed," said Batman. "Those items were essentially representative of the powers that support Kallen's set. Yours is different though aren't they?"
"My power is indeed drawn from a different set of deities," said Black Adam. "Khandaq shared a worship of the Egyptian Gods with her neighbors to the west of her. When the Wizard chose me to be his successor I pleaded with my gods, and they as such filled out the Word, hijacking the lightning."
Batman looked at the staff in hand and pondered at the nature of the mysterious events happening.
"One of Mercury's duties was to deliver souls to the shores of Styx to meet Charon the Boatman," said Batman, recalling his research into mythology. "This is how we get in and out."
"But how did it get here?" asked Ohgi. "Someone's pulling strings and I'd like to know who."
"Someone who is apparently on good terms with certain gods," said Batman. "Either way, I'm ready to go."
"Then I suggest going to the edge of the Rock," said Black Adam, handing the jewel to Batman. "With the Caduceus and this Jewel you should find yourself arriving relatively close to where the girl is."
"And Dream?" asked Batman.
"I can traverse on my own means," said Dream, donning a strange kind of helm apparently fashioned from bone.
With that the two dark cloaked men walked out of the central chamber, to make their way towards the edge. Ohgi looked and saw that the Spectre was gone, leaving him alone with Black Adam. Much to the chagrin of both men.
Overlooking the Rock of Eternity, watching the Dark Knight and the King of Dreams making their way to the edge of the Rock of Eternity, was the Spectre. He was not entirely alone as six shades hovered along with him.
"Thus it begins," said the Spectre.
One shade came up from the others, a blazing lightning bolt on its chest.
"Yes...it does," the shade said, taking shape.
When Batman and Dream came to the edge the Lord of the Dreaming faded downward in advance. The Caduceus and jewel in hand, thinking about Kallen, Batman took the leap. In a burst of speed so fast it felt as if there had been no motion, he was standing next to Dream again.
Standing in the outskirts of a hellish city.
"So this is Hell," said Batman.
"Rather a portion of Hell under one Duke's domain," said Dream. "Hell is not quite as it once was. Once it would be prudent to speak before the monarch who ruled all of Hell. But that time has passed."
"The Devil is no longer in charge?" asked Batman.
"In a sense, now Hell is often in flux between various rulers," said Dream. "But some of the rules are the same. For instance the rules about the mortal souls who fall here. While Kallen Kozuki was indeed banished here before her time and against her will, there is a key component in why her soul has remained trapped. A flaw in all mortal souls."
"What?" asked Batman.
"You all believe yourselves...to be deserving of this," said Dream.
"I don't understand," said Batman.
"Hell was once just a quiet void," said Dream. "It was mortal souls believing they had committed acts that could never be forgiven that made it a place a torment and punishment. While indeed they may have committed heinous crimes on Earth, might have even believed themselves justified, even the most vile of criminal can acknowledge what he has done is a crime and deep in his soul believes he should be punished for it. I saw this once when the original monarch decided to free himself from the role he so found himself playing. The soul of a long dead king who had done the foulest of crimes. He was quite long winded about it truly and in the end had to be told at length that with Hell's ruler leaving there was no reason to stay."
"So the Devil simply decided to quit?" asked Batman.
"He did," said Dream. "Finding ruling Hell to be a bore as well as growing tired of mortals believing that he trafficked in souls. Or that it was he who influenced their own evil acts. Those demons who do such do so because it amuses them to have mortals believe that they do."
"So if a demon were to say they own a human's soul, the truth is they don't," Batman said, trying to understand. "But the mortal thinks they do because that's what they've ascribed to demons."
"In the end no one can truly own the soul of another," said Dream. "Sentient life was given free will. What they do with that will is theirs and theirs alone. What they choose to do in life to even where it is they choose to believe they go when they depart that life. Though I can say little on that. Even my sister has never spoken of what happens beyond her time with those she takes under her wings. But in the end for these damned souls, it comes to what they believe of themselves. They forged their reality as above and now they have come to the reality as below as they believed themselves deserving."
"So Kallen...believes that on some level she is deserving of this," Batman deduced.
He felt a tug from the jewel and held it out. Shiori Kozuki was indeed sensing her daughter's soul. Batman and Dream walked along, following the jewel.
"So the souls here are here because they believe it's simply where they deserve to be," said Batman.
"Or because...others believe the deserve to be," Dream said, guilt in his voice.
Batman didn't press him for it. Although Dream's revelations did give him ideas. Following the Jewel the two eventually made their way to a demonic casino.
"You know, the day the League first met was just after I had finished at a casino," Batman said. "Ironic, especially the name here."
The name upon the casino was written in bright neon red 'Inferno'. With a flourish of his hand Dream altered his and Batman's outfits. The latter retained a mask, although it appeared more as a domino mask in the form of bat-wings.
"There is a dress code," said Dream, wearing a fine suit and no longer sporting his helm. "Though I felt you'd still like to go with some cover over your face. It is merely cosmetic though. All functions of your uniform remain. All...important functions."
Batman nodded in understanding and the two went into the establishment. It functioned largely like any other casino Lelouch had been in. Save for the screams of tormented mortal souls. So distracted was he that he failed to notice the humanoid rabbit woman who bumped into him, spilling wine all over the floor.
"I'm sorry, I'll..."
Kneeling down to help the woman Lelouch's heart froze when he recognized her. Even in this transformed state. The Jewel in his hand confirming it with great vibrations. The woman also kneeling to clean up the mess, this bizarre blend of rabbit and human, was Kallen Kozuki.
Author's Note: Another fairly short chapter but I thought leaving it off at a recreation of Lelouch bumping into Bunny Kallen would be a fitting cliffhanger. This also features Dream coming back into the story, and while he didn't have to guide Lelouch long he did give Lelouch the ideas of how Hell works and how he could use that to his advantage, relating some of his own experiences. Also giving a bit in how Hell kind of works in DC as various demons have been seen running various portions of Hell in the comics. I also went into a version of the origin of the power of Shazam, namely the post-Crisis version as described in the late George Perez series War of the Gods. And a hint at what will happen with the power later on as well as what is currently going on with it. There will be a change which is going to affect Kallen going forward which I've been planning for a while. Something that combines a few different elements of the Shazam mythos. Such as having Shamna and Shalio be the Wizard's demonic children Blaze and Satanus respectively. Also the end goal for Mind is the liberation of the Monster Society of Evil to unleash upon the Earth. All of which Kallen is going to have to face in order to secure her place as the Champion of Magic and even to ascend to even greater glories. But first Lelouch will have to win her freedom from Barbatos and somehow escape with her from the hordes of hell.
Next Turn: The Infernal Game.