Justice League of the Rebellion; R2, a Code Geass/Justice League fan-fiction.
Disclaimer: I own neither Code Geass or any Justice League related characters or concepts. All rights go to Sunrise, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Again, I own nothing.
Chapter One: Knight of the Pit.
A memory Lelouch had from not long after he and Nunnally were adopted by Scott and Barda, was a rather simple one. A family trip to the movies in the newly occupied Area 11.
While the reminder of the nation he hated didn't sit well with Lelouch back then he soon became lost in the film. It was a movie about a hero who assumed a false identity to outwit his enemies and save lives. While it was based on skewed Britannian histories of the time when Europe's Revolution was sweeping across the continent, even a young boy with as much hate towards Britannia as Lelouch could not help but be swept up in the magic of the film. The way the hero used his cunning to outwit his foes, how he rallied allies behind him, and how he was sure to establish two different personae so that no one would suspect him.
It was a good time and for that instant, Lelouch forgot his anger. He recalled how Scott had his hand on his shoulder, firm and strong but the same way comforting as a father's hand should be.
The memory continued on with the group walking out of the theater into an alley, Nunnally cradled in Barda's arms, still disabled. But as they newly formed family walked on into the alley a shadow rose. Lelouch froze as the shadow towered over him and as its eyes began to glow red. He watched helplessly as Scott threw himself in front of him and as Barda turned to shield Nunnally and in a flash of red Lelouch saw as his family, his new parents and his beloved sister were all three lying dead before him. The same shock and terror that once filled Lelouch when he saw Marianne lying dead with Nunnally being pinned under her corpse returned tenfold. The shadow drew closer and Lelouch, frightened tears in his eyes looked up at the face of the monster that destroyed his family. The face of Darkseid.
"No," Lelouch cried.
Cold sweat dripped over his naked torso upon the machine he was strapped to as the realization of what was returned to his mind.
"Ah, awake again I see," said DeSaad. "Good, we can continue."
The damage to his back was being healed to ensure that the physical stress of the tests wouldn't kill him. But Lelouch found that small comfort. The experiments DeSaad was running per the command of his master were agonizing.
Although the first step was the euthanasia of what was lest of Charles. With his death the power he held in life became transferred to his closest genetic relative. At least that was what DeSaad had theorized. He was sure to keep a dampener on Lelouch in the machine he kept the young man in. He needed his new abilities for something else.
"Within all sentient life there is consciousness," said DeSaad. "But they are not separate as they believe. All sentience does indeed connect to one another. Personal ego being but the attempt of the one to try and distinguish itself from the many. It is the same for all races in reality. All have their unique Collective Unconscious. But even these Collectives are but parts to a whole, masked to distinguish themselves from one another no different than the billions of minds that make them up. These Collectives come together at one place...the Source."
Lelouch had often heard Scott, Barda, or even Mother Box refer to the Source but never asked upon it.
"Fascinating," he groaned, defiantly before his latest attempt to try and test the response rate of the devices security system shocked him.
"Six of your Earth months and you still haven't learned boy," DeSaad laughed. "But...you are right, it is fascinating. The Source, that which even Gods worship. The Source of all things. The Mother and Father Boxes are connected to it. The souls of Gods travel there upon death. Even the power we wield, all flow from the Source. It is there, great Darkseid is convinced is the solution to that which he has sought, the Anti-Life Equation. But one cannot simply travel to it. The Source is guarded by an commence wall comprised of the celestial titans of old, the Gods of the Third World, and all others who would dare to try and pry into its secrets."
"But you believe...that by using a powerful psychic like Charles...or like me as the case would be now, you can bypass this...Source Wall by way of the Collective Unconscious of humanity," Lelouch deduced. "And given that my biological mother is a powerful supernatural entity...the chances are even greater for success."
"Precisely," said DeSaad.
The God of Torture flipped a switch and once again Lelouch's mind was influenced by the machine he was trapped in and his consciousness was sent flying beyond the physical plane. He went through worlds of shadows, where white masks appeared before him, thousands of millions of them. He saw then what almost looked like the planet Jupiter. Going beyond the gas giant he saw all of time and space. The beginning of the universe, a single bang which blew out into vast and infinite directions. He saw versions of himself he could hardly recognize. He even saw what could only be considered other Batmen, with different faces and names than him. It flew on until he saw what DeSaad spoke of.
A wall of giants frozen in stone with faces of agony. Lelouch was drawn closer to the wall, closer than any of these horrid experiments had brought him before. From the eyes of one of the giants came a bolt of red lightning which struck Lelouch, who felt a pain unlike any before as he was sent back to the physical plain. Despite the physical pain, which was immense, there was another sensation coursing through Lelouch's mind and body. He thought of all the rage, hate, misery, and sorry he had felt over the years. His left eye burned, but it was not an earthly burn.
"Tell me all that you gained," DeSaad commanded as needles injected a horrid type of 'medicine' to help his body recover and to render him more willing to answer DeSaad.
But this had been going on for six months. In those six months, Lelouch had developed a tolerance to the drug's effects. Lelouch's mind raced from the experience he just endured. As he was expected to answer a question from the machine's master, the usual method of disrupting his thoughts was offline for now. And the bolt of lightning, it was one thing Lelouch knew he could use as a weapon, his greatest weapon, information. After all, that was all and equation was.
"DeSaad..."
"Yes, tell me," DeSaad said, coming close with a twisted smile on his face.
In the six months he had been DeSaad's pet project, the twisted god had enjoyed mocking Lelouch about his loved ones. He told of the tortures Scott had to endure under the vile Granny Goodness. He told of how Barda had been the greatest warrior of Apokolips. He enjoyed listing off the world's Barda had conquered. The millions who died because of her. He called her a beautiful monster of destruction.
He did more than tell, he showed Lelouch with visual records of all of Barda's battles. How she would slaughter the innocent before her in the name of Darkseid. Lelouch recalled how DeSaad one dabbed a tear from Lelouch's eye during one of these 'educational sessions' and placed it upon his tongue, delighted by his anguish. He also mocked Lelouch with describing the features of his beloved younger sister Nunnally. DeSaad seemed to enjoy listing all the things he would have loved to do to Nunnally if he were given the chance.
Rage filled Lelouch's mind, but the rage was controlled. He had a weapon, but he needed to test it. He opened his left eye and DeSaad's eyes widened with dark glee. A glowing emblem, looking like the Omega symbol Darkseid had taken as his sigil, only shaped as if like bat-wings.
"...release me," Lelouch finished.
To DeSaad's eye the symbol seemed to flap its wings and fly out into his eyes. The God of Torture's face went limp as his mind was overtaken by that which he so sought. DeSaad did was Lelouch had commanded and freed him from the machine. Lelouch collapsed to the ground, taking a moment to catch his breath before standing. At that moment DeSaad seemed to be regaining his senses.
"What...how did..."
Lelouch grabbed DeSaad by the neck and slammed his face into the machine, rendering him unconscious. Lelouch then decided to return the favor and hooked DeSaad to the very machine he used to torture him for six months. He then went to the control panel and issued the commands to reactivate the anti-escape procedures. Once that was done he searched around for a cloak to cover the exposure of his body. He managed to find one and made his way out of the lab.
It took some time but Lelouch was able to make his way out of the palace without incident. He went down into what were called the Armaghettos, where the lowly slaves of Apokolips were huddled together.
It reminded Lelouch of what he saw in Area 11's Saitama and Shinjuku ghettos, only much on a larger scale. As soon as he was able to he found a dark and quiet place to rest.
Once he was good and asleep, for the first true time in months, he could dream.
"I can escape from anything," Scott Free said proudly.
His legs and torso became strained by the pressure but his only response was to chuckle. He was able to adjust himself properly against the powerful creature who held him and found the weak spot that would ensure his release.
"Oh," Barda yipped as her arms and legs extended, releasing her husband.
"Told you," Scott said, sitting upright in the bed.
Barda was about to retaliate by throwing her legs around Scott's neck when Mother Box began to sound.
"Damn, it's almost time," said Barda.
"Told you I could escape," said Scott.
Barda threw a pillow at her husband's head. The two began to dress for the big day ahead of them. Once they had they quickly boomed over to the Pendragon Palace. Today was the day of Lelouch's coronation as Emperor of Britannia. The war had been over for a year and after leading both the rebellion and the reformation of Britannia, Lelouch was finally ready to abandon the cowl of the Batman for the crown of the Emperor.
While he was reluctant at first, Lelouch accepted the position none the less. To put aside the rebellious vigilante and become a proper national leader. Of course this was a far lesser matter for Lelouch than others. As Emperor, Lelouch would have been expected to wed. Thankfully a girl was already lined up.
"Scott, Barda, glad you could make it," Kallen said as she floated down from the battlements.
She stood her divine form, changed now into the more uniform look resembling the old Knights of the Round. Of course she wasn't the only one. To help reorganize the Empire after the old regime's collapse, Lelouch had to legitimize the League under him. Fusing the Justice League with the Knights of the Round, into the League of the Round.
Currently Kallen was the Leaguer of One, the highest position, though she was soon slated to step down from that role. That role and her role as the Champion of Magic. Scott had never been happier than to hear how she had accepted Lelouch's proposal of marriage.
"Wouldn't miss it," said Scott. "And we'll definitely be here for the wedding."
Their future daughter-in-law led them to the throne room where the other Leaguers had been stationed around the throne, the colors of their old uniforms now adorning their knightly cloaks. At the center was Lelouch, dressed in white robes. Although as Scott looked upon his son he couldn't help but notice how Lelouch had a...perplexed look upon his face.
A face which further shifted to surprise when he laid eyes on Scott. However Lelouch soon focused as the ceremony began. However Scott couldn't help but think that Lelouch's expression prior was...troubling.
"Break through this false dream and see the truth," a voice muttered.
To say Darkseid was displeased by Lelouch's escape would be an understatement. A fact DeSaad was learning as he was left gasping for air in the grip of his master.
"Great Darkseid, in spite of this...incident...my theories have borne fruit," said DeSaad. "Even a flawed version of your great prize is proof that the Anti-Life Equation is within your grasp. A child of a powerful psionic metahuman and a divine entity such as Eclipso. And while yes, one can say that your grandson given his...dislike of our position, may find a way to use the flawed Equation in a way that would...annoy you my Lord God, it is still a tremendous leap in your quest. Your wisdom to deal with the lowly Savage has proven you are correct. And he is still weakened with only one defiant fool for aid. Surly this is nothing against a world which fears and worships you almighty Darkseid. He will be caught soon, I am sure. And I, your faithful servant, shall endeavor to give you the full and proper Anti-Life Equation, now that I am so close."
Darkseid was silent, his granite like face impossible to read save for the obvious and constant rage. As DeSaad dropped to his knees begging for mercy, he prayed that his god would consider his words.
"Indeed, this is progress," said Darkseid.
"And if I may, great Darkseid, perhaps should the opportunity present itself, we can find an even more...controllable subject," said DeSaad.
"The girl," said Darkseid. "I have neglected my granddaughter as of late haven't I DeSaad?"
Lelouch awoke, glad to find he had not been found by any of the residents of Apokolips. He couldn't tell how much sleep he had gotten but he knew he had to keep moving.
He kept to the shadows, sure to take note of the Parademons in the sky. He couldn't tell if they were specifically hunting for him or not but it was best to air on the safe side. From how DeSaad acted it was clear to Lelouch he now had what Darkseid so craved, the Anti-Life Equation. He was fortunate enough to find at least some water. Whether it was safe for drinking Lelouch had little way of telling on this hellish world. But it was at least clear enough for him to see. An Omega symbol which looked oddly shaped like a bat, glowing in crimson.
"Oh god," Lelouch whispered.
Also in the water Lelouch saw a on odd shape reflected in the puddle. It almost looked like some kind of animal. An animal ready to pounce.
"Tag," the creature yelled out as it indeed pounced.
Lelouch moved away, although somewhat clumsily given his body's weakness. While he missed the razor sharp claws he couldn't avoid a white whip which wrapped itself around his neck, pulling him onto his back.
Attempts to struggle were ended by a large boot to his torso, pressing hard enough to keep him down but not enough to kill him. Looking up Lelouch got a good look at his captors. Three women with a fourth now walking up and pointing a flaming blade down at him.
The woman with her boot on his chest was the beefiest of the quartet dressed in orange and yellow.
The woman with the whip was dressed in black and white like some kind of science fiction dominatrix.
The woman with the claws crawled up and got close to his face, a crazed expression on her face matching her green hair.
The woman with the blade seemed familiar, close to how DeSaad looked, a relative no doubt.
"My dear girls well done," said a new voice.
Lelouch actually recalled it from when he had to live Scott's memories.
"Granny...Goodness," Lelouch croaked out, the large woman's boot cutting off much of his air.
The demented elderly woman chuckled as she came into view.
"Oh the dear boy knows his Granny, how wonderful," said Granny as Lelouch was dragged up by the large woman. "Gentle Stompa, the dear boy is precious to Great Darkseid, and also to your dear Granny. He's Barda's boy after all, in name if not blood."
"All the more reason to kill this whelp," said the woman with the blade.
"Oh come on, let's have a little fun first," laughed the green haired feral woman.
From the staff Granny held came crimson lightning which caught both women by their necks.
"Mad Harriet, Bernadeth, Granny has spoken," Goodness said as she came closer to Lelouch.
"My, so hansom, like dear Scott at that age," said Granny. "And what is this twinkling in his eye? Could be Great Darkseid's prize?"
Lelouch felt his eye burning and a dark thought entered his mind. He was about to speak, to do to Granny what he had once done to DeSaad but the woman with the whips tightened her binding around his throat.
"Well done Lashina, now there will be none of that my boy," said Granny. "Tsk, tsk, no manners, it appears Barda has learned nothing from poor Granny about the proper discipline children need. And Great Darkseid simply cannot be allowed to be in the same room with one who would use his prize against him now can he? Unless certain...conditions were met."
The Furies dragged Lelouch to a place Granny Goodness referred to as the X-Pit. Over his eye which carried the Anti-Life Equation, she had stapled a patch over it. Literally stapling into the bone of Lelouch's skull around the eye socket, sure not to damage Darkseid's prize.
He was tossed into a cell rather unceremoniously.
"Great Darkseid will learn of your capture of course," said Granny. "But he simply must have a more well behaved grandson worthy of giving his service to our Lord God. And who better than Granny to see to your rehabilitation dumpling?"
"I feel so honored," Lelouch hissed.
"Oh defiant, so much like my dear Scott," said Granny. "Why I do believe this is his room? I had the whole pit changed quite some time ago but I was sure to keep some details the same. Why look there where young Scott carved the name his loving Granny had so gifted him. A pity he never seemed to learn the love of Great Darkseid that your old sweet Granny tried to instill. Even tainting my lovely girl Barda, oh the pity of it all. But now how kind fate is that I can make up for past failures with you sweet boy."
"Are you so sure about that?" asked Lelouch. "Also I'm wondering why not let Darkseid know about me? Could it be perhaps you think that if you can break me under your will, you can use me to use my version of the Anti-Life Equation to enslave Darkseid, effectively keeping him as a puppet ruler for you to personally control?"
"Oh how clever and devious this one is," Granny laughed darkly. "Granny knew she liked you from the moment she saw you. And while Granny of course would never admit any such conspiracy against our Lord God well...who is Granny to stand in the way of a boy's imagination. Now, just to ensure there is no mischief from you, Furies, do tuck in your nephew."
Lashina was the first to strike. Then came Made Harriet, clawing at his side. Stompa came in and kicked his other side. And Bernadeth slapped him with the flat of her blade. Even the flat had an effect on Lelouch, he could feel his body boiling, sending him down to his cot in a weakened state.
"Barda must be so ashamed at to have such a weakling for a son," said Bernadeth.
"Be glad he's not blood then," said Lashina. "Remember he is an Earth whelp."
"Still, he could be fun," said Mad Harriet.
"If he lasts," said Stompa.
His monstrous aunts left Lelouch and locked the cell behind them. Painfully Lelouch crawled to the wall where indeed there were those words he saw from Scott's memory.
My Name is Scott Free!
Lelouch felt around on the ground and felt something sharp, a piece of Harriet's claws that had probably been chipped when she was crawling across the ground. Lelouch picked up the piece and with whatever strength he had in him for that night carved into the wall. Something to keep him from going mad in this hell until he could fashion his escape.
My Name is Lelouch Free!
With that Lelouch passed out, his strength gone. Unknown to him, or to the Furies from before, someone else was listening. In the cell next to Lelouch there sat another prisoner, who had long struggled with his own plan of escape. He listened closely to the talk of the Furies, to the talk of Earth.
"Strange," the man whispered with a light ironic chuckle.
Author's Note: I originally had this as a longer chapter but I wanted to get it out in time for the showing of the new Batman movie. Realizing that would take too long and what I had written originally wasn't fitting with what I wanted for these opening chapters I had to scale down. As such a short chapter for now but I hope a descent set up for the opening arc for this story in continuation of my previous Justice League of the Rebellion. I've been plotting this story for a good long while now to try and improve upon flaws I believe were prevalent in the previous story. Tighter arcs for one and including a little more of the political drama from the original Code Geass series. I also originally wrote scenes in which Lelouch, through mysterious dreams and visions coming from...someone showed him what life on Earth was like for his friends and family. But ultimately I decided against it so I can focus the next two to three chapters on Lelouch's remaining six months on Apokolips, to help round out the year he vanished in canon story, as well as focus more on Lelouch in general pitting his wits against Darkseid and his forces there and exploring the Anti-Life Equation. And for those who are curious, look up how the Equation is presented in the book Batman: The Last Knight on Earth for reference. I went with that design as I thought it would help serve the effect of Lelouch's Geass from canon. And because this is a flawed version of the Anti-Life Equation it has the basic restrictions of Lelouch's Geass. Although yes, in a way I did bring in C's World and the Collective Unconscious which ironically fits in well with DC lore as Darkseid believed that mankind held pieces of the Anti-Life Equation in their individual minds. With the full Collective holding the full Equation. So I thought this would be a neat way to tie it all in.
Anyway, nest time we will see more of the prisoner who listened in on Lelouch getting beaten by his 'aunts' and how he can help Lelouch in his struggle.
Next Turn: Strange Prisoners