Chapter Sixteen: Desert Power part one.
Thanks to the efforts of the League, the flood waters which had filled Gotham's streets were now returned to the ocean. The seawall fortified by Ryo and Suzaku, ensuring a seal before engineers could restore the wall proper.
The bodies of the dead were collected, survivors forced to identify the bodies of unlucky lost loved ones. The rest of the continental Homeland was still in a state of flux. With the automated H.I.V.E factories and fleets of Knightmare drones under the control of the Batman, resistance forces were bolstered and holdout warlords and criminal gangs were being brought under heel. Some were fleeing the continent all together. While fleeing colonists from the former Areas were coming onto the continent. Hoping to escape colonial warlords or the potential of a 'liberation' force from the One Earth government.
All of this was being monitored by Lelouch in his cave, to which drones from his controlled factories were delivering equipment through the secret underwater tunnels. As well as other entrances to the cave. They were clearing away rock and laying down equipment. He would turn this cave into a state of the art headquarters and armory. A proper seat of hidden power from which he would operate in Gotham, having decided that this city seemed to speak to him on some level. It had been the worst of the old Empire. Now he would endeavor to make it a better city for his new nation. A nation whose provisional government, it's Congress, was still struggling to decide what kind of nation it would be.
"The hardest part of tearing down Britannia," Lelouch muttered, "is figuring out how to build it up again."
The word democracy was of course thrown around. But that had dangers in and of its own. Some representatives from various provinces were threatening to pull. Stating that they could be their own country. But such issues were silences by the statistical knowledge of how some Areas were rather falling quickly to the Cyborg-Superman and his OMAC forces.
"The fake," Lelouch muttered.
Looking up all data that was available on the activities of the Cyborg-Superman over the past year, Lelouch saw a rather interesting trend. After his 'miraculous' return and his efforts in fighting Trigon's attack as well as the Brainiac drones which had ravaged the E.U, the false Superman was the linchpin of defense. The E.U's state armies had been devastated and E.U citizens had always resisted the concept of their own soldiers being used for wars they often thought were not theirs to fight. Hence why so many Japanese had been used unjustly as cannon fodder. For them the false Superman's power made such potential sacrifices unnecessary. Power-wise, from what Lelouch could tell it seemed the fake was fairly on the same level as Rivalz. The speed, strength, and power was useful in keeping civil order in the territories of the former E.U. But then there were the O.M.A.C. The One Mankind Army Corps, while apparently Nina had the foresight to not store too much data on them in the H.I.V.E. Mind, there was some. Essentially scaled down Knightmare Frames fitting in a supposed pilot, sealed inside a blue armored suit with a singular red eye lens and a fin on the head. While smaller than a typical Knightmare, the O.M.A.C suits according to Ohgi's own testimony were greater in power. A likely recreation of Superman's own power in the form of the artificial suits. While likely not a large quantity, as reports were coming that there were still various base-line foot soldiers being recruited in the military the One Earth Government was building up. This was being met with less resistance than before, as the Cyborg-Superman stressed the importance of being one united Earth rather than separate nations. That all must be willing to fight or none will survive when the next alien invader comes.
"Fear mongering at its core yes, but there's more than that," muttered Lelouch, looking into more data on the conditions inside the One Earth borders.
He then fiddled with the jewel in his hand, containing the souls of Kallen and her mother. He switched the enter in all the data he had on Khandaq. From what he had gathered based on information from Ohgi and Black Adam, he had a good grasp on the powers that Shalio was using. Shamna was a wild card. Or rather he should consider their names to be Blaze and Satanus respectively. He wondered if they took the names they did because it sounded closer to Shazam, their father.
He could assume that the woman, Blaze or Shamna whichever she wanted to call herself, had knowledge of sorcery which would be a problem. And the body of Kallen's mother Shiori was still empowered by the Living Lightning and in Mind's control.
He had intelligence from Scott that also the Greek God Ares was involved. And there was also this rogue nation of Amazons that Shamna had under her control, hidden in reserve for the proper time.
PING
Lelouch picked up mother box and opened a communication channel to the other end.
"What?" Lelouch asked.
"Ohgi just 'came back' via the Spectre," said the voice of Scott. "He says you went to Hell?"
"And back, I've secured the souls of Kallen and her mother, I'm sure Ohgi's debriefed everyone on the situation in Khandaq," said Lelouch.
"As much as he could," said Scott. "Look if you just tell me where you are in the city I'll get everyone and..."
"Keep focusing on the city. There are still people in need of help throughout Gotham," said Lelouch. "I'm busy right now. Once I have a proper operation put together I will brief the League and we'll depart for Khandaq."
"Lelouch just..."
"Batman out," Lelouch said, ending the communication.
He placed Mother Box aside and then looked once more at the jewel in his hands, thinking about what Dream had told him earlier.
Far north, beneath ice and snow, where hidden among the glaciers spires collected ever present solar rays downward, a figure began to stir. As small hovering figures continued to labor on a crystalline giant, their slumbering master began to stir in his sleep.
"Eradicator 85% complete," the small figures said, light beginning to shine from the giant's eyes.
Shirley and Milly overlooked the makeshift sea-wall along with Suzaku, who had helped construct it.
"We finally got the majority of the water back in the ocean," said Suzaku. "It'll still be a long time before the city entirely up an running. Then again the entire nation is in a bad way."
"The entire Earth is in a bad way," said Milly.
Suzaku couldn't help but feel that was a slight dig at him but he didn't counter. Instead he focused on Shirley, seeing her changed outfit and demeanor.
"Shirley, what happened to you?" Suzaku asked.
Shirley said nothing, merely looking out over the sea.
"I'll let you all know soon enough," said Shirley.
"Are you staying?" a new voice asked.
The three turned and saw the Batman standing on the edge of the makeshift wall. Suzaku and Milly darted their gaze between the Dark Knight and the returned Shirley. Even with his cowl obscuring his face, Suzaku could tell Lelouch's feelings of guilt over what happened to Shirley the last time they were together were there.
Shirley's face was different. There was sadness, anger, disappointment, but also perhaps a bit of maturity.
"I can't do nothing while people are hurting," she said.
"I've...looked into reports made on any new metas as of late," said Batman. "There was a rumor of a goddess from the sea who would feed isolated villages with fish apparently following her to the shore."
Shirley gave no response. Reading the scene Suzaku and Milly drew back, flying off thanks to their respective objects of power, knowing that this was a conversation which was long overdue.
"I...I heard you were dead," said Shirley.
"Damned, without having to die," said Batman.
"Is Nunna..."
"She's safe," said Batman. "She's...away. I still don't know where Barda is. I...I haven't taken the time to speak to Scott. Kallen is...I'm intending to make her rescue the next operation."
"And where is Nina?" Shirley asked.
"She's...secure," said Batman, anger in his voice.
"Rivalz is dead," Shirley said. "Milly told me, she...she's trying to hide it but she's still mourning. It's strange, all those times she rejected him but...but really I think she was always just playing. Maybe when he became Superman and really began to embrace himself she could see the real him. Someone brave and loyal, and truly kind."
Beneath his mask Lelouch wondered if he should tell about what Dream told him. That Rivalz wasn't really dead. He decided against it. Mostly because he knew how Shirley would accuse him of lying again, which in truth he was. His lies and secrets being one of the major factors that earned her spite when they last spoke. When she fled to the sea.
"I...I was worried about you," Batman said.
"I...I found my place," Shirley said. "It's...it's such a long story and...I've...I've come to make peace with what I am now. I've...I've found someone, I love him."
A piece of Lelouch's heart sank. In spite of the feelings he had for Kallen, that didn't mean he didn't care for Shirley. In another life, he could have imagined that theirs would have been a peaceful normal life. The life he imagined Scott would have wished for him. But the life Lelouch could never have.
"I'm...I'm glad you've at least found some happiness," said Lelouch, no...Batman. "And...I'm grateful for you help with the city."
"Britannia was my home once," said Shirley. "But now it's no longer named Britannia now is it?"
"No, everything about this country needs to change," said Batman. "The name is just the beginning. But that change isn't going to be easy. As it stands there is no longer a standing military for defense. And the League is...I'm going to need as many hands as I can get to rescue Kallen. That means I won't be able to control the H.I.V.E. mind and deploy the Bat-Frame Drones. I don't know if the Insurgency is enough to..."
"I...I have a solution," said Shirley. "All he's waiting for is for me to call to him. He's hoping to speak with you as well."
"This...lover of yours?" Batman asked.
"Y...Yes," said Shirley. "He has a proposition for you."
"Can we trust him?" Batman asked.
Shirley walked up to the masked face of the Dark Knight.
"Can you trust me...Lelouch?" Shirley asked.
Batman was silent for some time.
"I...I do trust you Shirley," Batman, no...Lelouch said.
Shirley placed a hand at the masked cheek of the young man she once held so much affection for. She could feel that their was a much sadder man than the one she had left. She could feel so much pain deep in him. And in spite of all that had happened, all that had been done, all she had blamed him for, she cared for him still. She placed a gentle kiss upon the Batman's cheek before diving once more into the sea.
Had she stayed longer she would have seen a single tear fall from beneath the cowl of the Dark Knight.
Looking over the city atop one of its high skyscrapers, the man once known as Kyoshiro Tohdoh in this current life held his ever present grimace. While his eternal wife, in this life known as Nagisa Chiba, sat with a small sad smile on her face. She had elected to leave bits of her armor in the dwelling they had taken for themselves in the city. Sitting at the edge with her bare feet dangling over the edge, her toes flexing in the wind, she thought back to their previous life.
"After all this time, Britannia will finally know change," she said. "A new nation, without Savage's influence. I wish the other members of the Justice Society could see this."
"It still isn't over," said Tohdoh. "So long as Savage exists his influence will always be a factor. But, yes, our old comrades would be proud of the work we've done. May they finally have some peace now."
Tohdoh looked over and saw the emerald flame which Suzaku let out streak over the sky. He also briefly saw the girl, Milly, who now held the Cosmic Staff. She had proven herself a true and courageous successor to Ted Knight and Sylvester Pemberton. She even attempted to undermine Savage's media influence via a pirate broadcast showing the horrid conditions of Britannian civilians following the Empire's collapse.
As for Suzaku, Tohdoh had to wonder what drew him away from Earth. He could of course understand the massive disappointment that Suzaku must have felt in the Japanese after Ito's rise to power. But could that truly be enough for him to accept an alien's invitation to abandon his world?
"My love?" Chiba asked, noticing her lover's silence.
Tohdoh's wings extended and he flew into the sky towards Suzaku.
Suzaku noticed his mentor flying up to him. Milly went on to hover down in the city, looters were already becoming an issue, and they needed to be dealt with to make the city safe for when civilians could be allowed back in to rebuild their lives.
"Sensei," Suzaku said when Tohdoh came up to him. "I'm glad to see you're well. I've worried about everyone here."
"Yet it was only recently you returned to Earth to see our condition," said Tohdoh, crossing his arms as his wings flapped lightly.
"I understand my actions must seem like those of a coward," said Suzaku. "But when Ganthet came to me...I had to get away. The Japanese...they..."
"I understand your disappointment," said Tohdoh. "In spite of my various lifetimes, I am still Kyoshiro Tohdoh. I am a patriot of Japan just as Carter Hall I was a patriot of Britannia."
"Then at least you must be glad that Britannia...no America is now free from Savage," said Suzaku, a light smile on his face.
"None of us well be free whilst Savage is," said Tohdoh. "But yes, Alan in particular would be glad that now there is a chance."
"The first Green Lantern," said Suzaku. "First of many now. Ganthet and the other Guardians have taken the Green Lantern's symbol and are shining the light of justice throughout all the dark places in the universe. And we're growing more and more with every heart which can overcome fear and terror. They've even sworn to send support here, under my command. And when they do we will pacify Japan before their madness spreads."
Tohdoh's eyes narrowed at that phrase, and the tone in which Suzaku spoke. He had heard it before.
"Symbols can be powerful things Suzaku," said Tohdoh. "The power ascribed to them can sometimes overshadow their meaning. And those who march under its banner can become lost if they are not careful. Even those with the best of intentions. In this One Earth Government, what was a symbol of hope for a doomed world had now become a symbol of oppression for ours."
"Rivalz would never allow that if he were here," Suzaku said, grimacing at the memory of his friend's death. "We'll be dealing with those bastards soon enough. Sensei, mark my words before this life of yours ends, you will see Vandal Savage in chains and his Secret Society destroyed."
"A fine promise Suzaku but your words do little to ease my...concern," said Tohdoh. "I have lived enough lifetimes to see heroes lose their way. Their good intentions leading them down dark paths. Where it almost appears that the mask of a hero they were was indeed just a mask to something horrible underneath. When your Lantern Corps allies arrive, keep in mind your goal should be to arrest Ito and stop his madness. Not to invade Japan and claim it as your own."
"I know that," Suzaku snapped.
The glare Tohdoh gave his former student had said student bow his head sheepishly.
"Forgive me sensei," said Suzaku. "I...I will remember it's just..."
"Just what Suzaku?" asked Tohdoh.
"There...there is another issue," said Suzaku. "The Corps won't just be coming to help liberate Japan."
"Best to let the truth out now Suzaku," said Tohdoh.
"There were...automated sensors at a prison the Guardians had set up long ago," said Suzaku. "A few months ago an alert came. The prison held only five prisoners. Four bodies were found ritualistically sacrificed. The fifth was missing but readings of the site showed that there had been energy released similar to a Boom Tube. The Guardians believe that the New Gods of Apokolips had a hand in this prisoner's escape. Given Earth's close relation with Apokolips..."
"Savage's close relation," stressed Tohdoh.
"Yes, Savage's relation," said Suzaku, "it's believed that the prisoner may be somewhere on Earth. And that given his prior history he'd go somewhere similar enough to his own experiences."
"Who is this prisoner?" asked Tohdoh.
"Ganthet told me of him when I was captured," said Suzaku. "The prisoner's name is...Atrocitus, former leader of the Five Inversions. A terrorist group that in an attempt to avenge their losses by the Manhunters, created the Empire of Tears. A period of horror and oppression which claimed countless lives. I think he is on Earth and he's working with Ito. Likely they're set to break off of Savage's plans and forge a new Empire of Tears on Earth. The Japanese acting as their willing soldiers devoted to hate and destruction."
Tohdoh noticed again the anger in Suzaku's voice. He feared that something else was amiss. He would have to watch his former student very closely in the following days. Very closely indeed, lest the land of the Rising Sun fall to an Emerald Sunset.
The body of Shiori Kozuki felt different now to the worm controlling it. As if elements were missing now. The body was feeling weaker, as if it were reverting to mortal form even though it still appeared in the powered form.
Likely there were other powers at work. And working against him. But it didn't matter, the new Eternium door was almost complete. With that they would access the Rock of Eternity and from there they would go to the Rock of Finality. Where Mind would unleash his own Society upon the world. The worm had his own designs and thus it was time to break off from Savage, as both knew it would eventually happen.
A light whimper earned Mind's attention and the possessed body turned to see the husk of Kallen staring up from her cage with a blank expression.
"Oh yes, you," 'Mind' said, speaking through Shiori's voice. "Even without your soul you instinctively know that this is your mother's body. Really you're almost back to being nothing but a helpless babe. And like a babe now you are sweet and submissive to my commands. You even have enough motor control function to be of entertainment when there is time for it. Why else should you be dressed as a dancing doll?"
It was true, Kallen had been dressed like a belly dancer out of Arabian Nights, often made to dance for Shalio and his men. While this humiliation obviously went over the head of the shell that had once been Kallen Kozuki, it didn't prevent Mind from enjoying the sight. And she would dance again on the eve of the great victory.
After returning to Gotham and reporting to the others and feeling nothing else he could do, Ohgi decided to look into the new Congress. Hoping that the birthing of a new nation would be a time of unity and calm for these men. He was swiftly disappointed by the sounds of bickering and arguments. While a majority of the men were indeed of the commons in the old Senate, very few among them surviving nobility, the needs of the common people were unfortunately fairly low on many of their lists of priorities.
Some were arguing that it was ludicrous to take advice of governance from a masked vigilante, who had never once revealed his face to them. As well as umbridge of how the League, once labeled as terrorists in the old Britannian system, were now supposed to become the premiere defense of the new nation.
Others arguing that the whole thing was a stripping away of their identity as a people. That this new nation has no identity, no soul, and no hope of standing, especially with the Batman's suggestions of integrating former Honorary Britannians as full citizens.
Some argued that their first loyalty was to their individual provinces. That if they were to be united it would only be for the mutual defense of each province and that there be no centralized power. Essentially dividing the once monolithic Britannian Homeland into many smaller nations akin to Europe before the One Earth Government came to be. Some even arguing that Batman was just creating a mirror of said government to oppose the Cyborg-Superman in what they called, 'a petty argument of self-appointed demigod demagogues'.
"Discouraging isn't it?" a man standing beside Ohgi asked.
Ohgi turned to see it was none other than Michael Manfredi. Former Knight of Two, Grandmaster of the Order of St. Michael in Euro-Britannia, and leader of the Insurgency.
"It's not exactly the great triumph of democracy I think anybody was hoping for," said Ohgi.
"Some would argue this is the very flaw of democracy," said Manfredi. "So many arguing voices, differing opinions, how is anything supposed to get done? Especially with an enemy rearing at the gates? And you and I both know the enemy is there at the gate, just waiting. Some among that arguing mob are actually suggesting to put emergency powers into the hands of the Batman."
"The old Ceaser argument," said Ohgi.
"You know it?" asked Manfredi.
"I was a teacher before Britannia invaded," said Ohgi. "Always hoped I could go back there."
"Ah, yes," said Manfredi. "Another point of contention among our friends here."
"How can they trust Japanese fighters to defend them when we have so many reasons to hate them? When Japan, now seemingly free and independent, is engaging in a barbaric attempt to eradicate the former Britannian race?" said Ohgi.
"Can you not say these are valid concerns?" asked Manfredi.
"It's up the individual in the end," said Ohgi. "I will fight Japan, because I know Japan to be in the wrong. Not because Japan itself is wrong, but because a madman is leading it down a wrong path. Surely some Britannians can now understand that position?"
"I do suppose when it's a choice between one all powerful madman or a gaggle of squabbling idiots, we must reluctantly take the side of the idiots," said Manfredi. "I suppose the idea that one true great leader could rise is a fantasy."
"We had two men who claim to have been Knights of King Arthur's round table," said Ohgi. "I'd call them madmen but given what the world has become of late I'm not so willing to say it's not possible. For the love of God I know and revile a man who calls down the power of the Egyptian Gods. If any rate even Arthur was a rarity. Great, charismatic, seemingly all powerful rulers, heroic men of great personality...there's an inherent danger to them nations should avoid."
"Do you count the Batman among such heroic men?" asked Manfredi.
"I do, and...I think he agrees with me," said Ohgi. "I can safely say to you that if he had stood here as he did before and took off his mask, indeed Britannia would have a new Emperor. He'd have it with just that one flourish and...and the whole mess would have eventually come back to itself in a few generations. He'd rather be a faceless man, watching in the dark, a silent sentinel in the dark watching for everything that readies to go bump in the night. Without thanks and even with distrust I think he'd rather be than idolized and placed upon a pedestal."
"So rather than a Golden Emperor...a Dark Knight," said Manfredi.
"Essentially," said Ohgi.
"Although I fear, your fine points aside, without someone at the head who can command so many personalities I fear all this energy their wasting will indeed go to waste," said Manfredi. "Energy which should be used on the formation of our government. Without that, we can do nothing, we can raise no army to defend ourselves. And we cannot rely on you people of the Justice League to be around forever. Nor, if you'll pardon me, can we allow you to remain see as our sole defense."
"Less we erode any legitimacy your new government needs, yes," said Ohgi. "God, this was so much simpler when I was just a small time rebel in the ghettos. Dear god, I'm nostalgic for being an Eleven what does that say?"
"It says you are human," said Manfredi. "What human being wouldn't be spiritually and psychologically exhausted by all you have seen and done? It's worse for the common people I assure you. In Britannia alone, or former Britannia I should say. All that they knew changed with the dawn of the Justice League. The metahuman became real, the alien became real with the true Superman, our place in the world suddenly seemed small and insignificant. Even if we did rule one third of it, what was that compared to the vast celestial empires that must be above us, looking at us with enviable eyes. Then came the day in which I assure you every man, woman, and child in Brtiannia knew the fear and terror faced by ever nation we had ever invaded or conquered."
"Brainiac," said Ohgi. "Still know so little about him. We're not even sure if he's dead. In all the chaos none of us are sure what happened to the body. Or if death even applies to him like it applies to us. And you haven't even seen Darkseid, and I hope you never do. I only saw him in the flesh the once. Looking at him...it was like I was looking at a hole in existence itself. One that would swallow up everything that was good and happy in the world and leave only a dark, terrible void. We're allied with the only power to keep him in check but...if we loose Earth to Savage all bets are off for our future."
"Did you ever think of the future Mr...Ohgi correct?" Manfredi asked.
"Yes, to the second," said Ohgi. "And really...no. I always figured I'd die fighting the good fight, futile though I knew it was. Like a friend of mine who...haunts me constantly. I didn't imagine a Japan that was free. I could never imagine a Japan that was insane either. Even if, or when, or should we ever depose Ito, I'm not sure if I can imagine the future of Japan then."
An idea struck Manfredi.
"Then perhaps it is time you thought about the future," said Manfredi. "A new future...with a new nation."
"What?" asked Ohgi.
"As the Batman said, many Honorary Britannians are being driven out of what were their original nations," said Manfredi. "Even if we wipe away the old system, there will be lingering grudges on all sides. We need a voice for those who will be coming to these shores pleading for a chance, more of a chance than before. Someone who can help my people see them as people. Someone who has fought for them and for us. Someone with a face, I would ask it to be you."
"But...but I'm not a..."
"Poltician? Good," said Manfredi. "We have enough as is, some of whom are seeing this new government as a chance to seize greater power for themselves than they could have in old Britannia. I need an ally who, like me, is only interested in the preservation of the citizenry and the formation of a new and better future for them. If rumor is right and Batman essentially means for this America to be an argument against the One Earth, we need to show that a land where former enemies can now become brothers is possible. To do that we need to see one of these people speak for that ideal. And to 'teach' we who still remember the old way, a new way of living. Think of it, although think quickly, the barbarians are sharpening their swords at the gates as we speak. They will not remain idle for long."
As Manfredi left to try and wrangle the many arguing men and women, Ohgi leaned back in thought.
Returning to his cave Lelouch, in lieu of waiting idly for Shirley and her contact, began to work with the gem containing Kallen's soul. While his understanding of magic was limited he believed he could find a certain logic in it. Fastening the gem into a compartment in his suit he began working to try and recognize the abnormal energy. If Kallen's mother's soul could act as a compass to her daugher's soul, then perhaps Kallen's soul could act as a compass to her body.
As he worked this a golden light shone in the cave.
"I'm clearly going to need to secure this location against mystical intruders," Lelouch said.
"Your actions in Hell will have dire consequences," the voice of Fate said.
Lelouch didn't turn to face the helmeted sorcerer. Focusing instead on his work.
"At least you seem to have succeeded," said C.C's voice.
She walked up to Lelouch, who showed the gem.
"Indeed Kallen's soul is in here," said C.C waving a glowing hand over the gem. "You're attempting to use it to track her body no doubt."
"Would it work?" Lelouch asked.
"Fundamentally yes," said C.C. "Usually when trying to meld magic and science, the exotic energies magic produces tends to make it difficult. While energy is energy and can be converted between the two, the energies produced by magic tend to be more chaotic and hard for technology to understand. If you're going to incorporate this into your suit's systems to try and determine Kallen's location in Khandaq, it might be both correct and faulty at the same time. Granted given you're using technology developed by the New Gods, you might be able to work it a little better."
"Then that's all I need to know," said Lelouch. "If you two have nothing else to do but tell me I've enraged every demon in hell don't bother. Same if you're saying now that God is going to get off its fat ass and do something."
"The issue as of now is not your blasphemies, though rest assured a price will be paid of you in the end," said Fate. "The door is nearly complete. The Monster Society will soon walk the Earth. If you desire to free the Champion of the Living Lightning you must act swiftly. Though doing so will ensure power will rise in the desert that will never truly ally itself with you."
"Black Adam," said Lelouch. "He might not be a fully ally but I know he has no love for Savage. I expect that if anything he would take advantage of any fallout from this battle to turn Khandaq into his domain of power. That he might even become a greater enemy in the future. Believe me it's crossed my mind. But if a future enemy can be a present reluctant ally so be it. I'm working with the best I have to build something better. And I'm working with scraps of a nation, a barely unified fighting force of metahumans, and have had to appropriate much of the technological base I have. If you're not here to offer helpful suggestions or give me an idea of what to do next then you're both wasting my time."
"There are going to be deaths in Khandaq," said Fate. "From among the League."
That caught Lelouch's attention. He turned to face the golden helmeted sorcerer.
"Leading the League into Khandaq will result in the end of several among its number," said Fate. "Ends...and new beginnings. Be prepared for that."
Lelouch was about to ask more but Fate and C.C vanished once again. Apparently satisfied that the message had been delivered, leaving Lelouch to wonder about his actions. Going to Khandaq would result in casualties among their number. But Fate did not say who or if they could be avoided.
Looking down at the jewel which housed Kallen's soul, Lelouch resigned himself.
"So be it," said Lelouch. "Just let me know who so...so we can give proper memorial."
"It doesn't work like that," said C.C.
"Then why tell me at all?" Lelouch asked.
"This is the price of the position you have assumed for yourself," said C.C. "If you wish to lead, to forge a new world, you must know the consequences of such actions. The costs that come from foe...and friend alike."
"Haven't I already seen that?" asked Lelouch. "Shirley lost her mother and her normal life. Kallen's soul is now in a gem. Millions of people, people...I once disregarded are now homeless and defenseless in part of my actions. And now you say I am going to lose allies if I continue to lead? But you don't give me the names so I can try to prevent it?"
"You cannot prevent the deaths that are going to occur," said Fate. "But through them you will see the true cost of the path you walk. And the decisions you make in regards to the powers you deal with. The powers...you carry."
Lelouch slightly gasped before regaining his composure. He wasn't surprised that someone on Fate's level knew about the Anti-Life Equation, even though Lelouch hid it beneath a specialty contact lens.
"We also come...with an important gift," said Fate.
C.C. presented a case and opened it, revealing a silver clawed gauntlet.
"Once I constructed a similar weapon alongside Teth-Adam for Prince Khufu," said Fate. "This is its sister, forged from Eternium, that which makes up the Rock of Eternity. Of the two souls in the gem you carry, this one may hold Kallen Kozuki when you must take her soul from the gem so it may go to her mother."
"Her mother?" Lelouch asked.
"Just as you are soon to know the deaths of allies, so you shall bear witness to the birth of two goddesses," said Fate. "With this gauntlet, reunite Kallen Kozuki's soul with her body and with the renewed Living Lightning you will behold a transformation unlike anything you've ever seen before."
Fate waved his hand and the gauntlet transformed into a silver ring.
"For easy carrying for delivery," said C.C. holding up the ring "And yes, he knows about...you two."
Lelouch said nothing and took the ring from C.C., putting it in his belt. With that Fate and C.C. left in a flash of gold, leaving Lelouch alone in the cave. He then began returning to work. But as he did he thought about what Fate said about the Living Lightning being 'renewed' and recalled the pieces of godly power he had seen before. Something was happening to the power and Fate's words about how this would affect Kallen didn't necessarily put him at ease.
"Uh...Batman," Rolo's voice came through the com-link.
"What is it Robin?" Lelouch asked.
"We're getting something...weird coming via the sea," said Robin.
"I've been expecting something," said Lelouch. "Get Manfredi and as many of the others as you can. These aren't hostiles as far as I can determine. If anything they are supposed to be help."
Lelouch donned the cowl of Batman and placed the ring C.C. gave him in his utility belt. After this he would be free to go and rescue Kallen.
The city of Berlin, now the capital of the One Earth Government, had quite the transformation since the ratification of this new government and the collapse of the E.U. Savage had been sure to gain cover control over the key business industries and through them released a controlled stream of technology developed from his years of reverse engineering various alien technology, from Apokolips or otherwise. Because of this the city and the rest of the former E.U were better than before. Savage long knew the best way to ensure the control of a populace was to make sure they were nice and comfortable. It was what made Britannia so easy to corrupt. The people then had an excellent standard of living and they lived without the fear of giant robots rampaging through their streets.
Even before the E.U at least had that but with the shake-up of Brainiac's attack and Shin's releasing of Trigon, the people's sense of safety had been shattered. Once that was addressed everything else fell nicely into place. The Cyborg-Superman quelled the chaos and the subsequent rise of the O.M.A.C forces and One Earth Military, people were now beginning to be convinced that all of this was for the good of their safety. All the while their freedom was being silently stolen from them.
"Impressive isn't it?" Lloyd Asplund asked the Cyborg-Superman, who overlooked the city from the office of High Chancellor. "Puts old Britannia to shame doesn't it? Makes me almost embarrassed really."
The Cyborg impostor gave no response.
"Oh come now, still steamed? Really Gottwald you should be happy, you're more powerful now than you ever could be in old Britannia. Even if it wasn't a sham," said Lloyd.
"Even with the truth known to me I choose to recall my time in the Empire with pride," said Gottwald. "Though of course my loyalty is to my lady."
"Yes, Eclipso, or Marianne if you still prefer," said Lloyd.
"What I tend to find difficult is why you are here Asplund," said Gottwald. "Even if you are a self-confessed sociopath to turn on your own people and side with Savage and the Secret Society, betrayed all old comrades and creeds, and for what end?"
"It's simple really," said Lloyd. "Because this is my way of mocking this."
Lloyd tapped the 'S' shield on Gottwald's cyborg chest.
"The real Superman, the invasive twerp that he was, made a mockery of my genius by smashing my beautiful creations like a child throwing a tantrum," said Lloyd. "Even more than that, his power showed me the ultimate horror of my waking hours. The absolute end of humanity's progression."
"I fail to see your point," said Gottwald.
"Superman was the apex of 'why bother' in my opinion," said Lloyd. "Why bother to try and build something greater than yourself when there's already something greater than yourself flaunting like a blue ballerina in the sky? Taunting you as he waves that red cape saying, nothing you ever do could be greater than me. It's part of why I've come to respect Savage, for all that he is now he was once nothing more than a primitive man. Yes, it's by nothing more than a cosmic fluke that a meteor fell and made him an immortal, but he worked to eventually evolve man and our technology to the end of destroying an alien. And perhaps even going outward beyond that. I want to be a part of that. I want to be the driving force in the advancement of mankind's technological brilliance. I've already gotten quite the hang of understanding alien technologies. Hence you and the O.M.A.C's. Even putting in bits of that alien in all of you, just to rub it in his supposedly blown up face."
"You assume he isn't dead?" asked Gottwald.
"Savage still has me search the sky for even the smallest particle of him," said Lloyd. "Which to be fair if he did survive the destruction of Brainiac's ship, our little ploy wouldn't work. Just having that armored idiot with the hammer and cape brought in the rumor mill. The fewer who question that you are Superman the better. At least until we no longer need the Senate. On that note, you're about to be deployed again. Another former Britannian Area in need of 'liberation' and more Britannians for the 'rehabilitation camps'. Looks like a job for the Cyborg-Superman."
As Lloyd went to leave Gottwald thought to ask a question that arose in his mind.
"Do you believe that there is a chance Superman survived?" he asked.
"Maybe and in truth...I hope so," said Lloyd. "Because I want to build the thing that kills him."
Many of the others gathered on a platform made by Suzaku's green flame looked over the sea in shock in awe. Batman was stoic as he look over at the sight of several groups of armed, armored soldiers, standing on the backs of armored whales and other sea creatures. There were of course actual vehicles, of almost alien design, the largest of which Shirley was seen standing on, in the arms of a young man in orange and green scale armor holding a trident.
"What the hell are they?" asked Ryo.
"Atlanteans," said Leila.
"No way," yelled Tamaki. "Atlantis is real."
"It is indeed land-walker," said the armored man holding Shirley. "Fear not, we come in peace in spite of our armed presence. I seek parlay you and whoever now leads this land, or their representative. I am Arthur Curry the Second, King of Atlantis. If you'd like we can speak more privately. That lighthouse there."
Suzaku motioned his flaming green platform to the lighthouse where Batman and Manfredi, as well as a few others got off as Shirley and Arthur touched on the spot of land. The small group entered the lighthouse, leaving all others outside, with only a slight tension.
"I first wish to apologize if I've caused some alarm," said Arthur. "I am aware of what has transpired and the sudden arrival of an army on your shore is no doubt the last thing you needed to hear. But I come extending the hand of friendship."
"Forgive me for saying so but that does appear rather odd for Atlantis," said Leila.
"No stranger for the Amazons to now leave their island and involve themselves," said Arthur, bowing lightly to Leila before turning to Hawkman. "You knew my father."
"Arthur Curry, some called him Aquaman," said Tohdoh, recalling from a previous life. "An occasional ally but he often stressed that Atlantis was his first priority. Still an honorable man by all accounts."
"My father did feel some obligation to Britannia, it was where my grandfather was born," said Arthur. "Where he himself spent his boyhood before learning of his true heritage."
"History lesson aside, why are you here now?" Batman asked.
"To the point then," said Arthur. "Atlantis now wishes to make itself known to the world. Though some know already, Vandal Savage for one, as he was the father of the original tribe that would grow into Atlantis before it sunk. The father of my people, as is the father of many others. It won't be long until he desires Atlantis. But not just him, I know of the Dark God. I saw him when he came to that island in the Pacific."
Lelouch grimaced at the memory of when he first saw Darkseid in the flesh.
"I was told of him by my betrothed when I met her wandering despairingly in the deep," said Arthur, taking Shirley by the hand.
"When Arthur found me I...I had gone to far down and...these creatures attacked me," Shirley said.
"Beasts from the Trench," said Arthur. "I had been in that area and dispatched them. After ensuring her safety and helping her adjust to a...new life, she told me of her old one," said Arthur. "Of your League and of the involvement of the Dark God. When the ocean was disturbed by your fighting on that island I poked my head up and I saw him. A vision of terror well recorded in our own histories from before we sank. If he is ready to come again old alliances must be made a new. I hope to start now, even though I must admit, I have had some resistance among my counselors."
"How come?" asked Tamaki.
"Atlanteans do not particularly...care for surface-worlders," said Arthur. "My own father had to go through much to prove his worth. Still that has not done much to assuage much sympathy. Even my darling was scorned, though not without recompense."
"Sounds like you guys are bigger assholes than the Brits," said Tamaki.
"Tamaki," Ohgi yelled.
"Fret not, I expected there would be jabs," said Arthur, raising a hand. "And if I may speak for my people, we are somewhat entitled for feeling superior. We obviously dwarf any supposed super-power on the surface world. Even Britannia was small compared to us."
"That's understandable," said Cornelia. "Atlantis, god I can't believe I'm actually saying Atlantis is real now, would surely by now have an Empire which stretches over two-thirds the world."
"With more soldiers and power the likes old Britannia could only have dreamed of," said Arthur. "As such, I offer up Atlantis to help bolster the defense of the Britannian Homeland, or America as you now appear to be calling it, the name doesn't matter. We will guard your shores from attack by sea. This allows you to focus resources on securing the interior. We will also provide supplies of food and our own advanced medicines."
"That's...a most generous offer your...majesty," said Manfredi, slightly awed by the proposition. "Although..."
"What's the catch?" asked Batman.
Shirley glared at Batman, feeling betrayed by the accusatory tone in his voice. For his own part Arthur kept his calm, expecting this.
"There are things greater than material reward," said Arthur. "Doing this will earn Atlantis the respect and friendship of your newly formed nation. It will also earn respect of other nations, especially those who are not yet part of Savage's governing body."
"Respect or fear?" asked Batman.
"Both, if I am to be honest," said Arthur. "Which ever ensures that the entire surface world knows that there is a vast and powerful nation beneath the waves. One that can be benevolent and righteous. But also one that can put up a most impressive fight if need be. And that can provide much food for thought, especially in regards to where certain nations decide to dump their rubbish and waste, or how many of the sea's creatures need be pulled from her bosom."
"So essentially you're taking advantage of Brit...America's current weakness to dramatically and powerfully announce your presence on the world stage and and be recognized as a global superpower," said Ohgi.
"One that can be worked with unlike old Britannia," said Arthur, not denying the accusation. "As the former Princess Cornelia said, Atlantis is an Empire far greater than any on the surface. The measure of greatness is not in oppression however. We do not need to conquer."
"But you would insist on being consulted on how much fish certain nations can bring up from the ocean? As you said," said Tohdoh.
"To ensure an ecological balance," said Arthur. "We of Atlantis have managed to maintain such a balance but...you all no so much. And I'm not cruel enough to deny entire peoples of much needed food. I am well aware many island nations require the sea for sustenance, Japan for instance. I would not starve them, only enforce a lesson in moderation."
"Why you..."
Ohgi clapped his hand over Tamaki's mouth before he said something truly stupid.
"If nothing else your majesty I thank you for your honest," said Manfredi. "But I must admit to the difficulty of presenting this proposition to the new Congress. While very few of them were among the nobility, they are still quite proud, and the idea of a foreign military being allowed to hold our shores is...uncomfortable. Even to me, even though rationally I know that we are at this moment all but defenseless."
"Indeed, your military is...well non-existent," said Arthur. "Even excluding those who were loyal to Savage, many of your armed forces sided with local warlords, or have chosen to turn mercenary, with only scant few coming to the defense of your people. The majority of your navy, I can personally assure you, have turned pirate."
From his belt Arthur pulled out a knife, where the hilt was shaped like a manta ray.
"I took this from one such captain," said Arthur. "Indeed, without an army there is little hope for the future of your new nation. And the Justice League, for all its power is still a relatively small force. And there are other theaters of conflict for them to enter. I'm sure even among their own number they know this."
Batman said nothing and merely kept his eye on Arthur, and how Shirley held his hand.
"The facts are plain enough," said Euphie.
"But facts alone are not enough, believe me I know," said Arthur. "But my offers stands, and I do truly wish to have friendly relations with the surface world. But friends must have respect for one another. And I wish for the world to respect Atlantis and all she has to offer, be it friendship or force."
"And would your offer extend to other nations in such a state?" asked Ohgi. "Like Japan for instance?"
"Of course," said Arthur, understanding the subtly in Ohgi's question. "If Japan wishes for friendship."
"I'm sure Japan will be in a friendlier mood soon enough," said Ohgi. "And I'm sure America will welcome your offer. Though it may take some convincing."
Ohgi cut a glance and Manfredi who nodded. Batman noticed this but kept his expression neutral.
"My forces will maintain a guard here, but at a distance as to not cause panic," said Arthur. "And my fiance has offered herself as an ambassador of a kind with membership in the League, if offered."
"It is," said Batman.
"Then I leave you to speak to your Congress," said Arthur, extending a hand. "I hope it goes well."
Batman waited for a moment before taking Arthur's hand.
"For all of us," said Batman.
Returning to the City Hall, Ohgi prepared for when Manfredi would send for him. Convincing the Congress was indeed not an easy thing. Ohgi could hardly blame them. Despite changing the name of the country, they were still Britannians, or rather they still had some of the old pride. But more than their pride, they were essentially putting the lives of their people in the hands of a foreign military. This would effect their attempts to gain legitimacy among the populace. It would all but say that this new government of the United States of America was weak and couldn't defend its populace.
But the sad truth was there was no choice. Brainiac, Savage's agents, and Joker's reign had completely destroyed the nation's military might, infrastructure, and economy. Everything about the former Empire could now be summed up in one number: Zero. But this was also a nation they had no knowledge of and all they had to go was the word of a stranger. Ohgi couldn't really blame them for that either.
"What the hell?" yelled Tamaki coming up to him.
"Not now Tamaki," said Ohgi.
"Yes now," yelled Tamaki. "You practically gave Japan's coast to the fish-man."
"On the possibility we are ever able to depose Ito how else to you plan for us to sure up Japan's defenses? Especially when Savage already has a grip on the rest of Asia as is?" asked Ohgi. "We're given a hand here and I intend to take it. And to help convince the Congress to take it."
"Yeah you sure as hell seemed to be on the same level as Manfredi," said Tamaki. "Thinking of skipping out on Japan now just because..."
Ohgi struck Tamaki across the mouth to shut him up.
"I've just about had it with you," said Ohgi. "For over a year now I've heard about you complain about how we have spent time trying to help people who weren't Japanese. How you've constantly put your nationality and your own ego ahead of everything else Tamaki. Don't think I've forgotten how easy it was for Mind to manipulate you because you wouldn't let up on your fixation with punishing the Britannians for Japan. None of us have forgotten what the Empire did to us. We don't need to be constantly reminded by a loud mouth idiot whose too busy complaining and making an ass of himself to be of help to those who can't help themselves. You have to decide right now what it is you stand for Tamaki. Do you stand for justice and freedom for all people regardless of nationality or race? Or do you stand for nothing but your own self-gratification and holding onto old grudges? Because if Batman hasn't already, he's thinking this is just the excuse he needs to finalize his plans to go rescue Kallen. A mission he's going to need all of our heavy hitters, what few of them we have, for. So this Aquaman just gave him the means to ensure that the power base he's been establishing here gets secure. I'm not sure if he's decided to trust Aquaman, but he knows options are limited. We need allies and armies if we're going to hold any kind of territory together. This new government can't raise an army legally. And the people are exhausted from all the crises of late from Brainiac to Joker. So if anything he's willing to gamble on Aquaman. And so am I, just like we were so desperate that even when Kallen came back to us with her powers, we took up with a man in a mask and other strangers."
"Yeah but...but..."
"If you're going to try and use Japan to justify arguing with me then I'll simplify how it is now," said Ohgi. "Japan is a rogue state. It's not what we were fighting for now. It's the one in the wrong and needs to be brought to heel. Does this make me a traitor because I want to stop the nation I loved from committing global atrocity? Does it make me a deserter if I found love with a foreign woman? Does accepting Aquaman's generous 'aid' mean I've surrendered Japan to another foreign power? The answer is no to all three. I am still trying to help Japan, but where it is now and where it's going to be are going to make it a long and hard road and your constant complaining isn't helping. So either shut up and actually put in the work to help, or piss off."
With that Ohgi straightened himself and went on to go speak with the Congress. Leaving Tamaki to silently think about all that he had done in the past year. And what he might do in the future.
Back in the cave, more shipments of equipment from the automated factories Lelouch now controlled arrived. Vehicles he had designed and which the machines had assembled. The one that interested him now was the bat-shaped jet, specially designed to be radar invisible and perfect for recon.
Checking the systems and finding them all working, Lelouch put his hand to the com.
"This Batman calling a meeting," he said. "By this time tomorrow...we leave for Khandaq."
Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait. And despite the title they're not in the desert yet but they leave next chapter and that's when we get into the majority of the action of the Khandaq Arc. But some things had to be dealt with before they could leave. As well as some hints as to future events and appearances. But next chapter the operation to rescue Kallen finally begins.
Next Turn: Desert Power part two.