Another chapter. Originally going to be 20,000 words long, but I got a complain that the chapters are too long so I decided to split this chapter into two parts. The next part is halfway done, so if I get my ass moving it'll be done before Wednesday next week. For those still in school, you know why.


"Lelouch?" Euphemia waited for a response, still doubting what she heard.

"Yes, Euphy, it is me." Lelouch answered.

"B-but…how? We t-thought…" Euphemia couldn't finish her sentence. She remembered when they told her how Lelouch and Nunnally died during the conquest of Japan.

"I know this must be a shock, and believe me when I say I was very reluctant to call you."

"But why?! Why didn't you come back! We thought you died! And Nunnally…is Nunnally alright!" Euphemia could no longer hold in her anger and sadness and relief as she found herself shouting into the phone.

"Nunnally is alright. She's living a normal life." Lelouch answered.

Euphemia let out a sigh, wiping tears away from her face, "Thank goodness, but why? Why did you take this long to contact us?"

"Like I said, I was very reluctant to call you. If it wasn't you then I would remain a secret. As to why I never came back, do you really need to ask? Why would we return to a country where we aren't wanted? I'd be damned if I allow Nunnally to be used by that bastard. To be used as a tool for his world domination! Our deaths granted us freedom, so we gladly accepted."

Lelouch's disdain made sense. Euphemia understood his reasoning. They were an exiled prince and princess, their father himself stated there were dead to him. Broken, weak tools which he had no need for. Euphemia suddenly found herself feeling stupid, she allowed her selfishness to overcome common sense. Euphemia hated her country's ideology. Survival of the fittest, only the strong can succeed. It made her sick, so she understood Lelouch's hatred.

"I'm sorry…I guess I let my own desires get the best of me. I'm just so glad…" Euphemia let her emotions loose again. Tears now freely fell from her eyes.

Lelouch could hear the crack in her voice, and he knew she was crying. He suddenly felt like such an asshole, "I'm sorry for snapping at you. I am actually really glad to speak with you Euphemia. Out of all my siblings, excluding Nunnally, you were always the kindest, but I still want Nunnally and me to remain a secret, so I ask that you keep this a secret."

"But I'm sure Cornelia would want to know about you too." Euphemia insisted

Lelouch frowned, "No, I can only trust you with this secret. Please Euphy, you mustn't tell anyone, not even Cornelia. If not for me then think of Nunnally. The Britannian way of life has no room for a frail girl like her." Lelouch requested.

Euphemia grudgingly understood, "Then tell me…tell me how you know Zero? Is he blackmailing you into helping him?" She asked.

Lelouch knew Euphemia would question how he was "acquainted" with Zero. "No Euphy, I joined Zero on my own accord. I believed he can help make Nunnally's life easier with his power. He can make this world a peaceful place where she can live." He explained.

"With murder and terrorism? He killed Clovis! How can you confide in a man like that?" She questioned

"Clovis deserved death. He was the epitome of Britannian Darwinism and his prejudice towards the Japanese only resulted in a one way slaughter. He was no brother of mine, and I will not mourn a mass murderer."

"Then you will aid his battle against Britannia? Will you help him kill your siblings?"

"That is not the goal, but if it is needed then yes. Euphy you can help us."

"Help you?" She asked incredulously, "Lelouch…Zero is a terrorist! How can you help someone who aims to terrorize Britannia?"

"You clearly misunderstand his motives. All I've seen him do is protect those who Britannia has oppressed, anyone with power for that matter. If protecting the oppressed weak from the oppressing strong is the definition of a terrorist then I have no choice but to become one. The Black Knights will fight for everyone who is weak. Isn't that another philosophy? "Only those who fight are allowed to rule?"

"Then that would make you the same as Britannia."

"No, sister, we will not oppress the weak instead allow them to rule. Instead of a totalitarian ruler bent on world domination, we would give the power to the people. We will create a world where the people govern, and where ALL men are created equal. Even if some are born swifter, richer, more powerful, that will not matter. Each and every individual is entitled to their rights. That is a world which must come to be."

"You really despise Britannia don't you? I understand we must change it, but violence isn't the answer. We must use diplomatic means." Euphemia tried to sway her brother, but she knew that his mind was already set.

"Yes, there are those who understand the evil that is the Emperor, but due to them being the weak they cannot help but stay quiet. I am sure you relate sister, and your pacifistic views are not something which our father will allow for much longer. It is only a matter of time before you are tossed aside, deemed too sentimental to rule the country. Then what will you do?"

Euphemia wanted to deny it, but she knew what he said was the truth. Deep down she feared what her father would do to her, Cornelia already lectured her on her views. Her elder sister put on a strict façade, but Euphemia knew she was only protecting her.

"It seems I will not change your mind. I just hope we won't find ourselves enemies in the future." Euphemia somberly stated.

"Me too, Euphy. I have to go now, so if you wish to call me again, I ask you do it around this time. Maybe next time you'll be able to speak with Nunnally." Lelouch said.

"Yeah, that would be nice." Euphemia commented. The call then ended and Euphemia was left alone in her room, fresh tears still in her eyes. She held the cellphone to her chest and released a sigh.

"Lelouch...Nunnally, thank god you are alive." She thought.


Two weeks quickly passed after The Black Knights appeared. Ever since the spectacular introduction at the Lake Kawaguchi high jacking, the Black Knights became the topic of the world. Everyone throughout the globe is talking about the mysterious organization, and more specifically its mysterious leader. As Zero proclaimed, the Black Knights became the allies of the weak. As knights of justice they judged terrorists who involve civilians, abusive solders, corrupt politicians, greedy corporations, and criminal syndicates. The Black Knights lived up to their name, and fought all oppressors who were out of the law's jurisdiction. They quickly went from being terrorists to being heroes which showed by the amount of supporters which continued to grow. In the increasing support, the Black Knights also managed to get more knightmares. Even if there were various supporters, there was still fear in publicly admitting to following the knights of justice due to the prospect of being imprisoned or killed.

The main reason the Black Knights became so popular revolved around the mysterious Zero who proclaimed Clovis' murder was his doing. The Black Knights grew increasingly curious as to who the figure was, and Lelouch's excuses were wearing thin. Zero knew he could only lie so much, and mused over the idea of revealing his identity as Lelouch to the founding members of the Black Knights. Yet he has not found the right time to do so.

Said founding members were not excluded, but they wouldn't pester Zero because they believed he would grow irritated and disappear. Without him they would still be terrorists, struggling to fight Britannia, but now they were knights. Lelouch told them Zero has reasons to keep his identity a secret, but they couldn't help but feel cheated. They all risked their lives and no one, other than Kallen, really had a life outside of the Knights, so why must Zero, a being who could risk being found since he literally holds the devil's power, be exempted from this? That was a clear question on all the member's minds, but again they were afraid of running him off.

The lives of the student council involved in the hostage situation returned to normal. Normal being used very malleably since the three girls could not leave the campus without having reporters swarm them. Trapped on campus, Milly forced the other club members to stay as well claiming since they are friends they'll "die together". Nina got passed the entire event and returned to her xenophobic life. The only Eleven who was excluded from her xenophobia was Suzaku who nearly cried as they were preparing their Arthur welcoming party.

Several people spoke on how to deal with the Black Knights, specifically the JLF's Tohdoh and the four holy swords who went back and forth on what to do.

Kallen also found herself dealing with problems. Due to the night raids she frequently took part in, she found herself sleeping in class, much to the amusement of her classmates. In addition she found her anger for her mother grow. She would yell at the maid out of anger countless times. Why was her mother so weak? Why did she allow herself to be pushed around? If Kallen could fight couldn't her mother do so as well? Her relationship with her step mother was still as bad as always, if not worse.

Lelouch returned to school life, and also found himself sleeping in class. Even then he was a master at masking his in class naps, and had yet to be caught. When Suzaku would come to school, He and Lelouch would find themselves arguing on the topic of the Black Knights. They mainly spoke on whether or not what they did was right. One such time Suzaku left the room claiming he had to return to the base. Lelouch could only scowl at his friend's tone. It seems Suzaku believed his place was at the ASEEC's facilities rather than at school.

As Lelouch began informing the Black Knights of the drug Refrain, they also planned out several raids on warehouses where Refrain shipments were kept. On one such raid after entering a warehouse and being ambushed by a corrupted officer, they found an entire group of Elevens using the drug. Among them was Kallen's mother to which she reacted angrily and bitterly, but couldn't help but cry at the sight of her drugged mother. It was then Kallen realized why her mother remained at the Stadtfeld Manor, it was all for her. She dealt with the brutal treatment because she wished to remain near her daughter, and to be there should she ever need her. After saving her mother, Kallen swore to change the world for when her mother recovers.

Cornelia kept her forces from cracking down on the Black Knights, allowing them to play vigilante momentarily as a way to pay Zero back for saving Euphemia. She told herself there were far more important things than a couple of revolutionaries with a super powered leader, but in reality she was simply stalling any actions towards the masked demon. She managed to push him back, and even temporarily pin him, but Zero managed to free himself and disable two of her best knights, and she was thankful he decided to leave that day in Saitama. She couldn't help but feel an odd and foreign sense of fear when she thought of what Zero could have done if he decided to stay that day. To rid herself of such weak feelings, she was focusing on destroying any other terrorist groups, but that was the problem. As much as she hated to admit it, the Black Knights were actually cleaning up Area 11, dealing with all the underground filth. It was helping her in her long term goal of handing Area 11 to Euphemia, so she could gain an anchor and not be used by her father as easily.

As for Sayoko and Nunnally. Sayoko turned down Lelouch's offer of Geass, and Lelouch accepted her decision. Any plans revolving around her quickly changed, but otherwise Lelouch wasn't at all surprised. Maybe it was intuition, but he felt Sayoko was too prideful to accept the help of something supernatural. In all his exploits he was always reassured that Nunnally would be safe with the kunoichi at her side. The super maid subtly tried to get him to tell Nunnally of his doings, but he could not gain the courage to tell the disabled girl. He was afraid she will be completely mortified and would begin hating him, and if Nunnally ever turned against him he didn't know if he would be able to remain sane.

Several applications continued to come in, and Lelouch would look over them to determine whether or not the person applying was fit to be in the Black Knights. He was taken back when he got the first Britannian applicant, Diethard Ried, but overall continued through the various applicants.

Days continued, and one day the Black Knights received a gift from Kyoto House. The rookie members of the Black Knights were beyond excited as they received various Burais and a new knightmare model the Guren MK-II. The Burais were modified Glasgows, but the Guren MK-II was a fully Japanese made knightmare, and its radiant wave surger was an incredible addition which the Kyoto House funded. The founding members of the Black Knights swelled with pride as they realized the Kyoto House recognized the Black Knights. Out of all the founding members, Tamaki used the new popularity as a way to boost his own ego.

Her comrades walked away from the new knightmare, keen on enjoying a small celebration, but Kallen stayed behind eyeing the Guren amazed by such a beautiful piece of machinery.

"To think Inoue and the others are joining Tamaki in his partying." Zero appeared from the shadows startling Kallen befre She faced him with a smile.

"Well with Kyoto backing us we can actually begin fighting Britannia. This is exciting even for us." Kallen glanced at the Guren to make her point.

"Kyoto backs various resistance groups, so this isn't really a momentous occasion." Zero stated.

"Still to think we are recognized by Kyoto. Must mean we are finally in, huh." Kallen said.

"Now that is where you are wrong. It is clear that Kyoto is merely testing us. They want to see if we will put these machines to good use." Zero explained.

"Even if that is true, this is still exciting. We came from nothing to now owning one of the newest Japanese knightmares." Kallen kept looking at the Guren.

"You're an optimist, Kallen, and that isn't entirely a bad thing." Zero quickly tossed something Kallen's way. The girl caught it and looked at it confused. It was a knightmare key shaped like a wing.

"This is…"

"The Guren MK-II is officially yours Kallen. Treat her well." Zero revealed causing the red head to look at him in shock.

"But…we have so many people! I'm sure there is someone else who needs this." Kallen humbly stated.

"We all know that I don't need it, and don't tell Tamaki," Zero's voice slightly quieted, "But you are the best pilot in the Black Knights, and you must express those skills with pride. You can only be so humble, so take boast about your piloting." Zero praised the now blushing girl before she closed her fist around the key.

"Yes, Zero. Thank you." Kallen expressed.

"Oi Zero, got a moment," They both turned to see Ohgi walk up to them. A folder in his hands, "We received some weird intel, and from a Britannian applicant no less. Do you think it is a trap?" Ohgi handed the folder to Zero. Zero eyed the contents over, "We can't exactly contact him, even with back channels. So what do you think?" Ohgi asked.

Zero finished reading and closed the folder, "It looks like we're going hiking this weekend. Ready all the members."

Ohgi stared at him confused, "Hiking?"

"Yes, to the Narita Mountains."


That night, Lelouch sat in the lounge with a cellphone to his ear and a laptop in front of him. He hoped Euphemia was still awake. He and her had spoken only a few times in the passed few weeks, and conversed of idle things. He would tell her about how he and Nunnally lived in the eight years they were exiled. Lelouch spoke of Suzaku which shocked Euphemia who then explained how she knew the kind Eleven boy. They shared laughs as they spoke of the Lancelot pilot.

He overlooked the map of the Narita Mountains before Euphemia answered, "Lelouch, this is a first. You've never called me."

"Euphemia, I have a request." Lelouch got straight to the point. His computer's view was on the actual town of Narita.

"Request?" She asked confused.

"I know about Cornelia's attack on Narita, and I want to ask what the precautions are with the civilians." Lelouch bluntly announced.

Euphemia remained quiet for a few seconds, "I asked Cornelia about them, and she said she would issue an evacuation announcement." Euphemia didn't want to know about how her brother knew of the upcoming attack, and she knew it was tied in with Zero, but they hadn't spoken much about Lelouch's involvement with the Black Knights. Any time she would ask worriedly, he would reassure her by telling her that he is simply supporting them financially, and was not in any real combat. She questioned how he could finance the organization, and he reluctantly told her about his gambling. She chastised him protectively, and Lelouch chuckled claiming she sounded a lot like Nunnally which then gained laughter from both of them.

"I doubt that will be enough. People do not listen to announcements, they are distracted by the cacophony of routine life. If the military doesn't implement the evacuation then they won't drop their mundane work to leave." Lelouch said.

Euphemia grew alert, "Cornelia said it is unlikely for the town to be attacked. Why are you so insistent? Is Zero planning something?" Lelouch's silence basically answered her question.

"Euphy, please. Promise me you'll force an evacuation, not just an order. I need to know all the people will be out of Narita." Lelouch asserted. "This battle cannot turn out like Saitama. If civilians are caught up in this again then I will be the direct cause of their death. The land slide should engulf the entire area, so any civilians whom remain will be left to suffocate under the tons of rock and dirt. This is my chance to capture Cornelia, and I will not let past mistakes repeat." He thought as he waited for Euphemia's response.

"Lelouch…is Zero planning to kill Cornelia?"

Lelouch saddened at Euphemia's tone. No matter what he said to Euphemia, Zero will always be the person who killed her brother. He understood her worry, but could not bring himself to lie to the kind girl.

"Just…please make sure the town is evacuated. What occurs on that mountain must remain between the guilty." Lelouch then hung up, tossing his phone onto the table in front of him. He then buried his head in his hands, before moving his hands through his messy locks.

"That went well." C.C. monotone cut in. Lelouch sighed at the listless woman's comment.

"Thank you for the useless comment. At least attempt to motivate me with your wisdom." Lelouch sat back tiredly. C.C. lay on the couch beside him, the top of her head touching his leg causing some of her messy green hair to spill over the side of the sofa. She cuddled with her dear Cheese-kun as she faced the ceiling. She tilted her head slightly and looked at him.

"Euphemia and Cornelia's love for each other is comparable to your love of Nunnally, and it seems like you care about Euphemia, so I doubt killing her sister would be the best "I love you" gift." She stated.

Lelouch's violet pupil focused on her, "You are right about their love for each other, and distraught would be an understatement in describing what Euphemia would feel should Cornelia die. Besides Cornelia is the only thing keeping Euphemia from being completely manipulated by not only our father but by other government officials as well. They would see her kindness as weakness and will not hesitate to control her."

"So will you allow Cornelia to live after all she's done, or will you keep her alive out of love for Euphemia?"

Lelouch brought his hand to his chin. He was at in impasse on what his course of action would be. No matter what, he needed to know what happened to his mother, so he would need a good spot to interrogate her. But what to do with her after he got the information out of her?

"Dammit, now I have to change my plans, but what if Cornelia's reaction to my resurrection is not pleasant? Either way I'll need a secluded place to interrogate her," Lelouch swiftly stood "Guess I'll have to do some reconnaissance, ugh, it is going to be a long night." C.C. sat up never releasing her grip on her plushy.

"Where are you going?" She asked.

Lelouch finished putting on his shoes before answering, "To find a suitable location in Narita for interrogation. It'll probably take me some time so you'll have the entire bed for yourself." He began walking our of the room. A normal person might say them sharing a bed isn't really appropriate, but it became a normal thing for the two of them

"Don't die..."

He stopped and turned toward the lime haired girl who faced him emotionless, "I'm not doing anything drastic."

She pressed cheese-kun to her face, "I wasn't talking about now...it wouldn't be convenient if you were captured during the upcoming fight. Don't forget you still have a wish to grant." She leaned back onto the sofa.

"I've planned for everything, so I doubt this will be like what happened in Saitama. I appreciate the gesture, but you needn't remind me every time I leave." He said.

"I just feel in necessary to remind a power crazy boy like you...I've had several people cheat me out of my wish, and I do not want it to happen again." She explained.

Her face was covered by cheese-kun so Lelouch couldn't see her face, "Well thank you for the encouragement," He started somewhat sarcastically, "I'll be back soon, please keep yourself from eating pizza on my bed. It is a hassle to get out the grease stains."

He walked out of the lounge slightly sluggish when he thought of the prospect of not sleeping. As he neared the main entrance he was stopped by Sayoko.

"Going out, Master Lelouch?" The maid asked.

Lelouch saw through the ambiguous question, "I'm simply going to scout a location for a future mission. I don't know how long it will take, so you don't have to wait for my return." He told her.

She bowed, "Very well, but I ask you return quickly. You do have school tomorrow."

Lelouch couldn't help but smile, "Thank you Sayoko, and I'll try to be as quick as possible."

With their conversation over, Lelouch stepped out of the lavish building. As he stepped of the threshold of his accommodations, he looked up to see the night sky. The full moon shined brightly on him, "Already a month since my loss in Saitama yet it feels so far in the past. If all goes well in Narita, I might finally get answers." Lelouch said before activating his Geass. The bird like sigil appeared in his left eye and glowed a bright crimson. In an instance he was suited in his "Zero" armor. Activating his wings, he then soared into the night sky.


"Sector 5 nothing to report." A bored JLF member.

"Of course there's nothing to report. This mountain's under the Japan Liberation Front's control. Nobody can just—" Another member sat at a table which was occupied by a 'Go' board. His comment was cut off when they heard the sound of the cabin's door open. They turned to the door in confusion, and quickly stood, grabbing their guns when they saw who stood there.

"Zero!" They shouted as they aimed their guns at him. Zero calmly held up his hands.

"I did not come here to fight. I wish to speak with your leader." He stated his arms still in the air. The two Japanese men looked at him unsure before one of them went for a radio.

Inside the Narita Mountain was not dark caverns, but an entire military facility which acted as the JLF's main headquarters. The leader of the JLF, General Katase Tatewaki, hurriedly walked into the main command center, "Is it true? Has Zero appeared?" He demanded.

"Yes sir, here." A soldier handed him a radio. He eyed the men in the room before bringing the radio up to his face, "This is General Katase, is this really Zero?" He asked.

"Yes, this is Zero. I must say it is an honor to speak with you General." Zero's voice came from the radio. Katase quickly turned serious.

"Is there a reason you are here?" Katase anxiously asked.

"Do not worry General, I know what Kusakabe did were not your orders, so calm yourself." Zero reassured. Katase's features slackened, and he was thankful that Zero hadn't come to punish them as well.

"If you aren't here to fight, then why are you here? What business do you have with the Japan Liberation Front?" Katase questioned.

"I never stated I wasn't here to fight," Katase froze when he heard this, "But I do not plan to fight against the JLF, but rather alongside you General."

Katase could only stand in confusion, "What do you mean Zero?"

"I have received information from a reliable Britannian source. It seems your base was discovered by Viceroy Cornelia, and she is leading a full frontal assault on this mountain in an hour."


"We've split four battalions into seven units and hidden them. All we need is the Viceroy's signal then we'll surround them and wipe them out." Darlton explained the situation.

They were all in G-1, slowly making their way.

Euphemia turned to her sister, "Viceroy, are we sure no enemies will appear outside the encirclement line?"

Darlton decided to answer, "When the operation starts, we'll be blocking off the area. Any third party members will be easily spotted, and any highways will also be closed off. We have the entire Narita area covered, Sub-Viceroy, so there is no need to worry."

Euphemia turned to the man, "What about Zero? He can fly over all the road blocks."

"We have anti-air guns stationed around G-1, ready to hold him off. We also have jets and helicopters ready to deploy." He answered. Euphemia nodded in understanding before facing Cornelia.

"Viceroy, I know you gave an evacuation warning, but I may ask we send in troops to ensure the people evacuate." Euphemia stated.

Cornelia raised an eyebrow, "It is doubtful that the fight will make it into the city, and if it does then it's the own fault of those who remained if they get caught in the crossfire." She replied.

"Please Viceroy, I am sure the chances are low, but no one know can predict what will happen. For all we know, the JLF may try and use those who remain as hostages, and I wouldn't want anyone to go through such a situation." She clarified.

Everyone in the room remained quiet as they waited for Cornelia's orders. Cornelia eyed her sister her eyes narrowing, "Very well. Darlton order some reserve soldiers to go into the city, and ensure all citizens are in camps near G-1." She ordered.

Euphemia smiled, "Thank you Viceroy."

Cornelia returned a faint smile as he sister refocused on the map of the area. She continued to look at Euphemia's back, "Why does it feel like you are hiding something, Euphy? And why are you hiding it in the first place?"


"So what do you think we are doing with the Japan Liberation Front?"

"I don't know some training exercise."

"I guess only the higher ups would know Zero's plan. I mean what training needs excavators?"

Several rookie members of the Black Knights tried to understand their leader's reason for coming to Narita. They assumed they are allying with the JLF, but other than that they didn't really know what was going on.

Kallen sat in her Guren, reading its manual, "So Zero is serious about this, but can we win?" She whispered to herself.

Zero stood outside of the cabin lookout station. He took in the gorgeous view of the Narita Mountains, "If only Nunnally could enjoy this," Lelouch said before his mind shifted to his contractor, "I hope that woman isn't filling Nunnally's head with lies and misunderstanding." Lelouch struggled to keep C.C. back in Ashford, and she was adamant in protecting him. Of course she stated it was all for their contract, but he was slowly seeing through her façade. He reassured her by telling her he wouldn't be as careless as he was in Saitama, and she grudgingly stayed put.

"Today is it, with this battle, I will test the loyalty of the Black Knights. They seem promising, but with the new members who knows how this turns out. Will they become cowards? I am sure the founding members would remain, but all the recruits might run in fear. This will be a daunting task for them, and even with the Japan Liberation Front, they might not be ready for a true battle. This is what will be different from Saitama, the turning point, if they run like the Yamato Alliance then they will perish, but if they follow my orders, they will be victorious. I can only hope it will be the latter."

"All units are ready." Darlton informed.

"Understood! I will lead the battle while Euphemia provides logistical support from G-1 as planned. She will command the medical group and the evacuated civilians." Cornelia charged.

"Yes your highness," Guilford answered, "If I may Princess…shouldn't Euphemia be back in the government offices not in battle?"

"Euphy is far more stubborn than she looks. She told me she wanted to see actual combat for herself, but I feel she has another reason for coming." Cornelia expressed her concern. She often found herself conveying any form of concern to her loyal knight.

"What do you mean Princess?" Guilford asked.

"This may be me overthinking it, but I feel as though Euphy didn't want me to go through with this attack. She seems to have gotten more worried in the passed few days." Cornelia said.

"She must be anxious of this operation. It is only natural for her to be worried for you, after all the ranks and titles, you are sisters." Guilford stated.

Cornelia smiled, "You are probably right."

Jeremiah Gottwald scowled angrily, "I thought this battle would be my chance to redeem myself, but here we are stuck evacuating civilians." He stated angrily.

"Lord Jeremiah, the west sector of the city was evacuated. Now we must move on to the east and last sector." Villetta Nu's voice came over his radio.

"Let's just get this over with before the operation starts."

Euphemia watched the map, a yellow unit catching her attention, "Why is that unit so far behind the G-1?"

"That is the special unit with an Eleven pilot. Usually numbers aren't allowed to pilot knightmares but that unit is an exception."

Zero patiently waited alongside his men. The Japan Liberation Front agreed to ally with them, and agreed to Zero's terms. He waited as the preparations were made.

"Right! Commence operation!" Cornelia shouted as her knightmare was flung into the battle from the G-1. As soon as she gave the order, various knightmares activated and sped off into the mountain's base. More and more knightmares entered the forest aimed to wipe out the JLF.

"Japan Liberation Front, you who were left behind by time. You who became savages devoid of basic human kindness. Now your dream shall fall and rot into nothingness along with your forgotten nation."

General Katase stared at the tactical map, "Sir the Britannian forces have surrounded the mountain." A soldier in the command center exclaimed.

"It's just as Zero said. We'll proceed as he planned! Activate the mountain's defense systems! Keep the Burai pilots on standby, and ready the evacuation vehicles! Should anything go wrong we will abandon this station!" Katase gave orders in rapid succession. He eyed the hundreds of units appearing on the map, "Zero, I pray this plan of yours works because if it doesn't there will be nothing left of the Japan Liberation Front."

The Black Knights watched as dozens of air transports continued to drop hundreds of knightmares. All members began feelings a sense of dread as they watched Cornelia's forces fall onto the forest below.

Lelouch watched from behind his helmet, "A full-scale war, but this time you will not defeat me Cornelia."

Ohgi walked up beside him a hopeless snarl on his face, "They've begun." He said.

Below them Tamaki and Kent watched as well. Tamaki's face contorted in anger, "What is this Zero! This isn't some small attack, it's a goddamn war!" He shouted at the cloaked leader.

"You're right, from the looks of things, we are cut off and have no choice but to fight." Zero stated.

Inoue, Minami and Sugiyama stood next to Zero, "Fight? Their numbers are ten times the ones in Shinjuku." Minami said.

"Yeah! Shinjuku was one thing, but we are completely outnumbered here!" Tamaki shouted.

"These are also Cornelia's forces! They're considered the best in Britannia!" Kent added.

"You are correct. Honestly the odds are against us, and even with the JLF we will need a miracle." Zero said calmly. Ohgi turned to Zero disbelief written all over his face.

"Zero, what are you saying?!" He asked.

Zero turned to the man, "In order for the Black Knights to truly be seen as messiahs, we must perform the impossible! We are severally outnumbered and outclassed, but even then we must use this to accomplish a miracle."

"Zero, you crazy bastard! You may have the powers of the devil, but that doesn't mean we do! Have you forgotten that everyone besides you is human! We won't last ten minutes against her forces!" Tamaki yelled angrily.

"What happened to your will? What happened to liberating Japan?! You run scared at the first sight of failure! These are not the fighters I met in Shinjuku! I do have incredible power, and if I wanted I could fly straight to the command center and kill everyone there. Do you know why I don't?" Zero waited for an answer, but everyone either stared at him unsure or averted their gazes afraid to confront the frightening leader.

"If I were to attack and wipe out all Britannian forces, I would be no better than them. I would be the new "strong" and they the new "weak". That is why I confide in you, I wish to show the world that those who Britannia labeled as the weak are in fact the strong! Show them! Show Cornelia that you are not weak! That you are not inferior! You who are called nothing, show them that you are in fact everything. I may have power, but that does not make me better than any of you. Honestly, I am probably the worst one here. Their numbers are staggering, but we must overcome this. The moment you joined the Black Knights, you should have accepted the fact that you might die." Zero finished his speech and waited for the stunned knights to respond.

"General Katase, we've received a message from Cornelia's forces asking for our surrender."

"Idiot! We cannot surrender! If we fall, Japan's hope dies with us! With Zero's plan we might have a chance, so hold them off!" Katase responded.

Andreas Darlton led his squad up the mountain, "Any of those knockoff Glasgows?" He asked.

"Not yet sir, the JLF has yet to attack."

Darlton eyed his viewer, "Did the JLF somehow discover our plans?"

His thought was disrupted when various turrets lifted from the ground and began firing.

Cornelia smiled as she watched the hidden turrets appear, "They've made this entire mountain a fortress, but they'll have to do more than that to stop me!" She sent her lance into the automated guns, destroying them.

More guns appeared from the ground, and Cornelia easily destroyed them without much struggle.

[Is this everything? Cornelia is here! Is there no one who wishes to challenge me?!] She exclaimed over her knightmare's speakers. Guilford and Alfred G. Darlton in their own Gloucesters standing beside her.

Darlton led his force further up the mountain, "There seems to be a concentration of turrets over here! I believe we might have found our target!" He exclaimed. His men continued destroying the various turrets which were built into the mountain.

"General Katase, they've broken through our second defense! We have to send out Burais or they'll destroy this base!"

"Turret guns can only last so long, quickly radio Zero!" Katase ordered.

Zero waited for anyone to say anything. They all gawked at him unsure what any of them could say. Their stare off was interrupted by a JLF member who ran out of the cabin, "Zero! General Katase says there is no more time! Cornelia's forces have surrounded the mountain, they are closing in on the HQ!"

Zero turned toward the Guren, "Kallen! Will you remain?" He asked her.

Kallen froze at the sudden question before nodding in determination, "Yes!"

He faced the others again, "So are you with me? Or would you rather surrender now!" He shouted to all of them. Such short question seemed to inspire the Black Knights in a spiting way.

"I don't wanna to die, so I'll fight!"

"Screw surrendering! We'll make this miracle happen."

"Yeah, we have Zero, the Demon King! The moment we're down he'll wipe out Cornelia!"

All the members readied their weapons, those assigned knightmares quickly entered their respective Burais. Tamaki watched his fellow Black Knights gain a new sense of inspiration and grew angry.

"Dammit! Fine! We'll follow you Zero, but don't come crying to me when Cornelia annihilates us!" Tamaki shouted angrily.

Zero entered his own Burai. It was probably easier to fly around the battle field, but he would take precautions since Cornelia would be prepared for him. He would not let anti-air guns be the bane of his existence again. With the Burai he could also keep an eye on the battle, and follow Cornelia's tracks. The plan in capturing Cornelia revolves around getting her alone, and then Zero would attack.

"All Black Knights! Today we are launching a surprise attack on the Britannians whom surround the Japan Liberation Front! Main goal is to capture Cornelia, and to accomplice that we will diminish her forces! Await for my orders to attack! The Guren will give us an opening!" Zero bellowed from within his Burai. Everyone chimed into the communication channel listened to Zero's orders.

"Kallen! Use penetrating electrode number 3! That should be enough to finish it." Zero told the Guren pilot.

"Right!" She acknowledged. She quickly maneuvered the Guren's right arm over the electrode labeled '3'. She placed the giant arm over the case.

"Output, confirmed! Radiant wave surger, maintaining level status!" Kallen took a deep breath to ready herself for the battle she will engage.

"Initiating now!" Kallen activated her radiant wave surger. Her arm flashed with electricity which then travelled into the buried canister. After a few seconds steam appeared from the ground then the ground trembled and fell apart, "It worked!" She shouted in victory.

Elsewhere, Tohdoh sat in a truck as it barreled through a barricade, "Tohdoh, maybe we are going a little overboard." Shogo Asahina stated.

Tohdoh's eyes never left the road, "A blockade can only mean they've discovered our location. Asahina, Chiba! Prep the Burais for deployment!" He ordered, "Radio Urabe and Senba to do the same! If we hurry we might just make it!"

Darlton's squad pulled themselves up the mountain with their harkens. Darlton watched the map, a smile gracing his features. They had the mountain completely surrounded, "With this, the resistance in Area 11 will disappear!"

His celebration was short lived when the ground shook violently, "What the?!" Darlton shouted before a landslide completely engulfed his forces.

Cornelia and her knights stood to the side of the landslide, immobilized as the ground shook, "Princess, pull back!" Guilford ordered.

"Don't treat me like one of your women! Where's Alex? Have you communicated with Darlton?!" Cornelia sat in her knightmare watching as the landslide registered on her map. Countless signals were lost as they were taken by the landslide.

Inside the JLF headquarters Katase and his men braced as the mountain shook violently, "Will this place hold?!" Katase shouted.

"The basic structure should hold!"


"Oh, my!" Lloyd watched the IFF display, "At this rate they'll fall all the way to the bottom." The purple wave overtook the map.

"These heat readings are abnormal. Is it possible someone intentionally set off this landslide?" Cecile asked.

"I doubt even Rakshata's radiant wave surger could do something like this." He answered.

In front of them, sitting in the Lancelot's open cockpit, Suzaku turned back as he heard them, "Did something happen?"

Lloyd looked up at him, "Yeah, but it has nothing to do with us, so just sit patiently."

The landslide swept over the mountain without mercy. It continued going down the mountain, various fallen knightmares trapped in the tons of rubble. It made it to the city and decimated any building in its path.

"I hope Euphemia heeded my warning. The landslide managed to wipe out at least half of Cornelia's forces, but there are still several of them active. Maybe I should have been a bit more precise." Lelouch rested his head in his palm as he watched the IFF display.

"It's time to call Katase." His face was then covered by his helmet as he made the connection to the JLF.

Inside the HQ the JLF were preparing their own forces when Zero appeared on the main monitor. General Katase turned to face the screen.

"General Katase, it's time to send out your forces. Remember our deal, Cornelia is mine." Zero stated.

Katase's face grew serious, "Very well Zero, you'll have Cornelia." Katase agreed to the terms Zero had set. "Alright men, send out all Burais! This is our time to show Britannia the pride of Japan!" The room released a roar in inspiration.

All throughout the mountain, hatches opened and various Burais appeared from the mountain. Sutherland were taken by surprise as the Burais attacked, and begun pushing them back.

Zero cut the communication with Katase, and activated his radio, "All Black Knights! Follow all instructions and we will be victorious! The moment we surround Cornelia, I will fight her myself, but until then we will show them the strength of the Black Knights!"

All the members found their anxiety fade at the sound of their leader's confidence. All members found a new resolve, and readied their counterattack.

"Princess! We have confirmation of various Burais attacking our forces!"

Cornelia listened to her subordinate's quick report, "So they intend to use the confusion as their time to attack. Was this landslide their doing?" She couldn't help but scowl at the IFF map. Half her men were taken by the landslide, and she had yet to hear from Darlton.

"Emergency communication from Carius Unit!" The sudden voice startled her.

"What's wrong?!" She inquired

"A new unit of enemies appeared from the summit, but they weren't part of the Japan Liberation Front! Carius unit identified them as the Black Knights!"

Cornelia's blood ran cold when she heard this, "Then that mean…Zero."

Jeremiah Gottwald heard this communication and his smile grew, "Zero! I can finally prove myself!" He then sped off into battle.

"Lord Jeremiah wait!" Villetta shouted.

"Villetta this is our chance for victory!" Jeremiah replied as he drove into battle.

She waited a few seconds before following him. Kewell did the same before speeding off as well.

Zero led a group of Burais into battle, "Cornelia has limited reinforcements, so now is our chance! We'll break through any resistance we meet, but leave her and her guard to me!"

"Right! We'll deal with the Sutherlands!" The two Burais at his sides understood. They met Sutherlands and rapidly disposed of them.

Meanwhile Inoue was leading the ground forces, "Our job is to pave the way for Zero! So let's not fall back!" She shouted. Her forces fired upon unaware Britannian troops. Their weapons hit their marks, and completely wiped out the unit.

As Jeremiah drove his Sutherland through the forest he watches as the Carius Unit disappear from the IFF map.

"Carius unit was taken out? If I can defeat Zero's forces before they reach Princess Cornelia then maybe I can redeem my status!" He shouted determined.

"How does it feel Cornelia? My strategies will bring me victory."

As he sped through the forest, the two Burais beside his were struck and the cockpits ejected. He faced the enemy and found three Sutherlands staring at him.

[Die with honor! You terrorists!] The leading Sutherland proclaimed.

Lelouch recognized that pompous voice, [Jeremiah Gottwald? You're still in the army? If only we had time to speak, but I have far more important things to deal with, my dear Orange.]

Jeremiah listened from within his cockpit, and his face could only be described as one of pure hatred, "ORANGE?! I'll kill you!" Without thinking he charged at Zero's Burai ignoring Villetta's pleas. His Sutherland was stopped midway by Kallen's Guren which swiftly disarmed Jeremiah. His Sutherland faced the Guren with its tonfas ready.

"Lord Jeremiah!" Villetta shouted.

"Villetta stay out of this! I'll find this interloper!" The former margrave demanded.

"But we've never seen a knightmare like that before! Is it possible the Elevens invented a new knightmare?" She added.

Jeremiah watched the crimson machine warily, "Do you really think Elevens are capable of creating this?" He told her before attacking the Guren. His counterpart guarded effortlessly, and dodged Jeremiah's attacks before leaping into the air.

"It's fast!" Jeremiah said as the knightmare came back down and charged him. He was easily pinned against its blade. "Could this be what took out Carius' unit?" He thought.

Inside the Guren's cockpit, Kallen snarled at Jeremiah, "You see this Britannia! We aren't as weak as you think, and with this Guren Mark II we'll finally fight you head on!" Kallen moved the Guren's right arm toward the pinned Sutherland.

Jeremiah saw this and backed up, "Whatever is in that arm, I can avoid by keeping my distance." He ingenious plan crumbled as the clawed arm extended and latched onto the Sutherland's head.

Kallen quickly flipped a switch, "I'm sorry." She calmly said as she activated the radiant wave surger. In seconds Jeremiah's Sutherland seemed to bubble up, and Jeremiah's cockpit was forced to eject as the knightmare burst. The Guren arm latched back into place as fire surrounded it, "With the Guren Mark II, I won't lose!"

Villetta and Kewell watched in incredulous awe, "She defeated Jeremiah…who are these Black Knights? Who are these warriors?" Villetta wondered in astonishment.

Lelouch sneered, "Kallen is truly a magnificent pilot, and with this the conditions are cleared. The pieces are positioned, and all that is left is to check my opponent's stronghold. Prepare yourself Cornelia for the demon is coming."

"What do our loses look like?!" Darlton shouted. He along with his son Claudio S. Darlton managed to escape the wave of dirt and stone.

"We aren't sure Sir, but so far we read signals from 20% of our forces."

Darlton's eyes widened, "Only 20%?! Our command structure won't hold!"

"This is Marceau unit! I can't contact General Alex! The second division was completely wiped out!"

"Mr. Lloyd, what is going on?" Suzaku asked.

"It seems this landslide is rather unnatural, and there are unconfirmed reports that the Black Knights have appeared." Lloyd told him. Suzaku's features hardened.

"Zero is here."

"It seems that way. If things keep being the way they are then we may get out turn."

Suzaku stared stunned at his superior, "But, Zero…he can potentially destroy the Lancelot."

"Suzaku is right, sending in the Lancelot is completely reckless!" Cecile chastised.

"That may be, but Cornelia assigned me to investigate Zero's armor, so sending in the Lancelot will be the best way to acquire data. In addition, we've reinforced the Lancelot's core so Zero's EMP will not affect it." Lloyd explained.

Cecile looked at him with a disapproving expression, "Even then Suzaku shouldn't be used as bait."

"I doubt Zero will go toward the Lancelot, but we are getting ahead of ourselves. Until we get orders, we can do nothing but wait."

Kewell Soresi attempted to damage the Guren, but found himself hopeless, "How can I lose to an Eleven?! I'm a proud Britannian!" he shouted angrily as his cockpit's ejection system refused to work. The Sutherland then exploded

Villetta watched Kewell's knightmare disappear in a ball of fire, "Sir Kewell!"

Zero pressed his Burai forward, "Good job, Guren, head to you designated area, just like we've planned. The remaining forces stay with me and push towards Cornelia!"

"Right!" Kallen replied as the Guren left the group. Three Burais remained behind Zero's as they went further into the forest.

Villetta backed her knightmare up, and stood her Sutherland defensively. Two other Sutherlands arrived and joined her in defending the position. They opened fire upon the oncoming Burais managing to hit the one piloted by Sugiyama. The battle continued throughout the mountain side and both sides were losing members in battle, but the Britannians were quickly diminishing as the JLF and Black Knights hounded them without pity.

"Yes…fight, and you will succeed. Live and you will become true warriors!"

"The Purebloods have entered the fight and are holding them off momentarily!"

"Really?! Who is leading them?"

"Lady Villetta has taken command!"

"Then this is our chance! Bring the Viceroy back here! Send in the air support!"

Euphemia stood staring at the map in front of her, but her mind was elsewhere, "Lelouch…did Zero somehow cause this landslide? Is this why you wanted the civilians evacuated?" Euphemia noticed how the landslide made it into the city and luckily Jeremiah and his team managed to evacuate every in time, but she still couldn't help but grow more and more worried. Movement on the map caught her eye, "Wait! Something's approaching the viceroy from behind!"


"All units ready?"

"Yes sir!"

"All right. Deploy the Burai Customs! Let's move out!"

Two heavily armed vans drove through the forest when their tops opened revealing five modified knightmares, "The landslide was clearly man made! We can use this chance to capture Cornelia! We'll repay her for what happened 7 years ago!" Tohdoh commanded assertively.

The Four Holy Swords were an elite team of Japanese soldiers under the direct leadership of Kyoshiro Tohdoh. The four consisted of Nagisa Chiba, Shogo Asahina, Ryoga Senba, and Kosetsu Urabe.

"Yes, sir! By the honor of the Four Holy Swords we shall triumph!" The four members yelled. Five Burai Kai's readied themselves to enter the fray before jumping of the moving vans.

It was sudden and unexpected, and they seemed to come out of nowhere. Tohdoh led the attack on Cornelia and the forces guarding her. He used his Burai's katen Yaibatou to cut through the first Sutherland he saw then effortlessly cut down another.

Guilford was the first to notice the newcomers, "Guard her Princess!" He ordered.

Cornelia watched as four more Burais appeared and joined the first, "The Japan Liberation Front?!"

They opened fire on the oncoming forces, but their shots were meaningless as Tohdoh easily maneuvered around them, "Slash and Encircle Formation!" He ordered.

"Wilco!"

Sutherlands were cut through without hesitation as Tohdoh and his team continued moving forward, "Don't assume these are just any Burais." The Lieutenant Colonel commented.

The bespectacled member of the Four Holy Swords could only smile, "This feels a lot like 7 years ago."

The only female member of the Holy Swords, Chiba, seemed to finish his thought, "Except this time we have knightmares as well!"

Guilford was the first knight to attack, "Highness, leave them to us! Please withdraw for now!" He said before his lance made contact with Tohdoh's sword.

Cornelia could see how anything she did would only hinder her knight, "Very well, once you fight them off meet me at point 9. I have an idea on how to turn this around."

"Point 9? Understood!" He acknowledged before Cornelia sped off.

Zero sat patiently in his Burai along with two others.

"Zero! Why aren't we doing anything?!" One of them asked.

Villetta and other Purebloods managed to pin them behind some boulders for the passed few minutes, and Zero's subordinates were growing restless.

"We must wait for Kallen to get into position." He calmly replied.

"Zero! They're saying Cornelia is under attack from behind!"

Lelouch's eyes widened at the new information, "What?! I gave no such order!"

"It's not ours! It looks like the JLF!"

Lelouch went from shocked to furious very quickly, "Did they betray me? Are they going against our deal?" He pressed a plethora of buttons which connected him to the JLF base.

Inside the command center, Katase and his team were ecstatic to see Tohdoh appear on screen, "Sorry we're late, General."

Katase felt relieved, "Tohdoh! We've waited for you!"

Tohdoh nodded in understanding, "Sir! Send all forces to my position! The Four Holy Knights are currently fighting Cornelia's Royal Guard, and if I hurry I can capture Cornelia herself!"

Katase then realized he hadn't informed Tohdoh of his alliance with Zero, but before he could relay the information, said figure appeared on the screen, "I am very disappointed General Katase. I thought you would honor our deal." Zero's robotic and disapproving voice resonated over the video communication.

As Zero stared at his screen, eyeing the JLF command center another feed suddenly appeared on his monitor and his eyes widened, "Tohdoh-sensei…I see, now I understand."

"Zero, this is a misunderstanding!" Katase exclaimed.

"General what is going on? Why is Zero here?" Tohdoh demanded answered.

"Please Lt. Colonel Tohdoh, I apologize for my hostility." Zero started, "As to why I am here, I came to General Katase bearing news on this attack. He and I formed an alliance in which the Black Knights would aid the Japan Liberation Front in this battle against Cornelia under one condition." Zero explained.

Tohdoh's eyes narrowed, "What was the condition?"

Katase took this as his cue to talk, "Well, he asked that if we manage to beat Cornelia, she be handed over to him."

"I felt that was a reasonable demand, and not 'if', but when we capture Cornelia." Zero said.

"Will you kill her, like you killed Clovis?" Tohdoh asked out of curiosity more than anything.

"Well that is something I shall keep to myself for now. I ask you to deal with Cornelia's royal guard, is that a fair request?" Zero stated ambiguously.

Tohdoh eyed him suspiciously before nodding, "Very well, we'll listen to your demands." With that Tohdoh ended the call to refocus on the battle. He reengaged his battle with Guilford. He skillfully met the knight blow for blow.

"I heard of an Eleven with the abilities of a knight, but this…could this be the infamous Tohdoh of Miracles?"

"Dammit! These terrorists seem to have gotten a second wind!" Dartlon shouted as another Sutherland was taken out by turret fire. The main base was right in front of them, but they were sitting ducks as they attempted to gain ground.

The scarred man snarled, "All men fall back! We have to regroup with Princess Cornelia!" He ordered.

"But sir, the enemy base is right in front of us! If we turn to retreat we'll recieve several damages of enemy fire!"

Darlton proceeded to growl at the inept subordinate, "You fool! If we lose Princess Cornelia then the entire battle is lost!"

"Yes my lord!"

Darlton subordinates weren't able to do much as a rocket impacted the unstable ground below them causing it to crumble.

"Sub-Viceroy Euphemia, we must charge in with G-1 to save the viceroy!"

"No!" Euphemia denied.

"But, Sub-Viceroy with Lord Guilford pinned, Viceroy Cornelia is all alone out there! She is in imminent danger!"

"I know but we have to remain here with the field hospital and the evacuated civilians! Besides this G-1 represents the main headquarters, so if it were to be destroyed then the battle will be lost! The Viceroy ordered me not to move it no matter what happens…" Euphemia stared helplessly at the IFF display, unsure what do to. Then the world shine upon her in the form of a green eyed Eleven.

A small screen appeared on the IFF map revealing Suzaku, Lloyd and Cecile.

"Hello! Advanced Special-Envoy Engineering Corps. Ready for orders!" Lloyd said cheerily.

The commanders at Euphemia's sides grew angry, "How dare you! You irregulars should remain silent!"

"Well sir, normally we would, but we've grown rather bored simply sitting around doing nothing." Lloyd's smile never left his face.

"Sub-Viceroy Euphemia," Suzaku spoke gaining the pinkette's attention, "I beg of you, please order us into combat!"

Again the commanders scoffed, "How daring! You simply want the glory of rescuing the viceroy! Know your place Eleven! As if your machine can do much to change an entire battle!"

"What's the harm in trying? If we fail as you claim then that will only prove your judgement is the best." Lloyd commented happily.

"Are you mocking us?!"

As Lloyd annoyed the commanders, Suzaku mouthed one word, 'Euphy'. For some reason Euphemia found herself suddenly taken by the boy, "Understood. Please do it. Send the Lancelot into battle."

Lloyd closed in on the camera in excitement, "Thank you so much!"

Suzaku stared directly at Euphemia, "I swear! I will protect Cornelia!"

Back with Tohdoh and the Holy Swords. He and Guilford kept matching each other in a fluent dance to the death. No matter what Tohdoh tried he could get and opening, and the same was for Guilford.

"He is good!" Tohdoh explained as he rebounded after Guilford guarded against his attack. Guilford took this time to throw up a Chaos Mine. Tohdoh wasted no time as he saw the deadly weapon fly into the sky, "Everyone scatter!" He ordered as the mine fired. Luckily the Holy Sword evaded on time.

"Colonel! Is it really a good idea to side with Zero?" Chiba advised.

"If Zero is the man I think he is then he'll capture Cornelia, and honestly I doubt anything we do to her will compare to what the demon has in store. All we can do now is trust him!" Tohdoh retorted.

Said man was still pinned behind rocks, Villetta's forces hadn't stopped firing on the boulders yet Zero sat patiently waiting. He eyed the map when finally the time came.

"Alright men, I'll be going!" He announced as his Burai came out of the cover.

Villetta and her men aimed at the Burai and opened fire, but before they shredded it the bullets stops.

Villetta's eyes widened and time slowed down. Without thinking she pulled her eject just as the bullets were sent hurling back at them. Her allies were immediately destroyed as her cockpit flew upward, but it wasn't fast enough and one of the bullets hit the parachute systems. She was sent off into the distance and was thrashed inside the cockpit as it crashed through various branches. Then it hit the ground with such force it sent her forward causing her to smash her head on the glass monitor. Now she sat unconscious in her opened cockpit bleeding from here head, and suffering various sprains and fractures.

Lelouch witnessed his power's doings from his Burai before turning and speeding off leaving his two companions to fend off other Sutherlands which were arriving.

Guilford fought tirelessly against Tohdoh, "Dammit! At this point I won't be able to get to Point 9!" He pressed his lance harder against Tohdoh's spinning sword. He watched the IFF map eyeing the point which Cornelia was probably waiting. His eyes widened when he noticed another unit moving toward her, "Which unit is heading toward Princess Cornelia!" He shouted over the radio, making sure to connect it to all units.

"Lord Guilford, we are pinned by the Black Knights and the JLF, so we can't rendezvous at her location! Which ever unit is heading toward her it's not us!"

Horror dawned of the knight, "Princess Cornelia!" He shouted.

Said Princess replied quietly, "I hear you, Guilford." In front of her stood a crimson knightmare. They both stood in between mountains, in a natural trench.

"Advanced prototype weapon Z-01 Lancelot, you will use sand boards to climb the liquefied slope at maximum combat speed. Rescue the viceroy!"

"Understood, my lord!"

The Lancelot spread its legs and slightly crouched ready to take off.

"Suzaku, there's one thing I wish to ask you." Lloyd's image appeared on Suzaku's screen.

"What is it sir?" He asked.

"You hate having people die more than anything yet have you ever put some thought into your own wellbeing?" The scientist inquired.

"The moment I joined the military, I was ready to die, and now is no different." Suzaku replied determined.

Lloyd simply smiled at him, "Alright then! Good luck! I'm sure you'll need it!" Before the call was cut off Suzaku watched as Cecile comically grabbed Lloyd by the collar and yanked him off screen.

Suzaku took a deep breath and let it out, "Lancelot, launching!"


Kallen stared at the Gloucester in front of her in anger before charging, "CORNELIA!" Was her battle cry as she went in for an attack.

"You low scum!" Cornelia responded as she lunged at the knightmare. The Guren easily dodged, but missed its opponent due to Cornelia used her harken to latch onto the cliff.

"That isn't just a customized Sutherland, is it?" She stated rhetorically. A beeping drew her attention and she quickly allowed her Gloucester to fall back to the floor. She turned her view to face a new Burai which stood on the right cliff.

Zero sat in the cockpit, and activated the Burai speakers, [We meet once again Cornelia…I will make this simple; surrender and you will not be harmed.] He stated.

Cornelia remained unmoving, [Zero! As if you can make demands!]

[I missed you too, and I am not sure if your viewer is working correctly, but in this situation I have every right to make demands! Now surrender now, and maybe you won't have to face me.]

Cornelia remained silent, "That demon! Even with only two of them I feel completely surrounded. But I cannot allow myself to be taken, and I will not tarnish my honor by surrendering." She made her decision and then impaled her lance into the ground. She stood her Gloucester straight and confidently.

[You are a fool, Zero, if you think I would willingly surrender! I will fight you if that is your wish!] Cornelia yelled.

[Then you leave me no choice. Q-1 leave! This fight is between Cornelia and I! Head to the rendezvous point! Help anyone along the way!] Zero declared as he placed an earpiece on his ear and synced it to the channel which the Black Knights and JLF were communicating with. Then he reactivated his helmet, and opened his cockpit.

"Understood Zero." Kallen voice rang in his ear. The Guren then jumped out of the colossal trench leaving only Cornelia and Zero.

[Is it wise to disband your subordinate?] Cornelia asked.

"If you think you can escape then you have forgotten what I can do!" Zero exclaimed as he stood atop his knightmare. Cornelia could only scowl at Zero's proclamation for she knew what he said was true.

The Royal Guard were backed up against themselves, their reinforcement were quickly disposed of by the Holy Swords.

"Colonel all reinforcements were eliminated!" Asahina stated.

"Good! Team, switch to rotating absolute power formation!" Tohdoh ordered.

"Wilco!"

Guilford sat in his cockpit staring at his screen helplessly, "No…the Princess, if we don't get to her soon…she'll."

"Gilbert."

His Princess' voice caught his attention, "Guilford, my knight…I leave Euphy in your hands. Please take care of her. Please keep her safe."

Guilford couldn't believe what he was hearing, "Your Highness!"

"I refused to surrender, so Zero is to face me himself…I will keep my pride intact…as an imperial princess I will fight! Even if it means my death!" Cornelia proclaimed with pride.

Guilford's eyes widened in realization, "Princess Cornelia don't! Please retreat!"

"I will try, my knight, but we both know it will be futile…" Then the line was cut leaving Guilford in despair.

Cornelia gazed at Zero who now stood atop his knightmare, "Surrender!" He shouted.

Cornelia merely growled, [I would rather die!]

"Then so be it…" Zero stated solemnly as he jumped off his Burai and landed in the trench a few yards away from Cornelia's knightmare. Cornelia then raised her gun and fired off a rocket. The hit its target creating a plume of smoke. Cornelia wasted no time, and turned her knightmare around. Her Gloucester's spinners kicked up dirt as they spun at full power. She then took of moving away from Zero. She only retracted a few feet before her knightmare's sudden screeching stop jolted her forward.

She regained herself and attempted to move the knightmare again, but nothing she did would move the weapon, "Is this Zero's EMP?!" She shouted before her cockpit was forcefully opened.

A few yards away Zero held out his hand which now sported the 'DOM' symbol. He forced the Gloucester to its knees, and bent the torso as far back before dismantling the cockpit. The pit seemed fall apart which sent Cornelia tumbling out. She rolled on the ground before coming to a halt, she stayed kneeling as Zero slowly walked toward her.

"This is your own fault…If you surrendered this wou—" Zero's monologue was caught off when a giant white and golden foot crushed him. Cornelia stared shocked as Zero was buried under the Lancelot's foot. She was left in further shock when the Lancelot swept her from her position.

[Forgive me Princess!] Suzaku shouted over the Lancelot's speakers as the Lancelot jumped into the air with Cornelia in its left hand.

Zero pushed himself out of the ground. He was forced through it by the Lancelot's several tons, and now he attempted to pull himself out, "Damn that knightmare!" He thought as he freed his right leg. That is when he finally looked up to see the Lancelot in midair. Underneath his mask Lelouch's face contorted in one of shock and anger.

"Impact rail set to anti-material level 8! Burst Mode activated!" Suzaku aimed the VARIS down at Zero. The Lancelot held the giant gun in its right hand while Cornelia was positioned in his left. The Lancelot was a few yards above ground which gave it a perfect view of its target.

"Firing VARIS!" Suzaku shouted as he pulled the trigger. Cornelia instinctively covered her head as the weapon fired a green sphere of pure energy. The sphere travelled at unparalleled speeds, giving Zero no chance to evade, but in the split second before it hit, Zero cried out in anger.

"DAMN YOU SUZAKU!"

Then a light green explosion shook the mountain.