Chapter 7
Part 1 of 2
Lelouch felt his heart sink into an abyss of disbelief. A Geass Canceller?! How the...hell did...Schneizel…C.C.! He stared at the immortal witch, a vengeful look in his eye.
After they were dismissed for the rest of the day, C.C went with Shirley to the Student Council room. She had ordered pizza, like she always did, and was laying in her chair casually.
"When I said be direct with him, I wasn't expecting you to ask him about how he feels." the witch told her roommate, her expression changing into an amused smile. "But it sure was fun to watch."
Out of nowhere, Lelouch marched in there, glaring at C.C. What else is this witch hiding from me? He changed his expression, making it look more serious than angry.
"May I borrow her for a moment?" He asked Shirley, grabbing C.C.'s arm. She nodded, then he dragged her into his room.
…
"Why didn't you say anything?!" He demanded. She looked at him with her golden eyes.
"I didn't know until you knew." she simply said. Lelouch scowl didn't change.
"Don't play dumb with me witch!" He raged, his eyes getting more uneasy. What does she think will happen. Or better yet.. "Why would you be unaware of any of this?"
C.C. sat down on his bed, turning over to lay down. "You would be amazed to what I am unaware of in this timeline. For example, I do not have any idea on how Charles is not the Emperor now, or how Schneizel's eye became that way." She told him, kicking her legs back and forth.
This complicates things. The exiled prince told himself, his temper reaching a boiling point. However, it is best that I do not worry about it at the moment.
(at Lloyd's lab, 7:45)
Suzaku sat in the cockpit of the Lancelot, ready to get into action again. However, he was dealing with another circumstance at the moment. He looked at Lloyd's assistant, Cecile.
"Sorry you have to sit here watching me do my homework."
"Oh, don't worry about it. You've never attended a regular school before, so it can't be avoided." She replied happily.
"The guys on the Student Council are helping me, too." he informed her. "But... it's still hard."
Cecile chuckled, but her expression turned into a worried look. "Suzaku, to be perfectly honest with you, I've been a little bit worried. It's supposed to be a liberal school, but I was afraid you weren't fitting in well."
Suzaku sighed heavily. "Me too. I was expecting that." He turned around, looking Cecile in the eye. "But I happened to run into an old friend there, and he smoothed everything out for me."
Cecile smiled at him, knowing that everything would be alright. "Be sure you never take that friend for granted. If your friendship continues, your reunion won't have been coincidence. It will have been predestined." she promised.
"O.K." Suzaku said awkwardly.
Cecile smiled, then picked up a plate of sandwiches. She gestured the plate towards him. "Anyway, please try one of these. I'd like your opinion of them."
"Thank you, I will." I've been hearing a lot about Cecile's bad taste, but how bad could it really be? He took a bite, and instantly knew he was wrong.
Suzaku's eyes widened sharply, surprised at the strange taste. "There's... jam." What's jam doing in these? He looked at Cecile, trying to hold in the urge to gag. She seemed pleased that someone had actually ate her food.
"Yes. I just happened to get some lovely blueberries."
The doors opened, and Lloyd walked in with a strange expression. It was half a smile, and half a scowl at the same time.
"Suzaku, I've received word from the Viceroy. You've been promoted to Warrant Officer." He turned away from Suzaku, towards his engineers. "That being said, everyone pack it up, pack it up. Well done today. Don't do anymore." The pitch of his voice rose, and he flailed his arms around. "Hip, hip, hurray! That's all folks... haah."
Suzaku froze dead in his tracks. he had planned on spending the day working, but now.
"Ah... Um…" he stuttered out.
"Go to school. Classes might be over for the day, but it's important to meet your friends and have a social life, too." Cecile advised him.
Suzaku looked at the clock, daring to see her again. A social life huh? He cupped his cheek, remembering that day. Maybe she kept our promise. If so, I'll keep it too.
(in the Saitama ghetto, 8:27)
Ohgi wasn't sure how to react when Zero asked to meet him in Saitama. What's Zero planning this time? he wondered. Out of the shadows, a man appeared. A very familiar looking old man, carrying a box.
Wait, isn't that the old man from the train? Ohgi thought, before the old man opened the box, revealing the same type of visors that they wore on the train.
"Excuse me sir, but I'm afraid I cannot allow you to enter here without these. Zero's orders."
His eyes were still red, which meant the Geass was still in effect. Ohgi looked at the van, dreading what could be inside. After what happened at the meeting, and when they freed Kururugi, he couldn't be certain about what they might find.
All we know is that Zero is somewhere inside. he reminded himself, putting on his visor. And if he intends us to use his geass again, then these visors will have to be worn whenever he can directly see our eyes.
"What are you waiting for? Come in." Ohgi hadn't realized it, but he spaced out. Zero was right in front of them, sitting extremely casually. "As of now, this place will be our hideout."
Ohgi was the first to enter, looking around. The walls were bright lavender, lined with gold and green trim. "So, you think joining up with us is a good idea?"
Zero's mask turned towards Ohgi, which made him jump a little "Yes. There will be others, but as of now, we are comrades." He waved for them to enter, which they had no hesitation of doing.
Tamaki's mouth gaped, like he had seen the unthinkable. "Holy cow." He stammered. "It's got a second story!"
Yoshido looked around, noticing all the equipment, from computers to radios.
"So what is this stuff for, huh?"
Ohgi looked at Zero with a discouraged face, acting as if he had just seen someone die right in front of him. "Did you use your Geass to obtain this stuff?" He asked with a sense of dread.
Zero stood up in his seat. "I did." He simply stated. He looked over, seeing that his Black Knights, with the exception of Kallen, were just as stupefied as the were last time.
Kallen had already seen the van. Just like last time. She knew that Lelouch was going to have the Black Knights debut shortly after Lelouch told her about Saitama. She knew that the others had never laid eyes on this thing before, so she pretended to be just as surprised.
"On the other hand, no one would expect us in something like this."
"It's even got a TV." Tamaki turned it on, looking for any news on Japanese activity.
Zero snapped his fingers. Immediately, he had their attention. "You can explore the inside of our HQ later. For now however, focus your attention on the radio. We are about to receive information from the Bureau."
The others gasped. Kallen looked surprised, but had a feeling she knew who it was. Zero pumped up the volume, and a voice appeared.
"Hello my fellow rebels." the voice greeted them. It sounded like a high pitched little boy, but with a metal echo effect to disguise it. "I am Orange."
"Orange?" Tamaki said. "Wait, ain't that what you called Margrave Jeremiah when you rescued that lapdog Kugurugi?!"
Lelouch smirked behind his mask. So even Tamaki was able to figure it out so quickly. "That is correct. I once used my geass to lock away his memories, and had him inserted into the military." Lelouch lied. "When we rescued Suzaku, I used Orange as the trigger word to undo my geass."
The others gasped. Ohgi's eyes narrowed in suspicion. So, he can use triggers to undo a geass as well a activate them. If that's true, then we can't trust him yet. But from the way he's handled this so far, I guess he's aware of that.
"That is correct, my lord." Orange told them, following his master's orders "For reasons of security however, Zero insists you address me as Orange. With that being said, I have important news to inform you of. Cornelia's forces are on their way to annihilate the Yamato Alliance."
The rebels were not surprised. They were expecting this huh? Figures. Cornelia was taking out resistance factions, one after another. Lelouch thought. "Well, if you're all up to speed about that, then turn the T.V. on."
Kallen grabbed the remote, and turned it to the news. Zero got out of his seat, directly facing his new recruits. "Now, Ohgi." as soon as he heard his own name, Ohgi immediately turned towards his new boss, looking ready for action.
"Yes sir?" he said, trying to stand as straight as possible. Lelouch smiled behind his mask, seeing that Ohgi was as spineless as he was last time. He pointed towards a pile of boxes
"Retrieve what's inside those boxes, and pass out the contents." He turned away from them, back towards his communication with Jeremiah. "Orange, have the preparations for our assult been made?"
Even though he knew that his master couldn't see it, Jeremiah smiled with a sense of accomplishment. "Of course my lord. They are on their way as we speak."
Ohgi wanted to learn more about what we're talking about, but decided to keep quiet and did what he was told. He and Kallen picked up the boxes, but didn't pass them out over what he saw inside. She opened up the box in her hand, and her heart saw something very familiar to her. Our uniforms.
Ohgi looked at the man in the mask, and decided to speak freely. "Zero, why would you ask us to pass this stuff out? I mean as far as gear goes it looks pretty hip but we're just a resistance group so…"
Zero turned instantaneously, shocking Ohgi. "No we are not, not anymore. From this moment on, we are not merely a resistance group. We are… what we are trying to be... knights for justice" He raised his hands, making his voice loud enough for all of them to hear. "We are...The Black Knights."
(an hour later)
"This is Zero. Orange, do you copy?" The demon emperor asked. The trucks had arrived inside the Saitama ghetto, and all the Black Knights had gathered around in order to praise them.
Tamaki stared at the containers of the trucks that arrived. He and Yoshido took out their crowbars, and forced the containers open. "Wow, it's amazing!" was all he could say about what lyed within them. Black colored Sutherlands were right there, and the keys for all of them right out in the open?
Yoshido smiled at the containers, excited at what Zero might have in mind for them. "These are Sutherlands, aren't they?"
Zero stood in front of them, and began to inform them about the Knightmares behind him.
"No. They are Ronins."
"Ronins?" Ohgi gasped out. In ancient Japan, there were a warrior class called the Ronans, but… "What's the difference between these and Sutherlands?' He asked directly.
"Sutherlands are equipped with 2 slash harkens on the shoulders. They are devastating in power yes, but lack the freedom of good mobility." Zero explained. He lowered himself down to where the others were, then continued.
"For my Black Knights, I have sought to correct that problem. With the proper modifications, the Ronins were born. They are equipped with 2 additional slash harkens, located on the arms. They are also equipped with a specific radio frequency signaler, designed to alert the others where you are in an emergency. However, they are tuned specifically to our broadcast channels."
"I've never seen these before." Ohgi admitted, smiling at the new models. Does the JLF even have these? And if not, who makes 'em?"
"Nor will you ever see them again. For they are not used by Britannia or The JLF. They are specifically made for the Black Knights alone. No one else will have them." Zero walked back inside the van, presumably back into his private quarters.
Oghi smiled at the black Sutherlands, seeing that they had a chance. Man, Zero doesn't waste time to fix us up with some heavy artillery.
...
Inside of Lelouch's private space, Kallen was left alone with Lelouch, her friends outside, admiring Jeremiah's handiwork. "Lelouch" She began. "Why aren't we just using Burais, or at least Sutherlands, like we use to?"
Lelouch looked at Kallen, his mask still on. He reached to remove it, considering that they were alone in Zero's private quarters. "Kyoto gave us the Burais at first, remember?" He said, taking the mask of hope off his face.
"And Sutherlands are far outclassed by Cornelia's guard. These Ronins are far superior to both the Burais and Sutherlands. They're not as powerful as the Gekkas, but they are better than the Gloucesters, just what we need to fight Cornelia."
"Alright then. But shouldn't we get back to the school? It would be dangerous if we deviate too far at this stage." Kallen reminded him. He nodded in agreement, and put his mask back on.
(at Ashford, after 4th period.)
The classes seemed to blend together in Kallen's mind. Britannian history, Britannian science, mathematics, and Britannian literature. None of it will matter once I'm through with this, and…
She stop in her tracks, seeing an old ghost right in front of her. Her mind and soul began to burn away at her heart, looking at the girl who had suffered the most in Lelouch's rebellion. Shirley. She weeped, mental scars burning from the flood of sadness in her heart.
Shirley, on the other hand, wasn't sad, but rather, confused. She looked into Kallen's sky blue eyes with her own lime colored ones. "Say, can I ask you something important?" She walked closer to Kallen, whose own heart's pain doubled with every step Shirley took.
Kallen couldn't let her see the pain that gnawed at her, so she put on the best 'clueless' face she could. "Huh?"
Shirley's eyes lowered, slightly embarrassed. "If your too busy…"
Kallen stopped her right there."No. What is it?" she asked, already aware of what it was.
Shirley stared at her, looking more confused by the second. Kallen stayed silent, trying to think of a way not to hurt her. Hurt her? She held in, shocked at what she was thinking. After what happened with her father, with Lelouch, when she found out Kallen was a Black Knight, and worst of all, When she died.
She felt her heart, cry out, demanding that she should cry. No, I can't cry here. I have to fight it. Kallen reminded herself. Her heart was at the peak of it's limit, but she somehow managed to hold back even the initial stage of tears.
"Um…"
Shirley became frustrated with her lack of and answer, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Urghh" she grunted. "You and Lelou are close, right? I want to know something, but I don't think he'll tell me the whole truth. Neither will CC." She said looking a little hurt. "Nunnally has no clue about how he feels about me. So… do you have any clue?"
Kallen looked down. "No, I'm don't." She said as she sighed. "I wish I did though." She immediately gasped at how it slipped out. What?!
Shirley's eyes became sadder. "So... Lelou doesn't tell you either." She said clutching her fists. Kallen's heart began to ache as she remembered the good times she had with Shirley, the kiss she shared with Lelouch, and all the guilt she felt after the Zero Requiem was over.
She looked back at Shirley, whose own eyes met up with Kallen's. However, Shirley's now seemed more enraged than upset.
"Well..., I want to know. Do have any way of finding out?" Shirley asked, seemingly on the verge of tears.
Kallen jumped a bit, startled by Shirley's outburst. But as a thought sank in, a grin lurked it's way onto her face. "Give me until tomorrow. I think I've got a few ideas."
(Inside Cornelia's AG-1)
Cornelia sat upon her throne watching as the 'Elevens' were slowly being wiped out. The doors to the chamber flew open, and General Darlton walked inside. He immediately turned towards the viceroy, and began his report.
"The Saitama Ghetto is now completely surrounded. The Yamato Alliance's hideout is located at somewhere in here. Half the people in this neighborhood are cooperating with them. So, if we proceed now…"
Cornelia put her hand to her face, half smiling at the report. "What will be the effect on production?"
"Primary sector output should decrease by about 0.19%" He told her. The viceroy looked at everyone here, then turned back to Darlton.
"Within expectations, you mean." The princess stood up in her throne." All right then. Now, all of you here participated in the Shinjuku disaster. Is that correct?
The men bowed their heads at her, attempting to show her humble gratitude.
"Yes. And we're indebted to you, Princess Cornelia, for your mercy."
Cornelia sneered with a smile on her face. She closed her eyes. "That's not what I'm asking." She opened her eyes in a flash, turning towards her subordinates. "Tell me, do you think the conditions are similar to the Shinjuku incident?"
The subordinates just stood there silently, all of them with a deer in the headlights look on their face. One of them shook it off, then began to speak. "Well, your majesty, they are 97% the same. The only differences are that you and your royal guard are here, and that this resistance group doesn't have a single Knightmare. Why?"
"Because Zero is a criminal with a flare for theatrical. I've recreated the same conditions that existed in Shinjuku in order to draw him out. If he's the over-confident type, I predict he'll come here to try to kill me."
(Lelouch's room in Ashford, 11:45)
Military authorities report that they have surrounded the Saitama Ghetto, a known hiding place for terrorists. Viceroy Cornelia is also on the scene, and entry to that area is restricted.
C.C. laid there on his bed, her hair now flowing without her pigtails. "Hum-hum-hum." She hummed to herself, looking over at Lelouch with stale eyes. "You're not falling for the enemy's provocation again, are you?"
Lelouch put on the soldiers uniform that he was able to snag from another soldier during the
Shinjuku incident. "They went to such trouble to invite me, though. Besides, I've already asked the Black Knights to be there ahead of time."
I'll recruit the Yamato Alliance into our ranks. However, the biggest factor in their group is insubordination. He reminded himself.
C.C laid on the bed, her hair now flowing loosely. "Destroying Britannia is that important to you now?" She asked sarcastically. Then she began to smile. "What happened to Lelouch vi Britannia, the Demon Emperor of the Empire?"
Lelouch looked at her with his narrowing eyes. "Don't you remember C.C.?" She got up, looking at him with a sense that he was not telling her everything. "Lelouch the Demon died during the Zero Requiem."
(At the Yamato Alliance base)
The Yamato Alliance members had begun to panic. They all kept stating negative comments, hoping someone would come up with something.
"It's hopeless."
"Can't we break through along the Saikyo Line."
"They got armor blocking it. We can't use backroads, either. Any reinforcements from Akabane or Jujo?"
"One man might get through, but not a group."
Out of the chaos that was raging outside, another member raced inside the base. He was carrying a box full of Black Knight visors. He called out to their leader. "Izumi!"
Izumi stared at him with furious eyes. "What the hell have you been doing?! What's with those things? Any word from the Toda or Kawaguchi districts?"
The man caught his breath. "Forget that crap. Listen!" He adjusted the radio, turning it on to Lelouch's frequency. A voice came on, and they were all surprised by who it was.
"This... is Zero." the voice claimed.
"Zero!" Izumi stated in disbelief. He couldn't believe his ears. We've got Zero's attention. He can help us. He thought, a smile full of hope coming to his face.
Lelouch had their attention. "I assume all of you have heard about the Shinjuku incident. Do what I say, and you will be saved."
Izumi instantly remembered what Ohgi had told them about Zero. "Wait a minute. Are you planning on helping us, or merely using us like pawns in your game?"
"I thought you would be skeptical. So, I have an offering for your cooperation." Lelouch told them. "Look outside your base, particularly 5 degrees to the west of your view from the entrance. And when you step outside, make sure those visors are on you."
The Alliance of rebels had done as he had instructed. They stepped outside, making sure there weren't any enemy Knightmares surrounding them. However, when they turned in the direction Zero told them to, they noticed an entire squadron worth of Sutherlands.
Just like before, the Yamato alliance accepted the Sutherlands without hesitation. All tasks at hand have been cleared. He turned on the radio. "Ohgi. Kallen. This is Zero. Have the preparations been made?"
There was a moment of silence over the radio's. But when lelouch began to have doubts, he had heard a voice. It was Kallen.
"Negative. We need more preparation time" Kallen informed him, which made him smile. I'm glad that your alright Kallen. He regained his focus. "That is perfectly acceptable. I wasn't expecting you to be finished by now. I was merely checking your progress. By the time I call again, however, Phase 2 preparations had better be complete.
Ohgi responded immediately. "Understood. We'll hurry."
(The Government Bureau, 11:56)
Euphemia didn't know how she was going to get out of there, but she knew she had to do it. Thoughts kept racing in her head. She thought about what happened before, but she couldn't count on Suzaku catching her in his arms this time. She froze, remembering the warm feeling she had when she last saw him, when he held her there, with his sad, green, puppy dog eyes.
She shook off the feeling, no matter how inviting it was. Euphie realized she hadn't thought this much about anything before. I wonder if this was what it was like for Lelouch, or how it is for Schneizel, or Cornelia, or her father. She remembered her family well, but decided not to dwell on those memories. Come on Euphie, think. She told herself, finally sparking a thought. What if I...No that won't work. The very idea of using her curtains didn't work well last time. But maybe.. She thought, looking to her bedsheets.
Yes! That'll work. She quickly grabbed a hold of them, then tied them up, trying to be silent as she did it. Suzaku, be patient. She opened up the window, feeling ready to face the world. I'm coming. Just you wait.
She threw the makeshift rope out the 5 story building, and began to climb down.
(Back in Saitama)
Lelouch sat there in his Sutherland, waiting for the enemy forces to arrive in the area. Like clockwork, the Sutherlands arrived, and were immediately destroyed.
The Yamato members went ecstatic when the enemy Sutherlands exploded. "They came! They really came!" He kept hearing. "Just like Zero said they would!"
Those were but the appetizers. You will not have the main course. Lelouch began to go into the big play. "N-2, continue towards the upper-right. R-4, fire. N-1, take the man on the left. Right. P-3, take out the bridge and close down the route now." He told them the same instructions that he told them before, but this time, he had also established an escape route.
(Back at the Britannian base)
"Point 1-7 has fallen. Halle team, contact lost." Cornelia had been hearing about the heavy casualties and losses over the last half hour. So, Zero has decided to come after all. ALright, you filthy terrorist, let's play.
Cornelia stretched out her hand. "That's enough. Order all troops to fall back. Further damage and casualties serve no point."
A subordinate looked at the princess in confusion. "Fall back? With all due respect, we can still fight them."
Cornelia glared at him, as if he just questioned her orders. She gazed back to the monitors, looking more determined than before. "We can't fight them like this."
Darlton was uneasy, but he gave her orders. "All forces, fall back behind Ghetto perimeter at once. Formation doesn't matter. Fall back behind Ghetto perimeter at once."
Lelouch smirked at her strategy. Just like clockwork. "Cornelia is having her units fall back. Yamato alliance, you will retreat underground after my Black Knights arrive. Anyone without a Sutherland will evacuate the civilians out of the area."
(Meanwhile at Ashford)
C.C. was sitting there in the Student Council room, looking at Nunnally. Nunnally was just sitting there, chatting away with Shirley. She began to wonder what Lelouch meant when he asked her specifically to stay at Ashford for the most part this time.
*flashback*
Lelouch looked at C.C. with a face of determination. As much as she didn't believe it, she was a bit uneasy about it. He leaned against the wall, then began to speak.
"C.C, I want you to remain at Ashford for the most part this time around." he said to her, looking like he was truly depending on her. "For Nunnally's sake if not mine."
"What do you mean by that, Lelouch? Are you telling me that you want me to play guardian angel while your playing Zero?" C.C. asked him, her golden eyes staring into his violet ones.
"That's not the way I'd put it, but yes. I'm counting on you C.C." He said, looking a lot more sincere. C.C. gasped. Depending on me? Lelouch never depended on me for anything that involved Nunnally before. However…
"Why not just let Sayoko keep Nunnally safe, once you revive her memories?" She pondered out loud.
Lelouch's expression changed, like he had a plan already in motion. "I've got another assignment in mind for her."
She sneered with a smile. "You've already used your Geass on her. Planning to revive her memories now?" She asked, but Lelouch had already walked out of the door.
*flashback end*
And now he expects me to simply play babysitter while he is away. I wonder why?
Shirley turned to C.C. "Hey CC. Can I ask you something?" C.C. put on her smile, concealing her lack of interest.
"Of course. We are roommates after all." The green haired immortal said tenderly. Shirley looked around, pretending that Nunnally was there and wouldn't care otherwise.
"Do you think Lelou likes me?" She asked, trying to be perfectly clear.
C.C. just stared, her eyes wide open. She coughed, and began to speak. "Uh, I'm not sure... what about yourself? Do you like Lelouch that way?" It's a stupid question, but I'd like to understand why.
Shirley nearly had a heart attack. She looked at her roommate with a confused and embarrassed look. She's as bad as Madam President.
"Myself? I guess we're a lot alike in that respect. Honestly I didn't like Lelou at the beginning when I first met him. He gave impression that he was flippant, and only thing he worked hard at was avoiding hard work."
C.C gasped, strangely fascinated by the way she described him before he became Zero. Somehow, this peaks my interest.
"But back when we were both freshmen," The redhead continued.
"I happened to see him come upon a traffic accident. A driver rear-ended another car and was clearly at fault, but he tried to blame on the elderly owners of the other car. Nobody tried to help them. And then... Ah, Lelou didn't do it so he could boast to his buddies or laugh about it later. He did it with the same bored expression he always wears. That's when I wondered, 'What's up with this guy? What goes on his mind? What does he wanna do?" She paused for a moment, collecting herself for criticism. Her eyes turned into a pool of lime green sadness, like the ice cream you would see when a little boy accidentally licked it off of his cone. "I really wanted to know, and in the process of finding out…"
Nunnally looked at Shirley with her still closed eyes. "You fell in love with him?"
Shirley jumped, having completely forgotten that Nunnally was there. "What? I ..um... You think that what this is? No, of course not, Nana. I'd never dream of taking him away from you."
Nunnally left the room, unnerved about Shirley's attitude. Shirley let out a heavy breath, looking relieved to see that Nunnally was gone.
"Maybe she's right." Shirley sighed heavily. I never thought of it as more than a crush. But now that I think about it...Love?
C.C.'s heart sunk, even if it wasn't noticeable. She put on a smile, like how Madam Pres would've. "Oh, is it really love? Because love is mutual you know." C.C's eyes lit up like the Fourth of July, giving her an evil grin. "Let's find out, shall we?"
(In Saitama)
Another few minutes until Jeremiah reports in. If he says no, I'll have to rethink my strategy right here and now. But if it's confirmed, I'll have Cornelia by the throat. Out of nowhere, his cell phone began to ring. Lelouch panicked, trying to understand what had gone wrong.
I thought Suzaku wasn't there. If he is, then my plans are void. Lelouch let out a few silent swears, looking for a way to win without it. The phone rang a second time, the third closing in.
He reluctantly reached for the phone, dreading to hear the sound of Suzaku's voice.
(At the same time back at Ashford)
"I know Kallen said she'd help me get to the bottom of it, but I don't know if I can trust her yet. Not with something like this." Shirley said, staring helplessly as her roommate picked up the phone.
C.C. chuckled. "Oh, but you can trust me on this?" she asked sarcastically. "Don't worry. With him, it's best to simply ask him directly. On your behalf, I can ask him how he feels about you."
Shirley's eyes widened. Why would she...She told me that she wasn't very concerned about it. Why the sudden change of heart?
" What? You'd really do that?" She blurted out, her face beginning to blush.
C.C merely waited for Lelouch to pick up, but was expecting otherwise. "Just relax. It'll be fine." she promised the lovesick redhead.
Shirley's face had become strawberry ice cream pink, and she grabbed the phone, acting like her life depended on it. "Are you nuts?!" She told the witch, completely hysterical. She slammed the phone to hang up. "No way!"
(In a damaged high rise.)
The Black Knights were planting the devices that Zero had told them to. He told them that the towers would need to have these devices planted as widespread as possible.
Ohgi had simply followed orders without question. However, he couldn't help but wonder who was behind that mask, and what his aim was. Tamaki on the other hand, was speaking his mind, caring little about how dimwitted he was about the whole.
"Kallen, is this really what Zero intends for us to? I mean, the very thought of.." Tamaki barked. Kallen felt her temper flare up. The very thought of scorning Lelouch, after all he had done for the world, really pissed her off.
"Tamaki! Zero gave us strict orders. Now follow them!" Kallen yelled, pointing the Glasgow's gun at him. Honestly, Lelouch got us these Knightmares from Jeremiah. Isn't that enough for him?
Tamaki froze. Whoa. Is she on her monthly or something? He placed the devices onto the walls, slowly backing away from Kallen.
Lelouch, what are you planning with these? Kallen asked herself. These are just like the devices we used on Babel Tower, but not as concentrated. Is that what Lelouch is planning to do? Kill Cornelia with these buildings? She thought.
However, she deduced that he was up to something that involved the Black Knights becoming publicly known. He'd need to get a camera or something. But he'd need Cornelia's attention and even scarier, her permission to use it.
Kallen clenched her fist. She was able to get A's in school despite her absences, and knew Lelouch well enough to know what he was thinking, but was unable to see what he had planned. Damn it Lelouch. I swear, I'm going to help hold you down when they ambush you for Arthur's initiation!
"Kallen, has the secondary line been established?" Kallen quickly snapped back to reality, mostly due to the fact that Ohgi had spoken to her directly.
"Yeah, we're done here." Kallen informed him. "Alright, we have our orders. Into position everyone." she commanded. I think Lelouch may be rubbing off on me. Either that or I know what I'm doing this time around. She set her Glasgow at the back of the room, and secured her slash harkens into the ceiling.
(on the battlegrounds)
Lelouch turned on his radio, ready to hit Cornelia where it hurts. Now then, sister, shall we begin our game? He shifted his voice from the vengeful prince, to the charismatic revolutionary. Once Jeremiah makes his report, Cornelia will fall.
"R-1, R-2, maintain distance. Draw them back to the area where N-2. Activate your distress signals. Let them know the Knightmares are there. Then, retreat out of the Knightmares, and make sure they do not see you. Once you're out of their sight, escape into access tunnel 4." He commanded.
"Understood." was all Lelouch heard from them. The Yamato Alliance was exterminated last time from my arrogance, and from their insubordination. I intend to change that this time.
I'd almost forgotten the feeling of commanding others without the use of my Geass. The thrill, it's overwhelming even now… He gasped, as Lelouch the Demon Emperor remembered all of the people who suffered from his arrogance. Never...again! He screamed to himself.
Lelouch looked up from his Sutherland, staring at the wrecked buildings. Buildings like these are useless to anyone in their current state. Things that serve no value are pointless to have.
Cornelia's Gloucesters had begun to move. She looked at the monitors. Clovis, my dear brother, today...you will be avenged. She surged her spear forward, looking to kill any who dare stand in her way.
Cornelia smiled, the thrill of battle rushing to her head. "Zero is no match, I'll win." She declared. Her knight, Guilford, merely nodded, knowing full well what his princess was capable of.
However, there was 1 subordinate who didn't fully understand. "Huh?.." was all he managed to say before General Darlton cut him off.
"Of course." the general reassured. "Why do you think we call Princess Cornelia the Goddess of Victory? It's because she's never lost in battle."
Cornelia smiled to hear such praise from her top general. He is wise not to question me. That's the kind of subordination that Britannia expects with Emperor Schneizel in charge. "Shall we begin, Guilford my knight?"
"It is my pleasure to serve and obey you, my Lady." He simply replied, readying his own spear. I will always serve you m'lady.
(Shinjuku park, 15:40)
Suzaku looked at the clock again. This is Shinjuku park, right? He looked up, scanning the area for her. Where could she be? He froze, realising that he was genuinely worried about her.
What am I doing here? He chided himself. A girl like her, wanting to see the Eleven who was suspected of Clovis' murder. Not likely. He told himself, feeling the hole in his heart. It stung and felt it was throbbing, like a freshly cut wound.
But just as despair found it's way into his heart, it was swiftly removed. Out of the blue, he saw what he was waiting for. Euphie?! Euphie! He yelled in his head. Unbelievable. She kept our promise too.
Suzaku! You came. I just knew you would. Euphie yelped in her head, running as fast as she could towards him. Upon impulse, she leaped a few inches off the ground as she came within 2 feet of him, causing her to once again land in his arms.
Suzaku caught her with much gentler this time. He kept her above the ground slightly, and twirled her around with him, much to her oblige.
They were always a cute couple. Unknown to them, they were being watched.
Lord Lelouch was correct about them. He will be most pleased indeed. Sayoko thought to herself.
*flashback*
Sayoko had just put Nunnally to bed, seeing that Lelouch was a bit stressed out. She was about to go home for the night, when she heard a voice call to her.
"Sayoko. Can you come here please?" It was Lelouch. She hadn't noticed it yet, but it seemed like he had his stress level under control now. She approached him, but he seemed to want something of her.
"Yes, Lord Lelouch. What is it?' The ninja nurse asked him, wondering what was troubling him.
Lelouch focused his will, activating his geass. Thanks to Jeremiah, he was able to re-acquire contacts to prevent him from using his geass on accident. 27 seconds left. He told himself.
"I wanted to ask you something: What do you think about Zero?" he asked her, looking to stall. Sayoko looked at Lelouch like she normally did, but Lelouch could tell she was a bit conflicted on the inside.
Her loyalty was to Lelouch, Nunnally, and the Ashford family. But at the same time, she was Japanese. She hated seeing them oppressed and degraded to being something less than human, and hoped that Zero could somehow liberate them.
Sayoko's eyes shifted slightly. "I think they have good intentions. However, if he intends to use terrorism to get what he wants, then he is nothing but a terrorist in my eyes." she answered
Lelouch smiled, not only pleased with her answer, but with the fact that his geass had just shifted. "Good answer." Lelouch put his hand to his eye, just like he did in the past. "Now, Lelouch vi Britannia commands you," He removed his contact, revealing his green geass.
"AWAKEN!"
Instantly, the green geass washed over her with it's sheer power. She began to remember:
The day Zero announced himself to the world, when she took care of Nunnally, when she joined the Black Knights, her time in China, working for her master while he was covering up his tracks, the F.L.E.I.J.A incident, her time as Schneizel's prisoner, when she returned to serve her master, the Battle of Damocles, her lockdown after Lelouch took over the world, and finally, The Zero Requiem.
"Master?" Sayoko finally said, her eyes filled with tears of joy. "You're alive. And I assume you want me to assist you once again." She told him, bowing in subordination.
"You were always loyal to me, Miss Sayoko. And you are correct." Lelouch chuckled. "But the real question is: Will you follow me again?" He asked her sincerely, extending his hand to help her up.
Sayoko smiled. "Is that rhetorical, Master Zero?"
"Good." He told her, giving a devilish grin, but soon transformed into an intense, cold face.
"Now then, here are your orders." Lelouch began.
"At 5:00 hours, you will begin to tail Suzaku to the laboratory that earl Asplund is currently working. After he is released for the day, you will continue to tail him. If he makes contact with Euphemia before 17:00 hours, you will use this number to report it to Jeremiah, then report it to me to confirm it. When you report to Jeremiah, you will address him as Orange, address me as Zero, and call yourself Nurse.
Once that happens, you will continue to tail them both, and make sure that no military or police sees you, Suzaku, and/or Euphie. And above all, make sure that they are not seen, by any government personnel, together. If he does not make contact by 17:00, then assume that they will not make contact at all, and then report it to me directly. Do I make myself clear?"
Sayoko bowed her head, then began to speak. "Crystal as always my lord."
*flashback end*
Sayoko reached for the cell phone that Lelouch had given her. She looked at the contacts list, and saw only 2 numbers on speed dial: Orange and Zero. She presses Orange, put the phone onto her ear, and waited to get through.
(At the Government Bureau)
Jeremiah waited by the entrance to Euphemia's quarters, looking to get inside unnoticed. All of a sudden, he heard his phone vibrate. Lord Lelouch? He stepped into the closet next to him, hoping to avoid any contact with the Britannians.
He put his earpiece on. "This is Orange. Who is this?" He asked, his voice modulator was on auto, so any broadcast he sent as Orange would be disguised. This is probably a report from one of Lord Lelouch's subordinates. He told himself.
"This is Nurse. Do you copy?" Sayoko said over the phone. Jeremiah froze. Nurse? But that could only mean… He relaxed, realising who it was. Well, it seems that Lord Lelouch has finally restored your memory.
"So, I assume you've confirmed it then?" He asked her. He knew answer was yes, but he needed to be sure of it.
"Yes. Princess Euphemia has made contact with him. They appear to be having a date." Sayoko mentioned.
"A date you say. Well, it was rumored that Euphemia had a soft spot for him. However, make sure the details are not stated out in the open next time. Remember, we could very well be listened in on." Jeremiah told her, although she should've already known that.
"Sorry. But anyway, you shall confirm it with the viceroy, and I shall confirm it with Zero." Sayoko reminded him.
Jeremiah smiled. "Understood. And, it's good to have you back." he told her tenderly.
"Good to be back." She hung up the phone. Now I just need to keep them away from any activities that involve the government.
Message from Nevermore999:
SORRY to leave holes in the plot. But this was way to big of a chapter. So while you wait for part 2, please review, follow, favorite, or comment as you see fit.
