Code Geass Megiddo

by Wing Zero Alpha

After the Black Rebellion, the world became a different place from what people knew it for. But in spite of that, there was still one who wished to change it for the better. This is the story of his renewed revolution...

10. Chapter X: Home Far Away

"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home."
-William Shakespeare

Chapter X: Home Far Away

Black Knights mobile battleship Mikasa
Pacific Ocean
March 15, 2025

Though damaged in almost every sense of the word, the Mikasa managed to pass onto the water without any further hindrance. There was little doubt that the ship would be able to make it back to her homeport in her current condition, assuming that she would not be caught again, but it was obvious that once she got to Ryukyu that the Black Battleship would not be able to move for a while. The damage control crews and mechanics had all but confirmed this to the bridge officers in their last report, especially when they had to abandon the maintenance on the knightmare frames in order to keep the ship from sinking from her wounds, which were aplenty across the decks and inner workings. For all points and purposes, the mighty Mikasa had been greatly wounded from the trap the Britannians had made for her, but even so, she was still far from dead and would only live to fight again, just like the Black Knights that crewed her.

Deep in perhaps the most secure portion of the ship that was his quarters, which if he had read the Mikasa's blueprints correctly held more armor and structural integrity to it than even the bridge, Lelouch let out a deep and heavy sigh as he looked over the black mask he had been forced to wear once more. Rather than throwing it toward some corner of the room and leaving it there as he had before, he had carefully removed it and placed it on the center table next to the ever present chessboard, almost as if it were a fragile vase or chalice. He did not know why he had done this, treating the mask he had earlier detested with such reverence, but now he couldn't bring himself to throw it away again. And for what seemed like hours he just sat there studying its surface, while his mind reeled with the confliction he felt over daring to take it up again and assume the mantle he had thought abandoned. The irony that he had resurrected Zero only days after he had told C.C. he would never take up the mask again was not lost on him either, and he knew somewhere else on the ship the immortal woman was holding great amusement over it.

And then just like it had before, the electronic chime sounded from the main door, signaling him that someone was requesting an entrance. Without looking up, and already knowing who it was going to be, Lelouch closed his eyes and went along with it. "Who's there?" he said, trying to sound as though he had not been expecting anyone.

"It's Ohgi. You have a minute Zero?" Ohgi replied from the other side of the door, who in turn sounded like he was trying to remain professional, but could not quite keep the almost overwhelming positivity from his voice.

Lelouch felt as though he wanted to scowl at that, but he decided it wasn't worth getting annoyed over. Sighing again, he reached over to the remote control on the center table and tapped a single key, which automatically dialed the code to the main door. For obvious reasons he had changed it since the first exchange with C.C., and although he knew it would keep anyone else from coming in unannounced, he had little doubt that his so-called partner-in-crime would somehow figure out the new combination.

The door soon opened and the Vice Commander of the Black Knights entered, looking quite pleased over how things had turned out. In all honesty, Lelouch couldn't blame him for it; managing to live through what should have been certain death was always worthy of celebration. "What is it?" Lelouch asked, once more as if he hadn't already figured what was going to come next.

"I just wanted to thank you for coming to our aid and saving us," Ohgi explained with a smile on his face, one that Lelouch felt should have made him ill to look at but for whatever reason didn't. "We really wouldn't have survived without you Zero."

"Lelouch," Lelouch corrected staunchly, his eyes deeply narrowing. "Do not misunderstand my intentions Ohgi. The only reason I did what I did was to save my own life, not yours or anyone else's. Otherwise I would have been entirely indifferent to this ship's destruction."

Although the much younger man sounded quite legitimate in his declaration, Ohgi wasn't so convinced, especially when he recalled the timing of his one-time leader's actions. But still, he decided to go along with it. "Even so, I thank you anyway, on behalf of myself and the Black Knights." Ohgi replied, before formally bowing in a traditional display of gratitude.

At that, Lelouch felt himself rise from his seat and pace over to the other side of the room, his hands clasped behind his back, while Ohgi remained where he stood. After a small pause, Lelouch spoke again. "How much longer before we reach Ryukyu?"

"If we keep to our current speed while playing it safe, we'll arrive in another two weeks' time," Ohgi reported. "Despite the damage, our Gefjun Disturber is still working, so I doubt we'll run into any Britannian patrols."

Lelouch nodded at the information. "After you leave here, launch a Yamakaze," he said, recalling the Black Knights' standard VTOL gunship, which were among the Mikasa's allotment. "And send it ahead of the ship. It will act as a forward scout along our current course."

"Scout? For what?" Ohgi asked. "The Britannians couldn't have set up another ambush so quickly, even if Schneizel is leading them."

Lelouch allowed himself to laugh at that. "Haven't you realized yet how my brother was able to find us?" when Ohgi shook his head, Lelouch continued to explain. "Just from your surprise attack on Pendragon, Schneizel had figured out this ship was utilizing active stealth to slip in and out of Britannia. So in order to counter that, he assessed this ship's most likely course, namely through the Bering, and deployed active sensors across it to isolate the blackout," he explained almost casually. "He then assembled his forces accordingly."

"Kisama…" Ohgi seethed at that explanation. Now everything about the last battle made sense. "I should have known someone like the White Prince would be able to take our main advantage and use it against us."

"Don't feel so bad about it Ohgi. Schneizel has a talent for doing just that," Lelouch replied. He also understood that feeling of frustration, but from when his brother reversed their chess matches like that. "The Yamakaze's role is to ensure that there are no other sensor fields on our current course. As well as pick up any further patrols that may be lurking in the Pacific."

Ohgi admitted the plan made sense. "I'll see to that," he replied. "Will that be all Zero?"

Lelouch rolled his eyes, knowing that Ohgi had said that on purpose. "Yes, that will be all. But once more, do not misunderstand me Ohgi; this is all to make sure I survive until the Mikasa reaches port. After that, I don't intend to ever put that mask on again."

Ohgi repressed a sigh before replying to that. "With respect Lelouch, I believe it's too late for that."

The General then spoke more directly. "Before, we could have written off the Pendragon operation as just a strike against Britannia for the loss of Japan, but as you have revealed yourself, everyone knows the truth now. Even if I were to order the Mikasa's entire crew to remain silent about it, word will still get out that Zero is back from the dead and has led the Black Knights in battle once again. With that in mind, your slipping away would be impossible."

The former Britannian Prince had just finished turning around so that he could sit back down on the bench when the Black Knight General gave that explanation. As such, Ohgi did not see Lelouch's face twist in reactive surprise, and then into a quiet fury of sorts. Like it or not, the proverbial cat was out of the bag now, and any chance Lelouch had at disappearing into Ryukyu's population as another civilian had slimmed immensely. Yes, it had been just one thing when everyone believed Zero was dead and that the Pendragon raid was just to strike a blow against Britannia for the Devastation, but now that he had revealed his presence to one and all, they would only expect him to remain and to lead them. Like it or not, Zero was back, and it would not be long before news of that spread to the rest of the world.

Then another thought came to him: if he could get all the present Black Knights assembled before him, he could use his Geass to make them forget he had intervened in that battle. It would have been simple enough, as aside from Kallen he had not used Geass before on any of his troops, and so they would all be susceptible to his power's influence. And although he doubted, for a reason he could not describe, that Kallen would stand in his way, Lelouch was more than capable of finding a way to incapacitate her long enough to carry out the action. Thus he could make Zero die once again, and if possible even escape from the Mikasa to disappear in another part of the world, allowing himself to regain a new life as Lelouch Lamperouge in some remote corner, free from the war and destruction that he had partially caused himself. He already had several places in mind that he could make such a life and leave both the memories of Zero and Lelouch vi Britannia behind.

But as tempting as that was to do, Lelouch only felt disgust at the prospect. Not only was it a cowardly action to perform, but it also went against his principles and character, two things that had not been tarnished in spite of his past actions. Yes, no matter what sickening twist of fate had occurred in his lifetime, Lelouch always moved forward, never compromising nor retracting his actions. He had done so in the aftermath of the SAZ massacre, rallying the Black Knights to battle in spite of his feelings of pain and loss at Euphie's death and his own responsibility for it, and he would do so again here, as he had already chosen to bear the mask even with his misgivings. Besides, Lelouch did not have the will in himself to use his Geass so selfishly; the last time he had forced someone to forget, it had been for that person's wellbeing, not his. But if he were to use it like that this time around, it would only be for his benefit, which he found to be truly repulsive.

Feeling even more tired now than he had moments ago, Lelouch continued. "Even so, I would like some more time to consider things."

"I understand. In the meantime, I'll be sure your orders are carried out," Ohgi said with some sympathy, before saluting and turning away, exiting through the main door.

Once more Lelouch was alone in the room, and once more, he was unsure of what he would do from now on. He still did not want to return to the mask just as he still feared the potential damage he could do with it, but he was also unwilling to escape the fate he chose earlier. And so in a strange way, Lelouch felt, even with his memory restored he had not been truly liberated, but instead had just exchanged the prison that was his false life for the one that was his previous life. Again the irony was not lost on him.

Feeling the exhaustion of everything that had transpired, Lelouch decided for the moment he would settle on making himself comfortable in his little dungeon until he mustered up the will and energy to decide upon where he would go from there. Thus, he turned and headed straight for his apparent bedroom to gain some much needed rest.

---

As the mechanics were all preoccupied with repairing the rest of the ship, the hangar bay was all but deserted at this time and the knightmares that inhabited it still displayed their damage from the previous battle. Thus Kallen chose this time to stand in the middle of it and stare up at her beloved Guren, which was still missing its left arm and part of its left side, while thinking about all that had just happened and more. She had not yet been to sickbay to see how much more "damaged" she had become herself, and in truth she didn't feel like going; as long as she didn't have to go back out and fight again, then her wounds would heal in time. Besides, she doubted she could find the peace and solace she needed now in the Mikasa's sickbay.

In fact, she doubted she could find peace and solace anywhere on the ship at this point. It had not been too long since they had escaped the Britannian trap and the announcement sounded that they were all clear, but that had been enough time for almost every member of the Mikasa's crew to set up a party in the mess hall, celebrating both their triumphant escape and the return of their long lost leader. Kallen didn't blame them for that, on either account; had she been up to it, she would likely have been down there as well, celebrating with her squadron in the big event. But as it stood, she wasn't in the mood for it, and her mind was too restless for her to socialize with anyone.

"Because… Eight years ago, you were the one I chose to be my knight. My Knight of Zero."

The memory played over and over in Kallen's mind without pause, much like an actual audio recording. It was a simple enough confession, one that was not out of character and had no hint or reason toward deceit in its tone. For all intents and purposes, Lelouch had been speaking from the heart upon that confession, something that Kallen should have been more than happy about. Yet all the same, the Black Knight ace felt divided over it; while still feeling exhilarated that she now knew Lelouch's regard toward her, the memories of eight years ago to just yesterday were still fresh in her mind, along with the pain that had been generated because of those events. And within those memories laid two things: first Kallen's knowledge that Lelouch did not make the choice to don the mask again because he saw it as right and just, and second her own personal doubt, as she still did not know whether she had become his knight out of her own choice or out of his Geass' influence.

And to add to the mess, there was the possibility that it could have all been one big fat lie; remembering how Lelouch's Geass worked, the "Knight of Zero" response could have acted as a mental trigger to do whatever he had originally commanded her to do, and she would never have seen it. While she wanted to give Lelouch the benefit of the doubt, she still remembered how good of a liar he was, and that she would have been a fool to not have second thoughts and suspicions toward him.

Overall she should have been happy, but deep down she only felt conflicted over what should have been.

"For someone that just survived certain death, could you have a worse expression?" a voice said from the side.

Snapped out of her thoughts, Kallen turned to see Captain Charmelle Finlay stroll up to her with an air more fitting for one who had indeed survived to fight another day. "What are you doing here anyway, Major? The party's down below."

"Eh, I don't really feel like celebrating right now, Charmelle," Kallen admitted.

"Which is quite the opposite of what I would expect of you," Charmelle said in turn. "I would have thought Zero's right hand woman of all people would be happier that her old leader is back."

Kallen froze at that title. "'Zero's right hand woman'?"

"Well, you are," Charmelle replied with a shrug. "Back in Japan, very few of us were willing to engage Zero directly because we all knew you would be there to protect him. We all knew that wherever Zero was, the Red Dragon would be there to devour any who dared, just like he or she did to Orange."

An arched eyebrow was Kallen's response. "I'm not sure I like that kind of reputation."

"You should," Charmelle said. "That kind of notoriety is one of the highest honors for a knight who is charged with his or her lord's protection."

"…My Knight of Zero." Kallen remembered once more and cringed as a result. "I'm no knight," she replied, looking away. "And Zero's not my lord. At least…I don't know."

Though their eyes didn't meet, Charmelle could easily see the turmoil in her superior and her own expression turned more serious as a result. "So you still feel guilt over abandoning him during the Black Rebellion."

In truth, that was only a part of the equation, but there was no way for Charmelle to know about the other issues Kallen had over Zero's apparent return, nor was she going to tell her subordinate about them. Yes, she trusted Charmelle enough that she had confided in her sometime after the Black Rebellion her choice to abandon Zero, but Kallen wasn't sure how the other ace would react to her present dilemmas. So she decided to roll with it, but still explain her problem in minimal doses. "Partly. I just find a sick irony in it: eight years ago I abandoned Zero for a misunderstanding, only for him to come to my aid now, even though I didn't deserve it. In fact, I feel like I pushed him into it."

"Pushed him into it? How?" Charmelle replied, now looking slightly perplexed.

Kallen looked at her subordinate with a careful eye. "What I'm about to tell you next stays between us. You even mutter a syllable about this to anyone else, and I'll do to you what I did to Jeremiah Gottwald at Narita," when Charmelle nodded, Kallen continued. "Though we rescued him, Zero hasn't fully recovered from his time in captivity. I can't let you in on many details, but up to this point he had been hesitant on reclaiming his leadership. But then, when I was down… It was his voice that saved me and brought me back to the fight."

"So you believe because you were about to die, you indirectly forced him to take command to save you and everyone else," Charmelle summarized.

"…Yes." Kallen admitted hesitantly. "Don't misunderstand me, I want Zero to become our leader again, but I want it to be his choice, not because I or anyone else forced his hand. Yet that's exactly what happened."

Charmelle considered that for a moment. "With all due respect Major, that's a rather perturbed way of looking at the situation."

"I'm serious Charmelle," Kallen growled in annoyance.

"Calm down, I didn't mean that to offend you," Charmelle said, and then continued before Kallen could reply. "But at the same time, you're blaming yourself over something that's not your fault."

"What do you mean?" Kallen inquired.

"While I may not be privy to all the details, I understand the moment Zero broadcasted his orders: nobody forced him to act, he himself chose to do so in order to save everyone," Charmelle explained further. "Yes, your near death may have incited him, but it was still his decision to come out of whatever confliction he was in to save your life. Thus, the blame does not fall on you."

"But it still doesn't change the fact I didn't deserve to be saved by him," Kallen replied, still stoic as ever. "Not when I left him in that damned cave with Suzaku years ago."

"You may have, but he still lives on, and from the sound of things, he still considers you his right hand despite everything," Charmelle explained. "The question is, if he does choose to lead the Black Knights again, would you answer his call when the time came?"

Kallen wanted to answer that, but her inner doubts toward whether her loyalties toward the masked prince were natural or artificial stopped her from giving a straight answer. Deep down, she knew she wanted to believe, almost desperately, that it had been her own choice to follow him as well, but at the same time there was no way of knowing whether she was under the influence of the Power of Absolute Obedience or not. Even her own Geass could not give her the answer she sought there.

But then she remembered the return flight from Pendragon in the Mordred, and the pledge she gave to the dormant Lelouch that although she did not know the truth, she would still follow him all the same. That was enough for her to answer her subordinate and friend's question. "I would."

Charmelle smiled approvingly at that answer. "And that, Kallen Kouzuki, is what makes you as much a knight to your lord as those who literally hold the title," She then gestured toward the end of the hangar. "Now, instead of moping around in the hangar like some grumpy mechanic, I suggest you join the rest of us at the party."

"But I…!" Kallen started to protest, but her subordinate was quick to grip her arm, hard, and all but drag her toward the elevator.

"Sorry Major, but it's bad enough that you're a redhead ace who pilots an equally red machine," Charmelle replied sweetly while refusing to let go of Kallen's arm. "You don't need to be a tsundere on top of it."

---

Imperial Palace
Pendragon, Grand Duchy of Pennsylvania, Area 1 (North America), Britannian Empire

"…And that is the conclusion of my report," the kneeling image of Schneizel spoke from the vidscreen across to his father and Emperor, his voice in a humble monotone as opposed to its normal pleasantness.

For his part, Charles zi Britannia took this in appearing interested and dissatisfied with the results, but on the inside he had already come to conclude this outcome, and so was not at all surprised by his second eldest son's report of failure. But then, very few things surprised the Emperor anymore; as monarch of the most powerful empire ever conceived by man, he had grown used to "setbacks" occurring without consent, and in some cases had even come to expect them to happen, not that this was one of them. It was how Charles handled those setbacks that made the difference, which was why he was still the Emperor.

"…How very disappointing my son," Charles spoke, his hard and commanding baritone easily overruling Schneizel's lighter and softer tenor. "I would have expected more from the man that is leading my soldiers in Western Europe, especially against one battleship and little more than a few dozen knightmare frames. And the losses on our side are not easily replaced."

Despite the fierce nature of the attack, Schneizel didn't as much as shudder under the weight of the Emperor's critical jeer. Not even the Second Prince's voice seemed to waver from the sheer vocal power being wrought against its user. "Rest assured Your Majesty, these brigands will be brought to justice. In fact, I have already estimated the location of their base, such that we can launch a direct counterattack…"

"…That will not be necessary," Charles purposely interrupted. "I require you here, specifically to reorganize our mainland defense forces, should the Europeans attempt to take advantage of the situation."

This time, Schneizel did respond, lifting his head up so that his eyes could look upon his father's in question. "With respect Your Majesty, it is very unlikely that the Europeans are in a position to launch a direct invasion of the Imperial homeland, as they are currently focused on repelling our invasion of their territories."

"Your observation is noted, but I will not take that chance and have Britannia suffer such humiliation from our primary enemies," Charles replied, his domineering voice once more overriding his son's. "Heed your orders Schneizel and return, as your Emperor commands."

At that point, Schneizel knew better then to speak up again, and so bowed his head once more. "Yes, Your Majesty."

With their business concluded, the screen turned black, leaving the Emperor alone behind his massive oak desk in his personal office and sanctuary. At least, that was the impression one would have gotten, had the sound of boot heels impacting the tile floor not broken the momentary silence with their closing proximity. The same could be said from the light and youthful yet mysteriously chiding laughter that sung out from the shadows of the office, which in spite of the fact it was morning was darkened, thanks to the thunderstorm that had recently descended upon Pendragon. "You are beginning to show your age Charles. Go easier on Schneizel; he had no way of knowing what he was up against."

As that voice spoke, Anya Alstreim emerged from the darkness and into the Emperor's sanctum, dressed elegantly in her full Knight of the Round uniform and magenta cloak. However, Charles knew better; while the body was indeed Anya's, from the pink hair to her relatively petite physical structure, the consciousness that was controlling it held much greater confidence and audaciousness than the Knight of Six, and it showed upon "her" face along with the illuminated red rings around "her" eyes. "If he had only known the true intent of the Pendragon strike, he would have been far more suitably prepared to deal with the Black Knights. But that would have gone against your plan, wouldn't it?"

"Yes, it would have," Charles regarded the figure before him. "Though I do admit it is coming together faster than I had anticipated."

"True, who would have known our beloved son would recover so quickly?" the phantom replied almost playfully. "I suppose the sight of his loyal followers dying was too much for him to bear, along with C.C.'s forceful banter."

"Possibly," Charles stated, though he wondered if there were more reasons than that. He then tapped a remote control and watched as the screen activated to display multiple news broadcasts from across the world, all reporting on the Pendragon attack with great rigor. Charles smiled at them all. "Yes, Lelouch and his Black Knights will serve their collective role well, becoming the central act for the world's attention while Pluton continues preparations from behind the curtain. I could not have wished for a greater outcome, Marianne."

Smiling in turn with her "borrowed" mouth, Empress Marianne vi Britannia offered an amused expression to her husband. "Just as long as he doesn't overplay his part Charles. As much as I love our son, he does have a tendency of doing that."

"That he does, but I would not expect any less from the son of Marianne the Flash," Charles replied.

"Oh sure, that's definitely a trait he got from me and not the man who's waging a world war just to keep an audience occupied," Marianne stated with mock displeasure. "Along with his poor taste in theatrics I imagine."

Charles just closed his eyes before verbally responding. "And if he were to 'overplay his part' as you said, would you be willing to stop him?"

At that, Marianne turned slightly more serious, but her ever present flamboyance remained. "Of course. With everything that is at stake, I cannot afford to let my maternal feelings get in the way of the greater good," she replied. "But you don't think it will come down to that, do you?"

"…No I do not," Charles replied once more. "But should the worst happen, we must take steps toward restraining him before he becomes uncontrollable."

His gaze narrowed, and in doing so, the twin Geass sigils once more appeared in his eyes. "For the sake of humanity, we must continue forward without hindrance."

In response, Marianne closed "her" own eyes for a moment, and when she opened them once more, they too were alight with the winged sigil. "And for the sake of the world that is to come, my love."

---

Black Knights mobile battleship Mikasa
Pacific Ocean
March 29th, 2025

"What the hell-! You can't move your bishop like that!" shouted First Lieutenant Tayuya Saidoharu (Rei Nine), a young fierce looking woman with notably red dyed hair and a demonic gaze. In her rage, she slammed her palm on the table, almost causing the Shogi board to shift. "It's not even promoted! Are you trying to cheat or is your head full of fat too!?"

"Who are you calling fat, ama!?" her opponent First Lieutenant Jirobu Shiranui (Rei Eight), a somewhat oversized man with a black mohawk, shot back. "Bishops are supposed to move straight in all directions! You're the one who's being an idiot!"

"That's the rook, buta! And you call me ama again, I swear I'll filet your fat hide and serve it to the Britannians!" Tayuya growled in turn.

"Ama, ama, ama, ama, ama!" Jirobu called out with his loudest voice, causing the fury in Tayuya's face to quadruple in intensity.

This act soon caused both combatants to stand at their opposite ends of the table in the Mikasa's crew lounge, seemingly preparing to do more than glare each other down. The other people in the room however, seemed to take it in stride.

"Will you two quiet down?" First Lieutenant Kidomaru Namiashi (Rei Seven) complained, looking up from his now one of a kind WonderSwan with an annoyed glance. "You're ruining my own game."

"Uh… shouldn't someone try to stop this before it gets out of hand?" Second Lieutenant Rikichi Shirogane (Rei Four) proclaimed, from the other side of the couch where Kidomaru was sitting.

"Just let them go at it," First Lieutenant Liliana Vergamon (Rei Five), a Britannian woman with golden blonde hair and green eyes, spoke and smiled vehemently, the latter which caused those around her to shiver. "Sometimes it's just best to sit back and watch as two humans butcher each other until there's nothing left, right Marika?"

Close by and leaning against the wall, First Lieutenant Marika Soresi (Rei Six), characterized by her hazel colored hair and ever glaring blue eyes, truly looked as though she didn't want to take part in any of the activities that were occurring. "I wouldn't know," she replied flatly, clearly annoyed at how her comrade was trying to drag her into the conversation.

"Meh, whatever. Like this doesn't happen all the time with those two," spoke Second Lieutenant Sakon Kobayashi (Rei Eleven), a Japanese distinguished by his white makeup, black lipstick and eyeliner, grey hair dye, and leering expression.

"Kami only knows why they haven't killed each other by now," added Second Lieutenant Ukon Kobayashi (Rei Twelve), Sakon's twin brother who held the same facial wear, in turn contributing to their shared nickname, the "Goth Twins".

"Besides…" First Lieutenant Kimimaro Natsume (Rei Ten), a tall, lean Japanese man with greyish hair and green tinted eyes spoke up to direct the attention away. "The Major will hopefully be along in a minute, so it's not like we have to…" And just then the sound of an opening door interrupted his line.

The next thing everyone heard was the sound of a gunshot, followed by the appearance of a bullet hole appearing in the back wall, right between Jirobu and Tayuya's faces. Immediately everyone looked to the entry way to see Kallen standing there with her smoking sidearm and a glare that no one else in the room could match, as well as Captain Alfred Gaius Darlton (Rei Two) and Captain Charmelle Finlay (Rei Three) standing on either side of her.

"I trust we can settle things without my having to ground, demote, or shoot those involved?" Kallen said straight out in an even-yet-threatening tone. It was obvious that she was not in a good mood.

"…She started it Major!" Jirobu announced.

"Because of your dumb move, you kuso…!" Tayuya was about to go on again.

"Enough," Kallen said simply, once more silencing the argument. "If I hear another word, you'll be cleaning the armor of your knightmares with toothbrushes."

That seemed to shut the two up, though both combatants were still glaring daggers at each other, and so the room soon became enveloped in a deep silence as Kallen and her two other Britannian subordinates entered. Alfred suppressed the urge to laugh at this; years ago when he had heard rumors of Zero forming an elite guard unit that was charged with his protection and following his orders directly, while taking only the most dangerous and vital missions possible, he had believed that such a unit would be comprised of only the best the Black Knights had to offer. While this was partly true, as all the members of the 0 Knightmare Squadron "Rei", past and present were professional killers in and out of knightmare frames, they were also among the most undisciplined and individualistic members of any military organization Alfred had ever seen.

Zero Squadron's background was, for lack of a better description, "truly unique". Rather than build his personal unit out of staunch, recruitment poster grade soldiers like most Britannian Generals liked to, the masked revolutionary instead chose his troops based on their potential talent, namely survival skills and ability to kill other humans. After selecting the initial group besides Kallen, he proceeded to task then-Captain Kouzuki to training these wanton killers into professional soldiers and a working team, in spite of her protests and personal lack of faith in her own capabilities. Though the training was brutal, as the Captain had taken tips from then-Lieutenant Colonel Tohdoh for the procedures, in the end the great killing force known as Zero Squadron became a reality, debuting just in time to fight in the Black Rebellion. During that battle, over fourteen percent of the Britannian forces lost were credited to Zero Squadron alone, though the unit had lost some of its own as well.

While the modern incarnation of Zero Squadron was far more professional than its earliest form thanks in part to the reformation of the Black Knights and its ranks coming to include former Britannian soldiers, it was still the most individualistic unit in the entire organization. For one thing, in place of normal headwear, squadron members wore specialized black berets, much like the special forces of Britannia and Europe. As well, their standard unit was the Guren, although the Isshikis (Mk-Is) they each piloted were something of a step back from Major Kouzuki's legendary Nishiki (Mk-II). The standard for Zero Squadron was a grim reaper or shinigami, cloaked and hooded, wearing a Zero-like mask over its slightly obscured face and wielding a black scythe, placed over a red, gold and black outlined shield, with the kanji for "Zero Naitomea Sentai" (0 Knightmare Squadron) emblazoned around the shield's outer edges, the callsign "Rei" placed at the top over a black scroll line, and the unit's motto "Aku Zoku San" (Swift Death to Evil) inscribed at the bottom.

Reaching the other side of the room, Kallen casually reholstered her pistol before walking over to a chair and sitting down, visibly cringing in pain while doing so, before relaxing at the end. Both Alfred and Charmelle, who were likely the "sanest" of the bunch, followed their CO's example and found places to relax themselves.

Once more deciding to break the ice, Kimimaro spoke up again. "So Major, you recently visited Zero, correct? How is he doing?"

Almost as if somebody had dropped a coin on the ground, everyone in the room looked up to listen to Kallen's response. Among them however, Rikichi visibly scowled as their commander responded to the question.

"He's still recovering physically. The Britannians did a fair amount of torture to his body and the last battle took a toll on him," Kallen answered. It was a lie of course, especially as she had yet to meet Lelouch face-to-face since the jubilee, but she was not about to tell them the more discouraging truth. "But his life is no longer in any danger, and Dr. Tezuka believes he'll be fit to lead us once we reach Ryukyu."

"Nice, we can finally kill Brits in style again!" Tayuya announced with a smile that was matched by the other Japanese members of the squadron, before turning toward the Britannian members of the squadron. "No offense."

"None taken," Alfred and Charmelle replied at the same time, while Liliana let out a 'heh' and Marika remained silent.

"It would be a great change of pace to actually dominate Britannia again. Pendragon was a great restart and all, but I wouldn't mind going further in this game than that," Kidomaru said while flipping upside down on the couch so that he could play his game overhead.

"Agreed," Sakon and Ukon both answered simultaneously.

"I wouldn't mind it either; I'm sick of hiding out in that damned island when I should be killing my former countrymen." Liliana remarked as well. "Britannia delenda est, and we're the ones to make it happen."

Alfred, knowing that phrase's historical context as the Roman clarion call for a second invasion of Britannia just after Alwyn declared its birth as an empire, looked at Liliana with a disbelieving look. "That sounds funny coming from a former member of the Purist Faction."

Despite the accusing nature of those words, Liliana seemed to take it all in stride. "All in the past; now I'm only interested in taking revenge against Britannia for leaving me to die just like the rest of you. Besides, isn't it just as 'funny' with you, a Glaston Knight who turned his sword against the Empire he once served and joined the ranks of the Numbers, all in complete contrast to the legacy of his late father and brothers?"

Alfred sneered at her in response, and Charmelle also seemed to deeply narrow her gaze at the blonde woman. It was obvious just how much they regarded their 'comrade', and not just from her latest statement.

"Doesn't make a difference to me…" Rikichi spoke up in what could be likened to a snarl, with visible disgust upon his expression. "You're all Britannian scum in the end, and should not be trusted. And that goes for that masked bastard too…"

"That will be enough, Rikichi," Kallen staunchly ordered with distaste, just as the atmosphere in the room became like that of the Antarctic.

"No, it's alright Major," Alfred replied, and then turned his own gaze back toward the upstart Japanese boy. "While we 'Britannian scum' don't care what you may think about us, you shouldn't be saying such things about the man who just saved your life."

"So what if he did? We still don't need him." Rikichi continued to growl. He then looked back toward the Japanese in the room. "Doesn't anyone else think so?"

Kidomaru regarded his younger squadmate with an evil glare at that question, as the latter had brought it up more than once. "No, actually, none of us think that."

"You should have been around before Zero showed up, because then you would have seen how badly our side constantly fucked up," Tayuya hissed in turn with a matching leer. "The JLF had been around since the war ended, yet that dumbshit Katase never did any damage, whereas Zero started out by killing a Brit prince…"

"Yeah, well, that was then and this is now!" Rikichi shot back, not bothering to hide his very apparent dislike. "The Black Knights would be better off without that masked gaijin leading us…!"

"You have no room to talk runt…" Jirobu sneered as well. "Not when you were an 'honorary gaijin' yourself."

Rikichi then turned his glare toward Jirobu, ignoring the growing hostility that was filling the room. "Fuck you! I joined the Black Knights because my parents had to bend down and kiss the dirt the Britannians walked on for that title!" his eyes began to twitch as he remembered those days. "And that's what Zero expects us to do for him! Well, I refuse that! And as soon as he's gone, only then can…!"

"Ah…" Charmelle spoke up with a narrowed gaze at Rikichi, and then gestured around the room. "You may want to shut up while you still have a tongue, kid."

For the first time since he started his rant, Rikichi deigned to look around the rest of the room, where he was immediately met by a collection of intense glares. It was then that his mind reminded him of the second commonality the members of Zero Squadron all had, the one aside from their individual talents at killing: every member of the squadron held a deep, almost fanatical loyalty to Zero. Whether it was because of his philosophy and vision or just because he was so good at defeating the Empire in battle, they all chose to follow the masked man with a similar unquestioning resolve that they followed the Major with. Even the four present ex-Imperials, who were also the squadron's newest members, seemed to have some admiration toward the masked man and his revolutionary ways, which was why they were allowed to join the unit while willingly fighting alongside the people they once helped oppress. Rikichi berated himself for forgetting that loyalty, as well as whom he was speaking to.

However, in all of those glares, it was only Kallen's hardened and disapproving gaze that made Rikichi feel like he was about to melt into a puddle. And yet at the same time, his hate for Zero only burned stronger at that, as he wondered how such a perfect woman, an absolute representation of the Japanese race, could have followed such a black hearted man. Thus with a return glare to the other members of the squadron, he got up and made his way out of the room without any more words exchanged.

The tension died down once he left, though Alfred still wondered about something. "Not to go against your choice of recruits Major, but why did you take that kid on in the first place?"

"Alfie-chan's got a point," Sakon spoke up, earning a distinct leer from Alfred for purposely using that hated name with that particular honorific to describe him. "The whelp could become a hassle in the future."

"On the other hand, it is fun putting him in his place," Liliana looked up in the air in thought, considering.

For her part, Kallen sighed, as she was also disappointed at her subordinate's attitude. "He's good at what he does and he follows orders, which is all that matters. And I'll appreciate you guys not trying to provoke him."

"Eh, screw him. As long as he earns his keep, he can be as much of an imbecile as he wants," Tayuya replied with a shrug as she and Jirobu sat back down to continue their game. "Now, are you going to follow the rules this time, or will I have to force feed you that bishop?"

"Fuck you, Tayuya!" Jirobu replied, moving his bishop diagonally this time.

Not long after, the intercom system sounded with Minami's voice. "Attention, this is the captain. We are now on final approach toward Okinawa. All hands remain on standby."

---

Seemingly unnoticeable, as it was set at the eastern limit of the East China Sea and just southwest of the Japanese isles, the Ryukyu Islands retained a rather unique history to itself. Originally little more than a set of primitive fishing colonies that were frequently visited by the early Chinese, who noted the inhabitance for their hospitality, the central island of Okinawa would grow into three individual principalities in 1322: Hokuzan (Northern Mountain), Chuzan (Central Mountain) and Nanzan (Southern Mountain). Lasting for over a century, the Sanzan (Three Mountain) Period as it became known was a time of constant warfare and bloodshed between the three tribes, until the Chuzan ruler Sho Hashi conquered his neighbors to the north and south by 1429, unifying them into the Ryukyu Kingdom. From that point forward, Ryukyu thrived in maritime trade between the eastern and southeastern Asian states, eventually becoming the major economic center of the region. But it would all come to an end in 1609, when the Shimazu Clan, rulers of Japan's Satsuma Domain, conquered the island and forced it into their servitude. Since then, the Japanese had never left, and Okinawa became an official prefecture of Japan in the aftermath of the much later Boshin War, much to the dismay of its populace.

Ironically, Okinawa would later regain its freedom at the same time Japan would lose its own. When the Britannians invaded and conquered the Japanese isles in 2010, they were more than happy to leave the little set of islands with only a light occupational force, as they lacked the sakuradite reserves of the main islands and was neither as strategically relevant. Though nominally still part of Area 11, Okinawa was left largely to its own endeavors, even becoming a middle man of sorts between Britannia and the Chinese Federation, from which representatives of the two superpowers would barter, trade and negotiate with each other from the diplomatic table. As such, Okinawa once again became an economic centerpoint from its part in these dealings, and as it was separated by some distance from the rest of Area 11, it also remained untouched during the Japanese Insurrection. Even when the Chinese invaded Kyushu seven years later, they chose to leave Okinawa alone, though there was no clear reason for this. And so as Japan became more and more torn from constant warfare, Okinawa only prospered.

And then came the Devastation, and everything changed. Though Okinawa was spared from the destruction as it had not been connected to the sakuradite used to obliterate the main islands in Operation Nero, the inhabitance were still permanently affected by the event. Any racial hatred that had been held for the Japanese disappeared instantly along with the millions that perished on the main islands, and when the destruction had ceased, the Okinawans scrambled any vessel or craft available to send rescue. Because of this effort, over ten thousand Japanese and Britannian survivors had been found and brought to Okinawa, merging with the island's population of one million thirty seven thousand, now considered the last of the Japanese race. Since that time, Okinawa, now the capital of the Ryukyu Republic, remained in isolation as the Britannians and Europeans continued to overlook it, even when the Chinese Federation was annexed into the Empire and the world became embroiled with the Great World War. Very few even bothered to remember the little island in the East China Sea, and that was exactly what its population, as well as the Black Knights, wanted.

"Yomi control, this is Mikasa on approach, requesting clearance to harbor one," Minase spoke over the radio. In the distance, the island of Okinawa was continually growing in the bridge viewport, and the entire bridge crew watched earnestly as their ship made its final approach.

"Mikasa, your request is confirmed, standby," the female controller on the other end replied. "Activating guidance beacon now."

"Acknowledged, control," Minase responded. After she made that reply, she allowed herself to smile, knowing that in the next few minutes she would truly be home.

At the back of the bridge, Minami, Ohgi, Viletta and Tohdoh also watched with the same longing hearts as those of their subordinates, all three momentarily allowing themselves to feel anxious at the prospect of returning home. They all knew that every mission they took, there was always a chance that they would not be able to return to their homes or loved ones in the end, and so always reveled in the privilege. Meanwhile, C.C. who was standing with the first three looked as impassive as ever, but seemed more relax at the notion that she too would also be allowed rest from the war and chaos.

A moment later, as the Mikasa slowly drifted toward what appeared to be cliff face overlooking the sea, a single metal door at the front began to open. At that point, the helm switched to autopilot as the automatic guidance beacon fed the Mikasa's navigation system new data, slowly guiding the ship toward the open maw. "Mikasa, you are clear for docking in harbor one, bay six. Enjoy the ride and welcome home."

"Mikasa confirms. Good to be home," Minase responded once more with finality, before allowing herself to relax as her work was now done.

Slowly but gracefully, the Mikasa glided slowly until it was properly aligned with the opening in the cliff. Continuing on at a stable speed, the mobile battleship eventually passed through the maw and emerged into the great cavern within, where the bridge crew was able to behold the scope of the entire base. Seemingly taking the entirety of the apparent mountain, the underground harbor was filled with a line of warships at dock, all of which were painted in black colors and displaying the silver winged sword sigil somewhere on their hulls.

Moving between these ships, the Mikasa gradually drew closer to its selected bay, the automotive systems began reducing power to the Inaba Drive that kept her afloat ever so slowly. The crew felt the shift in power, but no one became alarmed as it was expected. Slowly the mighty battleship brought itself in, setting neatly into its landing space while dock moorings extended to keep the ship balanced. A slight rock later, and the Mikasa completed her docking.

Once the helmsman gave the nod, Minami engaged the ship's PA system again. "All hands, this is the captain. We have now completed docking. As such, I would like to congratulate each and every one of you on the success of this ship's first mission, and her equally successful return." His eyes narrowed as he spoke the next phrase. "Remember Japan."

"Nice speech. Sounds like you've been practicing," C.C. whispered offhandedly.

"Actually I have," Minami replied back in equal voice level. "Didn't have anything better to do for the last few days."

"Heh," C.C. smiled a little at that admission.

Ohgi also smiled a little, feeling relieved that, after the last few dark days, he had truly returned to his new home. "Just another day at the office…" he muttered to Viletta, who nodded in response The crew began to disembark from there.

---

Ohgi Residence
Naha, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

"You think they'll remember us?" Ohgi joked as he and Viletta, now dressed in civilian clothes, moved toward their house at the top of the hill. "I mean, it has been a few months."

"Oh they'll remember us," Viletta shot back as she kept up with her husband. "Especially when we have these," she waved the wrapped package she was carrying in hand, one of two items that she had ordered Captain Darlton to obtain while in Pendragon on their behalf.

Chuckling in response, Ohgi was just about to comment on that when the front door of their house flung open. From there, two bodies ran down the staircase toward the pair. "Mom! Dad!" they both yelled in sequence.

Both wearing smiles to end all smiles, Ohgi and Viletta both knelt to the ground and, after placing their packages down, reached their arms out. "Kazui! Ichika!" Ohgi called out as the two children, a boy and a girl, threw themselves into either parent's arms.

"God we've missed you…" Viletta murmured as she nuzzled the head of her son who, like his sister, possessed their father's dark hair and her golden eyes. "We missed you…"

"We missed you too," Kazui Ohgi murmured back, tears flowing from his eyes. "Isn't that right Ichika?"

"Yes," Ichika Ohgi murmured in confirmation. "There are days where we…"

"I know," Ohgi smiled as he held his daughter close to him. "But we're home now."

With that, the parents let go as the twins pulled back, both smiling pleasantly. "We brought you presents," he said, he and Viletta then handing one out to each child. "Let's open them inside."

"Yes!" the twins both let out at the same time, which was more or less normal for them.

At that, the Ohgis and their children made their way back up to the house. Where another figure was waiting for them.

"Good to see you again General, Colonel," Rumiko, the Ohgis' elderly housekeeper, bowed. "I trust your business trip has been most productive?"

Viletta rolled her eyes. As she had found years ago, it was nearly impossible to put anything past the old woman, though she supposed the entire island had caught onto who was behind the Pendragon raid by now. "Very much so," she replied. "How have things been here?"

"Oh more or less the same. Life goes on in this little corner of the world," Rumiko replied knowingly as she led the Ohgis and their children inside. "Even when it seems the rest of it has gone to hell."

"Just the way we prefer it," Ohgi replied as they made their way to the living room, where the twins began to tear open their presents. He didn't want to think about the war reaching Ryukyu, ever.

"Wow!" the twins once more exclaimed at the same time, just as they pulled their respective items to view. Both were boxes of assorted Britannian chocolates; obviously one of the items that were hard to come by in their area of the world. "Can we eat them now?"

Viletta shook her head. "After dinner," she said, much to the twins' disappointment, though they ultimately understood. She then looked toward Rumiko. "And what is for dinner tonight?"

Rumiko smiled mischievously. "Pendragon cheesesteaks," she answered, again with not so subtle hinting. "With teriyaki sauce."

This time both Ohgi and Viletta rolled their eyes. Having lost most of her family in the Devastation, Rumiko made no secret about her feelings toward the non-Ryukyuan Britannians. Or, for that matter, the Black Knights' returning to take the fight to them.

"Now then," the old woman spoke as she turned toward the kitchen. "I'll get back to preparing," she said, then departing to that area of the house.

With her gone, the Ohgis watched as the twins rummaged through their boxes and looked over the various pieces of chocolate, even exchanging a few between them, but never actually eating any. They were obedient that way, and neither Ohgi nor Viletta could have been prouder of their children. Two of the few things that seemed to go right in the insane world that they lived in now.

It had been during the Black Knights' initial reformation that Viletta had first learned she was pregnant. At first she was horrified at the prospect, as she did not believe herself to have any potential as a mother; at the same time however, she did not want an abortion, as there had been enough lives lost from that time. Ohgi, however, believed just the opposite, and had told her more than once that she would make the perfect mother, despite having been uncomfortable with the thought of fatherhood over his own life experiences to that point. Both his reassurance and, ironically, his own self-doubts were enough to help Viletta through the pregnancy; knowing that they were both deeply flawed but ultimately good people in a world of death and destruction. A world that ultimately needed more love and family.

After a long and trying several months, during which Viletta had gained a strange craving for natto beans and durians, she gave birth to Kazui and Ichika, whom her husband, much to her annoyance at the time, had named after two characters from a manga he used to read. From there, they both embraced their roles as a newly anointed mother and father as much as they could, raising their children to the best of their ability all the while preparing for renewed war with the rest of the Black Knights. Needless to say, the last few months had been the longest they had been away from their children. The thought that there would likely be more such periods in the future was not a comforting one.

"We've really done well for ourselves, haven't we Viletta?" Ohgi whispered to his wife as he allowed a renewed to form on his lips.

Viletta, as she continued to watch her children go through their chocolates, was quick to match her husband's smile. "Well enough to fight Kaname," she replied. "Well enough to fight."

---

Karatsu Apartments
Naha, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

Kallen grimaced as she and C.C. made their way up the seemingly endless flight of stairs to their apartment on the third floor of the complex. Each step caused a slight pain to her; though individually she could handle them, but as their numbers increased she wondered if her legs would give out on her before she reached their floor. Sure enough, it happened, with Kallen nearly falling onto her face mid-step. "Kisama…" she growled.

"Must you push yourself so hard?" C.C. looked back from the three steps she was ahead by with a peculiar glance. "It would be very inconvenient if you were to meet your end falling down a staircase, especially before you're able to fulfill your contract with me."

"Just shut up and help me," Kallen answered impatiently, being in no mood for C.C.'s badgering. She was in injured enough that she could do without the witch adding insult.

Sighing, the witch came down and lifted her "partner" up, placing one arm over her shoulder and then guiding her up the stairs. C.C. was mindful to keep Kallen balanced while at the same time taking each step slowly in order to avoid another fall. "I swear, you and Lelouch are both useless without me."

"Just remember who's providing your room and board," Kallen countered instantly.

"Oh? I recall you insisting that I be your roommate, even though I could have gotten my own place near that pizzeria," C.C. shot back.

"And let you run rampant all over the island? Sorry. Somebody's got to keep a close eye on you, and my Geass is perfect for that task," Kallen said, flashing her left eye to emphasize her point. In that instance, she was inwardly disappointed that while she could "see" C.C. exterior and the surrounding area, she still could not "see" within the witch as her mysterious powers kept Geass from affecting her directly. "I may not see inside of you, but I see you all the same."

C.C. laughed softly at that. "I don't need the Power of Absolute Awareness to see that you're lying Kallen. Just tell the truth: you're a closet sufferer of autophobia, which was first brought on by the death of your brother, and so you wanted to have a friend close by to keep from being left alone."

And once again, Kallen found no way of countering the witch on her words, as what she had spoken was no less than the truth. She sneered and looked away as a result. "Damn you."

The witch in turn sighed almost whimsically in response. "If only I got a coin for every time someone says that to me."

After a few more steps, the two finally made it to the top. No longer needing the support, Kallen retracted her arm and started to walk on her own again, at the same time nodding a 'thank you' to her apparent partner in crime. C.C. nodded in return and the two continued on their way.

As they reached their apartment, the two were quick to notice a woman coming up to the one next door with a bag of groceries. When the duo approached, Kallen was quick to greet the woman. "Aoi!"

At the mentioning of her name, Aoi Hoshitaka looked up and saw both the redheaded ace and the green haired witch close the distance, causing her to smile. "Kallen! Miss Cathcart!" she exclaimed. "What a pleasant surprise, I didn't expect you to be back so soon!"

"But you expected us to be back. That's good." Kallen teased, as she came forward. "How've things been since we left?"

"Uneventful, but all things considered, I'm thankful for that, as well as for your return." Aoi replied with delight. As their neighbor and occasional housekeeper, she knew that Kallen and C.C. were both Black Knights and that every time they left Ryukyu there was always a chance they would not come back, and so was always glad to see them return home.

Though she was only a little older than Kallen, there was little question that Aoi was a refined woman, one who held herself with high class and elegance. Unlike most women her age, she held a deterrence toward overly revealing clothing aside from bathing suits, and so chose to wear a black mini-dress that didn't show off a lot of her skin outside her arms, but still did a great job highlighting her figure, which was complimented with black heeled shoes and a sapphire pendent across her neck. As well, while she had the customary black hair of a Japanese woman, which was cut short in a bowl shape, her ocean blue eyes were truly wondrous to behold as they seemed to sparkle even from the tiniest glimpse of light. All that combined with her soft demeanor and pleasantness, and one could consider Aoi Hoshitaka the personification of regal beauty, empathy and compassion, a human being capable of understanding when others could not or would not. To say the least, many envied those parts of her, Kallen included.

"We appreciate that Aoi, really," Kallen replied, patting the other woman on the shoulder, before moving toward her front door. "Why don't you come on in and catch us up on everything?"

"Maybe later. Right now I have to put all this away," Aoi gestured toward the grocery bag she was holding.

When she shifted her left hand, C.C. caught a glimpse of a silver band with a tripartite of diamonds at its center, wrapped around her left ring finger. The witch raised an eyebrow and gave a peculiar expression at that. "You still wear that ring?"

Aoi looked up at her. "Is that so strange?"

"Not at all. But in the eight years I've known you, I've always seen you with that engagement ring, but I've never met your fiance or seen you with him," C.C. factually replied.

Aoi grinned, in a manner that was suspiciously close to the way C.C. usually did. "And what makes you think my fiancé is a man?"

While C.C. only frowned, Kallen visibly wasn't sure how she should have responded toward her neighbor's question. Seeing that, Aoi chuckled. "Just kidding. I assure you I'm perfectly straight."

At that, Aoi shifted the bag over to her right hand so that she could see the ring herself. Her expression turned to one of solemnity. "I was given this ring a long time ago, from someone very dear to me. And though I probably shouldn't wear it any more, after everything that's happened, I just can't let go of the past…"

Kallen's expression turned to one of sympathy at that, as she could not find a way to respond no matter what kind of reply she came up with. And despite herself, even C.C. couldn't help but feel a churning motion in her stomach, as she knew exactly how Aoi felt. As old as she was, she knew how valuable memories of the past were, and how they could not simply be abandoned, even if one truly wanted to leave it all behind.

And then Aoi moved her hand away and looked up again. "But that should not be of any concern. You two came a long way, so I won't keep you." She said while producing a key and unlocking her door. Before she entered however, she turned again and nodded one more time to her two neighbors. "Okaeri nasai."

"Domo arigato. It's good to be back," Kallen answered with a nod of her own. C.C. herself said nothing more to that, instead retaining her frown.

---

Sugiyama Residence
Naha, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

"…Though order has long been reestablished in the Imperial Capital following the Day of the Founding attack, fear and pandemonium are still rampant throughout the mainland as Britannians continue to wonder just how it all happened and whether it will happen again. Many have taken to arming and supplying themselves in anticipation for a full out invasion of the homeland, while others have attempted to flee altogether. In response to these developments, His Royal Highness Second Prince Schneizel has personally reaffirmed that all is being done to track down the perpetrators, whose identities have not been released to the public at this time, and that the Britannian people must remain stalwart in the face of this new threat…" the Sky News anchorman continued to ramble on the television screen, although only one in the Sugiyamas' family room was paying attention to that. The rest were watching cautiously as one of their guests seemed to sway around on one of the couches.

"Is Uncle Tamaki alright, Father?" Sakura Sugiyama, the youngest child, questioned as she watched the man take another swig from his drink. "He looks weird…"

"Of course he's alright sweetheart," Kento replied as convincingly as he could. "He's just relaxing after the long trip we've had."

He then patted his daughter on the shoulder. "Now, why don't you help Hinoka and Aunt Katsura finish making dinner?" he said, gently pushing his daughter to the kitchen. "I'm sure they'd really appreciate your help."

At that, the four year old wandered over to the kitchen area, where her elder sister and their aunt – who in fact was Naomi's own younger sister – were continuing to prepare miso stew. Having taken care of that, Sugiyama let out a sigh as he moved over to where his friend and dinner guest was making an idiot of himself. "Don't you think you've had enough Tamaki?" he said, hintingly. "You're scaring my kids."

"Enough? The he-ELL!?" Tamaki dazedly scowled, his eyes failing to properly focus as he attempted to take another swig of his awamori, only to pour it on his shirt. "I haven eve-en shtarted! In facst, thisth isth only my sixth…ishth."

At that, he started counting down his fingers in Japanese to make sure that it really was his sixth, though out of drunken reflex they kept folding up again after counted, forcing Tamaki to recount them again and again. He also ended up counting into the "hundredththishes" somewhere down the line.

Naomi, who was sitting close to him, sighed in disappointment at the display before taking a sip of her own awamori. "If that really is your sixth Tamaki, then you have the alcohol tolerance of a nun. Better do what Kento suggested and call it early."

"For-ge-ht it Nay-o-mee! I jus gettin started!" Tamaki stated once more, then managing to take another gulp of his drink without spilling it again. He then looked at Naomi with a twinkle in his eyes. "B-iy the waay, did I evar men-shin you looked re-eel good Nay-o-me!?"

Suddenly Kento's head shot up with a less than pleasant gaze. "What are you getting at Tamaki?"

Naomi, on the other hand, took on a more mischievous expression. "Why no, Shinichiro, you never told me that."

"Re-eeallly?" Tamaki slurred, visibly shocked through his intoxication. "We-ell, you arre reelly hawt, Nay-o-me. I don no why I nev-a told you tha-t be-forrr."

"Well, now that you have told me…" Naomi spoke with mock innocence. "What is it that makes me look good?"

"Naomi…" Kento began only for Tamaki to speak first.

"Wut does-ent make you look goo-od!?" Tamaki admonished, taking a moment to look her over from head to toe, an action which doubled the ever growing fury within Kento. "You gawt the be-est damn body I've ev-ar see-en on a wo-maan, a-loong with tha be-estest damn chi-chiiis. I te-ell you, if you we-rre my wii-ff, I'd ma-ake luv to you every ti-ime I ga-at the ch-aaance."

"Damn it Tamaki, the kids are in the other…!" Sugiyama started to whisper.

"Oh…!" Naomi looked away with feigned embarrassment. "You're just saying that to be nice!"

"No-oo, I'ma seree-us, Nay-o-me!" Tamaki yelped. And then in a motion that surprised even Naomi, the drunk Black Knight pilot leaned over so that he could grab both of Naomi's breasts. "See-ee? Just li-ieke two reeely reeely big mars-melll-os!" he said as he lightly squeezed them.

Finally reaching the breaking point, Kento snapped his arms out and grabbed Tamaki's, forcing them off of Naomi as well as yanking the drunk up from the couch, forcing him to finally notice the violent intent in his comrade's face. "Shinichiro, so fucking help me…!"

"He-ey he-ey, no nee-ed to ge-t maad, Ken-en-too." Tamaki replied, right before he also looked Kento down from head to toe. At that, the twinkle reentered his eyes. "B-iy the waaay, you luuk re-eelly hawt too-o."

"…with the latest conquests of Abakan and Kyzyl, effectively placing over half of Far Eastern Europe under Imperial occupation. In response to these losses, EU President Friedrich Kessler declared in a press conference in Berlin that 'all soldiers of the Eastern Front are to use whatever means necessary to keep the Imperial Army from advancing into the west…'"

With that, Naomi burst into hysterical laughter as Kento lurched forward and wrapped his arms around Tamaki's neck, fully intending on choking both the life and alcohol out of his fellow Black Knight. "I don't care if you are wasted, I'll kill you!" Kento roared as he shook Tamaki back and forth.

"Will you guys keep it down? I'm trying to watch the news," Minami said with annoyance. He was sitting on one of the nearby recliners and so was fully aware of what was going on, but instead of joining in, he chose to focus his attention on the television screen.

Looking around from where Kento and Tamaki were wrestling, and momentarily making sure her children were still in the kitchen, Naomi cast a small glance at her other comrade. "Why bother Minami? It's just the same old, same old. It's either about Pendragon or about the war or whatever some bastard politician misspoke in front of a camera."

"You forget Naomi just how hard news is to come by in this area of the world. Therefore, I want to know as much about everything as I can learn, especially before we go out again," Minami replied without looking back.

Naomi had to concede the point there, as aside from local television, Ryukyu could only get international news from pirating signals from other networks. This was an extremely risky venture, as in spite of the measures placed to prevent such an occurrence, the signals could always be traced and followed back to the island, effectively revealing its presence to all. But at the same time, for the Black Knights to operate and the inhabitance to keep up to date on the world's affairs, it was a necessary risk all the same.

"…As Her Royal Highness Eighth Princess Marrybell returns from the mainland to continue her command over the Eastern Theater. In an interview with Sky News reporter Patrick Harris, Her Highness stated that 'I am quite pleased with Britannia's continued success against the European Union on all fronts. If things continue toward the Empire's favor, the St. George's Cross will be waving from the Central Hemicycle's roof by Christmas…'"

As Tamaki and Kento's struggle degenerated into a fist fight in the background, Naomi wondered out loud to Minami about the last part of his statement. "You really think we'll be heading back out so soon?"

"You'd have to take that up with Ohgi," Minami replied as he continued to watch. "But just the same, I get the feeling that this is going to be a very short break for us."

"And you believe that, because…?" Naomi continued to prod.

"'Attack the enemy where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.'" Minami replied, quoting something he read from Sun Tzu's Art of War. "Yeah we hit the Imperial Capital, but the world still thinks we're dead and Britannia is still distracted by its war with the EU. We would be fools not to take advantage of that as soon as possible, before the whole world falls under their control."

Once more without looking over, he reached behind him and grabbed his drink, taking a sip while continuing to watch the TV. "We should all make as much of this break as we can, because once we're out, we won't be back for a long time."

Naomi took that in and sighed again, feeling depressed at the idea of having to leave their families and sanctuary so soon, but at the same time knowing its necessity. This time she drank her own awamori down fully. "You're a real ray of sunshine Minami," she exclaimed. "With that crappy attitude, it's no wonder why Ohgi gave you the Mikasa."

"It's one of the reasons why I'm still alive Naomi." Minami said, before having to reflexively duck in order to avoid a flying glass that Tamaki had chucked at Kento, but missed. It was only then Naomi and her sister moved in to break the two apart.

"…Meanwhile in the Western European front, Sky News has now confirmed that the Imperial Fifth Fleet has made contact with forces of the European Navy off the coast of Jutland, beginning what could be one of the largest naval offensives in history…"

---

Japan Memorial Park
Naha, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

We dedicate this land to those who perished on September 13, 2017
May their memories and the memory of their homeland live on for all time

Tohdoh read that inscription over and over again, feeling a certain solace in those words, but at the same time also feeling much loss. The inscription and the plaque it was on were both placed on a towering stone pillar, surrounded by flowers at its base; a relatively simple structure that reflected ancient Shinto principles of architecture and spirituality. Along with that, the surrounding park was a relatively new establishment, conceived right after the Devastation to serve exactly as the plaque read. For such a purpose, the park had been developed from the beginning as a reflection of Japan's Nara Park, eschewing the standard Ryukyuan jungle setting for a traditional Japanese forest setting, complete with the accompanying trees and grassland; all that was missing were the sika deer and the various temples. And with the sun beginning to set into the evening, casting darkening shadows upon the pillar and the trees, one could truly believe that the spirits were alive and well in such a place.

Slowly, Tohdoh ran his finger over the memorial plaque, feeling the sharp edges of the etched hiragana characters against them. Ever since the park and the memorial pillar had been established, the Black Knight General had visited it whenever he had the time, both to pay his respects to those who had not lived through the Devastation like he had, and to reflect on the past as well as what lay ahead. While this practice did not always soothe the torment he felt within himself, it gave him focus and kept him motivated to go forward, as well as reminding him of what his mistakes and the mistakes of others had cost, and could cost in the future if repeated. And now that it seemed that his course had been set toward the future, he once again came to this place to seek guidance from within.

This time however, Tohdoh was not thinking about Japan or the Black Rebellion or even the Devastation. Instead, the image he held in his mind was that of a small dojo set along the Japanese country side, in which those who sought the martial arts traversed to. Inside he saw a small child training with a larger man, one who possessed scars across his body and seemingly premature grey hair. The larger man eventually knocked down the child in a jujitsu throw, before speaking to the child as he laid on his back on the finer points of the throw, and then once satisfied that the lesson had been put across, the man smiled proudly and pulled the child up and off the mats. Another image shifted to the child, now some years older, practicing swordplay with the older man, both utilizing bokens as their weapons of choice. Then came a new image of the child, now grown into a teenage boy, practicing punches and kicks while the older man stood by, watching intently and with certain satisfaction.

And then came the last image to flash in Tohdoh's mind, which depicted the child, now fully grown into adulthood, standing in the full uniform of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces, while the older man stood before him, greatly angered and all but roaring into the other man's face over his choice to join the military. Tohdoh's eyes reflexively closed at that memory; that night would be one he would never forget, as it had been the last time he had spoken to his father, and he felt only regret that the words spoken between them were in anger.

Then Tohdoh's eyes snapped open once more as he heard the sound of footsteps. Without looking, he could sense Senba walk up to join him before the monument.

"I knew I would find you here," the far older man stated as he came up. "Come to pay your respects to the dead, Kyoshiro?"

"Just reminiscing," Tohdoh replied, not turning to face his comrade. "Remembering the last night I had with my family, and the fight I had with my father over my joining the JGSDF."

"Yes…" Senba nodded in understanding. "Your father mentioned that little exchange to me as well. He didn't want you to live the life of a soldier like he did."

Tohdoh sighed. "Colonel Saburo Tohdoh," he said his father's name out loud. "Hero of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Order of the Golden Kite recipient, known as Shinigami no Tohdoh for his tactical expertise in armored warfare. Credited for the Japanese victories in Shanghai and Wuhan."

"And my friend and commanding officer," Senba finished for Tohdoh. "A good man."

Tohdoh nodded at that, as during that war Senba had been a Sergeant and his father's personal gunner. While they were separated by a large degree of rank and protocol, Tohdoh always felt that his father treated Senba more like a brother than a subordinate, and subsequently the portly graying man always felt like an uncle to the younger Tohdoh while growing up. However, their paths divided when Saburo Tohdoh, suffering over the constant bloodshed and death during that war, had retired from the military and placed himself and his family into a sordid exile from civilization, starting up a dojo in the town of Esashi, which was located in northern most Hokkaido. Senba meanwhile remained in the military, though he was still a frequent visitor of his old CO and his family.

Then it all ended when Tohdoh chose, against his father's wishes, to enter into the military himself. Instead of standing beside his father as he usually did, Senba welcomed the younger Tohdoh into the army with opened arms, serving as his teacher and drill instructor for much of Tohdoh's training; a relationship that not even the other Holy Swords knew about. As such, Tohdoh considered himself the man he was today thanks to Senba's teachings, but this too came at a great cost, as Tohdoh's father broke off communication with Senba just as he had done with his son before. From that point on, Kyoshiro Tohdoh and Ryoga Senba were the only family the other had, as Senba had been an orphan growing up.

And now in the present, after everything that had happened, a question hung in Tohdoh's mind like a spider's web. "Tell me Senba, would my father despise me as I am now?"

The older man looked at his commander and one time charge with a raised eyebrow. "I do not understand why you would think that Kyoshiro."

Tohdoh let out a 'heh' at that, as Senba knew exactly what he was getting at. "What's not to understand? It's only been one failure after another: failure to defend my country from foreigners, failure to save my pupil from falling into darkness, failure to liberate my country from tyranny, and then finally failure to save my people from genocide."

Once more, his eyes narrowed on the monument. "For all of those things, as well as disregarding his original wishes, I could understand if my father went to the grave hating me."

"But he didn't, Kyoshiro," Senba finally spoke up. "While your father never wanted you to become a soldier and experience death like he had in China, he never stopped caring about you. The only thing he wished for you was to choose your own way and go forward into the world."

This time Tohdoh looked back at him. "How do you know this?"

"Because he told me himself," Senba explained with a warm smile. "The truth is your father and I never stopped talking; every so often he would contact me, checking up on your progress, but at the same time he didn't want you to lose your focus, so he requested that I keep it all a secret from you."

The younger man eyed his comrade for a moment. "…how long have you two been talking?"

At that, Senba's expression turned grim but hopeful. "All the way to the Black Rebellion. The last thing he told me, was that though he did not agree with your chosen path, he was still proud of the man you had become."

To say the least, Tohdoh felt elated within at that explanation, that the father he had long thought abandoned him still loved him and was proud of him to the end. The knowledge of this was enough that even Tohdoh's icy cold demeanor began to crack from the emotions inside, forcing the man credited for the "Miracle of Itsukushima" to tilt his head in an effort to regain control of himself. And once more he found himself inwardly mourning his family's deaths, as like so many others, Saburo Tohdoh along with his wife Misato and their young daughter Kagura had been amongst those who perished in the Devastation.

And then, after a moment, Tohdoh finally spoke again. "Why didn't you tell me all of this sooner?"

"As cliché as it sounds, I wanted to honor my former commander's wishes even beyond the grave. But seeing you here today, I now see that it is no longer necessary to do so," Senba said.

"So… he really did accept me," Tohdoh murmured at barely a whisper. "But I still can't imagine what he would think of me now, after all that's happened."

"…I think he would tell you to continue forward, as you always have," Senba offered. "Kyoshiro, all human beings experience failure at some point in their lives. Some more than others, some worse than others, but regardless, it is always inevitable."

Once more, Senba offered a small smile. "The difference between men, however, is whether one is able to move forward from his failure or not. Men that are able to move on are able to achieve their desired goals, while those that do not can only drown in themselves, just as Suzaku Kururugi has done."

"Suzaku…" Tohdoh thought out loud, feeling no small amount of remorse at that name.

"In my opinion however, you should not let young Kururugi way on your conscience," Senba spoke objectively. "It was his choice to join the enemy for a hopeless cause, just as it was his choice to continue fighting for them even when the whole world burns."

"He is still my student Senba," Tohdoh replied. "And if the student falls to evil, then the master can only do two things: save him or slay him."

It was a moment before Senba spoke of that. "…with all respect Kyoshiro, I do not think Kururugi wants to be saved."

"Hmmm…" Tohdoh thought with a frown. "You may be right, but it is still my duty to at least try."

Senba shrugged at that. "If that is how you feel," He then looked at his watch, before gesturing toward the path out of the park. "We should go now. The other three are expecting us to join them, and Chiba becomes…irritable when you are not around."

Tohdoh grimaced at that, as Asahina and Urabe had told him the same thing many times before. Regardless, he started walking, though he did not hide his annoyance. "Senba, remind me again what possessed me to take her on as one of the Swords."

The older man looked up in thought. "Besides being a skilled soldier and pilot, I think it had something to do with her following your every command without question," Senba then flashed a certain knowing glance. "You have to admit, she does think the world of you."

"A little too much." Tohdoh replied coldly, knowing the true meaning behind Senba's words and doing his best to ignore it. While she was an attractive woman and totally dedicated to him, Tohdoh didn't feel he had what she wanted. Besides, there was already enough death in the world for Tohdoh to deal with; he did not need to add the civil war known as "love" on top of it all.

---

Kouzuki Residence
Naha, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

Just by entering into her abode, Kallen felt her body instinctively relax and be at peace. In design, it was a Japanese style establishment, though slightly enlarged from standard to accommodate two people, complete with two separate bedrooms with connecting bathrooms, a small kitchen connected to a living room area and a large closet area to the side. Though the condominium she shared with C.C. was obviously not as large or as luxurious as her father's mansion back in Japan, Kallen felt more at home in the little space than she ever had in the spacious manor she occupied when living as a Stadtfeld.

Carefully putting her bags down, which she would unpack later on, she then walked into the living room and came over to a mantle at the back of it, which hung over an indoor gas heater cleverly disguised as a fireplace. Upon this mantle were three stone memorial tablets, each one grey and featureless, save for the inscriptions that had been etched into their surfaces. All three of the inscriptions read a name in katakana: James, Haruka and Naoto.

Upon her approach to the three tablets, Kallen's usual hardness was quietly subdued and replaced with something more akin to her old weak girl guise she used at Ashford Academy: soft, calm and radiating warmth. This was all complimented by the small smile she allowed to spread across her lips. I still miss all of you.

In her mind she could see all three of them, starting with her father James Stadtfeld. In spite of being a Britannian and representing the Imperialist system that Kallen had long grown to despise, he still openly loved her and had always been proud of her as his daughter, something Kallen never understood until just before the Black Rebellion, where he revealed to her that he always regretted sending the woman he loved and their children away, even if it was to keep the Stadtfeld name in the good graces of Britannian society. His taking her and her mother back had been his attempt to make amends, as well as to provide them comfort and safety in a time of chaos, although Kallen had been too caught up in her hatred to recognize that. But in the end he had been able to tell her, and now Kallen could only remember him as a loving father that cared more for his own family than he did himself or his name and status; something that she refused to see him as in the past.

Then there was her mother, Haruka Kouzuki. When she had been a child living in the ghettos, Kallen had idolized her to the greatest extent of the word, as beside her brother she had been the only one who had openly loved her. But then came the death of her son, and she became broken and fragmented, a shadow of the woman that Kallen had once believed was perfect, who willingly chose to return to the man that had abandoned them without any complaint. For a long time, Kallen believed that she had been trying to reclaim a romance with a man that clearly, or so Kallen also believed then, didn't care about her or their daughter, and for that the underground resistance fighter could only despise her to the point of abuse. Then everything changed once again when Kallen saw her in that warehouse, mindlessly wandering about from the influence of Refrain, entranced in the memories of happier times with her beloved children. Kallen had saved her that night only to learn that she would be convicted as a criminal for narcotics use, but even so, she swore at the side of her hospital bed that she would create a world where they could both live happily. Unfortunately it was not to be, as that would be the last time Kallen would ever see her mother alive.

And finally, there was her brother, Naoto. From the beginning he had been there for her and their mother, the 'man of the family' in the absence of their father. When they had no money for food, Naoto would shoplift from the nearest grocery store. When they didn't have a car but needed to get to somewhere in an emergency, Naoto would always find one to "borrow", but always being mindful to return it to its rightful owners when it was no longer required. When the other neighborhood kids tried picking on Kallen because of her Britannian features, Naoto would be there to defend her, even if it meant having to fight far superior numbers. It was because of this virtue that eventually drove Naoto to believe that if Britannia were expelled from Japan, then his family could live happily, causing him to form the terrorist cell that would become the foundation of the Black Knights alongside his high school friend Ohgi. But this would only prove to be his undoing, as he would die early on, years before the Black Rebellion and the Devastation. Although Kallen missed her family dearly, she especially missed her older brother and the feeling that he would always be there for her, something that could never be replaced by anyone else.

Kallen sighed at the memories, as that was all she had now, as well as finding dark irony in that it was only after they were all gone that she realized that she had had a family, that she had never been alone in the world. Tears threatened to emerge from her eyes at that thought, but she kept them back, knowing that even though she could no longer be together with them, she would continue to fight for the world they all wanted.

"…yes, you heard me correctly: a single stuffed crust that's half meat lovers and half Hawaiian, with an order of breadsticks and two bottles of Pepsi on the side," the voice of C.C. spoke from the kitchen, causing Kallen to revert back to reality. "Oh, and I'd like the military discount on this as well."

The redhead frowned as she looked back to see C.C. speaking over the phone. And the Pizza Girl lives on.

"Right, twenty minutes. Arigato," C.C. hung up the phone soon after. Feeling a pair of eyes on her, she looked over to where Kallen was standing. "Is there a problem?"

"What was wrong with eating in? Aoi kept it stocked while we were away," Kallen asked, frown still across her face.

"I have three reasons for that," C.C. replied as she walked over to stand across from Kallen. "First, both of us are too tired to cook, and microwave dinners are disgusting. Second, I haven't had a decent pizza in over a month, as the Mikasa's cook can't tell the difference between tofu and mozzarella cheese. And third and most important, tonight's a celebration."

"A celebration? For what?" Kallen asked.

C.C. smirked. "Why, your birthday of course. Don't tell me you've forgotten it."

A moment of shock came across Kallen as she had indeed forgotten. But sure enough, it was her birthday all the same, and she ended up cringing over the fact that she failed to remember, especially when the damned witch did.

"You did, didn't you?" C.C. assessed, her smirk taking on a more fox-like form. "Well, fortunately for you I can remember things as far back as several hundred years, while Ohgi and the others made it a point to keep the date of your birth in mind. The party's tomorrow at some place called 'Kawashige', by the way."

Despite that news, Kallen didn't show any kind of reaction, instead looking away in thought. In truth, she didn't know what to feel on the inside about that, as if it were a new feeling that she had never considered before. She knew that each year she lived to have a birthday should have been a celebration of life, but at the same time she couldn't help but feel guilty for being allowed to survive when so many others, including her family, did not. It was a true Catch-22 in her mind.

"With that settled," C.C. interrupted her thoughts once more, seemingly purposely. "I have a present for you."

Before Kallen could ask, C.C. wandered toward her room and shut the door. The next few moments were followed by the sounds of clothes and more solid objects being tossed about as the witch dug through the messy confines of her room. Kallen rubbed a hand at the side of her face, wondering just how someone who was immortal and had mysterious mystical powers could be such a slob when it came to day to day living.

A minute or so later, the witch emerged from her room with a long wooden box in hand. After gesturing for Kallen to come closer, they both knelt and C.C. placed the box horizontally across the floor. Then, C.C. removed to lid to reveal the box's contents: a single Japanese katana with vibrant red hilt weaving and a golden oval shaped tsuba, sheathed in an equally vibrant red saya.

A katana? Kallen thought, as she took the sword out of the box and looked it over. Gently, she pulled the sword partly out of thet saya and looked across the blade, which shone as if it were just made, yet spoke of a quality unseen in modern day swords. Kallen could tell this sword was from a time long past.

"It's beautiful," she exclaimed as slipped the entire blade out of the saya to study it, her expression turned visibly awestruck.

"I hope so. According to Oda, it is the 'finest blade ever to be made.'" C.C. said.

"Oda?" Kallen looked up in question. "Was he this sword's original owner?"

"Indeed he was. I met him a long time ago during my travels," C.C. confirmed.

Kallen looked back at the sword. "Was he anyone I would have heard of?"

"You could say that." C.C. replied knowledgably, looking up in thought. "I believe you Japanese referred to him as Owari no Outsuke."

Kallen nearly dropped the sword at the mention of that name, which translated to the 'Fool of Owari'. This was understandable, as everyone who knew something about Japan's long and bloody history knew that name and who it referred to. "This sword belonged to Oda Nobunaga!?"

"Yes, but long before he became the warlord that conquered a third of Japan," C.C. continued to explain. "At some point, I ended up wandering into Owari around the time he was still a teenager. Naturally, because of my appearance and the fact I couldn't die, the inhabitance labeled me as a witch and I was forced to live in the mountains in solitude."

As C.C. could see that Kallen had taken exceptional interest in this story, the explanation went forward. "Apparently my reputation was quite well known, because one day Nobunaga appeared on my doorstep and demanded in exchange for that sword, which had been given to him by Hirate Masahide, I grant him the power 'to conquer the world ten times over.'"

"…You gave him Geass," Kallen surmised.

"Of course. How could I refuse such a direct request?" C.C. smiled almost fiendishly. "His Geass was the Power of Absolute Madness. With it he could strip the sanity and morality of those that fell into its influence, turning them into unrelenting berserkers. It was pretty advantageous in his conquests, as he would use it on his army and easily overwhelm his enemies."

Kallen thought about that for a minute. "You realize you directly contributed to one of Japan's darkest historical periods by giving a warlord's son, who was well known for his eccentricity, great mystical power?"

Surprisingly, the witch openly laughed at that. "Nobunaga wasn't eccentric. Quite the contrary, he was a genius that nobody could understand," she continued. "He was one of the few Japanese that valued firearms over swords, did not see any practicality in bushido, preferred art and culture over constant warfare, and did open business with gaijin, specifically European missionaries and arms merchants; all things that were considered extremely radical, yet they still worked toward his gain and ambition."

The witch then looked Kallen in the eye. "Sounds a lot like someone we know, doesn't it?"

As indirect a reference as that was, Kallen still looked away slightly. "…Why are you giving me this? A keepsake like this should be extremely valuable to you."

"It is," C.C. acknowledged. "But I believe it will be in better hands with you, and your role as Lelouch's protector."

Kallen conceded that with a nod, then slipped the sword back into its sheath. She then got up and, turning so that C.C. was to her aside, assumed an Iaido stance, draw slashing the sword with lightning speed, then performing two more slashes before sheathing it once more. Just from her form, it was apparent that Kallen was quite familiar with a blade, thanks to some side training from Tohdoh. "It's got great balance. I felt almost no resistance in that draw."

"I hope you use it well, Kallen," the witch nodded with approval.

Just after she said that, a knock at the door sounded. Kallen quickly opened the door to come face to face with a pizza delivery boy.

"Evening Ane-san. I have a delivery for…" the teenaged pizza boy started, then looking at the receipt. "'Cera Cathcart'?"

"Finally!" C.C. replied, jumping up, moving around Kallen, grabbing the pizza box and the plastic bag containing the soda and then moving back to the kitchen table before anyone could blink. "I thought that would never get here!"

Kallen shook her head, before hearing the delivery boy speak again. "You know…" the boy spoke with a smile and an attempted alluring tone. "I find nothing sexier than a beautiful woman holding a blade."

At that, Kallen just looked back at him and returned a mock smile. "Rent Lady Snowblood. You'll love it."

She then paid and slammed the door.

---

Black Knights mobile battleship Mikasa
Harbor 01, Okinawa, Ryukyu Republic

"Your Earl Grey, Master Lelouch." Sayoko said softly before putting a teapot and a cup on the table in front of her master.

Lelouch was grateful enough to nod his thanks as Sayoko took the teapot and poured its steaming contents into the cup. Sayoko saw this and replied with her own warm expression; however, on the inside it still pained her to see the master she had served for so long in such a state as he was now: worn and conflicted. It didn't help that it was barely a few days ago that he had been acting in the way she had best known him for, only to realize that such a life was not real.

"Sayoko," Lelouch at long last spoke out, surprising his maid and attendant as she was putting down the teapot. "Did Diethard or someone else assign you to watch over me as Sarah Beckett?"

Despite the inquisitive nature of the question, Sayoko kept her warm expression. "No, I volunteered for that mission."

"Why?" Lelouch asked in visible wonder.

"Because just as I chose to serve you and Mistress Nunnally years ago, I chose to remain in your service now," Sayoko explained simply.

"Whose service are you referring to? Mine or Zero's?" Lelouch asked a bit more collectedly.

The maid looked a little perplexed at that. "Why, yours of course, Master Lelouch."

As Lelouch picked up the teacup, he couldn't help but slightly see his own degenerated reflection upon the liquid's surface. He cringed on the inside at it while outwardly he continued to speak. "You're able to do this, even knowing I'm no longer the boy you served in Japan?"

"If I may speak on a whim, Master Lelouch, I do not believe that is true," Sayoko replied, her voice still kindly but her words holding meaning. "I believe that the kind, gentle boy that lived to look after his little sister still exists, even if you do not think so. Just as I also believe that same boy will continue to strive for a peaceful world, the one that he wanted for his sister."

Something stirred at that, but Lelouch still didn't visibly respond. Instead, he once more glanced over to the mask that sat on the table, seemingly waiting for him to slip it back on again. To his eyes, it still looked like a great millstone even now, but he did well not to forget that it had been one he bore of his own choosing originally, all for Nunnally's sake. Everything he had done had been for her, even his decision to join Euphemia's SAZ. The irony in that could have eclipsed the earth itself.

Nunnally… Lelouch's mind spoke out woefully. He looked back up at Sayoko. "While you were in Pendragon, were you able to…?"

"My apologies," Sayoko interrupted, already knowing what her master was going to ask. As such, her expression turned to show pure sympathy and remorse. "I looked everywhere for clues on Mistress Nunnally's whereabouts, but as she is believed to have perished with her mother, there wasn't anything to go on."

Lelouch felt his jaw bite against his lower lip before he asked the next question. "Do you believe her to be dead as well?"

The maid shook her head. "I believe she is still very much alive, if only for similar reasons to why the Emperor spared you. As long as she is, then I will do everything in my power to find her, I promise."

The former Black Prince found himself nodding at that, then closing his eyes. Just as Sayoko was about to make her exit, he spoke once more. "For whatever it's worth to you Sayoko, you have my thanks. For everything."

After a moment's pause, the maid turned and bowed, then spoke again. "I live only to serve, Master Lelouch."

---

John Colahan Army Medical Center
Pendragon, Grand Duchy of Pennsylvania, Area 1 (North America), Britannian Empire

Suzaku knew he was alone in the dark hospital room, as visiting hours were long past and it would be sometime before his next checkup. But at the same time he also knew that he wasn't alone.

He could feel the presence by him once more; a presence that he had known for a long, long time. A presence that, in spite of the unraveling of events, had remained with him even when he did not wish it to be there. Like the devil himself, it had always been there, and had always come to him during his lowest moments, mocking him for his failures and berating him for his perceived foolishness. It would always look down on him as if he were a child, showing its disgust and disapproval, looking at Suzaku as if he were the lowest form of existence, but at the same time never leaving his side. Naturally, Suzaku chafed at the presence and had more than once demanded it to leave him be, but no matter what he did, it would always return to glower and mock him further.

This time however, the presence chose to remain unseen and silent. Instead of visibly appearing before him as it always did, it remained at the edge of the darkness, analyzing him all the same in a predatory manner, as if it were trying to detect a sign of weakness upon Suzaku's form. This was the first time it had ever done this, but Suzaku could still feel himself shift under its gaze, feeling just as much unease as he had when the presence was visibly before him. For minutes, perhaps even hours, it continued to gaze upon him from the edge of the room, before Suzaku finally relented.

"If you have something to say to me, then be done with it. Otherwise leave me alone," Suzaku growled toward its direction.

"…I was content to merely observe you Suzaku," spoke a hardened, unwavering voice, one that possessed a baritone much too similar to the Britannian Emperor's. One that Suzaku had heard quite often as a child.

Then out of the darkness came a large and robust Japanese man, dressed in a brown suit with an overcoat, holding an uncompromisingly stern face. Though the man would not have been as well recognized now as fifteen years ago, Suzaku had no trouble recognizing his father, Genbu Kururugi. "And I must say my son, you look pathetic."

"Have your laugh," Suzaku glared back up to the image of his father. "Such words are meaningless coming from the dead."

"And yet you have always kept me by your side, just for that purpose," Genbu replied, walking around Suzaku's hospital bed, once more in a predatory manner. "After all, it was by your foolishness that I died, that so many suffered under Britannia's occupation, that Japan was consumed by smoke and fire."

Genbu then leaned forward to stare into Suzaku's eyes. "So, what will your foolishness bring now Suzaku? What new destruction will you bring about when you are forced to face Lelouch in battle?"

"The Black Knights won't succeed in restoring his memories," Suzaku shot back. "They don't have the power to unravel Geass."

"…You know that's untrue," Genbu replied viciously. "Otherwise the Emperor would have had no reason to assign you to guard and monitor Lelouch. No, you two are fated to stand against one another, just like in Shinjuku so long ago."

Suzaku grit his teeth at the idea, causing Genbu to look on in disappointment. "Come now my son, you had already anticipated this, so why does this bring pain to you? Don't tell me that you actually placed value in that artificial friendship you made when he was Britannia's Black Prince."

"I admit that it was a false life…" Suzaku muttered in disgust. "But still, even if it was all a lie, I still saw Lelouch as my friend, just like I did when we were young."

"How very selfish of you," Genbu retorted disapprovingly. "You bring him before his enemies to have him stripped of everything he cherished, and yet you still claim to be his friend? How far have you truly fallen Suzaku?"

"Shut up!" Suzaku roared at the image. "I did what I had to do. Lelouch chose to be my enemy, chose to stand against my efforts to change the system, so I had to stop him!"

"Yet, even that failed in the end. And worse, now Lelouch is far stronger than he was during the Black Rebellion, thanks to the military training you aided him with," Genbu replied. "You've only made your enemy stronger."

"I don't care!" Suzaku growled. "Even if he can fight for himself now, if he stands in my way…"

"…you'll kill him?" Genbu finished. "Just like you could have done at Kamine but chose not do?"

"…If it means bringing about the world that Euphie wanted, then yes!" Suzaku shot back up to Genbu. "I will destroy everything in my way!"

At that, Genbu smiled. "Just as you did with me fifteen years ago. History truly does repeat itself."

Suzaku's eyes widened at that and the color visibly drained from his skin. Almost as if all the energy drained out of him, his head hunched over and he found himself staring down at the white sheets of his bed.

"I suppose I've said enough at this time…" Genbu said, seeing that his son was no longer able or willing to speak further. At that, his image suddenly began to reenter the darkness. "I look forward to our next meeting, my son."

And much like one of the Ghosts of Christmas, Genbu Kururugi disappeared completely from Suzaku's sight. But even so, the younger Kururugi barely noticed this, as his mind railed over what Genbu had said. How fifteen years later, after everything Suzaku had suffered through and sacrificed, he was only going to repeat the process again.

"For Euphie's world… For Euphie's world…" Suzaku muttered over and over again as his mind continued to reel, producing images going as far back as the peaceful days in Japan, of himself, Lelouch and Nunnally when they were children. The images of Ashford Academy were quick to come as well, followed by the times Lelouch risked himself for Suzaku's safety or Suzaku doing the same for Lelouch, their friendship strong and seemingly unbreakable. This was then followed by the images of the recent years, of the two of them supporting each other in battle, Lancelot and Mordred fighting side by side, as well conversing when not in combat.

And then, in one gigantic implosion, the images blended together to Kamine Island and the sight of himself and Lelouch each pointing a gun at the other, their fingers slowly pulling back against their respective triggers. "For Euphie's world…" Suzaku finally muttered, his lips peeling back into a crazed smile. "I will kill Lelouch!"

And just as the sound of those words rang in his ears, Suzaku's head reeled up as the room became filled with his laughter, minute at first but quickly gaining momentum until it reverberated within the confines of the room. At this, the nurse monitoring him was quick to notice the rise in his blood pressure and soon after that, the entire ward of the hospital became filled with activity as doctors and nurses scrambled to stabilize the Knight of Seven.