Chapter 10: The Red Moon and the Yamato Alliance

Naoto and the Red Moon navigated the underground tunnels until the found someone standing in front of them. He looked to be Japanese.

"Which you one of you is Naoto Kozuki?" The man asked.

"That'd be me." Naoto said as he came forward.

"I see then, the rest of us are waiting for you." The man said.

The Red Moon cell followed the man in the underground tunnels.

"Say, Naoto, are you sure you're right about all of this?" Ohgi whispered.

"Yes, I'm certain of it. If I were her, I'd definitely would do that. It's the only way Zero would ever show his face." Naoto whispered, "If anything it would be the perfect place to set this sort of thing up."

"Even so, are you really sure about all of this?" Ohgi whispered, "Will Zero even show up?"

"He will. Have faith Ohgi." Naoto whispered.

The group kept going until they reached a door.

"The boss is through this door, along with everyone else." The man said.

"Thanks, I appreciate it." Naoto said.

The man opened the door and everyone went inside. From there, they were in a room with several other Japanese resistance members. There was a TV with a flag of Japan on the wall.

"Naoto Kozuki of the Red Moon, I presume?" A voice asked.

"Yeah, that's me." Naoto said as he came forward, "And are you Izumi of the Yamato Alliance?"

A man with brown hair stepped out from the rest of the group opposite to Naoto's group. He had black eyes and a nice build, wearing an orange sleeved shirt with a brown jacket and brown pants with a black belt. The man had to be Izumi. Izumi of the Yamato Alliance, a resistance group that has been working in the Saitama Ghetto.

"You wanted to speak with me, correct?" Izumi asked.

"Isn't that why I'm here?" Naoto asked.

They came up to each other and shakes hands. The two smiled.

"It's been too long man. I was starting to wonder if you were alive to begin with." Naoto said.

"Same here." Izumi said, "I thought you were dead."

"Yeah, like hell I'd kick the bucket now of all times." Naoto said.

Rei peaked out from behind Kallen. He looked to Kallen as Naoto and Izumi sat down and began to talk to one another.

"Hey, Kallen Oneechan, how come Naoto-san knows this guy?" Rei asked.

Kallen looked at Rei, "Well they've been good friends for some time before the war."

"Of course, they'd get into some mischief here and there." Ohgi said, "After the war, they never talked ever since they got separated."

"Oh..." Rei said.

"Are you sure? Is that what's going to happen here?" Izumi asked.

"Yeah, I'm certain of it. She's going to lure Zero out the only way she knows how." Naoto said, "It'd be insulting his intelligence and hurting his pride to do that."

"Is that why you're here? You want to help us?" Izumi asked.

"You're goddamn right about that assumption." Naoto said, "There's already been one massacre already, like hell there's gonna be another one."

"So what are we gonna do then?" Izumi asked.

"Why it's that simple really," Naoto said, "What she wants is another Shinjuku, we're gonna deny her of that."

Izumi smiled, "Through a few changes into the script while keeping it the same as the original material?"

"Exactly." Naoto said, "She won't know what will hit her. She thinks this place will be where she kills Zero. Instead, this place is going to be the grave of her Royal Guard and a reminder of her soon-to-damaged pride!"

The Yamato Alliance were shaken upon hearing that. They began muttering to themselves. A group of five Japanese teenagers were looking at Naoto. Most of them boys while there was a girl among them.

"The Royal Guard?" A girl with short black hair and pink eyes asked, "He can't be serious."

She was wearing a sleeveless hoodie below a white sailor uniform. She had a kodachi on her along with some black shorts with a red belt.

"From what I heard, he saved the Blood of the Samurai." A boy with spiky light brown hair and light green eyes, "He even fought Cornelia herself if the rumors are true."

The boy was wearing a blue uniform with a blue shirt under it.

"He's got guts for saying that though." A boy with brown hair and brown eyes said.

He was wearing a black leather jacket and pants with buttons and pins on the front and a Japanese character that translated to 'bravery' on the back.

"Does he think we stand a chance against the Royal Guard?" A boy with freckles and curly orange grey hair wearing a pair of glasses said.

The boy had a jacket and some pants. He had a portable device with him. His eyes were an orange color.

"Of course we do, the Red Moon has the Blue King, the Red Queen, and the White Jack. If Zero comes in, we'll win." A boy with dark blue hair and navy blue eyes said, "Besides, we have you 3."

"Jeez, you don't have to lump pressure on us." The dark brown haired boy said.

The girl was looking at Rei, who was looking at her.

'That kid... is he with them?' The girl thought.

"Come on! What's wrong with you? You all call yourselves Japanese, right?" Naoto said to the members of the Yamato Alliance, "The Japan Liberation Front hasn't done anything since Shinjuku ever happened! Times are changing and we got to keep up with it! If we don't take Cornelia on, then who's gonna do it then?!"

Student Council Building, Ashford Academy

Lelouch was in his room collecting his thoughts about what happened with the cat chase. The boy CC found had Geass, but it wasn't the same as his. Instead of it being one that could command, it was one that could manipulate space. From what he had seen and from what he theorized, the boy must have a Geass that takes the boy's own thoughts into a physical form by creating a false axis. It is a power that breaks the laws of physics and physically alters the space around the user.

CC had told him that the boy didn't activate the power of his own will, it was triggered without him knowing that he had triggered it. It was strange that such a thing could even happen. Nonetheless, the boy was a special case indeed. With the power of Geass, his ability to operate a Knightmare Frame, and his Overman abilities that have yet to be tapped into, he was a vital asset in Lelouch's desire to destroy Britannia and everything it stood for while molding the world to the one Nunnally wished for. The boy would make a good apprentice. Lelouch couldn't wait to teach the boy all that he knew of and pass the mask onto him to ensure that he continued what he started and brought the world into a new future, a future Nunnally could be happy in.

Sub-Viceroy's Office, Tokyo Settlement

Euphie looked saddened.

A few hours earlier...

"Saitama Ghetto?" Euphie asked.

"Yes, Cornelia is heading an operation there. There's a terrorist group called the Yamato Alliance, at least half the people are cooperating with them." Durandal said.

"But is there any evidence linking anyone there at all?" Euphie asked.

Durandal shook his head, "No. I'm afraid not. She believes they are working with them nonetheless."

"Why would she believe something like that without any proof?" Euphie asked.

"You forget she detests Numbers." Durandal said, "But with Elevens, it's more personal than just policy."

"You mean it's because..."

"Yes. It's a shame she still holds a grudge after all those years. Now it's gotten bigger with Clovis' death." Durandal said.

She looked down in sadness, "When is it going to start?"

"Hmm... she had the media to announce the time for it to begin." Durandal said.

"What? But why?" Euphie asked.

Durandal chuckles, "It's obvious, isn't it? You know why she would do it."

She thought about it for a few seconds. A sudden flash went through her thoughts.

"It's Zero, isn't it?" Euphie asked, "She wants to lure Zero out."

"Correct." Durandal said, "This is all a trap to lure Zero out. Think of it as killing two birds in one stone."

Present

'Sister... you still want to avenge Clovis? After all he did? Why? Why can't you let it go? Vengeance will only...'

ASEEC Hangar

Suzaku was in his pilot suit, doing his homework with Rai while Cecile were keeping them company with a batch of rice balls on a tray.

"Sorry you have to sit with us while we're doing homework." Suzaku said.

"It's no problem." Cecile said with a smile, "You haven't gone through normal school before, so it can be helped."

"Well, we got the Student Council helping us out here." Rai said, "That and we fit in just fine. I mean it is fairly liberal school."

"And an old friend smoothed things over for me and Rai." Suzaku said.

"Speaking of which, that Lelouch guy you know, how long have you known each other for?" Rai asked.

"7 years actually." Suzaku said with a laugh as he recalled the good old days of his friendship with Lelouch, "Oh those were the days."

Cecile smiled, "You have quite a wonderful friend. Value that friendship well. I'm sure your reunion will turn from a coincidence to an inevitability."

"But what about me?" Rai asked.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I forgot you were there just now! Forgive me, I—"

"No no. It's ok." Rai said, "Besides, you could say it was inevitable that I'd be with you guys."

"You should go ahead and try the rice balls I cooked." Cecile said.

The two took a rice ball each and took a bite. They were surprised to see that there was jam in it.

"Is this... blueberry jam?" Rai asked.

"Huh?! How did you know?" Cecile asked.

"Well... I just do... for some reason." Rai said.

A quick image of a little girl flashed in his mind. It was only there for a second before it vanished.

"You must have gotten some blueberries while you were out." Suzaku said.

"I... I guess that's true." Cecile said.

"Alright! That's enough!" Lloyd spoke loudly, "Pack everything for the night! It's all over! Congratulations! Thank you very much!" He waved his arms before looking beat.

The three looked surprised. Rai stood up.

"Well, come on. Let's go to Ashford." Rai said, "Our classes maybe over, but I guess it's important if we got to know our friends better."

"R-Right! Of course." Suzaku said.

Student Council Building, Ashford Academy

In the Council Room, Lalah, Shirley, and Nina were setting up a house for their new cat friend to live in. Shirley sighed heavily.

"Shirley? What seems to be the problem? Is something on your mind?" Lalah asked.

"It's about Kallen." Shirley said.

"Let me guess, it's about her and Lelouch." Lalah said.

Shirley became red in the face, "WHA-WHA-WHAT?!"

"I was right, wasn't I?" Lalah asked.

Shirley struggled to get a word out. She was speaking in gibberish. Lalah sighed with levels of disappointment.

"Why don't you just give him a call and tell him how you feel." Lalah said, "It should never be that hard."

Again, she was speaking in gibberish. Lalah clapped Shirley's cheeks, "Calm down."

Shirley looked at Lalah with confusion.

"Just calm down and tell me about it." Lalah said.

Lalah released Shirley's face and gave her time to calm down.

"Ok, I just think Kallen and Lulu are... well, dating." Shirley said, "Oh if I just told him how I felt about him sooner..."

Lalah comforted Shirley, "Now now, I don't think they're dating."

Shirley looked at Lalah with doubt.

"And how do you know?" Shirley asked.

"Because Lelouch tends to hide things, doesn't he? What could Kallen possibly have to hide?" Lalah asked, "If he really was hiding something like that, shouldn't you ask him to confirm it?"

"No! The reality is too painful!" Shirley exclaimed as she held her head.

Nina comforts Shirley, "Just be yourself, tell him how you feel deep down inside."

"Oh he wouldn't understand! All he would get out of me is nothing but gibberish!" Shirley said, "So this is what an existential crisis feels like."

"It's not that bad. I mean, even if he is taken, there's other fish in the sea." Lalah said.

Arthur walked in and nudged Lalah, who promptly holds the cat up. Arthur meowed in response.

"Who's a good cat? Who's a good cat?" Lalah asked as she rubbed it gently, making the cat purr, "Yes you are! Yes you are!"

Reuben's Office

Milly was on a phone call with her mother over an arranged marriage.

"I know you want to get the Ashford name back together, but..." Milly said, "Is an arranged marriage really necessary?"

Tokyo Settlement

Rivalz saw a G-1 Base with several Britannian ground forces moving alongside it. They were headed for Saitama.

'Holy cow... they look even bigger from here...' Rivalz thought, 'They must have a huge interior with something that big.'

Sugiyama was watching from a distance and turned his communicator on, "Naoto, they're coming."

Underground Base

"So it's true then. They're really going to do it." Izumi said.

"Yeah. It seems that way." Naoto said, "She wants a repeat of Shinjuku to lure Zero out. It's time we put my script change into action."

"You think we can beat them?" Izumi asked.

"Well it's that or we die trying. Now then," Naoto said as he got up, "It's time we show the Goddess of Victory that Lady Luck isn't with her this time."

Naoto looked to Ohgi, "Ohgi, get the civilians out of here."

"Right." Ohgi said.

"Rei, Kallen, you're on standby. Have those Gloucesters ready to go. When I give the signal, we do it." Naoto said.

"Right! Naoto-San!" Rei said as he jumped out.

"Got it!" Kallen said.

Izumi turned to his subordinates, "Alright then, listen up you idiots. We're going along with Naoto's plan! If Zero shows up, do as he says."

He looked to the teens, "And you kids are on standby."

"Standby? That's not fair." The light brown haired boy said.

"Hey, it's bossman's orders Koji, we got to follow them." The girl said.

"Aya is right." The brown haired kid said.

"Oh not you too Akihiro..." Koji said.

"Have the equipment set up." The grey haired boy said, "I'm counting on you Kai."

"Hey! Don't lump pressure on me!" Kai said, "Why do you got to do that to me Ren?"

G-1 Base

There was a meeting going on in the bridge as the Britannian forces circled the Ghetto.

"We've surrounded the Saitama Ghetto. The Yamato Alliance is currently hiding here." Darlton said, "Half of the people here are cooperating with them as far as we know."

"What will be the effect on overall production?" Cornelia asked.

"About a 0.2 percent decrease in the primary sector." He replied.

"Within projected expectations you mean..." Cornelia said before she looked to the staff officers that were under Clovis' orders, "You all participated in the Shinjuku Incident, correct?"

"Yes your highness." The staff officers said, "We are humbly grateful in your mercy."

"Oh spare me." Cornelia said, "You were all just accessories to what my brother was doing to hide that abominable secret. That's not even why I brought you here. Are the conditions similar?"

"Huh?" One of them said, "Similar to what?"

Cornelia smiled, "To Shinjuku I mean."

HiTV Studio, Tokyo Settlement

"Military authorities report that Viceroy Cornelia is heading an operation in the Saitama Ghetto to eliminate a terrorist group that has been in hiding there." A reporter said, "As Viceroy Cornelia is there, all entry points have been restricted. The assault will begin in two hours. Consequently power will be cut to the following areas..."

Diethard looked at this with disgust, 'She's trying to lure Zero out.'

He rubbed his chin, 'What will he do now?'

Saitama Ghetto

Ohgi and the Red Moon were evacuating the civilians through the underground tunnels. The group directed the civilians along with everyone in charge to the tunnels.

"Come on! Come on! Pick up the pace!" Tamaki said.

"The assault will begin as soon as the Britannians are given the word." Minami said, "Just stay calm and walk in an orderly manner. Women and children first."

"That's it, easy now." Inoue said.

"Keep it going." Yoshida said.

"That's it... That's it... keep it going... keep it going..." Ohgi said, 'I hope his plan works.'

Out in a bombed out building, Naoto waited inside his Gloucester. He smiled as he recollected his thoughts on his plan.

'And with this, the first phase of my plan is complete...' Naoto thought, 'Now for the second phase of my plan.'

He whipped out his phone and made a call to Zero.

Student Council Building, Ashford Academy

Lelouch was on the phone with Naoto.

"Yes, I'm heading down there right now. I'll contact you as soon as I get in." Lelouch said, "How's the situation there?"

"It's going smoothly, I got the Yamato Alliance to work with us. Right now, we're moving the civilians out through the tunnels." Naoto said, "There hasn't been a fuss lately, so they should all be safe by now."

"Good, that'll make things easier for us." Lelouch said, "And what about Rei, is he—?"

"The kid is fine." Naoto said, "I've had everything set up. Don't worry. I've got things under control here. There should be no problems for now. Better hurry though, they'll start within an hour."

"Right." Lelouch said, "I'll see you when I get there."

"Good, later then." Naoto said.

"Bye." Lelouch said before hanging up and grabbing his bag.

He turned to see CC holding a pistol. He chuckled.

"I see you'll go to any extent to keep me from dying." Lelouch said, "Tell me, has there been other people you've made a contract with? Or am I just the first one?"

"That doesn't matter." CC said, "You're not going anywhere."

He chuckled, "You're right, you'd just shoot me in the leg if I move so much as an inch from where I am now."

"Exactly. I will not let you die because of your stubbornness." CC said.

He laughed. This confused her.

"What's so funny?" CC asked.

"Oh? You want to know?" Lelouch asked with a sinister smile, "It is exactly as you said, you wouldn't let me die from my stubbornness. But that's where you're wrong."

He reached into his pocket and drew a gun out and quickly pointed it at his head. CC's eyes widened.

"You..." CC said, "You wouldn't dare..."

"Oh, but I would given how I was already dead." Lelouch said, "Now you only have a few options."

He smiled even more sinisterly, "You either let me go, or I can just blow my head off."