Hey guys. Nevermore999 here. And do I have a treat for you. Now I'm telling you this flat out: I was unable to get the entire Battle of Narita in this chapter. But, I do hope you enjoy it regardless.
Chapter 9 (2/2)
The Laws of Equivalence
Part 2 (cont.)
It was freezing up in the mountains. The snow that fell on the ground looked patched and flaky with bits of sleet and grass piercing through the area. In contrast, the sky looked like it was only one color, and one color alone. It was a plane white, just like the snow that gripped his boots, afraid of letting him go. His breath was shallow, like a puddle after a storm, and as dry as a desert.
Lelouch stared at the log cabin, the main sentry post he had used during this battle last time. He heaved himself forward, the air around him thinning every other second. I've never really been an exercise nut, but I am in pretty bad shape. He scolded himself. His Burai would've been too noticeable, whether the guards posted there were paying attention or not. But even so, he should've been able to make it a few dozen feet up a mountain.
It won't matter in a minute though. He reminded himself, regaining his composure. He walked up to the cabin, seeing no signs of outside guards or Knightmares. Just like last time. he thought to himself as he waited for the right moment to enter. He peered through the window, seeing the same guards as before. All of the previous precautions he had set up were going to work this time. He leaned against the wall, hearing the conversation going on between the two guards..
"Sector five, nothing to report." the first one reported. Lelouch could hear his footsteps as he returned to his game with the second guard. "Right. The next scheduled report will be in two hours."
The second one chuckled. "Of course, there's nothing to report. This area's controlled by the Japan Liberation Front." Now was the right time. Lelouch got up, making sure he was unseen by either guard. "No one can just stroll in…" he paused, seeing that the door had flung wide open.
His expression darken as they say a potential enemy to Japan. "Zero!" The first guard yelled, readying his rifle to kill him. Lelouch raised his hand, signaling them to hold their fire. Their expression remained unchanged, but they lowered their weapons at least. Lelouch smirked, though he knew they couldn't tell behind his mask.
"Relax. I am actually here to warn you about an attack by Cornelia's forces" In that instant, the expressions on their faced softened to a surprised look, their eyes widening immensely..
Lelouch smirked on the inside, his eye igniting with his geass, a rush of adrenaline coming over him as he popped open the slot of his mask. "Now then, you will get me a direct line with your commanding officer. " He commanded, their eyes beginning to glow with geass. He paused letting his orders sink in before giving them his previous orders. "Afterwards, you will ignore any unusual activity during your watch."
The soldiers lowered their weapons, and began to speak. "Understood." They said in unison as they turned their attention toward their radio. Lelouch smiled at this, walked towards them as he prepared to sway a man had killed in the previous timeline. If this works, Britannia will not stand much of a chance against us.
(Halfway up the mountain, on the side of a cliff)
Kallen looked up at the mountains, her heart feeling light as air. She knew she had to concentrate on the job at hand. But she couldn't stop thinking about Lelouch. Her devotion to her duty as a Black Knight had to come first, but she found herself returning to that day. The day he had truly helped her. My mother was supposed to go to prison, but Lelouch made it so she won't.
She closed her eyes, remembering the apartment Lelouch had arranged for them. The room was polished white, with red and gold designs on the curtains. The furniture was standard Britannian style, with an imperial gold pattern on rose red cushions. The television was scarlet in color, and was about as high tech as televisions could get at this point. He did so much for us….
Kallen's train of thought was severed by a sudden order over the radio. "I've confirmed the signal from Zero. We're now moving to way point 2." The voice, which sounded like Izumi, told them with a fire in his voice. Kallen looked up from her cockpit, seeing the flashing white light flickering from the mountain side. Lelouch had given them the signal. That means the JLF has granted us clearance. We can get through. Kallen kept trying to convince herself, knowing that Lelouch was probably giving them a false signal.
Tamaki's expression became frustrated, as usual, and he began to run his mouth in annoyance. "Why doesn't Zero just use the radio in his Burai? It's easier than doing all this shit." He barked, knowing little to nothing about what they were really doing here.
Inoue and a few other Black Knights looked at Tamaki with a 'I'm completely lost here' expression all over their faces. Lelouch didn't tell them anything about the Narita mission, just as he did before. Kallen knew Lelouch couldn't tell them what he had been planning, but ever molecule in her wished she could tell them everything, and thus ensuring victory.
Kallen reflected on her memories for a moment, her heart feeling the flames of hell once again. However, her thoughts were quickly cut off upon hearing Inoue's voice. "And what are you supposing he meant when he said hiking?"
The others looked at Ohgi, then to Kallen, but eventually returning their gazes towards each other. "Uh... military training, right?" Minimi asked, looking for someone to confirm it.
Tamaki closed his eyes as he scowled. "Only with Zero in another location?" He said, sarcasm lingering in his tone. And just like that, the others turned towards the excavators, seeing them as their only clue. If they knew what we were planning to do with these things, they'd turn on Zero, thinking he was some sort of madman. Kallen told herself, her head full of doubts, knowing they were gonna do that regardless.
"Maybe we'll dig a hot spring." Sugiyama said, blissfully unaware of bloodshed that was about to happen. tch, with these things, we won't have to even… Kallen's thoughts froze, her mind returning to a horrible memory that happened because of her actions. Last time, she used the Radiant Wave surger to deliver a devastating blow to the Britannian forces, as well as isolate Cornelia from her remaining forces.
But it also… Kallen stopped herself right there, keeping tears from forming in her eyes. Shirley… I'm… I'm… Kallen clenched her fists together, remembering all the pain she had caused the poor girl. She kept telling herself it wasn't her fault, but she knew it was. If she hadn't used the Radiant wave surger to caused that avalanche, then her father would've never died.
But she knew that there was someone who felt more guilty about that than anyone else. Lelouch… She knew the way he thinks, and she also knew that he was the one who gave her the order to use the Guren in the first place. Above anything, Lelouch blamed himself for the death of her father, which in turn, led to Shirley's own death, which she knew he also blamed himself for.
She shook off the feeling she had deep in her gut as they headed up the mountain, a familiar scent of cherry blossoms and gravel lingering in the air. She looked down at the instruction manual, flipping through information she already knew about her own Knightmare.
"Kallen, you heard anything about this?" Tamaki asked out of the blue, causing Kallen to jump out of her skin, though only on the inside. I have. We're going to attack Cornelia while she's busy attacking the JLF. She wanted to spout out, though she knew she couldn't.
Kallen looked up from her users manual, which wasn't a big deal in reality. It was all information she already knew, but if she didn't pretend to read it, the others would get suspicious.
"Huh? Oh… no I haven't heard anything about what we're doing up here." She lied, her heart yearning to tell them about what was going on. Narita was a devastating battle, for both sides. The Japan Liberation Front was nearly wiped out, the Black Knights lost their first major battle, and Britannia, completely annoyed by the fact that the battle was a stalemate, began to double their efforts to crush the Japanese rebels.
Tamaki closed his eyes briefly, before turning his attention in front of him. "You, Ohgi?" he asked with a fairly calm voice for a change. He grunted as his foot stepped on a rock, although everyone could hear the scream he tried to hold in.
Ohgi looked back briefly, seemingly on edge. "Nope, not a word." Ohgi had told him the truth, but he couldn't shake this feeling that today was going to be a complete disaster. Something about this place filled him with a sense of dread. Zero wasn't using the radio to avoid being traced. Is he serious about this? He kept asking himself, wondering what was going through the head of his masked leader.
(Outside the Narita Mountain area, 12:56)
"We're certain that the Japan Liberation Front headquarters are in this area." General Darlton ranted, his attention completely on the monitors. "We've already split 4 battalions into seven units and hidden them in the vicinity. We've only to wait for the viceroy's signal, then we'll surround them in one fell swoop and wipe them out.
Euphemia looked up at the general with a serious expression. "And you're confident that the enemy won't show up outside the encirclement line?" She asked, looking as if she was concerned about something other than the JLF.
In truth, Euphie was scared about destroying these people. She couldn't tolerate terrorism, not after all the suffering it brought to innocent people. But at the same time, she didn't want to have to kill if she didn't have to. She wasn't strong like her brother Schneizel or her sister Cornelia. She knew that much.
"You mean Zero?" Cornelia's voice came out of no where as she entered the room. It was intense, most likely scorned at the fact that Lelouch humiliated her at Saitama, and upstaged her at Lake Kawaguchi. She would most likely strike lelouch down the minute he came within 5o feet of her, with or without a Knightmare.
Darlton turned back to the princesses, giving them his confidence as he spoke. "Have no fear about that. Once the operation begins, we'll be blocking off the surrounding highways and mountain routes also." His eyes shifted back towards the monitors, readying his troops for their deployment and actions once they began the assault on Narita.
Euphemia froze. remembering what Lelouch had told her about what Cornelia was planning to do once the operation began, and she felt her blood run cold. All those innocent people, and what Lelouch said was going to happen once they got up there. She hardened her will, and began to speak. "Before this begins, I want to be absolutely certain that no civilians are injured or killed in the battle."
Cornelia gasped at Euphemia's tone of voice. She wasn't acting like the sweet, innocent, and lovable little Euphie she knew from when they were kids. No, she was acting more like… more like someone who was willing to step onto the battlefield, just like Cornelia was. Euphie, what's the matter with you all of a sudden? Cornelia had never seen her act this way before, about anything. Euphemia was always the innocent, quiet, little pacifist, ever since they were kids in fact.
"If it would please her majesty, my group would most certainly follow that command." a voice rang out from behind her. Everyone turned around instantly, seeing the man who had called out that proclamation. Bowing to Cornelia and Euphemia, there was a man with a sea green hair, and a bold blue uniform to match his attire. "Jeremiah Gottwald and the Purist faction at your disposal, your highness."
Cornelia narrowed her eyes in disgust, staring at the man who had caused her so much trouble. "Orange. You dare appear before the Viceroy with a request such as that. You certainly have audacity, I'll give you that."
Jeremiah kept his head down, looking as humble as dirt. But in truth, his master's plan was beginning to unfold. Euphemia has made contact with Lelouch, which meant she most likely knew he was Zero. If that was the case, and it most certainly is, then I know that Euphemia would, despite Cornelia's protests, send us to evac the civilians away from the danger zone. He deduced, remembering his master's orders.
Euphemia's expression became grim, and her heart became uneasy. This is Orange boy. He's the man that let Lelouch get away with Suzaku. She concluded. Her mind became a battlefield, split in half by the conflicting parts of her being. The princess of Britannia kept telling her; He should be punished for his crimes. All hail Britannia! While at the same time, the kind person within her was hollering; Those people need our help. Send the Purists to help out.
"Of all the arrogant suggestions!" Darlton began to rage, his glance piercing through them like daggers. Jeremiah knew the look well. It was the mistrustful look of scorn. His time as 'Orange' had made him quite familiar with it. The Purebloods, on the other hand, were rather new to this look, seeing as Villetta and Kewell were cowering on their knees.
Darlton took a step forward, ready to scream his head off with a blunt and bruting command. But as he took his second step, an arm stretched across his chest, telling him to back off. The arm belonged to the princess in question, seeing the Purebloods as a way to keep innocent people out of harms way.
"Do you swear to protect the civilians you rescue with your lives?" Euphemia asked, a cold yet caring expression working it's way across her face. If this works, all the deaths Lelouch told me about will be prevented. She kept telling herself, still unsure about how Lelouch had come by that information.
Jeremiah smiled, his master's plan unfolding right before him. You were right as always, Lord Lelouch. You indeed made an impact on her conscious. "We swear on those lives, Princess Euphemia." He said, bowing to her in gratitude. He rose to his feet, the other purebloods doing the same as he escorted them out. Now, it's time to "trade souls" Mr. Fenette. Jeremiah knew what his mission was. And if it went well, a whole mess of death would be replaced by a storm of chaos in the Britannian Bureau,
"Euphemia, why would you, as Sub-Viceroy, even consider having that traitor do anything?" Cornelia demanded. However, she only called him a traitor because she didn't know what else to think. After Saitama, she had looked into Project Orange, and found that the information was exactly like what Zero had said. She dug deeper, and discovered that the only one who knew about it prior to Zero's debut, but after Clovis' death, was Jeremiah Gottwald.
"I did it because if I don't make sure that the civilians are safe, their blood would be on my hands." Euphemia said with a saddened tone in her voice, almost on the verge of despair. Lelouch had told her a lot of innocent people would be killed by this attack, most of them away from the battlefield. If anyone gets killed without getting involved, it'll be my fault. She kept telling herself.
Cornelia's eyes narrowed in concern at Euphie. She put her hand on her sister's shoulder, as if to comfort her in some way. "Euphie, it won't be your fault." Cornelia assured her. "The blood will be on the hands of those damned terrorist, and Zero's if he has the nerve to actually show up." Cornelia finished with an angry grunt. After Saitama and the hotel hijacking, Cornelia's patience had run thin with the masked terrorist. "I swear Euphie, if he lays a hand on you, or even mentions your name…. I'll kill him on the spot."
Euphemia shuddered at her sister's threat. What has the world come to? She thought sadly. The very thought of Lelouch and Cornelia fighting each other, both desperate to kill the other, was tearing her apart. All the way down to the very core of her being.
(On the left flank of the mountains)
Cornelia strolled down to the hangar, where her Gloucester awaited her. She had a stone walled, yet furious expression across her face. When she saw Zero, she wanted to rip his trachea right out of his throat. However, another part of wanted to enjoy combatting him. He was the only person that had not only eluded her, but had beaten her as well. hadn't thought much about it, but deep down, she was actually looking forward to what Zero had in mind for her. Zero had humiliated her twice now, so it was time she returned the favor.
She walked inside of her Knightmare, ready to assist her soldiers personally. She turned on the radio, and shot out of the A-G1 in a flash. Her embraced the impact of the ground as her landspinners made contact. And as scheduled, Darlton appeared on her monitor. His eyes were fierce, like a wolverine, and his voice sounding as robust as ever. "Viceroy, all units are in position. All they are waiting for are your orders, my princess."
Cornelia responded immediately, not wanting to waste any time on small talk. "Understood. Sub-Viceroy Euphemia will provide logistical support from the G1 as planned." She told him, her confident voice empowering him. Cornelia thought about what Euphemia had done earlier, how she had trusted 'Orange' and his Purebloods. "Have her command medical group."
Darlton's eyebrows furrowed, but he merely nodded as he said "Of course, Your Highness." His image vanished as her screen turned black, the sound of static following briefly after the sound died. Suddenly, however, another image appeared on her monitor. It was her personal knight, Guilford.
Guilford narrowed his eyes in concern at his princess, knowing that by now, she was already set for battle. But even so... "Princess Cornelia."
"Guilford, let me guess. This is about Euphie, isn't it?" She guessed, already knowing what he was going to say. She had worked with Guilford for a while now, and she could read his face like a children's book.
Guilford nodded, but his expression remained unchanged as he continued their conversation. "Yes. She really should be in a government agency, not…" He was cut off, for Cornelia had raised her hand to silence him.
"Do not remind me, I know. But she's being unusually stubborn about this. She told me she wanted to see actual combat for herself." She lied. Actually, this was my idea. Euphemia hasn't been acting like herself lately. She's been locking herself in her room, not letting anyone in, myself included. I sleep by her door sometimes, and I can usually hear her moaning about someone. She shook off the memories, refocusing on the job at hand.
This is Narita, the supposed home of the Japan Liberation Force. She reminded herself, her body yearning for the blood of numbers. If I take them down, Zero will be weeded out easily. Cornelia came to a stop at the top of the hill, her forces closely surrounding her. Something else happened at the hotel hijacking besides meeting up with Zero. I know it. She could feel her own heart pounding against her rib cage, urging her to find Zero… then run him through with her spear.
"Are you really going through with this?" Ohgi asked, the road in front of their forces jagged and rough, like a rocky wasteland. Every few seconds, the cars and knightmares would bump upwards, then fall back down just as fast. Any noise that was made on the inside would have a rattled sound, as if it were heard through an electric fan.
Lelouch turned to Ohgi, a stern look hidden behind the mask of hope. "Our opponent is Cornelia." He reminded him, while simultaneously remembering how much trouble Cornelia had given him during his first run as Zero. "Second only to the Knights of the Round, her forces are the best Britannia has to offer."
Ohgi narrowed his eyes, reminding himself about how powerful Cornelia really was. Zero had used clever strategies to beat Cornelia before, but that was when Cornelia had underestimated him. She won't allow herself to be bested a third time. Zero knows that. If that's the case… His inner voice shattered, his thoughts becoming audible words. "Then why don't we cooperate with the Japan Liberation Front?"
Lelouch turned to him, already knowing that it was in his best interest to do so this time. "We will Ohgi, but we must first establish ourselves as a neutral party. We fight Britannia because they are an unjust nation." He looked back to the road ahead of him, reconsidering what he had just said. "However, if the Japan Liberation Front refuses to discontinue their acts of terrorism, we will have to remove them from the equation…" He said with a cold demeanor.
Ohgi gasped, and nearly caused them to fly off the mountain as he slammed on the brakes. The car jolted forwards, but Ohgi reapplied the gas to regain the momentum that they had. "What do you mean by that?" He asked, some anger in his voice. "Kusakabe was one thing, but destroying the Japan Liberation Force is absolutely out of the question. The others would attempt to kill you."
Lelouch was stunned at the spine that Ohgi had suddenly developed. Lelouch had seen this spine he had after the Black Rebellion, but never before then. I see. The knowledge of my geass, and how I'd use it to further my goals has made him uneasy around me. And from what I can gather, the visor he's wearing is the only reason he's even around me at this moment.
"They have tried, remember?" Lelouch began to remember how Ohgi and Kallen had stood up for Zero after he had used his geass to kill Kusakabe. "As I recall, you trusted me then to make the right call. So, do you still trust me?" Zero asked. If Ohgi tries to exercise his will before I give him the power to use it, it'll be useless to reach an agreement with the JLF. Lelouch reminded himself.
He had to make the JLF trust him this time, which meant he needed to make a bigger impact than he did the last time. In order to keep the new recruits in line, I'll need to have a firmer hand with them all, including Ohgi.
Ohgi gasped at his reaction, a tiny spark of curiosity igniting a fire in his mind. "What? Of course I do. I was the one who asked you to be a leader, don't you remember?" Ohgi didn't know what came over him, but all of a sudden, he felt his willpower turn into mush.
Lelouch chuckled on the inside, seeing Ohgi's pine had only been a feisty illusion. "Then there's only one answer to give." Lelouch implied, already coming up with several different answers. But he knew that Ohgi, with this kind of pressure put on him, was unable to think of them all on the spot.
"Right." Ohgi sighed, lowering his head slightly. In an instant, he raised his head up in a fearful flash, for he had forgotten that he was the one driving. Lelouch merely smirked at his antics, before his infamous scowl appeared on his face as he hardened his heart for battle.
(At the Britannian base)
Euphemia scoured the monitors looking for anything she wasn't already familiar with. She looked south of the base she was at, and noticed a small, yet significant gold marker. "What's that unit there holding to the rear." She asked, hoping that someone could tell her about it.
A soldier peered over her shoulder, his expression darkening with disgust. "That's our reserve force with an Eleven pilot." He answered, a frigid bitterness lingering within his tone.
Euphemia's eyes lit up instantly. "What is that unit doing with an Eleven for a pilot?" She asked. Suzaku had told her his unit was the Special Corps, and she could feel her heart being pulled towards that gold colored point. Is that you, Suzaku?
"Ordinarily, as per the rule, Numbers aren't permitted to operate Knightmares. However, that particular unit is an exception." He looked at the marker on the map, his own being disgusted by the very thought of having a number pilot any Knightmare, let alone the Special Corps experimental unit.
He sighed, returning to the gaze of a concerned royal family member. "You see princess, The Emperor himself is the patron of that unit. Therefore, we have no say in any of it." He told her reluctantly.
Euphemia's heart skipped a beat, her curiosity rising to this pilot. She knew it was who she thought it was. But even so… She straightened her posture, taking in a deep breath as she braced herself for disappointment if she was wrong, and for the worried feeling that would follow if she was right.
"What is this Elevens name?" She asked, wanting to be certain. Suzaku, I don't want you to be here, but…. She froze in her own thoughts, remembering what Lelouch had told her at the hotel hijacking. I need you to be here. She kept herself from crying. She hadn't had much thoughts except what had happened after the hotel incident.
Ever since the phone call, all she wanted… all she ever thought about were two people, and only two people: Lelouch, her long lost brother, and Suzaku, her secret boyfriend. Her body ached for Suzaku, while her mind wanted little more than to speak to them both. She wanted to embrace Lelouch in a hug, and finish catching up with each other afterwards. But she also wanted Suzaku in her presence. She wanted to throw herself into his arms, and to feel the warmth of his chest as his heart beated against it. She missed the soft touch of his hands, and even more so, she missed the soft touch of his lips as they embraced her own.
"According to the official reports, the pilot is Warrant Officer Kugurugi." The soldier said as he read the paperwork in his hands. All of a sudden, Euphemia felt her heart began to cringe, as did she. Suzaku, it is you.
"Wait, that's the Lancelot?!" She asked, the men around her simply nodded. She wanted to talk to him. She wanted to hear his voice, to see his face. To pull him into a deep kiss as they did in the Tokyo settlement that night. But she knew if she did that without a reason to, it would compromise their relationship.
But then again, if they knew about me and Suzaku… Her mind went silent, and dark depictions of Cornelia and Suzaku appeared before her. He was lying on the ground, wearing a typical straight jacket, and he was at the feet of Cornelia. She lifted her leg slightly, before kicking him savagely. He took in a shallow breath, coughing up blood soon after.
No. I won't let this happen. I won't! The scene shattered, the military base once again her surroundings. She kept her head held high to keep suspicion low, but inside she was crying. Her own subconscious had reminded her why the relationship between her and Suzaku had to be kept a secret.
(At the top of the Narita mountains.)
It's just like before. Kallen told herself, her mind racing with the memories of Narita. It seemed trivial compared to the battle at Damocles, but she knew that this was still not something she wanted to relive. This is where Suzaku and I first fought each other, and it's where I… Her mind betrayed her, for she found trace amounts of tears in her eyes as she thought of the worst mistake she had ever made during the Black Knights' first run.
Lelouch stepped out of his Burai, overlooking the rest of his Black turned his eyes towards the surrounding areas, the thundering sounds of gunfire slapping them all in the face.
"So..." He began, seeing how things were going. Despite his warning to the JLF, they were still taken by surprise at the arrival of Cornelia's forces. "It has begun."
Tamaki's eyes widened, along with half of the other Black Knights, in complete confusion. However, Tamaki's baffled expression transformed to match the anger he had inside him. "Say what?! You've gotta be kidding, Zero. Those troops coming in have this whole area totally surrounded. There's no way out." He raged, his words impacting everyone there. Well, except for Kallen of course.
Lelouch stretched out his hand, and began to rally his troops. Now then, all preliminary requirements have been met. It's time to remind them why I am their leader. "Correct. We've already been cut off. Our only chance of surviving now is to fight."
Inoue looked at him with discerning eyes, her own body language suggesting outrage. "What?! We can't fight the Britannians." She proclaimed, panic appearing in her voice. "Not this many."
Tamaki's rage began to grow, his mouth beginning to bark like an agitated dog with rabies. "Let me get this straight. We're surrounded by Cornelia, the Witch of Britannia, along with her forces, and you want us to fight them head-on?"
Sugiyama leaned against his Burai, his temper subtle, but still noticeable. "And we'll be fighting against Cornelia." He said, gritting his teeth slightly. He opened his eyes, turning towards their masked leader. "Her personal guard is one thing, but her forces are far stronger than any we've encountered."
"Yes, yes they are. If we take victory from Cornelia now, Britannia will see how powerful the Black Knights truly are." Lelouch ranted, beginning to sound like his old self again. "However, at this rate, it would be a miracle if we were to survive this."
Ohgi gasped at what he said. He would've supported Zero regardless of what he asked of them, but he was acting like a complete lunatic in his mind. He lowered his eyebrows, holding back all of his frustration as he asked one simple question. "Zero, what are you saying?"
"Even Messiahs need to perform miracles if they're to be acknowledged." Lelouch enlightened him. A dramatic pause sweeped over the Black Knights as lelouch began to chide himself. Hmph, Messiahs. Zero is the messiah here, not me. He cut himself off there, remembering that he was in the middle of his statement. "Therefore, we have to produce our own miracle, now don't we?"
Tamaki snarled at Lelouch, utterly pissed off at his orders. "Now look here Zero. Pulling this little stunt off isn't gonna be cheap!" He raged, his temper flooding out of his mouth as he ranted. "The price could be our lives! I knew it was insane to make you our leader! It should be me!"
The Black Knights went silent at his suggestion, knowing that Tamaki would probably get them all killed. Kallen stared at him with furious eyes. Tamaki declaring himself our leader! Yeah fucking right! She screamed in her head, ready to kill Tamaki for acting like a traitor.
"Tamaki, I've told you this before, and I'm only gonna say it one more time: SHUT… THE HELL … UP!" She raged before she had realized that she had said that out loud. Her face turned as red as her hair as the other Black Knights stared at her. They were completely dumbfounded by the loyalty Kallen had shown Zero, especially on Day 1.
Lelouch's eyes lowered as he figured out why his ace would spill out like that. I see. Kallen, I thought you would have gotten over me after the Zero Requiem. He thought to himself, remembering the kiss she shouldn't have given him at the U.F.N meeting. Lelouch sighed silently at that memory, wishing he could make it worthwhile or go away. I suppose I couldn't make you completely hate me after all. He joked to himself.
Lelouch quickly regained his composure, and began to speak to his troops. "Thank you for your support Kallen, but I assure you, I can handle this myself." He told them, quickly pulling out his gun, it's aim focused entirely on Tamaki. Now, all tasks at hand are complete. The only thing left to do, is this. Lelouch reminded himself. "Now then Tamaki, think about this for a moment: Our path of retreat has been cut off. You have never led anyone successfully in your life. And if the Black Knights die here, the Japan you seek, the country you hope to liberate, dies as well. So, if you still think you can win without me…."
Quick as a flash, Lelouch turned the gun over, his hand now unable to use it. Just like before, they are hesitant to kill me. He told himself before he finished his sentence. "Then shoot me! Someone, anyone. Since you've joined the Black Knights, you have only two choices: You may either live with me, or you may perish with me!"
Kallen's heart sunk. She knew that this had happened before, but that was when they didn't even know what Zero's goals were, let alone that he had geass. Her breath began to weaken, her heart hesitating on every beat. Lelouch, on a similar note, was uneasy about what he was doing as well.
But regardless of how I feel, I have to make my point. He reminded himself, the gun beginning to slip out of his hand. He looked at the other Black Knights, seeing that their expressions were pale and grim, just as they were before. As I thought. Lelouch told himself, his mind beginning to settle.
Now, to finish it. "What's wrong?" He asked rhetorically. He had done it. He had shown them he was indeed willing to die for his cause, and he was not afraid of it. "Challenge me and try to take me down!" He dared them, knowing they had already made up their minds.
Tamaki felt like a total loser. He had wanted to be their leader ever since Naoto had died. He knew Ohgi was next in line to be their leader, but something about Ohgi's calm demeanor towards Britannia set him off. And with Zero, his temper had increased tenfold. He couldn't stand the guy, let alone follow him blindly. But no matter what happens next, Zero is still going to be our leader. He grunted to himself. I'll look like a damned fool if I don't get on board with it now. "All right, fine. Do what you want."
Sugiyama saw the fire in Tamaki's eyes as he strolled away towards his Burai. Zero had done it. He had stopped a cue within the Black Knights in one foul swoop. He turned towards Zero, the others mimicking his movements shortly after. "We acknowledge you as our leader, Zero." They all said as the bowed in respect.
Lelouch grinned deviously as he put his gun away. "Thank you very much." He replied, knowing he had complete control of his Black Knights once again. "I appreciate it."
(The underground base of the JLF)
The base was nearly in ruins. The lights flickered violently, the sounds of gunfire and explosions rattling against the walls as well as their ears. Their preliminary defenses were being crushed by the Sutherlands and Gloucesters above them. Britannia had sniffed them out, and were now trying to dig them out for their executions.
The soldiers were scrambled, going from points A, B, and C back and forth. The only ones that were not carrying messages or orders were the ones sending them. However, they weren't just sitting around making those demands. They had noticed the Britannian encirclement, and were trying to figure a way out.
The remaining colonels began to debate with each other, arguing whether they should be retreating or launching a counterattack.
"We can't retreat stupid. We're completely surrounded and our underground reserve forces were captured all at once." One colonel screamed, the other colonel beginning to fire back at his comment.
"But if we launch a counterattack, it would expose our bases location!" He argued.
"You idiot. Do you honestly think that matters now?" He scolded, his eyes throwing daggers at the other colonel. He calmed his temper, then turned to his commanding officer. "What do you think General Katase?"
The general began to speak, but his voice was drowned out by the sound of a report to said general. "General Katase, we've received the message from Cornelia's forces. They demand our immediate surrender." The soldier reported, unaware he had interrupted the general as he was giving there plan of action.
General Katase, his eyes full of fiery rage, turned to this recruit, and began to yell loud enough where it could be heard from Mt. Fuji. "Imbecile! If Zero comes through for us, they'll be the ones who'll surrender to us." He assured him, his voice sounding both angry and confident.
The soldier shuddered at Katase's commanding voice, his own voice trying to remanifest inside his throat. ?Then general, do we engage the enemy in battle or do we dig in?" He asked, realizing what he had just said.
Katase's eyes returned to the map his focus now on only one thing. We have to hold our own until Zero can begin our counterattack, unless… "Where is Tohdoh?! Where is he when we need him?! " He demanded. If we had Tohdoh here, the kamikaze would blow Britannia away, we'd have another miracle of Itsukushima.
"He's gone to Kyoto. To get the custom Burais." The soldier reported, feeling the intensity of their reality for the first time in months. "The four holy swords are traveling with him as well."
Katase scowled, knowing that Tohdoh was their only sure fire way of victory. Dammit. If Tohdoh isn't here, then we'll have to rely on that loose cannon, Zero. He opened his eyes, full of vengeance, but inside he was hanging onto the thin, glimmering wire of hope that was Zero. "Prepare to send out the Burais. We'll break the encirclement on one side and evacuate. We'll show them the Japanese spirit and pride. This is our moment of truth.
(At the top of the mountain)
General Darlton is probably attempting to defeat the Japan Liberation Front on his own by now. Lelouch thought as he turned on his radio, ready to motivate his Black Knights to fight their hearts out. "We, the Black Knights, are going to launch a surprise attack on the Britannians from the summit of the mountain. Follow my instructions carefully: you will charge on most down toward point three. And the intent of this operation: the capture Viceroy Cornelia, second Princess of Britannia." He informed them, a secondary motivation lurking behind his mask.
Once Suzaku arrives to rescue Cornelia, Kallen will distract him long enough so that I can escape the way I intend to. He reminded himself, switching his voice from motivational to commanding. "Our breakthrough route will be opened by the Guren Mk-II. Kallen, use penetrating electron number three. We'll settle things with one blow.
Kallen fired up her old friend, the Guren slowly roaring to life. Although she had seen it a hundred times, the sheer design of the Guren's cockpit astonished her. She readied her, hardening her will as she moved into position. Shirley, if things go wrong today, She proclaimed in her mind, readying her for the worst.
"I've got it. Output confirmed." She informed them, silently apologizing in advance. For whatever it's worth… I'm sorry. Her eyes began to sting, her face feeling cold as ice as she felt something wet slide down. She touched her cheek, and realized that she had allowed herself to cry. She quickly wiped the streaks of sadness from her face, repairing her game face. "Wave surger level is ready and holding."
She closed her eyes, not wanting to think about the consequences of her actions here last time. Dammit Kallen, snap out of it. Your a soldier, not some petty schoolgirl! Her heart ignited as she opened her eyes, ready to do her duty, not just as a Black Knight, but as a freedom fighter in general. "Activating gun bullet…" She hesitated for an instant, but reluctantly forced herself to press the button. "Now!"
The feeling was familiar. The radiant energy surged from the Guren's claw, firing energy into the narrow tubes the drills had created. Kallen's memories of Narita filled her mind with discomfort, and her lungs became heavy as she found it hard to breath. The ground cracked furiously, the radiant energy spilling into the tunnels like lightning. The Black Knights ran and took cover, all the while bewildered and astonished at what Lelouch's plan was. Ohgi looked at the side of the mountain, seeing the cracks stretch all along the sides. Kallen smiled at her handiwork, but yet she was also sad inside. She looked downwards at the output level, seeing the same results as before. The energy I used was only about 7% of the Guren's full energy filler, and it took me less energy from myself. But even so, that drained my heart. She forced herself to sound cheerful, forcing a fake smile onto her face. "It worked!" She yelled into the radio, sounding totally ecstatic about what was happening.
Lelouch smiled at his ace's handiwork. Heh. It's just as destructive as the last time. But then again, why wouldn't it be? He thought to himself, but switching back to his attitude as Zero as quickly as a rabbit running from a predator. He turned to Ohgi, who looked at him with a deep respect in his eyes. The look you would expect from Kaname Ohgi.
"Ohgi, we have succeeded in isolating Cornelia's unit, but we could've been a bit more accurate." He told him, pretending to have been expecting more from the Black Knights. Lelouch walked towards the red queen, allowing his voice to be loud enough where Kallen could hear it. "Kallen, try to control the Radiant Wave Surger a little more. We wouldn't want to risk the lives of innocent civilians if we don't have too."
Kallen knew what he meant. Shirley's death had a bigger impact on him than it did her. She knew he couldn't see her, but she nodded anyways, even if Lelouch couldn't see it. Alright, the dirty work is done. Now all that's left to do is go through the battle like I did last time. Se hardened her heart, and prepared for the battle ahead.