So...missed me? Soon enough for all of you? XD
Last chapter got a record of reviews, I hope you know that that practically invites another cliffhanger? Fortunate for you, I tend to end chapters where I feel it fits.
But I greatly appreciate all the great reviews I got. Some were delightfully hilarious and got me laughing madly, thanks for that. Let's see how you react after this…
So, this chapter was finished in a rough draft shortly after I posted the last one. But I had to smooth it out and deleted whole paragraphs and rewrote them. And it was just so hard at some points.
But I promised that I wouldn't keep you waiting too long, so here we are… Can't promise anything about the next chapter as I'm back to work in two days time and some minor details in the next chapters have to be thought out. Also, I'm a bit worn out after this one. Could be up to a month again...
This is also my longest chapter with more than 10k words (without the A/N of course) YAY!
So, as much as I would like to delay further, I know I can't.
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Chapter twelve:
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CC felt her Code already working on the injuries she had received, glad that it hadn't been enough to be deadly and shut her down totally. She quickly examined Lelouch who she had thrown to the ground without care the moment her code and connection to her contractor had warned her of an immediate danger to him. He seemed to have knocked his head when landing and only seemed to have a few small cuts where she hadn't covered him. Otherwise he was fine, breathing normal and pulse steady. Their connection revealed that he was in no further danger and despite not wanting to leave him, she knew what he would want of her.
After giving him a last look she got up from him and the movement let the debris fall from her back and looked around. Part of the gate and wall was missing, the part near the street to be exact, or what was left of said street. She could see a big crater there and when she moved a bit nearer she could look right down a few metres but still see part of the underground tunnels. She moved her gaze further outside and spotted the car of the Viceroy lying upside down further down on the street.
Others around here were slowly standing up, one of them Urabe who had lost his visor, which made her check if her own was still in place, it was. She motioned to him to make him aware of the fact. The guards on the other end were not moving and she suddenly had a bad feeling about this. Suzaku was just now running back inside, looking confused and horrified and frantically looking around.
"Euphy!"
He suddenly ran to the other side before dropping to the grounds, hands reaching out but stopping in mid-air, trembling.
That was not looking good, a look towards the SAZ revealed a medical team already running towards them. A groan next to her revealed Akiyama just sitting up and at the same time a team came bursting through the doors leading further inside, observing the damage. She knew what Lelouch would want from her.
She pointed at the leader of the team before speaking. "You! Yes, contact every team on standby they have to come here, in the meantime your team has to go out and see how the Viceroy in that car is doing and rescue her as fast and soon as possible and bring her here. If she doesn't want to, tell her her sister is injured and force her to come with you if you have to. Akiyama, if you're not injured go with them, Darlton at least knows you so that should make this easier."
Just then the first medical team arrived and she directed them instantly towards Suzaku and Euphemia. She couldn't quite see the princess and could only hope that she wasn't too badly hurt.
Other people were arriving, checking the people still on the ground or helping them up as they regained their bearings. Urabe had in the meantime also started to direct the new arrivals and had contacted the hospital and nearby medical station to send more people and to call everyone not on duty.
"We need help over here, we need to move these stones!" That was one of the medics working at Euphemias side and when she looked over there she saw a still shell shocked Suzaku sitting on the ground near her. He had apparently been pushed aside for the medics to work. That didn't look too good. Help quickly came and she watched as a part of their ceiling was moved carefully to the side, the underside red from blood.
Euphemia was moved to a stretcher before the medics started to move her out. "Suzaku! Pull yourself together and go with her!" That got the knight out of his stupor and he followed them out. When they moved past her she had enough time to give her a quick examination. She had smaller cuts in her face and any other skin she had seen. But the real damage had apparently been to her legs, while the medics had covered it with a blanket it was rapidly turning red. That led her to assume that the chunk of the ceiling had crushed her legs.
She watched as they ran towards the nearby medical station, Suzaku following them.
She felt it, moments before she heard the groan and quickly dropped down beside Lelouch, halting his hands that wanted to reach for the mask.
"Stay still, we've been attacked you can't take the mask off. Come, up you go."
She helped him up, steadying him when he swayed slightly. She looked around for Urabe finding him in the middle of a heated discussion with a newly arrived team of guards. When she called out to him he instantly looked towards her, relief overtaking his face when he saw Zero standing again. "Take over the coordination and make sure Cornelia gets to the medical station as fast as possible. I'll take care of him."
With that said she moved him to the next door leading deeper into the wall but stopped shortly to retrieve a bottle of water and an icepack from the fridge before continuing to the first resting room she found. It showed that Lelouch was still kind of out when he didn't protest. After locking the door behind them she moved him to the bed. As soon as he sat down she took of the mask, laying it down beside him. He looked kind of dizzy and she again controlled his pulse, which was still normal, before moving beside him, turning his head enough for her to feel for any injuries. There was quite a bump developing at the back, but her searching fingers came back without blood.
She opened the bottle standing on the floor and retrieved the icepack from where she had put it and moved it where she had felt the bump. Holding it with one hand she then took the bottle up again and poured half of it over Lelouchs head. That got him back to the present.
He drew in a huge breath and she forced the bottle into his hand before making him drink. He had to steady his breathing to be able to swallow and that calmed him further. There was not much time and she had to force him back into a working state.
When he had nearly drained the bottle she stopped him, setting the bottle back on the floor before taking his hand and moving it to the icepack. As soon as she was sure he had a good grip she removed her own and searched her pockets for the small pack of painkillers she carried with her. As Lelouch often suffered small headaches due to overworking himself she always had some of the mild ones with her. She held out one for him before picking the bottle back up.
She watched as he swallowed it down with the last water before letting the bottle fall the ground.
"Tell me."
It sounded anxious, slightly fearful. Nevertheless she proceeded to tell him what she could and watched as he slumped forward.
"Do you have an assumption on what happened?"
"Maybe. From what I've seen it looks like it was a rather small bomb inside the maintenance tunnels that are under the street. The border starts shortly after the end of the tunnel and doesn't stand directly on it. But the force still took out part of the gate. If they had used more explosives they would have been able to do much more damage. The detonation also occurred while the car had to stop and not when it moved nearer. Making me believe that it was intended that way, endangering the Viceroy but not enough that she was in any real danger."
She could see him working through all the information, weighing the possibilities against each other and she gave him the time, knowing not to interrupt.
After some time he drew himself up again, removing the icepack.
"Euphemia?"
"I directed the first team to her. I'm sorry Lelouch. It looked quite bad."
He only nodded before picking up his mask again. She gave him her own cell phone knowing he needed it and they had no idea where his own was at the moment.
She watched as Lelouch dialled a number from memory.
"Tohdoh, it's me. Yes. Yes, I'm alright. Listen, this is it. Give out Order Abyss. Yes, I'm sure. Start with withdrawal and evacuation immediately on your side."
He exchanged a few other coded words with Tohdoh before hanging up. He looked down at the mask for a long moment before putting it on.
"Come on, CC. Let's make sure the end will be handled the way we need it."
.
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Two hours later Lelouch was arriving at the medical station. He had received regular updates and had known that way that Euphemia was still in operation, diagnosis was that part of the ceiling had crushed her legs while a smaller one had landed on her upper body, breaking ribs and endangering her lungs. She had lost a lot of blood in a short time and they tried to safe what they could. As there was nothing he could do to help for the moment, he had used the time for things he could do.
He had started the evacuation on their side. An alarm had been sounded throughout the SAZ, making every normal citizen go back to their homes or the nearest official building, waiting for further instructions. CC's guess had also proven right, while being thrown around quite a bit, Cornelia and her entourage were completely healthy and waiting on news in the medical station. Getting her there had not been easy but they had managed and for now there was a tentative peace between them. He had had to point out that they had a great medical team as that had been a priority to Euphemia which had finally gotten the Viceroy moving after she had tried to get him to agree to bring Euphy to a Britannian hospital.
He had been with the surveillance team when the call came. He had been looking over the footage of the attack again and trying to find out when the bomb had been planted as they had the entrances to the maintenance tunnels covered and should have been aware of unusual movement down there.
Now he was standing outside Euphemias room. Knowing what would await him inside. When the call came so soon he had already prepared himself and rushed here when he was told to. Darlton and Guilford where standing near the door, glaring at him but he didn't care. Moving towards the door he entered without looking at them. CC and Urabe stayed outside with the Britannians and he closed the door.
No matter how much he may have prepared himself for this in some part of his brain, it could have never been enough.
Euphy was lying on a bed, hooked up to all sort of wires and a stand held a blood pack. Her skin was so pale that it didn't make any real contrast to the white sheets around her.
The reality of this happening suddenly hit him like a sledgehammer and he wanted to draw away from the truth staring at him from her face with a small smile. A trembling hand reaching in his direction made him rush in the other direction, accepting the freed chair next to the bed that Suzaku had just left.
Gripping the hand as gently as his overwhelmed emotions would allow it, he squeezed as reassuringly as he could but with caution.
"How is everything?"
He choked on a laugh at the absurdity of this question, but it was just like her. Also, facts were easier to deal with.
"We're preparing a full evacuation. No matter the reaction of Britannia, I don't think that we can continue this."
"I'm sorry..."
"No, don't ever be sorry for following your heart! For doing what you believe is right. That can never be wrong and don't you dare apologies for this admirable trait of yours!"
He got another smile, this one larger and still able to light the room with its kindness.
"Remember my wish. Don't forget to take me with you."
"Euphy!"
It was then that he finally looked at the person sitting at the other side of the bed. Cornelia didn't look much better than he felt. Seeing the younger one aim a glare at her would have been funny in any other situation.
"It's my wish what happens with my body even after death and I refuse to be brought back to Britannia."
Before Cornelia said anything he spoke up.
"I will make sure that your wishes will be fulfilled just as you wanted. I promise."
"Speaking of promises… your other one… please, I want to see your face."
He didn't even hesitate. While definitely not having this situation in mind when he had prepared himself for revealing his identity to Cornelia, he would and could never refuse Euphy anything, not now, not ever.
He removed mask and the cloth and they both ignored the gasp from the other side while they locked gazes. He answered the sad smile with his own.
"I never wanted this..."
"I know. You can't look into the future. As you won't allow me to apologise, I will not allow you to do the same. We both knew the risks..."
He gave her a strained smile, trying to say everything he couldn't formulate into words with his eyes and gestures, gripping her hand as tight as he dared. She only nodded at him, her smile brightening again.
"Le...Lelouch?"
They both turned to their older sister who was staring at him in shock, unbelieving of what she was seeing.
It was Euphy who brought him out of the staring contest he had locked himself in with Cornelia.
"Don't be angry. Don't be angry at him or me. Despite everything he is still the kind brother we thought we lost… Please… Don't fight with each other… All this has been my choice and I regret nothing..."
"Euphy…" Cornelia nearly choked on her name, switching her gaze from him back to her sister. But Euphemia turned back to him.
"Thank you for everything. You have to continue… Follow through with your plans, make our dream come true… And don't forget your other promises..."
He was shocked to finally feel a tear running down his cheeks. He had tried to stay strong, for her.
"I swear it, Euphy."
"I have full trust in you… You will achieve it… our dream."
Before he could say anything further the door opened and CC stuck her head through.
"Problems Zero. I'm really sorry but we need you."
He looked back down at Euphemia who only had as sad smile.
"Go… you're needed outside."
He bent down to her, kissing her forehead, lingering there for quite some time before laying his own head carefully against her.
"Pull yourself together. Go rescue our people."
He drew back a bit and stared down at her. Despite everything her determined gaze gave him strength and slowly but surely the tears stopped and a calm mask settled over his features. He locked his feelings away.
"That's it. I love you, Lelouch."
"I love you too, always."
He gave her a soft kiss on the lips which gained him another sad smile before standing up and settling the cloth back into place before taking up the mask and putting it on. He gave Euphemias hand a last squeeze before moving to the door and immediately out into the corridor.
Outside CC pulled him to the side and informed him of the newest problem, which made him move back to the room he had just left, interrupting whatever Euphy was just saying to Cornelia.
"I'm sorry to inform you that I have to quicken the evacuation. A team will come for you soon."
While he could see Cornelia beginning a protest, Euphy was quicker.
"I understand."
His older sister seemed like she couldn't quite wrap her head around everything that had happened and was happening. But despite that, she was still a military woman, able to think under stress.
"What exactly happened?"
"The Avalon has just left the Chinese Federation and took course towards Japan. Possible destination, the SAZ."
"Will the time be enough?" How could anyone not come to love his kind-hearted sister? That question alone cracked the wall behind which he had hidden his emotions again.
"Of course. They will all be some where safe in time. Cornelia, you have to decide if you come with us or go back to Tokyo by the time we move out. Suzaku, stay with Euphy."
Before anyone could protest, argue or do anything like that he left the room, giving orders to Urabe to stay with them and then moved out of the building altogether.
Time to break down would come later, probably. For now there was much to do in very little time.
.
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Cornelia settled down in the chair that had been pulled up for her. It was the same setting she had left some time ago.
She stared down on the still figure of her sister, still not really believing that all this happened. She had decided to visit her in the SAZ in hopes that she may be able to bring her back with her, that she would have a better chance of persuading her when they met face to face. But that plan had blown up in her face, literally.
After 'Zero' left them, Euphy had used all her remaining strength to talk about wishes, promises and beliefs. When she asked her to leave for a short moment so that she could talk to her knight in private, while reluctant she had given them a few minutes while she stood outside, ignoring the questions of her men and trying to come to terms with what happened.
She had been back inside when Euphy had drawn her last breath, still smiling.
A few minutes after that a team of medics had come to move her out. The decision about what to do came to her without needing much contemplating. Not that she was or had been in any condition to think much and she was glad that she hadn't had to do much, just stay with her sister, wherever that brought her.
She had watched as the medics carefully removed the wires and she had been astounded to see with how much care they treated her sister but then she remembered that Euphy had been in charge of the medical care of the SAZ. They had been moved out and she had been surprised when they moved deeper into the building instead of leaving it. From there they moved underground, through tunnels. When she asked why she had been told that they were moving out in secret.
She didn't understand why but didn't care either way. Their small group travelled further underneath the earth until they reached an end. From there the surprises just kept coming up. This escape route was heavily planned out and well coordinated and she soon found herself in a submarine of all things, where Elevens in the recognizable Black Knights uniforms were running around.
Now here they were, in a small room somewhere in the ocean, surrounded by enemies.
She looked back to the guard that had never left them ignoring some of her questions while on route while answering others without hesitance, he had always stayed respectful and she had also seen the sad look he had given her sister when he first saw her. Over the last months Darlton had of course told her everything he saw and of course how very much respected and loved her sister was by the people of the SAZ. Even now she couldn't contain a small smile when thinking about it, Euphemia had always been the nice one.
From what little she had seen she could conclude that Zero, no Lelouch, had never stopped his rebellion. It seemed like he had also known that the SAZ would not survive, just like her and had never stopped preparing himself. They had been totally deceived.
Now she had finally time to process what she had learned. Lelouch was alive. Nunnally was alive. Lelouch was Zero. Darlton had been right with his guess that Zero held a personal grudge against Britannia and she could see that now better than before. The brother they all had deserted had somehow survived and had then led a rebellion against his family.
Lelouch was ALIVE.
She couldn't get her head around that fact. Euphy had known and kept it secret from her the whole time but now she understood that strange trust her sister had given the masked man.
She jumped from the chair and started pacing.
Euphy had chosen Lelouch over their family, their country and their father. Coming with them had been the only real choice she had. She wouldn't leave Lelouch alone again now that she knew he was still alive, she just couldn't. The thought of losing him again after just learning that he still lived and after just watching her sister take her last breath… No, she wouldn't have been able to go back to Tokyo and it was also clearly the wish of her sister to see him working further against Britannia. While she didn't know what to think about that she at least wanted more time with Lelouch.
She turned to the bodyguard of Zero who had stayed with them and had taken off the visor the moment they started to evacuate, revealing his identity. She knew that face of course, Urabe one of the Four Holy Swords, who followed Tohdoh.
"When is he arriving here?"
She didn't need to elaborate on whom she meant. She needed to find the time to talk to Darlton and Guilford, revealing what she had learnt.
"That will take some more time. He will stay in the SAZ until the end."
Until the end? That sounded ominous.
"What exactly does that mean?"
"He is overseeing the evacuation and making sure nothing of importance is left behind."
"I would like to be kept informed on the happenings."
"Sorry, but that is kept strictly classified. We can't take the risk of you informing anyone outside of what is going on."
Oh no, she would not let him keep anything more from her. If he thought he could stop her he was sadly mistaken.
.
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Kallen had waited anxiously for news after she had send off the warning to Lelouch. When she received the message to clear out completely, she had immediately picked up everything she had already packed, just in case, before leaving Stadtfeld Manor.
Using her planned escape route it didn't take her long to arrive at the hideout where other Black Knights had gathered and from there they had moved to the Ikaruga.
She was now on her way to the bridge to get an update.
Tohdoh turned around to greet her but her own greeting died on her lips when she saw who was standing beside him. What the hell was the Viceroy doing here?
"Ignore her. I'm glad you arrived safe and sound."
"What's the status?"
"The last teams are just doing their duties and will soon move out. Zero is overseeing it and will shortly prepare for his next miracle."
"So, everything according to plan."
"Yes. Let someone lead you to your rooms. There's a surprise waiting for you from Zero, come back after you have changed."
She saluted, threw a glare at the princess before turning and snatching up the next crew-member that came by.
When she arrived at her new rooms she settled back against the door after closing and locking it.
While she was glad to be finally back where she belonged she surely hadn't wanted it to come like that.
The last months had been hard for her. She had worked to get on the inside of the opponents to the SAZ, starting with students at Ashford. While she had inwardly scoffed at their idea of retribution against the Zone, really as if any of the Japanese cared about some derogative graffiti on the wall, it had gotten her in the right direction. From there she had listened closely to what the others talked about, what their parents were saying about the project and from there checking which families had enough influence to really become a threat.
Some were more talk than anything else and she had moved on until she finally found the right ones. At first she only got the information that they had done something against the SAZ after something happened but had been often enough invited to dinners were she could snatch up some political movements of interest and at least getting more names to observe.
Lelouch had been right that she wouldn't like this mission. Sometimes it had taken every bit of experience she had in hiding her true self to not reveal herself. How many times had she wanted to punch the stupid Brits or bang their heads against the next solid surface. How many times did she bite her own tongue to stop her from standing up for the 'Elevens' when the derogative comments got out of hand. But she had endured because even though it was not much information she had uncovered it was still important. Sometimes it had only been the next scheduled training that had made her pull through.
When one of her fellow students called her to invite her to a most festive lunch she wouldn't want to miss she had instantly known that something was going on. His parents were quite heavily involved in any movements against the SAZ but stayed mostly behind the action. They had helped getting the different opponents in contact with each other and had helped financing their various schemes. She managed to get out of him that 'finally the end has come' and told him that she first had to cancel an appointment at the hospital due to her 'illness'. When he again had insisted that she wouldn't want to miss this she had reassured that she would do her best to cancel it before hanging up, saying she would call her doctor immediately.
After hanging up she typed the message to Lelouch and then she had to wait. It had been nerve-wracking.
Arriving at the hide-out and waiting for their ship she had finally gotten more information. Apparently she had been too slow and the attack had happened. Only sad circumstances were the reason they were now moving out. Why had the little princess been at the gate?
Information had come in slowly but soon they received the note about Euphemias death and all her thoughts focused on Lelouch. While all Japanese would mourn her she knew that her death would hit their leader quite hard and deeply. He would not be able to show how much as everyone was now looking to him for guidance. It was during all this waiting that she had sworn to herself that she would do everything she could to help Lelouch through this loss.
She took a deep breath before moving to the closet, retrieving the Black Knight uniform waiting for her there. She stroke along the fabric. Happy to once again show her true colours. She just hoped Lelouch wouldn't hold it against her that she wasn't able to warn him in time, but he had always said that he knew that it might not be possible to, but she should try nonetheless.
She laid her uniform on the bed next to the parcel sitting there. She picked up the card on top 'I appreciate you hard work and dedication.' It was not signed but she knew from whom it was. When she opened the parcel she was stunned.
There lay a new uniform but it definitely wasn't the standard one.
The white stripes were thicker which made the dark red lines inside come out more clearly and on one side a bit under the shoulder was the same bird-like symbol that adorned the Zero-costume, also in a dark red colour. On top of it lay a small pouch in the same design and when she picked it up she felt the heavy weight and didn't have to think twice before letting the hidden knife spring out. Into the blade had been Q1 etched and she stared at it before coming back to her senses.
She quickly undressed before taking the new uniform and slipping into it. It fitted her better than the standard one and now she saw that the symbol rested over her heart. When she turned toward the mirror inside the closet she couldn't help but stare. This really showed that she held a special position inside the Black Knights and she was more than grateful. This made up for the last months, like Lelouch had probably intended and she smiled proudly at her reflection before picking up the pouch again, hiding the knife again before slipping it into her pocket.
Whatever may come, she was ready.
.
.
Lelouch was overlooking the last team still inside the SAZ. They were at the government building and were the last people left.
"Transfer of the latest data complete."
He nodded at them. Now everything was send to their main-server. They had done this regularly so that they would have every information they had gathered and every footage they had when they left the SAZ.
"Erase the data and set the destruction sequence."
Lelouch contacted the Ikaruga as soon as he had set everything up.
"Tohdoh, everything alright on your end?"
"Evacuation complete. Ready to go, Zero. The Avalon should arrive at the SAZ in 20 minutes."
"Perfect, the last members should be with you in 15."
"Are you sure about this?"
"Of course."
"What the hell are you doing?"
He was quite surprised to hear Cornelia, what was she doing on the bridge? Shouldn't she have stayed with Euphy?
"This operation is of no concern for you, Viceroy."
"Zero knows what he is doing." That was Tohdoh trying to calm his sister down, he had to stop himself from laughing at the absurdity.
"I'm starting to try contact the Avalon now."
He got back to work, hacking into the Britannian system and some other channels.
"Avalon arrival in 15 minutes."
"Perfect, I'm in. Let's start this."
.
Cornelia watched as everyone was staring at the monitors in anticipation. She had received the message of Lelouch. This didn't concern her, it was his work and she held no power over him.
But she hadn't been able to control herself when a video-feed of 'Zero' flickered on and he was still clearly in the SAZ, namely what looked like his office.
"Here speaks Zero. We have received notice that the Avalon is heading for the SAZ. We would like to talk about that to the man in charge."
The message was repeated in regular intervals and on one monitor she cold see the Avalon drawing nearer to the SAZ. What was Schneizel doing? Why wasn't he answering?
Five minutes before the Avalon would reach its destination there was finally a different video popping up. One of the members of the crew looked back over to them. "Recording started."
"Here is Prime Minister Schneizel el Britannia."
"Why is the Avalon headed for the SAZ. What is your intention?"
"You have kidnapped the Viceroy of Area Eleven."
"We have not. She had decided to stay with her sister who was injured during an attack on the SAZ. She came willingly and has been evacuated to a safe place."
"With your reputation we don't believe you. You have already killed one Viceroy and now a second. We believe the explosion was caused by your own people to take out the Viceroy and if Euphemia was injured during that you are to blame for that too."
"Some of our own guards died during this, we are not responsible for what happened."
"This has shown that the Elevens don't want to cooperate. The SAZ has failed."
"This place is filled with normal citizens that had never taken any part in terrorism and only want to live in peace and raise their children somewhere safe. They are currently all at home waiting for news, if you attack know you kill innocents."
At this point footage of all around the SAZ was shown, empty streets changing to pictures of families waiting in their homes.
Cornelia couldn't help but wonder what Lelouch was doing. He was clearly believing that Schneizel was going to attack the SAZ but why was he trying to talk him out of it? Even he should know that that wouldn't happen, no matter what he said. He was likely acting on orders of the Emperor and the SAZ had never been a well liked project. She turned to the man beside her.
"Is he completely out of his mind? He should leave while he still can."
"He is safe. Trust him."
While she had been sidetracked the countdown had reached two minutes.
"Please reconsider this action. I'm sure we can find a solution if we just talk."
"It is clear that the numbers will never be able to work together with Britannia. Not only has this completely confused Euphemia but now you also kidnapped her sister. We will not allow you to further go against Britannia."
"These people have never done anything to Britannia and the Viceroy is safe. Please halt your advance and let's talk in peace."
Even she could hear the modified voice of her brother showing fear.
"The decision has been made. Farewell."
She watched the countdown reach it's end and the cameras inside the SAZ showed the Avalon arriving at the border.
"I'm sure that we're all more civilized to at least talk befo-"
The video of Zero turned black the same moment the cameras showed a missile hitting the exact level of the government building in which she knew the office of Zero and her sister were located.
She stared in absolute shock as one by one the cameras in the SAZ flicked off as the Avalon continued its attack.
"Message from Zero received. Data destroyed, he is on his way."
"What?"
Tohdoh turned towards her. "I told you to trust him. He was never in his office, only a replica deep underneath the building. He is on his way."
She felt so relieved she had no words for it. After just getting him back, for a moment she thought she had lost him again.
"Make the announcement to everyone."
The crew got back to work on whatever that meant but she was still staring at the monitor that now showed mostly black but apparently they were more cameras around the SAZ and they were filming the destruction taking place.
She saw that these videos were hard for the people around them even though they had obviously prepared for it.
"Zero arrived at Point B. Estimated time of arrival, fifteen minutes."
Another sigh of relief left her as she heard that. She tried to piece everything together but there was clearly more going on than she knew. As the red haired girl approached the man next to her she moved farther away, giving them privacy. For how long had Lelouch prepared for this? Right from the start? She lost herself in speculation and was pulled out when another announcement was made.
"Zero arrived at the Shinkiro."
And before she could ask what that meant she heard his modified voice.
"Arrival at the Ikaruga in five minutes. Assemble the most members in the mensa and prepare to send the video to the others."
This was followed by immediate movement all around her and the eleven leader approached her again.
"Come, let's meet him when he arrives."
.
.
Kallen followed when they made their way to the hangar. She kept a close eye on the Viceroy as she looked around the Knightmares standing around and couldn't help the smirk when a glare took over when her gaze fell on the Guren.
"That machine..."
"MY Knightmare. The Guren."
She threw the princess a smirk before moving farther in where the Shinkiro was just coming up through a special entrance. When the cockpit opened she couldn't stop the smile at finally seeing Zero again. When he stepped out she couldn't help but notice that his movement seemed a bit off.
"Are you alright, Zero?"
"Yes, just some debris hitting my shoulder pretty hard. No worries. Is everyone assembled?"
"Yes. Everything ready for the speech."
"Well, no rest for the wicked. Let's move it."
And without letting anything else be said he moved past them and she instantly took position to his left while Tohdoh did the same on his right.
When they arrived at the hall it was nearly too full of people and Diethard was already waiting with a camera. She made sure Cornelia stayed by the door before moving back to Zeros side who was standing at the head of the room, directly in front of the camera.
"Dear friends, today Britannia has once again showed his true face. Never will they allow peace and they showed it clearly by destroying the SAZ, believing that we're all still there. But let me tell you that I have sadly prepared myself for this day and so we have been able to get everyone out and to safety!"
Kallen had a hard time not falling in with the cheering that started. But she also noticed that his movements during a speech were not quite as extravagant as usual and he was using his left hand only scarcely.
"We will move past this tragedy that has befallen us today, because I have to be the bearer of even more grave news. Our beloved Princess Euphemia has sadly lost her life during the attack that happened today at the SAZ."
The outcry was immense. Despite everything Euphemia had been at least respected by everyone. While completely misguided she still had only the best intentions. It took Zero quite some time to calm them down again.
"Yes I know. A hard blow to us all. But it was also her wish that should we fail that we continue our rebellion and now Britannia has shown us that peace and freedom can only be achieved if we take matters in our own hands. Here and now I announce the revival of our rebellion! For us, for peace, for a free Japan and for Euphemia!"
The whole room roared nearly as one before the chanting started, but Zeros name was also mixed with cries of 'for Euphemia'. He really knew how to steer a crowd and when they left the room again the cheers were still going strong.
They moved back to the bridge were Lelouch proceeded to adjust their course, giving a few orders to the crew before they all moved out again and Tohdoh lead them to Zero's rooms.
.
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Lelouch had just enough time to lay his mask down before Cornelia was already in his face and he really didn't have the patience to deal with her at the moment.
"Are you completely out of your mind? Staying there for so long?"
"I appreciate the concern. But I have been able to survive on my own for quite some time and don't need you start mothering me now."
The emotionless reply shocked her into silence and with that he left her standing at the door moving to the couches in the middle of the room where CC was already sitting, munching away on a pizza. How had his witch found time for that?
He gladly took one piece when she offered and settled down next to her.
"Have you received information from Sayoko?"
"Yes. Everything is alright, she and Nunnally arrived at their new safe location without problems. Sayoko also said that while Nunnally didn't ask any questions during everything she surely has them now."
He nodded before he started eating. That was good news indeed. The others settled down around him and as there were quite a lot pizza boxes on the table everyone started to eat. He had not eaten anything since the early morning so he was quite glad for this.
They were all silent during their impromptu meal, everyone immersed in their own thoughts.
When they were finished Lelouch settled back into the couch.
"Tohdoh, did you contact Kayguya?"
"Yes, she's working on it. She thinks that it shouldn't take too long."
"Alright, then this is what we will do. For today, I have enough. Let's meet tomorrow morning for breakfast and talk about our next step. Please let everyone know that we will keep calm and in hiding for the next days. Tell our people that are in hiding back in Japan to not do anything against Britannia for the moment. Let them think they have won for the moment.
Cornelia, we don't have many free rooms left, but this room has another bedroom, you're free to stay here. Your men can sleep here on the couches.
Let us all come to terms with what happened today and tomorrow we go back to work."
Everyone nodded and when he stood up, CC snatched his hand stopping him from walking away.
"Go say your goodbyes to Euphemia. Now. You know you need it."
His heart was already feeling like it had been broken, he didn't want the additional pain of seeing her lifeless form. He stared at the golden eyes of his witch. He knew she was right, tomorrow he wouldn't have the time for it. So he nodded before swiftly grabbing his mask and leaving the room. CC shouted something after him.
"And let your shoulder be checked!"
Kallen watched him leave, feeling sad, this was so much worse than anything they had anticipated.
"Will he be alright?" It was the Viceroy again.
"To say it with his words, he has to be. Lelouch knows that he can't allow himself to falter and he won't. He will pull through, somehow."
Cornelia gazed at her with a hard stare. "You are?"
"Kallen Kouzuki, leader of Zero Squad and the pilot that defeated you at Narita. Got a problem with that?" Really, what did the damn princess think? That she could lord herself over them? She was the enemy here and they were treating her with respect only out of consideration for Lelouch and Euphemia.
Before anything further could be said, Suzaku, Darlton and Guilford entered the room.
Cornelia stood up and moved towards them and CC had her own words to say.
"The extra room is that one. You can talk privately there." CC pointed at the right door before waving Suzaku over.
Kallen saw the drawn expression, the exhaustion and complete despair in his face. She may not ever understand his actions but she still pulled him down next to her before handing him one of the pizza boxes and he started to eat mechanically.
In the meantime the Viceroy and her guards left for the extra bedroom and after they closed the door she looked over to CC.
"I worry about Lelouch. This is such a mess."
"Didn't you just say that you know he will pull through, because he has to?"
"Yes, because I know he will do that. Doesn't mean I don't worry for him..."
"We will have to be there for him but most likely he will not want to accept any help."
"He will accept it even if I have to force him!"
Kallen got a small smile from the other and they again fell into silence.
"What will we do about the Viceroy?"
"That's up to Lelouch and herself I think. I'm sure it will be discussed tomorrow."
They all set there waiting for the return of Zero and after some time Cornelia and the others came back out and settled themselves on the couches again. She couldn't read the two men and the Viceroy also looked quite collected.
It did take quite some time until the door finally opened and Zero stumbled inside. The mask was in place not giving them a hint how he felt. He ignored them all and immediately vanished into his own room and closed the door.
"I will see how he is. Suzaku, you're welcome to sleep in his rooms or you can stay out here, wherever you feel more comfortable. Good Night."
Kallen watched as CC swiftly moved towards the same door. She was probably the only one who could help him now.
"Come on Kallen. Time to leave." Tohdoh sent a last look to the door and she was able to detect the concern in his gaze but followed him.
Before they left he had one last thing to say to their guests.
"Please don't leave this rooms, not everyone knows that you're here and are guests. Good Night."
And with that they left the Britannians and Suzaku alone. Kallen couldn't help but hope that the next day would look just a bit brighter.
CC wasn't too surprised when a soft knock sounded on the door and even less surprised when Cornelia put her head inside. She didn't stop her ministrations, stroking through the black hair lying in her lap but waved her inside.
She watched as the other woman knelt down next to the bed and reached out for her boy but stopped her hand shortly before touching him. She knew what the other saw. Heavy tear-tracks and dark rings under his eyes made Lelouch look vulnerable. He wouldn't like the thought of anyone else seeing him like that but this was still his sister and she trusted the military woman to keep it to herself.
"I never thought I would see him again. I mourned for them for so long..."
CC just hummed in response, never stopping her motions. Seeing his sister again had broken him, like she knew it would. He had pulled himself together for her and the Japanese making sure that everything went smoothly but he had needed to say his goodbyes and she had known that he wouldn't do it the next day when he again had to be strong. He had fallen into an exhausted sleep and she would make sure he wasn't alone through the night.
"Have you known him long?"
"Not long, no. But I know him quite well despite that."
"Are you his girlfriend?"
"No. We're partners, accomplices."
The princess threw her a calculating look before her gaze went back to Lelouch.
"There is so much I don't know, that I don't understand..."
"He will likely fill you in on a few things but don't expect him to share his life-story with you."
Cornelia just nodded at that before standing back up and leaving quickly but silently. CC sighed before looking back at her warlock. This was quite more than she was prepared to handle.
It took another few minutes and the door opened again and Suzaku crept in silently. They stared at each other for some time before she gestured with her head towards the sleeping back she had prepared for him. It didn't surprise her that the Japanese choose to sleep in here. He would feel more comfortable here than with Darlton and Guilford out there.
But the boy also stopped at the bed, watching his friend sleep.
"I will never understand how he can just turn himself off like that, seemingly not caring about what happened. Even though he has been able to do that even during the invasion."
"Because he has to. He was needed to coordinate the evacuation. Could someone else have done it? Yes. But not as good as he did and we all know that and of course he had a mission of his own to complete. He will do what he has to do no matter what, that's what saved us all for such a long time."
"He should have stayed with her longer."
"She herself understood that he had to go, you shouldn't hold it against him."
"I know..."
She sometimes really didn't understand him.
"Why don't you look at it this way. By doing it himself he gave you all the time to stay with Euphemia, so that you didn't have to think on anything else."
Really how could he not see it that way. Lelouch had made sure that he could stay at his princess side even though his presence would have helped calm down the people. She watched as he thought it through and then a small smile appear.
"He still worries too much about others."
"Only about some people."
He ignored the last comment before he went over to the sleeping bag and settled down without saying anything else. She looked back down, glad to see that Lelouch was still sleeping soundly. Tomorrow he would surly be back to his usual efficient self, no matter what.
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The next day came bright and early and everyone was already waiting in his living room when Lelouch stepped out of his bedroom. When he woke Suzaku had already left but he had seen the sleeping bag on the floor, most likely his friend had not slept too well and had at some point left. He had changed already into his Zero costume but without the cape and mask. Another difference was that his suit was black instead of the usual violet. It was the mourning clothes he had prepared beforehand, at the same time as he ordered some for Euphemia, only she would never wear hers…
Everyone was gathered around the couches. Tohdoh, Kallen and Suzaku on one side. Cornelia with Darlton on the opposite while Guilford was standing behind his princess. CC who was following him took the free sport next to Cornelia while he took his place at the head in the armchair there, the small table in the middle was already filled with food.
They silently filled their plates and started eating. After they were finished he started the conversation.
"Alright, let's start. First things first. We will arrive at our next location in three or four days. Until then, Cornelia you and your men are welcome to walk around freely without problems. But as long as we don't know your intentions you have to accept that we will not share everything with you. Which brings me to my next point. I will do everything to find the ones responsible for the attack, I'm sure you'd like to do the same. You're welcome to join us and help or we will let you go back to Britannia when we arrive at our next destination. That's your decision.
Suzaku, the same goes for you. I renew my offer for you to join me but if you want to go back to Britannia that's also open to you.
No matter what, I will not allow any of you to hinder me and my plans. If you get in my way I have no problem locking you up until our arrival before shipping you back to Britannia."
The reactions were different. Kallen and Tohdoh just nodded and stayed alert. Cornelia seemed to be thoughtful while Darlton glared at him and Guilford stayed neutral. It was Suzaku who had balled his fists and was looking at the floor.
"How can you be so damn calm?"
"I don't have the freedom of doing what I want. I have thousands of people who are putting all their hopes and wishes upon me and I will not fail them. If you have a problem, there is the door.
We will hold a mourning ceremony for Euphemia as soon as we can. I have her testament and you are free to read it."
He set the envelope down on the table.
"I also have letters she entrusted to me for you." He stood up and gave one to Cornelia and one to Suzaku.
Suzaku stared incredulous at the envelope he held out to him.
"We both knew that we were at risk and we both prepared for it. I wrote some letters too for this possibility."
Finally Suzaku took it.
"If you need me for anything you can reach me through any of the crew-members as they know how to contact me. I would ask you to play nice even though we have fought against each other in the past. No matter what you decide, we're all stuck here together for the time being and should try to be at least civilized to each other."
He waited until he received some nods or murmured acceptance before he looked to Kallen and Tohdoh and both followed him out of the rooms. He had work to do.
.
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Letters from Euphemia
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Dear Cornelia,
I am sorry that you have to read this as it means that I sadly have passed away.
I am not sure how Zero has brought this to you but I hope that he held his promise and revealed his identity to you. Should he not have done that than please arrange a meeting with him before reading further….
…I now understand why you didn't accept the SAZ. Sadly I believed for a long time that the only reason was your hatred for the numbers and the elevens, as you call them, especially. Now I know that you wanted to protect me. While I understand that, I have also come to realise a few things….
…This has made me grow up and I am proud of the person I have become…
…I want to apologise for never revealing to you the identity of Zero even though I knew it long before I started the SAZ…
…Please don't hold what happened between the two of you against Lelouch. From the things I have been told and been able to piece together, witnessing the invasion has broken something inside him. I will only share a few things….
…You have always done everything you could to protect me from the harsher truth of the world, so imagine me in his stead…
…I am not asking you to forgive him. I am not even asking you to accept the path he will once again walk. I only ask that you try to understand him…
…I have accepted that he will once again lead a rebellion against Britannia. After everything I know and witnessed I can no longer begrudge him that…
…In these months apart I have cherished the memories of our childhood even more. Especially when I finally opened my eyes to the real world. Do you remember…
…But my most cherished memories are the ones when we all were together in the Aries villa. Sadly, I wanted to go back and live this happily again and tried to create a place where that was possible. Foolish, I know that now…
…so dear sister, please don't be too sad. And don't forget to smile more often. You have taken up the burden of being a skilled commander so that I can live peacefully and I am sorry for ruining that. But despite everything I have never been happier than inside the SAZ even though I missed you dearly. It was my way of trying to change the world…
…Never forget that I love you with all my heart and am thankful for everything you have done for me in the past years.
With all my love,
your little sister Euphy
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Dear Suzaku,
If you're reading this it means that the SAZ has fallen and I with it…
…While Lelouch shared many of his plans with me I am not sure what is happening right now and where you are…
…From the day we met I knew that you were someone special…
…It saddened me to know how much you were hurting and I wanted nothing more than to ease that pain and I hope that I have been somewhat successful…
…As you know I have this bad habit of making rash decisions…
…I know I have brought some pain with that to you…
…Only now do I understand some of the things Lelouch has been telling me from the start…
…I know you still have doubt about everything Lelouch has done. I know that the SAZ was our dream to bring peace to the Japanese and to change Britannia…
…After everything I have come to accept what Lelouch has been telling us from the start. Britannia doesn't want to be changed and they especially don't want peace. Do you remember the story I told you about Cornelia and one of her first assignments…
…As much as I wanted to bring peace and change to the world I understand now how foolish that dream was. But Lelouch is still dreaming it. He may go about it in a way I don't like but his goal is the same…
…We may not like it but at this point in time I fully believe that it is the only path to peace and freedom…
…While I know that it is not something you want to do, I would really like the thought of you staying with my brother…
…He needs someone at his side that will help him. I sensed darkness deep within him the first time I met him again after such a long time…
…To the outside world he may not show it, but I know that he still has much kindness in him and has just decided to bury it deep down, only showing it to certain people, protecting himself this way…
…Please, if you can find it in your heart, stay with him. Make sure that this kindness will not be lost. Protect him and show him that you are still his friend…
…I am not as naïve anymore to not see his faults. If you stay with him make sure that he remembers the promise he made to me and Nunnally…
…Meeting you has finally given me the courage to try and change the world. I understand now that the SAZ was never meant to work but it was still the best time of my life…
…I grew up and finally understood the world…
…I am glad that I was able to try and change the world in my own way. And that I was able to live through it and get this experience, as harsh as it often was…
…I have faith in Lelouch. He will change this world. And while it may seem like he is doing it solely for himself, I know that that is only part of the reason. He is doing it for a lot of people and as much as you don't want to hear it, you are a part of his reason…
…He once told me that he wanted to give you your country back, the Japan you showed him when you were kids, the one he came to love because of you…
….This is not an order, my knight. Just a wish and you should only follow it if you believe in it. But if you do…
…please don't leave my brother, stay with him…
…you will always have a special place in my heart.
Yours truly,
Euphemia
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Dear Lelouch,
So it has come down to that. The most important thing first: Whatever happened, please don't blame yourself!
…when we discussed your plans in case of my or your death it was hard for me at first but I accepted it's importance…
…you know, after that I sat down and thought about it a lot. I definitely wasn't ready to die but if I had to choose I would choose your survival…
…You can bring the change to the world that I could only dream of…
…As much as I would like to help you and see the peace you will bring I am glad that I don't have to do it…
…despite all the plans you talked through with me I am certain that I would not have been able to pull it off…
…but we have talked about all this a lot, so there isn't much I still like to tell you…
…please know that I love you dearly despite everything that happened…
…Remember our promise and bring peace and freedom to the people…
…and don't blame yourself. Take care of you and don't let your hatred consume you…
…I have complete faith in you, never forget that…
Stay safe my beloved brother.
Euphy
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*holds out half-empty box of tissues* I'm SORRY!
...But this was planned since before the first word was even written down…
I didn't want to write the whole letters, just give impressions...
And now I will go hide myself away.