Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass.
A/N: It took me too long for me to produce this chapter. There is a lot of jumping around in this chapter so giving all my readers the heads up. I can say that after this chapter, three more chapters are left and it will complete this fanfic. I appreciate to all those that have read it and support it, thank you so much. So here it is the war that begins in this chapter.
The Britannian War
Exelica Garden, Pendragon
Lelouch was walking around in his garden. He looked out and had his thoughts. He closed his eyes and thought of Nunnally. It made him upset that he would have to fight against his sister, the one person who was his reason why he began his fight to destroy the world and remake it. It was for Nunnally's sake was why he became Zero and led the fight against Britannia. But now things were different for him.
"It's funny how fate can play things out," Lelouch said.
"Indeed it can," Nonette's voice said surprising Lelouch.
Lelouch turned to see the Knight of Nine walking and stopping next to Lelouch.
"Nonette…" Lelouch spoke.
"This place…it reminds me of the time," Nonette smiled.
Lelouch raised his eyebrow, "The time…?"
Nonette looked at Lelouch with a grin and that made the emperor nervous.
Flashback: 2007 a.t.b.
Seven-year-old Prince Lelouch was running as fast as he could be was getting pretty tired very easily and he had not ran that long. He tried to catch his breath and looked around. He suddenly heard someone approaching and tried to run again but was caught by eleven-year-old Sarah. Lelouch struggled but couldn't free himself from Sarah's strong grip.
Sarah chuckled, "I've got you Lulu."
"Release me Sarah!" Lelouch demanded, "You think you can do this to me, a prince of Britannia?"
"Oh, but Lulu, I'm just following orders of two princesses," Sarah then grinned, "and they have more authority than you."
"How is that possible?" Lelouch asked annoyed.
"Sarah, did you find him?" the voice of six-year-old Euphemia called.
"I got him Euphie," Sarah responded.
Euphemia showed up and saw Sarah holding Lelouch with no problem and Lelouch still struggling to get away from Sarah's grip.
"Yay! Okay, let's go," Euphie said as she looked at her brother, "please Lelouch, it will be real cute on you."
"No it won't!" Lelouch countered as he still struggled.
After walking a few miles, Sarah put Lelouch down on the ground and Lelouch looked in horror when he saw Nonette grinning with eleven-year-old Jason and Carter dressed in silk dresses with flowers on their wrists and on their heads. The expressions on their faces were full of dread. Nunnally went next to Lelouch and smiled.
"You're next big brother," Nunnally declared.
"Don't worry Lulu," Nonette assured, "it won't so bad."
"Lelouch…run…" Carter said.
"I fell like my being as a man is draining with each second," Jason said with a depression tone.
Lelouch's eyes widened as he saw Nunnally, Euphemia, Nonette, and Sarah smiling happily and getting ready to dress Lelouch, much to the young prince's horror.
Flashback End
Lelouch had his hand on his face embarrassed at the memory. Nonette was grinning like crazy and then hugged Lelouch much to Lelouch's surprised.
"You did end up being the cutest out of the three," Nonette said happily.
"That was one of the most embarrassing things that had ever happened," Lelouch said.
"You really did pass off as a girl as well, even Nelly and your mother was surprised."
"Nonette, please, I rather not have that memory."
Nonette paused for a moment and Lelouch looked at Nonette and saw that she had such a nostalgic expression.
"Nonette?" Lelouch spoke with concern.
"Whenever I came to see you kids, you were always with your sisters, Nunnally and Euphie," Nonette said as she released Lelouch from her hug.
Lelouch nodded and had a face of nostalgia as well, "Yeah…"
"And now Euphie's dead and Nunnally is with Schneizel, following along with his goal."
"Yeah…" Lelouch then looked curiously at Nonette, "Nonette, may I ask you something?"
Nonette looked at Lelouch with a smile, "Sure but keep in mind that I may not answer your question."
"Hmph, really? Well, can you answer me this, what made you decide to join me? I know you said you saw things for what they are when you were with Bismarck and the other but what was it that you saw?"
"That's more than one question Lulu."
"I just what to know your reason."
Nonette acted like she was offended, "Ahh, you still don't trust me even after I swore absolute loyalty to you Your Majesty."
Lelouch sighed, "I'm sorry you feel that way. It's just that I…"
Nonette put her finger on Lelouch's lips, "I'm joking. I understand why you ask me that and I'm willing to answer that," Nonette put her finger away from Lelouch's lips.
Unknown to Lelouch and Nonette, Sayoko was listening in on their conversation standing behind a pillar.
Knightmare Hanger in Pendragon
Carter, Jason, and Sarah were looking arrived and Natalie was escorting them to take them to their own knightmare frames. They got to where Natalie and Rakshata, Lloyd and Cecile were there waiting for them.
"Ah, so good that you're all here," Lloyd said happily.
"So you four finished with our knightmares?" Jason asked.
"That's right," Rakshata said as she smoked her pipe.
"With our knightmares upgraded, we have a better chance," Natalie said as she directed the other three knights to the knightmare frames and they were impressed.
"Wow," Sarah said.
They saw their knightmare frames improved.
"Here's my own upgraded knightmare frame, the Kay Omega," Natalie said and then pointed at Jason's knightmare, "Jason, here's your own, the Pelleas Titan."
"Lady Allerston," Cecile called, "we have yours here, the Bedivere Alpha."
"Carter, here is your own," Rakshata said as she used her pipe to point at Carter's upgraded knightmare, "it's as you requested, the Gaheris Susano-o. I added the two Katen Yaibatous that are used for the Akatsuki models."
Carter smiled, "Thanks Rakshata, I really appreciate this."
"My, my, this is interested," Lloyd said, "Well, anyway, this is the work of our combined efforts. Although, you four are going to have work on being able to control the Energy Wings System that we put in place, as you all requested."
"That's right," Cecile then looked at the four Knights of the Round with concern, "Are you sure you four want to use the Energy Wing Systems?"
"Absolutely," Natalie said.
"That's right," Sarah added, "it will better our chances."
Rakshata smoked her pipe, "All right, then it's settled."
"We'll work on the other knightmares," Cecile said.
"Yes," Lloyd spoke, "oh that's right, Miss CC wanted her own knightmare made as well.
The four knights nodded and left each with their own agenda to prepare for the upcoming battle tomorrow. Lloyd and Rakshata looked on and Cecile had a worried expression.
Lloyd saw Cecile's expression, "I take it you're worried about Suzaku."
Cecile was surprised and looked at Lloyd and then had a downcast look, "I guess you can tell."
"It's written all over your face."
"Will Suzaku really go along with Schneizel's plan?" Cecile asked with worry, "Is he really going to fight against Emperor Lelouch?"
"He seems determined. We've worked with that boy for a long time. You and I both know that when he sets his mind on something, he won't change his mind."
"I know…but still…"
Rakshata got close to Cecile, surprising the blue haired technician, "You've really taken a liking to that Kururugi boy."
Cecile had a sad smile, "Do you find it strange Rakshata?"
"Hmm, I don't know," Rakshata then smiled, "but I can understand why."
"Rakshata…"
"We'll just have to see what happens," Lloyd said, "and who knows; maybe our young emperor can get him to wake up."
"My, that's a surprise coming from you Earl of Pudding," Rakshata commented.
Lloyd got annoyed, "That reminds me, will you stop calling me by that nickname?"
Rakshata chuckled, "Why? It suits you so well."
"Listen…"
Lloyd and Rakshata started bickering, much to Cecile's dismay.
"And they were finally being civil again," Cecile smiled, "oh well…." Cecile thought of someone, "Suzaku…I truly hoped that even should Emperor Lelouch wins, that you will still live."
Aries Villa, Lelouch's room
Kallen had just entered in Lelouch's old room and she looked around. She took the time to gaze the room of that her loved one had when he was a small prince.
"Lelouch must have had so many memories here," Kallen said to herself.
Kallen then saw something that was on a desk. She went to take a look and saw it was a ceremonial plate dedicated to his mother, Marianne vi Britannia, who was known as The Flash.
"Lelouch's mother…" Kallen spoke and then looked over to her left and saw a photo.
Kallen went to the photo and saw that it was Lelouch and Nunnally when they were younger and with their half-sister Euphemia and they were all smiling.
"It must be hard for you Lelouch," Kallen spoke softly and then looked out of the window.
"Hanging around Lulu's room," Sarah's voice spoke.
Kallen was surprised and saw Sarah, "Sarah…"
Sarah came inside, "Curious about Lulu of his childhood?"
"W-Well, yes…"
Sarah saw the photo Kallen had in her hand, "That picture…" Sarah looked at the picture of Lelouch, Nunnally, and Euphie and smiled, "Oh yes, I remember this one, one of the best memories."
Kallen smiled and then looked at Sarah, "You've known Lelouch and Nunnally from childhood, right?"
"Yeah, me as well as Jason and Carter, we would spend time here. Our families were acquainted with Lady Marianne in the past. So we would spend time with them. It was one of the happy moments in our lives."
"I see…you know, I think I understand Lelouch better."
Sarah smiled, "I'm curious, when did you fall in love with Lulu?"
Kallen was surprised but answered none the less, "Well, when I learned his true motive and what he wanted to do, what he was willing do for the people, and even how he reacted when I was captured and taken prisoner…and when he was willing to protect me…those times, I couldn't help but to fall in love with him," Kallen chuckled a little, "it's funny, I first I hated him because I thought he was just a typical snotty Britannian, but then…"
"You saw him as someone better than that…" Sarah spoke.
"Yeah…when I saw and knew how he really felt and the things he told me at Ashford when I was escorting him," Kallen held her hand on her heart and blushed.
Sarah put her hand on Kallen's shoulder, "Lulu is very lucky to have someone like you in his life…it makes me so happy. I can see that you are one of the reasons why he wants create a better future for the world."
"Yeah, it's just upsetting thought…" Kallen said feeling upset.
Sarah was taken back, "What is?"
"Nunnally, the fact that she's siding with Schneizel and Suzaku and will to fight Lelouch, how could Nunnally not understand what's really going on?"
Sarah felt sad, "It can't be helped. Nunna, she…"
"I'm worried about Lelouch, if he has to directly confront Nunnally, the one person who was his initial reason for his fight, what's going to happen?"
"I see you're just as worried as I am."
Kallen looked at the Knight of Eight, "Sarah…"
"The only we can really do is trust Lulu. You trust him, don't you Kallen?"
Kallen nodded, "Yes I do."
Sarah nodded as well, "I'm sure he'll find a way."
Kallen felt a bit better, "Yeah, he always does."
Horai Island
A jet had just landed on the landing pad of the island. Black Knight soldiers were gathering and pointed their guns at the jet.
"Whoever you are, come out with your hands up," one of the Black Knights demanded.
"Please don't shoot, we're not armed," Odysseus's voice pleaded, "please, I have someone here who needs medical attention right away.
Xingke showed up and walked to the soldiers who were pointing their guns at the jet, "What's going on here?"
"General Commander Xingke," one of the soldiers said as they saluted to Xingke.
Odysseus came out with his hand up, "Please, I have someone who's injured."
Xingke was surprised to see Odysseus, "Odysseus eu Britannia?"
"Oh, I remember you, from the wedding…anyway, my sister Cornelia is hurt real badly. She needs medical attention."
Xingke narrowed his eyes, "What are talking about?"
"My brother Schneizel is insane. I have to tell you the truth with what he intends to do but please, help my sister, if she's not treated soon, she'll die."
"Sir, what should we do?" one of the soldiers asked.
Xingke pondered and studied Odysseus's expression, especially his eyes and then he sighed, "All right…"
In the air, on route to the Ikaruga
In a Britannian jet, Carter with Natalie was flying Rakshata to the Ikaruga.
"Thanks for your help Rakshata," Natalie said.
"You really helped us," Carter said.
"It's fine, just don't go around and use what I made for you against us," Rakshata said.
"That will never happen, besides, Lelouch would execute us as traitors if we did."
"Hmm, yes, of course…make sure your emperor stays alive and help him win, that's all I want to say."
"You got it," Natalie said, "oh and Carter?"
"What?" Carter responded.
"Rakshata and Cecile worked very hard on your knightmare, don't go and be reckless with it like you did when you fought Bismarck."
Carter was taken back, "Honestly, must you need to keep reminding me?"
Natalie waved her finger, "Absolutely, you're a reckless guy."
Carter sighed, "Give me a break Natalie; you're starting sound like my older sister."
Rakshata chuckled, "You kids are quite amusing."
Natalie smiled and Carter's eyebrow twitched and he blushed as well.
The next day in the air
It was the next day and up in the skies, the forces of Emperor Lelouch in his Merlin Flagship was facing the forces of the former second prince, Schneizel in his Damocles Aerial Fortress and Lelouch was giving his speech to his entire forces.
"This battle is the ultimate test," Lelouch declared, "Not just Britannia but the entire world is at stake. If we defeat Schneizel and his entire forces, then there will be no one left to threaten us. This world will be ensuring of a new bright future by all of us who are willing to embrace a new era. Crush them and destroy Schneizel and his sky fortress Damocles! We have nothing to fear in the name of the future!"
Lelouch's forces chanted loudly and with passion, "ALL HAIL LELOUCH!"
Meanwhile Schneizel was giving his own speech to his forces, "Lelouch intends to spread malice and turmoil not only in Britannia but all across the globe. Lelouch is the true enemy of peace therefore he must be wipeout. It is time for us stand together and remove open the mask the false benevolent emperor. The people of the world are really waiting for our song of victory. I pray for all time, this shall be the last battle in the last war that mankind will ever need to fight."
Garden Room of Damocles
Nunnally was hearing her brother Schneizel's speech and clutched the key to Damocles' F.L.E.I.A.'s warheads.
In the cockpit of the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N.
Kallen was in her Guren and looked at the opposition that was against Lelouch, "Lelouch, I will protect you, no matter what."
In the cockpit of the Mordred
Anya looked at the picture of the times in Ashford Academy and stared at Lelouch in the photo, "Lelouch, I'll make you into records of my hard drive."
In the cockpit of the Lancelot Albion
Suzaku looked at Lelouch's forces and narrowed his eyes, "Lelouch, no matter what, I will stop you," the Knight of Seven had his thoughts for the one person he loved, "Euphie, I will finally avenge you."
Damocles Bridge
"Are you sure Anya will be all right in the battle?" Kanon asked, "I know you promised to restore her memories your highness but-"
"We need every bit of battle strength we have," Schneizel interrupted, "so-" Schneizel was interrupted by an incoming transmission, "Oh, an open channel."
The transmission was accepted and it showed Lelouch.
"Greetings brother," Lelouch greeted.
Schneizel wasn't surprised, "Lelouch, if you plan to give up, now's the time."
"What a silly thing to say Schneizel," Lelouch replied as he then looked at Diethard, who had smirk on his face and the 99th Britannian Emperor was not surprised.
"Lelouch, tell me, do you really think you can win?" Schneizel asked.
Lelouch was surprised, "What's this, are you actually asking me?"
"I have an arsenal of F.L.E.I.A. warheads and it's like I told you, I'm ready to use them against you. You will lose and all the efforts you have put for the past month will be for naught."
Lelouch chuckled, "Schneizel, for the very first time, you will lose."
Schneizel smirked at his half-brother's comment, "Hmph, you actually think so? I guess we'll see, won't we?"
The transmission ended and the staff in the bridge as well as Kanon and Diethard looked at Schneizel, who was smiling.
"Transmit pattern signet to our forces," Schneizel commanded.
Knightmares of Schneizel's forces began to make their move.
Avalon Bridge
"Enemy fleets are in motion and deploying into a wide field aerial formation," Cecile said with Lelouch appearing on the Avalon's monitor.
Merlin Bridge
"He's using conventional forces…good," Lelouch commented, "Stretch over the left wing, assume half moon formation."
Sayoko was standing next to Lelouch and looked at her young master and nodded feeling that he will pull through and will lead to victory against Schneizel.
Knightmares of Lelouch's forces begin to move to the formation Lelouch instructed.
Damocles Bridge
"Their main wing is under manned," Kanon informed.
Schneizel nodded, "Have Gino's unit advance. Keep the enemy's left wing from extending."
With the Tristan
"Yes, your highness," Gino complied as he and his unit begin to move.
Merlin Bridge
"Checking my move," Lelouch said in a low tone and then gave an order, "Reverse the direction of our left wing."
One of the operators on the console looked back at the 99th emperor, "That will break our formation."
"Do it."
Lelouch's forces reverse the direction.
Damocles Bridge
"Gino, halt your advance now," Schneizel said.
Gino was surprised, "But why? We should strike while they're in disarray."
"It's a false opening," Schneizel then chuckled, "I'm not buying it."
Merlin Bridge
Lelouch narrowed his eyes, "Not falling for it, huh. Switch our formation to the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper."
Lelouch's forces switch battle formation.
Damocles Bridge
"Sixth unit, follow Anya and move to the northeast," Schneizel instructed, "Elevate 40 degrees."
Merlin Bridge
"Bombardiers, prep for anti-air combat," Lelouch commanded.
Damocles Bridge
"Anya, stop there and climb 200 meters and stabilize," Schneizel instructed.
Forces of Lelouch and Schneizel were constantly moving and it began to test the patience of those in Schneizel's forces.
Bridge of Carine's Flagship, The Ares
Carine was getting annoyed at what was going on, "What's going on? We're not even fighting."
Guinevere and Cassius appeared on screen.
"That's where you're wrong Carine," Guinevere said.
Carine was confused, "What?"
"I think I see what's going on here," Cassius said as he nodded, "This is the kind of contest that is decided instantly."
In the cockpit of the Lancelot Albion
"This is…so right now," Suzaku spoke, "this is an invisible battle raging between the two of them."
The Avalon
Lloyd, Roland, and Nina were continuing working on the measure to counter the F.L.E.I.A.
"We have to hurry," Nina said, "they're going to attack each other any moment now."
"Yeah, you're right," Roland replied.
The Merlin's Bridge
"Sire, they're surrounding us," one of operators said.
Lelouch gritted his teeth before giving another command, "Counter move and reinforce the front line with Carter's Gaheris Susano-o. Holding combat speed 4…Jason…Nonette…"
"Sire?" Jason replied.
"Yes Lulu?" Nonette replied.
"The two of you and your units advance."
"Right away," Nonette and Jason said in unison.
Jason and Nonette and their units advance.
Damocles' Bridge
"Haha, you haven't change Lelouch," Schneizel said when he saw an opening, "you rather attack my front line than defend your own flanks. I now have a small window. Suzaku..."
"Yes your highness," Suzaku replied as he and his own unit began to advance.
In the cockpit of the Sutherland Sieg
"Stand fast," Jeremiah spoke, "live up to his majesty's trust in us!"
Near the Merlin
Lelouch's forces began their attack and attempt to stop their enemy's advance.
In the cockpit of the Lancelot Albion
"If Lelouch is defeated, it will finally be over!" Suzaku said with conviction as he just destroyed one of the knightmares of Jason's unit.
Guinevere's Flagship, the Athena's Bridge
Guinevere was sitting on her throne and had a grin as she stood up, "Keep advancing. If we destroy their line, it will be a free for all."
In the cockpit of the Sutherland Sieg
"They're punching through," Jeremiah said gritting his teeth.
In the air
Units in Lelouch's forces were being pushed back and overwhelmed but were fighting back nonetheless.
The Merlin's Bridge
Lelouch gritted his teeth as he was seeing what was happening.
"They're going to cut us to pieces at this rate," Lelouch said upset.
"Sire, do you want Nonette and Jason to fall back?" Carter asked appearing on the screen.
"No, that's what Schneizel wants us to do. Draw in the battle line, fall back and regroup!"
Damocles' Bridge
"Their fleet will be damaged and their falling back," Kanon reported.
Bridge of the Ares
Carine stood up from her throne excited ready to see the destruction on Lelouch's forces, "Don't lose focus keep pushing them down!"
In the air
The Lancelot Albion rushes forward.
"Hey Suzaku, your too far ahead of us!" Gino said over in communications.
"I understand Gino," Suzaku replied, "however…"
The Lancelot Albion defeats another knightmare unit by throwing one of the MVS, stabbing it and then the Lancelot Albion grabbed the hilt of that MVS and sliced it through the knightmare causing it to explode.
"Hey, don't rush! If we defeat Carter and the others, we'll be able to isolate both the Merlin and the Avalon."
"Yes, I know!" Suzaku said as he had the Lancelot Albion put away the MVSs and draw and fired multiple shots with both his V.A.R.I.S.'s at the Dreadnought hitting the flagship itself.
The Bridge of the Dreadnought
The crew of the Dreadnought was shaken at what just happened and Major General Cain Doran, the commander of the Dreadnought cursed as explosions were happening in the flagship.
"Your Majesty, forgive us, we-" Major General Doran said but was cut off as the flagship exploded with the crew in it.
In the air
The Dreadnought was seen exploded. The knightmares in Lelouch's forces were scattered and holding off more enemy knightmares attacking.
The cockpit of the Kay Omega
"Dammit, this is bad," Natalie said upset as she maneuvered her knightmare to dodge and counter the attacks of some of the enemy units shooting her Wrist-mounted Hadron Blasters.
Bridge of the Avalon
Cecile was looking at the monitor and seeing units of Schneizel's forces advancing.
"The Dreadnought is destroyed," Cecile said, "they're about to brake through!"
Bridge of the Merlin
"So that's how it stands," Lelouch said narrowing his eyes, "with three of the Knights of the Round on Schneizel's side, I guess it's to be expected," Lelouch balled his fist, "however, I refuse to lose, not when there is so much at stake!"
In a cockpit of a Customized Vincent Ward
"For His Majesty!" A soldier declared as he rushed and began to fight against the Lancelot Albion.
In the air
The Lancelot Albion was fighting the charging Customized Vincent Ward knightmare frame and overwhelmed the knightmare unit with its two MVSs. As the Vincent Ward tried again, the Lancelot Albion countered and stabbed the Vincent Ward causing the knightmare to drop both its Lance-type MVSs.
In the cockpit of the Lancelot Albion
Suzaku narrowed his eyes, "Pathetic, you don't stand a chance against me but you still insist on fighting me…how foolish."
Suzaku had his knightmare frame slice up the Vincent Ward causing it to explode with the pilot along with it.
"Anyone that gets in my way will receive no mercy," Suzaku said and then had his thoughts, "Lelouch, just how many more lives are you willing to sacrifice for your selfish goal?"
In the air
The Guren S.E.I.T.E.N. was fighting against Schneizel's forces. The Radiation Wave Surger was launched and grabbed one of the enemy units and caused it to explode. The Gaheris Susano-o launched one of its Slash Harkens striking one of the enemy Vincent Wards. The Pelleas Titan and the Bedivere Alpha were pushing back more of the enemy units with their Slash Harkens and MVSs' while the Morgause was slicing through units with its Lance-type MVSs.
Damocles' Bridge
"It's time," Schneizel declared, "Guinevere, Cassius, Carine, form a triangle formation and smash both their wings!"
"With pleasure," Carine replied with a grin appearing on the monitor.
The bridge of the Athena
"Prepare to fire the Stark Hadron Cannon," Guinevere commanded.
The bridge of Cassius's Flagship, the Tartarus
"Instill on them that they have no hope!" Cassius commanded.
In the air
The three flagships formed a triangle and readied their Stark Hadron Cannons and the knightmare units of Schneizel's forces moved out of the way as they were prepared to fire. Most of the knightmares in Lelouch's forces were holding their positions but the pilots inside were wondering what was going on.
In the cockpit of the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N.
Kallen was confused in what she was seeing, "What's going on? What are they doing?"
Bridge of the Merlin
Lelouch was seeing the three flagships forming a triangle and pondered, "What? Why are they…?" Lelouch widened his eyes as he realized what was about to happen and he stood up, "All units, scatter away from the ranges of the three flagships and activate all shields now! I'm sure that all three of those flagships have Stark Hadron Cannons and they're about to fire in their formations!"
In the cockpit of Guren S.E.I.T.E.N.
Kallen's eyes widened at what Lelouch said and saw on her monitor of what the three flagships were doing.
"Oh no," Kallen spoke in shock.
In the cockpit of the Sutherland Sieg
"Everyone, quickly!" Jeremiah said with urgency.
In the cockpit of the Morgause
"Scatter and active the shields you have now!" Nonette said with urgency.
In the air
The knightmare frames and the flagships of Lelouch forces began to attempt the scatter and activate the shields that their units had as the Ares, the Athena, and the Tartarus fired their Stark Hadron Cannons. Some of the knightmares in Lelouch's forces didn't make it and were destroyed. Some barely made out of the firing range and had their shields activated. Some of the knightmares that had their shields were but was not fully activated were still susceptible of being destroyed. The flagship, Pellinore had its Blaze Luminous activated and was still holding on although part of the shield had been lost.
Bridge of the Merlin
Lelouch was still on feet and looked at the monitor seeing the destruction that plagued on his forces and he was balling his fists and gritted his teeth.
"I want a status report now!" Lelouch demanded.
The operators on the bridges were checking through the forces that were still intact and the units that were lost.
In the air
The leading knightmare frames of Lelouch's forces looked on.
"We were careless," Carter said upset over the communications.
"I would say that at least 50% of our forces have been lost," Natalie said.
In the cockpit of the Kay Omega
Natalie narrowed his eyes, "Well Your Majesty?"
In the bridge of the Merlin
Lelouch looked at the monitor and narrowed his eyes, "Kallen and my Six Knights of the Rounds, lure the enemies in without getting close to them. As soon as I give the word, scatter away so that I will launch the new weapon Roland made from my ship. Make sure you are away when I give the word so that none of you are caught up in the blast.
"Yes Your Majesty," the six Knights of the Round complied.
"You got it Lelouch," Kallen complied.
Bridge of the Ares
Carine laughed enjoying the destruction see on Lelouch's side, "Wonderful, did you see that?"
Bridge of the Tartarus
"This is all thanks to Schneizel," Cassius said and then started to gloat, "not so great now, are you, you son of a common whore!"
Bridge of the Athena
"All units destroy the forces that are foolish to follow a weak pretend emperor," Guinevere said with delight, "they don't stand a chance so wipe them out of existence!"
In the cockpit of the Tristan
"It's time to end this now!" Gino declared.
In the cockpit of the Mordred
"Time to make them all memories," Anya simply said.
In the cockpit of the Lancelot Albion
"With our forces being led by Schneizel, we can and will defeat Lelouch!" Suzaku declared.
In the air
The three knightmares of the Knights of the Round led their units to begin their wave of attacks with the three flagships of Guinevere, Cassius, and Carine behind them as well.
Bridge of Damocles
Schneizel, Kanon, and Diethard were pleased at what they were seeing on the monitor.
"It seems that Lelouch badly underestimated the fighting skills and tactics of our side," Diethard said with a smirk.
In the cockpit of the Morgause
"Well Lulu?" Nonette spoke.
In the Bridge of the Merlin
Lelouch looked at the monitor and saw most of the enemy units and even the three flagships that were commanded by his three half-siblings were in the positions he wanted them to be.
"I didn't want to use it," Lelouch said, "but…" Lelouch paused for a moment and once again steeled his resolve, "Fall back immediately!" Lelouch commanded.
In the air
Kallen and the Lelouch's Knights of the Round quickly have piloted their knightmares to fall back and retreat away from the enemy forces.
In the cockpit of the Lancelot Albion
Suzaku was confused, "What's going on?"
"It seems that they're retreating," Anya said appearing on Suzaku's monitor.
"Yeah, but why?" Gino asked also appearing on their monitor.
The bridge of the Damocles
Schneizel got suspicious, "What are they doing? Surely they must have realized that retreating isn't really going to do them any good."
"That's true," Kanon agreed, "are going to try anyway?"
Diethard narrowed his eyes, "That doesn't make sense, Lelouch wouldn't think that it would work for them and those knights would know as well and there is also Kozuki with them as well. No, they're smarter than that."
Schneizel started to realize something, "Wait a minute," Schneizel began to speak through the communication, "all forces that are charging, do not pursue them. Halt your advance now!"
Cassius appeared on the screen, "What are you talking Schneizel? This is our chance. Can you not see that they are running scare? They have no fight left."
Carine appeared on the screen as well, "That's right. This is our chance. Let's show them no mercy!"
"Do not pursue them, it's a false opening! They're luring you all into a trap!" Schneizel warned.
"Schneizel, don't you think you're being a bit paranoid?" Guinevere asked as she also appeared on the screen.
"Never mind that," Cassius said.
"That's right, get them! We can take them!" Carine said as she and the others that would listen were still pursuing them.
Schneizel was gritting his teeth, "Those fools…Gino, Anya, and Suzaku, stop your advance now. It's a trap!"
In the air
Suzaku, Gino, and Anya did what Schneizel said and halted their advance.
The bridge of the Ares
"Schneizel doesn't know what he's talking about," Carine commented, "he lost his backbone all of a sudden. Get them!"
The bridge of the Merlin
Lelouch was watching the screen of the enemy units that were charging in and Cecile appeared on the screen, "Your Majesty, they're getting closer."
"Yes, just as I expected," Lelouch said, "I knew that Carine, Cassius, and Guinevere would fall for the false opening as well."
Lelouch then opened a small hatchet on the left side of his throne and pushed a few buttons that were there.
In the air
The Merlin then opened one of the hatchets that revealed a launcher and it shot a projectile. It hit an enemy Vincent Commander Model, surprising all those around it. There something that was attaching the Vincent Commander Model.
In the cockpit of the Lancelot Albion
"What is that?" Suzaku asked.
The bridge of the Merlin
Lelouch had his switch in his hand and he pressed the red button.
In the air
The thing that attached the Vincent Commander Model started to blink rapidly and then it started to explode, causing a chain reaction and striking others that were in the range.
The bridge of the Ares
"Lady Carine, there some explosion and it's coming in all sides!" One of the operators informed, "We're going get hit as well!"
"What!" Carine was surprised.
In the air
The explosion started to hit the knightmare units of Schneizel's forces and the three flagships were in the range and about to be hit with the explosion as well.
The bridge of the Tartarus
Cassius couldn't believe what he was seeing, "This can't be…maneuver this ship now!"
In the air
The explosion struck the Tartarus, the Athena, and the Ares as well, damaging the three imperial flagships as well and they were starting to fall.
In the cockpit of the Tristan
Gino's eyes were widened at what he was seeing, "I don't believe this!"
In the cockpit of the Lancelot Albion
Suzaku's eyes were widened and shaking at the destruction he was seeing, "There is no doubt, a bomb that uses Sakuradite. I never expected that Lelouch would have something like that."
In the air
Many knightmare units of Schneizel's forces were decimated and much debris of knightmare units was falling in the sea. The explosions were still happening striking all the units that were in range.
The bridge of the Ikaruga
Li Xingke and his entourage were watching the war that was going on between the forces of Lelouch and Schneizel and they were shocked at what they saw.
"I don't believe this," Hong Gu spoke.
"To think that Emperor Lelouch would utilize something like that," Xianglin commented.
"If he were to fire another one again..." Xingke said.
"He won't," Rakshata said relaxing on the couch.
Xingke and the others looked at Rakshata.
"How do you know that?" Xianglin asked.
"I was with his scientist Roland Meyers as he was one who made it. He was only able to make one," Rakshata said and then smoked her pipe.
Kagoshima
Kaguya, Tianzi, and council members of the UFN were also watching the war between the forces of Lelouch and Schneizel. They were watched amazed as they saw the explosion that had just decimated most of Schneizel's forces.
"Scary…" Tianzi spoke.
Kaguya simply looked on with her thoughts, "Master Zero…"
Horai Island
In the room with a television where Cornelia was resting, she along with Odysseus, Ohgi, Villetta, Tamaki, Sugiyama, Minami, Todoh, and Chiba were watching the war as well and were amazed at what just happened.
"Unbelievable," Minami said.
"This could be that Lelouch may win this after all," Odysseus said.
Cornelia looked at her older half-brother, "Do you want Lelouch to win?"
"Oh, well…" the eldest of the Britannian imperial siblings paused for a moment, "the way I see it, it would be better with Lelouch than Schneizel."
"I see," Cornelia looked at the television.
"Oh man, are you all seeing this?" Tamaki said, "They never saw it coming."
"It seems that Kallen and the others lured them into a trap," Ohgi said.
"With this, most of Schneizel's forces have been decimated," Todoh commented.
"They better not think that they can relax just yet," Cornelia said.
The others looked at Cornelia and Odysseus knew what Cornelia was referring to.
"That's right," Odysseus said with dread, "Schneizel still has those F.L.E.I.A. warheads."
"So, I wonder if they still have a chance," Chiba said.
The bridge of the Damocles
Diethard and Kanon were shocked at what they saw.
"I can't believe this," Diethard said surprised.
"He was able to decimate most of our forces," Kanon added.
Schneizel sighed, "They should have listened to me. I suspected Lelouch had something like this in his sleeve."
One of the operators turned to Schneizel, "Your highness, should we check on Prince Cassius, Princess Guinevere, and Princess Carine?"
"No, don't bother," Schneizel immediately replied, earning shocked reactions from most of his staff, "this happened because they ignored my warning. If they are not willing to listen, then there is no point. This may serve them as a lesson to not fall for the enemy's trap so easily."
Merlin's Knightmare Hanger
CC was walking going to her pink knightmare, the Lancelot Frontier that was built for her, "This has drastically depleted the enemy's strength…"
In the cockpit of the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N.
"…which leaves Damocles wide open," Kallen said with determination.
In the air
Kallen and Lelouch's Knights of the Round led their units to advance and counter attack.
Bridge of the Damocles
"In reality, it's you who's been checkmated and you brought it on yourselves," Schneizel said and then spoke to the communicator that directed to the Garden Room, "Nunnally, targeting is complete."
Garden Room of Damocles
Nunnally was clutching to the key of the Damocles' F.L.E.I.A.
Schneizel continued, "Now that most of our forces have been destroyed, we must use the F.L.E.I.A.'s power."
Nunnally was shaking but nodded with agreement, "Y-Yes," Nunnally pushed the button, "with this act, I will erase my brother's sins."
In the air
An F.L.E.I.A warhead is launched from the Damocles.
Bridge of the Avalon
Cecile looks at the monitor, seeing the signature of the warhead, "Incoming, it's an F.L.E.I.A.!"
In the cockpit of the Kay Omega
"An F.L.E.I.A…." Natalie spoke.
Bridge of the Merlin
"So he's finally launched one," Lelouch said, "Cecile, General Bradford, send out the drones to counter it!"
Bridge of the Pellinore
"Right away," Bradford complied, "send out the drones!"
Bridge of the Avalon
"Drones being sent out," Cecile said.
In the air
The Avalon and the Pellinore opened up their hatches and three drones of each of the two flagships were sent in an attempt to stop the F.L.E.I.A. They get to the warhead and stick lances on the launching warhead.
Bridge of the Damocles
Schneizel saw what was happening and thought it was laughable, "It's useless, it can't be stopped. The F.L.E.I.A. went critical the moment it was fired from the Damocles."
In the air
The F.L.E.I.A. exploded taking the six drones with it and causing a huge sphere-like explosion.
Bridge of the Merlin
Sayoko looked on worried, "Master Lelouch, will you be able to keep this up with the drones?"
"Not for long Sayoko," Lelouch replied and spoke to communications, "Avalon and Pellinore, continue to send your three drones at a time when an F.L.E.I.A. is fired. I know we're very limited. All units, continue to fall back and avoid getting in the range of the F.L.E.I.A. at all times!"
In the air
The remaining knightmare units of Lelouch's forces complied and six more drones were being sent out. Another F.L.E.I.A. was launched and the result was the same for the next six drones.
In the cockpit of the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N.
"Lelouch, we won't be able to last much longer, we don't have enough drones," Kallen said.
In the cockpit of the Kay Omega
"It's regrettable that we didn't have time to build a lot more," Natalie said with regret.
"There's not much we do for now," Sarah said speaking through the communication, "we can only hope that your sister pulls through Natalie."
"I know, but can she do it?" Natalie asked worried, "Will she do it?"
Bridge of the Merlin
"What now Master Lelouch?" Sayoko asked.
Lelouch had his hand on his chin, "Now that the Sakuradite bomb has been used and considering the numbers of remaining of F.L.E.I.A. warheads, I'm at a disadvantage of just one move," Lelouch then had his thoughts, "meaning I have to depend on Nina now. Can she do it? I know she hates me, she detest me for being Zero, Euphie's murderer. The enemy of her precious Britannia which I now rule and yet to defeat Schneizel…"
Bridge of Damocles
Schneizel was still very confident and could not imagine even for a tiny bit that he would lose. Kanon and Diethard were confident in Schneizel and saw that he had a plan.
"I wonder," Schneizel spoke, "do you really think you can defeat me Lelouch? Because if you do, you're at the end of your path," Schneizel narrowed his eyes and had a sinister grin, "A man who has not mastered the use of the mask could never prevail."
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The war continues and the invention that can counter the final F.L.E.I.A. warhead will be utilized, Lelouch himself leads the invasion of the Damocles, and an unexpected event happens that will result of the Black Knights involved in the war with help from someone unexpected.
Here's the breakdown of the Armed Forces of Lelouch and Schneizel for this chapter
Britannian Empire
Commander: Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia
Knightmare Units
100+ Customized Gareths
300+ Customized Vincent Wards
100+ Black Flight Enabled Sutherlands
Flagships
The Merlin commanded by Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia
The Avalon commanded by Earl Lloyd Asplund and Cecile Croomy
The Dreadnought commanded by Major General Cain Doran
The Pellinore commanded General Adrian Bradford
Leading Knightmares
Guren S.E.I.T.E.N. piloted by Kallen Kozuki
Gaheris Susano-o piloted by Carter Gregan
Sutherland Sieg piloted by Jeremiah Gottwald
Pelleas Titan piloted by Jason Mardock
Bedivere Alpha piloted by Sarah Allerston
Kay Omega piloted by Natalie Einstein
Morgause piloted by Nonette Enneagram
Schneizel's Forces
Commander: Schneizel el Britannia
Sky Fortress: Damocles
Knightmare Units
100+ Gareths
300+ Vincent Wards
100+ Vincent Commander Models
200+ Flight Enabled Sutherlands
Flagships
The Ares commanded by Carine le Britannia
The Athena commanded by Guinevere su Britannia
The Tartarus commanded by Cassius le Britannia
Leading Knightmares
Lancelot Albion piloted by Suzaku Kururugi
Tristan piloted by Gino Weinberg
Mordred piloted by Anya Alstreim