Greetings Fanfiction Readers! What's up? Another chapter of this story of course! Read, review, and enjoy. Not much else for me to say.
Disclaimer: Code Geass...Geass. What it that? And I mean the ability not the show. Or do I?
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
Turn Nine
The Chinese Federation. An alliance of nations boasting the largest population on the planet. But the truth is, it can be called a doddering old man. The symbol of this alliance is the Empress. The ruling class which controls society from within her shadow has grown exceedingly tyrannical while poverty and stagnation have sapped the life from the nation's people. When the Black Knights fled Japan, they sought refuge in this neighboring federation. The High Eunuchs, the most powerful men at the time, lent the Japanase people the manmade island of Horai, built for tidal power generation off the Jiangsu Province on the coast of the Yellow Sea. Even though this arrangement was worked out well in advance, all the political implications of the deal with not become apparent until a later time.
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Japanese Loan District – Horai Island
"Man, Federation's laying a lot of recognition on us." Minami commented.
"There was that whole bit with Sawasaki, too." Sugiyama said. "Think they're pro-Japanese?"
"The High Eunuchs, you mean?" Asahina inquired.
"Asahina! Don't you know?" Tamaki said, coming behind them with a wheelbarrow and wearing a white tee-shirt. "The High Eunuchs may be guys, but," He then gestured down south with his right hand. "they got no jewels down below."
At that, Inoue felt her face become warm.
"That's enough." Minami said, turning to him. "You'll get us in trouble for saying stuff like that."
"Aw, chill out!" Tamaki said, turning to Ohgi as he come from behind them.
"Hey," Ohgi said. "I need a hand off-loading the Knightmares."
Inoue shuddered. What happened last year during the Black Rebellion still fresh in her mind. How close to death she had been. "Knightmares, don't think I'll be able to utilize one again."
"What?" Asahina inquired. "They're here already? Something's gotta be going on behind the scenes for India to be giving us this much cooperation."
"No, I think it's that serious." Ohgi said. "They want their independence from the Chinese Federatuion as well."
"Rakshata mentioned that, too." Asahina noted.
"Isn't there where she came from?" Inoue asked.
"Think so," Sugiyama said. "doesn't talk about it though."
"Considering the place is nowhere's ville." Tamaki commented.
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"C'mon!" A young boy said, surrounding by others. "Hurry!"
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"We finished picking out staff leader candidates." Diethard said. "Should we assign them to ikaruga for now?"
"Yes." Zero said. They were in a sort of command room. Diethard stood in the doorway as Kallen was inspecting something behind them. Rivalz looked over her shoulder, having arrived there earlier by way of his Pendragon Knightmare Frame. "That leaves us with the municipal leaders."
"Correct." Diethard said. "Let's work with the intelligence section and get that setup." Diethard then turned to leave. "Now then, if you'll excuse me."
"Are you sure that we can depend on Diethard?" Kallen asked after he had left. "He acts on his own like what he did with Sayoko."
"On the contrary," Zero said, dimming the windows of the room. "he's easy to read."
"Zero's not one to have those in his ranks he can't trust." Rivalz added.
"Huh?" Kallen inquired after Zero took his mask off.
"In that man's mind he's trying to turn Zero into a symbol for God." Lelouch said. "Going from there you can guess what actions he'll take. Besides he has a useful talent for manipulating information."
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"All right. That just about does it." Tohdoh said, closing the black book he was viewing. "That only leaves the combat carrier. You're installing the Gawain's system onto the Ikaruga, aren't you?"
"I use the same on Shinkiro, too." Rakshata said, lying on her couch. "The Gawain's main body was so damaged when we salvaged it from the sea."
"And what about the unit that sank with it?" Chiba inquired, stirring something around in a pot.
"The one being called the Knight Gigafortress?" Tohdoh asked, turning his head to her a little.
"I tried to find out myself, however..." Rakshata said.
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"You seriously wanna take down the Chinese Federation's capital?" Kallen asked, looking inside of a pipe above them.
"In such a way that we won't be viewed as invaders." Lelouch said, his left hand to his head. "If we overthrow Luoyang, we clear a lot of conditions for defeating Britannia."
Kallen turned away from her task before looking up. He seems to be okay now. Kallen thought, remember what happened at Shinjuku. He seems to be more focused then he was then anyway.
"What is it?" Lelouch asked, seeing her distracted.
Kallen was surprised by the question as she fell off the crate she was standing on. After which, she landed on Lelouch, their faces a few inches apart.
"Tell me something, Lelouch." Kallen began with a hint of curiosity. "Why did you come back to us?"
"Kallen," Lelouch said. "when this is over, will you then return with me to Ashford. Because I'm..."
"Tabasco?" C.C. said.
"Geez Lelouch," Rivalz said with a faint smirk. "Talk about compromising."
Kallen and Lelouch then looked up to see C.C. looking at a piece of pizza as she held Cheese-kun. Rivalz was nearby, eating a piece of pizza himself.
"How long have you been there?" Lelouch asked.
"It needs Tabasco, but all we have is hot sesame oil." C.C. said. "What should I do?"
Lelouch and Kallen then got up from the ground. Lelouch smirked before shaking his head. "I wouldn't know."
"I wouldn't neither." Kallen said.
A buzzer noise then sounded as Kaguya spoke over the intercommunication system.
"Master Zero!" Kaguya exclaimed. "Please come to the Ikaruga, hurry! We've got trouble!"
As the four of them listened, C.C. had a strand of pizza coming from her mouth as she began to eat the pizza. "Hmm?"
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"What?!" Zero said. "A political marriage?"
"Yes." Kaguya said with a nod of her head. "I received an invitation to the wedding through the Sumeragi Conglomerate. The bride to be is the Empress, icon of the Chinese Federation. I'm her good friend and she wants me to attend."
"And the groom is to be the First Prince of Britannia." Tohdoh added.
That is sick and wrong on so many levels. Rivalz thought.
"That one they call Odysseus." Rakshata said.
"It's too soon to activate the plan we've setup." Diethard said, turning to Zero as he stood on his right. "I didn't expect that the High Eunuchs would..."
"No." Zero interrupted. "This is a Britannian plot."
"What do we do under the circumstance?" Ohgi asked.
"The worst possible situation." Zero said. Tch. I was going to move in and grab the Emprass before they had a chance to! I never imagined that mediocre man could act so quickly.
"Oh, why worry about it?" Tamaki asked. "It's not as if we we're involved in Britannia anymore."
"What?!" Kallen said, turning to him.
"We've been kicked out!" Tamaki explained. "Have you forgotten?"
"Um..." Ayama Futaba said. "But they haven't exonerated us of our crimes, have they?"
"However, a political marriage..." Mutsuki Minase said.
"There's always the possibility that the Chinese Federation might attack us." Ichijiku Hinata said.
"And what then?!" Tamaki exclaimed. "The Black Knights are wrapped up and given as a wedding present?"
"Actually," Kaguya said, turning to him. "that's an apt way to put it."
"You're sure developing a useless ability there." C.C. said, hugging Cheese-kun.
"We're in big trouble here!" Tamaki said. "We're in no position to sit around and make jokes!"
"I don't know about that." Rivalz said. "Sometimes a joke can lighten the mood."
Looks from those in the room were then trained on Rivalz. He couldn't help but notice a certain gleam of vehemence in Ohgi's eyes. While Rivalz didn't hate anyone, a sneaking sense of dislike for the man was creeping up on him. Kallen, C.C., Lelouch, and Tohdoh looked on impassively. C.C. and Tohdoh with their stoic dispositions and Kallen and Lelouch with their disinterest.
Rivalz cleared his throat as they continued on undeterred.
"Anyway, the trouble you mentioned is why..." Rakshata began.
"...We are discussing the matter at this moment." Ohgi said.
"Zero, the one behind this..." Diethard said.
"Yes, there's another person." Zero said. "The one who overnight made this fiendish move in order to reverse their embittered relationship with the Chinese Federation."
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"They would dare barter away the Empress to the Britannians?" Xingke wondered aloud as Schneizel and Kanon met with the High Eunuchs.
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Luoyang – Vermillion Forbidden City
Reception Hall
"Tell me," Suzaku ask Cécile as Euphemia stood next to him. "did the Empress willingly consent to this marriage?"
"That's what they said so we can only take their word for it." Cécile answered, holding a wine glass. "Besides this arrangement may be the path to peace."
"True enough." Suzaku agreed.
"But would that peace be worth it?" Euphemia inquired.
"What do you mean?" Suzaku asked. Usually Euphy loved the idea of peace. He couldn't fathom her doing the opposite.
"What I mean is that it looks like Empress Tianzi looks scared and miserable." Euphemia answered.
As the trio looked over to the girl in question, she looked to be trembling, her eyes seemed to glisten slightly.
"It is kind of...disturbing when I think about it." Suzaku said. "A grown man and a young girl."
"It does sound messed up." Cécile admitted. "But today, let's just be good guests and enjoy ourselves."
"I guess." Suzaku said, though he sounded unconvinced. No one should be forced into marriage. Especially one so...wrong.
"I wish there was something I could do." Euphemia said.
Suzaku had a small smile on his face as he looked at Euphemia. Always thinking of others. His features hardened a bit. If we're having thoughts like this...could it mean that Zero plans on kidnapping the Empress?
For the first time in his life, Suzaku wondered if that would be a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand, the young Empress would be freed from a marriage that would cause some to look at it with disgust, but on the other, she would be in the clutches of Zero and the Black Knights. A group of terrorists.
Stop it. Suzaku mentally chided himself. You're only going to make your head hurt at this rate. Besides, Zero is a lot of things, but someone who does reprehensible acts against young children is not one of them.
Before Suzaku could think more on the subject though, his thoughts were diverted when a certain blond-haired man brimming with excitement came up to them holding a platter.
"Suzaku, look!" Gino exclaimed. "I've found it!" The it that Gino found being something that looked like a Chinese Dragon made out of cheese or some other yellow substance. "This is that charred newt stuff you told me about, isn't it? So how do I eat it?"
"That's a decoration made out of food." Suzaku said.
"Decoration?" Gino echoed before turning to Cécile. "But didn't I see you eat a bird like this earlier in the reception?"
"Do you mean the Chinese Phoenix?" Suzaku asked, turning to Cécile.
"I guess that'll be one phoenix that won't be rising from the ashes." Euphemia commented.
"Or is this case, the crumbs." Gino added.
At this, Gino and Euphemia shared a light chuckle.
"Oh, that's what it was, huh?" Cécile said. "I thought it was meat, but it was really carrot..."
She trailed off as she heard a beep sound off behind her. It sounded like a camera taking a picture.
"Huh?" Cécile wondered being turning around. In front of her was the stoic girl from the Knights of the Round. Anya.
"Is this made out of potato?" Gino asked. "I mean, I can eat it?"
"Excuse me, Lady AlstreIm," Cécile began, walking towards the Knight of the Round as Lloyd was walking behind Anya.
"No, I'm memorizing something." Anya replied. As she glanced up from her video diary, she couldn't help but notice Gino acting like his usual self. A small smile tugged at her mouth as she saw him devour a side of the decoration, looking quite pleased with himself. He's foolish. Anya thought. As she continued on her train of thought, an oblivious blush came to her face. But he's also kind and amusing.
Suzaku looked at Gino with disbelief and slight amusement at his actions. Euphemia also seemed to derive amusement from his actions.
"Oh, that's a diary?" Cécile asked, breaking Anya out of her thoughts.
"Well then, you're recording, not memorizing." Lloyd commenting at he walked over to Milly. She was dressed in a blue dress that seemed to reveal her skin. She looked exquisite amongst the party-goers.
"Um, Lloyd, I have a serious question to ask you." Milly started. "Am I still your fiancée or not?"
"You're...we didn't call if off, did we?" Lloyd asked. And to him, he genuinely did not know.
"This is a rare picture." Kanon said, coming from behind Lloyd. "I figured you'd skip the celebration party and just attend the ceremony tomorrow."
Lloyd then started to turn to Kanon as he talked before facing him completely.
"Occasionally Suzaku gets angry with me and says that I ought to behave like a betrothed man." Lloyd then gestured to Milly with his right gloved hand. "And this young woman right here is the issue."
Milly then curtsied in respect for Kanon. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Milly Ashford."
"Pleasure is mine." Kanon said. "I'm dumbfounded to find Lloyd showing interests in anything human."
Lloyd chuckled sheepishly, putting his right hand to his head before removing it. "Yeah, I must be growing up. Allow me to introduce Earl Kanon Maldini, Prince Schneizel's aide-de-camp."
"Public and private." Kanon added.
"Huh?" Milly inquired. After registering the implications of what he had said, Milly's cheeks took on a faint shade of pink.
"I'm kidding." Kanon said.
"Oh." Milly said. Although, she couldn't help the nagging doubt at the back of her mind.
"It so happens that the prince has a preference for unusual things, which includes myself." Kanon said.
A male voice then rang through the room. "Announcing the arrival of the Prime Minister of the Holy Britannian Empire, Second Prince Schneizel."
The assembled masses then turned to see Prince Schneizel stepping up the stairs as he was holding the hand of Nina. She was dressed in a pink dress and had two pink flowers in her hair. Her glasses nowhere to be seen.
"It can't be...Nina!" Milly said.
"My," Odysseus said, leaning forward a bit. "I never thought my younger brother would keep the company of just one particular woman." He the turned to Empress Tianzi. The little girl looked like she really didn't want to be there.
Tianzi made a noise of agreement absently.
Several women then commented on Nina as she walked past.
"Who is that girl?
"Isn't she the Chief of Invogue?"
"Yes. The Prince's research team."
"She's awfully young."
"A girl like that should know her place."
"Be strong." Schneizel said. "Euphy always presents herself grandly."
"Right." Nina said, turning from him back to the way ahead. In front of them were Suzaku, Gino, and Anya as they kneel in front of the Second Prince. Euphemia stood behind them.
"Hello Nina." Euphemia said. "It's good to see you again."
A blossoming of joy then filled the young girl's heart. "It's good to see you again too."
"It's been a while, Your Highness." Gino said in reverence of Schneizel."The Emperor has commanded that we accept orders from you while in this land."
"Three Knights of the Round at court." Schneizel commented. "How splendid! Although..."
"What, sir?" Gino asked, looking up. Suzaku was on his right as Anya was on his left.
"This is a celebration." Schneuzel said. "Relax a bit and have some fun."
"Understood sir." Gino said.
"Suzaku, I trust everyone at school is doing well?" Nina inquired as the three Knights of the Round stood up.
"Yep." Suzaku then gestured behind him to Milly waving at her. "You see?"
"Hi there." Milly said.
"Huh?" Nina said. "Milly, it's you."
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"A secret agreement has already been setup between Prince Schneizel and the High Eunuchs." Xianglin said. "When she's married, they'll cede our territory to them. He'll then grant the High Eunuchs titles of Britannian nobility."
"Nobility." Xingke repeated. "They would sell off their country for that?"
"And our people?"
"Death to the High Eunuchs!" A male soldier exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table in front of them.
"We've got to stop this wedding even if it means putting our plan into action early!"
"But if we stage a coup, Britannia's going to declare war." Xianglin said.
"Either way." Xingke said, his arms crossed. "We ensure peace, or we do not."
Xingke then remembered a time in the past.
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"But, Your Majesty," A male soldier started, Xingke under him, pushed to the ground. "this man broke a law by trying to save the life of an inmate."
"Yes, but..." Tianzi began as she was held by a woman. "I get brought medicine when I'm sick and the person who brings it isn't punished."
"There's no comparing that prisoner with you, Your Majesty." The soldier said.
The shrill voice of a pale white High Eunuch then came. "Don't argue. The banquet will be starting soon. Do as Her Majesty commands."
"If he's taken to face the law, he'll be executed." The soldier said.
"But that's wrong!" Tianzi exclaimed, thrusting the woman's arms off of her. "That's wrong! He was doing something good so he shouldn't die because of it!"
"Well, you see..." The soldier said.
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"Officer School?" Tianzi inquired as she and Xingke stood underneath the starry sky.
"Yes." Xingke said. "That's how I'll use the life that you spared. I wish to protect you in any way I can."
"I would like to go, too." Tianzi said. "To the outside."
"Outside?" Xingke asked, looking down at the young Empress.
"Outside of the Forbidden City." Tianzi explained. "To school or maybe the sea. Where we can find all kinds of hot yummy foods and lots of friends to make."
"Yes, very well." Xingke said, touched by the Empress's wish.
"Huh?" Tianzi inquired, turning to Xingke.
"One day, if you still wish, I will take you away from here, Your Majesty." Xingke said.
"Really?" Tianzi asked, turning to Xingke completely.
"It's my way of thanking you for sparing my life." Xingke said, holding up his right pinkie.
"Huh?" Tianzi said.
"This is how we make promises outside the city." Xingke said.
Tianzi then looked at her right pinkie before interlocking it with Xingke's.
"An everlasting promise." Xingke said as they shook their pinkie fingers.
"For all time." Tianzi said, putting her thumb to his.
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"Either I protect Her Majesty," Xingke said, looking down at the reception hall. "or I allow an alliance to ensure peace."
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"At any rate I'm certainly glad this arrangement all worked out." Odysseus said. "I'm no good at fighting."
"Your Highness," Zhao Hao said. "will the Emperor be attending the wedding?"
"He informed me at the banquet back in the Homeland that he would attend." Odysseus answered.
"Miss Kaguya Sumeragi, the representative of the Sumeragi Conglomerate." A man dressed in red armor announced.
Tianzi looked happy and freed from her morose state at the mention of her friend. Kaguya!
"Kaguya?" Suzaku wondered, looking over his shoulder. It was then that he saw Zero. "What?"
"Next to Kaguya stood Zero and Kallen on one side and Rivalz on the other. Kallen looked to be somewhere between impassive and furious. Rivalz on the other hand had a ridiculous grin on his face that was incongruous with the situation at hand.
"It's Zero." Kanon said. "How dare he..."
"That red head with him." Gino said, standing next to Anya. "Isn't she the Guren Pilot?"
"It would appear so." Anya said. "The blue-haired one next to him must be the Pendragon Pilot, rumored to be able to hold out against the Guren and the Lancelot Conquista."
Gino's hand then absently grazed Anya's, bring a blush to their faces. For just a few moments, the stoic visage of Anya gave way to the wisps of a smile as Gino beamed widely.
Murmurs of dissent were wafted through the crowd, displeased to see the masked terrorist.
"Who invited him to a place like this?"
"He's a terrorist."
"Well, well, well." Schneizel said, holding a wide glass in front of him.
Schneizel! Lelouch thought. So you are the puppet master behind all this.
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Milly and Nina stood on the balcony outside as they talked.
"You're nearly ready to graduate, aren't you?" Nina asked.
Milly half-giggled, half-chuckled. "I suppose I should finish, huh?" She then turned to Nina. "But I'm happy for you. You seem to be doing well for yourself. Frankly, I'm relieved."
"You're relieved?" Nina inquired.
Milly made a noise of agreement. "If anything happens you can come to me for advice."
"Just stop that." Nina said. "Milly, I like you. I really do. However, I hate women who have no depth to them. Princess Euphemia didn't abandon me." Nina then remembered the time the princess risked her life for her. And the time they had a discussion somewhere before Euphemia confessed her love for Suzaku at the Battle of Kyushu. "Instead of running away she risked her own life to save mine. She was the only one who helped me."
"Will you stop spatting pity for me!" Nina snapped. "You're always playing around as a campus queen! And hide behind Ashford as it's a shield! It's the same with your engagement to Professor Lloyd!" Nina then turned to Milly. "You always look down on me, acting like some self-appointed guardian while you swim in your own hypocrisy! I've changed! It's time you acknowledge that!"
Milly was taken aback by her friend's outburst. "Nina...I had no idea you felt that way."
"That's because I mostly keep to myself." Nina said. "But that isn't all you've done. You string along Rivalz when you know he is utterly in love with you! You're the Lelouch to Rivalz's Shirley! But at the very least Lelouch doesn't treat her like trash! He may be aloof, but I've always had a feeling that a part of him cared about her, maybe even loved her! You though, Rivalz loves you, but you hardly give him the time of day! Frankly it sickens me!"
The words weighed heavily on Milly's heart. Is it true? Have I been stringing Rivalz's along all this time? That I take advantage of his love for me?
"You're absolutely right Nina." Milly said, slightly shocking Nina.
"I-I am?" Nina asked with a hint of bewilderment.
"Yes." Milly said. "I plan on changing my life little by little today. Thank you Nina. I needed that. You're a good friend."
"Thanks Milly." Nina said after the retreating figure as she walked back into the reception hall. As she was looking around for a certain scientist, a flash of blue hair caught her eye. Is it Cécile's? No, it wasn't wavy enough. It was more like a porcupine on their head. The hairs stood up like spikes. Milly then thought on that. Wait a minute! Porcupine, spiky...could it be? Rivalz, what would he be doing here?
She then remembered the very sudden departure of Rivalz as they were launching fireworks. How he and Lelouch had to go somewhere quickly. Rivalz...and Lelouch? If it wasn't for the fact that she knew where the hearts of the boys lay relatively, she might've thought they were seeing each other. A slight blush came to her face despite the irrationality of the thought. Putting two and two together, she slowly pieced a puzzle together. A flash of blue hair here...Rivalz's sudden departure...The way that Lelouch always seemed to disappear and the way that Rivalz would disappear as well...
As if someone had turned a switch on her brain, she belatedly realized it. If Rivalz is here with Zero and the Black Knights, then that must mean that Zero and Lelouch are one in the same.
She shook her head once. How did I never notice it before?
However, she would have other concerns to deal with as she spotted the scientist she was looking for.
"Lloyd, can we talk about something?" Milly asked.
"Hmm?" Lloyd said. "What about?"
"About our...relationship." Milly said.
"Ah, that!" Lloyd said. "Didn't we already discuss that?"
"We did, but I have something important to say." Milly said before inhaling and exhaling. "Lloyd, I'm calling off the engagement."
"Can you do that?" Lloyd asked, looking confused, as if he didn't know. Which he probably didn't.
"I don't care." Milly said, surprising herself with her boldness. "Lloyd, we both know that neither of us love the other. We also know that this is a loveless arranged marriage. I just don't think I could be happy or perhaps even be my own person in a marriage I don't want to be in." She then curtsied graciously. "So I hope you understand."
Lloyd seemed to be contemplating this for a moment. His face then broke out in a slight grin. "Oh, that's okay. To be perfectly honest I didn't love you much either." He then looked off into space with a distant expression. It was mixed with a combination of wistfulness and dismay. "In fact, there was only one person of whom I gave my heart to." He then seemed to come back to reality. "By the way, have you seen Miss Cécile? Aside from Zero showing up with the Guren and Pendragon Pilots along with Lady Kaguya, this party has been dreadfully boring."
Before Milly could answer, Lloyd exclaimed.
"There she is!" Lloyd then excused himself from Milly as she watched him go. She felt that a weight had been lifted off her chest. That she felt so much freer now that she wasn't in a marriage she didn't want to be in. But as she saw Lloyd conversing with Cécile, she couldn't help but remember something that Suzaku had said during the School Festival.
The thing with him is...so many things are wrong with him as a human being so...
As she thought about it, she couldn't help but wonder that Lloyd couldn't be as bad as that. It was plainly written on his face that to whomever had stolen his heart, he loved her dearly. It was also obvious that the relationship had its fallout. The two of them must've been quiet belligerent to cause such feelings to arise.
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A group of men dressed in red then surrounded the four of them.
"Well, this certainly is a welcoming gesture." Rivalz commented, poking a spear with a finger.
"Rivalz, calm down." Kallen warned.
"Don't worry," Rivalz said with a wide grin. "I'm not scared of these guys."
"Kaguya!" Tianzi exclaimed. Before she got up any further from her chair though, Xia Wang held her back by placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Well, our wedding present has arrived of its own accord." Xia Wang said, nodding his head before continuing. "My, this worked out wonderfully."
"You're giving them Kaguya, too?" Tianzi asked, horrified.
"Put that girl out of your mind." Zhao Hao said. "Her crimes warrant the death penalty."
"The death penalty?" Odysseus echoed. "Isn't that a little extreme for a little girl?" While Odysseus wasn't as sweet and kind as Euphemia or Nunnally, he had a good head on his shoulders. Unlike everyone else in his seemingly messed up family with its manipulation and deception, he tended to react to things calmly. Unlike some members of his family who acted like the world was their stage. While, in a way, it was, they took it a bit farther than necessary.
"No, you can't!" Tianzi exclaimed, turning to Zhao Hao. "That's wrong! This isn't Britannia!"
"Your Majesty, the Black Knights are the ones who killed Gao Hai." Xia Wang said. Tianzi then turned to him. "Please don't get involved and just leave the politics to us." He then leaned in closer to her ear. "Isn't that what you've always done? Let us handle things our way?"
"But, she's a friend." Tianzi said.
"Can we please stop quarreling now?" Schneizel asked, walking up to the guards surrounding the four new arrivals. "Today is a day of celebration, is it not?"
"But sir..." Cheng Zhong said.
"Miss Sumeragi, will you refrain from having Zero accompany you to the wedding tomorrow?" Schneizel asked.
"I suppose." Kaguya said, though she sounded hesitant. "I won't have much of choice, do I?"
"If that is the wish of the Prime Minister of Britannia then..." Cheng Zhong brought his right arm in front of him before sweeping it to his right. "withdraw!"
Schneizel then began to walk forward as the soldiers dispersed.
So Schneizel, you appear right before me. Zero thought. It was then that Suzaku appeared in front of him. As watchful as ever, I see.
"Suzaku Kururugi," Kaguya said, twirling in front of Zero with her hands on her hips. "Do you remember me? We're cousins you and I."
"Of course I do." Suzaku said, Gino and Anya standing behind him.
"We're the last remaining survivors of the Six Houses of Kyoto, aren't we?" Kaguya said.
"Taizo Kirihara and the others supported terrorists." Suzaku said. "Nothing could've stayed their executions."
"But this is different." Kaguya said. "Cousin, did you forget that Master Zero once saved your life? Do you plan to execute someone you owe your life to?"
"There's no comparison." Suzaku said, cringing.
Kaguya then clapped her hands together. "Oh, how sad! It's a good thing we are not able to kill anybody merely with the words we say."
"You wound me Suzaku." Zero said. "And here I was thinking you'd be grateful. After all, what are friends for."
Suzaku's expression darkened.
"Anyway, Prince Schneizel." Zero said. "Would you care for a game of chess?"
"Chess?" Schneizel asked.
"If I win, I'd like to have Sir Kururugi." Zero said.
"Huh?" Suzaku said.
"Talk about forward." Rivalz commented. "I hope you at least buy him dinner first."
This was met with Kallen hitting him over the head. "Ouch, that hurt."
Euphemia also felt her face heat up at the implications. Although, she knew that it was an irrational thought.
"What?" Kallen said, referring to what Zero said.
"I want to give him to you, Lady Kaguya." Zero said.
Kaguya then turned to Zero. "Oh, that would be an absolutely marvelous present!"
"Enjoy your anticipation." Zero said. If I can get Suzaku out of here, which in turn would cause Euphy to go with him, I can use my Geass on all the others. A checkmate that would turn everything around.
"I'll agree to your terms." Schneizel said. "However, if you lose I want you to remove your mask and show your face."
"Agreed." Zero said. Kallen then looked at him like he was a little crazy. Rivalz did too, although with decidedly more confidence.
"What a fine evening of entertainment this has turned into." Schneizel commented.
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"Surely we don't have to watch from a separate room away from the show." Odysseus said as the chessboard was filled with pieces.
"He's playing a terrorist." Zhao Hao said. "Something could happen, sir."
"That's ridiculous." Kaguya said. "It's my husband who's going to win!"
Odysseus chuckled, putting his right hand to his head. "I understand how you feel Miss Sumeragi, but I can't imagine anyone but my brother Schneizel winning this game."
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Anya zoomed in on Kallen's face with her video diary. She then zoomed in on Rivalz. "These are the aces of the Black Knights." She then pulled it away from her face. "Pilots of the Guren and the Pendragon." She then took a photograph of each of them. Kallen's determined features and Rivalz's attempt at a determined visage. He ended up failing and just had a small smile on his face.
"Yeah, the one from before." Gino said, referring to Kallan back when Lelouch had reunited with Nunnally for a moment. "She's a lot prettier than her wanted poster." He then saluted her in a flirtatious gesture. "That's my kind of woman!"
As Anya looked on impassively, she felt an something unfamiliar constrict around her heart. What is this feeling? Could I be...jealous?
Sensing his fellow Knight of the Round tense up next to him, Gino leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Then again, there is only one woman for me."
At that, Anya felt her face heat up. The warmth increased as Gino ran a hand through her pink locks before ruffling it affectionately.
"Interesting." Anya said, sounding unemotional. However, as if through cracks, genuine emotion leaked through, if only for a moment.
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C.C. then winced as her right eye smarted.
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"So Zero," Schneizel said. "How about we begin?"
"And begin I shall." Zero said before holding up a chess-piece.
"It's your king." Schneizel said, surprised by the starting move.
"If the king doesn't lead how can he expect his subordinates to follow?" Zero inquired.
"Impressive strategy." Schneizel commented. "In fact, I'll do the same."
Schneizel then moved his white king further on the board.
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"I'm on the edge of my seat wondering who will win this now." Odysseus said as several moves were made by each person.
"Oh, they're evenly matched." Kaguya said.
"Stubborn competition." Lloyd said as the black king was close to the white king. "Pratically a fight."
"So, you can't advance any further, can you?" Zero taunted.
"We'll get into a threefold repetition at this rate." Schneizel commented.
"It wasn't my intention, but shall we declare this a draw?" Zero inquired.
"I think not." Schneizel said.
"Hmm?" Zero said.
"You would do well not to underestimate the white king, my friend." Schneizel said, holding up the chess-piece.
"You wouldn't!" Zero said.
"Checkmate." Schneizel said as he put his king in front of Zero's.
"But that means if Zero moves his king forward..." Kanon said.
"...then he'll capture..." Kallen said.
"..Prince Schneizel's king." Suzaku finished.
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"Oh that's too big of a joke!" Odysseus said as he leaned back in his chair.
"He's deliberately losing the game?" Kaguya wondered.
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"Is that move even possible?" Rivalz whispered to Kallen.
"I don't know." Kallen responded. "I haven't played chess once in my life."
"Suzaku, is that move even legal?" Euphemia asked.
"Honestly Euphy," Suzaku said. "I wonder if these people bend the rules of chess to their own designs."
"What is this?" Zero asked. "You're simply handing me a victory?" If I accept this invitation, I'll be giving in to his intent! I can't allow this! This humiliation!
However, before Zero could move his black king away, a thought occurred to him. Unless...Unless this is exactly what Schneizel wants me to do.
Deciding in a split second, Zero moved his black king over Schneizel's white king and putting it to its left beside it.
"Checkmate." Zero declared. And although he didn't show it in his voice, he was nervous about the move he made.
"Interesting Zero." Schneizel said as some people in the room gasped at this development. "I suppose you are a worthy adversary indeed."
Don't look down on me like that. Zero thought with a sneer. Condescension does not look good on you brother.
Nina, upon seeing Zero from the kitchen, snapped and grabbed a knife.
"Zero!" Nina shouted. "Princess Euphemia will be avenged!"
Zero then got up and stepped away.
Suzaku had grabbed the arm holding the knife as Kallen stood defensively in front of Zero. Rivalz stood in front of Nina, trying to placate her.
"Whoa there Nina," Rivalz said. "calm down. No need for violence here."
Kanon stood defensively in front of Schneizel as they backed away. It looked like Kanon was prepared to pull a gun if things got out of control.
His left hand had accidentally grazed Schneizel's lower abdomen, bringing a slight color of pink to his face. Schneizel looked on impassively though. As he did though, one would see that a faint shade of pink was also on his face.
"Why are you stopping me?" Nina shouted as she struggled with Suzaku. "You of all people should understand since you were Princess Euphemia's Knight!"
This struck a cord with Suzaku as tears ran down Nina's face. That's right. Then why...
Aside from his memories of the Special Zone, a quiet voice spoke absently in his mind. Why? Why did you choose to protect Zero? The answer is obvious, isn't it? No matter how hard you try to hate him, a part of you still finds that he is your friend.
"You're just an Eleven after all!" Nina spat before thrusting Suzaku off her and launching herself at Zero. Rivalz had narrowly gotten out of the way as Kallen grabbed Nina before she could do anything hasty.
"Nina, you must calm down!" Euphemia pleaded.
"Nina!" Kallen exclaimed, struggling with her. She then made the xenophobic girl drop the knife.
"Why Kallen, you're half Britannian and yet you choose to protect that monster!" Nina asked.
"No." Kallen said. "That's incorrect. I'm Japanese, Nina."
"No, you're not." Nina said, sounding briefly delusional. As Anya and Gino viewed the scene, a sense of pity tugged at the corners of their hearts.
"You're an Eleven." Nina said, looking away slightly. "You're an Eleven and you pretended to be my friend?" She then sweeped her arm to the left.
Kallen cringed at that. "You're wrong Nina! You were genuinely my friend!"
"Lies!" Nina shouted. "Princess Euphemia never lied to me and thanks to that monster, her reputation has been destroyed!"
Suzaku then went up to Nina and held her. "Nina..."
"Why...why did it have to happen..." Nina cried, struggling against Suzaku before relenting and falling in his arms.
"Oh, Nina..." Euphemia said softly, rubbing the girl's back.
This is just another tragedy that Zero has caused. Suzaku thought.
As Zero viewed the scene, he couldn't help the pang of guilt that arose in his heart. Nina...I'm sorry...I never intended for that to happen.
Nina then fell to the ground.
"Oh, Nina..." Kallen said.
It was then that Milly broke through the crowd.
Kallen then knelt in front of Nina with a sympathetic look on her face as she had picked up the knife.
"I'm sorry." Kallen said after seeing Milly. "About everything. However..."
"Hey Nina..." Rivalz said softly, a hand on the girl's back. "Don't cry...it'll be okay."
Rivalz... Milly thought.
Kallen, you haven't changed at all. Milly thought as Gino walked over to take the knife. Even during the Black Rebellion you were worried about us. Meanwhile I...
I will never turn back! Zero thought.
"My profound apology, Zero." Schneizel said. "I'd like to remind you not to attend the ceremony tomorrow. Otherwise, a game of chess won't save you next time."
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"Have no fear." Odysseus said as he placed his fingers on one of Tianzi's hands.
That's right. Tianzi thought as she looked at Odysseus's smiling face. I'm marrying this man tomorrow.
As Kaguya looked at the two, she couldn't help but feel a slight pang of disgust at it. Tianzi, you shouldn't be forced into something so...disgraceful.
And once we're married, I'll be leaving the Forbidden City with him. I will go to Britannia as a hostage. Tianzi thought.
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Those that had gathered at the reception hall were now at the ceremony that would marry Empress Tianzi to First Prince of Britannia, Odysseus.
Never dreamt this is how I would finally reach to the outside. Tianzi thought as she was dressed in white with orange flowers on her head and in her hands. It would be my first, and last time. I won't be able to return here again, will I? I...
As Kallen, Rivalz, and Kaguya looked down at the scene, they couldn't help but be slightly wide-eyed.
The same could be said for Suzaku and Euphemia.
Those gathered in the room looked in shock to see Xingke flanked by two soldiers on each side. "We ask this question! By the voice of Heaven, the roar of the land, and the hearts of the people!" Xingke then drew his blade. "How does this marriage represent the will of the Chinese Federation!"
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Ashford Academy
"Terrorists?!" Shirley exclaimed, standing up.
"No, I think they've got a coup d'etat going on." Rolo said behind her. Although he sounded disinterested. Arthur was sleeping on the table contently.
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"Xingke, have you lost your mind?" Zhao Hao inquired, standing up.
"Be silent, Zhao Hao!" Xingke exclaimed, pointing his sword at him. "In the name of my fellow country men I challenge the legality of this wedding!"
Xingke then charged forward, blade at the ready.
"Hold him back!" A soldier exclaimed as they ran to meet him.
Xingke merely deflected the blades away.
It's strange. Xingke thought as he held his sword against four others. As much as I pray to save my starving people, I can only think about Her Majesty's welfare. "Right now, I must..."
Xingke then deflected the blades and shot something in the face of a soldier, knocking him back.
"Cut off the broadcast!" Cheng Zhong demanded, thrusting his arm forward.
What appeared to be Kanon and Gino then ran to Prince Odysseus, most likely to protect him.
"This is a terrible situ..." A male voice began before the broadcast cut off.
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Ashford Academy
"Oh, no!" Shirley exclaimed, picking the computer up. "What about Milly! Nina!"
"Meow?" Arthur said.
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"Lady Kaguya, let's get out of here." Kallen said, putting her arm in front of her.
"What the...?" Nina said as Milly was behind her.
Just then, Rivalz had ran down to them. "Milly, are you okay?"
"I'm fine Rivalz, but what's going on?" Milly asked.
"Let's go!" Cécile said to Suzaku and Euphemia.
"All right." Suzaku said.
"Okay." Euphemia said.
"Seize him!" Xia Wang demanded, his arm raised high. "We can't let anything happen to the Britannians. Otherwise it'll be disastrous!"
Xingke then jumped back after slicing a man across the chest.
"Traitor!" A soldier dressed in red spat as he and the soldier next to him appeared in front of Xingke. "You think the Empress belongs to you and no other!"
That's right. Xingke thought. I have no idea what my action is accordance with Her Majesty's wishes. She may not even have the faintest memory of what occurred six years ago. But no matter...I made an everlasting promise to Her Majesty in return for sparing my life! A vow that I have sworn in my heart! I must...I must save the Empress! I will take her to the outside world!"
Xingke then fought off the guards, deflecting sword swipes. He then turned to look at Tianzi as she began to chant.
"Xingke!" Tianzi shouted, tears streaming down her face as she held her right pinkie high in the sky. "Xingke! Xingke! Xingke! Xingke!"
She does. Xingke thought. She remembers! Xingke then deflected another attack by a sword before deflecting six swords at once before holding his sword high.
"In my heart, there is no more doubt!" Xingke said.
He then ran to the Empress.
"Xingke!" Tianzi exclaimed as she held her arms out for a hug.
The flags of the Chinese Federation and the Britannian Empire then fell in front of the Empress. Xingke then stopped, wondering what is was.
As the flags fell to the ground, Zero was standing behind Tianzi, a hand on her left shoulder.
"I appreciate this, Xingke." Zero said. "You've made it so much easier for me to make my move."
"Oh, th-that man, too?" Zhao Hao said as he held his face in apprehension.
"Zero, what is the meaning of this?" Xingke inquired as he was walking past the soldier next to him, his eyes never straying from Zero and the Empress.
"Don't move!" Zero said before pulling a gun out and pointed it against Empress Tianzi's head.
Tianzi gave a yelp of panic and fear.
"What a wretched coward!" Kanon spat as Odysseus gasped behind him. Next to them were Gino and Anya as Schneizel stood behind them.
"Zero, my warning fell on deaf ears." Schneizel said.
"I thought the Black Knights owed us for what we did for them in Area Eleven." Xingke said.
"Which is why I'm ruining this wedding." Zero said. "Exactly as you people wanted. The only this is I'm taking the bride with me!" He the readjusted himself and the Empress for some sort of added effect.
"Xingke!" Tianzi exclaimed.
"Your Majesty!" Xingke exclaimed with concern before it turned to disgust. "You filthy scum!"
"Oh am I?" Zero asked before laughing.
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"Yes." V.V. said as he cupped his face. He was sitting on the white marble stairs leading to the Geass Order as he talked with Jeremiah Gottwald. "If Zero's true objective turns out to be here, we're in trouble."
"Yes." Jeremiah said as he sat in a chair in the sand. "Is that why you've made preparations for me?"
"It is." V.V. said.
"Thank you very much." Jeremiah said, holding a glass of what appeared to be white wine as the bottle in came from sat in a silver bucket of ice on the brown table next to his chair. "Once I'm properly adjusted, C.C. and Lelouch will be no match for me. Your expectations of Jeremiah Gottwald will be more than satisfied, I promise you!"
Author's Notes: So, that happened. I wonder if anyone wonders about Zero's mental stability. Enough about that though, Nina gave Milly a well-deserved, at least in her eyes, I'm not really sure, speech about her hypocrisy. With those words in her heart and mind, Milly called off the engagement with Lloyd. And before he left though, he alluded to a past love interest of his. Can you guess who she was? Speaking of love interests, I like Gino and Anya, I think they look rather cute together. He certainly is bringing out a hidden side of her, wouldn't you agree? Seems they aren't the only two though that had a bit of a romantic moment in the story though.
See you guys later though, these chapters don't write themselves! Sometimes though I wish I could just devote my life to writing. For example, I would go to school, but before and after would be spent constantly writing. Too bad I have to deal with the evils of sleep. Be so much easier if Morpheus wasn't breathing down my neck constantly as the Sandman pushed sleep into my eyes.