A/N: First off thanks for the reviews guys and now about a month later and another chapter has been completed and this one only took awhile because I was contemplating how to handle a certain introduction in this chapter and the hotel incident itself. I wanted to do it a little different, but I do want to thank AlSmash and Holyknight5 for looking it over and shikyoseinen for his help with some of the scenes later on in the story.

Thanks to JameyoftheMegacosmos for editing and cleaning up the chapter…

Chapter 14

The Demon King and his Knights

Two days later, a train was speeding across the tracks with Shirley, Nina and Milly. They were on their way to the Lake Kawaguchi Convention Center for a fun evening away from the academy, short of a girls' night out event. Sitting in a comfortable cabin, the three girls were excited, although Nina didn't show it because deep down, she was nervous about leaving the Settlement.

"I have never been outside the Tokyo Settlement before! This is my first time!" Shirley exclaimed, looking out a window.

"I bet you wish Lelouch could have come with us, don't you?" Milly teased, stunning Shirley for a moment and allowing the blonde to add in. "Don't be so shy. Tonight, we can stay up all night talking. Why don't we tell each other which boys we like from school?"

"Then I'm sure you'll have a lot to talk about then, Miss President," Shirley said giving Milly a suspicious glare, knowing she would dominate that conversation and likely use it to get some information from her for which she can use.

The train then passed through a tunnel, causing Nina to grip her hands in fright. Milly left her seat to kneel before her longtime friend, holding her hands to ease her worries.

"Relax Nina, there are plenty of Britannian tourists at Lake Kawaguchi, so security is fine. Don't be afraid, it's not the ghettos."

"Yes, but…"

"We'll be with you the whole time. We won't leave your side for a second," Milly said reassuringly.

"Uh thanks," Nina said smiling, feeling more assured of her safety.

Exiting the tunnel, the group got a wonderful view of Mt Fuji and their destination, which prompted Shirley to mention.

"Too bad Quattro couldn't come along, but Kallen would've been more than welcomed to come. She is the newest member of the Council after all."

"I know, but I wish we could have brought some of Lelouch's old friends with us," Milly began with a devilish smile.

"Huh, but Suzaku said he couldn't come?" Shirley asked confusingly.

"Oh, you haven't met his other old friends. They are all girls, three of them. But I think one of them has an eye for Lelouch...hee hee...maybe all of them do. Say, do you suppose Lelouch is starting a harem?" Milly said. She obviously exaggerated the facts, but it worked for the blonde teenager's purpose as Shirley's face turned bright pink before exclaiming.

"WHAT!?"

"Ah-coo!"

Lelouch was dressed as Zero, sitting on a sofa in the back of the large two-story mobile home. Trying to do conduct his upcoming activities from Ashford Academy presented far too many risks; he decided to use this as a mobile base of operations.

Quattro noticed the sudden behavior from Lelouch, wearing a black uniform trimmed with gray, a black shirt with matching stockings and high heels. She also wore a black and gray variation of her cape over her shoulders. Her uniform was one of the two optional female uniforms Lelouch had designed with some input from Graham.

"Something wrong?" Quattro asked Lelouch as the two were inside what would be their new mobile headquarters for their new organization.

"I don't know. Maybe I should clean the mask later."

"Maybe, but I think someone was talking about you," Quattro said slyly.

Fate and Shamal were inside a small apartment room they temporary leased, giving them a bird's eye view of the Ashford Academy. The interior of the apartment was empty save for some chairs and a table. There wasn't much else, but the room and its location were more than enough to serve its purpose.

"Lelouch is in class, although he doesn't seem interested," Shamal reported.

"Maybe I am just overreacting," Fate replied as she sat on a wooden chair in the kitchen.

"I know the feeling, but something about this doesn't feel right. I don't want to accuse Lelouch of anything, but I just can't shake the feeling something is amiss. Nunnally regaining her ability to walk, considering the damage to her legs and spine? It shouldn't be possible even with Britannia's most advanced medical technology. It just seems impossible, but Lelouch would have a motive to see Britannian destroyed."

"I know he would have a motive, but does Lelouch even have the capacity to use magic? I observed Lelouch in physical education that rules him out as Zero, especially if you look at the footage between Zero fighting Ginga." Fate noted as Lelouch's physical abilities seem lacking like when he was a child.

Although he used tactics and illusions to his advantage, Fate underwent second thoughts. So Zero has a clever tactical mind…something Lelouch possesses given his proficiently at strategy.

Although one part of Fate felt Lelouch wasn't Zero, another was telling her otherwise.

But unaware to the two members of the Bureau, the Lelouch they were observing was a stand-in for the real Lelouch who was elsewhere.

"Lelouch, they're here," Quattro said before heading up stairs.

"Alright," Lelouch said as the door opened moments later. Outside, Ohgi and his fellow resistance members including Kallen stood outside, seemingly uncertain what do next. "What are you waiting for? Come in."

Ohgi entered first, finding Zero sitting in the rear.

"As of this moment, this will be our hideout."

"So you think joining up with us is a good idea?" Ohgi inquired as Kallen and others soon also entered the large vehicle.

"Yes, we're comrades after all."

"Holy cow," Tamaki muttered, impressed by the interior. "So what is this place?"

"Would you mind if I asked how you came by all this?" Ohgi inquired.

"I borrowed it from a rather libertine nobleman who indulges my requests."

"You asked for it? Just like that?" Ohgi asked genuinely surprised.

"Don't worry, no strings attached," Lelouch as Zero said, assuring his new allies and the first members of the new organization he intended to build. What Lelouch told Ohgi was partly true; in truth, Graham had used his new connections with Kyoto to acquire the trailer through some underground connections within the black market. Quattro then covered up any trails that might allow anyone to trace the purchases back to him.

"This place is huge," Yoshitaka Minami commented.

"Check it out, it even has a second story," Toru Yoshida added.

"On the other hand, no one would suspect us hiding in something like this," Kallen pointed out.

"It even has a TV," Minami said, sitting down on the sofa. The bespectacled man picked up a remote on the table before the large eighty-inch flat-screen on the wall. Upon turning on the TV, the man had unknowingly brought on an emergency news report.

"How is it at the scene?" a male newscaster asked. The scene switched to a female reporter with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a brownish-red suit complete with a skirt and a white dress shirt.

"I am standing outside the Lake Kawaguchi Conversation Center Hotel. The hotel hijackers have identified themselves as members of the Japan Liberation Front. Members of the Sakuradite Allocation Meeting, most notably Chairman James were taken hostage as well as several tourists and hotel employees. Here is footage taken by perpetrators where you can see Chairman James along with some students," The reporter said before footage of a group of hostages being held at gunpoint by former members of the Japanese Military. Milly, Shirley and Nina could be seen among the hostages.

"The…student council," Kallen muttered which Lelouch picked up on.

Lelouch, you just heard the news I assume.

Lelouch heard Quattro's voice in his mind.

I know. Is there anything else about this incident? It seems sudden, so could they be involved in this?

I am looking into it. The annual yearly meeting of Sakuradite Producers was supposed to take place today so they are trying to use it to their advantage, although it is a poor one at that. Cornelia will likely sacrifice the hostages if attempts to rescue them fail she won't negotiation with them.

I know, which why there has to be something else. Either they planned this out poorly or there is someone or something else that can make for a worthwhile bargaining chip.

I agree, I'll tell you if I find out anything, Quattro said before she and Lelouch ended their telepathic conversation.

The female announcer continued the conversation, repeating their conversation.

"Sakuradite, an essential component in the manufacturing of high-temperature superconductors, is a vital strategic resource that directly affects world security. Area 11 is the largest producer of this material, providing 70% of the world's total supply. Here at the yearly national meeting of Sakuradite producers, it will be determined how this resource will be distributed among the world's nations. It's no exaggeration to say that the outcome determines the balance of global power between Britannia and other countries. It is believed that the terrorists are using world interest in the annual gathering to their advantage by carrying out this violent hotel takeover."

"So they made their move," Tamaki commented as Ohgi and the others began talking about the hotel takeover.

"The Japan Liberation Front is easily the largest anti-Britannian faction in Japan, and now their pride is hurt," Ohgi pointed out.

"Because of us?" Minami asked.

"Probably," Ohgi said, unable to think of anything else that could have prompted such a move.

"It doesn't matter," Tamaki cast it out. "Either way, they're going to end up dead."

Lelouch silently listened, but moments later, Quattro began to descend down the stairs.

"Hello Kallen," Quattro began.

"Hello Quattro…QUATTRO!? WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!?" Kallen exclaimed in shock.

"Who the hell is this chick!?" Tamaki demanded.

"Quattro. She's from the academy!"

"Isn't it obvious I work for Zero?" Quattro said with a smirk, but Kallen realized just how Zero got that note to her. "I mean, how did you think he found out about you in Ashford Academy, Kallen Stadtfeld? Or do you prefer Kallen Kozuki? I have known about your little double life for some time. Taking cell phone calls from Ohgi while in the Academy is dangerous and while your attempts to hide your true self through a slickly appearance is effective for the most part, there have been moments where you slipped up."

"But why are you working for Zero?"

"I have my personal reasons, but if you are worried about me being trustworthy, then I'll dispel your worries shortly. After all, if I wanted you gone, there are ways in which I could have easily made it happen."

"Is that a threat?"

"No, but didn't you know, Kallen, that the Devil's greatest lie was to make the world believe that he never existed?"

"Quattro, I assume you already know about the news," Zero began, merely playing out a quick excuse to interrupt the two women. He was clearly worried that their little argument could cause his meeting with Ohgi and the others to turn sour.

"Yes, and I got some updates straight from the military," Quattro replied, whipping out a PDA unit to use a medium for her IS to display information on the television screen without freaking out their new allies. She showed them a tactical display of the area around the conversation center in real-time as well as Britannia's attempts so far to rescue the hostages.

"How the hell did you get that?" Ohgi said, both shocked but very impressed at the same time.

"Quattro…let's just say she has a unique way with machines and has skills that enable her to acquire information normally impossible for the average hacker. Therefore, she works with me as an intelligence officer. In fact, it was thanks to her we managed to steal the new prototype weapon the Britannians were going to unleash in Shinjuku Ghetto."

Kallen, Ohgi and the others were stunned by this revelation. But as introductions proceeded, word of the incident already spread to other groups just as quickly it had reached them.

No one was more worried about the situation than Viceroy Cornelia, who was trying to put an end to it. There was just an unforeseen problem that prevented her from taking decisive action. She was aboard the G-1, parked near the only remaining road leading to the hotel as the other two connecting bridges by the shores of the lake collapsed.

Present with her was Guilford and Darlton, who were consulting with three Staff Officers in reviewing their attempts so far to rescue the hostages.

"All bridges with the exception of the main one were destroyed. Our attempts at rescue from the air and water have been unsuccessful. But there is one possible route left that could allow us to develop a possible hostage rescue plan," a Staff Officer explained before displaying on the main monitor for Cornelia. On a tactical layout of the hotel, there was a tunnel that ran below the main bridge towards the foundation of the hotel itself. "The main utilities tunnel running directly below the hotel itself. Our plan is to move in, destroy the foundation block and submerge the hotel. Since the tunnel was built for supply deliveries, it should be able to allow our Sutherlands to move through. Even if the enemy has taken precautions, it should prove to be no problem."

"Very well, proceed," Cornelia ordered as minutes later, three Sutherlands were lowered into the tunnel.

The Sutherlands advanced towards their destinations under the assumption that they were dealing with sub-standard weaponry and old Knightmare Frames. Unfortunately, that misconception would be a costly one. Far ahead was a large mobile weapon with eight-legs and a large cannon built into it. The machine was made from four Glasgows to create a massive walking coilgun dubbed the Type-11/5G Raikō. Inside the double-cockpit of the machine its two pilots, members of the Japanese Liberation Front, detecting the three Sutherlands approaching them.

"Three units detected. As expected, they are moving through the underground tunnel," The first pilot said while his superior complied.

"Roger that, Raikō secondary start-up. Prepare the Super Electromagnetic Shrapnel Cannon."

"Roger, voltage confirmed."

As the Sutherlands closed in, they picked up the lights of the machine ahead of them.

"I think these guys has Knightmare rifles," the leading pilot spoke. "Spread out and break their ranks."

But even as they were spreading out, preparing to charge right on through, it was too late.

"Super Electromagnetic Shrapnel Cannon…FIRE!" The second pilot shouted as he pulled the trigger and fired a high velocity shell. Moments after leaving the barrel, two-dozen steel ball bearings tore through three Sutherlands, wiping them out in one shot.

As the Japan Liberation Front was celebrating the success of the Raikō, the Britannians were left shocked by this turn of events.

"Wiped out!?" Dalton exclaimed when news of the Sutherlands' fate reached him.

"It looks like they have modified a Glasgow into a linear cannon," one Staff Officer replied. "There's no way we can break through now!"

"What do we do!?" another officer in more of a panic exclaimed. "If we release the political prisoners as they demand-"

"We cannot show weakness to terrorists!" Cornelia snapped before Guilford approached, lowering his head to her level to whisper into her ear.

"But Princess Euphemia she is…"

"Yes I know," Cornelia said in a calmer tone of voice, but Dalton knew what they were discussing.

"So far it seems they haven't discovered that fact. If they learn that Princess Euphemia is among the hostages, they will no doubt use her as a bargaining chip. She went to the convention only to observe, so she isn't listed among the other guests."

Unfortunately, the Britannians didn't know that the Japan Liberation Front were fully aware of Euphemia's presence. Inside one of the penthouse rooms was a clean-shaven man in his mid-thirties with a box-cut hairstyle, wearing a military uniform with the rank of Captain upon it. He saw before a television set, having a video phone call with Kusakabe.

"The Raikō was a complete success, sir," Captain Ri reported with satisfaction.

"Excellent work, but is Princess Euphemia secured?"

"Yes sir, we have the princess. So far, we haven't made it known yet that we are fully aware of her identity. Not even she knows that we know."

"Good, but I want you to keep it that way for now until tonight. Once our objective is complete, you will use Euphemia as needed. Most importantly, I want this incident to be dragged out as long as possible with everyone watching."

"Don't worry, sir. We're prepared to hold out for days if need be."

Kusakabe laughed before commenting. "Well, I hope it doesn't come to that. We just need it to last until tonight."

Outside the hotel on the shoreline of the lake was Suzaku, in the company of Cecile and their superior, Lloyd Asplund. Much to their relief, they received the new Lancelot unit to replace the one that was stolen. Although the speed of delivery was surprising, if it put Lloyd in more bearable spirits, then none would question it. However, a seemingly bored Lloyd was sitting along the shore, skipping rocks along the water's surface.

"Can't the Special Corps assist in anyway?" Suzaku asked as he observed Lloyd skip another pebble.

"We are an irregular unit. They don't recognize our chain of command and besides," Lloyd said, stopping midway to toss another stone across the water. Suzaku already knew what his superior was going to say.

"It's too risky to entrust this operation to an Eleven, isn't that right?"

"As I am sure, you know Princess Cornelia is quite discriminating between Britannians and Numbers," the scientist and engineer pointed out.

"So the Japanese are not being accepted enough into your structure then?"

"If that is the case, then what's the point of even having an Honorary Britannian system?" Cecile asked, but no one had an answer for her.

Of course, there was another group who felt inclined to observe events up close, partly because they had nothing else to follow on. Also, being cooped up in the clubroom was proving a little difficult for them.

Three combat cyborgs had chosen a vacant apartment that gave them a good view of the lake and the hotel from a safe distance. Thanks to Dieci, she was able to zoom in on the hotel's exterior and parts of its interior she could see through open windows to get a better idea of what was happening inside.

"So, are we going to see a cop take down all of the terrorists, and then a rooftop explosion?" Wendi asked with a hopeful expression. Sein wasn't sure how to answer her while Dieci was more focused on observing the hotel, trying to spot anything out of the ordinary.

"Well, I don't think it's going to play out like that, Wendi..."

"Awwww, but I want to see real-life action like in that movie! You know, where a lone policeman trapped in a building full of terrorists picked them off one by one before having to jump off, holding onto dear life with a fire hose!?" The red-haired number said with stars in her eyes.

"Uh…sure, maybe we will," Sein said rubbing the back of her head, letting Wendi keep dreaming.

"Do you think we'll see the Mandarin's followers involved?" Dieci joined in.

"Well, there are rumors Uno picked up, believing that the ground soldiers used in his attack in Cranagan were former Japanese military," Sein answered. "Besides, we don't have anything else right now."

"I suppose you're right, but how long do you think this will last?"

"Hard to say, but its better if we wait."

Later in the afternoon, Ohgi, Kallen and the others were moving equipment and items Lelouch brought for them. Despite some concerns about Quattro among their new allies, they were dispelled once they discovered that Zero had the backing of Kyoto behind him, enough proof to ease their concerns.

"Where do you want this?" Tamaki asked.

"Put it by the driver's seat." Ohgi answered while Kallen was upstairs opening another box. She began to overhear a television report, interviewing a man with brown hair, wearing an olive-green suit. His name was Joseph Fenette, Shirley's father who was speaking to the reporter and was obviously distressed by his daughter's situation as a hostage.

"She was only sightseeing! She is still a student, yet these criminals act indiscriminately! Savages…I want to know if Shir…I want to know if my daughter is alright! She hasn't done anything wrong!"

Lelouch as Zero watched the report silently inside the small room he claimed as his office, seated in a chair before a desk with a portable television built into it. Lelouch's thoughts were in conflict as he wanted to do something, but it was far too soon and they were not properly organized yet.

I just barely assembled them and trying to handle this situation could cause a repeat of what happened back in Saitama Ghetto. We can't sit around and do nothing either because knowing Cornelia she would just sacrifice the hostages and, Lelouch was thinking before he realized something. Wait then, why doesn't she make her move? Unless...

"Uh Zero," Kallen said, entering the room and interrupting Lelouch's thoughts. He muted the television report to listen. "What will happen to the hostages?"

"Eventually, there will be no reason to keep those Britannians alive," Lelouch as Zero replied to Kallen, who sadly agreed with him.

"I suppose you're right."

"Hey Zero, should I hand these out to everyone?" Ohgi asked, entering the room with a box full of uniforms similar to what Quattro wore. "As far as gear goes, it's pretty hip, but we're just a resistance group so-"

"Wrong," Zero said, instantly turning around in his chair to face Ohgi, who addressed the surprised man. "We're not a resistance group, is that clear?"

"Then what are we?"

"What we are," Zero said, rising up from his chair to make his declaration. "What we are trying to be...are Knights for Justice!"

Later that night, nothing had changed since the incident began. For the cyborgs, it was becoming almost mind-numbing as they almost regretted their decision to come observe what was turning out to be a dead-end. Dieci, however, with literally nothing better to occupy her time with, kept observing the building looking for any signs of the situation changing or something else that would be worth their time to investigate.

"Man, this is boring. No explosions, no gunfire…NOTHING!" Wendi wailed, expecting more excitement than this.

"This isn't an action movie, Wendi," Dieci said bluntly.

"Alright, we'll give this one more hour and," Sein said with a sigh, deciding it was probably almost time to call it a night when suddenly...

"Sein, the situation is changing. The terrorists have taken a hostage onto the roof," Dieci reported, noticing two bright spotlights to get the attention of the Britannians and ensure they would see what would happen next.

"Huh," Sein said as she thought that was rather sudden, given how much time had passed since the takeover began.

"Oh, so this is where they start executing hostages because their demands have gone unanswered," Wendi said mischievously.

Dieci said nothing, but focused on the event happening on the roof. Thanks to her enhancements, she had the best vision among all of her sisters, which made her perfectly suited for her role as a long-range shooter and sniper. She could see what was happening on the roof in perfect clarity and saw a man probably in his thirties or twenties with black hair, a blue dress shirt and black pants. He had rope wrapped around his torso, bounding his arms. Behind him stood six JLF soldiers armed with guns who were forcing the man towards the edge of the roof.

She could even see the frightened look on the poor man's face clearly from where she was and didn't doubt that he was begging them not to kill him. Sadly, he was pushed over the edge, sending the man down to his death. Dieci felt a tug of pity for the man who had just been killed, but given the situation, she knew this sort of thing was inevitable.

The combat cyborg didn't doubt that the Britannians had seen that, but Dieci had no way of knowing what would be happening next.

It's only as question of when they will execute the next hostage, which will likely be within thirty to sixty minutes, Dieci thought before something in the corner of her eye caught her attention. She saw lights being lit up along the road towards the hotel.

"Sein, something else is happening," Dieci reported as she focused on the event happening on the Britannians' side. She saw that their attention was on a news van, but Dieci noticed someone was standing on top of it and focused on that person to get a better look. With a black cape and mask, there was no mistake. "It's Zero. He's…heading straight towards the Britannian military."

"He's what!?" Sein said, equally surprised by such a bold move, if not suicidal. She knew full well of his reputation with the Britannians and the TSAB presently.

As the hijacked news van continued towards the bridge leading to the hotel, the Britannian Military, notably their Sutherlands were moving to surround Zero and cut off any escape routes. At the wheel was Kallen while Ohgi sat shotgun next to her.

"Hey, when Zero went off about justice earlier, what do you think he meant?" Ohgi asked.

"I don't know, but we may die first before we find out. All of our escape routes have been cut off," Kallen answered.

In the back, the mood of the new members Lelouch barely recruited earlier wasn't much better.

"Why didn't we use that other vehicle?" Toru Yoshida commented, prompting Kent Sugiyama to point out.

"So you want the whole world to know what our hideout looks like then?"

"Point taken," Yoshitaka said in agreement.

"I don't know about this Zero character," Naomi said as she had clear doubts about the man. "Are you sure we can trust him?"

"No, that is why I think he looks shifty to me. But if anything goes wrong, I'll do something about it," Tamaki said before bringing his hands together.

"Oh don't worry, everything will work out fine," Quattro said, standing near Sugiyama.

"What makes you so sure?"

"Because Zero knows something about the terrorist situation Cornelia knows as well. If she wants a chance to resolve it, then she'll have no choice," Quattro said with a devious smile knowing that the only reason why Cornelia held back was because of Euphemia was among the hostages. A fact she assumed the terrorists were not aware of, but after doing some checking on her own, the combat cyborg confirmed Lelouch's suspicions.

Just before the truck could cross the bridge, Cornelia's personal Knightmare, flanked by Guilford and Dalton's own machines, blocked the truck's path. Zero seemed unfazed by this, but Lelouch began considering his options.

As much as I would love to get back at you for Saitama, you are more useful to me alive. If you do as I predict, I won't need Quattro to deal with you and your men.

It was huge gamble, but the payoff would be huge if it succeeded and the time was at hand to see if it would all go according to plan. The cockpit to Cornelia's machine opened as the Viceroy herself emerged, locking eyes with Zero, even though she couldn't see his face.

"Well, well, we meet again Zero. Are you with the Japan Liberation Front or do you intend to help us? Regardless our concerns take priority over yours for the moment. And so for the humiliation of my half-brother Clovis and the death of my men, I'll take my revenge!" Cornelia declared before drawing a rifle with a sword built into the barrel, pointing it at Zero.

"Cornelia!" Zero began, stopping the woman from shooting him. "Which would you chose: your men who are dead or Euphemia who is still alive?"

The Viceroy was taken aback by the revelation that Zero knew about Euphemia being among the hostages. It was already more than enough for Lelouch to know it was the reason why Cornelia won't take aggressive action.

I knew it and Quattro confirmed it as well. You always dotted on Euphemia after all, so your emotions are getting in the way, which is my advantage.

"It's within my power to save Euphemia for you."

"What do you mean? I have no idea what you are talking about!"

"I can rescue her, I said!" Zero replied, putting Cornelia into a difficult position.

Even you have to see an opportunity in this, Cornelia. You'll let me in, but I will beat you to the punch, I promise you that, Lelouch thought as he was smiling inside his mask.

Dieci was observing the whole exchange from afar, but she couldn't read their lips, especially not those of Zero's due to his mask. However after a few moments of a tense standoff, Cornelia moved her machine aside and allowed Zero to cross the bridge.

"So, what's happening?" Wendi asked.

"The Britannians are allowing Zero across the bridge."

"What did he do to get them to let him go?" Sein asked, wondering about Cornelia's action.

"Maybe a distraction to buy time before the next hostage is executed," Dieci suggested in response.

The truck edged closer to the gates of the hotel's grounds, which were being guarded by members of the Japan Liberation Front. The young man behind the mask couldn't help but wonder how the JLF would treat his arrival.

The JLF would treat me as either their ally or a nuisance. But in any case, I'm sure they can't resist the chance of meeting the infamous Zero.

The guards at the gate stepped aside as they opened for the van, allowing it entry. But as it entered, Lelouch noticed something the moment they passed through the main gate. The van entered a Temporal Force Field, which set off all of the alarms inside Lelouch's mind as he wasn't expecting this.

What is a Temporal Force Field doing here? Could the TSAB…no, they couldn't be involved in this! But then...

No sooner than Lelouch thought about it, he saw four imposing shapes emerge from the lobby of the hotel. They were about five feet tall with cylindrical bodies and four legs with wheels mounted under their feet for quick movements when on flat-surfaces. Lelouch saw the drones aiming their weapons which were a pair of vertically-aligned machine guns mounted on movable turrets on top of their heads.

Well, this explains the failed rescue attempts, Lelouch thought as he called out.

"Abyss Soul Eltreum, Battle Mode!"

The blue orb of Abyss Soul appeared in Lelouch's right hand, but not before the miniature drones opened fire.

Fortunately, four blue spearhead-shaped bits appeared. They created a series of green hexagonal shields that protected Lelouch and the van as Abyss Soul finished transforming into its Device Mode. Abyss Soul had its brand new rifle magazine-style Cartridge System upgrading it into the newly dubbed Abyss Soul Eltreum.

That was very good timing, Quattro.

Lelouch said telepathically to his accomplice, who ordered her Fang-Bits to attack the four drones as they evaded their attempts to shoot them down. Despite deploying a dome shield to weather any attack, the tip of the Fang-like devices began glowing before collision. Instead of being repelled, the bit-like devices bore through the shield before flying through the mini-attack drones and destroying them.

Thank you, Lelouch, Quattro replied mentally before emerging from the van. Her Fangs floated nearby, awaiting further orders from their user. I must remember to thank Peter as well on these Assault Fangs he made for me.

"What the hell was that?" Tamaki exclaimed while Ohgi and Kallen were shocked by what they saw.

"Those things were miniature attack drones designed for enclosed urban environments and buildings," Quattro explained, putting on a black mask that was similar to the visors worn by Ohgi and the others to hide their identities. Hers covered her whole face, save for the top of her head and hair. "They aren't like the larger ones, but they are dangerous to anyone who's unprepared to handle them. It must be why the Britannians had a hard time trying to rescue the hostages in the first place."

"But how could the Japan Liberation Front possess such weapons?" Ohgi asked.

"Well it's not quite the JLF," Zero answered. "Because if they knew who their supplier was, then I doubt they would accept anything from him."

"Who is it?"

"The Mandarin," Quattro answered with venom in her voice at the mention of the name. "He's the real power behind the Britannian war machine and the one of the people most responsible for Japan becoming Area 11."

The group was surprised as expected by the revelation, but Zero didn't have much time to elaborate further as JLF soldiers exited the building, accompanied by two Yoshimitsu Troopers.

"I promise to explain more once we save the hostages and escape," Zero said while ready for battle as was Quattro. "Stay behind me and Quattro and provide cover fire!"

"Right," Ohgi said willing to trust Zero. The others had their doubts still, but it was too late for them to turn back now, so they joined Ohgi in his effort to help the two out.

Quattro made her move first, hurling a pair of grenades between the belligerents. At the same time, her Assault Fangs projected more shields that protected Ohgi, Kallen and the others from gunfire. As the troops guarding the front entrance came in, Yoshida and Naomi engaged them from the left and right of the truck respectively.

The two Yoshimitsu Troopers charged into the smoke emitted from the grenades without realizing they released chaff as well. Their electronic sensors were being disrupted, which caused them to suffer brief moments of disorientation. The confused cyborg soldiers began to renew their charge after getting back to their bearings. Before they knew it, a slicing beam of energy tore through their bodies. Any JLF soldiers stationed at the main entrance into the hotel who were not riddled with bullets by Ohgi's group suffered the same fate. Zero had used the Mirror Prism to deal with them while his conjured bits reflected other beams around the smoke cloud, striking the remaining grunts.

Ohgi and the others were in awe at the display of power Zero was demonstrating.

"Zero, you better go and find the hostages," Quattro suggested.

"Are you sure you can handle things down here?"

"Heh, don't insult me. I'm far more capable than I was back then."

"Alright, I am leaving you and Ohgi in charge down here. Once you clear out the enemies, begin with our plan."

"It will be finished by the time you're done." Quattro said with an assuring smirk on her face.

"Very well. Let's go, Abyss Soul."

"Yes, sir. Seraph Wings." The device said as Zero sported the black wings upon his back before taking off for the floor where the hostages being kept.

"Whoa!" Kallen said clearly impressed, but shocked as well.

"I'll say, right? Zero and I were hoping to give you guys a more proper introduction to…well, you know," Quattro said with a grin.

Quattro and Ohgi's group entered the hotel lobby as another arrived on the scene. Sein's finger emerged from the ground to see the carnage left behind from the short battle that had happened moments ago. Once she was sure the close was clear the combat cyborg emerged from the ground to survey the battlefield, kneeling down by one of the dead troopers.

Hey, these are the same troopers the TSAB fought on Mid-Childa, Sein thought with a smile. She could then overhear more gunfire between the new arrivals and what sounded like more Troopers and drones. We finally got a very good lead now.

An explosion far above her head got her attention, this time being further above the hotel. In order to avoid being caught in much of the action, she sank back into the ground. The young woman decided to move up through the building and get a closer look happening near the vicinity of what was the twentieth floor.

Up above, Lelouch dodged another shot from a powerful new kind of assault rifle wielded by a Yoshimitsu Trooper, which the young man suspected was deadly against mages. Two more would soon join the trooper in shooting at the masked man, but Lelouch didn't want to risk using his shields, fearful that those weapons could potentially penetrate them.

Here we go, the masked man thought before aiming his device at the trooper. A white chain erupted from the weapon, grabbing the trooper by the neck. Lelouch flew straight down with tremendous speed, using his own descent to drag the trooper out through the window or at least force him to drop his weapon. Thanks to its cybernetic enhanced strength, the trooper managed to hold on, but he lost his weapon. Lelouch used this needed opening to quickly point his Device at the soldier, whose head was in his line of sight.

"Barrel Shot," Lelouch's Intelligence Device said it fired a shot that blew off the top half of the cyborg soldier.

His victory didn't last long as the other two troopers had arrived on the scene and was ready to avenge their fallen comrade. Lelouch flew back up at speeds enough to evade gunfire from the cyborgs.

Combat inside the building is too risky, but if I can get rid of the cyborg troopers then the rest I can manage.

"Celestial Shooter," Lelouch called out as twelve blue spheres appeared around him. Flying past the windows, he could see the Yoshimitsu Troopers Abyss Soul was locking on. "FIRE!"

A good section of the room the troopers were in was devastated, but in the chaos of Lelouch's attack, he moved in as Abyss Soul transformed into its Assault Mode.

"Celestial Lance," The device said as energy gathered around the blades before Lelouch impaled a trooper who had his guard down. He was then forced into melee combat against the other who had brought out its own katana to cross blades. Lelouch was holding his own against his cybernetic enhanced foe, but didn't want to drag the fight out.

After being kicked back by his cybernetic foe, Lelouch readied an attack as he charged to cross blades with his foe again. The two exchanged blow after blow for a few moments until their blades were caught in a stalemate again. This time, Lelouch fired a point-blank barrel shot into the trooper's face, killing him just as Lelouch broke away. With the fighting off, his device ejected its empty magazine before Lelouch reloaded it with a new one he had on hand.

The masked youth had ended his fight with the cyborgs just in time as JLF soldiers armed with standard weapons thankfully entered what remained of the room. Lelouch used a protection spell to shield himself from the bullets while his bits entered the room and automatically attacked the enemies shooting at the shield. Hurrying into the hall, Lelouch went for the food storage room, but got an alert from Abyss Soul upon his arrival.

"Master, I detect three enemies inside."

"Lock on to them and see if you can shoot through their weapons," Lelouch ordered as he didn't want the hostages arming themselves, even though he intended to rescue them. Abyss Soul was calculating and scanning the room ahead once again before.

"Locked on," Abyss Soul said as Lelouch noticed the soldiers were ready to take hostages as human shields in a desperate last stand.

"Celestial Shooter…FIRE!" Lelouch ordered as a single focused beam fired out. Just before hitting the door, it separated into three beams, which struck their targets and destroyed their weapons. Part of the door exploding confused the hostages inside and kept them from seeing the spheres of magic energy killing the soldiers who held them captive.

Milly, Shirley and Nina were stunned as were the other hostages, uncertain of what killed the men who had been guarding them. As Lelouch approached the food storage room, a voice called out to him from behind.

"So, you're Zero," Captain Ri said with a sneer.

"Give up already. Everything has now fallen apart for you. And besides, why even do this?" Lelouch inquired turning to face the JLF Captain.

"We want to show the world that the Japanese aren't dead yet! Most of all we want all attention on us for the colonel's sake so he can carry out his operation!" Ri answered as he activated a device on his forearm molded after the Han kote of Samurai armor. He began using magic as a purple Al-Hazard Magic Circle appeared at his feet. In his hands were fireballs forming as Lelouch stood ready with Abyss Soul switching over to Shooter Mode.

"I don't have time for this," Lelouch said as his Device began quickly gathering a large amount of energy.

"Take this, you bastard!" Ri cried out as he launched a flamethrower-style magical attack against Lelouch, but he responded with.

"Twilight Breaker!"

Abyss Soul fired a beam of energy that engulfed the hallway along with Ri and his attack which was overpowered by Lelouch's stronger attack. The fact that he tried to fight him in such an enclosed space was a bad idea given the nature of Lelouch's magic and fighting style.

If he tried close quarters combat with that, this might have been a fight, Lelouch thought while putting away his Device. Too bad he was too cocky and arrogant. If I didn't know any better, I think he was only introduced to magic recently.

He then drew out a handgun as he approached the room where the hostages were.

"Are you all, okay?"

"Huh, who are you?" Milly demanded.

"I am...Zero," he declared before turning his attention to a familiar girl hiding among the hostages with long pink hair and casual clothing. "Princess Euphemia, I am certain your sister will be glad with your safe return."

Euphemia was surprised she was spotted so easily. Her bodyguard next to her, an older woman with short hair seemed poised to defend her, but Zero calmed them down.

"Relax, I have no intention of taking any of you hostage. Once a safe route has been secured, you will be escorted out of the building to safety."

On the Britannian side of things they preparing to make their own move as within the tunnel below the hotel, the Raikō found itself in a bad situation. It was minutes ago that the Raikō was engaged against the brand new Z-01 Lancelot piloted by Suzaku. Unlike the Sutherlands that were effortlessly destroyed, the Lancelot, with its high-mobility frame and its Blaze Luminous MSV particle shield, allowed it to weather most of the shots fired at it so far.

"It broke through Salvo number five! I can't believe it!" The pilot of the machine said as the Lancelot was going to reach them in a matter of minutes at this rate.

"Just don't panic, deploy the quad-linked free fire arm gun batteries, too!" The man sitting behind the pilot declared. "We'll shield this final defense with our lives!"

In the cockpit of the Lancelot, Suzaku knew his enemy was ready to throw all it had at the Lancelot, so he needed to do something in turn or risk being destroyed. He would rescue Milly, Shirley and Nina no matter what it took, even if he died in the attempt.

"Miss Cecile, it's time for me to use the VARIS," Suzaku declared.

"No, you could be killed!" Cecile warned on the communication channel. The VARIS, short for Variable Ammunition Repulsion Impact Spitfire, was the experimental weapon exclusive at present to the Lancelot, based on revolutionary leaps in railgun technology that fired beam-like rounds. It possessed incredible destructive potential that exceeded what most Knightmare weapons were capable of, but it had yet to be combat tested. It presented a risk of the weapon malfunctioning, which could destroy the gun along with the machine carrying it.

"There is no room for me to evade, I'll risk getting blasted to take the first shot!"

Lancelot drew the VARIS taking aim.

"Use maximum output! I don't give a damn if it destroys the guns." The officer behind the weapon controls shouted as he saw the Lancelot readying to fire its weapon at them. "We will die defending this spot, so SMASH HIM!"

The Raikō fired its most powerful shot yet, but the Lancelot simultaneously fired its own shot directly at the incoming shell. Just as it deployed its ball bearings, the railgun shot tore through the main shell. Additionally, the passing of the high-speed shell tore the ball bearings apart, saving the Lancelot before it went clear down the barrel of the Raikō.

The large mobile weapon exploded, destroying the tunnel. Using the explosion as a boost, the Lancelot was launched high into the air, giving it the perfect vantage point for completing its mission. Even Cornelia, despite her disdain of Suzaku, was shocked at the outcome. However, she didn't let the feeling remain long as this meant she had the chance she needed to save Euphy. Suzaku took aim and fired hitting the foundation block, causing the hotel to begin sinking.

However, before Suzaku could land on the ground, he noticed someone standing at one of the windows and observing him. Zooming in on the figure, Suzaku recognized him as Zero from the media coverage of him during the incident at the Viceroy's palace.

"No way," Suzaku muttered while Lelouch was equally surprised by this turn of events.

So they built another one, but no matter, Lelouch thought before hitting the button on a remote detonator.

A chain of explosions tore apart the upper floor of the hotel.

"EUPHY!" Cornelia shouted.

"MY FRIENDS!" Suzaku jumped into the smoke of the collapsing hotel.

"Warrant Officer Kururugi, don't!" Lloyd ordered as the Lancelot disappeared.

Opposite of them, Wendi was sitting along the shore of the lake with Dieci, shaking her fists happily at the action.

"NOW, THAT IS MORE LIKE IT!" Wendi exclaimed.

"But Wendi, Sein was in there..." Dieci pointed out, concerned about the well-being of her older sister.

At a nearby news van, Diethard, who was very bored at the situation, was more than eager to see the outcome of things. This especially started when he got word that one of their news vans were stolen behind their backs by Zero and his lackeys.

"Can you pick up any cameras from Van #3?" he asked his crew.

"I already told you, Zero took the van!" one responded.

"Then wait until you get a signal from them!"

It is possible that if Zero ever came up, his crew will try to cut off the broadcast. To make sure that doesn't happen, he called his news station to keep it running, claiming any responsibility for what happens. Even so, he still wondered.

What are trying to do, Zero? Was this part of your plan? To show us something?

As the smoke cleared, Lloyd fainted and Cecile sight to see the Lancelot stand fine in the rubble of the hotel. But the pilot inside banged the controls in agony as all hope for the survival of the hostages seemed to be zero. Just about then, a yacht was sailing out from the wrecked harbor that had been near one of the collapsed bridges of the hotel.

Within the lounge of the Arthra were Hayate, Nanoha and Signum. The three were having a discussion on their investigation so far while enjoying dinner. Vita who hurried into the lounge in the middle of their discussion.

"Hayate, please turn on the monitor. Change it to Japan's news networks, right now!" Vita announced.

"Huh? What's wrong, Vita?" Hayate asked.

"He's back, its Zero!"

Hayate used a remote lying on a table nearby to quickly turn on the monitor. Fortunately, she didn't have to worry about changing the channel since it was already on a news program in broadcasted the hostage incident at Lake Kawaguchi. On the screen was the masked man Ginga encountered twice as the eldest child of the Nakajima Family hurried into the lounge.

"My dear Britannians, have no fear. All of the hostages from the hotel are safe and sound. I, Zero return them to you unharmed," Zero announced. The scene on the monitor switched to images of the hostages, who were in a number of life rafts surrounding the boat.

Moments later, the scene shifted back to Zero. The camera that was on him pulled back before a set of lights on the front of the yacht were turned on. Ohgi, Kallen, Tamaki and the others minus Quattro were revealed standing behind Zero.

"People! Fear us, or rally behind us as you see fit! We...are the Black Knights!" Zero declared.

"Black Knights," Nanoha muttered.

"Terrorists referring to themselves as knights?" Signum commented with a hint of anger.

"We of the Black Knights stand by all those who have no weapons to wield…regardless of whether they be Elevens or Britannians!" Zero said before he continued. "The Japan Liberation Front cowardly took innocent Britannian civilians hostage, and then mercilessly executed them! It was a wanton and meaningless act; therefore, they have been punished along with the ringleader."

"He killed them," Shamal said surprised, but she was wondering how it all happened without them knowing about it.

"We didn't know anything about Zero's involvement, but," Fate stopped, looking to her mother for answers, but she had none. The rest of the crew on the bridge were watching the same declaration from the mysterious Zero, who continued his speech.

"Just as former Viceroy Clovis was punished for ordering the slaughter of countless unarmed Elevens. We cannot stand by and allow such cruelty to be carried out, and so we made him pay for his actions! I will not repudiate battle on a fair and level field, but neither will I tolerate a one-sided massacre of the weak by the strong. The only ones who should kill are those who are prepared to be killed! Wherever oppressors abuse their power by attacking those who are powerless, we shall appear again, no matter how mighty or formidable our foe may be!" Zero declared before he wrapped up his speech. "Those of you with power, fear us!" Zero extended one arm out before the other in a flamboyant fashion. "Those of you without it, rally behind us! We, the Black Knights shall be the ones who stand in judgment of this world!"

Ending the transmission, Quattro was below deck in one of the rooms with her keyboard and holographic displays surrounding her. All that was left now was to escape the Britannians, but that task would be easy enough. However, the combat cyborg was still troubled. Although it was fortunate on their part that there weren't that many, the appearance of the Mandarin's cyborgs was unexpected.

Had they been more serious and had more of those troopers and attack drones to back them up, things could have turned out differently, Quattro thought. She had an ace up her sleeve to deal with the drones, but decided against using it for now. Still, Lelouch mentioned the whole incident was a distraction, so what was going on to prompt such a large-scale distraction?

On the Arthra, Nanoha and Hayate were speechless at what they just saw. A few members of the crew who were inside the lounge at the time finally spoke. At least one of them broke the silence.

"W-what did we just watch?" A junior officer looked around. This was the first time they encountered something unusual like this as a number missed out the Mandarin's broadcast last time. Zero was a hot topic for gossip after officer Nakajima was brought down by the masked man. To see him in person was completely different than hearsay on the base.

"What are you all gaping at the screen for!?" Vita shouted. "Show's over, get back to work!"

Immediately, everyone woke up from their stupor as they can be seen going back to their posts, hurrying out the lounge. Ginga was left speechless, but a female officer stopped by her.

"Ginga-" the female TSAB officer asked next to the young woman on her way out. "Was that him?" She glanced between the screen and her comrade.

"It's him," Ginga confirmed. She recognized the cape, mask and definitely the voice and the way he spoke.

The last time they tangled, Zero overwhelmed her with a magic system she has never seen before. Now, he has a small army of his own. Her experience over the years as a Ground Forces officer told her that he is a much more dangerous criminal than ever before now that he has allies on his side, which make it just as difficult to arrest him.

Even though both police and criminal were not facing each other; the junior officers standing near Ginga felt tension in the air like an emitting killing intent. The empty looking lens of the mask dehumanized the masked man, but did not frighten the determined young woman from facing him one more time in the field.

"We meet again, Zero," Ginga swore as one junior officer saw her eyes change color for a brief moment. "I won't let you escape from me again."

On the bridge, however, Lindy spoke after sighing at this latest development.

"HQ won't like this," Lindy complained. "They won't like this at all."

Elsewhere at the Yokohama Port by the Tokyo Bay, a certain female was turned off a handheld television she was holding before pocketing it. Suzuka just watched Zero's broadcast while mildly amused by the speech. But simultaneously, she was vexed that they lost all of their men at the hotel.

"Well, the incident did not end as per the plan," Kusakabe commented approaching her.

"Nevertheless, we achieved our objective, but we'll need to do something about this Zero."

"Shall we hunt him down?"

"No, we'll let him run around for now. Have him draw the TSAB's attention until the time is right. As for us, we are one step closer to our goal," Suzuka said as they boarded the Botany Bay, a Britannian-registered Suezmax vessel designed for transporting large amounts of cargo or anything too big for ordinary vessels. A Yoshimitsu Trooper lead them below deck into the cargo hold where awaiting activation were six Wyvern Drones.

"The other two tankers have arrived and off-loaded their cargo in Osaka and at the Onahama Port in Iwaki." Kusakabe noted.

"Excellent," Suzuka smiled at the thought of the six huge drones in the ship.

A/N: well with eighteen of those mage killing drones things are going to get real later on, as Quattro pointed out that without proper preparation had they faced a more determined cyborg force at the hotel things might have ended tragically, but since it was only a distraction not too many were sent with the JLF troops. I hope the fight in this chapter turned out well to you guys, but soon we'll be coming to Narita where….Nanoha vs. Lelouch.

Thank you in advance for the reviews and the feedback, next we'll slow down and have ourselves some events at Ashford *evil laugh*.