AN: Been awhile since the last update, again a lot of things going on have prevented me from focusing on this story. Again I want to reassure my readers that I have no plans of abandoning this story, and I'll try to speed up the updates.
Looking back I do see many flaws and mistakes, and I will be going back to touch up on the story. With this being my first there are going to be growing pains, and I've found myself without a beta yet again. So new edits will take some time.
I still believe in the story even though it's not perfect and I hope you stick around for future chapters.
"The only way to predict the future is to have the power to shape the future."
- Eric Hoffer
Tokyo Settlement
Black Knight Staging Area
Kallen p.o.v.
Far below the towering skyscrapers and concrete freeways, the Black Knights were preparing for their next operation. Messages were being sent, last minute maintenance was finishing up, and I was just about ready to go on the prison break to save Tohdoh. But there just was one obstacle in my way stopping me from doing so.
"Ugh, why is this damn suit so tight!"
Ok, maybe two things but that's beside the point.
Yes, I was struggling to put on the new pilot suit for the Guren. Instead of my typical outfit, I finally received a pilot suit. Unfortunately, it fit more like a body glove. And for some reason, the glove was just a bit too tight in a few choice places.
"Dammit, almost, almost got it, whew finally," I said relieved I got the zipper over my chest.
I looked around at the hive of activity around me and saw Tamaki, Yoshida, and Minami working on the Guren. Looking at my personal Knightmare filled me with a sense of pride in having such a powerful machine, but it also reminded me of all our battles together thus far. From my debut and subsequent thrashing by Char, to the stalemate at the docks I had with the white Knightmare known as the Lancelot, I've become twice the pilot I used to be. While I was confident in both my machine and my abilities it still didn't quell the butterflies I had about the future.
I tried to push those thoughts away and focus on the mission at hand that came to us from the four people overlooking the Black Knights on the steps. I knew they were a part of the J.L.F. and apart of an elite unit called the four holy swords. They were the reason for me standing around in a body glove under a highway, preparing to break their leader Tohdoh the miracle worker out of prison the night before his execution. I knew that gaining his cooperation and the four swords would give the Black Knights a huge boost in credibility and support, which we needed. But I still had a bad feeling about all this.
"I don't care, just stuff them in and close the lid, it's almost time to move out!" Tamaki shouted at the other two. I was going to go and give Tamaki a piece of my mind.
"Take your time and treat it with the utmost care, it was far more fragile when I gave birth to it."
But someone else beat me to it.
"Huh, who are you?" Tamaki asked.
"I am its mother," the woman answered perking my interest.
She was tall, with bright blond hair, tan skin, and a purple diamond on her forehead. Beside her were two men dressed in similar lab coats but they didn't wear it unbuttoned like she did.
"You've arrived on time," Zero said while walking into view cutting off the argument before Tamaki could embarrass himself and the Black Knights any further.
The woman and her team turned towards Zero as he walked forward from the shadows.
"Are you Zero, it's a pleasure, I've heard a lot of things about you," the woman said sounding unimpressed from what she has seen from us so far, while she took a drag from her pipe. Which I couldn't blame her since the first person from the Black Knights she met was Tamaki.
"The pleasure is all mine Rakshata I've been reading about you on the net for some time now," Zero said while the two shook hands.
"You have?" Rakshata asked confused.
"The articles relating to medical cybernetics," Zero added erasing Rakshata's unease.
She then was back to her confident persona, "I do hate talking about the past, so here a present from Kyoto." Rakshata then produced a ring of Knightmare keys and unlocked a case of pilot suits, no doubt for the Holy Swords.
"Excuse me," I said cutting in. "Is this suit going to help with the interfacing system at all?"
I wanted to know since I put in all that effort getting it on.
Rakshata then sized me up and smirked.
"Of course not, it's going to improve your life expectancy," she said.
"Alright," I said a little deflated that this suit wasn't anything groundbreaking.
"Kallen can you accompany me to the briefing while Rakshata gets everything with the Knighmares in order," Zero said.
I nodded and walked towards the mobile headquarters where the Four Holy Swords were now gathering while Rakshata took charge over the Knightmares and their preparation with her two assistants.
Before entering the vehicle Zero turned around, "Kallen during the battle you'll be my personal bodyguard and stay by my side understand?"
"Yes, but what about the others?" I asked.
"The four swords will lead the attack on the prison by neutralizing the Britannian Knightmares, while we go free Tohdoh."
Simple enough, but I doubt things will be that simple, none of our battles with Britannia are.
"Yes, Zero," I replied.
"Good, and no matter what happens I need you to follow my orders tonight, if we follow the plan, then everything will work in our favor."
I nodded, and Zero now satisfied turned around and went into the vehicle. But as I followed I still couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was going to be one of most difficult battles to date.
Britannian High-Security Prison
Suzaku p.o.v.
I didn't know what to expect when I left with Lloyd and Cécile in the Lancelot trailer. But I should have known from their looks of pity that I wasn't going to like what was in store for me. When the warden gave me the news that the Viceroy had ordered me to be Tohdoh's executioner my resolve cracked. The military discipline I hid my emotions behind fell apart as I openly trembled on the couch, my mind a whirlwind trying to understand what I was meant to do. So just as the warden got Lloyd started on a mountain of papers to sign to allow me the privilege of killing my former martial arts teacher and mentor I excused myself to go to the restroom.
Staggering out the door, I went down the hall turned right and retreated into the empty single person bathroom to compose myself. I went to the sink and turned on the cold water with one hand while the other gripped the sink to stop myself from collapsing in a heap on the floor. Splashing my face I tried to wash away the conflict raging within me. All the while I asked myself what I had done to deserve this?
Try as I might I knew deep down that this wasn't done to me because I did anything wrong, it was because of who my father was. Yes, because I was the son of the last Prime Minister of Japan the Viceroy thought it would be poetic to have Tohdoh the last hope of the Japanese die by my hand.
Again I splashed cold water on my face letting the liquid drip off my face as I gripped the sides of the sink. Looking up into the mirror I saw my face, droplets of water pooled and dripped off my cheeks hiding the flushed cheeks, and tears I knew were there. Eventually, I looked down at my hands. Even after all this time they were still the same hands which took my father's life and had his blood on them. That fact would never change, no matter how hard I tried to scrub them clean.
I could still see his face, full of shock and pain as the knife went straight into his gut. I remembered stumbling back as he fell to the ground writhing in agony and I only scrambled away after he took his last breath.
Grasping at the paper towels I dried my face letting it suck up all the moisture from my face, but even though the paper towel got rid of my tears, my guilt remained. At the time I acted on impulse, hearing that my father had planned on not surrendering, and was going to sacrifice the military in a desperate bid to hold onto power hurt me. But what prompted me to action was when he threatened Nunnally and Lelouch by extension, I couldn't let them my only friends get hurt so I tried to confront him and stop my father. But in the end what I did mattered little, the war happened, people suffered, and the only bright spot was that Lelouch and Nunnally were safe for the time being.
Throwing away the damp wad I took another towel to dry hands my hands, I wish that it were that easy to wipe away my sins. But no, they still clung to me even today as I tried to help my people and prevent the disaster that was the last war with Britannia from ever happening again.
Exiting the bathroom, I started my way down the hall back to the Warden's office. I soon came upon a long hallway with one side made of shatterproof glass, which gave someone the entire view of this side of the prison as the sun was setting. I would have stopped and looked outside, but there was someone already there doing just that.
"Oh fancy running into you here Suzaku," said Char smiling and giving a half wave upon noticing me.
"I could say the same. I can't imagine you hanging around a prison Char."
Char just shrugged and met me halfway down the hall. "What can I say, I'm just full of surprises aren't I," he said stopping an arm's length away.
"And what brings you here Suzaku? Did my sister reassign you to guard duty as punishment, or are you the new executioner, can you help me out I can't remember," Char said in a teasing voice which only added more cruelty to his words.
I unconsciously flinched at his words, as I was still struggling to reel in my emotions and settle my troubled mind.
"Is something troubling you Suzaku?"
Something Char apparently picked up on and wanted to pry into.
"No sir, I just was feeling sick earlier, I'm okay now," I said while my stomach had not settled at all.
"I see, that wouldn't have anything to do with your new found duties would it?'
I bit my tongue to prevent myself from letting out a rude remark.
"Yes."
But I still answered the question honestly.
"Hmm, I see," Char, said holding a hand to his chin before turning to look back out the window. "My older sister is quite fond of such tasteless acts. While I find this kind of faux justice to be drawn out and quite dull."
I kept quiet but still wondered about the purpose of Char's presence if he had no interest in Tohdoh's execution.
"I prefer either a subtle approach or a personal one, which is why I just came from a chat with him."
What? Did Char speak with Tohdoh?
"In fact, he looked just as surprised as you were, when I told him you were to be his executioner."
"Is that so," I managed to mutter out.
So he did speak with my former teacher. I wasn't sure how to feel about it. It has been a long time since I contacted anyone from my past. And even though most of my remaining family have disowned me I still held my memories of the past close to heart.
"Indeed, he seemed concerned about you, so I thought I could offer to relieve your burden for both your sakes?"
As the words left his mouth, an icy shiver ran down my spine. And as I looked up to make eye contact with Char, I saw two frozen blue orbs staring through me.
"For my sake, sir?" I said managing to speak without stuttering.
Did he say he would get me out of having to kill my teacher?
"Yes, I thought I would be generous and offer you an alternative path to prevent you from staining your hands with the blood of someone close to you," he said.
So just from one conversation or his research Char knows that I knew Tohdoh personally and wants to use my personal feelings as leverage. But the question remains, why? And what purpose do these mind games of his serve? So I found myself asking myself what a lot of people around the world must be asking. What's Char's agenda and why does it involve me?
"And what would be that alternative, Char?" I asked having a feeling what he wanted to ask.
"Simple, join me officially and then Cornelia won't have the authority to order you to do anything. Instead of falling under the regular army the Special Corps will be a part of my Chimera Corps."
There it is, a way for Char to take control of me and by extension the Lancelot and the Special Corps.
"Also with you and your Lancelot, you'll be placed on my personal guard, and given the title and rank of Knight of Britannia."
Was this happening?
I figured Char wanted me or rather the Lancelot on his side for some reason, and I suppose recruiting me was easier than stealing Lloyd's masterpiece, but this opportunity is more than I could ever hope for. After all these years of scraping by and being ignored by my superiors because of my race I now had the opportunity I had dreamed of.
But even so, it felt wrong to move up this way. Striking a backroom deal with a prince just to escape my duty. No, I couldn't sell myself as well as the rest of the Special Corps for such a price.
"Thank you for your generous offer, but I'm sorry Char I must decline."
I felt Char's stare trying to burn a hole through my resistance.
"Why?" He asked continuing to stare at me demanding an answer.
"I decided a long time ago to follow my ideals and take the path they guide me towards. So I can't toss aside my principles and run away from my duty."
I remembered the lessons I learned from Tohdoh back when he taught me Judo. He taught me not just how to be a good martial artist. He also taught me how to fight for my beliefs and protect what I believe in.
"A teacher of mine once told me, that if I'm to accomplish anything in my life, I must be prepared to sacrifice everything to achieve my goals, no matter the cost. So I'll do whatever the Viceroy or Britannia demands of me, because if I compromise here and now I'll never be able to determine my own destiny."
Char didn't react at first as he continued to look down at me. But I noticed the slightest tensing of his features before a look of acceptance came over him.
"I see, well if that's what you want," said Char turning his glare away from me and toward the empty courtyard.
His reaction to me rejecting his offer surprised me. I always took Char to be a very prideful man, so his casual dismissal took me off guard.
"You know Suzaku I think I understand you better now than I did when we first met on that prison rooftop," the prince said still gazing at the orange twilight that painted the sky.
"Sir?"
"When we first met you told me you wished to help your people out of their misery, yes?"
I nodded while Char continued.
"And to do so, you joined the military to prove your worth to your conquerors like a loyal dog?"
I nodded again while my knuckles tightened and cracked.
"Well at first I just you a naïve misguided fool with an obsession to save others," said Char with a smug look, "but it seems I was wrong."
Huh? What is he talking about?
"You're not seeking salvation for your fellow countryman, what you're actually searching for is your atonement."
Atonement? What's he talking about, unless, no that's impossible, he couldn't know, he can't know about that?
"I don't know what you mean Char? I just want to make things better for my people."
Char's expression soured and said, "You may tell yourself any lie that comforts you, including that hogwash about choosing your destiny, but I'd rather you don't lie to my face Warrant Officer!"
Hearing Char threaten rank made me cease my talking, as he usually was very casual when not in public.
"You mask your shame well Suzaku, but if you believe that toeing the line will grant you solace, you're sorely mistaken."
It hurt to hear him cut so close to the truth, even if he was just speculating. But I have resigned myself to this path and purpose, so I'll withstand his scalding comments no matter how deep they go.
"The path you walk is a lonely one. It will take everything from you, and offer nothing in return. The challenges you will face will be almost insurmountable, the sacrifices unthinkable, and the end will not come easy. But it seems that you've decided to continue down that path regardless of anything I say, right?
"Yes," I said nodding.
"Some would call that brave, some would call that stupid, but I guess it's a little of both," said Char shaking his head.
"I'm sorry again Char, but this is something I must do myself."
Char then got an amused look on his face.
"Heh, well at least you have a spine," Char said with an amused tone, "you'd be surprised to know how many people would fold after taking that kind of verbal lashing, but you stood your ground."
"I'm not most people sir," I said keeping up my stoicism masking my confusion for this sudden turnaround.
"Clearly," said Char who looked mush more relaxed now. " My sister Euphemia wouldn't be obsessed with any average Joe. Although she did have a fondness for taking in injured animals, so taking in a charity case like yourself is not beyond her."
What, she still thinks and talks about me? All I did was show her the settlement, talk to her and protected her that one time in the ghetto.
"I sorry sir I-," I started, but Char cut me off.
"Don't flatter yourself Suzaku, she's been pretty sheltered most of her life so of course, she'll be a little attached to the first friend she's made whose around her age," Char said in a bored voice.
Oh, well that's good to hear that Euphie still thinks of me as a friend, although I'm not sure if I'm ready to have her bring me over to deal with her large dysfunctional family. Dealing with Char and Cornelia are enough trouble for me.
"Well, Suzaku, I must take my leave for now," Char said while starting to walk past me but he stopped when he was shoulder to shoulder with me.
"One last thing," he said putting a hand on my left shoulder. " Even if you managed to help your people, the salvation you seek can't be given by anyone but yourself."
I looked to my left to see Char with a look of pity and understanding that pierced deeper than any barbed insult or jest he had said before.
"You can continue to drown yourself in your guilt and rush towards death hoping your sacrifice provides your soul penance," said Char.
Gone was the fiery rhetoric. Instead, Char's voice was a calm and steady, which cut through both my stoic persona as well as the storm of emotions raging inside of me.
"Or you can find a new path, one where you reconcile the past, and let go of that burden that's dragging you down. Otherwise, your sins will destroy you and any attempt you make to move on without letting go of the past."
"Thank you, Char, I'll be sure to keep that in mind," I said trying to get him to leave because I wasn't sure how long I could keep it together.
Char then let go of me and stepped away, but not before having the last word.
"And remember, you're not the only one around here who has blood on his hands," he whispered to me before leaving without saying another word.
I listened to his Char's footsteps echo in the empty halls while I stood rooted to my spot. When I could no longer hear Char's footsteps, I felt all the protective walls I had up come crashing down.
Thud
I slammed my fist into the glass, but all that resulted in was a dull thud and a dull pain in my right hand. The flurry of doubt, self-loathing, and guilt all came rushing out of me. But I refused to yell out in agony. Instead, I suffered in silence, trying desperately to recover my composure.
How did know about my past, did he learn it from someone, infer it from my responses, and does he know the truth about what happened to my father? Those questions hung in my mind, but I could not answer them tonight. So I took a few more deep breaths I stood up straight and began to march back to the warden's office with a throbbing fist. I had mad my choice, but thanks to Char I wasn't so confident in myself as I thought I was, and now everything was all out of my hands. Tomorrow I would sacrifice yet another part of myself, but right now all I could do was count the hours till I'm forced to do my duty to Britannia, no matter how much it sickens me or destroys what's left of my torn conscience.
Lelouch p.o.v.
Night had settled upon Tokyo, and now with the cover of darkness, the Black Knights and I were all ready to begin the operation. I was in my custom Burai with Kallen and her Guren by my side while the Four Holy Swords were piloting their new Gekka's courtesy of Rakshata. The rest of the Black Knights supporting us were readying the explosives on the prison walls and manning the truck to deliver Tohdoh his new Knightmare as soon as we have him, while the others were at our mobile command center monitoring the situation.
Everything was in place, my people ready, the plan set, all that was left was to wait out the last minutes before the operation begins. With Cornelia and Char's people in other parts of the country, all I would have to deal with is the guards and their Knightmare's. And if one or both of those Lancelot units show up then I have a plan already in place if they want to pick a fight against superior numbers this time. Checking the time I watched the seconds continue to tick by until there was barely a minute to go. Powering on my Burai, I joined the rest of the Black Knights all waiting for the countdown as well.
"3…2…1…"
BOOM!
A massive explosion punctured a hole in the prison walls, fire, and smoke covered our entrance but the alarm was already active, so we had to move fast.
"Begin the operation!" I yelled as the four swords sped through the gap firing their guns.
After waiting for them to clear our route, I followed Kallen through the smoke filled the breach. On the other end, I was greeted with the sight of the Four Holy Swords in their Gekka's dancing around the Britannian Sutherlands and carving their way through their ranks. With the faster and quicker machines, they cut down the enemy with their swords, or with their integrated machine guns. Seeing their skill first hand I knew that earning their loyalty along with Tohdoh's was a must for the Black Knights and would increase the Black Knight's combat potential ten-fold.
"Good, all forces continue eliminating all enemy Knightmares, Q-1 follow me to point L-14 and prepare to break through," I said speeding off to where Tohdoh was while explosions courtesy of sabotage and our allies rang out across the facility.
"Roger," Kallen replied keeping pace with me while being on the lookout for any threat to us.
All the structures looked the same on the outside making it difficult to determine the right one, but thanks to the information I got after hacking into the prison mainframe, I knew Tohdoh's location.
"There bring down the wall right in front of us Q-1," I said stopping at my intended destination.
"One opening, coming right up, " Kallen said while she activated her Radiant Wave Surger and destroyed the wall. Concrete and steel gave way to the energy of the Guren's weapon leaving only dust and rubble.
Once the dust cleared, I was already out of my Knightmare looking down at the man we came to save. Sitting in seiza bound in a straight jacket was Kyoshiro Tohdoh, the miracle worker.
"So your Zero," Tohdoh said giving me a judgmental glare not seeming at all surprised to me.
"Indeed, and I have come to seek your aid Tohdoh to help the Black Knights achieve the dreams of freedom for the Japanese people," I said with practiced enthusiasm. But Tohdoh wasn't so impressed by my speech.
"Uh huh, well Zero you can save the flowery recruitment speech for later, just help me get out of here already."
Huh?
I had expected Tohdoh to be stubborn to accept Zero and the Black Knights help. With him resigned to his fate, prepared to die, and I would have to convince him to continue the fight. But instead, he seemed eager to be accepting of Zero's help.
"Very well," I said before lowering myself down on the cable and cutting Tohdoh free of his straight jacket.
"Good," Tohdoh said as e stood up rubbing his wrists, "I assume the Four Holy Swords were the ones who came to you for help Zero."
"Yes they did, Kyoto also sent a request to free you from prison," I answered wondering if Tohdoh had anticipated my actions or something else.
"Very well then, let's move out, I think I've spent enough time in that cell," he said while we both walked back to my Knightmare where I got in the pilot seat with Tohdoh hunched behind the pilot seat.
Kallen then took the lead, securing our path forward while I followed her towards the rendezvous point. More explosions shook through the air the vibrations even reaching the interior of my Knightmare as Tohdoh's subordinates wrecked havoc among the Britannian forces.
"Zero, any information on the enemy strength, and the situation?"
But the environment outside didn't faze Todoh at all. Instead, he was focused and ready like a veteran field commander should be.
"Only the prison garrison consisting of Sutherlands, and we still have plenty of time till the window where reinforcements are expected," I said.
But Tohdoh was oddly silent for a bit before he spoke up.
"Strange, what is he waiting for?"
I glanced back at Tohdoh who had his eyes closed in thought.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Nothing for now, which may be part of the problem, but we should focus on regrouping while we can," Tohdoh said with a slight twinge of concern.
But before I could analyze Tohdoh's behavior another explosion ripped through the perimeter wall. Following the two Gekkas out of the smoke revealed an armored transport truck speeding through the gap. Swerving around to stop the vehicle showed its cargo, black painted, with red hair, and looking every bit like a samurai's armor waiting for its owner to go into battle. Upon reaching the truck, I spun around and let Tohdoh out where his comrades greeted him.
"Colonel!" Said Chiba
"Welcome back Colonel Tohdoh!" Said Asahina.
"Thank you, you've all worked so hard for this," Tohdoh said standing on the back of my Burai and looking at his old friends.
"No trouble at all sir," said Senba.
"Yeah we're just glad to have you back sir," said Urabe.
Tohdoh then jumped off and into the waiting Gekka, "Cooperate with Zero, eliminate the remaining forces here!"
"Roger!" The four swords replied as one.
Good now with Tohdoh and the swords together again, all that's left is to-
I held that thought as Kallen leaped in front of me and knocked away an incoming harken. Following the cable's return, I saw a familiar Knightmare that had been a thorn in my side for too long.
"Damn what's he doing here?" Kallen said questioning the presence of the Lancelot at a prison when almost all high-ranking Britannia Knightmare pilots were out of the settlement. But it seems the Lancelot was left to defend the prison alone, which is fine by me.
"Zero do you have any data on this unit?" Tohdoh asked while I smirked.
"Possibly but I need everyone to do exactly as I say."
"Ah very well, then I'll defer to you on this matter," he said.
Yes, now it was time to show that no matter how powerful you are Lancelot, you're just one unit, and you'll never stand a chance against real strategy. And it was finally time to find out who has been a thorn in my side all this time.
Char p.o.v.
High above the battlefield on top of a dark prison tower away from any prying eyes I was able to observe the battle below between Suzaku and the Black Knights without giving away my position. The Black Knights swarmed and attacked Suzaku on all sides. He was handling things well now thanks to his Knightmare's superior specs. But now facing this organized assault alone, his weakness stood out and became more glaring. And having already hacked the Black Knights Communications, I knew Lelouch had discovered it as well.
"He really does telegraph his moves," I said watching Suzaku try to predictably rush down the Black Knights but instead he was being strung along into their trap.
I had done my own research on Suzaku's tendencies in Knightmare combat and came to much of the same conclusions as Lelouch did. I did this to sate my curiosity and to be prepared if I had to face Suzaku in the future. Which seemed to be more likely now that I'm almost sure that recruiting him to my side was a lost cause.
I had hoped that he would recognize that joining me was the fastest way to accomplish his goals. But it seems I expected too much from him. His guilt over his father's death and the horrors he saw in the war prevented him from seeing past his quest for redemption. With his sins and regrets enslaving his mind to a narrow purpose, there was little I could do to change his mind beyond taking extreme measures that I would prefer not to use, at least not yet.
I resisted laughing out loud hearing my inner monolog. Here I am lecturing Suzaku over his psychological problems when I'm becoming more and more like a sociopath every day.
"Ugh, why do manipulation, scheming, and subversion have to be so complicated?" I said while I let out a groan and rubbed my forehead.
Even though the worst of my headaches and migraines have stopped, I wished I could have some more of that medication right now. But in return, it would dull my instincts, which was something I couldn't allow to happen. Not when I needed to be at best. I knew if a doctor looked at me they would probably say stress caused my health issues, but I knew better. I knew that even if the headaches have stopped their source is still there in the back of my mind.
Add in the fact that I've been juggling so many masks and personas it's no wonder that I'm starting to feel the strain. But it's too late to consider if my actions make me a fool. I can contemplate such matters another time, right now I need to focus on the present.
"Now you're just getting sloppy Suzaku," I said as I watched Asahina swipe away Suzaku's Varis.
He really needs to be more careful, by losing his main long ranged weapon he is now forced into mid to close range combat that favors the Black Knights due to their numbers advantage. But that was all a part of Lelouch's plans to cut down the Lancelot. By using superior numbers and organized tactics the Black Knights would slowly chip away at the Lancelot until Suzaku makes a fatal mistake.
Which I knew was only a matter of time, thanks to me confirming that Lelouch's plan was the same as it was in canon. Though that seemed to bother me a little. I knew I was still acting as a guiding hand behind the scenes, but has my presence done so little to change the timeline?
No, just because I can't see the ripples doesn't mean they aren't there. I just have to be patient and be ready for them and anything else the future may bring.
The mistake finally came when Tohdoh rounded a corner and delivered a triple sword thrust. Suzaku dodged the first two, but the third found its mark sinking into the roof of his Knightmare's cockpit. Tohdoh then cut along the roof revealing Suzaku's face to the world.
For a second it seemed like everything stopped as Suzaku raised his head. Judging from the lack of Lelouch's voice, and Kallen's desperate-sounding pleas for orders they were shocked at this revelation. But I was calmly powering up my Knightmare's systems as I had seen enough. The time for observing from the shadows was over, now was time for me to take the spotlight, and show not just the Black Knights but all my enemy's the measure of my resolve.
On the outside, my Knightmare's eyes and chest piece flashed green while new data appeared on screen giving me the tactical layout as well as analysis of the conditions of the battle below. The inside of the Lamorak was quite different than the Tallgeese and other typical Knightmare frames. Instead of jutting out the back, the cockpit was integrated inside of the chest and was spherical in shape instead of rectangular.
Also instead of just a series of screens, the entire cockpit's walls beside the control consoles were a seamless array of screens that showed a full panoramic view of the battlefield. The pilot's seat sat on top of a mountain of sensors that connected to the entire frame. The body glove I wore also had a multitude of sensors tracking everything from my reactions to my vital signs. I also put on a headset, which would, in theory, read my brain waves and enable me to use my sixth sense more effectively by enabling me to move the machine by instinct or thought alone.
"I guess those Code R guys did know what they were doing after all," I said going through the pre-checks and seeing everything come up green.
They had their doubts at first, but once they got to the lab and saw the budget they had to work with it was only a matter of time. Having them finish this system and fine-tune it was simple enough. Also since I knew that bio-connect would work out, all I needed to do was adjust their focus, and have them take a step forward to develop a less invasive method.
The sensation of putting on the headset, pilot suit, and being wired into the Knightmare felt strange, I felt not just physically attached, but mentally as well which was to be expected. However, there was something else I felt. It was faint, but it almost felt as if I wasn't alone in the cockpit, and there was a haze like presence hovering over me. But I pushed that feeling into the back of my mind to focus on the here and now. Introspection can come later, in a more controlled environment.
Suzaku and Tohdoh then clashed swords allowing Tohdoh to open his cockpit to chide his former student. But I ignored their dialogue and instead activated my Knightmare's float system. Stepping off of the tower my Lamorak did not plummet to the earth it instead hung in the air thanks to its integrated float system. Having "borrowed" Schneizel's development data on the Gawain and Avalon it was a simple matter to develop my own float system.
So I silently moved into position above the battle but was still out of sight thanks my Knightmare's red and black armor. Taking my custom Varis in one hand, I aimed down and locked onto the area below. Tohdoh had disengaged with Suzaku, but now the Four Holy Swords were preparing to swarm and attack Suzaku all at once. But being the generous man I am I suppose I'll help you this time.
My Knightmare fired four shots at the Black Knights below. The shots each hit the ground beside them in front of them kicking up only dust and caused them to back off their attack. I then stored my gun on my machine's lower back and launched myself towards the ground ready to show them the power of my new Knightmare. Landing in a crouch in front of the Lancelot causing the ground to crack and the dust cloud it brought to obscure me from view.
"Stand down Suzaku, I'll handle this," I said alleviating the startled pilot behind me.
"Char is that you?" he asked stunned by both my appearance and my Knightmare.
"Yes, take a knee and please don't interfere, we wouldn't want a stray piece of debris to kill you now wouldn't we?"
I didn't need to turn around to tell Suzaku was still a bit shaken up by my entrance but I ignored him and chose to focus on the enemy in front of me.
The Black Knights had backed off and regrouped after their near deaths. They stared at the fading dust cloud as the silhouette of the Lamorak became visible. I couldn't see them very well either, but I felt the fear radiate off of them. Which is good, they're right to be afraid, and I'll show them why with my Lamorak. Although there is another name that would also describe my Knightmare but the Black Knights and the people of this world would not know it.
Lamorak was a knight of the round table known for his strength in battle and fiery temper. But from the red and black armor, green eyes, and similar weapons at my sides my Knightmare could also go by another name. One that only I would understand, but it would still fill my enemy's hearts with fear should they hear it.
And that name was Epyon.
Kallen p.o.v.
As the operation to rescue Tohdoh was winding up, I was starting to believe that my earlier feelings of unease were for nothing. But that all changed when the Lancelot chose to show up. Even though he was alone, I knew first hand how strong this guy was. But thanks to Zero's strategy the Lancelot and its pilot were reduced to chasing us down and we strung him along like a fool. But then it happened.
Tohdoh had just struck a critical blow on the Lancelot and cut the roof of its cockpit revealing my nemesis.
"No...it can't be," I said trying to process what I was seeing.
Instead of some random evil looking ace Britannian Knightmare pilot, the pilot of the Lancelot was a young Japanese male around my age. Even worse the pilot of the Lancelot was my classmate and fellow student council member.
"W-What, Suzaku?" I tried to from words, but I was too shocked to see that all this time I've been fighting Suzaku.
Snapping back to reality I got back on the radio to ask for instructions.
"Zero, what now? Give us next instructions? Zero!" I asked frantically trying to seek some sort of guidance to ease my troubled mind.
But no reply came.
Suzaku then continued to fight and clash with Tohdoh.
Come on what are you doing you idiot just run away if you take a direct hit you could die! But my silent begging didn't reach Suzaku as he separated and created space between him and the oncoming Gekkas.
"Zero, what should we do, capture him or-Zero!"
Again no reply from Zero who like me was standing still watching this all unfold.
"We're destroying the white Knightmare got that," Senba said as he and the rest of the Four Holy Swords went in for the kill.
"Wait for Zero's orders!" I shouted, but the soldiers didn't listen.
"We're not waiting, Captin Senba take spinning life or death formation," said Chiba.
"Roger," replied Senba.
"Don't do it," I said trying to get them to stop again, but they ignored me.
I tried to follow after them but hesitated. My job was to protect Zero, but at the same time I couldn't just sit back and watch as Suzaku is about to be killed.
"No wait, stand down!" Zero finally said breaking his silence.
But it was too little too late.
"Don't worry it's a synchronized four-way attack he'll never dodge it," said Asahina trying to reassure Zero, but his words only deepened the pit in my chest.
So I continued to watch as the noose was tightened around my friend's neck while I remained powerless to stop my allies attack.
No, they can't, this isn't what I signed up for. I wanted to fight for freedom and the liberation of the Japanese people, not to be forced to watch my friend get killed. I didn't want to go back to school and have to look at my grieving friends, knowing that I was partly responsible for Suzaku's death. I don't think I could live with myself, not with that kind of guilt.
So I did something I've never done before in my entire life.
I prayed.
Even though I never gave much stock in religion or a higher power, I wished for divine intervention now more than ever.
So I prayed, no begged, to anything, or anyone listening to stop this. Please, I don't care that Suzaku is my enemy right now. Just stop this, stop my friend from being killed.
But before I could look away, I saw four green flashes strike near the Gekka's.
"All units fall back into formation," I heard Tohdoh order.
Looking around for the source of the shots I felt a tremor from something very heavy hitting the ground causing dust and debris to obscure the Lancelot from view. I wondered was it that other Lancelot unit I saw at the docks come to rescue Suzaku?
"Reinforcements, but we haven't heard anything about the military mobilizing yet," said Urabe.
I also thought that was strange. We should have seen more of a response to our attack by now. I looked back to the dust cloud that was starting to dissipate, and that's when I saw it. At first, I thought it was a trick of the light, the shadow of the Lancelot warped by the cloud of dust, but I quickly realized that wasn't the case.
"What is that?" Asked Asahina confirming that my eyes weren't playing tricks on me.
Instead of a guardian angel coming down to answer my prayers, it looked like a demon had appeared instead.
Slowly the dust parted, revealing a large winged red and black Knightmare standing in front of Suzaku and the Lancelot. It was taller than the Tallgeese I fought at Narita, and though it lacked the large weapons its counterpart did, it still looked very dangerous.
"I told you Tohdoh," a voice said through my radio, "that if you did escape, I would be forced to step in."
Oh no, not him.
"So you've come, Charlemagne," Tohdoh said as if he was expecting the prince to show up.
Char just gave a hearty chuckle in reply, which sent a cold shiver down my spine.
"Yes, I'm a man of my word. Oh and before you ask, don't worry about reinforcements coming anytime soon," said Char.
"What, you expect us to believe you?" Said Chiba with venom and hate in her voice.
After her reply, I got a message to change our radio frequency, but no matter how many times I changed it I still heard Char's voice through the radio.
"They won't be coming here unless I signal them, so you can all rest easy and fight in earnest. Besides, I've wanted to test myself against the famed Tohdoh the miracle worker and the Four Holy Swords."
I heard several of the Four Holy Swords growl at Char's words. But I ignored the prince's arrogance and tried to figure out Char's true motives.
If he wanted to stop Tohdoh from escaping, he would have brought more men to cut off our escape, but instead, he came alone and started to taunt us? Why would Char do that? It doesn't make any sense. Char to me seems like the guy who would crush all opposition and doesn't adhere to any particular code of honor. So why would he come here alone and challenge the Black Knights to an uneven battle?
Unless, it has to do something with that new Knightmare he's in?
"Well Charlemagne your arrogance will be your undoing," Zero said finally. "Black Knights capture Charlemagne and Kururugi!"
"Roger, all forces surround them!" Tohdoh ordered.
Not wanting to stand by and watch anymore I threw myself into action wanting to forget about my prior moment of weakness.
"Roger," I replied and went to follow the other's lead.
We then began to circle the two of them like a school of sharks, slowly closing in on them from all sides. But if Char was nervous about being surrounded and having a noose slowly close around his neck he didn't show it.
"I know you might be nervous, but I haven't got all night," Char said breaking the silence.
His comment was effective in breaking the standoff and the composure of some of the Holy Swords.
"You Bastard!" Chiba said as she charged in from the left.
"You'll pay for what you've done!" Said Asahina as he too charged in from the right.
Senba and Urabe charged as well to support their comrades, Tohdoh also advanced, but as I was about to join in the attack, I heard a chilling voice over the radio.
"Predictable."
Quicker than I thought was possible for a Knightmare Char raised his machines arms and launched his wrist mounted Slash Harkens. Each of the gold talons hit their mark and snagged both Chiba and Asahina. He then spun in a circle causing Chiba and Ashina to crash into Senba and Urabe.
Seeing such a display of power shocked me because I didn't think Knightmares were capable of such strength.
"You're wide open!" Shouted Tohdoh as he charged at Char's back while he was still mid spin bringing his chain katana forward to strike.
If it were a normal opponent giving away their back would be a death sentence, but having fought the prince before I knew he never gave any openings unless he wanted you to see them. I then saw something Char had something in his Knightmare's hand that looked like a hilt of a sword without a blade.
What's he going to do with that thing?
I then saw a flash of green and Tohdoh's sword was then cut in two along with the left side of his Knightmare, barely missing the cockpit.
"An energy sword! How the hell did they make that?"
Char then gripped Tohdoh with his Knightmare's left hand and held it up by its right arm.
"Shit!" I said before racing forward to save Tohdoh, not wanting everything we've done tonight to be for nothing.
"It's a shame, I expected more from you Tohdoh, but just like all the other fools you charge right in," Char said as gripped a paralyzed Tohdoh
Tohdoh tried to fire his Harkens, but they just bounced off Char's armor. I heard the Four Swords cry out for their leader to eject but I knew there wasn't enough time even if he could.
Come on almost there!
"So I guess you can join your comrades in the afterlife," he said as he brought his blade down.
But before the green blade could meet Tohdoh's cockpit I launched my Knightmare forward leading with my right arm with the Radiant Wave Surger on full power.
"Eat this asshole!"
Char then dropped Tohdoh and brought his weapon against mine, blocking the blow and stopping my assault head on.
"What, how did he?" I asked bewildered as I watched my weapon struggled against the beam of green energy emitted by Char's sword.
"Hello again Red, we need to stop meeting like this," Char said smugly as ever acting like he wasn't locked in a life or death struggle at the moment.
"You're right, so how about you go and die already!' I said as I tried to move forward, but I couldn't budge the behemoth of a machine Char was in or get past his sword.
"Still fiery as ever I see," Char replied in a carefree manner despite the arcs of red and green coming off our respective weapons. "I would have thought you'd be happy to see me, I even traded in my old Knightmare for a new one that matches yours. Now with this Lamorak we can continue our dance from last time."
I tried to bury the memories that came to mind of our last encounter and tried to focus on the fight.
"Well, this time my Guren won't go down so easily."
"Try to keep up then," Char said as he backed off to create some space.
I pursued and tried to go on the offensive and distract him while the others get to Tohdoh. However, I was forced to deflect a flurry of blows from his sword stopping all thought of attacking him. So I was pushed back and forced to deflect his attacks that came so fast I only had seconds to react. But as strange as it sounds I still felt Char was holding back against me. Like our fight back in Narita, he wasn't going for as many killing blows. Instead, he danced around me and stuck savage precision leaving only glancing blows or scratches on the Guren.
Another thing I noticed was that despite being in such a large and powerful machine, his movements were quick and agile. He moved his machine as if it were a skilled dancer gliding across the ground with measured and calculated steps while I struggled to keep up with his pace. But whether it was pity or something else, Char was a patient dance partner. He waited for me to catch up, he didn't rush right into our exchanges, and while we continued to dance with each other in a performance of violence and destruction, I was beginning to enjoy myself.
Dammit! All his talk of dancing while fighting is starting to rub off on me. Come on Kallen just keep focused and take him out! But despite my best efforts I was struggling to match Char in single combat, so I guess I'll have to ask for help from my allies.
"Zero, what's the plan to take this guy down?" I asked, but I only got static in reply. "Hello, Zero, anybody, please respond!" I tried and tried to get anyone to speak to me, but it was to no avail.
"They can't hear you," said Char cutting off my attempts to reach Zero and the Black Knights. "I isolated your Knightmare's communications so we could speak freely with one another."
Ok, that's bad, but as long as I can keep Char busy that should buy enough time for Zero and the others to get a plan of attack together.
"How thoughtful, now I have to listen to you drone on about your higher motives and ideals right, " I said trying to convey as much sarcasm as possible.
But Char just chuckled, and I could just imagine the disgusting smirk on his stupid perfect royal face.
"No we'll be having none of that," he said lashing out again forcing me to dodge. "I just wanted to give you the opportunity to be able to beg for your life when I beat you, now En Garde!" He said as he came at me again this time with even more ferocity.
True to his word his blows became faster and harder to deflect. I almost tripped up a few times, but I was still holding my own in this duel.
While I continued to clash with Char while Tohdoh was rescued by Chiba who dragged Tohdoh out of the wreck that was his black Gekka. Asahina tried to keep Suzaku occupied but he was kept at bay by Suzaku's harkens, so they were locked in a stalemate with either one not wanting to get caught out of position. Though I was wondering where were Senba and Urabe?
"You know, you shouldn't take your eyes off the enemy in the midst of a battle," said Char breaking me out of my observations.
Turning back towards the Lamorak I saw Char launch his black metal whip from the Lamorak's left arm mounted shield and wrapped it around my Knightmare's right leg. He then pulled the whip back and sent the Guren tumbling onto my left side crushing my arm-mounted machine gun.
"Shame and you were doing so well too," Char sounding disappointed in me.
Without another word he brought his sword down again to finish me off.
"I'm not done yet!" I yelled bringing my right arm up to defend myself causing the two weapons meet creating a flash of red and green light to blind my vision.
"Oh, so you still have some fight left in you after all?"
His feign surprise was sickening to hear but I knew I didn't have much energy left to fight with and if this fight continues to drag on the more and more it will be in his favor.
"Enough to take you down!" I said trying to sound confident but based on my current position it was hard to hide the desperation I was feeling.
"Big words from someone about to taste defeat and possibly death."
I grit my teeth to hold my focus and from barking out at him since he was right.
"So how about you and I make a deal before I'm forced to destroy you and your Guren?"
A deal what the hell is he talking about? But I couldn't stop and think about it as his sword began to push the Radiant Wave Surger and my only shield from his attacks back.
"Simple, you surrender and leave Zero as well as those other idiots in the Black Knights. I'm sure I can arrange a pardon for someone capable of getting my blood pumping and is as talented in destruction as you are," said Char tempting me to betray my comrades for my own sake
Like I would ever do that.
"You know, I really hate pushy guys, so you can take that offer of yours and shove it!"
If Char was offended by my rejection, he didn't say anything about it.
"Well that's a shame, Zero doesn't deserve such a fiery women by his side. Although if I may be so bold, please indulge me with just one more question?"
It's not like I could refuse but before I could respond Char spoke again.
"Have we met before, you seem...familiar?"
Oh no, me and my big mouth. Just shut up and fight Kallen! That, however, was easier said than done, since all I could do was hold his Knightmare's weapon back from killing me.
"Your voice reminds me of someone I met before I first had the pleasure of dancing with you and your Guren."
His words cut through my resolve and sent a chill down my spine.
"What was her name? It's on the tip of my tongue," said Char as he continued to hold me down
I desperately tried to push back and get him to stop talking, but there was no getting past that sword which held my weapon at bay.
"It started with a K, Katlin, no, Katie, no, Karen no that wasn't it."
As he continued to rattle off names, I continued to struggle to get the Guren free, but inside the cockpit, a quiet terror was slowly taking over me.
"It was Naoto's younger sister, now what was her name again?"
Hearing my brother's name mentioned brought back of my first meeting with Char and my brother's warning about the prince.
"Kallen, right, that was her name," Char said as I trembled on the inside my Knightmare.
My brother warned me about fighting Char not only because he possesses such great strength. He also warned me that he was a man who knew about people's secrets, and I confirmed that my identity as a Black Knight was one of them.
"RAAAGH!"
I screamed trying one last time with all my power to break free and finish him. If I get rid of him, my brother can come home again. And then we can be a family with mother again.
"Be silent!"
Char's voice shattered my outburst just as his sword overpowered the Radiant Wave Surger and bashed it aside before pinning it to the ground with his foot. Thankfully the weapon wasn't broken only immobilized this time. But I still was left defenseless, pinned to the ground, and found myself yet again at Char's mercy.
"Pathetic," Char said sounding like a disappointed parent scolding a child. Something I would have found ironic since he's only a few years older than me if my life wasn't hanging by a thread. "For all your bluster and bravado is all you can offer me in battle, have you learned nothing from our previous battle?"
I didn't respond not because of my inability to, but because I was paralyzed with fear.
"I suppose it was too much to expect you to put up a decent fight with the Lamorak though," Char said continuing to talk while my mind started to race.
This can't be happening, this can't be happening, this can't be happening!
Not now!
Not when we had all but won and were almost in the clear.
However, before I could further lament and despair over my situation a cloud of smoke rolled in which started to mess with my optical sensors.
"What's this, chaff smoke?" Char said.
Suddenly two Gekkas burst into view and attacked Char forcing him to back off to dodge them.
"Q-1 do you read me?"
It seems my radio is working now, but I still can't see a thing in this cloud.
"Zero is that you?"
"Yes, Q-1 is the Guren still combat effective?"
"Yes sir," I replied regaining my composure.
"Good, I need you to assist Senba and Urabe to defeat Char."
Defeat Char, how can I do that when I can barely see what's in front of me?
"I have taken a higher position where I can direct you based on your I.F.F.'s. You should still be able to see him at close range. So just follow my orders, and we can overwhelm him," Zero said reigniting some hope inside of me.
"Leading from the rear again Zero, if you think this smokescreen is enough to stop me then you are-," Char was saying before stopping to deflect simultaneous blows from Senba and Urabe.
"Just keep him in the center of the smoke," Zero said to the others. "Q-1 circle the enemy and prepare to strike."
"Right," I said before following Zero's orders to the letter.
Circling the smoke I could faintly see the Lamorak exchanging blows with two Gekka's, with neither side causing any significant damage. Then it was time for me to strike as Urabe came at him from the left, Senba on the right, and both crashed into him at full speed having both their weapons destroyed and Knightmare's damaged. But they were able to grab ahold of the larger machine's arms and tangle them in their Slash Harkens to temporarily immobilize it.
"Tch, get off of me you cannon fodder!" Char yelled struggling to throw the two Holy Swords off of him.
"Now's your chance," said Urabe desperately trying to hold the right arm and sword at bay.
"Strike him down!" yelled Senba gripping the left arm that housed the whip.
"Q-1 NOW!" Zero yelled.
"Roger!" I replied as I sped toward the front of his Knightmare right hand leading ready to finish him off.
"Damn you stubborn woman!" Char yelled.
The Lamorak then opened the top of its shoulder's causing two Vulcan machine guns to appear which proceeded to spin up and open fire on me. I activated the Radiant Wave Surger to block the incoming bullets, but that didn't stop the bullets from exploding upon contact with my improvised shield.
"Explosive ammunition! No matter, with the Radiant Wave Surger you're fate, is sealed!" I said continuing to charge forward ignoring the residual damage I was taking from his concentrated fire.
Just as I was in reach, I heard Char's voice.
"Very well then."
Before my weapon reached the Lamorak, a flash of light temporally blinded me. Upon opening my eyes instead of seeing molten and bubbling metal, I saw a green clashing with red again. But this energy wasn't coming from his sword. Instead, it came from the Knightmare's chest and other emitters on its body that seemed to generate a protective field around the machine.
"If you wish to use your full strength, then I will respond in kind," Char said with a low voice full of malice.
The energy field or shield then extended itself to cover the entire machine. It even severed the arms and Slash Harkens of Senba and Urabe's machines.
"What!"
"No Way!"
They both shouted having both their Knightmare's disarmed after getting caught in that field.
"Grit your teeth."
"What?" I asked, but my only reply was Char's renewed assault.
He sent an armored fist colliding with my Knightmare's head sending me skidding backward and almost causing me to bite my tongue if I hadn't been grinding my teeth in frustration. Char then turned his attention of the two damaged and now defenseless Gekkas.
Urabe was first as Char deactivated his shield and activated his sword and split his Knightmare down the middle vaporizing him instantly. He then shot his whip like a scorpion's stinger at Senba impaling his cockpit. The whip then started to glow red with such extreme heat the inside of the Knightmare began to melt. He then extended the whips barbs ripping a twisted, warped hole out of the machine causing it to slump down before exploding.
Both of their deaths were so brutal and quick neither had a chance to eject or scream in agony.
"You bastard!" I yelled and charged again to get revenge for my fallen comrades.
But when I blinked and reached where Char was, he was gone. I looked to the left, the right, behind me, but there was no sign of him anywhere in the smoke. The only warning I got was my hair standing on end and goosebumps rising along my arms before explosions rocked the ground around me.
"Damn, I can't see anything. I need to get out of this smoke."
Once I navigated my way out of the dissipating smoke I got a clear look at the battlefield. Craters littered the ground, fires were springing up everywhere, the rest of my comrades who were still alive gathered close by, Suzaku was still alive and rooted to his spot protecting himself and his cockpit. But there was still no sign of Char. Then I noticed everyone looking up, and when I looked up, I understood why everyone was standing around.
"I guess the wings weren't just for decoration after all," I said seeing Char in the Lamorak floating above the devastation he caused below with rifle in hand. " Great a Knightmare that can fly. At least that explains how he got here," I said trying to rationalize my thoughts.
However mentally I was berating myself for missing the signs that his machine was floating along the ground and never once deployed its land-spinners. Looking closer I saw that the Lamorak didn't have any significant damage.
"All that work, and I couldn't even manage to dent that Knightmare."
Char then leveled his weapon straight at me causing me to freeze like a deer in the headlights. Until he switched targets, and to my horror aimed towards Zero who was rappelling down a building in his Knightmare to retreat.
But just as he was about to pull the trigger on his rifle, he stopped and turned around instead.
"All Black Knights release remaining chaff smoke and retreat!"
I heard Zero's command, but I didn't turn my back to Char not wanting to give him an opening. Then I saw a whole division of reinforcements coming in on with flight transports from behind Char.
"Well, so much for no reinforcements," I said bitterly as I began retreating with the remaining Black Knights. Hoping that Char chose not just to run us down here and now.
Char p.o.v.
Normally seeing reinforcements is something I should be happy about, but right now all I felt was an overwhelming headache getting worse. I hadn't ordered them to come here, so that means someone must have caved because of external pressure, probably Darlton if I had to place a bet on it. The show of force was cute, but all it accomplished was to scare off the Black Knights.
My reason for going in alone was to draw in Zero and his compatriots by making myself a target. I knew the opportunity to take me out was one too good for Lelouch to pass on, and while it was true that I was caught off guard by their coordinated attack, I was able to overcome them with the Lamorak's advanced systems. I may have killed Senba and Urabe by reflex, but their deaths didn't bother me since they both were inconsequential to the bigger picture. They were just cannon fodder that both went down so easily after foolishly sacrificing themselves for plans or in this case a plan doomed from the start.
In fact, it would be easy for me to finish off the Black Knights by myself now. I just need to chase them down, which would be easy with my flight enabled Lamorak, and capture or kill the rest of the Black Knights, and just be done with this whole charade.
So I aimed at the custom Burai that I knew held Lelouch and prepared to open fire and end the Black Knights.
'…No…'
A faint whisper halted any thought of attacking or giving chase.
"Who said that?"
I looked around for the source of the voice. It didn't come from the radio, the computer, or my Knightmare. I then tried to feel if anyone was trying to mess with my mind.
'…That's enough...'
I heard it again, this time only fainter. The words were a request not a demand, and as the sound vanished so did the throbbing in my head. Not only did my headache stop, but I also felt lighter? As if someone had lifted a great weight off my shoulders, as well as clearing my senses.
However, my mind was far from at ease, hearing the voice again I found it similar to my own voice only sounding much younger.
"Charlemagne?"
...
But my only reply was silence, and after a few tense seconds I gave up hope of trying to contact this body's previous owner. I then felt a warm substance trickle down my nose and lifting my hand to wipe it away I found that it was blood.
"Well that's not a good sign," I said rubbing the blood between my fingers. "I go from phantom pains and psychosis's to voices in my head and nose bleeds."
Despite my attempts at dark humor, I was unsettled by what just occurred. Was it Charlemagne who spoke to me, then were the migraines and headaches because of him?
I knew I wouldn't get any more answers here, so I sent a few messages to Suzaku as well the reinforcements that I was quitting the field and returning to base. Before turning and having the autopilot return me back to the base. Besides the voice was right. I came here today to solidify my position in the public eye. To show everyone that I was one with the power to shape the future and the driving force that will change the world. No need to do anything too drastic to change the timeline.
Now I'm not so sure about all that. I mean if that voice did belong to the original Charlemagne. Does that mean his consciousness is still inside of me, and just woke up thanks to C.C.'s attack? Or is he in C's world while retaining a connection to his body? How could I have only heard him now? Is it because of the new system in the Lamorak? And if he is still alive then what am I exactly and how did I come to be in his body?
My pondering was put on hold however when a video call from Alya popped up on screen.
"Char," she said looking more unhappy than usual.
"Alya, how are things with Nonette and Rai?" I said trying to redirect the conversation she called to have.
"Oh they're fine, Nonette's been torturing Cornelia ever since she got here, and she's been dragging Rai everywhere we go. Whether it is carrying our bags shopping or covering our blindside fighting terrorists, she has him following her like a trained guard dog. It reminds me how she treated you when we got out of the academy."
"Alright, alright, and before you ask, I'm all right."
"Alright!? You charge in alone against the Black Knights, with an untested Knightmare, and you think I called because I wanted to know if you were alright!?" Alya said shaking with anger and her voice rising with every word.
"You didn't?"
I just had to say it, and the only reason I was antagonizing her is that Alya wasn't in the same room to kick my ass.
Alya dipped her head below the screen and groaned before looking back up at me exasperated.
"Ok if you're going to be like that then I won't tell you what your younger sister just did."
"She announced Suzaku Kururugi to be her personal knight."
My quick response earned me a moment of silence while Alya rubbed her forehead.
"Yes, but you'll never guess who Nonette told me was coming to visit you."
"My brother Schneizel?"
Again Alya went quiet before exhaling a deep breath.
"With the Avalon," I added cutting her off before she even spoke.
"Ugh, I hate it when you do that!" said Alya who was about to tear her hair out because of me.
I resisted the urge to laugh at Alya who always got mad when I always seemed to know the answer to her questions or which words would come out of her mouth.
"By the way," I added breaking Alya out of her fuming. "Is the Caliburn ready for travel yet, because if my brother has a flying ship coming with him I want mine here too."
Alya rolled her eyes at my childish antics.
"Yes, last I heard it was loaded up and ready to leave port." She said flipping her hair. "But you won't believe who your brother is bringing with him?"
"Kanon Maldini? I know my brother likes to keep the company of a man, but he's his aide to camp, so he doesn't count," I said like I didn't care.
"Nope!" Alya answered a little too cheerfully. "According to Nonette, your brother is bringing along a woman you should know well."
A woman, with Schneizel, are we talking about the same brother. Over all these years with this body, I still haven't figured out my brother's sexual preferences. Not that I cared, but it would explain why he and Kanon are never but a few steps apart.
"Ok, Alya you got me, who is it?" I asked, but Alya was just sitting there smug about her little victory.
"Just a minute, I just want to savor this feeling I'm having. Ahh, so this how you feel all time, wow being a know it all sure feel's good."
Now she's just rubbing it my face.
"Any time now Alya, don't leave me in suspense."
"Your mother is coming to visit."
…What?
"I'm sorry Alya, but I must have misheard you but did you say that my mother is coming to visit?"
A quick nod was all the reply I needed before reality set in.
"WHAT!?"
Lelouch p.o.v.
"Finish loading the damaged Knightmare's and head for safehouse 1-alpha, you can tell Rakshata she can oversee the repairs there," I said to a random Black Knight to relay my orders.
"Yes sir, Zero," the man said before saluting me and running off to do his job.
I then turned off the radio and sat in my Knightmare alone with my thoughts. Seeing the devotion and loyalty of the Black Knights should have been heartwarming since I've put in all this effort into building the organization. But the past results of my actions and plans didn't fill me with the same confidence. What should have been a surprise hit and run rescue mission, instead turned into a one-sided slaughter, courtesy of my older brother.
"Dammit, again he was right there, right in front of me, and I still couldn't beat him!"
Come on Lelouch, calm down, and think things through!
Taking a deep breath, I thought about everything that happened tonight. The entire operation to rescue Tohdoh had initially gone off without a hitch. It wasn't until the Lancelot unit showed up that everything took a turn for the worse. The countermeasure plan for it that I had developed worked like a charm, but once I found out that the pilot was Suzaku I lost my composure.
I wanted to laugh out hysterically at the thought of my best friend all this time was one of my worst enemies. But I bit my tongue and swallowed the bitter truth and moved on.
I had nearly shut down inside my cockpit right in the middle of the battlefield. But while I was mumbling to myself about my best friend being my enemy Tohdoh and the others were ready to eliminate a threat. Even though I did speak out against the action, it did little to dissuade them from their course of action. That was when my brother Char chose to appear.
I put my hands together and bound them into a tight fist to contain my frustration.
Why?
Why does he always appear just at the nick of time to steal away my victories? How does he have such strength? What the hell was that Knightmare of his? And how come it seems he's always one step ahead of me every time I try and make a move?
A plethora of questions rushed through my brain, and I tried to logically sort them all out until I stopped seeing that questioning myself won't get me anywhere. The facts are that the Black Knights succeeded in our primary objective in rescuing Tohdoh. The loss of two of the Holy Swords was acceptable, their deaths will further cement Tohdoh's loyalty to me in the form of a vendetta against Char, and every cause has a need for a martyr now I just happen to have two. It may be cruel to think about exploiting the deaths of Tohdoh's, but from what I've seen tonight the Black Knights need all the help they can get.
"Zero, come in Zero?" Kallen called over the radio.
"Y-Yes this is Zero, what is it?" I replied while swallowing the lump in my throat.
"We're about to move, are you ready?"
Am I ready? Of course not, but what choice did I have in the matter?
"Yes, tell Ohgi to plot a course for warehouse D-7 we'll meet up with the others later."
"Understood," Kallen said before getting into the transport.
As I powered on my Knightmare and moved it into position, I understood what I had to now. It was far too late to turn back from what I've started. I knew that finding the truth about my mother's death and fighting Britannia wouldn't be easy. I just need to focus on the pieces I still have on the board not what I've lost. Survive and advance. That's what the Black Knights and I need to do right now. Keep moving forward and worry about what do with Suzaku and Char later. Just like in chess you're going to lose some pieces on the path to victory. All I can do right now is manage my losses so I can put my foes in check in the future.
My reasoning sounded good in my head, but right now I didn't see a way to pull checkmate on Britannia. At least not without sacrificing more of my chess pieces.
AN: Please Favorite, Follow, and Review to let me know what you think.
Knightmare Details
KMF Lamorak (Based on Epyon Gundam)
Lamorak name origin: A lesser known Knight of the Round Table in Arthurian Legends.
-Height: 6.7 meters (22 ft.)
-Weight: 15.5 metric tons
-Power Source: Experimental Yggdrasil drive with expanded power reserves to supply the weapons and suit with power.
-Biosensor/Prototype Psycommu Headset: Made from Code R technology the devices can increase reaction time and input of the pilot and machine's responses. Requires the use of pilot suit/headset to register pilot's nervous system/brainwaves and translate them into mechanical inputs.
-Panoramic Cockpit: The Cockpit features an advanced panoramic screen giving the pilot more real-time data and tactical layout of the battlefield.
-Heavy Composite Armor: New composite armor material made from a range of materials to allow the Lamorak able to shrug off most attacks from convention weaponry.
Armament/Weapons:
-Experimental Blaze Luminous Beam Sword: Deadly close range weapon, but uses shield energy, and prevents the Knightmare from using the full body shield.
-Dual shoulder mounted Vulcan machine guns: Capable of firing custom ammunition from incendiary to explosive.
-Integrated float system: Located on the back and wings allowing the machine to fly.
-Integrated propulsion/booster system: mounted along the entire frame for increased in air maneuverability and short range adjustments.
-Backup Landspinners: in the heels stored when in flight mode.
-1x medium physical shield: mounted on left forearm.
-Retractable heat chain whip: integrated into the shield.
-Blaze Luminous shield system: capable of being emitted by the extremities or even the whole machine in a Blaze Luminous Cone/Field.
-6x wrist mounted Slash Harken dagger talons: three on each wrist.
-Varis Long Gun: stored on lower back with multi-chamber under barrel attachment capable of launching anti-armor grenades and rockets.