Holy shit, 69 reviews. I can't even believe it to be honest. I had expected for Kawaguchi to be a wham chapter, but not like this. It was so popular, I actually put aside some time I could have been playing Destiny (and getting ready for Hyrule Warriors) to get this quickly out. Sorry for not updating the tumblr.
Not even going to ask for an expectation. You guys have literally left me humbled at the last chapter being the most reviewed chapter to date, I literally was playing Destiny over two days and my phone would not stop alerting me to the reviews, favs, and follows you guys dispensed. I kinda felt like Maximilian Dood on his birthday livestream when he got donations out the ass. It was that powerful. (He actually posted up a video of that, if you want a good look at my reaction, there it is).
Anyways, this chapter is a bit of filler, and a bit of the aftermath and establishing a few more players in the shadows that are going to become critical in the future. And on another note, my commission artist should be giving me a new, better rough draft, in the next week or so.
Chapter 33
Shades of Red
After Kawaguchi I felt as though the rug had been pulled out from under my feet. Everything changed when Kallen uttered those three fateful words. I knew then and there that my plans had to change as well. But whenever I was alone, even though I knew I had to focus, I wondered 'Is it all a lie?'
As much as my head said yes, my heart said 'No' that it couldn't be an illusion.
- His Imperial Majesty Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia, 2022 a.t.b.
In spite of the information right there in front of her, Ariadne Harrington could not admit that she was wrong. That all the careful calculation, looking at every facet of information and she had ignored something so obvious. Yet, she had to and everything that meant.
It was like a piece of the puzzle that had been missing suddenly slipped into place. All of the questions on funding, training, equipment, it all became so clear. The Stadtfeld Consortium was the source of it.
And if that were true, then that meant...
The sound of the door locking behind her ripped her violently from her thoughts, causing her to turn around and look at her commander and patron. The look on his face was blank, but then again she could understand that: the woman he had a torch for had just admitted she was a traitor.
However, what he said next was something she never expected.
"Can you destroy that," Lelouch asked, his eyes locked firmly on her, something dangerous in them, something she had never seen before.
"I can...remotely corrupt them from here," she said hesitantly, not sure what to think of the question but worried what it could lead to.
"Then do it."
She was floored by that single statement, not believing what was just said.
"Begging your pardon, Your Highness, but this is the only evidence that we have that the Countess is Zero. If you have it destroyed, then all we have is circumstantial evidence."
"I'm aware of that."
"But, she just admitted to treason, Your Highness. Surely you cannot..."
"Colonel, I am perfectly aware of what I am doing. But maybe you should be aware of the path you are insisting to take will damn your uncle just as much as it will the Countess."
She hesitated, "I doubt he is aware of the Countess' activities."
"Really? He lives under the same roof as her, he likely trained her himself, do you honestly believe that he is unaware?"
No, she thought to herself with sorrow, her world crumbling at the fact that her uncle, her hero, was willfully committing treason against his country, against her.
"Regardless," she said with a tiny voice, "when I donned this uniform I swore to protect it from its enemies, foreign or domestic."
"And is the Noppera-bō truly Britannia's enemy?"
"No...Yes," she quickly corrected, "they have claimed Britannian lives, destroyed Britannian property, and have committed regicide."
"But they have also cleaned up Japan significantly. They have done the jobs we should have done to begin with. They have also fought the enemies we should have."
"That doesn't take away from the fact that they have raised arms against the crown, Your Highness."
This earned a shake of the head and a rueful chuckle.
"You're one of the most intelligent and analytical staff officers I have ever had the chance to encounter, Colonel. But, you have instances where you suffer from tunnel vision once you narrow it down."
"Then explain it to me," she sneeres, not giving a damn about decorum, she did not appreciate having her analysis criticized.
"If you wipe out the leadership of the Noppera-bō, what is likely to happen?"
"It will fragment. The Noppera-bō has been held together by Zero's natural charisma and successes, with Zero then there is no glue."
"Exactly. Zero is their prophet, their path to the so-called promise land. They lose her then they are rudder-less, I have no doubt that if we eliminate Zero now, the situation will become much worse for us."
"Are you sure you're not saying that because your girlfriend is Zero."
There was a heavy pause as Lelouch's eyes narrowed at her.
"I'll let that pass just this once, Colonel, but never again. The reason we are not going to pursue Zero us because soon it won't matter anyways. With the reforms being pushed through by Euphemia and I, the popular support for her will wane."
"And what if she turns to terrorism?"
"Do you think your uncle will allow that?"
"...No. But that does not answer my question."
Lelouch fell silent, as if silently contemplating something. He then shifted uncomfortably before he spoke again, his eyes hard amethysts as he gazed at her.
"Because, identity as my girlfriend or not, Zero is the lynchpin to my future aspirations."
Future aspirations, she thought, before it hit her like an artillery shell.
"You plan to rise against the Empire," she breathed, unable to believe what she was hearing. Well, as much as she consciously thought, still it did make sense considering the Prince's stances and motivations.
"Not against the Empire. Against the Emperor," he said cooly, his eyes searching her for her reaction, "I wasn't lying when I said that Japan would be the laboratory of change. I merely omitted that by change, I meant revolution."
The ingrained loyalty in her quailed at the statement, unbelieving that a Prince of the Empire would dare to stand against the Emperor, who ironically came to power through rebellion. Yet, at the same time, as guiltily as she didn't want to admit it, the part of her that had endured the abuses she had simply because of her station and origin could not help but want it. The idea that for once, Britannia would change, and maybe, just maybe, there would be that opportunity for everyone, regardless of birth, to succeed based upon their merits.
But there was something left unsaid there, the fact that he was revealing this to her meant that he had developed a contingency if she was to react negatively to his declaration. It didn't take a genius to figure out that likely it would end up with her death through mysterious circumstances and since she was a commoner, no one would bat an eyelash.
Still, that had nothing to do with the question. Should be be faithful to her heart or her pledge? Have a chance at something better or be doomed to begging for scraps regardless of achievements?
Didn't Patrick Henry say that if this be treason, make the most of it?
With that thought in mind, she whirled around, accessing the keyboard and began entering the prompts necessary to fulfill her Prince's command. She had to have some faith that this would not blow up in their face, but so far Lelouch had been flawless so she would trust that.
"Done," she said, turning back around to meet his gaze, "the files will corrupt themselves shortly in that sector of the hotel so it looks like a general failure. I have saved a copy for your use though."
Lelouch said nothing for a few moments before he finally nodded, turning away from her and heading towards the door.
"Your Highness? What are you going to do about the Countess? People are going to figure out she was the one that killed Kusakabe."
"What do you think," Lelouch replied, his voice bitter, "make her a damn hero."
He then opened the door and slipped through, leaving Ariadne stuck in her thoughts amongst the soft thrum of computers.
InF
As the door slid shut behind him, Lelouch moved to lean against the wall, his shoulders slumping as he closed his eyes in resignation. The last few moments ones in which he had found everything he had taken for granted shaken to the core.
In retrospect, he shouldn't be surprised by any of this. He had believed Kallen had been Zero, but then he had let his own emotions blind him to the fact.
Ariadne had been right though, though she wasn't as blunt, he had been thinking with his dick instead of his mind. It would have been so damn ironic if it wasn't so pathetic. He wouldn't be where he was if it wasn't for his intellect.
He looked down at his hands, balled into fists but trembling like a leaf on the wind, his carefully controlled veneer holding on by a thread. Chuckling, a wry, sad thing, he flexed and unflexed the offending appendages, before running his left hand through his hair in frustration.
Leave it to the woman he was falling for to leave him such a fit, he thought to himself as he took a deep cleansing breath, Jeremiah walking towards him now.
"Your Highness, Zero is here."
In more ways than one, he thought ruefully.
InF
Ignorant of what was going on with Lelouch, Kallen was finishing collecting her knives at the same time holding an ice pack to her nose. The door to the room was firmly locked, which allowed her some time to gather her wits and tend to her injuries.
Without a doubt, her nose was broken, it didn't even take a glance at her reflection to confirm that, she could just tell. The pain was an irritant, but the swelling was going to be a problem in the future.
Finished with her cursory exam, she knew it wouldn't be long until Caedron or enemy reinforcements would be here. It shouldn't be too difficult, but...
A series of knocks in a coded method only she would recognize brought her from her thoughts, confirming that support was here. Moving to the door, she opened it to reveal a pistol pointed at her face. It then lowered and Caedron was there, his eyes scanning over her.
"How bad," was his only question as she stepped back to let him in, along with two Shadows and a third person, currently bound, but silent.
"Broken."
The frown was icy as he looked to where Kusakabe was, the blood still drying into the carpet. It was obvious by his expression that if she hadn't done him in, he would have.
"Status report?"
"Hostages secured and being escorted out. We're the only ones left. Britannian forces are moving in."
She nodded, before her eyes went to the unexpected guest, one Kyoshiro Tohdoh who was watching the two of them.
"It seems we meet again Colonel."
This time the frown was heavily evident as the Colonel stared at her, ignoring the fact that she had a bag of ice on her face and tried to place her. How she would know him and from where was heavy on his mind. She understood that as she brought the ice off her face to allow him to get a better look at her, despite the fact that it added to her discomfort.
"I don't recall meeting you until today."
"Of course not, you and I have not met in these circumstances before. However, at Yokosuka Harbor, I do have to admit your trap would have worked if we were not tipped off to Kyoto's plan."
It was then that it clicked and even Tohdoh's stoic demeanor could not hide the surprise.
"You're Zero?"
"Ironic, isn't it? The leader of a group determined to retake Japan is also a Britannian. But we don't have time to discuss that, I offer you a choice: the only reason you have not been killed like the rest of Kusakabe's cronies is the fact that I know you're an honorable man who would not generally plan something like this, so that means you did it under duress; as such, you have a choice since if you return to the JLF it is likely you will be treated as a traitor and accorded such punishment, either you can join us and see the day in which the world may be free, or you can commit seppuku, here and now, and regain your lost honor. The choice is yours, but time is limited."
She could tell he was conflicted right away, but then again, she couldn't blame him for all of the years of loyalty he had given to Japan and by extension the JLF, it was part of the reason she wanted to recruit him. Loyalty and skill like that were hard to find.
"Very well," he finally said, his eyes closed in resignation, "but I have one request. "
"I'll do everything in my power to grant it, what is it?"
"If possible, I want to recruit my men."
"The Holy Swords? I don't see a problem with that, but I'd recommend you be quick about it, if the Viceroy doesn't go after the JLF soon, I most certainly am. The JLF crossed a line today and I intend to make an example of them."
"Very well."
"Good, now Colonel, follow these two Shadows, and they will safely exfiltrate you."
Knowing nothing further more could be said in these circumstances, " he instead did as she asked, following the two masked figures, leaving Kallen and Caedron alone. Sighing, the redhead turned back to the couch, plopping back down on it and placing the ice back in her nose, wincing as she did it a bit too hard.
"You know there's not going to be enough make-up in the world to cover this," she moaned.
"I didn't think you cared about looks."
"I care about the message. Looking like I went three or four rounds with a world welterweight boxer does not give a message of strength."
"And all of this doesn't, " he asked with an arched eyebrow.
"Touche," she responded after a moment of glancing around the room.
"You know you're going to have some explaining to do to Lelouch."
"I know. It can't be helped though, I wanted my pound of flesh."
He said nothing in response, instead heading over to the bar and pouring himself a stiff drink.
They were both like that when Britannian soldiers stormed into the room.
InF
It was odd, to say the least, for Lelouch as he stood there, across from him was Zero, or at least a double of her. It didn't take much to figure that it was likely C.C. considering the fact that the real Zero was in the hotel right now getting recovered by Rangers. Still, the illusion had to be kept that he was unaware to Zero's true identity. But right now, the two of them stood on the bridge, staring each other down as reporters, civilians, and soldiers alike 2atch
"I find it interesting that you would be here, Zero," he started, even as his earpiece reported that Kallen and Caedron had been found and were being escorted down.
There was a subtle tilt of the head by the masked vigilante.
"Why would I not be, you are a man of your word, are you not?"
"Of course I am. Though, I find it interesting you are here considering. Shouldn't you be getting ready for a livestream where you tell the world of your actions."
"Ah. Well, you would be wrong there, I'm here to make sure my men and women are allowed to leave. Besides, the world will know once it starts interviewing the rescued that it was my men, not yours, that conducted the rescue."
That he could not disagree with. There was no doubt in his mind that Zero had his men inform the hostages that it was the Noppera-bō that had rescued them, it was no point to try and silence it because questions would be asked anyways.
That still didn't answer why Kallen had her double here talking with him. It was risky, considering he outnumbered Zero significantly, even with the guard of Gekkas she had with her, he could easily sweep that way, so there had to be another angle here other than testing his word.
"Then what is it?"
"I would like to offer a temporary alliance," Zero said, "in light of the JLF's actions, I think that both of us can agree that they can no longer be tolerated."
That was a possibility he had considered, to be honest, the fact that Zero had already rendered aid to him once. And, if he were honest, the idea was attractive. A truce brokered meant he could focus solely in the elimination of the JLF without having to worry about his rear.
"What would Britannia get from this," he asked.
"A truce brokered between us, until at least the elimination of the JLF. This would also include intelligence and military support. You want targets and locations? We can supply them with ease."
So that means that they either don't have the forces to directly engage the JLF...or they view the losses as too difficult to soldier. It makes sense, besides, if it was Clovis or Kewell in charge they would swoop in and eliminate who was left, he thought to himself.
"And what do you expect from us in return?"
"To be honest? Just the truce. As long as the JLF is destroyed, then this agreement will be beneficial to the both of us."
It was true, but the problem was that it would not place the Noppera-bō in a position to where they have no risk placed upon them while his forces would weather the brunt of the fighting. It would not be beneficial to him at all. The question then became how could he make it beneficial to his cause.
He then smirked as it came to him too easily, and in a way, it was a way to pay back the puppet master of this entire situation.
"I will agree to this truce, however, I have terms that must be fulfilled if you wish for this continue."
"I'm listening."
"First, I refuse to have my forces take the brunt of the JLF, therefore, I demand that you lend your own forces to assist mine. Command and control can be discussed at a later time, I only want your guarantee that when I engage the JLF, you will be there."
There was a long pause from the masked vigilante, before there was finally an answer.
"Deal."
He then stepped forward, walking towards Zero, his face a mask of concentration even as Jeremiah's voice was in his ear demanding what the hell he was doing, but he didn't care, he wanted something more. He came to a stop in front of Zero now, only a few feet from the figure.
"Second, I want to know the truth of my mother's assassination, C.C."
The slight freezing of the figure was all that he needed to confirm that it was indeed the green-haired woman from his memories and recent investigation. That only added more to the puzzle he was now assembling on Kallen. Whatever was going on with Kallen, it had something to do with C.C. in some way. This would also keep Kallen from gaining any type of knowledge that he may be on to her.
"I don't know what you are talking about, Viceroy," came the response from Zero.
"I won't take that for an answer," he said, his voice like ice now, "either you provide me an answer now, or you can consider any type of truce a non-starter."
And now he had placed C.C. in a position, either she could come clean and get what Kallen and/or Caedron wanted, or she could remain silent…
"Well," he pressured, wanting an answer now. Something to take his mind off of Kallen for just a little while.
"I will not tell you who specifically is responsible for the assassination of Lady Marianne, for your safety. However, I will tell you that the perpetrators are a lot closer than you think and are people you don't suspect. I would warn you that digging any deeper will have an immediate effect upon the protection afforded to you by your patron."
Protection? Patron? I don't have any of that. What the hell is she talking about?
"That isn't enough. I want specifics. I want to know who ordered and was a part of it!"
There was a long pause from Zero and help his anger bubbling up. Was it so hard to give him names? He was so tired of being led around not knowing who was his enemy or ally.
"I will not give you those names, Viceroy. However, I will give you something just as precious to you. That is, if you give me your pledge that you will honor our truce once you investigate."
"Only if what you are giving me satisfies me."
Another long pause, now 'Zero's' troops were moving to join their commanders side.
"There was a reason that Clovis got involved with Code R. The army was just one facet, he knew there was a threat within the Empire that needed to be countered. The other reason was for you and your sister."
Blinking in response, he made a motion to continue. He honestly could not see how Clovis cared for the two of them, considering he tried to kill them instead attempt to come clean with him.
"There was an OSI Black Site, codenamed Missed Home, at the Tokiyomi Administrative Center in the Sasebo Naval Arsenal. Contrary to published reports that state Admiral Sugiyama flooded the entire area after the fall of Japan, the pumps are still operational in that sector. Anyways, the OSI authorized the transfer to Prince Clovis about six years ago and it's been a storage facility for Code R ever since. In there you will find the second reason for the entire project."
"What is the second reason," he demanded, but Zero was already turning away, "Hey, I'm talking to you!"
But Zero merely waved over her shoulder walking back to her men and stepped into the hand of a black Knightmare, one of the newer Akatsuki models. It then brought her up, turned, and took off.
"Orders," Jeremiah asked.
Lelouch stared off to where 'Zero' had taken off from.
"Orders, Your Highness?"
"Let them go," he finally said, Sighing because he did not like this one bit, even though his curiosity was stoked,"and prep a team for a raid on an illegal site."
"Your Highness"
"Details to follow shortly."
InF
"Now, this is going to hurt, M'Lady."
"Just get on with it," she growled, hating the fact that she was sitting in the back of an ambulance as a group of medics hovered over her like she was grievously-
She wince and let out a sharp grunt as the medic reset her nose, a sharp pain going through her nasal cavity at the abuse. The medic then went to work on taping her nose up.
It was irritating to be sitting here, but she had no choice in the matter, Caedron had been whisked away for a debriefing on what he has seen and she was stuck here getting treated and bandaged.
"Kallen!"
She fought to look towards where Euphemia's voice had come from but the medic didn't allow that, keeping her head firmly in place.
It was then that caught a glimpse of pink tresses before the medic stepped in front.
"Almost done," she said, "aaand there. You probably will still have some swelling and if you have problems breathing, check into a hospital immediately. Other than that, don't run into any more walls or fists and you should be fine."
The medic clapped her lightly on the shoulder and stepped away, letting Euphemia step in, her eyes wide at the scene in front of her.
"Your Highness," she greeted, not even wondering what Euphemia was seeing. She looked like shit, with her nose wrapped, a bandage on her neck from where Kusakabe had cut her, and covered in bruises along her face. Yeah, probably not the greatest thing to be seeing right now.
"How are you?"
"I'll live," she returned, causing the pinkette to frown at the statement. It was obvious that she felt guilty for what all that happened in the hotel.
"I'm sorry," Euphemia said, confirming her own thoughts, "I should have listened to Caedron and Lelouch, if I had done that, then…"
"It can't be changed," she replied with a shrug of her shoulder, "dwelling on the past will only make it worse for you. Believe me when I say that, I'm an expert on it. You made a mistake, don't let it consume you, because we all make mistakes."
"But your mistakes didn't cost three people their lives," she said bitterly.
Kallen sighed, getting to her feet and turning to grab her jacket, working to slide it over her shoulders.
"There is no such thing as a bloodless coup, Princess. You are trying to change eight years of abuses and excesses, there are not going to be many people who will take it laying down. People like the Kyoto Group. They were going to lose a lot of money in these circumstances if you stabilized Japan."
This caused Euphemia to blink, taking in Kallen and the information she had just offered. She had heard Lelouch mention a Kyoto Group, but this was the first time she had actually heard it from Kallen.
"Who are they?"
"Industrialists who profit off of the strife in Japan," she said with a shrug, "they used to be nationalists who wanted to restore Japan, but once they saw the profit they could make off of terrorism and all of this, they decided that moral values and loyalty to one's nation was not enough for their own pockets."
"So they attack here?"
"Especially here. Euphemia, this summit could have changed everything. You already know this, but there are people in the Settlements who are already seeing your policies go into effect and they want something more than the squalor they live in. Even if it means sacrificing some of their pride. You told me when you met Caedron that you didn't care the cost, only that someone had to do something. Are you telling me now that you will balk now that there has been blood drawn?"
Intellectually, she knew that Euphemia realized all of this. But there was a significant difference between intellectually knowing and experiencing death from something you had caused. Both Lelouch and Cornelia had been quite adamant in protecting her until now from that aspect of decision-making, but if Euphemia was going to be able to go forward, it was now that she had to realize exactly what she had meant in her own words.
"As callous as it sounds, Your Highness, think of the people lost here as sacrifices for the peace of the future. If I know Lelouch well enough, then I know he will be looking to retaliate against the JLF, and once that is done, you will be one step closer to being able to put into effect your changes."
"You're right," Euphemia said after a moment, agreeing with Kallen, taking a deep breath and looking straight at Kallen, her jaw set, "I will just have to make sure that those lost are not forgotten."
"A worthwhile endeavor," she replied, looking around, "can you tell me where Lelouch is?"
"Oh. He was meeting with Zero about what happened. I don't know where he is right now."
Meeting Zero what the...Caedron. One of his schemes, she thought with a sigh.
"Well, let's go and see him once he's done."
"That won't be necessary," Lelouch said, coming up to her. A faint warmth bloomed in her chest, she was honestly glad to see him. However, her smile that she put up faltered at his expression. His eyes, normally so expressive, we're carefully guarded, as if something was bothering deeply.
"What's wrong," she asked.
"Nothing," he responded, "was just worried about you. If something happened to you-"
"I heard you made that very clear to Kusakabe. He was actually scared shitless after your declaration, he decided to take it out on me."
There was a faint wince to his expression, but it quickly disappeared, "At least you got him. Didn't know you knew how to handle a knife."
"I'm full of many surprises."
Like being Zero, he thought bitterly to himself.
"Well, for whatever it's worth, you earned quite a few fans in my unit Kallen. So much so that I'm hearing talks about making you an honorary member."
"They don't need to do that. I just did what was expected of me."
"I don't think killing seven men is something anyone expects."
"Seven," Euphemia gasped, looking to Kallen, whose jaw had set in annoyance at Lelouch. Who the fuck did he think he was to criticize her?!
"I had a handle on it," she said tersely.
"You took a damned risk," he snarled. He was at least glad he could take some of his anger out on her right now, "do you have any fucking idea how much you risked? If you had been killed then-"
"How about you just admit you were worried about me," she snapped back.
"I was, but that doesn't give you the right to take unnecessary risks."
"And what would be a necessary risk? Before or after Kusakabe starts beheading me! I took a risk because I was the only one there, not you, not Zero, not even fucking God was there, it was my choice and I took it. And if you don't like it, you can go fuck yourself Lelouch, because I refuse to be a damsel in distress for anybody ever again."
There stared at one another like that, not even caring for the fact that people were staring at them.
"At least you're here," Euphemia offered, "I don't know what I would do if something had happened."
"Glad to know at least someone appreciates my continued health," Kallen said with a scowl, staring at Lelouch as she said that.
"I appreciate your health as well," that was no lie, "but I am also the Viceroy, and what you did jeopardized the lives of everyone here. Can you honestly live with yourself if someone lost their life because of your carelessness?"
"And like I said, I had everything perfectly in control," came the flippant response, but she had enough of this. She didn't get her nose broken and become a hostage just for Lelouch to stand there and judge him, "but if you want the truth, I would not make that risk," unless the gain outweighed the cost.
It almost seem seemed to her that Lelouch picked up on that thought, as his eyes narrowed. However, he held his tongue, instead electing to turn and walk away. He honestly had other things to do than deal with her at the moment. That and he could feel his control slipping and he would rather not blurt out that he knew.
"That's it," Kallen's voice rang out, "that all you have to say to me?!"
He froze, turning around, his eyes meeting hers.
"I'm glad you're okay Kallen, I really am," and he meant that in more ways than one, "but I have matters that need to be handled, so I will talk to you later. Oh, and enjoy the media, they already know."
With that, he spun about and walked away.
InF
Why couldn't God ever give him a break were the thoughts that dominated the thoughts of one Nils Farahr as he stormed into his condominium.
When the news broke that the Countess had been taken hostage, he had been hoping that the stupid Eleven would do him a favor and kill the bitch. Unfortunately for him, that peasant Harrington trained her in protecting herself far better than he expected...or the Elevens were just that incompetent.
And now, instead of news that she was killed, she was being lauded a hero, which made her position as the CEO more unassailable. You just didn't go after a hero.
Opening the fridge, he grabbed a jug of milk, going to fill a glass he had put out. Milk always had a calming effect on him.
He hadn't spent forty years of his life to be in the shadows of the fucking Stadtfelds still. He wasn't like his ancestors, he wanted what was due to his family.
Slamming the glass down after chugging the contents, he took a breath.
Damn her. And damn Zero.
"Someone's not happy," came a voice, causing his head to snap up, catching a pair of red sigils in the darkness of the living room, staring at him unflinchingly.
"Of course not," another voice chimed in, this one sounding very familiar, the shadow sitting in one of the luxurious leather chairs, "good ol' Nils here had been trying to off the Stadtfelds for a good fifteen years now."
The shadow then leaned over and pulled a cord on the lamp, illuminating the room, and causing Nils' eyes to widen as he recognized a specter of the past.
"Ronald Renfield, how in the-"
"It's Marcus, old man. And let's just say I got paroled for good behavior and got a better patron all at the same time. It seems time hasn't been kind to you."
"If you had done the damn job back in Area 11 and killed all of them before Harrington showed up, then we wouldn't be having this discussion."
"Ah, of course. Then again, you didn't provide me all of the intel either, now did you. You provided me with the route he was taking to Tokyo, but you didn't warn me that Harrington was in the area."
"I didn't know that. Hell, no one knew where Harrington was other than the Emperor as far as I can tell. If you had just shot all them at once, you could have avoided all of this."
"So you say," came the cool response from Renfeld, "but that is not the purpose of this visit. You see, I believe I made a deal with you eight years ago. I plan to finish that now. But it wouldn't be fair to either of us if you didn't pull some of the weight this time. That is...unless you don't want to have the Stadtfeld Consortium anymore."
"Talk, I'm listening."
InF
"And you're sure that there is no one here," Lelouch asked of Villetta as they stood outside of the Tokiyomi Administration Building in the Sasebo Naval Arsenal, his amethyst orbs narrowed in frustration. Right after he had left Kallen, he had sortied a strike package upon this very building based upon the information provided by Zero. He wasn't going to take any chances, and so had brought almost every single Ranger he had as well as three Knightmare companies deployed.
"It's completely abandoned, Your Highness," Villetta responded, not exactly the happiest either, the Prince had been mum on what exactly they were supposed to be looking for, only that it needed to be investigated in force, "it doesn't look like anyone has been here for quite awhile."
But why would C.C. tell me this if it would place whatever truce that Kallen and Caedron are aiming for, he thought to himself, "What about irregularities?"
"Irregularities?"
"This was supposed to have been an OSI Black Site. There should be some reason why they would make this place one of theirs. We have to be missing something here."
"Maybe your intel is incorrect, after all, the information did come from an unverified source."
"That may be," he admitted, as much as he was loathe to admit it.
"We got something."
This caused both of them to perk up, Lelouch the first to speak.
"Report."
"Unknown yet, sir. Corporal Uzuki has noted that the room we are in is architecturally unlike normal Japanese military structures. It's too small for what it is supposed to be."
"And his thoughts?"
"We're-," the line then cut off, causing Lelouch to frown.
"Sir, you need to come down and see this," finally came the response, "and bring a slicer team."
InF
It was a somewhat long walk, considering there was no power in the building, but during that time, Lelouch could not help but wonder exactly what had been found that they would need his presence. Jeremiah had not left his side the entire time since he had entered the facility, intent on protecting him while Villetta coordinated on the outside.
Finally, they reached the basement floor in question, Lelouch stepping into the room after his Knights had cleared it. At the end of the room was where the gathering of a squad of Rangers were located, all looking towards a gigantic steel door that ate up a large section of the wall that it was hidden behind. As soon as his eyes had met that, he knew that it was something big, and the fact that it was still powered meant it was in use by someone other than the Japanese.
"Status," he asked, keeping his eyes on the door as he stepped forward.
"Sir," came the Ranger, a Major Valeri, "slicer teams are working on cracking the code to open up this door, it should only be a few more minutes until it is complete."
"Is there something else that I should be made aware of?"
"No, only that it is the only powered device in this entire facility so far. Whatever is behind this door, someone doesn't want us going in."
"All the more reason to find out what's behind it, Major."
"Right, sir."
The major then went back to work, as Jeremiah stepped up beside him.
"You don't like that I'm down here," Lelouch murmured loud enough from Jeremiah as he looked on.
"I'm worried about what might be behind that door, Your Highness. Whatever it is, it is not worth risking your safety. What if it's not meant to keep us out, but to keep something in."
This earned an arched eyebrow and a smirk.
"Why Jeremiah, I think Allison has had you watching too many horror movies."
"It's not that, you don't turn a black site into a storage facility for no good reason."
The sound of a lock disengaging caused both of them to stop their conversation as several rifles were brought up and aimed towards the door. It was then another series of loud clicks started sounding, as if several locks were being disengaged, before finally the door began opening inward. Immediately, Lelouch felt a chill come from inside of the room that the vault door was opening up to.
"Team 1, go," barked Valeri, as the first team of Rangers started to go in at a pace, scanning the dark room, which suddenly became bathed in light as the automated systems kicked in.
"Team 2, go," and with that another team began filing in, even as Lelouch resisted the urge to go in himself and find out just exactly what it was that he was hinted to.
However, he kept silently waiting, even as Valeri was listening to the communications from his team, his steely gaze into the room. He had more to worry about than just his men, with a member of the royal family behind him.
He then frowned in response to Valeri's frown as he pushed his throat mic, "Repeat that again, Team 1."
The frown deepened as the man looked back towards the Prince then again towards the vault, "Are you sure? No bullshit."
Satisified with the answer, he then turned to Lelouch.
"Sir. The facility is clear, there are no hostiles here. However, there is something you need to sir."
"Can you at least tell me what it is?"
"I….I'm not exactly sure what to make of it, sir. But, I think you need to see it for yourself or you won't believe what Team 1 is reporting."
Now, he was curious without a doubt. There was no reason a Ranger would be reluctant with any information to him, especially as their commanding officer. So if it was something that they did not know what it was, then they were obviously turning to him for thoughts.
But what would it be, he had to wonder. Rangers, especially the ones that were under his command, never balked. They did what they were told and did it well.
"Lead the way, Major."
"Right. 3, 4, on me, 5, cover our backs."
They then proceeded into the facility, Lelouch continuing at a casual stroll even as his eyes searched around as he was led on. To the casual observance, the facility just appeared to be standard OSI detail, all metal, no personal touches, perfect as a prison and torture facility. Usually after the conquering of an Area, the OSI swooped in and 'disappeared' persons of interests to not be heard from again. They usually were politicians, notable figures, and other persons who may be difficult for the regime at a later time. He tried to keep them from operating in his conquests, but it was difficult because they had the blessing of the Emperor.
But the problem was why use Sasebo, what was so special about it? As far as he could see, the only thing that it had for it was the fact that it could be flooded in a short time and it was isolated. Why put so much effort into it, unless it was already here, but what would the Japanese use it for as well. There was no way that the OSI could put this in so quickly, at least, that was what he would hope it would do, but he wasn't so sure.
It was as they reached the end of the complex that they came to a stop with Team One, all waiting outside a door.
"Sir, General," the Ranger greeted, looking nervous.
"Report."
"We cleared the facility as ordered. The place seems to be abandoned as believed, but the odd thing is that it just seems that it was done recently, there's still a lot of equipment here. However, we came to this room, cleared it and well...General, sir, I think you should see this."
Lelouch said nothing, instead taking the invitation, moving towards the door. It slid open silently, inside were two men guarding the room, but he was focused upon them, instead his gaze was locked on the contents that illuminated the room like a beacon in the night.
At first, he thought he was seeing things, unable to comprehend exactly what was in front of him. But when his brain processed exactly what he was seeing in front of him, he dropped to his knees in shock in front of it.
"It can't be…"
If you all want a hint as to what Lelouch has just seen, I suggest you look up a certain theme titled "Those Chosen by the Planet", that should give you a few hints.
Until next chapter.