A/N: now onto another chapter of my first story called Code Geass: Black & White. It has been nearly three months since I created this and I was kinda shock that I'm only fifteen chapters away of actually completing this! Well I have others things in my mind when I actually finished this…and yes it would to do something with this fic. So before we could continue this today's chapter first we must do the…
Shout Outs!
Also if you're wondering onto how would you will be able to be shouted out to every person that would read this. Then it would be easy. All you have to do is actually review the latest chapters or past chapters. Or make this story you're favorite or maybe do both! But I won't shout your name twice got it?
Special shout outs for these people: KingofHeartless'09, Aburg76, JulioPR and Akuma-Heika.
Now onto the chapter we would be reading for today. Same with Black Knight's Reaction chapter or chapter 32 if you guys forget. This would be the reactions or to be précised their thoughts onto the SAZ. Would it be positive or negative? Let's find out together shall we?
But first the Word Hunt! So I think you should by now in any case know how this works right? If you don't then I would gladly tell you. Spot a word/quote with an asterisk on it. Also remember if the words has asterisk on it multiple times (i.e. f***) then that would be curse, since I don't do that. The answer could be seen only at the Author's Note down below.
Disclaimer I don't own Code Geass and its characters.
Another disclaimer, if you think that I own S.S, Phoebe Vipond, Aarav Mishra, Jordan Stern, Hunter Nye, or Esperanza Acero then you are certainly wrong. They are belong and created by Shimmering-Sky and Ebony Sword respectively (S.S- Shimmering-Sky only). I only own is Francis and Gwen Xavier, nothing more, nothing less.
So without further ado chapter 36 of Code Geass: Black & White.
Chapter 36: Thoughts on the SAZ – Black Side.
"The SAZ was a complete success. Over 500,000 Elevens – I'm sorry, Japanese – have joined Her Highness Princess Euphemia's SAZ, and still counting. The Zone is situated in the region around Mount Fuji, and the surrounding regions of the supposedly the largest Sakuradite Mining Area which is the Honshu Island. The nobles have grown concerned about the Elevens possessing the largest Sakuradite depot in Area Eleven, if not the whole world, in their Zone. The Princess stated that 'If we are to show them that we can be trusted, then we must do it by giving them what's there in the region chosen – and the Sakuradite Mining Area is no exception.'
"Mount Fuji is located 60 miles south-west of the Tokyo Settlement and has surrounding bases manned and operational, making sure the security of both sides is intact. Members of the Royal Family have different opinions about the SAZ; first on the list, would be the sister of the one who perpetrated this, none other than Viceroy Princess Cornelia li Britannia.
Her highness said to the morning press, 'As Viceroy of Area Eleven, and as the sub-viceroy's elder sister, I will accept her doings. However, that doesn't mean that I will stop eliminating the terrorists that would cause a disturbance not only to the Empire, but also to the people inside the zone.' we could not gather further thoughts or comment after that one.
"Their Highnesses Prince Lelouch and Prince Schneizel, and of course the reverted Princess Nunnally vi Britannia, agreed with the SAZ. They said that with this, we could now help the Japanese return back to their daily lives from before the war, and that would make progress in the workers' and labor area; seemingly, the Japanese are now willing to work together with us.
"Also, within the SAZ they have their very own Provisional Government. The head of this interim Government will be the members of the NAC, now known to the public as the Six Houses of Kyoto. Although there was some speculation that the Kyoto houses were the ones responsible for aiding terrorist groups, including the likes of the defunct JLF and the Black Knights, those allegations didn't prevent Her Highness from still making them the heads of the Provisional Government within the SAZ.
"The Six Houses of Kyoto are former noble houses from old Japan from before the war. Also, they were part of the Kururugi regime back then, making them much more suited for handling the Zone. The President of this Government shall be Taizo Kirihara; he shall also take charge over finance. Alongside him is Hidenobu Kubouin, who shall take charge of infrastructure restoration. Next shall be Tousai Munakata, who will now act as a representative of the Zone in the cabinet of Area Eleven. The fourth person is Tatsunori Osakabe who will be put in charge of foreign affairs. Lastly, and most surprisingly, is Kaguya Sumeragi, who will take charge of health and education within the Zone.
"It has been confirmed that the fifteen year old Kaguya Sumeragi, who holds the title of Chairperson of Education and Health within the Zone and is a member of the NAC that is ruling the SAZ, is in fact related to Her Highness's Knight, Suzaku Kururugi, as a cousin. She stated at the first press conference, 'I am glad that I shall get to work with Suzu again! Even if it won't be in the same way I really thought it would be'. The young Knight didn't reply to his cousin, since he was still unconscious.
"The SAZ also has a military force of its own. When the question arose as to who would be the person responsible for defending the Zone and ensuring the safety of the Japanese with the Zone, it was announced it would be Zero and his Black Knights. As expected, the nobles and other pro-Britannians were against this. Saying that Zero, without a doubt, would prepare for war using his position as the head of the Military Force of the Zone, start recruiting for himself and soon attack the settlement, was not a ludicrous concept to the high-prestige Britannians.
"Those allegations were put to an end when Zero himself said at the press conference, 'I would not take charge of such a position and leave my own organization. I only suggest that the former Black Knights become the main part of the Zone's army.' It was taken into consideration, which lasted for a day, before the President Kirihara announced that former Lieutenant Colonel Kyoshiro Tohdoh would be the General in Chief of the Military Force, otherwise known as 'Special Zone Defense Force' – or SDF for short.
"Provisional Government President Taizo Kirihara explained that, 'Tohdoh is one of the best commanders, both before and during the war, Japan can offer. It was only natural that the 'Miracle Worker,' who performed the Miracle of Itsukushima, would be the one leading Japan's new soldiers…, also, he is a long-time friend in whom my faith is not misplaced.'
"As of this moment, the Zone and the Viceroy don't know where Zero himself is, or any of his remaining Black Knights, if there even are any who didn't leave the organization for the SDF. Some say that he has become part of the Zone and is now living there peacefully; others claim that he departed to China to plan an invasion. Well, no matter what your opinion is, the truth remains that Zero and his Black Knights shall protect the people within the SAZ - which has actually made some nobles fear disturbing the SAZ – and are ensuring the Japanese that they are in capable hands.
Those were some of the reports on the SAZ within the two weeks after it had been commenced. This is Hailey Smith, and you're watching the Special Presentation on the SAZ." said the commentator of the Hi-TV program on Ohgi's television. After the end credits, he turned his TV off.
It has been two weeks, and the people here are now full of life!
Ohgi thought about the situation within the SAZ, which was mostly positive and lively, despite the fact that the SAZ was only created two weeks ago. After the ceremony, Zero called them out of their position in the forest to surrender their Knightmares. They used their visors to hide themselves from the public, especially Rai and Kallen – they were easily visibly Britannian, after all.
While they were surrendering their weapons and Knightmares, the remaining Black Knights, which were Diethard, Rakshata and her team, began hiding out where Zero wanted them to hide – and that would be Mount Fuji itself.
After completely surrendering their arms, Zero made his final meeting to all of them before they could talk again – and it could be weeks, months or maybe years. He could clearly remember what he said…
It was the day after the SAZ, and the Japanese were rushing to their new homes within the Zone, where they could finally say to themselves as Japanese. He, like the rest of the Black Knights, with the exceptions of Diethard and Rakshata, was at the Tanuki for the supposedly (maybe) last meeting with their masked vigilante leader.
"The SAZ has now commenced; and now I shall ask you…what will you do, now?" he asked them. It was a simple question, but hard to answer. Seeing that they weren't going to answer, Zero continued to them. "You could be whatever you've always wanted to be, now. You could do whatever you want to do; be with the person whoever you wanted to be." Zero said, hitting home his last remarks.
"I'm going to be blunt: I, too, want to join the SAZ." Zero informed them, and was met with different regards for it. One of them was Tamaki, enraged that his 'buddy' would do that. "What are you saying, Zero!? Didn't you say that you would still do your job, protecting the Japanese!? And how can you do that if you join that SAZ!?" exclaimed Tamaki, and his opinion was shared by some agreeing members of the Black Knights.
Zero stood perfectly still, as if he wasn't affected by it; in fact, he wasn't at all. That made them flinch; that he stood there, perfectly unfazed and pensive. "Tamaki, didn't you say that you wanted to be a bureaucrat?" Zero asked to him. Tamaki responded with a shocked "How did you–", scared that Zero knew about his dream of becoming a public servant.
"If you join the SAZ, then you could be that person you've always dreamed of becoming; and even if you still haven't, then at least you will manage to be closer to your dreams – and you could all be, too." informed Zero to Tamaki, and everyone else. They seemed to ponder about that. Yes, it was true that with the SAZ, everything was possible there.
"Wait a minute, Zero. Are you suggesting that we leave the Black Knights?" questioned Minami to him.
"Yeah, Zero. It would seem that you want us to cooperate with the SAZ." Added Rai, to their masked leader; and everyone agreed to that, even Tohdoh and his Four Holy Swords.
"I'm not suggesting that you need to leave the Black Knights – what I was pointing out is the fact that there, your dreams could maybe become reality. There you will find peace…and love." explained Zero, remarking the last part only to himself.
"If the Britannians decided to attack the SAZ, which I know they will, it would become an all-out war – and at that time, you wouldn't be able to do anything. You wouldn't be able to say goodbye to your loved ones anymore. You wouldn't be able to become whatever you wanted to become. You wouldn't be able to stay with your friends and families, when that time comes." Zero informed all of them seriously, and it hit the Black Knights hard.
The people inside the Tanuki grew silent. They seemed to ponder the fact that if they joined the SAZ, they could at least be able to taste a slice of peace and freedom in there, even if it was temporarily – but it would seem that they weren't convinced just yet.
"Friends…allies…When the war comes, and the world calls us to protect it, the time where we would never be able to turn back again would be upon us." Zero informed them, and it him them like a cinderblock, "Be happy while you still have the chance. Be with your loved one while you have the time. Be free until you can't anymore…Say 'I love you' when you are still able to…" Zero continued, and merely whispered the last part, indicating that he would also be a victim of the losses that the fall of the SAZ would bring. To the Black Knights, it became clear; they seemed to understand now. When the time came in which they would fight, it would be a fight where they couldn't back out anymore; so they should savor this temporary peace while they still had the time.
The members of the Black Knights still stayed silent, and were deciding if they would take the chance. Seeing that the others wouldn't take the initiative, Ohgi made the choice. "Zero!" he proclaimed to their masked leader, gaining his full attention. After that masked head faced him he said, "I-I'll…I'll take the chance, Zero." Ohgi answered, with a bow as a sign of respect.
He could see in the corner of his eyes that his friends were shocked that he was willing to leave the Black Knights temporarily, to have the chance to taste at least a minute of freedom and peace. "But Ohgi, why?" he heard Kallen ask him, and it looked like she was about to cry too. Well, he would be dead if Naoto learned that he made Kallen cry; as such, he gave her the answer.
"Look guys, Zero is right. If we fight against Britannians in the near future, we wouldn't be able to do what we wanted to do, since maybe the war could take years or a decade to finish – and in that time, some of us would…die." he said to them, and it would seem they understood that. "So, at least let us savor this moment. Make our times in there worth it – that we manage to do whatever we wanted to do, before we possibly die." he tried to convince them, and that solidified their decision. In short, Zero wanted to complete their bucket list; and he would agree with it.
The Black Knights knew now what they would do; they were just scared of who would agree or disagree with it. It didn't take long before Tamaki spoke, "Well, then if you agree, Ohgi…so do I!" he announced standing up in his seat.
"I'm with you too, boss." said Sugiyama to him.
"So am I." Inoue added, while nodding.
"I can't let you be there, having fun without me, now can I?" humored Minami to him.
"Tamaki, Sugiyama, Inoue, Minami…thank you." Ohgi responded to the ones that he considered his new family. It didn't take too long until all of them, including Tohdoh and his Four Holy Swords, agreed with the idea.
"You've made the right choice." stated Zero to the ones that would leave the Black Knights temporarily.
"But wait a minute, Zero. You said that we would protect the Japanese…how are we going to do that?" questioned Sugiyama. Zero didn't need to think about it, answering it right away.
"Like I said in my speech yesterday…as long as the weak are being oppressed, as long as justice isn't served, as long as any of us are still breathing, we do what we were made to do…and that is to protect the Japanese and serve true Justice, regardless of if we use weapons or not." Zero said to them; and it was a needed boost to their morale. When they stepped out of the Black Knights, when they left (albeit temporarily), their legacy and teachings would still live on! They would do whatever it took to save the innocent, with or without weapons.
After that short speech by Zero, they let out a loud cheer for him. They may have been leaving the Black Knights, but that doesn't mean they weren't Black Knights anymore. No – a Black Knight was a Black Knight until the end; but it would seem that other people wouldn't accept the chance.
"Well, count me out – since I won't join the SAZ or have the free time." Kallen objected abruptly.
"Yeah, I would rather be a Black Knight than accept a false peace." added Rai.
Why couldn't they understand?!
Well, apparently Zero knew how to handle teenagers, since he tried to convince them.
"Kallen…Rai, while I respect that you want to remain with me as Black Knights, that doesn't change the fact that you're still young." Zero reminded them, using the age card to make them doubt their choice. "You two have much to learn, much to discover and you have friends that still care for you. What would they say if they learned that you two both died in a fight?" Zero asked them rhetorically.
"I don't want you to suffer the same way my friend did. He died young, and he had a lot of things he was supposed to do – being with his friends, having fun with them, being with his family, protecting them…spending time with his sister, loving and caring for her…" Zero told them, secretly describing his doppelganger, who died at the young age of eighteen years old. "No one should die young, especially someone who still holds dreams." And that hit the spot for the both of them, evident as they stood, silent. After a moment of silence, they tried to protest.
"But Zer-" Kallen tried to say to Zero, only for him to cut her off mid-sentence. "You need to spend time with your friends, Kallen; and I'm not just suggesting now – it's an order…so do you, Rai." Zero commanded to her; and Kallen even it hurt her, couldn't help but agree with him.
"Yes, Master Zero." affirmed both young teenagers in unison.
"Good. Well, if you have no further questions, then I bid you adieu…for now." Zero fare welled, turning around, his back to them, only to pause when someone asked him.
"Wait, Zero! What would you do for the time being?" questioned a curious Inoue, and so did everyone else. They all were rather curious as to what Zero would do.
Zero didn't need to turn around to make his reply, since he said to her and probably to everyone. "I guess I should go and build my body…" he suggested, and some of them chuckled at that – since Zero was the only person who sucked at endurance…
It was a good day, that day. Now though, he and his friends applied to join the SAZ and luckily their apartments were in the same building as his! So they were neighbors, and he wouldn't be alone…well, technically, he wasn't alone – even if they were far away.
"Chigusa, do you want to go out with me to do some shopping?" Ohgi asked his girlfriend, who also signed up for the SAZ. Even though she was a Britannian, the Zone was open for Britannians and Numbers alike, so it wouldn't it be awkward for him with a Britannian.
Chigusa only smiled at her boyfriend from the couch, and answered to him, "Sure I would, dear!" she tried to tease him, an effort at which he chuckled. After she grabbed her coat and her sunhat to protect her skin and head on that sunny day, the couple left their rooms to have a nice day within the Zone.
Their apartment was far better than the one he had in Shinjuku. In only a mere two weeks, the Zone was already starting to rebuild the ghettoes, and with the Japanese working together, they managed to complete some buildings that would serve as apartments for them, since the registration was piling up.
The streets were filled with small children playing around as Zero and other heroic characters like Princess Euphemia. It was something you didn't see in the old ghettoes. Everyone could breathe freely. Physically and metaphorically speaking, when they were back in the ghettoes, they felt that they were being oppressed by the Britannians, beat up victims of racism and violence; but now the Japanese, even the honorary ones, could relax, knowing that Britannians couldn't hurt them inside the Zone.
Well, even if they did…they were many Black Knights that would gladly stop them. Thinking about the Black Knights, more curious thoughts and questions began to surface…
I wonder what the others are doing?
Diethard's POV:
He was also a part of the others Ohgi was thinking about – and no, he wasn't a part of the SAZ, thank you very much. He had a much better job to do…and that was the safety of the Black Knights within the SAZ; and of course, preparation for the anticipated battle when the time came.
Even if Zero put me on this job, at least I'll still be able to help him this way…
Diethard thought, since he would work alone for this one…well, technically not, since he would be accompanied by Rakshata and her team – but she was also busy preparing the Knightmares and the equipment they would use when the fighting started.
So yes, he was stuck there, with no help, whatsoever. After the opening ceremony of the SAZ he, alongside Rakshata, was ordered by Zero to hide inside Mount Fuji. There, they would be preparing everything they needed for the upcoming battle.
"Hmm…well, it looks like things are good on your end." complimented the Indian scientist to him, seeing that he was doing a fine job; and a fine job indeed, since he was able to mark down every possible attack point of the Britannians on the SAZ…well, not as fast Zero could do it, but it was a good job as it was.
"Thank you, Rakshata. Oh, and by the way, how's the research on the Gefjun Disturber doing?" He asked her, since the Gefjun disturber would be the 'ace in the hole' of the Black Knights when the time approached. Also, they weren't only using the Gefjun Disturber to stop every Knightmare in its tracks, but also to improve the Gawain – the personal Knightmare of Zero.
"It's quite good, if I do say so myself. We are now fifty percent through the research, and how we should fight their possible countermeasures for it. By the time Zero needs it, it will be finished." Rakshata informed him.
"That's good. With that, we can ensure our victory against the Britannian military; especially against the forces of His Highness, Prince Lelouch." Diethard said to her. Also, speaking of the Prince, he was kind of surprised that he was willing to work with Zero during the Kyushu Invasion, since he did 'kidnap' him, after all. However, he was also expecting it, since Zero did save his friend. He suggested they persuade the Prince rather than Kururugi, since he would become a valuable asset when the time came.
"But enough about work…why don't we talk about the SAZ?" Rakshata attempted to change the subject. If he had been drinking something right then…he would have spat it out. For him, a woman of her caliber, with a portentous intellect on anything involving Knightmares, saying something like that was just truly shocking. Well, he could have been a bit biased about her, since her country, The Militarized Zone of India, or for the Chinese and for the Indians 'The Freedom Nation of India*', was a part of the Britannian Empire – half of it, to be precise. Of course, she would feel relieved that someone was able to successfully manage the SAZ, giving her hope that someday, her country would be able to have their own SAZ. Still, that didn't mean that he would just agree with her; so, he just stated the truth.
"I'm going to be blunt with you…the SAZ has been an inevitable failure from the start, just like as Zero said to us over two weeks ago." He first stated to her, and she seemed to be agreeing with it, so he continued. "The SAZ was, overall, the last ace of the Britannians; it was created to only be done in one fell swoop, meaning it shouldn't last long. So, I think that the SAZ would fail…eventually." he admitted truthfully.
Rakshata seemed to despair somewhat about that, seeing that the SAZ was indeed a failure waiting to happen, making her lose some of her hope for her country to have peace and freedom of their own. Diethard was a gentlemen, every Britannian was…well, some of them. So, seeing that she was on the brink of deepening disappointment, he tried to cheer her up. "But of course, that would be from a militaristic point of view. If we see it through the eyes of public opinion, the SAZ is truly a success. To be able to create a zone where discrimination is non-existent, and to have its people live peacefully, is indeed a success. If the Princess has enough brains to use it to her advantage, I say we lose." He commented, and that made her smile, albeit a little.
"But of course, I was saying that it would give Zero enough backing when the time comes that the people realize the SAZ was a failure." Well, at least he was able to make her cheer up. Rakshata only let out a humph at his response, before walking out of his office, leaving him alone to handle the planning.
Although, I have to admit…what are you thinking about this, Zero? Do you share the same view as I do? Or do you share the thought that the SAZ was an olive branch of Britannia?
Kallen's POV:
Stupid SAZ, stupid princess, everyone is stupid!
That was Kallen dominant thought about the whole SAZ matter. Although it was kind of over-exaggerated, to say the least, it still represented her feelings about the SAZ for her. Why did she hate the SAZ that supposedly helped her countrymen and women, you ask? Well, she had only one word to answer that…and it was Zero; not the number, no – their leader, named Zero. Due to this stupid Zero, she was far away from her leader, and for that, she was angry at this SAZ.
She was fuming so hard that her other comrade, Rai, who was dressed in his Ashford Academy uniform since they were both going back as teenagers, noticed another student of Ashford Academy saw her rage and he said to her.
"You know, if you keep looking like that, soon you'll be much older than any of us could look!" Rai quipped, trying to humor her, but she wasn't in the mood for that. So, instead of a hysterical or sarcastic laugh, he received a punch on the shoulder.
"Ow! Why'd you do that?" asked Rai while rubbing the spot on his shoulder where Kallen punched him.
"Well you deserve it anyways" she said to him with a huff.
"Well, what is it that made you look as if you wanted to murder someone?" Rai questioned her. She really looked as if she was ready to kill someone, and that was not an over-exaggeration.
"It's about the stupid SAZ; that's what!" she exclaimed angrily at him with a snarl. Rai was able to compute it in his mind, but he seems that he still didn't get it.
"Still don't get it…" he admitted to her rather sheepishly.
If Kallen didn't need to act like a sickly lady right, now she would do a face palm, but she couldn't, so she said to him as if she was lecturing a child. "Because, Rai! With this SAZ, we can't do anything!" she complained, exclaiming the 'anything' at the end so intensely that Rai needed to plug his ears.
Yes; because of this SAZ she couldn't do anything. It was like the time when they were a small resistance group in Shinjuku, all over again. She liked the feelings, the anticipation of the battle, and of course, the smell of burning wreckages of enemy Sutherlands, courtesy of her Guren – but with this SAZ, she couldn't do anything of it! It was really getting on her nerves right about now.
However, apparently, Rai didn't seem to share the same opinion as her since he said this: "Or you're saying that, with this SAZ, you can't be with your Zero, huh?" he teased her, turning her whole face into a red tomato. Seeing that he got her, he made it worse by mimicking what Kallen would say.
"Oh, with this SAZ, I can't be with my hero and my loved one! I just hope that this is over soon so I can be with him, helping him eliminating his enemies and being by his side like a queen would, hahaha!" Rai perfectly mimicked the sort of thing Kallen would say. Because of it, she just couldn't hold it anymore, and threw a punch at Rai to his already swollen shoulder once more, making him scream in pain much louder this time.
"That's not it, Rai!" she shouted at her friend and comrade. Luckily, there weren't any classes for today, seemingly with this SAZ commotion all the classes were dismissed after lunch, and the Student Council was the only group who hung around the school this late in the afternoon.
Rai knew he got her, so he shrugged her punch off, "Geez, there's nothing to be upset about, Kallen. If you like Zero, then that's fine." he commented to her. Luckily, she didn't punch him for that, since she could already tell that he wouldn't be able to withstand that much more force to his shoulder.
"I know, Rai…look, let's just get this day over with, okay?" she dodged that topic and Rai seemed to let go of it…for now. However, in reality, she really wanted to tell Zero that she liked him. The problem was…it would seem that he was rather preoccupied with a green-haired witch whom, it seemed, couldn't be beaten, since C.C was always with him; and until now since at their last meeting, C.C was the person who would be staying with Zero.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Kallen. Also, what are we doing here, anyways?" he asked her. Honestly, she didn't care what they did today. However, unlike her fake friends, the Student Council, all in all, was kind of good. Yes, they could be annoying at some points – like Milly's antics, Rivalz's unlimited amount of goofiness, Nina's rather shy nature and opinions towards others, Shirley and her clumsiness and of course Suzaku with his…you know…friendly type. In spite of that, they seemed to bond rather well, and it looked like they wouldn't be separated anytime soon.
Speaking of the White Knight…
"I'm just glad that Suzaku isn't here." commented Kallen to her friend-slash-enemy. For someone that was already held as a hostage, and not only battled once, but thrice (I think), and was still able to forgive, that was someone Kallen had to say earned her respect. However, that didn't mean she liked him, no; she rather hated him. Saying that, in this school, he would try and persuade both of them to leave the Black Knights, as if they would do it…no. She hated him for that. Why couldn't he just be a serious soldier and enemy, like Kallen and Rai would? Maybe he does still treat us as friend, after all…Kallen thought. Well, either way, the only way to find that out was by a battle.
"Yeah, but still…I guess we should try and visit him at some point; I mean, he is our friend, after all – no matter what." Rai recommended to her, and she seemed to agree with it. While they had the chance to be friendly to each other and not pointing blades at each other's throats, they should take the chance.
With a nod, they continued on their way to the Student Council. Once the door was in front of them, Rai twisted the knob and swung it open to let them in. Entering the room, they received the scene of a Student Council party once more. Though, the party didn't seem to be about anything relevant to the school, or the typical parties Milly seemed to create. No, it wasn't. The members of the Student Council were dressed in…Japanese attire. Milly, Shirley, and Nina were dressed in beautiful Kimono while Rivalz was dressed up as a samurai of old. Once they saw the pair enter, they greeted in unison, with the hint of English accents:
"Konnichiwa!"
It was shocking to say the least, for the people who spent a lot of time with real Japanese, and also learned real Japanese, to see Britannians not only dressed in traditional Japanese outfits, but also managing to speak a word of the language, even if they had hard time pronouncing it in their half-Japanese, half-English, slight foreign language butchery. At least they tried…Kallen thought about their attempt at trying to be Japanese that afternoon.
Apparently, she wasn't the only one who was shocked, since Rai gasped so hard at the scene before him, that he was speechless. After a moment of silence, he finally spurted out "Good afternoon to you, as well…I guess." Rai greeted while scratching the back of his head, indicating he had no idea what they were doing right now. Luckily, she asked for him.
"Um…what are you doing?" she asked with a timid voice, since she needed to fulfill the role of Kallen Stadtfeld right now, not Kozuki.
Rivalz was the first one to answer, "Oh we were just commemorating the successful event of the SAZ, that's all!" he replied rather proudly. The Japanese rebels were surprised by that. Those people actually celebrating the SAZ, was something she hardly thought would happen.
She was so speechless that she only managed to say 'Really?' to them. Milly solidified that and made a shocking statement.
"Yes, and you can thank Nina for that." Milly told them, gesturing to the shy girl, with glasses who was now wearing a Kimono.
It was at that moment, that they started wondering if this was a dream or not. Nina! That the girl who was xenophobic, quiet and shy around even Britannians, and really afraid of the Japanese, was the one who made this idea, was truly surreal for them. Seeing that they didn't believe she was the one responsible, Nina told them.
"Since I don't have anything to do…I guess I did this, since this way I can face my fear of the ele–oops, sorry, Japanese…" Nina explained to them sheepishly. Even though she was still afraid of the Japanese, at least she was making the effort to overcome it.
They were utterly gob smacked; their mouths were wide open, and Rai could only say one word to describe their incredible astonishment, in a good way.
"Wow…just, wow…" the white haired terrorist/rebel breathed in shock at the xenophobic girl. Nina only blushed at the compliment, and muttered a small 'thank you'.
After some formalities and chatting about their thoughts on the SAZ, in which all were positive, the orange-haired girl seemed to have forgotten something, and only now did she manage to remember.
"Oh, I almost forgot! Lulu wanted us to visit Suzaku at the hospital tomorrow!" The orange-haired girl with a sakura petal on her ear said. Milly caught wind of this, and decided to tease her for it.
"Oh, Lulu wanted us to visit tomorrow eh? Sounds to me like a date!" Milly grinned at the orange-haired girl, and as expected, Shirley tried to deny it, even though it was clear to the members of the Student Council that they were now a couple.
"Madam President!" Shirley cried defiantly. They only laughed it off.
The rest of the afternoon was splendid. They talked about the culture of Japan from before the war, the traits of the Japanese, and everything that revolved around the supposed land of the rising sun.
I guess the SAZ isn't a bad thing, after all. But Zero, what do you think?
Zero's POV:
The already three-times-mentioned, by his comrades, Zero, was having the time of his life. It was rare for someone like him to get a vacation once in a while, especially since he was fighting against an Empire that specialized in long battles. Yes, Zero was indeed relaxing at the moment inside the Tanuki; and also, just because he was relaxing that didn't mean that he didn't have work to do. He still did his work, and that was planning the invasion of Tokyo.
He was currently unmasked, meaning that he wasn't Zero for today, since he agreed that he would be Zero to his doppelganger full-time. So, he shouldn't leave his mask, even if he was alone. However, just for today, he could be whatever and whoever he wanted to be. He wasn't Lelouch as Zero; he also wasn't Lelouch Lamperouge, the heartthrob and Student Council Vice-President of Ashford Academy – nor was he Lelouch as a prince or Demon Emperor. No; for now, he was just plain, old Lelouch – the Lelouch his siblings and friends wanted him to be.
He had been acting like this since he accomplished something two weeks ago, that made him like this – and it was the SAZ. Back then, the SAZ was the one of the most major, pivotal mistakes his future self-had made, and because of it, the SAZ was a complete disaster and horrendous act of genocide…but now, it wasn't. The SAZ in this timeline was a success, and they managed to pull it off to let Euphy live; and because of it, he was glad.
Lelouch (past Lelouch) had a smirk plastered on his face – not a devilish smirk that he used when he was an Emperor back then, nor was it a grin he used in front of his friends, no, it was a smirk he always used when a plan played into motion and things went quite well in his favor. If you looked from his point of view, things really did.
For one, he was able to pull off the SAZ and make it a success instead of a failure, and in turn, a massacre; next, he was able to save Euphy from her doom by his fault, and also…because of the SAZ, he could finally relax. Something neither he, nor his doppelganger, had done in the past few months. So, now he would take this moment of temporary peace, and just sit back and relax…
He was relaxing so much that his company, the witch, caught sight of this; because of it, she questioned her contractor, "You seem to be rather happy today, why's that, I wonder?" she asked him.
It was either C.C playing dumb, or she was really was clueless. Well, whether it was the former or the latter, he would answer her truthfully.
"It's because I won today. Because of the SAZ, my Doppelganger and I were able to pull ourselves out of check." he stated, while grabbing a black King piece that was threatened by a queen and resting it back down a safe distance behind his pawn. "Sooner or later, the SAZ will collapse; when that happens, we can begin our next big move." he explained, complimenting himself, also moving the white queen to threaten his king, but it was taken by a Knight.
Then after that, it's checkmate to the Britannians…
He thought to himself. He could see it clearly, how this would play out – the Britannians attacking the SAZ and the Japanese would see the true colors of the Britannians; and not only Japanese within the Zone, but also the Britannians that were supporting the SAZ as well…especially Euphy.
When that happened, like in any fairy tale, he and his Black Knights swoop in and save the day, and his doppelganger would make his coup. Then, all they had to do was eliminate the final people who stood in their way.
Then, we could finally have the peace we all wanted…then, I could see Nunnally once more…
Zero thought. Yes, the SAZ was a success and was able to bring peace, but it was not a total peace. Sooner or later, that peace would be destroyed – and then it would be all out war after that. If only the Britannians wouldn't disturb the SAZ, then he could say that he would certainly give up his cape and mask, but that would never be so. It was Britannia's nature of conquering the weak which made this SAZ a failure; and also, truth be told, he rather missed Nunnally. Although he was able to see her thanks to the opening ceremony, he couldn't touch her, feed her, put her off to sleep and say 'I love you' to her. But when the peace – true peace – fell upon the world, he could do all those things once more.
He was looking forward to that day, but C.C was cautious for his sake – since it was times like this, when he was unprepared and unguarded, when disaster struck. Luckily, he had a witch who warned him and gave him words of wisdom.
"You do know that if you keep acting like this, there would almost certainly be a disaster, right? I suggest you don't lower your guard now, especially when there are no Black Knights that would protect you when someone strikes you or the SAZ." C.C warned him.
Zero knew that there was the chance that would happen, but they had planned for everything and anything. From an invasion to the little things like a financial crisis, they were prepared for any scenario. So he just shrugged – that, and only stated to his accomplice:
"I'm aware of that, witch. I know that they would certainly strike me, my doppelganger or both of us" Zero grabbed the Knight that was protecting his King to let it be taken by a bishop, putting his king in check once more. "But it would seem that you forget that you're talking to Zero – the man that made miracles more often and victorious than anything Tohdoh or any other generals, or any of the numerous terrorist factions, have ever been able to pull off." he said, taking the bishop with his King.
C.C only huffed as a response, and only retorted to him, "Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace." Though, he was already aware of his ignorance – or, at least, that was something he was trying to convince himself.
"Then I would keep my ignorance in check, my witch." Zero threw back, turning around to face the witch that was lying on his bed with her signature Cheese-kun doll in her arms. He was inches away from her lips, and he gave off an intimidating aura through his eyes that made him much more suave, and of course, terrifying all the same.
However, C.C had seen men from the past that had tried, and also surpassed, Zero in that sort of intimidation, so she wasn't scared by it. "Do you really think that you can? I've seen men from the past that said the same thing to me, or his people, all over again – and they all failed. What makes you so sure that you won't end up the same, like they were?" she asked him, arching an eyebrow, with eyes that spoke of confidence and mischief.
Zero only let a smirk makes its way across his face at that, and answered her, "Because I'm Zero, the Man of Miracles…" he replied, then he leaned in closer to her ear, and whispered in a deep, but teasing, hiss that sent a shiver down her spine. "…And because I'm warlock." after that he pulled himself away, onto to be met with the sight of a taken-aback C.C, who was blushing rather hard, her cheeks a burning crimson, from the close proximity of their faces.
"With those factors, I know that I can accomplish it. And even if I don't, I always make a miracle, don't I?" Zero assured her, putting the mask on once more. "You sure do." C.C agreed, making him grin of victory. He vacated the room and quickly headed outside to see the Zone in the middle of the night.
The Tanuki was placed atop of a hill, making the view of the SAZ lovelier during the night. He could clearly see the shimmering buildings, and the ocean on the horizon that reflected the bright moon they also had for tonight gave the scene much more grandeur.
The SAZ was, overall, a success. We managed to save Euphy, and give enough time for me and my Black Knights to have some peace, even if it was temporary. Zero mused, seeing the Zone during the night. It was hard to think that, one day; this peace would be broken by the Britannians.
But I would make sure that I would – no…I must – create true peace!
Zero thought with determination. Even if it was at the cost of his life once more, then so be it. They sacrificed so much, fought so hard, and lost so many, that they couldn't afford to stop now; especially when the peace they were fighting for was almost right around the corner, a corner of larger-scale conflict.
But for now…I guess I should savor this peace…
Zero decided, heaving a sigh. Liking the idea, he would do the promise he made to his Black Knights two weeks ago –and that was building his body.
A/N: And that concludes the chapter for today. Man I really wish I could still do the everyday chapter thing again. But I can't…so yeah sorry about that. Also I have forgotten about this. This would be a three part chapter. The next chapter would be maybe in the weekends…IDK; I'm not making any promises.
Also guys from this point forward I will have another operation to make. From the creator of Operation Overlord (#NeverForget) and Operation Birthday Bash (#15YearsOfAwesomeness) F.C.C.S would now give you another Operation dubbed as…
Operation Perfection!
Operation Perfection isn't what you guys thinking. I won't perfect anything since nobody and nothing is perfect. But rather I would perfect something and that something is the chapters. From this point forward Chapter 36 would be beta read or proofread (this is what's my English teacher told me, when I asked what do you call on correcting a mistakes in essays or something like that) and also the first seven chapters would also be revise. So take a peek to the new and improved Chapter 3 and 4.
If you guys still don't get what is this 'Operation Perfection' is then let me summarize for you. Operation Perfection is a way to have the remaining 15 chapters to be proofread that way you won't complain why is it there's a grammatical error or something like that. Also in Operation Perfection would also take effect to the first seven chapters. Meaning every publish Chapter two chapters from the first seven chapters would be revised. Once the seven chapters are done, then we would proofread the any chapters until chapter 50 okay?
(Beta-Reader's Note – B/N: Basically, at least the first seven chapters will be fixed up so the story has the introductory chapters done and dusted for anyone knew who comes to the story to read, then we shall focus on fixing the updated chapters pre-publishing until the end of the story. After that, once no more updating new chapters needs to be done, the rest of the chapters will be done as well. F.C.C.S decided to put the priority on the new chapters in the updating process – makes sense, since that is where most of the readers' attention will be at the moment – so that is where the focus is going to be until the story is completed, plot-wise.)
A/N: The person that would help me with this Operation would be…
Pokelolmc!
So that way I won't be alone facing this new operation alone. So guys say thank you (written or not) to my beta reader okay?
Answer for the word hunt:
'The Freedom Nation of India': this would be the first ever fictional country I would create guys. So to make this short India would be split into two, like Korea. The Northern Side would be occupied by the Chinese while the south would be to the Britannians. And yes this is really intended and planned for.
Please read and review.
Also I almost forgot…
Happy Work Naked Day! (Wait What!? Is this for real!)
Ask your boss or supervisor if you can work from home.
Remember, you don't have to work naked from home if you do not want to. Wear your most comfortable pajamas and work in your home office or your backyard or from your couch.
If you do decide to work naked, make sure you do not have any official teleconferences.
If you run a company, what about instituting a work from home program? (I really thought I would work naked, and I also thought it would have something about love or something like that since February is month of love after all)
F.C.C.S out