A/N: First off, I'm truly apologize if this Chapter wasn't publish on the intended date which was January 26th since like I said on the previous chapter it was the date where Chapter 48 will be publish, and secondly I'm truly sorry if you guys if I have once again failed you on my latest endeavors; just like Operation Overlord which was a half failure, the latest Operation, Operation Downfall, is also a failure. Since I stated that this story should have been finished before the month of February, and now though…it will most likely won't happen. You could learn more about onto why I failed on my bio right above, in there you'll know the reasons why I lost. Well, finally I said it….anyways let's get on with the chapter you all been waiting for like four week or so.
P.S: And once again guys, I'm suffering a writer's block as of this moment, if you can't tell that is…if you don't know what a writer's block is, then let me tell you; is the condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing. For me, losing concentration, morale, and inspiration led me to suffer into a writer's block. Also, there is that pre-final exam that I have to study that is why I wasn't able to update for the last…FOUR WEEKS?! Oh my gosh, I'm truly sorry about that…well fret not since we only have two more chapters to go, and then we're done.
But first the shout-outs!
Shout for these people on the previous Chapter and the ones that greeted me…if any: Scarease, (Unnamed) Guest, and Wisegirl12xx for greeting me a happy Valentine's day!
With that over with, let's dive right in to the summarization of today's Chapter, shall we? Last time, we were given what happen right after the declaration of war of the Black Knights to the Britannian that was ruling Area Eleven, also the Coup d'état of the two Lelouchs have already commenced, and previously we see new allies that are now in place in the Chessboard, namely: Francis, Jeremiah and Suzaku. And lastly, the Prince started the Third Phase of the plan, and that was the exile of the Britannians that was inside the Viceroy Palace and to turn over Area Eleven to Zero and his Black Knights.
In this Chapter will be the continued part, and we were left last time with how do they transport over a thousands of people back to the homeland. The answer for that was given when Vice Admiral Thaddeus Bristow and Captain Christopher Storm, the ones that helped Princess Guinevere on her Invasion, proclaimed that they will help the Britannian to escape from the battle. Also like last time this would be yet another 'Changing POV Technique' meaning this would be an action pack Chapter.
Well that's done…I think you know what next right? And that would be the…WORD HUNT! Previously for my Birthday Chapter I've given you a special segment for the Word Hunt, which instead of giving you a words/phrase(s) that has an asterisk on it, instead I didn't give you one, but rather I give you words that was a Filipino custom and/or culture, and of course another OC revealed that will of course be an important to the plot. But in this Chapter, however we'll return back to the classic Word Hunt which if you found a word/phrase that has an asterisk on it that may held significance to the Story or I just wanted to tell you. And the answer(s) can be seen on the Author's Note down below.
Disclaimer I don't own Code Geass and its Characters.
Further disclaimer is the OCs you've seen throughout this story aren't mine. That would be S.S that belongs by Shimmering-sky and the whole members of the Raven Squad which owned by Ebony sword. The only OCs I've ever own is Francis and Gwendolyn Xavier…and of course the two more OCs I've added which won't reveal themselves as of yet (Elizabeth ni Britannia and Sean Xavier/Kristoff).
So without further ado Chapter 48 of Code Geass: Black & White.
Chapter 48: Exodus.
Exodus meaning a mass departure of people, especially emigrants that came from early 17th Century: Greek. However to the Christians and the Roman Catholics, the term Exodus is commonly known as a part of the Holy Bible in the Old Testament where the famously known event, where Noah and over millions of Israelites fled from Egypt under Pharaoh Ramses III, to Canaan otherwise known as the Promise land that was stated over a thousands of years ago to Abraham.
At first Moses-the one that was chosen by Yahweh or God-wasn't able to convince the Pharaoh to let them be free, so God sent ten plagues to the land of Egypt that was turning the water into blood, thunderstorm of hail and many more, and only the tenth Plague, where all first born son and daughters of all Egyptians will be dead, did the Pharaoh agreed to let the Hebrews which serves them as their slaves and workers to be free. Moses led all the Israelites to the red sea where they will cross at dawn. However the Pharaoh wasn't willing let them go, and chased them down with their Chariots seeking vengeance to the death of their first born. When the Israelites see the approaching army, God separated the Chariots that were chasing them with pillar of fire. Moses used this opportunity to follow God's command and the famously known as the separation of the water occurs when Moses hold out his staff over the water to be divided to let the Israelites pass. They eventually did cross the red sea of today, and so did the Egyptians that were chasing them, however they were drowned when God returns back the water to the sea, killing the Army and the Pharaoh.
The Exodus also where the Ten Commandments can be found as well, to be specific on Exodus 20:1-17, and when Moses returns back with the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. In summary the Exodus was the exile of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promise Land known as Canaan. In literature the term Exodus is anything that comes with departure of over massive people in one place to another.
However what does it do with today's Chapter, you might now asking, the answer for that my friends is simple: The Britannians that was inside the Viceroy Palace, along with the ones that was ruling and governing Area Eleven, like Cornelia li Britannia as Viceroy, Euphemia li Britannia as her Sub-Viceroy, and Lelouch vi Britannia as Minister of Defense and Military Consultant of Cornelia during times of War as well the Nobles helping them on their duties supervising the Area that was under the Empire's rule. In there as well, was the Evacuees that was able to survive the bombings of Princess Guinevere on the first day of the 'Third Pacific War' which was only over 800,00 people survived. Among them as well, was the people who attended the wedding of the eleventh Prince and his classmates at Ashford and his closest friend; the entire members of the Student Council and his fiancée Shirley Fenette, will be sent back to the homeland, giving the term Exodus.
So the question is…why are they leaving Area Eleven? This was a part of both Lelouchs plan, now was it? The answer for that is…it isn't. The original Plan that created by the two Lelouch is that they will gather forces over a period of time, then when the time is right just like this one. They will strike the Tokyo Settlement and then the Prince Lelouch will start his coup, eliminating anyone that stands on his way. Once that happens, Lelouch will take over Area Eleven before handing it to Zero and to the Japanese, declaring that the Area Eleven is no more and the establishment of a new Government for the United State of Japan will begin.
So yes, this entire fiasco, of them leaving Area Eleven isn't part of the plan. However, why did they want to leave? If all things are planned, are there any changes that occurred? To put it simply, then yes plans have change; instead of eliminating the ones that will stand Lelouch's way of usurping Area Eleven, he changes this by making them forced to leave Area Eleven instead. He does this, since for Lelouch, he thinks that Cornelia and the others may be come to use for him, and in some ways it was. During the year of 2018 a.t.b. when Lelouch regained his memory after suffering their bastard of a father's Geass that rewrites his memory, the ones that opposed him when he takes over the Whole world was her and some remaining Black Knights member. Also she aligns herself with Prince Schneizel on his coup, as well the Black Knights during the Battle of Damocles. However…if Lelouch manages to get Cornelia on his sides, then their plans of taking down the Holy Britannian Empire will be greatly advanced and will be a piece of cake for them. Granted, to do that, they needed her alive…so they (mainly the future Lelouch) change their plans to have his future allies be alive, and thus exiling them back to the homeland.
Another reason why they will make the Britannian populace and so is the others fled Area Eleven was the fact that Lelouch doesn't garner any popularity to back him up if he does proclaim to the public that he will help Zero to take over the Empire. But there are the Japanese that will surely help him, however to have their plans to succeed they need to crush Britannia, not just on the outside but in the inside as well. So attacking the Empire from the outside won't work, since it will be surely a battle of attrition. They needed to attack the Empire from within. Meaning that they needed more time, to have Lelouch gather much allies as he needed before they start the game; since this entire war, the Third Pacific War, wasn't plan at all! Although they were prepared for this to happen, they expected this to commenced like at least until next year...but alas they were wrong on their deduction, since it happened earlier, giving the two Lelouch no time to set their pieces on the Chessboard.
The last reason why they will have the populace to be exiled back to the homeland aside from the two reasons: They needed Cornelia and others to help them on their endeavors, and they needed to gather the masses to back them up on their quest to take down the Empire, is to have a starting point before they start their war with the Empire. Although in the original plan, this was actually planned: to have Area Eleven as their starting point of the war, they must do it when and only when they have all pieces in place and/or removed. So they must gather the Japanese and take down those who opposed their Independence. However to get Area Eleven, like stated earlier, they must either remove the Princesses on their seats of power by killing them or replacing them or they will be forced to abdicate their positions themselves willingly or forcefully. If they stick with the former, it will contradict Lelouch's conditions of having Cornelia as his allies, so they will go to the latter.
And this isn't an actual reason onto why they will have the people leave Area Eleven, however this is just an act of revenge of sorts. Remember that both Lelouch and Nunnally were forced to exile here on Area Eleven formerly known as Japan right? Well, Lelouch decided to have their plans change on having the people of the settlement to be sent back to the homeland is to do one thing…and that is to have revenge from what they've done to them siblings. If they exiled them here on Japan, then they will also exiled them from Japan! Call about of an eye for an eye kind of treatment. But however Lelouch knew better that this wasn't really the case…but I just wanted to say this to you since it is what Lelouch thinks deep inside.
So with the question of why on earth they will leave Area Eleven already answered, that leaves us on the final question which will be an important one. And that will be: How on earth will they leave this land, during a freaking BATTLE! I mean there isn't a Moses, in the Palace that will just command the entire Pacific Ocean to give way for the people inside to cross! They don't have that kind of technology and/or faith to have that kind of power. Other than that, they don't have any vehicles as of this moment. The Avalon would be a best way to carry the people away from here, or the one that the future Lelouch used to have over thousands of Japanese exiled alongside with him to China by using an Iceberg-shaped ship (One Million Miracles on R2), or anything that floats or fly can be used to carry this people away from here.
Luckily though, they prayers were answered when two men showed up on screen to have them gladly have them sent back to the Homeland…and that will be the two person that was least likely help them as of this moment and that would be Vice Admiral Thaddeus Bristow and of course Captain Christopher Storm.
23:55
50 kilometers away from the shores of Tokyo…
Right after seeing the annihilation of their forces that was estimated over 25,000 Knightmares and infantries that will attack the Special Administrative Zone of Japan, the overall commander of the Southern Invaders, that separated from the main fleet entitled 'Freedom Fleet', Vice Admiral Thaddeus Bristow that was aboard on his ship and the Southern Fleet flagship HMS Bastion proclaim that there Invasion was a failure and ordered to rendezvous back to the main fleet.
So all 106 Ships and Submarines retreated back from the shore of Miho and sail towards where the Main Fleet was designated at the moment, which was at the coast of Tokyo. The Admiral was overseeing his fleet with a grim face. The reason, for this is the fact that one…they weren't able to do what they were tasked to do; which was taking over the zone, in one fell swoop, but failed miserably since Zero planted bombs underneath that buried all of their forces above that was searching for an enemy. The other reason was…the Princess wasn't answering their calls.
It gone like this for like an umpteenth times already, and still the Princess wasn't answering, receiving and/or giving them any orders whatsoever. And for the people inside the Bastion, or the fleet's ships and submarines in general, have a sense of worries for their commander of this battle.
What happen to the Princess?
Wondered by the Admiral, since command hierarchy was important in the Military, including the Navy which they belong with, and losing the highest command is like losing the battle already, since no one was leading them. Although the highest rank on the Navy was an Admiral, which he was the second to the highest as the Vice Admiral, if a Royal-like the Princess-takes command, then she is the highest ranking officer of the fleet. In general the Emperor would be the Chief-in-command in the entirety of the Britannia Military, followed up by her daughter Princess Cornelia that serves as Chief General of the Military.
So when they heard that the Princess wasn't answering their calls, it can only mean that she was captured or worse…dead. And almost all of them, including the Vice Admiral was betting for the latter, no matter unlikely that will happen. That is why; they have all units at top speed to see if they were correct luckily though they were able to refueled and reloaded with ammunition when they were in Miho, meaning that they can travel to the coast of Tokyo in no time, and don't have to worry if they lose any fuel…which was the reason that cost the main fleet their lives.
The Admiral was hopping that maybe at least the Princess was able to escape. He clearly remembers when the Princess summoned every commander here on the Freedom Fleet in the courts of Nobles to ask them one question. 'Will they join her?' Join her on her endeavor on taking down the SAZ that was clearly a bane to the Nobles all over the Empire, join her on her quest on taking down her siblings in there, and of course to live and die with her all throughout. They didn't need to think if what they were doing was right, they didn't to ask themselves if what they're doing would be justiciable, and they didn't need to have second thoughts about all of this. Instead they saluted in perfect timing and answered in unison with pride and conviction:
'Yes your highness!'
Which is why all of them, from a simple sailor to the higher ranking officer like him, are now worried with their commander that promised them a triumphant victory; the reason why they join her highness was only one reason. To stop the SAZ. You don't need to ask any nobles if they like the SAZ or not, since right from the get-go they knew that the SAZ was trouble. It will clearly means that they have to take some moneys from their pockets to create this proclamation created by the Third Princess Euphemia,
And they hated it.
Generally, all nobles hated the numbers, in fact they outright discriminated them! They are the ones that should be living in the garbage, they shouldn't even live at all! They are much worse than a commoner that thinks that they can live freely without some greens on their wallets or pockets, and when the SAZ happens…it gives those stinking numbers the freedom from all of their wrong doings. Which truly aggravates the Nobles; sure you can have them give some money now or then, even if that kind of donation was truly big, they can take it! Sure you can have the nobles agree with something that they clearly don't given enough persuasion or means, but no one…and I do mean NO ONE! No one will ever never, make them stop abusing the NUMBERS that they treated as SLAVES! Slaves that nothing better to do than beg for mercy, and will do everything in order to survive.
That is why, majority of the Nobles (like 90% of them) hated the SAZ, and they needed it to stop. Luckily someone from the Royal Family share the same views as they are, and that would be the Crown Princess of the Realm, the Marie Antoinette of Britannia, Princess Guinevere de Britannia. For them, she was truly a blue blood. From her birth until today, she gives the people what a true Royalty looks like. And that was being the one at the top, filled with pride and riches.
So that is why he sent a Naval Communication Officer to check up what is the Princess' status and whereabouts as of this moment. As their highest ranking officer and of course as Princess of the Realm they must at all cost ensure her safety at all cost. The Admiral waited the officer he sent with conviction, although on his insides he was preparing for the worse.
He wasn't alone either, since everyone in their respective ships or submarines, the sailors and officers that manning their vessels, and of course his second in command Captain Christopher Storm, the younger brother of the Rear Admiral and commander of all Daring Class on his ship HMS Diligence, Andrew Storm which was also with the Princess on their main assault on Tokyo earlier this day; which by the way, also worried for his brother's conditions, since stated earlier he was the only last remaining relative of the Storm's family, which is why he was worried for his brother.
It was already ten minutes since he have sent the Officer where he commanded to know the Princess Status, and it has taken another ten more minutes before he comes back to the Bridge, he said that he himself will inform the men about the news that is why the man walk across the room and gone straight back to the Admiral that was seeing the operations inside the Bridge. Once he was close, he closes in to the Admiral and whispered the news. During their conversation, he asked repeatedly any of his questions to confirm his answer. Along the way, his face was filled with wooden expression. His face can't be read from his men that were looking at him. They were thinking if it was good news or bad…and all of them wished that it was the former than the latter.
After the man whispered everything that he needs to know, the Admiral only stated the words 'I..see…'in a silent tone. The men in his bridge look back to the Admiral filled with qualms on their mind, and so are the other vessels from the half of the freedom fleet. After thinking how will he say this to his men, the Admiral ordered to his crew and so is the all of his men and to the other vessels that was listening in one word: "Men…Attention!"
And everyone in the bridge, the deck and so is the other personnel that was manning their respective ships and submarines , stiffened their body, attentive from what the Vice Admiral was about to report to them. It was an eerie silence, and the Admiral couldn't find the words needed to speak towards them, and the men already knew what it meant. Although they were thinking not so, it was highly unlikely that it will change. Sure enough their suspiciousness was answered when the Admiral finally stated what he has to say after a long pause.
"Men…I bring you terrible news…"and right after he says that the whole crew on board and so is the other vessels already knew what he was about to say. However they must muck it up and listen in further. "The Princess…our Princess, Princess Guinevere de Britannia…our leader…" continued and clearly tears was welling up on his eyes, but he manages to stop it from falling and finally stated what his men wanted to know. "Princess Guinevere…is dead…"And everyone had a down casted expression plastered on each and everyone's faces.
They treated the Princess more than royalty, after all. For them they were their savior for every Noble that didn't affiliate with the SAZ or the ones that support it like the Royals. It was like she was a deity of some sorts, someone to admire with, and someone that was worth fighting for. Her notion about all of this was shared to every blue blood throughout the entire Empire; meaning that she was a very influential person, second only to the Prime Minister Prince Schneizel.
However it only gotten much worse when they hear the perpetrator who taken the Princess life, when the Admiral added right after a moment of silence as a respect for the dead Princess. "Killed by the hands…of Zero himself…" and when they hear the masked terrorist name, they were livid. They clench their fist, gritted their teeth, cursed his name and vowed to avenge the fallen from his hand. But no one matches the anger of the Admiral since he on his eyes speak of murder and right now, he was thinking millions of ways to kill that masked man himself.
The room was in total outrage, everyone speaks what was on their minds; either on how to deal with that masked terrorist and of course what was the next course of action. Since the Princess was dead, and so is the others that was alongside with her, specifically the second in command Admiral Nelson the Third, the next that was in command was him, Vice Admiral Thaddeus Bristow.
He doesn't need to think what will happen next, since he already made up his plans. Currently, from what he learned from the man he was informed with, the Chinese was helping the Black Knights coup against the Royals that was align themselves with during their battle against them. And it was stated that the Royals was in tight pickle since the eleventh Prince, Prince Lelouch vi Britannia was captured by Zero right after on their assault of the Princess, which is why he tells this to his men:
"And Zero…and his Black Knights have enough guts to cross with their allies, the Britannians that sympathizes the numbers and the ones that created and help the SAZ…and I ask of you…will you let the ones that kills our Princess let them get away with it? Even if meant helping the ones that was our original target and enemy?" But it would seem that no one among his crew was willing to speak up since all of them weren't answering and they were dead silent. However it was seem that someone showed initiative and that was the person that encourage them to lead them after seeing their forces in the zone have been decimated; Captain Christopher Storm.
The captain which was also a brunette like his older brother, shows his face on the screens of the Bastion from his ship the HMS Dominion "I and my crew and on behalf that still supports her highness Princess Guinevere…will fight against Zero. It doesn't matter if we are helping are once was called our enemy. But I won't let the one that killed our Princess let them get away from his crime…"before he saluted right before him. The Admiral smirks and saluted back.
After that he faced his crew once more and asked them. "Well…are you going to join in as well?" And they don't need to think on their answers since from the moment he asked his question they already have it in them. All they need was a little bit of encouragement that was all. Everyone stiffened once more and answered the Admiral in unison.
'Aye, aye Captain!'
Making the Admiral grinned in delight. Glad that his men will fight alongside with him. In one wave of his hand and shouting the phrase 'To Tokyo!' in an instant all of his men, from their respective ships and submarines have their vessels in full steam ahead, their target? The one that killed their princess and that would be the masked terrorist and the founder and main commander of the infamous Order of the Holy Black Knights, Zero.
00:39
It was almost an hour right before they reach the coast of Tokyo, and just as expected, Chinese vessels are blocking the only route for the Britannians to pass the blockade. The Admiral also knew that the Royals and their subjects were also trapped inside the Viceroy Palace, and that was their only holding point as of this moment. They were fighting in two fronts; one in the land and the other on the sea.
The admiral was pondering the situation, as if they were making a battle plan, and truthfully they were. Inside the bridge of the overall flagship of the remains of the 'Freedom Fleet', his crew and his high ranking officers assess the situation at hand. However time wasn't on their side, if they don't act now, then (most likely) Area Eleven will fall to the rebels.
It took them over at least twenty minutes just to finalize everything. To the flow of the battle, dealing with the Chinese and of course helping the Royals that was trapped on their very own land. The prospect of helping their once was enemies was no longer on each of their minds. Right now, their mind was clear; they are here to avenge the fallen princess, and of course their fallen comrades as well. Also they have a saying in the Britannians that was stolen from their French counter-parts, that goes:
'All for one, one for all'
Meaning that they will stick together no matter what, and if somebody messes with one Britannian, then that guy better prepare himself from the beat down he will get, since all hell will rain upon him and his lackeys. They always consider every Britannians as their family, blue blood or not, no Britannian should be oppressed by the weak, and the Elevens weren't an exception.
Maybe that is why the Britannian are seem to be invincible to Europeans, Chinese, or any other rebelling countries or areas under their rule. Since they treat each other as one blood, and you know the saying, that blood runs thicker than water right?
Nevertheless their plan was set and the only thing to do was to tell this to soon-to-be-allies and that would be the Royals that they fought two days ago. Admiral Bristow once again commanded the communication officer to hail the Royals inside the Viceroy Palace, and tell them about their plans. The man saluted before him and return to his station and called the palace.
After series of dials and nodding, the man turned towards him and stated: "Sir it would seem that the first Prince is also calling them, meaning we can't abruptly interrupt them on their meeting." Admiral Bristow, nodded on that, but puzzled as to why does the first prince was talking with his younger half-sibling.
I wonder if the first prince is also helping his sibling…
But to found out if that was the case, he ask the aforementioned man that was calling the Royals earlier ago, and ordered him: "Can we at least, listen to their conversation?" he asked since, he really wanted to know if the Crown Prince was going to help his siblings that was on a (REALLY) problematic situation. Though he, as well the whole empire knew (and even the other areas and countries know as well) that the first Prince was incompetent, useless, and outright outclassed by his younger brothers and sister-in short a mediocre-no one can deny that he has a tight bond with his sibling.
In fact, everyone knew that he was one of the quote 'soft royalties', and the fact that he never held any grudge against his family. He was always so helpful towards his family, especially to his younger sister. Whenever they need anything, he would always be there to help them in anyway. However as the time passed he was rarely seen working with his siblings, since for one he has *ahem* 'duties' to attend to and so is his siblings. And of course the other one, was the fact that they no longer needed his help.
But it in this case…I think they really need him…
Although the first prince has really little to no experience in the battlefield, or war, or even know what the heck that means, he can still able to support them from the homeland, since of course he is the FIRST PRINCE! This guy, can be the next ruler of the Holy Britannian Empire if (that's a big if) his father was to die, and since the first princess-title once held by the deceased princess Guinevere-and so is the second Prince as well-though they do not know as of yet-died, he was the real and prime contender of the throne. As first born child, he was already given power that was next to the Emperor. He can send and pull back troops, he can knight someone without consulting to the court, and so many more that the first prince has on his list of perks that he can do.
But what his siblings really need though was man power. No one can deny the technological weaponries of the Britannians that's for sure, however they also need men in order to win a battle, let alone a war. I mean what good is a great weapon, without someone wielding it, am I right? In any case, even if the first prince has no idea with what the hell is going on, just sending them troops or at least a transportation would be a really immense help indeed. Beside…beggars can't be choosers.
If the Admiral was to choose the one that was going to help them, he would call right away the fifth princess of the holy Britannian Empire, which was Princess Carine ne Britannia-granted he would only call her since she share the same ideals like her sister Princess Guinevere, and also the fact that she was also a prime supporter of their endeavors, however she was at least know the course of a battle and war. She knew what a rifle was when she see one, and she knew what carnage was, or in short she was war craving princess. She would greatly help them if she decided to send some troops to their cause against the combine forces of the Black Knights. However there was the prospect of her disliking the royals that was currently inside the Viceroy Palace, especially Nunnally…so yeah the first Prince it is.
Admiral Bristow move in closer to the communication officer and listen to the 'Only Audio' radio. On the other side, he can clearly hear the voices of the eleventh prince, Prince Lelouch, the second princess Princess Cornelia as well as her younger sister Princess Euphemia, the blind princess, Princess Nunnally, and of course the first prince himself, Prince Odysseus. Their conversation gone along like this, and it start with a terrible news:
"Prince Schneizel…the second prince and prime minister of Britannia…is dead. Murdered by the hands of Zero" And when they heard that it only aggravates the people inside the ship, and unluckily this was heard by the entire fleet, further pouring in more rage from their already full bucket of anger and vengeance; enrage that once again that damned, masked man take another royal from his hands, which was in one point was never been done before by any terrorist or enemies of the empires, which he would probably say kudos to the masked man. However that doesn't mean he likes it, he may have done an extremely well done on killing three Royals already, but that doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants.
That is why I will stop him!
Thought the aggravated and of course determined Admiral aboard from his ship, the HMS Bastion that he will defeat the seem to be invincible (and probably does), hero of the Elevens, and the masked terrorist Zero, leader of the damned Black Knights. And he wasn't alone. In fact over half of the Britannian Military wanted to finish this guy's winning streak, or just completely defeated him once and for all. One prime example is Princess Cornelia li Britannia-that by now is the second in the line of the Imperial Throne, next to her half older brother, Prince Odysseus,-which from their point of view is really pissed off by Zero ever since she came here to Area Eleven and become Viceroy. If he was correct (and indeed he was) her main objective was to capture of the masked man dead or alive. However, from the first day, until this day prior, the second Princess has little to no chance was her able to abduct the masked terrorist. Every battle that they fought, Zero was able to either escape or won each of ther engangement that the Princess conducted, and right now…he was most likely doing the latter.
So right, now if you're going to ask any Britannian, from the military or not, they will answer the same; they want to either kill or capture Zero.
But that would be problematic, since his battle records were unpolished ever since his debut, where he proclaimed his first Royal kills. That is why; they need to join forces in order to beat him. But they will talk about it later since they wanted to further hear their conversation.
After a moment of eerie silence they hear someone out of nowhere the question that was lingering on their mind: "What shall we do now?" the most obvious answer for any military leaders, like him, was to fall back and regroup in order to fight the overwhelming number advantage that the Black Knights, However that would be problematic, since how can they regroup when all of their escape routes are either blocked or under the banner of the enemy? Which is why, they will consider an absurd proclamation of…you've guessed it…fighting back, that simultaneously uttered while he was pondering, which was a voice of a teenager…
"We fight!"
And even if it was a ludicrous concept-for the ones in the military-it was met with a deafening cheer by the Britannians. It only solidify, the prospect of the 'blood runs thicker than water' and that they are really wanted to get the hands of beating Zero. But like the Admiral thought, this was a great idea sure; I mean who doesn't want to get a revenge, that not only once, nor twice, but three times that kill three Royals, among them was the crown Princess and the Prime Minister of the REALM! However, the ones that was leading them has a strategically mindset; they won't go into a fight with guns blazing, like the citizens would like to put, NO, they will go into every battle with a plan in hand. If something doesn't go along, they will have a backup plan for it. But in order to pull that off, they needed men and tons of ammunition, which as of this moment, was something the Royals has none.
That is why they heard the eleventh Prince that was seemed to be a friend by the one that proclaimed the idea of retaliation to the Black Knights his answer, before abruptly interrupter that is: "That's a bad idea…but fret not…I will get us out of this." Even though, they have no visual inside the Viceroy Palace, and all that they can hear was their voices, they knew that the one who cut the eleventh prince plan of defeating the Black Knights, was none other than the first prince himself, Prince Odysseus. They were proven to be right, when Prince Lelouch asked him, and when they heard the voice that was being questioned, it was indeed the crown Prince.
"Brother…you've come in worst of times." And the crown Prince answered with: "Yes I know…and I've just recently found out that Area Eleven was being invaded by our sister Princess Guinevere." And his men can only elicit a small chuckle for the first prince's mediocre, since it was only now did he know about the invasion, and that was really something to laugh about; he was the first prince, he needed to know the situation of the Empire, second to the Emperor, and let me remind you that this war has already started three days ago, what does the first prince doing when it was happening for the last 72 hours straight?! What his still finding suitors to marry?!
Luckily though, he wasn't able to latch to the first prince since the Viceroy herself proclaimed to the idiotic prince, with a tint of irritation but was hidden by her anger to Zero on her voice "Princess Guinevere was killed by Zero. And recently Prince Schneizel as well was assassinated by Zero right after we defeated Guinevere together. He betrayed us and right now he and his black knights are out to attack us."
And the Admiral can only imagine the look of the first prince when he heard that, which was utterly gob smacked right about now (which was in fact true) and was totally speechless about this. It was only natural since, like stated before, he has grown attached to his siblings, second only to Princess Nunnally and Princess Euphemia. Right after the Princess stated the current situation she was followed by her sisters Euphemia and Nunnally.
"Big brother is there anything you can do to help us?"
"Surely Father can help us in this desperate hour"
I don't think the Emperor would want-or even CONSIDER-to help his children…
The Admiral mused rather bluntly, and if his men were to hear him said that, they will without a shadow of a doubt will agree with him one hundred percent; it was rather common for the people that serves inside the military that the Emperor, gives little to nothing concerns to his spawns, however they keep this a secret to the people of Britannia, which thinks that Emperor cares about his children, since they are too straight-minded and too naïve to think otherwise.
There are many reasons why the Emperor does doesn't take care of his children, one of which was the ideology that the Emperor and also the Empire shares and valued the most: that the weak cast aside and the strong survives. If his very own children can't survive in life, or just in a war, then for him they aren't worthy to be call his sons and daughters.
Another reason why does the Emperor won't be able to help them is that he rarely takes care of his Empire as well. If you ask any Britannian out there, and ask who is/are the one(s) that was ruling them, rarely will you able to hear the answer of, 'Emperor Charles' since the Emperor, consider this as a mundane affair; something that it wasn't worth his time altogether. For the past couple of years all of the rulings were either done by the court of nobles and the commoners or the former and deceased Prime Minister of the Holy Britannian Empire, second prince, Prince Schneizel el Britannia. Nobody knows what does the Emperor was doing whenever he lets either his children, or the court take charge the entire Empire-except of course the two Lelouch and C.C that is. All they knew that the Emperor, at most, never been seen ruling the entire empire.
There were some theories claiming that, maybe he still ruling the empire and just hiding this from the public. It was a good notion, however with no evidence backing the idea, the idea of the Emperor secretly ruling the empire won't be accepted by the people, especially in the military, since they knew what was going on inside the palace other than the nobles.
And this was proven once again by the first prince when he let out a sigh of dismay, and answered them rather down casted. "I'm afraid Father is out as of this moment and given me the title to temporarily rule the Empire while he was away." And right after he heard the proclamation of the first prince, the Admiral couldn't choose where to laugh at. Either the one that says that the first prince, that has no experience of ruling the empire, was the one appointed as a temporary ruler of the empire that controls the one-third of the world. Or would it be the excuse of the emperor itself? Either way he find it rather hilarious just thinking about it.
The reason why it was so funny is this: one is that like stated a mere moment ago, the first prince has no experience of ruling the empire. Although he should be ready about this, since he is the first prince of the Empire, and when the Emperor dies, then he would be the first one to ascend and takes the throne, however the only thing he was good at was proper etiquette like the ones his teachers from when he was a young child, and not politics and warfare, which was the people of Britannia wanted for their next ruler. Also, let's be honest, Prince Odysseus isn't a leader, and much more of a follower than anything else. He will listen to any orders of his father, accepts the request of his siblings and never did the public saw him commanding someone to do something. If the Admiral was to give the power to temporarily rule the empire, he will pick the court. Though corrupted and single-minded, at least the court knows how to rule and sustain the empire. They are the ones that help the Emperor to uphold the law, give a verdict, and of course pass a law, however he can also side with the emperor not giving them the chance of ruling the empire with the current situation since if you're following the war very closely then you must know that the ones supporting Princess Guinevere are the entire court of nobles that despise the SAZ and how does Princess Cornelia rules Area Eleven and still unable to eliminate the number one target of the empire, Zero. Meaning he can't give the nobles the chance of completely creating a full scale coup, against the empire, so no matter how idiotic the decision of the emperor did, it was nonetheless the right choice.
Another reason why does the statement of the first prince make him laughs was the reason why was he giving the power of temporarily to rule the entire empire was only because he was away. He doesn't even tell the one that was replacing him why he was away, and where will be found if they needed him, all he does was pick his son and then left without any explanation. And not just him, I think every normal person, without a doubt would find this funny. I mean come on! Who in the right mind, would leave without explanation? And what's even funnier was the fact that he is leaving with something very valuable behind. It's not like he was leaving his cellphone, his wallet, or the house key, NO! He is leaving his empire! Let me say it again, the ENTIRE FREAKING EMPIRE! The whole country is the one that he was about to leave behind, and it was something, in the right mind would never leave behind unattended. That is why, in a democratic country there's always be a second in command, under the name of Vice-president. Add to the reason why he find this funny was the fact he doesn't give any explanations where he was headed. If the place where he will be going was even much important than his empire, then maybe they can reasoned with the emperor.
The Crown if he can see his face should be wearing a down casted expression right about now, and he continued further more. "So I'm sorry but I can't help you…" explained the mediocre prince to his fellow royalties that was his brothers and sisters. Admiral Bristow was sure that everyone may have been slumping right now, and it was only natural since they have no savior as of this moment.
Or is it?
Right after he thinks that, a footstep can be heard and he can hear the eleventh prince's voice before stating: "Which is why I'll take over this operation as Prime Minister." And made seems like all of them confused and his older half-sibling Cornelia questioned him.
"Prime minister?" asked Cornelia before reaffirming by Lelouch. "Before Schneizel draw his last breath, he appointed me as his replacement. He ordered me to do what is necessary in any case that the Emperor was away. "And the Admiral and his men can work with this. If he can beat them, surely he can beat his former allies that were the Order of the Black Knights. And it would seem that they can also work with this since the first prince asked him.
"So Prime Minister Lelouch…what shall we do?" and Lelouch answered them that made them shock on his answer. "We will give what Zero wants…Japan!" and if the Admiral was drinking a cup of water right now he would spit it out.
What the?!
Well…actually the Admiral can understand with what the Prince was doing…however…giving the region which was the largest mining of Sakuradite shouldn't be given up so easily. But what matters most...? The people or some rocks? No matter what he thinks about it, it will always be the former than the latter. It wasn't worth anything at all. And the prince tried to reason with them.
"If we give them what they want, then this battle is over…" and he can hear that all of them stayed silent meaning that they were considering the Prince's idea. However, Princess Cornelia was persistent, just like any other military commanders would, and asked him.
"Is there any better way than surrendering this entire Area?!"
And if he was the prince right now he would be eyeing the Princess right now (which he actually does), saying 'are you dumb?' but she knew that he knew as well, that there isn't any other way; they were trap with no way out and have little to nothing left of their ammunition. And even if they fight them with sheer strategic mindset, it wouldn't be enough if the one they are battling with has on par-if not surpassed-strategic mindset. So yes there isn't any other way.
"No…there isn't." and right after was eerie silence, and also his men was on the same state. However the prince tried to see the other way and said. "However…that doesn't mean I will surrender Britannia…that is why I order of all people here inside the Viceroy Palace to be shipped back to the homeland!" and if the admiral was with him right now he will give him a round of applause.
What he was doing was outright the best decision than fighting and it was better course of action than any other proposed plan; with this they can safely evacuate the people that was also trapped between the crossfire that the two belligerents created, and also with this they can help since the only flaw with the prince's plan was they have no transportation as of this moment…
"Hold on your highness, how we can do that if we have no vehicles that can accommodate this entire people" questioned Guilford to the prince and that made the admiral smirk and thought. I guess that's our cue before ordering the communication officer to open the comms and let them patch in so that they can finally talk with them, and when the screen flared up he stated out of nowhere.
"Your highness, we will help you to evacuate Area Eleven…"
As expected of the old Admiral, the people inside the throne room were quite surprised to see their once enemy now offering to help them. The citizens, obviously, cower in fear; they think that this is just a ploy set-up by them, and would eventually double cross them when given the chance. The princesses (Euphemia and Nunnally) though look brave; he can tell that they were shaking in fear, for obvious reason. And of course the ones that serve in the military put a defensive stance; they were ready on whatever he will try to do against them.
However the one that catch his attention was the prince since he was smirking either in delight or it was a sinister grin, Admiral Bristow can't tell. Prince Lelouch steps up in front the screen so that they can speak, while the others grown wary in what was the prince doing, even if he was miles away from them, they still think that they will try to harm the prince in anyway.
"Lelouch what are you think you're doing?" Cornelia hissed with her hands on her hips where her handgun was placed; it was also the same thing that she and her men were doing right now. However the prince ignores them and continued until he reaches the front of the screen, before he asks him.
"State your name and your allegiance." Commanded the Prince to him and even though the screen was split between him and Captain Christopher Strom, they straighten themselves up before he answered respectively.
"My name is Vice Admiral Thaddeus Bristow." Before he was followed up by his subordinate "And I'm Captain Christopher Storm" "And we serve the first princess and her endeavors." Continued the admiral; once heard the proclamation of the two of them, the people grown much more dread from the both of them, since they were the allies of the ones that proclaimed the war, that already taken the lives of over 10,000,000 in the span of three days, the most bloodiest war ever in short time(so far).
The prince though, surprised, contained his expression and remain pensive altogether and replied to the two men that was in front of him. "I see…meaning you're the ones that attack the zone is that right?" Prince Lelouch deduce, which was correct, since he never seen them or heard them from their assault against the princess last night.
Admiral Bristow can only nod, not thinking the men he lost on their failed assault on the zone, making the prince continue. "Well if that's the case…why are you here? Are you truly here to help us?" questioned the prince to the two of them, and that made them grown very much serious since, this is the point where they will ask them about their motives; luckily they were prepared.
"Yes your highness, we are here to serve you and do whatever you commanded us to do." Answered Christopher Storm aboard from his ship to the prince; though the prince accepted it, others wasn't, one of them was Princess Cornelia since she grunted and proclaimed them.
"Tsk…why should we believe you? For all we know once we agree with you, you may blow us into pieces!" Roared the second princess voiced with much disapproval, making the young subordinate silence and can't answer to the princess, luckily for him his commander was ready for this kind of question and because of it he answered on his behalf.
"While that may be true…however the way I see it, you really don't have a choice. You are surrounded in the land and the sea with few men at your disposal against the combine forces of the Black Knights and the Chinese that has so far has the superior advantage, and the only way out of there, is with us helping you." And if only the Princess Guinevere was here, then she would be proud of him making the Princess Cornelia shut her mouth and be frustrated at the facts. He knows that this will work, since he once serve the princess, and though he spent his time under her quite short he learn few things from her. One of them was that she can't argue if the situation was indeed quite dire. She was a realistic person, and maybe that's made her the goddess of Victory in the first place, since she never charges into the battlefield knowing that they lose. And as of this moment, she knew that he was right.
Luckily to the Princess her younger brother saves her, by retorting to the two officers. "That is true and we can't argue with that, but that doesn't mean we will willingly let you help us, without fully knowing why is that you want to help us. Surely you're not doing this, just because if you save us, then the Emperor won't sentence you treason against the empire." And this time around they were the ones that have their tongues tied due to the Prince's reasoning since he was spot on.
It was true that they were only doing this, since if they save them then when they come back to the mainland then they will think twice arresting them from the act of treason, because of the fact that not only did they save the Royals, that will automatically grants them full pardon, but the people as well, that will surely be grateful, and make sure that their saviors won't be hang. It was either that or they will go separate ways with no destination, and the whole Fleet of the Holy Britannian Empire chasing them and hunting them from what they've done. They can't also seek help to the Europeans and the Chinese since both of them has some bad tidings with the first princess and if they knew that they formerly work to them then they will be dead.
So instead of telling the truth, they instead resorted to the second reason why they've helped them. The Admiral, sighs, and answered. "Truth be told, although we fought against each other, and we wanted to either kill you or capture But we wanted the former and we don't share the same ideals, we would never let our fellow Britannians be killed by the hands of the terrorist, we won't stoop that low. We also have dignity as well."
The crow was silence, taking it all in and pondering what they meant. For them this was really unexpected turn. How can someone change so suddenly? Granted though that they were facing in a war and they say war changes the man, but this? It doesn't feel right at all. They were once their enemy and then in an instant they're their allies. But they have really nothing to choose, it was either trust them…or die. And even if they trusting someone in this time, is quite rare, it was really needed.
Which is why, the royalties huddle up in a circle and talk about this. In a minute or two, they finally made a decision. "All right…we will give you a chance. However, if we see or even feel that you're going to cross us…the emperor will be the least of your worry" Stated the new Prime Minister with his stone cold face and his eyes, filled with determination and murder, and that made the two men sent shivers down their spines.
The Admiral stammered but regains his voice and answered. "Yo-you have our word…your highness." Before simultaneously they bow towards them. After that prepare how they will evacuate, which will be done with the ships that they brought along, and of course how can they penetrate the blockaded that prevents them from reaching their highnesses in the coast of Tokyo.
01:22
The Black Knights, though failing two of the three main objectives: the capture of the Lancelot and the capture of the Viceroy of Area eleven, still manages to return back to the rendezvous point, in point seven just a 1 kilometer away from the Viceroy Palace. Tohdoh and that was formerly 70 units strong, return back to his comrades with only 35 units left, over half was decimated by the Siegfried that was piloted by Jeremiah Gottwald. At least we manage to get out of there alive…muse by the colonel thinking their failed assault to the Viceroy Palace, that if they manage to capture it, then they've won and the liberation of Japan will commence. However they failed to do so, because of one Knightmare that easily destroy his men as if cutting butter with a knife-a super-heated knife that is.
Once they manage to get back to the rendezvous point, they were surprised that the stolen G-1 was there waiting for them. Not only that but it will seem that the others were there as well, Kallen and Rai is there, the Second Special Forces (or at least that was able to survive) and surprisingly the Gawain was there meaning that Zero was there waiting for them. And if they look far back, then they will spot the Avalon. That's odd…think of many, wondering why do they have the first airship with them, however they continued with their work since Zero will explain it to them afterwards.
First they've done was tend the wounded, the men and women died was bagged and set to bury near the Tokyo settlement after the war is done, their Knightmares was parked and also checked if they suffer from any damage during the fight, if it does then they will replace it with some spare parts and of course rearmed them with ammunition. The officers, once done reporting in, make way to the bridge of the G-1 where the meeting was to be held.
Inside the bridge, all of them was seated in an oval shaped table, right after temporarily removing the monitors that they used as the War room. Everyone was dead silent waiting for their leader to arrive. It doesn't take long before the door was open and everyone stands up to the arrival of Zero. Zero was first to arrive and of course followed by C.C, but the truly shocking was that the Second Knight and his Raven Squad following behind them, and their instinct kicked in and all of them pointed their firearms towards the six men and women that was their enemy. However the ones that they were pointing at, didn't even flinch and one of them actually laugh it off.
"Hahaha…oh man, Zero you do have some great soldiers in here I'll give you that" proclaimed the black haired guy, that could be mistakenly look like Princess Cornelia's Knight, Sir Guilford, the only difference was that this guy has some streaks of blonde in his hair, and of course this one is very eccentric. The second Knight of the round has his eyebrows twitched, probably in annoyance and hissed him to shut up.
"Hunter!" and that made the man shut his mouth before he would go on any further. Once that was over, every one inside the room now either thinking if they should kill them off right away, but before they could even do that, Ohgi, the second in command, step in and proclaimed.
"Wait stop, can we all be civilized for a moment, and put our guns down! I'm sure Zero can explain this with us!" And Zero does can explain it since he stated. "Yes I can, and if you're done, can we all sit down so we can get this meeting started?" asked their leader to his officers and subordinates. A moment later they all complied reluctantly, however all of their eyes didn't leave to the Britannians that was in the room. Kallen, Rai and Tohdoh, also share the same feelings like their fellow comrades. To ones that was being stared at, though disrespectful for them, they shrug it off and sat beside Zero.
After a moment of silence, Zero started the meeting. "Well if we can begin…I'm sure you want to know why did bring along some of my friends…" stated Zero to them slowly emphasizing the word friend just avoid any harm feelings to his Black Knights. Everyone nodded in agreement, eagerly waiting why does a Knight of the Round that not only pledge to serve and protect the Empire until death, but they are considered as a prime example of being a Britannian in the first place!
After seeing them nod and of course Tamaki's exclaiming: 'Yeah, tell us why you Zero, my buddy, the one that fight against them, suddenly align with those…bastards!' luckily for them Esperanza Acero, the furious of the bunch was stopped by her comrade Jordan before she stab the red hair Japanese, Zero answered them.
"As you may have known, Prince Lelouch is now our allies, in fact he is the first ally of mine…and to be frank he is also a founder of the Black Knights." And when the people know about that, they gasped in shock-except Tohdoh, Diethard, and Rakshata, since the three of them just either stayed silent, amused or didn't give a damn.
"Wait…Lelouch Lamperouge, that lanky classmate of ours…is a founder of the Black Knights! I know that he wants to do this for her sister, but I never knew that he was this serious…"Kallen stated to them truly impressed and baffled that the guy she spent with at the time where he wasn't a prince just yet, was actually a rebel leader in disguise and as of this point no one inside the military, or the government, and EVEN FREAKING SUZAKU, the guy he always spent his time with-the second is Rivalz-doesn't even know about it.
Not only she, but the whole people, didn't knew that one of the founders of the terrorist organization that fight against the Britannia, was actually created by a Britannian Prince, was truly impressed. Although, to simple Japanese, they will be cringe or even rage at the fact that one of them is a Britannian is the one that created the Black Knights, however the Black Knights learned that not all Britannians are that bad. Also, they must set an example to the people that they shouldn't discriminate the others because of their culture or origins.
"Yes…and up to this point, all of our schemes, battles, and plans…are also helped by him." And the Black Knights now muttered each other saying that the prince truly is an impressive strategist and leader to able to create those situation, and some of them, even if it was ludicrous concept, thought that Zero was the one commanded than the one commanding. When their muttering grown silence, Zero cleared his throat and moved on.
"Moving on…if you know up to this point…then this should be part of the plan as well." The people inside the bridge of the G-1 were thinking just about that, and wondering what is the plan. To do the honors, Chiba questioned him…with a tint of irritation.
"If I may Zero…can you please share us this plan of yours? I think I say this behalf to the rest of the Black Knights, that in order to trust you we must at least know the plan." And before these will escalate to something much worse and will probably question each other's trust, Zero didn't hesitated and answered them truly.
I guess I need to compromise, Lulu…
Thought Zero thinking about his doppelganger, that as much as possible don't tell them about the plan until it was executed.
"The plan is very simple. We will work together in secret, and both of us will organize and gather our troops. For me the Black Knights and of course the Japanese, and for him the ones that disapprove of the Emperor's ruling. After gathering what we need, we will start the rebellion. However in this case, the rebellion started too early, since the Prince wasn't able to gather many forces. Luckily for us…he did able to get some useful ones…and these with me" indicates the Knight of Two and his Raven Squad "Are the one of them he was able to get."
The room stayed quiet before Ohgi stands up and asked Zero, and that was something that was lingering in his mind ever since he joins the Black Knights. "Zero…I know I never disapprove or question your motives and your plans…but…"Ohgi started hesitating, but after seeing Zero to continue he complied. "Is it true…that we are just part of your plan? That we are all your some kind of pawns in your own game played by the prince?"
And when that was heard by everyone, they all look to Zero, since they were also wondering about that. Kallen and Rai, though never did they question Zero, or even their trust and loyalty towards him also look to him and questioned. "Are you Zero…just using us?" Kallen asked her eyes filling up with tears ready to drop.
For Zero however, he wasn't angry, or surprised…in fact he was in exact opposite. He was grateful for this. Why so? Well his doppelganger that at the end of the rebellion it was the exact same thing that made them fall apart as a group and the main reason why he is considered as a traitor to the Black Knights. The lack of trust on each other, and the concept of using them merely as pawn in a game, made the Black Knights crumbled and be defeated. This was a great opportunity to never let that happen again.
Well then…it would seem that our future is bright…
Zero stood up from where he was sitting and answered them truthfully…
"No"
And when he sees them that they aren't convince he clarify. "No…I don't use you as a pawn, in our game; a discarded pieces…you are more than that." The Black knights was grateful that their leader don't treat them that way, since from the moment they were join in kinda felt like that: he always command them and never once did he join with them, whenever they celebrated to their victories or mourn for their defeat. Granted though, he was the commander and he has a lot of things to do, however the battles they've done is considered as a suicidal, and never will a good commander will let his men go to a war knowing that some to no one, will get back alive.
"However…you are a part of the plan." Added Zero and they quickly offended by that, and before this will turn out to a problematic situation, Tohdoh save him. "Let him finish!" he commanded for those that wanted to interrupt him, making the masked man grateful for him.
"Thank you Tohdoh…like I said you are a part of a plan…but aren't we all part of something?" He asked them and that made them ponder that question. Are they? "Sometimes, we are part of something that we agree…others we don't…and some we are part of neither both of them, and wanted to stay neutral. However…what you're part of…what you've joined…is a organization, that welcomes everyone! A group that accepts everything you may offer! And of course a plan that will not only benefit me or the prince…but to the whole World!"
"From the moment we started the Black Knights, we vowed that we will use this to uphold justice and become a peace keeping operatives to the entire world. Not only we will help liberate Japan…but we will liberate the world, which longs for saviors to come!"
The Black Knights listen to each and every word spoken of their leader and once again amazed how powerful his words are. He is truly an amazing orator that's for sure. "Don't consider yourself as a part of the plan…just something to create/build in order to accomplish something. Rather consider yourself the tools needed to do such plans."
And after that he sat down to let them sink in, from what he says, the Black Knights stayed silent…until they now realized that they are more what they think they are. They aren't just an ordinary citizen, turned into a rebel…rather they are…the heroes of the new world.
Once all of them think it that way, they continued their meeting. "Well then…since that is over with…let's get with what we've came here…and that's the plan of taking Area Eleven" and when they heard about that they straiten themselves up, eager to know about how do they take their promise land back once more.
"As of this moment, we outnumbered the Britannian forces two to one…three if you want to consider the Chinese vessels that we manage to have thanks to our operatives (General Katase) in the Chinese Federations. And now the Britannians are trapped to their last remaining stand…the Viceroy Palace; the very symbol of the Britannian Colonization…if we take that out it signals our liberation from them."
The officers that was listening in though failed from their initial approach to the Palace, still have much confidence that they will break the final wall that was separating them from regaining their freedom. They can already see the end of the finish line. They can smell the sweet stench of victory. The taste of liberation is at their fingertips…they only need to firmly grasp it.
"Now the question is…how we can breach it…" and everyone nodded on that since from the looks of things, it was truly an impenetrable fortress, much more so than Trojan Walls of the Greeks. Even if they use the Gawain, it will be a slaughter since their plan was to not harm the civilians and only take the Viceroy. So destroying the Palace is not an option.
Diethard raises his hand, and even if he wasn't a military man, his intelligent enough to know what to do. "I think the best of course of action, is to either flush them out…or use a Trojan horse tactic. If we can't breach it, then we must let the people out or we let ourselves in." Suggested the Diethard, and muttered to each other that he has a good point. If the Prince's warnings were correct, then the Viceroy Palace is well defended; equipped with everything to counter any form of engagements of its enemies. So if they can't destroy it…then they need to let them out instead right?
However it won't be needed since Zero has already a plan for that. "That won't be necessary…since we already have a plan that is in motion right now." When the Black Knights heard about the plan that was now carrying out the plan, they listen in to him. "The original plan was to capture anyone that don't support the Prince, but we change it…instead of letting them give us the Area Eleven…the Prince himself, will give it to us, once they escaped here in Area Eleven with everyone inside the Palace back to mainland. Meaning…we must let them escape…and luckily for us…it would seem that they will manages to escape…" Zero proclaimed and if they can see him right he was wearing a sneaky grin.
The Black Knights thought about this until Urabe questioned him. "Wait a minute Zero…how can they escape? It's not like they have the Avalon we stolen, that we should have given to them instead." Zero replied to him saying.
"The Avalon that we stole, is a request of Rakshata Chawla to further research the float system…" Zero told them facing the indian scientist that was casually laying in a couch a few meters away from them, pipe in hand. "As for their transport…well see this for yourself…" he said before he swivel his chair besides them making him face the monitor that was above him. Everyone followed suit and when the screen flash up to life they see blips…the red ones indicates the Chinese…and behind them was blue ones meaning from the Britannians. They wondered how were they able to have reinforcements already, since in order to get a fleet from the nearest docks or base would take a day! But when they look closely to the names of the ships…they gasped from it. The names were the ships that attacked the zone, and their flagship is HMS Bastion.
"That's right…the one that will save the Britannians…ironically are the ones that was once their enemy…the so called 'Freedom Fleet' of the late Princess Guinevere…" and when they compare the numbers of the ships that the Britannian Fleet has that was 106 ships compared the Chinese that has only have 50. They were outnumbered two to one, and not only that but they are outclassed by their counterparts.
After pondering the situation…Ohgi said before it was finished by Tohdoh. "Wait a minute, if that's the case then…""Then we are to leave the Chinese there to die from the Britannians." And everyone look to the Zero that was now facing them. Zero replied calmly and honestly.
"Yes…we will the fighting between the two." Tohdoh wasn't the kind of person that speaks a lot, but when he does, then it will become a debate because of the exchanges of words thrown from each other. "Does the Chinese knows about this?" he asked to Zero which he answered with a no. "Is this part of you're so called grand plan?"
"Yes this is part of our grand plan."
"A plan that involves the death of foreigners and the blood is stained in our hands!" exclaimed Tohdoh, and that shock everyone since he never once did he shouted to Zero. To the ones that he fought with, specifically the Four Holy Swords, they were also surprised by their commander's sudden outburst. Zero, though, remain calm, and in fact C.C tried to tease him.
"Oh…so that's what happen when you tick off Tohdoh, like what you've been talking about." Whispered C.C telling Zero the times when he pissed off Tohdoh from the past. Zero sighed and said. "Yes and can you please shut off your mouth for a second. We're kinda middle of a meeting here." C.C frowned and humped before declaring.
"Buy me a pizza later."
Anyways, Zero control his anger not to Tohdoh but from the witch and answered the former. "A plan that will benefit us." Countered Zero and Tohdoh raised a single eyebrow and questioned him rather mockingly. "How so…"
"Because this will gain the allegiance of the Chinese; the ones that was sent here are the enemy of the Chinese, and we are here to dispose of them." He said, and instead of the Colonel that asked him, Chiba asked the question on his behalf. "So this all business is that?!"
Zero remains calmed even despite the fact that majority of the Black Knights now doubts him I hope you're right Lelouch…thought of Zero, remembering what he says about the future before replying. "No…if you listen earlier then you must know that the Order of the Black Knights is created to become a peacekeeping operative and you may say as liberators of sorts. When we liberate Japan, then we will surely be targeted by other countries that will want to take our Sakuradite, so either we fight against them…or the allied ourselves with them. And as a Black Knights, we are here to keep the peace, so doing the latter is the obvious option."
"The Chinese is the one that is nearest to us, so we need to have the allegiance that is not only a superpower country but the one that has the largest population of the planet. However the Chinese you may thinking that we are aligning ourselves with are corrupt; the high eunuchs for centuries have always controlled the country than the Empress or Emperor, causing poverty all over the region while they seat rather extravagantly. They don't care about the people, they care only for themselves."
"That is why we will help those that wanted to remove these corrupted politicians from power. The ones that they sent weren't criminals, but from the high government…and we just helped the resistance movement of the Chinese that is being led by Li Xingke."
Everyone who is everyone knew the infamous Chinese leader, and of course a commander of the Chinese Military. It was said that he is practically Sun Tzu of the modern era, because of his prowess in the battlefield and he is a great strategist that the Lelouch of the future once defeated by him-however he did manage to get his revenge.
"In other words…by eliminating the Chinese that is quote on quote helping us…we will have the allegiance of the resistance of the Chinese?" asked Rai wondering if he was able to follow on what was their leader was saying.
"Precisely" answered Zero and it was an eerie silence right after that one. Zero knew that they are letting them sink in what was transpiring right now, and to be frank, Zero know why they were silence so once again he spoke up.
"I know that I keep secrets…some of which will never be revealed." Zero started to them, and they all knew that the secret he was saying was his true identity that no one, and I do mean no one, not even from his inner circle knows about it. (except C.C). "However I truly apologized if I let this plan hidden from you…and I promised from now on, I will share all details about our plans." He said and everyone nodded in agreement. With this they strengthen their bond as a group.
Tohdoh also stood up and apologized. "I too…want to apologized for my recent behavior. My outrage shouldn't happen ever again." Tohdoh said before bowing, his Four Holy Swords followed suit. Zero nodded indicating that he appreciated it, before saying.
"Well then…time to plan for the liberation of Japan."
02:00
Normally battles are fought either during the dawn, dusk, middle of the day or afternoon and sometimes all day…however rarely does we see a battle start in early morning. And here in the coast of Tokyo we can see the battle unfold that will change history altogether. Two belligerents will fight in one that will be considered as a great naval battle in the modern era. The two belligerents are the Chinese that has over 50 naval ships that was only composed of Destroyers, Frigates and docking ships. On the other side of the battle is the Britannia that has the number and the technological advantage that has over 100 ships and submarines that is composed of Destroyers, Frigates, Ballistic Missile Submarine and Fleet submarines.
Both group is commanded by of the best of their respective countries can offer. In the Britannia, they are commanded by the Vice Admiral Thaddeus Bristow on his ship and the main flagship HMS Bastion succeeded from the original Flagship HMS Invictus. His records in short are flawless. He fought in the Gulf Wars in Africa, Battle in the Mediterranean, Battle in the Black Sea, and the recently finish battle in Baltic Sea; all of which he participated and won, in his 10 years of serving. To the Chinese they are being led by none other than Admiral Chen Shaokuan* on his Kee Lung Class Zhaohe**.
Just a recap, the Chinese that was sent by the High Eunuchs to help the rising Black Knights, thanks to General Katase that right now serving as an ambassador and speaker of the Black Knights and future of United States of Japan on China, are blocking the Royals that once fought with the Black Knights are now against the one will be the contender of the Chinese or dubbed as the Invaders from escaping the peninsula. The Invaders, that originally the enemy also switch sides after seeing the death of their commander Princess Guinevere, so to clarify; the once allies Royal Britannians and Black Knights are now enemies and their respective allies are the once enemy the Invaders and the Chinese.
The Britannians needed to escape from the Black Knights in the land, and to do that, they needed to escape from the water, that right now prevented by the Chinese. That's where the Britannian Fleet comes in. They will punch through the blockade that was set up by the Chinese. Luckily for the Britannians the Tokyo bay is narrow, so the Chinese has a little space to maneuver their ships.
Though the Black Knights can support the Chinese that was fighting in the sea by the land, they wouldn't, since it was plan out that they are set to die in the first place since it was the part of the plan. The plan was that they will let the Chinese die, in order to get the allegiance of the Chinese resistance movement.
It was exactly two in the morning when the two group met and the Chinese were just preparing for their troops to land in the shores. "Sir! Enemy forces coming in from behind!" Panicked by one of the Chinese officers to his commander Admiral Shaokan. The Admiral, though surprised that already the Britannians have reinforcements, asked the man. "Number of Units?" he asked and the man type furiously in his work place to see how many numbers of enemies are they facing. After a couple of seconds he stated.
"Over 100 hundred sir…"he said while eyeing his commander with fear in his eyes, the Admiral was also shocked but regain his confidence and ordered them. "Relay this to all ships, turn 90 degrees east and wait for further orders! Ready all guns!" He barked and everyone saluted before doing what they told. The Admiral grab a binocular to see the enemy, which was by now closing in on them.
All the ships did what they told and started to turn, they also readied their guns that was from 90 mm to 110 mm guns, compared to the Britannians that has 114 mm guns and has guided missiles on top of it all. However the landing craft is now placed on the water and the men was ready to set out, making them an easy target to the Britannians.
The former Vice Admiral now serves as the Admiral, after promoting due to loss of commanders in the fleet was also seeing the situation with his binoculars and surprised that only now did they saw that they started to turn. The Admiral smirk and told his officer that was the manning the controls of the guns, and told them.
"Captain…ready the guided missiles…let's set a prime examples with what we can do. Target those landing crafts before they reach ashore." He commanded and the man saluted before relaying his orders.
"Aye, aye sir!" he turns to the communication officer and told them. "All Type 45 (Daring) and Type 43 (Duke) ready your guided missiles. Elevate 45 degrees, turn west-northwest…target location…point 7SFV 10348 19931." After setting the proper coordinates he turns to his superior and tell him. "Requesting to fire sir" The Admiral lower his binoculars and smirking and uttered one word. 'Fire!'
All guided missiles from all the 60 ships open fire against the 20 landing crafts. Missiles and rockets launch to the skies lightening the dark, from afar it looks like meteor showers during the night, but in reality those are the rockets that will send the doom of the landing crafts that was carrying Chinese soldiers. The soldiers can only watch in awe and fear when they saw rockets that was heading towards them, some of them abandon ship and plunge to the waters but that will be futile since they will be caught in the radius.
Admiral Shaokan, can only watch in horror to see his men died so fast and he can't do anything about it, tears was filling up his face, but he didn't cried…it only fueled his determination to finish those bastard himself. "Captain!" he roared to the captain that was only right beside him. The captain stammered and asked his superior…
"Si-sir?" he cowers in fear from the loud voice of his Admiral. The Admiral turns around and barked to the man. "Captain, I don't care if we lost all of our ammunitions, all that matters is that we send those bastards to hell! Order every ship to open fire to those freaking Britannian Bastards and sink every last one of them! Do you hear me!" his command was so loud and furious that his saliva went flying to the captain.
The captain though, should be deaf by now, saluted and do what he was told. "Aye aye, captain!" and with that the Chinese sent their final regards to the Britannians. Unbeknownst to them…their counter-parts was ready for those.
After successfully destroying the landing crafts Captain Christopher Storm was shown up from his monitor aboard from his Duke Class ship, HMS Dominion that was the leader of the all Duke class the ones that ordered to fire at the landing crafts. "Sir, all targets have been dealt with…awaiting further orders. " The Admiral his back still facing the captain, only ordered.
"Good…order all ships to spread out and encircle the enemy…"and that made the young captain confused and questioned his Admiral. "Why is that sir?" he asked and the Admiral can only sigh and thought You have so much to learn young one…he said before facing him to the monitors.
"The enemy will obviously try to retaliate, and the ones that we are facing value their comrades very well. They wouldn't let them go down without vengeance." He explained to the Captain that was only now did he face real life combat in the field, since his original job was to man HMS Dominion that serves as an escort ship, so he doesn't know the course of the battle that unlike Admiral Bristow knew about these countless times.
The young captain nodded in realization and saluted before answering. "Sir yes sir!" before the screen went blank. The ships now spread out and so is the submarines underneath, so when the Chinese started firing they were able to dodge it…some of them that is. 10 Daring class, 22 Duke, 1 Albion, 4 Bristol was hit by the missiles from the Chinese, while some only damaged but not critically thanks to anti-missiles turrets that was able to counter the Chinese's own missiles and turrets.
The explosions of the ships can be seen from the coast of Tokyo, even the Palace and the G-1 can see the ashes of the fallen ships that was sunk by the Chinese. The Chinese thought that they won…and the Admiral that was panting so heavily from the commands he given to his men. "I think this is over…" he proclaimed and he was right…it was over.
When the ash have been cleared… the remaining ships can be seen encircling the Chinese Vessels, Admiral Shaokan knew that this was the end and he lowers his officer hat and placed it where his heart lays and muttered. "Men…it was nice fighting with you…"and that will be his final words before he will die.
Admiral Bristow grunted and ordered his men. "Let's finish this…order all Albion to set dock near the pier near the Palace, and I don't want to waste bullets…so let the submarines take care of them." He said before yawning as if this was just a child's play. The man he given his orders saluted and ordered these to the other ships.
The remaining Albion Class which was two left passed the encirclement and goes to the pier where the evacuees will be waiting. They were followed by the Bristol Class, where the flagship Bastion also followed suit. Meanwhile the remaining the Dukes and Darings, are left behind in order to not let any Chinese vessels manage to get away. Underneath them Vanguards and Astutes readied their missilies to sink the Chinese from below. It was fast and silent. The 45 submarines manages to destroy the 30 ships in couple of minutes and the explosions rock the seas, giving some waves.
From the shore…the people right after talking with the officers earlier, started to move out. They escape from the behind from the palace and luckily the Viceroy Palace has a pier of its own that will lead to an artificial strait that will send them to the ocean. However only one ship can enter at a time, but that will be enough for a single Albion Class to accommodate over 100,000 people. They are now waiting for the ship that will be the vehicles that will leave this island once and for all.
03:00
Once the anchors of the Albion Class HMS Bulwark and docked at the private pier near the Viceroy palace, on early morning, the people waiting in the pier cheers filled with delight. The whole crowd couldn't control their emotions of either fear or gratitude. Fear, since the horrors that they've witnessed in the past couple of days will surely haunt them, and it will scar them for life. Gratitude, since this nightmare…will finally end once and for all.
Just like any other migrants that want to escape ones country, states, or a region, people swarm the loading docks to enter the ship. Pushing and of course loud shouts can be seen and heard throughout the whole dock. These are the commonly used yelling between the officers and the migrants:
'Please…one at a time! All of you will get on board!'
'Women and children first! All men, please stay back!'
'Here! Just take my baby!'
'I'm a noble! So I should be in first!'
Luckily for them, they didn't resort to anything that will harm the citizens while they are going on board the massive ship that will hold them all. Minutes later other ships filled the Pier, where other people will come aboard, that way the masses will be divided and can work this out rather smoothly.
The commanders that would be helping the people escape have recently arrived and were talking with the Viceroy of Area Eleven. Admiral Thaddeus Bristow and his co-commander now promoted as Commodore Christian Storm, is now in front of Viceroy Cornelia discussing the flow of their exile.
"Over 100,000 citizens of Tokyo Settlement will be on board between all five ships and once that is done, we will go straight towards Hawaii where we will refuel. After that we will go straight towards the mainland." Stated the Admiral, saying their prepared plan onto how this will work out.
The princess only nodded and said. "Good…now we will we just have to wai-"however before she can finish her sentence, she was interrupted when a commotion arise. Just few meters away from them, the Japanese that was living in the Ghettoes that was able to survive and was also part of the evacuees that was living inside the Palace, was arguing with a sailor, saying that the should also get onboard. However the latter won't budge, and shove them away.
The Admiral grew irritated towards the Japanese and roared. "You elevens should stay here! Why would you want to leave your future country?!" he said and the Japanese cowers in fear. Euphemia that was behind the her sister this all time, steps in and proclaimed.
"The Japanese have freedom to choose whether or not they will Japan! If they decided to goes to Britannia, we shouldn't prevent them from doing!" and when Suzaku backs her up, the Admiral got his tongue tied, and unable to speak.
The two naval officers, stand in attention before bowing. "Yes your highness!" after that all Japanese that wanted to leave, was on board in one of the ships. They were now preparing to set sail, until they heard out of nowhere…an annoying voice.
"Hey! Would you just leave us behind?!" yelled the over so jovial and eccentric Lloyd from afar waving his arms to get the attentions near the pear, behind him was Major Cecile and a transport that came from the Avalon before was stolen by the Black Knights.
Seeing his former superiors and friends, Suzaku ran up to them and ask the two. "Sir Lloyd, Miss Cecile, where have you been?" he asked and even though he doesn't know what they've been through the former were able to answer him.
"We were held hostage by Zero and after we heard the death of the Prime Minister…we were set free and they took the Avalon." And the young knight can only say 'I see' and clenching his fist when he heard that one of his friends once again was taken hostage by him.
The scientist brush off some ashes and proclaimed. "Yes, such a shame that we lost the Avalon, and probably the Black Knights will used it to create their own Float system. Now then…I see that we are now leaving…well we can't hang around for so long or else the ships will leave us behind!" He said, before leaping away as child and Cecile can only sigh and muttered under her breath.
'I like him when we are held hostage by Zero. At least there he stayed silent' and unbeknownst to her Suzaku heard her and elicit a small chuckle. "Come on Miss Cecile, the boat is leaving" before the two of them goes toward the ships.
Lelouch, Nunnally, Shirley and his friends from Ashford are also talking with each other and discussing with what will happen. And when they heard what the prince will do, the blue haired student was first to react.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'LL STAY HERE?!" he yelled to his friend, and if Lelouch weren't covering his ears he'll go deaf. After he was done panting he answered. "What I mean is…I need to stay here to negotiate the terms of surrender to the Black Knights." He said to all of them and they were down casted by that.
"Why should you be left behind big brother?" her little sister Nunnally, asked him, tears welling up on her face before it was wipe away by Lelouch. Kneeling he clasp her hands with his, and answered. " I have to Nunnally…as a Prime Minister, this is my duty. But don't worry I'll be back." He said and Nunnally after seeing-rather hearing-the effects of a war, swallowed it up and agreed.
"Okay."
His sister Princess Cornelia and Princess Euphemia before leaving give some small advice to him: "Just stay safe Lelouch." "Yeah don't go anything stupid while we are out here" Euphy concluded making him chuckle a little, before replying.
"I will…and don't worry I'll be with the Knight Two, which I sent to be with Zero to ready our meeting with each other. Since he will be needed later…He thought in the end, and his sister was glad to hear that. After that, his classmates and his subordinates bid their temporarily farewell.
"Jeremiah…Sayoko…I'm entrusting you with my sister's and my friends lives. I wish when I return that they are all safe and sound." Before the former put his clench right fist where his heart lays and proclaimed. "With all my heart your highness!" and the latter only bow and answered. "With pleasure master Lelouch."
Milly, Nina, and Rivalz also bid their farewells.
"Be safe here Lulu…Shirley would be devastated if you don't" whispered Milly in the end.
"Please return safely…"muttered Nina.
"Hey buddy…when you return make sure to bring along my bike as well…"requested Rivalz while scratching the back of his head, making the young prince smirk and answered with 'I will.'
The second to the last were his best friend of course…Suzaku. Suzaku come in close to him and said. "You know…I could be here with you if you want." He said and though Lelouch will be enternally grateful, he will complicate their plans if he did. He needs to be away that is why he said.
"No…I'll be fine. You should be with your princess." He stated, and even if the knight will decline, he can't disobey the prince's orders, and he was right on that. "And besides…you know what I'm capable of right?" boasted Lelouch before moving to the last person he would say goodbye.
"I know" Suzaku whispered smiling a little.
Lelouch doesn't want to say goodbye with this one. Since already they were separated plentiful times already. Two in the past timeline and two here in this timeline, making this as their fifth time they were separated. Lelouch doesn't know what to do and only uttered her name and put his hand on her cheeks…
"Shirley…"
Shirley trying to hide her tears, suddenly embraced her fiancée and buries her face on his chest and pleaded over and over again. "Please don't go…" Lelouch accepted the gesture and his face was on her side of her head and he can still smell the perfume that she was wearing before the wedding. Lelouch smiled sadly and stated.
"I have to Shirley…this is my duty…but I'll promise I'll be back." He said and Shirley stops crying and faced him with red eyes from the crying she was having. "Promised?" she asked and Lelouch can only smiled and kiss her forehead before promising.
"I promise…and remember…we still have a wedding to finish…" he said making the orange hair girl smile on that, and because of it she has something to look forward to. "Yeah" she stated before they bid their goodbyes with a one last kiss. When they were separated Shirley whispered to him…"I love you…" before he replied back.
"I love you too Shirley…always." Before they were separated once again, and the latter walk towards the ship while the former watch as his friends, families, and countless of people leave this island. The very same island that he was exile from, how ironic that he will be the one exiling them this time around.
The horns of the ships was blown and the a naval officer proclaimed with the top of his lungs. "ALL ABOARD!" below them, 5 tugboats for the five ships to pull them out from the pier. The people on board share one last glance before they leave the one they called home for the last seven years since it was colonized by the Britannians. They can see clearly the destruction the war causes from where they were standing, and they prayed that it will never happen again.
To the Black Knights…they were celebrating. This is sign that the Japan is free, seeing the government officials along with the citezens of the settlement leave the island means that they abandon the land. And now the only thing they need to do, is to make it official.
Cheers and hugs was heard throughout the G-1 and outside when they see the ships containing the people inside the Palace have left. They couldn't believe that this was happening that everyone cried with tears of joy, while some just cheered or gave a toast like Tohdoh and his four holy swords. However, there is one man that wasn't celebrating and that is Zero.
Zero was thinking and he thought to himself. 'While this is a great victory for us…the war is only just began…we shouldn't let our guards down…isn't that right?' he thought thinking his doppelganger that was also thinking the same thing.
From the pier, Lelouch watches as the ships float away from him and the Island of Japan. Lelouch was wearing a smirk, the kind where he won something…and it was. "Seven years ago, I was exiled to this place…and now the tables have turned and I'm the one exiling them." He said before gathering some breath and regain his confidence.
"Now…all conditions have been cleared…all that left is…to capture of V.V. And then capture that bastard and kill him…and then…and only then…I WON!" he said before laughing hysterically that was considered as an evil laugh. It lasted for an over a minute before he gave a devilish grin and spoke.
"Phase four, the exodus is over…now for the final phase…"
A/N: First off I'm truly sorry if this wasn't published very soon, and secondly I'll make this short since it's is over 17,000 words and I'm still suffering from a case of Writer's Block. I won't tell you what will happen next, since I'm not in the mood or when will it be published (real sorry for that one). However I promise that you won't wait for at least another three weeks, since two more and this story is finished.
Answers for the word hunt:
Chen Shaokuan-This is a real time Chinese commander that also serve during World War II; nothing much known about him sorry. (You could learn more about him on Wikipedia)
Zhaohe-This is a real time Class cruisers and not a name of for a ship. (You could learn more about Zhaohe on Wikipedia)
Also almost forgot.
Happy Single Tasking Day (Ha! Even working we must do it one at a time! Eat that couples…p.s sorry if I hurt anyone that has a relationship)
How to celebrate
Make a list of all the tasks you want to accomplish and go down the list one at a time.
Cut off all distractions. Switch off your phone, block the Internet, close your office door, and get started on your list. It may be hard now, but when you are done, you will be proud of yourself! (It's good for me since I can work single task or multi task! I'm truly expendable)
Please read and review.
F.C.C.S out
