Chapter Fifty-One: Gjallarhorn Sings
The reception continued on, after Nunnally's game, and gifts were offered. Primarily for the King and Queen, as it was originally meant to be their ceremony. The others didn't mind, admitting that they had somewhat hijacked the happy day.
"Congratulations, brother mine," said Schneizel. "I feel it only appropriate that one of your chief advisors begin with the gift giving."
"I can only imagine what you have in mind," said Lelouch.
Schneizel placed a brightly wrapped box before Lelouch and Kallen, who opened it together, revealing a classical ornate chess set.
"I'm not surprised," said Kallen. "Is this chess thing going to be a constant thing with you two?"
"Till the end," said Schneizel. "If you ever need lessons, sister, merely ask and I shall offer advice."
"My husband can teach me, anything I need," said Kallen, chuckling.
"Of course," said Schneizel, departing with a light bow.
The Black Bishop then took the place of the white, and Ohgi placed two objects before Lelouch. A marble skull crowned with a laurel.
"When various generals of the Roman Empire would march into Rome, victorious and boasting of their invincibility, behind them their slaves and servants would walk, holding bones and laurels," said Ohgi. "And they would whisper to their masters, 'remember you are mortal'."
"That is your sick idea of a wedding gift Ohgi?" yelled Kallen.
"It's a more than fitting gift Kallen," said Lelouch. "A reminder for humility in all things, perfectly within the parameters of my advisor's duty."
Kallen merely scoffed as Ohgi stepped back. It wasn't easy for her but the more and more she and he stepped into their roles where Lelouch was concerned the divide between them was getting larger.
"I have to agree with Lelouch in some sense," said Bismark. "Besides it's perfectly Freudian wouldn't you say?"
"Ah, yes, love and death the two great drives," said Marianne. "Even for immortals."
Marianne couldn't help but once again think of C.C. and what she had done for her. Despite their bickering and the obvious using of one another, the former teacher and student still had such a care for one another.
"I hope she's found what she's long sought for at last," said Marianne. "And is at peace."
"I'm sure she is," said Bismark. "If anything she's probably the reason why V.V. hasn't been as active as he should have been after your rescue."
"I'm certain of it," said Marianne. "Of course...if she is dead by now that means Vincent is now a man who has nothing left to love and thus nothing to lose. He's more dangerous now, and my son is going to have to face him. But he will not do it alone. I have my own pound of flesh to take from Vincent. Taking my baby Julius from me and using him to kill Charles, I will ensure he suffers for that."
"He will, Marianne," said Bismark. "And by the time it's done Lelouch will have everything he needs and the world will praise him as its savior. Most of them at least."
"What do you mean?" asked Marianne.
"At least one nation hasn't responded to our call for the Federation," said Bismark. "Zilkhistan."
"They were always a wild card," said Marianne. "Especially that Shamna woman and her brother. Do you think they've sided with V.V.?"
"I doubt it," said Bismark. "As of now they've officially declared neutrality."
"Odd, they've made war their business for years and now they're sitting out of what could be the biggest war possible," said Marianne. "For now let them be, as much trouble as that woman and her brother can be Vincent is the bigger threat. If they don't get their act together after this war then I'll be sure to crush them myself."
As Marianne finished her vow, alarms began to ring, an ancient warning whose meaning was clear: danger.
Taking to the throne room Lelouch looked over the displays showing the oncoming fleet of ships. As well as the large cannon at the lead. Long range sensors from the city showed that there was at least time to prepare a defensive. Though not much according to Lelouch's calculations.
"That thing is going to do a lot of damage," said Rivalz. "It's the same kind I have but...way bigger."
"Then that's where our focus should be," said Cornelia. "That thing could take out the entire city. It still won't be easy though. It's in the lead to make it look tantalizing but there's going to be a heavy defense."
"Not to mention it's a big fucking gun that will probably blow away anyone who gets to close," said Tamaki.
"Not if you're fast enough," said Tohdoh. "Fast enough to get in close and around the defenses to do enough damage to the ship and sink it."
"That'll be my job," said Gino.
"This is not time to grandstand Weinberg," said Cornelia.
"I'm not, but my Geass allows me to accelerate whatever I focus on," said Gino. "That includes myself or any weapon I fire. The momentum can be enough to bust through anything. I could dodge their attacks and hit that ship before they even know what hit them."
"Not alone and not with any of the Knightmares we have at our disposal," said Dorothea.
"And we haven't even begun construction of your personal Frame," said Cecile.
"The Valiant Dragonslayer can withstand the top speeds and my Geass Coordinator can allow me to work with Gino," said Rivalz.
"That's what I was thinking," said Lelouch. "But I doubt that ship is without its own defenses."
"No matter what they have I can at least hack into them," said Rivalz. "I'm actually trying to now."
"Sweet," said Tamaki.
"They've upgraded their software," said Rivalz. "Slowing me down...a lot."
"Shit," said Tamaki.
"If you can could you at least hold down the cannon if it fires?" asked Suzaku.
"Not sure," said Rivalz. "I'd have to get closer. But even with Gino's speed the rest of those bastards are going to be hell."
"Roger, then we should focus on supporting Rivalz and Gino and keep the rest of the enemy forces occupied," said Kallen.
"What about that damn cannon?" asked Tamaki. "Can the city even take a hit from that fucker?"
"This beast withstood centuries of deep ocean pressure as well as a cataclysmic disaster," said Lloyd. "I feel that it should be alright."
"There's also a protective field system for the city," said Lelouch. "But regardless, the Silver Angel sect will evacuate all civilians. The city itself will follow slowly behind to provide cover. I'll remain here to coordinate the battle as well as maintain the defenses and coordinate the assault."
Lelouch stole a glance at his new wife and in the silent language of lovers there was a mutual wish between them. A wish, or rather a command, from the mind of the Black King into the Red Queen's mind. One simple desire: survive.
He only wished that he could command himself to do the same.
As he readied his forces Suzaku found himself in a rather embarrassing situation. He couldn't find his sword. He stood in his full suit as Du Lac, the White Wolf. His white armor with the mask honoring his previous Knightmare. And the cloak Euphemia had made for him, with the patterned face of a wolf on the back now showing in black. His armor, while still white, had a slightly altered logo. The image of Atlas and his globe was now black instead of gold, with the image of a white wolf's head in the blackened globe with the crimson symbol of Geass in the wolf's mouth. It had been altered in the time Suzaku and the others had trained in the new control system. It was a choice Suzaku had made because of the things he had seen in the other world. How the other Suzaku Kururugi had worn both black and white cloth and armor. In this world, after accepting these certain truths of himself, Suzaku felt it only appropriate to have his new persona reflect this realization. A balance between justice and vengeance.
It was perfect, or at least it would be if he could find his sword.
"Looking for...something?" asked his new wife, Euphemia Kururugi, holding an armored case.
"Do you...have my sword in there?" he asked.
Euphie set the case down before Suzaku, who immediately knelt down to open it. To his surprise it was a new sword. Two blades at the hilt, one black and the other white.
"What...what is this?" he asked.
"I'm sorry but...as soon as you told me about what you decided to be now I didn't think your old sword was right for you," said Euphie. "You didn't miss it because you were so busy working on the new Knightmares. So I had Sin Cutter melted down, to be made into, something new. It...just didn't fit you anymore Suzaku. It was a sword for a man who sought peace through terror with his viciousness."
Suzaku picked up the sword by the handle. He noticed a small button at the base of the hilt and pressed it. To his surprise the rather thick handle split and the sword came in two.
"Two swords in one," said Suzaku, holding each colored blade in hand.
He reunited the swords and once again they were a single handle with two blades.
"It's my wedding present," said Euphie. "I had Miss Croomey work on it while you were busy training. I know for a long time you've struggled with who you've wanted to be. What you wanted to stand for, vengeance or justice. And when you told me about...about the other you, I think it came to me. Something that represents the light and dark you have inside, but working together instead of in conflict."
"Perfectly balanced," said Suzaku , referring to both the sword and the concept. "When I had Sin Cutter, I was still so conflicted about who I wanted to be. To be a killer of tyrants who frightened everyone into peace. Or an honorable warrior serving a noble mission. Serving my friend and my monarch, like a true samurai. I didn't think I could be that after...after I killed my father. I thought I was only fit for the most despicable of duties. An assassin condemned to the darkness forever."
"Suzaku," Euphie sighed.
"But I...I realize now I can't just live to destroy the evils of the world," said Suzaku. "I have to live to protect the good things in this world too. And the people I love. I guess now I have a...Balanced Soul."
Suzaku smiled at his wife and the two kissed tenderly before Suzaku donned his helm and fully became Du Lac.
"I promise, we'll be together again soon," said Rivalz, holding Alice.
As the adopted siblings broke off their embrace Rivalz looked to Lady Maria, his adoptive mother, who held a look of worry that only a true mother would have at the notion of her son going to war. Beside her was Duke Velaines, who held Maria's hand as if to offer strength to the poor woman. He looked at Rivalz with the confident gaze of a father who knew his son well enough that the boy had become a man.
He let go of Maria's hand only so that she could embrace her adopted son. She placed a gentle kiss on Rivalz's cheek, the side that bore his artificial eyepiece, and drew away with a sad smile.
"Take care sire," said Rivalz, taking Velaines' hand in his when the Grand Duke offered it.
"I shall," said Velaines. "Godspeed Lord Protector."
The Grand Duke then escorted Maria and Alice, leaving Rivalz with his new wife, Milly.
"I'm not going," said Milly.
"Milly..."
"I'm a member of the Atlas Fleet too you know," said Milly. "I might not be a fighter but I can still help out here in other ways."
"I know," said Rivalz.
"So don't you dare think...huh?" asked Milly.
"Personnel is going to be stretched between the assault and the evacuation so we're going to need as much help here as we can get," said Rivalz. "You can stay with Lelouch in the throne room. He'll be running ops from there and it's bound to be the most secure place in the city. Milly...I'm not happy about you being here. I can guess you're not too happy about me being out there. But I'm going to do everything I can to make sure this place stays safe for you. And to make sure that I come back to you."
"You're going straight into the most dangerous part of the battle," said Milly. "Just like...just like before with the Dagon. It wasn't easy seeing you like that afterwards."
"I know," said Rivalz. "But I have to do this."
"I know it's just...we're married now, and you have to go fight instead of taking me to bed," said Milly.
"Damn V.V., the old bastard just can't let us have any fun," said Rivalz, giving a weak smile.
He kissed his wife tenderly before leaving to fulfill his duties.
"I'm sending my wife out to battle while I stay here upon this gilded monstrosity I call a throne," said Lelouch as he made the necessary preparations.
"It was the right call to make Lelouch and you know it," said Ohgi.
"If a king..."
"Now is not the time for that bullshit slogan," said Ohgi. "You're the Supreme Leader of the Atlas Fleet, the Black King of the Geass Order, and the rightful heir to the throne of Britannia. Your survival is the top priority."
"I'm also Kallen's husband," said Lelouch. "I know you're right, I know strategically I made the right move. But..."
"It doesn't make it any less hard," said Ohgi, his expression softening. "I know, don't forget I'm her friend and I had to send her out. Not the same I know but...this is war Lelouch."
"The last time I sent her out she was captured and tortured," said Lelouch.
"She's gotten a lot stronger since then," said Ohgi. "Because of you actually. She wanted to be stronger so she could never fail you again."
"She...never did," said Lelouch.
"Then treat her with the respect she deserves and trust she'll do everything in her power to survive this," said Ohgi. "She's the Empress of Japan, this is nothing to her."
Lelouch chuckled and to his surprise Ohgi shared in the laugh.
Kallen fitted on her mask, as well as her knives, and walked out in full garb as Amaterasu, the Red Queen. Lighting the flames that accented her suit as she walked through the hanger of the Valhalla. While Rivalz and Suzaku had been able to make time with their wives, due to their greater responsibilities, Kallen and Lelouch were denied that opportunity.
'Damn you V.V., did you know that Lelouch was marrying today and just want to spoil any happiness in is life?' thought Kallen. 'I'll enjoy burning your regime away for spoiling his happiness.'
Kallen sighed as she entered her upgraded Knightmare, and hooked up her suit to the controls. How desperately she wished to be instead in her and Lelouch's marriage bed. She knew that was where Lelouch would rather be as well. She imagined he also wanted to keep her close to him, not wanting to risk losing his new wife to either capture or death. But Kallen refused to be taken away from Lelouch after now being declared husband and wife. Not only for her but for the pain it would cause Lelouch.
'I will come back. I refuse to fail again,' thought Kallen, her past perceived failures returning to her mind.
As the ships deployed Lelouch had activated the massive shields to protect the city. As all this happened Julius Vi Britannia sat, trembling in his mother's arms. Marianne had gone to her son, entrusting the battle to her daughter-in-law and Lelouch. They were ready to lead now, as a warrior and monarch respectively. The only role Marianne saw herself needing to fulfill at this moment was that of a mother, tending to the son who had been stolen from her. Stolen from her and forged into a weapon that killed her beloved husband.
'Vincent, you ghoul, having Charles murdered by his own son and hoping to enrage his twin to kill him all as a means of bringing me pain. I will teach you what pain means and not even the Code will save you from a mother's fury,' thought Marianne as she held her trembling son.
It was as if he knew the danger that was coming towards him. Marianne simply cooed and gently stroked her child's hair to try and calm him down. She had faith in Lelouch to resolve this, though the desperate part of her was hoping that she could have some certainty. A hope that burned in her chest, or at least on the mark of Geass on her chest.
Gino had been hooked up in the cockpit of the Valiant Dragonslayer while Rivalz himself actually hovered, being connected wireless. For the flight mode on most Knightmares the stabilizing harness lifted the pilot off their feet so that the pilot could control the machine in the air with the movement of their bodies.
"Sorry it's a little cramped," said Rivalz.
"No problem, we kind of had to bunk tightly together in the Knights Underground," said Gino.
"Nervous?" asked Rivalz.
"A little," said Gino. "Guess that's normal though. What about you?"
"As a cyborg I'm inclined to say I have literal nerves of steel," said Rivalz. "But I'm scared too. Especially since my wife is still on Atlantis. And if we can't stop that cannon it'll blow her right into the sea. So...yeah really I'm freaking terrified. But...that just means I can do this all the better than if I weren't scared. My heart and lungs are working double time to get oxygen and blood to my body in response to my fears. To give me greater strength and alertness. I can dodge faster or fight harder until the thing that frightens me is no more. And I can be will Milly again."
"Fear is fuel eh?" chuckled Gino, offering a fist.
"Fear is fuel bro," said Rivalz bumping Gino's green fist with his blue one.
The respective ships of the Black Knights, the White Samurai, and the Sapphire Crusaders were out in battle formation ready to meet the oncoming force out to destroy them.
Leading the charge in front of the Valhalla was Kallen in her full persona as Amaterasu, the Red Queen. The flames formed by her Geass billowing over her Knightmare.
As she flew out in front a group of Sutherland Air units flew up behind her in formation. The adopted sons of Andreas Dalton. As Hisako and Andreas had gotten close, once Dalton was reunited with his sons, Kallen had found herself spending some time with them out of obligation more than anything else. The young men, whom Andreas had trained as knights, were true gentlemen to both Kallen and to her mother. As orphans they were grateful for their adopted father and were glad to get to know their potential step-mother and step-sister.
"Lady Amaterasu, we've received orders from Supreme Leader Zero to accompany you into battle," said Alfred.
"Really?" asked Kallen.
"Or at least we're predicting the order's he'd give," said Edgar.
Kallen couldn't help but giggle. She could tell this was a thinly veiled attempt to show brotherly protectiveness. They were good men, honorable and brave, and Kallen truly appreciated it. She had lost one brother, to both madness and death, but now it appeared she had four new brothers.
"Then get into formation," said Kallen. "Supreme Leader's Orders after all."
"All weapons and defenses are armed, shields are raised," said Xianglin, offering her services in operation.
"Excellent," said Lelouch, donning the mask of Zero. "Status of the Heaven?"
"Deployed and making top speed," said Hilda. "As far as we can tell the enemy is unaware of their movements."
"Meaning their focus is entirely on us," said Zero."How are the sects divided up among the active ships?"
"White Samurai are at the Nirvana, Black Knights at the Valhalla, Sapphire Crusaders helm the Elysium," said Schneizel. "All other sects without ships, the Golden Coven, Grey Dragoons, and Emerald Tricksters have been gathered by Sir Bismark aboard the Olympus."
"Open a channel to all ships and Knightmare Frames," said Zero.
"Yes, Supreme Leader," said Milly.
"To all ships and Frames of the Atlas Fleet, this is the day we all knew would come," said Zero. "When V.V. would come to truly test the might of his Eden Elite against us. But this is but a prelude to the true war to come. This is but a paltry effort of a desperate madman to remove the only ones who can help humanity survive his personal apocalypse. As such we must deal with this nuisance. The objective of this battle is the large cannon at the head of the fleet. Prince Virtue and our newest Color Guard representative, Hunter, have volunteered to dispose of the cannon. The Sapphire Crusaders will provide cover for their commander. All other ships and frames will work to remove the remainder of the fleet which will no doubt be providing cover for the cannon. Amaterasu and the Black Knights will focus their forces on the remaining ships at sea. Du Lac and the White Samurai will keep to the air. The remaining three sects will stand at the ready aboard the Olympus to act in support of the other sects. If the primary sect begins to suffer heavy losses, move in to fill the numbers. Prince Virtue and Hunter, don't blindly charge in. That weapon is most likely shielded, test its defenses and work to counter them. Keep this channel open for consultation. I don't want anyone being reckless out there. Many of our ships are named after the resting places of legendary heroes, let's not press to see which version any of us will get into. As I said before, this is just the beginning, it'll be a long war after this. Let's make sure we're all there to fight it."
The forces divided as Zero had instructed. The shining blue Valiant Dragonslayer charged out for the cannon, with the Elysium in tow. Amaterasu, the Red Queen thus lit her Knightmare a blaze. As she did the shape of her Knightmare changed, the wings spreading out, the limbs retracting, and the forearms took drew back. Within seconds the Guren Firebird truly held an avian visage. And like a great and beautiful bird of prey she dove for the battleship closest to her. She avoided gun fire attempting to shoot her down, and long range support from her self appointed guard the Gladstone Knights shot at any aircraft that tried to fly up to intercept her.
As such when she came to her target she drew up, blasting forth beams of radiation from her Knightmare's claws, decimating the ship. She had done this all in the quick motion of a hawk scooping up it's prey from the ground below, with such speed and terror that the enemy had been caught by no small amount of surprise. The Red Queen's speed served her well as her Knightmare bore into the sides of several other ships. Her Geass helping her spread fire through the ships as she broke through their hulls. The strengthened armor of her upgraded Knightmare allowing her the great durability to perform such a feat. But the true power of her attack came from her fury at how V.V. dared to invade her new home on her wedding day.
The great cannon at the helm of the fleet charged for it's attack. But as this happened the Valiant Dragonslayer flew in at incredible speeds. As it was about to come to an ideal firing range where a powerful blast from its own cannon could rupture the hull of the ship and sink the monstrosity, it slammed against a barrier of energy.
"Shit," both Prince Virtue and Stag groaned as their machine recoiled.
"What happened?" Zero asked over the com link.
"There's a shield over the entire ship," said Prince Virtue. "The cannon's about to fire, Zero you need to brace yourself."
"Zero...I'm...I'm..."
The horrible cannon, Gjallarhorn, burst forth its requiem song, drowning out the apology of the newborn Hunter.
The blast of the cannon shook the sea and the sky and struck the barriers of Atlantis with a force unlike any had ever seen before. But the ancient city's defenses had managed to hold, though not without some cost.
"Shields are beginning to fail," said Schneizel.
"Are we losing power?" asked Ohgi.
"No, the city gets its power from a whole other dimension," said Schneizel. "But the machinery was strained. We might not be ale to take another blast like that."
"Status on the Valiant Dragonslayer?" asked Zero, concerned for his friend.
"We're...we're still reading its signal but we're unable to get into contact with Prince Virtue or Stag," said Milly, chocking down her fears for her husband.
'Milly, I swear I won't let you be widowed on this day,' thought Zero.
"We're alright," said Prince Virtue's voice over the channel.
Milly sighed in relief, tears she held back flowing freely.
"Glad to hear it, what's your status?" asked Zero.
"Stag and I are alright, a little dinged up but none the worse for wear," said Prince Virtue. "The Knightmare's pretty rattled, so far all we can do is hover on the water until I can fix her up. But listen, I'm doing my best to hack into that beast of a ship but their keeping me out with everything they've got. I'm not going to be able to take control of it."
"Can you at least tell us how it's functioning?" asked Zero.
"That much I can do," said Prince Virtue. "Good news is that the cannon needs time to charge, we have thirty minutes at best. The bad news is that the shield is up and nothing we have is going to be able to get through it."
"Do the cannon and the shield work simultaneously?" asked Zero.
"No, but the blowout of the cannon is strong enough to knock out any attempt to attack it and then some," said Prince Virtue.
"Can you tell me anything about the crew?" asked Zero.
"Not much I can tell you other than they appear to be regular Eden Elite soldiers, why?" asked Prince Virtue.
"I'm thinking of something," said Zero. "When it fires again, is there any way the blast can be suppressed?"
"If something large enough were to try and slam into it, right down the barrel, at the moment of firing a majority of the energy in the attack might be spent. You'd still feel something but it wouldn't be as bad as last time," said Prince Virtue.
"Alright then, send out an order for all personnel of the Olympus to abandon ship," said Zero. "Once that's done Prince Virtue will take remote control of the ship and attempt a kamikaze run down the mouth of the cannon as it launches it's next attack. In the mean time make all preparations for another hit and try to restore the shields to full strength. We only have thirty minutes and whatever we get hit with will still be strong enough to rattle us."
"Zero, let me join in after the Olympus makes it's run," said the voice of Amaterasu. "Even if we can't get any physical attacks in with my Geass I can..."
"Amaterasu, you will continue to make work of the remainder of the fleet supporting the cannon," said Zero. "That is the order for all active Frames and ships, you are to make no movement against the cannon. You are to keep your focus on decimating the remaining enemy forces."
"But Zero..."
"That is an order Amaterasu," said Zero. "End communication."
The line was closed before the Red Queen could protest further.
"Secure line to Du Lac," said Zero. "Du Lac..."
"I know...I'll make sure she doesn't do anything reckless," said Du Lac.
"Good," said Zero.
"Though I'm powerless for whatever comes afterward," said Du Lac. "Good luck, I know you've got a plan."
"Indeed I do," said Zero. "Now, start the evacuation of the Olympus."
"Already underway," said Schneizel.
"That's not going to do much even if it does take the most of the blast," said Ohgi. "What exactly is your plan?"
"I am going to lead," said Zero. "Like a true king."
And with that the throne descended to the chamber of the Jason.
Kallen cursed beneath her mask.
"Damn it Lelouch," she cursed.
"Amaterasu," said Du Lac, "you have to let him do this. Zero has a plan and he's not going to let this thing destroy him."
"He's my husband damn it," Kallen cried, fear and anger in her voice.
"And my best friend," said Du Lac. "But for right now he's out leader. Our duty is to obey and have faith in him."
"But..."
"Kallen...he won't leave you," said Suzaku, dropping his persona. "Trust him."
"You know...I think for once I'm in agreement with Lelouch's recklessness," said Ohgi, looking over where Zero had descended.
"Oh, so you've guessed his plan," said Schneizel, standing next to him.
"I had a feeling sooner or later he'd capitalize on the opportunity to test out the full potential of that thing," said Ohgi. "It's a gamble but if it works he'll have more power than any of the would be world conquerors have ever held in their wildest delusions."
"Frightening isn't it?" asked Schneizel.
"It really is," said Ohgi. "All of it is, Geass I mean. I was so willing to work with it so long as it led to the liberation of Japan but now..."
"It seems like a small thing doesn't it?" asked Schneizel. "The very cause you once defined your existence by now seems so small. Where once you were a rebel you now stand as a man of power and command in a blossoming new world order. From the conquered to the conqueror."
"I never believed we'd get far, we'd never make a difference, but then he came along," said Ohgi. "Made us into an army. Made Kallen into our Empress. And now...now I'm not too sure."
"If it helps I'm not sure if I can be considered Britannian now," said Schneizel. "Perhaps we should face facts. We're no longer truly of either Britannia or Japan. We're citizens of a new Geass Civilization."
"The last one destroyed itself because of men who believed themselves to be gods because of Geass," said Ohgi. "Our current civilization is being destroyed by a man who sees himself as a god because of Geass."
"And because of Geass we have the best chance of saving our civilization," said Schneizel. "Power is neither good nor evil. Nor does it necessarily corrupt. Power is but the ultimate test of one's true character."
"One of the late Emperor Charles's teachings?" asked Ohgi.
"Indeed," said Schneizel. "And for whatever brief amount of time they shared, Lelouch was a good student of all of father's teachings."
The abandoning of the Olympus was well underway. Personnel were transported back to Atlantis while others had taken flight into personal Knightmares.
"There's no way a Kamikaze run against that thing's shield is his full plan," said Marrybell. "If anything it's a means to make the weapon waste a majority of its power."
"But then what is his full plan?" asked Oldrin, sharing the cockpit with Marrybell.
"I can only guess," said Marrybell. "But he needs the room to operate and the time allowed by the cannon's recharge."
"Still, I can't imagine Lady Marianne will be too happy about losing her ship," said Oldrin.
"My stepmother is a woman whose first priority has always been her children," said Marrybell. "She'd gladly sacrifice anything for the happiness of Lelouch and Nunnally. And...perhaps even Julius."
Marrybell thought back to Julius, sitting in a lone room somewhere in the Great Pyramid under guard and under the protection of both Lelouch and Lady Marianne. She wondered if she could ever forgive Julius for his actions against her as Dumas. But how could she hold such hatred against a man who no longer existed.
She also had to remember who it was that created the monster Dumas. Her vile uncle V.V., who kept her under his thumb and forbade her to love Oldrin to the fullest extent of her heart. As if she could not hate him enough for what he had already done prior to her. How he had murdered her sister and mother early on his his vile rise to power, when the Eden Elite were simply acting as terrorists before beginning their revolution.
V.V. had taken an innocent babe and molded him into a monster, worse yet letting Marianne nurse the pain of having believed she had lost her child for nearly two decades.
Not to mention that there must have been some effect on both Lelouch and Julius, even if they never knew it before. The bond between twins was deep, literally down to the DNA. Time and distance did little to sever such bonds, as Marrybell had noticed from Oldrin and Orpheus.
Perhaps Marrybell could indeed find the strength to forgive Julius in full. Hopefully in the new world Lelouch sought to create, the wold she wanted to help create.
'If I were to be truly poetic I'd be sacrificing the Valhalla,' thought Lelouch, thinking of the mythological references made by the various ships and machines he now toyed with.
He stood before the impressive machine, the Jason as he had so named it. The previous flight was nothing before what he was endeavoring to do now. He briefly wondered how long it had been since the machine had seen battle, if it ever had before. Perhaps it had partaken in the original fall of the old Geass Civilization, he couldn't tell.
But no matter it would help give rise to the new Geass Civilization. Yes, it was an unavoidable reality to Lelouch now. Although he did not want to be counted as a living god he could not deny that the world he sought to make could only be birthed through the power of Geass. And by Geass the world would enter into an age of miracles and horrors the likes it hadn't seen for centuries. The boundaries of what modern humans once thought impossible would be stretched beyond their furthest imaginations.
Humankind would be filled with such fear and awe, anyone who claimed to have the answers would be declared their savior if not their king and or god. And how convenient that this new world would be born after the destruction of a conveniently present Demon Lord whom the entire world's fear and hatred was focused on.
He wasn't so naive as to believe that eliminating V.V. would erase all the hatred and evil from the world. But it would be a close enough start for Lelouch. It would ease the world long enough for him and Kallen to begin their family.
And with this opening battle, that world was coming close to existence.
Lelouch commanded it to exist.
"Everyone's off the ship and I have full control," said Prince Virtue. "Just in time too the damn thing is about to fire again."
"Think this will work?" asked Stag.
"It'll at least take the most of the blast," said Prince Virtue. "Probably a good idea if we move."
The damaged Valiant Dragonslayer drifted along the ocean surface. Guided by Rivalz's power just as he took control of the operating systems for the Olympus. As they floated along Stag took survey over the rest of the battle. The Black Knights, led by the Red Queen were making work of the remaining ships on the sea. While in the air the White Samurai tore enemies from the heavens. Their leaders demonstrating the courage and strength that had made them legends in their own time. Inspiring the soldiers who followed them to give their all for the cause in an attempt to be worthy of standing next to such living legends.
"Some great debut 'eh?" laughed Stag. "First fight as Stag and I blow it."
"Come on pal, that's no way to talk," said Prince Virtue, sitting down next to the Green Huntsman. "Take it from me it doesn't matter where you start only where you end. And I really started out when I was sprung from a fish tank after a deranged lunatic chopped up my mutilated body and made me into a cyborg."
"Wow...that's awesome buddy," said Stag, legitimately impressed.
"At the time it really wasn't," said Prince Virtue. "Worked out later though. Besides, who said this was the debut of Stag, the Green Huntsman? This was just practice buddy. And who doesn't screw up during practice?"
"Guess you got a point there," said Stag, giving a soft smile.
He could tell that Rivalz wasn't simply pandering to him. There was a great sense of sincerity from the Blue Unicorn that Gino truly appreciated. It made him decide that Rivalz was right. This wasn't the debut of Stag, this was just a trip up in the opening of his career. Once he was fully ready he'd prove that he was worthy enough to stand as a member of the Color Guard of the Atlas Fleet.
Whatever hope Gino began to have grow in his soul was stunted when he heard the hum of the Gjallarhorn cannon preparing another blast.
"Hold on," said Prince Virtue, "this is going to be rough."
Taking full control of the Olympus, he charged the great ship down the mouth of the cannon, activating its shields in the process. As the oncoming ship met with the emerging blast, the resulting explosion rocked the sea and sky.
Buffered by both the shields of the ship as well as its mass, only a fraction of the full power of the Gjallarhorn's attack struck Atlantis. But it was enough to do damage to the city and forcing the shields to shut down.
"Zero whatever you're doing you had better do it now because the city's defenseless," said Prince Virtue.
"Even if he does something to the cannon there are still the other enemy forces," said Stag.
True to the Green Huntsman's words the remaining enemy planes, Knightmares, and ships were now moving in on Atlantis. But as the enemy moved in something shot out from the Great Pyramid. A blue of gold and black that soon came into view.
"All forces of the Atlas Fleet, fall back. I will handle the Eden Elite," said the voice of Zero.
"Is he crazy?" asked Stag.
"Possibly," said Prince Virtue. "But we've got to trust him here. Hold on."
The Blue Unicorn grabbed the Green Huntsman, and upon activating his own flight system flew to rendezvous with his own ship.
"Fall back, what the hell is he thinking?" yelled Kallen.
"Kallen, you need to trust Lelouch," said Ohgi's voice over the radio. "He's taking a big gamble but it might pay off. If it doesn't you need to get back to the city before the enemy gets too close."
Kallen wanted to protest but, upon looking at the beauty of the Jason, ultimately relented.
"Please be careful Lelouch," Kallen prayed.
Suzaku had always been one of the few who could tell, or could at least closely guess as to what went on in Lelouch's mind. As such he could tell what kind of move Lelouch was playing.
"If a king does not lead, eh Lelouch?" he muttered. "All White Samurai, you heard the command of the Supreme Leader, fall back."
'Good luck Lelouch,' Suzaku thought.
Zero monitored the movements of his forces, and once he was certain that everyone was situated around the city he looked onto the forces of the Eden Elite. The legion of fanatics who saw V.V. as their God.
A legion in which Nunnally's former kidnapper Rolo was apart of. There had been some interesting conversations between Lelouch and Schneizel involving Rolo. Of how the Eden Elite, a majority of the soldiers at least, had gone through extreme mental conditioning to view V.V. as their god and to follow him without question and with absolute loyalty. That V.V. was a god who loved and cherished them, promising them, as the elite of humanity they would share in a new Eden.
As such they would do anything for V.V. in the assurance that they would awaken in a glorious new Eden. It gave Lelouch an idea he had been eager to implement and now was the perfect opportunity
He let his will and power flow through the Jason, the fantastic machine controlled by his mind via the Geass. As such the great machine spread out it's golden wings and a large crimson symbol of Geass glowed brightly before the machine, bathing the oncoming enemy forces in it's crimson light. As this happened Zero focused his will on the scores of soldiers with a command in his mind to be shot into the minds of ever single one of those fools.
"Soldiers of the Eden Elite," Zero yelled. "Recognize me as V.V.!"
The symbol of Geass projected by the Jason glowed so brightly those who watched from behind would almost swear that the sun had come down to Earth.
Marianne felt a great surge of power run through her entire being.
"Lelouch...you have arrived truly my son," she gasped, holding onto the sleeping form of Julius.
"Such power," said Bismark, having felt the same sensation.
"The power mere mortal men once assumed belong to the Gods," said Marianne. "This is how it was before and how it shall be again."
When the light died down the forces of the Atlas Fleet looked on and saw that the oncoming forces of the Eden Elite had stopped in their tracks.
"What the hell did he do?" asked Tamaki from the Elysium.
"I think he...cast a command over them all," said Cornelia, in no small amount of awe.
"So...we were right," said Ohgi. "The Ancient could amplify Geass abilities. And if your ability is mind control..."
"You can conquer an entire nation with nought but a thought," said Schneizel. "Incredible."
"Terrifying," said Ohgi. "But...effective."
Aboard the remaining ships of the invading Eden Elite forces, all personnel had abandoned their positions and knelt down like toads before what they saw as a great floating image of their god, V.V. hovering in the sky above them.
"You...dare levy your arms against me," their image of V.V. yelled in his voice as they heard it. "Such sacrilege cannot be forgiven on this mortal plane. For the sake of your place in my glorious Eden...repent. Repent...with your lives if you believe truly."
Repentance for the soldiers of the Eden Elite, believing they had been so blasphemous as to strike against their god, came in the form of death. In their fever to regain the favor of their deity the soldier's of the Eden Elite began killing themselves to prove their faith to V.V. and his Eden. Planes and Knightmares fell from the sky and onto the very ships they launched from. Explosives were detonated to sink the ships of sinners hoping to be made clean again by the waters that would drown them.
Even the might Gjallarhorn cannon ship began to burst as its crew began to destroy it in a means to purify themselves. As he watched this all happen, against his better instincts a demonic grin had formed on Lelouch's face beneath the mask of Zero.
'They worship you like a god but I know you to be a demon,' thought Lelouch. 'I guess...I'm much the same way now. A demon and a god, all at once.'
Lelouch suddenly felt a great surge of fatigue from the amount of power used for the command. As such the machine he flew began to falter in the sky. That was until he felt it being secured. He looked over and smiled, this time the smile of soft joy, at the sight of the Guren.
'At least to her...I'm not a demon,' thought Lelouch.
Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait but it took me a while to get this all sorted, especially with dealing with finals. Anyway I hope this satisfyies all who waited, at least till the next chapter. I kind of felt a crunch to get this one done due to technical reasons but that's beside the point. I really wanted to give Lelouch the opportunity to use the Jason in battle and I hope this works out for.
Anyway, aftermath of this battle but right afterwards we get into the endgame. Ragnarok is now.
Next Turn: Ragnarok Come.