A/N: Another chapter done and we are matching on, although I want to say something in regards to what may come next, I do not wish to accidentally give out spoilers.
Special Thanks to JameyoftheMegacosmos for editing and his contributions to the chapter.
And thank you to those who reviewed the previous chapter, always appreciated.
Now on with the chapter, which has an oddly appropriate name.
Chapter 28
The Unusual Suspects
As Fate waited for Lelouch, the young woman was conflicted. Although she lacked any real evidence to support it other than a strong suspicion, Fate suspected Lelouch of being Zero. It was quite the accusation to make, but Fate's instincts as an investigator lead her to believe that he had motive since his distaste for Britannia, to put it mildly, was hidden from everyone around him. Considering all that had happened to Lelouch and his sister, Fate would be shocked if he didn't see Lelouch bear any kind of resentment.
Furthermore, and most importantly, was Zero's battle against Nanoha. Fate agreed with the general opinion that Zero had been trained by someone likely, or was, an Aerial Tactical Instructor. However, given that battle and the most recent one, Fate began to suspect if there was something more than that.
At the same time, she would be alarmed that she would suspect a close friend of being a criminal. It left a bad taste in Fate's mouth, but that was why Fate had come to see Lelouch.
"I wasn't expecting you to visit," Lelouch said as he arrived in the dining room, shaking Fate from her thoughts.
"I am sorry, I wanted to check how you were doing," Fate asked as she rose from her seat.
"Well, I am doing fine, although I think Nunnally is already asleep," Lelouch answered before asking. "Is something wrong, Fate?"
Fate fought back the words but ultimately sought a compromise.
"I apologize for asking this suddenly, but are you and Nunnally going to be fine in the future, considering your past?"
Lelouch was surprised by the sudden question but after a moment of careful contemplation.
"I can't say for sure, because as I know, you realize we have very few options. The Ashford Academy is hiding us for now, but who knows for certain how long that can last. If Britannia ever discovers us here, we'll end up as political tools once again, but more than likely, we'll end up as casualties for royal ambition."
Fate wanted to offer some counterargument or some hope for Lelouch, but she knew it was futile to do so.
"The only way we could be free is if someone eradicates Britannia," Lelouch said bluntly.
"But that's too," Fate began before Lelouch interrupted her folding his arms under his chest.
"Extreme," Lelouch said before acknowledging while closing his eyes briefly. "Yes, I suppose that is extreme, but consider this is an Empire built from the beaten and bitter remains of the British Empire. Those same remnants learned from their past mistakes while embracing the idea of Social Darwinism as a religion for some, thus raising a majority of Britannians on the idea they were superior to everyone while encouraging discrimination against those who became Numbers and Honorary Britannians. That isn't even talking about the Royal Family, where the last relative standing is usually the one who becomes the next ruler."
Once again, Fate found herself unable to offer a counter to Lelouch's belief that Britannia had to be destroyed.
"This isn't an issue that can be changed from within either. Even If someone like Euphemia rose to power to change things, she would face fierce opposition from those below her, likely resulting in death by assassination or worse."
"I, I know," Fate said while feeling angry at the fact she was powerless to do anything for Lelouch and Nunnally, "I just hate the fact I can't do anything to help you two."
"I appreciate the thought, Fate, but I am afraid that there is nothing much you can do."
Well, there might be one thing, but…
Fate knew there was actually one way she could get Lelouch and Nunnally off Earth and relocate them to Midchilda.
Marriage.
Fate knew about a law that if a member of the TSAB married someone from an undeveloped world, then he or she, along with their family, could move to Midchilda or one of the TSAB's administrative worlds. This was typically not encouraged, but no one paid any mind to it if the person married knew of the existence of magic and other planets. Nanoha and her family were able to move to Midchilda, thanks to Nanoha being a TSAB mage.
But who would marry Lelouch?.
I don't know if Nanoha or Hayate like him enough to marry Lelouch, but I…
The problem for Fate was that her heart had long ago been claimed by Nanoha. Granted, their first meeting was rough around the edges, but due to events of the Jewel Seed Incident and beyond, the pair became much closer than friends.
Fate knew Nanoha was no doubt feeling the same for her, but the pair weren't in a proper relationship due to their respective jobs, yet the duo was exploring the possibility whenever they were together.
I don't know about Hayate, but she might be the only one yet…I can't just ask her to marry Lelouch even if it's for their sake.
"Fate is something wrong? You are zoning out," Lelouch asked, waving his hand in front of Fate's eyes.
"Huh," Fate said, realizing she had been in such deep thought she momentarily forgot where she was. "Oh, I am sorry, I was just thinking about something else, but…"
"But?"
"I apologize again for asking you another question, but have you been seeing anyone?"
Lelouch sighed before putting his hands on his hips, "I get asked that once a week at least, but no, and I think you know why?"
"Of course you're right," Fate admitted. "I am sorry I am worrying so much about you and Nunnally."
"It's ok, and I appreciate the concern. I think you'll make a great mother someday," Lelouch complimented, causing Fate to blush.
"You, you think so?" Fate asked, clearly embarrassed.
"Yes, but I don't recommend rushing into motherhood through," Lelouch offered with a smile.
"Of course," Fate replied.
The rest of the evening was spent with Lelouch and Fate talking over drinks.
I need to get you and Nunnally off this planet, and most of all, I pray I am wrong about you, Lelouch. I hope you are not Zero.
The following evening in the capital of Pendragon, Charles Zi Britannia sat upon his throne while beside him stood his personal bodyguard the Knight of One, Bismarck Waldstein.
Moments later, Clovis, wearing a prison jumpsuit, was brought before his father while accompanied by a palace guard.
"Leave us," Charles commanded.
The guard bowed before wordlessly departing, leaving Clovis alone with his father and the Knight of One.
"Father, why have you called me?" Clovis asked, clearly fearful being in his father's presence.
"I wish for you to return to Area 11 in secret and retrieve what remains of Code R and the other research subject you still have," Charles answered. "As the one who began Code-R, I expect the researchers will comply with your requests. Beyond Narita, you know where they relocated."
"Well, yes, I do, but why me?"
"Do not question me, boy," Charles retorted firmly, making it clear he wasn't requesting this of Clovis. "Consider this a chance to get back into my good graces if you complete a simple errand."
"I-I understand."
"You will leave in the company of OSI agents and link up with General Dalton and his personal guard," Charles explained. "Your release from prison isn't public knowledge, so I expect you to quietly enter Area 11, retrieve what remains of Code R, and bring it all back here."
"I'll do as you asked," Clovis replied before Charles made a gesture with his hand summoning a man in a black suit.
Once Clovis had been escorted out of the room, Simon entered the room with an abnormally sizeable black cast in his hand.
"I have done as you have suggested," Charles said to the new arrival.
"Good, if what your brother's sources said were true, perhaps the situation will prove beneficial to us," Simon replied before laying down the case, which was longer than Simon's own height. "By the way, I decided to personally deliver this for you."
Removing it from the case, Simon held up a gigantic greatsword with a black and gold-trimmed blade, but the hilt had a glowing purple crystal and was mechanical.
"I present the Knight of One with his customized Armed Device I have named Caliburn," Simon declared before he handed it to Bismark, who accepted the sword with a smile.
"I trust you have prepared a facility for me to train with my new weapon?"
"Of course, and I have the ideal training partner for you. I think you'll be very impressed with both."
The next day at Ashford Academy, Lelouch was in class while looking for a chance to catch up on sleep, but his meeting with Fate the other night bothered him.
Does she somehow suspect me of being Zero?
Lelouch believed he hadn't done anything that could've warranted such suspicion. But Enforcer Fate was one of the TSAB's best investigators, so he should have been more alert regardless of whatever her concerns about him would be.
I'll need to figure out a way to deflect any suspicion somehow, Lelouch thought unaware he was being watched.
"Fate," Hayate stepped in. The brown-haired girl was wearing blue jeans, a white shirt, and a pink jacket as she approached her twin-tailed friend. Fate's attire consisted of a black coat with a matching skirt with a white shirt as she stood atop one of the rooftops of the school using her Device to monitor Lelouch.
"So, you've taken up stalking Lelouch?" Hayate asked both half-seriously and half-playfully.
"It's nothing like that," Fate replied, surprised Hayate would make such an observation.
"I know, but why are you watching Lelouch?"
"Because," Fate began before very reluctantly admitting, "I suspect he might be Zero."
There was total silence between the two until…
"Hahahahahaha," Hayate began laughing hard. She had to hold her sides due to how much it hurt while struggling to stand up straight.
Not the reaction I expected, Fate admitted internally.
"Lelouch is Zero!?" Hayate said after regaining her composure following her burst of laughter. "Okay, I could see Zero being as intelligent and crafty as Lelouch, but he doesn't have any magical potential, and I seriously doubt he would've had the endurance to keep up in a battle with Nanoha."
"I know," Fate acknowledged with a sigh while folding her arms, knowing it was far-fetched if anyone knew Lelouch. "But his fight with Nanoha shows someone he is not simply familiar with her."
"Oh?" Hayate asked, intrigued, "So you think Zero could be someone who knew Nanoha?"
"Or trained with her, having a clear grasp of her fighting style. Far better than simply watching recordings of her combat skills would've offered."
"I see, you are trying to watch Lelouch in case he disappears somewhere, and you catch him in the act," Hayate asked, which Fate confirmed with a reluctant nod.
"I don't like suspecting a friend of being a criminal, but I can't shake the feeling Lelouch is involved somehow," Fate acknowledged clearly conflicted.
"Well, why don't I take over for you then?"
"Huh," Fate asked, clearly confused.
"We just learned Clovis has landed in Japan. He tried to be secretive about it, but a communication from the Prime Minister's Office to the Camelot Engineering Division here in Area 11 revealed the Lancelot has been called in to act as an escort," Hayate answered folding her arms.
"I thought Clovis was in prison?"
"Apparently, the Emperor released him with some kind of mission. Not even the Viceroy's Office has received any kind of notice," Hayate explained.
"Are we going to apprehend Clovis?" Fate asked.
Hayate shook her head, "No, but we are going to follow Clovis and monitor him to see what he is in Japan for."
"Is he already in Japan?"
"Not yet, but he should be arriving sometime tomorrow," Hayate answered. "Let's head back to the ship and talk strategy. Then, I'll put in some time to keeping a close watch on Lelouch."
Suzaku sat within a dark room, where only a few dim lights shone above. The only other things around were a table with what he assumed to be bulletproof glass and the chair he was sitting on. By these characteristics, he guessed this was initially designed for interrogating prisoners. This didn't appear to be the case as he was still in his military uniform and had no cuffs on.
However, he was still in a sticky situation as the man across from him was no more than Jeremiah Gottwald from the now diminished Purist Faction. Suzaku was given a request to meet up at a room within the Government Bureau. The sole purpose was a covert exchange for information, which made Suzaku cautious, especially when he didn't learn the sender of this request until now.
Once both sides were set, Jeremiah began.
"I appreciate you arriving here, Warrant Officer Suzaku Kururugi."
"No need to mention it," Suzaku replied.
"I apologize for any discomfort, but in times like these, I can't afford to take chances. However, I can assure you that I'm under the condition that no harm comes to you as long as you cooperate."
"I'm open as you can get."
"Keep in mind, this is something that must be kept personally between you and me. Even with my power as Margrave, I had to personally check this room multiple times to ensure no one will overhear our conversation."
"I see, but why all the secrecy?"
Jeremiah sighed.
"Because we're going against an enemy that seems to be far beyond Britannia's capabilities."
That statement made Suzaku jump into interest as Jeremiah continued.
"Do you know the operation in the Ou mountains, one that occurred a few weeks ago, along with the one in Narita?"
"I read the reports about it. It was supposed to wipe out a base belonging to the Japan Liberation Front. Then suddenly, all the ground forces got swallowed up, and communications were blocked until it was revealed the entire unit were all destroyed."
"I understand that's all they found, but I was a survivor of the attack. Unfortunately enough, I was the only one alive to say what happened."
"Was it the Black Knights or the Japan Liberation Front?"
"I'd say it's neither the Black Knights or Japan Liberation Front," Jeremiah shook his head as the events he recalled were nowhere near what happened at Narita. "Their weapons were far too advanced for their current weaponry."
"What kind of weaponry?"
"Robotic birds, to be precise, all equipped with weapons and defenses that easily destroyed our army. Their mobility was also a huge problem for us, not to mention the ability to fly and wielding close to the latest in Britannia's rail gun technology."
"They certainly don't sound like something the JLF would wield."
"Perhaps, but some who turned out to be their commanders were truly Elevens. I could hear their language, and they too wielded bizarre weaponry beyond anything they've thrown against us. It's more like they've been using...magic."
"Magic?" Suzaku let slip out, which got Jeremiah's eye.
"So, you do know something this, don't you?"
"No, it's not what you think," Suzaku hesitated.
Jeremiah eyed on him keenly. "Be warned, while I'm instructed not to harm you, I still have more than enough suspicion that you know something about this, and I've done my homework on you as well. You are the son of Japan's last acting Prime Minister, so you'd have a clear motive for joining resistance forces."
Suzaku shook his head. "You're making a mistake there. That's the reason why I gave up on resistance."
"Are you absolutely sure of that?"
"I am sure. Why else would I become a devoted Honorary Britannian, and especially be friends with Princess Euphemia?"
"Well, if not the Royal Family, then perhaps you have a grudge against the military," Jerimiah continued with photos of the dead royal guards. "Back in Shinjuku, you were found unconscious by several dead Royal Guards with mysterious wounds. Those same wounds were inflicted on Clovis's Staff Officers when Zero attacked the G-1."
"I was unconscious at that time. All I remember was being shot by the Royal Guards when I refused to shoot a Britannian student randomly caught in the incident."
"A Britannian student? Do you know what he looked like?"
"No, unfortunately," Suzaku sighed to quickly put a guise and keep what he really saw. "It's been weeks since that happened, and everything turned out fuzzy after being shot."
"Hmph, I know you're now a student at Ashford Academy, so you should have access to the school's archives. Find something there that may give us a lead on this, including the unknown student and Zero," Jeremiah requested. "And along the way, I'd like to investigate your friends as well."
"My friends?"
"The third reason for your suspicion came from the aftermath of the Ou battle. Combating the commanders were several figures who easily took out the machines that annihilated our forces. They were using magic just like those commanders as well as Zero."
"I see, but why would my friends be involved?"
"Because I thought I saw one of them from the dinner party. A blonde-haired girl with twin tails?"
Suzaku jumped in surprise from that statement. And Jeremiah confirmed his suspicions.
"Fa-te," Jeremiah tried to pronounce her name in Japanese. "That's her name, isn't it?"
"It's Fate," Suzaku corrected. "I was told she was not Japanese."
"Very well, Fate then. It's pretty clear that she has a connection to this, and she wasn't alone. Several other girls wielded similar weaponry, and they looked exactly like your other friends."
Suzaku gave a short laugh, prompting a glare from Jeremiah.
"Funny you should ask; I had the same thing happen our recent failing at Yokosuka," Suzaku recalled the moment when someone blocked a shot that nearly blasted the Lancelot. "When I fought Zero, I also encountered someone who looked like Fate. I couldn't get a good look at her, but she saved the Lancelot, much to Lloyd's relief."
That was more than for Jeremiah to start giving directives.
"Warrant Officer Suzaku Kururugi, as Margrave, I want you to join in my investigation this Fate girl for me. Do you have anything that can help us, any addresses, or anything?"
"I don't," Suzaku shook her head. "It's been seven years since we last met. I have no idea where they or her friends live, let alone what occupations they have."
"But you do know they're friends with the Bannings family. And they have to visit you sometime."
"That's true. Even now, Fate and the others come and visit me often at Ashford Academy."
"Next time you meet them, try to look into them as much as possible. If Fate and her friends are involved in this bizarre new enemy, then they must have something they're hiding from you."
"I'll do my best. But considering what you said before, I'll have to careful not to tip Fate and my friends off that I'm looking into them."
"My thoughts exactly. Also," Jeremiah stood up in preparation. "Act like this meeting never happened, even to someone like Viceroy Euphemia. We both know she's also familiar with these occurrences, thanks to Ou and Yokosuka. But I fear the closer Her Highness strays into this, the more likely her life will be in danger. Same thing for the other higher officers and the royal family. Is that clear?"
Suzaku first froze for a moment. Lies and secrets were not the kind of thing he was into, especially in his newfound relationship with Princess Euphemia. But again, this was something weirder and far greater than Jeremiah's current level of authority. No, that's an understatement. If what Jeremiah said was true that terrorists have magic and weapons that can destroy entire forces, then the current government should not be involved in this, especially after losing so much of its military strength from the recent fiascoes. He eventually broke out and nodded.
"I understand, sir. I'll ensure nobody gets any information out of this."
"Very well, then. You are now dismissed."
Nodding again, Suzaku, raised from his seat, having all of the "magical" events that occurred stuck in his mind.
Knightmare weapons being stolen, high energy blasts, force fields, and now...terrorists with magic? What the hell is going on here?
But before he was allowed his freedom at the door, Jeremiah walked up to him by the shoulder.
"Just to let you know, I detest the very idea of working with an Eleven," Jeremiah made that clear. Despite everything, his hatred towards Elevens remained strong as his loyalty towards the late Lady Marianne. "But I'm willing to swallow my pride and honor to get to the bottom of this." Interestingly, he took off his white glove. "I want your word nothings leaves that room the moment we step out."
After all, his reputation was on the line along with his life. There was an eerie feeling in the air he couldn't fully understand but recognize it as a threat. It felt like he was planning a plot behind everybody's back in his mind. If making deals with this eleven allows him to come closer to the truth behind his worries and paranoia, then so be it. Jeremiah Gottwald fears nobody.
"You have my word."
A short time later, Hayate and Fate returned to the Arthra before the pair made their way to the conference room where everyone was gathered.
"I got back from the meeting with High Command," Chrono reported to Signum, Shamal, Vita, Ginga, and Nanoha. He briefed his mother before the meeting was held. "With Hawkins dead and his fiasco creating a large outcry, the case has now back in our hands."
"But thanks to him, we're back to square one in finding the Mandarin," Lindy informed with regret.
"And Zero is still out there," Vita snarled, just recovering from her loss.
"Verossa has been digging more into the Japan Liberation Front," Signum reported. "There's no doubt that someone had to supply them with Knightmares and other military equipment during their years of operation. After our encounter with Suzuka back at the Ou Mountains, I was sure of it."
"You're talking about the Kyoto House," Chrono assumed.
The mention of Suzuka's name gave chills among the Earth natives, especially Nanoha, who had been her closest friend. As the head of a large electronics company, and being an official member of Logos, there was more than enough suspicion that she's be supplying other terrorist groups throughout Area 11.
"Publicly, there is a group called N.A.C., an organization made of industrialists and wealthy individuals who govern Area 11, providing them some kind of autonomy," Signum went on. "Some members are famous, including Kirihara The Traitor, one of the first to collaborate with Britannian officials to avoid any war tribunals."
"We are already aware that Suzuka's men come from the Japan Liberation Front," Lindy recalled. "But now that the JLF is defunct, there aren't many places we can look."
"We already investigated the Narita Mountains," Chrono reported. "But all evidence of their conspiracy was either buried or destroyed by the landslide. Even so, the fact she works with LOGOS gives us high suspicion."
"But, aside from Kyoto, we don't any other leads to find the Mandarin or Zero," Lindy said with a sigh.
"Actually, there's someone else we're interested in," Ginga noticed Hayate and Fate's arrival. She signaled to Hayate to begin while seeking to update Fate on the meeting's purpose.
"As we know, Zero has interfered with the TSAB multiple times," Hayate addressed as she and Fate sat down. He sent images of Zero to each of their screens, showing all the times he publicly intervened in Britannia's battles in Area 11. "But that was not the core reason for actions as he fully addressed. At all important locations- Shinjuku, Saitama, Lake Kawaguchi, Narita, and now Yokosuka- Zero and his Black Knights have focused merely on Britannian forces or the Mandarin as they claim. But judging by his experience with magic, he didn't just appear out of the blue when he felt like it. Something forced his hand, which began his more open use of magic."
"And that brings up these people," Ginga showed on the screens, two people. On the left was a male blonde in a purple royal outfit. The other was a long, green-haired with a bird-like sigil on her forehead. "The first is Clovis la Britannia, third prince of the Empire who was Viceroy at the time of Zero's first appearance. We have footage of him as the first witness of his magic."
Putting the images to the left of the screen, the right side projected a video. It showed Clovis's first encounter with the masked man after his guards were shot.
"Now, Clovis," Zero pointed his Device. "You will order your men to stand down and let the Elevens go. Your little pet project is no longer in this area. If you keep it up, not only will I expose it to the public, but I'll kill you as well."
"You can't just order a Prince of Britannia around, you lowly-" Clovis retaliated before Zero terrified him by firing a few magical bullets near his head.
"Is that your final answer? Or would you like me to rephrase that? You will tell them to stop, along with the destruction of any buildings or properties. Since we're at it, all casualties, regardless of their nationality, will be treated equally," the tip of the Device glowed brightly. "Now, shall we try this again?"
The video stopped as Ginga went on.
"This was live footage when Zero held the former Viceroy captive."
"By 'pet project,' that's the other person of interest that you're showing," Lindy looked with the others at the image of the green-haired woman.
Ginga nodded, showing images and other info on the manner, including the woman being placed in a capsule.
"These came right after Clovis tried to destroy Shinjuku again, ignoring Zero's warning. He and his administration were working on the young woman, who he lost to resistance fighters and covered up to be a poison gas weapon. His attack on Shinjuku was not only to retrieve the woman but also wipe out any witnesses along with the terrorists."
The Earth natives, including the Wolkenritter, clinched at the real reason the atrocity. Discovering illegal experiments on people was nothing new, but killing thousands to try covering it up was beyond inhumane. But Chrono was merely concerned about the woman, observing her forehead.
"The sigil she's wearing, it looks new."
"It does," Ginga shared the same concern. "I sent the data to Yunno, and he's checking the depths of the Infinity Library along with Zero's Device. It will take time, and by chance, he may come directly to investigate more."
"You're saying that under the assumption that's she's a Lost Logia?"
"I would wish not," Ginga had the same frustration. "But based on Earth's experience with Lost Logia, it's not impossible."
"First Graham, then Nanoha, and now Zero," Lindy groaned mentally at the number of Lost Logia incidents occurring on the non-administered world, one being worse than the last. She shook it off to question, "Are there any recent sightings of this woman?"
Ginga shook her head along with Fate, "I'm afraid not. There are photos of the tests she went through, but that's about it. No one has seen such a woman out in the open, which means she's possibly hidden among with the Black Knights."
"I see. Then what about Clovis?"
"Clovis is somewhat easier, but as a prince of Britannia, seizing him will be a challenge. He's been sent back to the Homeland ever since he was deemed unable to control Area 11. But he could have something based on his experiments. Due to the Royal Family's connection to the Mandarin, he might have something about him as well."
Hayate could see her fellow Wolkenritter with a certain feeling. Vita specifically smirked for their intended mission, but their mistress had other concerns.
"As luck would have it," Lindy revealed. "Clovis has been released from prison and has been dispatched to retrieve whatever is left of his pet project, which means there is some information that could be useful."
"It's very likely the Mandarin is aware of this if we learned of his return to Japan this easily," Chrono assumed. "Once he knows we're coming for Clovis, he'll send whoever he has to eliminate him quietly."
"Which means we have to move fast."
"What about the TSAB Admirals?" Shamal asked, "Should we report to them as well?"
Lindy shook her head.
"I don't think they're in any position to talk with us at this point thanks to our troubles; we will give them the report after the mission. For now, apprehending Prince Clovis should be our new priority. It'll be hard, but he's our new bet in finding anything about the Mandarin or Zero."
"But that said," Nanoha wondered. "Where is Clovis now, anyway?"
"According to our intel, Clovis is on his way back to Japan right now, and he'll be landing at a military base in the Kagoshima Prefecture some time tomorrow."
"Our objective is to capture Clovis, but we're going to tail him and follow his escort to wherever he is going," Chrono added. "Fate, Nanoha, Signum, Zafira, Hayate, Ginga, and I will handle the captive of Clovis while we'll monitor his movements and see where he is going. If he does lead us to his project, we'll seize any materials from it since it could hold clues to the Mandarin."
Later that afternoon, Quattro shows Lelouch a recording of Hayate and Fate meeting on the roof and discussing their upcoming mission. But the gravest concern was how Fate suspected Lelouch of being Zero. The pair was inside one of the rooms inside the hidden underground base, reviewing the footage.
"How does she suspect you are Zero?" Quattro asked, folding both arms across her chest.
"She believes it because of how I was able to tactically outmaneuver Nanoha, but at least Hayate doesn't believe it," Lelouch replied. "It's not enough evidence to prove anything, but I agree this is concerning."
"I don't know what I could suggest, but clearly, you're going to have to be a lot more careful around them."
"Agreed," Lelouch said before deciding to move the conversation onto another subject. "So Clovis is returning to Area 11 in secret to retrieve the remaining the materials from Code-R at the Emperor's order."
"If you are thinking of asking C.C., I thought ahead," Quattro replied as if on cue the door opened, and C.C. walked inside.
"So Clovis is coming back to Area 11?" C.C. asked smugly with an opportunity of revenge. "I wouldn't mind paying him back for what his scientists did to me."
"True," Lelouch offered in agreement but offered a warning instead. "However, the TSAB will also be in pursuit of him. Considering recent events, I would rather avoid any confrontation with the TSAB right now since they'll be bringing along their strongest due to recent events."
"Which means you want to get the facility Code-R is at before they do?" Quattro said, realizing what Lelouch was aiming for this time.
"I know the chances are slim," Lelouch began before turning to C.C., "But you wouldn't by chance have any idea where the facility could be?"
"Actually," C.C. began with a sly smile, "I might've overheard the researchers talking about auxiliary locations that doubled as off-site storage for any research data in the event their operations were somehow compromised."
"I am surprised Clovis took such precautions," Lelouch acknowledged. "Unless someone suggested it to him."
"I don't know about that, but there are three locations besides the main lab in the capital they mentioned while they were working on me. One was in Narita, and the other two are located in Hokkaido and in the Kagoshima Prefecture on the island of Kyushu."
"Narita, we can rule out," Quattro remarked.
"No exact location, but that narrows it down," Lelouch said before an idea came to mind. "Quattro, could you perhaps try to find some information on a possible location?"
"I didn't see any information on any off-site locations, but I'll try again."
"Maybe redirect your search to those likely to be brief of Clovis's arrival and his destination," Lelouch suggested. "They'll need to prepare a proper escort and transportation to move whatever is at this off-site facility."
"Oh, well, that will really narrow it down," Quattro replied with a grin. "I'll see what I can find."
"Attempting to go after Clovis will end badly for us if the TSAB is chasing him, and I am sure LOGOS will likely get involved, leading to a potential repeat of what happened at Port Yokosuka."
As tempting as it was to hunt down Clovis, Lelouch knew that would be a lost cause. The research facility should be their primary goal, especially if the Emperor was sending Clovis back to Area 11 to retrieve whatever useful information available.
Whatever is left must be very valuable, Lelouch wondered.
"So, can I come at least?" C.C. asked.
"You aren't combat trained," Lelouch replied, "We could run into the enemy, so I would advise against it."
"Really," C.C. said, sounding very annoyed. "And what do you think I have been doing here?"
C.C. held up a small green jewel before it transformed into a combination gun built into a long sword Armed Device.
"You can use magic?" Lelouch was surprised by this revelation.
"So it would seem, but since I have a Code, I am limited to Modern Belkan Magic System, which seems to fit me fine."
"I assume Peter made that for you?"
C.C. nodded in response, "Yes, and he asked the twins to train me and that I could keep an eye on you so you would stay out of trouble."
Lelouch merely groaned internally in annoyance, but at least it meant he had another combat-capable mage on his side.
I suppose the more, the merrier, given my opposition already…
Around the same time, back in the Kyoto House's garden estate, there was a new meeting held by the six primary members. They all circled the same garden as they went on about recent events, namely the recent gains made by the Black Knights and other incidents that occurred.
"With all due respect, you need to provide an explanation for this," Tousai inquired Kirihara on the table, hinting at the incident at Yokosuka.
"The Japan Liberation Front even requested that we stopped funding the Black Knights," Osakabe also demanded. "Even if the rumors are true, they simply cannot stand the failure that happened with General Katase's disgrace."
"I wouldn't deny the troubles at Yokosuka had brought some serious questions," Kirihara tried to calm the other industrialists of their concerns. "It was far beyond even my expectations; therefore, there's nothing we can provide."
"But I heard that you provided someone the ability to produce special chemicals from the nearby plant," Suzuka broke her silence. "Obviously, a large load of Aerosol and Mercury Fulminate doesn't too much like necessary construction materials."
"Maybe so, but I did hear the Britannians suffered heavy losses from that fiasco," Kirihara noted before adding. "Even though it failed to properly draw in the late general's assassin."
"Regardless, I believe it's still worth funding the Black Knights. The recent events at Port Yokosuka aside, they have achieved far more than the JLF had in seven years," Kaguya pointed out.
"Well, aside from that," Kirihara tried to diverge the topic before the subject could get heated between Suzuka and Kaguya. "I assume the cleanup from that mess up turned out good enough."
"Yes, the cleanup was faster than expected, but," Tousai answered.
"But the moment we sent manpower, the place was already cleaned up from the start," Osakabe objected, which raised an eyebrow from the leader of the Kyoto House. "Not a single boat remained on land, and a whole bunch of the enemy Knightmares went missing."
"Speaking of Knightmares," Hidenobu spoke up. "I hear that Miyagi ran out of Glasgows the other day."
"Strange," Taizo suspected something from the oddity. "I thought a new load of Knightmare parts came in the week before."
It was no doubt that the Knightmares Kyoto offered were Glasgow units salvaged and modified to serve the needs of resistance groups around Area 11. With the first implemented Knightmare model retired from the military, it was no doubt that most remaining units would be sent to the junkyards for recycling. The vast number of them provided the best opportunity to arm up and conduct research on such machines. Places like the eastern coasts of Japan, where the Brtiannians invaded, and the ghettos were perfect spots to find such abandoned weapons.
"Unfortunately, the entire place is run dry," Hidenobu confirmed. "Even if they could salvage all the metal they had, it still won't be enough to produce a single Knightmare."
"I wouldn't be surprised," Kirihara chuckled while hiding his annoyance. "Productivity has been slow, and profits have also been dropping the past month."
"Yes, it's all thanks to the missing mining equipment reported," Tousei agreed reluctantly. "Who would do such a thing?"
"Indeed," Kaguya agreed. "This kind of thievery will not be answered lightly."
"Hmph," Suzuka broke her silence with a haughty laugh. "Now, that's interesting to hear from you."
Kaguya also raised in eyebrow against Suzuka as she continued.
"Just this past week, a few of my delivery trucks disappeared as well. In fact, all of the disappeared mining and construction vehicles stolen were part of our property. So how come you don't have any stolen goods to report?"
"Are you mistaking Lady Kaguya for a thief?" Kirihara said sharply to protect the girl. Kaguya didn't have the power or influence to do theft on a large scale, and the two together knew other possibilities besides a mole on their side.
"You may be a girl with family rank, but that doesn't mean you can do as you please with industrialist politics."
"Don't forget it's because of her decision to support the Black Knights that we made progress. With Cornelia out of the way and her younger sister in power, it's been easier for us to move things around."
"Of course," Suzuka offered in agreement. "There is no denying what the Black Knights have accomplished despite being in existence for a relatively short few months they have been in existence. I can't deny from a pragmatic perspective such a group able to accomplish so much compared to other resistance groups would be worthwhile."
Suzuka wanted to say something different, but doing so would draw undo suspicion onto her, and on the other hand, she couldn't ignore what the Black Knights have accomplished either.
Ignoring your enemy's accomplishments is the same as ignoring the threat they represent, the Mandarin's lecture echoed in Suzuka's mind. That's right, all the more reason we need to find the Black Knights and neutralize them…
From there on, Mao would be their key to find the leader of the Black Knights.
The following afternoon, Lelouch was a soft drink while watching television, browsing for any news reports that might be of interest. Clovis would be arriving around sundown and would likely make his way to the facility after nightfall, so Lelouch was using what free time he had to relax in preparation for tonight's mission.
Everything was ready, and he and Quattro would head out before sunrise to meet up with the rest of the Black Knights.
I guess officially Area 11 is being very quiet, Lelouch noted internally, which also gave suspicions. He would expect some strange news or even reports from everyday people about discovering aliens invading Port Yokosuka. Well, it was unlikely that anyone would say that freely since the internet was still controlled by the monarchy, military, and bureaucratic officials. But the lack of any information was highly unusual. How suspicious…
Glancing at the time, Lelouch left the room to track down Quattro. But after walking past the Student Council Room, Lelouch heard a loud noise coming from inside.
Opening the door to investigate, Lelouch found books and a pencil box dropped onto the ground. Lelouch only gave a quick glance at who it was in the room. Nina's eyes widened with her arms twitching near her face. She looked like she just stopped breathing the moment she walked into the room.
In the center of the room, Vita held what looked like a pink finger-like capsule or spike with a rotating ring or cap. The Knight was too busy to notice Nina's presence, but Lelouch could see what was going on. He was by no means an expert in such matters but got an idea of what the device that Vita held was for. His reasoning held water when he glanced at one of Nina's books, showing a news article of now-official Viceroy Euphemia in one of Clovis's swimsuits.
I see...so that thing is for a more private concern of hers.
Of course, that brought out a whole new problem. Nina's shock was starting to overwhelm her as Vita continued playing with the toy. It was only a matter of seconds before she found out. If he didn't do anything now, it wouldn't be his life that will be in trouble, but Nina would suffer such a mental breakdown. Hell, it would be if the Aces, especially Hayate, who cannot keep a secret by any means, were to find out about this. Milly was more than enough!
"Vita!" Lelouch called out to her. "What the hell are you doing!? Stop playing around with that thing!"
"Eh, why?" Vita turned to Lelouch, finding a terrified Nina in the process. When she added two and two together, she realized the tool was something that belonged to Britannian girl.
Just when she went back to the tool, Nina snapped and ran after her.
"NOOO!" A Nina lurched over to Vita with her right hand out first. Her eyes bulged as she was in the middle of a freak-out. She continuously tried to reach for the pink tool as Vita dodged her movements. "NO, GIVE IT BACK! GIVE IT BACK! GIVE IT BACK!"
"Give it back to her, Vita!" Lelouch ordered, wishing he had some power commanding her to do so. At this rate, the shy Nina would immediately die by throwing herself off the balcony.
"Eh, why?" Vita remained oblivious to what she was holding. "What's so important about this thing?"
"Who cares about that? It's not yours!" Lelouch didn't want to spill the beans on their entire thing. If that were the case, he would be the one to blame for whatever disaster might occur. "It's something special for Nina. Something she really needs and only she can use!"
"Oh?" Vita examined the remote again while the Britannian girl was running out of breath. "I just never seen this kind of thing before. But it doesn't look like a capsule or a switch for anything. What is it then?"
"It's a..." Nina hesitated before answering. "A-a-a remote detonator!"
"DETONATOR!?" Vita jumped at the statement.
"That switch is linked to a sakuradite cache in this school. You'll blow up the room with it! You'll kill us all!"
"WHY DO YOU HAVE SUCH A DANGEROUS SWITCH!?"
You idiot, Lelouch cursed as Nina went on. Now he was facing some other crisis that's waiting to happen.
"It's for an experimental project! The project I'm working on is using sakuradite, and it's currently unstable! SO PLEASE GIVE IT BAAAAAACK!"
There was mass hysteria in Nina's voice as Lelouch heard footsteps. Now, they were in-between a rock and a hard place, and he quickly decided to create a misunderstanding is better than Nina losing it altogether. He ran at Vita and jumped towards her, surprising the girl as he collided with her as Vita lost her grip, and the device flew in the air. Nina quickly made a leap for the pink object that fell into her eyes as she sighed in relief. Just when she stuffed it in her school blazer, the door opened as Fate and Nanoha walked in.
The two found Lelouch and Vita on the ground together as their faces were rather close.
"Uh, what happened?" Nanoha asked before noticing there were pencils and a box on the ground.
"IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!" Vita snapped her face red as she shoved Lelouch off of her.
It took Lelouch a few moments to recover, but he rose to his feet, dusting himself off.
"As she said, it's not what you think. Vita had something that belonged to Nina, which was very important to her," Lelouch quickly explained.
"Vita, why did you take something from Nina?" Fate questioned, sounding akin to a mother scolding a child.
"Well, it was kinda weird, and I wanted to know what it did?!" Vita waving her arms angrily before pointing at Nina.
"And you shouldn't be playing with it," Lelouch added.
"Anyway," Nanoha said, stepping in to change the subject. "Lelouch, we came to ask for your help with something?"
"Oh," Lelouch asked, both curious and grateful for the change in subject. "What is it?"
"We need help to put together a birthday party for Hayate, because you see her birthday was on July 7th." Fate explained seemingly ashamed of the fact Hayate's birthday was overlooked. However, it couldn't be helped because Hayate's birthday was on the same day as the Battle of Narita, and given their discovery of Suzuka apart of Logos, no one was in the mood to really celebrate.
"That was over a month ago," Lelouch pointed out. Although he knew the answer, he decided not to ask because it would make him look suspicious.
"Yeah," Fate began sadly, "A lot happened then, some of which you know."
"I see," Lelouch replied, knowing they were referring to Suzuka. However, it was a chance to redirect the conversation from further questions about why it was overlooked for so long. "So, what do you need from me?"
"We would just like to use the ballroom here, and maybe we'll each help in making food for the party. Nothing too extravagant, but more than enough to make up for how late Hayate's birthday celebration has been delayed-"
"HOLD IT!"
Nanoha, Vita, Fate, Nina, and Lelouch turned to the doorway. Much to Lelouch's concern, he saw Milly leaning against the open door, having just arrived.
"You forgot a friend's birthday after a whole month has gone by!" Milly replied while she was figuratively looming over Fate and Nanoha, scolding them both. "At this point, a simple party won't be enough to say, 'Sorry we overlooked your birthday for a month!'"
"Well, we were all busy and," Nanoha tried to offer up a defense, but unable to reveal the existence of magic and more, she virtually had no means of defending against Milly.
"No excuses!" Milly shut her down.
To be fair, they had their hands full that past month and recently, Lelouch thought, which is what he would've offered in their defense if not for the risk of suspicion and unwanted questions from Milly.
"But fear not, for the benevolent student council President of Ashford Academy has a solution!" Milly proclaimed. Although Lelouch questioned the benevolent part, he wisely kept quiet. "I heard you guys are friends with another friend of mine, Arisa Bunnings, who just gave me some special VIP passes to spend a whole day at the new waterpark her family has been building. I'm sure if I mention that Hayate has a missed birthday party, we could set up something up to make up for it!"
Nanoha's face slightly paled. If Arisa heard about them overlooking Hayate's birthday, she might get upset with her. However, Nanoha knew the plan was to invite her, so that was unavoidable.
"Would Arisa be okay with arranging a birthday party like this?" Fate asked. Although she didn't think Arisa would object to the idea, it was still rather short notice.
"Well, the park doesn't officially open for another month, so a special pre-opening event for park workers and sponsors is going to be held next week so that should be enough time to plan to hold a surprise birthday party there."
"That should be perfect for us since our schedule, especially tomorrow, is going to be very busy," Nanoha replied while Lelouch internally commented.
That goes for me as well.
A/N: Next chapter, the Black Knights aim to raid Code R's research base while the TSAB is aiming to nab Clovis, but they all call their upcoming mission a simple Snatch and Grab, so everything will go well….right?
And Fate is worried for both Lelouch and Nunnally, but at the same time fearful that the former could be Zero and is clearly trying to weigh all of her options to help them. Contemplating even marriage to provide a legal loophole to get them off the planet, but who could Lelouch marry? I also see an opportunity in the future to add some dynamics and potential drama to some of Fate's relationships, especially with Nanoha.
After all, they were noted to have fallen in love at first sight, so I couldn't ignore that, but wait and see how it all plays out since relationships aren't going to be decided until some time later.
And it will depend on how the Aces handle the discovery of Lelouch being Zero, among…whatever else is happening at the time.
Thanks for reading, and I am looking forward to your feedback.
