Chapter 21

Zero's Home

The air of the house had changed ever since Ophis had moved in, of course the barrier shielding the place gave nothing about this away. Nonetheless the entire place felt different with yet another ancient dragon moving through the halls. Nunnally especially enjoyed the fact that she now had another "sister" to spend time with.

Though for the first time in a long time Lelouch felt a twinge of nervousness courses through him. Though the reason could almost be easily understood when looking at it, the simple fact was, that Milly was throwing another party. While this alone would not usually cause the great dragon any cause for nervousness, it was the fact that Milly was insisting that Lelouch bring a date to the dance this time. Of course, Lelouch would have simply blown this off like he usually did but this time the word about the dance had reached the newly arrived occupant of his residence, via Nunnally.

Lelouch was given absolutely no choice in the matter as Ophis was insistent that they go to this dance. When questioned about it by Lelouch, she had replied, "when was the last time we went out?"

Suffice it to say that this retort cut off any attempted argument Lelouch had had in his mind to give against going to the dance. Although Nunnally had seemed to find it quite funny that there was another female that could completely curtail her brother. Ultimately this had culminated in Lelouch standing by his door in a rather plain suit. Milly had insisted that this dance would be rather informal dress instead of the usual fancy ball.

Lelouch sighed just before the sound of approaching footsteps had him turn to see the arriving figure. When his eyes met the form of Ophis approaching him all words froze in his throat and his heart leapt inside his chest. Ophis approached wearing a black dress outlined in vibrant gold and purple velvet. Her dark eyes sparkled as though the stars themselves inhabited them, while red lipstick, uncommon for her, made her lips pop. Her hair was flowed down over her shoulders while her shoes pitter pattered over the floor.

A smile parted her face and she giggled, "it's good to see that I can still catch your eye and surprise you."

Wrapping his arms around her waist he replied, "a thousand years in the void would never be enough to scratch your beauty nor my love for you."

"Ever the poet Zero," Ophis hummed as she looked back up at her mate.

"Always, till you tell me to stop," Zero grinned.

"Only should eternity have an end."

The pair then leave the house and make their way to the main Ashford Campus and the great courtyard where the party was being held. Great lights lit up the area as music poured out of great speakers, couples danced on the large dance floor while others helped themselves to a grand buffet that was set out. Yet others delighted in conversation amongst themselves and others either standing or sitting at one of the many tables that littered the yard.

The dragon couple approached the festivities and were met with the call of the hostess, "Lulu!"

Milly's golden locks bounced as she jogged up to the pair, Rivalz, and the still present Shirley, not far behind. Milly grinned like a madwoman as she came to a stop before the couple, "glad you could make it Lulu. And who is this? I didn't think you had it in you to find a date, let alone someone not from the school."

Brushing off the barb Lelouch smiled back and waited for the other two members of the Student Council to come to a stop. When they had he replied to Milly, "this is Ophira, we've known each other for quite awhile and have been seeing each other for just as long."

Not expecting the bold reply from the usually composed and cool Lelouch the members of the Student Council were shocked at Lelouch's words. Seizing the opportunity Ophis hugged Lelouch's arm close and smiled a loaded smile at the group, "its true, and I don't regret seeing my dragon one bit."

"Dragon?" came the voice of Suzaku. The Japanese teen appeared through the crowd smiling at the group, "there's a term I never thought you would be called."

Lelouch shrugged, "well I guess things do change after all."

Suzaku nodded, though somewhat stiffly, "that's true I suppose."

"I'm certainly not complaining," Ophis chimed in with a smirk.

Shirley's cheeks lit up and Rivalz's words got stuck in his mouth while Milly, somewhat better composed than the others, responded, "well. This is definitely a surprise. But I think I know how to see if you both are lying."

"Oh? How's that," Lelouch asked.

Milly smirked back, "if you two are really that close than prove it. Dance Floor. Now."

With this Milly turns and darts off toward the dance floor, Lelouch and Ophis look at one another before their lips part in a knowing smirk. They then follow the bubbly blond, Ophis then says, "she is quite protective of you. This is probably one of the most blatant tests I have ever seen in my long life."

"She doesn't truly know who I am," Lelouch replied. "So, she's trying to make sure the person she thinks she knows is safe with you and that you're not some spy or secret police operative."

"Yes, I realize that," Ophis muttered. "But to test us by seeing how coordinated our dancing is. I have to say that she is at least somewhat imaginative."

Lelouch shrugged, "it could always be worse. At least with this we don't have to use magic to get out of it, besides, I think I'll enjoying showing off this once, with you."

Ophis then grinned up at him, "of course my love. Of course. One other thing, your friend, Suzaku, something is off about him."

Keeping his smile on his face Lelouch replied, "I sense it too. I've tried to contact Albion, but something has cut him off from me, I try any harder I risk damaging Suzaku and Albion's souls. He bears some watching, what comes next may be crucial."

Ophis squeezed Lelouch's hand, "that's a worry for tomorrow, for now, lets show off."

The two disguised dragons then found themselves at the edge of the dance floor, already the floor was clear of dancers (little doubt Milly's doing). Not breaking stride, the two moved to the middle of the floor while Milly did the same from the direction of the music booth. The other student council members taking up position from where Milly had come from, Rivalz also held a camera and was obviously going to film the event for Milly.

Milly then held out a notepad with a list of songs on it and smiled, "I'll let you pick your own poison."

Lelouch's eyes looked the paper up and down before he looked at Ophis and pointed at one of the selections, "that one?"

Ophis smiled and nodded, "yes, that one."

Milly nods, and turns and walks back to the music booth, Lelouch and Ophis look at each other and smile and wait for the music to begin. The music then begins, its fast and its beat is catchy, then the two dragons begin as the lyrics start, "The moment I've been waiting for is so close, like its right next to me…"

The two dragons twirl around each other their hands interlocked and their feet moving to the beat. They moved in and out while they moved across the dance floor, each move they make synced with each other and the beat itself. The onlookers' eyes widened as they watched the Vice President of the Student Council move like they had never seen him do before. The dance they did was captivating, like what they were witnessing was unlike anything they would ever see normally in nature.

Lelouch and Ophis never let the other leave their line of site and each time their eyes met the silence was filled with unspoken words and palpable emotions. For dragons do not dance with just anyone, for the act in dragon culture is one of pure emotion and love, they become harmonized with one another and creation around them.

Lelouch then lifts Ophis into the air and spins them both around as the song continues, "Searching for the answers every day."

With each turn and twist the pair melded perfectly into the song, this did not escape Suzaku's eye. He like all the others was entranced as he watches is friend dance with the strange woman he had never seen till now. But as he watches he senses something "unnatural" about the woman, he also felt something similar from Lelouch. It felt like when he was in the proximity to Zero, 'could Zero be Lelouch?'

Suzaku shook his head, he knew Lelouch hated Britannia, but from his little interactions with Zero and what he learned from Albion, Zero was ancient. But the thought that Zero might have sought out Lelouch or vice versa was maybe a possibility. Or, a more insidious idea entered Suzaku's thoughts, Zero's power could be slowly seeping into the very lives of those around him.

He was broken out of his thoughts as the song came to an end and the two dancers came together and stopped on the dance floor. The two dragons looked into each other's eyes and smiled as applause began to echo around them. Turning to the crowds the two dancers bowed to the gathered students. Suzaku took this moment to slip away from the party, but not without the notice of Zero who gave the absence of his old friend a mental note.

G-1 Mobile Base, Area 11/Japan Several Days Later

The command deck of the G-1 was busy as the officers of Cornelia's command structure busied themselves over the large map table and various consoles. Cornelia herself sat upon her throne with Euphemia standing next to her, Suzaku stood yet further back almost within the shadows of the room. Outside the G-1 a column of knightmares and military vehicles bustled along the road, which was rather uncomfortable for those in the smaller vehicles. This was simply because the roads being used by this column was a small road not normally used by military vehicles of this scale. However, Cornelia had made it clear that they were to take every conceivable path to avoid letting their targets know they were coming.

As it stood much of the forces dedicated to this operation were already, or nearly in position. Some had been transported via the railroad system or had taken up hidden positions in the surrounding countryside. The G-1 and the last of the assigned forces would arrive shortly, the Narita mountains already in site. The officers on the bridge continually went over the details of the plan and explained it to Euphemia who, much to Cornelia's chagrin, had taken an interest in the plans.

One of the officers concluded the briefing as the G-1 came to a halt at its assigned position, "and with that the battle should end the influence of the JLF on the region and the Area."

"And give us a much-needed victory," added Cornelia. She stood from her thrown, and motioned with her arm, "begin the countdown, all units will report readiness."

"Yes, my lady," echoed through the room as the officers quickly moved to do as they were commanded.

Black Knights Base

Zero sat behind his desk and waited, he waited to see what would happen when the Britannians attacked the JLF. The great dragon held no love for the Japanese rebel group and certainly none for the Britannians. But he felt a deep feeling of dread, there was something seriously wrong with the JLF, especially with the thought that they were being given supernatural aid. Currently standing outside was a gathered group of Dragon Knights, they waited for the word to teleport to the Narita mountains if Zero ordered it.

Kallen stood nearby with Zero she too waited for what her grandfather would decide to do. Zero motioned with his hand and a screen appeared and images of the Narita mountains came up. Zero watched as his hidden "drones," familiars disguised as ravens, sent images of the coming struggle back for Zero to watch.

"What exactly do you think is gonna happen?" Kallen asked.

Zero shook his head, "I do not know, but I have a theory, but I hope it isn't true."

"What is it?"

Zero growled, "that Kokabiel has given his backing to the JLF."

Kallen's eyes widened, "if that's true then the Brits'll be slaughtered."

Zero nodded in return, "yes, but until we know for sure we won't get involved. We will let our enemies fight one another."

G-1

A buzzer sounded on the bridge and the icons began to light up as the Britannian units began to enact their orders. Cornelia leaned back in her thrown, this once she decided to allow her soldiers to do the fighting for her, she felt drained and her resent stress was affecting her enough. A fight was the last thing she needed, and she agreed with this! That alone proved that she was not the same women she had been before she had arrived in the Area.

Darlton, who had yet to be cleared to pilot knightmare frames, opened a commlink to the soldiers. "Soldiers! Move forward with every intent to gain victory! Show these people what true soldiers can do, bring victory to this army once again! All Hail Cornelia, All Hail Britannia!"

He then switched to the link directly to the Glaston Knights, "all right boys, you now your targets, make me proud."

Cornelia smiled, "I'm sure they will gain you great glory today Andreas."

"Oh, I'm sure, but the glory will be theirs and the army's not mine," replied the scared general.

"What about the civilians in the city?" interjected Euphemia.

One of the other officers replied, "I'm afraid for security and the element of surprise, we did not have them evacuated initially. We are however broadcasting an order for them to all stay in their homes and not leave under any circumstances. They are as safe as they can be at the moment your highness."

Cornelia added, "indeed Euphemia. Don't be worried about them."

Suzaku stepped forward, "as long as they stay in their homes, the JLF won't likely intentionally target them. I know these people, they value honor, men like Kusakabe have likely been removed from command after the Lake Kawaguchi incident. They wouldn't allow dishonor to cloud their actions anymore than they already have."

"But have they not targeted civilians before Kawaguchi?" asked Guilford, his tone slightly condescending to the upstart.

"Not totally," replied Suzaku. "Those they targeted openly were people with excessive wrap sheets against Elevens. I'm sure you read the reports that the JLF has mostly kept their attacks focused against military targets in the hopes of gaining foreign aid."

This seemed to placate the officers for the moment, though it did seem that Euphemia was not completely satisfied. Suzaku himself also felt something off, exactly what he could not figure out, the most he knew was that something supernatural was nearby. For that reason, he kept up a continual guard, he was not ready for his masters to fall to something he could stop.

The occupants of the G-1 stood and watched as the units of the Britannian army moved in on the mountain that held the stronghold of the JLF. But now other blips began to appear, JLF resistance, and once more the Britannian Steam Roller pushed through the areas of resistance. Images sent from the engaged units showed old JLF knightmares fighting hard against the superior Britannian models. The Glaston Knights, in particular smashed the opposition easily, even JLF infantry and tanks appeared and countercharged the Britannian units.

"We must be getting close," Darlton commented.

"Yes, it also seems that the JLF's manpower crisis is greater than we thought," commented Guilford.

"Probably waiting inside," Cornelia added. "Get us in a choke point where their fire will be better used. These small counter attacks are likely just to draw us in or find a weak spot in our lines they can exploit later for a breakout."

"Mmmm yes," Guilford said with Darlton nodded.

Dalrton then turned and ordered, "have all forces be on the look out for a major counter thrust by the enemy. They may try and smash through a single point in our lines to escape. As well order all our reserves on alert, I want them ready to strike when and where I choose."

"Have our air support take up a holding position," Cornelia ordered. "We'll plaster any breakout attempts they make long enough for the reserves to engage."

These orders were quickly carried out, it was then that the com system chimed, and the Glaston Knights spoke from the other side, "We believe that we've found the entrance to the enemy base."

An image of a mountainside house appeared, and the occupants of the bridge smiled, Darlton then spoke, "that should be it boys, move in and secure it."

Cornelia stood from her throne, "gentlemen, victory is within our grasp."

The grins were widespread across the bridge of the G-1, but they immediately fell when warning sirens and lights began to sound and flash. The icons of the Glaston Knights too flashed, Darlton startled against this and the color visibly left his face. Cornelia scowled, "what's going on."

Before the answer could be given icons on the screen began to flash as the frames attached to each one began to fall. One of the officers called out, "we're getting reports of massive explosions amongst our units."

"Confirmed," sounded another officer. "The Glaston Knights are reporting massive mines have gone off beneath their units."

"Counterattacks?"

"None," came the reply. "Only a few enemy units are currently visible."

"Have all unit's report casualties," Guilford called. "Now! And have our air cover descend and cover all units."

Darlton moved with barely restrained urgency and quickly looked to confirm his sons' safety while the other officers looked to the other units. Cornelia's scowl remained, "they use mines to disable our units all around the mountain, but don't immediately rush out to capitalize on this."

"They could have panic and detonated early," commented Guilford. "The attack may yet come, should we push in our reserves?"

Cornelia shook her head, "not yet. We still don't know where they'll come from."

She then turned to Suzaku, "is it possible that the enemy panicked and detonated their trump card early?"

Suzaku's heart leapt, he had been just as surprised at the tactics being used by the JLF as the Britannians. "Ummm, it is possible…"

Suzaku was the cut off as a deep rumbling sent vibrations running through the bridge, this rumbling then turned into a great roar that forced all present to cover their ears in pain. The shaking got worse and the people on the bridge found themselves stumbling trying to keep their balance. However, this became quickly impossible and all fell to the floor as the roar's volume lowered, but the shaking did not stop. This all took place in a matter of seconds, as the group began to stand the widows began to darken as a shadow spread across the sky.

"Report!" Cornelia called.

Black Knight's Base

Kallen and Zero watched as the mines set by the JLF forced many pilots to abandon their frames and the crews of other vehicles to step out of their protection to cover their disabled vehicles. As well they saw the Britannian air cover descend from their holding pattern to cover the stalled Britannian advance. But it was then that they witnessed what the G-1 Bridge occupants could not see.

Kallen jumped to her feet, eyes wide as she watched what happened, Zero's face stayed much the same, frozen in a deep scowl. They watched as the top of the mountain vanished in a burst of rock and light. A great explosion sent the top of the mountain into the sky creating a dark cloud that turned day into night. Meanwhile the sides of the mountain slide away, an avalanche of liquified earth and great boulders slid down burying all in its path. The city was no exception and the population center was buried under the great landslide alongside the Britannian units.

Even the aircover was not unaffected, boulders thrown into the air fell amongst the low flying aircraft. Dust thrown into the air was sucked into the engines and forced many aircraft to veer away to escape the cloud. Yet others did not make it as their engines failed and they fell from the sky as bolts of static electricity flashed through the sky.

One section was seemingly spared the fusillade and from it poured out those who had been waiting. Knightmares, tanks, other vehicles, and plain men, all boor the markings of the JLF and other dark sigils. Those that could be seen wore bandanas with a single red dot in the center and carried what appeared to be Katanas, though of a very low quality. Zero the growled, "the JLF abandoned their base, these are suicide troops. This whole thing was a trap."

G-1

The map was a mess as icons showed whole units lost while the ground itself was shaded far differently than what it had been. Static echoed over what had been live radio channels, the bridge was otherwise quiet as the occupants stood looking around shocked. What cameras were available showed the destruction that had been wrought on the mountain. Darlton fell to his knees, no color was in his face and tears streamed down his scarred face as realization of the death of his sons it him.

Blimps began to appear and showed the appearance of the occupants of the mountain, Guilford clenched his hands, "order all troops to fall back. The reserves will take up defensive positions to cover the retreat."

With orders now given the bridge crew jumped into action and began to implement the orders. The reserves moved to cover what units had survived, but even the reserves had been affected by the mountain's destructions as many had been on the very edge of the landslide. But none were quick enough to form up before the JLF counterattack. The JLF numbers were not many but unlike any other time before the JLF troops smashed through the Britannians.

Black Knight's Base

Kallen just stood their speechless as she watched the men from inside the mountain charged over the churned-up ground with unnatural speed. They slammed into the disorganized Britannians. The men who carried the swords were faster than the others and scattered charging into the densest clumps of Britannians. Despite the crudeness of their blades the katanas sliced through the body armor of the Britannians. When one of the swordsmen would fall their bodies glowed before turning into a massive explosion that swallowed all within it.

The suicide attack pushed deeper into the Britannian lines, their target was obvious, they were pushing straight to the G-1. Zero maintained his scowl, "have the knights move to alert status."

Kallen nodded and quickly left the room, Zero meanwhile continued to watch the carnage unfold.

Narita

"Forward units can't hold, the enemy is pushing through," an officer called out, his voice laced with fear. "They'll be hear in a matter of minutes."

The G-1 shook as shells landed around it and a few glanced off the armor of the Mobile Base, the JLF had apparently had a few artillery pieces. The shells themselves seemed to have a greater explosive force than their size gave off. Suzaku realized that the feeling he had been getting was indeed supernatural in nature. The JLF was using supernatural aid to attack the Britannians, this stoke the flame of Suzaku's rage even further.

Cornelia growled, "where is my air support?!"

"On the way your highness, the blast scattered them," an officer called. "We are already getting some cover, but the majority is still trying to gather."

"Then pull in more of the reserves!"

"We are your highness," Guilford said. "But it's unlikely they will arrive in time. I recommend that you and Princess Euphemia evacuate in an APC immediately."

"You want me to run," Cornelia replied, her voice was neither angry nor resentful. How could she argue with that with what was happening outside?

"At the moment your highness," Guilford said, "I do not believe there is another option."

Reluctantly Cornelia nodded, "order a general retreat, order the air force to plaster everything around the mountain, call in every plane we can get our hands on!"

"Yes, my lady," came the reply from the officers' present.

Cornelia then turned to leave, "lets go Euphemia."

As the two left Guilford then came forward, "order all units in the are of the G-1 to form a rear guard, stall until the royals are away."

Suzaku stepped forward, "permission to join the line my lord?"

Guilford looked at the Japanese, Suzaku then continued, "I can stop the attack, I don't care if I'm the only one you send. Just let me do so."

Not wanting to argue at the moment Guilford nodded, "very well, go."

Nodding Suzaku turned and ran from the bridge, he quickly made his way down the G-1 and out into the open. Running across the ground as shells still fell around him, he then saw what he was looking for, an empty knightmare. Suzaku jumped up onto the top of the frame and popped the hatch before dropping into the pilot seat. Calling upon his power white armor materialized across his body while his wings merged into the cockpit around him. Glowing blue circuit lines snaked their way across the cab and the knightmare came to life with blue glowing joints.

Suzaku gasped as he felt immense power flow through him, and his mind jumped back to the "gift" he had been given. Suzaku's anger flared and he felt his senses merge with the systems of the knightmare. The machine's land spinners squealed and the knightmare surged forward at immense speed.

Suzaku aimed the knightmare's assault rifle as the enemy came into view, the large firearm glowed as Suzaku funneled his power. Squeezing the trigger, he fired carefully blue shots flew down range and punched through the armor of JLF knightmares and tanks. The enemy vehicles were consumed in fire as Suzaku slammed into the JLF attack. Suzaku's anger continued to flair and he spun the frame, so its legs sent JLF soldiers flying in arcs of red blood. He shrugged off the return fire of the enemy, their bullets bounced off his armor while the large shells of the knightmares and tanks bounce off his magically charged plate or blew up on contact.

Suzaku screamed and the scream was heard as an earth rumbling roar, Suzaku plunged his stun baton into the armor of a JLF tank. A single flash of blue preceded the hatches of the vehicle flying off pushed by pillars of flames. Suzaku did not linger and moved on using the grenade launcher on his weapon to blast a group of JLF soldiers into pulp. He barely noticed as other Britannian units joined in the fray, however they stood far back behind Suzaku as the Japanese man rampaged through the JLF. Even this however, did not stop the units that joined Suzaku from suffering great casualites, the supernaturally back JLF slipped past Suzaku and cut great swathes through the Britannians before they were eventually cut down.

Meanwhile Guilford watched the unfolding chaos caused by Suzaku's rampage, his eyes furrowed as he watched the knightmare frame glowed at its joints. Blue runes seemed to appear across the metal and roars emanated from the machine that sent jitters up Guilford's spine. Though he struggled to maintain a calm composure as he watched the obviously unnatural Eleven smash through his fellow unnatural countrymen. Thoughts that Suzaku may be similar to Zero ran through the knights mind, he then keyed in a the commlink, "where are the new weapons?"

"Special weapons units are in place," came the reply.

"Air cover?"

"In place."

"Very well," Guilford said, "begin counter assault. Smash the enemy, no mercy, no quarter."

Aircraft flew in low and launched rockets at the advancing JLF armor, higher flying aircraft dropped bombs on enemy. The new weapons brought by Maldini were brought to bear as the reserve units carrying them arrived at the front. Green VARIS shots smashed into what armor and knightmares got through Suzaku and the few other Britannian units.

Suzaku himself payed little attention to the hail of Britannian ordinance, explosions went off around him the shrapnel bouncing off his carapace. He growled and continued to attack any JLF he found, his weapon long since empty was smashed against a JLF tank. His stun batons glowed as he used them as his main weapons and crushed and smashed his enemies. The batons' ends came to a point at the urging of Suzaku's power, the knightmares head bent and turned to more resemble his armor's helmet. This included and partially open mouth full of steel teeth, and from it came the roars that echoed through the explosions.

Soon a voice began to penetrate through Suzaku's anger haze, "Warrant Officer Kururugi!"

Guilford repeated, "Warrant Officer Kururugi! Stand down!"

Suzaku breathed heavily and looked around the sky was still filled with smoke and debris and darkness covered the battlefield. A clock set into the dashboard of the pilot seat of the frame showed that hours had passed, and it should be twilight by this time. Instead of the gentle light of time of day fires blazed like fallen stars while a fog of smoke covered the ground.

"Warrant Officer! Respond!"

"Kururugi here," replied Suzaku.

"Warrant Officer, you are to return to the G-1, you will then be returned to the Settlement under guard," Guilford said. "If you resist, you will be killed. Am I understood Warrant Officer?"

Suzaku nodded, "yes sir."

As Suzaku turned his frame and took stock of his frame, his energy filler long since empty and his own energy being the only thing keeping the frame together. Suzaku, realizing then that despite his blunting the JLF attack he had very likely struck fear into his superiors. Stopping his frame, he powered down his frame, the blue glow died away, and pieces of the frame fell from it.

Suzaku jumped from the dead knightmare to the ground and began to walk back to the G-1 unarmed and without his armor. A raven then flew over and landed in front of him, and glowed violet then disappeared in a swirl of violet fire and smoke. A hazy outline of Zero's visage stood before Suzaku, Suzaku's face twisted into a sneer, "Zero!"

"You're treading dangerous ground boy," Zero said.

"Did you give these people this power!?" Suzaku practically screamed.

Zero shook his head, "no, I fear it to be another player in this. But your actions here today speak just as loud."

"I did what I had to do," Suzaku replied. "It was my duty to stop the JLF and protect my superiors!"

"That is not what I speak of," Zero said. "It is the power you used, and the lack of control you exercised."

"I did what I had to do," Suzaku defended. "These men were no longer soldiers. They were monsters, and had to be put down, they were willing to kill anyone who got in their way. How could I sit back and watch that happen?"

"And you would be willing to become a monster to stop them," Zero flatly said.

Suzaku shook his head, "if I become a monster. It will be to people like you, I will change the system of Britannia from within, whatever it takes."

Zero's image looked back at Suzaku, "you still have time to accept my offer to join me Suzaku, the offer is still valid. You can save yourself from this slavery before it is too late."

Suzaku glared in return, "it is duty, not slavery. I am protecting my people the best way I know how, and in doing so it means I will kill you. And I will take great pleasure when that day comes."

"Your power will not be enough Suzaku," Zero warned. "You will only destroy yourself."

"Maybe," Suzaku growled. "But we are not at that day yet Zero."

Suzaku then stepped forward and passed through Zero's image which then swirled and reformed into the raven which took to the blackened sky.

Black Knight Base

Zero sat back in his chair, across from him sat Ophis and C.C. who in turn looked back at him. C.C. leaned forward, "the boy is driven. I'll give him that."

"But it seems that he may be a problem in the future," Ophis added.

Zero nodded, "yes, and I'm afraid that our enemy has moved in on him already."

"Should we eliminate him?" C.C. asked. "It is obvious that our enemy has helped him unlock powers he is not ready for."

Zero shook his head negative, "no. Not yet. I knew Suzaku, despite being incredibly naïve he has a good moral compass. Though I admit it seems that that compass may be slipping, and his naivety is beginning to become a problem. But, at the moment, as I said, he still has the chance to come to the light, I intend to give him every chance I can."

"And should be people die because of that decision," C.C. pondered.

"But are we not at war," Ophis added. "It seems obvious that killing him will be the most logical action."

Zero closed his eyes, "people will die either way. At the moment there is still a chance for him to come over to our side. I intend to keep that window open for a little while longer. But, should he pass this window by, he will be eliminated."

The two nodded in acceptance, Ophis then said, "the enemy may yet empower him more for our next encounter."

"Most likely," Zero agreed. "But we will deal with that when it comes, and hopefully Suzaku will see reason."

C.C. and Ophis shared a look, they both knew that such an outcome was unlikely, and both knew Zero knew this too. Ophis looked at husband who in turn responded, "I know my dear, I know, it is likely a forlorn hope. But mercy and forgiveness are things that we must always give when they are asked for, and there is still time for him to ask."

"He was your friend," Ophis responded. "And I agree with you, there is still time, for now."

Zero nodded, "for now." He then shook his head, "I am not infallible."

"No, you're not," Ophis smiled gently. "But you accept that, and that is enough for me."

Zero smiled in return, then sighed, "now we must look to find where the rest of the JLF disappeared too. Today proved that they are being aided by Kokabiel, no one else in Japan has warrant to aid them."

"But why the JLF?" C.C. asked.

"From one perspective is that there is no one else in Japan they could get," Zero responded. "As you saw they are willing to do just about anything for victory. Likely anyone who thinks differently has been purged from their ranks. Katase was losing members to us, and their funding was drying up along with any hope of victory. Kokabiel comes along and there is a glimmer of hope for him now, no doubt he jumped at the chance."

C.C. nodded, "seems likely. We also don't know Kokabiel's full intentions, so they obviously fit into some plan of his."

"The question is what that is," Ophis added. "He has the stolen Excalibers as well as stolen pieces of my power. Add that to a small army of fanatical mortals, and he has a ticking time bomb of devastation."

Zero turned to look at the pair then at a map while nodding, "I believe you are right my dear. It is a time bomb. So, we just have to figure out the target."

Secret Mt. Fuji Base of the Six Houses

Kyoshiro Tohdoh sat in his chair staring straight ahead his face devoid of any emotion though all knew what he was doing. Mourning the loss of the JLF it had become excessively obvious during his stay at Kyoto that the leadership of the JLF were trying to get rid of him. But instead of outright killing him they gave him menial work for him and his loyal soldiers to do. The JLF leaders did not consider him enough of a threat to them to give him any honorable discharge in any form.

The Six Houses also began to suspect that the JLF was planning treachery against them. This was proven after the news of Narita dropped, Katase had sent a message to the Houses saying that the JLF no longer needed the Houses support. That the Houses' "leadership had been weak and feeble, filled to overflowing with collaborators and traitors. All fools who looked to the past to shape the future."

In this same message Katase had announced that he and the JLF would begin a new campaign to liberate Japan. And that none of the Houses meddling morals would get in the way of Katase's duty to Japan. As proof Katase had sent with the message video evidence of the Battle of Narita, the message showed the destruction Katase was willing to inflict for victory. This included destroying the nearby city with all its inhabitants. Katase also took steps to purge his ranks of all the Houses' spies, he included footage of every person guilty or suspected of disloyalty to the JLF being killed.

The Six Houses no longer had any fighting forces beyond a few personal security units to resist the Britannian occupation. In a single day, in a single agonizing hour, Todoh felt all the honor he had crumble as the organization he had dedicated his life to abandoned it promises. The rest of the Four Swords were not much better having also believed in the JLF's mission. But now that the JLF had betrayed them and their leader, they too fell into despair, though not as deep of one as their leader.

Chiba approached Todoh, the two being the only people in the room, "sir, please, we need you."

"For what Chiba?" Todoh asked.

"We need you to lead us," Chiba replied. "The Houses are exposed and without you there is no hope for us."

Todoh shook his head, "we have no army anymore. Our comrades have turned their back on all their duties and promises. What can we do now?"

Chiba kneeled down to look into her superior's eyes, "that's why we need you. With you maybe the Six Houses can find something to do. But now we're doing nothing but spiraling downward, it won't be long before its to late."

Todoh closed his eyes and clenched his fists and nodded, "yes, we must do something."

Todoh stood up, "thank you Chiba."

Chiba stood and saluted, she could still see the despair in his eyes, he was far from the man he used to be, but now, maybe the action will help in some way. "Yes sir."

A.N. The song that is mentioned at the beginning of the chapter is actually from an English dubbed version of the song Colors by FLOW, I do recommend that you check it out it is a really well done version (for those that may not know Colors is the name of the first opening song for Code Geass R1).

Until next time.