Disclaimer: I don't own anything belonging to Code: Geass or Naruto.
Rai was a little put off by all the students that were currently attending the part in Suzaku's honor so he simply found a table to sit down at, watching the students mingling with each other.
"Oh, Rai. There you are."
Rai looked up and saw Nunnally smiling at him. "Oh, Nunnally. Is there something I can do for you?"
"You don't have to do anything, Rai." Nunnally shook her head. "I was just wondering if you've seen my brother. Suzaku came back after speaking with him but he didn't come back."
"Sorry, haven't seen him. I'm sure he's around here somewhere." Rai shook his head. "Maybe he needed some fresh air."
"I guess." Nunnally sighed. "I wonder if this is why Shirley keeps on complaining whenever Big Brother sneaks off to go gambling."
"Gambling?" Rai questioned.
"Oh, sorry. I was rambling." Nunnally realized with a helpless smile. "I've just been looking to spend more time with him since I could walk again but lately my brother seems to be distracted by something."
"I'm sure he's not avoiding you." Rai offered, unable to understand why he was feeling nostalgic as the image of a little girl flashed in his mind. "Usually when a sibling is distracted it's because they're worried about something."
"Hm?" Nunnally glanced at Rai. "You have a sibling?"
"I… I'm not sure." Rai trailed off as he looked to the side. "I can't remember much. All I remember is being found by the Britannian military and I was adopted." That was the official story anyways. "But I do get glimpses and dreams when I sleep."
"How sad." Nunnally commented with a sympathetic face. "It mustn't be easy not able to remember anything."
"It's all right. I'm sure I'll get them back." Rai said reassuringly. "And in the meantime I'll make some new memories."
"That's nice." Nunnally said, her smile returning.
Rai would have liked to stick around, hanging out with his friends at the Student Council but after the party ended he was called away for a serious meeting.
"Come, come! Hurry everyone! We want the Lancelot to be in top condition for the duel and for when Prince Schneizel comes to inspect it!" Lloyd called out, scientists, technicians, and engineers at every station to make sure everything was working perfectly. "This is our big chance for the Lancelot to finally defeat one of Zero's aces!"
"Lloyd! How can you act so rash when Suzaku is having to fight to the death?!" Cecile said admonishingly.
"Nothing we can do. Zero's called our boy out and Cornelia's not going to take no for an answer." Lloyd shrugged. "Can't do anything but prepare for the duel."
Cecile sighed. "Why is this happening? Suzaku was just knighted and now he has to fight to the death."
"He's an obstacle in Zero's way and Zero chose the simplest way to get rid of him, it's really that simple." Lloyd answered, his gaze not leaving the chart showing the Lancelot's status. "If Suzaku refuses his honor as a Knight is called into question and we can't have that or it would look bad on Princess Euphemia."
"And of course if word of the Lancelot, the advanced Knightmare funded by Prince Schneizel was defeated publicly it would show the world that the Black Knights have the pilots and resources to challenge us." A voice spoke behind Cecile and Lloyd. When both turned around they saw a young man flanked by a girl around Suzaku's age. "My apologies but I couldn't help but overhear you. Allow me to introduce myself I am…"
" I see. So it's possible Lelouch and Nunnally are still alive. " Cornelia and Euphemia both stood before the screen showing their older brother, Schneizel el Britannia. " This is an unexpected development. "
"If they are being held captive by Zero we need to capture him so we can locate them as soon as possible." Cornelia stated.
" Agreed. Though I must say this attempt to call out Euphie's knight with information on their whereabouts now when Zero could have used them as bargaining tools much earlier seems strange. " Schneizel pointed out. " It is possible something has happened recently for this knight of his to make such a claim. "
"If he was lying I will tear him apart with my bare hands. The possibility that they are alive is the only reason I consented to this duel." Cornelia scowled as she tightened her fists. "No doubt my ability to quell this Area will be called into question again when the Royal Court hears about it."
" Do not worry, Cornelia as I will not support any criticism made against you. This does present us with an opportunity to cripple Zero's rebellion if Sir Kururugi is able to defeat Zero's knight. " Schneizel said reassuringly.
"There is also something you should know, brother. We have a visitor here in Area Eleven who has come with a few proposals from the Daedalus Division." Cornelia changed the subject.
Schneizel raised an eyebrow. " Really? Who might it be? "
Suzaku stood on the bridge of the ship as it sailed to Shikine Island, his mind going over what Seizan had said yesterday and wondered if Lelouch and Nunnally were in danger. If not for the fact that they needed to be hidden from the Royal Family he would have told Euphie everything so she could protect them.
'Zero, are you willing to sacrifice anyone to reach your goals? Do you really believe it'll change anything? How far are you willing to go before you realize how pointless it is?' Suzaku thought. He looked through the window and saw Euphemia on the deck, looking at the ocean. 'Euphie.'
To be honest he wondered if he had upset Euphie by not telling her about her missing siblings even though he promised Lelouch that he would keep his and Nunnally's existence a secret. Though Euphie hadn't raised her voice against him or shown any anger he did feel as if he deserved it.
'I'm sorry, Euphie. And I'm sorry… Lelouch.'
"So you think Euphie's knight is telling the truth," Nonnette asked, lounging on a chair. "That there is a chance Lulu and Nunna are still alive?"
"I don't know… I want to believe that Lelouch and Nunnally are alive after all this time but to hear that a terrorist knows what happened to them during the war." Cornelia looked down at the desk in her quarters. "I can only imagine what they've gone through all by themselves."
"You do realize if word of this gets back to the Homeland there is a chance that the Emperor will either decide it's a trick or believe that they aren't worth saving." Nonnette pointed out.
Cornelia frowned, remembering how Lelouch and Nunnally ended up exiled in the first place. If Lelouch and Nunnally had been found they would have been returned to the Pendragon and Cornelia would have worked herself to the bone to keep them safe in repentance for failing to protect their mother. If Zero knew anything about them she'd stop at nothing to get the information from that murderer.
"I don't know what to expect if Zero does tell us what happened but I need to know." Cornelia looked up at Nonnette. "Just as Euphie needs to know. She cried for a whole week when she find out they were dead."
"I remember." Nonnette nodded, looking serious for once. "And let's not forget what you did to Guinevere when she mocked their deaths and what you threatened to do to Carine if she didn't wipe that smile of her face."
"Yeah…" Cornelia looked out the window. "This is becoming too personal for us but we can't stop. Not now."
Euphemia was standing the railing of the boat as she watched the sea. 'Lelouch, Nunnally. Are you both still alive? If so why are you hiding? Is it because you don't want the terrorists to find you?' Euphemia held a small picture that showed a younger version of herself with Cornelia smiling with their favourite half siblings in the garden of Empress Marianne's villa. 'Please. If you're here just give me a sign. Anything.'
" So this is how Zero arranged this duel. This is an unexpected move from him. It's too forward and aggressive. Beware of Zero during this duel. " A voice said from the phone. " When you have the opportunity, take Zero out. "
"Understood." Rolo said as he pressed the end button on his cell phone.
As the ship containing the Royal siblings along with the Lancelot made its way to the island the submarine owned by the Black Knights was approaching the island from the other side to avoid detection.
"Our sources indicate that Suzaku is going to duel Seizan as planned and Princesses Euphemia and Cornelia will be present as witnesses." Lelouch declared to the gathered Black Knights. "To ensure there is no attempt to attack from the Britannians Kallen, Todoh, and myself will be present as witnesses while the submarine remains hidden and monitors for Britannian activity. This far out at sea the enemy's strength will be limited. This is a golden opportunity to capture the Lancelot and its pilot: Suzaku Kururugi."
Kallen glanced at Zero, wondering if his friendship for Suzaku was clouding his judgement. Despite the fact that she believed Lelouch lied to her and her friends she begrudgingly kept his secrets because she now knew he was honest in helping them free Japan and had promised he would not lie to her or use them as pawns.
"How do we know they're not going to try and trick us?" Tamaki asked, skeptical of the Britannians honoring the rules of the duel.
"We have gained valuable information that Cornelia would do almost anything to get her hands on and if she goes against the rules this information will vanish forever." Lelouch answered. "To ensure it did not fall into the wrong hands, my knight Seizan has shared it with only myself, Shinryoku, Kallen and he's willing to share it with Todoh."
That seemed to placate most of the new members who were from the defunct JLF who still held Todoh up as the face of Japan's freedom. Lelouch had wanted to keep it hidden but with so many ex-members of the JLF joining Naruto had pointed out they needed a way to trust him and to do that he had to at the very least share some sensitive information with Todoh and it wasn't like Naruto was asking him to take his mask off.
"Deithard Ried, you'll be in charge of ensuring that this duel is broadcasted on all live channels as Cornelia will no doubt attempt to keep all knowledge of the duel hidden. If the Lancelot which is piloted by Princess Euphemia's knight is defeated on live television it'll be a blow to their morale, even if her knight is an Honorary Britannian." Zero glanced at Diethard who nodded. "The equipment has already been set up for you and the Arashikage will transmit the duel to you where it will be broadcasted on all channels. In the event the Britannians do make an attempt before, after, or during the duel there is already a plan to ensure no one is captured."
"The GEFUJIN is already in place and ready anytime." Rakshata said, leaning against the wall with a smile as she smoked her pipe.
"If that is good enough for all of you, then I call this meeting adjourned. We have much to do." Zero nodded and gestured for Todoh to follow.
Todoh followed Zero and his knights to what he guessed was Zero's private quarters.
"You two are his knights, correct?" Todoh asked, looking the cloaked man and woman flanking them.
"We are." C.C. answered. "May I ask why you wish to know?"
"Honestly, I merely wanted to talk. I am told you were with Zero before the Black Knights were formed." Todoh answered.
"Perhaps but Zero was planning this rebellion before we met. We simply forged an alliance that benefits all of us." Naruto spoke up.
"And Kozuki?" Todoh looked to the red haired girl.
"Someone we see who has much potential." C.C. said as Zero opened the door to his quarters and allowed them to enter.
Todoh looked around, seeing the simple bed, a desk with laptop, a couch and a bathroom. They were pretty Spartan but then again the Black Knights had just gained this submarine so Zero likely hadn't had enough time to bring anything personal with him.
Or he avoided bringing anything personal with him.
"Would you like a drink, Todoh? I'm not a fan of alcohol but I do keep some sake for members of the Black Knights." Zero stated as he sat down on the couch.
"No thank you. I believe this not a time for a drink. You stated you had information that Cornelia would do anything to gain." Todoh stated, getting right to the point.
"Ha-ha… yes I do. To ensure that we always have some type of advantage over Britannia we've been working diligently to learn everything we need to know to about the Royal Family. The information I have gained, pertains to the fate of the Royal siblings lost in the Second Pacific War seven years ago, the very same siblings who were welcomed as guests to the Kururugi Shrine." Lelouch answered.
Todoh's eyes widened as he recalled a black haired boy with violet eyes, standing next to his younger blinded and crippled sister as they arrived, watching for anyone who dared tried to harm her. "You know what happened to them?"
"I know that when the invasion began they escaped the Kururugi Shrine and worked to make sure that neither Britannia nor angry Japanese citizens that would seek revenge on them for what their country had done would find them, even if they had no knowledge of the invasion." Zero stated.
"And that is the information Cornelia wants. You know where they vanished to." Todoh stated.
"And to ensure they do not become victims of Britannia once again I have ordered my knights to ensure that this information is not shared with anyone. I was persuaded to tell you because you knew of their stay at the Kururugi Shrine." Lelouch nodded.
"I see." Todoh nodded. "Very well. I will not share this information with anyone. I know they would not want to be part of Britannia again."
"You have my thanks, Colonel Todoh." Zero nodded.
"Arrival time's on schedule." The captain saluted the Royal Siblings as they stepped onto the bridge followed by Suzaku, Nonnette, Darlton, Guilford and Rai.
"Have there been any sightings of the Black Knights?" Cornelia asked as she walked up to the table displaying the tactical map.
"Negative Your Highness. The base has been on high alert but they reported there have been no signs of an enemy attack." The captain answered.
"That doesn't mean that they are not out there." Darlton stated. "The Black Knights have proven themselves adept at sticking to the shadows."
"We've been running drills and have increased our patrols as per your orders, Your Highness. If the Black Knights are here they're possibly hiding somewhere in the water." The captain stated.
"Perhaps the Black Knights have access to a submarine. Zero would require something large to transport his Knightmares and it would be easily detected on radar if it was a ship." Euphemia spoke up, earning looks of surprises from everyone around her. "What?"
"The Sub-Viceroy is correct." Darlton stated. "It is possible that they have gained a submarine which they can use to sneak in and out of the Area without being detected."
"In that case-" Cornelia started but was cut off as the comm system started beeping.
"Viceroy, there's a transmission originating ten miles away from the base." The officer reported.
"Accept it." Cornelia replied, already sure she knew who was calling.
A second later the mask of Zero appeared on the screen, earning frowns from everyone except Euphemia. "Good afternoon, Viceroy Cornelia. I see that Sir Kururugi Suzaku is with you. Does this mean he has accepted my knight's challenge?"
"He has but there are a few things I wish to know Zero. Like how you claim to know the fates of our siblings when they were reported dead seven years ago." Cornelia answered neutrally.
"And yet no bodies were found." Zero pointed out. "Surely the Empire would have done everything possible to locate their bodies if they were dead or were they simply given empty caskets back at Pendragon? Information is the most valuable ally in war and I happen to know a great deal."
"So you say. Perhaps you can provide us with proof." Cornelia answered harshly, knowing Zero was trying to play around with them.
"I would only give the information to you if you defeat my knight in battle." Zero said as his image was replaced with a map. "The duel will take place here, five miles away from the base. There is a small open area there where my knight is waiting. If Suzaku Kururugi fails to appear in the next five minutes I will consider the duel called off and the information lost."
Cornelia narrowed her eyes in anger at how Zero was basically ordering her to send Suzaku out to meet his knight. "Fine but I along with a few of my knights will be present for the duel as witnesses."
"That is of no consequence." The map was replaced by Zero's image. "If that is all then I bid you-"
"Wait." Everyone stopped as a new face walked onto the bridge. "Forgive me for being late but I was making a few last minute calls. I wanted to meet the infamous Zero himself before the duel begun."
Behind Zero's mask Lelouch's eyes widened slightly. 'That's-'
"Allow me to introduce myself, Zero." The young man bowed. "I am Castor rui Britannia, fifth Prince of the Britannian Empire and eighteenth in line for the throne."
"Another prince?" Kallen gasped, listening in on the conversation with C.C., Naruto, and Todoh. "They didn't say another one was showing up here."
"Well, this is getting interesting. The duel must have caught a few eyes." C.C. surmised.
'Castor rui Britannia? Why is he here?' Lelouch thought, remembering the blue haired half sibling that was just a little younger than him.
He was not close to Castor like most of his siblings but he remembered playing against him in a game of chess and winning. Like all other siblings Castor was contending for the throne but they all kept their activities secrets for fear of failure. Lelouch knew that Schneizel and Cornelia were recognized for their military accomplishments but he had no idea why Castor would be here.
"I had no idea that Area Eleven would receive the company of another member of the Britannian Royal Family." Lelouch stated, playing along to gain information.
"I came here to pursue a special project but then I hear of this duel and I had to come see it for myself." Castor answered with a calm and serene smile on his face. "It's most interesting that you claim to know the fates of two presumed deceased members of our family. I hope it goes a long way to giving us closure as it was a great blow to lose two of our siblings."
'Something's not right here. Is he really here to find out about me and Nunnally?' Lelouch thought. 'Could it be he's here to try and replace Cornelia? Perhaps word of our victories has spread to the Royal Court.' He closed his eyes to empty his head of these thoughts. "The information will only be revealed should Suzaku Kururugi defeat my knight, Seizan in battle. Though as I see you're all determined to find out what I know I can only offer you good luck."
Cornelia frowned as the transmission was cut while Nonnette let out a whistle. "He's got some balls doesn't he?"
Ignoring the Knight of Nine Cornelia turned to Suzaku. "Warrant Officer Kururugi, consider this your test as a knight. Defeat Zero's knight at all costs."
"Yes You're Highness." Suzaku bowed his head while Euphemia could only look saddened by the fact that he had to fight so they could learn the fate of the beloved siblings.
"Sister. I wish to accompany you as a witness." Euphemia spoke up.
"No, we cannot have the Viceroy and the Sub-Viceroy present in case something out there happens." Cornelia turned around as she glared at Euphemia who glared right back.
"Suzaku is my knight putting his life on the line for us. I refuse to stand here and wait for someone to tell me how the duel ends." Euphemia said, walking up to Cornelia and staring straight into her sister's eyes. "You can either leave me behind, try to lock me up so I won't follow or you can take me along but if you try to force me to stay, Sister, I'll order Suzaku to back down and call off the duel!"
Everyone on the bridge, including Cornelia herself was shocked at Euphemia's threat but that shock soon turned into anger that Cornelia tried to keep under control. "Are you saying you'll forfeit the duel? What about Lelouch and Nunnally?"
"From what Suzaku told me of their brief time together they wouldn't want him risking his life for them. I allowed you to accept the duel even though Suzaku is my knight but if you think I'll stay behind while he fights for his life you are mistaken." Euphemia shot back.
Cornelia gritted her teeth, unable to comprehend how Euphemia could act like this in front of everyone but the more they quarrelled the better the chance that the duel would be forfeit.
"Princess, it's going to be dangerous out there." Suzaku tried to speak up, wishing Euphemia would just stay behind.
"And I will be there with everyone else, not sitting on a chair and twiddling my thumbs as I wonder if you all come back or not. You are my knight, Suzaku, not Cornelia's and I order you to allow me to witness this duel." Euphemia glanced at Suzaku with an exact copy of the stern look Cornelia had on her face when ordering her subordinates.
"Euphie…." Cornelia muttered, glaring at her sister to try and force her to change her mind but it didn't seem to work.
"It's time to go or Zero will believe we are not coming and the duel is forfeit." Euphemia turned away from her sister, not allowing Cornelia to get another word in as she headed for the door.
"Fine, but you're riding with someone who can get you as far as possible if and when things go south." Cornelia grunted she walked, not stomped, after them.
It didn't take long for the Lancelot, accompanied by the Gloucesters piloted Cornelia and her knights along with the Lancelot Club and Nonnette was back in the Gloucester modified for her. The location of the duel was a clearing with a cliff on the other end of the forest that the Britannians had emerged from.
"Can you see them?" Cornelia asked, looking around warily with Euphemia sharing the cockpit with her. "Do your sensors report anything?"
"No, Your Highness." Darlton reported. "We haven't picked up anything at all. If not for the transmission we might not have known they were here."
"They're playing hide and seek." Nonnette commented with a small smirk.
Rai glanced at the Lancelot, feeling uneasy while Rolo remained silent. Cornelia was about to say something but the sensors started beeping rapidly and at the edge of the cliff above the group appeared the Arashikage.
"Welcome, everyone. I see you all made it in time." Zero's voice spoke through the radio.
"Zero." Cornelia glared at the Knightmare, remembering the report on what happened at the prison complex.
This Knightmare demonstrated the ability to become invisible, project an energy shield that blocked and deflected projectiles, fire lightning, fire, and even some kind of freeze beam and could even lift Knightmares up with some form of tractor beam. Cornelia had no idea where Zero got that kind of technology but it made him even more dangerous than before.
"We're here, Zero. So where is your knight?" Cornelia called out. "Did he decide we weren't coming and run off with his tale between his legs?"
"Perhaps you should ask him yourself." Lelouch answered with a smirk.
As if on cue Seizan appeared out from out of the ground in the middle of the clearing, staring down the Britannian group. Suzaku narrowed his eyes as how the blue Knightmare could come out of the ground like that and remembered that the green was capable of doing the same thing. On the cliff the Guren, Shinryoku, and Todoh's Gekka along with Four Holy Swords and several Burais and Oberons stood next to the Arashikage as the Lancelot stepped forward.
"This ought to be good." C.C. remarked.
Todoh remained silent, watching as his student prepared to fight Zero's and from what he could tell Seizan was incredibly skilled in not only Knightmare piloting but he was also a cunning warrior. He could see it just by watching how the man presented himself. Kallen was watching Cornelia and her group, making sure they didn't do anything while Lelouch was watching Suzaku as the Lancelot stepped out into the clearing.
'Cornelia only brought along her personal knights along with Nonnette, Rolo, and Rai and judging from the lack of armed forces from the base she's so far kept her word and hasn't detected our reserve forces.' Lelouch thought. 'So far Naruto's plan is working, now all that's left is for him to defeat Suzaku here and now.'
'I don't want to betray Lelouch and Nunnally but if I refuse I'll be betraying Euphie and she wants to know what happened to her siblings so badly.' Suzaku thought as he stared at the blue Knightmare. 'I can't afford to lose. I can't let Zero win another battle.'
"So do we wait for someone to say ready, set, go or we do just start?" Naruto called out as he made his Knightmare unsheathed his twin kodachi.
Suzaku frowned as he quickly had the Lancelot pull out its MVS swords. "There's still a chance to resolve this peacefully."
"The option for peace ended when Britannia unjustifiably invaded this land and all the other areas. All that's left now is how to decide how far which side will go to win." Naruto stated. "Now either start the duel or forfeit!"
"Fine. Since you refuse to settle things peacefully I have no choice. I'm stopping this madness here and now." Suzaku declared as the Lancelot wheeled forward.
Suzaku knew that Seizan was a skilled pilot, almost making it look like an art from how graceful the blue Knightmare was in battle. He was a skilled melee fighter with both weapons, hand to hand combat and his Knightmare was fast. If Suzaku was to have any chance of beating him he'd have to rely on fast hitting moves and keep Seizan was utilizing any of its more powerful weapons. He needed to finish off his opponent before he could make a move.
Suzaku made the first move as he started with forward slash as soon as the Lancelot wheeled into range but Seizan stepped out of the way, making it look so easy despite the Lancelot's speed. Suzaku quickly spun the Lancelot around and aimed for another slash at Seizan's head but the blue Knightmare spun out of the and past the Lancelot, now standing behind it and backhanded the Lancelot in the back, making it stagger forward but it only suffered a dent in the armor. Suzaku wheeled the Lancelot back and had it jump over Naruto, firing the Lancelot's slash harkens on the hopes that with the Lancelot so close Seizan wouldn't have the chance to dodge.
However Seizan bent down, allowing the Harkens to fly over its head and aimed a wrist harken with an MVS kunai attached to the end at the ground where the Lancelot was landing. The kunai impacted the ground just as the Lancelot landed but Suzaku had the Lancelot somersault backwards as the kunai pulsed with Radiant Wave energy and chakra that caused the ground to explode. Seizan spun around as it retracted its kunai looking at the dusty cloud as it vanished and Naruto spotted the Lancelot moving back to the other end of the clearing where the cliff where Lelouch and the others were watching from resided.
'What's he up to?' Naruto thought as he wheeled forward after the Lancelot.
Deciding it was time to go on the attack Naruto slashed at the Lancelot with Seizan's kodachi when he had the chance but the Lancelot wheeled out of the way, moving to the side with the cliff on the Lancelot's right. Suzaku quickly threw an MVS sword at Seizan but Naruto piloted it out of the way. That was an attempt to distract his opponent as he pulled out the VARIS rifle and pointed it at the cliff.
"Is he-" Kallen started when she thought Suzaku was aiming at them but Suzaku instead aimed at the mountain wall above Naruto, blasting large pieces of earth free that rained down on Naruto.
"So that was his plan!" Naruto realized as Seizan was buried in the pile of rocks and dirt.
"Well, looks like the fight's over already." Nonnette remarked. "I thought he'd be tougher than this."
"Nevertheless it's over." Cornelia stated as she looked at the Arashikage still standing on the cliff as she flipped the radio on. "It seems victory is ours, Zero. Now then there is the matter of what you agreed to tell us."
'Cornelia.' Lelouch's eye twitched. 'You think victory is yours when you're not doing anything?'
"If you back out now I'll consider that you know nothing of our siblings and this was just a con." Cornelia said with a smirk. "And I have no tolerance for those who mock my family."
Suzaku looked at the pile of dirt. "This all could have been avoided if you just tried to help change the system from within instead of resorting to needless murder."
"Are you really that dense?" Suzaku and Cornelia's eyes widened as Seizan burst out of the ground in front of the Lancelot, performing a somersault through the air as it landed perfectly on its feet. "First rule in a duel: make sure your opponent is down before you gloat!"
'It moved underground! I didn't think it could move that fast!' Suzaku thought as he pointed the VARIS at Seizan. 'I timed it so perfectly so he couldn't get away. Did he do it while he was buried? No, I would have seen it.'
"I'm sorry, did you say something Cornelia?" Lelouch asked through the radio with a smirk. "I was too busy watching the duel to listen."
Now it Cornelia's eyebrow that twitched but added a growl with it, annoyed that she made a fool of herself in front of the enemy and let Zero get one up on her. Nonnette couldn't help but snicker at poor Nelly's situation while Euphemia looked concerned and Cornelia's two knights were scowling at how Zero was mocking their princess.
'Wow, total Kakashi-sensei moment there Lelouch. Good thing that Gai-Sensei doesn't have a counterpart here or he'd be shouting at Zero's 'hip' attitude.' Naruto snickered before focusing back on the battle.
Suzaku fired the VARIS rifle, this time aiming at the ground in front of Seizan to kick up dust and boulders at the blue Knightmare.
'Now I see what he's doing. He's causing carnage to the environment around us to give himself the advantage and pin me down.' Naruto thought as the shells fired by the VARIS rifle sent dust and gravel everywhere. 'You're learning Suzaku but I've been doing stuff like this for years.'
Suzaku fired through the dust, hoping that at least one shell would hit Seizan and if he went underground he was already prepared. When the dust cleared all there was a batch of craters created by the VARIS's rounds. Realizing that Seizan must have gone underground Suzaku wheeled onto crater littered ground, standing close enough to them that he would see the ground shift if Seizan tried to sneak up on from underground.
'Not bad, Suzaku. You've taken what you've learned from your previous fights with Naruto and utilized them by trying to stay one step ahead of him.' Lelouch thought. 'The problem is that Naruto is difficult to defeat because he's unpredictable, even I have trouble predicting what action he might take.'
Suzaku was ready this time. Standing in a field of craters he was ready the second he saw the ground shift that would reveal his opponent.
"Why are you staring at the ground?" Naruto's voice called from above.
Suzaku looked up in time to see Seizan jump off the cliff the others were on and fall towards the Lancelot, brandishing both kodachi. Suzaku aimed the VARIS rifle at Seizan but Naruto threw one of its MVS kodachi and the sword sliced through the VARIS and embedded itself in the ground. Suzaku quickly raised his empty hand and activated the Blaze Luminous emitter to the block the sword aimed at the Lancelot's head. Suzaku grunted from the force of the attack that pushed the Lancelot back slightly and Naruto followed up with a kick to the chest that knocked the white and gold colored Knightmare back.
The Lancelot somersaulted through the air and landed a few feet away, brandishing it's last MVS sword. The MVS kunai came out from under Seizan's empty hand and the black and blue Knightmare brandished it as it settled into a fighting stance.
"Nice try but it looks you're out of ammo." Naruto stated tauntingly. "Bet you run out of swords next. That is unless you want to forfeit."
"The only one who should forfeit this charade is you. What's the point of all this? You're just causing mindless destruction and killing innocent people." Suzaku retorted.
"Funny, as I recall it was Britannia that started massacres of innocent people not us. And it was done by people with piss poor excuses to order such a thing." Naruto grunted.
"It was to draw out terrorists in Shinjuku and Saitama. If they just-"
"Shut up you moron!" Naruto shouted, cutting Suzaku off. "First off, Clovis ordered that massacre in Shinjuku to cover his stupid ass and his dirty little secret and secondly Cornelia repeated that damn massacre just to draw us out not caring if the civilians knew about the terrorists or not, not to mention the civilians, including children that died because of their racist bigotry. They did those things because they believe they can without thinking of the lives they destroy in the process and you go along with it, refusing to admit any of the horrible wrong doings and you even make up excuses to try and justify them."
"And what good is fighting them and causing a war going to prove?" Suzaku questioned. "It'll just cause people to die pointlessly!"
"People are dying pointlessly, dumbass! War, starvation, disease, all brought down onto them because they're not considered human beings!" Naruto was getting annoyed with Suzaku's naivety. "And right now you're going along with it!"
"It's the only way to prove we're useful and help try to change things from within without meaningless bloodshed!" Suzaku retorted.
"Don't give me that bullshit. You're not a real Britannian or even a real pilot for the military; you're a scapegoat to take the risks for all their experiments and the one to take the fall for when things go bad. And once again I point out that you're a soldier and soldiers do one thing: kill anyone who is the enemy." Naruto shook his head. "It seems no matter what I say you're just going to block it out. I'm done trying to pound common sense into you. I'll just pound your head into the ground and see if that helps a little." With that said Seizan rushed forward.
Suzaku grunted as he swung his MVS sword that collided with Naruto's, creating a shower of spark and instinctively raised the Lancelot's other arm, activating the Blaze Luminous shield to try and blocked Naruto's kunai. Suzaku fired the Lancelot's Slash Harkens at close range but Naruto had anticipated his move as Seizen jumped up, over the Lancelot while maintaining the blade lock and landing the ground as the Lancelot spun around to attack. Seizan stepped back and the MVS sword swung past its 'face' and Naruto quickly threw his MVS kunai at the Lancelot's arm as the sword flew past its target and embedded itself into the Lancelot's wrist.
"Damn!" Suzaku swore as the Lancelot dropped its sword and quickly had it jump back as Naruto tried to stab the Lancelot with his kodachi. The Lancelot wheeled back to the cliff and spun around, picking up the MVS sword Suzaku had discarded in the left hand, the hand that was still functional.
'Suzaku.' Euphemia's hands were pressed against her chest as she watched the battle and could not but look on in awe at the battle between the two extremely skilled pilots.
'This is taking too long.' Cornelia thought, wishing she could enter the battle and take out the blue Knightmare and eliminate Zero once and for all. However when she ordered Suzaku to accept the duel it meant that any attempt to attack during the duel in which Euphie's knight is participating in would dishonor her sister.
Suzaku wheeled the Lancelot forward towards Naruto who prepared himself. Suzaku had the Lancelot jump up when he close enough to deliver a downward slash but to everyone's shock, except C.C., Naruto dropped his kodachi and kunai and caught Suzaku's MVS sword in both of Seizan's hands.
"What? He caught it?" Suzaku gaped as trying to catch an MVS sword with your Knightmare's hands is foolish as the MVS blade would cut through the hands easily. However to his shock the hands didn't seem to be affected at all.
Naruto capitalized on Suzaku's shocked state by kicking the Lancelot in the chest and wrestling the MVS sword free from the Lancelot's hand, spun Seizan around and stabbed the sword in the Lancelot's knee.
"Suzaku!" Euphemia cried out, terrified by what she saw as Seizan kicked the Lancelot in the chest, making it fall onto its back.
"Damn it! Not again! I can't lose again!" Suzaku struggled to make the Lancelot stand up but the sword had been stabbed right in the knee and right through the other end.
"It's over." Lelouch said as he flipped the radio on. "I believe victory is ours, Cornelia. Now we'll take what we came for."
"Came for? What are you talking about?" Cornelia questioned, fighting back the anger in her voice.
"We promised to tell you what happened to siblings sent here seven years ago if Suzaku won the duel but he didn't but you never asked what we wanted if our knight won the duel." Lelouch clarified.
"I see…" Cornelia gritted her teeth. "What do you want?"
"The Lancelot." Lelouch answered, shocking her and the rest of the Britannian group. "We'll be taking the Lancelot."
"Out of the question! You think I'll allow you to take an advanced Knightmare and let you use it against me?" Cornelia growled, preparing to attack.
"Even though going back on the duel will be tarnishing your sister's honor?" Lelouch retorted, causing Cornelia to stop. "This duel was issued to her knight and he accepted it, swearing to win for his princess, not you."
"Damn you…" Cornelia gripped the throttles of her Gloucester's controls.
"Do you intend to go back on the deal we made and attack us after we expected you to honor the terms?" Lelouch asked.
In the meantime Suzaku was listening and he was still struggling to get the Lancelot to stand up. 'I can't let them take the Lancelot!'
Lelouch activated the Arashikage's Hover Jets and slowly glided off the cliff towards the ground, while Kallen, C.C. and Todoh remained on the cliff to watch Cornelia and her group. Lelouch walked slowly towards the downed Lancelot while Naruto kept a close eye on Cornelia's group. A beeping sound caught Lelouch's attention and he looked at his screen as it showed something approaching them. 'A new enemy? No, it's too large and it's airborne.'
"Zero, what is it?" Todoh asked upon seeing the Arashikage stop.
"We have company." Lelouch answered. "Something's approaching. It's airborne but it's too large to be an assault craft."
"A trap?" Kallen asked, pulling her sword out.
"I doubt it." Lelouch noticed Cornelia pointing her lance at Kallen when she saw the Guren's sword out. "Cornelia's not the type to go back on her word."
"Zero, what are you up to?" Cornelia asked through the radio.
"I was surprised for a second, Cornelia. I thought you were trying to trap us when I detected that large aircraft coming." Lelouch answered, waiting to see Cornelia's reaction.
"Aircraft? What are you… Schneizel." Cornelia whispered when she realized what Zero was talking about.
'Schneizel? He's here?' Lelouch's eyes widened as an image of the blond haired second prince of Britannia flashed in his mind. 'I didn't see this coming.'
"What's going on, Zero?" Kallen asked.
"We have to move now." Lelouch raised the Arashikage's arm to lift the Lancelot with the MAS when a shot rang out.
Luckily however Naruto had sensed the hostile intent and moved in front of the Arashikage and blocked the bullet with his kunai.
"A sneak attack?" Todoh pulled his sword out.
That seemed to be the signal the hidden enemy was waiting for because Sutherlands wheeled out of the forest and surrounded Lelouch and Naruto.
"It is a trap!" Kallen gritted her teeth.
"So, it seems Princess Euphemia's honor doesn't mean much if it means capturing me." Lelouch stated, glaring at Cornelia's frame.
"I didn't authorize this!" Cornelia looked at the Sutherlands. "Identify yourselves!"
No one answered her as they leveled their guns at enemy frames but they never had the chance to fire as several shots rang out and the Sutherlands fell down.
"Zero, are you all right?" Ohgi's voice asked through the speakers as he along with several Black Knights stood on the cliff next to the Knightmares, all armed with rocket launchers and rifles.
"We're fine, Ohgi." Lelouch nodded. "All forces fall back! It seems honor does not mean much to even Britannian Royalty."
"So much for dealing with the Lancelot." Naruto said, knowing that a prolonged fight would just cause trouble for everyone.
Lelouch's instruments beeped again, picking up something moving towards them, moving very fast. "Something's coming our way."
"Another air craft?" Todoh asked.
"No it's….I think it's a Knightmare!" Lelouch's eyes widened as he spotted another Knightmare closing in on them very fast. "This is a trap!"
Just as he said those words something came barrelling out of the forest and leapt at Seizan and the Arashikage, swinging what looked like a hammer at them.
"Crap!" Naruto swore as he jumped back while Lelouch released the Lancelot and stepped back, watching the new Knightmare.
'I've never seen a model like that before.' Lelouch thought as he took in the new Knightmare and it's appearance.
To say it was unique was a bit of an understatement as it possessed not two but four legs shaped like hooves like a horse instead of human like legs. It had an upper humanoid body with two large bull shaped horns sticking out of its head and a red Factsphere as its face. It had a tail on its back, spikes on the knees of its front legs and out of the back of its elbow and the cockpit attach to the back like regular Knightmares. The entire color scheme was dark grey with green spots and in its hand was a giant hammer.
"What kind of Knightmare is that?" Kallen asked, getting ready to jump down.
"It's not like anything I've ever seen before." Todoh answered.
C.C. narrowed her eyes as she saw a red light inside the new Knightmare's cockpit that Naruto saw through her. 'A Geass User!'
"Who are you? What's going on?" Cornelia stated through the radio.
"We're here to apprehend the terrorist Zero." The pilot answered with a distorted voice. "And you will help us."
"On whose authority?" Cornelia growled.
"Why the authority of the Royal Court of course, Princess Cornelia. Their message to you was 'God Bless You.'" The pilot answered.
A red outline appeared in Cornelia's eyes as a tranquil expression appeared on her face. "Yes. All forces, move forward and kill Zero!"
"Sister?" Euphemia looked at her sister, seeing something was wrong with her.
She was not the only one as red outlines appeared Guilford and Darlton's eyes. "Yes Your Highness!"
"Hey wait a second, Nelly! What about Euphie?!" Nonnette called out as Cornelia wheeled forward.
"I said all forces attack!" Cornelia shouted.
"Zero!" Ohgi called out.
"Everyone stay back!" Lelouch commanded as he and Naruto jumped back. "I anticipated for a response like this! Activate the GEFUJIN!"
The four legged Knightmare leapt up, managing to jump much higher than one would think a mech its size was capable of but its four legs actually made it faster and allowed to jump beyond the range of the GEFUJIN trap Lelouch had set up in the event Cornelia did something in the middle of the duel. The devices were laid out in a circle that surrounded the advancing Knightmares and released a burst of green energy that engulfed the Knightmares.
"What the-" Suzaku tried to move the Lancelot but everything except the secondary systems were down. "What's happening?!"
Nonnette narrowed her eyes as she and Rai came to a stop, barely managing to avoid getting caught in the trap. "So Zero was ready in case someone tried to do something stupid."
Rai looked at the trap, seeing the devices lined up around the immobilized Knightmares. "I see the devices."
"Don't even think about it, Rai. Zero set this up as a trap in case we tried to attack him after the duel ended. We're outnumbered here." Nonnette stated, looking at the Knightmares standing on the cliff.
"Something's interfering with the Sakuradite. The Lancelot's systems are powering down." Cecile said, looking concerned as she read over the Lancelot's information.
"GEFUJIN." Lloyd stated, a rare grim look on his face.
"That then that means-" Cecile turned to Lloyd,
"That's right. I thought it was only theoretical but only one person could have pulled it off." Lloyd narrowed his eyes. "Rakshata."
"Impressive." The young woman around Suzaku's age commented as she walked forward and looked at the readings. "I'd love to take those apart."
"Hmm…" Rakshata smirked in satisfaction. "The range and power are still off but it seems to be working perfectly." Of course she also didn't take into account of the four legged Knightmare that appeared out of nowhere but once she activated her Rinnegan to get a better look her eyes slightly narrowed when she saw the red light in the Knightmare's cockpit. "So, not only is there a new Knightmare but its pilot has Geass."
The four legged Knightmare charged at Lelouch and Naruto, ready to swing its hammer and take them both out in one swing.
"You want try and take us?" Naruto asked rhetorically as his Knightmare stood in a ready position.
"I'm not willing to drag this out." Lelouch said as he raised the Arashikage's arm. "Activating MAS system!"
Another bullet rang out but Naruto blocked the bullet that was aimed at the Arashikage as the energy wave hit the four legged Knightmare and lifted it up off the ground but it was only by a few inches.
"This thing is heavy." Lelouch grunted.
"We might have to fall back. Things are going out of hand, fast." Naruto pointed out.
"You're right. Everyone, make for the beach. We're retreating." Lelouch nodded as the MAS pulled the four legged Knightmare forward and when it was close enough Lelouch activated the IDF that repelled the Knightmare and knocked it back.
A shadow fell upon them as something flew down and grabbed Shinryoku by the shoulders and lifted it up off the cliff.
"Zero, something grabbed Shinyroku!" Ohgi shouted through the radio.
Naruto and Rakshata looked through Shinryoku's 'eyes' and saw the Knightmare that grabbed C.C. It was a white Knightmare and that looked like a hack with long arms resembling wings with sharp blades lining the arm, clawed feet that were latched onto Shinryoku's shoulders, a Factsphere on its chest, an orifice like face with a white pointed head. What stood out was the red light in the winged Knightmare's cockpit.
'Geass.' Naruto, C.C., and Rakshata thought at the same time.
"Everyone fall back to rendezvous point." Lelouch stated as he activate the Phantom Coil system. "Seizan, can you go after Shinryoku?"
"Don't worry about her. That guy's in way over his head if he thinks he's got her." Naruto smirked. "So much for walking away with the Lancelot but we still won."
"Hm…" Lelouch grunted as the Arashikage disappeared.
"Don't let them get away!" The pilot in the four legged Knightmare stated. "Have the base deploy all available units."
"You really like to boss everyone around, don't you?" Nonnette asked, raising an eyebrow as a bullet hit one of the GEFUJIN disturbers and short-circuited it, disabling the trap that was disabling the Knightmares inside.
Rakshata narrowed her eyes as she and her staff were picked up by one of the Burais. "Mess with my work will you?" She made a hand sign and instantly the now disabled disturbers exploded. "There, now you can't find a way to counter it with them all in pieces."
"After them!" Cornelia shouted when her Gloucester was free of the GEFUJIN field.
"Sister, wait! There's no need to pursue them!" Euphemia tried to reason but no one was listening to her. She looked back at Cornelia and noticed the red light circling her eyes. "Sister, listen to me! This is going too far!"
However no one seemed to hear her as Cornelia wheeled after the Black Knights with her personal knights behind her, followed by Nonnette and Rai.
"Euphie!" Suzaku cried out as he tried to make the Lancelot stand back up.
"Hm, what do we have here?" C.C. muttered as she looked at the Knightmare that was carrying her off somewhere.
"We have you now, C.C. Lord V.V. would like to speak with you." A distorted voice spoke through the radio.
"I have no doubt he does." A small smirk grew on C.C.'s face. "Unfortunately for him I have no wish to see him, or Charles or Marianne for that matter."
"And what will you do? You can't escape us." The voice mocked.
C.C.'s mouth curled up. "Can I?"
She had been waiting to use these for a long time but had to keep them hidden to ensure Britannia didn't send anymore of its forces to swarm Zero and the Black Knights. The wing joints on Shinryoku's back unfolded to reveal Shinryoku's dark green energy wings.
"What the-" C.C. didn't give the pilot the chance to finish as she used the power of the Asura path to morph her arms into sharp blades that cut into the white Knightmare's legs. The pilot released Shinryoku, allowing the green Knightmare to float up in the sky, resembling an angel more so than the white Knightmare did.
"You were saying?" C.C. asked as Shinryoku pulled out its single kodachi.