Disclaimer: I don't own anything belonging to Code: Geass or Naruto.
"So you say these ruins caused your Geass to react?" C.C. was hugging her Cheese-kun as she lounged on the bed of Lelouch's private quarters on the sub.
After Lelouch, Kallen, and Naruto rendezvoused with the rest of the Black Knights out at sea Rakshata quickly had her technicians looking over the Gawain while the three were in Lelouch's quarters, speaking with C.C. about what happened on the island.
"Do you know what those ruins are?" Kallen asked.
"Of course. They were built thousands of years ago by civilizations that worshiped Geass as the power of the Gods and powered by those who had a Code." C.C. clarified.
"So you and V.V. were the not the only immortals." Lelouch commented.
"Of course. The Code has been passed down to Geass Users for centuries but even then I don't know who exactly created the ruins. I do know however that they are powered by the thoughts and emotions of humanity itself." C.C. continued.
"How is that possible?" Kallen asked, trying to understand.
"They work in the same way Geass works upon awakening in someone. I know Naruto said these doors have a connection with the source of Geass." C.C. answered.
"And you know what the source of Geass is?" Lelouch questioned. "And did it affect us?"
"It possibly affected you and Kallen but I know Naruto is immune since his is already permanently activated. What you experienced was direct contact with the source and it's possible that it 'accelerated' the development of your Geass, meaning that both your Geass will become permanently active sooner." C.C. explained.
"You mean our Geass will be permanently active and we won't be able to turn them off?" Kallen questioned, a little fearful while Lelouch only frowned.
"It would have happened eventually; those ruins just simply accelerated the time table." C.C. shrugged.
"Did our Geass cause the ruins to react like that?" Lelouch asked.
"No. They can be activated by someone with a Code or the knowledge of how they work. It's obvious that someone, most likely V.V. was behind that." C.C. shook her head.
"The one who gave the Emperor his Geass." Lelouch stated. "Was he trying to capture us or was he trying to force our Geass to go rampant?"
"It was likely a combination of both. He was no doubt responsible for those advanced Knightmares that attacked us on Shikine Island." C.C. smirked slightly. "Charles won't be happy if V.V. went behind his back like this."
"You believe he wasn't under orders from the Emperor?" Kallen asked.
"V.V.'s often gone behind Charles's back on many occasions. Of course Charles is aware of this as V.V.'s not as subtle as he thinks but he's allowed that little shrimp to get away with it most of the time because it never interfered with their plans. Of course, V.V. will try and smooth talk his way out like he usually does and will likely back off if he thinks he's going too far." C.C. continued. "Of course that won't stop him from trying something else. He's too stubborn to give up and he'll do anything to please Charles."
"The way you speak, you make it sound like you've known both of them for a long time." Kallen commented.
"Because I did know them, at least I knew them through one of my previous contractors." C.C. didn't miss Lelouch's eye twitch, most likely because she didn't tell him that. "V.V. gained the power of Geass when he and Charles were children and gained a Code a year later. I made a contract with an associate of Charles at the time and from then on they were all together… at least until my contractor was killed and I left."
"And that's why they captured, isn't it? You know what they're planning and they didn't want you telling anyone." Lelouch stepped forward.
"Like I would tell anyone. The only person who knows is standing in this room with us." C.C. glanced at Naruto who hung back.
"You told him." Lelouch glanced at Naruto. "I shouldn't be surprised."
"And you're wrong when you said they didn't want me telling anyone. They wanted to convince me to come back to help them but I was only interested in having my wish fulfilled." C.C. retorted softly. "As for Charles and V.V. they have nothing I want and only care for the contract they made."
"And what is that contract?" Lelouch asked.
"… To recreate the world they want it." C.C. said as she lied down. "They resolved to change the world into something they believed was better."
"And for that they had to conquer Japan and all the other Areas?" Kallen scowled. "Is that why he invaded Japan?"
"In his mind, all the sacrifice justifies the new world he plans to make." C.C. simply stated.
"… Fine then." Lelouch stepped back. "Then I'll make sure the world the Emperor wishes to make never comes to pass."
Naruto and C.C. glanced at each other. 'There might be some hope for him yet.'
"It won't be easy even with the powers we've gained but if the Emperor wants to destroy the world and recreate anew in his image then I declare myself an enemy of that world and everything it stands for." Lelouch declared as he held up a hand and tightened it into a fist.
"Lelouch…" Kallen trailed off, surprised by what he had said.
"Sounds like fun." Naruto smirked. "Count me in."
"And what is your next move, oh great leader?" C.C. asked rhetorically with a smirk of her own.
"Hm. For now we return to Ashford Academy before we're missed. We need to lie low and wait to see the fall out of the duel." Lelouch answered. "It's possible that Suzaku's loss will affect moral and his standing."
Kallen's eyes widened. "Oh Suzaku! You guys won't believe what he told me last night."
"Hm?" The three looked at Kallen.
"So you had their pilot captive but you couldn't force them to reveal anything about Zero?" Cornelia scowled at her sister's knight as he bowed his head. "That is unacceptable. We had Zero cornered and he slipped through our fingers."
"Sister," Euphemia stated but flinched when Cornelia scowled at her. "Viceroy, you cannot blame my knight for Zero escaping. It was a volatile situation and Suzaku rescued me when Zero used me as a hostage. And General Bartley ordered the soldiers not to shoot because he didn't want us to be harmed in the crossfire."
Cornelia didn't say anything, even though she knew Euphemia was right. As much she wanted to blame someone, i.e. Suzaku she knew that wasn't possible as both her sister and herself were witnesses to what had happened on the island. "Perhaps but we're still faced with the fact that Zero has gained a powerful new Knightmare that he stole from our brother. He's openly mocked the Royal Family with this new stunt and disgraced our brother Schneizel along with it. And let's not forget that his underling, Seizan defeated your knight in a duel just after you knighted him, this is a direct insult towards you."
Suzaku flinched but Euphemia stood her ground. "It was duel and no matter who won or lost I accepted the challenge. And even though Suzaku lost Zero still revealed to us what we wanted to know."
Cornelia's eyebrow twitched. "We'll discuss this later. Right now we need to return to Area Eleven and suppress all knowledge of the duel."
"Your Highness!" Guilford ran into the room and quickly straightened himself.
"What now Guilford?" Cornelia sighed.
"The enemy has destroyed the great bridge in Kyushu block." Guilford answered.
"What?" Cornelia's eyes went wide.
"They also cut off vehicle access in four other points. And a large number of assault craft are moving into the Genkai sea." Guilford continued.
"The Chinese Federation?" Cornelia asked. "But have they made a declaration of war?"
"No Highness, the craft are carrying the flag of Japan." Guilford answered, shocking everyone in the room.
'The flag of Japan?' Suzaku thought.
The return to Ashford Academy had been quite for the four students due to the heavy news that almost each of them had given. C.C. explained that it was possible that Lelouch and Kallen's Geass may be in danger of becoming permanently active without them knowing it, making things harder for them if they couldn't control their own powers. Then there was the information Kallen had that she had learned from Suzaku during their time on the island.
' Suzaku killed his father. '
'It can't be. Suzaku killed his father? Kallen wouldn't lie about something like that but to really murder his own flesh and blood?' Lelouch thought as he slowly walked back to the clubhouse. 'I killed Clovis and that action haunted me despite my hatred for the Royal Family. But Suzaku, he carried around with him all these years. Is that what caused him to join the Britannian military? I still don't understand, he killed his father to stop the Japanese from being massacred but he's helping them oppress the Japanese all the same.'
Lelouch sighed as he simply walked up to the door and opened, stepping inside and a small smile appeared his face as he was actually to be home.
"Nunnally? Sayoko? I'm home." Lelouch called out.
"Big Brother!" Lelouch's smile widened as his little sister ran out and crashed into him, hugging him tightly. "I was worried something happened to you on your trip!"
"I'm okay, Nunnally. I was just delayed a little bit. Nothing happen while I was gone." Nunnally looked up at her brother's face with a relieved smile. "I'm so glad you're back."
"Glad to be back." Lelouch leaned down and kissed Nunnally on the forehead. "Want me to make lunch?"
"Oh yes! I've missed your cooking!" Nunnally exclaimed as she pulled Lelouch into the kitchen with Lelouch laughing all the way.
It was days like these that made Lelouch forget about the war and just let himself smile and be happy.
"So Euphemia knows about Lelouch? Is he crazy for letting her go?" Kallen sat up on her bed.
Naruto was sitting cross legged on the ground while C.C. was lying on her back on the floor, staring up at the ceiling. "Don't worry, Kallen. Euphemia's not going to say anything. I sensed that much from her on the island. Plus he's her brother."
"How can you be so sure?" Kallen asked skeptically.
"The fact that Euphemia adored Lelouch since they were children. Besides, if Cornelia found out about you and Lelouch we would have known by now." C.C. closed her eyes. "Honestly, your paranoia is amusing but it's starting to get on my nerves."
Kallen glared at the green haired immortal. "Excuse me for being worried since you don't seem to be about your two contractors." She looked at Naruto. "How do you put up with her?"
Naruto shrugged. "She cares. She just likes to annoy everyone."
"Oh, Naruto, you say the sweetest things." C.C. rolled her eyes. "Now that we've established Cornelia is not busting down the doors what did you want to ask us?"
"I want you to train me." Kallen stated, earning stares from the two. "Even if I can't have the same powers as you two I know you're more skilled than I am and after Suzaku easily beat me on that island I need to get stronger."
Naruto and C.C. glanced at each other before looking at C.C. with mischievous looking smiles on their faces.
"Well, I suppose we can give you a few tips." C.C. commented.
"But it won't be easy." Naruto commented.
Kallen snorted. "I'm not afraid."
"Oh, you will be." C.C. stated as she stood up, her grin widening.
"You will be." Naruto chuckled evilly.
If Kallen had any idea what she was getting herself into she would have shouted at herself for making that request.
Lightning flashed across the sky as ships bearing the flag of Japan sailed through the sea despite rough currents.
"We hereby declare the resurrection of Japan as a lawful independent and Sovereign nation!" A man stated, standing in front of an army of modified Knightmares.
The man was obviously of Japanese heritage, tall, thin, neatly combed black hair and wore a clean suit as he stated his intentions.
" Chief Cabinet Military Advisor of the Kururugi Administration in the former nation of Japan. After the war he fled to the Chinese Federation but has apparently made his move now in response to the civil unrest caused by Zero. Whether the Black Knights have played a role in these turn of events is still under investigation. "
"We're not part of it!" Tamaki exclaimed as the Black Knights listened in on the news report.
"What does Kyoto say about it?" Ohig looked to Diethard.
"They didn't know this was coming. They were just notified about it as claims of the Sakuradite mines." Diethard answered.
"Zero." Kallen looked to Lelouch. "It's our move, what are we going to do?"
No one but Lelouch, Naruto, and C.C. noticed that Kallen's eyes had been twitching and she had been struggling not to groan from how sore her muscles had been for the whole day. Naruto and C.C. had honored their promise to train Kallen and they had been ruthless . The training regiment had consisted of spars, dodging objects that really hurt when she had been hit because of how hard they were thrown, and forcing her to run in weight seals drawn onto her exercising clothes and Black Knights' uniform. Kallen would glare at C.C. and Naruto whenever she thought no one was looking, promising revenge on the both of them.
"Hm…" Lelouch remained silent before turning to C.C. "Shinryoku, Seizan, your thoughts?"
"It's painfully obvious that this crusade is a ploy by the Chinese Federation and they're using this Atsushi Sawasaki as a puppet to avoid a full declaration of war from Britannia. Even if he topples the government here he'd just be a puppet ruler while the Chinese Federation gains access to the Sakuradite." C.C. spoke up, sounding amused. "The question of involving us in the matter is a different matter. I doubt Sawasaki will allow us to operate as an independent organization."
"Our best bet is to hang back and let them and Britannia duke it out before we do anything." Naruto added.
"Agreed." Lelouch nodded. "There are too many variables for now."
C.C. took the small slice of pizza out of the microwave and saw down on her bed next to her precious Cheese-Kun. As she devoured the cheesy food of the gods (if she said that out loud she and Naruto would get into another argument about pizza and ramen) she looked down at Naruto who was drawing seals on an empty scroll. "Again? You've been working on these seals for the last week. What are these seals supposed to do anyways?"
"Well if it works when I use them on someone with a Geass it'll seal that Geass." Naruto answered with a prideful smile.
C.C.'s eyes widened in interest. "Seal a Geass? That's what you've been working on?"
"I actually thought it up ever since you told me about the chance of a runaway Geass. Basically the seal is placed somewhere on the head, most likely the forehead. It emits a subtle chakra pulse through the brain that cancels out the Geass." Naruto explained as simply as he could.
"A subtle chakra pulse? Enough that it won't cause brain damage?" C.C. questioned.
"Duh. I know how dangerous that could be. The seal will have enough chakra to last for years but it'll emit a pulse low enough to travel through the brain without causing any damage." Naruto scoffed. He knew what he was doing.
"And since Geass is focused on the brain due to its mental powers I suppose that's why you place it on the forehead?" C.C. surmised with amusement in her voice.
"Where else would you put it?" Naruto shrugged.
"So you've not only made a seal to block Geass but one to cancel out a runaway Geass. I think you're a little paranoid of Geass, aren't you?" C.C. smirked.
"Well, considering it was Geass that made you immortal can you blame me?" Naruto retorted with a smirk as C.C. made a small scowl. "While an individual Geass is useless against us that doesn't mean there's nothing that can hurt us. I'm a Shinobi and a Shinobi's life is built from being paranoid of threats. Let's not forget that even if immortality is the only physical ability Geass has shown that doesn't mean it is the only one. Your Code made you immortal and allowed you to grant Geass before it gave us both the Rinnegan remember?"
"Then I suppose you're looking for a way to shut off our Rinnegan too?" C.C. surmised.
"I doubt this seal would be able to do that. I guess we need to learn how to properly control our Rinnegan before we can shut them off again. It's odd because even though we didn't gain it like anyone else did our bodies adapted to them and we could turn them off before they finally remained on. The only reason why I think we can't turn them off because they might still be evolving." Naruto surmised.
"Much like how Geass evolves with each use. Only our Rinnegan might still be growing stronger and we'll only be able to turn it off once it's fully evolved." C.C. caught on. "Any idea to support that conclusion?"
"Well Kurama and the other biju believe that when we gained the Rinnegan our chakra changed our bodies to adapt to our new powers. We've managed to control our chakra thanks to our chakra control exercises but we still have massive amounts of chakra that we haven't gained complete control and not to mention these eyes would be two powerful if they were somehow transplanted into someone else who didn't have enough stamina or vitality to handle them." Naruto surmised thoughtfully.
"So in other words until we've gained complete control of our chakra we won't be able to willfully deactivate our Rinnegan." C.C. finished her pizza. "Nice to see you've actually been thinking this through."
"I have more experience at this than you so I got an idea." Naruto retorted.
"So then do you plan to show this seal to Lelouch and Kallen?" C.C. changed the subject.
"Well if that V.V. brat did tamper with their Geass he's probably planning something. If we don't want something horrible happening we might have to seal their Geass." Naruto explained.
C.C. shrugged. "So as long as it doesn't blow in our faces I don't care."
"Yeah, I saw that coming." Naruto shook his head. "Don't you have any interest in seeing what you can do?"
"Just because you're not seeing me training doesn't mean I'm not. I just prefer to keep you guessing." C.C. smirked.
"What could you be doing? Using the Creation of All Things to make the world's giant pizza?" Naruto wondered.
C.C.'s eyes went so wide Naruto thought they were going to pop out of their sockets. "Why didn't I ever think of that?"
"Oh crap. Idiot!" Naruto realized his folly and shouted at himself.
' About time you admitted it. ' Kurama snickered.
"I could have been training to make my own gigantic and delicious pizza this whole time." C.C. said like she was in a trance. "Pizza anywhere, anytime, and any size. No more waiting for a delivery, no more having to call a restaurant and having to pay… Any… Time… I… Want."
"Oh Kami, what have I done?" Naruto whispered in a horrified voice.
" Sawaski's group is working in junction with the terrorist organization in Kyushu. After cutting off vehicle access Honshu and Shukoku and with support from some Chinese Federation forces they're expanding their occupation -"
"So," Lloyd tuned out the news when he Cecile behind him. "How is Suzaku doing?"
"He says that he'll do whatever the mission demands and Rai was no different." Cecile answered sadly.
"I see…" Lloyd commented thoughtfully.
"What about Prince Schneizel, where is he?" Cecile asked.
"In the Tokyo Settlement." Lloyd turned back to the view screen. "After that duel on Shikine Island and failure to capture Zero and prevent him from stealing the Gawain they are all out for blood. And Avalon doesn't have its commander right now but we have to finish this up if we want to counter the terrorists."
In the Avalon's hangar the Lancelot and the Club were being modified with the same flight mechanism that allowed the Gawain to fly.
Suzaku looked down at his watch as he waited for his orders.
"Are you okay?" Rai asked, seeing the look on Suzaku's face.
"Hm? Oh I'm fine." Suzaku quickly answered, trying to cover up any feelings he might be showing.
"You've been sullen ever since you got back from the island. Is something wrong?" Rai asked.
"It's nothing." Suzaku said with a sad smile.
It was anything but nothing.
Euphemia looked down at the badge she had given to Suzaku that showed his status as her knight.
"I've dishonored you. I'm not worthy to be your knight." Suzaku stated.
"If this is about failing to stop Zero from escaping my brother Schneizel said it was an unusual situation and you shouldn't be blamed for it." Euphemia stated.
"I can't forgive myself." Suzaku looked down at the ground. "Please."
"Has knighthood become a burden for you? Something that troubles you?" Euphemia questioned.
"No, I'm grateful for it."
"Then why?" Euphemia askd.
Suzaku's lips tightened as he looked down at the sword shaped badge. "I remembered something…"
"Huh?" Euphemia looked at Suzaku, trying to see what was bothering him.
"I… I killed my own father." Suzaku's answers made Euphemia's eyes widen and her body slightly trembled. "I was never punished for it. I just lived on like nothing happened. And right now I'm being protected again while soldiers die and Elevens suffer. I'm unscathed." Suzaku put the back in Euphemia's hands. "A person like me doesn't deserve this."
Euphemia held that same badge in both of her hands as she remembered that conversation. "If you don't deserve then I don't either."
"Princess Cornelia, we're taking too many losses. This tempest is preventing us from using our air power." Guilford stated, watching the battle alongside his princess and was racked with guilt and shame for how the battle was going. "We'll have to delay the landing operation until the weather changes."
Cornelia didn't say anything but she gritted her teeth in frustration.
"It's a stroke of good fortune that this storm hit." General Zhou, a high ranking representative of the Chinese Federation stated as he and Sawaski observed the battle. "We must use it to tighten our grip on Kyushu."
"You see, General Zhou? Heaven is on our side, we are going to prevail in this battle with ease." Sawaski stated with a confident smile.
"Marshal law is not necessary. Such measures would only upset and frighten people. Contact EU foreign minister Gandalfy. Oh and put a call to the Totemoi Agency in Cambodia." Prince Schneizel stated, taking charge of the government in the Tokyo Settlement.
"Prince Schneizel, using the Totemoi Agency could-" Before Darlton could get any further the doors opened up, allowing Euphemia to enter the room.
"Prime Minister." Euphemia stated.
"Yes, Euphie?" Schneizel smiled as the generals parted, allowing Euphemia to walk past them. "Is something wrong?"
"Is there anything I can do to help? I'm the Sub-Viceroy of Area Eleven, I should be assisting you." Euphemia said.
"Thank you, just your offer to help me more than enough." Schneizel smiled at his sister's willingness to help.
"But I…" Euphemia trailed off.
"The Viceroy gave strict orders that you not be entangled in this matter, Princess." Darlton stated.
"She did?" Euphemia asked with a saddened face. "Just because I chose my knight without her consent?"
"Oh… Uh… No that's not correct." Darlton answered but he didn't sound very convinced. "I think even the Kururugi matter-"
"Please." Schneizel spoke up. "You must understand Euphie, Cornelia can't take any chances right now. The situation is too treacherous."
Euphemia was trying not to show how upset she was with the current events. Suzaku turning down his knighthood and now she was being placed on the sidelines, again . "You mean…"
"Darlton, concerning the matter we were discussing I know someone who has a way in with them. I ask for help." Schneizel continued.
"Yes, your Highness." Darlton stated.
"After all our hard work getting ready it looks like they are going to cancel the school festival." Shirley sadly said as she, Rivalz, and Milly looked over the paperwork in the School Club Meeting room.
"That's hardly a huge consideration since we're at war." Rivalz said, typing away on the computer.
"Did you say work?" Nina looked at Rivalz.
"They're using this government in exile as a smokescreen." Milly looked over her shoulder as Rivalz explained. "But this is a war with the Chinese Federation."
"Oh I see." Nina said.
Putting the paper down and adopting a smile Milly changed the subject. "Nina, what about the booth we were planning to burrow from the art museum?"
Nina looked at Milly. "Uh, I'm going there today. If I have some extra time I'd also like to drop into the science department."
"Are you talking about that present of yours?" Milly asked with resigned look on her face.
"Uh? What present is that?" Rivalz looked up from his computer.
"Professor Asplund said that I should ask if there is something special that I wanted." Nina answered with a small smile.
"You mean Lloyd?! That floundering playboy!" Rivalz exclaimed.
"That's enough!" Milly said sternly. "Could you get a little work down?"
"Easy for you to say, this is work for three people. Suzaku's in the army, Kallen's in the hospital, Naruto and Tsunade are out on a trip with Tsunade's mom, and that other fool's nowhere to be found!" Rivalz complained, annoyed to be left with all the work. "There's something really weird about Lelouch lately."
Contrary to what Naruto had believed C.C. had indeed been training to gain proper control of her Rinnegan ever since they had started training together in India. Though eventually C.C. branched off to experiment with her powers and see what she could do since she knew that Naruto did not have a full grasp on the Rinnegan's true powers. So far she had learned she could do any elemental jutsu and thanks to the Biju inside Naruto she had an extensive knowledge of element and sub-element jutsu, she was able to use Rasengan thanks to Naruto teaching her and she expanded on that by fusing it with various chakra natures, and she had mastered the Six Paths Techniques. Now she was working on a small discovery she had made a few months ago.
'Okay, concentrate.' C.C. looked at the log she had found and placed a few feet away.
She found a private spot in the forest around Ashford Academy to train and made sure no one would accidently come upon while she was training. The log suddenly began to stretch and distort itself before vanishing right before C.C.'s ringed eyes.
"Hm… So it is possible. Interesting…" C.C. smirked victoriously. "So the Rinnegan is even capable of Time-Space Manipulation. Now before I take it any further…" She placed her hand down on a patch of dirt that she made when she dug a hole and placed a small plant seed in. She channeled her chakra into the ground and a moment later a small plant slowly sprouted from the ground. "It can even grow plants… Like that Mokuton power that Naruto told me about."
C.C. had been going over what Naruto had told her of the most powerful shinobi he had fought in his world and she had wondered if the Rinnegan would allow her to copy these powers. The first she wanted to try was the Time-Space technique called Kamui used by Obito Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake and the second was the Mokuton of the First Hokage. She had surmised it was possible that with her Code's link to C's World fused with the Rinnegan it was possible she could develop a variation of this technique and the Mokuton came second because even though it was unique to only the First Hokage the Rinnegan must be able to allow her to use it since it granted it's wielder control of all nature manipulations.
"Too bad that's about all I can do. I heard the First Hokage could create an entire forest and village with his power. But I suppose it's a start. Now to see if I can use this Kamui on… myself." C.C. concentrated her chakra around herself, channeling it through her eyes.
If anyone was watching they would have seen C.C. vanish into thin air.
When C.C. opened her eyes she found herself looking at a bright blue sky, completely clear and she was standing on one of many platforms right next to the log she had used Kamui on.
"So it works. I really can send things to an alternate dimension. My own personal little dimension… I think instead of Kamui I'll call it… Takamagahara (Plain of High Heaven) . " C.C. smiled at the implications. "This is beyond anything I could have imagined. Is this the kind of power the Sage of the Six Paths wielded in his time? Is the Code really the final evolution of Geass or is there more to it than that?" Ever since Naruto came into her life her world had been completely turned upside down and that's saying a lot for a woman who's lived for centuries. The only difference was that Naruto gave her the strength to become something better than she was and allowed her to alter her long meaningless life into something that gave her hope. "It's kind of bland." C.C. commented, imagining the place looking a little nicer. Suddenly the white blocks shifted, changed color until a nice looking house on a platform floated in front of a shocked C.C.
'I wonder what else I can do.' C.C. wondered and suddenly the Geass crest in her eyes flashed. C.C. gasped in shock as a small orb appeared in front of her and in it appeared Ashford Academy. "What the-"
The orb showed Milly, Rivalz, Nina, and Shirley in the Student Council room, talking even though C.C. couldn't hear them.
"I can see anything going on outside this dimension?" C.C asked with widened eyes. "Or maybe I can only see things what I'm thinking about."
The orb's image changed to show a Pizza Hut restaurant.
"Now things are really getting interesting." C.C. smirked. "So I can see events happening outside of my own dimension. This is good to know. I wonder what training Naruto was doing."
The orb's image changed due to C.C. thinking of Naruto and when she saw him she knew it wasn't training.
"You… little… bastard." C.C.'s eye twitched.
"ACHOO!" Naruto sneezed as he sat up from the towel he was on. "That was random."
'Someone thinking about you?' Gyuki asked.
"Probably." Naruto lied back down on the towel.
The place Naruto happened to be at was a beach on Kamine Island and right now he was working on his tan in only his swimming trunks.
"I wonder if my dad ever thought of using Hiraishin like this." Naruto muttered.
' Your mother would have kicked his ass for not bringing her along. ' Kurama snickered. ' Kind of like you. '
'What about me?' Naruto wondered but a voice answered his question a second later.
"Hello Naruto."
Naruto's eyes shot open to see C.C. standing above him, looking calm but her Rinnegan was glaring down at him. "Oh… Cera… Hi."
"Nice little spot you've found." C.C. commented, taking in the warm beach with the clear blue sky without anyone around to bother them. "You had all this and you were planning to invite me along… right?"
Naruto sweated as he swore he saw the Shinigami hovering behind C.C. "Of-Of course, Cera-chan! I wouldn't leave you behind."
"Good." Cera said as she started taking off her school uniform. "You can start by giving me a massage and it better be good ."
"You got it!" Naruto quickly said to save his ass as C.C. lied face down on Naruto's towel after taking her shirt off.
' Whipped. ' Kurama chuckled along with the other Biju.
'Shut up.' Naruto grumbled as he put his hands on C.C.'s shoulders, massaging her muscles and hearing the pleased sound from her meaning he might get away with his skin intact.
"Z01-Float Attachment Connect. Z02- Float Attachment Connect." A voice announced as the Float Unit was connected to the Lancelot's back with Club being next. "Control and establish. Avionics-"
Cecile looked over the Lancelot and Club's systems. "It's really amazing. You two got a perfect reading on the float simulators."
" Thank you. " Suzaku answered.
"Tell me, why did you give up being a knight, Suzaku?" Cecile asked.
In the Lancelot's cockpit Suzaku looked down at his console. "Well because… Princess Euphemia still approves of me, even though I lost the duel with Seizan. So if I caused her any trouble, if I brought her dishonor or shame I had a feeling she would end up… hating herself."
'A figure head… That's all I was from the start.' Euphemia stared at the picture of her dead half brother Clovis in the museum. 'I knew that but I thought if I gave my best efforts maybe I could make some difference. Forgive me, Clovis. I met Zero face to face but I didn't avenge your death. I have to think of some way to save Lelouch and Nunnally, but how? I don't have the kind of power that my sister has. I'm not like her or Schneizel. No matter where I go I'm just a burden and I act selfishly though I don't mean to. I chose my knight against my sister's advice.' Tears started to fall from Euphemia's eyes. "And now he's resigned."
"Lost in thought Euphie?" Euphemia gasped as she turned around and saw her younger brother, Castor walking up to her. "Castor, you are still here?"
"With this new government in exile business Schneizel has asked me to remain in Area Eleven until the matter is cleared up." Castor explained as he looked at the picture of Clovis. "It seems to catch our big brother perfectly, don't you think?"
"Yes, I guess." Euphemia looked back at the painting.
"If it makes you feel any better neither Schneizel or Cornelia asked for my input, they just asked me to stand aside to let them solve the matter. So like them isn't it?" Castor asked with a sigh but smiled. "All well, at the very least I can take a break. This is starting to get a little tiring."
"Tiring?" Euphemia asked.
"First there is the matter of Zero, then the duel with possible information about our lost siblings Lelouch and Nunnally, and now this." Castor explained. "I don't know about you but I could use a vacation. Wouldn't you?"
"Oh…." Euphemia trailed off.
"Oh yeah, they told me about you." A guard said at the entrance. "You need to get the document signed today, right? But a member of the Royal Family is viewing the art right now."
"Huh? Which member is it?" Nina Einstein asked.
Lelouch stared at the Black Knights gathered before him in the conference room. Naruto and C.C. had stepped out for the moment but it was fine. He had the tri-pronged kunai Naruto gave him so if there was an emergency he could summon them both when he had the chance.
"Uh, so you're saying…" Tamaki trailed off.
"We aren't going to collaborate with Sawasaki. He's not independent, he's a puppet of the Chinese Federation." Lelouch stated.
"But he says he's fighting for Japan."
"We'd get a new name and a new master but nothing would change." Lelouch levelled his head. "His Japan is a sham."
"Yeah, so what you're really saying is…" Asahina started.
"That when Britannia strikes back we play dead?" Urabe finished.
"Zero." Diethard looked over at the masked leader. "Perhaps you better clarify what our overall mission is."
"Yeah, he's right. Leaving aside the Sawsaki matter what's our long term goal in this?" Ohgi asked as he and Todoh looked at Lelouch.
"To make Tokyo an independent nation." Lelouch answered, drawing gasps from everyone in the room.
"Independent?!" Kallen's eyes went wide as she stared at Lelouch.
"A nation?!" Asahina exclaimed.
"Are you serious?!"
"You mean us?!"
"An independent country?!"
Diethard's eyes seemed to water as an awe-struck smile appeared on his face. "I thought so… He's really going all the way!"
"Wait a minute!" Ohgi stepped forward. "No matter how much the Black Knights have expanded-"
"Our enemy is an empire that controls one third of the world." Chiba finished.
"We can't pull that off alone!" Tamaki stepped forward.
"Then answer this, are you going to sit back and wait for someone else to defeat Britannia?" Lelouch boldly asked. "Who? You think if you wait long enough someday the right chance will finally come? Don't be naïve! If we don't stand up and do it ourselves that someday will never come!"
The moon shined bright in the night sky as storm clouds scattered.
"Good, it's cleared up." Cornelia stated.
"We can resume the landing operation and we'll try to put Prince Schneizal's plan into action." Guilford said.
"You really think the Special Corp can break through their line?" Cornelia asked, her feelings on Suzaku Kururugi remaining skeptical as always.
"It's Kururugi, it's possible." Guilford replied.
"Hmph." Cornelia huffed. "Using him can also mean trouble."
"But there's no commander on the Avalon now. Earl Asplund isn't capable." Guilford pointed out.
" Incoming missiles. Appears to be coming from Fukuka base! One minute, five seconds to impact! "
"Not bad, they're well prepared against air raids as well." Lloyd commented, despite the fact that he was on the ship that was targeted.
The Lancelot and the Club were moved into launching position.
"Are they sending up a barrage?" Suzaku asked.
" We'll be fine in this position. " Cecile answered.
The missiles came through the clouds and engulfed the Avalon in a series of explosions.
"Direct hit confirmed. The Avalon is destroyed!"
"Hmph! Even if it is state of the art a single ship can't possibly hurt us." Sawasaki said with a smirk that faded a second later. "Hm? What the?"
The radar screen showed the Avalon was still approaching.
Up in the sky the Avalon emerged from the smoke without a single scratch.
"Lancelot's shields have already proved on the battlefield." Lloyd remarked with a satisfied grin.
"Major Kururugi, Rai, I'm laying out the mission plan for final verification. This ship will breach the enemy line from high altitude and move directly to the launch point. The advance weapon systems Z01-Lancelot and the Z02-Lancelot Club, using the Float Unit will attack the enemy headquarters at Fukuka base. The Float Unit consumes energy fast so pay attention to your operation time." Cecile stated.
In the hangar the Lancelot and the Club both stood ready to launch.
"Yes." Suzaku gripped the throttles in his cockpit. "My Lord. M.E. boost."
"Lancelot and Club unit, now launching!" Cecile stated.
The two Knightmares wheeled down the launching system and shot off the ramp of the Avalon. The Flight Units on their back folded out, resembling the Gawain's flight system while rocket boosters propelled them towards the enemy base.
"So it works!" Rai exclaimed in awe.
Suzaku stayed silent, focusing on the mission.
"The enemy ship seems to have launched two bombers but they are moving faster than a fighter plane!"
"I have a picture."
An image of the Lancelot and the Club appeared on the screen, earning gasps from the command center.
"Two Knightmares, they're not being transported they're just flying on their own." Sawasaki realized. "That weapon's report we got, could this be it?"
"You mean that novelty weapon?" General Zhou asked. "Then that means the pilot of the white and gold Knightmare is-"
"The military force that's trying to occupy the Kyushu block is fighting under Minister Atsushi Sawasaki. If they lose him then the Japanese Government will collapse very quickly, in that case the Chinese Federation will lose their excuse for being here and have to withdraw." Lloyd stated as he watched the battle.
The Lancelot and Club avoided the missiles being fired and took out the air craft with their Slash Harkens in a cunning display of speed and resourcefulness.
"There it is…" Suzaku spotted the enemy base as he blocked an attack from another aircraft with his Blaze Luminous. "The enemy headquarters."
A beeping sound caught his attention.
"An open channel?" Suzaku muttered as the screen showed Sawaski.
" This is Minister Sawasaki, is that Prime Minister Kururugi's son in the pilot seat of the white and gold Knightmare? " Sawasaki asked but got no answer. " I see. I didn't know he had a son like you. "
"Wow, so you can mimic Obito's Kamui too?" Naruto asked, looking around C.C.'s personal dimension in awe.
"Yes but I call it Takamagahara . " C.C. answered with a satisfied smile.
"Seems more appropriate. And you can even see things happening outside of this dimension. How is that possible?" Naruto asked.
"It's possibly my link to C's World. I know that C's World can be used to monitor and sense those with Geass and Codes but when our powers merged I believe that ability was upgraded. Instead now, I can combine the power of that Kamui ability with my Code's link to C's World and thus I gain a personal dimension and the same power of viewing events through C's World." C.C. explained as she created a small orb showing Ashford Academy. "Only I can see more than just people connected to Geass. It's almost like Earth and C's World were combined through our link."
"Earth and Heaven, that's one hell of a metaphor." Naruto chuckled. "So can we use to watch something else?"
"Like the battle going in Kyushu?" C.C. asked as another orb appeared.
"We've been gone a little too long, Cera. We need to catch up on current events." Naruto explained.
"Fine, I've had fun for today anyways." C.C. shrugged.
"This has nothing to do with my father. I came here to stop this fighting. I will accept your surrender." Suzaku said as he landed the Lancelot with Rai landing the Club behind him.
" You want to rob Japan of its dream of freedom? " Sawasaki asked.
"Freedom has to come the right way not like this." Suzaku replied.
" You act out of selfishness? It's justice without ideology." Sawasaki retorted.
"No, you're wrong! That's not what I-" Suzaku was cut off as something exploded very close to the Lancelot.
"Suzaku!" Rai shouted as he activated his Blaze Luminous.
The VARIS rifle fell out of the Lancelot's hand and was destroyed a second later as Knightmares moved out and attacked.
"My VARIS…" Suzaku grunted as he looked at the Knightmares. "These are Chinese Federation Gun-Ruse!"
Sawasaki chuckled. "He allowed me to distract him, he still has much to learn."
Suzaku grunted the Blaze Luminous on the Lancelot's left arm exploded along with his Float Unit as he and Rai took cover but that was not the worst of his problems. "My energy filler!"
"Are you kidding?!" Lloyd exclaimed, turning to Cecile. "They blasted off the float!"
"The Avalon has to strike at the base!" Cecile said urgently.
"No, the shield doesn't completely surround us! One direct hit and we'll go down in flames!" Lloyd was freaking out now.
"Suzaku, reroute all power to combat and comm systems!" Cecile looked down at her console. "You too, Rai!"
"Got it!" Suzaku and Rai quickly tried to carry out Cecile's orders and the factspheres on the Lancelot and Club chut down.
" You had better surrender, Suzaku. Since you're Prime Minister Kururugi's son I guarantee you will be very well treated my boy ." Sawasaki stated.
"I decline. If I used my father's name for this I'd never forgive myself. This is between you and me." Suzaku retorted as he and Rai were surrounded.
" I see… You are very much your father's son, as foolish and stubborn as he was. "
" Suzaku Kururugi! " A voice made Suzaku's eyes widen as he looked up and saw…
"Princess Euphemia!" Suzaku gasped.
" Suzaku, the truth is you and I… Well… " Euphemia trailed off.
"Sorry." Suzaku wheeled the Lancelot out and attacked the enemy. "But right now…"
" You see… I hereby command you to love me! " Euphemia shouted.
"Right… Huh?!" Suzaku stopped upon realizing what Euphemia had said.
"Huh?" Cecile heard what was said.
"What? What is it?!" Lloyd asked anxiously.
"Uh… Sorry but this is private." Cecile said as she took off her headpiece.
" And in return I will love you forever! " Euphemia continued.
"Princess Euphemia…" Suzaku whispered.
" Suzaku, I love your stubbornness and your kindness and your strength. " Euphemia continued as Suzaku pierced a Gun-Ruse.
'Should I turn off my comm. system?' Rai wondered.
" Your sad eyes, your clumsiness, and the way you have trouble with cats. I love everything about you! " Suzaku kept on fighting as he listened to Euphemia. " So please don't hate yourself! "
Suzaku's eyes widened before he smiled. "I see that I have made you even more worried than I did before. You really are-"
The Lancelot whipped its slash harken out and knocked several Gun-Rues down.
"Everything you do is impulsive. When we first met, when you told me you were a princess, when you selected my school, when you made me a knight… Always."
" Yes, they were all sudden but that's because… I suddenly realized. "
"But then it's that spur of the moment thing that's open so many doors for me." Suzaku wheeled the Lancelot towards the enemy command center. "Thank you."
"What are you doing?! Stop him now!" Sawasaki shouted.
Suzaku opened his eyes. "Princess, can I make one final request?"
" Final? "
The last line of defense prepared to attack the Lancelot while Rai quickly wheeled the Club after Suzaku.
"If something happens to me, please no matter I do please don't blame yourself." Suzaku stated. "Destroy all the records and erase every trace so no one knows what happened to me."
The Lancelot wheeled down a pair of walls with one leg on both walls and leapt out to attack the enemy army.
"I don't want my friends to be sad. Just tell them I transferred to another school or make up some story…"
" Suzaku, don't tell me you're-"
"Yes." Suzaku said, even though Rai was right next to him. "The Knightmares are out of energy."
Both of the Knightmares were low on energy, they would not last long against overwhelming numbers like this.
"Oh and please say good bye to Miss Cecile and Lloyd and Prince Schniezel for me. I was stubborn all the way to the end." Suzaku said sadly.
" Don't die, Suzaku! You've got to live! " Euphemia screamed.
"And fire!" Sawasaki shouted.
However before Sawaski's forces could attack a burst of snow and ice came down from the sky and hit the enemy forces, freezing them and their pilots instantly.
"Uh?" Suzaku and Rai gasped.
"What was that?" Sawasaki shouted.
Out of the frozen mist appeared a strange shape and was distorted by blue electricity that solidified into a Knightmare.
"No doubt, Suzaku and Rai were following orders from someone to act as bait to allow Cornelia to attack. Schneizel is this your doing." Lelouch wondered as the Arashikage faced the Lancelot. "Kururugi, is your Knightmare still operational?"
"Zero." Suzaku frowned.
"It's Zero?" Sawasaki gasped as he stepped back.
"is that an open channel?" General Zhou asked.
"Yes."
"Then stay with that source and find out what he's after!"
The Arashikage held out one hand and in it was an energy filler.
"An Energy filler?" Suzaku asked, confused.
"I'm going to take out the enemy command center. What will you do?" Lelouch asked calmly.
"What?!" Sawasaki shouted.
Suzaku stared at Zero's Knightmare, both opponents silent before Suzaku smiled and took one energy filler. "Sorry, Zero. But you're not going to get your wish. I'm going to hit them first, my way."
The Lancelot loaded the energy filler in, recharging itself.
"Kururugi's Knightmare is named the Lancelot and he's fighting just as recklessly as the real Lancelot did." C.C. commented with an amused look on her face.
"That's why Lelouch went to help them." Naruto replied with a smile. "No matter what Lelouch says or does his friends and family will always be the first ones who matter to him."
The Lancelot wheeled forward while the Arashikage activated its hover jets on its back and the ones on the back of its feet, taking off into the air and following Suzaku.
'Zero and Suzaku, working together.' Rai whispered.
"Resume attack! Stop them!" Sawasaki shouted. "Stop Kururugi and Zero!"
Suzaku slashed through the multiple Knightmares, the Lancelot moving too fast for anyone to react while Lelouch activated the Bolt mode on the Arashikage's Element system and took out the enemy tanks. Lelouch then switched to Torch mode and burned a whole into the command center.
" Zero, shouldn't we be working together as comrades? Don't you care for Japan? " Sawasaki asked.
"The Black Knights stand against anyone who uses violence unjustly for their own selfish ends." Lelouch answered.
" Selfish?! I'm doing this for Japan! "
"Sawasaki, if this is for Japan why'd you run away to the Chinese Federation? You should have stayed for everyone's sake." Suzaku asked.
" You're still a child! " Sawasaki shouted.
The Lancelot wheeled into the whole followed by the Arashikage.
"A joint operation… Arashikage." Rakshata said with a smile.
"Lancelot…" Lloyd mumbled.
"So Suzaku and Lelouch are…" Euphemia whispered with a happy smile.
"What?!" Cornelia exclaimed as she speared an enemy Knightmare. "Zero?!"
"Yes, he saved Kururugi." Guilford answered.
"Fighting on our side, what the hell is he thinking?" Cornelia scowled.
"So his tactic was to bring the Arashikage alone to slip past the Britannians." Diethard said as he and the rest of the Black Knights watched the battle. "That was brilliant."
"Maybe but the Guren Mk-II could have acted as a shield for them. It's not like I can go home or back to school at this point… After all our battles to be working with the Lancelot is…" Kallen stared down at the floor.
"What's necessary here is not victory." Diethard replied, making Kallen look at him. "The Black Knights' participation in this battle is an undeniable truth. Of course it will never be officially reported but the rumors will spread and everyone will know what happened here. As Zero said this will show the world exactly where we stand. Protecting the nation is our first commitment."
Naruto and C.C. watched as Lelouch and Suzaku captured Sawasaki before Lelouch disappeared with the Arashikage's Mirage system.
"And so, Lelouch once again stands by his friend while hiding behind the moniker of justice." C.C. remarked as the orb vanished.
"Maybe but he did a good thing today and he saved not only a friend but he proved how far he'll go." Naruto remarked as they vanished from C.C.'s world. "What good is being a man of justice if you won't protect the lives of those precious to you?"
Takamagahara(Plain of High Heaven): A variation of the Time-Space technique known as Kamui(Authority of the Gods) C.C discovered her Rinnegan allowed her to warp herself and objects into her own personal pocket dimension. Unlike Obito's Kamui C.C. can alter the setting and shape of her personal dimension and can see what's happening in places she thinks about but cannot see places she does know the location of or their existence. It is currently unknown if Naruto can use this technique as well.
Hope you enjoy this and Merry Christmas!