Disclaimer: I don't own anything belonging to Code: Geass or Naruto.
The Tokyo Settlement had erupted into complete chaos as buildings collapsed onto the front Britannian lines, completely scattering their ranks and leaving them wide open to attack. Lelouch had planned far ahead, using his Geass to order Britannian constructions workers to place explosives in strategic positions in many buildings that were thankfully empty or else Naruto would have kicked his scrawny little behind.
The plan was simple and yet effective.
The explosives would be set in locations to turn any fall-back positions into rubble while slowing down retreating Britannian forces and quickly reduce their reserves. Even Cornelia couldn't coordinate her forces if the entire settlement was a deathtrap.
"A laired structure build to be earthquake resistance. But if you demolish all of the four sections simultaneously you won't find anything more fragile." Lelouch mused.
"And with the entire city in chaos Britannia's army will be left in disarray, even if Cornelia survives." Naruto commented, watching carefully.
"Yes, exactly. By lining up at the city's perimeter to engage the Black Knights Cornelia has sealed her fate." Lelouch agreed.
Meanwhile Cornelia was busy trying to stay alive as the ground beneath her Gloucester split apart and fell earth below. "I'm not beaten yet!"
She quickly fired slash harken up that wrapped around a support beam and kept her from falling with the rest of the rubble.
"Damn, you are one amazing dude." Tamaki muttered, unable to believe this was made possible by some angry Britannian kid.
Kaguya in the meantime trembled as she sat on Zero's throne with Euphy and Diethard. "Wow. They destroyed an entire settlement?"
"I heard only the outer perimeter was affected." Diethard answered. "There are facilities in it we're going to need later." However despite the effectiveness Diethard was confused about it was possible. 'Still, how were Zero's underground collaborators able to pull this off? I'm guessing that Villetta and Jeremiah's theories were true.' Diethard grinned. 'Then this is magnificent. Yes, the world is a game and people are mere pawns.'
Euphemia on the other hand stared in concern with Kaguya, wondering about her brother, her sister, and Suzaku who were in the middle of all the fighting. She knew that Lelouch had Naruto looking after him, but who was looking after Suzaku?
'Suzaku…' She remembered the last time she spoke to him.
Why did he say all that?
Lelouch may have done bad things but she knew, she just knew he was not the monster that Suzaku saw him as. He didn't even listen to her when she tried to explain. Did her words mean nothing to him? After everything how could he doubt her?
'Suzaku, what is it about Zero that upsets you so?' Euphemia thought, staring at the coming battle.
Lelouch chuckled, watching as the battle slowly turned in his favor before it even began. "This will do. Once we broadcast images to the world of their government hero falling to us, along with our declaration of independence he 'll be forced to face me. And if I can get him, get the Britannian Emperor to meet with me one on one than all the pieces will fall into my hand."
"Assuming you have us with you." Naruto said dryly. "Have you forgotten that the Emperor also has Geass along with probably a whole boatload of guards. If you really think it's going to be that easy you really have gotten cocky."
"And you doubt your own skills, Naruto? You gave me a seal to protect me against Geass so even if his does not need eye contact I have the advantage." Lelouch retorted.
"I'm not dumb enough to ignore that the Emperor will try to cover his own ass given our victories." Naruto scowled. "Just remember that not everyone is as dumb as you think. In fact there a few people out there that may be even smarter than you."
Lelouch scoffed. "Very well, I'll keep that mind."
'Yeah right.' Naruto mentally retorted.
"If the two of you are done can we get on with this?" C.C. cut in, sounding bored. "There's a battle about to happen I believe."
Both boys relented, remembering the coming battle and agreed to push the argument aside.
Todoh was leading his own forces from his modified Glasgow through the settlement along with the Four Holy Swords. "How does the enemy's air power look?"
"Our allied groups are concentrating on hitting them hard in each sector. The rest around the Eizu areas, Sado and Awachi islands." Chiba answered.
"Then the time is right. Now is our chance." Todoh declared. "Attack!" On his command the gathered forces moved forward into the desolate settlement as Todoh coordinated the attack "Third squad take the media sector. Sixth squad take the harbor. Special forces, suppress the lower levels. All remaining push in from the front, gather intelligence on the enemy forces that are left."
On the other side of the battlefield Cornelia quickly took command of the surviving Britannian army. "All forces hear me! Fall back to the Britannian government bureau!"
"Yes, Your Highness."
The government building was built like a fortress with appropriate armaments and defenses. It could allow them hold out until reinforcements from the Homeland arrived.
Cornelia turned around, seeing one of the Gloucesters was not moving. "What's wrong? If you're having trouble controlling it just attach the cockpit lock."
The pilot was wounded from the earthquake but was not ready to surrender yet. "No, Princess Cornelia, forget about me and get to the bureau."
Just as Cornelia was about to answer Todoh and the Four Holy Swords appeared from out of the debris field. "Cornelia's been found! Surround her!"
Cornelia looked over her shoulder just as the downed pilot brought his Gloucester up, using it as a shield to protect Cornelia from Todoh at the expense of his own life as the sword cut through his Knightmare frame.
"Meet your fate!" Todoh shouted, rushing at Cornelia who jumped back as her troops laid down covering fire.
"Todoh, you phantom!" Cornelia growled and was about to attack.
Only for Guilford to lunge forward, thrusting his lance at Todoh. "No Princess! Stand aside! Leave him to me!"
"Guilford!" Cornelia whispered.
Todoh leapt over the golden lance, demonstrating his skills. "Well, it's the one from Narita."
"Get away while you can, Princess." Guilford said as he clashed with Todoh.
"You expect me to simply abandon my men and runaway?" Cornelia asked outrageously.
"Your Highness, you must survive for Princess Euphemia's sake!" Guilford urged which made Cornelia stiffen. "Go now, because My Lady, I am the one you chose to champion you." Guilford abandon the golden for the sheathed sword.
But it was no ordinary sword.
Todoh narrowed his eyes. "That sword's the same one as the Lancelot's."
"Therefore I must be the one who stays and fights!" Guilford declared as he and Todoh faced off.
"So be it." Cornelia said solemnly. "Then Guilford, your orders are to come back alive, my knight."
Guilford smiled. "Yes your Highness. I will return."
"The school area is a priority for the special force and the Zero Squad to take over. We'll use one of the buildings for a command center." Lelouch said through the radio.
"What? At the school?" Kallen asked.
"You're going to set up a command center there of all places?" Naruto stated. "There is too much of a chance that someone will get hurt there."
"Very well. Seizan, you go with Ohgi." Lelouch replied.
Ohgi hesitated for a second, looking at his phone.
"Ohgi?"
"Oh, right. Understood, Zero."
"Ohgi, I'll have someone meet up with you there." Naruto stated, knowing he could not leave Lelouch yet.
In the meantime Naruto's clone led Chigusa away from the battle, keeping her in his sight to she didn't do anything rash.
"Are you going to answer that?" The clone asked.
Chigusa looked at her ringing phone. "… Not yet. I don't want him to worry about me in the middle of a fight."
"You can't just go, Suzaku. We haven't been ordered to the battlefield." Rai said as Suzaku walked into the launch bay. "We still need permission from Princess Cornelia."
Of course Rai would have preferred to stay with Nonette but she ordered him away from the battlefield.
"It doesn't matter now." Suzaku replied harshly. "I'm going there to stop Zero once and for all."
Zero had taken the chance for peace his dear Princess had offered him and used it to start a massive war.
He needed to be stopped.
He needed… to be destroyed.
"You're planning to go to the Tokya Settlement, aren't you?" Lloyd stepped out from behind the Lancelot and held up the keys with his annoying smirk. "However… You can't have it."
Suzaku glared harshly at Lloyd.
"The AC exists for research and development. It appears our duty's here wound to an end and we haven't been ordered by the Viceroy to go out there either." Lloyd continued as Suzaku stepped forward. "Leaving would be a violation of orders right?"
Cecile tried to step in. "Suzaku I know how you feet but-"
Suzaku stepped right past her as Lloyd tried to hold the key out of his reach. "Oh no you don't!"
However Suzaku surprised them both by grabbing Lloyd's arm and punching him in the face, knocking his glasses off his face and onto the floor along with their owner as Cecile gasped.
Suzaku held the Lancelot's keys. "Listen to me, Zero's in Tokyo and I'm going to finish him with my own hands. I won't let you stop me. I'm doing this."
Meanwhile the battle between Guilford and Dalton continued below the surface as the Britannians retreated but held down covering fire to hold the enemy back. Eventually Guilford himself fell back as Todoh received help from two Glastows that flanked him.
"Colonel!"
"Lieutenant Colonel, should we pursue?"
"Where are the other units?" Todoh asked.
"They're approaching, climbing up from the side."
The three Glasgow quickly moved back as missiles rained down from above.
Guilford looked up in surprise when he saw who it was. "The Glaston Knights?"
"Lord Guilford, we're holding a position just ahead of you. Please head back."
Guilford smiled in gratitude. "I appreciate that. I am grateful."
"Think nothing of it, sir. General Dalton is coordinating from the bureau and Cornelia should be with him shortly."
"Do you know the situation?" Guilford asked.
"The enemy's frontal assault is a diversion but if we beat them here the rest are simply militia forces. I mean, they are just rabble."
The Arashikage's shoulder cannons lit up the sky with bolts of lightning and destroyed all Britannian aircraft in under a second.
"Diethard, enemy air power has been taken care of. Kaguya will command the G-1, move to your assigned location immediately." Lelouch ordered.
" Understood. "
"Yoshida, get the Rako ready."
" Yes sir. "
"Tamaki, do you know Rakshata's status?"
" She's on the move. "
"Kallen, go provide her group with backup."
" Right. "
"Todoh, you know what to do if you see the target."
" Understood. "
"Okay, now what's the name of the collaborator, Ohgi?"
" Uh, I have a Sayoko Shinozoki. " Ohgi answered.
Lelouch already knew that Sayoko was taking part but he had to maintain appearance he did not know her to make sure nothing could be traced back to their connection with Nunnally.
The rebellion in Japan wasn't the only thing giving the Britannian First Prince Odysseus su Britannia a headache today during the meeting in the conference room.
"Contact's been lost with the Hiroshima settlement."
"Uprisings have broken out in the suburb settlement as well."
"And Chinese Federation naval fleets are massing in the East China sea."
"The Chinese Federation too?" Odysseus sighed. "That's all we need with His Majesty still not present."
Schneizel who was attending the meeting looked at the table in thought. 'He must be there again.'
A High ranking official stood up. "Lord Odysseus, our troops are standing for deployment. You need to chose a commander now."
"We mustn't be too hasty here, gentlemen. What happened to Euphemia was unexpected and a complete blunder. Handle this irrationally and it may spread to every area." Odysseus quickly said.
"My lord, we must go to help Princess Cornelia!"
Schneizel stood up. "Brother, why don't I go? Send me there."
Odysseus perked up. "You're serious? Would you really go there?"
"Doesn't it sadden you to see those people killing each other?" Schneizel simply asked.
"Super magnetic shrapnel cannon fire!" The very same weapon used by the Japanese Liberation Front under the hotel at Lake Kawaguichi had been useful enough to be mass produced for the Black Knights and it proved its use again by destroying large amounts of debris that was in the way, clearing the path straight to the government bureau building. "First special forces move in!"
Kallen was part of the special forces and led them through the battle field in the Guren but so far there were no enemies in the way.
"They only seem to be defending the government bureau right now." C.C. observed.
"As expected, they're trying not to scatter themselves while waiting for reinforcements." Lelouch replied calmly observing the map projected in his cockpit.
"Don't move!"
"We're the Black Knights!"
The Britannian broadcasting station had been taken by the Black Knights which was complete unexpected by the news crew that worked there.
"We're taking over this building. Do exactly as we tell you to."
"N-No! It can't be!"
The biggest surprise was when Diethard walked in, wearing a Black Knight uniform. "Hello chief, I've brought you an exclusive. Shall we transmit this to the world? The moment when Zero changes everything in our lives. Now that's a scoop."
"R-Right!" The chief said, hoping Diethard wouldn't shoot him.
"We'll give the public a spectacular show and then let's see whatever they hope to see." Diethard grinned, almost manically.
A great change was coming and Diethard was in the center to see it all.
The student council at Ashford Academy watched as news reporter stood with an alarmed look on her face before the transmission was cut.
"That was it. The last broadcasting station, they're all down." Milly said, keeping herself calm for the sake of her friends.
It didn't end there as the door opened up and to their shock and horror in walked men wearing Black Knight uniforms.
"Hands up and turn around!" The leader in question was Tamaki. "The Black Knights now control this school. All of you are now our hostages."
Rizals stepped out in front of Milly and Shirley. "Lower your guns!"
"Uh? That's a hell of a thing to say in this situation." Tamaki commented thoughtfully, ignoring Arthur who hissed at him.
"But no less a brave thing to say." Someone wearing a dark cloak and a white and red fox shaped mask said as they walked in. "At ease, Tamaki. They are no threat."
"Rivalz." Milly whispered urgently.
"Oh come on. Let me be cool for once okay?" Rivalz quickly whispered. "I'll protect everyone."
"I believe you." Seizan put a hand on Tamaki's shoulder to calm him down. "Quite a brave man you are."
"Indeed." Everyone looked at the door, surprised to see Zero himself at the door with Shinryoku and Kallen but the students didn't recognize her due the visor she wore. "A very fine and brave effort."
"Are sure this is place is a good place for our command center?" Tamaki asked curiously.
"Your command center?!" Milly exclaimed as the students exchanged fearful looks.
Nunnally however stared at Zero, who made no effort to acknowledge her but she knew why he was here. 'Brother…'
'Why'd it have to be Ashford of all places?' Kallen wondered, glancing at Lelouch.
"Your academy is strategically useful for our purposes. Therefore we are turning it into a command center." Lelouch stated neutrally.
Milly boldly glared at the leader of the Black Knights. "We're in no position to refuse you."
"I guarantee none of you will be harmed." Lelouch stated, looking at his sister. 'Nunnally, until the fighting has ended you will be safe here. Protected by the Black Knights. So please…'
Rivalz however was skeptical. "Like we can believe you? You're at war with us Britannians. We're the enemies remember?"
"Please Rivalz, don't argue." Kallen stepped forward and took off her visor. "Do exactly as he says."
The Student Council gasped and Shirley even took a step back. "Kallen?!"
There was moment of silence until Milly was able to speak again. "Well, well, there's a surprise around every corner. Do I have your word that no one gets hurt? Not only us but any other student, body, faculty, or staff member on campus?"
Naruto was impressed by Milly's sudden change in her character and how she was quickly taking charge to protect everyone.
"As long as nobody tries to leave the dorms or administrative they will be fine." Kallen replied.
"Kallen, why are you doing this? You are a Britannian too, aren't you? How can you wage war like this?" Shirley asked, unable to grasp how this was happening.
"I'm also Japanese, Shirley and I rejected my Britannian heritage when my home was destroyed and enslaved by Britannia." Kallen said sharply but remained calm.
She hated Britannians but she recognized the people here were innocent of the crimes that had been committed by their country.
Ohgi choose the moment to rush into the room. "Zero, it's the Lancelot!"
"I knew he'd come." Lelouch said, ready for the confrontation.
Lelouch couldn't be more right as Suzaku rocket through the battle, taking out anyone who was unfortunate enough to be in his way. "GET OUT OF MY WAY!"
He slashed through three Glasgows and a shrapnel cannon before wheeling his way up by planting both foot on the walls surrounding him and shot up to the top of the building.
"When I find you Zero I am going to kill you!" Suzaku declared.
"Geass?" Suzaku asked, staring at the boy standing at his door.
"That's correct. Zero possess a supernatural power." The boy answered.
"That's not possible." Suzaku said, unable to believe what he was hearing.
"Then how do you explain the sudden assassination attempt on himself just when he agreed to work with Princess Euphemia or how the Princess declared that it was Britannia who tried to assassinate him in broad daylight. Don't you find it odd that it happened in a way that was easily prevented and turned the Japanese on Britannia or how Euphemia surrendered herself to Zero and seemingly agreeing with him?" The boy asked, never once losing his grin.
"Going somewhere, Suzaku?"
Suzaku had just landed on the top of a ruined road and stopped when he saw the familiar blue Knightmare in front of him. "Seizan!"
"You are sure in a hurry, Suzaku. If you are here looking for a fight than I suggest you turn around right now." Naruto said, sensing something wrong with Suzaku.
"You are all fools! You, the Japanese, Zero is lying to all of you!" Suzaku shouted angrily.
"Funny how you of all people should comment on lying and what do you even know about Zero anyways?" Naruto retorted.
"Well then tell me what you know about him!" Suzaku said as he piloted the Lancelot forward and swung his MV swords at Naruto who blocked with his single sword. "Tell me where Zero is!"
"Take a chill pill!" Naruto as he pulled his kunai and slashed it at Suzaku who leapt back. "Not too eager to get into another losing match with me?"
"Did you know about his power? Did you know about his Geass?!" Suzaku shouted as he wheeled back.
Naruto's eyes widened. 'He knows? Who could have-'
"I see someone's been poking around." C.C. said as Shinryoku and the Guren landed next to Seizan.
"Shinryoku, Kallen. So you do know!" Suzaku accused.
"And what do you think we know?" Kallen asked, keeping herself calm and pushing aside the question of how Suzaku knew about Lelouch's Geass.
"You hypocrites! You spout of freedom for the Japanese and yet you follow a leader who manipulates and controls the people around him!" Suzaku roared as he lunged forward. "Tell me where Zero is!"
C.C.'s eye twitched. "Don't flatter yourself."
She pulled out her and spun out of the way of Suzaku's blades, launching a kick at the Lancelot that Suzaku barely dodged.
"No one controls me and even if this so called power is real did you think Zero would risk using such a power and tell no one, risking the chance of a rebellion in his own ranks? Why do you think he always wear the mask?" C.C. asked smoothly as she piloted the Shinyroku to begin an elegant like dance with the Lancelot, blocking its blades and dodging the kicks Suzaku sent her way. "And let me guess, you heard about it from a little brat with long blond hair?"
Suzaku grunted as he continued to try and hit C.C. who controlled the Shinryoku with such skill it was like it was an extension of her body. "So what of it?! You follow a leader who takes advantage of the innocent and takes away their dreams for his own selfish gains! The power to manipulate and control people for his own gain it explains so much! It explains how you all could have become this dangerous!"
"And what of you, Suzaku Kururugi? You who murdered your own father and then made yourself a puppet of the powers that be that oppressed and humiliated your own kin. Do you not understand the nature of the human spirit?" C.C. asked, spinning back and ducking under a slash from the Lancelot. "Its very nature is to question and resist what it perceives to be oppression. You cannot stop it and neither can Britannia."
"And you think that justifies what you have done?!" Suzaku said, getting more angry and frustrated. "This whole matter is pointless! You could have had peace but you threw it all away when you turned the Japanese on Princess Euphemia's proposal of peace!"
"We did not!" Kallen shouted, angered by such an accusation. "Zero would have worked with Euphemia but that went against Britannia's views! They wanted him dead!"
"And they would simply disobey one of their one royal members?!" Suzaku rhetorically asked.
"Hmph! They did that seven years ago did they not?" C.C. found an opening and launched a spinning kick that sent the Lancelot spiraling onto the ground. "Did you forget about that already? The Emperor discarded two members of royalty once. Did you really think he would not do it again?"
Suzaku growled as he got the Lancelot back onto its feet. "And that gives you the right to do this?! To exchange peace for war!"
"There was no peace, Suzaku! There never was! Even if Euphemia's special zone worked it was only a matter of time before someone did something that caused the fighting to begin! We had nothing to do with that!" Kallen shouted.
"Like I believe the words of people who follow someone like Zero!" Suzaku shouted as he prepared to attack again. "Tell me where he is!"
"Like I'd talk to a filthy traitor like you!" Kallen retorted.
That's when C.C. did something unexpected…
She laughed. "Oh my, this is just too much! Really Suzaku Kururugi, Princess Euphemia's shining knight and here you are showing a deep dark side. Acting like the obedient sheep and always doing what you're told but then along came Zero and the people hailed him as a hero and not you. Zero, the anarchist and you the loyal knight and the people look to him for help instead of you."
"Stop it…" Suzaku said, gritting his teeth.
"Now I see. With all the attention Zero is getting it caused the obedient sheep to shed his fur and reveal the angry wolf underneath." C.C continued on.
"Stop it!"
"And now you are led by the leash of your masters, believing every little lie they whisper in your ear because you cannot accept that everything you believe in is wrong."
"I SAID STOP IT!" Suzaku roared as he moved to attack C.C. with everything he had.
"Wait!"
Suzaku stopped and looked up, seeing the Arashikage hovering above with a flight unit now attached to it that allowed it to offer and the rockets attached to its legs would allow for more speed while the flight unit allowed it to fly more safely.
"Suzaku Kururugi, my belief that you and I could be allies was incorrect. I am no longer gullible about our would be partnership. Let's resolve this one on one." Lelouch stated.
"Works for me. Let's do it!" Suzaku declared, ready to end this once and for all.
"Colonel?"
Todoh perked up as a Glasgow moved next to him. "Asahina, what about Urabe?"
"He's moving on the energy filler repository right now, sir." Asahina answered with a smile.
"All right then let's go rendezvous with Senba and Chiba." Todoh stated, knowing they would need to gather their forces to make the final push to the government bureau. "Once we have recharged we will surround the government bureau then we of the main force will push in from the front."
Cornelia walked towards the main commanders in charge of the defense of the building. "Order Lord Krain to fall back. Set up a defense line the railway station."
"Yes, right away Your Highness."
" Princess Cornelia. " The princess turned around and saw her Knight on the screen. " We've completed our formation. What about a line of defense around the bureau? "
"You are to hold your position Guilford. If we can just drag this battle out it'll go badly for the Black Knights." Cornelia said, knowing that reinforcements would be dispatched to Area Eleven soon enough and if the government bureau held out they could turn the tide of the battle.
" Yes Your Highness. "
As the screen went to black Cornelia faced Darlton. "Well what did my brother say?"
"He said the Pacific Fleet should arrive in approximately seventy five hours. Also the Sado and Tori island divisions have are ready to deploy their forces into Area Eleven." Darlton answered.
"Meaning that they should be here in thirty minutes." Cornelia noted thoughtfully. "Leak this information to the Black Knights." She noted a few of the Glaston Knights seemed surprised. "After that Darlton you will join Lord Guilford at the defense lone protecting the Government Bureau."
"And you my lady?" Darlton asked.
Cornelia smirked. "Oh I'll be preparing a party."
"ZEEEEEERRRRRRROOOOOO!"
"Can't you calm him down?" Bradly anxiously asked the technician.
"I can't! His resistance is too strong! We didn't anticipate this chain of events!"
All the while as they spoke Jeremiah was kneeling down on the floor, screaming his lungs out from the pain coursing through his body.
Dalton readied himself in his Gloucester for the battle that was about to happen. "Princess Cornelia, I will stand with you to the end."
"Poor Nina, I wonder if she is still in the Ganymede hangar." Milly commented.
Rivalz however was thinking of something else. "Kallen's a part of this whole thing? Man this sucks! What are we going to do?"
"It's all right." Nunnally spoke up, surprising everyone. "The Black Knights or Zero, rather. They won't do anything to harm us."
"But how can you be so sure of that?" Rivalz asked.
Whatever Nunnally was going to say was cut off by a loud scream of anger. "COWARD!"
The Student Council looked up, seeing Zero's Knightmare hovering outside of the school building and just above was the Lancelot.
'Lelouch, what are you doing?' Nunnally thought.
Suzaku gritted his teeth as he stared down at Zero's Knightmare. "You've taken them as your hostages? Some one on one fight this is!"
"You brought this all on yourself when you rejected my offer to join me as my ally." Lelouch looked down, seeing that Sayoko was in position. "Now you'll regret these foolish moral standards you cling to."
"Hey!" Rivalz jumped up. "Isn't that the Black Knightmare that's been all over news lately?!"
"No way. Zero's not targeting this building is he?" Shirley asked anxiously. "It can't be! He can't! Because if he does…"
"If I can get close enough to him to use the Harkens." Suzaku propelled the Lancelot down at full speed. "ZERO!"
Lelouch fired the Arashikage's Elemant cannons, setting them to Bolt mode and firing twin bolts of lightning at the Lancelot but Suzuak rolled it out of the way, landing on the ground and moved in to attack. Unfortunately for Suzaku Lelouch planned for that happened and it showed when Sayoko activated the trap and lit up the circle around the Lancelot, disabling it instantly. The GEFUJIN net had been design from Rakshata even before she met Naruto and C.C. but she never had the chance to properly test it until now.
All the while Rakshata looked on with a satisfied smirk. "Didn't see that coming did you, Sir Knight? Zero, remember your promise."
"Yes, you may do with the machine as you wish." Lelouch replied.
"Zero!" Suzaku roared. "You deceive the people who trust you to the very end! You betrayer!"
"Hmph!" Lelouch scoffed. "I have no time to argue which of us is the bigger hypocrite. Farewell, Suzaku Kururugi!"
"DAMN YOU!" Suzaku banged his console in sheer rage, only able to watch as the Knightmare of his enemy flew away.
The battle at the Government Bureau had begun with the Black Knights attack from all sides but its defenses were strong enough that the Black Knights were having to take cover from the rain of enemy fire. The Arashikage along with Seizan and Shinyroku hovered from above, watching the battle down below.
"We better get down there and give them a hand." Naruto remarked.
"We have another problem. Enemy reinforcements are arriving." C.C. said, the eyes of Knightmare spotting the air fleet of Britannian ships easily. "If they start bombing us it's all over."
"Heh. Then it's a good thing we have an unlimited amount of energy." Lelouch said, activated Element system and aiming the Arashikage's shoulder cannons at the fleet.
Setting the cannons to Bolt mode Lelouch fired a continuous stream of lightning, destroying a dozen aircraft as he spun the Arashikage around in a circle until the skies were cleared.
"Todoh, we're going to land on the Government Bureau from above." Lelouch said through the radio.
" Isn't that risky? Cornelia has likely anticipated that ." Todoh pointed out.
"I know that. We're just going to create some confusion." Lelouch replied as the three landed on the roof of the building and Lelouch quickly noticed something. "It appears to be…"
"Yes. Aries Villa." C.C. answered.
Lelouch narrowed his eyes. "So you know about that. Likely from your time with the Geass Order."
"… Yes." C.C. answered.
Lelouch wanted to ask more but a familiar voice cut him off. "Welcome, Zero."
The three spotted her, along with two more Gloucesters flanking her and all off them well armed, piloted by Darlton and Nonnette.
"I figured you would show up here as soon as you learned about the air raid." Cornelia said, grinning sadistically. "Now join us for your welcome party. Care for a dance?"
"Oh! Now they even got Suzaku!" Rivalz said, unable to believe what happening.
"I wonder what's going on out there." Shirley said, trying to listen in on what might be happening.
"Don't worry." Nunnally said, surprising everyone. "We are safe here. They won't hurt us but we can't do anything to antagonize them."
Meanwhile down below the school, Nina sat in the cockpit of the Ganymede. "Zero, Princess Euphemia-"
"WILL BE SAVED!" Cornelia shouted as she led Nonnette and Darlton into the fight she had been waiting for.
Lelouch quickly activated the Arashikage's tractor beam, aiming to grab Cornelia but she spun to the left and fired her rifle. Lelouch quickly activated the Dampening Field, repelling the bullets back at Cornelia who wheeled, suffering minimal damage to her Gloucester.
"My Knightmare is far superior to hers." Lelouch muttered, the PROVIDENCE system activated and analyzing Cornelia's attack patterns.
In the meantime Naruto clashed with Nonnette while C.C. danced around Darlton's attacks, consisting of multiple thrusts and slashes that while fast didn't even touch Shinryoku. Lelouch fired the Element Cannons, switching them to Ice Mode and aimed them at Cornelia's feet since he wanted her alive. Cornelia however was no fool and kept a distance while shooting at him.
"I cannot get a solid lock on her." Lelouch muttered, the PROVIDENCE being useful for keeping Cornelia from attacking him but unable to find a way to trap her. "Is she really that good a pilot?"
"You're a better opponent than I thought, Zero but I will be victorious!" Cornelia shouted as she moved behind a pillar and thrust her lance through it, breaking it off the ground and wheeled forward.
The Element cannons fired, freezing the pillar but Cornelia had used it as a shield to get in close. Lelouch activated the flight unit to avoid getting hit. Cornelia however fired her slash harkens that dug themselves into Lelouch's shoulder and pulled Cornelia up.
"I have you now!" Cornelia shouted victoriously.
"Don't count on it!" Lelouch quickly switched the Element cannons from Ice to Wind and released compressed bolts of air that hit the shoulders of Cornelia Gloucester, tearing the arms off. 'The PROVIDENCE system accounted for the possibility of her using such a tactic as I lifted off. If I had been a second slower she would have had me. Ice Mode Torch Mode are perfect for a full field range attack while Bolt Mode can destroy any enemies from a distance. The Aether Mode though can take out opponents at a close range and I can modify the size and power of the compressed air to any size I want.'
Cornelia gasped as her console shattered and exploded but she was not too badly wounded. That was about to change as the Arashikage's Element cannons had destroyed her harkens and left her to fall to the ground below.
"Princess Cornelia!" Darlton, who had been grappling with C.C. spotted his Princess as Zero defeated her and broke off his fight to help his Princess.
Only he left himself wide open.
"Sorry for this." C.C. fired the slash harkens from her fans, puncturing Darlton's Gloucester from behind. " Lightning Style: Thunderbolt! "
A blast of electricity traveled down the harkens and into the Gloucester, overloading the core and causing a chain reaction from the inside.
"PRINCESS CORNELIA!" Darlton shouted as his Gloucester exploded, bringing an end to one of Britannia's best commanders.
"Crap!" Nonnette realized she was outnumbered now that Cornelia and Darlton were defeated and did the only thing she could do by retreating.
She would have to meet up with Guilford to form a counterattack on the Bureau if Zero managed to take over.
Nunnally stared out the window, pondering what was going on but she knew her brother was safe. Her shared vision with C.C. and Naruto showed her that he defeated Cornelia without killing her, meaning he still valued his family.
The sound of the door opening was heard and she slowly turned around, keeping her eyes hidden. "Hello?"
She saw him, a boy with long blond hair and looked around ten years old. 'Is that… V.V.?'
"Nunnally, I've come to take you with me." V.V. said, stepping forward.
"Hello… Uncle V.V."
V.V.'s eyes widened and he stopped, staring in surprise. "You know me?"
"I do." Nunnally fully turned to face him, opening her eyes and revealing her Rinnegan. "I've been waiting to meet you for some time now."