A/N: So, I hope you all are enjoying my story so far! I know it has been a while since I really did a lot of updates, however with the way things have been in the world this year... Well I guess you could say it kind of took a lot out of my creative drive. I will try to get more updates as 2020 winds down and into 2021, hopefully next year will be more reasonable and allow me to feel more of a creative drive. And while it kind of does suck I didn't really get to complete a story like I had said it would as a resolution, I'd imagine a lot of folks kind of had issues getting their own done as a result of world events being what they are... Regardless, all that matters in the end is doing something I enjoy and that you all at least have something to make your days a bit easier! And really, do I have to ask you all non-stop each chapter to leave a review of SOME kind? It is something that annoys me because I know how annoying it would no doubt be to all of you after a while. Also, I get how it might not be the sort of story people might like, I got two reviews who simply have a 'Guest' account telling me it isn't the sort of story for them. In which case I have no problem with that, some people can get an idea or at least a feeling for something, and some just don't. I know I felt that from time to time when I would read others fanfics myself, point is I didn't really get mad or anything when I saw that, as I figured it would come at some point. But at the very least if you have an issue with my story, could you try and explain what it is you have an issue with other than just saying 'it's bad' or 'I don't like the idea'? If you want a writer to improve and write something you would like or enjoy, then tell them what it is you want to see, of course the writer isn't required to follow along with your ideas, however it might help them come up with a new and exciting way to proceed with the story going forward. Just saying you think it's bad or dumb on the other hand, well, it doesn't really give a whole lot to indicate you want anything to improve, in which case, why exactly even bother saying it in the first place? No really, why? Then again, I suppose it isn't really relevant as is. Anyhow, I'm sure a number of you notice I don't really bother writing battle scenes or the like that much, that is partly because I don't really feel that confident in describing them all that well, and also because currently, things are more or less going as they did in Canon, however once we get to the SAZ... Well, I won't spoil anything, however what I will say is that it will have a fair amount of description, probably enough to actually make it earn it's M rating. And also that what will happen there make what happened in Canon be somewhat in terms of ways to go. Fear not though, Euphie won't be blamed for it or anything like that, but rather, it will serve to show just how vile the Lord of Wraiths is as well as to show how little the Empire in it's current state cares for those it finds it has no use for any longer...
But for now, let's get on with the story, shall we?
Code Geass: Specter of the Rebellion
Chapter 24
The Battle of Fukoka Naval Base
Black Knights Submarine, Area 11 Water's, September 5th 2017 a.t.b
Lelouch P.O.V.
I must admit, Atsushi Sawasaki, despite his arrogance and foolishness, had to be given some credit for his efforts.
'I wonder who's idea it was to use the storm as a cover from any counter attack?'
It is probably the general from the Chinese who figured that would be a smart idea. Sawasaki never really seemed all that focused on the military side of things from the few times I recall having to be in the same place as him...
'Yeah, he really acted like an asshole at times. Why on earth did Genbu have him as a part of his cabinet?'
He probably just needed someone to fill in any position and just took Sawasaki because he didn't have much of a choice...
'Yeah. Most likely...'
"Yeesh, why does the media think we might have any involvement with that guy!" Tamaki exclaims, and it is moments like this I am willing to put up with his antics...
"I think it should be rather obvious to anyone who knows what to look for. In exchange for 'Helping' Sawasaki 'revive' Japan, the Chinese Federation would be granted a fair amount of influence in the Government he would establish. Now tell me, doesn't that seem like it is just trading one form of Puppet Government for another?" I mention to the others. And while Kallen and C.C. were able to figure it out right away, the others took a bit longer to connect the dots. Diethard the quickest of the others given how it was something he learned to look for whenever he went to events in order to see what was going on beneath the surface.
I must admit, it is a bit annoying at times how rare it is to find myself among people who can actually understand and make sense of the things I come up with...
'Even still, it makes when you are around people who do understand all the more worthwhile, right?'
Yes, truly the greatest things are those which take time to come into being...
"So, what do you suppose we should do, Zero?" Naoto asks me.
My response is simple "Isn't it obvious, we help defeat Sawasaki and his forces..."
Aside from Kallen, most of the others present have rather vocal confusion and a bit of an uproar at the idea.
"Say WHAT?! HOW DOES THAT HELP!" Tamaki exclaims, to which I sigh knowing I'll have to explain just why it is the case yet again...
"Even if Sawasaki managed to have a large enough foothold to regain much of Japan, the fact of the matter is he would be beholden to the Chinese for all that he would accomplish. Not only that, but what happens if the Chinese Federation were to dissolve or otherwise no longer be a sovereign power? After all, the current Empress is but a child right now. Indeed, I would not put it past the Prime Minister or some other high ranking official to plot having the Crown Prince of Britannia wed the young Empress of China in an attempt to gain control through means other than mere warfare." I tell them, letting it all sink in just what sort of methods Britannia had other than just military force to achieve what they wanted.
"But, won't the Chinese Federation have some opposition in their government?" Tamaki tries to reason, and while I understand your hopes, sadly there is not much behind it.
"I would not be surprised if the High Eunuchs themselves would keep any opposition from doing anything, indeed they will probably be more than happy to accept Britannian rule so as to obtain titles of Nobility when the Empire claims China as yet another Area for it to reign over." I tell them, and the reality of the situation really sinks in for everyone else around me.
"So, even if Sawasaki can hold some amount of Japan, it would just return to Britannia in the end anyhow..." Inoue says with a crestfallen look that the others of the Kozuki group share. Tamaki not even bothering to come up with a response at that.
"Impressive, you really know quite a bit don't you Zero?" Reed tells me.
I give a slight, sad smile under my mask, telling him "I know because I was taught to consider such possibilities at an early age, if only to be used in the case my talents would be needed in whatever role I would play as I grew up."
Kallen has a hand on my shoulder and gives me a comforting squeeze. "We won't let it happen like that, right Zero?"
I nod, firming my voice and already having my mind set on what would occur. "We won't, I have a plan on how to ensure such a scheme will fail, however that will only be necessary at a later date, as currently things are not at a point in which a scheme like that would be their only choice to do so."
If the others are wondering about what I mean by those words, they don't mention it right now, possibly figuring that it is just another long term plan I have in mind.
"So, I'll ask again, what are we going to do Zero?" Naoto asks me, having been sidetracked from before with our slight tangent...
"It is rather simple, due to the distance and our current combat capability, it would be best to keep our application of force to only such a degree that is really needed. Therefore, I do believe it would be best to use the Gawain to deal with Sawasaki's Chinese forces. I have no doubt Cornelia will be using whatever forces she has, including the Lancelot. As such, the Gawain would only really just help when things become enough of a problem for them on their own." I explain, of course that leaves one last issue...
"The Gawian needs two Devicers right? I'm sure you will be one of them, but who are you going to have to help you out?" Ohgi asks, and I can't help but smirk...
'Who says we have to adhere to EVERY last detail of the script right?'
Suzaku P.O.V. Aboard the Avalon Air Battleship
I never really like Sawasaki.
Surprised? Honestly it shouldn't be, after all that man really was pathetic and lacked anything of real worth to anyone.
Makes sense why Father only really dealt with him as someone who was just useful to fill in an empty role and nothing more...
Still, must he insist on such things, and I'm sure he KNOWS that what he is doing will only lead to Japan being under the rule of China rather than Britannia, who with the High Eunuchs in charge would not be that much better than the current regime, and if those cowards decide to try and sell out their country and it's people to Britannia like they tried to do last time around. It just means Sawasaki's efforts are for nothing.
This whole thing seems like a waste, however some people just don't learn, no matter what it seems...
At least it'll keep be busy for a while, even if I'd rather just take the Lancelot, go all the way back to the Tokyo Settlement, find that BASTARD of a Prime Minister! AND-
"Suzaku, is everything alright?" Euphie asks me, it's like she knew how I was feeling...
I try to calm myself down, and once I feel I can keep myself at least calm enough to talk with Euphie, I just tell her how I feel right now...
"Honestly? Not really, I would like nothing more than to climb in the Lancelot and find that smug asshole and look at his face while squeeze him like a grape." And yes, it is rather morbid, however I think after all the shit I have had to deal with, I think I deserve this much if nothing else...
Euphie knew who I was talking about, everyone else who didn't know would assume I was referring to Sawasaki or Zero, rather than my actual target of that mass murdering Maniac who was granted the position of Prime Minister...
She had a bit of a thoughtful look on her face, before having a vicious smile that would not be out of place for Lelouch to have when someone is the target of his fury.
"That so? Well in that case, I want to be there when you deal with him." She tells me with such a sweet tone in her voice, and while most guys would find that creepy. I find this side of her to be rather endearing somehow, probably because we both know what he did and hold a shared fury to him. Regardless, I better get ready to deploy. Taking my anger out on Sawasaki's forces should do well enough to pass the time at least...
Cornelia P.O.V.
I must admit, having an idea of how things are going to follow is interesting. But even with foreknowledge of how things are going to proceed, I can't help but try to see if I can make any difference...
Sadly, initial attempts at counterattacking were proving rather fruitless. It seems I will have to rely on Suzaku yet again...
However, after hearing about how the version of Brother Schneizel treated him and Euphie, as well as what happened to the world Lelouch gave his life to create. I can't help but feel worry about anything my elder Brother has planned. Even more so when he allowed us to use his 'precious' Avalon for the time being.
And the fact that version of him is the one currently active as the Prime Minister...
Part of me wonders if I shouldn't just capture him at the earliest moment and interrogate him for where the 'native' version of him is being held prisoner. Then again, knowing Schneizel, he no doubt would expect such an action from anyone who found out about him, and he seems rather aware we all know at least something akin to the truth...
All my life there are only two Brothers of mine which I dreaded the idea of ever facing in combat, those being Lelouch and Schneizel...
For Lelouch, it was because he always had a number of tricks up his sleeve, whenever someone thought they had him dead to rights, he would always reveal something which would turn the situation to his favor or otherwise find something he could use to turn the situation around. In other words he wasn't afraid to fight dirty to get results...
Schneizel on the other hand...
He just simply preferred to using overwhelming displays of power to make his opponents lose the will to fight back against him, yet wasn't afraid to use all manner of tricks and lies to make others fight on his behalf. Knowing that, it would be easy to see why the two of them came to conflict in the 'prior timeline' as Suzaku and Euphie called it...
They both were willing to do all sorts of things to win, while Lelouch used tricks and deception to achieve his goals while trying to save those he cared for or otherwise could find value in. Schneizel simply used fear and power to make others do what he wanted while not caring if the whole world would burn as a result of what he did so long as he got his results...
Such musings can wait though, right now the important thing is ensuring this attempt at 'reviving Japan' is dealt with like the farce it truly is.
"Lord Asplund, are you certain this will work?" I ask the Earl, while he was rather capable when it came to his most important design, I am unsure if only because of how he and his team has had to work rather intensely to make sure the Lancelot would be functional in it's current state, only having a fair bit of work done after it's near total breakdown after Narita...
"Indeed your Highness. Rest assured, I have been working rather diligently making sure the Float system will be able to function with the Lancelot. Do you really think I would risk my creation with something untested if it didn't work?" He says to reassure me. And while it doesn't ease me in the greatest extent, it will have to be enough...
Like it or not, things are starting to ramp up, and I feel that the time for me to gather those troops loyal to our cause will be sooner rather than later...
I should be thankful then, for how most of those who would be loyal to the restoration of the true rulers of the realm have been relegated to either serving on the front lines and expected to die for those who care naught for their survival, or simply left to manage Garrison forces in various Area's and never given much more than an annual update on the regions status...
I should be thankful that Marrybell and her Glinda Knights have been left to not really do much of any actual fighting, it seems they think of her and her order as being little more than the antics of a foolish princess and her servants trying to act like they can actually do anything.
Let those fools believe that is the case, as I know as well as Euphie that Marrybel mel Britannia is no mere girl, much less one that should be passed off as not being a threat...
I recall what Marrybell said to me right before Euphie and I were to head to Area 11...
"So, how are things for you Sister?" Marrybell asked me, due to the distance involved we often spoke via video conference, and even though we had been assured that no one would hear what we said, we made sure to keep anything about our plans a secret and never really tried to say anything about them when we talked.
"It seems right after I establish a new Area for the Empire, I am tasked with quelling the attempts of Rebellion in a prior one." I tell her, exhaustion was clear in my face and voice, not because of the fact I hadn't a decent nights sleep in a while, but rather because of everything that had happened ever since the Upheaval...
She frowned at my overall behavior and mood, but understood exactly why I felt that way. She herself often felt lacking due to how she could do nothing when it happened...
"If you would prefer, I could come along and help you and Euphie with my Knights..." Marrybell offered, and it was sweet of her to provide such help, even still, I didn't feel like it would be the right time to do so...
With a tired smile, I tell her "Thank you sister dear, however I think my Glaston Knights will be enough to handle those scattered rebels, and we both know Clovis was never one for strategy, after all you recall how bad he was at chess!" The two of us giggled at the reminder of how often he lost to Lelouch, and how he claimed next time he would beat him, only to yet again be beaten. Honestly, it seemed he just did it to try and keep Lelouch on his toes, then again few if any really could beat him when it came to Chess, and no doubt he would be as skilled when it came to leading all kinds of soldiers and armies...
After the two of us shared a good natured and well deserved laugh, Marrybell had a bit of a somber tone as she spoke "Do you have any idea how it happened?" She asked, and we both know what it was in reference to.
I have my face in my Military Expression, and try to be serious as I can given everything, now was not the time to be Sisters who cared for each other, but military commanders "No, however I plan on figuring out every last detail and dealing with whoever is guilty of it once I do." I tell her in a voice that shouldn't give any doubts to whoever might be listening in. However I allow my expression to soften just a bit and tell her. "If I do think the situation could use your Input, I'll let you know as soon as I can." To which she smiles a bit, a slight twitch in her left eye to let me know she got the message, that being if I find Lelouch and it is almost time to put our plan in motion, then it meant she and her loyal soldiers were to stand alongside us.
Right as we were about to end our talk, Marrybell had a teasing glint in her eyes as she asked "So, has Gilbert been treating you well?"
Needless to say I promptly ended the call right as she was done asking, still I could tell she was laughing right as it ended...
I am brought back from my reminiscing to Guliford telling me that Suzaku is ready to deploy to engage the enemy.
"Princess? Everything alright?" He asks me...
Honestly, I can't help but wonder why you still wish to stand beside me Gilbert...
Still, I suppose it isn't such a bad thing to have as loyal of a Knight as him.
"I'm fine." I tell him, making sure to let him know we can talk about it later. Before hardening my expression to be the sort of commander that is expected of me.
"COMMENCE THE OPERATION!" I say with the sort of strength to my voice that the soldiers knew now was the time to get ready.
"Suzaku Kururgi, Lancelot, LAUNCHING!" I hear the voice of my younger sisters Knight state as he had his Lancelot deploy, and while at first I was wondering if he could handle the Float System, I then recall he has spent much of his years in another life piloting Knightmares where such a system or derivative was but standard issue in his toolkit.
And needless to say, seeing the Lancelot fly as it did was rather breathtaking...
Lord Asplund seemed rather eager to see what sort of data this battle would give him on how to better work on the float system for Knightmares.
Truly, it seems I will see many an impressive thing in my life.
And as I give a side glance to my Loyal Knight, I allow myself to think of how it might not be such a bad idea to let him be a part of it more than he already is...
Suzaku P.O.V.
Having the Float system on the Lancelot again makes me feel free. It's as if I could fly without end, granted it would only last as long as the energy filters did. But even still, it almost feels like I am piloting the Lancelot Zero again...
I should feel a sense of shame at the memory of using a Knightmare that should have been Lelouch's, where HE should have been Zero other than me...
But this time, I will make a difference...
This time, I will make it so if he ever gave the mantle of Zero to me, then it would be not be inaugurated by killing him...
Because now, I know what I am really fighting for...
I come up on the base, and it really is something to have to deal with all of those Gun-Ru's yet again.
As annoying as it can be to admit, the fact is given enough opponents, even an Ace Fighter will start to struggle...
Even with all of the skills I have now, it really is hard to not let them all overwhelm me. While I dislike having to kill these men, as some of them might very well could have been of help, it is also possible they would have just fought against us on behalf of the Eunuchs anyhow...
I notice a video message coming to me, from Sawasaki no doubt. While I am not interested in wasting my breath taking to him, I figure I might as well humor him for what little time he has upon the world.
"I know it's you in that Knightmare Suzaku. I wonder what your Father would say, knowing his one and only son is serving the ones who have trampled on all he had done." He tells me, as if he knows anything about what actually happened...
"Sawasaki, the only reason I am doing this, is because if our people are to live on, we can't be chained to the past." I tell him.
He scoffs at me. Like a parent would to a disobedient child "And you think serving the nation that treats you as little more than a slave will do you any good! Are you foolish enough to believe you can change the system from within?"
The first time around, I would have been very adamant in telling him I would do just that, as well as hoping I would die as I ensured such a change would occur.
Now though...
I tighten the grip on my controls. Fighting even harder than I had before...
"No, that isn't what I am fighting for..." I say, as much as for myself as everyone else who cares about me to hear.
Sawasaki seems curious, figuring I would have only reaffirmed my old ideas, my dead ideas. "Oh, what are you fighting for then?" He asks me. Even as the Gun-Ru's start coming in even greater numbers, he is trying to distract me, but I don't care, I knew this wouldn't be done without Lelouch and the Gawain's help. It was foolish to think I could have done it all on my own in my old life...
I hold the controls so tightly, it's almost like I could break them if I went to hard.
"The reason why I am fighting. Is to ensure a better future for myself and the people I Love!" I say, the last word being yelled out, as if it was trying to defy the heavens, to defy fate itself!
And yet, just like before, I feel the Lancelot begin to stop moving, it's energy level's getting critically low...
I feel a resentment build in me as the Chinese begin to realize I can't fight back, and so the Gun-Ru's begin to become too much, they are starting to swarm over me...
Damn it! I can't die here! I still have so much left to live for!
And then I feel it, that feeling that had been gone for so long...
It comes into my mind, like an old friend...
Lelouch's one command he gave me, simple, yet also meaning so much...
'Suzaku Kururgi I command that you LIVE ON!'
And right then, does the Gawain come in, and I have never been more glad to have Lelouch just come in un announced then right now!
The large Knightmare trashes the Gun-Ru's easily with it's Slash Harken's, and while they try to fight it. Their attacks don't do much of anything...
It bends down one knee to better reach me, and hands out an energy filter in one of it's hand.
"It looks like you could use some help, Knight Kururgi. How about we lend you a hand?" He says with such confidence and humor in his voice, and I can't help but smile brightly as I feel the Geass command in my mind, both it and my own thoughts being in harmonious alignment now.
I give enough power to the limbs to grasp it, in a way it was like he was lending a hand out to help me up, and I just accepted it.
"Very well then, Zero!" I tell him, doing my best to sound professional and keep my emotions from being noticed by any unwanted onlookers...
He gives a bit of a chuckle, as if he is as glad to have me by his side in this fight as I am with him.
"Well then, try to see if you can keep up with me and my Q-1 Krurugi." Lelouch says as he helps me replace the filter, I try to see where the Guren could be, only to recall it should still be getting worked on, so where is Kallen?
...
Wait...
Did he...
...
...
...
I can't help the grin on my face as I realize what he means...
And to be honest, I always did wonder how the Gawain would preform if Lelouch had Kallen helping him rather than C.C.
"That so huh? Well then. Bring it on!" I exclaim with excitement in my voice. A true sense of joy filling my body, mind, and soul as I began to fight once again alongside two of the greatest people I wished I could have called family in my old life...
Only this time, once it is over, then we can regard ourselves as that for real!
Euphemira P.O.V.
I can't help but feel as if my heart is being set ablaze with joy as I hear and see Suzaku be more alive then I recall him being in such a long time!
Nelly seems to notice how much I am smiling as she says "Now, now sister. Try not to smile too much okay, don't want your face to be stuck like that now do we?" and yet, when she says that, it isn't like how often she would tell me not to do something, but rather as if she is just teasing me!
Just moments after the two Knightmares stand up ready to engage, one of the comm technicians says to me and Nelly how someone wants to establish contact, Nelly takes the offered headphones and lets out a gasp of surprise as she hears the person on the other end.
"Are you really?" She seems to ask, before smiling as she says "It's good to hear you. Hold on, are you sure that is wise?"
I wonder who she is talking to? Lelouch?
Nelly smiles after a bit more. "If you both are so certain, then I don't see why not."
"Who are you talking to Sister?" I ask her, before hearing the comm systems come online and I hear a voice.
"Just me Princess. So, what do you think?" Oh my goodness, NUNNALLY!
Nelly seems to notice and simply says "She wishes to be called, White Witch, as a code name, sister dear."
Hmm, well I suppose that is as good as a callsign as any for Nunnally to use.
"So, what exactly are you doing this for?" I ask her.
"I figured you would like to hear what Zero has to say alongside your Knight." Nunnally tells me, and oh I am so glad she is willing to offer.
"Do you even have to ask?" I tell her, and in an instant, I hear Lelouch's voice come along through the speakers.
"I must say Suzaku, you really seem to know how to make your Lancelot move! I am glad to have us fighting side by side, don't you agree Q-1?"
Q-1? But isn't that the codename for...
"Yeah! I'm glad to not having to be fighting him for once!" KALLEN! I did not think Lelouch would have you be the second pilot for the Gawain, but honestly you seem to really handle it rather well, though I'm sure the Guren is a better fit for you overall, I wonder what it would be like having you three fighting together in your own individual Knightmare Frames?
Even still, I am amazed at the display the three of them are providing, it feels less like a battle and more like a dance. An amazing, beautiful dance!
Not to mention they all sound so ALIVE! Just when I thought I couldn't feel more joy than I already had with hearing Suzaku, but also the joy of my Brother and his own beloved Queen...
It makes me feel like I am going to be overwhelmed!
It is all so amazing, I barely even realize that all of the enemy forces have been dealt with, the three of them managed to take out the entire invasion force sent all on their own!
"Oh, it seems like we've dealt with them all. Now where could that coward Sawasaki be hiding? Hmm?" Lelouch asks, I can tell he plans on making this a chase of sorts.
"Hmm, want to look around?" Kallen offers. To which both Lelouch and Suzaku agree and have the Gawain and Lancelot begin to search...
Only then do their comms cut off and we are left to just process everything.
Nelly, thankfully, is able to recover enough to take command of the situation. "ALL UNITS, SPREAD OUT, FIND SAWASAKI AND HIS CO-CONSIPATORS! I WANT THEM FOUND AND BROUGHT BEFORE ME NOW!" She yells out in her commanding voice, it's enough to get the rest of the soldiers to get out of their dumbstruck state of mind and begin to move in. As far as any reports would be concerned, the Black Knights simply offered a temporary truce as our goals were in alignment, the Black Knights feeling Sawasaki was nothing more than a corrupt fool who would have Japan under the rule of China and not be free, while we simply responded by an attempted assault upon our territory...
It really is amazing to know I have such amazing siblings!
No ones P.O.V.
"Damn it! All of that work, undone by those two Knightmares! Damn you Suzaku, and Damn you ZERO!" Sawasaki yelled out as he ran to try and remain hidden.
"You always were a coward and a runner when things would get rough Atsushi." Genbu Kururgi said as he walked into Sawasaki's line of sight.
"G-GENBU! Y-YOU'RE ALIVE!" Sawasaki exclaimed at the surprise of seeing his former leader in front of him.
In front of him with a Pistol in hand, aimed right at the man.
"Sawasaki." Genbu said as he released the safety, causing the man he addressed to gulp in fear.
"Wh-why Genbu, are you not Japanese?" Sawasaki questioned, a look of betrayal in his eyes.
"I am very much so a son of Japan. However, do not take this as to assume I am accepting of things as they are now. I do wish for our homeland to be free." He said, making Atsushi think he simply was having it armed for their protection...
The Bullet that went into his left leg made him think other wise.
"AGH! Why are you doing this Genbu. WHY!" Atsushi exclaimed in rage and pain, maddened at the man who gave him any real relevance was willing to leave him for the enemy to capture.
Genbu gave a long, hard look at the former Chief Secretary of the Cabinet and said "I am doing this for a world my Son and those he loves can live in. As any Father worthy of being called as such would do for their children."
Atsushi seemed confused. Didn't Genbu want Japan to be free?
He must have noticed the look in the man's eyes as he continued. "I know what you were planning on doing, but I liked to think you were smart enough to know all you would have done was have a Japan at the mercy of the Chinese rather than Britannia. Of course, with how fickle the High Eunuchs are these days, I wouldn't be surprised if they gave up their own country and it's people up to the Britannians if it meant they could get further power, so all you REALLY would have done was just make it be separate from Britannia for about a year or so. And then it would be just as it was when you came up with this mess of a plan..."
Sawasaki had a look of rage in his eyes, how DARE Genbu talk him down like that!
"You act as if this is the better path? You must be getting soft. Kururgi." Atsushi said with venom in his voice at the former Prime Minister.
Genbu for his part didn't pay the man's words any mind and simply looked at the Knightmare his son was Piloting, as well as the one George's son and Robert's daughter were operating...
As he looked at them, he felt a surge of fatherly pride and warmth wash over him, proud of his son and happy to know he has such incredible people to act as his friends and as brothers and sisters-in-arms. And, should the spirits be willing, be able to look upon Lelouch Lux Birtannia and treat him as a son of his own, bound by the ties in which his son and his lovely princess would be wed by...
And the fierce yet also warm Kallen Kozuki-Stradfield would be a perfect match for Lelouch, he could tell why Marianne already considered them to be married in all but name.
'Still, hopefully the festivities won't be as crazy as what she had George deal with.' He thought to himself with a chuckle.
Atsushi didn't seem to understand and demanded to know why he laughed. So Genbu decided to humor him a little.
"I'm laughing because I know my Son and the ones he stands beside will do far more for Japan and the world at large than you or I ever could. We thought we would achieve greatness, and yet it seems we were but the prelude to what true wonders would emerge into the world." He told him as he walked up closer to the coward of a man and leveled his Pistol right between the man's eye's.
"If it were anyone else I would say it is a shame you won't be alive to see it. However we both know you are going to die regardless, so it doesn't really matter who pulls the trigger on you." Genbu says, not really bothered at all by the fact he would be killing the man he had known for some time. Though to be honest, Sawasaki and the others didn't really care about Japan anyhow, not as he had...
He expected the man in front of him to cower and beg for his life. Instead he had a sneer on his face as he spoke one last bit before his eventual demise...
"Tch, that bitch made you soft Krurugi! I knew it was a mistake to let you have someone like her around! I SHOULD'VE-"
However, Sawasaki never did finish his thought, as his words were drowned out by the sound of one last gunshot, right between the eyes, and he would never say anything ever again...
"You really should have known better than to insult my Wife, Atasushi. Still, I can't say I am surprised, you always did despise her the most out of the others..." Genbu said with a sigh, knowing he managed to put to rest a part of his life he wished he had sooner...
Ranger P.O.V.
Well, that's that, isn't it?
'Quite. Still I feel a fair bit at ease seeing how full of life those three are now...'
"I take it you three will manage this?" Genbu asks us as he looks to where we are perched at.
But of course Genbu, though I have to ask, how does it feel?
He takes a moment to think and lets out a tired sigh. "A bit exhausting, however, I feel somewhat free now."
'If that is what you feel, then things should be fine.'
True, however things are only starting to escalate now, it will be getting harder once things start picking up again...
'But they will manage it. After all, we are them, and they are us!'
Indeed, however let's leave the late Sawasaki somewhere the others can find and not draw too many questions...
A/N: And that is it for this chapter! I'll admit it's not as much compared to the last one, however at least I got it done within a few days of posting the prior one rather than a couple of months. Anyhow it might be the start of me doing a whole writing spree, or not, either way I hope to do better when it comes to describing things so you guys don't simply have a basic idea on what is going on. Anyhow, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Please make sure to leave a review!
Till next time!
