A.N. Alright everyone a new chapter in Britannia Rising. So quick note, this story is beginning to reach its climax. For anyone out there who might panic I intend to bring those that were on the Damocles back into this story before it ends. How you might ask, well time skips, I know that seems like a cheap move but I hope you'll realize when I get to that point. Either way the final battle is nearing I'll say that much. Until next time enjoy!

Chapter 23

Excerpt from Britannia history book: Copyright date CENSORED

"The Battle of the Crossing" as the media dubbed the UFN attempt to invade Japan, was a disaster for the Sawasaki's regime. In the total of army ground soldiers, pilots, knightmare operators, support personal, and crew the losses of the UFN military approached close to a million causalities. The UFN's fleet had returned to port in tatters, and in a disorganized rabble, barely any of the air compliment had returned and only destroyers and a dozen cruisers of the sea fleet had returned; no battle fortresses had made it.

The land battle that had taken place on the coast of Japan had from the start been a rabble with only a single head. Once that head had been removed the rabble had turned into one big blob of humanity. What remained of that blob were slowly shipped away to the Americas to await the end of the war.

In Russia where another UFN army attempted to gain purchase in Britannian territory the UFN faired only slightly better. Nonetheless even with their gains they were stopped in their tracks with the arrival of reinforcements from Europe. The Wing Hussars under the command of Leila Malcal had undertook one of the greatest redeployments thus far seen in the war. Through the use of airborne ships, the W-0 Unit had been dropped behind enemy lines, where the future Knight of Two, Akito Hyuga, conducted lightning fast strikes against the enemy's supply, transportation, and command structures. Meanwhile the Winged Hussars, newly reequipped, resupplied, and reinforced, under Leila Malcal struck the confused enemy with the force of an aimed sledgehammer. Though not close to the city, the battle was dubbed the Victory on the Plains of Vladivostok.

The siege of Berlin at this time as well continued unabated, the three allied commanders, Guilford, Durand, and Krachenko planned and re-planned strategies to end the fight with the fewest casualties possible. Machevel meanwhile sat in his underground bunker also planning to win the battle and retake Europe. However, despite the having the Republican Guard waging a fanatical last stand in the city their protective gear was beginning to wear out. Constant artillery bombardments kept the Guard on their toes and under what cover remained. Despite the rubble the munitions of the Allies kept finding their hind outs and smashing them apart.

Tokyo, Imperial Palace January 18, 2022 a.t.b

To C.C. few things could surprise her anymore, however a few things still could, Lelouch for one. He had cracked her heart open like an egg, and made her greatest wish come true in a way she did not think possible. Even then he still surprised her, their marriage was another surprise she did not see coming. But what stood before her and her husband surprised almost as much as Lelouch as a person did.

A small being stood what looked like a toddler, standing almost four feet but still a bit shy off the mark. A small pink gown fitting for the size of the female while long pink green/black hair cascaded down the back of the cloth. Pale skin highlighted the violet yellow eyes, only the small flickers in the hair and skin showed that much of its appearance was nothing but holographic. Beneath the digital facsimile was synthetic silicon skin, the type usually used for Britannian prosthetics, and which was eventually going to be replaced by more advanced synthetic skin types. The machinery inside the being kept the surface of the synthskin at a surprisingly warm temperature, which was causing the small cheap hologram projectors to flicker. All together giving a strikingly similar appearance to one dead Britannian princess, Euphemia.

Her husband knelt down so that he could see into the eyes of the Euphemia look alike before them, "so do you have a name?"

He hid his slight discomfort at staring into a face that looked very much like his sister, though it was still decently different to the point one could tell them apart. The little figure shook her in the negative, "no I don't, I would like you and mommy to pick it out."

To say the immortal pair had been shocked at the explanation that they had been given for this being creation would be an understatement. Apparently back during their visit to Kamane Island when C.C. had tried to intervene in Lelouch's transformation the pair's codes had been activated when C.C. had touched the monument. Their consciousnesses had then flooded through the Collective Unconsciousness and back into the vast computer network on the Island. The network then acted as a type of womb where the offspring of the unintentional "mindmeld," had gestated before being birthed a few days prior.

Taken aback just a slight bit at this Lelouch looked up at C.C. she in turn knelt down as well, asking, "well did you have any you would like."

The new being grasped the front of the gown in her tiny fists, it being the only thing on the robotic body that was real. Nervously she replied, "well I'm sure you've noticed by now but I kind of look like Euphemia li Britannia." The royal pair nodded, biting her imaginary lip she continued, "well while I was growing I found her life to be amazing, so full of love and you liked her very much daddy. So I thought I'd model myself after her," she paused looking up into her parents eyes, "so um maybe Euphemia?"

The wall on Lelouch's started to develop cracks as the tiny being spoke, he didn't know why, maybe it was a result of the being's inception during the incident on Kamane island. Or more simply it was some sort of instinctual paternal feeling, but the very presence of this child brought to the surface feelings he had never felt before. Or maybe this was the Collective Unconsciousness saying that he would have the chance to give the world another Euphemia, and fix the mistakes he had made; possibly, it could even be the CU saying that he had another person to spend eternity with. Tears started to brim in his eyes, and he laughed a happy giggle, "Euphemia, eh it's perfect, you shall be Euphemia vi Britannia."

Yet again Ceceniah was surprised by her husband, he was not only taking this situation remarkably well, but was actually taking this child into his house. Not to say she was against this, far from it she to felt emotions rising in her heart, however unlike her husband she recognized them better. She felt similar emotions when she was raising Mao, she felt her maternal instincts rise as she looked down at her new child. The corners of her mouth rose in a smile, now, for the fist time in her life, she would have a real family with no strings attached.

Britannian News Cast, February 13, 2022 a.t.b

"Hong Kong has fallen," announced the news caster. "After a surprise strike by Britannian air lifted divisions the UFN city fell its defenders defeated in a swift action. The true extent of this victory can be measured in the lives of the soldiers and civilians not lost, thanks in large part to the pinpoint strikes made the soldiers under Lord Tamaki's command."

Images streaked across the screen showing the city smoke rising from various points where fighting had been. These were interspersed with footage of UFN soldiers being led away by armored Black Knight infantry overseen by large knightmares. The image switched back to the announcer, "after the seizure of the city military police moved in to put down looters and establish order among the population. A council is being formed from the local populace to insure a stable government over the area. Special care is being taken in the choosing of those to sit on the council, including plans for a final popular vote to be held."

"Reinforcements arriving by air and sea have also expanded the bridgehead out of the city sending the enemy running. In other news the UFN columns sent into Russia have been turned back by the coordinated counter attacks made by the forces under the command of Leila Breisgau, and Ashley Ashra. The pair, along with allied forces, have pressed the enemy into a full retreat, meanwhile Anya Alstreim's blitz of the Korean Peninsula has completed as of 5:00 a.m. this morning as her lead columns reached the Yalu river, and an hour following she crossed the river into China."

The images televised to the massive population of Britannia, and those others in the world that could pick up the broadcast, changed to show happier scenarios. Smiling children and parents as well as factory floors manned by workers, "in lighter news, it was announced today that the new line of Bio-Laz cybernetics will go into mass production. The new form of synthetic healing agent combined with Knightmare quality cybernetics breathes new hope into the medical world. Ultimately leading to the possibility of extended life expectancy for many and mobility for those who have lost it."

An image of Lelouch appeared on the screen as the news caster continued, "the emperor also made the announcement today that a new line of computer systems are to implemented throughout the Britannian infrastructure. His Majesty made the statement that R&D, headed by the esteemed Rakshata Chawla, discovered a revolutionary breakthrough in computer software that opened the door to a new breed of computer hardware and software. The Emperor also stated that these new systems will help bring a new era to Britannia and to humanity as a whole."

Imperial Palace, War Room, February 14, 2022 a.t.b.

These meetings were both necessary and a pain at times for Lelouch, after so many years of constant war he was growing tired of it. Holographic screens and projections showed those members of the Imperial war effort who could not be physically present, which was just about everyone save for Lelouch himself. The emperor leaned forward folding his hands on the table, "orbital strikes continue, we are targeting everything of military value, factories, transport hubs, even bridges and roads. Of course, you all know this, however with our forces now entering China I am contemplating the use of FLEIJAs."

A ripple ran through the members of the meeting, all knew the power and destruction the WMDs could cause. A number in fact knew first hand having been present at the Second Battle of Tokyo and Mt Fuji. Jeremiah's image shifted and asked, "would the weapons be used in a tactical or strategic sense?"

Lelouch's eyes furrowed, "I will not use these weapons to decimate the civilian population of the UFN, they shall remain in reserve as tactical weapons."

"So, are we able to call upon them should we need or find them necessary?" asked Leila, and though he could not be seen Akito was likely standing behind her.

"As of the moment you are to contact me for confirmation of a FLEIJA attack, however this policy may change as the times," responded the emperor. It was still to early for him to trust anyone other than himself with the FLEIJAs, the fission bombs of the UFN caused enough damage, he did not dare think of what would happen should one of his commanders be compromised and use the weapons. But with his long-term plans in mind he was making plans to change this for the better.

"But this also brings up the main topic that this meeting was called to address," continued the raven-haired monarch. "With the UFNs introduction of there fission bombs and amount of violence that has occurred over the past decade alone I have come to a decision. This war must end, soon."

"I take it that this does not mean by peacefully talking to Sawasaki?" Anya spoke up, asking the question on everyone's mind.

Lelouch nodded, "indeed. I intend to lead a strike myself to capture Beijing and Sawasaki."

Another ripple went through the gathered leaders, such a proposition was one that had been suggested during the reign of Charles but had not been acted on for very good reasons. The city of Beijing was a fortress city, over the generations the Chinese Federation had fortified the city to be a reserve capitol. A place where the government could run and hide while still commanding the nation. Bunkers had replaced forts, and heavy weapons guarded the roads and highways while other weapons kept a watch on the skies. But after the formation of the UFN and Sawasakis rise to power, the city had been given upgrades in weapons and defenses. Spies had delivered the news that Radiant Wave Shields and weapons were being installed thus making the already powerful city even more daunting. Any semblance of beauty and prestige the city had during the reigns of the previous emperors had gone and was replaced with cold steal teeth of war.

"I intend to take prisoner or destroy Sawasaki," continued Lelouch, "and destroy the force that is helping him. When he is out of the picture the UFN will collapse and capitulate, the OSI has reported that the majority of nations in the UFN are for an end to the war. I have ordered that requests be sent to these nations stating that in the event of Sawasaki's removal from office if they would be willing to capitulate. They agreed."

"So hear is what I need for all of you to do to prepare for this grand stroke," Lelouch looked round at his commanders. Anya, Jeremiah, Leila, Tamaki, Guilford, and Ashra, and Durand, all sat straight in preparation for their assignments, tightness in their chests at the prospect of the end of the war. "Anya you will coordinate with Leila, and Ashley to out flank and cut off the enemy's northern forces. Meanwhile Tamaki you will expand your beachhead and using naval and air born forces will harass the enemy from the south keeping any enemy force from heading north."

"Yes, your majesty," came the uniformed reply.

Turning his head towards Guilford and Durand Lelouch continued, "Guilford, General Durand, the capture of Machavel is paramount to the successful end to this war. He must be captured for this war to end and you Durand to take final command of the remaining EU nations. They to have been communicated with and like those nations in the UFN are willing to end hostilities once the head of the snake is cut off and his republican guard is destroyed."

"Yes, my lord," replied Guilford.

"It will be done," nodded Durand.

"And what of me my lord?" asked Jeremiah.

Turning to his personal knight Lelouch smiled, "you my friend are to return here and are to accompany me to Beijing."

Jeremiah grinned like a mad man thumping his fist to his heart, "a pleasure sire."

Looking around the raven head emperor said, "ladies and gentlemen, the endgame is upon us."

Kamine Island, February 20, 2022 a.t.b.

"Kay do this and this," muttered Euphemia as she worked with a computer console. Data streamed across the screen as the bits added and rearranged after Ephie's tampering. C.C. stood behind her next to Rakshata who watched in amazement. C.C. however watched with pride as her daughter accomplished something that Rakshata had yet to accomplish. With a few beeps the data files left from the Toromo Agency were unlocked. Other consoles lit up as files were automatically sorted into the categories of weapons, transportation, logistics, and far more.

Rakshata looked around and whistled, "oh this is amazing, all of this will catapult our research years ahead. God only knows what is in these files." Turning to Euphie she asked, "I don't suppose you would happen to know."

The little being shook her head, "no but I can tell some are more important then others."

"Oh," Rahsata's eyebrow stood up, "how so?"

"Some of these files, have more security walls than others."

C.C. took this moment to interject, "I would suggest you take a look at those files first."

The Indian scientist nodded getting the meaning, "indeed, if the Toromo Agency and Schneizel thought it important to hide it must be hot."

"Euphie be a dear and isolate these files for Aunty Shata," said C.C. placing her hand on her daughter's shoulder.

"Of course, mommy," replied the A.I. Ceciniah's hear fluttered at this, she wondered if she would get used to be called that. Even Mao had never called her that, but he was not made with a part of her and another person who held her heart, and soon she even would be truly flesh of her flesh.

She had also brought Euphie here while she gave a DNA sample to Rakshata to use in conjuncture with a sample from Lelouch to create a techno organic body for Euphie, not to dissimilar to that of Sayoko's. The hope was to give her a proper body that could interact with everyone else other than the more clunky body she had which relied on holographic, synthetic skin and other technology.

"All done," came Euphie's chipper call.

C.C. smiled, "good job dear. We'll leave you to your work Rakshata."

Said scientist had her eyes buried in the computer screen before her as she flicked through file after file quickly reading the file names. "Huh oh yes, yes of course thank you your majesty."

C.C. shook her head in amusement placing her head on her daughter's shoulder and escorting her out of the room.

Undisclosed Location, Europe

Akito and his team were dressed in black and moved through the hallways with great speed while maintain as much silence as possible. There back carapace armor was dulled so that it would not gleam in even the dim light of the shadows. Reinforced to prevent radiation breaches the suits were basically fighting hasmad suites. Their own vision was illuminated by the very best visual optics technology had to offer. He and his team swarmed into the rooms they came across, flashes from their weapons sent their targets to the ground. Finally, Akito battered through the door that separated him from his main target, vaulting into the room the Japanese soldier bashed down his target hard enough to render him unconscious before sweeping up and around with his pistol putting shots into the other targets of the room.

As the last of the dummy targets fall Akito stands and speaks into his radio bead, "all targets down, operation complete."

"Copy commander well done," came the reply. "Training simulation complete."

Holstering his weapons Akito made his way back out of the complex that had been mocked up to resemble a bunker. The exact layout of Machavel's command bunker were not fully known in great detail. Some scans had produced vague images of the design of the complex but guess work based on the dimensions of the bunker and what could be ascertained by the scans a basic idea of the rest of the enemy construct could be guessed at. So Akito and other operatives trained in hastily made mock ups of what the bunker could be. There job was to attack, breach, and find Machavel, from there they were to bring him back, but if this proved impossible, kill him.

The siege of Berlin was proving to be a detriment to all involved, therefore this plan had been devised to bring a swift end to the conflict. While some in the chain of command thought it better to wait and starve the defenders out, they had been contradicted by none other than the emperor himself. The emperor wished the siege to end as swiftly as possible and for Machavel to be brought in alive, so he could stand trial and be dealt with publicly, thus ensuring a transition of power in Europe.

Akito was then given the task of spearheading the attack into the bunker, his expertise in close courters fighting was crucial for this. As well as his ability to improvise during in tight constraints, and the sheer tenacity when his convictions were aroused. While he was slightly disappointed to be away from Leila, he found it equally difficult to turn down the opportunity to directly face the man who had taken so much of his new family away from him at Castle Wolf. And up in the corner of his visor Akito watched the numbers count down to the time when he would jump into action against his enemy. Time was almost up.