"Hey, Ryo," Ayano said as she looked out the window of the boy's room in Castle Weisswolf. It may look peaceful from her view of the forest, but ever since the Galra invaded, there was no way of knowing where it was safe anymore. Even the castle could be bombarded at any time. How it hadn't been already was anyone's guess. "How long do you plan to stick around here?"
Ryo looked up from his laidback position on his pullout bed while Yukiya typed away on his laptop on the opposite side. "As long as we continue to get free room and board, and you know I dig how it looks like an old castle when it's still all modern and high tech inside. Wonder if something inside is keeping the Galra patrols away or something. Plus, there's not a rat to be seen. Right, Yukiya?"
"Yep, that's true," Yukiya replied, looking up from his screen to grin at Ayano, "Plus, what did Ayano call them? Icky?"
Ayano scowled, jumping from her seat by the window ledge, "You realize they're going to slap uniforms on us and send us to war, right?"
"Don't get so worked up," Ryo argued back.
"Yeah, we both know the real reason Ayano's freaking out is because they confiscated their dagger," Yukiya agreed, smirking.
"Truth!"
"Yeah, so what?!" Ayano snapped, "It belongs to me! They have no right! How can a Japanese citizen work for-"
"Anyway, if you're that concerned, you may not have to worry for too much longer," Yukiya interrupted. "I've been hearing some rumors around the castle… apparently, there's been some Voltron sitings again."
"Voltron?" Ryo asked, sitting up completely, and Ayano looked just as interested.
"Yeah," Yukiya nodded, "And from what I've picked up, they may be setting up a meeting with the bigwigs stationed here."
"So… what are you getting at? What does that mean for us, then?" Ayano demanded.
"Calm down, Ayano. We just got to wait for a little while longer. After, we belong here." Yukiya smirked mischievously.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to keep those three Eleven… um, excuse me, Japanese kids running loose, sir?" a tall officer questioned Lieutenant Colonel Warwick.
"Why? Has there been a problem, Major Hammel? Unless they're radioing the Galra…."
"Um, no, they are not doing that!" Major Oscar Hammel shook his head quickly. "But you do realize they are still criminals! They attempted to abduct Commander Malcal. I'm already uncomfortable enough with those dissenters from the Order of Michael here."
"I know, I know," Lieutenant Colonel Claus sympathized, taking a swig from his flask, his face uncharacteristically tight. "Under normal circumstances, there would not only be an extensive investigation, but most of them would likely be executed. But right now, we can't afford to turn away any able-bodied soldiers. We've already lost many good men and women. Plus, with no word about General Smilas's status…."
"While I understand that, sir, they are still unknowns! If they are to take any hostile action at this time, it would be difficult to subdue with nothing more than my special forces team."
"Don't worry too much. Our security system has been extensively updated since the Galra came. It should be impossible for those three to break through it."
"It's said the Green Paladin of Voltron can do so easily to the Galra's defenses," the major argued.
"Maybe… but those three aren't Voltron, now are they?" Claus countered.
Major Hammel sighed, "Speaking of Voltron, are the reports I've heard true? They're back and attempting to establish contact with our base?"
"Not just that," Claus corrected, "I hear they're even sending an envoy. Not sure when, but it will likely be in a few days."
"I see," Hammel nodded in acceptance. "Let's hope things begin to change. Hopefully, for the better."
"Yes. Hope indeed," Claus agreed, a worried frown on his face. One that he wore more often than ever since the invasion.
Thanks to the invisibility of the Green Lion, Zerith had no trouble flying into what was left of the European Union. However, they didn't need to fly too low to see the utter devastation the Galra had left behind in their wake. The Paladins and the other passengers could only watch in sorrow as towns, forests, and every other environment their eyes fell upon were up-ended, the chaos leaving deep scars on the earth below. They could imagine how many humans perished. And if this was only the European Union, they dared not think what other places, much less Japan, looked like now.
"I'm amazed that the place they're asking us to meet at is still standing," Milly commented as the Weisswolf Castle finally came into view. Compared to most of the rest of the surroundings, the castle seemed almost untouched.
"We can likely thank the surrounding terrain for that," Tohdoh commented, "Even with their technology, it's likely difficult for the Galra to navigate through the cold mountain ranges around here."
"Yeah, and the forests are providing a decent cover too," Rai added. "There may also be some technology that shields their life or heat signatures as well."
"For now, at least," Allura said grimly, "Let's hope it holds out long enough to come up with a plan."
"Right. Rai, take Zerith there," Lelouch, garbed as Zero, pointed to a nearly invisible crevice along the mountain, "that's one of the entrances to their underground base."
The Green Paladin nodded, guiding Zerith swiftly into the runway. As the group descended, they spotted several figures waiting for the group at the end.
Leila, Akito, Claus, and Ashley waited anxiously as the Green Lion's metal form flickered to life before their eyes, its invisible cloak glitching off.
Two other figures also stepped back in surprise at seeing a Voltron Lion with their own eyes. The first was a person with stark, shoulder-length hair and a red mask, wearing a black and white outfit, the two colors reflecting the other from right to left, and finishing with a long cape, light blue on the right and violet on the left. The second was a younger man with blond hair and green eyes wearing a long, white Chinese-style top, black pants, and a blue, gold-embroidered jacket.
Ashley whistled, "Now that's a Knightmare."
"You're really willing to call that a nightmare?" the blond boy asked.
"Enough," Leila silenced them, "They're here."
Zerith, as if on command, lowered her head to let her Paladin and passengers out. Zero led the way, with Princess Allura walking next to him, Coran close behind, the other Paladins trailing the back, along with C.C., Nunnally, Tohdoh, and Ohgi.
Rivalz, upon seeing the extravagantly dressed man leaned over to the next closest Paladin, Suzaku, and whispered, "Wow, and I thought Zero was flashy."
Suzaku barely suppressed a snort.
"Commander Leila Malcal?" Allura asked, eyeing the young commander in question.
"Yes," Leila nodded, "And you must be the princess?"
"Princess Allura," she bowed her head before gesturing to the others, "This is my advisor, Coran, and this is Zero, the Paladins of Voltron, as well as Ohgi, Tohdoh, Nunnally, and C.C."
As Leila scanned the face, she paused on C.C., her eyes widening.
Are you…?
C.C. raised an eyebrow. She clearly recognized Leila as well. However, now wasn't the time to ask. Besides, the odds that it was the same woman were slim at best.
Composing herself, Leila nodded, "Pleasure to meet you. I'm Commander Leila Malcal, and this is Lieutenant Akito Hyuga, Lieutenant Colonel Warwick Claus, and Ashley Ashra."
"Pleasure to meet you all, and you these two?"
"Of course. Let me introduce Wizard and Oz. They're our contacts from the Peace Mark organization."
"Ah yes, I've heard about you two," Zero spoke, "it's nice to finally put faces to names. Though I doubt those are your true names."
The younger of the two scowled and went to protest, but Wizard spoke first. "You're a perspective one, Zero, considering you do the same. Since you also hide behind a mask, I hope you understand that I have my own reasons for concealing my true name."
"You've proven yourself a valuable ally against the Galra threat, so I and the rest of my team will keep our peace," Zero answered, closing the argument.
"Your acceptance is appreciated," Wizard nodded.
"Right, let's get down to business then, shall we?" Allura said, "Is there a place we can move to talk."
"Of course, follow us, please," Leila said, gesturing everyone inside.
Despite most coming from fairly well-off families, who constantly took vacations wherever they wanted, none of the Paladins had been inside an ancient castle like Castle Weisswolf, and the Castle of the Lions didn't count despite it being over 10,000 years old. Even the Britannian Royal Palace had been modernized enough that most of the original castle's internal structure had been built over or renovated. So even Lelouch couldn't help but glance around in awe at the old stone walls and hallways.
"Um, question, how old is this place?" Shirley asked curiously.
"Don't know for sure," Claus shrugged, "if we were to make an educated guess, the original castle was probably built around the 11th century. As if passed from owner to owner, the out exterior was added onto and expanded over the centuries."
"That's amazing," Nunnally commented, looking around wondrously as they walked.
"Whoa…" Rai muttered, and other Paladins shared his sentiment.
The group was eventually led to Leila's office, and everyone quickly sat down, with Leila taking a seat behind her desk.
"I'd offer tea, but supplies is scarce, and it's best we discuss this quickly," Leila quickly apologized.
"That's quite all right," Allura dismissed, "Let's get right down to business then. First, let me offer my deepest apologies for fleeing the planet as Zarkon invaded. Our wish wasn't to leave your planet unprotected, but Zarkon is not a force we can fight without preparation, and with most of your planet suddenly backing him, we were forced to locate reinforcements elsewhere."
"Well, the fact you're back must mean you found those reinforcements," Claus guessed.
"We have, but even though we've recuperated, a counterattack will be fruitless without proper intel." Zero addressed, "That's where you and Peace Mark come in. According to informants, you're the ones that have the most recent knowledge on the Galra's movements on Earth."
"It's not perfect," Wizard admitted, "but we are willing to share what we know."
"Well, that's all we can ask at this point. Shall we start comparing notes?" Allura questioned.
"Of course," Wizard nodded, "Unfortunately if your informant has kept you up to date, most other rebel forces that haven't been wiped out are in hiding and refusing to make another move. Peace Mark and Commander Malcal's unit, wZERO, are the only two groups still actively resisting them."
"So Earth doesn't know Voltron's back yet?" Suzaku asked.
"Not currently," Oz confirmed, "Though that's bound to change any day now."
"And can we ask how you know this yourselves?" C.C. questioned.
Leila's eyes widened as C.C. spoke for the first time. There was no question now. Even her voice hadn't changed since that day.
Noticing Leila's recognition, the immortal made a mental note to talk to her and the other Paladins. While she didn't think Leila would become a problem like Mao, it was best to cover all her bases.
"We don't know much ourselves, but there's a spy deep within enemy ranks that's been leaking intel to us and many other rebel groups. The only thing we know about is that they go by the codename 'Elphaba,'" Wizard said.
"Elphaba… isn't that the name of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz?" Milly asked.
"Wicked witch?!" Coran asked, looking greatly concerned.
"It's a fictional character, Coran," Kallen quickly said before the Alteans could panic, "and like they said, it's just a codename."
"Yes, so far, his or her intel has been accurate, but we have yet to establish any face-to-face contact," Claus admitted.
"Have you tried to meet them in person yet?" Rivalz asked.
"We have not, but can ask," Wizard said, "They may be more willing to meet now that Voltron has returned."
"Do it as soon as you can, then. The sooner we can determine if this spy is trustworthy, the better." Allura ordered. "Now's not the time to cast doubts on the few allies we still have on this planet. The second Zarkon realizes that Voltron is back on Earth, he'll send everything he has to capture it."
"I say let them come if you ask me," Ashley growled, cracking his knuckles, "I've had a bone to pick with the purple bastards the second they got here."
Lelouch smirked slightly under the mask, "We appreciate the enthusiasm, but don't think it will be that easy. We must assemble everything we've got to stand a chance against him."
Zero set a small metal device on the table and pressed the button in the center. Immediately a holographic map of Earth appeared in front of everyone.
"Well… that's impressive," Ashley commented on the highly details hologram.
Ignoring the redhead's comment, Zero continued, "We need to accomplish a series of multiple attacks on different targets simultaneously. This should cripple the Galra's hold on the planet. But as Allura said, the major obstacle we have is Zarkon. He's the biggest threat we have to contend with."
"Well, you've been contending with this Zarkon bloke the longest," Ashley said, head resting on his closed fists, "You got any bright ideas on how to actually deal with the purple freak?"
"As a matter of fact, I do," Zero revealed, "Let's make one thing absolutely clear. Zarkon is too powerful of an opponent to defeat in a straight-up fight. However, like all opponents, he has one glaring weakness, and that is Voltron itself. Or, more specifically, his obsession with the Black Lion. Once Voltron is in his sights, his focus shifts solely to that, ignoring everything that's happening around him. Tunnel vision. We'll use that obsession against him."
Like I had to in the mindscape. Lelouch didn't voice this next part out loud, but ironically, if he hadn't angered Zarkon with his comments about Zenobia, he likely would have been killed in that fight.
"Based on intel we've gathered from the Blade of Marmora's deep cover agents, the biggest event that is to take place on Earth right now is the wedding in the Chinese Federation. It's there that Voltron will make his triumphant return."
Akito frowned, "I thought you said Zarkon would literally send everything he has at you the second he sees Voltron. Don't tell me your strategy involves endangering the Chinese Federation."
"You say that as if they aren't in danger already," Shirley commented.
"On the contrary, Zarkon's attention will be nowhere near the Chinese Federation," Tohdoh continued, "Zero will personally take the Black Lion out into space, and this should lure Zarkon and a bulk of his forces away from the planet."
"With Zarkon distracted, the other Paladins will launch a strike in the Chinese Federation with the other insurgents," Ohgi added, "Which is why we need to contact any surviving groups as soon as possible and collaborate with them to launch strikes on all the major Galra installations at once."
"One of our biggest targets will be this," Coran said, zooming in on the small, ruined island that was once Japan. Now standing in the center of the cautious was a large circle dome-like structure. "Our sources have identified this as a communications hub that broadcasts all long-ranged frequencies established around the planet. Commander Malcal, can we count on your forces to handle this one?"
"We will see that it's done," Leila nodded resolutely.
"Very good," Allura acknowledged, "Once that hub is destroyed, it will cut off all long-ranged communications between the Galra stationed on Earth and the rest of the empire. Including the ship that Zarkon is on. Putting it simply, we will cut off the possibility for the Galra to call in reinforcements from this planet. And with Zero keeping Zarkon occupied in space, he likely won't notice the attack until it's too late."
"Hold up," Oz said, "What's to stop Zarkon from simply turning right around after being lured away? Yes, this plan should take care of his current occupied forces, but if his empire really is as large as we're made to believe, he can easily retake the planet whenever he wants, can't he?"
"Yes, he could," Zero acknowledged, "but the thing is, he has to actually be there to give such an order."
Everyone on team Voltron could practically hear the devious smirk in Lelouch's voice. While They had already heard this part of the plan back on the Castleship, it was amusing to watch the reactions of the other members in the room who were unfamiliar with his antics.
"The thing is, I don't just plan to lure Zarkon and his fleet away from the planet, but also to a certain location. And that is here," Zero flickered his finger across the hologram, and it soon stopped at a giant star. "We were lucky to have found this as we were developing our strategy. This star is nearing the end of its lifespan. When stars die, they cause a massive explosion that we know as a supernova, which could occur in this star at any given moment. Since it's already so close to the brink, a large enough explosive force could cause the reaction."
"Are you trying to say that you intend to use that star's supernova as the equivalent of an atomic bomb?" Wizard asked incredulously.
"That's precisely what I intend to do," Zero confirmed smugly.
"But… won't you get caught up in the explosion too?" Claus asked, "I'm not the best when it comes to science, but I do know that supernova explosions are bloody fast. About 9,000 to 25,000 miles per second, if I remember correctly. Can your Lion truly outrun that?"
"Fortunately, he won't have to," Rai said, "The Lions of Voltron are fast enough that we were able to travel from Earth's atmosphere all the way to Pluto's moon, Kerberoros, in a matter of seconds. Considering Earth's most advanced and fastest spaceships would take about 9-12 years to make that distance, and that's only if there are no complications or obstacles between Earth and Pluto, the Black Lion should have no problem escaping that. Especially since we'll be timing exactly when to blow that star up."
"And how are you going to do that?" Akito asked dubiously, "we can't exactly drill a hole in a star or set millions of space missiles at the thing."
"Rai and our allies from the planet Olkarion have come up with an idea for that," Nunnally explained. "They've developed a device that we'll implant into the star so we can time when it explodes."
"It is a smaller version of the teludav that is connected to the Castle of Lions," Allura explained, then elaborated further when the confused expressions didn't fade, "In other words, it's a device that can create wormholes or pathways that allow us to travel vast distances in a shorter time."
"Kind of like lightspeed from Star Wars, but more of a tunnel version of it," Rivalz added.
"I see." Wizard said, finally understanding, "Please continue."
"The plan is to use the Castle of Lion's teludav to transport the device to the star's center," Zero continued, "The second it's there, the pressure will activate the device and open a wormhole to a black hole that we've located in an uninhabited system not too far away."
"And you'll… transport that blackhole into that star," Leila realized.
"Exactly," Zero nodded, "The black hole will set off the supernova. The second it starts, I'll escape in the Black Lion, while the explosion will obliterate the rest of Zarkon's fleet and leave his warship in tatters."
Though I doubt that will be enough to kill him, Lelouch added mentally. Considering how he heard about Zarkon's resurrection 10,000 years ago, he figured it would take a lot more than an exploding star to kill the Galra Emperor.
"While Zarkon's forces are rebuilding, we will use the time that buys to wipe out the rest of the Galran occupation and destroy Zarkon once and for all," Allura said. "Voltron's return will rally the remaining rebel forces together, catching the Galra off guard and pushing them off the planet. Does anyone have any questions or objections?"
Looking around the room, Leila saw that everyone in the room nodded and did not voice any complaints. It was a good plan. It had several moving parts, but if everyone played their role, their home and planet would soon be free.
"When do we start?" Ashley grinned.
"Wow!" Shirley breathed, "I'm amazed that this garden managed to remain in one piece through all the fighting so far."
Shortly after the meeting, C.C. requested to talk privately with Allura, Suzaku, Lelouch, and Commander Malcal. Nunnally had also joined her brother, but the other Paladins and party members had permission to roam the castle grounds, so long as they didn't leave the perimeter. The castle was being protected by airwaves that the castle's security team was broadcasting at all hours, and there were special thermal devices the wZERO forces had planted around the castle's perimeter so that their heat signatures couldn't be detected for now. Despite the device being provided to the European Union by an anonymous source ("Most likely the Blades," Rai had hypothesized, considering its Galra-like designs), they knew it couldn't fool Galran forces forever. Fortunately, if the current plan they had in place worked, the castle's inhabitants wouldn't have to worry about that.
"Yeah, and they've managed to maintain it, despite the high tension," Rai nodded.
"Still, we probably shouldn't be out here for too long," Rivalz said, "If that shielding system they mentioned blows a fuse or something, we're practically sending a signal flare to Zarkon."
"And if that happens, we at least have the Green Lion that can evacuate everyone to a safer location, Rivalz," Milly assured, "I'm sure it will be fine-oh! Look up there! On the ledge!"
The group of four looked up to where Milly was pointing. To their bewilderment, there was a small black cat with white paws trotting along the wall's ledge.
"Aw! Now I wish we brought Arthur!" Shirley cooed, "He could have made a friend."
"I wonder if that one belongs to someone here," Rai pondered.
"Should we get it down then?" Rivalz asked.
"I think it will be okay," Milly shrugged off, "Cats do what they want when they want, after all."
"Oh, dear! Eliza!" a voice gasped from behind them. Turning, the four Paladins saw a woman with long, wavy lavender-pink hair running in their direction. "Please! We have to catch her! She shouldn't be outside General Malcal's room!"
"Oh! Sure, we'll help!" Shirley said, "Come on, guys!"
"Yeah, um…" Rivalz paused, "Sorry, what's your name, Miss?"
"Oh, forgive me," the woman bowed slightly, "I'm Anna. Captain Anna Clément."
"Nice to meet you, Anna! Now let's catch that cat so we can talk more later!" Milly proclaimed.
"Right, thank you!" she said before the group hurried back inside the castle.
Once inside, the Paladins spread out to look. Rai said he would look for some security cameras while Shirley and Rivalz tried to find some catnip or treats to lure Eliza out.
Milly was just on her way to Leila's office to find a cat toy when a movement to the right caught her eye. Quickly retreating back behind the wall, she noticed a figure walking down the hall, glancing cautiously left, then right, then slipping further down the hall.
Who is that? She looks Japanese. Milly thought, then remembered. Sometimes the EU would hire Japanese soldiers that immigrated to Europe.
Usually, immigrants, whether Japanese or not, would have to go through a lengthy process that sometimes took several years to truly become citizens. They also automatically became citizens if they lived in EU territory for about five years or so.
"Zero, everyone, heads up!" Rai's voice suddenly rang through their comms, "Someone's hacked into the castle's system. Fortunately, it doesn't look Galran, but be careful! I'm going to try and find the source from the security room in the meantime."
"All right, everyone spread out, but be careful. Something tells me this is an interior attack," Lelouch responded.
"I think I found one of them," Milly said, "I'm going to follow from a distance."
"Can you see who it is?" Allura asked.
"Don't know. She looks Japanese, though."
"...General Malcal just said she might know them. Milly, follow for now, but don't engage unless she comes at you first." Suzaku advised.
"Got it!"
(Several minutes before, in a different location)
"So, what's this about, C.C.?" Kallen asked expectantly, folding her arms and leaning against the wall of the vacant room.
"Do you and General Malcal know each other?" Akito asked, suspiciously eying the immortal and voicing the same question on everyone's mind.
"It's… a long story," Leila admitted, her eyes flickering to the floor.
"Leila…!"
"Mama!"
"Run away, sweetie! Hurry…!" Leila heard her mother gasp as the flames of the overturned car spread further. The young girl had barely run several feet before the vehicle behind her exploded. Holding in a sob, Leila realized that her mother wasn't coming after her. She was gone, just like her father.
Shaking her head, tears streaming down her face, Leila raced through the icy, biting wind with no destination in mind but simply running straight ahead.
She didn't realize where she had run to until the ice of the frozen lake beneath her broke, and she fell into the freezing water.
However, she wouldn't join her mother and father that day as moments later, a figure in a hooded white robe appeared above her.
"Will you live?" The figure pulled her from the lake. "You could if you possessed the power. I'll make a deal with you. If you accept my contract, then your life will be unlike any other human as long as you live in the same world as them. In another place, and another time."
The figure's stood and pulled down her hood to reveal long green hair and golden eyes. "The power of the king will set you apart. If you feel ready for it, I will grant that power." As she spoke those words, the red sigil of the Geass appeared in Leila's eye before vanishing moments later, "Still, you are but a child. For that reason, I will give you until you reach adulthood to make a decision." The woman pulled her hood over her face again. "If you accept, there will be no turning back. If you refuse, it will cease to exist."
"How we met doesn't matter at the moment," C.C. dismissed, shaking Leila from her memory, "It's likely a painful memory for her."
"Well, if you wanted to talk to us in private, I can only assume this involves you-know-what," Allura said, suddenly sounding tired.
"Are you serious, another one?" Suzaku asked, "I thought you said Mao was the only other one besides all of us?"
"Well, yes and no," C.C. said patiently, "I did grant Leila a Geass when I met her, but hers is a little… different."
"Different, how?" Kallen asked, eyes narrowing.
"A Geass?" Leila asked, the name sounding familiar.
Sighing, C.C. briefly explained what Geass was and how all of the Paladins currently had one of their own.
"So you can literally command someone to follow your every whim?" Akito sneered, "Then how do we know you're not controlling us right now."
"Your concern is valid," Zero admitted, "However, my Geass can only be effective if I make direct eye contact with my target. Hence another reason why I hide my face behind a mask. It can also only be used once per person. So if I were to command you to do something now, it would be ineffective in the future."
Akito's scowl didn't dissipate, "Sorry if that doesn't make me feel better…"
"Yeah, yeah, we all have a freaky eye power," Kallen waved off, "but you said Leila's was different. Different how?"
"Unlike the rest of you, I only gave Leila a piece of the Geass. A fragment, so to speak. This gives her the option to choose whether she'll keep her power or not. If she chooses not to by the time she turns eighteen, the fragment will disappear on its own. Since I gave that option, I never formed a contract with her, unlike the rest of you. That and she was still a small child when we first met." C.C. explained.
"No offense, but wasn't Mao a child too when you gave him his Geass?" Suzaku asked.
"I met Leila after I left Mao," C.C. admitted, looking down, "I didn't want to repeat the same mistake if I could help it. So I chose a different approach."
"Zero, everyone, heads up!" Rai's voice suddenly interrupted, "Someone's hacked into the castle's system. Fortunately, it doesn't look Galran, but be careful! I'm going to try and find the source from the security room in the meantime."
Lelouch clicked his tongue before quickly responding. "All right, everyone spread out, but be careful. Something tells me this is an interior attack."
"I think I found one of them," Milly said moments later, "I'm going to follow from a distance."
"Can you see who it is?" Allura asked urgently.
"Don't know. She looks Japanese, though."
Hearing the description, Leila frowned. Could it be…?
"You think it could be them?" Akito asked, eyes narrowing.
"They are the only other Japanese residents in the castle at the moment, so there's no other possibility…." Leila confirmed.
"General Malcal just said she might know them. Milly, follow for now, but don't engage unless she comes at you first." Suzaku advised.
"Got it!" The Yellow Paladin acknowledged before switching off.
"General, the Paladins and I are at your disposal," Allura proclaimed, "Where do you want us to start looking?"
Before Lelia could reply, Rai did for her.
"I got them! One of the guys is heading to the lower levels, where Zerith is parked! The girl's heading toward the outer perimeter, and the other guy… it looks like he's rigging something in their room. Probably a bomb!"
"Understood," Lelia acknowledged, "Everyone, spread out, but be careful approaching them."
The door to the dorm flew open, Zero clutching his Luxite blade tightly as Akito trailed behind him, hand ready on his gun. It didn't take long for the two to spot Yukiya sitting in the corner of the room.
"Well, hello there, Akito Hyuga, and… huh, guess I lucked out. I even got Zero to witness my final moments." Yukiya said, displaying the trigger in his hand.
"You rigged yourself with a bomb," Zero stated.
Yukiya just smiled, "Don't know if it can dent that fancy alien armor you got, but I'd say it be worth a try."
"Even if it means ending your life?" Akito questioned, scowling.
"Oh, don't give me that. Can you honestly say that you didn't see this coming?" Yukiya questioned rhetorically.
"When Commander Malcal explained your reasons for being here, I suspected something like this. Even the suicide approach you're attempting now," Zero acknowledged. Yukiya's smirk widened.
However, Zero's following statement wiped it off his face.
"But you're being stupid as well."
"Excuse me?" Yukiya hissed, hand tightening on the trigger.
"I find it hilarious that you're willing to endanger one of the few Earth units still fighting alien invaders just because things didn't go your way the first time," Zero said, sounding like a parent scolding a misbehaving child.
Yukiya growled but calmed down quickly, "Whatever, I'm expecting someone like you to understand. I don't give a rat's ass about the Japanese, the Elevens, or whatever crusade you guys say you're fighting for. Be it these purple bastards or the human police, it's the same wherever you go! They'll just take out their frustrations on the weaker party! But I fought back, you see. I took them all out with a literal bang in that Amsterdam ghetto. I had to stay underground and in the sewers to stay alive after. That's where I met Ryo and his gang. For the first time in my life, I had friends I could trust. They're the closest thing I have to family."
"You're wrong. About the fact that I don't understand. I feel the same about Voltron and the Paladins I fight alongside," Zero said. "They're the ones I will truly consider my family."
"Heh, well, congratulations, we do have something in common," Yukiya said. "But don't think that means you're gonna change my mind about what I'm about to do."
"Then perhaps a change of perspective will do you well?" Zero said, hands on either side of his mask.
"Huh?" Yukiya blinked as the masked Paladin slowly removed his helmet, revealing his face to the teen. Akito blinked in surprise, not expecting such a bold move from the Black Paladin.
Yukiya stared for several moments. Zero's face looked familiar, and he raked his brain, trying to remember where he'd seen it before.
Then it finally hit him, and he nearly dropped the trigger. "Wait, you're…."
"Finally remembering? Then allow me to officially introduce myself." Lelouch bowed dramatically, "Lelouch Vi Britannia, former prince of the Britannian Empire, Black Paladin of Voltron, and current leader of the Black Knights, at your service."
Several seconds passed in dead silence. Until a tiny chuckle passed Yukiya's lips. Then another, louder one. Then before long, the young man was laughing so manically that one would think he had escaped an insane asylum.
"What's so funny?" Akito's eyes narrowed.
Regaining his composure, Yukiya straightened, though his smile didn't leave his face. "Well, I'll be damned! I did not see that coming! Seriously! You read about this kind of irony in adventure novels and anime. And now I'm practically living one now!"
Then as fast as Yukiya's smile appeared, it morphed into a sneer, "But really, not that this isn't intriguing, but do you really think this is enough to keep me from killing myself?"
"If you want to do it, just do it," Akito said bluntly, "You're wasting our time otherwise."
"Heh, buzzkill," Yukiya scoffed before turning his attention to Lelouch again, "So, who else knows this deep dark secret of yours?"
Lelouch shrugged, "All the other Paladins and practically all of the Black Knights."
Yukiya whistled, "And they're completely fine teaming up with the enemy?"
"Well, the enemy of my enemy is my friend," Lelouch countered.
"All right, if you say so," Yukiya shrugged, "Then again, you're pretty much invincible in those mega-Knightmares of yours, right? I bet that any kind of mutiny would be wiped out pretty quickly."
At this comment, Lelouch scowled, "If you think I lead them out of fear, you can't be more wrong. Because that's how Zarkon leads his empire. And I refuse to be a leader that's anything like him. Besides, I earned the Black Knights' trust long ago. Just like how you've grown to trust your companions as well. Correct?"
"What are you implying?" Yukiya asked, head tilting slightly.
"Earlier, you said how you saw Ryo and his gang like family. If that were true, you wouldn't actually attempt to kill yourself, especially not in this manner."
"I could be acting as a sacrifice," Yukiya countered.
"Then I'm sure they would have protested further," Lelouch reasoned immediately, "You three are very similar to myself and the Paladins. You care for one another. They have no clue what you're doing right now. You probably told them you'd meet up again later, and they believe you'll follow through. Do you really want to spit in their faces like this? True, you may be buying time, but they'll never forgive you for acting so recklessly."
Yukiya glared, "How dare you?! You don't think I don't care about them?!"
Lelouch shook his head, "I didn't say that. But I'm sure you'd prefer to live to ensure your friends survive to the end, right?"
"Look," Akito spoke up, "You won't know the outcome of something until you try. So if you really want to know the kind of people we are, then fight with us. Fight for our world."
Yukiya was at a loss for words at first before finally sighing and removing the bombs hanging around him. "Well… this will certainly be an experience I won't forget."
The elevator dinged, and Ryo rushed out so quickly that he nearly ran into the Green Lion's particle barrier.
"What the-" he gasped, skidding to a stop just in time. Once he regained his composure, Ryo couldn't help but stare in awe at the Lion. Hearing about the giant Knightmares was nothing compared to seeing the colossal feline up close.
Looking around, Ryo frowned, seeing that the Green Lion was the only Knightmare in the bay. Several pods were pushed up against the wall, likely to make room for the massive Lion to land, but no other Knightmares.
Ryo bit his lip. He doubted he'd be able to pilot a Knightmare this advanced very well. But he just needed it to get away from here. If it was that important, the aliens could find it again.
He ran up to the barrier, feeling along the smooth, glowing surface. "Grr! How do you lower this thing?!"
"Maybe ask it's Paladin nicely?"
Ryo jumped and spun around. Suzaku and Allura walked out from around the corner, frowning gravely.
"Then again, even if Rai let you in, Zerith might just spit you back out. The Lions can be a bit picky about their pilots," Suzaku continued, "Especially if that pilot is trying to steal her."
"How did… how did you…"
"You have an exceptional hacker among your group, but compared to Rai, he still has much to learn," Allura informed bluntly.
Ryo growled, "Look if you're going to try and stop me-!"
"You'll first need to escape from this castle's own security, then outrun one of the Voltron Lions, and if by some miracle you do, you'd be dodging Galra trackers and scouts the rest of the way through the forest and mountain," Allura interrupted, tone still blunt.
"What difference does it make?!" Ryo finally snapped, "I either die trying to get out or die an expendable pawn on the battlefield! At the very least, this way I have some control over how I go out."
"That's not true!" Suzaku countered, "Yes, you're technically a prisoner right now, but you're not expendable! Nobody is! If you and your friends are sent into battle, we'll do everything we can to ensure you come out alive!"
"I'm sorry… 'we'?" Ryo asked skeptically.
"Like we said, you're not expendable. We never send any of our allies into battle like that!" Suzaku continued.
"We've seen footage of your skills as a pilot," Allura added, "You'd be a great asset in our war with the Galra. You can help save your planet!"
"And what makes you think I want to fight your stupid Galra?!" Ryo retorted, "They're your problem, all right?! Not mine!"
"It is your problem!" Allura shouted, hands clenching, "It became everyone's problem the second the Galra launched their attack on your planet! Do you think Zarkon's rampage will be satisfied simply conquering this planet? He'll snuff out and drain your world of every resource and life it has to offer before leaving it a dead and barren wasteland! Your people will be sold into slavery, whether sent to fight to the death for entertainment or used for his horrible experiments! Are you that heartless that you'll subject every one of your people to that fate?!"
"Allura, please calm down," Suzaku said softly, calming the Altean down before returning back to a stunned Ryo. "Look, whether you believe us or not, we're not going to force you to fight. But Allura's right too. This isn't just about you anymore. Millions, maybe even billions of people on Earth and beyond, are suffering because of what the Galra have done. You're one of the lucky ones who has been captured or killed yet."
The Purple Paladin took a deep breath, "Look, if you really don't want to fight, Voltron can escort you and your friends safely to the Castle of Lions and eventually to Olkarion, where we've dropped off the refugees we've managed to save."
"What…?" Ryo asked, "But… we're prisoners."
"Under normal circumstances, you would be considered prisoners to the EU, but the EU doesn't officially exist right now. There's only a small fraction of EU survivors and officers, all of who are stationed at this castle. A castle that could be discovered and destroyed at any moment. But if you help us, we can not only save the world but make it better too. So… what will it be?"
Ayano sighed in relief as she finally squeezed out of the hole from the secret passage she found. It was pure luck she had found it while they were planning their escape route.
"There aren't going to be any communication cables out here in the forest." She muttered before a figure jumped in her path.
"Yeah, even without them, it wasn't hard to figure out where you would go through that passage," Kallen said, arms folded in front of her.
Ayano growled before turning around, only to be greeted by Lelia and Milly, who emerged from the passage moments later.
"Ayano Kosaka, please come back to the castle. It's not safe out here," Lelia said.
Ayano continued to glare, "Or what? You'll kill me here and now?"
"No, of course not," Milly shook her head, "but please hear us out before you do anything rash!"
"Look, Ayano, I get why you're doing this-"
"Do you?!" Ayano shouted, interrupting Kallen, "You think just because we're both Japanese, you know what I've gone through in my life?!"
"Yes, I do! I know exactly what kind of person you are because I used to be the same way!" Kallen stated, walking closer.
"Yeah, right!" Ayano sneered.
"I know you try to act like a fierce fighter, unafraid of getting into a fight, when you're really more scared than you think."
"Shut up!" Ayano cried, but Kallen didn't stop.
"You act hostile, but you stick around with your gang because to you, they're the only family you have left!" she continued.
"I said shut up!" Ayano shouted, tears forming in her eyes.
"You lost somebody! Someone you loved! Maybe it was a lover, a parent, a sibling, or maybe all of the above, and you don't want to lose anybody else!" Kallen continued.
"I'm serious…!" Ayano was already in tears.
"Ever since then, you've always seen the worst in people. You're so caught up in your own pain that you can't see that there are people trying to help you! I was the same way, so I know exactly how you feel!"
Kallen was now so close to Ayano that they were nearly touching foreheads. Kallen's eyes remained fierce, while Ayano looked like she was doing everything in her power to not break down. Milly and Lelia remained silent by the entrance, waiting to see what would happen next.
"If…" Ayano hiccuped, tears finally leaking down her cheeks, "if you're really… the same as me… then tell me what I'm supposed to do."
Kallen took a breath before speaking. "Start by giving us a chance. While I don't know exactly what happened or what you've gone through, just know I can relate on some level."
"Look, we may not see eye-to-eye on motives, but you're strong, Ayano, I can tell," Milly said, walking over. "And you can count on Voltron to protect you guys too."
"Indeed," Lelia nodded, "I will see to it personally that everyone on my team returns alive."
(One week later)
From the music playing and bright lights shining from the Vermillion Forbidden City, one wouldn't think that the planet had been overrun by a power-hungry alien race some months ago.
Much like Britannia's Emperor, the Chinese Federation's High Eunuchs wasted no time groveling and brown-nosing into the good graces of the Galra generals and soldiers that invaded their nation. So long as they kept their luxuries and high-end lifestyle, they didn't really care if it meant submitting to a higher power.
They honestly had been planning something similar for a while. A few months before the invasion, Prince Schneizel el Britannia had sent a proposition of a possible alliance between the Holy Britannian Empire and the Federation. It involved a political marriage between the young Empress Tianzi and Britannia's first prince, Odysseus eu Britannia. Not only would the wedding add a member of the Chinese Emperor's line to the Britannian line, but the Chinese Federation would gain access to many of Britannia's resources in exchange for Britannia peacefully obtaining the Federation's lands and countries. And most importantly, the High Eunuchs would be added to Britannia's nobility as a reward.
Initially, the wedding would have occurred a year later, but they didn't complain when Britannian sent another epistle to move the date up. In the events that had just recently transpired in Area 11 and most of the rest of the world, they couldn't blame the royal family for being anxious.
Because of this, the wedding venue was also filled not only with several Galran soldiers but Galra sentries and other machines around every corner. Not only were they in the hall itself, but several were also guarding the perimeter and marching down the streets of the capital as well. Any civilians wandering the streets went about their business quickly, not bothering to stop and chat with friends. They were only concerned about obtaining the things they needed and returning home without getting hurt or killed by their new occupants.
Despite their sinister presence, those attending the party attempted to enjoy themselves as much as possible, as most felt this would be the last time they could celebrate in a while.
Currently present, mingling among the crowd with Tianzi and Odysseus, was Marrybell mel Britannia, Schneizel el Britannia, Kanon Maldini, and Marrybell's personal squad, the Glynda Knights.
The most prominent presence, though, was a female Galra officer overseeing the entire event. Unlike most of the other Galra officers, she was much lankier in appearance, but under her armor, one could see lithe muscles one would typically see in a human swimming champion. Her hair was braided to the side, and she had a jagged scar running along her jawline, leaving her face almost in a permanent sneer. Her eyes were the most terrifying, though. They were cold but also devious. Like someone who enjoyed watching their opponent squirm before delivering the final blow.
"I hope you are finding this gathering enjoyable, Commander Yura," Schneizel addressed, politely offering a glass goblet of champagne to the Galra.
Yura clicked her tongue but swiped the glass anyway. "I don't see much point in such an event. The fleet can easily take this archaic hovel of a country by force."
"As simple as that sounds," Schneizel said calmly, "civil negotiations for situations like this have a higher possibility of success than conquest. Ruling out of fear only works for so long. If you can show that general peace is possible, cooperation is more likely."
Yura's scar curved further, "If you want to be seen in a good light by the empire, you need to start thinking more like a warrior, Your Highness." She practically spat the last word before taking a swig from the cup. She almost gagged from the taste but managed to keep her composure. What Earthlings liked this beverage, she wouldn't know.
"Let's agree to disagree," Schneizel stated, not rising to the bait before gliding back into the crowd with Kanon.
Off to the side, having heard the entire exchange, Marrybell frowned in disgust, her personal knight and best friend, Oldrin, by her side.
"This is disgusting," Marrybell whispered, her eyes glaring over the Eunuchs and Galra present, "These people are acting like they are on top of the world. Meanwhile, billions of humans are suffering as we speak. Millions more are going to die if this continues."
"I know," Oldrin nodded, "But if all goes accordingly, we should be able to find a way out of this."
"Let's hope…."
"According to our sources, this secret agreement was being negotiated between Prince Schneizel and the High Eunuchs for several months, even before those aliens invaded," Officer Zhou Xianglin reported to the small unit of Federation officers in the room. The most prominent among them was a younger soldier with long black hair and a Jian sword by his side. Li Xingke listened gravely as the details they learned about the High Eunuchs agreement were revealed to his resistance group.
"Once the empress is married, our territory will be fed over to the Britannians," Zhou Xianglin continued, a grimace prominent on her face. "In exchange, the High Eunuchs will be granted titles of nobility. They originally planned to implement it about a year from now, but obviously, they've had to move up their plans."
"Nobility?" Xingke said, scowling, "There's no guaranteed the Galra will uphold that agreement, yet they're still willing to sell out our country for that?"
"And our people?!" Officer Hong Gu shouted.
"Death to the High Eunuchs!" another officer roared.
"But if we stage a coup, Britannia could easily declare war, and with the Galra backing them, they'll decimate us." Zhou Xianglin had to point out.
"But we've got to stop this wedding now! Any word from Voltron?"
"All the preparations have been made on their end," Xingke said, arms crossed, "We make our move tonight."
"Tonight?" Xianglin asked, eyes widening, "Is that really the wisest move?"
"Voltron has provided us an escape route once the empress is secure. We'll be rendezvousing with them at the location they specified."
"You're certain that's still the plan? We've been forced to cut communication with them," Hong Gu said. "What if it has changed?"
Xingke understood Hong Gu's concern, and this plan was indeed risky. However, that didn't matter to Xingke right now. So long as Tianzi got out safe, that's all that mattered. He still had a promise to keep to her after all.
"Either we ensure peace, or we do not."
Xingke groaned as he was forced to the ground in front of the toddler Tianzi, much to her shock as she tried to protest his treatment.
"But, Your Majesty, this man broke the law by trying to save the life of an inmate!"
"Y-Yes, but I get brought medicine when I'm sick! And the person who brings it isn't punished!" Tianzi attempted to reason.
"There's no comparing that prisoner with you, your majesty!"
"Don't argue! The banquet will be starting soon!" one of the High Eunuchs stated. "Do as her majesty commands!"
"If he's taken to face the law, he'll be executed!"
Tianzi gasped in horror at this statement. "But that's wrong! That's wrong! He was doing something good! And he shouldn't die because of it!"
Xingke stared in bewilderment. Why was the empress going out of her way like this? He was just a lowly servant. But to his amazement, the little girl cleared his charges with one word. He was in great debt to her, and he may know how to repay it.
"Officer school?" The young Tianzi asked as she and Xingke stood on a balcony, the stars in the night sky twinkling above.
"Yes, that's how I'll use the life you spared," he replied. "I wish to protect you in any way that I can."
"I would like to go too," she said. "To the outside."
"Outside?" Xingke asked.
"Outside of the forbidden city," Tianzi looked up in wonder at the sky. "To school, or maybe the sea, where you can find all kinds of hot and yummy foods and lots of friends to make."
Xingke looked at her sympathetically. Despite being the empress, Tianzi was still trapped within her own home. However, if this was what she wanted, he would ensure that it happened.
"Yes, very well." Tianzi looked at him in surprise. "One day, if you still wish, I will take you away from here, Your Majesty."
"Really?!" Tianzi exclaimed.
Xingke kneeled down in front of her. "It's my way of thanking you for sparing my life." He held out his pinky. Tianzi tilted her head, confused. "This is how we make promises outside the city."
Tianzi looked at her own pinky, hooking it with his.
"An everlasting promise," Xingke vowed.
"For all time," Tianzi vowed back.
A sudden announcement brought the semi-tense atmosphere at the party to a screeching halt.
"Miss Kaguya Sumeragi! The representative of the Sumeragi Conglomerate!"
Tianzi gasped in surprised relief as one of the human guards at the entrance called out. The last Tianzi had heard from her best friend had been right before the SAZ was attacked. She hadn't heard a word from Kaguya since. The relief that flooded Tianzi was nearly enough to bring her to tears.
However, as everyone's attention turned to Kaguya's entrance, the figure accompanying her immediately drew the attention of every occupant in the room, both human and Galra.
It was none other than Zero himself.
"Zero? What's he doing here?" Kanon gasped in surprise.
"Zero!" Commander Yura growled, sharp finger shooting at the masked Paladin, "Soldiers, take him! Alert Lord Zarkon at once!"
Galra sentries immediately began to surround the pair, guns raised to fire. However, a hand rose from the crowd, stopping the robots before they could shoot.
"Everyone, please, put your guns down." Schneizel said, "This is not a battlefield. It's a celebration."
"Are you defying the empire, human swine?" Yuna snarled, hand grasping her own rifle now.
"Not at all," Schneizel said, voice calm and eyes resolute, "But need I remind you that we are currently the guests of the Chinese Federation. If the empress will allow their presence, we should comply. Also, there's no way we can know for certain that this is the Zero you want, correct?"
"Your Highness," a shorter Eunuch, Cheng Zhong, protested but faltered when Schneizel gave a pointed look. "Very well. Please withdraw."
Yura's throat rumbled deeply before she sharply signaled the sentries and soldiers to stand back. She despised it, but the Prime Minister raised a good point on whether this Zero was the real one, seeing as not a single Galra had seen his face before. Turning around, she stopped at the second prince's shoulder. "Don't think the emperor won't hear about this."
Then with a rough shove, she stomped back toward the center of the room.
"You all right?" Kanon asked as Schneizel smoothly brushed some invisible dirt from his shoulder.
"I'm quite fine, Kanon."
Coran let out a silent sigh that that didn't escalate. It seemed Lelouch had correctly anticipated that Schneizel would inadvertently ensure their safety at this party. The Altean simply hoped that his acting would stall the Prime Minister long enough for the plan to get rolling.
"Prince Schneizel," Coran addressed, the voice channeling in the mask warping into Zero's tone, "may I interest you in a game of chess?"
"Chess?" Schneizel asked, but while Kanon and several attendants blinked in confusion, an intrigued smile spread across his face.
"If I win, I'd like to take Empress Tianzi into my custody and leave peacefully. And if you win, I will remove my mask and show you my face."
"The empress?! That's preposterous!" Eunuch Gao Hai gasped.
"I don't see the problem," Coran continued, "Everyone knows that you Eunuchs are the ones with the true power. Even without the empress, I'm sure you and Prime Minister can compromise your little agreement."
From across the hall, Tianzi gasped as she heard everything. He's… he's doing this just for me…?
Catching her friend's eye, Kaguya winked and gave a discreet thumbs up.
Eunuch Xia Wang gasped indignantly, "How dare you-"
"I see no problem in this arrangement," Schneizel answered before Xia could finish. "Very well, I accept your challenge."
As a couple of servants were sent off to set up a chessboard, the Eunuchs privately began to panic. While it was true that the Eunuchs had the actual political power, most of the people's support still lay with the empress. If they lost her to Zero, then Voltron would be able to rally the commoners to their cause, and they'd lose their power. They couldn't allow this!
At the moment, though, there wasn't much they could do but hope that Prince Schneizel was the victor as the chess match began, everyone eagerly watching the game.
As Coran moved the rook piece, he noted that Lelouch certainly hadn't been exaggerating about his older brother. If he didn't believe that Schneizel was the one person Lelouch couldn't beat, he did now. Seeing the older prince's strategic skill, Coran admitted that even Alfor would have struggled in this match.
Fortunately, once Coran's role in the plan was finalized, he and Lelouch had practiced furiously on their own. And the Altean had picked up more than a few tricks from the Black Paladin.
Schneizel raised an eyebrow as Coran moved his king on the next turn.
"Moving the king so soon?" Schneizel queried.
"Well, if a king does not lead, how do you expect his soldiers to follow?" Coran countered with the exact words Lelouch spoke when they played their first chess match together.
"Impressive strategy," Schneizel commented. Then his next move shocked everyone, "In fact, I'll do the same."
Coran was briefly caught off guard when Schneizel mimicked his move, but he quickly calmed down, remembering that his goal here wasn't to win, and continued playing.
Anticipation built with every move the two masters made, everyone trying to see who would come out on top, like a horse race with the top two equines running neck and neck. Eventually, the game came to a point where only their kings and a couple of pawns each remained. At this moment, Coran's black king was only one space away from Schneizel's white king.
"It seems you can't advance any further, can you?" Coran commented, adding some slight smugness to his tone for added effect.
"Hmm, we'll get into a three-fold repetition at this rate," Schneizel muttered, seemingly in agreement.
"Shall we call it a draw then, Your Highness?" Coran requested.
"I think not," Schneizel denied before smiling deviously, "You would do well not to underestimate the white king, my friend."
Everyone's mouth dropped as the Second Prince of Britannia moved his king directly in front of the black king.
"That's…" Coran gasped.
"Checkmate," Schneizel stated as the audience gasped.
"But that means… if Zero moves his piece, then…." Kanon stuttered.
"He'll capture the Prime Minister's king!" Eunuch Zhao Hao gasped.
Coran was stunned. What was Lelouch's brother trying to do? Was he throwing the match on purpose? That didn't seem like him from how Lelouch described his brother. Or perhaps this was a test of sorts?
It seems Lelouch isn't the only unpredictable member of his family, Coran thought.
Coran swallowed heavily, a cold sweat rolling down his spine as he anxiously picked up his king piece and moved it back one space, shocking the audience again.
"Interesting," Schneizel smiled, "My father would have taken that king piece without hesitation."
"Perhaps," Coran answered, "But I am not the Britannian Emperor."
"No, you certainly aren't, Zero," Schneizel shook his head in agreement, "You're a much more cautious man than him. That is understandable, considering your situation… Still…"
Coran unintentionally tensed at the prince's change in tone.
"...I can't quite put my finger on it, but something seems… out of character if you were the real Zero."
Oh, quiznack, Coran thought, starting to panic. If he was found out so soon, it would cause complications to the plan. The question was, how did he fix this? Fast!
"Let the cherry blossoms ignite."
That was when the first bomb exploded. Literally.
That voice in Coran's comm was the signal he had been waiting for, and as swift as an angry Klanmãeirl, Coran grabbed a hidden switch under his sleeve and squeezed the button.
Moments later, clouds of smoke began to fill the room. If the party guests hadn't started panicking at the explosions, they certainly were now as the smoke obscured their vision.
Yura roared in outrage, demanding the sentries and soldiers secure the building. No one was to leave the vicinity on the threat of death. Not that that helped, as the High Eunuchs were the first to speed toward the exit. Not that she or any of the sentries saw clearly enough to witness it.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Coran stealthy backed up into the smoke surrounding them.
Schneizel himself swiftly stood up and looked around quickly but cautiously. Feeling a hand on his shoulder, he turned to see Kanon gripping him, sticking close to the prince if anything happened next.
Both of the men stumbled as a figure roughly shoved past them. They were too quick for them to see him entirely. All they could make out was a black outfit that looked similar to a ninja's garb and a hood pulled out their head, covering a glowing purple mask underneath.
"Miss Kaguya," the figure murmured, landing stealthily by the calm unsurprised girl.
"The plan's a go, I assume?" she asked as the Blade of Marmora agent picked her up underarm style.
"Yes. Xingke's forces are closing in," the agent said.
"Good to know!" she chirped as the agent leaped away with her in tow.
"Your majesty, please come with us!" a Chinese guard said urgently, leading Odysseus and Tianzi out of the room.
"Yes, of course, oh dear…." Odysseus muttered. Though his heart was racing in panic, he tried to smile reassuringly at Tianzi. "Come, my dear, we best-"
Before Tianzi could reply, she yelped in fright as a clawed hand covered her mouth and dragged her into the smoke.
"Young empress-" the guard gasped before a sharp strike to his neck knocked him out cold.
"Tianzi!" Xingke shouted, leaving the bewildered Odysseus with the unconscious guard and charging into the smoke after her.
"Xingke!" he heard Tianzi's voice as the smokescreen began to clear.
The site that greeted Xingke nearly made his heart stop.
"Nobody move another step!" Yura sneered, a wickedly curved knife pressed to Tianzi's throat. A thin stream of blood was already flowing from the empress's thinly sliced flesh. "Not if you still want her head attached to her neck!"
"Xingke!" Tianzi cried, tears forming in her eyes.
"Your Majesty!" Xingke called out, his fear slowly turning into rage, "You filthy scum!"
"Am I now?" Yura scoffed, eyes narrowing. "Says the coward that resorted to pitiful surprise attacks instead of facing me head-on!"
"Oh, you want head-on?" Kaguya called over from the other side of the platform, still held under the Blade's arm, her finger pressed to a hidden comm device in her ear. "We can arrange that!"
"What are you-"
Yura was unable to finish as the venue's roof suddenly caved in, and the sleek, crimson form of the Red Lion landed deftly behind the commander.
"Eat this!" Kallen screamed as she leaped from Aka's mouth and, with her bayard activated, thrust her cestus claw straight through Yura's chest. The galra didn't even have time to lift her weapon in defense.
Tianzi whimpered as the Galran commander went limp, the knife falling from her small neck in the process.
"Hey, you okay?" Kallen asked, kneeling down next to the empress.
"Uh huh," Tianzi nodded shakily.
"You the…" Xingke gasped, eyes wide and flickering between the humongous Lion and its pilot, who single-handedly took down Tianzi's captor.
"Formalities can wait for now!" Coran stated, helmet now removed and standing by Aka's opened mouth, "We best get out of here before more show up."
"Come with us if you want to live," Kallen told Xingke as the Blade agent, and Kaguya joined Coran by the Red Lion.
Xingke glanced around. The fighting between his forces and the Galrans was still intense, but it looked like they were winning for now.
"There's no choice…." Xingke muttered before turning to his own comm. "All units, retreat! Rendezvous with the Red Lion at Point B! Prepare our Knightmares for battle!"
Hearing several affirmatives in response, Xingke leaped onto Aka's jaw just as the entrance closed.
Without wasting another minute, Aka roared and leaped back into the air, rocketing away.
"Nice acting, Coran," Kallen commented once they returned to her cockpit. "Looks like phase one was pulled off safely."
"There was never any need to doubt me, Number Six!" Coran grinned proudly, twirling his mustache victoriously.
As Xingke and Kaguya helped situate Tianzi onto the attached passenger seat, Kallen pulled up Aka's communication hub, dialing the castle.
"Allura?" Kallen asked, "You reading me?"
"Loud and clear, Kallen," the princess responded.
"Tell Zero the plan is a go."
"Zero, did you catch that?" Allura asked.
"Loud and clear!" Lelouch replied, having heard the entire thing through the castle's connecting channel. He gazed grimly at the giant star that Zenobia was currency hovering in front of. If all went smoothly, this star would be nothing but a black hole by the end of the operation.
"Lelouch…"
The Black Paladin gasped as his sister's voice rang through the comms.
"I'm here, Nunnally…" he replied.
"Lelouch… please be careful."
"You have my word, Nunnally," Lelouch promised before swiftly turning off the comm.
Despite sounding calm (at least, he hoped he sounded calm over the channel), Lelouch wouldn't deny his nervousness. The plan had gone well so far, but now the true fight was beginning.
A strong, vibrant purr rumbled in his head, and he sighed in relief, embracing the sense of security from his Lion while he could.
"I know… we can do this… we both can…" Lelouch said softly before breathing deeply as if he were standing on the edge of a rocky cliff overlooking waves battering the rocks below.
Then he leaped.
Zarkon groaned as the Druids' magic dragged to a halt. He growled as a familiar presence entered the area.
"Why do you disturb me?" Zarkon demanded as Haggar approached the ritual platform.
"Apologies, sire," Haggar said, "but I fear your singular focus on the Black Lion..."
"Has what?!" Zarkon snapped, daring her to finish her sentence.
Haggar took a step back, head bowed, "Forgive me, sire, but Zero and our enemies could use this against you. We've underestimated him before and…."
"It matters not!" Zarkon spat, "Once the Black Lion is back in my possession, I will grind Zero until he's nothing more than dust. He is nothing without my Lion. I need your power you possess to search the galaxy."
Haggar hid a grimace under her hood but didn't question her emperor further. Joining her fellow druids in the circle, Haggar channeled her magical energy into the emperor's body.
Zarkon breathed deeply as he dove deeply into his inner bond, clawing furiously through the path across the universe.
He nearly gasped in surprise as the outline of the Black Lion suddenly right through his astral projection. For a brief moment, he glimpsed an image of the Black Lion's real body, and inside, Zero, the boy, glared fiercely from the cockpit.
With a jolt, Zarkon was lowered back to the platform. His eyes narrowed.
"I have found the Lion."
Like the aftershock of a quake, Lelouch grunted as he felt the dark backlash from Zarkon's presence through the bond. Despite the feeling of something heavy pressing down on his chest, he smirked.
"Gotcha."
He wasted no time contacting the castle once more.
"Zarkon took the bait. He's on his way!"
"Understood! Be careful, Lelouch!" Allura called out before communications were cut off once more.
It wasn't even a minute later that the first of the Galra vessels appeared before the lone Black Lion.
"Well, first time for everything, but I'm actually glad to see Zarkon and his forces for once," Lelouch quipped to Zen. He received an amused growl in return.
"Right," Lelouch's smile faded, and his eyes narrowed, grip tightening on the controls.
"Let's do this."
AN: Wow... been a hot minute, hasn't it? Sorry again for the long wait. The last few months have been a little busy. I've been out of town a lot and trying to balance my job and other activities with my writing. Sorry if some of the parts are a little choppy. I'll admit that there were some parts I struggled with. I hope it doesn't seem too boring or confusing. As always, if you have any questions, you can feel free to PM me.
R&R, update the TVTropes page and I'll see you next time.