Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass.
Battle in Narita Part Two
The rockslide had wiped out a large number of Britannian forces and due to Zero giving Katase the heads up, all the Knightmare Frames of the Japan Liberation Front were able to avoid getting caught in the rockslide. Zero in his Lionel led the charge down the mountain to ambush Cornelia's forces. From the bottom of the mountain, Void in her Lucan was making her way up to the mountain leading her unit. The Black Knights would begin their own strike against the Britannian army. Meanwhile, Lloyd and Cecile were in their trailer and looked at what had happened with the rockslide that took out most of the forces.
"Oh my," Lloyd said, "at this rate, they'll be swept away to the bottom of the mountain."
"These heat readings are abnormal," Cecile said, "do you think that it was a hydro volcanic eruption that was artificially induced?"
"Impossible, unless someone used a Radiant Wave Surger," Lloyd pointed out.
"Has something happened?" Suzaku asked suddenly.
Lloyd and Cecile looked over to Suzaku who was sitting in the cockpit of the Lancelot and saw that he was concerned.
"It has nothing to do with us," Lloyd said, "just continue to stand by in the Lancelot."
"Um, o-okay," Suzaku replied although he was still concerned.
Meanwhile, Cornelia was waiting to hear something about the situation and then she was contacted.
"Viceroy, the unit that's coming from the summit," The soldier reported, "Kalius reports that it's not the Japan Liberation Front."
"Huh, then who is it?" Cornelia asked.
"Viceroy…it's the Black Knights!" The soldier spoke.
Cornelia was shocked, "Say that again!"
The Black Knights' Knightmare unit that was led by the Lionel piloted by Zero was making their way down from the summit of the mountain. In the G-1 Mobile Base, Euphie was surprised when she heard the report.
"The Black Knights?!" Euphie spoke shocked.
"But how?" One of the staff officers asked surprised, "How were they able to hide themselves?"
"I get it," Euphie said.
"Your Highness?" One of the staff officers spoke.
"It must have been them," Euphie said, "They must have caused the rockslide, wiping out Darlton and Alex's unit."
"We've just lost signals of Kalius and his unit!" Another staff officer just reported.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah was ecstatic when he heard the Black Knights making their appearance.
"The Black Knights?" Jeremiah spoke surprised, "That means Zero is here! Ha, I knew he would show up!" Jeremiah quickly piloted his Knightmare and headed to go after Zero, "Zero!"
"Lord Jeremiah, stop!" Villetta called out, "If you leave without permission…!"
"This requires drastic measures!" Jeremiah interjected, "If you want glory in life then follow me!"
Zero continued to lead his unit down the mountain.
"Cornelia's units have been isolated!" Zero said, "Let's take them down and have them taste the bitter taste of defeat again!"
"Understood Zero!" Naoto said.
"Time to kick some ass!" Tamaki said fired up.
The Black Knights continued their strike against Britannian army. Inoue led a group to fire upon tanks acting as backup for Zero and his unit. Void was leading her unit up through the mountains taking out units that stood in their way.
"Zero, do you copy?" Void contacted, "This is Void."
"This is Zero," Zero replied, "go ahead my sister."
"We're making our way up as planned," Void said, "we should be able to rendezvous with you shortly."
"Excellent," Zero said.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah was seeing units being eliminated as he continued to rush to get to Zero.
"So Kalius's unit was taken out," Jeremiah said and was determined, "whatever it takes, I must finish off Zero before he confronts the Viceroy."
"Lord Jeremiah," Villetta contacted.
"Villetta?" Jeremiah responded and was pleased, "So you decided to join me after all. Thank you."
Meanwhile, Zero in his Knightmare cockpit saw a signature on his monitor showing that an enemy Knightmare was making its way to his location in a fast rate.
"Hmm, someone's heading our way," Zero said.
"Who is it Zero?" Ohgi contacted.
"Not sure," Zero said, "let's keep our guard up."
"Of course," Naoto said.
Jeremiah was rushing making his way to get to Zero and with it, finally get his revenge for everything that Zero has cost him. Jeremiah saw the enemy Knightmares and started firing.
"Zero!" Jeremiah called out, "Zero, show yourself!"
The Knightmares with the Lionel quickly dodged the shots from Jeremiah's Sutherland.
"Zero, show yourself right now!" Jeremiah demanded, "Show yourself and face me, Jeremiah Gottwald!" Jeremiah saw the Lionel and he grinned, "That lion-headed black Knightmare, it matches what I've heard about. So that's the Lionel and that means it's you in there Zero!"
"So Gottwald, you came to see me," Zero said, "I admit I'm a bit flattered however though, I strongly suggest you back off. I'm not interested in you. You're not even a concern to me."
Jeremiah got angry at the things Zero had just said to him.
"Not a concern to you?" Jeremiah replied angrily, "How dare you! My good name has been destroyed because of you! I've suffered such humiliation and scrutiny and everything I've worked for as been tarnished and I'm reduced to being a mere pilot who is stuck in hanging back in rear lines and all because of the lies you made about me and whatever trick you did to me!"
"Oh I'm sorry, is this the part where I'm suppose to give a damn?" Zero responded.
"What?" Jeremiah replied shocked.
"You'll have to excuse me," Zero said, "but it's impossible for me to even act concern or sorry for corrupt and racist individuals who has no problem using people as scapegoats just to fulfill their own personal agenda, especially when that person formed and leads the despicable Purist Faction. If you want to whine, moan, and bitch about your problems, then save them for someone that actually gives a damn. Are you not embarrassed telling your grievances to an enemy? Oh and by the way, the thing about you and Orange...is not exactly a lie. Do you really not know what I'm referring to or are you just pretending to forget?"
Jeremiah clenched his teeth and was furious at the things Zero had said to him.
"All right fine!" Jeremiah said angrily, "So be it, I'll kill you right here!"
"I told you," Zero said, "You're not a concern to me."
Jeremiah's Sutherland charged towards Zero's Lionel but was suddenly blocked and struck by the Guren piloted by Kallen. Jeremiah was disarmed of his Knightmare's Machine Gun and quickly sprung his Sutherland's Stun Tonfas.
"Lord Jeremiah!" Villetta called out.
"This is my fight!" Jeremiah responded, "Do not interfere!"
"But look at that Knightmare," Villetta said, "I never seen anything like it. The Elevens…they may have actually been able to—"
"You can't really think that Elevens are capable of such technology!" Jeremiah argued.
"You foolishly underestimate people!" Zero said, "You're too arrogant to see that given the time and the desire, people can match and fight on equal ground against you."
"You speak nonsense Zero!" Jeremiah rebuked, "Fight me you coward!"
Jeremiah charged his Sutherland and Kallen piloted her Guren Mk. II to counter against Jeremiah and his Sutherland. Jeremiah struggled and couldn't do anything against the Guren. Zero was confident in Kallen and he as well as Ohgi, Tamaki, and Naoto who were with him stood by and looked relaxed as Kallen took on Jeremiah. Jeremiah was shocked to see how fast the red Knightmare was and struggled against it.
"Could it be?" Jeremiah asked, "Is this the one that took out Kalius and his unit?"
"That's right!" Kallen said, "We now can finally take you Britannians on just as Zero said! You Britannians think that you're superior and that there's no one that can really take you on. Well now you're about to see for yourself how wrong you are and it starts with this Knightmare here, the Guren Mk. II!"
Kallen lunges her Knightmare's long silver arm towards Jeremiah's Knightmare.
"That arm," Jeremiah said as he quickly deduced that he quickly move away from it, "as long as I dodge it."
In the cockpit of the Guren, Kallen narrowed her eyes.
"You're right to want to move away from it," Kallen said in her head, "however though…"
The long silver arm extended and Jeremiah was surprised and the arm of the Guren grabbed and held the head of Jeremiah's Sutherland."
"You're done," Kallen commented.
Kallen activated the Radiant Wave Surger and does a shockwave on the Sutherland causing it to swell up.
"No, what the hell is this?!" Jeremiah said in shock.
"Lord Jeremiah!" Villetta contacted, "Lord Jeremiah, you have to eject now!"
"This can't be happening!" Jeremiah yelled, "No, I can't eject, not when I have Zero in front me!" Jeremiah stared intently at Zero's Lionel, "He's standing right there!"
In the cockpit of Lionel, Lelouch just looked on seeing Jeremiah's Knightmare swell up and he couldn't help but think about the past back in Pendragon when Jeremiah was one of his mother's most loyal guards and how he been his supporter when he was training under his mother as well as Nonette and Bismarck. Jeremiah was someone that he and Nunnally considered as one of their favorite people and liked having around.
"It is really unfortunate," Lelouch said in his head, "it is however the choices we make as individuals…" Lelouch had an expression of regret, "if only I…"
Jeremiah's Sutherland continued to swell up and in the cockpit, the screen showed Jeremiah auto-ejection and Jeremiah shook his head as he was suffering damage to his body with a bloody nose.
"No, don't you dare auto-eject!" Jeremiah ranted as he body was in pain, "I have to get Zero! I must! I must get Zero! Damn it! Daaaammmnn iiiiiittt!"
The auto-ejection activated and the damaged cockpit with Jeremiah's broken body inside blasted off elsewhere and the damaged Sutherland was blown up. The Guren brought its sliver long arm back. In the cockpit, Kallen just looked on feeling confident.
"I won't lose," Kallen said, "not as long I have the Guren Mk. II."
The members of the Purist Faction were shocked to see what had happened.
"Is this for real?" One of the Purist Faction members asked.
"How the hell did the Elevens get such weaponry and technology?" Another Purist Faction asked.
Villetta was in her cockpit and was shocked to see what had happened.
"Lord Jeremiah was defeated," Villetta said in his head still surprised, "Just who are the Black Knights?"
"That damn Jeremiah!" Kewell spoke angrily.
Meanwhile in the G-1 Mobile Base, Euphie was surprised at what she saw at the radar.
"That was…Jeremiah," Euphie said.
"You mean Orange?" One of the staff officers asked.
"The Purist Faction was supposed to be stationed at the rear line," Another staff officer said, "why have they ignored orders?"
Meanwhile Cornelia was being informed what had happened.
"Gottwald?" Cornelia asked.
"Yes, it seems that Jeremiah left his post and went to confront Zero," Guilford reported.
"He wasn't authorized to do so," Cornelia said, "Who told him to leave his post?"
"No one did, Jeremiah acted on his own and as a result, he was taken out," Guilford said, "What's also irritating is that the others of the Purist Faction just blindly followed him."
"Hmph, pathetic," Cornelia said harshly, "how low has Gottwald fallen?"
"He would have been better off cultivating an orange farm after all," Guilford added.
"Gottwald's recent actions have brought shame upon himself and as someone who served my mentor," Cornelia said disgusted with Jeremiah.
Meanwhile, Darlton and a few soldiers with him in their Knightmares were assessing the situation.
"What's the condition of our army?" Darlton asked.
"Sir, we have only 20% still active based on the report," A soldier reported.
"Damn," Darlton replied, "20%? They really got us."
In the ASEEC trailer, Lloyd, Cecile, and Suzaku were hearing reports stating that communications toward General Alex and his unit were not going through and it were stated that it was most likely that Alex and his unit was lost.
"Lloyd," Suzaku spoke turning to his boss.
"Hmm, this is pretty serious," Lloyd said.
"Serious?" Suzaku asked, "How serious is the situation?"
"Well, we can't verify it but it seems that the Black Knights are actually here," Lloyd said, "they may have been the ones who induced that avalanche."
"Then that means…Zero is here," Suzaku said.
"Congratulations," Lloyd said excited, "you might get deployed after all. With any luck, the Lancelot will finally take on this Lionel that everyone has been talking about."
"Lloyd," Suzaku reacted not liking how Lloyd responded to what was going on.
"Lloyd, you lack discretion," Cecile berated, "You're too rash…and excited."
"Hmm, how so?" Lloyd asked, "Is it bad?"
"Oh, should I tell you?" Cecile asked with a bright smile.
"Uh no, never mind," Lloyd responded feel a bit of dread, "but anyway, until we hear something, we can only remain on standby."
Meanwhile in the G-1 Mobile Base, Euphie was worried for her sister Cornelia.
"Is the Viceroy okay?" Euphie asked concerned.
"She wasn't caught in the rockslide so she's safe," One of the staff officer answered.
"Unfortunately though, the rear support left their post and acted on their own," Another staff officer reported, "now because of them, the Viceroy is practically isolated."
"Just what the hell is the Purist Faction thinking?" Another staff officer asked, "They just keep falling in disgrace and now they seem incapable to follow simple orders."
Meanwhile, the Guren Mk. II stood poised at the other Sutherlands piloted by the remaining members of the Purist Faction.
"So, who's next?" Kallen asked.
The Britannian soldiers were taken back.
"You all came here with Jeremiah Gottwald," Kallen continued, "so I assume you were set to try to get Zero. Well if you want Zero, you'll have to go through me so who's next?"
"Yes, who is next?" Zero asked, "Any of you want to try your luck against the Guren Mk. II and end up like Jeremiah?"
In the Sutherland cockpits, the members of the Purist Faction were livid.
"Damn you Zero!" Villetta said with hatred.
"Jeremiah was such an idiot," Kewell complained, "He's made us look bad again."
"And yet here you are following Gottwald and disobeying orders as well," Cornelia's voice spoke.
The Purist Faction was surprised to hear the Viceroy's voice.
"Viceroy Cornelia!" Kewell spoke.
"It seems that you of the Purist Faction are incapable of following orders these days," Cornelia said.
"Viceroy, let me explain," Villetta said.
"Spare me!" Cornelia said strongly, "I'm in no mood for excuses and I have no use for soldiers that don't follow orders."
The Lionel signaled the Guren and three of the Burais and the Guren quickly moved away as the three Burais began firing at the Sutherlands and it caught the Purist Faction off guard. Zero used the opportunity and moved his Lionel pass them and headed straight after Cornelia. The Guren also held them all in bay for a bit and fought and damaged their Sutherlands. This left the Purist Faction to fight against Guren. As Zero, Naoto, Ohgi, and Tamaki continued their path to get to Cornelia, they were joined by two Burais that were piloted by Minami and Sugiyama.
"Zero, Sugiyama and I took care of the units on the far side," Minami reported.
"Yoshida and Inoue are taking care of the rest on the other side," Sugiyama reported.
"Very good," Zero said, "all is going to plan. Our objective is Cornelia. We are to capture her alive."
Zero leading a group of Black Knights to go after Cornelia. The remaining Britannian forces tried to stop them in their tracks but the Black Knights were able to dodge and take them down and push through. The Lucan led her own group up in the mountains and continued to take down any soldiers and Knightmares that got in their way. It would not be long before they rendezvous with Zero and the others. In the cockpit of the Lucan, Nunnally kept her strong will.
"As long as we're consistent in our push…" Nunnally said.
In the cockpit of the Lionel, Lelouch had his determined expression.
"…we will succeed and Cornelia will have no chance," Lelouch said, "although there is one other factor we need to be aware of," Lelouch thought about Suzaku and the Lancelot, "even if Cornelia refuses to have him deployed, if the situation calls for it, I'm sure that it would be Euphie. But, we'll be ready for him when that happens and this time, by my own hands, I will…"
In the G-1 Mobile Base, Euphie and the staff officers looked on and were seeing what has happened. They just got a report and they were not happy in what they heard.
"The Purist Faction was defeated?" One of the staff officers asked surprised.
"They all ejected out of their Knightmares," Another staff officer said, "they not only let Zero get pass them but were beaten by one enemy Knightmare."
"Grr, they're useless," Another staff officer said upset, "ignoring their orders and are even incapable to take one Knightmare."
"There has to be some way to aid the Viceroy's retreat," Another staff officer said.
Euphie saw something and was concerned.
"Wait a minute, look," Euphie said, "something is approaching behind the Viceroy."
The staff officers looked and saw two signatures headed to where Cornelia's signature was and were surprised as well. On the mountain path, it was the two trucks the Todoh and the Four Holy Swords were in and the roof of the trucks opened up and five Knightmares that were called Burai Kais popped up from the roofs of the trucks while the trucks were on auto-drive.
"Listen up," Todoh said, "if this landslide was indeed manmade, we should be able to ambush Cornelia. Capture Cornelia! It's time that we took revenge for what happened seven years ago!"
"Yes, for the pride of the Four Holy Swords!" All four Holy Swords responded in unison.
Meanwhile, Jinta was at a safe distance within the mountain and saw the trucks and the five Burai Kais. He placed a radio to his ear.
"Zero, do you copy?" Jinta said.
"Yes, go ahead Jinta," Zero replied.
"Zero, five Knightmares have appeared and are making their way to Cornelia," Jinta reported, "they seem to be Burais but different."
In the cockpit of the Lionel, Lelouch raised his eyebrow.
"Burais?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes, Sayoko also saw them come from the mountains as well," Jinta added.
Lelouch recalled something and he guessed who it was.
"I see, my guess is that it's Todoh," Lelouch said.
"Todoh, you mean…?" Jinta spoke.
"They finally arrived," Lelouch said, "I'm sure Katase will be overjoyed."
"I see, well then I'll hurry and join you Zero," Jinta said.
"Thank you," Lelouch said and then he pushed a button, "Void, everyone, did you hear?"
"Yes we all did and I'm seeing that Todoh and the others with him are making their way to Cornelia," Void said.
"Todoh?" Keitaro contacted, "As in Todoh the Miracle Worker?"
"The very same," Lelouch said, "Now there's another matter that we need to be cautious and that's Kururugi and the Lancelot. I'm sure that he'll be deployed soon as well."
"Zero, would you like some of us to keep track in case the Lancelot shows up?" Rai contacted.
"Yes, please do," Lelouch said, "I want to be ready when Kururugi makes his attempt to stop us or really to try to defeat and capture me."
"You got it Zero," Alice assured, "we'll be on the lookout and inform you immediately should he make his move."
"Which may be sooner than later, right?" Naoto said.
"Yes," Lelouch nodded.
Meanwhile, the light gray colored Burai Kai that was piloted by Todoh made its appearance much to the surprise of Cornelia and the soldiers with her.
"What?" Cornelia uttered.
"Defend the surrounding area!" One of the Britannian soldiers ordered.
Todoh began his attack by striking one of the Sutherlands from behind with the Burai Kai's Revolving Break Sword and cut the Sutherland down. Todoh followed up with another attack against another Sutherland that charged after him and Todoh was able to counter and take the Knightmare down.
"Surround her!" Todoh ordered.
"It can't be…" Cornelia said, "The Japan Liberation Front here?"
"Spread out and surround her!" Todoh ordered as he was dodging shots from the Sutherlands.
"Understood!" The Four Holy Swords said.
Todoh had just cut down another Sutherland.
"Don't think of them as just Burais," Todoh said.
"Heh, this reminds me of seven years ago," Asahina commented.
"It was different then," Chiba said, "and now we have Knightmares."
Guilford seeing was going on and contacted his princess.
"Your Highness, please leave this place to us," Guilford suggested, "Take this time and withdraw for now."
Guilford's Gloucester clashed with Todoh's Burai Kai with their melee weapons.
"Very well," Cornelia said, "I know how we can turn this around to our favor. Guilford."
"Yes?" Guilford responded.
"After you deal with that one, meet me at point 9." Cornelia instructed.
"Point 9?" Guilford replied, "I understand."
Two Burai Kais charged after Cornelia and shot their Slash Harkens but Cornelia was able to counter against them and knocked them out of her way and then she went on her way to the planned point. Meanwhile, the Sutherlands were firing their Machine Guns at the Burais of the Black Knights and the Burais took cover behind large trees and large walls of rocks. Two Knightmares quickly made their way against the Sutherlands with speed and dodging their shots. It was the Lionel and the Lucan and they drew new weapons. The Lionel drew a two-handed double edged sword and quickly cut down Sutherlands while the Lucan drew two swords and cut down the Sutherlands as well. The two Knightmares of the Lamperouge siblings continued to strike and cut down Sutherlands allowing the other Black Knights to back them up and follow them.
"This won't be enough to stop us," Zero said.
"Let's keep pushing through," Void said.
Two more Sutherlands appeared and were ready to shoot the Lionel and then Lucan but one of them was struck by a Slash Harken. The other Sutherland looked over and saw another black Knightmare making its appearance and the Sutherland shot at it. The black Knightmare was piloted by Jinta and Jinta had his Knightmare draw a katana and attacked and destroyed the Sutherland that shot at him. The black Knightmare turned to the Lionel and the Lucan.
"I'm here Zero," Jinta said.
In the cockpit of the Lionel, Lelouch smiled.
"Excellent timing Jinta," Lelouch said.
"Zero, do you copy?" Kallen contacted.
"Yes, go ahead," Lelouch said.
"Cornelia is under attack down below," Kallen informed.
"It's Todoh and the Four Holy Swords, correct?" Lelouch responded.
"Yeah, that's correct," Kallen said.
"They are really pushing them back," Inoue contacted.
"Hmph, I would expect no less from Todoh," Lelouch said, "this is good for us as well. They'll hinder their actions and we can take advantage," Lelouch had his thoughts, "Although there's no doubt that Todoh-sensei intends to capture Cornelia as well. Sorry Sensei, but I intent to capture my older sister first," Lelouch pushed a button, "Sayoko."
"Yes Master Zero?" Sayoko replied.
"Where are you right now?" Lelouch asked.
Meanwhile in the base of the Japan Liberation Front, Todoh made contact and appeared on the screen.
"General, my apologies for not getting here sooner," Todoh said.
Katase and the others were glad and overjoyed to see Todoh.
"Todoh, I'm just glad you're here," Katase said happily, "we've been waiting for you."
"Sir, please send all remaining units to join me and the others here," Todoh requested.
"Can you beat them?" Katase asked, "Can we still win this?"
"Yes we can," Todoh replied, "but only if we can prevent their remaining forces from advancing. Even with the Black Knights here, we still have a chance now to turn the situation to our favor!"
On the mountain, Todoh was still taking on Guilford. Guilford looked on and he clenched his teeth.
"I had heard that there was someone in Area 11 who is a formidable commander," Guilford said in his head, "the one who is known as the Miracle Worker. It must be him, it must be Todoh." Guilford then spoke, "However though, I will not be beaten!"
Meanwhile, Darlton and his unit were being shot at by cannons within the mountains and they fired back with their launchers.
"Damn it, why now?" Darlton asked frustrated, "At a time like this."
"General, what should we do sir?" One of the soldiers asked.
"No choice, we have to withdraw," Darlton said, "No matter what happens, we have to rendezvous with Viceroy Cornelia."
"But sir, their main base is right in front of us," Another soldier pointed out, "not to mention if we get attacked from behind, we'll be surely be wiped out."
"You imbecile, if Princess Cornelia is captured by these Elevens, this entire battle is lost!" Darlton pointed out.
"Y-Yes sir!" The soldier replied.
The ground below the two Sutherlands with Darlton crumbled and the two Sutherlands fell. In the G-1 Mobile Base, Euphie was shaking seeing the lost that continued to happen.
"Sub Viceroy Euphemia," One of the staff officers spoke, "Please deploy the G-1. We must save the Viceroy."
"No!" Euphie replied.
"Lord Guilford is completely pinned down," Another staff officer pointed out, "if he can't get to Viceroy Cornelia, then her life may be at stake here."
"We can't!" Euphie insisted, "There's a field hospital right below us. Are there any civilians that are around?"
"There hasn't been any civilians seen before or even when the operation started," A staff officer said, "in fact, the city below seemed deserted according to the reports."
"Then I hope that every single civilian was evacuated beforehand," Euphie paused a bit and looked over at the radar, "the G-1 is our command center and the Viceroy herself ordered me specifically not to move it no matter what."
Suzaku, Lloyd, and Cecile suddenly appeared on the screen and it surprised Euphie and the staff officers.
"Hello there," Lloyd greeted, "it's us of the Advance Special Engineering Envoy Corps!"
The staff officers were not impressed of the interruption.
"How dare you!" One of the staff officers said angrily.
"Such insolence!" Another staff officer said.
"You're irregulars ordered to just to keep silent and observe!" The third staff officer said.
"Y-Yes, we know all that," Cecile replied nervously, "but it's just…"
"But all of this waiting around is completely boring," Lloyd bluntly said.
"Sub Viceroy Euphemia," Suzaku said, "please, I beg of you, please order us to the battle."
The staff officers were annoyed at what Suzaku had just requested.
"How transparent," One staff officer said with venom, "you just want glory of saving the Viceroy."
"Our whole army is out there," Another staff officer said, "do you really think that one machine could actually make a difference. If that was the case, it would have already happened."
"Not only that, but you're just an Eleven," The third staff officer said, "There's no way you can succeed here."
"Yeah yeah, but if that's the case, it shouldn't matter if we try, right?" Lloyd responded with a grin, "What's the harm in it and since it's just one unit, it won't make you look bad if we were to fail, right?"
Euphie heard Suzaku say her nickname and then Euphie thought about and she nodded.
"The path to get to the Viceroy is perilous and dangerous," Euphie pointed out.
"Not to worry, we have Sand Panels," Lloyd assured with glee, "we have them attached to the Lancelot since the Landspinners would be useless against the loose mud and water so they'll be able to move through the muddy path."
Euphie paused a bit and there were things that she was concerned but right now, she was worried about her sister Cornelia and decided to have faith.
"Very well, I'll allow it," Euphie said with a nod, "Lancelot, I hereby order you to go and rescue the Viceroy."
Cecile, Lloyd, and Suzaku were glad for the response but the staff officers didn't like it.
"Sub Viceroy, you must reconsider," One of the staff officers said.
"That's right, you can't possibly entrust this Eleven to aid Viceroy Cornelia," The second staff officer said.
"Enough!" Euphie said.
"Your Highness, please you must—!" The third staff officer spoke.
"I said enough!" Euphie interjected strongly, "I won't tell you three again!"
The staff officers were taken back when Euphie gave a strong glare at the three and they backed down. Euphie sighed and turned to ASEEC members.
"Please aid the Viceroy," Euphie said, "I'm counting on you."
"You got it!" Lloyd said happily.
"Thank you so much Your Highness!" Cecile said happily.
Suzaku nodded and smiled as well, "I promise I will not fail you. You won't regret it."
"Yes, of course," Euphie said with a nod, "Be careful and whatever you do, don't take unnecessary risks."
The three staff officers couldn't believe what was happening and for them, it was sad for them because they knew that 3rd Britannian Princess and Sub Viceroy would not change her mind and they were worried how Cornelia would react to them. Meanwhile, Todoh was still fighting against Guilford and was struggling against Cornelia's knight.
"Damn it, he's fierce," Todoh said frustrated.
Guilford's Gloucester threw a Chaos Mine and when Todoh saw it, he ordered the Four Holy Swords to spread out and he did the same.
"Lieutenant Colonel, what about Cornelia?" Urabe asked.
"If Zero is the kind of man I think he is, then he'll be moving into position right now," Todoh said, "Let's trust him on this."
Meanwhile elsewhere within the mountains, Villetta, Kewell, and the other members of the Purist Faction were standing by their cockpits and were upset and frustrated of their defeat by the red Knightmare.
"Could it get any worse?" Kewell asked angrily.
"What are we going to do now?" One of the Purist members asked.
Another Purist Faction slammed his fist on his cockpit.
"This is all Jeremiah's fault!" The upset member complained.
"That's right, if it wasn't for him…" Another member said, "we wouldn't be in this mess."
"Can we really blame this whole thing on Lord Jeremiah?" Villetta asked.
The others were surprised and looked at Villetta.
"Yes, Lord Jeremiah rushed out on his own but we also followed along and did the same thing," Villetta pointed out, "we followed him."
"Of all the things though," Kewell spoke and then he shook his head, "beaten by one Eleven."
"It seems that at this point, the Purist Faction will be forced to be disbanded," Villetta said.
"All the years of work and effort we put into it and for what?" Kewell said angrily, "Damn it, there's has to be some way, something we can do. Zero has is the main cause and has made us look like fools. We have to do something, something that we can get over on Zero."
"But Lord Kewell, what can we possible do against Zero?" One of the Purist Faction members asked, "We haven't been able to do anything against him."
Kewell thought for a moment and then spoke, "Actually, I may have something we can do…or really I should say someone."
The other Purist Faction was taken back and Villetta had an uncomfortable feeling in what Kewell was planning.
"Lord Kewell, what are you thinking about?" Villetta asked with concern, "What are you planning?"
"Sometimes sacrifices need to be made," Kewell said, "that way, it would show that Zero is not who he says he is. He says that the Black Knights exist to go against those that harm or attempt to harm civilians, right?"
"That's what he said," Villetta said.
"We're going to make a liar out of him," Kewell said with an evil grin, "and when that happens, we'll swoop in and make our move. That way, we'll show that we still have our purpose."
"Kewell, what the hell are you saying?" Villetta asked not liking where Kewell was going with what he was saying.
Meanwhile, Guilford and his unit were still holding off Todoh and the Four Holy Swords.
"Damn it, we need to get to Her Highness quickly," Guilford said, "we can't afford to remain here any longer."
"Lord Guilford, we have a problem!" One of the soldiers contacted.
"What's wrong?" Guilford responded.
"We have the information of Zero's movements!" The soldier reported, "And it's not good."
"Then hurry and tell me!" Guilford demanded.
"Yes my lord," The soldier said, "Here's the predicted course."
Guilford was shown the movements of Zero and the others that were with him and bespectacled man was shocked at what he saw.
"No, no," Guilford said mortified, "damn it! They're heading towards where we planned to lure Todoh and his group!" Guilford contacted his princess, "Your Highness! The Black Knights, they are—!"
"I already know Guilford," Cornelia responded.
"Huh?" Guilford responded surprised.
In the valley, Cornelia in her Gloucester was facing the Guren Mk. II and behind her was the Lucan.
"I know because they have me trapped right now," Cornelia said.
In the Guilford's cockpit, Guilford was mortified that his princess was already trapped by the Black Knights. In Cornelia's cockpit, she looked what was in front of her and then behind her. More Knightmares appeared from the side and the one in front was the Lionel. In the Lionel's cockpit, Lelouch grinned and he pushed a button.
"Hello again Cornelia," Lelouch spoke.
"Zero," Cornelia said with venom.
Meanwhile, Suzaku activated the Lancelot and was ready to move out to aid Cornelia.
"Suzaku, you will accelerate at max speed and travel through the muddy path to save Viceroy Cornelia," Cecile said.
"Yes my lord," Suzaku responded.
"Say Suzaku, can I ask you something?" Lloyd asked.
"Oh sure Lloyd, what is it?" Suzaku replied.
"More than anything, you hate it when people die and yet you're in the military," Lloyd pointed out, "Now why is that?"
"I'm in the military to stop people from dying," Suzaku answered.
"Really?" Lloyd replied and then he sighed and shook his head, "You know sadly, that self-contradiction will get you killed someday."
"Do you ever know when to stop?" Cecile said coldly when she suddenly grabbed Lloyd's collar.
Lloyd screamed and pleaded for Cecile to let him go. The Lancelot was launched and it was Suzaku was making his way through the muddy path. In the cockpit, Suzaku concentrated in getting to Cornelia and was ready to face Zero again should he appear before him.
"The Black Knights are involved," Suzaku said in his head, "that means that Zero is here."
Flashback: Old Tokyo Theater
"I do understand," Zero said, "yes, the government of Japan was toppled seven years ago however that doesn't mean that the idea of Japan being free from Britannia should be forbidden, not to the people that desire it and I desire to cut the Britannia's shackles on other counties."
"You can't," Suzaku replied, "it's not possible."
"It is possible because I will make it possible with the aid of the people who desire it and there are people who do desire it," Zero replied back strongly, "The Britannia that exists right now is rampant with corruption and is rotten flexing their so-called superiority and beating down those who are not them just because they feel that it's their natural right, that is not the country worth serving."
Flashback End
Suzaku shook his head, refusing to believe the things Zero said.
"You're wrong Zero," Suzaku said in his head, "all one has to do is change things from within. I'll prove you wrong Zero."
Another Flashback: Ashford Academy's Student Council Room
"They're out there Suzaku," Lelouch said, "people so bad, they just go on victimizing people that are less fortunate than they are or because they believe themselves to be untouchable. Don't force your own beliefs onto others Suzaku and seriously, you need to open your eyes to see everything because really, you're blinding yourself."
"Lelouch, do you perhaps support Zero?" Suzaku asked getting a bit upset.
"Do I support Zero?" Lelouch responded, "Hmm…" Lelouch looked at Suzaku, "Who knows…but I can understand and get what they are doing."
Flashback End
Suzaku clenched his teeth at the things that Lelouch said to him.
"Lelouch despise Britannia," Suzaku said in his head, "I know that, I've known for years and yet I…"
Another Flashback: One of the roofs of Ashford Academy
Lelouch sighed, "You amazed me Suzaku…"
"Lelouch, so that means you—" Suzaku responded being hopeful.
"You amaze me of how utterly naïve you really are," Lelouch interjected.
Suzaku was taken back and didn't like what he had just heard.
"You honestly think that you can change Britannia from within?" Lelouch asked, "I wouldn't be so sure that things will go your way just because you were simply…lucky so far."
"L-Lucky?" Suzaku spoke surprised.
"The fact that you're going on with this childish notion that Britannia will change for you makes me pity you really," Lelouch continued.
"Uh, you…you can't be serious," Suzaku replied upset with what was said.
Lelouch sighed as he put his hands in his pockets and started to walk and then he stopped next to Suzaku who was still stunned.
"I could explain and go on about why what you're trying to do will never work…but I know it will fall on deaf ears with you," Lelouch said, "Britannia is riddled with corruption and if you're not careful, you'll either die trying for your ideals or become twisted and warped for your ideals. It'll be sad if you fall to either or even both," Lelouch looked over to Suzaku, "you still don't see big picture of things and you have no intention of ever doing so," Lelouch sighed sadly, "I really pity my friend."
Flashback End
Suzaku shook his head again and clenched his teeth.
"I don't need pity," Suzaku said in his head, "I just need to do what I need to do. I can only move forward and defeat Zero. I will beat him with the Lancelot. But right now, the safety of Viceroy Cornelia comes first. For Euphie's sake, I will aid her sister."
Suzaku continued to pilot the Lancelot to get to Cornelia. Meanwhile, Rai in a Burai had shot and destroyed a few Sutherlands. Rai dodged an attack by a Sutherland and countered with a Slash Harken and he charged and knocked the Sutherland down and proceeded to shoot down the Sutherland point blank. The Sutherland was destroyed and the pilot in the Knightmare Frame died. In the cockpit, Rai gripped the controls and he looked over and saw four dead bodies. The four bodies were three men and a woman who were part of the Black Knights. Rai was sad to see fellow Black Knights dead.
"We've suffered casualties on our side," Rai said and he prayed for them, "You four did well. We won't let your deaths be in vain."
Rai suddenly picked up a signature and he looked and saw a signature moving max speed.
"Is that…?" Rai asked.
"Rai, are you seeing something moving fast?" Alice contacted.
"Yeah I am," Rai said, "one unit and at this time…yeah, it's him."
"Suzaku, right?" Alice asked.
"Yep," Rai said, "I'll inform him."
Back at the valley, Cornelia faced the Lionel and pointed her Jousting Lance at the black Knightmare.
"Zero, it seems that you have me surrounded!" Cornelia said.
"That's right and I'll tell you this," Zero replied, "your reinforcements that you're counting on won't be able to get to you. They're being held down by not only my forces but also Todoh and the remaining members of the Japan Liberation Front."
Cornelia clenched her teeth and but then she smiled.
"I see, although I wonder if it was so hard for you," Cornelia said, "hoping to be unbeatable but that was not to be for you."
"Hmm, what do you mean by that?" Zero asked, "What are you referring to?"
"I was informed that you suffered such a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Knight of Nine," Cornelia said and was amused, "it just proves that you're not as good as you make yourself to be."
"Let's not forget that I'm the one who defeated you at Saitama and because of that, you can no longer be referred as the Goddess of Victory," Zero pointed out.
Cornelia got upset for being reminded of that.
"It is true," Zero continued, "I was defeated by Nonette Enneagram, the Knight of Nine but Cornelia, last time I checked, you are not anything like her. You're not a Knight of the Round and you're nowhere near her level. Do you really think that just because I lost to her that you would somehow have an advantage over me? I actually expected you to be smarter than that or perhaps you're just a hopeless idiot."
"Zero," Cornelia growled.
"Zero!" Void spoke, "Zero, please allow me to fight against Cornelia."
"Void," Zero said.
"I want to also fight Cornelia as well," Kallen said, "if it's all right, it won't matter who fights her. It will depend on who Cornelia targets first."
"Okay, I can agree to that," Void.
"Huh, you?" Cornelia asked turning her attention to Void, "Come to think of it, that white Knightmare Frame…it's the same one that was in Saitama. Are you the one then?"
"Yes," Void said as she came out of her cockpit.
Cornelia was surprised to see the masked female, "You…you're the same as Zero?"
"I am called Void," Void said.
In the cockpit in the Lionel, Lelouch smiled.
"Void is my sister," Lelouch said, "and the Knightmare she pilots is called the Lucan."
"Zero, do you copy?" Rai contacted.
"Yes," Zero answered, "wait if you're contacting me, may I assume that…?"
"Yes, he's heading to your location right now," Rai said.
Cornelia in her cockpit narrowed her eyes at the Lucan and the pilot Void.
"The Lucan, huh?" Cornelia said, "Hmph, well listen Void, I'm not interested in you," Cornelia turned over to Guren Mk. II, "not am I interested in you either but…if I beat you, I'll be able to make my escape."
"You're welcome to try!" Kallen responded.
"I don't need to try!" Cornelia said as she quickly fired her Knightmare's Machine Gun.
The Guren was able to dodge the shots by jumping up and down and was getting close to the Gloucester. Cornelia quickly shot one of her Slash Harkens but Kallen was able to deflect it with her own small MVS.
"Hah! You're quick, I'll give you that!" Cornelia said.
Cornelia quickly lunges her Jousting Lance at the Guren but Kallen was able to have her Guren catch it with her Knightmare's long silver arm and grab hold. Kallen then used the Radiant Wave Surger and swelled up the lance and the arm of the Gloucester. Cornelia was surprised and detached her Gloucester's arm and it exploded right afterwards.
"Damn you!" Cornelia said.
"Come on, you still have one good arm!" Kallen said.
"Or if you want, you can try to defeat me instead," Void said as she had her Knightmare's unsheathed dual swords.
"Ladies!" Zero called.
Kallen, Void, and even Cornelia looked over to the Lionel and the Lionel gave hand signals and Kallen and Void knew what it meant.
"He's here?" Kallen asked.
"Yep so all of you move out of the way in 3…2…1, now!" Zero said.
The Lionel, the Lucan, the Guren Mk. II., Jinta's Knightmare, and the Burais all quickly moved out of the way and right afterwards, a blast occurred through the valley. When the smoke started to clear, the Lancelot appeared with the VARIS rifle in hand. Suzaku looked around looking for the Viceroy and saw the one armed Gloucester and approached it.
"Viceroy, are you all right?" Suzaku asked, "I've come to rescue you."
"You!" Cornelia said surprised, "The Special Envoy? Who authorized you to come here? No wait, let me guess, the Sub Viceroy gave you permission to come, correct?"
"Yes ma'am, that's correct," Suzaku responded respectfully, "The Sub Viceroy has been extremely worried about you."
Cornelia sighed, "I see."
Cornelia and Suzaku heard clapping and they turned and saw the Lionel clapping its hands.
"Quite an entrance Suzaku Kururugi," Zero said, "it was good but very reckless as well."
"Zero," Suzaku said.
The Lionel stopped clapping and crossed its arm and the Lionel was joined by the Lucan, the Guren, Jinta's Knightmare, and the five Burais that came with the Lionel.
"Kururugi, you showed up just as we figured you would," Zero said, "considering the circumstances with Guilford, Darlton, and their units being unable to move to get to Cornelia, you would be the only one left available to help Cornelia and Euphemia would be the one to order you to aid Cornelia. Got to hand it to Euphemia for the decision she made."
"So Zero, are you saying that you anticipated my arrival?" Suzaku asked.
"Of course I did," Zero said, "Cornelia would never have you deployed due to her own prejudice but Euphemia is a different matter. She's not discriminative like her dear sister here."
"How dare you Zero!" Cornelia said angrily, "You dare speak of my sister so casually! Don't talk like you know her!"
The Lancelot pointed the VARIS rifle at the Lionel.
"Zero, I won't let you capture the Viceroy," Suzaku declared, "I will keep the Viceroy safe from the likes of you."
"Hmph, guess we'll see, won't we?" Zero replied.
The Lionel unsheathed its own MVS and pointed at the Lancelot and the two Knightmare Frames faced each other and was ready to take the other down.
Meanwhile at the base of the mountain, the man with dark orange hair that wore a dark gray suit was wide eyed and he had his hands up. He looked horrified and couldn't understand why this was happening as he faced Kewell and the other members of the Purist Faction and Kewell was pointing a gun at him and only Villetta was not with them at this point.
"We need you to come with us," Kewell said.
The man was shaking and he clenched his teeth.
"There's no doubt," The man said in his head, "I've been set up," The man clenched his teeth, "Damn you Colonel Madd, this is your doing," The man closed his eyes and still clenching his teeth and was saddened, "Susan…Shirley…"
The man thought about his wife Susan and his daughter Shirley and their smiling faces.
"Don't worry," Kewell said with a grin.
The man looked at the grinning Kewell.
"This is for the good of Britannia," Kewell said, "and once this is over, you'll go down a brave hero who went against the Black Knights and you'll be helping us in the Purist Faction."
Meanwhile, Madd was in the truck with the other Code-R researchers and was pleased with what was going on.
"Fenette, this is the end for you," Madd said, "your wife and daughter will surely be sad to know you were killed by the Black Knights."
The researchers were nervous and none of them actually like the idea for Fenette to be set up but none were willing to speak against the Colonel.
"Watts," Madd said.
"Yes Colonel," The researcher that wore glasses responded who was behind the wheel.
"Let's keep going," Madd said, "we'll find a clear sign to leave Narita unnoticed."
"Y-Yeah, sure," Watts said.
Watts started the truck again and started to drive.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The conclusion of the battle in Narita.