Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass.
Rescue Operation
At the roof garden above the Viceroy Palace, Cornelia and Euphie were spending a relaxing time together. It had been the first break they had together since they had arrived in Area 11.
"It's been awhile since we got to spend time like this," Cornelia said, "there have been so many unexpected things going on since we came here."
Cornelia playfully tickled Euphie's waist which caused her younger sister to giggle loudly.
"You've been doing a lot of desk work lately," Cornelia said with a smile, "you must be worn out."
"I'm fine really," Euphie replied happily, "Don't tease me."
Cornelia laughed happily and then Euphie looked at the garden.
"Sister, don't you think this garden reminds you of something," Euphie said, "it's like Lady Marianne's garden back in the Aries Villa."
"Oh," Cornelia said as she looked around, "yes come to think of it, it does resemble the garden back in the Aries Villa."
"I heard that Clovis ordered them to make it like this," Euphie said.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised that he liked the villa so much," Cornelia said, "he was fond of Lady Marianne as well and was he always seemed to have fun competing with Lelouch."
"He did always see Lelouch as his rival," Euphie said.
"Even though Lelouch was younger," Cornelia said.
"They showed me the paintings of Lelouch, Nunnally, and Lady Marianne after he was killed," Euphie said.
"I see," Cornelia said and then she looked forward with a serious expression.
"Cornelia?" Euphie spoke with concern.
"We need to stabilize Area 11 as soon as possible," Cornelia said, "that means ending Zero. Once he falls, the Black Knights will fall with him. We'll avenge Clovis as well as Lelouch and Nunnally."
"Avenge?" Euphie replied, "But Cornelia, I thought that—"
"Regardless of the inexcusable thing that Clovis did and was involved in," Cornelia interjected, "he was still our brother and Zero took his life. He has to pay for spilling the blood of one of our siblings," Cornelia sighed, "this land has taken the lives of three of our siblings. It's soaked in our family's blood."
"I see," Euphie said sadly, "you still don't get it."
"No I do get that Clovis was in the wrong for what he did but—" Cornelia replied.
"I was actually referring to Lelouch and Nunnally," Euphie interjected.
Cornelia flinched and turned to Euphie surprised and Euphie turned to Cornelia.
"Clovis never believed it and I'm certain that he was right about it," Euphie said, "Lelouch and Nunnally, they're alive. There's out there somewhere, hiding out."
Cornelia sighed sadly, "Euphie, you really shouldn't torment yourself with false hope. There's no way they could have survived, not with way the Elevens would respond. If they were alive, they would have contacted us long ago."
"But they chose not to," Euphie said, "and it's understandable why."
"But that doesn't make sense, why wouldn't contact us if they alive and well?" Cornelia asked.
"I can't believe that you would need to ask," Euphie replied.
"What do you mean?" Cornelia replied confused.
"Don't you remember how Lelouch and Nunnally ended up here in the first place?" Euphie asked, "It was Father who sent them here," Euphie clenched her fists as she was upset, "he sent them here to die."
"Euphie!" Cornelia said shocked that her younger sister said.
"Why are you shocked Cornelia?" Euphie asked as she turned to Cornelia, "You know it to be true as well."
"Euphie stop," Cornelia requested, "please don't say anymore."
"Or what?" Euphie replied, "What's going to happen if I keep saying things that are true?"
"Just stop Euphie," Cornelia said as she wrapped her arms around Euphie, "just stop please."
Kyoto
Kirihara received a call from Lelouch and he was surprised to reason why Lelouch was calling him. He frowned and he nodded as he had confirmed it.
"So it's all true?" Lelouch asked on the other line.
"Yes, it's all true," Kirihara said sadly, "not only that, Kusakabe did some digging and found out."
Lelouch and Nunnally's Residence, Ashford Academy
"Kusakabe?" Lelouch replied surprised as he was sitting on his chair in his bedroom.
Lelouch recalled meeting Kusakabe as Zero in the hotel in Lake Kawaguchi.
"Yes, in fact he was going to use the information against Suzaku blackmail him to join the Japan Liberation Front," Kirihara said, "however…"
"Suzaku probably wouldn't have budged," Lelouch deduced, "that's how I see but now I know."
Kyoto
"Yes," Kirihara sighed sadly, "Lelouch listen, I made the claim that Genbu committed suicide. I did that…"
"I understand," Lelouch interjected on the other line, "it's understandable why you did what you did. It was a necessary secret I suppose."
"The question is what are you going to do with this information?" Kirihara asked.
"Is it really true?" A female voice asked.
Kirihara looked and was surprised to see Kaguya who was had a sad expression.
"Is that Kaguya there?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes," Kirihara said with a downcast expression.
Lelouch and Nunnally's Residence, Ashford Academy
"I see," Lelouch said, "I'll let you go. I assuming that you have much to talk about with Kaguya. I'll talk to you later Lord Kirihara. Take care."
"Sure and…thanks," Kirihara said.
"No problem," Lelouch said and then he hung up the phone.
A Bar
Jeremiah and Villetta were sitting on bar stools and having their drinks.
"It's been a very hard few months," Jeremiah said.
"Indeed," Villetta said, "it seems that nothing has gone right for us."
Jeremiah sipped up his alcoholic beverage and slammed his glass down.
"So Lord Jeremiah, have you heard?" Villetta asked.
"Hmm, about what?" Jeremiah replied.
"Princess Euphemia," Villetta said, "I heard that she will be selecting a knight."
"Oh yes, I heard about that," Jeremiah said, "but with the Princess Cornelia, she'll probably insist on Princess Euphemia to choose a knight who is a soldier loyal to her. That way she can keep tabs on Her Highness."
"Would she do that?" Villetta asked surprised.
"I know she would," Jeremiah said, "I'm sure you've noticed Villetta that Princess Cornelia is quite overprotective of Princess Euphemia."
"Huh, I see," Villetta said as she sipped up her drink.
Next Day, Ashford Academy
Lelouch was sitting on a stool with the pose of the Thinker.
Flashback: Old Tokyo Theater
"Yes, that is an example that you should consider, they let an Eleven like me pilot a Knightmare, a seventh generation Knightmare Frame. That should tell you that there's a chance that Britannia can change for the better," Suzaku said.
"Hmph, that tells me nothing, sure you got lucky that you were allowed to pilot their Knightmare but," Zero said, "that doesn't change with what I've said. I still intend to free the cruel grip Britannia has on other nations."
"You're wrong and I will prove it," Suzaku insisted, "things can get better when one works within the system of Britannia, it really can so I won't join you Zero. I have faith that things can get better regarding Britannia. You and other people may despise the fact that Britannia controls other countries but that's how it is. It's selfish and just lashing out to say otherwise."
Zero shook his head, "Hmph, well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed but since you won't join me then that's it, there's nothing I can do about it."
"Then do you understand what—" Suzaku spoke.
"Let me tell you this Kururugi," Zero interrupted, "I honestly only see two results of how things will be for you with what you have decided to do, with the way Britannia is now and the poison they spread, you will either die trying or you'll be swallowed up by the system and your ideals will get warped and twisted. To be honest with you, I think you're a fool and very naïve."
Another Flashback: Student Council Room
"You know…" Suzaku spoke.
"Hmm, something wrong?" Lelouch asked.
"Well actually," Suzaku said, "if they wanted to catch criminals, they could have joined the police force. So I can't understand why they wouldn't."
"They probably figured that the police are really an incompetent bunch," Lelouch responded, "It's understandable why they would think that way, in fact, I tend to agree."
"The police may not be that effective right now," Suzaku said turning his attention to Lelouch, "but they could have invoke change from within."
"Oh yeah, I'm sure," Lelouch responded sarcastically, "and in the process, they would get all tangled up in red tape of bureaucracy and getting pinned down by numerous hindrances."
"If they had done everything to change things, that may cut it," Suzaku insisted, "but as long as they don't, then all of it is just self-righteous posturing."
"Self-righteous posturing?" Lelouch responded turning his attention and narrowing his eyes at Suzaku, "Are you serious?"
"I am serious," Suzaku replied, "another thing, what exactly constitute evil in their eyes? What standards are they using? It's nothing more than self-satisfying gratification."
Another Flashback: Rooftop of one of the Ashford Academy buildings
"Lelouch…" Suzaku said as he hesitated a bit as it was a bit hard for him but decided to go for it, "Lelouch tell me, do you still have the desire to…get revenge against Britannia?"
"Oh, where did this come from?" Lelouch asked with a raised eyebrow.
Suzaku clenched his fists and took a deep breath and then he looked at Lelouch with a calm expression as Lelouch tilted his head waiting for Suzaku to say something.
"Just please answer the question Lelouch," Suzaku said, "Do you still want to defeat Britannia? Do you still desire to take down own your father and most of the members of your family?"
"Do I still have the desire to defeat Britannia?" Lelouch spoke and then smiled, "Who knows? Zero and the Black Knights have been making quite an impact as of late against Britannia."
Suzaku flinched hearing about Zero and Lelouch smiled when he saw Suzaku flinched.
"Okay look," Suzaku said, "the reason I ask is because I'm concern for you."
"Concerned?" Lelouch replied with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah," Suzaku said with a nod, "I thought about what you said the last time we spoke."
"You mean back in the Student Council Room?" Lelouch asked.
"Yeah," Suzaku said with a nod, "Lelouch, I know that you don't have any faith in your own country and I get why that is…I really do…it's just…it's just that even with that, I don't want you to be taken in so easily if someone was to get you to join them in taking on Britannia. First it's foolish and secondly, I know it's asking a lot but is there any chance to believe that things can change for the better with Britannia?"
Lelouch just looked at Suzaku and Suzaku took a deep breath.
"Look, there is something that's been bothering me for some time now," Suzaku said.
"What is it?" Lelouch asked.
"I don't know when and how but it seems that Zero knows about you and Nunnally," Suzaku informed, "in fact from the way Zero was talking when I first spoke to him, it seems that he knows that you two are around."
"Oh is that so?" Lelouch replied with an impressed expression.
Suzaku shook his head, "Please don't look impressed Lelouch, you might think that maybe joining with Zero will help you get your revenge against your family but let me tell you, getting revenge is never the answer. Sure you may feel satisfied at that moment, but it will leave you empty inside and I don't want you to go through with that and I certainly don't want Nunnally to suffer over it as well if something was to happen to you because you chose that empty and pointless path. So please Lelouch, I'm asking you, please get rid of any ideas, any thoughts of getting revenge against Britannia and please if Zero appears before you and offers you to join him, you must refuse."
"So is that it?" Lelouch asked, "You called me just for that?"
"I believe it's something that I wanted you to hear from me," Suzaku said, "I know you despise your own country after what happened to your mother and every terrible thing that Britannia does but I do have faith," Suzaku was determined, "I do believe that if one works to change things from within, Britannia can be so much better and if that happens, I'm sure that even you Lelouch will gradually have faith in Britannia again."
Flashback End
"I finally understand," Lelouch said in his head and then he glanced up to Suzaku who had a pencil and a pad of paper, "Suzaku, I finally get why you are what you've become. You're at odds with yourself. You used to be different Suzaku. You placed importance on other people but you were also a strong patriot for Japan even at a young age but then you killed your father," Lelouch remembered when he killed Clovis, "It's still an unpleasant feeling for me that I killed my half-brother Clovis even though I did it as retaliation for the heinous order he made in Shinjuku and prevent him from killing more innocent people…but Suzaku, even though he felt that he wanted to prevent his father from sacrificing all of Japan, he still feels guilty and despair from killing his own father and he did it when he was only ten…Suzaku has been carrying that burden since," Lelouch narrowed his eyes and moved his head, "however though…"
"C'mon Lelouch, stop moving around," Rivalz spoke.
Lelouch flinched and looked around seeing his classmates who all had pencils and papers.
"Oh right," Lelouch said, "sorry about that."
Lelouch went back to his pose.
"No, you're sideline was lower," Rivalz said.
"Like this?" Lelouch said making the adjustment.
"Too far," Rivalz said, "a little higher."
"Good," Lelouch replied making adjustment on his pose again.
"Now your expression is completely different," Rai said.
"Yeah," Rivalz said as he and Rai got up from their chair.
Rivalz and Rai adjusted Lelouch's pose.
"Like this?" Rai asked with a smile.
"Yeah definitely," Rivalz said as he was pleased.
Lelouch posse and expression was different from before and it was obviously noticed and it earned complaints from the other students.
"Hey, that's not how he looked before," A female student complained.
"Yeah, he's totally different now," A male student said.
"I like the frowning face better," Another female student said.
"C'mon everybody, this is a lot better," Rivalz said.
Shirley looked on and couldn't help but giggle a bit.
"Shirley, don't you have math class at this time?" Nina asked as she came by and sat next to Shirley.
"Oh, don't you remember Nina?" Shirley replied, "It's Art Week. It was declared by the former Prince Clovis."
"Oh right," Nina replied.
Imperial Museum of Art
"We'll open up Art Week with the grand opening of the new Imperial Museum of Art," The museum curator said, "you Princess Euphemia will select the first place winner of the paintings we have up in display."
Euphemia and the curator were walking along with Darlton, Euphie's bodyguards and Nonette. Euphie looked at one painting that was labeled as 'The Village'.
"Oh, this one is nice," Euphie said with a smile, "I particularly like this painting."
"It's unfortunate to say that our investigation revealed that one who painted this piece is one-quarter Eleven," The curator said.
Euphie got upset and was about to speak.
"So if that's the case, then why is it display up here?" Nonette asked, "What's the point in having it up here?"
"Well it's a delicate balance," The curator explained, "it's something to…appease with the public."
Euphie glared at the curator and the curator looked nervously at the glare that the third princess was giving him and went to direct the attention to a large painting of Charles zi Britannia with his fist in the air.
"Um anyway, take a look of this painting," The curator said, "it was painted by the son of Marquis Nikolai."
Euphie looked at the painting and frowned.
"You don't seem impressed," Nonette said.
"Hmph," Euphie looked away annoyed.
The curator was surprised at Euphie's reaction while her bodyguards sighed and Nonette shrugged.
"No surprise there really," Nonette said in her head.
Darlton just looked on and knew why Euphemia reacted the way she did.
Headquarters of the Black Knights
Keitaro leaned on the mobile base and looked at the picture he had. It was a picture of him with a woman and a small girl that he happily held.
"Motoko…Yoko," Keitaro said.
"Wife and daughter?" Ohgi asked as he came by and looked at the photo.
"Yeah, this is them," Keitaro said, "my wife Motoko and my daughter Yoko."
"You haven't seen them since they left for Kyoto," Ohgi said.
"My wife is from Kyoto," Keitaro said, "they're staying with her family there…while I'm here."
"Regrets?" Ohgi asked with concern.
"Of not being with them?" Keitaro replied, "Yeah…but I know why I do this. I fight for their future…especially my little girl."
"It really is tough," Naoto said as he came by.
"Yeah," Keitaro said.
"Your daughter Yoko," Naoto said, "she's four now, right?"
"Yep," Keitaro said.
"Excuse me guys?" Inoue spoke as she approached them.
"Oh, what's up Naomi?" Naoto asked.
"We have company," Inoue said, "they have introduction from Kyoto."
"Kyoto?" Keitaro asked.
Naoto, Ohgi, and Keitaro looked and were surprised to see four individuals as they knew who they were. It was the Four Holy Swords Shogo Asahina, Nagisa Chiba, Kosetsu Urabe, and Ryoga Senba.
"The Four Holy Swords," Naoto said with a bow.
"It's a pleasure," Keitaro said as he and Ohgi bowed as well.
"I'll get straight to the point," Senba said, "we've come to you for your help."
"Huh, for our help?" Naoto asked.
"Yes," Senba said with nod, "Lieutenant Colonel Todoh has been apprehended. He sacrificed himself so that we can escape."
Ohgi, Naoto, and Keitaro were surprised and then they looked at each other and nodded.
"We understand," Naoto said.
Ashford Academy
Lelouch was in the principal's office standing by the window and was on the phone being informed about Todoh while Reuben was sitting on his chair with his arm on his desk.
"I see," Lelouch said, "I understand. Naturally, we'll rescue him. I might be able to fulfill my promise to General Katase after all."
"Yes of course," Naoto said on the other line, "so how do you want to do this?"
Lelouch gave instructions and hung up afterwards.
"So another operation for you then," Reuben said.
"Yes, it seems one of my old instructor was captured helping his subordinates escape," Lelouch said.
"Just please be careful," Reuben said.
"I know and I will," Lelouch said, "with the way things go, hopefully he'll be willing to join us and with him, his four loyal subordinates."
"Lelouch, we'll have to discuss about things will be going further with your cause," Reuben said.
"Yes that is true," Lelouch said, "and I appreciate everything you've done for us. You and Milly."
"Well we're just willing to support you," Reuben said, "and regarding your mother's killer…?"
"Right…" Lelouch said.
Area 11's Knightmare Train Station
"Today Kyoshiro Todoh will be executed," Guilford informed.
"I won't be present for that now that the remaining Japan Liberation Front has fled like the cowards they are," Cornelia said.
"Right," Guilford said with a nod.
"No wait," Cornelia said and she turned her head to her knight with a smile, "let 'him' handle the execution."
"Viceroy!" Euphie called.
Euphie rushed to meet up with her older sister.
"Sorry to summon you like this," Cornelia said, "How's everything in the museum?"
"The dedication is later on," Euphie informed, "A greater importance though, the NAC reported that there's unrest in Ishikawa."
"That's probably backed by the EU or the Chinese Federation," Cornelia said, "There has also been sightings of Gung Ru units. Still it's our chance to bring Hokuriku under our control. I'll leave Darlton here while I'm gone. If anything happens, consult with him," Cornelia took a folder that Guilford gave her, "Also, regarding the matter we discussed before."
Cornelia handed Euphie the folder and Euphie opened the folder and was taken aback.
"Oh right," Euphie said with a downcast expression, "that matter."
Euphie was looking at profiles with pictures of military soldiers.
"You may choose any one of them to be your knight," Cornelia said, "They're all excellent soldiers from respected families."
Euphie just looked at the pages with a sad expression.
"Ah Nonette," Cornelia said suddenly.
Euphie looked back and saw Nonette approaching them.
"Hey, I'm all prepared on my side," Nonette said.
"I see," Cornelia said, "but you're certain they will show?"
"I'd be a shock if they didn't," Nonette said, "Zero can't resist."
"Yes, you're right," Cornelia said.
"Wait, what's going on?" Euphie asked, "What's this about Zero?"
"Oh right, I was just about to inform you," Cornelia said.
Ashford Academy
On the porch of Lelouch and Nunnally's residence, Lelouch, Nunnally, Alice, and Suzaku were spending some time with each other and they were having pleasant conversations about what they did when they were little.
"Yes, the pond does freeze solid during the winter," Nunnally said, "although Lelouch did scold me for skating on it."
"We had a pond in the Kururugi Shrine," Suzaku said, "it was small but I used to catch zarigani all the time."
"Zarigani?" Alice responded, "Oh right, crayfish. That's interesting, so how do you do it?"
"It's simple," Suzaku replied with a smile, "you just tie a string on a frog's back leg."
"A frog's back leg?" Nunnally responded, "Oh my, that actually works?" Nunnally smiled happily, "That's impressive."
"Yeah," Suzaku replied happily.
"The frogs here are different when it comes to making sounds," Alice said, "don't they?"
"Right, they go kero-kero, kero-kero" Suzaku replied.
"Kero-kero?" Nunnally asked.
"Yeah," Suzaku said with a nod.
Suzaku continued to make Japanese frog sounds and Nunnally and Alice were impressed as Lelouch glanced at Suzaku.
Flashback: Lake Kawaguchi Hotel
"Let's join forces Zero and we will be unbeatable," Kusakabe suggested, "First though, take off that mask; it's quite disrespectful to not show your face."
"I refuse," Zero answered.
Zero's answer surprised and stunned Kusakabe and his men.
"What was that?" Kusakabe replied, "What, the request to take off the mask?"
"That is correct," Zero clarified, "I won't show my face to you nor will I work with you."
"Hey, what the hell?" One of Kusakabe's men asked, "Are you seriously turning down the Lieutenant Colonel's offer?"
"What, you think you're too good to work with us?" Another JLF member asked.
"You're willing to work with the Yamato Alliance but not us?" Kusakabe asked feeling insulted, "They're small and never got anything done."
"The same can be said about the Japan Liberation Front," Zero responded, "you specifically Josui Kusakabe."
"How dare you!" Kusakabe replied angrily.
"Let me ask you this Kusakabe, what do you hope to accomplish by this action you have taken?"
"What I hope to accomplish?" Kusakabe replied, "Hmph, to gain attention of course. I want to show this country and the whole world that the Japanese are not dead."
"That's your reason for this despicable and cowardly act?" Zero responded with a disgusted tone.
"Despicable?" One of the JLF members said shocked, "Cowardly?"
"You stupid bastards," Zero continued, "you don't know nor understand the serious ramifications of what you've done."
"What do you mean?" Kusakabe asked upset that Zero had just insulted them.
"You're setting not only yourselves but the rest of the Japanese to a terrible fate," Zero explained, "one with little to no hope to recover from."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Kusakabe replied.
"You don't know this but there is someone here in this building that's keeping Cornelia from mowing down on all of you," Zero informed, "She would rather sacrifice the hostages than give in to any of your demands."
"You're lying!" Kusakabe responded.
"It's no lie," Zero responded back, "it's the truth."
"Who is that then?" Kusakabe asked.
"I see no reason to tell you that," Zero replied.
"Zero, you…" Kusakabe growled.
"You want to show that the Japanese are not dead?" Zero asked, "Taking innocent civilians is not the answer to do so!"
"Zero, don't tell me that you're actually sympathize with these Britannians," Kusakabe said coldly.
"My fight is against Britannia itself, not the civilians," Zero clarified.
"Not the civilians? You're trying to tell me that these Britannians we have held are innocent or something?" Kusakabe responded surprised, "Are you that stupid or just naïve? We the Japanese have suffered because of these Britannians. I see nothing wrong in making them suffer as well!"
Flashback End
"How did someone like Kusakabe stumble on the truth of Prime Minister Kururugi's death?" Lelouch asked in his head, "Kusakabe…when he dug and learned the truth, he was going to use it to blackmail Suzaku…to threaten him to join him and help the Japan Liberation Front or be exposed as his father's killer. But even with all that, I doubt Suzaku would have give in. He found out the truth two days before he led that hotel jacking and yet he left the evidence he dug up with General Katase on the day he and his followers took people in the hotel hostage. And from what I now know, Todoh-sensei knows the truth. I wonder what his response is. I wonder if…"
"Suzaku!" A female voice called.
Suzaku, Nunnally, Alice, and Lelouch looked and they saw Cecile as she rushed over to them.
"Miss Cecile," Suzaku said.
"Lloyd says that it's urgent!" Cecile said.
"Who's that?" Lelouch asked.
"She's a soldier," Suzaku said, "I work with her."
Cecile arrived and noticed the people with Suzaku.
"Oh, friends of yours?" Cecile asked.
"Yes," Suzaku said happily.
"I'm sorry but I need to pull away Suzaku from you," Cecile said with a smile.
"Oh, um…" Suzaku spoke being concerned.
"It's okay, we understand," Lelouch said with a smile, "Go on and do what you need to do, okay?"
Suzaku smiled and nodded, "Right, okay."
"Please come again Suzaku," Nunnally said with a warm smile.
"I will," Suzaku said happily, "I'll see you all later."
"We'll let Rai know," Alice assured.
"Thanks," Suzaku said.
Suzaku left with Cecile and Lelouch, Nunnally, and Alice looked on.
"Now then," Nunnally said as she looked at Lelouch, "it's time we took our leave as well."
Lelouch smiled at Nunnally, "Indeed."
"I'll go on ahead," Alice said, "oh and what about Shirley?"
"She has a prior engagement with Sophie," Lelouch said, "so…"
"Oh I see," Alice said.
"It's okay," Nunnally said, "she can support us the same way as Milly and her grandfather does."
"Exactly," Lelouch said with a nod.
Meanwhile in Shirley's dorm room, Shirley in her casual clothes was putting on her hair clip and ready to go hang out with Sophie who was out the door.
"Shirley, I'm going on ahead," Sophie said.
"Just hold on, will ya?" Shirley responded.
Shirley got her hair clip on and sighed and then she brought out her cell phone and looked at the text that she got from Lelouch. The text detailed that he was leading the operation to rescue Kyoshiro Todoh and assured her to not worry and have fun with Sophie and assured her that he would discuss how she can help as things were moving forward. Shirley blushed and closed her eyes as she felt happy.
"Lulu…" Shirley said.
Shirley then put her phone away in her purse and rushed out to catch up with Sophie.
Imperial Museum of Art
A press conference was going in the museum and Euphie was standing behind a podium and had microphones as the press was there. Standing on her right was Darlton and standing on her left was the museum curator.
"Sub-Viceroy, is it true that no Elevens were used in constructing this museum?" One reporter asked.
"Hmm, we're still looking into it on that," Euphie answered, "so we have no answer to that question."
Euphie glanced at Darlton who glanced back and discreetly nodded at Euphie. The reporter sat down and another reporter berated him for asking the 3rd Britannian Princess about politics.
"Keriman from Interstate," Another reported spoke standing up from his seat, "Your Highness, there have been rumors that you're close in choosing a knight?"
"Really?" Euphie replied arching an eyebrow, "Rumors you say? And exactly where did you hear these rumors?"
"Ladies and gentlemen," The curator interjected, "we ask that you please limit your questions on only the museum."
Euphie sighed and wished she could just get out of the press conference.
Under the Tokyo Settlement Freeways
The Black Knights' Mobile Base was parked and the members were making preparations as they were getting ready to commence the operation. Minami, Yoshida, and Tamaki were working on Kallen's Guren Mk-II while Rai and Alice were helping Naoto with his Seiryu. The Four Holy Sword looked on as they watched the Black Knights continue with the preparations.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to throw in with the Black Knights?" Asahina asked.
"Can you think of any other way to rescue Colonel Todoh?" Chiba replied.
"There's also the fact of what Kyoto said," Urabe said, "that they'll lend us the new models."
"Well their principles seem to be somewhat off," Asahina commented.
"Well we're not all that eccentric but you already know that," Chiba replied.
"We can worry about the details after we rescue the colonel," Senba said.
"Right but regardless no matter where Todoh may be, I'll follow him for it's the place where I belong," Asahina said proudly.
Meanwhile the work on the Guren continued.
"Look, let's just stuff them in and close the lid," Tamaki said being impatient, "almost time for us to move out!"
"Take your time and treated it with the upmost care!" A female voice demanded.
Yoshida, Minami, and Tamaki looked over and they saw a woman with blonde long hair wearing her lab coat over her clothes and holding a pipe with two men with her that that wore lab attire and one of them had a case in hand.
"It was far more fragile than any of you when I gave birth to it," The woman said.
"What the hell…?" Tamaki responded then he looked at the woman and realized, "Hold it, are you…Rakshata Chawla?"
"That's right I am," The woman named Rakshata replied, "and I'm the Guren's mother," Rakshata looked over to the Seiryu, "Honestly, these three have the sense of being gentle with my Seiryu."
"Rakshata, at last we meet," Naoto said as he came down and approached the woman.
"I take it that you're Naoto," Rakshata said.
"I am," Naoto said, "it's a pleasure."
Naoto and Rakshata shook hands.
"It's good to see you again Rakshata," Zero said as he and Void approached Rakshata.
Rakshata saw Zero and Void and smiled.
"Now there are my two favorite people," Rakshata said happily.
"We're glad you made," Void said, "thank you for coming all the way here."
"The pleasure is all mine," Rakshata said.
"Hello again Rakshata," Rai said as he and Alice came by.
"Rai, good to you again," Rakshata said and then she looked at Alice, "You are…?"
"I'm Alice," Alice said.
"Ah yes, the one who defected from the Britannian military," Rakshata said, "the one was under the command of that weasel Madd."
"You know Reginald Madd as well?" Alice asked.
"Yes and none very pleasant," Rakshata said, "Honestly, I don't think anyone even in the military really likes that man."
"There's no doubt on that," Zero said.
"Anyway, I glad to meet you Miss Rakshata…" Alice said.
"Now, now," Rakshata replied, "no need for formalities, just Rakshata."
"Right, Rakshata," Alice said, "anyway, I also read up your articles on medical cybernetics. I'm quite impressed."
"You too huh," Rakshata said with a smile, "well I'm not one who goes on about the past," Rakshata turned to Zero and brought out sets of keys, "anyway Zero here," Rakshata then opened up the case that had Knightmare pilot suits, "gifts from Kyoto."
"Ah excellent," Void said.
Kallen arrived and wore a red Knightmare pilot suit with the Black Knights symbols and scanned on what she was wearing.
"Excuse me," Kallen said, "is really going to improve the interfacing system?"
"No of course not," Rakshata answered.
"Huh?" Kallen replied surprised.
"What is really going to do is improve your life expectancy," Rakshata said.
Britannian Prison
In one cells of the prison, Todoh in a white straight jacket kneels on his knees with his eyes closes as he awaited his fate. Footsteps were heard but Todoh didn't open his eyes. A guard holding a rifle came by and stood in front of Todoh's cell with a smile.
"I was just informed that a change was made for your executioner," The guard said, "it's going to be Warrant Officer Suzaku Kururugi. You should be glad that it's someone you know."
Todoh opened his eyes and thought about Suzaku and the choices he had made. Meanwhile in one of the lounges, Lloyd had just finished signing a document regarding the change of executioner and placed the pen down. However another document was presented in front of him and it didn't sit well with Lloyd for something he considered tedious. Lloyd was sitting on a couch and next to him was Cecile and next to her was Suzaku and standing was the prison's warden.
"Wait, you need my signature again?" Lloyd asked.
"Even though Princess Cornelia ordered it, there are still some formalities that need to be followed," The warden explained, "a change of executioner is the most exceptional circumstances."
Cecile looked at Suzaku and saw that Suzaku was horrified at what he was ordered to do and Cecile was felt sad for Suzaku and thought that it was too cruel to make him kill someone he knew. Suzaku couldn't believe that he would be the one to execute his former martial arts teacher as he reminisced on the past with his times in the dojo and training under Todoh. An explosion suddenly occurred which got Suzaku out of his train of thought. They looked out of the window and wondered what going as Lloyd was pleased as it was meant that it got him out of doing paperwork. At the exterior area of the prison, Sutherland units responded and appeared in order to contain the attack. However shots were fired and Sutherlands were being shot down one by one. Four Gekka Knightmare units appeared and they were piloted by the Four Holy Swords. The Sutherlands started firing at the Gekkas but the Gekkas dodged the shots and cut down the shooting Sutherlands. They followed up by shooting at another groups of Sutherlands with their left arm mounted custom handguns. After shooting down the second group, they continued to move in. The Four Holy Swords were determined and saying to themselves that they were going to rescue their commander. Two Sutherlands fired their rifles at the Gekka piloted by Asahina and Asahina was able to move quickly and dodge their shots and then countered by cutting them down with his Katen Yaibato which caused the two Sutherlands to explode. Asahina looked back and was impressed.
"These Gekkas are awesome," Asahina said, "way superior to Burais."
"Yeah, you got that right," Urabe said impressed.
Under the Tokyo Settlement Freeways
Meanwhile in the Black Knights' Mobile Base, Rakshata and her team were watching the battle and data that they were receiving. They were discussing on things were faring with the Gekka models they gave to the Four Holy Swords while some of the core members who were looking over things on the screens of their laptops.
Britannian Prison
The guard pointed his handgun at Todoh.
"My superiors just ordered that you be unofficially executed before you're busted out of here," The guard said, "Any last words?"
The door slides up to open for the guard to have a clear shot.
"It's a life I gave up before," Todoh said, "it's worth nothing."
"If that's how you feel then perhaps I should claim it for myself!" Zero's voice declared.
Todoh and the guard were shocked and then there was shaking and rumbling and the wall behind the guard broke and the guard screamed as he was crushed by the huge debris. Appearing before Todoh was the Lionel and Zero came out of the cockpit of his lion-headed Knightmare Frame.
"Zero," Todoh said.
"Kyoshiro Todoh," Zero said, "the only Japanese who seven years ago brought the mighty Britannian forces on their knees."
"Hmph, you're referring to Itsukushima?" Todoh replied, "Let me guess, you want me to perform a miracle for you as well."
"What you performed was not a miracle," Zero rebuked, "that victory was the result of excellent tactical and intelligence work. For that Todoh, I wish for you to join me."
"I'm going to have to refuse Zero," Todoh replied, "I pledged my loyalty only to General Katase. However, since you're here I give you my thanks for what you did. Thanks to you, General Katase and the others were able to escape. I thank you for making it possible. As long as General Katase lives, there is still hope and as for me, I can die satisfied."
"Don't be so willing to die!" Zero rebuked strongly.
"What?" Todoh responded surprised at Zero.
"Someone like you shouldn't be ready to just die," Zero said, "after all you need to take responsibility for the miracle you made!"
Todoh was surprised at the things that Zero said to him.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The battle within the Britannia Prison continues as the Morgause and the Lancelot intervene and then Euphie makes a decision.