Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass in any shape or form.
Special Administrative Zone
In one of the warehouses in Yokosuka, the core members of the Black Knights and along with Shirley, Milly, Orpheus, and the newest member Jeremiah Gottwald were meeting to talk about what Special Administrative Zone that was going to take place the next day. Lelouch had everyone's attention.
"The Special Administrative Zone," Lelouch said, "the one that was brought forth by Euphie."
"We all talked about this earlier," Naoto said, "and it's very concerning."
"Yes it really is," Lelouch said, "and either way, we lose… at least that what would be as they would see it however, I have something for this."
"I see," Todoh said, "then you have decided what to do."
"Yes and it won't be easy," Lelouch said, "but this will be for the best for not only for us but for the Japanese people who have signed up and support the zone."
"In truth, we've actually had planned this for some time," Nunnally said, "just in case some situation had come to pass."
"And that situation has occurred," Lelouch said.
"So what's the plan?" Kallen asked.
"For us to not have to actually join while at the same not being seen as being against equality," Lelouch said, "there is simply just one thing that we have to do and we have to prepare tonight to get ready for tomorrow. In a way, we can make the claim that the Black Knights gain small victory on this, although hollow really."
Most of the members got what their seventeen-year-old leader was implying.
"Fitting the purpose of the Black Knights and all that," Todoh said.
"Yes Sensei," Lelouch said with a nod, "so with that in mind and bear with me on this…"
Everyone was ready to hear what Lelouch had to say and listen to what they needed to do. Orpheus looked on and smiled as he was impressed.
"The former 11th Prince, Lelouch vi Britannia," Orpheus said in his head, "you really are the heart of this whole thing… you who brought all this together. When VV murdered Lady Marianne and Emperor Charles sent Lelouch and Nunnally away, what they've done is effectively creating someone that will bring down the empire."
The Next Day, Stadium near Mt. Fuji
It was the ceremony for the Special Administrative Zone that was going on and there people in the stadium ready to be a part of it. On the stage there were important figures there sitting in seats and it included Six Leaders of Kyoto although it was not going to be as the others expected them to be and they were actually waiting for certain individuals to show up and make their intentions known. Euphie was sitting in the center and next to her right was Darlton and next to her left was Nonette. The ceremony was being broadcast live globally. A helicopter was flying over the stadium and a female reporter along with the pilot was getting the view of the many people that had shown up.
"This is the stadium for the inaugural ceremony of the Special Administrative Zone of Japan," The female news reporter stated, "The stadium is crowded of Elevens, oh, I mean Japanese who have signed up and ready to take their place in the zone."
"Lesley, do you think Zero and Void will show up and give their support?" A male news anchor asked from the studio.
"Hard to say as they have made no contact at this point in time," Lesley responded.
Vermillion Forbidden City, Chinese Federation
In the conference room within the Vermillion Forbidden Palace, the High Eunuchs which consist of eight men were watching the Special Administrative Zone's inaugural ceremony from their large television monitor and they were smiling.
"So what do you think?" Gao Hai asked, "Do you believe that Zero and Void will show?"
"Hmph, I doubt it," Zhao Hao replied.
"Of course they won't show," Cheng Zhong said.
The rest of the High Eunuchs chuckled in delight. In one of the offices that were occupied by Xingke, he along with Xianglin and Hong Gu were watching the ceremony on the television.
"So the time is near," Xianglin said.
"There are guesses of whether Zero and Void will show," Hong Gu said.
"They'll show," Xingke said, "and will definitely be unexpected with what Lelouch has planned for."
"With what they intend to do," Xianglin said, "they actually might be able to help us earlier than planned."
"Yes," Xingke said, "hopefully that will be the case and then… for the Empress…"
EU's Central Council Chamber
Members of the council of the EU were watching the live coverage of the ceremony of the Special Administrative Zone.
"So will they actually show?" One of the council members asked.
"If the data we have on Zero and Void and the other Black Knights is any indication," Another council member said, "then it is to say that they won't show."
"Yes but then again, it is a possibility that they will show and actually give their support," Another council member said.
"Would that actually happen?" Another council member asked.
"It's also possible that they may have some sort of trick up their sleeves," Another council member said.
"Yes, that is also in the realm of possibility," Another council member said.
Sword of Akasha, C's World
Charles was watching the ceremony along with several cloaked members of the Geass Order.
"Now then Lelouch and Nunnally," Charles said, "what do you have planned for?"
Stadium near Mt. Fuji, Area 11
Euphie was sitting in her chair and hoped for certain individuals to show up and join in on the zone. But there had been no word from any of them.
"Princess Euphemia, it is time to get started," Darlton said.
Euphie looked at Darlton and nodded.
"Yes, of course," Euphie said.
"Are they seriously not going to show up?" Nonette asked.
"Nonette?" Euphie asked as she turned to the Knight of Nine.
"We shouldn't worry about it," Darlton said, "besides it really doesn't matter if they show up or not."
"But still… for them to be so stubborn about it," Nonette said.
"It's fine," Darlton said, "that just means that all these people here will see them for who they really are and it's basically telling them that they are liars, that they are not supportive of equality."
"Even though…" Nonette said.
"I should just get started," Euphie said.
Euphie then looked at two chairs that were vacant and sighed as she was disappointed because the two chairs were reserved to Zero and Void. Suddenly people were speaking as they were surprised and Euphie looked and saw what was going on. It was the Gawain that was flying over to the stadium. As the Gawain flew over, Zero and Void were on each side of the head of the Gawain. Suzaku looked on seeing the Gawain with the masked siblings on its shoulders.
"Zero and Void," Suzaku said, "so they're here."
The Six Leaders of Kyoto looked up and they looked at each other and nodded. Darlton grinned as well seeing the masked siblings.
"So you two have accepted that you've lost," Darlton whispered with a grin.
Nonette looked on and smiled.
"Lulu and Nunna," Nonette said in her head, "you've accepted that resistance is pointless and futile. You're doing the right thing. There's no need to continue on the hopeless and pointless path."
Soldiers around the perimeter of the stadium looked on in their Knightmare Frames and looking at the signature that was Gawain as it moved in toward the stadium.
"Your targets are Zero and Void," A commanding officer said, "if they make any suspicious moves, kill them at once."
"Yes my lord," The other soldiers said in unison.
Euphie happily walked up and was excited. Zero and Void looked at each other and nodded.
"You ready Nunnally," Zero said in a low tone.
"Yes Lelouch, I'm ready," Void said in a low tone.
"Let's do this," Zero said.
"Yes," Void said.
"Zero and Void, welcome to the Special Administrative Zone!" Euphie said happily, "You two being here means a lot!"
"Greetings Euphemia!" Zero said.
"Thank you for inviting us!" Void said.
"Thank you for accepting and coming!" Euphie replied.
The Gawain then got near the stage and it gradually descended. Zero and Void then jumped off the Gawain and landed on their feet on the stage. Euphie was impressed and she clapped her hands. She then rushed over and approached the masked leaders of the Black Knights and then she looked around.
"Say, are any of your top members coming?" Euphie asked, "I did ask for them as well."
"It's just us right now and there's a good reason for it," Zero said.
"Oh really?" Euphie asked.
"Yes," Void said.
Zero and Void then turned to the Gawain and gave signals. The Gawain landed and stood next to the stage and then it was on one knee. Zero and Void gave thumbs up and nodded with approval in response.
Ashford Academy
In the Student Council Room, Rivalz and Nina were watching the live coverage of the Special Administrative Zone's ceremony.
"I'm shocked," Nina said.
"Shocked Nina?" Rivalz asked.
"Yes I'm shocked that Zero and Void actually showed up," Nina said.
"Hmm, I guess," Rivalz said, "still I wonder…"
"Hmm?" Nina responded.
"Where do you think the others are?' Rivalz asked, "I mean Lelouch and Rai are one thing and Kallen is normally in the hospital and of course Suzaku out there but now Shirley and the Prez are nowhere to be found."
"Oh… yeah, that is strange," Nina said.
Rivalz frowned and had his thoughts, "I know something is going on… and I intend to find out."
The Avalon
In the bridge, Lloyd, Cecile, and Marrybell were looking on watching the ceremony.
"It's still concerning," Cecile said.
"What is?" Marrybell asked.
"This whole situation," Cecile said, "with Zero and Void. We should have gone there as well."
"Maybe but what choice did we have?" Lloyd replied, "Everyone said that if the Lancelot was there, Zero and Void wouldn't show and look at this way, it seems that they didn't bring their own Knightmares with them."
"Like it matters," Cecile said still concern, "and besides, they have the Gawain, the same Knightmare they stole back in Kamine Island."
"It's understandable that you're concern," Marrybell said, "I just hope they know what they're doing."
"But do you really think that Zero and Void will support the zone?" Cecile asked.
"If not, then there would be no point for them to even show up, right?" Lloyd said with a shrug, "In truth it's a no-win situation unless they somehow found a way to go around the situation."
Marrybell was wide eyed and then she looked at Lloyd surprised.
"Wait, is it possible?" Marrybell asked.
"Hmm?" Lloyd responded with a curious expression.
"What, what is it?" Cecile asked, "Your Highness?"
Marrybell suddenly had a surprised expression.
"There might be a way for them," Marrybell said and then she was frustrated, "I can't believe the possible didn't occur to us."
"What, what is it?" Cecile asked.
"It's possible that they did think of a way," Lloyd said as he had an intrigued expression.
Stadium near Mt. Fuji
Euphie was still smiling seeing Zero and Void.
"Now that you two are here," Euphie said, "we can begin. Please have a seat you two."
"That won't be necessary," Zero said.
"Huh, pardon?" Euphie replied surprised.
"The truth is that we will not be taking part of the ceremony," Zero informed.
What Zero said shocked everyone else in the stadium and shocked everyone watching the live broadcast.
"Are you serious?" Nonette asked as she stood up from her chair, "You do realize that you just basically said that you're against equality and that makes you selfish, a liar, and a hypocrite," Nonette started to approach them, "my goodness, didn't think you were so arrogant."
"Zero, you seem to fail to understand the weight of the whole thing," Darlton said as he stood up from his chair.
"You two need to calm down," Void said, "Zero simply said that we will not take part of the ceremony. He didn't say that we were against the zone itself."
"Huh?" Darlton responded.
"Then what do you mean?" Nonette asked.
"What's going on?" Euphie asked with worry, "Zero, Void, please tell me."
"Euphemia, this special zone is a way to bring in peace in this country and allow the opportunity for Japanese and Britannians to stand side by side, correct?" Zero said.
"Yes," Euphie said, "of course, I made that very clear when I made the announcement."
"So with that, wouldn't you say that it is best to make sure disruptive elements or the presence of those that may attract trouble like a magnet to be away so that the zone can continue with no hostile elements coming here and use the ones who made enemies be used as an excuse to start problems?" Zero asked.
"That… that may be true," Euphie said, "but Zero, where are you going with this?"
"Yes, where are you going with this?" Darlton asked.
"Euphemia, when you invited us to take part of the special zone, we discussed the situation within our group," Zero said, "and here are things we do know. What we know that we the Black Knights, especially myself and Void are actually dangerous liabilities to the special zone."
The shocked everyone and surprised them and Euphie was shocked as well.
"Wait, what do you mean?" Euphie asked and then she shook her head, "No, Zero you're not making any sense. I was under the impression that you two came to help with the special zone and show support."
"We are helping and for the sake of the zone and the people here who joined here," Void said, "we came here to let it be known that we're going to make sure that zone goes on with no trouble and that means making sure the disruptive elements is removed from here… removed from all of Japan itself."
"Removed?" Euphie asked.
"Removed?" A Japanese woman asked, "What does that mean?"
"What's going on?" An old Japanese man asked.
"Wait, what are they saying?" A young Japanese woman asked with worry.
"Are they referring to themselves as liabilities to the zone?" A young Japanese man asked.
"They mean that about themselves, do they?" An old woman asked.
"The Black Knights has made enemies and there is bad blood right now between us and the Britannian forces and other people here in Japan," Zero reminded and then he looked at Darlton and Nonette, "Isn't that right?"
"Yeah, that is true," Darlton said.
"There are also some Japanese who sees the Black Knights as enemies and no I'm not just referring to Suzaku Kururugi," Zero said.
"Well you're not wrong," Suzaku said with a frown.
"Suzaku," Euphie said turning to her knight.
"So with that in mind to assure that the Special Administrative Zone goes off right and continues with no trouble by us simply because of our presence, we will remove ourselves and what I mean is," Zero said, "removing ourselves from the country itself."
This brought shockwaves from everyone watching and everyone within the stadium.
"Wait a minute," Suzaku said as he was shocked and rushed over, "Zero, what are you saying?"
"What he is saying is," Void said, "that we the Black Knights will leave this country. We shall remove ourselves away so that we don't attract trouble here."
"Remove themselves?" A male voice spoke.
"Out of Japan? Another male voice spoke.
"They're going to leave?" A female voice spoke.
"Are they serious?" Another female voice spoke.
"No, they can't," An old woman said.
"They shouldn't have to leave," A young man said.
"Wait, this might not be a bad thing," A middle aged woman said.
"What are you saying?" A young woman said.
Euphie was shocked in what she had heard and she was actually shaking.
"No," Euphie said in her head, "this is not how it's supposed to go. They're supposed to stay here and help with the zone. We're supposed to be together again, to be just like we were before."
"I see what they're trying to do," Darlton said in his head, "Leaving this country and making the claim that the zone won't be in danger if they're not around…"
"Oh no you don't," Nonette said in her head, "you're not going to just leave."
"Hold on Zero and Void," Suzaku said as he stepped forward, "Are you saying that you'll just leave? It seems that you're just… running away."
"We're simply making sure the zone continues on with no problem and the fact is that if we leave," Void said, "Euphemia can continue with the zone and the people here can take part of it and they won't have to worry about being threatened or suffer trouble simply because of our presence."
"Wanting to remove yourselves from Japan just so the special zone can succeed," Suzaku said, "but in a way you admit that you're trouble."
"…In a way yes," Zero said, "Like I said, there bad blood between us others here in Japan, especially with Cornelia."
"Yes there is," Suzaku said.
"Although to be honest, even when we leave, the zone will eventually fall and that's because of selfish arrogant idiots who don't like change and enjoy stomping on non-Britannians," Zero said in his head.
"If they leave, peace will truly come back in Japan," Suzaku said in his head,"there will be no more fighting and people will no longer need the Black Knights as the zone continues," Suzaku spoke, "Princess Euphemia, if the Black Knights are willing to remove themselves and not cause trouble then maybe it is for the best."
"There's no need for that," Euphie said strongly, "the Black Knights don't need to exile themselves from Japan itself."
"But Your Highness…" Suzaku spoke.
"And even so, you can't really just remove yourselves," Nonette said, "You don't have the say in just leaving."
"Oh, you think so?" Void asked, "You know it sounds like you don't mind that if the zone fails. Is that what you want?"
Nonette was taken aback and glared at Void, "You shouldn't make such statements."
"I didn't hear a no," Void said.
"This is to assure that no trouble will come to the zone due to our presence," Zero said, "and besides, this is the way we resolve this without conflict, a way to protect the people here."
"In fact in a way, we the Black Knights succeeded in our purpose," Void said.
Nonette and Darlton were taken aback and Euphie and Suzaku were confused.
"And why do you say that?" Darlton asked.
"Are you really set to just leave?" Euphie interjected, "This place is allowing the people here to be referred to as Japanese. It's my hope that you two would help with the zone and build a better future for Britannia. Are you saying that you and the Black Knights don't want to take the chance? Are your members okay of not taking advantage of being referred to as Japanese and not be criticized for it?"
"Is that what you think Euphemia?" Void asked.
"I'm asking what your members really feel about it," Euphie said and then had her thoughts, "Lelouch, Nunnally, why won't you take part of it? I would have thought that you two would be glad and help out."
"If you're going to go that route then I have a question for you," Zero said.
"What is it?" Euphie replied.
"Tell us Euphemia," Zero said, "what does it mean to be Japanese?"
"Huh?" Euphie responded confused.
"Zero, what are you getting at?" Suzaku asked as he stepped forward and stood next to Euphie.
"Exactly what I'm asking," Zero said as he looked at Suzaku and then back to Euphie, "well Euphemia, what does it mean to be Japanese? Kururugi, you can answer too if you want."
"I don't understand," Euphie said, "Zero, what are you asking me?"
"What is it to be Japanese?" Zero asked, "Is it language? Territory? Culture? Bloodline?"
"That's…" Euphie spoke.
"It's…" Suzaku spoke and then he frowned and then nodded, "it's in the heart."
"In the heart," Zero said, "Yes, I completely agree with your answer Kururugi," Zero then turned to Void, "what about you Void?"
"I actually agree with his answer as well," Void said with a nod.
"Oh…" Euphie said.
"Hang on…." Nonette said.
"Hmph, an excellent answer Suzaku," Kirihara said in his head.
"A feeling within," Void said, "a belonging, dignity, pride, the culture is carried in the heart. You're Japanese no matter where you are."
"In other words, no one can just hand you and give you what you truly are," Zero said, "something Britannia itself fails to understand. Despite the fact that Britannia has control Japan for years and referred its people by a number, it matters not because being what you are as a nationality is from the heart and no one can give that nor can they take that away. That is what we conclude. Therefore despite leaving this country behind, one whose Japanese is always Japanese and that stays no matter where we go and goes with any other nationality as well."
"I see now," Euphie said, "so this is what you're getting at. I assume that you have the absolute consensus of your members."
"Of course," Zero said, "they all agreed with it otherwise we wouldn't say and do what we're doing right now. After all, the reason the Black Knights exist still remains and that is to stand against those who abuse their power while protecting those that do not have power."
"The mission of the Black Knights continues," Void said, "and there are other places that are not as lucky as Japan is."
"Y-Yes you have a point," Euphie spoke, "but still…"
"The Black Knight's purpose is not limited to one country," Zero interjected, "we never made such statements and you know about our purpose."
"I'm sure General Darlton and the Knight of Nine understands this as well," Void said as she looked at them.
Darlton and Nonette looked at them and they cursed themselves for sort of forgetting about their major intent and purpose.
"Let's talk privately," Euphie suddenly suggested, "the three of us."
Zero and Void were surprised and they looked at each other and then back to Euphie.
"Sorry Euphemia but we don't see the need for it," Zero responded, "you have heard our intent so with that—"
"Just please humor me," Euphie interjected, "please… I just want to discuss things further."
"Zero… I don't see the harm to speak with her further privately," Void said.
"Void…" Zero said and then he thought about it, "…okay, we'll talk further."
"Thank you," Euphie said.
"Wait a minute," Suzaku said, "Princess Euphemia, I don't know what you're planning to do or talk to them about but it's dangerous for you to be alone with these two. As your knight, I beg of you to please let me accompany you."
"I understand your concern Suzaku," Euphie said, "but it's all right. I'll be fine and besides, this is something that I want to handle on my own."
"But Your Highness…" Suzaku said concern.
"Please trust me on this Suzaku," Euphie said, "it'll be okay."
Suzaku was still not convinced and he looked at Zero and Void but gave in and let Euphie get her wish.
"Princess, are you sure about this?" Nonette asked.
"Yes I'm sure," Euphie answered looking at Nonette.
"Look, if you're serious about this," Nonette said, "if not Kururugi, then let me go with you."
"I would like to ask you to please not to do so," Euphie said, "you'll just complicate things."
Nonette was taken aback in what Euphie just said and frowned.
"Are you still upset over what happened at Kamine Island?" Nonette asked annoyed, "You need to get over that. I did what was needed to be done."
"Lady Enneagram," Suzaku said.
"Still insist that you were justified," Void said upset.
"Void, let it go," Zero said, "You know how the Knight of Nine is."
"Yes of course," Void replied, "sorry Zero."
"No need to apologize," Zero said.
"Yes exactly," Euphie said, "let's go and talk, just the three of us."
"You're making a mistake Princess," Nonette said.
Euphie glared at Nonette and Nonette glared back at Euphie.
"Let's go," Euphie said.
"Hold on," Darlton said.
Darlton signaled two soldiers and they rushed over. The two soldiers had metal detectors and used the scanned on Zero and Void to see if they any weapons on them. When they found none on them, they nodded at Euphie and Darlton.
"Okay," Euphie said, "Zero and Void, this way."
"Okay," Zero said with a nod.
"After you," Void said.
Euphie followed by Zero and Void went on their way to the G-1 Mobile Base. Suzaku looked on and was still worried. He saw that the soldiers didn't find any weapons on the masked siblings but he was still concerned for Euphie's well-being. Suzaku was also concern about Euphie's reaction. It seemed to him that Euphie seemed desperate to have Zero and Void here in the Special Zone and really wanted them to stay. He didn't understand why for as he saw that they were troublemakers and had spilled blood and now Zero and Void had declared that the Black Knights were willing to leave Japan for the sake of peace. For Suzaku, it seem like a great deal as if the Black Knights leave, they won't be able to cause trouble and peace could really be restored in Japan although he knew that the Black Knights would fight elsewhere and possibly at another country occupied by Britannia. Darlton and Nonette looked seeing Euphie head to the G-1 Mobile Base with Zero and Void. Neither of them expected in what Zero and Void had proposed and they both wonder why they never considered the possibility of what they would do. As Darlton noticed Euphie's reaction and what it seemed to be to him Euphie's desperation for the leaders of the Black Knights to actually stay, Nonette seeing Euphie wanting them to stay as she knew why. For as Nonette knew, she and Euphie were the only ones to know who Zero and Void were behind the masks. The Six Leaders of Kyoto looked on and discussed among themselves about Zero and Void and what they were going to do and they nodded in agreement in what they would do. They knew that they were going to have some losses but their strong support of the Black Knights, to Lelouch and Nunnally was overwhelming. There have been talks in the stadium about what Zero and Void said and what was the intention of the Black Knights. Some didn't know what to make of it while there some who actually didn't want Zero and Void to leave. Soon there were debates going on about the Black Knights decision to leave the country.
Area 11's Highway
There was a large pickup truck that was actually on its way to the stadium near Mt. Fuji. In the truck was Madd who was driving. Madd grinned with the intent of what he had planned for with the Special Zone.
"Zero and Void are there right now," Madd said, "this is best chance to hit them all at once. It'll be unfortunate for Princess Cornelia since her sister Princess Euphemia will die in the crossfire but it can't be help."
Madd laughed sadistically. The pickup truck continued on its way and then five Knightmare Frames and a van suddenly showed up and it surprised Madd and caused him to hit the brakes stopping the vehicle.
"What the hell is this?" Madd asked annoyed.
Madd looked and saw the five Knightmare Frames and one of them was the Kagemaru. The cockpit of the Kagemaru opened up and Jinta appeared and jumped off his Knightmare and landed on his feet on the ground. Madd was surprised to see the immortal Code Bearer.
"Hello," Jinta said, "Madd."
Madd clenched his teeth as he was annoyed and the other Knightmares pointed their ranged weapons at the pickup truck that Madd was in.
"What is this?" Madd asked and then got out of the truck and looked at Jinta, "You… I know you. You're… Jinta Kuromaki. Ha, so what? Are you part of the Black Knights?"
"Yes I am in fact," Jinta said, "I could already tell how you know about me," Jinta then turned to the van and nodded and then back to Madd, "Look, it has come to our intention that you, Reginald Madd is attempting to, how do I put it?" Jinta glared at Madd, "Head in to the inaugural ceremony of the Special Administrative Zone with the intention to cause a massacre there and with the intention to either frame Zero and Void or Euphemia or possibly all three of them. But here's the thing, we won't let that happened."
Madd was surprised, "How did you know about my intent?"
"Oh so you actually admit it?" Jinta replied, "Damn, didn't think you would actually admit it."
Madd was taken aback and then sighed, "Oh well," Madd smiled, "Look just do yourselves a favor and get out of my way."
"No, no, no," Jinta said shaking his head, "that's not how it's going to go down and seriously, what makes you think that we would just do what you tell us to do?"
"You know that I know about you," Madd said, "but don't think that even with what you are it will prevent you from being taken down by me. I have my ways. Now if you don't get out of my way, I'll use my tools on you fools here first."
"You're welcome to try," Jinta said with a dark expression.
"Oh you're going to regret that," Madd said and then he stepped back a bit and banged on the side of the truck, "Come on out! We have some idiots that need to die!"
The back of the container of the pickup truck opened and there were footsteps. Jinta saw what was going on and narrowed his eyes.
"I see," Jinta said, "so that's what was going on," Jinta turned back to the van, "Got it?"
G-1 Mobile Base
Lelouch turned off all the power in the G1 and he and Nunnally took off their masks.
"Even though the cameras are off, you're still being extremely careful, aren't you?" Euphie asked.
"We have been in hiding for a long time due to a certain empire I'm afraid," Lelouch said.
"Although we do see that it's paranoia on our part," Nunnally said.
"I see," Euphie said, "so now that it's just the three of us," Euphie closed her eyes and then opened them and looked at her siblings, "Lelouch and Nunnally, why are you doing this?"
"…You're going to have to be specific Euphie," Lelouch replied.
Euphie had her head down and clenched her fist.
"I don't understand," Euphie said, "the Special Administrative Zone is going to help people and the Japanese will be able to have rights again. I admit that the area is too small but even so," Euphie looked at her siblings in sadness, "why won't be help me? Why do you want to actually leave Japan?"
"Euphie," Nunnally said.
"What is it?" Euphie asked, "Is it… do you actually resent what I've done? Do you not have faith in the zone?"
"Euphie," Lelouch said.
"Please tell me the truth," Euphie pleaded, "don't sugarcoat it. Be honest with me."
Lelouch and Nunnally looked at each other and sighed and then turned back to Euphie.
"Okay Euphie," Lelouch said, "you want us to be honest with you? Fine, here's the truth."
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The inaugural ceremony continues and certain individuals decide on their next moves while the Black Knights make their own moves.