Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Code Geass.
The Results
The Black Rebellion was over and victory belonged to the Black Knights. Schneizel had admitted defeat and was in the process setting up arraignments and compromising with the Black Knights' supreme leaders, Zero and Void. News stations reported the news of the Black Knights' victory over the Britannian forces led by Schneizel and it had sent shockwaves throughout the world. After seven years, Area 11 was no more and it was back being Japan and the people who had desired freedom from Britannia who had lost friends and loved ones felt the relief of having freedom and wished for those who died during the seven-year period were still alive to see the accomplishment made by the Black Knights and at least smiling and happy knowing that their country was freed. In the HiTV Studio, the two news reporters Clark and Leslie were giving the news update with what was happening as a result of the Black Knights' victory.
"As many know by now, the Black Knights' have secured victory over our Britannian forces," Clark said as he had shown bitterness in his expression, "Prince Schneizel who commanded the operation against the Black Knights has admitted defeat and will now give the Black Knights what they want."
"As if things were not bad enough," Leslie added, "as we are getting multiple rebellions that are occurring in other Areas and now we are getting reports that the EU is launching counterattacks against our military there."
"There is a lot to unpack indeed," Clark said, "now with that, we're going to go live with our country's Second Prince and Prime Minister of Britannia who will give us updates and how things will be going forward. We go to you live from His Highness's personal flagship."
The screen showed the live feed of Schneizel from the bridge of his flagship.
"My dear fellow Britannians in the now formerly Area 11 as well as those loyal to Britannia as Honorary Britannians," Schneizel started, "as you all know, I have admitted defeat to the Black Knights. I know this is quite the shock but it is no joke. It is the truth. The truth is and I am ashamed to say this but we no longer have the means to continue this fight against the Black Knights. It was a hard decision but a decision that I am willing to live with as the people here are my concern. Right now, I have spoken with Zero and Void of the Black Knights as well as my sister Euphemia who as you all know has joined the Black Knights and they have agreed with my request and that is the safe passage for all Britannian citizens to leave the country. There will be planes and large ships that will arrive. This country is no longer part of Britannia therefore we can no longer be part of it."
"That is not all," Euphie's voice spoke.
Euphie appeared on the screen along with Zero and Void which surprised the people in the news station.
"Planes and large ships will be arriving in various ports in Japan for Britannians to leave Japan," Zero said, "however it is a matter of choice and the same goes to those who are still Honorary Britannians."
"If you wish to leave and head back to Britannia then that is fine," Void said, "but for those who wish to stay will be welcome to do so just as long as you understand that you are in Japan and not in Area 11 which means that you cannot act like this is a territory under Britannia."
"I hardly doubt any Britannians is going to actually stay here," Schneizel said.
"Are you sure dear brother?" Euphie responded with a smile, "I know I am."
"…Anyway that will be all," Schneizel said, "we know that there will need to be time to get ready so will getting enough planes and large cruise ships to arrive to all ports and airports to arrive for the safe passage for all. This is the situation so all my fellow Britannians, it's time to go back to the Homeland. That is all."
The transmissions ended and Leslie and Clark turned to each other and then back to the cameras.
"Well we heard it folks," Clark said, "That is the situation."
"I believe that it is safe to say that we need to head back as well," Leslie said.
"I agree," Clark commented.
Pendragon, Holy Britannian Empire
Most of the siblings were in the lounge within the Pendragon Imperial Palace and most were shocked and upset at the recent developments.
"This is a disgrace!" Cassius said as he slammed his hands on the table, "How could this have happened?"
"Schneizel not only lost to the Black Knights but also gave in to their demands," Guinevere said upset.
"Wow, so Schneizel just gave up and let those animals have their way," Carine said, "so disgusting."
"Now stop it," Odysseus said, "There is no need for such terrible talk. I'm sure it was a hard decision for Schneizel to make but understand that the concern for our people is what matters in this situation."
"Big Brother, why are you so weak-minded?" Cassius asked, "Don't you see? Because of this, this is just going to motivate the rebellious elements even more to define our empire."
"Perhaps you haven't notice Cassius but that is already happening," Xavier said, "multiple rebellions have already occurred in other Areas."
"All those other rebellions in the other territories happening at the exact same time," Rowan said, "we're getting reports that are deducing that the it was all coordinated and it was likely coordinated by the Black Knights, specifically by Zero himself."
"Is that true?" Guinevere asked, "Did Zero really planned for this?"
"That we don't really know for sure," Rowan said, "it is all speculation but it is also possible that this is the result of people seeing and hearing of what was happening with the activities of the Black Knights and it inspired them to take action."
"Regardless we need to find a way to put down the multiple rebellions," Guinevere said, "we can't allow this to continue," The crown princess sighed as she was irritated, "if only Cornelia had not just left her responsibilities as the Viceroy. I still can't believe that she allowed the Black Knights to take over. What was she thinking?"
"This is all because of Euphemia," Cassius said.
"Cassius, what are you saying?" Odysseus asked, "Are you trying to say or even imply that Euphemia is responsible for what Cornelia has done?"
"Think about it," Cassius said, "the bad decisions that Cornelia made recently has to do with Euphemia. Remember when we heard about those terrorists taking over that hotel in Kawaguchi. Cornelia doesn't negotiate with terrorists as she shouldn't and yet she didn't do what she should have done and just mowed those animals done and do you know why?"
"There were hostages there," Odysseus said, "surely Cornelia was thinking of the safety of people there."
"Normally she would have just mowed them down and that would be it regardless the loss of the hostages' lives that would follow," Guinevere said, "but she didn't do it… and that's because Euphemia was among the hostages."
"She wouldn't move because of her," Cassius said, "if she just done so, the problem would not have continued. This was predicted what would happen when she took Euphemia with her everywhere she went."
"So when it comes to Euphemia, Cornelia doesn't truly do what needs to done," Carine said.
"Exactly, look what has happened now," Cassius said, "when it comes to Euphemia, not only did she not reprimand and even disown or even condemn her for joining the Black Knights, she abandoned her duty and left with her tails between her legs and gave her consent for Euphemia to join the enemy. Cornelia is to blame for this. This is her fault. She has done nothing but actually spoiled Euphemia and now we have our traitorous sister joining the enemies of our empire."
"It's disappointing that Cornelia would have fallen so low," Guinevere said bitterly, "I ashamed that I actually expected better from our sister."
"In any case with all that has happened, our father the emperor is going to have both Schneizel and Cornelia meet with him and they are going to have to answer for the decisions they made," Rowan said, "obviously he is not pleased with what has occurred, especially with Euphemia."
"So the question is how is our father going to respond," Xavier said, "what are Schneizel and Cornelia going to do in their responses?"
"Well it's obvious that they are going to suffer for their embarrassing display," Carine said.
"That's right," Guinevere said, "there is no other option and we cannot forget Castor and Pollux."
"That's right," Cassius said angrily, "Zero killed Clovis and now we hear that Zero has also killed Castor and Pollux."
"Oh Clovis, Castor, Pollux," Odysseus said sadly, "the loss of our brothers is still heartbreaking."
"This can't be let go," Cassius said, "they have to pay, they all have to pay for this… including Euphemia for siding with them," Cassius stood up from his seat, "with that in mind, I think I should meet with Father myself."
The other siblings in the lounge looked at Cassius and were surprised.
"Cassius, what do you plan to do exactly?" Xavier asked.
"Since neither Schneizel nor Cornelia could do what they should have done," Cassius said, "I would say that it is up to me to take on the task."
"For you to take on the task?" Rowan asked, "Wait a minute, you're not suggesting that you're going to try to retake Japan, are you?"
"That's exactly what I am saying," Cassius said, "it's obvious that even Schneizel and Cornelia didn't have what it takes so I believe that it is up to me to take on the task and succeed where they failed."
"You're wasting your time," Xavier said.
"What?" Cassius said looking at Xavier.
"You're not really much of a commander," Xavier said, "the moment you try, you'll just mess things up and fail immediately. Having a mighty military force doesn't matter if the one leading the force is incompetent."
Cassius got angry what his half-brother just said to him.
"You dare call me incompetent," Cassius responded angrily.
"It's true," Xavier said, "my apologies if you're feeling hurt by it."
Cassius was annoyed at Xavier's response.
"I see," Cassius said, "then I'll just have to prove you wrong. I will meet with Father right now and get permission to retake Area 11."
Guinevere and Carine nodded at what Cassius said while Xavier and Rowan just looked at Cassius just shook his head while Odysseus sighed as he was worried.
Schneizel's Flagship
In the hall of the flagship, two soldiers were standing by the door that led to a room. In the room, Suzaku was sitting on the floor and was thinking about everything that had happened and had a sad expression. In particular, he was remembering the recoding he heard that Lelouch played for him which was the conversation between Euphie and VV. Suzaku still couldn't believe that he got manipulated by VV who then lied to him about Lelouch's intentions towards Euphemia. Suzaku berated himself as he couldn't believe that he could think that Lelouch would truly just use and harm his sister Euphie. Suzaku figured even as Zero, Lelouch would never hurt his sister but he allowed himself to be played by VV so easily that it was humiliating and add to the fact that he learned that VV was the very same person who caused the death of Marianne vi Britannia, Lelouch and Nunnally's mother and that VV was the one who ultimately orchestrated tragedy in the Special Zone with Castor, Pollux, and the agents of Pluton and wanted Euphie dead. It was too much for Suzaku and he clenched his teeth as he directed his anger towards VV who he assumed was laughing at him with how he was able to make him think and do what he had him do. The door suddenly opened and the soldiers let someone in and it was Kanon. Suzaku looked up seeing the second prince's loyal aide.
"Lord Maldini," Suzaku said as he stood up.
"Kururugi," Kanon said.
"If I can speak with Prince Schneizel," Suzaku said.
"You'll have your chance when we arrive in the capital," Kanon said, "however what you may have to say will not change your situation."
"W-What do you mean?" Suzaku asked with a sad expression.
"Do you understand how bad you got yourself in because of your actions?" Kanon asked glaring at Suzaku, "You have betrayed the trust and confidence of Prince Schneizel."
"I…" Suzaku spoke as he looked away with shame.
"Like I said, whatever explanation you may have will not change your situation," Kanon said, "Suzaku Kururugi, in light of your action of insubordination violating military procedure, I came to inform you by request of His Highness that you as of now stripped from your military rank of Major and not only that… you are stripped of piloting the Lancelot."
Suzaku was shocked in what he was just told.
"I'm stripped of piloting the Lancelot?" Suzaku responded.
"Why are you surprised by this?" Kanon asked as he was annoyed with how Suzaku was reacting, "Did you really think there wasn't going to be serious consequences for you because you chose insubordination?"
"I just…" Suzaku spoke but stopped.
"The fact that you're shocked by this proves to me just how arrogant you are," Kanon said, "you don't go against orders as a soldier and get away with it."
"Wait, if I can just talk to Prince Schneizel and explain what happened, surely he can see—" Suzaku responded.
"As I just said before that whatever it is you have to say, you can say it when we get back to Pendragon," Kanon interrupted strongly, "but it won't change the fact that you are severely demoted and you are no longer the Lancelot's pilot."
"S-So what's going to happen to the Lancelot?" Suzaku asked.
"His Highness has ordered Professor Asplund and Miss Croomy to find a suitable replacement as the Lancelot's pilot," Kanon said, "that is all I will tell you. Prince Schneizel is going to be very busy with everything that is happening at the moment," Kanon turned around, "it's such a shame. His Highness actually had such high hopes for you and you destroyed it with what you did."
"Lord Maldini," Suzaku said with sadness.
"You need to understand that world does not revolve around you," Kanon said, "it's because of how you acted in such a selfish and reckless manner that you not only failed to secure Princess Euphemia, you were beaten by Zero again and got easily caught in the trap set up by the Black Knights at that school. Take a hard look at yourself and repent on your failures."
Kanon opened the door and left as he closed the door behind him leaving Suzaku stricken with sadness as he clenched his teeth.
Flashback: Avalon's Knightmare Hanger
"With that in mind, do you now think it was wise for you to leave Euphemia with the Zero and Void?" VV asked.
Suzaku flinched and had his head down in sadness.
"Euphemia… she made her choice," Suzaku said, "and decided to walk a path that I can't follow."
"And what do you suppose will happen if Zero, if Lelouch used his Geass on Euphemia?" VV asked.
Suzaku was shocked and looked at VV.
"He… he surely wouldn't do that," Suzaku replied, "He… he wouldn't, right?"
"Are you sure?" VV asked, "While it's true as far as I know that he hasn't used his Geass on any of his followers and allies and not even his sisters but… how long do you think will be before there is a situation where he does use his Geass on Euphemia?"
"What…?" Suzaku responded.
"Right now Euphemia trust Lelouch and Nunnally completely," VV said, "there is no doubt that Lelouch would use that as his advantage. It may not be long since Britannia will no doubt retaliate to stomp down on this revolution that Zero and Void are cranking up."
"I know that but what are you saying about Euphemia?" Suzaku asked with worry.
"Euphemia has no idea what she really got herself into," VV said, "she doesn't know about Geass and eventually she will be used as a pawn for his scheme. Don't you want to get her out of there before it's too late? Before it actually comes to that?"
"I… I doubt she would believe me if I told her what you just told me," Suzaku said, "and I doubt she would like it if I got her out of there."
"That's true," VV said, "but like I just said, she has no idea what she got herself into. Lelouch hasn't used his Geass on any of his allies and followers but that will change as Britannian forces comes in to put a stop of the Area 11 being free from Britannia's control and of course, the people in Area 11 will suffer the consequences because of the Black Knights. You know that better than anyone."
Suzaku was horrified at what he believed that it was truly going to happen.
"It won't be easy and sure Euphemia may resent you at first," VV continued, "but would you rather have that or allow Euphemia be used by Lelouch with his Geass and then be tossed aside as a tool or even killed just for him to cover his tracks? You know that is the kind of thing that he will do and you can't count on Nunnally to do the right thing either. She would rather stick with Lelouch than actually have a conscious and do right for her sister."
"No, I don't want that," Suzaku said, "I know that Euphie is making the wrong choice despite who they are behind the masks."
"You should know what to do," VV said and then grinned, "Eventually Euphemia will be grateful to you down the line and you could be rewarded for your efforts. Think about it, you want to help Area 11 the right way after all."
Flashback End
Suzaku punched a wall as he was filled with anger and that anger was towards VV.
"VV," Suzaku said thinking about the immortal Code Bearer, "He was deceiving me from the very start and he's the bastard who was really trying to have Euphie killed," Suzaku closed his eyes and thought about the former third princess, "Euphie…"
Meanwhile Nina was in another room sitting on a bed and she was still filled with sadness and regret in what she had done. She was thinking that she was going to be punished for what she had done.
"Princess Euphemia," Nina said sadly.
The door suddenly opened and someone entered and it was Schneizel. Nina was shocked that the second prince was paying her a visit.
"Nina Einstein," Schneizel said.
"Prince Schneizel," Nina said surprised.
"I came to talk to you," Schneizel said, "I understand that you created a bomb and attempted to use it against the Black Knights," Schneizel then frowned, "along with my dear sister Euphemia as well as other Britannians… no, you attempted to use it against everyone in Tokyo include me and everyone in my ship."
"I'm sorry!" Nina said suddenly as she bowed her head, "I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. I wanted to get rid of the Black Knights but I was so focused that I didn't think of the effects of what would have happened if I succeeded setting off the bomb I made. Please forgive me."
"…Nina, you acted for the sake of my sister Euphemia, correct?" Schneizel responded.
"Y-Yes but I know it's no excuse for what I had done," Nina said with sadness, "what would have happened if my bomb had really gone off."
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't furious in what you were doing," Schneizel said, "and normally, I would have you imprisoned for attempted genocide against fellow citizens and my dear sister… however I would like to make a proposal to you."
Nina looked up to Schneizel confused.
"A proposal?" Nina asked, "What do you mean Your Highness?"
"I could send you to prison for what you did but it would be such a shame and a waste to have someone of your brain, your intelligence and potential to sit and rot in a cell so with that in mind Nina, how would like to work for me?"
"Huh?" Nina responded shocked.
Schneizel gave Nina a warm smile.
Kamine Island
Jinta was sitting on the damaged Lionel. Jinta sighed and then he looked to his right and saw the Lancelot that was not far from the Knightmare that he was sitting on.
"It's amazing that Kururugi was able to track Lelouch down," Jinta said, "what sad state of affairs though…"
He suddenly heard noise and he looked and saw the light blue flagship. Jinta stood up and waved at the light blue flagship as it was making its way to him. He then saw something on the other side and he was surprised in what he saw.
"Wait, seriously?" Jinta asked.
Light Blue Flagship
In the bridge of the flagship, Rakshata and members of the Black Knights and Peace Mark were operating the flagship.
"There's the island," Rakshata said.
"We have visual of the island," One of the Peace Mark members said, "we'll rendezvous with Kuromaki soon."
"Very good," Rakshata said.
There was a sudden beep which surprised the people in the bridge.
"An open channel?" One of the operators asked.
"Professor Chawla, what do you want to do?" One of the Black Knights asked.
"Let it through," Rakshata said, "we should see who it is and what they want."
"Understood," A Black Knight said.
"Patching through," One of the Peace Mark members said.
The transmission went through and the screen showed Lloyd and Cecile which surprised the members of the Black Knights and Peace Mark while Rakshata raised an eyebrow as she smoked her pipe.
"Well now," Rakshata said, "I was wondering when you would make contact."
"You certainly haven't change Rakshata," Lloyd said.
"It's been a long time Rakshata," Cecile said, "you seem to be doing well."
"Oh yes, I am doing very well," Rakshata said with a smile, "you seem to be doing well Cecile and… I see that you haven't changed Lord of Pudding."
"Ugh, you're still calling me that," Lloyd responded annoyed.
"So what do you want?" Rakshata asked, "I find it interesting that you would contact me knowing that I am with the enemy."
"To be honest, we were heading to Kamine Island," Lloyd said, "same as you it would seem. I take it that you're going to pick up the Lionel that was left on the island. It the same for us, we're going to pick up my Lancelot that was left there."
"Is that all?" Rakshata asked, "Did you contact me just to tell me that?"
"Actually I would like to have a word with you on the island," Lloyd said.
"Oh really?" Rakshata replied, "Well I'm not interested in whatever it is that you have to say."
"…Even if I had a clue on identity of Zero and Void?" Lloyd said with a smile.
This surprised Rakshata as well as the other Black Knights and Peace Mark on the bridge.
"I just want to talk while we pick up our creations," Lloyd said with a smile, "nothing more than that."
Cecile had a nervous expression and Rakshata glared at Lloyd and Cecile. One of the Black Knights went to Rakshata.
"Ma'am, what do you want to do?" The Black Knights asked in a whispering tone, "If they know the identities of our supreme leaders, this could be a problem."
Rakshata smoked her pipe again and made a decision.
"In that case," Rakshata said.
Kamine Island
Jinta was looking and then his phone rang. Jinta picked up his phone from his pocket and looked at the ID. He then answered the phone.
"Rakshata," Jinta said.
Rakshata spoke to him on the other line and Jinta nodded.
"I see," Jinta said, "Okay, got it."
Tokyo, Japan
At the Ashford Academy, there was an assembly for the students and faculty in the auditorium. Reuben was standing behind the podium speaking.
"As you all heard, planes and large ships will arrive at every port and airport in the country," Reuben said, "this land is no longer part of the Britannian Empire. Be prepared to get ready to head back for those who will be heading back."
Reuben continued to speak as many students and faculty members were listening to Reuben. Milly, Shirley, and Rivalz were among the students who were listening to the old principal. Milly glanced at the faculty members and most of them were bitter with how things had turned out. Milly smiled thinking about how things turned out and Shirley was thinking about her parents and what they were going to do moving forward. Many students were whispering among themselves about what had happened during the fight between the Britannian forces and the Black Knights with what they learned from the Black Knights of what two students, Gene and Martin did and knowing that a few students, mainly Rai, Kallen, and Alice were actually among the Black Knights and then some discussed of being contacted by their families to get ready to leave Japan to head back to the Mainland of Britannia. Later on, Milly, Shirley, and Rivalz were sitting in the Student Council Room.
"Man, I guess this is really it," Rivalz said, "the Black Knights have won and Britannians have to leave this territory."
"Unless they want to stay," Milly said, "which they can if they want."
"So what's next for you two?" Rivalz asked.
"My grandfather and I are going to stay here," Milly said.
"Really?" Rivalz replied, "I thought you would head back."
"Well that's what my parents want," Milly said, "but I'm going to stay here with my grandfather. I like being here and besides, it's just going be stressful if I left with my parents. My parents weren't happy about my decision and my mother insisted that I go back to Britannia with them but my grandfather backed me up."
"Wow, I see," Rivalz said.
"It's going to be the same with me," Shirley said, "I'm going to stay here as well. My parents are in full support of my decision, in fact they decided to stay here as well."
"That's good for you Shirley," Milly said with a smile.
"Thanks," Shirley said, "I'm really glad this is happening."
"Man, that's great," Rivalz said, "well guess I'm going to be joining you two as well."
"Really?" Shirley replied.
"You're going to stay here Rivalz?" Milly asked.
"Yeah, I have no intention of going back to the homeland," Rivalz said, "especially to my mother," Rivalz shook his head thinking of his parents, "I came here to get away from the problems between my parents and if I go back, it's just going to reignite the conflict between them and I'm not going to deal with the stressfulness again. Well there is one other reason for me staying."
"Oh?" Milly replied.
"Yeah…" Rivalz said as he looked at Milly and smiled.
Milly was confused and wondered why Rivalz was looking at him with a smile.
"There is something that I am concerned about," Shirley said.
"It's Nina, right?" Milly responded.
"Yeah," Shirley said.
"I can't believe what Nina was doing," Rivalz said.
"Yeah, me too," Milly said with sad expression.
Meanwhile within the old Viceroy Palace, Rai was walking through the cell hall. There he went to the cell where Gene and Martin who were involved in starting the disaster of the Special Zone were in. The two boys saw Rai and were bitter seeing him.
"What the hell do you want Winston?" Gene asked with hate.
"I came here to tell you two what's going to happen," Rai said.
"What do you mean?" Martin asked.
"As you two know, we won against the Britannian forces led by Prince Schneizel," Rai said, "as a result, this will no longer be Area 11 but instead back to its original name of Japan. Earlier, along with Japan's independence and the Britannian people being allowed to head back to the Britannian mainland, Schneizel requested that you two be taken to his custody where he will be the one to deal with you."
"Prince Schneizel?" Martin asked.
"That's right and let me tell you something that you should know," Rai said, "he's not happy with you two and so don't expect him to be pleased with you."
Gene was attempted to rebuke Rai but stopped himself and just sat in silence and Martin was upset and he clenched his teeth in sadness. Meanwhile Lelouch entered a room holding his mask as he closed the door behind him and was talking to someone on his phone.
"I see, so that is what is going on," Lelouch said on the phone.
The person on the other line and Lelouch nodded.
"Very good," Lelouch said, "yes, keep me updated on the situation. We can't exactly take it easy. We succeeded in our goal to free Japan however we all know that they are not going to just let this stand. They will come back with the intent to reconquered Japan. We need to be ready by the time it happens. Of course thanks to the rebellions happening in other places, it's going to take time for them for them to even try and that gives us the time to set things up to counter against them when they try."
The person on the other line spoke again and Lelouch nodded as he was satisfied.
"Yes, I am pleased," Lelouch said, "thank you for your help. Yes, my sisters and I will speak with you again so be careful."
As Lelouch hung up his phone, the door opened and someone entered and closed the door. Lelouch turned around and saw that it was Kallen.
"Kallen," Lelouch said.
Lelouch noticed Kallen's expression as she had her head down and he was a bit concerned.
"Kallen, is something wrong?" Lelouch asked.
Kallen suddenly went to Lelouch and hugged him which surprised Lelouch as he slowly looked at Kallen.
"Kallen?" Lelouch asked.
Kallen held on to Lelouch tight burying her face in Lelouch's chest.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The rebuilding of Japan begins as a mass exodus of Britannians leaving Japan takes place.