Turn 15: Zero's Eleven(s)

I puff out a cloud of smoke as the entirety of the Black Knights command staff is seated before me.

It took Reid, Ohgi, and myself most of a week, but we finally got the reorganization done. The Black Knights are now officially set up as a true paramilitary group. Expansion from now on will just be a matter of designating new units and commanders. A budget has been set, tasks delegated, and almost everyone is happy.

There's still the lingering tension between the Black Knights and JLF remnants. Not to mention the Holy Swords and other grumblings in the ranks, particularly about my being egalitarian and recruiting anyone, Japanese and Britannian alike. And of course, resentment from JLF troops over being under Black Knight command.

Thankfully, Tohdoh agreed with my reasoning. And JLF commanders are being integrated where they merit it. The last time someone started complaining loudly, Tohdoh smacked the man with his scabbard, pointedly reminding them how Katase had betrayed the Black Knights first. Not to mention that their insubordinate attitudes in general were a disgrace to Tohdoh himself by proxy.

I sigh in my chair at the head. I can already tell that's going to be an ongoing headache.

"Right then. Before we move on, any further questions about the new organizational charts?"

I note a raised hand from Captain Kōzuki-Stadtfeld. In addition to commanding my personal guard, Kallen is now one of our field commanders. Unless, of course, another ace is on the field, in which case she has leave to act as a semi-independent unit.

Suzaku might not be an issue, but I have no idea if Charles is going to get annoyed and start throwing Rounds at me. Better to be safe than sorry.

"Zero, when can we expect more toys from Rakshata?"

I chuckle amusedly at that. The blind eye grenades were a genius idea. Honestly, all I'm doing is just giving her ideas or things I need done. Rakshata has whatever resources or monies she wants as long as she just asks.

"Well, Doctor? Anything to placate our Red Queen?" I say, graciously tipping my hand to her.

The blonde hits a few keys on her datapad, causing a picture of a cylindrical device with a green glow on the top to appear on the wall projector.

"The Gefjun Disturber. I discovered a way to disrupt Sakuradite-based systems by use of a high-frequency energy generator. It has to be deployed beforehand, as it's rather bulky at the moment. And in order to function, it must be used in a closed circuit, i.e. deployed in a continuous circle. But given time, I should be able to miniaturize it and streamline the development," she finishes, tapping her pipe.

Excellent. Then it's time for a new operation.

"Wonderful. With that, I must now tell you that I have received intelligence regarding a Britannian special project."

CC sits forward, eyes narrowed.

I sigh, "No, CC, not Code-R. Unfortunately. Orange and Tamaki still can't find them. But there's only so many places left to search. It's just a matter of time," I say as I stand and pace.

"No, what I have learned about is related to the Camelot project; more specifically their patron, Prince Schneizel el Britannia," I hiss the name out.

Schneizel. Unlike Charles, I have NO respect for that worm, that complete wretch of a human being. He is a blight upon this world.

"The Prince will be visiting the New Edwards base on Shikine island to showcase new prototype technologies under development."

I grin cheekily, "Tell me, how many of you are familiar with the old anime franchise 'Mobile Suit Gundam'?"

Judging by the hands, maybe 40%? Interestingly enough, Urabe is one of them.

"Very well. Urabe-san, what usually happens to the title giant robot in most of the various series?"

He rubs his chin for a moment, "Usually some kid ends up in the cockpit, or else they get..." I grin; NOW he gets it.

Kallen is giving me a smirk as she answers, "Zero, you're not nearly a good enough pilot to pull off what Anavel Gato did."

I of course respond with a middle finger to her for her insolence.

"Smartass ace pilots aside, the answer is that somebody hijacks the machine. So! Who's up for another heist?" I say merrily.

"Umm, sir? What are we up against this time? Because our last major raid did not go well..." Ohgi says with a pained grimace.

A facial gesture I mirror. Yeah...we don't need another Akihabara for awhile.

"Point. However, this time the project's security is their anonymity. To my knowledge, outside of Camelot and my own spies, no one else in Area 11 is aware of the presence of Schneizel's projects."

I hold my finger in a counting gesture, "The first is our primary objective: A sixth-generation experimental command overwatch Knightmare Frame known as the 'Gawain'. This is our target and the only priority on this mission."

I extend the middle finger of the same hand, "The second objective is more of a tertiary priority. I'm honestly skeptical of our chances of success, but I feel an attempt should be made nonetheless."

I cross one leg over the other, "The world's first aerial battleship, 'Avalon'."

Tamaki's eyes bug out, "The Brits have a flying fortress?! What's next, lasers and force fields...oh yeah, Lancelot. Sorry," he says sheepishly.

I shrug, "Funny thing about science fiction: sooner or later, somebody figures how to accomplish what was deemed impossible. The Avalon works via an experimental technology known as a FLOAT system. Thus, it has far more maneuverability than planes or hovercraft for a vehicle of its size. And like the Lancelot, it has shields."

I note Tohdoh has a hand raised, "Go ahead, General. You can explain the next part."

"Thank you. The Avalon is useful, but ultimately it's just a proof of concept. Impressive, but according to Zero, it's really just a toy to demonstrate the new technologies. The Frame, on the other hand? While also a test bed, it has military applications we can actually use."

I wave an arm lackadaisically, "Camelot hasn't figured out to make the Gawain viable as a combat unit yet. Partially because they can't stop the main weapons from going haywire, every time they shoot. And also? Because the command overwatch system is too complicated for most people to make use of."

I really wish they could see my expression right now.

"Most people, however, aren't genius tacticians and strategists. I intend to use Gawain as my personal war beast and have Rakshata take the unit apart to dissect its secrets for our own use."

The look on my face would likely terrify these guys.

"We will take Britannia's weapons, and make them our own. We will improve upon them and beat them with superior technology, just as they're starting to beat Europe, and how they steamrolled Japan."

If I was just grabbing this thing as my own unit with no gain for anyone else, I'd likely get some flak. But as a means to upgrade our forces? The Gawain is invaluable.

And I'll be damned if I let it get wrecked the way Lelouch did in the original timeline. Awesome weapons and unbreakable shield aside? Fuck the Shinkirou.

"The New Edwards base will be attacked by Tohdoh and the Holy Swords. The intent behind this is to make the Britannians believe our objective is to destroy the base or assassinate Schneizel, who will be visiting."

I raise a finger cautiously, "I must emphasize that this force is a decoy and I do not expect any major success. The plan here is to stir up a hornet's nest and to draw off neighboring naval and Knightmare units. Minimal losses is your directive. I would of course prefer nobody dies on our side, but...shit happens," I say with a shrug.

I slap a palm on the table, "If the Avalon shows up? RUN. We can't bring it down, not at this time."

"Meanwhile, I will lead a small team to snatch the Gawain and escape with our prize aboard our newest asset, this excellent submarine, courtesy of our allies in India."

I shrug, a bit theatrically, "If we can get the Avalon, too? Great. If not? It doesn't matter, so long as we get the Gawain. Much like Akihabara, the raid itself will force Britannia to second-guess their force deployments and spend time jumping at shadows."

I chuckle sinisterly, "Heh heh heh. And as we all know, a soldier constantly on alert, twitchy and trigger-happy, will not fight as well as one who has had downtime."

THAT, is the real reason for these coordinated assaults. To keep Cornelia off balance and unable to react. The Catch-22 is what makes it so difficult.

'Is the raid a trap? Is it a decoy? Or is it an actual attack?'

As long I can keep Britannia off balance? I can consolidate my own forces and the resources I need for the Black Rebellion, while they're too busy chasing ghosts.

"Meeting adjourned. Operation Prometheus begins in 24 hours."

Tohdoh comes up afterwards with his usual stoic expression, "Zero, a word?"

Hmm? Something he wants to say privately?

I lock the door after everyone leaves and doff my mask, "I can tell something I said irked you." I kick my feet up on the desk lazily, "Lay it out, Kyoshiro."

"What are you not telling us about Schneizel?"

...Clever bastard.

"What tipped you off?" I say, quirking an eyebrow.

"I am aware that vengeance is something you are pursuing. However, while you are at odds with Britannia, your vehemence regarding your older brother suggests this is something personal."

Saying that, he leans forward, eyes narrowing, "This secret weapon of yours, Geass. I do not like it. Point of fact, I find it extremely troubling. And I am forced to wonder if you intend to use it to force compliance on anyone who gives you an argument. Or to enslave those you have a vendetta against, like your brother."

You son of a...oh. Well played.

I smirk at him from my chair. "Fuck you, Kyoshiro. You and I both know that we wouldn't be having this conversation if I had used it on you." Something Lelouch REALLY should have pointed out at the betrayal. "You would not even be able to consider arguing with me. You want to know if I'm emotionally compromised regarding the Prime Minister and why you should believe I won't just Geass him."

His only response is a firm nod. Give the man credit. He's not stupid. It's obvious I've got a mad-on for Schneizel.

"Schneizel is a bigger problem than the Emperor, long term. I have no intention of enslaving him. I will see him dead as swiftly as possible."

Tohdoh maintains his steely hawk like gaze, "Why?"

I throw my hands up in the air, "Because he's a backstabbing liar who uses people like pawns, just because he can! That snake-faced motherfucker has no loyalty, no courage, no love! He's a goddamn emotionless robot!"

I pound my fist on the table, "He would burn the world to rule the ashes, if he thought it was the logical course!" I snarl vehemently.

Tohdoh stands up in a huff, "Like you? Do not think I am not leery of your own bloodlust at times, Demon King."

I stare him down coldly, "I have those I love and trust to stop me. People like you, like my sister, like Kallen, like Kaguya... and like Suzaku."

"And what will happen if they are lost? Will I need to watch my back for a killing blow?"

I go emotionally dead, silent as the grave.

"No, General. Not merely you. Should I truly lose everything and everyone that I care about? I will have nothing left to lose, no ties to hold me to this world."

I breath out slowly, an animalistic sound emanating from my throat as my face takes on a monstrous countenance. One that Lelouch took in the original timeline when his heart shattered.

"And on that day, that dark and dreadful day? Woe unto thee, humanity. For the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven shall become an apotheosis of Armageddon. And you shall know the end is nigh."

Tohdoh stares into my eyes silently for a time, searching for something.

After a moment, he sits back quietly, "I must truly be mad to entrust my sword and the future to a demon like you..."

I take a deep breath before responding. This conversation was bound to happen anyway. And Tohdoh at least is a man of honor.

"Let's not beat around the bush. We both know I'm fucking bat-shit. And nobody likes having a crazy person running things," I say with an exasperated expression.

The miracle man sighs, suddenly looking much older and worn down.

"The sad thing is, you were right. Everything you said about the JLF and Japan was correct. But that begs the question. How can I trust that your madness will not doom us all? I doubt anyone else in your organization would dare to ask you this," he grumbles as if daring me to contradict him.

On the one hand? I don't really have a good answer for him. 'I've seen the future, trust me!' is even MORE sketchy than Geass. Especially with the timeline going off the rails the way it has.

On the other hand? I've been pretty open about what's going on to people who know who's behind the mask.

Hmm, now there's an idea. And it is something I've been needing to do.

"Perhaps I can convince you of my veracity with something other than words," I say, hoping this works.

"Meaning?" a raised eyebrow his only movement in response.

"藤堂先生、勝負だ。" (Master Tohdoh, I challenge you.)

Now that, he wasn't expecting.

"何?" (What?)

I stand up, enunciating my challenge once more.

"もう一度。勝負だ。" (Once more. I challenge you.)

I stride confidently to stand before him, "You doubt my resolve. You doubt my sanity. Allow me to demonstrate what is inside my heart with shinai."

The older man cracks a ghost of a smile at that, "You always used to use every excuse imaginable to avoid me when I tried to instruct you as I did Suzaku." He gets to his feet, a calculating look in his eyes, "Very well. I accept. Let us see if you have developed a feel for blades along with your fury."

A few minutes later, we're both in dogi, using a sealed exercise room, a shinai in our hands.

"Five minute warmup, then start?"

Tohdoh nods and then begins working through a sword form that looks deceptively basic. Basic, but well guarded and able to shift positions easily.

I, on the other hand...?

The forms I remember come decently, but something is off. It's like there's a piece missi—

Oh goddammit. THAT'S why.

I slap my face at forgetting this.

"Time out. I just remembered something important," I grouse as I walk to the wall of equipment.

"Oh? Having second thoughts, Zero?" the older man casually remarks.

I smirk as I find what I'm looking for. "Nope. Just remembered why my forms suck," I say as I grip my target.

A second shinai.

"I just remembered? I use two swords," I smile triumphantly as the movements begin to come back to me.

Cross slash. Diagonal cut down, uppercut slash. Horizontal cut, jab. Execution blow to horizontal.

It's not pretty. I'm hideously rusty. And my footing isn't what I remember from before.

But?

It's at this moment, that I finally feel complete.

I bring my shinai back to my side with a slow breath out, eyes closed in concentration, as I feel the familiar weight by my side and the sense of completeness.

I've used blades as Lelouch before. But those were momentary things. A killing blow or a signal to charge.

This? This is the style I remember from before. The one I was taught before becoming Lelouch vi Britannia.

A heretical style that glories in the fight, discarding philosophy and ruminations. Seeking the left-hand path, enlightenment through indulgence.

This is what I am at my core. The thing that makes my heart sing. That which I adore as much as any person.

This is what it means to be a swordsman.

I open my eyes, remembering what I was. Knowing who I am. And more sure than ever that I truly needed to do this.

"始めましょう。" (Let's begin.)

Tohdoh wastes no time in attacking. I parry as best I can, but he's already moving to spin into a slashing blow.

I block it, but my guard almost collapses from the awkward positioning.

The advantage of two blades is more options. The disadvantage?

A single sword can bring far more power to bear and is easier to keep track of.

I can tell he's not trying to brutalize me. He's beating me back into a corner, constantly pressing the attack.

It's exhilarating.

I feel my spirits soar as I take hit after hit, barely managing to strike back in return.

For every strike I land? I take at least five in return.

An overhead blow brings me to my knees as I grimace at the force.

I roll to the side, striking his calves as I take a low stance.

I'd love to say I'm doing well. That I'm giving a fair accounting.

But I'm ultimately just a fairly skilled amateur. I enjoy sword fighting on a visceral level. Unfortunately, I cannot claim mastery of the art.

I'm certainly going to be bruised a bit after this. But gods be damned, it will have been worth it.

I get to my feet, a gleeful smile on my lips as I take a basic guard stance, breathing hard.

"Having fun, master?"

Tohdoh cracks his neck before responding.

"Surprisingly, yes. You're not capable of beating me by any means. But you have a talent for the sword. It's unpolished, but..."

He does a wide slash that I barely block, before he pulls back and jabs at my face, stopping just before he hits.

I stare down the wooden sword, unblinking. As the samurai warrior takes my gaze in...and makes a judgment.

"But there is something there that you did not have back then. Something even Suzaku does not have. He greatly surpasses your skill. But you, Lelouch? You love the sword."

I nod solemnly. I knew he would understand. Only another swordsman can understand the draw of clashing souls and steel.

He lowers his sword before going into a respectful bow.

I give a Britannian salute across my chest before bowing in return.

"It seems you are once again full of surprises, Zero. Where did you learn this style you use?"

Can't tell him the truth. So...creative omission, then.

"A friend taught me a long time ago in another time, another place. I did not finish my instruction, sadly."

He hmms in thought before answering, "After taking your measure during the duel, I have made my decision."

I narrow my eyes as he takes a deep breath before replying.

"I am still leery of you. But? I have seen something of the boy I once knew, and I have seen the man you have become. And I am willing to give you the chance you asked for. So long as you keep faith and honesty with me, I believe we can work together."

Perfect. Just as I hoped.

"You know, you were actually kind of sexy as we were fighting. Maybe we should try a different kind of combat," I say lustily.

He raises an eyebrow, "I am flattered. However, even if I were inclined in such a direction? I do not intend to become your master in that context," he delivers in a deadpan tone.

Wait...did he just...

"Did you...did you just crack a joke?" I say in disbelief.

Tohdoh smirks, "Given that you clearly have no respect for any kind of military protocol or discipline, I don't see a need to even attempt formality with you. Because you'll blatantly disregard it, just as you have every other time we've spoken."

I snort before flipping him off, "Fuck you, Kyoshiro."

"Heh. You wish, Sir."

I lean against the wall as I howl with laughter. Okay, he got me there.

"Hahahahaha! Cheeky bastard! So does this mean, hahaha, that you're up to sharpening my, hehehe, blades too?" I wheeze out as I try to stop laughing.

He rubs his chin in thought, "On the condition that you cease flirting with me."

"Not happening," I say bluntly.

He sighs, "Then may I at least inform my second in command of your identity? I believe Senba would enjoy helping you improve your skills."

I take a glug of water, waterfalling the refreshing liquid before tossing the bottle to Tohdoh.

"Deal. We'll talk to Senba after the Gawain is obtained. But not the others, not yet."

He reluctantly nods, "Asahina and Chiba have both disappointed me with their conduct. I understand your reluctance."

I wince as my side aches from the duel. Pretty sure I'm going to have a few bruises from this tomorrow. Swear to god, the first asshole at school who accuses Suzaku of domestic abuse is getting punched...

"That reminds me. Nunnally would probably enjoy seeing you again to put a face to the voice. Any chance you can make time for that?"

He twitches at the curveball request, "...Your sister is aware of your activities?"

"She stopped being a wallflower some time ago. Do you REALLY think I could hide what I'm doing from her if she pressed the issue?" I say with a put-upon sigh. The girl was definitely smart enough to do so in the original timeline. She had just never had the drive.

"...Understood. I will attempt to do so at a time convenient to both of us," he awkwardly replies after a moment.

I sigh, wiping the sweat off my brow, "This isn't an order or a request, Kyoshiro. This is me asking you as a friend. I meant what I said. You are part of the group that keeps me in check. I do not grant this idly," I say with dead seriousness.

What must he be thinking now? I ask myself this question as he wipes his practice swords clean, checking for splinters and breaks.

"You have indeed changed. The boy I knew seven years ago..." he trails off, setting the shinai back in its place.

"No. Perhaps you did not change, so much as grow up. And perhaps I too, must change. I will be watching, Lelouch. 見せてやるぞ、魔王。" (Show me what you've got, Demon King.)

I give a small nod as I hear the unspoken words.

'Don't make me regret this.'

"はい、師匠。" (Yes, master.)