Interlude 11: The Clever Bamboo Princess

"ね、変態さま、あなたの赤女王を犯りましたか?" (So, Hentai-sama, have you fucked your Red Queen yet?)

Zero snorts at the crude question, "まったくもう、神楽耶ちゃん。あなたは無礼な少女、" (Oy vey, Kaguya. You're a rather rude girl,) he says with an exasperated tone.

I titter to myself at his grousing. He's so much fun to tease.

"No. There's no need to hurry the inevitable. Q-1 and I talked it out. Feeling jealous?" he says with a teasing tone.

Hardly. I think she's gorgeous as well. The odd thing is, she doesn't really seem to realize it herself. Perhaps it's because she grew up as a tomboy?

"Speaking of inevitable, what happened with the Knightmare you set out to acquire?"

His body language says he's almost certainly smirking under the mask. "Rakshata has been pulling it apart for the last week or so. I had to stop her today because I need it operational ASAP. I'm expecting shit to hit the fan soon."

I give him a sharp look at that, making a covert gesture with my hands. 'Safe to talk about here?'

He shakes his head, "Later."

I'm so grateful he took the time to teach me his sign language code. Even in this, the headquarters of the Six Houses, one cannot be too cautious.

"I want you to know, however this goes today? You have my full support."

He lifts my chin up, the slot revealing his eye, gleaming with emotion. "I'd kiss you if I had the opportunity right now."

I lean into his side as we walk down the corridor, my face glowing, "You can make it up to me by arranging time for me to see Nunnally after this."

This is a big day for the Black Knights. With things at a comfortable lull, Zero has finally decided to meet with Kyoto to give a report on how things are going.

At least, that's what they think. The truth is, Lelouch is getting tired of dealing with them and he's here today to put them directly under his command.

That gives me an idea.

"Master Zero, allow me to plead your case."

He stops short, standing stiff as a board. I do believe I've surprised him. "Kaguya, if you do that, you'll be presumed to be my pawn. What if they chafe at tha—"

He cuts off as my hand gently caresses the crotch of his tight outfit.

"That's cheating," he says in a husky voice.

I grin at the sound of his passion being roused, "Zero-sama, what was your plan of attack today?"

He sighs deeply, "If I tell you, will you stop groping me? Because if you don't? The consequences will be on your head and we're definitely going to be late, Princess."

I shiver at his deep voice as I reluctantly remove my hand and hold onto his arm. So. MANLY.

"Thank you. I had planned to lay out the facts and make my case based on pragmatism and logic."

A solid argument. But not one that will carry the day. Aside from Taizō, I do not know if the others will understand our dire position. And some of them are gnarled foolish old men who would rather the JLF yet lived.

I give him a cross look. And he knows they won't accede to him if he treats them as he truly sees them. So why?

"What are you really after, Zero? If you talk down to them, they won't accept being forced out."

His mask opens an eye-slot, displaying an annoyed violet iris before it closes.

"Very well. You wish to be my herald? Then, my dear fiancée, you shall have your chance. 持っているものを見せて、神楽耶。" (Show me what you got, Kaguya.)

Yes! Victory! Time to show my future husband what his wife can do for him.

We enter arm in arm, Zero a dark and imposing presence. And I, a mere slip of a girl, in silken robes with green eyes gleaming with wisdom.

At least I hope that's what they see. I can't afford to embarrass Lulu today.

"Apologies, fellow heads. Lord Zero had to take an important phone call before this meeting."

Taizō nods from his spot at the head of the table. The others are noncommittal.

As we sit down, I consider how to frame my argument and what sort of approach to use.

"Zero, how goes the war effort thus far?"

My masked fiance nods as he turns to face Taizō, "Quite well. Plans are proceeding along expected lines. The recent acquisition has proven to be most helpful."

Tōsai Munakata, wearing a western suit leans in, "What acquisition? You have not informed us of any operations that were undertaken. Moreover, you have told us nothing of your overall strategy. I, for one, would like to know what this costumed character is up to before we commit any further resources," he says, stroking his square beard.

As if any of you could do what he does. I smile placidly at the older man, "Lord Zero has acquired an experimental Knightmare Frame from Prince Schneizel's Camelot project. As for his strategy?"

I look to Zero and he nods, moving a few fingers.

Really? Alright then Lelouch. Let's roll the dice, shall we?

"Zero's objective is simple. To seize control of Area 11, and create a new country. And then? To obliterate Britannia."

This provokes an uproar, as I expected.

"What?! This madman will kill us all!" "Impossible!" " We should never have trusted a Britannian!"

Only Taizō does not respond. No doubt he was waiting for this. Will he speak, or shall I forestall further argument? I'm unsure whether he's going to intervene yet.

Zero taps the side of his mask, flexing his ring finger and pinky, before making a brushing gesture on his pants.

何? (What?) You're bored?! How can you be so dismissi—?!

And suddenly it hits me. This is a farce.

"My lords, have you forgotten? There is no other path forward."

My clear voice silences the arguments, only Hiroyoshi Yoshino agitated, his short beard twitching as he clenches his jaw.

"I have heard enough. I move that we strip Zero of his command and put Colonel Tohdoh in charge. The fight for Japan should be lead by, and fought for, by proper Japanese," he says with a sneer.

I grip my robe tightly. You outrageous fool. Are you TRYING to provoke him?

I give a grim smile as I reply, "An endeavor that may prove impossible, Lord Yoshino. The Black Knights success is entirely by Zero's hands. And General Tohdoh, chief of staff for the Black Knights, has spoken with Zero and does not deny Lord Zero's superior strategic and tactical capabilities."

The man reddens at the implication, "So we entrust our fates to a bloodthirsty madman carrying the blood of our enemies? I believe your judgement is clouded, Lady Sumeragi."

It seems that he's provoked a response from Taizō, because he's now learning in, his black eyes narrowed. "If you wish to accuse Lady Sumeragi of having dubious judgement, you will lay out your reasoning before all of us."

He huffs and pulls himself up to his full height. Pompous oaf. Most of Kyoto House are simply men behind the times. I do not excuse myself from that qualification, mind you. Had Lelouch not explained things to me, I fear I might not be willing to go so far.

But Taizō and I know the truth. Zero is the only way we gain any future for our people.

"I merely wish to remind this august body that it was Lady Sumeragi who attached herself as liaison to Zero and even proclaimed her engagement to the man. As such, I believe her to hopelessly biased in favor of her lover."

A minor movement from Zero distracts me as my eye looks to see him trying not to shake.

He's laughing, or trying not to laugh. And why should he not? Yoshino has sacrificed attacking him on reasonable grounds to impugn his character and mine. The lover quip is a play to attempt to shame Zero.

Which is hilarious, because Lelouch has no sense of shame.

I fan my face, holding the fan up to conceal my mouth as I speak, "So you wish to deny the success of Zero compared to every other endeavor we've backed over the last seven years?"

He makes a fist, jaw clenching before responding, "I do not deny his success. But I believe he has attained his position partially through luck. And partially through opportunism. He has used the JLF as a scapegoat for his own ends. Worse? He makes no distinction between our people and the enemy. Probably due to his own sympathies towards his former country."

Oh I see. So it's pure racism and nationalistic pride, is it? I was right to handle this myself. Now watch closely, Lulu. This is MY pride on the line.

"And what do you propose? The same tried and failed strategies that we have done a thousand times over, until the JLF was a corpse in a mountain waiting to die? The Japan of old IS DEAD!" I yell at him, startling everyone with my outburst.

God, he's rubbing off on me. I suppose a bit of theatrics is called for, right about now.

I gesture with my fan, looking sharply at the assembled crowd, Kirihara hiding a ghost of a smile. Watch me well, godfather. Though you are not formally of my family, you've taken care of me since the death of my father.

"We cannot hope to defeat Britannia. Lord Zero, however? CAN. He has faced them on the field and he has proved that he can win. We, the Six Houses of Kyoto, have long stayed on the sidelines. Secretly aiding the resistance and the JLF, whilst publicly appearing as collaborators and traitors to our people."

I bow my head in shame, "We, who, along with Kururugi Genbu, bear the sin of having provoked Britannia and started the Second Pacific War."

Even Hiroyoshi grimaces and turns his head at that biting remark. It's a bitter truth that none of us care to acknowledge. Nonetheless, it's a medicine we should have taken a long time ago.

"The suffering of our people, is our suffering. For is this not upon our heads? Are we not responsible?" I say gently, pointing with my fan.

"That does not mean we should bow to a Britannian upstart! This man would have us die in his name, for a cause we do not believe in! Why should we sacrifice ourselves for others, for people who aren't Japanese?!"

"Heh..."

Zero's electronic voice catches us all off guard as he brings his helmet up, looking around the room before speaking.

"It's easy to find something worth dying for. Have you anything worth living for?" he says with a soft, but clear and resonant tone.

My eyes sparkle hearing him reduce the entire argument to a single sentence summing up his position. Truly a man among men.

"It is as Zero said," I say, turning back to face the now largely contrite group. "We stand on a knife edge, walking between the final death of our people, and continued slavery that we inflicted upon them by our own greed."

I narrow my eyes, meeting Lord Yoshino's furious glare, "And you dare to speak against our sole hope of salvation, simply because he does not meet your image of what a hero should be? Zero stands for something higher than mere freedom for one group suffering under the yoke of Britannia. He stands for unyielding and blind justice for the world."

Taizō taps the table with a tea serving spoon, "Lady Sumeragi, I believe we have had this debate long enough. It is time we called for a vote."

Yoshino closes his eyes, taking a deep breath before speaking, "Then I move that Lady Sumeragi recuse herself on the grounds that her vote is prejudiced."

I nod and move to sit next to Zero. It shouldn't matter. The others are hopefully less blind than this obstinate donkey. And if not?

I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself. If not, then may Buddha have mercy for what shall transpire here today...

"All in favor of the Six Houses supplicating ourselves to Zero, Demon King of the Sixth Heaven, and his Black Knights?"

The show of hands is slow, deliberate. I almost let out a visible sigh of relief when the hands raised number four.

"All opposed?"

Hiroyoshi's hand is the lone man out, looking at the others with an expression of outraged betrayal.

Taizō nods and taps the table with his spoon, "Then it is decided. We shall swear our allegiance to Zero and place our faith, and the fate of our people, in his hands."

Saying this, he turns and gives a full bow while kneeling for three seconds before slowly raising his head up.

最敬礼?! (Saikeirei?!) So you see no more need to pretend that your allegiance is with anyone but Zero? Then I have leave to do the same.

I mimic his movements, to the astonishment of the other two, and the fuming glare of Lord Yoshino.

Kuboin, Osakabe and Munakata all reluctantly follow suit. Leaving Lord Yoshino as the sole person in the room who has not sworn allegiance.

All eyes turn to meet him expectantly, the silence palpable.

"絶対に、絶対にありません!" (No, Absolutely not!)

He points an accusing finger at Zero's cloaked form, "I refuse to let this outcast mongrel of Britannia set what is left of our people ablaze on the pyre of his vengeance!"

Taizō lets a deep breath out before responding, "Hiroyoshi, the die is cast. We have thrown our lot in with Zero. There truly is no other path forward."

He clearly wasn't expecting the vote to be so decisive. If I was a pettier person, I'd be taunting him now. However, as a lady of quality and breeding? Hiding my smirk with a fan is perfectly acceptable.

"That does not mean we must swear our allegiance to him!"

Osakabe scratches his sideburns, "Be that as it may, what choice do we have? The JLF is dead, and no other group can challenge Britannia."

"You presume that any exist."

At that remark, everyone turns to face me. I lower my fan, a grim expression on my face.

"It may have escaped the attention of this august body, but my fiancé has informed me that he has already subjugated or exterminated almost every other resistance group in the country. There is no one else left."

Yoshino gapes in shock. Zero was very quiet about what he was doing, but it's one reason why he was so cavalier about not caring about courting Kyoto's resources. He doesn't need them.

"Preposterous! We still receive reports from them on the scheduled times! And the JLF is only gone because he threw them to the wolves! Furthermore, I—!"

"Enough."

Suddenly the entire room is silenced, a dread and terrible presence manifesting. It would seem Zero's patience has ended.

"I have waited long enough for this council to deliberate and waste my time. And now after you finally acquiesce and give me what you should have from the beginning? One of you pontificates and refuses to see the waiting gallows his actions would lead to."

He stands, Lord Yoshino backing away, his hand quivering.

"Kyoto serves me, Lord Yoshino. The vote is cast and done. In return for this loyalty, I shall save the Japanese people and give them a new country. And in so doing, secure the foundation for the war against Britannia and other such hives of villainy."

I note the other members aside from Taizō going stark still at that remark. Foolish old men, did you think that Lord Zero was merely pontificating about justice? My future husband will be the one to change the world.

He lifts Yoshino up by his haori, a growl escaping from his throat, which causes me to clench my legs together.

"Make no mistake, Yoshino. War with Britannia was always inevitable. Do you honestly believe they would simply suffer the loss of the sakuradite to power their war machine? Or that the Chinese, or the Europeans would not swoop in to claim the prize, the instant they believed they could get away with it?

"The corrupt forces of this world have held dominion long enough. As I said to Cornelia at Saitama, there is but one answer:

"By fire be purged."

Yoshino pulls himself free, snarling at my fiance's featureless mask, "Your vendetta will doom us all, Britannian!"

He storms out in a huff, without another word.

Osakabe sighs and shakes his head, "I don't blame him for being trepidacious, but this...this was too much."

Munakata strokes his beard, eyes looking to Zero's back, "Lord Zero, what is to be our role now?"

He turns around, cape swirling, "Aside from Kaguya, the rest of you will be first diversifying your assets and liquidating resources as necessary. I have been informed that General Darlton is attempting to track down my financial resources."

He sits back down, pausing to sip some tea, then slowly putting it down, "Cold, but I suppose that's what we get for talking so long. Anyway, my own tracks are covered. Yours, unfortunately, are too extensive to conceal at this time."

He sighs, "The only reason that this has not happened already, is because it was too much trouble to pursue mere suspicions, when the problem was merely ineffectual resistance groups and the impotent JLF."

Taizō munches on a rice cracker as he raises an eyebrow, "And because Clovis was too incompetent and corrupt to pursue us, no doubt."

"Correct. Though, credit to the late Viceroy, he did manage to keep Code-R hidden for seven whole years."

Our eyes widen as Zero gives a deep bow, then returns to a seated position.

"I hold no hatred for those of you who have sworn themselves to my banners. You serve me, and I in turn shall strive to be worthy of that service. Let us save your people, together."

Munakata smiles under his bushy beard, giving a curt nod. "As you say, Lord Zero. We act for justice. We must do what we can."

He stands up, "Very well then—"

"MAZIN GOOOOOO!"

He pauses in what he was going to say as a loud voice starts singing from his coat.

"Excuse me," he mumbles as he pulls out his cell phone, hitting a button.

"Yes? Ah, one moment."

He turns to us in a chagrined fashion, "Something I must attend to has come up. Please excuse me, gentlemen, Lady Sumeragi."

And like that, he's off. Vanishing without a trace and leaving us all awed.

Osakabe is the first to respond, "Well, he's a interesting character, to say the least."

Munakata pulls a cigarette, taking a pull before responding, "I rather like him. You know, I was worried he was going to kill poor Hiroyoshi there, for a moment."

"What makes you think he didn't consider it, Tōsai?"

Taizō's gritty voice causes the old man to cough as the tobacco smoke goes down the wrong way.

Kuboin sags into the cushion, his face pale.

"So...he was not bluffing. We escaped a terrible fate, didn't we?"

I nod solemnly, "Taizō and I were almost certain that, had you acted in a manner akin to Lord Yoshino? Zero would have killed all of you on the spot."

Munakata relights his cigarette, giving an uncertain look at us before grumbling to himself.

"He didn't need us, did he?"

Kuboin furrows his brow as he sags further into his cushion.

"My friends, let us consider things from his perspective. He has attained more success than any of us have even dreamed possible. He is the first commander in the world to stand against Princess Cornelia and be counted as her equal, if not her superior."

Taizō chuckles to himself, "Heh. Moreover? He has been quite upfront about his actions and why he has done them."

The light behind their eyes as previously-discarded suppositions return to the fore is refreshing, to say the least.

Osakabe stares blankly, "So we truly are dealing with a fanatic...Was Yoshino wrong, then? Can we trust Zero not to simply discard us?"

"My fiancé is a kinder man than his image would suggest. If you hold faith with him, he will not give you cause to regret it," I say softly.

Munakata snorts as he stubs out his cigarette, his gruff voice filling the room.

"You two knew who he was, and said nothing. Why?"

I flinch at the rebuke. It is something of a betrayal to do this. But...

"Because he was right."

We all look to Kirihara, who looks down glumly.

"And Kaguya was right. Area 11's creation is indeed our collective sin. Which in turn means that we helped to create Zero as well."

Kuboin takes a sharp intake of breath, "Then Zero was—!"

He sips his tea, nodding, "Yes, he was here before the war, and survived the occupation."

"He swore to obliterate Britannia after the invasion," I say quietly, my eyes shimmering with tears.

"He did not know if those who did not know him personally would cast worthless pride aside, to ignore that he was Britannian, and to give him the final authority to conduct this war."

"But what of Katase—?"

I slap my fan against the table, "A stubborn man who was beaten in mind and will, long before his body caught up with him. You saw Zero's analysis of the battle. I assure you, if anything, he was too even-handed."

Indeed, Katase's final broadcast was so poisonous, that Zero had had to classify it to Black Knights command.

Taizō nods and looks the others in the eye, "I have seen it, and in my limited experience in military matters, Zero is a prodigy the likes of which this country has not seen in decades."

Osakabe rubs his chin, a nervous habit I've observed when he's unsure what to say.

"Well...what can we do? We've sworn ourselves to him. And it's clear Yoshino isn't going to let this go."

I fan my face, shaking my head, "He's going to be trouble, but we cannot remove him without cause. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until he does something."

Lelouch was sorely tempted, but the political cost currently was too high. I say 'currently', because now Yoshino is caught between the viper and scorpion. He will either back down with his tail between his legs, or he will end up doing something to undermine our efforts.

Taizō and the others will not shield him if he does something foolish. I can only hope the damage will be minimal.

"Kaguya!" "Nunnally!"

I haven't seen her in over seven years, it's so good to catch up...oh my god!

"Nunnally, you can see?! How?!" I gasp in surprise.

She smiles bitterly, "Big brother forced me to see the truth of what he was doing and how I was acting. Turns out I'm stronger than I thought."

I give her a hug, as I rub her back. She always was more than she seemed. A blind girl in a wheelchair, and yet, the brightest and friendliest person I've ever met.

"Nunna, who is this?"

I turn to see a cute blonde in the Ashford middle school uniform walking up. Uh-oh, I may have come dressed in an Ashford uniform, but I'm clearly Japanese. Damn...

"Hi, Alice! This is my friend, Kaguya Sumeragi from when I was first in this country."

I tense up momentarily at Nunna ID'ing me, but then seeing that the other girl isn't reacting? She appears to be in on this.

"Is she...informed?" I ask quietly.

Nunnally blinks, then blushes as she answers, "Oops. Sorry. Alice knows what's going about Big Brother's night job. She's my knight...and my girlfriend."

I gush as I bring my hands up to my cheeks. A girlfriend?! Little Nunnally? What have I missed all these years?

"Oh Nunna, that's wonderful! How did you meet?"

Alice rubs the back of her head sheepishly, "Well, we met at school when I embarrassed some bullies who were bothering her. After I figured out who she and Lelouch were, I went to talk to him."

Uh oh, that can't have gone well.

Nunnally grimaces, "Big Brother had a conniption fit and asked Alice why he shouldn't just kill her right then and there."

Alice wraps her arms around Nunnally from behind, kissing her cheek, "I said I'd never hurt the girl I love, not for a moment."

Oh, that is so adorable! They're just the cutest thing.

"Hahahaha! You're kidding me. That really happened?"

Alice blushes and nods, "I swore myself to her service that very day."

Nunnally looks at what I'm wearing, "How did you get a high school Ashford uniform, Kaguya? It looks good on you, but surely you're not a student here, are you?"

I toy with one of my bangs, "Lulu sent me this, he said it would make it easier for me to sneak in at night."

Alice smiles and nods, "It looks really cute."

"Oh, I think Lelouch is in the kitchen, you should go say hi," Nunnally says, as she and Alice make their way to the living room.

I peek into the kitchen, and see...Lelouch and Tohdoh?

"Tohdoh...what are you doing here?"

The veteran soldier raises an eyebrow before blinking as he recognizes me.

"Princess Sumeragi?" he whispers in mild disbelief

I look to the side to see Lelouch in an apron preparing what looks to be tonkatsu, as he smiles seeing me.

"You realize Milly will demand photos of you in that cute skirt if she sees you, Kaguya-chan?"

I blush, fidgeting with the inappropriately short skirt.

Tohdoh gives a foul look to Lelouch at my uniform, "Lelouch, is that really what the girls uniform at this school is like?"

He shrugs as he puts the pork on the grill in the corner, "Milly does as Milly wills. Even I can't control her. She's harder to say no to than my adorable fiancée here," he says with a wink to me.

I absolutely want to meet this girl now.

The general sighs and busies himself with preparing the tea, "Every day I am around you, I am more convinced that your people conquered as much of the world as they have because they're outright insane."

Considering the things he's done and what I know about Britannian culture? He may have a point.

Lelouch pulls out a rolled cigarette...no, that's marijuana, and lights it up.

"If it works, it ain't crazy," he says, breathing out a cloud of smoke.

Were this an anime, I'd be carrying a huge sweatdrop on my head at that remark.

"What are you doing here, General? Isn't this risky?"

He looks to the side at Lelouch before answering as he finishes with the tea, "I was persuaded to attend a small gathering of friends here in celebration of Dr. Chawla's successful examination of his sister and beginning her work on a rehabilitation plan earlier today. I objected, but he informed me that at this time in the evening, there will not be any visitors not already inducted into the conspiracy."

He is very persuasive, I will concede that.

"As soon as I finish dinner, who's up for Karaoke?"

Karaoke? I blink in surprise. I haven't seen anyone do that in a long time. And I do admit to some curiosity about how well he can sing...

"I think I'm up for it, Lulu," I say with a smile.

"Perhaps I shall try too."

The two of us turn to look at the smirking General.

"YOU do Karaoke? I call bullshit," Lulu says with a raised eyebrow.

Tohdoh sighs as he picks up the tea, "It was one of the few entertainments we had on base during my days in basic training. I'm told my voice was passable."

At that Lulu smiles, twirling his spatula, "Well then, there's only one thing to do. Karaoke battle!"

Nunnally wheels in, her eyes sparkling, "Big Brother, you're going to sing?"

He hangs up the apron, bowing at the waist, "I like to think I have some talent at this."

After about thirty minutes, we sit down to enjoy the tonkatsu. With the udon noodles, the green tea, and a bit of wasabi paste?

It's almost like being in Japan before the invasion...

"Well then, I suppose I must prove myself in the face of Lelouch's disbelief," Tohdoh says as he picks up the microphone and punches in a song on the selection.

Lulu looks over and blinks in surprise, "I never expected you to pick that. When did you hear about it?"

Tohdoh snorts, twirling the microphone, "That series is older than you are, and was a huge hit with the armed forces. Let me show you a song of pride in the country that was once Japan."

時は雲をつくような波をたて襲うよ

消されて夜道を這う声たちに答えて

Toki wa kumo o tsuku you na nami o tate osou yo

Kesarete yomichi o hau koe tachi ni kotaete

(Time assaults us with towering waves)

(I answer to the fading voices trolling the night roads)

Very militaristic song. And Tohdoh's voice is holding up reasonably well. He definitely looks like this is nostalgic for him.

忘れはしない キミのことは

かなわぬ道に なおひとり立ち

Wasure wa shinaiKimi no koto wa

Kanawanu michi niNao hitori tachi

(I will not forget about you)

(On this road of unfulfillment, I still stand alone)

Nunnally and Alice are leaning against each other, bobbing their heads to the music. Sooo cuuute.

撃たれた鳥のような 優雅さで雨に耐え

Utareta tori no you naYuugasa de ame ni tae

(Like a wounded bird, I endure the rain with grace)

Hahaha! Lelouch doesn't even realize that he's moving his hands like a conductor as he silently sings along. I wonder where he found out about this song.

癒えない地上の血に洗われて眠る

星よ壮絶に 物語れ この夜を

Ienai chijou no chi ni arawarete nemuru

Hoshi yo souzetsu niMonogatareKono yoru o

(Awash in the blood of the wounded earth, we sleep)

(Oh stars, grandly recount the events of this night!)

It's a bittersweet melody. The lyrics speak of a fondness for days long past and distant glories.

忘れはしない キミのことは

凍えて夜を ただひとり生き

Wasure wa shinaiKimi no koto wa

Kogoete yoru oTada hitori iki

(I will never forget about you)

(I simply exist alone in this freezing night)

I really need to ask them what this is from, it's quite catchy.

消えない声よ今 蘇れ力へと

Kienai koe yo imaYomigaere chikara e to

(O unfading voices, revive now to your full strength!)

And now Lelouch is standing up, counting down to the next lyrics with his fingers.

Hai Yai Forces Hai Yai Forces!

What an utterly surreal moment. Tohdoh of Miracles, and Zero, Demon King of the Sixth Heaven...singing karaoke together.

聞けよ 風さえ泣き そびえ立つ影の塔

撃たれて夜道を這うキミに灯をともせよ

Kike yoKaze sae nakiSobietatsu kage no tou

Utarete yomichi o hau kimi ni hi o tomose yo

(Listen, O soaring tower of shadows, at which even the wind weeps)

(Take a light with you, wounded and trolling the night roads)

Alice is trying to sing, but she's struggling a bit. I admit I'm struggling myself, the tempo of this song is a bit difficult if you don't know it.

忘れはしない キミのことは

かなわぬ道に なおひとり立ち

Wasure wa shinaiKimi no koto wa

Kanawanu michi niNao hitori tachi

(I will not forget about you)

(On this road of unfulfillment, I still stand alone)

I don't know why, but there are times when...I have this feeling when I talk to Lelouch, of a burning flame. It's beautiful, it's warm, but it's also scalding hot and dangerous. I suppose that's part of his charm, the risk of being burned.

行けよ饒舌の 影よ来て導け

Yuke yo jouetsu noKage yo kite michibike

(Go forth! O loquacious shadows, come and guide me!)

I cannot wait for my turn. This is promising to be a fun night.

Hai Yai Forces Hai Yai Forces!

At the end of it, they're both gesturing and sounding like they're on a parade march. Which sets the three of us into a paroxysm of laughter at the sight. And prompts the two of them to stop singing a moment and slowly turn to each other, just having realized the other was singing.

Lulu winks flirtatiously at the older man, causing him to sigh, rubbing his forehead.

"I never had to put up with being hit on by another man before..."

I grin as I sit back on the couch, playing with one of my long bangs, "Well, you are a handsome older gentleman. You should take it as a compliment, General," I say cheekily as he rubs the bridge of his nose in annoyance.

"I...see."

Nunnally and Alice would probably have chimed in, but they're too busy gazing into each other's eyes.

"Nunnally, if you need private time with your girlfriend, perhaps you can wait till after our guests leave," Lulu says with a raised eyebrow.

The two of them blush, but Alice raises her nose at Nunna's brother and hmphs at him. "Like you have room to talk, when you and your wife are practically humping each other in public."

He shrugs and starts fiddling with the computer, "She's not my wife, not yet. And we're relatively discrete. So you might as well—"

*beep beep*

He pauses and pulls out his phone, narrowing his eyes.

"One moment."

After tapping a few keys and putting a scrambler on the other end, he answers the line, "What happened?"

He paces around the room, suddenly going shock still. His other hand clenching into a fist, his teeth grinding.

"Grr...Go on."

At this point, everyone including myself has noticed the room's feeling shift...and the icy fury emanating from Zero.

"WHAT?! HE DARES?! I'LL HAVE HIS WORTHLESS HEAD FOR THIS! I'M HEADING THERE IMMEDIATELY TO DEAL WITH THIS!"

He hangs up and barely stops himself from throwing the phone into the wall.

"It seems that Lord Yoshino...has launched a coup d'état. And is trying to take MY ORGANIZATION from me," he snarls.

He slams his hand into the wall, his teeth bared and breathing hard, "As you can imagine, I am extremely upset right now."

I stand up, boiling over with anger. That old donkey believes he can get away with this?! No. I'm going to stop this.

I pull out my phone and dial a number, hearing the dial tone.

"もしもし、皇神楽耶です。" (Hello, this is Sumeragi Kaguya.)

"Lady Sumeragi, what is the nature of this call?" an elderly voice inquires out over the line.

I pull on Lelouch's sleeve to get his attention before he storms off, and then put my phone on speakerphone.

"Your master has committed a grave offense against the Six Houses. Get me the young master NOW."

After a moment, some scrambling is heard as a young harried voice begins speaking.

"Kaguya! Please, you have to help us! Grandfather has done the unthinkable!"

I sit down, eyes closed as I cross my legs.

"What exactly has he done? Indulge me, Yoshino Takeshi."

Lelouch hovers near my shoulder, patiently listening, a questioning expression on his face.

"Grandfather foolishly believes that he can seize control of the Black Knights and overthrow Zero! He has committed our house to an act of madness that will destroy us all! Please, Kaguya, for the sake of our friendship, don't let Zero kill my family!"

I breath out slowly, "I am currently with Lord Zero. He has just learned of Hiroyoshi's betrayal. He is greatly displeased," I say with a dead cold tone.

I hear a thumping noise. Likely Takeshi scrambling to the floor and thumping his head on it in supplication.

"Demon King Zero! Please, spare my family! I swear upon my family name we had nothing to do with this! The family retainers and forces are sworn to obey Grandfather, we cannot move against him!"

I raise an eyebrow at him challengingly, smirking as I steeple my fingers.

His response is to put his mask on and cackle in a villainous manner.

"Ha ha ha ha ha. Oh, but Takeshi? It is not I who shall decide your punishment. I leave that to one better suited to the intricacies of your circle. Sumeragi Kaguya is my fiancée and liaison to the Six Houses. As such, she carries my word. And in my name, I declare that she may resolve this situation with your clan to however she deems satisfactory. Heed her words as you would mine."

I hit mute on the phone, looking up at him with a rapturous expression as he removes his mask.

"You wanted to deal with this yourself. Why?"

I pull his shirt down and kiss him, slipping my tongue in.

"Big Brother! Kaguya! Cut it out!" Nunna says with a red face.

I blush, letting go, and dropping back into the seat.

"Because, this is part of the duties that I have taken upon myself as your future wife. And because as you said, this is my battlefield. I want to fight in my own way."

I play with a lock of my hair, "I wanted to test you. To see how you would react to an unspoken request."

He leans against the chair, purples eyes searching for something. His presence filling the room.

"What do you want, Kaguya? What is it you are trying to gleam from my actions?"

My breath catches. Dare I tell him? That I have been testing him. Teasing him. Trying to see how he reacts.

"To see if you can truly be a king...your majesty..." I whisper, my breathing shallow as I wait to see what he says.

I squeak as he gently lifts my chin, smiling. He's so captivating, like something out of a legend...

"So you would challenge me to see if I am worthy of your hand, my lady? Then be at ease. For only a foolish king, would ignore the advice of one of his future wives," he declares, his words igniting a fire inside me.

"Yes, my king," I say, blushing.

He starts tapping at his phone, "Finish up with House Yoshino, and then we depart."

Tohdoh nods grimly, "What do you plan to do, Zero?"

He flashes a demonic smile at us, "To show what happens what fools betray their king."

I hit mute and resume my seat, smiling brightly, "I have made my decision, Takeshi. Yoshino Hiroyoshi is hereby disgraced and expelled from his position as leader of your house. Your clan elders will ratify this decision as being justified by his erratic behavior and endangerment of your family."

I rest my hand under my chin, "You, Yoshino Takeshi, shall take his place as clan leader and issue a recall of your forces. And here and now swear your allegiance to Zero, Demon King of the Sixth Heaven."

There is a pause and some muffled words in the background, No doubt his conversation was on speakerphone as well. The elders will, of course, agree. They have no choice. Yoshino has put the executioner's axe to their collective neck.

His coup will not succeed. And Lelouch is far too outraged not to make an example of the racist idiot. Whatever happens next, shall serve as a warning.

"The elders have agreed to the proposal. But...what of Grandfather?"

I move my eyes to the side, looking at Lulu. His response is clenching his fist and a slash across his neck. I nod grimly.

"There can be no salvation for him. Zero's rage has been stoked and he demands blood for this insult. I'm sorry, Takeshi, but this is the price of protecting your family."

I'm sorry that he must step into a role he isn't quite ready for. Takeshi is around my age, but his schooling and grooming was slower than mine. After all, his grandfather was expected to be around for at least another several years to ease him into the position.

But the treason must be answered for.

"I...understand. All I ask is that he be offered an honorable death. He has worked for our people for many years. Please grant him that much."

Lelouch puts his mask back on and leans in, "Only if he surrenders. I will offer no quarter for traitors."

It's a terrible thing to say. But Zero will not be assuaged. And I don't expect Yoshino to go quietly.

"We'll speak later, Takeshi. For what it's worth? I'm sorry it came to this."

I hang up and slump back in the chair. What a terrible mess this is. And the evening is completely ruined.

"Nunnally...I have to go deal with this. I'm sorry for the night being spoiled."

I peer over to see the two of them embracing. It's almost heartbreaking. He goes to war for her dream, and she can only sit and wait for what news may come.

"Do what you have to, Big Brother. But don't punish the morons who followed him if they stand down. You're better than that," She says, planting a kiss on his mask.

Tohdoh and I stand up to follow after him as we enter the secret passage. "I have a high-speed rail set to transport us to a location near our base. Kaguya, are you sure you want to go, wearing that uniform?"

I look up at him, giggling as we all sit down as the rail car speeds to our destination.

"Don't want your forces looking at your fiancée?"

Tohdoh humphs and looks to the side, "I suspect he's more concerned about others connecting the dots about which school he goes to in the daytime."

He steps back to a corner, ducking out of view as a shirt ends up over the seat behind us.

"You're both right. Do you have a change of attire, Kaguya-chan?"

I look at both of them, a flat stare on my face, "Really? That's your biggest concern at the moment? We're going to stop a coup on Zero, and you're both more worried about how I look or whether anyone is going to recognize one of the many private school uniforms in the settlement?"

The General pauses a moment at that statement, "Are there so many?"

"At least eight. And that was a few years ago. I have no doubt Clovis gave some sweetheart deals on the land in exchange for bribes," Lelouch says as he stands up, clad in his Zero suit.

I smirk at them, "And how many of your forces would actually recognize my uniform on sight, particularly given that their attention will be on whatever Zero will be doing?"

Zero pulls out a...what is the word he uses for those, j-something?

"Kyoshiro has a point, though. You should probably put a cloak on over it. Better safe than sorry."

The rest of the trip is spent in silence save for the sound of air blowing as Zero furiously smokes his marijuana, checking information on his phone.

I can hear yelling as we sneak in via a back entrance. Thankfully, there's no gunfire...yet. But given that one of the people yelling is Kallen? It's only a matter of time.

"Why the hell should we believe you?! You say Zero turned over command to Kyoto?!"

A slick cultured voice answers as we inch closer, "Of course. It was the price for our continued support. I assure you, we are fully committed to protecting the Japanese people."

Tohdoh frowns and grips his sword tightly, "Something's wrong. He's too confident."

Zero nods, "I wonder...Kaguya, if you go out there, will the retainers obey you?"

I bite my lip, considering his question. Under normal circumstances, I'd say no. House retainers only obey the commands of their liege lord. But right now?

"I can't say for certain. But given the dire situation and that he is taking this action against the wishes of Kyoto? They may stand aside. If not?"

I nod solemnly, "Try to minimize casualties if possible."

"This is bullshit! The boss would never hand over control to a slimy backroom business tycoon!"

I muffle my mouth to stop from laughing at Tamaki's brash, but highly accurate statement.

"You dare speak to me, Yoshino Hiroyoshi, one of the leaders of the Six Houses of Kyoto, in such a manner?!"

As we peer out to see the room, the warehouse is divided in two groups roughly. Half of them are Black Knights such as Kallen, Ohgi and Tamaki.

The other half is Yoshino, his retainers, and...what largely appears to be former JLF soldiers. The Holy Swords are standing in the middle... except for Asahina, who seems to be arguing with the others.

"We should hear him out. Even Zero answers to Kyoto, after all."

Senba frowns, looking around the room, "I find myself skeptical of this entire situation. Why were we not contacted by Zero, or the General? Something about this feels suspicious..."

I look to Zero, who's pacing back and forth in thought. The situation is becoming critical. The last thing the Black Knights need now is an internal schism. This is exactly what we avoided by Katase's death! A bloodbath would shatter our momentum and morale. Worst of all, it might lead to future disruptions and chaos that we cannot afford.

"I have an idea," Zero says as he walks over to Tohdoh and starts whispering in his ear.

"Lord Yoshino, when was this decision made? And what is our new objective?"

Kaname Ohgi, Zero's second-in-command. Perhaps not the most military-minded person, but one can always count on a schoolteacher to ask pointed questions.

"The decision was made a few days ago at a meeting between ourselves and Zero. The vote happened, and the leaders were not convinced that Zero's aims were feasible. Thus, we have scaled back from the unreasonable and impossible dream of defeating Britannia, to negotiating a settlement that will enable us to regain our dignity as a people and retake our place on the international stage."

I tap my cheek, letting that thought percolate in my head. On the face of it, Zero's ambition is bold, perhaps even insane. Yoshino makes a good point that it would be far easier to look towards saving our own people, rather than challenging an empire.

"Indeed, it is unreasonable and a sky-high ambition! But should man's reach not exceed his grasp?!"

The entire room turns to see Zero walking in, his cloak wrapped around him, granting him an air of royalty entering their court.

"But since when was doing the right thing ever easy, Lord Yoshino?"

The older man blusters and puffs himself up, "You are a fool seeking vengeance for grievances long since past! We cannot change the past, only seek a better future."

He points a finger accusingly at Zero, "You would have my people sacrifice themselves on the funeral pyre of your vengeance against your own country! And I will not permit the Japanese people to become extinct!"

I quiver in outrage at the hypocrisy. And you think you're any better, refusing to let Zero save us because he's Britannian?

"I do not deny my lust for vengeance. But I do not ask my soldiers or the Japanese people to die in my name."

He points his finger skyward, cape whirling behind him, "I DEMAND THAT THEY LIVE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW!

"I do not guarantee victory. Such things are impossible in war. But you are a greater fool than I could ever hope to be, if you think Britannia would ever surrender control of this country willingly!"

Why is he smirking? What is the ace he has up his sleeves? Why is Yoshino so confident?

"Who said that we would be alone in doing so?"

A communications technician rushes into the room, "Lord Zero! Urgent communique! There's a fleet from the Chinese Federation approaching Kyushu!"

Yoshino folds his arms, nodding, "And their flag is that of Old Japan, correct?"

At that statement, the room goes frozen in shock as suddenly everything makes sense.

Of course he didn't intend to fight Britannia. Yoshino wants to use the Chinese Federation as a cudgel to hold them off.

"Heh heh heh heh..."

A shudder goes through me as Zero chuckles malevolently to himself, his shoulders shaking with laughter.

"Heh heh heh...Better a dog of the Chinese Federation, than a slave to Britannia, eh? Meet the new boss, same as the old..."

"Zero...sir...what do we do? Are we going to ally with the Chinese Federation?" Ohgi asks trepadaciously.

"Of course we sha—" "ABSOLUTELY NOT!"

Zero interrupts Yoshino's answer with a loud roar.

"I have my hunch as to how this happened. But just to be clear, this idea was drafted by Atsushi Sawazaki, head of the Japanese government in exile, correct?"

And now Yoshino is breaking into a cold sweat, "How can you know that? Our communications were top secret!"

Zero paces, gesturing with his arms, "Of the power players of Old Japan left, not counting the Six Houses, Sawazaki is the only remaining member of Kururugi's cabinet left, and thus the only possible suspect."

He waves an arm at the crowd around him, "Because it is known that he fled to the Chinese Federation for asylum, and because he was a staunch patriot, it is a reasonable deduction to guess that he was the architect of this plot."

It makes sense. There's no reason for the Chinese to fly our old flag of their own volition. None, save using Sawazaki as a puppet to carve our their own vassal state.

I step out, cloak wrapped around me as I gave a fierce glare to the old fool who got us into this mess.

"So you sold us out to the High Eunuchs as a puppet state for their own ambitions. How much did they bribe you in order to accept this, Yoshino-san?" I say with a frozen tone of voice, trying to bury my outrage.

"Nothing. I gain nothing from this endeavor save peace of mind and the knowledge that I am securing a future for our people. You, of all people, should know better than to question my commitment to that cause, Kaguya-chan," he says with an imperious gaze.

I sigh deeply, trying to let my anger at this stupidity go. Hmmm, it appears I was not successful, and have merely transitioned to icy fury. Is this what Lelouch feels like when he's angry?

"That would imply you still had the authority to make such a deal in the first place, Yoshino-san."

He raises an eyebrow, "The vote was cast and Zero is dethroned from his imperial ambitions. And I am still a member of the Six Houses and your senior. Furthermore, I—"

"OH SHUT THE FUCK UP! Kaguya, end this charade before I vomit in disgust at the hypocrisy," Zero yells, miming pinching his nose.

I gesture with my folding fan, "By my authority as liaison to Lord Zero, Demon King of the Sixth Heaven, for your blatant attempt at treason by allying with the Chinese Federation, for your usurpation of authority by lying about the outcome of the vote, a vote, I shall remind you, was almost entirely unanimous in favor of the Six Houses supplicating themselves to Zero's authority."

I open my fan and wave it in front of my face with a cruel smile, "You are hereby expelled from the Six Houses of Kyoto. By now, your grandson Takeshi has been named the new head of House Yoshino, and has already given his written declaration of allegiance to Zero in gratitude for sparing his family from paying the price for your incompetence."

The room is stunned silent. No one able to move. In a single moment, I have stripped Yoshino of all his authority and power. And declared that his entire family now stands behind the man he sought to overthrow.

Is this what Lulu feels like when his plans work...? Because I actually feel rather aroused.

The former head of House Yoshino snarls, gripping his fists, "This is preposterous! I have led my family through the occupation, through the purges, through Clovis and Cornelia! And you expect me to let my people who have suffered these indignities unjustly for no fault of their own to—!"

There is a clash of metal as Zero stamps a sword still in its scabbard on the ground to get everyone's attention.

"Spare me this tired sob story of the poor pitiful Japanese whose pains are unequaled! We both know that's nothing but a bald-faced lie!"

He points an accusing finger at the man, "Genbu tried to play games with the Sakuradite, using the Europeans and Chinese as catspaws to force Britannia to cough up more money for his own greed!"

He shakes his head slowly, a sense of sorrow emanating from his mask, "Instead, rather than follow conventional Realpolitik, Britannia changed the nature of war and crushed Japan in the span of a single month. And this country paid the price for that man's arrogance."

He holds the sword out, point aimed at Yoshino, who is shaking with fear and anger in his hakama and haori, "An arrogance that you and the other members of Kyoto aided and abetted for your own ends! In other words, KYOTO AND GENBU PROVOKED THE SECOND PACIFIC WAR AND BRITANNIA MERELY ANSWERED THE PROVOCATION!"

I nod, my eyes closed in memory, "It is true. This war was because of our foolishness. That is not to say that Britannia might not have invaded us at some point in the future. But we gave them a cassus belli. And in doing so, alienated ourselves as pariahs. Japan is dead, Yoshino. Let it rest in peace."

Tamaki sinks to his knees, "You mean we've been fighting and dying for the same jackasses who screwed us over in the first place...? What the fuck, man..."

He punches the ground, his hand bleeding on the concrete, "I thought we were supposed to be the good guys, dammit! What the hell are we even doing?!"

I pat him on the shoulder, looking down at the blood on the ground, "We were fools too, Tamaki. People make mistakes. And our country has bled enough for ours. Kyoto admitted they were wrong and they have sworn themselves to Zero's dream in repentance for our sins."

I kneel, bowing my head to Kallen and Ohgi, as I gently knock the ground.

"Please, forgive us for our failure of leadership and causing all this suffering. We shall make amends by working with Lord Zero."

I feel a hand on my back, gently rubbing.

"How old are you, Lady Sumeragi? Did you make the decision about the sakuradite?"

"Fourteen. But I have not been a child for many years, Kōzuki-san. And it was my late father who helped decide it," I say gently.

I eep as she pulls me into a hug. What is this?

"It's Kōzuki-Stadtfeld," Kallen says as she pats me on the back.

"And you're not to blame for this. This is foolish old men making young people suffer for their mistakes. And I refuse to let someone younger than I am fall on her sword for this. Let the rest of Kyoto pay penance for the war. Let us in the Black Knights fight for freedom. But don't blame yourself."

I sniff and let my tears out quietly. To be forgiven for this sin that I inherited...that, I did not expect. I see now why Zero loves you, Kallen.

"Madness! You are insane to follow this idiot into hell! Guards, take him down!"

As their guns rise up, Zero snaps his fingers.

A rush of air is the only warning as the black and red of Tohdoh's Gekka interposes itself between us and the spray of bullets.

"Hiroyoshi, stand down. This can only end in tragedy," Tohdoh's voice states with a bitter resignation.

"You would let the man who led Katase to his death lead you on a leash?!"

"I do nothing of the sort. Katase chose his own end, and the JLF died long before Zero came into being. We were simply too blind to see it. We had abandoned the way of the samurai, of justice!"

The Gekka salutes with a hand over its chest, "I do not seek to fight as a requiem for a land long since lost. I fight for the future of a people lost in limbo, waiting for deliverance!"

The guards lower their weapons slowly, seeing themselves obviously outmatched by the Knightmare.

"What are you doing?! Defend me! Uphold your sworn duty to House Yoshino!"

A member of his guards kneels, his head on the ground, "My lord...please, reconsider this course. We do not have the firepower to defeat a Knightmare. Please, flee while you still can."

Yoshino blinks in shock and then woodenly draws out a gun, "So you betray your oaths? Then die."

He shoots the man in the head and then aims his gun at Zero.

"You...this is all your fault. You will kill us all unless I kill you first. 死ね、ゼロ." (Die, Zero.)

*bang* "Argh!"

I look up, noticing a kunai impaling the gun to the ground, and Yoshino clutching his bleeding hand.

"大丈夫ですか、ご主人さま?" an electronic feminine voice says from somewhere in the room. (Are you alright, Master?)

Zero nods, "Yes. Much appreciated, Yuki-Onna."

He marches forward, drawing his sword slowly, the metal gleaming under the fluorescent lights.

"The rest of you can stand aside, I'll deal with you in a minute. Right now, an example has to be made," he says with a hissing voice to the group around Yoshino.

The old man grits his teeth, "Do your worst, Britannian mongrel. I'm not afraid to die."

Zero bashes him in the face with his hand holding the sword, causing a cry of pain.

"Death? Oh no. That's at the end. This is a message and a warning. And for that? You need to stay alive a little longer."

He slashes the man's face, drawing a long scar across his cheek.

"Argh!"

"It's easy to kill a man. It's much more difficult to make him suffer as he dies. And you know what Dante said. 'The lowest circle of hell is reserved for traitors.'"

A quick slash cuts both of his Achilles tendons, causing him to topple over, a scream erupting from his throat as the blood pools out from the severed muscles.

"End it already, you demon! Give me an honorable death!"

Zero pulls his head up by the hair, and then slams his face into the ground.

"No."

He raises the sword up, kicking Yoshino onto his stomach.

"Traitors don't get honorable deaths."

He stabs into the man's back shallowly, then retracts the blade. And then repeats the motion, stabbing just enough to coat the back of his coat in blood but not enough to kill him.

"ARGH! AHHH!"

I look on solemnly, understanding why this is happening.

There's a simple, pure truth about Lelouch... no. About Zero.

For all his generosity, his kindness, his charisma and presence?

Zero...is a MONSTER.

"AAAAHHHH!" The wet sounds of flesh being pierced, a person crying out in agony permeates the room.

He is a force of nature, Greater and more destructive than a ordinary man. He cannot be held to the same standards.

Blood splatters as Zero cuts open the back of Yoshino's legs. His guards gazing in horror at the slow desecration of a human body.

For he is a king. And Kings must by their very nature, be something greater and more terrifying than mere mortals.

Yoshino tries to crawl away, his face a rictus of pain from the wounds Zero is inflicting on him.

A monster, perhaps. But he is a monster of Britannia's creation. And to challenge the greatest empire in the world? It requires the act of a madman. And only a monster can destroy a monster.

Zero presses his boot to the small of his back and makes a cut along his spine below the kidneys.

"ARGH! MY LEGS! I CAN'T FEEL MY LEGS!"

We needed a symbol. A messiah clad in blood and darkness answered. And as one of his future wives? It falls to me and others to protect him from himself. To ensure that he does not sink too deep into the abyss.

"You, Yoshino Hiroyoshi, are declared a traitor to your people. A traitor to your colleagues in Kyoto. And worst of all? A traitor to the ideal of justice."

He raises the sword in a high stance over his head, "Such a thing is evil. And there is but one answer to true evil appearing before a man."

"悪即斬。" (SLAY EVIL IMMEDIATELY.)

And with one final scream as the sword cleaves his head in half vertically, blood, bone, and a gray substance that can only be brain matter flying around, Yoshino Hiroyoshi finally expires.

Zero sighs, and then wipes his blade off on Yoshino's coat before sheathing his sword.

"This was not my intention. I would have preferred that Yoshino merely stood aside or retired quietly."

He shakes his head, "Ask yourselves, those who would have sided with him. What would you gain from his approach? What would be the point in appeasing an empire that would only return at a later time to conquer and enslave you again? Or to exchange one form of slavery for another serving the corrupt High Eunuchs of the Federation?"

He holds out an open palm, "But I do not bear any malice towards those of you who wavered. This was an unfortunate incident caused by a man who could not accept the changing times and sought, in his zeal, for the only path he saw as viable."

Zero clenches his bloodied glove closed, "He was wrong, of course. But let us not scourge his name any further. He was a patriot for his people, let us remember him in better times rather than the wreck of a man he became."

Zero points his scabbard towards the crowd, some standing proudly, some looking shamefully at the ground.

"We are not dogs of the Chinese Federation. We are not cannon fodder for the Euro Universe. And we are not slaves to Britannia.

"But neither are we the fools of Old Japan, whose racism, xenophobia, and greed doomed their country. No, ladies and gentlemen, we are something better and worse."

He clangs his sword on the ground, "We are the BLACK KNIGHTS! We are those who stand for Justice in this broken world! We are the champions of those who cry out for freedom and magnanimity!"

He makes a sweeping gesture around the room, walking through the crowd, helping people to their feet, as he goes, "I will not punish those who made an honest mistake this time. Merely remember this lesson, on what is the fate of traitors."

He unsheathes his blade, the light catching off the metal, "AND STAND WITH ME NOW MY BRETHREN! FOR BEFORE WE CAN CHALLENGE CORNELIA AND BRITANNIA?! WE MUST EXPEL THESE CHINESE INTERLOPERS! WE FIGHT FOR AN IDEAL, NOT TO BE SLAVES UNDER A DIFFERENT MASTER!"

He stamps his foot, pointing the blade at the crowd, "WILLST THOU STAND WITH THY KING?!"

"天下布武!!!" (TENKA FUBU!)

"ZERO万歳!" (Long live Zero!)

He sheathes the blade, clapping his hands together loudly, nodding at the acclaim.

"EXCELLENT! THEN PREPARE TO MOVE OUT WITHIN THE NEXT FEW HOURS!"

I'm certain my eyes have hearts in them right now. I have never been more in awe of him than right now. My god, I think I truly have fallen in love with him.

I try very, very hard not to let out a girlish squee at how amazing that was.

Judging by Kallen looking my way with a smile? I think she heard me.

"You too?" she quips.

I nod, "When did you realize it?"

She looks away with a red face, "A while ago. I wasn't really comfortable with it until he and I had a heart-to-heart talk not too long ago..."

I clasp her hands, "We need to keep him safe from himself. It's the only way he'll be around for all of us."

She sighs, running a hand through her hair, "He's really a pain in the ass, isn't he?"

She and I go to sit down away from the scrambling of technicians and soldiers. Zero a few feet away directing things.

I grin gleefully, "But he wouldn't be Zero if he wasn't, would he?"

She chuckles to herself, "Nah, probably not."

A technician runs up to Zero with a report. Huh, wonder what happened.

"Avalon? What the hell? Why would he deploy..."

The Avalon? Schneizel's flying battleship prototype? What would be the point of using that at Kyushu?

Zero suddenly goes stark still.

"No. No...no...he can't be that stupid..." he whispers.

He frantically dials a number on his phone, pacing rapidly.

"*yawn* Yes?"

"GET YOUR FAT FRENCH ASS OVER HERE NOW! WE HAVE AN EMERGENCY!"

Kallen and I jolt up at his yelling.

"What's going—"

"EXPLAIN LATER! GET HERE NOW!"

He hangs up and runs over to a technician.

"Get my Gawain ready for launch ASAP! We need to leave as soon as CC gets here!"

Kallen and I walk over to the suddenly jittery Zero.

"What happened?"

He grips his fists tightly, "I have to hurry to Kyushu ASAP. So I can save your idiot cousin, my boyfriend, from trying to fulfill his death wish again..." he says with a strained voice.

I gasp at the sentence. Suzaku?! What have you done...?