R2 Interlude 26: "Forbidden City Ransom part 1: Assault! Rescue The Empress!"

Silent as the wind. Peaceful like the forest. Fierce like the fire. Unyielding as the mountain. Even today, the wisdom of Shingen Takeda's 風林火山 (Furinkazan) stands firm. The weather is a cool fifty degrees fahrenheit with a hint of fog, the new moon too weak to pierce the moderate cloud cover and our arrival concealed through a scheduled military train troops transfer.

My gaze turns to regard the men and women under my command, all of them having volunteered for this mission. As the chief of staff for the Black Knights, I could not be prouder. As a commander however, one among their number concerns me with his presence.

"Yen for your thoughts, Kyoshiro?" remarks the electronic tone of the man who made all of this possible, and whose presence I could not refuse on this mission. As comforting as it may be to the rank and file, the presence of Zero on an assault team is one that worries those of us on the command staff, and the numerous people in his orbit. The latter of which I have unexpectedly found myself among.

"No doubt you have heard this from others earlier, so voicing my own objections to your leading this mission will fall on deaf ears," I note with a side glance at where his eyes approximately are as he shrugs, crossing his arms and letting out a sigh.

"Go ahead. The least I can do is hear you out, even if it's far too late to do anything about it."

In truth, it is more giving voice to my own concerns and misgivings about this mission than rehashing an old argument we both know will amount to nothing. As well planned, orchestrated, and detailed as our plan for this operation is? I cannot shake the feeling that something is wrong and we have overlooked something important.

Given the nature of this conversation, it would be problematic for this to be overheard. Thus I beckon him to follow me out to the space between cars where we will not be overheard. Safely ensconced, I continue.

"Regardless of your personal feeling of responsibility, this is not the warring states era, or the three kingdoms era. A commander in chief involving themselves in an operation like this presents an incredible risk to the army as a whole. Bluntly, your being here, while a boost of morale for the men, is terrifying for the command staff, no, your friends, who fear your recklessness will result in something terrible, just like what happened at the Siege of Tokyo!"

Only the sound of the train flying along the rails can be heard for minutes as the statement I just uttered hangs in the air like a portent of doom.

Zero looks up at the night sky, his mask making it impossible for me to read his expression, before turning around to face me, "You're right."

An eyebrow raises on my forehead, since I'm sure he has more to say than just that.

"This is stupid and reckless. By all rights, I should be letting you and Iah'bahad handle this, isn't that right, Iah?" he notes to the red headed agent who had just appeared as if from nowhere. Our eyes meet as I greet him with a nod, moderately embarrassed that I had missed his presence aboard the train.

Saluting with his right hand over his heart, Iah stands at attention, "Sorry for not letting you know I was here sooner, sir. I asked to be discreet."

Zero chuckles at that, "The unseen blade is the deadliest and most unexpected? It's good logic. So, who thought I needed a babysitter? My sisters, my wife, or your sister?"

Naoto Kozuki closes his eyes as he smiles, "Kallen-chan was one of them, but it was actually Sumeragi-sama who said I should do it quietly. It seems people don't trust you on your own, sir. And since my sister can't be here, I'm here to ensure nothing happens."

Considering Zero's track record, it's a reasonable precaution.

Zero points at me with his thumb, nodding to Naoto, "Barring any direct threats to my person, I'd like you to act as an advance scout for us under Tohdoh's command. The plan going smoothly means we shouldn't have a large opposition force awaiting us, but it only takes one panicked idiot to sound an alarm."

I nod in agreement, "It would help us to ensure we are not discovered before we have secured the Tianzi. We were hoping to have Yuki-Onna with us for this mission, but the upcoming happy occasion for her means that she will not be back in the field for some time."

The occasion being the impending birth of her and Sir Gottwald's son, a joyous moment in these trying times.

Of all the things I did not expect to witness, the imminent birth of a half Britannian and half Japanese child to a shinobi and a Britannian knight is among the most bizarre. Some might scorn the product of such a union, or the parents themselves. Indeed, many of my former comrades in the now vanished Japanese Liberation Front would have done so gladly.

Such is not the behavior of an honorable man. Captain Kozuki and her brother Commander Kozuki alone are proof that holding one's parentage on either side in scorn for their affections is a fool's act.

Vice Commander Ohgi's ability to see past their heritages, is one reason why he holds his post even after the Black Knights reorganization.

A fan hums overhead as I sit in silence, Zero sitting back in his chair, his mind distracted by the figures on his laptop, figures that are moving without a single press of a key or click of a mouse.

It is….both fascinating and mildly disturbing that the technology to control a computer with one's thoughts is now possible, even if only in Zero's body as a proof of concept. The realm of scientific discovery and research is nowhere near my purview as a soldier, save for what intersects with my role as a military officer. Yet even I can see the vast potential in what Dr. Chawla has created here.

In light of the full scope of Prince Schneizel's black project, and Emperor Charles' insane ambition, a single question now haunts my waking hours.

What further wonders or horrors will be born from this war, and will the world that exists after be better for them?

The morbid path of my thoughts shatters as the sound of a knock on the door rouses me from my quiet contemplation.

"It's open. Come in."

Vice Commander Kaname Ohgi enters the room, his face perturbed as he closes and locks the door, eyes fixed on the mechanical joints of his left hand, the machinery within working silently as his fingers move. Credit to Dr. Chawla and her engineers, the cybernetic prosthetics are quite impressive.

"How's the arm?" Zero asks, setting his mask down and cracking his neck.

The former teacher rubs his shoulder through the coat he's wearing over his shoulders, looking off to the side nervously, no doubt wondering why he's been called for this meeting.

"It's..I don't dislike it. It's just..strange. I'm grateful that Rakshata was able to fit me with an adequate prosthetic, but I wonder if it will be alright when I'm piloting," he replies after a moment, nervously tapping fingers on his leg.

Hmm. It seems this conversation is overdue.

Steel grey meets steel grey as our gaze meets, my hawk-like countenance staring him down as I speak.

"Zero and I have spoken, and we are in agreement. Vice Commander, you will not be permitted onto the field again. You are being reassigned."

To his credit, not being a professional soldier and a teacher before the war, he doesn't immediately protest or say anything in indignation. I would not blame him for such, he has every right to feel that he has been cruelly used or underappreciated.

"...So that's it then. I wasn't good enough for you. I suppose your wife will be taking over for me in light of this demotion, Zero."

Lelouch raises an eyebrow as he leans forward in his seat, "And where, Kaname, did Kyoshiro or I ever say you weren't good enough, or that you were being demoted?"

Ohgi's robotic arm hits the desk with his palm as he stands up, a look of outrage on his face.

"You've been on my case since you took over the Kozuki cell! Always telling me to step up, that I needed to be better, that I was coddling the Japanese people by not going after the bad apples, that I wasn't looking at the big picture, or that I wasn't thinking about what it meant to go to war against Britannia!"

Light gleams over the polished steel of his finger as it points at Lelouch's face, shaking in anger as he continues to rant, "WE SACRIFICED GOD KNOWS HOW PEOPLE IN THE SIEGE OF TOKYO! I LOST MY LEFT ARM! LT. SENBA LOST AN EYE! AND COUNTLESS PEOPLE LOST THEIR LOVED ONES LIKE LT. KENTON'S DAUGHTER! SO YOU TELL ME, ZE-NO! LELOUCH VI BRITANNIA! WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM WITH ME?!"

Dead silence fills the air like a foul spirit haunting a graveyard. I did not realize that he was holding this kind of vitriol inside. Fortunately, we may be able to defuse this from becoming something worse in the future.

"At first, I didn't think you were good enough. I was going to reassign you to a desk job once the Black Knights took off. You stayed on as a commander in those early days because the troops trusted you and liked you. And I needed a man they could rely on and more importantly as I came to realize, someone I could rely on. As I said…huh, was it truly a year ago?" Lelouch speaks, pausing for a moment to reflect on how far we've come in that time, only to continue.

"Anyway, as I said last year, I don't enjoy being cruel. And what I did to you, is similar to what I did to Kallen, Kyoshiro, and countless others. I pushed you, Kaname Ohgi, because I believed you could be better than what you were. And I meant what I said in my speech back in Saudi Arabia. I failed you, just as I did the rest of the Black Knights, and the people of old Japan. It was my plan that resulted in so much death, and my plan that was inadequate to counter Siegfried, and later my brother," our leader says, hanging his head, fingers rubbing his face before he looks up, haunted purple eyes gazing at us both.

Ohgi clenches his hand in a fist, his body tensing up...before a deep sigh escapes his lips as he sits down again, "I don't think I'll ever like you, Lelouch. You're a cruel, sadistic, megalomaniacal, lunatic who enjoys…all of this far too much. You say that you feel remorse and regret for all the death that happened, that you wish you could have done better. And…I might even believe you."

His head shakes from side to side, eyes glaring at Lelouch's purple orbs, "But I'm also certain that whatever limits and honor you have, you won't be satisfied until you've seized the Divine Ambition and taken the world itself, will you? No matter how many people have to die for it."

…..

"Yes. I will try to minimize casualties, try to turn whom I can to my side, to ensure that as few as possible have to suffer for my vision. But I will not be denied."

As I thought. Knowing what I know of Lelouch's personality and beliefs, I was certain he would say something along those lines.

A frown creases across Ohgi's face as he lets out a deep breath, unclenching his fist.

"That's why. Because to be able to say that, that you'd condemn all those people, that you'd kill your way across Japan, no, the entire world, even your own family...I don't know what kind of man is capable of doing that sort of thing and living with himself. Kallen believes in you, Tamaki believes in you, even Naoto does," he grumbles, his voice carrying a sound of begrudging resentment.

"I..I can respect you as a commander, as the man who's going to save my people, and maybe…as someone who can make the world a better place someday. But I don't think I'll ever be able to look you in the eye and not be horrified by what you are."

None of what he said is wrong. Indeed, those who care for Lelouch as friends and family recognize that he is an existence closer to a monster than man at times. Even I can see the looming specter of Griffith lurking behind him at times.

Hm?

The stoic expression on my face cracks a moment as Lelouch starts chuckling to himself, holding his sides.

"Heh heh heh heh heh…"

Which finally explodes into a full hearted laugh, but not the maniacal laughter that is typically associated with Zero. No, this is more sedate and pleasant, albeit still peculiar since I am not privy to whatever has sparked his perverse sense of humor.

"Hahahahahahahaha!"

I'll give him...one minute to get it out of his system. After that, I believe his wife already gave me approval for what I need to do. And...that's one minute. Time to apply corrective measures.

His laughter cuts off as I cuff him on the back of the head, narrowing my eyes in disapproval as he rolls his eyes in irritation.

"Fine, fine. I'll explain the joke."

Reaching into his jacket, he pulls out a lighter and cigarette case, taking out of his joints and lighting up before inhaling on it. After a few moments he exhales, breathing a sigh of relief.

"Sorry, I need to do that periodically to manage the 'phantom nerve' syndrome from the surgery. The reason I was laughing so hard is very simple. What you just said to me, Kaname Ohgi? That's exactly why you're still Vice-Commander and why you've earned the role," Lelouch proclaims, a cloud of smoke billowing out of his mouth as he does that particular smirk of his.

Loudly clearing my throat, my eyes shift over to my erstwhile student, silently warning him to get on with it because he's clearly wearing on Vice Commander Ohgi's patience.

Taking another puff, he takes the hint and continues, "I want people who will pull me up short. Who will tell me exactly what you did just now. Because the last thing any leader needs, is fucking sycophants and yes men."

Rolling your eyes when saying that is hardly necessary. Your tone of disdain is quite obvious.

Ohgi scratches the back of his neck as he looks between the two of us nervously, perhaps having only just realized whom he mouthed off to, "Well, if I'm not being demoted, why am I being taken off the field? Isn't that a demotion in itself?"

With a twist of his wrist, Lelouch turns the laptop he was working with around, pushing it towards Ohgi.

"This is why. Because our organizational structure is frankly, a fucking mess. I've been trying, but the Black Knights have gotten too big for me to handle all the logistics on my own. And as various people like Kyoshiro have pointed out to me, I need to delegate," he says, thumbing over at me with a nod. In Japanese culture, Lelouch would be considered extremely rude for the way he talks to people. Even in Britannian noble culture, he's someone who'd be considered uncouth at times.

Perhaps it is years of inaction and failures under the JLF. Perhaps it is the comradery born of shared suffering that binds soldiers together. Whatever the cause may be, things such as Lelouch's openness and brash mannerisms that might have irked my sensibilities no longer rise to the level of something that is of any concern.

Hmm. Recalling our duel before the attack on New Edwards Base, is this what one would call 'changing to suit the times'...?

This change in my perceptions and beliefs, I find I do not dislike it.

"It's just as I said earlier. Kyoshiro and I want you to do what you do best, organizing people and logistics. People like you, Kaname Ohgi. And you're damn good at herding cats. What you are NOT good at is battlefield command. But!"

Lelouch taps ash out into a tray on his desk, looking up at the ceiling, "That isn't the condemnation you think it is. Take Tamaki for example. He's not allowed on the battlefield either. But that's because he's far more valuable where he is. Your skills are not easily replaced, Vice Commander. You helped keep this organization alive while I was down and out. This is recognition of your talents and making sure you're put to the best use possible. Previously, I couldn't spare you on the battlefield due to lack of personnel."

Seeing him nod at me, I continue the train of thought, "But that was a misuse of your ability. Now that the Black Knights have grown, we no longer need to risk you in such a manner. With this change, Zero can finally hand off the logistical side of the organization to your supervision, which will increase our efficiency severalfold. Sun Tzu said 'The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.' This decision was considered between Zero, myself, and General Cornelia. All three of us agreed that you were far and away the best man for the job and your rank reflects the importance of this task."

Candid conversations like this one are not always easy. They are a mix of informality and awareness of one's rank. In most military organizations, Kaname Ohgi would have received training, discipline, testing, his inclinations and personality traits cataloged and evaluated. And likely been held to a quartermaster role, a supply chief, some position where he would be working from behind a desk and not sent into combat.

While it would be unfortunate for his career prospects, Vice Commander Ohgi does not strike me as a man who would advance far in peacetime, or in a conventional army. The Black Knights however, are not a conventional army in any sense of the word. A man like Tamaki Shin'ichiro would never have passed muster beyond the level of private in the Imperial Japanese Army. Yet here in the Black Knights, he is a command staff level officer and a trusted part of the organization. The Vice Commander is another such man.

"Sir..I..I understand what you're saying. I know you have my best interest at heart and that I would probably be better behind a desk. But..it..it still hurts knowing I can't fight, even after all the work I did to make use of this arm again.." he mutters, gritting his teeth.

Blowing out a cloud of smoke, Lelouch leans forward, looking Ohgi in the eye straight on, "You're average at best in a knightmare, without much training compared to several of the commanders we now have in the organization. However?"

Red light shimmers from his eyes as he speaks, "Valor and determination are traits that no amount of training can confer upon a man. It would be spitting upon your sacrifices thus far and the spirit you've shown to deny you the chance to fight for a better world."

Ohgi's eyes widen as he grasps the implications of that pronouncement, "You mean-?!"

"Your primary task for now will be organizational and logistical in nature. But when the time comes for open battle? YOU, Vice Commander, will be commanding the Arcadia itself. The rest of the command staff and Rakshata will help you get the hang of her and how she handles in battle. And when we sail to claim Japan, you'll be the man at her helm."

A fair compromise indeed. While Zero, Cornelia and myself are all skilled commanders, we are also powerful combatants on the field and thus would be denying our strength as pilots and assault leaders if we were relegated to commanding the Arcadia. Zero can direct the flow of the overall battlefield, but even he prefers to lead from the front. Not to mention it would prevent him from utilizing his new machine and its siege capabilities.

With the Vice Commander watching our backs, that gap in our strategic strength can be resolved. I wonder what made Lelouch change his mind..

His right hand snaps to a salute over his chest as his lip quivers with emotion, "Sir..thank you. I swear I won't let you down."

A slight smile quirks my lips at his display of emotion. Truly, we of the former JLF underestimated the steel in the Black Knights spirit.

"Do not thank us just yet, Vice Commander Ohgi. We plan to put you through the wringer with an intensive crash course in ship tactics to ensure you are capable enough to act as a fleet commander. Zero may be directing the overall battle, but even he cannot control every single action taken during it. Ensuring the Arcadia and its power is properly used to support the Black Knights is the burden he has placed on your shoulders. I trust you will fulfill this task to the best of your ability."

Bowing deeply at the waist after he stands up, the former teacher clenches his fists together and nods, "I won't let you down, sir. Thank you for giving me this chance…Lelouch."

"You earned it, Kaname. We'll send you a schedule for your training course later. Dismissed."

After Ohgi leaves, I turn to him and raise an eyebrow at what he just did.

"You could have simply moved him to the logistical position we discussed. I was caught off guard by the addition to his duties you proposed."

Crossing my arms as my hawk-like gaze peers at him, I await his answer as to why he did so.

"He wasn't wrong that I didn't like him. But giving him the logistics position would have been enough of an apology for that. That's not why I gave him a shot at fighting directly again though."

Before I can ask again in my annoyance at his meandering around his answer, he continues, "I gave him a shot because I respect the man now. I respect what he's been through, what he's done, and the kind of grit it takes for a schoolteacher to take up arms and fight. He's been with this organization from it's inception and never faltered in being reliable. おうぎかなめは曲者だ。 (Kaname Ohgi is a Kusemono.)

曲者。Calling someone that in Old Japan would have had them shocked or outraged. Most people in polite society would take umbrage at being called a ruffian. Hmm, the way he used it..ah. I see what he meant now.

"I was unaware you had read Hagakure," I say, standing up to take my leave.

Once again that particular irritating smirking expression that so many of his deranged family possess graces his lips, "I knew you'd understand what I meant. Tell me I'm wrong about him."

In truth, it is an accurate judgement. The word Kusemono had a very different meaning when that book was written. In that time, it was a word used for a man who could be relied upon, for whom duty was its own reward, not honors and recognition. Though some of my former comrades would disagree with it being bestowed upon a teacher, I can think of no more accurate description for him.

"No, you are not. And stop smirking, it's unbecoming of a commander," I declare, rolling my eyes as he snorts and puts his feet up on the desk.

It seems I cannot escape unruly students even in my advanced age.

Lelouch lights up his joint with a flash of flame from his lighter, grumbling to himself, "Damn killjoy."

As an instructor, it is perhaps also unbecoming of me to enjoy pulling him up short like that. In the quiet of my own thoughts though, I admit that I do enjoy returning the favor for all the aggravation and frustration he causes me on a daily basis.

Some perhaps, would call this friendship.

The piercing whistle of the train's engine slices through the silence of the interior of the train, signaling that we've finally arrived at our destination. Luoyang, the Forbidden City, heart of the Chinese Federation.

Zero makes a series of silent gestures with his hands to signal our scouts to secure the area. With a single nod, Iah'bahad and his team exit the train through the roof.

Tension permeates the room as we wait, breath held in case we need to abandon stealth and engage in a firefight.

Sound comes from the door. Two knocks, then three in rapid succession. A sigh of relief exits my mouth. Initial engagement successful, the imperial guard are not aware of our presence yet.

Zero nods, clicking out his blades to check them momentarily before resheathing them, "Looks like Xing-ke came through for us. All right then. Move out and stay alive. No one goes hot unless we have no other choice. Silent kills only."

Iah'bahad's team can only subdue so many of the guards ahead of us, and we may be forced into a firefight at some point. The farther we can get to the Tianzi's chambers and back before we're discovered, the better. Our distraction should be forcing a mobilization of the Imperial Guard's Gun-Rus and ground troops within the next few minutes.

"Remember, we only have a short window to get to the inner palace before they change the guard. Once the guard is changed, odds are we'll have to go loud to get out. Team 1, you'll split in half. Half with Tohdoh and myself to secure the Tianzi, the other half handles headhunting. I don't care how you handle them, just try to keep it quiet. We all know the Eunuchs deserve whatever you do to them. Team 2, comm suppression, ECM, exfiltration route. We need to get out of here as fast as possible. Ideally back through the train, if not, through whatever means necessary."

Grisly as it sounds, the tertiary objective of this mission is to decapitate the treacherous hydra that holds the Chinese Federation in its coils, the High Eunuchs themselves. Securing the Tianzi is paramount, taking out the Eunuchs is a strike of opportunity that we will take if the option can be gained without jeopardizing the mission.

"IF, I repeat, IF the Eunuchs are too risky or they're in a panic room, then seal them up and cut their comms. If we can't get to them, then at least we can foul up the line of command from them. Extracting Jiang Lihua and getting out is the prime objective. They're not worth the lives of anyone here. Any questions?" Zero proclaims, tightening the gloves on his suit as he finishes speaking.

Seeing as no one is asking anything, Zero nods and salutes with one arm over his chest, "天下布武。" (Tenka Fubu)

"天下布武。"

Looking at my watch, I adjust the minute hand carefully, then nod to the teams, "Synchronize watches on my mark, Eleven thirty six…now."

Four minutes remain until the palace goes on high alert from the distraction. Each team only has twelve members. More would be riskier to move, and likely result in unnecessary losses. We will likely have no heavy artillery support from the outside, so if we are pinned down, the losses will be catastrophic, including perhaps the Tianzi herself. The empress of the Federation is a mere thirteen years old, there is no telling how she would react to a firefight erupting around her. Thankfully, Sumeragi-sama's homing beacon is active, so we know our destination.

If we fail here, China is doomed to suffer under the predations of these foul beasts in human skin. We will also have failed ourselves as men of honor to uphold the creed of justice we profess.

"Kaguya promised Jiang Lihua that I would come for her. Tonight, we keep that promise, and save the Chinese Federation from the parasites infesting it. All teams, move out!"

Team two rapidly disperses, carrying not only combat equipment, but electronic jamming systems and portable computers loaded with programs to use the enemy's own defenses against them. While I confess that I have minimal ability to understand how they work, Nina Einstein-san assured us that her programs will defeat anything the Federation can muster.

Suddenly the sound of alert sirens fill the air, searchlights coming on, orders being issued over loudspeakers yelled in chinese, serving to muffle our hurried footsteps and grapple lines as we start to climb the walls of the inner court.

"Move! We only have a short time before they reinforce this area!" Zero barks out as he...jumps between two parts of the wall close together with superhuman agility, quickly reaching the top, moving his head around to see if we were spotted.

Impressive. I knew that his body had become much stronger thanks to what Dr. Chawla and Bartley accomplished, but this is the first time I've seen him truly demonstrate it. In the distance, explosions and gunfire pierce the darkness of night, our forces attacking the outlying bases. Cornelia, Kallen, CC, and others leading the assault. I grunt with effort as I pull myself up the line, the weight of my equipment making this more difficult than when I did similar exercises as a fresh recruit back in the early days of my soldiering career.

"This is Phantom Actual. All teams report. We've ascended the inner court wall, no sign of defenders yet. I want a sit-rep ASAP," Zero commands, using binoculars to look around for any sign of guards on watch, ducking low to maintain a low profile.

The radio squawks as the first report comes in from Kozuki Naoto, "Actual, this is Qareen. So far the guard is focused on defending the outer gates, Gun-Ru are mobilizing and being dispatched to the outlying bases. Exfiltration route is clear for now. Comms chatter indicates the Eunuchs are being moved to their quarters or are already there. No interference, yet. It feels too easy so far, sir."

Nodding my head at the answer, I look down at the radio, "Any unusual activity should be reported immediately. We cannot afford to be cut off."

"Phantom two, this is Phantom four. We've located the Eunuch quarters. Minimal guard presence so far. Entering now."

With the blaring of alarm sirens in our ears, we rappel down the wall behind a group of trees lining the outer wall, ducking low to minimize our chances of being seen. A short distance ahead, across a few hundred feet of open ground, is our destination, the empress' quarters. And unfortunately, two guards outside the main entrance. Hmm.

Reaching into a pocket on my uniform, I pull out a datapad with the plans of the city on it supplied by Li Xing-ke as part of our arrangement. I motion for Zero to come closer as I look over the plans, spotting an alternative route in.

"There is a balcony on the side that is too high for an ordinary man to reach without making noise. It may, however, be possible for you, given what I've seen. If you can get inside, you can make your way to the empress separately from us," I suggest to him, furrowing my brow as I look for any additional routes in. While we could subdue the guards, we have no way of knowing who is behind the doors or if they can trigger the alarm system from their position.

Zero rubs his chin in thought, "Possibly. I'm not a Shinobi, I can't guarantee I can do it quietly even if I can make it up there. And what happened to not being reckless, sensei?"

The teasing tone in the glib response strongly tempts me to roll my eyes, but with the grace of a veteran I resist the urge, "You are more than a match for any of the Imperial Guard in close quarters. The homing beacon indicates the Tianzi is only a few rooms from the balcony. Getting to her first is paramount by your own words. This is the optimal-"

At that moment, an unexpected sound screams through the air, startling both of us.

Automatic gunfire, from several weapons being discharged. And not the distant sound of Knightmare autocannons, but handheld weapons being shot nearby.

何だと?! (What the?!) Have we been discovered already?!

"Phantom Actual! This is Phantom Two, come in! Unknown hostiles are attacking our position!"

In a flash, Zero has the radio in hand, "This is Actual! What's going on?!"

"Commando strike team! They almost got the jump on us, but we spotted them just in time to get to cover! I don't know how we didn't see them sooner! They're killing the guards too, but I think we're their target!" Iah'bahad shouts, interspersed with gunfire and the sounds of battle.

Have we been betrayed? Did Xing-Ke fear what Zero would do and sell us out? Already I can see guards mobilizing to the front through the view of the windows.

"This is Phantom Three, were they ready for you? I want a sit-rep, we need to know if we've been compromised!"

Static crackles from the radio as I try to adjust the settings. In a moment, a clear signal comes through.

"-egative! I said negative! They were as surprised to see us as we were them! They're shooting at us primarily, but they didn't know we were coming! If they had, we'd have been trapped in a killzone by now! Switching command to Phantom Five, I'm rerouting to your position!"

So, this is an attack of opportunity. Is it Britannia? Or someone else?

"Actual! Three! This is Phantom Four! Urgent report! Targets already neutralized! I repeat, targets already neutralized!"

My eyes widen in astonishment at the implications. The Eunuchs. They were the target all along. This is a decapitation strike on the Federation itself. Which means the Tianzi is in danger!

"What the?! Single hostile is engaging! Going hot!" Three yells, gunfire coming through the radio clearly…along with the screams of dying men.

"WHO IS HE?! HE'S TOO FAST! NOTHING IS WOR-ARGH!"

only the sound of static and someone walking through something wet and thick comes through before the radio shuts off.

"..."

Zero's eyes glow as he cracks his knuckles, "Abandon stealth. Silent mission protocols are pointless to maintain now. We go hot, we go loud. Snipers, get the guards down, I'm going via the balcony, two men follow me on grapple lines. Move out!"

Silenced sniper rounds zip through the air as Zero rushes to the balcony, using a nearby pagoda to jump off of to get enough height to clear the balcony. As soon as the first guards fall, I charge forward, the remaining 4 members of team one following me.

"突撃!" (CHARGE!)

Gunfire shrieks through the air, the guards alerted by the sound of our attack and turning to face us, but to no avail as the distance has already been closed to sword range, my blade drawn in an instant to cut down a man as he foolishly tries to block with the shaft of his spear which my blade cleaves through, and with it, his head. Yells in Chinese are intermixed with the battlecries of my troops as our surprise attack breaks through their ranks before they can draw their side arms or bring their spears to bear. These men are not the threat. The imperial guards in ceremonial outfits are for display, they are not battle tested against capable foes.

No, the threat that we were trying to avoid is a prolonged firefight with the regular infantry where the weight of numbers would overwhelm us, or worse, Knightmares being deployed. Either way, such is a losing proposition that we were determined to avoid.

"Secure the doors! The target is on the third floor!" I bark out as our forces breach the door leading to the stairs, the sound of swords clashing upstairs clearly indicating where Zero is fighting his own battle.

"おら!!" (ORA!)

The battle cry precedes a head flying down the stairs as I ascend, blood splattering the fine lacquer decorations as Zero cuts his way through the enemy ranks. A rush of air on my left side alerts me to an incoming spear thrust aiming for my midsection. It only takes a moment of calm for me to shift my torso to the side, my left elbow crunching my assailant's nose and stunning him long enough for my right hand to strike him in the throat and render him unconscious.

Bringing up the homing beacon shows that our target is almost directly above us. We cannot falter now!

"The Tianzi is on the next floor, move out! Our comrades are fighting to give us the chance we need to save her!" I bellow as Zero and I rush up the stairs towards our destination.

A shoulder charge makes short work of the door and inside…

かんのじょは何処か? (Where is she?)

Sumeragi-dono's gift is there on the table but the tianzi is not..there! There's a shadow moving in the dark-!

"Not one step closer."

The unfamiliar voice's command is not what causes me to freeze in place. That, is because of the blade held at a young albino girl's throat as she shivers in place.

"That uniform…Heh heh heh. Miracle Tohdoh. If you're here, then…"

Cloth rustles behind me as Zero enters, guns trained on the shadow in front of us.

"It's been one year since our last meeting, Demon King," the voice says as a mechanical sound follows his steps, the blade never leaving the girl's neck as he steps into the light-!

YOU!

"But now the time has come. Time to avenge my dishonor at your hands," the now revealed cyborg says, left half of his face covered by an ornate red mask, a knight's coat draping his body, with a blade extending from his left sleeve, complimented by a sinister smirk on his face.

Red eyes glow from behind Zero's mask as he glares at the man responsible for his current state, "Soresi."

An orange eyebrow raises at the sight, "Ho, something new? I don't remember you being able to do that last time."

"I had to have my own enhancements done to save my life after you left me for dead, Soresi. Is this a calling card from your new master then?"

The cover on his left eye opens up, a symbol appearing in it, a pulse of light emanating from it and filling the room…and then quickly receding.

"Hmm. No effect. I suppose you're not using it after all," he mutters in a disappointed tone, right hand gripping the young girl's shoulder as he holds her in front of him.

No effect? What does he-Geass. He thought Zero was using his geass on us?

Zero sheathes his blades slowly, making no motion to advance on the man or his hostage, "Let her go. Your grudge is with me. She has nothing to do with this."

Soresi's mechanical eye rotates and zooms in on him, as he cocks his head to the side, "I suffered a great deal at VV's hands. He really didn't like that you named him at Tokyo last year, or that I confirmed his existence. And while I was being tortured over the last year, I had time to think."

The optic on his face closes as he continues to pontificate, with us forced to listen due to his holding our target hostage, "I realized that given his murder of an empress, commoner that she might have been, and what he did to your red queen, that I could not trust him to fulfill his bargain to me."

…So. It was VV who sent Kozuki-Stadfelt to Bradley. And judging by Zero's shoulders tensing, he's clearly perturbed at the confirmation.

"Get to the point, Soresi. What do you want then, if your devil's bargain with the midget has gone sour? And what could he have promised you aside from vengeance?"

His organic eye closes as he lets out a breath, "I'll handle that myself. VV wanted me to go after your queen, the immortal witch. Ha! As if I give a damn about that woman, compared to the chance to finish what I started with you, ZERO!"

Snarling as he grips the girl's shoulder causing her to squeak in pain, he steps forward, coldly staring down our leader, seemingly unmindful of the guns trained on him.

"VV is as much a traitor and a stain upon Britannia as you are! I'm through being his lapdog! We knew you'd go for the empress sooner or later, so we were watching for anything suspicious. So when bases came under sudden attack, it was obvious what was going to happen."

Damn. To think we were seen through so easily…

"I made the mistake of thinking you'd slake your bloodlust on the Eunuchs first. Instead I got a nice warm up cutting down your troops. So tell your hunting dogs to lower their guns, you don't have anything that can stop me," he boasts, flashing his teeth as machine sounds can be heard from his body moving.

If he's anywhere near what Zero's enhancements, or more accurately Gottwald's, are capable of, he is may not be exaggerating. We were prepared for geass or a counterattack, but not a superhuman weapon like him!

"You should thank me, Zero. I did your job for you butchering those fat sacks of lard that called themselves lords of the Chinese Federation. But my swords are not satisfied yet. They demand purer blood to quench their thirst. Yours, Demon King. I don't give a damn about the others, or the girl. All I want is to cut you down. I challenge you to a duel, Zero!"

Zero's eyes cease glowing red as he looks back at the man, "Why should I trust you? You've taken a hostage and could easily direct the forces under you to corner us."

At that pointed remark Soresi frowns, thoughts racing in his eyes as the seconds drag on, both sides at a standoff.

To my surprise, the blade projecting from his left sleeve retracts and he steps back from the Tianzi, freeing her to our collective bewildered eyes.

"As I said, I don't give a damn about the girl. But I'm not so dishonorable that I'd kill a child, even for the sake of my revenge. I reiterate my challenge, Zero. I challenge you as a knight seeking to reclaim the honor you stole from me. As a Britannian, and a swordsman, you cannot refuse," he proclaims, crossing his arms confidently with a smug grin.

Honorable combat? The samurai in me clenches his teeth in frustration, but the soldier says we cannot afford to indulge him. We are surrounded by both the Chinese forces and however many of his strike team is fighting Iah'bahad's team. Moreover, fighting him in close quarters would be suicide. Our best option is get out into the open, triangulate our fire and use semtex to-

*click*

My ears prick up at the metallic sound of swords unsheathing as Zero slowly begins drawing steel.

"Challenge accepted. Let's settle this swordsman to swordsman."

冗談じゃない! (You're joking!)

Mustering the strongest glare I can at this reckless stupidity, my mouth opens wide to begin berating him when he preempts my objections.

"Yes, I KNOW this is reckless and fucking idiotic! But any of you trying to fight him head on is even more idiotic! With my enhancements I at least have a chance of matching him! Anyone else here would die and I'm damn sure assault rifle bullets won't work! The only ones who should kill, are those prepared to be killed! I promised that I'd protect Jiang Lihua, don't you dare make a liar of me, Kyoshiro!" he hisses at me, pointing one sword in my direction, the other at Soresi's smirking face.

己ZERO! (DAMN YOU ZERO!)

Damn you for putting this on me, and damn you for being right. I kneel down, taking up the frightened empress into my arms, patting her on the back to calm her down after her ordeal.

"Zero."

The black hawk-like mask turns to face me as our forces slowly leave the room, myself the last to exit.

"Fight with honor and show him your pride as a swordsman. And when this is over, you will have to explain this to your wife," I say with my jaw held tight, fighting to give a grim smile, despite the situation.

To his credit, Lelouch gives a gruff laugh at that remark before taking up a combat stance, which the cyborg mirrors, two blades extending from his sleeves.

"また後で、師匠。。" (See you later, Master..)

Slowly, I inch my way backwards, keeping an eye on the directorate's assassin, and my foolish student, ever conscious of the child in my arms.

"Zero! Duck!"

Black fabric whirls as Zero crouches, daggers flying through the air towards Soresi, who regrettably, either deflects them, or ignores them bouncing off his coat. However, the next attack is one even he cannot dismiss easily.

Iah'bahad leaping into the fray with heavy armor piercing daggers and murder in his eyes.

"Two of you then?! Then you can die with the traitor Zero!" Soresi exclaims, blocking Iah'bahad's attack with one blade as he parries aside Zero's overhead strike with the other one.

Zero, Naoto…don't lose.

つつく… (To be continued)