Three months... In the immortal words of Vegeta...I'm BACK B*ES. Okay, you've waited for this long enough, so let's get to it.
Chapter 9: The Black Knights
August 23rd, The Nest, 2:15 P.M.
Robbinson MacNamara
Robbinson Irestin MacNamara, or simply Robbie Namara, looked over at the 200 plus former Yamato members gathered in the Staging Area, with Zero and Celaeno standing behind him. He kept a stern look on his face, though he wanted to give the biggest grin.
'With all these men, plus us quadrupling our Knightmares, we can finish the basic factory in just a couple of days, possibly tomorrow if we book it. Now, time to show them their superior.'
"I am Robbinson MacNamara! You will all shortly be receiving datapads that will ask questions relating to both your role as resistance members, as well as your lives before Japan became Area 11! Answer truthfully, for this will determine your role here in the Black Knights. Should you be designated as a soldier, then I will be your teacher, and the ONLY name I should hear you call me is Sensei."
"Hang on," a foolish Yamato exclaimed, "Why would we need additional training? You've clearly seen that we can fight."
"My Lady," Robbie turned his head slightly, and saw, in the corner of his eye, a Japanese woman in a maid outfit, holding a teacup, "You ujicha, as you requested."
"Thank you, Sayoko," Celaeno responded quietly, the bottom part of her mask sliding open as she took a drink.
"You think so?" Robbie retorted with a grin, "Miss Sayoko, would you please assist me."
"As you wish, Mister MacNamara." she replied, stepping forward.
"If," he exclaimed, "Any of you can land a hit on this woman, then you don't need to receive any training."
Some of the men looked a little nervous, obviously realising that, if they attacked her, she would beat them. However, others weren't so insightful. Five men and two women charged at Sayoko, three of them getting to her first.
Sayoko ducked under a punch, then grabbed the arm and twisted it to the side, dislocating it, at the same time she kicked the seconds guy's leg, bending it backwards. As the first guy began to fall, she spin-kicked the woman in the head, sending her spinning to the ground, knocking her out on impact.
Needless to say, the other four stopped dead in their tracks.
"GET these three to Medical!" Robbie roared as the two guys howled in pain. Several medical staff put the three on stretchers, and carried them out of Staging. "If you can't handle a maid, how can you stand against proper soldiers?! Anyone ELSE!"
No one said a word. He knew that, due to Sayoko being the heir to Shinozaki School, some form of ninja family or something, that she was far above the skill set for a 'maid'.
'But they don't need to know that.'
"Good. Now, the main barracks are located in the exit to your left. Head there, and await further instructions." The members began funnelling down towards the exit. Robbie then heard a slight chuckle from behind.
"I will admit," Zero said, "That was more amusing than I thought it would be."
"HEY," Zero turned to see Tamaki, as well as the rest of Kozuki resistance, "Why didn't we have to do the whole quiz thing?"
"Because I have special plans for you and your friends, Tamaki." Zero replied with a slightly sinister tone, earning an elbow to his side from Celaeno.
"Forgive my brother," Celaeno exclaimed, "He has a tendency to enjoy making others dance to his tune." That didn't make the sour faces on them disappear, however. "I assure you, the reasons for your exception will be explained soon. Zero, we should be there personally when the twins receive our new Gloucester."
"Agreed," Zero replied as the two turned, heading for the flatbed semi carrying the headless Gloucester, quickly climbing as it drove towards RD.
"If you'll excuse me," Kallen said, walking towards the central station, "There's something I need to check." Robbinson noted the concerned tone she had, but for what, he didn't know.
"ALRIGHT," he roared, making the remaining members jump, "Let's get these Knightmares to Construction. I want to see us making Knightmares by the end of the week! MOVE!" The Black Knights hurried along, quickly getting into Knightmares in order to help deliver the others to the construction zone.
Zero
"AAEEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAA!"
'And there goes my eardrums.' Zero groaned as he recovered from Tolia's (or was it Talio) scream of excitement as they buzzed around the Gloucester.
"HOHAAAA," Talio screamed, "This will make things SOOO much easier!"
"So," Celaeno replied, "I take it you have all you need from us."
"That's putting it mildly!" Tolia retorted, "A Gloucester has all your specifications already built in, so we don't have to worry about the damn power drain. We could have this thing ready by the end of tomorrow!"
"Which, my dear twin, means we can focus on the aesthetics. Without having to constantly worry about the power, we can make these beasts look as good as our illustrious leaders!"
"We only have one, brother."
"Not the point."
"Also, Zero, the outfit is done."
"Who is the outfit even for?" Zero inquired.
"No time to talk," Tolia replied, not even acknowledging Zero's request, as she jumped off the Knightmare, turned him around, and began pushing, "We've got work to do!"
"But~"
"No time! OUTOUTOUT!"
With that, Zero and Celaeno were kicked out of their own RD.
"Uuuugh," Zero exclaimed, placing a hand on his helmet as the door closed, "I need a nap or something."
"And, on that note, you're taking the day off tomorrow."
"What?" 'Absurd. We can't slow down at such an early stage.'
"You've been working almost nonstop since we started this. As such, you need a break."
"There's too much to be done~"
"Which is why we have two leaders. We have no major operations over the next few days, so you are taking a break."
"And what about Joseph's intel on Code R? If even half of what he's told us is true, we can't afford to~"
"And if you're so insistent on improving the Black Knights, perhaps I need to step up your lessons."
Zero froze, but only for a moment.
'Of COURSE, she would use that trick.'
Over the years, Cornelia had been slowly giving him combat training, as well as physical training. Todoh attempted to do this during their time at the Kururugi Shrine, but he was always able to avoid it.
His sister, however, was a different story. He's gotten stronger over the years, but the amount of headaches from being slammed into the ground was not worth it.
"Maybe we should use one of the standard training rooms, instead of our private one. I wonder how the recruits would react to seeing how their invincible leader handles himself in a fist fight. I know Tama~"
"Fine. Tomorrow."
"I thought so." She replied, clearly amused at how she outplayed him. With that, the two headed to the central elevator. "However, there is something we should discuss involving Kallen and her mother."
"Such as?" he replied as they entered the Safe Room, allowing them to speak more plainly.
"Lelouch, a grateful ally is one that is unlikely to betray you. So, we need to find a way to make Kallen indebted to us, without her realizing what we're doing."
'She does have a point.' The two stood there, contemplating how they should proceed. "I may have an idea. One involving my Geass, and no, I don't plan on Geassing her to being loyal."
Stadfelt Manor, 4:20 P.M.
Kallen Kozuki
'One of the benefits of wanting to avoid your mother, was that you knew her schedule down to the letter.' That's what Kallen thought as she entered Arita's 'Servant Quarters'.
'Given what Lelouch said yesterday. Is there any weight to his words?' Arita's room was much smaller and less maintained that the other servants, due to her being the only non-Britannian maid, but also her previous relationship with her father, James Stadfelt. She began to search the room, looking for Arita's journal. She knew that, if there was any proof to Lelouch's words, it would be found there.
As she began rummaging through the room, she came across a bag underneath Arita's bed. Picking it up, she discovered the journal next to it. Curiosity got the better of Kallen, however and she opened the bag before opening the journal...only to discover syringes, all empty except for one.
'Refrain. The drug that can take you back to happier memories. Damnit Arita, you've fallen this far. Please don't tell me it was for my sake.'
She opened the journal, and, at first, things seemed normal. The first entry was just before she became a maid. However, the last two words concerned her. She then noticed that the next entry ended the same.
And the next.
And the next.
Fear was consuming her as she quickly flipped through the pages, but all entries ended the same.
'Damn you' Kallen thought as she pounded the bed with her fist, tears building on her face, 'Damn you, damn you, damn you! I didn't ask you to suffer for me. So WHY!?'
'They will give up everything to ensure their children have the best possible life.'
Lelouch's previous statement caused Kallen to freeze. Tears began to roll down freely as the truth dawned on her.
All her suffering, all the abuse she took, and all the Refrain she injected. The truth was in every journal entry.
'For Kallen.'
August 24th, Tokyo Trainline, 4:42 A.M.
Euphie Levett
"Ooooh," Shirley squealed as she looked over the countryside from her cabin, "I've been outside the settlement a few times, but it's still exciting." Milly had suggested a trip to Lake Kawaguchi Hotel for the yearly sakuradite convention. With that, the entire student council was now travelling to the hotel.
"Glad I could convince Lelouch to come," Milly replied smugly, "Aren't you?"
Shirley blushed deeply at her comment.
'Dang it, Milly,' Euphie thought sourly, 'You shouldn't tease Shirley when it concerns Lelouch.'
"It was nice," Nina commented, hoping to avoid an argument, "That Rival was also able to take his afternoon job off for today."
'Smooth save, Nina.' "Yes, I wish my talks with my sister could go that well as Rival with his boss."
"What do you mean?" Shirley replied, having forgotten Milly's earlier comment.
She scoffed, "My sister's working on a project, and I want to help. But I broach the subject once, and now, everytime I try to talk to her about it, she conveniently needs to be somewhere else. Uuuug, I mean, she's letting Kallen help her and Lelouch out."
"Wait," Shirley responded, slight venom in her tone, "Why Kallen?" Euphie sat straighter, realizing her blunder.
'Damnit.'
"Oh," Milly interjected, "Wondering what Kallen might be doing with darling Lulu?"
Shirley blushed heavily at the comeback, "Aren't you?"
"Not really. I don't mind if Lelouch is hanging out with Kallen." Normally, that wouldn't be cause for concern. However, since it was Milly who said it, the implications were as clear as day.
'If Lelouch hears this,' Euphie thought as she moved her hand over her mouth to hide her grin, 'He'll blow a fuse.'
"What if he starts to like her? Like, really like her!"
"I don't mind sharing." At that point, Euphie placed both hands on her mouth in a vain attempt to contain her laughter.
'That's it. I'm gonna burst.'
"MIL~"
PING
All three girls turned and saw Nina, head against the wall, with swirls in her eyes, a dumb grin on her face, and a small nosebleed. The three immediately checked on their friend to make sure she was alright.
Lelouch
Lelouch felt a shiver go down his spine, despite the heating coming from the vents in his cabin car.
"What's wrong, Lelouch?" Rival inquired.
"Nothing. Just feel like Milly got something sinister planned for me."
He rubbed his right arm, making it look like he was simply cold. In reality, he was double checking the wrist blade hidden in his jacket.
'Just because I'm having the day off does not mean I can let myself get careless.'
Viceroy Administrative Building, 7:18 P.M.
Andreas Dalton
General Dalton, alongside Villetta Nu and Jeremiah Gottwald, were inside the Viceroy's office, having just heard Villetta's information concerning the Code R girl.
"This is concerning," Pollux said, gripping his chin, "Not only does Zero have this girl, but she also may have given him one of the powers Clovis was after."
"One of?" Dalton inquired.
"I was able to copy some files from the project before they were transferred and locked down. They detail how they performed torturous experiments on her...and she healed from them mere hours later."
…
'WHAT!?'
"I'm sorry, you highness," Jeremiah, flabbergasted, replied, "But are you saying she's immortal!"
"One of the files detailed that she had a 13-inch drill go straight down her skull while she was awake."
Dalton kept his composure, but could that see Jeremiah was shocked at the statement, and Villetta's face had a light shade of green to it.
"Dear god," Jeremiah exclaimed.
"And that was only a level two out of four experiment."
"Forgive my bluntness, your highness," Villetta stated, "But I would prefer it if you don't mention any more files."
"You're forgiven. Unfortunately, with a traitor in our ranks, investigating her will prove difficult."
"Given the situation," Dalton stated, "It's unlikely that Zero would keep her in whatever base they have. Since she was Clovis's test subject, such an act would most likely drive a wedge between them."
"Agreed," Pollux replied, standing up and looking out the reinforced glass wall, "She's most likely amongst the people of Tokyo, with a couple of his men keeping an eye on her from a distance. We're in a race for that girl's powers, and Zero's got a head start."
'Not only that, but the traitor will give any intel we acquire to Zero. Damnit, he's crippled our legs as well.'
"You highness," Villetta exclaimed, stepping forward, "Requesting permission to investigate the girl's whereabouts."
'She's got initiative, I'll give her that.'
Pollux turned back towards them, "Are you sure, Miss Nu? With the traitor in our ranks, you'll have to conduct this investigation outside military operations. This means you'll have to do all the work in public, as our own systems are probably tapped."
"You said it yourself, we're racing against Zero, and time isn't on our side. With Lord Jeremiah's connection to Orange, Zero's forces will be keeping tabs on him. Lord Dalton is too high profile to not draw attention, and you are the Viceroy. If we assign someone else, we risk them being the traitor. I'm the most logical choice."
After a moment of silence, Pollux sighed. "Very well, as Fifthteenth Prince of the Holy Britannian Empire, I charge you with the location of the woman centered around Code R. I'll be transferring data on her appearance shortly. Dismissed."
Villetta and Jeremiah saluted, leaving the room. Pollux sighed as he sat back down.
"I need to make a few calls to the Homeland. If we can get Bartley back here, then we'll~" Dalton saw that Pollux was looking at his wrist. One of the lights on his bracelet was flashing.
'Castor must have something important to tell.'
Pollux pressed the flashing light. "Brother! Brother!"
"Sub-Viceroy Castor, what's the issue?"
"Have you checked the news yet?"
'Oh, no.'
"We may have a problem."
Tokyo Settlement, 7:32 P.M.
Celaeno
"Whoa." Celaeno heard one of her soldiers exclaim. Using her brother's Geass, they acquired a luxury bus from a particularly corrupt nobleman...which they then discreetly slipped his corruption to the Britannian Police. She was currently sitting on the couch in the far back, after having invited them here. The first story had several couches as well as a TV, while the second one was used for a multitude of purposes, such as meetings or...entertainment, if the activities of the noblemen were any clue.
'Glad we remodeled that room asap.' "Well," she replied, "Come on in."
The Naoto Resistance members filed in, amazed at the architecture. A couple had smirks on their faces, not surprised that the two could acquire something like this.
"When my brother returns, you will be given a reward for being the first to join our cause. This mobile base is part of that reward."
"And," Ohgi inquired, "Where is Zero?"
"Taking the day off. You expect him to be working 24/7? We are only human, after all." She opened a compartment on the table in front of her, pulling out a wine glass and an unmarked bottle.
"What brand is that?" Tamaki asked.
"Huh, lemonade." Celaeno replied, the bottom portion of her mask opening. She pulled the cloth down, and proceeded to pour the drink. "My sister says I shouldn't drink while on the job."
"Sister?" Inoue inquired, curious about the unknown family member.
Celaeno nearly dropped the bottle right then and there.
'Damnit. Lelouch is gonna hound me for that blunder.' *sigh* "Yes, me and Zero have two sisters, one of which has no idea that we're rebels. And I'd appreciate it if we don't talk anymore on it until after my brother returns." Luckily, they understood that she made a mistake, and dropped it. Yoshida and Inoue headed upstairs to see what the second floor had to offer.
"Hey, Minami," Tamaki exclaimed hopped on a couch overlooking the TV, "Hit it, would ya."
Minami simply rolled his eyes and picked up the remote turning on the TV, while Celaeno took a sip of her lemonade.
"I'm here in front of the Lake Kawaguchi Convention Center Hotel. The hotel-jackers have identified themselves as the Japan Liberation Front."
'lasdufyasf~' Celaeno did a spit take when she heard that, causing everyone to turn their head in shock.
"WHAT!?"
"Celae~" Kallen began, but Celaeno interrupted her.
"Zero's IN THERE!"
"WHAAAT!?" Everyone else screeched in fear.
ASEEC Mobile Base
Suzaku
Suzaku was inside the Lancelot's cockpit, preparing for another test when the news of the attack reached him. He instantly changed the screen to one of the news channels broadcasting the event.
"This footage was taken by the perpetrators. In it, you can clearly see Chairman James, including some students."
'Those monsters. They can't accept that they've lost, so they take their anger out on innoce~'
Suzaku froze, catching sight of a person amongst the hostages. The side of the person's face was visible to the camera, but he quickly turned his face away from it. But that brief moment was all he needed to confirm that it was his old friend, Lelouch vi Britannia.
'Lelouch, I'm so glad you escaped that death trap.' Then, reality catched up with him.
'Only to get stuck in another death trap. No matter what, though, I will save you!'
BK Mobile Base
Ohgi
"HOW DID WE MISS THIS!?" Celaeno roared into her helmet, linking her to the Nest. Some of the others were frozen in fear, not wanting to do anything that might direct the woman's wrath upon them.
"Did you even tell Zero….YOU IMBECILES! He'd obviously want eyes on him, even if he was taking the day off!"
'Ah, so that's how we couldn't see that coming.'
"What about our contact in the JLF?"
'Wait, WHAT?!' Celaeno's question fired several alarm bells within their heads. 'She has spies in the JLF?'
"Fine! Celaeno, out." She moved her hand away from her helmet, but her body was trembling in anger.
"Boss?" Minami cautiously asked. Celaeno pressed a button on the wall next to the TV. wall behind the couch slide downward, revealing several black outfits with a golden color to it (normal Black Knights uniform, but replace the gray colored areas with gold).
"Get changed," Celaeno barked out, "We'll be preparing to move in and save the hostages. Kallen, your outfit's upstairs."
"Yes, ma'am." Kallen then moved towards the stairs.
"A fair warning, the Twins made it." Kallen cheeks proceeded to match her hair at that point.
'If they made it lewd or something, I'm gonna throttle those two!'
"Hey, boss," Kento inquired, "Why do we need to change outfits? Only difference I see is the new colors."
"That will be explained later. For now, we should focus on~" Celaeno stopped and pulled out something from her outfit. It looked like a phone. "If you'll excuse me, I need to take this." Celaeno then left the bus.
"Damn," Tamaki exclaimed, "Never seen the boss so terrified."
"Shows how much she cares for her family." Inoue replied.
"You think it was the second sister?" Minami inquired.
'What?' "How do you figure that?" Ohgi replied.
"Celaeno said she has two sisters, but one of them doesn't know that they're rebels. If it was the sibling that does know, why would she leave?"
"That's actually a good point, Minami." Kento remarked. After a moment or two, they heard the upstairs door open.
"Okay," Kallen exclaimed, "I've changed. The outfit wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be." Ohgi turned, and his jaw dropped.
She was wearing a red skin tight bodysuit, with black highlights to it. The shoulders seemed to be pointed, and she had a hip cape with a black outline that went just short of her ankles. Her gloves seemed to have silver colored armor on them, but it didn't look like any gauntlets he knew of. Her helmet was pointed, almost like a witch's hat, and the side of the helmet extended downward, protecting parts of her neck. (Kallen's Knightmare outfit from R2, replace gray color with black, and the black colors with gold, hip cape as described, and the helmet is based on the Seventh Sister from Star Wars: Rebels)
"GodDAMN, Kallen," Tamaki whooped, "You look BADASS!" Kallen blushed at that comment, earning Tamaki a slap to his head from Kento. She pressed a button on the inside of her helmet, and her three mask panels slid to cover her face: two for the sides, and one for her eyes. She looked around the room.
"Is this how Zero and his sister look at the world. There's so many technical terms." She looked at Ohgi, but then paused.
"What?"
"It lists each of your ranks as 'Dark Council'."
'Dark Council? What's tha~'
The door to the bus opened, and Celaeno stepped in.
"Alright, we have an armored truck coming to pick us up at the rendezvous point in one hour. This is the plan."
Lake Kawaguchi, 11:47 P.M.
Suzaku
Suzaku was looking over the lake, towards the hotel. The military had formed a perimeter around the hotel, cutting off any avenues of escape. However, getting into the hotel was proving just as difficult. Attempts were made both from the air and underwater, but the JLF had quickly killed the men sent there. Suzaku had to get in there.
'I can't let Lelouch get killed by these monsters. I don't know what's worse: That the JLF could kill him; or that he'll escape, but someone would've recognized him.' It may have been over five years since they had a 'normal' conversation, but he doubted that Lelouch's opinion had changed since then.
Nor did he think that Lelouch would back down on his promise on that broken road after Japan fell.
'Old grudges can wait. First, I have to save Lelouch.' He looked at Lloyd, who was observing the lake with a bored expression. "Isn't there anything the Special Corps can do?"
"Oh," Lloyd joyously replied, his demeanor taking a complete 180, "Don't worry, Devicer. I've asked the Princes, and they've said that, should their next plan fail, they'll incorporate the Lancelot into their next assault plan."
'I can't believe I'm saying this, but please fail.'
G1 Command Center
Pollux rui Britannia
"Glendale Squad is about to make their assault down the utility tunnel." One of the G1 bridge staff exclaimed. Pollux sat in the G1 throne while Castor was standing next to him, a rare look of anger upon his face.
"This is the worst possible time for a hostage crisis."
"I still don't understand why you won't approve of the plan to simply demolish the building, Sub-Viceroy. We've done it before in other Areas, to dramatically positive results."
"Simply put, brother, doing that would lead to a political nightmare."
'How? You may be better at politics, but I don't see how this is any different.' "Explain. You know I'm not as well versed in politics as you are."
"Two reasons: First, in all our other situations, we were in either Areas that have yet to be conquered, or recently conquered. When we dealt with those, our people would be unhappy, but they would accept it as simply 'casualties of war'. Not so much here. Area 11 has been under Britannian 'control' since the Second Pacific War. If we bomb a building considered to be 'our territory' then the people would be concerned that we don't care about our own people, which would generate sympathy to the terrorist groups. We don't want Zero to get more support.
Second, the time and place. Since it's the Sakuradite convention, the eyes of the world are fixed on this place. If we destroy the building, with such a large number of political figures from around the world, we won't just have our territories kicking up a storm, but also the Chinese Federation, which we are in diplomatic talks with, independent territories, not to mention the EU, which we are currently at war with. I can already hear the Emperor's scolding for allowing this to happen, I don't wanna hear the Prime Minister's as well."
'Damnit. Damned if we do, damned if we don't.' It wasn't well known outside their circle, but the only thing they feared more than their father, was their brother, Second Prince Schneizel.
Blaring sounds came from the G1 screen, indicating Knightmare LOST.
"What happened?"
"It appears," Dalton replied, "That the terrorists have modified several Glasgows into some kind of cannon. ASEECs could probably give you a better description."
"Damnit," Castor retorted, "Our only option left has a cannon guarding it."
"Not for long. Contact Camelot, tell them to get the Lancelot rea~" The screen turned black, and loud static could be heard. "What's happening?"
"I don't know, your highness. Something's taken control of the G1 comm feed."
'Are the terrorists going to make even more demands. No, that can't be right. They wouldn't try hacking the G1 if that was the case.' Eventually, the static stopped, and the screen simply said 'Audio Only'.
"Greetings, Viceroy." A feminine voice came from the screen. Everyone either tensed up in fear, or scowled in anger.
"Celaeno. To what do we owe the pleasure?"
"I'm currently on my way to hopefully resolve the current situation we both find ourselves in."
"Don't tell me this was all your plan?"
"Hardly. Zero would never ally himself with those that wish for necromancy."
'Necromancy?' "And where is your brother? I would've thought that he respected me enough to speak, one leader to another."
"Zero is many things, but he understands that you and I are warriors. He figured you'd respond better if you conversed with someone who...understands you more easily and respectfully."
'Clever. He wasn't wrong. I do prefer warriors over tacticians.' "You have my attention."
"My forces will be arriving shortly. Allow us to pass, and we will save the hostages."
"I'd ask what your plan is, but we both know you wouldn't respond. Very well."
"WHAT!" Nearly everyone in the room, including Dalton and Guilford, either exclaimed in shock, or roared in anger.
"I thank you for your cooperation."
"Hold on," Castor exclaimed before the transmission could be cut, "Celaeno, how do we know you simply won't join forces with them, despite your earlier comment."
"..."
"..."
"I'd like to ask you a question, Castor rui Britannia. What seperates a rebel from a terrorist?"
"I'm not sure I understand the difference."
"A terrorist lashes out in anger. A rebel strikes out in hope." With that, the transmission was cut off.
'What could she mean by that?'
"Your highness," Guilford inquired, "Why would you let Celaeno and Zero go when they'll be in our grasp?"
"They'll give us the time we need to win this. The JLF will keep their eyes on those two, allowing us to send in Officer Kururugi. If we're lucky, we could take out both of them in one fell swoop. Get me Lord Asplund."
12:02 P.M.
Celaeno
"We're coming up on the Britannian checkpoint." The driver of the truck exclaimed. The group were hunkered down in what appeared to be a black civilian truck, but was really a heavily modified Type-96 APC, alongside three more. With this, if the Brits went back on their word, they weren't screwed, and could make a break for it. Or so Tamaki tried to boast.
'Yeah, not really, since Knightmare rounds could shred this thing in a matter of seconds. The EMPs, on the other hand.'
"Celaeno," Ohgi exclaimed from the back, where Kallen and the rest of 'Dark Council', were sitting, rifles at the ready, "You called the JLF necromancers. Why?"
"Japan is long dead," her bluntness startled the group, and earned an infuriated look from Kallen, "The JLF would see Japan restored to how it once was before the invasion, but it was that same government that resulted in Britannia invading in the first place. Your people's pride has been shattered, it's culture wiped out. The only way to save Japan isn't by restoring a failed government, but by creating something new. Something that won't make the same mistakes."
"Sounds like something Zero would say." Kallen replied.
"Well...maybe he's influencing me more than I expected."
"Celaeno, Nest here." Robbie exclaimed from the APC radio.
"Go ahead."
"We've found the hostages. A storage room on the 13th floor. Based on other security cameras, or at least the ones the JLF haven't destroyed, as well as recorded footage, we can estimate at least fifty men, not counting the squad guarding the utility tunnel. Most are located on the ground floor, 9th and 13th floors, as well as the roof."
"Any intel on the ringleader?"
"Yes. Our contact stated that we're dealing with Lieutenant Colonel Josui Kusakabe, a radical in the JLF. His family had some power before the invasion, but most of them were killed during it. No doubt he thought that the JLF would restore his family to greatness if they eventually beat out Britannia."
"And now, because of us, he's gotten desperate."
"What do you mean?" Ohgi inquired.
"Simple. In less than a week, we've done more damage to Britannia than the JLF has done since its founding. Even a fool could see that they were declining over the years. Add our success to that, and the lieutenant probably predicted that we'll supplant the JLF as the leading resistance, thus ruining his chances of restoring his family. So, he's decided on one, final gamble, idiotic as it is."
"Correct."
"That'll be all, Robbinson," She grabbed a handheld radio, and tuned into the adjacent APCs, "Alright, here's the situation: rogue elements of the JLF have taken control of the hotel. Our objective is the liberation of their hostages. I will confront their leader, while squads Alpha and Beta will disperse themselves, moving to strategic positions against the enemy soldiers. When I confront him, your radios will be tuned in to our meeting. When you hear me say the words 'golden age', begin the attack. Go for disabling shots if you can, but speed is key. If we do not have units near the hostages, and they get word that we're attacking them, they may kill the hostages as a last act of defiance. Don't hesitate to take them out if you believe it may put the hostages' lives at risk."
"We just passed the Britannian checkpoint," the APC driver exclaimed, "Looks like they kept their word."
"Squad Charlie will place the det-pack charges in the specified locations. Delta, you'll be preparing our extraction. Once completed, you are to assist Alpha and Beta with their objectives. Once all objectives are completed, escort the hostages to Delta's position. Do I make myself clear?"
She was met with a resounding 'Sir, yes sir!' from both her vehicle, and the others. She placed the radio down, and pulled up a black metal suitcase.
"Kallen, you'll need this."
"For what?" Kallen replied as she took the case.
"Zero's outfit is in there. Your mission is to find Zero and give that to him. Since I'll be confronting Kusakabe, you're the only one who has seen Zero's face."
"Got it," Kallen replied, before moving up to the front, where she then whispered, "But we saw your brother amongst the hostages. Won't it be awkward if we take one hostage away from the group?"
"It would, but he is my brother." Celaeno retorted as the gate to the hotel opened, "By now, he should have found a way out of that situation."
Lelouch
'I think I've almost got a plan.' He has to make them escort him out of the room, without revealing he's royalty, obviously. For the past three hours he had been confined to a single room, observing each of their captors extensively. Now, he believed he had his target. One of the guards had an unlocked locket attached to his belt, and, during the 37 times he saw the locket, he noticed a girl that looked surprisingly close to a student at Ashford.
'Now, I just need parameters set.'
"You!" One of their captors exclaimed to a hostage, dragging him up, "You're coming with us!"
'Parameters set.' Lelouch let out a chuckle, with his fellow students looking at him like he just went insane.
"What's so funny, Britannian?!"
"You call yourselves Japanese, yet you act a lot like how Britannian soldiers would act."
"What was that?!"
"You claim you want independence, yet you're acting so much like how we would. Your hypocrisy is hilarious." One of the soldiers pulled by the scruff of his shirt.
"You want to say that again!"
"You're no mystery to me, terrorist. I can read you like an open book." He then looked at his target, "Like him." The man scowled at Lelouch, no doubt wondering what a Britannian boy could possibly know about him.
"You have a sibling who married a Britannian before the war," Lelouch had to contain his smirk when he saw the soldier tense up at that, "Your sister~no, brother, died when Britannia invaded, and you've hated Britannians ever since. But, if confronted by the woman your brother loved, you wouldn't have the heart to actually kill her...or their child."
The man was visibly shaking at that, sweat pouring down his face,and the gun in his hands shaking. Lelouch couldn't hold it anymore, and gave a shit-eating grin.
"How am I doing so far?"
"SHUT IT!" One of the soldiers roared as he slammed Lelouch's head with the butt of his rifle, knocking him to the ground. Lelouch could feel blood sliding down his face.
"Looks like it's your lucky day, Brit," The soldier holding the civilian up pushed him back down, then dragged Lelouch to his feet, "This guy's gonna take your place."
"Lulu!" Shirley screeched, not wanting to see him hurt.
"It's alright, Shirley," Lelouch calmly replied, even as he was being shoved forward, "I'd very much like to see what kind of person this Kusakabe is."
"Quiet, dead man!"
With that, he was escorted out of the room.
'Objectives matched.'
Suzaku
Suzaku looked over the controls as the Lancelot was being prepped.
"Wonderful," Lloyd joyously exclaimed, "I thank you for that lovely order. Ha ha! You've got the green light, Lancelot. Your orders are to charge right at the linear cannon blocking the tunnel."
"Wait," Miss Cecile retorted, "you mean they're using him as a decoy to create an opening."
'Makes sense. The Lancelot can force an opening, allowing the rest to move in.'
"Nope, Castor's orders say go for gold. Take out that cannon and blow the support beams, allowing the Royal Guard to move in while the building begins sinking. Though, it seems like that, if you fail, they'll send in the Guard through the opening you make."
"Seems like? But Lloyd~"
"Miss Cecile," Suzaku interrupted, "I'm ready. Please let me do it. If I have the chance to help those hostages, let me take it."
Cecile sighed, "Okay."
The Lancelot was hooked up to the crane that would lower him to the utility tunnel.
"Warrant Officer Kururugi," Cecile voice was heard over the radio, "here is a guideline for your mission. According to prime search the hostages are located on the hotel's middle floor and believed to be locked inside a food storage room. Advanced prototype weapon Z-01 Lancelot will use the utilities tunnel to move under the hotel. Once on site you will destroy the foundation block and submerge the building. The area with the hostages should hold out for 8 minutes. Hostage rescue and mop up of the terrorists will be handled by other units. You will be using the VARIS to destroy the foundation. Set the Impact Rail to Anti-Material Level 3."
"The only variable," Lloyd pitched in, "Is that pesky linear fusion cannon waiting for you in the tunnel. Space is tight in there, the Lancelot will only have a 47.8% evasion rate."
"Are we really going through with this?"
"Yep. Make sure you both pull out of there before it's too late. If the Lancelot gets wrecked, I will be a little annoyed."
"Before it's too late?
"No?"
'Nevermind, Lloyd's just being eccentric'
"Understand, sir."
'Lelouch, hold on. I'm coming.'
Lelouch
Lelouch currently had a rope tied around him as he was being escorted to an elevator. He only had two guards with him, so he was confident he could deal with them. When they entered the elevator, he noticed that he pushed the button for the roof.
'They're at the end of their patience, so~' "You're about to throw me from the roof."
"Smart boy." One of the soldiers replied.
"Too bad you weren't smart enough to keep your mouth shut." Another exclaimed as the doors closed.
"Maybe," Lelouch replied, angleling his right arm to aim at the rope, "But you were dumb enough to get me alone."
Lelouch twisted his wrist, extending the arm blade, cutting the rope. He swung his arm to the side, cutting one soldier in the leg.
"GAH!" The injured soldier screamed.
"What the~'' The other exclaimed, but was interrupted when Lelouch grabbed the injured soldier's pistol with his left hand and shot him in the head. Lelouch quickly turned the gun back on the first one, killing him with a bullet to the head.
Lelouch quickly hit a button on the elevator, stopping him one floor above where the hostages were. He exited the elevator, and moved to one of the guests rooms, slashing the door with his blade, before entering and locking it.
It was at this moment that Lelouch noticed his left arm was shaking. He retracted the blade, put the pistol on a coffee table, and steadied his arm.
'Taking a life up close,' Lelouch thought as he took deep breaths, 'Is a lot different than taking one from inside a Knightmare.' He then twisted his left arm, revealing a small earpiece hidden in the sleeve. 'Incompent soldiers. Checked us for weapons, but that was it.' He put the earpiece in, and activated it. "Celaeno."
Celaeno
Celaeno was being escorted by three JLF radicals on the when her brother's voice came through her helmet's comm.
"If you don't mind, gentlemen," Cornelia courteously replied, despite the vile task she had just saying it, "I think I know the way from here."
"Very well." The radical replied, and the three left to return to their posts.
'Idiots.' "Location?" She had a hard time containing her joy.
"14th floor, room 213. It should have a slash mark on the door."
"Alright, hang tight," She then switched to the BK comms, "Q1, this is K2. K1 is located on the 14th floor, room 213. Has a slash mark on it."
"Right, been moving up. Eleven stories tall, and it's a long son-of-a-bitch."
"Are all forces in position?"
"Alpha squad is nearing the hostages."
"Beta squad, in position."
"Charlie team, still setting the charges. Two, maybe three more minutes."
"Delta here. We've located a yacht that would facilitate our needs. Waiting for the callsign to acquire it."
"Good job," Celaeno replied, nearing a room with two soldiers guarding it, "Prepare to move."
'That's where Kusakabe is. Now, let's see if he's as stupid as I've predicted.'
Kallen
'213, 213, 213' Kallen thought as she searched the 14th floor for the room. She spotted a door that looked like someone took a swing at it with a sword. 'This is it.' Knocking on the door, she whispered "Zero.".
The door unlocked, allowing her entry. As she entered the room, she heard a gun cock behind her. Turning her head, she saw Lelouch holding a pistol to her head while he was hiding behind the door. He took a quick look over her before smiling and lowering the gun.
"You look good, Kallen." Lelouch said, clearly amused with himself.
"S-s-shut up and put your outfit on." Kallen retorted as she slammed the case onto the bed. She was glad for the mask, or Lelouch would've seen the blush she had.
"What's the plan?" Lelouch replied as he entered a digital combo into the case, opening it.
"Your sister's going to meet with Kusakabe of the JLF, while two teams work on eliminating the soldiers and saving the hostages. A third team is planting explosives around the hotel, while a fourth team is about to get a boat as our extraction. Speaking of which, do you know why your sister's placing explosives?"
Lelouch stopped, having gotten the inner part of his outfit on, contemplating what Cornelia could be doing. After a couple seconds, he gave a demonic smirk.
"Looks like she's learned over the years."
"Pardon?"
"The biggest thing right now that would boost us is public attention, as well as a strong message. With the eyes of the world here, and the JLF being the ones who hijacked this building, it'll look like they blew up the building, and the Britannians were unable to save them. But when we return the hostages, we'll be seen as heroes by the common man."
'That's...deceitful as hell.'
"I can tell that you don't like the idea, but, remember, we're Black Knights. We will bloody our hands so that the world of peace that we've envisioned can be achieved."
'Damn, why does he have to look so good saying the right things!'
"Alright," Lelouch continued, placing his helmet on, "Which way is the ship gonna leave from."
"The eastern exit. Why?"
"Head to the ship."
"Where will you be?"
"Preparing my exit."
Suzaku
The Lancelot was lowered into the tunnel. Suzaku got his Knightmare into a charging position.
"Lancelot, now launching!" With that, Suzaku sped down the tunnel. In the distance he could see the linear cannon waiting for him. He saw a flash, and his systems warned him of incoming projectiles. He began evasive maneuvers, even moving back to avoid some of them. Nevertheless, they missed, and Suzaku inched closer and closer to the cannon.
Celaeno
Celaeno entered the room. The lights were out, and Kusakabe was sitting on a couch, a sheathed katana being used as a cane.
"Ah," he exclaimed, joy in his voice, "The great Celaeno. I have to say, I'm inspired by your fight against Britannia."
Celaeno began moving to stand across from Kusakabe, with a coffee table separating them. She kept her cloak wrapped around her, concealing her pistols (M6Ds from Halo and the twins' recent creation, a weapon called 'Sleá Dhiaga' (looks like Mehrunes' Razor from Skyrim). "I don't suppose you'd be willing to join me and my brother's Black Knights?"
"Hmph, I am a proud member of the JLF. I'm not one to give up that loyalty so easily."
"You disobeyed orders by attacking the convention, Kusakabe. We know Todoh himself urged you to remain cautious. By doing this, you have gone rogue from the JLF. You have no place anymore in the JLF. Will you not consider joining us?"
'Lies. This man is going to die.' The shock on the man's face was highly amusing to her, however. She pressed a button on her wrist, tapping the BK squads into their conversation.
"Um, why don't you take off that mask of yours," Kusakabe retorted, attempting to change the subject, "It's disrespectful not to."
'Two can play that game, terrorist.' "Kusakabe, what do you intend to accomplish with the actions taken here?"
"Why," he replied, confidence returning, "To gain attention, of course. I want this country and the world to know the Japanese aren't dead yet."
"..."
'THAT'S WHY! It's not to get one last glory for his family, it's just to tell the world that Japan isn't dead yet!?' Celaeno began shaking, trying to contain her laughter, but it failed, and she bursted out laughing.
"What do you find so funny, Celaeno?" Kusakabe venomously inquired.
"I'm sorry. It's just, I didn't expect an answer so mundane as that," her joyous tone then shifted to one of coldness, "You people are hopeless."
While the three JLF soldiers looked at her with anger, Kusakabe was at least smart enough to realize the implications of her tone. He had suspicions that she'd try to kill him. He gripped his katana, ready to strike.
"You, the Japan Liberation Front. You, who time has left behind. You, who had forgotten basic human decency. You and your dream of a bygone golden age shall fall and rot into nothingness."
"Why YOU!" A soldier roared at her, but she didn't care. She spread the cloak, pulling the two pistols out, and started gunning down the three soldiers. Kusakabe only had a katana, but the other three had rifles that would be problematic.
Kusakabe, despite anticipating an attack, was shocked at how quickly his men fell. The only chance he had was to get in close and cut Celaeno down. With fury, he unsheathed his katana and jumped over the coffee table as the last soldier was dropped.
'Damn, he's too close.' She dodged a swipe, quickly trading her pistols for the dagger. She parried the hit, and backed away, getting some distance.
"Fool! You'd have a better chance hitting me up close. I have the advantage in ra~" Celaeno tapped a button on the grip.
This caused the handle to extend five and a half feet, turning it into a spear. Before he could get a grasp on what just happened, Celaeno pierced him through the heart.
"URK," the dead man exclaimed as he looked at the object impaling him. Before he had a chance to look up, he was already dead when Celaeno put a bullet into his skull for good measure.
'No shame in double tapping. He might've tried a suicidal attack.' She pulled the spear out, letting the man fall to the floor.
"Brother," She said, "Kusakabe is dead."
"Expected. I want you to rendezvous at the boat with the others. I'll catch up. Also, I'm sending you a script. Please memorize it. If you can't, simply tell me so, and I'll do it instead."
'Don't know what he's planning, but that was my intended destination.' "Copy." She then retracted the handle, placing it back in the hook on her outfit, and left the room, not looking back at the corpses she left behind.
Rivalz
'Goddamnit.' Rival thought angrily to himself, 'I should've tried to help Lelouch. I'm his best friend, and I just let these terrorists take him. If Euphie hadn't kept me sitting down, that's exactly what I could've done.'
Despite his bravado, Rival knew, deep down, that he might've simply got himself killed. But, if it saved Lelouch, he didn't care.
There was a knock at the door. The four terrorists guarding them turned towards it when the door suddenly opened, revealing several armed men in black outfits. They had visors covering their eyes, so he couldn't tell what they looked like.
However, he was more transfixed on the two dead terrorists in the hall behind them.
"Everyone," one of the mysterious soldiers exclaimed, "Look away." They then raised their own rifles at the terrorists. Before they could react, they were gunned down, however the guns weren't loud. The bodies hitting the ground made more noise than the guns. The civilians just stared in either horror or awe.
'Is it the Britannian military. No, it doesn't look like any uniform I know of.' One of the saviors, a man with brown hair, approached Nina, who looked like she was about to have a panic attack. His outfit wasn't buttoned up, so he saw he was wearing a light brown shirt underneath it.
"Hey," the man said gently, kneeling down to her, "Are you alright?"
Nina was still terrified as she looked up. Her gaze began drifting to the dead terrorist near her.
"No, no," he interjected, placing a hand on her cheek, preventing her from turning her head and seeing the body fully, "There's no need to fear anymore. Are you alright?"
Nina gently nodded, "Who are you?"
The man smiled as he stood back up, "We're the Black Knights. We're here to save you. If you just follow up, we'll escort you to a ship waiting to take you from this place."
Rival was glad they were consoling Nina, but he was unsure. It was only when Milly and Euphie got up that the other began filing through.
'Wait, Lelouch!' He slowed down so that the others could pass through, and he saw a female soldier with long green hair. Once it was just the two of them, out of whispering range from the others, he opened dialogue with her.
"Um, ma'am, there's one more hostage. He's around my age, tall, has black hair, purpl~"
"Lelouch is fine," the woman replied, startling Rival, "He won't be joining you on the boat, however."
'WHAT, WHY!?' "He's my friend, okay. He's got~"
"Huh huh, don't worry. We're not gonna hurt him. We're just gonna ask his majesty a few questions."
'What? Majesty? But Lelouch is a commoner, like me...right?'
"Now hurry along," the woman said sarcastically, slightly shoving him forward, "You don't want to be left behind." Rival quickly caught up with the others, never noticing the woman giving a devilish smirk.
Suzaku
Suzaku did a loop over the tunnel dodging the most recent attack from the cannon. He was now within firing range.
'This is it!' "Ms. Cecile, it's time for me to use the VARIS."
"No, you could get killed!" Suzaku used the Blaze Luminous to deflect several pellets from the lastest burst.
"There's no room for me to evade. I'll risk getting blasted to take the first shot." Suzaku pulled out a blue and orange knightmare rifle.
The VARIS was state of the art tech, and upgraded version of the rail guns Prince Pollux's Guards use, firing rail guns at hyper velocity.
As he aimed the rifle downsite, the cannon fired one more blast. But it was too late. Suzaku fired the gun, and a bullet encased in blue energy flew straight at the cannon. As the two bullets passed each other, the sheer force of the rail gun round tore the cannon pellets to shreds. The round impacted the cannon, causing a massive explosion.
Suzaku jumped out of the hole made by the explosion, and recalibrated the rifle. He quickly aimed it at the support columns, causing the hotel to begin sinking. Suzaku breathed a sigh of relief.
'Good. With that done, the military will move in and save the hostages. Now I just need to find where Lelouch is and make sure he gets aw~' "What that?"
Suzaku, slowly falling back to the ground, zoomed in on one of the floors. A figure was standing there. A figure cloaked in black.
'Zero?!' Just as he thought that, dozens of explosions rocked across the hotel, as well as destroying the APCs that Celaeno brought with her. Suzaku was frozen in dread.
'No! The JLF knew they lost, so they blew themselves up...including the hostages! Including Lelouch!' As the Lancelot touched the ground, he then charged towards the crumbling tower, hoping beyond hope that his greatest fear wasn't a reality.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!"
"Warrant Officer Kururugi, don't!" He heard Lloyd protest, but he didn't care. He just lost his closest, and only, friend.
The Lancelot stopped just short of the ruined tower. "I failed you," Suzaku wheezed out, tears rolling down his face, "I failed you again. Le~"
"Suzaku," Ms. Cecile exclaimed, "Look to the east side of the hotel. Something's happening."
Suzaku was knocked out of his spiral, mentally kicking himself for almost blurting out Lelouch's name, as he looked he saw a luxury yacht pulling out of the ruins. Upon closer inspection, he saw that the hostages were around the ship in lifeboats.
His scanners indicated something breaking above him. He looked up, and saw that Zero had smashed out of a window on the upper floors, falling towards the ship.
No, not falling, gliding.
Zero
Zero steadied himself as he neared the yacht.
'Really glad I took Cornelia's advice for wingsuit training last year.' As he approached the front of the ship, he deactivated the electrical currents running through his cloak. He landed safely at the front of the ship. At this point, the twins had hacked into the local news so that they could use their own cameras to broadcast this on all channels observing the hotel.
"My dear Britannians," Zero graciously announced, "Have no fear. All the hostages from the hotel are safe and unharmed. I, Zero, return them to you."
Spotlights on the ship activated, revealing Celaeno, Kallen, as well as the other members of Zero 'Dark Council'.
"People! Fear us, or rally behind us as you see fit. We are the Black Knights. We of the Black Knights stand with all those who have no weapons to wield. Regardless of whether they be Elevens, or Britannians."
"The Japan Liberation Front," Celaeno continued, stepping beside her brother, "cowardly took innocent Britannian civilians hostage, and then tried to execute them, mercilessly. It was a wanton and meaningless act, therefore they have been punished."
" Just as former Viceroy Clovis was punished for ordering the slaughter of countless unarmed Elevens, we could not stand by and allow such cruelty to be carried out, and so we made him pay for his actions. I will not repudiate battle on a fair and level field, but neither will I tolerate a one-sided massacre of the weak by the strong."
"The only ones who should kill," The both of them proclaimed, "Are those who are prepared to be killed."
"Wherever oppressors abuse their power by attacking those who are powerless," Zero continued, "We shall appear again. No matter how mighty, how formidable our foe may be."
"From the lowest soldier, to Emperor Charles zi Britannia himself."
"Those of you with power, fear us!"
"Those of you without it, rally behind us!"
"We, the Black Knight," Once more, both of them proclaimed, "Shall be the ones who stand in judgement of this world!"
At that moment, fog machines coated the area in a thick layer of mist. When the smoke cleared, the yacht was empty. Prince Pollux sent a team into the ship to investigate, but it was no use. The Black Knights escaped.
And the whole world now knew their names.
Author's Notes: The Black Knight's have revealed themselves. Not only that, but they'll be far stronger than in the original timeline (for obvious reasons). At this moment they're as strong as they were when they faced Cornelia at Narita in canon. This doesn't mean they're gonna steamroll over the Brits.
Now, onto the long wait. First, it was the holidays. I actually was still writing even during Christmas and New Year's Eve. I had half the chapter done.
Then tragedy. My older brother was hospitalized after a semi's brakes failed, causing a massive pileup at an intersection, with my brother being the first hit. He had several broken bones, though docs say he'll recover. He's been discharged from the hospital, but he's been walking with a cane ever since. Docs say it will be a couple months before it'd be safe without the cane, even longer to get back to walking normally. After all that, I just couldn't get myself into a writing mood. I wanted to write, but just never could get in the mood. I'm still not in the mood, but I figured three months is long enough wait. I'll try to write one to two pages a day, so the upload rates will vary, but I am still dedicated to this story.
On that note, leave a review, and I will see you next time.