The Guren Dances

September 5th, Ashford Academy, 9:45 p.M.

Lelouch

Lelouch was currently in his room, looking over a datapad listing potential recruits. He had set up secret recruitment locations, as well as an application site only accessible on the Dark Web. While many Japanese had already joined them, there were several people that needed a closer look. Either they had an unhealthy history, or~

"A Britannian?" Lelouch muttered, seeing one of the applications on his website. The man had sandy brown hair and indigo eyes. His name is Diethard Ried, and he was a graduate of the Imperial Britannian Central University. He's currently working with Hi-TV, one of Area 11's biggest news stations.

'We can't be having recruits this fast, can we?'

"Are our people already joining the Knights." Milly inquired as she leaned on his shoulder, looking at the application. "He looks too confident to be a spy. Extremist?"

"Possibly. It's actually surprising me how quickly our ranks are swelling."

"Well, that's to be expected," Milly replied, taking her arm off his shoulder, "For five years we had to recruit in the shadows, being careful not only of who would oppose Britannia, but who would keep your identities secret. With our public announcement, as well as your persona, we've eliminated the latter. This has caused a snowball effect."

"I'll take a closer look at his profile, but it's slightly comforting to see our people sympathize with us. All in all, things are going quite well." Lelouch noticed Milly have a look of anger, but then it switched to shame. "What's wrong?"

"It's my mother."

'What asinine plan did she do now? We had an agreement!' "What did she do now?"

"A few days ago, she called me, saying that she arranged a date with Lord Lloyd Asplund. He's been attempting to get the Ganymede's designs for years, but my grandfather's been able to rebuke them all. I'm to meet him in a week."

'That could be useful. But, first things first.' "Even when she's so close to getting what she wanted, she thinks I'll back out of our deal."

"Because she knows you'll find a way out, Lelouch. Years ago, you managed to convince Selene to stop trying to get me a husband by saying that you'll reveal yourself after my graduation. It was a stupid idea that you didn't think about. I'm thankful that you did, as I didn't need to worry about her for all these years, but you basically put yourself on a time limit."

"Even if it comes to that, which, given everything that's been happening, is very slim, my sisters would be able to easily go into hiding should I have to do that."

"Despite the fact that you never told them of my mother's ultimatum….Wait, your Geass allows you to command anyo~"

"Won't work. We made that deal three years ago. There are too many ways that plan could backfire: Large gaps in her memory, she'll investigate; She probably has an agent or two that she has to report to and, in the event she doesn't, will reveal the information. There's just too many issues to deal with. Although, I'm impressed you would consider warping your own mother's memories." Lelouch said the last part sarcastically. Milly simply raised an eyebrow.

"You and I both know my feelings for that woman. What do you suggest I do?"

"Well, agree to the date."

"HUH?!"

"If you're up for the risk. I know you've been itching to help me, despite building the Nest."

"My grandfather built that, not me."

"With your persuasion. However, back on the subject. Lloyd Asplund is the designer and creator of the Lancelot, the first 7th Generation Knightmare. The ability to get in close is something that's too good to pass up. If you agree to it, you might get a chance to snag it's schematics. We'd be able to produce our own version."

"I doubt it would be that easy."

"Of course not. I'm pretty sure he'd keep them in his workspace only, so you'd have to work your magic. It'd be far more dangerous than simply joining my group officially."

"Hmm, could I propose a trade?"

"You'd have to make it look good. A school student asking for blueprints to an advanced piece of tech would look suspicious. A former noble lady even more so."

Milly sighed, "Yeah, that makes sense. Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Lelouch." Milly moved and kissed him on the cheek.

"Goodnight." Milly opened the door. "One last thing."

"Yes?"

"First Shirley, and now Kallen." Lelouch could see the devil smirk forming on her face, "Are you trying to drive me up a wall?"

"Yep." Milly replied without hesitation, before closing the door.

Lelouch gently slammed his head down on his desk.

'That woman will be the death of me.' Lelouch couldn't keep himself from smiling, however.

September 6th, Tokyo Settlement, 1:07 P.M.

Villetta Nu

"I'm sorry," a news reporter, Diethard Ried, replied, "But, due to my demotion, I don't think I'll be of much assistance."

Villetta was currently in Diethard's office, though, if the unopened boxes were any guess, it's his new office. She had hoped to use the news network to help narrow down the search, since she can't use the military's systems. However, it seems Diethard was demoted because he refused to cut the airwaves after they regained control of them during Zero speech at the Sakuradite Convention.

'However, it seems that plan has been botched.' "I see. Then I'm sorry for wasting your time."

"Hold on," the man retorted, "I said I wouldn't be much assistance. I didn't say I'd be useless. I was demoted for refusing to turn off the broadcasts when Zero and his Black Knights first appeared. The men respect me, so I can still pull some strings. What do you need me for?"

"I'm currently looking for a young girl who's connected to Zero. Given her age, I was going to ask for assistance in investigating the local schools, starting with Ashford Private Academy."

'Zero's resourceful, and smart. He'd want C.C. to blend in with society, and a 17 year old should go to school.'

"Hm, I'm not sure what I could do, but I'll see which schools~"

"We can discuss this in a few days. I'm being deployed with the Purebloods for training exercises in the Narita Mountains."

"Narita? Isn't that where the Japan Liberation Front is rumored to be located?"

Villetta narrowed her eyes. "Perhaps you're too clever for your own good."

"Hmph, you overestimate me."

Tokyo Settlement, 10:01 P.M.

Kallen

A large number of Black Knight recruits, as well as the Dark Council, were gathered inside a warehouse near the dockyards. The Six Houses of Kyoto, a shadow group that has led Japan's fight for liberation, had sent several Knightmares to one of their secondary bases.

'They see that we're worthy of joining the official resistance.'

"Woah," a recruit exclaimed, "Kyoto sent these?

"Yeah," another replied, "They're custom Glasgows. I think they call them Burais."

"Sweet, that means we're in the big leagues now!"

"But, if these Burais are simply upgraded Glasgows, wouldn't a Sutherland be better?"

"You are correct," Celaeno replied from on the catwalk, "Which is why I want the Burais loaded onto trucks and brought to the Nest. We'll strip them for parts, but keep the frames, as we can use them for training simulators."

"Yes, ma'am." The recruits exclaimed as they began prepping trucks. The Council gathered around a lone Knightmare. This Knightmare was unique, however. It was red, with an orange cockpit. There was no visible FactSphere Sensor, either. It's most glaring feature, though, was the large silver claw that was it's right arm. It looked more like a metal monster than a Knightmare.

'I think I'm in love.'

"Geez," Minami exclaimed, "Kinda harsh to melt down a gift from Kyoto."

"Well," Yoshida retorted, "Celaeno makes sense. Burais may give you a better chance against a Sutherland, but I'd rather a Sutherland of my own."

"Tamaki-san," a recruit called out, "Could you help us move these?"

"Oh, sure," Tamaki replied, running off towards the trucks, "Hang on, I'll be right there."

"Newbies," Inoue commented, "What are you gonna do?"

"Don't tell me," Zero's voice exclaimed as he stepped out of the darkness, "That you are all treating this as if it was a party?"

"No, sir," Yoshida retorted, "It's just that~"

"Kyoto is backing multiple resistance groups, correct?"

"Yes," Kallen replied, "Which means that we finally made it. They know we're worthy!"

"Wrong, Kallen. They wish to see what we're capable of, so this 'gift' is a test. I'm insulted."

'What?'

"Ever since Japan fell, I've been planning this rebellion. We've not only created a hidden base, but also a network of tunnels that give us nearly unrestricted access to the entirety of the Settlement, and the resources to be self-sufficient. That's not even counting the secondary bases we have across Japan. They think we need them to be a successful fighting force. The largest force under the command of Kyoto is the JLF, and they haven't done a successful military operation ever since Japan fell. Again, I'm insulted by them simply giving us a test."

'Damn, when he puts it like that, it makes Kyoto seem like bad guys. But they've been fighting for Japan for seven years.'

"So what if it is," Kallen replied, "It's still incredible."

"You're an optimist. However, you don't see the underlying threat in this 'gift'."

"Threat?" Minami inquired.

"Kyoto wishes to know each resistance group they back," Celaeno exclaimed, having come down from the catwalks, "They most likely have an agents inside each group to report their activities. As such, it's nearly impossible for those groups to hide things from them. However, they know nothing about the two of us. They do not want someone they can't control. If we accept this Knighmare, the Guren Mk-2, and produce positive results, they will no doubt invite us to join the 'larger resistance', as they would say."

"Which means that, if we accepted, they would try to threaten me to take off my mask. A person you do not know is not easily controlled. However, if we refuse this gift, Kyoto will see it as an insult, and try to interfere with our progress, to try to make it seem like we need them to survive. Despite Kyoto wishing for Japan's freedom, we have no idea if any of them only want to simply restore their old status, or legitimately want Japan free."

'Geez, suddenly not feeling so thrilled.'

"However, despite this threat, I'm not willing to turn down such a powerful Knightmare." Zero tossed Kallen a white and red feather.

'This is an activation key.'

"The Guren Mk-2 is yours, Kallen Kozuki."

"Mine? But, we can't afford to lose you or Celaeno. We need the Guren's defenses to protect you."

"Kallen," Celaeno retorted, "The Guren is an offensive Knightmare. Zero intends to command the battlefield, not lead it. As such, a Knightmare like that would be wasted on him. As for me, I've already formed my own fighting style with the Gorgon. Switching to a new one would be counterproductive."

"She's right. You're a top notched pilot, while I'm a commander. Besides, the Morgana should be fine for me."

"Wait, did the twins fix the WoS?"

"Not the crucial feature, but the camera function works now. I've already selected four people to be part of my guards on the battlefield, so we don't need to worry."

"Zero, you got a second?" Ohgi exclaimed, walking over towards them, "We got some weird intel from a Britannian who wants to join with the Black Knights." Zero took the files and began skimming through them. "It could be a trap to draw us out. I'd say even if we wanna confirm the information it's too risky to contact him directly. But, news like this isn't something we can ignore. What should we do?"

Zero closed the folder. "Mobilize our forces. This Friday, we'll be hiking to the Narita Mountains."

"What?" Inoue inquired.

"Would the Head of Intelligence please explain."

"Recent reports," Minami replied, "Suggest that the Viceroy is mobilizing forces near Narita for 'training exercises'."

"These files simply confirm what I suspect: The Viceroy is gearing up to assault the JLF. I want our forces to get there first."

"Sweet," Tamaki exclaimed, returning to the group, "So we'll be fighting alongside the Japan Liberation Front!"

"More like we'll be fighting the Britannians," Celaeno retorted, "And they're just on the same battlefield. I highly doubt they'd be willing to work with us, seeing how we killed Kasukabe and his men during the Sakuradite Convention, even if they were rogue agents."

"Once we arrive, Pollux will surround the JLF fortress. At this point, we'll be inside the perimeter."

"Wait!" Tamaki exclaimed, "You mean you're going to intentionally trap us with them?!"

"If the Viceroy expects us to attack them, they'll be expecting an attack from outside they're perimeter. They'll most likely have early warnings in place for such an event, allowing them to reposition and counter our attack. Not only that, but we're working on a way to eliminate at least a third of the attacking force."

"Still, that's insane. We won't stand a chance against them head on."

"Then why bother." Everyone stilled at his word. "When we free Japan, Britannia will throw it's strongest warriors at us. If we can't fight them in open battle now, we'll be slaughtered when that day comes."

Tamaki was silent, before throwing his hands in the air, "Gah, fine. I don't like it, but you've made your point."

"Alright then. Get some rest. We'll need it for tomorrow."

The Councilmen began to disperse.

"Kallen," Celaeno exclaimed, catching her attention, "I need to speak with you regarding the Guren."

"Oh, sure thing."

September 8th, Ashford Academy, 6:29 A.M.

Sayoko

Sayoko Shinozaki, loyal servant to the Lamperouges and Levetts, was currently preparing breakfast for the young ladies. She had just entered Nunnally's room to help her prepare for school.

"Sayoko," Nunnally said as she rose from her bed, "We won't need breakfast for Oniichan and Oneechan this morning."

"They're going out?" Sayoko replied, pretending to not know.

"Cornelia thought Lelouch was getting lazy in his fitness, so they'll be taking a three day trip starting today."

"I see then. Very well."

'Good luck, my Lord and Lady.'

Narita Mountain, 6:42 A.M.

Kallen

Kallen was currently in her Guren with the cockpit opened up, reading up on the instructions, when she saw a short flash of light in the distance.

"I've confirmed the signal from Zero. We're now moving to waypoint 2."

With that, the convoy began to move their objective, with thirty black Sutherlands, and three times as many infantry. Kallen saw a second set of blinking lights off in the opposite direction.

'Looks like Celaeno's in position as well.'

"Why doesn't Zero and his sis use the comms?"

"What, and tip off the Britannians, Tamaki."

"Still can't believe we're doing this."

"Cut the chatter. We need to move quickly if we want to get everything ready in time. Kallen, do you think you'll be ready with the Guren?"

"Gp. Uh, yeah, Ohgi. Just looking over the minor instructions."

In truth, she was focusing heavily on how to manage the Radiant Wave Surger, the Guren's main weapon.

'This will all hinge on me.'

(Several Days Ago)

"Kallen," Celaeno exclaimed, having taken her to the side to discuss something, "When we go into this mission, you'll be given a callsign. Simply calling you Q1 would seem slightly insulting."

"Makes sense."

"There's also one other matter I want to discuss."

"Is this related to the secret plan you and Zero and making?"

"The plan is already made. There's an underground lake located near the top of JLF mountain base. We plan to use special drills to burrow to the lake. From there, you'll use the Guren's Radiant Wave Surger to heat up the water, building up pressure. With enough force, we'll be able to cause an avalanche."

'Holy Kami, that's terrifying.' "Then, why haven't you told the others?"

"Because we won't use that plan if you don't want to."

'Huh? Why woul~I'm not gonna like the answer.'

"The side of the mountain containing the lake also has a town at the bottom of it. A bad enough avalanche could certainly put the town at risk. We would most certainly have agents stationed there to evacuate the town, however the time for them to complete it will be short, so it's unlikely that they'll succeed. As such, Zero and I have agreed that, if you wish, we will scrap that plan."

"Do we have any other ideas?"

"Unfortunately, no."

'So, I hold the fate of innocent people in my hands.'

"We both would understand if you did not wish to do it. However, every battlefield has the risk of civilian life being lost. You should expect this going forward. I'll give you some time to think about it."

(Present Day)

'I hate it, but she's right. I can only hope I don't put too much power into it'

Inoue

Inoue was currently following the convoy, alongside the ten men assigned to her. Each of them had a strange rifle slugged across their backs.

'Can these weapons really do what Talio said.'

(Yesterday, The Nest)

"Here," Talio exclaimed, handing Inoue one of the rifles, "When you head to Narita, I want your squad to take these."

Inoue picked up the rifle. The rifle appeared black with a white frame coated around it. The stock appeared to be extendable, however it didn't have any form of scope mounted on it. (Magnetic Rifle from XCOM 2)

"What are these?"

"The Arcadon X-1 Mag Rifle. Maximum range of 550 meters, effective range 300 meters, 300 rounds per minute. Perfect for your infantry vs. Knightmare battles."

'What?'

"Several weeks ago," Tolia continued, "We were making a sniper rifle to take down Knightmares. However, we decided to scrap that once we went public. This is a watered down version of that project."

"Wait, are you saying that these guns will bring down Knightmares?! That's ridiculous!"

"Inoue," Talio replied, "Before the Knightmare, ground war was equal. Sure, tanks were pretty powerful, planes had height advantage, and infantry had numbers, but all three balanced each other."

'Not sure if I agree with that.'

"But," Tolia continued, "The Knightmare threw that balance out of whack. Now, the only real threat to a Knightmare is another Knightmare. These guns will start to even the playing field. We've tested it on stationary targets. However, as the old saying goes: A day in the field is a week in the books. I want you to try using these against Knightmares at Narita. If they are effective enough, Zero might give the go ahead to mass produce these."

"I'll try my best."

(Present Day)

'If these rifles can do what the twins say, then Britannia's gonna get a very rude wake up call.'

Lelouch

Lelouch was currently inside a JLF early warning hut, having Geassed two soldiers into ignoring their actions for the day.

"Zero," A voice from his helmet called out, "Asset has been acquired."

"Well done. Extract him to Point Rain. Zero, out. Huh?" Lelouch noticed that C.C. was outside, in here prisoner outfit.

'What's she doing here?'

Pollux rui Britannia

Inside the G1 command center, Viceroy Pollux was looking over the holomap of the mountain housing the main JLF base. Alongside him was his brother Castor, Dalton, Guilford, Nonette, Rai, and, surprisingly, Suzaku. No Number was ever allowed into a G1, so this was unprecedented. However, Castor had a good feeling about Suzaku, and insisted that the Special Corp be allowed to view the meeting.

'The last time he said he had a 'good feeling', we ended up creating the Aquarius and the Volanus. It's never failed him before.'

"We're certain," Dalton exclaimed, "That the Japan Liberation Front's headquarters are in this area. We've split four battalions into seven units and hidden them in the vicinity. We've only to wait for the Viceroy's signal, then we'll surround them in one fell swoop and wipe them out."

"What are the chances of outside interference?" Rai inquired.

"You mean the Black Knights," Castor replied, "It's highly likely that they'll show up. However, with the surrounding highways and mountain paths being blocked off once we begin, we'll get an early warning. If they arrive, it's their funeral."

"My Squire's concerns shouldn't be taken lightly," Nonette retorted, "Zero has already outsmarted us before, both tactically and politically."

"You are correct, Lady Enneagram," Pollux replied, "Now, we all know our positions: I'll be in command of the southern forces; the Sub-Viceroy will command the west; Lady Enneagram and her Squire will lead the north; and General Dalton and Alex will handle the eastern side. Warrant Officer Kururugi, you will be assigned alongside General Dalton for the duration of the operation."

"Yes, Your Highness." Suzaku saluted.

"Good."

'This is the first time me and my brother have both taken to the battlefield. To be pushed to such a point.'

Lelouch

"C.C., what are you doing here?" Lelouch stated, having left the hut.

"I said that I would protect you, didn't I?"

"Aren't you overdoing it?"

C.C. turned her head back, "I've been wondering something, Lelouch. Why are you Lelouch?"

'Philosophical riddles?' "Clarify."

"You changed your family surname to Lamperouge, but kept Lelocuh, the name you were born with. How sentimental. You can't let go of the past."

'Yet her name swings to the opposite extreme. Wait, could it be that~'

"And what makes you think I want to let go of it."

Lelouch walked beside C.C., before kneeling down to the snow. "C.C., I have a question of my own: Why is snow white?"

C.C. gave him a questioning look.

"Snow is white because it's forgotten what color it's supposed to be. It's a fresh slate, clear of any sins, but also lacking in a foundation. Lelouch vi Britannia, Eleventh Prince of Britannia, died, and laid the foundation for Lelouch Lamperouge, the revolutionary leader. Without a foundation, the future we have is directionless. And I think that's your biggest concern: You don't remember your name."

He didn't bother looking up, but he heard her shift her body away from him, as well as a lack of a response. He stood back up, turning his back to her.

"You've lived for so long, that the most basic feature of being human has been lost upon you. I'm impressed by your denacity. I would've probably wished to die if I lived as long as you did. I hope I'm there when you rediscover it. So I can see a genuine smile on your face."

Lelouch put his mask back on and moved to the Morgana, a black Sutherland with the faceplate red, and the purple 'horns' golden. He was unaware of how both right and wrong he was, nor of how hard his words hit C.C.

General Katase

General Tatewaki Katase was currently entering the command center for the mountain fortress. He was an elder man with buzzed gray hair. Despite the Black Knights helping their people, they had all but crippled the recruitment for the JLF. He knew, deep down, that the wind was turning in their direction. However, he was too proud to simply admit defeat.

"Sir," A JLF officer exclaimed, "We're receiving an unknown message."

"What?" Katase replied, "Is it from Kyoto?"

"No sir. Source unknown, but they demanded to speak to you. It also seems to be using authentication codes not seen since before the war."

"Hmm, put it through, but get ready for any tricks."

'I doubt the Britannians would bother looking for old Japanese codes. So, who's contacting us?'

He got his answer when the main screen, currently showing the mountain and surrounding areas, changed to Celaeno. It seemed that she was broadcasting from inside a Knightmare.

"Greetings, General Tatewaki Katase, leader of the Japan Liberation Front, and former commander of the Japanese Self-Defense Force. I doubt I need any introduction, but I am Celaeno, brother of Zero, and Co-founder of the Black Knights."

'Well, she's a lot more professional than I had believed.' "Greetings, Celaeno. To what do I owe this message?"

"I'm surprised you're so hospitable, despite me killing your men at Lake Kawaguchi."

"Kusakabe acted without my orders, and his actions left a black mark on our credibility. Despite how you played it off, I'm not sorry that extremists like him are removed."

"Hmm, then it saddens me to inform you that Viceroy Pollux has discovered your location."

'WHAT?!'

"He's most likely already moved his forces into position, and will strike soon."

"Begin evacuating non-essential personnel, and mobilize are Burais, NOW!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Despite my better judgement, Zero has elected to warn you that we have a plan that will severely damage the Britannian forces. Before we begin our attack, you'll have to move your ground forces inside the mountain, so that you don't get caught in the initial assault."

"Will you contact us again when~"

"No. You'll see a blue flare when we're about to begin."

With that, the screen shut off, returning to the mountain map.

'Todoh, hurry.'

Zero

Zero had moved the Morgana up to where the main force of the Black Knights were gathered, above an underground lake. There were several drills positioned around the area, with the purpose of funneling the Radiant Wave Surger's energy straight into the lake.

"Zero," Ohgi exclaimed, "Your guards are here."

Zero turned to see four people, one was bald, the second was a woman with flowing black hair, a third had yellow spiky hair, and the fourth had short black hair. All four had the same gray eyes. The first three looked to be in their early twenties, while the fourth looked to be in his late teens. Daigoro, Naly, Yagi, and Mizuka Shimura. Triplets with a younger brother.

"Shimura siblings. I take it you've gone through the simulations?"

"Yes, sir," Mizuka replied, "All ready to go."

"Yeah," Daigoro roared, "We're gonna bust some heads!"

"Me and Yagi are all raring to go here, Zero." Naly finished. They were going to be part of Zero's Widow Squad.

Widow Squad's only objective is to safeguard Zero during battle. Their Knightmares were connected to the Morgana's Web of Shadows, which would feed instant data not only to the Morgana, but also each other, though to a lesser degree. However, the full potential of the WoS could not be utilized at its current time. Luckily, the data feature worked fine, so this would be a good test run.

"Then prepare your Knightmares. I believe the show is about to begin."

Nonette Enneagram

"All systems are good to go," Rai said from inside their cockpit, "Just waiting for the Viceroy's signal."

The two were currently inside a dual seated black and gold Knightmare frame, almost twice the size of any Sutherland. Normally, Nonette would be using her personal Knightmare, a prototype of the Lancelot called the Lancelot Club, while Rai would pilot a custom Gloucester. However, Prince Schneizel sent them an experimental Knightmare to field test it. Specifically, the Second Prince wanted its combat prowess determined.

This, unfortunately, meant the experimental tech, such as it's shoulder installed laser cannons, were deactivated, in case something went wrong in the field. Luckily, Lloyd was able to install shoulder mounted VARIS rifles, as a consolation, and she was able to still use her main weapon, a massive battle axe, recently upgraded using the MVS tech.

'It's almost like it was made for me and Rai!'

"Alright, now, let's not get too much dirt on this toy, Rai. The Prime Minister will want it back in mint condition."

"All forces, begin the operation!"

"Lady Nonette, all systems green."

"Right, Gawain, launching!"

With that, the Gawain fired out the concealed area, alongside 15 other Sutherlands, and their accompanying infantry.

Across the entire mountain, Britannian forces emerged from concealment, and others were dropped into the battlefield Aerial Deployment Gunships. However, somehow, the JLF were waiting for them. Four JLF Knightmares appeared out of nowhere.

"What the~What is that thing?!" An enemy Burais exclaimed of the speaker, "It's huge!"

"Focus! Size isn't everything! Open fire!" The four Burais opened fire, but the Gawain was faster on the draw. Rai fired the VARISs, taking out two of the Burais. Nonette impaled the third one with her battle axe, then lifted it into the air.. As she began swinging down to the final Burai, the impaled one exploded, leaving only the axe, which then bisected the remaining Burai. The size of the Gawain was insane. Normally, she'd need both hands to hold her axe, but the size of the new Knightmare made it easy to hold it in one hand.

All across the mountain, similar scenarios were occuring: Prince Castor's spears cleaved through in the west; Prince Pollux's Fountain Guard bombarded enemy turrets and Knightmares; and Suzaku's Lancelot disabled most of the enemy forces, with Dalton and Alex cleaning up the rest.

Suzaku

Suzaku cleaved a Burai's rifle in half, before slicing off its legs. As it fell to the ground, the cockpit ejected into the distance.

'These animals almost got Lelouch killed. I can understand their anger, but Japan lost. The only way for things to get better is to do it from the inside.'

"General Dalton," a soldier exclaimed, "Based on the analysis of the enemy's movement, I've determined that the entrance to the main JLF base is that lodge located higher up the mountain."

"I believe the proper word for the situation is 'Bingo'."

"Actually, sir," Suzaku retorted, "I think it'd be more precise to say~"

"Oh, just call it in, Warrant Officer Literal."

"Right, sir. Sorry, sir."

Jeremiah

Jeremiah and remaining Purebloods were currently south of Prince Pollux's position, guarding the rear line. Jeremiah didn't like it, but he understood why the Purebloods couldn't be used normally. With half their forces gone, they couldn't be used as a standard fighting force. However, some members didn't see it that way.

"You couldn't get further from the battlefield." Kewell exclaimed from his Knightmare.

"Jeremiah," Villetta, "I can't help but see his point of view. How can we regain our reputation if we aren't even allowed to fight?"

"You're assuming our reputation was ruined because we lost a battle. No, we lost it because of our manipulative plans, trying to throw the Elevens back into the ghettos using a scapegoat. The only way we can regain that is by following orders to the letter."

His men grumbled, and many silently cursed, including himself. He then saw a white flare in the distance.

Pollux

"Ah," Pollux exclaimed, "It seems Dalton has found them."

"Shall I radio them to hold position?" Guilford suggested.

"No. Order Dalton and Alex to advance. I won't break formation just to earn a little more glory."

Just then, a blue flare, higher up the mountain, fired upwards.

"Um, do any of us have blue flares?"

"No, which means the enemy fired that."

"Um," Castor replied, "The JLF is running."

"Clarify, Castor."

"They just retreated. Anything happen on your side?"

"No, same for me and Lady Nonette."

"Can confirm. Warrant Officer Kururugi and I just saw JLF Burais enter tunnels that were sealed behind them."

'This can't be good.'

Zero

"Alright, all preparations have been completed," Zero commanded from within the Morgana, "Black Knights, prepare to move out!"

"Hell yeah, let's kick some ass!"

"Let's show them what we can do!"

"We shall launch a surprise attack on the Britannians from the summit of the mountains. Per my instructions, our forces shall charge down towards point three. Celaeno's forces will circle down the western side to our position. The goal of the operation is the elimination and or capture of either Pollux or Castor rui Britannia. Our breakthrough route will be opened by the Guren Mk-2. Kallen, when you're ready."

"Right!" The Guren stood still for a moment.

'This is the moment. Do we use my plan, or scrap it. It's up to you.' Zero saw Kallen move toward penetrating electrode drill three, and place her claw on it.

"Got it. Output confirmed. Wave surger level ready and holding. Activating gun bullet now!"

The area around the Guren was encased with redish-black lighting as she poured energy in to drill. After a second or two, she halted, and there was only silence. Then, the ground around them shoke. Zero looked downward, as, with the underwater lake heating up, the resulting pressure build caused the entire section of the mountain to collapse, while leaving them safe.

All down south-eastern side, Britannian forces were swept away as the rockslide carried, or buried, them. Zero saw the town in the distance.

"Please…" Zero heard Kallen whisper over the radio.

The rockslide moved closer to the town.

"Please stop."

The rockslide slammed into the northern buildings, and stopped almost halfway into the town.

'She must not have used the Surger at full power.' "Kallen, focus! All forces, begin the assault!"

Pollux

"WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED!?" Castor roared over the radio.

"Somehow, the terrorist caused an avalanche, and wiped out nearly our entire south-eastern assault groups! I can't contact General Dalton and Alex, or Warrant Officer Kururugi!

"New enemy units moving from the summit. Carius unit is moving to intercept!"

"Here comes the JLF counterattack."

"Emergency call from Carius unit!"

"Situation report."

"It's not the JLF, it's the Black Knights!"

"Prince Castor here, a second group of contacts coming from the western side. Reports say it's the Black Knights."

"The Black Knights? Which means~"

Jeremiah

"ZERO!" Kewell roared as he charged his Sutherland.

'Damnit. I'd knew he be desperate, but no stupid.' "Kewell Soresi, get back here!"

"I will prove my loyalty to Britannia, even if you don't believe me!"

"Damnit. Villetta, take Preston and Garvey, and bring that overzealous idiot back here!"

"Right, Lord Jeremiah!"

Zero

"The Viceroy only has limited reinforcements heading his way. Smash through them!"

"This is Celaeno. Secondary Battle Group moving through enemy ranks towards point three. E.T.A.~"

"ZERO!" An unknown roared.

"Contact, 10 O'Clock." Naly exclaimed. Instantly, Widow Squad formed a wall between Zero's Morgana, and the approaching Sutherland. It fired at them, but they quickly dodged.

"ZERO! I SEE YOU!"

"Kewell!" A new Sutherland, backed by two others, appeared, "Lord Jeremiah orders you to return."

"But Zero right in front of me!"

'Ah, the Purebloods. Though, it seems that they may be split in the ranks. Let's see how they respond to this.' "Oh, and how is Orange boy?"

"O-ORANGE!? I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" The Pureblood raised it's rifle, however, the Guren jumped above the treeline, planting herself between the Pureblood and Zero, slashing with her fork knife, disarming him. The Pureblood backed up, arming his Stun Tonfas.

"Kewell, pull back!"

"Out of the question!"

"But I've never seen a Knightmare like that before. Do you think the Elevens have~"

"Elevens?! Making their own Knightmare?! Don't be ridiculous. They're animals!" The Pureblood, Kewell, charged at the Guren. He slashed at her, but she caught it with the claw hand. When he countered by thrusting with the opposing arm, she jumped over him. Kewell backed up, avoiding the smashing foot, but she kept the attack, clashing her fork knife with his stun tonfa.

"Wha-What are you?"

"I'm the Obsidian Knight of Zero, Suwa Myojin! We can finally go toe to toe with you Britannians. And our counter attack begins with this baby here, the Guren Mk-2! WRAAAG!" The Guren slammed her knife back. Kewell attempted to retreat, staying out of the Radiant Wave Surger's grasp.

'Big mistake.' The arm extended, gripping the Sutherland's head. The Sutherland was then engulfed in the same red-black lighting, and began to deform, and actually bubble up.

"Kewell, eject!"

"NO! ZERO'S RIGHT THERE!"

In a matter of seconds, the rest of the Sutherland bubbled outward, and the Guren ripped the head unit off, noticing the cockpit had ejected, sending it flying into the distance. The Guren dropped the head and retracted the arm, and the Sutherland exploded, leaving quite a terrifying picture.

"With this, the Guren Mk-2, we can't lose!"

'Agreed, my Black Queen.'

Author's Notes: The Battle of Narita has begun. The town was severely damaged (though not destroyed), Zero's 'asset' was recovered, and the Britannian's are about to truly face the Black Knights.

Military Knightmares, counting special Knightmares such as the Lancelot (Start of Assault): 112 (Britannia), 51 (Black Knights), 40 (JFL)

Military Knightmares (After Landslide): 71 (Britannia), 51 (Black Knights), 13 (JLF)

As always, enjoy the chapter, follow, and I'll see you next time.