"Lelouch"-Speech
'What'-Thoughts
"{Live}"-Geass Command
"Stop"-Loudspeaker
"Report"-Radio
Shirley at Gunpoint
September 11th, Tokyo Settlement, 7:07 A.M.
Joseph Fenette
"I take it your 'date' went well." Joseph slyly remarked to his daughter, who had a joyous smile on her face. He should've expected the speeding hug from her after that statement.
"Oh, YES," Shirley squealed, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"Honey," his wife, Elena Fenette, called out from the living room, "There's someone here to see you." Joseph noticed the concern in her voice, and quickly moved there. When he entered, he noticed a woman in a military uniform standing at the door. She had tanned skin, bluish teal hair and yellow eyes.
"Joseph Fentte?" The woman inquired.
"Yes?"
"Lieutenant-colonel Villetta Nu. I'm here discussing your involvement in Code R."
'Well, had to happen sooner or later. If Zero could find me so quickly, they had to be not far behind.'
"Dad?"
Joseph sighed, "Why don't we take a seat."
Several minutes later
Villetta
Mrs. Fenette handed her a cup of coffee.
"Thank you."
Villetta was sitting on a hard wood chair opposite the living room sofa, with a coffee table in between them. Though, she did notice that the coffee table looked freshly bought.
"So," Mr. Fenette inquired, "What do you want to know?"
"First, how much does your family know about Code R?"
"All I know," Mrs. Fenette replied, "Is that it was some kind of project done by the late Prince Clovis."
"I never told any of them the specifics of my work on it."
"Then," Viletta exclaimed, "It may seem shocking to you, but your father was assisting a group who was torturing a girl."
Both Shirley and Mrs. Fenette had a mixture of horror and outrage.
"Daddy wouldn't do such a thing," Shirley exclaimed, "He's the kindest man to ever exist."
"No," Mr. Fenette countered, "She's right."
"Joseph." Mrs. Fenette softly replied.
"If I had to guess, you were not aware of their actions until Zero announced it?"
"No, I've known for several months. It started a year ago. I was offered a temporary job that gave a much higher payment. Considering the offer was from a third party, I should've known that something was up, but the money was too good. For the first few months I was assigned to secondary projects, some morally questionable things, but nothing ethically wrong. However, over time, I noticed something sinister. Several of the items that Prince Clovis acquired were highly dangerous. Acidic elements, torture devices, many items came across my workplace.
"Then, three months, me and another worker, a scientist, were assigned to what was considered the 'main project'. That's when we discovered the girl. I was never allowed to see her, but I could still hear her screams. The scientist voiced his disapproval, and resigned. However, a few days later, I discovered that he had simply disappeared. I knew now that there was no turning back. Since Prince Clovis was running it, there was no one in Area 11 I could turn to without getting killed. I may have only made sure they had enough money, but I was just as complacent in their actions."
"What changed?" Villetta inquired, however, she already knew the answer.
"Zero. He came to my house, asked the same questions you are asking. I told him the same thing I'm telling you. What my role was, the location of my new workplace, as well as what I knew about the project's purpose, which was practically nothing."
"Zero was here?" Mrs. Fenette replied, shocked that a terrorist leader was in her house.
"Our records show," Villetta continued, "That you were at the Code R facility at Narita."
"Yes, I was reassigned there after Prince Clovis's death."
"Most of the members of that facility are either missing or dead because of the earthquake. How did you escape?"
Mr. Fenette looked down as he retold the events of that day
(Flashback, Narita)
Joseph Fenette
Joseph was currently looking over more financial spreadsheets.
"All this activity is worrying." The head scientist exclaimed.
"The Viceroy's army is here, which means they've found the JLF base."
Joseph's phone rang, and he picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Mr. Fenette?" A male voice replied. Joseph raised an eyebrow, noticing that the voice had a 'Scotish' accent.
"Yes."
"This is St. Luke's General Hospital. We're calling to inform you that your daughter was in a crash recently."
'WHAT?!' "How's her condition?"
"She's stabilized, however, we recommend that you come here in case things get worse."
"Very well," Joseph said as he closed his laptop, "I'm on my way." He placed his phone away, and began moving to the lab's exit.
"Fenette," one of the scientists harshly exclaimed, "Where are you going? Our truck hasn't arrived yet."
"My daughter's been hurt. I need to go make sure she's okay."
"Whatever she's in, she'll be fine, our work is more imp~" He couldn't hear him anymore, as he had put his coat on and closed the door.
After moving up the stairs and using his keycard on the door, it opened up to a library. He exited the building and entered the parking lot, heading for his car. When he entered the car, he started the engine, and took a quick look in the rearview mirror, freezing as he did.
Sitting in the back of his car was a man, wearing a black trench coat with a hood. He had a cloth covering his face, as well as wore sunglasses, so he couldn't make out any details. Not to mention the pistol he was brandishing.
"You'll be taking a slightly alternate route home, Mr. Fenette," The man softly exclaimed, "So let's get on the road." Joseph realized that he was the man who just called him. Joseph started the car and drove out of the lot.
"My daughter's not actually hurt, is she?" Joseph inquired matter-of-factly, already knowing the answer.
"No," the man pulled out a phone, "Zero, asset has been acquired."
'So I'm just a tool to them.' The man put the phone away.
"Take a left at this next turn. As for your daughter, nothing has happened. In fact, she should be receiving your tickets today, if I'm correct. Zero just knew she'd be the quickest way to get you to leave."
"Why?"
"Take the second right, then straight out of town. Why? You helped us greatly. We know the locations of several Code R bases, and we'll deal with them accordingly. This is us returning the favor. The battle that will begin here will possibly destroy the town, and Zero wouldn't want your help to go wasted. After we exit the town, stop the car."
A few moments later, they were outside the town limits, Joseph pulled his car aside. After doing so, the man exited the car and stood next to the driver window.
"Zero wants to know: Do you plan to continue working for Code R?"
"I don't believe so. If they call me to ask that same question, I'll be forced to say yes."
"Very well then. If you do not, then this will most likely be the last time you'll get a close encounter with the Black Knights. Good day, Mr. Fenette." With that, the stranger walked off, and Joseph pulled back unto the road.
(Present Day)
Villetta
"So," Villetta said, "In essence, Zero saved you as payment for helping him."
"Very simple version, but yes."
"Your opinions of Zero aren't my purpose for being here, though, so we'll simply ignore it. I'd like you to tell me the locations of every Code R facility you know."
After several more minutes, Villetta left the house, having gotten all she could get.
'Only a few locations, but it's better than nothing.' Mr. Fenette's daughter, Shirley, exited the house, wearing a school uniform.
'Shot in the dark.'
"Miss Fenette?"
"Oh," Shirley squeaked, "Yes, Lady Nu." Villetta noticed the nervousness quite easily.
"I'm no Lady, just a soldier. First, I'd like to apologize to dropping that kind of information on you."
"It's no trouble. Just, my opinion of Zero may be a little more biased than most." Villetta raised an eyebrow, and Shirley realized she said that last part out loud.
"Don't worry, I'm not talking about Zero. You go to Ashford Academy, right? Doesn't it have dorms."
"Yes. I was visiting my father when you arrived."
"I have to ask, have there been any strange students recently at your school?"
"Um, I wouldn't want to insult any of my classmates."
"Okay, let me rephrase that. Have there been any new students in the past month or two."
"Hmm, well, there is Claudia."
"Claudia?"
"Yeah, she enrolled here a few weeks ago, though, no one knows much about her, and she doesn't talk much. She prefers to go by her initials though, C.C. She seems to hang around Le~Lulu."
Villetta didn't pay attention to the last part, because it took every mental strength she had to not make a visible reaction to the first part.
'C.C., the Code R girl!' "Do you happen to have any pictures or videos of the girl?"
"Oh, yes. Our class president inducted her into the Student Council, and another classmate of mine always likes taking pictures of the new members." She pulled out her phone, and showed her a picture. It was outside, next to the wall of a large building on the left side, and lawn grass on the right side. One the right side were two other students, but she only focused on the middle.
In the center, looking irked, was a girl wearing a school uniform. One with lime green hair and golden colored eyes.
'I've found you at last. Prince Pollux will~' She turned her head to the two boys on the right side. They looked to be talking, but she couldn't see the face of the second person. The first had purple eyes and black hai~
Her brain felt like it went haywire. Memories of when she encountered the dead Royal Guards, and the two people. She focused the memory on the younger of the two, but his face was static.
'Why now? Wait, could it be?'
"Ma'am," Shirley inquired, "Are you alright?"
"The boy," she replied, causing the girl to tighten in fear, "Who is he?"
"Oh," she quickly replied, though Villetta sensed that she was trying to hurry the conversation along, "He's a member of the Student Council."
'Clearly she doesn't want to specify his name. However, I may be able to use her to get to him.' "I'm sorry to say this, but your friend may be involved with the Black Knights."
Shirley looked distraught, "Wait, involved with what?"
"Terrorism."
Shirley started shaking her head, "No no no, Lulu wouldn't be involved in something like this."
'So his name is Lulu? A strange name, but I've got a name.' "The girl is most certainly involved with them, and, if what you said about the boy hanging around her, he might as well."
Shirley's resolve seemed to have hardened at this point, however.
"You're lying. The worst he's ever done is skip out on school. He's not crazy enough to do something like this. Now, if you don't mind, Miss Nu, I need to get to school."
"Fine, but, if you're sure he isn't involved, check where he lives tonight." Shirley began walking, but Villetta had one more trick up her sleeve. Intel suggested the JLF were going to attempt to flee Area 11 using the Port of Yokosuka. Knowing the Black Knights, they'll most certainly be there.
She pretended to place her hand to her ear, making it look like she was receiving a message from an earpiece. Then, just loud enough for her to hear, she said, "The Black Knights were spotted at Port Yokosuka? Alright, I'll be on my way. The planned attack will be at night, right?" She began walking away from the Fenette residence, but she could see that Shirley had heard what she said, and Villetta made no facial expression.
'I know where C.C. is now, and I can capture her at any point. Now, though, I may have a link to Zero. As much as getting C.C. is important, if I can capture Zero, my rise to nobility will be swift. That being said, I'll still tell them about all the info Joseph informed me of.'
Viceroy Palace, 7:29 A.M.
Castor
"Suzaku," Castor exclaimed as he entered the ASEEC Mobile Base, with Nonette and Rai closely behind him, "Good to see you're up and about."
"Oh," Suzaku exclaimed as he exited the simulator, "Of course, Prince Castor."
"Your Highness." Miss Cecile exclaimed, bowing to him. Lloyd was currently working on repairing the Lancelot, as well as getting the ready for combat, as the Gawain was sent back to Prince Schniezel.
"Sorry I couldn't see you sooner. We've been too busy trying to fix all the political crap my late brother Clovis left us. Can you imagine he had several million Britannian pounds just lying in a crate down by the docks. We'll be putting those to more beneficial use." Castor didn't notice the worried look on Suzaku's face, but Nonette did. She decided to let it go for now, however.
"But, anyways, Suzaku, I just came over to give you a brief summary of what we learned from Narita."
"Yes," Nonette continued, "As well as to give you our next mission."
"Of course." Suzaku replied. They headed over to one of the desks, connected to a much larger screen.
"This will be a shortened version of the meeting you couldn't attend, but, we've noticed three distinct features the Black Knights had during the battle. We'll start from least to most important."
The first screen showed the AAR for the Gawain and the Lancelot engaging Celaeno's Gloucester.
"Thanks to both you, Nonette, and Rai, we've determined that this Knightmare uses a special device capable of disrupting Knightmare systems."
"We've also," Rai continued, "Determined that this feature has three stages. Red eyes means it's off, green eyes means it's activated, and purple means it's at its maximum power. While the eyes were green, most Knightmares already experience problems. However, both Gawain and Lancelot were unaffected. Suzaku, you said you experienced problems after the lights turned purple."
"Yes, your Highness."
"It's just us here," Castor retorted, "You don't need to be formal."
"Oh, of course,Prince Castor." Castor rolled his eyes, but with a smirk.
"Regardless, onto the second point." The screen changed to show the red Knightmare with the silver claw. "This Knightmare is even more dangerous. That claw of hers was capable of destroying a Sutherland in just a few seconds. We believe it superheats the metal and liquids within the Knightmares to cause this effect. Not only that, but our techs theorize that it's a Seventh Generation."
"Let's hope that's the only Seven-Gen they have," Nonette replied, "I don't think our boys can handle a squad of them."
"Agreed. From what we've noticed, the pilot is female, and is called Suwa Myojin."
Suzaku widened his eyes.
"Suzaku," Nonette said, "You know that name?"
"Yes. It's the name of one of our gods. Specifically, the god of valor and duty, the protector of Japan's religious beliefs."
"Interesting," Castor replied, "Then it's safe to assume that it's only a callsign."
"That would most likely be the case."
"Understand. However, this is the most damning info we've gotten." Castor switched the screen to show the AAR of a Sutherland. The video played, and Suzaku watched as first the tank and two APCs were destroyed.
"What's hitting them?" Suzaku inquired.
"Keep watching." Rai replied.
The three Sutherlands turned, and began charging up a hill, where gunfire was being fired at them...from infantry.
"Where are the enemy Knightmares?" Suzaku said. One of the Sutherlands was destroyed, and soon, the camera of the one they were watching was gone, leaving only static.
"We couldn't find the AAR of the third Sutherland," Castor exclaimed, "But, given the remains we found it in, we can assume the same thing happened to it. One tank, two APCs, and three Knightmares...All taken down by infantry using only rifles."
"This shouldn't be possible," Nonette replied, "And, yet, here it is. Infantry that can go up against our Knightmares. This is the worst possible thing that could happen to us."
"Right, Lady Nonette," Rai continued, "If they mass produce those rifles, it'll be a hard fight no matter how you look at it."
"Yes," Castor exclaimed, "We need to focus all our attention on them if we're going to win this. Which is why the latest intel we've gotten will help up greatly."
"Prince Castor?" Suzaku inquired.
"Intel suggests that General Katase of the Japan Liberation Front, and a majority of their remaining forces, are at Port Yokosuka. Tonight, they'll be attempting to flee Area 11. We're going to stop them. Once he's captured, the JLF will be broken, and only Zero will remain. Suzaku, you'll be assigned alongside Dalton once again for this operation."
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Pack up, we'll be leaving immediately."
Nonette and Rai left, and Cecile went to find Lloyd. Suzaku was starting to leave too, but Castor placed a hand on his shoulder.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, sir, really."
'Sometimes I wish I was born commoner, that way people would actually tell me how they're feeling, instead of simply looking fine because of my status.'
"Suzaku, I've been playing politician amongst the Britannian nobility ever since I was born. As such, I can say you need to work on your lying face."
With a shocked look on Suzaku's face, Castor left the room.
Tokyo Ports, 8:03 A.M.
Zero
"So," Zero said to a man with sandy brown hair and indigo eyes, as the two stood in a small office, "You're the one who gave us the intel for Narita."
After the Narita battle, Zero felt bringing the Britannian in was necessary. However, he wasn't foolish. They would be using one of their spare warehouses to interview him. Diethard was told to meet with two other members, and then they brought him in, bag over head and all that secrecy.
"Yes, Lord Zero. Diethard Ried, at your service."
'The man has a silver tongue, that's for sure.'
"Lord? I don't remember saying I was a member of nobility."
"But a man of your stature should be given proper respects."
"So, I have to ask, why are you, our first Britannian recruit, joining us?"
"When you first appeared, you spoke out against the injustice of Suzaku Kururugi's trial. Before anyone even knew your name, you had killed a Prince to save countless innocent people. You did the same thing at Saitama, and again at Lake Kawaguchi. I want to…" As Diethard continued speaking, Zero noticed something oddly familiar with him.
'He's saying what makes sense for a guy like him, but he's wearing a mask, just like me.'
"...And I believe~"
"Leave us," At his command, the two BK members left the room, "Mr. Ried, now I would like you to speak honestly?"
"Lord Zero, I'm speaking the truth."
"And yet, your information tells a different story. I won't get into details, but, what I see is a man who despises how stale the world is right now. Who wants to see the world change, but knows he doesn't have the power to make that change."
Diethard eyes widened in shock.
"When you wear a mask for so long, it becomes easy to spot when someone else is also wearing a mask. So, I will ask one more time: Why are you joining us?"
For a moment, Diethard simply stared slack jawed. Zero was starting to wonder if he'd have to reject him. Then, like a switch, the dullness of his face flashed with life, as he smiled.
"I want to witness history," Diethard exclaimed, "I want to record true history. Your story has captivated me, and I want to be by your side as you etch your story upon the face of the world."
'Okay, not the reason I was expecting. And also a dangerous reason. Best to keep a guy like that close.' "Very well, Diethard Ried. You shall be placed with Relations & Reconstruction."
"Thank you, Lord Zero."
'That's gonna get slightly annoying quickly.'
"Regardless, our ride should be here."
"I cannot wait to see your base."
"Then I'm afraid you'll have to wait a little longer."
"Lord Zero?"
"We'll be taking a trip to Yokosuka, where the remnants of the Japan Liberation Front are gathering."
4:30 P.M.
"So, Cornelia exclaimed as the two were in a car, heading towards Yokosuka, "What's your assessment of Diethard?". Due to the nature of their mission, they couldn't arrive in mass numbers, or else they would be tipping off the Britannians. As such, only twenty Knightmares, counting the Gorgon and Guren, would be deployed for this mission.
"He's dangerous," Lelouch countered, "He seeks the story that will most likely change the world. It wouldn't surprise me if he one day betrayed us if the 'story' would be more interesting for him, or if he found a better 'story'."
"Hmm, I'll have an extra pair of eyes on him, then. By the way, I'll be having Kallen assigned to guard you during this operation. After Mizuka's Knightmare was destroyed, the Twins noticed a glitch in the system, so they'll keep the Morgana until they've fixed it. Not only that, but Widow Squad is going to make sure their youngest can actually continue as a member."
"Makes sense."
Next to them, a train passed by them, heading for Yokosuka, both unaware of a specific passenger.
Shirley
Shirley sat alone in one of the passenger cars of the train. After hearing what Miss Nu told her, despite everything that's happened, she had to be sure. If she simply saw how Zero and the Black Knights fought, she'd be able to tell if Lelouch was involved with them.
'Lulu, it can't be true. Getting involved with them? I can understand why, but there's no way Cornelia would let you join with them. Not to mention how worried Euphie and Nunnally would be. Regardless, I need to find out.'
Port Yokosuka, 5:45 P.M.
Zero
"General Katase," Zero exclaimed, extending his hand to the old general, "It's good to meet you in person."
"Agreed," Katase replied, shaking the hand, "I must thank you for your help at Narita."
To say the JLF were surprised to see the Black Knights was an understatement. Several soldiers nearly dropped protocol and tried taking a picture, though their officers quickly put them in their place. Currently, Celaeno was organizing the current forces that were arriving, while Zero himself was meeting the general inside an office onboard a tanker ship.
"I needed to toughen my men, and you needed to not be destroyed. Our goals aligned for a brief period."
"Ah, I can understand quickly training your men. No amount of training can give you the experience live battles can, as tragic as they can be."
"Agreed. I expected Colonel Tohdoh to be here as well, though?"
"Unfortunately, the Four Holy Swords are still on the run, and won't make it here before it's too late."
"Too late?" Zero pretended to feign ignorance, but he knew exactly what Katase meant.
"We intend to escape to international waters, and make a break for the Chinese Federation. From there, we'll bargain for asylum with the sakuradite we have."
"I must say, the amount of sakuradite would be very tempting. However, I do not see that working."
"Why? When Japan fell, the Chief Cabinet Secretary Atsushi Sawazaki did something very similar, and the Chinese granted him asylum."
"Atsushi may be a willing pawn for the Federation, but a pawn nonetheless. The High Eunuchs will no doubt use him one day to bring Japan under their control. Britannia was annoyed that part of Japan's government escaped, but never acted upon it. However, you have actively fought against them since Japan fell. If the Federation gave you asylum,Britannia will demand that you be turned over to them. Refusing will probably give them the excuse they need to invade. However, that's the most unlikely scenario. More likely, is that they'll accept your gift, then simply turn you over to the Britannians, to curry favor."
"Damnedable eunuchs."
"It gets worse, I'm afraid. The reason I'm here is because the Britannians are closing in on your position. We have intel that they'll attack when you attempt to flee tonight."
Katase sat down at his desk, distraught clearly on his face.
"Why did you come here?"
"To provide aid. You have two options; one, you flee Japan, and hope the High Eunuchs don't sell you out; or, two, you join with the Black Knights. Whatever choice you make, we will assist you."
Katase was silent, and sat there, contemplating his choices.
"I'm not blind," Katase exclaimed, "Even before you arrived, I could see which way the wind was turning. However, old men like me have a hard time knowing when to quit. Or let someone else finish the fight we start. Very well, Zero. Me and my men will join you. I assume you'll want our sakuradite."
"That would be a nice bonus. Hold on a second," Zero placed a hand under his chin, and placed a button on the helmet, "Celaeno, did you get all that?"
"Yes," Celaeno replied, shocking Katase, "However, there's an issue: We don't have enough trucks to transport all of the sakuradite."
"If that's the case," Katase retorted, "Gather what you can, but leave the rest in the ship. I may have an idea."
7:45 P.M.
Jeremiah
The Britannian forces were currently hiding near the ports, waiting for nightfall.
Suzaku and Jeremiah were currently looking out a warehouse main door as the sun was setting.
"If there's one thing I enjoy about your country, Suzaku," Jeremiah said, "It's the sunsets."
"That we can agree, sir."
"Officer Kururugi," Dalton exclaimed professionally from behind them, "Margrave Gottwald." The two turned and saluted.
"Sir!" Both exclaimed.
"First off, Jeremiah, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that you'll no longer be under supervision." Jeremiah sighed with relief, "However, as you've guessed, only you and Villetta Nu are the remaining Purebloods left. As such, you'll be reassigned to my unit once this crisis is over."
"I understand, sir." Jeremiah replied, though Suzaku could sense the slight remorse in losing all his men.
"For now, you'll be assigned to Castor's Magma Guard for this operation. Kururugi, you'll be assigned with me, alongside the Fountain Guard, for this as well. Our target is Katase. Take him out and the Japan Liberation Front is finished. You'll be providing supporting fire from the shore until the marines have Katase, as well as annihilating any stragglers left over."
Suzaku's eyes widened, "I'm to annihilate them, sir?"
"Only the target is to survive, everyone else is to be terminated. Is that clear?"
Suzaku remained silent, a shocked look on his face.
'He's tried to be as bloodless as possible, and now he's forced into a situation where he has no choice but to draw blood.'
"Warrant Officer Kururugi," Dalton exclaimed, but there was no malice in his voice, "Show your loyalty to the crown. This is your chance to get ahead in the world, soldier."
"Understood, my Lord." Suzaku replied, though his tone indicated that he didn't like it.
"I'm glad. We'll be preparing soon. Good luck." With that, he left the two alone.
"I know you don't like having to kill your countrymen, Suzaku," Jeremiah consoled, taking a quick look around to make sure no one could hear them, "But you getting higher up the chain is best for both of us."
"How?"
"The higher ranking you get, the more work we can do to help keep you-know-who safe."
Suzaku widened his eyes, clearly not thinking that.
"Just think on it. You may not like it, but, much like me getting myself involved with the Purebloods, if it helps them, isn't it worth a little black on the ledger."
Jeremiah then left Suzaku, going towards the warehouse containing his Knightmare.
8:15 P.M.
Shirley
The sky was dark purple as the light of the sun was leaving the horizon. She continued to walk cautiously through the docks, unaware the Villetta Nu was following her.
Suzaku
Suzaku sat in the Lancelot alongside several Sutherlands and a few Fountain Guard Gloucesters. He watched as the tanker holding the JLF left the hanger, and began moving towards the dock exit. He was glad Lloyd had the prototype for the VARIS rifle, though this one was white, as it didn't have the blue paint job of the original.
'I don't want to kill them. But, what Jeremiah said is true. When we get to Lelouch, I'll confess all I've done, and let him be by judgement.'
"All units," Prince Pollux exclaimed, "Begin operations. Fountain Guards, immobilize them." Suzaku, as well as every Fountain Guard, raised their rifles and fired at the tanker's propellers, destroying them, and causing the ship to come to a standstill.
"Portmans, board them."
A dozen aquatic Knightmares, the Portman, launched into the water, and propelled through the water towards the tanker. Suzaku raised the rifle and was aiming across, but he noticed something strange.
'Why aren't there any guards?' The Portmans began harkening up onto the deck, however, there was no one up there.
"Deck secured."
"Good, sending boarding parties. Watch yourselves. They may have set up ambushes." Several landing craft charged out from their side of the docks, and made their way to the tanker.
"Something's not right." Lady Nonette exclaimed.
"Agreed. I predicted this would be easy, but not this easy."
The boarding craft reached the tanker, and began rappelling upwards.
"Rai," Castor said, "You see anything?"
"No activity. But I agree. Something's missing."
Several infantry squads began pouring into the tanker itself.
"This is Rai Valstar to all units. GET OFF THAT SHIP!"
"What?"
"Rai," Lady Nonette replied, "What's wrong?"
"They've rigged it to blow. All of you off that ship!"
Suzaku saw several Portmans jump off the tanker, and even the infantry simply jumped off.
Then there was simply light.
The entire bay was encased with light as the tanker appeared to bulge outward for but the briefest of instances, before exploding in purple light. The shockwave alone sent several Knightmares back a step, and eradicated the boarding party.
"WHOOOAA!" Castor screeched, "What the hell is wrong with these guys?"
"Sub-Viceroy, they clearly knew we were coming."
"Viceroy," General Dalton exclaimed, "Several unknown craft approaching from across the water."
Suzaku stared across the water, and saw two large boats. He recognized them as Britannian Rapid Deployment vessels. Fast ships with the sole purpose of quickly deploying Knightmare during naval invasions. One of them crashed head on near Castor's position, ramping upward. The second one charged straight for their position. Before he could react, it too rammed into the area. The cargo hatch opened up, revealing a red Knightmare, Suwa.
"Come on, Britannia dog!" Suwa exclaimed as the Knightmare jumped upwards, ready to sink it's claw into the Lancelot.
Diethard Ried
'This is amazing!' Diethard exclaimed as he watched the ship explode. He and Ohgi were on top of a crane observing the situation, and got the best view of the tanker exploding. 'Using the JLF's original plan to your advantage, and luring them into a death trap. Not only that, but, by telling them now, when they had no chance, practically guarantees that they would join you. Your genius knows no bounds.' He began running down the crane.
"Glad the shockwave didn't knock us dow~HEY!" Ohgi exclaimed as Diethard kept running down, "Stop!"
"Show me more," Diethard exclaimed but Ohgi didn't hear him, "More of your greatness."
Diethard reached the bottom and started running towards the battlefield, even as Ohgi pulled out a gun and fired several warning shots.
Celaeno
The Gorgon bursted out of the landing craft, and bisected a Sutherland while decapitating another.
"Celaeno," Ohgi exclaimed, "We may have a problem. That Britannian you brought in just bolted."
"Direction?"
"Believe it or not, towards the battlefield."
'This guy!' "He's a little too eager to see history being made. We'll reprimand him, but it isn't a threat. Continue the operations."
As she said that, the Lancelot charged at her, swinging a massive axe. Celaeno dodged it and readied her katanas. Upon closer inspection however, she realized this wasn't Suzaku. The Lancelot was white with a golden accent color. This one had a blue accent. Not only that, but she saw the axe was the same one the black giant Knightmare used. Though, it looked like this smaller one needed both hands to use it effectively.
"Ready for a rematch?" Nonette's voice inquired from the new Knightmare.
'Wait, where's the behemoth.' "What, did you break your toy?"
"Nah, someone wanted it tested. Let's go!"
'So that thing will be even more powerful the next time we see it? Great.'
Zero
Zero was currently in a black Sutherland, fighting alongside Kallen. The main goal wasn't to kill the Viceroy, but to cripple their forces here. Afterwards, they would retreat. Despite how powerful they've gotten, the longer they can delay the enemy bearing their full strength, the better. Despite not having the Morgana, his new Knightmare did have one added benefit.
As a Britannian Knightmare charged at him, having lost it's rifle, Zero pulled out the MVS blade and slashed the stun tonfas off, before impaling it with the blade. Another Gloucester opened fire at him, but he used the slash harkens to disarm it, and caused it to collide against some shipping containers. He readied the sword to pierce into the Knightmare
'Never thought I'd be good at Knightmare comba~' Zero's sensors saw something past the shipping containers. A girl, wearing school clothes.
'SHIRLEY!?'
"This is Fountain Guard Carius to all units!"The Gloucester in front of him roared, "Zero right in front of me! Open fire! Forget about me!"
"What?!"
Almost in sync, two other Fountain Guards, as well as almost every Britannian Knightmare on their side of the port, minus the Lancelot, who looked almost shocked, swung their rifles at his position, and opened fire. Zero tried to dodge, but the wall of gunfire was too much. The Gloucester behind him was destroyed by the gunfire. First the right arm came off, then the left leg. Even as the attacking Knightmares were getting destroyed by Black Knights, some continued the barrage. Then the head unit was destroyed, causing the auto-eject to engage.
"Celaeno," Zero exclaimed as the cockpit was sent flying, "My Knightmare's been~GAH!"
A Fountain Guard's railgun grazed the cockpit, causing it to spiral upwards, across the port line.
"You bastards!" He could hear Kallen's voice roaring, no doubt attacking his assailant. When the cockpit slammed into the ground, it continued to spiral, causing static and sparks all over the inside. Zero head even slammed hard against the side a couple of times, knocking him out.
Shirley
'This was stupid, stupid, stupid!' Shirley thought as she ran from the battlefield. She saw a Black Knightmare nearly impale another when over dozen others started firing at it. If she didn't duck behind a container, she was sure one of those would've hit her. As much as she want to confirm that Lelouch wasn't part of the Black Knights, she had the common sense to not stick around a battlefield.
As she round a corner, she ran to the edge of the dock, looking down at the water. If she was going to hurl, might as well do it over water. After a moment of heavy breathing, she stood back up, deciding that she would go home. However, it was at this moment that she noticed the Knightmare cockpit a dozen meters away from her. She was in such a panicked state that she didn't notice it until she calmed herself.
She walked towards it, noticing that it was opened, but it appeared to be upside down, as the pilot head was aiming downward.
'Are they okay?' Shirley soon gasped covering her mouth, as she saw the iconic helmet of Zero. She was less than twenty feet from the masked man. The man who may have hurt her daddy, but also saved him from being buried alive.
'What should I~' She froze as he heard a strain grunt from Zero as he turned his head. In the process, the helmet slid downward, and Shirley's world shattered.
Shirley could recognize the black hair anywhere. The boy's eyes may be closed, there may be a blood trail going down his face, and the lower part was hidden with a black cloth, but she knew who it was.
'Lulu. You didn't join the Black Knights. You created them! That means Celaeno is really Cornelia! What do I~'
"Is that Zero?" A familiar voice exclaimed behind her, causing her to jump in fright. She turned around, and was shocked to see Miss Nu standing there. She walked past her, kneeling to Lelouch. She grabbed his hair, getting a better look.
"Well, well, what a shocker. The student is Zero himself. And a Britannian, no less. When I bring him to Viceroy Pollux and bring in C.C., he'll make me a noble."
'She's going to turn him in? Nunnally can't los~' She stepped on something. Looking down, she saw a pistol.
"Not just a Knight of Honor, real nobility! And he's still alive. Perfect! What kind of grand execution will be in store for him, I wonder."
'Execution?' Without realizing it, Shirley had picked up the pistol, and pointed it at Miss Nu, tears starting to build up.
"Of course, you'll be rewarded as well…" Miss Nu turned around, finally noticing that Shirley was aiming a gun right at her.
"Please…" Shirley pleaded, tears running down her cheeks, "Please, get away from him."
Miss Nu's eyes narrowed in anger, "Stupid of me, he's your boyfriend, isn't he?!" She began standing up, pulling out a pistol.
"LULU!" Shirley closed her eyes, straightened her arms, and moved her finger.
BANG
Shirley froze. She didn't pull the trigger. But, she doesn't feel any pain. She opened her eyes, and saw Miss Nu was bleeding on the lower chest from her right side. Miss Nu, eyes gawked, began turning her head when a second shot hit her again, causing her to backpedal and fall into the water.
Shirley's arms were shaking as she turned her head to the left, and saw a man with sandy brown hair and indigo eyes.
"You're a kid." The man softly said, clearly shocked to see her. However, his eyes soon hardened, and he moved the pistol towards her.
"Sorry, kid."
Author's Notes: I'm a horrible person, aren't I?
As for Suzaku willing to kill the JLF in this. He's kinda juggling between two different priorities: His own reasons for not killing people, and helping Lelouch and his siblings. In this fight, he's prioritized Lelouch.
P.S. I've gone back and looked at the show, to see when events happened, and realized how QUICK everything happened. By this point in my story, the Black Rebellion would've already been crushed, and Zero 'killed'. I thought season one happened over the course of two or three months. Not gonna change it, of course, but surprised everything happened so fast.
As always, leave a favorite/follow, post your review, and I'll see you next time.