"Lelouch"-Speech
'What'-Thoughts
"{Live}"-Geass Command
"Stop"-Loudspeaker
"Report"-Radio
Chapter 25: Assault on Shikine-jima
September 21st, The Nest, 2:03 P.M.
Euphie Levett
Euphie was currently inside the Nest's R&D, waiting for her designs to pull through. She had observed her siblings the other day, and noticed one key feature missing. She had told the Twins this, who instantly went to town. Now, she watched from inside the Twins' personal testing room. The door opened, with Zero entering.
"I'm surprised to find you here, Miss Levett." He replied professionally.
"I was seeing if my fashion designing could translate to weapon appearances."
"Oh?" He looked at the two blueprints for pistols. One was painted white, with the word 'Karibān' painted black on it's barrel. The other would be black, with the words 'Arthur de sang clair'. Each of their barrels, based on the measurements, appeared to be 29cm and 40cm, respectively.
"Yeah, it's taking some time," Talio continued, "We're working on several projects. Rakshata is helping, but we still have a lot on our plates."
"Why the different gun barrels?"
"Oh," Tolia replied, "For different encounters, of course. The black gun will be used in conjunction with your katana, meaning you'll likely be using it as a longer ranged weapon. While the white gun will be with your dagger. If you pull that out, the dagger, I mean, then it means the fight is close range. You'll be using that instead."
"Hmm."
"As I said, we're only giving ideas, no real projects. Just brainstorming."
"I may have to delay you on that. Do you still have the stealth drive?"
"Yeah," Talio exclaimed, "Should be in Storage. Never installed it into the plane, so we've been improving it every once in a while."
"Have it shipped north to be installed with the jet."
"You got it, boss."
"Stealth drive?" Euphie inquired.
"In the coming days, I'll be heading to the Tsar Taigun no project area. I'll need a quick vehicle to reach it. The jet will provide me with that."
"Just," Tolia retorted, "Remember. It only works below 300 feet. Not only that, but, just because radar won't pick you up, doesn't mean they can't look out a window."
"A fair point. Good day." Zero then left the room. A moment after, Tolia slammed her face into her desk.
"GAAAAAH!"
'What's wrong now?'
"Why won't this WORK!?"
"Still can't figure it out?" Talio commented.
"NO, I cannot! The camera function for the Web of Shadows works perfectly, as intended. However, I can't get the power conversion to work at all!"
"We can't have Zero use a Gekka?"
"Why do you think I slammed my head down? It would work even less if we used that." Tolia looked ready to rip her hair out, root and all.
"Maybe I can help?" Euphie sheepishly offered. She knew absolutely nothing, and only offered as a way to calm Tolia down.
"Whatever." Tolia waved her arms in defeat, and stood up. Euphie took a seat, and looked at the general data. Like she guessed, she didn't know any of what the data correlated to. However, she did understand one thing. The compatibility of the WoS for each Knightmare.
Glasgow: 58% Compatibility
Sutherland: 42%
Gloucester: 35%
Gekka: 12%
'Why is it getting worse the more advanced it's installed. Wait~' "Have you tried installing it on the Ganymede?"
"What?" Both twins exclaimed.
"If the more advanced a Knightmare is, the worse the WoS gets, wouldn't it make sense that a less advanced Knightmare would be able to handle it? Once it works on that, you can work up from there."
Tolia opened her mouth, ready to retort, but stopped. She looked in deep thought, then opened her mouth, but stopped again. She did this three times, while Talio simply had a 'Is it that simple?' look.
"Oh my FUCKING God!" Tolia finally cheered, "Euphie, you are a genius!"
Euphie blused, "Oh, I wouldn't say that. I just made a simple obser~"
She was interrupted when Tolia kissed her.
On the lips.
It was only a peck, but Euphie's brain froze.
"Thanks," Tolia commented, "Now, I need to find Milly and borrow the Ganymede. Talio, clear out a space. We have work to do!" Tolia ran out of the private lab, leaving a stunned twin and princess.
'My first kiss.' Euphie's face slowly contorted into anger, 'And she stole it!'
Talio sighed, pulling up a crowbar and sliding it towards Euphie. "Here. Just don't aim for the head. We still need that."
"Oh, no," Euphie retorted darkly, which frightened him, "I'm going to do something far worse."
He looked nervous, and the question went unspoken.
"I'm going to tell Cornelia."
"Oh dear," he commented, fear in his eyes, "Just...Warn me when you do that. I don't want to be anywhere near that bomb when it goes off."
Viceroy Palace, 5:04 P.M.
Jeremiah Gottwald
Jeremiah stood in the garden overlooking Tokyo, a canteen in his hand. He wasn't normally a drinking man, but the past few weeks have pushed him to his breaking point.
"I wouldn't be drinking if I were you." Nonette's voice called out from behind him.
"Given everything that's been happening, can you blame me?"
"Not what I meant. Tomorrow we'll be heading to Shikine."
"What for?"
"Apparently, the Prime Minister will be there. For what purpose, we don't know."
'Second Prince Schneizel is coming here? What if~?' "That actually may be good. I'd like to ask him something."
"Dare I ask what?"
"Code-R has one of my men. I would like him back!"
"Kewell Soresi? I was under the impression you didn't like him."
"Haven't the Princes told you? There's a spy within our ranks. I antagonized Kewell because I had hoped it would draw him out. Now, though, he's been captured and experimented on by Code-R. Before I was informed of Code-R being placed under Prince Schneizel's command, I told his sister Marika that I would bring his brother home. Not only that, but I am his commander. One of the commanding officer's duties is to complete his mission, and bring as many of his men home."
Nonette laughed, but not insultingly, "It seems your loyalty knows no bounds."
Jeremiah chuckled, "You don't know the half of it. Back when I served under the late Empress Marianne, I was given the nickname 'The Iron Guardsman' from my fellow peers, though, some of them meant it insultingly."
Nonette's face turned sheepishly. "There's been a change of plans concerning the Black Knights."
"Oh?"
"The Emperor doesn't care about the Black Knights. However, he wants Zero and Celaeno brought to him alive."
In truth, the Emperor only wanted Zero alive, but Nonette wanted to make sure Cornelia didn't get killed either.
"Alive? For what purpose?"
"I'm not sure. However, those are my orders." Nonette began walking away.
Jeremiah sighed. 'For what reason could we have to keep them alive.'
"I do wonder what things would be like if they weren't banished."
Jeremiah barely heard what Nonette said. It seemed like she said that to herself.
'What? Wait, does Nonette know who Zero and Celaeno are?'
Unknown Location
Unknown
"Things appear to be spiraling out of your control, brother."
"It does not matter. Once the project is completed, all of Zero's actions will be for nothing."
"Hmph, we both know that it's your errant son behind the mask."
"Not from what C.C. has told us. My son and Zero are two separate individuals."
"And you believe her? She seems to be distancing herself from us more and more."
"She's done that ever since Marianne died. Not only that, but you sending Clovis the containment device certainly didn't help."
"I did so to ensure that she's someplace we could easily find her."
"You did it because you don't like a loose asset. Be glad she doesn't know you did it. If she tells Zero about Ragnarok, our plans will be endangered."
"Oh? Should I send one of my agents to deal with him, then. Perhaps even retrieve your children."
"What, like your assassin Rolo? No, we cannot give C.C. any reasons to doubt our plan."
"Hmph, don't tell me you're getting soft."
"Careful, V.V.. Just because the matters of the Empire don't concern me, does not me I'll take threats lightly."
"Of course, brother."
September 22nd, near Shikine-jima, 3:55 A.M.
Zero
Zero stood at the head of the briefing room. Yesterday, Rakshata's last equipment from India arrived: A massive submarine, capable of housing Knightmares, as well as a full battalion of soldiers and equipped with six torpedo tubes, six missile silo hatches, two slash-harkens that can function as anchors, and a stealth system. To say that Zero was impressed would be an understatement.
Now, their forces were nearing Shikine-jima, preparing for the assault. In truth, they didn't need to attack the garrison, as it was fairly underequipped. However, if they attacked a random island, the Britannians would ask questions. By attacking Shikine, they would conclude that it was simply a raid.
His thoughts drifted back to what Taizo and Tohdoh told him yesterday.
'Suzaku. You've been carrying that burden all your life. You think that your father was willing to sacrifice his country out of spite. Perhaps telling you the truth will snap you out of your spiral.'
"Zero," Kallen said, "We're ready."
Zero looked back over the group, consisting of the Dark Council (minus Shirley, Milly, and Euphie), the Holy Swords, Commander Katase, as well as over two dozen other soldiers. C.C. was now wearing a new outfit designed by Euphie (C.C. Black Knight outfit in R2).
"Alright," Zero exclaimed, "Today, we'll be striking at the Shikine-jima garrison. The objective of this operation is to attack the black ops group Code-R on the neighboring island of Kanime. By attacking Shikine-jima, it will fool the Britannians into thinking we'll only be raiding the base. This does come with some issues. The moment Code-R realizes the base is under attack, they may attempt to flee Kanime. However, it is a risk that must be taken. The objective is to make this look like a raid, to ensure maximum surprise. We'll hit them fast, then retreat, attacking Kanime on our way out.
"We'll deploy along the north-western shores, before making our way down. Celaeno and Tohdoh will lead a head-on assault upon the garrison, drawing most of them out into the jungle. While that occurs, Katase will be responsible for hitting the supply depots. I trust you have an idea."
"Yes, Zero. Inoue will lead a small strike team on foot, and, once she opens the warehouses, we'll send in Widow Squad to collect."
This sub may be capable of launching Knightmares, but it's very limited, only capable of fitting fifthteen. As such, Zero would stay back and let Widow Squad be placed wherever they're needed.
Minami received a message from his datapad. Looking over the data, his eyes widened.
"Zero, we just got some new intel."
"Go ahead."
"Prince Castor will be visiting the garrison."
The room was shocked. Why was the Sub-Viceroy coming here, and why now?
"Do we know the reasons?"
"No. Luckily, we know who's going with him. His entire Magma Guard, Nonette Enneagram and her Squire, as well as Suzaku Kururugi."
"And their Knightmares?"
"No, only the Lancelot's going. Intel says that the Lancelot Club needs improvements."
If anyone could see Zero's face, they would see his demonic grin.
"Perfect. Rakshata, would you like to tinker with Lord Asplund's toy?"
Rakshata smirked, "To get a look at the Earl of Pudding's toy? Color me interested."
10:42 A.M.
Castor
Castor walked out of the room, not releasing the shudder in his spine that he'd kept suppressed. Talking with his brother Schneizel always did that for him.
'I can never get a read on the guy, and reading people is something I like to think I'm good at.'
"I take it the call didn't go well." Jeremiah said as he approached.
"Yes, and no. I've informed the Prime Minister of your situation regarding Kewell. He said he would, and I quote 'See what he could do.'. Based on that, I can clearly see where he will eventually go. He'll most likely request your obedience to him in exchange for releasing him."
Jeremiah grumbled. While he didn't hate Prince Schneizel, he couldn't say he enjoyed the man. The building shook slightly as a loud BOOM was heard.
"What?" The two ran towards a window, and saw the main entrance blown open. Several Knightmares charged in, making it clear who was attacking. Castor went to a nearby radio post, picking it up. When he spoke, his voice echoed throughout the base.
"All hands, man your battle stations. Black Knights are assaulting the base. I repeat, man your battle stations." He put the radio down before turning to Jeremiah. "Let's go."
Suzaku
Nonette, Suzaku, and Rai were all running, heading for the Lancelot and Rai's Gloucester.
"Of all the times to come, it had to be when my Club was getting improvements."
Suzaku couldn't tell if Nonette's voice was laced with annoyance or giddyness.
"Rai, keys."
Rai tossed Nonette the ignition key for his Gloucester.
"Wouldn't you want my Lancelot, my Lady."
The two reached the Knightmares. "Nope. That's your partner. You dance with it. Now, let's get out there."
Suzaku launched forward, taking to the field. He saw Suwa, as well as four Gekkas surrounding Zero's Sutherland.
"What?!" Zero exclaimed, "What are you doing here?!"
"Stopping you!"
Zero fired a round from his VARIS, but he dodged to the side.
"Pull back. The assault's scrapped."
"Zero?" Suwa exclaimed, clearly confused.
"Fall back!"
At his words, all Knightmares began retreating, leaving just as fast as they left. Soon, the Magma Guard were funnelling out. Prince Castor had just exited the main tower, and was now overlooking the damage.
"Prince Castor," Suzaku exclaimed, "Orders?"
Castor was simply silent.
"Pursue and destroy. Watch out, though. They didn't expect us to be here, but expect backup plans."
"Of course."
Eleven Gloucesters, and one Lancelot, barrelled out of the base, in pursuit of the Black Knights.
'Zero. I cannot let you hold Lelouch and his family hostage any longer. This time, you will fall, and you will let us help them.'
Quickly entering the jungle, they spotted the six Knightmares.
"Men," Nonette said, "Remain in groups of three. The Lancelot is our only Knightmare that can take Suwa head on."
"Roger."
"Split up! Get back to the sub!" Zero exclaimed, and Suwa used her claw on a tree, causing it to catch on fire, and forming a flame wall between them. While it didn't slow them down, it did impair their vision for a moment.
When Suzaku and his Magma Guards passed through the flames, he could see several groups forming to pursue their own. He saw Nonette going after Suwa, and six Magma Guards going after the four Gekkas...without Zero.
'Where is he?'
He eventually saw Zero, the gold and red 'crown' of his Sutherland being the deciding factor. He charged at him, followed closely by his Magma. Unfortunately, the speed of the Lancelot made the distance between said Guards farther and farther away.
"This is Nonette. Suwa got away. She burned another part of the jungle, and I lost her in the smoke."
"Same here. They deployed smoke, just like at the prison."
"This is lieutenant Kururugi, I've got Zero in my sights."
"Wait," Nonette exclaimed, "Just Zero?"
"Yes."
Suzaku could see a break in the treeline, where the sands dipped down into a crater.
"Your Magma Guards?"
"We're following behind him, but the Lancelot's speed is far greater than ours."
"...Suzaku, pull back now!"
"He's right in front of me!"
Suzaku lunged forward, pulling out an MVS, and swinging at him. Surprising, Zero pulled out a black sword, which looked very similar to the MVS he lost back at Narita. While Zero blocked the attack, Suzaku kept pushing, causing both Knightmares to slide down into the crater, swords locked together.
"I've got you!" Suzaku yelled out.
"It's a trap!"
'Wait, what?!'
"Right where I want you." Zero replied.
The edges of the crater lit up green, and everything shut down around him, save for secondary functions.
'It's...it's just like when I fought Celaeno at Narita. Did they somehow improve it.'
The two Magma Guards that accompanied him had caught up, but stopped at the edge.
"Lieutenant!"
At those words, Tohdoh's Knightmare appeared at the far end. It lept over the ring, high enough to avoid the effect. The two Gloucesters raised their guns to fire upon him, but Suwa's Guren appeared behind one of them. The first one exploded before he realized what happened. When the second one turned to his fallen comrade, Tohdoh fell upon him, literally, impaling him.
Over a dozen Knightmares appeared, surrounding the two, but keeping outside the ring.
Suzaku slammed a fist against the side of his cockpit. 'Damnit. In my haste, I couldn't see such an obvious trap.'
"You have two choices, Suzaku," Zero exclaimed, "I know your cockpit can still open. You can either come out yourself and we can have a civilized discussion. Or you can be dragged out."
Suzaku looked down, shameful at his arrogance.
Castor
Castor was overlooking the damage. It seemed negligible, as they had only come in and destroyed a warehouse before pulling out when they saw the Lancelot.
His earpiece got a call. Annoyed at the inconvenience, he answered.
"Whoever this is, it is not the best time! ... Oh, Prime Minister. Sorry, we have our own issues to deal with. … You know of lieutenant Kururugi's situation, then? … Wait, you want to WHAT!?"
Zero
Exiting the Morgana, he saw that Suzaku had chosen civility over savagery, and was hoisting down to the sand.
"So," Suzaku said defiantly, "Are you going to take me prisoner, or try to convince me to join you like last time?"
"While taking you prisoner would provide some interesting conversations, we don't have a place to house prisoners. No, we're only here for the Lancelot. As for joining, I know you're far too stubborn to accept a terrorist's hand."
"So you admit you're terrorists."
"Of course we are, from your perspective. You see everything as black and white. However, keep in mind that wars are not between good and evil, it's between nations. Where one sees a group of terrorists attempting to disrupt the natural order, another would see a group of rebels wanting to restore freedom to their land. You have already begun understanding this. After all, our relief supplies to the ghettos are still flowing."
Suzaku tightened his hands. Zero could see in his eyes that Suzaku did indeed keep the knowledge secret.
"Prince Pollux simply finds stopping those trucks would only fuel your actions."
His mouth implies he told Pollux, but his eyes say otherwise.
"Regardless, I believe that we're done here. If you would simply allow us to tie you up, no further harm will come to you."
"Leave them alone."
'What?' "I'm sorry, that wasn't the response I was expecting."
"Leave them alone."
'Ah, so, Suzaku is wanting the safety of me and my siblings.' "I assume you are referring to four specific people."
The anger in Suzaku's eyes was evident. Zero then had an idea, a cruel one, but one that might break his resolve even further.
"I wonder if they were the reason you killed your father."
Suzaku's eyes widened in horror. "How do you~?"
"Come on, Suzaku. As a black knight, we will use every dirty trick to protect the innocent and defeat our enemies. Why wouldn't we find a weakness in our enemy. But we're not talking about me, it's you that I'm interested. I doubt that it was simply wanting to save Japan that brought you to killing your father."
(Years ago)
Suzaku
"Dad, we can't win this." A young Suzaku yelled at his father from within their manor. His father had just gotten off the phone with several generals, organizing attacks that would no doubt fail.
"I will not allow Japan to become enslaved to Britannia!" Genbu roared.
"But all the people that will die!"
"Better they die Japanese than live as Numbers! Now, leave me to do my work. I need to contact General Jinjang."
As his father began to leave, Suzaku's head was in a whirlwind.
'Father would sacrifice his country than accept defeat? But, all the carnage. Lelouch and his sisters are still out there. If the war continues, they might get hurt, or worse. Lelouch, Nunnally, Cornelia...Euphie.'
"I can't let you!" Suzaku screamed at his father as he ran at him. His father was easily able to halt him.
"Insolent boy! You don't know anything about what's going on!"
When Suzaku charged again, his father slapped him to the ground. He didn't even remember picking up the knife, but, without thinking, he plunged it into his father. Genbu looked down in shock, not expecting his own son would kill him.
(Present Day)
Zero
"No doubt you did do it to 'protect' Japan," Zero exclaimed, "But, something tells me that it was also to protect your friend and his siblings."
Suzaku tightened his hands, but looked down in shame. Zero needed to get a reaction out of him.
"Perhaps the one you saw as a brother. Perhaps the one you saw as a younger sister. Perhaps the one who protected them all. Or...Perhaps the other one."
Suzaku looked up in unbridled fury.
'Checkmate.' "Ah, so that's why. You killed your father, and betrayed your country men. All for a childhood crush."
"You shut your mouth." Suzaku seethed through his teeth.
"Not only that, but it was pointless."
"What?"
"Your father had a plan to save Japan. He wasn't as suicidal as you believe. He and Russia had a project, Tsar Taigen no, that would've saved Japan, or, at least, held off Britannia until the Russians regrouped."
"You~You're lying! Russi~"
"Do you still think we're alone!? Russia, even today, is Japan's greatest ally. After the Russo-Japanese war, instead of gloating over our victory, we helped them cultivate their eastern coasts. When the Romanovs were deposed during World War 1, we granted them asylum, despite the harsh criticism to the current Emperor. When Nicholas II wanted to return home and lead his people against the Bolsavics, not only did we let him go, but we gave him supplies, intel, manpower, and a detachment of the Emperor's Doragongado. Do you really think that Russia would so easily abandon us!?"
Suzaku looked almost horrified. His entire belief in Russia has been truly challenged.
"I wonder. Maybe I will recruit you."
"What?" Suzaku seethed again, but a small hint of bewilderment was in it.
"If it was to protect them, would you join me?"
"You would hold them hostage?"
"No, I hold no hostile intentions. However, should I lose, how long could they remain hidden? If they were discovered, could you honestly keep them safe from their father?"
Suzaku still clenched his teeth, but his eyes began darting, clearly weighing his options.
"Leiutenant Kururugi," Suzaku's Knightmare earpiece buzzed out, loud enough for Zero to hear, "Please respond!"
Suzaku seemed to calm down at the sudden voice. "Do you mind?"
Zero made no response, as he was contemplating whether allowing him to speak to his officers was a good idea. Unfortunately, he took too long.
"Yes, Sir." Suzaku replied.
"We have long range missiles locked onto the Lancelot's position. Suzaku Kururugi, your orders are to keep Zero there."
'They're giving him up to die!'
Castor
"Like hell am I going to let you kill him!" Castor roared at the officer. However, the man simply stood firm.
"Those are the Prime Minister's orders."
"Then get me in contact with my brother now! Suzaku is our best Knightmare pilot, we can't afford to lose him."
"Not only that," Nonette replied over the radio, "But, my orders are to bring Zero alive."
"Regardless, that is the Minister's orders."
"My orders come from the Emperor!"
"Who failed to inform us of your orders."
'These morons don't see the potential Suzaku could be!' "Fuck it! This is Prince Castor to all Magma Guards, break through their lines! Get Suzaku Kururugi out of there!"
"Yes, your Highness!" Several voices replied. The officer looked appalled.
"You would defy the Prime Mini~"
"I'd rather take a scolding from Schneizel than lose a Seventh-Gen pilot!"
Jeremiah, the entire time, had a look of contemplation, of deep thought. When Castor finished his last statement, his face twisted to one of horror. He ran to a nearby Sutherland, quickly powering it up, before speeding off.
"Jeremiah? What are you doing!?"
"I failed them once," he replied, confusing Castor, "I can't fail them again."
"What is he blathering about?!" The officer exclaimed.
Zero
Zero turned to enter his Morgana, but his cloak was grabbed by Suzaku. Luckily, if enough pressure was applied to it, the cloak would detach from him. As the cloak fell, he drew the Starless Sky. Unfortunately, while Suzaku was contemplating his decisions, seeing the sword made his choice for him.
"The sword of Nobunaga?! Your dirty hands don't deserve to touch that!"
Suzaku lunged at him. Zero blocked his hands with the blade, but he was slammed against the leg of the Morgana.
"Zero!" Kallen exclaimed.
"Missiles incoming!" Naly exclaimed, aiming her arm gun at the swarm of missiles quickly approaching.
"Quickly," Tohdoh commanded, raising his own arm gun, "Take them out!"
Every Knightmare began firing at the missiles, destroying several before a whirring sound was heard.
"Magma Guards!" Celaeno exclaimed, as several Gloucesters began approaching them. Several BK-Knightmares turned from the missiles to engage the Gloucester.
"Don't let them through!"
Suzaku still pushed towards Zero, his hands digging into the blade, with trickles of blood showing.
"You would let them kill you!"
"Better than disobeying orders and letting you escape!"
'Damnit, Suzaku, because you can't find a good response to my argument, you're defaulting to not breaking the rules.' Zero's mask slid, revealing his eye.
'I don't want to do~' Before he could use his Geass, Suzaku headbutted him, both falling to the ground.
"Zero!" Kallen yelled out. Recklessly, she charged the Guren.
"No, wait!" Rakshata retorted, but it was too late. The Guren shut down, but the cockpit instantly opened, and Kallen, along with her wakizashi, began running towards the two. Zero lifted his blade, once more trying to keep Suzaku off him.
"Get off~," Zero then looked past Suzaku, "What is that?"
What Zero was looking at was what could only be described as a flying battleship. White and orange, with an unfamiliar design, it loomed over the battlefield.
'Whatever it is, I don't want to stay and find out what it could do.' "Turn off the Disturber field, now!"
Rakshata looked surprised, but quickly did so. The green ring soon disappeared. A hatch on the flying ship opened. Zero looked on, and could see two red orbs of light forming.
"Get him out of there!" Tohdoh commanded as Rai Gloucester and a Sutherland got through the lines and entered the pit.
"Zero!" Celaeno screamed, charging into the pit herself.
The two orbs became a pair of beams, and blasted red and black energy straight into the pit, decimating anything within it's blast radius.
Unknown
From a secluded place, a boy with blonde hair smirked. Using the nearby Thought Elevator on Kamine Island, he decided to drag a few people.
"Well, not what I wanted. Instead of grabbing two, I grabbed six. Either way, this should prove interesting."
Author's Notes: Sorry if the end feels rushed. I wanted to capture the chaotic feeling that Zero was going through in those moments when the Avalon come bearing down on them.
Not only that, but Suzaku hasn't been Geassed like in canon. Wonder if that will have ramifications?
Either way, hope you enjoyed, leave a review, fav/follow, and I'll see you all next time.