Chapter 4: Move Forth Pawns
Alternate Chapter Title: Cherry Blossoms Will Always Bloom
Among contemporary politicians and scholars, there is a tendency to admire the strength of the first global empire: Britannia. From our modern perspective, it seems impossible to unify such a diverse and vast political landscape. Fascists will point to the strength of the Emperor, specifically Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia, and the overwhelming might of the Britannian military as a form of successful and effective governance.
Time has warped our perspective, for Britannia was actually a conglomeration of loosely aligned territories, technically under the governance of a viceroy and the Emperor. Due to the political structure, Britannia was always embroiled in a civil war (or multiple), although it went by a different name: War of Honor. Much of the Emperor's time was dedicated to easing tensions between the nobles and supervising peace treaties. Additionally, as the 21st century continued, Britannia struggled against rising terrorist/insurgency groups within its conquered Areas. Even before the introduction of the Knightmare frame, Britannia was teetering at the edge of collapse only held together by nationalism and expansionary military policy. The Knightmare frame upset the delicate balance of power...
—The Political Landscape of Britannia at the Turn of the 21st Century by Marianne Yamamoto
Sagamihara (30km from Tokyo)
Hidden beneath the bodies, Suzaku's eyes watered. It stunk. The metallic monsters, knightmares, landed and Suzaku forced himself to breathe slowly to calm his racing heart. He had to remain still. He was going to die and Nunnally would cry.
Amplified by a speaker, a woman cried, "Lelouch, Nunnally!"
Lelouch moved in front of his hiding place, as if his presence could shield Suzaku. "Mother."
Something clicked and Suzaku wondered if the mechanical beast was falling apart. Then he could take Lelouch and Nunnally and run. More clicks, rumbles, and loud screeches. Suzaku tensed. What was happening?
Multiple feet crunched down on the debris and the woman spoke again, her voice no longer filtering through a speaker. "You and your sister aren't hurt are you? We landed in the Kururugi home just as the attacks began. You weren't supposed to run off Lelouch."
They had been outside of the shrine by complete accident. It was just luck that the invasion coincided with them sneaking out of the house. If they hadn't, he would be Britannia's captive and if he believed Lelouch's instincts, dead. Through the gap between the limbs, he watched Lelouch step forward.
"We're fine despite your invasion."
"And the Prime Minister's son? His mother is under the impression that he is with you."
Suzaku stiffened and he could feel one of the gigantic monstrosities move as the earth trembled in fear. "What do you want with him?"
"He isn't your friend Lelouch. The Eleven will betray you. Don't bother trying to protect him."
Out of sight, Nunnally shouted, "Suzaku wouldn't do that! He is the best friend ever."
He smiled at her remark before a dark thought chased it away. The woman had talked about his mother. Surely mother wouldn't have betrayed him, even if he was with the "enemy." She wouldn't would she? Or did they hurt her and force her to tell? What had happened to his mother?
Lelouch's voice broke through his thoughts. "We split up with Suzaku. He joined some scavengers to make sure we could get away. And he is my friend."
Their mother's voice turned frigid. "Search the area. I want the boy found, preferably alive."
"Mommy no!" Nunnally screamed and he could finally see her as she latched onto her brother. "You can't hurt him. Just leave him alone!"
"He is your enemy Nunnally. I'm sorry that you were deceived in such a way. I thought Lelouch would have known better and protected you."
Lelouch stood rigid and his fingers crossed behind his back, tapping together slowly: Stay safe. Suzaku didn't dare to acknowledge the message as the knightmares began to whir and traverse the ground. He could hear bodies falling as they searched the area, not caring for the dead. Lelouch just stood there, his posture perfect. He was livid. Something moved near him and Suzaku clenched his eyes shut in fear. A rat scurried over his body.
Nunnally continued to cry. "Just leave him alone. I want to go home."
Suzaku opened his eyes and stared at her hugging her brother, looking utterly pathetic. Her fingers tapped, repeating a rhythm: Goodbye. Love you.
"Very well Nunnally. It will be good to have you and your brother back home." Their mother's voice became louder as she ordered the troops: "Check the area once more, but we're moving out. The boy must have run away like a coward when he saw us approach."
No. He was just a coward hiding under the dead. A knightmare blocked his view and Suzaku felt tears leak out of his eyes. The ground trembled again and then they were gone. Suzaku didn't dare to move, his breath stayed trapped within his chest. They were gone. And sweet Nunnally's mother was out there annihilating his people and their culture. His heart beat faster. The weight of the bodies suddenly felt oppressive as if their spirits were there to drag him down to his death. Why was he allowed to live?
Moving on instinct, he wiggled free and gasped for air. The flies continued to buzz through the silence. At the edge of the mound, laid the backpack and his short sword: the last gift from his friends. The moon illuminated small red eyes around him and Suzaku stumbled to the backpack and grabbed the sword. A mosquito landed on his arm and he sank to the ground. A rat scurried by his feet.
All alone. Surrounded by the dead and inhumane eyes, Suzaku wept. All alone.
Royal Palace, Pendragon
Nunnally clung to her brother's hand, as Clovis led them through the hallways of the royal palace. He continued to prattle on, seemingly intent on catching them up on everything they missed during their time in Japan. Nunnally tuned him out.
Everything smelt clean compared to the homely and wooden smell of the Kururugi Shrine. Every moment spent with Britannians felt as if something about her was being stripped away. First it was the clothes replaced by more proper garments befitting of a princess. Then it was the shampoo, smelling of roses, and washing away the scent of the woods. The smell even lingered in her hair making her feel like a foreigner in her own body. They washed Lelouch too and he no longer vaguely smelt of cinnamon and failed cooking experiments.
Within the plane to Britannia, servants had braided her hair and forced her in a dress without any of the familiar braille tags that told her the colors. It was vaguely tight around her shoulder and the fabric irritated her skin, but she resisted the urge to tear it off.
Her brother steadied her as the carpet caught on the heels that she had been forced to wear. Clovis, completely unaware of her clumsiness, enthused about a concert he was planning in order to celebrate their return and how Odysseus would love to play the violin.
"We will not be attending," said her brother.
"Why ever not? Of course you have to catch up with everyone after you meet with Father. You have been gone far too long."
Lelouch stiffened and Nunnally knew he was holding back scathing remarks. "Nunnally and I are rather tired. It is only appropriate that we rest first. I'm afraid we would be rather dull company in our current state."
Clovis's feet hit the ground again, this time sounding more muffled. Remembering her lesson from the carpet, Nunnally carefully stepped forward. The floor was wood now. They were no longer in the public parts of the palace.
"You are quite right Lelouch. The party will be even greater if I have more time to prepare. The party of the year celebrating the return of my favorite younger two siblings. Yes, that sounds good. And Nunnally will have plenty opportunities to meet some knights."
"I'm not interested in meeting knights Clovis," said Nunnally. The knights accompanying her mother had forced them to abandon Suzaku. She had met enough knights.
"Well I'm sure we will find one you like. After all, considering your condition, you will need a Knight of Honor to keep you safe."
She would never trust someone who had brutalized Japan. All those people dead... Even if they became a knight later, what would stop them from committing the same atrocities?
"Clovis, I will protect Nunnally," promised Lelouch. Of course her brother would protect her from harm; she could always trust him to have her best interests at heart
"Lelouch, you will not be able to protect your sister forever. That is a burden too great for even you to bear. And since your mother dismissed her royal guard for their failure, you will need to build them from scratch."
Her mother had dismissed them all? Even her sister, Cornelia? That was cruel. She blinked, feeling the tears welling in her eyes.
Lelouch tightened his grip around her hand. "I will protect Nunnally. You can stop vying to get your men into our royal guard. There will be none. I cannot trust any of them."
Nunnally shivered as he completed his cold statement. They couldn't trust anyone. Even their sweet mother had endangered their lives for the glory of taking over Japan. Yet, her brother could not protect her and himself. He didn't have the power to act, and she, was blind. She was his burden that he willingly carried, but in doing so, he endangered himself.
As uniforms snapped and the hinges creaked, she felt her resolve firm. She wouldn't be a burden, she would be an asset. How? She did not know.
"Announcing Prince Clovis la Britannia, Prince Lelouch and Princess Nunnally vi Britannia."
"Thank you Clovis. You are dismissed." The voice was deep and authoritative, sounding slightly familiar.
Lelouch tugged her hand, signaling to bow. "Your majesty."
A slightly younger, but still male, voice chimed in. "Please there's no need for such formality."
The stranger's arm swept both her and Lelouch into a warm hug. He smelled of books and antiseptic.
The Emperor sighed. "Really Odysseus? At least introduce yourself before you hug someone who is blind. Sit down."
Odysseus released them and dragged something along the floor. "My sincere apologies Nunnally."
"It is alright big brother," she said. Clovis had made the same mistake.
Lelouch led her by her elbow and allowed her to sink into a soft couch. She leaned back and rested her head on his shoulder.
The emperor was the first to break the silence. "Marianne has arranged for you to go to the Ashford labs. But before you leave, we will discuss your time in Japan. Particularly, Genbu Kururugi and his associates."
"No," her brother said. He remained rigid, but she could hear his heart beating faster. "We are not your pawns."
He scoffed and Odysseus's chair creaked. "You are a prince, Lelouch vi Britannia, and therefore will fulfill your duty. You are a pawn because you do not stand on your own two feet. It is only because you are my son, that you continue to live despite your insubordination. But do not mistake such privilege for mercy, because I have none for weaklings."
"And mother? Is she a weakling too?"
"Who is leading the attack against Japan? Now cease your insubordination. What happened to the Prime Minister's son? Who will raise their swords against Britannia after we ground them into the dirt?"
"Why don't you ask your spies if we are such weaklings.?
"But none of them called Lieutenant Colonel Kyoshiro Tohdoh sensei."
Odysseus spoke up, his voice calm. "Father, isn't this going a bit too far?"
Her father's fist struck the table and he snapped at Odysseus, "Sit down. Eleven is too old for me to ignore such childish games."
Leaning against Lelouch, she could feel his rigid posture. He was planning on being stubborn. Her own heart thumped faster. There was no guarantee for their safety... She couldn't trust her parents: only Lelouch.
Lelouch always protected her; it was time to return the favor. "Lelouch saw the knightmares approaching and told Suzaku to hide. You aren't going to find him."
"Nunnally," hissed her brother.
She continued regardless. "Brother learnt Japanese from Tohdoh, but they never talked about the military. Tohdoh was thinking of retiring although the invasion might have changed his mind."
The secret of a small little baby would stay with them. What was it that Lelouch said? Mix the truth with the lies. Her heart felt heavy at the repercussions that would follow. "Suzaku's father often called some General Katase or so. He sounded like a prideful man."
The emperor was appeased and dismissed them. They stood silently in the corridor, allowing their nerves to ease. She reached out to her brother, hoping that he wasn't mad at her.
Lelouch finally broke the silence. "That was very clever Nunnally. I apologize, I wasn't thinking clearly. You made the right call."
"You aren't mad at me?"
"The information is useless. Suzaku will have left already. And General Katase is stationed in Sapporo, to the North of the army. Tohdoh is the one who was running exercises in Narita and may have survived. He, unlike the general, may be able to convince the Prime Minister to surrender. At the very least, he will save the civilians. His honor demands it. You did well Nunnally. Thank you."
Japanese Military Transport
Tohdoh didn't allow himself to grieve as he passed the mounds of the dead. The second he allowed himself to think about it, he would break down. No, grieving would be for later... when they finally surrendered or were dead. No, he had to hold onto hope. The Prime Minister was to the West and then they could make a plan to save their people. He would be reunited with his wife and their small child: Kazuki. Hope was all they had in the desolate waste land of the dead.
"Lieutenant-Colonel, we are picking up someone on the scanners," said one of his men in the back.
Tohdoh frowned. "Could be a Britannian soldier... or scavengers."
The desperate were the most dangerous and everyone became alert. A scavenger would probably not be foolhardy enough to attack a military transport, but desperate men did stupid things. Tohdoh looked at the scanner and frowned. They were short and obviously stumbling. A survivor? Guns ready, they turned around the pile of bodies. In the middle of the road, stood a child, their hair wild and a sword in their trembling hands. A survivor.
"Halt," he ordered his men. He observed the boy and how he dropped into a familiar stance. It couldn't be. Surely he had died. "Suzaku?"
The boy stumbled slightly as he opened the door and there was an unfamiliar look in his eyes. But Suzaku remained still, his entire body tense and ready to flee or attack. This shouldn't have happened.
"Suzaku, is that you?"
The boy jerked as if a marionette on strings and his head turned slowly to stare at him. "Tohdoh-Sensei?"
The disbelief in the boy's voice was clear and ignoring the shouts from his men, Tohdoh rushed forward and brushed past the sword to envelope the boy in a hug. The boy stiffened before the sword fell from his hands and he went limp, like all his strings had been cut. Then he cried, clutching his shirt eagerly.
"We're going to be alright Suzaku," he said.
His student didn't put up any resistance as he guided him to the transport. How had he arrived here? It was over a day's walk from the Kururugi Shrine. Suzaku shivered and he wrapped a wool blanket around him. Questions would wait. Suzaku wasn't in any state to answer them and he soon drifted off to sleep, still clutching his shirt.
They continued to drive forward, scanning the skies for Britannian troops. It was mostly safe here. The battle was further up North and to the West. All that was left were shattered buildings and broken bodies. Suzaku stirred and slowly opened his eyes.
"We still got another five hours Suzaku. Sleep."
He gripped the blanket tightly and stared at Tohdhoh. "What happened to mom?"
The lie was at the tip of his tongue. But he couldn't. It was pointless. Everybody knew. There was no way to protect Suzaku from the horrible truth. "Her execution was broadcasted yesterday morning. I'm sorry Suzaku."
He felt sick but Suzaku just leaned back, as if he had been expecting the answer. "Why is Lelouch always right?"
Lelouch vi Britannia... their safety card that in the end meant nothing. The prince was devastatingly smart, learning the rules of Shogi by just watching him and Nagisa play. Then he had bartered his wins for Japanese lessons. In hindsight, he should have payed more attention. Lelouch and Suzaku's escapades into the forest no longer seemed so innocent.
Curiosity burned through his veins. "What did he say?"
Suzaku remained quiet for a moment, looking outside at the tall trees. Just as Tohdoh began to worry that he pushed too far, Suzaku replied, "He told me that Britannia would kill me if I was lucky. I would just be a tool to force Japan's surrender... He saved my life. And you would kill him, wouldn't you Tohdhoh-Sensei? He is your enemy now."
"No. I wouldn't harm him Suzaku-kun." Every time he thought of the young Prince, all he could see were the haunted eyes of a child. "But what happened? The Kururugi Shrine was captured within the first hour."
"We were outside in the forest. We saw the bombs drop and then Lelouch told me that we had to run. We hid in our secret hideout. Lelouch prepared for it you know. He had stocked food without me noticing and made a bunch of traps. But Lelouch was worried that they would find us if we stayed near home... So we tried to head to Tokyo..."
Tohdoh waited patiently for Suzaku to continue. He wouldn't push his student.
"There was a knightmare patrol. Lelouch told me to hide... and I did. He lied to protect me..."
Tohdoh thought of the overturned knightmare frames near the Kururugi Shrine that the advance team had discovered. It seemed that Lelouch's liberal acquisition of sakuradite proved itself to be effective. If Tohdoh survived, he knew that he never wanted to face the prince on the opposite end of the battle field. There was a sense of callousness and practicality a commander needed to make the hard choices. Lelouch already had that, his innocence stolen by an attempted assassination. Coupled with his creativity and willingness to adapt, Lelouch would be a terrifying opponent and Britannia would use him. After all, the Emperor already had risked his son to insure a swift invasion of Japan.
"Lelouch is a good friend, Suzaku. Hold onto that friendship." It might very well save Suzaku's life one day.
The transport stopped in the middle of the forest and they slowly disembarked. Soldiers filtered through the trees, saluting when they caught sight of Tohdoh. He noted that Suzaku had grabbed his backpack, which contained his father's wakizashi. Someone must have radioed in to tell the Prime Minister that his son had arrived, because in the midst of unloading the transport, Genbu Kururugi wandered into the chaos, his eyes scanning the crowd. He looked at his son for one second, before, in an uncharacteristic display of emotions, enveloped his son into a hug.
"I'm so glad you are alive Suzaku-kun."
"To-san," sobbed Suzaku.
"We will destroy Britannia for this Suzaku. We will show them what it means to be Japanese."
Suzaku stood there, holding onto his father as if he might vanish. At least there was one happy reunion tonight, even if the Prime Minister had made a false promise. They would have to surrender. The civilian casualties were rising every day and as Lelouch had once explained over a game of Shogi, Britannia kept to different rules of engagements for Wars of Conquest. He should have listened instead of discounting the prince as a traumatized child. The boy had warned him.
He turned away from the reuniting father and son, to deal with his men. Patience was the greatest virtue of a warrior and he would protect the people of Japan. "I want a list of everything we have that contains Sakuradite. And someone get me a map."
At five, the Prime Minister announced that the Japanese would fight to the very end. Even the children would be drawn into this conflict. Orders were orders, so he retreated to his tent office to work on his plan. Hopefully, he could convince the man that such suicidal actions weren't necessary. It was after dinner, surrounded by maps and piles of supply papers, that someone asked him if he had seen the Prime Minister. Possibilities ran through his head as he rushed to the Prime Minister's wooden cabin. He was so used to dealing with traumatized soldiers in the past few days... that he had miscalculated. Perhaps gravely so.
He pushed his way through the door and the scent of blood drifted to his nose. He knew what he would find. In his idiocy, he hadn't thought of how Suzaku would react. Suzaku who was so proud to be Japanese and best friends with a coldly practical prince.
In the middle of the small living room, Suzaku kneeled on the ground, blind to the outside world. Besides him, his father lay on the ground, the wakizashi piercing his gut. The Prime Minister was dead by the hands of his son. He had failed his student today and another part of his heart shattered.
"Come on Suzaku," he whispered gently. Carefully, he grabbed the boy's hand guided him to his feet. "Let us clean you up."
Suzaku nodded and stumbled towards the bathroom and Tohdoh glared at the body besides him. If he hadn't given the order to fight to the death... but it was useless to consider "what ifs". The Prime Minister was murdered and his people would yearn for vengeance. He couldn't do that to Suzaku. His student needed help, not hatred aimed at him from every turn. Wasn't it the prerogative of the master to protect his student?
Suicide. He looked down at the sword. Everyone knew it was the Prime Minister's favorite, hanging on his office wall at home. The Prime Minister committed suicide not willing to watch the Japanese die under his orders. There would be a total surrender and he would disappear with Suzaku and the rest of the military.
"I will not apologize Kururugi-Shushou for what I am about to do nor do I ask for your forgiveness. I will continue to fight for Japan... but Japan is its people as well."
He bowed to the former Prime Minister and walked out of the cabin to tell the biggest lie of his life. May the gods have mercy on his soul.
Britannian Military Base, Tokyo, Japan
Reuben glanced down at Tokyo as he passed by the large windows. The architecture was definitely unique and he hoped that some of it would remain. There was no reason for Tokyo to be rebuilt as a replica of Pendragon. Not that it really mattered. His phone buzzed and he closed his eyes. If it was Lord Siebenberg again trying to earn some favor, Reuben was going to blow a fuse. Preferably in the brat's knightmare. His phone buzzed again and his eye twitched. Why couldn't he just get an hour of peace and quiet?
He flipped open his phone and saw the message. It was from Sarah, his lab assistant. Had something happened in the lab?
"Sarah, what happened?"
"Lord Reuben," she replied cheerfully. "Prince Lelouch and Princess Nunnally have arrived at the labs. I've been helping them get settled in. I also wanted to warn you that Margrave Oberstein is in Tokyo. His son is apparently in charge of the ground troops in the area. It would probably be best to avoid him, especially with the rumors."
Massaging his nose, he asked, "What rumors?"
"Oh, you didn't hear? They're saying you are going to be granted the title of Margrave for your development of the Knightmare frame. Either Kagoshima or Tokyo according to local gossip. It is all the rage among the locals on the Ashford Estate. It isn't everyday that someone sees a lord such as yourself earning the position of Margrave without playing the political game."
There was a reason he didn't try to play the game. "I cannot be a Margrave. Do you know how much work that would be? I would never have time for research."
"You could give some responsibility to your son. They exist for a reason you know."
He shuddered. "No. That little conceited brat will not touch the Ashford Estate, ever. He will remain the Viscount Hammond. Milly would make a much better Earl than he ever could."
"That's a bit harsh my lord."
Passing by, a young man bowed to him and Reuben shook his head, walking into the dining hall. "The Ashford family has always pursued science and the humanities. It shall continue to do so. My son would rather squander all our wealth covering up his affairs and on the military."
He caught sight of a familiar mop of brown hair. "Sarah. Why is my son here?"
She didn't get to respond as suddenly someone grabbed the phone out of his hand and snapped it shut.
Lord Siebenberg held the phone in front of him with a smile that didn't reach his face. "How good of you to join us Earl of Ashford. Although I've heard you might be a Margrave soon. So perhaps Margrave of Recreant?"
His son, Monty, walked up besides Lord Siebenberg with a satisfied smile. "Hello father. Finally engaging in war aren't you? But you are still a coward."
Looking around the room, Reuben noticed the other nobles backing away. There would be no help from them. "I wasn't aware you were in Japan Monty. I thought being a Viscount kept you busy? You certainly did not have my permission to be here."
"Lord Greenford thought it would be beneficial for me to have some actual experience father. He is quite pleased that the Ashford heir is honorable."
Lord Siebenberg bowed mockingly. "Lord Greenford has given me his backing, I challenge you to a duel of honor."
The knight was a decent pilot, a Baron though, which explained his eagerness to risk his life for a higher position. "I assume you seek the traditional terms?"
"No, I believe that your family's subsidiary title will do. We are at war after all and I admit, being an Earl would be beyond me." Lord Siebenberg smiled, assured of his own upcoming victory.
Reuben kept his face passive. Who had come up with this plan? It was ingenious. Upon losing the duel, he would be disgraced and considered weak, therefore no longer in the running for Margrave. An assassin would kill him within the night and, despite his will, his son would become the Earl of Ashford. It wasn't his son's style, which meant someone else was behind it. But there were too many in court who had much to gain if he died.
The familiar voice of Margrave Oberstein cut in: "I object to such a farce. War is no time for such petty squabbling and you, Viscount Hammond, are an utter fool. It is truly unfortunate that you think you can match your father. And Sir Siebenberg you are just a tool, proving yourself unworthy of the rank of viscount."
Reuben watched flabbergasted as his rival defended him, although it would be for naught. Siebenberg and his son were stubborn individuals enamored by the idea of power. The law was clear and it wasn't to his favor.
Siebenberg scoffed. "I have Margrave Greenford's blessing in this challenge. Even the Emperor cannot dismiss our laws. The Earl of Ashford must accept my challenge."
"Very well," he tipped his head and Reuben could feel the oncoming trap. But for whom? "If I cannot convince you of the foolishness of your actions, I will oversee this duel. After all, it would be most unwise to make an enemy of a Margrave."
Siebenberg lifted his chin. "I acquiesce in your ruling. And by what rules will you hold this match?"
"None." Delight spread across Siebenberg's face. "Of course, considering the new age of war upon us, I believe knightmares are fair weapons. Both of your knightmares are ready in the courtyard. I already took the liberty of prepping them."
The surveying nobles fled the room and Reuben turned to his rival. The man had saved him, for in knightmare combat, despite his lack of skill as an ace, he was knowledgeable enough to have a chance. Had the duel been with pistols, swords, or fists, he would be dead. And his death surely would have benefited Margrave Oberstein and his efforts to corner the knightmare market.
"I would suggest killing the young errant knight Lord Ashford. Of course the board has been set already, but by doing so, you may stave off change for another year."
The knightmare reduced the mortality rate of the pilot, but the current model had weaknesses to exploit. Future models would be even more secure and the risk of death in challenges for noble titles would be lowered. "I could have insisted on a traditional duel and appointed a champion."
"Empress Marianne defended you last time didn't she? With her crippled, she wouldn't have been able to fight in a traditional duel anyway. And Sir Siebenberg is a capable duelist. You will also find that Margrave Greenford has bribed all the skilled fighters in the area. There would have been no aid there."
"And the thought of manipulating my son to acquire my other knightmare plans didn't occur to you?"
The look the elder man sent his way told him the obvious truth. "Your assistant, while annoying steadfast in keeping your secrets, did prove one thing to me without a doubt."
"Oh?" He should definitely rescue William; he was a good kid.
"That you alone are the genius behind the knightmare frame. Well, the only one alive, that is. Without you, development would stall and I rather prefer having an influential Margrave in my debt."
Reuben nodded, accepting the truth, but knowing it was just one aspect. Everyone had plans within plans and if he became a Margrave his time would be seriously limited. That wasn't even considering the ramifications of his duel. The knightmare required skilled pilots: the kind that couldn't be taught. The writing was on the wall. The question was where did Margrave Oberstein want to steer the ship?
"I thank you Lord Oberstein. I look forward to a fruitful partnership. I have a duel to win."
The man inclined his head and let him pass into the courtyard. Perhaps, the question should be where Reuben wanted to steer the ship? The Ashford family had stayed out of politics for a long time, even managing to be neutral throughout the majority of the Emblem of Blood. It seemed that the politics would be unavoidable for Reuben this time. A shame.
His knightmare towered over him and he scanned the exterior noticing the small signs of attempted sabotage: the idiot couldn't even do that properly. Shaking his head, he brushed past the aides and rerouted the power: the power drop was negligible for anyone who wasn't an ace. The knightmare powered up slowly and he could see Siebenberg already entering the courtyard.
What a ridiculous place to fight. He would be quick, there was no reason to demolish the last standing part of Tokyo over such foolishness. He raised his slash harken and he waited for the signal.
Seibenberg dashed forward, guns blazing. But Reuben had already won. He pressed the button and the slash harken fired true, hitting the metal at its weakest point and with Seibenberg dashing forward, it easily pierced the chassis. The auto-eject was triggered.
He had won the duel without shedding a drop of blood. Now the ball was in the Emperor's court. The only question was how many more ambitious knights would have to challenge nobles until the Emperor made his decision.
Worldbuilding Thoughts:
-Schneizel and Cornelia are born one day apart. A lot of other characters are born in February as well.
-Most of Code Geass happens right around Tokyo. It is sort of ridiculous how all major events happen there.
-Tohdoh and Chiba are married and have a child according to the wiki. I never got that impression while watching the show, but I'm rolling with it.
Author's Note:
Still looking for a Beta. As I don't have a beta, please tell me if you spot typos or inconsistencies. It is much easier to fix them now than after I wrote twenty chapters. Also feel free to leave constructive criticism. :)