Hi! Im back with a new chapter! I'm deeply sorry for disappearing again for some months. Life hasn't been nice with me recently, so I couldn't progress.
I was planning to have 2 chapters for this month, but illness struck me, so I couldn't make write more.
Stage 14
…
Several hours after battle in Shikine Island
…
Somewhere in an island, specifically in the coast, laid Big Boss. He slowly opened his eyes to see the blue sky, with several seagulls flying around.
Big Boss grunted as he slowly blinked his eye and lifted himself up. He only saw the blue ocean in front of him, no islands, no ships.
"Where am I?" Big Boss asked to himself. He tried to remember what happened, but nothing came to his mind, all he could remember was he and Suzaku facing each other on gunpoint while the Avalon showed a weapon that was charging a 2 red beams, but after that, nothing.
Big Boss stood up and looked around the environment. He must admit, the island looked quite beautiful. Maybe when he finds a way out of here, he may come back to this island for a rest.
He put that thought aside as he went back to what it was important right now, finding out where he was and reestablish contact with Mother Base or the Black Knights.
He inspected his own equipment. He found out that his Idroid was malfunctioning, his radio was busted up and adding the fact that he lost almost all his weapons, leaving only his handgun Mk22. Hush Puppy and his survival knife. Big Boss let out a humorous hum, it looked like he was going to do this the old fashion way.
…
Meanwhile in another part of the island, on the coast
…
Lelouch walked around the sands, wondering how he ended up here, he walked on top of some rocks in order to get a good view.
"It's going to be difficult to contact Ohgi and the others. Although I suppose I could pretend to be an ordinary person and ask the Britannian forces to rescue me, but…" Lelouch thought, until he felt a presence.
He looked down to see who it was, and he was shocked to see Euphi, with her clothes wet and in surprise at seeing Zero.
"What, Euphi?!" Thought Lelouch. He never had a straight conversation with her since that time when he released Cornelia.
"Z-Zero?" Euphi asked incredulously.
"We meet again, princess Euphemia" Greeted Zero, while also trying to maintain a neutral voice after the shock.
"How did you end up here?" Asked Euphi.
"Sadly, I don't know. I suppose that you don't know either how you ended up here?"
Euphi could only shook her head.
"Guess we are stranded here, unless my comrades are also here" Said Zero.
Euphi then had a worried face. At this moment, Zero would be considered an enemy since he attacked first.
Zero noticed her and spoke.
"Do not worry, I'm not your enemy"
"Really?" Euphi then relaxed as he said that. She believed him since she remembered her proposal she said with Zero and Big Boss a month ago.
Lelouch couldn't do anything but sigh internally at her naivety.
"Yes, we could…"
*CLICK*
"DON'T MOVE!"
From behind him, Alligator has his M16A1 assault rifle aimed at him.
Lelouch eyes widened in horror, he seemed to have forgotten that Euphi have 2 knights, he knows nothing of this other knight and there was a high chance he was just another arrogant Britannian.
"Wait, Ishmael!" Euphi shouted in worry.
"So you are Zero, the famous leader of the Black Knights" Said Alligator with a cautious tone.
Lelouch moved his right hand to his holster, causing Alligator to move his M16A1 closer to him.
"Reach your handgun and I'll blast you into oblivion" Threatened Alligator.
"Ishmael, please stop! Don't hurt him!" Shouted Euphi again.
"But princess Euphemia, It's my duty to protect you!" Replied Alligator.
"I know, but now, I'm ordering you to put down your gun!" Commanded Euphi.
After several seconds, Alligator sighed internally as he lay down his assault rifle.
"All right, but may I ask, why would you want me to stop?" Asked Alligator.
"We are stranded, right? We should work together to get figure out what happened" Euphi reasoned.
Alligator sighed as he spoke.
"You may be right, but how do you expect us to work together with an enemy of Britannia?" Asked Alligator
"I was going to propose her a truce" Spoke Zero
Alligator raised an eyebrow.
"A truce, huh?"
"Yes. My proposition is that, until we get out of here, we should work together for our survival, and once we are out of here, we all walk away on our path, no bloodshed between us." Explained Zero. No one replied for several seconds, until Euphi spoke.
"I accept your terms" Said Euphi.
"Good" Said Zero
"Very well" Alligator withdrew his M16A1, but before that, he warned him.
"But if I find you suspicious about any activity, I'll call off the truce and apprehend you, understand?"
Zero nodded, although he was curious about this man. This man was honorable and didn't sound arrogant.
"ACHOO!"
Both men turned their head to Euphi, who sneezed because of the cold.
"Now that we have it settled, does any of you have any extra clothing?" Asked Euphi as she was trembling a little of cold.
…
Back with Big Boss
…
Big Boss strolled around the island. It has been a while since he was in a surviving environment, memories of Operation Snake Eater returned to his mind, like the time he hunted animals to replenish his health. He ate absolutely everything, like snakes, spiders, scorpions, tree frogs, capybara, birds, and the list goes on.
The first thing he has to do is find a source of water, mark that place, hunt some animals and explore the jungle. If he was really in an island, he would have to make a raft in order to get out of there, if not, he would have to improvise.
As Big Boss walked across a path full of trees, he was able to see a large mist of fresh water and behind it, a large waterfall. He let out a small smirk as he walked.
Suddenly he heard female voice roaring.
"HUUUAAAAAHHH!"
Then it was followed by a scream.
"AAAAHHHH!"
*THUD!*
Big Boss quickly hid behind some bushes as he suddenly heard a voice which he recognized it immediately.
"Kallen! Kallen Stadtfeld! You're…!"
"Don't call me by that name! I'm Kallen Kouzuki, a Japanese!"
"Huh! Then you're really!"
"I'm a Black Knight! I'm not hiding it anymore!"
Big Boss peaked through the bushes as he was listening the conversation between Kallen and Suzaku. He saw that Suzaku has Kallen pinned down while she was…naked.
Big Boss decided that it was now time to act.
"Well then, Kallen Kouzuki, I'm placing you under arrest. Your crime is rebellion against Britannia!" Said Suzaku as he grabbed her hands and turned her body around, so he can handcuff her.
Once he managed to handcuff her hands, he was about to stand up, but…
*Click*
Suzaku stopped when the sound of a gun clicked behind him
"That's as far as you're gonna go, Kururugi Suzaku"
Suzaku eyes widened in surprise as he recognized that voice.
Kallen was surprised as well as she tried to turn her head.
"B-Big Boss!" Said Kallen with a surprised tone, while she was also relieved to have been rescued at the last moment.
"No hasty moves Suzaku." Said Big Boss with his handgun pointed on Suzaku's back head.
Suzaku quickly analyzed the situation. With the clicking sound, and Big Boss's voice, he deduced that he must be very close to him and the handgun is pointed behind his head.
Big Boss was also cautious with Suzaku. He knows that he is not only an ace pilot with the Lancelot, but also a capable fighter and strategist.
"Uncuff her" Big Boss ordered.
Suzaku slowly moved his hands to the handcuffs on Kallen's hands. Just as he put his hands on the handcuffs, he quickly delivered a down backward kick with his left leg to Big Boss's leg.
Big Boss normally would have been able to withstand the kick, but he didn't realize how strong the kick was. This caused him to lose a little his balance, but it was what Suzaku wanted. He took this moment to quickly get up and go for the handgun.
Big Boss recovered quickly and saw Suzaku, who was about to tackle him.
Suzaku used his hands to grab the grip of the handgun and point it up so it would only shoot up.
Kallen was able to turn around while on the ground and saw how the two were struggling, she wished she could help Big Boss, but her hands were handcuffed and behind her back.
Both were struggling for the gun. Big Boss knew that he was going for the gun, so he decided to disarm his own gun.
Suzaku was trying with all his strength to get the gun, but Big Boss strength was greater than he thought. Suddenly, he felt a great pain on his ribs. It turns out that Big Boss delivered an upward knee kick to his ribs, Suzaku retaliated by doing delivering a kick with his left leg.
Their legs clashed with each other while the two still struggled for the gun, none of them were letting the gun go. Then Big Boss did one of his CQC moves, which was moving the gun circularly in clock wise direction.
It happened so quick, and once the gun turned into a 90-degree position and aiming to the sky, Big Boss pulled the trigger.
*BANG!*
Suzaku then delivered a strong upward kick, causing Big Boss to stagger backward.
Then Suzaku pointed the handgun at Big Boss.
"Surrender now, Big Boss, I've got the upper hand now!" Shouted Suzaku while breathing after the small fight.
Big Boss then chuckled in amusement, which confused Suzaku.
"You think so?" Said Big Boss.
Suzaku then noticed that the barrel of the gun was open, indicating that it was empty.
"Damn it! Why didn't I realize it sooner?!"Suzaku cursed internally. Somehow during the circular movement, Big Boss pressed the ejecting button of the magazine release without him noticing it. It made sense now why Big Boss would suddenly pull the trigger of the handgun.
Kallen was amazed at the speed of Big Boss's movements and how he disarmed his handgun. Then she noticed to her right side something shiny, it turns out that it was the magazine.
She quickly stood up and ran straight to the magazine. Both men noticed her as she kicked the magazine away, so Suzaku wouldn't be able to get it.
"Stand down, Kallen. I'll handle this" Said Big Boss. He reached to his survival knife and tossed it aside.
Big Boss went to his CQC posture and spoke.
"Let's settle this, hand to hand, the basic of all combats. Only a fool trust his life to a weapon"
The last statement seemed to anger a little Suzaku, thinking it as an insult.
Suzaku tossed aside the handgun and went to his combat position, while remembering his own training with Tohdoh.
Suzaku started by delivering his signature roundhouse kick. Big Boss rose his arm to block the kick, the kick collided to his arms, making him move back a little bit. He didn't know that his roundhouse kick would be so strong.
Suzaku landed on the ground, unsuccessfully taking Big Boss down. Suzaku breathed out slowly as he decided to do another tactic.
Big Boss instantly knew that Suzaku was about to deliver a forward punch.
When Suzaku delivered that punch. Big Boss grabbed his arm with his left hand, and then he delivered a punch on Suzaku's face with his other hand.
Suzaku backed away while feeling a stunned from the hit. Suzaku shook his head and focused back.
He roared as he let out a punch with his right hand. Big Boss blocked his with his left arm. Suddenly Suzaku delivered a kick with his right leg, but Big Boss was able to also block it with his left. Suzaku retracted his right hand to deliver another hit with his left hand. Big Boss was quick to notice the other punch, so he swung his right arm to block the punch. Suzaku then delivered a knee hit with his left leg, Big Boss quickly blocked the knee with his left-hand palm. This gave the opportunity for Suzaku to punch forward with his right hand. Big Boss saw it coming, so what he did was to jump back.
Suzaku quickly ran forward, not wanting to give Big Boss a chance to breath.
Suzaku rose his right arm to deliver a punch. But Big Boss quickly deflected the punch by swinging his left arm and moved the punch away.
Suzaku slowly growled in frustration as he was unable to land a hit on Big Boss.
"Not bad, Suzaku" Big Boss complimented.
"But, you still have much to learn" This statement made Suzaku to realize that he was just testing his skills and ability.
With that said, Big Boss delivered a punch with his right hand to Suzaku's ribs, Suzaku quickly moved his left arm to block it, but as he blocked that punch, Big Boss delivered another punch with his left hand, then quickly delivered a quick to his left leg. Then proceeded deliver several punches to his upper body.
Suzaku felt a lot of pain with each punch.
Just when Big Boss was going to punch his face, Suzaku quickly blocked the punch with his right hand.
Suzaku sighed, he was able to block this attack, otherwise he would have lost. But that thought dissipated when he saw Big Boss smirk.
Before he could do anything, Big Boss used his left arm to raise his upper body and throw him straight to the ground.
Suzaku gasped in pain as he slowly lost consciousness.
Big Boss sighed in tiredness as he dropped his fighting stance.
"It's good to see that you are safe, Big Boss" Spoke Kallen with a happy tone as she approached him.
"Glad to see that you are also safe, Kallen" Replied Big Boss. He turned around, only for him to close his eye.
Kallen tilted her head in confusion, but then she blushed heavily as she forgot that she was completely nude.
She quickly turned around and sat on the ground. Big Boss heard the noise of someone sitting, so he opened his eye to see Kallen sitting on the ground.
"B-Big Boss, can you uncuff my hands?" Said Kallen with an embarrassed tone.
"Sure" Big Boss said as he walked forward and kneeled to uncuff her.
"D-Don't you dare have any pervert thoughts!" Kallen stammered while still blushing.
"I wouldn't dare" Big Boss said humorously.
…
Back with Lelouch
…
Right now in the beach, Zero is behind a rock, while Euphi sat behind that rock, naked while covering herself with Zero's cape. Her clothes were laid on the ground to get them dried up. Alligator left to gather woods to make some fire. He was reluctant to leave her alone with the leader of a "terrorist group", but Euphi managed to convince him that she will be all right.
Lelouch was on his thoughts. He really wanted to speak with her half sister, about… everything. She wasn't like his other half brothers and half sisters. Euphi is kind, gentle and she means for his own sake, he would have to dismiss those thoughts…for now.
"Zero" Euphi called him.
Lelouch raised his head "Yes?"
Euphi didn't reply for a moment since she was thinking about the subject she was going to say.
"Have you and Big Boss thought about my proposal?"
Lelouch thought about it for a moment, he really didn't have time to think about it after all the work he was doing.
"I didn't have much time to think about it, unfortunately" Said Zero with a sad tone.
"I see" Said Euphi as she looked down.
"I must say though, it is quite an achievement you're trying to accomplish." Added Zero.
Euphi raised her head and had a surprised look.
"But know that you will encounter hard obstacles, like all the Britannian nobles, the viceroys… and the Emperor himself" Lelouch looked at the grown as he glared.
"They have too much power, politically and economically. If given the chance, they could plan an assassination on you"
Euphi suddenly felt scared. She grabbed the cape on her shoulders. She was aware of the corruptions and the actions done by the other viceroys and her family. She was lucky that the viceroy of Area 11 is her sister Cornelia, as well as being the Chief General of the Imperial Army. No one would ever dare to harm herself with Cornelia always around with her.
"I know" Euphi said as she tightened the cape and continued speaking.
"You don't need to worry. Your sister Cornelia is always there to protect you" Blurted Lelouch unconsciously.
Euphi turned her head to her right in surprise.
"H-how did you know that?!" Said Euphi with a surprised tone.
"I've done my research" Replied Lelouch, then he continued.
"Still, do you believe that this campaign you are promoting will help Britannia?"
Euphi didn't reply for a second as she was reflecting about it.
"I still believe that I can change the view of Britannia. I know that what im trying to do is very hard to accomplish, but whatever happens, I wont stop." Euphi replied as she looked on the ground with a sad face.
"I must do it…. For my 2 dead siblings" Said Euphi with a sad tone, referring to Lelouch and Nunnally
Lelouch head turned to his left as he processed what she said. He felt some of his tears falling from his eyes.
"Euphi" Lelouch thought sadly, unable to reveal his identity at this very moment.
"Princess Euphemia"
Both turned their head to their left sides, to see Alligator holding several woods on his arms.
"Oh! Ishmael! You brought the woods!" Said Euphi with a happy tone.
Alligator smiled as he put down the woods close to Euphi's still wet clothes.
He checked her clothes to see if they're dried up.
"Euphi, your clothes are dried up. You can change them up" Said Alligator.
"Ok!" Euphi stood up as she went to grab her clothes.
Alligator turned around to give her privacy.
"You can change your clothes inside the jungle, I'll stay watch here" Said Alligator.
"All right. Don't you 2 start fighting when im gone!"
Lelouch and Alligator sweet dropped mentally.
"Sure, Princess Euphemia" Said Zero.
"You may call me Euphi, Zero. I'm not very fond of titles" Said Euphi with a smile.
Lelouch felt happy internally as he saw Euphi walk away.
Alligator took this opportunity to approach Zero.
"Well, Zero" Called Alligator.
Lelouch raised his head and stared at him.
"Do you need anything, Ishmael?" Lelouch asked with a suspicious tone.
"I don't know how to break it out, but I will say it"
Lelouch raised an eyebrow in wonder"
"We can both drop the act, until Euphi returns" Said Alligator. Lelouch then felt confused at what he just said.
"What are you talking about?" Asked Lelouch, prepared if he was going to try anything.
Alligator sighed as he faced at him.
"I'm with Big Boss"
With this statement, Lelouch eyes widened in surprise.
"What?" Said Lelouch with a surprised tone.
"I was sent by him to work as a spy. Currently, my codename is Ishmael Ahab, while my real codename is Alligator " Said Alligator.
Lelouch then felt suspicious, if what he was saying was true or not.
"Can you prove it that you are really with Big Boss?" Asked Lelouch suspiciously.
Alligator took out what it looks like, a scanning device, and moved it downward from his left arm. Slowly, the MSF insignia on his left arm started to appear.
With this, Lelouch dismissed his suspicious thoughts as he sighed in relief, at least he has an ally with him.
Alligator moved upward the scanner, which made the insignia disappear.
"Never thought I would encounter one of Big Boss soldiers posing as a Knight of a viceroy" Said Lelouch in surprise.
"No one would think about it, that's why Big Boss wanted me to infiltrate" Said Alligator as he leaned back on the rock.
"May I ask, why did Big Boss sent one of his soldiers to infiltrate Britannia?"
"Nothing serious if you are wondering. This is just an inside job to gather information about Britannia" Said Alligator.
"Well, so far, you are doing a good job at it" Lelouch complimented him.
"Thank you" Said Alligator with a small smile.
"I hope if you don't mind, but I would like to request you something, while you are doing your job"
Alligator turned his head to look at him.
"What is it?"
Lelouch looked at the ground, he closed his eye for a second and then opened as he turned his head to face him.
"Take care of Euphi. Protect her from anything"
Alligator was a little bit surprised at the request.
"Let me guess, you know Euphi personally"
Lelouch nodded
"Yes, you can say that. She is someone important to me. I would never forgive myself is something were to happen to her"
Alligator nodded back
"Sure, I will take care of her, as long as I'm by her side"
Lelouch then smiled under his mask.
"Thank you, Ishmael"
"No problem" Alligator replied back with a smile.
Just at this moment, Euphi came back, all dressed up.
"Zero, Ishmael! I'm back!" Shouted happily Euphi.
Both men turned around to face her.
"Have you two been socializing while I was away?" Said Euphi with a smile.
Lelouch decided to answer her.
"Of course, we are starting to get along well, right Ishmael?"
Alligator smirked "Yeah, it turns out that Zero isn't so bad as Britannia said"
Euphi felt really happy that now they were getting along.
*BUUUUURRRRP*
Suddenly a loud noise was heard.
Euphi couldn't do anything but look down at her stomach, and blush embarrassingly.
"I think we should find some food" Laughed nervously Euphi.
…
Back with Big Boss and Kallen, some hours later
…
Suzaku was slowly waking up as he started to open his eyes. He felt that he was sitting on the ground, and leaning back against a rock.
Suzaku gasped as he tried to move his arms, but it turns out that he was handcuffed.
"Finally you are awake" Said the voice of Kallen.
He looked up to see Big Boss and Kallen standing in front of him.
Suzaku couldn't do anything but groan in defeat.
"Well, what is it going to be? Torture or leaving me behind?" Asked Suzaku.
None of them replied for a minute. Until Big Boss spoke.
"None"
"Huh?" Suzaku looked at him with a confused face.
"You may be our prisoner, but I don't see any reason to treat you bad" Said Big Boss.
"What are you trying to gain with this, Big Boss?" Questioned Suzaku, not believing that Big Boss would try to do something.
"Nothing. It doesn't matter if you are my enemy, you are still a human being." That's all Big Boss said as he reunited some woods, which he got an hour ago.
Kallen was amazed at Big Boss's humbleness, she never encountered a soldier that would not treat bad a prisoner. Maybe this is the reason why he was famous amongst his soldiers in MSF.
"Kallen, bring Suzaku with us"
Kallen broke out from her thoughts as Big Boss spoke to her.
"Sure"
Kallen walked behind Suzaku and pulled him up. She grabbed his arms and pushed him forward.
"Where are we going, Big Boss?" Asked Kallen.
"We are going to do some fishing" Replied Big Boss.
"What?" Kallen and Suzaku said at the same time. Kallen was going to protest, she wanted to suggest that they should find if civilization in this island.
*BUUURP*
Kallen's stomach groaned, making her blush.
"Looks like someone's hungry" Big Boss said with a smirk, causing Kallen to look away with a pouty face.
10 minutes later, they reached to the shore of the island. Kallen had Suzaku sitting on the ground with herself watching him. Big Boss did most of the job getting the food.
Using his survival skills, Big Boss dived down the sea and caught several fishes, by stabbing them with his knife.
Kallen and Suzaku were very impressed at his survival skills.
Big Boss brought 6 medium sized fish on his arms.
"You are pretty good, Big Boss! Catching 6 fish with just a knife!" Praised Kallen.
"Hehe, thanks Kallen, comes from experience"
Suzaku wouldn't deny it, but he was impressed at his skills.
"Let's put some fire, its almost dawn" Said Big Boss as he carried the fishes.
…
Meanwhile with Lelouch
…
Lelouch and Alligator were digging the ground to set some traps while Euphi was behind them.
Alligator was doing well since he is a soldier, while Lelouch…. was having a lot of difficulties.
Lelouch was breathing hard from the physical work.
"You sure you're all right? You don't look well" Said Alligator with a concerned tone. It was lucky that he was just an infiltrator of Big Boss, otherwise he wouldn't believe that the leader of the Black Knight would be so weak physically.
"I'm…all…right" Said Lelouch between breaths.
Euphi then spoke.
"Well, I'll let you two work this out, I'll go around to search some fruits!" Said Euphi happily.
"Take care Euphi!" Said Alligator.
As Euphi walked away, she couldn't help but wonder something familiar about Zero.
After several hours, they managed to get plenty of food they needed to pass the night. The traps managed to capture some rabbits while also getting some fish, with several fruits recollected by Euphi.
"Let's dig up!" Said Alligator as he grabbed a roasted rabbit.
Euphi ate fish since she wasn't fond of eating rabbits.
Lelouch decided to eat in private since he couldn't reveal his face. So he went behind a rock to eat.
Euphi looked at her food as she was thinking about Zero, she still couldn't shake the feeling that Zero feels familiar, like she knows him from somewhere.
"Oh Zero, you are back" Alligator said
Lelouch walked to them as he sat on one of the small rocks.
"How's the food?" Alligator asked.
"They're quite tasty, one of this days I should stop my activities and go on a camping" Said Lelouch with an amused tone.
"Are you certain? After all the work I had to do to set those traps, I don't think you are cut out for it" Alligator said with a chuckle.
This caused Lelouch to laugh warmly at the joke.
"I'm really glad that you two are getting along" Said Euphi with a big smile. Alligator then decided to initiate a conversation.
"Say Zero, may I ask. Why did you create the Black Knights?"
This kinda caused an awkward silence, until Lelouch decided to speak. It wouldn't harm anyone since he can trust him, it would also give Euphi his reason of creating it.
"It was mainly because of the injustice that Britannia is causing. It is as I stated when I made myself know to the world, we are an organization that fight for justice, indiscriminately. I want the nobles and The Emperor know that they are not allowed to do whatever they want while the natives of their colonized areas die" Explained Lelouch.
Euphi listened as she thought about it.
Alligator put his hand on his chin as he spoke.
"Well, that is something noble what you are doing"
Lelouch turned his head at him.
"Really?"
Alligator nodded.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that being a vigilante is something good. But at least your organization has its objective focused"
Lelouch nodded in appreciation. He turned his head at Euphi.
"So, Euphi. Now that you know my reasons, what do you think?"
Euphi closed her eyes for a second and then looked at the fire.
"From a certain point of view, you are doing something good" Started Euphi.
"But on the other hand, it's too extreme, I'm a pacifist, so I really can't stand conflicts and war. That is why I believe in diplomacy and my Special Administrative Zone in Japan will be the start of a new age of peace"
Lelouch smiled under his masks at her half sister's objective.
"I see….Maybe, we can work out that proposition you inquired" Said Lelouch, causing Euphi to be happy.
….
Hours later, night time
….
At this moment, Big Boss, Kallen and Suzaku star circularly, surrounding the campfire, with fishes around it.
Big Boss and Kallen were eating the fishes, and occasionally they would feed Suzaku.
"Aaah, I'm stuffed!" Sighed Kallen with satisfaction.
Big Boss sat around the fire, to get warm.
"Don't think that treating me well while being your prisoner will change anything" Suddenly spoke Suzaku.
Big Boss and Kallen raised their heads to look at him.
"Is that all you have to say?" Said Big Boss.
Suzaku sighed softly as he closed his eyes. Then he directed his sight on Kallen.
"Kallen, help me untie my binds. Together, we can apprehend Big Boss" Said Suzaku in an attempt to persuade Kallen.
Obviously, Kallen wouldn't do such a thing.
"Do you think I'm an idiot?" Said Kallen angrily. The nerve of him to say such thing.
"Don't you understand, Kallen? His presence is what is causing more conflict around the world!" Said Suzaku with an exasperated tone.
"Is that why you hate me?"
Both turned their heads to Big Boss, who was looking at the fire and then looked at Suzaku.
"Yes. That is the reason why I must capture you. I must turn you to the authorities, so you can pay your crimes against the empire and all the people that you and your mercenaries murdered" Said Suzaku with a determined tone.
Big Boss sighed with annoyance. He can see that Suzaku is someone who believes in peace, and he has no problem with people believing in peace, like Paz for example. It's not a bad thing for a soldier to do something good like ending conflicts to prevent deaths, but the sheer hypocrisy and blindness of Suzaku is unbelievable. Suzaku thinks that Zero and his mercenary nations are the main ones causing these wars. And yet, Britannia, whom he decided to serve as a soldier, are the ones who started the whole colonization, and the fact that Britannia lets the colonized citizens to root, in their own lands.
"Do you honestly believe that you can change Britannia?" Said Big Boss with a disappointed tone.
"It may take time, but when I managed to change Britannia, people will start to live peacefully!" Countered Suzaku.
"And by the time you reach your goal, there will be no people left!" Almost shouted Big Boss.
Kallen were startled at the sudden outburst of Big Boss.
Big Boss then calmed as he spoke.
"Time is not something that you can get back. Every time you are wasting, means more death"
"I ALREADY KNOW THAT! THAT IS WHY I KILLED MY FATHER!" Suzaku shouted without thinking clearly, then he realized what he said as his eyes widened in shock.
Kallen stared at Suzaku with a horrified face. She only knew that the minister Kururugi committed suicide at the last moment of the invasion. But with this revelation, it changes her view.
Big Boss was surprised too at this revelation. He decided to put it aside for a moment as he continued to talk with Suzaku.
"And tell me, did it work? Was committing patricide the solution you were looking for?"
Suzaku didn't say any words since nothing comes to his mind. Big Boss made him think about his own people situation. He knows that many Japanese are living in poor condition, but there were the ones who managed to get a Britannian citizenship, although it was just a minority.
Suzaku was about to reply back, but Big Boss did not allow him.
"My own people may live in poverty, but still, there are those that if worked hard, they can have a good life!"
Kallen suddenly got angry as she stood up and….
*SLAP!*
A red bruise was on Suzakus left cheek.
"How dare you?! Do you really expect any of us to degrade at such level?!" Yelled Kallen.
Big Boss raised his right arm and motioned her to sit down.
"Sit down, Kallen" Big Boss ordered her. Kallen was about to protest, but she decided to settle down.
"Moreover, do you really think that the Britannians will allow you to change their system?"
"I can do it! I can change for the best!" replied Suzaku.
"You are NOT a politician, Suzaku!" Replied Big Boss as he continued.
"I spent my life working for my country and its government. Although they are not as bad as Britannia, they are no different from them."
"Let me tell you a story, a real life story" Big Boss decided to give some insight to Suzaku.
"A long time ago, there was a soldier called The Boss. She was a legend amongst the soldiers. She has done many deeds that she gained titles such as The Mother of Special Forces or The Legendary Soldier. She was patriotic, she had done plenty of works for her superiors. She was one of a kind, a soldier that would make a country feel proud of having such soldier." Big Boss closed his eyes for a moment as he remembered Operation Snake Eater.
"But one day, she betrayed her country, by joining the enemy. The enemy was about to led a devastating war around the world, so the government decided to give a task to her apprentice, whom she taught him everything she knew. His mission was to kill her and save the world, one which he accomplished. But then, he found out that everything was planned. Her defection, her death, it was all orchestrated by the same government she served."
Big Boss looked at Kallen and Suzaku.
Kallen was stunned at what she heard. The rulers from the story sounded just like Britannia, or maybe it was just a metaphor. Hearing about this soldier, The Boss, dying just because the rulers of the country she serves told her to, was just shocking.
Suzaku was also amazed and shocked at the story, the action of this soldier, The Boss, was very admirable, and yet it was also very sad. He couldn't help but compare it with the conflict of Britannia and other superpowers.
"Big Boss" Kallen called out. Both men looked at her.
"That apprentice…. Was that….You?" Kallen was scared that Big Boss was the one who did it.
Big Boss didn't reply, so he nodded slowly. Shocking both Kallen and Suzaku.
"You see what I'm trying to tell you, Suzaku? The people I used to serve for are the just like Britannia. They consider us expendables. For them, we are nothing but tools for their games. That is the reason why I created my mercenary nation, Outer Heaven, to be free of their control on us."
Suzaku processed everything he said. Now with this, he held no hate for him, he actually started to feel, at some degree, some respect at him.
"Suzaku, I admit that your resolve is a noble one, but no matter what you do, you will never be able to change them, the emperor himself comes as a person who would sacrifice his whole populace given the chance too"
Suzaku then looked down at the ground with a frown, seemingly to question his motivations.
"I can offer you a solution"
Kallen and Suzaku stared at him curiously.
"You can join my mercenary nation, in there, I can treat you as a true brother in arms"
This proposal surprised Suzaku and Kallen.
"Thank you, for the offer, Big Boss…. But I'll have to refuse it. It might already be too late for me to go back. This is a path I have chosen it from the start and I'll have to go to through it" Said Suzaku with a sad tone.
Big Boss already knew that Suzaku would reject his offer, but he still wanted to try, to save any soldiers who would fall in to the hands of corrupt politicians.
"Very well. I won't force you, just know that if it all fails, my offer will still stand." Said Big Boss with a reassuring tone.
With this, all the tension between the 3 decreased, specially with Suzaku. He held no hate anymore for Big Boss, he also gave him new hindsight about everything.
Suzaku still holds some dislikes about Zero's method. But now, he doesn't view those methods as bad a before. He managed to see that the Japanese people needed Zero, to pass through this storm of chaos.
"Maybe…Zero is the hero that the world needs" Suzaku thought.
Suzaku then turned his head for a moment, when he noticed a light illuminating the clouds, as if someone was on the island.
Big Boss also noticed this.
…
The next day
…
In a section of the jungle, Big Boss was leading the way, with Suzaku behind him and Kallen by his side in case he tried anything.
Meanwhile, Lelouch, Euphi and Alligator were also going to that place, since they too saw the lights.
"It must be a search party. Once we confirm who it is, we'll decide how to deal with them." Said Lelouch.
"If it's Britannian, we can help you get out of here, unharmed" Reassured Alligator. Lelouch then turned his head at him and said.
"Thank you, Ishmael. Perhaps I misjudged you. It was an honor to meet someone with good standards"
Alligator nodded with a smile.
Euphi smiled at their interaction.
"And I also want to thank you, Euphi" Said Lelouch as he looked at her.
"Me too,Zero. Let's hope to create a better world, together" Euphi said as she extended her hand for a handshake.
Lelouch shook her hand as he smiled.
Suddenly they heard some branches breaking noises from the opposite side of their direction.
They quickly hid behind some bushes. They saw that it was Big Boss, with Kallen and Suzaku.
"S-Suzaku!" Euphi gasped as she stood , catching the attention of them.
"Princess Euphemia!" Said Suzaku in surprise.
Suddenly from behind Euphi, Lelouch appeared, but with Alligator behind him, with his rifle aimed at him.
"HUH!" Lelouch groaned.
"Ishmael! What are you…?!" Gasped Euphi.
Alligator approached her as he whispered for her and Lelouch to hear.
"Follow my lead"
"Zero!" Kallen called out in fear.
"Ishmael! You are here!" Said Suzaku with a happy tone. Kallen then put her arms around Suzaku neck and had him in a deadlock position.
"Grah!" Suzaku groaned.
"Nobody move! Or this will be the end of Zero!" Shouted Alligator.
"You bastard!" Shouted Kallen in anger.
"Wait!" Big Boss raised his left arm at Kallen.
"But, Big Boss…!"
"Let me handle this" Said Big Boss as he walked forward a little.
"That's close enough, Big Boss" Said Alligator. Big Boss stopped as he stared at him and Lelouch.
"I believe you have something that belongs to us" Said Alligator as a matter of fact.
"And you have something ours too" Replied Big Boss.
"I see where this is going. Let's make a trade then. We will hand over our hostages at the same time, after that we part ways" Said Alligator.
"Fair enough" Said Big Boss as he motioned Kallen to release Suzaku from the deadlock.
Kallen did it as Suzaku gasped out for air.
Big Boss walked towards Suzaku as he put a hand on Suzaku's right shoulder.
"Let's go Suzaku" Said Big Boss softly. Suzaku nodded as he stood up and walked towards the Alligator.
Just when they are closer, the ground shinned in red color, and the symbol of Geass appeared beneath them.
"What the?!" Big Boss gasped as he saw the red lights.
"This is..!" Lelouch said in shock as he saw the geass.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them started to break apart, making the ground form a big slab and the 2 group fell on while standing on the slab.
Right when the slab landed, they ended up in some sort of temple with strange markings and there were Britannian researchers, along with Lloyd, Schneizel , Barlton and several Britannian soldiers
"What?! Major Kururugi?! And…?! Zero and Big Boss?!" Shouted in surprise Lloyd.
The soldiers quickly aimed at the group, but Bartley stopped them.
"Zero and Big Boss?! Here?!" thought in surprise Schneizel
"Fools! Princess Euphemia is with them, too! Capture them!"
Kallen quickly looked around and saw that behind her, there was a Knightmare they haven't seen before.
"Zero! There! A Knightmare!" Called Kallen.
Lelouch and Big Boss saw the Knightmare.
"Right, we'll use that! Let's go!" Lelouch ran straight to the cockpit.
"I'll give you some time!" Big Boss said as he tackled Alligator and then with his CQC he snatched away the M16A1.
"Ishmael!" Suzaku shouted as he went to his side.
Big Boss adjusted the M16A1 and fired at the soldiers.
This caused them to take cover while firing back.
Meanwhile inside the Knightmare Gawain, Lelouch was quickly activating it.
"What is this Knightmare?" Lelouch wondered.
Once it was activated, he laughed.
"I'm in luck!" Just then he noticed form the screen Schneizel
"Schneizel!" Said Lelouch in surprise. Then he groaned mentally since there was no time for him to capture him.
"Big Boss! Hop in!" Kallen called Big Boss as he turned around and quickly ran to the Knightmare. Hestood on the right side while Kallen moved to the left side.
"Zero! Let's go!" Shouted Big Boss.
In cue, Lelouch moved forward the controllers of the Knightmare as it started to dash forward, although a little slowly.
"Get it back! We cant let this machine fall into Zero's hands!" Shouted Bartley.
Quickly, Sutherlands and Britannian soldiers blocked the exit.
"Dissapear!" Said lelouch as he pressed a trigger.
This caused the Knightmare to shoot lasers from its shoulders.
"AAAHHHH!" Screaming Kallen in surprise, not expecting it.
Big Boss let out a groan as he held the sides of the machine for not to fall down.
Soon they were already outside, but more reinforcements arrived.
"Zero! Reinforcements!" Said Kallen.
"Relax, there is another function this machine" Said Lelouch with a smirk.
Just then he pressed a button and the Knightmare, while dashing, it started to float, until it started to take flight and flew!
"We're flying! This Knightmare can fly!" Said Kallen in amazement.
Big Boss raised an eyebrow as he looked at it and commented about it
"Huh, not bad"
Lelouch the let out a victorious laugh as the 3 flew away from the area.
"NOOO! THE GAWAIN!" Shouted Lloyd in despair.
"Our Gawain!" Added Bartley also in sadness.
"forget about it, in the end its just an experimental Knightmare" spoke Schneizel as he walked out of the cave.
"Aside from that, thanks heaven that you are all right" Said Schneizel as he turned around to face Euphy, with Suzaku and Alligator behind her.
"Big Brother Schneizel!" Said Euphy happily as she approached him.
"Euphi, I'm sorry I took so long" Shcneizel apologized.
"Your Highness, shall we keep up with the schedule" Said one of the Britannian soldiers.
"Right"
Suddenly, Britannian soldiers surrounded Suzaku.
"Major Kururugi Suzaku, you are under arrest for a grade 2 violation of military regulations!" Accused an officer.
"Hey,hey! What's the meaning of this?!" Alligator shouted as he stood in front of Suzaku.
"Move aside! If you interfere, you will also be arrested for defending him!" Replied the officer.
"Wait, that man is my knight! You can't do that!" Protested Euphi seeing how they are about to take Suzaku away. Schneizel put a hand on her shoulder as he said.
"We'll do something about this later. For now, let them be" Euphi looked at Alligator in sadness and then motioned him to let them take Suzaku.
Alligator sighed as he stepped aside to let them take Suzaku.
…
Half an hour later inside a Britannian station
….
Inside that station, Suzaku, Alligator, Euphi, Cecile and some officers were presents infront of a screen and it played avoice recording between a commander and Suzaku.
"Major Kururugi, follow your orders!"
"SHUT UP! WHO CARES ABOUT THEM?! I HAVE TO LIVE!"
"I don't know how you got out of the Lancelot, but you blew a golden opportunity to kill Zero and Big Boss in order to save your own life." Said the officer with a glare.
"Are you going to protest?" Added the officer.
Suzaku eyes widened in shock at this revelation, while Alligator looked with concern at Suzaku.
"Was that…really me?" Asked Suzaku in disbelief.
Meanwhile inside Cornelia's Mobile Base, she sat on her chair as she listened the recent news.
"Kururugi did that?!" Said Cornelia in surprise.
"Yes, the details are unknown" said a Britannian officer.
"Damnit, just when I thought we'd nailed the lid on Ishikawa…"
Suddenly Guilford appeared.
"Your Highness!"
"Now what?" Asked Cornelia with annoyance.
"The Great Kamon bridge in Kyushu black has been destroyed!" informed Guilford.
"What?!" Said in shock Cornelia.
"They've also destroyed four other land routes… with large numbers of assault landing craft moving into the Genkai sea!"
"The Chinese Federation?! But have they made a declaration of war?" Questioned Cornelia.
"No, your highness. The craft are bearing the flag of Japan!"
End of Stage 14
I hope you all enjoyed! And sorry if it feels rushed, writers block was striking again, so I had to find a way to beat it.
This chapter included a side story, but since it was also a bit long, and I already planned to post this chapter today, I decided to put it separately. So expect the side story very soon!
After the side story, I will now focus completely on the main story!
And what do you guys think about the cover i made for the story?
Happy New Year!