Chapter 2: The Cry for Justice and War
It's been thirty-six hours and Emperor Charles still couldn't believe that this happened, he couldn't believe that his nation and his people were attacked by a foreign army, he couldn't believe in what he's seeing in those holographic videos, but relief came when his daughter Cornelia li Britannia arrived with a mass army behind her and wipe out these savages off this city. "Bismarck, tell me, how many lives were lost in this... slaughter?"
"The army is still counting, your Majesty, I've received reports that over five thousand civilians are dead, more reports of deceased is still coming, I'm guessing that the death toll might reach six to seven thousand. We even have reports of the enemy capturing some of our own people, it was reported from multiple witnesses that a hundred captured civilians have been brought to the other side of the mysterious structure." Whispers of outrage can be heard from the nobles who heard this.
"And what of the enemy? Did our forces manage to wipe them all out?"
"Almost, the enemy numbers reach sixty thousand, Princess Cornelia and her forces has decimated the enemy which leaves only a thousand and forty-eight, and the surviving ones were captured and sent off the BSIA to be interrogated."
Charles can hear mutters from the crowded nobles. "Good, I want them to use any methods in gaining information from these animals."
"It will be done, your Majesty." Bismarck said. "Though it might be a little challenging since these enemy seem to speak in ancient Latin, linguists are now studying their language then teaching our men."
Something caught their attention, a noble step out from the crowd and bows before the Emperor, Charles knew him as Edgar Calares. "Your Majesty, with your permission, I would like to stage a public execution for these barbarians, as you already know, news of the attack is spreading fast and can be reinforced by many videos and footage that are there in the internet. The people will demand justice for this heinous crimes against our countrymen, the death of these barbarians will be slow and agonizing."
Another noble steps forward and addressed Duke Calares. "As detestable as it is we shouldn't stoop to their level, we have principles to upheld."
Edgar quickly spoke back. "We're not going to rape their women, butcher their children, murder their men, and enslaved the rest, all I'm asking is a public execution, death by fire, electrocution, drowning, and any other painful death, a slow and painful death for men who done such evil and savage crime, was that bad?"
"Enough!" The two nobles shut their mouth as they listen to their Emperor. "I'll put this on a vote, who's here oppose Calares method?" A handful raised their hands. "And those who agrees?" Almost everyone in the thrones room raised their hand, even his wives.
"So it is decided, Duke Calares, permission granted, but only five hundred will executed, the others will be useful as hostages, and the execution will commence after the intelligence agency is finish with them."
For hours Colt was blindfolded , his wrists were cuffed, and he had no idea where these men are taking him, until he was forced to sit down on a chair and the blindfold removed, he tried to shield his eyes from the sudden brightness but his cuffed hands were chained to the chair and attached something in his arm, once his eyes adjusted to the brightness he looks around, he was sitting in the middle of the room and on the wall in front of him is a mirror, there in the reflection he saw two men in dark clothing wearing this strange glass eye coverings, then a man entered the room, he too wear the same outfit like the others.
Colt watch him as he sat down hold and stared at him, he opens a folder containing papers that the writing he can't understand. After reading a few he closed the folder and began talking. "I believe an introduction is in order, what is your name?"
When meeting for the first time, you introduced yourself first, but considering that he is their prisoner he have to answer them, and he have to answer truthfully if he want to negotiate peace between this nation and his homeland. "Colt Formal, Head of the House Formal, and Lord of Italica."
"Ah. So you're a noble, I knew that you could be of use, and you just save yourself from a planned public execution." He said.
Colt was a little relieved by that, his status as a noble just save him from death, though he feared for his men who might end up in this public execution.
"Since you introduced yourself, it's my turn to tell you who I am. I am Smith, that is all you need to know of my name, and I am an agent of the Britannian Secret Intelligence Agency."
"Britannian?"
"Yes, the Holy Britannian Empire." Agent Smith was satisfied when he saw the shocked look on the man's face.
Colt was sweating a bit, Holy Britannian Empire, the Empire of this world, oh it'll be a bloodbath, the Saderans just angered another empire and a big one at that, and base on seeing the city and the army, the lord of Italica now knows that this empire's technologies are advanced, very much advance than any other kingdoms in his world.
"And now the Emperor and the people of this nation demanded answers, and I advise you to answer truthfully." Colt just nod. "Good, now, why did you savagely attack the city of Los Angeles? What will you gain from this atrocious assault?"
"It's not my call, sir, you see, there is another empire in my world, the Saderan Empire, its emperor summoned me to help them conquer the lands of your world, I have no choice but to obey." He have to begin the peace negotiations now. "Believe me, sir, I have no interest in conquering the lands of this world, I wouldn't dare lay siege to your city or spill blood of your citizens without good reason."
"That was rather quick for you to switch loyalties." Agent Smith said, doubting him.
"You don't know me, sir, me and my people have no true loyalties to the Saderans." Colt said.
Smith stared at him through his sunglasses still in doubt. "Tell me then, why do you have no "true loyalties" to a nation that you probably serve for years." He lean a bit closer, waiting for a reply.
Colt looked at his knees, recalling some bad, horrible memories, he have to convince them that he and Italica are not their enemies. "It's like I said, you don't know me or my people, we Italicans have been serving the Saderan Empire purely out of fear, for three centuries they can get away with any injustice they've inflict on my people." He clenches his fist at remembering at the things they've done.
Smith looks at his fellow agents who nodded, looking at the device they're holding, he gaze back at Colt. "Go on."
"For years we've fear that if we disobey them they'll destroy my home and enslave my people, they would demand gifts and tributes, these often leads to misery and resentment, one occasion they demanded for all the harvest which resulted in starvation and death, ten years ago my home have to give a thousand boys to serve as disposable troops were they all die needlessly, and just four years ago when they're short in slaves they force my home to give five hundred youngs girls to be sold as slaves, and they lie, they accuse my father of treason and he was hanged for it, and my mother..." The agents saw that he was shaking, out of anger or despair, they don't know. "My mother was forced to marry the man who accused my father, and commited suicide because of it..."
He would've add more but he can't anymore, the memory is too painful, he tried not to cry, not to show weakness. Then he went to explain his position. "I'm sorry for the innocent lives whom my men killed, a quick death is the only honorable thing we can to do, I fear that if I disobey the general, he'll have me executed like my father, burn Italica to the ground, and my daughter..." He stopped there, he don't want to imagine those things.
There was a pause, Smith and the agents are digesting everything he said, Smith gaze at his colleagues and they nod, he then speaks to Colt. "A compelling story, and..." He paused a bit, Colt seemingly lost in his memories. "I believe you."
Colt slowly raised his and looks at him. "What?"
Smith continues on. "We have ways of telling if you're a liar or not, that device that been attached to your arm measures your heart rate, and thanks to it we know that you're telling the truth." Colt look at the thing that was attached to his right arm, he is marveled at the fact they can tell if it's a lie or truth by measuring the beating of his heart.
The agent stood up and position himself on Colt's left side. "The Prince would like a word with you."
Formal look up with surprise, the prince of this empire coming to speak to him? That's when he notice the mirror in front of him is no longer a mirror, instead it is now a window to another room, a blond hair man is sitting in there, Colt assumes that he is the prince and realizes that he is been listening to every word he say.
"Let me introduce myself, I am Schneizel el Britannia, second prince of the Holy Britannian Empire."
Colt was speechless for a bit. "I-It's an honor to meet you, your highness."
"Likewise. And considering everything you've told us so far, I ask you this." Schneizel said, and Colt listens intently. "Are you willing to cut all ties with the empire that you currently serve? Are you willing to fight the nation who've wronged your people for so long? Are you willing to give your allegiance to the Holy Britannian Empire?"
It might have been a rethorical question but it doesn't matter to the lord of Italica, because one thought came in his mind, revenge, this is the chance to avenge his parents, chance for retribution, and he'll get it for saying one word. "Yes. I'll do it, I'll do anything to make up for all the death that my men caused in the city."
"Good, now let us begin, tell us everything you know, about the Saderans, your home city Italica, any enemies that the Saderans may have, and most of all, how did you all get here?"
Schneizel is in the lounge of a building, sipping tea. He was satisfied, he had struck gold with the man name Colt Formal, thanks to many videos from cameras on buildings and knightmare frames, it shows some with Formal arguing with the Saderan general Cadmus, Schneizel guess that there might be dissention and he's going to use that fact to their advantage.
And his hunch was right, not only did Formal feigns loyalty but resents the Saderan empire, this fact was very useful, for three hours they gain many useful information and they were able to gain a foothold beyond that gate before any Britannian invasion could begin.
And he was very interested in another thing in this, magic, magic that only exist in films and books are actually real in the other side of the Gate, speaking of gate, he was planning to have that structure studied by scientist, there could be a chance that they can replicate it. But for now, he'll focus in gaining information about their enemies.
Three men entered the lounge and sat on couches in front of him. "Any luck with the others?" The secend prince asks.
"Tough, your Highness. These Saderans are harder to crack, and me still learning their language isn't making it easier." Agent Brown said.
"But Italicans though, they are very willing when we show them the footage of you and their lord making an alliance." Agent James said. "They must've really hate the Saderan for them to quickly agree to an alliance with us."
"And what about the general? Cadmus is it?"
"Cadmus Quinten, your Highness, he is stubborn as a mule, but he'll break soon, with the Emperor giving us permission to use any method, I'm planning to use the Boogeyman." Agent Smith smile just went dark.
Ah yes, the Boogeyman, a chemical components that was develop from Refrain, it was created by the BSIA as another tool of torture, instead of putting the victim in a hallucinating state the Boogeyman puts them to sleep and cause the most realistic nightmare of their worst fear, the victim cannot be awaken so they are trapped in a hellish nightmare, trashing around and screaming in their sleep. The effect last for eight hours and it's enough for the victim to crack and tell every secret they know, and a daily dose every day for one week can result in insanity.
"Since Italicans are now our allies we must give them a proper treatment, we should make a small camp that are comfortable for them, let them collect their fallen, provide food, water, and other necesities." Schneizel said to them.
"Yes your Highness." They said.
Clovis walked through the streets of Los Angeles followed by three royal guards, looking at destruction caused by these savages, stores and restaurants vandalized or burned, and many dead bodies both Britannian and their enemy littered the pavement, his mother is on side and she looks heartbroken. "So much death... I can't believe someone would do this."
"These animals will pay for this, we will not let this slide." Clovis said as he pass by medical triage, military checkpoints, pile of enemy corpses, and rows of bodies were officials are identifying the deceased.
Then he saw a little girl crying near a phone booth, Gabrielle went and kneel next to the girl. "Are you alright young one?"
The girl wipe of some tears before telling her. "I-I can't find my mommy, I-I've lost her when we're trying to run through the crowd."
Gabrielle offered her a handkerchief which the girl used to blow her nose. "What is your name?"
"E-Emily Larson, miss."
"Such a pretty name." Gabrielle comforted her with a smile. "Come with me, I'll help you find your mommy."
"T-Thank you miss." She hold Gabrielle's hand as they go look for her mommy.
While Gabrielle is helping the little girl Clovis heard an angry crowd and went to see what is happening, there he saw five soldiers escorting three of these wannabe Romans, they're bruised and their wrists cuffed, crowd begin to form shouting insults and curses at the enemy. "What is happening here?" He said as he approach them.
The soldier immediately report. "Your Highness, we found these bastards behind a restaurant, they tried to fight with bloody swords but we manage to restrain them, we're taking them to custody."
"How many did our military have captured?"
"I believe over a thousand, your Highness." The soldier said.
Clovis thought for second then he ordered. "Yes, I think we have enough war prisoners, give these three to the crowd, these savages deserve a mob justice."
People who heard the prince now step closer, eager to beat the day light out of these bastards. Some think that the soldiers might hesitate or state that they're taking these men as prisoners, but without a second thought the five soldiers answered. "Yes your Highness."
The crowd roar with applause as the soldiers left the Saderans at the mercy of the mob, the crowd charged at the three and began beating them, they kick, stomp and punch, and some use folding chairs, baseball bat and iron pipe.
Clovis observe the vicious beating with satisfaction, please to see these animal punished for their crimes against his fellow countrymen.
Ashford Academy is a prestigious school located near Los Angeles, not only does this school teaches regular subjects but also train students who are talented in acting, dancing or singing to become a celebrity. This school along with Hollywood School of Arts and Disney's School for the Talented have produced many famous celebrities.
Luckily, the enemy who brutally attack Los Angeles didn't reach these schools, and now almost one third of students in Ashford Academy are weeping and mourning for the death of their friends or family.
One student is Kallen Stadfeld who's crying inside one stall in the girls restroom, when news of the attack reached her she quickly called her home, it was a maid name Estella answered and gave her a grim details of what happened in the Stadfeld manor, men in Roman like attire storm the mansion and began killing everyone inside, she told her of the brutal murder of her family how these animal rape and stab her mother, beheaded her father and mount his head on a pike, and impales her brother with a spear.
She couldn't believe this is happening, her family is dead, taken away by these animals, treated like they were nothing, and there is only one thing in mind now, revenge, she want to kill these savages, at least just one, but the question is how, she's just a student, but not a regular one.
She kept this a secret from her family besides her brother, she likes to pilot Knightmares, Ashford industries are the one who develop the Knightmare frame Glasgow and Sutherland, she participate in it by being the test pilot, it took some convincing before they let her, and many complemented her because she's a natural.
Yes, she'll use that, her skills in piloting a knightmare, and she'll add her great skills in karate just in case, the Ashfords have connections to the royal family, particularly Empress Marianne.
There was knock on the door of the stall. "Kallen, it's me, Milly, I want to know if you're okay."
Wiping her face dry she opens the door, she faces Milly who then hug her. "I've heard what happen at Stadfeld manor, is there anything that I can do to help?"
Kallen smiled, Milly is such a good friend, then without a second thought she told her what she wanted. "Yes, I have a favor to ask you."
It was simple ceremony, awarding medals of honor to every police officers who fought against the invading forces, the off duty soldiers were receive medals too and also a promotion. Lelouch chortled a bit when Itami bow several times and thanking his mother for the rank and honor that she gave him.
And as for the victims and relatives of the deceased civilians, the best they do is give free medical care, financial support for children who lost their parents, and other benefits, it may not be enough, it may not bring back the dead but they were very thankful for the help.
After the ceremony his mother kissed him on the forehead. "I'm proud of you, Lelouch, you inspired courage in these men, you lead such a strong resistance against overwhelming odds. Though I am still angry that you didn't left sooner and putting yourself in danger, but after all that you done, I'll forgive you for that."
"Thank you." They walk towards the limo, planning to go back to Pendragon Palace. "So now we're at war with this nation in the other side of that gate?" He can't believe that structure just appeared out of nowhere and let these bastards in.
"It's inevitable now my son." She said darkly. "These savages declared war the moment they spill our people's blood, slaughtering the innocent, ruining lives, we will not let this barbarism go unanswered."
"Yes, I feel the same way too mother, perhaps all Britannians feel the same way. So when is father going to announce it?" He watched some of those video, he stopped watching in just one minute, he couldn't stomach seeing his countrymen murdered and defiled.
"After the BSIA is done with them, when we know more."
It made sense for Lelouch, the more you know about your enemy, the easy it is to defeat them. They stop when Jeremiah approaches them accompanied by a girl. "Your Majesty, this girl has come to ask you a request."
Marianne examines the girl and wonders what's here request would be, then she immediately recognizes her. "You're Kallen Stadfeld, I heard a great deal about you from Mr. Ashford, you're talented knightmare pilot he say."
"I am, and came here to ask you one thing your Majesty." She kneeled in front of the Empress and the Prince. "If you allow it, I would like to fight in this upcoming war."
They were surprise by her request. "And why would you want that, you're still a student, and I don't think your parent would've approve-" Though Marianne is suddenly interrupted.
"My family's gone!" They didn't see her face but they saw her tears dripping on the ground. "These bastards kill them! My mother, my father, my brother... All dead! I want to make them pay for what they've done! I want to see them die like animals!" She cover her face with her hands and began to sob. "I don't care what kind profession you put me in, royal guard, knightmare pilot, or simple infantry, I want to go!"
Marianne and those present who heard her felt pity and sympathize with her. But Marianne couldn't grant her request, they're not going put an civilian's life in danger because she wanted revenge, they're not even sure that she could pilot a knightmare like Mr. Ashford had said.
With a heavy heart Marianne is going to deny this, but suddenly, her son talk first. "You know that your request will be denied mostly because you're still a student with no military training, however, considering the circumstances, we'll give you a chance."
"Lelouch, what are you doing." Marianne said.
"Don't worry mother, I know what I'm doing." He turn to Kallen. "This chance is in a form of a test that will begin in three days, you will use that time to practice your skills in knightmare piloting, the test is knightmare jousting, we'll be judging the joust and if you show satisfying results then we'll accept your request."
This sound reasonable enough, give this girl a chance to prove herself, and if she succeed then she'll get her revenge. Marianne is impress with her son, she now address the student "So, are you going through with this? Or will you turn back?" Though she already knew the answer.
"I'll not turn back, I'll accept this this test, thank you for giving me this chance, your Majesty."
Charles never felt this kind of rage since the death of his parents and brother, he was reading the reports from the BSIA, apparently the reasons for attacking the city is because they desire conquest, glory for looting and pillaging, subjugation of everyone who is not them, and to obtain as many slaves as possible. Everyone who read these reports feel nothing but disgust and anger, righteous fury as some may call it.
"Disgusting animals!" Anticlea eu Britannia said, her tone surprises everyone since she's usually gentle and forgiving.
"Such arrogance, no doubt they believe that everything in the world is theirs to conquer and take." Nonnette said.
"These people need to be thought a hard lesson in humility." Farnese politely said, though Michelle and Bismarck can see the fire in his eyes.
(Enter "All Hail Britannia")
After sorting through the reports they all went in the conference room the next day, this huge room is mostly use when the Emperor have a big announcement to make, and the place is packed with nobles, commoners, military officials and news team. This music, it's been some time since he heard this anthem, it was agreed that this anthem the "All Hail Britannia" is to be played during times of war and use the "Rule Britannia" music during times of peace.
"Presenting his Imperial Majesty! The 98th Emperor of the Holy Britannian Empire!" And now it begins.
Charles left his seat and stand behind the podium. "Good people of Britannia, just days ago a great tragedy struck our Empire, the city of Los Angeles was viciously attacked, and I'm saddened to the tell you this that the death of innocent civilians is almost seven thousands."
He turn to one group consist of victims or relatives of the victims. "I promise you, to all who suffered or lost a loved one, we will do anything in our power to assist you, to help you get back on your feet."
He turns back to the masses. "There are many videos and footages circulating in the internet of what happen during the attack, and you may call me mad for saying this but... All of the things in them are true."
Shocked and surprised murmur filled the room, people around the globe were surprise to learn that videos during the attack are all real and authentic, and now they are listening to the Emperor wanting to know more.
"Yes, you heard me right, I hardly believe it myself, but our brave troops and police officers have confirm it all, dragons and giant ogres, creatures that only exist in a children's fantasy books."
"I wouldn't make this announcement until I know more about our enemies and why they attack us, and thanks to our intelligence agency I will now give you the answers."
Charles felt his anger rising when the report came to his thoughts. "These enemy came from a nation called Sadera, and the reason for such barbaric attack disgust me, the reason is because it's their way, they conquer, they murder, they plunder, they subjugate, all for glory they say." Few people began shout in outrage.
"And to add insult to injury, these men have the audacity to call US savages! Savages, they say! These Saderans murdered thousands of innocent lives, and yet they call us savages! These Saderans loot and plundered Los Angeles because they can and for glory, and yet they call us savages! These Saderans rape many women and girls, and yet they call us savages! These Saderans feed children to giant monsters, and yet they call us savages! Savages! If they want savages then they should have look themselves in the mirror."
Half of the people in the room began shouting and booing, demanding retribution, demanding the execution of these Saderans.
"This senseless and unprovoked attack is a declaration of war, they shall not go unpunished, what says you people of Britannia?"
"WAR!" The crowd said.
The Emperor then continued. "These animals will pay for their savage and dishonorable ways, we will march through that Gate which they use, we will fight them! Fight in the fields and hills, in every mountain and seas, in every town and city! We will march to their capital and burn it to the ground! We will not waver, we will not rest, we will not stop until justice is serve! ALL HAIL BRITANNIA!"
Then the commoners, soldiers, nobles, and all people in Britannia chanted. "ALL HAIL BRITANNIA! ALL HAIL BRITANNIA! ALL HAIL BRITANNIA!"
Chapter End
AN: Thanks for the feedback, and I should have expanded this on the first chapter, about Pina and Lelouch, I should explain that if many say yes to the marriage, then Pina will be captured and become hostage and ward of Lelouch were she will learn more about Britannia, but if many say no then she'll just become a hostage and sent to the intelligence agency where she'll be staying for the rest of the conflict.
If you don't like both then tell me a better alternative.
I made one change with the 1st Chapter, its about the date of the conflict between Japan and China.
And just for fun I put the name of the battle, the commanders, strength and numbers, casualties, and aftermath. Like the those in wiki.
Battle: Battle Los Angeles
Commanders:
Britannian:
Lelouch vi Britannia
Clovis la Britannia
Suzaku Kururugi
Cornelia li Britannia
Johnson Monroe
Saderan:
Cadmus Quinten
Colt Formal
Strength and numbers:
Britannian:
1,200 Police Officers and SWAT Personnel
7 Royal Guard
6 Secret Servicemen
9 Off-Duty Soldier
4 Glasgow
Numerous Britannian infantry, tank, fighter jets, APC, VTOL gunship, nightmare VTOL, Sutherland and Gloucester Knightmares, Caerleon-class Floating Battleship, Logres-class Floating Battleship
Saderan:
42,000 Saderan Foot Soldiers
10,000 Horse Cavalry
3,000 Dragon Rider
5,000 Auxiliary Troops (Ogre, Orc, Goblin, Pigmen)
500 Italican Foot Soldiers
20 Catapult
55 Ballista
Casualtes:
Britannian:
463 Police Officers and SWAT Personel
2 Royal Guard
6 Secret Servicemen
6841 Civilians
157 Civilians Captured
Britannian Army suffers only minor injuries and damages.
Saderan:
40,751 Saderan Foot Soldiers
All Horse Cavalry
2,984 Dragon Rider (16 Dragons Captured)
4,954 Auxillary Troops
50 Italican Foot Soldiers
1048 Captured (1002 Human, 3 Ogre, 12 Orc, 27 Goblin, 4 Pigmen)
Aftermath:
Near Annihilation of the Fifth Saderan Legion, Colt Formal have cut all ties from Sadera and forms an alliance with Britannia but haven't informed Italica yet, the Holy Britannian Empire declare war on the Saderan Empire.