Here's chapter sixteen. Anyway, I don't own Code Geass or any of the characters just the OC.
16. The Prison Break and The Chosen Knight.
It was the next day in area 11 and Diethard was at the Black Knights mobile base talking with Zero via communication about the latest updates on the structure of the Black Knights and the logistics of what they've already done as per Zero's orders.
"Yes, that's right. The training for the post-refit Guren Mk-II is proceeding on schedule." Diethard said as we see a training room in which Kallen is training with the Guren.
"Kyoto and the Military District of India have finally come to terms, so we're just waiting for Rakshata and her team to arrive," Diethard informed. "And the organization's changeover to a cell-based structure is now 92% complete. The members have also been ranked into 14 tiers. As you directed, we've infiltrated all Britannian warehouses. Within the Kanto block, combat personnel have been dispersed to 564 separate locations. 32 of our positions have been uncovered; 11 of those were dummies. 47 members have been apprehended, but since information is now firewalled above class 8 members, the Britanninans aren't getting anything out of them."
"All right," Zero said on the other line. "But even though our captured members can't provide them anything useful to them, we should still get them back. I'll work out a plan with R.R and Sayoko on that end."
"Right understood," Diethard said before continuing. "And now that we have the unreserved support of the Kyoto group, we're seeing almost no more cases of citizens tipping off the authorities. On that list of Britannian supporters… Yes, it's the group you made arrangements with." Diethard was then shown a picture of Todoh by Inoue. "Oh, and we're still looking for information about Todoh and the Four Holy Swords."
"Understood. Continue with the work, all right?" Zero responded.
"Oh, and one more thing," Diethard said. "Regarding the matter with the Chinese Federation."
"Yes, I'm sending C.C," Zero said.
(Area 11 Airport)
Logan was on the phone and he nodded.
"Okay, I got it," Logan said.
The person spoke on the other line and Logan nodded again.
"Yeah I know, don't worry about it," Logan said.
C.C walked by and she was wearing a blue business suit with glasses and had a black wig that was tied in a bun.
"Okay, I'll be there as soon as I can," Logan said as he hung up the phone and then looked at C.C. "Now then are you ready?"
"I am," C.C replied. "But are you and Lelouch sure you want me to be the messenger?"
"We are," Logan said. "Just remember if you look humble, they'll look down on you. That's how it works with the Chinese Federation."
"I don't know about that, but unlike you two, I do have some humility," C.C commented.
"Good, now you can put it to use," Logan said. "Remember the person we need a connection with is Li Xingke and his group."
"I know," C.C replied. "They're the ones who you and Lelouch have your attention on the most."
"And for good reasons," Logan said. "How's your passport?"
"Not a bad forgery," C.C said. "I'm all set."
Logan watched C.C leave and then he turned and begin to leave the airport.
(Flashback: Seven Years Ago)
Lelouch, Logan, Suzaku, and Nunnally were walking together, though Lelouch was carrying Nunnally on his back, they were walking down a path and on each side of them, there were dead bodies. The bodies were people who had been indiscriminately killed by the invading Britannian forces, Nunnally was blind and couldn't see the bodies, Lelouch was fazed and was just focused on carrying Nunnally, Suzaku was horrified as he followed them feeling upset, and Logan followed them while clenching his fists feeling hatred for Britannia at what he was seeing.
"Where are we going?" Nunnally asked. "Are we getting moved to another place again?"
"It's one of the Kururugi's homes." Lelouch said, "This time, it's the main house, okay?"
Lelouch then turned to Suzaku. "Keep on walking, Suzaku."
"But…" Suzaku spoke.
"Keep walking." Lelouch interrupted.
"Where are we?" Nunnally asked. "It smells really bad here…"
"We're going by a garbage dump." Lelouch lied. "Right, Logan?"
Logan suppressed his anger before answering. "Yeah, it's all over the place."
They both stopped and noticed Suzaku had stopped walking and was standing there shaking up and getting teary-eyed.
"Suzaku..." Logan spoke and they both turned back to reach Suzaku.
"What's wrong, Suzaku?" Nunnally asked.
"I… I…" Suzaku couldn't speak through his sorrow, Nunnally then placed her hand on his cheek.
"Nunnally…" Suzaku spoke.
"My mother taught me that a warm touch is good for tears," Nunnally said with a smile. "Do you think it's true?"
"Suzaku," Logan said placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay to be upset, but just know that we're here with you, always."
"Yeah he's right," Lelouch said with a smile. "Always."
(Flashback End)
Logan was walking heading back to Ashford Academy.
"On that day I swore, I'd never let that happen again," Logan said. "Never again."
(Ashford Academy)
Lelouch sat on his bed and thought about that day seven years ago and what had happened, remembering Suzaku sadness and the lives lost in that horrific scene.
"No matter what, for the sake of all those lives, Britannia will be brought down," Lelouch said. "Never again."
(A.S.E.E.C Knightmare Hanger)
Suzaku was reading a book and thought about what had happened seven years ago when he along with Lelouch and Logan witnessed the horrific scene of the invasion.
"I promise all of you, I'll put an end to the fighting so that never happens again," Suzaku said. "Never again."
(The Next Day, Ashford Academy)
Lelouch and Logan were walking together in their school uniforms and they were talking among themselves of their plans
"Hey! Lelouch!" Someone called out. "Logan!"
Lelouch and Logan turned and saw Suzaku running to meet up with them.
"What's up?" Suzaku said and then looked at Lelouch. "Y'know Lelouch, they're gonna hold you back, if you don't start coming to class."
"I could say the same about you, right?" Lelouch replied.
"I have work to do," Suzaku explained. "It's just that the Black Knights have really been on the move lately."
"Hey, I thought you were in the engineering?" Lelouch responded.
"Uh… we're shorthanded, so they move me around," Suzaku said berating himself internally for almost revealing that he was actually fighting.
"Hmm… Still, how about dropping by for dinner more often?" Lelouch said. "Nunnally misses you. Are you free this evening?"
"Yeah, I could come tonight," Suzaku said. "But are you sure it's okay? I don't want to cause any–"
Suzaku was interrupted when Rivalz arrived on his motorcycle and rushed over to Lelouch.
"Hey, Lelouch!" Rivalz said in a panic.
"What's wrong?" Lelouch asked.
"Yeah, is there a problem?" Logan asked.
"Yeah there's a problem, I hear that the president's out doing a blind date thing again!" Rivalz said upset.
"Yeah. Today." Lelouch said nonchalantly.
"Today?!" Rivalz responded surprised and got in Lelouch's face grabbing his shirt collar. "Why didn't you tell me about it?!"
"Because it'd make you cry," Lelouch responded.
"Boys don't cry!" Rivalz insisted.
"And we all know that's not true," Logan commented.
"It's okay. I didn't know about it either." Suzaku commented.
Rivalz turned to Suzaku. "Don't give me your emo routine!"
"Emo?" Suzaku replied confused.
"I guess compassion is not in fashion these days," Lelouch said. "So anyway, are we on for dinner tonight with Nunnally?"
"Sure. What about school?!" Suzaku asked.
"Don't worry, I'll be right back! I'm just gonna go tell her about it!" Lelouch called out as he ran off.
"My life is over and he's worried about dinner?" Rivalz complained.
"Rivalz, just let it go," Logan told him. "This hope of yours was doomed from the start."
"Leave me alone," Rivalz replied. "You wouldn't understand."
Meanwhile, in Lelouch and Nunnally's residents, Nunnally and Rolo were in the common room and they were folding paper cranes. Rolo finished one of his cranes and placed it to Nunnally.
"Here this one's done," Rolo said.
Nunnally felt it and was impressed. "That's great Rolo," Nunnally said. "You learned quickly."
"Well, I'm just glad I finally got it right," Rolo said with a smile. "Folding cranes weren't easy in the beginning.
The two of them smiled and continued folding origami and displayed them on the table.
(A.S.E.E.C Knightmare Hanger)
Lloyd was typing away on the computer and sitting near him was Milly in a formal dress with a hat as it was a blind date that was set up by her parents.
"Are you surprised?" Lloyd asked in glee facing Milly. "Matchmaking dates are usually in hotels or restaurants."
"I–I suppose that's true," Milly replied. "But I'd heard you were a very unique person, Lord Asplund."
"Unique!" Lloyd replied as he went back to his work. "What a delightfully artful way to put it!"
"I'm surprised you're interested in a girl from the downgraded Ashford family after it lost its rank," Milly said.
Lloyd stopped working and faced Milly again with a smile.
"Oh ho, but I couldn't care less about a loss of rank," Lloyd said.
Cecile came and was holding a tray that had a pot of tea and two teacups.
"Excuse me," Cecile said as she placed the tray down next to them.
"I'm sorry to trouble you," Milly said.
"Not at all," Cecile assured with a smile. "Take your time."
"No need for that," Lloyd interjected. "Why draw it out? Let's get married."
Milly and Cecile were both shocked at what Lloyd just said.
"Huh?! That's it?!" Milly replied surprised and shocked.
"Getting cold feet?" Lloyd asked as he was typing away again.
(Ashford Academy)
It was lunchtime in Ashford Academy and almost all the members and the two honorary members of the Student Council were hanging out in the Student Council Room enjoying their free time. Milly was still absent as she was on her blind date and Rivalz felt depressed. Lelouch and Logan excuse themselves as they went out and assured them they would be back before their next class started. While the rest of them were going to feed Arthur and Suzaku gets bitten by him again and was in pain when he did he let out a small yelp and it got the others' attention.
"What's the matter? Don't you like your food?" Kallen asked Arthur.
"Arthur, why do you always do this?!" Suzaku complained.
(Lelouch's Room)
Meanwhile, Lelouch and Logan were in Lelouch's room and they switched on Lelouch's computer. Lelouch pushed some buttons and C.C appeared on the screen.
"C.C," Lelouch said.
"Lelouch and Logan," C.C said with a nod.
"How is it going in the Chinese Federation?" Logan asked.
"So far everything's going well," C.C said. "My meeting is in an hour."
"Good, now tell me what you learned about the situation so far," Lelouch said.
"Well it seems that there's a difference of opinion in the ruling class of the Chinese Federation," C.C explained. "There's the Empress the rules in the open and from the shadows are the High Eunuchs, because the Empress is young and doesn't know much about politics, ruling the nation is mostly left to them, however over the years they've started to become tyrannical, caring more for themselves the people of the nation."
"Give foolish men power and they'll use it foolishly." Lelouch quotes. "It's no surprise."
"What about Xingke and his group?" Logan asked. "Where do they fit into all this?"
"Actually they side with the Empress, Xingke is the one who is closest to the Empress and lends her his support however he can, he and his group also do what they can to fix the problems the High Eunuchs ignore, and Xingke is a capable himself, he's actually the one keeping the High Eunuchs from seizing power for the Empress.
"I see, it seems he as good as I've heard," Lelouch said pleased.
"And is there a way he'll be willing to form a connection with us?" Logan asked.
"I'm not sure yet, but I'll do what I can after the meeting," C.C said.
"Good and remember, be discreet this mission is of the utmost importance, don't let your intentions be discovered," Lelouch said.
"Don't worry, I'm well aware of that," C.C replied then signed out and the screen went blank.
"Things are going well on that end," Lelouch said. "Now there's still one thing we need to confirm."
"Right, we still need to talk to Kirihara about Prime Minister Kururugi's suicide," Logan said.
(Kyoto)
Kirihara received the signal and accepted the call and their faces appeared onscreen.
"Now then, you two had something you wanted to ask of me," Kirihara said. "So what is it? I'll gladly answer any question."
"Thing thing is, we'd like to know the details on Prime Minister Kururugi's death," Lelouch said.
Kirihara was taken aback at that question and looked at them silently.
"Even though it was reported as a suicide, there weren't any details as to why," Logan continued. "And for someone like him to do so, doesn't really make senses."
Kirihara stayed silent and was thinking for a moment before answering.
"Yes you're right it doesn't, and that's because it's not true."
Lelouch and Logan were surprised and confused.
"What? Wait what are you talking about?" Lelouch asked.
"I suppose you deserve to know the truth," Kirihara said. "The truth is the report about Prime Minister Kururugi committing suicide is completely false.
Lelouch and Logan were now shocked at what they were just told.
(Lelouch's Room)
"False?" Logan said shocked.
"Yes, Genbu Kururugi did not commit suicide," Kirihara said in a grave tone. "The truth is he was actually killed."
"He was killed?" Lelouch replied shocked. "But by who?"
"By his own son, seven years ago," Kirihara answered.
"Suzaku?!" Lelouch and Logan said shocked again.
"Yes, Genbu Kururugi actually called for a do-or-die resistance against Britannia seven years ago," Kirihara said. "He was ready to sacrifice Japan. He felt it would be better to let it be destroyed rather than have it enslaved by Britannia. But his son got into an argument with him and he thought that by stopping his father, it would stop the war itself but things got out of hand and acting on impulse, he stabbed his father with a knife."
"I see," Lelouch said with a downcast expression.
"But why?" Logan asked. "If that was true, then why the cover-up about him killing himself to protest the war."
"I made that report," Kirihara said. "I made the claim that he committed suicide because without him, the government was thrown in disarray and surrender was the only option left, it was..."
"I understand," Lelouch interjected. "It's understandable why you did what you did. It was a necessary secret I suppose."
"The question is what will you two do with this information?" Kirihara asked.
Lelouch and Logan just looked down trying to process all that they learned.
(Area 11 Viceroy's Palace)
At the roof garden above the Viceroy Palace, Cornelia and Euphie were spending time relaxing together. It had been the first break they had together since they had arrived in Area 11.
"It's been a while since we could spend time like this," Cornelia said. "There've been so many unexpected events since we came here."
Cornelia then playfully tickled at Euphie's waist which caused the younger sister to giggle loudly.
"All of that desk work…" Cornelia said with a smile. "It's making you fat."
"Hey, cut it out!" Euphie replied happily. "That's not funny!"
Cornelia laughed happily and then Euphie looked around the garden.
"Cornelia, don't you think this garden looks familiar? It's like Lady Marianne's." Euphie said.
"Now that you mention it," Cornelia said. "I heard Clovis ordered them to build it like this. I'm surprised he liked her villa that much since he was always fighting with her son, Lelouch, there."
"He must have thought of Lelouch as his rival," Euphie said.
"Even though Lelouch was younger?" Cornelia said.
"Well, he kept paintings of Lelouch and the others," Euphie said. "We've found them after he was killed."
"I see…" Cornelia said and then she looked forward with a serious expression. "We need to stabilize this area and capture Zero and Soul fast… to avenge Clovis, as well as Lelouch and Nunnally. This land has taken the lives of three of our siblings. It's soaked in our family's blood."
(Next Day, Ashford Academy)
Lelouch and Logan were on the roof with downcast expression after having spoken with Kirihara.
"Suzaku… I finally understand." Lelouch said. "Frankly, he's at odds with himself because he used to be different."
"Yeah, he never placed any importance on another person," Logan said. "Even though he didn't mean to do it, the fact still remains that it was done by his hands, that feeling stays with you."
"I know," Lelouch said thinking back to killing Clovis. "It was tough enough for me to kill my half-brother. And yet Suzaku killed his father when he was only ten years old, he's been carrying that burden around all these years?"
"Yeah, that why he does what he does," Logan added. "I've seen it, every time he pilots the Lancelot, he always charging into dangerous situations, always willing to place himself at the edge of death."
"Yes, and there's only one reason as to why he'd do that," Lelouch deduced. "He's trying to punish himself, he believes he deserves to die and so he risks his life hoping that soon he will, and the only thing he want's to do before that time comes is to save as many lives as he can."
"And it explains his drastic change in personality," Logan said. "In the past, Suzaku would never yield to Britannia or anyone else, he wanted to lead others just like his father did, but after what happened he can't trust himself to make the right choices so all he can do is follow others, he needs someone to lead him or else he can't do anything."
"Yeah," Lelouch said then turned to face Logan. "Logan, what we just learned can never be revealed to anyone."
"I know, it'll be better if we keep this information to ourselves," Logan agreed. "We can't let people find out the truth about Suzaku."
"Indeed," Lelouch said and the two of them left the roof to head to class.
(Imperial Museum Of Art)
"We will open Art Week with the dedication of the Clovis Memorial Museum of Art." The museum curator said. "You, Princess Euphemia, will select the first-place winner from among these submitted works."
Euphie and the curator were walking along with Darlton and Euphie's bodyguards. Euphie looked at one of the paintings, it was a painting of a small house in the woods.
"Oh, this one's nice!" Euphie said with a smile. "I particularly like this painting."
"It's regrettable that our investigation revealed that the artist happens to be one-quarter Eleven." The curator said.
Euphie was surprised and then got upset.
"Perhaps it shouldn't have been displayed here in the first place then," Euphie said.
"Well, it's a delicate balance with our public." The curator explained. "Anyway, take a look at that painting right there." Euphie was shown large a painting of the Charles Zi Britannia with his fist in the air. "It was painted by the son of Marquess Nicolai."
Euphie looked at the painting and frowned.
(Headquarters Of The Black Knights)
Ohgi was sitting on a bench and opened a lunch box filled with food made by Villetta.
"Octopus hot dogs…" Ohgi said looking at the lunch and smiled. "Hmm, that girl…"
"Excuse me," Inoue said now standing next to him.
"Hmm?!" Ohgi quickly closed the box. "No, these aren't what you think!"
"We have visitors," Inoue said. "They also have an introduction from Kyoto."
Ohgi was surprised and looked to see the visitors were the Four Holy Swords, Shogo Asahina, Nagisa Chiba, Kosetsu Urabe, and Ryoga Senba.
"You're the… Four Holy Swords." Ohgi said with a bow.
"I'll get straight to the point here." Senba said. "We've come to you today to ask for your help."
"How do you mean?" Ohgi asked.
"Lieutenant Colonel Todoh has been apprehended," Senba replied. "He sacrificed himself so that we could escape."
(Ashford Academy)
Lelouch was standing at the staircase leaning by a window and was informed about Todoh.
"I see," Lelouch said. "We'll help them."
"You sure?" Ohgi asked on the other line.
(Headquarters Of The Black Knights)
Ohgi is holding a phone talking with Zero and the Four Holy Swords were behind him.
"The Black Knights fight for the cause of justice. There's nothing odd about that." Lelouch said on the other line.
Ohgi gestures to the Four Holy Swords that Zero accepted their request and they look relieved.
(Ashford Academy)
"We'll use assembly method B-13," Lelouch said. "Take the section Knightmares via course 18. You can have Diethard handle it. Also, alert those who are to rendezvous with us. And I'll inform Soul of the mission."
Lelouch then hung up the phone and looked out the window.
"This is good, with this, two chess pieces I've been wanting will be mine today." Lelouch said with a smirk.
(Area 11 Knightmare Train Station)
"Today, Kyoshiro Todoh will be executed," Guilford informed.
"I won't be present for that now that the Japan Liberation Front is defunct," Cornelia said.
"Right," Guilford said with a nod.
"No, wait," Cornelia said as she turned to face Guilford with a smile. "Let him handle the execution."
"Viceroy!" Euphie called approaching them.
"Sorry to summon you like this," Cornelia said. "How's everything at the museum?"
"The dedication is later on," Euphie informed. "Of greater importance though, the NAC reported there was unrest in Ishikawa."
"Probably backed by the E.U. or the Chinese Federation," Cornelia said. "And there have also been sightings of Gung Ru units. Still, it's our chance to bring Hokuriku under control. I'll leave Darlton here while I'm gone. If anything happens, consult him." Cornelia then took a folder that Guilford handed her. "Also, concerning what we spoke of earlier…"
Cornelia then gave the folder to and Euphie opened it and was taken aback.
"You may choose any of them to be your knight," Cornelia said. "They're all excellent soldiers from respected families."
Euphie was looking at profiles with pictures of military soldiers. Euphie just looked at the pages with a sad expression.
(Ashford Academy)
On the porch of Lelouch and Nunnally's residence, Lelouch, Nunnally, Logan, Rolo and Suzaku were spending some time with each other and they were having a pleasant conversation about what they did when they were little.
"Yes, the pond does freeze solid in the winter," Nunnally said. "Although Big Brother scolded me once when he caught me skating on it."
"We had a pond too at the Kururugi Shrine," Suzaku said. "It was small, but I used to catch zarigani… I–I mean, crawdads, all the time."
"You would catch crawdads? How?" Nunnally asked.
"It's simple," Suzaku said with a smile. "You just tie a string to a frog's back leg."
"Huh? Frog? As in those things that sit on lily pads and go croak?" Nunnally asked.
"Yeah, but in Japanese, they go kero-kero, kero-kero," Suzaku replied.
"Huh? Kero?" Nunnally asked.
"Yup. Kero-kero!" Suzaku said with a nod.
"Sorry Suzaku, but I've never really seen a frog so I don't think I get it," Rolo said.
"Huh, you've never seen a frog?" Suzaku asked. "Well we are in the Tokyo Settlement so I guess there aren't that many frogs running around."
"If things continue at this pace and keep proceeding according to plan, I won't be able to stay with Nunnally any longer," Lelouch thinks in his head. "In this next battle, we'll have to face Suzaku again, when that time comes then I'll..."
"Suzaku!" A female voice called.
Suzaku, Logan, Nunnally, Rolo, and Lelouch looked and saw Cecile as she rushed over to them.
"Lloyd says it's urgent!" Cecile said.
"Who's that?" Logan asked.
"She's a soldier," Suzaku said.
Cecile arrived and noticed the people with Suzaku.
"Friends of yours?" Cecile asked.
"Yes," Suzaku said happily.
"I'm sorry, but I need to pull Suzaku away from you for a while," Cecile said with a smile.
"Uh, but I'm…" Suzaku spoke feeling concerned.
"Don't worry. I told you it's all right." Lelouch said with a smile. "Go and do what you need to do, okay."
Suzaku smiled and nodded. "Right. See you then."
"Please come again, Suzaku," Nunnally said with a warm smile.
"I will," Suzaku said happily.
"Work hard," Rolo said with a smile.
"And don't do anything I wouldn't," Logan added in a joking tone.
"Yeah, I got it," Suzaku said.
Suzaku left with Cecile.
"Well, it seems that Suzaku's really important to them. I'm glad." Nunnally said after Suzaku left.
"Yeah, I am too," Lelouch said.
(Imperial Museum Of Art)
A press conference was going on in the museum and Euphie was standing behind a podium and had microphones as the press was there. Standing at her right was Darlton and standing at her left was the museum curator.
"Sub-Viceroy, Is it true that no Eleven companies were used in the construction of this museum?" One reporter asked.
"W–well, with regard to that question, I—" Euphie spoke nervously.
"We're looking into it right now, so we have no answer at this time," Darlton said answering for her.
Euphie glanced at Darlton who glanced back and discreetly nodded.
"Idiot! Why bother asking Princess Euphemia about politics?!" A reporter said quietly berating the first reporter.
"Keriman from Interstate." Another report spoke standing up from his seat. "Your Highness, there have been rumours lately that you're close to choosing your knight."
"Uh, um, a knight. Yes, well, you see, I'm—" Euphie spoke not knowing how to answer that question.
"Ladies and gentlemen," The curator interjected. "We ask that you please limit your questions to those concerning the museum only."
(Under The Tokyo Settlement Freeways)
The Black Knights mobile base was parked and members were making preparations as they were getting ready to commence the operation. Minami, Yoshida, and Tamaki were working on Kallen's Guren MK-II while Ohgi and R.R were working on Soul's Agravaine. The Four Holy Swords looked on as they watched the Black Knights continue with their preparations.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to throw in with the Black Knights?" Asahina asked.
"Can you think of any other way to rescue Colonel Todoh?" Chiba replied.
"There's also what Kyoto said," Urabe said. "That they'd lend us the new models."
"Still, their principles seem to be somewhat off," Asahina commented.
"We're not ethnocentric, but after all, you already know that," Chiba replied.
"We can worry about the details after we've rescued the colonel," Senba said.
"I understand. But no matter where Todoh may be, it's the place I belong." Asahina said proudly.
Meanwhile, the work on the Guren continued.
"Look, just stuff 'em in and close the lid for crying out loud!" Tamaki said being impatient. "It's almost time to move out!"
"Take your time and treat it with the utmost care!" A female voice demanded.
Yoshida, Minami, and Tamaki looked over and they saw a woman with long blonde hair wearing a lab coat over her clothes and holding a small smoking pipe with two men who were with her that also wore lab attire and one of them had a case in hand.
"It was far more fragile than any of you when I gave birth to it!" The woman said.
"Huh?! Who the hell are you?!" Tamaki responded.
"Tamaki," R.R said walking over to them. "This is Rakshata Chawla and her team, the ones who built both the Guren and the Agravaine."
"Whaa, seriously?" Tamaki asked surprised along with the others.
"That's right, I am the Guren's mother!" The woman now named Rakshata replied, she then looked over to the Agravaine. "Honestly, at least they have the sense of being gentle with my Agravaine."
"You arrived on time," Zero said as he and Soul approached Rakshata.
Rakshata saw Zero and Soul and smiled.
"Well it's been quite a while hasn't it," Rakashata said happily.
"Indeed, it's a pleasure to see you again," Soul said. "And we're glad you made it here safely."
"The pleasure is all mine," Rakshata said. "And I'm very grateful for all the wonderful data you both have sent me, also regarding the VARIS."
"Have you completed it?" Soul asked.
"That's right, it's perfectly ready for use," Rakshata said proudly.
"Excellent, and at the perfect time," Zero said.
Rakshata then brought out a set of keys. "Anyway, here." Rakshata then opened up the case that had Knightmare pilot suits, "a souvenir from Kyoto."
Kallen arrived and wore a red Knightmare piloting suit with the Black Knights symbols and scanned on what she was wearing.
"Excuse me," Kallen said. "Is this really going to improve the interfacing system?"
"No, of course not," Rakshata answered.
"Huh?!" Kallen replied surprised.
"It's going to improve your life expectancy," Rakshata said.
(Britannian Prison)
In one of the holding cells of the prison, Todoh in a white straight jacket kneels on his knees and has his eyes closed as he awaited his fate. Footsteps were heard but Todoh didn't open his eyes. A guard holding a rifle came by and stood in front of Todoh's cell with a smile on his face.
"I just heard they changed your executioner." The guard said. "It's going to be Warrant Officer Suzaku Kururugi. You ought to be glad it's someone you know."
Todoh opens his eyes and thought about Suzaku and the choices he had made. Meanwhile, in one of the lounges, Lloyd had just finished signing a document regarding the change of executioner and placed the pen down. However, another document placed in front of him, which surprised and annoyed him.
"What? You mean my signature again?" Lloyd asked.
"Even though Princess Cornelia ordered this, there are still some formalities to be followed." The warden explained. "A change of executioner is the most exceptional circumstances."
Cecile looked at Suzaku and saw that Suzaku looked horrified at what he was ordered to do. Suzaku couldn't believe that he would be the one to execute his former martial arts teacher as he was reminiscent of the past with the times he was in the dojo and training under Todoh. Suddenly an explosion occurred which got Suzaku out of his thoughts.
"What was that?!" The warden asked.
"What happened?!" Cecile asked.
They looked out the window to see what was going on.
"Good. Now we're free of hellish paperwork." Lloyd said pleased.
At the exterior area of the prison, Sutherland units responded and appeared in order to contain the attack. However, shots were fired and Sutherlands were shot down one by one. Five Gekka Knightmare units appeared and they were being piloted by R.R and the Four Holy Swords. The Sutherlands started firing at the Gekkas but the Gekkas dodged the shots and cut down the shooting Sutherlands. They followed up by shooting at another group of Sutherlands with their left arm mounted custom handguns. After shooting down the second group, they continued to move in. The Four Holy Swords were determined and saying to themselves that they were going to rescue their commander. Two Sutherlands fired their rifle at the Gekka piloted by Asahina and Asahina was able to move quickly and dodge their shots and countered them by cutting them down with his Katen Yaibato which cause the two Sutherlands two explode. Asahina looked back and was impressed.
"These Gekkas are awesome!" Asahina said. "Way superior to the Burais!"
"Yeah, you got that right!" Urabe said impressed.
(Black Knights Mobile Base)
Meanwhile, in the Black Knights Mobile Base, Rakshata and her team were watching the battle and the data that they were receiving. They were discussing on how things were faring with the Gekka Models they gave to R.R and the Four Holy Swords while some of the core members of the Black Knights were looking over things on the screens of their laptops.
(Britannian Prison)
The guard pointed his handgun at Todoh.
"My superiors have just ordered that you be unofficially executed before you're busted out of here." The guard said. "Any last words?"
The door slides open for the guard to have a clear shot.
"It's a life I gave up once before," Todoh said. "It's worth nothing."
"In that case, I'll claim your life for myself!" Zero's voice declared.
Todoh and the guard were shocked and then there was a shaking and rumbling and the wall behind the guard broke and the guard screamed as he was crushed by the huge debris. Appearing before Todoh was A Burai and the Guren MK-II Zero came out of the cockpit of his Burai and faced Todoh.
"Zero," Todoh said.
"Kyoshiro Todoh," Zero said. "The only Japanese who, seven years ago, brought the mighty Britannian forces to their knees in defeat."
"You mean Itsukushima?" Todoh replied. "You want me to perform a miracle for you as well?"
"That was no miracle." Zero rebuked. "It ended in victory because it was based on excellent intelligence work! That's why I want you."
"I pledged my loyalty to General Katase," Todoh replied. "Now that he's dead, I wish to die too."
"Don't be a coward!" Zero rebuked strongly.
"What?!" Todoh responded surprised at Zero.
"You must take responsibility!" Zero said. "Responsibility for the miracle that you made!"
Todoh was surprised at the things that Zero said to him.
(Outside The Prison)
Standing on top of a tall building at the exterior area of the prison was the Agravaine with Soul piloting it, he looked down watching the battle between the Gekkas and the Sutherlands.
"We've got them outmatched in terms of Knightmares," Soul said watching the battle. "If he can get Todoh and wipe out the rest then it'll be done, but if Suzaku shows up then I'll have to cover their escape, with my new weapon."
The Agravaine was seen carrying a new VARIS Rifle, it was now slightly longer than before and was now the same shade of black as the Agravaine.
(Inside The Prison)
"The Area 11 resistance movements is more intense than that of any other Area because Japan surrendered before exhausting all of its military strength." Zero explained. "You failed to continue the great hope known as the Miracle of Itsukushima!"
"You're saying it's my fault?" Todoh asked.
"Yes. People grasp at illusions because they're desperate for miracles." Zero replied. "Why else has there been such rampant use of Refrain? You must endeavour! To the bitter end beyond all that's decent, and then you can die! Till the name of Todoh the Miracle has grown ragged and tattered!"
"You're telling me that the Japanese people can't accept their defeat until then?" Todoh asked.
"Till now they had to accept it." Zero explained. "However, now that we're here there's hope because we can likely turn their dreams into reality."
Todoh was surprised but then smiled feeling motivated.
(Imperial Museum Of Art)
"And now for the highlight of today's events," The curator announced. "Princess Euphemia will select the grand prize winner. The work upon which you place this flower will be deemed the winner, Your Highness."
Euphie turns around holding the flower and looks at the paintings.
(Exterior Area Of The Britannian Prison)
The five Gekkas piloted by R.R and the Four Holy Swords continued to battle and the rest of the Sutherlands. Two Gekkas shot their arm-mounted handguns in the air. It was a signal and a huge black truck broke through the wall with Zero's Burai and the Guren accompanying the truck and the truck was parked and the back of the truck opened revealing a black customized Knightmare Frame with a similar design as the Gekkas but more advanced. The Burai came and stooped in front of the Black Knightmare Frame and turned its back on it and then the cockpit opened and Todoh came out. The Four Holy Swords piloted their Knightmares to stop near Todoh and opened their cockpit, pleased to see their leader.
"Colonel!" Chiba said happily.
"Welcome back, Colonel Todoh!" Asahina said happily.
"Thank you," Todoh said. "You've all worked so hard for this."
"No effort at all, sir," Todoh said.
Todoh nodded then entered the Black Knightmare Frame.
"Cooperate with Zero! Eliminate the remaining forces here!" Todoh ordered.
"Roger!" The four of them said in unison.
In the cockpit of his Burai, Lelouch was pleased with everything that was happening so far.
"Now all the tasks at hand have been cleared. That leaves only—" Lelouch said in his head.
Lelouch was suddenly taken out of his thoughts when a Slash Harken was fired at his Knightmare and the Guren uses its Fork Knife to deflect it. The Slash Harken retracts and the Lancelot making its way to face them.
In the cockpit of the Guren, Kallen glared at the appearance of the white-Knightmare. "Damn! What's he doing here?!" Kallen asked.
In the cockpit of his Burai, Lelouch looked on "Well, I should have known you'd be here Suzaku," Lelouch said. "Unfortunately, you'll find we're more than prepared to stop you this time."
(Imperial Museum Of Art)
Euphie was looking at the painting and still examining them one by one. The curator went off to Euphie.
"Please, Your Highness." The curator whispered. "It's time for you to decide. We can't wait any longer."
"I know, but I…" Euphie whispered still unsure. "But I…"
Suddenly, there were a few rings and that got Euphie, the curator, and Darlton's attention as they saw a few reporters quietly answering their phones. Several more phone rings occurred one by one, the reporters kept answering their phones. A soldier came by and whispered something in Darlton's ear informing him of what's going on.
"Escaped?" Darlton whispered.
(Exterior Area Of The Britannian Prison)
The five Gekkas charged to take on the Lancelot. The fights against the five Gekkas but so far has been unable to land a single hit against any of them.
"They're skilled fighters," Suzaku commented.
Meanwhile, Lloyd and Cecile were seeing the fight from the lounge.
"Oh, my…" Lloyd started. "Aren't those new enemy models amazing? However, Ms Cécile…"
"Yes?" Cecile responded.
"In hindsight, it's certainly quite fortunate that the Lancelot's trailer is our primary means of transport," Lloyd said with a smile.
"No, it's because you spent our entire budget on the Lancelot itself." Cecile pointed out. "That's hindsight."
(Black Knights Mobile Base)
The others were watching the battle from the large screen and Rakshata was observing the Lancelot.
"That's it?" Rakshata said. "The white Knightmare that's given such trouble to Zero?"
"Huh? Yeah." Ohgi said.
Rakshata sat there thinking for a moment.
(Imperial Museum Of Art)
The battle that was happening at the Britannian Prison was being viewed via monitor by the people in the museum. Some of the reporters were impressed seeing what the Lancelot was doing as it battled against the Knightmares of the Black Knights. Euphie looked on with worry as she held on tightly to the flower she was holding. Darlton was contacted and he nodded.
"Listen, send in everything we've got. Lend support to Kururugi," Darlton instructed. "And make a report that we're wiping out the terrorists."
(Exterior Area Of The Britannian Prison)
Lelouch was watching the Lancelot's movements on his monitor.
"Zero, do you have any data available on this unit?" Todoh contacted.
"Possibly. However, I want you to do exactly as I say." Lelouch replied.
"Ah, very well. I'll defer to you in this." Todoh responded.
"All units, give him distance!" Lelouch ordered.
All the Knightmares moved in different directions around the Lancelot.
"Its speed and manoeuvrability are truly astonishing. Nevertheless…" Lelouch said in his head.
Before this battle, Lelouch looked over the battle data he had gained from the battles the Lancelot fought in against the Guren and the Agravaine and now knew the Lancelot moved in a predictable pattern.
"Its movements follow a predictable pattern!" Lelouch said contacting the others who were fighting. "Its initial attack is always straight on! It never feints that first move!"
The Lancelot charged towards the Guren and swung its MVS but the Guren dodged it by jumping in the air.
"Once you dodge that attack, he immediately moves to avoid your offensive!" Lelouch informed them. "Check the data I'm sending you! S-5-7!"
The Lancelot then humped forward and in the cockpit, Suzaku was surprised as Asahina's Gekka with its Katen Yaibatou in hand came from the side to stand against him. Suzaku was surprised as it seemed that it was predicted for him to do what he did. In the cockpit of the Gekka Asahina smiled.
"Hey. He's really doing it." Asahina said pleased.
When the Lancelot landed back on the ground, the Lancelot quickly pointed the VARIS rifle but the Gekka was able to disarm the Lancelot of its VARIS before he could use it.
"Right! So now the next move he makes will be… falling back to the rear! Coordinates: X-2-3!"
Just as predicted the Lancelot reacted by jumping backwards, however that was predicted and Todoh's Knightmare Frame came from behind the second the Lancelot landed and thrust its sword towards the Lancelot.
"And with that… Check!" Lelouch said.
Suzaku was shocked and barely dodged the first thrust and then the second thrust but the Lancelot got hit with the third thrust which got the top of the Lancelot's pod.
"I know this!" Suzaku said recognising the move that was done.
"Who dares to anticipate my moves?" Todoh asked. "No matter."
Todoh cut off the top of the pod. The inside of the cockpit was now opened up and Suzaku was revealed to everyone present as the pilot.
At the lounge, Lloyd and Cecile were shocked and worried at what they were seeing.
"Damn it! He doesn't have an ejection block on it!" Lloyd said.
"What? You mean we didn't install one?!" Cecile asked.
"So it's finally been revealed," R.R said in the cockpit of his Gekka.
"Is that really you… Suzaku?!" Todoh asked surprised inside the cockpit of his Knightmare.
"Wha–?! Huh?!" Kallen spoke shocked before remembering the battle was going on. "Zero, what now?! Give us our next instructions! Zero!"
"Hold out!" Lelouch ordered. "Wait till I give the word." Lelouch then thought. "I knew eventually everyone else along with the public would find out, but I didn't expect it would be a situation like this."
(Imperial Museum Of Art)
The reporters in the museum, as well as the curator, were shocked to see that Suzaku was the pilot of the Lancelot. Mixed responses of the fact that an Eleven was piloting the Lancelot and the fact that Suzaku was once accused of killing Clovis and the fact that Zero and Soul were the ones who rescued him were being discussed. Darlton looked around and stepped forward and Euphie looked on.
"That's enough!" Darlton said. "Turn off the monitor, now!"
"Wait, please!" Euphie responded and it surprised Darlton. "I'd like to watch it to the end!"
(Exterior Area Of The Britannian Prison)
Back at the exterior area of the prison, Suzaku was checking the controls.
"Good, I can still pilot!" Suzaku spoke.
Suzaku then saw Todoh's Knightmare and charged towards it. Todoh's Knightmare rushed towards the Lancelot and swung its sword but the Lancelot quickly grabbed it the swords arm. The pod of the customized Knightmare opened up revealing Todoh.
"Do not do this, Suzaku!" Todoh said.
Suzaku was shocked to see his former martial arts teacher.
"Colonel Todoh!" Suzaku spoke but then had a determined expression. "So then… you wanna live more than you wanna follow your own principles?!"
"Do I disappoint you?" Todoh said amused. "Very well, then keep to your schedule and execute me!"
Suzaku was taken aback by what Todoh said.
"What's wrong?!" Todoh asked. "That's the reason you're here, isn't it?! You have become a cowardly boy who's afraid of altering the status quo!"
"Denying everything in our society is pointless!" Suzaku rebuked. "Once I make them trust me, I'll have the power to change it!"
"You're serious?!" Todoh asked.
"I'm dead serious!" Suzaku replied strongly.
"Then you are foolish!" Todoh said strongly. "You might think your way is a possible one, but in the end, you're just setting yourself up for failure."
"That's not true!" Suzaku said back. "I know it can be done, it's why I fight."
"Regardless of how hard you fight they will never trust you, they will simply use you to meet their own ends so long as you're useful!" Todoh said. "Why can't you see that!"
"There may be some who are like that," Suzaku said. "But there are others who I know I can trust and it's because of them that I can believe in the path that I have chosen!"
"Then you must continue down that path!" Todoh told him. "Regardless of whether you win or lose, you will achieve nothing unless you're prepared to sacrifice everything! And that goes for countries as well as individuals!"
Todoh gave him that advice and then closed the pod of his Knightmare.
"Right!" Suzaku said with a nod.
"Zero, do we do?!"
"Go back on the offensive," Zero ordered. "Overwhelm him with consecutive attacks, R.R you join them."
"Right!" R.R replied.
"Alright let's go Captain Senba, take Spinning Life or Death Formation!" Chiba instructed.
"Roger!" The rest of them said in unison.
"You sure this will work?" R.R asked them.
"Don't worry! It's a synchronized four-way attack! He'll never dodge it!" Asahina replied confidently.
In the lounge, Lloyd and Cecile didn't like what they were seeing and Lloyd contacted Suzaku.
"Mmm, Kururugi, release the harken booster quickly!" Lloyd contacted. "The password's my favourite food!"
Suzaku did just that and shot all four of the Lancelot's Slash Harkens at the same time. R.R managed to dodge one but Todoh, Chiba, Asahina, and Urabe were all hit simultaneously. The Lancelot then threw one of its MVS swords at Senba's unit and damaged it.
"Are you okay?" Urabe asked.
"Interesting fighting style he uses!" Senba commented.
"This time, Asahina, circle around to the left!" Chiba instructed.
Lelouch is watching the battle, but then checks his monitor showing enemy reinforcements approaching.
"Looks like we're out of time," Lelouch said before contacting the others. "Everyone retreat, We've achieved our objective here. Use escape route 3! Withdraw immediately!"
Todoh then looked and saw many air gunships and VLOTs as well.
"An unwinnable battle's not the same as a lost battle," Todoh said. "You seem to be very aware of that, Zero."
The Black Knights' Knightmares began to retreat.
"Wait!" Suzaku tried to drive after them but suddenly the Lancelot's leg was shot from the side. The Lancelot was now unbalanced and fell to its knees unable to move.
"What? but who...?" Suzaku said looking up at the side of his Knightmare and saw at the top of one of the buildings surrounding the prison area was the Agravaine holding a customized VARIS rifle that he fired at the Lancelot.
"Soul?" Suzaku spoke.
Soul meanwhile retreated his weapon after firing it.
"Hmph, good it works," Soul said. "My new weapon the custom VARIS rifle, has all the working of the VARIS along with a new long-range fire mode, it's attacking power is a bit smaller but it's much faster in this mode and the range has a much greater distance, the perfect VARIS for me."
Back with the others, Todoh was leading the retreat. "Now releasing chaff smoke!" Todoh said.
The Black Knights along with Todoh and the Four Holy Swords all release a smokescreen from their Knightmares which covered their escape.
(Imperial Museum Of Art)
The reporters all watched the end of the battle.
"Look, they're running!" One of the reporters said.
"He fought them off?! The Black Knights?!" Another reporter
"Suzaku… well done," Euphie said in her head.
"Damned traitor!" One of the reporters said which surprised Euphie. "Why won't he follow them?!"
"Cuz they're Elevens, like him." Another reporter replied.
"Of course!" Another reporter said being cynical. "I thought one against seven was a bit much to swallow."
Euphie was annoyed by what she was hearing and gripped the flower she was holding in a tight grip.
"Princess Euphemia?" Darlton spoke noticed her annoyance.
"All of you!" Euphie said loudly getting the attention of all the reporters.
"I'll now answer the question you asked me earlier! You had inquired as to whom I would select to serve as my knight, correct?" Euphie then pointed to the monitor still showing Suzaku. "The knight I had chosen will be the young man you see before you: Warrant Officer Suzaku Kururugi!"
(Exterior Area Of The Britannian Prison)
Meanwhile, Suzaku was standing there and thought about what he and Todoh talked about during their fight.
"Todoh, I–I'm your… I am your foe!" Suzaku said determinedly.
(Under The Tokyo Settlement Freeways)
Lelouch opened the pod of his Knightmare and came out and was met with Soul and R.R.
"The mission was a success," Soul said.
"Indeed, not only were the Gekkas as powerful as we hoped but now we have Todoh on our side just as we planned," Zero said.
"True, but now that Suzaku has been revealed as the pilot of the Lancelot his support and credibility among the Britannian supporters will grow further." R.R pointed out.
"Yes, you have a point," Zero said. "But right now that's not the main issue."
"That's true, now let's go back and look over the data from this last battle," Soul said and the three of them went to enter the mobile base.
To Be Continued
And that's the chapter, and man, I'm glad I got this done, and as you saw I upgrade the VARIS for Logan, you see his speciality is guns so I gave him a new weapon that's a powerful blaster, rifle and good at Sniping, I wanted to make him a powerful weapon unique to him like Kallen's Radiant Wave Surger. Plus I gave Rolo a Gekka because since the Holy Swords always have a higher grade Knightmare than everyone else besides the top members I figured it was right for him to have one too.
So see you next time, hope you enjoyed, and have an awesome day.