Here's the next chapter. Anyway, I don't own Code Geass or any of the characters just the OC.
17. The Confrontation On Shikine Island.
Somewhere in the ocean, a submarine is driven through. Inoue was acting as a lookout.
"We used to have trouble getting even a single motorcycle. Now we have a submarine." Inoue said. "The military district of India will be in big trouble if the Britannians ever find out. How'd she do it?"
Meanwhile in the meeting hall that had a large screen. There was a meeting taking place between all the members of the Black Knights, including R.R, the core members, Todoh and the Four Holy Swords, Sayoko, and C.C who was observing. Zero and Soul stood in front of everyone standing behind the screen and faced the other members. Kirihara's face was on screen as he was also part of this meeting.
"Now then, due to our recent reorganization, a few changes have been made," Zero said starting the meeting. "It time we assign official positions to everyone, starting with myself and Soul as the co-commanders of the Black Knights, I trust there are no objections?"
Everyone looked around and nodded in agreement with no objections.
"Our new chief of military affairs will be Kyoshiro Todoh," Soul said.
There were murmurs of agreement and Todoh simply nodded.
"Taking charge of all intelligence, espionage, and public relation matters, Diethard Reid," Soul said.
This time there were murmurs of disagreement, as everyone turned to face Diethard.
"This Britannian pretty boy?!" Tamaki asked upset.
"Not to mention, his media ties," Urabe commented.
"Zero, Soul, I'm not a racist, but what's your reasoning for placing one of them in such a sensitive position?" Chiba asked.
"Reason? And what of us, I ask you?" Zero said. "We're not Japanese either. You all know this. What matters is the ability to produce results. Who you are and where you're from are of little consequence."
Everyone calmed down at his words and Diethard smiled.
"Alright, alright, already!" Tamaki commented.
"The deputy commander will be Kaname Ohgi," Zero said pointing to Ohgi.
"Who, me?" Ohgi asked surprised.
"You object?" Zero asked.
"Uh… no," Ohgi spoke.
"Accept the position Ohgi, you're the best choice for the job," Soul said.
The former members of Ohgi's group stand around him pleased by his position.
"Well, you were our leader, to begin with, weren't you?" Sugiyama said.
"A newbie can't take that job, right?" Minami said.
"And for research and development, Rakshata," Zero said.
"Who else?" Rakshata said with a smile.
"Leader of a team with the purpose of stealth, infiltration, and undercover operations will be Sayoko Shinozaki," Soul said.
Sayoko simply bowed and smiled.
"Now for the captains of different forces," Soul said. "Captain of the Zero Squad will be Kallen Kouzuki and captain of the Soul Squad will be R.R."
"The Zero Squad?" Kallen asked.
"Yes you and R.R will be the captains of an elite guard under our direct command," Zero said. "Think of yourselves as our personal forces."
"And in a Britannian's terms that makes the two of you, our knights," Soul added.
"An elite guard… Zero." Kallen said happily.
"Thank you both," R.R said. "We are grateful for these positions."
Zero the switched the screen showing the hierarchy for the Black Knights,
"Captain of the First Squad will be Shogo Asahina," Zero said. "Second Squad Ryoga Senba. Third Squad: Kizuna Kagesaki."
After a while, the meeting came to an end.
"And Tamaki will lead the Second Special Forces," Zero said. "That is all."
"I'm the man!" Tamaki said excitedly.
Kallen was surprised and looked back at C.C who was leaning by the wall and twirling a strand of her hair.
"There's no position for C.C?" Kallen said in her head.
"Zero, Soul, may I add something?" Diethard asked. "There's one issue that still needs to be dealt with."
"Say no more, I believe this is what you were going bring up," Soul said as he pushed a button that showed the live broadcast of the knighting ceremony in the Area 11 Viceroy Palace. Everyone present watched.
(Area 11 Viceroy's Palace)
Suzaku wore his ceremonial clothing for his knighting ceremony and looked a bit nervous. People had gathered for the occasion including Lloyd who was wearing his noble attire as well as Darlton. Suzaku started walking down the aisle heading towards Euphie who was sitting on her throne. On the way, Suzaku could hear people talking about him, and none of it was pleasant.
"Who cares if he's an honorary Britannian? Knighting an Eleven is just—" A Britannian noble whispered.
"And broadcasting it lives." A female Britannian noble whispered.
"How'd he ever win her favour, I wonder." Another male Britannian noble whispered.
"Well, even a princess has needs, right?" Another male Britannian noble commented and the others had a chuckle.
(Ashford Academy)
In one of the classrooms, students were watching the knighting ceremony and some were not happy with what was going on. The two students who Suzaku and Euphie saw in Shinjuku were among the students not happy with Suzaku being made a knight.
"Are they kidding?!" The first one said.
"No, this can't be happening!" The second one said.
"They're making him a major, an Eleven!" The first one said.
Nina just sat in her seat and was unhappy with what was going on as well but didn't say anything and just looked down at the floor.
(Area 11 Viceroy's Palace)
Suzaku kneeled before Euphie and she stood up from her throne to stand in front of him.
"Suzaku Kururugi." Euphie. "Wilt thou upon this day pledge thy fealty to Britannia and stand as a Knight of the Crown?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Suzaku responded.
"Dost thou wish to abandon thyself and be sword and shield for the sake of the greater good?" Euphie continued.
"Yes, Your Highness," Suzaku repeated.
Suzaku unsheathed the sword and held the hilt for Euphie to take and she held the hilt and used the sword to knight Suzaku.
"I, Euphemia li Britannia, do hereby dub thee Sir Suzaku Kururugi." Euphie declared.
(A.S.E.E.C Base)
The members of the ASEEC were watching the knighting ceremony in one of their rooms with the TV.
"So whose payroll is he on now?" One of the staff members asked.
"I believe Lloyd's already working on that," Cecile said.
"You mean… with him?" The same staff member said.
"Yes, well, it's not like I've ever met him, of course," Cecile said.
(Area 11 Viceroy's Palace)
Back at the ceremony hall, Euphie handed Suzaku the sword and Suzaku sheathed it. Euphie waved her arm and that signalled Suzaku to stand up and face the crowd. Everyone in the audience just looked at Suzaku and most of them were displeased. Lloyd on the other hand just smiled and clapped for Suzaku. Suzaku and Euphie saw the reactions of the others and Suzaku wasn't surprised that no one else was clapping however they were surprised that Darlton started clapping his hands with a smile. The other people just gave in and clapped for Suzaku.
(A.S.E.E.C Base)
Cecile and the other members of the ASEEC clapped and were happy for Suzaku.
(Area 11 Viceroy's Palace)
Back at the ceremony hall Suzaku and Euphie were happy with what was going on.
(Black Knights Mobile Base)
There was a meeting taking place between Zero, Soul, R.R, Ohgi, Todoh, Diethard, and Rakshata.
"Suzaku Kururugi," Diethard said. "He's become a focal point among Elevens who are Britannian supporters. I recommend he be assassinated."
"Assassinate him?" Zero asked.
"He may be right," Rakshata said. "You two have been the focus of the resistance movement. The servile masses lack such a hero."
"People aren't moved by ideology alone," Diethard pointed out. "But the Britannians will hold this boy up as a symbol. I think that taking him out would be the smartest decision right now."
"I object," Todoh spoke up. "The Japanese would be revolted by such a cowardly act."
"Yeah, and the Black Knights are not in the business of killing the defenceless, either!" Ohgi said strongly. "What do you want us to do? Get him when he's alone and kill him straight out?"
"Calm down," Diethard said. "I'm merely suggesting we minimize our risk in the most efficient way possible. But it's Zero and Soul's call, of course."
They thought for a moment and then Soul answered.
"Diethard, I understand your concerns and what you're saying," Soul said. "However this course of action could be counter-productive for the Black Knights."
"Oh, how so?" Diethard asked.
"Think about it, now that he's become a Knight the people know that we would think of him as an obstacle, assassinating him would be a simple matter but if he were to did so soon after the ceremony we would be the prime suspects." Soul pointed out. "And, not just that but two other reasons, the first up till now people have been able to acknowledge the Black Knights because of our justice, but if we do something like assassinating Suzaku Kururugi it would be seen as admitting that our words were empty, the second the Britannian's control the media and the information that the public hears they would just turn him into a martyr, Britannian supporters would follow his lead and try to rise up in the system as well and stand against us as well, not to mention some of our own supporters would turn there backs on us."
"He is correct," Todoh said. "Regardless of how, this action will only backfire on us."
Diethard processed their words for a moment before looking at Zero.
"Zero, you haven't said your opinion yet, what do you think we should do?" Dirthard asked.
Later on, Lelouch was in his private room in the mobile base while C.C was with him lying on the couch.
"What's so complicated?" C.C said. "Just use your Geass on Kururugi."
"Drop it," Lelouch responded not looking at her.
"So stubborn. Why not? Because he's your friend or is it pride?" C.C asked.
Lelouch clenched his teeth and faced her. "…All of it."
"You might have to kill him, otherwise…" C.C said.
"No, from the start that was never a possible outcome," Lelouch said.
(Area 11 Viceroy's Palace)
Euphie was in her office talking to Cornelia who appeared on her computer screen.
"You haven't said anything about it yet," Euphie said.
"Appointing a knight is a privilege of royalty," Cornelia said. "It's out of my hands, even as viceroy."
"Don't you see Suzaku Kururugi is an honorary Britannian, and he's proved himself more than worthy of knighthood," Euphie said. "Sister, even you have to—"
"Its viceroy," Cornelia interjected.
"Viceroy, even you must know that he's deserving," Euphie said.
"Discrimination against the Numbers is our national policy." Cornelia pointed out.
"Then it's time I tried to change that!" Euphie said strongly.
Cornelia glared at Euphie after hearing that.
"Oh, is it now, Sub-Viceroy?" Cornelia replied annoyed.
Euphie glared back at Cornelia strongly as she was not intimidated and not backing down from what she said.
"Well, when you become Empress, feel free to do so!" Cornelia said strongly before turning off her screen.
(Sword Of Akasha, C's World)
A person who was wearing a large dark-coloured robe that covered his face walked up the stairs and arrived on the platform where the 98th Britannian Emperor was looking up.
"Construction of the Thought Elevator is proceeding as scheduled," Charles said and then he paused and nodded. "Yes, I understand." He then paused again as the man in the large robe stopped next to Charles and whispered something in his ear.
"What? Schneizel?" Charles asked.
"Yes, Majesty. Your orders?"
"You needn't interfere," Charles said with a confident smile. "If he is that sure of himself, let him challenge me."
(Ashford Academy)
In the clubhouse, there was a party for Suzaku celebrating his knighthood and many students were there to celebrate.
"Okay guys," Rivalz said happily. "Time to raise a glass to Kururugi here! Valued member of the student council and a knight of the realm! Now let's get this party started, huh?"
"Congratulations!" The students all said excited and happy for Suzaku.
Suzaku felt touched as he looked around to see the clubhouse filled with students celebrating with pizza and soda.
"You have Nunnally to thank for all of this," Milly said.
"I'm sure you're tired of the celebrations," Nunnally said with a smile. "If you don't mind, we wanna honour you too!"
"Not at all! It's really kind of you." Suzaku said happily.
Meanwhile in the Student Council Room. Nina was sitting in front of her computer deciding not to join the celebrating and feeling upset by the fact that Suzaku eas now Euphie's knight. Nina then picked up a magazine with Euphie's picture on it and stared at it.
"Oh… what am I gonna do? Princess Euphemia…" Nina said softly.
"Good afternoon" A male voice suddenly said.
Nina was surprised and looked behind her to see who the voice belonged to and saw it was Lloyd who had entered the room.
"Have you seen Major Kururugi?" Lloyd asked. "They said I could find him here…" Lloyd then noticed something on Nina's computer screen. "Hmm? Oooh! Looks like you're working on some fun stuff!"
"You know what it is?" Nina asked.
"Oh, I can tell uranium isotope when I see one," Lloyd replied which made Nina happy for the fact that he could recognize it.
"Wow, you know your stuff! And if you can get that uranium to absorb active neutrons, then it should split into high-speed neutrons and atomic nuclei." Nina excitedly began to explain. "The problem is you need to fuel the reaction with U-235, which only makes up 0.7% of all natural uranium. So even if we came up with some means of induce fission, we'd never have enough raw materials. That's why—"
Lloyd took off his glasses and was fascinated as he continued to listen to Nina's explanation. Back at the clubhouse Shirley was handing out pizza and placing them on tables.
"Hey Prez, where's Nina?" Shirley asked.
"I told her to be here," Milly replied.
Shirley then sees Kallen walk past her and calls out to her.
"Oh hey, Kallen! Can you help me set out more pizza?" Shirley asked but Kallen ignores her and keeps walking. "Hey! Are you listening?"
"This is for them Kallen, for Zero and for Soul," Kallen said in her head as she was walking closer to Suzaku holding her hidden blade, intending to kill him. "If you don't do it here…"
Suddenly Lelouch appears beside her and grabs her arm that's holding the blade and gets her attention, making her stop.
"Hey, I think Shirley wants you to give her a hand," Lelouch said with a smile.
"I'm sorry, but I'm right in the middle of something at the moment," Kallen said freeing her arm hoping to continue what she was about to do.
Suzaku then notices them and approaches them.
"What are you doing? Maybe I can help out." Suzaku said standing in front of them.
"Hey," Lelouch said greeting him,
As they talked Kallen realized so could no longer kill Suzaku right now and quietly walked away.
"I'm sorry. I got held up." Lelouch said.
"No problem! I'm just happy you could be here." Suzaku said happily. "By the way where's Logan?"
"Oh, he's helping Rivalz hand out drinks over there," Lelouch said pointing to a different part of the room. Logan is seen passing out bottles of soda to other students.
"Well, I'm glad you both are here," Suzaku said with a smile.
"Bad news, Suzaku!" Lloyd's voice suddenly called out. "You just got even more work to do, I'm afraid."
The students in the clubhouse were surprised and turned to see Lloyd standing there and Nina was with him.
"Oh, right…" Suzaku said.
"You know him?" Lelouch asked quietly.
"He is my boss," Suzaku whispered.
Milly then approached Lloyd and Nina.
"Lloyd, is something wrong?" Milly asked.
"Oh, do you guys know each other?" Nina asked.
"We are to be married," Lloyd replied.
This revelation surprised everyone in the room except Suzaku who just sighed.
"Isn't that right, honeybunch?" Lloyd asked gleefully.
"Uh… yeah…" Milly replied feeling uncomfortable about the whole thing.
"Secret's out," Suzaku said.
"So you knew?" Lelouch asked.
"Mm-hmm," Suzaku said with a nod.
"Whoa! Whoa!" Rivalz said loudly as he went to Milly and Lloyd and Logan followed him. "What's going on here?!" Rivalz looked at Milly. "Who is this guy?"
"Earl Asplund," Milly answered.
"EARL?!" Rivalz replied shocked then looked at Lloyd and acted respectfully towards him. "It's an honour, your lordship."
"And judging from how he's dressed, I'd guess he's also a scientist," Logan said noticing Lloyd's attire.
"Hahaha, yes that's correct," Lloyd said gleefully. "I do enjoy that a bit more than the standard life of a noble."
"That's great now," Rivalz turned to Milly again. "What did you say your relationship was again?"
"She and I are betrothed," Lloyd answered.
"NOOOOO!" Rivalz yelled dramatically.
"Hahahaha, oh man, classic Rivalz," Logan said amused by Rivalz reaction.
"You were serious then?" Milly whispered.
"So… do I have military duties then?" Suzaku asked approaching Lloyd.
"Yes, an important someone and others are arriving by boat," Lloyd replied. "We're off to meet him. Along with the Lancelot and Princess Euphemia, naturally."
There were sounds of excitement when the students heard what Lloyd said. Lelouch thought of this as an opportunity, Lelouch looked at Logan and Logan turned to him, they both nodded showing they were on the same page.
(Britannian Naval Ship)
The ship was sailing on the ocean on its way to Shikine Island. On the bridge, Suzaku, Lloyd, and Cecile were there along with the crew operating the ship.
"Why Shikine Island?" Suzaku asked. "The Tokyo Settlement would've been a lot safer."
"Yes, I'm curious about that myself," Cecile said.
"Wha—?! You're saying you don't know either?" Suzaku replied shocked.
"Ditto," Lloyd said with a smile.
Suzaku was surprised that neither Lloyd nor Cecile knew the reason.
"You still shouldn't have said anything," Cecile said. "After all, your loose lips got our plans leaked onto the Net."
"That girl was so charming, though," Lloyd said pleased. "I couldn't resist."
(Black Knights Submarine)
The Black Knights were in the meeting room and Zero and Soul were facing them.
"Euphemia is going to that island to meet a noble from their homeland," Zero said. "Her knight Suzaku Kururugi will be accompanying her. That far out at sea, the enemy's strength will be limited. It is a golden opportunity. Our objective is the capture of the Lancelot and Suzaku Kururugi. Once we've won the battle, I want Kururugi taken safely into custody."
Kallen and Todoh looked relieved at the fact that Suzaku was ordered to be taken alive.
"So, what happens after we got him?" Tamaki asked.
"Don't worry," Soul said. "Just leave that to me and Zero."
After all that was done, the members dispersed to prepare. In one of the rooms, Rakshata and her team were looking over the devices that were going to be used for the operation, they checked over the monitor to find the spot that they were going to use it.
"That's our spot, huh?" Rakshata said.
"You suppose it's going to work?" One of her subordinates asked.
"I think we'll be fine," Rakshata said. "The stealth effect we get as a byproduct seems to be working."
"How can you tell?" The subordinate asked.
"The Britannians haven't found us, have they?" Rakshata pointed out. "What's that tell you?"
"Oh, I see. You're right!" The subordinate replied.
"It is just a first step, though," Rakshata said.
On the rails, Diethard was watching and soon Zero approached him.
"Diethard, what did you talk Kallen into doing?" Zero asked.
"I told her to dig up what she could on Kururugi," Diethard replied. "Maybe I implied a little more than that."
"Don't overstep your bounds." Zero said annoyed. "I don't recall ordering his assassination, did you not listen to a word Soul said."
"I heard every word he said and I agree with him completely," Diethard said seriously. "You two want us to be the hammer of justice, right? We can't have people thinking about us as cold-blooded killers, I know. But we can hide the truth using the media. You can't change the world without getting your hands dirty. Am I wrong?"
"Diethard… what are you really after?" Zero asked. "You may have been demoted, but you're still a Britannian. You don't need to join the Black Knights to change the world, do you?"
"I never mentioned this, but the first time I ever saw you and Soul was the night you rescued Kururugi… and I trembled!" Diethard said passionately. "It was like a new era had taken form and appeared before me! I wish to document you both. As you build your organization and topple over the empire then take this world for your own! I wish to be there, documenting history as it's created! Nothing has ever made my heart dance more!"
"Documenting?" Zero said in disbelief. "You're right in the thick of it. I'd say you're fabricating history."
"Objectivity is a fairy tale. In the end, journalism is a product of the human mind, like everything else." Diethard said.
"You're not to interfere with military matters." Zero ordered.
"Yes, of course," Diethard responded.
Zero then left and walked down the hall, as he turned around the corner he then sees Soul.
"You heard?" Zero asked.
"Yeah, every word," Soul replied with a nod.
"So how much of it was true?" Zero asked.
"All of it," Soul said. "I used my Geass the whole time and not once did it show he was telling a lie. I guess he's serious about all this."
"I see, well then that will make him easier to read," Zero said as began walking away. "Now, go and speak with Kallen."
"Right," Soul said and also left.
Later in one of the private rooms inside the Submarine, Soul was sitting on his chair waiting for Kallen. Then after a few minutes, there was a knock on the door.
"Soul, it's Kallen," Kallen said on the other side of the door.
"Enter." Soul said and Kallen entered the room.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Kallen asked. "Is this about the mission?"
"No this is something else," Soul replied. "I've heard that you tried to assassinate Suzaku Kururugi, is that true?"
Kallen was surprised and looked nervous. "Who told you that?" Kallen asked.
"I have my ways, and since you didn't deny it that means it's true," Soul said. "Now let me ask you, why did you attempt such an action?"
"Well... because I wanted to help you and Zero in any way I could," Kallen replied. "And if Suzaku was a threat to the Black Knights then we should..."
"Kallen," Soul interjected. "You going about this the wrong way, I know you had the best intentions but what you were about to do was the wrong move."
"What?" Kallen said surprised.
"Listen, Kallen, we can't just kill him because we see him as a threat, the Black Knights are Knights for Justice, doing something like that we destroy that fact we would lose support and be ruined." Soul explained. "And besides, you're an ace pilot, not an assassin, neither Zero nor I would ask this of you, so you should force yourself just for our benefit."
"I understand," Kallen responded now understanding. "Forgive me, it won't happen again."
"Very well, now go prepare for the operation," Soul ordered.
"Yes, sir!" Kallen said with a bow before leaving.
Now that he was alone Soul thought to himself.
"With my Geass, I know that Kallen meant every word, that's good." Soul said pleased. "It's not just her piloting skills but her loyalty to that makes her irreplaceable, which reminds me I should head back to prepare as well."
Soul got up and left to prepare for the operation.
(Shikine Island)
Euphie and her entourage arrived on the Island and were speaking with one of the soldiers stationed there.
"Arrival time's right on schedule." The soldier said. "We've prepared a room for you back at headquarters if you care to wait there."
"Is it safe to assume that the ship is docking here?" Euphie asked.
"Yes, that hasn't changed." The soldier said.
"This will do fine then," Euphie said.
"Very well," The soldier said. "I'll just arrange for an escort. Huh?"
There was a loud sound suddenly and it surprised the soldiers along with Euphie and her entourage. The military base on Shikine Island was under attack and Lieutenant Colonel Fayer who was the military base commander was shocked at what he was seeing.
"Terrorists?" Fayer spoke surprised. "But how did they get here?!"
An aircraft was brought down by the Slash Harken of Todoh's Knightmare Frame. A Sutherland was brought down by R.R's Gekka and more Black Knight units advanced.
"Soul Squad, continue advancing!" Todoh ordered. "Zero Squad, I want you covering them from their flank!"
"Filthy Elevens!" A Sutherland pilot said loudly before Kallen appears before him and Kallen uses the Radiant Wave Surger on the Sutherland thus destroying it.
"She sure packs a punch, huh?" Asahina said impressed.
Elsewhere Zero and Soul were watching from above in their Knightmares.
"Impressive," Zero said in his head. "It's no wonder Todoh held off the Britannians once before without a single Knightmare. Now I only have to wait for Euphemia to receive word of our visit."
Back at the port, soldiers were being informed of what was going on.
"Headquarters appears to be under some sort of attack!" One of the soldiers informed.
"Huh?" Euphie spoke.
"We'll withdraw to the settlement," Cecile said. "Can you arrange an escort unit for her?"
"It's too risky to leave right now." One of the soldiers reported. "They're jamming us with some kind of wide-range interference."
"You're going to be fine. Don't worry, Princess. I won't let any harm come to you." Suzaku assured.
"No, Suzaku, you should help these men fend off the attack," Euphie responded.
Suzaku was surprised by her order and some of the soldiers wanted to object.
"But Sub-Viceroy, he is an honorary Britannian!" One of the soldiers pointed out upset. "We're almost certainly dealing with the Black Knights here. What if he turns the Lancelot against us?!"
"Uh, you do realize you're criticizing a member of royalty, right?" Lloyd pointed out to the soldier.
"Oh… uh… forgive me. I didn't mean to…" The soldier replied nervously backing down.
"Kururugi," Euphie said turning to Suzaku. "Demonstrate your valour for us today so that we may finally silence all these naysayers."
"Right!" Suzaku said determinedly.
Meanwhile, Kallen had just taken down more Sutherlands while the pilots of the Sutherlands cursed the pilot of the Guren. R.R's Gekka arrived to back up the Guren in taking down more Sutherlands. They both suddenly got signals of an enemy approaching and moved away just in time to dodge the Lancelot's Slash Harkens. They saw the Knightmare piloted by Suzaku.
"He's here," Kallen said.
Suzaku then looked and saw the Agravaine and Zero's Burai on higher ground.
"Zero, Soul, there you two are," Suzaku said.
Zero then signalled the Lancelot to come after him. And Suzaku piloted the Lancelot to drive in their direction.
"That's right," Zero said. "Suzaku! Come!"
Meanwhile, Todoh signalled the other Knightmares and they began to move away.
"Confirming target," Todoh said. "All units, assume formation three and fall back. Do not fire on the target! I repeat: do not fire!"
The other Knightmares did what Todoh ordered. And the Agravaine moved to the same location while taking a different route. Meanwhile, Fayer was on the phone with someone within the headquarters.
"Yes, thanks to the Special Corps," Fayer said then he was told something and Fayer was shocked. "Wha—? But that would mean…!" The other person on the line spoke and Fayer shook his head. "Yes, Your Highness!"
Meanwhile, Zero's Burai was still fleeing from the Lancelot. The Burai then arrives and jumps in a sandpit.
"He's not equipped for that sand he jumped into. Could he be drawing me into a setup… using himself as bait?" Suzaku wondered.
Suzaku jumped in the sandpit regardless and confronted Zero's Burai and pointed his VARIS at him.
"Fine then!" Suzaku said. "Zero! I got you…!"
"…right where…!" Zero said.
"…I want you," Rakshata said.
Rakshata then pushed a button that was a switch and devices around the sandpit activated and disabled both the Burai and the Lancelot. Suzaku was shocked with what just happened and was trying to get his Knightmare to move.
"What the—?!" Suzaku spoke. "It's frozen?! No good!"
"We need to talk, Kururugi!" Zero said over the loudspeaker. "I suggest you come out! Your secondary system should still be functioning. You'll be treated as a prisoner under international law. Of course, If you don't care to talk, we could just gun you down."
Meanwhile, in the ASEEC trailer, the team along with Euphie became aware the Lancelot was unable to move.
"I don't care! Tell Suzaku to abandon the unit!" Euphie suggested strongly. "What could possibly be wrong with it? How come it won't move?!"
"Something's happened to the Sakuradite that's powering Suzaku's Lancelot!" Cecile said. "Somebody's interfering with it!"
"A Gefjun Disturber." Lloyd deduced with a sense of dread.
This surprised Cecile and Euphie.
"You mean—!" Cecile said.
"But they're actually using it as a jamming mechanism," Lloyd said with a grim tone. "I thought it was only theoretical… What a fool I am. It really is you, Rakshata?"
Meanwhile back at the sandpit, the Lancelot and Zero's Burai were surrounded by the other Knightmares of the Black Knights and Rakshata looked on standing next to the device that activated the Gefjun Disturber.
"It looks like the range and endurance still need a little work," Rakshata said.
In the pit, Suzaku and Zero come out of their Knightmare Frames and walked towards each other and Soul entered the sandpit to join them.
"I'll get straight to the point," Zero said. "Suzaku Kururugi I want you to join us."
"Is that a threat?" Suzaku asked unhappily. "Well, you can forget it! I already told you. Results gained through contemptible means are worthless to me!"
"Amazing how you can still say that," Soul said. "Do you truly believe you can deny all that we have done and not call it virtuous, despite the will of the people?"
"I can admit that you do help people, but the way you go about it is not the way I would choose to," Suzaku said back.
"So, you wouldn't describe the peace we have now as worthless?" Zero asked. "If Japan had resisted to its very last breath seven years ago, what do you think would've happened?"
Suzaku was taken aback and paused.
"The Chinese and the E.U. would've stepped in and split Japan in three. They'd be fighting even now." Soul answered. "Our current peace is the result of Japan's immediate and unconditional surrender."
"That's right," Suzaku said. "and I've been fighting to preserve my father's peace ever since it began!"
"You're wrong." Zero rebuked. "Prime Minister Kururugi, elected by the people, didn't choose surrender. That decision was selfishly made by his killer."
Suzaku was shocked and surprised by what he heard.
"With the government thrown into chaos, surrender became the only logical choice." Soul continued. "The will of the people was stolen from them… by a lone criminal pursuing his own selfish agenda!"
Meanwhile back at the ASEEC trailer Lloyd and Cecile were trying to hear what was going on at the sandpit with the monitor.
"Can you hear them at all?" Euphie asked.
"There's too much static on the mic!" Cecile replied.
Back at the sandpit Suzaku was shocked and took a step back.
"How on Earth do you know that…?" Suzaku asked still in shock.
"There's only one way for you to atone now," Zero said leaning in the whisper in his ear. "Present the Japanese people with the choice they weren't able to make then. The path they were robbed of seven years ago! Fighting Britannia!"
"Fighting them?" Suzaku said upset. "That again?"
"It's an option worth exploring." Zero pointed out. "Or would you rather drag the masses towards a future dictated by your own egotism? You call that peace?"
"After all, Justice is decided by the thoughts of the majority, if it's in the will of the people to fight can you truly call it wrong?" Soul asked.
Suzaku thought about that question, but before answer, they were suddenly hearing the sound of static and it surprised them.
"Do you read me?" The voice of Fayer spoke through transmission. "Major Kururugi! Please respond!"
"May I?" Suzaku asked as he looked at Zero and Soul.
"As you wish," Zero said.
Suzaku pushed the button on his communicator.
"This is Lieutenant Colonel Fayer, commander here on Shikine Island!" Fayer responded. "We're launching surface-to-surface missiles against the terrorists!"
"What?!" Soul said as all three of them were surprised.
"Major Kururugi, your orders are to keep Zero and Soul there!" Fayer said.
"They're giving him up to die!" Zero exclaimed.
There was a sudden sound and they saw what the source of the sound was as a large number of surface missiles making their way to them.
"No choice, while have to escape," Zero said.
Before they could, however, Suzaku suddenly rushed over and tried to grab Zero by the arm, but Soul got in his way and blocked his arm with a grip, but Suzaku quickly used his other arm to grip Soul's free arm so that he couldn't escape.
"Kururugi!, what are you—?!" Zero asked surprised by his actions.
"I can't approve of your methods!" Suzaku declared. "All I can do right now is this! even if I can only stop one of you."
"You're going to throw your life away just for that?!" Soul yelled angrily.
"Why, you little…!" Kallen said inside the Guren about to drive in the sandpit.
"Don't move! The field will affect you too!" Todoh warned.
"But Zero…!" Kallen replied.
Meanwhile, at the port, a Portman Knightmare Frame arrived at the port where the soldiers were and they were ready to escort Euphie away from here.
"We're assigning Portman here to escort them. The sub-viceroy should be taken out of the—" One of the soldiers said.
"Wait!" Euphie yelled as she, Lloyd and Cecile rushed out.
"You're going to destroy the Lancelot?!" Lloyd said upset.
"Kururugi is holding Zero there." A soldier informed. "This is our chance to kill him!"
"And whose idea was this?!" Euphie said angrily. "Major Kururugi is my personal knight!"
"It was a para-level one order." The soldier said. "It can only be countermanded by the consensus of at least three ranking generals or the viceroy herself, I'm afraid."
"Then who exactly issued this order, Captain?! Get me a line to them immediately!" Euphie demanded.
"Para-level one order, Princess Euphemia." The soldier repeated.
"Out of my way!" Euphie said as she suddenly rushed past them and ran to a Portman and held on to the rope to get in the Knightmare. This surprised the others as well.
"Sub-Viceroy!" One of the soldiers called out.
"Contact the base!" Euphie said. "Tell them there's a chance I'll be caught in the attack! See if they'll initiate their launch then!"
"Please, stop this!" One of the soldiers said. "Think about what you're doing!"
"But they'll stop with the princess out there…" Cecile said looking at Lloyd.
"I'm not sure they will, unfortunately," Lloyd said.
Meanwhile back at the sandpit. Soul and Suzaku were still in their struggle with Zero beside them and in the sky, missiles were flying and heading to hit their intended target.
"Incoming missiles, confirmed!" Asahina reported.
"Damn!" Todoh said.
"Hold on, I'm coming!" Kallen said driving the Guren inside the sandpit to help them and was hit with the effects of the Gefjun Disturber and the Guren was shut down. "Dammit!"
"You're gonna die here as well!" Zero shouted. "You don't have a problem with that?!"
"Your sacrifice isn't in vain, Major." Fayer contacted. "We are about to put an end to the most dangerous criminals our homeland has ever known! They'll speak of your bravery for generations to come!"
"SHUT UP!" Soul yelled angrily. "Enough of your lies! do you people enjoy spewing nothing but lies every time you speak! you know damn well that you will never credit Kururugi! To you, he's nothing but a means to an end, a sacrificial throwaway pawn! At least have the decency to be truthful about that."
"All Knightmares, target on those missiles and throw up a barrage!" Todoh ordered. "Empty your guns if you have to!"
"Suzaku, let them go!" Kallen shouted come out of the Guren's cockpit and running towards them. "It's me! Suzaku, it's Kallen Stadtfeld from the student council! Look at me!"
Euphie in her Portman continued to move.
"Suzaku, you can't die now!" Euphie said.
Meanwhile, Suzaku was still holding on to Soul.
"A soldier must always follow his orders!" Suzaku declared.
"Humph! Certainly easier than following your own heart!" Zero accused. "How do you feel about this?!"
"Where do you find meaning in living just to die!" Soul asked. "Does your life mean so little to you that you would end here leaving behind everyone who ever cared for you?!"
Suzaku was shocked and taken aback before answering.
"You're wrong!" Suzaku insisted. "I have rules that I made and need to live by— uh."
Suddenly, there was a huge shadow that was hovering over them and they looked and were surprised. The group led by Todoh was shocked as well at what they were seeing. In the sky, there was an airship that was hovering over them and it was protected from their shots by a Blaze Luminose.
"They completed a float system?" Rakshata said surprised at seeing the airship. "Well, I'm outdone."
Elsewhere in the Portman stopped and Euphie was surprised by what she was seeing.
"That's… my brother's Avalon!" Euphie said recognizing the airship.
"No, it can't be!" Todoh said.
The bottom of the ship opened and a cannon started to charge up and was aimed at where Zero, Soul, Suzaku and the others were located.
"NO!" R.R said loudly getting out of his Knightmare and running towards them. "Hang on!"
"Dammit, Suzaku, do something!" Zero demanded. "You're going to die!"
"Better that than breaking the rules!" Suzaku replied strongly.
"You stubborn fool!" Zero yelled before his mask slid open around his eye and he activated his Geass. At the moment the cannon fired from the Avalon and it destroyed everything it was aiming for.
To Be Continued
And that's the chapter, and man, I'm glad I got this done, and as you may have realized I decide to have Logan and Rolo appear on Kamine Island as well. What will happen there you'll have to wait and see but with this we're getting closer and closer to the SAZ part of the story and I can't wait for that part. Until then look forward to what happens next.
So see you next time, hope you enjoyed, and have an awesome day.