Here's the next chapter. Anyway, I don't own Code Geass or any of the characters just the OC.
20. The Declaration At The School Festival.
In one of the classrooms in Ashford Academy at night time, a female teacher with glasses had a stern expression and was holding a late class for students who have been constantly absent and the two students taking the class was Lelouch and Suzaku, Logan was supposed to be here as well but he ditched.
"Yes, it is true that the invasion by the Chinese Federation and the terrorism of the Black Knights have disrupted our society." The stern teacher said. "But that is a completely separate issue! The fact remains that you both along with Raymond have been absent from class far too often! I don't care how good your grades are or that you're Princess Euphemia's knight! If you don't improve, you will repeat this year! which is most likely going to happen with Raymond since he decided not to show up."
(Shizuoka Ghetto)
The next morning inside a warehouse within the Shizuoka Ghetto there a large group of people gathering together for a discussion.
"I'm telling you, Zero and Soul are our saviours!" A man said.
"Even Elevens can move up in the world! Just look at Suzaku Kururugi!" Another man said.
"If it hadn't been for Zero, and Soul, the Chinese Federation would have conquered Kyushu!" A woman pointed out.
"But it isn't what is said on the news." A young girl said.
"'Cause, the Britannians control the media!" A third man said.
"I don't care as long as there's peace." An old woman said.
"The peace of slavery?! That's what Kururugi wants!" A fourth man said.
(Black Knights Submarine)
The submarine was driving through the ocean and inside of it within the Knightmare Hanger, the core members of the Black Knights who were from Ohgi's group were meeting.
"So opinions in the ghettos are split?" Ohgi asked.
"Some are submissive; some are defiant," Yoshida said.
"But they'll all be shocked when they find out Soul and Zero's goal is to start an independent nation," Sugiyama said.
"Yeah right, that's totally crazy!" Yoshida said.
"We need to be realistic," Minami added.
Tamaki who was standing by the wall with his eyes closed kept out of the conversation for the most part until he opens his eyes and says.
"I agree with both of them," Tamaki said which surprised the others and they all look at him. "Well, isn't it true? If we stick with them, we might catch a huge lucky break! Maybe I'll even get my dream of being a bureaucrat."
"A bureaucrat?! Seriously?!" Kallen responded surprised.
"Hey, even I had a dream once!" Tamaki replied. "If I hadn't thrown in with the Black Knights, I'd probably be hooked on Refrain by now."
Ohgi was surprised when Tamaki mentioned Refrain and thought back to Villetta.
"Refrain might bring back her memory… so I could find out who Zero and Soul are." Ohgi thought in his head. "But what would I do I knew?"
"Ohgi?" Kallen spoke to him getting him out of his thoughts. "In that other issue, we wanted to ask for instructions, but we haven't been able to reach Zero."
"Then I'll just go ahead as planned," Ohgi replied.
"Are you sure about this?" Tamaki asked. "It could be a trap."
"But we need inside sources." Kallen pointed out. "They also said there's someone there from the Chinese Federation that Zero and Soul want to form a connection with."
"Anyway, tomorrow's the only time we'll be able to use the escape route Diethard set up for us," Ohgi said.
(Ashford Academy)
Fireworks went off as it was the start of an annual event in Ashford Academy.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting!" Milly said with excitement over the PTA system. "The Ashford Academy school festival, which is the most open event in the Tokyo Settlement, is about to start! It will begin at the sound of this voice!"
In the control room, Milly was with Shirley, Nina, and Nunnally who was holding the microphone.
"Are you sure it's all right to do this, Milly?" Nunnally asked.
"Very sure!" Milly said cheerfully.
"Okay," Nunnally said before taking a deep breath, "MEOW!"
On the campus, the students cheered happily in excitement. In Lelouch's room within the Lamperouge's residence, C.C yawned having just woken up.
"School is really noisy today…" C.C said.
The school festival had begun as students worked in their stands and for their own classes while other students who weren't working walking around going to various places, some students were doing food stands, while others were displaying pictures of Clovis, some of the Black Knights, and others for the Lancelot. On one of the roofs of one of the school buildings, Lelouch and Logan were on the phone with Diethard.
"That's what I thought. So even Sawasaki and the others turned out to be useful." Lelouch said. "We've covered all the tasks at hand."
"Yes. We gathered all the sector data on the emergency countermeasures that they left behind." Diethard informed on the other line.
Lelouch and Logan saw members of the press and ducked out of sight.
"The press?!" Lelouch said in his head.
"But why today?!" Logan thought in his head.
"We've identified the solar panels used in each settlement as well as the energy storage sites." Diethard continued. "Right, and what about that collaborator issue?"
"We've handled most of it myself about 72% is complete," Logan replied. "And Todoh?"
"He's drawing up a list of occupation targets broadcasting stations and such," Diethard said. "I need you to check them, including the dummy plans we're sending to Kyoto."
"I understand," Lelouch said. "We'll confirm tomorrow."
"Oh, and I know we're late in reporting this to you, but regarding the operation of the Zero Squad, Ohgi has—" Diethard said.
"There's trouble!" Milly called out suddenly appearing on the roof, "There's huge, huge trouble!"
Lelouch and Logan saw Milly running towards them in a panic.
"I'll have to contact you later," Lelouch said before Milly reached them. "While I'm gone continue giving your report to Soul."
He then passed the phone to Logan as Milly dragged him away.
"Hmm? Trouble?" Diethard asked.
"I'll have to ask you to ignore that," Logan said now holding the phone. "Now continue."
With Lelouch and Milly, Milly was dragging Lelouch was her outside the building and past the festival grounds.
"What are you doing goofing off like that?!" Milly said. "You're the festival chairman!"
"But everything is running fine! There's no problem." Lelouch replied. "Besides, you're taking charge of that part, right? It was two meters wide up through last year, then suddenly you declared we had to have a twelve-meter pizza."
"Uh-huh. Isn't it great?" Milly responded happily. "It's gonna be the largest one of its kind in the world!"
"Just the oven and ingredients are causing an uproar," Lelouch said. "And now there's a TV crew roaming around campus? You know we can't show our faces."
"But we have to document making the pizza!" Milly replied. "You can run things from the control booth, okay? President's orders."
"And why couldn't you have asked Logan instead?" Lelouch asked.
"Well, I tried to," Milly said disappointed. "But after I finished explaining we were going to make the giant pizza, he just laughed and walked away."
"Wish I had thought of that," Lelouch said in his head annoyed.
Meanwhile, Rivalz was directing crates to be moved and Nina arrived to inform them that she and the others working were done on their part. Rivalz thanked Nina and Nina nodded with a smile. Nina went on her way to take care of other things and was still smiling as she couldn't stop thinking about meeting Princess Euphemia.
(Elsewhere In The Tokyo Settlement)
Walking down the streets was both Ohgi and Villetta who still hadn't got back her memories, they were both wearing casual attire and Villetta was feeling cheerful.
"Sorry, but an Eleven from the ghetto walking around alone would be—" Ohgi said.
"It's all right," Villetta interjected.
"If you're afraid that some Britannians, ah—" Ohgi said.
"You needn't worry about me so much. I'm okay, really." Villetta insisted as she stopped and was admiring a butterfly. "Anyway, is this going to help you with your work?"
"Yes," Ohgi said as he also stopped walking and faced her. "I can gather data for our development project."
"I understand," Villetta said with a smile. "That's good then."
Ohgi smiled but inside he was panicking.
"What the hell am I doing?" Ohgi asked himself in his head as they continued walking. "If I get the chance, I should hand her over to the cops or a hospital. No, I can't… If they connect me to the Black Knights, it would implicate everyone. Even so, I can't just kill her… I can't."
The two of them then stopped at the front gate to Ashford Academy that was decorated for the festival.
"Here we are," Ohgi said.
"Is something wrong?" Villetta asked.
"No, I used to be a school teacher, so I was feeling a little nostalgic," Ohgi said looking at the festival.
"Why did you stop teaching?" Villetta asked curiously.
"My best friend since we were little kids… well, he's since passed on," Ohgi said with a sad smile thinking of Naoto Kouzuki. "You could say that I'm living out his dream in his place. It's kind of a heavy thing for me to carry around."
Villetta then moved closer to Ohgi then held on to his arm.
"Let's go in!" Villetta said excitedly.
"No!" Ohgi said surprised by her suggestion. "I can't go into a Britannian school, I'm an Eleven!"
Four students suddenly came out of the front gate to greet them.
"That doesn't matter!" A female student said cheerfully.
"The campus is open today! Come on!" Another female student.
"Yeah, in you go, you two!" A male student said as they all lead Ohgi and Villetta inside the school grounds.
"What?! Hey, I found them first!" the first Female students said upset.
In one of the school kitchens, Suzaku was chopping up onions and took the chopped onions and placed them in a bowl. Suzaku suddenly smiled.
"That's a relief," Suzaku said. "I thought you were never going to come back to school."
Behind Suzaku was Kallen who was surprised that Suzaku had already picked up on her presence.
"It's on purpose?!" Kallen asked. "Why didn't you tell anyone… about who I really am?"
"You're Kallen Stadtfeld right now, aren't you?" Suzaku said. "Not Kallen Kouzuki, right?"
Kallen was surprised but that answer.
"Are you trying to draw me in by acting friendly?" Kallen asked upset.
"On the battlefield, I won't show any mercy, but I want to try to persuade you here," Suzaku said. "I know this is against the rules, but while we're at school, I'd rather try to change your mind here than defeat you in combat later."
"Something's different about you," Kallen said as she noticed and she didn't know what to make of things and then suddenly the door opened and Rolo entered.
"Suzaku, the truck's here," Rolo informed him. "The cheese is being loaded up."
"Oh right, thanks," Suzaku said as he stood up.
"Oh Kallen," Rolo said noticing her. "You're here too?"
"Oh um yeah," Kallen said with a smile. "And you're helping with the giant pizza?"
"Yeah, heh heh... Truth is big brother was supposed to but you know." Rolo said.
"So Logan really isn't helping out?" Suzaku asked.
"He's the only one who never goes along with whatever crazy idea Milly comes up with," Rolo said.
Suddenly Lelouch also showed up.
"Hey Suzaku, I need..." Lelouch said and saw Kallen. "You came back."
"Uh… yeah. I'm not as sick now, so…" Kallen said.
"Kallen, what we were talking about has nothing to do with school, okay?" Suzaku said.
"Yeah, I get it," Kallen said.
"Huh, what you were talking about?" Rolo asked.
"Oh don't worry about it," Suzaku assured.
"Kallen, if you don't mind, could you go and check in with your class?" Lelouch asked. "They seemed to be a bit shorthanded."
"Sure, I don't mind," Kallen said.
Later on, Kallen had a dread expression and was feeling regret for agreeing.
"I DO MIND!" Kallen yelled out and scared out a young couple. Kallen was taking part in the horror house, Kallen was dressed as a square-shaped monster that springs up from the ground, while her face was painted red and had a third eye painted on her forehead.
"This thing actually scares them?" Kallen said as she clenched her fists in frustration. "I'm gonna get Lelouch for this! He should've told me I had to be part of the horror house." Kallen went down so that she could spring up again. "Hmph! The only person I let order me around is Zero!" Kallen looked at the screen and saw the signatures of two more people walking around. "Oh great, here comes another couple. Why couldn't they make this whole thing mechanical if they've got this dumb screen? It's sweltering inside of here! It's like those early Glasgows! C'mon, move your ass. Hurry!" Kallen srings up and yells. "MOVE YOUR AAAAAAASS!"
Kallen looks and is surprised to see the couple is Ohgi and Villetta who both had their eyes closed and shrieked.
"Ohgi?!" Kallen said surprised.
Ohgi then opened his eyes and was surprised to see Kallen.
"You're back safe?" Ohgi said.
"Fortunately, yes," Kallen said awkwardly.
Meanwhile, elsewhere at the campus, Cecile was having fun playing Whack-A-Mole that was using real students but Cecile kept hitting one student that had blonde hair and was wearing glasses. Other soldiers were with her and they noticed what was going on.
"The one she keeps whacking." One soldier whispered. "Doesn't he look like Lloyd?"
"No great wonder." The other soldier whispered back. "Working under that guy must really drive her out of her mind."
Meanwhile, Lelouch was talking on one of his phones.
"Right, the pizza's starting later," Lelouch said then hung up. "Definitely don't have time to be doing this." Lelouch then answered his other phone. "Yes. Oh, the Drama Club? I've spoken to the Film Club about it." Lelouch then hung up and thought. "How can I prepare my coup d'etat, at least I can count on Logan to take care of things for now but—"
Lelouch was cut off from his thoughts when a mallet suddenly hit Lelouch on his head. The mallet flew and Cecile suddenly showed up and caught it.
"I'm sorry!" Cecile said. "The handle just broke in two!"
"Soldiers? How peaceful the world is." Lelouch said in his head irritated.
"Say, aren't you Suzaku's friend?" Cecile asked.
"Hey, you, boy!" C.C's voice spoke. "Where am I supposed to go to eat the biggest pizza in the world?"
Lelouch sighed as he turned and saw C.C who was wearing an Ashford Academy school uniform and had her hair tied in a ponytail.
"Oh, so here you are," C.C said.
(Elsewhere In The Tokyo Settlement)
Cornelia and her forces including the Glaston Knights with their own Knightmares Frames had arrived and they were standing in attention with Cornelia and Schneizel speaking with each other.
"Good work, getting them here from Area 18 in one night," Schneizel said. "Your forces are impressive, Cornelia."
"You flatter me," Cornelia said. "I'm honoured that you deployed your regular troops to fill in for them, Schneizel."
"It was the least I could do," Schneizel said.
"The Glaston Knights who were stand by in the homeland have joined us here," Cornelia said. "And that means… we even have Sattel Waffes for the Gloucesters."
"I understand. And I'm going to play this card in my negotiations with the Chinese Federation." Schneizel informed.
"Please do," Cornelia said.
"What a great honour," Schneizel said with a smile. "Being asked for assistance by Princess Cornelia, who is unmatched on the battlefield."
"Please, don't tease me about this…" Cornelia said then had a sad expression. "And besides, surely you know that is no longer true, I've suffered many losses at the hands of the Black Knights as of late."
"But that doesn't mean I'm sincere," Schneizel said. "I still believe that on the field of combat, you shine more beautifully and brightly than any flower or butterfly at a soirée, yes, like the Flash herself."
Cornelia was taken aback by her brothers praise and felt both flattered but also a bit embarrassed and looked away.
"Please, stop saying that," Cornelia said. "You know I'm only... Now, where could Euphie have disappeared to? I told her I was coming to see you off."
"I had a long talk with Euphie last night," Schneizel said.
"Last night?" Cornelia asked.
"Yes," Schneizel said with a nod. "Ah, and about the other matter... Bartley's project."
"Oh yes, I really don't mind," Cornelia said. "But will he actually be of any use to us?"
(Unknown Place)
A large cylinder tube that was filled with some sort of green liquid was hidden somewhere and inside was an unconscious Jeremiah with some metal on his face and body.
(Ashford Academy)
Lelouch had taken C.C to hide in a storage building.
"I'm asking about the biggest pizza in the world," C.C said.
"I'll bring you some," Lelouch said. "Now wait in your room!"
"I don't believe you, because you're a liar," C.C said simply.
"I'm not going to deceive you over a pizza!" Lelouch said losing patience. "The military and the press are here! What if they see you?!"
"I'll wear a disguise." C.C replied. "I don't like cold pizza."
"Right now I have a school festival and a coup d'etat to run!" Lelouch said. "And I can't just leave everything to Logan"
They suddenly heard the doors opened and they looked to see what was going on. Three people entered the building and it was Kallen, Ohgi, and Villetta.
"Why did you come into the school?" Kallen asked.
"Oh, that's my fault," Villetta said.
"Who are you, anyway?" Kallen asked suspiciously. "You're definitely not an Eleven. What's your name?"
"This is, ah… She's my…" Ohgi said nervously.
"Kallen! Authorized personnel only." Lelouch said as he came to approach them. "Could you get them out of here now?"
"Ohgi?!" Lelouch said in his head shocked as he saw Ohgi was there.
Meanwhile, Euphie and her two bodyguards had just arrived in the Academy. Euphie and her two bodyguards were wearing civilian clothes and Euphie had a hat and sunglasses on.
"I'm really sorry, but there's something I want to talk to Suzaku about," Euphie said to one of her bodyguards.
"It's all right, Your Highness." The female bodyguard said.
(Flashback: Last Night, Viceroy's Palace)
In one of the offices occupied by Schneizel, Schneizel was sitting at a desk. He was looking over a document with a proposal that Euphie had come up with written on it. Schneizel looked impressed by it and looked at Euphie pleased.
"Euphie, I think this is a wonderful idea you've come up with," Schneizel said.
"Really?!" Euphie replied happily as she received her proposal back. "Then?!"
"You should follow the path you believe in with all your heart," Schneizel said. "I'll discuss it with Cornelia so that she understands."
Euphie was happy with what she was told.
(Flashback End)
"Suzaku, my brother approved my idea," Euphie said in her head happily. "Now we can—"
Euphie was suddenly cut off from her thoughts as she bumped into someone. And that someone was Nunnally one her wheelchair and Sayoko was with her.
"I'm so sorry!" Euphie said. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," Nunnally assured. "Are you okay?"
Euphie started to realize that the voice she heard was familiar to her and looked to see that the person she bumped into was Nunnally.
"Huh? Nunnally?!" Euphie said surprised.
"Huh? That voice, is it you?" Nunnally asked equally surprised.
Back in the storage building with Lelouch, Kallen, Ohgi, and Villetta. Both Kallen and Lelouch were now worried by this sudden turn of events.
"He's seen Ohgi now…" Kallen said in her head worried.
"This is bad! If they see me here with C.C. then…" Lelouch said in his head also worried.
Lelouch was suddenly cut off from his thoughts when the doors opened and three more people entered. The three people that entered were Shirley, Suzaku, and Rolo.
"A propane tank for the burner?" Shirley asked. "I'm sure the spare ones are here, maybe in back."
"Okay," Suzaku said.
Shirley and Suzaku saw Ohgi and Kallen and Lelouch went further in.
"Kallen?" Shirley said as she approached.
"Oh… hello, what's up?" Kallen replied.
"Lelouch? why's he hiding?" Rolo asked in his head before turning to see Villetta. "Villetta Nu!? But how? I'm sure me and Diethard killed her back then, and why is she with Ohgi, I need to warn Lelouch and big brother."
"Are there any spare fuel tanks in the back there? Rivalz needs one for the pizza." Shirley asked Kallen as she approached them.
"Uh, maybe they're over on the other side," Kallen replied.
"Oh, okay," Shirley said.
Lelouch hid back and open a small briefcase while trying to think of a plan.
"Can this get any more annoying…?!" Lelouch asked in his head.
C.C leaned closer to him.
"You can use your Geass, can't you?" C.C suggested.
"It'd be dangerous to use it on Ohgi and whoever that is with him, I'd rather not use it on Rolo, and I've already used it on everyone else here," Lelouch said.
"Well, it's your own fault then. You shouldn't use it so freely." C.C commented amusedly.
"Your comments are not helping!" Lelouch replied annoyed.
"Lelouch," Rolo said as he appeared next to Lelouch and C.C.
"Rolo, perfect timing I might need your help," Lelouch said.
"Right," Rolo said with a nod. "Listen Lelouch there's something that—"
Rolo was cut off when Shirley noticed them.
"Is that Lulu?" Shirley asked as she and Suzaku started to approach them. "Are you here? There's something important I want to ask you about."
"Use your Geass and get her out of here fast…!" Lelouch whispered to Rolo before getting up and walking towards Shirley. "Shirley, can it wait?"
"I'm going to create a diversion," Kallen whispered to Ohgi. "Use it to get away!"
"What're you talking about?! You're never around in the first place!" Shirley said as she and Suzaku stopped in front of Kallen and Lelouch stopped beside Kallen.
Rolo quickly used this opportunity to activate his Geass and it created a field as large as the room they were in thus everyone besides himself and C.C was frozen.
"Okay let's go," Rolo said
He and C.C got up and quickly ran to the door then once they were outside they stopped and Rolo deactivated his Geass. He then poked his head inside and signalled Lelouch that he and C.C were out. Lelouch saw his signal and nodded showing he understood. Rolo then walks away from the door and turns to C.C.
"Alright go hide somewhere," Rolo said
"Fine, I suppose that was a little too close." C.C said as she walked away." Besides, I still want to have some o the biggest pizza in the world."
Back inside the storage building.
"Good, he got C.C out of her before anyone saw her," Lelouch said in his head. "Now to focus on Ohgi."
Kallen suddenly screams out loud which surprises everyone causing them to turn their attention to her.
"The panels are falling!" Kallen shouts while she swiftly takes out her hidden knife and cuts the support wire that holds up the panels. "Runaway!"
Shirley screams in fear as the panels are about to fall on her.
"Don't just stand there!" Kallen yells as she and Lelouch ran to help Shirley. "Watch out!"
As they do Lelouch pushes a button and that sets off a smoke device that covers the room in pink smoke, in the confusion Ohgi grabs Villetta's hand and runs away. While in the room Shirley is saved by Kallen who knocked her out of the way and is now on top of her while Lelouch and Suzaku were standing beside them holding up the panel the was going to fall on Shirley.
"Uh… I… thank you." Shirley said.
"I'm just glad you're okay," Kallen replied relieved. "But where'd all this smoke come from?"
"It must be for detecting gas leaks," Lelouch said. "It looks like the valve was knocked loose."
"Never mind that. Can someone help me, please?" Suzaku asked. "I'm in a little pain here."
"What's the matter?" Kallen asked.
"My ankle… it's a very familiar feeling." Suzaku said and they look to see Arthur there who was biting Suzaku's ankle.
Meanwhile, outside the Academy, Ohgi and Villetta were now in the woods standing beneath a tree and were breathing heavily from running the whole time.
"Sorry you got caught in that weirdness back there," Ohgi said catching his breath.
"No, it was actually sort of fun!" Villetta assured. "I haven't felt this excited in a long time."
"I think it's better you move out of Area 11 now," Ohgi said. "Whoever shot you wouldn't come after you. You should be safe."
"You know, Ohgi… I wonder if the person I used to be was as happy as I am now." Villetta wondered. "So… Can you tell me what you were going to say… when we were back there at the school?" Villetta asked which surprised Ohgi, "You started with "She's my…" She's my what?"
"Well… you see…" Ohgi said.
"I really don't think I'd mind becoming an Eleven," Villetta said.
Meanwhile, in Lelouch and Nunnally's residence, Nunnally and Euphie were sitting at a table and having tea.
"Will you keep our secret?" Nunnally asked. "I mean, about Lelouch and I being here?"
"But if you just stay like this…" Euphie replied.
"All I want to is to be with my brother; that's all that matters," Nunnally said. "And my friends, both Logan and Rolo mean a lot to both of us."
Euphie thought as she processed what Nunnally told her as she drank some more of her tea.
"Do you remember that time you and I got into a great big argument? On which of us was going to marry Lelouch when we grew up?" Nunnally asked with a smile.
"Yes, I do!" Euphie said happily. "We put Lelouch on the spot by making him decide right then and there!"
They both laughed thinking back on the happy memories that they shared.
"So, how about now?" Nunnally asked.
"Huh?" Euphie replied.
"Do you still love him, even to this day?" Nunnally asked.
Euphie was surprised by Nunnally's question. Outside of the room, Sayoko was guarding the door and standing in front of Euphie's two bodyguards.
Back outside, Rivalz was overseeing and announcing the preparations of the giant pizza that was about to be made.
"All right! Any moment! We are about being the historic task of the making of the world's largest pizza!" Rivalz announced. "Please note that this contraption at my feet is an oven specially built just for this occasion a fabulous waste of money!"
In the control booth, Lelouch was looking over the giant pizza making. Lelouch was doing some calculations and then he pushed some buttons. Lelouch was also on the phone with Shirley.
"Yes, I understand, Shirley," Lelouch said. "I promise I'll make time for you. Right now just send Group B to the stage to help. Right."
Lelouch hung up the phone and smiled.
"This feels so easy," Lelouch said with a smile. "If I make a mistake here, no one's life is on the line."
The door opened and Milly entered.
"Not bad!" Milly said with a smile. "Got everything on schedule, huh?"
"I've learned to manage people lately," Lelouch said. "Still, they seem so optimistic, don't they? The Chinese Federation attacked just the other day, but look at everyone."
"That's true isn't it." A male voice suddenly said.
Both Lelouch and Milly looked to see Logan enter.
"Logan, you're here?" Lelouch asked.
"Yeah, I heard you were in here," Logan said as he walked closer to Lelouch and leaned in the whisper in his ear. "I finished talking with Diethard, everything's taken care of, and the person we're waiting for should arrive at any minute."
Lelouch nodded.
"Hey, Logan! what was the big idea about not helping with the giant pizza?" Milly asked.
"Look Milly," Logan said turning to face her. "You may think this is a good idea, but for me, this just feels like a circus act and I want no part in that."
"That's so rude, oh I've got an idea," Milly said with a smile. "Logan I officially order you as Student Council president to take part in the festival!"
"Well, I officially don't care." Logan rebuked.
"Darn you're no fun," Milly said disappointed.
Logan then sat down.
"Anyway, I agree with Lelouch," Logan said looking at the people enjoying the festival. "These people are being too optimistic after everything that's happened."
"That's why we need this," Milly said with a smile. "Festivals are necessary… for everyone, all the time. You two still need to learn a bit more."
"You're the one who needs to learn more Milly," Logan said which surprised Milly. "The only reason they can smile like that is that in their minds they have no reason not to," Logan then looks down at the people in the festival while narrowing his eyes. "Think about it, it's just so easy to overlook a bigger problem when it's someone else's problem, the just living in ignorance."
Lelouch looks at Logan while silently agreeing with him while Milly was surprised by his outlook on this matter.
"Hey, is everything alright?" Milly asked concerned.
"Don't worry about it," Logan said brushing her off.
"Lelouch!" Nunnally's voice spoke.
"Nunnally, how's the pizza—" Lelouch said as he turned his head to see Nunnally and was surprised to see who was with her.
Lelouch, Logan, and Milly saw Nunnally and they were surprised to see Euphie with her.
"Sorry, I need a second!" Lelouch said as he gets up and rushes over to them. "Call me if something happens!"
At the platform, Rivalz was coming down using a rope.
"It looks like the ingredients are all prepared!" Rivalz announced and he landed on his feet on the floor. "Now, introducing our special dough tosser!" Rivalz continued as the huge sheet was brought down and it was revealed to be an old Knightmare Frame. "The Ashford family Ganymede!"
The people all cheered when they saw the Knightmare.
"Yes, it's a bit of an antique," Rivalz continued. "however, at the controls is the student council's special member and Princess Euphemia's personal knight, SUZAKU KURURUGI!"
Suzaku was in the driver's seat in the Knightmare and nodded as to the crowd cheered even louder when he appeared.
Kallen and Sayoko were also on the platform along with a few others who were helping with the pizza, and Kallen noticed the people cheering for Suzaku.
"Listen… is that because of…" Kallen said.
"Yes. There are lots of Elevens who came here today." Sayoko said with a smile. "It's an open festival after all, and this is Suzaku's school."
"So they came to see him?" Kallen said noticing a large number of Japanese people in the crowd.
"Yes. Suzaku is like a ray of hope for many Elevens. They revere him." Sayoko explained.
"I see," Kallen said surprised that she hadn't seen things this way until now.
Milly looked on a hill of the campus and Lloyd and Cecile showed up to join her.
"Ganymede," Lloyd said. "A third-generation Knightmare. The type used by Lady Marianne the Flash, isn't that correct?"
"It's just a fundamental frame," Milly replied. "A big puppet for events like this."
"An unorthodox design dropped for the next generation of Knightmares due to Lady Marianne's death," Lloyd said.
"I'm guessing that's the real reason you want to marry me." Milly deduced with a downcast expression.
"So now you get it," Cecile spoke. "He has no attraction whatsoever to the opposite sex."
"Well… I get the general idea, anyway." Lloyd said with a smile.
At the platform, Suzaku controlled the Ganymede to toss the giant dough
"...And again!" Rivalz said with excitement. "Can he get it any larger, folks?! C'mon, Sir Suzaku! We've got high hopes for you!"
There were three people sitting on the stairs watching and it was Lelouch, Euphie, and Nunnally.
"Last year, it was my turn to do it," Lelouch said. "but I can't compare to a real pro."
"This is a day of sweet surprises," Euphie said happily. "To think you and Nunnally were so close all this time, and that you and Suzaku are friends as well."
On the walkway leading to the stairs, Shirley came by and saw Lelouch and the others.
"What is that guy doing?" Shirley said annoyed. "This is no time to be hitting on some pretty girl!"
Back at the stairs with the three siblings.
"I never want to see people unhappy ever again," Euphie said.
"Remember, we can't meet after this," Lelouch said.
"That's not true," Euphie said. "I've found a solution for everything."
"Lelouch!" Shirley called out as she began to approach them when suddenly a gust of wind blew by and blew off Euphie's hat revealing her long pink hair. Shirley looked and was surprised.
"Is that Princess Euphemia?!" Shirley said loudly
This drew the attention of other people and they wondered if Princess Euphemia was really there. The people on the campus heard and looked and, they saw that she was really there on the stairs with two others. Lelouch, Nunnally, and Euphie did not like what was happening at the moment.
"Princess Euphemia?!" Nina said surprised as she looked.
Euphie and Lelouch quickly stood up.
"Lelouch! Take Nunnally away!" Euphie said.
"Sorry to leave you alone at a time like this!" Lelouch said.
Lelouch quickly took hold of Nunnally's wheelchair and took off as fast as he could. Inside the school, the female bodyguard rushed to get to Euphie while being on her phone with her partner and the male bodyguard was running between buildings to get to Euphie. Members of the news team were excited and rushed over while a cameraman was linking up to their studio. The students were also excited and rushed over to get to Euphie.
"Everyone, stop!" Suzaku called out. "Don't run! Please don't panic!"
Suzaku ended up neglecting the controls and the Ganymede no longer had a hold on the large pizza dough and the dough ending up flying off Ganymede's hands and landed on top of a tree. On the roof, C.C looked horrified at what she had just witnessed.
"Pizza…" C.C said as she felt crushed.
Lloyd and Milly just looked on as to what was happening.
"Guess we should've left this to the pros," Lloyd said. "What do you think?"
"I'm afraid I'm just gonna have to give up on this one…" Milly said feeling disappointed. "And some other things."
There were sudden gunshots. The soldiers from the ASEEC had their guns up and shot them in the air and it stopped the mob in their tracks.
"Everyone, stop this at once!" Cecile said. "Do you realize who this is?! This is the sub-viceroy, the third Imperial princess!"
The two bodyguards arrived and went in front of Euphie.
"Thanks for your help!" The female bodyguard said. "We'll take over from here. Stand back of–"
The crowd rushed in and cut them off.
"H.I. TV! A comment!" A female reporter said excitedly, "Just one word, please!"
Nina showed up and tried to call out to Euphie so that she could help her and students were rushing in and closing in on the personal spaces of Euphie and Cecile and everyone was too excited. Meanwhile, Diethard came out of the H.I. TV van and no one else was around. Diethard was on the phone with Ohgi.
"You don't say? Already? You've escaped on your own? I'd say that's excellent, Deputy Commander." Diethard said conversing with Ohgi. "We'll stay right here. Right." Diethard then hung up. "Looks like we wasted the equipment space inside the news van. There's no need for the captain of the Zero Squad to escape now either."
"Excuse me, are you Diethard Reid?" A male voice suddenly said. "I was to meet you here."
Diethard turned around and saw the person who spoke was a tall young man with a lean body, he has brown eyes and long black hair that reach to his knees donned with a red back headpiece. He wears a blue short shirt similar to a men's qipao and a long white shirt with two cut leg slit underneath. He also dons a red sash with his sword attached to it, black pants and brown boots.
"Oh yes," Diethard said. "I see, you're Li Xingke, I was told that you would come by."
Xingke nodded.
"It's nice to meet you," Xingke said. "I am indeed Xingke and if it's possible I was hoping to meet Zero and Soul since they're the one's who called me here."
"I understand, in truth, we were hoping to form a connection with you and your group in the Chinese federation," Diethard said. "Zero and Soul are both currently working on some important matter's, I introduce you to them both later on."
"Very well then," Xingke said. "I understand."
Back with the mob, they were awestruck as Euphie was picked up by the Ganymede that was being controlled by Suzaku.
"Princess Euphemia, you're not hurt, are you?!" Suzaku asked.
"I'm fine!" Euphie said. "Thank you, Suzaku!"
Meanwhile, Lelouch and Nunnally were hiding in a small concession stand.
"Are you okay, Nunnally?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes," Euphie said. "How about Euphemia?"
"She's all right," Lelouch said. "Suzaku's taking care of her."
"I see…" Nunnally said. "Lelouch, guess what? Euphie said that she and Suzaku are becoming very close now."
Lelouch was shocked by this revelation.
"They make a nice couple, don't you agree?" Nunnally asked.
"Nunnally, you…" Lelouch said concerned and then clenched his teeth.
Meanwhile, on top of a hill, Logan was watching watch was going on with the mob.
"Well this day sure has been interesting," Logan said, "It's just one thing after another."
"Big brother!" Rolo called out as he approached him.
"Rolo, what's wrong?" Logan asked.
"There's something I've learned that you need to know," Rolo informed.
"Hmm?" Logan replied.
Euphie looked around and was able to see Lelouch and Nunnally.
"Thank heavens," Euphie said in her head. "They're all right!"
"Princess Euphemia, down here! Can I get a statement, please?!" The female H.I. TV reporter requested holding up the microphone.
"Could you please network this broadcast nationwide?" Euphie asked.
"Huh? You mean go live now?" The new reporter replied.
"Euphie?" Suzaku spoke wondering what was going on.
"I have a very important announcement!" Euphie declared.
(Area 11 Viceroy's Palace)
In the Knightmare Hanger, Guilford ran and saw Cornelia who was checking on her Gloucester.
"Your Highness! It's Princess Euphemia!" Guilford reported.
"What's she doing now?" Cornelia drawled.
(Black Knights Mobile Base)
Todoh and Rakshata were watching the news wondered what Euphemia was up to.
"And we go to our special live coverage." The news anchor said.
"I am Euphemia," Euphie said. "sub-viceroy of Area 11 of the Holy Britannian Empire. There is something of great consequence that I wish to tell you all today!"
"Now what?" Rakshata asked. "This little girl makes such a fuss."
(Ashford Academy)
"I, Euphemia li Britannia, hereby declare the formation of the Specially Administrated Zone of Japan in the area surrounding Mt. Fuji!" Euphie declared.
Euphie's words brought great shock and surprise to everyone who was listening.
"What?!" Lelouch spoke. "Britannia has—?!"
Meanwhile, Suzaku was shocked as well.
"They're recognizing… Japan?!" Suzaku spoke.
Logan also heard the announcement.
"No, but then means..." Logan spoke.
In the H.I. TV van, Diethard was shocked and angry at what was going on.
"Dammit!" Diethard said as he slammed his fist on the console. "I never thought of this game! Even though it's only a limited area!"
Outside, Euphie continued on.
"Within the Specially Administrated Zone of Japan," Euphie said. "Elevens will be permitted to call themselves Japanese. Restrictions against Elevens and special rights for Britannians will no longer exist within this zone. It will be a place where Elevens and Britannians live side-by-side as equals!"
In the concession stand, Lelouch was still shocked and he shook his head.
"Stop this, Euphie!" Lelouch said in his head. "I already thought through every detail of that scenario! It's nothing but an empty dream!"
"Do you hear me, Zero?" Euphie asked.
"Huh?" Lelouch replied.
Euphie then looked around "No, not just Zero... Soul as well. I don't care about your past nor who you are underneath your masks! I beg of you! Join us in creating the special zone of freedom!"
"Join Zero and Soul?" One of the male students asked.
"No way! Just think about Prince Clovis!" Another male student asked.
(Viceroy's Palace)
Cornelia was shocked and disgusted in hearing Euphie's announcement.
"WHAT IS SHE DOING?!" Cornelia asked.
(Ashford Academy)
"Zero and Soul, help me build a new future within Britannia!" Euphie said. "A place for everyone!"
People started to cheer for Euphie. There were some people who didn't like the idea and some who questioned Euphie's intentions.
"The Japanese Zone?" One of the female students said confused. "Why's she doing that now?"
"That's pretty obvious. She's in love with an Eleven." Another female student said.
In the concession stand, Lelouch leaned back and was taking in what was happening.
"I'm finished!" Lelouch said in his head. "Either way I go, the Black Knights will break apart over this! The reason we exist has vanished! How could this have happened so easily?! You think you can just take it all from me like this?! Even if it is a place where we can be ourselves?! You know nothing… You understand nothing! I am the terrorist who hides his face, and you…"
Back with Logan and Rolo, Rolo looked surprised while Logan looked enraged and clenched his first.
"Big brother, isn't this a problem?" Rolo asked.
"No, even if she thinks this will work, it's not a real solution long term," Logan said. "And besides..." He then thought."You really think you can stop all our goals with this ideology... Something like that... I refuse to accept something like that..." Logan thought angrily.
Xingke also watched and was surprised by this turn of events.
"This is an interesting development," Xingke said. "Now to see how the Black Knights will respond."
Lelouch looks over to Euphie who was looking happy and excited by what she had done.
"Lelouch!" Euphie said in her head. "Now we can be like before!"
"No, the past is dead and gone…" Lelouch said in his head enraged while glaring at Euphie. "Euphemia!"
To Be Continued
And that's the chapter. And with the end of this chapter we've covered the school festival, as you saw I've brought Xingke early into the story as for why you'll see later. And now finally, mercifully, we've reached the SAZ I've been waiting for this since the start and be prepared for the biggest divergence from the canon in this entire story.
So see you next time, hope you enjoyed, and have an awesome day.