Here's the next chapter. Anyway, I don't own Code Geass or any of the characters just the OC.
—…
42. Emperor Lelouch
A news reporter was doing a report on the exploits of Britannia's newest Emperor. There were images of Lelouch watching as the portraits and statues of his father being destroyed. Lelouch was now dressed in new Emperor attire which consisted of imperial white clothes with jewellery and gold lining complete with a noble white robe.
The news announcer started. "99th emperor Lelouch, who ascended the throne only a few days ago, has ordered the destruction of the imperial mausoleum which held the remains of past Britannian Emperors. Following his abolition of the aristocracy, breaking up of bureaucratic cliques, and liberation of the Numbers. He has also stripped ranks of all those who oppose him and are loyal to the previous Emperor's ideals. Even members of the royal family were not exempted from this and have lead oppositions against the new Emperor. With all the actions and decisions, the new Emperor has also gained popularity by the common people and also has gain support from the military personnel and nobles who in all support the viewpoints of the 99th Emperor. He has also dismissed and abolished the previous Order of the Knights of the Round and established a new one centred around his personal Knight who he has dubbed—Knight of Zero."
Bridge Of The Flagship Ikaruga
The Black Knights and Villetta, who have been watching the news of Lelouch's exploits and were astonished by what the ninety-ninth emperor was doing.
"He's just amazing!" Tamaki commented as he was impressed.
"Does he really intend to completely remake Britannia?" Todoh asked.
"Don't you mean, destroy it?" Rakshata spoke.
"This must be what Lelouch and the others meant when they said they would recreate Britannia." Ohgi figured.
"He's eliminating any faction which could possibly oppose him," Villetta added.
"Even in the U.F.N, most people are expressing their support for Emperor Lelouch," Kaguya informed.
"Some media people are calling him the Knight for justice and the hero of the masses," Xianglin informed.
"What surprised me is how much of the military agreed to join them," Sugiyama noted.
"Don't forget they could've just used Geass." Chiba reminded him.
"Not exactly," Todoh interjected. "A soldier is motivated by more than just following orders. If there exists someone they deem as worthy of swearing loyalty to, Geass no longer becomes necessary."
"So we should assume only some of them aren't under his Geass," Urabe said.
"So, what's our next move? What do we do now?" Tamaki asked.
"What do you mean from "now"?" Rakshata asked as she was still feeling comfortable on the couch she was laying.
"Well, but I mean… Everything's different. We got back Japan and now Britannia is on our side, so the plan worked."
"No, not yet," Xingke spoke which brought the attention of everyone on the bridge.
"Yes, that's true," Euphie agreed as they turned their attention to her now. "I'm afraid this is only the beginning, these actions he's taking are going to have an effect on the world on a much greater scale."
"Yes, and when that time comes, we must prepare ourselves as well," Todoh added.
"Then we mustn't let our guards down," Xingke said before he turned to the person standing at the top of the room. "Right, Zero?"
As he said, Zero was also present at this meeting and his only response was a nod.
Throne Room, Pendragon Imperial Palace
Lelouch was sitting on his throne as he looked on at the supporters he had in the throne room. He had three of his New Knights of the Round standing beside him and CC sitting in a chair holding her Cheese-kun plushy, Lloyd and Cecile stood next to Suzaku. Logan, Suzaku and Rolo each wore new Knights of the Round uniforms that looked different from the old, one of the differences being they were the colour scheme of the uniforms were dark colours compared to the old ones which were mainly white, they each also who their Knight capes over their uniforms, Rolo's one was light turquoise, the same colour as his pilot-suit. Suaku's cape was similar to the one he wore as the Knight of Seven, but the colour change from dark blue to pitch black. And Logan wore a very large, extravagant and embroidered black cape, exclusive to the Knight of Zero. He never knew that there were people that had concerns about his father's rule and who shared his ideals.
Lelouch was able to say in confidence that he had people standing before him now that he could trust. Over the past month before ascending the throne, Lelouch and the others tracked down those who they decided would be useful for Lelouch's take over and Geassed them to do his bidding. However, as they went on, they found others who were willing to work with him without having to control them.
There were some who had doubts and misgivings about the extreme ways the Emperor ruled but couldn't say anything out of fear, some who wished to stir away from conflict rather than toward it, some who only cared about following the crown regardless of who wore it and even some who believed that a new Emperor would benefit Britannia more so than the old Emperor, of course, Logan used his Geass on them to make sure that all their words and intentions were genuine. Regardless of their motives, as long as they bowed to Lelouch's reign, they kept their free will.
Lelouch smirked from his throne and addressed all of the Imperial soldiers in the throne room.
"We've been progressing smoothly towards our goal and everything has been going according to plan. But, do not allows yourself to become complacent. Until all obstacles have been taken care of, I demand all of you to stay alert at all times." Lelouch said with commanding authority.
"""Yes, Your Majesty!""" Every soldier in the room responded. """All hail Lelouch!"""
"Your Majesty, won't you let me analyze that power just a little bit, for science of course." Lloyd humbly requested.
"Do you want to die, Lloyd?" Jeremiah asked rhetorically.
"You mean in the traditional sense?" Lloyd asked, a bit flustered.
Jeremiah scoffed at him. "Ridiculous."
"Now, now, there's no need for that Jeremiah, that's just how Lloyd is." Logan placated the cyborg.
"Heh, if you say so," Jeremiah said before he stopped in front of the throne and bowed before Lelouch. "Jeremiah Gottwald returns from battle to announce that he has vanquished former Earl Rosenkreuz."
"Well done," Lelouch said. "Still, I'm not very popular out there, am I? The nobles are rising up and rebelling everywhere. Isn't that true?"
"People resist when you take away their vested interest. They fight back." C.C reminded him.
"That's why we need to make them fully understand how foolish and pathetic it is to cling to vain pedigrees and past glories." Lelouch declared confidently.
Imperial Palace Hallway
Later on, Lloyd and Cecile were walking through a glass hallway with a view.
"Is this a good thing?" Lloyd asked.
"Is what a good thing?" Cecile asked back.
"Well, you know… The way Prince Schneizel and Princess Cornelia have disappeared without trace. This is the legitimate Holy Britannian Empire, isn't it?" Lloyd elaborated.
"Yes, you have a point." Cecile agreed. "And if it's known what Suzaku and others are actually trying to do here…" She trailed off.
"I wonder if we've become cogs in a machine without even realizing it," Lloyd said.
"By the way, did you know?" Cecile started.
"What?" Lloyd asked.
"Suzaku used to attend school with His Majesty along with Sir Raymond and his brother. They had classes together." Cecile informed him.
"Ah, Milly and Nina's school?" Lloyd noted with intrigue.
Underground Room, Ashford Academy, Tokyo - Japan
Nina was typing away on her computer with Milly on the top of the stairs with the door open.
"I won't be back until tonight," Milly informed Nina.
"Covering something?" Nina asked stilling typing and looking at her laptop.
"A conference," Milly said.
"To decide if we support his majesty, Lelouch?" Nina guessed.
"That's part of it. Area 11, eh sorry, I mean Japan," Milly corrected herself, knowing she needed to get used to that. "It's about whether or not we should go back to the homeland now that it is no longer part of Britannia."
"And…?" Nina wanted to know what her answer would be.
Milly wasn't sure. "Well, I'm not too sure. I don't even know if my family will regain our rank."
"Lelouch is one that—" Nina started.
"Stop!" Milly cut Nina off with her arm up, "Can we just drop this whole subject now and talk about something else?"
Rivalz walked in with a box of pizza from Pizza Hut. "Man I'm hungry, here Nina."
"Sorry Rivalz," Nina spoke.
"Forget it, forget it," Rivalz assured her as Milly left. "You shouldn't go out, you're safe here in the school." Rivalz opened up the pizza box on the table and began slicing the pizza with a pizza cutter.
Nina turned to Rivalz. "Thanks a lot, when I built the F.L.E.I.J.A, I never in my wildest dreams thought all those countries would target me. They're relentless."
Rivalz was saddened when Nina said those things. To him, it wasn't right that the girl was being hunted and he wanted to do whatever he can to help her so that she wouldn't have to face it alone, after all, Nina was his friend and he made it a rule to help his friends when there in trouble.
Exelica Garden, Pendragon Imperial Palace
Lelouch is sitting by the steps of a gazebo in the garden and watching the view while Logan, Suzaku and Rolo all stood by him.
"So soon after ascending the throne, the name Emperor Lelouch has become part of history. All because you dismantled Britannian culture." Suzaku said.
"Sometimes it's unbelievable how the world that stayed the same for so long was able to change completely almost overnight," Rolo confessed. "I have trouble believing and I'm right here."
"The real work is yet to come. At this moment We're about to start a great battle. One that will make all wars until now look like trifling matters by comparison." Lelouch announced. "And after that, the world will finally be able to move forward."
"And, will you be able to move with it?" Logan asked him.
"You needn't worry, I've resolved myself." Lelouch stood up. "It wasn't just Nunnally. We've all lost so much. Far, far too much. But, to move forward into the future we need to take over the entire world." Lelouch stood to let out a small chuckle. "Just saying those words makes me laugh."
Logan held back a laugh himself. "Agreed, honestly, looking back on it, I never imagined we'd be the ones aiming for world domination."
"Yet you're all absolutely determined to do it." C.C suddenly arrived near them with Lloyd, the two arrived on horseback and stopped their horses so they could join the conversation. "Isn't that right?"
Lelouch nodded with determination. "Yes. It's for the sake of Operation Tabula Rasa."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Suzaku, Logan and Rolo declared in unison with a hand over their chests.
"Well then, what will you do about the problem at hand, Your Majesty?" Lloyd asked, climbing off his horse.
"Hmm, I took over Britannia to address that. But…" Lelouch stopped for a moment.
"Is it true? About what Schneizel is planning?" C.C asked him.
"Yes. According to the intelligence's reports. And given that the Tromo Agency in Cambodia has seceded from Britannia. When you add it all up, it leads to one conclusion." Lelouch confirmed it with a frown. "There's no choice. We have to move the plan to the next phase before Schneizel has a chance to put his plan into action."
"But we still haven't finished everything we need to do in Britannia." Rolo pointed out before frowning. "Yet, if Schneizel succeeds, even the full military of Britannia may not be enough to stop him."
"Yes, I'm aware we're caught between a rock and a hard place. We can't cut corners here because of how large of a resistance the nobles and royals are making. But at the same time, we can't bide our time because that'll give Schneizel his chance to pull ahead." Lelouch summarised. "It's a difficult situation."
"That may be true, but then again, you always did enjoy a challenge." Logan reminded him with a smile.
Lelouch smiled back confidently. "Hmph… Who knows, maybe you're right." Suddenly Lelouch got a call on his phone and answered it. "Yes, what is it?"
"Majesty, it's the Knights of the Round!" A soldier reported urgently, getting everyone's attention. "They're approaching, with the Knight of One in the lead! We can only confirm four of the Rounds among them. They're accompanied by their personal forces!"
Lelouch looked at Logan, Rolo and Suzaku and all four of them nodded. They all knew this was bound to happen and had prepared themselves for it.
Skys Above A Wasteland Outside Pendragon
The forces led by Bismarck Waldstein were on their way to remove the one they considered a thief off the throne.
"We swore absolute loyalty to Charles Zi Britannia," Bismarck declared.
"We will never recognize this damn usurper," Dorothea Ernst, the Knight of Four declared.
They get signature readings and soon find that four Knightmare frames are floating in the air waiting for them. Both the Lancelot and the Agravaine floated in the air to meet them. Both Knightmares were upgraded into 9th generation Knightmare Frames. They were both larger and had more spikes and armaments around their limbs and shoulders. The Lancelot now had two Super VARIS Rifles and the Agravaine now had a 7-type integrated armament right arm like the Rekka Byakuen and an MVS Sword as large as its body on its back.
The two now also had energy wings on their backs. Lancelot had six green energy feathers and Agravaine had eight blue energy feathers. Besides the two of them were the Sutherland Sieg and the Vincent piloted by Jeremiah and Rolo.
"Fools, you intend to stand in our way," Bismarck said as they halted their advance.
"That's an odd question, why wouldn't we stand in the way of enemies intending to besiege the capital?" Logan shot back.
"Bismarck, there is no longer a place for you in Britannia, turn back now and leave or surrender, if you choose to fight we'll have no choice but to cut you down." Suzaku threatened.
"You think we'll be swayed by the words of a traitor?" Monica glared at him.
"Kururugi, we came to take back the Empire from that false ruler and kill you all who serve him," Bismarck said seriously. "The fact that you appeared before us just saves time."
"Actually, you saved us the time of finding you." Rolo corrected him. "You're the last remnants of the old Emperor's reign, once you're gone Britannia will finally move into the future."
"This Empire doesn't need two Order of Knights of the Round, so there is only one option, to we eliminate you." Jeremiah declared.
Bismarck and the others prepared for battle. "Everyone, strike now. No prisoners."
"""Yes, My lord!""" They all said in unison.
"Guys, leave Bismarck to me, you all handle the others," Logan instructed them. "Suzaku, you also take out their personal forces."
""Roger!"" Jeremiah and Rolo replied in unison.
"It won't be difficult with Lancelot Albion." Suzaku proclaimed.
"Heh, and I'm eager to try out my Agravaine Meliodas." Logan proclaimed.
Underground Room, Ashford Academy
Nina was still typing away on her laptop and Rivalz was sitting watching a television program. Their program was interrupted by a news broadcast.
"We interrupt this program to bring this news alert," A news reporter said and Nina and Rivalz watched. "We have just received word that forces opposing his majesty, Emperor Lelouch, are attempting to invade Pendragon. This time, they are the Knights of the Round who have declared their loyalty to the previous Emperor and have denounced the current Emperor."
Images were showing the standoff between Knights of the Round with their Knightmare Frames.
Ikaruga
The Black Knights were watching the same news report on their monitor was surprised.
"A fight between Knights of the Round," Euphie commented.
"And look, the Lancelot and the Agravaine," Kallen pointed and out.
"With energy wings," Rakshata noticed the upgrades as well.
"Yes and the one leading this opposition is Bismarck," Xingke said.
Sky's Outside Pendragon
On Bismarck's signal, all those behind him charged forth. The Knight of Four charged in first and Rolo confronted her, drew his Vincent's two MVS short-Swords. Jeremiah moved in as well and was faced with Monica as he prepared to engage in battle with the Knight of Twelve. Suzaku used the blinding speed of Lancelot Albion to dash around the battlefield and destroy enemy forces before they could even react while Gino tried to go after him. That left Bismarck and Logan.
"It's just you and me now," Logan said.
"Know that there will be no mercy or forgiveness for any of you," Bismarck told him.
"We don't need your forgiveness," Logan replied as he charged forward.
The Agravaine and the Galahad clashed in the sky before elevating upwards as they continued to clash. From a distance, Logan fired some of his wrist-mounted Hadron-blaster bullets at the Galahad but Bismarck dodged and used his Slash Harkens which Logan countered against with his own Knightmare's Slash Harkens. The Agravine then used its 7-type integrated armament right arm and placed it in drill-mode before using its blinding speed to close the distance and thrust its drill at the Galahad. Bismarck used his Blaze Luminose to defend as much as he could.
At a different part of the battlefield in the sky. Rolo and Dorothea were facing off as Rolo was shooting at her with his Assault Rifle while she flew around to dodge. She then fired her Knightmare's Slash Harkens at him and knocked his gun out of his hands. But Rolo paid her back by using his MVS short-Swords to cut through and destroy her Slash Harkens. Rolo then closed in and the Vincent spin-kicked at Dorothea's Knightmare which she attempted to block with her Knightmare's arm-mounted shields.
Rolo saw his chance to end it and used his Geass to freeze her in time before he flew away from her and readied both his Swords.
When she was unfrozen, Dorothea was shocked to see her enemy had somehow disappeared. "What? I can't track it!"
Rolo finished the job by appearing behind her and stabbing through her Knightmare's core and ejection block before pulling back and flying away again.
Now Dorothea was shaken. "He got me. But how!"
That was the last thing she said as her Knightmare exploded with her in it. Ending her life.
"That's one down," Rolo said before he flew off.
Back to the previous fight, Bismarck had been able to ward off the Agravaine's drill and was now back at long range while Logan switched the arm from drill-moe back into arm mode.
"It seems I'll have to take this more seriously." Bismarck declared.
With that, the Galahad reached for its back and brought out the large MVS blade that was as large as its body and pointed it at the Agravaine.
"You finally drew your Sword," Logan said.
"This is Excalibur, a Holy Sword granted to me by his majesty." Bismarck professed. "I will use it to take back this Empire."
"Excalibur? What a pretentious name and how could something made of metal and data ever be considered Holy?" Logan scoffed at his claim.
"Infidel, you could never understand his majesty's glory." Bismarck cursed.
"You're the one who doesn't understand, now what this." Logan moved some of his controls.
This time, the Agravaine Meliodas reached for its back and brought out its own Sword that was as large as its body, this Sword was darker than black and unlike Excalibur, it had no guard, but strangely enough, there was a trigger on the side of the hilt.
"This is my Sword, The Limitless (Mugenjin), it is the strongest weapon created for any Knightmare Frame in the world and was made specifically for my Agravaine." Logan brandished his Sword. "It'll be the weapon that ends your life."
"Is that so?" Bismarck brandished his own Sword. "Well then, have at thy!"
Like Knights in a joust, both Knightmares charged forward until they closed the distance and swung their Swords at each other. The two blades clashed in the sky before they both flew past each other, then rushed in again for another clash. They both continued duelling in the sky with their respective weapons as their Swords kept clashing.
Another fight was taking place as Jeremiah was continuously firing missile launchers at the Knight of Twelves Knightmare.
Jeremiah kept firing at Monica. Monica was still able to dodge and she quickly used her Slash Harkens to try and disable the Sutherland Sieg's movement but Jeremiah was more capable than she gave him credit for and never gave her an opening. Monica then decided to try and create an opening herself as she brought out an MVS and closed in on Jeremiah.
"I'll stop you myself!" Monica shouted.
"You've just sealed your fate," Jeremiah informed her.
Now that she was in close range, Jeremiah responded to her offensive by ramming into her Knightmare and then using Sutherland Sieg's bow-mounted electric shock system to electrocute her Knightmare and thus hold it in place. With his enemy immobilised, Jeremiah then pushed a button to fire the belly-mounted Hyper-Velocity Cannon.
With the power of the Hyper-Velocity Cannon and the fact that it fired point-blank at a defenceless opponent, Monica's Knightmare had a huge hole blasted through its chest. With that, Monica's Knightmare exploded and the Knight of Twelve was no more.
While Logn and Bismarck continued their duel, Suzaku was wiping out the remaining personal forces of the enemy. The Lancelot Albion's energy wings had a feature that the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N did not, it was able to use its energy wings for attacking as well and unleashed rapid-fire energy particle daggers from the energy feathers that were strong enough to destroy the Knightmares hit by them.
As Suzaku was attacking, Gino came in to engage him in battle.
Gino fired one of the Tristan's Megiddo Harkens at the Lancelot which it caught and broke in half.
"Will you wake up, Suzaku?!" Gino berated as he fired the other Megiddo Harken. "You can still come back to us!"
"Come back? You've got it all wrong!" Suzaku declared as he broke the other Megiddo Harken. "Gino, what I'm doing is right and for the sake of the world, what could I possibly gain from joining all of you?"
"You'd rather side with someone who killed his father to take the throne?" Gino narrowed his eyes at him. "This isn't like you at all."
"Charles Zi Britannia was someone unworthy of loyalty Gino, he was never worth fighting for or dying for." Suzaku reasoned with him. "Besides, is this what you want to be? You're fighting against your country in the name of a dead man, rather than a Knight, you've just become a criminal who stands against Britannia. Is that what you want?"
"Huh? Stand against it?" Gino repeated quietly.
Gino was caught off guard and that allowed Suzaku to fire his Slash Harkens to disable the Tristan and follow up by retracting the Lancelot Albion and spun before hitting him with a spin-kick to knock the Tristan to the ground damaging the head and the body. The Tristan fell and Gino was unable to move it much to Gino's displeasure.
Meanwhile, Bismarck and Logan were still fighting with their MVS blades. Bismarck got himself some room and saw that he was the only one left still fighting and Bismarck was angry.
"It looks like you're the only one left." Logan pointed out.
"That doesn't matter, even if I'm alone, I will never stop until I've retaken the throne from you all!" Bismarck declared.
The other three came together and floated near the Agravaine as Suzaku spoke.
"Bismarck, why do you continue this fruitless endeavour?" Suzaku questioned. "What could possibly motivate you to challenge us to a battle you know you have no hope of winning?"
"No hope of winning you say, don't be so arrogant!" Bismarck retorted feeling insulted. "You ask what motivates me, I am a Knight of Emperor Charles, what greater motive do I need?!"
"Then you are truly foolish, a Knight who has no liege is no true Knight," Jeremiah informed him. "The one you swore loyalty to is dead and rather than finding another, you merely use their name to convince yourself that you still are one."
"Not only that, right now you're rebellion against your own nation and planning to attack the current sovereign ruler and for what, self-satisfaction?" Rolo commended him a well. "Right now, you're no more than a glorified mercenary."
"And the Emperor you serve was a man who had no concern for his country nor any sense of duty to his responsibilities to it, he never had the right to call himself an Emperor." Suzaku joined in. "He was never worthy of anyone's loyalty. So we, the true Knights of this country will cleanse this country of his ideals and move it into the future."
"Hold your tongues!" Bismarck snapped at them all. "What right do any of you have to speak of Knights? What right do you have to speak of this country? What right do you have to speak of loyalty!?" He was burning with rage at all of them. "You most of all Kururugi! A traitor to all those around you!" Suddenly, the sewing around Bismarck's left eye breaks open and he opens his eye to reveal a Geass. "I heard that your goal was to become the Knight of One. But I am the only Knight of One. And I'll never lose that title to a traitor like you!"
"You're wrong," Logan argued with his claim. "You can't lose what you don't have. The Emperor decides who the Knight of One is and our Emperor chose Suzaku."
"Besides, there is a Knight whose transcends the Knight of One, that is title is the Knight of Zero." Suzaku declared as well.
"Your title is a false one and his one is an empty one that holds no honour!" Bismarck roared as he charged in.
"What would you know of honour!" Logan responded as he charged a well.
Once again, they clashed and locked blades in the sky. They continued swinging their large personal MVS weapons at each other before Bismarck pulled back and Logan gave chase. He fired his Slash Harkens at the Galahad but Bismarck read their trajectory and deflected them before using his own Slash Harkens to cut off the Agravaine's advance and hurl it to the side.
"How did you read my Agravaine's flight path?" Logan asked confused.
"My Geass gives me the power to see the future." Bismarck confidently informed him.
This time Bismarck went on the advance and Logan responded by using Agravaine Meliodas' energy wings to fire energy particle daggers like the Lancelot Albion and unleashed them at the Galahad. But Bismarck flew through them and avoided getting hit as he closed in and brought down Excalibur on him which he blocked with the limitless.
"Ranged attacks too?" Logan cursed.
"Only once before, I used this power when I battled Lady Marianne." Bismarck proudly announced.
Both their Knightmares were climbing higher into the sky as the Agravaine kept firing at the Galahad and the Galahad kept dodging cleanly as Bismarck was able to see through all of his moves. But Logan never fluttered and never stopped attacking.
"He can predict my moves." Suzaku grit is teeth.
"Should we aid him?" Jeremiah suggested.
"No, don't do that." A voice spoke through their communicators.
They each looked to see Lelouch appear on the screens near their controls.
"Lelouch?" Rolo said.
"Listen, as we planned, this battle is being broadcast to the world," Lelouch informed them. "So we must allow Logan to fight and win this battle on his own."
"But if all of us work together we could easily defeat Bismarck." Rolo pointed out.
"I'm aware of that, but there is meaning to him fighting alone," Lelouch said. "The Knight of Zero is a title that can only belong to the strongest Knight, not just in Britannia but the world. Unless he can prove his strength on the field of battle, no one will acknowledge that, so in order to prove his strength to the world he has to defeat the man who is currently acknowledged as the strongest in Britannian history, it's the only way."
"But can he do so even against Bismarck's Geass?" Jeremiah asked.
"He can," Suzaku answered first. "I've fought him more than anyone else so I know what Logan is capable of, he is a warrior like no other whose abilities are unquestionable." He spoke with confidence. "Have faith, he will be victorious."
Lelouch seemed to agree completely as he gave them an order. "Yes, and that's why I'm ordering you all not to interfere. Watch him defeat the enemy before him."
Convinced by their words, Jeremiah and Rolo, along with Suzaku all responded together.
"""Yes, Your Majesty!"""
As the fight went on, Bismarck tried sashing the Agravaine with Excalibur but Logan used his superior speed to dodge and zoom around the sky.
"My name will always be linked with the title of mightiest knight of the Empire!" Bismarck loudly proclaimed.
"That was the old Empire, but the times have changed!" Logan loudly exclaimed. "You might be able to predict my moves, but that won't matter I do this!"
This time Logan charged directly at him and Bismarck's Geass could see that he was going to travel completely in a straight line toward him.
"Head on?" Bismarck questioned before he prepared to counter. "You insult me!"
Bismarck assumed he timed his counterattack perfecting and was going to slice him in two, but at the last second Logan reduced the speed of his Knightmare and thus he threw of Bismarck's timing so their weapons collided again. However, this was Logan's plan. Over the course of their fight and after seeing Bismarck use his Geass enough time, he figured out a way to get the jump on him.
This time when their Swords clashed, they both used the full strength of their Knightmares and sparks were coming from their clash. Now that Bismarck was looked in place, Logan shifted his Sword so that the tip of the blade was aimed at the Galahad, then the Agravaine gripped the trigger and the blade of the Sword opened in the middle and in the centre revealed a barrel similar to that of a blaster with an energy core at the base.
"What?" Bismarck's eyes widened in shock.
"Fire!" Logan pulled the trigger.
With that, energy gathered around the core before a condensed bright yellow and orange beam fired from the Sword and hit the Galahad point-blank. It broke through the Knightmare's defences instantly before the Galahad was violently blown away.
Throne Room, Pendragon Imperial Palace
As Lelouch sat on his throne and watched the battle unfold, he smiled when he saw what had just happened.
"Agravaine Meliodas' Sword, The Limitless." Lelouch thought. "While it was built with the same properties and strengths as Excalibur it has another function. It is a variable transforming weapon that can shift from blade-mode to blaster-mode and in that state, it can fire the beam system as the Shen Hu's Heavenly Particle Shock Cannon, a more powerful system than the Hadron Cannon. Logan always did prefer Guns over Swords so this ended up being the perfect weapon for him."
After thinking all that, Lelouch focused his attention back on the battle.
Sky's Outside Pendragon
After taking that hit from the blaster, the Galahad was blown back a far distance and now sustained damages as some of its armour was cracked and there were sparks of electricity coming from some parts.
"Damn you," Bismarck cursed at him.
"There are two weaknesses two your Geass," Logan announced. "The first, while you say you can see the future, all you really see is the line of attack your opponents will use and so you responded by cutting off their advance midway and set up a perfectly timed counterattack, but if their already point-blank, you have nothing to see so you can't predict anything should they attack you from that close-up."
Bismarck was irritated but didn't respond. He was irritated because he knew Logan was right and hated that he saw through the effects of his Geass.
"The second," Logan continued. "Even if you can predict the moves of your opponent if you can't do anything to stop what you predict from happening, your Geass no longer becomes a factor, for example—"
Logan charged in head-on again and once again Bismarck tried to counter him but he soon realized that the damages his Knightmare suffered slowed do its operation performance as thus he was unable to keep up with the Agravaine's speed as it closed in and hit the Galahad with a strong kick to its centre which shook the Knightmare and its pilot.
"If the difference in our Knightmares becomes too great, you won't be able to stop my moves even if you can see them," Logan said as he raised his Sword. "All you can do is see the future of your own defeat!"
With that, the Agravaine brought down its Sword on the Galahad and smashed into its body, damaging it even further and tearing through the Knightmares armour before sending it down towards the ground. Is it was falling, Bismarck used whatever energy it had left to stop its descent just before it hit the ground and rise back up into the sky.
But, the Galahad's damages were several, it was clear that the machine was on its last legs and couldn't withstand another hit, its defences were all down and it was barely able to move at this point. Bismarck himself was rocked by that hit as a streak of blood trickled from his forehead.
And yet, he still wouldn't quit and braced himself to go again.
"Have you had enough?" Logan asked.
"As long as there is still breath in me, I will never yield to you people." Bismarck breathed out.
"Bismarck, when will you accept it? The era of Charles Zi Britannia and his ideals… It's over, over and done." Logan said.
"It'll never be over, not as long as this Sword—Excalibur is in my hands," Bismarck said.
"It ended on the same day that this Sword—The Limitless entered my hands," Logan said.
"Then you must die." Bismarck decided.
They decided to do one final joust and they both pointed their blades forward and Logan shifted his weapon back into blade mode. They charged as fat as they could but the outcome was obvious before they even began. The damaged Galahad couldn't compare to Agravaine Meliodas and when they struck, the Agravaine blade cut through Excalibur and the Galahad's body, slicing both in half. The machine was about to explode and Bismarck realized that he had lost.
"I failed you, Lady Marianne," Bismarck said with regret.
Bismarck and the Galahad exploded and the Excalibur was split in half falling to the ground next to Gino's damaged Tristan.
Meanwhile, Gino was still having a conflict with himself. "What have I become? Am I a knight of Britannia? And if I'm not… Then what am I fighting these battles for?" The Knight of Three hit his fist on the control panel not being able to answer his own questions.
Ikaruga
The Black Knights and Viletta saw the outcome of the fight and were astonished.
"The Knight of One has fallen," Todoh said.
"They did it," Shirley said.
"Yeah, they won," Minami said.
"They were able to defeat them," Kallen said.
"And Logan managed to overcome Bismarck," Euphie said.
"This must be a relief for Emperor Lelouch," Kaguya said.
"Hmhm," Tianzi nodded.
"Hmm," Rakshata was still relaxing on her sofa.
Their screen switched over to a different channel. It switches over to show Lelouch.
"To the people of the world," Lelouch spoke.
"Lelouch…" Kallen spoke.
Lelouch continued. "The video that you've just seen is final proof that I am the true ruler of Britannia. In name and indeed. Now that, that is clear. The Holy Britannian Empire is ready to join the United Federation of Nations."
"Join the U.F.N? Then that means..." Xingke said.
"We're moving into the next phase of the plan." Ohgi finished.
"But that also means Schneizel should be getting ready to make his move as well." Euphie grimaced.
A Safe House Somewhere In Cambodia
Diethard, Cornelia, Schneizel, Kanon and Anya were watching Lelouch on their flat-screen television.
Lelouch continued. "For the negotiations, I will only have my Knights of the Round as my escorts as well as a small squadron with no Knightmare Frames with them. I will follow all rules of the U.F.N. However, the sight of the negotiations shall be the one nation that is neutral standing between Britannia and the U.F.N, Japan."
They were a bit surprised and Schneizel narrowed his eyes in curiosity.
Lelouch smiled. "The Ashford Academy will be the sight of the conference."
Underground Room, Ashford Academy
As they watch and heard Lelouch's intent, Nina and Rivalz were surprised as well.
""HUUHH!"" Nina and Rivalz spoke in unison.
A Safe House Somewhere In Cambodia
Night fell in Cambodia as Cornelia walked into the main room, greeting Schneizel who was sitting in his chair.
"Is there something going on, Schneizel?" Cornelia asked.
"A certain person decided she didn't approve of us. So she's chosen to flee." Schneizel answered. "We need to deploy Damocles now. There's no more time."
"Is that the only option we have?" Cornelia asked concerned as she sat on a chair.
"That will be up to the world to decide," Schneizel responded with confidence.
Sky's Above The Tokyo Settlement
A newly built Britannian small-sized jet was travelling through the air. Inside the bridge of the ship, Lelouch was sitting on his throne with C.C sitting next to him on her own chair hugging her Cheese-kun plushy. Logan, Suzaku and Rolo were sitting across from them in their own seats while Jeremiah stood.
"Lelouch, are you sure this is a good idea?" C.C asked. "To have just us and a small squad to come with you?"
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Logan sarcastically retorted. "He's as safe as possible as long as we're around." He insisted. "If anything, bringing any more people would have been overkill."
"You sure are sensitive sometimes." Suzaku noticed with a smile.
"Like you're one to talk." Logan shot back.
"Remember we're going there to ask to be part of a democracy," Lelouch said. "To participate in an enlightened democratic system."
C.C was smiling. "Of course."
Lelouch was smiling. "And we all know that there people that enjoy democracy."
"That's a bit of a fixed answer considering you're the one who created this current democracy." Rolo pointed out.
"Hmm, I don't know what you mean," Lelouch said coyly. "The person who did that was Zero. I am Emperor Lelouch." He said with amusement.
Rolo smiled and nodded. "Oh right, my mistake."
Ashford Academy
Everything was set for the conference between Lelouch and members of the U.F.N. People were gathered behind a huge fence waiting for the arrival of Lelouch.
Milly Ashford was doing her live report of the event of the U.F.N. "We're coming to you from Ashford Academy, the site chosen by His Majesty Lelouch, Emperor of Britannia. It is here that the U.F.N. will debate whether to allow the Britannian empire to become a member." Milly notices the Britannian flagship making their way to Ashford Academy. "Ah, it's the Emperor's personal transport."
People were watching as the jet was on its way. On one side of the entrance, Kallen and some of the members of the Zero Squad along with Shirley were standing by and waiting for Lelouch's arrival. The airship soon lands on the campus. Lelouch, along with his Knights of the Round come out of the jet.
As Milly looked on, she was confused and conflicted and spoke in a soft tone. "Lelouch, is that really you?" Milly realized what she was saying in front of her camera and corrected herself. "Ah, I'm sorry. Emperor Lelouch has just landed inside the school grounds and with his Knights of the Round as his escorts."
People were cheering from behind the huge fence as Lelouch and the others came out. There were some comments made as well.
"There he is." A girl said.
"It's Lelouch, the Emperor of justice!" Another girl squealed.
"Those are the New Knights of the Round!" A third girl squealed.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" A woman called out.
"They're just kids." A man said.
People were saying things regarding Lelouch, Logan, Rolo and Suzaku as they walked by and waved at the people smiling.
"Lelouch!" A voice called out and it brought Lelouch and his Knight's attention and they saw that it was Rivalz, who was on top of the fence.
"I need to know the truth, Lelouch!" Rivalz called out ignoring the guards that were demanding him to climb down. "Why didn't you ever tell me who you were?"
The guards succeeded in grabbing Rivalz.
"Hey! How dare you! Disrespecting the Emperor!" One Black Knight said as he and his partner held Rivalz.
Rolo looked at Lelouch. "Should we?"
Lelouch shook his head. "No, it's better to just leave it."
"Let me go!" Rivalz tried to reason with them. "We're friends. Those guys were my best friends at school here. They were…"
With that, the four of them walked on leaving Rivalz a bit confused but Rivalz wasn't quite done.
"Lelouch! Hey!" Rivalz called out.
"Why you…!" One of the Black Knights demanded and was ready to hit Rivalz with a baton but was stopped by a girl covering her face with her arms holding Rivalz's arm.
"He's sorry. Let him go! We'll leave right now!" The girl pleaded.
Rivalz saw that it was Nina who had just helped him.
"Let's go. C'mon." Nina said in a low voice and Rivalz decided to comply.
Rivalz and Nina left with Milly and Lelouch and the others continued heading to their location as they approached Kallen and Shirley.
"Lelouch, Logan, you're…" Kallen spoke softly.
Lelouch stopped her with a smile. "Nice to meet you. You're Captain Kallen Kozuki, a leader of the Black Knights, are you not?"
Kallen figured what he was doing and she went along with it. "That's right. I'm here to escort you safely to the conference."
"And I'm here to escort your Knights to the waiting area," Shirley said, more composed.
"We understand, then please lead the way." Suzaku complied.
"Before we go through. Do you mind if we take the long way around?" Lelouch requested. "I am feeling a bit anxious about this. A little walk might be helpful."
"I understand," Kallen replied.
"Your Majesty," Logan spoke out. "As your personal Knight, I don't believe it would be fitting of me to leave you like this, would I be permitted to go with you, at least until you reach the conference room."
Lelouch looked to Kallen. "Well, miss Kozuki, would that be acceptable?"
"As long as he only accompanies you to the entrance," Kallen answered.
"Very well then." Lelouch turned to face Suzaku, Shirley and Rolo. "I'll see you after the conference."
His two Knights bowed while Shirley nodded as she and the other Black Knight led them away while Kallen led Lelouch and Logan into the school building.
Ikaruga
The core members of the Black Knights and Viletta were watching Kallen escort Lelouch and Logan to the conference on their monitor in the bridge.
"So, it's finally time for the conference to begin," Ohgi said.
"Euphemia and Lady Kaguya will act as presiders while Zero will head the conference," Todoh said.
"Once this is over, the last phase of Lelouch's plan will begin," Villetta said.
"Yes, I just hope we're ready for it," Ohgi said with concern.
Ashford Academy
Kallen, Lelouch and Logan enter the building and Lelouch looks around.
"This place brings back memories," Lelouch commented.
"Not all of them were good though," Logan added.
"I'm… I'm grateful for what you too did." Kallen said smiling. "I know if it hadn't met you, I would have ended my life back in the Shinjuku ghetto. The Black Knights would never have existed at all. I was glad, proud and honoured to be needed by our masked leaders Zero and Soul."
They both kept silent.
Kallen continued. "But… When I learned you were Zero and Soul, I didn't understand anymore. Even so, the men I saw fighting against Britannia always filled me with hope… Hope that we could overcome anything together."
"Why are you telling us this now?" Lelouch asked.
Kallen stopped but didn't look at them. "Because, I know what's going to happen after this, so I wanted you to know in case I wouldn't get another chance."
"Kallen," Logan muttered softly.
"You know, I have a real knack for figuring things out when it's too late," Kallen said with a sad smile. "Like when my brother died or that time with my mother. I just didn't want this to be another one of those times."
Kallen then turned to face the two of them with a sombre expression. "Back at the Ikaruga, when you told us your plan to take over Britannia, I didn't know what to think, but the more you explained it the I realized how serious you both were and when you got like that nothing could stop you, even if it meant you two wouldn't lead us anymore." Kallen paused for a moment. "I didn't say anything to stop you."
Kallen's expression then became emotional.
"Tell me, is this real. Is what you're doing really the best option?" Kallen asked them.
"Yes, it is," Lelouch confirmed. "Or rather, it's the only option."
"But…" Kallen said.
Lelouch cut her off. "Will there be sacrifices, not only soldiers but the innocent as well." He said seriously. "And yet, because of all those things we have no choice but to continue on, no matter the cost, even if there are those who will remember us as villains who used force and trickery to steal the throne, we have to reveal, if that means involving the whole world in violence then so be it, we've come so far to reach this point, we can't let it be vain."
"Then… Then why didn't you let me go with you?" Kallen said looking down.
"Because Kallen, this battle will be the largest, greatest, deadly and most challenging one we've ever fought, no matter how much we prepare, our survival is still in question. But, if we don't beat him then the world will never be able to move into the future, so we have to. But we don't want to drag you and the world into this battle," Logan explained to her. "From the beginning, this was our path to walk, we'll be the ones to see it through to the end."
Kallen processed those words and understood in her mind what they were saying, but in her heart, she couldn't let go of her feelings. And so, she decided to let them know that.
"I know that you have your paths to follow, but don't forget that I also have mine." Kallen smiled without any doubt. "Please know that if there comes a time where you need my help, I will always be there."
"But this battle is—"
"That doesn't matter to me." Kallen cut him off. "Remember, even before I was a Black Knight, it was my role to protect you and stand at your side, that is my path. And I've made my decision; I'll follow you to the bitter end."
Both of them were surprised and taken aback by her sudden declaration before they both smiled and Lelouch gave her a look of amazement.
"You're truly amazing, Kallen," Lelouch said. "I… We are grateful."
Kallen was still smiling before she composed herself as best as she could and turned around again.
"The supreme council will be meeting in the gymnasium." Kallen stoically informed them as she walked away.
Lelouch and Logan followed suit and made their way to their destination as Lelouch thought to himself. "Stay safe, Kallen."
Conference Room
The conference of the United Federation of Nations was being broadcasted live for the world to see. People around the world were watching this event. The people on the other side of the fence were watching. Within the crowd, Logan was watching the meeting with Lelouch and the representatives of the U.F.N, from outside the building and smiled then went back to looking around. In the bridge of the Lelouch's personal airship, Jeremiah, Suzaku, Rolo and C.C who was sitting on Lelouch's throne were watching on the monitor.
"Chairman Zero of the U.F.N. supreme council and Chairwoman Kaguya Sumeragi, I desire that the Holy Britannian Empire participates in the United Federation of Nations." Lelouch declared standing on a platform.
Kaguya looks at the man she once considered as her husband with her thoughts. "Master Zero…"
The current Zero then speaks. "Do you understand that the participation is dependent upon a 2/3 majority vote of U.F.N. members?"
Lelouch nodded. "Of course. That's the democratic way of doing things, right?"
"Yes, that's right," Kaguya said before going on. "However, there are conditions that must be met before your request can be considered."
"I'm surprised at you," Lelouch responded not letting her tone and accusation bother him. "Isn't the new Britannia a better country for the entire world?"
"That is not the issue," Euphie joined in. "Voting rights are portioned according to each member nation's population. Now that the Chinese Federation has been broken up, the nation with the largest population in world now…"
"Is Britannia," Zero finished. "In short, if we vote in your favour and allow Britannia to join the U.F.N. You will have more than half the votes Emperor Lelouch, and essentially have full control over the U.F.N."
"Yes, that would be a problem and I have no intentions of doing such a thing as usurping the U.F.N," Lelouch said with a neutral expression. "Doing such a thing would actually be the opposite of what I'm trying to accomplish."
"That's a rather interesting opinion coming from a man who only became the Emperor by usurping his father." Zero pointed out.
Lelouch smirked at his accusation. "You're saying you don't trust me."
"We're only following proper procedure to make sure that the U.F.N. Remains stable and equally governed by all member nations." Zero clarified. "There can be no exceptions."
"If you truly desire to be part of the democratic process as you say, then break up your Empire, let your territories succeed from Britannia or limit your total votes to 20%, you must agree to one of those options."
Lelouch simply smiled and nodded. "May I take a moment to think about it?"
"Of course," Zero said.
Comments were being made by members of the U.F.N.
While discussions were still going on of disagreement of the accusations towards the new Britannian Emperor, Lelouch was inwardly pleased.
"This is going perfectly." Lelouch thought the meeting went on. "The more they emphasise the importance of trust, the less anyone will be able to question it once we join the U.F.N. My popularity and deeds, as well as my willingness to comply, will put me in a position of being the magnanimous one and that will give me greater support."
Lelouch then looked up at the podium where Zero, Euphie and Kaguya stood and appeared satisfied, especially at Zero, since Lelouch knew who was behind the mask.
"I knew that I'd founded an exceptional organization," Lelouch thought with pride. "And I also knew there'd be nothing to worry about leaving it with you. Euphie, Kaguya, Orpheus."
Outside Of Ashford
Nina and Rivalz were looking for ways to leave the campus and most likely hide for now. It was Rivalz's idea as he didn't want to risk Nina being found and with that being captured. He wasn't sure where exactly to go but he was willing to do whatever it took to protect his friend. He was also hoping that he would get answers from Lelouch. Rivalz couldn't understand why his own friend didn't tell him about his true origin. Why wouldn't he? Rivalz wasn't sure but he was hoping he would get his answers as soon he felt that Nina would be safe. As they continued on, they both stopped when they saw someone and that person that they both recognised immediately. Nina and Rivalz was shocked to see Shirley standing before them.
"I've finally found you," Shirley said.
"S-Shirley," Nina spoke in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"I came looking for you Nina," Shirley replied.
"Hold on?" Rivalz got in front of Nina with a confused look. "What do you want with Nina?"
"Rivalz…" Nina spoke wanting to know the answer just as much as him.
Shirley decided not to hide it. "If you must know, we need her help. I was asked to bring her to Lulu and the others."
"Lelouch wants her?" Rivalz asked. "Why?"
"It's something only Nina needs to know about, and she can only be told about it after I bring her to them," Shirley said.
"Please wait, Shirley, tell me what's going on?" Rivalz asked again. "I need to know, why is Lelouch suddenly the Emperor and why are Logan and Rolo Knights and what about Suzaku as well, also why are you with the Black Knights? What the heck is going on."
Shirley didn't answer, instead, she just listened to him and he was finally letting out everything on his mind.
"Please tell me what's been going on," Rivalz asked now desperately. "We're friends aren't we?"
Shirley could tell what he was going through and recognised the feelings of desperation he was currently feeling. She knew because she went through the exact same thing when her memories were restored and she didn't know what was happening. That's why she knew what she needed to say.
"All right fine, I'll tell you everything that I can," Shirley said.
"Really?" Rivalz sounded hopeful.
"Well yeah, like you said, we're friends." Shirley smiled at him. "But not here, I need you both to follow me."
Deciding to agree with her offer, Rivalz and Nina followed Shirley as they left the school grounds.
Conference Room
"All right then, I've made my decision," Lelouch said, "I know which of your conditions that I'm willing to accept."
"Then what is your answer, Emperor Lelouch?" Kaguya asked.
"Well, the truth is—"
Lelouch didn't get to finish as the doors burst opened and Suzaku ran the conference room with Kallen following behind him. There was shock on the faces of everyone in the room.
"What is the meaning of this?" Kaguya asked upset that the meeting was interrupted.
Lelouch saw this as well and was surprised that Suzaku had interrupted the meeting. "Suzaku, why have you barged in here disrupting the conference?"
Suzaku went down on his right knee with his head down. "I offer my sincerest apologies to the U.F.N and to you Your Majesty but we have an emergency. emergency dispatch from the Avalon."
Lelouch narrowed his eyes. "What is it?"
Suzaku's eyes were filled with horror as he kept his head down and gave the report. "New York… The entire Island of Manhattan… It's been…"
Lelouch gritted his teeth in anger as he knew what this meant. "Damn it! He's made his move!"
Bridge Aboard The Avalon
The monitor was showing the large hole in the ocean where a huge part of New York once was, many important landmarks were located there as well as institution's, companies, resources and most of all, millions of people. The people in the bridge were stunned at what they saw, an entire city was gone instantly.
"The radius of destruction is approximately a hundred kilometres. We have to assume it was caused by a F.L.E.I.J.A." Cecile reported.
Rolo had a grim expression. "That's more powerful than the F.L.E.I.J.A. that was used in Tokyo a month ago."
"That's not all, I'm afraid," Lloyd added. "There's a fortress in the sky above it. It's three kilometres long."
"That must be the Damocles Lelouch was talking about," C.C said.
Conference Room
Meanwhile, Lelouch and Suzaku were rushing out of the conference after the Emperor made his apology and explain that a serious matter concerning his country. Confusion was going around in and out of the conference. Members of the U.F.N's supreme council were not sure what to make of the situation. But Zero, Euphie and Kaguya seemed to know what was going on. Logan joined the two of them once they left the room and now the three were making their way to Lelouch's jet.
"Lelouch, it's just as you guessed," Suzaku said as they walked.
"Yes, I had no doubt that all the F.L.E.I.J.A. warheads were there," Lelouch said with displeasure. "The sky fortress Damocles was developed by the Tromo Agency in Cambodia. It is a perfect base for the F.L.E.I.J.A.s."
"But the destructive power of this F.L.E.I.J.A. Is higher than the one from before, that is something we planned for." Logan pointed out.
"Yes, we'll have to revise some of our strategies," Lelouch said.
They all kept going and left the campus when someone called out to him.
"Lelouch," A voice called. Lelouch and the others turned to find that it was Kallen.
"Kallen, what is it?" Lelouch asked.
"Let me go with you," Kallen pleaded.
"Kallen?" Lelouch seemed surprised.
"What are you saying?" Logan asked.
"You left because something happened right?" Kallen deduced. "Then let me go with you all, I want to help you."
"But you can't do that," Suzaku said.
"I know, the plan was for you guys to face Schneizel, but we can't succeed if you don't make it." Kallen tried to reason with them. "If my help can increase your chances of surviving this, even if it's only a little, then let me go with you, don't make me leave you in the most important moment that will decide everyone's future."
Lelouch could hear the seriousness and desire in her voice and could see it in her eyes, she truly wanted to go with them, rather she didn't want to merely do nothing when the stakes were so high.
Lelouch looked at Logan for advice. "What do you think?"
"Personally, I think it's not a bad idea," Logan answered. "We already decided that we'll have to rethink some things, having another asset like Kallen is a benefit."
"I agree," Suzaku said.
"I know but…" Lelouch looked back at Kallen. "Kallen, I don't want to have to keep involving you in these dangers."
Kallen smiled. "I already told you, this is the path I've chosen. I don't mind a bit of danger."
Lelouch thought of it for a moment and nodded. "All right then, Kallen, you can come."
Kallen was happy. "Thank you."
"But, we'll need to inform the others about Black Knights about these changes to our plan, first let's head back." Lelouch decided.
Lelouch's Jet
Lelouch and the others had just boarded the jet and met up with Rolo and C.C, on the bridge.
"You're all back," Rolo said.
"Yes, and we've brought someone extra," Logan said as Kallen entered as well.
"Kallen?" Rolo looked surprised.
"Well, this is a surprise, how interesting to see you again Kallen," C.C said.
"Hello C.C," Kallen replied although a bit annoyed of having to see their immortal accomplice again.
"But why is she here?" Rolo asked.
"It was a last-minute decision, but don't be too concerned," Lelouch said as he sat in his seat.
Lelouch was interrupted when a transmission of an open channel beeped. This surprised everyone on the bridge.
C.C became surprised. "The only one who would know the imperial private channel is…"
They accepted the transmission and the monitor showed an image of Schneizel El Britannia on the other line.
"Do you enjoy forcing others to submit your will, Lelouch?" Schneizel asked.
Lelouch narrowed his eyes with a scowl. "I'd ask what you want. But, at this point, I already guess considering what you did to New York."
"Correct, that was my doing," Schneizel confessed without reservations. "I've gathered all the F.L.E.I.J.A. warheads. They're deployed to the Damocles."
"Is that so? So you're willing to point your arrows at the Britannian Emperor?" Lelouch challenged him.
"I'm afraid that's a moot point since I don't recognize you as the Emperor, Lelouch," Schneizel said.
"I see. I suppose you think that you're best suited to rule?" Lelouch asked with little concern.
Schneizel shook his head. "No, you're mistaken. There's another who's destined for the throne. The one who's truly best suited to rule Britannia… Is right here."
Schneizel motion to the person he was referring to and the monitor panned out to show Nunnally Vi Britannia who had a serious look on her face. This shocked and surprised everyone in the bridge of the jet that Nunnally, who was thought to have died from the F.L.E.I.J.A. blast last month, was actually alive and well.
"Nunnally!" Suzaku gasped.
"Is it really her?" Rolo asked in disbelief.
"This can't be…" Logan breathed out, not believing his eyes.
"…Aah…" Lelouch was at a complete loss for words and just had a horrified expression.
Kallen and C.C were shocked and couldn't come up with the words.
The monitor showed Nunnally and Schneizel with Cornelia, Kanon, Diethard and Darlton. Lelouch, his Knights of the Round, C.C and Kallen were not happy in what they were seeing.
"Listen well, Lelouch. I declare you're my enemy from now on." Nunnally spoke with determination.
—
To Be Continued
And that's the chapter. First of all, what's happening now is the solution that Lelouch, Logan and Suzaku arrived at after returning from C's world and while it's similar to the canon, the final outcome and what their end goal is will be completely different. So, no Zero Recquim this time, as you heard their plan is Operation Tabula Rasa. That name will make sense later.
Also, Lelouch's Emperor outfit is the same as the one from the canon and as for the others, the New Knights of the Round uniforms are the same as the one Suaku wore in the canon when he was the Knight of Zero, just picture Logan and Rolo wearing that too. But, they have different capes, Logan as the bigger, Knight of Zero cape, and Suzaku and Rolo have standard capes that are their own individual colours.
I also extended the fight with the Old Knights of the Round because I wanted everyone to get to fight instead of having one guy on Lelouch's side solo the rest. Plus, I felt Bismarck died too easily in the original despite the fact that he was hyped up to be invincible so I gave him a longer fight with Logan, which also let me debut Logan's 9th Generation Knightmare.
And all the Black Knights know what the plan is so it'll make things easier and for the duration of the plan, Orpheus is standing in as a Zero stand-in. I also changed the F.L.E.J.I.A. target from Pendragon to Manhatten because this time Lelouch didn't Gess the other members of the royal family, so Schneizel didn't have a real reason to get rid of them.
So see you next time, hope you enjoyed, if you liked the story leave a review, if you want more clicked the follow/favourite, and as always people have an awesome day.