"Lelouch, it's true what you said." said Suzaku on the income
Lelouch, marching out of the conference room with the UNF leaders, headed back to his jet ship where Kallen and CC was waiting for him. Lelouch sat down next to Kallen as a picture was coming into view of the wall screen of a blond-haired man. It was Schneziel.
"Hello, Lelouch. You're still trying to control the very destiny of humanity itself, aren't you?"
"Well, Schneziel, what was your reason of destroying half of Pendragon? To make me coward in fear?" replied Lelouch in an authoritative manner of an Emperor.
"No, of course not, but I was hoping that it would give the chance to end the nonsense bloodshed, for I don't recognize you as Emperor. I'm asking you to step down and I'll get rid of the FLEJIA warhead that was used against Pendragon and the Tokyo Settlement."
Lelouch scoffed. "Really, you consider yourself more suitable to rule Britannia than me."
"No, of course not," Schneziel said, shaking his head. "I'm speaking of someone who is more suitable to the throne of Britannia."
The screen move to where Schneziel was pointing to; a figure that was sitting down on a wheelchair with sandy brown hair and eyes closed. Lelouch, Kallen, Suzaku and CC gasped at the sight of the person that was in their view whom they thought was long gone.
"Lelouch…Please stop whatever you doing right now or else I'll become your enemy."
"Is it true what they said about Pendragon?" said one person.
"It must be." replied another.
"If that's so, then…"
"Stop with all this ridiculous rumors," said Jeremiah as he jump down from where he was. "I will not tolerate such nonsense."
"But it's true."
Jeremiah turned around to see a Japanese woman, staggering right behind him with her clutching her right arm. It was the same Japanese woman he fought before.
"Please, you must get me to Master Lelouch. It's urgent."
"Lelouch, Schneziel told me everything. About you being Zero? If that's true then tell me, were you doing this for me because…"
Lelouch chuckled a sarcastic laugh."For you? Did our brother tell you the reason why? I did become Zero to destroy the world and create a better one in its place. My lies was necessary to protect you from Britannia, but since you're so involved of destroying half of Pendragon, your hands are just as dirty as mine. Your "precious" brother Schneziel is playing you for a fool. You really completely trust Schneziel over the one brother who took care of you since you were six."
"Impossible! Schneziel didn't lie or hide things from me. He isn't the monster you think he is. Everything he's done has been good for the world," replied Nunnally, desperately trying to get through to Lelouch but in vain.
"Enough of this! You're using your blindness as an excuse to make everyone pity you. Schnozzle had murdered half of the population in Pendragon just to prove his point the he is the master over humanity and you're defending him like he's some God while accusing me like I'm the devil. You're such a hypocrite." Lelouch yelled back. "Now you have become the arrogant face of nobility whom look down upon those who tried to do right which I despised. If you try to interfere, I will have no choice to destroy you even if you are my sister."
"But…" Before Nunnally could answer back, Lelouch ended the conversation.
"Do you think you were being too harsh on her, Lelouch?" asked Kallen after seeing the fight between the two siblings who truly cared about each other.
"I did what I had to do and to tell you the truth, I'm not proud of it."
"Nunnally, are you okay?" asked Cornelia as she kneeled down to her sister's level, worried that her argument with Lelouch might have taken a toll on her.
"Schneziel, what Lelouch said…"
"None of it was true, Nunnally. Lelouch is too engross with his power of Geass and as Emperor. But don't worry, the people of Pendragon was given a warning and was evacuated before the FLEJIA was launched, so they're safe."
Nunnally gently sighed of relief. If she had launched the FLEJIA and innocent lives were taken, she would never forgive herself. "Schneziel, please give me the Damocles keys. I may not be able to see or fight, but at least give me this chance to prove to my brother that what he is doing is wrong."
"Very well, Nunnally."
Cornelia, uneasy about what is going on, stood up. "Schneziel, may I have a word with you for a moment?"
"CC, why didn't you tell me that Nunnally was still alive?"
Lelouch, Kallen, CC and Suzaku was in Lelouch's quarter on the Avalon as they were discussing the situation with Nunnally and Schneziel.
"I can only know about it if she had glass which obviously she don't."
Lelouch placed his hand on his forehand, angrily. "That despicable Schneziel! He hid the truth from me, all this time." said Lelouch, angrily as he smacked his hand against the chess pieces as they fell to the floor.
"And to use it against me in such a devious way," said Lelouch, clutching his chest. "Was effective."
"Lelouch," said Suzaku as he picked Lelouch up by his shirt. "This is no time to lose control. Nunnally's reappearance should have no effect. The Zero Requiem must continue forward."
In the Avalon Medical Ward
"I know his Highness wants me to rescue the princess, but Schneizel already predicted it. There's must be a way..." said Sayako as she was resting from her injuries.
"You're Japanese, yet you serve Britannia. I see where your loyalty lies." said Jeremiah.
"So, it's true! What you did?"
"Yes, it's all true." replied Schneziel.
"You lied to Nunnally just as…"
"It was just to console her from her worries. Her duty was to make Lelouch doubt his cause. I used Nunnally in a way for Lelouch to lose control and the resulting chaos of him losing the Black Knights with their faith into him who they're now serving me."
"You're manipulating the people."
Schneziel press a button which showed a map of the outer phrase. "Cornelia, you and the rest of world realize that of all the wars and chaos that has been inflicted upon the world has been done by man's hands. Humanity wants to eliminate these issues but have no clue on how to do so which in this case lies the Damocles which those called in ancient times as God. Our main duty is to defeat Lelouch. Once we defeat Lelouch, the Damocles will reach up to 300 kilometers above the earth's surface."
"You're insane! You've gone mad with power. What Lelouch did is nothing compare to what you're doing. This would enslave the world with fear and dread."
"It's only logical, Cornelia. All of these turmoil will cease to exist. The ultimate authority by this station can turn illusion be turn into reality."
A clap echoed as Diethard and Kanon came into appearance. "Magnificent! I knew siding would you would be pure genius. A marvelous way of turning the world into one single purpose, far superior to what Zero had planned."
"Prince Schneziel, the Black Knights have contacted. They said they're willing to side with you on destroying Lelouch." said Kanon.
Schneziel continued his conversation to Cornelia. "Once the world sees what Damocles is made of, we'll entail everlasting peace."
"Peace can't be attained by force. "stated Cornelia as she pulled out her sword and charge at Schneziel.
But before she could get to him, Schneziel snap his finger and gunshots echoed as they hit Cornelia directly as she fell to the floor.
"I thought you would understand, Cornelia. I guess I was wrong."
Kallen stood in front of the door to Lelouch's room where he was sulking. She walked over to him and sat down next to him, placing her hand on his face.
"Kallen?"
"Lelouch, what is it that you want?" asked Kallen.
Lelouch let out a heavy sigh. "Too many lives have been destroyed because of me. I decided to try to solve the situation and build a new future for everybody but I need more resources. I've lost the Black Knights to Schneziel and so, becoming Britannia's emperor was the only way."
Kallen placed her hand upon his. "Lelouch, I understand. I know how you feel. I went through the same thing with my brother's death He built the terrorist cell that you recreated into the most powerful organization against the most powerful country in the world. Naoto was my motivation and strength, but he's dead. But when you came along, that was all renew because you gave us the hope and courage to believe in ourselves."
"Kallen!"
Kallen grabbed his face and kissed him unexpectedly. "Lelouch, I'm sure you haven't told me everything, but I know this time you're sincere and that you're still fight against Britannia that your father and ancestors have built. I don't care if I'll be fighting along with Suzaku. All I want is to be by your side and nothing more."
Lelouch couldn't answer. He knew what he did was reckless and stupid but if he didn't do it, it would mean that everyone in this world would have perished if he didn't and that include Kallen as well. He has to do this, for the sake of the Zero Requiem even if the cost may de direr.
"Thank you for that, Kallen"
They pressed their lips together, gently before becoming passionate. They began peeling each other's clothes, slowly, feeling each other's skin. Kissing pecks on each other's skin and exploring new pleasure inside themselves that they never even knew exist.
"Are you sure about it?" asked Lelouch, knowing that this was their first time.
"I'll know it would hurt but I'm ready." said Kallen.
Crying each other's name, they made passionate love to each other that was being held within them for so long. Something that they were denying themselves from the beginning.
"Pendragon was the capital of the Holy Britannian Empire. With the destruction of half of the capital, their internal government is paralyzed." said Xingke. "The only force Lelouch can deploy against us is the division he brought to reoccupy Japan. But the balance of power can be tipped for him at any time. To minimize damage, we cannot hesitate. The time to confront him is now."
Lelouch and Kallen laid in bed, arms and arms. They were discussing the situation about Schneziel and the Black Knights.
"You know what we both have to do, right?" said Lelouch.
"Yes, we have to face them, one way or another."
"Are you sure you're prepared for this?"
Kallen took Lelouch's hand and gently kissed it. "As long as I'm by your side, I can face any challenge that's thrown at me."
In the commander's room, where the imperial commander seat is placed, Kallen sat. This was the moment that she, deep down, dread as she was getting to face her former comrades who probably thought that she had betrayed them by marrying Lelouch, whom they see as someone who betrayed them first. They also probably thought that he geassed her, too. But none of that was true. She followed him with her own heart and free will. It has nothing to do with the power of Geass and she was going to prove that to them.
It's now or never. thought Kallen. "Put me on connection with the Ikaruga."
"Oghi, we got a transmission from the Avalon."
"The Avalon!"
"Could it be Lelouch?" asked Chiba, suspiciously
The transmission came on but it wasn't the person they expect.
"Kallen!"
"I see, my precaution to create a personal army was a very wise idea. However, I succeeded of having Nina, Lloyd, and Cecile create a weapon against the FLEIJA."
During the time of the UNF meeting, Lelouch order Lloyd and Cecile to get Nina as he need her to find a way to disarm the FLEJIA.
"Lelouch, do you think that this is going to work?" asked Suzaku.
Lelouch chuckled. "Hmph, do you doubt me, Suzaku? You know me better than anyone including my own self. I've always have something up my sleeves if things go wrong."
Suzaku know that this was true. Lelouch always had a back-up plan in case things don't go right the first time plan.
Kallen looked at her friends or if she could call them that at the moment. She could see their faces in confusion and anguished that their one proud ace pilot was now the Empress of the country that they despise most and marry to the man they distrust. They felt that Lelouch had manipulated her with his Geass and made her into his mindless slave against her will like he did with them. Even though this was difficult to do, Kallen wants her friends to see the error of their way about Schneziel before it cost the everything they have worked for.
"Kozuki, what is the meaning of this? Why did you joined up with Lelouch, knowing what he can do?" asked Chiba
"I know what Lelouch is capable of. I've known…for a while now."
The Black Knights gasped at what they just heard. "How long have you known?" asked Ohgi.
Kallen took a deep breath before answering. "A little over a year now."
Ohgi's shoulder heaved at the thought that his best friend's sister have known about Lelouch and his glass for over a year and didn't even tell them.
"Why would you keep something like this from us? Why didn't you tell us when you found out?"
Kallen couldn't answer that question. She, too, always wondered why she never told them about Zero being a Britannia prince or that he had the power to control people into absolute obedience by just a command.
Ohgi looked at the girl, no, woman that was right in front of him. He never thought that the young woman who was a rough and tough girl,who fought against a mighty empire and proclaimed her distaste for it and its people would actually be the one to rule let alone, marry into the Imperial family. Seeing Kallen dressed up as a royal made Ohgi think on why this came about. He knows that they had left in bad terms concerning on what to do with Zero or Lelouch of that matter, but he would never except her to turn her back on Japan and marry that bastard. It seems that she had made her decision and he has made his.
"I see. So, your loyalty is to him."
"My loyalty is still for the people who been oppress by those who are superior than them and Japan." stated Kallen. "You must understand that what Schneziel is doing can cause unnatural disasters for the entire world if we don't stop him."
"I'm sorry, Kallen but what Lelouch is trying to do is wrong. He was trying to join the UFN, knowing full well that Britannia had the most majority vote if he should be accepted and if they didn't, he would probably use his Geass on them. That's the risk we weren't willing to take. He's our enemy and since you have sided with him, makes you our enemy, too."
Kallen sighed. "Very well. I'll see on the battlefield."
Kallen turned off the transmitter, before any of them could see a tear roll down her face.
"That settles it. Since Schneizel has now agreed to join us our forces are evenly matched with the enemy. Our intention is not the approval of the Damocles' use of F.L.E.I.J.A.s, its bringing unity to the world is our first priority. This battle…" said Xingke.
"This battle is the ultimate test. Control of the entire world is at stake. If we defeat Schneizel and Black Knights then there will be no one left standing on way. This world shall be destroyed and then recreated by Lelouch, the one true emperor of Britannia." proclaimed Lelouch, standing on top of his Knightmare, the Shinkirou. "Crush them! Destroy Schneizel! And the sky fortress Damocles! Crush them all! We have nothing to fear. My name is the future of this world!"
"All hail Lelouch!"
"Lelouch has spread malice and turmoil all across the glove. As the enemy of peace, he must be wiped out. It is time for the Black Knights and for us, to cast aside the grudges of the past and join forces. The people of the world are waiting for our song of victory. I pray that for all time this shall be the last battle in the last war that mankind will ever need to fight." proclaimed Schneziel
It was time.
The final battle of the salvation of humankind rest on the shoulder of Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia and his allies against Prince Schneziel, Princess Nunnally and the Black Knights. Everything will determined the fate of the world.
"30 minutes until interception." said a controller.
"Good. Slow down the Damocles. Prepare a FLEIJA warhead. Detonation range set to three kilometers. We must be ready for battle and soon." commanded Schneziel. "Order the Black Knights to begin their advance. Assume Alpha Formation."
"It's time, Suzaku, C.C., Kallen. Everything depends on us now." said Lelouch.
"Lelouch, don't you hate me? Giving you the geass. I have totally changed your life and your destiny." asked C.C.
Lelouch shook his head. "No, thanks to you, I was able to take my first steps into this new and better world I've been working towards. Everything else was my own choice."
"I've never met anyone like you. I don't want to sound egotistical, but I would..."
Lelouch hugged C.C. "C.C., I promised to give you back your smile. I'll do it at any cost."
"It's curious, even after centuries...this is the first time I've ever felt so...comforted." C.C. claimed as she returned Lelouch's hug. "I'd like to keep this feeling a little longer."
"Your highness, everything is ready to go." said Jeremiah as he bowed.
"Very well," said Lelouch. "Let's end this, Brother."
"Indeed." said Schneziel. "Kanon, it's just as you predicted."
"Yes. The Black Knights are now yours to command, Your Highness."
And so, the battle of world peace begins as Knightmares started charging at each other, destroying each other one by one.
"Launch the FLEIJA." ordered Schneziel.
"Yes, your highness."
"In reality, it's you who's been checked and brought it on yourself. Nunnally, targeting is complete. We must use the F.L.E.I.J.A.'s power."
"Yes,. With this act, I will wipe away my brother's sins." Nunnally replied in despair.
The first FLEIJA launched and evaporated the first hundreds of Knightmares.
"We must stop that weapon!" command Lelouch. "Focus the attack on the lower section. We must destroy that cannon!"
The battle continued on fierce as more Knightmares on both side was being eliminated.
"Enemy fleets all in motion. Deploying into a wide-field aerial formation." said Cecil
"He's using conventional forces" noted Lelouch. "Good. Stretch our left wing. Assume half-moon [spared] formation."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Their main wings are undermanned." said Kanon
"Have Gino's unit advance. Keep the enemy's left wing from extending."
"Yes, Your Highness." replied Gino
"Checking my move. Reverse the direction of our left wing."
"That'll break up our formation." said Cecil
"Do it." Lelouch commanded
"Gino, hold your advance now."
"Blaze Luminous, all green. Have you finished with the preparations for another launch?" asked Lelouch. "Lower the range, target one kilometer."
"Yes, sir. Two minutes to launch."
"They're getting ready to fire." cried one of the members.
Another FLEIJA was launched.
"Another F.L.E.I.J.A. strike…" whispered Kallen
"Twammi fleet is totally obliterated. The operation…"
"I'm not going to stop it. Stay just out of the Damocles range. The Avalon falls back is order. All units, attack in ways and force the Damocles to continue launching F.L.E.I.J.A.s." Lelouch ordered.
As more FLEJIAs were launched, Xingke was starting to inspect Schneziel's actions with the Black Knights.
"Prince Schneziel Schneizel, are you trying to kill us? We aren't beaten yet!
"Very well then. I'll wait ten minutes."
"Ten minutes?"
"Aren't you talking to me because you're already in position to counterattack?"
"All right, fine. Ten minutes." Xingke reluctantly agreed.
Kanon bend over to talk to Schneziel "That's a hefty loan, sir. Considering we need ten minutes to prep the next shot."
"It saves me from dealing with them after the battle."
"Are you saying you don't need the Black Knights anymore?" asked Diethard.
"What purpose for a collective military strength possibly serve?"
"How did you convince the Black Knights?" asked Kanon
"Hmm, they simply understood that I will be the winner, then I made a compromise about Japan's freedom and a few other things as long as they help me with Lelouch. The Black Knights will never accept my new world. It's better to get rid of them along with Lelouch. We will fire the second on Horai Island. All of the UNF delegates and their families are there. After they see the show of strength, they'll surrender. It's a clever move."
"Should we fire another F.L.E.I.J.A. now?" asked Schneziel
"We still have a blaze luminous and should wait for criticality."
"Good point. But it's an excellent opportunity to eliminate the Black Knights." Schneziel agreed.
"Holding out this long was good enough. Land the ship in the Pacific. You'll now follow mission Apate Aletheia."
"Master Lelouch…"
"You have served me well. I'm grateful for the resolve you've all shown." remarked Lelouch. "We should go, Kallen. We have a part to play now."
Kallen got up from her seat. "Yes." she said as she followed her husband out.
"Yes, Your Majesties"
"Meow."
Lelouch and Kallen entered where their Knightmares were. Instead of wearing the regal outfit as emperor and empress, they were wearing their Black Knights attire. Kallen in her black jacket and shorts with long black heeled boots while Lelouch was dress as Zero without the mask.
"Are you sure that Nina's weapon is going to work?" asked Kallen.
"I'm positive. Even though she hates Zero, she also wants that peaceful world that Euphie wanted as well."
Lelouch took Kallen by the hand and turned her toward him. Kallen placed her hands on his chest as Lelouch wrapped his right arm around her.
"I wonder what would have happened if…?"
"I know. I wish I can go back in time and change things a little bit different but it is what it is." said Lelouch. "Kallen, the reason I wanted you to come back to Ashford with me is because…"
"I know. And I'm still holding you on to that promise once this whole thing is over."
Lelouch smiled as he kissed Kallen and with that, they headed out.
Lelouch looked at the diagram of the Damocles, seeing how powerful the shield is. "That shield is too much strong. There's only one way this will work. They will open the shield to fire the FLEJIA. In that moment, Suzaku will shoot it down and I'll keep the shield passage open and Kallen will have disable the cannon and the blaze luminous system."
"I will make this succeed…no matter what… with these hands." said Lelouch
Lelouch, Kallen and Suzaku with some of the royal guards headed straight towards the Damocles.
A diagram of the battle is begin shown with a few knightmares heading towards the Damocles. "Formation of Knightmares approaching. Leading the way is Shinkirou."
"Partially disable the Blaze Luminous around the FLEJIA missile opening. Change the target to Shinkirou." Schneziel commanded.
'Lelouch, your final move is a suicide attack? How painful to watch.'
"Target change, complete."
Schneziel nodded. "Nunnally, this will be the end. Can you do it?"
"Yes, Brother Schneziel." Nunnally replied in a low voice.
"Blaze Luminous, disabled."
The passage opened and Nunnally press the Damocles key, unleashing the FLEJIA
On his monitor, Lelouch could see the FLEJIA coming right at him. "Good Inputting data." His fingers worked the keyboards as he was set in position.
"The F.L.E.I.J.A. changes composition from moment to moment. If we collide it with the reaction corresponding to that composition, we can prevent it from reaching criticality." Nina calculated as she ran down the halls of the Avalon. "However you need to input the local environmental data just prior to the detonation within a 19 seconds time frame. And even if you complete the program you'll only have 0.04 seconds to execute."
"And peace…is completed…" said Schneziel as he watch as the FLEJIA is about to obliterate his brother.
Lelouch finish the process and hit the enter button. "Suzaku!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" said Suzaku as he flew in front of Lelouch.
The Shinkirou released a cord that was passed onto Suzaku's Lancelot. With his "Live" command in full effect, Suzaku pulled out a wishbone-like weapon
"Now!"
The weapon hit the FLEJIA, going inside.
'It should work in theory. But... Princess Euphemia…!' Nina prayed to Princess Euphemia in hoping that her anti FLEJIA weapon works.
A bright pinkish light grow bigger and bigger until it evaporate into nothing.
Everyone looked at shock of the aftermath. Shock and stunned.
'Lelouch, this is the beginning. Everything counts now as of this moment.' thought Suzaku, knowing now the tides have turned.
Lloyd took off his glasses. "Congratulations, Nina. Your FLEIJA eraser redeemed you. You've saved countless lives today."
"T-Thanks," Nina said, looking at Lloyd.
"Sir, we're still undamaged, but the blaze luminous isn't completely protective anymore. The computer must recalculate the fortress' current mass and since the explosion altered the programs, we'll need 20 minutes to restore full protection!" cried Diethard.
"It's just a trick of theirs. Activate all the defenses, but hold your fire until I say otherwise." Schneziel commanded.
"Don't open fire?! If they attack us now, we don't have the FLEIJA anymore!" replied Diethard
"The FLEIJA is a human invention. We can rebuild it given time. The enemy thinks the blaze luminous is impenetrable. If we attack now, they'll know we're having problems. We'll take advantage of their doubts to by some time." Schneizel stated. "I guess it's time to unleash the final plan…Kanon."
Kanon nodded as he bow and then left the room.
Diethard grunt at the answer Schneziel gave. 'He's always kept his composure, no matter the situation. But, does he really have a plan for every situation? How far can they push him before he's out of ideas?'
"It worked." said Kallen.
"Yes, it did." said Lelouch. The Shinkirou blocked the closing to the Damocles "And now charge in."
Lelouch, Suzaku, Kallen and other soldiers followed in except one who didn't make it in time. But before they can enter the fortress, something was in front of them. Something big.
"What the hell is that?" asked Kallen.
Schneziel smirked as he answered their question. "Do you know the legend of King Arthur? He and his knights were noble and valorous men, but they became legendary thanks to the guidance of a sorcerer with supernatural wisdom and great magical power," Schneziel stated. "Human technology has given new life to those legendary knights, christening the best knightmares with their names, but it was only logical that men would give the sorcerer new life and new form in time. That time is now."
A big and powerful blackish-green knightmare emerged from the smoke. It was called Knight GIGA Fortress LFO-1162 Merlin.
"Behold the Merlin Knightmare! The great sorcerer become an avatar of war! He will grant you true oblivion as the weight of your sins drag you all down to the fiery pits of hell."
Hope you enjoyed the chapter and a Merry Christmas to all!