Thanks to Shadow Zeranion and benihime666 for alerting this story, to FearWolfXZ for favoriting and Crystal for thoughtfully reviewing. Thank you very much for your patience too. For more information about chloroform, visit Wikipedia.
Warning: This chapter contains explicit descriptions of violence and injuries.
Translation notes:
Sempai = Term of respect used to address those that are considered at a higher level than them, commonly, upperclassmen or coworkers that have more time and experience than them.
Nippon Banzai = Long Live Japan
Kanpai = Cheers
Oi = An expression similar to 'Hey', used to call one's attention. Not polite.
Information note:
'A Knight in the rim is grim' is a common expression used in chess to express how advantageous and valuable it is as a piece. Another version of this phrase is 'a Knight in the rim is dim'.
STAGE 3
Game Start
Z.Z. merely nodded at her powerful words, accepting her answer as satisfactory and acknowledging she had made her resolution clear.
-Resolution is essential for you, so do not lose it again, Snow. – He said gravely.
-I have my resolve clear. – Snow reassured.
-It would've been disappointing if you didn't. – He replied straightforwardly before looking another way. – We should get going.
She nodded and proceeded to walk at his side. Although the Student Council meeting was probably soon to end, she definitely didn't want to stay there, at that palace that was originally named something else.
Around eight years ago, it was renamed after the original Pendragon Palace in Britannia that no longer existed, when that palace, which originally served as an embassy home, became the home of Britannia's King. A big scandal was made because the King had moved to live in the United States of Japan, which soon afterwards was forced to readopt its former name, Area 11. That area's resistance and rebelliousness that refused to let their country and people be denominated as 'Elevens' again, was, unfortunately, very feeble to impede Britannia's imminent victory. The King moving there was a gambit to instill fear and order himself, as well as strengthening their military bases with his aid in commandment.
It was a matter of months before all resistances subsided, and a grim somber atmosphere reminiscent of the days of Lelouch vi Britannia's reign governed Area 11. As a result, aristocracy became more abundant right before it reached the peek of extinction in that part of the world.
Whereupon, although the King returned to perform his duties mainly in Britannia, he came for an average of four days every month to offer a dance gathering for nobility and discuss with politicians about the most relevant events happening. While Sophia hated being dragged there, she still thought it was a good thing he was abroad most of the time.
This was the second time she walked beside Z.Z. but the first she felt slightly awkward at his side. She had learned in the past hours he had lived in the palace they were exiting, that he had authority as to get her assigned driver to let him take his place and that he had a royal insignia. He was an enigma.
She turned to look at him while walking. Only then did she notice he still wore his chauffeur attire under a gray light coat that reached his knees. She inferred he wore it to cover the blood that stained his clothes. She couldn't believe he had not changed from those bloody clothes yet. Moreover, he didn't look bothered about it at all.
Something about him is different from other people… Z.Z., who is he? What is his story? (…) It's strange but, his presence, just when he arrived, felt…Relieving. Z.Z. is not my chauffeur anymore. He no longer hides his appearance from me, he no longer speaks formally to me, and he shall no longer call me 'Lady Sophia'…
They finally reached the exit. Sophia frowned when she noted the new white limousine was not there and turned to Z.Z., who looked just as confused about it.
Suddenly, four brawny men with serious faces dressed as servants stood behind them and pressed the tips of their hidden guns against each of their backs.
-Don't dare scream. – One of the men whispered to her ear.
Sophia scowled deeply and gritted her teeth. The man's breath against her neck was a disgusting sensation. She was about to turn her head to use her Geass.
-Don't turn your head either, Princess. – He menaced.
Sophia heard the click of a gun right behind her. That was also part of the threat. She growled inwardly before turning to Z.Z. with the corner of her right eye. He looked calm, as expected of him. Though expected, she still felt that was an enviable trait, a trait she would have to earn too someday.
-What do you want? – Sophia asked straightforwardly, trying to keep her countenance imperturbable.
-We'll go slowly, Your Highness. – Her captor grinned. – First of all, you and your servant will walk slowly towards the gate. Don't think of doing anything funny in the way.
Sophia exhaled her rage as if to keep it from invading her plastered expression. This was definitely not her day. Z.Z. could be shot and would revive, so he was fine, but she wasn't. She thought of inciting Z.Z.'s captor to shot him in order to gain a single chance to turn her head and take control of things, but that would call for too much attention inside the palace. While that is usually wanted by people whose lives are at stake, she was not sure if she'd be able to hide her Geass from Schneizel, and she could not afford to lose her one advantage over him. She had no choice but to do as told. If she could wait until they were outside the entrance's gates, she would at least be able to run for it afterwards.
She and Z.Z. walked, following two of the men while the other two were behind with the guns threatening them. To anyone passing by, the men were mere servants escorting their Princess.
At the gate was a limousine waiting for her, not the same one that had brought her to the palace but a different one.
A man dressed as chauffeur opened the door for them to keep appearances.
Sophia was sure this was her chance, but then she only saw a glimpse of gray covering her sight. She frowned as she felt the man tying the cloth behind her head without delicacy.
-Get inside. – They were told.
Her eyes were covered to make sure she didn't see whoever was inside. Little did they know they were impeding her to do something else…
Though blind, she was not deaf. She heard two clicks, distinctive of guns' locks. Sophia's back was freed from the menace of receiving a bullet only to be in the same position inside the vehicle. The door was closed and the limousine began driving.
Relying in her other senses, she figured Z.Z. sat next to her. He probably looked serene, as if he couldn't care less. She also figured there were another 3 people besides them two breathing, sitting in front of them. She had heard two guns click. Most likely, there were two men pointing the guns towards her and Z.Z. But then, there was someone else. It was only logical to think that someone else was important among the group of kidnappers.
Sophia's anxiety was too scarce to affect her. After all, she was slightly used to guns; result that originated from her and Jack playing illegal chess with people rich enough to hire sinewy men with guns in a futile attempt to look intimidating.
Something had been bugging her for a while. Just how extraordinary was the coincidence that she was kidnapped the very day that she was actually in the palace, like a true princess? It was not very likely it was all a coincidence. She narrowed her eyes as she conjectured something in thoughts and decided she needed more evidence to be sure that was it.
-What do you want? – Sophia asked, hoping to get an answer this time.
-Straight to the point, aren't we, Your Highness? This was to be expected from you, though. – The man replied.
His voice sounded distorted with the help of some device; she could not use his voice to identify him. She, however, figured it belonged to a middle aged man. She growled inwardly but refused to give up; she still had other methods to use.
-Should I conclude from those words that your credence is you know me? – She asked.
-My credence, huh? – The distorted voice asked back. – Well, indeed, not much is known about you, Princess Sophia, but that does not mean you are a complete mystery either. For example, it is common knowledge that you're a hypocrite, especially in front of the King.
Sophia growled inwardly and gritted her teeth. Perhaps it was also common knowledge the mentioning of her uncle aggravated her. She was mad, but she didn't express it outwardly. Before she could reply snidely, he continued:
-You also are utterly uninvolved with the Empire's diplomacy and affairs, so you are idle, uninformed, uncultured. However, the most important thing in there is that that makes you unimportant. You are not a key in the militia and you are not even a Deputy Viceroy. Your nobility title alone has unarguably granted you quite a lot of privileges, but that is all you possess. – While Sophia was blindfolded, she somehow felt he had just formed grin, most likely, of a crooked nature. – However, despite having the title of Princess, you are, doubtlessly inferior…
Sophia clenched her teeth tighter than a moment ago. She knew already what he was going to say next. That was the last thing she needed to hear that moment. Yes, he definitely had to know; everyone that knew about it, when letting her know, would say those exact words. Hearing them before had caused her iterative disappointment. The memory alone was capable of causing her body to stiffen, but she masked her body's language by deliberately displaying other movements that were easier to catch by the eye, among those was playing with her hair and crossing her leg; because they were immediately noticeable, she knew the feint would distract the attention of whoever her capturer was such that he would not notice the more subtle tension in her muscles and posture.
She then frowned slightly as she noted a pause of silence was present; her captor had stopped talking. Only the vehicle's movement was audible in the atmosphere, which had become more solemn than a funeral in the blink of an eye, as a silent battle that involved none of the senses except keen, immaterial and superhuman perception unleashed. It was, belike, because he was studying her more gingerly to perceive even the slightest inkling that proved he had positively annoyed her, and that would give him a twisted sense of satisfaction his wide grin would reflect. She, nonetheless, remained composed. It took more than a mere pause that all kinds of people remotely familiar with the human mind, or even TV, know is a renowned technique for her make her give away what her soul truly felt.
Chess in illegal gambling did not only left her money and the ability to be formidable player even in real life situations, turning her into someone akin to a puppet master, someone who can play with other's thoughts, weaknesses and emotions to her advantage, it also gave her what could be compared to a poker face. She could remain neutral by controlling her own body language, something that had been quite helpful when containing herself in the presence of her uncle. And whenver she truly couldn't help doing something, she knew how to cover it without raising suspicion. Because of that, she was not about to show anxiety to her kidnapper right that instant. The sixth sense blindness had given her in compensation told her the man had bought her fake calmness, which might have not been the case, perhaps, had her suddenly somber eyes that debunked her unflappable persona wasn't present not been out of his sight. While that scene could be called a battle, it could also be considered a game.
After the grave pause was due, he continued:
-The puny blood running in you should have never been worthy of being in the King's presence, let alone sit at his side as Princess with the unfortunately not negligible possibility of occupying the Holy Empire of Britannia's throne… There is evidence, fortunately not negligible, suggesting the position you occupy, even if just for appearances, was never meant for you, a commoner.
He then paused again, though he didn't prolong it as much as last time, as if the pause would have an effect that would cause his words to sink in her mind; the pause was an act of intentional cruelty, which only ruthless men can act according to. At last, he went on:
-There are more people than you might imagine that have invested and looked for means for that research to be done. Should you become a threat even greater than this moment to take the throne, I can guarantee you no one will keep their eyes off the detectives. It has always been known you are different. Your infrequent appearances and your dissimulated annoyance during them are boldly blatant. It is not hard to imagine what your true origins must be like. The names of the parents to whom your birth is accredited to are names that never had much importance in nobility, not to mention there are several details that make them difficult to acknowledge as your true family. A lot of the attempts have been blocked one way or another, but, Your Highness, - He scoffed and his unpleasant chortle was heard. - I assure you your commoner history will be enough for you never to take the throne, perhaps even remove your title of royalty, the only thing you have had in your life. I can only imagine the King's limited mercy is deposited in you. Had your parents not died in the mysterious fire, you would be among the lowest ranking in royalty. But King Schneizel, out of mercy, adopted you and gave you everything you have; a pitiable creature you are, indeed.
It took every shred she had in herself to not jump towards the voice she heard and knee him in the stomach, punch his face and scream at him until his ears bled… Sophia's rage had reached a new dangerous level that pushed the limits of her keeping her countenance.
That son of a bitch gave me nothing! He took everything away from me! HE TOOK EVERYTHING I HAD! – She screamed in thoughts, infuriated, shaking, not breathing and containing her screams within her frame, a task she found harder that moment than ever before.
She had one closed hand on top of her other in her lap. Discreetly, she closed the hidden fist of hers very tightly. She didn't doubt her fingernails had left bloody marks in her palm.
For some unknown reason, anger always urges us to hit something, preferably the subject that is the cause of the anger, but sometimes we cannot do that, yet we still have the same urgency, so we hit something else, or we direct the damage towards ourselves and hold something so tight until we break it somehow. While violence is the most visible product of the action, the action itself hardly has any meaning. Violence is a mean our body uses for a single purpose: To cause us pain as the effect of the action's impact. As explained by the Third Law of Newton, someone lucky that got to live in a world in which Britannia was not yet what it was in the present, states that for every action there is a reaction of equal strength though in the opposite direction. While we humans try our best to avoid emotional pain, physical pain is a different kind with a different story. Pain addiction is not something unheard of, especially in emotionally unstable teenagers. As Sophia read once, the addiction those distorted people have is not to pain itself but to the endorphins that come along with it. Along with the many chemicals the brain releases, endorphins are allowed to flow freely whenever an injury or pain is inflicted and their function is that of pain killers, like morphine, and, like morphine, it can become an addiction. Sophia had understood the theory long ago, but it was until then that she had finally processed how much sense that really made.
One way or another involving endorphins, she managed to tone her wrath down. She was no longer filled with ire, but she was not calm either. At least, she was fine enough to think more carefully and have a bit less difficulty maintaining her serene façade standing.
The story the unidentified man told had been told or whispered countless times before while she was close enough to hear it but pretended to have defective hearing and walked on after accepting hypocrite and idiotically naïve grins from whoever was mocking her in the back, and she was supposed to accept them every time. While dealing with those really bored people was bothersome to no end, she didn't really care about their opinion of her; she merely had to play along that game all parties found annoying nevertheless played it without objections.
It was a fact she was not really a member of the high royalty by natural birth. The officially acknowledged story, though not acknowledged as the truth, begins where it is explained she and her brother became orphans when their parents, who were Viscounts in the nobility, died in a fire while vacationing in a house by the coast where the personnel of servants was limited, so of course it made sense the night the house in some mysterious way got on fire there were no witnesses. The wonderful King and Emperor, who considered the Viscount an unfortunate beloved brother, adopted his kids into the highest family in their bureaucracy and told them he was to be known as their uncle.
The rumor, on the other hand, stated the names of the Viscounts were used to cover the true names of their parents, who were in fact commoners, and that for some reason the King was convinced, trapped, as some patriotism fanatics argued, in a way that the wish to adopt those kids was implanted in him rather than being his true wish.
The rumor was ridiculous per se. Still, investigations by the desperate were made. No record of her or her brother being acknowledged as the Viscounts' offspring was found. It was debated that they had burnt into ashes in that fire. The case eventually became too hard to solve, or rather, it was so dangerous that nobody dared to dig any further openly. However, her brother's disappearance raised more questions. A select few of the bored ones started rumors that spread like the fire that had supposedly left her and her brother orphans, and Sophia had to endure them all.
Back then, she hardly spoke, deeply saddened and enraged at the same time. They had forced the only person she could really count on to leave her, and the reasons both her uncle and brother had had were beyond her understanding. That was all there was to that fictitious rumor, which had been brought to her face several times before with disdain.
The reason she hated that rumor was the bitter taste it used to leave in her. People imagined she'd be saddened to hear she could be a commoner. To them, that would be an authentic nightmare. However, that wasn't it for Sophia. It was disappointing that it was only a rumor and not the truth. She used to think that if it were true, then she'd be free; she'd be what she wanted to be for as long as she could remember. But that wasn't the reality. When reality is bitter, it tends to be cautious such that its shape is not to our liking and makes sure to be as cruel and unfair as possible. Her being Princess meant she was surrounded by immense things, but that was not the reality she wanted. To her, royalty was like a jail sentence, only that luxuries were allowed, as if to compensate for also having to go through the experience of having no voice as to whether or not to play the boring but nerve-racking game of being noble. The rumor never failed to remind her she was doomed to do that for her entire life, and that was depressing.
While it was basically a rumor and nothing solid to fundament it had been said or showed, a good amount of nobles sent among themselves an unwritten memo of applying that as a definite verdict. It wasn't surprising for Sophia vi Britannia to receive glares of contempt at monthly dances. She could tell many were fuming as they observed her and the King talk closely, jealous of her. Helpless morons…If only you weren't so blind and so…Well, moronic, then maybe you'd be smart enough as to realize I would gladly give my seat to anyone who asks for it. – She used to think sometimes.
Things, however, had a different flavor this one occasion. Then, Sophia realized it was because it was the first time she heard it with her real memories. The truth was no longer a mystery to her. Truth was that that rumor was, after all, just a rumor.
Before anything else could happen, the car stopped unexpectedly. They had reached their destiny, wherever that was.
She heard a door being opened at her side and felt a gun against her temple.
-Come out. – She was ordered.
She obeyed without resistance or anxiety. Behind her she knew another brawny man stood, who proceeded to tie her hands behind her.
She could make out the sound of the door of the vehicle's opposite side being opened as well. Her captor and Z.Z. were coming out from that side.
-Your Highness, - Her kidnapper began while standing in front of her. – We're here. Welcome to my place. I would give you a tour but you would not appreciate it with your blindfolds, I'm afraid.
Without any other words, she heard him walking away. The men behind her pointed a gun at the back of her head and pushed her as to let her know she had to walk forward and the gun that was against her temple was removed. She couldn't feel menace-free for even one second.
She imagined Z.Z. was in the same position as she heard footfalls less than two feet away from her right profile.
Sophia wanted to huff at the change in voice the boss of the lackeys had had. He had called her a hypocrite but he was clearly not any better than her.
Suddenly, she could feel no wind blowing, the air inside smelled of dust and dampness, she could hear the echoing of their steps and the scarce though unhelpful light that could pass through the cloth in front of her eyes had become even dimmer. They had just entered inside a structure. Other than that information, she had not the slightest idea of where they could be. She couldn't get an idea of their location judging by the time it took them to arrive. The time inside the limo seemed to have stopped from flowing. It could've been just 10 minutes or it could've been an hour. All she knew was that they were no longer at the palace. Although it was alright to cause a ruckus there, she knew it would be foolish to escape. Without her sight, she could not very well know how to get away from that place, where the exit was. She had no choice but to keep advancing deeper into the structure they were in, walking straight, turning right and left and going inside an elevator, which she guessed was going downwards, as she was instructed.
Meanwhile, not too far from them, final preparations were being made.
Surrounded by tall trees was a young tall man of Caucasian skin with dark gray hair in close shave style who wore old blue jeans, a red t-shirt under a black jacket and sneakers. He stood in deep thought with his eyes closed.
I'm ready for this. – He thought. – I have no regrets. I must not fail. Today, I shall fight with all I've got. Father, Mother, I'll make you proud, even though you'll never know it was me who did this.
-Sempai! – A male voice called him from afar.
Len opened his eyelids and revealed his blue eyes before turning to a guy that ran in his direction. He looked much younger than him although their age difference was of one year. He had very short black, white skin, green eyes behind glasses and a smile plastered permanently in his face. His smile was the closest there was to innocence in the group. Still, to be in that group, one couldn't be all that innocent. He waited until the guy approached him.
-Everything's ready. – He informed while swiping the sweat off his forehead with his hand. – It's time for 'that'. – His smile widened.
-Another review of the plan strategy? – Len guessed, clueless as to whatever he meant.
-You forgot, Sempai? – The black-haired asked surprised. – Our toast?
-Ah, right! – He instantly recalled.
-Let's go, Sempai. – He grinned like the nice guy he was.
-Kotaro, for the last time already, just call me 'Len'! Even now, until the end, you keep calling me and Shiro 'sempai'.
-But… - Kotaro said coyly. – But you two are my sempai! Even now, until the end, I look up to you two! And to Okazaki – San! Even Kaya – San is amazing!
Len suppressed a chuckle.
-If she heard you calling her 'San' again, she'd kick you!
-Yeah… - Kotaro said softly, remembering all the bruises she had given him for that very reason before. – Kaya – San is scary.
Kotaro paused to muse while Len laughed. Although he was laughing, he definitely agreed with him. He doubted he'd ever meet another woman as intimidating, brutal, shameless and aphrodisiacal as Tsugimoto Kaya… Actually, he no longer doubted, he knew it wouldn't happen. Chances of him meeting anyone new after that night were slim.
-Even though she always hits us, I'm still going to miss her. – Kotaro laughed shyly while rubbing his nape.
Len looked at him seriously. He didn't want him to say those things. He wanted to tell him he shouldn't think like that but didn't because he knew that would be hypocritical from his part. He was thinking the same way, after all. He admitted it hurt him to look at Kotaro the most. He was the youngest of the group, but a very brave boy who had become a man.
-Sempai, let's go toast with sake. – Kotaro said.
Len smiled and nodded.
They arrived at a camp in the forest. The counted members of the group, no more than twenty, were gathered there.
He had been avoiding most people there for more than two weeks now, except the other four pilots. Everyone else had been looking at the five of them with gloomy looks, as if trying to get as many sights of them as possible, before they could no longer get any. He didn't regret doing what he was about to do; he felt honored. But it still made him uncomfortable to receive those gazes, already mourning him and the others.
He and Kotaro walked to the center, where a beautiful blonde buxom woman in her early twenties, with dark brown eyes and her hair reaching her slim waist, wearing a tight white top with a revealing cleavage, short black shorts and black boots sat on top of a log. She had a sake cup from which she actively drank and served herself. She did not turn to look at Kotaro and Len.
-Wandering in memories of the good old days, Kaya? – Len joked with a smirk.
Kaya Tsugimoto turned to him with her trademark aggressive look.
-I'm not all that old, you moron! – She yelled before gulping down the remaining sake in her cup and serving herself yet more. – If you really consider me an elder, then how about some respect?
-You and respect don't mix. The only thing that you get along with is alcohol. – Len said bluntly.
Kotaro yelped nervously, like he did every time those two went at it like this, which was every time they were within 5 meters from each other.
-Sempai, why did you do that? She's going to kill you! – He waved his arms frantically.
-You brat! – Kaya threatened while standing up menacingly.
-Now, now! – Kotaro said unnerved. – Kaya – San, he's just joking…OUCH!
He could not say more and rubbed his head, where Kaya had just hit him.
-You kid are deep in my nerves already with your frigging 'San'! – She shouted at him in a very scary fashion, as always.
She drank up the rest of the sake bottle in one gulp and then threw it at Len, who merely evaded it casually.
-And you deny you're a drunkard?
-You… - Kaya hissed.
-I told you not to drink the whole bottle yourself, Kaya! – A man's voice called.
The trio turned to look at the two comers. One was a tall brown-haired man in his late twenties who, for a mysterious reason nobody knew, always had his eyes closed and wore brown denim pants, black shoes and a green jacket and the other was a much younger guy, slightly older-looking than Len, with black hair in a long shaggy style and very rare green eyes with golden sparkles, wearing jeans, a black sweater and black boots.
-Don't be a cheapskate, Syusuke! There is another bottle yet! – Kaya replied at the older looking man. – Besides, it's not like these kids are old enough to drink.
-Don't say that. – Syusuke said with a frown. – It's not about money, it's about your reflexes.
-She works better under the influence of alcohol. You already know that, Syusuke - San. – Len said.
Kaya growled but, as usual, was contained with Okazaki Syusuke. He was probably the only man who did not fear her.
Len turned to the other newcomer and grinned.
-Seems like I was not the only one who forgot about this. – He commented.
The green-eyed guy laughed.
-Yeah. Well, I think it's nice to do it. It will lift everyone's spirits up.
-I agree, Sempai! – Kotaro said excited.
-Sempai… You never changed, Kotaro.
-That's exactly what I was telling him. – Len expressed grinning. – I guess, he's hopeless, isn't he, Shiro?
-He is. – Shiro played along with a grin too.
-But you two are my sempai! – Kotaro exclaimed.
-Now, you two. – Syusuke told them with a friendly smile, ignoring the rowdy Kaya behind him yelling at him not to ignore her. – Stop picking on Kotaro – Kun already. I think he's earned it.
Everyone went silent for a minute, even Kaya. What they were about to do was what they considered their greatest mission yet.
Shiro proceeded to take out the sake cups and distributed them while Syusuke served the sake. Them five stood in the center while the rest of the members surrounded them, also holding a sake glass up.
-To a future worth fighting for. – Syusuke started.
-To freedom. – Kaya continued.
-To Britannia's destruction. – Shiro said next.
-To the example of Zero that led us here tonight. – Len expressed resolved.
-Nippon Banzai! – Kotaro exclaimed.
-KANPAI! – They all exclaimed in unison before drinking up.
It was insulting to be ordered around in the imperative tense, like a dog. Nevertheless, Sophia didn't let that get to her. Her mind was busy intently replaying what had been spoken inside the limousine. Her blinded eyes widened the second she realized something. I must be stupid for not having caught that sooner. – She mused.
After some minutes, she heard a door's creaking as it was being opened. They all gave a few steps inside the room.
-Stop walking. – She was ordered, and she complied.
Wherever they were intending to take her, they were finally there. Even more unexpectedly, the muscular bodyguard slid the weapon from her back all the way to her nape and then pressed her downwards. Sophia, a bit disoriented, had just discovered there was a chair behind her as she felt its hard wooden surface. Soon afterwards, she felt how the man was tying her already tied hands to the chair's back.
-Tired, Your Highness? – Her kidnapper asked with the voice Sophia was starting to find obnoxious.
-Do you plan on telling me what you want any time soon? – Sophia replied coolly.
-Patience is not among your virtues, Princess Sophia.
Before she could reply a word, something even more unexpected than the previous happened: She could see; the blindfold was taken off her.
Sophia was startled and, despite being good at masking her expressions, she couldn't hide so.
She looked around, scanning the room while moving nothing but her eyes. The room was dark. The walls had no windows. They were only lit dimly by a light bulb in the ceiling's center. It was not very tidy, but it didn't reek and there wasn't as much dust as expected of a place that had been abandoned for what she suspected was a long time. Like she had suspected, they were at an abandoned structure.
In front of her was a chair in which her kidnapper sat. She estimated he was of medium stature. His hair was blond and he wore a suit one could easily tell were more expensive than the limousine they had driven them here and a mask covered his entire face. The mask was simple, white and lacked decoration. Although he had his face covered, she knew he was grinning crookedly.
His arrogance was reflected even in the chair in which he sat, upholstered with velvet, made of fine mahogany and with arm supports, while hers was a simple old wooden chair without arm supports and with an uncomfortable backrest.
At the man's side stood a muscular man with a black suit. He wore sunglasses despite the insufficient lighting in the room. Sophia concluded he was one of the men that had brought her and Z.Z. there; the latter stood one meter to her right. Behind him was another man like the one that was behind her, also pointing a gun at Z.Z.
Sophia noted Z.Z. had been placed a blindfolded too, and still was. She didn't need to see his eyes, though, to know he was not feeling threatened, which made sense; none of this was a menace for him. She knew he was merely playing along because he knew that was not entirely the same for Sophia. If I died, his wish wouldn't come true… Am I the only one that can grant him his wish, though? Just what is his wish…?
Her train of thoughts was interrupted the second she took notice of something about the guard that held a gun against him; something very subtle, it was baffling she had even noticed it in the dim lighting, yet it was of such shock to her she even turned her face towards him in astonishment.
-Your servant should be the least of your worries, Princess. – Her kidnapper's distorted voice said; he had misunderstood the nature of Sophia's expression as worry.
Sophia directed her eyes towards him again. She was free to use her Geass now but she had to be selective as to when to use it. The men that pointed guns at her and Z.Z. would not be affected since their eyes were out of her sight's reach. She needed to be cautious about them. Not to mention her hands were tied to the chair. Also, the one detail she had just taken in was something she wanted her kidnapper to explain, which would be easier if he told her himself.
-We can have a civilized talk now that you can see, Princess. – The man began with what he possibly considered a joke. – You wanted to know what I wanted and that is all I'll tell you. Your Highness, unfortunately for you, your life has reached its end today. I want a lot of things, power, overall. You are just a tool that will help me step up, Princess. What I want from you is your death.
Sophia let her eyelids fall more, focusing in his words. She knew that visible reaction she had intentionally performed would encourage him to speak further. There was something she wanted him to say in specific.
He stood up from his chair and walked towards her, took her chin for her to look up at him, something she did not appreciate but resisted the urge to growl furiously at him. He then leaned towards her ear.
-Yes, Princess. You're dying today. – He whispered with a sadistic grin.
He laughed like a mentally unbalanced person, which he had to be in order to enjoy the sight of others suffering, anyways.
-If there is one thing we all agree upon is that power is both desired for the advantages it provides and hideous. You have never really done anything despicably cruel in you life to anybody; that is undeniable, yet you are the most despised person among nobility, more despised than the most deprived.
That said, he made a signal with his hand and a deafening gunshot was heard in the room.
Blood splattered in the nearest walls and a corpse fell forward. A puddle of blood grew continuously beneath it. All gazes of the room spared it a glance without giving it much importance or thought before turning back to the 'main event'.
Sophia narrowed her eyes, perfectly composed. Once again, like she had done with the Marshal of the Britannian Army and the Royal Counselor earlier, she showed indifference towards people the image of her own death. This time, it was accompanied by an idea of what it would look like, messy and unceremonious, courtesy of her kidnapper. And like the other two men, the masked man was taken aback by her undisturbed attitude; she didn't need to see his face to know that.
Perhaps the word 'death' per se had changed in meaning to her. She herself was responsible for a determined number of them already. Sophia knew she'd never see death the same way as before. Perhaps she was colder, perhaps she was more focused, perhaps she was evil or perhaps she was ruthless. That was a matter of personal opinion. In her opinion, she didn't care. If it was all for her greater purpose, she'd do anything, so she stated with the King's throne behind her. Funny she had a memory of Z.Z. while his corpse was next to her. But it wasn't as if that were a permanent loss; Z.Z. would come back to life, no doubt about it.
-You are disappointed, I presume. – Sophia showed him a sly grin to annoy the masked one, something she wouldn't have been able to do had she used her Geass on him; though, that was not the reason she was holding back. – You are intently focusing on my eyes right now, looking for traces of despair, fear, anything that tells you I'm just acting tough.
Her confident, affirmative voice only upset her kidnapper further. Sophia knew perfectly well the reason he had taken the blindfold off her was to see her eyes.
-You wanted to see me frightened and possibly cry disturbed at the sight of a human's death while scared, disgustingly weak and so vulnerable; maybe go as far as to feebly beg you to spare me in exchange for money or even a nobility title if I were naïve enough.
While Sophia did not sound mocking, her words alone were enough to make fun of him and her still present grin, intimidating and hardly human, did not help. The man in the white stiffened in ire. Sophia had just ruined what could've made his day and that felt good. She already had a fair idea of who that man was. He was someone that had gone as far as prepare all this setup for no other reason than seeing fear in her violet eyes, which she mostly showed neutral and uninterested; that was his ulterior motive. That proved the depth of his despise towards her was slightly above the average.
-There is one thing I don't understand, though. – Sophia began. – Why did you not do things this way before? When you…
-SHUT UP!
Sophia was interrupted by a slap in the face. Sophia growled softly and glared at him. Her patience had just run out.
A man slapping a woman in order to establish his own order, using such resources to avoid hearing something they don't like. Weak and cowardly. How pathetic and unsightly.
Indeed, that man was the perfect example of an unbalanced person who starves for power he deeply knows he wouldn't even be capable of managing.
Sophia knew it was due time for her to use her Geass. The man that had shot Z. Z. had long joined the other at the back and the man pointing a gun at her nape would not dare shoot with the man he was supposed to guard being so close.
-You will die today! – The man exclaimed, oblivious to Sophia's thoughts planning his end.
He then turned on his heel.
-Unfortunately for you, that will not happen. – She said as a bird was revealed in her left eye; its brightness was enhanced by the obscurity surrounding them.
He turned back to see her face again, an unwise movement on his part. She grinned as she knew the man would soon be manipulated by her and pay her back when the darkness invaded her sight yet again.
Her grin faded fast and completely. She was blindfolded again. She frowned and hissed. She had not taken into account the bodyguard would do that as soon as his boss turned away. She berated herself. To neglect a probable move did no good to her reputation as a chess player… Then again, she had just quite that early morning. Still, her quitting to illegal gambling by no means meant she would no longer use her skills. It was the opposite; she had signed up for a game that played for much more than money. Now, under those circumstances, she was in a pinch, and it was not precisely a pushover.
The man shook his head as he came back to consciousness, unaware of the stolen seconds of his memory.
He leaned again and whispered to her ear with notable anger.
-If you think I'll let you die as painlessly as your unlucky servant, think again. I'll give you hell slowly, brat, and you're going to regret not having fought for your life.
Without any other words, he heard him walk out of the room. He didn't see Sophia's subtle grin. That distorted voice of his was obnoxious but, at that range, the distortion proved insufficient. I know who you are, man in the white mask…
His lackeys followed like dogs. Once everyone was outside, she heard the door being locked before their footfall sounds suggested they were exiting. Why are they leaving? Whatever torture he has for me, doesn't that sadistic fool want to see me in pain?
-Z.Z., - Sophia called. – Untie me.
-Why should I? – He replied as he opened his blue eyes and stood up.
His already bloody clothes had become even bloodier. He looked at her with indifference, which, if she didn't sense with some sixth sense of her, she heard it in his voice.
-You are the one who kept your tactic for too long and, in the end, you did not get to play it in reality. Just why did you hold back, Snow?
-You don't pay much attention to details, do you, Z.Z.? – Sophia asked too calmly given her circumstances
-I will not untie you.
-Yes you will. – Sophia corrected. – If I die, your wish will not be granted.
-You are not the only one who can grant it. – He retaliated; his usually callous tone sounded somewhat blight with the unyielding attitude that opposed her, regardless of what she said.
-Is that resentment? – She grinned mockingly, though also in disbelief; she just never thought Z.Z. was the type to show, out of all emotions, rancor.
-I am not being resentful, Snow. – He replied without a trace of compassion. - Even if you were the only one who could grant my wish, I would only have to save you when you are in danger of dying. This situation is merely abduction. More importantly, should you act quizzical at a time like this?
-You're very stubborn, Z.Z. – Her undertone changed radically, becoming softer but still sharp.
Sophia noted without her grin fading, though her expression changed, and so did her grin's air. He could not see her eyes, but he knew what they looked like that moment. She had just accused him of resentment, but she was the one resenting him that particular time.
-Why do you keep setting up a barrier for me not to see what is inside of you? If you don't shield your eyes, you shield your voice tone. Just what are you hiding from me, Z.Z.?
-My inside is not all that interesting, Snow. – He replied.
Sophia noted his tone's coldness had gone down considerably. She only smiled inwardly. He had once been human and here was proof of that.
-Yet you hide it fervently. – She responded with the rebirth of her former playful and cunning grin.
A pause occurred but no awkwardness did. Sophia's expression remained static. Z.Z. still stood on the dark puddle of his own blood as her words sank in his thoughts. That annoyingly astute aspect of her was one of the reasons why he had chose her to be the granter of his wish and at the same time was one of the things, he learned that second, he did not like about her.
-Z.Z., you chose me for a reason. – She said with a sudden gravity in her voice, unknowing that she was in sync with his thoughts, and her grin finally vanished. – You know a good deal of my past and you're smart enough to know that my political position would not make this easier; you knew this before unlocking my Geass… You've been observing me. – She stated more softly. – The feeling I had in the limousine when you used to drive me back to the Academy and the sensation of being observed I felt at the recent nobility balls… That was you, every time, wasn't it? You even made sure to substitute the driver to have an excuse to be close to me. Now, I have no clue as to how you got your hands on a royal insignia, though this is not really the time to ask that. In fact, this is definitely not the time for this but the situation demands it… Z.Z., you wouldn't have gone through all that trouble if the people that could grant your wish were abundant.
Z.Z. could not traverse her words and simply stood there, listening. As if his silence could make her forget he was there! But what was he to say? Sophia, however, knew better than to expect an answer. At this point, it was crystal clear Z.Z. was a man of few words.
-Why does the situation demand it? – He asked her, surrendering, letting her win for now.
-For a moment, the smell of your blood confused me, but, no doubt about it now, they've released a specific gas in this room.
Z.Z.'s eyes widened a moment. She had been acting too unhurriedly for her circumstances. Her being capable of managing situations without showing vulnerability or pressure was another feature he had observed in her and which he had considered useful at that time. He didn't like that trait of hers much either.
-How do you know that? – He asked, only a bit skeptical.
-Chemistry books. – She explained coolly. – It makes sense they'd leave if they were going to fill this place with poisonous gas. In this case, this gas is slightly sweet. My best guess is chloroform. This room's temperature has been ascending since they left and that gas is fairly easy to evaporate. In small amounts, it should smell very sweet. Exposure can damage the central nervous system. I've breathed enough to start feeling dizzy and my head is starting to ache, which are signs of me having breathed an amount already. The reason you may not have noticed is because you are standing. This gas accumulates at the bottom of an unventilated area. There are no windows here. I caught a glimpse of ventilation windows, though those are probably what are introducing the gas here. I don't know if it has undergone prolonged storage. If that is the case, I doubt the nice people here added ethanol to stabilize it. If there were UV lights present in its storage along with oxygen, this gas could have been converted to phosgene, which is considered highly hazardous chemical warfare, although I doubt it since it doesn't smell like freshly cut grass, but then, I'm no expert in poisonous gases. Thinking of saving me just for the heck of it yet or are you convinced I am in danger of dying?
-Stop talking and hold your breath. – That was all there was to his verbal answer
Z.Z., unable to think of a rebuttal and not having a Chemistry book at hand proceeded to untie her with a slight disgruntled frown, characteristic of those that are defeated and know better than to fight back, perfectly aware they never stood a chance. Although he had been only her driver, he knew very well she was knowledgeable in many fields. Back then, it had seemed like a favorable thing. Now, he knew he didn't like that about her either… He didn't like many things about her, apparently.
The knots on her hands were complex and bothersome. He needed over three minutes to set her hands free. Sophia's despair was almost tangible. After all, she was neither fit nor a member of the swimming club.
She took the gray blindfold off her eyes and tried to stand up. Then, Z.Z. knew she was not lying about her dizziness just to exaggerate things. She plopped roughhewn over the chair again. She was trying not to throw up and the heat of the room did not help.
Z.Z. proceeded to force open the door by throwing a kick to it but he could not get it to open. He himself was starting to feel a slight headache, like Sophia had mentioned previously, and began holding his breath as well.
Sophia, meanwhile, watched him. His kick had not been half bad. She would've arched an eyebrow if it hadn't seemed like too much work then. Unlike her, he seemed to be in good shape, better than her, at least.
Four minutes total had ticked by. Holding her breath so long was not doing wonders for her spinning head. She had taken off her blazer but her skin was still shiny with some sweat. She was no longer blindfolded and now she willingly squeezed her eyes shut every few seconds.
The eyebrow she did not lift earlier was lifted that second along with its pair as she saw Z.Z. lifting her kidnapper's disposable chair of about 3,000,000 Britannian pounds in worth and around 30 kilograms in weight. She thought him lifting it by himself was interesting. Him swinging it against the door like a bat was impressive, to think the least.
Only God and her almost murderers knew what that door was made of to have survived the swinging of such an object. Z.Z. immediately let go of it. What he had done made him break more than one sweat, and it was actually good to know he was capable of so.
Sophia then thought of an idea and concluded her head was being affected severely for not having thought of that earlier.
She reached inside her blazer's pocket and grabbed a metallic hair pin with a white rhinestones flower. Andrea would always sneak it in her uniform in the futile hope of her using it… 'Yeah, right' was what she used to think. Seems like I'll finally make you proud, Andrea. She snapped her fingers to draw his attention and then extended her arm for him to grab the hair pin.
He arched an eyebrow at her. Was the oldest of school tricks, after the excuse involving a dog and delicious homework, going to save them?
'It's worth the try.' So her eyes read. Well, it wasn't as if he had any better ideas.
But before he could proceed, her grimacing told him she was at her limit. He frowned. Her face looked pallid and unwell. She needed air badly. So he decided to give it to her.
He placed both his hands on her hot cheeks. She half opened one eye in curiosity while still grimacing right before his lips touched hers and opened them to give her air. Both her eyes opened widely in surprise but, regardless, the air was not rejected. She needed to close her eyes, though. It felt too weird to keep them open. He considered he had been generous enough after six seconds.
He took the hair pin, which looked much too refined for the task it was given. He used it to open the indestructible door's destructible lock. Sophia only watched him do it, feeling dizzy but a bit calmer thanks to the air.
At last, the door was opened. He hated many things about her, but the ingenious aspect her, he had just learned, he did not dislike. Both smiled from relief. She and Z. Z. looked at each other, both wearing smiles. That was a first.
Sophia could stand up at last but her walking had not really improved and nearly tripped. Z.Z. didn't tell her a word and just lifted her in his arms and proceeded to run from the room. He definitely was fit.
The hallways Z.Z. ran through were dirty and the appearance suggested it was an abandoned factory.
-Take a left here. – Sophia instructed while pointing the left hallway. – At the end of that hallway, turn left again and there will be an elevator.
-You remember every turn we took? – Z.Z. questioned.
She paused before grinning her clever grin.
-Of course. – Was her brief response.
With her instructions, they reached the entrance they had taken in less than three minutes. Z.Z. was with his back against a wall, still carrying Sophia in his arms, hiding while looking for anyone guarding the entrance.
-It seems clear. – He said before venturing outside.
The sun was just finishing setting. There was nobody around. Of course they did not expect her to survive, how were her captors to know her dead servant would come back to life or that they'd make it alive out of that room for that reason?
-Z.Z., let me down. – Sophia said hoarsely.
He did as asked without a second thought. She was still not very well. He narrowed his eyes as he saw her fall on her knees and provoking herself to vomit. The sight of the Princess of Britannia puking behind the bush of an abandoned factory while sitting in the dirty floor was not precisely ceremonious, and he was sure more than a hundred reporters and journalists of both newspapers and sensationalist magazines would pay a fortune for a blurry picture of her doing it.
Her breathing was strained and sweat covered her forehead. She then turned to Z.Z., who was merely looking at her blankly.
-If you are feeling dizzy, fatigued or a headache, I suggest you do the same.
Z.Z. did feel a headache. Without any reply, he proceeded to throw up behind the bush next to her.
He used his sleeve to clean his mouth. Something as messed up with blood as his clothes was preferable to use for that purpose than toilet paper. The fresh air afterwards was soothing.
In the meantime, Sophia looked around intently.
-Your hair pin. – Z.Z reminded while extending his hand for her to take the pin.
-Keep it. – She said indifferent, just like she had said before he could keep the Ferrari.
He took his hand back after noticing she wouldn't take it. He took a better look at it. What at first seemed to him like rhinestones he noted actually were diamonds.
-If you sell it, you should get about 1000 Britannian pounds for it. – She commented casually without even looking at him.
She's not materialistic. – Z.Z. noted mentally.
He turned to look in the same direction as her. The factory's entrance had an unkempt garden of which only the grass remained slightly presentable. There was a highway road meters ahead. He could see no signs indicating any nearby locations. Beyond the highway road was an average landscape with forest trees and mountains in the far back. However, that was not very useful. There were numerous mountainous places in Area 11. Not even knowing they couldn't be more than an hour from Ashford Academy helped.
-I believe I know where we are. – Sophia said out of the blue, catching him off guard.
Before he could inquire as to their location, a deafening explosion in the far background was suddenly heard.
-What was that? – He asked with narrowed eyes, though his overall serious countenance still stood.
-Terrorists. – She answered as-a-matter-of-factly.
-How can you be certain of that?
-It would make sense. – She replied without looking at him; her eyes were focused on the smoke rising from the far back.
-They attacked a point approximately 3 kilometers from here. – Z.Z. noted. – What for?
-Their target happens to be the very man that tried to kill us back there. – She said without a shadow of doubt.
-I figured he was that kind of powerful figure. Terrorists attacking him must mean he's influential in politics, nobility or commerce.
Sophia curled her lip upwards.
-Actually, Z.Z., that man happens to be influential in all of those.
Z.Z. looked at her more intently.
-You know who that was despite not having shown you his face nor having heard his true voice?
At last, Sophia returned the look with a smirk that was anything but innocent.
-Of course. Why would that be surprising? You chose me because I am capable, am I not correct, Z.Z.?
She didn't seem interested in his answer as she immediately turned again to the place where chaos was being born.
-Even I have a hard time believing such timing. If I were superstitious, I'd call this 'fate'. - She then paused to stand up. – This is perfect… Now I just need to get a transmitter or something…
-Will you not lose your resolve this time? – His voice was void of worry; rather, it was skeptical.
She looked at him again scowling.
-I told you, didn't I? I have found my resolve and I'm not stepping back. This is the start of the game; withdrawing would be pathetic.
Z.Z. nodded in acceptance of her answer.
-Are you not going to stop me even though I almost get killed or tell me I'm being senseless?
-Why would I tell you what you already know? I'm not stopping you. But I'll only remind you one thing, Snow. – Z.Z.'s tone was admonitory and brimming with deathly gravity others would've cringed at listening to. – Once you get in, there is no going back.
-You're testing me, aren't you? – She smirked slyly. – I'm not so hard-headed that I need to hear things several times, Z.Z. From the moment I accepted our contract, I was in. What you call 'going back' is impossible at this rate. If I do not play, I'll be locked for the rest of my life in the palace after my attitude today and this chance of freedom and finding them will be lost forever. There is no going back, there's only hiding. I don't want to hide.
-Fair enough. – He said while standing up. - However, don't expect my help.
-Roger that. – She grinned at him before walking away.
No 'Goodbye' and no 'Take care' were said between them. They didn't inquire as to where he'd go or as to how she'd do what she was planning to. They didn't even turn to look at each other before parting.
After the explosion Z.Z. and Sophia originally heard, a lot of rushing and movement began inside the structure whose wall that surrounded it had just been attacked.
Among the mobilization taking place, a man in a black suit ran as fast as he could. Sweaty, he made a rough halt in front of a door before knocking it frantically to announce his entrance.
-Sir King! – The man exclaimed. – We're being attacked, sir!
The addressed man sat leisurely in a couch facing his glass wall with view to the dock in front, where a fight was beginning. He calmly sipped from his wineglass before turning to the exalted man. His white mask hiding his face was already well-known to anyone in the structure and it had become characteristic of him, the Boss.
-Why? You don't say! – He said irritated, courtesy of the lovely princess. – I don't like to be addressed as if I were an idiot. Kill him. – He ordered the man standing beside the couch.
-Yes, sir. – He said before complying.
Before the man at the entrance could run, he was shot by the same gun that had shot Z.Z. earlier.
Watching from above, very characteristic of someone with a god complex, he looked as the five obsolete Knightmare frames were no longer having it their way at the docks as far more advanced ones stepped into the battlefield.
-Ah, the squad finally made its entrance. – He talked to himself. – Took them too long…
He sipped from his wine and continued contemplating the events unfolding, feeling perfectly confident in the safety of the structure where he was. The thought of the Princess being dead by then made him smile and he was eager to see her corpse at her funeral and feel the satisfaction of being the one with the privilege of killing who was belike the most hated girl among the high classes.
-I trust the call has already been made. – He turned to the man that had just shot his gun.
-It has, Sir King. – The lackey replied.
-Perfect. – He grinned crookedly behind his mask. – Tonight shall be the most important night of my life. And it's only just begun!
He laughed maniacally afterwards.
Sophia was thinking of the different approaches she could do as she walked by the trees. Suddenly, she spotted a couple of guys that wore worn clothes and had guns with them. Their features and the language they spoke clearly beckoned they were Japanese. Chances of them being involved in the terrorist attack were good enough for Sophia to show herself to them.
Both Japanese men pointed their guns at them and suspected her.
-She must be a Britannian. – One of them told the other in Japanese. – Look at her uniform.
-What would a student be doing here? – The other asked.
-Who cares? We cannot let her interfere or witness anything. We have to kill her!
-Good evening, you two. – Sophia startled them as she greeted them in fluent Japanese, a language most Britannians considered lowly and coarse.
Before they could come back to themselves, she hypnotized them with her Geass.
-You're submitting to my orders this moment. – She commanded.
-Yes. – They both answered under her control.
-Answer my questions. What is your mission tonight?
-To assault a ship filled with captured slaves before it sails, destroy the quarters and kill the head of these activities.
Sophia raised an eyebrow.
-Sounds quite ambitious considering you're merely terrorists. Your manpower must be limited and your resources even more. Are you all aware this man has warfare of top technology and a private military squad at his service?
-We are aware of that. – One replied blankly. – This mission's volunteers are all ready to die as long as we accomplish the mission.
-Of course… - Sophia said after a pause.
Inwardly, she was finding the information very interesting. Wills that great, people not afraid of dying, was exactly what she needed.
-How many Knightmare frames are in your possession?
-Five.
Sophia frowned. Those people were brave but very stupid. How were they planning to accomplish anything with such low numbers when going against a fish this big?
-What types are those Knightmare frames?
-We have three Sutherlands, a Gloucester and a Glasgow.
Sophia felt like smacking these guys' heads. Attacking with that kind of resources was too optimistic, too ingenious. At this point, they would only get there to die and not accomplish anything. But then, she couldn't expect much from their very limited budget.
OK, this is not much different than my chess experience. I get there once the player already messed up and I fix it. No matter the disadvantage, I must find a way to play my pieces wisely and obtain victory.
Right after she had thought that, she saw something fly about 10 meters above them, heading west. Soon later, less than 300 meters from her, a Sutherland had been taken down. What was left of it was battered and deformed, no longer usable. The pilot cockpit was missing, suggesting the pilot had managed to eject before collapsing.
Sophia flinched as the soil beneath her trembled at the impact of that fall. She looked up and saw the Knightmare frame that had brought it down. It was a Seventh age model, different from a Vincent, though, with a giant rifle as its weapon. Sophia scowled. This is bad, I didn't expect them to count with a Seventh age model since very few were made in mass after the war and they are not very compatible with most pilots … How he got his hands on one is beyond me.
Sophia heard people approaching and immediately took cover behind the trees. She ventured to look with caution at the approaching squad of armed men. They must be his private military unit…
The Japanese men, still under her control, did not react before one of the men shouted the sight of two Eleven and they were shot to death. Sophia stopped breathing as the two corpses fell to the ground with holes all over them, from which blood flowed uncontrollably. She would end up the same way if she wasn't cautious.
The Seventh Age Knightmare frame was walking away towards the battle she knew was taking place, as if leaving everthing to the armed men in green uniforms that surrounded the fallen Sutherland.
-The pilot's cockpit has ejected! – One exclaimed.
-It cannot be far from here! Look around the perimeter! – Another one commanded; Sophia concluded his rank was superior.
This was bad. She was going to get discovered, so she prepared herself to use her Geass. Before she could show herself, however, a bomb of short range inside the Knightmare frame blew off, blowing away the uniformed men.
Sophia admitted she didn't expect that. Had she been any closer, she could've been injured.
She walked towards the Sutherland in fire, burning with the corpses of two Eleven terrorists and a dozen of Britannian soldiers who worked for a corrupt man.
Fourteen lives gone to waste. – Sophia mused as she saw the flames devour everything slowly to ashes.
She approached the bloody mess and was surprised to find one the soldiers still shaking. She conjectured he was one of those stubborn souls that would do anything to continue living.
The soldier grunted in despair and throbbing pain as he lied in his stomach and Sophia observed him. A big sharp metallic piece she assumed originally belonged to the Sutherland had blown his way and pierced his back and was then stuck in him, like a misshapen wing. Blood oozed from the wound and soaked his dirtied clothes like reddish black ink. She found it quite intriguing to find a will so strong as to bear the pain. But I must be even stronger than this from today onwards… - She complemented.
The soldier took notice of her and, grimacing, turned to look at her. He frowned as disappointed for her not being a teammate in his rescue. Then he looked slightly confused since she did not resemble a terrorist in the least with her Britannian school uniform.
She looked at him more closely too. He was very young, couldn't be older than 22. He was neither handsome nor just average-looking. His features looked like they could pull off a charming smile.
It's a pity you chose the wrong place to be…
He opened his mouth as to speak but his voice wouldn't come out. His frustration added up to his unbearable pain.
Sophia knelt in front of him and grabbed his chin such that his face looked at her eyes. With her Geass, she gave him an order.
-Surrender already and let soothing death come to take your pain. – She spoke softly; that was the softest order she had given with her Geass yet.
The man closed his eyes immediately and gave a last sigh. She touched his sweaty neck and felt his pulse rhythmically disappearing.
She proceeded to pull the metallic piece from his back, stomping on him and cutting herself in the process. She grimaced before finally succeeding and throwing the piece away. Her cut in her right hand's palm was nothing worrisome.
She stripped the man off his clothes and helmet and then stripped herself to put on the green uniform. It was quite displeasing, especially because of it was dirty with the man's sweat and it reeked of his blood. It was too big for her but it would have to do since the rest were in even worse conditions. She ripped off a piece of it to improvise a bandage for her hand, took his weapon and her school uniform and headed west, towards the cabin of the Sutherland's pilot.
Like she had guessed, there were several other men searching for the pilot's cabin. There was no way she was the only one that had seen it land close to that area. Because she had predicted that, she had done as much as wearing a disgusting uniform that would allow her to go unnoticed.
She did, however, stop one of them using her Geass and asked him to make her a small favor.
Unlike the other men, she had mentally calculated the most likely route it could've taken and had a much more accurate idea of where to search. Hence, she was the first to find it.
She approached the cockpit gingerly. It was severely battered and even punctured. She then understood the Seventh Age frame had used its rifle to pierce through the cockpit. Though it had failed to hit the center, it had to have injured the pilot.
Inside was a boy around her age, maybe even younger. He was bespectacled and black-haired. He was sweating, gasping, crying and struggling to breathe as he held his right side. Sophia was impressed with the wound. Because the bullet used was family sized, so was the wound. Despite only having been grazed by it, his whole torso's right side skin was ripped off. It had broken one, perhaps two, of his ribs, but only grazed his lung, liver and large intestine. His right arm had also met its end.
Sophia gulped at the sight. She could definitely not blame the guy for crying. If she were the one in his shoes, she'd be squirming and twisting like a worm…
He had been bleeding quite a while. She could tell by looking at his eyes that his vision was blurry from loosing so much blood. At that point, it was impossible to help him.
He turned his head abruptly to her, showing his gritting teeth he pointed a gun at her.
-You've come to end my life, didn't you, Britannian bastard? – He shouted.
She had guessed correctly earlier. This pilot's eyes showed he had a great will and no fear for death. She wondered if the other four were this intriguing.
-I have not come here for that purpose. – Sophia answered.
The guy with blurry green eyes widened in surprise to hear a young woman's voice. Perhaps he trusted his sixth sense, telling him she was not lying, since he lowered his gun. Such a sense must be something exclusive of the moribund, those approaching the end of the tunnel of their lives, for humans, as long as they live, continuously learn not to trust everyone and he had just trusted her words even in the dire scenario they were in.
-Who are you? – He asked her.
Sophia took off the helmet that covered most of her face, except her eyes, to answer.
-The one who won't let your sacrifice be in vain. – She responded, and that was true.
He swallowed before turning to her with an innocent face she never thought she'd see in a terrorist.
-I was a coward… - He said. – I ejected instead of fighting until the end…
-Are you sure it's wise to talk? – Sophia asked him.
The bespectacled boy suppressed a chuckle. Of course it was wise to talk and manipulate what his last words would be. It was as clear to him as it was to her he had no way to be saved at that point.
-Kaya – San would be so mad at me. – He smiled a fragile smile. – Okazaki – San wouldn't have feared to go at it despite the possibility of dying… And both my sempai would've been able to evade that bullet easily… They're all so strong! But I…I was of no help at all.
-Do you want your last words to be pathetic lies? – Sophia asked frigidly.
The boy's smile faded and he turned to her voice.
-If that really is what you think, then your sacrifice will be in vain, inevitably. If you really thought you were of no help, you wouldn't be here. You wouldn't have piloted that Sutherland.
He looked like he was staring at her although he was blind. He didn't say anything for several seconds.
-Are you an angel? – He took her aback with such a question.
-Japanese don't believe in angels. – She responded bluntly.
The boy smiled momentarily. Perhaps he was happy someone was calling him 'Japanese', not 'Eleven'.
-I was raised in Christianity. – He replied.
Oh, well, it wouldn't hurt her to give some joy and hope, even if false, to someone whose life is fading.
-I'm not an angel. I haven't been sent from Heaven. But I've taken upon myself to fight for the same cause you've given your life to. I have not the favor of God, using my methods. All I have is the power of Kings.
She was surprised to hear him chuckle and he immediately felt the painful consequences.
-I knew beforehand I'd go to Hell for doing this. – He coughed. – But I did it because I don't regret fighting for what I believe.
Sophia leaned and whispered to his ear with a grave voice.
-The only Hell that exists is Earth itself. The punishment of the wrongdoers are not lashes and burns but loneliness. Right when they feel alone and they need help, they dare not to ask for relief to God, for they know they are wrongdoers. Loneliness and guilt are a far more suiting punishment… After you die, you die. Your stay in Hell has finally ended.
A smile formed in his face at her soothing words before exhaling for the last time.
None of the words Sophia had said were things she could prove, but they weren't lies to her. She truly believed all of that. That is why she knew that, now that she could no longer have a clean conscience in front of God, she knew her life would become as hellish as it could get in the following days. Like she had told Z.Z. earlier, there was no going back anymore. I'm a sinner. That, I cannot deny. I became one since my contract with Z.Z. But, like this guy, if I succeed, I will not regret fighting… To succeed, however, is the unknown variable.
She shook her head to slowly return to her usual self. She had to hurry up and do what she originally planned to do, the reason she had gone through the trouble of dressing up.
She immediately took his communication device, consisting of headphones and a transmitter.
She glanced at the guy whose name she didn't know one last time. He looked peaceful despite the pain he had been in. It was now her time to fight, in her own way.
She spotted a hill faraway from there, relatively close to the structure where her former kidnapper was. It was a tall building of fifteen stories and tall wall surrounding it like a castle, making it nearly impossible to penetrate it, a fortress. The hill gave a good view of what was happening at the dock in the far north and the height would give her good reception. She smirked. It was the perfect place to command and turn the tables.
But then she spotted a squad of a dozen men coming towards her. She immediately put the helmet back on.
The men took a close pick at the terrorist before realizing he was death.
-Serves him right. – Sophia heard one of them say.
-Officer, what is your report of the situation? – She was asked.
Sophia's lips curled upwards.
-Officer! – She was urged. – Report the situation!
-I have an even better idea. – She said as she activated the Geass on her left eye and looked at all the men.
In the meantime, at the docks, the Glasgow and the Gloucester on the terrorist band were against each other's back, facing countless Gloucester and slightly less numerous Sixth Age frames, all surrounding them.
-At this rate, we won't be able to stop the ship from sailing. – Len said inside the Glasgow.
-We must remember what Syusuke - San told us. – Shiro reminded while in the Sixth Age model. – He said that, given that we fail to stop the ship, we must join him and the others in attacking the fortress.
-Tch. – Len frowned, clicking his tongue. – Kaya's going to be a pain in the ass with her mocks if we fail.
-Damn right. – Shiro smirked.
Right that moment, they both continued to fight.
Despite their age, their skills, both individual and combined, were admirable. Because they were considered the best, they piloted the worst and the best of the frames. Their skill gave them enough advantage, so both could pilot the Glasgow without being in a pinch for that alone. They were able to pull off tricks to bring several down at the same time, so both could pilot the most agile and newest of the models. It was not lack of skills what was against them, but lack of time.
Elsewhere, Okazaki Syusuke was attacking the walls surrounding their target nonstop as Tsugimoto Kaya was covering his back.
That woman is many things but she's one heck of a good fighter. – Syusuke thought with a smile, like each time he saw her fight.
Kaya Tsugimoto's ruthlessness and great violence in battle was above the average, not minding killing the pilots, attack ceaselessly with her weapons, when given, running out of bullets in five minutes, or send the frames flying for nearly a kilometer of distance. She didn't fight like a woman. But despite her fearsome attitude, what her revealing outfits showed and her lethal charm made it indubitable she was, effectively, a lady.
In a matter of minutes, their opponents were all down.
-Oi, Syusuke! – She called to his transmitter.
Speaking of the Devil's lady. – He thought.
-I haven't broken through yet, Kaya. – He answered. – You're gonna have to hold for longer.
-That's not it, you idiot! – She shouted. – Kotaro is not answering.
Syusuke frowned. That was something he seldom did, reserving it for times when it really seemed necessary.
-He's at the other side of the structure. It might be a reception problem.
He bit his lip. He knew very well that was a lame excuse. He had frowned because he knew what the most likely cause was.
-Should I go and check on him?
-That will not be possible. – He said gravely.
-Why not? – Kaya shouted. – Your back is clear and Shiro and Len are too busy at the dock!
-I need you to cover my back from the ones approaching us. – He stated.
He heard Kaya's shock through the transmitter. She turned around and the need to fight the group that was charging at her surged.
-Shit. – Kaya cursed after a minute while fighting.
-What is it now, Kaya? – Syusuke asked without stopping attacking the thick and resistant wall.
-Syusuke… - Kaya's voice was uncharacteristically soft.
Syusuke's frown deepened. That did not sound good one bit. He had been a terrorist with her for years now. He knew that soft tone all too well. She only used under one circumstance.
-You said the area where Kotaro was didn't have anyone guarding it, right? That's why we sent him there…
-Yes? – Syusuke asked, urging her to continue, to get to the point.
-I just saw a Seventh age frame come from where he was supposed to be!
Syusuke didn't answer.
-Syusuke? – Kaya asked. – Do you copy?
-Yes, I heard you. – Syusuke said gravely, with a strict undertone in his voice.
He knew Kaya well and Kaya knew him too. She knew Syusuke Okazaki spoke with that voice when he told her something in specific…
-You must focus on the mission. – He began. – We all came here ready to die. Kotaro knew that and was still willing to fight tonight. You must deal with it. Else, his sacrifice will have been in vain.
She growled. She hated to hear him speak all mighty and composed when he was, she knew and did not doubt, shedding tears.
In different missions and in her life in general, she had lost many people. It hurt the most to lose the younger ones. But she had learned to cope with it in one way.
-Kaya, I need you to cover me.
-I know! DAMMIT! – She bellowed before turning up her violence level towards the frames she was fighting.
Syusuke grinned while, as Kaya knew he was, shedding tears.
You act stronger if you want to. I know you're going to drown in more alcohol than usual after this is over…If we survive.
Meanwhile, on top of a hill, Sophia grinned as she watched the battle from afar. I've come across promising pilots.
She then turned to her transmitter as she wore the headphones.
-Are you on the ship already? – She asked.
-Yes. – A voice on the line said.
-Are the boxes arranged already?
-Yes. – The voice's tone did not change.
-Good. Wait for my call to set them off.
-Yes. – The monotonous voice answered again.
-Is the ship already mobilizing?
-Yes.
-Excellent. I want no delays.
She finished that call with a smirk. She proceeded to make a new call.
-Yes. – Someone answered with the same dull voice as the previous call.
-Are you done yet? – Sophia asked.
-Yes. – The man answered.
-Good. Then, go help the others with the slaves. You must wait for my call before releasing them.
She cut the call that minute, not eager to hear yet another unemotional 'yes'.
Initial preparations are done. – She pondered with a smile that brought doom.
-It's time to test their skills. – She said out loud before making another transmission.
Len and Shiro were the main attraction. Hence, they were facing the most opponents.
-There are too many! – Len growled while bringing another one down. - I don't think we can stop the ship now…
-What are you saying, Len? – Shiro exclaimed while making two Sutherlands crash against each other. – There are too many people there. We cannot give up on them so easily!
Len smiled. Shiro was always like this, willing to fight and give everything like no tomorrow. In this occasion, though, they didn't have a tomorrow guaranteed.
-You're right. – Len said. – It looks like Syusuke – San is almost inside. I'm gonna call Kotaro for back up.
Len picked up the transmitter but he received word before he could call anyone.
-Q1. – A stranger voice on the other side of the line called.
Len's eyes widened. He couldn't blame the reception. That was clearly a female voice. He gulped at the thought of Kotaro being captured.
-Who are you? – Len demanded.
-Len, what's wrong? – Shiro asked him.
-What have you done to Kotaro? – Len ignored Shiro, worrying him more.
So his name was Kotaro, huh? – The voice's owner mused.
-No need to shout, Q1. – The female voice stated. – The pilot is dead.
Len stopped moving.
Shiro immediately saved him from an attack and covered him.
-The hell are you doing, Len? – Shiro asked worried.
-You bitch! – Len cursed, ignoring Shiro again. – You killed Kotaro!
-Don't get the wrong idea either, Q1. – She corrected with an unfazed voice. – I was not the one who killed him, but the Seventh Age model that is quickly approaching you.
-What…?
Len turned his attention to the field and noticed that, effectively, a Seventh Age frame was getting near. He bit his lip. He had no chance of going against that in a Glasgow. Then a realization hit him. Before he could ask anything, though, he heard Shiro cursed. Undoubtedly, he had seen the Seventh age Knightmare frame coming closer and closer.
Shiro was starting to worry as to why Len was ignoring him.
-Len! – He called.
-Q2. – A female voice answered instead. – I believe you've just taken notice of the Seventh age model coming. You must face it. Q1 does not stand a chance against it.
-What is this? – Shiro frowned. - Who are you and how are you communicating with me?
-She has Kotaro's communication device. – Len answered for him.
-What? – Shiro exclaimed.
-Kotaro's dead. – Len said gravely.
Shiro cursed.
-How did you know about the Seventh age frame? – Len asked the voice while giving Shiro time to assimilate things.
-I'm watching from afar. – She replied.
-Who are you?
-You only need to know three things. One: I am on your side. Two: I am your only chance of victory. Three: If you want to win, you must do as I say.
-Why should we believe you? – Shiro asked, obviously upset about the news of Kotaro.
-Because I want the same thing as you: To revive the past where freedom was. – She replied.
Shiro didn't know why but that young woman's voice, probably younger than him, didn't sound untrustworthy to him. Strangely, he felt comfortable at its sound.
-Very well. – He said. – Len, what do you say?
A pause of four seconds took place. Len took down one more frame before answering.
-Fine. We'll trust her…For now. – Len accepted.
Sophia smiled.
-Good call. Now, don't worry about the ship anymore; it's been taken care of.
-What? – Len asked in disbelief.
-How so? – Shiro asked too.
-I cannot give you the luxury of details yet. – Her tone reminded them of the threat that would clash with them in seconds. – Q2, you're going to face it. Q1, you must act as bait for the approaching Gloucester.
Len blinked.
-There's another unit of Gloucester coming? – He asked.
-Yes. – Her tone was not very patient but it was not harsh either. – Approximately seven of them.
-I cannot fight them alone.
-You are not the one who will fight. – The voice smiled. – Head to your 11 o' clock.
Len sighed. He had trouble trusting this voice but he trusted Shiro. Shiro, for some reason, had an extra sense that was accurate when it came to trust people.
-Understood. – Len accepted the order before moving.
-Q2. – She called Shiro.
-Why do you call me that? – He asked.
-Introductions should be saved for later; this is not the time for it. – She responded. – Q2, I'll leave this up to you.
-Will you not give me specific instructions like Len? – He questioned.
-That won't be necessary. The skills I've seen so far tell me you can defeat that opponent. – She said as-a-matter-of-factly before ending communication.
Shiro's eyes widened. That was no ordinary girl there, talking to him with so much confidence about his skill after having merely observed him shortly. In truth, he was not the kind that liked being told how to fight. So he grinned widely.
-Bring it on. – Shiro said as he finally clashed with the Seventh age Knightmare frame.
Len had successfully attracted all Gloucester and all seven were behind him.
-What now? – He asked her.
-Ahead of you, you'll see cargo boxes. Get in there.
Len arched an eyebrow.
-If I enter there, I'll be cornered. – He frowned. – Do you seriously know what you're doing?
Sophia scowled. These terrorists were even more patience-consuming than her chess clients.
-Get in there. – She repeated and made sure her tone left it clear she was not going to argue with him.
Len clicked his tongue before huffing. Nonetheless, he did as told. He entered the endless rows of boxes, one on top of another.
Like he had said, he was surrounded by the 7 Gloucester in the front and more cargo boxes were behind him. They were all ready to attack him at the same time. In a Glasgow, he had no chance of defending himself.
-The cargo boxes at your right, throw them to the floor. – The voice commanded.
-What…? – Len hesitated.
-Just do it, Q1.
Growling, he kicked back and the box piles fell down. For what he could see, the boxes were open. A dark powdery substance came out of the boxes.
-Just what is that supposed to be? – He pondered aloud.
-Unprocessed gunpowder for Knightmare frame weapons. – The female voice answered his thoughts.
-What? – Len exclaimed in disbelief.
He knew how flammable and sensitive unprocessed gunpowder was when unprocessed. Even after being processed and turned into a clearer color, it was effective enough to be used to shoot bullets the size of a car. Apparently, his opponents knew that too since they wouldn't move. Moving would be unwise. The wheels that slid on the floor to advance would cause friction in the floor. Because it was covered with unprocessed gunpowder, merely advancing or backing off would trigger an explosion that could blow them all up.
-You knew this! – Len accused. – Do you realize I cannot attack now?
-You forget you cannot be attacked either.
-Is that your idea of a frigging joke?
-You haven't noticed what is behind you, have you, Q1?
-Boxes with more gunpowder? – He hissed snidely.
-And behind those boxes is a clear path you can use to head towards the ship. – Her commanding voice sounded confident, much to his annoyance. – Those were the only boxes with unprocessed gunpowder. It's safe to push the ones behind you and they will not be able to go after you.
Len arched an eyebrow. Maybe this girl does know what she's doing…
He pushed back the boxes and used the new path he had created to head to the ship. He frowned at a thought that made him uneasy.
-How did you know which boxes had the unprocessed gunpowder?
-They were arranged before you got there.
-How did you know I'd be cornered in that specific spot?
-Logic and calculus. – She answered unfazed before ending the call.
Len sighed. She didn't precisely make trusting her an easy task.
-He's escaping! – One of the Gloucester exclaimed. – We must go after it!
-But sir! – Another replied. – We cannot move!
-Then we'll just have to eject from our units and follow him on foot! – The man ordered.
-Y-Yes, sir! – The other six replied.
Sophia smirked and made another call.
-Yes? – The monotonous voice answered.
-Blow the gunpowder up. – She commanded.
-Yes, Your Highness.
As the seven men got off their Gloucester units, an eight man wearing their uniform appeared.
-What are you doing here? – The superior of the group asked. – Anyways, we need back up to go after that terrorist... OI! Are you listening?
The man that showed no emotion simply pulled out a gun and aimed at the gunpowder spread on the ground.
-Are you crazy? – Three men asked in unison, in fear.
The man pulled the trigger and all the cargo boxes in the area were triggered to explode. Sophia grinned from afar. One exploded after another. It was like a dark light show.
Len was already at a safe distant when it happened and he gasped in shock. Just who is the person that is coordinating this all? How can she do this?
In yet another call, a hypnotized man's voice answered with another dull 'yes'.
-You and the rest free the people now and let the pilot in the Glasgow take care of the rest. Once he is there, kill yourselves.
-Yes, Your Highness.
Syusuke Okazaki and Kaya Tsugimoto had at last broken through the wall but were greeted by an army of Gloucester they had no choice to fight.
-Oi, Syusuke! – Kaya exclaimed. – Do you hear that? What is going on outside with all those explosions?
-Let Len and Shiro worry about it, Kaya. – Syusuke ordered.
-Whatever! – Kaya hissed as she continued going at it and blowing down more frames. – It's not like I care about those brats, anyway.
It was in that moment that they both received a call.
-Who is this? – Syusuke answered.
-What do you want? – Kaya's tone was more impolite.
-The one who will make your little ambush here a success. – A young female voice answered.
Both Kaya and Syusuke narrowed their eyes.
The man in the white mask stood still while watching from his room in the building the scenario below. He threw the wineglass to the floor, indignant at the sight of the explosions the Princess had enjoyed a short while ago.
-What the bloody damn is this supposed to mean? – He shouted.
He still couldn't believe it. How had this happened? How had a few terrorists defeated so many of the men from his private military unit? It didn't make sense.
-This is unacceptable! – He screamed.
-Sir King! – A man came into the room alarmed.
The informant's face was greeted by an ashtray Sir King threw to him.
-How dare you storm in here and interrupt me? – He yelled.
-But…But Sir…! – The man insisted trembling while holding his bleeding nose. - The walls have been penetrated, sir!
The man's reaction was unexpected. He laughed. Rather, he guffawed.
-Sir King…? – The informant asked confused.
-Those terrorists really think they can stop me, don't they? – He chortled.
After laughing for several seconds his fist hit a wall. His eyes were fuming behind his white mask.
-They can try this hard if they want, they will lose! The ship should get going any minute now. They will fail and I'll have their heads for it.! – He then smiled crookedly, showing all his inner corruption. – I'll get their heads hanged in each corner of this building
Soon, Len reached the ship. He smiled at the thought that he might have a chance to stop it. Whether he didn't like it or not, it was thanks to the guidance of that mysterious girl. She sounds like she's around my age. – He mused.
He was baffled to see the numerous prisoners gathered outside the ship already.
-What's the meaning of this? – He thought out loud.
A silent and eerie pause occurred. Neither Syusuke nor Kaya said a word. For the latter to reserve her comments was very rare.
-Syusuke… - Kaya spoke gravely. – I'm not sure about this…The boys would change their minds if you asked them, though and…
-I understand. – Syusuke interrupted her curtly. – Whoever you are, miss, I will let you handle this.
-Syusuke, are you for real? – Kaya shouted in disbelief on the other side of the line.
-Kaya, just listen to what's going on outside. It's clear both of them trusted her and are fighting with her instructions. I believe we could give her a chance…
Kaya growled and then sighed.
-Fine then. – She agreed. – So…Whoever-you-are, what do you want us to do?
Meanwhile, Shiro's brow was already sweaty. His opponent was no pushover, but that was mostly due to his Knightmare frame. His skills, he calculated, were average. Evading the bullets he shot did not allow him to attack, but the enemy could not land an attack on him either. This impasse has lasted too long… - He thought.
-It's time to go all out or nothing. – Shiro said to himself.
From the frame's arms, he pulled out two pieces that shone before being clearly visible.
-Maser Vibration Swords? – The man in the Seventh age frame exclaimed. – Impossible… A Gloucester couldn't possibly sustain MVS of such high quality!
Shiro grinned. Using his swords, Shiro easily cut through the rifle the opponent's frame used as weapon. It was his chance to strike a surprise blow.
-It's a pity. – Shiro said. – A Seventh age Knightmare frame goes to waste, and you never brought out its full capacity…
That said, he proceeded to cut one of the legs of the frame, damaging its balance and threw one of the swords like a spear, piercing right above the pilot's cockpit.
Before the pilot could counterattack, Shiro jumped back, escaping the explosion of the swords.
-They never last more than a minute. – He said to himself as he watched his opponent burn. – Those are only experimental. Indeed, a Gloucester could never use Maser Vibration Swords.
That was a Seventh Age Knightmare frame? Definitely nowhere close to the Lancelot or the Guren MK II… Will any of these pilots ever reach the level of Kururugi Suzaku or Kouzuki Kallen? – Sophia wondered while watching. – I need something of that caliber to win this war…
She took the communication device to make one more call.
-Q2. – She called.
-What's up? – He greeted sarcastically.
-Good job. – She smiled slyly.
-Yeah… - Shiro said. – Hey, what happened with the explosions on the other side at the dock?
-Q1. – She answered.
-Is Len OK?
-He's alright. – She rolled her eyes. – Q3 and Q4 have broken inside the walls. Go back them up.
-What about the ship? – He arched an eyebrow.
-Leave it to Q1.
-Is it time for introductions yet? – He asked her.
-Not yet, Q2. – She replied serious.
-Will you not even tell us your name? – He insisted.
Sophia paused. She hadn't thought of a name yet. She considered using 'Snow', which was the sole pseudonym that identified her in the illegal gambling business, but decided against it in the end.
-Like I said before, introductions will come afterwards. Go back Q3 and Q4 up.
Sophia then, stood up and turned off the transmitter, not giving him a chance to reply. Yeah. My chess clients were easier. Anyhow, I've given instructions to everyone. Q3 and Q4 are fighting in a specific point, so I should be able to sneak in without asking for much attention. Q2 will arrive to support shortly. Q1 should already be at the ship.
-It's time to get moving. – She said to no one in particular, walking towards the fortress.
Truth was, it was already midnight, but the night was not over.
-So, you're saying this one soldier came into the ship and killed the personnel that were going to sail the ship but didn't kill any of you. Then, more soldiers, who smelled like gunpowder, came in and directed you all out of the ship and told you to wait here for a pilot in a Glasgow? – Len asked a few of the former slaves, with eyes widely skeptical.
-They were also communicating their actions constantly to someone with the transmitter of the ship. – One man complemented.
-They barely acted like humans. – A woman continued. – Their faces remained neutral all the time and they didn't even seem to react to anything… Everyone was scared at first.
-And you say that all soldiers walked away out of the blue once everyone was out of the ship?
The answers he got were several nods.
Could this be what that woman meant when she said 'it was taken care of'? What is the meaning of this?
-You are the terrorist that pilots the Glasgow. – He heard someone behind him say.
Len turned abruptly and saw a soldier standing. He gasped before reaching for his handgun.
The soldier merely pointed to another ship at his side, significantly smaller than the one where the Eleven were held, but could still be big enough to transport several people.
-I was told to bring that here. – He said before turning around and walking away.
-Oi, wait! – He yelled.
The soldier, however, ignored him.
-We could use that to get to the nearest coast… - One of the men he was talking to pointed out.
Len looked at the ship, unsure of what to think. Then he turned to the soldier again, but he was gone. Who was the one that directed this all? – He pondered furrowing his brow.
Unknown to Len, that soldier had headed to a specific spot that Sophia had indicated to then shoot himself and join the rest of the suicidal corpses of the other soldiers.
-This is impossible! YOU HAVE TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME! – Sir King bellowed.
He threw a fist to the wall again. He clenched his teeth in fury. His forehead was sweating from anger alone. The sight of the Seventh age Knightmare frame being defeated was beyond what he could believe plausible. He had only felt like this once before…
X Sir King's flashback X
In a private room, he sat at one side of the chess board and an opponent on the other. Sir King's face was unmasked. Both his brown eyes and his thin lips were smiling as his victory was pretty much decided. Then, a laptop was set to take his opponent's place. He laughed and found the idea amusing. It seemed even more amusing after seeing the image of a masked young girl in the laptop's monitor.
-So you are the famous Snow, huh? You're not winning, darling. – He mocked. – This man has lost his King. Once the King is lost, everything is lost.
The girl didn't answer and simply gave instructions to the man he was playing against. Her instructions were absurd.
-But if I do that I might really lose! – The man cried.
He laughed at how ridiculous it was to even ask for help to a girl. It was an enjoyable sight…For three minutes.
Three minutes later, the situation was not laughable to him anymore.
-This doesn't make sense! – He exclaimed angry. – This must be a trick! Do you hear me? A bloody trick! Who do you think I am, girlie? I could make the King go against you if I wanted to!
He could almost swear he heard a disgruntled growl on her part.
-A Knight in the rim is grim. – Was her reply.
Five minutes later, his defeat was imminent.
-Customer. – That was what she called his opponent. – Move the Knight and take down his King.
So the customer did. He could not believe it. He had won.
-C-Checkmate… - He stammered.
-This is outrage! – He replied while shoving away the board.
He was held back by sinewy men, of course. He cursed as he heard the man thank the girl on the laptop.
-Don't thank me. Remember I charge per minute. It's been eight.
X End of Sir King's flashback X
-Sir King. – The lackey that had been with him in the room all the while called.
-WHAT? – The masked man turned to him in ire.
-We've received a call. The Marshal of the Britannian Army is heading towards the factory. – He said, not flinching at the creepy sight of his boss.
Sir King laughed hysterically again. His laughter sounded more twisted with each second.
The bodyguard in the black suit and sunglasses retired from the room at last while Sir King was enjoying the morbid thoughts of Princess Sophia's dead body.
Shiro arrived at the scene behind the walls and fought beside Kaya.
-You took your sweet time getting here. – She mocked. – Where's Len?
-She said to leave the ship to him and come to back you up. – Shiro answered.
-She, huh? – Kaya expressed.
-I had a feeling you'd be the one opposing to her command the most. – Shiro commented.
Kaya did not appreciate his blunt comment. Shiro knew she was glaring daggers at him.
-Did she give you any specific instructions? – He asked.
-She said the security inside was tight and we would not be able to successfully get to his room. – Syusuke informed. – So she said she'd be the one to get him.
-Huh? – Shiro exclaimed, not believing his ears. – If we cannot get in, how could she?
-That's exactly what I was saying! – Kaya said.
-Well, you and Len are the ones that have worked with her instructions. You tell me, Shiro, should we trust her? – Syusuke's voice was uncharacteristically grave.
Shiro didn't reply for a minute but knew the question would just be repeated if he didn't answer it then.
-Well, she has not yet showed anything to make us believe she's in either his or our side…
-Then I believe we can give her a chance. – Syusuke smiled.
-But Syusuke – San, - Shiro expressed serious. – How are we to know she's not in Sir King's side?
-She gave us a time limit. – Kaya replied.
-A time limit for what? – Shiro asked bemused.
-If we don't see the corpse of Sir King falling from his room's window after that time has expired, we can be sure she won't make it and we'll have to get inside.
-I still think it's risky. – Kaya scowled.
-Either way, we cannot get in without first finishing down here with all these Gloucester. – Syusuke said.
Like Sophia had guessed, getting inside was not very troublesome. Security was tight, but she had camouflage and could just order anyone who suspected her to ignore her.
She discerningly went up to the floor where she suspected his room could be. She roamed in the hallways mindfully and then spotted a door with bodyguards on each of its side. This must be it.
She approached the two nonchalantly.
-Hey, you! – One of the told her. – This area is restricted! Go back down to fight!
Sophia grinned before showing both her eyes.
-I don't think that's happening. How about you two go fight downstairs, take down a couple of soldiers, perhaps?
-Yes. – They both said in dull unison before leaving the door unguarded.
She proceeded to walk to the door. Her hand was about to reach the handle when a strong arm pulled her from it. She gasped in surprise. The man threw her to the opposite wall. She groaned in pain. It was then that she was cornered. A brawny body pressed her against the wall. Because her face's left side was against the wall, using her Geass was impossible.
She ventured to look at her oppressor. She recognized him as one of the lackeys that had brought her to the abandoned factory.
She saw him frown. He recognized her eye color but could not believe it.
-You… - He said.
He never finished his sentence as a bullet went right through his head.
Sophia's violet irises contracted and her lips gawked. She turned to see the one responsible for his death, her savior. It turned out to be the one she least expected to see.
He approached her casually and glanced at her as if seeing if she was well. Was that concern?
-I thought you said you wouldn't help. – She stated.
-I said not to expect it. – Z.Z. corrected
-Why did you come along?
-No particular reason. – He shrugged his shoulders. – I didn't have anything better to do.
Sophia raised a green eyebrow.
-You're telling me you came here out of boredom? – She asked with marked incredulity.
He didn't answer. He just stared at her blankly. She sighed before looking at the corpse of the lackey and then to Z.Z. again.
-Thanks… - She said.
Without glancing at him again, she knelt beside the corpse and looked for his handgun, which she borrowed, never to return it. Did she have a habit of stealing from dead bodies or something?
-Do you think you can shoot one? – Z.Z. asked her.
-I've made several people shoot others and themselves this night alone. – She said softly.
She then took a deep breath to make her face look tougher and kicked open the door to Sir King's room.
Sir King turned to the door, surprised.
-I said I didn't want interruptions! – He bellowed.
Sophia thought his distorted voice was suiting for someone as pitiably corrupt as him. She then took off her helmet and let the man gasp in fright and his legs tremble until they couldn't support his weight anymore. So he fell back against the couch.
-T-T-This can't be! – He stuttered as he pointed at her. – You're supposed to be dead!
Sophia pointed the gun at him with a sly smile.
-Shut up. – She commanded.
The man had no choice but to shut up, but he spoke after a pause.
-This is impossible… You should've died!
-I should've died thrice already, right? – She asked with contempt. – Poisoned by chloroform, in a limousine accident and shot to death by a mafia group.
-Curse your puny blood… - He hissed.
Sophia frowned before shooting him in the hand. Sir King screamed and cried in pain while holding his hand.
She thought both him and John Carlson were big babies. Compared to the wound that had lead the bespectacled boy younger than her, Kotaro, to death, and how he handled it, still willing to shoot her despite the pain, this failed attempt of a man was beyond pathetic to her eyes.
-I'll admit I feel good as I shall tell you that your attempt of chagrin did not meet the purpose you expected. I don't find the rumors of idle nobles about my past menacing; I never have. I believe it is common knowledge I don't share your sick enjoyment of power and disgustingly extravagant fortunes; that alone makes it very reasonable for me to be the most despised among nobility, 'even more than the most deprived', as you said earlier. And, from this moment onward, those words will be even more insignificant to me. My past is no longer a mystery to me. Fortunately and unfortunately all of it is a lie. While the evidence I am rejecting as true has managed to be seen as truthful in the eyes of countless people, sadly for you, perhaps for both of us, it proves exactly what people are trying to use it to deny. If someone looked more closely, they'd see my parents were not mere commoners. As a matter of fact, you'd be flabbergasted if you were to hear my father's name, which I assure you has been heard even by the illiterate and the analphabetic. Moreover, Baron… – She paused as she noted the surprise in him, which showed in his widely open eyes. - You are not nearly as smart an ass as you think you are. You made several mistakes tonight, but a couple of them were exceptionally stupid. While you were ingenuously trying to humiliate me with the menace I have just proved false, you gave away the fact that you belonged to nobility, which was a suspicion of mine I needed to confirm and you did the favor to me by not thinking before talking. Only people in the nobility circles know about that rumor's matter and only nobles have sinewy lackeys. Royalty's fear for their personal security is as obnoxiously obvious as your lackeys' upper body strength. As for your other mistake, that one occurred before the other one yet its consequences were even worse. You merely assumed something. Precipitated assumptions without any bases are never more than assumptions. Assumptions always have a greater chance of being erroneous than right… You assumed I was, and I quote, idle, uninformed, uncultured. So you didn't worry about letting me see where I was or seeing you. Your sense of precaution must be minuscule for it to fit in such a small shape as a mask, although, I'll admit, it's fitting. Covering your face was all you thought necessary. Your unwise assumption led you to be careless and let the blindfolds be removed from my eyes. It will never fit in your reasoning just how big that mistake was, for it allowed me to do far more than just see… What I can tell you, Baron Carlson, – He gasped at the mention of his name. - is that I must object to you calling me an illiterate. I have seen the persona you pretend to be at balls often, your other mask. However, I know well who you are in reality, too. I know of your business of Eleven slaves trafficking, which you carry out under the pseudonym of 'Sir King'. The business is going smoothly, especially in the Areas distributed among all Europe, the South of Oceania and Northeast of Canada, and, of course, you are untouchable. Not just a noble, but a Baron of one of the most important families among nobility whose influence in commerce is highly favorable to Area 11 and to the very seat of it all, dear Britannia in its mother base and glory. In addition, nobody in any department that calls themselves people of justice gives a damn about what happens to Eleven, as demonstrated by the several lost judicial cases, the removal and denial of rights by the authorities and the unfair treatment they receive by the population with a generous charge of discrimination by all provided services… Baron Carlson, so far, you have only talked sophistry. Even worse, sophistry based on your mere opinions. You either ignore opinions are not solid nor does their power reach the extents you were stretching it into or you are arrogant… Can you guess already, your fatal assumption was that I am ignorant, Brandon Carlson? - The man's groans of pain had ceased at that point, his teeth clenched harder with each sentence and his wrath increasing. – Yes, I know your identity. You underestimated me and this is the result.
The man then grinned as he pulled out a black handgun from under the couch and pointed it at her, chuckling.
-You've underestimated me as well, Princess! – He exclaimed. – I am Sir King after all!
Sophia continued pointing at him. She was about to shoot to his other hand but the Baron beat her, shooting first.
Sophia grimaced as she landed in one knee. Fortunately, his aiming sucked, so the bullet had only grazed her right thigh.
While she knelt, the Baron had stood and laughed maniacally, much to Sophia's aggravation. Before she could move, the tip of his handgun was already against her forehead.
-Stand up. – He ordered her with sickening satisfaction.
She stood up slowly.
-Drop the gun. – He commanded her in the middle.
She frowned and let go of it before fully erecting her position.
-Do you know why I called myself 'Sir King'? – He asked her.
-I don't really care. – She answered bluntly.
Brandon Carlson seethed before slamming his hand against the wall, grazing her face. She blinked but did not flinch. He then took off his mask and revealed his face to her. She knew his face very well from both nobility balls and a game.
-The King is the most important piece in chess. – He began. – Not that you'd know much about chess, though. – He joked (erroneously). – Mark my words. My naïve brother John was easy to manipulate. Like him, I can make anyone comply with my wishes. I can do that because I am meant to be King! I've always been! I will not let you, an undesirable and disgusting commoner like you remain a threat! I will take the power! I will command Britannia and rule it! Whoever rules Britannia rules the world! I will be King! I WILL BE KING OF THE WOR…!
He trailed off after feeling a harrowing twinge in his groin. He even dropped the gun and fell to his knees. Sophia took advantage of that to take the gun again and get revenge by slapping him before kicking him, turning him around, and pointing the gun's tip at the back of his head.
-Shut up; now I mean it. – She commanded again. – Stand up, Baron.
He stood up as his back faced her.
-Look outside the window more closely. The ship has not left because it was stopped. The Eleven you captured to sell as slaves were freed and should soon get going to the nearest coast to escape. A good part of your military unit has been defeated by mere terrorists. As we speak, there is a fight happening downstairs. If I pull the trigger now and throw your body outside the window, it would be a signal of our impending victory. You can no longer win this, Brandon Carlson. – She told him with a solemn voice. – Using the chess terminology, since the cheap Seventh age model was brought down, it was checkmate. All I needed was a Knight. Just because the King is the most important piece, it does not mean it's invincible. A true chess player would know the Knight is the most valuable, having the power of decisive advantage in the most unexpected moment. A Knight is capable of being within attack range and not even the King can do anything to stop his imminent doom.
It seemed the Baron was mute. She leaned closer behind him with a smirk a tad sadistic, starving with desire for payback.
-A Knight in the rim is grim… So they say. – She whispered to his ear.
She could only see his face's profile, but it was enough to appreciate his utter bafflement as he recognized her.
Satisfied, she quickly placed herself in front of him and hypnotized him with her eye's Geass, something she had been itching to do all night.
-Now, Brandon Carlson. – She spoke grimly with a serious face. - Do yourself a favor and end your miserable life.
-Yes, Your Highness. – He expressed.
She pulled him to zone near the window and handed him the gun. He took it, placed it at the side of his head and pulled the trigger unhesitant like only a person under the effect of Geass could.
His body crashed against the glass and shattered it, falling from fourteen stories to the ground. A signal that indicated two things: Continuing to fight was pointless and she had officially earned the trust of the terrorists.
This is and is not like chess; very alike yet very different. The pawns are humans and the moves will not always be like I planned… But there is no going back now. I am no longer the old me. I must be reborn as a symbol for people… I shall follow the steps of Lelouch vi Britannia. I must let my father be my guideline… I must become the new Zero.
Long chapter, I know! Hope you feel waiting was worth it. Would you think I'm weird if I told you I felt powerful as I wrote Sophia's argument in which she owned the Baron? It's like her character's powerful words were inside of me too. I'm not planning to include religious thoughts in future chapters, at least not frequently, in case you were wondering. Yes, I believe in God but I, of course, know we all have different beliefs and I respect that. Wow, this is the most violent chapter I've written in my life… XD Sorry if the action wasn't exciting. I admit action is not my forte. So, suggestions as to how I can improve it are much appreciated.
