A/N: I own no portion of Code Geass. Glad to have you all with me, hope you've enjoyed the story thus far and I hope to keep you entertained for a while longer : ) Here's a meaty chapter since you've been waiting for me to finish my finals .
Flight of the Phoenix
Kallen was just waking up as she looked at her clock, her eyes only half open. Shock forced her eyes the rest of the way open and a jolt of panic hit her. She was already supposed to be on her way to school.. *Ugh, maybe I'll just stay home from school today.* Unable to go back to sleep Kallen stared at the ceiling. *If I don't go then I'll just sit around here and think about last night for the rest of the day..*
It was a fairly normal morning walking to the Academy. The birds were chirping merrily as the students made their way through the gossip yard to the doors. Lelouch rubbed his eyes roughly while yawning, last night had taken a toll on him. Between rescuing Kallen and dealing with her afterwards, he only got about two and half hours of sleep. Despite this he was still rather early to school. He'd always strived to be punctual. There was a strange scent lingering in the air around him, he leaned into the collar of his jacket and realized that he'd grabbed the jacket that Kallen had been wearing last night. It still smelled faintly of strawberries.
"Did you hear about Lelouch and Kallen?" A snickering girl inquired. The small group of students surrounding her was slowly getting larger and larger. Apparently the two of them were a hot topic of conversation this morning.
"No! You have to tell me everything!" Another girl squealed as she practically jumped in excitement.
"They were seen in the private showers together!" The snickering girl continued. The eyes of her listeners threatened to fall out of their sockets.
Lelouch grimaced, *I'd forgotten about that entirely..* A familiar hearty slap on the back derailed his thoughts. "Hello Rivalz..."
"So I heard about you and Kallen! You really are the man Lelouch." Rivalz was lost in his thoughts for a moment, trying to live vicariously through his friend.
"It's not like that Rivalz. That whole situation was a misunderstanding." Lelouch said calmly shaking his head.
"Who would have thought that Kallen would have been so easy?" Spoke one of the girls from the circle. Her hair was blue pulled back into a tight ponytail.
Lelouch winced for a moment, "I'll be right back Rivalz." Before his friend could realize that he'd left, Lelouch made his way towards the gossip circle.
"Oh you're just jealous 'cause Lulu always turns you down." The circle broke up into laughter.
Lelouch approached calmly, "what's the news over here? Something funny?" He asked maintaining perfect composure.
The blue haired student suddenly went beet red, she was completely humiliated just knowing that Lelouch had heard what the others had said about her. The rest of the circle made their best attempt to bottle the laughter for a moment.
"Doesn't hold the same effect when you're on the brunt end of the joke does it?" Lelouch paused for a moment allowing the circle to realize how serious he was. For a single uncomfortable moment he had their attention, and that was all he needed. "Perhaps you shouldn't busy yourselves in the affairs of others." With a casual smile Lelouch returned to Rivalz who was paying more attention to the Prez who had just walked up to the front gates. *Great, just who I wanted to see...*
Milly greeted Lelouch with an over exaggerated wave. "Hey Lelouch! Why don't you join us?" Lelouch quickly complied and made his way over to Milly and Rivalz. He wanted to close the distance quickly because he already knew what Milly had to say and he'd prefer her not to shout it across the court yard.
"So, you have to tell me the scoop on you and Kallen. Are you two official yet?" Milly asked reaching an arm around both Lelouch and Rivalz as they walked together. Rivalz was melting like butter under her touch but she didn't seem to notice, her attention was fully focused on Lelouch.
"We aren't even unofficial actually." Lelouch said holding up his mask of complete indifference. "That was all just a misunderstanding. You know how these students jump for gossip." He frowned in distaste as they walked down the halls of the Academy.
Milly leaned over to get closer to his ear as they continued down the hall. "What about her visit last night?" She asked quietly.
Lelouch felt like he'd just tried to swallow a boulder, incapable of dislodging the lump in his throat he sharply glanced over at her. "How much do you know?" He asked in a hushed voice.
"That she entered the building at 2:16 AM, stayed for about twenty minutes and then you both left for about forty five minutes, finally you came home alone." Milly talked very quietly, barely even audible to Lelouch. Luckily Rivalz wasn't asking any questions, he wasn't even aware that he was beginning to drool. "Sounds remarkably like a booty call." Milly giggled.
"But ho-how could you possibly know that?" Lelouch asked completely baffled that the Prez of all people had caught him and Kallen. *Does she know what was said? Was there a witness I didn't see? I may have to use geass on her, but first I need to find out who else knows.*
"You seem to forget that I'm the daughter of the Ashford family. Everyone that comes in and out of this building is recorded, for security reasons." Milly winked, "don't worry though, your secret is safe with me. I'll admit that normally I'd blab this to the world, but I know this could actually land you in some trouble-"
Lelouch calmed, it wasn't nearly as bad as he had thought. "Wait a second, are you saying that you were spying on me? There's no way that you were watching the attendance logs at that time of night." Lelouch narrowed his eyes rather playfully, this time it was him who had the Prez on the run.
She just flashed her usual smile, "so you caught me, I'm always on the lookout for some dirt on you. I just never dreamed I'd get a bite like this." Milly laughed. "We can talk later Lulu, class is about to start." She released him from under her arm and looked over at Rivalz. "Rivalz you have a little something, right here." Milly said taking her right arm off of him and raising her thumb to her chin, rubbing it lightly.
Rivalz snapped out of his hypnosis and looked up at Milly, "huh? What?" He felt the drool on his chin and quickly turned away wiping it on his sleeve. "Oh that, sorry.. I uh-umm I-I'm allergic to peanuts." He managed to get out with a dead serious look on his face.
Milly stopped walking entirely and blinked a few times, trying to figure out what that had to do with anything. "Wha-"
"Catch ya later Maddam President!" and with that Rivalz was off in a flash to catch up with Lelouch. Leaving Milly standing there, scratching her head.
Lelouch sat down in his seat. *At least I have history today, a class I can sleep through.* Lelouch thought to himself as he rested his head in his hand. As his eyes started to get heavy the bell rang. Jarring him slightly he opened his eyes for a moment, Kallen wasn't in class today. Her seat had been taken by someone else. *I suppose she wanted to sleep in.* He thought to himself.
"You going to sleep Lelouch?" Rivalz whispered, noticing the position he'd taken.
"Remember we're even." Lelouch reminded him.
Reisdorph stood from behind his desk, placing the model of a knightmare he'd been busy with on his desk. It seemed like it was an expensive model, it was rather elaborate. "All right everyone, settle down. I'm taking attendance, wouldn't want to accidentally mark any of you absent eh?" He chuckled to himself like he usually did. Lelouch always thought the professor fancied himself a comedian in front of a captive audience. "Seems like we are only missing.. Kallen Sta- why do I even bother." The professor shook his head and walked back over to his desk. "Today class, we'll be discussing the humanoid autonomous armored knight." He said, raising the incomplete model above his head in an iron grip with his fat fingers. "Better known as... the Knightmare frame!" His eyes were bulging and his smile was ecstatic.
Lelouch's eyes shot open. *To think that I could get a minute of sleep with Reisdorph yelling was naive. Still at least this topic relates to me.* He shrugged.
"This single invention has changed combat as we know it. Turning a single worthless soldier.. into an army for glorious Britannia!" Reisdorph bellowed as he turned to hold the model towards the flag. "Meaning that each and every one of you, could single handedly change the outcome of an entire war. Isn't that exciting!? Just think, with the arsenal this beauty has to offer, a single soldier is more than a match for those monkeys that would dare rise up against our great nation." The professor looked over his model with great affection, as if it were his child. "The only thing that hinders the Knightmare frames success is its energy output. If only we could-" The professor's eyes went wide with ambition, "that is today's homework! I want each of you to come up with ten possible ways to fuel a Knightmare frame. You can split into groups or work individ-" The professor stopped mid sentence seeing who was at the door.
Kallen stood at the doorway somewhat out of breath. She'd hurried as quickly as possible while still acting sickly. Surprisingly enough walking quickly can tire you out almost as much as running. Once she realized what class she was late for her spirits lowered. She started to enter the room slowly, bowing her head.
The professor raised his hand motioning for Kallen to stop. "No need to hurry Ms. Stadtfeld. After all we wouldn't want you to exhaust yourself on our behalf. We can wait until you regain your breath, these hallways are rather vast aren't they?" Reisdorph sported a big, toothy smirk. He waited with the rest of the class for her to ease her breathing, it was dead silent.
Kallen clenched her jaw, quickly regaining her breath. She began to walk towards her seat but noticed the spot had already been taken. Looking around the room to find an open seat, the only one she found was at the front of the class. *Damnit..*
"That seat should suit you just fine Ms. Stadtfeld. If there's a medical emergency, rest assured our clinic staff will take good care of you." Reisdorph stated, turning around to look at the board.
Kallen was enraged, she'd had enough of this stogy little man giving her hell at every turn. *I'll teach you to mess with Kallen Kozuki..* Kallen glanced over to his name plate and bowed her head slightly so her bangs would cover her face. "Thank you professor, I'm happy to be here." She said with the slightest hint of a smile on her lips and a magenta glow in her eye.
"Why thank you! I'm very pleased to have you here as well Ms. Stadtfeld. Just having you in my classroom brightens up my day." The professor turned to have a sincere smile on his face and a twinkle in his hazel eyes. "This class suffers without your contribution."
"I'm sad to hear that." Kallen continued.
The professor winced as his smile quickly turned into a devastated frown. He collapsed with a hand over his heart. "I-it's just s-so depressing." The professor started to openly weep. The rest of the class exchanged glances but shrugged, figuring that Reisdorph was just being himself, just a little crazier. "W-why did you have to have b-be b-born with that illness while ev-everyone else-" The professor was lost in a sob, no longer able to voice himself.
This caught Lelouch's attention. The first time was questionable but now it was undeniable. Kallen was using geass on the teacher, in front of the class. *What the hell is she doing?! I have to- no I can't, I already used my geass on him. Damnit, Kallen what could you be thinking?* Lelouch was forced to sit back and watch as the events unfolded.
Everyone was looking at Kallen as she was looking back completely baffled. She shrugged her shoulders at the classmates looking at her. "What'd I do?" She asked aloud, the professor still bawling on the ground. His arms wrapped around himself in a tight hug.
"I dunno, but say something, try to cheer him up." Rivalz shrugged as well. "I mean you two have always had this weird tension, maybe you just snapped him?" His guess was as good as anyone's when it came to Reisdorph. He was about as predictable as a bat in a ping pong arena.
"Umm okay... Professor.. I know I don't have a life that many envy, but really I'm okay." Kallen was playing it off perfectly, no one suspected that she was actually controlling the professors emotions. Who would believe such a ridiculous thing anyway?
The professor sobs cut off. He looked up at Kallen, his cheeks red and tear stained. He pointed his chubby index finger directly at her head. "At least you have hair! You have beautiful thick hair, and I'm- I'm balding!" The professor stiffled a sob as he reached for his own head. "I want HAIR!" The professor was sitting in the middle of the floor, his short legs sprawled out and his fists pounding into the ground. He seemed like a little kid throwing a tantrum.
"Trust me professor it's not all it's cracked up to be." Kallen said, trying to balance the professor out.
"Yeah, you're probably right." The professor said quickly. He stood up, staring at the wide eyed students. "Now where were we in our lecture?" The professor looked back at the board not remembering his emotional roller coaster. He saw the model on his desk and his eyes widened, "that's right! The Knightmare frame! You will all learn to respect this man made miracle!" He spun around in a wide stance, bent over while holding the incomplete model out in front of him for everyone to stare at. The students were all speechless as Reisdorph held that pose for a good twenty seconds. Just as the professor opened his mouth to speak again the bell rang. The professor didn't move, looking around the room with a cocked brow, confused as to why the students were looking at him with such awe.
The students all grabbed their bags, eyes still wide, and shuffled out of the classroom without a word. Once out in the hall Lelouch felt like he'd just had a heart attack.
"How about the professor huh?" Rivalz laughed. "Some days I actually look forward to that class."
"Indeed, he seems like the type to take his work home with him. Still even for him, it was a strange day." Lelouch laughed as well. He had to play it off casually, even though there was no evidence, acting out wouldn't help him any.
"Male PMS, when it hits, it hits hard." Rivalz shrugged. "Well I'm gonna go grab a bite to eat, catch ya later." As usual he ran off before Lelouch could say goodbye.
Lelouch waited outside the class room for Kallen, he needed to have a few words with her. She walked out very casually, as if nothing had happened. "Kallen, let's go get some food." Lelouch said, not even bothering with phones. He didn't have the patience to play the subtle game.
Kallen looked up at Lelouch somewhat surprised. "O-okay, let me just stop at my locker real quick." She said feeling uneasy; she already knew what he wanted to talk about. Her locker wasn't too far away as he walked with her, she could feel his violet eyes burning into her. A feeling that wasn't welcomed by Kallen Kozuki, after all between the two of them, she didn't have to act sick. She shot him a defiant glance, "so where do you want to go?"
Lelouch thought for a moment, it needed to be someplace private… *Great, as if there wasn't enough evidence piling up about the two of us as it is.* Lelouch didn't say anything but started walking in the direction of his wing. Unfortunately the halls weren't as crowded as they were yesterday, meaning that it would actually draw attention for them to go to his quarters. Lelouch sighed as he pulled out the key and opened the door, he walked in quickly and waited as Kallen did the same. Lelouch could hear the students snickering briefly before shutting the door.
They walked down the grand hallway, which was empty as usual, until they reached the section set aside for the 'Lamprouge' family. Lelouch used his key and opened the door, inside Sayoko was sitting with Nunnally reading a book.
"Lelouch you're home early." Nunnally said slightly confused.
"Yeah, we're just here for some lunch. We can't stay long." Lelouch said, quickly walking over to his sister to give her a hug and a kiss on the top of her head. "Is that a good book?" He asked, always able to find some time for his little sister.
"It's cute." Nunnally smiled up at him. "Who'd you bring with you?"
"Do you remember Kallen?" He asked sweetly. "We're just going to have some lunch."
"Oh, well that sounds nice." Nunnally said softly.
"I'll say goodbye before I leave." Lelouch smiled, at least his sister didn't give him trouble about Kallen. He walked over to his room and led Kallen in, shutting the door behind him. He resumed his gaze on Kallen as she stood in front of him, she wasn't afraid. "What were you thinking?" Lelouch started calmly, his hands opening quickly in a frustrated gesture. Something was off about his room, he looked towards the bed and noticed a couple of pizza boxes beginning to build up.
"Honestly, I was thinking he's an ass hole." Kallen responded.
Walking over to the bed he opened boxes, the first was empty and the second was half gone. *Did C.C. seriously eat a whole pizza and a half?* Lelouch was shocked. *Worse than that, where'd she go? Damnit, I don't have a way of getting a hold of her. I'll have to set some rules when I see her next.* He looked at Kallen and she seemed to be waiting for something, luckily he remembered what she said. "Well yes, he is. And that justified using geass on him?"
"I didn't know I needed justification." Kallen arched her brow. "Tell me that you haven't used geass on people outside of missions. Hell you used it on Reisdorph too." She was clearly not taking any crap from him at the moment.
*Is she still mad at me for something?* Lelouch thought to himself. *She has a point.. Still, this is a struggle for power. While she is my queen, she needs to know her place.* Lelouch looked up at her, his purple eyes flickering with embers inside. "Yes I did, but I did it with some common sense in mind. Not just brainwashing the teacher for the hell of it."
Kallen sighed. "Look, I get that it wasn't a good idea. I'm not stupid, and I'm not going to do it again. I didn't endanger the mission and you didn't have anything to lose anyway. Isn't that enough for you?"
*I didn't have anything to lose? Is that what this is about?* Lelouch tilted his head for a moment, like a hound that had just caught the scent of a suspect. "Of course I had something to lose."
"Yeah your precious Q-1" Kallen sneered, looking away towards the pizza box. "And I'm taking a slice of this pizza." She said with spite.
Lelouch laughed, "that is what this is about.. Kallen, Q-1 had no place in that classroom. That was you, while Q-1 is my most valuable piece, it's just a title without you. The truth is, Kallen is what makes Q-1 irreplaceable." Lelouch watched for a moment judging her reaction. She softened for a moment, causing a smirk grow over his lips. *I've got you now, wrapped around my finger.* "Listen Kallen, there's something else we need to talk about. We've been the center of a lot of talk recently, clearly this isn't desirable for either of us. I think it may be in our best interest to appear to be dating." Again Lelouch watched, judging her reaction.
"What?!" This came as a complete shock to Kallen, suddenly she couldn't take her eyes off of him. A full field of butterflies aloft in her stomach now. "Are you serious?"
"Do you have someone else you're pursuing?" Lelouch flashed a playful grin.
"What? No," Kallen lowered her head, feeling slightly ashamed for some reason. "I don't, but-"
"It will quiet all the rumors around us; we'll become boring to the other students. Girls will finally leave me the hell alone and it won't seem strange that we spend so much time together." His amethyst eyes now seemed to clear, as if welcoming her to look deep into them.
Her cerulean eyes were still wide with shock. "Well I don't know. I never thought about it like that.. I guess-"
Lelouch laughed again, "Kallen don't take it so seriously, we don't actually have to date each other. It's just a mask for the public to see, we won't need to do much more than we already are. We could probably sell it just by holding hands." *However, the fact that you are taking it that seriously ensures my victory. All tasks at hand have been cleared.*
Kallen bit her lower lip, "okay."
Cornelia came to the bridge of the command ship. Even though she was inside, it seemed like a gust followed her wherever she went. "I want a report Captain, how long until my forces are ready to move?"
The Captain saluted, "we are nearly finished with the preparations viceroy. The Knightmares are all charged, we just need to top off their ordinance and they will be ready to launch."
"Very well, leak it to the media that we are going to be launching an assault on the Saitama ghetto and the surrounding area in search of the stolen Knightmares." Cornelia said with authority.
"But your highness, if we tell the media the terrorists-"
"I'm fully aware of that Captain. We are in a fragile position at the moment. The people are undoubtedly beginning to sway from Britannia with that stunt Zero pulled about us killing the innocent. By giving warning of our attack it cleans our hands of killing any civilians, if the elevens choose to stay where they are that's their problem. As for the terrorists they have three options. It's possible that they could show up again to try to save the ghetto, in which case we destroy every last one of them. Another option they have is to run, but moving that many Knightmares will be obvious and again we kill them. The last option they have is to wait it out hoping we don't find them, by far the worst idea but still possible." Cornelia wouldn't even grant the Captain the privilege of eye contact as she looked over to Euphemia, who remained with her for safety. "We even have a trump card should the terrorists prove to be more of a match than anticipated."
The Captain was in awe, clearly she wasn't known as the Goddess of Victory for nothing.
Lloyd stood beneath the Lancelot looking up at his beauty. "Has he finished the simulators yet?" He asked, holding a hand over his eyes to shade them.
"Yes he has. He scored remarkably well in all categories." Cecile responded, slightly surprised that Lloyd's choice had proven to be such a strong candidate. "We got the go ahead to be on standby for the siege on the Saitama ghetto."
"Splendid! Finally we'll get the chance to collect some data. What did I tell you? I know how to pick a devisor." Lloyd flashed his huge grin as the pilot opened the cockpit and stood from the seat. His face looked much better than it had in the hospital. The burns were healing quickly, thanks to the biomedical technology available to soldiers.
As the news spread quickly Jeremiah was listening in to the transmission. His eyes went wide, "this is my chance! My chance at redemption! I'll show my loyalty to you Lady Cornelia, you'll see." Because he was temporarily suspended from service he didn't have access to a Knightmare, but that wouldn't stop Jeremiah Gottwald.
Kallen had just finished her third slice of pizza leaving only one to Lelouch. Her phone started to ring in her pocket, startled slightly, she pulled it out. "It's Ohgi, our old leader." Kallen said to Lelouch who was sitting in his chair fiddling with the chess pieces on the table.
Lelouch looked up with a confused look, "so why not answer it?"
Kallen shook her head frustrated, "Hello?"
"Kallen I'm so glad you're alright. I would have called sooner but I didn't want to risk it." Ohgi said relieved to hear her voice.
"Thanks to Zero I am, what's going on?" Kallen asked, sensing something more urgent.
"You should turn on the news. Cornelia is sending a squad to come find us." The relief was gone, Ohgi was clearly worried.
Kallen looked over to Lelouch and motioned him to turn on the TV. He complied and gave her the signal to hang up. Kallen looked at him confused; she covered the receiver end of the phone. "What?"
"Tell him you'll call him back, after you discuss things with Zero." Lelouch said, switching his attention to the TV.
"Now how was I supposed to get that out of this?" She said, mimicking his hand gesture. He paid no attention to her as he continued to watch the broadcast.
"Ohgi, don't worry. I'm going to get a hold of Zero, he'll have a plan for us."
"Zero? Zero's dead Kallen, we all saw it. Yourself included." Ohgi said confused.
Lelouch repeated his hand gesture, Kallen sighed angrily. "I'm sorry Ohgi I don't have time to explain. I'll call you back soon." She hung up and came to the front of the TV.
"In just three hours the Saitama ghetto will be attacked. As it is a known place to harbor terrorists and Princess Cornelia believes that the remnants of Zero's rebels are hiding within the ghetto. This is a warning to the occupants of the ghetto, if you don't want to be caught in the crossfire, evacuate immediately."
Lelouch shook his head, "how cowardly Cornelia. You make an announcement to draw out the rest of the terrorists, hiding the slaughter of elevens behind your righteous crusade."
"At least they're giving the civilians the chance to escape." Kallen said sadly, remembering the attack on Shinjuku.
"Just another veil to hide behind." Lelouch picked up the white queen. "She's just trying to keep her hands clean. The civilians of the ghetto have nowhere to go, are they supposed to just grab everything they own and leave in three hours? Even if they did run, they wouldn't be able to escape the battlefield. Cornelia won't stop at Saitama, she'll continue until she finds us. Her tactics are no different than Clovis', she just happens to be smarter. We have no choice but to fight." Lelouch looked down to his chess pieces. *I never expected you to put me into check this quickly sister, you haven't lost your touch.*
Lelouch pulled out his phone and dialed the team contact. "Is this Ohgi?"
"Yes, is that you Zero?" Ohgi asked, astonished.
"That is correct. Can I assume that you are all still at the warehouse?" Lelouch asked picking up the black knight piece. A thought crossed his mind, but he put set it aside for the moment.
"Yes, but we can't stay here for long. Cornelia will start the attack soon, we have to come up with a plan." Ohgi said.
"Do not move. That is exactly what Cornelia is after; she's trying to push us out of hiding. Stay there until I arrive, Q-1 will be with me." Zero hung up, standing from the chess table to walk to his closet. Luckily he'd already made a spare outfit for himself, just in case the first was lost. "Kallen, this is going to be a difficult battle. I can't make the promise that I did in Shinjuku, not everyone will survive this time."
"I know Zero," Kallen responded.
"I'm glad you understand, I was hoping to save the speeches for the rest of our team." Lelouch grinned as he packed away the Zero costume into a grey duffle bag. Once packed, they made their way out of his room. Nunnally was no longer in the living room. "I'll be right back." Lelouch said handing the duffle bag to Kallen. She was slightly surprised that he took the time to say goodbye to Nunnally, he really was a good person. Or a good brother at the very least. "I'll be home late tonight." Lelouch said to his sister shutting the door behind him. He let out a large breath as he reached for the duffle bag. "Let's go."
They neared the warehouse when Lelouch spotted a familiar face. It was Jeremiah Gottwald, he recognized him from all the newscasts about how he had abandoned his post. Lelouch watched him for a moment; he seemed to be searching for something. Lelouch raised a brow and grinned. *Another perk to selling your soul to the devil I suppose. Fate happens to find itself on your side more often than not.* "Kallen do you see that man over there?" Lelouch asked casually.
Todoh was sitting on his knees, the traditional position for Japanese warriors. His sword lay horizontally in front of him. A single man approached him from the side, whispering into his ear. "No, we will not be assisting Zero's rebels. At this point they are not worth the risk of our soldiers; a snake without a head is of no use to us."
Jeremiah continued to walk the area when a flash of color caught his eye. He turned his head ever so slightly and saw a masked man, it was him, it was Zero! Jeremiah could hardly hold his excitement, he only saw Zero for a moment before he disappeared into a warehouse. Jeremiah looked up at the address 1600 East 32nd. *That's it! That is where the rebels are hiding! I must tell Cornelia right away.* Jeremiah quickly got into his car and drove to the command point where Cornelia was waiting to strike.
Zero stepped into the warehouse where Kallen was waiting with the rest of the team assembled. "I have returned to retrieve my winnings." Zero said with dramatic flair.
"So you are the same Zero." Ohgi said with awe.
"I told you that already." Zero stated plainly.
"But how did you-"
"That was not a term in our wager. Nor do we have the time for such explanations. Cornelia's troops will be here within a half hour." Zero said confidently.
"A half hour!?" Tamaki shouted. "The news says we have two more hours."
"Once she discovers our location she will charge us. The only reason she's waiting is to make us sweat." Zero replied.
"Yeah, and how's she going to find our position smart guy?" Tamaki asked.
"Because I tipped her off-"
"What the hell?! Why would you do something stupid like that?" Tamaki started moving towards Zero violently, fist clenched.
Kallen stepped in front of him, "let him finish Tamaki." Kallen's voice was stern and serious.
Lelouch smiled beneath his mask. *Yes I've done it, she's completely loyal to me now.* "Are all twelve Knightmares still operational?"
"Most of them are, two of them still need of major repairs though." Ohgi responded, still willing to hear what Zero had to offer.
"Very well, strap those two with explosives and drive them into the abandoned warehouse up the street. With the close proximity it's unlikely the enemy will see such a slight movement." Zero gave the command, yet no one moved.
"Do as he says," Ohgi ordered. With Ohgi's go ahead the terrorists followed Zero's orders and began rigging explosives to the damaged Knightmares. After everything was set they drove the Knightmares to the warehouse up the street. The address was 1600 East 32nd. The streets were completely empty, no one dared venture outside. With such little warning all the elevens could do was hole themselves up in their homes and pray for a miracle.
*So that leave us with ten Knightmares, against the remainder of Cornelia's fleet.* "Kallen, how much time do we have?" Zero asked walking over to stand with her and the rest of the group now.
"Ten minutes." Kallen responded after checking the time.
"Very well then, you all have your groups and numbers. Don't expect an easy victory over Cornelia's troops, she is nothing like Clovis. However, once we emerge victorious we will go down in history. We will be immortalized by our actions today! We shall bring change to the world and this is our first true test! Steel yourselves, this will separate the warriors from the weak. Japan was taken from us through bloodshed, and only through bloodshed will we win her back. This battle will send a message to rest of the world, our hour of glory begins now!" Zero shouted. This time his words were met with thunderous applause.
"Yeah Zero!" Tamaki cheered. Getting into the cockpit of a Sutherland. "Let's kick some Britannian ass!"
Zero, Kallen, Ohgi and the others slowly rode up the cables that lifted them to their cockpits. Kallen looked over to Zero, who nodded in response before closing the cockpit hatch. Once the pilots were all in their Knightmares they activated their comm units and began to boot up. One by one they hummed to life, they weren't perfect machines anymore but they'd have to do.
"They're beginning to amass outside of the warehouse Zero. I count ten units-" A voice came over the communication unit. It was a scout that had been placed in a nearby elevated building.
Gunfire was echoing throughout the warehouse, even down the street it was as if the gunfire was upon them. *Perfect, that means that Cornelia didn't suspect a thing.* "Very well. All units prepare for formation." Zero took off his mask, ensuring it wouldn't hinder his combat abilities.
"Roger." Was the unanimous response over the comm.
With a smirk Lelouch hit the detonator to the explosives. The blast consumed four of the attacking units, in the confusion the remaining six were easy targets for the ten terrorist Knightmares. In a flash of explosives, gun shots and harkens the attack squad was destroyed.
"Destruction of target units confirmed. P-3, P-4 hold that course and steadily advance from the warehouse, prepare to put up a barrage. R-1, left flank. R-2 right flank prepare for ambush. B-1 Northwest 200 meters. B-2 prepare explosive rounds and advance 100 meters Northeast. P-1, P-2 reinforce the flanks and cover R-1 and R-2. Q-1 your with B-2. I'm with B-1. Enemy numbers are estimated to have at least twenty units remaining." Lelouch let out a sigh, this wasn't the day to wage war. His two and half hours of sleep were sure to affect his abilities.
Cornelia responded by sending three teams together, each team consisting of four units. One to charge straight forward, while the other two teams guarded their flanks and prepared for an ambush from the sides.
*You still think that we're just a mindless group of terrorists sister?* Lelouch thought, watching the formation on the move. "R-1, R-2 faint back. B-2 advance north another 200 meters. When the targets are in sight fire explosives then fall back. B-1 after the shot is fired attack from the blind side. Q-1 break off from B-2, move back behind P-3 and P-4. Once B-2 attacks collapse on the enemy. R groups come in after that."
Cornelia's soldiers advanced until attacked by an explosive round. Quickly they locked onto the target and returned fire, B-2 took extensive fire before B-1 could counterattack. The first enemy was off guard and fell to a swift melee strike from behind, B-1 quickly fired bursts into another enemy unit before P-3 and P-4 came from the south. Followed shortly after by Q-1. Twelve units quickly became seven units.
"Defensive positions! Guard all sides, return fire!" Cornelia heard over her communicator unit aboard the command ship. She seethed with anger, "they are perfectly organized! Quickly dispatch the royal guard, attack from both flanks. Guilford and Jeremiah you two remain with me and protect the ship, I'm coming to the front lines."
"Princess Cornelia, I beg of you, please leave these rebels to me." Guilford replied, chivalrous as usual.
"Do not fear for me my knight. I have yet to be bested in Knightmare combat and I surely won't fall here. Euphemia pull the command ship back, we can't afford for it to get caught up in this." Cornelia commanded.
"Yes viceroy." Euphemia responded giving the order to pull back.
"And tell Lloyd to launch his Knightmare as soon as possible." Cornelia added.
"Right away your majesty!" Lloyd jumped in on the channel, having been listening the whole time, he was just waiting to give the order. "You hear that? Lancelot prepare to launch!" He shouted gleefully.
"B-2 resume firing explosive rounds, they've begun to phalanx. All other units pin them down with ranged fire, stick to cover. This group cannot hold out much longer." Lelouch looked down at the radar, Cornelia had dispatched her royal guard to come deal with them. There were only four defending units remaining so the royal guard wouldn't arrive in time to save the defending units but they would still cause trouble.
"I can't keep this up, I'm taking too much fire! B-2 ejecting." With a roar from the thrusters he was shot backwards to safety. The Sutherland he abandoned exploded moments later.
"R-1, R-2 switch to explosive ordinance. Finish off the group before the royal guard arrives. Q-1 are you ready?"
"Hold on that R-1, R-2. Wait till I'm clear." Kallen's body was pumping straight adrenaline as she danced with her Sutherland. There was no denying her combat skills. Dodging harkens while returning accurate bursts to the heads and torsos of the defending units. Still her close range abilities were her strongest. Cleaving units with melee blades, sidestepping volleys of bullets while firing harkens. WIth only two units remaining she backed out. "Alright R group I'm clear." Suddenly the remaining defending units burst into flame from the explosive artillery fired by the R group. "I'm ready Zero."
"Lancelot launching." Suzaku said with a solemn voice. "Just wait your highness, I'm coming." With a blast of energy and a screeching of tires the Lancelot took off at full speed.
"Full speed right out of the gate!" Lloyd cheered from the ground, having been knocked over by the blast. "Cecile how is everything running?"
Cecile pulled up the figures on her computer. "Everything looks to be working correctly, although energy consumption is a bit high."
"Well it's not like he has to fly all over the place, the enemy is concentrated in a single spot." Lloyd said confidently.
With unmatched speed the Lancelot reached the left flank, R-1 and P-1. Before they even noticed it was there P-1 was destroyed by harkens. "Zero this is R-1, a new Knightmare is on the field, it's fast!" the terrorist reported quickly, launching harkens at the enemy after all it was far too close to use artillery rounds. The Lancelot evaded easily and fired a barrage into the torso of R-1, before he could eject the Sutherland exploded.
"I'm sorry, I had no intention of killing you. This Lancelot unit really is amazing, it's reaction timing, it operates so smoothly." Suzaku said gazing down at the instrument panel.
"Damnit we've lost R-1 and P-1. All units pull back to the warehouse, immediately we'll set up defensive positions there. Q-1, prepare the open channel."
Suzaku watched the radar as the enemy units began to pull back to a location. "They're setting up a defensive line. I'll just have to smash right through them." He flipped switches in the cockpit and the Lancelot blasted off again. "I'll meet up with the royal guard just north of their encampment, from there we will break into formation to strike." Suzaku said over the comm unit.
"Roger that Lancelot, we'll hold position until you arrive." The royal guard responded. Within moments the Lancelot arrived at front lines with the royal guard.
"All units prepare artillery." Zero commanded.
"Artillery are you kidding me? The royal guard will be on top of us in seconds if we fire artillery!" Tamaki shouted.
"Be silent! Now ready the artillery. Q-1 it's time." Zero ordered with a stern voice.
"This is the Red Lotus, Cornelia I will crush you! You're an enemy of the crown!" Kallen shouted over the open channel.
"What?" Cornelia asked. "What nonsense are you speak-" She was interrupted by an explosion to her right.
"What th-" Guilford began as another explosion cut him off.
She looked over, Jeremiah had crushed the arms of Guilford's Knightmare. "Jeremiah what is the meaning of this?!" Cornelia raged.
"I will vanquish you here Cornelia. Now face me, Jeremiah Gottwald!" With a final strike to Guilford's Knightmare the legs gave way. With only the turret in the chest to fire Guilford shot off bursts at Jeremiah's back.
Jeremiah maneuvered himself to put Cornelia between him and Guilford. After all, Guilford was still loyal to the crown, he merely needed to be immobilized.
"How dare you Jeremiah! You betrayer!" Cornelia hissed.
"Go help the Princess, I can handle the rebels." Suzaku said grimly. Hearing the battle on the comm unit the royal guard quickly turned to help the Princess.
"All units, FIRE artillery!" Zero bellowed.
Suzaku was able to evade the incoming fire but wasn't able to warn the royal guard of the attack. Artillery rained down in waves upon the backs of the majority of the royal guard. One by one, falling to the rain of explosions.
"Now all units switch to melee and spread out, aim for the torso, eject as soon as you're struck. Q-1 you're with me." The units did as they were told and began to spread out.
"You coward!" Suzaku screamed, racing towards the first unit. Once he was at close range the harkens were simply unavoidable.
"P-3 eject!" Zero shouted as he raised his rifle to the back of the unit. As the pilot was ejecting Zero fired at the empty Knightmare shell turning it into a small explosive.
In a sudden reflex Suzaku activated the shield unit barring off the explosion. "What?! You're shooting at your own units? How could you?"
"All units the only way we are going to make it out of this alive is to wear it down. That shield can't last forever!" Zero was beginning to panic. He'd already used his trump card, not expecting Cornelia to have one of her own.
"Understood!" The terrorists responded with zealous.
One by one the remaining units slowed down the Lancelot before ejecting, the unit behind them setting off another explosion into the Lancelot's shield. "You're running out of units, and I'm running out of energy." Suzaku slammed his fist against the side wall, watching his charge quickly depleting. "At this rate.. No, I have to continue, even if it means I can't make it back."
Jeremiah was a valiant fighter but he was no match for Cornelia. With a vertical swing she clipped off his right arm, using the continued momentum she did a full body rotation, her lance poised at the cockpit of Jeremiah's Sutherland.
Zero and Q-1 were the last remaining units as the Lancelot charged towards them. "Stay facing towards the enemy lines Q-1. We wouldn't want to eject into enemy territory."
Kallen took in a deep breath, "go Zero, I'll slow him down enough for you to escape." Without acknowledgment she stopped, allowing the Lancelot to catch up to her.
"Which makes you the leader!" Suzaku shouted firing a harken at Zero's Sutherland striking at the waste. Zero's Knightmare fell in two pieces, the cockpit landing on its side, making it impossible for him to eject with any kind of thrust. Yet he couldn't simply get out now, not with the Lancelot staring him down. For the time being he was stuck.
"Get the hell away from him!" Kallen roared. While Suzaku's attention was diverted, she struck with a precise blow to the extended arm of the Lancelot. The shield unit activated causing the Sutherlands arm to crush under the weight of its own swing. With its energy limit reached the shield finally gave way. Realizing this, Kallen took a quick swing at the Lancelot's head, knocking it off balance. Kallen didn't have the time to destroy the Lancelot with only one arm, surely reinforcements were on the way. Instead she turned and rushed to Zero's side.
Zero opened his cockpit and climbed into the arm of Kallen's Sutherland. "Until we meet again, white knight!" With his cape fluttering in the wind Zero bowed to the Lancelot conceiting defeat.
Although they could escape, Kallen's Sutherland was in worse shape than the ones they blew up in the warehouse. It's gears grinding angrily, she no longer had any type of display panel, just endless amounts of error messages.
"Damn you Cornelia, if it wasn't for that white Knightmare I would have crushed you!"
"Now then Jeremiah. We're going to get to the bottom of this." Cornelia said looking down upon Jeremiah who was bound in prisoners clothing.
A/N: Alrighty then. Next chapter down, sorry if the combat was confusing for a moment there, I tried to make it clear without sounding bland. Please review, it's the only reason I put my work on this site, is for the feedback. Plus, it gets me motivated to start work on the next chapter that much sooner! ; )