Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass or its characters.
The heist of the empress is successful. In part it is thanks to Xingke. Of course a few geassed guards here and there also help. Zero decides to leave the empress in the very capable hands of Kaguya. He doesn't even bother speaking with her since she is only a child. He leans back in the seat as CC drives them out. He also smartly put Tamaki in other vehicle. There is no need for distraction during this part of the operation.
CC looks over at him and smiles, "Thinking about your girlfriend?"
Under his mask Lelouch smiles because he knows that CC is trying to goad him.
"Who else would I be thinking about?"
CC makes a giant swerve.
"Watch how you drive, witch."
She smiles back.
"There was someone there. You don't want me to accidentally kill anyone, do you?"
Lelouch waves her off and begins to think about the past few nights. Despite Zero's appearance at the pre-wedding celebration, Schniezel decides not to move the wedding. He keeps it at two days after so Lelouch and Kallen spend two nights together.
...
Last night Lelouch is looking over CC's contact's disks and notices a few unusual files. After checking a few of them out Lelouch notices that there is a hidden message in them. He writes down what is hidden in the files and discovers that they are some sort of code. As he looks at it they appear to be some sort of frequency. In the items that CC gives him, there is communicator of sorts. He picks it up and switches it to the frequency he discovers. As he does this Kallen comes over to join him.
"I'm going to get something to eat. Do you want anything?"
"Sure."
Kallen walks out of the room. As she does, she wonders what kind of foods Lelouch likes. As a former prince, he must be used to exquisite food.
As Kallen leaves, Lelouch makes sure to put his mask just in case anyone happens to be outside the door. He keeps the mask on as he continues to look over the disks. Each of the five disks has a frequency encoded on it. Lelouch tries each one, however, there is nothing but static. Kallen returns with their breakfast. She carefully sets Lelouch's plate on the table. She takes a seat next to him and lies her head down on his lap.
Lelouch brushes her hair and gets back to work. Feeling satisfied at his slight show of affection, Kallen sits up and begins to eat. She makes sure that he stops working enough to eat a little something. After eating a little bit, Lelouch gets back to work.
"Lelouch, is the food alright? The food I brought for you."
Lelouch nods, "It was fine."
Kallen is still unsure if he likes what she brings him.
"I just thought that since you are a prince, you might be used to something a bit finer than this. I don't know what you usually do with CC."
Lelouch looks over at his food.
"Why is there something wrong with Suigyama's cooking? It's better than anything I had during the war."
Kallen sighs and looks down. Even though she considers herself Japanese, she did not suffer when Japan was invaded in 2010. Her father protected all of them. Lelouch and Nunnally did not experience the same thing. Kallen has never bothered to ask Lelouch about that time. It must have been hard with Nunnally's condition. She wonders if that is why Lelouch has such strong feelings for his sister and for Suzaku. Kallen feels almost ashamed.
Lelouch notices the way Kallen reacts to his comment.
"Don't worry about it. You aren't responsible for anything. That man is."
Kallen has always had mixed feelings about her parents, but it is quite evident that Lelouch hates his father likely more than anyone else in the Black Knights. Kallen decides to change the subject.
"What are you looking at?"
"The disks from CC's contact. I found some unusual files. They appear to be some sort of frequency, but when I in put them into this communicator, nothing happens."
Kallen looks at the files.
"Maybe they are some kind of code."
Lelouch thinks about it as Kallen drapes herself behind him.
"Let me see if I overlap these," Lelouch overlaps the frequencies and gets something completely different, "Now to try it on the communicator."
Lelouch inputs the frequency on the communicator and at first it is just more static. Suddenly it comes to life.
"Damn. Couldn't you have waited a few more hours? Jacob, I guess we owe CC those pizzas."
Lelouch speaks into the communicator.
"Who is this?"
"Just connect the cable that is coming from the communicator to your computer and we should be able to see each other in a few minutes."
Lelouch smirks and closes his laptop. He pulls out another one form his bag. It is for just such an occasion. Lelouch has most of his plans in his head, but a few important files are on his computer. After turning it on and connecting the cable, the screen begins to upload a program. Within a minute something shows up on the screen. At the same time there is a noise by the door. Under his mask Lelouch's expression show complete horror and surprise. First at the person looking at him on the computer screen, and secondly at the voice at the door.
"Zero-sama, are you busy? I brought you something to eat."
Kaguya walks into the room with a tray of food. CC asks her to bring Zero-sama breakfast which of course Kaguya is glad to do. She freezes when she sees Kallen draped over Zero. Rather than exiting the room Kaguya accidentally closes the door. When she turns to open it, she can't because the code is activated.
"I'm sorry I didn't know that the two of you were occupied," Kaguya visibly sighs.
For the most part Lelouch and Kallen have been careful these past two nights. Kallen then notices that she isn't exactly dressed for much of anything. She runs to the bathroom and puts some more clothes on.
"Zero-sama, can you open the door?"
Lelouch is ignoring Kaguya since he has his mask on and is staring at the face on his screen.
"You are the Knight of Two, Savmora Bright."
This makes Kaguya turn around, and Kallen rush out of the bathroom. Savmora, having been taught manners by CC, ignores Kallen's previous half nakedness. Jacob does not and is visibly blushing. Savmora also decides to ease Kaguya's shame.
"Lady Kaguya Sumeragi, it is a pleasure to finally meet someone of your standing."
Kaguya is quite intrigued at the fact that Zero and Kallen are having a video conference with the Knight of Two. She blushes at his comments.
"There is no reason for you to be wearing that mask. CC has informed me of your identity and the situation. You need not fear. My subordinates also know of your identity," Savmora glances at Kaguya, "Unless there is a reason why you need to keep the mask on."
Kaguya shakes her head, "No, it is important for Zero-sama to keep his identity secret. I will have to speak with CC about telling others about this matter."
Kaguya looks visibly hurt that Kallen, despite her previous denials, is very much in love with not Zero but the person under the mask.
Kallen looks into Kaguya's eyes and makes her own determination about the situation.
"Lady Kaguya, come here."
Kaguya moves towards Zero and Kallen who places her hands on Zero's helmet. When Zero does nothing to stop her, Kaguya removes his helmet. Luckily Lelouch has his contact in place. Kaguya hands the helmet to Kallen who puts it aside. Kaguya moves her hands over Lelouch's face. He remembers Nunnally doing the same thing when she wants to remember what he looks like. Kaguya takes his hands in hers in the same manner as Nunnally.
"Your face looks longer and you are less chubby than I remember. Are you still as," Kaguya pauses searching for words, "athletically challenged."
Kallen smirks at the comment. For the most part Lelouch appears to not have stamina for much, but when he wants to he is very capable.
Kaguya continues to hold Lelouch's hands in hers as if searching for something.
"I remember Nunnally being able to tell a lot about a person simply by holding their hands."
Savmora speaks, "She still does it."
Kaguya remembers that they have an audience and backs away from Zero. She stands to his left and directs Kallen to his right. No matter how she feels about the situation. Kallen is Zero's right hand literally.
"What is the purpose of this conversation?"
Savmora answers, "As Zero and Captain Kouzuki have probably surmised CC and I are accomplices."
Since this matter is important, Kaguya continues, "Accomplices in what?"
"A very good question. At the moment keeping Zero alive. CC needs him to accomplish a goal of hers which I am not at liberty to state."
"That's right boy. Keep your mouth shut."
They all turn to see CC lying on the bed eating pizza for breakfast. Lelouch waves at them to ignore her and directs his attention back to Savmora.
"What is there exactly to speak about?"
Savmora smiles, "I take it that you have seen the disks including the possible upgrades to the Guren. I suggest an exchange of subordinates. As well as giving you the exact location of the viceroy of Area 11 at any given time."
Kallen narrows her eyes, "What do you mean and exchange of subordinates?"
"I mean you for Jacob. He has some very special skills. Show them Jacob."
Jacob does his best imitation of Zero. It is so dead on that Kallen and Kaguya can't help but giggle.
Lelouch wonders about the situation, "How do we know we can trust you? What is your connection to CC?"
Kallen wonders if Savmora is like CC, "Yes is she a childhood friend."
Kaguya asks a more obvious question, "Are you two betrothed or lovers?"
Savmora shakes his head, "She is my mother."
Kaguya appears as if her brain is going into overdrive trying to compute how CC is the Savmora's mother when he appears to be older than her.
Lelouch places his on Kaguya's shoulder to calm her down.
"I will explain it at a later time," Lelouch turns his attention back to Savmora, "How do we go about this?"
Savmora smiles, "I assume that you have something planned for the wedding."
Lelouch concurs, "Yes we are one of a few groups mobilizing."
Savmora grimaces, "Who are the others?"
"Don't worry about them. They will be taken care of. I assume that after we dispose of their initial forces the High Eunuchs will most likely call for Britannia assistance."
Savmora wonders how he knows this much.
"Why are you so certain?"
"It is the nature of the world. One of your disks contained the terms for the marriage. It seems as if the High Eunuchs are selling out their country for titles while their people will be left to suffer."
Savmora licks his lips. He never expected Zero to be such an idealist or to be this intuitive.
"Very well after we join the battle Jacob will rush in and be captured by Captain Kouzuki. The rest will depend on her. At the moment I am in control of military matters in Area 11, but that may change depending on your actions here."
Kallen doesn't like the fact that she will be separated from Lelouch. More importantly because CC's "son" is going to be the one that captures her. Rakshata can probably make those same upgrades to the Guren.
"It will also allow Captain Kouzuki to see her mother."
This gets Kallen's attention.
"What have you done to my mother?"
Savmora realizes that he is pushing the wrong buttons.
"Nothing. I assure you that your mother is fine," Savmora takes a different tactic, "I guarantee that you will not be housed in a prison. As my prisoner, I will be able to control what conditions you are being kept under," Savmora grins, "Of course things will probably get hectic before any invasion of Japan so we won't exactly have enough manpower to keep track of one prisoner or one knightmare."
Kallen is still unsure and looks back at CC.
"How much do you trust this guy?"
CC gets under the blankets and is obviously in a very compromising position under them.
"How much do you trust Lelouch?"
Kallen thinks about it.
"Very well I'll do what I can. I won't make it too obvious because Suzaku will want to fight me. I will not become his prisoner."
Savmora nods, "Of course. One of the disks also has a battle plan that we can use. It doesn't have to be followed precisely as conditions may vary. I would very much like for Captain Kouzuki to be here in Area 11 when and if an invasion comes," Savmora get serious, "But you will have to come quickly for the longer you take, the riskier it will become. His majesty may request that Captain Kouzuki be transferred to the mainland."
Lelouch comments, "I will get her myself before that happens. That man will no longer take what is mine," hedecides to end the conversation, "I believe that we all have a wedding to attend."
With that Zero cuts the connection. Kaguya still has many questions.
"Lady Kaguya, I hope that we have an understanding."
If Lord Kirihara believed in Zero after seeing his face, Kaguya will have the same faith.
Kaguya smiles, "Yes Zero-sama. I will tell no one of what has occurred in this room," Kaguya begins to make her exit, "Today or last night."
CC chuckles from under the blankets.
"While Kallen is in Area 11, I will be sleeping on her bed. This bed of yours is horrible, Zero-sama."
For the past two nights Kallen didn't even consider the conditions of Lelouch's bed. Now that she thinks about it. His bed is pretty rough. She wonders if it is a product of his time in exile. Kallen doesn't think much about it because Lelouch is putting his helmet on and pulling Kallen of the decides to trust in Lelouch's judgement.
After seeing several knightmares crash into the building where the wedding ceremony is taking place, Savmora and Jacob quickly run into the building. Not surprisingly Suzaku is there a few seconds later so Schniezel and Odysseus make it out, however, Zero takes the empress. Above they see the Lancelot battling a knightmare something with red coming out of its head.
"Sir that must be Tohdoh."
Savmora nods when he sees the Japanese knightmare float between the Lancelot and the ground. In the distance they see a truck driving away. Savmora swears that CC is driving the truck. They rush towards the Avalon to secure the princes. Once aboard Schniezel informs them of what is happening.
Suzaku states, "As soon as they fix the float unit on the Lancelot, I will rescue the empress."
Kannon replies, "I am afraid that any further action will require a request from the Chinese Federation."
Suzaku scowls at this comment. Savmora attempts to calm him down.
Kallen and the other Black Knight forces are destroying the pitiful forces sent by the Chinese Federation. After this happens the High Eunuchs decide to free Xingke and a few of his conspirators on the condition that they rescue the empress. They also give him a new knightmare, the Shen Hu.
Kallen lands the run aboard the Ikaruga. They are beginning to put the Guren away.
"Make sure that Captain Kouzuki's knightmare gets a new energy filler. Have someone check the systems to make sure that nothing is damaged," Zero orders, "The Chinese forces may have lost for now, but they will return. I have heard rumors that they have something big planned."
Kallen slightly nods. Lelouch told her all about some new knightmare that was stored in a warehouse. It is possible that someone may be able to pilot it even at a reduced rate.
Tamaki comes over and gets people to work.
"You heard Zero's orders. Get Kallen's knightmare a new energy filler."
Feeling satisfied Zero and CC head down to the Ikaruga's bridge. They are immediately attacked by something unknown. Lelouch begins to think of all the possibilities. Not only will someone have to have figured out his plan, that person will have to be able to move rather quickly. One of the technicians, the purple haired one (her name escapes Lelouch at the moment), notices something on one of the monitors.
"A knightmare?"
When Lelouch sees the knightmare, he smiles. If others saw this smile they would be terrified.
"Kallen, the knightmare we have been expecting has shown up. Please take care of it."
CC smiles at Lelouch's cleverness. He contacts Kallen in front of everyone and adds that we instead of an I. It makes it appear as if others are in on his plans. Being the leader of the Zero Squad, Kallen is probably the first person Zero will contact about anything.
Down below Kaguya wonders why the Ikaruga has stopped and decides to investigate. The room she is in with the empress is soundproof so she does not hear what is going on outside.
"I see. I was just wondering why we stopped. Zero-sama's plan did not account for any further stops."
Kaguya is informed that Xingke is out there in a new knightmare. She hangs up the phone and decides to make another call.
"Kallen, are you fighting that knightmare that Zero-sama discovered in the Chinese warehouse."
Kallen sighs as she prepares to take her Guren out to battle,
"Yes Lady Kaguya perhaps we can speak after I destroy this knightmare."
"NO! You mustn't destroy it. Please Kallen, do what you can to keep the pilot alive. He is important to a friend."
Kallen grimaces as the Chinese knightmare effortlessly defeats Shogo and Chiba.
"I will do what I can."
"That is all I am asking for. Be safe Kallen."
To anyone listening that request seems normal enough. Kallen brings the Guren through the air above the Chinese knightmare whose pilot calls out to her as she fires several missiles.
"Kallen Kouzuki, do not underestimate the power of Shen Hu."
This is the moment has been waiting for. She powers up the radiation wave. She will have use the spread function so that she only disables the knightmare.
"Have a taste of this, Xingke."
Xingke responds, "I see then I will have to show you true power."
He begins to activate the Baryon cannon only it fails. The radiate wave hits the Shen Hu disabling most of the systems.
Kallen smirks, "Someday take this waste of time back."
Tamaki answers, "I'm on it, Kallen," but as Tamaki races out on his knightmare, he is blasted out of the air.
Kallen looks over and notices that the Chinese Army is heading in their direction.
"I will take him back myself."
Kallen carries the Shen Hu back to the Ikaruga. Shogo picks up Tamaki.
Lelouch considers his options. Stopping now to fight the Chinese forces will only waste manpower, but if they just fire the hadron cannon perhaps they can damage the enemy.
"All units fire upon the enemy and retreat to the Point Four."
Savmora and Jacob are looking down at the Black Knights destroying the Chinese Federation forces. After the Black Knights make their escape, they get the call they have been waiting for. Schniezel is looking down at the battlefield.
"The Chinese Federation has asked for our assistance."
Savmora grins and nudges Suzaku, "About time. Now we can teach Zero some manners," Savmora turns to face Schniezel, "Your highness, perhaps we should send a small force to investigate the situation. It appears as if the Black Knights have lost very little."
Before Suzaku can volunteer, Jacob takes the initiative, "Your highness, allow me to show these Elevens the true meaning of power."
Schniezel appears to be considering Jacob's offer. Suzaku does not appear to be very happy about it.
"Very well. Do not engage the enemy unless there is no other choice. If there is a need, request assistance."
Jacob bows, "As you wish, your highness."
Jacob organizes a small reconnaissance force. Suzaku is watching them from the Lancelot. Savmora smirks as he helps Jacob prepare. He is going out his specialized long range attack Vincent.
"Just be careful out there."
Jacob grins, "Of course," Jacob glances at Suzaku, "How fast do you think he will be out there."
"Probably within seconds of the Guren making its appearance."
"Well I guess the rest is up to you."
On the Ikaruga Zero receives the coded message he has been waiting for and signals for Kallen to get ready.
Jacob spreads his force out that way he is alone and at a distance from the Avalon. The Black Knights have positioned themselves inside the Mausoleum of Emperors. He wonders if they will come out to attack. His thought is answered by a radiation blast that he barely dodges.
"Damn that was close. I'll have to keep on my toes."
Now Jacob sees the Guren flying out at him. He quickly fires at it hoping to slow it down, but it is of no use. The pilot and knightmare coming at him are some of the best in the world. He wonders if Savmora and Ywain would be a match in even combat. Another radiant wave blast comes flying at Jacob. He grimaces because she is taking away his long distance attacks by making him come at her. It appear as he has no choice but to move in to attack. Kallen is waiting for his attack and brings her fork knife up to attack. Jacob manages to slide his MVS out, but Kallen pushes it away. Jacob pushes himself away and begins to fire his cannon. Kallen uses her radiant wave to block the attacks.
Jacob scowls, "Damn she's good."
Jacob notices that Suzaku is out and heading straight for them. Luckily Tohdoh intercepts him. Now is the time for the end game. Jacob lifts his MVS and rushes Kallen who is waiting for him. This time she knocks the MVS away leaving Jacob with only his long range cannons.
Suzaku call him, "Jacob, back off. You can't win."
Jacob laughs, "Not on your life. Even if I lose, I will have wasted enough of her energy to give the victory to someone else."
Kallen catches Jacob's Vincent and destroys the torso. Jacob tries to eject only his trajectory takes him straight at the Guren. Kallen takes Jacob back to the Ikaruga.
"NO!"
Savmora makes his way out the battle only Kallen is already at the Ikaruga. Suzaku calls out to Savmora.
"We need to pull back and regroup."
Savmora shakes his head even though no one can see him
"No we stay and fight. I will rescue Jacob and the empress even if I have to do over Zero's dead body."
Author's note: With Xingke being captured, the High Eunuchs ask for Britannia assistance a little earlier. In case no one picked up on the clues, Lelouch geasses a few Chinese soldiers to disable the main weapon on the Shen Hu. So the moment Xingke goes to use it nothing happens and the Shen Hu is more or less a sitting duck. Kallen knows this and quickly goes for the radiant wave.
As I wrote this chapter, I got the feeling that I should been more specific about the Lelouch/Kallen connection in some of my other stories. Personally I think that they made Lelouch seem not as intelligent in the early part of the China arc as he does in the latter part. For one he probably should have attempted to work with Xingke. I know that it isn't his style since he always wants to lead, but it couldn't have hurt. Not to mention the fact that he tries to talk to a very sheltered thirteen year old girl about politics. I know his childhood was a little different but he could have figured that Tianzi would have no idea what she was talking about. Have I mentioned the insaneness of Rakshata not remembering that the Shen Hu was in a warehouse somewhere in India?