Chapter 7

Part 2 of 2

Lelouch looked at his handiwork, grinning with satisfaction. The first phase of his plan had worked this time. "Ohgi, what is the status of the Yamato alliance?" He called out.

Ohgi's voice appeared on the radio with a serious tone. "They've gotten out of the ghetto, and they've asked to permanently join the Black Knights."

"Have you briefed them about geass yet?" He asked, knowing they would turn on him if they didn't know. "I'd like to make sure that no one in the Black Knights is unaware of it."

"Yes, it was the last thing I told them about after we rescued Kururugi. I've also taken the liberty to tell them about it's limitations and usage capabilities." Ohgi took a breath waiting for Zero to thank or snap at him. he heard nothing from him.

Ohgi swallowed his heart, and finished his report. "They weren't sure about it at first, but now they are. They've already agreed to dissolve their resistance group and merge with us, all they are waiting for is the word from you, Zero."

Lelouch smiled in relief. So, they've agreed to join the Black Knights. "Very well then. Tell them they have Zero's permission, then begin the final preparations for Phase 2." He hung up the phone, knowing that Ohgi would tell them, regardless of what the orders afterward were.

As soon as I confirm my suspicions, I'll initiate Phase 2. He looked at his monitors, and he heard his cell phone ring. He checked his pocket. It was on the Zero frequency, and the caller ID read one word only: Nurse. Swiftly, he flipped it open, hoping to hear good news.

"This is Zero. Is that you, Nurse?" He asked her, trying to make sure it wasn't someone like Mao. I need both her and Jeremiah to make this plan work.

There was nothing but static for a moment. But as Lelouch was about to hang up, he heard heavy breathing. "I am sorry for the delay, my lord." Nurse had spoken to him. Lelouch focused his attention to the call alone, knowing that if he was incorrect, he was certain to fail.

"Have you confirmed it, or was I merely jumping the gun?" Zero asked her, unable to separate his happiness from fear. He quivered from this. I've never been able to read Euphie in the past. But if I'm right, I win.

"I have. Suzaku is with her as we speak." She proclaimed, making certain that no one else could hear her.

Lelouch's heart, no free of doubt, forced him to grin like the psychopath he was. All according to plan. He began to chuckle insanely, and cut it short to give his orders

"Well then, you shall continue to monitor them, and do not let anyone hear or see you. You will report anything unusual happenings directly to me until the mission is complete."

"Understood." Sayoko hung up the phone, looking excitedly at the couple who would give Japan the hope for equality.

(In a coffee shop, 16:44)

Euphie was sipping her glass of lemonade, her thoughts lingering about what exactly Suzaku meant the last time she saw him. He spoke his heart out last time we saw each other. I wonder…

"Suzaku, I'm curious. Why did you tell me what you were planning to do in the future last time we met?" Suzaku remained silent, staring at the television with a clearly angry expression on his face.

"Suzaku, are you even listening to me?" Euphie asked him, looking up from her drink. Suzaku blinked twice. The truth was he wasn't listening to anything but his memories. Why would Zero just let me go? And why would he act so calm about it? Those thoughts kept playing over and over in his mind ever since Zero had rescued him that day.

"Suzaku." He snapped back to reality, seeing that the pink haired beauty was getting a bit irritated.

"Oh, sorry Euphie." he apologized. "I've just got a lot on my mind." Or I'm just thinking about one thing repeatedly. He told himself, scolding at his own thoughts for betraying him.

Euphie smiled, trying to figure out what he was thinking about.

"Well, I guess I can forgive you. After all, you did keep your promise." She sat up., and put her card on the table. Suzaku gasped at this. She's paying! No. I can't ask her to do that.

Suzaku grabbed the bill, then looked up at the girl who offered to pay give him sad eyes. "I'll get that. It's the least I can do after not paying attention."

She closed her eyes, then started to chuckle. "My my, what a gentlemen." Euphie got out of her chair, and pulled Suzaku out of his. "Come on. Let's get going." She ordered. I've got until Cornelia comes back from Saitama today. She reminded herself. Cornelia won't be back until sunset, but even so… She looked back, and saw that Suzaku was lagging behind. She quickly put her smile on. "What's wrong? Not enjoying yourself?"

Suzaku gasped, then stuttered. "No, it's not that. It's just…" he tried to tell her, but his mind had froze halfway through. How could I say I'm worried about this and not hurt her?

"Don't worry about it." Euphie told him, grabbing his arm again. "Let's just enjoy the nice day." She pulled him closer, and they walked towards the rest of their day together.

(The designated building, Saitama ghetto,16:53)

Kallen wasn't sure why they were doing this, but she and the others had done what Zero told them to do. The bombs had been lined up along all the designated walls of each of the necessary floors. Ohgi's voice came on the radio, as if he expected them to be done at that very moment. "Kallen, are the secondary detonators ready for use?"

Kallen's heart had a tiny hole inside when she heard his voice, her whole being wanting to tell him everything that had happened before. But lelouch needs to keep this all a secret, for the time being at least.

She shook off the feeling, and responded to hi the way he expected her to. "It wasn't easy, but yeah it's done." This didn't happen last time. I know lelouch knows that. But if Lelouch had us do this, it must work in our favor somehow.

"Alright, now then." Ohgi switched his attitude to match the voice of an experienced commander. "Everyone secure yourselves with the slash harkens, then set up your Landspinners to the walls. Once Zero lures Cornelia in close, we're going to detonate the first wave."

Kallen gasped at the notion, just as the others did. If I was in the Guren, this'd be no problem, and these Ronins shouldn't have any problems since they were Sutherlands. But this Glasgow, it's not likely that it would hold up under these conditions. She felt the adrenaline inside her build up faster and faster as she secured herself as Ohgi had instructed them.

"This is crazy." Tamaki screamed. "No, wait. It's suicide! We can't do this! When the building collapses, the viceroy will die, but so will we."

Kallen had always despised Tamaki's fickle faith in Lelouch. One way or another, he'd always been able to piss her off. "Tamaki! Shut the hell up and do what your told, or you'll die regardless. I know Zero, and he wants us alive." Kallen hadn't realized it, but she just snapped.

"Woah. Kallen, are you feeling alright?" Yoshido asked, sounding shocked and concerned at the same. It was weird, because Kallen was usually the last person you'd be concerned about in the heat of battle.

Kallen put on an uneasy face, looking ready for battle, but afraid of death as well. Naoto, let us taste victory today. "I..I'm fine. Let's do this already!" She barked, getting her real game face on. Alright Lelouch, let's see what you've got in mind.

(Back on the ground)

Where are you, Zero? Cornelia activated her factsphere sensors, then instantly checked her visuals. When the data came to her monitors, she saw three Sutherlands behind a building wall, looking like they were ready to fire.

Zero, you attempt to fool me with such menial tactics. Cornelia boasted, thinking her certain victory was close at hand. I'll give you credit for creativity, but... She turned her Knightmare 90 degrees, readying her gun to blast the Sutherlands into scrap. You will not get to live long enough to hear those words.

"Darlton, Guilford, fire through the wall. Destroy those Sutherlands of his." She ordered, her victory at hand. They turned just as she did, and all three fired immediately. Cornelia smirked, but then realized something was amiss. Her eyes widened, her blood ran cold. Those Knightmares were empty. It was nothing but a diversion. Which means...

"Cease fire!" She commanded, now realizing her mistake. "Get out of here. Zero's tricked us." Her heart raced as her Knightmare towards the main military base. I can't believe I made such an arrogant move.

Lelouch looked down at his sister from the building. Cornelia, the Witch of Britannia, the Viceroy who had given him the most grief during her service, was now fleeing back to her base. Having Schneizel as the Emperor must have changed you a bit, dear sister. Lelouch deduced.

He forced his hand forward, in such driving the Sutherland forward. As he approached the end of the roof, he made the Knightmare jump 11 feet in the air, and Lelouch found himself in free fall. Well Cornelia, I'd say this is where I call...Lelouch clicked his personalized detonator. Check.

Suddenly, the entire lower, east side of the buildings exploded, causing it to tip towards Cornelia herself. The building erupted with a plume of smoke and debris, with the smell of glycerine, ash, and sheetrock filling the air. And as the fog of grey destruction rushed downwards to greet the surface of the Earth, he old building edged downwards, shaking everyone inside. Without a doubt in anyone's mind, the building's total collapse was inevitable.

As everyone in the ghetto stared at the sheer amount of creativity and the inevitability of death, Ohgi narrowed his eyes in determination. He turned on his radio, hoping to make his next instructions clear before free fall.

"Everyone, be prepared. I promise you, we are not going to die." Zero wouldn't want us to die just yet. He could've just let us die in Shinjuku, or cut off ties with us anytime afterwards. But instead, he showed us his power, and put his trust in us.

The building came loose from it's foundation, Cornelia frozen as her life flashed before her eyes. How did this...How did Zero...Zero! I swear to you, my death will act as a catalyst of war, and the Britannia itself will retaliate with more of a vengence than you could possibly imagine. She cursed him, knowing that Schneizel would simply regard the matter as a tragedy, but then send military forces to kill every last eleven around the Tokyo settlement.

Kallen looked out at the scene, her heart hiccuping from the suspense and adrenaline. Her mind seemed cold, but was set and prepared for the worst. Thank goodness for these extra slash harkens. They should be able to provide the extra support necessary to...

Kallen's mind became still and her thought went blank.

The building, along with the Black Knights, had entered free fall.

(The Government Bureau, 17:03)

Jeremiah knew it wasn't easy, but he disabled the security cameras, and looked over the feed that was seen in Euphemia's room from 11:00 to 14:00. He saw Euphemia fidget, ponder, and eventually leave her room. But he had also noticed a small inconsistency that would spell doom for his master's plan: The rope that Euphie made during her escape.

It wouldn't be good if Viceroy Cornelia found out about this. He reminded himself. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a key that his master had given him. He looked around the hallways, making certain that no one would see him in person. Slowly approaching the door, he looked around once again, just to be absolutely sure of it. There was no one.

He pushed in the key, making sure the slightest noise that he would make, if any, would be unnoticeable. He turned the key ever so slightly, the weight of his master's whole plan coming down on his shoulders.

1, 2, 3, 4, and...Jeremiah remembered, hearing a click. He checked one last time, paranoid at the possibility that what he would be caught. Again, there was no one. Jeremiah sighed, relieved that no one would see him go into Princess Euphemia's room. He turned the handle, and the door opened. He was in, and prepared to do what needed to be done.

(Back in the ghetto, 17:21.)

Cornelia couldn't believe what happened. She looked all around her, and through the debris-filled smoke lingering around her, she could make out at least 9 Sutherlands surrounding her. Zero, you are a true bastard. You mock me. You dare to mock Britannia. She took out the Gloucesters gun, aiming straight for him. She pulled on the trigger, her aim completely off from the sheer stress and lack of readjustment to the area. Once she stopped firing, however, she tried to put the gun away, only to have it knocked out of her hands by a pair of slash harkens.

Lelouch smirked to see Cornelia so disorientated. However, that smile faded, reality coming back to remind Lelouch what his situation really meant. This not enough to make her surrender. No, this little stunt was only to get her attention. "Careful Cornelia. You wouldn't want Orange to go public, now would you?"

Orange. That worked on Margrave Jeremiah, but it won't with me. She proclaimed in her head. She began to laugh maniacally. "Do you honestly think bluff that will work on me?!" She boasted.

Lelouch merely chuckled on the inside. So she knows it was all a bluff. Well then, I'll make a believer out of her yet. "As I suspected, the Purebloods didn't trust you with the information, now did they?" He jested, trying to provoke her. "If that is the case, I will grant you the information, dear viceroy."

Cornelia gasped at his audacity, surprisingly impressed about how he handled her calling his bluff. No, this isn't right. Zero doesn't seem to be creative enough to keep a lie going after it's been called out. But even so...She focused on how to destabilize him, then send him straight to hell.

"Well then Zero,you have my attention, and you obviously think that keeping me alive will further yourself. So, I'm listening." the princess responded.

Guilford was startled by her reaction. "But milady, he killed Prince Clovis and…"

"Silence Guilford!" She ordered raising her Gloucesters hand. "Now then…" she took in a breath of the otherwise filthy air around her. "You were saying, Zero?"

Phase 2 successful. On to Phase 3. He patted himself on the back, and began to give his performance.

"As you should've already been informed, Project Orange is an espionage mission, directed originally by Prince Clovis, in order to search for and find any trace of two other members of the royal family, Lelouch and Nunnally vi Britannia." He lied. Now then, dear sister, let it all soak in.

Cornelia gasped at this. Lelouch...Nunnally...alive? She shook the thought out of her head. No! They're gone. "That is utter nonsense, you filthy terrorist. If Lelouch and Nunnally were alive, they'd…" Zero cut her off right there.

"They'd what? Go back to Britannia to be treated like bargaining chips? I highly doubt that." Lelouch popped his cockpit open, stepping out into the sunset light. His mask was a bit uncomfortable while he was inside the Sutherland, but seeing her face would definitely be worth it.

"However, if Project Orange was made public information, then all the resistance groups, including the JLF, would then surround the Tokyo settlement with detonators, and demand independence or it will cost the lives of their beloved Prince and Princess." He lied. Even if she knows it's a lie, the thorns of suspicion will rise out of it. "Charles zi Britannia would've just tossed the notion away, like it was a feeble nuisance. However, we both know what Emperor Schneizel would do."

Cornelia let out an airless laugh. "Well, that certainly explains why Jeremiah Gottwald did what he did back when you freed Kugurugi." Her Gloucester took up it's spear, looked to pierce Lelouch's Sutherland through. "But still. What you claim is nothing short of a bluff. My men would've told me of such things." She promised him

"A bluff you say. Would Jeremiah or the Purists have done something like that if it were a mere bluff, or are you just saying that to make sense of their distrust in you?"

Cornelia eyes widened in shock, then narrowed down in rage. She opened her cockpit, and rose out of her Gloucester, her gun pointed straight at Lelouch. "Zero you shouldn't of kept me alive. And now, for the death of my half-brother Clovis," She pointed her gun straight at him, her finger itching to pull the trigger. "I shall take my revenge right here."

Kallen pointed her Glasgow's gun at her, but Lelouch waved his hand for her to stand down. I appreciate the gesture Kallen, but if she acts the way I predict, that won't be necessary. Lelouch lowered his hand, then turned towards his sister. "Cornelia it seems that Project Orange has little to no meaning for you. I can respect that. However, given the choice, which would you choose: Clovis, who is dead…" He stretched out one hand to the left of him.

"Or Euphemia, who is alive?" He finished, stretching out the other.

Cornelia froze. How did he..No, he's bluffing. She eased up. And if he even if does know, there's nothing he can do about it from here. In which case... "What do you mean? I have no idea what you're talking about." She lied.

Zero grunted. "Do not play dumb with me, 2nd Princess Cornelia. It is unbecoming of you. We both know that Euphemia li Britannia had arrived in Japan 3 days ago." He saw no reaction on Cornelia. She hasn't froze up yet. He smiled. So it seems you think it's a bluff. Well then, I'll have to rattle you up some more.

Cornelia felt the doubt of her mind swell, no matter how much she forced it not to. Only members of the royal family even knows that she exists right now. Cornelia reminded herself, attempting to use it as a clue. I can't make it out just yet, and it wouldn't matter if I could. Clovis will be avenged, Zero. She swiftly stepped back inside her Knightmare, plugging the key in as fast as she could. The Knightmare roared to life, becoming her weapon of vengeance.

"Ha! Even if Euphemia was in AREA 11, how would this concern her? Let us finish this!" Cornelia grabbed her lance, urging to kill Lelouch. Zero, you are de… She became unbalanced, her train of thought had been severed by the blazing sound of bullets. She looked to her Gloucester's monitor, and saw that the right arm had become destroyed.

"I expected such things from you Cornelia. But I will remind you. Look around, you are surrounded by my Ronins." He proclaimed. "Now as I was explaining, you really need to keep a firmer grip on her."

"What the hell are you saying?!" Cornelia raged. Damn it. I can't get any closer to him without be barraged by those black Sutherlands. She cursed Zero under her breath, pondering at what he was trying to do by mentioning Euphie. What does Euphemia have to do with any of this?!

Lelouch heard the uncertainty in her voice, and began to laugh on the inside. Well, it seems that my plan is working. Now, I suppose it's time to finish the deal. He spread out his arm, taunting her with his body language.

"You are simply too ignorant for your own good." Lelouch chuckled. "I am saying that Princess Euphemia is within my custody."

(Shinjuku park, 17:22)

The sun was beginning to set, with vibrant red and orange lights dancing throughout the park, and the sounds of the evening birds were chirping away. On a bench near the clock, Euphie snuggled up against Suzaku, a pool of happiness surrounding them both immensely. Right now, she couldn't feel anything, except for the heat of his shoulder. To her, the world was only a distant place, one she didn't want to go back to. All the struggle, all the famine, all the war, and the hatred that coincided with all of it. washed away from her mind. Because right now, all of it was nothing but memories to her.

Suddenly, the wind rushed by, and she snapped back to the real world, feeling goosebumps all over her. "Oh…" She immediately grabbed her arms, but her efforts were in vain. She hadn't had the time to get used to the ocean's breeze. The only real problem with this dress is that it does provide much insulation. She remembered, rubbing her arms vigorously.

Suzaku opened his eyes a bit, turning to see that the pink-haired girl was cold. His eyes widened instantly, and he sat up just as quickly. "Euphie." he cried, identifying what was wrong. Without a moment's hesitation, he took off his jacket, and put it around her, much to her shock.

"Suzaku?" She asked him a deep question, but had uttered but a single word, his name. He looked into her deep violet eyes as she noticed his eyes. Inside of those deep, dark emeralds he called his eyes, she saw not only the painful guilt, but also the joy he felt around her.

He smiled, looking at the young lady with a false face. I shouldn't be doing this. She's a Britannian. I'm an Eleven. It's against the law. His mind went into a vengeful rage. A law that I need to erase. He reminded himself, clutching his fist tightly.

"Suzaku, are you alright?" Euphemia asked him tenderly. He snapped back to the outside world, seeing that the pink-haired girl had put his jacket on. "You seem to be troubled. Is something the matter?" He forced himself to look down, attempting to avoid her gaze.

Damn it. She can read people's feelings like that? Is so then she probably… He gasped internally, shocked at what he had done. He allowed himself to hold her hand. He urged himself to pull away, trying with all his might to let go, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.

"Euphie, I…" Suzaku tried to speak, but his voice failed him, trying to think of what to say. How can I say 'I like you, but I can never see you again.'? He scorned himself, no..he kicked his own conscious for not putting her security first.

"Oh, sorry Euphie, I guess i just dozed off their for a second." He told her as he put on a smile, looking at her like she was the...The only person in my life that matters? He froze in his own mind. What the hell am I thinking?! What about Lelouch? Or Nunnally, the Student Council, the people of Japan?

"Well that's a relief. I was worried for a second there." The princess chuckled. "Now then, if it's not too much trouble, would you mind explaining something to me?"

"Of course, milady." Suzaku joked. He never usually said anything like that to anyone. But with her, somehow, it just felt right. "Just name it." As long as it has nothing to do with Shinjuku, I'm okay with answering anything.

"Suzaku, can you describe your experience with Zero for me? I'd like to know what kind of man he is?" Euphemia had realized it, but she had made herself look suspicious. Shinjuku was one thing, but Zero….I can't say anymore about that, or ask about it either. If I do, it's only a matter of time before he realizes who I am.

What's with this girl. She asks me the worst possible topics, and yet...He smiled, knowing when he was beaten. "Alright then. But first…" He agreed, standing up as he did so. He put his hand in front of her. He wants to help me up? She smiled. My, he is a gentlemen. She gladly took his hand, and he hoisted her up with little effort.

He looked at her with eyes full of concern, but he was still wearing a smile. "Let's get out of here. The park is dangerous after dark." He informed her, walking towards the subways.

(Saitama, 17:26)

Everyone but Lelouch froze as the atmosphere around them shifted. Lelouch knew that he had just led all of the Black Knights there were so far into a dangerous trap, but with in doing so, he had pushed Britannia's most powerful general into a corner. He sat back down inside his Sutherland, waiting for the finishing move to be made by Jeremiah.

Funny. Lelouch told himself, waiting for Cornelia to crack or give in. Last time when I was here, i thought of Jeremiah as nothing more than a tool to divide and conquer Britannia. And although is doing just that now, he does so of his own free will.

Darlton and Gilford just sat there, looking at their Princess as she was paralyzed in uncertainty. Princess...Sub-Viceroy Euphemia? They had to act fast. If she is used by these terrorists, then...His train of thought began stuck, with there being too many possibilities to keep track of.

On the outside ring of the area, The Black Knights were stunned at their leader's obvious lie. They had never heard Zero even mention Euphemia before, much less instructed them to capture her. They all muttered to themselves, careful not to let Zero or the enemy hear them.

Zero what are you doing? If we push her too far, she'll go to any means to kill you, then the rest of us. Ohgi told himself. It wasn't like Zero to call them out in the open, or make unbelievable bluffs. There's got to be be something else, something he's just not telling us.

Cornelia, the witch of Britannia, the goddess of victory, stood there in confusion. No! It's not true. Euphemia is back at the Bureau. Zero is clearly A liar! She tried to raise her Knightmare, but she knew it was too late for that. She, Darlton, and Guilford were completely surrounded by better equipped Knightmares. There was no way to escape. Zero had beaten her, in one fowl swoop.

Wait. That's it. She had figured out how to beat the terrorist that had her at gunpoint. In that instant, she switched on her speakers. "Darlton, Guilford, you are both hereby ordered, that under no circumstances, not to interfere with my person until this matter is resolved, do you understand?!" She commanded, knowing full well how they would respond.

Guilford's heart sunk down to his knees. "But Princess, it is my sworn duty to..." She cut him off right then and there.

"Your duty is to obey me as well as protect me, correct?" She asked rhetorically. She paused for a brief moment, making sure that Zero would notice what she was doing. "Then you will do as I as I command. You too Darlton!"

They both looked at their princess, completely in the dark as to what she was planning. However, given the situation, they knew that Cornelia wouldn't accept their help if they did.

"Yes, milady." They said in complete unison. Cornelia was pleased at the loyalty that her men had shown her. Now Zero, this is where I turn this whole thing around. She activated her Gloucester, and immediately grabbed her spear.

The Black Knights immediately readied their slash harkens, knowing that they could easily overpower and kill her. However, Kallen knew Cornelia wouldn't try to boldly attack in this situation. What is she up to? she pondered, sitting inside her little, half functional Glasgow.

Lelouch's cellphone began to ring, and he knew that victory was his. He flipped it open, seeing that Jeremiah had sent him a text rather than attempting to call him. The text said only one word: Ready.

"Zero, if you wanted me dead, you would've just killed me with the collapsing building. Since that is the case, you want me alive. In which case..." Everyone froze as they watched Cornelia do the one thing even Lelouch thought she would never do. Cornelia put the gun to her Knightmare frame.

"So then Zero, shall we negotiate?" She asked him boldly, until her heart stopped as she heard the transmitter come on, the call labeled urgent. She turned off her speaker, and Lelouch smirked at this. Checkmate, sister.

"What is it?!" The princess demanded, knowing that if she made one mistake, and she would be dead. The voice was a husky and familiar one, the one that let Zero escape last time. Jeremiah Gottwald.

"Viceroy Cornelia, it's terrible. Sub-Viceroy Euphemia isn't at her post, and she isn't present in her quarters either. Something's happened!" Orange lied. He knew where Euphemia was, but his master had commanded him to say otherwise.

Cornelia's heart had reached it's critical point. She looked up at Jeremiah, his teal hair and golden eyes looking troubled and serious at the same time. She closed her eyes briefly, and asked him an important question. "Are you certain of this?!" she demanded, finally losing her cool.

"I'm sorry milady, but I am. I saw her room right before I called you in here. We're investigating as we speak, but..." her image disappeared from the monitors, and he smiled with relief.

I've hit the nail on the head. She reacted just as you said she would. However, as much as I would wish to please you more, the rest is up to you, my lord.

Cornelia shuttered at the sheer mention of this. Is Zero telling the truth? Is this a mere coincidence? Or could it be that...She thought, before she noticed that Zero had approached her, the red painted Glasgow carrying him in it's arm.

"I assume that we have an understanding now? Judging from your actions a second ago and the actions you just made, I'd say that you've found Euphemia's room."

In Cornelia's heart, the doubt had been overshadowed with the fear of losing her sister. After losing her late stepmother Marianne, Lelouch, and Nunnally, she didn't want to lose anyone else she cared about, especially not to terrorists. She retracted her Knightmare's gun away from the cockpit, her heart full of despair.

"What are your demands?" she asked in a low, defeated, and humiliated tone. Lelouch grinned like he was...no, because he was crazy.

"Two conditions. One, that you will allow me and my Black Knights to leave here unharmed." Lelouch told her, his ultimatum working just the way he had planned. His heart pounded with excitement as he pulled out the final piece of his plan. He opened his cloak, revealing a tape.

"And secondly, you will play this tape on an international broadcast, so that I can send my message out to the world. Once I see that you have done so, I will send Euphemia back to you. She will be alone, with no trace of abuse, and no tracking devices or anything of the sort will be found on her person." He confirmed, tossing her the tape.

Cornelia would be furious at the audacity of this man. However, at the moment, her mind was locked in a cage of despair, and the only skeleton key to release it was in that tape. She opened up her Gloucester, lowered herself to meet the eyeline concealed by his mask, and retrieved the tape. "Deal." was the only word she had managed to say.

(Britannian settlement, 19:43)

Suzaku couldn't believe his eyes when read his watch. He had been explaining the whole situation for 30 minutes now, minus the parts about Lelouch, the girl, and Nunnally. He had told her everything else though, literally. But he knew there was still one last thing to say before he was done.

"When he finally got me out of the restraining collar, Zero had them put me into a chamber alone. When Zero approached me again, I…" His voice was drowned by the sounds of the Britannian anthem that played from the televisions across the settlement. He looked at the screens, his heart full of disbelief. Speak of the devil.

"People of Britannia! Fear us, or rally behind us as you see fit." They all saw the man who swore allegiance against their own country of Britannia. Their thoughts, though they were not aware of it, all cried out the same, singular word. Zero.

"Britannians, if you are seeing this message, then let it be known that I, Zero, have defeated your precious Viceroy Cornelia!" Lelouch proclaimed, stretching out his arm and clutching his hand slightly.

Euphie couldn't believe what she was hearing. Sister...is she… she tried to think, but if her reactions were too alarming, it would no doubt unsettle Suzaku. Cornelia...you can't be… She had never been good at dealing with her feelings, the subtle touch of tearlets developing in her eyes was proof of that. But as her emotions flooded through the boundaries of her mind, she held her head up, as to keep her image of a mere citizen intact.

I can't let Suzaku see me this way, not unless I have to. But even so, Cornelia could be… Euphie felt cold streaks on her face, and her heart stung like hell, like a cut open, rotting wound that doubled in pain as it festered.

"But do not worry. Cornelia is well, and very much alive." Upon hearing that, the pain in her heart had ceased, and even reversed itself, being replaced by a feeling of relief. Thank goodness.

"When I saw the Britannian military fiendishly once again slaughter the innocent people of Japan, I immediately knew that it was indeed a trap set up by Cornelia and her Royal guard." He took one step forward, ready to face the world. "However, I cannot condone, much less allow the strong to oppress and kill the weak. In order to prevent further unjustified deaths, I had no choice but to take the bait. But, in doing so I was not alone. Allow me to introduce you all to my group of soldiers, or rather, the first to join my army."

Lelouch snapped his fingers in the air, the room instantly filling with light. The crowd was bewildered by the number of rebels that stood behind, a few of them bowing in respect.

"We... are the Black Knights."

Lelouch stood boldly in front of his Black Knights, just as he did before. Only this time, he stood in front of their headquarters, the image shielded only by the presence of the Ronins. He concealed his arm back inside his cashmere cloak.

"By seeing this broadcast, I have confirmed my own victory, for the broadcast of this message was the terms of her surrender. Therefore, your new Viceroy, Cornelia li Britannia, the Witch of the Empire, has given in to my demands. This whole trap at the Saitama ghetto was originally her idea as a means of drawing me out, then to have her forces capture me, place me on a rigged trial, and finally, have me executed."

"However" He continued. "I anticipated her every move, in order to prove that even Britannia's goddess of victory is no match for me. We of the Black Knights stand with all those who have no weapons to wield. Regardless of whether they are Japanese, or Britannian."

Suzaku starred as the screen went black, the announcement Zero made apparently over. Knights huh? I guess he has something else in mind other than liberating Japan. He turned back to Euphie, who seemed to be in distress.

"Euphie, are you feeling okay?" he asked her sincerely. "That was some pretty shocking news, but you look awfully pale."

She looked down at herself, and realized that he was right. She looked like she had seen a ghost, or got shot. She looked to him, trying her best not to make him worried. "Oh no, I'm fine."

"That's a relief. I was worried there for a second."

"Is that right?" She asked teasingly. I don't get it. I should be running back to the Bureau scared right now, possibly overwhelmed by the possibility that Cornelia is dead. But yet, I'm calm, like the announcement hadn't happened. I wonder… A scheme had worked it's way inside her mind, but one that she thought would be fun.

"Suzaku..." She began, handing him back his jacket. "I was wondering?"

"Yes?" he responded, half afraid of what she might ask. "What is it?"

"I was wondering...would you…" she hesitated, a red streak trailing it's way across her face. How do I say this? She kept repeating to herself, trying to find the right words to say. But as she fixated upon his face, she had noticed that his face was as red as hers was.

That blush...She thought sweetly, her body's impulses becoming stronger. He feels the same, I just know it. And if that's true, then...then… "Would you be my boyfriend?" she blurted out, as she clamped her mouth shut. I've said too much.

Be her… Suzaku freaked, nearly tripping over the ground behind him. He hadn't expected that from her, or anyone for that matter. He was an Honorary Britannian, a former Eleven. He simply couldn't. Should I…

His mind became ensnared in conflict, trying to make out right and wrong in this situation. He was torn between his heart and conscious, his mind shredded like it were a thin fabric to begin with.

He looked back at her, the only women who had ever made him feel this uneasy, and the only Britannian who had truly gotten to know him after his big arrest. He couldn't decide on an action with his thoughts, his mind going on mere impulse.

He sighed with relief as he made an irrational decision. "Euphie, you are an impulsive girl who thinks in the spur of the moment, and the only girl I've met who truly understands me. So… the answer is yes." He told her reluctantly.

Euphie's smile became one of endearment. "Oh, that is wonderful Suzaku." She said, her eyes once again filling with tears. But it was different this time, like the tears were a good thing. She took out a piece of paper, and began to write with the pen she had brought with her.

She handed the paper to Suzaku, who looked at it awkwardly. All he could see were 10 random numbers. Wait...is this. "Is this what I think it is?" he blurted out loud, causing him to blush harder and had Euphie giggle a bit.

"Yeah. So, call me when you get a day off. I'd like to see you again soon." She told him. "And when your driving the Lancelot…" Suzaku's eyes widened. He had accidently told her that he was the pilot of the Lancelot, the 7th generation white Knightmare frame. She leaned in close to his ear, and whispered in his ear. "Don't die."

He smiled. He was fully aware of what he did to his father, and how up until now, he had wanted to die. To make-up for his past sins. But now… He whispered a promise he couldn't keep in her ear. "I promise you Euphie, I won't."

They both got up, realizing that what had just happened could've made a really awkward scene. They reached for each other's hand as they slowly drifted apart. This was their way of telling each other an unspoken 'goodbye'. They turned away from each other, walking back to where they believed they belonged.

She stopped after 5 steps, turning her head enough to see her new, secret boyfriend looking back as well, watching her like a guardian angel. She hesitated on the next step, her body trembling. And as her foot reached half an inch from the ground, she took the step back, and ran back towards Suzaku.

Suzaku froze, his eyes widening as she came in for the one thing he was certain she would never do. She leaned her lips close to his, then kissed him with a passionate smile on her face. No, I can't let her. He forced himself to open his eyes, to resist the temptation, He kept blinking, the will of her kiss overpowering his own, like she cast a spell to bind him to her will.

I have..to resist...can't let… her do this...to herself. He struggled to fight it, but in the end, all of his efforts to resist fell down in defeat, his own in vain. He closed his eyes completely, pulling her closer in his arms, and finally, he returned the kiss with an equal passion.

Hey. Nevermore999 here. Sorry it took so long to update this. And if you're wondering how Lelouch was able to get the falling building away from Cornelia, then just be patient. I'll explain all of that in Chapter 8 part 1, Which will be on the 15th or 16th of November.