Hey there everyone. Nevermore999 here. As you know, the last few chapters in In Black Uprising have had one name: The Laws of Equivalence. Well, before I upload the next chapter, I want to explain just what those laws are. For those of you who are Fullmetal Alchemist fans, I'm sure you can understand this easily.
According to Newton's Laws of Motion, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." There is also a theory stating that with every choice we make, there are positive and negative reactions that are in complete balance with each other. On a third note, it states in many cultures that the forces of good and evil are always in conflict, balancing each other out. In order to protect life, the balance between these opposing forces must be preserved as well. With that in mind, try to remember the careful balance between life and death. For every life gained, one or more lives are sacrificed. This forms the basic concept that there are limited supplies of souls and life force.
However, there is another theory, one which plays a major role in Fullmetal Alchemist, and an even bigger impact in Black Uprising. "Man cannot obtain anything without first sacrificing something. In order to obtain, something of equal value must be lost. This is the basic principle of Equivalent Exchange."- Alphonse Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist. Using that theory for life, we can see the balance is not just with physics or the natural world around us. In Fullmetal Alchemist, the ultimate taboo is Human Transmutation, which involves souls. If you try to create or recreate a single souls, another soul is needed to take it's place. Simply put, it is an equivalent exchange.
But if you are still having trouble understanding the concept, just go ahead and read the chapter already. But for those who are still with us, allow me to finally explain the Laws of Equivalence. You see, for everything action you take, for every decision you make, there is always something to balance it out. You cannot simply take without giving something in return. This includes anything that involves Death. The combination of all of these theories and laws are grouped together into one, organized collective. This collective is known as the Laws of Equivalence.
That's all I can tell you for now. Now then, please review, favorite, follow, or do anything as you see fit for the chapter. Enjoy.
Chapter 10 (1/2)
The Laws of Equivalence
Part 3 (1/2)
(Inside the JLF's Underground base.)
Katase stood there in complete shock, his mouth shuddering at what he was seeing. So, you really did find a way to do it.
*flashback*
It was cloudy outside, the skies completely gray. The Japan Liberation front was in complete chaos. After Kusakabe had apparently killed himself during his unauthorized operation, they had fallen out of favor by much of the Japanese people, including some in Kyoto.
Dammit to hell. Zero's caused us so many problems. Katase cursed in his head, knowing that many of the others were thinking the same thing. Tohdoh had told them not to get involved with him, but at the rate they were going, it was probably a better option to join the Black Knights than the Japan Liberation Front. We lose support from the Japanese, our own people, and now were even losing recruits to them. What next? Kyoto?!
"Greetings, General Katase." a voice proclaimed out of nowhere. The general instantly swerved his chair around, his own thoughts appearing to have manifested the man that was taking away the things that even Britannia couldn't. Speak of the devil! He hollered in his he, his eyes narrowing at the demon that was on his screen.
"Zero! This is a restricted frequency! How did you get a hold of it?!" He demanded, his heart repulsed at the audacity the masked figure had shown. He was arrogant, and was willing to destroy, not only to Britannia, but anyone that dared oppose him and his view of justice.
Lelouch chuckled at the man's demands, seeing how easily set off he was by the mere image of Zero. However, if I want to get the better results I'm after, I am going to need his help. He gestured his hand towards his mask, holding his head up with his gloved knuckles. "General Katase, in the next 3 hours, Cornelia's forces will arrive to take out the Japan Liberation Front's main operations base, along with every member inside of it."
The General stared at Zero, his heart full of disbelief, but also full of fear. But I can never show weakness to anyone, especially not to this man. He reminded himself, shaking the feeling off. He narrowed his eyes into a scowl, his eyes showing a skeptical anger flustering around inside of him. "What the hell are you going on about? No one would dare to enter this-" He tried to argue, before he was cut off by the man he was arguing with.
"And yet I am here." Lelouch said with a slightly sarcastic voice. "Viceroy Cornelia has been wiping out Japanese resistance groups even since she arrived in Area 11. With the japan Liberation Front gone, her opposition would drop until the only group left is the Black Knights. Now tell me, honorable General Katase, do you really want that to happen?"
Katase's scowl deepened, his irritation becoming pure rage. He closed his eyes briefly, imagining his life without the JLF, and the horrific image of what would happen if the last embers of Japan were snuffed out by Britannia's witch. He ground his teeth at the idea, knowing full well that cooperating with Zero was just as bad as making a deal with the devil. But what choice do we have? If he's lying, he could be stalling so he could take us out. But if he's telling the truth, it could mean he's here to… He stopped himself right there, remembering on what grounds Zero stood.
"Fine, what are your demands Zero?" He finally said, knowing he was probably walking right into a trap. The others looked at him with baffled eyes, wondering what the General was thinking. They immediately turned their attention back to Zero, the man who dared to look down upon the great general and the entire Japan Liberation Front. They stared at Lelouch, scowling as if they were looking into the eyes of a demon.
Zero smiled behind his mask, knowing that Katase had been forced into a corner. I see. You do not trust me Katase. That is reassuring. I didn't expect you to trust me right away. Lelouch congratulated himself, before readjusting himself back to the matter at hand. He took in a silent breath, and began to speak, his voice as powerful as a typhoon, yet as smooth as silk. "Very well then. As you know, I had defeated Cornelia during the Saitama ghetto incident, and have done her job for her since then. I rescued the hostages from Kusakabe during the Lake Kawaguchi incident, and have made a serious blow to the purchasing of illegal Refrain." He reminded them, absorbing all of their frustration towards him. "Now, I offer you, the Japan Liberation Front, the services of the Black Knights."
Katase's expression remained unchanged, while the others were looking around to read each others expressions. Some were angry, others were filled with a tiny sense of hope, but they all shared one feeling: They were all confused at what he was saying. Katase walked closer to the screen his curiosity mixing with his frustration with every step. "And in return?" He simply asked, causing half of the men thee to gasp.
"The Japan Liberation Front will be disbanded, and its leading members will join the Black Knights." Lelouch told them, shocking everyone there, this time including Katase as well. Lelouch's smile had grown into a demonic grin, though no one could tell behind his mask. That's right. Let it all sink in. Lelouch thought to himself, seeing the anger in the eyes of everyone in that room. He cleared his throat silently, and continued with his offer. "The offer to join the Black Knights will also be available to any member that chooses to do so." He finished, certain of what the ultimate outcome would be.
*flashback end*
He didn't like it, but he knew what his chances were if he had been telling the truth. He didn't have much of a chance if he acted with his own men alone. But with Zero and his Black Knights, they had a high chance of survival, and maybe even a chance at victory. But in all of his imagination, of all the possibilities he thought Zero could come up with, he had never even considered this. He couldn't help but smile at his handiwork, but quickly used his commanding voice to give his orders. "All Burais, retreat and regroup underground. The plan was a success, but we must fall back now."
And with the sound of his voice became silent, the Burais came, returning into the bunker that they called a base. Katase was thrilled, but also kind of sad at the same time. He had probably just given the last orders he would ever give as the leader of the JLF. But regardless, it seems that Zero really has it out for Britannia. So, I will follow his command until my death, or until Japan is free from them. Thank you Zero. Long Live...Japan!
(The Special Corps Van)
The sound of hellish screams filled their ears as Lloyd and Cecile stared at the monitors, both of them gasping at what they were seeing. All along the mountain, scores of units were all going off line, and a tidal wave of mud and stone was rushing down, swallowing anything that got in it's path. Lloyd's expression grew into an eccentric grin, while in Cecile's eyes, all she saw was horror. "Oh my, at this rate they'll be swept all the way to the bottom." He simply said, a feeling of horrific excitement in his voice.
He never knew what Rakshata's Radiant Wave Surger could do on a massive scale, and now he was thrilled with curiosity. Oh my, they won't have any choice but to send Lancelot in at this rate It probably was Zero. If the terrorists had that technology at their disposal, they would've used it right away. But you can never really know in these situations. So I wonder, He thought to himself, his sociopathic mind going wild with possibilities. How did they use it to create the avalanche, and what did they have that allowed them to use it without being traced?
Cecile looked at Lloyd, a hollow expression stretching across her face. "These heat readings are abnormal." She stated, but then became aware that Lloyd already knew that much. But still… She ironed her will, then asked him a direct question. "Do you believe a hydrovolcanic eruption was artificially induced?" She probably already knew the answer, but from the readings she was receiving, she couldn't be sure.
Lloyd looked over to her, his expression remaining a sinister smile. "Impossible." he simply told her,knowing otherwise. He lowered his eyes, then raised them up slightly, barely meeting her gaze. "Unless of course, someone's used Rakshata's Radiant Wave surger." He implied, his voice brimming with sarcasm.
Suzaku's eyes blinked panically as he arose from his daydream, even though he really didn't want to. He had overheard only a bit of what they had said, and was beginning to ponder about the situation himself. However, I shouldn't make assumptions as to what happened or about what I should do next. He turned towards Lloyd with a concerned look all over his face. "Hey, has something happened?"
Lloyd tilted his head at Suzaku, his own expression was a devious grin, almost like one of a demon. Suzaku didn't hear our entire conversation eh? Well, that will make things easier for the rest of us until we receive our orders. He closed his eyes smugly, his expression differing in no other way. "It is has nothing to do with us Warrant Officer Kururugi. So just relax and continue waiting." He suggested, becoming more and more intrigued about how well he was handling all of this. He hasn't really been the same since the hotel hijacking. Lancelot has been relatively unaffected by all of this, but Suzaku took quite a shock at seeing his girlfriends face with Zero, along with the fact that she is a princess. I wonder though… Lloyds thoughts became overwhelmed with a sense of enthusiasm, his mind coming up with hundreds of possibilities as to what Suzaku was thinking.
Suzaku's eyes narrowed as he turned back to his chair, knowing that Lloyd was lying to him. Zero's here. I know it. Suzaku assured himself. Ever since he first laid eyes upon the guy, Suzaku felt something weird, as if he already knew the person behind the mask. It was impossible, but he could feel it in his gut, churning his insides like they were in a blender. Zero, what are you hoping to accomplish by doing all of this? Results gained from your kind of means are worthless in the end. It does nothing but promote anarchy.
(At the top of the east side of the mountain.)
Cornelia couldn't believe what had just happened. One moment, she was about to destroy the last remnants of Japan, and the next, nearly all of her forces were caught up in a tsunami of mud, rock, and boiling water. And now my unit is isolated. We're sitting ducks here. She kept reminding herself, scolding herself subconsciously for being so reckless.
Suddenly, her radio fired on, and the voice of Guilford pounded against his eardrum. "Princess Cornelia, new enemy forces have been confirmed moving in from the summit. Carius unit is moving to engage them." He informed her, seeing no way to escape from their current situation.
Cornelia was not afraid, but she was irritated at what was going on. With all of her preparations, with all of the soldiers and Knightmares at her disposal, all of theme had been useless against this. But something doesn't add up. There was no unusual activity that could've caused this. She shook off the feeling, reminding herself that she was still on the battlefield. "Hoping to take advantage of all the confusion, are they?" She asked, trying her best to sound confident.
Out of nowhere, another call came onto the radio, the voice sounding alarmed as you could get given the current situation. "Viceroy, emergency call from Carius unit. They're under attack. But-"
Cornelia narrowed her eyes at the soldier, her tongue being disgusted by the lack of resolve that her men were showing her today. "Speak up soldier! What the hell is wrong?!" She demanded, her thoughts racing with rage, her mind focused on learning who her enemy was this time.
The soldier gulped, sounding like he afraid of her response. He took in a deep breath, and finished his report as fast as he could. "It's not the Japan liberation Front." He told her, his heart racing at the speed of sound. He took in another, more shallow breath, and finished his findings. "In fact, they think it's the…. the Black Knights."
Cornelia's eyes flared up, her rage being directed at the one man who was responsible for the condition of her men. "What?! Then it's…." Her eyes narrowed to a point where her eyes were nothing more than a line. Her defeats had wounded her reputation, and that wound had festered into something much more powerful, and much more personal than rage. In her heart, there was nothing but hatred. She bit her lip, tasting blood, just to keep her temper from flaring to the surface. "Zero!"
(At the A-G1)
Euphie was horrified at what she was seeing. Or rather, what she had been seeing. The men had reported that an avalanche had drought there Knightmares in a flood of dirt and debris, but Euphie knew better than to think that way. It was Lelouch who did this. Somehow, he had managed to kill and/or cripple nearly all of the forces that Cornelia had brought to stop the terrorists. But on the other hand, she didn't approve of what Cornelia was doing either.
They had all been killing each other, but there was no real reason for any of this. If Britannia, or rather, the world treated everybody equally, there'd be no violence inside of the Empire. No. That's not the way a princess of Britannia should be thinking. She reminded herself. However, her mind didn't move an inch on it's position.
All of this violence. All the destruction it brings with it. All of this death and hatred. She kept thinking, her heart feeling stabbed with every word. Suzaku was right. In order for the world to move on, the cycle must end. Her eyes began to sting, her eyes beginning to water. She forced herself not to cry, but even so, it didn't make her feel any better. She was a Britannian princess, but that didn't mean that she was better than anyone else. And in her heart, she felt that she was weaker than Lelouch and Cornelia.
Lelouch… she whispered to herself. All of this, all of the hatred and terrorism, it wasn't just hurting her. It hurt everyone, including Lelouch. But even so, she held out the hope that Lelouch was wrong, and that people would eventually stop hating each other. But deep down inside, she knew he was right. Britannia was rotting, from the inside out. But it can be changed for the better. Suzaku's voice echoed in her mind. And it can be done from within.
She smiled at the thought of Suzaku, even though it was only for a brief instant. Her whole body began to ache. Her heart had entered a civil war within her, the opposing forces being grief and longing. She couldn't take it, none of it. All of the violence served no one any real value. It was all meaningless.
And if that's the case… She pondered. Then why are they trying to kill each other anyways? There has to be a more peaceful solution.
Suddenly, the monitor flashed on, showing a soldier with bright golden eyes and bluish green hair. It was the leader of the Purist division, Jeremiah 'Orange' Gottwald. "Princess Euphemia, we have finished evacuating the civilians." He informed her, his deep voice washing over her like a gentle wave.
His mind had settled after they had evacuated the last civilian. Lord Lelouch will be quite pleased. He told himself, but made sure his true thoughts and actions were not discovered by the princess. After this, I must carry out my orders. He reminded himself, remembering what his master had told him must be done to complete Project Orange. He took in a breath, cleared his throat, and continued his report. "However, there is some good news and bad news. The good news is that there wasn't a single civilian casualty." He told her, seeing a smile stretched across her face. "The bad news, the destruction is pretty devastating down here."
Euphemia felt her heart ease up a little, but she knew she had to respond to Jeremiah, and she needed more information than that. She bit her lip slightly, but ultimately began to speak. "Lord Jeremiah, where are the civilians being held?" She asked, trying to look as stern as possible. Jeremiah's expression didn't change, his mood seemingly unphased by the question.
"The purebloods have moved all the evacuees to a field hospital just south of the A-G1, just as Viceroy Cornelia has asked. However, there is a grave possibility that may trouble you." He implied, just as Lelouch had instructed him to do. "If, for some reason, the A-G1 was to be moved, the civilians would be completely vulnerable to the enemy. The Black Knights don't seem to be interested in harming civilians, Britannian or otherwise. But I wish I could say the same for the JLF." He sighed, knowing that what he was saying was only the partial truth. Forgive me Princess Euphemia, but Lord Lelouch instructed me to lie to you. He thought in his mind, attempting to silently apologize for what he was about to do.
Euphemia looked at him with saddened eyes, unsure whether to be happy or upset with his report. "Very well then." She told him, her hand balling up into a fist. "You will assist the troops that are engaging the Black Knights as we speak."
Jeremiah smiled at the princess, closing his eyes as he nodded in agreement. "Yes, your majesty. We will not fail you, Princess Euphemia." He replied as the video screen went black. Euphemia's heart had been eased a little with that conversation, but it was not much compared to the grief she was feeling. Why? She pondered. Why do the people I love the most have to kill each other?
(At the Special Corps Van.)
Suzaku turned his head towards Lloyd, his expression sad and concerned. "Lloyd, what's going on?" He asked, his subconscious telling him that people were dying, and on a massive scale. He wanted to get out there with the Lancelot. He wanted to stop the madness, and all the violence that resulted from it.
But deep down, he knew this was all his fault. I'm the one who did all of this. I killed my father, and that led to Japan being taken over. So all of this hatred is my fault. And all of the blood that's been shed since that day, it's all on my hands. He reflected on his past, knowing that it was about all he could really do at the moment. His heart became heavy, his breath shallow, and the blood in his head was colder than ice.
As he went deeper into his own mind, Suzaku saw the frightened look on his father's face as the knife went straight into him, the expression of someone who had just met death. He sighed, his mind returning to the present. But that's why I'm here. To make up for my mistakes, and to someday… He stopped himself right there, seeing a path in front of him, a path leading to his death. But as that light faded as it became more distant, silhouettes began to block his path.
He looked better at them, and realized who they were. They were the Student council, all of them. Rivalz, Milly, Cecilia (or whatever her real name was.), Nina, Kallen, Nunnally, and finally, the one who stood in front of them all, Lelouch. But at that moment, another figure appeared, and Suzaku's heart began to betray him once again. It was Euphie, and she stood right by Lelouch, as if they were the people that he would leave behind. I'm sorry. He told them, knowing that he had to move forward with his plan, no matter what.
Lloyd looked over at the monitors with his smirk growing bigger and bigger, the adrenaline in his blood stream rising with every heartbeat. This is bad for Britannia, but good for science. His sociopathic mind kept repeating, telling him to wait it out until they could make a significant impression on the higher ups. But still, couldn't hurt to inform the poor lad about what's going on. "Hmm, it's very unnatural." He finally said, seeing Suzaku's eyes blink twice, as if to confirm what Lloyd had just said.
Suzaku's eyes widened, his thoughts becoming clearer, and much more gruesome. "Unnatural?" He stuttered out, unsure of what to make of it. Suzaku was a soldier after all, not a scientist. Ever since he was little, Lelouch had been the brains, Suzaku had been the muscles, and Nunnally was the heart. That's the way it was. And come to think of it, it's not that much different now. However, Suzaku's eyes blinked in a flash as Lloyd called out his name.
"Suzaku..." The earl called out to him, sounding excited as ever. Suzaku looked back to Lloyd, which made the earl smile, seeing that he had Suzaku's attention again. "Now here's something that might intrigue you as much as it intrigues me." He told him, his demeanor as sarcastic as it was cryptic. "There seems to be an unconfirmed report that the Black Knights have appeared."
Suzaku's heart began to race and his expression darkened at the very thought of the Black Knights. His mind became nearly blank as he said one tiny, but very significant word. "Zero." He couldn't believe it. His gut had been right all along. Zero was working with the terrorists, and he was the one responsible for all of the casualties that occurred from the landslide. Figures. Every time I go out on a mission, he's there. It's as if were somehow connected in some way. It's as if I know who's behind the mask, and that he knows what I think. His mind shook off the thought, not wanting to make accusations that could turn out to be completely false.
Lloyd's gaze returned to the monitors, his grin growing by the second. He stood up, his back going back into a proper posture. He twirled in a complete circle, and began to speak in his most eccentric manner. "Congratulations." He told to both Suzaku and Cecile, knowing that it was his best chance to get more data for the Lancelot. "This is our chance." He promised them, knowing that the high command would probably be asking for help soon.
Suzaku gasped as he sat there, frozen in his tracks at what Lloyd just said. Cecile, on the other hand, turned towards him, her sad expression becoming a disgusted scowl. She huffed out a bit of her frustration, and began to scold the Earl for saying such a thing "You're so rash." She said, her voice remaining consistent, even though on the inside, all she could think about was hitting him for saying that to them.
Lloyd's eyes looked over at her, his expression showing that he was completely flabbergasted at her reaction to his statement. "Whoa? Why is that?" He asked her, as he had never seen her act this way around him in the past.
Cecile closed her eyes, and her scowl had turned into her usual, cheery smile. "Would you like a detailed explanation?" She asked him, her kind attitude being as sarcastic as possible. She knew what his answer would be, but the reaction she received was still worth it.
Lloyd's eyes sunk as he turned away from her, knowing what she had in mind. "Eh, no, I'll pass…" Lloyd told her, sounding slightly offended in his tone. He put on a headset, and sat down casually, listening closely to the transmission. "Anyway, while the high command's still gathering data, all we can do is play by ear, right?"
Suzaku gave a heavy sigh, his mind finally leaving, going back to it's dormant state. But no matter how many times the feeling goes away, it always returned stronger than it was before. He raised his head slightly, expecting to hear the worst answer for what he was about to ask. "Is the viceroy safe?"
Cecile's eyes lowered, and her expression returned to being pale and grim. "Yes, she was outside the mud flow." she sighed, knowing that it was probably not the best idea to be telling Suzaku about any of this. Ever since the Lake Kawaguchi hotel incident, he's been very unstable about Zero and the Black Knights. "However, the units guarding her flank were lost. So unfortunately, she's totally isolated out there, and it seems that Zero is closing in on her."
Lloyd's smile returned to his face, seeing that Cecile had returned to her normal self as well. He glanced over at the screen, noticing what looked like the Purist faction heading in Zero's direction. "Yes, yes." He simply stated, seeing that it was the best way to avoid setting Cecile off again. "But I do wonder though. What are those Purebloods doing?"
Jeremiah readied himself for the biggest gamble of his life. No, that's not quite right. This was the biggest gamble he had ever done, in this timeline or the previous one. Lord Lelouch… It is time to show you the depth of my loyalty to you. "Zero! You damned demon of a terrorist, I will have your head for what you have done to Prince Clovis and Viceroy Cornelia." He said through his speaker, attempting to sound as pissed off as possible.
Lelouch smiled as 5 Sutherlands approached his squadron, all of them seeming to be covered in dust and debris. Well done Jeremiah. Your mission was a complete success, judging by the fact that you've carried out my orders. Lelouch couldn't help but smile on the inside as well. His plan worked. Shirley's father would be spared, as well as her life. 1 task down. It's small, but it's a start at least.
Do not be so hopeful, Demon Emperor. Zero's voice told him. Lelouch froze, his heart and mind baffled at what he had heard. His vision completely faded, the room became darker than a clear night sky. And as the last sparkle of light faded away into nothing, the symbol of geass standing right in front of him. It was the stick-like symbol of course. The same symbol that appeared on the Collective Consciousness when Lelouch prevented Ragnarok from stopping time.
The only real difference was that this geass was a brightly colored green, like the leaves of an oak tree during the early summer.
I am warning you. The voice spoke once again, the sound pounding down upon Lelouch as if it were gravity. He felt no pain, on the outside or on the inside. But yet, he felt as if he were hurting, hurting somewhere he couldn't quite explain. Preventing one thing may change history, and perhaps your fate as well. However, nothing is without a price. The balance of all things must be preserved. Therefore, in order to obtain, something of equal value must be lost. This is the basis for the Laws of Equivalence.
Suddenly, just as quickly as it had came, the light returned to Lelouch, blinding him with it's intensity. The glowing green geass faded away as light returned to him, and he was sitting in his Burai, as if he never dozed off in the first place. What was that? Lelouch pondered, before he shook his mind back into his reality. Jeremiah has prevented the death of Shirley's father. Now then, I have to focus on winning this battle until Suzaku arrives. He readjusted his mind, returning to the state he was in before, and began to speak into his intercom.
"Well, well, it's been a while Jeremiah. So you're still in the military? I find that amusing." Lelouch lied, already aware of how everyone there would react to their conversation. "As much as I'd love to stay and catch up, I'm afraid I don't have time right this minute, Orange Boy." He told his Knight of Orange as he motioned for the others to attack him. The Burais charged, Ohgi and Tamaki ready to strike down the Britannian with all of their might. Jeremiah saw through them, and quickly maneuvered to the back, his Purebloods surprised at what Jeremiah was doing.
Jeremiah smiled at his master, ready to do what was necessary for the Black Knights, and for Project Orange. "Calling me by that name again, are you? Zero, I don't know how you managed to obtain that information, but I assure you..." Jeremiah opened his drive, readying a hell grenade. "You will not disgrace me or anyone else with it again." He tossed the grenade into the air, releasing a hurricane of bullets. Lelouch's heart began to pound as he maneuvered his way out of the barrage that was intended to distract the others. The Purebloods began to fire their guns, the Black Knights retaliating as the gun shots were returned.
Kallen stormed over to Jeremiah, knowing full well of Lelouch's plan. Jeremiah, I won't hold back. She mentally told him, a smile briefly appearing on her face. It was funny in hindsight. Last time she was here, all she wanted to do to him was kill him, and watch him die as she took revenge for her brother, her mother, and for Japan. But now… she wanted to make sure she didn't. She scowled at him, just to be safe if anyone decided to call her while she was fighting. Just be sure to come back to Lelouch soon, Orange. She drew in one more breath, and unleashed all of the hatred she had for all of this after it was over. "Take this, you damned Britannian!"
Villetta's eyes widened instantly as Jeremiah was pushed back by the red Knightmare frame in front of her. She knew that the Elevens were capable of obtaining Knightmares, but this was nothing like she had seen before. It wasn't a customized Glasgow, or even a Sutherland. This was a model she had never seen before in her entire career. But what is that thing? She wondered, before her fear became reality. The other Black Knights surrounding Zero had managed to hit them, causing some of their units to eject, forcing the rest of them to break formation as they took cover behind the trees and rock formations. "Lord Kewell, we need to assist Lord Jeremiah. Evade the immediate area, then move past them as we surround-" Villetta tried to command, before being cut of by the person she was trying to help.
Jeremiah knew what he had to do to keep his part of the plan going. I'll have to act as my old self if I want them to respect my wishes, and more importantly, follow my orders. "Villetta, I order you to stay out of this." He told her, his voice sounding as rugged and commanding as it was back when he was a margrave for Britannia. But in spite of that overpowering voice of his, he knew that she was probably wanting to disobey him right now. "This is my duel." He commanded her, knowing what she was going to say to him.
Villetta's heart stopped, her own consciousness unable to understand what Jeremiah was thinking. This wasn't a duel, this was war. She knew why he wanted to take out Zero, considering that he would be the one blamed if information about Prince lelouch and Princess Nunnally was made available to the public, let alone to terrorists. But even so… She told herself, before barking at Jeremiah, trying to get him to listen to reason.
"But Jeremiah…" she pleaded, thinking it was the only way for him to live through the battle. "Just look at that thing. I've never seen the Knightmare like that before." Suddenly, she had a terrible realization. They were wrong about the elevens. They were infact savages, but they aren't savages. They were able to put up some resistance during the invasion of Japan. The only reasons Britannia won was because of 2 major things. One, that their prime minister, Genbu Kururugi had committed suicide. And two, that Britannia had unveiled the Knightmare frame during the invasion as a surprise weapon. "Could it be possible that the Elevens have…" She thought out loud, before Jeremiah's voice overshadowed her own.
Jeremiah forced himself to become angry, trying to make him seem as hell bent on killing Zero as he was last time. But what was even harder for him, resisting the urge to bite his own tongue for saying the racist trash that the Britannian government spewed out of their mouths. "You think Elevens are capable of such technology?" He simply stated, his heart breaking with every word. Ever since the Zero Requiem had come to an end, he lived in Japan with Anya and Sayoko on an orange farm. During the time he spent with them, he had grown fond of the Japanese and their culture, considering that Sayoko answered any questions he had about their way of life before the Britannian occupation.
However, now was not the time to reflect upon the past. He had a mission going on, and he was right in the middle of the trickiest part. He looked over at Kallen, who had swerved past him at incredible speed. It never ceased to amaze him how much stronger the later generations were than the Sutherlands and Gloucester's. "It's fast alright." He simply told her, trying to make himself sound scared. But no matter how hard he tried, he remained perfectly calm, his knowledge of what the Guren was fully capable of preventing him from invoking fear upon himself. "So Zero. I take it that this thing is this what destroyed Carius's unit?" He asked his master, knowing he would not get an answer.
Kallen charged at Jeremiah, her determination driving her to carry out her duty to Lelouch. She always wondered why she experienced so much pain when he died. After Lelouch's execution, the core members of the Black Knights had realized his plan, and they began to kick themselves for betraying him in the first place. About a week afterwards, they held a secret funeral for Lelouch, with Nunnally being the only non-Black Knight attending it. It was gray that day, as it was for her the rest of that month. Everyday she spent with everyone she cared about, she always wore a smile, a fake smile she had grown to hate even more than the sickly girl persona itself.
However, when she was all alone, she couldn't stop the pain. Her pillow had become stained from the excessive amount of tears that flowed from her eyes as she cried. She couldn't believe how empty she felt inside, her heart as hollow as an empty vase. She had forgiven him for what he had done, but she questioned one thing that had plagued her since she saw him bleed to death. What would have happened if I had stayed with him? Would I be dead as well? Would Rolo have bothered to save me. Or, would he still be alive? She kept thinking, wanting nothing more than to see him again, even if it was just one more time.
Suddenly, she remembered that things were not going to end that way this time. Get a grip Kallen. Your a soldier, not a heart-broken schoolgirl. Not anymore, and never again! She screamed in her head, as the Guren's claw made contact with Jeremiah's Sutherland. Alright, it's time to put this plan into action. I just hope Lelouch didn't miscalculate. She activated the Radiant wave surger, the red energy erupting from her arm like a volcano.
Villetta's heart became like lead, her lungs finding it difficult to breath. With every second that passed, Jeremiah's Sutherland began to expand and collapse as the machine itself looked like it was bubbling on the inside. The Knightmare was filled with the red energy that came out of the mysterious red Knightmare. All Villetta knew was that the one person she hoped would not die, was about to do just that. She mustered her strength, and willed herself to speak, her mind on the verge of despair. "Lord Jeremiah, eject." She demanded, wanting to see him walk, or even crawl, away with his life intact.
Jeremiah knew he couldn't be as crazy as he was last time, nor could he act like it. The seconds that past were slow, making each and every one feeling like an eternity. My lord, my loyalty for you will never cease. I will never betray you, and I will never allow myself to fail you. Whether that means protecting you, or following your orders. Jeremiah remembered that silent vow well, for it was his single purpose in life.
And now, he was not about to go back on his word, regardless of how much he himself was about to lose. "I can't. The controls are jammed." He lied, concealing the fact he was not about to betray his master. However, He reminded himself. I didn't want to die then, so I have to act like that once again. He manifested the feeling he had come to understand during his time as Orange: Fear. "No, stop. Zero!" He screamed as the Sutherland finally gave into the energy.
A flash of light stretches across the area, blinding everyones monitors. A sound of thunder accompanied a dying scream as the light turned into flame. The Sutherland was gone, and Jeremiah Gottwald along with it. Kewell charged at the Knightmare, his gun blazing with hatred for the Black Knights, and especially for their leader, Zero. But just as the Purist was a mere 10 feet away from what he hated most, he found himself in the grip of death, for Kallen was about to do what she did to him last time. I'm going to enjoy this, you damned Britannian dog. Kallen screamed in her head as she activated the Radiant wave surger once again.
Kewell felt his own heart betraying him. There was no way that a number could out-maneuver him. He was a Britannian, he was from the greatest country that had ever existed. He began to hyperventilate, his heart racing as fast as a landspinner. This was the ultimate disgrace to a Britannian officer, regardless of status; to be taken out by a mere Number. His eyes expressed fear, his body trembled as his Sutherland began to fill with the unfamiliar red energy that destroyed Jeremiah, and his nose was filled with the smell of death. "Come on move! I can't lose to a damned Eleven. I'm a Britannian!" He proclaimed as the Sutherland exploded into heated shrapnel.
Villetta couldn't believe her eyes. The Purebloods were finished. Without Lord Jeremiah, they had no leader, and with the loss of Kewell, they were certain to fall apart. No! She told herself, remembering what Britannia is all about. Since Jeremiah and Kewell have died in battle, they will become martyrs for our cause. All I can do for them now is avenge their deaths. She reminded herself as she began to bark her orders. "Take out Zero. Surround them. Let's remind these terrorists what happens when you mess with Britannia." She ordered them, knowing that they were as patriotic as her, and that they would follow Jeremiah if he had said the same thing. "All Hail Britannia!" She screamed as she reared to the back of the line, firing at every target she could manage.
Lelouch smiled at how Villetta was operating. He knew all of her tricks and techniques from the original Battle of Narita. He could feel the intense pressure that Zero had become known to handle well. He turned on his transmitter, and began to give his orders. "Q-1, move the Guren Mk-II to the planned point. When you see the target, make sure it does not pass you. We will rendezvous with you shortly." He told her, knowing exactly what Kallen was going to do when she reached Cornelia. Kallen's eyes furrowed at the thought of facing Cornelia again. She had only fought against Cornelia herself once, and it was here, during the original Battle of Narita.
However, even as Kallen confirmed and carried out his orders, her mind was not focused on the battle at hand. Rather, she was concerned about what would happen after it was all over. If the Black Rebellion was successful this time, what then? Would the Black Knights cease to exist, remain as Japan's guardians, or would they go ahead and decide to put Britannia into another stranglehold. But more importantly, what would her life be like after this. Would she have to cut off all her ties to her friends to be a Black Knight full time, like she did before? Or would she reveal her true self to her friends and remain at Ashford with the Student Council?
Snap out of it Kallen! She told herself as she approached her designated point, her eyes about to spill tears all over the cockpit. She took in a deep breath, which felt like she was forcing her now solidified lungs to expand. The pain in her head ached and festered like a rotting wound, but it wasn't enough to stop her from doing her duty. This feeling, this fear I have right now... It isn't enough to stop me! Not by a long shot! She yelled in her head as she leaped over the others, her knife tearing through the Sutherlands like they were butter.
Lelouch's smile had become his signature grin, the smile of a demon. He knew everything that was going to happen, and knew how to prevent every last casualty that was going to happen. That's right. Move swiftly my knights. Remember, if you survive this battle, you can call yourself a true warrior. And afterwards… Japan will be free! he proclaimed in his head, knowing at this point, that was they really cared about. But in time, they will come to understand me, and will assist me in the rebirth of this world. He remembered the Zero Requiem, the final plan he had ever created. Using himself as the ultimate scapegoat was the only way to end the cycle then. However… It will not come to that! Not this time!
Tohdoh kept thinking to himself, reflecting on what he had seen so far about Zero, and about what his motivation seemed to be. If Zero has the same plan as I do in his head, it means he is a brilliant strategist, and from the way he fights and the way he can appear on the screen so charismatic and without too much hatred, that means he isn't Japanese. In fact…
His mind paused, his breath cut short, as his memories brought forth a boy he had not seen in 7 years, a boy he had trained along with Suzaku Kururugi. He gasped at what he might've turned out to be if he was still alive, and realized he was the one who was behind the mask of Zero.
Well, it's been a long time, Lelouch. If your willing to stand against your own country for the sake of revenge, I will support you in any way I can, so long as it's in the best interest of Japan. He opened his eyes, his mind now ready to face Cornelia's royal guard. He turned on his radio, and prepared to make his move against Cornelia and her Britannian dogs. "All units, are you ready?"
One by one, the Four Holy Swords sounded off, acting just as they did during the war. They all turned on their radios as the Burais rose through the top of the trucks. They all said one thing, but even so, Tohdoh could tell that they each put their own heart and soul into what they said. "Sir yes sir." They all said, their voices in complete unison, the sounds of each word blending together with a force as powerful as a typhoon.
Tohdoh narrowed his eyes at his objective, ready to take his revenge from the invasion. It was time to take back what was taken, and to take revenge on those who had taken it away from the people of Japan. There was no real value that the invasion of Japan served, other than to power devices for more bloodshed. So many innocent lives were killed in the invasion, and so many more soldiers as well. There was nothing glorious about the Second Pacific War, there was no glorious battles or celebrations on either side. When the war was over, the winning side took complete control, and degraded the so called "losers" to being less than human. Tohdoh fixated himself on his anger, wanting nothing more than to free Japan, the protect it for the rest of his life. "Alright." He finally said as the Burais began to activate. There was a moment of dead silence, only disrupted by the sounds of artillery. "Deploy the custom Burais." And as the last words escaped his lips, the Burais were launched straight into the battlefield.
Tohdoh slashed his way through every soldier that stood in his way, his thoughts becoming more of a speech of hatred with every second that passed. They've abandoned Lelouch and Nunnally, a prince and princess of their own nation. They take away my home and the freedom of my people, destroying the very things that make us Japanese. And worst of all, they took Suzaku, son of our last prime minister, and turned him against us as a mere foot soldier. Britannia, if there was ever a country of demons, it would be you! You may have taken our land, but not our pride. So let it be known you devils, that this is the day Britannia. This is the day when the people of Japan strike back!
Tohdoh was slightly surprised at what he was doing and thinking at the same time. In all of Japanese history and legend, only the most powerful and brave of samurai have been able to do both at once. But now was not the time to think about such things. He cooled down his hatred, letting it guide him, not control him like it did with Kusakabe. "Listen carefully. If this landslide was manmade, it should allow us to hit Cornelia from behind. We have to capture Cornelia now. Take revenge for what happened seven years ago." He commanded them, knowing that they would obey that part of the order no matter what.
Asahina, Chiba, Senba, and Urabe all had the same thought as they worked their way around the soldiers guarding Cornelia and Guilford. We take our revenge, then we take back Japan! And as the thoughts became clouded by the sheer pressure of battle, they all responded to their colonels orders. "Yes sir. By the honor of the four holy swords!" They proclaimed, knowing that it was Tohdoh's leadership that won them a victory during the war, not some miracle.
"What?" was all Cornelia could say as her eyes widened at what she was seeing around her. Her men were being beaten by someone. They were Burais alright, but she's never seen anything like the weapons they were wielding. They looked like a fiery chainsaw in the form of a sword. But of course that's all these backwards monkeys can come up with. But still… without the perfected MVS weapons to combat them, those things are the sharpest weapons on the battlefield.
Guilford readied his Gloucester as he charged to protect his princess. Tohdoh charged at him with all of his might, the blade colliding with the spear at incredible rates. And as they pulled apart, they immediate returned each others attacks repeatedly. The sparks between them were immense, but Guilford didn't lose any ground, and neither did Tohdoh. "Protect her highness." He ordered, the rest of the Gloucesters surrounding Cornelia before the Four Holy Swords began to attack them. Chiba leaped over one of them, using the slash harkens on the mountain side as Senba delivered the final blow with his sword, cutting the Gloucester down the center line.
Tohdoh, his teeth grinding like gears, felt his adrenaline rise until there was enough energy inside him to shatter Mt. Fuji itself. He focused his mind onto one task; to capture Cornelia and force Britannia to surrender Japan. He quickly turned on his speakers, ready to take on Britannia alone if he had to. Fortunately though, he didn't have to. "Surround them." He commanded as his squadron encircled the royal guard. Tohdoh activated his sword once again, and entered the spinning encirclement.
Cornelia stood there, surrounded by the Japan Liberation Front's greatest group of warriors. Are these the Four Holy Swords the Eleven terrorists have been worshipping as their saviors. If so, they certainly live up to their reputation as being flawless fighters. Cornelia thought to herself. Ordinarily, she would never have thought such a thing about Numbers. But after Saitama, and the hotel hijacking at Lake Kawaguchi, she learned one thing from Zero: Never underestimate your enemies before you see them in action.
"Slash and encircle!" Tohdoh commanded them as he aimed for the head of the Government Bureau itself. The others responded to him with but one word: "Right!" They shortened their circle, each of them taking on a Gloucester. Cornelia engaged Tohdoh with the force she was known for, Guilford aiding her by acting as her secondary attack means. Guilford lunged his lance forward, only for Tohdoh to evade completely unharmed as he countered by slashing against it.
Tohdoh smirked at how weak the royal guard really was. Sure the Gloucesters were suppose to be the most powerful mass-produced Knightmare frame, but they weren't much compared to the Burais. Then again… He thought to himself, his scowl reappearing on his face as he began to think out loud. "These are not just any Burais." Unfortunately for him and his squad, his speakers were still on.
Asahina smiled at the colonels comment, seeing as it would make it clearer that the Japanese were not to be underestimated, upon any grounds. He turned on his radio, and began to speak a comment of his own. "This reminds me of seven years ago." He said, his voice brimming with destructive pleasure inside of his intensified tone.
"But it's different now. This time we have Knightmares as well." Chiba replied, stating that it was their time to strike back at Britannia. Chiba slashed her way around a Gloucester, her sword finishing the bastard off. However, she found that fate was indeed fickle, for her Burai Kai was soon pierced by a spear. Dammit! was the only word that came to mind as she was rocketed away from the fight, completely ruining the colonel's plan.
Cornelia quickly evaded him by a hair, then immediate struck down her spear towards him, only to have it shoved out of the way by the white Burai's arm. He quickly swung his sword with a speed that matched her own, but it was intercepted by Guilford's spear once again.
Guilford could barely keep the Knightmare back, the engines of his landspinners going at 75% power as it was. He had to protect his princess, even if he couldn't survive. He turned his power up to 81%, and before Tohdoh could tell, he turned on his radio. "Your highness, leave them to us." He pleaded, his tone as sincere as a soldier could get in the middle of a battle. His voice, however, was also shallow, as if was having a hard time keeping up with them "Please... you have to withdraw for now." he told her, knowing what her policy was for abandoning her men so she could live.
Cornelia lowered her eyes at the thought, her very pride wounded by her own knight. She may not be undefeated anymore, but she always stayed by with her men, and always saw a fight through to the end. Retreating was something cowards like Clovis would do, and it would cost them their lives if they weren't careful. However, given the circumstances, I have no choice. She looked at her map, seeing their was a passageway that could get her around the back of the JLF and surprise them with reinforcements. "Very well. Guilford, I now know a way to turn this around." She told him. "You shall keep them occupied until I can return with reinforcements."
Guilford's eyes narrowed. When Princess Cornelia says she can manage a victory, than it was definitely possible that they could win Narita all together. He swallowed his doubts, and responded to his princess. "Yes, milady" He boosted his power to 87% percent , and the Burai started to be pushed back, even if it was only a few inches.
Cornelia smiled at her knight. He never gave up until he knew he was beaten. It was an admirable trait for any good soldier. "After you drive them back, you and anyone else who walks away from this skirmish shall meet me over at point nine."
Guilford gasped at what she was saying. Point nine? He looked over to where that was on the map, and his eyes grew so wide that they nearly popped out of his head. That passage way was barely big enough for a single squad of Sutherlands to pass through, let alone enough reinforcements to turn the tide of the battle. However, Cornelia has seen the resistance here, both from the JLF and from the Black Knights. She has never made a bad call in this situation before. He swallowed his pride, and began to speak. "I understand."
Senba scowled as the brightly colored Gloucester retreated from the battle. Cowardly Britannian witch! Trying to escape from us. I'll show you the Japanese people's strength! He promised under his breath, charging at her like a bull charges at a matador's flag. "Cornelia!" The others quickly ran from their fights to join him, circling around Cornelia with a fierce vengeance.
"You weaklings." Was all she could say to the remaining Holy Swords as she charged at them, ready to finally release her pent up frustration. She blew through Senba with ease, her temper finally out of her system. Zero, even if we cannot settle the score here, I will get you someday. But right now, I will win this battle yet.
She told herself as Senba's cockpit rocketed away, leaving her free to escape.
Villetta was tasting victory, and she quite enjoyed the taste. Zero and his ragtag group of mercenaries are cornered, unable to move without so much as killing themselves. She smiled at the thought, a dead Terrorist group crushed by the Purist faction. Saving both innocent civilians and crushing the terrorists who started the conflict to begin with was sure to put them in a very good position. This is what happens when you rebel against Britannia. "Alright men. Keep this up and crush Zero!" She ordered them, the bullets starting to be fired closer to their Knightmares.
Tamaki was nearly pissing his pants. He had never been in this big of a battle before, and the pressure as getting to him. He never wanted to do any of this. he just wanted to be a good banker, and maybe even a bureaucrat someday. But ever since Japan was conquered, his dreams were sent up in flames. And that's why I'm fighting. He reminded himself as his scowl returned to his face. "Maybe we should get Kallen over here." He suggested, though he knew better than to deviate from Zero's plans.
Lelouch knew that he suggested that last time, but even so, he was still irritated at the notion. With Kallen in her current position, they were assured to win. The Purists are just a tiny bump in the road. He reminded himself, before he began to give his orders once again. "No, if we break formation now, our plan is ruined. Hold of the advancement, do not let the pass us." By now, I imagine Cornelia is trying to find a way to return to safety by now, or at least regroup with what's left of her troops. He concluded, though he was already aware of that much.
Just like clockwork, the radio came on, and Kallens voice came through as clear as day. "Zero, Cornelia is under attack down below." She informed them, Ohgi and Tamaki gasping as soon as they heard 'attack'. They didn't know what to think. The plan was to lure Cornelia away with a well routed assault. Tamaki couldn't believe the nerve of whoever was down there, ruining the plan with that one action alone.
Lelouch half smiled at Kallen's report. They were both aware of what was going to happen, but she was able to make it sound as if she had just learned about it. However, I cannot allow myself to seem too calm about it. He took in a breath, and began to transmit his own message. "I see then. Was it one of our own that struck first, or did Colonel Tohdoh decide to strike instead?"
Kallen's voice was silent, utterly speechless on how to respond to Lelouch. If it were just them, she could easily say that things were going just as they did before. But with Ohgi and Tamaki listening as well, she could feel herself sweating bullets. If she said she didn't know, Ohgi would be able to tell that Kallen was lying. If she just said it was the JLF, Ohgi and Tamaki would take it as if we were treating them as the enemy as well as Cornelia's forces. But if she said it was Tohdoh, that would imply that we were working with the JLF the whole time, which would cause more trust issues.
She could feel herself tremble at the thought of it. But even so, that's the best thing to say. She took in a deep breath, hoping that she and Ohgi would be able to clean this mess up later, and gave her answer. "It's the colonel. Tohdoh the miracle worker has engaged Cornelia's royal guard."
Lelouch smiled at what he heard from her. Excellent choice of words Kallen. You always did have a way with deception. He admitted. It didn't fool him, but she was an excellent liar, just like him. She had managed to keep up the helpless little school girl routine until the Black Rebellion last time. Her smile was always sunny around him during that time. And the way she would… Lelouch caught himself right there, reminding himself why he was never to think like that. People are never completely loyal unless they have no other reason to live. Suzaku, Jeremiah, and Rolo taught me that much.
He quickly recomposed himself, and began to speak. "Excellent. The plan will be able to proceed after all. Now then, Tamaki, I want you to act as decoy this time. Ohgi, when the hot becomes clear, take it, no matter what happens." He commanded them, preparing to do things like he had done last time.
The military officials surrounded Euphemia, demanding that she take action against Lelouch, some angrier than others. She knew that they wouldn't harm her, but she was uncomfortable all the same. "Sub-viceroy Euphemia you must act now in order to prevent disaster. We must send in the G1!"
Euphemia looked down at the screen, feeling completely useless. She had never seen a battle before, let alone knew how to lead an offensive. She had to stall for time, at least until she had a clear idea about what to do. "No." She told them, needing to remind herself why she was here in the first place.
"But commander Guilford is completely pinned down. He can't get to Cornelia. Her life is at stake here." He argued, and from what he was saying, it was more urgent than she thought. However, she would not be swayed. Lelouch told her if the G1 was moved while the battle was still going on, then all of the innocent people who were evacuated would be at extreme risk of dying.
Euphemia shook her head, nearly on the verge of tears. She couldn't take it. Lelouch. Cornelia. Suzaku. I can't bear it. We have to end this. We have to end all of this. She quickly caught herself, and gave the soldiers her reasons why she couldn't send in the command center. "We can't. There's a field hospital right here. The hospital is loaded with the civilians that were evacuated from all over the area." She reminded them, her showing her discomfort. "Besides, the G1 base is a command center. The viceroy ordered me not to move it no matter what, that's why I…" Her voice had failed her, her mind too full of sorrow to think straight.
"Well, hello there." A voice called out to her. Suddenly, the map flashed, the screen taking on a new transmission. It was the inside of the Special Corps van, just the way Suzaku had described it to her. In front of her was Earl Asplund, a man who was better known for his work in the scientific field rather than military or political world. "The ASEEC crew reporting for duty." Behind him stood a young women with straight blue hair, and eyes that showed she was a shy person. And in front of them both, it was the one person she hoped wouldn't get involved with any of this. Suzaku...
The military officials expressions became scowls of utter annoyance, if not total anger. "Insolence! You are irregulars. Your orders are to keep silent and observe." He raged, sounding as if the earl of pudding had just insulted him. Lloyd knew he would react that way, but in the name of his research, he just didn't care.
Cecile's eyes, on the other hand, were full of concern, her voice matching her attitude in complete harmony. "Yes sir, normally we would but…" She tried to explain, before the sociopathic scientist known as Lloyd Asplund cut her off, his tone of voice sounding like the exact opposite of hers.
"But all of this waiting around is boring." he said, even though Euphemia was paying less attention to him than she should. Instead, she was looking at the man who had managed to win her over, and a man who shared the same goal as her. Suzaku. Lelouch and Cornelia are meant to fight with each other. But from what I've been hearing from you, you'd be devastated if you found out the truth.
Suzaku's gaze met with Euphemia, his eyes filled with a combination of concern and duty. But they were not looking at the 3rd princess of the Britannian empire. Instead, he only saw the girl who had managed to snatch his heart away from him. But now is not the time to think about that. He reminded himself as he began to speak. "Sub-viceroy Euphemia, I beseech you. Please order us into the battle." He managed, his heart once again in conflict with itself.
He hadn't spoken to her since she had given him those orders. He felt guilty, and yet happy, about those orders. They made it so he couldn't simply let her down easy, and it meant that if they were discovered, he wouldn't be able to deny it.
The others in the room began to growl at the earl's audacity, seeing nothing but a self satisfying mission to gain respect and status among the higher-ups. "How transparent. You just want the glory of rescuing the viceroy." The accused him. Euphemia knew better though. Suzaku wasn't power hungry like the rest of them.
He was actually trying to help. He wanted to be promoted to get the results he wanted, but he wasn't willing to use dishonest methods to achieve them. She thought about the time they had spent together in the Tokyo settlement, and the kiss they had shared that night. However, her thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of angry officials.
"Our whole army is out there. You think one unit is going to change things with an Eleven pilot?" He demanded, sounding as sarcastic as he was angry. Euphemia wouldn't admit it, but he did have a point. She would look bad if she allowed Suzaku entry into the battle, and it would be worse if Suzaku lost. No… She thought to herself. It wouldn't just be bad for our image, but if he loses, it'll mean...
"Right, right." Lloyd's voice told them, cutting off Euphie's dark train of thought. However, the very tone of his voice mocking their competence. He put his hand on his chin, as if he were wondering about something. "But then again, what's the harm in trying?" He smugly put it, removing his hand from his chin. His smile was that of a taunting sort, the kind of smile you'd expect from someone who was smarter than everyone else. "After all, it's just one unit, of course. So it won't look bad for you if we lose, right?"
Euphemia's eyes fixated on Suzaku, her attention on him and him alone. She remembered the time she had landed in his strong arms back in the Tokyo settlement. She read the words that formed silently as Suzaku moved his lips. Euphie. Her expression softened as she smiled at her boyfriend, but, quickly catching herself before someone saw it, she shifted it into a firm look. "Yes I understand. You have my permission, Warrant Officer Kururugi. Please assist Viceroy Cornelia." She ordered, her voice sounding more concerned than commanding.
Lloyd's eyes sparked with happiness, his mind focused on the fact that his research about to receive more data. He backed away from the monitors, his expression forming a enthusiastic grin across his face. "We got it!" He proclaimed, his assistant seeming to give him a scolding look before returning a smile back to Euphemia.
Cecile looked over at the princess, grateful for being able to help out instead of just sitting and waiting as more soldiers suffered. "Thank you very much." She simply said, thanking Euphemia for hearing her and Lloyd out before deciding on a course of action.
Suzaku hardened his expression, his mind now set on one thing and one thing alone. I'm going to rescue Viceroy Cornelia, then I'm coming for you… Zero. He silently promised the terrorist, wanting nothing more than to see him behind a glass cell, or being executed for his crimes. "Right. I won't fail, your highness." He promised her, while silently telling her he'd come back in one piece.
The video feed died, the monitor once again showing only the map of the battlefield. Euphemia was still afraid of losing Cornelia, but was now more afraid than she was before. She was risking Suzaku's life by sending him out there. She knew that he was an excellent pilot, and that the Lancelot was the most advanced Knightmare the Britannian forces currently had. But even with the odds of him surviving were high, Euphie couldn't suppress the anxieties she was having.
Lelouch and Cornelia were at risk to begin with, but now, Suzaku's life was at risk as well. Did I do the right thing? She pondered, her heart slowly beginning to ache once again. Was I right to send Suzaku into this battle?
Tohdoh's blade beated against Guilford's spear, both pilots being pushed and pulled by their engagement. Damn it. He's fierce. He had expected as much from Cornelia's guard, and much more from her own knight. He removed the sword from the head of the spear, and jolted back, waiting for the others action. "Scatter!" he commanded, ordering them to retreat at once. I suppose it's all up to you now, Lelouch. He saw that the Asahina and Urabe were lagging behind, and slowed down to match their speed.
Urabe didn't understand. With these Burais, we were winning easily. So why did Colonel Tohdoh order us to retreat? He thought to himself, and then began to speak to him directly. "Lieutenant Colonel, what about Cornelia?" He asked, his blood beginning to simmer at what had happened. Cornelia, the witch of Britannia, was about to be defeated, and yet they were the ones retreating. The whole thing was making his blood boil. What's going on inside the colonel's head?
Tohdoh turned on his radio, his heart filled to the brim with frustration and despair, and gave his answer. "If Zero's the man I think he is, he's moving into position right now." He informed him, surprised that they hadn't already figured it out. But even so, I can't exactly tell them everything. If Lelouch is alive, then Nunnally probably is as well "If he has the will of the Japanese people with him, then we'll have to trust him." He simply put it, hoping to give away as little as possible.
The van opened it's backside, revealing the white knightmare they were working on, and the launch mechanisms that were meant to fire it off into battle. Cécile looked over at the knightmare briefly, the returned her gaze to the monitors as she prepared the launch procedure. "Advanced weapon system Z01 Lancelot. Utilize sun-panels to climb liquified slope at max combat speed and rescue the viceroy." The radio went silent as the Lancelot hummed to life.
Suzaku sat there in the cockpit, his mind set on one thing; to rescue Viceroy Cornelia. His heart, however, wanted something more. It wanted him to hunt down and arrest Zero like the criminal he truly was. He turned on his radio, determined to follow his orders, no matter what his heart said, and responded. "Yes, my Lord."
Suddenly, Suzaku's monitor flashed to life, and Lloyd's face was all over the screen. He looked as if he was going to do something to mess with someone. Most likely me. Suzaku thought to himself as Lloyd began to speak. "Suzaku, there's one thing I want to ask you."
"And what is that?"
"More than anything, you hate when people die." Lloyd confirmed, knowing he had struck Suzaku in a sensitive area. "Yet, you are in the military. Why is that?" He finished, seeing that Suzaku's eyes became bewildered at the earl's audacity.
Suzaku's heart nearly stopped at the question, and his mind became nearly blank. Lloyd asked him more than why he was in the military. Lloyd had just asked him why he was having a job that contradicted his own morals. But even so, I have to end the cycle. For Euphie, for Lelouch and Nunnally, and for everyone else. He swallowed his fear whole, and stuttered out an answer. "I joined the military to stop people from dying."
Lloyd smirked bigger, and chuckled as he walked back to the monitors. "And that self-contradiction will get you killed someday." But out of nowhere, Cecile came running to the monitors, looking as angry with Lloyd as ever. She came up real close, and she did the last thing he ever expected her to do; She kicked him in his nuts.
"What the…?!" Was all he could say to her. She had just knocked Lloyd on the floor, paralyzed with pain. He laid there, grabbing what was probably a fucked up area at the moment.
Cecile looked at Suzaku with her fake, cheery smile. "Sorry about that Suzaku. Please be safe, and be sure to bring the Viceroy back here alive." She told him as the monitor returned to showing his surroundings. The ground was covered in mud, making it difficult to maneuver across it fast. Not to mention there are all kinds of things in my path. But maybe if I use the VARIS…. He stopped himself right there, knowing it was his only chance at rescuing Viceroy Cornelia in time.
Right… Suzaku thought to himself, wondering what Zero had in mind for him once he got there. But now is not the time for thinking. Now is the time… for action! "Lancelot, now launching…" He yelled out loud as said knightmare rocketed out of the van and into the battlefield, determined to stop any further casualties.
Kallen eyes fixated on the brightly colored Gloucester in front of her. She raised the arm of her Guren, charging straight at the women she knew she wasn't allowed to kill. Kallen's heart filled with courage, and she screamed the name of her opponent. "Cornelia!" Kallen lunged at her, the radiant wave surger ready to destroy anything in it's path.
Cornelia barely dodged, her hull taking a severe scratch as she pulled away from the red knightmare. "Lowborn scum!" She fired her slash harkens in it's direction, only to have them cut off by the unit's knife. The Guren slashed away at the Gloucester, taking off the violet knightmare's right arm in the process.
Cornelia couldn't believe what was happening, or the fact that she was being overpowered by a knightmare frame she's never even seen before. Is that a new…. No! She screamed in her head, her pride blinding her judgement. There is no possible way that these Elevens have the technical know-how to create their own knightmare model. They were a backwards bunch of savages before Britannia arrived to show them the truth.
Kallen smirked at the fact that she was beating Cornelia in hand to hand. In the previous timeline, this was the only time she had ever really attacked Cornelia directly. All the times that the Guren was used before the Black Rebellion, she had been busy dealing with Suzaku. Suzaku! She remembered that he was the reason that Narita failed, which meant that she had to be quick about this little skirmish.
Cornelia couldn't lay a finger on the unit. She hadn't seen the model up close, but she figured it was just as fast as the Z-01 Lancelot unit, the first 7th generation knightmare frame. What is this? That's not just a customized unit. She kept asking herself, unwilling to accept the fact that it was a all Japanese knightmare. Suddenly, without warning, the sounds of heavy gunfire came her way, her knightmare being damaged in the process.
"Can you hear me, Cornelia." A charismatic voice asked her sarcastically, sounding as if he had just defeated her. There was only one person here who could've sounded like that. "This is checkmate." He proclaimed triumphantly, sounding as if there was no possible way that Cornelia could escape or defeat him.
That's just what imagined you'd say to me in this situation… Cornelia thought to herself, wanting nothing more than to skin the terrorist alive, then have him executed before a firing squad. She turned on her speakers, and said the name of the man who had supposedly bested her. "Zero."
Lelouch smiled at her response, confident that she assumes that he assumes he thought he was victorious. "Yes. Should we celebrate our reunion?" He jested, wanting her to think he was arrogant enough not to know about the wild card that was Suzaku. Then again, I'm sure she had no idea about Suzaku either, considering her reaction to him last time. He thought to himself, before continuing his short conversation with his sister. "Of course, you'll have to surrender to us first." He boasted, knowing that the Lancelot would blast it's way here in a couple of seconds.
However, I cannot deviate from that just yet. I need to make it appear that she couldn't win against me without Suzaku interfering. He raised his hand, gesturing as if he had already won. "And in case you are wondering, your reinforcements won't get here in time. I win, Cornelia." He lied, waiting for the wall that trapped her like an animal to explode any second now.
Cornelia gritted her teeth, her body stiff with hesitation. Which way out? She kept asking herself, her entire being feeling like a fool. She had walked right into the trap Zero had set up for her, and now she was a trapped animal, just waiting to be slaughtered. "You are a fool, Zero."
She immediately turned back towards Kallen, willing to do whatever it took to defeat Zero, even if it costed her her life. "This one." She proclaimed, seeing what she thought was the flaw in his plan. "If I take this one out, then I'm free and clear!" She charged at Kallen, her heart full of nothing but violent rage, her spear the only thing that was between them.
Kallen evaded to the right, the spear missing by mere inches. "Oh no you don't." She proclaimed to the self-righteous princess, grabbing the spear with the Guren's claw. She activated the Radiant wave Surger, and the entire arm of Cornelia's Gloucester began to hum and bubble with energy.
Cornelia's eyes widened at the readings she was getting from the arm. Upon instinct, she detached the arm in a flash, watching the metal bubble up and finally explode. She shuddered at the thought of her entire knightmare exploding like that. But at the same time, she realized how the Black Knights had used the landslide to their advantage. It's definitely not their technology, but it's not Britannian tech either. Does this mean that the terrorists have outside…
Her train of thought was shattered as she took heavy fire, her entire backside ablazed with bullets. "Ugh!" She screamed, her temper now completely out of control. She felt a demon awaken inside of her, urging her to take action and kill Zero. But at the same time, she knew there was little she could do in this situation. Both of the Gloucester's arms had been removed, and she only had one slash harken left to use. "You coward! Attacking from behind!" She raged, knowing she was probably sounding like a hypocrite right now.
Zero smirked at her hypocritical comment, unaffected by her sister's arrogant pride. "Really? I am being lectured by the Witch of Britannia about tactics and cowardice." Lelouch taunted, knowing that he needed to stall until Suzaku arrived. "Tell me Cornelia, do your own attack methods not show acts of cowardice? Attacking the helpless people of the Saitama ghetto as an attempt to provoke me. And yet you have the audacity to lecture me. How truly hypocritical of you."
Cornelia trembled, both in anger and in fear of this man before her. He had humiliated her in the Saitama ghetto, upstaged her at Lake Kawaguchi, and had now defeated her here, during her own Narita operation. She sighed heavily, readying her mind for total destruction. I will not tolerate this humiliation. Zero, if I am too die, I'm taking you with me. She promised, turning on her communications radio. "Guilford. Guilford, my knight." She said softly, wanting to be certain that he got the message. "You and Darlton protect Euphie."
Guilford's voice became loud, sounding as if he were scared and heart-broken at the same time. "Your highness!" He screamed in despair, unable to protect the one person he had sworn to protect. he could feel all the emotions drain out of him as Tohdoh's blade crashed against his own. He was pinned down, and unable to fulfill his duty. Forgive me, my princess.
Cornelia turned on her speakers, preparing to make her last stand here. "I won't surrender." She proclaimed, aiming her last slash harken towards Zero's Burai. "As an imperial princess, I'll fight to the last." She fired the slash harken, only to have it knocked aside by Zero's own slash harken.
Lelouch smiled at Cornelia's spirit, knowing full well that she didn't have a chance without Suzaku. Tch. She is so predictable. He thought to himself, taking position away from the cliff that Suzaku was about to blast into smithereens He kept gun pointed towards Cornelia, but his gaze was over at the cliff, his heart stopping every half beat, waiting for Suzaku to recklessly charge in, just as he did before.
But as Cornelia, the second princess of Britannia, the mighty Witch of the Empire, collapsed in defeat, the ground began to rumble, the ominous sounds of thunder following it. Just like clockwork. Lelouch told himself, his mind fixating on the wall right below him. Even though he couldn't see them, Lelouch knew that Tamaki and Ohgi were beginning to panic, unaware of what was causing the ground to tremble.
In the blink of an eye, the cliff shattered into a cloud of debris, and the shockwave following it destroyed the balance the Burais had managed to keep thus far. The roaring sound of landspinners surged out of the clouds, revealing the infamous of all Knightmare frames: The Z-01 Lancelot.
Lelouch needed to sound angry, but he couldn't help but smile at his old friend. Right on time as usual Suzaku, my Knight of Zero. He chided himself. Ever since Suzaku first arrived at Ashford, Lelouch had an urge sweep through him, the urge to use his new geass on Suzaku, and awaken his memories. However, if my plans are to succeed from this point on, I'll need to be patient a little while longer. He looked at the Lancelot charging towards Cornelia, just as it did before.
Kallen, on a similar note, was also smiling at his arrival. Last time they had met on the battlefield, it had ended in a draw, as it always had been when they fought each other. Not this time Suzaku. She promised herself. She didn't want to kill him like she did last time, or even scold him for signing his soul away to Britannia. But even so, the time for games is over. Now, it's time to get serious.
Suzaku couldn't stop his heart from racing. His breath was shallow, the adrenaline of the battle coursing through his veins. He kept readjusting his mind, remembering why he was there. To prevent death, to save lives, to prevent total anarchy. And… he caught himself right there, trying to keep himself focused. But even with his willpower mustered all at once, he was still unable to stop thinking about her.
No. Dammit Suzaku, focus already. He reminded himself, his inner voice washing over his entire being like a tsunami. He mustered up his will, focusing himself into thinking about one thing and one thing alone. I have to complete my mission. "Viceroy, are you alright?" He finally said, his voice seeming to take the princess by surprise. "I've come here to help you, your Highness."
Cornelia's voice was weak, like a child with their first case of the flu. "Special Corps? Who authorized you?" She asked Suzaku, sounding as if she was annoyed with the fact that an eleven was sent to rescue her. Suzaku help Cornelia's Gloucester to it's feet, allowing it to activate it's landspinners again.
Tamaki's eyes widened as he saw what he never expected to be there. He narrowed his eyes as soon as he saw the face of the knightmare, and instantly knew where he'd seen it before. "Hey, isn't that Knightmare...?" He began, before Ohgi cut him off.
"Yeah." Ohgi said, his voice brimming with hatred for the Lancelot. It was the Knightmare that caused them to lose Shinjuku, despite Zero killing Clovis. It was also there at Lake Kawaguchi, the knightmare that made them hasten their plans. "It's the one from Shinjuku and Lake Kawaguchi." He confirmed, before turning his attention to his masked leader. "Zero, how do we handle this Knightmare?"
Lelouch scuffled at the remark. Suzaku was the one who interfered with Shinjuku and Lake Kawaguchi, but it wasn't any different than before. "Our main concern is Viceroy Cornelia. I expected this unit to be here, which is another reason why we brought the Guren MK II." He informed them, knowing that if he said he was prepared, they were more willing to believe that this was all planned from the beginning. He switched his radio on, and gave Kallen her instructions. "Q-1, you know what to do."
Kallen hardened her heart as she charged at Suzaku, ready to vent out her frustration towards him from the previous timeline. He was always too foolish to see the greater good until it was too late. "Right." She said as she attacked Suzaku with her claw. Suzaku dodged them with a few feet to spare, but it was close.
Cornelia saw how fast the Lancelot was compared with the red knightmare that had managed to disarm her. It's close, but the Lancelot is slightly faster. She hated asking for help from anyone, especially if they were a number, but desperate times called for desperate measures. She swallowed her heart, and gave the pilot her orders. "You handle that thing. I'll take out Zero." She told him, readying her remaining slash harken for combat. If I can win these odds, than Zero and his Black Knights will lose their support easily. She fired off in Zero's direction, aiming for the head of his knightmare. Kallen jumped out to block it, before Suzaku charged and prevented Kallen from stopping the attack.
Kallen scowled at Suzaku, remembering why she had hated him so badly. Alright Suzaku, lets dance. She said under her breath as she extracted her knife from its slot. She lunged at him with incredible speed, Suzaku attempting to counter by rearing back and firing a slash harken. Kallen saw the slash harken coming, and veered to the left. Suzaku went in for his signature move, but Kallen veered to the left , and the two began their dance of combat, both of them trying to overpower the other.
Suzaku couldn't believe what was going on. He had the most advanced knightmare frame, and was one of the best pilots in his class. But yet, he was only able to keep up with this pilot. Is it as fast as the Lancelot? Or is this just the pilots skill? He kept asking himself, wondering how anyone could be that powerful. It was like the pilot was inside his head, knowing what move he was going to make even before he did. Regardless though, I have to win. He reminded himself, blocking her attack by kicking off one of the sand panels he had used to get to this point.
Kallen chuckled at how badly Suzaku was doing compared to the last time they fought like this. During the Battle of Damocles, they were both practically invincible. Of course, back then, Suzaku had a clear conscious. Now that he doesn't, he's not able to fight as hard as he did then. But even so Suzaku... "Don't hold back, you Britannian lapdog!" She yelled at him, knowing that he very well couldn't hear her.
Suzaku needed to end this fight so that he could assist the Viceroy. He took out the VARIS, and fired it straight at the knightmare. He had never used it on a person before, and he was sure the results were going to be unpleasant. However, kallen knew all about that weapon, and how to guard against it. She raised the Guren's claw, and activated the Radiant wave surger.
Suzaku's eyes widened at what he was seeing. The green energy from the mighty VARIS cannon was blocked by a strange red energy that came off the knightmares claw. "It was blocked?! What kind of Knightmare is that thing?" He asked himself out loud, trying to keep his thoughts clear as he re-entered a dance of combat with the red knightmare frame.
Kallen needed to end the fight one way or another. She needed to play it out like she did before, but her own mind and will to fight clouded her judgement. She lunged at Suzaku, readying her Radiant wave surger to blast the arms of the Lancelot to smithereens. She crashed into Suzaku, their knightmares struggling to get the other to submit. Suddenly, Kallen felt a shift in the ground. Her heart stopped for a moment, and she found herself, along with the Guren Mk II, falling down the cliff, just as it did before.
When she landed, the impact impaled her stomach, and she found herself spitting up blood. She was going to live, but living can be just as painful as death. God dammit! She screamed in her head. This had happened last time, and she went for it anyways. And what was worse, she didn't even remove a single arm off the Lancelot.
Ohgi's heart stopped as he raced to help Kallen, Tamaki following close behind him. Zero had already managed to exhaust Cornelia's energy filler, but not before Kallen had managed to collapse and fall down the cliff. Suddenly, the radio flashed on, and Zeo's voice appeared on the airwaves. "Q-1, are you alright?" He asked her, concerned with nothing more than her well being at this point. He never really wanted anyone he cared about to die like this, not this time anyways.
Kallen turned on her radio, and answered Lelouch. "I am." She coughed out. She'd been injured in combat before, but it didn't mean she wasn't in pain. She knew that she was bleeding on the inside, her mouth tasting blood as hot as her temper. Her bones ached, and she could feel the air becoming colder.
Lelouch could feel his heart becoming hollow as he climbed over the cliff in front of him, trying to escape before Suzaku would strike him down. but although he felt like a coward, he knew that Kallen would be okay, and the others would be able to retreat. He let out a heavy sigh, his lungs feeling like they weighed a ton each, and began to speak. "How's the Guren Mk-ll?"
"The Radiant wave surger is busted. We'll have to repair it."
Lelouch sighed as he heard the same answer she had given him last time. "Very well then. All units retreat. This battle has proven to be a stalemate." He commanded them, all the while being chased down by the one person who was a part of his journey every step of the way.
(20 minutes later, At the edge of the Narita Mountains)
Suzaku stared at the man who had rescued him from his execution, his VARIS ready to kill him. It's ironic in that sense. He spared my life and now I'm here to kill him. However, if he hadn't saved me that day, I would have never met Euphie. His thoughts became tense, seeing how he had used Euphie to get away with his crimes against Britannia.
He narrowed his eyes at Zero, the man who endangered Euphie and his friends, provoked anarchy into Japan, and was the one who began this rebellion in the first place. He flipped on the microphone, his heart bursting with willpower, and began to speak. "Zero, this is where…"
Zero, aka Lelouch Lamperouge, looked at the white knightmare with a calm sense of dread. He knew Suzaku would try to kill him, but he had prepared for that. "Suzaku Kururugi, is this how you repay someone for saving, not only your own life, but the life of your precious Euphemia?" That's right. Suzaku wasn't aware of her status as a princess until I rescued her. He reminded himself, knowing that Euphie must've put him through hell twice by now.
Suzaku gasped, his eyes widening faster than he could think. His heart felt betrayed, but his mind knew better. He could feel Zero appear in front of his soul, and then place it into a stranglehold. But, Euphie and I are the only ones who knew about that. How did he find out?
"Surprised Kururugi? You should be. However, the other things I know about you should frighten you even more." Lelouch proclaimed, using his knowledge of Suzaku's past and future to his advantage. I need to stall for time until I can be retrieved. He told himself, even though he was disgusted to how low he had actually become. He was using the same strategy as that psychopath Mao.
Suzaku is in a state of shock now, but it's not enough to get him inside the sphere of Project Orange. "To prove it, you should know that I am aware that you killed your own father, Prime minister Genbu Kururugi, in order to end the war between Japan and Britannia. And the only reason it was reported as a suicide was because the 6 Houses of Kyoto covered it up in order to protect you."
Suzaku felt his lungs become heavy, his breath becoming dry and shallow. His limbs, as they were, became limp and lifeless. And as he tried to take a deep breath, his body shivered in fear, thus paralyzing him. How...how does he… He couldn't think anymore, for his mind was filled with guilt and fear, the essential ingredients of despair. Even with the Lancelot at his disposal, Zero had managed to destroy Suzaku, from the inside out.
"But...but I… I did it to…" Suzaku tried to say, his voice fading into an empty void. He couldn't believe it. Zero had beaten him. He became timid, his willpower collapsing under the weight of Zero's powerful voice.
"Did it to what?" The masked leader asked rhetorically. "Have the violence stop so Japan could be happy again? To free Japan by entering the military and evoking change from within? Do not be naive Suzaku. Britannia is rotten. You have no power to change that, and you never will." He told, him. Lelouch chided himself, knowing Suzaku could probably make a lot more progress than Lelouch would if the S.A.Z. were to happen.
Now then, lets try this again. Lelouch told himself, extending his hand in a welcoming manner. "Suzaku Kururugi, do not be Britannia's mindless puppet. Join me. As a Black Knight, you could do so much more for Japan. And together, nothing will stop us." out of the corner of his eye, Lelouch saw the last piece of his plan fall into place. Well Suzaku, I guess I can watch you squirm a little longer. He told himself, gesturing the Ronin to maintain it's position.
Suzaku was out of breath, and he looked upon Zero as if he were some sort of demon. He was as manipulative as a devil, and just as charismatic. However, the words he spoke painted a picture of the man behind the mask. A picture Suzaku didn't want to believe, as the person he didn't want to be Zero suddenly appeared before his own consciousness.
Is he …Lelouch? He pondered, but immediately scolded himself for thinking that way. No! Lelouch hates Britannia alright, but he would never do any of this. He screamed in his head, trying to convince himself that he was wrong.
But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Lelouch was exiled by his father, his mother was most likely killed by royals, and worst of all, his own father abandoned him in Japan right before the war started. No, Lelouch doesn't about anything like this, regardless of how he feels about Britannia. All he really cares for are Nunnally and our friends. To him, nothing else matters. He finally convinced himself.
Suzaku's mind went silent, then it became stable as he readied his VARIS. "Zero, I am grateful that you spared my life back at my execution." A silence broke between them, just as it had before. But this time, the winds of destiny were on Lelouch's side. "But the answer is no. Britannia may be rotten, but I will change it, and from within."
Lelouch scowled on the inside, but was also relatively happy that Suzaku had remained stubborn about his place with Britannia. "Then you leave me no choice, Kururugi." He simply stated. As fast as Suzaku was, even he couldn't keep up with how fast Lelouch had pulled out his custom made detonator.
Suddenly, a sound of thunder was heard, and Suzaku found himself unable to fire the VARIS. He pulled the trigger countless times, but not one of them had any effect. Out of nowhere. The Lancelot's monitors went dark, the cockpit lights going out as well. Suzaku was baffled at this, for he knew his energy filler wasn't drained yet. "What the-" He tried to say, before being interrupted by the man wearing a mask.
"Amazing, isn't it?" Lelouch said smugly, looking at how helpless Suzaku was around him. "The Lancelot is a powerful knightmare frame indeed. Fast, energy efficient, and weaponized with so many new technologies. But even the 7th generation prototype is no match for the Gefjun disturbers." Lelouch told him.
It would be so easy to have Suzaku come out of the Knightmare right now. I could even revive his memories. He wondered at the possibilities he had come up with for this situation. However, I need Suzaku in the military for my plans to succeed. He reminded himself. "Now then Suzaku, I'd like to ask a favor, in return for sparing your life." He told him, implanting fear into his head.
Out of no where, a black colored Sutherland appeared, the Black Knights insignia poorly painted on the front of it's cockpit. But there was something else about the Sutherland that was different besides it's coloration. The arms were somewhat bulkier, like they had another weapon installed.
A piercing screech was heard as the Ronin's speakers fired up, the echoing screech annoying the hell out of Suzaku. "Lord Zero." The knightmare pilot said, the voice as high pitched and muffled as it could get, but yet the words were understandable. Lelouch smiled at the one person he could count on for his loyalty alone. Well done Jeremiah. You managed to survive the Radiant wave surger for a second time now. He turned his attention towards Suzaku, before returning his gaze back to the Ronin in front of him.
"Give her highness, the honorable Viceroy Cornelia, this message for me: Beware of those closest to you. In a foe you may find a friend. However, someone you think is your friend may really be... your foe." Lelouch began to smirk like the demon he was as the walked toward the Ronin. Fortunately for him, Suzaku was in too much of a shock to come out of the Lancelot. The Ronin extended its hand, allowing Lelouch to climb aboard. He looked over at the Lancelot, still paralyzed from the Gefjun Disturbers. "Think about what I've told you, white knight." Lelouch implied as the Ronin sped away as fast as it could.