Stage Nineteen "Shattered Bonds"
The azure sea brushed across the hull of a uniquely designed submarine with the logo of the black knights etched onto its tower. Inoue stood at the viewport with a pair of binocleurs in hand. She stares off at the horizon while letting out a small sigh. "In the past we had trouble getting a bike, and we have a submarine now..." She leaned on the edge while taking in a deep breath.
In the bowels of the facility in a modified bay, the Voulge was kneeling down while sparks flew from its armor. It took a large blow from the Blue Lancelot which was identified in the news as the Lancelot Club. Feite stared at her machine with a hint of sadness. She had become so consumed with Suzaku being its pilot that she froze on the battlefield. "Why the long face? Are you annoyed that my technicians are repairing your machine incorrectly?" Rakshata walked up behind Feite tapping her pipe against her open palm.
Feite glanced over her shoulder, and let out a small sigh. "It's not about that, it's just I still can't believe that Suzaku Kururugi was the pilot." She stared down at her hands, and turned her head away. Rakshata looked up at her face, and let out a smile. "I see, it was shocking for everyone to see that. Its not every day do you see a man who was to be executed to become a white knight." She placed the pipe over her mouth and bit down on the edge. Her arms slide down to her hips while the Voulge had its supplementary Land Spinner removed. "In the end the Voulge doesn't need that equipment?" Feite crossed her arms over her chest, and nodded. "The mobility ratio was offset by that bulky piece of equipment. The Voulge can run as fast as a normal Landspinner unit, so it's useless…"
"So what my subordinates tell me is true. It's been a long time, I would have never recognized you." Tohdoh walked over tugging on his collar while stopping a few feet behind Rakshata and Feite. Rakshata glanced over and gave a friendly wave before walking over to the Voulge. She shouts out a few words in Hindu causing the technicians to work harder than before. Feite bowed her head to Tohdoh while glancing down at his katana. 'What an odd thing you Japanese people are. The spirit of the Samurai I guess…' Tohdoh took a large step forward, and folded his arms behind his back. He stood gallantly beside Feite while letting out a small cough. "You've changed so much; I would have never thought that sickly girl would turn into a capable fighter."
Feite blinked while letting out a small scoff. "I never thought the miracle worker Tohdoh the magnificent would get captured so easily by the Britannian Military." Tohdoh shot her an evil glare while her carefree attitude seemed to catch him off guard. "Very well, I will accept that shot at my honor. Zero is asking everyone to gather in the briefing room. That is why I've come to get both you and Rakshata." She put her hands on her hips and shook her head. "The briefing room is so small though…are we planning another major operation? Or is it something else?" Tohdoh started off towards the doorway. "We'll talk on the way." Feite let out a small pout while shooting a look over her shoulder. "Hey Rakshata, come to the meeting room. Zero's having a meeting…"
Rakshata waved her hand while one of the technicians gasped at the computer monitor in front of him. "What is it?" The technician was in total shock at the sheer lines of code flowing through the personal settings. "These settings have to be wrong; no human can operate a machine at these specs." Rakshata stared down at the data, and she let out a small smile. "I see what you mean, but that girl is more than your average run of the mill ace. Leave the settings alone, I'll ask Feite about them later. Get packed up, and well meet in the briefing room."
In the briefing room, Feite leaned against the wall while Zero stood in the front beside the tactical display monitors. A live video image of Kirihara was displayed behind, with a pleased expression spread across his face. Zero took a moment to scan the crowd, and began his briefing. "Now, we've discussed many things since Tohdoh and remnant Japanese Liberation Front Members joined our Black Knights. Now in terms with that, I've decided to reorganize the structure of our organization. "Over-all in charge of military affairs will be Tohdoh Kyoshiro. Over-all in charge of spying, publicity, and intelligence will fall to Diethard Ried."
The crowd became a little uneasy after the name came up. Nagisa took a step forward, and glared up at Zero. "I don't mean to sound racist, but why are you appointing a Britannian to such a position?"
Feite turned over with an evil glint in her eyes while Zero simply turned to Nagisa. "Then what about myself? You know that I'm not Japanese; you know that Feite is not Japanese. Those things do not matter in this organization. We are champions of Justice, and nothing more." Tamaki let out a small scoff while waving his hand. "We got it…" Zero flipped his cape and continued to discuss the organization. "The Vice-Commander will be Ogi, and the chief of technology will be Rakshata."
"Next on the agenda, I'll start with the Independent Unit, who will be commanded by Feite Avalon." Feite let out a smile while crossing her arms. "What is the Independent Unit Zero?" Zero let out a small laugh, and changed the image behind him. "The Independent Unit is a detachment of my personal unit, who will be a first and last strike on enemy forces. This position is vital for our future operations due to the stealth system of your Knightmare." She nodded several times while her large smile faded into a grin.
"In conjunction with the Independent unit, the Zero Unit will be commanded by Kallen Kozuki. These two units contrast as a sword and shield." Kallen let out a small smile while she became overjoyed by Zero's appointment. She was slightly jealous of Feite, but her own unit was the true personal unit. Even if she were a shield, she would defeat anything that would move to hurt or kill their valuable leader. "Thank you for the appointment; I'll try my best sir." Zero nodded while he continued to discuss the other units.
The organization was well thought out; it was almost suspicious that most of the Four Holy Swords were in command of the first two teams. It had been a few hours since the actual meeting and Feite sat inside her private quarters typing on a laptop computer. In a small window the ceremony for Euphemia's knight was well underway. The reflection of the broadcast was visible in her eyes while a small smile flashed on her face. "So, Lelouch what do you think about Euphemia picking Suzaku?"
Lelouch sat on her bed with his Zero helmet resting in his lap. "It's a good gesture, but I believe that we should try to convince Suzaku to join the Black Knights. He is too stubborn to realize that his world can't be built while serving Britannia." Feite laughed while turning her eyes back to the video feed. "I guess that's true, but Lelouch it will be damn near impossible. Once Suzaku sets a goal he completes it. That's why you two became such good friends." Lelouch ran his gloved hand across the helmet while letting out a faint smile. "Yes, but I need to try my best to convince him. It's hard to do so when he doesn't know my true identity, but I know his."
Feite turned around and got out of the chair. She walked over slowly to Lelouch and stared at him gently. Lelouch stared up with a light hint of red on his cheeks. "Then what should I do? It's hard to devise a strategy when your opponent is impulsive." She let out a small laugh while putting a finger over her lips. "I agree, but Suzaku isn't as impulsive as I am. You brought him down a few pegs when we rescued Tohdoh. It's that Blue Lancelot that is giving us problems." Lelouch stood up and placed his hand on her shoulder. "You were caught off guard by that machine. It was your first sortie against it, and the next time I doubt it will touch you."He tugged on his collar and placed the helmet over his face. "We'll be returning to dock soon, I have a few things I have to discuss with the others. So can you please entertain Nunally until I get back?" Feite let out a small chuckle while shaking her head. "What should I tell her this time Lelouch?" Lelouch walked over to the doorway and rested his hand on the edge. "I'm sure you'll think of something worthwhile to say. Please take good care of her." The door slides open and Lelouch disappears into the hallways as Zero. Feite shakes her head while the door seals completely. "It's so hard to lie to Nunally when she's so gifted." She stares down at her hand while turning over to the nearby computer.
In a small white room, a reception party was well underway. The nobles of the Tokyo settlement chat amongst themselves some of them negatively about the recently appointed knight. Rai sat casually on a couch with a glass of champagne in his hand while staring at the people in the distance. "Not your type of party Suzaku? You should relax once and a while." Rai took a sip while staring over at Suzaku sitting across from him. "I don't know Rai, I don't think I should be living it up when some Elevens are still hesitant about following the path I took." Rai shook his head and lowered his glass. "You still have that weird sense of honor and duty. I guess that's why Lady Euphemia picked you." Suzaku ran his hand through his hair, and sighed. "Euphie or I mean the Princess placed her trust in me, and I will not fail her. This is my starting point to change Britannia."Rai extended his arm into the air for a toast. "This is to you Suzaku, the newly appointed Knight of princess Euphemia, and savior of Area Eleven. May you have a…" He quickly broke into laughter while lowering the cup. Suzaku shook his head while grabbing a glass of iced tea off a passing waiter's tray. "How about to our friendship, so we can keep things simpler."
"Congratulations Suzaku, I almost thought I'd be late to this party." Nonette walked over to the two holding a similar glass of champagne in her off hand. Her jacket was unbuttoned while she cheeks were a tad flushed from over drinking. Rai got out of the chair in the quickest fashion imaginable as did Suzaku. They both saluted cordially to the Knight of Nine, but she simply returned an odd stare. "You have no need to Salute me, we're off duty, or at least you two are." Rai pointed up at the glass, with his eyes wide. "Then why are you drinking if you are? If I may ask so Nonette.." She let out a small laugh, and took a sip from her champagne. "I can hold my liquor, so I can drink all I want and still have a level head my dear Captain Creswell." She reached into her pocket while Suzaku's eyes widen. "Captain?"
From Nonette's pocket, she pulled out a small box and held it over to Rai. "Yes, it took me a long time to convince Cornelia that making you a Knight and leaving your partner as a Junior Grade was unfair. So we decided to jump you several rank grades, due to the skill displayed at the docks, and during the incident at the maximum security prison." Rai took a step back while Nonette placed her glass on a nearby table, and started to replace the old rank bars with the new ones. "Thank you…Nonette." Her face was a few feet from Rai making him a little uneasy. "So, tell me you two, where has Feite been going recently? She was supposed to be at the ceremony, and at this party." Suzaku shrugged his shoulders, and stared off into the distance. "I don't know, she's been missing classes recently, but it's due to her early graduation schedule."
Nonette sighed deeply, and crossed her arms over her chest. "I see; so she's too busy to deal with petty formalities. It would have been nice to see her in a gown for a change." Rai turned over to the Knight with a shocked look. "A gown? She looks like the type that would wear them all the time…" Suzaku shook his head and laughed. "For a person who claims to be her boyfriend, you really don't know much about her. Feite doesn't really like gala events; she'll probably pass it off as being too dull or something like that." Nonette chuckled, while covering her mouth slightly. "Hit spot on Kururugi, Feite is the type of woman who is independent. She was hard to control back then, and now I'm kind of fearful of what she's doing."Suzaku's eyes widen while his expression turned sour. "What do you mean by that?" Nonette sighed, and started walking off towards the door. "Enjoy your party; I'll give you the details later." Rai and Suzaku both turned to each other with confusion spread about their faces. "What did she mean by that?" Suzaku shrugged his shoulders, and gave a concerned look back at his friend. "I don't know…"
The sound of chopping could be heard from the kitchen while Nunally sat beside the table with a smile on her face. "So where did brother go this time?" Feite let out an uneasy groan while lightly seasoning the soup nearby. "You know Lelouch he's probably chasing for another person to beat in chess." Nunally let out a small laugh and covered her mouth. "I'm sure; he's not doing that all the time. Maybe he's saving up for something." Feite glared over and rested her hand against her hip. "Saving up for what?" Nunally shrugged her shoulders, and smiled. "Maybe it's a gift for you. You help me all the time; you're like a big sister to me." The stove turns off while Feite slides a small piece of steak onto a plate, and organizes it in a flavorful way. "That doesn't mean I need a gift, Nunally we're like family, and I don't need a trinket to show me that." She put the finishing touches on the meal, and carefully carried both plates over. "Here we go, dinner is finally ready."
"Feite, when did brother say he'd come home? Was it really late?" Nunally put down her fork, and looked over at Feite who sat next to her. Feite shrugged her shoulders, and let out a disappointed sigh. "He really didn't tell me anything, except he'd be late home. Maybe he's on a date or something." Nunally gasped and shook her head. "Brother would never do that, you and brother are…" She quickly quieted down only to have Feite lean over with a grin on her face. "That was in the past Nunally, but there is a possibility, but despite what happens I'll protect you and Lelouch." Nunally let out a smile, and nodded. Sayoko walked into the room and bowed her head. "Are you finished with your meal, Nunally? I've prepared a bath for you." Nunally wiped her cheeks gently with her napkin, and let out a small nod. "good night Feite, I'll see you tomorrow right?" Feite shook her head, and got out of her seat. "Probably, I'll see you then."
The next morning Feite yawned heavily while classes were going on as normally as possible. It would only be weeks or so more of this before she would simply face life in the Tokyo Settlement. There had been many offers already in the fields of experimental science, and chemistry. Sadly, Feite had no time to reply to the offers due to her unyielding support to Lelouch's Black Knights. "Hey Feite, do you know the answer to this question?" Shirley nudged Feite with her elbow drawing her attention. Feite turned over to her side and glanced down at the question. "You're hopeless Shirley, I thought you were on top of history already…" Shirley let out an uneasy laugh while Feite flipped a few pages in her text to the questions answer.
Lelouch stared over at Feite from his seat while he turned a watchful eye at Suzaku. A great deal of people changed their thoughts of him since his knighting. It disgusted how the students rejected Suzaku in the beginning and now, was acting as if he was never an Eleven. 'I know for a face that Feite won't do anything to Suzaku, but Kallen might do something.' Lelouch turned his gaze to Kallen who was busy jotting down notes while her small knife pouch was resting beside her texts.
Suzaku flipped through his book while staring at Feite form the corner of his eyes. In the back of the text was a sealed envelope from Nonette. It was sent to him early in the morning, and inside contained the information about Feite. The letter itself scared Suzaku; he didn't even want to read as it would make him want to confront Feite about it. 'Calm down, if it were serious, I doubt Nonette would play it off so casually. It has to be something minor.' He quickly grabbed the letter, and started to open it.
"Kururugi, you perhaps are the only one that I can fully trust with this information. I write this letter since the information would devastate Ashford, and Avalon. Britannia needs Avalon in their conquest of the European Union, and the Chinese Federation."
"Feite Avalon is classified as a S level thread of Britannia, and is suspected of conspiring with the Black Knights. Your orders are to confirm this and react accordingly. The evidence is substantial in convicting her to execution, but the Emperor has for some reason opted not to persecute her. The first count is a burned female Ashford uniform located in Saitama Ghetto a month or so ago. The DNA evidence from the article of clothing belongs to Feite. The onboard computer of the Sutherland contains data, and real time manipulation that is Feite's specialty. Data recorded from the Narita battle further stack the odds against Feite. The Black Knightmare is most likely piloted by her…Suzaku please approach her with caution, as she probably knows that you pilot the Lancelot by now."
The bell rang while Suzaku's eyes tremble at the information he had just finished reading. He couldn't breathe while the shock ran up and down is body. 'Feite, it can't be…you can't be…' He turned over his shoulder, and stared over at Feite while she laughed with Shirley and a few of the other female classmates. "Suzaku, why are you staring at me so intensely?" Feite stared over at him causing their eyes to meet one another. Suzaku jumped while tucking the letter into his bag. "What are you talking about? I was just spacing out." Lelouch let out a sigh while walking in-between the two. "Let it go Feite, we need to get our man of honor to the student council room." Feite let out a sigh while pulling her bag over her shoulder. "I guess so, let's go Sir Kururugi your party awaits." She chuckled in a playful manner while walking out of the classroom.
Outside of the classroom, Rai leaned against the wall his eyes turn to Feite first and gave her a casual wave before she disappeared down the hall. He shook his head in a disappointed manner while spotting Suzaku exiting the room with Lelouch. "How's your day thus far Knight Kururugi?" Suzaku paused while looking over his shoulder at Lelouch. "I need to speak to Rai privately, I'll meet you at the Student Council Building in a few minutes." Lelouch let out a fake smile while turning over to Rai. "Sure, we'll be waiting for you. Please try not to be late." He started to jog down the hall in a shallow attempt to catch up with Feite.
"Did I hear the words private? What's the deal Suzaku? Cause if you're going to confess to me you're barking up the wrong tree." Rai held up his hands while stepping a few feet away from Suzaku. "It's nothing like that, stop saying such bad jokes. This is a serious conversation, Nonette sent me this message today." Suzaku let out a small groan while handing the slightly crumbled letter to Rai. "Nonette sent a love…" Rai's eyes move left to right while he read the entire letter in a matter of seconds. His confident smile faded while his arm dropped to his side. The letter crumbled in his hand while staring down the hallway. "Do you know the reason why she's doing this?" Suzaku shook his head, while looking at the others passing by. "I don't, but it seems that Feite…." Rai's eye flared up causing Suzaku to freeze up. A small orb of reddish energy exited from Rai's position while he spoke slowly. His voice penetrated into Suzaku's head with a simple command. "Tell me all about Feite; I want to know everything that concerns her!"
Suzaku's eyes slowly lost their luster while the hallways seemed to be empty of everyone. His voice was monotone while he informed Rai of the entire history of Feite. Rai chuckled for a moment while his face contorted like a beast. 'This is amazing; no wonder why that girl is so over-confident. You are quite a form of information Suzaku, a great find. Who would have thought you were hiding so much from everyone about that girl.' Rai moved his hand forward and shook Suzaku by the shoulder. "Hey Suzaku!" Suzaku blinked while he came back into reality. He looked around in a shocked manner while Rai smiled at him. "Rai? What happened?" Suzaku touched his forehead while a small amount of pain was throbbing inside. "You spaced out after you gave me this letter. Hey we're going to be late." Suzaku rubbed his neck while starting down the hallway with Rai standing behind him. "You're right, we should go." Rai followed closely behind while a sinister smile was on his face. 'An epic duel with the woman that is like a Siren to me. Who would have thought you, my love were the one I was fighting so intensely. Sadly, I'm going to have to use you and kill you.'
Moments later, as Suzaku and Rai enter the student council ball room the entire junior class was gathered for the soiree. In the center of the crowd stood Rivalz while holding up a bottle of what looked to be orange soda. "The man of the hour arrives, and with that to commemorate our Ashford Academy's disciplinary member, Kururugi Suzaku in becoming a Knight….the start of the celebration party!" The entire class let out a loud cheer while Feite sat up on the upper deck holding a glass up. "To you Suzaku…" She took a sip of the cup and looked over at Lelouch. He seemed a bit agitated, but nothing else seemed to matter for the moment. Feite turned her gaze back at Suzaku, and grinned. 'Let's see if you can handle me Suzaku, as now I can fight knowing full on that you'll make it worthwhile."
Meanwhile, a few footsteps fill the hall of the Governor General's office. A uniformed man with a scar across his face continues to the large door leading into Cornelia's office. This war-torn veteran was Lieutenant Colonel Kasha Faust of the Legionnaire unit. A task force dedicated to eradicating any and all anti-Britannian resistance in occupied territory. "I'm so sorry in coming in unannounced Lady Cornelia."
Cornelia's eyes widen while she drops a book from where she stood beside the shelf. The book hit the ground while Kasha let out a small laugh. "Are you shocked to see me milady?" Cornelia turned her head to the side and scoffed. "As if I would be shocked to see a dog like you in my office! Begone from here or I'll have you removed by force." Guilford looked over from his seated position while Kasha pulled out a notice from the emperor. "You know what this is Cornelia? I've been sent here to deal with the problem you have with a revolutionary Zero, and the soon to be deceased Feite Avalon." Guildford's eyes widen while he gets to his feet. "Deceased what are you talking about? Feite Avalon is a civilian! She couldn't be involved with the…" Cornelia held up her hand silencing her knight while taking a few steps towards Kasha. "Kasha, you will be wise to follow the Emperor's orders. Feite is to not be approached in any way to risk Avalon revolting against our empire. We can't lose the armory, and the next generation weapons they are creating for us."
Kasha laughed while walking over to the nearby bottle of bourbon. "That is where you are wrong Cornelia, from what I see it Feite Avalon is the murderer of a Britannian Nobleman at the age of fifteen, and has the lives of countless members of your men from Saitama, and Narita staining her hands. She is a terrorist, and I have been given orders to destroy the Black Knightmare which she has been proven to be the pilot. She is the enemy of all Britannia! Why do you and Nonette protect that outcast! She should have been executed three years ago." Cornelia threw her arm to the side and growled. "Silence, you have no right to dictate who lives or dies. It pains me to say this, but we need to keep observing her. When the Black Knights attack, it will be confirmed soon enough. Kururugi and Creswell are currently observing her, and will report soon." Kasha started to clap his hands and let out a small chuckle. "So passionate, but it seems that I'll have to follow those orders. Except, my irregulars will be able to operate outside of your jurisdiction. The next time that black Knightmare appears it will burn, and its pilot will be dead."
The party was already well underway while the large doors opened showing Nina standing beside Lloyd. It was odd to see the earl in person, causing Feite to simply walk down to greet the man who was well acquainted with her family. "I'm sorry Suzaku, it seems that there is work to be done." Feite paused at the bottom of the stairwell, while Suzaku walked forward.
Milly walked up in a shy manner while stopping a few feet in front of him. "Lloyd, what are you doing here?" Nina looked over with a shocked look on her face. "Oh, Milly you know him?" Milly nodded slightly while Lloyd turned over and spoke rather loosely. "She's my fiancé." The entire room gasped in unison while Feite simply chuckled at the combined reaction. "Is that true?" Lloyd nodded a few times more while Feite appeared from the crowd. "it's odd to see you here Lloyd, come to whisk Milly off on a white horse?" Lloyd smiled and waved to Feite while she stopped beside Milly. "Ara, it's been a long time since I've seen you. You resemble Azalea so much, even your stare is the same." Feite crossed her arms over her chest, and scoffed. "Why does everyone say that? I'm no way near as scary as my sister is." Milly let out a small laugh while Suzaku managed to make it the front. "Is it military work?" Lloyd took a few steps over to Suzaku, and placed his arm on his shoulder. "Yes, an important guest is arriving, and we need to receive him. Of course, the Lancelot, and her highness Princess Euphemia needs to be present."
Lelouch walked over to Feite and patted her on the back while he simply walked past the group of people. "I have business to attend to, so please excuse me." Feite let out a sigh while bowing to Lloyd. "Sorry for Lelouch's bad manners, he's a little antisocial." Lloyd waved his hand, and shrugged his shoulders. "No need, well shall we go? Rai you need to come along too." Rai walked over to the group and passed by Feite. He turned to her and spoke under his breath. 'See you there Black Rose…' Feite's eyes widen while Rai and Suzaku followed Lloyd out.
Several hours come to pass, and a small group of Britannian ships gather on course to Shikinejima a small island directly south of Tokyo. Beside the main ship was a smaller aircraft like carrier where a flag belonging to the Irregulars flew on its command tower. "It's a pleasure to finally meet the Knight of Lady Euphemia. You must be Kururugi Suzaku." Kasha held his hand out to Suzaku while Lloyd and Cecile stare at the all numbers crew of the Irregular's ship. Suzaku stared at the soldiers while he quickly shakes Kasha's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you; may I ask why the irregulars were sent here with us?" Kasha shrugged his shoulders while sighing. "I have no idea, we were ordered to escort Lady Euphemia and her entourage safely to the island. 'I can't believe an honorary Britannian is affiliated with the main forces, stupid Eleven thinks he's on even level to speak to me so casually."
Underneath the waves on a course similar to the Britannian Fleet, the stealth submarine of the Black Knights was already well ahead and anchored. "The Britannian Fleet is heading towards Shikinejima on a course to pick up a Britannian Nobleman coming from the mainland. The Princess Euphemia was asked to join this fleet, and that means that Kururugi Suzaku will be there since he is now her knight. As this place isn't of military value, the military units will be limited. This is our chance; the objective of this mission is to capture Kururugi and the Lancelot alive. We will defeat him fair and square and make him our captive."
Zero turned over to Feite and let out a small nod. "We will need a diversion, when we do this, so I'm committing you to this task. The Voulge will attack the base in the opposite direction in order to lure the Lancelot to the position I have marked here." Feite sighed, and turned over to Rakshata. "Are you sure the disturber will only affect the Sakuradite drive? I kind of don't want to be stranded when my backup battery is also jammed." Rakshata let out a small laugh, "Don't worry about it, I'm sure Azalea designed your battery to work if the first power source is disabled." Feite pounded her left fist into her right palm while letting out a small laugh. "Good, then shall we get this mission on a roll?"
"Commander, the princess has disembarked, and we are currently detecting zero activity in the nearby area." The operation turned over to Kasha while he simply sat in the command chair. "This has to be it, the Black Knights will show up, and we will devastate them with our little gifts Avalon gave us."
"Lady Euphemia, we're glad you arrived safely, we were beginning to think that Kasha and his irregulars were deliberately going to make you late." The commander let out a small laugh while Euphemia simply returned with a smile. "Commander Kasha was rather persistent in making us get here on time. This is where the ship will arrive am I correct?" The commander crossed his arms, and checked with his subordinate seated in the nearby jeep. "Yes, as a matter of fact they'll be here any moment." Euphemia clapped her hands together while staring up at the sky. "Then we could quite possibly wait here until they arrive. That sounds reasonable enough right commander?" The commander let out an uneasy sigh while nodding. "We would rather you be at the base, but…"
Inside the heavily forested area on the outskirts of the Britannian base, Feite sat quietly in the cockpit of the Voulge. She flipped through the radios and listened to Tohdoh's orders. "So this is the first mission of our organized force. Is everyone in position?" Tohdoh appeared on Feite's console and gave her a small nod. "I have Units one and two ready to support you if necessary. You can begin attacking now." Feite gripped the controls while the Voulge leaped out from its concealed position a plume of dirt, and shattered trees almost mimics an explosion alerting the base to the Black Knightmare's arrival.
"What the hell was that? Alert the commander we're under…" The young lieutenant zoomed in on the Voulge while it raised its shield blade and fired a beam of bluish energy. The particle beam flew out of the small pistol shaped weapon and tore into the command tower. A second volley of blasts exit from the shield mounted weapon while the Voulge landed. Its feet cracked the tarmac while it buckled due to the extra weight on its back. "Shocked to see me?" The Voulge aimed its weapon and continued to fire at the sentry units that began to charge at her. Feite dodged attack after attack while the blade extended along the shield, and started to slice Sutherland in half.
"The headquarters are under attack." Kasha let out a loud laugh while he threw his arm out. "Send out the Opeval machine." His madman like laughter was completely ignored while the crew carried out his orders without question. The carrier let out a warning siren while its launch bay opened at the side. "I'd suggest you send out the Lancelot and Club." Kasha's voice filled the vicinity while from another compartment the slightly larger and more Voulge looking machine exited the Irregular vessel.
"What is that?" Suzaku's eyes widen while Lloyd stares in shock. "That machine is the Prototype Glaive unit….it shouldn't be field testing yet." Euphemia glared over at Suzaku and stared at him intently, "Suzaku, please deploy in the Lancelot. As much as I would love to have Kasha take the glory, I despise that man." Suzaku bowed to Euphemia and nodded. "Yes, my lord." He turned over and rushed over to the unloaded Lancelot. "Likewise, like I'd let some irregular in a new machine outclass ours right Lloyd?" Lloyd stood with his hands on his head, and growled. "Damn that Azalea, just when I thought the Lancelot would be mass produced." Cecile let out a small sigh. "The Glaive is a special operation Knightmare if I'm not mistaken. It's too expensive to fully produce." Lloyd let out a depressed sigh while more explosions fill the surrounding area. "I guess you are right."
Feite hacked her fifth Sutherland in half while continuing to raze the base. Tohdoh's team were doing well, as were Asahina, and Senba. The Black Knights were easily tearing apart the garrison while from the distance a particle beam flew forward. The blast flew by the Voulge's head while in the distance the Glaive cashed into the ground. Its slender body let out a series of mechanical whirls while its visor flashed. "So, you must be the black knight ace pilot. I'm Michelle Sturm, and I will be the one that will kill you."
Feite let out a small laugh while the Voulge charged forward. "I'm sorry, but I don't introduce myself to weaklings. Your machine is going to be ripped to pieces."
Michelle charged forward while a compartment opened on the machine's hip armor. She gripped the Monomolecular knife from the holster, and promptly attacked. The knife slammed into the bladed edge of Feite's shield-sword. The weapons sparked against each other while the Voulge moved its legs overpowering the machine in front of it. "Damn it…this machine is insane!" The second holster opened up and with its offhand the Glaive stabbed forward with a standard combat knife. "I don't think so!" Feite reacted quickly moving her own offhand to catch the opposing Knightmare by the wrist. Michelle chuckled while her bloodshot eyes widen, her teeth clench against one another while she pulled out a detonator. "You need to die, so I can become a full citizen again! It's people like you that make my life miserable! It is my duty as a Irregular to kill you." Feite growled while the right arm of the Glaive started to give away to the Voulge's superior strength. "How dare you judge me, you're just a dog that has been left off your leash!" The Right arm of the Glaive gave way and the limb was promptly hacked off. The machine leapt backwards while a particle beam fired from the distance. The Club rolled forward while Rai stared through the sniping scope. "You guys suck, even with a new machine you irregulars fail to match our potential."
Lelouch stared at the battle displayed from Feite's machine. He rubbed his chin while letting out a small grin. "Feite, can you defeat those two units? I want you to hold them off while we commence the primary mission."
Feite looked at her side monitor and grinned. "Did you even need to ask me? Both are as good as dead." Without any more time to waste the Voulge charged forward moving in a zig-zag pattern confusing Rai as every shot he fired missed the Voulge. His face contorted while the Varis overheated, and the automated safeguards engaged. "Damn it, useless piece of junk." He swapped the Varis, and pulled out his MVS Lance.
Michelle glared back at the Club, and pulled out the last remaining weapon on her machine. The monomolecular knife charged while the Glaive charged forward. "I won't lose to you, I'll show you that the irregulars are the best…." Her eyes widen while the Voulge simply runs alongside it with its right arm extended. The blade moved slowly as if it were in slow motion to the Glaive's revealed midsection. The cockpit bolts quickly detach while the cockpit nearly avoids being hacked in half. The cockpit flies backwards while the rest of the Glaive is cut asunder.
"This is the perfect moment…." Rai charged forward, and his eye flared while he let out a small laugh. The Voulge entered the proximity of his Geass, and as soon as Feite entered it her eyes went dull with a ring of red surrounding her iris. 'Kill Zero.' Feite's eyes widen while the Voulge comes to an immediate stop and her hands shake at the controls. "I….can't kill….him….I…" Rai felt a surge enter his head while Feite resisted his Geass. "Obey my commands! I command you, Kill Zero!' Feite shook her head while Rai's eyes widen while the pain grew.
"Feite why aren't you moving?" Lelouch yelled into the communicator while he stood stationary staring down at the Lancelot at the southern entrance of the base. He shook his head and growled while the Lancelot quickly spotted him. Lelouch smiled while he entered the cockpit and reactivated his Burai. "Come Suzaku, follow me."
Tohdoh started to pull back while the Gekka release their smoke screens. "Feite, come in we are retreating…"
"I won't kill him you bastard!" Feite let out a chaotic yell while the Voulge charged forward. The blade flew forward slamming into the thick armor of the Club. Rai's eyes widen while the Club's cockpit dented inward. His arm snapped while pain surged up and down his right side. He let out a pained yell while the Voulge's left arm flew forward and punched the other side of the chest. "Stop it…Feite….Stop…" Rai yelled out while the Voulge detached the shield blade and began to punch the Club with both hands. "Die, Die, I'll kill you instead!" She let out a small laugh while the Club sparked wildly. Her eyes were vibrant while her face was caught in a state of extreme euphoria. She laughed like a madman while the Club stopped moving.
A loud beep filled the cockpit while the Voulge fell lifeless on top of the severely damaged Club. The machine was completely trashed its limbs were mangled from the brutal and chaotic attack from Feite. Rai sat in the cockpit his body broken and blood soaking his flight suit. He gasped for air while he stared at the Voulge's unlit eye. He coughed out blood while cursing Feite's name. 'I became overconfident….Rolo looks like I can't be your brother…like I promised…" His eyes slowly become dull while his Geass vanishes from his iris. Rai takes his last breath while his body falls lifeless at the controls.
"Recover the Voulge its filler has run out again." Tohdoh looked in disgust while he couldn't believe the nature of Feite's unrelenting attack. "Bring Feite back to the transport."
Cecile let out a loud scream while her eyes stare at the vitals for Rai. Euphemia stared in shock while Lloyd walked over and attempted to comfort his assistant. "The Black Knights….they killed Rai…" Euphemia turned over and while the Lancelot's signal immediately became lost. "Suzaku!" Lloyd started at the data while he typed on the keyboard leaving Cecile in her state of shock. "My Lancelot has been disabled!" Euphemia without question turned her back to Lloyd and rushed for the unoccupied Portman Aquatic Knightmare frame that was loaded nearby. "Princess Euphemia, where are you going? A missile strike is going to hit the Lancelot!" Lloyd turned over and yelled. "What do you mean Missile Strike?" The Irregular carrier's missile port opens while its weapon systems retractable weapons deploy. "Tell them to stop! Now!" The commander hesitated while he pressed his ear mounted communicator. "Kasha, call off you strike now, the princess is in the strike zone!"
Kasha let out a loud laugh while the missiles flew out of the carrier's several missile bays. The rain of fire flew across the island towards the location of Suzaku, and the other Black Knights.
In the skies in the distance the Avalon flies overhead. Its weapon batteries rotate while in the distance the Black Knights try to shoot down the short range missiles. Schneizel sits in the command chair while Azalea stood at the fire control systems. "Avalon beginning intervention." Schneizel stared over at his former lover, and grinned. "Very well, after we've dealt with the weapons I want that area beneath us vaporized!" Azalea turned to look over her shoulder, and let out a soft nod. "Automated targeting system connected to the Gawain, preparing to fire the Hadron Cannon."
The underbelly hanger opens revealing the Gawain to the black Knights below. Azalea frowned while she closed her eyes and pressed the fire switch. "Feite, you better not be down there…" The red hue from the Hadron cannon charged while from the underbelly of the ship the massive cannons unleashed a large blast at the ground below. A large cloud of sand and smoke filled the air while the sensors were being jammed. "Did we get them?" Schneizel looked over at the Navigator while she shook her head. "There are particles being dispersed by the Black Knights, I can't get anything on sensors." Azalea let out a sigh of relief while she kept to herself. Her heart was racing, she hope that Feite was far away from this point of impact.
Inside the brig of the Submarine, Feite sat inside a padded room staring at her hands with tears staining her cheeks. She heard the voice, yelling for her to stop. The painful voice of Rai flooded her mind while her eyes flickered between a Geassed and normal state. Her hands trembled while fear and sorrow mixed together in the back of her mind. "I killed him…."She repeated the same words before completely breaking down.
Tohdoh slammed his hand against the wall while shaking his head. "What happened to her out there?" Senba looked over while staring into the room at Feite as she had completely broken down from her ordeal. "This is why young people shouldn't be forced to fight in battles. It would seem Feite knew the pilot…the one that she killed mercilessly." Senba shook his head and look another glance inside. Feite had stopped crying, but she looked completely different from her confident self. "Any word from Zero?" Tohdoh shook his head and crossed his arms. "I haven't received any word from him, or Kallen. Something has gone terribly wrong."