Stage Twenty "Purging Akishima"

It had been several days since the incident at Shikinejima and the islands that surrounded them. The Black Knights had grown stronger with Zero's return with the addition of the Gawain Knightmare Frame. The machine towered over most of the Burai, and even the Gekka much like the Voulge. The tandem cockpit was amazing, and as soon as Zero brought it into the hanger Rakshata had already started to analyze the data.

There was a lot going around in the world with news of the current Kyushu incident involving rogue Chinese Federation, and a former member of Japan's prewar government. Many were either supporting Suzaku or the Black Knights for their prevention of an open war between Britannia and China. It also wasn't a good week for anyone at the Student Council. The news of Rai's death at Shikinejima hit everyone hard except for Kallen, Lelouch, and Feite.

It was a bright sunny day, and only a few people were present at the ceremony for Rai. He didn't have any family, or any relatives. Amongst the people attending was the student council minus Lelouch. Feite and Kallen were both present while Shirley, Milly, and Nina were almost in tears. Shirley looked over at the casket while it was lowered into the earth. It saddened her deeply while the memories of Rai at the school flood through her mind as well as everyone else.

Suzaku stood with an annoyed expression on his face, he knew Feite was responsible for the death of Rai. His hand shook with hatred while he wanted to turn around and arrest her immediately. He couldn't do anything for the moment due to Cornelia's orders, and the standing ones from the Empire. Feite was given a free pass, and he didn't like it at all. 'Feite, why did you kill Rai? Why did you show no mercy to him?"

The others that were at the funeral were Colonel Kasha, the man kept his gaze on Feite for the majority of the services. He was studying her every gesture, expression during the services. It served him well as his experience gave him a quick answer. 'That girl is very bold to show up at the funeral of a man she killed. Such a heartless little vixen she is.'

"Suzaku, are you alright?" Cecile looked over at Suzaku while he stood with an aura of agitation around him. Suzaku's anger lessened a bit after hearing Cecile's voice. He exhaled and turned over to her. "Yes, it's just I lost a true friend. Rai was always confident, and I'm just mad that I couldn't say goodbye. I almost blame myself that I wasn't there to stop…" Cecile shook her head while staring at the soldiers while they started to bury the casket. "No, Suzaku don't beat yourself up over the matter. We just need to keep Rai's memory alive."

"This is an utter disaster don't you see it dear sister?" Schneizel stared at the looping data of the Voulge at Narita compared to Shikinejima. Cornelia poured herself a glass of water while letting out a sigh. "The irregulars caused the problem that cost me a competent soldier. I'm unsure that having Kururugi operating alone is sufficient. Rai Creswell was a capable sniper, and despite his low combat record he was astonishing to see." Schneizel let out a mocking laugh. "I never knew you to be attracted to the young ones." Cornelia scoffed while taking a sip from her glass. "You still have a snake's tongue brother; also I've heard that you've been courting Azalea again. Is once not enough, that you have to try a second time?" Schneizel let out a sigh while staring at the local news. "Be it once or twice, or even three I will chase Azalea until she falls into my arms again. Think about the benefits, the empire gets their weapons, and I get the woman who bests me at everything I do." Cornelia looked over her shoulder doubting her elder brother's words. "Your words do make sense…"

At the end of the funeral, Feite walked down the hilltop with her head hung low. She was acting or at least partially. She still felt remorse about the battle, and it made her sick to her stomach. 'How will this affect my standing in the Knights? Will they think of me as a beast? Or will they see me as a murderer?' Her eyes turned up to spot Suzaku standing on the pathway. His eyes held a cold and hateful gaze. "Suzaku…I'm sorry for your loss. I didn't know that…"

Suzaku's threw his arm out restraining himself from full on punching Feite square in the face. Her eyes were wide while his face was filled with resentment. "Don't give me that crap, Feite you know what happened to Rai. I know everything; I know your secret life." Feite shrugged her shoulders, and took a few steps away from him. "I have no idea what you're talking about Suzaku. You're acting like an ass…" Suzaku quickly grabbed Feite by the wrist, and pulled her back to him. "Don't lie to me Feite, I already know you're a member of the Order of Black Knights." Feite stared over at him with a malevolent glint in her eyes alerting Suzaku even more. "Is this the true face of the girl I once knew?" Feite pulled her arm back, and let out a slight nod. "The girl you saw back in the day was weak, and didn't know the word betrayal. Ten years can change a person Suzaku, and despite all you can do I will continue to fight against Britannia." She turned her back to him and started walking off. "Feite…"

He rushed over to her and grabbed her by the wrist. Feite's foot slipped while she and Suzaku toppled to the ground. Suzaku sat on top of Feite, his hand firmly gripping her breast in hone hand while the other beside her head. "Feite, listen to reason….leave revenge behind it'll only cause you to fall deeper into darkness." Feite looked up at Suzaku and grabbed his wrist. "Don't lecture me when you're copping a feel. I will do what I wish, and there isn't a thing you can do to stop me. Judging how you know this knowledge, the Empire is fearful of Avalon and the repercussions if I were to mysteriously die by assassination. Since you were selected to be Tohdoh's executioner are you the one that will…." Suzaku removed his hand and clenched his fist. He wanted to punish her, but Feite had completely changed the image of her held within his mind. "Be quiet…From here on Feite, you and I are enemies. I will talk to you at school, but on the battlefield, you and I have unfinished business. I will avenge the life you snuffed out." He climbed off of her and dusted off his pants. He held his hand over to Feite which she replied by smacking his hand away. "I don't need your help, and I firmly agree. I'll be the one the stab you straight through the heart." She got back onto her feet, and stormed off towards the street.

In a hallway Azalea walked beside Schneizel, Cornelia, and their advisors. Guilford and Dalton took the rear while Dalton's eyes were fixated on Azalea. He was smitten by the sheer beauty of the Avalon women yet again. He secretly wished to have his son marry Feite, but Azalea would be more of a catch as she was more experienced and older. Guilford looked between the two, and let out a sigh. "Tone it down Dalton; you could burn a hole in her if you continue to stare so intently." Dalton shrugged his shoulders, and laughed. "Ease up Guilford, for a second it seems that you're not attracted to women." Guilford clenched his fist while Cornelia turned over her shoulder. "Quiet down you two."

Azalea looked over for a second and shook her head. "Lord Schneizel, why did you special order Glaive units to be stationed in Area Eleven?" Schneizel rubbed his chin and let out a soft smile. "To simply show the Order that Britannia has new machines to deploy. The Glaive will give us some time before Lloyd Asplund can refine the Lancelot into a cheaper format." Cornelia looked at the small data pad in her hand and looked up at Azalea. "Are you serious that this Glaive outperforms the Gloucester three to one in all fields? It doesn't even have Landspinner." Azalea pushed up her glasses and smiled. "The electro-active polymer system is going to revolutionize the field in Knightmare Frame engineering. Not only is the speed increased, the leaping, and over-all mobility of any Knightmare outfitted with the system will be superior. For instance, you could run circles around the current frames of both European Union, and the Chinese Federation."

Schneizel crossed his arms, and sighed. "The only exception is this system is difficult to replicate on a mass production scale am I correct?" Azalea groaned slightly while continuing down the hallway. "As of right now, there are approximately twenty Glaive units that are battle ready. Fifteen have been sent to both Lady Cornelia and you my Lord." Cornelia scrolled down on the data pad and growled. "Kasha has been given the other five? Wasn't one destroyed at Shikinejima?" Azalea rubbed her temple and sighed. "Yes, but you have to take into consideration that the data retrieved was informative. I'm pained that the Irregulars were even given five to play around as they saw fit. Lady Cornelia, do you wish to see them? I've managed to make a few customizations to fit your preferences from the Gloucester. I've taken the liberty of scanning your combat data as well you two. I've prepared at least three machines that I would humbly as of you to pilot."

The large doorway leading into a hanger opens showing a purple and white Glaive with a plumed helmet, cape, and advanced lancer weapon in its right hand. The two units behind also shared the similar color scheme, while holding similar equipment. "These are the Glaive G Type, the ones the Irregulars have are the S type which is Sutherland." Cornelia walked over to the lead machine and let out a smile. She waved her hand as if dismissing Azalea. "A Gloucester Type, so in other words a commander unit. You've outdone yourself Azalea; perhaps I've been neglecting your genius for far too long." Schneizel let out a mocking laugh, "Already in love with a machine Cornelia?" Cornelia's eyes narrow while she glares over her shoulder. "In truth, I've dreamed of seeing a unit worthy of my talent. Also, I've planned something that should draw the eyes of the Black Knights." Schneizel rubbed his chin, and let out a faint grin. "You mean the Irregular's attack on the group stationed in Akishima. I know a great deal about that operation."

A few days later, in the mobile command base, Diethard started at a data screen showing recent deployment of Britannian forces in the past week. He also keeps eye on a nearby news channel on the upper right of the deployment display. "What is Britannia planning? Huh?" He maximized the display on the monitor while it showed footage of explosions and fire going off in what looks to be Akishima.

"This is Catherine De'Arc reporting live from the Akishima battle zone. The 345th Irregular Legionnaire assault force is currently engaged with a well armed revolutionary group that has started its retreat into the Akishima Ghetto. We do not know the numbers, as the Irregular Forces have blocked all video equipment from broadcasting outside the perimeter established by their Commander, Colonel Kasha."

Diethard turned over his shoulder to spot Tohdoh staring at the monitor. "Shocking information isn't it Tohdoh?" Tohdoh crossed his arms over his chest, and nodded a few times. "Has Zero been contacted about this information? We should consider offering aid to the group in Akishima." Diethard pulled up his data pad, and sighed. "It all depends on his orders, but with the mixed reaction from the Kyushu incident deploying in Akishima may be well worth our advantage. It would seem a great deal of Akishima residents are partial to our organization." Tohdoh grinned slightly while walking over to the nearby phone. "I'll contact Ogi, and organize a meeting with Zero."

Inside an empty classroom, Feite sat behind a desk scribbling the last answers onto her scan sheet. It was shocking that today would be the last day of her enrollment at Ashford. The final exam, which only meant a meager ten percent of her final grade, was meaningless. Despite joining the Black Knights, Feite retrained one of the highest grade point averages in the record books. She could have slept in, but sadly she was persistent enough to go to the examination.

It was a depressing sight sitting alone in the classroom while the proctor read a novel with his feet resting on top of a teacher's desk. Feite turned to the empty seat next to her, the one where Shirley would always ask for help in exchange for the wakeup call nearly every day of the week. It caused a small smile to form on Feite's face while she took a deep breath. "I'm finished."

"It's really shocking to hear that Feite's graduating earlier than expected. I thought she was going to at least finish the semester with all of us." Rivalz leaned against the wall while Lelouch sat on the nearby bench. His was deeply involved in reading a small notebook of various notes about recent and future activities. "Yes, it is rather abrupt, but she'll still be around campus." Rivalz sighed deeply while stretching out his arms. "But it won't be the same; Shirley is probably bummed about this as well." Lelouch closed the book, and let out a small sigh. "Nina is probably overjoyed about this news. She won't have much competition with her research." Lelouch closed the book and got up to his feet. "I see, well I'm going to head out for a while. I need to purchase some things from the store." Rivalz turned over and grinned. "I'll give you a ride…" Lelouch shook his head and waved his hand over his shoulder. "No need Rivalz, I need the exercise." Rivalz sighed deeply while shaking his head. "Exercise?"

"This is amazing…the results are outstanding, you definitely a brilliant young lady." The superintendant stared at the recently graded results of Feite's final examination. Feite sat casually in a chair in the corner of the spacious office staring deeply at a magazine. "It was expected of me to do so grandpa, I've been holding back so much all these years. I should have finished last year if I put effort into schoolwork and not socializing." The superintendant closed the manila folder, and folded his hands over one another. "If you did that, you wouldn't have many friends. You were quite hated by the others when you came here all those years ago. It took Milly a long time to get everyone to accept you and you're odd personality." Feite closed the magazine, and leaned forward pressing her shoes against the expensive looking carpet. "Those were chaotic days…and grandpa…" The superintendant let out a smile while pulling out a keycard from his pocket. "I've already made arrangements for your apartment. We'll keep it a secret from your mother, and sisters. By the way did you decide which college to go for?" Feite got out from the chair and crossed over to grab the keycard. "No idea, all of the institutions are on the mainland which I'm not allowed to set foot on. So I'll probably find work somewhere." The superintendant sighed, while turning to a family portrait. "I see, so will you start packing today, or…" Feite shrugged her shoulders while glancing at both sides of the card. "I'll start today, but I won't leave for a while."

The large door leading out of the superintendant's office only to spot Milly leaning against the wall. She held a catlike grin on her face while quickly her hands pulled a small confetti popper. The multicolored paper shot out while she cheered for Feite's success on the final exam. "So what are you going to do now since you're no longer a student at Ashford?" Feite continued walking and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know Milly, but guess what grandpa got me?" She flashed the apartment key to Milly only for her to let out a loud gasp. "The penthouse suite at the Wilshire? No way is grandpa letting you use that!" Feite grinned while mimicking an aristocrat by placing her hand over her mouth and laughing. "Yes, but you can visit anytime you want my dear cousin." Milly let out a small pout and slouched her shoulders. "I guess, but Feite what will you do? You can do reporting, you're good enough to be an anchor woman." Feite shook her head and smiled. "No, that's something you always wanted to do. Wait it was weather women right? You always have a penchant for calling out weird jobs when we played house when we were little." Milly's frown turned into a smile while she giggled at the small image of their past together. "Do you need me to help you pack?" Feite looked over her shoulder and shook her head. "I'm good, thanks for the offer Milly."

"Governor General, we have just received news from the Ashford Academy. Feite Avalon has officially graduated and is going to be leaving the campus." Cornelia turns over while balancing various orders for the military garrison. Her eyes were filled with a hint of happiness while she signs her name at the bottom of the orders. "That is good news, send flowers and a thank you note."

"Princess, I don't think it is wise to continue this façade." Guilford placed his book on the nearby table and gave his princess a concerned look. "Feite is a terrorist and we can't simply play by the Avalon's rules." Cornelia turned to the picture on her desk, and shook her head. "Feite has chosen her path, and we need to hold to the emperor's orders. As much as I'd like to throw her in prison, I want to see how far she goes. Feite is a skilled warrior, and I would rather see her die by my own hand or yours Guilford." She elegantly dipped the pen into the vial of ink, and flipped to the next page. Her eyes went wide while she let out an annoyed yell. Guilford got up to his feet in a hurry, nearly making his glasses fall off. "What is it my lady?"

"Damn that Kasha, he's acquisitioned more than I allotted him. He fooled me once again…" Cornelia slammed her hand on the table while exhaling softly. Guilford stared at the document, and stared at the amount of munitions displayed on the page. "These munitions are for destroying a fortress, why would Kasha want to…" He paused while Cornelia looked over. "Kasha is going to wipe Akishima off the map. He wants to see if Zero will go to their aid."

In a small meeting room onboard the mobile headquarters, Zero tugged on his wrist while looking over at Tohdoh, and Kallen. "So, what are your thoughts of the matter? I'm all for helping the Akishima group and allowing them to join our organization. They did have a large amount of supporters, and skilled personnel." Tohdoh gave a firm nod while staring down at the map. "We've heard of several rumors that the Britannian Irregulars have amassed an obscene amount of munitions for an attack on Akishima. It would seem that they are going to suppress the rebellion there by burning it off the face of the world." Zero let out a small chuckle and shook his head. "We can't allow that to happen, but we can't send everyone to their aid. This could be a trap, so I'll only be sending a few Knights to Akishima. Tohdoh, do you have anyone you'd recommend?" Kallen looked over at Tohdoh while he rubbed his temple. "I'd recommend Feite, Haruka, and Soran. They are the best pilots, with the exception of my own four swords, and Kozuki Kallen." Zero nodded while Kallen took a step forward. "We can't just send three people to Akishima, that would be a…." Zero's hand rose up silencing Kallen while he turned over to Tohdoh. "We'll send a support team to assist them. Akishima is not that far from the settlement. We could send reinforcements if necessary." Kallen clenched his fist while turning her head to the side. "Very well, but should we contact her?"

Feite packed up several of her personal belongings into a few boxes that had been set aside for her. She took a seat on the bed she had slept in for the past few years, and glanced around. There were a lot of memories in this room; a place that had become a haven allowing Feite to blossom into who she was today. A smile appeared across her face while her phone started to ring. 'Who could it be this time?' She pulled the mobile from her pocket, and stared at the display.

Without a second thought she flipped up the phone, and spoke into the receiver. "This is Feite, did something happen that I'm not aware of yet?"

Lelouch sat in a private room on board the mobile headquarters spinning a pen through his fingers. He turned over to C.C. and smiled briefly. "As a matter of fact, turn on the television, and go to channel six."

Feite crossed over to the small television on the nearby dresser. It was too old to pack, and would probably be given to the next tenant of this dorm. She pressed the side mounted power switch bringing life to the aged television. The static filled image cleared while Feite changed the channel. The local news was broadcasting a mass exodus of Irregular military vehicles. "What is going on?"

Lelouch sighed while turning around in his chair. "Those military vehicles are heading to Akishima, and they intend to quell the resistance group there. Tohdoh has recommended that you lead the mission there, and take two others with you as pilots."

"Recommended? That would be quite an undertaking; does this mean I'm being transferred to another squad?" Feite let out a devious smile while staring at the Black Knight uniform that was partially revealed in an unzipped duffle bag.

Lelouch leaned back in the chair, and switched to his blue tooth receiver. "Yes, as a matter of fact for this mission you are the 1st Autonomous Task Force. I want you to get to the underground route six in a few hours. Diethard has assembled all the equipment you will need for the mission."

"Autonomous? That is unlike you Lelouch; you usually like to keep me on a short leash. Don't worry; I'll be at the coordinates." Feite shut off the phone, and took a glance at the uniform tucked away in the bag. She sighed to herself while zipping up the duffle bag, and sliding it over her shoulder.

The new graduate of Ashford took a last glance at her former room before walking out and shutting off the lights. In the hallways, a few of the girls wave, and offer their thanks for Feite's guidance in the dormitories for the past few years. Feite walked gallantly down the hallways, with a smile covering her face. She tried her best to hold back the emotions and stand up strong for the other underclassmen.

In front of the dormitory, the student council stood beside each other with the exception of Suzaku, Kallen, and Lelouch. "Congratulations, just because you graduated today, doesn't make you free from the student council." Rivalz let out a small laugh while Milly leaned over him. "Yes, and don't forget about us! Also, I'll take good care of Lulu until you two officially tie the knot." Shirley's face turned red while she let out a loud gasp. "What? Lelouch and Feite are…" Rivalz smacked his forehead while everyone let out a lighthearted chuckle. Feite's face shot red once more while she nearly fell back from the hit from Milly's words. "I'm in no way marrying that idiot!"

Nunally let out a small giggle, and smiled over in her direction. "Congratulations, I'm just sad that big brother couldn't make it to see you off." She paused while putting a finger against her lips. "Suzaku, and Kallen as well, I'm sure they would like to say goodbye." Feite exhaled while moving her hands to the sides of her hips. "It's not like I'm going to be leaving the country. I'll visit from time to time, so wait for me. I might even come to the school festival. So give me a good service okay?"

With the goodbyes said, Feite walked out of the gates with a smile on her face and the farewells of her closest friends. Everyone except for Nina wished for Feite's future successes, and eventual return to the campus. Feite turned around, and waved for a final time before entering the waiting vehicle at the front of the school's gates. The vehicle's back window opened while Feite poked her head out and waved until she couldn't see the faces of her prized friends anymore. She could only hold back the tears for so long while the happy emotions of times past overflow causing the youthful girl to empty her tear ducts. 'Farewell, my second family…I'll be sure to make this world different. I'll make my own star shine yet again in this corrupted world.'

"So we managed to get more Gekka for our mission?" Haruka Kinjo, the youngest member of the Japanese Liberation Front that survived to join the black knights stood in front of the optimized Gekka. The units were painted in a black and gold color scheme akin to the Gawain, and Voulge. Rakshata let out a small laugh while walking up to the two extra machines. "These aren't normal Gekka; these are completely made by Longinus." Haruka turned around with her eyes wide. "Longinus? What is that?" Rakshata exhaled some smoke while pulling the pipe away from her lips. "Longinus is the company has built both the Voulge, and Guren Nishiki. So in other words, these are Gekka Mark Tasogare."

Tohdoh walked up in the distance, and let out a small sigh. "Do I expect my Gekka to receive similar parts that these two units have?" He crossed his hands over his chest while Haruka turned over and immediately saluted. "Sir, you may have my unit if you wish." Tohdoh turned to her and shook his head. "You deserve that unit, and I have grown fond of my machine." Haruka let out a disappointed frown while Rakshata shrugged her shoulders.

"A machine doesn't matter; it's the skill of the pilot that makes it grand." Soran Caligari, a young man who joined the Black Knights due to his prior experience with the European Union walks into the tunnel tugging on the collar of his pilot suit. His reddish brown hair blows in the small breeze from the entrance while he stares over at the military leader with a great deal of respect.

"An experienced swordsman with a dull blade cannot slay his enemy. That is the way of the Japanese. A European couldn't understand the reasons, but I respect your words." Tohdoh gave a firm not to Soran while he walked up to the second Gekka. "So where's the leader of our little first autonomous Task Force?" Rakshata looked out of the corner of her eye, and shrugged her shoulders. "Feite loves to make a grand entrance…"

Inside an abandoned subway management office, Lelouch stood with his Zero helmet removed. It sat on the nearby table while Feite walked out of the connected room dressed in her pilot suit. Her hair was tied back into a firm ponytail while she stopped at Lelouch's side. "Are you still uneasy about the mission?" Lelouch crossed his arms over his chest, and nodded. "I'm not sure if the information was accurate, but it does seem this is our chance to wipe out the leader of the Irregulars that ruined our plans at Shikinejima." Feite walked over to Lelouch and stared deep into his eyes. "You're not worried about that…you're worried about my well being aren't you?" Lelouch turned his head away, and gripped his helmet. "Why would I be worried? You were the woman who claimed to be my knight all those years ago or am I mistaken?" Feite gave him a devious smile, and shrugged her shoulders. "I also said we were destined to be together, but…"

"Zero? Are you in here?" Kallen's voice filled the area while the doorknob started to turn. Lelouch's eyes widen while he quickly grips Feite by the waist and pulls her into his chest. His head leans inward while his lips press heavily onto Feite's. Feite's eyes widen in shock while her arms slowly fall limp at her sides. Her cheeks start to flush while her eyes begin to close.

"There you are…" The door opened completely while Kallen's eyes widen at the sight of Zero and Feite embracing each other. Her cheeks immediately flushed while she turned her back the pair. "I'm sorry for interrupting…I didn't know. We all assumed that C.C…." Lelouch pulled his lips away from Feite, and pulled his mask back onto his face. "Kallen, what did you have to report?" She hesitated for a moment while shaking her head. "It was a simple report from Diethard; all the equipment is loaded and ready for Akishima. That is all…I'll take my leave, and let you two be alone." Kallen quickly took a few steps out of the room, and closed the door behind her. "Feite and Zero are lovers?"

"Feite, you will return to my side after this right?" Zero sat down in the old computer chair while examining a chess piece in his hand. Feite crossed her arms over her chest, and sighed. "You need to stop worrying Lelouch; you conveyed your love to me with that kiss. So it's my job to return to you…" Zero nearly fell back in the chair while he quickly turned over to Feite. "That kiss was to prevent Kallen from finding out my true identity. Surely you know…" Feite waved her hand and blew a kiss over to him. "Then, I will be expecting a real one from you later." Her watch let out a small beep while she turned for the door. Zero got out of the chair, and nodded. "Make sure you come back…"

"So you're the infamous pilot of the Voulge, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." Soran held his hand out while a friendly smile covered his face. "I could say the same for you. You're quite famous Caligari. I'm shocked that you left the EU to join our small group." Soran shrugged his shoulders, and exhaled softly. "Well, when I heard a beauty was the pilot of the Voulge I had to come over, and throw my body into the fire." He let out a small laugh only to have a small tap from Haruka hit him in the back of the head. "I'm Haruka Kinjo; it's a pleasure to be transferred into your unit." Feite let out a small nod, and reached into her side pocket. She pulled out a small computing device, and stared at the real time data streaming to it. "So, what's that little gizmo?" Soran looked over Feite's shoulder while the data was moving faster than his eye could read it. "You can read all that gibberish?" Haruka's curiosity too the best of her while she too looked over.

"When were you going to tell me C.C.?" Zero looked out at the window while the tram the trio stood on started to move down the worn subway rails towards Akishima. "Tell you what Lelouch?" He pulled off his helmet, and let out a frown. "Don't lie to me anymore C.C. You know more about than you're letting on." C.C. crossed her arms, and smiled. "Foolish boy, I thought you'd find out by yourself. Feite is changing because of the way Rai's and your Geass tampered with her synapses. In short you could say that…" Lelouch stared at the tram as it finally disappeared down the tunnel. "I see, don't tell anyone else of this C.C."

"Judging by the unit placement of the irregular army, they are going to simply artillery strike first, and followed by a blitz up the middle." Feite stood in front of an outdated map of Akishima. "We'll place units here, and here. You're a dedicated long range sniper are you not Haruka?" Haruka's eyes widen while she let out a nod. "How did you…" Feite smiled, and turned back to the battle map. "I try to know my allies, so when I'm given the chance to work with them I can use their talents to suit the needs." Soran let out a small whistle, and placed his hands on the map. "So what will you have me do? Battle Forecaster…" Feite continued to mark various points on the map with a permanent ink marker. "The support unit sent by Zero will hand out various supplies to the Akishima resistance group; this includes anti-Knightmare missiles, and mines. Your expertise is explosives am I right Soran?" Soran let out a humble laugh while nodding. "There isn't any type of explosive that I don't know how to use." Feite moved her hand on the map pointing to other locations marking them with a vowel. "I want you to place explosives right here. With that said this is the defensive plan that we will use. Akishima will live to see a new Japan." She paused while looking over at the others that were staring at the battle plan. "Does everyone get the plan? We'll meet with the Akishima resistance fighters in a few hours, so get your sleep now. We're going to be fighting a war over there."

The hours slowly passed while the detachment forces reached the end of the abandoned subway tunnel. The transport vehicle rolled out of the tunnel while Feite slowly wakes up from a slight nudge from Haruka. "We've arrived…" Feite let out a small yawn while slowly rising up to her feet. The soft night breeze brushed against her face while Akishima was completely different from what she expected. "Amazing isn't it Akishima's group has also gotten support from Kyoto." The small amount of butterflies that formed in Feite's stomach faded away while she nodded.

In the distance, a G1 command carrier was resting firmly covered with camouflage while a few Burai guard the vicinity. The Akishima group was grossly underestimated by Lelouch, their military power was high, but this made Feite think of how dedicated of a leader lead this specific group. "So, do you know who leads the Akishima Resistance? It's nice to see a G1, but if you don't have a commander there it's useless." Haruka crossed her arms, and nodded. "Yes, without a strong leader a group can fall apart. We should find the support team, and…" Soran let out a small sigh from his spot on the vehicle's open Knightmare Frame bay. "Take a look over on the right side."

"I said I want to meet your leader! Zero sent us here dammit." Tamaki yelled frantically while he nearly lost control of himself against one of the Akishima members. "Do you expect me to believe that you're the Black Knights? You only brought a trio of Knightmare frames, and a bundle of weapons and explosives." Tamaki looked over his shoulder and sighed. "We're busy in Tokyo, there's a lot of stuff going on at the same time. So we had to send…" He stuck his chest out and grinned. "Our elite unit here to support you." The member gave a dull stare to Tamaki while he noticed Feite leap down off the transport truck. "Tamaki, I'll take it from here."

The member's eyes widen while his hand started to twitch. His eyes widen while he couldn't believe his eyes. "It can't be…" He looked over his shoulder, and yelled. "Kazuya, she's here! The Shikinejima Angel of Death.."

Feite paused while her brow raised slightly, "Excuse me? Angel of Death?"

In the distance, a young man in his early twenties with a fresh amount of stubble on his face walks up. His bandana was tied around his dreadlocked black hair while he approached the group forming behind Feite. "Sorry about Daisuke there, he's been following you for a while. You're quite famous around here Feite Avalon. I'm surprised that your name fits your beauty." Feite let out an annoyed sigh and held out the battle plan. "Although I'm quite partial to flattery, we need to discuss the battle plan, and I need you absolute confidence." Kazuya let out a small nod while waving over to the entire group. "Let's discuss it over here…."

"So, why did Zero send you here Tamaki?" Tamaki glared over at Haruka while sighing to himself. "I don't know, just when I thought we were best buds, he sends me away." Haruka let out a small laugh while trying to hide the blush on her cheeks. "Best buddies? I heard about that, but Zero doesn't seem to be your best friend." Soran walked behind Haruka and placed his palm on her slender shoulder. "Well obviously that's a lie, the only person who I think Zero is involved with is that green haired woman named C.C. and your vixen of a commander over there." Tamaki's glanced over at Feite disappeared into a tent. "Involved? Hell I already knew that, Zero pretty much has two beauties with him. You could say I'm jealous." Tamaki let out another uneasy laugh while Haruka lowered her shoulders causing Soran's hand to fall off. "I personally think, Feite doesn't have anything to do with Zero. She has the mentality of a soldier, and follows orders well. I believe that is why Zero trusted her with a mission like this." Soran frowned for a moment while staring at his hand. "I would have to agree to that, there is no indication that they're involved. What kind of sick person sends his lover to a front line?"

Inside the command tent, a small table was set up with a map of the city. It had been updated with various new routes, and destroyed building locations. A few other tables were nearby outfitted with regular and specialized equipment. Feite let out a small smile while she stopped at the map table. She placed her hands on the edge while Kazuya took the other side. "So, let's hear your plan." Feite took in a deep breath, and smiled. "Gladly…" She moved her hand to the nearby miniatures of triangles, circles, and Xs. "The circles are the estimated positions of the irregular forces. The commander is Kasha Faust, and he is probably one of the most predictable people I've ever had the chance to study." She pulled out a small disk and tossed it over to Kazuya. "That is the data concerning his unit's movements. He likes to deploy units in a three pronged assault."

Kazuya caught the disk while Feite moved the pieces into position. His eyes widen at the detail that Feite put into the small plan. "So, you're expecting us to perform a blitzkrieg? How strong are the numbers? Strategy is one thing, and battlefield predicting is another. You're talented, but I'm a little hesitant to commit." Feite motioned over to the disk, and let out a grin. "An unspecified number of infantry, rumored to be in the hundreds, with a compliment of nearly forty Knightmare Frames divided into ten units of four each. A trio of G1 command carriers, and possibly a reserve unit. That is all we have on their troop placement." Kazuya placed the disk into a nearby computer, and he quickly started to access the data. "This is…"

"An unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Vehicle. We specialize in a lot of advanced technology." Feite let out a small grin while the computer started to display the incoming troops that were at least a day or so away from the city. "But sadly, we're going to need for a majority of your forces to go into hiding, and we'll probably have to use the G1 you have as a decoy target." Kazuya's eyes widen while he slammed his hands on the table. "That took so many lives to capture; we can't just use it as a decoy." Feite rubbed her temple while giving Kazuya a stern gaze. "If you want to live long enough to see Japan liberated, you need to sacrifice things….I guarantee that you will not regret this." Kazuya stared into Feite's eyes and seemed to feel the fire burning behind them. Her directness froze his own soul, but his mind was slowly starting to see the truth in the plan. "Very well, we'll use it as a decoy, but I don't want it used as a duck in a shooting gallery." Feite tapped an area a ways away from the city where it served to be a prime area to stage a cutoff point. "Thank you, for the hiding unit's aspect of this mission. I want you to send a group of your Knightmare here with whatever fast moving vehicles you have. When the Britannian forces move into position, we will wipe them out." Kazuya moved a few strands of hair from his eyes, and sighed deeply. "Zero, really must be luck with a strategist that also is a combatant…." Feite continued to scan the map while looking up once more. "It works to some extent, but I'm not impervious to being outmatched."

Kasha sat inside his comfortable chair while he stared at the agitated Cornelia yelling at him. "My dear princess, you need to relax." He stared at his finger nails while blowing on them briefly. "You brought more than I allotted you to have. Even as the Irregular forces commander, you are allotted what the Governor-General of the occupied territory allows. Your actions are going to cause a lot more trouble than it's worth." Cornelia slammed her hand onto her desk while Kasha simply ignored her words. "Please Cornelia, have some faith, as if you care about the Elevens. You're sounding like Euphemia and her pathetic Knight…" Kasha let out a small laugh while he shut off communications with her. "Let's hurry up, and get prepared."

During the midnight hours, Lelouch sat in his dimly lit bedroom staring out the window. His eyes held a mild hint of agitation while C.C. sat behind him. "So, when will this large pizza be made?" Lelouch turned over with a hint of confusion in his brow. "What do you mean by that?" He paused for a second before sighing to himself. "You're talking about the festival tomorrow aren't you?" C.C. held the large plush to her chest while nodding. She let out a devious grin followed with a mocking laugh. "Your mind is focused on her still isn't it?" Lelouch crossed to the desk, and stared at the student council picture sitting on his desk. "Shut up, I'm not worried one bit. It's just the preparation with the festival. I shouldn't have sent Feite away….she'll be discovered if I don't make up an excuse." C.C. leaned forward and shook her head. "Why don't you use your Geass?" Lelouch rubbed his temple, and took a seat at the desk. "It would be too troublesome; I've already used it on Suzaku, and Shirley. Kallen understands the situation, but she's not going to be present. Feite on the other hand has no alibi for being absent." C.C. got off the bed, and crossed over to the wall. "I thought she graduated, so school maters mean nothing am I correct?" Lelouch rested his chin into his palm while closing his eyes. "I had an exhausting day, I'm going to bed."

At a small campfire outside a crashed shopping center building, Soran leaned over while poking at the fire in front with a stick. "So are you feeling anxious?" He turned over to catch Haruka taking a bite from a nutrition bar. There was obvious anxiety forming in her face, a brooding feeling that something may happen when daybreak comes. She turned over with a false sense of confidence spread over her face, and shrugged her shoulders. "I'm fine, how are you handing it?" Soran turned to the embers fleeing from the cracking fire. "Not well, I'm an impatient person. I personally would love to hear the explosion of an anti KM mine right now to relieve the stress." Haruka unraveled more of the wrapper while Tamaki glared over at the two. "You guys should get some sleep; it's almost a few hours from the operation." He let out a small yawn while moving a hat over his eyes. "It's hard to sleep when you're not the one being deployed on the front Tamaki." Tamaki let out a groan, and waved his hand dismissively. "Whatever, I'll be waiting for the words when you need a resupply." He let out a yawn while slowly drifting back into a sleeplike state. Haruka shook her head, and let out an annoyed groan. "You hear me? Man you're such a mellow guy…." She quickly chewed up the rest of her meal, and crossed her arms. A small pout covered her face while Soran simply shrugged his shoulders. "You guys argue way too much…."

Feite leaned against a nearby tree while the Voulge stood upright behind her. The fading starlit sky was slowly showing the upcoming sun on the horizon. Her watch let out a small countdown while it beeped several times. "It's almost time…" She turned her gaze to the small table set up at her feet. A small kettle was set up along with a steamy cup of soup. Feite closed her eyes while taking in the delicious aroma of the soup. She pictured the lush green fields of the homeland, while rising the cup to her lips and briefly blowing the top. 'Will I return? Or will I fade into obscurity?' She opened her eyes showing the venomous stare of a hardened veteran. 'The rust should have been removed at Shikinejima, now my soul should be tempered to battle.' Her off-hand moved to her chest where the scar from the heart surgery still resided. The incision was almost nonexistent due to the advanced medicine and anti-scar cream.

"So this is where you are…" Kazuya walked across a few piles of rocks while nearly tripping on his way to Feite's side. He tucked his hands into his jacket while staring off in the distance. "My forces have successfully hidden themselves in the area in question. Are you sure this plan will work?" Feite let out a small chuckle, and turned over to Kazuya. "You really have no faith in me when I'm not wearing my mask." Kazuya's eyes widen while he took a step back. "You can't possibly be….Zero's a man, his voice…" Feite shook her head while her face completely fooled the Japanese resistance leader. "A voice changer and it is easy to hide my womanly features with constricting bands." Kazuya gave her an uneasy glare while nodding a few times. "Why would you show your face here? To us?" Feite moved her hand over her left eye mimicking Lelouch when he used his Geass. Her mimicking of his mannerisms was spot on, she knew him too well. "Perhaps, I'm here to test your resolve, and judge how well you respond to orders. You are very perceptive of them, and that already has me smiling."

In the distance, a young member of the black knights glares over at Feite with a hint of suspicion in his eyes. He knew that she was lying, but why would she do it at a time like this? 'I need to tell Diethard of this, Feite is either acting to make them fight harder, or simply fracture the battle plan.' He pulled out the small mobile communicator, and quickly shut off the audio recorder. 'Or better yet knowing her personality, her ego is probably overinflated….' He flicked the switch on and repeated his thoughts into the recording. "On an ending note, I think Feite is using Zero as a symbol instead of a person. This is probably what you've been speaking of Diethard.'

Tohdoh walked through the long corridors of the redesigned oil tanker turned resistance base. He crossed by the central control room into the small tactical display center. On the table was the uplink from the unmanned reconnaissance vehicle whose stealth features avoided it from being detected by Britannia's superior factsphere detectors. "Any news from the battlefield?" His stern gaze turned over to Diethard who had just received the transmission from one of his own in the support unit. "Feite is following orders to the teeth, she just revealed that she is Zero to the Akishima resistance group, and they have followed her plan." Tohdoh stared down at the tactical table, and his eyes widen at the strategy. "This strategy is going to…" Diethard let out a small nod. "I'm not a strategic genius, but this plan seems to outclass any battlefield strategy I've seen from Britannia." Tohdoh crossed his arms over his chest, and nodded. "It's almost perfect, at every angle there is a countermeasure. A mine guards all the key points forcing the enemy to move into a choke point." Diethard pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his jacket, and pulled a single one out. He placed it lightly into his mouth and pressed his lips on the filter. "It's safe to say we're glad that she's on our side."

The sound of artillery fire fills the morning ambience of Akishima followed by several explosions along the outskirts of the city. The battle had started with the advance forces of the Britannian military engaging the automated emplacements of the Akishima group. Feite sat on top of the shoulder of the Voulge while a thick cape had been shrouded around its frame. The light breeze brushes against it while she holds a pair of binoculars. "He started earlier than I had anticipated." Her eyes scanned the distance for the artillery to spot the Sutherland A-Types. A smile flashed on her face while she spoke firmly into the radio.

The concealed Gekka stood inside a building wielding a long range rifle. Several capacitors were attached to the weapon while Haruka sat inside the cockpit. The lights from the monitors illuminated the cockpit while beads of sweat had already started to fall down her cheeks. "Particle Ratio at One hundred percent detaching capacitors." Haruka pushed a button while the wires connecting the rifle to the capacitors detach one by one. A sound of a pressured hose being released fills the nearby area while the Black Knight support unit stands in wait.

Feite's voice filled the cockpit while a sound only window was open on the main console. "You only have twelve shots with the rifle before it needs to be recharged. So you'll take out as many key targets as possible." Haruka wiped the sweat off her forehead while the ground shook from the many salvos of fire. "Roger that, I'll start shooting give me the first target."

Meanwhile, Lelouch walked down the stairwell where the student council had gathered for the festival. He let out a tiresome yawn and stretched his arms out. "Did we have to start so early?" Milly let out a small laugh while holding a megaphone in her offhand. "Yes, we need to make this the best festival ever." Shirley clenched her fist and nodded with furious determination held within her eyes. "Come on Lelouch get into the mood, Suzaku and Rivalz have already started preparations." Lelouch sighed to himself while rubbing his forehead. "You mean the preparation with the pizza?" Milly held the megaphone to her lips and spoke. "YES, we need to make it a world record!" Lelouch took a step back while his ears ringed from the unexpected noise. "Why did you have to use that so close?" Milly shrugged her shoulders and giggled. "No reason." She let out a small pout while turning towards the doorway. "Oh Kallen you made it."

Kallen waved her hand while holding a small note in her hand. She weakly nodded at Shirley and Lelouch. "Um…president, I just got a message from Feite when I was walking to school this morning." Lelouch's eyes widen while the beautiful red head waved the note held tightly in her hand. "A note? Let me read it." Milly crossed over while retrieving the note from Kallen. She unfolded the note that was written on a cutesy rabbit and star print paper.

"Good morning Lelouch…" Kallen weakly turned away mimicking her shy, weak school girl persona perfectly. Lelouch let out a fake smile and nodded over. "Morning, so what's Feite doing that she can't join us at the festival?"

Milly sighed to herself while folding the note and tucking it away into her pocket. "She's ditching us in our hour of need! Who will run the kissing booth with Feite gone?" Her hand flew out pointing over to Kallen and Shirley. Both of their faces turned bright red while they promptly refused. Lelouch let out a small laugh while shaking his head. 'Feite made arrangements already, quite interesting.' He glanced down at his watch and started to the doorway. "I'm going to help out Suzaku, and Rivalz. I'll see you at the main booth." Milly waved while Kallen and Shirley argued with her. "Bye Lelouch.."

A large stream of bluish light shot out from the concealed position tearing a hole through a skeleton of a building causing it to collapse. The dust cloud masked the position of Haruka's Gekka while the beam continued forward across the plains.

"What is going on with the heat detector?" A commander yelled over at his subordinate while the bluish beam had slammed into the side of their G1 Command vehicle. The bridge of the craft erupted into a series of flickers and electrical sparks. "What just hit us?" The commander yelled while he buckled from the aftershock of the attack. The young officer turned over while the warning sirens sound. "We seemed to have been hit by a high yield laser or particle weapon. It melted through our three layers of armor and disabled the tread control system. We're dead in the water sir." The commander growled and threw his arm out. "Deploy all the Sutherland now!"

Kasha slammed his hand on the table while his eyes were enraged. "How do they possess such advanced technology? Are the Europeans helping them out?" A weapon officer turned around and shook her head. "Colonel, our radio frequency is being crashed." She typed on her keyboard while the electronic chatter from the UAV fills her headset. "Change our signal? What the hell is making that sound?" Another turns over from her console, and displays it on the monitor. "We're being targeted by that thing in the sky! They are using European UAVs." Kasha sighed while the reports continued to flood in with the mixture of both Chinese and European electronic warfare systems. He slammed his hand on the table while throwing his hand out. "Order the second wave to move in now! I want that city leveled!"

Within the streets of the city not a single Britannian soldier was given a defensible position. Each movement provoked infantry or anti-tank fire from concealed units. Feite watched in awe while the explosions filled the area, and with the battle barely lasting an hour, the upper hand belonged to the Akishima resistance. "Tamaki, good work with the UAV pull them back to the command vehicle. We've cracked their radio signal already."

Tamaki sat within the bowels of the large command vehicle while its radar dish on the top sent the return message to the UAV. "Roger that." He let out a small cheer while tapping the console with his hand. "I love the feeling of winning." A young girl looked over at him and shook her head. "You're so weird Tamaki." Tamaki shot her an evil glare while yelling. "I'm not weird! Can't a guy express his happiness in peace without being judged?"

Feite lowered the radio while leaping into the open cockpit of the Voulge. The chest binder slid down over her chest and locked her into place. The seat moved in along with the cockpit sealing up and the armored pieces expelling pressurized air. The Voulge's eyes let out a dim flash while the camera on its helmet let out a series of flashes. "This is Feite, Soran commence the detonation of Minefield A through B. Fire Team Six, move through the Minefield A and B after they've detonated around those garrisoned units, and take out anything you see."

Soran let out a small smile at Feite's image while pressing the detonation switch. "Much obliged my lady." His eyes focused on the chain reaction of bombs and mines exploding in rapid succession. The buildings nearby collapsed on top of the garrisoned Britannian infantry while the streets gave away causing the Sutherland to fall into the sinkholes.

"Damn it how are we losing so…" A lead Sutherland leaped over the sinkhole only to hear the proximity alarm go off inside his Knightmare. "Another one!?" His eyes widen while he turns over to spot the Voulge dashing madly at him. Its feet dig into the ground while it runs in a straight line with both combat knives in hand. Its cloak moves in sequence of its movement making it seem as if it were a ghost. The pilot responds by shooting his rifle, but it was much too late.

The bullets rip through the cape while the superior Knightmare frame took the shots, and plunged its pair of knives into the Knightmare. The first plunged into the energy filler while the other ran through the cockpit killing the pilot. Feite pulled the knives out while the Knightmare exploded in front of her eyes. The flames reflected onto her eyes while she stared at it for a moment before having to move onto the next target.

"The enemy is becoming more persistent with their rush into the city." The Voulge leaned against a building while bullets flew overhead into the buildings at the Knightmare's backside. Feite stowed the knives away and pulled out the shotgun attached to the skirt armor. She jerked at the controls causing the machine to respond by cocking the weapon. The Knightmare's eye flashed while it crouched down.

"Don't worry, I have your back!" Soran's Gekka rolled through the streets with Landspinner whirling loudly on the damaged roadways. His machine evades and circles around the group of Sutherland moving towards Feite's position. The Gekka's visor eye let out a bright flash while it pulled out a strange Knightmare sword that lacked a blade. In its place was a pair of emitters one at the tip and the other at the hilt. Soran took a deep breath while he activated the weapon. A thick beam of energy formed into the blade filling the empty space along the sword's core.

"Unidentified weapon detected!" The lead Sutherland turned gripping its lance and thrusting it over to the charging Gekka Tasogare. Soran glared forward while his Gekka simply kneeled down with the lance scrapping the shoulder and ripping off its cloak. The blade hurled forward and without any resistance the beam cut through the metal frame as if it were paper. "A thermal energy weapon? How the hell is that even…" The second machine buckled as the blade sliced across its armor in a diagonal fashion. The pair of damaged machines sparks wildly at Soran's feet with they burst into flames. "This weapon is abnormal, a true particle weapon….you are a scary woman Rakshata."

Rakshata stood inside a dimly lit hanger aboard the Black Knight Tanker, and let out a smile after seeing the actions taken by Soran on a nearby video screen. "The Kusanagi is capable of slashing through heavy armor in seconds. Those designs were indeed remarkable, I'm glad she gave them to me." She turned over to a dark object in the distance, and placed her tobacco pipe into the corner of her lips. 'A generator that is so volatile, yet you perfected it when others have failed.' A technician walks in wearing a radiation suit while holding a cylinder case in his arms. "Rakshata you should put on your suit, this is going to be dangerous if you don't wear it."

"So you decided to use the Kusanagi, on those Sutherland?" Feite let out a small chuckle while walking up to Soran's machine. The two stood next to each other for a moment while Soran's face flashed on her console. "We had to test it anyway, and it works surprisingly well." Feite turned her attention to the map displayed on her console, and tapped her finger. "The enemy is being more reckless than I had anticipated; our attacks have fractured a majority of their forces."

"Deploy the second squad…make sure not to get the Glaive unit massacred." The voice of Kasha filled the cockpits of Michelle Sturm, the ace pilot who was defeated by Feite at Shikinejima. A scar rested on her cheek, a memento from the battle against the Black Rose. Michelle's bloodshot eyes started at the monitor while her machine came to a standing posture. The transport binders on the machines limbs depressurize and quickly unlock. A nearby weapon container opens showing a simple rifle, and a shoulder mounted missile launcher. The Glaive walked over and quickly gathered its equipment while a pair of Glaive walk up behind Michelle. "Let's do this, and get our citizenship back." Michelle let out a sinister smile while rubbing the side of her cheek. "Very well, let's wipe out all the stupid elevens."

With the false sense of victory in mind the resistance forces started to lessen their grip on the Britannian Legionnaire unit. The one sided victory started to cascade from stalemate into an unstoppable force. The military force that was held to outside the city was now battling inside. Several structures collapse while tracer rounds fly from Knightmare, and Infantry level battles.

The targeting sensor flies over Michelle's eyes while she spots the blue beam fly out from Haruka's concealed location. Her Glaive rushes forward and quickly fires several bursts from its handheld weapon. Haruka's eyes widen while her Gekka turned over, and quickly the struts in the back of the building were shattered causing the building to collapse on top of her. "Damn it!" She quickly makes a dash towards the exit while from the side the agile Glaive tackled her Gekka to the ground. Haruka's yell filled the radio band while Michelle glared down at the modified machine. "Die, you pathetic eleven!" The weapon flew downward only to have a Burai tackle the Glaive backward. The shoulder unit of the Burai shattered against the Glaive causing the entire machine to spark wildly. Tamaki leaned over the controls with a small amount of blood running down his forehead. "As if I'd let you kill one of our own!" He turned over to Haruka's unit and grinned. "Haruka, get your head into the game you rookie!" Haruka's eyes were wide while she quickly regained her senses. "Yes sir!"

Michelle's machine slid across the pavement with its feet grinding up the concrete. The Glaive quickly lifted up its rifle and fired a salvo at Tamaki's machine. Acting as a shield Tamaki took the blows from the rifle. Tamaki growls while he looked over his shoulder at Haruka's Gekka. The machine pulled out a small pistol, and fired several blasts at the Britannian Glaive.

The shots flew by the Glaive while one managed to pierce the armor creating a steaming hole from the accelerated linear round. "Damn it, this is getting annoying!" Michelle dodged the incoming fire and fired a grenade that was stored underneath the rifle's barrel. The grenade flew forward while Tamaki's eyes widen. His hand jerks the eject control, and the Burai quickly jettisons the cockpit block. The grenade slammed into the frame creating a large explosion and shock wave. Haruka fell backward letting out a small yell while her Gekka's arm was torn off. The limb slides onto the ground with its linear pistol in hand. "Tamaki….are you alright?" Haruka jerked at the controls barely getting her Gekka to its feet. A warning siren fills the cockpit indicating the severe damage to several internal and external systems.

Tamaki climbed out of the cockpit and limped over to a group of Knights with the command vehicle. "I'm fine; just get the hell out of here. We're losing; the Britannians new machines are too powerful."

Haruka looked over at her radar and spotted the Glaive in the distance. It detached its magazine and was reloading its weapon while a building offered it cover. "It's the same model as the one face in Shikinejima, we can take it out." Her Gekka quickly rolled backward while in the distance the once smiling resistance members were losing their resolve. Tamaki sat in one of the many chairs while bandages were wrapped over his forehead. "Haruka, we have to pull back and re-organize."

Feite loaded another magazine into the shotgun, and cocked it back before firing around a corner. "Tamaki regroup forces three through six at point alpha. Soran and I will hold this pavilion, tell Kazuya to deploy now!" The Voulge and Gekka hold their position while the Britannians under their renewed strength push deeper and deeper towards the pavilion where Feite and Soran held their ground.

"What about you? That's suicide to hold that position, even with the extended battery…." Tamaki's words were cut off while Feite yelled back at him. "Tell them to deploy Tamaki. If you don't we're as good as dead here. Trust in me, we'll pull this off!" He lowered his head and slammed his hand into the console. "Understood, hold your ground and don't die damn it." Tamaki turned to the member at his side, and nodded. "Fire the flare!" The command vehicle and Haruka's damaged Gekka moved towards the retreat path while it fired a smoke flare into the sky. The flare exploded into a plume of red smoke signaling Kazuya and the hidden forces to deploy.

"Soran, are you ready?" Feite glanced over at Soran's Gekka. It was covered with Knightmare hydraulic fluids while its armor was burned showing its original gray coat. Soran wiped the sweat forming on his brow and let out a faint smile. "I'm always ready…" Feite took a deep breath while pushing the throttle forward, and running down the corridor.

"They're rushing at us? A final desperation attack?" The Sutherland fire their weapons over at the Voulge only for the bullets to slam into the particle shield. Feite looked over at the power gauge as it began to enter the red zone. The targeting system reflects in her eyes while her finger tugs on the trigger. The Voulge fires several shots at point blank range tearing the Sutherland to pieces. Feite was breathing rapidly while her heart was starting to beat irregularly. "This feeling….I'm starting to get light headed…"

"Feite watch out!" Soran leaps forward and throws his rifle into the path of an incoming rocket. His machine buckles from the shockwave while a salvo of fire pelts into his machine. Feite looks over while Soran's machine guards her own from the fire. The Gekka's armor was thick, but it couldn't take the punishment from concentrated fire. "We can only hold out for a few moments longer…" Feite closed her eyes and caught her breath. "It seems that Kazuya didn't get the message, seems Zero misplaced his trust with the Akishima group." Her eyes shot open while the Voulge threw its empty shotgun to the side. "With that power we have left…." Soran let out a small nod while his machine drew its blade. "Go out with a bang!"

Lelouch's eyes widen while he wakes up from a nap he had taken underneath a tree. He looks up at the sky while the sound from firecrackers woke him up. He takes a moment to dust off his uniform while turning towards the sky. 'I must have fallen asleep.' He turns down to his pocket, and pulls out his phone. "Who could be calling at a time like…?" Lelouch stared at the text message, and his eyes widen. "We've lost contact with Feite, and the entire advance unit. Akishima's resistance group backstabbed them…" His hand clasped onto the cell phone while his eyes showed extreme hatred.

"Lelouch? That's where you've been. Come on, we need to get to work." Shirley stood a few feet from him hunched over and out of breath. "You were taking a nap again weren't you?" Lelouch turned his face away from Shirley, and tried to calm himself. He wanted to punch the nearby tree as hard as he could. His chest felt empty while it would seem that he feared the worse. "Maybe I was, Shirley I'll be there in a second. Can you wait a moment? Let me make a phone call."

"I'm sorry the number you are trying to reach is outside the calling area. Please try back in…"

Lelouch closed his phone and shook the phone in his hand. "Damn it, why did I have to send her? Why did I even let her take the mission?" He turned over to catch the glimpse from Shirley. "Lelouch are you alright? You look like you're sad about something." He shook his head in a bad attempt to keep up his calm and collected persona. "I just lost something valuable in a betting match, nothing for you to worry about."Shirley let out a soft nod while shrugging her shoulders. "Lelouch you better watch out, or you'll probably get someone hurt by your gambling addiction…" Lelouch looked over at her backside with a pair of hurt eyes. "Yes, I should keep it within control."