Stage Twenty-Two "Blood Stained Hands"

A loud and painful groan filled the bath while Feite lowered herself underneath the warm waters. Her bruises were still tender while her face showed more pain than she let on. She laid her head back to the side of the tub while looking up at the ceiling.

Being in Akishima made Feite a little detached from the whole political world making some of the commotion heard in the streets outlandish upon her return. There had been several news reports as of late detailing the special administration zone of Japan that was recently announced by Euphemia. Feite's eyes narrowed while she glared up at the circular light in the center of the bathroom. She rubbed a wash rag over her arms and let out an annoyed sigh. 'Euphemia, you are much too naïve. There will never be peace between the conqueror and the conquered.'

After soaking in the bath for what would seem like hours, Feite walked out into the living room dressed in a bath robe. She walked over to the nearby coffee table and turned on the television. There was another news broadcast about the special admin zone that made a smug smile flash on Feite's face. Her smile quickly faded while the door bell sounded throughout the large apartment. 'Who could that be?' An irritated gaze promptly flashed on her face while pacing over to the door in an angry manner.

"Who is it?" Feite howled while she was fuming over the uncalled for interruption. A familiar voice promptly replied causing her face to soften. "It's me Lelouch; I want to speak with you." Feite looked down at what she was wearing, and tightened the bathrobe over her chest. "Sure…" A light amount of red was on her face while pressing the door switch.

The door slides open with Lelouch standing there with a box held in his hands. A small tie was wrapped around it while the box itself was from Feite's favorite bakery a walks away from the school campus. "I…" Lelouch's eyes widen while he took a step back while his own face turned a different shade of red. His shocked reaction almost made him drop the cake onto the floor. Feite let out a smile while moving her hand over her mouth. A soft chuckled exited her lips while Lelouch crossed into the building, and glared up at her. "Why don't you put on some clothes? I'm glad I decided to ring the bell instead of using the key." He tried his best to keep his gaze away from Feite while his hormones seemed to want the opposite. "Clothes you say? I'm wearing some already…it's just not enough for a nobleman like yourself is it?" Lelouch held his head high while placing the box onto the table, and pulling the string.

The box unfolded into an elaborately designed strawberry layered cake with a mouth watering amount of frosting. "Enough playing around, if you're well enough to joke around you…." Lelouch turned his head away with a smug smile growing on his face. He rested his elbows on the table, and lightly lowered his chin onto the top of his hands. Feite looked over her shoulder, and sighed. "You are quite traditional….let me get dressed, and I'll serve the cake for the two of us." Lelouch let out a small nod while his eyes shifted towards the television. 'Euphemia, what is your reasoning behind this? Do you wish to follow the path that is opposite of my own?'

Lelouch shook his head while pushing off the countertop, and walking around into the kitchen. He ran his hand alongside the island while letting out a soft laugh. 'If I allow Euphemia to go about this, the Japanese will become content, but what will I have left?' He opened the nearby cupboard and pulled out a pair of plates. 'Will I live a life of solitude? Will I still have to be confined to live a lie?'

"Lelouch?" Feite's voice filled the apartment while she crossed over towards the kitchen. She was wearing a simple pair of shorts, and a small white tee shirt. "Oh, here you are…" She paused while shaking her head in a disappointed way. "I thought I said I'd serve the cake…" Without waiting for Lelouch to respond, Feite elegantly took the dishes away from him, and lightly placed them onto the kitchen island. Lelouch eyed Feite while she started to slice the cake into two pieces. 'No, I wouldn't be living a lie anymore. Zero will be no more, and I'd be able to live with Feite….'

Lelouch took a step forward, and lightly grabbed Feite by the arm. "Feite, I want to ask you something." Feite's eyes widen while she put the knife down and turned over her a shocked manner. "Lelouch, you scared me, what do you want to say?" He took a deep breath while turning his head to the side. "If Euphemia were to establish the Special Zone of Japan, and the Order was disbanded what would you do…?" Feite turned her head away and glared down at the knife. "I wouldn't give up my fight to destroy Britannia Lelouch. Are you thinking of stopping Lelouch?" Lelouch turned his head away and tugged at his collar. "I was thinking of doing so, but you seem disappointed. Euphemia invited Zero, and the black knights to join the ceremony. Euphemia has a dream, and we could use her to cripple Britannia in another way." Feite let out a sigh, and shook her head. "Lelouch, there is no such thing as a Utopia. Euphemia lives in the clouds too much…" He glared down at Feite while walking past her and towards the living room in the interconnected room. "I see, so you'd be against it….It was Suzaku's way that I was thinking of, but I frankly do realize that would make everything we've done in the past few months amount to nothing."

Feite ran her finger over the piece of cake and lightly placed it into her mouth. She closed her eyes while a small smile flashed on her face. It was a refreshing taste something that gave a moment of clarity before slowly becoming engulfed in reality of current events. "So what do you propose to do to Euphemia? I don't think you would be sick enough to kill your own sister." Lelouch took a bite of the cake, and shook his head. "There will probably be a large amount of guards there, and I probably will be placed through a metal detector. I doubt they'd let anyone accompany me short of C.C. in the Gawain. So I think I will have everyone on standby in the forested area nearby the arena." Feite let out a soft sigh while picking up her fork. "You could use a ceramic needle gun. I hear they're impervious to being detected. Also clean up after firing is nonexistent, the needle shatters eliminating all evidence short of fragments. I however will attend the ceremony as a guest."

"Guest?" Lelouch let out a mocking laugh while slightly covering the smirk on his face. "I thought you didn't have many friends outside of the school? I would believe that you were already blacklisted by the Empire." Feite let out a deep sigh, and shook her head. "I was, but Euphemia is naïve enough to allow me to view the ceremony. Cornelia and the others have yet to make an action in response to my being a member of the Knights. So it should be easy to do so…" Lelouch rubbed his chin and let out a small nod. "Yes, that seems to be true. Feite, I'm not going to tell anyone else that you're going to be there. So be careful, and just observe."

Several hours later, Feite stepped out of a black vehicle in front of the Governor General's office. 'Be careful and just observe? Who do you think I am Lelouch? A robot?" There was a slight amount of apprehension in Feite's face, as this was the headquarters of her enemy. This was a gambit that could turn sour or even play to the favor of Lelouch's grand plan.

"Huh? What are you doing here?" Guilford stood on the steps staring down at Feite who wore a white sundress with her hair pulled back into a ponytail. "I'm here to talk with Euphemia before her big day. Surely I don't need Cornelia's authorization for such a meeting." Guildford took a step back with his hand nearly reaching for the gun on his belt. He was nearly sweating while he simply shook his head. "I see…let me see if the Princess is ready for your company. Follow me." He waved his hand before turning back and leading Feite into the building.

"Oh Feite?" Euphemia yelled from the lobby alerting a few soldiers including Guilford who stood in utter shock at the casual attitude from the younger princess. "Lady Euphemia…" Feite held up her hand and waved over at Euphemia. "Hi, sorry I took so long to get here my sister had to get a car prepared for me." Euphemia crossed over and waved her hand. "It's been so long since you last contacted me. So shall we proceed with the tea I promised you over the phone?" Feite let out a soft nod while giving a smug look to Guilford. "Yes, princess I would love that…" She crossed over to Euphemia, and whispered under her breath. 'I'm only here as a guest, don't get so irate Guilford.' Guilford stiffened up while bowing cordially to the princess. "If you need anything please feel free to ask Lady Euphemia." Euphemia let out a small nod, and waved over to the uneasy Guilford. "I doubt anything will happen. But thank you Guilford."

"That is a cute dress you're wearing. Where did you get it?" Euphemia looked over with a glint of jealousy in her eyes. Feite looked down at her dress and sighed. "I got it at the mall a while before the semester started…So Euphemia are you nervous with the ceremony tomorrow?" Euphemia let out a soft nod while looking down the hallway. "Yes, but with Suzaku there I'm going to be a little at ease." She paused for a moment while opening the nearby doorway. "Why are you so curious? I thought you really didn't like political things." Feite put a finger over her lips and stared up at the ceiling. "I guess, but it's interesting you know. I just want to have a front row seat." She crossed into the room where Suzaku sat at a table sipping a cup of tea. His eyes narrowed while meeting Feite's. "Feite…" He hid his scowl the best he could while standing up from his seat. "Lady Euphemia…"

Euphemia looked over with a smile and closed the door behind her. "Oh Suzaku, Feite is going to be joining us for some tea." Feite glared over at Suzaku with a nonchalant look on her face. She was already quite used to it, but it was obvious Suzaku was still angry with her decision. "It's been a long time Suzaku, how is everyone at Ashford?" Suzaku returned to his seat, and crossed his leg over the other. "Fine, so what brings you here Feite? Shouldn't you be taking entrance exams for university?" Feite shrugged her shoulders, and crossed to the small circular table. "As a matter of fact, I wanted to view an important piece of history. If Euphemia's plan happens, it will unite the elevens or I mean Japanese to us Britannians. I came here to ask if Euphemia bring me with you two to the ceremony." Euphemia let out a small laugh and took a seat at the table. "I don't mind at all…" Suzaku shook his head, and lightly touched Euphemia's hand. "Euphie, I don't think…" Feite leered over at Suzaku while leaning forward. "What harm can I do Suzaku?" Euphemia's clapped her hands together and smiled. "Yes, it will be a wonderful day. It will be nice to have a friend there with me."

"If Euphie says its okay, I can't go against her. So enough talking about the ceremony." Suzaku poured Euphemia and Feite a glass before placing the pot back onto its warmer. Euphemia opened the nearby sugar jar, and put two spoonfuls into both hers and Feite's cups. "Do you take two spoons still Feite?" Feite let out a soft nod and picked up her cup. "Yes, you know me all too well."

In a separate room, Cornelia stood with her arms crossed over her chest. "So Feite came here by herself? She's extremely brave to come here by herself, and without a weapon." She let out a light chuckle while looking over at Guilford who stood beside her. "Yes, but I don't think she's here to perform an assassination." Nonette placed a book back on to the shelf while looking over at the two. "If Feite wanted to perform an assassination, she would have been finished by now. Cornelia, you know this more than anyone else. Feite isn't a cold blooded murderer." Cornelia rubbed her temple while nodding a few times. "I guess that is true, but we should be extra careful if she is going to be at the ceremony. Since I have to attend to some other business, I'll have Dalton be there for extra support." Nonette scoffed while she moved a strand of hair out of her eyes. "Extra support, his eyes will be on everyone other than Feite. Suzaku on the other hand is probably an even match for her." Cornelia raised her eyebrow as if the thought hadn't crossed her mind. "Kururugi? Is he even capable of keeping up with her?" Nonette shrugged her shoulders, and let out a mild laugh. "I don't know, but we should find out if anything happens."

"So will you'll meet us before the ceremony right?" Euphemia stood up with Suzaku standing behind her. Her hands were resting in front of her lap while Feite crossed over to the doorway. She waved her hand over her shoulder, and sighed. "Yes, I will see you then." Before exiting the room, Feite placed her palm against the frame of the door. Her offhand gripped the knob while she tilted her head downward. "Euphemia, I hope that your plan works…It seems the world will be examining you from all angles." Euphemia paused while turning over to Suzaku with confusion in her face. "Yes…thank you Feite...I'll see you then." Suzaku leered over with his hand already balled up into a fist. He turned his head to the side and shook the look off before Euphemia could spot it. 'Feite, if you or Zero does anything to her. I will kill you for sure be it in public or in a Knightmare.'

Feite walked down the hallway with her eyes closed while she collected her thoughts. Her heart was pounding with the feeling of Lelouch leaving her behind with revenge left unfinished. 'I will wait to see what happens tomorrow Lelouch. If you don't do what I believe should be done, I'll have to do what will turn me into a devil.'

From a window above, Nonette stared down at Feite while she crossed over to the car waiting in front. She held a glass of wine in her offhand while both arms were crossed over her chest. "Looks like Feite is leaving now…you can go check on Euphie if you want." Cornelia looked up in a shock while it quickly faded into a scowl. "Shut up, Nonette must you keep acting like a child. Euphemia can take care of herself, It's just precautions must be maintained with her announcement." Nonette raised her eyebrow while sipping from her glass. "Announcement? Did she really do what I'm thinking about?" Cornelia nodded. "Yes, Euphemia formally denounced her right to the throne. The mainland will be sending a reply a little after the Japanese ceremony." Nonette shook her head, and rubbed her temple. "That was a stupid thing for her to do…"

The sun had long since set over the horizon with the settlement's lights flashing in night sky. Feite stood on the rooftop of the luxurious apartment building with C.C. standing a few feet behind her. "Lelouch has some conflicting emotions after what you said to him earlier. I'm sure that he will take those to heart at tomorrow's meeting." Feite shrugged her shoulders while letting the wind blow through her hair. She opened her eyes revealing the unforgiving expression on her face. Her narrowed eyes mimicked a hawk as it eyed its prey from afar. "I hope he does, since Lelouch wears a mask to hide his identity, yet I have to rely on misinformation. If he doesn't do so, I can no longer live a normal life." C.C. crossed over to the edge while slowly looking over. "I see, but I doubt a person like you would lie down and die after doing such." Feite shook her head, and started over to the door labeled rooftop access. "Is this what is feels to lose ones humanity C.C.?" C.C. turned over while Feite stopped halfway to the doorway and look up into the night sky. "You're not at that point yet, but yes it is something akin to what you're feeling." Feite clenched her fist, and shook her head. "I don't want to feel this way…" C.C. let out a faint smile, and shook her head. "Then you should call to him before he makes a mistake. You should reveal your feelings before they can't be fulfilled." She glared over at Feite who continued to walk away caught in a dreadful silence.

The next morning the festivities were already underway for the Special Administration Zone of Japan. The press had everything set up with only a few members actually allowed into the arena where a majority of the ceremony would take place. The crowds were filling in by the thousands with more waiting on the outside to view this piece of history.

"Are you sure that you didn't want to wear a gown like mine?" Euphemia stared over at Feite while she wore a simple black and white business suit. There was a hint of jealousy while even in the suit, Feite still radiated with a form of elegance. "I'm fine with this alone Euphie, aren't you nervous? To think you're asking about my outfit when you are about to make history." Euphemia's face turned red while she turned it to the side. "I um, am a little nervous, but with you cheering me I feel a lot of relief." Feite crossed her arms over her chest while eyeing the elaborate dressing room. "Suzaku is also here to support you. He cares a lot for you, its obvious Euphie do you have any feelings for him?" Euphemia held her head up and tried her best to hide the innermost feelings for the man who was her knight. "I…" Feite shook her head while letting out a small chuckle. "Don't worry, I already know the answer…." She held out her arm and checked her watch. "It's almost Showtime, are you ready Euphemia?"

Across Area Eleven, in every busy street corner of the crippled Nation everyone had their eyes on the news feet. Even in the busy streets of Tokyo, Britannian and Japanese alike paused to watch the opening ceremony.

"This is the site where the memorial ceremony for the establishment of the Specially Administration Zone of Japan is being held. The site is filled with Elevens, no sorry I mean Japanese People. A large number of Japanese People who couldn't get in have gathered outside the venue."

The reporter stood elegantly in front of the camera while touching her earpiece while the message from the anchorman plays over the loudspeaker. "Leslie, has Zero made his appearance yet?"

The field reporter Leslie shook her head while turning up to the empty blue sky above her. "No, it seems that, even now, he hasn't contacted anyone."

Across the world, the rulers of both the European Union and Chinese Federation chuckle at the fact of Zero arriving or not. In the back of the guests of honor seats, a G1 carrier rested with the Japanese and Britannian Flags flying side by side. In the Observation deck of this large craft, Feite stood with an armed guard standing behind her. "Is this good enough for you to view things?" The guard spoke in a cordial tone while Feite gave a simple nod. "Yes, I would have hoped to be able to sit by my close friend, but I guess with the time constraints I couldn't be fit out in the crowd."The guard let out a small bow before walking over to the doorway. "If you require any refreshment, please feel free to call for me." Feite let out a faked smile while leering down at the crowd of foolish people. 'Lelouch, what is taking you so long…making a grand entrance?' A small smile flashed on Feite's face while her eyes quickly focused on the Gawain as it hovered elegantly towards the main podium. 'Just as I thought you over-dramatic man…'

The look of shock was displayed across the members of the Kyoto group while they witnessed the Gawain lowering with Zero standing gallantly beside the head of the towering Knightmare frame. Kirihara gave Zero a grave look as he too was gifted with knowing Lelouch's true identity. A look of worry was stretched across his face as the true identity of Zero would cause the Special Zone to collapse. Acting in unison with each other the Knightmare Frames turn their sights onto the Gawain.

Lelouch looked over at the large formation and let out a sigh. "So they made more of the new model for this situation…they came prepared." He turned his gaze over at Euphemia who rose from seat, and shouted her greeting. "Welcome Zero! Welcome to the Specially Administrated Zone of Japan." Without returning a greeting Lelouch responded with the mechanized echo of the helmet amplifying his voice. "Euphemia Li Britannia, I have something to discuss with you after I land." Euphemia paused for a moment with shock in her eyes. "With me?" Zero looked over at the security forces, and nodded. "Alone if possible."

In the forest several miles away from the Specially administrated Zone's ceremony, the Black Knights were mobilized in a circle surrounding the stadium. The Guren and Voulge both were kneeled beside each other with its stealth jamming system being powered by a nearby generator. Inside the cockpit of the Voulge, Haruka sat with the large manual in her hands. "Say, how can Feite pilot this machine so gracefully, yet I can barely even get this to use the jammer correctly?"

Kallen crossed her arms over her chest, and let out a small laugh. "Because Feite was around that machine as if it were her own child. I'm shocked that you're even allowed to use it."

The exhausted yell from Tamaki filled the nearby radio while he sat inside the cockpit of a generic Burai. "Hey how long are we going to sit here and wait? I'm getting cramped."

"Zero told us to wait here, don't you trust him?" Kallen leered over at the machine to her right.

Ogi glared down at the view feed with the same uneasiness held within his eyes. "Everything was done to confirm Britannia's real intentions."

"Vice commander, we were told to wait her because we know their intentions already. Our entire force is already surrounding the facility, waiting to ambush at any moment." Tohdoh glared over at his monitor while Ogi quickly denounced Tohdoh's assumption. "Rakshata and Diethard are deployed, as is Feite in that stadium. Zero is most likely intending to make Euphemia…"

Euphemia looked over at Zero while he walked quickly through the corridors of the G1 carrier. The sound of his boots tapping against the cold metal below echoed through the hallway until Zero paused in front of the doorway leading into the observation deck. Euphemia let out a smile while shaking her head. "We should have our meeting in the briefing room; I have a guest in the observation deck." Zero let out a small chuckle, and outstretched his hand to the terminal nearby. "Euphemia, I'm already aware of your little guest." The door opened revealing an entirely pitch dark room illuminated only by the emergency lights. Euphemia's eyes widen while Feite leaned against a nearby console. She stared at her fingernails while slowly turning over to the pair. "Took you long enough, the camera, and every other thing here is disabled." Zero walked inside, and motioned for Euphemia to enter. "Feite, the rumors were true you are…"

Feite let out a soft nod while the door shut behind Euphemia. Zero crossed over to Feite's side and pulled off his helmet. "Yes, Feite has been with me since the beginning Euphemia. The entire reason why she was your guest was to join in on our meeting." Lelouch stared down at Euphemia while a stern look was on her face. "I'm sorry Euphemia, but I despise Britannia after what it did to both Lelouch and I." Feite gave Euphemia a blind stare while Lelouch pulled out a concealed weapon from his cloak. "This is a ceramic needle gun, Feite recommended it and it has worked thus far." Euphemia glared over at the two, and turned back to focus on Lelouch. "You won't soot at me, right?" Lelouch removed his finger from the trigger, and held the gun out. "Yes, I won't fire at you. Euphie you will be the one firing at me." Euphemia let out a small gasp while Feite took a step forward. "What are you talking about Lelouch?"

Lelouch turned to the two and let out a faint smile underneath his balaclava. "This ceremony is being broadcast all over the world, what would you think would happen if word got out that a Britannian Princess fired a shot at Zero?" Euphemia retained her calm while Feite simply rubbed her head in disgust. "A revolt would occur…" Lelouch moved the helmet in front of his face and tugged the balaclava down. "Yes. Zero would become a martyr if he was tricked into being shot. Especially when Feite is the witness. Your popularity would hit rock bottom."

Euphemia stepped forward and shook her head in disagreement. A look of confusion was spreading across her brow while Feite simply examined the two. "What nonsense are you saying? Together we'll turn Japan…" Lelouch quickly interrupted her and leered over. "Aren't you just unilaterally forcing your opinions down on others? Isn't it the same as Clovis did? All the pieces are in place, and Zero will hover between life and death before recovering miraculously. People act more towards miracles other than reasoning." Feite took a few steps away turning her back towards the two. A calm look was appearing her brow after realizing Lelouch's plan. 'So this is what he intended to do, very clever Lelouch. I just hope you have the fortitude to do so.'

"Once the people realize that you staged this execution on my life, the people will…" Lelouch stopped while his hand moved over his right eye, and a large pain shot through his body causing him to collapse to one knee. Feite turned around and her eyes widen at Euphemia's quick reaction to Lelouch's pain. She bit her lip in jealously while Lelouch quickly smacked Euphemia away. "Stop feeling pity for me! I won't accept sympathy from you! I will gain my own power! I'm willing to taint myself to get it. Euphemia Li Britannia!" His Geass flared up while Euphemia got up from her knocked down position. "I've already relinquished that name." She took a step towards Lelouch while Feite turned her head to the side. "I think it won't be long before the mainland announces it. I have given up my succession to the throne as well." Lelouch's eyes were filled with shock while Feite slowly raised her eyebrow. "Eh?"

Minutes, later Feite sat in the commander's chair with her chin resting on her open palm. Her eyes stared at both Euphemia and Lelouch with anxiety building up inside her chest. Euphemia spoke of many ideals that slowly started to change the thoughts flowing through Feite's subconscious. 'Perhaps we should join up with Euphemia…'

Lelouch shook his head while extending his hand to Euphemia. "You are such an idiot, but in the end you still are my sister Euphie." Euphemia let out a small chuckle while she moved hers to shake Lelouch's. "You win...Lets plan how we can make this specially administrated zone survive. Ah, but I don't intend to become your subordinate." Euphemia shook her head while a smile flashed on her face. "Lelouch do you really think I'd shoot you if you disobeyed my orders?" Lelouch took a step to the side, and chuckled. "No, you're mistaken. No one can ignore an order from me. I could say 'shoot me' or 'relieve Suzaku from duty' it's the same no matter what order." Euphemia shook her head in disbelief while Feite's eyes narrowed at Lelouch. "You're always telling jokes…" Lelouch moved a strand of hair out from his eyes and laughed. "It's the truth…For example if I say 'Kill the Japanese' it doesn't matter that you think."

Feite's eyes widen while she felt a pain echo in the back of her mind. Euphemia let out a pained yell while she held her head and stumbled backwards. "Lelouch what have you done you idiot!" Lelouch stared in shock while Feite rushed over to Euphemia and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Euphie fight it! You can beat it so please ignore the order!" Euphemia shook her head while tears started to fall from her eyes. "I don't want to kill them…" Feite stared deeply into Euphemia's eyes but her voice was dulled up inside of her head. Euphemia was losing to Lelouch's Geass, and quickly the passionate Euphemia vanished in an instant.

Lelouch's hand moved over his left eye which was a blood red with his Geass stuck in a permanent state. 'It can't be…I've become like Mao. I can't turn off my Geass…' He quickly ran over and stared Euphemia in the eyes. "Euphie forget what I…" Euphemia jerked forward pushed Feite backwards into Lelouch making the needle gun fall on the floor. She grabbed the weapon, and without listening to both Feite and Lelouch rushed out of the doorway. "Euphie!" Feite's eyes trembled while she got up first and gave chase. 'Lelouch, you had to joke around…'

Euphemia ran out from the G1 and towards the central podium where all the Japanese that had gathered turned over. "Excuse me to all those that call themselves Japanese! Can you all die?"

The crowd quickly started up into uproar while Lelouch and Feite run out of the G1 to notice Suzaku, and the guards all unconscious.

Euphemia panned through the crowd with a chaotic tone in her voice. "I would hope you'd all commit suicide, but that is impossible right? So then can all soldiers please annihilate them?" Lelouch replaced the mask on his face, and charged over at her. "Euphie!" The guards quickly stop Lelouch while Feite rushed from behind him. "Get out of my way!" Feite rushed by the side with her fist plunging into a guard on her way to Euphemia. "Euphemia stop this now!" A guard turned away from Zero and grabbed his pole-arm weapon. Feite's eyes widen while time seemed to stop as the needle gun fired its first projectile. The crowd quickly turned over as one man in the front row fell out of his seat with a wound in his chest.

"Euphie stop this now!" Dalton rushed over while throwing his arm out. "Turn off the microphone! Cut the transmission! Princess please…" Euphemia turned around with a scowl in her eyes. "I'm sorry, but please don't interrupt me!" Her finger tugged on the trigger while Dalton's eyes widen while he falls to the side. Feite stopped mid-run with her eyes trembling at Euphemia's actions. "Everyone can you please start killing the Japanese it's an order!"

Feite stood in place while the Knightmare frames started to unleash their bullets onto the crowd. Her heart sank deep into her stomach while the people frantically screamed for their lives to be spared. She shook her head for a moment while witnessing the brutality that she had done at Shikinejima displayed by another person.

Without wasting another minute, Feite dashed off down the podium towards the exit across the way. Lelouch turned over to her shaking from his state of shock while a trail of bullets flew behind Feite killing a few Japanese survivors who followed after her. "Feite!" His screams were muffled by the gunfire while he gave chase.

"Die you filthy Elevens!" A solider aimed his assault rifle at a group of children only to feel the pressure of a kick to his abdomen. Feite had managed to perform the attack before a single bullet was fired. The soldier hunched over dropping his weapon while Feite simply pulled the combat knife from the soldier's vest and plunged it deep into his chest. The soldier coughed out blood while his eyes stare deep into Feite's. "You're Britannian…why are you…" Feite twisted the knife while watching the solider die in her own hands. "I'm a soldier of justice that is why!"Feite turned over to the children and pointed down the hallway. "Run away!"

"Feite!" Zero ran up to Feite with the muffled sound of heavy breathing coming from underneath the helmet. "We need to get out of here…tell the others to begin their attack." Feite looked over with a pair of sorrowful eyes and shook her head. "Go on ahead Zero, you're the leader and it's my job to protect you." Feite picked up the rifle, while bullets flew by overhead. Zero looked over while Feite fired off a few rounds. "Lelouch if you die here, our revolution will end! Euphemia will kill everyone!" Zero nodded while he ran down the corridor with Feite following shortly after.

Outside the stadium venue, the Gawain was already ready to pick up Lelouch. C.C. stared down at Feite while she tossed the rifle aside and nodded at the towering Knightmare. "Lelouch, I will deal with Euphemia…please don't worry about me." Lelouch climbed up the arm of the Knightmare frame, and let out a small nod before entering. "Don't be foolish Feite…"

C.C. looked back while grinning slightly. "I can't believe you went that far." Lelouch pulled off his mask and tossed it over his shoulder. "It wasn't me…I didn't use my Geass…" The look of shock was still displayed heavily on Lelouch's face while C.C. noticed his left eye. "No, I didn't intend to use my Geass. I made the contract knowing it. I knew how dangerous this power could be. I even endangered Feite…she witnessed everything and I've placed a burden on her shoulders." C.C. looked down while Feite stood in front of the Japanese citizens. She waved her hand while they all ran from the venue. "I see…so will she really kill her?" Lelouch looked down and nodded. "Feite will follow the path that I foolishly made."

Feite stared over at the wall while she checked the bullets left in the rifle. She shook her head and placed the magazine back inside. Her eyes glared at the stadium, the shooting from inside had already stopped. The several thousand that were inside were already massacred with only a handful of those that were far from the center survived. 'To think I can stop a Knightmare Frame with only this rifle…'

The outside wall of the stadium exploded while Knightmare Frames poured out from the cloud of dust. The Sutherland poured out with Feite using an overturned car as a makeshift cover. She aimed over at the first machine while taking in a deep breath. 'If I hit the camera….I have a chance…"

Lelouch's voice broadcasted from the Gawain to the ground below, and the Black Knights waiting in ambush around the venue. "To all the members of the black knights! Euphemia has become our enemy! The Specially Administrated Zone of Japan is nothing but a despicable trap used to lure us in! The various Mobile Humanoid Combat Armored Knight Units will break into the Ceremonial Venue! We will exterminate the Britannians and rescue the Japanese! Euphemia must be found and killed!"

From the concealed areas around the venue the various teams of Knightmare frames sprouted from their cover. In front of the front were the Guren and the Voulge. Both were well ahead of the others cutting Britannian frames to pieces while rage burned heavily in the air. Haruka looked at the E-Sensor while scanning the various people around the area. "Where is Feite? She was guarding Zero last I checked." Kallen looked around while pulling the Guren's arm from a melted Sutherlands head. "I have no idea! We need to hurry up and finish this!"

The large caliber bullets rain from above while Feite drops the rifle, and runs away from the car. It exploded causing her to be thrown to the ground in violent fashion. She rolled while the Sutherland rolled up to her while firing the anti-infantry machine gun at the Japanese around it. "Ha-ha, to think a Britannian was attending this meeting. You chose the wrong place to be! Cause I have a free pass to kill everyone I see!" Feite pushed herself up to her feet while the Sutherlands arm moved forward and grabbed her off the ground. The metal arm clenched around her body pulling her into the air.

"I'm going to crush you slowly! So be prepared for pain!" The pilot let out a sinister laugh over the PA while a bullet flew from the distance slamming into the machines shoulder. The arm holding Feite fell to the ground releasing her from its deadly grip. "Like hell am I going to let you crush her!" Tamaki growled heavily while he shot out his slash harken. The wire projectile moved forward and severed the other arm off the Knightmare Frame. The pilot frantically yelled while Guren rolled up and threw its large arm forward. Kallen took a deep breath while looking out the corner of her eye at Feite in the view monitor. "I'm sorry Feite, but please be out of the range of the radiation." The radiant Surger activated while the Sutherland started to bubble from the increased heat.

Feite took refuge behind the severed arm of the Sutherland while it exploded from Kallen's brutal attack. Her eyes widen while she hunches over and vomits at her side. Her eyes were wide as the adrenaline was pumping too much for her body to handle. 'I was too close?' She took a few deep breaths and wiped her mouth. 'No, I can't give up and leave the efforts to everyone else…' Feite pushed off the arm she used for cover, and rushed towards the location where Euphemia supposedly was. She stumbled over while the Voulge came into view. The machine came to a skidding stop while its canopy hatch shot open while its knees dug into the ground below. "Feite, your machine!"

Haruka grabbed onto the edge of the open cockpit while the towering Knightmare came to a stop. She motioned over while Tamaki's machine came to a stop nearby. Feite wiped her mouth with her jacket sleeve while running over to her machine. She tugged at the side of her jacket, and discarded it to the ground below. "Thank you…"

Feite's vision was blurring while running to her Knightmare. Her foot kicked off the ground while she landed on the kneecap of the Voulge. She quickly ran up the bent limp and climbed up into the cockpit. "Tamaki, we need to get over there, and support Ogi." Tamaki let out a scowl while the cockpit of his machine opened. "We're going to switch, you're better in this than I am."

The Voulge's cockpit slowly came to life while the breastplate attached to the backseat locking Feite securely in the pilot seat. Her arms gripped the controls while glaring off into the explosions in the distance. "This is where it ends...Lelouch's plan has become the ultimate chance for Japan's freedom." The Voulge's eyes let out a bright flash while its vents discharged a massive amount of heat. The shield blade moved forward locking into place with the weapon gleaming in the sunlight. Feite pulled her hair back out of her eyes, and glared forward with a serious look in her eyes. "This is the 1st Autonomous Task Force Leader Feite Avalon, we will follow Zero's plan and hunt down all Britannian Forces in the area. Leave no-one alive. Give no quarter to any surrendering soldier."

The Voulge rushed forward with its feet digging into the ground. Its limbs moved loosely at its sides while its agility was far more than the Burai behind it. Feite's eyes moved rapidly across the screen while the laser designators inside the cockpit barely could keep track of her eye movement. She glared up at the Gawain while approaching the Gloucester at the lead of various Sutherlands.

"Kill them all, leave no Japanese standing." Euphemia's voice echoed from the lead machine while a Sutherland to her side turned over and fired its rifle. "Enemy approaching, it's the black knights!" The soldier's eyes widened while the Voulge simply leaped to the side and lunged forward. Its right arm slashed forward cutting the Sutherland in half. The blade passed through the chest of the Sutherland slicing through the console, and crushing the pilot before ripping out of the other side.

"Are you Japanese?" Euphemia turned over with a confused look while the other Sutherland aim their weapons over at the Voulge. "Princess she just killed Lieutenant Marks." Euphemia shook her head, and sighed. "He attacked without asking if the pilot was Japanese or not."

Feite growled while opening the close proximity PA speaker. "Euphemia, will you not stop your massacre?"

Euphemia's eyes widen while she lightly tapped her cheeks. "Feite? Good you can help me kill the Japanese! You could have your honor restored."

Feite slammed her hand against the side of the cockpit while shaking her head. "I will not allow you to kill another Japanese person even if I rip your cold lifeless body from that Gloucester!" The Voulge took a step forward while the squad surrounding Euphemia start to fire. Feite growled while the bullets pelted against the thick armor of the Voulge, before its particle shield activated. "Like we'd let you kill our princess you traitor!"

The Voulge took a step back while throwing its left arm out. The magnetic grappler harken flew forward and latched onto the cockpit of the first Sutherland. Feite jerked on the controls while pulling back with the Knightmare's left arm. A large amount of electricity surged along the grappler and into the enemy Sutherland. The Knightmare went limp while the Voulge pulled the machine towards it. The wire retracted into the forearm while the fingertips of the Voulge dug into the front of the cockpit ejection module. The pilot's frantic yell echoed inside of Feite's cockpit, she shook her head while holding the machine as a shield.

"Euphemia will you not stop?" Feite stared over at the Sutherland in her main camera while the bullets from his own comrades were laying the Knightmare to waste. The pilot's yells slowly came to a stop while Feite threw the Sutherland to the building in construction nearby. The Sutherland exploded while the other two continued to fire.

"No, Feite I will kill all the Japanese even if you won't help me!" Euphemia looked over down the range at a small child crying beside its dead mother. She let out a small laugh while aiming down at the child. "Even if it's a child, you're still Japanese…" The Gloucester raised its arm while the Voulge charged forward. Feite pulled out the monomolecular cutter and threw it at the second to last Sutherland. The knife dug into the armor killing both the pilot and piercing the energy filler in a single attack. The shield blade moved forward while cutting the Gloucester's forearm in half. The limb shattered against the blade with the rifle equipped arm falling to the ground. The Gloucester took a step back while its arm sparked.

"I told you, I won't let you kill another." The shield blade moved forward and slashed downward through the Gloucester's shoulder. Feite jerked on the controls while sparks flew from the entire Gloucester. The weapon quickly cleaved across the chest of the Knightmare while its upper torso fell to the ground, while its legs still stood stationary.

"Feite, stop it! I will deal with Euphemia!" Lelouch's voice filled Feite's cockpit, but she simply shook her head while the Voulge's cockpit shot open. The Gawain hovered above while Lelouch spotted Feite leaving the cockpit. "What are you doing stop! I Zero order you to leave Euphemia to me!" C.C. shook her head while firing at the last Sutherland down range. "Feite has made her choice…."

Feite leaped out of the cockpit landing feet first on the cracked pavement. Her dress shoes let out a dull tap while she lands in a crouched position. She took a step forward with the embers from the Knightmare's she destroyed brushing against her. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of sorrow and hatred. 'Lelouch I am sorry, but I will kill Euphemia in front of everyone. Not in the anonymous view of my nightmare, but with my own two hands.'

Euphemia climbed out the cockpit while looking around nearby. "Oh, what to do my Knightmare is destroyed! Ah!" She stared over at the nearby rifle that had been discarded by one of her soldiers who lie crushed by the debris of one of the nearby Sutherland. She turned around and aimed the rifle at Feite who appeared through the smoke. "Feite? Did you reconsider my offer? That is most gracious of you sister! With you helping me we can kill all the Japanese quickly! Here take this pistol…"

Feite shook her head while the wind started to pick up loosening the ribbon that held her hair back. Her blonde locks tussled in the wind while she walked over to Euphemia. "I'm sorry...the specially administered zone of Japan was a failure. I failed in keeping Lelouch from using his Geass on you." Euphemia raised an eyebrow while in the sky the Gawain lowered to the ground. "Lelouch? Geass? You are speaking nonsense Feite, I must hurry and kill the Japanese to please be kind enough to leave me be if you will not help me."

Suzaku flew forward through the battlefield with his eyes wide. "Where are you Euphemia?" He looked around only to spot the Gawain below. "There she is…" He zoomed in catching a glimpse of Euphemia walking away from Feite. "I'm glad that you're safe…." He let out a sigh while turning his head over at the Guren while it fired up at him. "Damn pests…." His face scowled over at the approaching Kallen while he moved quickly to the opposite side of the field.

Lelouch looked over at the Lancelot, and threw his arm out. "C.C. use the Hadron cannon!" C.C. let out a smile and aimed the cannon over at the Lancelot. The shoulder mounted weapons let out a red flashed while the cannon blazed through the sky towards the Lancelot. The beam clashed against the Lancelot's particle shield, but quickly the energy based shield shattered. The heat from the blast caused the Lancelot to blister as it moved out of the beams path. "I can't block the attack…I need to get Euphemia out of…" His eye moved over to the ground where Euphemia walked.

"Euphemia, I wouldn't have minded becoming your sister." Feite let out a faint smile while shaking her head. "Our children would have played so well together Lelouch and I…and you with Suzaku…" Euphemia paused while looking over her shoulder, "Me and Suzaku? But he is Japanese, why would I choose him to become my husband?" Feite closed her eyes and shook her head. She reached behind her back and pulled out a pistol. "Allow me to release the sadness that your soul feels now Euphemia. Your eyes may not shed a tear now, but your soul is crying out…" Euphemia's eyes widened while Feite pulled the trigger. The gun fell out of her hands while all strength left her body. A wound started to bleed out from her abdomen while Feite lowered her shooting arm. Her eyes started to water while tears started to fall from them.

Suzaku's eyes trembled while he let out a chaotic yell. The Lancelot charged forward once again with the Hadron cannon missing the agile machine. His hand pulled the trigger while bullets flew into the ground where Feite stood. Feite threw her arm up, but it was too late as one of the bullets fractured against the remains of a Knightmare as her side kicking up shrapnel into her face. The Lancelot brushed by grabbing Euphemia before blasting off towards the Avalon hovering in the sky above.

Feite's hand moved to the right side of her face while blood soaked the entire right side of her face. Lelouch's eyes widen while he turned over at the fleeing Suzaku. "Feite!" The cockpit of the Gawain opened up while Lelouch with his helmet on rushed over to the wounded Feite. Kallen's eyes widen while she zoomed in on Feite. Her hand shook while it moved over her mouth. "No….Feite…her…"

Lelouch rushed over to Feite, and grabbed her by the shoulders. His eyes widen at the damage concealed underneath her right eye. "Feite, are you alright?" Feite whimpered while the pain surged through her body. Her left eye glared weakly at Zero. "My eyes…Lelouch…I can't feel...or see anything…." Lelouch rubbed his hands alongside Feite's shoulders while embracing her. "Feite…you lost your eye because of my Geass…." Feite's hand moved up to the side of the helmet, and she shook her head. "The mistake is mine Lelouch….I can't believe this…"

Kallen leaped out of the Guren and rushed over with a medical kit in her hand. "Hang in there Feite; I radioed Tamaki to bring the doctor here." She kneeled down and placed the medical kit to the side. Zero looked over at Kallen and quickly grabbed a compress. "We need to stop the bleeding, Feite hold this to your eye." Feite moved her hand away from her eye showing the cut that started from the center of her forehead to the side of her cheek. "I already know Zero, so don't tell me how it's not that bad."

Onboard the Avalon, Suzaku stood in the elevator holding Euphemia is his arms. The gunshot wound from Feite was fatal while her blood had stained his own attire. The doctors look over at him in shock while they quickly take her on the nearby gurney. "There is no time, we need to hurry and get her to the medical bay. Lord Kururugi, please hold this and follow us." Suzaku held a small bag while the doctors started to run down the hallway. He paused a moment, and rushed after them.

Moments later, inside the command center Diethard smiled at the image of Feite shooting Euphemia looping on a nearby monitor. "So, you were recording a lot of information. Are you sure that Zero will approve of this? Feite after-all will become a hunted woman now." Diethard looked over and nodded. "Yes, but Zero's plan was ultimately successful, and with this everyone will rally under our flag." Rakshata placed the pipe in between her lips, and sighed. "Didn't Feite get injured by the Lancelot as it flew past her?" Diethard ran his hand through the stubble that had grown on his chin. "Yes, she's being treated by the doctor."

On the medical bed, Feite laid while the Japanese doctor removed the shrapnel from her right side. The sound of the metal clicking against the edge of the plate filled the small medical room while Feite's bloody right eye stared up at the doctor. "Is my eye useless?" The doctor shook his head while starting to perform the stitching. "You were lucky…the shrapnel stopped short of your eyeball, and the optic nerve. Sadly, you won't have the use of your eye for a month..." Feite closed her left eye and sighed deeply. "I guess that is good news, where is Zero and the others?" The doctor looked over at the television nearby. "He's making an announcement."

The door leading into the medical room opens while the doctor and nurse walk out. "About Cornelia…" The soldier let out a small nod while turning towards the medical room, and Suzaku who sat silently beside the medical capsule. "We'll contact her…will lady Euphemia survive the trip back to the government office?" The doctor shook his head, and turned down the hallway. "I'm afraid not, the shooter knew where to deal a mortal blow. I'll contact Lord Schneizel about the matter…"

Suzaku stared down at Euphemia's sigil in his hands while barely holding himself from crying. "Suzaku…" Euphemia's muffled voice echoed from inside the capsule. Her weak eyes stared over at him while Cecile opened the capsule, and lead Lloyd out of the room. Suzaku looked down at his princess with gloom growing in his brow. "Euphemia, I hope that you'd tell me…why did you issue that order?"Euphemia weakly replied while her body lay stationary in the bed. "Order? What are you talking about…? More importantly, Suzaku you're Japanese…right?" The red ring formed around Euphemia's eyes while she looked up at him. He let out a small nod while Euphemia started to shake her head. "No… I can't...No I can't think of that…can't..." She closed her eyes while slowly the effect of the Geass faded. "Suzaku…can I ask you something? The ceremony…" Euphemia opened her eyes while smiling at Suzaku. "How is Japan doing?" Suzaku let out a gasp while looking up at her with a shocked look. "Euphie...you don't remember?"

Meanwhile at the venue, Feite walked out of back of a truck with a bandage wrapped over the right side of her face. Her hair was stained a slight bit of crimson while crossing over to Zero, and the cheering crowd. Zero flicked his cape, and held both his arms out. "Japanese people, to all the people who were oppressed by Britannia! I have always been waiting. Constantly correcting the mistakes of Britannia from the shadows. Hoping that someday they would change themselves. However our hopes were betrayed! By this act of Brutality called a 'massacre'"

Euphemia coughed while looking up at Suzaku. "Are all the Japanese thankful?"

The crowd cheers for Zero's speech while denouncing Euphemia's actions during the ceremony.

"We can't forgive Euphemia!"

"Despicable Bitch!"

"Witch"

"Liar"

The crowds' discontent and support for Zero grew while Feite walked up behind Zero, and stopped by Kaguya. "You are the one that shot Euphemia are you not?" Feite looked down at the small Japanese girl, and let out a small not. "Yes, that would be me Kaguya Sumeragi." Kaguya's eyes widen while she covered her mouth. "You know who I am?" Feite moved her hand over the bandaged portion of her face. "You are related to Suzaku, I remember you from back then." Kaguya looked down while shaking her head. "I don't remember that, but I was shocked that you were the one that pulled the trigger…." Feite shook her head while staring at the cheering crowd. "Euphemia was going to wipe out everyone, attacking unarmed people is a crime despite what Britannia believes."

"That's right!" Zero's speech continued despite Kaguya and Feite having a conversation of their own. "Euphemia truly is the representation of the kindness of Britannia! She is just a murderer operating behind the façade of building a country! I shall announce here and now on, we will regain our independence from Britannia! However that doesn't mean the revival of the previous Japan. I won't make the foolish mistake of repeating history. What we are going to create is a brand new Japan. She must have a wide embrace, ready to accept anyone regardless of race, past, and ideals. A place where the strong won't oppress the weak. A country with dignity, her name is…" Zero held both arms to the sky and threw them outward. "The United States of Japan."