Chapter 16: Countdown

"The Babel Tower, as well as the Shinjuku and Saitama Ghetto's have now fallen prey to Infinite and the Reverse Rebellion's forces." Milly Ashford reported on the news watched by Infinite along with C.C., Jeremiah, and Bai. "Zero, along with the combined cooperation of the Britannian Empire and Chinese Federation, are doing their best to come up with a solution to take them down and finish this war before the peace that was obtained through much trial won't be disturbed. But as Infinite's troops grow in numbers and strength as the war rages on, things are looking grim for the fate of Japan." At this point Infinite turned the T.V. off and turned to his allies.

Jeremiah spoke first. "So, Lord Infinite, are we heading for Ashford Academy next?" He asked.

"No, we will be heading for the Government building at last." Infinite replied.

Bai was confused. "But Infinite, I thought you wanted to take control of all the places that were once held by Lelouch during his reign as Zero. Finishing the takeover of Japan without doing that first would defeat the purpose wouldn't it?

"No, that is wrong Bai, the true purpose for not taking over Japan from the beginning was for 3 reasons. The first was to gain a base of operations to start up the war from incase there was a need to retreat. The second was to be able to bid more time until I could get a more decent number of KnightCrawler pilots to increase our chances of victory even further. And the third reason was to be able to test the enemies strength itself, to see and show the true difference between my power and Zero's. It is just as I first told Zero when I introduced myself; 'If Zero is nothing, then I am everything!'" Infinite replied.

"I see, and you believe that enough time has past to take this war into it's final stage." Bai gathered.

"Yes, and along with that reason, attacking the Ashford Academy would be exactly what Zero expects me to do. If I attack the Academy, it would put him in a more favorable defensive position, but attacking the Government building ahead of schedule would surprise our foes, thus sending them into a state of panic, if only for a moment, putting us at a greater offensive position." Infinite explained.

"And with that, the downfall of Japan will be complete, and we will be free to move on to the Chinese Federation, and then finally the Britannian Empire." C.C. finished.

"So when shall we make the final attack on the government building?" Jeremiah ask.

"In one weeks time, that shall be a good amount of time. It will also give Bai some time to improve on our KnightCrawlers a little more for safety." Infinite said.

"Right, I'll go get to work on them." Bai said leaving the room.

Once Bai was gone, Lelouch took off his helmet and continued to speak with Jeremiah and C.C. "So, what do you think Bai has in store?" Lelouch asked.

"Hard to say at this point. To be honest he might not actually be up to anything, perhaps we're just getting paranoid." C.C. replied.

"True, but I still say its too early to rule out the possibility he does have an evil intention in not telling us the truth of his Geass's power." Lelouch said.

"I still think we are overcompensating this. He might just be keeping it secret for safety."

"How I can't argue it is a possibility, it is still highly unlikely." Lelouch replied. "And either way, not knowing the true extent of his Geass is dangerous since he was brought into our Reverse Rebellion on the assumption our intent was to take over the world." At this Jeremiah stayed silent.

"We should keep him under careful watch from here on, If he does anything that has potential to be dangerous, we intercept him." C.C. said.

"But we must make it look as casual as possible, we still need him working for us until the war is over, and hopefully he won't ever find out my identity. If everything goes well, the members of the Reverse Rebellion will go frantic at the loss of their leader and fall easily to Zero's growing forces." Lelouch said.

"It won't be long now until the end of the war." C.C. stated.

"And soon following, the end of Geass." Lelouch said.

(7 days left) In preparation for the battle that would take control of Japan. Infinite, Jeremiah, C.C. and Bai were all continually coming up with ideas to improve the KnightCrawlers fighting capabilities. And then as discussed, Jeremiah and C.C. were keeping an eye on Bai while making it seem nothing was wrong under the suspicion he could end up a traitor.

(6 days left) Infinite and C.C. give Bai a new project to work on. A new weapon for their KnightCrawlers they called 'Hydron Slash' that will be exclusive for the Utsuri's and the Gawain. As the name implies, it is a form of the M.V.S. that charges a Hydron cannon in the form of a blade, giving it more destructive power and is capable of destroying a Knightmare with a single cut. This was in effort to keep Bai busy in case he truely planned to betray them.

(5 days left) Bai finished making the necessary Hydron Slash's and to continue keeping him busy, C.C. gave him a new project to increase defensive capabilities. She wanted him to make a device that would automatically coat the KnightCrawlers in the perfected barrier to they didn't have to sacrifice offense during the time they defended, and was to be put on as many KnightCrawlers as possible.

(4 days left) Lelouch met with C.C. and Jeremiah for a strategy meeting to help ensure they won the upcoming battle. With Bai still occupied making C.C.'s defense mechanism, they didn't need to worry about following him for the moment.

(3 days left) Bai was still fully occupied making C.C.'s new device for more KnightCrawlers and Infinite prepped everyone on the upcoming battle. (2 days left) Lelouch, C.C., and Jeremiah made final preparations for the battle and made plans on what to do afterward.

(1 day left) Before everyone of the Reverse Rebellion turned in for the night, Lelouch made an announcement to them all as Infinite. "My brave warriors," He began. "Tomorrow is the day we remake history." He heard cheers from everyone. "With the fall of Japan, or as it should be called, Area 11, we will take our first true step at achieving our goal. We will mark our first accomplishment of returning the world under Emperor Lelouch's reign." More cheers erupted from the fighters. "Let us make sure we set the example for any who would appose us this time, so that they will truely come to fear the name, 'Infinite'! Let them know that there is no escape from our wrath. Let them know that they will be destroyed by us, and that this world is not, nor has it ever been theirs; but ours!" He shouted to them all.

Amongst the great cheers of victory before the battle had even began, many had begun chanted. "In-fin-ite! In-fin-ite! In-fin-ite! In-fin-ite!" And with that, Infinite walked back into his quarters.

C.C. was leaning on a wall just outside the room. "That was quite a speech."

"It has been a week, so Suzaku must also have prepare his troops for battle at anytime. Doing this gives them confidence, and confidence will help them to win the next battle. I need the next battle, otherwise my plan will fall apart." Lelouch replied.

"I know Lelouch, I understand completely." C.C. said, and Lelouch entered his room for a good nights rest before the battle."

"Today is the day." Infinite told his many knights as everyone entered their KnightCrawlers, ready to depart for the Government Capital Building. "Now, let Zero feel our strength!" He said, and then lead the charge for the final assault that would completely end Japan.