Chapter 2 is now up. Nothing really new to say now, sorry... xp Anyway, enjoy.
Two weeks later…
Suzaku stood alone at a makeshift firing range, squinting forward at the different debris scattered around the destroyed fields. Cans riddled with bullets and papers shredded by the wind littered fifty feet before him, but no one did anything to remove any of the garbage. There was a brief pause between each shot, as he adjusted his shooting stance. His hand shook slightly, the steel grip uncomfortable for him. Behind him, Tohdoh watched him, mentally critiquing his abilities. Three aluminum cans stood, and yet none of them were knocked over, the shots streaking by them by feet. Suzaku ejected the empty magazine, picking up another one from the small table before him.
"You need to work on your shot, Suzaku." Although a large rifle was strung over his shoulder, he took the small gun from the boy and looked down the sight, shooting all three targets within seconds. He looked over, unpleased, and set the gun back down, returning to his post. "I can help, if you'd like."
"I'm fine. Besides, I'm done for the rest of the day."
"You should probably get more practice in. We're only days away from the operation and we need every man we can get, even if they are the coddled son of the late Prime Minister." They had officially heard of his death only a week ago, the news calling him a rebel instigator to the entire situation, effectively planting the scapegoat title upon his wide berth. As well, it tarnished Suzaku's family name, although he was one of the last, his relatives slowly waning as the days kept creeping by. "Here, just watch how I do it." He started back towards him, but the teenager pushed away, heading towards the small camp that stood on the outskirts of Mount Hotaka. It shrouded them in the forest surrounding the area, hiding them amongst the intricate webbing of paths and trails that spread out before the hills that led up all sides of the surrounding ranges and peaks. Today, clouds lazed above them, threatening to pour a small drizzle down upon the entire region. Wind blew around them, but the forest was a barrier keeping only allowing a few cross breezes in.
"No. I don't want to train any longer. I could care less about how well versed I am with a gun."
"You would wield a sword, but not a gun? And what would that sword do against those with the gun that you denied?"
"A sword is an honorable weapon, a tool even. This… pistol is not."
"Are you afraid of it?"
"What do you mean?" He clenched a fist, his anger slowly boiling. Both were incredibly fast friends, but Suzaku had changed, his personality slowly slipping away.
"Do you fear what you could do with a gun? Or, do you-"
"No, I do not!" He left he conversation at that, storming off to the small tent he was designated. Rain started to sprinkle down on them, leaving the military man out in the cold, his head still held high. Picking up the gun, he looked at it, wiping off the small drops of condensation that started pooling on the dark steel. It was a handgun that once belonged to Genbu Kururugi, one of the only things of his father that made it out of the city. Even his home had been destroyed, furthering him away from everything else. Almost, it was as if his life was slowly being erased from existence.
"Just what are you going through?" Pocking the gun, Tohdoh turned in the other direction, heading towards the large tent reserved for senior officers. Although somewhat young, he was a masterful strategist among his peers, earning him many titles. And, he was one of the leading forces behind the attack that was slowly building up, spearheading the group with an incredible steel mentality. Water dripped off the edges of the cloth tent, creating a mystic portal. Once he passed it, he took off the wet jacket, draping it across his chair. Cigarettes lined his bottom pockets, his hand picking one up and putting it in his mouth without lighting it. It was something that calmed him down, rather than a strong addiction.
"Tohdoh, Ohgi would like to talk to you. He says his group is having difficulty reaching a consensus about the day of the operation." Many others from the Japanese Military were in the same faction as himself, one of many different ones interspersed throughout the nation. They were a cell from the Japan Liberation Front, the biggest rebel organization in the area.
"Where is he?"
"They are all still up near Tokyo, hiding around Fuji. We have a comm link set up with him, but we don't know how long it's going to last."
"All right. We're probably going to have to speed up everything. Get the camp ready to start moving equipment and packing away everything. Don't leave a thing behind, okay?"
"Yes sir." He nodded him away, walking towards the different computer monitors that stood in a small room by themselves, all being watching by a few different men who were constantly working with something. Near the end was a set of headphones lying on a small table, an image of Kaname Ohgi plastered on the oldest monitor in the room. He smiled, but it was a weary look, large black rims around each eye. Both knew each other, but they were never very close, only casual acquaintances. Their conversation didn't last very long, and the base had disappeared by the next day, the many footprints in the dirt gone with them. Quickly and efficiently, they moved towards the large city, only to start the rebellion.
"Lelouch, interesting that I find you here today," said Schneizel who walked in to the large viewing gallery that watched the dark skies over the foreign town. The dark-haired boy didn't look back his brother, only keeping the company of his sister who turned around, smiling at the figure. "Just watching over the fruits of your labors?"
"I would rather not call them my own labors. It was your… persuasion that led to this disaster."
"Disaster? I don't believe you understand. We achieved major control over the entire area with minimal causalities and little dissent. That is something few could achieve with ease."
"Why do you pride yourself in such things? Are you trying to follow the example set by our illustrious father? Perhaps you find yourself in the wrong line of work."
"I will agree that our father is a fool, but that is hardly important at all." Nunnally just watched both, walking back and forth slowly.
"Nunnally, you may leave if you would like to," Lelouch said, smiling warmly at her. She nodded, walking out of the room, leaving them. "I doubt that what we both find important are the same."
"Why must fight everything I do? I'm only trying to help you, to fulfill the role that you were given."
"And why was I?" He stood out of the large couch, moving to the chess board that also adorned the room. The black and white pieces were scattered around many of the different tiles. Both hadn't finished their last game, pausing it as they had pressing business to attend to. "You were the obvious choice for the job." He picked up the black knight and moved it forward, taking one of the white pawns out before him.
"Father would rather see the hidden potential locked in you. It may not seem entirely accurate, but he believes you are the most similar to himself among all his children. You have the ambition, yet if your naivety can be sculpted…"
"I had forgotten that you are well versed in the world."
"These are not my words, but his own. Take no offense."
"Is this a path I would even care to travel down?"
"You would place such a decision on my opinion? No, even if I did give an answer, it would fall on deaf ears. But, you must start listening to me, or rather lead by my example."
"And if I don't care to travel down this path?"
"Sadly, Brother, you only have the appearance of choice. There is little else you can do now. That is the complete reason behind my being here." A lime-haired girl stopped outside the room, pressing herself up against the wall to listen in on them. She smiled, watching down the hall as a maid scurried back and forth through the different bedrooms.
"What matter of contorting another will you be teaching today?"
"Ah, none of my usual tricks. Follow me, for we don't have time to waste insulting each other." Picking up the white king, he slipped the piece in his pocket and turned around, leading away. Lelouch picked up his own black king, following suit. In the hallway outside the viewing gallery, he heard a noise, prompting him to turn around. Before flying out of sight, the green-haired girl went down another corridor, looking back and smiling. His mother was in another building in the small area. "Brother, would you care to see your dear sister away before she must attend school? It will be her first day, after all."
"Yes, that is probably I good idea. I'd rather spend time in her company."
"And there you are insulting me again; however, it matters not. I doubt you'll be singing that song for long." They both headed for the front of the large manor, a small car waiting for the young lady. She was wearing a traditional uniform, stand around, waiting for her brother to see her off.
"Nunnally, I am almost jealous you get to leave this prison," Lelouch said, smiling. "But, I would rather it be you than myself."
"And I would like for you to accompany me."
"I only wish I could, but the position of Viceroy is an unfaltering one. I doubt that Father would see any positives in me attending school during my employ here, too."
"…I see. Please, then, be careful, Brother. We are in a foreign land; don't try anything too hasty." They came close to each other, embracing slowly. "Do not follow Brother Schneizel, Lulu. He is a different person than most, almost… inhuman," she whispered into his ear, as the man behind them smiled at her. "Don't lose yourself, please, for me." He nodded, both pushing away.
"I will see you later this evening."
"That sounds lovely. I will tell you about the school, too." He nodded, closing both eyes as he looked at her. Outside, the driver honked the horn, causing the girl to jump. She apologized to both brothers and left, running out into the dark skies. The car drove her away, leading her down to the large school that waited for them. Looking out the window, Nunnally watched as the Ashford Academy came up upon her, the large complex almost a sterling white. A few different students marched around the grounds, some in a hurry as others took their time, talking with many along the way. All were Britannians, their impressive status giving them all inflated egos. The car stopped along the front of the school, the driver turning around to face her.
"Ms. Nunnally, this will also be your new quarters from now on. Your father, as well as your mother, both wish for you to be as little involved in your brother's activities here in this country as possible."
"And why is that?" Her tone was of complete surprise, slight irritation hinging on the edges.
"I haven't the liberty to say, at least not now. Please, Ms. Nunnally, don't get mad at me, though. I am under strict orders."
"No, I am not mad at you. I understand. Thank you for the ride, Kanon."
"Not at all, Ms. It is my duty." She stepped out, wondering about her luggage. However, that thought slowly faded away as she furthered out onto the large campus, the awe of the area taking her in completely. The dormitories would be her first stop, where she hoped a phone would be waiting for her.
"Look at them all," said a young Japanese man, him occupied by a small pair of binoculars pressed to his forehead. A few others surrounding him, all watching at the school before them as the clouds slowly filtered out, leaving the clear sky and the setting sun. Scanning the zone, they all started reporting back to their superiors, all who held a meeting hidden away in a run down building. The entire complex was filled with different Japanese people, all scurrying about, each one carrying an old weapon. "How can they just go about so normally when people are dying around them, even their friends and soldiers fighting for them?"
"They are all selfish bastards. I doubt they would care if their mother had to sacrifice herself for them, as long as it would save them in the long run."
"God, what a bunch of pigs. I hate every single one of them." They were all young teenagers, barely older than 17 years. None of them had any experience, only the nationalism and fervor that led them along for their country. Each would easily give their lives for the cause, of which their superiors were none too happy to hear. Suzaku stood against a wall, holding a large rifle. He didn't know how to properly wield it, yet he held it with gusto, waiting for the order to attack. Below him, Tohdoh and Kaname both were speaking, setting up the complete plan. And, from looking around, he could see all of the new recruits they were gaining, their force slowly growing into the thousands.
"The Ashford grounds will be empty a little bit after noon," said Kaname, pointing to a few different areas on a small map that was inflated on a large screen. "These three zones," circling small entrances, "are the best places to send a few small squads in. While they are moving in, we'll have a small company place themselves on the roof. On our signal, they will breach the complex through the classroom windows. In the chaos, a ground team will directly move onto the grounds."
"What about the Britannian forces stationed around the area. A signal is bound to get out, or at least they will take notice. We don't have the equipment for a full stealth operation. Gunfire isn't exactly quiet." Tamaki sat at the end of the table, his hot-head flaring up as usual.
"No, but that's not too important. If we can capture the classrooms before anything big happens, we'll have some bartering chips."
"For what? There is nothing they can offer us, even less that they will consider."
"No, but we have other people getting ready. The Babel Tower has people in it, ready to move on our command. Urabe is a competent commander; he'll have something else planned, and if worst comes to worst, we have a small demo group at a hotel outside the area, ready to sink it."
"So, all our bases are covered?"
"Unless they know of our plans, but we haven't received anything from our other teams. We'll be able to tell if something happens."
"Kyoshiro, are you completely with this? Shouldn't we re-think this plan, maybe do a little more reconnaissance and look at all our options?"
"We don't have many options," he answered, looking out at the school. "As we are, they are close to discovering us as it is. Out of Tokyo, we have nothing. It has to be here and it has to be now."
"What we need is a miracle." Many of the other members were now starting to spilt themselves amongst the group decision. Some were skeptic, while others shared the opinions of their leaders.
"…" Fewer people had anything to add to the decision.
"We should not place that much faith in the unseen and un controllable. This is our destiny and our battle, not the gods."
"Well said, Tohdoh," finished Ohgi. Small tea saucers were standing before the group, everyone picking them up unanimously. At once, they all dropped them, watching them shatter on the floor. "Long live Japan!" It was the voice of thousands, all ready for the start of a rebellion.
The garden lying out before the front gates of the school sat basking in the sun, the many different flowers watching as the grounds slowly started to clear out. The few rays that perforated through the clouds above shone through the large windows, the professors inside closing the blinds to block out anything outside. Suzaku watched out at the blooming plants, watching with a lackadaisical face. If anything, they brought back the memories that seemed to float around him clearly, although now they were years past, all disappearing as the Japan he once knew floated away from his grasp. "Would I even get to look down upon my home as I once did," he asked himself, drifting lazily away. Then, color started to drain away, leaving him in a past image as a young boy waltzed through a small garden, his brown hair covering both eyes as he tripped about. A few others were there as well, laughing and pushing each other over in the roaming fields. It stood on a large hill, the city behind them, giving way to nature hidden away in the small outcroppings of green spread through the rampant forests. A young girl, her colored hair shrouded by the bland, colorless surrounding said something to him, the words slurring around his head. The younger doppelganger said something in return, the high pitched voice making him smile. Still, the world started to take another form, as the children vanished, leaving the garden as it started to wither away; footprints now tracked themselves through the flowerbeds, small vehicle tracks roving through the other areas. Again, he stood, watching out as the forest caught a small fire, the dark crimson the only color allowed in the dark world, the color of blood staining the white grass laid out before him. Birds flew up through the smoke, their white bodies being directly enveloped by the hazy smoke, the sunset shrouded in darkness. He wanted to reach out, to turn the boy around and have him run home, to leave the desolation behind, and never look back. But, still he watched forward, still he wished to march down and meet whatever was happening. That was the beginning of a side he wished to hide, the end of his youth and childish innocence. Everything seemed to be viewed differently after that small scene, in a critical, pessimistic light. His friends started to drift away, his only company that small flickering light that eventually died out.
Metal shards, each warm, sat below the grounds, all spent cartridges from the large rifles that combed the lands along with the soldiers carrying them. Bent and destroyed weapons, all of them splattered with the blood of countrymen, watched as time slowly decayed them further. Suzaku stepped out with the other men around him, each treating the situation in their own personal way. It was his first true glance on the major conflict, his first window into what he had signed up for. Everything was silent, as his dreams often found themselves. Each scene played back, and back. Vehicles pulled up behind, a small collection of different explosions meeting them. Inside, many different things happened; the students didn't panic, but rather left their rooms to check what was happening. Many different pairs of eyes fell upon those marching up, but the men all ignored their languid, carefree gazes. A few pulled out their cell phones, only to find that all of the service in the area was dead, the explosions having destroyed all major communication outlets. It was then that panic slowly started to set in, first with the younger classes and then with the adults who realized that each entrance was sealed.
"What is going on," started one girl, her keen eye raised. She stood in the student council room, watching from the large windows that greeted every area of the building. Flipping back her blond hair, she turned to the few other students behind. "Rivalz, do you know what's happening?"
"No, Prez." He flipped on the large television in the room, the news channel displaying nothing of note. "No one does." His cell phone started to vibrate, shaking directly on top of the table. Noisily, it fell of onto the carpet, still shaking back and forth. Rushing over, he picked it up and flipped it open, but there was nothing new.
"What's up?"
"I don't know. It just started to freak out; and, I can't get any reception, too."
"Rivalz, where is you motorcycle parked?" She said this as she watched the troops slowly move towards the building they were all in.
"Oh, Prez, no, no, no. We can't get out of here! Do you want to get shot? What would I do, then, huh?" He turned around, looking for support amongst the others in the area. Two other girls were with them. "Nina, say something to her. You too, Shirley. Talk her out this."
"Rivalz, you seem a little more concerned than usual," said Shirley, her un-amused face staring him down. "If you care so much, why don't you get your motorcycle and do it instead?"
"Yeah, that would be wonderful," said Milly, her face lighting up. "Go ahead, Rivalz. Get going." She started pushing the young blue-haired man towards the back exit, his panic stricken face struggling to find the words. His heels dug in, slowing the girl pushing him. But, eventually, it was to no avail; neither were his shouts of concern. She pushed him out into the open, quickly locking the door behind him. "Now, get you bike and go alert the authorities, Rivalz. Be quick about it, too."
"But, Prez…"
"No buts. Get going, or else they'll find you. Who knows what they'll do if they realize what you're trying to do?" Closing one eye, she angrily looked over him. He looked at the ground, clenching a fist.
"Okay, but you owe me," he said, turning and running to cover, if only to try and find his way towards the small garage where the students could park their vehicles. It was on the opposite end of the campus, and yet he had few other options. Milly waved at him, returning back to the student council room. Shirley stood next to Nina, the young girl slowly starting to panic. Every now and then, a few bullets were shot into the air, the girl nearly jumping out of her seat. Screams were heard throughout the area, a few different people reacting to what was happening.
"He's trying to alert that authorities," said the blonde as she sat down on the couch before the television, just waiting to see if anything would happen. Still, the local media was completely oblivious. "I just hope that he doesn't get himself killed."
"Don't worry about him, President. He could slink out of anything if he really wanted to, you know. Besides, it's a little late to have second thoughts about sending him out."
"Yeah, that is true." Rivalz, outside, looking up on the second floor window, sneezed, and started moving for the small trees surrounding the parameter of the school, out of the area the rebel forces were patrolling. He watched three soldiers moved through a small gap separating a few of the buildings, hiding low to the ground. Once they passed, the boy rushed ahead, running past them, not caring if they noticed or heard him. His steps clicked loudly over the concrete sidewalks, him hugging on to a wall as he tried to peer around a corner to see what was ahead. He could make out the distinct shapes of a few other people, yet they were not close enough to be able to stop him. Thanking his luck, Rivalz ran towards the mostly empty garage, him barely expecting to face any resistance in the area.
"Ms. Stadtfeld, please stay away from the windows," said a teacher to the girl. She took a few steps back, biting her lower lip. Outside, she watched as her friends surrounded the building, waiting outside all of the doors. "Class! Settle down. Help is on the way." All of the attempts to quell the outcries were in vain, the students still pacing nervously around the area. Kallen had a small handgun waiting in her locker near the entrance of her school, a few other things waiting as well. The marching of organized footsteps could be heard outside the room, a few stopping shortly before the door. Everyone inside held their breath, waiting for them to pass by. However, a shadow slipped underneath the door and it slid open, a tall figure standing out before them.
"C'mon, let's go," he said, holding a large rifle out towards the teacher. Frozen in place, she watched as all the kids started filing out of the room, each one more apprehensive than the last. Kallen was the last in the room, watching as they grabbed the teacher and led her away, screaming. She cursed the Japanese, calling out insults and trying to claw away from the men who held her. "Kallen, come on. Let's get you ready," said the man, just barely in the earshot of the hysteric woman.
"Yes, sir," she replied, her mind set on what was happening. She moved out, getting into the fatigues that waited for her in the small locker. After strapping on her small holster, she put her pistol in it, moving out into the front courtyard. In the student council room, they all watched as she moved into plain sight.
"Isn't that Kallen," said Milly, her surprise more evident than the others.
"My God, it is." By then, Rivalz had strapped on his helmet, turning on the bike. Its engine roared to life; the loud sound caused all of the soldiers around to turn their heads towards the area, a few moving in to see what was going on. However, they didn't have time to react as the vehicle floored it past the others, screeching out into the road. Lining up, the Japanese started shooting at him, the bullets crashing into the pavement around him. By then, the gunfire had alerted the local police, all of whom were involved in the Britannian Military. They surrounded the area, blocking off all exits. The Japanese had then moved into the buildings, hiding amongst the classrooms.
Shots ripped across the courtyard, the adorned walkways shattering and crumbling as tons of pressure and force slammed into them. The Britannian forces dug in outside the complex, holding their fire as they slowly tried to figure a way to move in without harming the hostages. Suzaku stood in a small, windowless room, watching over a group of hostages. They moved back and forth, but caused little trouble for him. Everyone else was either in the building, blinding shooting their old rifles out towards the crowd that gathered or moving to flank the massive group. He had seen Kallen before she moved outside, nodding at his old friend.
"Suzaku," said Kyoshiro, walking over to see him. All the other officers were scattered around the school, trying to establish some form of contact between each other. Outside, three bodies sat in pools of their own blood, indefinitely waiting for some form of aid that would never come to them. "How are all the hostages?"
"These ones are fine, but I don't know about the other groups."
"That is fine, as long as you are doing well yourself. I doubt I need to remind you to treat them humanly."
"Yes sir." Although they both hated the Britannians, they knew how to be respectful, especially to those captured in battle. Tohdoh held an old-world style of honor; Suzaku tried to follow this example.
"Are you positive that you are okay?"
"I'm fine," he said with some force, trying to avert the conversation away. "Please, sir, I don't need someone to watch over me. I shouldn't have to remind you that you have a duty as well as I do."
"Suzaku, I really worry about you."
"Please, don't. I don't need anyone's help."
"If you insist." He marched off, not bothering to turn around and see what the young boy did. Suzaku turned away from the hostages, moving to the window to check what was happening outside. Almost instantly, someone shot at him, the glass shattering into tiny shards. He fell backwards, the sharp fragments raining down on him. Looking at his hand, he watched as a few different beads of blood started running down from the palm. But, something else averted his attention.
"What the hell," he whispered. Countless bipedal tanks moved into the area, all standing tens of feet above them all. Each member continued to look on at them in awe; the swept the area, their weapons daunting to each that saw.
"Kaname," shouted Tohdoh running over to the other man. "What in the world are those… monstrosities?!"
"Knightmare Frames… Shit."
"You know of them?"
"They are Britannia's newest weapon. We have to sound a retreat. There is no possible way that we can possibly win this fight."
"You're giving up this fight that easily? If they're new weapons, doesn't that give us a better chance at exploiting their weakness?"
"I don't believe that you understand."
"I couldn't care less, either. Do what you will, but my men are still under my command and we're going to try something."
"Fool, you move towards your own death."
"We all die at sometime." He moved out, watching as his men on the ground either retreated away from the death machines or ran head first into them. Suzaku pulled himself off the ground, only to watch as the machine slaughtered each man who left the building; one of the Knightmares turned directly towards him and opened fire, catching him off guard. Not only did it rip holes into the surrounding area, but it also destroyed that portion of the building, plunging Suzaku into complete darkness. The battle only last a few more seconds, with the majority of the troops leaving.
"Kallen, come on," shouted a young man leading the main forces away from the large Knightmares. "If you linger any longer, you WILL die!" He led her along, dragging her towards the small transports they had hidden away behind the school, as the girl mindless stared back at the dead bodies of her friends. Those running through the fields were instantly fired upon, some succumbing to the gunfire, while others pressed on, stopping to catch their breath once out of range. However, it didn't last long, as the Knightmare surrounded the group, firing randomly into the forest. Two of the trucks erupted in a brilliant tangerine fireball, which shot up into the air and fell back into the forest, lighting the fragile trees aflame. Around her, the remaining grabbed whatever weapon they could and started firing back up at them, the rifles barely denting or scratching the paint on the vehicles. The ground before her exploded, sending her and her friend backwards. Dirt and small rocks rained down atop them, covering them. She blacked out, the noise of the surrounding battles fading as she lost consciousness.
One Hour Later…
"Lelouch, the commander has the official casualty listing for the attack on the school. We are pleased to say that civilian casualties were low, might we add."
"I thought I told you not to deploy the Knightmares. Had we not, there might have not been any dead at all."
"My Lord, I am sorry. I am not the one who has any say, however. If you wish to speak to the commander, though…"
"No," interrupted Schneizel. "You may leave."
"Sir," said the man, backing up as he bowed and left the room.
"Schneizel. I told them not to bring the Knightmares into the conflict. They are too dangerous to be used, and they are only in their prototype stage."
"Yes, I understand that, but what better way to test them then in a live fire test. Besides, they are a group of terrorists. We have to apply a certain level of force, or else YOU will look weak, and Father will have none of that."
"I will not look weak. Rather, I would try to appease them, not slaughter them. Are they not but humans?"
"Frankly, no. They are dirty elevens and they have little right to enforce such things."
"How can you even say that?"
"I should ask you the same, Lelouch. You are of the Britannian Royal Family, and yet you act nothing like it. I say this out of concern for your future, but you should consider evaluating what you are doing."
"What reason would you have for concerning yourself in my future? Mayhap I don't even want to be a part of this family."
"Yet, you would have to worry about Father. He will not have insubordination in any line, even from his own kin."
"I know this."
"Do you truly?" He turned around, watching as they brought in a prisoner captured from the entire battle. His forehead was bandaged, yet blood still seeped down, pouring small trickles on his cell outfit. Each hand was scarred, the crusted blood dried around the fingernails. He looked up, watching both, yet he had trouble seeing. "Well, Lelouch, I will still see you turn your opinion around. And this is to be a test."
"What have you in store?"
"Not me, you. This is a prisoner we have found at the battle, still clinging to the thin strings of life."
"Have you offered him any medical attention?!"
"Only enough to cling to life."
"Take him back! I will no speak to a man who can hold only the attention of death itself!"
"No, I will do no such thing. You will speak to him, now, and you will be forceful about it."
"You expect me to kill a man in cold blood?"
"He is but not a man. It should matter very little." The white haired brother left along with the soldiers who brought the prisoner inside. Closing the door, they left both alone.
"Britannian," said the boy, his voice shaking. He coughed a little, the blood spraying slightly on the floor. "Kill me now. Offer me this mercy, if you have any at all."
"I will do no such thing," Lelouch said back, ducking down to his level. "I will also not bother you with an interrogation, now. I apologize for my brother's actions."
"What… form of trickery… is this?" He looked up, the brown hair pressed against his forehead. Sweat and dirt were both smeared around his face.
"You're Suzaku Kururugi, are you not?" He was surprised to see such a face.
"How, how do you know me?" He looked up into the eyes of Lelouch, who stood up, offering a hand down at him. "You… are the prince, Lelouch, right?" He grabbed the hand, letting the boy pull him up.
"Correct."
"What are you doing here?!" Suddenly, his energy returned, causing him to push away from the helping hand, his limp body crashing back into the ground further away. "Why does your country dare to invade ours? We have done nothing!"
"Suzaku, I could not tell you, even if I knew."
"Do not use such formality with me."
"Sir Kururugi, you have the wrong opinion about me. I am not here to be the harbinger of my father's will. Nor will I be the mindless puppet of a killer."
"No, you Britannian's are all the same. Your words may be convincing to some, yet they are but hollow to me!"
"You refuse to listen to even the purest of pleas?"
"How can you even say that?"
"But even we have a history! Did I not prove myself, my personality, to you during that time? Was that not trial enough?"
"No, that was only a mistake on my part. Now, leave me! I'll have none of your dark lies."
"So be it." He turned and opened the door, Schneizel waiting for him. Both soldiers rushed in and lifted him up, holding him before both brothers.
"Lelouch, do you now know how foolish it is to reason with these beasts? And this one," he started, grabbing the Japanese boy's face, "had the gall to capture your sister and hold her hostage."
"Nunnally!? What is the meaning of this madness, Schneizel? Where is she as we speak?!"
"Being treated down in the medical ward. She received a few small injuries, but nothing life threatening. However, she seems to have receded into her own mind, due to what she had seen."
"You bastard," he shouted, turning and punching Suzaku in the chest, knocking what little breath he had out of him. Although physically weak, the Japanese boy fell instantly unconscious once again. "Get him out of my sight! I wish to see my sister, now. Schneizel, get him out of my sight."
"Yes, Lelouch. Now, I will leave you both alone for a small time." They all left him, as he sat and watched out the window, burying his face in his hands. It only took a few minutes for the fragile sister to come up to meet him.
"Nunnally," he said, getting up and embracing her. "I'm so thankful for your safety. What happened?"
"…" She looked up at him, her soulful eyes rimmed with a few small tears. Her hair was wet, her outfit slightly ripped. Everything about her looked pitiful, almost as if she had just come out a battle herself. He looked over her, making sure she was fine. Only her arm was bandaged, yet it seemed to be a larger injury than he had initially expected.
"No, it's fine if you don't want to speak about it now. Here, come and sit down." They both sat down and watched as the sky was filled with total darkness, the moon hiding behind clouds in the night sky. Suzaku was brought away from the palace, transported to a prison within the city, under the watchful eye of the Britannian military. He sat in darkness, watching through the glass window at the same sky that Lelouch looked at.
"Kallen, wake up." Kallen Kouzuki slowly opened her eyes to the cloudy stars at night, her body illuminated by the fires that still spread through the forests surrounding Tokyo. She looked at her body, everything seemingly fine. She pulled herself up, falling back on the charred trees behind her.
"Where am I," she asked, looking at the man who was tending to a few other people lying on the ground. The field was surrounded by a cacophony of people screaming and howling in pain, all resting near their dead friends.
"Kallen, help me with these people. There are a few wounded a couple feet that way. The supplies are by the only remaining vehicle."
"Ohgi? How many people are left?" She started helping out, both talking to each other across the field.
"I really couldn't tell you. A lot are dead, more than we have remaining. Some have almost been captured, too. Kyoshiro was captured, even."
"Kyoshiro?"
"Tohdoh, the commander of the other forces. He was the one who helped with the entire plan."
"Oh." She dragged a few other people closer to the transport, leaving the medic work to the others who were able to help. "Are we going to go after them, if they were captured?"
"Yeah, but we have to regroup and see how many people we have left. I doubt we could accomplish much now, especially with those Knightmares running through Tokyo."
"Those were Knightmare Frames?"
"Yes, but I thought they weren't in production yet. We can't do much unless we fight back with the same technology and power."
"Yeah…" She trailed off, looking back at the grounds, all of the different tracks that were ripped into the ground. Even the craters surrounding them were intimidating, all caused by the same thing. "Goddamn it…" She looked up at the stars between the patches of clouds, watching the same as everyone else. They twinkled at her, the rain starting to soak the fires that were starting to spread.
Well, please read and review like usual... Thanks. -AMP
