(A/N: Tomorrow 3pm EDT is starts my Spring Break. I'm very excited. For now though, enjoy this chapter)
Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass or Mirai Nikki
A few hours earlier…
Suzaku's pov
The alarms were still going off. "The prisoners have escaped the sub-level prison," I heard soldiers rushing by my position, "Don't let them escape."
"Wait, but Viceroy Cornelia went after them," I outspoke.
"All the more reason to go, the Viceroy must be assisted," one of the soldiers stopped to tell me. The rest ignored me.
"This is bad," I thought to myself. I ran down to the sub-level to try and find the Viceroy. When I got there I started seeing bloodstains everywhere. What the hell happened here? I wondered. "Viceroy!" I shouted. "Viceroy Cornelia-sama!" I could hear weeping. I followed the sound and turned down the corner. No. I saw Euphie hunched over the Viceroy, positioned in an upright positioned, eyes closed, blood streaming down her forehead. "No, No!" I ran over to the Viceroy's side. I checked for a pulse. There was nothing.
"Suzaku," Euphie sniffed.
"Gomenasai, Euphie," I said.
Euphie grabbed hold of me, "Suzaku." She cried into my chest and I let her weep. Clovis was one thing, but Cornelia and Euphie were blood sisters. Not to mention that Cornelia was the sole reason I was rising in rank. I could kiss my position in the Glaston Knights faster than I could say…
"Princess Cornelia!" Guilford it seemed had come down the elevator as well. He looked at me for hope and saw Euphie crying. I just shook my head sorrowful from side to side. He broke down onto his knees. "This…cannot be. Princess Cornelia…she was…"
"I don't understand it either," I said, "They were just kids. I don't even get…how they escaped.
"Maybe because someone let them out," Guilford threw Euphie aside and grabbed me by my lapels, "Admit it, you wanted to keep rising in rank so you had Cornelia murdered, just like you ordered Zero to murder Clovis."
"What? No! I had nothing to do with it," I honestly denied.
"A likely story," Guilford scowled.
Euphie put a hand on Guilford's wrist her gaze was fierce, her grip tight. "Put him down," she said.
"Sub-Viceroy," he and Euphie locked horns. Euphie won; I was put down.
Euphie then slapped Guilford across the face, "Stop jumping to conclusions without any evidence!" she snapped, "Check the security cameras and…"
"Sub-Viceroy Euphimia," Darlton's voice came over the PA system.
"Andreas Darlton what is it?" Euphie wanted to know.
"The prisoners have escaped custody. I have video footage up in the Viceroy's office. You're going to want to see this," he said. Euphie was angry, it amazed me that she was like this as opposed to sad and weeping, but I could tell this was just a brave front to maintain professionalism. I would know. I've done it myself.
Viceroy Cornelia's office
What Darlton had to show us was…illogical. Yuno was supposedly firing off energy blasts and projecting barriers as if she were some form of scifi bio-warrior. She also stole a Knightmare frame. It was colored Green and several bladework weapons attached to it. Yuno and Yukiteru used it to fend off the soldiers and escape.
"That's the experimental Knightmare that was being worked on, the Pelleas. But how did she get it to activate. That thing is encoded by a high security password and wasn't even scheduled to be used for a few more years," Guilford's eyes grew wide.
"What?" I grit my teeth.
"But how did she get it to activate then did she hack the system?" Euphie asked.
"Even if she did the Pelleas still should've kept itself grounded. It's not suited to be used. It should've fragmented or frozen upon activation," Guilford stated.
"If you think that's surprising," Darlton showed us the footage of Yuno and Yukiteru's prison break.
"How in the hell did she do that?" I questioned.
"We stripped them of everything before locking them up, she couldn't have had a secret weapon hidden somewhere that's impossible," Guilford was as baffled as I was.
Yuno…what are you? I questioned.
"And then," Darlton said, and paused, "There's this."
He showed us Yuno going on a killing spree and then Yukiteru take the bullet for her. We watched Yuno move at speeds the camera could hardly pick up. Euphie turned her head when she saw Yuno break the Viceroy's arm. She wept a few sobs into my shoulder when she heard the gunshot when Yuno used the Viceroy's own weapon to shoot her in the head, even after Yuno had already choked her to unconsciousness. Darlton turned off the monitors.
"What do we do?" Guilford asked.
"No one can know about this right now. We need to work out the paperwork and contact the capital. I doubt the Sub-Viceroy is willing to assume the position of Viceroy. Even if she was, she wouldn't be able to under the article of being emotionally compromised," Darlton said.
"What about the Glaston Knights," I said.
"Without the Viceroy around one of two things will happen either the guard will be disbanded with the placement of the next Viceroy or we have to gather and select an officer to lead us, but without a princess to protect…" Guilford looked away.
"Then…then you can all protect me," Euphie said; fist clenched, eyes forward.
"Sub-Viceroy?" Guilford looked at her.
"Those two…they'll be back…and I'm sure I'll be next. My sister told me…she told me that I was the target." Euphie's eyes started to water. "It's not fair. I was the target so I should've been the one to…to…"
I put my hands on Euphie's shoulders. "Don't say that Euphie," I told her, "You and the Viceroy are both of equal importance to Britannia."
"The number has a point," Darlton said, "We were the Viceroy's knights, but we are also Knights of the Britannian Empire." He crossed his arm over his chest. "Sub-Viceroy Euphimia, if you would have us serve you in the Viceroy's place, then I would gladly lay my life on the line if you aim to keep the Viceroy's dream alive."
"And I as well," I said, doing the same as Darlton.
"I will not lose another Princess to the hands of terrorists," Guilford saluted, "We are on your orders, Sub-Viceroy."
Euphie said strongly, trying not to cry, "Put me in contact with the capital."
The Ruins of Shinjiku
Yukiteru's pov
"Yuno I think you can land here," I told her. Yuno brought the Knightmare she had hijacked to a safe landing and we ejected from it. I had a few choice questions for her, especially regarding those weird powers she was using.
"Yuno," I said, "Tell me the truth. Where did those powers come from?" I asked.
"I'm a biotic," she said.
"A what?" I asked.
Yuno started to sob, "I…when I was little experiments were performed on me to make me into a killing machine. My parents…my new parents…they were overseas and so…and so I rebelled and fought back. Those three bodies you found were people who tried to kill me because of my powers."
"Oh Yuno," I held her, "I had no idea, I'm sorry."
"Yuki."
The 38th Holy Hall of Cause and Effect
3rd Person pov
Murumuru was watching the touching scene between Yuki and Yuno. She sighed, if there's one thing about miss Yuno she really knows how to make a convincing story.
"Murumuru," Deus called out to her.
Uh oh, Murumuru got up off her stomach and turned around to face Deus. "Sir," she saluted.
"What's really the case with the 2nd?" he asked.
Crap, he knows the 2nd's entire history. He knows that story is completely fake, Murumuru realized.
"Do not think I cannot recognize the signature of my own power. Well? I'm waiting," Deus said. Murumuru swallowed. "On second thought, don't answer that," he closed his eyes and concentrated on Mecha-murumuru's memory banks. If Deus could smile, he probably would have. Murumuru gulped. "Well now this is certainly an interesting development. So I already have my champion it seems," he said.
"Yes, so there's no reason to continue it, let's call the whole thing off," Murumuru danced in place, hopeful.
"No," Deus answered.
"Huh?" Murumuru was deflated.
"The 2nd won the game last time, but this time the playing field and the setting have all changed. She may have a leg up on the competition, but so does that one," he showed an image of Lelouch.
"The 8th?" Murumuru questioned.
"He was able to compel the 2nd to obey a command and she did so without question despite the fact that she has the same power as I. Such a power could be dangerous especially if he ever came back here to talk to me. This 'Geass' as I've discovered it to be called, is rather potent. The 1st is still my favorite, but the 8th, he is quite the dark horse. If anyone can defeat your 'champion' I believe it will be him," Deus said to Murumuru.
"How much do you wanna bet hmm?" she asked.
"What could I possibly bet that I have not bet already?" Deus asked.
Murumuru wiped her nose, "You have a point Deus-sama."
So 8th, Deus thought to himself, What will you do when faced with insurmountable odds? You were lucky the 9th decided to help you once before and you have created an alter ego: Zero. You play the game rather interestingly, you've had several opportunities to kill the competitors and you've let them slip by you. Are you waiting for a chance to eliminate everyone at once? Or do you plan to manipulate the competition into offing each other? Show me a good show 8th. Show me the power of Geass.
Capital of Britannia
Emperor Charles Zi Britannia was standing out looking over the balcony of his palace, taking in the view of his magnificent empire. His pocket began to vibrate. He reached into it and pulled out a Blackberry and checked the memo pad there was new data feed coming in under Area 11.
Cornelia Li Britannia is dead.
The special Knightmare, the Pelleas, is stolen by two numbers.
The Glaston Knights are debating as to who should take over.
A messenger wishes to speak with me.
"How unfortunate," he said, putting it away. He turned around to await said messenger.
"My lord," the messenger entered and knelt down on the ground.
"What is it?" Charles asked him.
"Sir, third princess Euphimia Li Britannia, Sub-Viceroy of Area 11 has just informed us that Second Princess Cornelia Li Britannia has been murdered. She is requesting a new Viceroy be placed to take over for her deceased sister. She would do it herself, but she is emotionally compromised and therefore…"
Charles rose up his hand. "Enough," he said, "If request has been sent for a new Viceroy, then send Schneizel to Area 11 immediately."
"Sir," the messenger saluted and left. Charles turned back around. "First Clovis, now Cornelia," Charles laughed to himself, "If things continue as they are I can continue to rule over Britannia with an iron grip. Let me see how you do, my son Schneizel, in sticking your neck out for your country."
Area 11
Sub-Viceroy Euphimia's office
"His highness Emperor Charles will be sending Second Prince Schneizel to assist you Third Princess Euphimia," Euphie was told over the phone. "His royal highness is a very busy man so will that be all?"
"Yes, thank you. When can Area 11 expect Prince Schneizel's arrival?" Euphie asked.
"In one week Prince Schneizel will touch ground onto Area 11 soil. Please be patient until then your highness," Euphie was told.
"Yes, of course," she said and hung up.
"So what's going to happen?" Suzaku, who had been standing behind Euphie the whole time, asked her.
"My older brother Schneizel is being sent to govern over Area 11," Euphie said with a smile.
"That's good," Suzaku was slightly relieved, "At least they're sending someone over." There was a pause. "Euphie are you ok? I know…Cornelia's sudden passing has to come as a big shock to you. You don't have to put up a brave front like you're not affected."
"Wh-who says?" Euphie tried to deny this fact.
"Because I did the same when my father passed away," Suzaku said and I still do. "The tears have stopped, but the pain remains," he told her. "Euphie don't bottle it in, you have the opportunity to let it all out. Something I didn't have. I don't want you to become like me," he told her. "If you want I'll leave, if you want to confront your feelings," Suzaku began to turn away, but Euphie grabbed his wrist.
"No don't leave," she told him. "Stay here and," her eyes began to tear up, "comfort me."
"Euphie," said her name sympathetically. Euphie's eyes turned into the correspondence of two rainy distorted puddles of water. She sniffed twice and buried her face in Suzaku's chest and howled loudly like a wounded, hungry animal. Suzaku put his arms around the pink-haired princess and let her empty herself of tears. He gently stroked her, running his hands down the side of her soft white dress or through her vibrant pink hair. Euphie was crying so much that Suzaku's shirt started to become stained with her tears. The two of them were there for a solid fifteen minutes before Euphie finally stopped crying. "Do you feel a little better?" Suzaku asked Euphie.
"Just a little, but I'm happy you stayed to comfort me," she smiled slightly.
Suzaku knelt onto the ground, "I am a Glaston Knight to serve Lady Euphimia, if she says jump I'll say how high. If she says to crash the Lancelot into a volcano I'll do just that." Euphie laughed at Suzaku's ridiculous example. Suzaku stood up and smiled, "Oh good you're laughing."
"Somehow you make everything easier for me," she told Suzaku.
"I'm flattered by the compliment Euphie," he told her. "Anyway I have classes and you need to get to work. I'll be back after school."
Euphie nodded in understanding, "See you later."
Suzaku smiled and walked out, shutting the door behind him.
Later that afternoon…
Suzaku returned to Euphie's office with a question on his mind. Besides being Euphie's subordinate he was still charged with guarding her with regards to the Survival game. He wanted to know what she wanted done about that, and about what Yuno had said:
"Will Suzaku still say that if he knows that Lelouch is a diary holder?"
Suzaku's mission at the school was to investigate and locate potential diary holders. So far he had only confirmed Yukiteru and Yuno as holders 1 and 2. The 3rd was dead according to Euphie and Minene Uryu, the terrorist, was number 9. The 8th had contacted him anonymously, but his identity was still an enigma. For Suzaku and Euphie that meant that the 5th, 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th and 12th still had to be identified other than the 8th. Whoever the 8th was though, he or she was very good at covering his tracks. On the envelope Suzaku had been given the letter was typewritten therefore no handwriting analysis could be done. There were also no fingerprints. Not on the letter and not on the envelope either, which meant that the letter was taken and enveloped by a person wearing gloves and delivered to him in the same fashion.
Gloves? Suzaku had an epiphany, could it be? Could Zero be a diary holder? Euphie did say the 12th looked like he had some kind of helmet. I suppose it's possible. He reached Euphie's office and knocked on her door. "Euphie?"
"Come in Suzaku," she said. Suzaku walked in and looked at Euphie who was at her desk filling out paperwork, "Come on in, have a seat."
She seems in better spirits, Suzaku smiled and sat down in front of Euphie's desk. "Euphie I wanted to talk to you about that thing that can't be discussed on camera," he said to her. Euphie grabbed a remote and turned off the security camera. She then looked back at Suzaku with a face that showed she was ready to discuss serious business.
"Go on," she told him.
"When I was questioning Yuno and Yukiteru they said that it was possible that Lelouch was a diary holder," Suzaku told her.
"Lelouch? As in Lelouch Vi Britannia my half-brother. He's alive?" Euphie was in awe.
Suzaku nodded, "Don't tell anyone about this though. He's going under an assumed name and is in hiding."
"My lips are sealed," Euphie said.
"What are we going to do though about Lelouch, what if he's…"
"We don't know that for sure yet do we? As long as we have that hope there's no problem right?" Euphie was troubled, despite the fact that she was smiling.
"We may have to come to accept that that's not reality. Euphie, what will we do if Lelouch really is one of the other diary holders?" Suzaku asked.
"We?" Euphie was slightly confused.
"Yes, we…Lelouch is my best friend…I don't know if…I couldn't kill either of you. I couldn't let either of you die," Suzaku told her. He put his hands on the desk and hung his head, squeezing his eyes shut. "This game is so messed up. It's bad enough Cornelia got dragged into this, but now you and my best friend are being forced to fight," Suzaku looked at Euphie straight in the eyes, "It's not fair!" Suzaku looked down at the ground, on the verge of breaking down, "Help me, Euphie. Help me decide what I should do."
Euphie put her hands on Suzaku's. Suzaku looked up at her. "If indeed Lelouch is a diary holder. Take me with you to speak with him. He and I will decide on something."
"And by decide on you mean which one of you should die. I won't have it Euphie!" Suzaku protested. "Let me speak with Deus!"
"I don't…know if you can," Euphie drew back her hands. "Entrance to the 38th Holy Hall of Cause and Effect and only be obtained by envisioning Deus. You don't even know what he looks like."
"Then draw me a picture. There has to be a way. I won't give up on you or Lelouch!" Suzaku shouted.
"Then for now," Euphie put both her hands on one of Suzaku's, "Let us proceed as if everything were normal. If Lelouch and I are the last two holders standing let us cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, ask Lelouch if he will accept my alliance and yours. Please?"
Suzaku saluted. "I shall do as you command Sub-Viceroy."
"Are we done talking about the game," Euphie said and looked at the camera. "I don't want people to worry about what's going on in here."
"Of course," Suzaku nodded. Euphie turned the camera back on.
"So, have the knights decided who will be the lead pilot?" Suzaku asked.
"No agreement could be made so the decision was left up to me. And so," Euphie stood up, "Suzaku Kururugi, I want you to lead the Glaston Knights into battle from now on!"
"ME?" Suzaku was stunned.
"Yes," Euphie smiled, widely, "I believe it is only fair. After all, you've been in my corner since we met. You're the only one I can trust out there to fight as I would want you to. To fight for my survival, for the survival of Britannia, for a Britannia Lelouch would be content with."
"I shall do my best," Suzaku bowed lowly.
That evening
Shinjuku Ruins
Yukiteru and Yuno were sitting in front of a campfire cooking canned food they had found in abandoned retailed stores.
"Yuno," Yukiteru said to her, "What should we do now?"
"Let's just stay here together," Yuno smiled at Yukiteru. "Between the Pelleas and my abilities Yuki will be safe from harm."
"The Pelleas?" Yukiteru looked over to the Knightmare, "Is that the model name of that Knightmare Frame?"
Yuno nodded, "That's what the manual says. It wasn't supposed to have been finished for 5 more years, but I used my powers to age it. We'll be safe as long as we have it." Yukiteru seemed content with being safe. He didn't want to kill. He didn't want to be dragged back into the game, not until things had cooled down. "Ah, Yuki, look!" Yuno pointed to the sky. Yukiteru looked up. The sky was dark and the stars were out.
"Ah, that's…" Yukiteru gaped.
Yuno clung to his arm gently and said "Isn't it romantic Yuki?"
"Yeah," he agreed. He had finally gotten to see the stars. Perhaps not with his parents, but Yuno was at his side. He was safe. Sitting right here the fact that he was in some bizarre twisted survival game just didn't seem real to him. Yuno lowered her head and used Yukiteru's lap as her pillow.
"Lay down with me Yuki," she requested.
Yukiteru fanned out a mat that he and Yuno had taken and the two lay down next to the fire, clinging to each other for warmth. "We'll need to get supplies tomorrow," he told Yuno.
"We'll survive," she said. She yawned and said, half-asleep, "As long as we have each other…we'll survive." Yukiteru agreed. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.
End of chapter 9
(A/N: So yeah just a bit of an explanation as to what went on with regards to the lapse between Cornelia's death and the announcement on the news. It seems that a lot of people are having a rough time with all that's happened. Euphie seems to have been hit by it the worst. And what's this though? Could it be that Charles is a diary holder? And what of Schneizel, what role will he play? And Suzaku seems to be caught in quite the bind. Friendship or love, which will he choose? And it seems Deus is letting the game go on regardless of Yuno's abilities. Does this mean he does not believe she'll win again? Does he have faith in the 1st and the 8th's abilities? And boy does Yuno know how to play the victim well. Even worse is that Yuno and Yukiteru now have a powerful Knightmare in their possession, one that wasn't supposed to be prepared for five years. If you want an idea of what it's supposed to look like go here: h t t p : / i44. Tinypic . c o m/dlnx28 . j p g [you'll have to remove the spaces on your own]. Anyway tomorrow I have one more days' worth of classes and then it's Spring Break baby. I'll try to get some chapters done while I'm on break, but no promises. See you all later).