"The best defense is a good offense." Mark Estes
"Shit happens." Louis Menand
Lelouch continued to watch his laptop screen pile up with applications. Since the amount of time had passed since the hotel jacking incident, and with the amount of criminal organizations put down by the Black Knights, applications had been swarming in. Lelouch continued to read them in the dark night by the pool, while C.C. practiced her diving from the diving board, and Zero kept watch on the hallways so would be able to be unnoticed.
Lelouch was surprised to see his next application when he saw the face of Diethard on it.
"A Britannian?" Lelouch asked to himself. "Well this is a surprise."
"It shouldn't." Zero said. "I told you some people wanted to rebel who lived in Britannia. It was the same thing with Neo Arcadia. No one wanted Weil to rule, but no one could stand up to him without being destroyed."
"He looks too confident to be a spy too." Lelouch said. "An extremest?"
"Isn't it nice on how the number of you're crew keeps flowing?" C.C. asked as she swam nearby him.
"It was easier than expected." Lelouch said. "While I hate the Britannians, I refuse to condone terrorism."
"One should not hate the people of a culture just because the small group of people that represent them are corrupt in the eyes of humanity." Zero said.
Lelouch ignored Zero.
Although he is right.
"So basically the Elevens are the ones who really support the Black Knights for the most part?" C.C. asked.
"Which in turn makes it easier for us to operate as a whole." Lelouch said. "And it's a huge help that the people don't report our activities to the Britannians. Plus, I hear a group called Kyoto offered to send us some Knightmares. The Japanese can't resist a little buzz wagon. They hear a few ground words and off they go. And with the Reploid's providing me with technology and weapons of they're time, the Black Knights are sure to become something more great and terrible than the army could imagine."
"Some Knight for justice act." Zero said. "You don't seem any different than Weil in all honesty?"
"Then why not strike me down?" Lelouch asked.
Zero stood there, glaring at him. Then he resumed watching the door as before.
"Everyone likes a hero, Zero." Lelouch said. "And what better hero than a Knight?"
"I doubt that's what a real Knight for justice would say." C.C. said.
"You don't think?" Lelouch asked. "You should know that better than I do."
"I'm no hero." Zero said.
"I was demoted from my position as we're all of you." Diethard said.
Diethard was in his office talking to Vlleta, Jeremiah, and X.
"We have no intention of having this situation end this way." Vlletta said. "We have a sneaking suspicion you don't either."
"Is that so?" Diethard said. "Well, what do you have to say?"
"We have a lead with Zero." Jeremiah asked.
"Which one?" Diethard asked.
"Hmm?" They both asked.
"What; don't tell me you haven't been ignoring this Reploid?" Diethard said. "Rumors are going around from the soldiers around this Reploid and the R&D division saying the Black Knights are being lead by two Zeros."
"Two Zeroes?" Both Vlletta and Jeremiah said.
"The first one is the one we all have seen on the television." Diethard said. "The logical thinker and the great Shakespearean actor. The other one is the muscle. A Reploid with similar power and fashion to this one. The red armored, blonde haired Reploid."
Both Vlletta and Jeremiah grunted. X made no motion towards them and continued they're discussion.
"We need you to check out a student at Ashford." X said. "We think he may be working with Zero. According to the cam shots from Vlletta's Knightmare, we're looking for a male student with short black hair, purplish eyes, doesn't look like much in terms of strength."
"All of us we'll be shipped out with the military to the Narita mountains soon." Jeremiah said. "Therefore,"
"Narita?" Diethard asked. "Isn't that the place where the JLF headquarters is rumored to be located?"
All three looked at Diethard with surprise.
"I think I understand why you were demoted." X said. "You're amazing when it comes to your work. Too good in fact."
"It's a good thing I picked you for the procession with Suzaku." Jeremiah said. "I wish that could have gone better."
"Shit happens." Diethard said.
"You may be a bit too clever for you're own good." Jeremiah said.
"You overestimate me." Diethard said.
The three left promptly a few minutes later. Diethard made sure the three had left completely. Once he did, he sent a message to Neige who was busy working downstairs to come up. When she did, he handed her a folder.
"Make sure he gets this." He said.
The next night later, Lelouch and the Black Knights met up in a warehouse by the ocean. Nearby the same place where they had killed all the thugs a couple nights before. All the Black Knights stood in the warehouse, waiting for something to happen. Then one by one, the lights all came on. All the Black Knights looked where the darkness was strongest with both excitement and joy. For when the lights came on, several unmanned Knightmares appeared all over the warehouse.
"No way!" One member shouted. "That's incredible."
"These are Glasgows aren't they?" Another asked.
"Burai." Another said. "These are Japanese modified."
"I've never seen ones like these before." Kionue said.
"Man, the Black Knights have some serious muscle." Another said.
"That's not all we have." Cerveau said as he walked over towards them.
"What do you mean?" Another asked.
Cerveau walked away from the area and went towards a tarp that was covering something nearby the Knightmares. He went over to the tarp and pulled it off. The Black Knights all shouted for joy when they saw all the modified weapons and a couple advanced armor that Cerveau had designed. The weapons appeared to be rifle like objects; silver in appearance with a glowing sphere like object that could be seen. The armor looked like chest armor which could cover an entire Knightmare from chest to shoulder, with openings for the arms to stick out. The armor was black and silver be appearance.
"Thanks to Zero and these Kyoto guys, we managed to acquire methods to produce cutting edge technological advances Britannian has yet to acquire."Cerveau said "Upgraded the shabby machine guns to a nice PLBP 200mm. That's short for "Plasma Long-bolt Penetrator. Can puncture straight through the Titanium the Britannian Sutherland's are made of in seconds. One shot at the Sakuradite tank; and KA-BLOOEY!"
All of the Black Knights gasped. Cerveau pressed a button on his wrist, activating the new weapons. A glowing blue core began to spin around, illuminating a small radius around them with blue light. The people were impressed by what they saw and wanted him to fire. Sadly, they needed to maintain a level of cover and would have to wait.
"In addition," Cerveau continued. "Three of the Captain's will be using these armor systems. They cover you're Sakuradite tank, providing it additional protection from Britannian rounds. Crafted out some custom made metals on the subatomic level, they will resist much more ammo and can far more punishment than regular Knightmares without. They also have a special chip built inside that can boost you're systems for a short time, making you're Knightmare much faster and you're targeting much more accurate; though you'll have to practice with it to make the adjustments."
All of the Black Knights began to give an encore to Cerveau.
"Now..." he said. "These things depleted a lot of our supplies. So try to avoid getting them damaged. Zero wants to make sure this equipment outlasts more than one battle."
Cerveau walked away from the area, while the Black Knight underlings continued to stare at the new weapon and defense supply they had obtained. Cerveau walked over to where the real members were as they stared a unusual looking Knightmare. This Knightmare didn't look like the others. It's chest armor was much bigger, it's head was redesigned, and it's left arm had a large claw like thing attached to it.
"The people at Kyoto." Kento said. "They believe in us."
"They sent us this." Tamaki said. "A completely made Japanese Knightmare."
"That's pretty impressive." Zero said. "Wonder how they made this? Definitely isn't something that their producing out in the open."
"Guren MK II." Kinoue said.
"Did you check out the manual?" Kento asked.
"Heh heh." Tamaki said. "I'm liking this. The big-shots at Kyoto are approving us."
Cerveau walked over to look at the heads of the Black Knights continue to stare at the large machine in front of them. As he walked over, he heard a Black Knight call out to Tamaki to show them how to use the Knightmares. All of the members passed Cerveau by, leaving Leviathan, Kallen, Phantom, Ciel, and Zero still over by the large advanced Knightmare before them. While they continued to stare, Lelouch came out of the darkness disguised as Zero of the rebellion.
"First Tamaki, Kionue, and now the rest are treating this like a party." Lelouch said.
"This is the first time the Black Knights have ever had equipment like this." Zero said. "Now you have the means to take Britannia on a battle."
"That is true, but this is not the point." Lelouch said. "Kyoto is backing multiple resistances correct?"
"Yes; and they means we have finally made it in." Kallen said. "That we're finally worthy."
"No we haven't." Lelouch said. "This is merely a test they have put for us."
"I see." Phantom said. "They want to see if we are able to use this equipment."
"Yes Phantom." Lelouch said.
"So what if it is?" Kallen asked. "This is still amazing."
"You're an optimist." Lelouch said, throwing her the key to the Guren MK II.
Kallen caught the key and looked at it with wonderment.
"What's this?" She asked.
"Isn't it obvious; you're the pilot." Ciel said.
"What?" Kallen asked. "Really?"
Ciel nodded her head.
"The Guren MK II is yours now Kallen." Lelouch said.
"But we have a lot more people now and we can't afford to lose you." Kallen said. "We need the Guren's defense to protect..."
"You're a top notch pilot." Ciel said. "You're the best pilot we have. I can use a Burai. But you and the advanced Reploids are the only aces we have to play. Besides, you have reasons to fight."
Kallen looked at Zero and thought of her jailed mother and dead brother.
"Right." She said.
"Don't worry Kallen." Ciel said.
"The armor system that I designed for Zero's Burai has an additional feature to it." Cerveau said. "It comes with a small MW barrier that will deflect bullets for a short time. His Burai also has a beam saber on the side he can use for short range combat. He's got all the defense he needs."
"MW?" She asked.
"Magnetic wave." Zero said. "It'll generate a large amount of magnetism in an area, deflecting most ammunition away from the Knightmare. A bit outdated considering the shields we had at Neo Arcadia and Able City, but it will have to do."
"You see..." Lelouch said. "I'm all taken care of."
"Wow." Kallen said. "You know your way around equipment."
"This is my field of expertise." He said giving her a thumbs up. He then pointed at Zero. "I actually should have built more in Neo Arcadia, but Zero breaks it all."
"How long are you planning to keep reminding me?" Zero asked.
"Till the day you die." He replied.
"Guess I have to deal with you for eternity." Zero said, remembering the fact he had been killed three times and never destroyed. "How drawl."
"Ahh...don't worry Zero." Cerveau said. "I went against my better judgment and made you some more stuff too. The Black Knights weren't the only ones I designed weapons for."
Cerveau walked over to a large crate and pulled out several objects from it. He threw Zero and Leviathan two large poles. Zero pressed the button on his to see that Cerveau had recreated the D-Glave for both him and Leviathan. Leviathan looked at her's with utter joy, while Zero looked at his with surprise.
"Omigosh; it is so amazing!" Leviathan said as she started swing it around to test it. "It's so light too! It's perfect!"
"It's okay." Zero said holding his.
"Triple rod isn't long enough to be completely efficient; I figured this would work better." Cerveau said.
"What did Phantom get?" Leviathan asked.
"Nothing." He said. "The beam saber is enough."
"I need only my sword to destroy the enemy...and you." He said as he emerged from the shadows.
Leviathan turned to Phantom as he emerged and then looked back at Zero.
"What did he mean by that?" She asked.
"Let's just say me and Phantom still have a conflict of interest." Zero said. "Our differences are not yet solved...and probably won't ever be."
"Well I did make one thing for him," Cerveau said. "But it's not a weapon. And I made one for each of you."
Cerveau dug into the box further and threw three spherical objects at all three of them. They we're all blue at the bottom by appearance, with silver at the top with a red meter ascribed at the silver portions. There was also a large E written in it in yellow.
"One sub-tank for each of you." Cerveau said.
"Nice!" Zero said. "I'll be able to hold against X now much more efficiently."
"The longer I go into battle, the better." Phantom said. "Just you wait Zero...I"ll use your gear against you."
"Looking forward to it." He snapped back.
"Think you can beat X big boy?" Leviathan asked.
"I thought you stopped hitting on me?" Zero said.
Zero simply grunted and walked away.
Leviathan turned to Ciel who was growling in her head at Leviathan. She was just about to go over and begin a small argument when Ohgi came out of the darkness holding a piece of paper.
"Zeroes." He said. "We got some Intel from a couple informants in Britannia who wants to join up with the Black Knights."
"Hmm?" Lelouch mumbled as he turned towards where Ohgi was. Zero did the same, but made no sound.
"This may be a trap to try and draw us out." Ohgi said. "Even if we wanted to confirm the information, it's too risky to contact him directly."
Lelouch looked over the folder that Tamaki handed him. According to the info that they had received, Britannia was going to march up into the Narita mountains in Japan and destroy any and all remains of the JLF.
"But news like this isn't something we can ignore." He continued. "What should we do?"
Lelouch closed the folder.
"Anyone like hiking?" Lelouch asked.
Nunally was at her house sleeping when she woke up to the sound of Sayoko opening the door. Nunally heard Sayoko come in. She began to smile and began to speak to Sayoko.
"Brother has said not to give him breakfast today." Nunally said. "He's going on a three-day trip."
"Really?" Sayoko asked as she laid Nunally's breakfast on her. "You're brother has been going out quite a lot recently."
"I know." She said.
"Maybe he's got a girlfriend." Sayoko asked.
"Maybe." Nunally said.
The next day Lelouch and the Black Knight forces departed from their position and began to climb up the mountain. The mountain air was cold, but the Black Knights we're not caring. With the exception of Ohgi and Kallen, and the Reploid leaders, nobody knew what was going on. A force of thirty Burai's, a hundred infantry, fifty-five Reploids; not including the command staff, a rebuilt Reploid truck that was used when the battle for Area Zero began, and the Guren MK II began a long scale up the mountain.
Lelouch had already left the Black Knights to go on ahead while he scouted out the area. The Black Knights stood in the forest clearing to wait for his signal. Lelouch had his Burai then activate a signal as soon as he finished his objective in the portion of his mountain that he rode towards.
"Zero's signal confirmed." Ohgi said. "Proceeding to point two."
All the troops began to move towards point two: The top of the mountain.
"Hey why doesn't Zero use the radio in his Burai than his simple flare signal?" A Black Knights member asked.
"What do you suppose he meant when he said hiking?" Kionue asked.
"Military training right?" Another asked. "Only with Zero in another location?"
"Maybe we're going to dig a hot springs?" Tamaki asked.
"Probably; considering all the mining equipment we brought." Another said.
It was true. The Black Knights had brought a huge load of mining equipment also given to them by Kyoto. They we're all being moved in big trucks along with the military equipment.
"Hey Kallen; do you know what's going on?" One member asked her with his radio.
"Uhh...no." She said.
"How about you Ohgi?" Another asked him.
"Nope." Ohgi said
Ohgi and Kallen we're both lying. They both knew what was going on. They both knew a battle was going to take place here.
He's doing what he can to avoid being caught on radio. Is he serious about this?
The Britannians began to converge on the mountain. As of now they we're using the trees to give them cover. Soon however, they would begin their assault on the base where the JLF was hiding.
"We are certain the Japan Liberation Front is hidden in this area of the Narita Mountains." General Dolton said. "We have already split our force into seven battalions hidden in the vicinity."
A small screen appeared on the glass window of the mobile command center; and on a small tactical screen below. A 3D window of the mountain appeared with several blue specks and areas shaded in blue showing the Britannian area of control.
"We just have to wait for the Viceroy's signal." Dolton continued. "Then we will wipe out the JLF once and for all."
"And are you confident that the enemy won't show up outside the encirclement line?" Euphemia asked.
All the men turned to look at Euphie, who had make an excellent point.
"I was wondering that too." X said. "Did we prepare in case of something like that?"
"You're both talking about Zero; right?" Cornelia asked.
"Not exactly Zero, but more or less possible reserve units of the JLF that could be off somewhere." X said. "Anything that could interfere with your mop up operation."
"Have no fear." Dolton said. "As the operation begins, we will blocking off the surrounding highways and roadways."
"And we have reserve units." Cornelia said. "If Zero decides to show, it'll be the end of him."
"Good." Harpuia said. "If he shows up, so will the other Zero. Then we can end this Reploid rebellion now."
"Speaking of which," X asked. "What happened to those Reploid's and humans we captured back at the base underground?"
"We put them into an apartment complex and placed them under house arrest for the time being." Cornelia said. "Some are also with the R&D task-force currently as well, helping Lloyd wire in they're technology with ours. I still haven't decided what to do yet. They did kill a lot of our men, but out of self-defense for themselves and our country."
"I see." X said.
"How is it going turning Fefnir to our side?" Cornelia asked X.
"He still refuses to budge." X said. "I think he views me and Harpuia as mavericks. I'm waiting for him to come to the realization that his judgment is misplaced."
"Why don't you see if he will help us in this battle before it begins?" Cornelia said. "We could use another warrior to our side."
"I will try." X said.
X walked out of the room while Harpuria began to follow. X's face had looked confused and unstable.
"Master X, is something wrong?" Harpuria asked.
"I...I...don't know what the definition of "Maverick" means anymore." X said.
"Master..." He said.
"At first it was cut and clear." He began. "But...the engagements where I fought Zero...the things they said...well...they make sense. He is violating the law of robotics, but not for the reasons mavericks normally do. He actually has a goal; and if I know him, intends to stop when his fight is over. I know what he does is wrong but..."
"Master." He said. "Didn't Zero warn you to to retire him no matter what he said and preached should he go maverick?"
X thought on what he said.
The Reploid truck was built in the same manner as it was when the Area Zero incident first happened. A large command room in the back complete with a transporter (which was currently being built by both Zero and Cerveau) a command console, and a large computer with a huge screen. There we're two other trucks too: One for Cerveau's R&D team, and another for the Cyber Elf research and bunks.
Phantom and Leviathan stood in the bunk complex by themselves for the time being.
"You know we're going to be facing Harpy right?" She said.
"Harpuia is an enemy along with X?" He asked.
"Yeah." She said.
"I see." Phantom said. "No problem at all."
"You're okay with killing an old comrade; completely?" Leviathan asked.
"Zero once said, "If I see an enemy before me, I won't hesitate to destroy it." Phantom said. "I think I will take after him from now on. Fighting for the Black Knights will put me closer to him. And then one day...I shall retire him myself. Until then, I will descend deeper into this maverick madness."
"Really?" Leviathan said. "I thought you would have hated him for him killing you and all."
"I do hate him." Phantom said with his hand on his katana. "I hate him with every circuit that runs in my body. But I respect him as a warrior. So that one day, I will best him."
Cornelia had now entered her Knightmare and began to get her troops ready to move out.
"All troops in position." A commander said over radio.
"Good." Cornelia replied back. "Have Euphemia stay back and give logistical support at point G1. Have her command the Medical group."
"Yes mam." A commander said.
"Mega Man X and Harpuia will move to G2 and await further instructions." Cornelia said. "Mega Man X apprehend the leader of the JLF. We will use a public execution to give the Elevens a show of force."
"Yes mam." X replied, in a dark tone.
He didn't like the way she had put it. There could have been other ways to resolve the conflict. However, he also knew that if the JLF was defeated, Britannia would have no reason left to kill the Japanese without reason. And plus, Euphemia was going to be put in charge. He knew there would be peace after this battle. If a few humans had to die for it...then it must be done.
As long as the two Zeros didn't ruin it.
"Princess Cornelia." Gilford said over radio.
"Let me guess; it's about Euphie." Cornelia asked.
"Yes." He said. "I don't feel that someone of a high status should be in this area."
"She's being unusually stubborn of late." Cornelia said. "She said she wanted to see actual combat for herself. Don't worry; she'll stay far enough to avoid being caught in the fighting."
The Black Knights began to use their mining equipment and began to drill on the top of the mountain. As the snow fell and the cold winds blew, the Black Knights began their mining expedition.
Ohgi went over to Zero and began to talk to him privately.
"Zero are you sure your going to be going through with this?" Ohgi asked.
"Our opponent is Cornelia, who's forces are among the best to offer." Lelouch said.
"Then why aren't we cooperating with the Japan Liberation Front?" Ohgi asked.
"What's wrong?" Lelouch said. "Do you doubt me?"
"What do you mean; I asked you to be our leader." Ohgi said.
"Then there's only one answer to give." Lelouch said.
Ohgi looked at Lelouch confused. He then sighed after about a minute.
"...Right." Ohgi said.
While they we're waiting for the drills to get down below, Tamaki became bored. He then looked at Leviathan who wasn't do much herself. Tamaki then got a crazy idea to have some fun. He picked up some bit of snow around the area, packed it into a ball and hurled it at her. Leviathan wasn't paying attention, so she got hit in the face.
"Ha!" He shouted. "Got you Levy!"
Leviathan looked at the snow on her face. She then got mad, but in a humorous way, and grabbed a snow ball herself and threw it Tamaki, knocking him right off his feet.
"Have a nice trip, big boy." She said.
She then grabbed another and threw it at him. Tamaki got up and dodged Leviathan's next snow ball. Tamaki made another and threw it at her. A small snow ball fight began between the two which lasted for a few minutes. Zero almost got involved, but when he saw the snow ball approach him, he simply moved his head to the side.
When he did that though, Cerveau got hit in the face.
"OW!" He shouted. "Watch where you're aiming."
"Sorry Cerveau!" Leviathan shouted.
Leviathan then got hit in the face.
"HA!" Tamaki shouted.
Leviathan then retaliated with another snow ball. Sooner or later, Leviathan and Tamaki would only do that, forcing Zero to leap onto of a truck in order to avoid getting hurt.
Somewhere off to the mountains, several machine like figures, waited in the thick clouds that choked the mountain. These figures looked down at the mountains towards the Black Knights position. They we're thousands of miles away so they couldn't see the Black Knights fully. But they knew they we're there.
A Blackish looking robot looked as he held a radio in his hand.
"I see the Black Knights." He said. "They do not suspect we're here."
"Good." A voice said back. "The battle will begin shortly. Once it does, move down the mountain yourself and attempt to inject him with the virus."
"Are you sure this will work; dad?" He asked.
"Zero has yet to discover that his body is the original once again." The voice said. "My power has already made it so. Once the minds of Omega and Zero fuse, we will have a weapon more great and terrible to imagine. Nothing will stop us. Not even Mega Man X."
"I see." Lloyd said over a phone. "No I'm not mad. I'm just wishing the government would have given me more time with this."
X was talking to Fefnir in a capsule along with Harpuria when they heard Lloyd say that.
"No it's fine. But he's a very advanced piece of technology. I've been scanning him each and every day when I have the chance, but his data is nearly unreadable. Replicating him would be very difficult; impossible actually. His data and programming codes are something we have never seen before, and the technology used to build him is way beyond ours, sad to say." There was some incoherent banter, and then Lloyd resumed. "No; it's not beyond our reach. I've had a much easier time analyzing the other Reploids. We could make Reploids probably just as strong as Harpuia and Fefnir, but those will take time. May I suggest we make ones that are like the ones we captured and our working for me first; and then work our way up from there. After all, even with this information, this will be the first one we manufactured by ourselves...that works for the mainland? Okay then; we'll start simple and work our way up from there. How long do we have...that might be enough. MIGHT! Not going to say yes; but not going to say no...yes...I want to say I'm as ency as you are. A new step in robotics! Revolutionary technology at it's fullest; stuff that we are still generations behind within our grasp. I'm so excited too!"
Lloyd hung up the phone.
"Congratulations X." Lloyd said. "I'm afraid the Britannian government wants to manufacture Reploids now. Your capabilities are now being recognized!"
"You are serious?" X asked.
"Yes." Lloyd said. "I knew this was going to happen, but I didn't know how soon."
"I see." X said. "So that's why you had me come in for research so often."
"Yes sir." Lloyd said. "In order to ensure I make a copy that won't go maverick...as you say, I needed to study you as much as I could."
"How long do we have?" X asked.
"Two year." Lloyd said. "What we're going to do in this time is we're going to research you as much as possible within a six month time frame. Then...can I borrow that?"
Lloyd was speaking to a Reploid girl who was walking by. She looked at him confused, but then nodded her head. Lloyd went over to a Reploid grade computer and began to type it in as if he already knew how it was made.
"We will use the schematics from this Reploid design sheet to build it as instructed. And while it's being made...I'll redesign the CPU using your data and my expertise."
The Reploid girl was surprised on how quickly Lloyd was able to figure out how to use the OS.
"You're going to start a war; you know that?" X said.
"I promise you X." Lloyd said. "If I fail and create a war because of my government's ambitions, kill me. This is my field of expertise! My forte! What I pour each and every bit of my soul into! I will not fail on this!"
"Viceroy!" Dolton said over the radio which X and Harpuia both heard. "It's time."
"Very well; commence operation!" She shouted.
"It's time X." Harpuia said.
"Yes." X said. "I'll talk to you later Fefnir."
"Whatever." He said.
X and Harpuia ran out towards the point G2 as Cornelia and all of her units converged on the mountain.
Cornelia began to think as her units began the assault.
You the Japan Liberation Front. You who time has left behind. You have forgotten basic human decency. You and your dreams of a bygone golden age, shall fall and rot to nothingness.
All of the Black Knights who we're watching the assault form around them watched in horror as Cornelia's units began their attack on the JLF.
"No way!" Tamaki shouted when he realized what Zero was planning. "The Britannians already have this entire area surrounded. There's no way out."
"We've already been cut off." Lelouch said. "Our only chance of surviving now is to fight."
"You've got to be kidding me!" Zero shouted. "You put Ciel and the other non-combat personal in mortal danger."
Ciel began to whimper in fear when she heard what Zero was saying.
"Your seriously asking us to take the Britannian's head on!?" Tamaki shouted in anger.
"Not to mention we're fighting Cornelia's units." Kento said. "And her units are the best of the best."
"And we Reploids have to fight Mega Man X!" Leviathan said.
"Correct." Lelouch said. "It would be a miracle if we won this fight."
"Zero...what are you saying..." Ohgi began, before he was cut off by Lelouch.
"Even the Christ had to perform a miracle to gain his trust." Lelouch said. "Therefore we have to produce our own miracle."
"Look here!" Tamaki shouted. "This isn't some game that we're playing. The price we pay could be our lives! I knew it was insane to trust you as our leader! IT SHOULD BE ME!"
Lelouch pulled out a gun from his cape and pointed it at Tamaki. He left it there right at him for a few seconds, before cocking it, then flipping over as if he was handing it to him.
"Our path of retreat has been cut off." Lelouch said. "If you think you can win without me, then shoot me."
No one said a word. The entire mountain was filled with an eerie silence as the drills continued to dig deeper into the mountain.
That's fucking bold Lelouch. And I'm seriously thinking about it. I'll follow your path, but this is the last time you put Ciel in fucking danger.
"He's so gutsy." Ciel said. "He must be confident about something. But what?"
Charles stood off into the distance as a capsule containing Sigma was right next to him. He stood there in the World of C: A floating empty abyss. With a massive temple structure all around the area, and a field of a bright morning sky with clouds all around it.
"You're murderous ways end here Sigma." Charles said. "You Reploids. Your mind is so much like us humans. Forget all those nasty memories of your murderous ways. You and your comrades will serve us now; and bring my country into a age of prosperity none has even known before."
Charles eyed behind him. Four other capsules we're behind him as well. Each one ascribed with a name:
Vile. Agile. Serges. Violen.
"Now we will test you." Charles said, pressing a button on the capsule.
The capsule sprung to life as the door opened slowly. A hand reached out of the capsule revealing Sigma his first armor, although slightly redecorated with Britannian symbols and colors (Sigma had his Green armor still, but he had a Britannian cape and several medals placed upon him along with a symbol painted onto his chest). He looked confused for a minute and then looked at Charles.
"Why my lord." Sigma said. "It is an honor to see you my King. What sort of business do you have for me?"