Sitting at the academy pool Lelouch was grinning like a cat. After his continuos triumphs as Zero he had built his reputation to a point where people were joining his army in the double digits.
However his eyes fell upon one name in particular. Dietard Ried, a news reporter who seemed fascinated in the black knights.
A message came to his computer. Clicking on it he stared at a simple sentence and a picture.
"Just cause my last name is rook doesn't mean I'm interested in chess, Zero!" Wrote Rook as he sent a picture of himself.
From what Lelouch saw he was the real deal, however the massive walls behind him were something else.
"So now that your army is growing, what's your next move?" Asked C.C. As she swam in the pool.
"I'm waiting, for the perfect opportunity, if not I know of a fool with an army at his disposal" said Zero as he continued managing the recruitment process.
"What makes you so certain he won't turn on you?" Questioned the woman with green hair as she rose from the water.
"He's just the kind of man to put his allies above all else" closing the computer Lelouch rose to his feet.
"Before that i must do some investigation"
VVVvvvVVV
"What do you think about this? A supply ship intercepted right as it made it to shore...the investigation came up empty as the ones responsible were never found" sighing Silver lowered the report.
Driving the car Kristen was taking them out of the settlement. Their task was to investigate the missing supply ships and trace the origin of the attackers.
"We are supposed to find the cause without any support. Sir I'm not sure we can accomplish this mission alone" as they were turning up a cliff she slammed the brakes.
Glaring at his lieutenant Silver looked ahead. Riding on a horse Chris and Marcia stood frozen in place.
The two groups stared at each other in silence. For Chris this was the worst possible scenario, if Silver returned alive he would unleash the entire army of Britannia upon his base.
For Silver knowing that Rook is alive meant two things, Yuhelia was right and he has a perfect chance to eliminate two birds with one stone.
As the two groups remained still Silver made the first move. Lifting his arms up in the air he smiled at Rook. "Rook, my friend...I've got news for you" said the man with venom coating his words.
"I'm not in the mood Silver" reaching into his side Chris took out his gun, taking the safety off, he groaned as a bullet was fired.
Standing from her spot Kristen had prepared first. "You will listen to my boss, or you will lose your life" threatened the woman confident in her marksmanship.
Frowning Marcia slowly reached for her bow. Switching targets Kristen stared at Marcia. Both females refused to back down.
"I wonder Rook, what does it take to keep you dead? I've just about exhausted all my resources simply pinning your location. Killing you is proving to be much more complicated" said the man with a sarcastic smile.
"Yes enjoy the moment while it lasts...you're climbing up the to be killed list" replied Chris through gritted teeth.
"Yes, well you see I need you to do me a favor. I need you to kill someone whom we hate more than each other-" falling silent Silver looked around.
The sound of spinners made the four of them look around confused. Turning his attention towards Silver, Chris only offered one word.
"RUN!"
Turning their horses around Chris and Marcia went up the cliff. Switching gears Kristen followed after them. "That old bastard set us up, Fuck!" Screamed Silver as he looked back.
Golden colored Gloucester's chased after them. Following after Chris he couldn't believe his luck. A ball of fire flew over their heads as Chris managed to knock two Gloucesters down the cliff.
The cliff took a steep turn as Marcia drew her bow and took aim. Gazing at the car containing their enemies she wanted to fire at them so badly. But for the sake of her and her husband she fired an Ice arrow only after they entered the steep turn.
Spikes of ice rose to the sky as two Gloucesters were knocked off the cliff. Continuing forward the four made it out of the cliffs and arrived at a small outpost.
Guns were trained on Silver as the guards spotted the Britannians uniform.
"Britannians found our position. These two are my prisoners. Tell Dexter and Gouda, we've got to fortify our position" one of the men inside the shack rose his weapon and moved inside to inform their bosses.
VVVvvvVVV
"You seem to be enjoying yourself Yuhelia" smiling the old man who was given life a second time, turned around in his new body. Gazing at a child with long hair.
"Yes, with this body I possess I shall finish what I should've done a long time ago" starring at him in boredom the child was neither amused nor impressed by this man.
"As long as you can kill that boy, I care not what you do afterwards" he stated bluntly.
Still smiling Yuhelia turned his back on the boy "my time is limited, but it is enough to kill him"
VVVvvvVVV
(Road to Narita)
Frowning princess Cornelia observed as her forces had diminished. Over the last few days she had tried to track down the source of this sudden decrease in number.
Her officers came up with dead ends. Nearly all of her forces had been pulled away. With no clue to where the troops were sent.
"Sir head count has been finished" said Andreas Darlton as he received the report.
"Out with it soldier"
"130 soldiers" his words hit the princess like a punch to the gut.
Her division of 2,000 which boasted of veterans and disciplined troops had been reduced to a meager unit. Half of those troops were meant to escort the civilians out of the battlefield, leaving her with barely an assault force.
"Shall I draw soldiers from the purist faction?" Asked Guilford concerned for the princess.
"It seems we are left with no other action, call the special division as well. I shall witness that machine of theirs with my very own eyes" her face settled into a frown as she wondered where her soldiers had gone off to.
VVVvvvVVV
Gouda and Dexter pulled their forces out and moved within Ojiiya. Under Chris's orders they set up their troops within the town. The sight of dragons was surprising but the news of an enemy attack gave them little time to ponder on the beasts.
Gathering at the command center Sheila formed units with commanders. "Dexter you'll be in charge of the wall's sniper troops, Marcia the walls defenses are yours to command"
With the map of the newly established Ojiiya she placed the pieces representing each commander and their units. "Rebecca, Francesca you're in command of the innermost defenses, once those walls give in you need to keep them away"
"Chris, Gouda, Niels, you three need to guard the west, since our defenses are weakest you'll have the largest number of troops" moving each piece she stopped as Dexter had a question.
"What about the river, whose gonna stop the enemy from making their way in?" Smiling she knew why the river was already secured, however they weren't informed about the sea snakes.
"No one's gonna come through that place. We've got countermeasures in the hundreds" confused Dexter glanced at Gouda.
"I will give commands from here, Patricia you are in command of the prototype units, you move only when I give the word" nodding the the young woman knew this was not the time to hesitate.
"Good, everyone watch your backs, keep each other safe, if it gets too hot get out, but don't run away. The moment you turn your backs on the enemy you'll be killed. Stay with your brothers, friends and comrades. Once this is over I want to celebrate with you all" said Chris as he stared at the officers gathered in the command room.
Nodding everyone made their way out of the command room.
VVVvvvVVV
(On the eastern wall)
The day went by so slow. Morning lasted for what felt like an eternity, as the afternoon came signs of the enemy forces were present. Golden Gloucester and Sutherland's took up positions outside Ojiiya.
Foot soldiers arrived and filled the spots around the KLF. With his sniper rifle Dexter spotted artillery setting up at the top of the mountain. Frowning he did not like these odds.
"The enemy has deployed all they've got. You sure we can still win?" He asked as Marcia stood with her bow. Behind her two female soldiers escorted her with their own bows.
"Yes. Chris believes we've got a chance and I do as well" the walls rumbled as massive batteries rose from their sleep. Gazing at these beasts of war Dexter chuckled.
"You guys are insane...where do you even get to build these things?" He asked.
"I'll let Chris answer that for you, good luck" walking back to her post. Dexter was left wondering about Rook's connections.
VVVvvvVVV
(On the western front)
Drinking a bottle of wine Gouda sighed happily. "I wanted to one day fight a massive battle...and look at this!" Pointing at the open fields in front of him.
A wall of golden colored machines stood in their way, tanks and infantry along with artillery and a command center at the rear.
Laughing Gouda was excited at the idea of the upcoming battle. "Are you sure you should be drinking at this time?" approaching the man Chris dressed in his white samurai armor. At his sides were a pair of katanas.
"Nice get up...you are not seriously fighting in that right?" Asked Gouda.
"Yes, this is my war gear, don't worry I've got my guards" standing a few feet away were several samurai.
"Shit..." Whispered Gouda as he didn't know what to make of this.
Looking at the command center Chris wondered who was behind the enemy forces. And how could he defeat them.
VVVvvvVVV
(Civilians quarters 2nd floor)
Kristen and Silver had been tied up and left under the watch of two guards. Pulling a thin knife from her shoe Kristen cut her binds. Running towards the guard she stabbed him in rapid successions.
His partner took aim, running at him Silver slammed his elbow into the guards side. Raising his arms he punched the back of the soldiers head knocking him out cold.
"Good job soldier, now let's see where Rook is hiding those stupid crystals" freeing his arms she nodded.
VVVvvvVVV
Rain poured over the now fortified city of Ojiiya. The mighty wall that surrounded the city sported hundreds of defenders. The 50mm battery guns had been set up across the eastern wall.
On the west Chris held his sword as his armored troops guarded the open fields. On the river hundreds of snakes were swimming up and down.
The sky rumbled as lightning struck the earth. Standing next to Chris was a large green machine with a rocket launcher.
"Pretty kind of them to come here, saves me the trouble of finding them" said Gouda.
"It's been almost an hour since they set up their forces...my legs are gonna fall asleep at this rate" said Chris as rain began falling around them.
Waiting made him tense, however he knew this was part of the enemy's plan. Strike when they're relaxed and defeat them before they can reorganize.
A flash of light turned the troops attention towards the field up ahead. A signal flare had been launched. The attack was commencing.
Dozens of artillery rounds were fired, the sound of their cannons was recognizable to anyone who had engaged Britannia before. "Hold the line!" Ordered Chris as he stood his ground.
The artillery rounds slammed around them. Debris flew all around, nervous several of the soldiers looked around. Afraid that they would be in range of the attack.
As the last of the enemy shots hit the earth Chris rose his sword pointing at the field before them he gave his command despite his ringing ears.
"All troops forward march!" As one unit the Sutherlands rolled forward. Line after line of Sutherlands advanced upon the enemy.
Standing his ground Chris waited with the infantry. His time would come but not yet, just not yet.
Gouda lead the assault as the green colored KLF approached the enemy. Aiming his rocket launcher he fired at an enemy Gloucester. Breaking formation the soldier was fired by a rebel unit.
The order to advance was given as the Britannians met the enemy advance. Gun fire was exchanged on both sides. Destruction and death quickly painted the opening of the gruesome Siege battle.
Advancing on an enemy Sutherland Gouda fired a rocket hitting it's leg crippling the machine. As the pilot rightened himself a spike covered fist tore through the machines chest crushing the pilot inside.
Pulling back Gouda continued in his attack. Firing several rockets he destroyed two enemy KLF and missed a third one hitting an ally instead. Discarding his now empty weapon Gouda stopped as he spotted a blue machine crushing Rooks troop.
"Finally an enemy commander, let's see what your made of!" Advancing on the enemy he lifted his machines spiked fists. Taking notice of him the unit turned to face him.
"You are fighting Gouda, captain of the 16th Japan assault force" a right hook was the start of their duel, missing by a few inches Gouda was not disheartened. Following the enemy he threw a series of jabs which missed as his enemy backed away.
Becoming irritated he fired his slash harkens, dodging the attack the blue unit moved forward and pressed it's battle rifle on the Sutherland's chest.
"Damn you-" pulling the trigger a 13mm round pierced through the chest armor and through the back. The Sutherland defiantly punched the rifle causing it to explode, at the same time the green machine detonated with the man's final battle finished.
VVVvvvVVV
Witnessing the explosion of the heavy machine Chris could feel himself losing confidence. Gouda wasn't much of a pilot, however he was patriot and his men followed him mostly out of loyalty.
As the battle was slowing down Chris knew his forces had been nearly obliterated, the enemy must've suffered some casualties but not enough to lose control over this battle.
As the enemy forces advanced he ordered the tanks to open fire. From their position the enemy would be hard pressed to advance.
The tanks first volley flew slamming hard on the unfortunate enemy soldiers. Sutherlands were blown to bits while the Gloucester managed to evade by turning back.
A second push was attempted but Chris's tanks offered no quarter. After a few tense minutes artillery rounds were fired. Slamming down on Rook's Position several tanks were blown by the enemy assault.
Moving in the pilots were confident in their chances. Meeting their charge were the samurai. Drawing swords ignited by red flames, they swung their blades vertically sending a wave of flames scorching the earth.
The KLF advance was stopped as the magic weapons knocked them back. "Tanks open fire!" The remaining tanks adjusted their aim picking off the unfortunate KLF.
The samurai spread in a wide line as more troops poured from inside the base. These were equipped with machine guns, rifles and RPG's.
"Chris this isn't looking good for us"* said Sheila over the ear piece.
"I should go back and summon more troops, I'll try to-" explosions went off near his position as a team of KLF was intercepted by the rear guard. The enemy attempted to approach their position from the side but failed to realize how many troops were present.
"Kid...leave it to me, I'll try to summon troops" frowning Chris did not agree to this.
"Sheila stop, I'll-" the blue KLF lead the third push. Despite missing an arm the machine easily danced around the defenses. "God damnit!" Drawing his second sword Chris ran forward.
Summoning his magic power he swung his swords in a cross cut. Arrows of ice flew towards the KLF striking it's frame and knocking it off balance. The tanks fired but their rounds merely bounced off it's armor.
Standing the machine pulled back as the main force managed to advance. "Swordsmen, Hail storm!" Ordered Chris.
Lifting their swords over their heads, the flaming weapons were coated in a cool mist. Chris's own weapons were no different. Together the soldiers thrust their words forward. Icy winds flew towards the enemy machines.
Encasing the machines in a block of ice they were stopped in their tracks. Several rockets were fired breaking the icicle machines.
Another round of artillery was fired. Gazing at the sky Chris frowned. Slamming down on the ground the rounds ripped the defense force to bits.
VVVvvvVVV
(At the command Center)
Marching out of the command room Sheila hurried towards Chris's room. Their only hope to protect this place was to summon dozens of soldiers, swarm tactics were risky but they had no other choice.
Arriving at his room she stopped as the door was open. Rushing inside Silver and Kristen were taking the summoning Crystals. "No, put that down right now!" Said Sheila as she stormed towards them.
Looking at her Silver grinned, pointing the palm of his right hand at her he spoke. "Flames of hell come and scorch the heathen standing before me!"
His palm glowed red as magic flew out towards Sheila. The room was filled with the deadly flames as he laughed. Possessing all the crystals neither Chris nor Yuhelia could stop him.
His laugh was cut short as Sheila came running from the flames. Her metal body slammed into Silver crushing his bones and organs. Kristen stood frozen as she gazed at the woman.
Reaching towards Kristen, the red scorching hand grasped her neck. Her screams echoed in the dark room. Pressing tightly Sheila felt her blood hit her face. Dropping the now dead woman she fell forward.
The summoning Crystals were safe. But her body couldn't do anything else. "Kid... I'm sorry...I let you down" the flames slowly reached towards the dead body.
VVVvvvVVV
(Britannians command Center)
Watching as smoke rose from inside the enemy base Yuhelia smiled. "Those two did a better than than I could imagine. Very well, time to put an end to this game" rising from his chair Yuhelia drew a rapier.
The soldiers gazed at him wondering where he was going. "Sir who will command the troops?" Asked a soldier.
"You, I appoint you my new head of command" resuming his walk the old man left the soldiers lost and without a proper chain of command.
Stepping out into the pouring rain Yuhelia smiled. "Fitting setting, tell me God are you crying because I'm killing my son or are you crying because you can't join in?" He asked to the sky.
As the sky rumbled lightning struck the ground near him. "Hmph, what a spoiled sport" looking at the center of the battlefield Yuhelia gazed at his son. The white armor could be seen from his spot.
His smiled dropped as he gained speed. Soon he was off in a sprint running past his soldiers and their armored units. Yuhelia had made-up his mind.
"Chris dies today" he spoke as he ran past the blue KLF.
VVVvvvVVV
(On the eastern wall)
"Main batteries fire!" Orders Marcia as the massive guns fired their 207mm cannons. The enemy formation was almost broken with their first volley. Gazing at their numbers Marcia was growing concerned over Chris's position. If things seemed easy, it meant that the enemy was not focused on this side.
Artillery opened fire in retaliation as they rounds slammed all over the walls. Impacts shook the wall as holes were formed but she stood strong. Their KLF advanced as archers took aim.
"Release!" Said Marcia as their arrows gave off a soft blue light. Releasing the first volley Dexter observed as the enemy who were hit turned into blocks of ice. Surprised he looked around as his men shared his surprise.
"Dexter break those blocks of ice before they can release their soldiers" said Marcia.
"Roger, soldiers, open fire!" Joining his men they aimed their guns and rained bullets on the ice blocks. Cracks formed before they shattered.
A second wave moved in, taking aim the archers waited for the order. Artillery fired their rounds before Marcia could give the order. Hitting the wall cracks spread across the white concrete structure.
Watching as the enemy closed in Marcia gave the order. "Release, cannons return fire!"
The powerful batteries returned fire punching a hole into the enemy formation. As the arrows were fired they came a moment too late as only a handful of KLF had been struck.
The enemy advanced, firing the slash harkens they opted for taking out the archers. As they began climbing the walls Marcia moved to the front of the walls. With her bow she took an arrow out.
Taking careful aim she struck an enemy KLF with her arrow. Aiming at the next unit he fired upon her. Backing away she watched as the rounds demolished a chunk of the wall.
The archers quickly took positions and released their arrows freezing the enemy units. Dexter followed by firing with his snipers taking out the machines.
The artillery fired once again, one of the batteries was struck, the explosion broke a part of the wall. The other rounds only helped to weaken the wall. "That artillery needs to go now" taking out an arrow Marcia focused her aim.
Whispering a spell she released the arrow. Flying to the clouds her arrow was but a small light, minutes later the Britannians army began running as the arrow came out of the clouds, with the force of a Strom the arrow struck the top of the mountain knocking the artillery out of service.
Sighing Marcia knew this was a risky move. Wasting so much energy at the start of the battle could mean their defeat, however she didn't have any other choice.
"Enemy advance!" Warned a soldier.
"Archers take aim" ordered Marcia.
"Release!" The volley of arrows struck the enemy creating more blocks of Ice. Dexter took aim, stopping they watched as the enemy infantry moved around the frozen troops. Taking aim they fired their explosives. The wall shook violently as it couldn't withstand the abuse for much longer.
"Fire, it doesn't matter at who just fire" said Dexter as he took aim and shot at a Britannian soldier.
As they continued their assault Marcia had a strange feeling that something bad had just occurred. Looking at the town the command center was burning. "No, damnit this can't be happening" abandoning her post She ran towards the towers and begun descending the stairs.
Her mind was racing as she wondered who could've attacked their command center, if nothing she at least wanted to know everyone was doing fine.