Do Something, Do It Stupid

by codegeassfan123

Everyone knows about the Britannian Imperial Family, even Lady Marianne's deceased children have their place in history. Yet everyone often forgets about the one prince that left Pendragon 7 and a 1/2 years ago, and that's the Dimwitted Prince, Joseph Du Britannia. Now that he's crossed paths with his brother on a highway in Area 11, there's no telling what adventures might ensue.

45. Trust!

She sat in the corner hyperventilating, trying not to panic.

She could feel the beads of sweat roll down her face.

She just wanted to be done for today.

No more tests, no more experiments.

Her siblings looked at her in worry, not sure what to do.

Soon the door opened, revealing Master V.V. and the men in white coats.

"Time for another checkup." A white coat man said.

"No...please...no more..." She said, fear distilled in her eyes.

"Now, now, Kaecus. Do what the doctor says." Master V.V. said with a sweet tone.

"Please sir, can't she have a break?" Her brother asked.

"Remember to speak only when spoken to, Potestas." Master V.V. said in a calm but stern manner.

"F-Forgive me, Master V.V." Potestas said nervously with a bow.

"Let's not the make the doctor wait now." Master V.V. said in his unfeeling tone as the white coat man came and tightly grabbed her arm.

"No! I don't want to! It hurts! Please Master V.V., make it stop!" Kaecus begged as she tried to pry her arm out of the white coat man's grip.

"Oh, poor child. It'll never stop. It's for your own good." Master V.V. said with a smile.

The syringe came right towards her eye.

"NO!"

...

"NOOO!" Kaecus screamed as she shot up from the bed.

She screamed so loud that she woke up the rest of her siblings with a startle. They all shared a king-sized bed as they felt safer knowing they be at arms-length to protect each other, just in case.

"WAS IS IT?! WHAT'S GOING ON?!" Potestas asked quickly as he stood up, Geass shinging brightly and ready to fight off whatever was causing his sister to panic.

"I didn't eat all the meat!" Animi said frantically as she was still waking herself up.

Suddenly, like being teleported, Joseph was already in the room, full parent mode.

"NO FEAR! PAPA HERE!" Joseph yelled determinedly as he put up a fighting stance.

"Papa! Something's wrong with Kaecus!" Umbra said worriedly as she pointed to her sister.

"No more! No more!" Kaecus kept yelling as she clutched her head tightly, tears running down her cheeks.

Joseph quickly jumped onto the bed and brought Kaecus into his arms, who started to flay her arms at him, thinking he was going to hurt her.

"Kaecus! Easy!" Joseph told her.

"Get away! Get away!" She said frantically.

"Open eyes. It just me." Joseph said gently as he grabbed her arms, making sure not to hurt herself.

She did and saw who it was.

"P...P-Papa?" Kaecus asked nervously as she hyperventilated, still very scared.

"It okay...you safe." Joseph said as he placed his head against her. "Remember, in...out..." He instructed as showed her the deep breathing exercise.

Kaecus did as such, as did the other kids to help her calm down.

Eventually she did, but more tears ran down her face as she tightly hugged her father.

"T-They w-were going t-t-to run m-more t-tests...V-V-V.V. s-said it was f-f-for my own..." Kaecus struggled to say as she cried into Joseph's chest.

"Shhhh...it alright..." Joseph cooed her, petting her hair.

"Don't worry Kaecus. We're never going to go back there." Potestas said in a gentle tone as he joined in the hug.

"Yeah, we're with Papa now." Longe said encouragingly as he joined as well.

Soon enough all the siblings came in to sooth their scared sister. Joseph took out his walkman and played the song his mom chose in case he had nightmares.

I may not always love you

But as long as they are stars above you

Joseph hummed along to the tune as he rocked his kids back and forth.

As that was going on, they didn't realize they were being watched by Kallen, small smile on her face.

Joseph then looked at the clock and saw it was close to 6AM.

An idea struck from his head!

"Come, my children. New lesson for thee." Joseph said quietly as he stood up, holding Kaecus in his arms.

"Right now?" Animi asked in surprise.

"Yep! Spit-spot!" Joseph cheerfully insisted with a British accent, making the kids giggle.

Kallen quickly left so she they wouldn't see her.

Joseph then led his kids to the roof of the building they were staying in. He looked around and a smile formed on his face.

"Perfect timing." Joseph said.

"Why are we up here Papa?" Potestas asked in confusion.

Joseph kneeled next to his son and turned his head towards the horizon. "That." He said simply.

What the children then saw was the sun rise over the ocean, a bright orange light washed over them as their eyes widen in amazement.

"Whoa..." The kids said together in awe.

"Papa! That's-" Umbra was about to excitedly rant about the sun but Joseph gently shushed her.

"Shhhhh...early morning quiet time. Appreciate moment." Joseph said kindly with a whisper.

Umbra and the others looked at him with surprise but then smiled and nodded in understanding.

Joseph sat Kaecus on his shoulders. This reminded her of when she saw the sun for the first time, a gift from her Papa.

"Close eyes." Joseph gently told his kids, they did so. "Breathe in." They did. "And listen." They did.

They heard the waves of the ocean, they heard creatures that their father told them were called birds chirp in the distance. They heard the low wind brush past their hair and shoulders.

It was calm, peaceful.

A smile formed on Kaecus' face and she hugged Joseph's head.

"Thank you, Papa."

Joseph just smiled in return.

...

Ashford Academy

Student Council Building

"He adopted how many kids?!" Shirley asked in shock, Milly and Rivalz standing next to her also flabbergasted, as she spoke to Lelouch on speakerphone.

...

Ikaruga

Zero's Private Quarters

"Five. And they're just as curious as he was their age." Lelouch said tiredly as he observed them watch a cartoon with C.C.

"Papa? Is the Bikini Bottom a secret base the government doesn't want people to know about?" Potestas asked curiously.

"Do they run experiments on fish to make them talk?" Longe asked.

"Are the krabby patties made out of other fish? Does that make them cannibals?" Animi asked innocently.

"Possibly. But no worry about. Not real, just cartoon." Joseph explained.

"Car...toon...?" Kaecus asked innocently.

"Imagination turned entertainment! Made for people, by people!" Joseph exclaimed happily.

"Like my book?" Longe asked curiously as he held the book given to him by Lelouch.

"Yep! But live!" Joseph said enthusatically.

"Master told me it was a magic box of sorts. A way of sending moving images so other people can watch." C.C. said shyly.

"Magic box indeed!" Joseph agreed wholeheartedly.

"Wow..." The kids said all together in awe.

"I'm still weary about the whole thing." Lelouch said with a small bit of concern.

...

Ashford Academy

Student Council Building

"Well Joseph's not the worst guy to raise kids. I mean look who your dad is." Rivalz said impromtu.

"Rivalz!" Both Shirley and Milly scolded, Shirley even pinching his ear.

"Ow! I'm trying to be encouraging!" Rivalz said with a pained tone.

...

Ikaruga

Zero's Private Quarters

Lelouch couldn't help but laugh. "No, no. Rivalz's right. It's only been a few days but Joseph's already a better father than ours ever was." He said optimistically.

"And he'll have help from all of us too! After all, I'm an aunt now!" Shirley said excitedly over the phone, making Lelouch smile.

"Indeed." Lelouch simply said.

"Papa! SpongeBob is so cool! Do you think I could be a cartoon character?!" Umbra asked excitedly.

"Already tried. No can do." Joseph said disappointedly.

"Awwww..." The kids moaned with disappointment.

"But that LONG time ago! Say try again!" Joseph proclaimed as he jumped up from the couch.

"Wait, what?" Lelouch froze at that.

"Come on kids! Test theory!" Joseph declared as he charged out the room.

"Yay!" The kids cheered as they ran after their father.

"Wait no!" Lelouch tried to yell out to them. "Uh, sorry guys, I have to call you back." He quickly told his girlfriend and friends over the phone before hanging up and chasing after them. "Guys, stop!" He said frantically as he chased after them, making sure to grab his mask, leaving a very confused C.C.

...

Ashford Academy

Student Council Building

The trio couldn't help but chuckle.

"Poor Lulu, now he has to look after five mini-versions of Joseph." Shirley said sympathetically.

"Well at the very least it'll be good practice for him." Milly said.

"Practice? For what?" Shirley asked, confused.

"Your own children of course!" Milly said excitedly.

"WHA?! We-We're not even close to that yet!" Shirley sputtered, red in the face.

"'Yet?' Oh, so the conversation has been brought up before?" Milly asked with her Cheshire grin.

"MILLY!" Shirley yelled angrily.

...

"I came alone as I promised. Now what's the meaning of this, Jeremiah? If you have information on Princess Cornelia's whereabouts then why do you need to tell it only to me in secret?" Guilford asked with a strict tone, hoping he wasn't wasting his time.

"Lord Guilford." A voice called out, not belonging to Jeremiah.

"Identify yourself! You're not Orange…" Guilford ordered as he took out his gun.

"Wait. I just have a request to ask of you." The person said, his left eye glowing red.

...

Viceroy Palace

Guilford felt like he was suppose to be remembering something. But he couldn't put his finger on it.

Unfortunately, he couldn't really focus on it as he was dealing with bigger problems.

"The Emperor's gone?" Guilford asked in shock.

He, along with Nunnally, Suzaku, Cecile, Lloyd, Gino, Anya, Miss Lohmeyer, Ethan, and Claudio were all gathered together to learn the news.

"He's disappeared?" Cecile asked in surprise.

"He has. I've just received word from Prime Minister Schneizel about it. It's important that we restrict this information to only those present here. He also said that this situation is only known to a handful of people in the homeland." Suzaku told the others.

"What on Earth happened to him?" Guilford asked.

"There is no news on the investigation." Anya said blankly, looking at her phone.

"Hold on a minute. Won't this affect our plans to attack the Chinese Federation?" Edgar asked.

"If His Majesty isn't present to issue a declaration of war then we can't do anything." Claudio told him.

"Is this for the best? With the Emperor gone, Nunnally should be safe for now. But…" Suzaku thought to himself as he looked over to Nunnally who looked like she was in deep thought.

She hadn't bothered to speak to him at all unless it was about the Special Zone or menial things. For the last couple of days, she actually kept to herself mostly. And Suzaku could only blame himself for that.

Nunnally on her end, just had one thought on her mind.

"This whole time...Lelouch..."

"Viceroy, perhaps you have an idea what to do." Guilford asked, breaking her out of her thoughts.

"There's domestic security we need to think about. If the Numbers were to learn of this situation you had better have new policies in place, now is not the time to be silent." Miss Lohmeyer said sternly.

"I'm thinking, Miss Lohmeyer." Nunnally said tiredly, feeling a headache coming on.

"We are in a time of crisis, Viceroy! You need to start making decisions!" Miss Lohmeyer said in a strict tone.

"And if I start making ones out of haste, it could lead to serious repercussions." Nunnally told her calmly.

"People expect action from authority figures." Miss Lohmeyer said in annoyance.

"Ah, Miss Lohmeyer, do you think-" Before Gino could finish, Nunnally raised her hand up, gesturing him to stop.

"It's alright, Lord Gino. I got it." Nunnally told him with a smile.

"Uh, of course, your highness." Gino said, a bit surprised.

"You are right, Miss Lohmeyer. This is a time of crisis. So what is it you suggest I do?" Nunnally asked her in a professional tone.

Miss Lohmeyer looked at her in surprise as this was the first time she ever asked her opinion of things, but wasn't going to let the opportunity pass by.

"Well clearly we need to set up perimeters around the SAZ, make sure the current 'residents' don't get too courageous with any traitorious actions. I might say it would be a good idea to keep them all there until the Emperor returns." Miss Lohmeyer said professionally.

"Hold on! You want to make them prisoners?!" Suzaku asked in angry shock. "It's suppose to be a sanctuary!"

"Those Elevens are lucky we don't put them in actual prisons or shoot them on the spot for that matter." Miss Lohmeyer said dismissively. "They're nothing but beasts who'll tear each other apart given the opportunity."

"You really assume the worse in people, don't you Miss Lohmeyer? But I guess that makes sense given who you are." Nunnally said in a casual manner.

Miss Lohmeyer looked at Nunnally in confusion.

"Who I am, your Highness?" She asked.

"Yes. A cold-hearted miserable woman who likes to put down others because she wants them to feel just as miserable." Nunnally said in a blank tone.

Now that definitely got people's attention.

Suzaku, Gino, Guilford, Cecile, and most of the people in the room looked in shock by what Nunnally just said. Even Anya looked up from her phone with a curious look. Lloyd on the hand, had to contain a giggle coming out.

And Miss Lohmeyer felt as though she had just been slapped in the face.

"E-Excuse me?!" Miss Lohmeyer asked, trying not to sound too angry in front of royalty.

"Well I have been taking lessons from you for the past year and a half now, and it's clear to me that according to your perspective, only vile people should be allowed to do what they want." Nunnally said, starting to form emotion in her tone. "And you, Miss Lohmeyer, are certainly one of the most vile people I've ever met."

"Your Highness! I am just trying-"

"What you're trying to do is give the Japanese another reason to rebel against us, not that we already given them enough! I'd say we should be grateful that we still have Suzaku by our side." Nunnally said angrily.

Suzaku looked at her in surprise, not expecting her to come to his defense.

"He's an Eleven, Viceroy!" Miss Lohmeyer said viciously.

"Who has shown nothing but loyalty to my family!" Nunnally said, rage rising in her voice.

Suzaku could sense some doubt when she mentioned 'family' though.

"Maybe if it weren't for people like you, Zero wouldn't exist and Euphie would still be alive!" Nunnally said lividly. "And maybe my brothers...my brothers would still be here." She finished weakly.

Suzaku looked at her in shock, because while it wasn't said aloud, he knew some of that was directed towards him.

"Viceroy, may I remind you that it was your father who personally assigned me as your teacher!? It is my job to make sure you take charge as a true leader" Miss Lohmeyer said angrily.

"Yes, and clearly you've shown great knowledge of such things." Nunnally said in a sarcastic tone. "Honestly, how Joseph put up with you as long as he did is a miracle itself." She said with a blank tone.

And that was the last straw for Miss Lohmeyer.

"Oh! I am so sick of hearing about that man! All he's done is fill your head with nonsense about lions and what-not! He's an enemy of Britannia now and you need to start treating him as such! Stop listening to the words of a DAMN RETARD!" Miss Lohmeyer finally exploded.

The room froze in an awkward silence, no one was sure what to say. Cecile looked on nervously, Lloyd had an intrigued expression, "oh shit" was written on Gino's face, Anya was curious to see how this was going to end, Guilford's fist tightened in frustration, and Suzaku even stood up from his seat in anger.

Nunnally however, just inhaled a deep breath and proceeded to speak calmly.

"...Then maybe your services are no longer required." Nunnally said, Miss Lohmeyer's eyes widened at that. Everyone else looked in surprise.

"W...What?!" She asked in shock.

"I've learned all I can from you Alice. It's time we go our separate ways." Nunnally said a professional tone.

"In layman's terms, you're fired." Gino said with a smug grin.

"You...you can't fire me! The Emperor-"

"Said that your duties are to make sure I learn the ways of being a proper princess of Britannia. And I think I can finally handle being as such. Which means you can take your leave." Nunnally said in a blank tone.

Alice was starting to get livid.

"This is outrageous! You can't just-"

"Miss Lohmeyer! Either you can exit the building with some self-respect or you can be dragged out by guards with your dignity left behind." Suzaku warned as he approached her.

Alice stared venomously at Suzaku, wanting to smack him right there. But she knew the position she was in now and saw the others looking at her, it was clear they were not going to help her.

So instead, she swallowed her pride and bowed deeply to the Viceroy before exiting the room.

"Wow Viceroy. That was badass." Gino said with an impressed tone.

"Thank you Gino. It's honestly something I've been waiting to do for awhile now." Nunnally said with a smile.

"She had no right speaking about his highness that way." Guilford said, disgusted.

"I know Guilford, but thankfully we won't have to deal with her anymore." Nunnally reassured her.

"Nunnally, thank you-" Suzaku tried to say.

"Let's get back to the issues at hand, shall we? Yes, the Emperor is missing, but we still have an Area to run." Nunnally said in a professional tone, ignoring Suzaku completely.

"Yes Viceroy!" The room said together.

Except Suzaku, who just looked at Nunnally, feeling ashamed.

...

Horai Island

Meanwhile, Zero was holding a press conference with the Black Knights, Kaguya, Xingke, Tianzi, Xianglin, and Hong Gu.

"And so by ratifying this charter it will give birth to an alliance that'll rival the Holy Britannian Empire. And its name shall be… the United Federation of Nations!" Zero declared.

The people gathered looked at him with shock and awe.

...

Ikaruga

Zero's Private Quarters

Joseph watched this declaration with his kids, Rolo, and the still amnesiac C.C.

"Yeah! That your Uncle!" Joseph cheered.

"Yay!" Umbra cheered along.

"What does that mean, Rolo?" Potestas asked curiously.

"It means that Lelouch has officially created his own council and nation for the people." Rolo explained with a smile.

"Bigger and better Justice League!" Joseph said excitedly as he ruffled his son's hair.

C.C. wasn't sure what was going on but was happy for her master none-the-less.

...

Horai Island

"It's wonderful, Master Zero!" Kaguya said happily.

"There are exiled regime throughout the Britannian colonies. Some have agreed to participate." Xianglin told the people there.

"With this move we've finally earned a just cause to launch a war of liberation." Diethard said with excitement.

"A just cause to launch a war…" Tohdoh said with a small smile.

"And a means to finally take back Japan." Kallen said with her own excited smile.

"If the forthcoming operation to recapture Japan is indeed successful, then other undecided nations will join us in a chain reaction." Xingke explained, Tianzi gave a smile and nod in agreement.

"And it will succeed. But we must form the U.F.N. before Britannia could act. Time decides our victory or defeat. I ask only that you cooperate on the focus of our plan. I know representatives here must discuss the needs of their individual countries. But remember, what you decide will change the course of world history!" Zero proclaimed, getting a cheer from the crowd.

"You really are something else, Lelouch." Urabe thought with an impressed smile.

...

Viceroy Palace

Suzaku sat on the steps that led to garden of the Palace, thinking about how things all led up to now.

"Troubled mind?" A voice asked him, a voice belonging to Anya as she looked through her phone, taking a picture of him.

"Nothing but trouble." Suzaku said with a tired smile.

"Because you and the Viceroy are fighting?" Anya asked, Suzaku gasped in surprise at that.

"W-We're not...(Sighs)Not just that...Even though I chose this for myself. Decisions I made eight years back." He said.

"Do you still place trust in him? The you from eight years ago?" Anya asked blankly, to which he gave a soft chuckle.

"I don't know if I would trust the me from even a year ago now..." Suzaku said.

"Memories that people have are always fake. No point in believing in them." Anya said blankly.

"I'd have to disagree with that." Suzaku said.

"But I know it. In my case I kept diary from nine years ago. I don't remember anything from it at all." Anya told him as she looked through her pictures. Suzaku looked at her in surprise. "And there's more I don't trust. The data I store doesn't match any memories I have." She said quietly.

"Could that be it? The emperor's Geass? But why use it on Anya?" Suzaku wondered.

Suddenly, flashes of the Emperor taking away Lelouch's, Shirley's, Milly's, and Rivalz's memories went through his mind.

It made his body stiffen. Stiffen with guilt and shame. Even when it came towards Lelouch.

Anya didn't seem to notice as such as she continued on.

"Even recent things, my memories don't match the recordings at all. Like when fighting with the Chinese Federation they don't-"

*HISS*

Anya didn't get to finish as Arthur suddenly hissed at the intruder and a large knife was launched at Suzaku, who caught it effortlessly.

"What do people value most, Sir Kururugi, the Traitor? Their own life, of course." A new guest said with a snake-like voice.

He had fire-colored hair to go with his equally fire-colored cloak, as well as a smile that was anything but friendly.

"So I see that you've returned from the Belarusian front, Sir Luciano Bradley." Suzaku said in a tone that wasn't happy to see Luciano at all. Arthur continued to hiss at the man, sensing the bad energy he was giving.

"It's the Knight of Ten." Anya whispered, also not liking his presence.

"I see your skill at courting with the new ladies are still intact. Princess Massacre wasn't enough for you?" Luciano asked slyly.

"Speak another untrue word of her name and you will have to face me in a duel, sir." Suzaku warned in a calm but stern manner.

"Oh, it seems you've forgotten. I'm very well known as the genius of homicide." Luciano said with an evil smirk. "Perhaps being only a Number without any true bloodline is…"

Luciano didn't get to finish either as a large knightmare with purple and black colors landed between him and Suzaku. It also had a golden handle on its back to carry its sword.

"They sent the Galahad?" Suzaku asked in shock.

"Both of you, cease your squabbling!" A voice boomed from the Galahad. A voice belonging to...

"The Knight of One. But why would they send Bismarck Waldstein here?" Anya asked, a bit surprised herself.

"Anya, a foolish question. Obviously the Black Knights will invade Area 11 first. Luciano! I brought the Valkyrie squadron for that here as well. I've also readied Gareths for this event. Now is the time for us to join our forces under the command of Prince Schneizel. So save your solo fronting for the battle field." Bismarck told them from inside his knightmare as a Britannian army started to come into the Area from a distance. Including the Avalon with Schneizel, Kanon, and Nina on board.

"I understand it well. Whatever you say, My Lord." Luciano said as he walked away.

"It seems the war is finally arriving..." Suzaku thought sadly.

...

Avalon

"Mount the F.L.E.I.J.A. onto the Lancelot?" Cecile asked in surprise.

"Prince Schneizel's orders. He wants to make sure we have every tool at our disposal. It seems we can finally put your pet project to the test, Nina." Lloyd said. "You wouldn't mix up a strategic weapon with a tactical one, would you?" He asked with a bit of an edge in his tone.

"I have thought it through. Any matter caught within the primary area of effect field will be annihilated by the F.L.E.I.J.A.'s rapid sphere collapse." Nina explained.

"Hold on. You want Suzaku to fire a weapon like that?" Cecile said with worry.

"He'd kill his own people. A massacre." Anya commented blankly.

"Suzaku, you don't consider yourself an Eleven anymore, right? That's why I want to entrust the F.L.E.I.J.A. to you." Nina told him.

"You give me...that burden?" Suzaku asked wearily.

"You were Princess Euphemia's knight, so naturally." Nina said in a sure manner.

"Hmm, Nina, darling. A fine quandary might just kill Suzaku. And take you along, as well." Lloyd with a bit of a tease in his tone. Nina looked at him in confusion while Suzaku looked down feeling nothing but conflicted.

"Would Euphemia want any of this?" Suzaku thought to himself.

...

That Night...

The United Federations of Nations' Charter

"Uncle Joe!" Tianzi shouted with joy as she ran towards her surrogate uncle.

"Niece Tia!" Joseph exclaimed happily as he engulfed Tianzi into a tight hug. "How favorite Empress?" He asked, getting a giggle out of her.

"Good! I learned how to make paper airplanes like you said!" Tianzi said excitedly.

"Yeah! Up top!" Joseph cheered as he put her down and offered a high five. Which she gladly returned.

"Joseph! Welcome back!" Kaguya said, coming in with her own hug.

"'Back' my middle name!" Joseph said proudly, making Kaguya giggle.

"Tell me, is your cute little brother, Rolo, here as well? I'd love to catch up with him." Kaguya said with a strange smile.

"No worry, they coming!" Joseph reassured.

"They?" Kaguya asked in confusion.

"Xingy!" Joseph greeted, not hearing Kaguya.

Xingke inwardly cringed, both at the nickname and the hope he wouldn't have to talk to the dimwit prince.

"Joseph. A pleasure." Xingke said with a blank tone.

"Bring in, new bro!" Joseph cheered as grabbed Xingke into a bear hug and swung him around, making Kallen smirk, Kaguya and Xianzi laugh, Xianglin just sighed.

"I hate you." Xingke muttered under a tight breath.

"Love you too!" Joseph said as he just hugged Xingke even tighter.

"Good to see you as well Kallen. I see you don't need the crutches anymore." Kaguya greeted as she saw Kallen wearing a walking boot now.

"Yeah, doc says my leg should be completely healed the next day or so! Can finally use the Guren again!" Kallen said with smug grin.

"I thought it was called Cherry Dynamite?" Tianzi asked innocently.

"Well that's actually just what Joseph-" Before Kallen could finish, she gets cut off by the man himself.

"Oh Tia! Wanna introduce people!" He said excitedly.

"People? Who?" Tianzi asked curiously.

It was then Rolo approached the group. He also had a few small individuals behind him, who looked on with shyness and curiosity.

Joseph smiled kindly at Tianzi as he gently took her hand and guided her towards the children. He kneeled down so he could be eye level with them.

"Kids, this your cousin Tia. Tia, these my kids." Joseph said joyfully.

Tianzi's eyes lit up in surprise. Kaguya gasped while Xingke and Xianglin blinked in confusion.

"Kallen! You and Joseph were conceiving this entire time?!" Kaguya asked with shock.

"WHA! N-No! Why the Hell would you think that?!" Kallen said, face as red as tomato.

"And five children at that! Your womb must be exhausted!" Kaguya continued, seemingly ignoring her.

"KAGUYA!" Kallen screamed.

"It's an honor to meet you, your Highness." Potestas said politely as he bowed to Xianzi.

"I love your ponytails!" Umbra said excitedly as she pushed past Potestas and got in close, discarding etiquette entirely.

Tianzi blinked at Umbra's forwardness, reminding her of Joseph. In return, she smiled at the girl.

"Thank you. You have cute pigtails yourself." Tianzi complimented, making Umbra giggle.

"Are you really an Empress?" Longe asked.

"Is that dress uncomfortable?" Animi asked.

Kaguya couldn't help but chuckle at the kids' enthusiastic curiosity.

"Apologies. They're still getting used to other people, everything is new to them." Rolo said as he approached Kaguya.

"It's alright, curiosity is a great thing." Kaguya reassured him before putting on a flirtatious smile. "And it's nice to see you again Rolo."

Rolo looked at her in surprise and confusion.

"Um, it's nice to see as well Lady Kaguya." Rolo said politely.

"I would like to hear more about your school days when you have the chance." Kaguya said brightly.

"Well I..." Rolo tried to say.

"How about right now?" Kaguya insisted as she pulled him away from the group.

Kallen watched them leave with a raised eyebrow while Joseph gave a knowing smirk.

"She like him." Joseph said teasingly.

"She did mention she found him cute." Kallen agreed.

"Papa! Tia just blew a wet sphere out of a wand!" Umbra exclaimed in awe.

"It's pretty." Kaecus said gently.

"Bubbles, kids! Simplicity in beauitillity!" Joseph said happily.

"That's not a word…" Xingke muttered in annoyance.

"Uncle Joe, have you shown them the clapping game?" Tianzi asked excitedly.

"Clapping game?" Longe asked curiously.

"Back up children! Gonna blow heads in ecstasy!" Joseph said excitedly.

Xingke groaned in disgust while Kallen shook her head, knowing he meant well.

"I don't know how this happened, but I just know it's going to end badly." Xingke said.

"We'll see." Kallen said with a smirk towards him.

...

The Next Day

Ikaruga

The Black Knights were getting ready for the announcement. Most of them anyway

"Good thing we followed Zero, isn't it, buddy?" Tamaki said drunkenly.

"It sure is." Asahina said awkwardly.

"By the way, where's C.C.?" Minami asked.

"I heard that she was still feeling ill." Sugiyama said.

"Morning sickness, huh? Guess Zero took my second best bud's lead!" Tamaki exclaimed.

"Tamaki-san, maybe you had a little too much." Futuba said tiredly.

"Bring on the good stuff!" Tamaki cheered.

While that was going on, Chiba was applying makeup to Tohdoh's face.

"A soldier wearing makeup is disgraceful." Tohdoh muttered with annoyance.

"I have to make you look good." Chiba lightly chided, but then a pink blush appeared on her face. "Um, sir...after this…current situation is over, I'd like to propose a request to Kyoshiro Tohdoh." She said awkwardly.

And before she could say anything else, she heard the door open and music coming from the other end. Chiba sighed, knowing exactly who that was.

"Hey! There he is! Second best bud!" Tamaki cheered.

"Dancing. Marching. We're dancing, we're marching." Joseph sung along to the beat of his walkman as he and the kids walked/marched in synchronization to the beat. "We're marching, we're dancing." He sung as he turned, bent down, and took Umbra's hands and swung them left to right, making her laugh with joy.

Kallen slowly trudged inside, watching them with amusement.

"Well looks like they been bitten by the same music bug their new dad was." Minami said with a chuckle.

"Kami help us." Sugiyama said in amusement.

"Freestyle!" Joseph shouted as he and the kids started making up dance moves.

I live for the funk, I die for the funk

I live for the funk, I die for the funk

Kaecus ran over to Tohdoh and tugged on his arm.

"Come dance with us, Oji-sensei." Kaecus asked with joy.

"I don't really dance..." Tohdoh said awkwardly.

"Oh would you take the stick out of your ass and have some fun!" Tamaki said loudly as he got up and danced with Joseph and the kids. Even Kallen bopped her head to the beat.

"Yeah! Go Uncle Tom-Tom!" Umbra said excitedly as she danced next to him.

That caused Tamaki to freeze and look at the kids with surprise.

"I'm...an uncle?" He asked, quickly sobering up.

"Well duh!" Joseph and the kids said together.

That caused Tamaki to sniffle and suddenly start bawling as he grabbed a couple of the kids into a hug.

"I love you little squirts!" He said as he cried loudly, confusing Potestas and Animi as they were the ones subjected to Tamaki's hug.

"Papa, his breath smells strange." Potestas whispered to Joseph.

"That liquor, strangeness part of it." Joseph happily explained.

"Ooooooh." The kids said together.

Minami and Sugiyama couldn't help but chuckle.

"Well, I guess they officially won Tamaki over." Kallen said with amusement as she shook her head.

It was then the door opened, revealing Ohgi and Diethard.

"Ohgi, there you are." Kallen said as she, Minami, and Sugiyama approached the two.

"You're finally here." Minami said.

"Is this any time to be running late again?" Sugiyama asked, a bit annoyed.

"I know. Sorry guys." Ohgi told them tiredly.

"Ohgi, did you oversleep again?" Tohdoh asked, approaching the group. Leaving behind a disappointed Chiba.

"Too slow." She muttered quietly.

"Too slow for what?" Umbra asked curiously, suddenly appearing next to Chiba.

"Dah! Geez kid! Could you make some noise when you approach someone?!" Chiba lectured.

"Why is your face red?" Umbra continued to ask.

"It's not..." Chiba said with gritted teeth, starting to get annoyed.

"Papa says a red face is hot like chili paste." Umbra said happily.

"Would you get out of here!" Chiba said angrily.

"Sorry I'm late. But the truth is…" Ohgi tried to explain himself only to feel Diethard's hand on his shoulder.

"We're all here. Let's go. It's a day to change all of the history books, right?" Diethard said with a casual tone, Ohgi giving him a subtle glare.

...

Zero's Private Quarters

"Yes, we've finished preparations for a worldwide broadcast. Li Xingke and General Tohdoh are in the waiting area." Diethard told Lelouch over the phone.

"Very good. After I meet with the Indian and Guinean members, expect me at the assembly." Lelouch told him before hanging up. "I have to go now but just stay here for the time being." He told C.C.

"Okay. And so, later." C.C. said shyly.

"Later?" Lelouch asked.

"I mean, see you later." C.C. said with a soft smile, Lelouch gave one in return.

"I'll be off then." He said as he put on his mask.

...

United States of China Representatives Room

"Regarding the Union of the Nations Charter, I will leave explanation of it to Representative of the Supreme Council Kaguya Sumeragi." Tianzi said as she memorized her speech.

...

Horai Island

"We're coming live to you right over Horai island where the ratification ceremony for the united states charter is about to begin." A news reporter said as their ship passed by the building.

...

Ashford Academy

Student Council Building

"To help viewers understand this development, the ceremony of ratification of this new charter will create a federation of nations that will rival our own empire. As parts of the now dissipating E.U. are joining as well, it will have a great unified power. Included from the E.U. are Poland, Italy…" Milly reported from her news station.

Shirley and Rivalz watched from Rivalz's laptop.

"Man, Lelouch is really doing it. He's creating a place where democracy is actually a thing!" Rivalz said, in awe of his friend.

"I had no doubt he would." Shirley said, feeling proud of her boyfriend.

"Still, things are about to get crazy around here, aren't they?" Rivalz asked worriedly.

"Don't worry Rivalz, we all made sure the Academy wouldn't be touched this time." Shirley reassured.

"Yeah, just the jitters I guess." Rivalz said, still a bit concerned.

...

Tokyo Settlement

"The Black Knights have convinced all of these representative nations to participate. Therefore, the leader behind this must be Zero. In short, the U.F.N. will most likely be an enemy to Britannia. Military forces are deployed in Kyushu, Chugoku and Hokuriku."

As Milly's broadcast continued, Rolo, Sayoko, and a group of Black Knights walked through the settlements to the unknowing eye, all them wearing suits.

...

Viceroy Palace

Schneizel and Nunnally listened to the broadcast with Kanon and the Knights of the Round present as well.

"They're forming a union of nations, just as you said." Kanon said to Schneizel.

"But the military of each country will never be able to work together." Bismarck observed.

"They'll just be an unruly mob. All the more easier for us to cut them down like dogs." Luciano said with an evil smirk.

"Sir Bradley. Please keep comments like that to yourself." Nunnally lectured, not liking this man at all.

"Just making an observation, Lady Viceroy. My apologies." Luciano said in somewhat sarcastic tone.

"What do you think about all this Schneizel?" Nunnally asked, turning to her brother.

"There is an option." Schneizel said.

"Finally, Article 17 of the United States Charter, all ratifying nations do now declare to abandon native military power forever." Kaguya announced.

This surprised the group.

Abandon military power…?" Suzaku asked.

"Are they nuts?" Gino asked, also shocked.

...

The United Federations of Nations Charter

"To guarantee the security of member nations have agreed to employ a fighting force not affiliated with any one country. They have contracted it to the Black Knights." Kaguya declared from the stadium where she, Tianzi, and the other members of the UFN stood.

The camera then showed Zero, Joseph, Kallen, Xingke, Tohdoh, Chiba, Xianglin, Hong Gu, Rakshata, Ohgi, Tamaki, Asahina, Urabe, Minami, Sugiyama, Diethard, and many other Black Knights on top of the Ikaruga.

"We hereby accept. Our acceptance also allows us for U.F.N. funding and personnel involvement. In return, we will become the shield to defend every member nation and its sword to oppose any external foe!" Zero proclaimed to the public. All while Joseph was excitedly waving at the camera from behind him.

That is until Kallen yanked his arm down.

"Joe, stop it!" She whispered with annoyance.

"But on TV. Kids watching." Joseph whined.

...

Viceroy Palace

"Good old Joe." Gino chuckled as he watched Joseph be himself.

"Curious Prime Minister. Since Prince Joseph is a now self-proclaimed terrorist, does this mean he's to be treated as such?" Luciano asked with a sneer.

Suzaku, Nunnally, Schneizel all knew what he was implying with that question.

"Hold on, let's not be hasty." Suzaku quickly said.

"He's not wrong. I know he's your brother, but there's only so much we can do before we have to take drastic measures." Bismarck told the royal siblings.

Nunnally gripped her armrests in fear, fear for her brother, both her brothers.

Suddenly she felt a hand touch her shoulder, the hand belonging to Schneizel.

"Right now, let's just focus on seeing how to handle this United Nations. We'll cross that road when we get there." Schneizel told the Knights of the Round, before turning to Kanon. "The option, right?" He asked with a smirk, Kanon nodded with his own smile.

...

Ikaruga

Zero's Private Quarters

"Look! Dad's on TV!" Umbra said excitedly as she and her siblings, along with C.C. watched the broadcast.

"Whoa! Does that mean he's famous?" Longe asked curiously.

"He's on TV, of course he's famous you moron!" Animi chided.

"Hey, I'm not a moron!" Longe said angrily.

"Are too!" Animi said.

"You're just saying that because you're fat!" Longe mocked.

"Who are you calling fat!?" Animi said as she rolled up her sleeve, ready to pound her brother into a pulp.

"Guys, enough! Remember what dad said." Potestas lectured as he between them.

"She started it!" Longe said.

"Did not!" Animi said.

"Did too!" Longe countered.

While Potestas was trying to control the situation, Umbra was just happy to see her new father on the screen.

"Hi Papa!" She said excitedly as she waved back to the TV.

And Kaecus sat next to C.C. who clung onto her cheese-kun.

"Sorry if they're scaring you." Kaecus said gently.

"No, it's okay. I've had masters who's kids would act like that all the time." C.C. reassured her. "I wish I could of had a brother or sister..." She said quietly as she looked down sadly.

Kaecus saw this and patted her knee.

"It's okay Miss C.C. Papa wasn't our papa by blood, but he's still our Papa. If you want, you can be our new sister as well." Kaecus kindly offered.

C.C. looked at her in shock. "R...Really...?"

Kaecus gave her a bright smile and nodded before hugging her.

C.C. eyes watered as she returned the hug. "Thank you." She said gratefully.

After they released the hug, C.C. grabbed the plate of pizza from the table.

"Master ordered this for me before he left. He said it's called, 'Pee-zzza'. Would you like some?" C.C. offered.

"Okay." Kaecus said happily as she took a slice.

...

The United Federations of Nations Charter

"Disturbances in this world are caused by military powers of disparate nations. The U.F.N. shall only use military force in accordance with a full resolution by the supreme council." Tianzi said from the stadium.

"And with that I shall put forth the first motion. Japan has been held by unjust foreign power and the U.S.J. have asked for our help to free them from this occupation. I request that the Black Knights be dispatched at once. All those in favor, please stand up." Kaguya proclaimed. Which lead to all the members standing up in unison. "And so with overwhelming majorities, under U.F.N. resolution number 1, the Black Knights shall now go forth to liberate Japan." Kaguya declared.

"So be it. Under U.F.N. resolution number 1, our first operational objective shall be Japan!" Zero proclaimed with a wave of hand, getting a cheer from the people there.

"Our Japan. And now we shall take it back!" Tohdoh said determinedly.

"They'll feel the might of our hearts!" Urabe said.

"And the will of our souls!" Chiba agreed.

"It's time Britannia finally got a taste of its own medicine!" Kallen said with equal determination.

"HORSE ON MENU! SECOND SERVINGS BABY!" Joseph yelled enthusiastically.

...

Zero's Private Quarters

"EAT THE HORSE, PAPA!" The kids cheered, getting a giggle from C.C.

...

The United Federations of Nations Charter

Before the news could be properly celebrated, the screen suddenly glitched out and revealed a new face.

A face that Lelouch hoped he never see again.

"Hear me, Zero." Emperor Charles vi Britannia

Lelouch's eyes widen in shock, Joseph's raised his eyes in surprise.

"What?!" Lelouch thought with dread and fear.

"Dad?" Joseph said in confusion.

"No way!" Kallen said in shock.

...

Viceroy Palace

"Father?" Nunnally asked with concern.

"The Emperor?" Suzaku said, also with surprise and concern.

"Well, look who's back." Luciano said in a casual tone.

"Was this fake disappearance your doing, father? A charade?" Schneizel asked, showing a rare hint of anger.

...

Tokyo Settlement News Station

Milly froze in her seat, her hands tightly gripping the paper she was holding.

"Miss Ashford, are you alright?" A news intern asked in concern.

"No...no, no, no, no, no!" She thought to herself, her breathing becoming uneasy.

...

Ashford Academy

Student Council Building

"B-Ba-But how?! L-Lelouch said..." Rivalz stuttered with fear, having flashbacks of that day.

Shirley also looked at the screen with intense fear, but not towards the Emperor, but for Lelouch.

"Lulu..."

...

Ikaruga

Zero's Private Quarters

"That's Grandpa?" Longe asked in surprise.

"He looks scary." Kaecus said, afraid of the man on the screen.

"And mean!" Animi said angrily.

"Well did say he was Darth Vader." Umbra agreed.

"Are you okay, Kaecus?" Potestas asked his sister worriedly, who looked like was on the verge of another panic attack.

"W-What...what if tries to take us back t-to..." Kaecus struggled to say with fear.

"Papa won't let that happen. Neither will any of us." Potestas told her determinedly as he held her hand.

"It'll be okay Kaecus." C.C. reassured her as she patted her head.

While Kaecus was still afraid, she put on a small smile and nodded at them.

...

The United Federations of Nations Charter

"Switch to the auxiliary line! Cut the link, damn it!" Diethard told them through his comms.

"We can't! The system's hacked. It's coming in from 14 external paths!" A Black Knight told him.

"Zero, you thought this foolishness would surprise me?" Charles asked egostiastically from the screen.

"Impossible! How did he escape?!" Lelouch thought to himself, unable to comprehend this.

"However, it matters not. This charter you made is a child's note. The E.U., once a third of the world, is now dead. You've only helped distinguish Britannia on a map from the rest of the pitiful dirt." Charles said boastfully as the screen showed the amount of control had on the entire world. "The situation is very simple and clear for in the end whoever succeeds in this battle shall gain control of the entire world. Very well. Have at me, Zero. I'm ready."Charles continued his rant as Zero started to back up.

All he could see was his father looking down at him. The way he did 8 years ago when he banished him and his sister to Japan.

Suddenly, he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder and saw it was Joseph, who looked at him in concern. Kallen and Urabe gave him one as well. Tohdoh saw this, wondering what was going on.

"So will you win it all now, Zero, or will you lose everything! Time to learn the gambles of war. All hail Britannia!" Charles proclaimed with a tyrannic voice.

...

Viceroy Palace

"All hail Britannia! All hail Britannia! All hail Britannia! All hail Britannia!" The Britannian Army chanted, ready to go to battle.

...

The United Federations of Nations Charter

"Long live Japan!" Tohdoh declared, raising his sword in strive.

"Long live Japan!" Chiba continued, raising her fist in the air.

"Long live Japan!" Urabe and Asahina chanted.

"Long live Japan! Long live Japan! Long live Japan!" The rest of the Black Knights chanted.

All except Zero, Joseph, and Kallen, who had already left.

...

Tokyo Settlement

Meanwhile, an airship was crossing the borders out of Area 11.

"We are now exiting Area 11, Miss Lohmeyer." The pilot told her.

"Good. I've had just about enough of this damn country." Miss Lohmeyer said with a low voice. "The Emperor was a fool for thinking that girl could be controlled. She can rot in Hell for all I care!"

...

Ikaruga

Zero's Private Quarters

Lelouch rushed in, practically ripping his mask off.

"Oh, um, welcome back." C.C. said politely as she stood back up.

"Lelouch, you need to calm down!" Kallen said as she came in the room after him.

"Calm! How can I be calm knowing the Emperor has escaped!?" Lelouch yelled angrily.

"Hey! No yelling. Kids in room." Joseph lectured as he entered the room last.

"Papa!" The kids said with relief as they went to hug their father. Kaecus being the first to get there and wrap her arms around his neck.

"We saw Grandpa, he's very scary." Kaecus said with a frightened tone.

"I know Kay, that who he be." Joseph said with a gentle tone as he rubbed her hair.

"You were right Papa! Your dad's a big meanie!" Umbra said in a cute angry tone.

"Are you you and Uncle Lelouch going to stop him, Papa?" Potestas asked worriedly.

"Yeah! He needs a time out!" Longe said determinedly.

"And a butt-whooping!" Animi added with a determined fist.

"Hell yeah!" Joseph agreed, showing off his own fist.

"Joe." Kallen said with a warning tone.

"Kids chill-lax though, leave whooping to adults." Joseph added.

"Awwww..." The kids groaned in disappointment, particularly Animi who pouted.

Joseph looked back to his brother and saw the emotional state he was in.

"Be right back." He told his children as he got up and went towards Lelouch.

"I have to rescue Nunnally at once! Maybe I could use Cornelia some way. No. The hostage plea would have no effect on him. Perhaps use Jeremiah or Rolo. No, I can't! And Geass won't work on him. Should I reveal to the world that Zero is Lelouch? No! If the Black Knights found out their leader were an enemy prince, I'd lose that too. And rescuing Nunnally is useless if there's no country that will accept us. Damn it! What should I do?!" Lelouch thought rapidly.

"Little bro?" Joseph asked in concern.

"Lelouch..." Kallen said, also concerned.

It was then C.C. approached him with a slice of pizza on a place. Not noticing the shaking rage that was forming from him.

"Um, master, I kept this last piece so you could have it. You left without having breakfast and must be hungry. So please, if you…"

"BE QUIET!" Lelouch yelled as he whipped his head around.

It startled C.C. so much that she dropped the plate and fell to the ground in fright.

"Lelouch! Enough!" Kallen said angrily as she kneeled next to C.C. in comfort.

Lelouch, realizing what he had done, snapped out of it.

"Papa?!" Potestas asked with haste as he and his siblings looked over in concern.

"A-Ok. Stay there." Joseph told his kids firmly before looking back Lelouch with a stern look. "Bro! Say sorry!" He practically ordered.

"I...C.C. I'm...I'm sorry..." Lelouch said, feeling ashamed.

"No, it's my fault Master. I'll clean it up at once." C.C. said quickly as she went to pick up pieces of the plate.

"No, please, leave it there." Lelouch told her as he kneeled down to her, Joseph doing the same. "Are you hurt at all?" Lelouch asked her.

"It's no big deal. I get hurt all the time." C.C. reassured him.

"All the time?" Kallen asked in surprise.

"Yeah, I've dealt with cuts and bruises my whole life. Bleeding feels even better when it's cold. It feels warm on your outside. It stings a bit. But only on the outside. And that's always better than hurt on your inside. It's just…any kind of warmth helps make you try to keep going." C.C. explained softly.

Lelouch, Joseph, and Kallen looked at her sadly. Knowing the abuse she had to go through.

"Like love? Family? Friends?" Joseph asked gently but also pointedly as he wanted this conversation to lead to a particular training buddy of his.

"I think so. I've never actually had one before. Families would always comes and goes, I mean, someone special who stands beside you. It's only now I'm starting to know what that feels like." C.C. told them optimistically as she looked back at Kaecus and smiled at her, who gave a smile in return.

The three gave this some thought before Lelouch looked at Joseph, who nodded and smiled determinedly, and then Kallen, who also nodded even though she was a bit more unsure.

"You're right. A friend is always there." Lelouch said as he helped C.C. back up.

...

Viceroy Palace

Suzaku walked through the gardens of the palace. He tried calling Milly, Rivalz, and Shirley to see if they were okay, but they weren't picking up. Not that he could blame them.

"The consequences of my own actions..." Suzaku thought ruefully.

Suddenly, he heard his phone ring and quickly took it out of his pocket, thinking it was them. Instead, he got a more shocking name.

LELOUCH

He froze. Should he answer it? Was it worth his time? He figured Lelouch knew he found out, so why would he be calling?

With great trepidation, he pushed the answer button and held the phone up to his ear.

"I'm here." He said blankly.

"...It's Lelouch." Lelouch said, a bit of trepidation on his own part.

"I know." Suzaku said blankly again.

"So, have you seen the news?" Lelouch asked.

"About Area 11 becoming a battle field again? Yes." Suzaku said.

"The Tokyo settlement. It'll be in danger." Lelouch said.

"I guess it depends on your decisions. Zero." Suzaku said with an edge to his tone.

"...Yes, I suppose there's no point in hiding it. I am Zero." Lelouch told him stoically.

"Nice of you to finally be truthful. Now tell me why an enemy of Britannia is calling." Suzaku asked.

"Stop being dick, training buddy!" He heard Joseph say over the line.

"Joseph, please." Lelouch lectured.

"Joseph's there?" Suzaku asked.

...

Ikaruga

Zero's Private Quarters

"Let's just say he managed to convince me to call you. Please Suzaku, help me save Nunnally. The Emperor has been using her as hostage to try lure me into his trap. Don't you see? That's why I've had to operate in secret. Please Suzaku. You're the only person I can turn to now." Lelouch said with dread in his voice.

"How dare you? You think that request means anything to me?" Suzaku asked angrily.

"No, I don't. But I need your help. I need it now!" Lelouch told him.

"Always so selfish." Suzaku said bitterly.

"Yes. You're all I have. The only friend I can turn to. Suzaku! Protect her. It's Nunnally. My heart's begging." Lelouch begged, tears forming in his eyes. Joseph went over and wrapped his arm around his shoulder in comfort, Lelouch grasped his hand in return.

...

Viceroy Palace

He should say no.

He had every right to say no.

He should be saying no right now!

But for some reason, he hesitated.

For some reason, Shirley's words went through his mind.

"...He wants you to know that you're still loved, that you're still his best friend. And I know deep down you still consider him the same."

"...Very well then. However, one condition. I will protect Nunnally. But you must come to Area 11 by yourself where she is. The place will be the Kururugi Shrine. The two of us meet there...

...Alone."

...

Ikaruga

Zero's Private Quarters

"...Very well. I'll be there in a few hours." Lelouch said before hanging up.

"Alright! Training buddy coming to light side!" Joseph said excitedly as he put his fist in the air.

"You think it'll be that easy?" Kallen asked with an unsure tone.

"Well, we're not there yet. I still have to convince him to help me." Lelouch told him.

"And will! Make sure of!" Joseph told him as he pointed his thumb at himself.

"I don't think that's a good idea. He said to come alone." Lelouch told him wearily.

"You be alone. To unseen eye." Joseph explained as he got up close to Lelouch's face and pointed at his eye, before winking. "Gotta protect little bro after all."

Lelouch stared at him blankly before he sighed and smiled at him. "Of course Joseph. I always appreciate your support." He said with a grateful tone

"Hell yeah! Let's go!" Joseph cheered.

"But! Before we do that, perhaps it's best we get your kids to a safer location." Lelouch suggested.

"Kids?" Joseph asked in confusion as he looked over to them.

"Of course, we're about to head into a huge battle and the Ikaruga is going to be major component. You don't want them to be endangered right?" Lelouch explained.

Joseph looked at him blankly for a moment before slapping his face in realization.

"Of course! Duh! Thank you bro!" Joseph said happily. "Ain't he great uncle?!" He asked his kids as he pointed to Lelouch.

"The greatest!" The kids said together as they came and hugged their uncle, Lelouch and Kallen couldn't help but chuckle.

"Okay, okay, guys. Calm down." Lelouch said as he patted their heads. "I'll contact Jeremiah and have him transfer you to..."

"Ashford Academy!" Joseph said excitedly.

Lelouch and Kallen blinked at him in confusion.

"...I was going to say the UFN charter on Horai Island." Lelouch said not understanding.

"Psssh. Bro, you made fortified school. That beat island any day! Said so you-self." Joseph reasoned nonchantantly.

"I'm pretty sure I didn't say that..." Lelouch deadpanned.

"Implied it." Joseph countered with a cheeky smile.

"I did hear overhear you the other day saying that you made sure that this 'school' of yours was prepared for any situation, Uncle Lelouch." Potestas argued for his father.

"Mmm-hmm." Joseph hummed cockily.

"Mmm-hmm." The kids hummed in a similar tone to their father.

Lelouch pinched his nose in frustration while Kallen sighed tiredly.

"Fine. Ashford it is." Lelouch muttered in agreement.

"Yeah! Gonna meet new relatives!" Joseph told his kids excitedly.

"Yay!" The kids cheered.

They went to say their goodbyes to C.C. while Lelouch and Kallen hung back a bit.

"How are you going to handle this, Lelouch?" Kallen asked quietly, knowing he had an interior motive up his sleeve.

"In a way that's doesn't endanger Joseph and the kids. Go and prepare the Guren, we're going to need it." Lelouch whispered, a calculating look in his eye. "You've done enough for me Joseph, now it's my turn to return the favor.

...

Area 11

Aquarium

Shirley, Milly, and Rivalz waited inside the aquarium from before. Lelouch had called earlier saying he was dropping off a few guests.

"I can't believe this is how Lelouch was able to go back and forth undetected! Guy sure does think of everything." Rivalz said as he looked around in awe.

"Well he is Zero for a reason." Shirley said pridefully before looking over to Milly. "But I'm surprised you were able to make it Milly, I would have thought the news station would want you all over the upcoming battle." She asked curiously.

"I told them I wasn't feeling well...seeing the Emperor again..." Milly said quietly as Shirley could see slight tremors in her hands.

She quickly came over and hugged her friend. "It'll be okay, Milly. He won't hurt us again. Lelouch, Joseph, and I will make sure of it." Shirley reassured her gently.

Milly, while still worried, smiled and returned the hug.

"Thanks Shirley." Milly said with a thankful tone.

"Hey! Don't I get a hug?" Rivalz complained.

Shirley and Milly laughed at that and instead of rebuking him, they pulled him into the group hug.

Soon enough, they heard the wave erupt and Jeremiah's Siegfried appeared from below the water. The cockpit opened and out popped was Joseph and his five kids.

"NEW LITTLE SIS!" Joseph yelled excitedly as he waved to her.

"HI NEW AUNTIE!" The kids yelled, also waving.

Shirley, Milly, and Rivalz couldn't help but laugh.

"Hello, my new nieces and nephews!" Shirley said with joy as she waved at them.

Joseph grabbed his kids and jumped onto the platform.

"Shirley, Milly, Riv-alz. Meet Potestas, Kaecus, Umbra, Animi, and Longe. Best kids around!" Joseph introduced his children.

"Well aren't you guys just the cutest things ever!" Shirley said sweetly.

"It's nice to meet you. We never had an aunt before, besides Aunt Corn that is." Potestas said with a smile..

"Your hair is orange like an orange!" Umbra said excitedly.

"Aw, you guys are so adorable!" Milly squealed as she put her hands on her cheeks.

"Uncle Lelouch says you say very bad things. Should I cover my ears?" Kaecus asked worriedly.

"Only if you have a secret you don't want to share." Milly said as she got close to the girl with her devilish smirk, making Kaecus more concerned.

"Milly! Don't go corrupting my nieces!" Shirley reprimanded as she slapped the back of Milly's head.

"Oh come on! A little advice goes a long way." Milly complained, making Shirley groan.

"Sorry about that, Milly doesn't know what a filter is." Rivalz joked.

"Oh, well a filter is a device used for removing solid particles from a liquid or gas that pass through it." Longe explained innocently.

"Uh, no no, I meant..." Before Rivalz could explain, Animi spoke to him with interest.

"Is it true you drive a motorcycle?" Animi asked curiously.

"Oh, why yes I do." Rivalz said, a bit pridefully.

"Can I drive it?" Animi asked excitedly.

"...Joe?!" Rivalz called out, starting to get worried.

"Ain't they precious?" Joseph told his new sister and friends as he ruffled Animi's hair.

"Papa!" Animi groaned with an embarrassed red on her cheeks.

"Welp, wish longer convo guys, but just dropping off. Back to Jerry!" Joseph declared, ready to say his goodbyes.

"Uh, Papa...Uncle Jerry left." Longe said awkwardly as he pointed at the water.

Joseph's head whipped in said direction. "Huh?!" He said in utter confusion.

He went over to the edge and did indeed see that Jeremiah and the Siegfried were no longer there.

Suddenly, he heard his phone ring. He took it out of his pocket and saw he was getting a call from Jeremiah.

He quickly answered it, not happy at all.

"Uh, hello your Majesty." Jeremiah said awkwardly.

"Jerry! What the wraggle-fraggle?!" Joseph asked angrily.

"My deepest apologies, your highness. But Master Lelouch specifically told me to leave you in the company of Lady Shirley and the rest." Jeremiah said apologetically.

"But need be there!" Joseph complained.

"Master Lelouch said he needed to do this on his own. He appreciates your help but he wants you and the kids to remain safe. I have to go now myself, your Highness. I'll gladly allow you to reprimand us after the battle." Jeremiah said before hanging up.

"Wait, Jerry!" Joseph tried to say, but he already hung up. "Argh! Not cool Lelouch!" He said as he punched the air in anger.

"Sorry Big Brother, Lelouch was adamant you and the kids remain here for now." Shirley said apologetically.

"Can't have you being reckless this time." Rivalz said with a smirk.

"Hey! Papa's not reckless! He's very helpful!" Potestas said defensively.

"Yeah, like Batman!" Animi said, learning about that superhero recently.

"I-I was just-" Rivalz tried to get a word in but the kids weren't having it.

"What's your problem, Riv-alz?!" Umbra asked angrily.

"You shouldn't be mean like that!" Kaecus said, not as angry as her siblings but still upset.

"Being mean isn't cool like Halloween!" Longe advised angrily, learning that mantra from Joseph.

The kids continued to swarm and surround Rivalz as he like he was put in the middle of a dumpster fire.

"Well he's off to a great start with the kids." Milly said with a chuckle, Shirley couldn't help but giggle as well.

"Now, now kids. Riv-alz just joking, no hate in there." Joseph reassured them as he crouched to their level. "Remember, without comedy..." He began.

"Hyenas would be extinct." The kids said in unison.

"Exacta-mundo! Now, to Ashford and then give little bro piece of mind!" Joseph said determinedly as he pointed to the exit.

'Yeah!" The children said in equal determination.

Shirley, Milly, and Rivalz watched them in bewilderment.

"...Should we be concerned for these kids?" Rivalz asked in concern.

...

Kagoshima Coast

Missiles fired at each other as The Black Knights and the Britannian Military fought against each other.

"The enemy has fallen for our plan. They'll be shorthanded in the south so dispatch our landing forces to shore." Xingke said from inside the Shen Hu.

...

G1

Bismarck. and other Britannian soldiers watched the battle rage on.

"Enemy headed for Yamaguchi."

"Garcia team, wiped out!"

"Damn the Black Knights! How did they amass this strength?"

"We thought we could hold our territorial defense line, but after what Xingke did to us in the battle of the East China sea-"

"All right. Don't panic. As long as we are able to defend Area 11, all the imperial armies led by Prince Odysseus and the other royal family members can rush into the U.F.N. territories. The remaining Knights of the Round are deployed on the front line as well." Bismarck told the soldiers.

...

Kagoshima Coast

Kaguya and Tianzi watched the battle rage on with Xianglin in Xingke's command transport.

"Or to put it another way, if Japan is liberated, the other colony areas of Britannia will spring into action one after another which will redefine the map of the world." Kaguya explained.

...

G1

"In summation…" Bismarck continued.

...

Kagoshima Coast

"It's the decisive battle!" Kaguya concluded.

...

Ashford Academy

OSI Surviellance Room

"Wow! Is this really where you and Uncle Lelouch did all your spy stuff, Papa?" Umbra asked with keen interest as she, Potestas, and Joseph looked at the video monitors.

"Yep! Swept rug from bad guy's feet." Joseph said with a proud smile.

"So you guys were watching the bad guys while the bad guys thought they were watching you? That's like that film we watched called Inception! Except with surveillance instead of dreams!" Potestas said with a sparkle in her eyes.

"(Gasps)Surveil-ception!" Joseph, Potestas, and Umbra said excitedly.

While that was happening, Kaecus sat on top of the table while chatting with Shirley.

"Papa said that Grandpa took yours and Uncle Lelouch's memories away. Is it still hard to remember things?" Kaecus asked Shirley with concern.

"Thankfully, no. When I saw Lulu come back as Zero, it all came flooding back to me. It was both surreal and terrifying at the same time." Shirley explained sadly.

"Does that mean I'm a bad guy for having Geass too?" Kaecus whispered worriedly, not wanting her new father to hear.

"What?! Of course not!" Shirley said as she took Kaecus' hands into hers. "You don't think your siblings or your Uncle Lelouch are bad guys for having Geass do you?" She asked her, Kaecus shook her head at that. "Then you have nothing to worry about." She told her new niece brightly.

"Thanks Auntie Shirley." Kaecus said happily as she hugged her new aunt, making Shirley giggle with delight. "By the way, what's a practice bra?" She asked innocently, hearing Kaguya talk about it the other day.

"Uh..." Shirley said.

And Animi was fascinated with Rivalz's school uniform.

"So you guys get to wear these cool jackets while the girls have to wear those stupid skirts?" Animi asked in confusion.

"Well yeah, they're the uniforms assigned to us." Rivalz explained.

"But why are they so short?" Animi asked, not understanding.

"Uh, well...I could think of a few reasons..." Rivalz said as he scratched the back of his head in an awkward fashion.

However, they soon heard the elevator open and Milly entered the room.

"Sorry that took me so long, getting people safe inside the academy while making sure Joseph and the kids go undetected at the same time was quite a handful." Milly said apologetically.

"No-sense! Did good, Milly-Billy!" Joseph said gratefully as he patted her shoulder.

"Anything for an old friend and his kids." Milly said joyfully.

"It's amazing you own this entire school! With such a big library!" Longe said excitedly.

"It's more in name only, but essentially yes." Milly said with pride.

"(Sighs) You are worse than Lelouch sometimes..." Shirley muttered tiredly.

"Speaking of! Gotta get to meetup!" Joseph said, getting everyone's attention.

"You mean you're gonna go in your ghost form, Papa?" Kaecus asked curiously.

"Yep-per-rooni. Not sure when back, but poke eye if needed." Joseph told his friends and the kids as he sat down in a chair.

He made himself comfortable, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and pull himself out of his physical form.

"Alright, Suzaku said to meet at the Kururugi Shrine. Let's see if I still know the way." Joseph's spirit said as he flew out of the surveillance room.

The Student Council and the kids looked at Joseph's relaxed position.

"...Did Papa leave or is he sleeping?" Umbra asked curiously.

"I think he's meditating." Potestas said as he observed Joseph's low breathing.

"Do you think everything will be okay with Uncle Lelouch and Papa's training buddy, Aunt Shirley?" Kaecus asked, a bit worried.

"I hope so, Kaecus. I hope so." Shirley said as she patted Kaecus' head, also worried.

...

Kururugi Shrine

Lelouch stopped and looked at the stairs that lead up to the Kururugi Shrine. The place where he and Nunnally were exiled and met Suzaku.

Joseph's spirit floated by his side, smiling at his brother.

"Okay little bro, while I am mad at you for leaving me behind, I'm extremely proud of this grown-up moment you're having." Joseph's spirit said happily. "When we're done here, I'm going to let you win chess this time! After I karate chop you on the head of course!"

Lelouch, however, had his own things on his mind.

"Has it really been eight years? Eight years since Nunnally and I were left on our own at Kururugi shrine. And there…" Lelouch thought to himself, remembering how he met Suzaku.

"How do you like that, you stupid Brit! I don't need a reason to save when I wanna save or do what I wanna do!" The young Suzaku shouted at him.

"You always were stubborn. But of course that was the reason. The reason you became the first real friend I ever had. And that's why. Why I think I'll take a chance on you, Suzaku. If you can accept me, then perhaps…" Lelouch thought to himself as he and Joseph's spirit went up the steps towards the shrine.

...

Kagoshima Coast

Luciano laughed maniacally as he activated his knightmare's spinning lance and destroyed a ship carrier.

"This will hardly do for me. Such meager offerings." Luciano said, a bit disappointed.

"The Vampire of Britannia!" A Black Knight said.

"Attack him at the same time!" Another Black Knight said.

"Six-way charge attack!" A Black Knight declared as five other knightmares surrounded Luciano.

Luciano scoffed at that and blew away five of the knightmares at rapid speed.

"What the?" The last remaining Black Knight from the circle said as he looked around, wondering what just happened.

Suddenly Luciano's knightmare, the Percival, ripped open the Black Knight's hatch.

"Question – What do people value most?" Luciano asked mockingly as his brought his spinning lance into view.

"Stop it, please!" The Black Knight begged, blood draining from his face.

"That's right. Your own life." Luciano said mercilessly as he brought the lance down.

"Please! No!" The Black Knight tried to say, but it was too late as Luciano struck through his body as he laughed gleefully.

As that was going on, Xianglin was communicating with Xingke inside his knightmare.

"Our left wing is crumbling, Master Xingke. It's one Knighmare with unique breakthrough power." Xianglin told him over his monitor.

"Dispatch Indira's team for support. Have left wing teams fall back at one. Decoy and isolate enemy unit." Xingke ordered from inside the Shen Hu.

"Roger." Xianglin complied.

...

Viceroy Palace

"There's nothing to fear. The Knight of One, the strongest in the empire, is in Kyushu. If we can just ride this out and remain anchored in Tokyo, this will only look like minor trouble to foreign countries." Schneizel told the nobles and the Knights of the Round.

"Yes, Your Highness." Gino, Anya, and the others said.

Nunnally couldn't help but worry.

"Lelouch..." Nunnally thought to herself, concerned.

She then felt a hand on her shoulder.

"It'll be all right, Nunnally. I expect this war will be over soon. I have a knack for reading these situations." Schneizel reassured her.

...

G1

"It looks as if the enemy offensive is losing steam. And if you join the battle, you'll surely finish this with one blow, Lord Waldstein." A Britannian Soldier said encouragingly.

"You think so?" Bismarck asked with a bit of sarcasm.

"Huh?" The Britannian soldier said, not understanding.

"This attack is far too weak for one of Zero's trademark strategy." Bismarck said as he turned on the Galahad.

The Galahad launched out and head out towards the raging battle.

...

Lelouch and Joseph's spirit reached the top of the stairs, there they were greeted by their friend and enemy, Suzaku.

"Hey Suzaku!" Joseph's spirit said excitedly with a wave.

"You came alone?" Suzaku asked blankly.

"I promised I would." Lelouch told him.

"You have a lot nerve coming here." Suzaku said bitterly.

"Seriously? Still with the attitude?" Joseph said with annoyance.

"According to this particular situation there were 31 routes I could take. Especially with Britannia being so loose with the routes relating to the loyal family." Lelouch explained.

"That's not what I meant, Lelouch. Showing your face in front of me, that's what took nerve. Not your own daring. But you promised? It's hard to believe any of your promises at this point." Suzaku told him angrily.

"Then explain to me. Why did you come here alone as well? After what you did." Lelouch asked angrily.

"You wanna know? I'm fed up with lying! I've had to lie to Nunnally! Just the way you have! She knows something is going on and now she won't even talk to me! The Student Council can barely even look at me!" Suzaku said angrily.

"Whose fault is that?!" Lelouch asked accusingly.

"Whoa! Come on guys! Less fighting, more make up-ing!" Joseph tried to defuse the situation, even though they had no idea he was there.

The two stared at each other heatedly for a few seconds before Lelouch sighed defeatedly.

"Suzaku, please. I didn't come here to fight." Lelouch said quietly.

Suzaku sucked in a deep breath before sighing in frustration.

"Every time I see you now, I get so angry. And we both know the reason why that is." Suzaku said.

"Yes, we do." Lelouch said solemnly.

"Nothing makes sense for me anymore Lelouch, I don't know what to do." Suzaku said with a conflicted tone. "I just know that I want some answers." He finished with a hard tone as he took out a recording device.

"Woah! You're recording this, dude?! Nope, sorry, we're done here! Come on, Lelouch!" Joseph's spirit said as he started to float away.

"What do you want to know?" Lelouch asked quietly.

"Le-Lelouch!" Joseph said incredulously.

"I need to know. Did you use your Geass power on Euphie? Be honest." Suzaku asked with a strict tone.

"...Yes." Lelouch said with a blank voice.

"You caused her to massacre the Japanese?" Suzaku asked.

"I ordered her to do it." Lelouch continued blankly.

"Why would you use your Geass like that? Answer me! Why Euphemia of all people?!" Suzaku asked viciously.

Lelouch stared at his friend. Every fiber in his being was telling him to lie, just let Suzaku hear what he wanted to hear. Anything to protect Nunnally!

But no, no more lies. Lying is what got him into this mess.

"Give trust, get trust"

"I was going to work with Euphie." Lelouch started to say

Suzaku blinked in surprised at that.

"...W...What...?" Suzaku slowly asked, wondering if he heard that right.

"She told me she wanted to stay here in Japan with me and Nunnally. That she was going to renounce her claim to the throne so the SAZ could thrive." Lelouch continued.

"She...she..." Suzaku stuttered in shock.

"I could see the determination on her face, the passion in her voice. She truly believed in what she was doing, she grew up into a fine young woman who was willing to take on so much." Lelouch said with a sad smile. "So I accepted her proposal to have The Black Knights join the SAZ."

Suzaku couldn't believe he is ears, this couldn't be true. It had to be another trick!

"You're...you're lying! Euphemia would never-"

"She would, Suzaku! Because she loved her family, and I still loved her!" Lelouch said, his voice filled with regret.

"Lelouch..." Joseph's spirit said sympathetically.

"Something happened to me, Suzaku. Something that you, Joseph, Shirley, and even Kallen did. I started to trust people again, I looked at the world with a sense of optimism I haven't had in years. And I did something I never thought I would never do, I told Euphemia about my Geass." Lelouch continued.

Suzaku's eyes widened at that.

"Y-You told her?" Suzaku asked, completely flabbergasted.

"She sacrificed her relationship with Britannia, I thought she deserved to know. Turns out it was my greatest mistake." Lelouch said wistfully.

"Why? Because you realized she wasn't truthworthy? She would work better as a pawn?!" Suzaku asked angrily.

"Because my Geass turned on without me realizing it!" Lelouch told him.

Suzaku scoffed at that.

"An accident, is that what you're trying to tell me?" Suzaku asked, hearing the same thing from Joseph, Kallen, and Shirley.

"I was telling her how it worked, giving her examples of what I could make her do. I told her I could make her kill all the Japanese and she wouldn't be able to refuse. That's when she started to look scared, she held onto herself as if trying to prevent something terrible from happening. And that's when I realized what I had done." Lelouch continued, his become shaky.

Joseph's spirit remembered the day vividly and still hated thinking about it.

"I tried to turn it off, I tried to make her forget the order. But suddenly this pain was thrust into my head! I couldn't move, I couldn't think, all I could do was watch my sister run off towards the stadium. My little sister who I turned into a monster." Lelouch said, his voice started to break as he fell onto his knees.

Suzaku had to take a step back, not expecting that at all. Joseph's spirit looked in shock too.

"Wh-What are you doing?!" Suzaku asked, trying to figure out this scheme.

"Suzaku, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything I put you through. You deserve justice, but Nunnally has nothing to do with it." Lelouch said with a teary voice, his head hanging low.

...

Ikaruga

The Ikaruga was currently underwater, waiting for the right moment to join the battle.

Tohdoh, Asahina, Urabe, and Chiba were riding the elevator, pilots suits on and ready.

"Are you sure about this, Tohdoh? We just wait here?" Asahina asked.

"We still haven't received word from Zero." Tohdoh told them.

"But now even General Commander Xingke is no match." Chiba said.

"Be patient guys, have faith in Zero." Urabe said.

"How can we? After he brought Orange into our ranks without conferring with us first. Or the fact he lets that prince do whatever he wants around here!" Chiba said angrily.

"For God's sake, Chiba! Would you drop the personal vendetta already?" Urabe asked in annoyance.

"It is getting old at this point." Asahina said dryly.

"But don't you find it weird Zero took him on that secret mission? I know it was a success and everything, but why not just tell us in the first place? Why the secrets? Not to mention, they both just disappear as the battle is about to start." Chiba said angrily.

"Because he's trying to protect his kids!" Urabe argued.

"Enough!" Tohdoh spoke up, getting their attention. "Urabe's right, Joseph obviously felt he needed to make sure his kids were safe and away from the battle. There's nothing wrong with that. As for Zero, we need his abilities now more than ever. Haven't we already discuss this many times with Ohgi and Kallen, as well as the others?" Tohdoh asked.

"So what if Japan is liberated? What happens then?" Chiba asked.

"Then we continue towards the path we're on now. Nothing's changed." Urabe told them.

The elevator doors opened, and they walked into the main deck where Kallen, Ohgi, Diethard, and Rakshata were waiting.

"Any word from Zero yet?" Tohdoh asked.

"None." Ohgi said.

"What's the status on Kagoshima Coast" Chiba asked.

"Xingke is trying to push forward, but we're getting word that Bismarck Waldstein has joined the battle." Diethard told them.

Tohdoh and the Four Holy Swords looked in surprise at that.

"The Knight of One?" Asahina said in shock.

"The Galahad, a fine piece of machinery." Rakshata said from her couch position in a respectful tone.

"Lelouch, please hurry..." Kallen thought with stress.

...

Kagoshima Coast

"Send Hong's unit into the right wing and get ready for the second charge." Xingke ordered from inside his knightmare.

But suddenly, he saw something coming towards him at rapid speed. He quickly brought the Shen Hu's arm up and was able to block the fist of the Galahad.

"You're the commander, are you not, sir?" Bismarck asked.

"Bismarck Waldstein, huh? Came to cut the head of the snake, have you? It's a basic tactic." Xingke said as he swung his slash harkens at the Galahad, which dodged them effortlessly.

A few helicopters tried to surround the Galahad as the Shen Hu's cannon started to fire up. Bismarck could see what the strategy was and smirked as he pulled the sword from the Galahad's back and deflected the Shen Hu's blast onto the helicopters. Xingke looked in surprise.

"Behold Excalibur! The holy sword bestowed upon me by His Majesty himself." Bismarck said with pride as he held the sword high.

...

Kururugi Shrine

"What trickery is this Lelouch?!" Suzaku asked, not understanding this at all.

"It's not a trick. For the first time in my life, I'm bowing down to another person. Shame and honor mean nothing to me. All I want is this, my Geass be damned! You don't have to forgive me, you can hate me all you want. Just please. You have to save Nunnally. I beg of you!" Lelouch pleaded, tears running down his eyes.

"After everything you've done, you really think this is efficient? You believe that some bowing and begging is enough to get me to do what you want?!" Suzaku asked angrily.

"No, of course I don't. But it's all I've got. I have nothing else left to offer. And you're the only person in the world who could save my sister now." Lelouch told him.

Suzaku eyes shook with disbelief, his teeth clenched with rage, and his fists tightened with regret.

When he got here, he expected Lelouch to lie like always. He expected Lelouch to let him hear what he wanted to hear so he could just see the villain that he was.

But everything he said, everything statement, every plead. There was no deceit, there was no ploy. This was just Lelouch tearing himself open to his enemy.

This wasn't suppose to happen...this was not suppose to happen!

"You bastard...YOU ABSOLUTE BASTARD!" Suzaku yelled with rage as he grabbed the bowing Lelouch by his shirt.

"Lelouch!" Joseph's spirit said in concern. Lelouch also looked at him in shock.

"How dare you! HOW DARE YOU DO THIS! Where the Hell do you get off! After everything you've done! The people you've tricked! The people who died thanks to you! And what about Euphie?! You wanna apologize?! Then bring Euphie back to life, RIGHT NOW!" Suzaku demanded, rage and sadness mixed in his voice.

"I can't go back to the past. It's not a choice." Lelouch said quietly.

"Bullshit! I wanna see you save the world with all your malice! You're Zero, the miracle worker, aren't you?!" Suzaku asked, shaking his shoulders wildly.

"I've performed no miracles, Suzaku. It's all been calculation and stage production. The mask they call Zero is a symbol, and I've used it to try to make the gentler world Nunnally wanted, a world I would have loved to have you and Euphie in." Lelouch said quietly, not even a hint of doubt in his voice.

Suzaku started taking deep breaths, not sure how much more he could handle this.

But he had to know.

"Why did you use your Geass on me to make me want to live? Why! It's corrupted my convictions. Why would you put such a curse on me?! WHY CAN'T YOU JUST LET ME DIE?!" Suzaku asked, almost pleading.

"Is the answer really not obvious!" Lelouch asked in disbelief and a little bit in anger.

"TELL ME!" Suzaku demanded.

"BECAUSE YOU'RE MY BROTHER!" Lelouch shouted with all his might.

Suzaku froze at that, not even realizing he let go of Lelouch.

Joseph's spirit watched the whole thing as he let go of a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

"He's doing it...he's breaking through..." Joseph's spirit muttered as a tear ran down his eye.

...

Ashford Academy

OSI Surviellance Room

Joseph's physical body also shed a tear, his kids, Shirley, and Rivalz looking in concern.

"Papa..." Kaecus said in concern as she gripped her father's arm tightly.

"Big brother..." Shirley thought with worry, wondering what was going on.

...

Kururugi Shrine.

"...W...What...?" Suzaku barely uttered.

Lelouch slowly stood back up.

"You're not just my friend, Suzaku. You're not just my best friend. You're my brother. You've been my brother since the invasion. You're one of the few people I genuinely care about. If anything were to happen to you, I don't know what I would do." Lelouch told him.

"Don't say that...don't you DARE say that!" Suzaku said, rejecting that answer.

"What happened with your father, it's why you joined the Britannian army, to atone for your actions." Lelouch continued as he took a step forward. "It's why I continue to be Zero, so I can atone for mine. I know now the pain you have to bear everyday."

"Stop it!" Suzaku said, taking a step back.

"I was like you Suzaku. I pushed people away, I put up a facade so no one would bother me. For the longest time, I was in a dark lonely place. But I've learned I don't have to go through it alone. And you don't have to keep going through it alone either." Lelouch continued as he stood back up, taking a step at a time towards Suzaku. Joseph's spirit followed behind.

"Lelouch, enough!" Suzaku said, no longer finding his legs working.

"I want to help." Lelouch continued.

"Shut up!" Suzaku demanded.

"The Student Council wants to help. So let us help." Lelouch continued.

"SHUT UP!" Suzaku seethed as he pulled a gun out and pointed at him. "Stop with this nice act! Be Zero! Be my enemy! That's what you're suppose to be!" Suzaku demanded, pleaded even, tears sprouting from his eyes.

"No. I'm done being your enemy, I just want my brother back." Lelouch said, not even fazed by the gun. "Euphemia loved you Suzaku, she cared about you even knowing what you did. Joseph loves you, Nunnally loves you, the Student Council loves you. I love you." Lelouch said with finality.

"And we are never letting you go." Lelouch and Joseph's spirit said simultaneously.

Tears ran down Suzaku's face. Every muscle in his body was telling him to pull the trigger, kill the man who started all this chaos to begin with.

But his heart...

His heart remembered those same words that Joseph used over a year ago at Fukuoka Base.

His heart, that he thought he smashed into a million pieces, was finding sorrow for Lelouch. It believed every word he was saying.

And because of that, he found himself lowering the gun.

"Yes..." Joseph's spirit said with relief as happy tears ran down his eyes.

"Lelouch..." Suzaku started quietly, emotionally drained.

"Suzaku..." Lelouch said with a calm smile, reaching his hand out for Suzaku to take.

Suzaku looked at it for a few moment, he started to lift his shaking empty hand out towards his childhood friend's.

Could he take it?

Did he want to take it?

Many thoughts swirled through his-

*FIRE*

Unfortunately those thoughts were halted by a bullet that was fired between them. Followed by knightmares that floated down towards them.

"What the…?" Suzaku said in surprise.

"Hold it right there, Zero!" A Britannian Soldier ordered.

"We've already uncovered your true identity." Edgar said from inside his knightmare, feeling pride that they finally captured Zero.

"An ambush!? Suzaku, you didn't?!" Joseph's spirit asked angrily.

Soon Britannian soldiers came up from behind him.

"Are you all right, Sir Kururugi?" A soldier asked.

"What are you all doing here?" Suzaku asked, having no idea what was going on.

"Suzaku. You set me up from the start!?" Lelouch asked, voice filled with betrayal as soldiers came to restrain Lelouch.

"Suzaku, you-" Joseph's spirit was about to go off on another rant when he saw Suzaku's face.

"W-Wait, I-I didn't..." Suzaku's eyes shook with confusion and fear.

Joseph's eyes widen in realization.

"Oh God, you didn't know..." Joseph said in dread.

Suddenly, Kanon came up from behind Suzaku and put his hand on his shoulder.

"You've done a great deed here, Sir Kururugi. Excellent work. You've managed to bring this war to an end." Kanon complimented.

"Schnitzel's boyfriend?! Then that must mean..." Joseph's spirit said, figuring it out. "Damn it, we fell into a classic bad guy not fully trusting their right-hand man trope!" He said in misery.

"I see. You planned to sell me out again." Lelouch said with a low voice.

Joseph's spirit looked over at Lelouch and could see the tears sprouting from his eyes. The anger, the sadness, and deception in his face.

"No Lelouch! Don't fall for it!" Joseph's spirit begged.

But it was too late, Lelouch had made up his mind.

"You betrayed me, Suzaku. YOU BETRAYED MEEEEE!" He wailed to the sky, hands clutching his head.

...

Kagoshima Coast

"Sir Bradley, please stop!" A Britannian Soldier said in panic.

Why? Because the Percival was currently dragging his ship towards Xingke's command ship.

"Oh, hush up. You've taken so many hits, you're only going to crash anyway. So in light of that, I, Luciano will use your plight to our advantage. And settle this in one blow." Luciano said crazily as he pulled the cable attached to the ship closer to the command center.

...

Xingke's Command Ship

"He's using one of his own ships as a weapon? Fall back at full speed while firing!" Xianglin quickly ordered.

"It's no use. We'll never make it!" A Black Knight told her.

...

Kagoshima Coast

Xingke, despite being injured, knew he had to intervene. Bismarck, on the other hand, had other plans.

"Where do you think you're going?" Bismarck asked as he charged the Shen Hu with his Excalibur. Which the Shen Hu parried and then thrusted with its own sword. "Ah, you show skill." He said with respect in his tone as he pushed the Shen Hu away from him with ease.

"Good. From this position!" Xingke said as it was the spot he needed to fire his cannon and destroy the ship that was falling their way.

"Nicely done. Good form. You parried my sword thrust and swiftly attacked in the followed through. You the one named Xingke. The rumors of your prowess are evidentially true." Bismarck said from inside his knightmare.

...

Ikaruga

"General Commander Xingke appears to be wounded. Da Long Dan, withdrawing. Chief staff Zhou Xianglin now assuming operational command." Minase said from the control panel.

"Zero, what's taking so long?" Tohdoh wondered.

...

Kururugi Shrine

Guilford shoved Lelouch into a jeep. Joseph's spirit followed inside.

"I can't believe Zero's identity is that of a student." Guilford said with a pissed tone.

"Guilford!" Lelouch said with a glare.

"You're a real dick, Guilford!" Joseph's spirit said with annoyance.

Lelouch's mind was on the fritz.

He listened to what Joseph told him. He gave Suzaku the truth, he groveled to his feet and bared his heart and soul to him.

"But it didn't matter. He betrayed me. After everything, he still betrayed me! AGAIN!" Lelouch thought with anguish.

Was it all for nothing? Was the hope that Joseph saw ever there at all?!

"How sad. Zero, killer of royalty. It's tragic that it would turn out to be you, my own younger brother." A voice said through the monitor facing Lelouch.

A voice belonging to Joseph's and Lelouch's older brother.

"Schnitzel! Damn it all." Joseph's spirit grunted angrily as the enemy was now aware of Lelouch's superhero identity.

"Your brother…" Lelouch said with a glare.

"However Lelouch, I'm willing to intercede with His Majesty on your behalf. You realize of course that you can't simply be excused for the crimes you've committed but your life may yet be spared." Schneizel bargained.

"So you think you can take pity on me?!" Lelouch asked angrily.

...

"You mean…" Suzaku started to ask.

"Yes. This was all done under orders from Prince Schneizel. He figured that following you would ultimately lead us to Zero. You see? His Highness was well aware of the fact that you and Zero shared an unusual relationship, especially after that incident with Prince Joseph back in the Chinese Federation." Kanon told him.

"So...what happens now?" Suzaku asked in an unsure tone.

"That all depends on Zero. You accomplished a great deal today, you've done your country proud." Kanon congratulated.

Suzaku looked down with a conflicted tone.

"...Did I...?"

...

"Lelouch, even now I do still consider myself your brother. I carry no grudge. Can you believe me when I say this?" Schneizel asked with a sympathetic tone.

"And why should I?" Lelouch asked bitterly.

"No offense big bro, but you are one of our more sketchy siblings." Joseph's spirit said with a suspicious tone.

"You should trust your brother." Schneizel said quietly.

Lelouch laughed at that.

"Trust...yes, funny you advise me to do that. Because Joseph said the same thing, and now look where I am." Lelouch said with an angry smile.

"Bro...?" Joseph asked in confusion.

"What a fool I was to ever believe Suzaku still had some good in him. And I'm done...I'm done with trusting anyone or anything. Because friendship only leads to betrayal." Lelouch said bitterly as he grabbed the top of is neck.

"Little bro, no!" Joseph said aghast.

"Princess Cornelia, is that you?" Guilford asked in shock.

"Huh?! Corn's here?!" Joseph's spirit asked as he looked outside, wondering how Cornelia escaped.

"Guilford, my knight. It is I. You must rescue me!" Lelouch yelled from inside the car, making Joseph even more confused.

"Yes, Your Highness!" Guilford yelled with determination as he sliced the top of the car off.

"Very good, Guilford. I'm pleased that you noticed it." Lelouch said with a pleased smile.

"Ooooh. You Geassed him." Joseph said in realization.

"Stop it, Lord Guilford. What are you doing?" Claudio asked in shock.

"Have you gone mad? How dare you hold your princess captive like that?" Guilford asked angrily as Lelouch climbed onto his knightmare.

"Even Lord Guilford has been affected. Now I suppose I have no choice but to believe in this power." Joseph's spirit heard Schneizel say quietly over the monitor.

"Oh no, no, no, no, NO!" Joseph's spirit said with fear. Now his brother knew about Lelouch's superpower!

"Princess, we need to withdraw for now." Guilford advised.

"Lelouch, wait!" Suzaku yelled out.

"I bid you farewell. My first and last friend." Lelouch thought with a wistful tone.

"Lelouch, come back!" Suzaku screamed. Not out of anger, but of sorrow.

"This is not good..." Joseph's spirit said with dread before flying back at rapid speed.

Suzaku just looked on with shaky eyes.

"What have I done?"

...

OSI Surviellance Room

Joseph's eyes blinked open as he groaned in anger.

"Damn it!" Joseph said angrily as he rose up from the chair in frustration.

"Papa?" Potestas asked, a bit scared by Joseph's tone.

"What's wrong Joseph?" Shirley asked in concern as she, Milly, Rivalz, and the kids gathered around.

"Ambush! Bro got ambushed! Guilford, Schnitzel's minions and boyfriend all waiting!" Joseph said angrily.

"What?!" Milly said in shock.

"You're kidding!?" Rivalz asked incredulously.

"I can't believe Suzaku! We gave him another chance!" Shirley said, voice filled with rage.

"No, no! Training buddy no idea!" Joseph quickly explained, surprising the group.

"H-He...he didn't?" Shirley asked,

"Little bro had him! Was turning him! Seeing light side! But Schnitzel ruined! Had followed! Classic bad guy trope!" Joseph ranted in aggravation.

"Wait. So he really didn't know?" Milly asked with an unsure tone.

"Saw with own eyes. Flabbergasted like self." Joseph said quietly.

"But what about Lelouch? Was he captured!?" Shirley asked, completely worried now.

"No. Used superpower on Guilford, got away." Joseph explained.

Shirley couldn't help but breath a sigh of relief.

"But now Schneizel knows Lelouch is Zero!" Milly said with dread.

"And his Geass!" Rivalz said with worry.

"I know! Plan all kaput! It kaput!" Joseph said with angry sadness as he slammed his head down on the table. "Shoulda been there. Not ghost form, human skin!" He groaned shamefully.

"It's not your fault, big brother..." Shirley said sadly as she rubbed his back in comfort.

"Yeah, Papa. Please don't be sad." Kaecus said as she came over to his side and hugged him, as did the other kids.

"Thanks kids." Joseph said with a sad smile as he gather them together with his own hug.

"So what happens now?" Rivalz asked curiously.

"Now big battle. Admiral Zero vs Schnitzel!" Joseph proclaimed as he went over to the screens and could see the battleships coming into the Settlement.

The Student Council and the kids looked on in concern.

...

Avalon

"I need to know. Did you use your Geass power on Euphie? Be honest." The recording of Suzaku asked.

"Sir Kururugi, would you happen to know the reason why Lord Guilford would suddenly betray us like this? As well as why you behaved the way you did on Kamine island that time?" Schenizel asked, already knowing the answer.

"Uh, shouldn't we be pursuing Zero right now, sir?" Suzaku asked, trying to dodge the question.

"There's some important information we need before we can pursue him. Information that only you know, Sir Kururugi." Kanon continued.

...

Emperor's Flagship

The Geass symbol appeared on different locations on the world map on the monitor, including Japan.

"Wired C response, confirmed."

"Synchronization, achieved."

"Ragnarok backup, reinitializing."

Charles smiled at this.

"Yes, soon we'll be ready to be begin."

...

Unknown Island

Lelouch changed into his Zero outfit.

"Guilford, we'll proceed on course to the Tokyo settlement." Lelouch said from inside the Shinkiro.

"Yes, Your Highness." Guilford said over the comms, still under the influence of Geass.

Lelouch heard his phone rang and saw it was coming from Shirley. He pressed the decline button and put the phone on mute.

"I'm sorry Shirley, I tried." Lelouch thought to himself, solemnly.

...

Avalon

"Suzaku Kururugi, who are you? A Japanese? An honorary Britannian? A Knight of Seven? The son of Genbu Kururugi? Lelouch's friend? Euphemia's knight? Unless you tell us right now what we need to know they're going to be more unnecessary casualties and destructions before it's over. Just how long…how long will you allow this sad chain of events to continue?" Schneizel asked.

Suzaku looked down, conflicted.

...

Tokyo Settlement

Sutherlands waited on top of the border, waiting for Zero.

"Don't worry. The modifications to the settlement's structure are complete. Zero won't be able to collapse it the way he did before." A Britannian Soldier said.

"We have word. It's Zero." Another soldier said.

They could see it was just him and one more knightmare.

"So, the fool has come." A commander said arrogantly from inside his knightmare. "Prepare to attack! You're free to shoot down the Vincent as well." He commanded as the Sutherlands readied their rocket launchers.

"Don't assume that I was portraying the role of a student in the settlement without reason. Tokyo settlement, I'll bring you to a halt right now!" Lelouch said from inside his knightmare with a calculating grin as he pushed the button on his chess piece trigger.

It turned on the devices that Lelouch had installed on the subway trains.

"Fire!" The commander ordered.

Only for all the soldiers monitors to go on the fritz and their knightmares become immobile.

"What?"

"My, my energy filler…"

"A Gefjun Disturber?"

...

OSI Surveillance Room

"Argh! Darn it, Lelouch!" Shirley said in frustration as it was the fifth time Lelouch refused to answer her. "He's not picking up."

The group could see from the monitors that power went out all over the settlement.

"Looks like Lelouch activated that Gefjun Disturber thing." Rivalz observed.

"Good thing this room runs on a separate power source." Milly said. "Otherwise we'd be missing out on all the action."

"Yay! We get to watch Uncle Lelouch fight!" Umbra said excitedly.

"And kick Uncle Schnitzel's butt!" Animi said as she hit her fist into her palm.

"Hell Yeah!" Joseph said encouragingly as he fist bumped Animi.

"Uncle Lelouch sure does prepare for everything." Potestas said in awe.

"Still, I'm worried about Lelouch's emotional state. He thinks Suzaku betrayed him again, who knows what he might do." Shirley said worriedly.

"Good point, new little sis. Gotta get in close and personal!" Joseph said determinedly as he ran towards the elevator.

"Whoa! Wait a minute, where are you going?" Rivalz asked quickly as the group went after him.

"Go to Lelouch, tell misunderstanding, him and training buddy friends again!" Joseph told them as he rapidly pushed the elevator button.

"Are you insane! It's going to be a warzone out there!" Shirley told him frantically.

Plus, you're a fugitive now, what if you get caught?!" Milly said, not liking this idea at all.

"Risk worth it!" Joseph told them as the elevator door opened.

As he was about to step in, he felt a tug on his coat.

It was Kaecus, who looked at him with a worried expression. Along with her four siblings.

"Please don't go, Papa." Kaecus said sadly.

"We don't want you to get hurt." Longe said with worry.

"Or die horribly!" Umbra said frantically.

"Umbra!" Potestas and Animi said sternly.

"It could happen!" Umbra continued.

Joseph could see the kids were worried about him leaving. Especially Kaecus, who looked like she was going to have another panic attack.

So with that, he sighed and wrapped his children into a hug.

"Okay, okay. Stay here." Joseph told them gently, much to the relief of his friends and children. "But still keep eye on! Pay-per-view this chaos!" He said determinedly as he went back over to the table and sat on it in a meditative position. "Wake up if poop turn diaherra, got it?" He asked his kids and friends.

"Yes Papa." The kids said firmly.

Rivalz groaned tiredly, Shirley raised an eyebrow, and Milly rubbed her head.

...

Tokyo Settlement

"All tasks at hand have been cleared. Tohdoh!" Lelouch said from inside the Shinkiro

...

Ikaruga

"Acknowledged! Now commencing Seventh Operation!" Tohdoh proclaimed.

"Raise the Ikaruga!" Minami ordered.

"Ikaruga surfacing!" Hinata said.

"All fleet units, surface at will." Minase said.

The Ikaruga lifted itself from the ocean ceiling and rose towards the settlement.

"The main fleet will stay on course through Tokyo Bay, break through into the Tokyo settlement and rendezvous with Zero!" Tohdoh ordered.

Inside the Knightmare hangars, the Black Knights got into their respectable knightmares.

"All right, let's do this!" Tamaki said excitedly as he started up his knightmare.

"It's time to take back Japan" Urabe said determinedly as started his ACM.

"Time to take back our home!" Kallen said with passion as she entered the Guren.

"This battle…" Asahina started.

"...will be ours!" Chiba finished.

Inside the Guren, Kallen heard her phone ring. She saw it was Shirley.

"Sorry Shirley, now's not a good time." Kallen said as she declined the call.

...

Tokyo Settlement

"Now I shall prove my royalty for Prince Lelouch and Princess Nunnally!" Jeremiah declared as he hooked into his Siegfried.

It was then a call was coming in from his monitor. It was Shirley.

"My deepest apologies, Lady Shirley. But my attention must be with Master Lelouch." Jeremiah said as he declined the call.

...

Kagoshima Coast

"What? The Black Knights are in Tokyo Bay?" Bismarck said in surprise from inside the Galahad.

"Lord Waldstein, I request that you dispatch me and my Savage Valkyrie squadron." Luciano said from inside the Percival.

"You mean, to the Tokyo settlement? Do you really want to burnish your record that badly?" Bismarck asked dismissively.

"No. I merely take uncommon pleasure in destroying them." Luciano said with a smirk.

...

Toyko Settlement

Rolo stood near the Viceroy Palace, Britannian soldier uniform on.

"Rolo, how are things on your end?" Lelouch asked over the phone.

"Fine. We're beginning the operation right now. We'll make our way to Nunnally first thing." Rolo told him.

"Good. I'm counting on you, Rolo." Lelouch told him, before hanging up.

"Don't worry big brother, soon we'll have our family all back together." Rolo thought determinedly.

Suddenly, he heard his phone ring again and saw it was from Shirley.

"Shirley? What could she need right now?" Rolo wondered as he was about to answer.

"Rolo, we're ready to go." Sayoko called over to him.

"Coming." He said to her. "Sorry, Shirley." He said apologetically as he declined the call.

...

OSI Surveillance Room

"ARGH! Why isn't anyone answering their phones?!" Shirley said with frustration.

"What do you expect, they're about to blow things up out there!" Rivalz said incrediously.

"Blow things up?" Kaecus asked with worry.

"Cool." Animi said, a bit excited.

"C-4 explosions or carbon monoxide explosions?" Longe wondered.

"Why do you know what those are?" Rivalz asked strenuously.

"It's okay Kaecus, we'll be safe in here. And Lelouch made sure to take all the precautionary measures with the Academy." Milly reassured her with a pat on the head.

...

Tokyo Settlement

Lelouch sat there in his knightmare, a dark look in his eye.

"That's right. I was grossly mistaken. I was wrong to think that I could depend on sympathy and trust. You were a fool, Joseph. Cold and callous, that's the prescription. Unless I keep myself perfectly in this frame of mind, I won't be able to take Nunnally back!" Lelouch thought to himself in a cold manner.

Not knowing Joseph's spirit was floating next to him with a concerned expression.

"Ah man, I do not like that look at all." Joseph's spirit said with dread.

...

Avalon

Schneizel sat on his chair as he watched the battle rage on.

"Lelouch, I thought something strange have been going on ever since our brother Clovis was killed. How could I understand? I understand everything. But now… I'm the one who controlling the game." Schneizel thought with a smirk.

...

Inside the Knightmare hangar, Suzaku and Kanon spoke to each other.

"That's right, Suzaku. If you had only informed Prince Schneizel from the very start, we could've avoided this battle. Being that you're one of the Knights of the Round, you won't be subjected to disciplinary action. However, you'll have to answer to the sins of your own heart." Kanon told him disappointedly.

"What should I do?" Suzaku asked.

"Be realistic. The world won't become a kinder place only for you." Kanon told him.

He left Suzaku by himself as he looked at the Lancelot with its new weapon equipped on its arm.

"Do I have to pilot it? The Lancelot armed with the F.L.E.I.J.A. device? Will I have to use it? On Lelouch?" Suzaku wondered, feeling more conflicted than ever before.

"You're my brother."

Suzaku's fist tighten. "I have to stop this before its too late."

...

Tokyo Settlement

"New orders, Black Knights Ikaruga fleet. Gefjun Disturbers have immobilized all utilities, communications and pre-fifth generation Knightmares throughout the Tokyo settlement. The enemy's military might has been cut in half. Hit all major facilities and eliminate their ability to strike back. We must achieve these goals before the main forces under Schneizel's command arrive here. By establishing our defense line, we'll isolate the government bureau. If we can seize viceroy Nunnally, then victory will be ours." Lelouch ordered from inside his knightmare.

Outside the Coast of the Settlement, Kallen was perturbed by Lelouch's tone.

"What's going on?" She wondered to herself.

...

Viceroy Palace

"Viceroy Nunnally, it's Zero. Zero is leading an assault." A Britannian Soldier told her.

"Zero?" Nunnally said in surprise.

...

Avalon

"Our first priority is to eliminate the Gefjun Disturbers along the railway circular routes. Can't we dispatch the Lancelot for that?" Schneizel asked.

"That'll depend upon the current state of Sir Kururugi's mind set." Kanon told him.

"The battlefield's not a place for him to work out self-esteem issues." Schneizel scoffed.

Meanwhile, inside the Knightmare hangar.

"Nina, you don't know what you're doing." Cecile said with concern.

"If we don't act, Zero will capture the Tokyo settlement. Prince Joseph could be lost forever!" Nina told them with distress.

"But you're not a Devicer. You may have designed the system but you have no battle skills." Lloyd advised.

"With the F.C.C., I can at least defend the government bureau." Nina told them.

"But are you prepared to actually fire the F.L.E.I.J.A.?" Suzaku asked, surprising the group. "And more importantly, are you prepared to not fire?"

...

"Tohdoh, have Urabe, Asahina and Chiba establish air supremacy. Kallen, you'll be leading the charge." Zero told them inside the Shinkiro.

"Roger." Tohdoh said over the comms.

"Yes, Zero." Kallen complied.

"That should cover everything except their newer Knightmares 6th generation and above." Lelouch thought to himself. "Rolo, how is your infiltration proceeding?" He asked Rolo over comms.

"Sayoko and her group have gone on ahead of us. We'll rendezvous with them shortly. It's all arranged." Rolo told him.

"Good. Be sure you take Nunnally alive." Zero told him from inside his knightmare.

A moment later, he received a video call from Kallen.

"Yes Kallen, what is it." Lelouch asked blankly.

"Lelouch, what's going on? What happened with Suzaku?" She asked with concern.

"Suzaku played me for a fool. When you see him, you have permission to kill him as follows."

...

"What?! Lelouch, you can't be serious!" Kallen exclaimed from inside his Guren.

"No more sympathy, Kallen. Suzaku is a backstabbing Knight of Britannia and we will treat him as such. If you have an opportunity to kill him, do it!" Lelouch said over the video.

"Lelouch-" Kallen tried to reason with him but he cut off the call, leaving her confused and a bit scared. "Is this what what you trying to call me about, Shirley?" She wondered with worry.

...

"What are you doing, Lelouch?! You're talking like a crazy revenge person!" Joseph's spirit told him.

Lelouch himself, saw the Lancelot coming towards him on the screen.

"So, you've come, Suzaku." Lelouch said bitterly from inside his knightmare.

"Oh boy..." Joseph's spirit said with panic.

...

"Damn it. Lelouch thinks I betrayed him again. There's no telling what he might do now." Suzaku thought with dread inside the Lancelot. "Listen up, Zero. Call off your attack. This unit is equipped with the high-yield tactical warhead. If I unleash it, it will inflict catastrophic damage beyond all known limits." He told him over the speakers.

"As if I believe anything that you'd say." Zero said dismissively. "Jeremiah!" He called out.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The cyborg called out as he launched the Siegfried at the Lancelot.

"Lord Jeremiah, is that you? Why?" Suzaku asked in shock.

"Suzaku Kururugi. I owe you a debt. I sympathize with you. I respect you. However in this situation, loyalty trumps all!" Jeremiah told him passionately from inside the Siegfried as he launched missiles at him. "Take this! The storm of my loyalty!"

The Lancelot shielded itself from the missiles. Other knightmares came to back up Jeremiah.

"You picked up bad time for piety!" Suzaku exclaimed as he fired the VARIS.

Jeremiah managed to dodge but the other knightmares were destroyed.

...

Ikaruga

"The Sutherland Sieg seems to be effective." Diethard commented.

"Yes, but… We can never mass-produce a one-off unit that uses the Siegfried's system. That's understood, right? What I'd really like to know is why the man once called the Spearhead of the Empire is on our side now?" Rakshata wondered as she relaxed on the couch.

...

Tokyo Settlement

"What's going on? Why am I fighting against royal Britannian forces?" Guilford questioned himself from inside his knightmare, not understanding his actions.

"Guilford! Assist Jeremiah. Slay Suzaku Kururugi!" He heard "Cornelia" tell him over the video comms.

"But Princess, Kururugi is…" Guilford tried to explain.

"There's no time to explain. It's urgent. You must trust me and kill Kururugi." "Cornelia" insisted.

"No, no, no! Guilford, do NOT kill training buddy! It's a misunderstanding!" Joseph's spirit tried to tell him as he popped into Guilford's knightmare.

Meanwhile, Jeremiah was still fighting against Suzaku.

"Lord Jeremiah, the reason I'm here is to put an end to this battle." Suzaku told him from inside the Lancelot.

"And continue to torment my Lord?! I won't allow it!" Jeremiah told him angrily as he continued to fire at him.

"That's not what I'm trying to do!" Suzaku said as he continued to dodge. Only for Guilford's knightmare to come up on him. "Lord Guilford, too?" He asked in surprise.

"Kururugi, we each serve our royal Lords. It's not personal." Guilford told him apologetically.

...

Avalon

"Suzaku, fire the F.L.E.I.J.A.! You should kill Zero now!" Nina encouraged him..

...

Suzaku looked at the switch that would activate the weapon. But he knew once he did, there was no going back.

"I'm sorry, Nina. I won't unleash it. But I swear I will stop Zero." Suzaku said from inside his knightmare.

Suddenly an electric field engulfed the Lancelot.

"Excellent. Once Suzaku's finished off, there'll be nothing left to stop me from taking back Nunnally." Lelouch said vengefully inside the Shinkiro as he prepared to fire at the Lancelot.

Only for a slash harken to fire at him, which was quickly deflected by the Shinkiro's shield.

It belonged to Gino's Tristan.

"No one can defeat a Knight of the Round. No one!" Gino said from inside the Tristan, coming in to help Suzaku.

"Gino, thank you." Suzaku said.

"Can't you look a bit happier when someone saved your life?" Gino asked as he blocked a attack from Guilford. "Lord Jeremiah? So what they said about Orange was true, huh?"

"Orange, you say. That is the name of my loyalty." Jeremiah said with a chuckle from inside the Siegfried.

"This onslaught. This Schneizel somehow anticipate my moves?" Lelouch wondered from inside his knightmare. "I better check with Rolo and make sure securing Nunnally is going well." He said, pulling out his phone.

"Oh shit. That's a good point, I better head over to the Viceroy Palace and make sure she's okay." Joseph's spirit said. "Don't any of you do anything stupid while I'm gone!" He scolded.

...

Viceroy Palace

"Yes, I understand. We have just cleared all interferences up to the 13th floor. Don't worry. I promise I'll find Nunnally." Rolo said to Lelouch on the phone after knocking out a couple of guards, remembering Joseph's words to only kill when necessary.

"Right. I'm counting on you." Lelouch told him blankly before hanging up. Rolo looked at his phone in concern.

Suddenly, Sayoko appeared next to him.

"Master Rolo. Emergency report from group 2 moving toward the hangers. They say that they've sighted priority item 3." Sayoko told him before seeing the expression on his face. "What is it?"

"Big brother's tone...something's wrong..." Rolo said wearily.

...

"I won't. I refuse to flee this way." Nunnally said sternly.

"Please Viceroy, the Prime Minister has personally ordered it." A Britannian Soldier told her.

"My brother Schneizel?" Nunnally asked.

"Ther are people here who are staying behind on your behalf, your highness. If you perish, so will they." The soldier told her.

Nunnally thought about this, feeling conflicted.

...

Tokyo Settlement

"Give it everything you got!" Kallen yelled as the Guren lead the charge.

"You're no match for my Gareth!" Ethan said as he went against Chiba.

"Keep dreaming. We've got full air superiority." Chiba said determinedly.

"We won't yield!" Claudio told her as he suddenly came from behind her, ready to obliterate her.

"Oh, no...Tohdoh…" Chiba thought with her last breath.

Or so she thought as she was suddenly pushed out of the way by Urabe's ACM. Which took a chunk of the blast.

"URABE!" Kallen said frantically.

His knightmare started to fall from the sky, only to be caught by Asahina.

"Talk to us, Urabe!" Asahina asked quickly from inside his knightmare.

"Still alive. My ACM took the brunt of it." Urabe said tiredly, as it was clear he injured.

"I owe you deeply, Urabe." Chiba said gratefully from inside her ACM.

"Hey, you may be grumpy, but we're still comrades." Urabe teased from inside his knightmare, head and mouth bleeding.

"Besides, you've got future plans in the works, right?" Asahina also teased from inside his knightmare.

Chiba blushed at that.

"Asahina, get Urabe back to the Ikaruga. We'll take it from here." Tohdoh said from inside the Zanguestu.

"Roger that." Asahina said over comms.

"So what's our next move? Zero ordered us not to attack the bureau itself until Viceroy Nunnally has been captured alive." Chiba asked over comms.

"We hold off reinforcements until then." Kallen told her inside the Guren. "Soon this fight will be over, Nunnally." She thought determinedly.

...

The battle continued to rage on as Suzaku defended himself against Zero, Jeremiah, and even Guilford.

"Damn it all! I can't keep playing defense! But if I attack, who knows what might set off the Geass placed on me. It might even cause me to..." Suzaku halted that thought, not even wanting to imagine that conclusion.

"Zero, please! If you started this battle because of me, then let me explain." Suzaku tried to reason from inside his knightmare.

"Filled with conceit as ever. You betrayed your father and all Japan. 'Course you betray your friends, too! That's who you are!" Zero told him, refusing to listen.

Suzaku was starting to get angry. "Zero, you stubborn fool! I didn't-" As he tried to explained what happen, only to pick up a reading from his monitor.

"What's this?" Zero asked from inside the Shinkiro.

Only to be met with the Modred charging right into him. Sending them both deeper into the settlement.

"Anya! Wait!" Suzaku tried to say from inisde the Lancelot.

"Suzaku, leave Zero to Anya." Gino told him gently over the comms.

"But..." Suzaku began. "...what if she kills him...?"

Did he even want that anymore?

...

"Which one do you think is stronger? Your shield or my Stark Hadron Canon?" Anya asked blankly from inside the Modred as she maximized the power of her cannon.

The Shinkiro was taking a lot of damage, as was the settlement.

"Even this shield, I can't withstand this for very long." Zero said wearily from inside the Shinkiro.

...

Ikaruga

"Contact lost with the Shinkiro!" Hinata told Ohgi.

"Zero?" Ohgi asked.

"Apparently he's engaging a combat with the Knight of Six!" Hinata continued.

"What are your orders for Hashimoto?" Minase asked.

"And we also have to defend Kujuukuri." Futaba said.

"Well, I, ah…" Ohgi tried to say.

"Patch Hashimoto over here to me." Minami said

"Sugiyama, let Kallen know of the situation with Zero. Are they are any other units that can help him?" Ohgi asked.

"Ah…just Tamaki." Sugiyama said awkwardly.

Ohgi gritted his teeth, really not liking the situation.

...

Tokyo Settlement

"Zero's missing?!" Kallen asked incredulously from inside the Guren. "Again?!" She added frustratingly inside her head.

"The Knight of Six has him cornered in the settlement somewhere. Right now, he doesn't have any backup." Sugiyama told her.

"Okay. Everyone, keep at it! I'm going to find Zero! Tohdoh, I leave it to you!" Kallen told them as she charged her Guren into the settlement.

"Understood!" Tohdoh complied.

...

Viceroy Palace

While that was going on, Joseph's spirit was flying through the palace, looking for his little sister.

"Come on, Nunnally. Where are you?!" Joseph's spirit asked with panic. "The sooner you're reunited with Lelouch, the sooner he stops acting like Charles Bronson!"

He stopped himself as it was obvious he wasn't getting anywhere.

"Alright, calm down Joe. Let's think for a moment. Nunnally is the Viceroy, obviously they'll want to protect her somehow. Underground bunker? Nah, I already looked for that while I was living here, nothing but cement. The roof? Maybe, if she wanted to watch what was going on, but she's blind so that's a no go. Maybe they'll want to get her out of here like Lelouch did with me and my kids. Hmmm...where do people go when they want to fly out of here...?" He wondered.

He thought about it for a few moments until a lightbulb went off in his head.

"The knightmare hangar!" Joseph's spirit said excitedly as he flew his way there.

He flew in said direction and eventually made it. There he saw Nunnally being escorted to a ship carrier.

"Nunne!" Joseph's spirit said excitedly as he raced over and engulfed Nunnally in a pretend hug. "(Phews)I was worried about you for a minute there, little sis." He said with relief.

He looked around and only saw Britannian soldiers.

"Huh, looks like Rolo and Sayoko haven't made it yet. Well don't worry Nunne, I'll keep you company until they get here." Joseph's spirit reassured her as he put his hand on her shoulder, as much as he could.

...

Tokyo Settlement

"We can't stretch our battle lines any further. We're already at the breaking point now." Tohdoh said from inside his knightmare as held his own against Sutherlands.

...

Avalon

"All Gefjun Disturbers in Ikebukuro and Sugamo have been destroyed." A Britannian Soldier told Schneizel.

"Now we can reinforce our lines with fifth generation Knightmares and older. We are also bringing the government bureau's defense system back on line." Kanon said.

"The momentum has shifted in our favor." Schneizel said with a smirk.

...

Tokyo Settlement

The power started to come back on in the settlement.

"The lights!" Chiba exclaimed

"We are out of time!" Asahina said, having now gotten back from taking Urabe to the infirmary.

"What the hell! I can't find him! Where's this battle Zero is fighting? He's my best bud!" Tamaki said frantically as he and other knightmares tried to find Zero on the ground level.

...

The Mordred continued to blast its Canon at the Shinkiro.

"Just a little more." Anya said from inside the Mordred. But then suddenly, she felt a surge electricity rush through her head. It blurred her vision and tightened her muscles. "Again… Something is…"

It caused her to stop blasting Lelouch and lower her knightmare into the ground.

"What happened? The Mordred just-" Lelouch didn't get to finish that question as the Shinkiro's limb were suddenly spread apart by slash harkens.

"Zero, face it. Your Black Rebellion is doomed to fail." The sniveling voice of Luciano said to him.

"He sent another Knight of the Round?" Lelouch asked in surprise from inside the Shinkiro.

"Here's a question. What do people value most? Answer: their lives. Of course." Luciano said with an evil smirk from inside the Percival as he powered up his drilling lance.

"Damn it." Lelouch said quietly from inside his knightmare as he sent out a distress signal.

...

The Guren's monitor started to go off, showing the location of the Shinkiro.

"There you are! Don't worry, Lelouch. I'm coming." Kallen said determinedly inside the Guren as she cranked it to the max.

...

Chiba sliced through the Gareth

"Father, I let you down. Forgive me." Edgar said as the knightmare exploded around him into nothing.

"Edgar!" Claudio said with vain.

"Take that, Britannian scum." Chiba said pridefully from inside her ACM, suddenly she got a message from Kallen.

"I managed to find Zero's location. I'm heading over there." Kallen said over the comms.

"Understood. We'll keep holding things here." Chiba said from inside her knightmare.

...

"Damn it. At this rate…" Lelouch said anxiously. The Shinkiro's shield were getting weaker and the Percival's lance was getting closer.

"This shield's the only good thing about your Knightmare. Valkyrie squadron, don't let him go. No matter what." Luciano told his soldiers, who were holding the Shinkiro immobile.

"Yes, My Lord!" The soldiers complied.

"I'm in trouble! I used too much energy with the Mordred!" Lelouch said from inside his knightmare, quickly typing buttons on his keypad, trying to think of a way out of this situation.

"Zero, do you read me, Zero?!" Futaba asked with worry over the comms.

"Where are my reinforcements?!" Lelouch asked angrily from inside his knightmare.

"Kallen and Tamaki will be there soon! But we've picked out a fleet over the Pacific!" Futaba told him quickly.

"What about it?" Lelouch asked impatiently from inside his knightmare.

"Zero, it's me. It seems to be the Britannian Emperor's flagship!" Ohgi said over the comms.

Lelouch's eyes widen in shock at that.

"What? He's coming to Area 11 as well?" Lelouch asked from inside his knightmare as he froze in his seat.

This night was not getting better.

...

Avalon

"No, His Majesty is not coming to the battlefield." Schneizel said as he saw the direction the Emperor's flagship was going in.

"What makes you so certain of that?" Kanon asked.

"Do you think he cares about these 'mundane things', the day we call today? He doesn't." Schneizel said with annoyance.

...

Viceroy Palace

"The Emperor's on his way?" Nunnally asked the Britannian soldier with surprise.

"Dad's coming here?!" Joseph's spirit said with shock. "Hmph. Not sure if I should be scared or excited about that." Joseph wondered quizzically.

...

Tokyo Settlement

Tamaki and other black knights shot at the knightmares holding Zero hostage.

"Let Zero go! Or you'll have to deal with me, Shinichiro Tamaki, his best bud!" Tamaki said proudly from inside his knightmare. Only for one of Luciano's soldiers to blast him and the other Black Knights away. Thankfully he was able to eject. "Damn it! This always happens to me!" He whined.

This however provided a good opportunity for Lelouch.

"Yes, now's my chance!" Lelouch said from inside his knightmare as he opened the Shinkiro's chest to reveal the cannon.

Only for the Percival to stab it as soon as it came out.

"Just what I was waiting for, Zero. To go into attack mode, to drop your shield. Now I will take what you value most and blow it away!" Luciano said evilly from inside his knightmare as the lance started to drill into the Shinkiro.

"In this position I can't…Nunnally!" Lelouch cried out from inside his knightmare, thinking this was the end for him.

Only for a motion of light to pass through the Valkyrie Squadron. Killing them all instantly.

The cause of that was the Guren, who floated in front of Zero.

"Be careful what you wish for, Vampire of Britannia." Kallen warned him.

"Oh really?" Luciano asked mockingly.

"Kallen, you made it." Lelouch said with relief.

"Zero, I'm here. Your elite guard Kallen Kouzuki is back on the battle line!" Kallen said proudly from inside the Guren.

"Sir Bradley, you have permission to destroy the Guren." A Britannian Soldier told him.

"Irrelevant! Killing is all one should do on the battlefield." Luciano said dismissively as he launched missiles at the Guren.

Kallen dodged the missiles and launched the Wave Surger at him, which Luciano was able to keep away from...by using his own men as collateral that is. Causing many casualties.

"Eleven. Do you know the prime truth of the battlefield? Kill a man off the field, then you're a criminal. But killing 'em all on it and you're a big hero." Luciano told Kallen with pride.

"So, the Vampire of Britannia wants to be a hero now. Is that it?" Kallen asked from inside her knightmare, unamused

"No, not at all. War allows me to officially take what people value most. Their lives!" Luciano said casually from inside his knightmare.

"Some knight. You're barely a scoundrel!" Kallen said bitterly.

"Or perhaps, it's another life for you." Luciano commented.

Kallen gasped in surprise at that.

"I overheard that Eleven, Suzaku Kururugi, talk about how you and the Retard Prince we're so chummy. Maybe I'll get you to really squeal after I chop off his head." Luciano said digustingly.

And that made Kallen see red as she created a saw with her wave surger.

"WHY DON'T YOU COME OVER HERE AND SAY THAT!" Kallen said with rage as she fired the saw at him.

He quickly deflected it, only for the Guren to charge him with its sword. With he barely blocked with his lance.

"Aw, did I push someone's buttons?" Luciano asked mockingly.

He fired a Slash harken at her, only for the Guren to catch it.

"What?!" Luciano questioned, only for the wave surger's hand to wrap around the Percival's head.

"Question. What do you value the most? Your own pitiful life?" Kallen asked mockingly.

"You think an Eleven can threaten me?" Luciano asked angrily from inside his knightmare. Not believing this was happening.

"Send a postcard." Kallen said darkly from inside her knightmare as she cranked the surger to the max. Making sure he felt every single moment.

The Percival crackled liked popcorn.

"MY LIFE! MY LIFE IS TAKEN BY A LOWLY ELEVEN!?" Luciano screamed with disbelief, those words being his last as the Percival exploded.

"No one threatens my moron..." Kallen warned quietly from inside her knightmare.

"Good work, Kallen. Now get back to the government bureau and get Nunnally!" Zero told her.

"Zero!" Suzaku shouted, finally catching up to Lelouch.

"You. Kill him, Q1. Kill him now!" Zero practically barked from inside his knightmare.

Kallen looked at the Shinkiro in surprise from inside her knightmare, never hearing Lelouch like this before. "L-Lelouch..." She said, a bit unnerved

"Suzaku Kururugi!" Guilford shouted, right on Suzaku's tail.

"Easy now." Gino said as he slashed his scythe at Guilford.

"Please, Kallen. I need you stand aside." Suzaku told her firmly.

"Not a chance! I don't know what you did to him, but I won't let you get anywhere near him!" Kallen said determinedly as she shielded Zero.

"Kallen right? I understand that you're a Britannian-Eleven half-breed, right? If you chose the name Stadtfeld instead of Kouzuki, you could very well have a good life, couldn't you? Even become one of the Knights of the Round if you have such ambitions." Gino said as he battled Guilford from inside his knightmare.

"Is this going somewhere?" Kallen asked with a bored expression.

"What I mean is wouldn't you like to come back over to our side, Kallen?!" Gino asked

"Forget it! I rather we battle once again. Should I be happy or sad about that, Gino?" Kallen asked mockingly.

"What if we just enjoy it?" Gino asked with a chuckle.

"Is this guy for real?" Kallen asked herself from inside her knightmare, unamused.

"Gino! This is not the time for small talk!" Suzaku said in annoyance.

"Always a buzzkill, Suzaku. Let me settle things with Kallen, okay?" Gino

"It won't be easy." Kallen said with a smirk.

"I'm sorry, Gino. This pilot isn't a kind of opponent you can mess around with." Suzaku told him from inside his knightmare as he took out the Lancelot's sword. "Looks like I'm doing this the hard way..." He thought tiredly.

...

Ikaruga

"Tohdoh's forces have broken through to the enemy's command ship!" Futabe said.

...

Tokyo Settlement

Tohdoh sliced through Claudio's knightmare.

"Impossible! My Gareth!" Claudio said in disbelief as he took his last breath.

...

Avalon

"Raise all the shields in area four." Kanon commanded.

...

Tokyo Settlement

"We're just after Schneizel. Assume Slash and Encircle Formation!" Tohdoh ordered as he and other knightmares flew towards the Avalon.

...

Ikaruga

Cornelia fumbled around with her arm cast, triggering the device she was hoping for.

...

"Explosion detected in section 4-I of the ship!" Hinata told Ohgi.

"Could it be…Chigusa?" Ohgi thought stressfully.

...

Tokyo Settlement

"He's right there. Just let me near him." Suzaku said tiredly from inside his knightmare as his VARIS wasn't working against Kallen.

"Suzaku, Kallen isn't the one you need to fight! It's Zero!" Nina said angrily over the comms.

"Not helping, Nina!" Suzaku yelled from inside his knightmare.

...

Viceroy Palace

Nunnally's carrier was about to leave. A couple of Britannian soldiers were talking to each other.

"Your escape route is towards the Ikebukuro front."

"But there are still Black Knights in your flight pass. Wait till we've mopped them up before you launch."

What they the didn't notice was a soldier of a shorter size come into the hangar.

"Sayoko, I found the ship."

...

Tokyo Settlement

"Master Zero, we found the Viceroy. Master Rolo will escort us out of here as soon as he steals the Knightmare. He'll have it in a moment." Sayoko told Lelouch over the comms.

"Understood. Excellent work. Victory is within our reach. Kallen! Finish off Suzaku now. He's the only thing standing in our way! Kill Suzaku! DO IT!" Lelouch ordered from inside his knightmare.

Normally, Kallen would have complied immediately with that order. But the way Lelouch was acting, it's clear he was letting his anger with Suzaku get the better of him.

As for Suzaku. He's been on the defensive the whole time, hasn't even tried to attack her, just made sure she kept her distance.

What the Hell was going on!

...

Avalon

"Get out of there, Suzaku." Lloyd told him.

"You can't beat that Guren." Cecile told him.

"But, Zero…!" Suzaku insisted.

"Oh boy." Lloyd said tiredly.

"Self-centered brat!" Cecile said with annoyance.

"FIRE SUZAKU! USE THE F.L.E.I.J.A.!" Nina said with rage.

...

Tokyo Settlement

"No, Nina. Power is in the threat. If we actually use it…" Suzaku didn't get to finish his statement from inside his knightmare as he saw the Guren charge him.

It sliced the VARIS in half and he barely had time to block the Guren's sword with his own.

"Kallen!" Suzaku said.

"What's your game here Suzaku? Why aren't you fighting!?" Kallen asked angrily.

"Fighting is what got us here in the first place. But it's not too late! I need to do this!" Suzaku told her determinedly.

Kallen was confused by that statement. The confusion left Suzaku an opening as he detached his left arm, letting it explode and charging his way towards the Shinkiro.

"HEY! SUZAKU!" Kallen said angrily as she chased after him.

"No!" Lelouch panicked from inside his knightmare.

...

Avalon

"Looks like Suzaku is going to go for the kill." Schneizel commented.

"This victory will be ours." Kanon said with a smile.

"Yes! Do it, Suzaku! Kill Zero!" Nina cheered crazily.

...

Ship Carrier

"Come on guys! What is taking you so long!" Joseph's spirit asked impatiently.

Suddenly he and Nunnally heard a couple of punches and kicks. They turned around and saw it was Sayoko standing over a couple of beaten soldiers.

"Miss Nunnally!" Sayoko said with relief.

"Sayoko!" Nunnally said with joy and surprise.

"Lightning Servant! 'Bout time!" Joseph's spirit said excitedly.

...

Tokyo Settlement

The Lancelot made its way towards the Shinkiro.

"No, I was so close! Finally going to take your revenge, huh Suzaku?!" Lelouch asked angrily from inside his knightmare.

"Suzaku!" Kallen said as she readied her wave surger.

And as he gotten within a close enough distance to Zero.

He stopped.

Lelouch blinked in confusion at that.

Then the Lancelot's cockpit opened, revealing Suzaku as he stood up from his seat, looking at the Shinkiro solemnly.

Kallen froze at that, stopping her attack.

...

Avalon

Schneizel, Kanon, Nina, Lloyd, and Cecile looked in surprise at that.

"What the..." Kanon said in confusion.

"Interesting tactic." Lloyd commented.

"Did somethin happen to the Lancelot?" Cecile wondered with concern.

"SUZAKU, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! ZERO IS RIGHT THERE! KILL HIM! KILL HIM NOW!" Nina yelled as she smacked the monitor with unstable rage.

Schneizel ignored her and looked at the screen with interest.

...

"STOP FOOLING AROUND SUZAKU AND KILL HIM! KILL ZE-"

Suzaku didn't get to hear the rest of Nina's rant as he turned off his comms and took it out of his ear.

"You want me dead, Lelouch? I'm right here." Suzaku said solemnly.

Lelouch looked at Suzaku with shock.

...

Ship Carrier

"Sayoko, have you been with Zero this whole time?" Nunnally asked.

"Yes, I'm sorry about that Mistress Nunnally. I promise to explain everything once we get you to safety." Sayoko told her gently as the ship flew away.

"All good out here, Sayoko." Rolo told her over the comms.

"Roger." Sayoko said.

"Alright! Family reunion here we come! Oooh, I can't wait 'til you meet your new nieces and nephews, Nunne! You're going to love them!" Joseph's spirit said excitedly. "Alright, I better head back to Lelouch and Suzaku, make sure they didn't do anything stupider. I'll be back!" He said as he flew out of the carrier.

He looked around and noticed something strange.

There was another ship carrier that looked exactly like the one the Nunnally and Sayoko was in. Except it was heading towards the battlefield, and Rolo was the one escorting it.

Joseph's spirit looked back and forth in confusion.

"Uh, Rolo! You got the wrong ship! Nunne and Lightning Servant are in this one!" Joseph's spirit called out as he pointed to the ship leaving the settlement.

Then a thought occurred to him.

"Or maybe I was in the wrong one the entire time and what I was seeing were just holograms!" Joseph's spirit exclaimed to himself in astonishment. "...Nah, that's not it. I better go see what's up." He said as he flew in the direction of the other ship.

...

Tokyo Settlement.

Suzaku stood there in silence as he waited for Lelouch or Kallen to make their move. They didn't budge.

...

Gino saw this from a distance.

"What the Hell's going on?" Gino wondered from inside his knightmare.

...

"You said you wanted to kill me, so do it." Suzaku said again, his tone remaining the same.

"What sort of trickery is this, Suzaku? You think you can fool me again!" Lelouch asked angrily.

"It's not a trick Lelouch. Nor was it one when we met at the Kururugi Shrine." Suzaku told him.

Lelouch's eyes widen at that. "W...What?"

Kallen wondered what he meant by that but she wouldn't interrupt what was going on.

"Tell me Lelouch. Did you mean what you said? Am I really your brother?" Suzaku asked.

Now Lelouch was really stunned. "S...S-Suzaku..."

"Was it really the truth? Or just another lie to get what you want?" He asked again, this time a bit more emotional.

Lelouch looked at him with shaky eyes.

He tried to figure out what this scheme was, but he couldn't see any form of deceit on Suzaku's face.

He was really asking him.

It made him tighten his grip on the handles of his knightmare.

"...I meant every word you bastard..." Lelouch said quietly but bitterly.

Suzaku stood on top of his Lancelot, processing all of this.

Like before, there was no trick behind Lelouch's voice. No ulterior motive.

It was the truth.

And for some reason, Euphemia came to mind.

For some reason, her words spoke up.

"...be there for L-Lelouch..."

"Lelouch...I..." Suzaku struggled to say.

...

Avalon

"How disappointing." Schneizel said with a dismissive tone.

He then clicked a button on his chair.

...

Tokyo Settlement

Suddenly, a gun came out of the Lancelot's arm.

Suzaku's head whipped in its direction at that as he gasped in surprise.

It raised its arm and fired.

"The F.L.E.I.J.A.!" He yelled.

As that happened, Joseph's spirit came back to the battle.

"Yeah, I don't what's going on with that ship, maybe someone..." Joseph's spirit didn't get to finish muttering to himself as a missile suddenly phased right through him.

"Whoa! What'd I miss?" Joseph's spirit asked in confusion.

Suddenly the missile erupted and a purple light came into view.

...

Avalon

Nina looked in surprise while Schneizel smirked.

...

Tokyo Settlement

"Aw, it's pretty." Joseph's spirit said pleasantly.

"Fall back! All units, retreat!" He suddenly heard a Britannian soldier yelled quickly, which the the other soldiers complied with.

"That's...a bad sign isn't it?" Joseph's spirit said, starting to realize this wasn't a good thing.

...

"Why are the Britannians running? We have to retreat, too. Asahina, are you reading me? Get out of the government bureau! Asahina!" Chiba tried to tell her comrade from inside her knightmare.

"I'm going as fast as I can!" Asahina told her over comms.

...

Ikaurga

"Something's wrong. Pull the Ikaruga back at maximum speed!" Minami said quickly.

...

Tokyo Settlement

"You in the Sutherland, what are you doing? They've fired the F.L.E.I.J.A.!" A Britannian soldier told Rolo.

"Fired a F.L.E.I.J.A.?" Rolo asked, not understanding.

"A flea-ja?" Joseph's spirit asked in confusion.

It was strange, it was a like a black hole with a bright light in the middle.

"Suzaku, is this the weapon you were talking about?" Lelouch asked with fear.

Suzaku watched with wide eyes. "It's too late...it's...I must...I must live!" Suzaku said almost robotically as he went back into the Lancelot and flew away.

"The command I used on him activated? Then that must mean..." Lelouch calculated before his eyes went wide with fear and dread.

"NUNNALLY!"

Suddenly, the light erupted into a giant purple orb that got bigger and bigger.

...

OSI Surveillance Room

The Student Council and the kids looked at the screen with wide eyes.

"What...what is that?" Rivalz asked quietly.

...

Joseph's spirit had to shield his eyes from the brightness, but out on the corner, he saw the Viceroy Palace evaporate as it was touched by the orb.

"What the..." Joseph's spirit said with wide eyes, shocked by what he was witnessing.

...

"General Tohdoh, it was an honor serving you..." Asahina said from inside his knightmare as the light enraptured him.

...

Lelouch sat there frozen in his seat.

He couldn't speak.

He couldn't move.

He could only watch as his "sister's" ship carrier was caught in the orb.

He heard a voice in the back of his head, he could barely make it out but it was getting louder and louder until-

"PRINCESS!" Guilford screamed with all his might as he pushed the Shinkiro out of the blast radius, breaking Lelouch out of his stupor. "Princess, you must live! Please live!" He said passionately before he went video silent.

...

Joseph's spirit slowly floated closer to the orb.

It was beautiful, but scary.

Bright, but lethal.

Magnificent, but dangerous.

Joseph had seen something like this before.

It was the same thing that appeared in thousands of films, tv shows, and books.

"Atom bomb..." He concluded.

It was then the FLEIJA disspated, sending a shockwave miles around it.

But Joseph didn't seem to notice though.

For he was looking at the giant crater that took out over half the Tokyo Settlement.

"...Dear God..." Joseph's spirit said with dread.

And then the sun came over the horizon...

To Be Continued...

I FEEL SO ASHAMED T_T !

It's been months since my last chapter! I'm so sorry! It's why I decided to combine another three episodes into one chapter.

Once again, got caught up with projects! I feel like I need to crack down on a writing schedule or something because I REALLY want to finish this story by the end of this year! I know how I want to end it and I know I want to get it done!

Now that I got that out of the way, let's talk about the chapter itself.

I wish I could have done more with Urabe in this chapter, I do have plans for him later on though. It was nice to finally have a scene of Miss Lohmeyer getting chewed out by Nunnally, it remains to be seen with what I do with her character.

However, I just love writing for the kids! Them interacting with other characters is so fun!

I managed to come up with their personalities as well!

For Potestas, he's basically the parent to his siblings when Joseph's not around, the most mature one but not overly-serious either. Sort of inspired by Neji from Naruto but less stoic, or Izuku from My Hero Academia but a bit more stoic.

For Kaecus, she's the most caring of the siblings, but can also scare easy and be rather quiet and sometimes awkward with others. I took inspiration with Hinata from Naruto and Komi from Komi Can't Communicate.

For Umbra, she's definitely the most lively and excitable of the group, one might say she takes the most after Joseph. Think a mixture of Mina from My Hero Academia and Carol from Tomo-Chan Is A Girl.

For Animi, she's one tough cookie! Tom-Boy in nature, stubborn to a fault, and isn't afraid to start a fight with someone. Tomo from Tomo-Chan Is A Girl and Towa from Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon fit her to a Tee!

For Longe, he's a bookworm, as I'm sure you already guessed. Loves taking in knowledge and learning new things without being a know-it-all about it, or at least not on purpose anyway. He's like Nina without being socially-awkward or Shikamaru from Naruto without being moody

And it would seem the Lelouch's words really struck a cord with Suzaku this time around. How much so is an undisclosed mystery!

And I'm sure you all know what's coming up in the next chapter. BUT DON'T WORRY! I have a twist coming up for that!

What exactly? You'll just have to wait and see! HAHA!

Hopefully it won't take too long this time around...

Hope you enjoy the new chapter, comment and tell me what you think!

Until next time!