I don't own Code Geass

...

JLF Command Bunker, Narita Mountain, Area Eleven, 2017

General Tatewaki Katase, commanding officer of the Japan Liberation Front, could not help but feel a little silly when the masked visage of Zero appeared on his communications display. The violet coat, black cape, and glass and metal mask that the revolutionary wore reminded him uncomfortably of the flamboyant supervillains that were regularly foiled in the children's shows that Japan had aired before the war began. Still, the man had proven his mettle as a strategist and soldier, killing Viceroy Clovis during the Shinjuku Skirmish, and rescuing Private Suzaku Kururugi to thwart the Purist Faction's ill-advised power grab. In fact, the leader of the JLF had considered a recommendation for the Zero Cell, as they had been called at that point, to the Kyoto Group as a possible agent subject for recruitment.

But then Saitama had happened, and with it the misgivings one would expect toward an inexperienced commander who had underestimated his opponent. While Zero had been able to kill Andreas Darlton, it had come at the cost of the entire Yamato Alliance, and Katase could not see the value in throwing away so many lives in exchange for relatively small gains. Those doubts were somewhat diminished by his success at Lake Kawaguchi, but Katase still had some cause for concern. There was too much about Zero that was still unknown, an aspect of this relationship that he hoped to rectify with this meeting.

"Greetings, General Katase," Zero began. "It's an honor to finally make your acquaintance."

"To you as well Zero. The Japan Liberation Front has followed your career with great interest since your debut. You're victories have provided a great deal of inspiration to some of our younger members. I'm glad we finally have this chance to talk," Katase said, altering his pitch to affect a warmth he did not feel.

"I'm flattered the JLF thinks so highly of me and my followers," Zero said. "Though I feel it is somewhat misplaced. Japan's resistance movement would not exist without the JLF's undaunted resilience and support."

Katase restrained the frowned that threatened to dip his lips. I can't get a read on him. Zero's voice was flat, robotic, divulging nothing of its owner's personality. His attempt at flattery could be real, or it could be false.

"I'd like to apologize for the deaths of Kusakabe and his men," Zero said, pulling Katase from his thoughts. Katase waved him off.

"Don't bother," he said, contempt practically dripping from his voice, "Katase and his men were monstrous fools and they paid for it with their lives. I only wish he'd been killed before he took a squad with him." That's not even touching what he's done to our reputation, he did not say. Recruitment, which had been up in the wake of Zero's rise, had plummeted to almost nothing in the aftermath of the Kawaguchi debacle, and a solid third of their number had either deserted or defected to the Black Knights.

"I'm grateful for your sentiment," Zero said, inclining his head slightly. "It pleases me to know that you weren't behind Kusakabe's stupidity."

"The Japan Liberation Front has always refrained from deliberately targeting civilians," Katase said, shrugging.

"I'm afraid Viceroy Cornelia won't look at it that way," Zero replied.

Katase's shoulders slumped forward slightly. Zero had a point: even if the Witch knew of Kusakabe's rouge status there was no way she'd throw away the momentum that went against the JLF. "I am well aware of her ambitions," Katase admitted gruffly. "It changes little, though," he added. "She would have come for us sooner or later. We're ready for whatever she throws at us."

"By 'ready' you are referring to the Gekkas that you've sent Colonel Tohdoh and his Holy Swords after, yes?"

To his credit, Katase managed to keep his surprise hidden. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he said.

"Please, General, don't insult my intelligence," Zero retorted. "You sent Tohdoh out three days ago in order to acquire the Frames from Kyoto and bring them to Narita. Don't look so surprised," he said when Katase gaped at his knowledge, "you weren't that hard to find. Of course," he said off-handedly, lifting his right hand to cradle the chin of his mask, "if I found out where you are…"

"Cornelia could too," Katase finished, horrified.

"That's actually why I arranged this call," Zero said gravely. "She knows."

Katase felt the world began to slow down as adrenaline started to pump through his veins. "When is she coming?"

"Two days hence."

We have to evacuate, he thought. No, there's no time for that, not without someone noticing, and then we'd be under pursuit. Unless we left most of our equipment behind, but then we'd be no better than your average gang. There was only one choice.

We have to fight. And why not? We have the superior position, we have the appropriate counter measures, they have lost the element of surprise and…

We have Tohdoh.

But Tohdoh wasn't there and likely wouldn't be for several more days. Even rushing he likely wouldn't make it in time. And Cornelia was renowned, not just as a tactician and strategist, but also as a master warrior in her own right. Her troops were top notch as well, the veterans of over a hundred campaigns, and they were led by Sir Guilford, her knight and combat equal in every respect. Even if it was just those two, without Tohdoh, the JLF would take massive casualties. And with an army of battle-hardened commandos at their backs?

We can't win, Katase realized. Our best hope is for a last stand, to take as many with us as we can before they deal the death blow. "It would seem that we have a defense to plan, Zero," he finally said, covering his face resignedly.

"That isn't necessary, General," Zero told him. "This information has been relayed to Kyoto and they have requested the aid of the Black Knights. We are entirely at your disposal."

Katase looked up at him, eyes wide. Though he lost, he inflicted massive casualties on Cornelia, and that was with a ragtag band. What can you do with trained warriors, Zero? But first, a precaution. "You lost the battle at Saitama, Zero. What is my assurance that you can win now?"

Zero shook his head. "Saitama was not a loss," he said. "Operational objectives were met." The vigilante sighed, bowing his head. "I only wish it had not cost the Yamato Alliance their lives."

Katase was surprised by the amount of emotion Zero was displaying. He wanted to believe it to be a trick, a façade, but something told him Zero meant what he said. And besides, he thought ruefully, it's not as if I have a choice. "Very well, Zero, the Japan Liberation Front will accept whatever aid you can give." Zero straightened up, briefly inclining his head.

"Excellent," he said, "Then if you don't mind, I have a plan for dealing with Cornelia."

Katase nodded and began to listen.

….

Ashford Clubhouse, Ashford Academy, Tokyo Settlement, Area Eleven

"I promise Nunnaly, I'm just going to be gone for a few days."

"But you've been gone so often, big brother. Can't you just stay home for this weekend?"

Lelouch squatted down in front of her. "Nunnaly, you know I would love nothing more than to just stay here with you and the others, but there are certain things that I have to do. The money I earn from these matches provides most of the funding for the club."

"But it's getting more dangerous out there. Zero's been bringing chaos to Japan. There have already been attacks throughout the Area! I couldn't stand to lose you to one of them!"

"Where did you hear all that?"

"From the news."

"The news says a lot of things that we both know aren't true."

"I've also been hearing it from the other students on campus. Zero's making everyone afraid. Three students from my biology classes have already dropped out."

"Zero saved my life Nunna, remember?"

"And I'm grateful for that, but what if he knew you were royalty-"

"Ex-royalty."

"Do you really think he would care about the distinction?"

"He's already said he won't go after innocent people. So far as I'm aware of, I've done nothing wrong."

"Even so, there's still his followers to consider. And even other Japanese who might want to hurt a Britannian."

"What's brought all this on, sister? You used to never have a problem with my gambling."

"I've always had a problem with it brother, but you enjoyed doing it, and the Settlement was almost always safe. But all that's changed because of Zero. Nowhere is safe anymore."

"Then I'm in as much danger here as I would be somewhere else. Nunnaly," Lelouch reached up and cupped her cheek, "we can't live life worrying about something we can't control. I won't let a bunch of terrorists dictate to me how I live my life, and you shouldn't either. Okay?"

Nunnaly turned her face into his hand, luxuriating in its warmth. She still wasn't okay with this; nothing he said would assuage her fears. But it was better to let him go than to argue with him any further. Besides, he'd go without her approval anyway.

She nodded slightly. "Okay, but please Lelouch," she grasped his hand in her own small ones, "be careful."

She felt him squeeze her hand momentarily. He said warmly, "Aren't I always?"

…..

Sayoko Shinozaki had frowned throughout the entirety of the argument, silently hoping that the young master would listen to Lady Nunnaly. She had been critical of Lord Lelouch's plans this weekend from their inception for precisely the reasons the young Lady had given. Seeing the worry on the child's face solidified her own resolve.

She followed Master Lelouch from the dining room to the door. Quietly she said, "Master Lelouch, may I have a moment of your time?" The young master blinked in surprise, then smiled at her.

"Of course, Sayoko. What do you need?"

Sayoko took a deep breath. "I think you should remain here My Lord. In the Settlement I mean."

Master Lelouch looked at her with interest. "And why should I Sayoko?" he asked, setting down his travel case.

"For Lady Nunnaly's sake, My Lord," she answered, clasping her hands together in front of her pelvis. It made her feel a little guilty, trying to manipulate her master like this, but she knew he would do anything for his sister, and her Lady was too afraid to risk making her brother upset with her to get him to stay.

"I know that Nunnaly is worried about me," Master Lelouch said.

"It isn't simply worry," Sayoko said, shaking her head, "she's absolutely terrified."

"Because of Zero?" Master Lelouch asked. Sayoko nodded. He responded: "I already said this to Nunnaly Sayoko but it deserves repeating: I won't let fear rule our lives."

"Isn't it fear that keeps you here, My Lord?" Sayoko retorted boldly. She knew she had made a mistake when the kindly expression fled her master's face, replaced by a cold wall. She pressed on anyway. "Do you not fear the Emperor and his wrath? And the den of vipers that is the Imperial Court? Is that not why you hide?"

"We hide because the vi Britannia line has enemies at Court we cannot fight," Master Lelouch said, his voice devoid of emotion. "We have no allies , no friends, no one to rely upon. If we returned, it is likely we would die."

"And it is even more dangerous with Zero around," Sayoko, raising her still clasped hands pleadingly. "You're fear of the Court is reasonable and based on past experience. Please, apply the same problem solving to the Zero question! He has already assassinated a member of the Royal Family and killed a Britannian general. What would he do if he discovered you or Lady Nunnaly?"

"I imagine we won't have much trouble with Zero," Master Lelouch said, smirking slightly. "The vi Britannia line is dead, slaughtered in Britannia by Britannia. What use would Zero have killing a banished prince?"

"Propaganda," Sayoko pounced immediately. "Yours and Lady Nunnaly's deaths, the lost vi Britannia siblings, would be a political coup for him. With your murder he would announce to the entire world 'I found them when Britannia could not.' It would be a windfall for him, a sign of superiority. And even if he only caught you," Sayoko swallowed fearfully at the thought, "that would mean Lady Nunnaly would be alone in this world."

"She is not alone," Master Lelouch retorted coldly. "She has you, the Student Council, the Ash-"

"None of whom are you!" Sayoko interrupted, her voicing rising slightly. "You are the most important person in the world to her. Your loss would destroy her."

Master Lelouch laughed and Sayoko was shocked by the bitterness of it. He picked up his briefcase and opened the door. His back to her he said, "It seems you don't know Nunnaly all that well at all, Sayoko. She's much stronger than you think."

Without waiting for a reply, he walked out the door.

…..

A Kyoto Affiliated Warehouse, Tokyo Settlement, Area Eleven, One Day Later

"Get everything packed up nice and neat!" Ohgi yelled, pointing to a trio of newly minted Knights. "Zero wants us moving in thirty minutes!" The three saluted him and began picking up crates of ammunition. Ohgi diverted his attention from them to the rows of shiny new Knightmares resting on the other side of the warehouse. There were twenty in all of these "Burai" units that Kyoto had developed as a response to the Britannian Sutherlands that currently dominated the battlefield, hand delivered to the Black Knights as a sign of Kyoto's faith in the group.

Or their test, Ohgi thought, remembering Zero's dismissive attitude towards the gifts. Zero didn't seem to trust Kyoto as far as he could throw them, something Ohgi couldn't really understand. Kyoto had funded and supplied the Japanese Resistance movement from its very beginnings, though they had paid much more deserved attention to the JLF and its veteran fighters from the War. That the Black Knights were receiving this new top of the line weapons platforms meant, at least to Ohgi, that Kyoto had begun to acknowledge them as a burgeoning ally for the cause.

But that's Zero for ya, Ohgi thought fondly, Always paranoid.

"Ohgi, we have the Guren stored into the trucks! How long until we're ready to roll out?" Ohgi turned around to smile at Kallen.

"We should be good to go in a few minutes," Ohgi answered, pulling up his cargo manifesto. "With any luck, we'll be moving right on schedule."

Kallen nodded. "I go tell Zero the good news," she said. Ohgi noticed a light bounce in her step as she went to find their masked leader.

You still amaze me Kallen, he mused, the warm smile growing even bigger. With everything that's happened, you can still carry on. Ohgi had been afraid that Kallen would be taking the situation with her mother hard, that it might even distract her from their mission, but aside from a few hiccups every now and then, she was taking it in stride.

And it's all thanks to Zero, he knew. Their mysterious figure had not only given Kallen's mother the time and place she needed to recover, he had also given her the best equipment they had in the form of the Guren Nishiki, and called her the best pilot they had. He'd seen how much that had meant to the redhead and knew it was at least part of why she was coping as well as she was.

"Ohgi, Kallen tells me you have everything ready." Ohgi fumbled for his walkie talkie.

"Yeah, we're all set and ready to go," he said after double checking with his crew.

"Then go ahead and get in your truck. We're moving out," Zero ordered.

"Yes sir!" Ohgi said. He slid the walkie back into the pouch on his belt and fast walked to his transport truck.

Next stop, Narita.

….

Narita Mountain Base, Area Eleven, One Day Later

"Let's get moving, we don't have time for this!" Viletta shouted at the top of her voice to the stream of refugees. "Princess Euphemia wants this area cleared out before the battle starts! Now get your asses in gear!" People fled on trucks, cars, motorcycles, anything they could get their hands on and it had created a massive traffic snarl, clogging all of the main roads out of the small town at the base of the mountain. Some were abandoning their cars on Viletta's advice, attempting to make it out on foot. The increased activity had likely attracted the attention of the JLF. No way they didn't know they were coming.

This whole thing is becoming a nightmare, Viletta thought as activated her earpiece. "Lord Jeremiah, the main roads have all been blocked. People are getting out but it's extremely slow going."

"I understand Viletta, but there's very little I can do," Jeremiah responded, his voice crackling over the interference. "There isn't much time left before the battle starts. Can you get anyone out on foot?"

"Working on that right now," she answered, reigning in her impatience. "You better watch yourself, My Lord," she warned, looking worriedly towards the top of the mountain, "I suspect we've lost the element of surprise."

"I agree. We'll keep an eye on the mountain. Keep up the good work and let me get back to mine." The transceiver went silent.

"Will do," Viletta said to no one in particular. She clicked off her comm device. Her eyes shifted disgustedly to a ginger headed man getting out of his car while he was still on the road.

"What the Hell do you think you're doing?" she yelled at him, storming over to the suddenly panicking civilian.

"I'm just trying to get out as fast as possible ma'am," he spluttered, holding up his hands in surrender.

"Then pull your car off to the shoulder!" she shouted. "You're blocking the people behind you, you damn idiot!" she thundered, gesturing to the cars honking at him from behind.

The man stammered a sheepish apology and climbed back into his car. Viletta shook her head in annoyance.

Damn stupid civilians.

…..

Britannian FOB, Narita Mountain

"Princess Cornelia will be commanding the center while Sir Guilford takes the left wing and General Alex the right. Our forces will bombard the mountain with smoke bombs to obscure the enemy's vision as much as possible."

"Won't that decrease visibility for our own forces as well?" Euphemia asked, listening attentively to Lord Jeremiah while she observed the tactical map.

Lord Jeremiah shook his head. "Not at all Lady," he said. "Princess Cornelia chose not to utilize infantry forces for this confrontation. Instead we'll be moving in with our Knightmare Frames to deal the finishing blow."

"But won't the JLF have Knightmares too?" Euphemia had been following the intelligence briefings in the wake of Darlton's death, determined to make sure her sister suffered no surprises in her upcoming battles.

"Even if they do they won't have had time to train with them. And besides," she could practically see Lord Gottwald's smug grin, "no Eleven-made technology stands a chance against Britannian might."

Euphemia wasn't entirely sure she agreed with his assessment. She had lost two people she loved to the Eleven's ingenuity. She wasn't going to allow her sister or Sir Guilford join that list. She glanced down at a yellow unit well outside of the frontline. She frowned.

"Isn't that the Special Corp.?" she asked Lord Jeremiah.

Jeremiah nodded next to her. "It is My Lady," he confirmed, leaning over to look. "Princess Cornelia didn't want them close to the action."

"She doesn't trust the pilot does she?" Euphemia asked sadly.

"Frankly My Lady," Lord Jeremiah said wryly, "there are very few people she trusts these days."

….

Britannian Frontline, Narita Mountain

Princess Cornelia tapped her finger impatiently against the yoke of her Gloucester. Her younger sister's decision to evacuate the town at the base of the mountain had cost her forces the element of surprise. Now they had to take care of the JLF the good all fashioned way: an all-out assault on their headquarters, located somewhere on the mountain's side. And to do that, she needed to obscure her troop movements for as long as possible. That was why she had been sitting for ten minutes in the middle of a thickening smoke cloud, waiting for it to become thick enough to disrupt the enemy's infrared.

She used to like the waiting, the anticipation leading up to the heat of battle, when she would imagine carving her opponents up on her lance or mowing them down with her machine gun, always in that search for a worthy opponent.

Now all it made her do was remember the fallen and the mistakes she made that helped put them in the ground. Made her remember his easy bearing, his confident smirk, the scar that would crinkle when he laughed.

The bloody pulp he and her other officers had been turned into.

Turned into by him.

Zero.

She hated him. Hated that smug voice, hated that stupid helmet, the flowing cape, the violet coat that made a mockery of Britannian nobility. How she hungered for his blood, to have him in her grip, writhing in agony from the merciless torture she would put him under. No, no fast death for him, no mercy for him. She would make him suffer.

But for now she would focus on the more immediate target, the scum that took innocent Britannians hostage. The ones that gave him the high ground.

"My Lady, the bombardment has come to an end. We're ready to go." Guilford's voice pulled her out of the swamp of hatred that had become her haunt and refocused her on the task at hand.

"Understood," she said. She felt a grin begin to lift her cheeks once more. For you, Darlton.

"All forces advance! Destroy the JLF!"

"YES, YOUR HIGHNESS!"

…

JLF Headquarters, Narita Mountain, Area Eleven

"Britannian forces have broken through on our right flank!"

"The center has collapsed! All units are retreating back up the mountain!"

"The left is holding but won't for much longer! They're already being enfolded by the Britannian center!"

"Has Zero made his move yet?" Katase yelled over the pandemonium. All Hell had broken loose. Thirty minutes in and already the Witch had smashed through their first line of defense. It was only a matter of time until they made it to their headquarters.

"Not yet sir," one of the younger officers said, looking up at him. "We've been trying to hail him but so far there's been no response!"

Just what are you doing Zero? Katase fumed. We can't hold on like this.

….

Britannian Left Flank, Steady Advance Up The Mountain

Sir Guilford opened fire on the nearest enemy unit, knocking off the factshpere before trailing the rest of his barrage down into the chestpiece. Within seconds the Knightmare had exploded in a rain of molten steel and blasted metal.

"These Burai units are nothing against a good Gloucester!" Guilford shouted encouragingly. "What do you say you boys show them what a Sutherland can do!"-

"With pleasure My Lord!" one of the Sutherland pilots shouted, charging forward and opening fire. Another enemy Burai was struck, the pilot wisely ejecting before he could join his deceased comrade.

"Very good son!" Guilford yelled, grinning. He sped forward and swung his lance, catching another Eleven pilot off guard. The broad side slammed into its left arm, and as it stumbled to the side, Guilford fired a burst into the cockpit. The Burai slumped motionless to the ground.

"Sir Guilford, give me a status report," his communications rig suddenly barked. Guilford tamped down his enthusiasm and schooled his voice to a calm tone.

"We are advancing with speed up the mountain My Lady. Resistance is heavy but ineffectual. No casualties have been taken so far."

"Very good," Lady Cornelia responded, her voice dripping with savage approval. "Let's keep it that way. Continue your advance." The comm rig went silent again and Guilford smirked.

As you command Your Highness.

"Let's go men," he yelled. "Your Princess is waiting!"

"Yes, My Lord!"

…

JLF Headquaters

Goddammit Zero! Katase wanted to scream. Where are you?!

His army was being demolished. The first line was gone and the second was rapidly beginning to follow. If Zero didn't act soon, there wouldn't be a JLF left to save.

"Sir, we're receiving a communication from the mountain summit!"

Zero! Hope flared up in Katase's chest. "Put it on the screen!"

The communications screen came to life, and within seconds Zero's mask appeared, filling up the entirety of the frame.

"It's about damn time!" Katase shouted, glaring at the man on the screen. "Are your men ready?"

"We are General." If Zero was ruffled, he didn't show it.

"Then initiate the landslide and charge your men down the mountain," Katase ordered.

"No."

Time seemed to stop, whittled down to that one word. "What?" was all Katase could think to say.

"I have a distaste for following orders, General. Especially those issued by small men like you."

"What in the Hell is that supposed to mean?" Katase roared, smashing his fists down onto his tactical map.

"For seven years the JLF has labored under a delusion, intent on achieving the impossible," Zero said.

"And what would that be?" Katase growled.

"You should know, General," Zero mocked, "After all, it is in your name."

He can't possibly mean…. "Liberation?"

"Yes General, liberation. There is no liberating Japan because Japan no longer exists. It was dying for years. The Empire simply provided the killing blow. And there is no resurrecting the dead," Zero declared.

"But that's absurd!" Katase argued, pointing his finger at Zero. "You are a freedom fighter as well! You fight for Japan's Liberation too!"

"You are mistaken sir. I do not fight for liberation. I fight for Revolution," Zero said, leaning back from the camera frame and spreading his arms wide. "I fight to build a new Japan from the ashes of the old. To remake it into a new land where any man or woman may live so long as they practice Justice!" He let his left hand fall back to his side and clenched his right before him. "And I will bring this Revolution to the entire world."

"You're mad," Katase whispered. Horror swept through him. "I've put all our lives in the hands of a lunatic."

"I've been called far worse things General," Zero shrugged. "And you really don't have time for name-calling. Cornelia's driving her way up the mountain quickly. She will reach this base before too long. I can help but," Zero paused for a moment, "there is a price."

You have some damn nerve Zero, Katase thought but did not say. "And what is that price, Zero?" he asked.

"Once this battle is over, the Japan Liberation Front will disband and its members will join the Black Knights."

"Out of the question!" Katase refused. "The Japan Liberation Front has been the only organized resistance for seven years!"

"And what have you accomplished in those seven years, General?" Zero demanded brutally. "Minor attacks! Skirmishes! Half-baked raids that fail to even scratch the surface of Britannia's control. You claim resources that I can put to far better use. Whether you join with the Black Knights or you are destroyed by Cornelia, it matters not. The Japan Liberation Front dies today.

"Your time is over, old man. Our day has just begun."

"There will be survivors," Katase said, voice filled with calm calculation. "They will tell Kyoto that the savior they sent us instead condemned us."

"You're far too trusting, General," Zero sneered. "Kyoto has no idea about this attack. I lied."

Katase was livid. "If we die you die too, traitor!" he screamed triumphantly. "You're as trapped on this mountain as we are!"

He jumped when Zero's cold, robotic voice laughed. "General," he said, tone as jovial as it was condescending, "do you really think I have no escape plan?" He stepped back from the camera, gesturing to a wide expanse of land. Even on just the camera, Katase could see the gap in the Imperial perimeter.

"How did you…?"Katase trailed off, amazed.

Zero stepped back into frame. "I have my ways," was all he said.

Katase buried his face in his hands, defeated. "If only Tohdoh were here."

"He isn't. And he isn't coming."

Katase stood up, not even trying to hide the wince at Zero's bluntness. "Very well Zero, you win."

"I always do."

Katase ignored the smug tone. He had no choice. "If the JLF survives this battle, we will disband and join the Black Knights, Zero. You have my word."

"Then stand back."

A half minute later, the ground rumbled beneath Katase's feet. And he knew then.

The JLF was dead.

The real war had begun.