I don't own Code Geass

...

Mount Fuji Kyoto Base, Area Eleven, 2017

"It's outrageous Lord Kirihara! The Japan Liberation Front stood as the bulwark of the Japanese resistance movement for nearly a decade. If we allow some masked freak to dissolve and absorb the group's personnel and resources, we won't be able to maintain our control over the other cells!"

"I am well aware of the precedent Zero's actions set, Lord Munakata, and I share your concern. However, there is very little we can do about it now. General Katase's report has made it very clear that the group has already been scattered and integrated into the Black Knights. Trying to separate the two now might result in irreparable harm to both groups."

"Does Katase even have any authority in the Black Knights?" Kubouin asked. "Zero may just be keeping him around as a figurehead."

"I am unsure myself. Zero would be foolish to remove the man from any level of decision making. Katase has the experience that Zero lacks."

"What about Tohdoh? I doubt the Miracle Man was very happy with Zero's tactics," Munakata said.

Kubouin said, "Tohdoh's loyalty is to Katase. He won't leave him behind for anything."

"His loyalty should be to Japan!" Munakata shouted. "The Kyoto Group is the only organization capable of liberating this country and guiding it back to its former glory, but we can't do that if maniacs like Zero go around drafting our soldiers!"

"Is it necessarily a bad thing that this happened though?" Yoshino asked. "The JLF's recruiting rates had been falling dramatically before their dissolution, and aside from a few raids on Colonial patrols, it couldn't claim credit for any meaningful attacks. Arrogance aside, Zero has proven wildly successful in these last few months. One dead Royal, the famed General Darlton, and now the Spearhead of the Empire, Sir Guilford. The man's accomplishments speak for themselves."

"And how much Hell have those accomplishments rained down on our heads?" Munakata asked. "Our supporters and contacts within the administration have either gone to ground or turned on us. We're fortunate that we have so many middle men to work through. Our supply routes and front groups have been compromised. If this keeps up, we may lose much of our power base."

"Summer soldiers and sunshine patriots are of little use to us." Every head turned to Lady Kaguya Sumeragi, the youngest member of the Kyoto Group. "If they were so quick to turn then we were better off without them. And if our supply routes and front groups are being found so quickly, then they weren't hidden well in the first place. If this turn of events has taught us anything, then it is that we have been too complacent. And that large money transfers do not make allies."

Kirihara saw that Munakata was about to explode and said, "Calm yourself my friend. Your temper does you no credit." He turned his attention to Kaguya. "What would your suggestion be in this situation Lady Sumeragi?"

Kaguya's green eyes flashed to him. "I say that we bring Zero and his Black Knights into the fold," she said.

"Out of the question," Munakata said. "The man's brazenness is too much. Anyone who steps close to him is just going to burn."

"His daring and brilliance has brought Britannia to its knees not once but four times now. How many people can claim that? Everything he has done has either been with ill trained civilians and outdated technology. Now he has an army of elite warriors. Imagine what he could do with up to date hardware and resources."

"How can you trust a man in a mask!"

"I trust that Zero wants to free this land. That's enough for me."

"Your judgment can't be trusted on the matter, given your infatuation with this-"

"That is quite enough!" Kirihara said. "Personal attacks are not welcome in this debate." He stared Munakata down until the man bowed his head.

"You are right, of course Lord Kirihara," he said. He turned back to Kaguya. "My Lady, you have my sincerest apologies. I meant no offense."

"No need Lord Munakata. It is forgotten." Kaguya gave him a close eyed smile.

"Now how do you think we should proceed Lord Munakata?" Kirihara asked.

"I stand by what I have said. Zero is too dangerous. He must be removed at the earliest opportunity."

"Removed?" Kaguya asked, her voice near shrill. "Remove the best player on the-"

"Silence Lady Kaguya!" Kirihara said. He narrowed his eyes at her. The young lady mumbled and apology, but continued to glare at Munakata. Kirihara returned his attention to the man. "Please continue, Lord Munakata."

"The means would be simple," Munakata said. He sent a smug look Kaguya's way. "We send the man an invitation to meet with us, and spring our trap."

"Such a move would destroy Kyoto's honor, Lord Munakata," Osakabe said.

"Who needs to know that it was Kyoto, Lord Osakabe? Tips to the right elements in the Britannian government and Zero is lost in a tragic ambush. General Katase can then resume his command with a much larger army."

"Or the Black Knights may desert in droves," Kaguya said.

"What was that you said about "summer soldiers" and "sunshine patriots"?" Munakata smiled nastily at Kaguya's glare.

Looking to curb another argument, Kirihara said, "Thank you Lord Munakata. Your counsel is appreciated. What of the rest of you?"

One by one the others spoke, but none could seem to decide. Kirihara frowned. It is down to me then.

"My friends," he said, "we have a dilemma on our hands. We have danced around the main question we should be asking. It is not a matter of trust. The question that must be asked is "Can we control him?"" Kirihara shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't answer that question. Can any of you?" He cast his eyes around his fellows, and lingered on Kaguya. She lowered her eyes under his scrutiny.

"Until we know more about Zero, any decision we make could be costly, perhaps disastrously so. I cannot take that chance. And so we shall invite Zero, and have him stand before us. We shall see his face. And we shall decide then."

….

Sumeragi Compund, Tokyo Settlement, Area Eleven

Lady Kaguya Sumeragi tapped her fingers impatiently against the door as her limo pulled past the security checkpoint. The car came to a stop in front of the veranda, and Kaguya did not wait for her driver, slamming the door open instead and hastening out of the car. Her attendants scrambled to get out of her path.

Kaguya kicked her tabi off without a second thought and power walked inside. Guards stationed on either side of the hall snapped to attention and bowed as she passed. She paid no attention to them, focusing instead on trying to bottle up the inferno that was about to erupt.

She arrived at her private quarters a moment later and stormed through the already opened doors. "Tell them to hold my calls," she said over her shoulder. She didn't wait for the guard's response before she shut the screen door.

She clenched her eyes shut and grit her teeth. Her hands clenched so tight that her long nails cut into flesh and drew blood. She stepped away from the door and made her way through her room, making for the large cabinet behind a small but well made table in the center of the room. She jerked open the doors and grabbed the first bottle and saucer she could see.

Kaguya brought the sake bottle and saucer to the table and pulled the cork out. She poured it out into the saucer and sucked down the alcohol. She winced slightly at the taste, but poured some more and swallowed it down much more slowly. She sighed contentedly and set both implements aside. She pressed a small pearl button and a shutter on the table came open to reveal a small notebook that she kept all of her important notations in. Lately, the book had been little more than a collection of newspaper clippings.

'Terror Attack in Shinjuku Ghetto Causes Deaths of Viceroy Prince Clovis and Senior Administration Officials'

'Honorary Britannian Charged With Prince Clovis' Death Freed By Masked Man Claiming to be Real Killer'

'Terror Attack in Saitama Ghetto Results in Death of General Andreas Darlton. Masked Terrorist Zero Prime Suspect'

'Sir Guilford Among Over One Hundred Casualties In Anti-Terror Operation'

'Just Who Is Zero?'

Kaguya's heart raced and her cheeks burned every time she saw his mask in the newspaper pictures. She pressed the notebook to her chest with a close eyed smile.

The phone on her desk rang.

Kaguya's eyes snapped open. With a snarl she picked up her phone and said, "I told you to hold my calls!"

"My apologies, Lady Sumeragi." Her heart skipped a beat. It can't be. "I was under the impression that you wanted to meet with me. Shall I call you later?"

"No please stay on the phone, Master Zero!" Kaguya said hurriedly, waving her hand around. "I apologize for my rudeness. I thought you were someone else."

"No harm has been done My Lady," Zero said. "I am pleased that I have been able to get a hold of you. I have been looking forward to our meeting."

"As have I Master Zero," Kaguya said with a huge grin. "I've been a huge admirer of your exploits since your career first began. It's a pleasure to finally speak with you."

"You honor me with your kind words My Lady, but please do away with the 'Master' title. My friends just call me Zero."

Kaguya's grin grew even wider. "As you wish Zero. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

"Business I'm afraid," Zero said, his tone turning serious. "I have just received the Kyoto's Group invitation for a meeting and I would be happy to present myself before you."

"I'm glad to hear that Zero," Kaguya said, though a frown now marred her face. She bowed her head slightly.

"I do not mean to sound presumptuous, but you sound troubled My Lady," Zero said. "Might I ask what is wrong?"

Kaguya but her lip. "It is nothing to concern you Zero, it's just…" How do I say this? "My fellows have certain concerns about you."

"What kind?"

She turned away from the phone. "It's difficult to say."

"Over the phone perhaps, but how about we meet in person? I am certain that whatever concerns your fellows have will be mollified if you are left with a high opinion of our operation."

Kaguya's grin returned in full force. "I'm not as optimistic as you are about my influence on the others, but it would be an absolute privilege to meet you in person before the others."

"Excellent. My associates shall meet you at your convenience. Would tomorrow at three work for you?"

"Absolutely!"

"Perfect, then I shall see you tomorrow, My Lady. Until then, take care." The line clicked and Kaguya replaced the phone on its stand.

She jumped up from the table and danced around her room. It wasn't until much later, when the euphoria wore off, that she would begin to wonder how he had known who she was.

….

Black Knight Affiliated Warehouse, Saitama Ghetto, Area Eleven

"There should be no danger. Return with Lady Sumeragi within the hour. Do not be tardy." Zero sounded like he was grinning. "We don't want her to miss the show."

"Understood Zero, we won't be late," Sugiyama said. He saluted and got in the limo.

Zero turned his attention to a fidgeting Kallen. "Is something wrong, Kallen?" he asked.

"May I speak with you in private, sir?" Kallen asked. She would not meet his gaze.

What has gotten into you? Zero wondered. "Time is short Kallen," he said. He beckoned her to the area behind the Guren. "Make it fast." Kallen nodded and followed him to the darkened area. When they had made it, Zero said, "Now, what is it?"

Kallen continued to fidget, her left hand clasping her right arm behind her back. "You received my calls, didn't you sir?"

Zero raised an eyebrow. "I did, yes. What did you want to speak to me about?"

Kallen clenched her eyes shut. "I think-" she halted for a second. "I think you should take me off of the Zero Squadron."

Zero's eyes widened behind his mask. "And why should I do that Kallen?"

"I-" her eyes scrunched up-"I'm not fit to be a part of it. At Narita, I slaughtered innocent people. Crushed them to death under a pile of rock." Her breath hitched. "I don't deserve to be a Black Knight anymore."

Zero stared at her for a long moment. He raised his own hands and pulled off the black silk gloves that covered them. "Let me see your hands," he said.

Her eyes still closed, Kallen did as he instructed. Her eyes shot open when he clasped them softly in his. "Do you feel that?" he asked, running his thumb over the knuckles of her hands. "These are hands stained with more blood than you can possibly imagine. The guilty," he let her caress his palm, "and the innocent. Everything we do, every life we take," the tips of his fingers glided under hers, "it is all for a new world. For those we have slain, we must succeed, no matter the cost." Her wide blue eyes finally lifted to face his mask. "But you don't have to stay Kallen," he said. "If you wish to depart now, I won't hold it against you."

The tension was gone from Kallen's expression, replaced with a small smile. "No, Zero, I'll stand beside you. To the very end."

…

Sumeragi Compound, Tokyo Settlement, Area Eleven

The black limousine that was to be Kaguya's ride arrived ten minutes ahead of schedule. Kaguya had to restrain herself from dashing to the car, instead picking a calm, but hurried pace.

A man with dark blue hair wearing a red head band and a black and silver striped business suit smiled at her as he bowed. "Good afternoon, Lady Sumeragi," he said, "my name is Kento Sugiyama and I will be your chauffeur today. My counterpart in the front seat is Naomi Inoue, and will be riding shotgun during the drive. I trust that you are ready to depart?"

"I am. Shall we proceed?"

"Of course. Allow me." Sugiyama opened the passenger side door for her and waited for her and a pair of guards to climb in. Kaguya had neglected to tell the other Houses about her meetings with Zero, but it never hurt to bring a couple of hired guns along.

Not that I'll need them.

When Sugiyama put the car into drive she couldn't help asking, "Aren't you going to blindfold is so that we can't see where Zero's secret base is?"

Inoue laughed. "Not at all, My Lady," she said. "Zero holds you in very high esteem."

Kaguya had to gift down a blush. "He does?" she asked.

Inoue nodded. "That's right. And besides, the place we're taking you to probably won't be used again, at least not anytime soon. Zero likes to keep us on the move as much as possible."

"Then where will we be going?" Kaguya asked.

"An air field just outside of the Settlement. Zero's having a gathering with the troops to talk planning and boost morale."

"Considering all of his victories, I would think morale would be the least of his issues," Kaguya said.

"You'd be surprised at how many people chafe at the bit to get at the Britannians," Sugiyama said. "It's not easy to see your friends and loved ones suffering and being ordered not to intervene. Zero has to let them in on the big picture and what he expects of them."

"Have the Black Knights not been conducting any raids?" Kaguya asked.

"Not lately," Inoue said. "We still have skirmishes and what not, but Zero's saving up our material for something big."

Kaguya's heart raced with excitement. "Can you tell me what it is?"

Sugiyama shook his head. "No can do My Lady. Even his inner circle aren't aware of all of the details. Zero likes to keep things on the down low." Sugiyama laughed. "Truth be told," he said, "I think Zero just likes surprising us."

…

An Aircraft Hangar Outside of the Tokyo Settlement, Area Eleven

The conversation shifted to questions about what Zero was like and the organization of the Black Knights. By the time the ride came to its conclusion, Kaguya had a much firmer grasp on the meeting she was heading into. If she was right, then she wasn't talking to just another resistance cell: she was about to meet a military leader.

The air field was little more than a long tarmac overgrown with weeds and cracked in numerous places, with whole sections covered in several inches of dirt, on which were parked dozens of vans, buses, and small nondescript cars in neat rows.

How did Zero get all these here without the Britannians noticing? Kaguya wondered.

A single large hanger was situated off to the side at the far end. It was outside of this structure that the limousine was stopped and the two Black Knights helped Kaguya and her bodyguards out.

"Follow us please," Sugiyama said. Kaguya nodded and allowed him to lead the way. She could hear cheering through the large metal walls.

"Sounds like he's already started," Inoue said.

"It'll be alright. Let's just go on in," Sugiyama said.

Kaguya openly gaped when she stepped inside. From wall to wall, front to back, there was a sea of black and silver coats and berets, all standing at stiff attention, facing in a single direction. Kaguya followed their gaze and gasped. Their, standing on a large silver and black bedecked podium, was Zero.

He raised his long, spidery arms into the air. "You have done well, brothers and sisters. In the short days since Narita you have harried Brittanian supply lines, captured Knightmare Frames in raids, and broken even the most hardy of our oppressors. Our numbers swell with each victory, and it is all because of you!" Fists punched into the air all around Kaguya as they cheered.

"Because of your courage and, yes, your ferocity, we have achieved yet another long-standing goal. Thanks to our most recent raid in Kyushu, we have secured the primary supply line for KMF transportation in the north. As of eleven o'clock last night, forty Britannian Sutherlands became ours!"

Adrenaline pumped through Kaguya's veins. Forty? Why would the Britannians ship so many at one time?

"Continue fighting, brothers and sisters. Continue bringing our siblings back to their rightful place, and you will put the Witch's head on the tallest spike in Japan!" The cheering around her was even louder as Kaguya stared at him.

"Your commanders know the way," he said, waving his right hand over the crowd. "Follow their orders, protect them with your lives, and together we will bring our Revolution to the gates of Pendragon!"

This time when the cheer started, Kaguya was surprised to find herself cheering with them. She soon began to hear the chant that was becoming legendary across Japan. For the first time, she could be in it.

"Zero! Zero! Zero! Zero! Zero!"

….

"I must say, I was rather impressed with your rally Zero," Kaguya said. She beamed up at the masked revolutionary.

"You are too kind My Lady," Zero said, bowing slightly. "I am glad you could make it. The speech itself was a little impromptu. I apologize for having you make the drive out here."

"Which reminds me. How did you manage to get all of these men out here without the Britannians noticing?"

Zero shrugged. "I have multiple agents within the colonial government," he said. "I simply asked that they turn the cameras in the other direction. And yes," he said, and Kaguya could tell he was smiling, "those agents are how I got my hands on over three dozen Sutherlands."

Kaguya giggled. "How'd you know I was going to ask that?"

"Because you are an extremely smart woman. I'd expect nothing less from the head of the Sumeragi Consortium."

"Flattery already Zero?" Kaguya said with an impish smile. "My you must be desperate."

"When truth and flattery are the same thing, what is a man to do?"

What indeed. "I assume you did not being me all this way just so that we might chat Zero," Kaguya said. "As much fun as I have had, you must have much more on your agenda than chatting up me."

"To the point then, My Lady? Very well. If you'll follow me, we can begin our actual meeting." Zero held out his arm to her and Kaguya hooked her elbow into it, trying hard not to break out into girlish squeals.

Zero led her into a small room that used to be a manager's office. The room was furnished with a smooth wooden desk accompanied by two armchairs with purple cushions padding out the seat and back. Once Kaguya had made herself comfortable, Zero gestured to Sugiyama, who brought forth a gray, foliated teapot and a Japanese cup. He poured a steaming stream of green tea into the cup and offered it to her. Kaguya smiled and gratefully accepted it, sipping lightly at the still hot beverage.

"Quite delicious tea Zero. My compliments to its brewer."

"I shall endeavor to pass them along," Zero said.

"If I might ask, how did you know who I am?"

Zero shrugged. "My multiple contacts within both the Britannian government and your own organization. Finding out your identities wasn't hard." Kaguya was caught between exasperated huffing and mild giggling. You're more than I could have imagined.

"Now, to business." Zero folded his hands on the table. "If I may be blunt, Lady Sumeragi, what are the concerns that Kyoto has about me?"

Kaguya frowned. She set the teacup aside and folded her hands. "To be equally blunt, Zero, it is a question of trust," she said. "You are a new player on the board, and while you have had a fair number of victories, you have also given the Kyoto House cause for concern."

"You refer to the dissolution and incorporation of the JLF into the Black Knights," Zero said.

Kaguya nodded. "Precisely. Regardless of the JLF's success rate, we knew its leaders and knew we could depend upon it. Now the largest Kyoto aligned resistance movement in the country has vanished we must now deal with a free agent."

"A free agent with a penchant for being unpredictable," Zero said. Kaguya could tell from his tone that he was grinning.

Kaguya nodded. "Yes. Kyoto does not have a taste for the unknown or unexpected. That is why we invited you to meet with us."

Zero placed his hand on the chin of his mask. "Kyoto has no taste for the unknown, yes?" he asked. Kaguya nodded. Zero retuned her nod and asked, "Tell me Lady Sumeragi, how likely is it that they will ask me to remove my mask?"

Kaguya froze. Of course he would realize that. "Given the circumstances, highly."

"And removing my mask and seeing my face is contingent for Kyoto's support?"

Kaguya slowly nodded.

"I see. Then it would seem I have to decline Kyoto's invitation."

Kaguya choked. "What?" she almost shrieked.

"I won't be controlled by any man, and that is exactly what this is," Zero said. "An issue of trust? What a joke. How many of the rebel leaders does Kyoto trust? How many would they defend and go to bat for? No, Kyoto works with those groups, with failing operations just like the JLF, because they know those men will bow before them, just as men did before Japan fell. They aren't interested in the people suffering under Britannia's boot heel. All they care for is power."

He clenched his fist before her. "My Revolution is beyond their feeble understanding. I will make a world devoid of men like them. A New World in which all men are equal, where no man has to kneel and beg for the scraps at the table. That is what I fight for!"

He relaxed in his chair. "Kyoto has no place in the New World."

Kaguya swallowed audibly. "What are your intentions then, Zero?" she asked quietly, though she already had an idea.

"The complete and utter destruction of the Six Houses of Kyoto."

Kaguya felt like puking. What have I walked into? Does he mean to murder me? "I see," she said, outwardly calm. She drew in a deep breath. "What shall you do with me then, Zero?"

"Nothing."

Kaguya's eyes widened. "Nothing?"

Zero nodded. "You and I share a number of things in common, My Lady," he said. "We are both ambitious, determined, and utterly overlooked by our counterparts. It took me several months to fashion this organization, and many said that I could not do it, that the Black Knights could not free this land. And although you represent the Sumeragi household, I doubt that even Kirihara takes your counsel seriously, given your youth.

"As a Black Knight, you would have a prime seat in my inner circle, as the new head of the Kyoto Group, a powerful and equal ally in every respect. You would not merely sit on the sidelines, you would drive the creation of a new Japan and the establishment of our Revolution.

"If you decide not to join us, no harm will come to you, but I'm afraid you may spend the rest of your time as a private citizen watching history be made before your eyes, rather than being an instrumental part of it."

Kaguya chewed on her lip. Not much of a choice. Join the Black Knights and help them destroy Kyoto, or stay true to the others and spend the rest of the war watching Zero on TV. The choice was clear. "Very well, Zero, I accept your offer. One one condition."

"Name it."

"Lord Kirihara. I ask for his clemency."

Zero shocked her by laughing. He waved his hand. "Totally unnecessary, Lady Kaguya. We already talked beforehand. He is more than happy to turn Kyoto over to you, in exchange for an advisory role."

Kaguya's heart raced with excitement. She allowed a grin to split her face. "Then I have only one question Zero," she said. "When do we begin?"

…

Mount Fuji Kyoto Base, Border of Shizuoka and Yamanashk Prefecture, Area Eleven

Kallen tried to ignore the uneasy feeling in her gut as the Kyoto provided limousine ascended to the meeting place. Something's does t fell right, she thought. She looked over at Zero, but the masked man, whose laid back posture indicated a sense of relaxation and, perhaps, boredom. He had ignored their entreaties for conversation and instead had spent the entire trip watching the scenery pass by outside the window.

Maybe it was just as well. All Kallen had been able to think about lately was-

The cool feeling of his hands, his long dexterous fingers, the way his metallic, but somehow soft voice sent chills running up and down her back-

Kallen shook those thoughts away, and hoped she wasn't blushing. Now is really not the time to be thinking that.

Her attention was caught when the lift finally stopped. The doors were opened and a pair of sunglasses wearing guards ushered them out.

They were escorted to a big, high ceilinged room illuminated solely by a huge window that gave them a commanding view of Mount Fuji and the Britannian strip mining technology that covered it.

"Amazing!" Ohgi said. "This is where most of the sakuradite mining and refinement takes place. Kyoto's power must be enormous to overlook a place like this-"

"It's repulsive!" Kallen and the others were startled when the window was suddenly shuttered and a series of soft red lights turned on. They whirled around.

Six palanquins faced them on the opposite side of the room, glowing slightly under the soft red light. A figure in one of the palanquins spoke. "Mount Fuji was once our most sacred of mountains. Now it is little more than a repository of the Empire's greed and a symbol of their occupation. It must come to an end."

"We have invited you before us Zero that we might ascertain your loyalties," a different figure to the right of the previous speaker said. "To do that, we must know who you are. You will show us your face!"

The sound of rumbling machinery echoed around them. Burai units approached them from every side, rifles raised and pointing at the surrounded Black Knights.

Kallen rushed in front of Zero and held out her arms protectively. "Please wait!" she shouted. "Zero has brought us power and victory! That should be-"

"Silence you half-Britanian mutt!" the same veiled figure shouted. "Your presence alone is an insult! Now stand aside you fool girl."

Kallen felt a wave of hot fury break over her. "My blood maybe half Britannian, but I am Japanese to the core! And I say all of this is-"

"It's quite alright, Kallen." Kallen froze. The voice that came from behind Zero's mask, muffled though it was, was distinctly feminine. "They're about to be very disappointed."

Zero stepped out from behind the shocked woman and lifted his-Her- hands to the mask. The first thing Kallen saw when the mask lifted up was long locks of flowing green hair that cascaded down the woman's shoulders. Her skin was the color of light peaches, her eyes a deep yellow. By every objective measure, the woman was beautiful.

This? This is Zero?

"A woman?" Ohgi said.

"I don't believe," Tamaki said.

Kallen shook her head and said, "It's not possible! Zero has a strong, make voice. You don't sound anything like him!"

"Are you really so disappointed at my being a woman?" Zero asked with a smirk.

"There's just no way you can be-"

"Enough!" Kallen's attention was redirected to the veiled figure that had insulted her. "Girl, answer truly: are you Zero?"

The woman broke into peals of laughter. "Answering truthfully?" she said. "No, I am not."

"And you're not even Japanese!"

"That is correct, Tousai Munakata, you insipid fool."

The guards started. "Anyone who can identify them must die!" one guard said.

"Especially one who isn't Japanese!" the other shouted. He gave the signal to open fire.

Kallen shut her eyes as Tamaki began to protest. "I don't think so." Her eyes snapped open. Zero?

One by one, the machine gun of every burai unit shifted away from the clustered Black Knights until they were pointing at the veiled palanquins.

"You're too soft, and your methods and thinking are beyond outdated!" Zero climbed his way out of the lead burai. "That is why, you'll never win!" He held up a remote detonator and zip-lined for the floor. Around him, the Burais popped their cockpits to reveal multiple Black Knights wielding assault rifles. They too zip-lined to the floor, their weapons leveled at the guards.

"Tousai Munakata," Zero said, "Tatsunori Osakabe, Hidenobu Kubouin, and Hiroyosi Yoshini. Together with Taizo Kirihara, you were the main backers of the Kururugi Government, and were directly responsible for the Britannian invasion. To hold onto your power, you became public collaborators with the Colonial Government. Secretly, however, you have used your immense wealth to fund Japan's resistance forces, and covertly support terrorist operations.

"A secret cabal to restore your old dynasties. What cliches you've become."

"You dare point guns at us, Zero! The brazenness! The arrogance!"

"Arrogant is what the unworthy call confident. Not that it matters now. It is as you've guessed. I am not Japanese!"

Kallen gasped alongside her compatriots.

"No wonder he wears a mask," Tamaki said.

"But that is of little relevance to you," Zero said. "The time of you aged plutocrats has long since passed. I hereby discard you to the dustbin of history!"

Zero snapped his fingers and the armed Black Knights rushed forward, confiscating the weapons of the two guards and dragging four of the old men from behind their veils. One of them, Munakata Kallen guessed, howled obscenities at Zero as he and his begging cohorts were lined up against the far wall. Kallen kept he eyes opened, and watched as Zero gave the order to fire.

She felt a small amount of satisfaction when the sound of machine gun fire echoed throughout the room, and was then replaced by the sound of hard thumps as the lifeless men collapsed to the ground below.

"It's finished," the green haired woman said. "The Six Houses of Kyoto are no more."

"You may come out now, Lord Kirihara and Lady Sumeragi," Zero said.

Two more figures emerged from the palanquins, one man probably in his fifties, the other a girl even younger than Kallen.

"Quite the performance, Zero," Kirihara said. "Was all that really necessary?"

"It's all part of the show, Kirihara," Zero said with a chuckle. He gestured to the green haired woman. "This is C-Two, my advisor, bodyguard, and friend."

Kallen felt a sharp spike of anger rush through her as the woman stepped forward. "A pleasure to meet you, Kirihara. Zero has told me much about you." She held out her hand.

"The pleasure is all mine," the old man said as he kissed her outstretched hand. He turned to Zero. "What now?" he asked.

"Now we consolidate our control over the Kyoto Group's holdings. I'm looking forward to working with you in the future, Kirihara."

"And what of your Goddess of Victory, Zero?" Lady Sumeragi asked.

"I have something very special in mind," Zero said. "Tell me, have you ever been to China?"