Holy Britannian Empire, Strasbourg, 3 weeks after Lelouch's accession
Strasbourg, it was a city that saw many battles with the most notable being the battle of Strasbourg. This was where the longest battle in history was fought between Germany and France during the European civil war. Britannian soldiers were seen around the streets as Knightmares patrolled around in case of an attack. Citizens of the city can be seen evacuating the city as Britannian Vtols were seen carrying civilians away from the upcoming battle. Near the city, there was a squad of Knightmares, patrolling near the outskirts of the city they were standing by in case of an attack.
In the front of the group, a Gloucester which appeared to be the squad leader's unit was currently on guard making sure no enemies get past them as the rest of his men were keeping a lookout.
"Hey Cap, can you tell us why did the EU declare war on us? I mean isn't there military completely destroyed?" A squad member asks.
"They probably thought that since the military was busy taking of the revolting nobles they thought it was a good opportunity attack." The captain answered. Why would he ask such a question, with all the political turmoil in the court and the nobility resisting the the new Emperor, it was pretty clear as to why the EU declared war.
"Yeah, but we are talking about the EU, their Knightmare frames are pretty obsolete." The soldier pointed out.
"With a good strategy no, those things are armed to the teeth. No way in hell would we ever win if they just stay in position and just attack." He didn't become a squad leader of a Knightmare unit through shear luck. He went through hell and back fighting in the frontlines against the EU's forces, and the bastards back in the homeland never acknowledged their achievements and the losses they had gained from every single battle.
"Well with the new Emperor, things might be better from now on." The squad captain thought.
"Captain, I'm picking something up from the sky." One of his men informs.
"Identify the target." The Captain ordered the pilot.
"It looks a like a giant rocket." He says. The Captain looked confused.
"A rocket?" He moved the Gloucester's head up to sky to see what the soldier identified. Zooming in, he spots a a giant rocket coming over their way. His eyes widened, he immediately put the Gloucester at full speed trying to get away from the impact radius. "RUN, GET OUT OF THEIR NOW!!!" He shouted over the radio. The Sutherlands did do as their told and tried to run away from the impact zone.
Meanwhile the exterior of the rocket all broke apart releasing Knightmares onto the battlefield. The same squad who first saw the rocket were all in confusion, all of them were trying to regroup and figure a way to defend the the city from the the Knightmares that were dropping down to the city. But there was something odd about these Knightmares.
"Wait a minute, they don't look like Panzer Hummels." The sergeant thought. Zooming in closer to the Knightmares. "And they don't look like Panzer Wespe's either...!" The Sergeant finally had gotten a clear sight of the Knightmares, it wasn't a Panzer, no it was something worse. Though not known by many, these Knightmare's were some of the few that could able to rival the Lancelot, they were... "Alexander's."
The squad captain immediately starts to fire at the incoming Alexander's, if even one drops the entire they would all be destroyed. He seen them first hand when he was stationed in the eastern front a few months ago. His entire squad was destroyed with only him and his captain surviving the battle. And he was pray to god that he wasn't here. Though these Alexander's looked different, they would usually be painted in complete white, but these were completely orange, and they're heads looked different. That still doesn't matter, they were Alexander's and the sooner they were destroyed, the higher of surviving they have.
"All of you open fire!" He orders his squad as they all immediately aim their weapons at the sky, per his command. "Don't let anyone of them land on the ground."
He relayed the information to the rest of the garrison trying to limit the number of Alexander's. However it was too late as a majority of the Alexander's had all landed, they all started to attack the Britannian forces as they all tried to fight back against the Alexander's. Two Sutherlands from the squad could be seen killed as they were unprepared for the situation. The rest of the squad tried their to defend themselves against the Alexander's.
"All of you gather and form a defensive position. We can ensure our survival rate if we stick together." At his orders all Sutherland all gathered as they made a defensive circle. Sure enough they managed to defend themselves pretty well against the onslaught of Alexander's, they eventually found an opening and immediately retreated as they headed to the city square where the main forces were at.
"Stay on guard, they might be following us." The squad captain warned them.
Keeping up their guard they all head to where the remaining forces were. They had seen no enemies as they retreated, in fact it was strange over the course of five minutes they had seen no combat or any enemies as if it made that way intentionally.
At a distance, a church building is seen with a blue Alexander with green linings could be seen. It had kept an eye on the Britannian squad for a while and now it is the perfect to strike. "Night, night, Britannians." The pilot smirked as he fired the Alexander's sniper at the Sutherland that was right behind the Gloucester.
The squad had stopped moving as they all in a panic as one of their squad members were killed by a sniper. Everyone except for the captain were aiming at random directions trying to figure where the shot from.
"All of you calm down, we have to keep if we want to avoid the sniper-" Before he could say anything else the squad captain was shot by the sniper. This created even more panic as their commander just died, with no one to direct them they were just a bunch of sitting ducks.
"Fuck, What to we do?!"
"Why are you asking us!? I got no clue on what to do!"
"Everybody calm down we need to head to where, the main forces-" Just like that another one of their squad members was killed off. With no one to lead them all they could do was stand around as they tried to figure out what to do with the whole situation.
"We're gonna die!!" One of them says, creating more tension.
However before things could go out of hand, one of them takes a foot down and tries to get a hold of the situation.
"Everybody calm the FUCK DOWN!" He grabbed their attention. "If we don't want to fucking die, we have to take cover and keep heading to where the main forces are. That's probably what the captain would do in this situation, so TAKE COVER YOU FUCKING IDIOTS!!!" The soldier ordered, and immediately everyone did as he said and started to take cover from the sniper moving slowly to avoid the sniper.
"Umm, Thomas since when did you start cursing?" His fellow comrade asked, who was taken aback by his outburst a while ago.
"Yeah, you are the last person I could ever think of to start cursing out of nowhere." Another added.
"Are we really going to talk about this when there is a fucking sniper trying to kill us." The person they refer to as Thomas inquired.
"Yeah, right our bad." One of them apologised.
"Whatever, keep your eyes peeled, there might be another one to make sure that we don't escape." Thomas tells them.
Thomas Canute, a private who joined the military over a year ago. He looked no older than the rising young reporter from Japan, he had a well built figure for someone his, probably due to basic training. He had somewhat of an squeamish appearance having medium brown hair and brown eyes, but don't let that fool you for he is someone who will beat you up. For why he was in the military is something he would rather not talk about. But hey it was nice to serve the country once in while.
They managed to avoid anymore attacks from the sniper as they slowly made their way to the city centre. They expected to see the main forces all gathered up at the city centre, but to their utmost horror no one was there. Instead what they saw was a graveyard. About all Knightmares were seen destroyed with no survivors to be seen, even the G1 base was destroyed. They lost five squad members trying to get here, and this what they returned to. But the main question here is...
"What the hell happened here?" Thomas muttered as he showed a terrified look to the destruction of the main forces.
"Fuck me in the ass. But this doesn't look remotely close to a battle." One of them remarked.
"Your right, this looks a like massacre." Another commented.
"Oh please this ain't remotely close to what you Britannians do on a regular basis." A feminine voice says, taking everyone by surprise as they took defensive positions.
"Who the hell said that?" Thomas wondered, seeing as there was no one around.
"Probably one of the bastards who caused all of this." A team member responded.
"You got that right." A gruff manly voice says. "And you better take care of yourselves."
"Because your next!" A blue and pink Alexander appeared from behind the fallen G1, as it lunged itself toward the Sutherland squad in its insect mode.
"Shit, open fire!" The Sutherlands all fire directly at the Alexander as it managed to avoid some of their shots.
"That thing is fast!" One of them comments.
"Probably why the captain was afraid of these things." One remarked on how their captain was acting when the Alexander's showed up.
"Well let's give them hell-" Before he could say anything else the pilot's Sutherland's cockpit got stabbed from behind by another blue Alexander with orange linings.
"Well, you lost your chance." The pilot of the Alexander gave a chuckle.
"Why you fucking Euro!" The other Sutherland turned around as he tried to take down the one that took his comrade.
"Don't get distracted!" The other Alexander advised him. As her Alexander switched to it's Knightmare mode and a knife came out of its arm shaft.
"Anthony, behind you!" Thomas warned him, but it was too late as the Alexander had already stabbed the Sutherland's cockpit.
"And just for the record, we aren't Europeans." The Alexander with the pink linings turn to the last Sutherland. "We're Japanese."
"Like I give a damn." Thomas aimed the Stherland's gun at the Alexander's as he prepared to make a stand.
"Give it up, there is no point in holding out." Another voice says, as another Alexander, appeared. This Alexander had a white with what it looked to have a layer of light purple looking armour around some of its parts. The Alexander stopped at front of the blue Alexander's. "We promise to treat you as a prisoner of war according to the Sydney convention."
Thomas scoffed at his words. "Then care to explain what happened behind me. Doesn't seem like you are being truthful." He recognized the purple Knightmare, he had seen records from his squad leader's reports of an light purple and white looking Knightmare that had decimated his entire squad one time, piloted by someone called the Ghost of Hannibal, a nickname given by both Euro-Britannia and the EU- Alexander Liberte. It's pilot, Akito Hyuga.
"Like you Brits are any different." The female voice retorts.
"Maybe, but that ain't an excuse to do the same you motherfuckers." Thomas opened fire on the Alexander's. The Alexander's transformed into it's insect and immediately spread out to make a pincer attack. "Oh you ain't getting me that easy." Thomas moved his Sutherland further into the city square, trying to find spare weapons to fight back with along the way.
"Oh I don't think so." The pink one appeared in front of him in it's Knightmare mode. Thomas tried to aim his Sutherland's gun at it, but unfortunately the Alexander had kicked it off the Sutherland's hands, resulting in him using the stun tonfa's to fight back.
Thomas tried his best to block every single kick and punch from the Alexander. Eventually he was able to spot an opening as immediately he hit the Alexander's shins with the stun tonfa's which made the Alexander go sideways hitting the G1 base. The impact had caused severe damage to the Alexander's head, immobilising the Alexander. This allowed for Thomas to pick up a new gun for the Sutherland as he again was met with another enemy.
"No one, messes with Ayano like that." The pilot of the orange unit tells him. Firing two missiles from its missile pod.
Thomas quickly was able to avoid both missiles, but unfortunately the second missiles blast damaged the Sutherland's right arm. "Shit!" Thomas cursed under his breath. The orange Alexander now charged at him in it's insect mode. Thomas aimed the Sutherland's gun at the Alexander and fired its weapon at it. This time he managed to get some shots at the Alexander due to the distance between them and the limited amount of places for the Alexander to move.
Before Thomas knew it, the gun had ran out of ammo, with the Alexander coming close at him, he then used the gun as a club and when the Alexander came close and turned into it's Knightmare mode Thomas pistol whipped the Sutherland's gun on the Alexander's head, resulting in it losing camera. The Alexander was immobile as it can't move with its visual was destroyed, forcing the pilot to get out. Thomas saw the brown haired Japanese man get out of his cockpit who appeared to be heading to his comrade, he could kill him here, but he other things to be worried about. Before Thomas left, he took the Alexander's chain gun with him, leaving the area cautiously in case the other Alexander spots him, he tried to find survivors along the way but to no avail.
The entire city square was a ghost town, there was no one alive for Thomas to team up with. Eventually he found a road that seemed to lead him out of the city square. But before he could leave he noticed that a Knightmare was coming out from the road, and to his dismay it was the white and purple Alexander from before. Thomas eyes widened as he wondered how he got here, and how he figured out he would be here.
"Your out of luck, Brit. I will ask again, surrender and I promise you we will follow the Sydney convention while you are in our care." The pilot of the Alexander tells him. He hoped that by now, the Britannian soldier would give up by now, given the amount of damage his Sutherland has taken it would be impossible for him to win against him. Surely this Brit, isn't dumb enough to-.
Thomas fired the chain gun at the Alexander, but the quickly transformed and dodged the incoming barrage of fire. "What the hell is this guy thinking!?" The pilot thought as he was questioning as to why the Brit isn't surrendering.
"Listen up here you Jap, I don't care what you say. Treat me as a VIP, give me better conditions than what I currently have, but there is no way I ain't siding with the guys that killed my fucking team!!!" Thomas kept firing his gun, as the Alexander continued to dodge the incoming barrage of bullets that was aimed towards it.
Soon the chain gun ran out on ammo with none of its bullets hitting the Alexander. With this opportunity at hand the Alexander quickly turned towards his direction at full speed. Midway, the Alexander transformed back into its Knightmare mode and took out its katana.
Seeing that he was gonna die, Thomas prepared to fight for one last time. If there was one thing he could regret at that moment, he really shouldn't have invested in that whole coin thing. "Screw you James."
When the Alexander came close it swung its katana up in the air as it prepared to strike down the Sutherland's cockpit, the least he could do was give this Britannian a quick death.
But at that moment everything changed.
Out of now where, a green light appeared from the sky and immediately hit right between the two Knightmares. This resulted in both of them being pushed back a little from the aftershock. The pilot of the Alexander was confused as to what had just happened, an attack? Even though they already made sure to destroy all Britannian forces in the area.
"It's been a while, Ghost of Hannibal." The pilot of the Alexander felt a chill from his spine as he recognised a voice from a long time ago.
He looked up to see where the voice was coming and to his utmost horror, the one thing he expected not to see was right in front of him. Above him that slowly descended to the ground, was the Knightmare of the White Reaper and the traitorous knight, Lancelot Albion. It's green wings turned off as it landed with two VARIS Rifles on its hands, facing off against the Alexander Liberte.
"It has certainly been a while, White Reaper." The pilot responded, holding the Alexander's Katana up.
"When was it? About half an year ago when we first met in Slonim?" Suzaku asked, trying to refresh his memory of their first encounter.
"Yeah, it's been half a year since we last fought. I wondered what happened to you, when my brother took control of Euro-Britannia." Akito inquired, which surprised Suzaku a little.
"Shin Hyuga Shiang was your brother?" Suzaku said. "Heh, what a small world. To think he was your brother."
"Yes, a small world indeed." Akito agreed. Why he was making a conversation with the knight of the round, was because he already sent a message to his comrade Yukiya, to prepare himself and take down the Lancelot. For some reason he hadn't heard from ever since then, he didn't even give a signal to say he was in position. "Where are you, Yukiya?" Akito thought. He wasn't sure if he could be able to drag out this conversation any longer.
"If you are wondering about your friend, he has already been incapacitated by me." A voice had appeared, as a dot from Akito's radar appeared from behind him. He looked behind with a caution to see who it was. And to his surprise it was something he would not expect.
A giant orange coloured machine had arrived to the battlefield, a strange machine it is. Akito had no information on what's so ever on what this machine is yet, it had a head of a Sutherland on top of it and two cone shaped spear on its sides along with a cannon that was attached below it. But enough about the machine, Yukiya has been taken care of!? How, there was no possible way for him to find Yukiya this early on and how come Yukiya didn't contact him when another had appeared. But there was something familiar about that voice, Akito doesn't know why, but it sent a shiver down in spine.
Meanwhile, Thomas looked awe at the situation. Just a moment ago he was about to get killed by the Ghost of Hannibal, then the next moment the Knight of Zero had arrived, like as if he had been waiting at that exact moment. Though what was the orange machine that just appeared and whose piloting it? one of the new Rounds? No wait, that voice, Thomas felt like he heard it from somewhere.
The orange knight giga fortress stopped right next to the Lancelot Albion, giving the Suzaku the opportunity to check on the downed Sutherland. The Lancelot knelt down to the level of the downed Sutherland "Are you alright, soldier?"
Thomas was taken aback but managed to answer. "Yeah I am, I wasn't so much injured. Though the same can't be said for my Sutherland." He adds.
"Don't worry, we'll get you something better than that piece of junk." The knight of Zero tells him. The Lancelot then gets up.
"Thank you, sir Kururugi." Thomas thanked him.
"Say, what's your name?" Suzaku asked.
"Thomas Canute, sire." Thomas, the up till now background character 761 replied. "At your service as you command. Thank you for saving me."
A small chuckle could be heard from the radio, leaving the soldier confused. "It is not me you should be thanking." lifting the Lancelot's hand up in the air, he then pointed a single finger up in the sky. "For it is he, who has saved you."
Though those words meant only for the Britannian soldier, it could not stop Akito and everyone around him to look up in the sky. What they saw was something that would stab their very heart as they every ounce of fear could not express what they felt for what they saw. From above the clouds came the shadow of a Britannian airship and not just any airship, it wa one that any Euro who had fought in the last war would have known about. The beast of the skies, the terror of destruction, the former flagship of Schneizel el Britannia, the Avalon, and suddenly Akito had felt true fear for the first time in his life
"Has the white king made peace with, the Emperor?"
He didn't have answers, nor was he gonna receive any of them right now, as soon as the Avalon broke the cloud, dozens of silver coloured Vincent Wards and between them the grey coloured behemoths known as the Gareths came pouring down the destroyed streets of Strasbourg. Risking no time the Vincent's immediately went to help whatever Britannian forces that were left and the Gareths arm-mounted guns started to pour down beams of red death upon the Alexander's.
One minute, what was supposed to be an easy victory for the EU had now turned to Britannia's favour. The Alexander's may have had destroyed the Sutherlands and Gloucester's, but the Vincent's were the descendants of the Lancelot, while the Gareths predecessor was the Gawain, which had shown its destructive prowess in Japan about an year ago, when it was used in the Black Rebellion by Zero.
The was now a sense of urgency as now the Wyvern squadron had now lost the advantage. Their mission to capture Verdun, had failed. It was even too late for the main army to retreat as they are already seen approaching the city. If they already had forces in Strasbourg that means the apollo's chariots that were sent to spain, South Africa and North Africa were also destroyed as well.
"People of Strasbourg, do not fret as I have arrived." That voice, it sent a chill down to Akito's spine, it was a voice that Akito was familiar with. He was hoping, just hoping it wasn't who he thinks it is. "It is I Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia who has come to save Strasbourg from destruction."
He just had to jinx, now the white Emperor is here?! This is just getting out of hand. Sure the Knight of Zero being here is reasonable, but the Emperor of Britannia. No, they had not expected this, now the Britannian troops morale will be more higher than ever.
"Akito! Respond! What's going on!? I lost contact with Yukiya and the others." His commander, Leila Malcal snapped Akito back into reality from her tense voice.
"H-he's he-here, Leila!" Akito tells her stuttering. "T-the Emperor is here!"
The radio went silent for a while as everyone from the other side tried to process Akito's words, oh hell Akito couldn't even believe what he was even seeing, so he had a feeling what was going on over with Leila and the others. A little while later Leila's voice came back through the radio. "Akito, can you confirm, over?"
"Confirmed." He managed to hide his worries over the radio. "Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia has been spotted in Strasbourg, and has brought the Avalon with him as well."
"Akito, listen since the Emperor is there you need to escape. I already have requested a Vtol to pick you up." Leila wasted no time telling him. "Get out, quickly you don't have much time."
"That may be a problem." Akito tells her, as the orange knight giga fortress and the Lancelot Albion was right in front him. "I have a huge Knightmare right in front of me right now, and right next to it... is the Lancelot."
"Reaper." Akito noticed the discomfort in Leila's voice he heard the name of the infamous Knightmare of the knight of Zero. "All the more reason for you to get out. Are the others okay?"
"Ryo and Ayano are safe, for now. I don't know about Yukiya though." Akito tells her. The only reason why he was even waiting around here was to get rid of the Sutherland that did incapacitated Ayano and Ryo's Knightmares.
"I'll try to get in touch with them. In the meantime get out of there."
"Don't have to tell me twice." Akito shifted the Alexander to its insect mode and quickly tried to make its escape.
Jeremiah taking note of this tries to take action, but was stopped by the Lancelot Albion putting it's hand on the Sieg's back.
"I'll handle him. You take him back to the Avalon." The Lancelot points to the downed Sutherland.
"Have you taken a interest in him, sir Kururugi?" Jeremiah assumed.
"Why do you think I saved him." Suzaku answered. He then activated the Lancelot's landspinners and proceeded to chase after the Alexander Liberte. Jeremiah could only smile in his cockpit as he saw Suzaku off.
Thomas got out of his Sutherland, seeing that it was safe to come out. The Sutherland Sieg then came up to Thomas. "Young knight, allow me to send you to the Avalon to retrieve your stead." Jeremiah then came up to Thomas's height and offered to get on top of the Sutherland. Thomas gets on top of the giga fortress, they then head for the Avalon.
"If I may ask, are you Jeremiah Gottwald?" Thomas asked, noticing that his voice sounded just like the captain of the Royal guard.
"Why yes I am, why do you ask?"
"Why... why aren't you a knight of the round?" Thomas asked, for a person like Jeremiah Gottwald who had such a powerful machine at his disposal that he uses with great skill, he wondered why the knight chose to be only the captain of Royal guard.
Jeremiah answered with small laugh. "Young knight, to me the position of the Knight of the Round is nothing compared to the title that my liege has given me."
"And what would that be?" Thomas asked, now curious as to what title the Emperor had given him.
A small moment passed, Thomas's curiosity was rising as he waited for Gottwald to tell him what title that he was given. A title so prestigious that cannot be compared to the position of Knight of the round.
"Orange." Jeremiah replied with a wide fanatical smile on his face.
Avalon
"P1, assist B2 on the east side of the city. R6 secure a defensive position with B4 and P8 on west side of the city. Also N7 and N3 reestablish our command centre at the city square." Lelouch gave out his orders, using the giant screen in front of him to command all his forces in blue dots. "Also where is N1?" Lelouch asked. N1, Suzaku's combat designation.
"Lord Gottwald has reported that he is after Hannibal's Ghost." A officer reported.
"Hannibal's Ghost." Lelouch remembered that name. Back when he was Julius Kingsley, he remembered hearing stories of the EU's W-0 squadron, Suzaku had fought Hannibal's Ghost once, though that ended in a draw. "Hannibal's Ghost, is a dangerous opponent if left alive he will ruin all of our operations in Europia. Sir Kururugi made a wise decision on going after him. Tell him to eliminate him if possible. " Logically speaking it was a good decision since we're talking about the Ghost of Hannibal. A pilot who was able to halt many of Euro-Britannia including Schneizel's advances into Europia.
But that was only because of the W-0 commander. "Leila Malcal," she is the only person likely behind the scenes of the attacks on their territories in western Europe. Why else would there be Alexander's all over the Strasbourg, including the Ghost of Hannibal. However, for her to target these specific cities is suspicious, mostly because, "These are the cities that have fewer defence forces." It couldn't be a coincidence, Lelouch only recently ordered about half of the garrison forces stationed of the selected cities to send half of their forces to secure the more unstable regions. Due to having half of their military being used to take down the nobility uprisings. He had given out the order in secret as well, meaning only one thing.
"Schneizel you bastard, you had your spies leak our weak points to Europia. Trying to to stop my plans from advancing further... But no matter, I'll play along with your little game." Lelouch straightened himself in his seat. "But I swear on my life, once I find you Schneizel, I will show no mercy."
"My I'm impressed by your intelligence your majesty." Lloyd came in barging into the unannounced with a nervous Cecile coming behind him. "Have you ever considered taking an interest in the science field?"
"Never did, sir Asplund." Lelouch answered not taking his eyes off the screen. "Also, it appears Suzaku has found a candidate for that prototype unit of yours."
"You mean the Vincent Arm, your majesty?" Cecile asked.
"Yes, it appears Suzaku saw some potential in this pilot. I wonder how he will do. Considering the creation of his new order is nearly finished." The Dullahan knights, the orders creation was about nearly complete. Lelouch has already given a basic structure, resources, commanders and Knightmares to the creation of this new order. He even settled for their command centre to be located at Tokyo, which Suzaku rejected, stating that he would rather operate in the capital for the time being.
"Your majesty, the EU's main army has been spotted." N5 reports. The screen switches to a live feed of the EU's military approaching the city, including one giant class land battleship escorted by two medium class battleships.
"You now, not related but does it seem like we only have one land battleship design?" Lelouch asked, considering the only land battleship he has seen were only the G1 battleship, compared to the EU's which had different designs for theirs.
Lloyd and Cecile- and everyone else in the room- gave a thought to what the Emperor said... wait, he has a point! Compared to the other superpowers they seemed to have no sort of variety with their land battleships, they should probably get a new land battleship in the future.
"You... do bring up a good question, your majesty." Lloyd agreed with the Emperor. "Should I draw up plans for new land battleships?"
"No, no need. I want all of your efforts to be put be put to in the Imperator. The Land battleships can wait for some other time, I just brought it up because it was kind of strange." Lelouch turns the screen back to the battlefield. He once again gave out orders to all of his forces, as he tried to build a strong defence as soon as possible.
Though they were swiftly were to take control of the city back into their control, they haven't had enough time to build up their defences against the oncoming EU army. They would've needed at least a few more days before they cpuld fully face the European military... That's what they think.
"The E.U. is really foolish. They think of me as nothing but a child who was easily able to take the throne. But how can I blame them, after all they don't know who I am." Lelouch could only smile as the E.U has already fallen for their trap. Oh how amusing.
"Are they in position?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes your majesty, they are now in firing range."
"Then what are we waiting for? Put on the fireworks." Lelouch once again shows his devilish smirk giving out the order.
Suzaku and Akito
The Alexander Liberte, continued it's retreat, trying to escape the city. Unfortunately for the Ghost of Hannibal, Britannia's white Reaper was on his tail. In the process of running away, the Alexander jumped building to building in it's insect mode, hoping that he could at least he could not get shot.
Suzaku noticing this, puts aside his V.A.R.I.S rifles and proceeds to increase the Lancelot's speed. He then took out the MVS blades. Instead of fighting it at a distance, he will take the Ghost of Hannibal head on. He had a better shot at taking him down in close combat, and he didn't want to waste any shots of the V.A.R.I.S rifles. Suzaku increased the Lancelot's speed trying to catch up with the Alexander.
Seeing the Lancelot gaining on his tail, Akito decided to fight him head on. He turned the Alexander toward the Lancelot and fired its Linear rifle at it. The Lancelot activated its blaze luminous sheild, deflecting all incoming shots. As the two Knightmares approached, the Alexander shifted to it's Knightmare form and took out it's katana, leaping forward he swung the Katana up in air, trying to land a hit on the Lancelot's head, Suzaku blocked the attack by hitting the katana using his MVS blade, before it could land a hit on the Lancelot. The Alexander took a step back, seeing as how its attack was blocked.
Taking the Alexander's Linear rifle he again fired at the Lancelot while also making distance with the Lancelot, the Lancelot dodged all of the incoming bullets by moving in a zig zag pattern as it tried to catch up to the Alexander Liberte. Once close enough, he tried to slash the Alexander head, but the Alexander used its wrist knife to block the attack, it then used it's other wrist to strike a hit on the Lancelot's chest. The Lancelot fired its hip slash harkens, to stop the attack resulting into the slash harken destroying the Alexander's arm. Akito made the decision to step back, jumping from building to building, managing to make Suzaku lose track the Alexander.
Suzaku kept looking around for the Alexander, in case of an ambush. "Where are you." Suzaku muttered to himself. When all of a sudden an alarm had warned that something was coming from behind. He immediately ducked the Lancelot on the ground, the Alexander had lunged forward to destroy the Lancelot's cockpit. Though failing he did manage to damage one of the energy wings.
As Akito was preparing to attack again, a signal was being transmitted, that the transport Vtol was nearby and will be arriving shortly. Akito, following his commanders orders retreats once again, shifting the Alexander into its insect mode.
Suzaku tried to go after him, but out of nowhere a sniper shot down, the head of the Lancelot Albion's head. "What the?" Suzaku's cockpit went red, as the sensors were in the Lancelot's head.
The sniper, who was currently a few distances away from the battle, was none other than Yukiya in his Alexander Valiant. It could be seen with damages all over its frame. Due to his battle with Jeremiah in his Sutherland Sieg.
"Oi, Yukiya did you get him!" Ayano asked who was sitting on the Alexander's shoulder along with Ryo was on the other Shoulder.
"I was able to destroy the Lancelot's head. But it does give Akito enough time to escape." Yukiya tells her.
"Why couldn't you have aimed for the cockpit?" Ryo aksed, a little annoyed that they weren't able to kill the Knight of Zero.
"I couldn't get a clear shot on the Lancelot's cockpit."
"Why don't we take him down now. He is immobilized now." Ryo suggested.
"That was my last bullet. Also, he might've called for reinforcements. We better get out of here quick." Yukiya tells them, as red dots appear in his radar.
"Lets head to the rendezvous point. Besides our work here is done." Ayano agreed.
"Tch, alright, let's get out of here then."
The Alexander Valiant shited to its insect mode, retreating to the outskirts of the city. About a while later Wyvern squad reunites at the rendezvous point where a transport Vtol waited for them. Once they had gotten the Vtol with the two heavily damaged Alexander's they took off from the area.
In the Vtol
"So I would assume the operation was a failure?" Akito asked, as he could be seen talking to his commander through the laptop. The rest of Wyvern squad were also nearby listening.
"Not quite, Our attacks in Spain, and South Africa have gone well. We are currently making an advance to South Africa. Our forces in Spain are making good foothold with the help of the Spanish resistance." Leila explains. Easing Akito a bit relieved that at least that there was, some success. "However, our attacks in France have failed. Same with the ones in North Africa. Luckily we had defences ready at northern Congo."
"At least it wasn't a total failure. What happened to Ashley and Ashura team? Did they manage to escape Paris?" Akito asked. He wondered what happened to that loudmouth red head. fir the past year ever since they worked together, Akito has really gotten close with him, same with the rest of Wyvern squad. Ashura team were also great company they considered them comrades after spending time in isolation with the gypsies for a while. Though Ashley can be annoying sometimes, he sometimes gets into arguments with Ryo, which was likely to happen given their personalities.
"Don't worry he is fine. I heard our forces from England had recovered them and are now heading to friendly territory." Leila assured him.
"Tch, of course, Ashley and those guys won't go down that easily." Ryo comments.
"Especially Ashley, the guy has devil's luck protecting him." Yukiya added.
As they were heading back, they flew past by the huge E.U. army that was slowly approaching the wrecked city. Ayano taken a quick glance at the E.U. army, and then looked back at the city. Even if the Emperor had arrived with reinforcements they couldn't possibly take down the E.U. army that is coming. They don't have the enough time to make a defense with all the chaos that is going on in the city. Right?
Ayano then looked a little further from the city and noticed a giant object in the distance. "Hey guys, can you get me some binoculars." Ayano asked. Though they wondered why Ayano would need one they didn't question and just got her a pair that was happening to be lying around.
Looking through the binoculars, she zoomed in away from thr battle and looked behind the city. Upon getting a clearer look, her eyes widened gasping in horror. This caught everyone's attention as they all turned to Ayano worryingly.
"Ayano, what's wrong?" Ryo asked.
Instead on answering she puts herself in front of the laptop that Leila's calling video calling, blocking Akito's view. "LEILA TELL THEM RUN. IT'S A TRAP!!"
Ayano's words got everyone panicked and surprised. "Ayano, what are you talking?" Leila asked, as calmly as she could.
"The Britannians got those supe-" Before she could say anything, a flash of explosion went of in the distance as the sound of the impact shaked the Vtol.
Akito looked outside to see what was going on. Looking out he saw the giant class landship destroyed as black smoke comes out. The debris left by the destroyed landship could be seen all over the field with some of it destroying their forces. Two more shots were heard as they all impacted all over the battlefield destroying the E.U. forces. Some tried to retreat but failed as more explosions were being made.
And again what was thought to be a outstanding victory for the E.U. ends in less than a few minutes. Soon the explosions died down, they have now just confirmed the complete annihilation of the E.U. Army. The field which used to be green now was left with craters of artillery shelling and the corpses of Knightmares, landships, soldiers, etc.
Somehow, the Vtol that Wyvern squadron was in is safe. It didn't get ger caught by the explosions as they were far away from the city and from the army. Inside, Wyvern squad looked out in horror and dread. An entire army was destroyed, in a matter of minutes. Just what the hell happened, isn't the Emperor just some cocky kid with just only a good pilot.
Berlin, War Command Centre
Leila, though she didn't see the destruction properly also shared the same feelings as Wyvern squadron. As well as everyone in the command centre with her. The operation was a failure, but she could not figure what happened, everything was airtight, there was a guarantee on a getting a quick victory and achieving their primary objectives. Unless, they were wrong about the Emperor.
"Colonel, we're getting reports that Ukraine is under attack!" An officer quickly informs urgently, Shocking the female commander.
"What! That must mean,"
"Euro-Britannia has joined the war."
How!? All of a sudden, Euro-Britannia joins the war. Didn't they decide withdraw after whole Shiang Rebellion, resulting in distancing themselves from the Homeland. "Damn it, this is the worse." Leila bites her thumbnail.
"Report, the 6th Congo army has been reported to have been destroyed." Another officer reports.
"What!? but we were perfectly advancing toward Cape town."
"Report, The Britannian navy has landed troops in Gabon and western Congo!" Another reports.
"Please, no more!!" Leila bites harder on nail.
"Our forces in Spain are reporting the resistance turning against them." Another reports. "The resistance forces are turning against each other as well, its pure chaos!"
Leila, breaks her nail as more and more reports pour in about their current situation. To say, she was horrified was an understatement. In fact she felt her pride being crushed into pieces. She had underestimated their enemy. Emperor Lelouch was no ordinary man, he was calculative and strategic genius. Though not as good as the white king he is certainly a terrifying opponent, with all the resources he had, he can practically do whatever he wants.
"Well then, Emperor Lelouch. It seems you aren't all talk." Leila looked at the screen, showing a map of the E.U. and its surrounding territories with blue and red dots, representing the E.U. and Britannian armies. "This time I won't hold back." With her declaration a blue Geass sigil appeared on her left eye.
Strasbourg, Avalon
"So you had failed to neutralise Hannibal's Ghost?" Lelouch asked, as Suzaku could be seen in screen as the wrecked city could be seen behind him.
"Yes, I apologise for my incompetence." Suzaku apologised, bowing down with his hand on his heart.
"Forget it, its not your fault. If it wasn't for that sniper you could've taken him down. I don't doubt your skills, Suzaku." Because why should he, Suzaku alone is capable enough to fight against the Black knights aces. He has defeated Tohdoh and Kallen, so that's saying something. So an excuse such as a sniper destroying the Lancelot's head and immobilising is a reasonable explanation. "Return back to the Avalon, after you are done with organising our forces. For now we'll wait here for the remainder of our forces."
"Yes, your majesty." Suzaku cut off the feed.
Lelouch then laid back on his chair and rested his shoulders, letting out a heavy sigh. "God, that was exhausting." Lelouch muttered.
"Perhaps, you should take a rest, your majesty." An officer suggested.
"I should, but in a situation like this, I'm afraid I don't have the privilege to." Lelouch says.
"Nonsense, you are the Emperor. You have the right to do so." The officer disagreed.
Lelouch chuckled. "Aren't you being a little friendly around me, officer?" Lelouch reminded him, which panicked the the young officer.
"Ohhh, umm, uhh, forgive me for my rude behaviour!!" The officer bowed down, as he asks for forgiveness. The officer looked around the same age as his late sister Nunnally, for why such a young man be in the military is something he will never understand. A blonde haired boy with clear blue eyes, with a timid appearance yet looked he looks like he regularly exercises on daily basis. To be honest, he was kind of adorable... Not in a weird way.
The officer amused Lelouch a little, making Lelouch smile a little. "What's you name, officer?"
The young man got confused, the Emperor asked for his name? Oh well, why not. It isn't everday a Royal, let alone the Emperor asks for your name. "Edwin Jarvis, sir."
"Well then, Edwin I look forward to seeing you again." Lelouch gets up from his chair. "I'll take your advice and head to my quarters. Also return to your post."
Edwin flinched in realisation. "Uhh, yes your majesty. I'll return back to my station." Jarvis returned back to his station at the command deck. Lelouch took a quick glance and headed to his private quarters. But before he did, he stopped nearby staff chief of the Avalon.
"What is it, your majesty?" He asked.
"I would like for you to give me information about a certain officer." Lelouch ordered him.
"And who would this officer be?" The Chief asked.
"Edwin Jarvis." Lelouch replied.
"I'll send it over as soon as I can." The chief complied.
With that, Lelouch had left for his quarters. Once he arrived, he hanged his robe on the hanger. Laying down the bed, he looked up the ceiling, recalling the old days back at Ashford, with Nunnally and everyone... even Rolo. He must admit maybe, just maybe, if Nunnally had survived, maybe the three of them could've gotten along. Maybe they could've been a family- No, this isn't in the time to fantasize, right now the E.U. and Britannia are at war. His opponent would definitely be the infamous Maid of Orleans, the modern day Jeanne d'arc. No matter how weakened the E.U. military is, Leila Malcal can easily come up with a strategy to destroy even the largest of armies.
"She underestimated me this time, but next time she will be prepared."
The superheavy railway gun, though not the best weapon to use given it's lack of defenses and mobility, it's range and firepower were nothing but incredible. So he had ordered six of them to be stationed at the east of the city by the time of his arrival. It certainly was worth it. The chaos in Spain was all thanks to him, after Learning about Marrybell's geass and how it seemed similar to his, he had her sent back to Spain and make her Geass members of the Spanish resistance. Marrybell and the Glinda Knights are now probably taking care of the Spanish front. The Congo was fairly easy, he sent the Kinghts of one, two and ten to take care of the that front. The Knight of Two, attacking from the north, the Knight of Ten from the south and the Knight of One from the west. And Euro-Britannia attacking from eastern Europe, it was easy to convince them to join the war. The house of lords all had very positive views on him, especially Grand Duke Velaines, so it was pretty easy to persuade them. She was overconfident in her plan, though on e can't really blame her as said.
"Well, I look forward to meeting you, Leila Malcal." Again Lelouch's signature devilish smile appears on his face.
Hanger
Thomas Canute, a former troublemaker and delinquent, for which his peers, teachers and family who claimed to have no future, was practically homeless before joining the army due to poor money making decisions... was on board the famous Avalon, and he was right next to SUZAKU FUCKING KURURUGI.
Thomas still dumbfounded by the situation he was in, followed the Knight of Zero. They then stopped as they now came in front of Knightmare that was covered in a tarp. Soon, they were later joined by professor Lloyd Asplund and his assistant Cecile Croomy.
"So this is the devicer that you have chosen, Suzaku?" Lloyd said, as he bent down a little.
"Uhh, pleasure to meet you, sir Asplund. Private Thomas Canute." Thomas awkwardly introduced himself.
Instead of saying anything, Lloyd instead began to observe the young private. The scientist looked unsure of Thomas, almost as if he didn't expect much from him. Well to be fair, there wasn't much to be expected of him. After all, he was a former delinquent, who made terrible decisions.
Lloyd sighed, almost as if he was defeated. "Oh well, he is better than nothing." Lloyd comments, taking the Brunette by surprise. "Cecile, be a dear and take that tarp off."
"Oh sure, I can." Cecile muttered annoyed.
Cecile took the tarp off the Knightmare, revealing a blue and white Vincent commander model, and it was like any other Vincent. EXCEPT IT HAD A RADIANT WAVE SURGER!!! How in Alwin's name, did they get a radiant wave surger, but most importantly how did they modify a Vincent to properly handle it!?
Before Thomas could ask, Lloyd immediately started to explain, he knew that Thomas would ask questions. "If you are wondering, during the coup in the former Chinese federation, we managed to get possession of the Guren. We modified it, took the radiant wave surger for study. Whilst at the same time, made an entirely new one for the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N." Lloyd explained.
"Wait, the new Guren model was made by you!? I thought the Black Knights had a secret side project, and were secretly making a new Guren." Thomas said dumbfounded. Though his words deeply offended the scientist.
"Now listen here you-ITTTAAA!!" Lloyd screamed, due to Cecile stepping on his foot.
Suzaku then approached the private. "Sir Thomas Canute, would you like to become my knight?" He asked, taking the soldier by surprise.
"Huh?"
Suzaku cleared his throat before he spoke. "I would like for you to join my order. As my knight, I see potential in you, sir Thomas."
Potential. A word that no one has ever told him, everyone saw him as hopeless, thinking that he could never achieve anything. Yet right now, one of the Empire's most powerful knight just now told him, he has potential. A potential to be a knight, if the knight of Zero says he has potential. Then he might as well give it a shot. He ain't giving up on thai chance, not once, not ever.
"If you say that I have potential, then I'll do it. I'll become your knight." Thomas agreed.
Suzaku could only smirk, as he now successfully recruited someone on his own. "Then welcome, to the Dullahan Knights."
A/N
I apologise for the late update, thos chapter has been one of my most challenging ones yet. Still doesn't top chapter 3 of forgotten reality. That was some serious mind fuck.
Anyways we're introduced to two new OC's. Thomas Canute and Edwin Jarvis. Thomas Canute, is of course as described a former delinquent who has made terrible decisions, who now joined the military just to live. He will of course be Suzaku's closest subordinate, to which I plan a great sub plot.
Of course, then there is Jarvis, who I juat created out of nowhere. Honestly I thought of giving Lelouch a secretary, but not this early and I didn't exactly plan it to go like this. Also no, he isn't a copy of the Jarvis from Agent Carter. I just chose the name because, I couldn't think of good names.
Overall I hope you enjoy this chapter.
(S/N: Originally the battle was supposed to be in Verdun, but I changed it because of two reasons. One, the city isn't close enough to the borders of modern day France and Germany, because CG German borders are modern day Germany borders. Second, the city isn't as big as I thought it would be, So I switched it for Strasbourg. If anyone wants I can change it. Just let me know.)
Peace
