Messenger from Kyoto
After being rescue and examined for medical healthy that she wasn't being tortured and still remain a maiden Cornelia explained that she needed to go back to homeland to search the truth about what happen to arrives villa as she left everything to Guilford.
And of course Guildford and Darlton were distraught and confused of what their princess asked for but obeys even though Euphemia was upset but she had already explained towards her sister and reason why. Euphy understood but doesn't mean she like it.
So Cornelia left area eleven while in a large meeting room Guilford and Darlton, along with Euphemia, and several other bureaucrats "The Japan Liberation Front was nearly wiped out by your Narita operation, Lord Guilford." One bureaucrat began. "Now we're hunting down the survivors one-by-one."
"Is that some kind of joke?!" Guilford exclaimed. "Do you have any idea how much of a disaster that was?! We lost more than ninety-five percent of our forces in that assault! The Purebloods are all but wiped out, and we've lost more than half the Glaston Knights' entire ranks! Even three of its most elite pilots are heavily injured!"
Euphemia glanced at Darlton, offering a sympathetic look as those elite pilots were his own adoptive sons, though the older soldier kept a stoic face for the meeting, his fists clenched with anger. Darlton is more likely blames himself for falling to the fox's tricks.
"Well I… you see…" The same politician tried to think of an excuse, but Guilford didn't give him anything to say.
"The occupation government is responsible for this! They've done nothing about Area 11's subways and mining railways! And the ghettos, they falsify the registrations and property deeds as the rebellion spreads unchallenged!"
"Um… the subway tunnels stretch over the whole country. We can't just fill them all in! We don't have the budget."
"The terrorists are using them as their strike base and escape routes! And you've known full well that it's been happening!" Guilford pointed out angrily.
"W-Well, it was by Prince Clovis's instruction so—"
The Bureaucrats trying to give an excuse "Um well," It is as the previous Viceroy said, 'the situation will become too chaotic if we're forceful. It would give the Chinese Federation an excuse to move right in and take advantage."
"They already have their excuse," Darlton pointed out, "Zero is gradually gaining influence and he's growing stronger and bolder each day."
"Vice Minister," Darlton spoke, "it would seem that there are people who are self-governing this area as representatives of the Elevens under the management of the Ministry of Home Affairs, isn't that right? A group called the NAC."
The members of the government were surprised.
"We were able to discover signs of the NAC and their conspiracy in Narita," Darlton continued, "but all the evidence was buried, quite conveniently really. Our suspicion about them remains high so if we act first…"
"Hmm yes," Guilford spoke, "the so-called distinguished families and financial groups'' Guilford already knew whom Darlton was talking about.
"Please wait! They are merely rumors. There's is no proof of these things happening, if you suppress them then Area Eleven's economy will certainly collapse and that means no tax revenue to send to the homeland. Besides, it's a widespread principle of the empire that the Numbers manage their own kind."
"And what have you done to find the Demon Slayers?"
"…" The bureaucrats don't know what excuse to say
Guilford along with Darlton feels a migraine.
"So you can't catch Zero, you have no new information, and you don't want us to hit Kyoto as well. After all this, I've come to the conclusion that there's only one word my lady to describe you gentlemen here. Do you know what it is?"
"Um, n-no, what would it be my lord?" The bureaucrats replied nervously.
"Incompetence!" Guilford slams the table of stress. "It's for people that can't get results, and this describes you useless fools perfectly. Trying to get this area secured and stable as soon as possible is what we need but instead in being part of the solution, you just continuously keep being part of the problem!" as the spear empire venting out his stress.
Guilford sighed, "As long I'm here and Lord Darlton we will survey along with the vice viceroy and I don't all of you shaming her highness name got it."
The government officials flinched and looked away from the cold stares of the Spear of the Empire and her highness aide. Knowing if they don't get results before her highness returns, she will have their heads.
Five elderly Japanese men had gathered together in a darkened room, the only light being a single fireplace in the center of their circle as they spoke.
"So, the Britannia viceroy has gone this far already."
"With the Liberation Front scattered, the last embers of Japan have died away."
"No! He may be on the run, but Tohdoh is still strong! Still fighting! Even Katase is still alive! They can still rebuild!"
"But even so, they can't really do much at this point," "if they were to be confronted by even a small squad of Cornelia's forces, I doubt that they would survive,"
"I'm afraid I agree Japan's light of hope is lost."
"No, there is still hope." A voice belonging to a young girl from behind a screen. This girl had long black hair and green eyes
"The Demon Slayer Corps of Kimetsu? You've been infatuated with Zero since he rescued Suzaku Kururugi. We even sent him the Guren MK II."
"They have used those Knightmares with better results than we originally thought."
"I heard even one bested Cornelia in single combat especially zero like a true samurai."
The elders agree seeing the live channel how the way Zero fought like a true samurai it was like watching an art form of dancing both beautiful and deadly.
Ashford Academy
Shirley hadn't been paying much attention to the lecture her teacher was giving her. As she pretended to read her textbook, she opened up a letter sent to her by her father, revealing a pair of tickets for an opera.
"Thanks Daddy…" Shirley whispered to herself with a smile. But of course, since she had an extra ticket, she could also bring a friend with her. But who? She glanced to the spot where Lelouch would normally sit, only to find he wasn't there. In fact, neither was Kallen. That caused an odd feeling to build up inside her chest.
As the day continued Normally in school, Milly noticed the odd expression on her friend's face.
"Okay, what's got you so worried? Constipated? Your monthly?"
"That's not it!"
"Ah, you're lonely because Lelouch is gone, aren't you?" Milly teased.
Shirley was stunned, and while she didn't deny it. "It's more like… Kallen's absent the same day he is. Again."
"Oh, so carefree." Milly said. "While the rest of the world's still grappling with Demon Slayers Corps; you still can't help but think about little things like this. Suzaku's been absent for two days because of all that too, and so has Rai."
"I know that!" Shirley exclaimed. "But Lulu and Kallen have gone on the same day together?! That's serious!"
Milly giggled. "I envy you Shirley, that's what I love about you."
That particular choice of words got the attention of Nina, who had been silent as she typed away at her computer and glanced toward the pair of girls. Right now she was working on a project that would benefit humanity in the future.
"Don't make fun of me!" Shirley exclaimed.
"Then just tell him already. Three little words: I like you." Milly stood up teasing her friend more.
Shirley's cheeks turned red. "I couldn't! I just couldn't! I mean… what if…"
"'What if he rejects me? It could ruin our great friendship!'" Milly teased and laughed a bit like an actor in a drama club.
"You don't have to laugh… that hard you know."
Milly didn't intend to hurt Shirley's feelings a bit and offered the girl a sympathetic expression. "Sorry. I got carried away, you know? With everything that's been happening, with all of us here together, it's almost like everything in the world just doesn't matter when we're like this. But then again, anything can happen. For all we know, the whole world could undergo a drastic change any day and we'd never see it coming. We may not even go back to the way things were."
"You make it sound as though something awful is about to happen."
"Oh forget it, please don't take me too seriously." Milly tried to brush it off like it were some kind of joke. "If it's bothering you, why not just ask him the next chance you get".
She turned to the doorway as a certain someone walked in.
"I really needed some coffee for this work?" as Lelouch had few bangs on his eyes.
Shirley looked in confusion, which turned into shock to see as Lelouch himself had entered the room. "Lulu! I thought you were absent!"
"Nunnally had a little fever this morning, and Sayoko was busy, so I stayed home to help." Lelouch told his lie as Nunnally was healthy as a horse.
"Oh really… you don't say…" Shirley stuttered slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed about her fantastic thoughts of Lelouch and Kallen doing some naughty things together. "So is Nunna feeling better now?"
"A bit." Lelouch answered before turning to Milly. "Madam President, those papers?"
"Oh right. Make sure you organize them by year and class, okay?"
"Yeah, I will." Lelouch picked up the pile of papers and accidentally Shirley's envelope as well. "You have a talent for ordering people around."
"And you're a great subordinate." Milly teased.
"Subordinate?" Lelouch left the room.
After Lelouch was gone, Shirley flashed a glare in Milly's direction. "Ugh! Madam President, you nearly gave me a heart attack doing that!" She quickly noticed her envelope was missing. "Where's my tickets?" Her eyes widened realizing Lelouch accidentally took them and practically screamed as she ran out the door after Lelouch.
"Lulu!"
"What is it?" he asked
"Um… is my dad's letter mixed up with that paperwork?"
"Hmm?" Lelouch looked and saw the envelope he accidentally took. "Oh, sorry." He handed it back to her but saw an odd look on her face. "What's wrong?"
This was her chance
"Listen uh… Lulu, my dad works a really long way from here. But he likes to send me stuff like this to keep my spirits up, you know? He even got me two tickets for an opera in a couple of days. I haven't really thought of anyone to ask to come with me, so I was just wondering…" She handed Lelouch one of the tickets. "If you're not busy..."
Lelouch looked at the ticket for a moment, he wasn't doing anything in particular at that date. "Sure, why not?"
"Wha… really?!" Shirley could barely contain her excited smile.
"Yeah, I've been pretty busy lately so this might be a nice break. So yeah, I'll come. Sounds like fun."
Shirley looked like she was ready to squeal out of joy but kept her cool as to not embarrass herself. "So, I'll see you then."
"Yeah, sure." Lelouch nodded as Shirley walked off felt like cloud nine.
Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched by a certain green-haired girl sitting in Lelouch's room and eating a pizza, having seen the exchange occur between Lelouch and Shirley.
C.C. had a curious look on her face but quickly turned into annoyance. "Stop being so suspicious." She said to a voice that only she could hear. "That's hardly the case, to me he's nothing but a self-righteous jerk."
Meanwhile Shirley had stopped as she stood behind the building and couldn't contain her excitement anymore. "I did it! I actually asked him! And he said yes!"
"But…" She shook her head. "He's just coming with me to a little concert! So, it's no big thing… but still, it's a chance." She looked at her own ticket with a smile. "Thank you, Daddy." She soon felt her own phone ring.
As Shirley answered her phone however, she failed to notice someone else was watching her from the rooftop. A man wearing a white jacket with silver-white hair. He wore a visor over his eyes with a pair of headphones over his hears as he smiled sinisterly at not just Shirley, but the glance of the C.C. he saw in the window.
Mobile base
Several Demon Slayer Corps had gathered in the lounge to discuss what happened in Narita.
"From what the police reports have said, there were no civilian casualties and all of Narita had been evacuated before the battle took place. I thought that was good news." Ohgi said.
"That is good news. We're not like Britannia, we're not gonna drag innocent people into this." Kallen approved.
"Which in turn, will help increase our reputation and support."
"Maybe even bring in some new recruits"
"But that also means you can't rush straight into a fight, just because we won."
Zero remained silent as they talked, though he had listened to every word. He thought back to Shirley. He actually was glad that she invited him to go to a concert; with everything that's happened recently, he probably needed something normal to relax take his mind off things.
Zero was taken out of his thoughts as Ohgi handed him a letter. "Oh Zero, this is for you."
"Hmm, what's this?" Zero took the letter.
"A love letter." Ohgi answered.
Lelouch smirked underneath his mask. "I'm sorry Ohgi, but I'm not really into men."
Rai, Tamaki, and a few other Black Knights burst out laughing.
"And they say you got no sense of humor!" Tamaki chuckled.
Ohgi's face turned red with embarrassment as he shook it away. "That's not what I meant. It's actually a letter from Kyoto, they urgently request a meeting. "They want to meet with Zero. They praised us for how well we used the Guren MK II, and seeing how you defeated Cornelia by yourself back in Saitama and Narita."
"Is this really necessary?"
"Necessary?! It's Kyoto!" Kallen exclaimed.
"If they accept us, it means even more funding and support." Ohgi said with an eager smile. "It could solve our financial crisis."
That got Zero's attention. "Crisis? What crisis?" Ohgi was surprised to hear that Zero hadn't heard about this. "There shouldn't be any trouble. I created the budget plan ourselves."
"Hey, it's not my fault! We're turning into a big organization now! That means new expenses, you know!" Tamaki argued.
"You mean like all those fancy restaurants you take all those new recruits?" Kallen questioned with a knowing grin. "I've seen where you've been taking them."
Tamaki's face became one of comic shock. "You know about that?!"
Zero sighed. " I let this slide everyone could use to party or two to relax Ohgi, you are in charge of the budget for now."
"Hold it right there!" Tamaki stood up. "I'm the one that's in charge of the cash! That's my job!"
"Tamaki, you literally just admitted you used our money to go to fancy restaurants and show off to the new recruits." Rai pointed out.
"Agreed, if you want our trust with such an important position, we need to see positive results." Zero pointed out.
"Did you seriously just say the word 'trust'? Trust a guy who hides his own face even though showed it to us but still hasn't told us anything about themselves. ?! hei, he didn't even use Cornelia as a hostage and let her go" Tamaki exclaimed.
Lelouch didn't felt threaten or offended knowing something like this will come.
Kallen already stood up to defend him.
"Zero's not the problem here!" The red-headed girl spoke to Tamaki. "Who cares who he is?! He saved all our lives in Shinjuku, and he's given us all so much! Tamaki, you really think we would have stood even the slightest chance without them?!"
Tamaki grumbled a bit before sitting down and crossing his arms. He wouldn't admit it, but he knew she was right. On their own wouldn't stand a chance against Britannia; it's thanks to Lelouch that the Demon Slayer Corps even exist at all.
Zero looked up at Kallen as he said nothing, but his eyes did waver a bit, feeling a tad bad to put Kallen in this position.
Lelouch decided to speak " I will reveal my identity to you all but not at the moment, just trust me I will reveal who I am when the time is right, as for Cornelia I doubt she could be used as a ransom as the Emperor would never negotiate with terrorist ".
"How come it's his own daughter?" Ohgi asked.
"Just because Cornelia is the witch of Britannia that conquered other nation with a tremendous victory doesn't mean he would accept any ransom, the Emperor has the knight of rounds that could fill her position in an instant." Lelouch explained his reason for why letting Cornelia go.
The corps hearing this accepted the answer
"Beside he was willing to let two of his children in a foreign land to die, I doubt he won't do the same with his other children." Everyone was confused what he said as the Demon slayer left the group.
Lelouch was in his quarters drinking tea as sooth his heart knowing he said too much about his past, as he looked at the data about Kyoto. Then Kallen knock at the steel door calling him.
"Lelouch are you their?" the redhead asked in concern.
"Yes, what is it?" he asked.
"I just wanted to apologize for what Tamaki said."
"Don't be you all are right to be concern about trusting me, plus do you want to know who I really am." Lelouch won't judged them as the old Lelouch won't even let them see his face.
Kallen was speechless as she didn't expect that.
Lelouch decided to ask his own question "This is just a rhetorical question, what if I was a prince royalty what would you do? Would you try to capture me and ransom me to Emperor on the condition return back Japan, knowing the risks."
Kallen was eyes widened in shock of the question, part of her knew how desperate that if they could captured royalty either a prince or princess and used them as a hostage and ransom on a condition to free Japan that at gunpoint for persuasion.
But after Lelouch explained what if it didn't work and made it worst, Britannia would massacre everyone all of her friends and civilians just out of spite and make Japanese life even worst.
"I don't know." It was all she could say and walk away.
Once Lelouch and Rai returned to the Clubhouse for the night; Lelouch took the moment to enter his sister's room to check in on her.
"Lelouch?" Nunnally sat up from her bed.
"I got news about what happen to mother."
"I see and it wasn't all as we thought."
"Yes". As he explained what he knew from Cornelia and his deduction.
Nunnally laid back down. "Did you know big brother, when we were kids I couldn't even tuck myself to bed, it took a grueling training for me able to walk again and my senses are sharper than normal through your training method."
Despite the small talk, Lelouch had a serious and concerned expression as he kneeled down and gently grasped his sister's hand.
"What reason, talking like that?"
Nunnally's smile faded. "Sometimes I'm just afraid how you change, I know you change for the better but I felt like you are going so far that I can't even reach you."
Leouch was speechless and doesn't know what to say.
"I wanted to be like the girl Nezuko who fight beside her big brother, for me I know I am not ready and felt like a burden to you." Nunnally confess knowing theirs a difference between sparing and war.
"You're not a burden Nunnally. Don't think for one second that you are." Lelouch told her. "While there have been things on my mind, I've had to do this it's our responsibility for the sake of a brighter future."
Nunnally smiled. "I know you much your fighting like a Demon Slayers, I like hearing their stories. So then, can I be a little selfish now?" Nunnally asked. "Please stay with me a little bit longer. If I fall asleep alone, I'm afraid I'll have that dream again."
Lelouch held her hand a bit tighter. "Nunnally… I promise that no matter what, I'll always be here for you. I'm not going anywhere."
Narita Collapse Mountain
Multiple Sutherlands had gathered around the landslide's rubble to dig out their fallen soldiers' remains. Despite being no civilian casualties; deaths among the military were rather extreme.
Suzaku was present underneath one tent as he saw this morbid scene play out, and yet his mind couldn't help but think of his encounter with Zero, as the princess was sway by the masked Vigilante.
"Why him but not me…." Anger was on his face , which he was quick to squash down as he poured some of his bottled water over his head. "Just forget it, focus on the task."
Meanwhile; Cecile was replacing the energy-filler on the Lancelot when she looked around the carnage and sigh she knew why.
"Cecile."
She was slightly startled as Lloyd walked up to her with his casual smile. But she got right to business and began to tell him what she had learned.
"I checked the units; including the Glaston Knights and Purebloods, remains."
"And I was right, wasn't I?" Lloyd asked.
"Yes, a Radiant Surge." Cecile confirmed. "And from what witnesses have reported; one Knightmare each has a Radiant Wave Surger. And even the energy-output seems to be different, unlike anything we've seen before."
"Rakshata. I never thought she would work with our enemies." Lloyd said. "Guess the temptation to Surpass me was too much for even her."
"It's not just the Surgers however." Cecile said. "Some of the Knightmares appear to frozen or burned." Cecil shivered seeing the cuts it was so clean and beautiful every time she touched the surface it gave her goosebumps.
"Whatever Zero did to acquire such power that surpass any knightmare?" Lylod thinks about such power, and skill that could fight knightmare with ease.
"The Demon Slayer pilot is extremely skilled." Cecile pointed out. "Suzaku's mental state is so unstable now if we have to face them again… especially Zero."
"Hold on; you really don't mean Zero can actually beat my dear Lancelot?" Lloyd questioned as Cecile seemed more concerned with Suzaku himself than the Knightmare he was piloting.
Ever since the Viceroy was taken Suzaku hasn't been himself latently
Meanwhile; Villetta had led Shirley and her mother into a tent where there were injured people to be attend to.
Villetta opened Shirley's phone to see her photo ID and name, but she caught a picture that fell out. "Yes, the spelling of 'Fenette' matches this person . I'm sorry that your husband got caught."
"It's alright…" Mrs. Fenette muttered.
However, Villetta's eyes widened as she saw the picture of Lelouch in Shirley's phone. Something about that person made her suspicious and her women's intuition was telling her that this person was the centre of everything.
XXX
A black limousine went through a tunnel. Inside sat Zero, Ohgi, Kallen, Rai, and Tamaki. The windows were covered so the corps couldn't see where they were going, and it annoyed Tamaki to no end. As told the loudmouth to be patient and Kallen felt embarrassed. Then they felt the vehicle was going up like an elevator.
"We have arrived at our destination." The doors opened; allowing Zero and his four Demon Slayers to step out. Once they did, they saw a massive window and were beyond surprised at what they saw beyond it.
"What…. Is this…?" Rai said in amazement.
"This is… the Fuji mines?!" Ohgi was in awe as everyone saw Mount Fuji, as well as the large metal plating that appeared to cover at least one-third of it.
"That is not possible!" Tamaki exclaimed. "There is no way we can be here!"
"It has to be Mount Fuji!" Kallen exclaimed as well, even though she was stunned by everyone else. "There's only one mountain like this!"
"But I thought… Britannia controlled all the Sakuradite that came in and out of this place!" Rai stuttered.
"You know what they do to intruders here? Execute them!" Tamaki stated.
"Their power reaches all the way out to here…? The Kyoto group is amazing…" Ohgi breathed.
"It's repulsive."
The lights suddenly dimmed, and the windows went dark as all eyes set upon a veiled seats; sat an elderly man with a cane, with guards on either side.
"Mount Fuji, a sacred mountain once known for its clear water and quiet beauty, now it is bent the Empire's will. A place of hideous violation; a reflection of what Japan has become. It pains me so much. I apologize for not showing my face. But Zero, your face is hidden as well. Unfortunately, I cannot allow this. To trust you I must know who you are. Therefore, you will show me your face."
Once the oldman said that; four Burais rolled out from the shadows and pointed their guns specifically at the group; though the four corps were more than a little surprised by this sudden show of force.
"Whoa, hold on! We're not your enemies!" Rai stated as he, Ohgi, and Tamaki threw up their hands to show they mean no harm.
"Please wait!" Kallen stood protectively in front of Zero. "Zero has given us power and victory! You cannot…"
"Kallen, it's okay." Zero put a hand on her shoulder.
"But…" She tried to protest.
"I said it's fine." Zero insisted, causing her to reluctantly stand aside.
"Which of you is Ohgi?" The man asked.
Ohgi stood straight. "That's me."
"You will remove Zero's mask."
Ohgi removed the mask and was shocked, along with everyone else, as to who was under the mask. It was the girl with green hair from Narita.
"A women," said Tamaki as he didn't expect a women replace Zero.
"Who are you?" Ohgi was confused as this wasn't Lelouch.
"This isn't Zero," said Kallen, "I saw her before at Narita once."
"Girl, is this true?" asked the man behind the curtain.
"It is," C.C. just smiled like an actor whom just finished her grand entrance to the audience.
"So, you are not Japanese."
"Correct clan chief of Kyoto. Taizo Kirihara." heads of the House of Kyoto had their eyes widened in shock as the guards and Knightmares immediately pointed their guns at Zero
"Anyone who can identify him must die," said one of the guards at the man's side.
"Especially one who is not Japanese," said the other guard. As the four Knightmares started to take firing positions to turn everyone into mince meat.
"First Form: Thunderclap and Flash" as the sound of slashing and a loud thud as the knightmares crash down from Lelouch attacks.
"You have become soft," Zero sheathed back his Nichirin blade. "And you methods and thinking are outdated. That is why you'll never win."
Taizo Kirihara," Zero walk slowly as he approached him. "Founder of Kirihara industries which has a monopoly on Sakuradite mining. Formally a key backer of the Kururugi regime. However, when Japan fell you dodged the tribunals by collaborating with the colonial rulers. Commonly known as Kirihara the traitor. In reality you are one leaders of the six houses of Kyoto, who support resistance groups throughout Japan. A double agent, how cliché."
The guards tried to stop Zero but, Kirihara simple told them to stop.
"It's as you guessed though, I am not Japanese."
"If you are not Japanese then why do you fight for Japan?" asked Kirihara.
"To destroy Britannia," responded Zero as Kirihara didn't need to tell all his plans yet.
"So do you believe that you can do it?" Kirihara asked intrigue.
"I can because I must. I have reasons that compel me, I'm glad I'm dealing with you."
"It would be hard for me to forget one of you, for I have yet to repay my debt to you for taking care of me all those years ago." He placed his hand on his mask as it retracted. "Me… and my sister." He removed it completely so that everyone could see his face.
Kirihara's eyes widened as their pupils shook. "You…" Lord Kirihara couldn't believe it as the person that form a Japanese vigilante like group was the Britannia prince that was exiled to Japan years ago along with his sister.
Kirihara stepped out from his own veil as he had a grin on his face. "It's been eight years since that family received you as a hostage."
"I do appreciate everything you've done for me back then, Lord Kirihara." Lelouch said honestly.
"If it hadn't been me you met tonight, would you have taken a messenger as a hostage?" Kirihara asked.
"Not at all. We came here because we need your help, nothing more." Lelouch replied. "Please." As he bowed in a perfect posture which shock the oldman knowing, the boy had a lot a pride for him to bow was unexpected.
"You actually said 'please' including bowed. You've changed quite a bit, haven't you?" The elderly head of Kyoto gave a booming laugh. "Ohgi!"
"Yes sir!" Ohgi stood in attendance.
"This man is a true mortal enemy of Britannia; he may have hidden his face from you but for vital reasons." Kirihara told him. "Should the enemy be aware of his identity, his loved ones could be placed in danger; the same can be said for the rest of you. I urge you to follow Zero, If you do, we'll assist you generously; with intelligence, and strategic support."
Kallen and Rai exchanged wide smiles and even Tamaki looked more than a little happy with Ohgi barley containing his smile.
"We're grateful and we thank you!" as Ohgi also bowed in gratitude and respect.
"Are you embarking on the path of blood, Lelouch?" Kirihara asked him with a grin.
Lelouch turned back but smile sadly. "If I have to, yes." He put his Zero mask back on and left.
Later that evening; Ohgi told corps about the good news. In the meantime; Lelouch had changed into some casual clothes for Shirley date.
XXX
While running he was stunned to see Shirley standing there; without an umbrella and completely drenched in rain.
"Shirley, what are you doing out here?" She didn't appear to answer as her hair covered her face. "Come on, let's get you out of the rain."
. "I'm really sorry I was late. Something urgent came up and I couldn't ignore it. I thought you'd already be back home by now." He said but noticed Shirley's red face with something coming down her cheeks; it wasn't just rainwater… wait… was she… crying? "Shirley…? What's wrong?"
"Lulu… tell me… Zero… he fights for the weak, doesn't he?"
Lelouch looked a bit confused. "Well… yeah I mean, that's what he said."
"Then why did he injure my father?"
Lelouch's eyes widened.
Shirley lifted her face to reveal tears. "You know my father… was so gentle…! He never ever hurt me! He didn't do anything wrong! But… he was injured." She completely lost control as she leapt over to Lelouch, wrapping her arms around him as she buried her face into her chest, crying up a storm.
While Lelouch instinctively wrapped his arms around her to comfort her; he couldn't help but feel as though a knife just pierced his spirit. But he knew there would casualties but they already send a warning and calculated the landslide as they won't be civilian casualties unless Shirley father was their for a reason.
In his mind Lelouch knew even scared civilians would run but why was Shirley father was their unless it had to do with the military or something to hide.
XXX
Back in Britannia with the news of Cornelia's loss and capture was known to the citizen. Added to the insult the Goddess of Victory was released without any ransom at all. This was similar to a fisherman releasing a fish because it was too small.
It can be said that Cornelia was treated like a small fry unworthy of use.
And they even heard that she was aiming to return to her homeland like a coward. Upon hearing of such cowardly acts, the aristocrats were outraged. They probably thought she's running towards the Emperor to seek forgiveness or another chance.
But not everyone believed that; The Emperor was not foolish enough to believe her daughter Cornelia coming home because she wanted to plead for an excuse of her imprisonment and a chance to make up her failures.
No she must have some reason to come back here, Charles knew how Cornelia prided herself to be like her idol Mariene; A woman who was strong and full of pride of her accomplishments even as a woman.
Charles would put on his act and would wait what is she up too but for now he was looking at the knight of one with another round next to him.
"As you know, my estimated daughter failed her duty, so I will send a round to assist her".
"Yes your higness, I received the news and arrived as you command" Bismark was here and know what's going to happen next.
The Emperor stood up for all to see his imposing figure "I Charles zi Britannia commanded Monica Krushevsky knight of twelve to monitor and bring law and order in area 11
"Yes, your highness I Monica Krushevsky knight of twelve will be ready to leave for area 11"
If your wandering why I choose Monica is because Nonnete is always being used in many fanfics so something different for a change.
As according to Genesis Re; rose , Monica is from a rural aristocrat and eventually became a Knight of the Round because she wants her father, who abandoned her mother while pregnant with her, to acknowledge her existence, and is aiming for an opportunity to reveal her identity.
So it thought me an idea the similarity background as she wanted revenge against her father as being a knight of round higher position than any aristocrat.
Beta: Old man of the mountain/Darklord331