Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Code Geass.

Lake Kawaguchi

Back in Ashford Academy, Lelouch was in his room looking at his chess board with all of the white and black chess pieces while CC was relaxing on his couch while Nunnally was in the other room making more Origami with Sayoko. It had been a day since Saitama with the Yamato Alliance joining forces with Zero and his group and now Lelouch was thinking of his next plan of action.

"I must admit you really pulled it off," CC said.

"Hmm?" Lelouch replied.

"I was sure that you would be reckless and overconfident in Saitama yesterday but that wasn't the case."

Lelouch looked at CC with a raised eyebrow, "You really don't think much of me, do you?"

"It's not that," CC said shaking her head, "I mean…I understand that you're trying desperately to find out who killed your mother and all…it's just…"

"I admit that I do want to know so badly," Lelouch said, "I've wanted to know for years but I figured I would get the answer and at the latest would be after defeating Britannia and Nunnally feels the same way as I do. But anyway, the operation was indeed a success. Not only were the residents in Saitama moved away preventing them from being killed but we defeated Cornelia and her forces and now the Yamato Alliance are now part of our own forces."

"I heard that some of the residents from Saitama were quite upset," CC pointed out, "they even blamed the Yamato Alliance for what happened saying that it wasn't for them, Cornelia would not had even target Saitama in the first place.

"Yes, they had no idea that the Yamato Alliance were among them," Lelouch said and he sighed, "it can't be helped."

"So do you have another plan?" CC asked stretching her arms.

"Yes," Lelouch said as he picked up one of the black chess pieces and placed it to another spot and smiled, "it's time to raise an army."

"An army?" CC responded, "Oh yes, you mentioned that before, right?"

"Yes, an army that will be able to stand up and defeat Britannia," Lelouch said with determination.

Area 11 Government Bureau

Cornelia sat in her desk in her office and was not having a good day and for good reason. Her operation for Saitama was a failure and she not only had most of her Royal Guard killed but she was defeated for the first time and it was by Zero. She was sure that Zero would go for the same path to try to kill her like he did to Clovis but she didn't expect Zero to be smart about how to approach things and the result was that she was outsmarted and humiliated and the loss she suffered was severe. Cornelia thought about the Knightmare she faced that was piloted by Zero and the piloting skills he displayed. It brought her a sense of nostalgia but not in the way she wanted. Cornelia sighed and decided there was another matter she needed to take care.

"I need to have a talk with Euphie and her actions," Cornelia said.

There was a sudden knock on the door.

"Milady, I brought Princess Euphemia as you requested," Darlton said from the other side.

"Come in," Cornelia responded and spoke in her head, "perfect timing."

The door opened and Euphie entered her sister's office.

"Before I leave Milady," Darlton said, "about Prince Clovis's staff officers…"

"Right…what did they say?"

"They insist that they know nothing about the whereabouts about the people working on this Code R Project after Prince Clovis was killed. They said they weren't told anything."

"Really?" Cornelia replied narrowing her eyes, "What's your assessment on them?"

"…I do get the sense that they're telling the truth and they probably didn't really know what the human experimentation really entailed."

"I see," Cornelia said, "in other words, it's really all they know."

"Yes…" Darlton said with a nod.

Euphie had a sad expression and she shook her head.

"In that case, they're no longer any use to me," Cornelia said, "oh well…you know what to do."

"Yes, by your command," Darlton said and nodded as he left closing the door.

"Um Cornelia, what's going to happen to those three men?" Euphie asked.

"Don't worry about it Euphie," Cornelia said, "Sit down."

"Okay," Euphie responded as she went and sat in the chair across from Cornelia's desk.

"You do know why I called you here, right?" Cornelia started.

"It's about me showing up in Saitama," Euphie deduced.

"Not only that, but also questioning me about my intentions for the operation."

Euphie sighed, "I'm sorry that you're upset with what I did but I feel that you were wrong in what you were doing."

"Euphie, I get what you're feeling about the situation but it doesn't look good when you questions my decisions especially in front of the soldiers."

"But how could you do that Sister?" Euphie said as she was being a bit upset, "How could intentionally recreate the massacre that happened in Shinjuku?"

"Euphie…I did what was necessary and frankly, I really don't need to justify myself to you in with how I do things. You cannot be questioning me in what I do here just because you may not like it."

"Even though it's wrong…even though the people of Saitama had no idea."

"…If they had known, they would have protected them, in the end, they're not trustworthy. That's how it is with Elevens, no with all Numbers and feelings on that will never change."

Euphie was shocked and looked at Cornelia, "Do you…really believe that?"

"It's not just me Euphie and the sooner you realize it yourself as well the better."

"But I was just trying to help you Cornelia and besides, you what people are saying now…"

"I do…but it doesn't matter to me what they say. Clovis would have been punished for what he did but at the least, he would have been punished in the accordance of Britannian law. Zero had no right to kill him."

"Even though Clovis ordered the deaths of innocent people in Shinjuku."

"It was also that terrorist group that stole that canister who are the blame as well," Cornelia pointed out, "they thought it was poison gas and no doubt they would have used it so I hardly think they are blameless for what happened. In the end, they're all the same," Cornelia said with venom as she frowned and felt bitter, "I will get Zero for what he did because now I have to inform the families of all the members of my Royal Guard who were killed."

Euphie had a downcast expression and looked away.

Elsewhere on the train track

A train was making its way from the Tokyo Settlement to the station in Lake Kawaguchi. Within the train were Milly, Shirley, Nina, Nunnally, Sayoko, and Alice. It was going to be a girl's night out for them although they did invite the boys to come along but they were all busy much to Milly's disappointment. Nunnally knew what Lelouch and Rai were going to be doing and Suzaku had his duties in the military as with Rivalz who had to work at his part-time job as a bartender. They were also disappointed that Kallen couldn't come along as well since Kallen gave her reason that she couldn't risk her health.

"This is the first time I've gone out of the Tokyo Settlement," Shirley said with excitement.

"It would have been nice if Lelouch had come along, wouldn't it?" Milly commented with a grin.

Shirley flinched blushed and Sayoko giggled.

"Don't be embarrassed," Milly continued, "since it's just us girls, we can talk about boys all night."

"Um Madam President, do you have someone you like?" Shirley asked feeling a bit nervous.

"Hmm, who knows," Milly asked with a smile.

"You do Milly," Nunnally said in her head, "I know you have feelings for him."

"It's quite obvious," Sayoko said in her head.

The train had just entered a tunnel and Nina freaked out a bit and clenched up. Milly placed her hand on Nina's to calm her down.

"It's all right Nina," Milly assured her, "there's a lot of Britannian tourists in Kawaguchi as well and security is excellent there so there's nothing to worry about. It's not scary like the ghetto."

"I know but…" Nina replied still having her fear.

"We're here with you Nina," Milly pointed out, "we won't leave you behind, I promise."

"Yes," Nina said as started to smile and felt comforted, "I know."

Shirley and Milly were glad that Nina was feeling better while Alice quietly sighed.

"She really has it bad," Alice said in her head, "what's the point in her being here? She's like that with Suzaku and he's a friendly guy."

Sayoko and Nunnally just observed Milly and Nina and then they looked out of the window and Shirley did the same thing and was in awe in what she was seeing.

Somewhere few blocks away from Naoto's base

Naoto and his group which included Kallen along with Jinta and the Yamato Alliance were walking and heading to a certain place to meet with Zero.

"To think you would return Jinta," Ohgi said.

"Yeah," Jinta responded.

"So tell us, why did you come back?" Minami asked.

"Did Naoto and Keitaro convince you?" Kallen asked.

"Actually I heard that it was Rai," Naoto said.

"Yeah, it was Rai who convinced me," Jinta said.

"Do you know him?" Ohgi asked with curiosity.

"Kind of, we met a while back," Jinta explained, "also I sort of know another person that Zero is associating with as well."

"Is that right?" Tamaki said, "So Kuromaki, are you going to stick with us this time…or are you going to turn your back on us again?"

"Tamaki, please!" Ohgi responded.

"It's all right Kaname," Jinta assured Ohgi and then turned to Tamaki, "Shinichiro, sure you haven't forgotten my reason why. It was for you guys' sake after all."

"Tch, whatever," Tamaki replied annoyed.

"Things are different now Jinta," Naoto said.

"Yes, that what Keitaro told me," Jinta said.

"That's right," Keitaro said with a nod.

"By the way, I heard what happened to Takeshi," Jinta said, "I'm sorry."

"Don't bother," Tamaki said with a frown, "it's not like you were there and besides…it was my fault anyway."

"Shinichiro…" Jinta said with sympathy.

They continued with their various conversations. They soon had arrived to see a large vehicle.

"Is this it?" Keitaro asked.

"Yeah, this is the one Zero mentioned," Ohgi said.

"Let's go in," Naoto said.

The door opened and they were awed with amazement seeing inside which was filled with such luxuries. They found Zero sitting on a couch with Rai standing next to him.

"Greetings my allies," Zero said, "so glad you all made it."

"Thanks Zero," Naoto said.

"This is amazing," Sugiyama said.

The others looked around seeing how nice and comfortable looking the interior of the large mobile vehicle is.

"This will be our mobile base," Zero said.

"So not only the base you have underground, but this one as well," Naoto said.

"Yes," Zero said.

"Pardon," Inoue said looking at Rai, "Are you…?"

"Yes," Rai said, "I'm Rai Winston. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

"Yeah, likewise," Minami said, "so you're the one that Jinta mentioned."

"Kallen and Naoto told us how you helped out in Saitama," Inoue said.

"Still though, a Britannian here and helping us," Tamaki said looking at Rai and then looked at Zero, "can you really trust this guy?"

"Rai has been helping me for three years," Zero pointed out, "I would not have been able to get far preparing some of the elaborate things without his help."

"I see."

"Say Zero, what about the other person?" Keitaro asked, "The one who piloted that white Knightmare."

"Yes, she currently participating in a prior engagement," Zero said thinking that the prior engagement was was letting his sister have some time off to have fun with Milly and the others along with Sayoko.

"So Zero, how did you get this anyway?" Ohgi asked.

"Believe it or not but I got it from a corrupt aristocrat who bit off more than he could chew and had no choice but to give it up," Zero said.

"A-Are you serious?" Kallen asked surprised.

"Not to worry, I made sure to cover my tracks," Zero assured, "no strings attached."

"Man, you're something else Zero," Gen said.

Zero chuckled, "I'll take that as a complement."

"There's even a second floor here," Yoshida said.

"This is just great," Jinta said, "Zero, you really are resourceful."

"I do what I can," Zero said smiling under his mask.

"Hey, there's a TV here!" Naoto said suddenly.

"Oh, really now?" Minami said amazed.

"TV?" Ohgi asked.

"TV!" Jinta said happily, "Naoto, see what's on."

"Yeah, all right," Naoto said as he took the remote and turned the television on.

"Anything good on?" Tamaki asked.

"What the…?" Naoto spoke surprised.

"Huh, Naoto what's wrong?" Kallen asked.

"I'm reporting from the front of the Lake Kawaguchi Convention Center Hotel," A female reporter stated, "the hotel hijackers claim to be from the Japan Liberation Front."

"What the hell?" Jinta spoke surprised as he and everyone in the vehicle was watching the news report.

"Members of the Sakuradite Allocation Meeting including Chairman James were taken hostage as well as several tourists and hotel employees. This footage was taken by the perpetrators; in it, you can clearly see Chairman James, including some students."

Milly, Nina, Shirley, Sayoko, and Alice were being seen as among the hostages.

"Hey," Rai said directing Zero to the news.

Zero was stunned and shocked to see Milly, Shirley, Sayoko, Nina, and Alice among the hostages.

"No…the Student Council…" Kallen said with worry.

"Oh no," Naoto said with worry.

The Kozuki siblings glanced over to Zero and were concerned about what his reactions would be seeing ladies he cared about being held as hostages. Zero clenched his fists and behind the mask, he was clenched his teeth and facial expression was shown of rage.

"Damn them!" Zero cursed in his head seeing Milly and the other women being held.

Lelouch, Rai, Kallen, and Naoto suspected that Nunnally was making sure she wasn't being seen in the footage.

Base of the Japan Liberation Front

Kyoshiro Todoh was watching the news along with four other members of Japan Liberation Front who were direct subordinates to Todoh and known as the Four Holy Swords. They were Nagisa Chiba, Ryoga Senba, Kosetsu Urabe, and Shogo Asahina and they were shocked in what they were seeing and hearing for the news.

"The leader of the group claims to be Lieutenant Colonel Kusakabe of the now defunct Japanese military." The female reporter continued

"That imbecile!" Todoh said hitting his fist on floor angrily, "I told him not to do anything rash."

"Sir," Chiba spoke with concern.

"That bastard didn't listen a damn word I said and now…" Todoh spoke angrily, "he blatantly did this on his own and the idiots that are going along with it..."

Todoh knew that the result would not end well for Kusakabe and those who agreed and followed him in the action they have taken.

Lake Kawaguchi

The female reporter continued with Diethard watching her work leaning on the news van.

"Sakuradite, an essential component in the manufacture of high-temperature super conductors, is a vital strategic resource that directly affects world security," The female reporter said, "Area 11 is the largest producer of this material, providing 70% of the world's total supply. Here at the yearly national meeting of Sakuradite producers, it will be determined how this resource will be distributed among the world's nations. It's no exaggeration to say that the outcome determines the balance of global power between Britannia and other countries. It is believed that the terrorists are using world interest in the annual gathering to their advantage by carrying out this violent hotel takeover."

The G-1 Mobile Base stationed in front of the area where there was a bridge and near the G-1 Mobile Base was one of the trailers of the ASEEC and Suzaku in his military uniform looked on and he was honestly disgusted of the actions that the Japan Liberation Front were taking. In the food storage room within the hotel, Kusakabe along with some of the members of the Japan Liberation Front stood staring down the hostages and Kusakabe held his sheathed katana.

"I am Lieutenant Colonel Josui Kusakabe of the Japan Liberation Front," Kusakabe said, "we have stood up for the independence of Japan. All of you, even though you're not soldiers, you're still Britannians, the ones who rule over and oppress us. Now you will sit tight and behave yourselves because if you don't, it will be the last thing you ever do."

Nina was scared and was being held by Milly who was trying to do what she can to help her. Sayoko made sure she stayed closed to Nunnally and Alice while the two girls narrowed their eyes at Kusakabe and his men. Shirley was worried and thought about Lelouch, muttering his name as she closed her eyes.

"Now then," Kusakabe said and then he looked directly at Sayoko, "you."

"Me?" Sayoko responded.

"Oh no," Nunnally said in her head as she was worried.

Milly, Shirley, Nina, and Alice were also worried.

"You're Japanese, aren't you?" Kusakabe asked Sayoko.

"Yes I am," Sayoko answered.

"Don't you have any pride?" Kusakabe asked, "How can be subservient so willingly to these Britannians?"

Kusakabe had pointed to Nunnally, Milly, Shirley, Nina, and Alice and the other hostages looked at Sayoko and some of the other Britannians were surprised to see another Eleven among them.

"It's people like you that make me sick," Kusakabe said with disdain, "fellow Japanese who threw away their pride and willing to kiss Britannian feet."

"Hey, don't talk to Sayoko like that!" Nunnally defensively said getting in front of Sayoko, "You don't even know her!"

"That's right, leave her alone!" Milly added defensively.

"You have no right to talk to her like that!" Alice added as well.

"Shut your mouth, you damn Britannian witches!" One of Kusakabe's subordinates yelled pointed his gun at Milly, Alice, and Nunnally.

"You brats better watch your mouth!" Another of Kusakabe's subordinate said pointing his gun at the girls as well, "Keep it up and you three will die right now!"

Milly, Alice, and Nunnally clenched their fists and frowned at them. Sayoko had them turn to her and signal them that she was all right and but showed gratitude for what they were doing.

"Anyways," Kusakabe said, "there's no need for you stay with the Britannians," Kusakabe extended his hand towards Sayoko, "come with us. You're Japanese and we Japanese should stick together."

"I refuse," Sayoko said immediately, "my place with these ladies."

Kusakabe was shocked as was his subordinates and he got angry at Sayoko's response.

"Why the hell would you be willing to subservient to these Britannian brats?" Kusakabe asked angrily, "Don't you any self-respect? Don't you have any shame?"

"I have no need to explain myself to you," Sayoko responded.

"You damn traitor!" One of Kusakabe's subordinates pointed his gun at Sayoko.

"Forget it!" Kusakabe interjected.

"Sir!" The subordinate spoke surprised as he and the other looked at Kusakabe.

"Fine, so be it," Kusakabe said, "stick with your Britannian masters. After we get done, you'll regret it, you traitorous bitch!"

Sayoko gave a cold glare towards Kusakabe. Meanwhile, a girl was looking at Nunnally and was surprised to see her. It was Euphie who was wearing glasses and a casual dress as a sort of disguise and she had two bodyguards with her.

"Nunnally!" Euphie said in her head surprised.

Zero's Mobile Base

"It seems that they made their move," Rai said.

"Yeah," Naoto said.

"The Japan Liberation Front is the largest anti-Britannia force in all of Japan," Ohgi pointed out, "and now they seem desperate because their pride took a hit."

"Yeah, it seems that they also got wind that Zero defeated Cornelia in Saitama and that just added to their desperation," Jinta said.

"So that's how it is," Naoto said.

"I don't know if I should feel happy or sad about this," Tamaki commented, "because they're all going to end up dead."

Zero looked on and then he suddenly got a vibrating ring tone of his phone. He took it out and looked at the caller ID and it was Rivalz.

"Rivalz…" Zero said in his head.

A bar within Tokyo Settlement

Rivalz was on his phone hoping that Lelouch would answer and then there was the pickup sound.

"Ah Lelouch," Rivalz said, "I—"

"This is Lelouch, please leave a message after the beep," The voice mail said.

"Damn it Lelouch!" Rivalz said angrily, "What the hell are you doing at a time like this?!" Rivalz said angrily as he threw his cell phone on the floor angrily.

Zero's Mobile Base

Behind the mask, Lelouch clenched his teeth in frustration.

"I know Rivalz," Lelouch said in his head, "I know…"

G-1 Mobile Base

In the bridge, Cornelia who was sitting on her throne and the staff officers that were standing by the large console were discussing the current situation in Lake Kawaguchi. Guilford was standing next to his princess and was still had bandages because of his injuries from Saitama.

"All the bridges that were linked to the hotel have been destroyed," One of the staff officers reported, "only the main one remains."

They were seeing images of Britannian forces using various methods to get in the hotel but were not having much luck.

"Attempts to approach via sea and air have failed," Another staff officer reported.

They turned and faced Cornelia respectfully.

"There is only one route available for us to take if we wish to commence the operation to rescue the hostages," The first staff officer explained as he showed the map of the inside structure of the Lake Kawaguchi Convention Hotel on the screen and made Cornelia raised an eyebrow, "It would be the lifeline tunnel that is directly under the convention center. If we use that in our operation, we can destroy the foundation block and sink the hotel. The tunnel is used to deliver stock so a Sutherland should be able to fit through."

They showed images of Sutherlands already heading down the tunnel that would lead them to be under the hotel.

Within the tunnels

A few Sutherlands entered the tunnel and charged to get to the hotel. Even though they figured that their enemies would be prepared, they all felt that there would be nothing to worry about. They believed that whatever the group of the Japan Liberation Front had in stored, they would be able to counter. However, on the other side, two members of the Japan Liberation Front were operating a massive coil gun built from four Glasgows and in the cockpit; they picked up the signatures of the Sutherlands heading their way on their screen.

"They're coming from the path below as expected," One of JLF members said.

"Understood," The other JLF members sitting behind his comrade said, "Raiko unit 2, activated! The four linked support structures on both sides are in position! Superconducting maglev style cannon, energy confirmed!"

The Britannian Sutherlands continued their charge and they used their Factsphere Sensors and picked up the JLF's giant weapon. They decided to spread out and break through them. The two JLF members prepared and fired their Super Electromagnetic Shrapnel Cannon. The shell of their cannon released two dozen steel balls and they spread, tearing through the Sutherlands with ease.

Lake Kawaguchi Hotel

In the room where Kusakabe and some of his men were occupying, they saw what had happened and were very pleased of the outcome.

"They did it!" One of the JLF members said with excitement.

"Yeah, with just one blow," Another JLF member said with glee.

"The Raiko is so useful! It's a complete success!"

Kusakabe looked on very pleased, "Do you see now, you Britannian pigs?"

Bridge of the G-1 Mobile Base

"They were wiped out?" Darlton asked shocked.

"Yes, it seems that the enemy has modified Glasgows and placed something like a linear cannon on them," One of Cornelia's staff officer reported.

"Are you saying that it's impossible to penetrate their defenses?" Darlton asked.

"What should we do?" Another staff officer asked, "Do we give in to their demands and release the political criminals?"

"We can't show weakness to terrorists!" Cornelia strongly said as she was disgusted of the very thought of giving in to their demands.

Guilford went over to talk to Cornelia.

"But Princess Euphemia, she…" Guilford whispered.

"I know," Cornelia replied in a quiet tone.

"So far though, none of them have discovered that fact," Darlton said, "if they learn that Princess Euphemia is among the hostages, they will undoubtedly use her as bargaining chip. She went there just to observe therefore she isn't registered along with the other guests."

Ashford Academy

CC was in Nunnally's room lying on her makeshift bed.

"Yes I know," CC said, "things will go well. Nunnally will be just fine," CC smiled, "yes, it may be hard for you to believe but Nunnally can take care of herself and of course Lelouch will take action as he sees fit. But you need to remember, I'm not their guardian."

Lake Kawaguchi

Lloyd was sitting on the grass while Suzaku and Cecile were standing and looking at the hotel.

"Are we, the Special Envoy not allowed to participate in the rescue operation?" Suzaku asked.

"I had already put in a request," Lloyd said, "but since our command structure is different, we're treated as irregulars. Not only that…" Lloyd threw a pebble in the lake, "well you know…"

"It's too risky to entrust the operation to an Eleven," Suzaku said, "Is that it?"

"I'm sure you're aware that Princess Cornelia is very discriminating when it comes to Britannians and Numbers."

"I see, so the Japanese are still not being accepted enough in the structure."

"If that was the case, then what point would the Honorary Britannian system served?" Cecile commented.

Suzaku was taken back a bit with what Cecile said and then he sighed and looked away with a frown.

"I…" Suzaku spoke but didn't know what to say.

Zero's Mobile Base

Members within the mobile base were getting boxes out of various places and were working together to get things done. Zero and Rai were in one of the rooms and were watching news update of the situation in Lake Kawaguchi. They watched as a man who said he was the father of one of the hostages as he was upset and enraged with what was going on and prayed that his daughter would be left unharmed.

"We need to organize before we fight them," Lelouch said.

"But it's too soon," Rai said, "that's what you're thinking, right?"

"Yes…but we can't afford to just hold off. Nunnally and Sayoko…Milly and Shirley…Alice," Lelouch sighed, "and even Nina…"

"Yeah…"

There was a knock on the door and Lelouch and Rai turned to the door.

"Zero, it's us," Naoto said, "just me, Kallen, and Kaname."

"Come in," Lelouch responded.

The door opened and Kallen, Naoto, and Ohgi came in with boxes in their hands. They looked at the news update that Zero and Rai were watching.

"Lelouch, what do you think will happen to the hostages?" Kallen asked.

Rai and Lelouch clenched their fists with worry.

"Say, those girls we saw," Ohgi said, "They're your classmates from school, right?"

"Yes, they are," Lelouch said.

"It's natural that you would be worried about them," Naoto said, "although I didn't see Nunnally there."

"No doubt my sister made sure to keep herself hidden so that would show her in the footage," Lelouch said.

"Is that really necessary?" Ohgi said.

"It is…and eventually I'll tell you why."

"So what's going to happen?" Kallen asked, "Do you think Cornelia has some sort of plan?"

"Knowing Cornelia, she'll sacrifice the hostages," Lelouch said.

Naoto, Kallen, and Ohgi were surprised.

"Would she really do that?" Ohgi asked.

"That's right," Lelouch nodded, "sacrificing the hostage is a better option for them than giving in to the demands of terrorists. In their perspective, any negotiation with terrorists is legitimizing them and Cornelia especially is strongly against it."

"So she would rather leave the hostages to die than make any deals with them," Naoto said.

"That's right and—" Lelouch cut himself off and realized something as he looked back at the small television.

Naoto, Kallen, Ohgi, and Rai were confused and wondered what was going on.

"Lelouch, is something wrong?" Kallen asked.

"I just realized something," Lelouch said, "why hasn't Cornelia made her move yet?"

The others in the room had just realized and were surprised.

"Right, if what you just said true, then shouldn't she have made her move now?" Naoto said.

"So why hasn't she?" Kallen asked.

Lelouch narrowed his eyes and had his thoughts, "I may have an idea."

"Do you?" Rai asked.

"It's only speculation…but right now, it's all I got," Lelouch put his mask on, "we need to move out…right now!"

The four nodded in agreement.

"Okay, so with that in mind Lelouch," Ohgi said bringing up the box he was holding, "I picked this up," Ohgi looked inside, "should hand them out to everyone."

"Yes, those will be our uniforms," Rai said.

"Exactly," Lelouch added.

"I see…well as far as gear goes, it looks pretty cool…in fact, it's great but…"

"But?" Naoto asked.

"I just don't know, it may be more than we actually deserve, after all we're just a resistance group."

"You're wrong Ohgi, we're not a resistance group," Lelouch insisted.

Ohgi, Naoto, and Kallen were surprised and Rai smiled and nodded.

"We're not?" Naoto spoke, "If we're not a resistance group, then what are we?"

"What we are," Lelouch said, "What are we going to be…are knights of justice!"

"Knights…" Kallen spoke.

"Of…" Naoto spoke.

"Justice?" Ohgi spoke.

"That's right," Zero said, "this is how we will operate."

Outside of the room, Jinta leaned against a wall and smiled.

"Knights of Justice, huh?" Jinta said with a smile, "How fitting. You really are an interesting kid Lelouch…just like your grandfather," Jinta thought about a Britannian man who had short blonde hair and violet eyes and wore imperial garb and had a confident smile, "Duncan von Britannia…my lord and friend."

Lake Kawaguchi

It was nightfall and the operation was still underway regarding the situation with Kusakabe and his group as well as their hostages. In the food storage room, the hostages were stricken with worry and wonder what was going to happen to them.

"Lady Nunnally," Sayoko said in a low tone.

"Yes Sayoko?" Nunnally replied in a low tone.

"How are you holding up so far?"

"I'm fine, what about you?"

"I'm fine."

"Thank goodness…who would have thought something like this happen?"

"Indeed, do you have a plan Milady?"

"I'm thinking of something…Cornelia hasn't moved in yet although I don't know why."

"What do you mean?" Sayoko asked.

"My big sister would sacrifice the hostages rather than make any deals with terrorists," Nunnally sighed, "it's too bad these JLF imbeciles don't realize it."

"If that's the case, then should she have acted already?"

"Yes and I don't know why…?" Nunnally then looked and saw someone she recognized and the person looked at Nunnally.

Nunnally was surprised to see her sister Euphie and was Nunnally was filled with emotions seeing her precious older half-sister.

"Lady Nunnally?" Sayoko spoke a bit confused.

"Sayoko, I just realized what's going on," Nunnally said.

"Hmm, what do you mean?"

The door suddenly opened and a few JLF members looked around and glared at all the hostages and the hostages wondered what was going on. Meanwhile outside near the main bridge leading to the hotel, the Lancelot was being prepared by Cecile and Suzaku.

"The students among the hostages are your classmates from your school, right?" Cecile spoke.

"Yes," Suzaku said.

"Well don't worry," Cecile assured, "the negotiations are still continuing on."

"I know, I have faith in the system," Suzaku said, "I prefer logic over individualistic emotions."

"I see," Cecile said with a smile and walked and stood behind Suzaku.

Suzaku suddenly saw something on his screen and was surprised.

"Miss Cecile, look," Suzaku said.

"Huh?" Cecile looked and saw what Suzaku saw.

What they saw were few members of the JLF holding a hostage who had his hands tied behind him standing on top of the hotel's roof.

"What are they…?" Suzaku asked.

"Oh no, don't tell they're going to…?" Cecile spoke in horror.

"No, don't do it," Suzaku spoke in horror as well.

The JLF members pushed the tied hostage off the roof and Suzaku and Cecile looked on in horror and Suzaku screamed no as the hostage fell to his death.

G-1 Mobile Base

"Our demands have gone unanswered," Kusakabe said appearing on the screen within the bridge, "therefore we will throw off one hostage every thirty minute until our demands are met. For the sake of the hostages, negotiation better be in good faith."

Meanwhile, Cornelia along with Darlton and Guilford were walking through the hall.

"This is their warning? Throwing someone off the roof just to show they're serious?" Darlton asked angrily and disgusted, "Filthy barbarians."

"How about we proceed with the negotiation and request in getting the women and children out first?" Guilford suggested.

"Absolutely not!" Cornelia interjected strongly, "If you give in to their conditions even once, then you're simply legitimizing terrorism!"

"Then do we use force?" Darlton asked.

"We would pursue that action after we secure the safety of Princess Euphemia," Guilford said.

"Euphie…" Cornelia spoke in her head with worry, "I…"

"Viceroy!" A soldier called out and rushed to meet with Cornelia, "It's Zero, we just received a message from Zero."

"What?" Cornelia responded as she, Guilford, and Darlton looked at the soldier and each other surprised.

Lake Kawaguchi

Diethard was fishing in the lake when a co-worker informed something.

"What?" Diethard spoke surprised, "What do you mean Van 3 was stolen by Zero? What the hell was Gibson doing all in the while?"

"Well um, you see he said that when he realized what was happening, it was too late," The co-worker said.

Diethard sighed and was annoyed, "So where's Van 3 now?"

"Well, it's driving straight to the military."

Diethard was shocked again. Meanwhile, the stolen Van 3 was heading straight to the area where the Britannian military was stationed and Zero was on top of the vehicle while soldiers asking what should they do. One of them asked if they should try to eliminate Zero and Darlton told them to just stand by and said that they'll capture him when they surround him. Zero was having his thoughts of how things will work out. For Zero, for Lelouch, his plan of action will succeed or fail and he knew the severe consequences if he failed.

"It's time," Zero said in his head, "we have hostages to rescue. No turning back. Hang on Nunnally, I'll be there soon."

That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The rescue operation begins and Zero introduces his organization known as the Black Knights.