Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Code Geass.
Preparations Set
There was a meeting in a conference room within the Imperial Palace in Pendragon. Odysseus and Schneizel were taking part of the meeting as they were meeting with military generals.
"We're ready to proceed against Black Knights in Area 11," One of the generals said.
"We can move in and crush this rebellion," Another general said.
"Wait, please," Odysseus said, "I don't think we need to go so far."
The other generals were shocked in what the crown prince just said.
"Your Highness, what do you mean?" Another general replied, "We can surely see what is happening. The Elevens in Area 11 are defying us. This can't be allowed to be stand."
"I understand," Odysseus said, "I do but think about it. Why do you think this is happening? This is the reaction of what Pluton has done. They have attacked people in the Special Zone for no just reason and they even attacked Euphemia. She was even framed for the conflict and we can't forget that Castor and Pollux were involved in this heinous scheme. They need to be brought in and questioned as well as the rest involved."
"We understand that," Another general said, "but even so this is not a justification for what they are doing. No rebellion is ever justified at all."
"Exactly," The first general said, "this is nothing more than blatant disrespect to the empire. They need to learn and understand what happens to territories that defy us."
The rest of the generals spoke in agreement and spoke more to crush the rebellion in Area 11. Odysseus was sad and slump back in his seat as he sighed sadly. He then turned to Schneizel.
"Schneizel, have we still not heard anything from Cornelia?" Odysseus asked.
"No and I haven't been able to get in contact with Marrybell," Schneizel said, "With that in mind dear brother, why don't let me handle this."
"Oh you're willing to do so?" Odysseus replied feeling relieved with what Schneizel just suggested.
"Of course, after all it is for Euphie's sake," Schneizel said.
"Yes, yes it is," Odysseus said with a smile and nod.
Japan
In Tokyo, the core members of the Black Knights were meeting in the large conference room of the Viceroy Palace. The Six Leaders of Kyoto were among them as well. Zero and Void faced their members and the Clan Leaders of Kyoto. Someone was walking and stood between Zero and Void and the person wore her own Black Knight uniform.
"Everyone, we're pleased to add a new member in our organization," Zero said, "the former Third Imperial Princess, Euphemia li Britannia."
"Hello everyone," Euphie said with a smile, "it's nice to meet you all."
"The time has come," Zero said, "freeing Japan begins now and with that, we shall defend it when our enemies come but we will prevail in this."
Everyone agreed and cheered in response. Not long afterwards, Euphie was getting acquainted with the other core members of the Black Knights. She was excited to meet the people who were led by her siblings and have been proven to be a counter force against Britannia. She got to know each of them and was happy to speak with Rai and Alice and was happy to meet with Milly and Shirley. She was surprised when she met Diethard and Rakshata as she knew of them through Jeremiah and Lloyd and Cecile respectively. Later on, Zero and Void met with Alice and Rai.
"So VV paid you a visit," Void said.
"Yes, he wanted us to join him," Rai said.
"And he was the one that transported us to Kamine Island?" Zero asked.
"Yeah, he said that he wanted to observe us," Rai replied, "and that bright light on the island where we all met, he caused it as well."
"So he was the one that restored your memories," Zero said.
"Yeah, I can only guess why he restored my memories," Rai said bitterly, "and it was so that it would break me. I am still filled with regret with what I have done."
"Playing with people's lives and emotions," Zero said as he clenched his fists with anger, "he's going to pay."
"He won't get away with this," Void added.
"Are you all okay?" Euphie's voice spoke.
The four people looked and saw Euphie and Milly and Shirley were with them.
"Euphie," Rai said.
"Is something wrong?" Milly asked.
"Oh, well…" Rai spoke.
Rai looked at Alice, Zero, and Void and they nodded in agreement. Rai informed Milly, Shirley, and Euphie.
"You've regained your memories?" Milly asked.
"Yes I did," Rai said with a nod, "I finally remembered my past."
"Rai, that's great," Shirley said happily.
"Rai, I'm so happy for you," Euphie said feeling glad as she went and held Rai's hands, "it's wonderful that you are able to regain your memories."
"Uh, y-yeah," Rai replied nervously.
"Rai?" Euphie responded looking at Rai's expression.
"I better tell you three as well," Rai said, "everyone else knows so it would only be right that you three know as well."
"Rai?" Milly spoke.
Rai proceeded to tell Milly, Shirley, and Euphie of his past. Elsewhere within the Viceroy Palace, Cornelia and her subordinates were having their Knightmares moved from the hanger to the hanger in Cornelia's own flagship and the flagship that the Glaston Knight came in. Preparations for them to leave Japan were almost complete. Guilford rushed over to Cornelia and informed her of something. Cornelia nodded and went with Guilford to go where she needed to go. In the hall, they were met with Marrybell and Oldrin and the two princesses as well as their knights went to the same direction. They arrived at an area where there were soldiers that had greeted them with salutes. Cornelia and Marrybell looked at the two sheets that looked to be covering something.
"Is it them?" Cornelia asked.
"Yes Your Highness," One of the soldiers replied.
Cornelia and Marrybell went to the two sheets and moved them. Sure enough, it was the dead bodies of their younger brothers, Castor and Pollux rui Britannia.
"Yes, this is them," Marrybell said, "Who brought them to you?"
"One of the Black Knights," Another soldier said, "the one called Jinta Kuromaki."
"Jinta Kuromaki?" Marrybell replied as she recalled meeting him before, "Oh right, him…"
"He was the one who lead a group of them in stopping Madd," Oldrin said.
"Anyway, we'll be talking them back with us to the Homeland," Cornelia said, "there's going to be anger, hatred, accusations, and resentment from here on out and towards me but I won't let it stop me. I will find out."
Meanwhile in the hall within the Viceroy Palace, Euphie, Shirley, and Milly were made aware of Rai's past. Learning Rai's past had also led them to know about Geass, the power that not only Rai had but also Alice and Lelouch. It was a surprise to them to know that such power existed and it clued them in on some of the things that had occurred. Shirley was informed that one that had targeted her and Lelouch who was called Mao also had Geass and that was how he was able to know about them.
"Geass, so that's it," Shirley said.
"This is quite the bombshell," Milly said.
"Yeah, the others felt the same way," Rai said.
"So Castor and Pollux had Geass as well," Euphie said, "and the one who gave them Geass is the same one planned the massacre in the Special Zone."
"Yes and he may be the one who ordered Pluton to attack the zone and you for that matter," Zero said.
"And he was the one who killed Lady Marianne," Euphie added.
"Yes, he was the one," Void said, "just as he was the one who transported us on Kamine Island and all just to observe us."
"And Father," Euphie said, "he also has Geass?"
"Yes," Lelouch said with a nod, "his Geass allows him to alter memories of people."
"Has he…?" Euphie asked.
"Used on any of us or anyone we know?" Lelouch spoke, "As far as CC knows, he hasn't but we can't be sure."
"I see," Euphie spoke.
They continued to discuss things of what they knew and what to be prepared and to be careful for.
Avalon
In the Knightmare Hanger within the flagship, Suzaku leaned on the leg of the Lancelot and looked at his father's pocket watch.
"How did I miss this?" Suzaku asked himself, "How did I not know about Lelouch and Nunnally?" Suzaku closed his eyes with a frown, "Was it as VV said? Did I simply not really know them?" Suzaku shook his head and opened his eyes, "Regardless I do know this… I have to stop them and get Euphie away from them. Lelouch and Nunnally don't understand that what they are doing is wrong and people are going to suffer because of their own selfish mistakes."
Flashback: Sandpit within Shikine Island
Suzaku along with Nonette were facing Zero and Void.
"Tell us Kururugi, why exactly did you join the Britannian military?" Void asked.
"It's to protect and save lives," Suzaku answered immediately.
"Oh, are you sure?" Zero responded.
"Yes I am sure," Suzaku replied back.
"You want to save lives?" Zero replied, "You may have convinced yourself of that but let's be honest here, you don't really do that because it's genuine, you just want to save your own soul."
"That's not true!" Suzaku rebuked.
"It is true!" Zero rebuked back, "Admit it Kururugi! You may consider yourself as a protector, obsessing of saving as many lives as you can but in truth all you really want to do is to save and redeem your own soul. In fact, I believe we understand why you really resent us, why you resent the Black Knights."
"What?" Suzaku replied surprised again.
"You may not admit it yourself but you know that deep down the real reason you can't stand us is because you consider us a threat to your goal of changing the Britannian system from within," Void said, "after all, when we succeed in our overall goal then all those times you have tried and failed to change things will be for nothing and your 'redemption' wouldn't come as you want it."
"It would seem that you believe that if things can't change the way you believe that it should then it shouldn't change at all because you ridding yourself of your own guilt is more important to you," Zero said, "you label us as egomaniacs and accuse us of acting out of our own self-gratification just because we don't follow Britannian rules and we don't foolishly work with the corrupt Britannian police force but the truth is that you can't stand the fact that we gotten things done our way more so than you ever hope you could do with working within the Britannian system. You're a hopeless and naïve hypocrite who is desperate to wash your father's blood off your hands. But you need to realize Kururugi that no matter what you do or how hard you try, you'll never be able to wash your father's blood off your hands. When you kill someone, it stays with you and it never goes away, never ever!"
"It must be so easy for you Kururugi," Void said, "for you to look down on us and label us a menace while turning a blind eye and condoning the terrible things Britannia does."
"I'm not condoning them!" Suzaku replied back and was shaking and clenched his fists, "It's just that I feel that…"
"You just feel that it can't be helped just because they are in charge?" Zero said sounded disgusted, "You're naïve, hopeless, a hypocrite, and a coward!"
Flashback End
Suzaku clenched his teeth and clenched his father pocket watch in anger and frustration.
"No, I shouldn't listen to them," Suzaku said, "I'm not the one in the wrong, they are. They are the ones that just gave up so easily and now they're dragging their own sister Euphie down this path as well. I can't let that happen."
"Major Kururugi," A Avalon crew member spoke.
"Uh yes?" Suzaku responded looking at the crew member.
An Avalon crew member arrived in the hanger.
"You're needed in the bridge," The crew member said.
"Understood, I'll be right there," Suzaku said.
Suzaku left the hanger and went on his way to the bridge. When he arrived, he met up with Lloyd and Cecile and there was someone on the huge monitor and it was Schneizel.
"Prince Schneizel," Suzaku said.
"Hello Suzaku," Schneizel said.
Suzaku stood between Lloyd and Cecile and gave a respectable bow to the second prince.
"Your Highness, may we assume that you're aware of the situation?" Lloyd said.
"Of course I am," Schneizel answered, "I doubt there's a single person who is not aware. It seems that my sister has joined the Black Knights," Schneizel turned his attention to Suzaku, "My question to you Suzaku Kururugi, what happened? How could you let my sister go?"
"I…" Suzaku spoke and paused a bit as he had a sad expression, "I… I don't know. I'm sorry."
"You don't know," Schneizel replied not liking the response he got, "you were her knight and you're telling me that you have no idea."
"I'm sorry Your Highness," Suzaku said feeling ashamed, "I know it is inexcusable."
"I'm disappointed," Schneizel said with a sad expression, "I would have thought that as her knight, you would not have let this happened. But I suspect that Euphie decided this on her own. She probably asked you to join her in joining the Black Knights and you refused. Am I right to assume that?"
"Yes Your Highness," Suzaku said sadly with a nod.
"I figured as much," Schneizel said, "still I do not like where this going and now we have respond against this rebellion. We cannot allow this to go on."
"Your Highness, if I may?" Suzaku asked.
"What is it?" Schneizel asked.
"I would like to rescue Princess Euphemia," Suzaku said.
"Rescue her?" Schneizel replied confused.
Lloyd and Cecile were confused in what Suzaku was saying as well.
"Yes, I failed to realize it earlier but I have reason to believe that Euphemia is in real danger again and this time from Zero and Void," Suzaku said.
"Oh?" Schneizel replied raising an eyebrow, "Tell me why do you say that?"
"Yes," Suzaku said with a nod.
Viceroy Palace in Tokyo
Cornelia being accompanied by Guilford and Darlton was making her way to her flagship.
"Cornelia!" Euphie called out.
Cornelia turned around and saw her sister who was being accompanied by Zero and Void.
"Euphie," Cornelia said.
Guilford and Darlton turned to them as well as Euphie approached her older sister.
"Looks like you're fitting in just fine with your… new attire," Cornelia commented observing the Black Knight uniform she was wearing.
"Yes I do like it," Euphie replied.
"Of course," Cornelia said.
"I suppose this is it," Euphie said.
"Yes," Cornelia said.
"Cornelia, please be careful," Euphie pleaded.
Cornelia smiled and placed her hand on Euphie's cheek.
"Don't worry about me," Cornelia assured, "I'll be fine. I have my loyal subordinates with me. The same goes for you though, please be careful and don't put yourself in more risk although I might be asking me too much at this point."
"You can rest assure that we won't let it happen," Zero spoke as he and Void approached them.
"Euphie is in good hands," Void added, "so please rest assure Sister."
"I see," Cornelia said and then turned to Euphie, "so tell me Euphie, how are things with the others in the Black Knights?"
"Everyone is great and has been real nice," Euphie said happily.
"Hmm I see," Cornelia replied.
"Your Highness," Jeremiah spoke.
Cornelia, Guilford, and Darlton looked and saw Jeremiah and then he bowed.
"Jeremiah, I take that you're actually with them," Cornelia said.
"Yes," Jeremiah said facing Cornelia.
"Did you know it was them back in Shikine Island?" Cornelia asked, "Was that why you didn't say anything even though you were accused of treason?"
"Yes, I had pledged myself to them and was prepared to face the consequences," Jeremiah said.
"I see," Cornelia said, "well then in that case, I ask you this and I know that it is not necessary but I will ask you anyway. I ask you to please look out for them and Euphie as well."
"As you wish Your Highness," Jeremiah said with a respectable bow, "I swear in honor of Lady Marianne that I will be their guardian."
"Thank you Jeremiah," Cornelia said.
"There you are," Marrybell called out.
The others looked and saw Marrybell and Oldrin as they approached them.
"Princess Marrybell," Jeremiah said, "Lady Oldrin."
"So Jeremiah, it is true," Marrybell said, "did you really pledge yourself to the Black Knights?"
"Yes it is true," Jeremiah said, "I am now a loyal servant to Zero and Void."
"You were with them after all," Marrybell said, "Well you didn't deny it when you were interrogated. So Castor and Pollux were not off in their accusations against you. No it was that Schneizel and myself who just made the assumption."
"I'm sorry Princess Marrybell," Jeremiah said.
Marrybell shook her head in response.
"There's no need to apologize," Marrybell said and then faced Zero and Void, "To be honest, I don't like it. I don't like it at all."
"Marry," Euphie spoke.
"I don't agree with what you're doing Sister," Marrybell said and she turned to Zero and Void, "and you two, I can't say that you two are my favorite people but I can't deny what has occurred and what you have proven to us. I don't like the idea of leaving Euphie here with you but I understand why she does want this and I know… I know that you will look after her but know this, if anything happens to her, I will hunt you both down and I will kill you two myself."
"Marry," Euphie said with worry.
Zero held up his hand in front of Euphie and nodded at Marrybell.
"Very well," Zero said, "rests assure Marrybell, we will protect Euphemia with our lives."
"Zero," Euphie said.
Cornelia looked at Zero knowing who it was behind the mask and closed her eyes and wondered what it have been had she known a lot sooner. She started to think about the past back in the Aries Villa in Pendragon when Lelouch was a little boy and she learned that he was going to be training under his mother as well as Bismarck and Nonette.
"Lelouch," Cornelia said in her head and she spoke, "We should go. Marry…"
"Yes," Marrybell responded.
Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched by Orpheus as well as Ganabanti and Ze Dien.
"They will be leaving," Ze Dien said and then turned to Orpheus, "Orpheus, are you sure about this?"
"About what?" Orpheus replied still looking at the people that were talking to Zero, Void, and Euphie.
"Not saying to her," Ze Dien said, "your twin sister."
Orpheus had a sad expression as he looked at Oldrin and thought when he was still in Pendragon living with his parents and sister and they were happy time.
"C'mon, we should get back to work," Orpheus said as he walked away.
"Orpheus," Ze Dien said as he was concerned.
Ganabanti folded his arms and pondered as he looked back and watched as Oldrin was talking to Marrybell. As Orpheus continued to walk, he remembered on the day that his mother was murdered ten years ago and when he was sent to the Geass Order. Orpheus assumed that since it had been ten long years that his twin sister would not recognized him or just simply forgotten all about him or just assumed that he was dead. Orpheus felt sad about the fact that his own sister would forget about him. Orpheus continued to walk determined to do whatever it took to aid in liberating Japan. Back outside, Oldrin was looking back as she felt she was being watched.
"Oldrin, is something wrong?" Marrybell spoke.
Oldrin responded by looking by looking at her princess and shook her head.
"N-No, it's nothing, I guess it was my imagination," Oldrin replied.
"Are you certain that you're okay?" Marrybell asked with concern.
"Yes Your Highness," Oldrin assured, "I am fine."
"…Very well then," Marrybell said, "let us go."
"Yes," Oldrin replied.
Marrybell looked at Euphie as her sister was giving her the expression that she was going to be fine. Marrybell still did not like the idea of leaving her with the Black Knights and scared for her when the Britannian military would retaliate to stop the rebellion worried that Euphie was going to get it worse should the Black Knights lose. She hoped that the very least that Euphie would have an exit plan should things go bad for the Black Knights as she knew how bad things would be. With three sisters saying their last things to each other, Marrybell and Cornelia left to their respective flagships as Euphie along with Zero, Void, and Jeremiah watched them leave.
"Lelouch, Nunnally, are you sure about this?" Euphie asked.
"About what Euphie?" Zero asked.
"Not telling Marry," Euphie replied.
"Yes we're sure," Zero replied, "if we told her now, it would make things just more difficult than it needs to be."
"If you say so," Euphie responded with a sad expression.
"Euphie," Zero said.
"No, I'm sorry," Euphie said shaking her head, "I trust you and I won't have doubts."
"Thank you and don't worry," Zero said, "it will be fine."
"Yes you're right," Euphie said with a smile, "anyways, I want go and help with the preparations," Euphie placed her right index finger on her chin, "I think I can help Miss Rakshata."
"I'm sure Rakshata would appreciate your assistance," Zero said happily.
"Right," Euphie said happily with a nod.
Euphie left to go help Rakshata with the masked siblings and Jeremiah watching.
"Nunnally, Jeremiah, there's something I need to talk to you two about," Zero said.
"Brother?" Void replied.
"My lord?" Jeremiah replied.
"I need to tell you two something… in case something happens and our plan goes downhill," Zero said.
"Lelouch, what are you talking?" Void asked worried.
"Come with me," Zero said.
Lab hidden somewhere in Toyama
Bartley along with researchers of the Code-R Project watched what was going on with people rallying support of the Black Knights with the intent to free Japan. They had saw Euphie throwing in her support as well after what had occurred.
"How did this happen?" Bartley asked upset.
"General," Watts spoke.
"Those damn fools," Bartley said upset, "they would actually target Princess Euphemia and now because of what they have done, Princess Euphemia has joined the Black Knights and the Black Knights are now using what happened as an opportunity for this rebellion."
"They won't actually succeed," One of the researchers said.
"Of course not but I'm worried about Princess Euphemia," Bartley said upset.
"My goodness Bartley," VV said suddenly, "you still have concerns for Euphemia even though she has decided to join the Black Knights and support this ridiculous rebellion."
Bartley clenched his teeth and turned to face VV in anger.
"And whose fault do you think this is?" Bartley asked angrily, "You're the one who ordered Pluton to attack Princess Euphemia and frame her for what you had Pluton do to the Special Zone. In fact you even went as far as ordering for that explosion that also killed fellow Britannians."
VV huffed in annoyance and just looked away from Bartley.
"Not only that, you involved Prince Castor and Prince Pollux in this scheme," Bartley continued upset, "and now they're dead. That is three princes that Zero has murdered and we can't forget that not only did Pluton target Princess Euphemia, but also Princess Cornelia and Princess Marrybell as well. I can't understand why you would do this. There was no need to try to kill the three princesses."
"That's enough out of you Bartley," VV replied glaring at the bald headed general, "I don't need to explain myself to you of what I do. All you need to do is follow orders and continue with the project."
Bartley clenched his teeth, "Maybe it would have been better if I didn't pick you up after you coming out of that mobile base of the Black Knights."
"Come now Bartley," VV said with a sadistic grin, "you know what would have happened if you hadn't picked me up and it would have been bad for you, not me."
Bartley looked away in disgust with not only with VV but also in himself and wondered if it was worth it to continue with everything that had happened as the other researchers were feeling guilty of what was happening. Bartley fell on his knees and was shaking.
"Prince Clovis," Bartley said in his head in sadness, "I never should have got involved in this. Forgive me Your Highness for getting you involved in this as well."
Shikine Island
In the military base within the island, Lt. Colonel Fayer was on the phone and was speaking to someone on the other line.
"Understood," Fayer said, "yes of course. You can rest assured that we will aid in destroying the Black Knights and this ridiculous attempt for Area 11's independence."
The person on the other side spoke and Fayer nodded.
"Absolutely, we will be ready to counter against them," Fayer said.
Fayer hung up the phone and turned to one of his subordinates who stood and saluted to Fayer.
A bar in Tokyo
Villetta was sipping her alcoholic beverage and she sighed.
"I never thought that I would be greeted like this," Villetta said.
Villetta turned to the side and she faced Jarvis who was sitting next to her and sipped an alcoholic beverage.
"It's nice to meet you Villetta Nu," Jarvis said.
"It's an honor to meet a Knight of the Round," Villetta said, "so what do I owe the honor for this meet and greet?"
"As you are aware, the rebellion is happening here in Area 11," Jarvis said, "the Black Knights are leading the rebellion to make the attempt to have Britannia lose this territory."
"Yes and I am willing to do whatever it takes to help stomp down this rebellion," Villetta said.
"I'm glad to hear that," Jarvis said, "so here's the thing. I've heard about you. I have heard of that in the incident in Shinjuku, you had your Knightmare stolen and then there was that incident in which Jeremiah Gottwald lost his mind and let go the former suspect Suzaku Kururugi which resulted in Purist Faction losing credibility."
"Yes," Villetta said in a sad tone.
"I also understand that you had suspicions that a student is connected to Zero and you have been trying to find that connection."
"Yes," Villetta said.
Jarvis smiled at Villetta, "Well then what if I was to tell you what you been trying to find out."
"Huh, what do you mean?" Villetta asked in response.
"I have the answers you seek and when we succeed in taking down Zero," Jarvis said, "you'll be greatly rewarded, something that you have always desired. Something that you hoped you would get through Jeremiah."
Villetta was surprised and was pleased as well.
"Sir Trenton, what do I need to do?" Villetta asked.
Jarvis nodded as he was pleased.
"Glad to hear you ask," Jarvis said as he stood up from his seat, "follow me, we have much to talk about and we know how and where to strike against the Black Knights. Reinforcements from the Homeland will be arriving very soon."
"Yes," Villetta said as she stood up from her seat.
Villetta and Jarvis left the bar.
In the air
In the bridge of Cornelia's flagship, Cornelia along with Guilford and Darlton were standing as they were looking at the monitor and Schneizel appeared on the screen.
"Schneizel," Cornelia said.
"Cornelia, I'm glad I finally was able to reach you," Schneizel said.
"Yes," Cornelia said.
The monitor also showed Marrybell and Oldrin.
"Marry, it's good to see you," Schneizel said.
"Yes, sorry for not getting in touch sooner Schneizel," Marrybell said.
"It's fine," Schneizel said, "what I am concern about right now is are you two okay?"
"Yes, we're fine," Cornelia said.
"No problem with us," Marrybell said, "after all, we're still alive."
"It's terrible what had happened," Schneizel said, "and Euphie, it seems that she joined the Black Knights."
"Y-Yes," Cornelia said with a sad expression.
Marrybell looked away with a sad expression.
"We have all seen what has happened," Schneizel said, "Euphie has made her intentions known after what happened with the Special Zone and what Pluton have done. But Cornelia, are you okay with this? Do you think it was wise of just letting Euphie go? I would have thought that you would not leave Euphie go."
Cornelia had a sad expression and closed her eyes as she recalled what Euphie said when giving her reason why she was joining the Black Knights and facing her siblings Lelouch and Nunnally and when they revealed what they knew about Marianne's death. Cornelia looked at her half-brother.
"I decided to support Euphie and the decision she made," Cornelia said, "I know how it will look and I will deal it."
"…I see," Schneizel said.
"So tell me Schneizel," Cornelia said, "are the military forces from the Homeland coming to Area 11 to retaliate?"
"Yes, in fact I am the one who is leading the charge," Schneizel said.
"So you are taking part of this," Marrybell said.
"Yes, regardless what has occurred, we cannot allow Black Knights to take control of a territory of Britannia," Schneizel explained, "but know this, I have given the order to bring Euphie in alive."
"Schneizel," Marrybell said.
"I'm sure our sister doesn't feel that she would be safe but I intend to make sure that happens," Schneizel said.
"Can you be sure?" Cornelia asked.
"Cornelia?" Schneizel replied.
"Someone who may be part of our family or someone who is connected ordered Pluton to attack the Special Zone and kill Euphie while framing her for the incident," Cornelia said, "can you be actually be sure that you would be able to help Euphie back in the Homeland or any in the Areas for that matter while there is someone who is still after Euphie's life?"
Schneizel looked at Cornelia and thought about what she just asked.
"I take that is why you are leaving Euphie and coming back to the Homeland without her," Schneizel deduced, "you're worried that she would be assassinated."
"I believe that there is something going on," Cornelia spoke, "something going on behind the scenes and I have a sneaking suspicion that it was the same when Lady Marianne was killed."
Schneizel and Marrybell were surprised. Schneizel thought about and remembered when their father the emperor gave him the order to remove Marianne's body and would not say much and recalled that Cornelia was investigating what happened but not long afterwards, the emperor told Cornelia strongly to cease her investigation.
"I may not have any proof but I believe whoever ultimately ordered the massacre of the Special Zone and for Euphie's death may be the same one who had something to do with Marianne's death eight years ago," Cornelia said and she narrowed her eyes, "and there's a certain someone who may know why or even who for that matter."
"I see now I understand," Schneizel said, "so that is your reasoning. Yes, to be honest, I have had my suspicions as well."
Marrybell looked on her screen in her flagship seeing Cornelia and Schneizel and thought about what had happened eight years ago when Marianne was killed in her villa which led to her half-siblings Lelouch and Nunnally to be sent to Japan. She remembered that her own mother had suspicions of what happened that night and was looking into things.
"I wonder if that was the reason why my mother and sister were killed," Marrybell said in her head, "was my mother looking into the things as well?"
Japan
The Black Knights were finishing up preparations along with Peace Mark and the remnants of the Japan Liberation Front led by Katase. Knightmares were being piloted and moved and placed in points. The remaining Britannian forces in Japan were gathering Hokkaido and ready to make their move but were waiting patiently for the reinforcements that were coming from the Britannian mainland. Black Knights were out of the streets speaking to the people who either were joining the Black Knights or who were looking to move away from the conflict. Meanwhile on the garden rooftop of the Viceroy Palace, Lelouch and Nunnally were watching as things were being ready and with them were Sayoko and Jeremiah.
"Everything is ready," Sayoko said.
"So this is it," Jeremiah said, "the time has come."
"Yes, the time has come to truly free this country," Lelouch said, "I hope what I have done is sufficient."
"Lelouch," Nunnally said.
"We have received word that the remaining Britannian forces are at Hokkaido and it won't be long before the forces from Britannia itself arrive," Lelouch said, "not only that, it seems that the one who is leading is Schneizel."
"Schneizel," Nunnally said, "I was afraid of this."
"Prince Schneizel is quite a formidable," Jeremiah said.
"And to be honest, I never beating Schneizel, not once," Lelouch said, "this is going to be difficult. So with that in mind, there is something I need to talk to you about."
"Lelouch?" Nunnally said as she looked worried.
"I need to talk you about what to do… in case something happens," Lelouch said, "for that at the very least Nunnally that you and Euphie are safe and that we help the people of Japan."
"L-Lelouch, what are you saying?" Nunnally asked not liking what her brother was implying.
Avalon
In one of the rooms of the flagship, Suzaku was getting in his Knightmare pilot suit and zipped it up.
"Euphie, just hang on," Suzaku said, "I will get you out of there and make sure that Lelouch and Nunnally are brought to justice. I know you won't appreciate what I do now but I know that eventually, you'll be thankful."
Flashback: Building within the Special Zone
"Please won't you continue on as my knight and stay by my side?" Euphie asked with a pleading expression, "With you with us, there is nothing that we all can't do. We will be truly help the people and it may not be just here in Japan. We can be the light of hope for everyone in all other places… yes even in Britannia as well."
Suzaku looked at Euphie and then he had his head down and freed his hands from Euphie which surprised the former third princess.
"I can't," Suzaku said.
"Suzaku?" Euphie replied.
"I can't go along with it," Suzaku said and then he shook his head, "No, I refuse to go along with it."
"You refuse?" Euphie replied with a sad expression.
"Yes I can't in good conscience join the Black Knights with you," Suzaku said as he shook his head.
"Even with all that has happened and what you saw with your own eyes, do you still insist on staying on the side of the corruption that is Britannia?" Void asked.
"I don't want to hear that from you Void," Suzaku replied, "I don't understand why I must repeat myself but it will not end well for you and when you lose and you will lose, it will be the people of Japan who will suffer because of your own selfish actions and that is what's going to lead you."
"Kururugi, you…" Void spoke as she was getting angry.
"Void, let it go," Zero said as he placed a hand on his sister's shoulder.
Void looked at her brother.
"Right," Void spoke.
"Kururugi, it is such a shame that you are still insisting on something that obviously completely broken," Zero said.
"If it is broken then it just needs to be fixed from within," Suzaku said, "it can't be fixed if you attack it and destroy it, especially with those who can and will retaliate. Your way of doing things are wrong and I won't be a part of it."
"Suzaku, is there any way that I can convince you otherwise?" Euphie asked with a pleading expression.
"No there isn't," Suzaku replied with a frown, "and if you insist on joining with the Black Knights then I…" Suzaku paused as he was upset but faced Euphie, "I must request to be removed as your knight."
Euphie was shocked in what Suzaku had just said and she had her head down in response.
"Are you sure that's what you want Suzaku?" Euphie asked.
"Yes," Suzaku said as took something out and handed to Euphie, "I'm sure. If you're joining the Black Knights, then I can no longer be your knight. I cannot support you in what you are doing."
Euphie looked and saw that Suzaku was handing out his badge that signified as Euphemia's knight.
Flashback End
"I know that I made the mistake of leaving you," Suzaku said, "but I promise I will never make that mistake again. It is also why I will do what I should have done a long time ago."
Suzaku was determined and left the room heading for the Knightmare Hanger of the Avalon.
A few hours later, Japan
The Black Knights were standing their ground in Tokyo as Britannian forces were making their way through to confront them. The Lionel and the Lucan stood in front. Lelouch in his Lionel and Nunnally in her Lucan were poised and ready. Kallen in the Guren and Alice in the Vierge were poised and ready standing by their leaders. In the G-1 Mobile Base, Euphie along with Six Leaders of Kyoto looked on as well.
"Here they come," Kirihara said.
"Yes," Euphie said although she was worried and spoke in her head, "Schneizel."
Meanwhile in a royal flagship, Schneizel looked on with Kanon standing next to him in the bridge.
"It's time to end this," Schneizel said.
"Our forces are ready," Kanon said, "just give the word."
"Good," Schneizel said with a nod.
Back in Tokyo, there was someone who was making a move and heading to their destination and it was Villetta. Villetta looked at the sky and then turned to where she was head and it was Ashford Academy.
"It's good to know that I was right all along," Villetta said.
Villetta continued on her way to Ashford Academy.
In the air
The flagship was still in the air and in the bridge Bismarck and Nonette looked on and saw the forces that were led by Schneizel.
"Excellent," Bismarck said, "Prince Schneizel has arrived."
"Shall we make our own move then?" Nonette asked.
"Yes, we're to meet with Jarvis," Bismarck said.
"And we shall proceed to crush the Black Knights' ambition," Nonette added.
"Yes, let us move," Bismarck said, "we shall succeed for His Majesty."
"Of course," Nonette said with a nod.
The Knight of One and the Knight of Nine went on their way to complete the task assigned to them.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The Black Rebellion begins.