Hello everyone, sorry for taking a while; I had to blame Baldurs' Gate 3; sorry about that! As the schedule is closing in, the next update is as follows!
-One Piece: A Demon's Treasure (One Chapter)
-The White Lion of the Red Keep (One Chapter, or two, I haven't decided yet.)
-Boku No Overlord (One Chapter)
-Harriet Potter: The Demon Empress (One Chapter)
See you all later!
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Chapter 15
As Cornelia lay on her bed, her breaths coming out in ragged gasps, it wasn't the pain of her injuries that troubled her. She was no stranger to physical discomfort, having weathered worse injuries in the past. No, what haunted Cornelia's thoughts was the memory of what she had witnessed during her recent battle with Zero. The mechanic woman's abilities were beyond anything she had ever seen before, and Cornelia couldn't help but question the reality of it all. Was it truly possible, or just a clever illusion? The doubts gnawed at her, leaving her restless and uncertain.
Cornelia, on the other hand, saw the footage from last night. She has probably watched it several times by now. No normal person could use their bare hands to tear open a Knightmare Frame cockpit. It was impossible. Yet Cornelia saw it and witnessed it with her own eyes. And no matter how much she tried to pretend, it didn't happen. Zero just took a Knightmare Frame alone.
"What are you?" Cornelia muttered, hearing the door open, and watched Euphemia enter the room, carrying a worried look on her face. "Euphy?"
"Sister!" Euphemia sighed deeply, finding her place next to Cornelia and taking her hand. "I was so worried. When I heard Zero ambushed you and you were hurt. I feared the worst."
"It would take more than a few bruises to take me down," Cornelia chuckled softly. "I am sorry for making you worry."
"You better be!" Euphemia replied quickly, making Cornelia chuckle a bit more. Then silence emerged as Euphemia glanced at her sister with worrying eyes.
"I heard what happened with Zero. Is it true? What did she do? What can she do?"
Euphemia's voice trembled with a mixture of fear and intrigue as she posed her question. The Britannia princess was clearly struggling to accept the possibility that a mere "human" could tear apart a colossal mecha with nothing but their bare hands. However, upon gazing at Cornelia, Euphemia couldn't deny the reality of the situation. The evidence before her eyes was undeniable. Cornelia wasn't one to believe in such things, but if she was the one telling her what happened. Then it was true.
"Yes, all of it," Cornelia replied back. "Which certainly explains a lot, but at the same time brings a lot of questions."
Euphemia nodded, knowing what her sister may be thinking. Zero's abilities could prove to be a challenge of their own. But more importantly, it put the entire Black Knights on another sort of threat level to the empire. Zero alone threatened the Royal Family, but now, knowing what the mechanic woman could do. It brought into question just how much power that being called Zero possessed.
"What are we going to do now?" Euphemia asked, which made Cornelia think back about what they could possibly do.
"I don't know, but one thing is for certain. Zero is more dangerous than we ever thought."
Cornelia realised now that she'd need to come up with an explanation for her failures. However, that looked hard to do since how would she explain Zero's abilities? Cornelia has a problem believing it herself, and she still has no idea what Zero truly is.
We need to know more about Zero. What is she? Where did she come from? What does she want? Cornelia had a critical task ahead of her. She knew that finding answers was imperative, for the fate of Britannia hung in the balance. But it wasn't just about the country; it was also about her family. Her sisters were the ones she cared about the most. Cornelia's determination to protect her loved ones was unwavering, and she wouldn't rest until she had secured their safety.
Cornelia must do something about it and fast.
While Cornelia and Euphemia wondered how much the situation would change in the coming weeks. Deep down, in the barracks hangars, Lancelot was being repaired after the beating the Red Knightmare Frame gave it. However, that wasn't what one of the individuals responsible for such mecha was worrying about. Lloyd, the mad scientist, watched the recording Lancelot captured during the fight. There, Lloyd saw Zero's strange powers.
"Is that strange power suit doing all of the work? Or something else?" As he observed the peculiar sight of a luminous sphere obstructing all incoming attacks aimed at Zero, Lloyd couldn't help but wonder about the extent of its capabilities. The fact that it was able to endure direct fire from Lancelot indicated that it was not just a mere energy shield but rather something more complex and intricate.
"What are you?" Lloyd whispered, watching the replay multiple times and trying to find any sort of detail he may be missing.
"Lloyd, are you still there?" Cecile arrived, looking at Lloyd with a frown on her face, noticing he hadn't touched his meal in hours. "Are you still watching the recordings?"
Lloyd only chuckled. "How couldn't I? This is perhaps the most interesting piece of information we have on Zero and on all of this!"
Cecile wasn't sure if she would share the same feelings of joy, especially as she watched the video playing before her on the screen and how Zero was ripping the Knightmare Frame to shreds with only her hands. "I still don't know what to think of this..."
"Mmhm, it is quite mesmerising, isn't it?"
"I wouldn't use the word mesmerising."
Lloyd chuckled as his gaze returned to the screen. "But it does make sense now. It all makes more sense. We now know how Zero could beat Cornelia multiple times. Those miracles Zero is so famous for, it all makes sense now."
"I guess it does," Cecile added before pondering the most important question of all. "But... how? How could Zero do all of this? What is she?"
Now, Lloyd sighed, leaning back on his chair. "A powerful android, maybe? Made by Eleven before the war started?"
"Do you believe that the Eleven could achieve something like that?" Cecile asked with a frown.
"Of course not," Lloyd replied with a scoff. "It's just a theory. There are many; that's just one. However, there more I see these recordings, the more I come to accept that Zero is not a robot of sorts. She is not an android built by the Elevens, the Chinese Federation, or anyone else. No, there is skin, meat, and a human inside that armour. A human who, for some reason, can do all of this."
"I found it hard to believe a human can do this," Cecile replied, which made Lloyd nod. "Perhaps her amour is special? Maybe a sort of new... battle tech armour? We have seen a few before."
"No, this is not the same," Lloyd replied as he pointed at Zero's strange suit. "This suit is not made for combat, not really. This suit, this armour, is made to keep her alive."
"Alive...?"
"Yep!" Lloyd exclaimed happily. "Look at the fumes coming out of her mask every time she moves. That's pumping air into her lungs or regulating her breathing."
At first, Lloyd thought the outfit Zero wore was just that—a costume of sorts—a simple mask to protect her identity. But now, the more attention he paid to Zero's armour, the more he could see how everything on that suit had a purpose. The mask in question was equipped with specialised tubes that facilitated the breathing of clean, controlled air under a specific level of pressure, which means that Zero's lungs were fragile, or at least that Zero herself suffered from a sort of lung problem.
"Is she sick, perhaps? Or wounded?" Cecile asked as Lloyd hummed deeply.
"Collapsed lungs, perhaps? Pneumonia? Asthma?" Lloyd whispered before noticing a strange part of the suit. On Zero's chest, a mechanism seemed to inject something into Zero. That made him frown deeply.
"That mechanism is..."
Lloyd knew where he had seen that type of engineering. He could immediately identify it.
"That has Rakshata's hand all over it," Lloyd muttered, ruffled.
"Rakshata?" Cecile asked, surprised to hear that name.
"Yeah, I'll always remember how she operates. This suit has her name all over it. Maybe the design was not her, but how it was built... it's her, alright."
"I didn't know she was working with the Black Knights."
"I doubt she is working with them. But one can never know," Lloyd muttered. "Especially when dealing with her."
Lloyd saw then, in the last seconds, how Zero's body seemed to slump forward, her body without energy.
"It seems Zero's power comes with a downside," he said, pointing at the maks and the fumes coming out of the tubes as they furiously pumped fresh air inside Zero's lungs.
"She seems in pain," Cecile muttered softly, watching Zero's body twitching as she was being taken away by the red-Knightmare Frame.
"This also explains how after each time these miracles happen, we don't see or hear of her. I wonder if those in Zero's inner circle know more about her condition or what or who she is."
"By the way, the red-Knightmare Frame is carefully carrying Zero. It is clear that they do know," Cecile commented as Lloyd nodded.
"That's true."
Lloyd sighed deeply. "Regardless, I have more questions than answers. But I truly want to know them."
Lloyd wasn't the only one interested in learning about Zero. Currently, many people wish to know more about Zero, and it may prove to be quite a lot to handle.
Lelouch was feeling like a brand new person. No discomfort, hurt, or lungs feeling like they were on fire. How could it be? Usually, she'll be bedridden for days, even weeks, in deep agony after using her power. But this time around. Nothing of the sort happened to Lelouch's body. Maybe, finally, after so long. Her body was adapting to her. Perhaps Lelouch could use more of Yggdrasil's power.
Lelouch could only dream, however, while she was having the time of her life. Lelouch has noticed Shirley's strange behaviour. It seems that the girl was muddled with thoughts; no one knew. Lelouch was keeping an eye out for her. Yet, deep inside, she couldn't help but feel truly blindsided by the fact that Shirley was there when they fought Britannia.
But why was Shirley there? And more importantly, what does she know?
Honestly, Lelouch was debating whether she should use her Geass on Shirley just to be safe, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Or at least not now.
Please, I don't want to hurt you, Shirley. Lelouch thought as she watched the orange-haired girl slowly eat her food. I don't want to use the Geass in you in such a manner.
Lelouch sighed deeply, hoping that it would all come to an end soon. She hopes Shirley will let it go and forget the whole thing.
"You've been quite lively today, Lelouch. So filled with energy," Milly stated while the rest of the student council stared at Lelouch. "You have not used your inhaler or had to use the medicine in the last two days. That's a record."
"An unfortunate record to break, don't you think?" Lelouch joked back as the rest chuckled.
"Hey! Take your victories where you can!" Milly replied with a smile.
"Yes, you're right," Lelouch said, giving brief glances at Shirley, who seemed to be happy for her too. Yet there was a sort of melancholy and disorder in Shirley's eyes.
"Isn't that great, sister?" Nunnally stated happily, snapping Lelouch back to reality. "We can now go to the park like you promised!"
"Absolutely!" Lelouch replied with a genuine smile. "Also, it's been quite a peaceful few days."
As Lelouch gazed upon Kallen, she couldn't help but notice her keen interest in Shirley's presence. The fiery-haired girl was well aware of the unexpected appearance of Shirley amidst the ongoing battle, and like Lelouch, she, too, was apprehensive about what Shirley might have learned. Despite several days passing by, there had been no indication of any unusual incidents, and Shirley had made no mention of anything peculiar. It was this very silence that was driving Lelouch up the wall with paranoia. She couldn't help but wonder what Shirley was thinking and what secrets she might hold.
"To peaceful," In a hushed tone, Kallen spoke. Along with this concern, she was also anxious about Lelouch's sudden rise in stamina and healthiness after utilising her abilities. Upon returning to their base, both Kallen and C.C. anticipated having to assist Zero back to her sleeping quarters and provide her with care for the next several days. But nothing of the sort happened.
Zero felt like new after having mild chest pain and taking her medicine as if a healing spell had been cast upon her body. Once Lelouch "woke up", she didn't even suffer a seizure like before. She had a sore body. Something happened that made her body feel backlash.
Soon enough, another person arrived at the student council room, and Suzaku smiled at the sight of Lelouch and Nunnally.
"Oh no! A Britannia secret agent! Run, Nunnally!" Lelouch joked as Nunnally followed with a dramatic squeal.
"I can't walk! Sister! He's going to get me!"
"Funny, the both of you, hilarious," Suzaku said before waving at everyone. "Good day, Kallen."
Suzaku saluted the red-haired girl politely as Kallen nodded stiffly at him. "Good day, Suzaku."
Kallen and Suzaku decided to ignore each other for the sake of not bringing the ambience down.
"So, I have heard you've been feeling quite well," Suzaku commented as Lelouch smirked, flexing her muscles.
"Yep!" Lelouch responded with a sense of contentment and joy. Although her reaction may have been somewhat exaggerated, it was clear that it stemmed from a genuine place of elation. The absence of physical discomfort for a brief period was a highly cherished experience for Lelouch. "I am going to take Nunnally to the park today. Want to join us?"
"Of course!" Suzaku replied happily before noticing Shirley's expression. He was pretty confused by how silent the girl was. "Shirley, are you okay? Are you sick?"
Shirley quickly shook her head before standing up. "I am fine! But I remember that I have something to do. I'll see you all later!"
The group saw the girl leave quickly, leaving nothing but silence in the room.
"I think she's on her days," Rivalz whispered before earning a smack in the head from Milly.
Lelouch and Kallen exchanged a quick glance, their minds racing with anticipation and anxiety. What would happen next was anyone's guess. However, Kallen was determined to do everything in her power to keep Lelouch safe. She would stop at nothing to protect herself, even if it meant putting herself in harm's way or killing someone who could be dangerous.
But hopefully, that will not come to pass.
Nunnally had been longing for a day out, away from the confines of her wheelchair and the daily routines of the Ashford Academy. The park, with its lush greenery and serene atmosphere, seemed like the perfect place to unwind and bask in the warmth of the sun. Lelouch, her ever-loving sister, accompanied her, and the two sisters sat together, relishing the opportunity to escape from the world for a while. Nunnally rested her head on Lelouch's lap, feeling the gentle breeze brush against her face. It was a moment of pure bliss, a fleeting respite from the challenges of life.
Both sisters were playing, simply chuckling, even giggling.
Not too far away, Suzaku and Kallen let the sisters spend bonding time together. It wasn't needed for them to be there. Nunnally had been suffering in silence for a while now, watching her sister's health decline faster. So now that Lelouch seemed fine, Nunnally just wanted to be sure nothing would take her dear sister away.
But on the other side, things weren't looking all that great. Suzaku sighed deeply, knowing full well what would happen soon. Cornelia and Euphemia would show up in their lives. When? He wasn't sure. But Suzaku wouldn't be surprised if Euphemia arrived out of nowhere.
"What's with that sigh?" Kallen asked as she stood next to him. "You look like a child who broke something and doesn't want to be found."
"That's oddly specific," Suzaku replied jokingly, while Kallen scoffed.
"What, something happened? Is Britannia planning to kill more Eleven?" Suzaku's glare intensified as Kallen's words irritated him.
"What's your problem?" Suzaku snapped back. "It seems you have a personal vendetta against me."
"You?" Kallen scoffed angrily. "It's not like you're the centre of my universe. However, I do have an issue with Britannia, and it seems odd to me that you, out of all people, don't seem to have a problem with it."
Suzaku glared at her and took a deep breath before replying. "Britannia isn't perfect. But is helping to keep the peace."
"At what cost?" Kallen hissed fervently. "What has Britannia done to stop the rampant drug problem that is bringing Japanese people down?"
Suzaku frowned, wondering why Kallen was speaking about such a thing. "It's regrettable. It truly is, and I think Brittania should do something—no question about it. But a war on drugs will help no one. Especially the Eleven who are being crushed by it."
Kallen's face began to squirm, filled with irritation. She knew that Britannia didn't care at all about a drug tearing apart the Japanese population if the information they had was correct, and Kallen believed it was. It was the Britannia nobility that was helping with the distribution of that drug to the slums of Japan.
"And...? So when are they going to help them? When is the princess doing something about it? Or she doesn't care at all?" Kallen hissed, and now Suzaku stared at her angrily and was quite confused about the sudden topic of choice.
"Why do you care? Do you even know the princess at all? Why are you so sure she is not trying to do something?" Suzaku barked back.
"She is a Britannia princess and-"
"Be careful now, Kallen; don't say something you'll regret," Suzaku interrupted quickly, now incredibly angry and raising his voice. "You seem to forget that Lelouch and Nunnally are also princesses. Not all of them are like Clovis. They are those in the royal family who want to help and do better. And we could help them achieve that."
With fierce determination, Kallen clenched her teeth and forcibly held her tongue, acknowledging deep down that Suzaku had a valid point about the matter at hand.
"I guess you're right about that," Kallen replied, confusing Suzaku slightly. "If we help them... they can achieve all of that."
As Kallen observed Lelouch's smile, her conviction to be with her grew stronger. She firmly believed that Lelouch, as Zero, had the power to bring freedom not only to Japan but to the entire world. In fact, she was so steadfast in this belief that she was willing to stake her very existence on it.
"I don't like you," Kallen then said. "I genuinely don't like you. You're a self-centred individual who believes he is doing everyone a favour. But you're still Lelouch's friend and the person who saved her."
Suzaku scoffed slightly but couldn't help but chuckle after a few seconds. "I don't hate you. In fact, I think you're a very strong person, Kallen. And Lelouch truly cares for you. She loves you, and that's enough for me to like you, even though we disagree."
Kallen sneered at him, entirely annoyed by those words. "You truly know how to get into people's skin, eh?"
Suzaku smiled at her. "Lelouch told me it was one of my greatest weapons. And I then believed it since it's funny to annoy her sometimes."
Kallen scoffed, not doubting for one second that it was true.
"But it's true, Kallen... Whatever you think of me may be true. But I want to help Japan."
"Sure you do..." Kallen muttered, shaking her head, not genuinely trying to keep arguing.
"Kallen, Suzaku. we are hungry!" Lelouch yelled as Nunnally followed her big sister's shenanigans too. "We demand food!"
"We are hungry!" Nunnally added it too.
"Suzaku, order some hamburgers! You're inviting!"
"Yay! Suzaku, you're inviting!"
Kallen and Suzaku decided to leave the difference aside just for today.
Yet, not too far away, a confident man was standing, looking with keen interest at what was unfolding before him.
"Living free is quite nice, eh?" Mao whispered, looking at the girl with red hair with curiosity. All of them and their thoughts are so intriguing to hear. A playground for him, and he would do just that. Mao would make sure to crush them with all his might.
However, as he glanced at the main target of his upcoming plans, Mao found himself utterly furious at the fact that he couldn't hear Lelouch's thoughts.
"How dare you...?! C.C. is the only one I can't hear! She is special. She loves me! You're nothing!" Mao hissed deeply. But he realised that, while he couldn't read the girl's thoughts, he could do the rest, which mattered to him.
"I'll make you pay... Lelouch Vi Britannia. You'll suffer a lot."
Mao whispered before deciding to go and push a certain girl further to the edge. It was all the girl needed—a gentle push—and soon, it would all begin to unfold.