Birthdays
Lelouch vi Britannia- December 5 1999
Nunnally vi Britannia- October 25 2003
Lynn 'Rin' Rossellini- June 28 2000
Kaguya Sumeragi- August 10 2003
Suzaku Kururugi- July 10 2000
Kallen Kozuki -March 29 2000
Milly Ashford- July 2 1999
Shirley Fenette- July 8 2000
Nina Einstein- August 27 2000
Rivalz Cardemonde- July 20 2000
Euphemia li Britannia- October 11 2000
Cornelia li Britannia- January 13 1990
Code Geass and its characters belong to Gorō Taniguchi and Ichirō Ōkouchi.
I only own my OC, Lynn 'Rin' Rossellini (who is not a Mary Sue) and her family.
"Trust is the foundation on which buildings of all relationships are built."- Invajy
Zero's Lady
Chapter 16: The Port Yokosuka Battle
At the Tokyo Settlement…
Lelouch sat with Shirley as the two of them sat down watching the Area 11 Concert Performance of the 7th Britannia Empire Symphony Orchestra together.
Shirley was extremely happy to watch the concert with the guy she was secretly in love with instead of being by herself.
Soon after the concert ended, Lelouch accompanied Shirley back to her house.
"Thank you for coming with me, Lulu."Shirley thanked."I've had a wonderful time."
"I'm glad you did, Shirley."Lelouch said with a small smile."Anything for a friend."
Lelouch and Shirley arrived to the entrance of the Fenette House.
"So I'll see you tomorrow."Shirley remarked.
"Okay."Lelouch said with a nod and began to turn around."Bye."
Just as Lelouch was about to leave, Shirley suddenly spoke up.
"Lulu?"Shirley asked.
"Yes, Shirley?"Lelouch responded.
"At first, I didn't like you. You seemed to have this bored expression that made it look like you didn't care about anything."Shirley exclaimed with a look of admiration."But then, I saw you help out an old couple with a car accident and doing everything with the same bored expression. It made me curious. It made me want to know more about you. And the more I learned, the more I fell in love with you."
The auburn haired girl's face was now completely red.
Shirley moved to embrace Lelouch, but found her shoulders held at the hands of the raven haired boy.
"Shirley, I'm flattered by your words. I actually knew that you had a crush on me, but I didn't expect the infatuation to go this deep."Lelouch stated with a hint of guilt."I…I would urge you to forget about me. Much about what you probably think about me is false. You're an amazing friend and you deserve the best. You deserve someone much better than me."
Rin then came to the exiled prince's mind.
"And besides, my heart belongs to someone else."Lelouch admitted.
There was a moment of silence between the two of them, both taking each others' words.
Finally, Shirley spoke in a cracked voice with her eyes barely blinking back the flood.
"You know, a part of me knew that this would happen. Yet I kept hoping that my biggest desire would come true."Shirley said with a weak smile."Promise me one thing, Lulu? Promise me that this girl, whoever she is, promise me that you'll make her the happiest girl in the world?"
"I will, Shirley."Lelouch answered.
Shirley then made her way towards her house and went inside.
There were few tears starting to come out her soft green eyes, but then the auburn haired girl wiped them away and forced a bright smile on her face before going up her bedroom.
After watching Shirley go safely inside her house, Lelouch then began making his way back to Ashford Academy.
A Few Hours Ago…
Lelouch, Rin, Naoto and the rest of the Black Knights went back to their Mobile Base after their successfully meeting with Kirihara.
"First of all, I think it is best that you all know must now this."Lelouch commented."My name is Lelouch vi Britannia. I am the 11th Prince of the Holy Britannian Empire."
This caused Kallen, Naoto, Rai, Tamaki, Minami, Sugiyama, Yoshida and Inoue to become shocked.
"Lelouch, you're a Britannian Prince?!"Kallen said in disbelief.
"No way!"Rai commented.
"I can't believe this!"Tamaki stated.
Inoue looked at Rin.
"Rin, did you know about this?"Inoue asked.
"Of course, I did. Though I've actually known Zero since childhood."Rin admitted."I was willing to tell you guys before. But I didn't how you guys will react upon learning our leader was a member of the Britannian Royal Family."
Naoto glanced at Lelouch.
"This is definitely the last thing that any of us ever would have expected."Naoto complemented."So you're really a prince of Britannia."
"I'm actually a former prince."Lelouch corrected firmly."Eight years ago, my mother, the 5th Imperial Consort Empress Marianne vi Britannia was assassinated inside our villa home in Pendragon. But also my younger sister Nunnally was caught in the assassination attempt which caused her to lose the use of her eyes and legs."
This caused the Black Knights (except Rin) to become shocked as Lelouch continued talking.
"Not longer after that, me and Nunnally were sent to Japan as hostages and lived in the Kururugi household where we were taken care of."Lelouch explained.
"Hold on."Minami interrupted."You and your sister stayed with the Kururugi Shrine?"
"You two stayed with the late Prime Minister Kururugi and his family?"Sugiyama assumed.
Lelouch nodded at his two comrades.
"Prime Minister Kururugi was the one that let Lelouch and Nunnally stay in his shrine. But it was me and the rest of the Sumeragi Family that were more welcoming to them. Even Lord Kirihara."Rin declared."When Suzaku first met Lelouch, the two of them didn't get along. The first time they actually met was when Lelouch and Nunnally were brought to live in a shabby storeroom. Suzaku was hurting Lelouch, but I interfered and started beating up Suzaku to defend Lelouch and his sister."
"You beat up the now traitor of Japan?"Tamaki chuckled."I'm impressed."
Rin frowned."Not the point."
"Suzaku was so self-centred and often lashed out at Lelouch for being a hostage while he was the heir to the Kururugi name whenever Rin wasn't around."Lelouch commented with a small smirk."But when Rin came by to visit me and Nunnally, he always went away."
"He always made mistakes that made me go to my bad side."Rin said with a shrug."Though some time after, the two of us started to get along with him."
"So that's how the three of you became close."Kallen assumed.
Lelouch and Rin nodded at Kallen.
"Hold on, Zero. One thing is still not clear."Sugiyama stated."Why is a former Prince of Britannia willing to fight against his own homeland? What are you trying to gain?"
"Because I completely know the cruelty and injustice that the imperial family have brought from ruling the premier power of the world and endlessly waging war on all foreign nations to expand and conquer them to cement the dominance of Britannia. I can't clearly ignore this."Lelouch stated with a hint of anger."When my mother was killed, there were various rumours that she was killed by terrorists. But I clearly didn't believe it. My mother was an imperial consort, but she was a commoner by birth. She eventually became one of the Knights of the Round and married my father, the Britannian Emperor. However, this sparked anger and jealousy by the imperial consorts that were born from nobility."
"And that also meant your mother's presence was a problem for them, right?"Naoto suggested.
"Exactly. Especially, me and Nunnally because we were her children."Lelouch responded and started to clench his fist."Anyway, the following day, I requested to have an audience with the emperor and wanted to know why he would allow my mother to be killed, but he said it was old news and a waste of his time."
Stunned looks appeared on Kallen, Naoto, Rai, Tamaki, Minami, Sugiyama, Yoshida and Inoue's faces.
"That is so messed up."Inoue retorted.
"He really said your mother's death meant nothing to him?"Kallen commented.
"What the hell is wrong with that guy?"Tamaki scowled.
"Well, the Emperor had many other wives to keep him amused and always gave a variety of racist speeches."Rin said in disgust."I don't find it surprising that he would say that Lady Marianne's death meant nothing to him. Even if one of his children get killed."
"Me and my sister were always in danger of being used as tools for the sake of war and politics. Especially, after losing our father."Lelouch explained."So after speaking against the Emperor, he sent the two of us to Japan to be used as bargaining tools."
"So, the reason you want to fight against Britannia is just to avenge your mother?"Minami questioned.
Lelouch shook his head.
"No."Lelouch answered with a frown."After Japan was invaded, I've seen the destruction that Britannia has caused from taking over your country. Me, Rin and Suzaku were in the middle of playing together until we notice a swarm of cicadas in the sky coming our way. But the three of us immediately realised the invasion of Japan had began. So, we decided to head back to the Kururugi Shrine to warn Lord Kirihara."
"I remember that day."Rin replied as she looked down."The first thing I did was go back to the Sumeragi home and warn my relatives. But my uncle, the previous head of the Sumeragi Household was already aware of that. So he ordered my mother to bring me and Kaguya in a bomb shelter to save our lives. She said they would come back for the two of us. But…"
Rin paused herself, not wanting to grief to wash over on recalling the memory she lost her mother and the rest of her relatives.
"When the killings and shootings died down, we reunited with each other and have learned from Kirihara that the fighting had stopped after Prime Minister Kururugi had killed himself."Lelouch explained."It seemed as if a miracle had happened that we ended up surviving the invasion despite being only children, but we did. I was so angry that the Emperor had ordered the deaths of so many innocent people. Not only adults. But children too. It was so obvious to me than before that Britannian was rotten to the core. So that's why I have decided to go against Britannia."
The current members of the Black Knights slowly took what their leader had revealed to them.
"So that's what happened."Kallen said.
Rai looked down on the floor.
"So Nunnally lost her eyesight and legs after your mother was killed."Rai stated with a sad frown."Is the murderer a member of the Royal Family?"
"I don't have any proof of that. But that's the most likely scenario."Lelouch stated."And that is why I couldn't tell you guys the truth."
"But it's like Kirihara said, you are a true enemy of Britannia."Yoshida commented.
"You only want to bring freedom and peace to all nations that are enslaved by Britannia, right?"Minami asked.
"Yes."Lelouch replied with a nod."But if any of you don't feel like sticking with me, I won't force you. If you wish to turn back, now is the time."
Kallen, Naoto, Rai, Tamaki, Minami, Sugiyama, Yoshida and Inoue were all silent as all of them took in everything they were told.
"Since I've already knew everything, I've made my decision."Rin assured."I sticking with Zero. What about you guys?"
Kallen looked at Lelouch.
"I'm actually surprised upon learning that you and Nunnally are actually part of the Britannian royal family, Lelouch. Then again, that really explains why the two of you are living in the clubhouse."Kallen admitted."I actually used to hate the idea of being surrounded by Britannians. But after becoming a member of the Student Council in Ashford, I've realised not all Britannians are bad. So I'll follow you to the very end."
"I'm in as well."Rai remarked."You guys are my friends and the ones that took me in."
Lelouch and Rin smiled at their two friends.
"Working with a Britannian Prince was the last thing I ever expected to do."Naoto exclaimed sternly and then smiled."However, you can't judge a book by its cover. I'm still grateful for you saving us in Shinjuku, Zero. Regardless who you are, I still accept you as our leader."
Tamaki, Minami, Sugiyama, Yoshida and Inoue then gave their responds.
"You maybe the son of the man we despise the most, but you showed you are nothing like him. You care about those around you and don't treat them as pawns in a game."Yoshida commented."So, I trust you."
"Not to mention, you've helped us in Saitama and rescue all the people from being killed by Cornelia and her Royal Guard."Minami responded.
"We would've likely being hiding in the ghettos and likely get killed if you never showed up."Sugiyama stated.
"I agree."Inoue complemented."We share a common enemy. No doubt about that."
"Alright. I recognise you as our leader too."Tamaki answered."We're able to kick Britannia's butt because of you. Who else would able to pull that off?"
Rin smiled at Lelouch.
"There you have it, Lelouch."Rin chuckled."All of us have accepted you as the Leader of the Black Knights."
Lelouch smiled at his girlfriend and their comrades.
"Thank you, everyone."Lelouch thanked gratefully."This means a lot."
The Next Morning…
Rin started making her way to the settlement to head to downtown's shopping mall.
The brunette wore a pale turquoise long sleeve shirt with a yellow button-up shirt tied up over it, white trousers and pale blue trainers.
Due to the events that accurred yestarday, Rin was completely relieved that Lelouch had revealed his identity to the Black Knights and have been accepted by them as their leader.
Hopefully, this would also lower down the levels of distrust and suspicion that were going on about Zero now that the Black Knights know who is.
Also, any chance of their enemies to try and using that to their advantage.
The children of Charles zi Britannia often held very high positions of power; Cornelia li Britannia, for example, was the Chief General of the Holy Britannian Army while Schneizel el Britannia was the Prime Minister.
There were also the other children of the Emperor, who led divisions in the army or actually governed one of the Areas under the Emperor's control.
But Schneizel el Britannia was the most dangerous one since he was known as the chess master and deep down was one of those psychotic people in the world. Because behind his charismatic manner, the Prime Minister of Britannia was manipulative, cunning, and ruthless.
Rin immediately realised that from the moment her eyes connected with his when she went with her father to visit Pendragon as a little girl and she saw Lelouch having a chess match with him.
It often wondered the brunette how would Zero and the Black Knights would actually beat him.
However, what was more important now is for Lelouch to plan the next move of the Black Knights now that they had the trust and support of Lord Kirihara.
The world was filled with racism, betrayal, corruption and violence.
But hopefully all of that will change someday.
Just all of them had to be careful of the actions they will take.
Rin began to hum lightly before a familiar voice suddenly rang out her name.
"Hey, Rin!"
Rin turned around and saw Shirley coming towards her.
"Oh, hey Shirley."Rin greeted with a smile."Why are you here?"
"That's my line. I'm here shopping. Since my diary has filled up, I was thinking of buying a new one."Shirley explained and got an idea."I know! Hey, are you doing anything at the moment?"
"Well, not exactly."Rin answered.
"Then since you're here anyway, why don't you come shopping with me?"Shirley suggested."You can help me pick out a new diary."
Rin gives a nod in respond.
"Alright."Rin replied."Which store do you want to go?"
"First, let's go to the place at my favourite stationary shop."Shirley suggested.
Shirley and Rin walked to a normal looking stationary shop.
At the diary section of the store, there will all kinds of diaries gathered there in rich variety.
"Do you think this one is cute?"Shirley asked.
"Yes, but the price…"Rin started with a sheepish smile.
Shirley notice the diary had an expensive price causing her to frown.
"Aw and it's a really nice one!"Rin complained.
The two girls carefully considered this or that from among various diaries and then finally Shirley picked one.
The diary was a pink notebook with darker pink pattern and yellow writing on the cover which said 'Diary' on it.
"Yes! I'll take this one!"Rin declared with a happy smile."This one is perfect! The colour is pink, but it's big enough to write a lot of memories in it. Don't you think, Naomi?"
"Yes, you're right."Rin chuckled.
After buying the diary, Shirley and Rin headed out of the shop.
"So how are your parents, Shirley?"Rin asked.
"They're fine."Shirley replied."My father was actually caught in the landslide of the Narita Mountains and got a wound on his head, but he is still alive. My mother is at home looking after him."
Rin felt butterflies in her stomach at Shirley's sentence.
"Oh…that's good to hear."Rin remarked and thought."Oh my gosh. Shirley's father was caught in the landslide of the Narita Mountains. But luckily, his alive. I can't imagine how painful it would've been for Shirley and her mother, if he didn't-"
Rin immediately snapped out of her thoughts, not wanting to finish her sentence.
"So does your father have a job, Shirley?"Rin asked..
"Yes, he does."Shirley answered."My dad is working as a scientist in a laboratory."
"Working as a scientist?"Rin said in surprise."That's a cool job."
Shirley nodded in agreement.
"My dad is a caring and loving man towards me and my mum."Shirley exclaimed happily."He said when I was little that if I truly love someone and he cares for me just as much, it would make him the happiest father on Earth."
Rin fell quiet for a moment as she thought about the happy times she had with her parents before the invasion of Japan happened.
"That's nice."Rin declared with a small smile."So what is this job his doing?"
"I don't know."Shirley said with a hint of confusion."But I hope his not involved in something dangerous or anything."
"I see."Rin responded gently.
A slight suspicious look grew on Rin's face.
"Mr Fenette is working a scientist. Then what was he doing around the Narita Mountains then?"Rin thought."The only laboratory that existed near the Narita Mountains was the one that belonged to-"
"Oh, a crepe van!"Shirley spoke up, snapping Rin out of her thoughts."Let's buy some!"
Rin paid some money to buy her and Shirley two crepes.
Shirley's crepe was with strawberries and cream while Rin's was with matcha ice cream and shiratama.
"These crepes are really good."Shirley complemented in joy.
"They sure are."Rin agreed as she munched on her crepe before talking again."My mum used to tell me that adding good things in a crepe boasts a wonderfully moist mouthfeel and plenty of sweetness."
Shirley notice a sad look appearing on Rin's face.
"What's wrong, Rin?"Shirley asked.
"Sorry."Rin apologised with a weak smile."I haven't talked much about my mother since Japan was invaded."
Shirley looked at Rin, but didn't say anything.
But then a bright expression appeared on the brunette's face.
"So how did your date with Lelouch go?"Rin asked.
"Well…it was great. It was wonderful to be able to go to the concert together."Shirley remarked and then her smile shrunk a bit."When he brought me home, I revealed my feelings towards him. But it turns out Lulu is in love with someone else."
Rin bit her lip before opening her mouth to speak.
"Shirley."Rin responded."You see…"
"I guess Lulu was talking about you."Shirley commented."You're the one that he is in love with."
Rin's cheeks turned pink upon hearing Shirley realising that Lelouch was talking about her.
"Shirley, I'm very sorry."Rin apologised with a regretful tone."I should've told you sooner. But I didn't want to hurt your feelings by telling you about me and Lelouch."
"There is no reason for you to think that, Rin."Shirley assured with a smile."It actually doesn't bother me at all."
A surprised look appeared on Rin's face.
"But I thought-"Rin started.
"Really. I'm totally fine of the fact that Lulu isn't going to be my guy."Shirley stated."I mean face it. He is a handsome guy, but I don't actually know anything about him. You've known him in childhood like Suzaku has and seem to be very close to him. Since he appreciates having you that proves he really likes you."
Rin looks at Shirley with a grateful expression, feeling touched by her words.
"Shirley…"Rin said softly.
"It's alright, Rin. You and Lulu have my support."Shirley declared with a wink."Make him happy."
"Thank you. I will."Rin responded gratefully."You're a great friend."
"You too, Rin."Shirley admitted.
Rin and Shirley then continued eating their crepes together, completely unaware that a lady with amber eyes was watching them from her car.
In Ashford Academy…
Lelouch was speaking with Kallen and Rai of the Black Knights' next move as they made their way to the Student Council Room.
"Port Yokosuka?"Rai said.
"That's right."Lelouch responded with a nod."We got a request from Lord Kirihara to help General Katase, the leader of the Japan Liberation Front, escape. Unfortunately, Cornelia is attending to wipe them out in order to get back at us on her defeat in the Narita Mountains."
A scoff escaped from Kallen's mouth.
"This is really annoying."Kallen retorted."First Prince Clovis causes the massacre in Shinjuku to cover his secret. Now the Emperor sends Princess Cornelia to sink Japan further into dirt."
Lelouch was silent for a moment before he continued speaking to his friends.
"The JLF suffered heavy losses prior to our involvement at Narita."Lelouch exclaimed."General Katase is one of the few remaining leaders of the group aside from Tohdoh, who won't be able to make it in time to assist with the evacuation."
"But if we help General Katase won't that also mean the Four Holy Swords will consider joining the Black Knights?"Rai suggested."Our numbers seem to be growing every single day."
Kallen glanced at Rai with an amused smile.
"For someone who hadn't recovered his memories yet, you seem to always see the bigger picture, Rai."Kallen remarked.
A shy look appeared on Rai's face as he blushed a bit.
"Yeah, I guess you're right about that."Rai responded.
Lelouch, Kallen and Rai arrived inside the Student Council Room, only to find Milly, Suzaku and Rivalz inside.
Nina was also inside though a few blocks away, typing on her laptop.
"Hey, guys."Rivalz greeted.
Lelouch notice Rin and Shirley weren't in the room as he, Kallen and Rai went to sit down on their seats.
"Where are Shirley and Rin, Madam President?"Lelouch asked.
"Rin went out to buy ingredients that she will use to make the munchies for Kaguya's welcoming party."Milly exclaimed."Shirley probably went with her."
Surprised looks appeared on Lelouch, Kallen, Rai and Suzaku.
"Kaguya is going to attend Ashford Academy?"Suzaku questioned.
"Of course."Milly responded."It was Rin's idea."
"Didn't she tell you?"Rivalz questioned.
"Umm…no."Suzaku said with a sheepish smile."I've been too busy with the military."
"Did the Principal agree with Rin's idea?"Kallen said gently.
"He did."Milly answered."Though my grandfather was against at first, but Rin then told him her relation to Kaguya and promised him she won't be any trouble."
"That sounds like Rin."Lelouch said with a smirk and thought."If Shirley is with Rin, then I guess that means she told her about us."
"That is neat that we're having a member of the Kyoto House joining the Student Council."Rai chuckled."It almost sounds almost like a celebrity."
"Yeah."Suzaku answered with a nod."But the only problem with Kaguya is that she supports the Black Knights."
"I don't see how that is a problem, Suzaku."Rivalz complemented."The Black Knights are actually really cool. They're getting rid of any bad guys that try to harm the weak."
Nina's hands nervously shook as she paused herself from typing.
"But they're Eleven terrorists."Nina reminded.
"What of it, Nina? They are heroes of justice just like Zero said they were."Milly complemented."Remember they saved our lives including Rai, Nunnally and Alice back at the Lake Kawaguchi Hotel. I don't think the police would've been able to pull that off."
Lelouch, Kallen and Rai all smiled at Rivalz and Milly's responds.
It seemed very slowly that their friends were understanding what the three of them and the Black Knights were truly are.
Then Shirley came into the Student Council Room while holding a grocery bag.
"Madam President, here are the ingredients for Kaguya's cake."Shirley declared.
"Great."Milly remarked."We'll start baking as soon as Rin comes back."
Lelouch became concerned when he notice Rin wasn't with Shirley.
"Shirley, where's Rin?"Lelouch questioned."Weren't you two together?"
"We were, Lelouch."Shirley answered."But she said she had something to do back in her place and will join us later."
"I see."Lelouch responded.
At the Tokyo Settlement…
Rin was making her way back in the Sumeragi Residence.
However, when the brunette was just a couple of minutes away from her destination, the brunette came across a stern and serious dark skinned woman.
It was Villetta Nu.
"Are you Lynn Rossellini?"Villetta asked.
"Yes."Rin said."Can I help you?"
"My name is Villetta Nu, Britannian Military."Villetta replied."I was hoping you could help me in an investigation."
"An investigation?"Rin said in confusion.
Rin was then inside the car with Villetta.
"My investigation is into a possible terrorist involvement at your school Ashford Academy."Villetta declared.
"Huh?!"Rin gasped in a disbelief tone, acting as a harmless girl that didn't want to believe that terrorists were operating at her school."What do you mean? There can't be terrorists at Ashford!"
Despite her acting, Villetta didn't look affected by Rin's outburst.
Instead, the former member of the Pure Bloods brought out a file and took out a photo and handed it to Rin.
"I believe one of your classmates has been in contact with the Black Knights possibly even Zero."Villetta stated."I think you're familiar with my primary suspect."
Rin looked at the photo and paled at the person that Villetta suspected.
It was Lelouch.
There was a wave of panic growing within the brunette, but kept a calm expression.
"Yes. That's my friend, Lelouch Lamperouge."Rin responded."Why would you think his connected with terrorism?"
"I came across this boy during the massacre of the Shinjuku Ghetto and found him in a building where members of the Royal Guard were laying down on the ground dead."Villetta exclaimed."I confronted him with my Sutherland, but soon after that I suffered some sort of memory lapse. By the time I regained my senses, my Sutherland had been stolen."
"Oh…that is very unfortunate."Rin commented, being careful with her words."But what all this has to do with me?"
"If he talks to you, you can learn what's his role is in the Black Knights."Villetta declared."Which is all the more important he can manipulate memory somehow."
An annoyed glare appeared on Rin's face.
"So this is what it's all about."Rin scoffed."You're planning to use me in order to find a link to Zero just so you can be rewarded to nobility by Princess Cornelia."
Villetta was shocked when Rin just said that to her.
"Not at all. You're the second daughter of Viscount Rossellini."Villetta replied."But you're not entirely accepted by your family due to only being half-Britannian. However, if you can help me find a link to Zero, you'll-"
"I'll what? Get a pat on the back from the Emperor for helping him take down people that speak out for the corrupted psycho that he is?"Rin retorted in an irritated tone."Just what do you take me for? I'm not stupid. I've seen many people like you doing something like this before. Using people as bargaining chips for their own personal gain in order to earn a real title of nobility and would take any links to achieve it. Whether the people they use will live or end up dead by their own ambition. Well, sorry to break it to you. But I will not be your pawn to use for your own selfish needs and prevent you from dying with being stripped of your position and honour."
"No, I-"Villetta started.
"Since we are done here, I bid you good evening, Miss Nu."Rin declared.
Rin then got out of the car and closed the door behind her before heading off, leaving an angry Villetta by herself.
Later that Evening…
Zero, Shade and the Black Knights met up at Port Yokosuka, facing forward to go on with their next plan of action as the sun was setting down. The one who provided the intel on Cornelia's movements was Diethard Ried; the very same camera who recorded Zero on his first debut.
The leader of the Black Knights was sitting gracefully on the top of a low rubble pile, with several Knightmares behind him, including the Guren Mk-II, the Rosen and the Gekka.
"Our job will be aiding General Katase in his escape by destroying Cornelia's Knights and the Royal marines since Kyoshiro Tohdoh won't be able to make it in time to assist with the evacuation and the Japan Liberation Front suffered heavy losses prior to our involvement at Narita."Zero declared."Therefore, it's up to us to secure the escape route. Be prepared! Tonight, we ride to fight!"
Everyone in the Black Knights cheered at their leader while Diethard smiled in approval.
"Begin preparations."Zero ordered."You all have your orders to carry out."
Shade follows after Zero causing Naoto to look at her for a moment before following after his younger sister and their companions.
Meanwhile…
Suzaku Kururugi stands at attention silently in front of General Andreas Darlton, one of Cornelia's close security guard.
"Just so you know, the viceroy disapproves the use of numbers, but 'use every able body', I always say."Darlton commented."Even if it's the son of the former prime minister."
Suzaku remained quiet as he listened to the security guard before him.
"Our target is Katase. Take him out and the Japan Liberation Front is finished. We are sending in the Royal Marines."Darlton explained."Your job will be provide supporting fire from the shore until the marines have Katase. As well as eliminate any stragglers left over."
A stunned look grew on Suzaku's face.
"I'm to annihilate them, sir?"Suzaku asked.
"Nobody but the target is to survive."Darlton declared sternly."Is that clear?"
Suzaku was lost for words.
He felt repulsed on having to order to kill his fellow Japanese, when the only reason that he wanted to join Britannia was to save lives.
However, the Honorary Britannian didn't want to disobey his superior officer.
"Warrant Officer Kururugi, time to show your loyalty to Britannia."Darlton commented and paused with his back turned to Suzaku."This is also a chance to get ahead of the world, soldier."
Darlton gave a smirk and moved away to meet up with the Viceroy.
Suzaku's gaze fell on the floor, trying hard to accept the order that he even didn't want to do.
If Rin and Kaguya both learned about what he was going to do, both of them would be so disappointed with him.
"Yes, my lord."Suzaku murmured.
Then Lloyd walked in and stood next to Suzaku.
"Onward, Christian soldiers?"Lloyd sneered."Conflicting morals, right?"
At Port Yokosuka…
The sun had set down and it was now night time.
The Black Knights were preparing their Knightmares and weapons for their upcoming conquest.
On the other hand, the Britannians were waiting to strike under Cornelia's word of order to attack the Japan Liberation Front.
Villetta was wandering around the cargos and around the harbour, looking for Lelouch.
It would've been easier for her if Rin followed after him, but the Britannian half-breed rejected to help her.
"The student named Lelouch is supposed to be around here somewhere."Villetta said with a troubled look.
Suddenly, the former member of the Pure Bloods became alarmed when she heard a clicking sound and saw Diethard come forward holding a gun.
"Hand over the documents."Diethard instructed.
"Who do you think you're pointing that at?!"Villetta scowled.
"Joining Zero sounded more entertaining than joining the Pure Bloods."Diethard remarked.
Villetta became angry at Diethard's words.
"Useless TV man!"Villetta snapped."And you call yourself a Britannian!"
Villetta rushed forward, only for Diethard to shoot her, making her drop the document she held before falling into the water.
Then Shade came up to Diethard as he picked up the document.
"Is she gone?"Shade asked.
"I don't know."Diethard responded."It's possible that she is still breathing."
Diethard gave the document to Shade and the brunette became shocked to see a file contained details about Lelouch.
"Crud. Miss Nu wasn't joking when she said she had suspicion on Lelouch being linked to the Black Knights."Shade thought with a hint of worry."If she ever ended up delivering this file to Cornelia, it's all over for us."
Shade then brought her attention to Diethard.
"I'll deliver these to Zero, Diethard."Shade stated."It's best if you go to your position like everyone else."
Diethard nodded."Very well, Shade."
After parting ways with Diethard, Shade went inside the warehouse and found Lelouch there with his mask off.
The former prince was sitting next to their Knightmares and had his mask off.
Shade takes off her mask, revealing her face.
"Hey, Lelouch."Rin greeted."I've got something to show you."
"Hmm?"Lelouch said.
Rin showed the document to Lelouch.
"It turns out the only female of the disbanded Pure Bloods by the name of Villetta Nu came here with this file."Rin exclaimed."I've learned from Diethard that she and Jeremiah asked him to investigate a student in Ashford Academy. It turns out she was talking about you."
Lelouch looked at the document and became surprised at seeing a file that had information about him.
"I guess my encounter with her in Shinjuku was the thing that led me to her."Lelouch commented with a frown."Where is she now?"
"Diethard shot her and she fell in the ocean."Rin answered and frowned."But this morning she came over to me and asked if I can question you about your connections to the Black Knights for her."
"She did?"Lelouch said in disbelief.
"Yeah. Though I said no and refused to help her since I knew she was planning to use me for her own benefit."Rin exclaimed."Seriously, Lelouch. You really need to be careful on who and where you use your Geass. One wrong move can possibly lead you to a foul end."
A slight chuckle escaped Lelouch's mouth.
"You're right, Rin."Lelouch responded."I should not act so overconfident just because I have the power of Geass."
Rin then hugged Lelouch while putting her arms around his neck.
"Lelouch, I don't want anything bad to happen you."Rin declared sternly."You're the only man that I would ever love in this world. Without you, my life is over."
Lelouch looked at Rin in the eyes.
"You're right."Lelouch murmured."Sorry."
Lelouch leaned forward and kissed Rin's lips firmly, one hand remaining on her arm while the other went to the back of her neck.
As his lips moved against hers, she also did so, though more experienced than he.
He could tell by the way she innocently pushed her lips against his and then slightly pulled away for a second before returning to him.
He gently moved his hands to rest on the middle of her back, holding her in his embrace.
Rin shivered for a moment before leaning back into his arms, her hands against his chest.
The brunette then broke away from the kiss between her and Lelouch.
"Shall we go?"Lelouch asked smugly."It's almost time for our operation."
Rin nodded with a shy smile on her face.
Back at Ashford Academy…
C.C was wearing a red jacket and her lime green hair was pulled in her hat.
The Immortal Witch strode through the grounds and stopped when it began to snow.
"What am I doing?"C.C questioned."I just can't afford to make the same mistake here all over again."
Somewhere…
A man wearing purple glasses and earmuffs with his white hair pulled back was walking near Port Yokosuka.
At Port Yokosuka…
"It is time."Darlton ordered.
"Commence the Operation!"Cornelia ordered.
Cornelia sends in the Royal Marines in Portland Knightmares underwater while the Lancelot and some Sutherlands take position above.
The Marines in their Knightmare Frames detach of their drop docks and into the pool of the ocean water below.
They speed through the waves and continue through the harbor.
Sutherlands along with the Lancelot moves along the dock ridge to provide covering fire for the Portland Knightmares.
They then smashed through an underwater wall at the site.
At another port, the Black Knights were in position.
Naoto contacted Zero from inside his Knightmare.
"Zero! Cornelia started her assault!"Naoto informed."Shall we make our move?"
"Hold on a second, Naoto."Zero declared."Let Shade gave out the signal first."
"Signal?"Naoto said in confusion.
The Lancelot along with several Sutherlands arrived at their planned point and pointed their guns at the freighter of the Japan Liberation Front.
From inside the Lancelot, Suzaku watched with a hint of disgust at seeing the Sutherlands shot at the freighter.
"This isn't battle."Suzaku murmured."This is wholesale slaughter."
Cecile then contacted Suzaku inside the Lancelot.
"Officer Kururugi."Cecile said.
"Go ahead."Suzaku responded.
"I certainly know this must be hard for you."Cecile commented."But you are a soldier, remember that."
"Right, I understand."Suzaku responded.
The Royal Marines began close in on the freighter.
From inside the Rosen, Shade smirked as she watched the Portmans started boarding the freighter while holding a control switch on her left hand.
"They're sitting ducks."Shade commented.
A soldier from one of the Portmans contacted Cornelia.
"You're Highness, we've checked inside the freighter."the soldier responded."But it doesn't seem that there is nobody inside."
An irritated look appeared on Cornelia's face.
"Pardon?"Cornelia scowled.
"Just what are you saying?"Guilford retorted.
"Sir, there's really nobody inside the freighter of the JLF."A second soldier admitted."It's utterly empty."
"Empty?"Darlton said in confusion.
Then a horrified look appeared on Cornelia's face as she contacted her comrades.
"All of you get out of there!"Cornelia demanded.
Inside the Rosen…
Shade pressed the control switch she held.
"Arrivederci."Shade sneered.
Below the freighter was revealed to have various explosives that started to vibrate and strange pink sticky substances started gushing out, making the ship shake violently.
Then…
BANG!
The freighter exploded in smithereens, taking with it the Portmans that boarded on it.
The explosion created large winds that were blowing in every direction.
At the port, Cornelia saw the explosion and was shocked.
"I can't believe this!"Cornelia growled."The freighter was a damn decoy!"
From inside the Lancelot, Suzaku couldn't believe what he heard and saw with his own eyes.
"So, General Katase and his soldiers weren't inside the freighter?"Suzaku said with a hint of relief.
From inside his Knightmare, Naoto was stunned at seeing the freighter explode.
"Did Rin just-"Naoto started.
Zero then contacted Naoto.
"Don't worry, Kozuki."Zero informed."The JLF wasn't inside the freighter. That was just a ship used as a decoy to trick Cornelia and her soldiers."
"A decoy?"Naoto asked in awe."I'm impressed."
Zero then contacted Kallen, Rai and the rest of the Black Knights.
"All Black Knights! Now it's our chance!"Zero declared."Show Cornelia and her forces our strength and determination!"
"Right!"Kallen responded.
"Let's do it!"Rai chuckled.
Kallen in her Guren Mk-II, Rai in the Gekka Pre-Production, Zero in his Commander Type-Burai and several Black Knights in their own Burais all rushed out to attack their enemies.
Cornelia and her soldiers then got a report of Zero and his Black Knights appearing and ready to fight.
"Mount up now!"Darlton ordered."And form a defensive of line, on the double!"
"How did they know we were here!?"Cornelia demanded.
Zero gave the Black Knights their orders as they made their way to confront the Britannian forces.
"Before the pilots can board, knock their Knightmares into the sea!"Zero ordered."Guren Mk-II, you're with me!"
"Right!"Kallen responded determinedly.
"Rai! You stay close as Kallen's support!"Zero instructed."Don't let any of those imperial guards get close to Cornelia!"
Rai nodded."Roger!"
Guilford contacted Cornelia in her Gloucester.
"Your Highness, we can handle this."Guilford insisted.
"Quiet!"Cornelia snapped."How many times do you think I will allow them to mock me?! I will not have a repeat of Narita!"
There was a sudden crash and Cornelia was surprised to see Zero's Burai.
Zero's Burai rammed into Cornelia's Gloucester and crashed her through the wall.
"I haven't even powered on!"Cornelia scowled.
Cornelia's Gloucester went through the wall and crashed into one of the large crates
"Do you think you can best me in Knightmare combat!?"Cornelia demanded.
Cornelia had her Gloucester raise its arm that held an Assault Rifle, but the arm was struck by a slash harken disarming her Knightmare.
The 2nd Princess of Britannia then saw it was the Guren Mk-II.
"That new model again?"Cornelia retorted..
"I'll smash your hatch and drag you out, Cornelia!"Zero vowed.
Just before he can approach his half-sister, Zero stopped to look at his monitor which showed an enemy unit coming at high speed.
"The Lancelot!"Zero scowled.
The Lancelot suddenly leaps over a stack of crates and struck Zero's Burai away.
"Zero, your method is not going to change anything!"Suzaku scowled."No matter if you only focus on goals, you will only cause more destruction!"
Then the Guren Mk-II appeared and attacked the Lancelot to move it away from Zero's Burai.
"Get the hell away from him!"Kallen snapped.
Rai made the Gekka Pre-Production rush through enemy quarters and destroyed two Sutherlands in his path.
The silver haired boy became alarmed when he caught sight of an enemy unit, only to become shocked to what he saw.
It was a pale purple coloured Knightmare with a Jousting Lance and drew the same type of dual MVSs that was equipped for the Lancelot.
It was the Osenain!
"You're-"Rai started.
"Greetings, Black Knight. I'm Nonette Enneagram. The Knight of Nine."Nonette greeted with a smirk."I was actually expecting to face Zero, but I guess I have to take care of you first before I do that."
Rai glared at Nonette.
Nonette piloted the Osenain and charged towards the Gekka Pre-Production with her Jousting Lance in hand.
In return, the Gekka Pre-Production rushed forward and reached out his deadly red left arm to deliver a killer blow.
However, the Osenain stopped it with her lance in an excellent and agile manoeuvre.
"As expected you stopped me from grabbing you."Rai retorted."Then I'll take your lance!"
A scoff escaped Nonette's mouth.
"This degree of attack won't be enough to stop me!"Nonette commented.
The Osenain fired her Slash Harken towards the Gekka Pre-Production.
However, Rai made the Gekka Pre-Production sprang backwards quickly and took up a defensive posture against the Slash Harken's angle of attack.
The Slash Harken of the Osenain scrapped over the Gekka's armour, but the damage didn't leave any scratches and instead it's course changed upward.
Seeing his chance, Rai made the Gekka Pre-Production take out his Revolving-Blade Katana to slash the Osenain.
However, in an instant, the Osenain's hand swiftly grasped and restrained the Gekka's hand that held the sword.
"Damn!"Rai cursed."She predicted my movements!"
Rai made the Gekka immediately move back, only to get hit by the Osenain's Slash Harken.
"Ugh!"Rai groaned.
"I have to say you fought well."Nonette informed with a mischievous smile."But I'm afraid our fun have to end."
Rai paled as he watched the Osenain charged towards him with her Jousting Lance in her hands.
However, the Rosen suddenly appeared by jumping into the air and releasing her own Slash Harken to prevent the Osenain from destroying the Gekka Pre-Production.
The Rosen landed in front of the Osenain to protect the Gekka Pre-Production.
Shade opened her channel to Rai.
"Rai, are you okay?"Shade questioned in concern.
"I'm fine, Shade."Rai answered gratefully."Thanks."
Shade turned to glare at the Osenain.
"Sorry, Knight of Nine."Shade mocked in an fake apologetic tone."If you want to take him, you'll have to fight me first."
"The one piloting the pink Knightmare."Nonette sneered."You're Zero's right hand known as Shade, right?"
"That's right."Shade said in a slight firm tone.
Nonette smirked."You don't sound very happy to see me."
Shade gripped her controls with a hint of fear since she was going up against one of the very people that trained her in combat back in Pendragon eight years ago.
But the masked brunette quickly swallowed down her fear when she remembered the words that Empress Marianne told her about fear.
"Face your fears and don't allow your mind to hold you captive."
A confident expression then grew on Shade's face as she stared at the opponent before her.
"I'm not."Shade said with a frown and then smiled smugly."But don't expect me to be beaten easily because you're a Knight of the Round."
The Rosen went on its fighting position, ready to use its sword.
"Go ahead and try."Nonette challenged.
The Rosen and the Osenain then started fighting against each other.
Diethard was on top of a tower and looked through his binoculars, only to see the tanker that General Katase had chartered slip off into the waters, heading off towards the Chinese Federation.
"I was expecting to see Zero use the JLF as bait to make their command wide open, but this works too."Diethard thought with a smirk."Though I expect to see more of your excellent material and chaos incarnate, Zero! More! Show me more of your genius! Let your ego engulf the world!"
Diethard let out an excited laugh as he ran from his post and went down the ladder.
A couple of the Black Knights finished destroying a group of Portman while Naoto fought against Guilford with his own Knightmare; the Samurai.
The Samurai dodged the Slash Harkens of Guilford's Gloucester by doing a big jump and took out his missile gun causing Cornelia's Knight to take cover in a hangar.
Guilford's Gloucester then moved to the other side of the cargo to attack the Samurai, but it was gone.
"Where did he go?"Guilford snarled.
"Right here!"Naoto sneered.
The Samurai took out his sword and slashed Guilford's Gloucester causing sparks to emerge from where it was damage.
"No! It's not possible!"Guilford denied."I'm Princess Cornelia's Knight!"
Guilford quickly ejected from his Gloucester just before it exploded.
An angry look grew on Cornelia's face at the report of the JLF's escape.
"General Katase escaped?!"Cornelia questioned.
"I'm afraid so, Princess."Darlton commented grimly.
A slight scowl escaped Cornelia's mouth upon realising that she had now being defeated from the third time by Zero and the Black Knights.
It's obvious that Emperor Charles will not be pleased about this.
Inside Zero's Burai…
Zero then got a contact from Sugiyama as he watched the Guren Mk-II fight off against the Lancelot.
"Zero!"Sugiyama called out."We just received word from General Katase's men! They've just entered international waters!"
From behind his mask, Lelouch smirked at their success.
"Good."Zero responded."Then our work here is done."
In the Ocean…
The tanker that General Katase and the remaining soldiers of the JLF were in was making its journey to the Chinese Federation.
"Sir."A JLF Soldier spoke up."It's seems that Cornelia's forces aren't aiming at us."
"Then that means Miss Sumeragi's plan worked."General Katase complemented and smiled slightly."It seems there is a student of Tohdoh that haven't disappointed us as Lord Kirihara said. Unlike Prime Minister Kururugi's son."
Zero and the Black Knights have helped General Katase escape. Again, not so canon.
See you all in the next chapter:)