A/N: Hello everyone, I am back with chapter twelve of this story. Here, the events of "Battle for Narita" are covered.
Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass
The scene began with C.C. recapping what had just occurred.
"What the hell is the point of this?" asked Tamaki annoyed.
"Yeah, it's not like we weren't there." agreed Sugiyama.
"Some of us weren't and it is kind of helpful." replied Rivalz.
"But we just saw what happened." noted Gino.
"It is presented as if it was a two-part episode of a television show." stated Anya.
Things began properly with Darlton surveying the devastation.
"What are our loses?" asked Darlton.
"I've only got signal from twenty percent of our forces." answered a soldier.
"Twenty-percent? Our command structure can't sustain this." said Darlton shaken.
"The largest and most powerful army in the world done in by a single landslide." mused Rakshata.
"You must admit, Lelouch did know how to exploit any situation. His cunning cannot be denied." said Xingke.
"This Marceau unit. I can't raise General Alex. It looks like the entire Second Division has been wiped out!" said a female Britannian soldier.
"I talked to General Alex once or twice. He was a good soldier. Left a wife and two daughters behind." said Gino.
Oghi couldn't help but wince at this.
"Prime Minister, it's not like it shouldn't be obvious the Britannian soldiers had families. We had families as well. But, war is war." said Chiba bluntly.
"I know, but hearing that is still hard." replied Oghi.
The scene shifted to Lloyd, Cecile, and Suzaku.
"Lloyd, what's going on?" asked Suzaku.
"Um, it's very unnatural." stated Lloyd.
"Unnatural?" repeated Suzaku confused.
"There seems to be an unconfirmed report that the Black Knights have appeared." revealed Lloyd smiling.
"Zero." noted Suzaku.
"Congratulations, this is our chance." said Lloyd.
"My men were buried alive and you wanted to test out your little toy." said Cornelia disgusted.
"As I recall, this "little toy" was quite useful in saving you here." noted Lloyd.
"Lloyd." said Suzaku upset.
"You're so rash." added Cecile disapprovingly.
"Whoa? Why is that?" asked Lloyd.
Cecile smiled.
"Would you like a detailed explanation?" asked Cecile.
"Eeh, no, I will pass." answered Lloyd, worried.
"Ah, you see Cecile's most valuable asset." stated Lloyd.
"And what's that?" asked Oghi.
"Proving me with something I lack: a conscious." answered Lloyd.
The scene cut to outside and zoomed in on the G-1 base.
"Anyway, while the high command's still gathering data, all we can do is play it by ear, right?" asked Lloyd.
Inside the base, the officers discussed the situation while Euphemia watched on worried.
"Is the viceroy safe?" asked an officer.
"Yes, she was outside the mud flow. But the units guarding her flanks were lost. That means she's totally isolated." answered a second officer.
"What the hell are those Pure Bloods doing?" asked a third officer.
"Being destroyed by the same Elevens they didn't deem worthy of joining them." answered Rakshata.
Kallen captured another Sutherland revealed to be piloted by Kewell. Kallen activated her Radiant Wave Surger which began to fry the Sutherland as Kewell tried to move.
"C'mon, move! I can't lose to Eleven! I am a Britannian!" declared Kewell.
Kewell's Sutherland exploded killing him.
"Lord Kewell!" cried Villetta.
"If Lilycia was shaken by my death, I cannot imagine how hurt Marika must have been." said Jeremiah somberly.
"Kewell's death is the entire reason she served under Sir Bradley." revealed Villetta.
Needless to say, nobody was exactly thrilled to be reminded of the Vampire of Britannia.
"All right. Guren-Mk II, move to the planned point. We'll break through the rest of their lines and take Cornelia." ordered Zero.
"Right." agreed Kallen.
"All right, let's pull this off." said Sugiyama.
"Fight to the death!" ordered Villetta.
The Sutherlands fired causing a Black Knight Burai to crash.
"Sugiyama, you okay?" asked Tamaki.
Sugiyama emerged from his cockpit.
"Yeah." answered Sugiyama, a bit shaken.
Scenes were shown of several Black Knights being killed, one being wounded, and others on the move.
"That's right. Move swiftly. If you survive this battle, you can call yourself a true warrior. And afterward..." said Lelouch.
"And afterward what?!" asked Tamaki annoyed.
He would use his Geass to seek answers about the death of Lady Marianne.
"Death." said Anya softly and bitterly.
The scene returned to the G-1 base.
"The Pure Bloods are holding their ground?" asked an officer.
"Yes sir. Under Lady Villetta's command." answered a soldier.
"Miss Nu, I never did properly thank you. You bought valuable time by holding your ground." said Cornelia.
"Thank you, ma'am." replied Villeta blushing.
"Then use the moment for the viceroy to retreat. send air cover." said an officer.
However, Euphemia noticed something.
"No wait. Something's approaching the Viceroy from behind." noted Euphemia urgently.
That something turned out to be Tohdoh and the Holy Swords.
"Better late than never I suppose." said Lloyd.
"Lloyd." reprimanded Cecile sternly.
"See what I mean?" asked Lloyd, amused.
"All units, are you ready?" asked Tohdoh.
"Yes sir." answered the Holy Swords.
"All right. Deploy the custom Burais." ordered Tohdoh.
"Deploy." said the Holy Swords.
"General, how exactly did you guys join up anyway?" asked Gino curiously.
"Asahina and Chiba served under m at Itsukushima. When we joined the JLF, Urabe and Senba joined us." answered Tohdoh.
"Listen carefully: if this landslide was manmade, it should allow us to hit Cornelia from behind. capture Cornelia now. Take revenge for what happened seven years ago." ordered Tohdoh.
"Even before joining the Black Knights, it seems you and Lelouch were on the same page." mused Kaguya.
"Once we were informed over the radio about the landslide and Black Knights arrived it was clearly connected. I predicted his actions based on what little we knew about Zero and what I assume his strategy was." explained Tohdoh.
"Damn, he is good." mused Gino impressed.
"Yes sir, by the honor of the Four Holy Swords." said the four members.
"What?" asked Cornelia, in her Knightmare.
Tohdoh and the Four Holy Swords made their move attacking Cornelia's forces.
"Protect her highness." ordered Guilford.
"The Japan Liberation Front?" asked Cornelia, surprised.
"Now with an even playing field." stated Chiba proudly.
"And I think I know who you can thank." replied Cornelia.
Cornelia looked at a certain Indian scientist smoking her pipe.
"I don't know what you're talking about." said Rakshata, feigning ignorance.
"Slash and encircle." ordered Tohdoh.
"Right!" replied the Holy Swords.
Tohdoh cut down a Britannian Sutherland.
"These are not just any Burais." noted Tohdoh.
"This reminds me of seven years ago." said Asahina.
"But it's different now. This time, we have Knightmares as well." said Chiba smiling.
"Asahina. Senba. Urabe. If only it weren't for that damn Lelouch. You would be here today." thought Chiba sadly.
"Your highness, leave them to us. Please, you have to withdraw for now." said Guilford.
"Very well. I know a way to turn this around. Guilford." agreed Cornelia.
"Yes?" asked Guilford.
"After you drive them back, meet me over at point nine." said Cornelia.
"Nine? I understand." said Guilford, confident in his princess.
"Cornelia!" cried two voices.
A pair of JLF Knightmares attacked the princess, but she easily bested them.
"You weaklings!" cried Cornelia.
"What exactly was your plan?" asked Gino.
"I was trying to lure them into an area that I felt gave us better odds at victory. However, that did not happen." answered Cornelia.
Meanwhile, the Black Knights were still engaged with the remnants of the Pure Blood faction.
"All right! Keep this up and crush Zero!'' ordered Zero.
The Black Knights were pinned down.
"Maybe we should get Kallen over here." proposed Tamaki.
"No, if we break formation now, our plan is ruined." replied Zero.
"How exactly did you turn the tables like that?" asked Gino.
"The only thing I can say is pure determination. We were going to fight to the bitter end." answered Villetta.
"An honorable spirit." said Tohdoh.
"This is grim. if it goes on, we'll be fighting her royal guard next." thought Lelouch uneasy.
"Zero, Cornelia is under attack below." revealed Inoue over the radio.
"What's that? Which team made the move?" asked Zero surprised.
"It's not our people. It looks like the JLF." answered Inoue.
"Someone understands our intent? How excellent. They'll hold off the royal guard which is just what we need." thought Lelouch.
"Of course, we're just good for doing his dirty work." spat Chiba.
"You were allies in the battle so your actions were mutually beneficial." noted Xingke.
In the JLF HQ, the Japanese rebel group had made contact with Tohdoh.
"I'm sorry for the late arrival, general." said Tohdoh.
"Tohdoh, we've been waiting." replied Katase happily.
"General, please send all remaining units to join me." requested Tohdoh.
"Can you beat them?" asked Katase.
"Yes, but only if we can hold off their main force." answered Tohdoh.
It returned to the battlefield.
"We have a chance to turn the entire war around." concluded Tohdoh.
" The Japanese general really was happy to general General Tohdoh." noted Tianzi.
"Before Zero, Tohdoh was the best hope for an independent Japan." noted Kaguya.
"He was always the best hope for an independent Japan." huffed Chiba.
"Lelouch was the mastermind who brought us closer than anyone else." muttered Kaguya.
It was revealed Tohdoh was dueling Guilford.
"I've heard Area 11 has a formidable commander. Their shining knight. Is this him? Tohdoh?" thought Guilford.
Tohdoh was briefly shown in his Knightmare.
"Fine! Let him try me!" declared Guilford.
"General, it was a pleasure matching with someone as talented as yourself." said Guilford.
"You were one of the hardest opponents I fought against." replied Tohdoh.
The JLF began firing artillery at Darlton and his men.
"At a time like this." said Darlton.
"What do we do?" asked a Britannian soldier.
"Fall back! We have to find a way to link up with Viceroy Cornelia." answered Darlton urgently.
"But sir. The enemy base is right in front of us. And if we're hit from behind, we'll be wiped out." replied a Britannian soldier.
"You fool! If Princess Cornelia is taken by these Elevens this entire battle is lost!" declared Darlton.
"There's an old saying; cut off the head of a snake and the body will die." stated Jeremiah.
"Maybe he was worried about her." proposed Anya.
"Knowing Darlton, he definitely was." said Cornelia, with a sad chuckle.
"Yes sir." said the soldier.
The ground gave way taking out the Britannian solider and another one next to him.
"Why did that happen?" asked Rivalz.
"The ground was unstable thanks to the landslide." answered Nina.
Inside the G-1 Base, the outlook was grim.
"Sub-Viceroy Euphemia, you must act now to prevent disaster! Send in the G-1!" stated a Britannian officer.
"No." replied Euphemia firmly.
"But Commander Guilford is completely pinned down. He can't get to Cornelia. Her life is at stake." said another officer urgently.
"We can't. There's a field hospital right here and civilians. They've been evacuated from all over the area and brought to this point." explained Euphemia.
"Oh, now she cares about the innocent. After her massacre, you could have fooled me!" declared Tamaki.
"It's because they are Britannian." muttered Yoshida.
"You know damn well that massacre was Lelouch's doing!" declared Cornelia.
"We'll see." huffed Sugyiama.
Cornelia wanted to respond, but Guilford stopped her.
"I'm certain Princess Euphemia will be vindicated when the time comes." said Guilford.
"The Viceroy ordered me not to move it no matter what. That's why...I just can't." continued Euphemia.
"Following orders like a good Britannian sheep." huffed Tamaki.
"I think this is also due, in part, to Euphemia not wanting to disobey her big sister." added Rakshata.
"Based on that picture of them shown during the hijacking, you may be right." agreed Gino.
Cornelia scowled remembering the picture of her and Euphie as kids.
"I'd kill Lelouch for that is he wasn't dead." said Cornelia.
The ASECC crew suddenly appeared on screen.
"Well, hello there. The ASECC crew reporting for duty." said Lloyd.
"Insolence!" snapped an officer.
"Yes, because it's not like they needed someone to save their butts." said Lloyd sarcastically.
"You are irregulars. Your orders are to keep silent and observe." added another officer.
"The Viceroy is in trouble. I feel like that would take priority." mused Oghi.
"Yes Sir, normally we would, but..." began Cecile.
"But all this waiting around is boring." said Lloyd.
This led to chuckles from Rivalz and Gino.
"Sub-Viceroy Euphemia, I beseech you. Please order us into battle." requested Suzaku.
"How transparent. You just want the glory of rescuing the Viceroy." accused an officer.
"What a foolish perspective." said Xingke disgusted
"Yet a common one." replied Anya.
Our whole army is out there." noted an officer.
"And the army is getting its butt kicked." said Kallen proudly.
"You think one unit is going to change things with an Eleven pilot?" asked an officer indignantly.
"And that "Eleven pilot" saving the day...on multiple occasions. I wonder how many other talented pilots were denied the ability to fight for Britannia due to being Numbers." said Lloyd.
"I'll admit, for an outside perspective, the old way of doing things is clearly...flawed." admitted Cornelia.
"Right, right. But what's the harm in trying? Since it's just one unit, it won't look bad for you, right?" asked Lloyd.
"I have to give you credit Dr. Asplund. In your own way, you were a pioneer pushing for equality." mused Oghi.
"I never bought into all that 'survival of the fittest' stuff. Data is all that's important to me." shrugged Lloyd.
As Lloyd spoke, Suzaku mouthed something.
"Are you listening.
"Euphie." said Euphemia to herself.
"And why did he do that?" asked Tamaki.
"I believe Suzaku was attempting to make a personal appeal and it worked." answered Kaguya intrigued.
"Yes, I understand. Please do it." answered Euphemia.
"We got it." said Lloyd happily.
"Thank you very much." added Cecile.
"Right. I won't fail." promised Suzaku.
Meanwhile, Tohdoh was still battling Guilford.
"Damn it. He's fierce." said Tohdoh.
Guilford tossed a Chaos Mine into the air.
"Scatter!" ordered Tohdoh.
The Holy Swords scattered avoiding the attack.
"Lieutenant Colonel, what about Cornelia?" asked Urabe.
"If Zero's the man I think he is, he's moving into position now. We have to trust him." answered Tohdoh.
"An unfortunate mistake." sighed Chiba.
"So, you admit Tohdoh made a mistake in supporting Zero." mused Lloyd.
"We were all fooled by him!" cried Chiba defensively.
"Yes, I was mistaken. Blindly following a leader will lead to negative consequences. Lelouch was a demagogue who knew how to manipulate people." said Tohdoh.
"What? Zero is on the move?" asked Guilford.
"Right. We'll keep going and come to back you up." said Villetta.
"Never mind that now. Just track Zero." ordered Guilford.
"Yes sir. This is his projected course." replied Villetta.
A map showing Zero's projected course appeared.
"The Princess was trying to trap Tohdoh, now there's a Knightmare waiting for her." said Guilford alarmed.
The knight quickly sent out a warning.
"Princess Cornelia!" cried Guilford.
It was too late as the Guren Mk-II stared down the Second Princess.
'I got the message, Guilford." noted Cornelia flatly.
"I can't stand to think what might have happened if Lelouch had succeeded in capturing you, my lady." said Guilford, shaken.
"He would use his Geass to see if I knew anything about Lady Marianne's death." answered Cornelia.
The former Second Princess thought back to her defeat to Lelouch in Tokyo.
"Yes, and he has shown no regard for his own blood. He murdered Prince Clovis and I fear you would have fallen to the same fate after he was done questioning you." confessed Guilford.
The thought alone made Guilford shutter.
"I'm fine so there is no need to worry." said Cornelia gratefully.
The scene then cut to Suzaku starting the Lancelot.
"Advanced weapon system Z1 Lancelot. Utilize sand panels to climb the liquified slope and top speed and rescue the viceroy." said Cecile.
"Yes. My Lord." replied Suzaku.
The Japanese present showed their disapproval of Suzaku's subordinate on their faces.
The Lancelot got into position to launch.
"Suzaku, there's one thing I want to ask you." said Lloyd.
"What's that?" asked Suzaku.
"More than anything, you hate it when people die. Yet you're in the military. Why is that?" asked Lloyd.
"I'm in the military to stop people from dying." answered Suzaku.
"What an idiot!" cried Tamaki.
"More of his foolish idealism." sighed Chiba.
"I don't agree." said Cecile.
"Of course, you would defend him!" spat Chiba.
"Suzaku joined the army to protect the innocent. To fight for those who couldn't." explained Ceceile.
"Like a knight for justice." said Anya.
"Kururugi and the Black Knights are nothing alike." scoffed Chia.
"Seems to me like there are." noted Lloyd.
"But he still killed people despite hating it when people die." noted Oghi.
"The people he kills are soldiers. Not exactly innocent." noted Kaguya.
"And that self-contradiction will get you killed someday." stated Lloyd.'
Cecile's arm appeared grabbing Lloyd.
"Ugh, sorry about that." said Lloyd urgently.
"Do I want to know?" asked Cornelia.
"I just gave Lloyd some advice about what he says to people." answered Cecile.
Lloyd shuttered.
"Lancelot, now launching." said Suzaku bluntly.
"Is it me, or does Suzaku seem to have a knack for charging head-on into life-threatening situations?" asked Rakshata.
"I thought we decided he was trying to protect people." said Oghi.
"Yes, but he does so with reckless abandon. Almost like he isn't afraid of death." said Rakshata.
"Probably an ego trip." huffed Chiba.
"Suzaku was never arrogant." countered Anya.
"Yeah, he never showed fear so I guess he was a brave guy." shrugged Gino.
"Or he didn't fear death because he would welcome it." replied Rakshata.
A pregnant pause hung in the air.
"Just a thought." mused the Indian scientist.
It then returned to Kallen versus Cornelia.
"Cornelia!" cried Kallen.
"Lowborn scum!" cried Cornelia.
"She says while battling the daughter of a noble." chuckled Lloyd.
Cornelia used her Slash harkens to dodge Kallen's attack.
"What's this? That's not just a customized unit." noted Cornelia concerned.
Cornelia was then shot at.
"Can you hear me, Cornelia? This is checkmate." said Zero.
"In the back of my mind, his use of checkmate brought back memories of Lelouch playing chess. I really did try to avoid the truth." revealed Cornelia.
"Yes. Should we celebrate our reunion?" asked Zero.
"I assumed he was talking about Lake Kawaguchi." noted Kallen.
"It's funny how a different perspective can change things." mused Kaguya.
"Of course, you'll have to surrender first. And after that, there are a few questions I want to ask you. And in case you are wondering, your reinforcements won't get here in time. I win, Cornelia." said Zero.
"Damn him." growled Cornelia.
"Lelouch did learn from his loss in Saitama." stated Kaguya.
"What of it?" asked Cornelia annoyed.
"I'm just pointing that out." replied Kaguya.
"Not to be rude Miss Chairwoman, but it seems you have praised Lelouch a few times." noted Xianglin.
"I have to give credit where it is due." stated Kaguya.
"Is it possible your romantic feelings for Lelouch haven't totally dissipated?" asked Tohdoh.
Kaguya found herself unable to answer.
"Let's continue." said Nunnally.
"You are a fool Zero." began Cornelia.
It showed the Guren.
"This one. If I take this one out, I'm free and clear!" declared Cornelia.
Cornelia fired her Slash Harken, but Kallen deflected it.
"You've got some moves." noted Cornelia.
Cornelia charged with her lance, but Kallen caught it and destroyed the lance with her Radiant Wave Surger.
"I must say, it is impressive how well you managed to do against Princess Cornelia." noted Guilford.
"Indeed. Only Nonette had been able to keep up with me like that. Be proud of yourself." agreed Cornelia.
"Thanks." said Kallen blushing.
Cornelia was suddenly shot by Zero in his Knightmare Frame.
"Coward! Attacking from behind!" snapped Cornelia.
"Really? And your own attack methods don't show acts of cowardice?" asked Zero.
"That monster has the gall..." muttered Cornelia offended.
It returned to the battlefield where the tide had clearly turned.
"They've launched a pincer assault before we could regroup. I'll never be able to reach the princess now." noted Darlton worried.
Sutherlands were shown being taken out including Villetta who was forced to eject.
"Hey, what exactly happened?" asked Rivalz curiously.
"One of the Holy Swords forced me to eject." answered Villetta.
"It was Asahina." revealed Chiba.
"Lieutenant Colonel, we've crashed the enemy reinforcements." noted Senba.
"Right, switch to Spinning Life or Death Formation." ordered Tohdoh.
"Yes, sir." replied the Holy Swords.
Inside his Knightmare, Guilford was clearly worried.
"If this goes on, Princess Cornelia will be..." began Guilford.
"Guilford. Guilford, my knight. You and Darlton protect Euphie." said Cornelia calmly.
"Your highness!" exclaimed Guilford, horrified.
"I won't surrender." stated Cornelia.
The Lancelot was shown racing onto the battlefield.
"As an imperial princess, I'll fight to the last." stated Cornelia.
"Princess!" cried Guilford, horrified.
"Sister!" cried Nunnally, equally horrified.
"As a soldier and princess, I would rather die than be captured." stated Cornelia.
"A position worth respecting." stated Tohdoh.
"She's so predictable." scoffed Lelouch.
Cornelia gave her half-brother a deadly stare.
Suddenly, the ground began shaking and Lancelot literally burst onto the scene.
"Oh my." said Cecile, surprised.
'Aas reckless as ever, eh? He's used the VARIS to clear the obstacles in his path." noted Lloyd.
"That's one way to do it." laughed Gino.
"Viceroy, are you alright? I've come to help, Your Highness." said Suzaku.
"Special Corps? Who authorized you?" asked Cornelia.
"No 'thank you' for saving you?" asked Rakshata.
"He can get her out of there. If it's the Lancelot unit." said Guilford.
"I had seen how talented Suzaku Kururugi was and knew he was the best chance of rescuing the princess." explained Guilford.
"Hey, isn't that Knightmare..." began Tamaki.
"Yeah. The one from Shinjuku and Lake Kawaguchi." confirmed Oghi.
"Again?! It's him again?!" asked Lelouch angrily.
Lelouch fired on the Lancelot, but Suzaku used his Blaze Luminous to block the attack.
"My, it seems my little Lancelot had become quite the thorn in your side." noted Lloyd, amused.
"Mk-II, destroy that unit immediately! It's interfered with us enough!" ordered Zero.
"Right." replied Kallen determined.
Kallen attacked Lancelot. Suzaku went for a kick, but Kallen caught the foot of his Knightmare with the right hand of the Guren. Kallen activated her Radiant Wave Surger but, Suzaku was able to escape.
"You handle that thing. I'll take out Zero." ordered Cornelia.
Cornelia fired two Slash Harkens at Zero who dodged them.
"Now you'll pay for Shinjuku!" declared Kallen.
Kallen charged but the Lancelot was able to push her back.
Suzaku fired his VARIS rifle, but Kallen avoided the attack.
"It's as fast at the Lancelot?" asked Suzaku surprised.
"Probably faster." stated Rakshata proudly.
"I doubt it." muttered Lloyd.
Suzaku launched several attacks, but Kallen was able to avoid being hit every time.
"Is that all you got?!" asked Kallen.
Suzaku swung his MVS, but Kallen blocked the attack with her Radiant Wave Surger and was able to grab the sword.
"I don't like how close to the edge of the cliff she is." muttered Milly.
Suzaku fired his VARIS rifle, but the Guren used the Radiant Wave Surger to block it.
"Blocked?" asked Suzaku surprised.
However, the cliff gave away causing the Guren to tumble down.
"Hey, are you okay?" asked Oghi worried.
"I am." answered Kallen.
"Unfortunately, the Radiant Wave Surger was damaged." noted Kallen.
"Nothing that couldn't be fixed." shrugged Rakshata.
"That was impressive combat Kallen. It's clear why you became our best pilot." said Tohdoh.
Kallen blushed at this praise.
"Ohgi, how's the Guren Mk-II?" asked Zero.
"The right hand is wrecked. We've got to fix it."
Lelouch growled in frustration.
"Retreat!" ordered Zero.
"Eh?" asked Oghi confused.
"All Black Knights move to your escape points! This has become a war of attrition! Retreat!" ordered Zero.
"You're running away?" asked Rivalz confused.
"The Black Knights had the best weapons damaged and the arrival of the Lancelot had turned the tide back toward Britannia. Continuing to fight would be futile at the point." explained Xingke.
Cornelia's Knightmare dropped to its knees as Lancelot arrived.
"Viceroy?" asked Suzaku.
"Go after Zero." ordered Cornelia.
"But..." began Suzaku.
"My energy filter has just drained! Go!" snapped Cornelia frustrated herself.
"Right agreed Suzaku, who took off.
"The Witch of Britannia lost her cool." noted Chiba amused.
"The heat of battle does tend to bring out one's emotions." replied Cornelia.
Kallen was retreating with Oghi and Tamaki.
"I'm hating this retreat thing." groaned Tamaki.
"We thrashed 'em, but if we kept pushing..." said Oghi, trailing off.
Xingke's words made the retreat sting less now.
"Face it. We left the JLF as bait while we ran away." stated Tamaki.
"I hate when you said it like that but..." began Kallen.
"Tohdoh. Chiba. I am deeply sorry about that." said Oghi mournfully.
"As Xingke noted, it was your best move. And by this point, the Britannian forces had been damaged enough we were able to escape. You have nothing to apologize for." said Tohdoh.
"Yeah, but people aren't just pieces in a chess game." began Oghi.
It showed Zero firing upon the Lancelot which avoided its attack. Suzaku used a Slash Harken to disarm Lelouch.
"Zero wouldn't think like that. I don't believe he's do that." continued Oghi.
Meanwhile, Suzaku used his VARIS rifle to take out one of the legs on Lelouch's Knightmare. Lelouch grabbed his helmet as he was forced to eject.
"If only I knew." said Oghi bitterly.
"It's okay Kaname. There was no way you could have known." said Villetta.
"His rage is real. He hates Britannia as much as we do. I think a person who knows rage also knows sorrow." concluded Oghi.
"Well, you are correct. We have seen the trauma Lelouch has been through and his hatred for Britannia was real." stated Kaguya.
"Then why did he become Emperor and take over the world?" asked Tianzi confused.
"I believe if we keep watching then we will get out answer." answered Kaguya.
Zero had exited his cockpit and was being faced down by Lancelot.
"Special Corps head trailer, found Zero. Going in for capture." reported Suzaku bluntly.
"Suzaku will totally let him go since they're working together." scoffed Tamaki.
"Zero, I owe you. I know that. You've saved a lot of people. I know they're a lot of Elevens supporting you from the shadows. However, your methods are very wrong." thought Suzaku.
"Zero has helped a lot of people including your dumbass." spat Kallen.
"But he's killed a lot of people. Like your friend's father." noted Lloyd.
Kallen tensed up.
"Lloyd." said Cecile angrily.
"I'm just stating facts." said the eccentric scientist.
Lelouch was worried until he and Suzaku showed surprise.
"That's..." began Suzaku.
It was revealed C.C. had arrived.
"The same girl from the capsule in Shinjuku?" asked Suzaku.
"Great, she's probably here to interrupt the battle for pizza." muttered Kallen annoyed.
"Stop now. Don't even think about hurting him." demanded C.C.
"C.C." said Lelouch surprised.
"This is the second time she has saved him." noted Rakshata.
"I'd still like to know what their contract is all about." confessed Gino.
"We all do." replied Oghi.
"She's working with Zero?" asked Suzaku confused.
"It was Suzaku and Lelouch who found the capsule with C.C. in it. I wonder if that crossed Suzaku's mind." mused Xingke.
C.C. walked up and put her hand on the Lancelot.
"Wait, what are you doing?! You're challenging a Knightmare?!" asked Zero confused.
"Is she suicidal or something?" asked Tamaki.
"It's a problem if you die. It'll be indirect contact, but it's worth a try." replied C.C.
The Geass symbol on C.C.'s forehead lite up and Suzaku found himself being blasted by various images.
"What the hell is this?" asked Tamaki.
"I feel like I'm tripping." added Rivalz.
A man then appeared and Suzaku found himself facing this person.
"Uncle Genbu!" gasped Kaguya surprised.
"Father. You're dead. That's impossible." said Suzaku stunned.
A broken clock was shown and Genbu began walking toward his son.
"No, I didn't mean to. No, I, I just..." said Suzaku horrified.
"So, he is still haunted by that day." thought Tohdoh.
"Hey, are using Geass on him?" asked Zero, as he walked to the witch.
"I'm just feeding him shock images. I can't tell what he's seeing though." answered C.C.
"And where did this come from?" asked Kallen, annoyed.
"I getting the striking feeling this will never be brought up again." muttered Cornelia.
"Anyway, you've got time to get away now." added C.C.
"What about you?" asked Zero.
"I can't move yet. You go first." answered C.C.
"Don't be foolish. I can't keep owing you favors." replied Zero.
Zero put his hand on C.C.'s shoulder, but he fell under the effect of C.C.'s ability.
"No, not now!" cried C.C.
A mob was shown throwing rocks at a Geass symbol on a church.
"Geass was a religion?" asked Oghi confused.
"It definitely isn't part of Christianity." noted Milly.
"What? This is different." noted Lelouch surprised.
A nun with a Geass symbol on her forehead was shown. It zoomed into her eye showing a naked C.C. in a body of water.
"Stop. Stop it. Stay out of my mind." said C.C. hurting.
A flurry of images raced by.
"Stop it. No, I'm now...You're unveiling me." said C.C. mournfully.
"What the hell is going on?!" asked Tamaki confused.
"I think these are memories of C.C.'s past." answered Rakshata.
"What's with the whole "unveiling me" line?" asked Rivalz.
"It seems C.C. has intentional built walls due to past trauma." answered Milly solemnly.
Marianne vi Britannia suddenly appeared.
"Lady Marianne!" cried Cornelia.
"You don't think C.C. is the one who killed Lady Marianne?" asked Guilford.
Nearby, Anya felt herself getting uneasy.
"It's okay Anya. She won't hurt you again." whispered Jeremiah.
It returned to Suzaku facing his father.
"I had to do it." said Suzaku shaken.
Lelouch was then shown. Lelouch and Suzaku faced each other before more surreal imagery was shown. Suzaku jerked back the Lancelot and began firing his VARIS rifle wildly.
"What's happening to him?" asked Zero, worried.
"Idiot. Get away now." demanded C.C.
A piece of rocky shrapnel flew into C.C.'s chest.
"C.C.!" cried Zero.
"Hurry!" declared C.C.
"That was a lot to take in." noted Oghi.
"What was up with the freaky shit?" asked Tamaki.
"I'm more curious to know more about C.C. now." noted Xianglin.
"And what was Suzaku talking about when he faced his father?" asked Chiba.
Kaguya looked over at Tohdoh.
"I have an idea...but, I want to wait before I say anything." said Kaguya.
Guilford and the Britannian forces were retreating.
'Damn you!" cried Chiba.
"Don't follow!" ordered Tohdoh.
It then showed Tohdoh inside his Knightmare.
"I have no idea what Zero is trying to do now. Our only course of action is to get to the general and get him out of her." explained Tohdoh.
"And how exactly did you do that anyway?" asked Gino curiously.
"We used pre-existing escape routes to relocate to a secondary hiding location. I will not give any more details." answered Tohdoh.
Guilford was racing to his princess.
"Your Highness, I'll be right there!" declared Guilford.
"Guilford, relay this message to all units: prepare to retreat. There's no reason to waste the lives of anymore of my men. Stay in formation and fall back cautiously. We have to face facts; we've been defeated this time." said Cornelia unhappily.
"Yeah! Long Live Japan!" cried Tamaki.
The Black Knights were celebrating their victory.
"You see, Britannia sure had its hands full just dealing with the Liberation Front." said Tamaki, with a smile.
"Yeah, that gave us the chance we needed to escape." agreed Oghi.
"You sure did hurt us, but you did fail to capture Princess Cornelia. And that seemed to be the Zero's main goal." noted Gino.
"That was solely due to Kururugi. We were beaten and the JLF was decimated. The Black Knights won the battle." replied Cornelia.
Hey, where's Zero? I can't raise his Burai. You don't think he's been captured, do you?" Kallen worried.
"If only that was the case." muttered Kallen annoyed.
It cut to a cave where Lelouch and C.C. where hiding.
"This girl, she's can't be human. She recovers from wounds in ways that beyond normal." said Lelouch.
"That's harsh." replied Rivalz.
"She is an evil witch bearing an evil power." huffed Cornelia bitterly.
"She was shiot in the head in Shinjuku and yet..." began Lelouch.
As Lelouch trailed off, it was shown C.C. was lying nude under his cape.
"He made her naked!" cried out Tamaki.
"He was just dressing her wounds!" cried Kallen blushing.
"Clovis confined her for his private experiments so she's note connected with Britannia." continued Lelouch.
"I would still like to know why Prince Clovis held her captive." noted Gino.
"He didn't have any idea what he was getting involved with." stated Cornelia.
Lelouch put his hand on C.C.'s head. He held a blood rag in his other hand.
"Her vital signs are at human levels. I'd better analyze the blood sample later and photograph the wounds." decided Lelouch.
"See! He wants to take naked pictures of her wounds!" cried Tamaki.
"It's to photograph the wound!" exclaimed Kallen defensively.
"Is that jealousy I sense?" asked Lloyd.
"Kallen quickly dropped it.
"Lelouch, what did I mean to you?" asked Kallen to herself.
C.C. began to stir and muttered something.
"What?" asked Lelouch.
Lelouch leaned in and a drip of water was heard.
"You finally called me by my real name." said C.C. happily.
"So that's not her real name?" asked Tamaki surprised.
"Of course not." said Sugiyama.
"I thought that was her initials or something." admitted Tamaki.
"So did I." confessed Minami.
It cut over to the G-1 base.
"So, Zero escaped again." noted Cornelia flatly.
"The Japan Liberation Front hammered our defenses and he slipped away in the confusion." affirmed Guilford.
"Despicable, using someone else to cover his movements." said Cornelia.
The Lancelot was shown looking worse for wear.
"Oh, what about Kururugi?" asked Cornelia.
"He's safe now. We had to wait till his energy filter ran out to finally stop him." answered Guilford.
"Stop him front what? Was there a problem with his unit?" asked Cornelia.
Lloyd, Cecile, and Euphie were shown looking into the cockpit.
"Apparently, it was going berserk." answered Guilford.
"A failure unworthy of my older brother's forces." replied Cornelia.
Suzaku was shown still clearly affected by what C.C. had done.
"I know Suzaku did terrible things, but nobody should be subject to that kind of mental torture." stated Kaguya.
"Are you saying that because you feel that way, or because he was your cousin?" asked Lloyd.
"The former." stated Kaguya quickly.
"I see the Chairwoman has picked up on when to lie. A vital must for a politician." whispered Gino.
back in the cave, Lelouch had dropped the rag into the water as C.C. had recovered.
"I removed the shrapnel and cleaned the wound." noted Lelouch.
"That wasn't necessary." said C.C.
"Apparently not." agreed Lelouch.
"She was still hurt and he helped her. I don't get why Miss C.C. is being so cold." said Tianzi confused.
"I have to agree with Cornelia; she was a witch." spat Chiba.
"I believe there's more to it. As my former fiancée noted, it seems C.C. has been through possible mutliple traumatic experiences and those do have a tendency to negatively affect one's psyche." explained Lloyd.
"Fiancée?" asked Gino confused.
"It's a long story." said Milly embarrassed.
"But then I learned something from it." began Lelouch.
Another drop followed followed by a surprised expression on C.C.'s face.
"That's your name, isn't it?" asked Lelouch.
"We're going to find out what it is...right?" asked Rivalz.
"You have a bad habit of eavesdropping." replied C.C. unhappy.
"Well, it's a good name. It's a lot more human than C.C." said Lelouch.
"Oh, that's a joke. As if I want to be more human." scoffed C.C.
"What the heck does that mean?" asked Tamaki.
"After all I..." began C.C.
Lelouch turned toward the immortal.
"I've forgotten everything. Every single thing. So, what's the use of it?" continued C.C. sadly.
It was shown C.C. had her hand over the scar on her chest.
"A name? But why?" asked C.C.
A tear ran down C.C.'s cheek as another drop of water was heard.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I feel bad for her." admitted Oghi.
"Prime Minister, do not forget who we are talking about. For wall we know, this is something she made up." replied Chiba coldly.
"No. That pain is very real." said Anya sympathetically.
"It's a good time to say this. Yes, you saved me today. You did that before then gave me Geass. That's why I'll only say this once: thank you." said Lelouch.
"No one's ever thanked me before." revealed C.C. emotionally.
"That's so sad!" cried Tianzi.
"I'll cry over the innocent lives lost to Geass." said Cornelia.
The former princess thought of her sister.
"Not her." said Cornelia angrily.
"Well then, can you show your appreciation? Say it again, like you did before." requested C.C.
"Oh, you mean the name?" asked Lelouch.
"Just this once. With tenderness, like you treasure it in your heart." replied C.C.
"Very well then." agreed Lelouch.
Lelouch was shown mouthing the name, but it wasn't heard what he was saying.
"Oh, come on!" cried Tamaki.
"Kallen, did you find out what her name is?" asked Rivalz.
"No, she decided not to share that information." answered Kallen annoyed.
"Maybe it is related to the riddle she asked Lelouch earlier. About snow." proposed Cecile.
"Like she's actually Snow White?" asked Gino.
"Or Yuki Shiroi. That's Snow White in Japanese." said Kaguya.
"When we met with Lord Kirihara, C.C. said she wasn't Japanese." noted Oghi.
"Maybe Tamaki is right and those are her initials." proposed Minami.
"Tamaki being right. That is scary." joked Sugiyama.
"I'm no expert at reading lips, but it looked like Lelouch was saying Elizabeth to me." said Milly.
"What her name is in not important. What is important it proves she is still human." stated Sayoko.
"How was that?" asked Lelouch.
"It was bad. It was completely bad. It wasn't tender. You and spoke it oddly and, worst of all, it was cold." answered C.C.
"What a bitch!" cried Tamaki.
"I don't think she was being rude. She was being...C.C." replied Kallen.
"You're a picky girl." said Lelouch.
'Exactly. That's why I go be the name C.C." replied the immortal, smiling.
"I guess Kallen was right." huffed Tamaki.
The scene returned to the city at twilight. A truck was driving and it showed the capsule C.C. had been in. Suddenly, it stopped as a familiar face got in the way.
"Another soldier." said one scientist.
"No wonder our battalions fell apart." added another, as they honked their horn.
Cornelia murmured unhappily about this line.
"I swear I'm not Orange! Zero!" cried Jeremiah.
"Is that how you became a cyborg Jerry?" asked Anya.
"Indeed. The explosion of my Knightmare must have sent me to the edge of the city because that is where I awoke sometime after the battle. These scientists took me in and transformed me into the man you see before you." answered Jeremiah proudly.
It returned to the cave as Kallen arrived. Inside, Lelouch was back in his Zero outfit.
"Zero, are you okay? The others went on ahead..." began Kallen.
Kallen suddenly stopped.
"Who's that?" asked Kallen.
The person Kallen was referring to was C.C.
"His fuck buddy." answered Tamaki.
"I've warned you about using profanity around the Empress." said Xingke sternly.
"It's not my fault he was giving her the sex!" exclaimed Tamaki scared.
"Xingke please. This will only frighten the Empress." whispered Xianglin.
Xingke calmed himself down much to the relief of Tamaki.
"Oh, you needn't worry. She's a very important friend." answered Zero.
"She looked surprised he called her a friend." noted Gino.
"If nobody has ever thanked her before, I doubt has called her a friend either." replied Milly sympathetically.
"C.C., I don't know why snow is white. But I still think snow is beautiful. I don't hate it." said Zero.
"I see." replied C.C.
A jealous expression on Kallen's face followed by more dripping water marked the end.
"It does seem like Lelouch's relationship with C. bit more than simply co-conspirators." mused Rakshata.
Kallen, poorly, tried to hide her jealousy.
"And she's just as guilty as him." said Oghi.
"I still feel bad for her." admitted Tianzi.
"Your majesty, once you see the evil of Geass, you won't." stated Cornelia.
"Was C.C. born with Geass?" asked Sayoko.
"If she is like Lelouch then she wouldn't be." answered Oghi.
"Then, if Geass is evil, she would be another victim of it." said Lloyd.
Everyone had to process this.
"Let's continue." proposed Nunnally.
A/N: That's where we'll end this chapter. The formation of the Four Holy Swords was purely me, not officially canon. Same with General Alex's backstory. I headcanon Lloyd and Cecile being Suzaku's stepparents. They pretty much are. The fact C.C.'s ability to feed Suzaku shock images is a tad annoying as it screams of plot contrivance. Next time, the "Message from Kyoto" is covered. Please review.