A/N: Hello everyone, I am back with chapter nine of this story. Here, the events of "The Black Knights" are covered.
Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass
Things opened with a narration by C.C. recapping what had happened.
"What is the point of this?" asked Chiba annoyed.
"Maybe it's for anyone who's new." answered Kaguya.
"Or so people won't forget what's happening." added Nina.
The scene began with Japanese living in the ghetto. It showed a worn-looking elderly home in her home when her table began shaking. It then cut to a train packed with Britannians above. Inside were Milly, Shirley, and Nina.
"This is the hotel hijacking." mused Milly sadly.
"I've never left Toyko Settlement before! This is my first time!" declared Shirley excitedly.
"Won't she be in for a rude awakening." noted Chiba smugly.
"Hey, Shirley was never cruel to anyone. Including Japanese as you saw with Suzaku." noted Milly offended.
"She's a parasite colonist living off the blood of the Japanese." scoffed Chiba.
"So, is that how you feel about the rest of us?!" asked Rivalz angrily.
"Neither you two nor your friend did a damn thing to help the Japanese." spat Chiba.
"It was different then." replied Rivalz.
"Excuses." said Chiba coldly.
"We're only teenagers." noted Milly.
"So was Lelouch." stated Chiba venomously.
Milly and Rivalz were unable to counter that.
"Maybe this experience taught her how the Japanese felt." continued Chiba.
Kallen suddenly stood up.
"Ma'am, with all due respect, please stop now. You didn't show Shirley at all so your comments are out of line." said Kallen.
"I thought you chose Japan." said Chiba angrily.
"Right now, I'm choosing my friends." replied Kallen.
"Enough. Let us continue." said Tohdoh firmly.
Kallen sat down feeling Chiba's icy stare.
"I'm sure you wish Lelouch could have come with us, don't you?" asked Milly teasing.
Shirley was surprised and a bit embarrassed by this.
"Don't be so shy. Tonight, we can stay up all night talking. Let's tell each other which boys from school we like." said Milly.
"Then you'll probably have a lot to talk about, right Miss President?" asked Shirley flatly.
"Who can say." answered Milly smiling.
"Ashford was full of hunky guys." shrugged Milly.
The train entered a tunnel causing Nina to tense up. Milly put her hand on Nina's.
"Nina, it's alright. There are lots of Britannian tourists at Lake Kawaguchi so security is fine." said Milly reassuringly.
"That's so nice." said Tianzi happily.
"Nina and I have known each other since we were little kids. Besides, you have to help a friend in need." replied Milly.
"Don't be afraid, it's not the ghettos." added Milly.
"Yes, but..." began Nina apprehensive.
"We'll be with you the whole time. We won't leave your side for a second." concluded Milly.
"Thanks." said Nina gratefully.
"Because god forbid you have to deal with those scary Japanese." muttered Minami offended.
"Kallen noted Chiba she knew nothing about Shirley and you know nothing about Nina." said Milly defensively.
"What else is there to know?" asked Sugiyama dismissively.
Milly began to speak, but Nina stopped her.
"Milly...remember, I don't need you to look out for me." noted Nina.
The train passed through another tunnel and showed off the countryside before cutting to the Black Knights opening a door.
"What are you waiting for?" asked Zero.
Zero was seated inside.
"Come in. As of now, this place will be our hideout." said Zero.
"So, you think joining up with us is a good idea?" asked Oghi, as the Black Knights entered.
"Yes. We're comrades after all." answered Zero.
"Only because your replacements in Saitama were killed." stated Oghi angrily.
The Black Knights entered and were amazed by their new base.
"Do you mind if I ask how you came by this?" asked Oghi concerned.
"I borrowed it from a rather libertine nobleman who indulges my requests." answered Zero.
"You asked for it, just like that?" asked Oghi surprised.
"Don't worry. No strings attached." replied Zero.
"it seems "Please and thank you" still hold weight with some people." joked Lloyd.
"You know it had to be that accursed Geass." spat Cornelia.
"But who would have used it on?" asked Gino.
"Probably the old man Lelouch helped out of his chess game." answered Rakshata.'
"But, Lelouch already used Geass on him." noted Milly.
'We never saw what his order was." replied Anya.
"Check it out, it's got a second story." said Yoshida.
"On the other hand, no one would expect us in something like this." noted Kallen.
"A mobile base is not a bad idea." conceded Cornelia.
"Check it out, it's even got a TV." noted Minami.
Minami sat down and turned the television on.
"How are things looking at the scene?" asked a male news anchor.
"The hotel hijackers have identified themselves as the Japan Liberation Front." began the female reporter.
"Huh?" asked Tamaki.
"What's happening?" asked Oghi concerned.
"Members of the Sakuradite Allocation meeting, notable Chairman James, were taken hostage. As were several tourists and hotel employees." explained the reporter.
The scene showed footage from inside.
"This footage was taken by the prepertrators. In it, you can clearly see Chairman James, including some students." continued the reporter.
"from the Student Council." noted Kallen worried.
This got the attention of Zero.
"What exactly happened anyway?" asked Gino.
Milly let out a sigh.
"I organized this little trip to get away after everything that had been happening, but as we unpacked the JFL stormed in took everyone hostage." explained Milly.
"They went door to door looking for Britannians." added Nina, upset at this memory.
"They let the Japanese go." noted Milly.
"We believe they had help from one or more of the El...Japanese workers of the hotel, but were never able to confirm this." revealed Cornelia.
The scene cut to the JLF headquarters in Narita as Tohdoh and the Holy Swords watched.
"The leader of the group claims to be Lieutenant Colonel Kusakabe of the Japanese..." began the reporter.
Tohdoh slammed his fist.
"That imbecile!' cried Tohdoh angrily.
The modern General cleared his throat.
"I would like to formally apologize for what Kusakabe did. Note the Japan Liberation Front did not support his actions." stated Tohdoh.
"Fighting is one thing, but Kusakabe always lacked honor. He was a worm." added Chiba disgusted.
"I accept your apology." said Nunnally.
"He must have had some popularity since he got a bunch of JLF members to help him." mused Gino.
"Kusakabe brash outspoken. This led him to develop his own faction." explained Tohdoh unhappily.
"Kusakabe also had the bad habit of undermining General Katase." noted Chiba.
The reporter began explaining Sakuradite and the point of the meeting as panning shots were shown. Plus, a cameo by Diethard and Suzaku.
"What's the point of this?" asked Tamaki annoyed.
"Probably to catch up anyone who didn't know what Sakuradite was." noted Oghi.
"But, everyone knows what Sakuradite is." replied Gino.
"Maybe it has to do with the packaging these discs came in. it seemed like something you'd expect from a movie or TV show." shrugged Rakshata.
"Yeah, we're all characters in a TV show or something." scoffed Tamaki.
The scene returned inside as Kusakabe confronted the captives.
"I'm Kusakabe of the Japan Liberation Front. This stand we take is for the freedom of Japan and our countrymen. Even though you are not soldiers you are still Britannians. You are the ones who rule and oppress us. Sit still, be quiet, and you'll be fine. If you don't..." said Kuskabe.
Milly was shown comforting Nina while Shirley sat sadly.
"Lulu." said Shirley afraid.
Gino chuckled.
"What's so funny?' asked Kallen.
"Chiba denounced Kusakabe, but earlier she said the same thing: about how them just being Britannians and being in Japan was worth being punished for." answered Gino.
"How dare you?!" cried Chiba outraged.
"He's not wrong." mused Rakshata intrigued.
"So, they made their move." noted Yoshida.
"They're easily the biggest anti-Britannian force in Japan, and now their pride's hurt." said Oghi.
"Because of us?" asked Minami.
"Maybe." answered Oghi.
"I don't know whether to feel happy or sad about that, because they'll all going to end up dead." replied Tamaki.
"You didn't believe in your own people." said Chiba angered,
"Hey, they were surrounded and you denounce them earlier." said Tamaki.
"Yes..." began Chiba.
"Maybe you and Kuskabe have more in common than you'd like to admit." added Lloyd.
Lelouch's phone suddenly rang with the Caller ID revealing it to be Rivalz.
"Lelouch, I..." began Rivalz.
"This is Lelouch. Please leave a message after the beep." said Lelouch's answering machine.
"What the hell's he doing at a time like this?!" asked Rivalz furiously.
"Now I kinda wish I didn't know." whispered Rivalz sadly.
"I know, but..." began Lelouch worried.
The scene then cut to the Britannian command center.
"All bridges connecting to the hotel with the exception of the main one have been destroyed. Our attempted approaches by air and water have been unsuccessful." began a Britannian commander.
"How did they fail?" asked Nunnally, curious.
"The hijackers had rocket-propelled grenades for the air and kept armed guards near the naval entrance." answered Cornelia annoyed by these failings.
The commander turned to face Cornelia.
"There's only one route that will allow us to develop a possible hostage recuse plan. The main utilities tunnel running directly beneath the Convention Center Hotel." continued the officer.
"Wise move, making your enemy attack head on." noted Xingke.
"Kusakabe was a good officer." stated Chiba.
"Defending him again." muttered Gino.
"I'm just giving credit where it's due!" declared Chiba.
The scene continued showing the underground tunnel.
"Basically, we would go in through this route, destroy the foundation block, and submerge the hotel." continued the officer.
"Isn't that kinda risky for the people inside?!" asked Rivalz worried.
"That's what Lelouch did and it worked out fine." answered Milly nonchalantly.
"Yeah, but..." began Rivalz.
"You're worried. It's so cute." teased Milly.
"It's not cute!" exclaimed Rivalz embarrassed.
"Don't worry, we're all fine." said Milly reassuringly.
The scene showed the underground tunnel as Sutherlands were lowered in.
"Since the tunnel was also built to handle supplies deliveries, so it should be able to handle Sutherlands. Even if the enemy has taken precaution, it should be no problem." concluded the officer.
"Go." said the pilot.
"They've been using substandard weaponry, so we'll have no trouble evading them." said the officer.
It then cut to two JLF members wearing hachimaki (though with no kanji) seated in the Raiko.
"Enemy detected! As expected, they're using the underground tunnel." said the first JLF pilot.
"Roger that. Raiko secondary startup, both quad-linkage legs locked. Super Electro Magnet Shrapnel Cannon voltage confirmed." said the second pilot.
It cut to the Britannian Knightmares bearing down. They spotted a light up ahead.
"I think these guys have Knightmare rifles. Spread out and break their ranks." ordered a Sutherland pilot.
The Sutherlands began their rank.
"Super Electro Magnetic Shrapnel Cannon, fire!" cried the second Raiko pilot.
The Raiko fired its attack which easily took out all three Sutherlands.
"One shot!" declared a JLF member excitedly.
"Yes! It works!" exclaimed a second JLF member jubilantly.
"The Raiko is a complete success!" cried a third JLF member joyously.
"What do you think of that, Britannian pigs?" asked Kusakabe smugly.
"Hell yeah!" cried Tamaki.
The Japanese man noticed not everyone looking at him was as thrilled.
"Hey, I'm going to root for the Japanese when I can!" declared Tamaki.
"Exactly right." stated Chiba.
"And pray tell, when does patriotism turn into blind loyalty?" asked Lloyd.
Chiba refused to answer as she didn't really know the answer herself.
"Wiped out?!" asked Darlton shocked.
"It looks as though they've modified a Glasgow into a linear canon." revealed a Britannian officer.
"Then there's no way we can break through." said another Britannian officer.
"Miss Rakshata, I assume the Raiko was your doing." said Cecile.
"Actually, the JLF came up with it and we simply made it." revealed Rakshata.
Rakshata took a drag of her pipe.
"Though Neha and Kagari made a few tweaks to the original design." added Rakshata.
"What do we do now?" asked a third Britannian officer, "If we release the political prisoners as they demand..."
"We can't show weakness to terrorists!" declared Cornelia.
Guilford bent over.
"But, Princess Euphemia, she's..." began Guilford.
"Yes, I know." replied Cornelia frustrated.
"Thus far, it appears that none of them have discovered that fact. If they learn that Princess Euphemia is among the hostages, they'll undoubtedly use her as a bargaining chip." explained Darlton.
The scene returned to the hostages showing Euphemia was among them.
"She went there just to observe, therefore she isn't registered with the other guests." concluded Darlton.
"What exactly was Princess Euphemia doing there?" asked Gino.
"She desired to become more knowledgeable in the goings on of Area 11 and felt this could help achieve that." answered Guilford.
"Like how she had Suzaku take her to Shinjuku." noted Lloyd intrigued.
The scene cut to Ashford Academy. Carve-tan made another marking in the wall as C.C. watched her.
"Yes, yes. I understand. I'll try to do well this time." said the immortal.
"Oh great, the schizo is talking to herself again!" cried Tamaki.
"I'll try to look out for him, but I'm not his guardian." said C.C.
The scene then returned to Lake Kawaguchi as Lloyd, Cecile, and Suzaku watched the hotel.
"Can't the Special Corps offer any assistance with the rescue operation?" asked Suzaku.
"I've already asked them, but we're in a regular unit and they don't recognize our chain of command." answered Lloyd.
Lloyd skipped a stone across the lake.
"Besides..." began Lloyd.
"It's too risky to entrust the operation to an Eleven, is that it?" asked Suzaku hurt.
"Yet I'm sure you're aware that Princess Cornelia is very discriminating about Britannians and Number." noted Lloyd.
"And yet he still stayed loyal to them." said Oghi disappointed.
"So the Japanese still aren't being accepted enough into you structure." stated Suzaku upset.
"If that were true, then what point would there even be in having an Honorary Britannian system?" asked Cecile.
"Oh God, Suzaku is a dumbass." groaned Kallen.
"The Honorary Britannian system was created to split up the populations Britannia conquered. Classic divide and conquer." answered Tohdoh.
"Maybe I was being naive." sighed Cecile.
"Similar to Euphie." sighed Nunnally sadly.
"And Monica too." added Anya.
"The Knight of 12?" asked Cornelia surprised.
"Yeah. She believed just was delivered equally and held no prejudice toward Numbers." explained Gino.
"Gino and I never had any prejudice toward Numbers either." stated Anya.
"Frankly, neither have Cecile and I." added Lloyd.
"That just means there were a few good Britannians." said Chiba.
The scene returned to the Black Knights as the Black Knights moved in to their new base.
"Where do you want this?" asked Minami, holding a box.
"Over there, by the driver's seat." answered Oghi.
"Hey, what about these boxes here?" asked Yoshida.
Kallen heard Zero watching the news coverage.
"Is there anything you'd to say to the terrorists?" asked a reporter.
"She was only sightseeing. Shirley is still a student, but these criminals act indiscriminately. Savages. I want to know if Shir...I want to know if my daughter is all right.
"Huh, I don't remember Shirley mentioning her dad." noted Gino surprised.
"He...won't be alive much longer after this." revealed Milly sadly.
Kallen felt herself burdened by her own guilt knowing what was to come.
"We need to organize before we fight them again. It's too soon though, we're not ready. But, we just can't here and do nothing either. Knowing Cornelia, she'll sacrifice the hostages." said Lelouch to himself.
"I would do no such thing!" declared Cornelia.
"You're stubbornly refusing to negotiate, but have no way of defeating the JLF at the moment. If Lelouch hadn't bailed you out, you would have had to do something." stated Rakshata.
"I would have come up with a plan. Besides, we had the hotel under siege so they were trapped inside." replied Cornelia defensively.
"However, the JLF proved they were willing to sacrifice hostages." said Anya.
"They couldn't have sacrificed all of their hostages or they wouldn't have had leverage." noted Kaguya.
"Then why doesn't she make her move? Is it possible..." continued Lelouch.
"Zero...what will happen to the hostages?" asked Kallen concerned.
Having his train of thought broken, Lelouch muted the television.
"Eventually, there will be no need to keep those Britannians alive." answered Lelouch.
"Yeah, I'm sure you're right." replied Kallen uneasy.
"As Lady Kaguya noted, if the JFL killed their hostages they would have no leverage and Britannian colonial government would be less willing to heed their demands." stated Xingke.
"So those guys got themselves in quite the pickle." chuckled Gino.
"Hey Zero, I found these. Should I hand them out to everyone?" asked Oghi.
Oghi entered with a cardboard box.
"I mean, as far as gear goes, they're pretty hip." continued Oghi, "But, we're just a resistance group so..."
"Wrong!" declared Zero.
Zero turned to face Oghi.
"We're not a resistance group, is that clear?" asked Zero.
"Well then, what are we?" asked Oghi.
"What we are...what we are trying to be...are knights for justice!" stated Zero.
"He preaches justice then shows his true colors." spat Chiba.
The scene returned to Lake Kawaguchi with night having fallen. As they still waited, Cecile did some work on the cockpit of Lancelot.
"Those teenage hostages are friends of yours from school, aren't they? They're still negotiating so let's not give up hope." said Cecile.
"I have faith in the system. I prefer the logic of systems to individualist emotions." said Suzaku, in the cockpit.
"Every time Suzaku talks, I swear he gets stupider." groaned Kallen.
"Actually, I can see his logic." said Lloyd.
"How?" asked Tamaki confused.
"Human beings have an intrinsic desire to belong. A desire to build and maintain relationships with others. Preferring systems over individualism can fall within that." explained Lloyd.
"Miss Cecile, look." said Suzaku concerned.
The two focused on the hotel as a quartet of JLF members stood on the roof with a tied-up Britannian man.
"What are they going to do to him?" asked Cecile, worried.
"No. Don't do it." said Suzaku fearfully.
A JLF member pushed the man off the roof causing him to plummet to his death and Suzaku cried out in horror.
"It's going to be okay." whispered Kaguya.
Kaguya soothed Tianzi who looked away at the sight.
"Right there, that's an action I would never condone!" declared Chiba.
"I would hope you didn't." replied Lloyd.
"So, I can't be like Kusakabe!" exclaimed Chiba
"Just because you are not one-hundred percent alike, doesn't mean you don't have more in common than you would like to admit." noted Lloyd smirking.
The scene cut to Britannian command center with Kusakabe was addressing them virtually.
"Our demands have gone unanswered. Therefore, we will throw one hostage off the roof every thirty minutes until our terms are met. For the sake of the hostages, negotiations better be in good faith." said Kusakabe.
"That bastard." said Gino angrily.
The scene cut to Cornelia, Guilford, and Darlton walking down a hallway.
"This this their warning? Barbarians." said Guilford disgusted.
"For now, we could negotiate just to get the women and children out." proposed Darlton.
"Forget it! If you give into their conditions even once then you're legitimizing terrorism." stated Cornelia firmly.
"It seems Lelouch was right about Cornelia sacrificing the hostages." muttered Rakshata.
"How dare you!" cried Cornelia outraged.
"You refuse to negotiate is putting them at risk. Especially since they are willing to execute hostages." said Rakshata.
"If they succeed then it would lead other terrorists to copy their formula." countered Gino.
"Then do we use force?" asked Darlton.
"We would pursue with that course of action after we secure the safety of Princess Euphemia." answered Guilford.
"But, the only entrance is the underground tunnel and that is blocked by the Raiko. I don't see exactly how the use of force could be achieved." said Xianglin.
"Every plan has a weakness, we just need to find it." answered Cornelia.
"Yet you were having some trouble it seems." teased Lloyd.
"That was due to the pressure of the situation!" snapped Cornelia.
"Euphie...I..." began Cornelia worried.
Suddenly, another subordinate appeared.
"Viceroy, it's Zero. We just received a message from Zero." said the Britannian.
It then cut to Diethard who was fishing.
"What? What do you mean Van 3 was stolen by Zero? What the hell was Gibson doing all the while?" asked Diethard.
"He said that when he realized what was happening it was too late." answered the other man.
"Geass no doubt." said Villetta disgusted.
"Um, is this really the time to be fishing?" asked Rivalz surprised.
"There was nothing else going on." answered Lloyd.
"Then where's Van 3 now?" asked Diethard.
"Driving straight toward the military." answered the other man.
"Gotta give the old boy credit, that takes balls." laughed Gino.
Sure enough, the van was headed right to the entrance of the hotel with Zero standing atop it.
"We confirm, it's Zero. Should we open fire?" asked a Britannian soldier.
"No, just stand by. We'll capture him once he's surrounded." answered his CO.
The scene then cut inside the van. Oghi was driving and Kallen was in the front passenger's seat.
"Hey, when Zero went off about justice earlier, what do you think he meant?" asked Oghi.
"Don't know, but we may die first before we find out. All of our escape routes have been cut off." answered Kallen.
"Well, that Kallen was leading quite the exciting double life." said Milly.
"More like nerve-wracking." sighed Kallen.
"I'm just wondering, why didn't we use that other vehicle?" asked Yoshida.
"Oh so you want the whole world to see where we hide out?" asked Sugiyama in return.
"Point taken." replied Yoshida.
"I don't know about this Zero character, do you think we should trust him?" asked Inoue skeptically.
"No, that's why I said he looks shifty to me. But if anything goes wrong I'll do something about it." answered Tamaki.
"See, you should have listened to me! I was right all along!" declared Tamaki.
"Yeah, when you weren't calling Zero your "best buddy" I guess." answered Sugiyama.
Kallen noticed Oghi looked worried.
"What's wrong?" asked Kallen.
"I'm the one who got everyone to trust Zero. if it weren't for me, Yoshida and Inoue would still be alive." answered Oghi guilty.
"Kaname, it's not your fault." said Villetta soothingly.
"Yeah, that jerk tricked all of us." added Minami.
"But, we wouldn't be here today if it weren't for him." whispered Kallen.
Back outside; Cornelia, Guilford, and Darlton arrived putting their Sutherlands right between Zero and the hotel.
"Cornelia, much as I would love to get you back right here and now, you're more useful to me alive. If you do what I predict, I won't need to use my Geass." said Lelouch to himself.
Cornelia exited her Knightmare
"Well well, Zero, we meet again. Are you a member of the Japan Liberation Front? Or perhaps you intend to help us?" began Cornelia.
Cornelia drew her sword gun.
"And so for the death of my half-brother Clovis, I shall take my revenge right here." vowed Cornelia.
"Cornelia, which would you choose: Clovis who is dead, or Euphemia who is alive?" asked Zero.
Cornelia was visibly caught off guard.
"My suspicion's confirmed. The first task at hand. You haven't changed dear sister." began Zero.
Images of Cornelia and Euphemia playing as children were shown.
"You've always doted on sweet little Euphemia. That's why you won't take aggressive action, your emotions are getting in the way." concluded Zero.
Cornelia jumped to her feet.
"How dare he!" cried Cornelia angrily.
"He is correct." shrugged Lloyd.
"What?!" asked Cornelia furiously.
"Guilford just said they would proceed with force after Princess Euphemia was secured." noted Lloyd.
Cornelia only grumbled
"I think she's just mad about these photos of you as kids." mused Rakshata.
"That's another thing! Lelouch had no right showing those!' exclaimed Cornelia.
"But his assessment was right on." noted Xingke.
"Lelouch is dead." stated Nina.
"Then that witch had no right showing those." huffed Cornelia.
"I wonder how C.C. would have gotten those." mused Gino.
Jeremiah couldn't help but smirk.
"It's within my power to save Euphemia for you." said Zero.
Cornelia quickly tried to regain her composure.
"What do you mean? I have no idea what you're talking about." replied Cornelia.
"I said I am able to rescue her." reaffirmed Zero.
The scene cut to Kusakabe.
"Zero you say?" asked Kusakabe surprised.
"Yes sir. Word came from the Britannian Army." answered a subordinate.
The scene returned back outside.
"Attention all forces, let Zero pass. I repeat, let Zero pass." ordered Darlton.
Zero rode right by a frustrated Cornelia.
"Knowing Lelouch was Zero explains why he knew Euphemia was in there and allowed him to manipulate me into doing what he wanted." whispered Cornelia angrily.
"Either the Japan Liberation Front will accept me as their ally, or they're going to treat me as nothing more than a nuisance. In any event, I highly doubt that they can't resist the temptation of meeting the infamous Zero. We shall see." said Lelouch to himself.
"Kusakabe did not represent the JLF. Any deal he struck would have to be approved by General Katase." stated Tohdoh.
"So...will this Kusakabe guy treat Lelouch as an ally or nuisance?" asked Gino.
"Likely a nuisance. Katase was full of himself." answered Chiba disgusted.
"And it's already been said the JLF thumbed their noses at us little guys." added Sugiyama.
"Looking down on others isn't a Britannian thing." teased Gino.
The gates were opened allowing Zero into the hotel.
"Excellent. All the operation's preliminary conditions have been cleared." said Lelouch pleased.
"Viceroy, what are we doing?" asked Darlton.
"I believe that by letting Zero go in, we can buy some time before the next hostage is executed." answered Cornelia.
A confident Cornelia was shown.
"So, this is our chance. We can hit them both at the same time." said Cornelia.
"Good strategy on both ends. You're keeping hostages from being executed and preparing to eliminate the two largest threats to your rule in one strike." mused Xingke.
"If only it worked that muttered." muttered Cornelia.
"So, what exactly happened?" asked Nina.
"Lelouch got the better of me." answered Cornelia with disgust.
The scene cut to Lloyd, Cecile, and Suzaku.
"Wonderful! I want to thank you for that lovely order." said Lloyd jubilant.
"This guy is a creep." muttered Minami.
"Pot calling the kettle black." replied Rakshata.
"They've said you've got the green light, Lancelot. You've got orders to charge right into that linear cannon in the tunnel." revealed Lloyd excitedly.
"Wait a minute, you mean they're using him as a decoy to make an opening for them?" asked Cecile worried.
"Yup, seems like they'll use him as a decoy to make an opening for them." answered Lloyd, still sounding pleased.
"Miss Cecile, I'm ready. Please let me do it." said Suzaku.
The scene returned to the hostages.
"If Lancelot and I are needed, and we're able to give the hostages an opportunity to be saved, then I'll do it. Even if that means being a decoy." said Suzaku.
"Is he nuts?!" asked Tamaki.
"Any less crazy than the military willing to sacrifice one of their own?" asked Rakshata.
"We were roaches to them. They never cared about Japanese lives even the Honorary ones." answered Chiba.
"If I recall, Japan used suicide attacks in the First Pacific War. Kamikaze they were called." noted Lloyd.
"There were also banzai charges where Japanese soldiers ran head-on into enemy gunfire." added Cecile.
"Sacrificing your life for your country is different than being a pawn." replied Chiba.
"Dr. Asplund, can I ask why you seemed so eager to launch Suzaku into a suicide mission?" asked Oghi concerned.
"Excellent data for Lancelot." answered Lloyd plainly.
"I still say Kururugi has a death wish." huffed Tamaki.
A 3-D map of the hotel was shown.
"Warrant Officer Kururugi, here is a guideline for your mission." began Cecile.
The map zoomed in and a single room was highlighted.
"According to prime search the hostages are located in the hotel's middle floor and are believed to be locked inside a food storage room." started Cecile.
The map zoomed out showing the hotel from the side and the underground tunnel.
"Advanced weapon prototype Z-01 Lancelot will use the utilities tunnel to move under the hotel. Once on-site you will destroy the foundation block and submerge the hotel." continued Cecile.
The map showed a simulation of this.
"The area with the hostages should hold out for eight minutes. Hostage rescue and mopping up of terrorists will be handled by other units." continued Cecile.
The scene showed Lancelot with its rifle.
"You will use your VARIS to destroy the foundation. Set the Impact Rail to Anti-Material level 3." concluded Cecile.
"Is that was the Black Knights did?" asked Gino.
"It seems Lelouch had the same idea." replied Cornelia annoyed.
"The only variable is that pesky linear cannon waiting for you in the tunnel. Space is tight in there, the Lancelot will only have a 47.8% evasion rate." noted Lloyd.
"Are we really going through with this?" asked Cecile concerned.
"Yep, make sure you pull out of there before it's too late." answered Lloyd.
"That's what she said." laughed Gino.
Kallen elbowed Gino hard in the ribs.
"Lancelot might be wrecked, that would be unacceptable." continued Lloyd.
"Before its too late?" asked Suzaku.
Lancelot was positioned above the entrance to the tunnel.
"Understood sir." said Suzaku.
As Lancelot was lowered into the tunnel, Shirley's voice could be heard.
"Suzaku; the President, Nina, and I are going to Lake Kawaguchi on Sunday." began Shirley.
The scene flashbacked to the conversation.
"Wanna join us?" asked Shirley.
"Sorry, I have to work that day." answered Suzaku.
"You do?" asked Shirley disappointed.
Shirley went back to her happy demeanor as the flashback ended.
"Too bad, but I guess it can't be helped then." replied Shirley.
"But thank you for inviting me. I really appreciate it. I hope all of you have a great time." said Suzaku.
Lancelot got into position to launch.
"Twelve minutes to operation start. Commencing countdown." said Cecile.
"Guilt." said Anya.
"What are you babbling about?" asked Tamaki annoyed.
"Suzaku was unable to attend with them and possibly feels guilty like he could have done something if he were there." explained Jeremiah.
"We were kind of his only friends at school." noted Rivalz sheepishly.
"Miss Sumeragi, did Suzaku have a lot of friends growing up?" asked Milly.
"Not really. It was hard being the son of a famous politician turned Prime Minister. Also, Suzaku was kind of mean so other kids didn't want to play with him." answered Kaguya.
"I think Lelouch and I were the first real friends he had." added Nunnally.
"Which is why they teamed up." said Chiba.
The scene returned to the hostages. Milly was comforting Nina while Shirley was right next to them. Suddenly, a JLF soldier walked right in front of them.
"An...Eleven." said Nina terrified.
"What did you say?!" asked the JLF member angrily.
"Oh great, four-eyes in being racist again." scoffed Tamaki.
Milly wanted to defend Nina badly, but she didn't want to be overly protective like she promised.
"Nothing to say?" asked Tamaki smugly.
"Please, that's enough." requested Cecile.
"Of course, the Brits defend each other." said Chiba.
"You agree with Tamaki about defending Japan whenever you can." noted Chiba.
"Traitor." spat Chiba angrily.
Nina cleared her throat.
"I...had a bad experience." revealed Nina.
"What do you mean?" asked Kaguya curiously.
"I..." began Nina.
Nina suddenly froze up.
"Nina?" asked Rivalz confused.
Nina began to shake and hyperventilate.
"She's having a panic attack." realized Lloyd urgently.
Milly quickly knelt down in front of Nina and her put her hands on Nina's shoulders.
"Nina, it's Milly. It's okay. Nobody is going to hurt you. You're safe. Just take deep breaths." said Milly.
Nina took several deep breaths and managed to slowly return.
"Feeling better?" asked Milly, worried.
"Yes. Thank you." answered Nina.
"What the hell was that?" asked Tamaki confused.
"Remembering what happened caused me to have a panic attack. I'm sorry, but I cannot continue." explained Nina.
"We understand." replied Oghi sympathetic.
"Easy excuse." huffed Tamaki.
Nina recoiled in fear as the JLF soldier aimed his gun at her.
"We're not Elevens! We're Japanese, dammit!" declared the soldier.
"Yes, we're aware of that. Just lay off her." replied Milly firmly.
"Then correct her, we're not called Elevens!" demanded the soldier.
"Fine, we'll correct her!" exclaimed Shirley.
"How dare you speak like that to me. You three, come with me to the next room and I'll teach you a real lesson." said the soldier angrily.
Euphemia tried to get up, but her handler stopped her.
"I said get up now!" ordered the soldier.
The soldier grabbed Nina by the wrist and jerked her up.
"No! Let me go!" cried Nina in terror.
Having seen enough, Euphemia jumped to her feet.
"Stop it!" demanded Euphemia.
All eyes fell on the pink haired girl.
"Who the hell are you?" asked the soldier, tossing Nina aside.
"I demand you take me to your leader now, understand?" asked Euphemia.
"No Sub-Viceroy, please." begged Euphie's handler.
"You're addressing Euphemia li Britannia. Third Princess of the Britannian Empire." revealed Euphemia.
Euphie removed her glasses as everyone gasped in shock.
"Are you alright young lady? You haven't been hurt?" asked Euphemia compassionately.
"Huh? No." answered Nina surprised.
"Princess Euphemia." said Nina dreamily.
"I'm not surprised Euphemia did that. Euphie was always helping others." noted Cornelia.
The scene cut to Zero meeting with Kusakabe.
"You have no intention of joining us?" asked Zero.
"Remove that mask and reveal your face to us. It's disrespectful not to." replied Kusakabe.
"I understand, but before I do, I'd like to ask you something. What do you hope to accomplish by this?" asked Zero.
"Gain attention. I want this country and the world to know that the Japanese aren't dead yet." answered Kusakabe.
"How stale. You people are obsolete. There's no saving you." answered Zero.
"What? Why you arrogant..." began a JLF member offended.
"Explain what you mean by that, Zero." requested Kusakabe.
The scene cut back to Suzaku.
"I wanted to know just what he meant." noted Chiba offended.
"I believe he meant their objective." answered Lloyd.
"I don't agree with taking hostages, but letting the world know the Japanese aren't dead is not a bad thing." stated Chiba.
"Can time go backwards?" asked Lloyd.
"Of course not." answered Chiba bluntly.
"Kusakabe, and the JLF as a whole, were attempting to revive the Japan of old. However, you cannot go backwards in time. Time moves forward. It does not in reverse nor does it stop at one moment." explained Lloyd.
"So, they should have fought for a new, better Japan than try and revive the old one." mused Gino.
"I'd guess that is what he meant." shrugged Lloyd smirking.
"MR Boost." stated Suzaku.
"Lancelot, now launching!" declared Cecile.
Suzaku launched off toward the Raiko cannon.
"Reaction confirmed, one enemy Knightmare." noted a JLF pilot.
"It moves twice as fast as the others." added a second pilot, worried.
"So what?" asked the third pilot confidently.
The cannon charged up.
"It'll end up like the rest. Super Electro Magnetic Shrapnel Cannon, fire!" cried the third pilot.
The Raiko fired, but Lancelot was able to dodge. The blasts shot out of the entry way forcing Lloyd and Cecile to duck and cover.
"I warned you about this Lloyd!" declared Cecile.
"He doesn't want to play decoy. He's going for the gold." noted Lloyd amused.
"You got to admit, being able to avoid the cannon fire is impressive." said Gino.
"My precious Lancelot, proving its self once more." cooed Lloyd.
"Yet it still lost to my Guren." replied Rakshata smugly.
"Yes." grumbled Lloyd annoyed.
The scene briefly showed the Black Knights planting something at various points.
"What are you doing?" asked Rivalz.
"Planting explosives." answered Kallen.
"It's how we sank the hotel." added Oghi.
"What about the hostages?" asked Sayoko.
"We freed them. Zero killed the JLF members." answered Kallen.
Kallen was a bit worried about how that last part would be received.
"Kusakabe and his followers disgraced themselves and their country with their shameful actions. I won't condemn you." stated Tohdoh.
Kallen was relieved at this.
"Most of the guards left except for one when we heard gunfire. Honestly, I thought it was the end. But the Black Knights burst in and disarmed the JLF member. Then we were led to rescue boats." explained Milly.
The scene returned to a JLF member and Euphemia having arrived at Kusakabe's location.
"I brought the hostage that I radioed about earlier for the Lieutenant Colonel to see. She claims that she's Princess Euphemia." noted the JLF member.
"Why don't they have faces?" asked Gino disturbed.
"Zero, there's no point talking anymore!" declared Kusakabe.
Kusakabe drew his katana and attacked, but Lelouch had part of his helmet slide revealing his eye.
"Die!" ordered Zero.
"Kusakabe was a victim of Geass. That merely proves Prince Schniezel was right." said Chiba.
"What happened to not defending him?" asked Gino.
"I still condemn his actions, but he still took his own life due to Lelouch and that damned Geass power." explained Chiba.
"Which means we can trust Schniezel more than him." added Tamaki.
"Fools." muttered Jeremiah, under his breath.
In the tunnel, the Raiko cannon was about to be fired.
"Fire!" ordered the JLF pilot.
The Raiko fired, but missed Suzaku.
"You got to give him credit, Suzaku was a hell of a pilot." shrugged Gino.
"I still killed that jerk." scoffed Kallen.
In the hotel, the JLF soldiers and Euphemia heard gunfire in the room. A JLF member burst the door open.
"Colonel!" cried the shoulder.
The JLF member was shot in the left shoulder by Zero.
"Calm yourselves." said Zero.
"Zero." whispered Euphemia.
"The Colonel and the others committed suicide when they realized how pointless this operation was." states Zero.
JFL soldiers were lying dead on the floor holding their guns while Kusakabe was on his knees having driven his katana into his chest.
"Euphemia, you were willing to sacrifice yourself for the commoners. You haven't changed." said Zero.
"Pretty risky saying something like that." mused Lloyd.
"How so?" asked Rivalz.
"His last three words imply he and Euphemia have met before. She knew Lelouch was sent to Japan so she could easily deduce Zero's identity." explained Lloyd.
"I wonder if that's why he ordered Euphemia to carry out that massacre." said Cornelia angrily.
The scene cut back outside.
"What? The AE6 Knightmare?" asked Cornelia, surprised.
"Yes. at the rate it's going it will break through soon." confirmed Darlton.
"Do we dare hold out hope?" asked Cornelia.
"With my beloved Lancelot, success was assured." stated Lloyd proudly.
"Still lost to my Guren." noted Rakshata.
In the tunnel, Lancelot used its shield to successfully defend itself from an onslaught.
"Yes. It can take this level of destructive force." noted Suzaku.
The JLF pilots watched on their monitor as the enemy advanced.
"That thing broke through Salvo number five." said the first JLF pilot stunned.
"Just don't panic. Deploy the quad-link free-fire arm gun. Batteries too. We'll shield this final defense with our lives." said the second JLF pilot.
"I will give them credit for being willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause." said Chiba.
"Sorry, but I can't give credit to the people who tormented us." huffed Milly.
"Then you shouldn't have invaded Japan." spat Chiba.
"I was ten when Japan was invaded. I had nothing to do with it!" declared Milly.
"Plus, you're using the line Kusakabe did...again." added Gino grinning.
"I won't defend Kusakabe. He does have a point though." replied Chiba.
"Kusakabe and his men killed tourists." noted Anya.
"His men were being loyal soldiers and following orders." countered Chiba.
"So were the soldiers who slaughtered the Japanese in Shinjuku." countered Lloyd.
Chiba balled her fists but chose to stop here.
"Miss Cecile, it's time for me to use the VARIS." stated Suzaku.
"No, you could get killed!" declared Cecile over the radio.
A blast from the Raiko hit a wall causing an explosion.
"There's no room to evade. I'll risk getting blasted if it means taking the first shot." stated Suzaku.
"I underestimated Kururugi. If not blinded by my prejudice, I would have made better use of him." confessed Cornelia.
Back in the hotel, the JLF members outside the door had been disarmed.
"Why you stinking son of a..." began the shot member angrily.
"Kallen, was that you guys?" asked Rivalz.
"Yes. Zero had us disarm the JLF members and lock them in the closet where the hostages were." answered Kallen.
"None of them survived the collapse of the hotel." added Cornelia bluntly.
The scene returned to Zero and Euphemia.
"I heard that you're the Sub-Viceroy now your highness, Princess Euphemia li Britannia." said Zero.
"It's not an appointment I'm happy with." confessed Euphemia.
"No, it's because Clovis was murdered. That was my handiwork." replied Zero.
"Speaking of, it's kind of morbid to just be talking with dead bodies all around you." said Rivalz.
"Once you've killed enough, you get used to it." stated Anya.
"The UFN really needs to do something about child soldiers." mused Kaguya.
"He begged pathetically for his life until the very end." continued Zero.
"Yeah, he did!" laughed Tamaki.
"He pleaded with the same tongue that orders the deaths of Elevens." concluded Zero.
"So, is that the reason you killed my brother?" asked Euphemia hurt.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say she was showing sympathy for the bastard." said Minami angrily.
"Clovis was her brother and his death hurt all of us in the Imperial Family!" declared Cornelia.
"Yeah, and his life hurt all of us Japanese." stated Sugiyama.
"No." answered Zero.
"Then why?" asked Euphemia demanding.
"Because Clovis was an offspring of the Britannian Emperor." answered Zero, shaking Euphemia.
"Good enough for me." shrugged Tamaki.
"Sins of the father." said Lloyd interested.
"Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers." stated Xingke.
Everyone looked over at the Chinese man.
"That comes right from the Christian Bible." added Xingke.
"My, how knowledgeable." said Lloyd impressed.
"I've studied many cultures to understand them. This happens to fit the situation." explained Xingke.
"Despite the name, the Holy Britannian Empire wasn't a theocracy." noted Cecile.
"Unless Social Darwinism is a religion. Which it might be in the homeland." said Lloyd.
"So that justifies what Lelouch did?" asked Cornelia.
"The Japanese he slaughtered sure does." answered Oghi bitterly.
"Earlier, General Tohdoh stated Kusakabe dishonored himself and his country with his actions. Clovis did the same." stated Cornelia.
This seemed too passive everyone.
"That reminds me. You're one of his children too, aren't you." said Zero.
Zero drew a gun and aimed at Euphemia.
"That bastard!" cried Cornelia furiously.
"My lady, you will recall the medical examination Princess Euphemia underwent after this ordeal showed no bodily harm done to her." said Guilford.
"He's still terrorizing her!" declared Cornelia.
"It seems Lelouch was correct about Cornelia and Euphemia." whispered Tohdoh.
The scene then returned to the tunnel.
"Use maximum output! I don't give a damn if it destroys the guns! Be prepared to die defending this spot! Smash him!" ordered the JLF pilot.
The Raiko fired its cannon and Suzaku fired his VARIS. The shot from the VARIS destroyed the shot from the Raiko. The VARIS shot went into the cannon and destroyed the Raiko killing the pilots inside. Lancelot then erupted out of the lake.
"It's the Eleven. he really did it." said Cornelia amazed.
Suzaku destroyed the support causing the hotel to sink as planned as the terrified hostages were briefly shown.
"I thought you said the Black Knights rescued the hostages!" cried Rivalz.
"Just after this I believe, Prime Minister Oghi led us to safety." explained Milly.
"Guilford!" cried Cornelia.
Suzaku then spotted Zero in the hotel.
"The white Knightmare from before." thought Lelouch concerned.
Lelouch then set off the explosives from before.
"That's quite the overreaction to seeing Lancelot." said Gino.
"He was always going to blow up the hotel. Make a spectacle of the situation." said Cornelia.
"As you said, he had a flare for the dramatic." added Guilford.
"Euphie!" cried Cornelia, horrified.
"My friends!" cried Suzaku, horrified.
Suzaku raced toward the hotel.
"Warrant Officer Kururugi, don't!" cried Lloyd.
"I gotta admit, I felt my heart stop the first time I saw this. I really thought you guys were gone." confessed Rivalz.
"Thanks to Lelouch, we were fine." said Milly.
"Only because you are his so-called friends." scoffed Villetta.
"He saved everyone else too. " noted Milly.
"A good public relations moment." replied Cornelia dismissively.
Milly watched the screen.
"Lelouch, our friendship couldn't have been fake. Right?" asked Milly to herself, worried.
The scene returned to the news van.
"What about the cameras in van 3?" asked Diethard urgently.
"I told you, Zero took the van." noted the other Hi-TV employee.
"Well then, let's hope we pick something up." stated Diethard.
The screens on the TV were static but began to clear up.
"What are you doing, Zero? Wasn't that part of your plan...to show us something?" asked Diethard to himself.
The smoke cleared, revealing the Lancelot perfectly fine.
"He's alright!" declared Cecile happily.
Lloyd let out a groan.
"I couldn't rescue them. They're dead. Not again!" cried Suzaku.
What does he mean by again?" asked Oghi curiously.
"Suzkau never talked about himself much." noted Anya.
"Yeah. He was usually all serious and brooding." added Gino.
"We didn't pry into his personal life either." added Milly.
"I believe he is talking about my uncle." stated Kaguya.
"Prime Minister Kururugi?" asked Oghi surprised.
Kaguya locked eyes with Tohdoh.
"Yes, I wonder if there's more to the story than we know." answered Kaguya suspiciously.
The smoke cleared a boat was shown with Zero front and center.
"We've got it." said Diethard happily.
A screen was shown on a building in Tokyo Settlement as people gathered around.
"Me dear Britannians, have no fear. All of the hostages from the hotel are safe and sound. I, Zero, return them to you unharmed." began the masked figure.
Multiple rescue boats were shown with the freed hostages. Including Milly, Nina, and Shirley.
"They're fine." said Suzaku relieved.
"They're all alright." said Rivalz relieved.
"Of all the brazen audacity. If we attack you, those people would quickly become your hostages, won't they?" asked Cornelia displeased.
Euphemia and her handler were shown on another rescue boat.
"Would you really do that, big brother?" asked Nunnally to herself unsure.
Lights illuminated the boat showing the other Black Knights using visors to cover their faces. Oghi, Inoue, and Minami were to the right of Zero while Tamaki, Yoshida, and Sugiyama were to his left. Kallen stood behind Tamaki.
"People! Fear us, or really behind us as you see fit. We are the Black Knights!" declared Zero.
"Black Knights?" asked Cecile, confused.
"Ironic, isn't it? The terrorists referring to themselves as knights." asked Lloyd.
"Hey, we just saved all those people!" snapped Tamaki.
"One person's terrorist is another person's freedom fighter and vice versa." shrugged Lloyd.
"We of the Black Knights stand with all those who have no weapons to yield..." began Zero.
The scene showed Lancelot.
"Regardless of whether they be Elevens..." continued Zero.
The scene then showed Shirley in a rescue boat.
"Or Britannians." stated Zero.
The scene returned to Zero.
"The Japan Liberation Front cowardly took innocent Britannian civilian hostages, and they mercilessly executed them." noted Zero.
The scene cut to the JLF HQ where Tohdoh and the Holy Swords were watching.
"Therefore, they have been punished." revealed Zero, surprising Tohdoh.
"I was surprised to hear what happened. I didn't expect our foolish Kuskabe and his followers to be killed. I couldn't be sure if the Black Knights were our allies or enemies or both." explained Tohdoh.
The scene showed Diethard in the production van.
"You heard me right; I said let it run." stated Diethard.
The Britannian clearly received a question about liability.
"Liable? I'll be the one responsible for this!" declared Diethard.
"He's really into Zero." noted Gino.
"He sure was." sighed Kallen.
The scene showed the crowd watching the broadcast.
"Just as former Viceroy Clovis was punished for ordering the slaughter of countless innocent Elevens." said Zero.
The scene showed Euphemia watching the masked man.
"We could not stand by and allow such cruelty to be carried out, so we made him pay for his actions." stated Zero.
"He just told the princess it was because he was the kid of that douchebag Emperor!" cried Tamaki.
"That doesn't sound as good to the masses." noted Xianglin.
"I will not repudiate battle on a fair and level field, but neither will I tolerate one-side massacre of the weak by the strong." continued Zero.
The scene showed Cornelia watching.
"Saitama." fake coughed Tamaki.
The scene returned to Lelouch.
"The only ones who should kill, are those who are prepared to be killed!" declared Zero, as it showed Suzaku.
"Lelouch, you really did live up to that in the end." thought Suzaku.
The scene showed Tokyo Settlement ending with Nunnally and Sayoko watching at the Lamperouge residence.
"Wherever oppressors abuse their power by attacking those who are powerless, we shall appear again!" exclaimed Zero.
"Big brother, if you did all of this for me, does that make me guilty as well?" asked Nunnally to herself guiltily.
The scene then showed Kallen
"Knights...for justice." realized Kallen, understanding what her masked leader meant.
Modern Kallen balled her fists.
"Lelouch, you had to mean that." thought Kallen, torn.
"Those of you with power, fear us. Those of you without it, rally behind us as you see fit. We, the Black Knights, shall be the ones who stand in judgment of this world!" declared Zero.
Scenes of the boats, Tokyo Settlement, Marianne's assassination, Nunnally in the hospital, a map showing the homeland, and Emperor Charles zi Britannia on this throne passed as Zero said his final line ending on his face then fading out to show the mask. The episode then ended.
"Man Kallen, that must have been so cool!" exclaimed Rivalz.
"It was kind of cool." admitted Kallen blushing.
"It was nice to have them save us." admitted Milly.
"They were just upstarts." scoffed Chiba.
"Upstarts who did what the Japan Liberation Front couldn't." noted Oghi.
"Hell yeah! We were badass!" declared Tamaki.
"I was a bit anxious. Of course, I wouldn't have been if knew who was behind the mask." confessed Milly.
"Now the Black Knights have officially debuted. Now we'll see their rise." noted Lloyd.
A/N: That's where we'll end things for now. I was originally going to have Nina reveal what happened to her here, but I decided to tease it and I know exactly when it'll come out now. Also, I have to ask if the light novels are canon. Next time, the events of "Refrain" are covered. Please review.