Chapter 8: Message from Kyoto
In the Viceroy palace of the Area 11 Government Bureau, Cornelia was having a meeting with the government officials. With her were Guilford and Darlton and her sister Euphemia attended the meeting as well, discussing the events of Narita from two days ago. Among Cornelia's entourage and government officials were the Knights of Two, Five, Nine, and Thirteen respectfully.
"The Japan Liberation Front was nearly wiped out by your Narita operation, viceroy." the vice-minister praised Cornelia. "Now, we're hunting down the survivors, one-by-one."
"Are you being sarcastic, vice-minister?" Cornelia responded in a foul mood, scowling. "We're barely pulling our back together after that fiasco."
"No, I- I didn't mean to offend-"
"The Occupation Government is responsible for this." Guilford interjected which made the vice-minister flinch at his words. "They've done nothing about Area 11's subways and mining railways. In the ghettos, they falsify the registries and property deeds as the rebellion spreads unchecked." he concluded glaring at the government officials
"The subway tunnels stretch over the whole country." the vice-minister nervously pointed out to Guilford. "We can't just fill them all in due to us not having the budget to do so."
"The terrorist cells are using them as strike bases and escape routes." Mariel pointed out in a forthright manner. "This allows them to sneak in and out of our radar throughout Area 11."
"But Prince Clovis instructed us to-" the vice-minister stopped when he saw Cornelia's glare
"He said forcing them would only fuel the rebellion giving the Chinese Federation an excuse to attack." a government official stated
"They've already got their excuse." Cornelia pointed out, harshly. "Zero and the Black Knights are gradually gaining influence and they're growing stronger and bolder every day."
Darlton decided to speak next. "Vice-Minister. Internal affairs has appointed a special group of the Elevens to self-govern this area, isn't that right? A group called the NAC." all government officials had surprised expressions on their face. "When we stormed Narita, we looked for evidence of the NAC's conspiracies." Darlton continued. "But it was buried in the landslide. Still, our suspicions remain high. If we suppress them now..."
"They will be complacent enough in finding a way to aid what remains of the Japan Liberation Front." Nonette said
"A group of blue bloods and plutocrats. Relics of their dismal past." Cornelia spoke
"Wait! Please!" the vice-minister said as he stood from his seat
"Go on, Vice-Minister..." John trailed for the vice-minister to continue.
"These are just rumors. There's no evidence of that at all. If you suppress them, then the Eleven's economy will certainly collapse. That means no tax revenue to send to the homeland. It's a prime directive of the Empire that Numbers should take care of their own kind."
"And what have you done to find the Black Knights?"
"We analyzed the shield machine they left showing Zero was behind the Narita operation." the vice-minister reported. "But that's all we've gotten, so far. You cannot squeeze information out of corpses."
"So you can't catch the Black Knight nor do you want us to hit Kyoto." Cornelia said in utter disappointment. "Do you know the word incompetent, minister? It's for people who can't get results."
"I wouldn't go as far as to say that." John said, catching everyone including Cornelia's attention. "If anything this was a bittersweet victory."
"Tell me Lord Giovanni. In what way would you consider what happened in Narita a victory?" Guilford asked with a narrowed, but puzzled expression
"While we did not apprehend the leaders of the Japan Liberation Front or Kyoshiro Todoh, the enemy didn't succeed in their efforts." he stated. "Not to mention, the Black Knights weren't able to complete their full objective either." he stated
"And what pray would that be?" Darlton queried the Knight of Two as said person
"Isn't it obviously? That would be the Viceroy herself." John turned to Cornelia. "It was clear that Zero wanted to capture you, but instead it was prevented. All due to the intervention of the Lancelot pilot."
"But Zero still escaped from our grasp." Cornelia replied
"It's still not a problem." John said to her. "You have already beaten him once, viceroy. Nothing has changed thus far."
"We'll be ready for him and his Black Knights once they pop up again." Nonette added with an assuring tone
"In the meantime, let's refocus on our loses in Narita for now." John suggested. "We can crack down on the Kyoto Group. Along the way, we can also double our efforts in hunting down surviving members of the Japan Liberation Front."
Euphie spoke not a word as she was looking at the casualties from their forces that were lost in Narita, with both soldier and civilian lives that are still yet to be confirmed deceased. Among those lost, was Jeremiah Gottwald being on the list.
In the base within the mountain, the members of Kyoto were discussing what took place in Narita.
"So the Britannian Viceroy has gone this far already." Kirihara said
"With the Liberation Front smashed, the last embers of Japan have died away." Munakata also said
"No, not completely. He may be on the run, but Todoh is still strong, and still fighting." Kubouin pointed out to the others
"Even so, I heard he lost his custom Burais." Osakabe said. "So, there's no hope for the people of Japan."
"There is still hope." Kaguya said behind the window pane
"The Black Knights?" Kirihara asked
"Yes." Kaguya answered, honestly
"You've been infatuated with Zero since he rescued Suzaku Kururugi." Munakata said. "We even sent him the Guren mk-II. But how he got the Mark 1 is a mystery."
Then... Five years ago...
At a bustling town in South America. People are going about their daily lives, but tension started to hang in the air as Britannian soldiers patrol the streets. In a small, humble house on the outskirts of town, Maria and Alejandro Rojas are preparing for a dangerous mission to link up with the rest of the rebel cells. Carlito, their young son no younger than 11, watched his parents with a mix of worry and determination.
Maria took her attention off the window before going to her son. "Listen to me, mi hijo." she said holding little Carlito close to her. "Your abuelo will come to take you to safety. We must go now to fight for our people's freedom."
Carlito nodded. "I understand, Mama."
"Won't be long before they make their way here." Carlito's father Alejandro said. "Carlito, as soon as we leave, stay with abuelo and do what he says. Do you understand?"
"Si, Papa. Papa, you and Mama... please be careful." the young boy said to his parents
Alejandro grasped Carlito's shoulder firmly with a reassuring smile. "We will, hijo. You stay strong, and remember, we fight for a better future for you and all the children of our homeland."
The sound of gunfire and shouting echo in the distance. Maria and Alejandro exchange a glance before steeling themselves for what lies ahead as they armed themselves. The pair share a tender kiss before turning to leave, placing Carlito in the care of his grandfather, Don Rodrigo. The little boy looked out the window and watched his parents, cautiously sneak away from one house to the other. Once a Britannia patrol made their way near their vicinity, Carlito's parents quickly fired upon them.
"Come, Carlito." his grandfather said, his voice heavy with sorrow. "We must go now. Your parents are brave fighters, but they'll have help on their side. Stay close to me!"
The two of them hurry through the winding streets, avoiding Britannian patrols as they make their way towards the heart of the conflict. Suddenly, they are ambushed by Britannian soldiers, forcing them to take cover behind a crumbling building. The Glasgow of Britannia forces and green color Knightpolice clashed with each other on the battlefield. The green Knightpolice frames had an insignia of an eagle with a knife gripped by its feet, representing the rebel cells Carlito's parents fight alongside with as he saw a grizzled man in his late thirties flanking Britannia forces on the side. From what Carlito remembered the man was a friend of his parents name Cesar Merino from Mexico. They press on, navigating through the chaos of the battle raging around them. As they approach the location where Maria and Alejandro are engaged in combat, they see a fierce firefight erupting. Don Rodrigo and Merino charge forward, firing their weapons to provide cover as Carlito followed closely behind his grandfather.
"Maria! Alejandro!" Merino shouted. "We're coming!"
Maria and Alejandro are locked in a desperate struggle against Britannian forces. Despite their skill and bravery, they are outnumbered and outgunned. Don Rodrigo and Merino along with his rebels fight valiantly to reach them, buying enough time for Alejandro and Maria to escape from the onslaught. but tragedy strikes as a stray bullet pierces through the chaos, fatally wounding Don Rodrigo holding his bleeding wound. A britannian soldier was able to put down, only for Merino to plunge a knife into the soldier's neck. The soldier could be heard choking on his blood the more he gurgled, before taking a bullet to the face at point blank rage from Merino. He rushed over to Don Rodrigo's side, as he caught the elderly man from falling.
"Carlito... go... go with them..." his grandfather said, on his knees and clutching his wounds
Carlito rushes to his grandfather's side, tears streaming down his face as he watches the life drain from Don Rodrigo's eyes.
Carlito's voice begin to tremble seeing his now deceased grandfather's body. "Abuelo... no..."
"Carlito, come on. You have to go to your parents, chico. Go!"
Maria and Alejandro see the danger and call out to Carlito, urging him to flee. With a heavy heart, he obeys their command, tears blurring his vision as he runs for his life. The sounds of gunfire and screams echo behind him as he escapes into the darkness, with the help of his parents and Mereno. The group of four made their way into a dense jungle somewhere in South America. Gunfire echoes through the trees as Maria and Alejandro Rojas, alongside a group of rebel fighters, engage in a fierce battle with Britannian forces. Amid the chaos, Carlito cling toward his parents' hands, fear etched into his young face.
"Carlito, stay close to us!" Maria said to her son as her voice was filled with urgency
"Fall back and return fire!" Alejandro ordered the reminder of the rebels as he fired his weapon. "We have to keep moving, we can't let them catch us!
The Rojas family and their comrades push forward, navigating through the dense foliage as bullets whiz past them. Suddenly, a group of Britannian soldiers emerges from the underbrush, blocking their path.
"Surrender now, terrorist scum!" the Britannian officer said menacingly. "You have nowhere to run!"
Alejandro glared at the officer. "We're terrorists for fighting for our own freedom? I don't think, Britannian dog!"
Maria gripped her weapon tightly, covering her son behind as did her husband. "We'll never surrender to you oppressors!"
The rebels exchange gunfire with the Britannian soldiers, but they are quickly outnumbered and outgunned. In the midst of the chaos, the fiercely determined and relentless rebel Merino, appears from the shadows, leading a group of reinforcements.
Merino looked to Alejandro and Maria during the firefight. "Maria! Alejandro! We're here to help!" he said with determination in his voice
The rebels fight fiercely, but the Britannian forces continue to advance. The rebels had only three Knightmares of their own left, while there remained only seven. A couple of rebels were able to take down at least two Glasgows, with one of the Knightmares down in the process while the remaining two used riotshields as cover. Some of the rebels covered those using rpgs to take down the remaining Glasgows, while the Desperate to protect his family, Mereno makes a bold move, charging towards the enemy with a C4 strapped to his chest and a detonator in hand.
Trembling with emotion, Mereno shouted out of his lungs. "For freedom!"
With a deafening explosion, the C4 detonates, engulfing the area in smoke and debris. When the smoke clears, Carlito finds himself lying amid the wreckage, his parents and their comrades laying dead in pools of their own blood. Tears stream down his face as he realizes the sacrifice his grandfather made to save them. Alone and devastated, Carlito struggled on his feet as the young boy's heart heavy with loss. With tears in his eyes, he stumbled away from the battlefield, vowing to honor his family's sacrifice by continuing their fight for freedom. Carlito ran as he disappeared into the jungle, the echoes of gunfire still ringing in his ears. He stopped when he saw a Britannian squadron standing in wait, ready to fire. Instead, all of the squadron was quickly wiped out by an unknown Knightmare. The cockpit of the Knightmare opened up as a dark skinned boy, no more than 13 looked down and stepped out.
"Hey, you." he said, walking slowly to Carlito. "I'm looking for Alejandro and Maria Rojas. Have you seen him or Cesar Merino by any chance?" he saw the shocked expression on Carlito's face. "Hey, are you alright.
"Mama... Papa..." Carlito said, choked with grief and tears in his eyes as the dark skinned 13 year old boy placed his hand on Carlito's shoulder. "I swear... I will..."
"Carlito."
Now... At Ashford Academy
"Carlito."
Carlito snapped back to reality and out of memory lane, albeit a painful reminder of what he lost back home. It had been a few days since the Narita battle, and there has been no word or information in regard to the Japan Liberation Front. All that is known is Cornelia cracking down on a mysterious group, called the Kyoto House. Earlier in Ashford Academy, Fenrir was taking a lecture about Elizabeth III. Now, only Carlito and Malik were in the council room with the rest of the Student Council with the exception of Lelouch, Kallen, Suzaku, and Rai. With Suzaku, Rai, and especially Kallen it made the most sense. Suzaku works for the Britannian Engineer Corps, while Kallen and Rai along with the rest of Fenrir were helping the Black Knights. A matter of fact, Rai was assisting Wash in finding surviving members of the Japan Liberation Front now that Malik thought about it. But his thoughts were interrupted when he heard a long sigh coming from Shirley's face.
""You alright, Shirley?"
"Yeah, what's got you so worried?" Milly asked. "Constipated? Your time of the month?"
"That's not it." Shirley responded with shock
"And I'm leaving." Carlito said, not wanting to get involve with the incoming conversation
"Huh... you're lonely because Lelouch is gone, aren't you?"
Shirley looked away, blushing nervously. "It's more like Kallen is absent in the same day he is... again."
"That's what has you troubled?" Malik asked. "Thought you were just friends with him?"
"Oh, so carefree." Milly said. "While the rest of the world grapples with what happened in Narita. Suzaku's been out for two days because of that."
"I know that!" Shirley exclaimed. "But Lulu and Kallen, gone on the same day together. That's serious." she pointed out
Milly laughed. "I envy you, Shirley. That's what I love about you."
"Don't make fun of me!" Shirley said agitated
"Then just tell him, already." Milly stood up from her chair and started walking. "All you have to say are these three little words: I like you."
"I couldn't. I just couldn't." Shirley insisted. "I mean what if..."
"What if he rejects me." Milly interjected, mimicking Shirley's voice. "It can ruin great friendship. Hahahahahahahahahaha!"
"You don't have to laugh that hard, you know?" Shirley said blushing in embarrassment
"She's right, you know." Malik said to Shirley as he looked at him. "Just tell him. Only way you'll know for sure." he added before leaving the student council room
Later on, Malik and Carlito were the Black Knights mobile base garbed as Yasuke and Lobo. Alice and Rai were in their Valkyrie and Archangel outfits, already waiting for the rest to show up while Zero and the core members of the Black Knights were having a meeting.
"Kyoto praised us for using the Guren Mk II so well." Sugiyama said "I thought that was encouraging."
"They were also impressed with Fenrir, too." Yoshida said, as said mercenary team glanced at the Black Knight
"They were?"
"Yeah, you guys survived a fight with the Knights of the Round on your own." Kallen said in an impressed tone. "It was amazing."
"It's incredible you're still alive." Yoshida praised Yasuke and Archangel. "Not many people survive an encounter with the Knight of Two. Kyoto was really impressed by that one."
"It was due to luck and skill." Archangel said. "We never expected the Knights of the Round to be in Japan. Not to mention that intervention by that white knight."
'I would have had Cornelia in the palm of my hands if it wasn't for that white knight. But in the end, we succeeded what we've done in Narita.' Zero thought. 'Still, I wasn't prepared for the Knights of the Round.'
"Hell yeah. We just keep winning and winning and it's awesome, hahahahaha!"
"Yeah, it does feel good to win."
"And it was good that we didn't suffer no casualties."
"Any word from her?"
"Her?" Inoue asked
"Who are you talking about?"
"Rakshata Chawla." Valkyrie answered. "She's a scientist in the military district of India, and the genius behind the Gurens."
"Along with the Burais and headed them over to Kyoto." Lobo added
"She built the Gurens?" Kallen queried in surprise, as Lobo nodded in reply
"Then that means Kyoto is backing her into making Knightmares." Sugiyama said
"Rakshata gives her Knightmares to Kyoto and they place them on resistance groups, mostly the JLF and now you lot." Yasuke stated
"What about your Knightmares? You guys had them before Narita."
"That's because we stole those from a Britannian supply run after the Shinjuku incident." Lobo said, with a hint of confidence surprising everyone with the exception of Fenrir and seemingly Zero. "Took the trackers so the Brits couldn't find any trace of their stolen goodies."
"You guys did pretty good with these Knightmares on Narita."
"First time for us, too." Valkyrie added. "Second time for Yasuke."
"When did you use yours?"
Yasuke shrugged his shoulders with his arms crossed and replied. "Saitama."
Ohgi handed Zero an envelope. "Here." he said
"Hmm? What's this?" Zero asked
"A love letter." Ohgi said
"From you?" Zero responded
Tamaki laughed loudly from Zero's response. "And they say you have no sense of humor. Ahahahahahaha!"
Kallen and Valkyrie looked at Tamaki annoyed. "You laugh too much." Kallen said
"It's an official letter from Kyoto." Ohgi clarified. "They urgently request a meeting."
"That's unexpected." Archangel said bluntly. "Now, of all times?"
"Is this really a big deal?"
"A big deal?!" Kallen asked surprised. "It's Kyoto."
Lobo glanced at Zero. "Could be worth it, boss."
"If they accept us, that means funding and support." Ohgi informed them. "It could also solve our financial crisis."
"Crisis?" Zero asked
"What financial crisis?" Archangel also asked. "I thought we were covered on funding."
"There shouldn't be any problem if you are following the budget I laid out." Zero had pointed out
"Oh, well..." Ohgi began nervously
"Hey! It's not my fault!" Tamaki defensively said. "We're turning into a big organization now! That means new expenses, you know!"
Yasuke, Archangel, and Valkyrie facepalmed at Tamaki's excuse, explaining how the expenses to be used up.
"Like french dinners for the new recruits so you can show off?" kallen asked in annoyance of Tamaki
"Hey, you!" Tamaki said, glaring at Kallen
"I know where you've been taking them, big spender?" Kallen said, accusingly
Tamaki was taken aback by Kallen's response. "You know about that?!"
Zero and Fenrir sighed irritated by the incompetence of how the funding was spent.
"Ohgi, you're in charge of the treasury from now on." Lobo said. "Snowflake here has lost his position."
"Hey!" Tamaki said, standing up. "I'm in charge of the money! That's my job!"
"If you want me to trust you, then show me results." Zero said
"Did you actually say just trust a guy who hides his face from his own partners?!" Tamaki questioned in a low tone, surprising the others. "How about it Zero? The same with you mercs?"
"Hold on a minute..."
"They aren't the problem." Kallen stood up defending them. "Who cares who they are? They had the skill to outwit Cornelia, didn't they? And they held their own with the Knights of the Round. That's why Zero is leader of the Black Knights, and it's thank to Fenrir that we won in Narita. Do you really need to know more?"
Lobo surprisingly walked in front of Tamaki. "You want to know why we wear these masks? It's due to a personal reason each of us have, not because of distrust. If you think trusting us is impossible, then that's your problem." he said, leaving before Archangel, Yasuke, and Valkyrie also left
"He is correct on that matter. I'll be upstairs." Zero said, heading to the second floor of the mobile base
"I think you overdid it." Ohgi
"Yeah, you totally stepped on a landmine back there." Minami said
"Well, how was I suppose to know that?"
"I guess even if we're the senior commanders, there's some secrets Zero don't have to tell us." Yoshida said. "Same could be said about Fenrir."
"Listen." Ohgi said. "I think, it's even better we don't pressure them about this. I mean think of all we've got because of them, and if all they ask for return is the right to keep their faces hidden, then what's wrong with that?"
The next day, the recovery efforts were being done as Britannian soldiers were picking up bodies of the casualties from the battle of Narita. The bodies that were buried in the landslide were being taken in tents. Body bags of the dead filled the rows in the tents and there were civilians who were watching from behind that had been set up. Work to recover the bodies of soldiers continued as medical workers and Knightmare pilots were continuing their recovery work. In one of the tents, Suzaku looked around and sighed sadly as he looked over to Cecile who was looking over logistics and doing other calculations. He then looked at the sky and thought back to his fight with Zero, from that red Knightmare to the girl he and Lelouch had found when they met each other during that mess in Shinjuku. And... the sudden flashes of his memory after the green haired girl showed in Narita. Suzaku grabbed his water bottle and drunk it up until it was empty to calm himself down from the thought of it.
"Dug enough bodies out of that landslide?" Lloyd asked, approaching him
"For the most part. Right now, I'm just taking a break." Suzaku said. "I'll see continue the recovery operation."
"Be my guest until it's out of your system, then." Lloyd replied. "Considering Princess Cornelia's pleasure to indulge you."
Suzaku thought for a moment before asking. "Lloyd, Zero and the Black Knights. What are they trying to do? What do they hope to achieve by sacrificing all these lives for?"
"They are knights of justice, aren't they?" Lloyd nonchalantly replied
Suzaku spotted something orange and familiar in the distance away from the tents. "Isn't that..."
"Holding up okay?" Suzaku turned to see Mariel walk up to him. "You and the Lancelot, I mean."
Suzaku stood in attention. "Fine, my Lady."
"I'm also asking how are you as a person, warrant officer." Mariel replied, sternly. "What happened here..."
"It's nothing." Suzaku insisted
Mariel placed her hands on her hips, raising an eyebrow. Suzaku then looked as he saw Shirley and her mother being escorted somewhere by Viletta. Mariel turned to see what caught his eye as she looked back at him.
"Someone you know?"
"I should get back to it." Suzaku said, changing the subject as Mariel walked over to Lloyd and Cecile
"What has your gears running?" she asked the two
"I checked the units including the Pure Bloods."
"Which proves I was right."
"About what?"
"A radiant surge." Cecile said
"Does that mean..." Mariel trailed off nearly in shock
"Rakshata." Lloyd said, thinking of said Indian woman. "Never thought you would side with enemies."
"Plus their pilot is extremely skilled. As are those who stole high valued Knightmares after Shinjuku." Cecile stated. "Even if we repair the Lancelot now. If we have those Knightmare again, along with those other Knightmares..."
"You don't think it could? Against my Lancelot?" Lloyd said before turning to Mariel. "And what do you think, valiant Knight of Britannia?"
Mariel rolled her eyes before answering. "It's not the Knightmares I'm concerned with. It's the pilots."
"Lady Lubie." Mariel turned to see a Britannian officer approach her. "Lord Kingsley, and the other Knights required your presence, my Lady."
Mariel glanced at the Lancelot, then Suzaku before looking back at the officer. "I'm on my way."
At an unknown location, a large limo carrying Zero, Kallen, Ohgi, Sugiyama, and Tamaki was riding in a dark tunnel. Wherever they were was secretive enough as the limo came to a stop, before being lifted by an elevator. Once the elevator stopped, the limo moved forward for a bit and stopped. The limo driver got out and opened the door.
"Sorry for the inconvenience. The master is waiting for you." he said
They all got out as they were all surprised by the sudden view of what they were seeing in sight.
"This is... this is the Fuji mines" Ohgi said in amazement
"That's not possible." Tamaki said, shocked. "There's no way we could be even here."
"It has to be! There is only one mountain like this." Kallen said
"That means the Sakuradite is below us?" Sugiyama said. "The whole reason that caused this war with Britannia-"
"You know what they do to intruders here? Execute them!" Tamaki said, cutting Sugiyama off
"The power of which all the way up here? Kyoto group is amazing." Ohgi said
"It is repulsing!" a booming voice suddenly said
The lights turned off and the room was dim lit with red lights, and the Black Knights turned their attention to a man who was veiled and sitting holding his cane.
"Mount Fiji, a sacred mountain once known for its clear water and quiet beauty. Now, it is bent to the empire's will." the man behind the veil said in a mixture of sadness and anger. "A place of the hideous violation. Our reflection on what Japan has become. It pains me so," he then turned his attention to Zero. "I apologize for not showing my face. But Zero, your face is hidden as well. Unfortunately, I cannot allow this. To trust you, I must know who you are." he pointed his cane at Zero. "Therefore, you will show me your face."
He signaled four Burais to appear armed with assault rifles pointing them at the Black Knights who arrived, leaving the others shocked and surprised.
"Please wait!" Kallen said, standing in front of Zero in her attempt to shield him. "Zero has given us power and victory to stand Britannia! That should be enough to-"
"Silence!" the veil man loudly interjected. "Now, which one of you is Ohgi?"
Ohgi stood forward. "That would be me."
"You will remove Zero's mask." the veil man demanded
"Ohgi!" Kallen said wanting to stop from taking Zero's mask off
"I'm sorry, Zero. But we need a reason to put our faith in you." Ohgi said, placing his hands on Zero's mask. "So help us to put our entire trust in you." he then removed as he and the others are surprised to see a girl, but one Kallen recognized after Narita known as C.C
"Huh? Zero's a woman?!"
"It can't be."
"It's not!" Kallen said. "This is Zero's accomplice!"
"You there, girl. Is this true?" the veil man queried
"Yes, it is." C.C answered
"You are not Japanese?" the veil man asked her
C.C smiled before she replied. "That is correct, clan chief of Kyoto, Taizo Kirihara."
Kirihara and his guards were shocked and prepared to take their guns out.
"Anyone who can identify him must die." One of the guards said
"Especially if they are not Japanese!" another guard added
The Burais aimed their assault rifles at the Black Knights. Then suddenly, one of the Burais fired its slash harkens at the other two bringing them down. The last remaining Burai tried to stop the rogue one but it was brought down before it could make a move. The rogue Burai made its way to the veil man and aimed an assault rifle at him.
"You've gone soft. Your methods and thinking are outdated!" Zero said. "Which is why you'll never win!"
Kallen blinked. "Zero?"
"When did you...?"
One of the bodyguard was stopped when he and the other bodyguards had their guns suddenly taken away, before being sent on the ground by Yasuke
"Stay." he said
"How did you-" the sound of guns clicking caught their attention as they quickly turned to see Archangel, Valkyrie, and Lobo aiming the guard's own weapons against them
Zero then stepped down to the floor after exiting the Burai, as he started walking toward Kirihara. "Taizo Kirihara. The founder of Kirihara Industry which has a monopoly on the Sakuradite mines." he spoke. "Formerly a key backer of the Kururugi regime. However, when Japan fell in the war, you dodged the tribunals by collaborating with the colonial rulers. Commonly known as Kirihara the traitor."
Yasuke hunched one of the bodyguard's weapon on his shoulder. "In reality, you're one of the leaders of the Six Kyoto Houses. Who in return, are the main supporters for every resistance group throughout Japan."
"A double agent. How cliché."
"Show some respect, you swine!" one of the guards, said growling before the barrel of a gun was pointed at him by Lobo
"Don't be stupid, cabron." the wolf masked merc said
"Enough!" Kirihara said
"It's as you guessed though, I am not Japanese." Zero declared as the Black Knights who accompanied the meeting were shocked. "Neither are these mercenaries that you see before you."
"Seriously?" Tamaki asked. "No wonder they didn't show their faces."
"If you are not Japanese, then why do you fight for Japan?" Kirihara asked Zero. "What do you want?"
Zero took a step forward before he replied. "The destruction of Britannia."
"And if so, do you believe that is possible? That you can accomplish your goal?"
"I can because I must." Zero said. "If not me, who will? Plus, I have my own reasons." Zero said, before taking his mask in front of only Kirihara. "I'm glad I'm dealing with you."
Kirihara's face turned to shock when Zero's identify is revealed to him. "You..."
"It's been a long time, Lord Kirihara." Lelouch said
"Is it really you?" Kirihara asked, still amazed at the sudden realization. "It has been eight years since I received you and your sister as a hostage."
"Yes. I appreciate you taking care of me and my sister." Lelouch said
"If I hadn't come tonight, were you planning on take our messengers as hostages?" Kirihara asked him
"Not at all." Lelouch replied. "I came to ask for your help, that's all I'm seeking from you."
Kirihara smiled as he laughed, being pleased by what he heard. "So I see the flower eight years ago has finally blossomed."
"Ohgi!" Kirihara called, getting the Black Knight's attention
"Yes." Ohgi quickly responded
"This man is a true enemy of Britannia." Kirihara said. "His identity must remain hidden for vital reasons, I urge you to follow Zero. And I guarantee if you do, we will assist you generously with intelligence and strategic support."
Ohgi bowed gratefully at Kirihara's response, while surprised. "We thank you."
"Are you embarking on the path of blood?" Kirihara asked
"Embark? I have already taken the path of blood, and continue forward." Zero said as he begun leaving
With the rest prepared to leave, Valkyrie stopped and turned to Kirihara. The old man noticed her gaze on him.
"Something on your mind, mercenary?"
"Just wanted to say I'm relieved you survived, Lord Kirihara."
"You expected your employer to kill me?"
"Not at all." Valkyrie said as she revealed her true identity to Taizo Kirihara. "Do you remember me, Lord Kirihara?" her red eyes staring at the elderly man from one of the Kyoto Houses
Kirihara's grin grew wide along with his eyes. "Ah, it is you."
"It has been a long time since that day in Kururugi Shrine." Alice said
"Indeed, it has." Kirihara replied. "You, along with your mother and sister were welcomed among us. Especially after that arrangement between your mother's family and the Prime Minister."
"What exactly was this arrangement?"
Before Kirihara could tell her, the two heard a voice from behind them.
"Valkyrie, let's go." Yasuke said
"I just need a minute!" Alice yelled out to Yasuke, before putting her mask back on. "Another time?" she asked
"Another time, perhaps sooner or later. For now, your allies will have need of you." Kirihara said. "Two surprises. All in one night for just an old man like me." he added as he saw her leave with the Lelouch, Black Knights, and Fenrir. "The daughter of the late prime minister Genbu Kururugi has returned."
After his meeting with Kirihara, Lelouch had everything in his hands to destroy Britannia. He didn't even wonder why Alice revealed herself to Kirihara, but he trusted the old man to keep his secret. However, the thought was put aside when he realized a text from Shirley saying that she won't be attending the opera with him. Whatever the text had said shocked Lelouch, discovering the consequences of his actions.
