Holy Britannian Empire, Germany, Offenburg, One day after the battle of Strasbourg
Hours had passed since the city surrendered to the Britannian forces. With nearly every E.U. Knightmare being destroyed along with all of its Tanks and Vtols by not only the Knight of Zero and his new Knight of Honor from what rumours say. With no Knightmares or vehicles, the German E.U. forces had no choice but to surrender themselves and the city to the Empire.
Lelouch's forces can be seen escorting the POWs to the Caerleon ship that was to transport them to the Verdun POW camp. As they were being escorted and rounded up, the Avalon could be seen hovering above the city, as its shadow was practically covering a part of the city. Lelouch observed as he continued to analyse his next move. Though they had suffered minimal casualties during the battle thanks to Suzaku, Lelouch had been unsure if he should continue keeping Suzaku by his side throughout the entire campaign. It was thanks to Suzaku that they hadn't lost as many forces along with his new aide. But he wanted to send Suzaku off to take command of another front to cover more ground as they went further into the German Federation.
He wasn't planning on splitting his forces. No, it was more that he had something planned by Suzaku. Suzaku had said he wasn't confident in leading soldiers to battle or taking command. He had been having second thoughts and was considering being the Grand Master of the Dullahan Knights. After Lelouch had spent his ass building the order from scratch. So he might as well force him to do it.
At that very moment, Suzaku entered the bridge. All the officers in the bridge stood up to bow to him, but he raised his hand to tell them to return to what they were doing. Then, he stood in front of Lelouch and bowed before him.
"Your majesty, may I ask why you summoned me?" Suzaku asked.
"I'll cut to the chase: they are here." Lelouch told him. Suzaku was confused at first, but then after a while, he realized what he meant.
"'They arrived earlier than expected." Suzaku says.
"That's because only a quarter of them arrived." Lelouch informed. "A regiment's worth of troops could be a good start for you."
Suzaku grimaces, feeling a little on edge. He was hoping that they would've arrived a little bit late as he was still quite anxious about the whole thing. Though he had an ample amount of time to get accustomed to the idea of leading an army, but he was still quite unsure of this. Honestly, he was cosying up to the idea at first, but after giving it some thought, he was honestly still quite nervous. He really needs to talk to Lelouch about this.
"Uhh, Lelouch I-"
Lelouch cuts him off. "Suzaku this is an order. You are to take command of that regiment and move south and take the town of Villingen, after that you'll move north to Stuttgart where I'll meet with you and commence an joint attack from two sides." Lelouch ordered him. As he looked him with closed eyes and a smile.
He knew what Suzaku was going to say, and he didn't want to hear any of it. The fact of the matter is, he gave Suzaku an army: an army that is independent from Lelouch's authority and one that will only answer to Suzaku. This was to show Suzaku that he trusts him. And also because he worked day and night to recruit and organize the entire thing; if Suzaku was going to back out now, he would show how ruthless he could be once someone didn't accept his hard work.
Suzaku looked dazed by Lelouch's words as he couldn't figure out what to say about the whole Dullahan Knights. He realized why Lelouch had cut him off and why he was smiling at him in an annoyed way. Catherine had told him about Lelouch's late nights, of him building the Dullahan Knights and his plans to abolish the Area system. She even mentioned their nighttime activities, which made him feel uncomfortable. He wondered why Lelouch fell in love with her, considering how she didn't seem to mind other people's opinions. Honestly, he still wonders how he was able to even live with this woman back at Ashford Academy.
"I understand. I will meet with them right away." Suzaku obeys.
"Jeremiah will be with me on my way to Stuttgart, so you'll have nothing to worry about." Lelouch tells him.
"Oh yeah, and here I was wondering if you'd be safe without me." Suzaku comments sarcastically. A smug smile appears on Lelouch's face.
"A Caerleon ship will arrive with newly manufactured Knightmares. That'll be your flagship for now." Lelouch informs him. "Your forces will be stationed at Schauenburg castle. It'll take a while for the ship to arrive, so take your time and get to know some of them. And take Lloyd with you."
Suzaku acknowledges and gets up to head to the door. "If you say so," but before he left, Lelouch had given a little piece of information regarding the order.
"By the way, most of them are former numbers. I thought that it was a good idea, since most Britannians still don't like the idea of working with former numbers," Lelouch told him
Suzaku ignores his words as he exits the bridge and heads to the hangar to meet with Thomas and Lloyd, informing them they are going somewhere else. He knows that most of the Order will be made up of former Numbers. Despite Britannians being and still trying to get used to Lelouch's new Britannia, most Britannians are still trying to get used to it, due to how Britannians had treated Numbers before. For now, having Numbers in his Order is the most logical approach given the current circumstances. However, he does wonder why he told him that.
But its probably nothing.
Schauenburg Castle
"...Lelouch you goddamn bitch." Suzaku thought angrily and annoyed. The former numbers that he was now on command of, were kid you not... Japanese. He wonders if Lelouch did this out of spite, considering how most of them glared at him. "Is this sort of prank you pulled, Lelouch? If so, not a great one."
Of all the things the regiment that Lelouch had assigned to him were mostly made up of Japanese, and he knews damb well how his countrymen think of him. There did seem to be people from other Area's as well, but there only a few of them. Though from the looks of it they all share the same glares as the Japanese at him.
As Suzaku maintained his stoic composure in front of the Dullahan Knights, meanwhile Lloyd, Cecile and Thomas were getting chills just from the atmosphere of the whole scene.
"Its getting really awkward." Thomas whispered to the two scientists.
"You don't say." Lloyd replied boringly.
"Honestly I'm beginning to question if Suzaku and his Majesty are really friends." Cecile comments. She had seen the two of them interact a few times during her trip in the Avalon. From the looks of ir, their relationship seemed a little dysfunctional at times. She wondered if anything had happened in the past for them to be like this, after all this the first time she had met the Emperor.
Soon after, someone came up to the Knight of Zero, most likely the commander of the regiment. To Suzaku's surprise the commander was a Britannian instead of a former number. Then again, most of the Numbers in the military were mainly young people after all, making it unlikely for Numbers to be in charge of troop organisations.
"Greetings my lord, I'm Commander Liebert. I am the commander of this regiment." Liebert offered a hand to his new Grand master.
"Of course, I look forward to working with you." Suzaku accepts Lieberts offer and shakes his hand.
"I do as well, Grand Master. Why don't we head inside I want you to meet the others as well." Liebert says.
"Lead the way." The Knight of Zero tells him.
Liebert turns to show them the way to the castle as Suzaku and everyone else follows on. As they head up, Suzaku felt a little uneasy, he couldn't quite figure out, but if he had to guess Lelouch still had one last surprise left for him. Considering him, it wouldn't really be surprising.
Inside the Castle
Inside the castle, Lloyd and Cecile decide to sit down and take a break in the Great Hall as they had been carrying around some very heavy bags for a while now. Suzaku and Thomas continue to follow Liebert as they head to the dining room where they will be meeting the other Lieutenants. From what Liebert told him, only one of them was a commoner, which means he has experience on the battlefield. Honestly, Suzaku didn't care much about social status anyway, as long as they proved to be useful on the battlefield, he didn't mind. But for some reason he had a feeling that there was going to be another surprise about this whole thing. I mean, with most of the Knights he is currently in command of being Japanese, what else is going to be next? Someone he knows from back during his old days as the Knight of the Seven would appear!? Highly unlikely, unless Lelouch pulled some strings, which he certainly wouldn't unless he wants to get a good ol'beating from his old best friend. There is no way.
As they approach the door to the dining hall, Libert opened the door and announces his Suzaku's arrival.
"Men, the Knight of Zero enters."
All the Lieutenants in the room fall into attention in a line as they all greet the Knight of the Round. As Suzaku got in, he didn't notice much of the Lieutenants, they all seem to be capable men that he can have put his trust on the battlefield. Other than that there wasn't anything off or special about them-
Suzaku widened his eyes as he stared in disbelief to the person at the end of the line. He would never forget teh face of that young blonde boy, who had lookes up to him, the boy he himself let down.
"Schnee...?"
The blonde boy, Schnee, turned to him with a blank expression. He showed no emotion whatsoever on his face as he faced his former lord. Suzaku couldn't honestly believe it, the chances of meeting again were low after the last time they met. But there was inly one thing that went through Suzaku's mind at that very moment.
"Lelouch when I catch you... Lelouch when I catch you." Then again it won't be that hard, knowing Lelouch's athletic ability.
"...It's been a while... Sir Kururugi." Schnee hesitates to say.
"...Yeah, its been a while." Suzaku replied awkwardly.
The room feels awkward with an awkward silence as everyone in the room has no idea what to do. Honestly, Thomas was the one who felt the most awkward here. After all, his master's old comrade is here. And surprisingly, it's the son of Fucking Count Hexenhaus. Oh boy, who knew there was so much going on around Suzaku's life? It's quite honestly impressive.
"Should we give you two some space?" Commander Liebert asked, not wanting to get in between the two of you.
"Oh no, it's alright. We can talk later; for now let's just get on with the strategy meeting." Suzaku insists, not wanting to delay anything further."
"I also agree, this war isn't going to end itself." Schnee also agreed.
The others, including Commander Liebert, looked unsure. In their view, they thought they should give them some space and catch up. But if they insisted on continuing this strategy meeting, what was stopping them? They were already on a fixed timetable because the Emperor wanted to end this war within three months.
"Alright, then lets get on with it then." Liebert says.
"I'n gonna stay outside, since I'm still new to this." Thomas says.
"Sure, okay." Suzaku allows Thomas to leave. He found it odd that he wanted to leave, but it didn't bother him much.
"Don't mind if I do." Thomas closed the door behind him as he left the room. After getting out, he headed to the great hall, where Lloyd and Cecile were. He wanted to ask what happened between Suzaku and the young lord of Hexenhaus.
Avalon
"That's kind of awful of you, your majesty." Edwin says as he puts down the tray of tea on Lelouch's desk.
"Well to you it may seem like that, but to me it's payback." Lelouch retorts.
"I really wonder what happened between you two for something like this to have happened." Edwin sighed, feeling bad for the Knight of Zero.
Edwin was recently assigned as the Emperor's personal concierge by the Avalon's chief of staff. He really couldn't figure out why he was put in such a position all of a sudden. Sure, he did take etiquette lessons once and he was planning on becoming a butler like his father. Though, thanks to some circumstances, he ended up being part of the Avalon's crew somehow. Honestly, he had no complaints about it; he was mostly in charge of communications anyway, so there wasn't much trouble per se. Well, if there was one thing he didn't like, it was definitely his coworkers. Oh, how he hated them! Luckily, most of them left with Prince Schneizel, so he considered it a blessing.
"Say Edwin, where do you see yourself after the military." Lelouch asks, wanting to initiate some small talk.
"I beg your pardon, your majesty, why ask do you such a question?" Edwin asked, finding the question a little peculiar for someone like him.
"I'm just curious. You seem like an intelligent man, I'm sure I might see you in a big corporation in the future." Lelouch says, to which Edwin just shrugs.
"Not really into that. I'm planning on continuing the family legacy." Edwin replied.
"Which is?"
"Well being a butler. I come from a long line of butlers you see." Edwin tells him.
"Is that so," Lelouch says holding his chin up, unsurprised. Catching Edwins attention.
"Not that big of a deal anyway. We aren't exactly well known, but our family has been around for quite some time." Edwin revealed.
"I see, but I assume your family has done some satisfactory work over the years." Lelouch assumes.
"You are correct." Edwin confirms. "Though we have made mistakes, we have made sure to fulfill our master's requests to the best of our ability."
"So you wish to be like that?" Lelouch asked.
"Oh heavens no, during the Emblem of blood my grandfather nearly died trying to save the young master of the Weiss family." Edwin quickly replied, getting a laugh out of Lelouch. "All I'm doing is continuing the family business. I have no goals in life whatsoever."
"If you don't have a goal in your life, tell me what if you were to bring the greatest honour to your family legacy." Lelouch asked.
Edwin raises a brow in confusion. "Whatever could you mean?"
"How would you like to become my Royal secretary." Lelouch says, finally taking a sip of his tea.
"Pardon?" Edwin says, thinking that he had misheard what the Emperor had just said.
"I'm serious, I would like to appoint you as my Royal secretary." Lelouch clarified, with a small grin on his face.
Edwin was at a loss for words. He really couldn't believe what was happening. His family had been butlers for generations, many of them had attended the best butler school in the country and the world, and yet they never came across such an opportunity. Now Edwin, who had been chosen for such a god-given opportunity, the first thing he had to do was to inform his father of the news.
"Can you excuse me for a while, your Majesty?" Edwin requested.
"Oh please take your time." Lelouch allowed.
Edwin left the room, bowing before the Emperor, then closed the door. He rushed back to his quarters and took out his phone. While taking out his phone, his bunk mate was woken up by all the noise.
"Jarvis can you keep it down, I'm trying to get some rest." He asked.
"Like your rest is important, the Emperor had just asked me to be his Royal secretary." Edwin tells him.
And with just those words alone, his bunkmate immediately got out of his bed, no longer tired and just looked at him with his eyes wide open, holding his shoulders.
"You joking?"
"No, I'm serious." Edwin confirmed.
"Then what the hell are you just sitting there for? CALL YOUR DAD!" I also want to know what happened! His bunkmate frantically tells him.
Pressing the buttons to his father's number. He remembers the time when his father would show him the photos of his family legacy throughout the years. All of his family members never got the chance to serve a high ranking noble nor an noble their entire history, now after years he is the first member of their family to become the Royal Secretary.
"Ancestors, we made it. We finally made it!"
Europia United, German Federation, Berlin, War Command Centre
In the central room of the Berlin War Command Centre, everyone was working 24/7 non-stop ever since the war had started. Just moments ago, they received reports that the Knight of Two had made a breakthrough on their fronts in the Northern Congo and is now meeting up with the Knight of One. The reports state that they will make a combined attack on the Capital Kinshasa. They've been trying to coordinate with their African armies for a while yet nothing has happened for the past few hours.
Leila on the other hand hasn't slept since the battle in Strasbourg; bags could be seen under her eyes. She had been doing strategy simulations over the past few hours on how to beat the Emperor and his forces. Honestly, it doesn't look so good. From the looks of it, in every scenario, the Emperor wins mostly due to the forces he has at his disposal. Vincent wards and Gareths, those things are nightmares for the E.U. in the past, they wouldn't be so much of a threat, but now with the loss of key Europian territories and member states, it's hard to maintain such a fighting force against the current Imperial Army. Even with Schneizel's intelligence, which is now basically useless, mostly because it's outdated. She honestly is now hoping that the negotiations with the U.F.N. would go smoothly and could expect some volunteer forces, even the Zilkhstan mercenaries could be of some use. She only prays that the negotiations go well.
As Leila tries not to fall asleep, Akito places a coffee cup next to her. He had returned from Strasbourg a few hours earlier, he had been told of Leila's situation: that she hadn't slept much. What made it worse was that she worried whether the Council would relieve her of her position after this failed operation.
"You could use some."
"Thanks, Akito." Leila smiled in gratitude as she took a sip of the coffee. "How are the others?"
"Ryo and Ayano are surprisingly doing well. They are waiting for the new Alexander Valiants to arrive from Britain." Akito says, relieving Leila. "Yukiya though needs to get a few tests done, his fight with Gottwald took a toll on him."
"Makes sense, Ayano and Ryo got unlucky and fought a really good pilot. While Yukiya got really unlucky." Leila commented, Akito chuckled at her comment.
"I guess you're right." Akito agrees in saying so. "Also, Ashley is arriving with Ashura Team. They say they're coming with a high-ranking general; do you know who it is?"
"From Britain? I highly doubt it. The only high-ranking officers from Britain are all admirals. Who could the Council have possibly sent?" Leila says.
After all, who could it be? Every high-ranking officer is now overseeing the E.U. Most of them are in Finland, trying to maintain the Northeast front line, while the others are in Southern Germany, stopping the Emperor's advance. Who could they possibly have sent that would assure them a victory against Britannia? Unless they bring him out of prison, which they likely won't.
"My Leila it truly has been a while."
Leila's eyes widened as she recognized whose voice it was. She immediately stood up from her chair and turned around to see if it was indeed who she thought it was. To her utter horror, it was who she thought it was.
Her former mentor who she had looked up to and considered as a second father. Gene Smilas. Standing next him was of course, Ashley Ashura who avoided trying to look at Leila as he felt bad.
"Smilas." Leila hissed his name.
Akito immediately gets Leila behind him, making sure Smilas didn't get close to her
"Leila, you look beautiful as ever. I see that you finally are acting your age." Smilas comments, noticing how the eleven reacted to his arrival.
"What's the meaning of this, Smilas?" Leila asked.
"That's General Smilas to you." Smilas tells her, leaving Leila wide-eyed at what it means.
"Then, the Council reinstated you."
"You catch on quick." He said as he approached the command deck. "Colonel Malcal, I believe this is where I'll sit."
Leila narrowed her eyes at him as he clenched her fist. Before she could do anything else, Akito held her hand. Leila turned her head to him, only for him to shake his head, telling her it wasn't worth it. Leila realised what he meant, fixed her composure, and turned back to the General.
"Yes... General that is where you will be sitting." Leila reluctantly confirms. Smilas could only smile satisfied.
"Well now that we have cleared that out of the way. Colonel Malcal, I'm assigning you to figure out a counterattack in Frankfurt." Smilas orders her. Everyone in the room was left confused, considering Frankfurt hasn't been taken over yet by the Britannians.
"Excuse me, General, but the Britannians haven't launched an attack on Frankfurt yet. According to our intelligence, they appear to be headed to Stuggart." Leila asked, finding the General's decision quite odd.
"I'm aware of that, but by the time we send reinforcements to Stuggart, the city will have already fallen to the Imperial Army." Smilas says.
"You have a point, but what does that have to do with a counterattack in Frankfurt?" Leila inquired, finding it a bit too weird.
Smilas could only sigh. "Oh how could you be so clueless, Leila." Smilas says, making Leila narrow her eyes at him. "What I'm getting at is that the Emperor would make Frankfurt his next target after Stuggart. So considering the young Emperor's tactics so far, we can launch a surprise attack."
"...That... is actually not a bad strategy." Leila reluctantly admitted.
"Of course it isn't, and if any of you think we have no chance of winning, let me ask you this; are you willing to let some royal from Britannia take over? So what if he has Kururugi and half of the Royal Guard on his side? And what if Colonel Malcal's operation gets ruined? He probably just got lucky." Smilas reminds them. Some of them whisper and murmur amongst themselves with what the general was saying. They honestly agree with him. Why should they fear some brat who probably knows nothing about war and combat? This is just a minor setback anyway. Once Colonel Malcal comes up with a counterattack, they'll push the Britannians back.
"I believe you are quite mistaken General." Leila disagreed, much to everyone's surprise.
"What do you mean Colonel?" Smilas asked.
"I have received credible intel about the current Emperor." Leila tells him.
"Would that intel perhaps be from former Prime Minister Schneizel?" Smilas asked, which shocked Leila.
"How did you...?"
"I used to be a high-ranking general, Leila. I have ears everywhere. Even when I'm not around." Smilas smirked, which disgusted Leila even more. However, she maintained her composure once more, not wanting to escalate things.
"Well then did you perhaps know how much of a strategic genius he is?" Leila asked.
"I am, but I'm not worried." Smilas says, which baffled Leila.
"What?! Are you being serious right now." Leila asks.
"Leila, unlike you, was never taught how to command armies. She spent most of her life in hiding, so what's to worry about." Smilas says, as he tries to get closer to Leila, who was still behind Akito. "Genius or not, no one can win without experience."
"I advise you stay back General." Akito growled.
"Oh what's this, a dog going against his superior." Smilas says, which angered Leila as she shoved Akito away and slapped Smilas on the face.
"Don't you ever call him that!" Leila warns him.
To her surprise, instead of getting mad at Leila, Smilas smiled, almost amused. It was almost as if he were enjoying what was going on.
"My dear Leila, you really are adorable," Smiles's words made Leila clench her jaw in disgust. "You should act like this more often. It isn't right for a young lady like you to act all so mature." Smiles tried putting a hand on her shoulder, but before he could, Leila grabbed it.
"So you think of me as a lady, General?" Leila hissed.
"What else would you be other than a young lady," he replied, getting Leila narrow her eyes at him even more. "But I'll admit, for a young lady your talents are very much needed in this war. So get back to work, Colonel Malcal," Smilas says as he heads toward the door. Which puzzled the young female Colonel.
"Where might you be headed?" She asks.
"That is none of your concern, Colonel. You'll proceed with mounting a counterattack on Frankfurt as quickly as possible. Do you understand?" Smilas asked, getting Leila a bit more annoyed, but there was nothing she could do.
"Yes sir, I'll begin right away," Leila then heads to her desk where she'll begin planning her counterattack in Frankfurt. If Leila could, she could say no, but if the Council is involved there isn't really much she can do. After all, one wrong move and its a court martial for her.
Smilas left with triumphant look as he whimsicaly hummed as he left, which got Leila's nerves. However before she could get an aneurysm from all the pent up anger she had kept, Akito put a hand on her shoulder. Leila turned around for Akito to give a comforting look which was able to calm her down a bit. Leila could only smile in gratitude.
"Thank you, Akito," she said before embracing him, which Akito returned.
"It's alright, you needed it. You already have a tough enough time as it already is," Akito says, trying to put her at ease.
"Thanks it means a lot," with that she breaks off the embrace and heads back to her station, where she immediately gets to work.
Seeing her work, Akito couldn't help but feel pity for her. After nearly half a year of living off the grid, they return back after Paris had fallen to Britannia. After returning, she was forced to endure a harsh Court martial along with the rest of Wzero, but theirs was nothing compared to Leila's, which went on for weeks. All because she was their commander and she took all the responsibility. Akito had seen how the pressure from the Court martial procedure had affected her, he felt helpless as she put herself through that. When they thought the worst was over, Smilas just had to come back. Now it was going to get much worse. That's why he won't let it happen again, he won't let Leila get hurt anymore. If she is adamant on staying with the E.U. then he will as well. He will do anything for her. And as long as he lives, he won't let anyone hurt her.
Schauenburg Castle
"Oh dear," Cecile gulped.
Thomas had told her and Lloyd about what had happened in the dining room, from their reactions they knew it was gonna be very awkward. After all they had heard of what happened to him during the second battle of Tokyo. It wouldn't surprise them them if Schnee was going to give Suzaku the cold shoulder.
"You two know what happened between them?" Thomas asks.
"How couldn't we," Lloyd says straightening himself. "We were there when we it all happened."
"And what exactly did happen?" Thomas asks.
Lloyd sighs as prepares to tell him tye story, "well it all goes back around six months ago, when Suzaku was in Belarus. It was there he met Schnee and... Ledo."
Thomas raised a brow at the last name, "whose Ledo?" he asked.
"Schnee's best friend, he was with Schnee where ever he went," Cecile adds, which gained Thomas interest.
"Schnee wasn't exactly fond of Suzaku at first, eventually he began to respect him after saving him in Belarus and later he tried to understand him," Lloyd also adds. "Soon enough, he later came to understand and respect Suzaku a bit, even fearing him," Lloyd chuckled a little softly at that.
"What does that have to with Ledo though?" Thomas asks, wondering why this was all relevant.
There was a moment of silence for awhile, the two scientists didn't look too fond of remembering what had happened that day. Thomas who was getting tired of waiting was about to ask again, but before he could Cecile soon tells him.
"He is dead, he died in Tokyo, saving Schnee."
Thomas's eyes widen by the revelation, but it wodens more once he realised what also caused his death. Cecile noticing turns her head away.
"F.L.E.I.J.A, he got caught by the F.L.E.I.J.A while saving him, right?" Thomas asks, as Cecile nods in confirmation.
Thomas lets out a heavy sigh, "Shit, this is gonna be awkward," Thomas comments.
"Oh you think?" Lloyd replies sarcastically, causing the young man to shaken up by his response.
Cecile in turn, punched the scientist on the shoulder, making him squeal a little. Cecile then turned to Thomas apologetically to apologize for Lloyd's comment.
"Please forgive him, sir Canute, he isn't much of a social person."
Thomas returns a small smile to her, "It's alright, Ms Cecile. It isn't that hard to figure out."
"Well enough about me," Lloyd says as he rubs his shoulder, getting a bit serious. "How do you think their little reunion will go?"
"I don't know; for some reason, I feel like it might go well." Thomas says gaining skeptical looks from the scientists.
"Oh really?" Lloyd asks.
"Well, at first it did feel awkward, but I didn't sense any hostility coming from Sir Hexen at all," Thomas explained.
"I'm not so sure, sir Canute, what if he were hiding his true intentions?" Cecile suggests.
"You may be right, but let's just wait and see what happens," Thomas suggested, although he wasn't sure whether he was hiding any intentions of revenge or not. It still wouldn't be right to unrightfully arrest him for attempted assassination. For now, he'll watch him closely and see what happens next. "I'll keep an eye on him; you two try and snoop around to see if he's up to something."
"Sounds like a plan," Cecile agreed with plan.
Lloyd, on the other hand, just grumbily sighed, "Do we have to, though? We still have a deadline to finish by the end of the month, remember?" Lloyd whined. Cecile turned her head to him, eyes closed, with a terrifying smile. Lloyd looked away, sulking quietly.
Seeing Lloyd in his current state, Cecile turns back to face Thomas, "Lloyd can handle the Imperator project; I'll try to find out if Schnee is planning to do something to Suzaku."
Thomas nodded and got up. "Okay, then we're all set. I think the meeting is all done now. I'll head back, see you two later." Thomas waved goodbye to the scientists. Cecile was the only one who waved back, while Lloyd just grumbled irritably.
Dining hall
"...There have been confirmed reports of an E.U. Knightmare squad stationed at the nearby city of Villingen Schwenningen. Fortunately the squad consists only of Panzer units." Liebert continued to brief Suzaku and all the other lieutenants on the situation. As of now, the only thing standing between them and Stügart was Villingen Schwenningen, from what reports say, the Knightmare squad were one of the units that have been confirmed to have retreated after the fall of Offenburg. The squad had regrouped in the city and has been preparing for a guerrilla campaign against the main force led by Lelouch. Unfortunately for them, they will be the ones to get attacked first.
"...I suggest we launch a surprise attack from the sky using the Airship. They will likely be off guard after all," Libert suggests, getting an approving nod from everyone.
"I approve, but try to keep civilian casualties to a minimum along with collateral damage as well," Suzaku tells everyone.
All of them nodded in agreement placing a fist on their chest. "Yes, my Lord."
"Then dismissed, I will see you all later," Suzaku dismisses them. Everyone stood up by his command and proceeded to head to the door.
"Officer Hexenhaus, I would like to have a word with you," Suzaku ordered him as everyone else left.
After everyone left, Schnee closed the door and stood at attention in front of Knight of Zero. An awkward silence then filled the room as Suzaku tried to speak, but couldn't. As the last time they had seen each other wasn't on friendly terms. Schnee of course noticed, but continued to stand at attention as he didn't want to be disrespectful in front of his superior. Even if it was someone he didn't like.
"So... how are you holding up?" Suzaku asked, trying to spark up a conversation.
"Really...? It took you that long to say that?" Schnee says staring at him blankly. Suzaku in turn rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
Schnee noticing Suzaku's behaviour could only sigh. "Since you are so interested, I've been fine so far. My family had to move from our estate after you and Emperor Lelouch had abolished the Aristocracy. I rejoined the armed forces after, and I somehow got drafted to the Dullahan Knights." Suzaku winced at the last statement, having a faint idea on who was behind that.
"...Schnee... about Ledo, I'm-"
"Stop," Schnee cut him off, "just forget about it," Schnee tells, catching Suzaku by surprise.
"But Schnee-"
"Just STOP!" Schnee once again cuts him off, this tiem a little aggressive. "I know what you are going to say, but it's not going to change the fact that Ledo is gone."
Suzaku fell silent at that statement, remembering the moment when he had fired the F.L.E.I.J.A. Memories of Nunnally and ledo began flooding in, as Suzaku clenched his fist. The guilt that had been buried inside once again rising, as Schnee reminded of him of what happened.
"I don't know why I was recruited for this little private army of yours, but once this war is all over, I'm resigning," Schnee tells him as he glared him.
"..."
"..."
"I guess we are in agreement," Suzaku finally replies. Yet for some reason, Schnee was completely taken aback by his words.
"Wh-what, you agree?" Schnee asks.
Suzaku nods, "Yes, it's better this way," he states.
Schnee, bewildered and baffled by Suzaku's statement, was completely taken aback. But he was also furious. Furious that Suzaku now of all times wants what's best for him.
"Oh, so now you care?!" Schnee asked, "just because you agree that I should resign from the Dullahan Knights and live peacefully, it doesn't take away the fact that you couldn't tell me 'why'!" Scnhee yelled. The Knight of Zero could only clench his jaw in frustration, as he couldn't give him a convincing answer.
"Schnee... I still can't give you a convincing answer," Suzaku answered. Schnee could only look him disappointed with a disappointed smile on his face.
"...Haha, I still don't understand... but I guess I never will," Schnee said before leaving the room and slamming the door shut.
Suzaku could only look down and clench his fists. He was frustrated, frustrated at the fact that he still hadn't changed a bit. Every single time, he kept pushing everyone away. First his friends from Ashford, Lelouch, and now Schnee. Though he wanted what was best for them, he somehow still made it worse—just what was he doing wrong? Just what? What was wrong with him?
"God, Lelouch, you really are trying to get on my nerves," Suzaku muttered.
Outside the room, Schnee, who hadn't left, had been standing outside the door for a while. He stood there, clenching his fist frustrated. He still can't tell him why, even after fighting side by side for over a year he still doesn't trust him. What is it that's stopping him from not telling what had happened on that day, or why he believed in the system. It's frustrating. He still can't understand him, just why can't he though. But his thoughts would be cut short though, as he felt the presence of someone else in the hallway.
"So, you are sir Kururugi new Knight of Honor?" Schnee asks, turning around to Thomas slouching against the wall.
"That would be me," Thomas confirms as he comes in front of him, "and you must be the heir the Hexenhaus estate. Nice to meet ya." He offered his hand, to which Schnee accepted.
"Schnee Hexenhaus, and you are?"
"Thomas Canute, pleasure looking forward to working with ya," he says.
"Same goes to you," Schnee says blankly. Schnee quickly took notice of Thomas's friendliness around him. He quickly examined and figured that Thomas might've been suspicious of him. But the reason is, why? Is it because, he thinks that he might take back his position as Suzaku's knight of Honour? Maybe, after all who wouldn't want to be one. Well best to clear things before things get worse.
"Sir Thomas," Schnee begins, catching Thomas's attention, "I assure you I will not-"
"My lords," One of the Officer's had returned. "The ship has arrived, we must inform Grand Master Kururugi."
"Alright I will go get him," The brunette young man says as he goes to the dining to inform Suzaku.
"Ahh, wait sir Canute-"
"Hexen, we need you outside," the Officer tells him as he rushes back to tte courtyard.
"But-ughh, Wait for me," Schnee followed him, figuring he might as well clear up the situation another time.
Outside the Castle
The ship carrying the newly built Knightmares of the Dullahan Knights had finally arrived. They were mostly made up of Sutherland's and Gloucester's, but there were a few Vincent Ward's and Vincent's as well. Probably for the Officers. They were all painted in black and green with the coat of arms shown on the shoulders. (A headless horseman on top of a horse with a whip in the air, with the horse rearing.)
Everyone was all lined up and at attention in front of a small platform stage, as they waited for the arrival of the Knight of Zero. The Japanese all looked either uninterested or loathing at the fact that they now worked under the "traitor". They had no idea why they were even chosen for the Order. There were numbers in the Order, but why were they stuck with Kururugi? The others had it lucky when they were sent to Africa, but why were they stuck with him? By Amaterasu, they wanted this war to end soon so that they wouldn't have to work with him again. A short while after, Suzaku garbed in his Knight of Zero arrived outside to see the troops, alongside him his Knight of honour.
The moment he had arrived almost all the Japanese started to snipe reamrks at the infamous white reaper. Some of them weren't even trying to hide it as well, but Suzaku didn't let it bother. After all there was nothing to gain from it. Thomas stopped next to the platform as Suzaku got to the stage and standing in the middle of the large force as he faced them.
Eventually the Japanese stopped chatting amongst themselves as they all stood to attention. Not out of respect, but rather they wanted hear what he had to say so that they can mock and call him out. Meanwhile with the Officers, Schnee glared at Suzaku, still mad about their earlier confrontation. But seeing Thomas got him to remember his earlier confrontation, he really needs to clear the whole thing before things get out of hand.
As Suzaku looked on at tye crowd, a sudden flow of anxiety was filled inside of him. He has been in front of large crowds before, but he never had to make a speech in front of thousands of people. Especially now that these were his soldiers, and a lot of them were his countrymen, who hate him. Whatever he says will surely be met with backlash, but he had a vow. He vowed to atone for all the sins that he had committed in his past. He made that to not himself but to Lelouch as well. If a little stage fright and backlash get to him, he will be betraying that very vow. He remembered that, and quickly calmed himself down as he prepared himself.
"First, I would like to apologise to my countrymen, for betraying you and collaborating with the precious regime that had suppressed and persecuted us and our culture for the past 8 years," he began, taking everyone by surprise as they all listened attentively. "I will not give any excuses whatsoever for my actions and siding with our oppressors, nor I can. For that, I am truly sorry," Suzaku then bowed before the crowd. The crowd's response to the gesture largely varied, most were offended some were surprised, others were taken aback, specifically Schnee, who even looked surprised. But most of all, they were all dumstruck by how humble his apology is.
Suzaku gets up from his bow and looked at the crowd once again. "I know my apology will not change what you all think of me, but now I promise you, I will bring back Japan," he declared, taking the crowd aback once again, as they weren't sure if he was telling the truth. "To do that, we must help build the world that the Emperor wishes to build. So I ask you, to put aside our differences and let us work together, for the future of Japan!"
The crowd remained silent, as they were all too captivated by the "traitor's" apology. Suzaku assumed that tye speech didn't go well, and was starting to regret it as he felt a little too insecure about how he put his apology together. He was supposed to issue Empire wide apology for everything that he had dine, but the uprisings had delayed the opportunity to do so. Suzaku was again going to apologise for how he put his speech together.
"Please forgive me if my apology had offended you-"
"Offended?" some of them said at the same time, amused by his reaction.
"It's quite the opposite actually," the man in front of he tells him, getting Suzaku by surprise.
"We honestly appreciate the fact that you recognise that what you did was messed up, and are trying to make up for it," he continued.
"But, since you are willing to atone for what you have done, we are willing to give you a second chance," One of them concluded. As all them smiled softly to assure him.
Suzaku could only stand there astonished, surprised to see how forgiving they were even after everything. "I guess it wasn't a bad idea after all, Lelouch," he thought. As he remembered the raven haired boy. He smiled in content, with the situation. Although it may not be the same with others, at least he was more confident. He is confident that he can lead, and that won't be a nuisance to their quest.
Suzaku was honestly amazed in a way by the while thing. In any normal situation they would've condemned, call him out and even renounce his apology, calling him a scoundrel, low life, scumbag, backstabber, and so on. Yet here they are, accepting his apology. Though he was honestly relieved to know his speech wasn't terrible, he also felt amazed by how forgiving the crowd were. It quite honestly is one of the most interesting thing he has ever witnessed.
"Don't get the wrong idea, we still haven't forgotten your collaboration with the previous regime," one of them apprised. Suzaku could only shrug meekly.
"But, since you are willing to atone for what you have done, we are willing to give you a second chance," One of them concluded. As all them smiled softly to assure him.
To that, Suzaku could only offer a confident and thankful smile in return. "Thank you, I won't let you down. I swear by the name of the Kururugi Clan, this time I will bring back our pride as Japanese," he declared. The Japanese all smiled gratefully at that.
Meanwhile with the Britannian officers, they were honestly quite surprised by the reaction of the Japanese. They also expected the Japanese to dismiss and call out the Knight of Zero, yo say that they were surprised would be obvious, as all of them immediately started chatting with each other about it.
Schnee on the other hand, was more taken aback by the Knight of Zero's apology. Sure it wasn't great or terrible, it certainly had him dumstruck. His apology felt modest and respectful, as if he wasn't expecting much reaction, yet despite that it still carried a humble tone that even the average person can accept. It really is astounding. But what got him the most, was that he noticed Suzaku had abandoned his old ideals. He wondered, what happened for him to abandon his ideals, what changed?
Near the Town of Villingen, Caerleon Airship, Argall, 10 minutes after leaving Schauenburg castle
Above the clouds, the Caerleon Airship, Argall, was making its way to Villingen-schwenningen, as everyone inside the ship prepared for battle. Meanwhile, Suzaku and Thomas were chatting between them about what had happened earlier, near the Vincent Arm. Suzaku was still shocked by how his countrymen were willing to give a second chance, as he couldn't stop talking about it to Thomas, who looked tired from hearing about it.
"I really can't believe that actually worked, I actually was expecting them to curse me out," Suzaku continued, still bewildered by what happened.
Thomas rolled his eyes and sighed, "yeah you just told me just a few seconds ago," Thomas says tired. Though he couldn't blame his lord, after all it ain't every day people easily give everyone a second chance. Even he was visibly surprised during that time. Considering how he lived, it's really hard to find people willing to do that.
"Still, it's hard for me to believe," Suzaku calmed down, leaning his shoulder against the Vincent Arm.
Above the clouds, the Caerleon Airship, Argall, was making its way to Villingen-schwenningen, as everyone inside the ship prepared for battle. Meanwhile, Suzaku and Thomas were chatting between them about what had happened earlier, near the Vincent Arm. Suzaku was still shocked by how his countrymen were willing to give a second chance, as he couldn't stop talking about it to Thomas, who looked tired from hearing about it.
"I really can't believe that actually worked, I actually was expecting them to curse me out," Suzaku continued, still bewildered by what happened.
"Sounds like you have a troubled past," Suzaku presumed, to which Thomas snicker.
"Yeah, to be frank, my parents disowned three years ago," Thomas began, which took Suzaku by surprise. "I was delinquent back in school, I would often get into fights, skip class, and sometimes get in trouble with the police."
"Why?" Suzaku asked, wanting to know the reason.
Thomas could simply shrug. "I was dumb, and I wanted to get my parents attention. My parents would off at work most of the day, while my uncle took care of me," Thomas smiled remembering his uncle. "My uncle was the only one who took care of me, he died when I was 13, he was in the Navy as a submarine operator," Thomas said, which got Suzaku's interest.
"Wait, he couldn't have possibly been one the-"
"Yep, he was part of the HMS Neptune, and was one of the victims in the Red sea incident," Thomas confirms.
"I remember, it was one of the false flag operations that Britannia had done in order to justify the war with Middle Eastern Federation," Suzaku says, remembering the incident.
"Yeah, when he died I didn't really have anyone else I can really talk to. Which led to me getting expelled from school. I didn't even get to graduate middle school," Thomas chuckled, as that took Suzaku by surprise.
"Wait WHAT!?" Suzaku shouts.
"Um yeah, I passed the placement exams to even join the Army," Thomas replied, which made Suzaku's jaw drop. "it's that bad?" He asked, which snapped Suzaku back.
"Oh, no it's just surprising, I actually checked your G.E.D. scores a while ago. You scored 193 on your exams," Suzaku said, which got Thomas flustered.
"Well, I did study a lot. Its not that hard once you figure it out," Thomas says casually, which got Suzaku flabbergasted.
"Are you kidding, not that hard!?" Suzaku said astonished by how nonchalant his reply was.
"He does have a point, sir Kururugi," Schnee says, approaching the duo. "If you understand the subjects, it's not that difficult to pass the exams," Schnee added blandly.
All of a sudden, the atmosphere around them became tense. Due to their earlier confrontation, Suzaku felt a little on edge when he met Schnee again, as did Schnee who felt even more tense. Meanwhile, Thomas looked more uncomfortable standing between Schnee and Suzaku, as he felt anxious being there. As the three stood awkwardly in silence, everyone in the hangar stared at them, wondering what was going on. Cecile and Lloyd could be seen near the Lancelot Albion, making a few checks on the OS. Cecile kept a close eye on Schnee, feeling like he might start something.
"What's going on?" Lloyd asked, getting out of the Lancelot's cockpit.
"Shhh, just watch," she tells him as she points to the trio.
Lloyd turned to the trio at a distance, and as soon as he saw them, a huge grin appeared on his face. "This is going to be fun," he commented. Cecile punched him on the shoulder, and Lloyd screamed in pain. "ITTTTAAAA!!"
As a few moments pass, Suzaku finally breaks the silence and asks Schnee why he came up to him. "So, officer Schnee, what do you have you have to say at me?" Suzaku said stoically.
Schnee at first, taken aback by his Stoic reply, quickly got himself together. "I just want to say-" Suddenly the alarm cuts Schnee off as a announcement was being made.
"Alert, Villingen-Schwenningen is now in sight, All troops prepare for battle! I repeat prepare for battle!"
All Knightmare pilots quickly went to their assigned frames as they all prepared to be deployed. "We'll talk later, let's get moving now," Suzaku says, as he quickly heads to the Lancelot Albion, to prepare for launch.
"We'd better get going then," Thomas remarks, as he gets into the Vincent Arm's Cockpit.
Schnee acknowledges, knowing that whatever he has to say can wait later and ran toward his Vincent Snipe.
Meanwhile in the city, the E.U. forces were seen to be preparing for their operation. The had received orders from the War Command Centre, to slow the Emperor's advance to Stuggart at all costs, using whatever tactics necessary to do so. They had regrouped and reorganised with the forces stationed in the City, as they all gear up and repair whatever Knightmare they had at the their disposal. The people in the city could be seen frustrated with the presence of the military, as many of the soldiers were seen looting the food and whatever rations they had left.
Two Germans soldiers of the army can be seen messing around with one of the children, as they threw to each other the boy's toy, as the boy ran around trying to get it back from the soldiers.
Just then an explosion was heard, the soldiers and the child stopped whatever they were doing to see where it came from. They looked above the skies, to the utmost terror and to the amazement of the young boy, they saw the White Death of Britannia flying above them, like an angel of death. Lancelot Albion.
The E.U. forces immediately fired at the Lancelot, quickly turning on its blaze luminous shielding, as the bullets deflected or either exploded upon Hitting the shield. Later the E.U. Knightmares were shot down by the Dullahan Sutherlands. The E.U. Knightmares quickly got into defensive positions, as more Knightmares could be seen descend down from the sky. Soon Vincents and Vincent Wards, showed up and finally the Caerleon ship which began to land near the city and sent Infantry down to the city.
The Lancelot deactivated it's Blaze luminous, taking out both its super VARIS rifles and swiftly moved around in a zig zag like path, fired upon the Panzer Hummels.
Hiding nearby, an Alexander unit with a sniper Linear rifle was near, trying to get a accurate shot on the Albion. As it was about to get a clear shot it's head was grabbed by the claw of the Radiant Wave surger of the Vincent Arm. Thomas activates the Wave surger and immediately released high amounts of radiation that bubbled and burned off the Knightmare. The Alexander immediately explodes after the Vincent lets go of it.
Thomas's radar alerts of two Knightmare frames approaching right behind him. The Vincent turn to two Panzer Wespes. The two Panzers immediately fire upon range, the Vincent jumped forward over all shots like a frog. Eventually it hot behind one of the Wespe's, the Panzer turned around to defend itself, but before it could even fore its cannon, The Vincent Arm slashed the chest with its MVS knife, killing the pilot simultaneously. The other Wespe quickly opened fired, tye Vincent quickly used the defeated Wespe as shield and hid behind it. The Wespe fired a few shots before needing to reload, seizing the opportunity the Vincent Arm threw the destroyed Panzer Wespe at the Wespe, to which the Wespe fired back and destroyed whatever was left it. But while it was distracted, the Vincent extended its Surger claw and grabbed the Wespe by its chest. Thomas smiled inside his cockpit.
Thomas activates the Surger claw, immediately burning the Knightmare and destroying it.
Close by, a Panzer Hummel was hiding behind one of the crumbled buildings with a clear shot on the Vincent, however it got shot from the side by a sniper rifle, which caused it to explode. The shot came from the Vincent Snipe, which was the personal Knightmare of Schnee Hexenhaus. Thomas gave a thumbs using the Vincent Arm to Schnee, to which Scnhee returned by doing the same.
Nearby, a group of Panzer Hummels could be seen approaching the two Knightmares. As the two of them readied themselves for battle, the Lancelot Albion passed between them in a flash, with MVS blades. The Albion slashed and sliced the Panzer Hummels apart, as they tried to hit the Lancelot, using its arm mounted cannons. But they were destroyed in an instant and barely any damage was done to the Albion.
Thomas and Schnee could only look petrified at the destruction. It truly was a sight of how powerful a Ninth Generation Knightmare can be, let alone in the hands of a Knight of the Roumd, truly a terrifying sight to behold.
An hour pass as the battle for the city ends, with the majority of the E.U. forces surrendering. Some of them continued to fight on, but a majority of the E.U. soldiers had all surrendered. Suzaku had stand down as his help was no longer needed in the battlefield as he takes charge of the P.O.W. round up. he had left the cleanup to Thomas and the other Officers, as they were more than enough to take care of what was left of the E.U. Knightmares in the city.
As he continues to inspect the round up in the Lancelot, Schnee in his Vincent Snipe approached Suzaku. Schnee opened a private channel to Suzaku, confused at first he reluctantly accepts.
"Sir Kururugi," Schnee began a little awkwardly.
"Oh, hey... Schnee, how are you. You didn't get injured did you?" Suzaku asked, a little concerned.
"I'm fine, the E.U. didn't put much of a fight," Schnee remarks, chuckling a little.
"Well, we did attack when they were off guard," Suzaku mentions.
"That's on them for not expecting an attack," Schnee replied back.
Suzaku let a small laugh at that, which flustered Schnee.
"Umm, I'm sorry."
Suzaku was taken aback by the sudden apology. He wondered what it was all about, as it couldn't about their conversation back at Schauenburg Castle.
"About earlier, for saying you don't care," Schnee says, which took Suzaku by surprise.
"Schnee, it's ok, I understand why you would-"
"But it's not fine!" Schnee cuts him off, "I was wrong about, you do care, I saw that when you apologised to your countrymen. I saw how nervous you were, because, you weren't sure how they would react."
Suzaku was left stunned, as he had no words to say to him.
"You knew how they probably would react, but you still apologised. But when it comes to me, you push me away."
Suzaku in his cockpit looked down on the panels of the cockpit.
"So since you won't say it, I guess I will tell you," Schnee says, which takes Suzaku off guard. "I know about Geass." Schnee revealed.
Suzaku's eyes widened as he cocked his head up to the Vincent Snipe's direction.
"I learned about through Ledo's recordings, he was a spy, tasked to observe you at all times by Prince Schneizel's orders."
Suzaku clenched his fist in anger once he heard it was Schneizel who had sent Ledo to spy on him.
He smiled in anger as he couldn't believe what he just learned. "So you didn't trust me at all you damn son of a Bitch."
"So whatever you have to say, I'll believe it, just please tell me Suzaku," Schnee pleads.
Suzaku remained silent for a while, he was still taken aback by the whole situation. He was mad, mad at Schneizel, mad at the fact he didn't fully trust him and sent a spy to observe him. He really is starting to regret ever siding with Schneizel. He really is one annoying ass fucker. However he couldn't be mad at Ledo, as he must've been used by Schneizel. Suzaku could understand how Ledo would've been manipulated by him to do Schneizel's bidding, who knows what he did to do so, but the very thought angered him. He will have Schneizel's head one way or another, or so god help him should he ever face him. However he snapped back as he realised Schnee was still waiting for his answer. Now that he knows of Geass, he might as well tell him. After he at least deserves to know.
"Alright, guess I might as well tell you."
Author's Note
Dear subjects of Lelouch, I HAVE RETURNED.
I am so sorry for the delay, this chapter was really hard to write.
I hope you won't be disappointed with how little action there is, in all honesty there was actually supposed to be more, but since I kept delaying I had to rush it up. So here we are.
If anyone asks of how easily the Japanese forgives Suzaku, just know, in the future it ain't gonna be like that. The conflict between the Japanese and Suzaku in the Dullahan Knights might be one of the most complicated things I might have to write. And I'm not that well experienced to write such a plot line, so I decided to wrap it here. Though he will have conflict with the mainland Japanese, which I think will work well.
Schnee has been introduced, now both protagonists of the Lancelot and Guren manga are here. Let's see how this turns in coming chapters.
In my Hiatus notice, I did say I will release a new fic, but due to creative and writing reason, I had to scrap the whole idea. I might still bring it back, although I'm not sure when. But I will release a Suzaku centric fic somewhere in the future.
Next chapter, hope to see some CluClu. Until then,
Peace.
