(A/N: People keep asking me am I gonna risk hitting burnout. Honestly, I have a vacation coming up June 26th – July 4th where I will be away on a boat with no internet access. That'll keep me from hitting burnout lmao.
Also, while I absolutely far flung my hopes and dreams for tvtropes and adaptations yadda yadda, I do absolutely want to implore all of you reading this story to spread it around as much as you can to your blogs, your discord serves and your social media accounts to bump it up and encourage people to check it out if you think they'll like it. I really enjoy this story, more than any fanfic I've written in recent memory and I think it's going to make waves with the fanbases that have always wanted to see a story of Lelouch and Edelgard interacting. Granted they have not done much of that in 15 chapters, but I build via a slow burn. My novel that I'm working on is hopefully going to come out this year. Consider the pacing of this fanfic to be similar in scope to the novel, though they are mildly different genres.
I won't go into detail about the novel here—I'm not that shameless—but I will say this: buckle up, because I write like a savage. Put your paranoia helmets on and get your popcorn because it's time to start laying the groundwork for the end of phase 1 of Lie & Seek. While it's a bit of a ways off, it's still coming soon than you might realize. So get ready, cause there are no breaks on this literary roller coaster. Enjoy!)
10th Day of the Verdant Rain Moon
Humming to herself, Shirley stood on the pier of the fishing pond, line cast. She'd been fishing for about an hour now. Classes would begin in another hour. Watching the calm water as the sun was only now getting up on the horizon helped her feel at peace. With all the chaos going around, this was a good way, she felt, to get away from it all.
Shirley's bobber dipped and she began to reel the prey in. Her catches would be going straight to the Monastery's food supply as a donation. Plus, rare fish netted you credits. Peace of mind or not, a girl Shirley's age could always use spending money.
Grunting as she struggled, she uttered, "Come on…you little…guh!" Before letting out a loud, "Hiyah!" And pulled the goby that had bitten her bait. "Gotcha!" she exclaimed, looking at the flapping fish as she slowly reeled it in above water. The twenty centimeter aquatic creature died from lack of oxygen before Shirley had taken it off the hook and thrown it in her ice bucket to keep it fresh.
As she was baiting her rod, footsteps approached from behind, coming to a stop, just as Shirley stood up. She was busy swishing the line in front of her like a pendulum, checking for breaks or strains.
"Oh, good morning, Shirley," a childlike voice called out to her. "Are you fishing this morning?"
Two months ago, someone sneaking up behind Shirley would have startled the poor redhead so badly she would have yelped and collapsed right into the pond. But, Shirley had developed great spatial awareness since coming to Garreg Mach. She turned around, one hand on the rod, one hand at her side.
She smiled. "Sure am," she replied amicably. "What are you doing up this early, Flayn?"
The green haired girl responded with an equally friendly smile to Shirley's. "Most of the fish are awake early in the morning so I like to come watch them."
"Oh, you like fish, Flayn?" Shirley asked.
"Yes, especially eating them!" Flayn answered honestly. "But…I'm not good at fishing."
"Hey, I wasn't until a couple days ago," Shirley said, gesturing to her bucket. "Professor Byleth recommended it to me shortly after I found out we'd be going to Saitama. She said it would help calm my nerves."
Flayn nodded. "Fishing is a wonderfully relaxing activity! My mother used to be amazing at it. She would always fish during the day and bake sandwiches for me and my brother in the evening. They were always so delicious."
Shirley laughed happily. "She sounds like a good mom."
"She was, but she's no longer with us," Flayn said.
Shirley frowned. "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that," Shirley said.
"It's all right. It was a long time ago," Flayn responded and then abruptly changed the subject. "May I watch you fish?"
"Sure," Shirley replied. She took a seat on the pier, far back enough so that her shoes weren't touching the water, but feet still dangling over the side. Flayn took a spot next to her, hands in her lap. Shirley cast her line out in the closer end instead of far away.
"You have excellent fishing posture," Flayn told her.
"Well, I am a sharpshooter now," Shirley told her. "Good posture is everything. Maybe that's also why the professor recommended this for me."
"Do you normally have bad posture?" Flayn asked.
Shirley shook her head. "No, but it's kind of like a muscle memory thing. The more you reinforce something, the more it retains its form, you know? Whether it's marksmanship, fishing or even swimming, repetition is the key to a good result."
"You like to swim, Shirley?" Flayn asked.
Shirley smiled, turning her head towards the small girl. "I was the champion swimmer back at Ashford." She stared back out at the pond. "That feels like a lifetime ago, but man, it wasn't even six moons."
Flayn laughed. "Do you think you could teach me sometime, swimming I mean? I'm not very good. I still need flotation devices."
Shirley smiled. "I'd love to! Er, but…there's no swimming pool at Garreg Mach, right? We'd have to find like a gym out in Rome." She scratched her head. "I seem to recall Princess Marrybell saying something akin to how you can't leave Garreg Mach without Seteth's permission."
"Oh, I am certain I could persuade my brother to let me leave for an hour or two if it is with you, Shirley," Flayn said with a smile. "My brother certainly knows which students he really likes and which students he has recommended I avoid. He's very particular about my safety, you know. He said you were among his top picks for students he'd allow to escort me to the dining hall for a late-night snack."
Shirley blushed. "Ahaha, oh my. That's…that's high praise."
Flayn giggled. "Conversely, he has recommended I stay far away from Milly Ashford and Sylvain Gautier. He said something to the effect of he is worried what might become of me were I to spend too much time with them."
Shirley rolled her eyes to the sky. "Yup. I wouldn't trust them as far as my fishing pole could reach."
"Oh! Speaking of your pole, did you buy this yourself?" Flayn asked. "It doesn't appear to be the Monastery's brand."
"Huh? Oh! Yeah!" Shirley admitted exuberantly. "Oz and I went shopping a few days ago and I bought this at a store. I started liking fishing so much, I think I'm going to make it a habit to do it every morning if I can. It's so…relaxing. Helps me wake up and it's a great way to improve mental acuity before class."
Flayn laughed more. "I would love to join you on these fishing moments of yours, if that is okay."
"Flayn," Shirley began and smiled warmly at her. "I would love to have a fishing buddy for company."
Flayn laughed happily. "Hooray! Now I will have something fun to do in the morning. Let's catch a really big fish, Shirley!"
Shirley laughed. Come what may, chaos, battle, or war, she felt she would be all right. She would always have fishing to give her a moment of stillness in the eye of an upcoming storm.
11th Day of the Verdant Rain Moon
For the past month, on Saturdays after classes, Felix and Kallen had been making trips to what was left of the Japanese spirit. And it had seen better days. The two were trudging through a neighborhood in the Utsunomiya region that still looked war ravaged. Homes were still destroyed, the place smelt of burnt leaves and a heavy air of abandonment blew through the area along with the wind.
"It's the same here as in Nagasaki," Felix said, sighing, massaging the bridge of his forehead with his index finger.
"It's like a lot of places," Kallen said. "My brother and I tried to find a home after the war, some place in true Japanese territory that wasn't a war ravaged hellscape. But…no luck."
"What happened to your brother, exactly?" Felix asked. "You talk of him from time to time but you don't really say how he met his end."
"You don't exactly talk about Glen much other than how much you cherished him growing up either," Kallen fired back.
Felix nodded his head. "Touche."
Kallen's cell phone then made a noise. It was a text message alert. "Uh oh."
"What's the matter?" Felix asked calmly.
"I totally forgot about this big meeting I have in a couple hours near Tokyo." Saitama specifically, but Kallen was afraid, if she said anything, Felix might catch on.
"A big meeting?" Felix asked. He seemed to be eyeing Kallen with suspicion, almost as if he was puzzling out what she was hiding from him.
"Please just go back to Garreg Mach and I'll see you for class on Monday," Kallen told him.
Felix thought about heeding Kallen's word. After all, everyone kept secrets. But…no. Something in him could not let this sit. "Sorry, but I'd like to see what this big meeting of yours is about. Although I think I have a pretty good idea."
Kallen swallowed.
"This year's Green Pheasants is comprised mostly of older students, young adults. And between the way Inoue, Sugiyama and Tamaki fight and train, they don't come across as people who are interested in giving Rome a fair shake," Felix commented.
Kallen thought she might actually have to silence Felix. She reached for her energy axe, but Felix was way too quick, putting his glowing blue energy sword near her face. A tap forward and he'd sing her clothes and sternum.
"I don't know what's going on in your head, but turning on Rome is a death sentence." He turned his sword off. "Look, I'm not going to pretend that what Rome did to Japan was fair or even righteous. However, going rogue and fighting the church alongside the JLF is a suicidally bad idea."
"Felix, if the people who killed King Lambert turned out not only to be your own countrymen, but the people currently running it, would you stand idly by and keep your sword sheathed or would you fight? Sure, maybe it's illegal to attack Rome, but we didn't ask for this life. We didn't ask for the Goddess, or the church or an intervention! We wanted our country, Felix! We were willing to fight Britannia with Adrestia and Faerghus for our independence," Kallen told him.
"Country nothing!" Felix criticized loudly. "You're fighting to avenge your brother! You weren't on that battlefield seven years ago! You have no business being on it now! The dead should be left dead and the living move on."
"How can you say that?! Look at this neighborhood Felix and tell me it's okay to just say "Oh, well. These people died, nothing for it!" What died weren't people Felix, but ideology! Culture! We've been coming out here for a month! I thought you were understanding where your mother got her background from!"
"What I understand is that someone I respect is about to throw herself in with terrorists and I'm not about to watch her ruin her life in front of my eyes!" Felix retorted.
"WELL, IT'S TOO LATE FOR THAT!" Kallen shouted at the top of her lungs.
Some scared birds flew away.
Kallen stared at the ground, balling her fists. "I've already killed…so many people. You have no idea what I've been through. I want my country back, Felix. Rome isn't going to just roll over and give it back."
"And if you take Japan back then what? You're right back where you started with Britannia breathing down your neck and war about to come to the Pacific. More people will die, Kallen, all for some history and some dead people! Yes, I wanted to come experience the culture here in Japan. But that was to sate my curiosity, not to wrench it back from Rome as if my sword were an iron crowbar," Felix said contemptuously.
"Ashe would understand," Kallen complained, muttering.
"No. No he wouldn't," Felix stated. "Ashe's morals are strung up in knights and chivalry and a lot of dumb things I think are absolute horse dung. You're fighting an enemy you have no hope of defeating and beyond that enemy is an even stronger one."
"Felix, why did you come to the Green Pheasants? Was it just to learn about Japanese culture?"
Felix didn't immediately answer.
"Ashe lost his way. My friends and I offered him a place to find his path. If all you wanted was culture, Felix, Ohgi and I would have gladly taken you out to see Japan on days off. You didn't have to join my class. Rome is the country propagating everything you hate about your country. What path are you on, Felix: Faerghusian, or Japanese?"
Felix sighed. "Kallen, I don't like the idea of turning on people I care about. If…If Sylvain…especially Ingrid, if either of them were here, I might not be second guessing myself so much."
"We can convince them just as we're talking this out right now. Things need to change. Rome has to go. This isn't just about Japan, it's about the hold the floating nation has on the whole world. Think about it, if things keep going, who knows when China might accept the Goddess into their lives? Then it's only a matter of time before Brighid, Albinea, and Almyra are next. I've witnessed Rome with my own eyes, the worship of the Goddess is a cult, Felix. It needs to stop. We can save it, even if it seems impossible. That's…that's what I want to believe!"
Felix sighed. "I just know I'm going to regret this." He bobbed his head for a bit before looking Kallen in the eye. "If I get suspected for having any part in this, I'm throwing Green Pheasant house under the bus and letting Seteth and Rhea deal with you all. But…I don't like what's happening to the world either. I don't think this is the right path. I honestly think you and I should go back to Rome and talk things out with The Boar before somebody does something stupid. But…if it's between fighting Rome and letting Rome do as it pleases then at the very least…I want to hear what the JLF has to say."
Kallen let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Felix."
2 hours later…
Saitama
Upon arriving in Saitama at the appropriate meeting place, Felix and Kallen met up with Ohgi and the others. The location they were meeting in was the old governor's building, specifically the meeting hall on the fifth floor. Inoue then suddenly took out her rifle, thinking Felix was going to turn them all in, but Kallen calmed things down.
"No! No! Inoue! It's okay, he's on our side!" Kallen exclaimed. "He's like me, remember? We're half-bloods."
Tamaki pushed down on Inoue's rifle. "Eeeeeaaasy, Inoue. Let's not go shooting people over nothing. Besides," he said, looking guilty, rubbing the back of his neck. "We're not exactly innocent ourselves here."
It took Kallen a minute to notice Ashe hidden behind Kent Sugiayama.
Felix looked surprised. "Well, well, well, I stand corrected."
"See? I told you," Kallen said.
"I'm surprised, Ashe. I thought Lonato's rebellion had made you want to stand by the church. You shot him after all," Felix told him.
Ashe glared at Felix, only to let go of it. He took a deep breath. "I'm honestly still not sure the path I want to take. I want to believe that Lonato had a good reason for turning on the church. Sure, getting his own followers to follow him to their graves wasn't right, but…on that battlefield, there was no chivalry and there wasn't any heroism. It was just…senseless violence."
"Then it makes even less sense for you to be here," Felix criticized.
"I want to hear what the Japanese Liberation Front has to say!" Ashe exclaimed. "I don't think it's too late for all of us to talk all of this out."
"Ashe, just by being here we're committing a crime," Felix told him. "We're essentially associating with terrorists."
"No, Felix, everyone here from the Green Pheasants to the JLF, they're all just people, people who don't understand why they were forced to lose their country and culture. And while I don't think fighting is the right way to settle it, I…I want to know if there's something I can to help their cause without starting a meaningless war."
"My, my, how sentimental."
Everyone in the room turned towards a figure in a black and red robe, wearing a mask as they approached the group.
From across the hall, a man in his mid-30s with slicked back, brown hair spoke up. "You must be the Flame Emperor."
"Kyoshiro Tohdoh. I was hoping you would be among those present." The Flame Emperor looked around the room from where Felix and Kallen were standing, the members of the Green Pheasants making up Naoto's old resistance unit, to the actual JLF members including General Tatewaki Katase, the JLF's de facto leader.
"There are fewer present than I expected," The Flame Emperor commented.
"Says the masked man that came alone," a woman in her late 20s with short, brown hair criticized. This was Nagisa Chiba, a member of Tohdoh's elite unit the Four Holy Swords.
That was when someone just teleported in behind the Flame Emperor.
Tamaki panicked, backing up a few steps. "N-No way…is that…is that the infamously reported Death Knight?"
"He will not harm you so long as you do not give him reason," the Flame Emperor commented.
"So does this mean you and Zero are in league with each other?" Inoue asked.
"Zero and I have the same benefactor, but we are likely after different things. Having never met him, I cannot say if he is ally or enemy," the Flame Emperor stated.
"Benefactor? I was under the impression you were the one calling all the shots of this little operation," A man next to Chiba and Tohdoh with glasses stated. This was Shogo Asahina, another member of the Four Holy Swords.
"I cannot speak of such things here," the Flame Emperor stated. "If you'd like, you may think of Zero and I as members of the same organization in pursuant of different ends. As I said before, I'm not sure what Zero is after, but I can tell you what I am after: the destruction of Rome."
Jaws slackened from around the room. Many more eyebrows furrowed and others backed up a couple steps.
Among those with furrowed brows was the getting-up-in-his-years-but-not-quite-an-old-man General Katase. "You believe that if we work together that Rome's destruction is all but guaranteed?"
"The incident that took place during the Rite of Rebirth was originally my operation. I simply allowed Zero to ally with my troops as it was beneficial to my plans. The attack on Rome during the expedition during the Great Tree Moon was also my doing," The Flame Emperor explained.
"Yeah, and? Your army keeps getting crushed every time. Newsflash! Princess Cornelia's coming to kick our sorry asses, so give us one good reason why we should stick our necks out for someone like you that won't even show their face!" Tamaki shouted, criticizing the Emperor.
The Death Knight took a step forward, but was blocked by an arm from his master. "No," the Flame Emperor stated. "He makes a valid point. Just as you cannot blindly accept that I am your savior, nor can I readily accept that you would follow my orders unquestionably. Trust plays a big part in any union. But know this: Rome cannot be defeated by a nation under its worship. Other nations would move in to defend it at all costs. However, Japan is currently a subsidiary of Rome. If it rose up, the archbishop would try to solve things using only Roman resources, and therein lies our opportunity."
"You want to make it seem like we're all Japanese," Ohgi concluded. "If we work together, we can make Rome think this just the work of Japanese terrorists."
"Precisely," The Flame Emperor answered.
"Iiiiii like it!" Kaguya exclaimed, chiming in, pressing her fingertips together.
"Empress, please, control your enthusiasm," Inoue requested calmly, shaking her head.
"I'm assuming, of course, Entei-sama," Katase said, referring to the Flame Emperor using Japanese terminology, "That you have an army to match the upcoming battle we face with the Glaston Knights?"
The Flame Emperor nodded. "I offer ten thousand soldiers."
Gasps went around the room.
"Ten thousand?" Someone muttered.
"This is divided among 5,000 mages, 2,500 rifle and shock units, 1,550 normal infantry, 625 off-model Glasgows, 300 off-Model Sutherlands, myself, the Death Knight, and 25 highly trained HLKMF units," The Flame Emperor elaborated.
"That's quite the army," Ohgi commented.
"The organization I work for is quite large, but if Japan cannot win with numbers this small against the Glaston Knights, there is no point in even trying to include them among our ranks. I believe that the might of Japan will far outstrip the opponent we face, with the right tactics of course."
"Against the Glaston Knights, we'd be outnumbering our opponents 10 to 1."
"Not with the aid of the Violet Tigers being sent after you, but you let me worry about them. The Ashen Demon and her forces can easily be held at bay by the Death Knight and a small force."
"Then I will lead the charge against the Ashen Demon with the Four Holy Swords," Tohdoh stated.
"Tohdoh, that's a risky move," Katase warned him.
"Hmph, I suppose they don't call you Tohdoh of miracles for nothing. Be forewarned that you will be up against not only the Ashen Demon, but the Glinda Knights," The Flame Emperor warned.
"Our objective is to kill Princess Cornelia, isn't it? I only managed one victory in the war and it wasn't against her. If you're sticking your neck out for us, I'd like to see what strategy you have against her," Tohdoh stated.
"I think I see how it is. You're expecting that if my plan goes awry, you can cut your losses and leave me at the mercy of the Britannians. Cold, yet I respect it," The Flame Emperor replied. "However, I would prefer to take Princess Cornelia in alive if possible."
"What a joke!"
The whole room looked towards the back to see a man with a full beard and groomed mustache.
"Kusakabe," Katase said with disdain, "You're being disrespectful. Entei-sama here is our guest."
"Katase, you're going soft!" Kusakabe exclaimed. "You're going to put our fate in the hands of not just one masked freak, but two of 'em!"
"I'm doing what's best for Japan. If that means teaming up with foreigners in masks, so be it," Katase responded.
"That's such trite, general. I know everyone in this room wants to see what's under that mask. So how about it, Entei-san? Why don't you show us what's under that mask?"
"If I showed you my identity, you would think my scheme a trick. The mystery to my identity is to the benefit of both parties. You can go on believing whomever you want me to be, and I can hide myself from Britannia and Rome. Win-win."
"I've heard enough," a surly Felix said, pushing up off the war. The Flame Emperor turned to look at him. "I was wondering what this was all about, but Flame Emperor indeed, you're fanning the flames of war."
Ashe stepped forward as well. "Answer me something, those mages you mentioned, are they with the mages that aided Lonato at Magdred Way?"
The Flame Emperor was quiet for an eerie amount of time before speaking again. "I believe I should make something clear. My benefactor and I don't see eye to eye in our methods." The Emperor looked to Katase. "You may recall hearing word that Kyoto House received a mysterious visitor the other day. That would be my benefactor. You can choose not to ally with me, but know that in doing so, you doom Empress Kaguya to the mercy of my benefactor. I wish to prevent that."
"So you're blaming your so-called benefactor for Magdred Way, is that it?" Felix asked.
"If you don't believe me, that's your choice," The Flame Emperor responded. "I do not intend to make excuses. My current circumstances are…convenient. However, I do not intend to keep my current allegiance if Japan would have my strength instead, once it has amassed a large enough force to surpass my organization, of course."
"So we've gone from mutually accepted teamwork to harboring you as a future refugee, is it?" Katase asked.
"Refugee? No. A future leader of Japan, perhaps." She looked at Felix and Ashe. "Just as the destiny of the two of you have drawn you towards Japan, I am the same, though not of Faerghus."
"What are you really after?" Ashe asked, glaring. "Why Rome's destruction?"
"The Church of Seiros is a blight upon this planet. It should never have come to be. It oppresses humanity with a singular religion by controlling humanity through that very religion. The archaic fatihs: Christianity, Islamism, Judaism, and others have been persecuted over centuries and all but blotted out except in history books. Left unchecked, the church may one day erase all traces of these faiths and rewrite history. Granted, I am no fan of religion. I consider it a cancer in the soul of humanity. However, that is an issue with the establishment, not necessarily with the faith itself. I want to build a world based upon people's abilities, not a measure of their status, their faith, or their wealth. Honesty. Integrity. Skill. Experience. These are the things the society I wish to build shall value. If I am successful in revolutionizing the world, and if Japan were to aid me starting now, I can guarantee special treatment up to a point within my new regime. Japanese citizens will be given due consideration for cabinets, governance and other positions as repayment for their assistance in overthrowing the church."
"And how many people are you willing to kill to get there?" Felix asked.
"I dislike the need for bloodshed, especially the blood of the innocent, but I will do what I must in order to achieve victory. War is an ugly business, but it is war that the church is forcing me to utilize to achieve my goals. Rhea will not go quietly, of that I am certain," The Flame Emperor argued.
Ashe looked to the JLF. "I came here to better understand you all. I didn't realize we would have a guest. What is the JLF's stance on this?"
"We've been fighting for seven years," Chiba told him. "There's no point in turning away from the fight now."
Ashe gazed towards Katase, hoping his answer would be a little more nuanced.
"If you were to ask me what I make of the Church of Seiros, it can rot for all I care. However, if you were to ask me what I am willing to risk to see it rot, I would say that I would risk my pride as a Japanese to see my country's rights brought back to their proper levels."
"Your pride as a Japanese?" Felix questioned. "Heh. Heh heh heh heh heh heh heh hehhhh," he chuckled. "How very amusing, General Katase. A man loyal only to his pride of who he is and where he came from. That's a sentiment I can respect. More than something dumb like chivalry, you believe only in the pride being who you are carries with you. That's more my style."
"Ah, you're half-Japanese, aren't you? House Fraldarius, if I'm not mistaken," Katase deduced.
"I am," Felix said with a nod. "This was the country my mother was born and raised in. And while I know my father would scream, and my brother roll in his grave, I feel like I should stake the pride on who I am to take it back."
Ashe looked back to the Flame Emperor. "The people of Japan are suffering, but that doesn't mean it's okay to take it out on Rome."
"You misunderstand," The Flame Emperor said. "When I said Rome's destruction, I meant as an establishment. I'm not going to demolish the floating nation. My only goal would be the ousting of the archbishop and her followers and complete control of the Monastery. If I have my way, after all. If we don't act, Rome could fall into more…nefarious hands. Make your choice. Will you fight with me, or shall I slink back into the shadows, never to be seen by you again?"
"We'll fight!" Kallen exclaimed. "We'll take Japan back, no matter what it takes!"
"Yeah, you said it, Kallen!' Tamaki shouted. "I don't really trust this masked dude, but I absolutely want to do right by Japan!"
"Sounds like we're in business, Entei-sama," Kaguya said with a smile.
"And what of the JLF?" The Flame Emperor asked.
"We stand with you, for now," Katase said.
Several nods from men such as Tohdoh and Kusakabe shared this sentiment.
"Very well," The Flame Emperor responded. "Then I shall see you all again in two days' time. On that day, a Britannian supply truck will be heading from the Britannian embassy to the Adrestian one. We shall procure these supplies for ourselves and they will belong to you, the true Japanese. That is how we will announce ourselves to Princess Cornelia and draw her into our trap. We will then overwhelm her with sheer numbers and superior tactics. In seventy-two hours, Japan will have claimed a mighty victory over Britannia."
"And if we fail?" Kusakabe asked.
"We will not fail," The Flame Emperor said with the utmost seriousness. "I shall ensure it. Perhaps Cornelia gets away. Perhaps the army is not destroyed, but Japan will win this battle. But, should the unthinkable happen, we can re-evaluate next steps, should we choose to remain in business. This is war, anything can happen, but I am confident in our success."
"I suppose that's the best we can ask for, for now," Ohgi said with a sigh.
"You'd better not screw us on this," Inoue stated.
"I am an Emperor of my word," The Flame Emperor responded. "I will see you all the day after tomorrow to begin the operation." With that, the Flame Emperor teleported away. And then, after looking around the room, and nodding his head, the Death Knight followed suit, teleporting out.
This feels like it's going to be troublesome, Ashe thought, But…I want to believe in what's best for the world. I really hope I find the answer to that at the end of this battle.
12th Day of the Verdant Tree Moon
"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!" The Ashen Wolves chanted as Constance carried a freshly baked cake through the lecture hall. "Happy Birthday to Yuri! Happy birthday to you!"
Noise makers were blown, party poppers full of confetti were burst and the classroom looked pinker than anyone could remember seeing it.
"Ah, c'mon, you guys didn't have to go through all this trouble just for me," Yuri said with a chuckle.
"Ah, quit being so modest and eat your cake," Hapi said with a smile and a nod. "And don't forget to make a wish on the candles."
"How'd we even afford this? I thought our coffers were flat empty."
"Your coffers are," Zero said, approaching from a distance. "Mine aren't."
Yuri looked surprised, but only for a moment. "Heh, when did you get so soft? I don't remember all the trouble gone through for Balthus."
"Eh, I do what I've always done on my birthday for the past few years, take whatever little coin I have, grab some booze, the nearest loose woman and lock myself in the tavern till it's the 10th of the Blue Sea Moon," Balthus chuckled.
"I figured given the gravity of the upcoming operation, we should take a moment of levity to remind ourselves of our new commitment not just to the cause, but to each other," Zero stated, justifying his decision.
"Well, I can't say I've ever had confetti and cake on my birthday quite like this. Back home, just seeing the sun rise in Faerghus and being given a handmade card by my mother was enough," Yuri stated, reminiscing. "Now if only everybody could get on with the festivities."
Zero looked in the direction Yuri was gazing, following past C.C. eating an entire pizza to herself and over to Kronya looking like a grumpy cat being told it was getting a bath. Unlike the others, yes, even C.C., but excluding Zero given his helmet, she wasn't even wearing a party hat.
"Oh yeah, deeeeefinitely feeling the team spirit with her around," Hapi said sarcastically.
Zero approached Kronya unceremoniously.
"What?" she asked, crabbily.
"Do you at least want a slice of cake?" he asked.
Kronya scrunched up her face in irritation.
Zero walked away, saying nothing further, confusing Kronya greatly. Of course, after some time of cutting the cake and serving it, she was surprised when he came back and handed her a plate with a piece of cake on it. Coconut flakes and powdered sugar on the outside, yellow inside, with red jelly.
"I didn't say I wanted any," Kronya complained.
"Isolating yourself is no way to live," Zero said. In truth, he knew how hypocritical that was, but that wasn't the point.
"I don't like you guys," Kronya stated.
"I'm not asking you about that right now. I'm asking if you want cake from your professor," Zero said. "It's someone's birthday. Take a moment to relax."
Kronya glanced sideways. "What's so important about a birthday, anyway?"
"I agree, it's a bit of a strange tradition. Back before the days of the Church of Seiros, birthdays were only ever celebrated by the nobility. Many commoners didn't even know when their birthdays were because they couldn't read a calendar. But society has evolved. Now, if there's no cake, it doesn't really feel like your birthday, does it?" He put the plate on the table in front of where Kronya was sitting.
Kronya's gaze trailed up the wall. She was now glancing up and to the right.
"Do Agarthans not place emphasis on birthdays?" Zero asked.
"Not particularly. No point in celebrating year after year when some of us are just happy to live to see tomorrow," Kronya said. "Getting older isn't that big of a deal when many of us live such long lives. Heck, a lot of Agarthans I know in the fold are way older than me. Some around since the days of Saint Seiros."
"Intriguing," Zero commented. Her people can live for that long? But how? That can't be natural.
Kronya beamed. "It's one of the many reasons why we're the superior species. You humans cling to your 100 or so years and then die needlessly while we will inherit the Earth before the cockroaches try to inherit the Earth."
"Corvids will inherit the Earth long before the roaches will," Zero stated. "That's just science."
"Shut up!" Kronya shot back. She swiped the cake off the table and ate a piece. She swallowed. "Oh wow…this is…pretty good."
"I'm not master chef, but I do know a thing or two about the culinary arts."
"You made this?" Kronya asked, surprised.
"I couldn't risk bringing a store bought cake down from the surface, so I cooked down here using ingredients I'd procured from Rome," Zero stated.
Kronya went back to glancing at the wall. "In Agartha…food resources are limited. We don't always have the luxuries of good food."
"All the more reason you should understand the plight of the Abyssians, don't you think?" Zero asked.
"No. They smell," Kronya fired back without skipping a beat.
Zero sighed loud enough for his voice changer to pick it up.
"You really think dessert is enough to sway me into acting all buddy-buddy with the others? Please!" Kronya told him.
"Until Thales tells you otherwise, you're stuck with us," Zero told her. "You may as well get used to us."
Kronya didn't have a prepared response for that, mostly because what Zero said was true. Much as she hated these weirdos, she was stuck working with them, much to her chagrin. This was her assignment. And she had to carry it out under penalty of death.
"I'm not going to be your friend," Kronya told him, irritated.
"I don't make friends. I make allies and subordinates…and miracles," Zero responded.
"Yeah, well it would be a miracle if you ever got me to like you," Kronya shot back.
Zero snorted in amusement. "Enjoy the cake, Kronya," he said and then left.
He stayed down in Abyss for a bit longer, watching as Yuri opened presents from various members of Abyss. Not everyone had the coin to get him a present and Zero set up the party, so he felt exempt. As night fell, Zero went back up to the surface, shedding his form back to Lelouch vi Britannia. Tomorrow would be an important day, and he had to be prepared for anything.
13th Day of the Verdant Rain Moon
Whomever in history decided that 13 was an unlucky number would have never felt more vindicated than the 13th of the Verdant Rain Moon in 2017atb. It began when Byleth got up a little later than normal, heading down to the market to buy fishing bait when Cornelia cut her off as she passed by the fishing pond to get there.
"Good, you're up. We need to be heading out," she said.
"Right now?" Byleth asked.
"ASAP," Cornelia responded. "Gather everyone you were planning to do so. I'll meet you at Wyvern Hangar 2."
"What's the situation?" Byleth asked.
"Open activity on the ground," Cornelia told her. "An unknown force was spotted landing near the old railway station before sunrise. And, to make matters worse, there's a transport of Britannian supplies scheduled to go through Saitama towards the Adrestian Embassy. I've been informed something of value to be on that transport."
"You're expecting another raid, like Shinjuku," Byleth responded.
"I am. In fact, the conditions are all but the same. I can't help but suspect foul play. We need to be vigilant. Do not waste time. I expect you and the Violet Tigers aboard the vessel we're taking in less than an hour," Cornelia stated.
"Give me half of one," Byleth said with a serious expression.
"That's what I like to hear," Cornelia told her and walked away.
"So much for leisurely fishing on a day off," Sothis commented.
Let's go get everyone, Byleth thought back at her with a firm nod.
"Indeed. Although…something about this…just doesn't feel right."
Sothis had every reason to be worried. While Byleth and Cornelia were getting ready to be deployed, Zero and his group were already on the ground, having combed from western Saitama, towards the east.
"Zero, about the only thing magical I've found is just about how much gravel I can get in my shoes," Balthus said over comms. "Are we sure this thing is here?"
"B, quit complaining," Hapi griped at him.
"I'm just saying, we've been at this since shortly before dawn and it's almost nine. We haven't found anything," Balthus said.
Zero tapped the side of his helmet to push to talk as it were. "Yuri, where exactly did you locate this signal?"
"We kept getting tremors all over Saitama, almost as if what we were looking for was, well, moving," Yuri stated.
"That's…disquieting," Zero responded. He thought about next steps. "Constance, among your talents, you wouldn't happen to be able to deploy a magically induced seismograph, would you?"
There was no response over comms.
"Constance?"
What came back was a weary voice, but still very much Constance's. "You really think I am capable of such…magnificently stellar magic? I am unworthy to even lick the dirt off your boots, Zero."
What the…? Zero activated the homing software in his HLKMF to locate the crystals of his fellow wolves, honing in on Constance's. "Constance, don't move. I'll be right there."
"Take your time. The vultures are already circling after all. My flesh is best put to use feeding their bellies."
I definitely need to get over there, Zero thought.
"What's with her?" Kronya asked over comms.
"Ah, right, suppose you wouldn't know," Yuri said as Zero made his way over to Constance. "There's a reason I refer to Constance as the Shady Lady. Get her out in the sun…"
Zero found Constance sitting on some torn up concrete with rebar sticking out of it along the sides.
"…And she isn't quite herself."
Constance saw Zero's approach. There was…something different about her Zero noticed. Her shoulders appeared slumped. Her usual smile was replaced with a defeated frown and the overcast generated by her bangs seem to give her entire face a look of self-defeated dread.
"Everything all right?"
"Oh. Zero. You didn't have to come all this way for poor, pathetic me," Constance said, forcing a smile. "I am hardly worth it."
What is this? Is she under some kind of spell? Zero wondered.
"This will be a daylight excursion, will it not?"
"Get her out in the sun…and she isn't quite herself."
"Constance, follow me a moment," Zero said.
"By your command, oh magnificent Zero," Constance stated and followed him inside a building, where the sunlight couldn't reach.
"Feeling better?" Zero asked.
"Ah! Zero! I thought we were supposed to all be working separately!" Constance exclaimed.
"You stepped out into the sun. This operation started several hours ago," Zero stated.
Constance looked mortified. "Ah, I've gone and embarrassed myself, haven't I?"
"Is it some kind of condition? You weren't like this at Magdred Way, nor when you came to my rescue in Shinjuku," Zero pointed out.
"I designed the Magnificent Peacock with shaded solar panels to absorb sunlight. It helps keep my frame at higher levels of power while preventing me from losing my nerve," Constance stated.
"Have you always been like this, in the sunlight, I mean," Zero stated.
Constance stared at the rubble beneath her and Zero's feet. "It's been like this only since the fall of house Nuvelle. When I saw my home, my family, my servants all laid to waste, the manor crushed to the ground as I emerged from the safehouse, I…"
Constance recalled how she'd emerged into the dawn, the sunlight beaming on her face as if it was a giant fireball on the horizon, accenting the ruins of her lost estate.
"…I couldn't bear it," she said, turning her head away, hiding her face with the back of her hand.
It appears I am not the only one unable to cope with the horrors around them. Lelouch thought about using his Geass on Constance right then and there, to free her from her sunshine induced shackles. However, he had a major hurdle.
The Geass is absolute and it only works once. If my wording isn't careful, I could cause more harm than good. From a pragmatic standpoint, eliminating Constance's other personality is all but necessary. "Can this other side of you fight?" Zero asked.
"We don't share memories, always, but…I do believe I am capable of fighting even in the sun, though I will not be happy about it. My abilities do not dwindle in the slightest, only my passion."
So it's not exactly like a split personality. They both have the same physical traits, just different emotional ones. "Constance, I hope one day to free you of your shackles. With my power, I believe it is possible."
Constance blushed, shaking her head. "Z-Zero, wh-what are you saying? You make it sound as if you plan to s-sweep me off my feet and…and…" She stopped talking and just blushed, staring at Zero's helmet, seeing her face reflected on the visor.
"If that is how it sounded, permit me to rephrase. You needn't feel burdened by your loss. One day you will be free of it. Keep following me, Constance. The glory of house Nuvelle lies across the horizon of a new dawn."
"Zero…" Constance whispered, blushing and then her face filled with giddy joy. "Yes! I will!"
Static then emerged over comms before Yukiya spoke up. "Hey! Zero! I think I found something!"
"I read you loud and clear, Yukiya. Hold your position." He turned to Constance. "Let's move."
When Zero and Constance met up with the others, Yukiya's position was in the center of Mitsumine Shrine. He had a device in his hand that was blaring a signal and quite forcefully at that.
"That's our Yuki!" Hapi praised. "Way to go with the technomagiggies."
Yukiya took the praise in stride. "Well, I figured if something strange and old was going to be anywhere, may as well start with the shrines. They're said to have been built to contain the mystical and supernatural after all, so why not an ancient chalice?"
Yuri looked over his shoulder. "Judging from the reactions, the chalice is…under the ground?"
"Under the ground?" Balthus questioned, stomping one foot. "But we're standing on solid ground here."
"Then we dig," Zero commented.
"That'll take hours," Hapi complained.
"Then we just need a bigger shovel, right Yukiya? Ryo? Shady Lady?"
"Whoa, hey, we shouldn't just start blasting the ground open, should we?" Balthus questioned.
"Eh, screw it. Not like evil spirits are real. Besides, the Howling Timberwolf can generate contained blasts."
"I shall sit this one out then," Constance commented. "I fear that I will only get in the way."
"Suit yourself," Yukiya said. He and Ryo activated their HLKMFs. Yukiya stuck the Cosmic Gyro's tentacles in the ground and began vibrating them like Jackhammers. Meanwhile, Ryo used the hard light generating properties of the Howling Timberwolf to set explosive charges rather than fire off massive heat-seeking missiles.
"You gonna be okay, Yuki?" Hapi asked over comms, once she and the other wolves were at a safe distance.
"I'll be fine," Yukiya said. "Long as Ryo keeps the explosions pretty grounded, I shouldn't get too rocked by the explosions."
"Fire one!" Ryo shouted.
A thunderous blast rocketed skyward, pushing away gravel. Much more dirt and debris was cleared away than was expected from such a small explosion.
"Signal's getting stronger!" Yukiya declared.
"Fire two!" Ryo shouted.
A second explosion rocked the center of the shrine and, combined with the drilling of Yukiya's tendrils, a cavernous void appeared in the middle of the shrine, revealed more than a 150 feet below the surface and going down much further. Seeing the Cosmic Gyro disappear from view, the Ashen Wolves gathered around the big hole in the ground.
"Well that looks friendly," Kronya commented with a frown.
"Took the words right out of my mouth," Hapi responded.
"How do we descend safely?" Zero inquired.
"Good question," Balthus said and picked up a rock, throwing it into the hole. It was well over twelve seconds before anyone heard anything resembling an echo. "That's one big hole."
"We could try descending with our HLKMFs," Hapi said.
"Okay, but then how do you propose we get back up?" Yuri asked.
"Yuri, go with Constance and bring the Neverland here. We should have portable elevators for situations like these in the cargo bay," Zero told him.
"That's a hell of a trek," Yuri said.
"We don't have many other choices," Zero pointed out.
Yuri sighed. "Good point. Come on, Shady Lady. We've got work to do," Yuri stated.
"Coming," Constance mulled.
By now it was almost noon, the Ashen Wolves noticing as the Neverland approached. They were all now ready to descend. Portable elevators were large, circular platforms that could hover and descend gently under their own power using Sakuradite, an invention patented by the famous Lloyd Asplund. It was a precursor to what was now known as the KMF Float System.
Once descending deep enough, Zero used his matrix to generate a floating light box and used that to illuminate the cavern below. This place looked old and abandoned. Aside from running water and all of the dirt and gravel piled up below the hole, the only notable structure was a staircase that led up to a big stone door at the top.
Yuri whistled. "Well, well, well, I do believe that's jackpot."
"How do you figure?" Hapi asked.
"Ah! Yuri is right!" Constance exclaimed, so far away from sunlight she was back to normal. "Look at the symbols upon the door!"
There were four symbols on the door and they represented four distinct crests Zero had never seen before.
"Aubin, Noa, Chevalier, and Timotheos," Yuri stated, naming off the four symbols. "This must be it."
"Well then, no time like the present," Zero stated.
However, as he and the wolves marched forward, they were absent a pair of feet. "Do not go in there."
The group turned to see C.C. staying behind.
"You're gonna be a wet blanket now, C? Come on, what if there's treasure in there?" Hapi asked, nodding, sounding giddy.
"Hey, are you thinking what I think you're thinking?" Kronya asked.
"It's as you suspect, Kronya. I don't know about a Chalice of Beginnings, but that is exactly what's beyond that door," C.C. said.
"Uh, you guys mind not playing the pronoun game and clueing the rest of us in?" Balthus asked.
Neither Kronya nor C.C. spoke up…at least at first.
"I don't see why it's such a big deal," Kronya said.
"If we don't make it out alive, you'll know why," C.C. responded.
More silence.
"The chalice has to be through that room," Zero said.
"Very well, but don't say I did not properly warn you," C.C. told him.
The group approached, finding no way to properly open the door, at least at first. However, Yuri had an idea. He held his hand up, watching as his crest of Aubin glowed, lighting up the respective crest on the door. Following suit, Constance, Hapi and Balthus did the same. The door then opened automatically, forced ajar by magic.
Hapi laughed to herself. "Well, would you look at that? Kind of makes you feel like a chosen one, doesn't it?"
"Aha! My House Nuvelle blood shows its value this day."
"Yeah, yeah, quit posturing. We got treasure to plunder," Yuri said as the group entered into the room beyond. This room was well lit, but not due to a mechanical light source. On the far end of the room…was another door. But this was no ordinary door. It glowed with eerie red light, its design intricate with a pyramid shape at the base. It had no knobs and did not split down the middle like the door that protected it.
That symbol, Zero thought, looking at the symbol on the center of the door. It resembled the emblem of his Geass.
"Been a long time since I've seen one," Kronya said, awestruck.
"Hey, I think we're owed an explanation, yeah? What's this thing? And why is it dangerous?" Hapi asked.
"This is a Thought Elevator," C.C. explained. "It is the hallmark of an ancient order, pre-dating even the Church of Seiros and the Agarthan Empire. It is believed that an ancient civilization built them deep underground, their true purpose seemingly lost to time."
"So even you don't know what they're for?" Kronya asked.
C.C. shook her head.
"But you know enough about them to know that they're dangerous, right? So what makes them dangerous?" Hapi asked.
"Entering a Thought Elevator will bring you to a world where consciousness and memory are linked. Stepping inside can cause reality to fracture, but only in your mind. Your memories would intermingle. Your very thoughts could shatter," C.C. warned. "It makes sense that Saint Seiros would hide the Chalice of Beginnings in such a place. It also explains why the signal kept moving since the world inside, C's World, is constantly shifting its physical form. As long as humans dream, C's World will always have a different shape."
"So, what? We'd be walking into Alice's Wonderland?" Yuri quipped.
"In a sense," C.C. remarked.
We've come all this way for the chalice, do we really turn back now? Zero thought. "Is it less dangerous if fewer of us go inside?"
"Strictly speaking," C.C. said. "And there is no telling what kind of defense Saint Seiros may have placed the chalice under. You would be fighting the elements of nature as well as the artificial defenses."
Curious as a blind animal, Akito approached the elevator's door and put his hand to it, only to get repelled with a zap.
"I said it's dangerous. One does not simply enter C's World via the Thought Elevator," C.C. told him.
"We need a safe way to enter. If we all go in, we'll only end up mingling our minds together and getting confused, possibly losing ourselves in the process." Now Zero understood why C.C. told him to turn back. If others saw his memories, they would know who he was.
The group sat around in the room with the elevator, pondering a way to try and enter safely, or at least minimize risk. It was Yuri who eventually stood up and sounded like he had an idea.
"It might actually be possible to bypass going in there entirely," Yuri stated.
"What gave you that idea?" Yukiya asked.
"Just a little bit of knowledge about how the human brain works," Yuri said proudly. "Our resident pizza lover here said that the world is controlled by consciousness and memory, correct? What if, and this is just a theory, we all, or maybe just a few of us, put our hands on the door and focused our thoughts singularly on the chalice. We might be able to bring it to us instead of us going to it," Yuri pointed out.
"Yuri, not gonna lie," Balthus said. "That sounds like a bunch of arbitrary nonsense."
"Well it's either that or we all end up human brain soup," Yuri said, brushing off the danger like it was as simple as using a toilet.
"Yeah, I don't like my brain the way I like my eggs, thank you," Hapi stated.
"It…should be fine," Kronya said.
"Even you're saying that?" Yukiya asked, confused.
"Shambhala, the heart of the Agarthan Empire, has its own Thought Elevator. I've not seen it since I was really little, but I've heard Solon, our head researcher, talk about it all the time. If our desire is just the chalice and not to enter C's World, we might be able to bring the chalice right to us."
"Surprisingly helpful of you," Zero commented.
"It's self-serving!" Kronya defended. "If we manage to snag the Chalice of Beginnings, I can report it to Thales and he'll be ecstatic. Sure, maybe you guys need it, but just knowing that it's out there and could be used or recreated by Agarthan hands is enough."
"Recreate a magical, mysterious artifact from the days of old? Agartha will really play with anything like it's a toy, huh?" Yuri asked.
"Shut up!" Kronya snapped.
"I've met Solon. If that's his theory, it should be fine, but some of you should stay back," she said, her gaze honed in on Balthus.
"Hey, come on, pal, why are you singling me out?"
"Nope. She's got a point," Yuri said. "You'd probably start desiring for all the money and women in the world."
"Hey! Cut me some slack, Yuri. I'm more brawn than brains, but the Muscular King of Grappling isn't that dumb."
"Still, best we minimize risk," Akito agreed. "Let's have Constance and Balthus hang back and anyone else that wants to volunteer."
"While I object to being singled out, I will not deny that my desire for the restoration of House Nuvelle will interfere with the mission," Constance admitted.
"Yeah, I'm not going anywhere near that creepy door," Hapi said. "Count me out."
"Sounds like it's just the seven of us," Yuri said, looking to Ayano, Zero, Yukiya, Ryo, Akito and Kronya.
They approached the door, hands ready in a hexagonal formation, with Zero's palm placed in the center. "On three?" he asked the others. He received silent gazes that pretty much told him the answer. He nodded. "Very well." There was a long pause. "One. Two." He took a deep breath. "Three."
All of them pressed their palms to the door and began to see visions swirl about their heads, visions Lelouch had only seen once before when he made his contract with C.C.
Zero looked around, suddenly noticing that he was alone in a white void, sans black lines that made him feel like he existed only in someone's storyboard for an animated television show. His body and the world around him flickered and vibrated.
He felt short of breath. His Zero Matrix shed itself away. He couldn't feel his skin and he couldn't move his body. Information overloaded him. And then…a melody. It sounded like…a gentle piano.
His vision began to clear. In the distance, he could see Jupiter…but it was…now was this even Jupiter? It looked more like Neptune. But…it had to be Jupiter. There were too many moons for it to be Neptune. Yet, Jupiter's dark red spot was bluer than the fanciest royal blue couch.
And around him? Outer space. Below him? What appeared to be the surface of the Earth, but there was something odd about it, almost as if it was an Earth counterpart in some far away star system.
Where…am I? Lelouch found himself wondering.
"You who possess the power of the king. What is your desire?" The voice was disembodied, but came from right in front of him.
! Lelouch gasped, but couldn't even hear the sounds of his own throat.
"You needn't answer. And you cannot lie," the voice said. The outline of a woman made of stars, as though she were a living constellation, appeared before him. "I can see all."
Lelouch was not the only one feeling this sensation, separated by some kind of force, Ryo, Ayano, Kronya, Yuri, Yukiya, and Akito were all witnessing the same thing, but referred to differently.
"Young lady," was the voice's reference to Ayano.
"Assassin to the earliest humans," was the call to Kronya.
"You who have suffered greatly," was the statement called to Yuri.
"You who are suffering beneath the king," was how Akito was spoken to.
"Young man," for Ryo.
"Crafter of contraptions," was how the voice talked to Yukiya.
Each of them could feel their brains being probed by this constellation.
"Your union is false. You are all selfish," the woman said. "But such is humanity."
At this point, all but Lelouch blacked out.
"Yet you, you would use the chalice you all seem to claim to desire. You wish for the power over life and death, yet you should know that all things come at a price, whether fiscally, physically, or emotionally," the constellation spoke to him. "The answers you seek may not be the answers you find and the power you cling to may not be the salvation you think it is."
But that is life, Lelouch thought. I cannot claim to know the future, I can only carve my path forward!
The constellation smiled. "C.C. was right. You are most interesting indeed. You who have the ambition to change the world, I will be watching. Humans are selfish and cruel, including you, yet your desires are contradictorily idealistic."
The blue of the Jupiter-like planet suddenly exploded off it like paint shedding a layer and illuminated the outer space, turning it into a daylit sky, complete with clouds. As Lelouch continued to reach forward, his body now painted in full color, he could feel something hard and metal around his fingers.
"Take the chalice, wielder of power, but be warned, life can truly only be lived once. To live it again could be seen as true hell."
With that, Lelouch then felt like he was being flung back and hit his head on something hard, losing vision. He thought he lost consciousness, but at no point did he lose the sensation of his own breathing.
As he woke up, he could see Constance and Hapi standing over him. He was seeing them through some lit interfaces, so clearly the Zero Matrix hadn't actually melted off him.
He could hear Balthus talking, but it was like Lelouch had a fish bowl on his head the way the sound was being filtered. "Hey! I think he's coming around!"
With a bit of blinking and a clutch to his helmet, Zero sat up, groaning.
"Ah! Our lord awakens," Constance said.
Zero stood up, groaning. "Is everyone all right?" he did a head count. Everyone appeared to be present. The thought elevator had also stopped glowing. The room was being lit only by Yukiya's phone light now.
"That was some trippy nonsense," Kronya said and then gazed down at Zero's right hand. "Looks like it worked though."
Zero gazed down. In his hand was a silver and red chalice. Flecks of blood filled the base of the glass, but the rest was well polished silver and crystal amethyst with some kind of red metal mixed with the silver. It wasn't blood. The sheen was different.
"I thought we failed or something when I passed out. Dibs on never going in there again," Yuri commented.
"So glad I skipped out," Hapi said. "All of the reward, none of the work."
"You can say that again," Yukiya groaned.
"It was…like we were on trial," Akito said. "Like whatever that being was…it was judging us."
"I guess Zero really is our miracle worker after all," Yuri praised, all smiles.
No, it's because C.C. granted me a Geass. But…they don't need to know that we were just lucky. Speaking of…
Zero lobbed the chalice at C.C. "Hang onto that and don't let it out of your sight. You're the strongest one here so you're unlikely to have it taken from you if we run into trouble."
"So now it is back to Abyss?" Constance asked.
Zero nodded. "We've completed our objective. It is best not to delay."
"Well then, lead the way," Yuri requested.
The group began to pile onto the portable elevator to head back to the surface. However, as the elevator ascended, Zero's UI picked up the use of an HLKMF, no, two.
"Everyone put your cloaks on," he urged. "We have company." All members of the Ashen Wolves, sans Kronya who didn't need one, did so.
The group had just enough of a chance to disembark their portable elevator onto solid ground when they had guns pointed at them from all sides. Men and women in red and black samurai armor surrounded the Ashen Wolves. And, dead ahead of the Ashen Wolves stood a figure in the sunlight, surrounded by trees and wooden buildings in black and red robes, a kabuki-like mask, and a long red energy plume. They appeared to be a knight in robes, but this wasn't as it appeared. Zero could see the HLKMF come up on his interface. Codename: Flame Emperor.
As the sun shone down from above, the Flame Emperor and Zero locked gazes as best they could, given they were both wearing masks. The glint of Zero's visor reflected the mask of the Flame Emperor in its gaze.
"Greetings," the person in the Flame Emperor frame said. "I am the Flame Emperor, at these are my Fire Knights. What business have you in Saitama?"
"Personal," Zero responded. "So, you're the Flame Emperor."
"You've heard of me?" The Flame Emperor asked, slightly surprised.
"Yeah, I told them about you," Kronya said, lurking out from behind Zero.
"Kronya. I see…so this is Thales's doing," The Flame Emperor said.
"Nah, I'm just doing my job to give Zero a hand in his own quest. I see the Death Knight is still doing your bidding specifically," Kronya commented with cheer. The infamous Death Knight was standing right behind the Flame Emperor's shoulder.
"I thought he was on our side," Hapi said, surprised.
"I only have one master. Our previous allegiance was one of convenience," The Death Knight commented.
"I have longed to meet you face to face, Zero," The Flame Emperor said. "Pardon the weaponry. I was concerned this was a Britannian trap." With a wave of the Flame Emperor's hand, weapons were lowered, but guards were not. "Let's talk. Who are you? What are you after? And why should I not erase you?"
"Well for starters Thales would be quite upset if you—"
Kronya was interrupted by Zero putting a hand in front of her mouth.
C.C. smirked. She had a feeling this was going to be good.
"Who am I?" Zero asked. He fanned out his cloak. "I am the revolutionary known as Zero!" He raised his right arm towards the sky, "I am a Master of the shadows!" He spun around in a full circle. "And the destroyer of corruption!" He threw his left arm out, cloak billowing in the process. "My aim is to bring this cultish era to an end." He fanned out his right arm. "Rome will fall." He balled a fist. "By my hand."
"So, you too also desire the destruction of Rome. For what purpose?" the Flame Emperor asked.
"I could ask you the same knowing that's your goal. Rome is an oppressive state," he said, strolling forward, "One that controls the populace for belief in a Goddess long since dead. The current archbishop acts as if she herself is above the law. But it is not just Rome I seek to overthrow, but also Britannia, and any nation that will not yield its central power. Monarchy will be overthrown!" He swept his arms out. "Nobility as we know it will cease to exist!" He crouched and then slowly rose, bending his arm towards him as he leaned back as if it was some kind of misshapen crane or hook, fingers pointed at his helmet. "And from its ashes, a new world will be reborn."
"Hmph, so it sounds as if we are in agreement on two points. Nobility is a cancer and Rhea is an obstacle," The Flame Emperor stated.
Zero concealed his body with his cloak. "Then it appears we are more alike than I initially believed. What would you say to joining forces?" From out of his cloak, a thin arm, offering a peaceful hand outstretched towards the Flame Emperor. "You control Japan. I control the oppressed and forgotten. Together, we would have an unstoppable army. We already answer to the same benefactor, do we not? Perhaps we could work together on a more permanent basis."
"Do not misunderstand me," The Flame Emperor said, shaking their head. "I agree with you on two points, but not the rest. For it is I who will reshape the world. You will rebuild all nations of the Seirosian Superpowers, will you not?"
"Indeed," Zero responded. "I will not state my heritage, for fear of discovery," he said, putting his arm back in his cloak. "But I imagine you fear that your plans would be dashed should our forces combine."
"It is as you say."
"I can accommodate accordingly," Zero offered.
Inside the Flame Emperor HLKMF, Edelgard froze. Zero…accommodate her? Madness. It had to be. What sort of self-respecting revolutionary would compromise the reconstruction of a nation they intended to raze? Still, while Kronya loomed behind Zero's shoulder, she knew the rest of his small faction did not possess the same connection to the very men that pushed her into her fate. That was why she had the Japanese at her back, to escape from people like Kronya.
Still, it was as Kronya said, Thales would be upset if they did not team up. And it was for that very reason that Edelgard wanted to take her chances with the current status quo.
"You offer allegiance," The Flame Emperor said. "Yet you lack any sort of proof of trust. Kronya, you are needed at my side."
"Hmmm, nah," the Agarthan said, bobbing her head to one side. "Unlike you, I'm actually doing, my job. I don't recall Thales ordering you to start cooperating with the Japanese. Is this an act of defiance?"
"I am merely forward thinking," The Flame Emperor stated. "However, if you will not come to my side, you can be destroyed along with the rest of Zero's forces."
"Kronya," Zero said, gazing back over his shoulder.
"Oh, relax, I'd love to stick a knife in your back, but now isn't the time," she said with a psychopathic cheerful smirk. "Besides, you give me cake and pizza."
"You are making a mistake," The Flame Emperor told Kronya.
"Really? Cause the way I see it, we're gonna kick your butt and leaving the Japanese dead for Britannia, but not you. You're coming back with me to Thales and he'll rewire your brain so that you never defy him again," Kronya stated.
"Over my dead body," The Death Knight thundered calmly.
"I do not consider my actions in defiance to Thales. Organizing armed resistance of the Japanese against Rome plays into our plans to destabilize Rome as a governing body. You are the one out of line if you don't side with me," The Flame Emperor reasoned, sounding angry.
"Sorry, but Thales would be angrier with me if I let something happen to Zero. You can at least be given a few lumps on the noggin for being dumb. Your strong, so you won't suffer brain damage," Kronya teased.
"So be it," The Flame Emperor stated. "These are my orders!" They declared to the Japanese. "Fight to kill and we may yet bring them back alive! Be on the lookout for Britannia! They will be here soon!"
"Sooner than you think," A voice called out, pointing. And, indeed, on the horizon and via radar, Cornelia's private military bunker was rolling in like a death machine.
Zero and the Japanese were now going to be facing down a much stronger force.
"A truce then, Flame Emperor?" Zero asked.
"Not on your life. I came prepared to deal with Cornelia's forces five to one. You are but a blip on my radar. Fret not, I will take you and several of your comrades in alive," The Flame Emperor stated.
"An unwise decision," Zero stated. He used a sticky whip to pull himself on top of a building away from the Flame Emperor as Kronya doubled back to avoid being within striking distance of the Flame Emperor and the Death Knight. The other members of the Ashen Wolves instantly activated their HLKMFs, sans C.C. who hid behind the frames, the cloak concealing most of her face.
"To my disciples!"
"To my subordinates!" Zero and the Flame Emperor shouted.
"This is our moment!" The two declared at the same time. "Strike the enemy down! Both Britannia!"
"And the Flame Knight and their subordinates!"
"And Zero and his disciples!"
"All units, attack!" They both declared. "Show not an ounce of mercy!"
At this, once more did Zero and the Flame Emperor lock gazes. Zero pulled out an amethyst energy sword, aiming it at the mysterious Emperor. In response, The Flame Emperor took out an energy axe that appeared to be engulfed in flames.
Apologies, Zero, but I cannot abide by an alliance. You claim to speak for the betterment of mankind, yet your results speak for themselves. And were I to join with you, I may never free myself of the man who killed my siblings! Edelgard exclaimed.
This isn't personal, Flame Emperor, but if you will not join me, you are against me. I am prepared, even with a force this small, to carry the day. I will defeat you, Cornelia, Rhea and even my father! Lelouch exclaimed.
Northern Atlantic Archipelago
2022 atb
Recalling their first meeting as enemies, Lelouch and Edelgard raised their hands to cast magic. From a little over 15 meters apart from each other, Lelouch prepared to cast Miasma and Edelgard to cast a fireball. While the size and power of their spells now dwarfed their capabilities back then, both recalled how this mirrored their first encounter.
Mitsumine Shrine
2017 atb
Zero and the Flame Emperor prepared to fire magic attacks, given the distance between them. From this point onward, as the attacks flew towards each other.
2022 atb
As the magic attacks slammed into each other, the two cemented their status…
2017 atb
…as hostile rivals.
2022 atb
And both were loudly thinking the same thing as their gazes met with the utmost determination to their individual causes.
"I am the only one qualified…
2017 atb
…to shape this world!"
(A/N: Kinda makes you think of Light and L's "I am justice" moment, doesn't it? But yes, here we are folks, Lelouch vs Edelgard, the first of several bouts. I hope it doesn't feel too forced for Zero and the Flame Emperor to feel like enemies in this scene. I tried my best, but it felt natural that Edelgard would be the one to have trust issues given her personality. Hope your comfortable because this roller coaster is about to finish winding up the incline and then it's all drops and loops from there…for the first lap. Get ready because this is one thrilling event you won't want to miss, next time on Lie & Seek. And, until that time, as always, from all of me, to all of you, let your hearts stay human and your wrath draconic. Ja ne!)