Sorry for taking such a long time! But I've been really busy with work, and since it is almost Christmas, well, I really need to deliver some work if I want to have a bonus. And as many of you know, people need money to survive!
Daddy wants a new Lego set.
So, I'll put another chapter here! And then, the first Chapter of the White Lion of the Red Keep!
Also, I am still reading some comments about, the Wizarding World Overlord, and if they would like to read, the White Wolf of Winterfell. Still, taking my time on that topic. Also, I will not just simply delete or never touch those fanfics ever again. It's just that my focus is on some other work. So, see you all later!
And I highly recommend watching Code Geass if you want to understand, how some of the chapters are structured. Truly, I recommended it.
See you all later!
Chapter 5
Lelouch, or now, Zero stared at the screen where the reports of the recent hijacking and how her friends were in the middle of it all. She wanted to smash the television as she saw the smug faces of one of the leaders of the so-called Japan Liberation Front. The biggest anti-Britannia group in the country. Yet, it didn't matter; they were a nuisance for her. Lelouch clenched her fist, as she saw Lt. Col. Kusakabe telling his demands to open the television, so everyone could hear how serious he was. A fool, an utter fool. If she has seen one before. Lelouch felt a migraine while watching the news. But she also hears the little voice of Kallen just outside the room.
"Zero, are we going to do something?"
Kallen whispered in a very soft voice, almost pleading for her to do something. It didn't matter what, just something. Yet, it was also troublesome. Lelouch was just still preparing for her army. It was still at a low resistance level. Not near at the level to fight Britannia head-on. And the current problem did not help them at all.
"Don't you trust in Britannia to save their citizens?"
Lelouch asked, in her Zero persona, wondering what would Kallen say about it. Lelouch knew that Kallen was a person who was surprisingly gentle, and easy to love. The red-haired girl wasn't as hard as she thought she was. Yet, it was the reason Lelouch cared for her. Still, what lay before them was quite the problem.
"Uh, I do, it's just…!"
Kallen stuttered, not wanting to say anything about the student council. Yet, she didn't need to. Zero was aware of it all.
"Don't worry, bunny. Innocent people are still innocent people, no matter what nationality they are. What the Japan Liberation Front is doing is right down cruel. Getting people that had nothing to do with Britannia, or the Ghetto liquidation involvement, is stupid and unforgiving. They are showing they are not better than their enemy." Those words resonated with how Lelouch felt currently. If she wanted to avoid looking like everyone else, Lelouch needed people to see Zero in a different light. A different person, a hero even. Zero has to become a symbol of sorts. That's the whole point. Zero has to be bigger than life.
Kallen felt weight leaving her body as she sighed deeply, hoping nothing bad would happen to them. The student council was not at fault for what has happened in the last years in Japan. They were just regular kids, going on their day, doing nothing wrong. They are innocent. Kallen thought softly, as the smiling face of Lelouch crossed her mind. Just like her. Kallen didn't know that her so-called girlfriend was behind the door, getting ready to move out.
"The worse we can do is nothing. Remember this, bunny. If we always do what we always have, we'll never be more of what we are."
Zero opened the door and saw Kallen looking at her with the hope that something could be done. And well, Lelouch knew what to do. It was not how she wanted to do it. Or the place, yet, in life, people face hard choices. And now there was one. The only reason Cornelia hasn't gone in, guns blazing, is because of Euphemia. That allows us breathing room. So, how should I do it? Lelouch thought, as she walked down the stairs, while Kallen was following her.
Should I try to play it cool? Mm…?
Lelouch exhaled, as everyone in the large van saw her walking down the stairs. They were few in numbers. Not even people she would trust at all, not yet at least. But she must start from somewhere. These people would be her first official followers. Lelouch has to train them somehow, so perhaps it would be an excellent opportunity for them, and for her. I need people who would follow my orders, and if I want to lead an army, well, I need to be able to move people from one place to another. Strategy is key now. And I must be up to the task. Ugh, this is going to be hard. Lelouch thought with dread, as she was going to be a leader now. And she had no experience whatsoever about such a thing. Leading raids in Yggdrasil wasn't the same as leading a war against an empire controlling a third of the world.
Yet I must do it.
Lelouch, though, since there was nothing else but to go forward. "Everyone, get ready. We are going to Lake Kawaguchi."
They all looked at her, shocked.
"Wait, really?"
"Can we even do that?"
"I don't think this is a good idea."
"Yeah… Like we are still low in numbers, I don't think is a good idea," Ohgi said with a nervous tone.
"That's right! You're crazy if you want to go there!"
Lelouch frowned at them. She now realizes that she must show them who was in command. If they desire to win, they must follow her and respect her. Lelouch was closer to both of them, but she still needed to teach them, to respect her authority. Zero was a leader, and like most, it deserved veneration.
"All of you decided to follow me the moment you entered this place. The leader is me. If any of you decided to go, the door is wide open, but as long as you are under my command. All of you will follow my directions."
Zero voice echoed the small room, and they felt the same pressure around that mechanic person once again. It was terrifying, yet powerful. Ohgi stared at Kallen, who nodded at him with a pleading look. Then he stared at the rest. They all knew that, if they want a chance to fight back against Britannia, following Zero was their best bet. No one else could have done what Zero had done in such a small time. It was the only choice, and while they were still apprehensive about Zero, and who she was, or what she was, they could only sigh in defeat.
"Alright, alright… we came here to join you. Not the other way around. But our concern is still, Japan. Don't forget it," Ohgi said.
Zero nodded. "Of course."
"So, why are we going there? Why should we care about the lives of some Britannia dogs?" Tamaki growled.
"Legitimacy," Zero only replied.
"Eh? Legitimacy?" Tamaki asked, confused.
"If we want the empire of Britannia to take our movement seriously, we need to show them that we are not a terrorist group. It something no other group has learned. Cornelia, or anyone else, would never parley with a terrorist. No matter what. But if we prove them that we are not like them. If we show the world, not only Japan. The world, that our movement is more than just fighting, we may have something in our hand. Something that not even Britannia could deny."
They all looked at Zero, thinking and wondering about those words. It was not something they ever thought of, and now, they could see that it may well be true.
"We aren't going to fight, Britannia?" Ohgi asked.
"Oh, we will fight Britannia. But not as a terrorist group. But as an army. A genuine movement. One army, with one leader, and one goal in mind. That's the difference. But innocent lives, the people that had nothing to do with us, or them. Should be left alone."
Kallen felt shivers as she thought about the possibility of those words. We can do it. I know we can! Kallen thought.
"Now, if you don't want to waste more time. There is something we should do."
The group sighed, feeling yet again, blindsided by the way their new leader spoke. It was as if that person had something to say all the time. And the worst of it all, Zero's words always make sense. They felt exhilarated to follow her. It was strange, weird, and unusual, but if they had learned something, it was that the world was a strange place. So, with that in mind, they got ready, and followed Zero, in another crazy plan of hers.
Cornelia wanted to rip her hair out, as she stared at the problem before her. The terrorist managed to take over the hotel in the lake without problem, and the worst of it all. They have brought a special kind of weapon capable of destroying any Knightmare Frame that dares to go inside the only other way in. A tunnel used for supplies. Now, Cornelia was running out of time, since there was no other way in. Unless she used full force, there was nothing else she could do if she wanted to save Euphemia from that place.
The hotel was in the middle of a lake, and the bridges that let you in were destroyed but one. And it would be a suicide if they marched in. They would kill the civilians, including her Euphemia. So Cornelia was practically against the wall. And it was horrible.
Euphy…! What should I do?!
Cornelia thought in desperation, not knowing what she should do.
I don't want to have the blood of yet another sibling in my hands.
Cornelia took a deep breath, as she wondered if she should call for the Eleven pilot. Suzaku Kururugi was still a suspect in many things. But one that was still resonating in her mind was his supposed involvement with her sisters. Lelouch and Nunnally could be still alive. Yet, it was too early for any of that. Cornelia and Euphemia were still trying to see if any information about the whereabouts of her siblings were true. So, while Suzaku was the primary suspect, they wanted to act quietly. They wanted to avoid any suspicion. Well, those plans would have to wait for now. Cornelia was not about to lose her sister to some terrorist.
Still, she has no idea about what she should do.
"So, their idea of a warning is to throw a civilian out of the roof every 30 minutes? Savages!"
Andreas Darlton said with a disgusted voice, and Cornelia hissed in response.
"We could negotiate to just get the women and children released first…!"
"Forget it! Negotiate even once and you just legitimize terrorism!" Cornelia replied to Guildford's attempt to find another way to save the civilians and the princess. Yet, she was thinking the same. Cornelia's only choice so far as to try to speak with the terrorist and try to seek terms, something she hated like nothing else. Cornelia wanted to avoid looking weak, and even more, she hated losing, but what was more important to her right now? Her pride, or her beloved sister?
Cornelia knew the answer already. And she hated it.
"What about force? We outnumber them," Darlton said.
"That would have to come after securing princess Euphemia's safety, wouldn't it? We can't risk go full force."
Cornelia knew her loyal knights had some truth in their words, but it was not honestly something she wanted to hear. But she must think first. There has to be a way to get in somehow. The tunnel was still the only way possible for a Knightmare Frame, yet none of her riders would overcome such cannon down there. Not even her. Yet, she thought about the Eleven pilots again, and she sneered.
Perhaps it is the only way.
Cornelia would have to swallow her pride and send Suzaku down there, in hopes he could get in, or at the very least bring the attention to him while she thinks of something. But before such thoughts came to her mind. A soldier rushed to her with unpleasant news.
"Your highness! It's Zero!" the poor soldier said.
Cornelia and her loyal knights turned around and practically glared at him.
"We've just received a message from Zero! She is approaching the military post!" He spoke.
Cornelia scowled at those words, and as if the day couldn't get any worse. Now she had to deal with that machine of a woman.
"Everyone to their positions!"
Cornelia yelled as she furiously went to her Knightmare Frame. It was going to be a long day for her.
Zero, or Lelouch, saw the lights shining upon her as the car she stole from the news reporter group got closer to the military outpost just nearby the lake. Lelouch saw the only way in the hotel where her friends were captured was a bridge that was heavily guarded by not only Cornelia's forces but the Japan Liberation front on each side. Lelouch wondered what were the new recruits thinking of her plan. It was a risky plan, if she would say so herself. She was exposing herself in the hope both Cornelia and that coronel idiot guy would be too intrigued to see what she wanted. That they would at least talk to her.
Let's hope they do want to talk. Or well, it would be a good place to use a high-tier spell.
Lelouch exhaled inside her mask. The many Knightmare Frames and soldiers pointing their weapons at her, and the many lights were already annoying her. But she kept her body stoic, not flinching or moving at all. The forces of Britannia surrounded her. And she wondered that perhaps standing on the roof of the vehicle was not a good idea after all. Yet it was late for any of that.
Mm, Kallen is inside the vehicle with the rest. But if things go sour, well, I think I would need to think fast.
Lelouch hummed while thinking about what she would do if things didn't go according to plan. But she was sure it would. Cornelia was there, and Euphemia too, meaning she had the upper hand on how her older sister would react.
"Cornelia, where are you, my dear sister?" Lelouch whispered and smiled the moment she saw the Knightmare frame. The vehicle stopped near the entrance of the bridge leading to the hotel where the terrorist group was, so the only thing she needed was for Cornelia to let them in. And she was sure she would do just that. Cornelia had no other choice.
And Lelouch's smile grew bigger when she saw Cornelia's Knightmare Frame stopping before her. And coming out of the mecha, her beautiful sister appeared, with a rather exhausted and stressed-out face. Looking tired, eh? Sister? It seems the last few hours have been hard on you. Lelouch thought with a smirk.
"We meet again, Zero," Cornelia said with a hissing tone. "Are you a member of the Japan Liberation Front?"
Lelouch tilted her head, wondering why would she ask such a thing.
"Or perhaps you intend to help us?" Cornelia asked with a mocked tone, but the intention was not lost to Lelouch.
Ah, I see… Smart.
Lelouch thought with a smile.
"Well, it doesn't matter. Our concerns take priority over yours. And so, for the death of my half-brother Clovis… I shall take my vengeance right here!"
Cornelia pulled out a gun and pointed it at Zero. However, she was not about to shoot the robotic woman. And Zero knew it. Lelouch saw right through Cornelia's desperate scheme. The princess of Britannia couldn't be seen asking for a favor or even negotiating with her. So, she was putting on a show, so to speak. No one could deny Cornelia wanted to kill her. But in reality, Cornelia wanted Zero to help her or at least to use Zero in any way possible while she thinks in a way inside the hotel. That was with the idea that Zero did not know who was in the hotel, of course. Cornelia didn't know that Zero was her dear long-forgotten sister, Lelouch, and that Lelouch knew about Euphemia's whereabouts.
So, with that in mind, Lelouch was safe. That's why Cornelia wasn't shooting at her, yet. She was waiting for Zero's response. And Zero, the secret princess of Britannia, smirked under her robotic helmet.
"My dear Cornelia, which would you choose? Clovis, who is dead, or Euphemia, who is alive?" Zero said loudly, making sure to let Cornelia know her desperate scheme would not work entirely. And from the way Cornelia reacted, it seemed as she has hit the pride of the oldest Britannia princess, again.
My dear Cornelia. You loved us too much. And since you only have Euphemia left in your heart, your emotions don't let you act like you normally do. That's why is so easy to know how you will act. I wonder, how much would it change, once she knows that Nunnally and I are alive?
Lelouch thought, as she saw the shaking body of Cornelia, while the desperation was clear on her face.
"I am going to save Euphemia for you," Zero said.
"Zero, I have no idea what you're talking about…!" Cornelia tried to bluff, but failed.
"Cornelia, I said I'd be able to save her. Trust me. I know there is no way in unless you take this bridge. But that would put your beloved sister in jeopardy. So, why don't you trust me on this?" Zero spoke with a candy voice, making Cornelia tremble in anger.
"How did…!" Cornelia hissed, like a venomous snake, and Lelouch was amused by the look of her angry sister.
Uwa, that face reminded me of the many times I got her angry! Scary!
Lelouch thought with a nervous smile.
"Decide, Cornelia, time is running out."
Cornelia wanted to empty her magazine on Zero, but she knew her ruse was over. Or at least, a part of her plans. Still, to accept the invitation to help from Zero left a sour taste in her mouth. Yet, Cornelia knew when she was in checkmate. There was no other way.
"If you hurt her…!"
"I won't hurt, sweet Euphemia. I swear it."
"Swear it? Don't laugh at me! Why should I trust you'll keep your word?" Cornelia asked angrily.
"Because I am not a terrorist, Cornelia. I am Zero. Zero, and I don't hurt innocent people. And Euphemia has done nothing to me, or to anyone. Don't you agree?" Zero said firmly, and it was a tone of voice that even Cornelia had a hard time not trusting.
So, biting her tongue, Cornelia ordered to let them pass. "Open the gate and let them go in!" She spoke.
Lelouch hit the roof of the car, indicating to Kallen that it was safe to move out. And while they were moving, the car and Knightmare Frame passed close to each other, bringing Zero and Cornelia not even a meter from each other. It took everything in Cornelia to not just grab the robotic woman by the neck and throw her to the ground. But Zero has other plans.
"If you have another plan, do it now."
Cornelia, confused, turned her head around, as she saw Zero moving away to where the Japan Liberation Front outpost was and wondered why did she say those words. Whatever it was, Cornelia was now starting to hate Zero even more. Since in Cornelia's eyes, Zero outmaneuvered her yet again. And now, the life of Euphemia was on Zero's hand. The person was responsible for Clovis's death. The world does often like ironies. And Cornelia hated them.
However, for Lelouch, her mind was now on the task at hand. As she left Cornelia behind, she wondered if the Japan Liberation Front would act accordingly. And the moment they opened the doors for her, Lelouch knew, her plans were almost without a problem. It was rather perfect, too perfect. That's why Lelouch would keep her guard up. If they were stupid enough to try to face her, she would kill them. After all, Euphemia, her dear sister, was there.
And Lelouch also knew that Cornelia would not waste time into getting her plans in order.
Lelouch came down off the roof and meet some of the soldiers from the Japan Liberation Front, and like she predicted. They wanted her to meet Lt. Coronel, Kusakabe. And well, she also wanted to meet him, too. Yet, she also wanted to make sure her new recruits, especially Kallen, had everything necessary for the operation. They needed time and weapons.
"Zero, Lt. Coronel, Kusakabe is awaiting you in the VIP room. Please follow us," one of the soldiers said, leaving no room for an excuse. They wanted to intimidate her.
Lelouch scoffed, and looking around, she observed the soldiers all pointing their weapons at them. They needed them to be quiet if the operation wanted to succeed. And from how Kallen and the rest looked, they felt as if they were outnumbered, which they were. But they had Zero with them. So, those numbers did not matter.
"I see. No problem," she said.
"Zero?" Kallen muttered, as the red-haired girl looked rather nervous. Ohgi and the rest were looking at the soldiers, all with better weapons than theirs. And knowing that the only way for them to accomplish what they came here for was if they could sneak behind them. But it looked impossible. At least for them.
"Mm, Ohgi, did you bring the camera, and everything else?" Zero asked without looking back at them. They all saw how their new leader was looking directly at the soldiers.
"Uh, yeah," Ohgi replied.
"Good. Now, Bunny, don't forget why we are here."
Zero said in a low voice. "Lt. Coronel Kusakabe is a fool if he expected anything from this operation. And idiot of an old world."
"Eh?! What did you say?!" the soldier said angrily, and like many on his side, pointed their weapons at Zero. Zero, Ohgi, and the rest were now in trouble. Yet, Zero was cool. They saw how the mechanic person simply raised her hand to them.
"Ohgi, Kallen, take the group and continue with the mission. I'll deal with them."
They stared at Zero, surprised by those words. "Wait? What do you mean?" Kallen asked.
"Nothing at all. I'll just speak with Lt. Coronel Kusakabe. That's all. Thought, I would like if you would leave my friends alone."
Since Kallen and the rest could only perceive Zero's back. They couldn't see the Geass working on the soldiers, who nodded at Zero's command. Lelouch couldn't afford to show up her power to them, at the very least, not yet. And while she did show it to the many civilians back at Saitama Ghetto; it was different. It was to create rumors. Yet, with them, it was too soon to show what could she do. And while Lelouch believed she could control Kallen's reaction, it was not the same with the rest. She needed to trust them a bit more. Besides, truthfully, there was no need to expose herself yet. It wasn't necessary.
Zero just followed the soldiers, while leaving behind Kallen and the rest. They all stared at the back of their leader and wondered what just happened. However, there wasn't time to start thinking about it. They have a job to do. And Kallen wanted to make sure the student council, her friends, were saved.
Zero was a bit surprised about the building. Yet, her amusement ended shortly as she arrived at the VIP room, where Lt. Coronel Kusakabe waited for her. That smirk on his face was unpleasant, and she hated it. It seemed as if the fool, though; he had the upper hand or something. And it was rather stupid since the only reason they were still alive was because of Euphemia being there. Otherwise, Cornelia would have sacrificed the civilians and destroyed the entire building without remorse. So, what was he smirking at? Lelouch couldn't comprehend the reasoning behind such actions from that man.
Does he think that they would push Britannia away from Japan by doing this? Lelouch wondered.
"Heh, so this is the famous Zero? The mechanic robotic woman. I am surprised. I thought it was a farce."
Lt. Coronel Kusakabe said with an arrogant tone.
"Mm, so this is the famous Lt. Coronel Kusakabe? The one who lost against Britannia in the first week of the invasion?" Zero replied with a bored tone of voice.
Kusakabe sneered, but kept his composure for now.
"A defeat I paid dearly for. Yet, we are not here for that, don't we? Zero, what are your intentions? Why did you come all the way here?" Kusakabe asked.
"To see the obsolete way of thinking that brought Japan to its knees."
Kusakabe's nerves were getting the best of him, as he sneered at the robotic woman before him.
"Speaking bravely for someone who is wearing a mask. Why don't you show your face? The real you? What are you afraid of? Or perhaps, it's because… you can't?"
Kusakabe asked, sneering, while Zero only tilted her head, not amused by the questioning.
"Who knows?"
The Japanese Lt. Coronel was getting more annoyed. Yet, before he could ask for more. A knocking on the door brought attention to them.
"Lt. Coronel, we bring up the prisoner who says is princess Euphemia."
Lelouch froze, surprised by it. But watching the smile of Kusakabe at such words made her wonder if he knew about it. Or perhaps, knowing Euphemia, something happened while she was with the rest of the prisoners. Euphemia must have given herself up for the sake of the civilians.
Oh, for fuck's sake, Euphy! Did you have to put yourself in danger?
Lelouch groaned internally, as she saw her sister entering the room with a serious face. Well, I guess, there is no other way around, but Plan B. Lelouch thought, as she muttered some abilities, while Lt. Coronel and some of the other soldiers were distracted.
"Ah, princess Euphemia!" Kusakabe smirked, feeling as he had a winning card on his desk, yet he was not paying attention to the way Zero was staring at him, and the rest of the soldiers.
"Lt. Coronel Kusakabe. Uh, Zero?" Euphemia whispered, not expecting to see her half-brother killer there. Yet, the afternoon was filled with surprises. Euphemia should have known better. But now, she was in more danger. She doesn't know what to say or do now.
Euphemia entered the room and felt as if things were going to be more difficult. Still, she hoped to reach a peaceful agreement of sorts. A wishful thinking, true. But one she would never lose faith. However, sadly for Euphemia, Zero had other intentions.
"With you here, I have everything I need. Cornelia would have to listen to my demands!" Kusakabe smirked.
"Prepare the broadcast! I'll tell Cornelia my demands!" Kusakabe said, smiling. "See, Zero?! I can win too!"
"Congratulations. But before you celebrate your upcoming victory. I'd like to ask you something. What do you hope to accomplish by this action?" Zero asked, as she put herself in front of Euphemia, who gulped at the size of the mechanic woman. Watching her that close was really different. Especially with the strange armor. Yet Euphemia also saw the strange tubes going inside the helmet. And how the breathing seemed calculated.
So, she suffers from something? Does that helmet help her breath? Euphemia wondered, feeling rather fascinated by the strange mechanic woman in front of her.
"Uh, you need to ask?! For this country and the world to know that the Japanese aren't dead yet!" Lt. Coronel Kusakabe yelled, as many of his soldiers nodded to those words. Euphemia hoped they could reach a sort of peace treaty. She understands where Lt. Coronel was coming, or so she thought. But the killing of innocent people was never the option.
"I see, how stale of you."
Zero response surprised both Kusakabe and Euphemia.
"You people are obsolete. There's no saving you."
Kusakabe's calmness run out, as he was now incredibly furious about the jabs of the thing.
"What do you mean, Zero?!" He sneered.
"The fool would partake in talks he knows nothing about, and often say words he doesn't know what they mean. And as a result. Failure would the outcome. You're a failure, Lt. Coronel Kusakabe. You and the Japan Liberation Front."
Kusakabe had enough, and pulling out his samurai sword, he jumped at Zero. Euphemia gave a slight squeal as the mechanic woman pushed her back.
"There's no point in talking anymore!" He yelled.
Zero only sighed, and with a fast hand movement, the Lt. Coronel Kusakabe died. Euphemia stared, confused for a brief moment, as she could only stare at the body of the Japanese Lt. Coronel on the floor without his head. Euphemia was perplexed. She didn't know what happened. But, while she was trying to understand what was going on, in a blur, she saw Zero moving at an incredible speed. No, it was not speeding. It was as if the mechanic woman was teleporting around while holding a strange sword made out of pure light. Euphemia saw Zero killing the rest of the soldiers with a little problem before they could even shoot her once.
What…? What is she? Euphemia thought terrified, as she walked backward, trying to escape the onslaught of the thing before her. And as soon as it started, it ended.
Euphemia gulped, afraid. Zero now stared at her.
"Do not be afraid, princess Euphemia. I will not hurt you. I promised Cornelia."
"My sister?" Euphemia asked, confused by what does it mean.
Zero smiled at the cute face of her sister. She also noticed the red light on her transmitter. It was the signal that Kallen and the rest successfully evacuated the building, and put the charges on. Easy. She thought.
"We sadly not have time to talk. If you wish, princess Euphemia, let me escort you to the evacuation point."
"Wait!"
Zero turned to Euphemia, wondering what could she want, especially now.
"Did you kill my brother, Clovis?" Euphemia asked, to Lelouch's confusion.
"A weird time to ask such a thing. But yes, I killed Clovis."
Euphemia's lips quivered at the uncaring voice of Zero. "Why?" She asked.
"Do you know what your brother did?" Zero asked coldly.
"Uh?" Euphemia replied.
"Do you know what Clovis did? What was he doing in the Ghettos? Go and ask around, little princess."
Zero said as she approached Euphemia, who only shivered at the sudden change of temperature in the room. Suddenly, she felt smaller than before. Yet, regardless of all of that. Zero did nothing to her. Euphemia only listened to the small and ragged breaths of Zero. She seemed out of breath.
"You haven't changed."
"What do you mean?" Euphemia replied softly.
"Nothing at all."
Those words suddenly confused Euphemia. But before she could ask anything more, a sudden series of explosions brought the attention of both of them. Zero then saw from the window of the VIP room how an enormous explosion from underneath the long bridge. Then, the white Knightmare Frame appeared and shot the supports of the hotel, bringing it down. Lelouch frowned at the sight of such mecha again, wondering why was it there. Still, there was no time to lose. I'll see you again, white-helmet Knightmare Frame. Soon. Lelouch muttered, as she took Euphemia, and left immediately, knowing the explosion set by Kallen and the rest would soon explode.
Besides, Lelouch needed to put those cameras stolen from the news team in action. So, with that, Lelouch pressed the button, and the charges went off. Outside, it may look as if the building burned and shattered. Not at all what Cornelia was thinking, or the white-helmet Knightmare Frame.
However, what was funny, in some people's eyes, was how Zero was carrying Euphemia in her arms. As the princess of Britannia was completely terrified of being caught by the explosion, or Zero. Yet, nothing of sorts happened. Zero, surprised everyone by how gently the mechanic woman was with the princess. And while, the building was filled with dust and debris, because of the explosions. Zero and the rest were prepared for it. And their escape route was a small boat that Zero magically got somewhere. Kallen sighed deeply, feeling the anxiousness leaving her body. The operation was a success. They still didn't believe it was happening, but it did. Before the charges went off, Kallen and Ohgi with the rest took the civilians down below some hatches the hotel had, as an emergency escape route, and guided them in small boats, away from danger. She saw the members of the student council. Shirley, Milly, and Nina were safe. And smiled.
Yet, regardless, Zero was the center of attention. They saw how tall the woman or whatever that thing was. And how, slightly, she brought Euphemia to one boat.
"The shore is quite close, and the waters are not that deep as well. No danger would fall in any of you."
Zero told the civilians and left to a sort of stage in a large boat. There, Zero would make the entrance to the world.
"Ohgi, is everything prepare?" Zero asked, as they all gathered around her.
"Yes, the signal should be the same one," Ohgi replied.
"Good, this is the day we announce ourselves to Japan, and the world."
Kallen took a shaky breath, afraid of what those words could mean in the grand scale of things. But she also knew that it was too late for any of that.
"Start the transmission. And don't forget the positions," Zero said, with a rather amused tone in her voice.
Ohgi sighed, as the camera and the lights before they went on. The camera was linked to the news stations where a certain person was looking at the image of Zero, the strange mechanic woman with the biggest smirk on his face. Meanwhile, transmitting the broadcast to the entirety of Japan. And in every home, street, or place where it has a radio, or T.V. or even the NET. The image of Zero appeared.
Japan was brought to a sudden stop when that strange mechanic woman spoke.
"My dear Britannia citizen, and my dear people of Japan. Don't be afraid. All the hostages from the hotel have been saved. And the responsible have been punished."
Zero said, as the images of the civilians on the boats appeared on the many screens across Japan.
"I return them to you."
Zero voice sounded quite arrogant, and for a certain Britannia princess, it was a huge slap in the face. Of all impudence! If we had attacked you, they just would have become your hostages, wouldn't they?! Cornelia sneered.
Lelouch stared at the camera. Ugh, this is a bit cringe. Well, never mind, go big or go home.
"Fear us, or seek us. In the end, it doesn't matter. We are the Black Knights. We are here, and our duty is to protect innocent people. Whether they be Japanese or Britannians. That's why I, Zero, came here. Since in cowardly fashion, the Japan Liberation Front took Britannia civilians hostages and executed them. To what purpose? What could the killing of innocent people achieve? Or what could the Japanese people obtain by the murderer of innocent people?"
Zero asked to the camera, knowing that perhaps some of the remaining leaders of the Japan Liberation Front could be seeing her.
I am doing my best to not look or be too goofy!
"They were punished for their crimes. I have punished them for their crimes. A message for all of those who wished to pray upon the weak. And every time those with power attack those without, we shall appear. No matter if it is Britannia itself."
Lelouch had not timed to prepare her speech, so she just went on with what came to her mind. So far, she thought it wasn't that bad. Hopefully, it wasn't cringe-worthy.
"I am Zero… and I am always watching."
The broadcast came to an end, and Lelouch hope that it would be good enough for her, and the future objectives. It was now time to wait and see.