Sorry for the waiting but work hasn't let me do anything else. As well, I would leave to see family, and perhaps, I will be there until New Year's Eve. So, for that reason, I have uploaded this chapter like this.
I know is a rather short one, but I didn't have another choice. I am already behind schedule. And if I want to upload the new chapter of The White Lion of the Red Keep. I know to finish this. Sorry if you were expecting a longer one! The next one would be of the usual length.
So for now, I will see you guys, maybe, next week! See you all later!
And happy Merry Christmas!
Chapter 6
The Zero's broadcast went online for posterity, and in there, many forums were already speculating aboutwho she was, or what she was. The many Net citizens weren't the only ones who had a field day with the declarations of the mechanic woman. The entire world was mesmerized by Zero. I'll stop corruption, and the poison of this world. I'll be watching. Those were Zero's words. Yet there were some who still did not believe those words at all. It was to good to be true. But like always, there were some who did believe it. That's why Zero was looking at the many applications from new recruits and it was a rather hard thing to do since hundreds of applications were pouring in.
The amount of paperwork was rather horrible, and the fact that they were so many was a good thing and a bad one. Since Zero did not want to bring up spies under her ranks. As well, she wanted to make sure only those who were worthy of joining could do so. And that was a really difficult thing.
"Many are rather young and rancorous to join an army, well not that it would be the first time it ever happened. But they want nothing more than just start killing anything related to Britannia."
Zero muttered as she started to once again read the many letters.
"Having a problem with you army?"
C.C.'s voice made Lelouch sigh as she stared back at her. Thankfully, no one but the green-haired girl was there in her room at that time. And after a few days since Zero's broadcast, things have been about the uncertainty that even she was feeling anxious about. It was the waiting for what was next that made Lelouch worried. Since now, she had to wait for Cornelia and Britannia's move.
"Many of them want nothing but revenge, and while, I admit that their fighting spirit is great. I would like to start small, with people who would listen to my orders."
"Well, that's what happens when you start recruiting in an occupied country."
"Yeah, who would have thought that creating an army was a hard thing to do?" Lelouch replied sarcastically.
"You should put an offer, free pizza for new recruits."
"What a great idea!" Lelouch replied sarcastically.
"I know, such a genius person, I am."
"We don't have much pizza."
"You could use the Geass in order to control the Pizza Hut owner in order to own the company and then have a lot of pizzas... for everyone, of course."
"This sounds like you just want free pizza, and be the owner of Pizza Hut," Lelouch said with an entertained voice.
"Yeah… I like the sound of that. CEO C.C., Pizza Hut Queen. Now, that's a name I would like to bear."
Lelouch laughed at the face of C.C. while the green-haired girl was dreaming of pizza mountains.
"Sadly, my goals are more important than just own Pizza Hut."
Lelouch said, as she closed the laptop computer and took a sip of her energy drink. C.C. only hummed as she was completely naked on the bed, with an empty pizza box on the side. It seemed as if the green-haired girl was trying to get Lelouch's attention, or perhaps, just wanted to annoy her. However, C.C. saw the tired face of the girl and frowned at the energy drink.
"You shouldn't drink that, you know?" C.C. said with a rather stern voice, making Lelouch groan.
"What are you? My mom?" Lelouch said with a scuff, as the green-haired girl stood up from the bed, only to grab the energy drink and throw it into a garbage can.
"Hey!" Lelouch whined.
"Should I remember you about the hole in your chest? And how fragile your heart is?" C.C. said strictly.
Lelouch could only stare, amused, and quite perplexed at the reaction of C.C. "It's just one energy drink… is Light, without sugar and taurine!" Lelouch said with a childish tone.
"No buts! I can't have you using those things, not in your state. Besides, you have spent the last days without sleeping. You need to rest. You have to rest."
Lelouch sighed deeply, knowing that the green-haired girl was right. It's been a while since she had any proper sleep, and while she could use [Rejuvenation] to make herself feel better, she was also mentally exhausted. Perhaps I should take a small break in order to gather strength. Lelouch thought, as she could feel the glares of C.C. The green-haired girl dragged her to the bed, and quickly took Lelouch's clothes, and pushed her to the bed. There, C.C. practically forced to rest, as Lelouch was rather amused by the shenanigans of the green-haired
"I won't let you go until you fall sleep."
"That's such a threat."
"Perhaps, but we can't have Zero, dying of a heart attack because she drank energy drinks," C.C. said with a huff as she sat down on the edge of the bed. Truth be told, C.C. wasn't sure of why. She felt so different with Lelouch around. Never in her long life, the green-haired girl has felt such an attraction to a person. It was odd, especially for her. Lelouch was just different. The girl was someone that it was hard, if not impossible, to hate. Lelouch had the strange aura, or attraction, that brought people in. C.C. wondered if it had something to do with what she was. Not that C.C. had any idea of what the girl was inside. Yet, the more time, C.C. spent with her. The more comfortable and attracted she felt towards her.
Such a strange world to live in. I wonder where it would lead. I can finally say that there is more I talk with Lelouch. The more excited I get. Perhaps living a bit more won't be that bad. C.C. thought as she stared at the sleepy face of Lelouch.
"I won't die of a heart attack, my dear. Besides, it's not the first time I drank an energy drink. I'm not that weak," Lelouch said with an arrogant smirk, and she was now starting to feel sleepier. She truly needs to rest. The days were only going to be more hideous for her. The more attention she gets, the more work would lie before her. And it wasn't as if she hated it. Lelouch was having quite the time starting an army and a war. Yet, wearisome was lingering in her mind.
"I am not that weak…"
Lelouch whispered softly, remembering certain things in her old life. Her first life.
"I am not that weak…"
C.C. only nodded slowly.
Lelouch gave a brief look at C.C.'s naked body, and once again, she saw the scar on C.C.'s under-boob.
"When are you going to tell me about it?" Lelouch asked gently. C.C. hummed as she stared at the roof.
"One day," C.C. replied.
"One day, eh? Alright."
"Go to sleep, Lelouch."
"Mm, I know… tomorrow is going to be a long day."
"Sleep, now."
C.C. scoffed gently, as Lelouch giggled, but it took not long enough for Lelouch to fall asleep. The green-haired girl stared at the body of the girl on the bed and wondered if she would achieve what she wanted. It was hard to say, truthfully. Not simple at all. But it would come to the day where she would live to see it.
Hopefully.
The underground of Tokyo was a place obscure and lonely. A relic of the past, of a world before Britannia, before it all changed. Yet, in recent times, Tokyo rail underground was a maze of tunnels, both recently destroyed and recently constructed. The Elevens living in the ghettos used to travel through them from one place to the other. And besides that, those tunnels served no other purpose but to be a runaway escape for them. Well, not anymore. Since the creation of the Black Knights, and the mysterious leader Zero's appearance. Those tunnels were now being refined into a special base of sorts.
Well, they could vaguely use the term base operation. It was more of a series of tunnels all connected to each other, and in some of those tunnels were small bases. But it was a start. They were slowly building a platform for them to use. And for Zero, it was just a small part of the plan.
Zero was planning on creating a new ecosystem of sorts down below Tokyo. She has already covered her tracks, and used her Geass in certain officials around the upper city, for them to ignore or forget about the trail system in Tokyo, allowing them to move more freely. Now Zero was trying to expand from there, all the way up. Britannia would never think about something like that happening under their noses. But now Zero was trying to gather followers and slowly built her army. The Order of the Black Knights was going to shake the world.
But before that, Zero truly needs to make sure to get some help with the many applications. Thankfully, a woman named Naomi Inoue, a blue-haired girl, and one of the first members of the group was proving herself useful by helping her out.
"There are a great number of recruits. Many of them are willing to join us now. They are getting quite desperate, to be honest," Naomi said.
Zero nodded, as the small group was inside their mobile base. They were all now starting to get designated jobs. And slowly but surely, they were getting the hang of it. Japanese people are resourceful, after all. Zero thought, since well, she was one or was one, a long time ago.
"They all want to join us, but some of them are quite young," Ohgi said with a troublesome voice, not wanting to bring young kids to the group.
"I am young too, Ohgi," Kallen whispered, as she tried her best not to look offended by those words.
"Ah, sorry, Kallen, is just that… to bring young people here," Ohgi said in a worried tone.
"I agree, Ohgi," Naomi said. "We can't have a twelve-year-old with us. And while Kallen is here, her situation is special. Yet, I won't push them away. At the very least, let the seventeen-year-old start with something small. Minor jobs here and there, most of them already lost everything. They don't have no one else. We are their new hope."
Zero nodded. She knew it was true, and throwing away future soldiers wasn't a good idea. Still, she would need to pay attention to them.
"We'll think of something. For now, let them do minor work. I don't want to bring too much attention to us for now."
Zero said, as everyone nodded. They were already getting used to following orders, and while they were still apprehended about the robotic woman, and whatever she was. They knew that following her would lead them to more victories. The fact that they were already growing in numbers was proof enough for them. And not only that, they were getting supplies, weapons, founding, and many contacts with Japan. Zero's name was now a priority, and as well, the biggest target. Yet, all of that didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was freeing Japan. At least for the rest of the members.
"Currently there is a problem harming the Japanese people, and is the new drug, Refrain," Zero said. "Have you heard of it?"
"We have. It arrived not too long ago, a few years. Maybe four, but is until now, that the drug is gaining popularity," Ohgi said.
"We have seen the Junkies under the bridges. They seemed lost, is really hard to watch," Naomi said.
"And for good reason. The drug is incredibly popular now among the Japanese people. Refrain makes you feel as if everything was fine. Makes you remember the good times, and filled you with many sensations of joy and ecstasy."
"It makes them forget," Ohgi added, to which Zero nodded.
"A perfect drug to keep the defying population under control. It's one of the reasons is being manufactured here. As well, it breeds corruption. Here, take a look at this," Zero said as she gave away a notepad. Ohgi took it, and Kallen and the rest bend forward trying to read what was there. The expression on Ohgi's face was scary.
"What is it?" Kallen asked.
"Some Britannia nobles are deep in the dealing of refrain. But what is showing here, is that Japanese dealers are the ones selling it!"
The news did not surprise Zero one bit. It was as she expected it. Britannia was only bringing the drug to Japan and allowing the nobles to do what they wanted with it. And of course, what they did was to make profits with it. A sad reality of the world.
"Japanese people selling this crap to other Japanese people… this is so sad," Naomi whispered.
"The nobles are the ones making the real profit. Those poor dealers are being lured by the dreams of money. Without realizing, they are killing their own," Ohgi said.
"Poor dealers? They know what they are doing!" Tamaki exclaimed.
"Well, they don't have other choice!" Ohgi tried to argue.
"Regardless of that, we must do something about it," Kallen said.
"And we will."
Zero told them, as she was now focused on the drugs. The reason for it was that how important it was for her to cut down the influence of the dealers on Britannia. She knew history, and understood, those who control the people, control the world. If she lets the drug problem go on, in the long run, it would become a great problem. Stopping the refrain drug would also cut the power and income of the nobles, and as well, damage Britannia's control over Japan. And it would make her look good in front of the people. A win-win scenario for her.
"We must stop these dealers. The refrain drug could become a cancer to the Japanese society. That's why we must stop it now. There are many operating in Tokyo, I had information about three so far. We need to move out and slowly destroy them one by one. Understood?" Zero said, making everyone agree.
"Good, get ready, we had a lot to do tonight."
Zero words would surely make anyone stand up as quickly as they sat down. But more importantly. They all felt a sense of worth. The goal was a noble one, a simple and good one. None of them would think twice before taking up the arms in order to take over those low-life forms who were sucking the life out of the poor people of area 11. Kallen smiled, as she felt like finally something was going their way. That they were doing something different, that they were changing things. Slowly but surely, Japan would come back. It was only a matter of being patient. Brother, just you wait! We will change Japan! Kallen thought with a smile as she followed the group.
The night would be long for them, and while they would have to face some of the drug dealers in order to destroy their operations. They would succeed, after all. They have justice on their side.
The night went on, and the newly formed order of the Black Knights went on with their mission. Of course, with Zero leading them. They succeeded in their mission without a problem. However, it also led to the discovery of many locations across Tokyo with those drugs being manufactured and transported to all of Japan. It would take a while for them to clear up those places.
But they were going to do so. However, as the morning came, the reality of the was happening set in, and once again. A certain red-haired girl came back to life, or well, tried to. As she stood up in the middle of the classroom, half-asleep, believing she was in the middle of the last night's operation. And well, she wasn't.
"We are the order of Black Knights!"
Kallen yelled, surprising everyone in the room, who stared at her as she was crazy. And it took around a few seconds for Kallen to react to what she just said. And the embarrassment she felt at that moment was incredible, especially when she saw the incredulous face of Lelouch, who was eating some chocolate cake in a sneaking way, and drinking from what Kallen could see, a cup of coffee. However, the students there then laughed.
"Uh, sorry professor!" Kallen said, embarrassed, almost wanting to jump out of the window. There was nothing more she wanted now than to face a Britannia Knightmare Frame.
"Don't worry, miss Stadtfeld."
The professor said with an amused tone in his voice. And while the laughing died down, Kallen's embarrassment did not end there. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling of something odd. She felt tired, but she was still on the sort of standby. The red-haired girl recalled the words of Zero. The leader of the Black Knights told her to just rest for a while. Go and take a break for now, Bunny. Things are going to slow down after this before we get things ready to move out again. So, go home. Kallen truly wanted to go back with Ohgi and the rest, but it seems that they were also doing some work. New recruits need to learn simple things like shooting or following orders. They also need to reshape some of the tunnels and get supplies for the more needed ghettos across Tokyo.
So, for now, Kallen was just there, in school.
In such a few days, we have done a lot of great things. But is still not enough.
Kallen thought as she tried to not fall asleep again.
The class went as it would, and at the end of it, the rest of the students got up and prepare to leave for their homes. A certain purple-eyed girl surprised her with a gentle kiss on the cheeks.
"The black knights!" Lelouch teased, as Kallen blushed.
"Are you here to take me away?" Lelouch said with a smirk.
"Don't laugh about it, Lelouch! I am already embarrassed as it is!" Kallen replied.
Lelouch giggled at the reaction of the red-haired girl. However, she put her head on Kallen's shoulder, and with that action, Kallen smiled. The red-haired girl took her girlfriend's hand and smile.
"You look tired, Kallen. Do you sleep at all?" Lelouch asked with a worried voice. Or well, a rather knowing voice. And it wasn't as if she was faking concern. Lelouch knew why Kallen was tired, but well, she must be a good girlfriend.
"I haven't slept too well in the last days. But don't worry, I'll try to rest," Kallen said gently.
Lelouch nodded softly, although she thought it was rather funny. Since she knew that in a few days, Kallen would have to once again leave to reunite with Ohgi, as she had to pilot their Knightmare Frame in the next operation. But that was for then, now, Lelouch wanted to just enjoy a normal day.
"I'll had to be there," Lelouch teased. "Just to see if you're truly sleeping."
Kallen saw the quite perverted smile from Lelouch and couldn't help but blush again. Yet, it was different. It was more of expectation than anything else.
"I would love to it," Kallen replied, almost whispering.
Kallen and Lelouch stared at each other, and for them, it was just a beautiful moment in which they could just almost taste each other's lips. But Rivalz and Shirley, who arrived at the classroom, interrupted them. And Kallen almost growled at the sight of them, especially Shirley, who had a smile on her face. That didn't feel normal. It was mostly a jealous type of smile.
"Hey, why are you two here?! We must go to the student council room! We have a party to prepare!" Shirley said.
"Party?" Lelouch and Kallen both asked.
"Yeah! It's Arthur's welcome party!" Rivalz said jovially, and both girls only looked at each other, wondering who was that Arthur person. And it took not long before Lelouch recalled the memories of a strange cat lurking in the school.
"Ah, the cat…?" Lelouch asked.
"Yeah, we have costumes and all! Let's go!" Shirley said, and as she was about to take Lelouch's hand, Kallen stopped her with a fake smile.
"I'll take my girlfriend there, thank you," Kallen said, with that calm and collected face of her.
Shirley said nothing, but only replied with a smile. "Of course!" She said, and Lelouch now wondered what was going on inside their heads. Since the moment Lelouch stood up from the chair, Kallen put her hand around her waist, and practically latch herself to Lelouch. It was all very amusing, as Lelouch saw the faces of Kallen and Shirley while they were walking to the student council building. My, my, Kallen can be quite greedy. Lelouch thought as she looked at the burning eyes of desire from Shirley. These two are funny. I wonder, what else could I do? Lelouch thought with a secret smirk, hoping the future wasn't going to be too boring.
Cornelia sat before her desk. The migraine she was feeling at those moments was unbearable. Since she arrived at area 11, Cornelia has faced defeat after defeat. And while they weren't really losses. Since she was not really defeated. They were mostly slapped on her face. The Goddess of Victory that was they called her. Now, she was only a phony. A princess whose arrogance was slowly bringing the worst of her. She was exhausted.
"Zero is not the type of enemy you can win in battle. She is looking at the bigger picture, and I must do the same."
Cornelia muttered, and while she was left alone in her private office. A small knock on the door brought her back to life.
"Cornelia, is me, Euphemia."
Cornelia sighed. "Let her in."
Euphemia entered the room, and she could see the tired face of her older sister. "Cornelia, are you alright?" She asked softly.
"Been better. I will not lie. But this is not something new to me, Euphy."
Euphemia wasn't so sure about it, but let it rest.
"Brother Schneizel, send a message. The E. U's starting an offensive along the Alamein front. Things are going to get a bit chaotic in Europe," Euphemia said, as Cornelia took another deep breath. The day was getting longer. But Cornelia believed it would not be a priority at first. Her brother was a smart person, and a great commander. Better than Cornelia. So, she was sure it would take the E.U alliance a bit more than just a new offensive in order to drive them out of Europe.
"We can't drag our feet here in area 11 forever. And while I know, Schneizel can hold himself. I must be there to support him. Yet, here I am," Cornelia said.
"Then, there is the China federation. I want to solidify domestic affairs here and then promote this place to a satellite area for us. But for that, I need to wipe out the last terrorist groups. And deal with Zero," Cornelia said.
"And there is the Refrain drug problem too," Euphemia added, to which Cornelia nodded.
"Yes, that's a problem, too. The drug is creating a corruption problem among the nobles. The Kyushu drug route also leads directly to China, so I don't know who is playing who right now."
"Do you believe in what they say about the refrain drug? That is a Britannia drug?" Euphemia asked Cornelia, who got serious at the accusations. Cornelia knew about it, of course. She has heard it many times before. How Britannia would create drugs in order to make the population of a conquered nation submissive and addicted to something. It was easier to control at the beginning, but in the long run. It created a corrupted state, filled with nobles who cared only for their pockets and people, doomed to a life of agony.
Cornelia doesn't believe it was Britannia's doing. If she could point her fingers at the real culprit, it would be the China Federation. Or she would like to believe.
"Don't listen to those rumors," Cornelia said.
Euphemia held back any type of questions regarding the topic, but she could see how Cornelia seemed to think the same thing. The drug was a problem, and if they don't deal with it now. It would cause more problems for them, especially for Euphemia, who would have to act accordingly once she takes over area 11.
"I won't but, there are a lot of things going on here, Cornelia."
Euphemia was smart, and Cornelia was glad that her sister was not a fool or innocent. Yet, she knew, Euphemia was speaking the truth.
"I know, yet, be careful."
"I'll be careful, sister. Trust me," Euphemia said, smiling, making Cornelia sigh. But couldn't help but feel optimistic about what lay before them. Then, she remembered a certain topic. A secret theme. She wasn't sure about what to feel.
"Euphemia, remember, we need to speak with that Eleven," Cornelia whispered.
Euphemia stared at her, saying nothing for a bit.
"I know… Suzaku will not lie to us," Euphemia said, with an almost assuring tone.
"You put too much trust in that Eleven," Cornelia pointed out.
"I trust him… and if he truly knows about them. He will tell us."
Cornelia only shook her head, as the migraine she was feeling was only getting stronger. But there was so much going on that her mind was going into overdrive.
"You need to rest, sister. You don't look good at all," Euphemia said, worried.
"I would love it, yet I must prepare my troops for what is to me. We are going to take on the Japan Liberation Front. They are the biggest resistance group in Area 11. And once they are out of the picture. I would focus on Zero, and the drugs."
Euphemia rolled her eyes at her sister's not resting attitude.
"Let me help you with some of the paperwork, then," Euphemia said.
"You don't have to," Cornelia said, only to see the huff on her sister's face.
"I won't leave this room until you do, otherwise you kill yourself with this work," Euphemia said, leaving no room for discussion.
Cornelia looked at her sister with an amused face but only smiled as she decided to just follow her sister's instructions.
I need to make this area safe for her… Once the Japan Liberation Front is down. You'll be the next, Zero.
Cornelia thought as she would make sure to pay the debt she owed to that woman. One way or another.