I do hope all of you are having a great time now! There's not much to update you all, but this past 24 of August was my birthday. That's all! See you all in a few days.
The next update is going to be...!
-Harriet Potter: The Demon Empress (two chapters!)
-Overlord: The Demon Empress.
-The White Lion of the Red Keep.
-The White Wolf of Winterfell.
See you all in a few days!
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Chapter 11
Tamaki, Kallen, and Ohgi looked around nervously. They were put in a position they weren't quite used to, but one they truly felt was needed for the future of the Black Knights. It wasn't the first time they had been in a limousine, although the mobile base of operation the Black Knights had was quite large. This one felt intimidated for an apparent reason, like their soon meeting with the NAC. Yet, they didn't know that this meeting would change their lives in more ways than they expected.
"This feels like a long trip to the dentist," Kallen whispered, trying to calm her anxiousness. But nothing was helping her.
"We are almost here," Ohgi muttered. "Hey, Zero, what do you think they'll want from us?"
Ohgi asked worriedly, but the deep breathing coming from Zero brought more worries to them. Especially since the machinery of the leader of the Black Knights seemed louder than usual. Those long tubes around appeared to be pumping something. Ohgi didn't know if it was only air or something else. Regardless, it looks like Zero wasn't in excellent condition. However, Zero wasn't going to show pain to them.
"I believe," Zero replied, taking her time to take another break while speaking. "That they would wish to see if we are a better bet than the JLF. Our plans, and how we could achieve them."
Ohgi decided to ignore Zero's current state as he thought deeply about what would be their goals.
"Besides defeating Britannia?" Ohgi asked. "What can we do after that?"
"Ohgi, defeating Britannia it's not possible."
"What?!" Tamaki exclaimed, highly offended. "Then what's is the point of the Black Knights?! Why are we fighting?!"
Kallen looked at Zero, concerned, not knowing what she was saying or why she doubted their success. Zero sighed deeply, deciding to be more precise.
"Easy, Tamaki. What I mean by this is that we aren't genuinely facing the full power of the Empire. You know this, right?" Zero said, and they looked at her with just nothing but acceptance and gloom. When Brittania attacked Japan so many years ago. The entire might of Britannia's pacific fleet came down to destroy the poor island. It was a massacre. Not only Japan's army was outnumbered, but they were also outgunned. It was painful to admit it, but Zero spoke the truth again.
"We are only fighting Cornelia's forces, remember. We're an insurgency, but we can't be that forever."
Zero told the group, leaving them quiet for a few seconds. Zero knew and understood their feelings. She has told them in the past about her plans to destroy Brittania. But, honestly, Zero didn't want to truly eliminate Britannia. She wants to kill Charles, her father, and her loli uncle. What took place after that was still a make-in-progress. Yet, Zero could see a future in Japan where things could go awry, especially if the Chinese Federation decided to jump in. That would be problematic.
"Then, what are our goals, if not Japan's freedom?" Kallen muttered softly.
"We are here to make sure Japan gets the freedom it deserves. We are to bleed Cornelia out. We must destroy their will to fight here... and come to an agreement that would provide Japan's independence and freedom even if it means coming to a peace treaty with Britannia. We may reach a compromise."
"What?!" Ohgi, Tamaki, and Kallen exclaimed with hurt and anger.
"We haven't sacrificed so much to compromise Japan's freedom!" Ohgi yelled, surprising Kallen, who had never heard Ohgi scream like that. Even Tamaki was astonished. Still, he said something everyone thought.
"Ohgi, Brittania's main forces are focusing on Europe, but it won't be for long. They are going to win there. It's only a matter of time, and when they do. They'll focus on us. Japan is a crucial point in the pacific, especially against the Chinese Federation."
"But that doesn't mean we ought to sell Japan!" Ohgi exclaimed. "When we joined Zero, you promised Japan's independence and freedom!"
Zero sighed loudly and coughed deeply. Ohgi could be quite the revolutionary when he wanted it.
"We aren't going to sell Japan. But prove, that it is better to have Japan as an independent ally than a controlled area with a mighty insurgency. We must beat Cornelia hard and push her away before the war on Europe ends. They can win against us in a conventional fight, but against resistance, a nationwide uprising is quite different. We must make them hurt and force them to parlay. Force them to meet on our terms."
Ohgi took a deep breath, taking his time to think about those words. It makes sense. Japan was going to be in the crosshair regardless. Brittania and the Chinese Federation could fight in the future for the supremacy of Asia, and Japan would be in the middle of it. It was a huge "if," but the end was looking gloomy for Japan.
"I will make sure to free Japan, Ohgi. I will defeat Cornelia as many times as necessary. I'll force Brittania's forces out. I swear it."
Zero whispered, and after many seconds, the second in command only sighed.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have screamed at you," Ohgi bowed deeply.
"Don't apologize. You love Japan and want it to be free. Understandably, your reaction shows your devotion to this cause and Japan. Don't worry."
Zero replied softly, and the sudden tension in the car disappeared. Kallen sighed, glad that things were put to rest. She was still uneasy about the future of her country, but those words came from Zero. It brought the comfort Kalen needed, and Kallen believed them. That's why she'll follow Zero no matter what.
"We are arriving."
The limousine stopped, and soon, the doors opened when they came down of the cars. They saw they were on top of Mount Fuji.
"I didn't know we were heading this way!" Tamaki exclaimed fearfully. "The car didn't feel like going upwards."
"There's no way this isn't Mout Fuji... look, the mines are down below!"
Zero hummed, looking at the Sakuradite's mines. It was one of the reasons she truly believed they could push Brittannia to parlay with them with the right conditions. The mineral was far too essential to leave alone. Japan exports 70% of the market. That's why the tiny island was going to be in the middle of every conflict. But, if she could find a way to use that power to push Japan's freedom, maybe she could also use it to her advantage. Maybe, I could make Japan in the next Switzerland or something. I don't know. Zero thought, still unsure of how her goals would come to fruition. In fact, she didn't know how exactly she was going to do things at all. Maybe, she'll change her tactic and just go with her original plans, or perhaps. It would be better if she found a diplomatic solution to Japan's question.
However, Zero knows the only way to obtain the peace she wanted was by killing the emperor. Charles has to die.
"This is the first time I see it out close," Ohgi whispered. "Intruders get killed immediately here. Their power reaches all the way here. Kyoto is amazing."
"It's an abomination," a voice was heard from the deepest and darkest place of the chamber. An old man sat underneath a royal seat's veils, twisting his walking stick with fury and guilt. They couldn't see his face or upper body, yet Zero knew who he was. But the others didn't, creating a somewhat intimidating sight.
"Mt. Fuji, a sacred mountain once a scenic wonder of clean water and lush greenery. It's now bent on the Empire's will and greed. It reflects the continual rape of the Japanese people and will. What a wretched thing it is."
Zero smiled behind her mask, remembering her youth, those beautiful times when she was another person, in another body. That line of thought brought quite the headache. It felt odd to remember a time when Galadriel didn't exist. A time when that entity, her old self, the true self, was forgotten. But she does remember everything, the good and the bad. Still, it was pleasant to hear that stern voice from someone she once called "the angry grandpa."
"I apologize for now showing my face, but the same is for you, Zero."
"Don't apologize. It's understandable," Zero replied, with a sore voice, which wasn't ignored by the rest.
"I was told you were a reasonable woman, and while the things you have done in such a short time have impressed me greatly. The question remains. Who are you?"
"I am Brittania's reckoning."
The old man took his time to stare at the mechanical woman; her armor was more than just a costume. He has asked for information about it and what were the many details Zero wanted in it. A breathing suit, something that could keep a person alive. But from which danger? He thought. Is she that vulnerable, that fragile, that armor that pumps air to her lungs and injects medicine into her veins and directly to her heart is needed?
"You're saying that, but I must be sure that you, Zero, are Japan's ally," he said as he pointed his staff at her. "Therefore... you will show me your face."
Suddenly, four Knightmare Frames appeared from each side, blocking their escape and surrounding them.
"Wait, please!" Kallen cried, positioning herself in front of Zero and any threat. Even though she wasn't on her Guren. Kallen was still responsible for Zero's safety. So, she'll fight with nails and fists if necessary to protect her leader.
"Zero's given us strenght and victories! That should-"
"Silence, you child!" The old man said. "Which of you is Ohgi?"
"Uh, that's me!" Ohgi replied, stunned.
"Remove Zero's mask!"
Ohgi looked conflicted at the order, especially since he wasn't sure he should follow it. Some of him wanted to know Zero's true identity, but another couldn't bring himself. Not after everything Zero has done for them.
"I... I can't," Ohgi muttered.
"It's alright, Ohgi, I understand," Zero said as everyone turned to look at her. "Yet, before that, let me tell you history."
"A history?"
"Yes... a history."
Zero said, slowly walking towards the old man. "Wouldn't you like to know where it all began? Leader of the Kyoto family, Taizou Kirihara?"
Taizou's reaction was visible, even behind the veil of his throne. He was surprised Zero already knew who he was. Or, perhaps he shouldn't be. Zero, for all the reports, was a brilliant woman, capable of being ahead of her enemies. And while nervous, Taizou was incredibly intrigued by Zero and the mystery surrounding her.
However, Taizou's bodyguards weren't so thrilled. "No one who knows his identity can be allowed to live! Kill her!"
The four Knightmare Frames then prepared to open fire, but something happened. Suddenly, two dark spheres appeared in Zero's hand.
"[Double Arcanic Singularities]," Zero muttered as soon those two dark holes shot out of her hands, slowly devouring the Knightmare Frames into oblivion. Everyone could feel the powerful air sucking everything in the room. Powerful winds devasted the area to the point where Kallen, Ohgi, and Tamaki had to grab something to avoid being sucked in by those two dark spheres.
But then, it all stopped. Nothing was left of those four mechas or the bodyguards, not even a piece of metal. Everyone just looked astonished about what ensued. Taizou's reaction mirrored his shock. He wasn't even sure of what has he witness. Was it a dream? An illusion? Or something more? It didn't matter what he thought. The only thing left was Zero slowly walking towards him with those deep mechanical breaths.
"Many years ago, a child was born in this world. A baby, not from here," Zero whispered, as everyone could only listen to her. "The presence of said baby threatened entities that didn't like challenges. So, they sought to kill it, but they couldn't do so. Not even with all their powerful might."
Those words sent chilies through everyone's spine. If Zero was a nobody, they would have a laugh or even think she was mad. But after witnessing what they have. They weren't of what was real anymore.
"So, the only thing left they could do, was to seal whatever was inside of the child and hope it never wakes up. They were terrified of that being, of the power it held. But the baby was still alive, barely, scarred, but alive, and grew up not knowing what she was, or why she was condemned to carry such pain and hurt."
Zero's voice broke slightly, and everyone could hear the machinery starting to pump more air into her.
"Still, regardless of the suffering, she endured at the hands of her father and the many experiments he did. All for the sake of harvesting her power. That girl, crippled and living on borrowed time, managed to survive against all odds. Until the day came for what was sealed inside of her, was able to wake up."
Zero then looked at Kallen and the rest. She decided that it was best to introduce this theme to her history. Zero felt it was worth the shoot since it would definitely generate a sort of bigger picture. It would also be a fantastic alibi for her in the future. The separation of Zero and Lelouch, two different people in the same body but working for the same goal. It was a risky move, no doubt. But one she could control easily.
"You know the name of that child, Taizou Kirihara?" Zero asked as she slowly started to remove the many tubes from her helmet. One by one, her mechanic tubes opened, realizing the pressure inside her armor. Taizou didn't know, who Zero was talking about, but he couldn't stop shaking at seeing her removing her helmet. He slowly shook his head as Zero chuckled.
"Her name was... Lelouch vi Britannia."
The moment those words came out of Zero's mouth was the moment everything froze. All just stood there as they saw Zero's face. She had golden eyes and white hair. Yet, the facial features remain. Taizou would never forget the princess's appearance, and Kallen would never mistake the lips she kissed, the cheeks she caressed. The red-haired girl just fell to her knees, shocked. She just simply disconnected from reality.
"Lelouch...?" Kallen whispered, staring at the girl with white hair and deep golden eyes.
Zero smiled at her softly but decided to that talk for later.
"Zero is... a Britannia princess?" Tamaki whispered, shocked like the rest.
"What... I don't get it," Ohgi whispered, stunned like the rest of his colleagues. Yet, the only one still capable of understanding the situation only gulped.
"You are alive," Taizou expressed.
"It's been a long time, Lord Kirihara," Zero replied softly. "Or should I call you angry grandpa?"
Taizou couldn't help but crack a smile, remembering that old nickname. "You were just a child when that family took you hostage eight years ago."
"They treated them far better than their own family, that's for sure," Zero said. "But you took care of Lelouch and her sister. An incredible high task, knowing how problematic they both are."
Now, Taizou laughed discreetly. "Yes, they were a handful... I am glad you... they are alive."
"And I believe they would be glad you're alive too."
"If I hadn't come, were you planning to take a messenger hostage?" Taizou asked, noticing the difference in Zero's speech. He quickly saw how Zero refers to Lelouch as if she were another person. Perhaps, it was the case.
"No, that's not the case here. I would have asked your help for Lelouch's and Nunnally's sake. You were close to them and saw them as your granddaughters."
Taizou nodded deeply. He was not put into a position he had never thought of before. Yet, those golden eyes weren't lying.
"And what are you to them?" He asked.
"Britannia's reckoning, I told you. As long as Charles is alive, this world, not only them, is in danger."
Zero then looked at Ohgi and the rest. "Don't mistake me for her. I am Zero, not Lelouch vi Britannia." She said, glancing at Taizou for one last time.
"Would you assist us? Lord Kirihara?" Lelouch asked, as her golden eyes pierced right through them.
Taizou hummed deeply. "The flower planted eight years ago has finally bloomed. But I wonder, what type of flower you're now."
Then, for some reason, he laughed. "I accept." Taizou declared.
"Ohgi!" He yelled as poor Ohgi seemed to snap back to reality. "If there's one person in this world that is Britannia's enemy. It's her... I don't know what you are or what you're looking for. But if Britannia is your enemy. Then we are allies."
Zero nodded. "Thank you, lord Kirihara."
Kallen saw those golden eyes slowly approaching her, those mesmerizing eyes, and felt a nudge in her stomach. "Bunny, you have questions, I know. But this is not the place to talk. Ohgi, Tamaki, you now understand how important it is to keep my identity secret. Britannia believes Lelouch is dead, and I want to keep it that way."
Ohgi and Tamaki gulped deeply but nodded fervently. "I trust both of you with this. Lelouch is innocent. She didn't deserve the pain and suffering she got. Her family, the emperor especially. Has done things to her that are too crude to tell."
Zero whispered as she slowly started to put on her helmet. But before she could even speak, a sudden pain attacked her. Shit, here it comes! Zero groaned, falling to her knees while puking blood.
"Lelouch!" Kallen yelled instantly.
"I... not Lelouch," Zero whispered painfully, with a small smile. Before, slowly losing consciousness. The last thing Zero saw was a particular condescending stare by the green-haired witch. Fuck off, C.C.
Zero stared at the ceiling of the hospital bed on the Black Knight's base. It was a room made especially for Zero and one she has spent a lot of time creating. She made it especially for now, for this moment. It was long overdue. Zero planned her reveal for a while, maybe not exactly like that. But, it was done.
Did I make the right choice? She thought, wondering. It's risky, but it will be beneficial for me.
Zero had to admit that while it may look like a sort of lie, the whole double personality. It wasn't necessarily untrue. First, I was Suzuki Satoru. Then, I was Galadriel Melkor in Yggdrasil and then Lelouch vi Britannia before becoming Zero. My mind is split so often that I have difficulty feeling complete. Whole.
"I just don't know who I am sometimes. The lies are now truths," Zero whispered while lying on the bed. She had many tubes connected to her. A few conduits went through her nose, allowing her to breathe better. And so many other things, keeping her barely alive. It was good that she cast a few healing spells that took much of the pain away. Still, she was sore.
"Are you alive?"
Zero glanced at the green-haired girl with a scoff.
"Yes, do you wish to kill me?" Zero mocked, as C.C. only frowned.
"What you did, was a rather stupid thing. You know?" She said.
"Mm," Zero only replied.
"I'm serious," C.C. hissed.
"I know, but it is better in the long run. Trust me."
"Truly?" C.C questioned. "Why telling the truth about who you are is better? Tell me?"
Zero stared at her with a tired look on her face. "A truth in a world of lies could change everything."
"But are you telling the truth?" C.C. asked her as the green-haired girl glared at her. Zero slowly stared at C.C., and for a few seconds, she said nothing.
"This time, yes. I am telling the truth," Zero answered, still feeling heavily medicated. "Sometimes, I don't even know if I am Zero, Lelouch, or Galadriel. The more time passes, the less complete I feel."
Zero's perspective of things could be pretty dreamy sometimes. She'll often dream of things she didn't even know happened. And other times, no matter how hard she tried. Zero couldn't remember if they ever took place at all.
C.C. looked at the lost face of Zero and could feel the fatigue in her. The green-haired witch should have known that ever since she met the girl. It was only a matter of time before things went this way. How long would it take before it goes out of control? C.C. thought with a tired sigh.
"Well, at the very least, I could say I know all sides of you. Especially the naked side," C.C. joked as Zero chuckled.
"Yes, just don't say that around Kallen; she'll kill you."
"She may try."
C.C. smiled, but soon enough, the red-haired girl entered the room.
"Lelou-eh, Zero... I need to talk with you," Kallen whispered but was stopped by C.C.'s presence.
"Bunny," C.C. joked, smiling arrogantly as Kallen frowned.
"Don't tease her," Zero called as she tried to move slightly. "Bunny, how are things going?"
Kallen wanted to ask so much, but she honestly didn't know where to start. It's been a very long day. She felt relieved that this room was currently well-guarded and few people were allowed to enter Zero's room. And while it was protected by loyal members. Kallen was worried still.
"Ohgi and Tamaki have spoken with the rest. They won't tell them who you are, but Ohgi has to make sure to let them know. He knows you are and that you're truly on our side."
"I see," Zero replied softly.
"Tamaki thought it would be better if everyone believed. Only Ohgi knows your true identity. It would be better that way. The fewer people who know, the better."
"Tamaki had a bright idea? I must be dreaming, or incredible high."
Kallen chuckled slowly but then focused on her.
"Zero... it is true? What you say?" Kallen looked t those golden eyes for a few seconds. Zero, or Lelouch, it didn't matter. The red-haired girl would know if she was being honest if she looked at those eyes. Zero took a few seconds to think about how much Kallen had changed when they were together.
"Yes, all of it."
Kallen sat on the nearby chair, still having problems digesting everything. She brought her hands to her face and took her moment to keep calm.
"So, Lelouch is... like what? A second personality? A dissociated part of you? It's the girl I love even real?" Kallen sobbed lowly.
Zero knew it would be hard to face Kallen, but she never thought it would be as hard as this. But she prepared herself for it—a price to pay for her half-truths and painful realities.
"Lelouch is more than real. It's a part of me that had lived in this world for almost sixteen years before I woke up. Lelouch is as real as you and me. Never doubt it. And she does love you back."
"But is she coming back...?" Kallen whispered.
Zero chuckled at the cute reaction of the red-haired girl. "She's coming back. I can't be here all time. It's already tiresome as it is and painful. I think I'll sleep for a while."
"Here?" C.C. asked, bewildered. "Do you think it's safe?"
"I know you'll take care of me while I am gone."
Kallen then looked at the green-haired girl and narrowed her eyes. "May I ask, who are you? And why are you close to her?"
C.C. stared at Kallen and scoffed. Yet, she smirked at her. "I'm Zero's girlfriend."
"What?!" Kallen exclaimed.
Zero rolled her eyes and sighed. "Don't listen to her, Kallen. She's a rather annoying woman. But the truth is that she's an ally of Zero and Lelouch."
Kallen looked at her, perplexed, not knowing what it even meant. "What does that mean?"
"She's why Lelouch is alive and why I am here."
"Uh?"
"I am her savior, bunny," C.C. said, smirking widely at Kallen. "And don't worry. I can share her with you."
Kallen glared at C.C. with anger. The green-haired girl truly loved teasing the girl a great deal. But she was speaking the truth. Or a least, C.C. was being honest with what she wanted. Zero, however, was just not in the mood for a catfight.
"Lelouch hasn't cheated on you with her if that's what you're worried about. That witch just likes to annoy people."
Zero said, but before she could even say more. She suddenly felt something odd. A sensation of disorientation came to her head. Static, like a fuzzing echo surrounding her head. Zero just felt trembling, unable to respond. She was not capable of moving on her own, yet she could still feel how her body was bending against her. It was painful, and she was afraid. The last thing she saw was Kallen and C.C. yelling something. She didn't know, but hopefully, it wasn't something terrible.
God is going to pay for what he did to me. I swear it. Those were Zero's final thoughts as she lost consciousness to the darkness.