Hello, sorry for taking such a long time to update this fanfiction, but I have been prioritising some other more popular works! I am not forgetting this, nor a few others I plan on updating soon. But, like I say, these works are not my main focus.
But, I am thinking of making 3k words chapters, not long, but also no short. But I think it will help keep the story going. So, yeah, tell me what you think.
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Chapter 16
Zero's inner circle was deep in discussion about what they should do; after the destruction of what was left of the JLF, it was clear that Japan as a whole only had the Black Knights as the last line of defence. However, that realisation made them wonder if they were truly up to the task. Some believed it, and others felt rather apprehensive, especially since they were still confused about how the JLF seemed to have chosen the route of suicide instead of escaping.
It was all relatively too soon to say, for some in any case.
"I just still find it hard to believe they'd choose that route," Kento stated as the rest of Zero's inner circle sat around the table, where they could all see the map of Japan.
"I think the same, but it could also been an accident. They were transporting a lot of Sakuradite," Minami added. It would be hard not to believe that a lost bullet hit the right spot at the right time.
"Bah! Whatever, the JFL already lost all credibility when they decided to run away from Japan!" Tamaki boasted. "They could've stayed and joined us but decided we weren't Japanese enough! What we should focus on is the fact that we nearly had Cornelia! Man, it was so close!"
"That's true; I do wonder what Britannia is thinking right now," Kento added with a slight chuckle.
"I swear, next time, I will defeat that white Knightmare Frame," Kallen mumbled to herself, attempting to concentrate on the book in her hands instead of the fact that her arch-nemesis had once again outmanoeuvred her. Despite Zero's repeated reassurances to not be bothered about that, Kallen couldn't help but feel angry with herself. It was a matter of pride for her; in fact, she had recently dedicated so much time to training with her Knightmare Frame.
The next time Kallen faced that pilot, she would crush him, one way or another.
"Don't worry about that, Kallen. You'll get him next time!" Tamaki exclaimed with a boisterous laugh as everyone chuckled at the huff Kalle made.
"You better believe it," Kallen muttered before hearing very mechanical breathing approaching the group.
Silence fell upon the table as Zero and Ohgi approached, catching everyone's attention. The group's gaze fixed on their robotic leader, realising that Zero had been unusually quiet following the unsuccessful mission. Were they witnessing her anger towards their failure? Or perhaps Zero was disappointed by the demise of the JLF? It was difficult to discern, but it seemed that the dissolution of Japan's oldest resistance group held no significance for her in the grand scheme of things.
"Good day, everyone," Zero spoke as she sat down. "We have new... associated with us now."
"A new associate?" Some muttered before a man named Diethard approached the table, where a chair was already free for him, much to some dismay.
"The Britannia guy?!" They exclaimed, much to the amusement of Diethard and Zero.
"He has already proved helpful for us," Zero stated. "His insight led us to Narita and allowed us to get Cornelia's plan to intercept the remnants of the JLF. So, I'll trust him, and so will Ohgi."
Zero said, and Ohgi nodded. "I hope all of you are on your best behaviour," Ohgi added, and the rest of the inner circle just groaned before accepting the words of Zero and Ohgi.
"Well, as it stands, let me welcome you to the Order of the Black Knights, Diethard Ried."
Zero spoke politely, and Diethard only nodded. "Thank you, although I don't expect to be welcomed with open arms in such a manner," Diethard replied, and some chuckled around them, almost as if they were all thinking the same.
"Still, you're going to be a great asset to us," Zero added.
"Because of his experience in the TV world?" Tamaki muttered. "Are you our propagandist mastermind now?"
Diethard smiled at Tamaki, who hated how the Britannia citizen stared at him. "I have insights on Britannia's movements beforehand. As you say, the propaganda is one of Britannia's greatest weapons. One they have been using for a long time."
Zero reclined on her chair, fully aware of what Diethard was expressing. Honestly, one must never underestimate the influence of strategically placed propaganda and the profound impact it could have on individuals. As much as Zero hated it, having someone like Diethard would genuinely bring something to the table that they were lacking.
"I hope all of you understand that he is one of us now," Zero stated, and the inner circle nodded. "Now, with the JLF done, Cornelia and all of Britannia's forces will be focused on us. We have numbers, but it pales to Britannia's forces."
Zero had observed an increase in the ranks of the Black Knights, boasting a force of approximately two thousand fully equipped members prepared for open combat. However, out of this sizable group, only fifty possessed the necessary expertise to operate Knightmare Frames. More was needed to face Cornelia's forces, and that was not even adding to the reinforcements coming to Japan soon. Truly, the Black Knights were still not on the level Zero wished them to be.
"How many pilots does Cornelia currently have?" Zero asked, and Diethard pulled a tablet and began to scroll down.
"Right now, we've been instructed to reveal a big announcement regarding a new memorial that will honour the fallen soldier in the battle of Narita," Diethard explained as he passed the tablet to Zero, who began to read it. "It's a way to announce how many knights Cornelia lost in the battle. I had someone on the inside who captured images of the remaining knights under Cornelia's command as they readied themselves for a parade to welcome the reinforcements from Europe."
"There are a hundred piltos left for her," Zero hummed. "And if the numbers are correct, around a thousand Knightmare Frame pilots from the European front are ready to join her."
"One thousand?!" Kallen whispered, shocked, as did the rest, who could only shiver at the large number.
"And we are just talking about the Knightmare Frames," Zero added as she passed the tablet to Ohgi, who gulped at the number of foot soldiers and tanks also arriving in Japan.
"Wh-what's this number," Ohgi whispered, showing a bit of fear on his face. "120,000 soldiers ready to land in Japan."
"120,000 soldiers? That's not reinforcements. That's an army," Kento whispered.
"They want to make a statement, not only for the Black Knights but to the Chinese Federation," Diethard added. Now, Zero could understand why Britannia would bring such a force to Japan.
"In anycase, this is what we expected to happen. Now, we are Britannia's number one enemy on this side of the world," Zero's words brought a sense of weight and dread to all of them. As they began to realise now how far deep all of them were and how, soon enough, they would be forced to face the full wrath of Britannia.
"Nevertheless, it will take Britannia some time to fully mobilise, and monitoring such force will be more manageable," Zero whispered, her voice strained as she began to cough heavily. Soon after, the breathing mechanism kicked in, and her breathing gradually stabilised.
"Zero," Kallen's worried voice made Zero simply raise her hand.
"It's alright," Zero replied, but her voice sounded husky at best. "I'll retreat for now. Naomi, please keep me updated with the new recruit. Oghi, I shall leave you the rest."
"Yes," Ohgi replied as they all saw Zero slowly walking away. Kallen quickly stood up and followed her. But it appears as if the red-haired woman was helping her walk.
"So, it's not just a costume," Diethard whispered as Ohgi frowned. "Is she truly sick, or perhaps something more?"
"Diethard, please refrain from making comments like that," Ohgi replied as Diethard chuckled but nodded.
"I understand, but don't worry. I see Zero as a form of inspiration," Diethard stated as he stood up.
"Inspiration?" Ohgi mumbled. "Hey! Where are you going?"
"I have work to do," Diethard replied, leaving behind a disconcerting Ohgi.
In Zero's private room, the white-haired woman sat in her chair while Kallen observed her with concern. Kallen had noticed that both Zero and Lelouch had been in relatively good health over the past few days. But there was a lingering feeling that it wasn't forever, like a calm before the storm sort of feeling that made Kallen anxious.
"Bunny, you've been staring for a few minutes now," Zero said as the red-haired woman sighed deeply. "What is it?"
"How are you feeling?" Kallen whispered.
"I'm feeling good, thanks for asking," Zero replied quickly. Still, the truth of the matter was that Zero sensed that this second wing she was experiencing was slowly coming to an end. "You don't believe me?" Zero asked as she noticed Kallen's intense glare.
"I've seen you; I know when you're in pain but refuse to show it," Kallen replied, and those words made Zero chuckle.
"You are starting to know me too well," Zero replied before exhaling shakily.
"You share a body with my girlfriend, yet you two are... a bit alike," Kallen stated, and Zero could only help but wonder if that was the truth.
I can't even say anymore. My head is slowly drifting away. Zero found herself unable to confidently claim that she was still Lelouch. A line was gradually forming, causing concern and worry. Each time Zero reverted back to being Lelouch, she experienced a seizure that left her feeling wholly nonfunctional and disoriented. Even remembering her own name became a struggle. The situation was becoming increasingly frightening for both of them.
It was creating cracks in her brain, and she wasn't sure what would happen when she reached her limit.
I must find Nazarick. I need to find a way to return to my full power.
Zero thought before glancing at Kallen.
"Bunny, there's something I wish for you."
"What is it, Zero?" Kallen asked.
"Please, don't let us forget ourselves," Zero whispered, as Kallen could only nod.
"I promise."
Shirley stood still, watching her father's tombstone, her mind lingering with doubt and concern. Yet, all of those thoughts vanished when she heard a voice behind her.
"Quite sad, isn't it? Your father's dead, I mean."
"Y-you!" Shirley whispered, afraid of the man named Mao.
"You're very loud, you know? I could hear you from far away!" Mao chuckled before smirking at her. "I told you I can help you find the responsible for your father's demise."
"The responsible...?" Shirley stood there, pondering if this man could be trusted.
"Hey, you can trust in me!" Mao smiled.
"H-how...?" Shirley began to stagger back, not liking the way this man stared at her as if he could read her mind. For his part, Mao was enjoying messing with this girl's head. However, Mao was a person with a goal in mind.
"It doesn't matter," Mao said before walking towards her. "What matters is that someone you know, very close, may be the reason your daddy is lying deep in the ground."
"A friend of mine? Who?"
"Just do what I told you, and you'll find out."
Mao smiled as he began to prepare his chessboard. I'll make you hurt, Lelouch, or whatever you are. I am going to make sure to bring you nothing but pain.
Cornelia's gaze fixated on the influx of reinforcements headed towards Area 11. The sheer magnitude of the army under her command was enough to stir up anxiety within her. But it wasn't as if she was new commanding armies, no. It was that Cornelia couldn't shake off her scepticism towards these fresh recruits. The fact that it was Schneizel who was dispatching them only fueled her suspicion, leading her to question the underlying motive behind this abrupt manoeuvre.
"This is too much. What are you planning, brother?" Cornelia whispered, feeling like Schneizel was playing a game, but she had no idea what was happening. "Are you trying to make a statement to the Chinese Federation? Or perhaps, to your own family?"
Cornelia glanced at the incoming call and was taken aback by the caller's identity. She answered the call with a flick of her finger and was greeted by a voice she hadn't expected to hear so soon.
"Brother," Cornelia spoke as she watched Schneizel's face from the screen before her. "I did not expect to see you this early."
Schneizel smiled gently while chuckling, but his enigmatic eyes remained a source of anxiety to Cornelia.
"I apologise, Cornelia. I did not intend to call, but I had to."
Cornelia leaned on her chair, exhaling intensely as she could very well realise that her facade worked little to someone like Schneizel, who was aware of the woman behind the mask she put on.
"How are you doing, Cornelia?"
"I don't need for you to worry about me, brother. I am managing as well as I can."
Cornelia's words lacked confidence, which was more evident from her tired face and weak tone of voice. Schneizel sighed, aware that Cornelia's pride would never allow for someone to see weakness in her. However, her inability to conceal her exhaustion indicated that things were not going well for her in Area 11.
"Cornelia, I have seen the reports of what has happened there. Saitama Ghetto, Narita, the terrorists capturing Euphy, and now this incident with the JFL. The Black Knights are proving to be more than just an ordinary insurrection."
Each incident wounded Cornelia's pride, feeling like a stab in her chest. On paper, they may even look like victories. Still, to her, they were clearly a parade of defeats and shameful failures under Schneizel's gaze. But her brother only smiled at her.
"Don't give me that look, Shneizel!" Cornelia snapped, not liking the pitiful look he was giving her. "I know the shame I have brought in both myself and our family."
"You mistaken me, my dear sister. I am not looking down on you or being condescending. Only a fool will underestimate the danger of the Black Knight and Zero. You've done well, all things considered. The JLF is over. You have cleaned the government of the most corrupt officials and have kept the Chinese Federation from intervening directly. That's something to be commended. You've done great, sister."
Cornelia sighed deeply as she stood up and began to serve her something to drink, much to the amusement of Schneizel. "Does Euphy knows you're drinking again?" Schneizel asked as Cornelia scoffed.
"I'm not a binge drinker. I just need to relax a bit," Cornelia replied. "In anycase, how is the European front going? I heard it reached a stalemate."
Schneizel nodded with a chuckle. "I am the one who has been facing defeat, my dear sister."
"You?" Cornelia replied, surprised.
"I am not all-powerful. Besides, great generals are on the side of the United Republic of Europia. But it's just buying time for us," Schneizel stated as Cornelia could see the relatively calm look on her brother's face, not perturbed or even bothered at the fact the United Republic of Europe was able to hold off his advance. What are you planning, Schneizel? Cornelia thought.
"In anycase, I plan on going to Area 11 soon."
"Are you sure on leaving the front?" Cornelia asked worriedly.
"Don't worry. I have to make sure the Europian has no way to start an offensive anytime soon," Schneizel smiled.
"I supposed I should be glad," Cornelia murmured. But she soon realised that Schneizel was unaware of Lelouch and Nunnally's current whereabouts. Cornelia debated with herself whether she should tell him about it. Schneizel was also close to them, and she doubted that he would wish harm upon them. But at the same time, she wasn't sure if that would be wise.
"Cornelia?" Schneizel asked.
"I apologise, my mind drifted away," Cornelia sighed.
"I see," Schneizel said before they both quieted for a few seconds. "Cornelia, I have seen the videos. The things Zero can do. Are they real?"
"Yes, all of it. I am still injured from my last meeting with that... thing."
"Do we have any idea where she came from?" Schneizel asked.
"No, not at all," Cornelia replied as she started sending Schneizel all the information they had on Zero. "What we do know is that the outfit she's wearing, which I initially mistook for a horse costume, is actually a type of armour that serves to protect her and keep her alive."
"Keeps her alive?" Schneizel whispered as he began to see the recordings of that night, where Zero was ripping a Knightmare Frame cockpit with her bare hands. The scene was unbelievable, no doubt. Yet, what was stunning was how Zero could take on multiple Knightmare Frames with that power she held.
Now Schneizel knew why Cornelia had such a hard time with the Black Knights. Also, he noticed certain things about Zero that made him ponder a lot. Yet, his mind went to strategy and how he could capture this enigmatic person.
"She appears in pain after using her power," Schneizel commented, and Cornelia nodded. "It appears she also has limited time when doing this sort of mission. How long does she go hiding after something like this happens?"
"It's been two weeks since we have heard anything. Also, Zero is currently leaving most of the matters to her underlings. My agents haven't heard much, but it appears she is taking longer to recover this time."
Schneizel hummed deeply, feeling that a good EMP would perhaps knock Zero's armour out. Yet, he did not say that part out loud.
"Cornelia, I'd like it if you could update me on Zero's presence in Area 11."
Cornelia frowned but said no more. "I understand."
"Thank you. Again, I am not going to undermine you; Area 11 is yours to control. I am merely assisting you. We must end this conflict and find a way to stop Zero. You know the Chinese Federation is watching everything."
Cornelia sighed but nodded. "I know."
"I'll see you soon then; goodbye, sister."
"Goodbye, brother."
Cornelia took a deep breath, wondering just how much Schneizel's presence would change things in Area 11, not only to her but to Zero.
Also, I am going to post a One Shot of Harry Potter x Overlord What If story! If you have an idea for a Harry Potter x Overlord crossover, let me know! Maybe we can think of something! See you all later!