Throne of Glass

Chapter 15: Aftermath

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Tokyo Settlement; 2016 ATB

He watched the ensuing chaos with a satisfactory grin. Emergency teams and search and rescue scrambled all around him as the flames billowed in the distance. Smoke and dust filled the air even as far as he stood. It truly was a magnificent sight to behold. And then there was the knight police desperately hunting for any suspicious characters still lingering about; ignoring the young man who was very clearly not an Eleven terrorist.

It amused him that they thought nothing of him, standing perfectly still facing the carnage as civilians and soldiers alike ran amuck in the wake of such devastation. It proved to him just how easily such acts would be in the future. This was not the last time these people would learn just how unsafe they were within the confines of this precious oasis in a sea of ruin. The OSI office was nothing more than a pile of rubble, and the surrounding area had not escaped the collapse. Multiple floors of the settlement's structure had suffered internal damage, resulting in a massive capsize several blocks wide. Of course, this was in no small part due to the explosives placed deep beneath the tower while Zero's message was being broadcast all across Britannian news channels worldwide. He had to admit, the result was far more than he hoped for. There was no way this could be ignored, both by the OSI's losses and the damage done to the city itself. This was greater than any terrorist attack Britannia had seen before, and there was no chance in the slightest they would think to point a finger at him. Then again, those who would be doing the pointing were now dead. That was partly the reason he went through with this plan after all. It might have been an accident this time, but he was far from underestimating just how dangerous the OSI could have been had they broken through his security without their knowledge. He had been adamant in recruiting some of the most proficient hackers and computer programmers available worldwide. Putting him a step ahead of the empire who refused to give anyone born outside of their 'superior' genome a second look. That was of course the reason he was scheduled to speak with a brilliant cybernetics engineer...who was Indian. He laughed a little, knowing Britannia easily missed an interesting offer on Gefjun technology.

Regardless, it would be months before the OSI could even start giving the Black Knights so much as a fleeting glance. And even then, their closest office was clear down in Area 8, and any operatives could easily be tracked in and out of the Country. He had nothing to fear from the OSI. Except of course there were much bigger problems he would have to deal with later, but for now there was nothing to worry about.

"Allen." He heard the girl next to him call out, bringing his attention away from the beautiful mix of reds in the distance. "Suzaku just confirmed everyone made it back safely, they're just waiting on you now."

He nodded, turning his head slightly toward her. He absentmindedly noted her hair matched the color he had previously admired. "Let him know I'll be there momentarily. You go on ahead."

"You sure you'll be okay here?" Kallen asked, eying a passing knightmare rushing down the street.

"Of course. I sincerely doubt any of these incompetent fools will do much as look twice at me." He told her honestly, with a small grin.

"Right...well, come back soon then." She conceded, knowing she wouldn't win any argument made.

"Don't worry about me." He told her, turning back to the entrancing spectacle. "I simply wish to admire the sight a while longer."

That, and he knew full well that he wouldn't just be speaking to the black ops team, but the entirety of the Black Knights, as Zero. A great deal of the lower ranking members knew not more than a few names outside of those they reported directly to. This was the first even they had heard of a leader for the organization; he would have to present himself well. He simply wanted a little while longer to sort through his thoughts on the matter, having spent little time thinking on it given everything else that had presented itself recently.

But now that he did have a few moments, completely alone, he allowed his face to show how he truly felt. A truly maniacal grin spread across it, and he laughed softly to himself. In truth there was one feeling that surpassed any nervousness or uncertainty. Above all else, he was brimming with excitement, nearly unable to contain his anticipation. He had been patient, and oh so meticulous in ensuring his success. And now, finally, he could finally begin. His revenge was finally within grasp, his vengeance close at hand.

He thought briefly of the date, and a pang of guilt hit him. I'm sorry I couldn't be there today, Nunnally. I hope this makes up for it.

In truth, there was no day better than today. The day he finally lost the last of his happiness, was the day he would take it all back.

November twenty ninth. One week after his mother's birthday, four days after her death.

The time, of course, was a little past 6:53, the broadcast itself having begun on the dot. He wouldn't have missed that detail. He was showing to all the world who this was for, and he knew not one of them would notice, especially not the one who mattered. That's who he was after all. He never even bothered to see her, why would he know what time she died? What day the last pieces of his fragile existence were finally crushed underfoot?

He would make him remember.

Right before he put a bullet through his skull.

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Viceroy's Palace; 2016 ATB

"Ninety six military casualties, eight hundred forty civilian. And the death toll keeps going up."

Clovis buried his face in his hands. He couldn't believe this was happening; that they would go this far. After that incident with Camelot, he knew they were far from passive, but to think that this would be their next move? He couldn't just keep this quiet, he had to do something, and quick. Too many people were breathing down his neck as it was, this was only adding to the list. What was he supposed to do? Eradicate the entire ghettos? Not that he actually considered that kind of slaughter, but even that was a guarantee he would even find them. An organization of this caliber were bound to have way too many contingencies for such a forthcoming tactic. And now the OSI, his only hope of finding a worthwhile lead, was up in flames. Quite literally, in fact.

"Is there any news from the knight police? Have they seen anything?" He asked. He had quickly mobilized every relief effort there was to contain the damage, but the police had another objective as well.

"No my lord." Jeremiah told him, shaking his head. "We've begun suspecting the broadcast was actually a recording. It's likely the Black Knights were clear from danger long before we were aware of anything at all."

Clovis nodded with a sigh. "I see, that would seem probable. I doubt they would be foolish enough otherwise. Leave the knight police to it though, in the least they'll provide something of a comfort to the civilians."

"Of course, your highness." Jeremiah responded. "Are there...any other actions you wish to take?"

"No, not right now. I'll schedule a public speech for tomorrow. I...need to think of what to say." Clovis decided. It was all he could do to calm the inevitable upheaval this would cause. Nearly a thousand lives, and this was just the beginning. There would be hell to pay, he had no doubt. The time for Britannia to pay for its crimes, he believed that was Zero's motivation. In truth he wished he was able to act as freely as they did. Perhaps he should don a mask and start blowing up things as well? That would make him no different than an average terrorist. Yet he knew the Black Knights were not mere terrorists. And this wasn't a simple terrorist attack. There were no demands made, only promises.

It was a declaration of war.

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Narita Mountains; 2016 ATB

Nearly a few thousand Japanese were gathered in what was earlier a hangar housing knightmare frames, cleared away specifically for this gathering. Many of them had been brought from across the country, having never been in the secret military base before. Most Black Knight operatives had no idea who, or what was above them. And many were confused as to why they were called out to the middle of the mountains, until they were brought in to a underground headquarters filled with advanced weapons and all the tools they were often inexplicably given by suppliers at wherever they were previously told to station across the country. Narita acted as a supply depot in these stages of the plan, while the Ashford Tower and school were used by higher echelons of the organization. Even now, few present knew of the true purpose of those buildings, and they were all standing rigidly above the crowd, on a makeshift platform erected for the occasion. The black armored ones were enigmatic even among those present. In reality, the Black Knights were strictly divided by the mass Japanese soldiers, recruited by the former military like Katase, for the primary purpose of patrolling the ghettos, and ultimately playing foot soldier in the upcoming war that was bound to happen. And those recruited by Allen Spacer, or Allen Ashford, who quickly found they were one in the same. They were the ones that made up the black ops squadron led by Suzaku Kururugi, as well as the Ashford research division that was dedicated to projects outside the company's public availability.

This was the first time any of them were all gathered in the same place, and almost all of them knew just why. This Zero was new to them as well, but it seemed they were to be introduced shortly, when the masked man himself stepped on to the stage, followed by several uniformed men that were more easily identifiable; Katase, Todoh and various other military members that worked at the mountain base. They stood beside him, clearly showing their support and acceptance of the apparent leader whose face was still not known.

The man in the mask seemed to scan the crowd, understanding the atmosphere in a single glance. And he spoke in an amplified voice for all to hear. "Welcome, my Black Knights. I am Zero." Any noise in the audience went instantly silent, and all eyes turned forward. "Today we have begun what each and every one of you has waited years for. Your patience has finally been awarded, and the first of our foes has paid for his crimes. Britannia has stood with its boot firm planted on our necks; and long have we endured the hardship, and the humiliation of our defeat. Six years ago we lost our freedom, and our very identity. For six years they have stolen everything, and continued to take anything that remained. They deemed us weak, and unfit for their world. And for six years we endured it, barely doing more than living." He let that sink in, his head turned to address each and every one of them, before he spoke in a louder booming voice. "The time has finally come to seize our destiny as our own! We will rise up, and fight back against Britannia, and all the injustice it represents! You are Knights for justice, defenders of peace and protectors of the weak! So I ask you this, what better way to protect, than to slay those who do us harm?! Each of you joined because you wanted to make a difference, you wanted to change your fate with your own hands. Now is your chance to prove to the world that we will not sit back and fall to oblivion! Down with inequality, down with Britannia, down with the emperor!"

Zero's first was thrust into the air, shortly followed by those of all those before him; repeating his final message. Zero had chosen his words carefully, having planted himself among the strife and trials faced by the common people he led. He needed them to follow one who wore a mask, and hid his true face. It was likely many would question a leader who they knew nothing about, simply going off the word of the few who did know. But in the very least, his views aligned with his followers, as far as they knew.

The masked man left a stage full of chanting people, turning toward Todoh and Katase who stood closest to them. They followed him away from the crowd, passing the rows of knights who fell in line behind him.

"That was quite a speech, Zero." Todoh commented, accenting the man's name. "Quite motivating, I would say."

"I have proven that our motives are one in the same. Isn't that what you wanted, sensei?" Zero returned, his head slightly tilted in the older man's direction. Todoh could almost hear the smirk no doubt behind the mask.

"I suppose you did." The colonel agreed. "Congratulations however, on finally reaching this point. You've made in quite far, sticking to the beliefs you set out for yourself." He made it clear that he had been watching, as he said he would so long ago. While the boy may not have been leading actual battles, it was his pioneering acts that led them to where they were. And he had no qualms believing he would continue to do so for the real upcoming war.

"I should thank you both for your efforts here." Zero replied. "You've amassed a surplus of soldiers that I probably wouldn't have been able, being who I am. And, for giving me the opportunity to lead them."

"I must admit, I don't think I have the gall to break into a Britannian headquarters and assassinate their leader in front of the entire world." Katase spoke up.

"Well, its much easier to do behind a mask, to be honest." The masked man admitted. "Even still, some might call that kind of action rather foolish."

"Maybe so. But in this case inaction is far more foolish." The old general countered.

The group made their way to a command room, where the rest of the black ops were planning out different operations over maps of the current layout of Japan. Zero made sure to waste no time in springing his forces into action. The sooner he followed up with his declaration the better.

Lelouch removed his mask, where is was promptly retrieved by a shadowing knight. He stepped toward the center tables, earning a grin from the one watching him there. "Quite a majestic speech Allen. You had me on the edge of my seat."

"Is that sarcasm Suzaku? I can't quite tell."

"Of course not." His friend continued to grin at him. "I'm being very sincere here I assure you."

"Are these new operational zones?" Katase asked from a glance at the maps on the table, having ignored the banter.

"Oh, yeah." Suzaku answered, turning back to the divided sections of Area Eleven. "These are the areas we'll be working on first in the next phase of the plan."

"Which is what exactly?" The Japanese general questioned. "What is the current goal my men should work towards." He directed toward Lelouch.

"Previously, the lower ranked Black Knights were ordered to protect the Japanese civilians from outside threats, no matter what they were. Now, we are going to source those threats and exterminate them. These zones are where you'll be working to remove any and all Britannian presence." He pointed to the various areas known to be heavily occupied by Britannian police and soldiers. Namely factories, mines and other facilities outside of the settlements. "Our objective is to slowly push Britannia into the confines of the settlements, utterly removing them from the rest of the country. While this serves to trap them, it will also put increasing pressure on Clovis. We'll be waiting for the eventuality that he slips up, creating the opening we need to crush him in one move."

"I see. At that point all that's left is to surround and choke out the settlement." Todoh pointed out.

Lelouch nodded. "Yes, but not before Cornelia storms in swearing bloody vengeance. I firmly believe Clovis will be given limited time as it is before she comes in. But if she does under the pretense of revenge, rather than a consequence for Clovis, she won't be so cautious of us. She'll come in guns ablaze. That means she won't pay attention to the trap she's walking into. She would be far more wary if she isn't rushing into it."

"So what we need is to drive out all Britannian presence outside the settlement before that happens. Do you have an estimate for how long he have?" Katase asked.

"I have someone who will confirm that shortly I believe. It's hard to say what kind of dead line the emperor will place. I've never been good at reading his interests anymore. He hardly seems to care, but this is something he can't ignore, so we'll just have to see."

"Very well. I suppose the best thing to do is get started immediately." The General decided.

"And I agree. So now that you know what to do, I have more things to take care of, if you would excuse me." Lelouch finished, right before the one carrying his mask appeared behind the young man, handing him the helmet. "I'll be in touch if something changes, as well as to inform you of our deadline. Best of luck to you."

Suzaku followed him out, finished with what he was doing there as well. He smiled once again, prompting his companion to frown at him. "What do you find so funny?"

Suzaku's smile only grew. "That's not like you, you know."

"What isn't?" Lelouch pressed.

"Luck has nothing to do with it, right?"

He quickly realized what his friend found so humorous, and in turn developed a slight smirk of his own. "Not for me; it doesn't. But they might need the extra help."

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Ashford Test facility, Area Eleven; 2016 ATB

"I must admit, I am thoroughly impressed."

The praise came from Allen as he walked around the steel gray titan.

"How my heart sings at your praise, Lord Ashford." The eccentric scientist replied as he tailed the young man. "I'm so glad you were able to come see the first prototype so soon. Though I must admit it doesn't look nearly as glorious in that drab gray."

He laughed. "I suppose not. Either way, you have progressed smoothly."

"All thanks to your endless support." Lloyd told him. "And I can't wait to get your devicer here to start running some real tests."

"I'll be sure to let him know you're looking for him." Lelouch ensured the scientist. He had decided on Suzaku for piloting Lloyd's Lancelot. He of course had his own project to work on, and he hoped to get something out of Miss Chawla, which he would give to Kallen. She was in no way an amateur in the simulators and field tests, and he was certain she would excel in another potential prototype. He glanced toward the man beside him, suddenly curious. "By the way, Asplund, you don't happen to know a Rakshata Chawla, would you?"

The reaction he got was priceless. "W-who?!" The man sputtered, visibly shocked. "I have no idea who you're talking about! None at all!"

Lelouch raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yep, never heard of her." He quickly confirmed.

"Lloyd met Miss Chawla in Colchester some time ago, Lord Ashford." The scientist's assistant Cecile spoke up, to which he shot her a betrayed look. She continued unapologetically. "They didn't exactly part on good terms, though I'm sure he can get over it."

Cecile glared at her boss, and the man's own gaze faltered at it. "Oh fiiiine. But don't expect me to actually work with her. As if I'll ever let her touch my Lancelot."

"That won't be necessary. If Miss Chawla does start working for me she has her own ideas, Lloyd. I'm sure she won't be needing your help." He smirked briefly, putting a hand to his chin. "Though a collaboration might be rather interesting."

"Nope!" Lloyd denied instantly. "Definitely not happening."

Lelouch laughed at that. "We'll see about that." He said with a foreboding tone that filled the scientist with dread. He would need to run a few dozen tests to get over that terrorizing thought.

"Well either way, I have yet to actually speak with her, so who knows?" He left the lab with a slightly more hopeful message, catching the tail end of Lloyd's muttering.

"It was my pudding..."

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Ashford Mansion; 2016 ATB

Kallen paced nervously in her room of the expansive mansion. It was a sizable space, given to her shortly after officially joining the Black Knights. She acted in a way as Allen's bodyguard. Not an assistant, that position belonged to Sayoko, but she tended to follow him around most of the time anyway. But as she tailed him halfway across the country as he personally checked on the progress of every aspect of his operation, she couldn't help but constantly think of just who she was looking at. She stole a glance at him down the hall, his frame barely visible through the doorway. He was currently reviewing something or another on a computer in the lounge, his work of course never done. It was well late into the same night the OSI building came down. He made stops at both Narita and the test facility before finally ending here; sitting and basking in the aftermath of his actions.

But that entire time, despite what was going on around them, Kallen's thoughts kept returning to the discovery she wasn't certain she made. And just what it might mean for her, and for the Black Knights. Granted, she knew full well that the part Allen Ashford played in the creation of the organization, it was no small part in the slightest. So in retrospect, his true identity was insignificant. He clearly wanted to detach himself from the past, same as she did. Yet all the same, the past drove their actions. In that they were one in the same. So for that reason she could no longer keep avoiding, no matter how much her nervousness protested. So, with only slightly shaking legs, Kallen stepped out of her room.

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Today had been a good day.

Not only due to the success of his mission, but that every aspect was turning out exactly as he envisioned them. The Japanese populace was on track both economically and militarily, and they would fulfill their role as Japan's backbone. Soon enough he hoped they would outrank the Chinese Federation, or more likely the EU. After all, it was them he bled dry just to keep up with Britannia. He chanced to another news channel, the reporter standing before a dark sky illuminated with dim flames in the background. There wasn't a single station not covering the event. Though he found one to be particularly interesting. Hi-TV took a surprisingly unbiased angle compared to any other media source. Rather than talking about the horrendous catastrophe and how dangerous Zero was, the man spoke only of what may soon come. He almost sounded...eager, to see it. It was certainly an interesting thing to watch, far more than the others at least. He briefly wondered what the man would think if he knew just what the Black Knights would be doing in the future. A Britannian that wasn't utterly brainwashed. Yes, how interesting. He then contemplated the benefits from having a hand in the media. Even that was nothing more than an idle thought. Everything he needed was right at his disposal. And everything was going according to plan.

And then a knock on the door came, and he looked up to see the red headed Kallen standing in the doorway, looking uncharacteristically nervous.

"Yes Kallen, is there something I can help you with?" He asked with with a raised eyebrow. She only nodded in response, taking in a breath as she stepped into the lounge.

"There's something I need to talk to you about." She revealed, coming to stand in front of the armchair he was in. He gestured for her to sit down, closing his computer to give her his full attention.

After taking a seat opposite from Allen, Kallen tried her best to cool her nerves. She hardly ever had issue speaking with Allen before, but this time was different, to say the least. She was going to tread what may be dangerous waters with a man who could slit your throat before you could even blink. Nevertheless, she swallowed that fear and opened her mouth. "When I was in the OSI building, I came across something." She began. "And everything since then has only further proved what I now believe."

Allen eyed her curiously, wondering what she was getting at. And of course that didn't help her much. "When you said back in Europe that you just wanted someone to remember, that you wanted Britannia to remember what it did to them, it was a lot more personal than that wasn't it?" She gave a sad smile, but continued before he could respond. "The moment it was no longer acceptable to have a Japanese wife my father all but killed her. Because of the emperor my home was torn apart at the seams. My world was shattered like glass. Because of what Britannia believes I am only half human, and my mother even less so. And I can't stand for that. That's why I want to help you, why I want to stop the emperor at any cost, and finally turn that damned society on its head."

She took a deep breath, ready to finally say what she had been meaning for so long. "I want to help you do that, Lelouch."

Realization very quickly dawned on his features, and he stayed silent for quite some time. Which in turn slowly ate away at her confidence.

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised you figured it own on your own Kallen. You never cease to impress me." He smiled at her unexpectedly, earning about of a surprise. "But you know, I'm glad. What you said, I appreciate it. Because everyone who knows who I am help me for the sake of Japan. All they really want is to see their own country free. Though I suppose that can't be helped, I did choose the Japanese after all. Even the other Britannians just want revenge against someone for something they did to them. No one shares the same cause as I do. No one wants to see Britannia change, wants to see the emperor pay for what he did." He took her hand, giving her his most sincere smile. "So thank you Kallen. Truly, thank you. For choosing me."

She returned the gesture, happy with the outcome of her decision. "Of course. After everything you have done for me, it's only right. So let's do this together, Lelouch."

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Viceroy's Palace; 2016 ATB

The time was well into the night when Clovis received the call from his secretary. Though of course it was midday for the prime minister, not that his brother would take that into consideration. He would just call when it was convenient for him. Though in this case he was suspecting it to be as soon as possible. Which is why he accepted the conversation past 2:00 am.

"Well Clovis, it seems things have taken a turn for the worse in Area Eleven, haven't they? That is most unfortunate." Prime Minister Schneizel greeted him through the television screen in his office. "I imagine you must have your hands full even mire than before, but I'm afraid I come bearing ill news."

Not that that was any surprise. His brother seldom came for 'social calls'.

"You have one year, Clovis, to see that this Zero is publicly put to an end, and the Black Knights are eradicated along with." Schneizel laid out plainly. "Though I'll be honest, I don't see why the emperor would give you that much time, considering this isn't the first we have heard of them. Regardless I advise you make the most of that time, and I hope that it is enough. If there is anything I can do to-"

"No Schneizel, I won't be needing your assistance." Clovis cut him off. Like owing his brother a debt was more beneficial to his health than ignoring his father.

"I see. Well then, I pray for your success either way. And be careful as well. I would hate to see this Zero blow up the government building as well." Schniezel responded with a serious expression. "Then again, I hate to see what may happen should your time expire as well."

Clovis narrowed his eyes. His brother was being rather irritating. A side affect of his assistance being denied no doubt. "Well if that's all you have to say Schniezel, I really must be going. It is rather late here in Area Eleven, and I have a lot to do tomorrow."

His brother nodded. "Of course. Do take care."

The image of Schneizel disappeared, and Clovis fell back with a heavy sigh. What was he going to do?

One year. One year and one way or another everything would change. Yet he couldn't help but feel like this was just the beginning. Zero had only just declared was that day, after all.

A sudden yawn reminded him of how late it actually was. He supposed his excuse was actually right after all. One thing was for certain: the next year would be a rough one.

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I've been trying to figure dates and history of the precanon recently, and let me tell you, I wish I didn't. Cause I found out Charles was 25 years older than Marianne, Odysseus being four years younger than her. And she had Lelouch half a month after turning nineteen. Nice.

That and I found out Kaguya's birthday is the same day Britannia invaded Japan. Also nice. Wish I learned that sooner though, really could have used it.