Throne of Glass
Part two: To Wage a War
I've been looking forward to this one for a long time now.
Chapter 26: Miscalculation
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The warrior princess looked upon the battlefield with a growing visage of fury. Scattered about her, were the mangled frames of dozens of her knightmares, broken as they were thoroughly outmaneuvered again and again. Her gaze rose up to the sky, where the sole object of her rage hung like a god watching indifferently upon the carnage below.
What arrogance, that this bitch actually named herself 'Goddess.'
As the days dragged on, Cornelia became more and more certain that commander was responsible for what seemed impossible. She didn't know how she did it, but that knightmare was without a doubt tracking her every move. At first she chalked it up to the point of view its position provided, but it ultimately became clear, as every tactic, every maneuver, was utterly crushed near effortlessly. These ruined slums surrounding the city were the perfect playground for her opponent, as she sent wave after wave into their depths, feeling completely submerged in an unknown jungle of stone that hid untold threats. Threats that knew your every step the second you made them.
Even after pinning the blame on the ever vigilant Megumi, she found removing the offending thing a pointless avenue as well. As it was floating in the fucking air. All seeing, all knowing, and completely untouchable. Like a goddamn god.
Oh, she had tried to face it head on, but her admittedly weak air power stood no chance against what Allen identified as a hadron cannon. As devastating as the weapon was, the Megumi hardly used it like it did as an opening display. It made her believe she could outlast the frame's operational time, waiting until it was forced to withdraw from its heavenly throne. That too, proved fruitless.
Normally, a knightmare could run two to three hours at most, before requiring a new energy filler. And she couldn't imagine the power needed to keep that monster afloat. Despite that, it remained above her for hours on end, no matter how relentless her assault. It only ever left the field when she did, returning the moment she began anew. It defied logic, like a true deity. And she hated it. Her options were limited, and nothing appeared in her favor.
Despite that, Cornelia knew this could not last forever, no matter how difficult it seemed. Megumi knew this as well, even admitting as much. The Chief General wasn't exactly known as patient, but she was far from a coward.
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Tokyo Settlement, Area Eleven; 2017 ATB
"It's absolutely beautiful!"
Sitting beside Lelouch, with her face pressed against the window of his private plane, was princess Euphemia. How on earth she had ended up tagging along, he had no idea, even still he found he really did not mind it at all. When the pinkette heard he was to return for a short trip, she jumped on the chance to visit somewhere new, claiming it was a great opportunity to observe an important political event.
Again, he actually quite enjoyed her company. He still knew things would not be as they were before, and he had no delusions they ever could be. Yet her mere presence was still as radiant as it had been so many years ago. It put his heart at ease, in a way he hadn't felt in a long time. There was nothing wrong with this, he could allow the charade to go on a while longer…right?
"It's much nicer in spring time, the cherry blossoms really are incredible." He commented. It was mid December, most of the trees lost their leaves completely, it was hardly as breathtaking this time of the year.
"Then you'll take me here again won't you?" She asked innocently.
"Of course." He stammered. How could he say no to that face? Even if things would be vastly different come next spring, he would find a way.
Soon enough the plane touched down on Ashford property, just outside the settlement. Waiting for them there was Ruben, along with a handful of guards. Upon seeing the tag-along princess, his brow raised a brief moment before he gave a heartfelt smile.
"Princess Euphemia, it has been quite a long time. You look wonderful my dear." The aging man greeted with genuine joy. He of course knew the li Britannia sisters for years, since they were children. Though it felt like a different life.
"It's so good to see you again, Lord Ruben. It's been ages!" Euphy returned.
"My apologies, had I known you were coming along, I would have brought a more welcoming entourage." He lightly gestured toward the armed assembly. "We cannot be too careful however, though I can assure you we will be as vigilant as ever while you stay."
As the group moved to leave the airfield, the older Ashford motioned for his 'son'.
"Clovis has gathered everyone together at the government bureau for an update on the situation. They all await your arrival as we speak."
"You must be quite important, to have my brother waiting on you Allen." Euphy remarked with a playful grin.
"Well, we have gone through great lengths to assist the viceroy in protecting Area Eleven. He and I have been working closely for some time now." He explained.
"It's been a very long time since I've last spoken to Clovis, I can't wait to see him again." The princess gave him that smile that made Lelouch feel that everything was going to be alright. "I can't wait."
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Kota; 2017 ATB
It was becoming quite obvious there was a significant gap between her and her opponent. Technological superiority similar to that which they faced seven years ago, only now in their favor. Even with the near omnipotent power provided by SAGE Kaguya was confident she was a better strategist than the Chief General. Sure, the princess was far and above her as a soldier; Cornelia was well known as a woman who led the charge herself after all. But it wasn't through cunning that she won her battles. In a one on one duel, there were few who could match her tenacity and skill. Of course, she wasn't discounting the Megumi for what it was capable of, it just simply wasn't a frame designed as a battlefield 'champion' like all the other prototypes before it.
All this however, just served to prove the only real deciding factor between the two of them. For every one frame she lost, her foes lost ten; even still Kaguya would fall first. Britannia was simply far too large a foe for any one Area to effectively rebel, no matter the technology they possessed. The empire had developed an overwhelming militarized economy over the last half-century, their nationalism providing unity the EU nor the Federation could never match. Except in an unbelievable twist of fate, the Achilles heel of that war machine was nothing less than the land they stole away. Since Ashford's discovery of an additional vein, Area Eleven now provided eighty percent of the world's supply of sakuradite, a resource Britannia had come to be crucially dependent on. Taking that away from them would cripple the empire in a way nothing else could, hence the lengths they were going through to ensure Japan's liberation as a new nation. And to guarantee the island's freedom, Lelouch had created two weapons that did exactly what the Megumi could not. Her knightmare was simply a trial run for the command unit equipment, the other half of the potential prototypes held. The Fukushu, Lelouch's own frame, was a truly terrifying hybrid of the two. Utilizing the Druid operating system stolen from Camelot, it was a creation far and above anything that came before it. And as far as she knew, there wasn't a single individual who was physically capable of piloting it save Lelouch himself. While the Megumi used Druid as well in order to maintain SAGE, Kaguya was incapable of harnessing the potential it had like Lelouch could. With a mind like his, Fukushu contained all the functions Megumi had, on top of an absurdly over tuned combat potential. If Suzaku wasn't such a freak of nature, Lelouch would have probably been absolutely undefeatable by any one opponent. She couldn't help but laugh knowing they would be equally useless piloting each other's knightmares. Such was the nature of the Druid system.
Fukushu was to be the harbinger for Britannia's defeat, as Lelouch put it, but it was not meant to be a symbol of Japan's freedom; that role belonged to something else. The exiled prince's far more ambitious project: the Mirai. From what Kaguya knew, it was being constructed underneath the Tokyo Settlement itself. Once they had control of the city through Clovis, assembly of the pieces were set in motion almost as soon as the space was cleared. It was quite laughable that such a massive project could be underway right below their noses without them even realizing it. The young woman had yet to see the Mirai herself, but it was sure to be a sight the world would never forget. A beacon of liberty, ushering in a new age.
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"Euphemia, I had no idea you would be coming. It's so good to see you again!" Clovis exclaimed in his charismatic fashion, masking his surprise at the unexpected presence.
"You as well, Clovis. I'm glad I was able to finally come see you, even if it was unannounced." The pinkette replied.
"It was a last minute decision, but I didn't see any harm in it." Allen explained.
"Well, everyone's waiting for you in the usual conference room." The older prince continued with a nod toward the elevator that would take them there. "Why don't you and I catch up Euphy? Jeremiah can cover for me."
"That sounds wonderful." Euphy agreed. "I'll see you a little later then?"
"Of course." Lelouch answered. He nodded toward Clovis, silently thanking him for running interference, before parting ways.
He made his way to the meeting room, picking up a willing tail before reaching the elevator.
"It is good to see you again, Master Lelouch." Sayoko spoke quietly at his side, appearing as she usually did.
"Sayoko. Nothing urgent to report I hope?" He greeted the ninja.
"Not as of this moment. Lady Strauss clearly has an ulterior motive in her presence here, but she is being kept in check." She reported.
"Good, let's keep it that way. The last thing we need is the mainland pouring in here on her orders. And simply getting rid of her isn't an option, this is the best course of action."
"Of course, I will continue to monitor her." Sayoko affirmed as they reached their destination. The woman opened the door for her master, and he stepped in to greet those inside.
"Thank you all for waiting for me. Clovis is running interference for an unexpected guest, so he won't be joining us." He began before sitting down at the head of the table.
Among those present were Jeremiah, Todoh, Ruben, Kallen and Naoto; with Sayoko still remaining behind him. " Why don't we begin with our progress here in the settlement, Jeremiah?"
The diligent man nodded. "I am pleased to report that our crews are actually ahead of schedule. The morale among workers is so high we are easily able to maintain a twenty-four-seven schedule, and it's easy to see why. Of course the majority of the actual structures won't be ready for a few more years, but for the purpose they serve, we can have it ready in only three months."
"That's great to hear. We should have no problem delaying Cornelia long enough if that's the case." Lelouch replied with a satisfied smirk.
"On the other hand, evacuation of the settlement isn't going as smoothly, though that is to be expected." Jeremiah continued. "Many nobles have the ability to easily return to the homeland, though a few of them simply refuse to leave their investments behind. The problem however is the general populace. We only have twenty percent of Britannian commoners removed from the city limits. If we are to prevent catastrophic losses something will need to be done about this."
Lelouch put a hand to his chin in thought. He had anticipated problems getting civilians away from the soon to be battlefield. Though a part of him harbored the idea of outright leaving them to the fate of near certain death, he understood the benefits of allowing them a chance to live outside whatever genocide might to what was left of his conscience. That led him to ask about another endeavor he pursued. "Naoto, what about your task?"
"Actually, I have to admit I'm surprised. I didn't think I would find very much success, though I guess you did. I can say there's a solid twenty percent of Britannian citizens who hold dissenting views or at least aren't considered moderate. About two thirds still fall under the nationalist category to some degree. But honestly, you might just be able to get that other third on your side if you play your cards right. They'll tolerate you, if not support you." The half-Japanese man explained what he had learned. From his rather unique position, he was able to dig fairly deep into both Britannian and Japanese society. Getting a grasp on both sides' beliefs on all corners of the spectrum.
"Ideally, I'd like to remove the majority of opposing citizens while keeping those few here." Lelouch continued. "The idea is to show unity between us is possible. It's a step toward dismantling the structure Britannia is built upon from the inside, while simultaneously tearing it down from outside. Of course we won't force anyone to stay once Japan is liberated, but picking the best candidates first is still wise, assuming we can segregate them without anyone taking notice. That said, what happened to our restoration project in Kansai?"
"We put it on hold to prioritize the progress in the settlement; but the buildings themselves are mostly complete, if you're thinking what I believe you are." Ruben told him.
"Yes, we can turn it into a refugee camp for citizens of the Toyko settlement." He confirmed with a nod. "And it wouldn't hurt to divert funds from the mainland while we still have access to it for the evacuation effort."
"Since we have the manpower, we should be able to construct a sizable refugee camp. Doing so will prove that we have the interest of all citizens at heart, and that all are welcome." The old man agreed. "I'll get to it immediately."
"Then that just leaves one last thing: how close is the Mirai?"
"Currently in the assembly phase." Todoh stepped up. "All tests have provided satisfactory results, theoretically there are no problems. I honestly can't believe something like it is even physically possible, and yet there isn't anything that proves it won't."
Lelouch gave a satisfied smile. "Float technology was originally designed for larger vessels, we simply focused on condensing them down to a knightmare size rather than scaling up. It's no surprise really."
"I'm sure our enemies will agree." The Colonel joked. "One thing I can easily understand is there isn't anything that comes close. The Mirai truly will be the spearhead of the future."
"And that future will be ours for the taking." Lelouch agreed. "Our time is nearly upon us, the day we've all been waiting for is right around the corner. And we'll be ready for anything."
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Kawaguche Hotel; 2017 ATB
Despite efforts made to keep his presence unknown, news stations were already swarming the bridge entrance to the towering hotel. Allen Ashford was a rising celebrity among local circles both high and low, as a result a number of news stations gathered on the bridge to the hotel blockaded their passage. Lelouch didn't make it two steps from their transport before he was surrounded with Euphemia at his side. Numerous questions were thrown his way, with one particular reporter asserting himself in front of the rest. "Lord Ashford, is it true that you've been assisting the Chief General in her campaign in India these past months?"
The young lord imagined such 'rumors' had been more or less already confirmed, but he could see where this was likely going. He decided to take advantage of the opportunity. "Yes it is. Due to our prior involvement with the nation we are able to provide her highness with invaluable information on the enemy there." He answered the man.
"Then does that mean the situation here is under control now that you've stepped in to cover the security of the Tokyo Settlement?" The reporter continued.
"For the meantime, we've kept a watchful eye on every movement the Black Knights have made. They have maintained a low profile for some time now, but that doesn't mean they have backed down."
"And is that why evacuation efforts have been in effect for the settlement?" The man asked. "Many citizens are concerned for the state of their home."
"Safety of the common masses is of the utmost concern." Allen reassured him. "I'm sure many can feel the tension in the air, and we all know something must be coming. Princess Cornelia herself intends to make her way here in due time, I have complete faith the situation will be handled. Until then, Ashford intends to resume our work in Kansai and convert the project into a evacuation shelter for those who are unable or unwilling to flee the Island should danger present itself.
Though the reporter appeared to have more to say, Euphemia took a step closer to Allen, prompting others to take notice of her.
"Who's this with you?" Another one asked as the first man was pushed back.
Realizing that these people did not recognize Euphy, Lelouch suddenly came to understand he was arm and arm with an imperial princess who had yet to make her public debut. "Oh, she's just-"
The girl put a hand on his shoulder, silencing him. "I can introduce myself, Allen."
He gave her a questioning look. Surely she had to know the weight of actually telling them who she was? The princess just returned an easy smile before addressing the woman who had asked about her. "I am third princess, Euphemia li Britannia."
Clearly taken very off guard, the reporter stuttered a response. "Y-your highness, we had no idea a member of the royal family was to be attending the conference."
"Well it was rather last minute, Allen here was kind enough to allow me to accompany him. I'll just be observing though." Euphy told them with ease despite having no experience speaking in public at all.
"Are you planning to make any entrance into politics your highness?" It was a simple fact that royals could really do whatever it was they chose to do. Should Euphy take an interest in political endeavors then a place would open itself up for her. Of course only the ambitious thrived in Britannian society, but these people were always eager to find new contenders.
"I can't really say that I will at this moment, I'm still only finishing schooling after all." She answered.
Allen stepped in before another question could be posed. "That's enough for now, we really should be going." He said with enough authority to get them all to comply without further issue.
The small mob of media workers was parted by the young lord's armed entourage, a number of Britannian members of his black ops team who would not stand out among this crowd. Along with Sayoko, dressed with the appearance of a lowly Eleven servant.
Once they were clear of prying eyes, he leaned toward his royal companion. "Are you sure that was the best idea?" He questioned her. "You do realize what it is you just did?"
"Of course I do. There's no reason for you to worry Allen." Euphy reassured him with a smile.
The princess actually understood quite well what implications she laid out for them. And she was perfectly fine with it. She liked Allen a great deal, and she knew even Cornelia was somewhat fond of him, a feat worthy of itself.
It was likely they might jump to conclusions, but she honestly did not care in the slightest.
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Standing among the crowds of guests, onlookers and bustling staff, was Milly Ashford. The school president had come to the hotel along with her friends for a little weekend vacation, completely unaware her estranged childhood friend/surrogate brother/adoptive uncle was back in Area Eleven at the very same hotel. It was through the buzzing gossip around her that she came to figure that out, and rushed down to the lobby to find him.
She pressed her way through mobs of people, breaking through in time to see him arrive. By his side was some pink haired girl she had never seen before.
"Allen!" She called out, reaching toward the blonde.
He looked surprised to see Milly, stopping to greet her. "Milly, I had no idea you would be here."
"I'm here with the girls from the council on a little trip, so I actually didn't know either." She explained. "I haven't seen you in months until this random coincidence, and now I hear you're sending me away to Europe?"
Allen sighed. "This isn't the place for this kind of discussion Milly. I promise you I'll talk to you properly before I leave again."
"You actually mean that?" She demanded. "You've been keeping me out of the loop for so long now, I have no idea what's going on anymore."
"I do." He reaffirmed her. "Please, we'll talk later."
Already, numerous people were turning an ear to their public conversation. It was then that Allen's companion stepped forward to interrupt her little interrogation. "Hello Milly, it's been a very long time. Do you remember me?"
She frowned, tilting her head. Did she know this girl? A cute, elegant pink haired little thing… "Euphy?!" She exclaimed. "It can't be!"
The princess smiled in response. "That's right. I met Allen back in India not too long ago. Have you been well?"
"Yes I have. Save this idiot worrying me nearly every day." Milly replied, pointing to the idiot in question. "We will have a talk later. And I'd love to see you there as well, Euphy."
"Of course. I'll make sure he doesn't run off." The princess said.
After brief goodbyes, Allen and his group hurried off to the conference hall up above, leaving Milly to return to where her friends were waiting. It made her happy to see Lelouch with Euphemia and apparently getting along, though to what degree she wasn't sure. She'd probably figure it out soon enough though; she was not letting him off the hook this time.
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The actual conference was held on the thirty-sixth floor of the hotel, the VIP suite reserved for high profile events such as this one. Though numerous people from around the world who had a hand in the dealings of sakuradite came to observe the meeting, there were only ten total participants who took part in the conference.
Firstly, chairman James Montgomery: a Britannian earl with a lifetime in foreign politics. Lelouch had never met the man before, but knew he was reasonably moderate in his opinions, at least as far as imperial nobility went. The empire had two more representatives, in addition to the baron who sat in for the Fuji mines themselves. A convenient loophole to give Britannia more weight against the other superpowers. The EU and Chinese Federation each had two representatives as well, along with another from Australia that stood for the rest of the neutral nations dwindling as they were. In years prior, the Middle Eastern Federation had their own man, before Cornelia saw them permanently removed. Now, Lelouch was given the last seat, representing his own supply of the invaluable resource. It was here that he could negotiate favorable prices with the rest of the world that they would be forced to abide by. Even if Ashford itself was to inexplicably become part of another independent country apart from the empire.
He and Euphemia started by introducing themselves to the chairman, sharing pleasantries before settling in as crews rushed to finish broadcast preparations. It was then that another man Lelouch had seen just earlier approached him.
"Lord Ashford, I apologize for bothering you further. I wanted to thank you for answering my questions earlier." The man bowed to him. "Diethard Ried, Hi-Tv news."
"I'm sure you understand I was hoping to get that bit of information out as soon as possible." Lelouch replied to the reporter. "Spreading it benefits us both, doesn't it?"
"Of course, my lord. If you ever need a media man, I would be more than happy to accommodate you." Deithard handed him a business card, to which Lelouch accepted. There were upsides to having a hand in the media at this stage. "I very well may do that Mr. Reid."
"That's wonderful to hear. I wish you favorable dealings, Lord Ashford." The man nodded to him before departing.
Lelouch then thought over Ried's offer while waiting. He hadn't really considered utilizing the media to further his agenda, or rather hadn't bothered with it. But if the opportunity was being placed right in his lap it would be a mistake to pass it up. Deithard would be able to build public favor of evacuation efforts, and present a favorable condition for the mainland. Perhaps he could provide assistance further into the future as well, should the man be willing to remain once Japan was liberated. It was possible, given he could find a means to secure his loyalty. That probably wouldn't be too-
He was suddenly ripped from his thoughts when a chain of explosions rippled through the building, shaking the very foundation. Cries of panic began to spread, as Lelouch's guards fell into alert positions, with Sayoko putting herself in front of him. Something was clearly very wrong. "Stay beside me." He spoke softly to Euphy as the princess clung tightly to his arm.
They didn't wait long to find out however, when the doors burst open, and a large number of Japanese men poured forth. Armed with crude weaponry, and sporting outfits that belonged to the JSDF of old. Lelouch narrowed his eyes as he assessed the situation, silently signaling that his own group stand down. Outnumbered and carrying only sidearms, they stood little chance, especially without knowing what else was crawling around the hotel now.
As the last man entered the room, the sight of him made Lelouch's blood boil. He scanned the room, finding the lord's gaze before grinning. "Ladies and gentlemen, I do apologize for the interruption, but I'm afraid I'll be cutting you short. I am Josui Kusakabe, former lieutenant colonel of the once proud Japanese Self Defense Force." The now identified criminal began as his men surrounded the defenseless politicians and disarmed the few security guards. "Now, we came here with a very specific objective, and it doesn't involve you lot. So sit tight, don't try anything, and you'll be just fine."
Kusakabe strode forward with a victorious smirk as he singled out Allen Ashford. "Take him to the roof." He ordered as two men grabbed hold of Lelouch.
"Allen!" Euphemia cried out as the young lord was wrenched from her grasp.
"Stay still Euphy." He urged her, careful to keep his words from reaching Kusakabe. "They don't know who you are, so stay quiet. I'll be fine, I promise."
The fear in her eyes pained him, but there was little he could do here. He covertly met Sayoko's eyes, and the shinobi gave a resolute nod.
As he was pulled away, Kusakabe directed the rest be moved with the others. Lelouch watched the group be ushered away as he was led upward to the roof. He sent a cold glare at Kusakabe, whose smug look never left his face. His hands were bound in front of him, as he was dragged into the night sky upon the hotel roof. One man stood beside Lelouch with a rifle to his head, while Kusakabe was a ways away from him, with two more men flanking him. Four guns ready to cut him down if he so much as flinched.
"Well well, look at you now." The wretched man jeered. "All that planning, years of conspiring and lies brought down just like that. How does it feel, your highness?"
Lelouch said nothing, only staring in defiance.
In return, Kusakabe laughed. "I've waited for this opportunity for so long. You may have charmed my comrades, but I never trusted you, not for a second."
"You think I ever cared what you thought Kusakabe? Do you even realize what it is you're doing?" Lelouch shot back. He needed to stall, find a way out of this mess.
"I know exactly what I'm doing." The Japanese man spat. "I'm ridding my country of a snake moments before it is completely devoured. You don't care about Japan, you never did!"
"My goal is the destruction of Britannian society. In return for aiding me in that mission I will grant this island it's freedom. That seems perfectly reasonable to me."
"You would see my people exterminated. You, a prince of Britannia, could never be our savior!"
"And would you take my place then?" Lelouch asked, mocking the washed up career officer.
Kusakabe gnashed his teeth. Even if he wanted to, he knew he never could be. That's why he made it his final mission to see this monster put down. "Someday, Japan will be free. By our own people's unbreakable spirit we will-"
"Sir, we just found something you'll want to see!"
Two more Japanese thugs entered the rooftop, between them was a pink haired girl. And Lelouch knew with a sinking feeling, that the situation was now completely out of his control.
"What is this then?" Kusakabe demanded, irritated at the interruption.
His subordinate brought his captive forward. "This girl was with him earlier sir, she claims to be princess Euphemia."
Kusakabe whipped his head back to Lelouch with a vicious smile. He knew what he now had.
"That's right. I am third princess Euphemia li Britannia. I will cooperate with you willingly, and I'm sure my brother Clovis will negotiate for me. So please leave Allen out of this." The pinkette pleaded, trying to impart whatever bit of authority she was born with.
"I'm afraid you're mistaken princess. That man is the only reason for all of this." He then came to realize something. "And you have no idea why, do you? He's been lying to you all this time and you didn't have a clue."
"Not another word Kusakabe!" Lelouch threatened. He was rewarded with a rifle butt against his head.
"To think the bonds of your family are really so shallow that you failed to recognize your own kin, princess Euphemia." Kusakabe continued nonetheless.
"What...are you trying to say?" Euphy took his bait.
"Allen isn't even that snake's real name. For years he's been using my people for his own twisted ambition. A Britannian prince true to his roots." He led her on.
"I don't…" She looked to Lelouch, desperation in her eyes as she silently asked him for answers. Blood ran from forehead, blurring his vision. He met her gaze all the same, but he didn't have what she wanted.
"His own empire tossed him aside, even they knew how treacherous he is. Well, have you figured it out yet girl?" The man cackled. "Allen Ashford is none other than your long lost brother: Lelouch vi Britannia!"
Emotions she couldn't begin to put in order flooded the girl, as her eyes slowly confirmed what her heart knew all along.
"KUSAKABE!" The exiled prince roared, before the object of his fury turned his gun to the head of his own sister. His blood ran cold, his heart pounding ice through his veins.
"Now here's how this is going to go down." The madman began. "I really don't want to kill your sister here, it's you I want dead. But make any moves and I'll happily settle for it."
Frantic looks were sent toward Euphy. He was rapidly running out of time.
Kusakabe gestured behind them with a nod. "On the ledge. Now!"
Begrudgingly, Lelouch obeyed. Stepping backward onto the precipice between life, and death four-hundred feet below him. A cold breeze blew past them, as a news helicopter passed overhead. All the world was to witness his foolish miscalculation.
"Before I send you to hell, there's something I want from you." Kusakabe said, his pistol still aimed for Euphy's heart. "Your knightmare you call Fukushu. Tell me where it is."
"You'll never leave here alive bastard. What good would it do you, even if your worthless mind was capable of using it?" He shot back.
"I didn't ask for your damned opinion, tell me where the hell it is!"
He had no cards to play, nothing to his advantage. Gritting his teeth, Lelouch relented. "Beneath Ashford tower on the seventh subfloor section twenty-eight. If you actually get there alive, the code to access it is ten, twenty-five, oh-three."
He answered truthfully. He believed what he said, however, if Kusakabe survived by some miracle, the weapon would be worthless to him. To anyone, really.
The man grinned victoriously all the same. "Good. All that's left is for you to take a step back, and I promise your precious sister will be safe."
This was really the end wasn't it? He was going to give up his life to save Euphemia. Everything he worked for, all the suffering, the hardship, the pain. Erased by a fool who couldn't let go of the past. Was she worth all that, clinging to a fragment of the life he once had? Yes, yes he…
The helicopter above came back in just a little too close, and a gust of the blades caused those below to flinch. In a single heartbeat and a defiant scream, Lelouch sprang into action. He would take it all. Never again would someone take something from him.
The one beside Lelouch was thrown from the roof, never suspecting a thing. His knife was taken, slicing free the prince's restraints before it found its way into Kusakabe's hand, releasing his grip on the weapon he held. Another was hit with the full force of a furious exile before he could get a shot in, his own sidearm delivering lethal rounds into both him and his remaining comrades. He reached out for Euphemia, the princess nearly with his grasp.
"That's enough!"
But she was already within the arms of Kusakabe, uninjured hand wielding his recovered pistol against her head. "Drop the gun!" He demanded, the offending thing leveled against him.
It wasn't enough. He wasn't enough.
His weapon fell to the floor, and his foe trained his own firearm onto Lelouch. "This little show of yours is over, time to die prince."
"My lord!"
A new voice cried out, and Kusakabe turned around in surprise. A fatal mistake.
Lelouch lunged as fast as he could, wrenching Euphy free as they both fell to the ground. From where she had finally fought her way to the rooftop, Sayoko emptied an entire magazine into Kusakabe. Shock permanently etched on his face, the former lieutenant colonel collapsed, dead before his body hit the ground.
With Euphemia safely with his arms, Sayoko rushed to kneel before Lelouch. "Forgive me, my lord. I couldn't-"
"It's alright Sayoko, I understand." He spoke gently, unable to muster the energy to put any authority in his voice, or reprimand his servant. Besides, he knew he had asked the impossible. It was Euphemia after all.
"I…" She bowed her head. "Thank you. The situation is nearly under control. We were able to turn the tide on them when princess Euphemia distracted them. I'll...see to it more threats remain."
The ninja hastily sank back into the shadows, leaving Lelouch alone with his sister, surrounded by death he couldn't protect her from. No words were said for a brief eternity. She clung to him, refusing to let go. Unmoving, perfectly still.
"It's really you." She finally whispered. "You're alive...you're actually alive, Lelouch."
Unable to form a proper response, he affirmed her by holding her tighter.
"I always...wanted to believe. I never gave up hope, no matter how much time passed. But you were right here, right in front of me."
Silence, tears stained his clothes mixed with his own blood. It had gotten on Euphemia as well. But she was unharmed. She was safe.
"You must hate us. After everything that happened, how couldn't you? Your mother, Nunnally…"
"No. I could never hate you, Euphy." He quickly denied. "All I know anymore is hate, but never for you."
Her head rose, meeting the false gaze of his blue eyes. "Then why...why didn't you come back?"
He had no answer. Not anymore.
"I'm sorry." was all he could offer. "I'm sorry."
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