AN:

Komod0-Sensei: Lelouch doesn't know what cards Suzaku has up his sleeve. After all, Suzaku did wipe out several Black Knight warehouses all on his own, so how would Lelouch know what he's capable of?

Knighthunter911700: Karma Suzaku continously lies to himself, saying how much he wants to kill Lelouch, not caring what it costs him. But, deep within his heart, he still wants to be with Euphemia, so if he can salvage a relationship with her out of this situation, he'll try to. That's why he hasn't made a move to kill Lelouch in broad daylight since the first attempt. Of course, there's also the fact that Kallen's around, and he knows she'll cause some trouble, so he can't just pick a fight out of the blue. Suzaku is still very much a hypocrite, even in these circumstances.

Alan Wake: OT Lelouch can't really do much in this situation. I already have the events for this battle planned out in my head, now it's just time to execute them.

Samurai Seven: OT Kallen doesn't know that KT Suzaku knows about the warehouse location, if that's what you're asking.

REKS021: It could happen. Or maybe it couldn't.

Guests: I've been thinking about how Karma V.V and Karma Suzaku are going to interact. I obviously have the outline for it, it's just the finer details need to be written.

Chapter 76: Battle of Tokyo

March 19th. 3:00PM Black Knight Warehouse

"And on this momentous occasion, Prime Minister Schneizel and General Smilas have signed an agreement between The Holy Britannian Empire, and The United Republic of Europia. Such an agreement, states that neither shall wage a full-scale conflict against the other, for the foreseeable six months, where the treaty would need to be renewed."

"It seems Smilas wasn't as gullible as I thought." Lelouch commented as the broadcast went on.

"What do you mean?" Naoto asked.

"Well, with this treaty, only full-scale conflicts aren't allowed. Obviously, the deal itself is very weak, especially considering… 'accidents' could happen on the boarders of Britannia and Europia."

"So what? Are you saying that they'll still fight?" Clara added

"Yes. It just won't turn into a full-scale conflict, unless the other side escalates it. Honestly, this deal works more in Smilas' favor, considering that Europia likes to operate in smaller detachments. Ones that could easily be written off as deserters, should they be caught."

"Why would Schneizel accept such a deal?" Kallen interjected, "I mean… if it only helps Europia, doesn't that mean he failed the negotiations?"

"Not exactly." Lelouch pointed at the treaty, "Technically, the Media isn't allowed to report the full details of this treaty, due to Schneizel's orders. However, considering how big of a step this is, they need something to report. So, by the graciousness of his heart, Schneizel allowed them to read off just a section of that treaty."

"Wait… why? Why aren't they allowed to report the whole thing?"

"They've only signed the first page. Look at how thick that stack of paper is." the Prince leaned back in his seat, "They still have a lot to go over, but this is the main attraction."

"Peace." Naoto muttered.

"Or so it would seem." C.C spoke up as she clutched a cheese-kun plushie, "Isn't that right, Lelouch?"

The Prince sighed, but before he could respond, the broadcast continued to questions from the reporters, "This is a question for Prime Minister Schneizel." one stood up, and read off his prompt, "What does this new peace with Europia mean for the Chinese Federation, who have been reportedly moving a fleet along the East China Seas toward Area 11?"

Schneizel clasped his hands, and gave a charismatic smile, "Well, since we've made peace with Europia, that leaves the Chinese Federation as the only remaining Nation who still wishes to wage war against Britannia. Of course, the Federation isn't the main issue, as I'm sure my sister, Marrybell Mel Britannia, can easily dispose of them. However, the rising threat of the Black Knights is still at large, and I fear they may use the confusion to mount an assault." Lelouch clenched his fists upon hearing his brother mention the Black Knights, "That's why… I'll be travelling to Area 11 to personally oversee the destruction of the Black Knights and Chinese Federation fleet myself."

The entire audience gasped as the reporters stood up in outrage, shouting question after question, trying to get the Prime Minister to explain himself. Of course, this surprise extended far beyond the relatively tiny room, as people around the world heard this declaration, "This can't be…" Lelouch muttered as he felt his world shatter, "Damn it. I have to speed everything up. We can't afford to let Schneizel get here while Japan is under Britannian control, otherwise defeat is assured. I have to come up with a plan, and fast."

"I will no longer be answering questions about Area 11." Schneizel announced, with a simple hand raise, that seemed to command the room to a steady silence.

Another reporter was chosen to speak, and she stood up, "You said that the Chinese Federation is the only remaining Nation who still wishes to wage war against Britannia, correct? Well, what about the Middle East? As you know, Princess Cornelia has made great leaps in conquering it, but… the fight is still going on strong, and some experts state that this fighting could last a few more years. What do you say about that?"

Schneizel calmly took a sip of water, before answering, "Well, those 'experts' clearly don't understand who my sister is. I'd say… she'll have the Middle East conquered by the beginning of April."

The reporter tried to get another question, but was quickly seated by a soldier, who was in charge of passing the mic around. He then handed it off to another, "This isn't necessarily a question about your trip to Area 11, but more so your thoughts on the Black Knights as a whole. What's your opinion on Zero? And why do you think the Black Knights were able to cause so many problems within Area 11?"

"That's simple. I believe Zero is a man who has shown great battle intellect. But outside of that, he's a fool. If he does somehow 'free' Area 11 of Britannian control, what then? The small nation wouldn't be able to defend itself from a complete Chinese Federation takeover, who would surely treat the Elevens worse than Britannia. Under Viceroy Lila's rule, Area 11's economy has begun thriving unlike any Area before it. So, I cannot see any reason the Elevens would want to 'free' themselves from something that's improved their lives." Schneizel leaned forward confidently, making sure his voice was clear and concise, "As for how they were able to cause so many problems, it's simply because my sister is focused on improving the lives of the people, and not fighting a senseless war against barbarians who cannot accept change."

The room once against bursts with questions, though, only one caught the Prime Minister's attention, "What about the reports we have of Zero appearing in the Middle East!?"

That question made Schneizel raise his hand once more, silencing the audience, "Where did you get such information?"

"A-according to a rumor spreading around Zilkhstan's capital, Grablhad, they said Zero aided them in defeating Cornelia. This also corroborates the information regarding the Black Knights as a force that 'defends the weak'."

Schneizel raised an eyebrow slightly, not enough for anyone in the room to actually notice, "I see… so despite my best efforts to hide such an incident, it seems it's gotten out into the public. No matter. It doesn't seem like they know about my presence there, so this'll be easy to put to rest." his face returned to normal, and he smiled once more, "Fortunately, those rumors are simply that. Rumors. Otherwise, my sister would've surely informed me of Zero's presence there."

Finally, Lelouch stood up, and put on his mask, wordlessly exiting his office, "Hey… where are you-" before Naoto could finish his sentence, the Prince was already outside on the catwalk, overlooking the Black Knights below, as they watched the broadcast.

Among them, Tohdoh stood with the Four Holy Swords, "Tohdoh." Zero called, "I see you've been distracted."

"My apologies." the Miracle worker replied, "Just… Schneizel's words were-"

"Nothing to be concerned about." Lelouch's words echoed throughout the warehouse, "Now, what's the status on our preparations?"

Tohdoh stood straight as Zero approached, "We've done as you asked. The resistance groups around Tokyo Settlement are ready to rise up at a moment's notice. However, the rest will only follow if we go through with this." then, he cleared his throat, "By the way… are you sure about this?"

"I've never been more sure." Zero answered effortlessly, "A definitive battle is on the rise. And if we don't strike now, then we'll be washed away under the weight of Marrybell's relentless attacks." the room watched as the masked man gave his inspirational speech in awe, "With the Chinese Federation hours from commencing a full-scale attack, now is the best time to strike. We'll capture the Viceroy palace in one fell-swoop." he stopped at the warehouse entrance, and spread out his arms, "Today! We'll remind the world, the horrors that all numbers, across the globe, experience! With this, we'll show the other Areas, that they do matter! That their fighting is worth something!"

"A mass revolution?" Tohdoh muttered, "You're trying to spark fighting among Britannian controlled territories, so that they can't focus on just us."

"Correct. Because remember, this isn't just about Japan. It's about the whole world!" behind the masked man, a news van pulled up, and out came Diethard Reid, who had a smug smile plastered all over his face, "Listen to your designated commanders. They'll tell you what to do when the time comes."

Lelouch then moved to enter the van, only to be stopped by Kallen, "Where are you going?" she asked, "Let me come with you."

"No. You need to stay with Naoto. He'll need you far more than I will, especially with what I'm going to do."

The red head suddenly felt her boyfriend slipping from her grasp. All the work she had done to stay by his side, and yet now… he was willing to toss her to the side. For what? What was he going to do that didn't require her presence? Her heart ached at the implications. Was Lelouch reverting to his old personality? Why? Did she do something wrong? Did he-

"Kallen." C.C's voice cut through her thoughts, "Lelouch is just trying to keep you safe. With Naoto, he knows that'll be a fact." she carefully guided the fiery woman back inside, "I'm sure your brother will explain everything."

"But why didn't Lelouch tell me? Does he not trust me?" Kallen begrudgingly shuffled back inside, much to the notice of the Black Knights, who found her behavior odd.

Lelouch felt pain strike his heart, as he felt like he just hurt his girlfriend. But… this plan had been in the works for a while, and it would've been too complicated to explain right then and there. So, as much discomfort as it brought him, he couldn't explain. Time was of the essence.

March 19th. 7:00PM. Kyushu.

"Alright, Suzaku. You've read the manual, correct?" Cecile asked as the Knight straddled his legs, and put his hand on the runway.

"I have. It's a bit complicated, but I think I understand it." he lied. After all, the Float System seemed to be familiar to the Air Glide System Rakshata had created in his timeline. So, while he did read up on the weapons, he didn't bother checking on the flight controls. "All systems cleared. Lancelot Air Cavalry ready to launch.

"Roger." Cecile gave Lloyd a thumbs up, and he quickly pressed a few buttons.

"You understand your objective, correct?" the mad scientist asked as the runway cleared.

"Yes. I'm to destroy the incoming Chinese Federation fleet." Suzaku answered as he extended the wings, "Once I do that, I'll RTB."

"In that case, prepare for launch countdown." Lloyd started the announcement, and the Knight drowned out all other sounds.

"Lelouch should be under extreme pressure due to Marrybell wiping out his forces one-by-one. Coupling that with the stress of knowing I want him dead, and he should be cracking at the seams. What's his next move?" As Suzaku thought this, the countdown came to one, and his Knightmare bursts forth, using the momentum to build enough speed for take off.

Soon, the Lancelot was soaring through the air, as free as a bird out to sea. In the distance, dozens of Chinese ships approached the Island of Kyushu, intending on taking the land for themselves, establishing a foothold to assault from. Suzaku reached down, and pulled out two VARIS rifles, intending to bring death from above. However, that's when Cecile chimed in, "Suzaku, wait!"

"For what? I have them in my-"

"It's Zero! Change to channel two."

Those words got the Knight's attention, and he instantly switched stations, where he saw the masked man in a studio, "People of Japan, hear me!"

"Turn that shit off!" a manager shouted at his employees as they hurried to shut down the station.

"W-we're trying!"

Suzaku clenched his controls as Zero continued, "I have brought to you a recording of some conversations we've captured from those who want to 'better Area 11'. These are their true feelings! I want you, the Japanese, to decide whether they're guilty or not!" the footage then cut to a room, which was filmed from an angle behind Carine as she spoke to Marrybell.

"Ugh. I can't believe we actually have to collaborate with Lila and little Euphie. They're honestly so naive, thinking they can do anything for those barbarians." Carine complained while leaning back in her seat.

"I agree." Marrybell surprisingly said, "I wish there was some kind of way we could eliminate them from the equation completely."

"Maybe there is… perhaps we could assassinate them?"

"That's a good idea. I'll have the preparations ready for tonight."

"Once we do that, we'll begin slaughtering the Eleven infestation, starting with Shinjuku." Carine added with a cackle, "They'll never even know what hit 'em! Those foolish Elevens have grown way too complacent." the broadcast continued with a compliation of Carine detailing how she'll destroy the Elevens, making them pay for even daring to question her.

Shinjuku Ghetto.

The entire county cried in outrage at the words being uttered through their television screens. However, this wouldn't be enough to start a wide-spread revolution. They just needed one more push. Naoto looked at his radio, and pressed the intercom button, before uttering one word, "Uprising."

All over Japan, resistance groups began rising up, filling the streets in great number as they set fire to numerous building. While the groups were originally small, they soon grew to great numbers, as the Japanese, who didn't condone terrorism, joined the wave of civil unrest, upon realizing just how many people were truly outraged by the broadcast. "Start running your mouth, Tamaki." Ohgi ordered his friend as they drove through the streets of Shinjuku with a megaphone.

The Japanese man smiled and sat atop his Burai, "Did ya hear that! Are you really just going to stay in your homes, and allow Britannia to stomp all over you!? It's clear they don't care! Marrybell and Carine want you dead! Rise up!"

While Tamaki was no motivational speaker, he spoke for the majority of the Japanese people, and could relate to them better than most of the Black Knight leaders. This gave him the ability to set unrest amongst a population, through just how loud he spoke. After all, he doesn't have to be right. He just has to pander to say what's on everyone's mind, and they'll follow suit. "It's now or never! If we want to be free from Britannian tyranny! We need to fight back!" Ohgi chimed in, "Join us in our fight!"

Like clockwork, Japanese people began flooding out onto the streets, each angrier than the last, as they were passed weapons from the back of a large trailer.

Viceroy Palace.

"What utter horseshit!" Marrybell slammed the wooden meeting table, causing it to crack upon impact, "I never said that about Lila, or Euphemia!"

"C-calm down." the Viceroy desperately tried to calm her sister down, "I know you'd never say anything like that…"

"If I may interject, I believe the recording was spliced together. It's subtle, but your lips don't properly sync with your words." Oldrin added, "Besides, I vividly remember the conversation where you spoke of 'eliminating them from the equation completely'. I believe you were referring to the JLF."

"But… Carine…" Euphemia turned to the red-haired Princess, "Those words were real, weren't they?"

Carine stayed silent as she stared out the window aimlessly. The city was ablaze with gunfire making its way to even the Viceroy Palace. "Let's just focus on the defense for now." she finally uttered while standing up. Her hair covered her eyes as she tried to walk out of the room, only to get stopped by Oldrin.

"Where do you think you're going?" the Knight tightly gripped the Princess' arm, holding her in place.

"Let her go." Marrybell stated, "Internal fighting will get us nowhere. We need everyone to fend off this… rebellion." she pointed at her sister, "That includes you, Carine."

"Why the hell would we do that!? She's a traitor! What if she stabs us in the back?" Oldrin protested.

"Carine values self-preservation above all else. She knows that if the Black Knights win here, what they'll do to her will be 10 times worse than what we'll do." the Hero Princess shivered, "That would include me too."

The Knight's eyes widened, "M-my apologies. I wasn't thinking about that." she let Carine go, and stood at attention, "Then allow me to lead the defense with Rai!"

"Thank you, Oldrin. But, I'll be joining you out there."

"With your Gloucester?"

"Not exactly." Marrybell gave Carine a stern look as she put one foot out the room, "Call Cecile and Lloyd back. We need them here, in Tokyo settlement."

"What about us!?" Euphemia called, "We can't just sit around and do nothing!"

"Yes, you can." the Hero Princess answered coldly, "We can't afford you two getting captured. The safest place is the Viceroy palace, as it'll be heavily defended. Just keep an eye on the map, and let us know of incoming Black Knight reinforcements, or… if Schneizel is nearby. He should be here by midnight."

"M-midnight!?" Lila exclaimed, "But… Euphie said it would take him at least 15 hours to get here… and the announcement only happened 4 hours ago…"

Marrybell smirked, "That broadcast was recorded yesterday. Right now, Schneizel's really hoofing it to us."

"If that were true… why isn't he here now?"

"He had to make a stop at Area 6 first. Something about a new weapon." her attention then turned to the broadcast, which was still ongoing, "That perspective… it was from Dasko, wasn't it?" her eyes narrowed, "So, he really was a traitor through and through. I should have him executed now."

"Absolutely not!" Carine protested, "I… I don't permit you to do such a thing."

"He's a traitor. It doesn't matter what you say. After this battle, I'll execute him myself."

The red-haired Princess clenched her fist, "Every day… you're sounding more and more like Cornelia." she stormed away, presumably heading toward her G1, where she would take command of her portion of the army.

"So… Schneizel's gonna be here by midnight?" Euphemia asked for confirmation.

"Yes. We just have to hold the Black Knights off until then."

"And cut!" Diethard announced as the studio went offline, "Excellent work, Zero." he greeted the masked man as he walked off-stage, "A true performance for the ages! With this, Japan has been thrown into turmoil-no! The whole world! A new age!" the man clasped his hands with a devilish grin, "And I'll be at the forefront, reporting every second of it!"

"Diethard Reid. I had connections with him for a few months now. The first instance was when I asked him to compile a recording consisting of the corruption within Clovis' cabinet. However, with Lila suddenly taking over, those recordings became useless, so I had to find a new solution. That solution was Carine. After I Geassed Dasko, I had him covertly record his conversations within the Viceroy palace, and handed them off to Diethard so he could heavily edit them to spin a proper narrative in our favor." Lelouch stepped out into the hallway, followed by two Geassed security guards, "But, that wouldn't be enough. So, I had Naoto plant numerous resistance groups all over Japan that, while fighting under a different name, still worked under the Black Knights. Obviously, the Japanese people who joined such groups didn't know of such a fact, and unknowingly signed on with the Black Knights."

The Prince stepped out to the heliport, where he was instantly hit with heavy rain, as the city before him fell into chaos. At the center of the heliport, the Kagero sat in a kneeling position, waiting for its commander to take control, "But, there's no way we could've suddenly revealed such a fact to those resistance groups, who believed they were fighting independently for Japan. So, that's why we had Tohdoh round them up to give them a proposition. If Zero could provide the public with proof of Britannian corruption, then they'd take up arms and fight alongside us." Lelouch entered his Kagero and booted up the system, taking off his helmet in the process, shaking off the excess water, "Though, that only worked for the resistance groups within Tokyo itself. After all, the battle for Japan isn't just Tokyo. So, we had an added condition for those in the other regions, that they'd only rise up, if we were able to make the impossible possible: bringing Britannia to its knees." he leapt from building to building, making his way toward the main part of the city that was on fire, where most of the fighting was taking place, "While it might seem like we actually have to win the battle to get them to rise up, with Diethard constantly broadcasting the battle, there's a good chance they'll jump in prematurely upon hearing our success, skyrocketing our chances of victory."

As the Kagero soared through the air, it came across a small squadron of Apache's as they tried to gun down a resistance group running amok on the streets below. Using his slash harkens, Lelouch destroyed two Apaches, before grabbing the last one by the tail, and hurling it into a building, where it exploded upon impact. Now, the Black Knightmare stood before the resistance group as they stared in awe, "Right now. This is our best chance of victory." he monologues to himself, "Sure, it's playing dirty, but I haven't been gaining major strides while exclusively playing on the battlefield before, so I see no problem with doing so now."

Kallen effortlessly cut through a Sutherland with her fork knife, and along with the Zero Squad, moved toward the Viceroy palace, where a captured G1 followed them through. Within the G1, Naoto sat in the command seat, giving orders while dressed as Zero. "Ohgi! Peel your group off the main assault, and capture Ashford Academy! We're within range now!"

"On it!" Kaname reported as he, Tamaki, Naomi, and the rest of his squad maneuvered through the chaotic streets.

"P3! Make sure you're following them! I want that place ready for a command center!"

"As you wish, Zero!" two APCs and a tank reported as they followed Ohgi's group.

"I'm going too." C.C reported as she moved her Burai toward the Ashford, "You too, Clara!" the pink-haired girl followed suit in her captured Gloucester, "Last time, V.V captured Nunnally during the battle. If I can get there before that, I will be able to ensure her safety."

"Damn Elevens!" a Sutherland pilot shouted as he had a group of Burai's pin down, "You want some!?"

In an instant, his Knightmare was destroyed by Mario, who sped through the streets at astonishing speeds. "These new enhancements… they're incredible!"

"It's not just the Knightmare." as if reading his mind, his sister chimed in, "You've gotten a lot better." she wiped away a fake tear, "It's so nice to see my little brother finally growing up."

"I'm not your little brother!" the black-haired boy protested, "Remember, I was born first!"

"Were you? I don't remember that."

Mario rolled his eyes as he cartwheeled through a building, narrowly dodging an incoming VARIS round. Before him now stood the Lancelot Club, as it's penetrating gaze kept him still, "I didn't think Zero would go so far as to produce edited footage. Yet… here we are." he announced as the Sougetsu kept it's Naginata in front of itself. "You know, I'd say he's no better than Britannia with those kinds of methods."

"Don't try debating philosophy with me!" Mario protested while zooming through a building, using it as cover to avoid Rai's VARIS. "It's Britannia who's the corrupt ones!" he appeared to the right of the boy, and brought his Naginata down, only for it to miss.

The Club used it's landspinners to scale a building, keeping the long-range advantage, as the Sougetsu effectively had no answer to it. "I figured as much. You won't admit to your own faults." Rai said in a slightly dejected tone, "It's getting harder and harder for me to justify not killing Lelouch. But… I know Euphemia cares for him, so I must-"

Maya suddenly appeared in her own Sougetsu behind the Club, and brought her Naginata down, only for it to be met with an MVS lance, "It's a two-on-one!" she announced they toppled off the building. Below, Mario poised his weapon, ready to pierce through the Club. Luckily, Rai used his slash harkens to swing himself away from the siblings. "Awe. He recovered." the black-haired girl muttered just as she crashed into the ground.

"Maya!" Mario checked on his sister, who emerged from the dust with mild damage to her frame, "Are you okay?"

"I'm a little banged up, but I can still fight." she replied while facing down the Club, "Let's finish this guy off for good!"

"Right!" the siblings prepared for battle together, while Rai fired a VARIS round at them.

Naoto watched everything unfold with a smile, "This is great. We can actually do this. Not only do we outnumber Britannia, but I'm pretty sure the quality of our frames are just better. If things continue like this-"

"Master Zero." a young lady called from the Kozuki's left, forcing him to turn, and face a little girl, who was dressed like Japanese Royalty, "I'm so happy to finally meet you face-to-face."

Naoto turned to the nearest Black Knight and asked, "Why are we allowing kids on the bridge? Especially in times of war?"

"Z-Zero… that girl… she's-"

Before the Black Knight could finish his sentence, the girl interjected, "My name is Kaguya Sumeragi, and I'm a part of the six houses of Kyoto. The main backers behind the Black Knight regime." she then puffed out her cheeks, "I can't believe you forgot about me. Especially since we just met the other day."

Naoto's eyes narrowed beneath his mask, "Uh… we did?"

"Yes! We did!"

"It seems… that memory has escaped me…" the Kozuki leaned forward, "Lelouch met this girl? Why? I know she's a part of the House of Kyoto, so it must've been about business… but why didn't he bring me along? Or at the very least, tell me?"

"No matter." Kaguya smiled, "I'm here to propose another deal."

"Another?"

"I didn't get the chance yesterday, but… you'll need a wife someday after you win this war, right? Well, for you to have a life where you cannot reveal your identity to the world, I believe there will be someone who can calm your soul."

"Um… I'm spoken for." Naoto answered while deep in thought, "Another deal? What was the first one?"

"That's no problem. I'm sure your current woman will have no problem with me joining in as a consort. After all, I have no objections to bearing your child-"

"You really just don't give up." Zero snapped, "Besides, don't you think there are better things to do in life than to surrender yourself to a man so early? I mean, you look young, so I'm sure you've got a lot you still wanna do in life."

Kaguya raised an eyebrow, "I don't expect to bear your child so soon… but if you wish it-"

"That's not what I'm saying!" Naoto frantically stated, "Anyway, would you mind filling me in on the… deal we made the other day?"

Now, the Japanese Princess was suspicious. The man she spoke with a few days ago wasn't like this. Not even close, "Only if you can tell me what I was wearing that day."

Naoto groaned, "The same thing you're wearing now." he muttered, "After all, I hear Princess' wear the same thing all the time in fairy tales."

"Imposter!" Kaguya poked the mask with a stern face, "It was a trick question! I was hidden behind a mural when we met, so how would you know what I wore?" she moved to Naoto's right, and began poking him from there, "Were you even listening to what I said earlier!?"

The Black Knights looked at each other in the background and shrugged at the situation, thinking the girl was being crazy, "Oh just-Get out." Naoto waved her off, "I have a battle to win here."

"Or lose." the Princess said ominously.

Those words froze the Kozuki in place, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, you wanted another sub placed in the docks for a quick escape, didn't you?"

Those words helped Naoto to realize the deal Kaguya and Zero made, "Oh. That's where the extra came from. But I thought Lelouch got those from Rakshata?"

"Regardless, I don't plan on losing." the masked man stood up, and left the command room, "I'll be leading from the frontline's. Make sure… Princess Sumeragi is safe." he ordered the Black Knights as the G1 came to a halt.

Kaguya shrugged and took a seat in the command chair, "Don't worry, I'll take care of things until the real Zero arrives."

"Keep telling yourself that." Naoto muttered as he booted up the Kagero, and used the catapult to launch himself onto the battlefield.

"Hold them back!" Oldrin ordered as she fired upon some Burais that tried to scale the walls of the inner-perimeter of Tokyo Settlement, "As long as we keep the walls, they won't break through!"

"Playing passively will get you nowhere!" Luciano shouted as he fearlessly leapt into the fray alone, "I'll carve us a path so we can attack from behind!" using his lance, he punctured three Burais at once, before hoisting them up like a skewer. Then, he twirled the lance once, sending the bodies flying into three more Burais as they tried to surround him. "Oh so free for the slaughter!" he charged forth, and clashed destroyed another Burai as it tried to avenge its comrades.

"He's a real riot…" Gino muttered as the Knight of Ten slaughtered numerous Black Knights below. "Might as well join in!"

"Wait just a-" but it was too late, as the Knight of Three had already jumped, and used his lance to slam a Burai, using it as a buffer for his landing. Once the dust cleared, he burst forth and tried to begin his rein of chaos, only to be stopped by a Black Knightmare.

"Ah-It's you again." the blonde muttered as he separated from the Kagero, which was leading the second wave of Black Knights, "Or is it-"

"Nope. It's me." Naoto answered while drawing his MVS, "Naoto Kozuki."

"I'm surprised you actually told me your name before. I was sure you'd lie." Gino responded while bringing out his own MVS, "Though, I am still going to kill you. After all, I can't let our precious Viceroy get killed today."

"I wouldn't expect any less from someone like you, Gino."

Just as their duel was about to begin, the voice of Zero echoed throughout Tokyo, causing some of the fighting to stop, while others continued, not hearing the masked man's voice over the gun fire, "Marrybell!" he called, "I have a proposition for you!"

The Hero Princess was currently inside an ASEEC warehouse, where Lloyd and Cecile had just been dropped off by Suzaku, who hurriedly flew off to the front lines. Due to this, she was only able to hear the broadcast, but not respond. Luckily, another Princess answered the call, "Zero!" Lila cried, "Why have you done this!? That recording, it's-"

Before she could finish her sentence, Lelouch interrupted her by demanding, "Surrender now, and I shall guarantee all Britannian royalty within Area 11 safety."

"Why should I believe you!?" the little Princess snapped, "You're nothing but a monster! Someone who only cares for their own gain! Tell the truth, you don't care about Japan! You don't even care about the Black Knights! They're just a means to an end, aren't they!? It's all so you can achieve whatever sick vendetta with the Royal Family, isn't it!?"

"Of course I do. Doesn't everyone?" Lelouch answered heartlessly, "You make our lives miserable. Treat us like trash, while you live in your ivory tower, and look down upon us. Yet you want to help? As if!" he clenched his fist, and slammed his dashboard, "I'm being very generous by giving you a chance at safety, and yet you stomp all over it. So, let's do this again! Will you release the supports for the section blocks around Tokyo Settlement, allowing us to conduct a peaceful takeover, or will you force my hand? Just like I did with Prince Clovis."

"Screw you!" Lila screamed with tears in her eyes.

"Shh. It's okay!" Euphemia quickly moved to comfort her sister by holding her close as tears streamed down her cheeks, "Lelouch, you're going way too far! You'll traumatize Lila like this!"

"Very well." at that moment, a Britannian technician within an inner control room typed away with red rings around his eyes. Surrounding him, were the bodies of his friends, whom he mercilessly shot moments earlier. Then, with a final button press, the Tokyo Settlement section blocks bean collapsing at once. Shocking Britannian forces as they desperately tried to retreat.

"What the hell is this!?" Oldrin shouted as she felt the ground shake beneath her, "N-no way!? Did he manage to take out the support!? But how?" As they fell, they managed to catch a glimpse of the Kagero, as it stood atop of a building as a display of victory over Marrybell's forces. "You bastard!" However, the Knight's voice was drowned out by the sound of crashing tiles. For a second, the battlefield fell into silence as Lelouch laughed maniacally from above.

"I did it! I actually did it!" he leaned back in his seat, and sighed, "A plan actually worked… and all it took… was…" memories of his girlfriend and friends passed through his mind as he relished his victory, "Keep everything from them…" his euphoric face turned melancholic, before becoming stern once more, "No. I can't think of it like that. From the beginning, I knew this was how things would have to be. To defeat Britannia… I must be ruthless on the battlefield. I'll accept the punishments later, but for now-"

"You die!" Suzaku shouted as he collided with Lelouch's frame.

"What the hell!?" the Prince barely managed to block the Knight's incoming MVS strike with his newly installed Blaze Luminous shielding, courtesy of Rakshata. Though, Suzaku kept the momentum, and flew Lelouch through several buildings, kicking him away after the third.

The Kagero crashed through multiple floors as it bounced from wall-to-wall, causing minor damage to it's armor before coming to a stop at the bottom. From above, the Lancelot fired a VARIS round in an attempt to end the fight, obliterating the building as Lelouch narrowly escaped. "He can fly now?"

"Lelouch!" Suzaku cried as he flew in for a strafing run, managing to slice his opponents shoulder as they narrowly dodged at the last moment, "This ends today!"

The Prince gulped as the white Knightmare flew through the air at speeds rivaling a jet, "There's no way I can fight that." he ducked into a building just as the Knightmare strafed the street again, "It's too fast." he opened his map to check on Kyushu, which had been taken by the Chinese Federation, as Britannia retreated toward Honshu to establish a fully-fledged defense. Of course, even they knew they wouldn't hold out for long, especially with the sheer volume they were pitted against. Coupling that with the Black Knight rebellion, and all hope Britannia had of fending off the Chinese Federation turned to zero. Obviously, Lelouch knew this too. That's why he was trying to end the fight in Tokyo Settlement, that way his forces could turn around to face the incoming threat.

This battle would show the world how deadly the Japanese people, or rather, numbers in general were when they're pushed too far. Fighting off two world superpowers in the same night would be a victory that many would remember for years. But that would only be true if the Black Knight's succeeded.

"Step aside, Suzaku!" Lelouch demanded as he blasted into another building, narrowly dodging the Lancelot as it flew past once more. "I won't let you stop me. Not this time!"

The Knight hovered in place above the skyline, and pulled out both VARIS, "You think I won't raze this city just to kill you?" he began firing a flurry of VARIS shots at crucial buildings, causing them to topple after getting hit just once. "You thought wrong!"

"You're insane!" Lelouch shouted as he was drawn into the open by the destruction. Luckily, before Suzaku could get a clear shot, the dust from the falling buildings masked the Kagero as it flew through the streets.

"No more than you are." the Knight muttered as he fired more shots into the smoke, hoping to obliterate his enemy with a lucky hit. However, the blaring red alarm of his energy filler brought his attention to the power consumption of the float system, "Crap. I forgot about how much power these earlier models take." he holstered the twin VARIS, and pulled out his MVS, "I'll just have to get in close."

With a demonic look, the Lancelot descended into the smoke, blowing it away upon landing. Now that the field was clear, he got a clear look at the Kagero, as it faced him defensively with its MVS drawn. "That's good… I'm tired of you being a weasel, Lelouch!"

Instantly, any ground the Prince created between himself and Suzaku was made up, as the White Knightmare appeared before him, sending his left MVS forward. Lelouch parried that strike to his left, and smiled as he felt like he had a fighting chance. But, he was quickly brought back into reality, as his opponent brought their right MVS up, and used it in a dual-strike to disarm the Kagero, causing it to twirl. It only took a moment, but the Knightmare managed to recover, spreading its arms to gain balance. However, this swift recovery was only met with a swift kick to the chest, sending it flying into a building.

Lelouch stood up, getting into a fighting stance, only to find himself dodging a signature Suzaku spinning kick, as it came in hard and fast. The sheer force from the Lancelot's leg managed to cut the building supports, causing it to fall backwards as the Kagero grappled its opponent's left arm, hoping to disarm the MVS, just like Kallen taught him. But before he could execute the move, Suzaku reverse gripped his other blade, and tried stabbing Lelouch's cockpit. Luckily for the Prince, he managed to duck the strike, freeing the Lancelot in the process.

Even so, Suzaku wasn't one to waste an opportunity. So, he used this chance to send his knee into the Kagero's face, causing it to fly into the crashing building. The Knight watched as the rubble buried his best friend, someone who haunted his dreams time and time again. Admittedly, he hoped that Lelouch wouldn't die, as he still wanted to deal the finishing blow.

As they say, 'Be careful what you wish for'. Because soon, the Kagero emerged from the rubble unscathed thanks to its Blaze Luminous. "Nothing I do seems to work against him. Suzaku's just on another level. As expected of that exercise nut."

Lelouch breathed heavily as he put him arms up to block an incoming dual strike from the Lancelot, sending him flying even further back. Before he could crash into another building, the Prince used his slash harkens to anchor himself to the ground, where he could make a mad dash toward the palace. Of course, Suzaku saw this, and tried to cut him off, only to narrowly dodge a Raiko shell, "Don't worry Zero! We got you!"

The Knight rolled his eyes. It only took a moment for him to zoom past the oversized rail gun, destroying it with a single slash across the center. Though, this gave the Prince just enough time to make a getaway into a crowd of Black Knight Burais, which wouldn't cause any trouble for Suzaku. They'd just be very annoying. "If my calculations are correct, the only special Knightmares Lelouch has, are the Kageros, Sougetsus, and the Guren. Everything else is mediocre, and I can cut them down with ease." he destroyed a group of Burais within seconds, and kept chasing after the Kagero's retreating back, "I just have to pile on the pressure. And this battle will be mine-"

Just like a phantom, the red Knightmare that caused problems for the Knight so many times before, appeared in front of him, blocking his advance. "I was wondering when you'd show up." Suzaku taunted, "Though… I wonder why Lelouch didn't have you by his side in the first place. Could it be-"

"Shut up." the red head calmly stated while getting in a battle stance, "You don't know anything about Lelouch and I. So, I won't tolerate your baseless claims."

"Whatever." the Knight lifted himself into the sky, "Luckily, I don't have to waste my time fighting you. After all, I can fly."

Kallen quickly used her slash harken to bring herself up to a building near Suzaku's level, and lunged at the Lancelot, forcing it to dodge at the last moment, "You think flying gives you an advantage or something!?" she exclaimed while landing on another building, only to find Suzaku even higher than before.

"Actually… I do." the Lancelot quickly flew toward the Kagero, only to be stopped by two S-RES wires as they wrapped around his body, slamming him into the ground.

"Kozuki!" Nagisa shouted, "We're here to help!"

"Holy Swords…" Suzaku muttered as he used his Blaze Luminous to cut the wires, "I forgot about them." he scanned the two Gekkas before him, "I wonder where Tohdoh is…"

But the Knight didn't have time to worry about that, as he quickly dodged an incoming attack from the Guren. "Looks like you'll have to fight me after all." the red head taunted as Nagisa and Asahina stood in the background.

"It seems so." Suzaku pointed an MVS at his opponent, "Though, it won't be much of a fight, since my specs are higher."

"Shut up and fight, coward!"

"As you wish!"

Time until the Chinese Federation reaches Tokyo: 5 hours.

Countdown until the total annihilation of the Black Knights: 6 hours.

AN: The fight for Tokyo Settlement has officially begun. You'll also notice Lelouch is slowly losing his mind, since he hasn't had a clean victory in so long. He's wants to get a win that he can properly count on the board, after experiencing so many narrow victories (which don't count in his mind, since they don't lead to a net positive in the long run. Just losing Knightmare after Knightmare in a senseless battle where nothing is accomplished isn't a victory in his mind, even if the objective is completed. If he loses too much, it's basically a loss for him.) That's why he's taken so many secrete precautions to win this one, and slightly reverted to how he was in R1.

Also, there was more to the broadcast, but it was mostly just Carine spiteful words on repeat, and I didn't deem it necessary to include, since we've all heard it before.