Viceroy Palace
Joseph was happily walking through the halls of the palace, jamming out to his tunes. It's been some time since he woke up from his coma and he was making sure to make up for lost time with his siblings and friends. Nina and Kallen were acting a bit strange though, lately Kallen was trying to distance herself from him while Nina wanted nothing but to be close to him. While he appreciated how friendly Nina was, he couldn't help but wonder what he did to make her so. As for Kallen, he couldn't think of what he did to upset her, but he would make sure to apologize and make her a card to express as such. When he asked Milly what was up, she just gave him a knowing smile and said "just girls trying to figure out their feelings." Whatever that meant.
What's there to know about feelings, you have happy, sad, angry, fear, and disgust. It's not that complicated.
His thought process stopped when he heard talking coming from Cornelia's office. He put his ear next to the wall and recognized the voices of Cornelia, Euphemia, Guilford, Darlton. It was muffled, but he could make it out.
"Euphemia, in honor of Clovis and his art week, you're going to be in charge of the opening of his Memorial Museum of Art." Cornelia told her.
"Yes Viceroy." Euphemia said professionally.
"Art Week huh? Clovis was a fan of painting. Though if it was true art week, there would be copies of Toy Story showing and Cher records playing." Joseph thought with a smirk.
"And what is the process of the trial for the terrorist, Kyoshiro Tohdoh?" Cornelia asked.
"Huh?! Sensei!?" Joseph thought in surprise.
...
Viceroy Palace - Cornelia's Office
"Kyoshiro Tohdoh was found guilty of terrorism and prompting war against Britannia." Darlton informed Cornelia.
"Excellent. Have him executed tonight. Now then-" Before Cornelia could get another word in...
*POW*
Someone's head suddenly burst through the wall, a head that belonged to Joseph. Startling everyone in the room.
"WHAT!?" Joseph yelled in anger and shock.
"J-Joseph?" Euphemia said in shock, not expecting that.
Suddenly, Joseph brings his fist through the wall, and then his entire body. Leaving a human-sized hole in his tracks behind him.
"What you mean 'execute'?! Why?!" Joseph demanded an explanation.
While Guilford and Darlton were still reeling from the fact that Joseph broke a large hole through the wall, Cornelia was able to compose herself quicker.
"Kyoshiro Tohdoh was taken into custody a few days ago. He will face capital punishment for his crimes." Cornelia told him simply.
"Can't do that! My sensei!" Joseph told her angrily.
The four of them looked in surprise.
"Sensei?" Guilford asked.
"Yeah. Trip around world. Japan one of them. Tohdoh trained me." Joseph explained.
"That explains a lot." Euphemia thought as she remembered how he took down all those JLF members at the hotel. "I never knew that." Euphemia said astonished.
"Now Corn, do right thing and let go." Joseph suggested happily. Cornelia's eye twitched at that.
"Joseph, I'm sorry if this personal for you. But I'm not going to let him go just because he taught you some fight moves."
"But good guy!" Joseph argued.
"He's a terrorist who has caused the Britannian Empire multiple humiliations and casualties!" Cornelia said in annoyance. "Having him executed is the right thing to do, his death will send a message to terrorists like Zero and his eleven followers that eventually their luck runs out." Cornelia explained in a professional manner.
It was at that moment, Joseph slammed his hands on Cornelia's desk with a very dark look on his face, shocking the others.
"Let. Sensei. Go. Now." Joseph told Cornelia in a low, steady voice.
"Joe..." Euphemia said, scared to see Joseph like this.
Cornelia on the other hand was furious, who stood up from her chair and looked Joseph dead in the eye.
"Now you listen to me, Joseph Du Britannia. You may be my brother and a member of the royal family, but I am still Viceroy of this Area and I will not let my decision be deterred just because you don't agree with it. So if I say there is an execution held, there will be an execution held." Cornelia told Joseph in a low voice. "You don't have to like my choice, but better damn well respect it, you will respect me, and you will respect my authority. Do I make myself clear?!" She asked angrily.
The two starred intensely, burning holes into one another for a few moments. Darlton, Guilford, and Euphemia watched in silence, wondering how this was going to play out.
"...fine..." Joseph finally said, in a tone that didn't really mean it.
He turn around and walked in an angry pace.
"Joseph, wait!" Euphemia called out, not wanting their meeting to end like this. But Joseph just raised his hand in silence, not wanting to hear it.
They saw he was heading towards the wall again.
"Um, your highness..." Guilford called out, to no avail.
To which then Joseph blew another human-sized hole through the wall, right next to the previous one he made.
Cornelia groaned at this as she pinched the bridge of her nose, knowing this was another headache she'll have to deal with today.
"Sister, don't you think that was a little harsh?" Euphemia asked, not even caring anymore that her brother showed off such immense strength.
"He needs to understand how things work, Euphemia. I can't force him to grow up but I can certainly remind him of our policy of life." Cornelia lectured her, Euphemia looked down sadly at this.
"It's a very unfair policy to say the least." Euphemia thought to herself.
...
Ashford Academy
"C'mon, Lelouch, quit moving around, will ya?!" Rivalz complained.
"O–oh, sorry guys." Lelouch apologized, trying to go back to his original pose, not realizing he was moving so much.
At the moment, he was posing for his art class. which the student council was also attending. Somehow he got roped into it by Milly, annoying him to no end.
"No, your sight line was lower." Rivalz told Lelouch.
"Like this?" Lelouch asked, moving his position again.
"No. Too far, a little higher!" Rivalz instructed.
"Good?" Lelouch asked, trying again.
"Now your expression's totally different from when we started!" Rivalz complained as he went over to Lelouch, realizing he had to do it himself. "This was like this, that went kinda like that, and this was here! There!" Rivalz said after rearranging Lelouch's face a bit.
Revealing a clueless smiling Lelouch, with a head cocked to the side and hand holding it up.
"That's not how he was!" A student complained.
"I liked the frowney-face more!" Another student complained.
"C'mon, everyone! I prefer him looking clueless!" Rivalz argued.
"Shirley, don't we have math for first period?" Nina asked as she walked into the classroom.
"Don't you remember, it's Art Week. Prince Clovis had declared that." Shirley told her cheerfully.
Though inwardly, Shirley lost any respect she had for Prince Clovis. After Lelouch told her about the order he gave to kill all the civilians in Shinjuku and all the experiments he ran on C.C., she held nothing but contempt and disgust for the man, if you could even call him that.
Suddenly, a determined Joseph came through the classroom like a man on a mission. Surprising the people there.
"J-Joseph!" Nina said with a nervous blush.
"Joe?" Lelouch said in surprise, not seeing Joseph with this type of determination in awhile.
Other students started murmuring he was there.
"Yes, me, Joe, 'Eat the frog', blah blah blah..." Joseph said in a rushed manner, wanting to get to person he needed to see. "Suzaku! You, me, private talk." Joseph told him as he approached Suzaku, surprising him.
"Uh, what's the manner?" Suzaku asked curiously.
"Now!" Joseph told him quickly as he suddenly grabbed his leg and pulled him to the ground.
"AH! J-Joe! Come on! I can walk just fine! At least let me get my bag!" Suzaku said in a somewhat panicked tone as Joseph dragged him by his leg across the room.
The people in the room were perplexed to say the least.
"Oop! Almost forgot." Joseph said in remembrance as he then turned around, still dragging Suzaku.
"Agh, seriously?!" Suzaku asked, not believing this was happening.
It was then Joseph approached Kallen, surprising her.
"Kallen...I'm sorry." Joseph told her in a polite manner.
"Uh...for what?" Kallen asked, very confused for what brought this on.
"Don't know." Joseph said wonderment, confusing Kallen even more. "But you upset because me. Not know how, but did." He said in further wonderment, before pulling a card from his coat. "Here." He said with a smile.
The class around her made a "Oooooooh..." sound, making Kallen blush.
It was true, Kallen had been trying to avoid Joseph for the past couple of days. But not because of she was upset by him, but because she didn't want any unneeded rumors come out from people(particularly Milly) about her and Joseph being together or something. That and she really didn't want to deal with Nina's death stares, which she was currently giving Kallen.
She took the card in her hands with embarrassment, it looked to be homemade. On the front it said: "SO SORRY!" in big, bold letters. She opened it and it said: "You So Awesome!" with a "Love, Best Bud Joe!" under it, and a heart in place for the "O" in "Love".
While Kallen would never admit it out loud, it was actually kind of cute.
"Forgive?" Joseph asked politely.
"I...you didn't...I'm not..." Kallen tried to explain, but knew it would just be like trying to climb Mount Everest when it comes to Joseph. "(Sighs)...Yes, I forgive you." Kallen muttered in a tired, defeated manner.
"Thank you!" Joseph cheered as he tightly hugged Kallen with his one free arm.
Making the class go "Awwwwww..." and Lelouch actually smirk a bit in amusement as he knew what kind of trouble this was going to give Kallen later on. Nina on the other hand, gridded her teeth back and forth and ripped her drawing pad in half.
Kallen's eye on the other hand started twitching. "I'm going to catch so much Hell for this from Milly and my mom..." She thought to herself with fear.
"Now come on, Suzaku!" Joseph exclaimed, back to his determined mode as he once again started dragging Suzaku out of the classroom by his leg.
"Joseph! This really isn't necessary!" Suzaku tried to reason, to no avail.
Once they left, the room was silent for a moment, trying to comprehend what just happened.
"Well that definitely made the class more interesting." Rivalz said encouragingly.
"I wonder what his highness wanted with Suzaku?" A student asked another in a whisper.
"Maybe he wants him to run an errand?" Another student suggested.
"Makes sense. An eleven and a dimwit go hand in hand." Another student said in a whisper.
Lelouch narrowed his eyes at that but didn't say anything, instead he got up from his seat.
"Sorry guys, but I need to use the restroom real quick." Lelouch told the class as he stretched his limbs and jumped off the platform.
It was then Shirley noticed he scratched behind his right ear. Lately, Lelouch had been teaching her some of the code gestures he and Suzaku made up when they were kids. The one he did just now meant, "Follow me."
After he left the room, Shirley sprung up from her chair.
"I too, uh, have to go to the bathroom." Shirley said in an awkward manner as she left the classroom.
...
Clovis Memorial Museum of Art
"We will open Art Week with the dedication of the Clovis Memorial Museum of Art. You, Princess Euphemia, will select the first place winner from among these submitted works." The curator of the museum told Euphemia.
Euphemia took notice of a painting of a cabin in spring weather.
"Oh, this one's nice! I particularly like this painting." Euphemia said happily.
"It's regrettable that our investigation revealed that the artist happens to be one-quarter Eleven." The curator said offhandedly.
"...Perhaps it shouldn't have been displayed here in the first place then." Euphemia said disapprovingly, more at the curator than the painting, but he didn't realize it.
"Well, it's a delicate balance with our public." The curator explained. "Anyway, take a look at that painting right there. It was painted by the son of Marquess Nicolai." He gestured to a portrait of her father, the Emperor. It had very harsh colors and strokes, an unflattering painting from Euphemia perspective.
"But it's of his majesty, so it's to be the winner I suppose..." Euphemia thought bitterly.
...
Ashford Academy
"Tohdoh-sensei is to be executed?" Suzaku asked in surprise.
"Yeah! Gotta do something!" Joseph them him anxiously.
"What do you expect me to do?" Suzaku asked, not liking where this conversation was going.
"You the strongest fighter. If execute, boycott Lancelot!" Joseph suggested with determination.
"I don't think that would change Princess Cornelia's mind." Suzaku said half-heartedly.
"Fine, destroy Lancelot then if execute!" Joseph suggested.
"Joseph..." Suzaku called out.
"Or use Lancelot, rescue Sensei together!" Joseph suggested with excitement.
"Joseph! We're not doing that!" Suzaku insisted.
"Well what plan then?!" Joseph asked, wanting to hear any idea Suzaku could have.
Except, Suzaku didn't have one, he just looked down sadly.
"If it's been decided that Kyoshiro Tohdoh will be executed for his crimes, then so be it." Suzaku said in a neutral voice.
Joseph stared at him agape.
"...WHAT!" Joseph yelled out in shock, not believing those words just came out of Suzaku's mouth.
"I'm sorry Joseph, but who am I to disagree with Britannian law?" Suzaku asked.
"His student! Your sensei! Our sensei! Trained us! You not care?!" Joseph yelled out in aggravation.
"Of course I care! But he's still a terrorist who has repeatedly fought against the empire for years now, he has stand against the ways of progression and I refuse to help someone with his choice of methods." Suzaku argued, standing on his opinion.
Joseph looked at Suzaku with shock, he knew Suzaku was different but he never thought he would let something like this happen.
"Those years. Those memories. They're nothing?" Joseph asked quietly.
Suzaku just looked down, not wanting to answer him.
"...Changed Suzaku...too much change." Joseph said sadly.
"...We all have to eventually, Joseph..." Suzaku muttered as he walked away in silence.
"Know who I am. Do you?" Joseph said in a solemn tone, surprising Suzaku. He didn't say anything though, he just looked down with regret, and continued to walk away.
Joseph stood there for a second before suddenly punching the window in front of him, shattering the glass and blowing the frame off.
"Easy Joe, keep it up you'll end up tearing down the whole school. No reason Milly needs to finesse the school's budget even more." Lelouch advised as he and Shirley walked from around the corner.
"Sorry." Joseph said sheepishly. "How much heard?" He asked.
"Just about all of it. Starting to realize the kind of person he's become?" Lelouch asked in a solemn tone.
"This change, ain't good. Gotta fix!" Joseph said with determination.
"We will, in time. For now, let's focus on Tohdoh. I'm must say, I'm surprised he let himself get captured like that." Lelouch said in a calculating manner.
"You must really care for him, don't you Joseph?" Shirley asked in concern, not like seeing Joseph like this.
"Mentor. Friend. Taught many things." Joseph said sadly.
Then suddenly an idea struck in Joseph head.
"Lelouch. Proposal." Joseph said in a business-like manner.
"I'll call an operation tonight." Lelouch reassured, already knowing what Joseph was going to ask.
"Huh!?" Shirley said in surprise.
Suddenly, Lelouch found himself in a tight hug by his brother, spinning him around in delight.
"Best brother ever!" Joseph cheered.
"Thank you. Please let me breath." Lelouch said under tight breaths.
"Awesome-possum! So when I be there?" Joseph asked in anticipation after he put Lelouch down.
Lelouch and Shirley looked at him in confusion.
"You be there?" Lelouch asked, not sure he liked idea of that.
"Well, duh! My sensei, course help save." Joseph in an obvious tone.
"Um...Joseph...it would probably be better you don't participate in this. Besides Kallen, The Black Knights don't exactly trust you and you can imagine they aren't big fans of the royal family in the first place." Lelouch advised awkwardly.
"Then earn trust. Come on, bro! Gotta help Sensei! Have to! Please! Please! Please, please, please please pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease..." Joseph repeated over and over again as he got in Lelouch's face, noses practically touching.
"OKAY!" Lelouch finally shouted in aggravation, making Shirley giggle. "You can help. But if you do, you have to make sure you wear something that doesn't draw attention to yourself. Okay? We don't need Cornelia or the news finding out that you're helping Zero." Lelouch told him cautiously. He figured it was better to indulge Joseph and at least have some control over his actions instead of worrying he would do something stupid.
"Got it! In-cog-nito..." Joseph said with dramatic twirl of his fingers and then dramatically back-stepping away from Lelouch and Shirley.
"(Sighs) Shirley, can you make sure he stays put here until I give the go ahead to come to our meeting?" Lelouch asked tiredly "When he gets excited like this, it can be very unpredictable." He warned.
"Sure thing, Lulu. But a prison rescue will be dangerous." Shirley said with concern. While she accepted Lelouch as Zero, it doesn't mean she couldn't be worried for his well-being.
"I know, but having Kyoshiro Tohdoh will prove beneficial for the rebellion. Especially if it means having the Four Holy Swords on our side." Lelouch told her in reassurance, Shirley still looked dubious but didn't argue with him.
"I understand, but please be careful." Shirley said with worry as she pulled Lelouch into a hug.
"Don't worry, I got it covered." Lelouch said as he returned the hug, feeling glad he had someone to share this secret with. "But then there's Suzaku..." Lelouch couldn't help but think.
...
Black Knights Base
"You know?" Ohgi asked, surprised that he didn't even have to tell Zero of a potential operation.
"I have a reliable source. We'll help them." Zero told him over the phone.
"You sure?" Ohgi asked.
"The Black Knights fight for the cause of justice. There's nothing odd about that." Zero told him, making Ohgi give the "ok" sign to the Four Holy Swords, pleasing them immensely. We'll use assembly method B-13. Take the section Knightmares via course 18. You can have Diethard handle it. Also alert those who are to rendezvous with us."
"Understood." Ohgi complied.
...
Military Base
"I won't be present for that now that the Japan Liberation Front is defunct." Cornelia told Guilford.
"Right." Guilford said in compliance.
"No, wait. Let him handle the execution." Cornelia said with a smirk as the thought just came to her.
"Viceroy!" Euphemia called out.
"Sorry to summon you like this. How's everything at the museum?" Cornelia asked.
"The dedication is later on." Euphemia told her professionally.
"Any sight of Joseph?" Cornelia asked.
"No. He's probably still upset about the execution later." Euphemia said sadly. "Viceroy, I'm not arguing with your decision, but is life imprisonment really not an option?" She asked with concern, she thought maybe there was some way of preventing Joseph from getting hurt while also keeping with Britannian law.
"Sub-Viceroy, I'm sorry Joseph has to lose a friend this way. But keeping someone like Kyoshiro Tohdoh alive will just rile up the elevens here and provoke them to keep attacking, this will send a message to the entire Area of what happens when you go against the might of the Britannian army. Besides, perhaps this will finally make him mature a bit." Cornelia explained professionally.
Euphemia nodded sadly, knowing there was nothing she could do in this situation.
"I understand. Of greater importance though, the N.A.C. reported there was unrest in Ishikawa." Euphemia said of slight-urgency.
"Probably backed by the E.U. or the Chinese Federation. And there have also been sightings of Gun-Rus. Still, it's our chance to bring Hokuriku under control. I'll leave Darlton here while I'm gone. If anything happens, consult him. I'll make sure he helps keep an eye on Joseph as well." Cornelia explained.
"Still making sure I'm babysat, huh sister? Even Joseph doesn't have to deal with this. Then again, it's only because he never lets Cornelia have the chance to do so." Euphemia thought as she sighed inwardly.
"Also, concerning what we spoke of earlier…" Cornelia said as he brought out a binder from a soldier and gave it to Euphemia.
She opened it, revealing a list of soldiers.
"You may choose any of them to be your knight. They're all excellent soldiers from respected families." Cornelia explained.
"People you personally approved of I'm sure..." Euphemia thought annoyingly.
...
Ashford Academy
"Yes, the pond does freeze solid in the winter. Although Big Brother scolded me once when he caught me skating on it." Nunnally reminiscence as she shared tea with Lelouch and Suzaku.
"We had a pond too at the Kururugi Shrine. It was small, but I used to catch zarigani, I-I mean, crawdads, all the time." Suzaku told her.
"You would catch crawdads? How?" Nunnally asked with curiosity.
"It's simple — you just tie a string to a frog's back leg." Suzaku exlained.
"Huh? Frog? As in those things that sit on lily pads and go croak?" Nunnally asked, having only a distant memory of them before she lost her sight.
"Yeah, but in Japanese they go 'Keri-kero, kero-kero.'" Suzaku said, imitating a frog out of an anime.
"Huh? Kero?" Nunnally asked with a laugh.
"Yup. Kero-kero!" Suzaku said with a smile.
As Lelouch watched them laugh together, it made him think.
"If things continue at this pace and keep proceeding according to plan, I won't be able to stay with Nunnally any longer. That affair with Mao also drove home the fact that I need someone to protect my little sister. I could always ask Joseph but that might raise too many questions with Cornelia and Euphie. It has to be Suzaku, Nunnally is the one who can give him a reason to live." Lelouch thought to himself before finally speaking up. "Suzaku..."
"Uh, Lelouch?" Suzaku asked surprised, as he suddenly spoke in what seemed like forever.
"I need to tell you–" Lelouch didn't get to finish as he was suddenly interrupted by a woman.
"Suzaku! Lloyd needs you, he says it's urgent!" Cecile said as she ran up to them.
"Who's that?" Lelouch asked curiously.
"She's a soldier." Suzaku explained.
"Oh, friends of yours?" Cecile asked curiously.
"Yes." Suzaku said simply.
"I'm sorry, but I need to pull Suzaku away from you for a while." Cecile said apologetically.
"I understand. We'll see you later." Lelouch said with a smile.
"Right. See you then." Suzaku said happily.
"Please come again, Suzaku." Nunnally said happily
"I will." Suzaku said as he went on his way.
"Suzaku!" Lelouch called out to him.
"Huh?" Suzaku asked.
"When you return, there's something that I want to discuss. It's an important matter." Lelouch told him.
"Uh-oh. I'm nervous. I'll talk to you when I get back." Suzaku said jokingly
"Well, it seems that Suzaku's really important to them. I'm glad." Nunnally said.
"More important than you realize Nunnally, and he's a damn annoyance because of it." Lelouch thought bitterly. "Nunnally… you seem fond of Suzaku. Am I right?" He asked.
"I adore him. But of course, I love you more than anyone, Lelouch." Nunnally said happily.
"I see." Lelouch said quietly.
"Big brother, is everything okay? This wouldn't have anything to do with what Joseph told me, would it?" Nunnally asked with concern.
"Huh? What Joseph told you?" Lelouch asked, confused by that statement and worried what Joseph told Nunnally.
"While he was vague about, he said that you were doing things when you weren't with me all the time. Things that helped other people." Nunnally said happily.
"...Did he now?" Lelouch said with a fake happy tone and his eye twitching. "Once this operation is over, I might just wrangle Joseph's neck!" Lelouch thought with aggravation.
"Honestly, while I was surprised to hear so, I was also relieved. I'm thankful for you always being here, but I'm glad you're able to have your own life, Lelouch. I never want you to give yourself up for me." Nunnally said solemnly.
"Nunnally..." Lelouch said in surprise, not expecting to hear this from his sister, he then felt her grip his hands.
"Lelouch, Joseph told me the reason you didn't say anything was because you didn't want to hurt my feelings. I'm sorry that I ever gave you that type of fear." Nunnally said sadly. "But just know you can tell me anything, right? I'll love you, no matter what." Nunnally said with hearty smile.
Lelouch stared at her wide-eyed, followed by a genuine smile.
"Thank you, Nunnally. I promise, when the time comes, I will." Lelouch swore. "I might still wring his neck though..."
...
"'No attention to self'...hmmmmmmmmmmm..." Joseph said as he thought about what Lelouch said to him.
Right now, he was currently with Shirley inside her dorm room. Arthur was currently sleeping on top of his head, as for some reason, he found it comfortable, and Joseph didn't mind it either. Shirley actually thought it was cute, and they were both waiting for Lelouch's go-ahead for him to come to the Black Knights' location.
"He probably just means a disguise of some sort. You know, like his Zero costume. Something simple like a mask." Shirley suggested.
"Ah, ah, ah. Never simple Shirley. Zero not just costume, different person, superhero alter ego." Joseph said dramatically. "Batman, Bruce Wayne, same but different. Superman, Clark Kent, same but different. Wonder Woman, Diana Prince, same but...also same..." He continued dramatically as he put his hands in front of his face and pulled them apart and back together again as a metaphor of a changing person.
"Oh, I never thought of it that way before." Shirley said in wonderment.
"Therefore, disguise not just disguise. Also not me. Must method the bitch!" Joseph said in determination, Shirley just stared in bewilderment.
"Um, maybe you're overthinking it just a-" Shirley didn't get to finish as she suddenly found Joseph's finger on her lips.
"Shh! Getting something!" Joseph whispered harshly.
They stood there in silence for a few seconds when suddenly...
"LIGHTBULB!" Joseph shouted, startling both Shirley and Arthur, who scrambled off his head and ran under Shirley's bed. "Come, new sis! To drama room!" He cheered as he took Shirley's hand and ran out of the room with her wondering what was going on.
...
Clovis Memorial Museum of Art
"Sub-Viceroy, Is it true that no Eleven companies were used in the construction of this museum?" A reporter asked.
"W–well, with regard to that question, I–" Euphemia stuttered until Darlton answered for her.
"We're looking into it right now, so we have no answer at this time." He said in a professional manner.
"Idiot! Why bother asking Princess Euphemia about politics?!" A female reporter whispered harshly.
"Keriman from Interstate. Your Highness, there have been rumors lately that you're close to choosing your knight." Another reporter asked.
"Uh, um, a knight. Yes, well, you see, I'm..." Euphemia nervously tried to come up with another answer.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we ask that you please limit your questions to those concerning the museum only." The curator answered for her.
"(Sighs) A public figure is all I am apparently..." Euphemia thought with depression.
...
Ashford Academy
Drama Room
Shirley waited for Joseph outside the dressing room. She was curious of what he was going to wear as he said he saw it once before and thought it would be perfect for the occasion. Suddenly she heard her phone ring, it was Lelouch.
"Hello Lelouch...okay, I'll let him know. Good luck tonight, and please be safe." Shirley said before she hung up. "Joseph, that was Lelouch, he saids you can go up there now." Shirley told Joseph.
"Cool! Ready too!" Joseph said excitedly as he pushed the door open, revealing his 'disguise'. "What you think?" He asked anxiously.
Shirley's eyes widen in shock, as it was...not was she was expecting...at all.
"...Uh...it definitely makes you look different. But, um...didn't Lelouch say...not to draw attention to yourself?" Shirley asked awkwardly as she really did not how to put into words of what she was looking out right now.
"Well, not 'self', are I? Hmmmm? Hmmmmmmmm? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?" Joseph said with a riddle-like manner as his voice got higher with each "Hmmm...".
"...Um...I guess not..." Shirley said in bewilderment, knowing she wouldn't be able to convince him to change into something else.
"Oh, almost forgot." Joseph said in remembrance as he took his walkman out of his coat. "No walkman, give-away. Please protect. Very precious." Joseph said in a serious manner, despite what he had dressed on, and Shirley could see that.
"Nothing will happen to it." Shirley said in reassurance as she took the walkman. She then got in close to whisper into his ear. "Also, Lelouch told me that the meeting was at the old abandoned highway next to the harbor."
"Got it." He whispered back with a thumbs up. "Alright! RESCUE TIME!" Joseph cheered as he headed out the window, Shirley could hear the squeaking of his shoes with each step.
"(Sighs) Lulu is definitely going to have his hands full tonight." Shirley said tiredly as she shook her head in acceptance of the madness that was going to come from one Joseph Du Britannia.
...
Highway
The Black Knights were getting ready for their currently operation while the Four Holy Swords were having a small meeting among themselves.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to throw in with the Black Knights?" Asahina asked with trepidation.
"Can you think of any other way to rescue Col. Tohdoh?" Chiba argued.
"There's also what Kyoto said, that they'd lend us the new models." Urabe commented.
"Still, their principles seem to be somewhat off." Asahina couldn't help but argue.
"We're not ethnocentric, but after all, you already know that." Chiba argued back.
"We can worry about the details after we've rescued the colonel." Senba suggested
"I understand. But no matter where Tohdoh may be, it's the place I belong." Asahina said with determination.
"Look, just stuff 'em in and close the lid for crying out loud! It's almost time to move out!" Tamaki barked at the people working on the Guren.
"Take your time and treat it with the utmost care! It was far more fragile than any of you when I gave birth to it!" A woman, who looked to be a scientist, shouted in annoyance to them. She had, what appeared to be, two other scientists next to her.
"Huh?! Who the hell are you?!" Tamaki asked in equal annoyance.
"I am its mother!" She shouted, as if it was a final declaration, confusing Tamaki and the others.
"You arrived on time." Zero said as he approached the woman.
"Are you Zero? It's a pleasure. I've heard a lot of things about you." Rakshata said in a pleasant tone.
"The pleasure is all mine, Rakshata Chawla. I've been reading about you on the net for some time now." Zero greeted as he shook her hand.
"You have?" Rakshata asked with surprise.
"The articles relating to medical cybernetics." Zero told her.
"I do hate talking about the past." Rakshata said said tiredly "Anyway, here." She said as she opened up a briefcase to reveal pilot suits. "A souvenir from Kyoto."
"Huh, they look kind of cool." Tamaki commented. "Hey Kallen, is that what you got for the Guren?" He asked Kallen, he got no response.
He looked and saw Kallen looking at a makeshift card of some sorts, she even had a small smile on her face. "Kallen?" He said louder, clearly startling her as she quickly put the card back her coat in a frenzy. "What was that?" He asked, confused by what got her suddenly so riled up.
"What was what?! Nothing! MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!" Kallen quickly said as she tried to hide a blush coming from her face, walking past Tamaki.
"Uh, whatever." Tamaki scoffed. "Chicks are weird..." He thought to himself.
"Excuse me, is this really going to improve the interfacing system?" Kallen asked after coming out with the suit on, looking at its features.
"No, of course not." Rakshata said simply, which just confused Kallen. "It's going to improve your life expectancy." She said with a knowing smirk.
"Alright, can we finally just..." Tamaki started to complain, that is until he heard a certain sound. "Um, is it me or does anybody else hear squeaking?" He asked with confusion.
They turned to where the squeaking was coming from and their eyes widen in surprise, confusion, shock, and bewilderment.
"What...the literal...hell?" Chiba asked, not sure what she was seeing right now was real.
"HEY GUYS!" The person, who was making the squeaking, shouted in excitement as he walked over to them in determination.
"That voice...oh no..." Kallen said with misery in her tone.
"Please tell me that's not who I think it is?" Tamaki asked with aggravation and a hint of fear in his voice.
Lelouch's eye, behind his Zero mask, was twitching madly. And he had just one thought go through his head: "You have got...to be kidding me..."
For the person approaching them was none other than Joseph Du Britannia, but not in his regular attire.
Nope, what Joseph had on was a bright green coat with multi-colored polka dots on it and a flower implanted on the left chest area, as well as a light blue vest, bright yellow gloves, and bright red pants. Along with a rainbow-colored afro wig and white makeup on his face, as well as red makeup on his nose and his lips. And to top it all off, he was wearing big red shoes that squeaked every time he took a step.
To put it simply, the clown prince was dressed up as a literal clown.
"Made it! Hey Kal Pal!" Joseph cheered as he engulfed Kallen into a tight hug, who started to blush and but was also now very uncomfortable. After he put her down, she still looked at him with shock and bewilderment.
"Joe...two questions. One...why are you here? Two...why...in God's name...are you dressed like that?" Kallen asked in a calm but very confused voice.
"Joseph Du Britannia aka Clowno Funzo, reporting for duty!" Joseph said in solder-like fashion as he stood up straight and held his palm, facing forward, to his head.
"Wha...No! Nonononono! No way! No how are you being apart of this tonight! Especially not dressed like that!" Tamaki complained with immense fury. Interfering in the battle of Narita was one thing, but this was WAY beyond the pale.
Suddenly they heard guns cocking.
"What the hell is the Dimwitted Prince doing here!" Chiba barked as she and the other Holy Swords aimed their guns at Joseph.
"Hold on! He's not our enemy! I mean he's a total idiot but he's not going to do anything to us!" Kallen said quickly as she surprisingly shielded Joseph.
"Are you kidding me! Moron or not, that man is still one of the children of the Emperor, the same man who had our people killed and took away our freedom! Why on Earth should we let him just waltz in here like this." Asahina demanded angrily.
"Because, he's the reason I knew of what happened to Kyoshiro Tohdoh in the first place." Zero said as he finally spoke up after standing there in silence for a few moments.
"Huh? ...Wait?! You mean he's..." Tamaki asked in shock.
"Correct, he's my outside source for this particular operation." Zero concluded.
"Hey Captain Zero! Anything for Sensei!" Joseph cheered as he went over and patted Zero on the back.
"Sensei?" Urabe asked.
"Why would this simpleton want to help rescue Tohdoh?" Chiba asked with a sneer.
"Apparently Joseph here trained under Tohdoh's tutelage back when he was a child. When he caught wind of Tohdoh's upcoming execution, he searched for me, told of what was to come and kindly asked if he could participate in tonight's operation. I figured why not and said yes." Zero explained.
The Black Knights looked in shock, though for Rakshata it was more amusement.
"Seriously!? And you let him come looking like that!?" Tamaki shouted in disbelief.
"I told him to wear a disguise, though I will say I wasn't expecting something so...colorful." Zero said politely.
"Well yeah, In-cog-nito!" Joseph emphasized dramatically as he twirled his fingers.
"I'm starting to think he doesn't know what that word means..." Lelouch thought with bitter annoyance.
"Again, out of everything you could have wore, why dress like that?" Kallen asked in exasperation.
"Simple. Expect soldiers(gesturing to them), expect robots(gesturing to knightmares), no expect...clown." Joseph said as he brought his face close to Kallen, their noses touching, making her sweat-drop with nervous perplexion.
He also said it in way that made it seem like he answered the meaning of life itself while everyone around just stared at him wondering just how many brain cells were lost inside his head.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" Joseph laughed spontaneously, startling everyone(including Zero). "Laugh scare!" He cheered dementedly.
"Please let me kill him anyway." Chiba whispered harshly.
"Oh, love superhero costume, Kallen." Joseph said happily.
"Superhero costume? (Looks down) This is just a pilot suit, Joseph." Kallen told him tiredly.
"Superhero pilot suit." Joseph emphasized with a cheeky smile, making Kallen roll her eyes.
"How about...the Red Baron!" Joseph said dramatically. "Or...The Chili Pepper Heroine!" He added. Kallen just sighed tiredly.
"Is this guy for real?" Asahina asked in bewilderment as the he the rest of the Holy Swords finally put their guns down, seeing as he was no threat to them...for the moment.
"My, my. While you certainly gotten taller, your personality hasn't changed at all." Rakshata said as she chuckled in amusement.
"Rakshata?" Joseph asked, finally taking notice of her presence. "Rocky!" He cheered excitedly as he went over and pulled her into a tight hug, spinning her around a bit, making her laugh.
"Wait! You two know each other?!" Tamaki asked as this day kept getting weirder and weirder.
"Yep-per-rooni! Met on trip 'round world!" Joseph said happily.
"His mother became acquainted with me and he got to be introduced to some Indian culture. I tell him how the Bindi works and he's just confused as to how a tiny red dot on a forehead can hold so much energy and wisdom." Rakshata reminiscent with amusement. "Speaking of which, I was sorry to hear Lady Rebecca passed. Did she ever punch the Earl of Pudding in his ego downstairs for me?" She asked curiously.
"Died before could. But did for her, right in jewels!" Joseph cheered as he showed off his fist.
"Haha! I have to imagine that hurt quite a bit. Thank you for doing so." Rakshata said with gratitude.
"No prob, bob!" Joseph said with a thumbs up.
"We also have The Four Holy Swords with us, they're subordinates who work under Tohdoh." Zero gesture to them.
"Nice to meet!" Joseph said as he went over and extended his hand to them.
Only to meet a katana pointed at his chest, Chiba being at the other end.
"The pleasure is not ours." Chiba said darkly, confusing Joseph.
Kallen narrowed her eyes but didn't step forward, she had a feeling Joseph could handle this if needed.
"You listen here, dimwit. I don't know what your game is here, but it'll be a dark day when I shake hands with the likes of someone like you. So if you do anything that jeopardizes Master Tohdoh's freedom or life, I will personally end you myself." Chiba in a dark, low voice.
Joseph on his end was not sure what brought this on, but then he remembered what Lelouch told him about the Black Knights not particularly liking royal family members, probably because of what his father did, so it was understandable.
"Shinrai o eru.(Earn trust.) Got it. Nice meeting Holy Swords!" Joseph greeted happily as he took Chiba's sword and shook it like it was a hand, infuriating Chiba to no end and confusing the rest of the Holy Swords.
"Didn't get name." Joseph said as he moved over to Tamaki.
"Heywood Ja-Blowme." Tamaki said in annoyed monotone.
"Nice to meet Ja-Blowme!" Joseph greeted happily as he took Tamaki's hand and shook it frivolously. Tamaki facepalmed at this and Kallen couldn't help but snicker.
"Moving on. Tohdoh is currently being held in Tokyo's Settlement's prison base." Zero spoke up, moving over to Joseph. "Joseph about your role in the operation, you will be..."
"Leading the charge, got it!" Joseph finished for him.
"No. You will be-" Zero tried to say.
"Rescuing Sensei, others fight bad guys, got it!" Joseph finished for him excitedly.
"Nooo. I want you to-"
"Do everything and guys stay behind, underst-" Joseph didn't get to finish as he suddenly found his lips closed by Zero's fingers.
"Joseph...stop talking for a moment, please." Zero said calmly.
"Mmm-mkkk" Joseph said muffled, but still excited.
Zero let go of his lips and waited to see if he would speak again, he waited patiently this time.
"Now, clearly you're the type of person who doesn't just like to sit around while others are fighting, so I won't force you to stay behind. Instead, I'm going to give you a role I think will fit you perfectly. You will be a distraction." Zero told him.
"Distraction?" Joseph said as if it was a foreign word. "Distraction." He said again, now thinking about the word. "De...tract...ion..." He emphasized each syllable of the word, as if dissecting its meaning. It started to confuse the others no less, except Chiba, who was just growing tired of Joseph's antics. And Rakshata, who chuckled at said antics.
"Um, yes." Zero said, confused by Joseph's repeating of the word. "Now about-" He didn't get to finish as he suddenly found a finger in front of his helmet.
"This is it Joseph. Time to become the clown..." Joseph thought solemnly.
"Um...Joseph?" Zero asked, now really confused.
"Joseph? Who Joseph? No Joseph. Only...CLOWNO FUNZO!" Clowno Funzo said with a crazy smile on his face. "Here...to distract!" He said dementedly before taking the flower on his coat and squirting water from it onto Zero's helmet.
"BLALALALALALALALA!..." Clowno Funzo shouted while flicking his tongue back and forth crazily, startling the others there, before running off excitedly. "Coming Sensei!"
"Wait! I haven't told you where you'll be-" Zero tried to get a word in, but Clowno Funzo wouldn't let him.
"Distraction time! Hahahaha~!" He cheered as he started jumping into air onto nearby buildings. Surprising those who haven't seen him do it before.
The Black Knights and the Holy Swords just stood there, wondering what just happened. Zero on his end, had to resist the urge to rub his helmet in aggravation.
"Well, at the very least I know where he's heading. Damn it Joe, you can never make it easy, can you?" Lelouch thought with annoyance.
"Kami, up above. Please put him back in a coma!" Tamaki shouted to the sky in a begging manner.
"Oh be quiet, Tamaki!" Kallen said annoyed.
"Did he just jump onto a 20ft tall building!?" Urabe said in amazement by the prince's skill.
"Seems we underestimated the abilities of the Dimwitted Prince." Senba commented.
"Not surprising. Even when he was child, he was able to lift me up with ease. Pretty remarkable considering the state he was in when I saw him as a baby." Rakshata said in her laidback tone.
"Huh? You met him before that world trip of his?" Kallen asked.
"Indeed, as Zero mentioned earlier, I was spending my time breaking new barriers for medical cybernetics at the age of 6. Lady Rebecca, the boy's mother, heard of me and practically begged me to make new lungs and a heart for her son. Unfortunately, I was still in the early stages of my research and couldn't do anything for him.
"Strange really, looking back at Joseph's condition, I was sure he was going to die. Imagine my surprise when I met him again 12 years later, looking healthy as a horse. To this day, I still have no idea what Lady Rebecca did to keep her son alive as long as she did." Rakshata said, still intrigued after all these years by the phenomenon.
Kallen herself was fascinated by it. "Just what kind of magic did that woman perform to save Joseph?"
...
Area 11 Prison Base
Tohdoh calmly sat in his prison cell, waiting for death to arrive.
"I just heard they changed your executioner. It's going to be Warrant Officer Suzaku Kururugi. You ought to be glad it's someone you know." A guard said mockingly as he approached Tohdoh's cell.
"I see, so this is where your path leads you Suzaku?" Tohdoh thought solemnly to himself.
...
Clovis Memorial Museum of Art
Two guards were stationed outside the walls of the prison base, presently bored out of their minds.
"(Sighs) I swear, guard duty has to be the most boring job the military has to offer." The first guard complained.
"I know, and what's really annoying is that Eleven gets to see more action than we do. We should on the frontlines, not him!" The second guard complained.
Suddenly, the first guard got a call from his ear piece.
"This is Franklin, go ahead." The first guard said professionally, before his face turned into confusion. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that? ...Uh, no need, we'll take care of it." He said before ending the call.
"What's up?" The second guard asked.
"I'm not sure if it's some kind of joke, but the guys up on the wall just told me they just spotted a guy dressed as a clown headed this way." The first guard said in bewilderment.
"...Excuse me?" The second guard asked, not really believing it.
"That's what they..." The first guard didn't get to finish as he and the other guard suddenly heard a set of squeaking coming their way.
That squeaking was caused by the big red shoes worn by a brightly colored clown. The two guards could only look in shock
"...Uh..." Was the only thing that could come to mind from both of them.
Suddenly the clown started to dance...and sing?!
"DADADADADALADA! CIRCUS! DADADADADALADA! AFRO CIRCUS! AFRO CIRCUS! AFRO! POLKA DOT! POLKA DOT! POLKA DOT! AFRO!" The clown sang loudly as he danced wildly while pointing to his afro wig and the polka dots on his coat.
He ended the dance with a pose that asked: "What did you think?"
And the guards could only stand there, wondering if they somehow got drugged during their work period.
"Are we being punk'd?" The second guard, now completely baffled by what was transpiring in front of him.
"Probably Jordan from upper level." The first guard grumbled in annoyance, he approached the clown. "Okay buddy, how about you dance along out of here before you get yourself hurt?" He tried to wave him off, only for the clown to snatch his hand in a tight grip, surprising him.
"No clownin' about!" The clown yelled crazily before kicking the guard into the wall. Before the second guard could react, he rushed forward, grabbed the second guard and threw him to the padded security door, breaking it down. "WE ALL FLOAT! HAHAHAHAHA~!" He laughed dementedly as he ran into the prison base like a madmen.
"What the hell!?" A guard from on top of a wall, he called into his earpiece. "Echo-3 to Base, be on alert, a clown is attacking the base! ...NO THIS ISN'T A DAMN JOKE!" The guard yelled in aggravation.
Suddenly he heard squeaking land near him, he turned and saw the clown staring at him wide-eyed and a wide smile.
"Why so serious-SAH!?" The clown said spontaneously, honestly scaring the guard. He pulled two airhorns out of his pockets.
The guard tried to go for his gun, only for the clown to take both airhorns and ignite them right into his ears. Making the guard shriek with pain and then foam at the mouth before collapsing to the guard. The clown notices a security camera.
"Distraction!" The clown says with glee as he give both middle fingers to the camera, before going on his way to cause more 'distracting'.
...
"What? You need my signature again?" Lloyd asked annoyed as another piece of paper was pushed in front of him.
"Even though Princess Cornelia ordered this, there are still some formalities to be followed. A change of executioner is of the most exceptional circumstances." The warden of the base told him professionally.
Suzaku on the other hand just sat there in a very tense fashion, Cecile looked at him with concern. Cornelia had chosen him to be the executor of Tohdoh. Could he do it? Could he really kill his own sensei? Letting him pay for his crimes was one thing, but to be the one to pull the trigger, it made Suzaku's mind conflict with itself. It was then he thought about what Joseph said.
"Know who I am. Do you?"
Before he could think about it anymore, he heard the intercom in the room go off.
"All units be on alert! A madman dressed as a clown has broken into the base!" The man on intercom proclaimed is a rushed tone.
"Did he just say 'a clown' of all things?" Lloyd asked bewildered at intrigued at the same time. Suddenly they heard a crash coming through the intercom.
"What the-oh God, he's in the room!" The man on intercom said with fear, they then heard a spraying noise. "DAAAHHH! HE'S GETTING SILLY STRING RIGHT IN MY EYES! IT BURNNNSSS!" The man on intercom shrieked with pain.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! STOP CLOWNIN' AROUND!" The clown yelled in a crazy happy-go-lucky tone, disturbing and baffling Cecile and Suzaku at the same time.
"What the Hell!?" The warden yelled angrily, trying to figure out what's going on.
"Well this night just got more interesting." Lloyd said with his signature smirk.
Suddenly, they heard an explosion coming from the wall outside of their window.
"Now what?!" The warden yelled.
"Good. Now we're free of hellish paperwork." Lloyd said with relief.
"That voice, was that..." Suzaku thought to himself.
...
The Four Holy Swords rushed in and circled around the base.
"Colonel, we're coming to save you!" Chiba shouted in determination
Sutherlands come out of the base's hangar to surround the burais, only to be immediately destroyed by them.
"These Gekkas are awesome! Way superior to the Burais!" Asahina said excitedly.
"Yeah, you got that right!" Urabe agreed wholeheartedly.
...
Black Knights Base
"Hmm… You think the sub-weaponry's linkage isn't tight enough?" Rakshata asked.
"No, however I suspect it might be the line." One of her scientist said.
"I'm reading a 0.7 variance to specs." Another scientist said.
"Obviously those old codgers in Kyoto need to supply us with better parts." Rakshata complained with her relaxed voice.
"A heard that the Dimwit prince was part of this operation. Is that wise?" Diethard asked.
"Hell no! But Zero doesn't seem to mind for some reason!" Tamaki said in annoyance.
"Well Kallen did say Tohdoh was his old mentor, if anything, he would probably be the most inclined to save him when you think about it." Ohgi said.
"Is it true he was dressed up like an actual clown?" Inoue asked.
"Ugh! Don't remind me. I swear, that guy is turning this whole thing into a damn joke!" Tamaki complained.
...
Area 11 Prison Base
The guard from earlier came into Tohdoh's cell.
"My superiors have just ordered that you be unofficially executed before you're busted out of here. Any last words?" The guard asked with a sneer, aiming his gun at him.
"It's a life I gave up once before. It's worth nothing." Tohdoh said acceptance of his fate.
"In that case, I'll claim your life for myself!" Someone spoke.
Suddenly there was a boom.
"What the?!" The guard yelled in shock before the ceiling collapsed above him.
Once the smoke cleared, it revealed the Guren and a sutherland. Standing on top of it was...
"Zero." Tohdoh greeted.
"Kyoshiro Tohdoh, the only Japanese who, seven years ago, brought the mighty Britannian forces to their knees in defeat." Zero said.
"You mean Itsukushima? You want me to perform a miracle for you as well?" Tohdoh asked disappointedly.
"That was no miracle. It ended in victory because it was based on excellent intelligence work! That's why I want you." Zero told him with confidence.
"I pledged my loyalty to Gen. Katase. Now that he's dead, I wish to die too." Tohdoh said solemnly.
"Don't be a coward!" Zero yelled.
"What?!" Tohdoh narrowed his eyes at the accusation.
"You must take responsibility! Responsibility for the miracle that you made! The Area 11's resistance movement is more intense than that of any other Area because Japan surrendered before exhausting all of its military strength. You failed to continue the great hope known as the Miracle of Itsukushima!" Zero lectured
"You're saying it's my fault?" Tohdoh asked accusingly
"Yes. People grasp at illusions because they're desperate for miracles. Why else has there been such rampant use of Refrain? You must endeavor! To the bitter end beyond all that's decent, and then you can die! Till the name of Tohdoh the Miracle has grown ragged and tattered!" Zero said, his tone filled with passion.
"You're telling me that the Japanese people can't accept their defeat until then?" Tohdoh asked.
"Till now they had to accept it. However, now that I'm here there's hope because I can likely turn their dreams into reality." Zero told him in a calculating manner. "Besides, a certain prince would hate it if you were to give up now, especially since he betrayed his country to help get you out of here." He told him with a smirk under his mask, Tohdoh looked at him confused.
"Prince?" Tohdoh asked, before his eyes widen in realization. "You mean..."
...
Clovis Memorial Museum of Art
"And now for the highlight of today's events, Princess Euphemia will select the grand prize winner." The curator announced as he gave Euphemia the flower. "The work upon which you place this flower will be deemed the winner, Your Highness." He said to her.
Euphemia turned around and looked at the portrait of her father, the one she was suppose to choose. The news reporters watched in anticipation.
...
Area 11 Prison Base
The Four Holy Swords brought in a van carrying Tohdoh's own personal Burai, painted black and with a red cape wrapped around. Zero and Kallen brought him over, Zero opened his cockpit and Tohdoh stood up.
"Colonel!" Chiba said in joy.
"Welcome back, Col. Tohdoh!" Asahina said in relief.
"Thank you. You've all worked so hard for this." Tohdoh told his Four Holy Swords.
"No effort at all, sir." Senba said, thankful for the compliment.
"Cooperate with Zero! Eliminate the remaining forces here!" Tohdoh ordered them as he climbed into his Burai.
"Roger!" The Four Holy Swords said together.
Suddenly, a slash harken came soaring towards Zero. Kallen was able to defect it. The harken belonged to the Lancelot.
"Oh great! Not you Suzaku!" Kallen said in annoyance.
"What's he doing here?! Damn it, Suzaku! Why are are you always showing up at the worst times!?" Lelouch asked angrily, hating that he had to keep fighting his best friend. Before switching on communications with Tohdoh. "Tohdoh, you should know that the person controlling that white knightmare is Suzaku Kururugi." He informed Tohdoh.
Tohdoh's eyes widen in surprise, but turning serious again.
"I see, so this is what it's come to." Tohdoh said solemnly. "Show me what you've become Suzaku."
While this was going on, nobody seemed to notice the clown running into the hangar bay where all the knightmares were being kept.
...
Clowno Funzo looked around at all the sutherlands that were so far being unused. He looked at them quizzically before noticing a riot shield that he had seen used by knightmares before at protests, that was an idea popped into his head. He skipped his way towards a knightmare that was about to be used by a soldier before he hopped onto it and kicked the guy off.
"I may not know how to drive one of these robots, but I've seen enough sci-fi films to know that if you pull out enough wire, something crazy eventually happens." Joseph thought to himself with a devilish smile on his face.
...
Clovis Memorial Museum of Art
"Please, Your Highness. It's time for you to decide. We can't wait any longer." The curator told Euphemia.
"I know, but I…" Euphemia said trepidatiously. She really wished she wasn't in this situation, she wished she was free to make her own choice for once.
Suddenly, one by one, the journalists' phones began to ring. A soldier approached Darlton and whispered into his ear.
"Escaped?" Darlton said in surprise.
...
Black Knights Base
"That's it? The white Knightmare that's given such trouble to Zero?" Rakshata asked as smoked her pipe, relaxing on the couch.
"Huh? Yeah." Ohgi said, confused by the sudden question.
"Hmm…" Rakshata thought as she analyzed the Lancelot. "Is this your handy work, Lloyd." She thought with annoyance.
...
Clovis Memorial Museum of Art
Euphemia, Darlton, and the reporters watched the battle at the prison base go on through the TV screen that was there.
"That's crazy! One against seven!" A journalist said astonished.
"But that Lancelot Knightmare is holding its own!" Another reporter countered, in equal amazement.
"You show 'em, White Knight!" Another reporter said in encouragement.
Euphemia looked in worry. "Suzaku..." She thought to herself.
"Listen, send in everything we've got. Then support Kururugi, and make him report that we're wiping out the terrorists." Darlton ordered quietly through his ear piece.
...
Area 11 Prison Base
"Show me your face, Suzaku!" Tohdoh proclaimed as he drove his heated sword through the cockpit, cutting it open.
Meanwhile, back over to where Lloyd and Cecile were stationed, were watching the battle from a distance.
"Damn it! He doesn't have an ejection block on it!" Lloyd said with worry.
"What? You mean we didn't install one?!" Cecile said in astonishment.
The others could see who was in the cockpit, revealing it to be Suzaku.
"So, it really is him." Tohdoh thought with sadness.
"It really is that Kururugi traitor!" Asahina said in anger.
"Suzaku..." Lelouch thought, conflicted, worried how to get Suzaku out of this situation.
...
Clovis Memorial Museum of Art
Euphemia, Darlton, and the reporters saw this revelation as well.
"That's Suzaku Kururugi! The one accused of killing Prince Clovis?!" A reporter said in shock.
"That's enough! Turn off the monitor, now!" Darlton ordered.
"Wait, please! I'd like to watch it to the end!" Euphemia told him, watching the screen, captivated.
...
Area 11 Prison Base
"Good, I can still pilot!" Suzaku said in relief as he checked the controls.
He charged Tohdoh's Burai with his sword, only for Tohdoh to block it.
"Do not do this, Suzaku!" Tohdoh spoke out to him as he opened his cockpit to reveal himself to him.
"Col. Tohdoh!" Suzaku said in surprise, before getting angry. "So then...you wanna live more than you wanna follow your own principles?!" He asked in defiance.
"Do I disappoint you? Very well, then keep to your schedule and execute me!" Tohdoh said with a smirk, surprising Suzaku. What's wrong?! That's the reason you're here, isn't it?! It pains me to see that you have become a cowardly boy who's afraid of altering the status quo!" He said with passion in his voice.
"Denying everything in our society is pointless! Once I make them trust me, I'll have the power to change it!" Suzaku told him with equal passion.
"You're serious?!" Tohdoh asked.
"I'm dead serious!" Suzaku insisted.
"Then you must continue down that path! Regardless whether you win or lose, you will achieve nothing unless you're prepared to sacrifice everything! And that goes for countries as well as individuals!" Tohdoh told him as went back into his Knightmare, ready to battle him again.
Suzaku looked at him in surprise before nodded in acceptance.
"Right!" Suzaku said in determination.
The two knightmares let go of each other and circled each other.
Zero, do we do?! Capture him, or..." Kallen asked.
"I have no choice, at this point my only real option to help Suzaku at the moment is to take him into our custody." Lelouch thought conflicted
He was about to give the order when he a loud boom, and the sound of loud, wild laughter.
And suddenly, what whipped around the corner was a knightmare moving at full speed with its slash harkens out and being held at the end by a clown, who was currently using a riot shield as a board to ride on.
Basically, Clowno Funzo was "water-sking" with a knightmare.
"What the..." Suzaku said quietly, flabbergasted.
"DEEEEEEEEEE-TRACTIIIIOOOOOOOONNNNNNN!" Clown Funzo yelled out, before going back to laughing maniacally.
"Joseph?" Tohdoh asked in shock.
Clown Funzo then pulled on the slash harken on his right, making the sutherland turn right and crashing into other enemy sutherlands, and almost hitting the allied ones if they hadn't moved out of the way in time.
"PUT SMILE ON FACE! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Clowno Funzo yelled as he shook his head in a fast, crazy motion.
"What is wrong with that guy?!" Asahina asked in bewilderment as he watched the scene unfold in front of him.
"For the love of God, somebody kill that clown!" A soldier shouted as the sutherlands now aimed at the clown.
They shot at Clown Funzo, who dodged the bullets efficiently by twisting and turning the knightmare he was hanging on to. Until one finally hit Joseph from behind, exploding under the riot shield and making the clown fly through the air, still laughing crazily.
"Joe!" Lelouch couldn't but say in worry for his brother.
Clowno Funzo flew right in Suzaku's direct vicinity of vision. And before Suzaku could do anything, he was met with an eyeful of the clown's lower region.
But the clown didn't stop there, as soon as he recovered, he pulled Suzaku's face out, only to slam it into his lower regions again while yelling:
"CLOWN NUTS! HAHAHAHAHA!"
And he did it again, and again, and again. All while yelling "CLOWN NUTS!" over and over.
The clown was moving at such a fast pace, Suzaku barely had time to react at the treatment he was getting. And everyone around momentarily froze as they watched the horror in front of them.
Kallen was glad to be hidden in her Guren because if she sunk into her seat any lower, she probably would have made it to the Earth's core.
"Why did I have to end up being friends with him?" Kallen asked herself with shame in her voice.
Tohdoh on his end, just watched with a cocked eyebrow.
"Is...that who I think it is...?" Tohdoh asked Lelouch, who was currently pinching the bridge of his nose, with trepidation.
"If you're asking if that's your former student, who is currently tea-bagging your other former student, then yes...yes it is." Lelouch said tiredly. "Why did I agree to let him help us again?" He thought to himself as a migraine began to form.
...
Clovis Memorial Museum of Art
While the there wasn't any audio connected to the monitors, everyone could clearly see the tea-bagging that was currently happening to Suzaku's face by the clown. And the journalists could only watch in bafflement, shock, and silence all around. Even Euphemia and Darlton didn't have any words to describe of what they were watching.
However, Euphemia was able to come to one conclusion in her mind: "Joseph..." She couldn't help but perplex.
"Did...did we go to another channel?" A reporter finally asked.
"No, that's still the Lancelot and Suzaku Kururugi...being tea-bagged by a guy dressed as a clown..." Another reporter said slowly, as if trying to believe it herself.
"...Um, maybe this is a good time to go back to the art competition." The curator said as he tried to get attention away from the monitor.
Suddenly a reporter(Specifically ENZ under false credintials) breaks out in laughter.
"I don't know what the Hell's going on but it's good enough for what I need to sell!" The ENZ reporter said excitedly as he pulled out his phone and started recording the monitor.
"Ladies, Gentlemen, please, let's not..." The curator nervously said as he tried to control the environment.
Only for more reporters to take out their phones and record the incident going on.
...
Area 11 Prison Base
"Watch out! The runaway sutherland is heading right for the ammunition chamber!" A soldier warned quickly as that seem to finally snap everyone out of it and get back to the fighting.
Before anyone could do anything, the runaway sutherland crashed into the ammunition chamber, causing a firework of explosions, cooking off shots at everyone!
"Take cover!" Senba yelled as he and the Four Holy Swords brought their shields up.
Clowno Funzo on the other hand, paid no attention to this and instead landed his bum down on Suzaku's lap and started messing around with the Lancelot's controls, despite bullets flying at them.
"Oh for God's sake." Kallen said with aggravation as she went over and shielded Joseph and Suzaku from the oncoming bullets.
"BUTTON! BUTTON! BUTTON! BUTTON!" Clowno Funzo said with glee as he smacked all the buttons around him over and over.
"Hey! Stop it!" Suzaku said in frustration as he tried to stop the clown, but he every time he turn off one button, the clown turned on another.
This made the Lancelot shoot out its slash harkens, flares, and even a parachute.
Soon Clowno Funzo took the steering controls and twisted them around in all different directions. Making the Lancelot go forwards, backwards, and in circles.
...
"Suzaku!" Cecile said in worry.
"My Lancelot!" Lloyd shrieked with fear at the thought of his creation being destroyed by a clown of all things!
...
Black Knights Base
"Hahahaha! Yes Joseph! Make Earl of Pudding's white knight go haywire. Let him know who's the true master of weaponry!" Rakshata said with amusement as she watched the scenes unfold in front of her.
"Yeah, show that Suzaku who's boss!" Tamaki shouted enthusiastically.
This caused the rest of the Black Knights to look at him in surprise.
"Uh, well, I figured it's better that the guy fighting on our side is winning than that Kururugi traitor." Tamaki said sheepishly. "Not that I like him now or anything, he's still a pain in the ass!" He said defensively.
...
Clovis Memorial Museum of Art
The reporters were also laughing their asses off.
"This is funnier than half of what's online!" The ENZ reporter said, trying to calm down from laughing.
"Seriously, who is this guy and how do I get him for an interview?!" Another reporter asked excitedly.
...
Area 11 Prison Base
"JANE, STOP CRAZY THING!" Clowno Funzo said crazily before he started whacking his head against the control panel.
"Stop!" Suzaku demanded, only to receive the other end of Clowno Funzo's head repeatedly as he continued to whack it against the control panel, all while laughing manically.
Soon enough, Lelouch saw the reinforcements coming.
"We've done enough fighting for now. We've achieved our objective here. Use escape route 3! Withdraw immediately!" Lelouch ordered.
Tohdoh saw the reinforcements too.
"An unwinnable battle's not the same as a lost battle. You seem to be very aware of that, Zero." Tohdoh said with a smirk.
Kallen saw this and reached the Guren's hand towards Clowno Funzo.
"Jo-Clowno Funzo, come on!" Kallen called out to him.
Clowno Funzo nodded before turning towards Suzaku and taking his face into hands.
"That's all, folks!" Clowno Funzo cheered before planting a big, wet, Bugs Bunny-style kiss on Suzaku's lips.
Everyone was giving a WTF face at this point.
Kallen's face went red. As did Euphemia's back at the museum.
Lelouch's eye broke a blood vein.
Tohdoh stared in bewilderment.
Rakshata cocked her eyebrow.
and Tamaki was laughing his ass off.
...
"Oh my..." Cecile said with a red tinge in her cheeks.
"This day will definitely be one for the history books." Lloyd said, trying to keep his laughter down to a minimum.
...
Clowno Funzo finally broke off the kiss with a 'POP' sound and flung Suzaku back in his seat, who slumped and stared listlessly into the space. The clown jumped onto the Guren's hand and they made their way out of there.
"Now releasing chaff smoke!" Lelouch ordered.
The Black Knights released smoke from their knightmares and were able to escape. All while the clown waved his hands in the like he just didn't care.
"Sorry about that Suzaku, but I had to play the part! Plus, consider that karma for not wanting to help Sensei!" Jospeh thought to himself.
And Suzaku just sat in chair in silence, with one thought on his mind.
"WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST EXPERIENCE?!"
...
Clovis Memorial Museum of Art
"Hey boss, how's this for a headline? 'Maniac Clown Singlehandlely Infiltrates Prison Base!'" The ENZ reporter said enthusiastically over the phone.
"Clown - 1, Eleven - 0!" A reporter said while laughing as he posted the video to his social media.
"Check this out! 'Clown Attack' is already #1 on all social media!" Another reporter cheered.
"You think that clown was the dimwit prince?" A reporter whispered to another.
"Certainly wouldn't surprise me. It would take a dimwit to humiliate an eleven like that." Another reporter whispered back.
"Anybody who teabags an Eleven like that is okay in my book." Another reporter said.
"Especially considering he's the one person who actually stopped The Kururugi fellow when even all the others in knightmares couldn't." A reporter snickered.
Euphemia had just about enough of this chatter.
"All of you!" Euphemia proclaimed, gathering everyone's attention. I'll now answer the question you asked me earlier! You had inquired as to whom I would select to serve as my knight, correct?" She said in a professional manner.
"No need your highness, we have much important questions now." A reporter said, brushing off his earlier question about her choosing her knight.
"Huh?" Euphemia asked, not expecting that.
"What can you tell us about the clown we witnessed just now?!" The ENZ reporter asked excitedly.
"Is he working for Zero?" A reporter asked.
"Is he a new freedom fighter or a sleeper agent brought in by the military?" Another reporter theorized.
"Is the clown actually your brother, Joseph Du Britannia in disguise? If so, was he sent in by the Viceroy to take attention off Zero?" Another reporter asked.
"Come on! Give us the clown!" A reporter demanded. "Gives us the clown! "Gives us the clown!" The reporter started to chant.
And soon another reporter joined in, and then another, until finally the whole room of reporters were. chanting: "Gives us the clown!" Clapping their hands in rhythm while doing so.
"Uh..." Was all Euphemia could say, not expecting her day to go like this at all. And she couldn't help but be reminded of the "EAT THAT HORSE" scenario back at the hotel hijacking.
Darlton on the other hand, just put his face into his hand in shame.
"These are the people we're fighting for?" Darlton muttered to himself, feeling hollow inside.
...
Old Highway
Tohdoh exited his Burai and met up with his Four Holy Swords.
"Colonel, thank goodness!" Chiba said happily.
"Are you truly alright sir?" Asahina asked with concern.
"I am. I thank you again for helping me. You as well, Zero." Tohdoh said gratefully as Zero, Ohgi and Kallen approached them.
"Of course." Zero said.
"You must be the pilot of the Guren, I heard a lot about your skills, from what I saw today, you're truly an exceptional warrior." Tohdoh said as he bowed in respect, Kallen was surprised but smiled gratefully.
"You honor me, Colonel Tohdoh." Kallen said as she bowed in return.
Suddenly, Clowno Funzo landed in between them, startling the others.
"Sensei!" Clowno Funzo cheered.
The Four Holy Swords gathered around Tohdoh, ready to protect him.
"Get back, Colonel!" Chiba said, ready to cut off the moron's head if she had to.
However, Tohdoh just put his hand on her shoulder, as a gesture to stand down, and walked past her.
"Joseph, is that really you?" Tohdoh asked curiously.
Joseph smiled at this, taking off his wig to reveal his short brown hair, and then he rubbed the makeup off his face. He then straighten up and gave a formal Japanese bow to Tohdoh.
"Kon'nichiwa, Sensei-San." Joseph said in a respectful tone.
Tohdoh stared at him for a moment, before chuckling and giving a bow in return. Surprising the Four Holy Swords
"You haven't changed a bit." He said in a nostalgic tone.
At that, Joseph broke into a wide grin and spread his arms out towards Tohdoh.
"Get here!" Joseph cheered happily as he engulfed Tohdoh into a big tight hug, spinning him around in a circle. Flabbergasting the Four Holy Swords, surprising Ohgi, making Zero chuckle, and Kallen smile sweetly. "Missed so much!" He said with glee.
"It's good to see you too." Tohdoh said with a tight breath. To which, Joseph finally put him down.
"Calls for celebration, cowboy style!" Joseph said happily as he took Chiba's gun from her holster and started firing into the air all around him while letting out a "WOOOOOOOOO!"
This shocked and sort of scared everyone there to no end until Chiba finally snatched the gun out of Joseph's hand.
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!?" Chiba barked as she got in Joseph's face.
"YES! HAHAHAHA!" Joseph said crazily as he equally got into Chiba's face. Before leap-frogging over her and jumping all over the trucks and knightmares there like an acrobat. "Hockety pockety wockety wack. Abra cabra dabra nack" He sang with glee.
Chiba was seething at this buffoonery while the other Holy Swords were just perplexed by this behavior, not expecting it from a prince nor a Britannian no less. Kallen just sighed tiredly.
"He's definitely an interesting character. But I can see why you care for him" Ohgi said with a smile.
"Aah! What are you insulating?!" Kallen asked with a blush to her face.
"Nothing." Ohgi said with a knowing smirk.
"Joseph told me he trained under you. I must ask, how on Earth did you manage to deal with him for an entire month?" Zero asked with genuine curiosity.
"A lot of mental strength, Zero. A lot of mental strength..." Tohdoh said tiredly.
To be Continued...
Update: Sorry about the repost, it kept glitching on me for some reason.
The longest chapter I've done so far and probably my favorite as well. When it came to Tohdoh's rescue and Joseph personal stake in it, I wanted to him to do something that would outdo the "EAT THAT HORSE!" moment from the hotel-hijacking chapter. Thus, came the idea for him to dress up as an actual clown, because really, who would guess a clown of all things would break into a prison base?
Also, I was originally going to have a flashback moment with Rakshata, Rebecca and Joseph during their 6-month trip, but considering I reiterate it later in the chapter, I discarded it completely.
By the way, if it wasn't known before, if you find Joseph's dialogue from movies or TV shows, it's because he's quoting from actual movies and tv shows he's watched over the years. Hence the "Afro Circus" song he sings. I don't know how clear I made that before so I wanted to make sure it was noted now.
Now that Nunnally has told Lelouch about her conversation with Joseph, will it affect their relationship later on, we'll see.
And will Nina and Kallen eventually duke it out for Joseph's love whether Kallen wants to or not? Tune in next time to see!
Comment and tell me what you think.
One more thing, ENZ is suppose to be a play on TMZ.