(A/N: Sorry for the long delayed wait, ladies and gents. I have been hard at work on other projects and seeking a new job. If you, or someone you know, knows a company that's looking for a data analyst or computer forensic technician, PM me the details. Or, consider becoming a patron of mine and help support me as a content creator. I would love to make writing fanfiction into a full-time job. But, for now, enjoy the fruits of my labor!)
Camilla very rarely spent her evenings at the Viceroy Palace. To get her mind off things, she typically went to fancy restaurants with Corrin, leaving Clovis to tend to things in the evenings in matters of the utmost emergency. This evening in particular, she and Corrin had gone to a nice high-rise location on the top floor of a skyscraper, ordering extravagant pasta that was just now being brought to their table.
Camilla clapped her hands in delight as the food was placed in front of her and her sister. She forked her food and was about to take her first bite when a loud noise echoed in the distance. Corrin saw the fireball unfurl as Camilla whipped her head at the wall of windows to her left. An explosion had just rocked the upper floors of the Viceroy building.
Corrin got up, reaffixing her light jacket on. "Guess we'll be taking our meal to go."
"Whoever's behind this is going to find themselves missing their head for interrupting my meal," Camilla said with sugary malice. "Waiter! A to go box, if you don't mind!"
At the Viceroy Palace, after helping his squadron infiltrate the area, Zero was now on a small march through the building, his new allies gunning down enemy soldiers according to his directions. Bullets went flying out as people came running down hallways, as if Zero knew they would be there. Explosions rocked more and more areas of the palace, making it difficult for pursuers to get by. And all the while none of the attacks or demolitions affected the elevator system, allowing Zero to step into it and take it to the top floor.
Upon exiting out, it was simply a matter of heading for Clovis's audience hall. The man had sense enough not to hole up in his office, so he was guaranteed to try broadcasting a signal to the general populace to make them believe he had "everything under control."
Zero had Hinoka and Kallen directly behind him as he walked in and shot the cameraman right in the inside back of the right shoulder just as Clovis began his speech, causing a nearby, female staff member to scream.
Kallen hurled a plastic explosive at the left side wall, part of Zero's plan, as the remnants of the explosion caused the rubble to catch fire. Hinoka tossed another explosive device at the ceiling, causing rubble to collapse and the area where it fell to catch fire. This was all theatrics.
Kallen manned the camera as Zero stepped around the burning rubble towards Clovis. "Clovis la Britannia, your reckoning is upon you."
"I don't know who you are, but please don't kill me!"
The light from Zero's gun aimed at Clovis's forehead. "Fortunately for you, this day, Clovis, you're more valuable to me alive. Don't make me change my mind though."
Clovis cowered, going flush against the wall as Zero strode forward to grapple him around the neck. The cowering Clovis felt a gloved hand grip his shoulder as Zero's gun aimed right at base of Clovis' temple, guaranteed to hit the most vital parts of his brain if he fired.
"People of Britannia! I am Zero! Your sub-viceroy is my hostage! I am willing to relinquish his life, on one condition. Bring me Corrin su Britannia! Refuse, and not only will Clovis la Britannia die, but I will burn this entire building to the ground!"
The live broadcast was being watched by Corrin and Camilla in the limo ride over to the Viceroy Palace.
"Corrin, why don't we drop this pathetic little worm and treat Clovis out to a nice spa when we're done?" Camilla asked. "It won't take us more than a few minutes if we work together, most of the time spent desecrating the corpse."
Corrin examined the situation from the broadcast to the burning building. "…No. I'll go meet with Zero alone. I'll need you to work on securing my escape route."
"Corrin, I'm not going to trade Clovis for you. Under no circumstances are you allowed to die," Camilla responded fussily.
"I won't," Corrin responded. "I get the feeling that if Zero wanted me dead, he would have tried to assassinate me already. I think he…just wants to talk. He didn't attack Ashford after we retreated. Wicked or not, he at least appears to be a terrorist of his word."
Camilla wanted to question Corrin, but she knew her younger half-sister to be smarter than her. If that was Corrin's intuition, then Camilla was going to follow it. At least for now.
"All right then. I'll get Beruka and we'll clear out all those nasty terrorists from my office," Camilla remarked, smirking. "Time to play."
As Corrin and Camilla made their approach, Kallen manned the camera while Hinoka cut the audio from the live feed, allowing her and Zero to converse while he held Clovis hostage.
"The demolition charges have all been set," she told him.
"Excellent," Zero responded. "You've done well. Do we have visualization on Princess Corrin's approach?"
Hinoka nodded. "Princess Camilla's limo has been spotted. Princess Corrin is believed to be with her."
"Then all the conditions are set. Hear that, Clovis? Your savior will soon be here," Zero told him, keeping Clovis's mouth covered.
Clovis was terrified to the point of nearly wetting himself, but he held it together. Corrin…please…hurry!
As Corrin and Camilla approached the base of the Viceroy Palace, they found familiar faces scattered around outside.
"What's the situation here?" Corrin asked, approaching the trio of Viletta Nu, Jeremiah Gottwald and Kewell Soresi.
"Lady Corrin!" Jeremiah exclaimed, saluting to her. "We've secured the perimeter, but we have no way into the building. The terrorists have eliminated all security inside. We were careless. They've absolutely dismantled our interior defenses and have them working against us. We tried sending soldiers in earlier, but they ended up getting killed in the attempt. Fires are on floors four, five and six in all different wings, forcing only one way up to the top floor.
"What about Landspinner propulsion? Can we get a Knightmare up there?"
"They have stolen Glasgows and Sutherlands on what's left of the roof, preventing all but an aerial strike, but with Prince Clovis still inside…"
"Understood," Corrin responded. "Your unit will come with me. Camilla, see to perimeter safety."
"But Corrin—"
Corrin smiled at Camilla candidly. She nodded to her. "I'll be fine. Just trust me."
Camilla swallowed. She stood idly by, gripping her trusty axe. "Okay."
"You and Beruka will be in charge of taking out any Eleven that isn't supposed to be here. Jeremiah's faction and I will mount a charge up to the top floor. All soldiers check your weapons for jams and then get a move on. My brother's life is on the line here!"
"Yes, your highness!"
As Corrin went inside with Jeremiah's unit, Ohgi radioed to Zero, Kallen and Hinoka. "We have visual."
"Excellent," he responded. He then commanded. "All units, allow Princess Corrin to pass and move to your second points. P3! P5! Ignore that order and maintain your positions!"
"RIGHT!" a loud shout came over the radio.
"Ugh, we spent so much time shooting now we're just gonna let 'em waltz in here?" Tamaki wondered aloud, grumbling.
"Such is life," Azama, who was standing right next to him, commented. "But if you want to ignore orders and get shot, by all means."
Tamaki groaned and did as Zero requested.
This left an eerie unsettling feeling to Jeremiah, Corrin, Viletta and Kewell.
"They spent all this time keeping us out, now it feels like they rolled out the red carpet for us," Viletta remarked, putting her back to a wall and peering down a corner. No visual contact with the enemy ensued.
"For whatever reason, although he is dastardly and underhanded, Zero keeps his word. He wants to meet with me. He isn't going to go against that," Corrin responded.
"My lady, no offense, but I do believe Zero means to trap you, or kill you," Jeremiah stated. "On live camera no less."
"Perhaps, but if Clovis is safe, that's what matters more. If I die, it will be done doing the right thing," Corrin stated. She took out her radio. "Engineering, do you copy?"
"Ahhhhhh! If it isn't my favorite Princess," the eccentric voice of Lloyd Asplund responded. "How may I assist you?"
"Did you manage to get into the sub-basement like I asked?"
"Easily," Lloyd responded. "You were right on the money, Princess. There's a massive bomb down here and I already have Ordinance Disposal all over it. We're already in the process of rerouting the power as well. We should be able to get the elevator working remotely to aid in Prince Clovis's escape."
"Good work. That will be all."
"Oh? Not even going to thank your favorite pilot friend?" Lloyd asked. "How sad."
"Oh. Er, I mean…is Suzaku…doing well?"
"I'm here with the disposal team, Princess. No need to worry. If it comes down to it, the Lancelot is prepared to make a run with the bomb to make sure it explodes harmlessly elsewhere."
"Good, just make sure you don't get caught in the blast," Corrin told him.
"Yes, your highness!"
"You've really thought this out, huh?" Kewell questioned.
"I didn't get promoted to Major General without being clever," Corrin responded with a wry smirk. "Now come on, my brother awaits."
When the quarter finally got to the top floor, they started by kicking the door in, weapons drawn, aimed directly ahead.
"Get down on the ground!" Viletta shouted.
"Release Prince Clovis!" Jeremiah added.
They both froze when they saw Zero had, at no point, let Clovis go. Kallen had now moved the live feed so that everything could play out. She had a weapon trained on all four soldiers and Hinoka was on the other side of the room, catching the quarter in basically a three-pronged attack.
"You're outnumbered two-to-one considering you have a hostage with you," Kewell told Zero. "Let Prince Clovis go."
"Not so fast. I will release Clovis, but Princes Corrin is to come to me and stay here. I wish to have a little chat with her. Alone."
Jeremiah aimed his gun directly at Zero's center of mass. "Over my dead body!"
Corrin, however, lowered Jeremiah's gun by pushing down on it and then stepped forward. "You must be Allen Spacer."
"Allen Spacer, James Pond, Brad Crandon, Jack Candle. I go by many names, but by all accounts, I am ZERO!"
"What you are is a dead man!" Jeremiah shouted at him.
"Oh, but why all the hostility, don't you remember me, Orange?"
"Orange?!" Jeremiah shouted.
Zero pushed Clovis to the floor, keeping his gun trained on him. If Clovis so much as twitched, he would fire. He kept the gun trained on Clovis, even as he crossed the room, down the audience hall steps, towards Jeremiah.
"But of course. You and I are old friends, and if you shoot me, all the dirt I have on you will go public. You'll be ruined and disgraced by your own nation. And so, if you don't want that…" A slot in Zero's helmet slid open, revealing black hair and a purple eye. "You'll do everything in your power to help my plan succeed, even shoot your own comrades."
Kallen and Hinoka were both shocked when Jeremiah responded with a calm, "Yes, my lord."
"Lord Jeremiah!" Kewell shouted, only to be shot in the shoulder, tunneling into his subclavius. Any lower and the shot would've grazed his lung.
"Lieutenant Kewell!" Corrin shouted, running over to the fallen soldier.
"Lord Jeremiah! What is the meaning of this?!" Viletta shouted. Her ears then began to ring. She'd been shot too, right in ilium of her pelvic bone, getting lodged in the crest. The searing pain, caused her to topple over.
"Didn't you hear him? I must make sure that Zero's plan succeeds!" Jeremiah shouted.
"Lord Jeremiah! Snap out of it! Whatever orange is, this isn't worth all the bloodshed!" Corrin shouted at him.
"Did you not hear me? I must make sure Zero's plan succeeds! Get over there, my lady! Now!"
Corrin was horrified. What…was this? For as long as she had known him, Jeremiah was nothing but loyal. What was…who was…?
"Corrin, do what he says!" The shout came from Hinoka.
"Q2! Stop!" Zero shouted, but Hinoka didn't listen. She ran over to Corrin, taking off her head covering, exposing her fiery red hair. "Corrin, look at me! It's me! Hinoka! Don't you recognize me?"
Corrin's eyes flashed with pain as she stared at Hinoka. Something somewhere in her subconscious burned, but she became consumed with an all encompassing headache.
"My…head."
Zero kicked Clovis. "Get up and see Jeremiah and your subjects to safety. I have no more use for you."
Oh thank god! Clovis exclaimed and scrambled to Kewell and Viletta, helping the latter to his feet.
"Jeremiah! You are to escort Prince Clovis and your shot comrades out of the building. After which, you will be freed from your obligation to me!"
"Yes, my lord!" Jeremiah exclaimed and helped up the fallen Kewell. Kewell struggled at first, but when it was clear he wasn't getting shot again, he allowed Jeremiah to help him out of there, better than bleeding out.
When all was quiet, Zero killed the live feed by silently instructing Kallen, and approached Corrin.
"Since you were small, you've lived a lie," Zero informed her.
Corrin's gaze turned to Zero, her whole body wracked with confusion and pain. "What are you…talking about?"
"The family you love is built on lies, deception, false kindness, and smiles that hide the knives tucked behind their backs. I know the feeling all too well, the pain that comes from it," Zero stated scornfully. "The man you call father, his majesty the Emperor, the same man who pits his children against each other so they'll fight for his throne—lied to you, Corrin. You are no flesh and blood of his, not even a little bit. You were kidnapped at a young age, taken in to be raised as though you were born into the Britannian court, indoctrinated to believe their way of thinking, to accept their ruthlessness as strength, instead of as tyranny."
Corrin clutched her skull. "No…that's a lie! I—"
"A lie?" Zero questioned calmly. "You're bound to have heard them, whispers that you always lacked certain…qualities of a true princess. Do you really think your siblings saw you as their own, or do you think they merely came to accept the fact that they were forced to put up with you. Were you truly accepted, or did you convince yourself that you were and turned away from the truth?"
"I'm…I'm in line for a Knight of the Round…" Corrin got out.
"Because you make an excellent tool, Corrin. You have bought the lies fed to you like a discount at a flea market. You were victimized like many before you. You're a hostage, used only until your time has come, to be discarded when you are no longer of use. The Emperor cares not for his children, only for the prestige they bring him, to use them as leverage for his own nefarious schemes. Britannia's red carpet is made of blood, the tile made from the bone and corpses of the people they trample over. You would become a sacrifice should you continue to follow Britannia's direction!" Zero exclaimed, throwing his cape out to one side.
Corrin gasped, cringing, tears starting to form. Her head hurt. She…she could barely remember, a man…gunshots. Oh god…she wanted to throw up.
"Zero! Stop it! She's—"
"She's remembering the truth. Her heart knows." He took a knee in front of Corrin. "Come with us, Corrin Sumeragi. You still have family that loves you. You have a place to belong. And it's not with Britannia."
"That…I don't believe you!" Corrin shouted, staring Zero in the eye.
"Maybe, but if you don't come with me, you will forever be plagued by doubt. Have you never noticed how different you are from your family?"
Corrin could hear it now in her subconscious, the whispers, the talking behind her back. The Dragon of Britannia was replaced with a name she had cut out from her memory: False Princess. The chattering of deceitful tongues and evil whispers plagued her mind, but the most horrendous thing that stuck out in her mind was Emperor Charles standing over her when she was small, reaching out to her with a white gloved hand, speaking only five words as he picked her up off the ground, the night sky blotted out by his massive frame.
"You are my child now."
She was only snapped to attention by words coming over her radio. "Corrin? Corrin?! Are you there?! Please respond! I'm in position! Clovis is out! Viletta and Kewell are bleeding! If you don't give me an answer, I'm coming in to get you anyway and I don't care who gets in my way!"
"Make a choice," Zero told her, rising to his feet. "If I'm wrong, you would know where the enemy is, should you manage to escape.
Corrin swallowed. Apprehension gripped her tensely.
"CORRIN!" Camilla shouted over the radio.
Corrin thought about it and decided, in all honesty, what did she really have to lose?
"Camilla, rendezvous with Suzaku and get clear. Make sure Clovis gets to safety and gets a medical examination," Corrin told her sister with the utmost seriousness.
"But…what about you?" Camilla asked, flabbergasted.
"I…I'll be fine. I promise to come back alive!" Corrin shouted.
Camilla did not like that answer, not one bit. "Corrin? Corrin! Answer me!"
Beep. Beep. Beep.
A dead line followed by static.
Checkmate, Zero thought as multiple, smaller demolition charges from around the building were set off, distracting the bomb disposal team briefly from the big one in the sub-basement.
"This place will be rubble soon. Come, my escape route is this way," Zero told Corrin.
Corrin nodded, following Zero.
Camilla, watching her building shake was not about to let this happen. You can take Lulu and Nunnally, but NOT CORRIN TOO! She shouted internally. The third princess scrambled for the garage like lightning, scrambling up into her Harlech and used the landspinner gear to tear up the side of the building, the bulky armor of the frame ignoring the slash harkens that fired down at her to suppress her from the roof.
"Uh, incoming!" Subaki radioed to Zero as he and Setsuna fled the area.
Zero, Hinoka, Kallen and Corrin barely had enough time to react before Camilla's Harlech cut its way into the building, taking up two entire floors as it stood, stuck where it stood, armaments aimed right at Zero.
Ordinarily, Camilla would be all smiles, but she was through playing games. Zero had mocked the memory of her Lulu, and now he was going to take her Corrin to. Stressed out and hands almost breaking the controls in her grip, Camilla's eye visible under her bangs dilated with unfiltered rage as she screeched at Zero.
"GIVE HER BACK!"
Corrin put herself between Zero and Camilla. "Camilla, I'm okay. I'm not hurt. It's fine. Look." She waved her arms around to make herself noticeable.
Camilla relaxed tremendously to at least see Corrin unharmed. It at least gave her enough composure to speak with her usual dangerously sweet tone. "Corrin, sweetie. Please stand aside so I can kill these worthless dust mites."
Zero stepped towards Camilla. "Camilla no Britannia, of the no Britannia family. I hadn't anticipated we would meet this soon."
Breaking the floor above Zero's head, Camilla pushed her mech past Corrin and put herself between Zero and her sister. "Listen. Here. You. Speck. I've already lost two beloved siblings to your ilk. I will not lose any more to your kind."
"Camilla! Stand down! That's an order!" Corrin shouted at her sister.
Thanks to Shinjuku, Corrin now outranked Camilla in terms of the military. Camilla herself was only ranked Colonel.
Camilla froze. Why was Corrin demanding she stop?
Corrin spoke through tears forming. "Because…because…because I may not be Britannian after all!"
"I don't care about that at all! Do you think it matters to me where you came from, Corrin? You're my sweet little sister and nothing will change that! You were there for me when I mourned Lelouch! You nursed me back to health when I nearly starved! And don't let this insignificant cockroach fool you into thinking otherwise!"
At this, from below, more detonation charges caused the Harlech to lose its balance and fall. It fired a slash harken up into the air to try and pierce the floors above it, but the cord snapped and tension was lost, causing Camilla to plummet downward another two flights.
Meanwhile, Corrin dangled over the edge, having barely avoided falling with her sister. Luckily, Hinoka and Zero had caught her and were pulling her up to safety.
"This way!" Kallen shouted from down the hall. "Come on! We don't have a lot of time left!"
Zero, Hinoka and Corrin all followed.
Meanwhile, as Camilla lay two flights down in a heap under some rubble, she was trying to get her Harlech upright, but the damage sustained from the fall was hindering the motor controls of her mech. No! Not again! Corrin! Sweet little Corrin!
Corrin's image in her mind as Camilla lost consciousness began to fade like old film, until there was nothing left but a burned hole of blackness and dust.
Riding in a stolen vehicle from the garage, Zero, Hinoka, Sakura, Ohgi, Kallen and the others were all speeding away towards their hideout.
"I can't believe we actually pulled that off!" Hana exclaimed, in an excited tone. "We actually managed to rescue Corrin! Go us!"
Ohgi tapped Hana on the shoulder. She looked at him and he pointed to Corrin sitting down and looking downright miserable, hands against her face. She felt as if she had betrayed everything, and Camilla probably hated her.
"Er…I mean…uhhhh…" Hana stuttered.
"The captured will never celebrate. That is a law of nature," Zero uttered. "However, Corrin Sumeragi, you made this decision yourself and so, with your own eyes and ears, you will see the truth. Lady Hinoka has much to say to you, but first we should arrive somewhere less conspicuous where Britannia will not chase us."
"Let's make haste too," Ohgi said, gazing out the front window. "Looks like it's gonna rain."
As the car sped off down the highway, Clovis, now less rattled—and with no one else to do so—had taken charge of digging Camilla out of the rubble and helping with the anti-demolition effort. The palace could be rebuilt in a matter of days with enough day laborers and enough money. But the people would not come back. Fortunately, it seemed, Camilla was not among the casualties, at least physically.
Camilla was seated on the back of an ambulance, just staring at the hot cocoa she had been given. If the mug didn't have a handle, it would have fallen to the ground by now in her slack grip. She was just…vacant of all thought it appeared.
Clovis, taking a moment to check on her, since the relief effort was acting autonomously, approached. "Sister…are you all right?" he asked.
Beruka, who was standing nearby, spoke for her. "She hasn't responded to anything I've said. It's almost as if she's gone…catatonic. I don't believe she'll respond unless Lady Corrin returns to us safely."
Clovis hissed, scowling. "Barbarians. Mark my words! It's one thing to take me hostage! It's another to harm my family! Zero! You will pay for this!" After an angry exhale, he then turned to the small Beruka. "Beruka! I know I don't have any authority over you directly, but I'm a bit short on hands. Could you reach out to Cornelia for me and tell her to call me. This Zero character is far beyond my capabilities, and with Corrin captured and Camilla like…" he looked at the dead inside woman, "…this. I'll need a true military commander to take Zero down."
Beruka nodded firmly. "I shall see it done. But first…we should find a place to get my lady some rest. I don't believe she is going to be able to recover without a proper bed to sleep in."
"The royal suite at Babel Tower will have to do then." He looked at the paramedics nearby. "What's her condition?"
"Stable, just in shock, your highness. She hasn't spoken since we dug her out, but vitals are stable and seem normal."
Camilla, Clovis thought, staring at her, seeing her in this almost vegetative state. Don't worry, I'll fix this and help you. I promise!
But Camilla did not rise from her bed. She lay there, eyes open in terror and shock and sorrow as the rain poured around her in her suite, sobbing brokenheartedly until she lost all her energy and fell into a deep slumber.
Halfway across the Tokyo prefecture, past Shinjuku and Nerima and closer to Saitma, Azama finally parked the car and everyone was allowed to get out as they stood under the parking garage that was across the street from their hideout.
Zero hung in the back along with Kallen, Ohgi and Tamaki, allowing Hinoka and Sakura center stage to speak with their long lost sister, Corrin.
"I cannot believe you managed to pull that off," Tamaki commented.
"There was never a doubt in my mind that we couldn't," Zero stated. "But we've only managed half the battle. The rest, is up to those two," he stated, gazing at Hinoka and Sakura.
"I'm…sure you have tons of questions," Hinoka said to Corrin.
"More than I can imagine. When I woke up this morning, it didn't even cross my mind that I had an entire other family I didn't know about, or that I wasn't Britannian at all."
"Yeah, you definitely look the part, always have," Hinoka pointed out.
Corrin sweat a little, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
"I can't believe it's really you," Sakura sobbed. "I've only ever seen you in pictures and can remember your warmth. I hadn't even formed my cognitive memory when you vanished. Oh, Corrin!" Sakura broke like a dam and ran forward, throwing her arms around her big sister. Corrin, too much of a sweetie to push away a young, crying girl, pat Sakura's back with a smile.
Hinoka approached as well, hugging Corrin's whole head since most of the rest of her was covered by Sakura.
"You've been missed…for a really long time," Hinoka told her.
The others looked at what could only be described as a happy reunion with smiles. However, one person wasn't feeling the warm fuzzies.
"I should be heading out," Zero said only loud enough for Kallen and Ohgi to hear him.
"Already? Aren't you going to stay?" Ohgi asked.
"Would that I could, but I am needed elsewhere. Japan's resistance is not yet unified. I have to work towards that goal."
"It's pouring out though," Kallen reminded him.
"Like the postal service, through rain, sleet, or snow, I will travel." Zero turned by spinning on his heel and with a wave of his cape. "Farewell."
"Wait! Zero!" Hinoka exclaimed before he could make it into the downpour.
"What's wrong?" he asked her.
Hinoka bowed low to him. "Thank you. Without you…I don't know if I would have ever seen Corrin again."
"Do not thank me for something so trivial. I've only accomplished half your wish," Zero responded. "Family does not always wish to come home." He turned his head towards Corrin, now apart from Sakura and gazing right at him. "It feels alien, doesn't it? You've come all this way, but feel nothing."
Corrin nodded. "Yes, but…"
"No one is holding you here. If you wish to flee, I can take you back," Zero extended a hand to her.
"You double crossing—" Hinoka hissed, but Zero cut her off.
"I promised to bring Corrin to you safely. I never promised to force her to stay. She is a grown woman, capable of her own decisions," Zero stated sharply, head turned to meet Hinoka's gaze. He lowered his arm. "However," he tucked it away inside his cape. "If you were to leave now, you would not uncover all of the hidden truths that lay behind the curtain. I cannot force you to do anything, but I recommend that you stay at least for a while, and learn more about the family you were taken from."
"…I shall," Corrin replied after some hesitance. "Zero…what are you exactly after?"
"What am I after? Why that's quite simple. I am simply a knight—"
KRA-KOOM!
A bolt of lightning and a clap of thunder accentuated Zero's flashy pose.
"—Of justice!"
Days passed. Terrorist activity had dropped, but neither hide nor hair had been heard from Corrin. Zero was the talk of the news, many wondering if he'd kidnapped Corrin so that the Japanese could publicly execute her. Unfortunately, the only person able to refute that claim was in an emotionally withdrawn state.
As she had for many days now, Camilla sat in her office with the comfiest of the chairs staring out the window. Her hair was a mess. Her clothes were unkempt. She had barely touched her breakfast. And, as with all days past since Corrin vanished, she hadn't spoken a word.
She barely registered when the door opened, footsteps trampling towards her.
"Camilla!"
She was tackled hugged by one Euphemia li Britannia.
Camilla did not respond.
Another pair of footsteps entered the room, these were the bootsteps of Euphemia's older full-blood sister, Cornelia.
"It's worse than I thought," she said, staring at the dejected Camilla. "Euphemia, see if you can help Camilla into a bath. I'll have the staff clean up around here. This office is repugnant."
"Yes, sister," Euphemia responded. "Come on, Camilla. Let's go take a bath together."
Like a dementia patient that was just following instinct, Camilla let Euphemia help her to her feet, her shirt sliding off her shoulder a little as her unfocused eyes slumped lazily around the room.
Cornelia sat down at the big couch in front of the coffee table and set down the laptop she'd been carrying. She then used her cellphone to put Guilford on speaker. "Guilford. Bring Darlton to Camilla's suite here at Babel Tower. We'll discuss plans to rescue Corrin here."
Camilla uttered a noise, but it went unheard.
Cornelia browsed through some articles and some reports she'd received over the past few days as Euphemia shuffled Camilla out of the room. Since the incident, Corrin had been branded a class-1 traitor, and because of her treason, it blew what little good will Suzaku Kururugi had earned during her tenure. Of course, he'd built it back up slightly, during a chance meeting with Euphemia during her first day in Area 11, but it was nowhere near the same level of prestige he'd enjoyed when he was viewed as being paraded around as Corrin's foreign pet. At the very least he was now a Warrant Officer instead of just a specialized private in the engineering department.
With Cornelia hard at work, Euphemia brought Camilla to the nice, luxury hotel bathroom, undressing her sister and helping her into the warm water. She scrubbed Camilla's back and shoulders, washing her hair for her since Camilla seemed to have all of the motor functions of an invalid. Despite this, Euphemia decided to pour on the charm, in the hopes that it would bring life back to her sister.
"You really have such a beautiful body, Camilla. I hope that I'm as pretty as you when I get to be your age."
She was met with silence. Normally Camilla would love to brag about her looks and encourage Euphemia that she would one day catch up. But…Euphemia did not give up hope that easily. While she was unable to get Camilla to do anything, even having to scrub the woman herself from head to toe, after helping her get dressed, she had a hotel staff member make them some tea and snacks. Euphemia talked and talked for what felt like hours to her sister, telling her all the things she'd been up to since Camilla last saw her. The more she talked, the more she got closer to her sister, physically, until she was snuggling Camilla, trying to bring back life to her sister in the most sisterly intimately way possible.
When nothing still happened, Euphemia just looked heartbroken. She stared at the floor. "Camilla…it hurts seeing you like this. Please don't go far away. I've always loved you. You're one of my favorite older sisters. Please…you can't just give up on life just because Corrin's missing and Lelouch and Nunnally are gone. Please…" she sniffed, tears forming. "Please…" She let out stifled sobs and then just let out high pitched whines, crying like she'd just watched her dog get hit by a car and was still in shock.
And then…something warm landed on her head. It was Camilla's hand.
"Eu…phie…" It was awkwardly delivered, but it was stated plain as day. For the first time in days, Camilla had spoken. "Don't…cry…Euphie."
Euphemia gasped. She covered her mouth with her hands. Despite Camilla telling her not to cry, Euphemia could only sob harder. She bear hugged Camilla with all her strength, mashing her face into the woman's chest.
"Waaaaaaah! Camillaaaaaaaa!"
Camilla's consciousness was still somewhat vacant of her surroundings, but as she wrapped her arms around Euphemia to comfort her, she slowly began to return to normal. Yes…it was too soon to give up. She had a big family. Corrin was gone, but…but Euphie was here. Elise was still alive. She still had plenty of cuties in her family that would never betray her to dote on. It hurt. Corrin being gone hurt, enough that she began to hug Euphemia tighter, but…she would prevail. She had to.
Zero would pay, oh he would pay dearly.
"I'm sorry, Euphie. Please don't cry," Camilla responded, crying herself.
"Silly, I'm crying because I'm happy. You had me so worried," Euphemia told her, wiping a tear from her eye.
Camilla laughed mirthlessly. "I've been a big silly, huh? Making everyone worry about me when it's my job to worry about them."
"No one blames you, Camilla. The Viceroy Building is still being rebuilt and Corrin's abandoned us. We're all in shock. Even Schneizel isn't surprised that you're taking it really hard. But…" Euphemia sat in Camilla's lap and hugged her tenderly. "We're your family. We're always here to support you when you're sad." She sweetly placed her head on Camilla's shoulder. Camilla stroked it tenderly with a smile.
"Indeed, Euphemia," Camilla responded. "Indeed."
Throwing open the doors to her hotel room, Camilla was dressed, pampered and full of vigor. She saw Cornelia, Darlton and Guilford poured over a map of what appeared to be the Saitama region.
"Sister," Camilla stated calmly and stoically.
"C-Camilla," Cornelia stuttered. She hadn't expected Camilla to recover so…fast. Truly, Euphemia's heart may as well have been made of magic to pull Camilla together this fast.
In truth, however, Camilla was hanging together by paper mâché and thread. Her mind would not last much longer. However, she wasn't going to let that stop her. She had to help. She wouldn't be powerless and she wouldn't be useless. Not again.
"I heard what you said earlier, that you wanted to rescue Corrin, even though she's been branded a traitor," Camilla stated, scowling. "You…you really believe we can…rescue her?"
"I do," Cornelia responded with a nod.
"Then…let me help you. It's…it's my fault that she…I should've…" Camilla's legs started to shake. Words were suddenly hard.
Cornelia crossed the room, gave Camilla a strong, powerful hug and then held her near peer of a sibling at arm's length. "I'll hear none of that," Cornelia told her. "It doesn't matter whose fault it was. I know Corrin better than most. That girl loved Britannia and everything it stood for. You don't work hard to earn a Knight of the Round nomination and then just throw it all away. Zero kidnapped her. That's my truth. Damn the media for thinking otherwise. I'm going to bring her back, Camilla. We'll do it together: the Goddess of the Battlefield and the Briar Rose Barbarian."
And with that little pep talk, Camilla found her strength once again. "Oh my, such faith. I'll do my best," she replied with a big grin.
Cornelia's plan was to recreate the Shinjuku incident at Saitama, to show off that Zero was nothing compared to an opponent with a little more bite to them than Clovis, or even Corrin. Corrin may have had tactical prowess, but compared to Cornelia, she was just an advanced rookie going up against a grandmaster of tactics.
Camilla had to hand it to Cornelia, she definitely knew her stuff. She'd efficiently orchestrated the same conditions as Shinjuku by surrounding the Saitama ghetto with her men, and preventing access to it. The bloodshed hardly fazed the third princess. This was all for Corrin, all for Lulu. She had to focus.
The assault began with an attack on the Saitama ghetto's leadership on foot, people that had never raised their hands in violence in their lives. However, to Cornelia's point, they also hadn't provided the location of known terrorists, the Yamato alliance, within their borders. Therefore, they could be written off as traitors to the crown. That made sense to Camilla. What did these people ever do for her or for her Lulu, other than let him die? They also kidnapped her Corrin. Far as she was concerned, these people signed their death warrants months, if not years ago. Soon, her Harlech's axe would pierce their necks, or maybe Cornelia would spoil her and ask her to do the messy job on foot.
At first, however, it appeared as if Zero would be a no show. Luring him out in order to ascertain Corrin's location was Cornelia's plan. Camilla decided she would make sure that, once in custody, Zero would do more than just be tortured for information. Her violent fantasies were interrupted, however, when two men under Cornelia's watch were suddenly hit by rockets. It was clear the counterattack had begun.
He's here, Camilla thought, gripping her controls.
Things remained tense and silent, apart from reports coming in of enemy attacks. Cornelia appeared to understand the sacrifices of war. Many disposable soldiers under her command were annihilated in the initial counteroffensive. She didn't dare question her older sister. If Cornelia felt that the lives of their countrymen were worth sacrificing for Corrin's safety, she was willing to oblige. So, she was quite shocked when Cornelia ordered a retreat.
"Retreat?! Just send me in, Cornelia, I'll slaughter them all before they even knew what hit them."
"Camilla, as strong as you are, I am in charge," Cornelia responded calmly to her younger sister's outburst. "Do you trust me?"
Camilla smiled sweetly. "Very well. I'm yours to command." Sounds like you get a stay of execution, Zero. Be grateful.
"Camilla, be prepared to circle around and head out with Guilford. That goes for you too, Beruka."
"Yes, your highness," Beruka responded.
"Not coming out yourself, Cornelia? You're not scared, are you?" Camilla asked teasingly.
"My place is on the bridge, overseeing the field of battle. I trust Guilford with my life. He'll handle this task for me with ease."
"Yes, my lady!" Guilford exclaimed as his unit rushed out onto the field of battle, blitzing past Cornelia.
Darlton then announced that a sole KMF was transmitting an IFF signal.
"Oh dear, someone's gotten themselves in quite the pickle," Camilla chuckled. "If that's even one of ours."
"A woman after my own heart. Guilford, destroy it," Cornelia instructed.
"Understood."
"Let me ask you, Cornelia, given how smart you are, don't Zero's tactics remind you of Lulu, even a little?" Camilla asked.
"You mean the counterattacks launched and now faking a distress signal? These are basic underhanded tactics, Camilla. Any shrewd tactician could employ them."
Camilla didn't like that answer. "N-No! Lulu would always—"
"Lelouch didn't write the book on warfare, sister. Any crafty strategist would come up with such tired plans. If this was truly an act by Lelouch, neither you nor I would see a plan like this so easily. It's too sloppy."
Camilla's heart hurt to hear this.
"I happened to speak with Corrin while you were locked up. I heard the whole thing. I understand you think you know Lelouch better than anyone, Camilla, but he's dead. Ghost or no ghost, whoever Zero is, unmasking him won't bring you peace, and it won't bring Lelouch back. Let's focus on Corrin and bringing her back by defeating Zero," Cornelia instructed calmly.
Camilla did not respond. How dare Cornelia not believe her. They would see! They would all see! Lelouch was alive and Zero was manipulating him somehow, or spitting on his legacy, having known him while Lelouch was in Japan. She'd wrap her hands around Zero's throat and wring the truth out of him herself.
"I understand Corrin rallied the ranks and had Clovis's soldiers highly motivated, briefly turning the tables on Zero, if I've read the reports correctly," Cornelia responded.
"Yes. That's actually true, although I was…not well when it happened," Camilla admitted.
"It's fine. I know you well enough not to excuse your behavior, but to comprehend it. Still, if Zero thinks the same tactics that worked on Corrin and Clovis will work on me, he's sorely mistaken."
However, Cornelia would not get the chance to show Zero up. After a failed countermove to a thinly veiled ambush, the Yamato alliance started surrendering in droves.
Camilla grinned widely. Zero had foolishly put his hands in the lives of terrorists with no stomach. They had him now. Now, where are you hiding? She wondered.
"All units line up in formation four," Cornelia ordered.
"Awwww, over already? I hardly had to lift a finger," Camilla responded, chuckling.
"Indeed. And now for the final move," Cornelia responded, her voice full of smugness. "All forces exit your Knightmares and reveal your faces!"
Checkmate, Zero. Hmm, maybe you really aren't Lulu after all. Maybe Corrin had a point.
While inspecting a Knightmare whose ejection hatch was damaged in the battle, however, suddenly Zero was spotted on a rooftop.
"There you are!" Cornelia shouted.
"He's mine!" Camilla shouted and revved up her Harlech custom to attack. "You're not getting away!"
"Camilla! STOP!"
The shout didn't come from Cornelia, but…
Camilla turned her Harlech around. Was that…no…could it really be?
There, on the ground, in clothing Camilla had never seen her wear before, was Corrin.
"Corrin!"
Camilla abandoned any thoughts of pursuit, ejecting from her Knightmare, leaving the fight and allowing Cornelia to fruitlessly open fire at the now fleeing Zero. She didn't even care that one Knightmare broke formation and fled the area. She didn't know what was happening. She didn't care. As she hugged and snuggled Corrin, that was what mattered.
"Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!" Camilla exclaimed, pecking Corrin on the side of the head, smothering Corrin into her chest. "Don't you ever scare me like that again, Corrin! I was so worried about you."
Corrin giggled. "I'm fine, sister. I'm glad to see you too. I wasn't expecting Cornelia to get involved though."
"Clovis called her, feeling that we needed her help in dealing with Zero. Now come along, I'm sure she wants to hear about everything that happened."
"Of course, Camilla. I—ghhk!" Corrin winced as Camilla nearly crushed her with a very tight hug.
"Corrin…never do that to me again. I'm so sorry. I…I failed you back at the Viceroy building and it was all my fault. Can you ever forgive me?"
Corrin pat Camilla on the back. "It's fine, Camilla. I'm the one who should be sorry. Although…" she trailed off as she saw Cornelia's royal guard surround her. "I feel like I'm about to be even more sorry."
Fortunately, Cornelia was able to dodge a persecuted, angry Camilla by walking out in person that she just needed to talk with Corrin, rudimentary stuff done by the books.
"You can even hold her hand the entire time, Camilla. I won't take her away from you," Cornelia told her with a smile.
Camilla smiled back. Yes, Cornelia was someone who understood her.
As an interrogation room was being prepared for Corrin, the remaining members of House Sumeragi, in hiding with Kaguya, discussed the matter of Corrin.
"Was it wise that Hinoka let her go?" A tall man clad in red asked an elderly looking fellow by the name of Taizo Kirihara.
"Unfortunately, it appears Lady Corrin has chosen to remain with Britannia. However, from messages I have received, she intends to do her best to advocate for her real family. I don't believe she will be able to return to Britannia as she was," Taizo responded.
"Please! Once a Britannian, always a Britannian!" A sharp, indignant voice shouted from the other side of the room.
The tall man in red gazed towards a tan-haired younger man with a ponytail. "Takumi, that's your sister you're talking about."
"She's no sister of mine! How many Japanese do you think she's killed, Ryoma?" Takumi shot back.
"It's regrettable, but overall not her fault," Ryoma responded. He stepped a few paces towards Takumi. "If she has lived with Britannia for this long, she would naturally want to side with whom she believes to be her countrymen. I want to trust Hinoka's judgment on the matter."
"And I'm saying it's all crap!" Takumi shouted. "We should've cut off her head and mounted it for Britannia to see!"
"And then what?! Have aggressive activity surmount itself? Princess Camilla has been nothing but tolerable of the Japanese, even working to help us to the best of her ability without rocking the boat. Do you want to blow all of that good will away with one heartless act just to prove a point?"
"Both of you stop fighting!" An irate Kaguya Sumeragi shouted from behind Taizo.
Ryoma bowed to her. "Apologies, Kaguya. I lost my temper."
Takumi turned his head in disgust.
"You apologize too, Takumi," Kaguya demanded, sounding miffed. "You shouldn't disrespect Ryoma like that. And whether you treat her well or not, Corrin is your sibling. Remember that!"
"I don't have Britannian siblings!" Takumi shouted.
Ryoma groaned. Takumi had been all "Britannian scum!" since Mikoto's passing seven years ago during the war. They'd lost almost all contact with Hinoka and Sakura, only able to send secure messages every now and again in person through highly trained spies.
"Perhaps you should go out and continue your rifling practice if you can't sit still," an ill tempered voice in the room suggested. "If you're ill-contented with the status quo, prepare for the future."
Takumi looked to where a man was sitting on a pillow in almost total darkness, sipping a cup of tea. He had red hair, one eye missing, given the scar running down and over it, and was dressed as if the concept of the ninja had survived to the modern day. He loudly sipped his green tea.
"An excellent point, Saizo," Ryoma agreed.
"Fine, whatever," Takumi responded, grumpy. He picked up a rifle from along the rack and went to go shoot it out in the wilderness. Maybe killing some wildlife for food and sport would take his mind off things.
"He's going to get himself killed one of these days," Saizo remarked after Takumi left the room.
"Please don't be morbid," Ryoma responded. "Although, I can't help but agree with you. Takumi needs to learn to control his temper before it becomes his undoing. I can only pray that that moment comes sooner rather than later."
Camilla stayed with Corrin all throughout her interrogation. Corrin told her sisters everything, how Zero had delivered her straight to Lady Hinoka Sumeragi, how she had apparently been kidnapped fourteen years ago when her father was murderered by Chinese assassins, how Charles zi Britannia had simply taken her back with him and planted her in the royal family and no one was the wiser.
"It's…all really hard to believe, I know," Corrin admitted after the lengthy explanation of what she'd been told. "I…don't even remember any of it. But…the way Hinoka and Sakura Sumeragi spoke…I don't believe they were lying."
Camilla refused to believe this. Corrin was her Corrin. The Sumeragi bitches could get their own.
"They have to be lying, sweetie. There is only one Corrin and that's you. You're my sister, no matter what."
"But…" Corrin protested.
"No matter what!" Camilla repeated.
"How did you escape is what I want to know and…what are you wearing?" Cornelia asked.
Corrin was presently dressed in baggy pants with a kosode wrapped tightly around her upper body, with an undershirt underneath.
"Oh! These are traditional Japanese clothes, if you can believe it. Hinoka let me borrow them since I didn't have a change. Er, my uniform should still be in Saitama somewhere," Corrin responded. "I did bring it with me."
Cornelia cleared her throat. Corrin had only answered half of her question.
"Ah, right. My escape. I actually…was…just allowed to go, if you could believe it. I told them that, as much as I sympathized with their plight that…I was raised by all of you." Corrin smiled. "Britannia is my home. It's where you are, Cornelia, and Camilla, and Schneizel, and everyone I love."
Camilla snuggled Corrin. "Of course it is. Now point us in the direction of those Sumeragi sluts, and I'll be sure they're never heard from again."
"Uh…n-no, Camilla, th-that's…"
"They will not be taking you away from me again, understand?" Camilla asked with a smile that, while genuine, was about as friendly as a starving crocodile pulling up out of the water.
"But…I'm not going back to them. I'm staying with Britannia," Corrin told her.
"You can never be too careful," Camilla responded sweetly.
Corrin gulped.
"That's enough," Cornelia responded in an exasperated tone. "If they let Corrin go, I doubt it was for free."
Corrin nodded, confirming Cornelia's beliefs. "Even if they are not the family I was raised with, they still are part of my family. I would like to resume aiding the Elev…the Japanese, if that's okay. I understand that Britannia has it out for these people, but I don't believe things need to come to blows."
Cornelia shook her head. "Corrin, we're talking about the Sumeragi family. They won't be satisfied with anything less than an end to Britannia's occupation of what was once their country."
"Exactly, so better to tell us where they are so we can end them," Camilla responded, now more invigorated to put people to her axe than ever.
Corrin sweated. "Wherever we were, they've probably moved by now."
"That's all right. We can eliminate the city with an airstrike," Camilla responded.
"We will not. That's a waste of resources and taxpayer money," Cornelia criticized harshly.
"We can just tell the populace we are leveling the area for…" She thought about how best to answer. "A new parking lot! Or, we could always use more farm land. Dead bodies do make for excellent plant food."
"Let's…get off the subject," Cornelia remarked, a bit disturbed. Perhaps if they talked about something else, Camilla's anger would subside and she'd forget all about it. On the battlefield, Cornelia was in charge when Camilla was part of the operation. Off the battlefield, Camilla was still technically Viceroy if she was of able mind and body. Politics were weird like that.
"Corrin, how did you end up in Saitama?" Cornelia asked her.
"If you can believe it, Zero contacted me and asked me to come in the two hours leading up to the operation," Corrin stated. "He told me if I wanted to go back to Britannia, that now would be the time. I didn't help him with any of the fighting, but…I wanted to come home. Still, I deserted my post and I cooperated with terrorists. I left the Viceroy building with Zero willingly." Corrin stood up and bowed her head as though she was waiting an executioner's axe. "I am willing to accept whatever punishment you deem necessary."
Camilla forcibly lifted Corrin's head, staring into her red eyes. Corrin winced at first, wondering what Camilla was about to say. However, rather than say anything, Camilla booped her nose.
"There. You have been punished."
Corrin stared at her older sister in abject shock and confusion. A slap on the wrist? Really? After all the trouble she probably caused.
"Here's how I look at it," Cornelia said, sliding into the chair from across the table. She'd been standing the whole time. "We can spin the news media that Corrin never actually betrayed Britannia. She was given a proposal by the terrorists, putting her countrymen, and Clovis's life first. She went undercover to learn more about the enemy and has now returned to us, safe and sound. As the information she has uncovered is a matter of national security, we won't make that part public. But, it will at least undo the narrative that Corrin is a traitor to Britannia."
Camilla beamed. "Works for me."
With Corrin back, and Cornelia now stationed in Area 11 for the long haul, Camilla's morale greatly improved. Within weeks, especially as the Viceroy Palace finished repairs, she seemed back to her old self…to an extent. Even with everything going on, Camilla's temperament was at a crossroads and could snap like a worn piece of metal at any moment. She kept the façade up expertly, but that didn't mean she was stable. Still, she was able to resume her usual activities: Chess, fancy dinners with her family, routine Viceroy-based duties, feeding small animals at the shelter, and bugging engineering as an excuse to ask Suzaku why he and Corrin weren't dating yet.
After a particular stressful day at work, Camilla decided to reward herself with a nice bubble bath, letting the suds melt all her worries away, as she wiggled her toes as they barely came out of the steaming hot water. Her phone was within reach, but no TV was in the room. She'd been soaking for a good fifteen minutes, so she had no idea what was going on in the area, least of all at Lake Kawaguchi, at least…not until Corrin called her.
"Hello, Corrin," Camilla replied, answering the phone, sounding the most relaxed she had in over a month. "Are we still on for dinner?"
"Dinner? Camilla what have you been doing for the past half-hour?! There's a terrorist attack at Lake Kawaguchi!"
"Is Zero involved?" Camilla asked spitefully.
"No, we believe it to be the JLF, but…oh gods, Cornelia's beside herself. Euphemia's in there!" Corrin sounded petrified.
"Corrin," Camilla said with a calm, gentle smile. "Don't fret and don't cry. You tell our older sister that I will be there in five minutes, or however long it takes for me to get dry and put some clothes on." She rose from her relaxing bath. "And you can tell her that whatever stupid, putrid, insignificant worm, thinks they can take our Euphemia hostage, is soon going to find themselves being used as fertilizer for my new garden in Nerima."
"…You didn't actually airstrike the area, did you?" Corrin asked Camilla, greatly concerned by the implications.
Camilla only let out a mischievous chortle. "I'll see you in a bit, Corrin. I love youuuu!" She then ended the call.
As she stood behind Cornelia's bunker, waiting for orders, Corrin sweat profusely. I have a bad feeling about this.
It did not take Camilla long to arrive at the scene in her Harlech custom, with Beruka following close behind. She had run every red light to do it, speed down the streets and leaping onto unused railways, putting the lives of many of the citizenry in jeopardy, but she'd made it in record time.
A few traffic hazards were nothing compared to Euphemia's life on the line.
As she approached the operational zone, she called out to Cornelia, "Cornelia! I'm here! Send me in! I'll take care of everything!"
"Camilla!" Cornelia exclaimed. "I would love to, but—"
"No excuses! Euphemia needs me and she needs me now. If you have time to make excuses, you have time to get me in there by any means necessary. Sure, maybe a few hostages die, but Euphemia will be safe."
Cornelia, piloting her Gloucester custom, rolled up to Camilla. "This isn't a situation you can just barrel your way through and chop everyone's heads off, Camilla! We don't know all of the details. Only the main bridge is active and Euphemia could be hurt in all of the chaos. You're strong, your Knightmare is heavily armored, but it is not fast enough to get you across that bridge without the hostages, including Euphemia being attacked.
"So you're just going to stand off and do nothing!"
"Euphemia is my flesh and blood and I am working this operation zone! I nearly have a plan in motion to fix everything, so just stand by and wait!"
"I will not! One of my siblings needs my help! I failed Lulu! I won't fail Euphemia! Send me in!"
"NO!" A voice echoed from behind Camilla. "Send ME!"
Rolling up on the scene in an unarmed news van was none other than Zero, standing atop it like the king of theatrics he presented himself as.
Cornelia exited her Knightmare. "Well, well, well, we meet again Zero," she said, speaking to him face to mask. "Are you a member of the Japan Liberation Front, or perhaps you intend to help us? Regardless, our concerns take priority over yours at the moment. And so, for the people of Britannia and the kidnapping of my brother and sister, I shall take my revenge right here!" Cornelia exclaimed, pointing a gun at Zero.
"Cornelia! Which would you choose?" Zero asked. "Clovis and Corrin, who are free, or Euphemia, who is being held hostage?"
Cornelia and Camilla gasped at the same time. How did he know?
"It's within my power to save Euphemia for you," Zero boasted.
Cornelia was shocked to hear this.
Camilla was similarly surprised. Zero…intended to help? He…he wanted to rescue Euphemia?
Cornelia tried to deny it, to look tough in front of terrorism. "What do you mean? I have no idea what you're talking about!"
"I said that I'm able to rescue her!" Zero repeated.
Camilla now exited her own frame, meeting Zero face to mask herself. "You held Clovis at gunpoint. Why would we even begin to trust you?"
"And I released him unharmed when Princess Corrin cooperated with my demands. I also released her back to the two of you safe and sound," Zero responded, calmly. "The Japan Liberation Front is looking to start a fire, Princesses Camilla and Cornelia. I am offering you a hose."
Camilla looked to Cornelia apprehensively. "Sister…we do not have many choices."
Cornelia didn't answer. She just grimaced in anger. It seemed her pride could not allow her to say yes.
Camilla, on the other hand, had less pride to swallow. Family was everything to her. "Zero, if you swear you can bring back Euphie safely, you have my official support, as Viceroy of Area Eleven."
Zero seemed quite pleased with this answer, judging from his tone of voice. "Well, at least one of you is talking sense. Well, Cornelia? The governance behind this establishment has thrown me her support. You are still the military brass in charge of this operation, however. So, I ask you again, am I allowed to save what you treasure most?"
Cornelia snarled. Upstart, smug little brazenly audacious prick! How dare he waltz in here and act like he owned the place. She was handling things fine! She didn't need Zero to…to…oh DAMN IT ALL!
With a growl under her breath, Cornelia gave the order. "Let Zero pass."
All forces permitted the news van to venture forward.
As it rolled closer to Camilla, she couldn't help but wonder. Why was Zero even interested in helping Euphemia? He threatened Clovis and kidnapped her Corrin. Why now stand against the Japanese? It worked to her advantage, sure, but it didn't make any sense.
As Zero drew near, she had to ask, "Zero, why are you doing this? What do you gain from this truce? Why help us at all?"
Zero didn't answer her as the van continued to roll by slowly. The silent treatment was it? Camilla thought about blocking his path, but she dared not delay Euphemia's rescue any further than she had to.
He was willing to help, but he wasn't willing to say why. What would drive him to such a thing? Would explaining himself somehow give away his identity? Or was there something more to it?
Still, those thoughts were chased away at the reality of the situation. She was sending a stranger who had previously hurt her family to rescue her family. Once again, she, with all of her brute strength, was powerless to help her family. Her chest beat rapidly, her head filled with sweat. Frustrated and losing her temper, she swerved inside her Harlech and blocked Zero's path.
"Camilla, what are you doing?! Stand down!"
"I will, but I have something to say first," Camilla stated. She climbed out of her Harlech once more to meet Zero's visor, her face reflected in it.
"Zero…perhaps it is not intentional on your part, but…you remind me of someone all too precious to me. Someone I lost long ago. I swore, after I failed him, that I would never fail another member of my family. Yet here I stand…powerless to save my own sister, sending you, my enemy in my stead." She was almost brought to tears. "You have no idea, how much this hurts me." Tears escaped Camilla's eyes as she choked on her sorrow. "You who have the audacity to remind me so much of my dearest little brother, the one I always cherished more than anyone else!" Camilla pounded the roof of her Harlech, arching forward. "Just looking at you makes me sick!" There was now a dent in the metal.
Things were silent for a bit. Cornelia didn't even have it in her to tell Camilla to calm down. She felt it too, to some extent. Lelouch's loss affected them all, but Camilla took it the hardest. Showing weakness to the enemy was never a good thing, but right now they had to worry about more important things.
Zero, however, seemed to treat Camilla's outburst with callousness and dismissiveness. "Will that be all?"
Camilla clenched her fists tightly, grinding her teeth in anger. However, rather than show that to Zero, she did her best to compose herself. She failed. For the first time, her sweetness and false tenderness could not be a mask for her boiling rage. "No," she uttered. "That will not be all. If you so much as cause one droplet of blood to fall outside Euphemia's body, I will hunt you down, chop off your head, and I will mount your skull over my fireplace. Do you understand me, you utterly disgusting ball of trash!"
"I understand perfectly, your highness. I have promised Euphemia's safety and I will see her returned. You have my word."
"You'd better, or you won't live long enough to regret it."
Once Zero passed, there was really nothing more Camilla could do about the situation. She bided her time and waited until Cornelia gave new orders, or the problem resolved itself.
The building began to fall into the ocean, as planned. However, what wasn't planned was a bunch of bombs going off on the upper floors. Camilla thought she was going to go into cardiac arrest.
"EUPHIE!" She heard Cornelia shout in alarm.
No…please no! Not Euphie! Something primal almost snapped within Camilla. She'd trusted Zero and he'd betrayed her. She had failed another sibling. She had let Euphie down. Now Euphie was…she was…
ZEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Camilla started up her Harlech, barreling down the bridge to take Zero's head, even as the water splashed the armor from the rising tide caused by the building's fall.
She ended up near cleaving Suzaku's Lancelot in half, believing him to be Zero in all the dust and water that kicked up in front of her.
"Wait! Princess Camilla! Please wait! It's me! It's Suzaku! Stand down!"
"WHERE'S EUPHIE?!" She howled in pure anguish. "AND WHERE'S ZERO?! I'M GOING TO RIP HIS HEAD RIGHT FROM HIS SHOULDERS AND TEAR IT INTO LITTLE TINY PIECES LIKE CLAY!"
Camilla attacked, but only at the rubble behind Suzaku to take her frustrations out on something. "ZERO! WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU, SO HELP ME!"
Did Zero really betray us? Corrin wondered. That doesn't seem right, she thought.
The Lancelot acted to try and calm Camilla's Harlech down. Despite her almighty strength, the specs of the Lancelot outstripped the Harlech's, allowing Suzaku to hold it back. Camilla, realizing she was being restrained, got out of her Knightmare and began whacking at the leg of the Lancelot with her trusty battle axe.
"Let it go! Let me go you traitor!" Camilla shouted, eyes filled with tears and gone mad with insanity.
Suzaku came out of the Lancelot, prompting Camilla to attack him directly with her axe. He caught the weapon by the handle, his own eyes filled with sorrow. "I couldn't save them either, Camilla. My friends were among the hostages. I tried really hard. I'm sorry…it's all my fault."
Suzaku started to choke up and his own tears acted like a balm to Camilla's own emotional wounds. As angry as she was to Zero's betrayal, taking it out on Suzaku was wrong.
"No…now sweetie no, it's not your fault," she said. She dropped her axe and hugged him under the moonlight, his face secured against her bosom. "There. There. It's all right. It's not your fault." It's mine. "You're going to be just fine." I won't be.
And then, suddenly, from the external speakers around the convention center, Zero's voice projected.
"My dear Britannians, have no fear. All of the hostages from the hotel are safe and sound. I, Zero, return them to you unharmed."
Camilla picked up her head and then scrambled up to the top of the rubble in front of her, gazing out for any sign of life. Sure enough, life boats full of people were floating on the water. In one of them, she could see Euphie.
"Euphie! EUPHIE!"
Camilla dove into the icy cold water and swam like a madwoman into the lifeboat with Euphemia in it, scrambling into it to tackle her to the floor of the boat, smothering her with a hug and multiple kisses. "Don't you ever scare me like that again, young lady!"
"Ahaha, I'm sorry for scaring you, Camilla," Euphemia apologized, giggling.
Camilla then sat up, holding Euphemia securely in her lap as she gazed up at the tilted over roof to hear and observe the rest of Zero's speech.
"People! Fear us, or rally behind us as you see fit! We are the Black Knights! We of the Black Knights stand with all those who have no weapons to wield, regardless of whether they be Elevens, or Britannians! The Japan Liberation Front cowardly took innocent Britannians hostage and then mercilessly executed them! It was a wanton and meaningless act! Therefore they have been punished!" Zero declared. "We cannot stand by and allow such cruelty to be carried out. I will not repudiate battle on a level field, but neither will I tolerate a one-sided massacre of the weak by the strong! The only ones who should kill are those prepared to be killed! Wherever oppressors abuse their power by attacking those without power, we shall appear again, no matter how mighty, how formidable our foe may be!"
Gazing up at him, hearing all of this, as Camilla processed Zero's speech, she felt…oddly nostalgic. Zero didn't just use her Lulu's tactics, but he also held to Lelouch's same principles. The only ones who should kill are the ones prepared to be killed. Peace is not justice. Tyranny will be met with rebellion. They were all codes of honor Lelouch had crafted when he was eight and nine and stuck to them. The theatrics, the elegance, the audacity, it was all like watching her little Lulu perform amateur theater when he was young. And even then, even if it wasn't Lulu, Zero's words were…captivating in a way.
Am I powerless? Do I need…saving? Camilla found herself thinking. Or am I strong…and I have been oppressing the weak? Lulu…how would you see me? How would you judge the foolish woman I've become?
Those of you with power," Zero declared as he threw his left arm out, along with his cape, "Fear us! Those of you without it," he said as he threw out his right arm, "Rally behind us! We, the Black Knights, shall be the ones who stand in judgment of this world!"
(A/N: That speech is always such a high note to end on, ain't it? And boy, did I put poor Camilla through the wringer again. Like many of you have left in the comments, this woman needs her Lulu back before she breaks. Zero better watch himself though, hell hath no fury like a pissed off woman.
I am uncertain how long until next chapter. But I believe it will be soon. I hope you will enjoy it when it comes out as, much like the past three, it will be full of juicy drama. And, until next time, as always, from all of me, to all of you, let your hearts stay human and your wrath draconic. Ja ne!)