The Duel and Aftermath
Everyone was stumped hearing the masked man wanted to challenge Princess Cornelia, but of course, they didn't know the truth; that Zero didn't need a Knightmare to fight the princess. And the other day when he rescued Kururugi was a hoax a trick from smoke and mirrors as they say.
"I want to challenge the goddess of victory if she isn't afraid to face me in her Knightmare frame," he announced from where the van was recording the event.
Cornelia charged; the Gloucester's lance aimed directly at him. "And why should I indulge in your request."
"It be interesting as I will not fight in a Knightmare frame and you will pilot one of yours, I don't believe you can't back down knowing princess Cornelia couldn't beat Zero in a handicapped!"
Everyone whispered about how foolish and suicidal to hear such actions. Those who were watching laughed out loud at how stupid it was especially in Britannia. Some just shook their heads in dismay at the foolish one.
Rivalz slack-jawed at what Zero said. Todoh couldn't believe such proclamations. Nunnally didn't expect this, neither could Suzaku. The latter couldn't allow Cornelia to be captured.
Cornelia gritted her teeth knowing how strong Zero was, but if she doesn't accept the duel everyone would call her a coward. Could she win this time? There was her Gloucester, and she was aware of his skill so she could trend this more carefully.
She nodded, saying, "I accept, but only on the condition that you remove that mask if I win."
"Your Highness?!" Darlton gaped at the princess' acceptance.
Zero accepted that before pointing to her and saying. "And if I win, I want you to be mine."
That caught her off guard. "Excuse me?"
"I saw you were willing to protect your sister Euphy at that time, and that showed me you still have a heart that can care about others. And as a result, I want to make you mine." Everyone watching was stumped at the incredulous and shocking words. No man would ever speak such audacious words to the witch of Britannia.
On Lelouch's end, this was an improvised plan of his to alter the public's image of him; instead of this scary terrorist, they would see him as a phantom thief. A masked man capturing the hearts of maidens translated well to the masses.
Guilford scuffed, laughing almost. "Please. As if she would ever agree to-"
"I accept your conditions."
"WHAT?!"
"Leave it, Guilford," Darlton spoke to shut him up, before adding, "if she backs down everyone will question her abilities and those rumors from before will gain weight."
The Demon corps didn't expect this, much less the conditions. So, Rai explained it.
"So he's just trying to humiliate the royal family on national television?" asked Tamaki as he summarized the too-long explanation.
"Pretty much, yes."
"And wanting to have her?" Minami went straight to that part.
"It's all a part of the act," said Rai with a smile. "Who doesn't like a masked gentleman stealing a princess?"
"I doubt we need something like that."
"We gotta show that Zero is human too, just like the rest of us. Just like Empress Tian Zi, there are dangers when people put the famous on pedestals. We forget they're not gods." It took a bit of sinking, but they understood Rai's implication.
Diethard was thrilled hearing the duel was going to occur right in front of the bridge. He'd be able to watch another historic event. Everyone across the world, especially Britannia, would glue their eyes to this battle; it's a sure win on her end too, as a human fighting a Knightmare would be an ant fighting a dragon.
Those in E.U saw that person as a fool, but one was looking intrigued. At the Chinese federation, those Enuch were laughing except Xing ke believed something will happen.
XXX
Zero was there with his hands holding his blade as he awaited Cornelia. Said goddess of victory stood there, the crowd growing restless at her hesitation.
"Why is she taking so long?"
"He's just standing there, menacingly!"
"Spear him already!"
Guilford could hear the citizens argue. It angered him. "The crowd's getting impatient, Darlton."
"I know." Darlton was sweaty and trembling.
Cornelia made the first move, dashing in her Gloucester while firing two slash harkens toward Zero. As she expected while no one else did, Zero quickly sidestepped and pulled his blade.
First Form: Unknowing Fire
Lelouch charged toward the target at high speed and unleashed a singular slash, cutting the wires and leaving Cornelia with only one weapon left. This left the crowd stunned.
It was a bizarre scene as Lelouch's fighting style to them felt more like he was dancing. This was unlike when he rescued Kururugi where no one saw how he did it. The world was a stage and he was the performer.
"He disarmed me so quickly, but I'm not giving up yet." For Cornelia, her swift defeat was still fresh in her mind. Moving her custom Knightmare, she swung her lance down to smash Zero. Inelegant, yes, but she had to hit him fast.
"Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!"
The user released an arching sword slash upward. Lelouch sliced the lance in half, leaving Cornelia weaponless. Unable to accept defeat, she lunged to stomp Zero like a roach.
It was an attack he saw coming and moved to the legs.
Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation
He spun his sword in a circular motion that would normally defend to slash everything in one swoop. With no legs, the Gloucester fell down with a heavy thud.
"Not again!"
The crowds shouted aghast at such an unbelievable scene; how could a human fell a Knightmare using only a sword, much less Cornelia's custom-made one? It was like a modern-day David vs. Goliath or Issun-bōshi, The Inch-High Samurai, by the Japanese.
Rivalz was in awe seeing Zero fought a Knightmare and won. Todoh was speechless along with the four holy swords. The hostages couldn't look away either. Suzaku couldn't believe his eyes; Zero was stronger than him.
Cornelia crawled out from her Knightmare with her blade gun aimed at Zero, until the unthinkable happened; she dropped it, saying, "I yield." Cornelia knew it was worthless even try.
Zero kicked the gun aside, though he knew it wouldn't matter. "So what? Will you strip me of my dignity?"
"No, that would be ungentlemanly of me. I mean, winning was enough."
Unnoticed by anyone, Zero moved his mask to show only his mouth and placed his lips on Cornelia's cheeks. With it caught on camera, Zero sealed his mouth saying, "This is enough. I'll come back another time. Ciao."
Zero then disappeared in a flash leaving his maiden stunned. That terrorist kissed her cheek; it was embarrassing, to say the least, downright humiliating especially. But, she had to do what she came for. "What are you fools waiting for?! Go rescue the hostages!" saving what dignity she has left.
"Yes, princess!" The royal guard scrambled.
As the romantic scene concluded for the world to see, Cornelia held her cheek, muttering, "Zero, I will deliver this humiliation tenfold."
Mobile base
The celebration went underway for the Black Knights, and Zero looked over to Rai as he smiled. Zero watched as his newly christened Demon Slayers celebrated, smiling. The Demon Slayer Corps had just returned to the trailer and Zero was standing in the center.
"That was awesome how you put that bitch in her place!" Tamaki was thrilled seeing Cornelia beaten obviously.
"I agree, that was some swordsmanship," Yoshida complimented.
"Thank you."
"Still, the name Demon Slayers has a nice ring to it." Inoue loved the name.
Kallen wasn't as thrilled. "But why do you have to act like a phantom thief?"
"Who doesn't love dashing anti-heroes? Don't be jealous," Lelouch told her.
"It's just settling is all," she confessed, "but what do we do now?"
Rai had brought out glass cups and Zero bottles of beverages. Everyone took their glass cups and poured drinks of their choice.
"A toast," Zero said holding his own glass cup, "to the success of the operation in Lake Kawaguchi and the debut of the Black Knights," Zero raised his glass cup in the air, "Kanpai!"
"Kanpai!" The others in the trailer raised their glass cups in the air.
After the celebration, everyone went home to get some sleep. "Get some rest everyone after this we are going to be very busy."
XXX
And very busy they were.
It's been a few days since the Demon Slayers Corps of Kimetsu made their presence known across the streets of area 11, and ever since they had begun stamping out the wrongdoings that were going on. Following the hotel jacking in Lake Kawaguchi, all eyes were on the slayers.
Zero kept his group to their principles protecting the weak and being their allies against bullies and killers. They had targeted and hunted down indiscriminate terrorists, criminal organizations, violent troops, corrupt individuals, and more. As well, they would target criminals that were protected by the law themselves. Their rising popularity led to those who desired membership.
Not everyone was in good mind, especially at Staffield Manor. Kallen lived there in agony. Everything she had was obtained from a Britannia occupation, living with her stepmother as her real mother worked there bullied and looked down upon.
It was heartache; it's why she went to the academy early in the morning.
A Warehouse by a port flashback
Night had fallen in Area 11 and at a warehouse on a port, Zero was leading the Demon Slayers to the warehouse and they all moved in. Inside the warehouse, people were at work putting certain products in crates and having them put in shipping trucks. Two Britannians in suits were making sure things went smoothly.
"Even though it's for social security, it would be a waste to give this to the Elevens. That's why it's ended with you, isn't it,"
"It's fine as it is, After all, it's best that the Elevens population shrink."
"I'll transfer the money to your wife's account."
"Her Highness Cornelia is a warrior. She won't approve of this."
"She has other things to worry about anyway,"
The lights suddenly turned off and the walls were shot down, leading to people running through the building. When the lights went back on, they were surprised to see who was paying them a 'visit'.
"N-No, it can't be! You are…"
XXX
Ashford Academy…
"Demon Slayers!" Kallen said suddenly standing up from her chair.
The teacher and students all looked at Kallen in confusion. It dawned on her that she was in class, and she looked away embarrassed at her sudden shout. It would take a lot to ignore her teacher staring and her classmates laughing.
In a break from all of this, Shirley asked, "Are you okay? You don't often doze off during class like that."
"Well, I um…" Kallen couldn't find the right words to say.
Rivalz made a suggestion. "You can learn a thing or two from Lelouch."
"Lelouch?"
"Yeah. He's an expert at sleeping in class." His finger went to the aforementioned person.
Kallen and Shirley looked over to Lelouch who was sitting in his seat, his two fingers on his temple and his eyes closed.
"He's not sleeping now, is he?" Kallen asked.
"I don't know what he's up to night after night, but he sleeps through half of them these days."
'I guess it's not just me,' were Kallen's thoughts, 'the missions we keep doing every night…'
XXX
JLF Base In the meeting room of the liberation army, only five were there in kneeling position. The miracle worker, Tohdoh was accompanied by his four most trusted comrades. The Four Holy Swords. They are discussing about the Guren Mk-II that would be delivered to the Demon Slayer Corps, and not all of them agree to the idea. And How Kusakabe die honorable by Zero hands. Even if they saw the impossible Zero beaten Cornelia easily.
XXX
Elsewhere in the Tokyo Settlement, Cornelia was with Euphemia. Ever since E.U. started an offensive at the El Alamein Front, Cornelia needed to leave Area 11 for a while. But there was a problem as Euphemia explained about Refrain; it was a drug that caused a person to experience hallucinations.
Cornelia nodded, replying, "That drug has been spreading widely among the Eleven populace. Productivity has dropped severely as a result."
"It's gotta be coming from the Chinese Federation's Kyushu route, right?" Euphie asked.
"That's correct; we have to put an end to this."
"I know. You gotta be careful."
"You as well Euphie. Which reminds me, don't leave the settlement." Cornelia sounded worried.
She reluctantly agreed, considering what happened at Lake Kawaguchi. The minute her mind went to it, she had another thought. "Cornelia, what about Zero and the Demon Slayers?"
There was a notable twitch on her end, so Cornelia said, "We'll let Zero and his Corps be free for the time being. He saved you just like he said he would, so it's the least I can do."
"So you weren't really swooned by that kiss?" she teased, causing her gorgeous sister to blush.
"No! Stop reminding me! I'm already getting weird looks from everyone!"
It was true. Ever since that battle, a lot of people started gossiping. Palace servants, maids, and butlers whispered about that night; a very popular rumor was that Zero was a long-lost lover of hers.
"But rest assured; when I return, I WILL put an end to them, and defeat Zero personally," she declared, his image returning to her mind once more. She forced those thoughts out of her head immediately before she could recall that steamy wet dream she had the night before. And several more after.
Finally calming down, Cornelia called to her sister. "Euphie," she began, placing a hand on Euphemia's cheek while gentling smile, "once I've cleaned up this area, I'll be entrusting it to you."
"You will?"
"It'd be perfectly fine to keep you safe and secure." While Euphie could tell Cornelia said that physically, she didn't realize she also meant politically.
That said, Euphemia was a little unsure of what to say. So many things had changed since Zero's first arrival. Back at the hotel in Lake Kawaguchi, a part of her noticed a very similar aura he had. Was there some connection between the Demon Slayers and the Hashira Kanroji?
After class Kallen was yawning; being a teenager living a double life was draining. She could get how Lelouch and Rai could look so fine.
"Living two lives really tires me out. I suppose that with everything we've been doing for the past two weeks, we've hardly had time to rest." Despite her words, her eyes looked determined. "But it's worth it. For the sake of those who couldn't be saved or abused by those with power."
Kallen went into the Student Council Room and they saw Lelouch, pinned to a chair with most of the members of the Student Council surrounding him. The entire student council wore cat outfits as it was Milly's whimsical idea to celebrate Arthur. He was a cat that she found inside the student council room. As Lelouch was held against his will, Suzaku cried happily and everyone laughed.
Kallen smiled at this quiet, peaceful moment.
XXX
Kallen was walking thinking about her pleasant time with the Student Council.
She continued to walk together within the Tokyo Settlement and they noticed that there were people talking about the Demon Slayers and the impact they made. She recalled earlier with Ohgi that he saw construction workers having a good time with one of them pretending to be Zero making his speech. Of course, it wasn't all pleasant as there were wanted posters for Zero and the Demon Slayers, dead or alive.
She saw a few kids running with black capes pretending to be Zero. They were amused by what they were seeing and it was things like that, it was that made it worth it for them.
"Stop that! Stop this Demon Slayer nonsense right now," A woman's voice said suddenly.
"Huh, but why?" The boy asked sadly.
"You can't forget that we're Elevens. We can't say anything bad about Britannia."
Saddened, Kallen walked away. Despite the difference Zero was making, it would ultimately mean nothing so long as people still feared Britannia. Which made her think; why did Lelouch decide to fight Britannia in the first place? She was betrayed and left to rot by her family, just like him, but he must have another reason.
Should she pry, fearing Lelouch would distrust her?
Ashford Academy
In the Student Council Room, Lelouch was sitting in a chair reading a magazine while Suzaku was getting things out of boxes.
"I can't believe you got all emotional, I mean seriously," said Lelouch seeing his childhood friend crying.
Suzaku replied, "I was simply being honest and sentimental. I have nothing to be ashamed of."
That's when he got bitten again by the cat Arthur who was in one of the boxes.
"Well, it's a good thing that the Demon Slayers were there to save them," Lelouch commented, "that's all I can say."
Suzaku freed his bitten hand and he simply had his thought. "You know…"
"Hmm, something wrong?"
"Well actually, if they wanted to catch criminals, they could have joined the police force. I can't understand why they wouldn't."
"There are things you can't get done if you're wearing that uniform. Plus, I honestly don't think our police force is that competent anyway."
"Maybe not right now," Suzaku said, turning his attention to Lelouch, "but the Demon Slayers can invoke some changes from within-"
"Oh, sure, right!" he responded sarcastically, "and get tangled up in red tape bureaucracy and held back by numerous hindrances." He wasn't verbal about it, but Britannia wouldn't care about a bunch of Elevens either.
"If they had done everything to change things, that may cut it," Suzaku insisted, "but as long as they don't, then all of it is just self-righteous posturing."
"Self-righteous posturing?" Lelouch responded turning his attention and narrowing his eyes at Suzaku, "Are you serious?"
"I am," Suzaku replied, "another thing, what exactly constitutes evil in their eyes? What standards are they using? It's nothing more than self-satisfying gratification."
"Then let me ask you this; what do you think is evil? What standards are making you call things idealist or self-righteous?"
Suzaku was taken aback by what Lelouch had just said.
"The only way evil wins is if good people stand by and do nothing. Law enforcement, administration; none of them have no shame in protecting their own self-interest, closing their eyes on what happens right before their eyes." Lelouch straightened himself now.
"Invoke change from within… How long do you think that will take? How many more innocents will have to suffer and die before the police change? When the criminals responsible for all this suffering are no longer protected by the law?! You can't change anything when you're working for the very monsters who only want to keep their power!"
"L-Lelouch, I don't think that… um…"
Lelouch continued, not giving room for Suzaku, "They're out there, Suzaku, horrible people who ruin the lives of others because they can get away with it. They're criminals just as bad as every other one, who use the rules to remain untouchable, and here you are forcing your beliefs onto others. You need to open your eyes to see the real world, Suzaku because right now you're blinding yourself."
A breath led to Lelouch calming down, but only slightly. He needed to say this ever since Shinjuku.
"Lelouch, do you perhaps support Zero?" Suzaku asked getting a bit upset.
Lelouch responded, "Do I support Zero… If I were to say yes, would that just upset you more? Even though they saved Nunnally if she was in such situation when you couldn't?"
Suzaku couldn't respond to that. It was a conundrum.
The door suddenly opened and Shirley entered the room. Suzaku decided to leave leaving just both boy and girl in the room.
Tokyo Settlement Park
Kallen was on the phone with Ohgi informing his sister's best friend about a drug and the action they were going to take.
"Refrain?" Kallen asked.
"Yeah," Ohgi replied, "it's a narcotic that grants a hallucination as if the user went back in time. Considering the Japanese would feel nostalgic for a Japan before Britannia conquered it, it would understandably sell well."
"So it's targeting the Japanese? I didn't hear this!" Kallen pondered a little on it. "Who's making it?"
"Most likely Britannia. Not only that, it comes with harmful side effects that develop over more uses like psychosis, amnesia, delirium, and others. Depending on the usage, LTP within the brain will cause neural cell death via apoptosis, leading to the victim becoming an Invalid. They create and distribute this drug just to shrink our population."
Kallen was shocked; she couldn't believe what she was hearing, how Britannia could do something so disgusting. They didn't care either, because it was just Elevens to them.
"We definitely can't leave it alone."
"That's right, we can't," Kallen said, "so…?"
"We'll start once their illegally obtained supplies arrive. Our Glasgows will be ready by the time of the operation."
"Our resources have definitely increased and there are a lot of people who wish to join our ranks," Kallen said, "what with the Demon Slayers becoming really popular."
"Yeah, it's just as Lelouch says: we're allies to the innocent," Ohgi agreed, "that's how we operate. Tamaki will call us when we have the ammunition."
"Okay." She turned off her phone while trying to ease her mind a bit.
"Yo, Eleven trash," A male voice said, "try and say something."
She rose her head hearing that, catching five Britannia males surrounding a bruised Japanese vendor on the ground.
"Apologize, you piece of garbage!"
"Yeah, aren't you Elevens good at bowing your heads?"
The people around saw what was going on and looked away. Some even left. It angered Kallen deeply. She hated this. She hated that term. She was about to put a stop to the heinous act, but then a hand touched her shoulder. It belonged to Lelouch.
"Lelouch?" Kallen was surprised.
"Don't do it," Lelouch warned, "I know what you are going to do but I would ask you not to do it."
"You can't possibly mean that we do nothing!" Kallen was upset.
"We don't want to draw attention now."
After a few minutes of this travesty, the third guy decided to give up. "Ah, let's go, it's boring already."
"Yeah, let's head out and go to the arcade."
"I ain't got cash though."
The five ruffians left, Kallen distraught seeing her fellow countrymen victimized. She ran over to the Japanese man who had been bullied earlier.
"Hey, are you okay?" Kallen asked.
The Japanese vendor picked himself up and then he noticed the emblem on Kallen's tie.
"A Britannian student," The Japanese vendor said, quickly turning to all smiles, "w-welcome. Would you like a California Hotdog?"
The vendor noticed Lelouch, "Ah, is he your boyfriend? If it's okay, will you two please come this way? Oh, I have some ice cream as well."
This sudden behavior took her off guard, Lelouch sighed at the way the man was acting sympathetically. Later on, he bought while paying more than usual without requesting change. The two were now hanging out in the park, gazing at the water fountain.
"That vendor," he began, getting her attention, "had you done what you were about to, you would have only made things worse for him. Those bastards would have been put in their place, but he wouldn't be able to sell a single thing tomorrow. The authorities would have reprimanded him for him."
"Y-Yeah, we get that, but even so…"
"I understand how you feel Kallen," Lelouch continued, "believe me, I feel the same as you, but sadly, we have to look at it this way. He's a slave to Britannia by choice. It's the only way for people like them to make an honest living in this settlement."
"Despite our work and intentions, not everyone supports us. To them, it's better to just submit." Kallen looked back and saw Rai coming by, licking some ice cream with sullen enjoyment.
"Rai you were here?" Kallen asked shocked
"Yeah, I was just in the neighborhood, and saw the whole thing."
"Yeah… even Rai agrees," Lelouch said.
Kallen sighed in defeat. "Maybe… it'd be wrong to force our opinions on everyone… it's just-"
"We know. It's hard to stomach watching your people throwing themselves down in servitude for the invaders that took their livelihood, to just tolerate all the injustice handed to them. But they say that Japan is better off occupied by Britannia than before."
The redhead turned to Lelouch with raised eyebrows. "What?"
"Both the military and economy have stabilized, and becoming an Honorary Britannia is possible so long as they do the paperwork. It's just a matter of pride and people wanting to hold that as something true. Those who hold out also hope for a free Japan."
"We can help people," Rai said, "but it's gotta be slow. Baby steps."
Kallen sighed knowing that, but she didn't know what to say. The truth was often hard to accept.
Over in a bar, Jeremiah and Villetta sat on their barstools drinking. After their recent demotion, it was a question in their minds how it even happened, especially with Prince Clovis' secret experiment project going on. Because of that he was Branded with the name Orange as an insult or reminder.
She's still trying to figure out who knocked her out and stole the Knightmare. Their was no clue or whatsoever but she trusted her intuition that it was a student that stole her knightmare proof she can think of was his shoe size,and few items that scattered . But she believes her luck would find the culprit.
XXX
Nightfall, Factories within Tokyo Settlement
The Black Knights were preparing another raid on one of the factories said to be supplying Refrain. Kallen was in her Glasgow. They were all waiting for Zero to give the signal to move in. For now, they would concentrate on raiding and ending the supply of Refrain.
"I don't know about this," Tamaki said with uncertainty. "This feels like we're doing police work."
"It's nice doing something the people are thankful to us for," Ohgi stated proudly.
Sugiyama agreed. "We're getting more and more popular. We're heroes on the net."
"It's worth it, I'm sure of it," Kallen said while keeping her eyes on the prize.
On the other side, Rai was on the lookout. Their signal from Zero came in, something even the cops saw.
"Man, how does he do it?" Sugiyama asked.
"Yeah seriously," Tamaki commented, "just how many tricks does this guy have anyway?"
"Let's not worry about it now Tamaki," Yoshida said.
"Yeah, we can worry about it after this," Minami said.
The Demon Slayers were making their move to begin their raid. Meanwhile, in the factory, Japanese men were packing up the Refrain and setting them to be shipped off with the Britannians overseeing the shipment.
"Is the shipment for Nagoya ready?"
"It's safer here in the settlement."
Bullets suddenly were shot and penetrated through the shipment door, killing some of the men involved. The shipment door was broken down and the Corps made their way through with the Glasgow Kallen was piloting.
"The Demon Slayers Corps have arrived!" Tamaki declared.
"Prepare yourselves you, bastards!"
"Some of these bastards are Japanese?"
"Traitors!" Minami said as he fired his machine gun killing said traitors.
The Glasgow moved in using the machine guns they obtain and shooting all those involved. They went in through four corners of the factory. They figured that they had this and they would end the Refrain distribution.
"These Knightmares are amazing," Kallen commented, "we're practically unstoppable."
"They are," Zero radioed out to them. "Just keeps your eyes open; don't get cocky."
"Yes Zero, I know. I'll be moving in through another shipping area."
"Understood."
Kallen piloted her Knightmare Frame and broke through another shipping door. While there, she saw something peculiar; adjusting her monitor to infrared, she gasped in shock. There were people who had used Refrain.
Some of them were on the floor unresponsive, others hallucinating their past happiness, and the rest laughing at whatever they saw. Among them was the hotdog vendor they met who was going on about studying abroad. Kallen was reminded of how disgusting the effects of Refrain were in the first place.
"It's worse than I thought." Kallen looked over and saw Rai taking a picture to be used as an article.
"Yeah, it is."
"What a sad sight," Zero was understandably sad. The other Demon Slayers arrived and saw the same thing.
"So, this is the use of Refrain." Yoshida couldn't stomach how low they'd become.
"Damn," Ohgi cursed.
Kallen, in the cockpit of her Knightmare, had a sympathetic expression.
Flashback: Kallen's Room, Stadtfeld Manor
Milly looked over to the window, "I get how you feel about your situation and I can understand how you would respond, still some things in life we can bear on our own but when you pile them up, they eventually break you."
Kallen had a determined expression, "That's right, that's why—"
"Careful, it's dangerous to run like that," A familiar voice said.
Kallen was surprised because she recognized that voice.
They looked and saw a familiar woman dressed in a long green dress. She looked as if she was running after someone.
"Ah, M-Mom…" Kallen spoke.
It was a shock for Kallen to see her mother, Sena Kozuki. The other Demon Slayers saw this and were surprised when they heard Kallen refer to the woman.
Sena tripped and her children on instincts both held out their Knightmares' hands and she landed on both of them. Sena was more on Kallen's Knightmare Hand and she picked her up and had her sit up. Sena then looked straight.
"Really Naoto," Sena said, "please, I need you to look after your little sister."
Kallen, while in her Knightmare, could barely contain the emotion inside her. "My G*d, how weak of a woman are you, Mother? First, you give into Britannia, then to a man, and now this?! My brother is gone forever! Let him go!"
"Kallen, look out! —"
Kallen saw a white Knightmare appear on her left which proceeded to fire its gun at her. She raised her right arm for cover, till it was blown off.
"The Knightpolice?!" Kallen exclaimed as the Knightpolice went to fire again on them.
They were suddenly getting several signatures and it surprised them as they were getting shot at. They looked and saw several Knightmare frames pointing their Machine Pistols at her and were shocked.
"What the…?"
"More Knightpolice!" Kallen shouted.
The several Knight police continued their shooting forcing the Black Knights to spread out. One Knightpolice pursued the Glasgow.
"That was the police, wasn't it?"
"It was," Zero said, "it seems your suspicions were correct Tamaki."
"I'm amazed you were able to pick up on it," Inoue said.
"Yeah I know, but I don't if I should be pleased about it or pissed to see this kind of crap going on," Tamaki said
"Corrupted filth," said Zero drawing his attention to two Knight police, "That's what they are, Rai. We will show no mercy." Both Demon slayers dashed towards the knight police.
Kallen moved the hand that was holding her mother. When she saw her, Kallen couldn't understand herself. "Why? Even though there's no point… even though I don't want her here… even though I don't need her!"
Kallen's Glasgow got shot in the back and caused the Knightmare to lose balance and was about to fall Kallen flinched and looked and saw her mother on the floor although she didn't look injured and was staring at the side.
The bullets shot at her legs, causing her to stop and kneel. As they kept shooting, Kallen covered her mother from the incoming fire. "Oh, why…"
The girl started raving as she glanced at her drugged mother in front of her. "Why did you have to get in the way?! I don't need you! I don't want you! Get out of here! Run away while you still can! Damn it!"
"Kallen…" Her mother looked up at her. "I'm here for you."
Kallen froze at that. "What… What did you say?"
"I'm here for you." Miss Kozuki said with a soft smile. "I always have… and always will."
Kallen trembled at what she was hearing, and then came to a startling realization. "You mean… Did you stay… for… for me? That's why… you stayed in his house?" All this time she thought her mother was clinging onto her father, but… "You stayed… just for me?" The redhead could feel the wetness ready to erupt from her eyes. "You fool!" She then stopped. "Or maybe… all this time… I was the fool."
The Knight police raised combat knives about to stab the Glasgows but their attempts were blocked by Kallen. She quickly shot a Slash Harken and stuck them onto the shelves, killing the corrupted cops on impact. The other Demon Slayers rushed in to get to Kallen, as Lelouch and Rai finished their slaying.
"Mother!" Kallen shook her mother, raising her from the ground. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
"Isn't it wonderful, Kallen?" Miss Kozuki smiled, still drugged. "You get to be a Britannian." Kallen felt a lump in her throat. "No one will ever be able to hurt you. You get to travel. Use the phone anytime. You are free." That was enough for the tears to erupt, and the redhead started sobbing, kneeling her head in front of her mother.
Around them, everyone watched with saddened and sympathetic expressions. Unbeknownst to them, a lone figure watched the scene unfold from the rafters above.
C.C.
The green-haired girl wore an unreadable look and quoted, "False tears bring pain to those around you. A false smile brings pain to yourself."
XXX
"It's the aftereffect of the Refrain," the nurse informed, "she's unable to talk much. She'll eventually recover but it will take time."
"Mom, in regards to your sentence," Kallen said, "you got twenty years."
She had a sad expression as well but it quickly changed to a determined expression. "But just you wait Mom. I and the others are working to change things. It'll be better by the time you get out and then," Kallen paused a bit and then continued, "the two of us can be together and live normal lives again.
This was her promise and conviction, not only for the sake of her homeland but for her mother as well.
XXX
Kallen was meeting with Lelouch with a determined look in her eyes knowing she knows what to say.
"So what reason do you want to join me?" he asked again
"At first I wanted to fight to free Japan, but now I want to do something more. It can't just be our country; we need the world to be a place where nobody suffers as my mother did."
Lelouch smiled at her. "That is a good answer; welcome to the Corps."
Another Omake; this is Suzaku telling his heart and thoughts.
Omake
Suzaku wanted to have a talk with Lelouch DS; after the truth was told, he needed guidance from someone that knew what to say.
"So what does Kururugi Suzaku want with me?"
"I need to know; I'm confused deep down, I'm angry, but I still cared for Lelouch as his my best friend. This feeling I can't describe anymore and I need help."
"It's simple; you still love Lelouch but you hate him for what he did to Euphemia. But you have to get that it was just an accident."
"And… how is Euphie in your world?"
"She's fine, but you, on the other hand, went on a journey of self-discovery; that's all I can say. So I ask, what is the real reason you joined the Britannian military?"
Suzaku hesitated for a minute. "You know what I did to my father. I acted out of anger and impulse, but before I realized it, the damage was done. I wasn't even punished for what I did, and I deserved to die. So I joined the military to die. At least then I could die for the sake of others."
"But deep down, you knew Britannia can't change. You hated Zero for robbing your way to die. And his actions got the Japanese to realize on him more than you." Lelouch DS said this to him, and Suzaku couldn't argue; it would just be lies.
"I know. Deep down, I knew it was a fool's errand, trying to change the system was just an excuse. The social Darwinism embedded in Britannia lasted far too long for one man to change in even ten years. I believed in such a way to protect myself from self-harm, just to bury that guilty conscious."
"Then it all change when I meet Euphie as a princess of royalty; she was different from the others, and she reminded me of Nunnally. She showed me kindness and compassion, and seeing her I believed she could change Brittania." Suzaku then frowned in anger. "But all that changed during the SAZ when the massacres happened because of Lelouch. One small mistake and he was using Euphemia as an excuse to start his rebellion."
"It's understandable; you're angry your Lelouch killed the woman you love, broke your trust, and destroyed the dream you hoped for, but let me tell you this. What would happen if the SAZ wasn't a massacre?"
"… pardon?"
"It won't last long; the Britannia already oppressed the numbers and commoners making numbers as equals. It's like making a peasant with the title of nobility. It's insulting. There were riots and it would be long as the SAZ was turned into a Ghetto stuffed with the unwanted and traitors."
"But it's-"
"No more excuses, Suzaku! Embrace the flaws and think carefully about everything that was done a long time ago. You have to accept it."
Suzaku swallowed that bitter pill and thought slowly. "Yes… It won't last long. It was just a pipe dream."
"The Special Administrative Zone was just a dream that Euphemia created for the sake of Lelouch and Nunnally. The truth was that without her royal status, she had no power to back it up. Cornelia can't help Euphy if Charles forbade her. If Lloyd was called back to Britannia, would you follow or stay to protect Euphemia?"
"I would have followed… I really was selfish." Without his protection, he'd be leaving Euphemia to the wolves for the sake of raising his ranks.
"You need to open your mind and stop running away with cheap excuses whenever someone drops the truth on you. It's not wrong to accept help."
"Maybe you're right. I wanted someone's help but also didn't want them to get inside my heart fearing me when they learn the truth." Suzaku admitted.
"This is something I learned, 'Those who break rules are scum, those who abandon their friends are worse than scum, and those who didn't understand their feeling are even lower scum'."
Hearing this, Suzaku felt like those words were stabbing him. "You are scum Suzaku. Everyone knows that. It's something you can never wash away: you betrayed your country, you betrayed your family, you betrayed your friends, and worst of all, you betrayed your code of honor."
Suzaku just looked down in shame.
"But there's more! You also didn't understand others' feelings! You kept thinking the world revolved around you, and forced your thoughts onto others. But that was in the past. You already died that day, and was revived as Zero. What you need is not redemption, but peace, Suzaku. You need to redeem your past mistake later so you can move on as Zero."
Hearing this, Suzaku thought it might be time to move on, to let go of that baggage. "How can you be so wise? For you to surpass me and Lelouch?"
"That is a secret."
"So, what do I need to do?"
"Tell Nunnally everything; why you lied to Lelouch, what you knew, why you kept your distance, and then apologize to everyone you've hurt no matter who. Even if they don't forgive you, at least you'll be at peace."
"I understand, and thank you." For the first time ever, Suzaku felt a little bit of peace for the first time.
"Oh, last thing… what was my relationship with Euphy like in your world?"
"She dumped you on the spot."
"WHAT?!"
"You weren't her type."
The first battle in live television as everyone saw how the handsome masked person defeated the maiden of battle and won her heart. Sarcasm.
As you know Kanroji prefer strong person as Suzaku isn't strong like her in strength
Anyway since Lelouch doesn't have Geass he had just to let and watch. It's the only way and Kallen found her resolve and reasons to fight.
Thank Bastion for proofreading.