Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for O.C.
A/N: Thrilled to be able to incorporated Marrybell mel Britannia and her team in this story, since she is an interesting character in a Code Geass Manga. Where I think she could be more or less a rival (or quite possibly her enemy in later chapters but not worst than Emperor Charles Zi Britannia) to Euphemia in the future.
Ikaruga Submarine
Hanger Bay
"Seem like the situation in Kyushu is calming down," Said Deithard as he hung up his com-link. General Nogoshi Nagasaki erupted in laughter.
"See? What did I tell you? These Imperials underestimated the power of the Japanese spirit and the will of the great-granddaughter of the sun god," Nagasaki said proudly, "Which I can also say that she is safe from harm."
Zero of the Black Knights listen in to the conversation between Deithard and Nagasaki. The Chinese liaison, had made an urgent meeting between him and his core members of the Black Knights, and of course, the Japanese Senior General here in the Knightmare Frame Hunger Bay. Regarding a recent development from the Britannian Empire.
"Yes, but that's not why they left," Deithard pointed out, as he turned his attention to Yun Ping.
The Chinese liaison acknowledged and came forward as he cleared his throat to deliver this new revelation, "The Chinese Federation had informed me that Britannia has found their 'long-lost' Third Princess, otherwise known as Euphemia Li Britannia. She is in Cambodia with Prime Minister Schneizel as we speak."
Almost every one in the Hunger Bay exchanged glaces, Zero for his part was in a state of shock at the sudden announcement, but he maintained a composure that is befitting of a leader. This should not surprise him, as the talking telepathic white cat had hinted that Euphie is alive somewhere when she has first spoken to him. In the end, he had felt a brief sense of relief.
"Fascinating…" Deithard said, thinking aloud as he rubbed his chin, "It's safe to say that we can expect a public announcement to be broadcasted all around the world by morning. Based on the rumored information, I received from the studio."
"Are you sure about the intel?" Ohgi asked Yun Ping. The Chinese liaison simply nodded.
"Darn it... I thought she was dead," Tamaki groaned. "Well, we can all live with disappointments," Kallen rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms.
"I would expect you to be as much as disappointed as I am," Tamaki rubbed the back of his head, slightly confused about her comment.
"Like it can change what I feel about the Royal Puppet," Kallen the Q-1 Pilot said nonchalant, "If anything it presents the real possibility for us to bag her that way I can beat the living crap out of her."
"I'm not so sure about that Kallen," Ohgi said, thinking aloud, with his arms cross and placing his fingers on his chin. "The surrounding security will be beefed up, even with the likelihood of the White Knight not being Euphemia's Knight of Honor anymore."
"Uh, you're forgetting about Zero," Tamaki pointed out.
"I'm just being the realest."
"Oh, so you guys are plotting a kidnapping, huh?" C.C spoke up with a bored expressing. The White Cat trailing her old companion as they walked up to the group to join the conversation.
Tamaki scoffed, "Mine you own business." The Cat hissed while doing a bushy tail, causing Tamaki to flinch. Kallen huffed, "Really Tamaki?"
"Hey, not cool!"
Zero turned his attention to Deithard and Yun Ping, "Do you both know how Princess Euphemia ended up in Cambodia with Schneizel?"
"My Government have been motioning the activity in the Kannmie island. Notably, a Britannia Airship landed no less than thirty minutes and took off with an escort of a couple of helicopters, including a red cross, and jet fighters," The Chinese Liaison said. "They did not stop to Area 11 and instead proceeded their course to Cambodia. Our initial assessment that they are working on some sort of weapon or technology research. But sure enough, it turns out to be the Third Princess of Britannia."
"So Euphie never left and was stuck on this island this whole time? Yet, that doesn't make any sense. She was with us this entire time when— before the black smoke," Lelouch thought.
"I see…" Deithard turn to the leader of the Black Knights, "Mr. Zero, I believe that we should use this opportunity to stage a daring extraction to capture the Third Princess. That way we have a bargaining chip with the Government Burro."
"Whoa! Wait, a minute," Sugiyama raised both his hands, "Do we have a resource for this? I-I mean, that Sub-Viceroy is overseas."
"Not to mention, if it's even worth the try?" Ohgi said.
"My government is unlikely to help," Yun Ping said as he cross his arms. "Princess Euphemia is of great interest to the Chinese Federation as to all the higher societies, but we'd rather not get directly involved when it comes to a royal kidnapping."
"That's the role of the Japanese Liberation Front," Nagasaki laughed.
"If that include harsh methods, then that can be ruled out," Zero dismissed. The General flinched, "O-Of course, sir. Her Majesty wouldn't of approve of it, either."
"I would have thought much. Princess Euphemia has been through a hostage crisis by your colleges."
"Then what should we do about her when she arrives," Kallen asked.
"It will be a time when we will have to deal with her. But as of right now the Sub-Viceroy is not of a concern for us," Euphemia knew, since he has first spoken to her as Zero in the hostage crisis, that he is Zero. It still surprised him that she can tell the man behind the mask is actually the boy she grew up with, all those years.
Snapping back to reality, "We should focus on the plans to liberate Japan."
Everyone present nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, at the Battle of Spain.
Fort Christopher, Kingdom of Spain, European Union.
Sounds of gun fire, rocket launchers and shelling can be heard throughout the war zone. The battle between the Imperial Britannian Army Forces and the Spanish Army reach its apex. Once a beautiful town is now a battlefield for the last reaming Spanish Army and at the center a giant wall, ruffly the size of the Himalayas, surrounding the last military complex of the Spanish Army.
The Spanish Command Center
"Our forces are in full retreat," The Spanish operator ceded, "We can't hold them back!"
General Méndez gritted his teeth as he watches his forces head to the battered entrance of Fort Christopher from the big screen, in the situation room. The Spanish government knew all along that the Britannian Empire would invade their land for nine years, but it seems like all that hard work is already in van.
"Sir?"
"Let 'em in," General Mendez ordered as he reaches to his sword from his right side. "It appears, like in Siberia, the enemy has the upper hand but not for long." he clenched the hilt of his sword, "Stand ready gentlemen-"
"Sir its the Knights of the Round!"
Mendez's heart just stop, "What!?" The General and his subordinates watch the two speeding dots, from the radar, heading towards the Fort, "They wouldn't dare!"
"More Britannian airships heading towards us as well sir," said another operated.
"They're clearly a distraction. Focus the remaining firepower on those ships!"
"Yes, sir!"
The 15-year-old Brazilian girl from Area 6 (Brazil) Dame Rio Piloted her flying Knightmareframe through the fire. Her battle suits color schemes is that of the rain forest. The rain forest color is similar to her Knightmareframe, called the Judas. The weapons mechsuit wields: a glowing sword and a plasma gun.
Rio had circled the whole Fort, distorting every rocket launcher and cannon that comes out of the concrete wall. All the while analyzing the complex until her screen monitor pointed to her primary target. Which is the communications tower.
Gino Windberg's face appeared on the vid-com display, "Hey Rio. Are you seeing this?"
The Black-haired Brazilian girl nodded, "Yup, it's the same thing I'm getting. If we take out the tower, then-"
"Rio, watch out!"
Dame Rio gasped as she pulled up and then break hard right. She could tell that was a laser beam that almost got her.
"W-What was that?" Rio frantically typed on the button controls to scan the Fort. It appears at the top of the walls, four Laser Cannons emerged from the hatches leading to the watch towers.
"You are okay there, kiddo?"
"Yea, I'm alright, sir," Rio affirmed as she catches her breath, "I didn't know the Europeans have technology like this..."
"Must be saving the best for last for this country. Don't worry about those lasers, I'll cover you while you take out the tower!"
Rio signed in relief, "Thank you sir- I mean Gino." she throttled forward as her Judas boost to the giant tower at the middle of the complex. Judas performed an areal like dance to avoid the fire from the AA guns, then Judas fired back with its Plasma gun, which hit every target of the defense. Rio reached for the numbered keyboard panel from her left and punch in the cods to turn Judas sword into a conductor for an electron energy whip. Judas aim its sword at the tower's beams and fired. The string of emerald energy shot out of the sword and latch on to the beams like a spider web. Judas then flew around the beams three times until Judas flew upward and raised its sword up.
With it, the energy rope easily sliced through the beam, casing it to collapse. Rio watch with relief and excitement as she watches the giant tower hit the complex and wall structure. This is probably the most hard hitting target in the EU, the young female knight in waiting never thought she gets to live through this entire operation.
Aerial Flag Ship, Lucas.
"Lady Marrybell. Our forces are moving in, very soon Fort Christopher will crumble!" Said the Britannian commander.
The Seventeen-year-old 88th Princess of the Holy Empire of Britannia rolled her eyes as she sat on her throne, "Thank you for stating the obvious, idiot." Marrybell mel Britannia has been giving the opportunity of a lifetime NOT to screw up this operation of ridding this country from Communism. And to bring honor and dignity to her name as an Imperial Princess of the greatest Holy Empire, bestowed by God in human history.
Marry's reddish pink hair that is kept in a ponytail. She wears a low-cut pink dress with red and black details with gold-ish lining and what appears to be white wings attached to the back of the aforementioned dress. The Princess narrowed her violet eyes at her subordinate with disapproval, which the said subordinate became nervous.
"Let me remained you that because of your incompetence that our military operation have suffered significant setbacks. One Knights of the Round and a Lancelot Trail Pilot would never have come if you hadn't embarrassed me. Logistical errors on your part is unacceptable and could have ruined me for the rest of my life!"
"I-I-I understand, my Lady. We're so deeply sorry," the Commander said as he and the security guards bowed around her.
"You fools are lucky it didn't cost me," Marrybell said sternly. In the path of redemption, the Emperor have giving Marrybell a seemly impossible task to lead the invasion of Spain aka the first phases of the modern war against Europe. Which is ironic, giving the Britannian military invasion of Russia's Siberia before handing Marrybell the job of conquering another EU state.
"As you were," the reddish pink hair princess raised her hand and with it the crew scrambled back to their work. In times like this, she wished she had better men.
A guardsman holding a tray with her cellphone place on it walked up to Marrybell, with his head bow. The Princess can hear it ring and pick up her phone and see the name Schneizel on the caller ID.
Her face was calm, but her eyes betray her as her gloved hand clench the phone. With a push of the call button, she has no chose but to answer him. "Brother," she said sweetly, "As much as I want to chat with you. I'm in a middle of a victory against the Communist Spanish," her face turned into a scowl, "So unless if there's something important that you wanted to tell me then make it quick!"
The Imperial Princess held the phone to her ear as she stood up and walked over to the glass reinforce windshield. She watched her air fleet formation as well as her domestic built jet fighters and helicopters advance.
Her expression softens at each passing secant and was replaced with a sense of excitement, "So Euphemia is alive. She is with you right...? That is wonderful news, but why did you call me for this? Surly, there's another reason for calling me in this hour."
Marry blinked in surprise, "The Lancelot Trail Pilot? Might I suggest Gino Windberg, surly a respected Knight of a Round, could be more suited for—Right, I forgot about Cornelia… but my point still stands. Dame Rio is a Native from Area 6, the last Native under Euphie had failed on two important tasks which resulted of her gone missing… I also remain pessimistic on the prospects of a Six becoming a Knight of Seven! Yes, Dame Rio is technically under my jurisdiction unlike Sir Gino…" she sighed, "You've drawn a hard bargain. Very well, if Euphie still assist on appointing an Honorary Britannian as her Knight of Honor, then so be it. Keep in mine about my ceremonies before I let that Honorary girl off. Just remember to leave me and my reputation out of it, in case Euphie decided to get herself killed."
And with it, the Princess ended the call with the button. The guardsmen came up with the steel tray. His mistress looked at him with disgust while she placed her phone on the tray. The guardsmen backed away in fright as his Mistress return her gaze at the outside horizon with her arms cross.
Britannian Embassy, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Royal Bedroom
Dear Lelouch and Nannally
I have no doubt this letter will get to you without any compromises for both your safety and mine as well. Things have changed a lot since the last time we have seen each other, and I wanted to let you know that I am fine.
Princess Euphemia, in her night gown, had to stop writing on a sheet of paper on her dresser, "What am I doing…?" it became clear to her that it became difficult to write to her long-lost family. It became apparent, ever since she meet Lelouch as Zero during the hostage crisis, that she can't focus even by writing a simple letter to the most important people in her life.
It would have been more eiser to speak to Lelouch and Nannally more directly to make up lost time. Of course, she spent an entire day with Lelouch stranded on an island, but… She shook it off, she can't think about it right now… not after what she's been through after her moment with him.
The Pink haired Princess took a deep breath, "It's not good enough…" she muttered. Suddenly, there's a knock on the door. Euphemia wondered if she should tell Lelouch about her newly acquired 'Geass' the power of premonition.
"Enter."
A maid came in and did a crusty bow to her mistress, "My Lady, are you well?"
"Yes, I am fine. I'm just writing a letter to my family back home."
"That's good to hear, my lady. The reason I've asked is that I am worried about your well-being."
"I understand, I did leave to freshen up after I've eaten. While my brother is having a guest for dinner in the Embassy," Euphie said as she finished writing her letter to Lelouch and Nunnally. It might not be the best she can come up with to convey her feeling towards two of her loved ones, but she prayed it will be enough.
"I-it's just t-that you've been gone for a while and now that you're here. Some of us thought that you are dead…"
Princess Euphemia giggled and gave the maid a reassuring smile, "You don't have to worry now that I'm around, and I'm sure things will get better for now on. By the way, what is your name?"
The brunette Maid blinked, "M-My name is Jenny," she bowed, "I-I'm from Area 3!"
"Area 3? That's Mexico right?" Euphemia finished her letter and folded up her letter and put it in the mail envelope.
"Yes, my Lady."
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Jenny," She finished it off by adding in a wax seal with a dove symbol.
"T-The honor is mine, your Highness."
Euphemia and Jenny talked about their day. The Third Princess then inquired about her reason of becoming a Maid, in which the maid became a little timid about the question, but answered right away.
Although Jenny is a full blood Britannian she did have enough money to pay for collage education. It was then that Jenny has decided to apply for a job as a Maid.
Euphemia, listen to Jenny's story and then offered her support so that her new friend could get into collage. Jenny has taken aback by her mistress offer.
"I'll see to it that you have a place at Ashford Academy at Area 11. There are plenty of opportunities there," Princess Euphemia announced.
The Brunette eyes widen in shock, "A-are you sure about this?"
"Of course, and you can work for me and my older sister as a part-time job," Euphemia smiled.
"I-I don't know what to say, milady. Thank you," Jenny hold back the tears as she bowed. She work her whole life to become an art and crafts designer.
It is time like this that Euphemia was happy to get a second chance like this: helping people in their time of need. And what's better, she has a renewed sense of hope in saving Lelouch from his horrible fate as well. This new timeline is not set in stone, however, but she is determined to see it through to the end.
Nunnally will not have to be alone this time.
Dinning Room
Prime Minister Sei Kai of Cambodia and Prime Minister Schneizel of the Holy Empire of Britannia enjoyed the diner thanks to the best chiefs available to them. The Britannian ambassador was also present in the room as well.
Both leaders resumed to discuss various topics regarding Cambodia's domestic policy. Sei Kai, although he had valued his relationship, he had already sensed in light of Princess Euphemia's erupted desire to leave the room after the mere mention of her former Knight of Honor that something's is up.
The Cambodian leader isn't sure if he is willing to go through with this, but he has no chose. As the general election looms, his approval ratings for the economy are low, his ruling party can't afford to be humiliated on national television. Not to mention the fact that the Empire have invested heavily on the 'Project' and their economy.
"I trust things are going well in your end, your Excellency?" The Second Prince Schneizel inquired.
The Older Politician felt a little nervous, "Yes, all legal preceding are in place for the vote on the referendum in Parliament to take place."
"Good," Schneizel smiled, "and you can be assured that your place as the leader of Cambodia is assured after the vote."
"I… very much appreciated, My Lord."
Ikaruga Submarine
Zero's Private Quarters
Lelouch stood up as he spoke to Crown Princess Kaguya via live video feed on the flat screen T.V, mounted on the right side of the room.
"Thanks for checking up on me, Zero-Sama~" Kaguya grin at her soon-to-be husband with a faint blush in her cheeks.
"Uh, no problem," Lelouch said, "I here that you have company from the Bianca Alliance protecting you during the raid."
"Ah, I see that one of my Generals was talking to you about that. They can be paranoid about my safety and all that sometimes," Kaguya rolled her eyes.
"They're the ones that stormed the Government Bureau earlier, if I recall."
"Yup! The new girls names are Ram and Sam, somehow they remained me of you but are the same age as me, and they're fun to hang out with… Not that you're not fun,"
"Nunnally and I can be more fun, like last time" Lelouch defended. Kaguya giggled, "I can't wait to see her after we free Japan together. By the way, how is she?"
"She's with me, but she is still crippled and blind."
"Oh," Kaguya said sadly, "Well it can't be all that bad, she got you to count on, as her eyes and ears right? At least that what Nunnally used to tell me, anyway."
"Yea, that is true."
Kaguya made a warmful smile, "You know you and Nunnally's secret is safe with me and 'Gramps'."
Lelouch smiled, "You both still have my trust," he nodded.
"Thank you, Zero-Sama, It really means a lot," Kaguya's roses blush deepen, "Anyway I should get going- Oh wait I almost forgot! Ram and Sam will be enrolled into Ashford Academy!"
Both C.C and B.B became somewhat surprised by the news, as Kaguya continued.
"Lord Richter, Head Knight of the Bianca Allaniace, had made the call after what happen. So, he wanted them to lay low until there's a chance for a new assignment. He's very upset for what they have done that almost jeopardize their identity. I even hear Silvia-San is already in the process in 'cleaning up the mess' they made after they recused her, of course."
"I see..." Lelouch muttered and deep in thought.
"I don't think you and Kallen will have to worry about them, though. They're excellent at their work."
"One can hope... Anyway, you should get some rest, your Majesty."
"Yea," Kaguya yawned, "I'll see you latter, Zero-Sama and stay safe," she waved. Lelouch and Kaguya said their goodbyes, and with it the Video feed ended.
"So what should it be done to Euphemia now that she knows your secret?" C.C asked as she lay on the cough, holding on to her Cheese-Kun. Bianca, in her white cat form, rested on top of Chees-Kun's face as they both glacé at him.
"I'm not sure yet," Lelouch said as he returned to his office desk. The Green-haired immortal turned her gaze at the ceiling, "I assumed an assassination plot is out of the question."
"We've talked about this already. I don't need to repeat myself," Lelouch said. "But it's different now that Euphemia is back, it must be something she wanted to tell you but couldn't."
"That doesn't mean I have to kill her. Besides, your shapeshifting cat and her club will not allow it," Lelouch dismissed.
"Point taken," C.C said simply, "But in due time, you'll have to confront her and tell her what she knows after her experience with or without your Geass."
Lelouch flinched, "What makes you think I use my Geass on Euphie?" C.C shrugged. The White Cat glare down at her old friend.
"Master Zero we have arrived at the Kyushu port," said the ship captain from the phone speaker. Lelouch pushed the button to speak, "Perfect. Prepare to dock when we arrive and make sure everyone is well rested for tomorrow's meeting."
"Yes sir!" and with it the caller ended.
"I suggest both of you get some rest as well."
"Mittens said she is not tired," C.C said. The Cat rolled his eyes.
Lelouch ignored the Cat and Witch as he has begun doing his paperwork. Occasionally, it's madding to deal with them. But he thought about what C.C said about Euphie. Should he try to see her again? He wanted to, yes. Does he want to kill her because Euphie knows his identity by heart? No. Will he use Geass to erase her memories about him? apsaloutly not. He will not do to Euphie what he did to Shirley and plus it will only harm her more that he is certain.
Lelouch will never hurt, nor allow any harm to come to Euphie.