Song: Metal Gear Solid V - The Phantom Pain - Mike Oldfield ''Nuclear'' Lyrics
Part 1 (*1)
Flashback
POV: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Commander Cody, and Captain Rex.
It was during the first year of the Clone Wars, from a new perspective. Kenobi walks on the deserted ruins of a city, followed by two clone commanders and a few of the troops of the 212th and the 501st who all had their flashlights turned on. Republic starfighters and star destroyers were seen hovering in the misty grey atmosphere. All Kenobi sees with his own eyes were destroyed and ruined towers, scorch marks that show signs of a terrible battle - with military hardware dispersed across the ruins, lack of vegetation or life at all, and skeletal remains that are to be found. Many of them were clearly human, but many were not. His eyes recognized the skeletal, modified remains of these creatures. The Yuuzhan Vong. What's left of them.
It had been many hours since the 7th Sky Corp and the 501st Legion were on the ground, trying to find any survivors in this ruined, decimated world. In vain, Kenobi would think, they would try to search. He could just feel death overshadowing this entire planet. Nothing remained, not even midi-chlorians. Kenobi would stop as he stepped on a discarded newspaper. It had the words "Manhattan" or the "New York Times". The details of the words were mostly faded, but he'd recognize the language that, if spoken, was similar to Galactic Standard Basic.
Kenobi continued walking as his mind recalled the events before he and his men came here. There had been a great disturbance within the Force. A subtle wave that had swept across the galaxy, and it all originated from this ruined planet. He had no doubt that every Force user would have sense it. Slowly but surely, this planet would be seen throughout the restless skies of Coruscant, seeing it from high above, including the ships that would leave the atmosphere.
The situation was unprecedented, causing a temporary panic and craze within the populace.
In response, there was an assembly from the Jedi Council, where in the end, Jedi Grand Master Yoda assigned both Kenobi and his apprentice (yet-to-be knight) Anakin Skywalker to observe and monitor this ruined planet that suddenly appeared out of nowhere and try to discover the origin behind this disturbing, pitch presence that pervaded within the Force.
But Yoda already knew, and so did Kenobi.
"Great care, we must take, Obi-Wan," Yoda would say in private. "Fear, I do, not only the sign of change this is."
On the floors of the Senate building on Coruscant, there were debates, many of which proposed this to be some kind of Separatist trick, while others pointed out the inconsistency and the reasoning of, "Since when had the Separatists have the technology to materialize a planet? No technology in the galaxy was that advanced enough.". But Kenobi would recall the weapon of terror - the Death Star - the most advanced planet station that he had seen during the darker times of the Empire. He would sigh as, while he acknowledged the terror of this weapon, he also was brutally aware of its practicality against the Yuuzhan Vong.
Kenobi knew that Sidious had knowledge of the Vong's existence for some time long before the Clone Wars, and had been preparing for their arrival in this galaxy. The Empire was essentially a rude awakening. An evil, crafted to defend against another evil.
But that evil had evolved into something else; their history twisted, their creed rewritten, as they bow low before their God-King and Dark Lord.
That evil reached this world. Kenobi knew of this world.
It was Earth. At least one variant of it that Kenobi would interact with. That person had confirmed to Kenobi that Earth does not exist in his universe, in any galaxy to speak of. Hence, Kenobi would be able to surmise that this Earth was of a different world entirely. Of what nature this Earth was, he did not know.
As Master Yoda had said before to him, this was indeed an omen, a sign of things to come. Things were already changing, as three people from the relative future were sent back to this new past, for whatever reason. One was once a servant of the Sith before being betrayed by the very same, forced into exile, and surviving the Clone Wars, just like Kenobi. Two others were old friends - from a certain point of view. They piloted the best starship in the galaxy to head to the Death Star after all. The pieces were falling into place, moving along within the maze of this temporal conflict.
"Master, this is Anakin," Kenobi inwardly smiled when he heard his brother's voice, carrying the same grim tone as the rest. "Still no sign of anybody around here. Just...It's all dead here, master, literally. I could feel it within the Force. Something definitely happened here besides the obvious that there was a war that touched down on this planet, leaving half of it literally cut in half. Whatever it was, it...it did something to all of the people here."
"Yes, it can sense it too, Anakin," Kenobi muttered. "Seeing as we've been searching here for hours, I want you to get back to the cruiser and report to the Jedi Council and to the Chancellor of what we've found out so far about this."
"Right, though what about you and the boys?" Anakin asked.
"Oh, we'll be here for a little while longer," Kenobi muttered. "But we'll catch up once we're done circling around."
"Alright, may the Force be with you," Anakin said.
"And you," Kenobi responded.
Truth be told, there was another reason why he came down here, along with two of the clone commanders. There had been a psychic communication within the Force. A familiar voice that Kenobi, as well as Big Boss and Lelouch who aren't here, are more than familiar with. A meeting would take place, somewhere in a ruined cathedral, which Kenobi's eyes bore witness to. It had two crosses, up and down, that were still standing.
"Well, we're here," Kenobi said, narrowing his eyes as he sensed that the familiar presence was close by amidst the misty fog that covered the area.
"Remind me again, sir," Cody asked, present towards Kenobi's right side. "Just who exactly are we meeting here?"
"Oh, someone we could trust on a certain matter that we are all privy to, Cody, hence why you and Rex are along for this trip," Kenobi explained. "Tell the men nearby to stay outside, and keep watch while we head inside."
"Yes, sir," Cody nodded.
Cody would order a few of the 212th and the 501st nearby to stay outside before he, Rex, and Kenobi all went inside of the cathedral. As they went in, taking a step inside. It was nothing but fog. A few steps later, not a moment too soon.
"What the-!" Rex exclaims in alert as he spots two armored figures that are standing a few meters from the entrance.
The beings had silver armor and had an ethereal presence to them. They were taller, somewhere around 10 ft. One couldn't see their eyes, if they had one, covered in their helmets that had a T-shaped angle. On the back, there were luminous sixfold wings, closed.
They may not sense any kind of hostility from them, but Rex and Cody, by instinct, would draw their blasters just in case.
"Hold your fire, you two. It's alright, they're our allies," Kenobi reassured, which led the both of them to lower their weapons a bit while maintaining a sense of caution. He walked toward the winged-armored beings and spoke with a smile.
"My name is Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, and I'm here to speak with your commander-in-chief who is no doubt expecting me," Kenobi explains, with a tone of formality and respect.
"What you say is true. Follow us then, Children of Illuvatar," One of them, on the right, spoke immediately as he led the way.
They would begin to walk through the misty fog and in the center aisle. As the moments pass, Rex and Cody slowly realize that they've been walking for an entire hour.
"Okay, how long have we been walking?" Rex asked dryly, whispering. "This building can't be that long to trek."
"Yeah, something's not right about this," Cody noticed it too. "You don't think this is some kind of...Jedi vision or something?"
"At this point, it wouldn't surprise me if it was," Rex responded.
By the time they finished their conversation, they would notice a person who was sitting in the front row of the pews, somewhere on the left. Compared to the bulky-winged humanoids, the man looked rather unimpressive and plain. He had black hair, a buttoned white-striped dress shirt, and a loosened blue necktie accentuated by a beige trench coat.
"Hail to thee, Lord Zadkiel, Commander in Chief of the Black Hosts," The winged humanoid on the right spoke with respect. "The child has come before you as requested."
The man turned around. They didn't know why, but Rex and Cody felt a shiver run down his spine as his eyes looked at them. They were pure bluish-white that glowed and complimented the misty scenery. His expression was stern, cold, and formal. If they didn't know better, it felt like being in the presence of a superior officer...or something else. (*2)
"Master Kenobi," The man spoke formally. "Thank you for receiving my message. And," He acknowledged the two clones with him, who couldn't help but instinctively stand in attention. "I see that you have brought others like you."
"Well, seeing as they are with me almost all of the time, it would be best if they were to have a little bit of knowledge regarding the situation of the Ainurian Temporal War (*3)," Kenobi explained, his formal smile never leaving him.
"But of course," The man acknowledged, before commanding the clones. "Come, you two, sit down to the left along with your general. If you have questions, now is the time for answers."
Rex and Cody both looked at each other. Not having any choice, they would walk to the left and take a seat near the pew, with Kenobi sitting in the middle. The two armored beings nearby would simply stand in attention, not moving an inch.
"Umm...with respect, sir," Cody was the first to talk. "Who, or what are you exactly?"
"Hmm. Before I would answer that, let me refer to you with another question. Are you aware of the term 'angel'?"
"Yes, sir," Cody nodded. "They are a species that lived on the largest moon of the planet Iego which was Millius Prime."
"Yes, well, the term 'angel' is something that is also shared by my kind. Some mortals, humans or otherwise, call us 'angels', but that's merely a form of office for us, a title, one of many. We are pure spirits by nature, and we do not have an actual name like other species, hence in that sense, we are nameless, nevertheless, some call us angels, rightfully so, not just in terms of our office, but at times due to our physique and wings. You can already see it from the two guardsmen standing behind us."
Cody and Rex glanced at the two angelic humanoids, who were just silent and attentive.
"For the sake of simplicity, you can refer to my kind as the El-Lords of Deus Trinitas. My name is Archangel Zadkiel, Commander in Chief of the Black Hosts and Minister of Infernal Affairs, second only in terms of rank and authority, and one of the Archangel Skyfathers in the eternal realm of Paradiso."
"And what does the El-Lords of Deus Trinitas do exactly?" Rex asked.
"Many things, too long to list hence a lack of time, but the relevant point would be for the protection of creation and of humanity itself. Though, in regards to this world," Zadkiel muttered as he raised his eyes to the misty smoke covering the area. "We have unfortunately failed. A bio-mystical weapon known as O'Death was something of a concoction that the Dark Lord of the Old Ages had devised. The Yuuzhan Vong," Rex and Cody paid attention, recognizing the term. "His twisted servants, had made use of it to wipe out all life on this world. This world - once called Earth - that had been lost."
"But it's not the only one to be lost, has it?" Kenobi asked grimly.
"No," Zadkiel affirmed. "It is not. And as to how this world ended up here in your galaxy, it is but a temporal side effect of the conflict. Battles continuously raged across worlds, and my kind is but one of many who are its participants, just as you three are."
"And what about the Vong, sir?" Cody would ask. He knew about the Vong from what General Kenobi told him when explaining the situation.
"They would not be a problem for the time being. However," Zadkiel's tone was cautious. "You should keep both of your eyes open, trooper. Extragalactic powers beyond your galaxy are restless so to speak. The Dark Lord is subtly influencing entire galactic structures, causing situations that range from outright civil wars to a true war time economy, where war powers profit from the misery and suffering of others. Your universe is being divided, and the Clone Wars would be at the heart of a new, certifiable outcome. But I did not summon your general here just to inform you all of the current situation of your universe. I'm here to discuss terms."
"Terms?" Rex asked.
"Of a Clone Armed Forces, ready and at your beck and call," Zadkiel explained, making the two clone commanders raise questioning glances. "Keep in mind that the Kaminoans are not the only ones with the capacity for cloning technology, and your general agrees with me due to precedence. And the clones that I offer, I refer to as Spartans."
With a wave of his hand, Zadkiel would dispel the mist, and from there, a vision was granted to them. The eyes of the clone commanders widened as they saw the marching banner of clone troopers. They had white armor, with a grey Chi-Rho symbol found on their shoulders, and covered with grey markings, with a grey half-circle visor. They carried large halberd guns. They marched, thousands upon thousands, across the golden halls, where there were many of the El Lords, watching the men's progress.
"Make no mistake though," Zadkiel explained grimly. "I would not offer the services of these men now. They would be saved for later, when you and the rest would be able to gather enough of what is necessary by the time you would head to Earth and meet up with Lelouch."
"A work in progress, I can assure you," Kenobi nodded.
"Who...Who are these men cloned from?" Cody asked.
"They are your brothers, as much as the rest, trooper," Zadkiel explained. "Though the El Lord's cloning methods differ from the Kaminoans. Before all else, the Black Host mostly consists of cloned El Lords, out of practical necessity."
"You...cloned your own kind?" Rex looked at him with a concerned and troubled expression.
"Like I said, a practical necessity, when your official task is to monitor the timestreams and the infernal dimensions. The two El Lords behind you are two of such clones," Zadkiel pointed out.
Rex and Cody would look at the winged humanoids who were quiet and attentive, before looking back at the projection, seeing thousands upon thousands of their brothers, marching on the ready.
Part 2
Present Day
POV: Euphemia li Britannia and Nunnally vi Britannia.
It was a happy reunion between the two sisters. Once more with feeling, and yet, Euphemia knew within her heart that it would be very short-lived. She did not know when, but soon, as news of her disappearance would have reached the ears of almost everyone within the empire and would conduct a thorough search for her whereabouts. And she knew that, if Cornelia caught a whiff of her disappearance, she would guess that Japan was the only likely place where she could be found.
Her presence here, at this time, was a danger. She knew that the risks of coming here were great. The people of this nation have already suffered enough, and she did not want any more bloodshed to be carried out under her name. Kill the Japanese. A disturbing thought crept into her heart. Of course, she resisted, because this mental command was nothing but a phantom pain that reared its ugly head. She could still feel the touch of her nightmares, every night, which made her lack sleep. She tried at all costs to prevent herself from cracking, especially when she knew that she was in the past, a couple of months before the death of her brother Clovis.
She had to keep everything quiet. No, she does not want to become a burden for Lelouch any longer, nor would she want to be the puppet to forces that want to bend the peoples and the world to how they see fit. Like her dear father Charles, who now that she knew was a madman that would not be reasoned with, and would accomplish his goals, even at the cost of his own children. That begs the question of whether or not Charles really did love any one of his children. Lelouch and Nunnally, Euphemia thought, were certainly his favorites and loves, in his own twisted way. But her? Cornelia? Clovis? Schneizel? All of his children that aren't Lelouch and Nunnally? Euphemia had scruples and doubts.
She was never close to the Emperor to begin with, as he wasn't a major part of her life, and the only times that he was actually involved in the picture were simply part of royal protocol and public formality. Thus, she never really had the hang-ups that she wouldn't be able to have his approval. She knew that such a task was impossible from the beginning, ultimately futile.
"How did you find us here, Euphemia?"
Nunnally asked with excitement and curiosity. But Euphemia couldn't exactly tell her the real reason why she knew.
"Oh," She smiled. "I have my ways. A spy whom I trust had informed me of your whereabouts."
That wasn't entirely a lie, if one takes the future into account. Of Suzaku Kururugi's connection with the vi Britannia siblings.
Now, before this, it had been about three months, not counting the present month, when she had gone back in time. For a month, she had been staying inside her room, not coming out. Though she didn't make it obvious regarding her condition. She'd rather not be placed inside a psyche ward or get interrogated due to knowing things she shouldn't know. It was very difficult for her to live on the mainland. Everywhere she looks, it's less of a home and more of a torture. At any time, she feared that somebody would come for her, and at best, shoot her down, due to knowing things.
She did not have anyone to confide with. At least, those on the royal courts, and those loyal to them. Not even her own older sister was trustworthy. She, at this time, was still loyal to Britannia's stupid supremacist ideals, which was nothing but a hollow excuse for vengeance. No doubt if Lelouch and Nunnally were even alive, Cornelia would inevitably become an ally. Her older sister's love for the vi Britannia siblings trumps whatever loyalty she has for essentially trumps whatever loyalty she had with her home country.
Though this would be a hard battle. Cornelia won't accept things easily without reason. Convincing her is easy, especially with Lelouch and Nunnally by her side.
Lelouch, she thought sadly.
She had all of his memories for whatever reason. In some of them, she saw the times when he cried for her, and the guilt that he suffered, when he shot her point blank. It was soul-crushing to see him like this. Neither of them wanted this. It was just misfortunate circumstances that fell out of their control. The man known as Zero benefited from the tarnishing of her reputation and the murder of hundreds of Japanese, while the man known as Lelouch vi Britannia became more self-hating, with regret and the steel resolve to keep moving on.
But he hates himself.
She, along with one other woman, was that straw that almost broke him, and made him move forward with a vengeance. They were the two pieces before the finale, for his own death to commence. At times, Euphemia often wondered what would happen if that fateful day never happened. But she knew that in the end, Charles would have his way, and her plans were doomed from the start.
I hate fighting. I despise it from the core of my being. But...I would have to fight. Though I'm not a warrior like Cornelia, I can fight in other battles, starting with recruitment. Euphemia thought.
Truthfully, Euphemia didn't just sit in her room for the last few months doing nothing. She started researching, keeping up appearances as this picture-perfect princess who is not a threat, and finding a few like-minded and dissatisfied Britannians who saw the sickening propaganda for what it was, eventually founding her own resistance cell and network that spread around the world. They weren't that many, but they were more than enough. It was one factor that allowed Euphemia to slip away when the opportunity presented itself.
In the past, she had tried the peaceful, pacifistic approach. That only added to more unnecessary suffering for Lelouch, because it was her impulsive recklessness that brought about her own demise, which set a domino effect. She was a pawn, one of the more important ones, that once taken out, would eventually lead to its king.
Oh, Lelouch, I'm so sorry. Euphemia thought sadly.
Then, she would hear the sound of a doorbell, grabbing her attention.
"If you would excuse me, milady," Sayoko spoke as she headed towards the door.
That could be Lelouch right now, she thought sadly. But what can I say to him? Would he be happy...or angry that I am here? This was before he became Zero, so he still probably holds a grudge. That would somehow include me, because I was a part of the royal family. I...I did not do a thing for them when they were banished to Japan. Nothing. Neither did Cornelia.
While it seems harsh of an accusation, that seemed more than true for Euphemia. She had been a child then, but so was Lelouch. It was Lelouch amongst every one of the royal children who stood against the Emperor. She envied her older brother for such a daring, yet courageous attempt. She was not that brave. Why couldn't she have just followed him? Why couldn't she just convince Cornelia to come with the vi Britannia siblings to Japan?
She could have done something.
Even in the original timeline, she carried the guilt of not being able to do much of anything.
Not anymore.
Lelouch...I know that you may hate me right now, but...I've already decided. I would give up everything, just to be with you and Nunnally...and with Suzaku. You wouldn't know of that, though. You don't know how I...I was truly happy to see you again. I never blamed you for killing me. A part of me was glad actually...that it was you who put a stop to me before I killed yet another child. I don't want...I don't want something like that to happen again.
Her memories flashed back to all of the dead bodies. All of the dead Japanese. That lay on the ground. She carried out the order, down to the letter, a seemingly innocent jest turned into a mere nightmare. Her eyes closed, as she lowered her teacup, mentally preparing herself for the inevitable.
"Oh, big brother," Nunnally spoke with a bright smile. "You're home. And...?" She looked inquiring, knitting her eyebrows. "Umm, big brother, do we have guests?"
Her eyes opened as she turned around. She spotted Lelouch, but he was accompanied by at least three people. She recognized Shirley, but who were the other two? They were wearing ordinary clothing. One had brown hair and a beard, looking curious and concerned. The other had a stern look, one that Euphemia could surmise belonged to someone who was in the military.
"...Euphemia," Lelouch spoke softly, his eyes looking grey and haunted.
Wait...why is Lelouch looking at me like that? Euphemia thought as she noticed that her brother was less surprised to see her. Wait, it can't be? Is Lelouch the same as me? And...
Euphemia noticed that Shirley didn't look surprised to see her either. She was just glancing at Lelouch.
No, I can't just jump to conclusions. Euphemia thought. She would need to test the waters a bit. She stood up slowly, noticing the twitching reactions from Lelouch, who was grimacing in silence, lowering his eyes a little before turning it straight towards her, clenching his fists. Her heart ached when she saw that expression on his face. Guilt. She needed to make sure first. She smiled warmly, but even she needed to keep her tears, just a little longer.
"...Lelouch," Euphemia spoke with a kind smile. "It's good to see you again. And I see that you have other people with you."
"Your Highness," Kenobi would bow his head respectfully. "I am Obi-Wan Kenobi, and this here is my associate, Cody." He said, introducing the man to his left. "As to we are, well, we are associates of his highness, Lelouch vi Britannia."
"Ah, I see," Euphemia spoke with a smile, while thinking. Associates? I don't remember my brother being associated with these two. There's no memory of my brother that has them appearing. And associates? Are they part of the Black Knights then? But it's too early. The Black Knights wouldn't start until a month later when Clovis ordered the massacre of the Shinjuku Ghetto.
"And you are?" Euphemia looked at the orange-haired woman, who spoke with her own respectful smile.
"Shirley Fenette, Your Highness," She said, bowing her head low. "A simple commoner and student of Ashford Academy."
"A pleasure to meet you as well," Euphemia nodded, before walking towards Lelouch. She could see a little twitching on his face, a hesitancy to look at her. But he didn't leave his spot. He stood his ground. She in response would gently try to reach his hands and spoke reassuringly. "Lelouch?"
His grip would tighten his hold of her hands. And with a sudden reaction, he embraced Euphemia, much to the latter's surprise.
"Lelouch?" Euphemia spoke softly.
"...I'm sorry," Lelouch muttered softly. "...I'm sorry, Euphy."
Euphemia could not see his face, but she knew, from the way he held her. It was more than clear for Euphemia. This truly was the Lelouch she knew from her future. Lelouch would never react like this otherwise. It would not make sense, due to the time frame. All she heard from him were repeated apologies. But she never cared about such, because Lelouch did nothing wrong. She reciprocated the embrace as she gently caressed the back of his head.
"...It's alright, Lelouch, I forgive you," Euphemia softly said with emphasis, smiling with closed eyes that ran tears down her face. "I do not blame you for what happened to me, not ever. I do not hate you. How could I? We're family."
Family. That was a word that never held much meaning for most of the royal family, only that they simply came from the same progenitor, with many wanting to take the throne for themselves. But not for the vi Britannia and li Britannia siblings. Their relationship as a family is stronger than most. Cornelia and Euphemia were devastated when the vi Britannia siblings seemingly perished in the invasion, and both of them handled that grief in their own way.
"...You may believe that what you did to me was unforgivable, but..." Euphemia muttered with a gentle, reassuring tone. "I assure you, I never hated you. But..." Now it was her turn to spark tears. "...I never wanted you gone either."
She was very careful to articulate her words, because Nunnally was here. She would keep things vague while letting Lelouch know how she felt. Out of the siblings present, it was only Nunnally who never knew of what future lay ahead for them all. Of Zero Requiem.
"I don't want you gone. I want you here, right now, promise me," Euphemia spoke in tears.
"...Yes," Lelouch spoke as he raised his face, filled with his own silent tears, and broken smile. "I assure you, this time, I would not sacrifice myself like that. There is...There is much we need to discuss."
"I..." Euphemia wiped a little of her tears. "I agree. It has been far too long. I have been here for about four months now, counting this one."
"Four months?" Lelouch looked concerned. The others looked at each other with concerned expressions.
"Hmm. And...I've kept myself busy." Euphemia explained.
"...Your Highness," Kenobi stepped forward with a concerned tone. "Before we explain all of that, we would need to address the problem that you may have. A mental problem."
"Oh...yes," Euphemia widened her eyes a little, before looking questioningly at Lelouch, who smiled.
"They aren't wrong when they said they were my associates, Euphy," Lelouch explained. "I have been busy in my own way."
"Cody," Kenobi looks at the man. "I would ask that you keep an eye on Lelouch's sister while we would take this discussion in private."
"Yes, sir," Cody nodded.
POV: Sayoko Shinozaki and Nunnally vi Britannia.
Sayoko was very curious. As she was taking Nunnally out for a little bit of fresh air across the green, fresh grassfields of Ashford under Lelouch's orders, they were being accompanied by the man, Cody, who was silent as a still rock for the most part; only checking in now and then from his earpiece that was attached to his ear.
"No sign of any hostiles, sir," Waxer spoke to Cody from the comms. "Everything's still green."
"Good, continue to keep watch," Cody commanded, before lowering his hand.
"...Umm," Nunnally would speak up. Like Sayoko, she was curious about this man that was attending to them. "Mr. Cody." The man looked at her attentively. "May I ask how did you come to know of my brother?"
Cody was silent for a bit, looking at Sayoko. "Actually, I've only just met your brother, your highness. It's the man that I serve that knows of him longer than I have."
"Oh, you mean Mr. Kenobi?" Nunnally asked.
"Yes, your highness," Cody nodded.
"Can you tell me at least of what their relationship is like, based on your observation?" Nunnally asked.
"For the most part, I only heard of Master Kenobi talking about him in passing," Cody explained. "He simply stated that His Highness, Lelouch vi Britannia, was a man of integrity, even if it may not seem that way. When the tables are turned, no matter what opinions one can hold of him, he is the one you can count on to lead."
"That's quite...an interesting summation," Nunnally muttered, knitting her eyebrows, before smiling back. "In any case, Mr. Cody, do you have hobbies?"
"Not much that I can say on that front, Your Highness," Cody explained. "I'm mostly busy serving with Master Kenobi and doing my tasks as his...butler."
"Hmm," Sayoko thought. "For someone who is a butler, you sure do not seem to look like one."
"Well," Cody spoke with care. "Master Kenobi insisted that I wear something casual for the time being."
Not much had happened while they were outside, barring Nunnally's continued conversations with Cody. From what Sayoko could tell, Cody was a man of duty, stern and disciplined. She could tell that he was military, but she was not sure if he was a soldier of the Britannian military. But from the way he moved and acted, Sayoko could tell that this man was a superior officer, with experience on his belt.
Now, Sayoko wondered just how this related to Lelouch. Something was amiss. She of course knew of Lelouch and Nunnally's turbulent history before their time here in Ashford. Of how their father had abandoned them, and used them as ultimately political trump cards to gain Sayoko's nation to the heels of Britannian rule. She was disgusted by such action. It was bad enough that her nation got enslaved, but to use one's own children to do it? It was such an unforgivable sin in her eyes.
But Sayoko of course was bidding her time. She could not fight back, not as she is now. Before her time as a maid, she had been trained in the art of ninjitsu, and the successor of her school. She, more than anyone else, wanted to free her nation from the clutches of its captors. But she knew that attacking without plan or reason would only result in defeat.
Perhaps, at least at first glance, she was willing to serve the vi Britannia siblings. She had an inkling that one of them would eventually ignite a revolution. Of what, she could not know. She was only drawing on hypotheticals based on circumstance. But nevertheless, from the moment they met up to now, she was a maid of the vi Britannia siblings first and foremost. Everything else trumps that.
If either one of them wants to either trigger a revolution or live a quiet life, Sayoko would faithfully serve them to the best of her ability.
Loyalty.
That was her motive. Nothing else was required for such reasoning.
And...
She had over time grown to see the vi Britannia siblings as her own children.
And she will protect them, even to her own life.
POV: Lelouch vi Britannia, Shirley Fenette, and Euphemia li Britannia
Lelouch didn't know whether to be impressed, or worried.
"...You built up an entire Resistance Network for the last few months?" Lelouch asked, sitting on one of the chairs, with Shirley touching his shoulder in support.
"Yes, I did," Euphemia nodded, sitting on the side of the bed, with a serious expression as she felt Kenobi's hands near her head, as she felt the phantom pain receding, Kill the Japanese, no more, leaving only a quiet timbre. "The Order of the Black Knights. My callsign in the resistance is the Black Princess. My identity is unknown to most of the resistance fighters, barring those that I would trust, such as General Richard Heisenberg, callsign: Loveless, who is in charge of the Britannian forces stationed in Hawaii, and General Arthur Cunning, callsign: Liberator, who is in charge of the Britannian forces stationed in the Philippines. I wanted to prepare the resistance that you would make in advance for the following months to come."
"Well, I'm quite impressed," Kenobi spoke positively while focusing his power to build mental defenses within the princess's mind. "Managing to build a resistance in just over four months. That could not have been easy." He lets go of her head. "There, Your Highness, I've thoroughly checked your mind and I can safely say that you would not have to worry about the kill order that you received."
"Thank you so very much, Master Kenobi was it?" Euphemia said, with a grateful smile, before looking at Lelouch. "You said that you were rather busy in your own way, big brother, but...I never expected something like this."
Lelouch had explained to Euphemia of the current situation. Of how he, and two other men, were all gathering in this world of the past, for many reasons that relate to an overarching threat that poses a danger to all of their worlds. That troubled Euphemia. Britannia was bad enough, but now, there are worries of an intergalactic war and darkness that could threaten everything they held dear. Truthfully, their fight had become a lot harder. There are too many variables that remain unpredictable, especially when Euphemia was informed that she was not the only one who came back in time.
Shirley was also a time traveller.
"Shirley Fenette, was it?" Euphemia smiled. "Considering the circumstances, I suppose that we would be working together from now on, I look forward to knowing more about you."
"Likewise, Your Highness," Shirley nodded respectfully.
"Still," Kenobi would point out. "There is still the problem of the princess' disappearance. If her sister would come here, this could either be a problem or a blessing in disguise."
"Not to mention that Clovis is still in power as Viceroy of this country," Lelouch looked thoughtful. "If news of Euphemia's disappearance has reached Cornelia's ears, there's no doubt that she would try to make contact with Clovis, and the latter would try to sweep the area for any sign of Euphemia's presence."
"Ultimately, it means that I cannot stay here," Euphemia explained sadly, with a smile. "I would have to leave the country once more and find another safe haven."
"That is not a problem," Kenobi explained, while noting her expression, glancing at Lelouch. "The Mother Base that is established a few kilometers near the South Pole would be the safest place for her."
Lelouch would notice the saddened expression of his sister, and he could already guess what it was. "It's about Suzaku, isn't it?"
"Yes," Euphemia affirmed, looking troubled. "...I'm very worried for him, Lelouch. He's still out there somewhere, working within the ranks of the Britannian military. If there is a possibility that he is one of us, we would need to try to find him."
"But there is also the possibility of him not being one of us, Euphy," Lelouch would gently remind her. "And the Suzaku of this time is...quite hard to convince. He is still dead set on his ways to try to change the Britannian government from within, not to mention, as you are now on the side of the enemy, the chances of you convincing him to his cause is very slim."
"I know," Euphemia sadly agreed. "And most especially, I've already made myself opposed to his principles by becoming the leader of a resistance cell against the very nation he is trying to fix. He and I...are enemies," She spoke, with a little pain tinging her heart. "Nevertheless, I truly miss him and wish to see him again, even if...he no longer remembers the love that we both shared."
Euphemia shakes her head. "But for the time being, we would need to fully address the situations and inform my officers in the resistance regarding the preparations that your alliance has done so far, big brother."
"Then, I will provide an LZ to be taken underway," Kenobi nodded as he turns on his comms. "Cody, this is General Kenobi, it's time to provide an approriate extraction point for Princess Euphemia."
"Yes, sir," Cody nodded.
"Oh, and, Kenobi," Lelouch would speak up. "I would want to bring Nunnally and Sayoko as well."
"Huh?" Shirley and Euphemia looked at him questioningly.
"Lelouch, are you sure?" Shirley asked.
"Sayoko is one of the most loyal followers that I have ever had in the future, and the same still applies to the past. She wants the freedom and independence of her nation like any other Japanese. Adding her special skills to the field would be useful for us for the long term, along with a certain other person that I would need to make contact." Lelouch explained.
"Lord Jeremiah," Shirley answered, understanding the logic.
There were two people that Shirley knew that would be totally loyal to Lelouch. Jeremiah Gottwald and Sayoko Shinozaki.
"But what about Nunnally?" Euphemia asked.
"I have kept enough secrets from my sister for long enough," Lelouch's tone turns serious and self-deprecating. "I should have told her the truth. Perhaps things wouldn't have gone as much downhill as it is the first time. Besides, the easiest way for Nunnally to remain much safer, is for her to know what I am doing. Granted, I cannot tell her of literally everything such as my personal future experiences in relation to our world, but I can of course reveal to her of the general goal that the alliance is planning. We would have to unite the world in light of an ever-present threat. Living in ignorance on the part of the ones I hold dear has once cost me and them everything. Never again."
POV: Lelouch vi Britannia.
I have seen that moment repeated, numerous times, playing on my head.
The part where I pulled the trigger. When everyone screamed for Zero and his triumph, a part of me wanted to scream and curse everything around me. But I kept shouldering all of this on. I stained myself with the blood of one of the only few I held close too. The princess with bloody hands, but they were a symbol of my own sins and hubris.
Her death. It spiraled out of my control, into something that I originally would want, but twisted.
No, that was not what I wanted.
I did not want Euphemia to die.
Every day, I hated myself for what I did.
No amount of comfort would ever quench the guilt that I would always continue to carry.
POV: Nunnally vi Britannia.
Her eyes would open up, for what felt like a lifetime.
You can open your eyes, a suggestive thought.
Some part of her thought of finally letting go, just as she felt Kenobi's hand let go. Her violet eyes would bear witness to an unfamiliar face, of a man with brown hair and facial beard, and kind blue eyes. Looking to another direction, she sees a familiar face close by. It was her big brother, who was holding on from the handles of what appeared to be a hangar of an aircraft. Along with familiar and unfamiliar faces. She was surprised a bit by the white armored troopers with orange markings, some of them who had their helmets removed, revealing similar faces. At that point, she would notice the atmosphere and horizon that is tainted with its afternoon sunlight.
They were in the ocean?
"Huh..." Her eyes widened.
It was beautiful.
And from the ocean, she would see dolphins jumping upwards in an arch pattern, in succession. She could now feel the context within the winds that were gentle yet strong, just like her big brother.
But she did not know what was happening.
"Big brother...Euphemia, what is this?" She looked at the two questioningly.
"I'll explain everything later, Nunnally," Lelouch smiled. "But for now, do you trust me?"
Was that really a question? Nunnally thought, before answering with a nod. "Of course, big brother."
POV: Suzaku Kururugi.
Suzaku was shocked as he was watching the television screen that was present in the military's cafeteria. It spoke of the disappearance of someone that he had...and still loved.
Euphy... He thought gravely.
Just what was going on here?
This did not happen before. Suzaku felt like something was amiss. It had been about an entire year since he had gone back in time. Quietly, he would train and prepare in secret. Determined, resolved, biting whatever humiliations that he would receive from his so-called Britannian peers. No matter the hardships, the mud, the sweat, the tears. He had made the promise of vengeance against XOF.
He took the risk when he volunteered for the mission.
To go back into the past, and find out of XOF's current whereabouts and intentions, that all started here. Already, XOF is on the move, as he managed to find some way to sneak into the laboratories located somewhere beneath the Narita Mountains, having hitched a ride on the convoy, disguised as a regular Britannian soldier, mask and armor on.
There was nothing left to find. The lab was in ruins. The bodies were charred to the point of being unidentifiable. Someone had been there. No doubt about it. It was XOF's handiwork. He does not have enough evidence to make a precise definitive statement, but he knew that XOF had been behind this. Only they could have done this. The Geass Order could not have done this either. It was too soon for them to act now.
That would only lead Suzaku to leave with one conclusion.
Someone else is involved.
Aside from him and XOF, there may be other time travelling factions making a move. But what? But who? There were too many hypotheticals to consider.
Worry and anxiety were pushing into his heart. What happened to Euphy? XOF being the main suspect is out. This is too public, too blatant. It defeats the point of their secret operations in their world.
He hated having to stay here in this military base, acting like a good, obedient soldier, to a mostly ungrateful military unit that would tend to insult him and his dignity. The twitch to just kill these racist bastards was honestly pretty tempting if only to just simply shut them up and have some peace, less bothered by their remarks. But he reigned himself in. He took all of the needed punishment. There was absolutely nothing these bastards could already do to break him.
All he needed to do was wait. Only one month left. And the revolution would begin. That is, if things have not changed too much by this point. Until then, he blends in, trains, and gathers information.
Once Lelouch starts his revolution, I do plan on joining him to oppose Britannia. But I'd also tell him of another enemy, something that he wouldn't expect. Lelouch is the greatest strategist that I know, but that doesn't mean much when dealing with an unknown variable that isn't on anyone's radar if no one is bothering to look, or is even aware of. Not to mention, the Lelouch of this timeframe is less experienced, less...tragic. Not to mention less careful, in the sense that he'd underestimate someone like the Emperor, or less aware of secret societies like the Geass Order. If things go down similarly like mine, my trip here would have all been for nothing.
He thought, narrowing his eyes on the television broadcasting the news.
Euphy...wherever you are, I hope you're safe.
POV: C.C.
C.C. didn't know what to make of her situation.
From being bound and strapped to a bed to being...treated humanely and with decency. That was something that mind-boggled her a little, despite being completely held as a prisoner against her will. It was such a stark contrast from how she had been treated in Code R. These men, XOF, had given her almost everything she asked for. Books about history, for her to read and take note of, which eventually allowed her to discover that this was not the history, or the Earth she was familiar with.
For instance, there was a country called the United States of America, founded by George Washington, a very familiar name for her, and the striking factor of Benjamin Franklin never became a traitor and even became one of this country's founding fathers. That was surprising for her. It seems America as an ideal had become a reality in another world. Some part of her at least felt a little happy, while also a bit bitter. While in her world, it didn't happen, in another world, it did happen. But of course, life is hardly fair. C.C. can attest to the monotonous and painful ways of living.
XOF also provided her with clothes that seemed completely out of place for a prisoner. Right now, she was wearing a black stylish dress with a top hat.
And of course, there was pizza, and Cheese-kun, from Pizza Hut, which also exists on this other Earth, much to her inner delight as she laid down on her bed and hugged the latter.
Naturally, C.C. would not forget one simple factor.
She was a prisoner.
Whatever XOF wants with her seems to relate to either Geass, or of course, to what is personal for her.
Lelouch vi Britannia.
She could just recall the future she remembers. Of Lelouch dying, as part of the plan. Zero Requiem. Afterwards, she tried to concoct a plan for Lelouch to be revived, but that somehow ended up in complete failure. His body wasn't found, for one thing. No matter how much she, Jeremiah, and Sayoko looked for it, it was nowhere to be found. Little of course did she realize back then - before she travelled back - that XOF had gotten their hands on it.
"Damn you!" She exclaims in rage and in tears, as she was being held on the ground by a few soldiers after trying to attack the man wearing a black hat and skull-like features, looking down on her. "If you did anything to him, I'll-" She, referring to Lelouch's dead body that had been uncovered, lying on the operating table.
"I can assure you, Ms. C.C., that my scientists did not lay a hair on his head," The man spoke coldly. "After all, even a dead body has its uses."
She genuinely despises her main captor to the core. But she decided to play along and cooperate, gathering information in her own way. She was Zero's Mistress after all. Far be it from her to not make that title not mean something.
Eating one pizza while reading a book about the American Civil War between the Union and the Confederates, someone was opening the door.
"Subject #2334, someone's here to pay a visit," One of the XOF soldiers guarding her spoke as he opened the door's cell.
She raises her head and sees a woman coming in. Since spending a long time in this cell, approximately about a few months, C.C. considered this woman as somewhat of a kindred spirit, from a certain point of view. Two birds, locked in a cage, with knowledge that could either cure or destroy the world. One was older, the other wasn't.
The woman had brown hair and eyes, with her hair flowing down to her neck, wearing a lab coat, that had the words "Dr. Naomi Hunter - XOF Head of Psychic and Genetic Research".
"...Ah, Dr. Hunter, how nice of you to pay a visit," C.C. spoke with some familiarity. "More questions on the survey?"
"In a way," Naomi spoke with a familiar smile, sitting on a chair, holding what appeared to be a checklist survey and medical files. "Not to mention, I missed the rather more enlightening conversations that we both mutually have."
"Must be a bore then, of having to spend this past few months cooked up in a laboratory being held at mere gunpoint," C.C. sits down, eating a slice of pizza, looking at the woman with amusement.
"Oh, it wasn't all so much of a bore as it is in good faith and scientific curiosity," Naomi would bring up something from her pocket. A holographic image that showed a bird's symbol, that seemed to spread out at various points, like a tree. "The concept of Geass seems quite expansive. Any ability that is imagined and studied within the realms of parapsychology and genetics seems within the range. Clairvoyance, precognition, teleportation, remote viewing...even time travel."
C.C. raised an eyebrow. "And just prey tell are you implying, doctor?"
"I'll leave that up to your imagination, C.C." Naomi said, flashing a mysterious, subtle smile.
POV: Big Boss and Solid Snake.
"So you want me and Otacon to keep a close watch on Huey Emmerich?" Solid Snake would ask, as he and Otacon were looking at Big Boss with grim expressions. Otacon most especially had conflicted and mixed feelings regarding his father based on his own personal history.
They, along with Eva, were somewhere around the private quarters. Big Boss specifically called the two of them because they are the ones he can most likely trust.
"That's correct, Snake," Big Boss affirmed. "Amongst everybody within the MSF, it's Huey that is the least trustworthy. It was because of Huey's actions that had led to the compromisation of Mother Base and the death of hundreds of my men within the same time frame. Not to mention," He looks at Otacon with a meaningful look. "He's more than willing to take anyone down, friends or family, if it means him going on top. I've already informed Ocelot about this matter, and he's also keeping an eye on him from me, for good measure. Huey was also responsible for contributing with XOF in the development of Metal Gear Sahelanthropus."
"Metal Gear Sahelanthropus?" Solid Snake asked.
"It was a Metal Gear that was built long before yours and Otacon's time, Snake," Eva explained grimly. "Originally, it was supposed to be used for the Soviet Union, who financed the project that Huey himself had overseen and worked with, but the development had been rushed, forcing Huey to take more...drastic measures, which involved his son." Eva said, looking at Otacon.
"Me..." Otacon grimaced a little.
"You were just a toddler that time, Dr. Emmerich," Eva explained grimly. "Your mother, Dr. Strangelove, was naturally against sending you to become a test dummy for the machine. The result, was her death, at his hands."
Somehow, Otacon wasn't surprised by this. If anything, he should have expected it. His father was, for all intents and purposes, a bastard of the highest degree. He can still recall how his father had traumatized his sister, Emma, trying to take her along with him in death. But thankfully, Emma survived, but he died. That memory stayed with him. It made him a little more reclusive, avoiding contact, preventing himself from feeling the hurt, all the while blaming himself for what happened.
Emma, he thought, for even now, he still missed her. Some part of him thought on how this just wasn't fair. Considering that Snake was here, shouldn't it have been too good to ask to see his sister again, or even... Naomi, he thought.
"Otacon," Solid Snake would touch his shoulder, drawing him back to reality, as he looked at the former. "Are you okay?"
"I...Yes," Otacon puts his hands to the bridges of his glasses. "Don't mind me, Snake, let's just continue with the debriefing."
Big Boss nodded. "As said before, Dr. Huey Emmerich may be the most dangerous man within Mother Base, not because of any physical combat skills, nor his intelligence, but rather, his tendency for self-preservation and disillusionment is something I and the rest of us here cannot just ignore. One wrong move is enough to compromise our entire operation. I don't need another Caribbean incident to occur, right when our enemies are threatening us from all sides."
"I understand, I'll keep an eye on him," Solid Snake nodded, before looking at Otacon. "And I'll make sure he doesn't do anything to you, Otacon."
"Thanks, Snake," Otacon smiled, touched by his friend's concern. "But you don't have to worry about me. If that bastard really does anything to me, I'll just punch him in the face. You taught me that at least."
"Now then, there's one other thing that we need to discuss that I never mentioned in the debriefing before, and it's one where I've told General Kenobi and Lelouch before leaving," Big Boss explained.
"What is it?" Solid Snake explained.
"The Mother Base isn't the only one that got transported here. Shadow Moses Island's nuclear disposal facility was also transported here as well," Big Boss explained.
"What?!" Solid Snake exclaimed in shock.
"Shadow Moses?! Here?! On this Earth?!" Otacon exclaimed in shock.
"That's right, so we now have a facility on top of Mother Base," Big Boss explained.
"How did you come by this information?" Solid Snake asked. "Was it Ocelot again?"
"Actually, no," Big Boss shakes his head. "An old bureaucrat with feather wings told me about it, among other things. Like that person, he's also a major player in this temporal war, and is an associate of myself, of General Kenobi, and of Lelouch. In any case, we now have a base of operations for how we can at least develop and flesh out the idea that we've discussed on the debriefing from earlier."
"Metal Gear Gunframe," Solid Snake would slowly try to think of the implications behind the words. "An Anti-Knightmare Frame Metal Gear. I'm still wondering how exactly would something like this be built at all."
"That would be something that Otacon and his parents would try to figure out, once we take those experimental Knightmare Frames in Tokyo Bay by nightfall, at about 19:00 hours," Big Boss said. "In the meantime, Snake, I want you to get reacquainted with Dr. Madnar (*1). I believe that he's currently working on a new suit that I believe that you would be interested in."
"Dr. Madnar's here too?" Solid Snake asked, raising an eyebrow towards Otacon.
"Yeah, I was surprised about that too, especially when...he passed away," Otacon spoke sadly. "Ellen told me about it on the phone, said he died of cancer, and I was there attending his funeral service. Ellen misses you too by the way."
"That's...reassuring," Solid Snake smiled a little, remembering the little girl that he once saved from Outer Heaven many years prior.
Part 3
POV: Siri Tachi and Ferus Olin
An LAAT gunship would hover down through the lower levels of Coruscant. Onboard were Jedi Master Siri Tachi and her padawan, Jedi Knight Ferus Olin, who both have grim expressions on their faces. Accompanying them were the 77th Ranger Recon Company clone troopers, with Senior Commander Vex, who would explain to the two Jedi of the current situation down the lower levels.
"This strange infection is spreading rapidly, sir," Vex explained to Siri. "Though some of our boys had managed to cut off access for the infected to ascend above and further."
"Undead monsters and a potentially widespread panic at the heart of the Republic," Ferus spoke grimly. "Perfect, just what we need, on top of Master Kenobi having disappeared off the face of the galaxy."
"Your sarcasm is noted, my dear Padawan," Siri muttered, before turning her attention towards Vex. "And I take it the status of the lower levels hasn't changed up to this point, commander."
"Yes, sir," Vex affirmed.
As the LAAT makes landing, they begin to walk off of the gunship and join the rest of the 77th, with their red color markings covering their white armor.
"Sir," One of the clones saluted. "Unaffected areas nearby have been cleared of civilians. A series of fire teams are now ready for sweep and clear, awaiting command for General Tachi."
"Then let's make haste," Siri nodded. "We must clear the underground levels of all of these monstrosities. Keeping them locked in the lower levels is only delaying the problem, we would need to take every one of them out, leave no risks."
Trivia For Chapter:
Part 1:
(*1) - For those wondering about the appearance of Gate - Thus the JSDF Fought There!, this would be the part you are all looking for, for its first appearance. On Spacebattles, I have said before that one shouldn't expect Gate to be exactly the same. The original Gate is something of a mess, as it is written with a pro-imperialistic/colonialism type of narrative and a bias towards other nations, amongst its other problems, hence why I decided to take a couple of liberties, along with some help from Gate experts.
(*2) - If anyone is wondering, no, I can confirm that he's not that person.
(*3) - The official in-universe name of the overarching temporal conflict.
Part 2:
(*1) - From Metal Gear Wiki - Dr. Drago Pettrovich Madnar was a Russian robotics engineer responsible for the creation of the TX-55 Metal Gear prototype in Outer Heaven and its successor, Metal Gear D, in Zanzibar Land.