AN: I do not own Code Geass.

RanVor: Even so, I'm glad that we were able to see such a timeline, despite it being just for an event in a mobile game.


Chapter 40: The Black Knights

January 14th.

"Where the hell did you get this thing?" Naoto asked as his resistance group entered a large warehouse, where a large eight-wheeled van was stored.

"I have a special benefactor that indulges my requests." Lelouch responded while taking a seat on a large couch.

"So Geass… huh?"

"This place is nice!" Tamaki shouted while taking a seat next to Zero, "I'm guessing with this new equipment, we're going on a mission or something?"

"While not an outlandish suggestion, it's still wrong. I intend to have this van serve as our new headquarters. From here, we'll meet up here and plan future operations." as their masked leader gave his speech, Ohgi checked the second floor, where dozens of boxes were stashed away.

"What are these?" he asked while taking out a black uniform, "They seem kind of fancy for a resistance group."

"That's where you're wrong." Everyone except Naoto stared at Lelouch with wide eyes upon hearing those words, "We're no longer a resistance group, is that understood? What we are-what we're trying to be, are Knights for Justice!"

"Knights for Justice?" Ohgi muttered, "So what? We're going full-scale. Like the JLF?"

"Yes and No. While, we are going full-scale, similar to the JLF. We're not going to just be fighting for Japan. No. A war against Britannia means a battle on all fronts. Every area has gone through their share of trauma. And as Knight for Justice, it'll be our duty to help them escape Britannian terror, just like we'll do for Japan."

The former Kozuki resistance turned to their leader, seeking guidance, "Zero's right. Our mission doesn't stop at Japan. Because, if we really want to rid Japan of Britannian terror, we have to make sure that they can never come back, and invade us again. That's why, until we completely defeat Britannia, we won't stop fighting."

Of course, most Area's that were under Britannian terror didn't care for their fellow numbers that were also being oppressed. To them, it was always 'me, me, me.' No one banded together, thus making it easy for Britannia to pick them off one by one. Normally, nations wouldn't team up due to either past history, or cultural clashes. However, by framing the problem as 'fighting one big enemy', it makes the people far more inclined to team up, instead of phrasing it as 'freeing X Area from Britannian rule'.

"So what you're saying is, the JLF is too short-sighted?" Ohgi asked.

"Correct. They believe defeating Britannia stops at Japan, but it's so much more than that." Lelouch explained, "Now. Pass those uniforms around, so that we can look professional."

"Hold on just a moment!" Tamaki shouted, "What makes you think we're gonna follow some chump who doesn't show us his face? Sure, I'm mostly doing this for Naoto, but that doesn't mean I'll follow just anyone he works with." he jammed his finger into the Zero mask, "Now, take this off so we know who we're working with."

"Please, Tamaki. You don't have to-"

Before Naoto could finish his sentence, Lelouch put up his hand, stopping him in his tracks. "I understand your discourse. And so, I shall agree to show you my face." The group, including Naoto, gasped in shock.

"There's no way that actually worked!" Ohgi handed a shirt and pants to Sugiyama.

"On one condition, of course." The group almost instantly calmed down, "I shall only reveal my identity, after we liberate Japan of Britannia."

"Seriously? Do you have any idea how long that could take!" the boisterous Japanese man shouted, "Why don't you just show us now, huh?"

"That's because he has enemies hunting him." Kozuki chimed in, "If he reveals his face to us, it risks them finding out he's in cahoots with us. Thus, putting him in even more danger."

"Wait… you've seen his face, right?" Ohgi asked.

"Yes. And he's someone we can trust." He faced everyone with sincere eyes, "Please, can you wait until we liberate Japan? I swear, it'll be worth it."

Tamaki massaged his face. He knew very well that question was primarily targeted at him, so he responded with, "Yeah. If you say we can trust him. Then I'll believe you." then he faced Zero, "Though, I hope his identity is something interesting. If we're going through all this trouble for some nobody, it's gonna be real disappointing."

"Imagine if it's just Nagata under that mask." Sugiyama suggested jokingly

"Pftt. There's no way that idiot would be smart enough to lead a rebellion. He'd have to be under the tutelage of the Tamaki, before even attempting such a thing!"

The group chuckled at the interaction lightly. Sure, while they were sad about their friend's death at first. Enough time had passed where they were comfortable making light-hearted jokes about him as if he was still around. It was one of the many ways they could cope with such a traumatic loss. "Anyway, I wonder what's on TV?" Yoshida asked while grabbing the remote, and taking a seat next to Tamaki.

"Breaking news." the reporter began while standing on the outskirts of Kawaguchi Hotel, "I'm here in front of the Lake Kawaguchi Convention Center Hotel. The hotel jackers have identified themselves as the Japan Liberation Front. Members of the Sakuradite Allocation Meeting, most notably, chairman James, were taken hostage, as well as several tourists and hotel employees. This footage was taken by the perpetrators; in it, you can clearly see chairman James, including some students. The leader of the group claims to be Lieutenant-Colonel Kusakabe of the now defunct Japanese military."

"I feel like I've seen those students before…" Ohgi muttered while looking at Milly, Nina, Nunally and Shirley.

Meanwhile, Lelouch was trembling in his seat, "Oh no, Nunally! Wasn't Kallen supposed to be there? Then where is she?"

Naoto noticed the Prince begin to shake, causing his eyes to soften, "Don't worry, Lelouch. We'll save Nunally. Those JLF guys are all bark anyway."


"Damn that Kusakabe!" Tohdoh growled while slamming his fist into the floor, "I can't believe he actually took our only Raiko with him. That idiot's only going to get himself and everyone in that hotel killed."

"Please. Calm down, Tohdoh. There's no way Lila would dare destroy that hotel, considering all of her donors that'll help rebuild the Saitama ghetto are in there." Nagisa brought up a good point, "If she kills them, then all support would be rallied toward us, as the Viceroy would be showing her true colors."

"Even so… if that doesn't happen, and she somehow manages to retrieve the hostages without harming them… then we'll be painted as the bad guys instead."

"It'll be fine." Asahina chimed in, "Kusakabe might be an idiot, but if there's one thing he's good at; it's mounting a defensive against Britannia."

Despite ignoring all the JLF's previous loss', there were plenty of good points being made. For one, since Lila chose the pacifist route when governing Area 11; she's expected to either negotiate with Kusakabe, or retrieve the hostages without harming them. It'll be risky no matter which route she chooses. As, if she decides to submit to Kusakabe's demands, then it'll show that she's a weak leader, thus causing resistance activities to ramp up. However, if she decides to retrieve the hostages any other way, she risks the chance of killing them, losing her donors, and trust in the people.

This would prove to be her most difficult challenge as Viceroy thus far.


5 minutes until the Black Knight's arrival.

"Sakuradite, an essential component in the manufacture of high-temperature super conductors, is a vital strategic resource that directly affects world security.

Area 11 is the largest producer of this material, providing 70% of the world's total supply. Here at the yearly national meeting of Sakuradite producers, it's determined how this resource will be distributed among the world's nations. Of course, no such meeting is occurring right now. Instead, their current meeting serves to distribute funds for the repairs of Saitama Ghetto. It is currently believed that the terrorists are unsatisfied by the current bill, and seek a better one. To do this, they intend on threatening the Viceroy with the hostages until their demands are met."

Lila watched the news broadcast from within her G1 with a worried look, "Honestly, Viceroy. You didn't need to come for this." Dasko chimed in as Carine filed her nails in the background.

"No. After the disaster that was Saitama. I think it's best if I'm present for these missions. Especially diplomatic disputes." the innocent Princess replied as ASEEC's van moved into position near the hotel's underwater supply route. "Could you go over the plan once again?"

"Yes, your majesty." Dasko pressed a few buttons on the command table, bringing up a large holographic screen that showcased the supply route and the hotel, "You see, all bridges other than the main one have been cut off from the hotel, meaning our best bet to reaching the establishment, is through the underwater supply route. However, the JLF has prepared for this. In the tunnel, they set up some kind of shrapnel cannon that has obliterated any and all units we've sent in."

"Thus the reason we're sending in the Lancelot, correct?"

"Yes. Camelot's Z-01 Lancelot, and the experimental Lancelot Club, are both equipped with a Blaze Luminous system that can deflect bullets effortlessly. Of course, we only need one of the units to actually be present in the tunnel. So, since…" he hesitated before continuing, "Warrant Officer Kururugi is the more experienced pilot of the two; we've chosen him to carry out this task."

"Before you send him in, can't I speak with Kusakabe one more time? I know our last two conversations ended horribly, but I feel like I can get through to him. I just need time."

Just as she finished her sentence, the screen changed to the news station, which broadcasted, "What's this? The JLF are bringing out a hostage!"


"What are they doing?" Suzaku muttered while watching the sight.

"They're going to kill him." Rai heartlessly answered while checking the systems on the Lancelot.

"How could you say such a thing!"

"But it's true." Lloyd joined in from the second floor of their van, "Why else would they bring out a hostage? They intend on making an example."

As predicted, a JLF member shoved the innocent civilian forward, before finally kicking him off the roof, sending the man to his death. Simultaneously, Suzaku and Lila screamed no, as they watched the man helplessly. "H-how could they?" the White Knight grit his teeth in frustration, "What kind of monster do you have to be to treat life so… frivolously?"

Kusakabe's voice came through the radio, saying, "Our demands have gone unanswered. Thus, we'll begin tossing hostages off the roof every 30-minutes until they're met."

Once the radio cut off, Lloyd asked, "Hey, Suzaku. Do you still prefer the Logic of systems over personal emotions?" The boy didn't answer, instead he clenched his fist harder, glaring at a still image of Milly, Shirley, Nina, and Nunally. It was particularly focused on the paraplegic girl. "Nevertheless, you better get ready. I know after that display, the Viceroy is sure to send you in soon. So, steel your resolve. Because the resolve to save those friends of yours, will be your greatest weapon."


"As you can see, Viceroy. Time is something we don't have." Dasko boldly stated while shutting off the camera feed.

Lila silently sat in the G1's throne with her bangs covering her eyes. Meanwhile, Carine smiled at the sight of her sister starting to break down, "Once Suzaku gets to the end of that tunnel, what'll happen then?" the innocent Princess asked while keeping her eyes trained on the floor.

"We'll have him destroy the hotel's foundation, causing it to be submerged into the lake." the screen changed as the Knight explained the plan, this time, it was focused on the hotel itself, highlighting a support pillar. "To do this, Warrant Officer Kururugi will use the prototype VARIS rifle. Once he does, we'll have an estimated time of eight minutes to rush in, and save the hostages before their room is submerged."

"Is this really the only way?"

"Oui, Viceroy."

Lila looked up at the display with determined eyes, "Then tell Suzaku, he's got the green light."


10 minutes until the Black Knight's arrival.

Kallen, C.C, and Maya rounded a corner as two JLF members patrolled the large corridor with their weapons off to the side, "Hey man, I bet I can do more push-ups than you." the first soldier suggested

"What? We're supposed to be patrolling right now. We don't have time to do such stupid challenges." their comrade responded while shaking his head.

"Oh c'mon man! There's no way Britannia is going to just barge in here, especially since we have hostages! That naive Viceroy's most likely going to fold anyway."

The other soldiers sighed in frustration, "Even so… we can't be distracted. Not even for a second."

"What's that? Don't tell me… is someone… chicken?" the first soldier then began making chicken noises while mimicking the movements of the bird simultaneously.

"Do you ever shut up!" the other soldier struck the first over the head, "Fine. Let's get this over with."

The first soldier got on the ground and began doing push-ups. Meanwhile, his friend kept on the lookout. Of course, Kallen couldn't stay her hand any longer, as she pulled out a pistol from within her jacket, and shot the second soldier. Killing him instantly. The first soldier tried to get up and fight back, but it was to no avail, as Maya pulled out a pistol from her blue jacket, and killed him in the next second.

"Why didn't you just do that before?" C.C asked while taking one of the dropped machine guns.

"Because, I thought they'd say something substantial. But it looks like I was wrong." Kallen said while taking the other, "Let's hurry up, before these bastards start executing hostages out of frustration."

"Man, these JLF guys aren't half as serious as I thought they'd be." Maya said while scrolling through the hotel's layout on her phone as the girls ran down the corridor, "Y'know, Kally, you're a genius."

"What's that supposed to mean?" the red head asked while peering around a corner. Once she was sure the coast was clear, they moved on.

"I mean, I never expected the JLF to actually attack Kawaguchi. Yet, you somehow managed to predict it, and create a plan for us to get away."

"It's a shame that the other girls got separated, otherwise, we'd've been able to save them too." C.C muttered while rounding a corner haphazardly, coming face-to-face with three JLF soldiers that opened fire on her instantly. In response, Kallen took cover behind the corner and watched as the girl's lifeless body fell next to her.

"Target Eliminated." one soldier reported while slowly moving in.

"Was she really the one killing our boys down here?" another asked while slowly approaching her body.

Once they got close enough, Kallen popped out and unloaded a whole magazine into the group, causing them to drop like flies. "Jeez. Nice shooting." Maya commented while checking on C.C, "Oh well. It's a shame our friendship had to end here, C.C. Or… Refiu… whatever you want to be called. Rest in peace."

"Thanks for that." the immortal responded while casually getting up. Her wounds rapidly healing in the process.

"Whoa. How'd you do that!?"

C.C took off her bloody white jacket and said, "I suppose now's as good of a time as ever. But, I'm immortal."

Maya tilted her head in confusion, "Wait… like… full immortality? Or can you only heal wounds?"

"It's the whole thing."

"Wow. You mind if I do some testing on you?"

"I'd rather you not."

Maya giggled, "Fine. Since we are friends. I'll respect your privacy… for now!"

C.C smiled smugly at her 'friends' response, "What surprises me the most is your lack of reaction. Most people would freak out after seeing someone shot in the head, get up the next second like nothing happened."

"Well… I've seen crazier."

"I doubt that." Kallen interjected as they continued to run down the hallway. Eventually, reaching the stairs.

"Well… I'm sorry if my reaction is kind of… lackluster. But really, I am surprised. I just don't know how to feel right now."

Obviously, this wasn't Maya's fault. While the Disel siblings did experience a traumatic event at a young age, losing their parents in the Britannian invasion of Japan, both kids had very different ways of coping with the loss. For Mario, he coped by caring for his sister a great deal. Making sure to stay as close to her as possible, to make sure no harm came to her. Whereas, Maya began to dissociate greatly from others, as the relationship she had with her mother was greater than that of her brother with their father. Now, she was only able to feel emotions through observing how others react to certain events or information.

Of course, thanks to Kallen, and her new friends, she's starting to regain the emotions she's lost throughout the years. But it's not something that can be solved overnight.

"So, are we going up to save the hostages?" Maya asked as the red head checked her phone.

Kallen smiled upon seeing Lelouch calling her, "I'm okay." she said upon answering the phone, "But I need your help."

She heard her boyfriend let out a sigh of relief, "Don't worry, we'll be there in 10 minutes. Just try to lie low for as long as possible."

"Do you want us to wait for you downstairs?"

"There's no need. Just try to stay in one place. Then, once we enter the hotel, I'll call you, and we'll choose a point to meet up at."

"Got it. And Lelouch… I'm sorry about not being able to protect Nunally…"

"It's okay." the Prince responded as Naoto's voice in the background commanded the resistance group, "There's no way you could've known this would've happened. And from the looks of things, Nunally seems fine for now. Though, I'd rather get her back as soon as possible, than continue to let her be held hostage."


15 minutes until the Black Knight's arrival.

"You're coming with me." a JLF soldier ordered Nunally in a stern tone as his partner grabbed the handles of her wheelchair firmly.

"Hey! What's your problem? She's done nothing to you! So why're you taking her away?" Milly protested.

"How dare you question us, you filthy Brit!" the soldier backhanded the girl, sending her into Shirley's arms. Nina cowered in fear as the soldiers pointed their weapons at the girls.

However, before they could fire, one of their comrades burst into the room, shouting, "Hey. We spotted the girls who got away earlier on the camera's

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. Kusakabe ordered us to go capture them."

"Alright. We'll drop this one off at the office first, then we'll link up at the elevator."

Once the soldiers left, Shirley checked on the blonde with a worried tone, "Milly, are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine." the President responded while rubbing her cheek, which was now red.

"Those bastards… I can't believe they're doing this…" a man muttered. "Hey! The next time those Eleven's come in here, we should jump them! After all, they can't kill all of us!"

Suddenly, the door opened, revealing two guards with an angry look on their face, "Alright. Who's the filthy Brit that attacked one of our boys?"

"M-Milly…" Nina held onto the blonde desperately, "Are they going to take you away?"

"It was me!" the man spoke up, "If you've got a problem with it, then fight me for it!"

"What's this? A hero?" the JLF members laughed, "Well, we need someone to throw off the roof anyway. Let's use this guy."

Within a few seconds, the soldiers forcefully grabbed the man's arm, hitting him with the butt-end of their guns in the process, before dragging him out of the room. The most surprising thing from this, was how little of a fight the man put up. It seemed like he froze when the moment came to actually fight back.

"D-did they say they were going to throw him off the roof?" Shirley whispered with strained eyes.

Murmurs of fear spread throughout the hostages, each starting to tremble with terror at each, and every sound. It got so bad, that their minds started playing tricks on them, creating small crashes, or yelling in the empty silence. Making them tremble even more, "Please… Lelouch… Kallen. If you've got a plan… hurry…" Milly held onto her friends tightly, "Because if you don't… then we might… Nunally might… not make it…"


"Zero. You dare show your face here." Carine announced from the balcony of the G1, as the man stood atop a stolen news van before Dasko's Gloucester. "It takes a lot of nerve."

Lila stood behind her sister with a determined look, "Zero. Why are you here?"

"Viceroy Lila, I seek to end this conflict with the JLF." Lelouch announced, "Please. Allow me to enter the Kawaguchi hotel, and I shall end this madness."

"And why should I?" the Viceroy retorted, "How do I know that you're not going to team up with the JLF, and kill the hostages?"

"That's because… I fight for justice!"

Tamaki tapped his foot anxiously from within the van, muttering, "What's happening out there?"

"This better work…" Sugiyama prayed.

Naoto sat in the driver's seat with a stone face. Watching the conversation go down between the siblings, "I know it might not seem like it, but I too am saddened by the destruction of Saitama Ghetto. The people who lost their homes in that skirmish deserve reparations. Especially those who lost family members. That's why I want to help."

Lila's eyes widened with shock, "Help? He wants to help?" she clenched her fist, "I want to kill him, and avenge my brother's death. But… he's right. Those poor people don't deserve to be on the street due to my selfishness of wanting to kill Zero. However, at the same time, I want to-"

Carine put her hand on the innocent Princess' shoulder, saying, "Now you ask my dear sister of a favor? How idiotic. You killed Clovis, which forced her to become Viceroy of Area 11. If anything, we should kill you right here, right now!"

Britannian soldiers pointed their weapons at the van, waiting for the order to fire. "I know you resent me for killing Prince Clovis. But think of the future. If you kill me, you destroy any chance at righting the wrongs of Saitama Ghetto." Zero outstretched his hands, symbolically lending a helping hand, "Please. I know you're a good person at heart, Lila. Do the right thing."

For the innocent Princess, she felt like the masked man was speaking directly to her heart, as if he genuinely knew her. This, unfortunately, made her next decision even more painful. "Let Zero pass." she ordered in a weak voice that was on the verge of tears.

"What!? You can't just let Clovis' killer walk free, sister!" Carine protested.

"No. In Clovis' last letter to me, he told me to continue smiling. And that's what I'll do." Lila wiped the tears from her eyes, replacing them with a confident smile, "I refuse to become a vengeful person that puts my vendetta above the needs of the people. What matters right now is getting Saitama rebuilt. And if that means I have to collaborate with Zero, then so be it."

Hesitantly, Dasko ordered his Knightmare squad to move to the side, allowing Naoto to move the van toward the bridge. "Thank you, Lila. That decision you just made, shows how mature of a person you really are. While also solidifying your stance on helping the Japanese. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

"Why the hell did you do that!? We had Zero right there!" Carine scolded, "Do you not want to avenge your brother's death!? Or are you just a coward?"

"Be quiet!" The innocent Princess raised her voice, "We'll have other chances to kill Zero. But now's not the right time to carry out my vendetta."

The red-haired Princess clenched her fist in frustration, "Lila! You dare talk back to me like? I truly despise how naive you are." Despite her internal turmoil, she gave her sister a genuine smile, saying, "You're right, sister. We should show the world we're better than those terrorists. I shouldn't be doubting you like that."

In response, Lila smiled, "Thank you, Carine. It's good to know I have someone like you, who really understands me."

"And, I'm sorry I yelled at you like that… it's just-"

"You were frustrated? Don't worry. I understand. It took a lot out of me to give that order. Even though I knew it was for the best, I still wanted to kill Zero, and avenge my brother."

"I know how you feel. But it's just like you said, right? We'll have other chances to kill Zero later. For now, the safety of the hostages is what matters." Carine turned around, and opened the door to the G1, "Though, we should probably send in Warrant Officer Kururugi, just in case Zero was lying."

"Let's wait five minutes, and give him enough time to rescue the hostages." Lila replied while heading inside first, "After all, I don't want to accidentally kill them."

"That's right." Carine soon followed behind her sister, "Oh, Lila. Poor, naive Lila. It looks like I'm going to have to show you how to be heartless. As, worrying about civilians on a battlefield, takes too much enjoyment out of the fight. After all, what's the point of war if there aren't any casualties?"


"Wh-what is it that you want from me?" Nunally asked Kusakabe in a shaky tone.

"Ah, Nunally Lamprouge. A paraplegic of Ashford Academy. You were taken in by the Ashford's after the second pacific war, alongside your brother, Lelouch Lamprouge. For what reason, I don't know. Or at least, that's what I have on file here." the Japanese man slammed a file onto the table, startling the poor girl.

"Though, you've got a little secret, don't you?"

The JLF soldiers looked at each other before shrugging. Of course, upon hearing those words, Nunally was starting to tremble even more than she already was, "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

"Well, you fit the description of a certain lost Princess known as Nunally Vi Britannia, daughter of Marianne the Flash." the Princess' heart dropped, "Not only that, but your brother also fits the description of Lelouch Vi Britannia."

"Th-that's just a coincidence."

"Really? I don't think so." Kusakabe got up, and said, "Prepare the camera's. We've just got ourselves a royal bargaining chip." Nunally felt the man put a hand on her shoulder, "Once that foolish Viceroy finds out you're alive, and being held hostage by us. She'll have no other choice but to submit to our demands."

Suddenly, a JLF soldier burst into the room, shouting, "Sir! It's Zero! He's here!"

"Zero?"

"Yes. He says he wishes to speak with you."

"Bring him in." Kusakabe said with a smile, "Our little broadcast can wait. I want to meet this infamous Zero for myself."


"Kallen!" Naoto shouted upon reuniting with his sister. "I'm so glad you're safe!" the two siblings shared a hug.

"Where's Zero?" Kallen asked as Maya and Mario hugged in the background.

"He's going to speak with Kusakabe. In the meantime, we should prepare explosives on the hotel's foundation."

Naomi and Sugiyama approached the group holding a bag of C4, "Who's that?" the former asked while pointing at C.C.

"She's a friend." Maya responded while patting her worried brother's head. "We should hurry. I don't imagine Kusakabe's gonna like what Zero has to say."

Before she could walk away, Mario said, "I'm glad you're safe."

"Aw. Were you really that worried about me? You should know that I won't be taken out in such a pathetic way."

"Even so… you're all I have left. So I don't want to see you being put in unnecessary danger."

"Relax. There's no way anyone could've known about this incident. Let's just get this over with. Oh, and make sure you give me one of those fancy outfits!"

Mario looked down with a melancholic smile, "That still doesn't stop me from caring for you."

"That's right!" Maya wrapped her arm around her brothers, "And you better not stop! Because despite how I act, I care about you too! We'll make it through this rebellion together, and finally get back at Britannia for what they've done to us!"

Naoto listened in on the conversation from afar with a frown, "Despite how differently we were raised. In the end, we're practically the same."


"Zero. How bold of you to stand before me." Kusakabe slammed his katana on the ground as the masked man stood next to Nunally, "Firstly, lose the mask. I want to see your face before moving forward with any negotiations."

Zero made a motion for his mask with his hand. But just as he was about to touch it, he pointed his finger at Kusakabe, "That's where you're wrong. Kusakabe, I didn't come here to work with you. No. You terrorized the innocent civilians of Lake Kawaguchi hotel, and thus, you must be punished for such actions."

"What!? How dare you!" the Japanese general unsheathed his katana, fully intending on striking down the masked man.

However, before he could reach Zero, a slit on the left side of his mask opened, revealing an eye with an active Geass symbol. "Die!" he ordered.

While Nunally couldn't see what was going on, she heard two gunshots, and the sound of a blade piercing through flesh, "H-hello?" she whispered, "Z-Zero? Did you kill them?"

"Correct." the cold, metallic voice responded, "Nunally Vi Britannia." Lelouch picked up the dossier about the girl, "Despite what Viceroy Lila believes, I don't hold any grudge toward the royal family. Thus, I won't be killing you."

A sigh of relief left the Princess, "I-I'm glad. But how do you know my name?"

"It's written on this folder," Lelouch explained while looking through it, "I don't know how Kusakabe managed to figure out her identity so easily, but luckily I got here before things could spiral out of control. Otherwise, we'd have a problem on our hands." he picked up a lighter and burned the folder.

"Um… now that you know who I am. What will you do now? Are you going to reveal my identity to the world? Or are you going to kidnap me, and use me as a bargaining chip? Just like that man was going to do."

The Prince' heart ached upon hearing his sister speak in such a manner. It made him want to take off his mask, and reveal his identity to her. While simultaneously comforting her, saying everything would be all right. However, he couldn't do that. Revealing his identity to Nunally would only complicate things. So, he swallowed his emotions like a hard pill, and said, "Relax. I won't be doing anything like that. While I don't know the exact reason for you faking your death. I realize that you must've done it for a reason. So, I won't be revealing your identity to anyone."

Nunally smiled upon hearing this, "Despite knowing you killed my brother, Clovis. It doesn't feel like you're a bad guy. Any terrorist group would kill to get their hands on Britannian royalty. And yet, you effortlessly turn it away. Why is that?"

"It's like I said before. I'm a Knight for Justice." Lelouch stated proudly.


"Alright, Suzaku. You know the plan, correct?" Cecile asked over the radio as Rai typed away at a few monitors behind her.

"Yes. I'll break through the liberation front's shrapnel cannon, then I'll use the VARIS rifle to destroy the hotel's supports." Suzaku replied as he was lowered into the large supply tunnel. He straddled his Lancelot's legs while putting one hand on the ground. "This'll all be over in a few minutes. I'm sure of it."

"Good." Cecile smiled, "Then you've got the green light whenever you're ready."

After taking in a deep breath, the White Knight moved forward at full throttle. Instantly popping up on the experimental Raikou's radar. "Looks like we got another Brit riding to his death." a liberation front member announced as the cannon readied to fire its first shot, "And he's moving pretty fast too."

"That just means he'll die faster." another member joked while pulling the trigger on the cannon, "Super Electromagnetic Shrapnel Cannon ready. Fire!"

Upon seeing the electricity in the distance, Suzaku got low to the ground, making sure he was a smaller target to hit. Just as he saw the small beads closing toward him, he activated his Blaze Luminous, which, thanks to him having such a low profile now, deflected most of the rounds, with some only grazing his shoulder. "Alright. I'm bringing out the VARIS." he announced.

"Try not to set it at too high of a setting." Lloyd warned, "It could possibly explode in your hand if you do."

"Understood." the Lancelot pulled out the VARIS and set its level to 5. Then, he aimed it at the panicking Raikou crew.

"Damn it! Remove the limiters! Fire this last shot with everything we've got!" the leader shouted.

"But what if we collapse the tunnel?"

"Who cares!? We can't let that monster through! We're the last line of defense!"

After 30 seconds, the Raikou fired another shot at full strength. Simultaneously, the Lancelot fired its own. The VARIS round zoomed past the magnetic rounds, eviscerating them with the sheer heat the bullet provided. Then, it pierced through the Raikou's main gun, destroying the machine in a dramatic explosion. After that, Suzaku leapt the Lancelot out of the tunnel through an opening, and fired several shots at the hotel's foundation. Causing it to sink slowly.

Unbeknownst to him, though, Lelouch simultaneously detonated his explosives, causing the hotel to fall even faster. Making everyone panic. "Oh no! The hostages!" Lila shouted.

"Suzaku! Get out of there!" Cecile ordered.

Of course, the boy didn't listen, instead, he shouted, "No! My friends!". What he really wanted to say was Nunally's name. But lucky for him, he remembered he had to keep her name a secret at the last second. Once the dust cleared, it was revealed that the Lancelot was the last thing standing on the island, "Dammit… I failed… Lelouch… I'm sorry…" he muttered with communications off.

Just as all hope had seemed lost for the hostages, from the right of the island, spotlights flickered online, focusing on a single yacht, and multiple life rafts, "Hey! Zero took one of our news vans, right?" Deithard asked his colleague's, "Find the signal for it! Now!"

It took a minute, but eventually, they managed to find the signal that connected to the van's camera's that Zero stole.

"My dear Britannian's, have no fear. All the hostages from the hotel are safe and sound. I, Zero, return them to you unharmed." Lelouch announced with multiple resistance members standing behind him on the bow of the ship.

"Thank god!" Lila said.

"Nunally!" Suzaku called with relief, while still keeping his communications off.

"Damn it! They've only traded one captor for another!" Dasko shouted in frustration, "If we attack him, they'll quickly become his hostages."

Kallen, Maya, and C.C watched the speech from a life raft with Milly, Shirley, Nina, and Nunally, who had her wheelchair taken away for convenience. They were assured that it would be returned after contact with Britannia was made. "It's so weird watching this unfold from here. Damn, I wish I was up there to experience such a moment once again." the red head clenched her fist in frustration, "But… I have to stay by the council's side to not draw suspicion. Even so… it doesn't feel right. Being rescued like a damsel."

Lelouch took in a deep breath, before beginning his speech, "People! Fear us, or rally behind us as you see fit. We are the Black Knights."

"Knights?" Cecile muttered.

"Ironic, isn't it? Terrorists referring to themselves as Knights." Lloyd added as Rai kept his eyes glued to the screen.

"We of the Black Knights stand with those who have no weapons to wield; regardless of whether they be Elevens or Britannians. The Japan Liberation Front cowardly took innocent Britannian civilians hostage, and then mercilessly executed them. It was a wanton and meaningless act, therefore they have been punished."

"You heard me right!" Deithard told his crew, "Let it run!" he paused for a second, allowing for them to respond, "Responsibility? I'LL take responsibility!"

"Just as former Viceroy Clovis was punished for ordering the slaughter of countless unarmed Elevens, we could not stand by and allow such cruelty to be carried out, and so we made him pay for his actions."

Lila clenched her fist upon hearing Zero's speech, "No… my brother wouldn't do such a thing… would he?"

Of course, the actual story of what happened during the Shinjuku skirmish was muddled so much by the death of Prince Clovis. Most looked toward the death count as proof of his villainous act. While others sought to find the truth behind the 'massacre'. But in the end, they would never find such a thing. No one would know the truth.

"I will not repudiate battle on a fair and level field, but neither will I tolerate a one-sided massacre of the weak by the strong." Zero continued, "The only ones who should kill, are those who are prepared to be killed! Wherever oppressors have abused their power by attacking those who are powerless, we shall appear again. No matter how mighty, or formidable our foe may be! Those of you with power, fear us! Those of you without it, rally behind us! We, the Black Knights, shall be the ones who stand in judgment of this world."


AN: Believe it or not, a chump like Kusakabe actually figured out Nunally's identity as a Britannian royal in Nightmare of Nunally. And, while it's not canon, Goro Taniguchi did have a hand in its creation, meaning that the possibility of Kusakabe finding out Nunally is a Vi Britannian is something that could've happened.

Also, no Rivalz this chapter. What? Honestly, I just didn't feel the need to include him, as he doesn't add anything that isn't already being said by someone else.