AN: Dang, this turned out kind of long.
Samurai seven: That'll be a consistent theme for a bit.
DarkDremora: So, while the connection between their soul and the NT's body does weaken, they don't lose control. In order for something like that to happen, a major event has to happen for either OT Kallen or KT Suzaku to lose complete control over the body. So, no, that's not happening. Also, the C.C is still NT C.C, however, due to the Shock images, she was allowed to see into her memories of OT, and due to this, she reverted to her personality of that timeline. Although, due to the amount of information a Code Bearer would gain from the Shock images, they can only view the memories of one timeline at a time, so for C.C to see what happened in KT, she'd have to do it once more. Final thing, OT Lelouch's will to merge with his NT counterpart is solely based on his will, and his will alone. While it would be cute, it'd be disengenous of me to say that Kallen effect's the pull. Not in that way at least. Sure, Kallen could give OT Lelouch another reason to fight, strengthening the pull to merge. But the pull wouldn't increase just due to her proximity to NT Lelouch. For OT Lelouch, she isn't the sole reason why he fights. Sorry if this sounds confusing, I swear it makes sense in my head.
Shirou Brando: I'm flattered with how much you've been enjoying this fic so far. Also, NT Lelouch will find out about the time travel, but it will be further down the line, and due to this, it'll be a major turning point for Kallen's character.
JBS2294: Thank you.
Guest: Nonette should appear, especially with what I have planned in the future, alongside Monica. I do want to reveal Monica's secret, though it'll be difficult finding a way for that to happen. As for the SAZ massacre, I don't know if that'll still happen, but considering how things are going, it might not happen. At least, not in the same way as the original canon.
Chapter 52: Questionable Allegiances
Blood of the Samurai Headquarters.
The leader of the aforementioned faction slammed his fist on the three-way conference table, of which the guest sat on their knees, shouting, "What!? Britannia's coming here?"
"Correct. That's why we need to work together." Katase explained, while Naoto dressed as Zero observed from his seat, "Last time, we were almost able to capture Carine with the combined forces of the JLF and the Black Knight's. Now, with help from the Blood of the Samurai, that should give us the edge needed to seize the Princess."
The masked man kept silent, keeping in mind his plan going into this meeting, "Considering the Blood of the Samurai's demeanor, if I speak out, there's a good chance they'll try to unravel my identity. If I want to get the most optimal result from this, I have to conserve my words, and strike at the right moment."
"And why should we?" the Samurai leader pointed at Zero, "How do we know we can trust this guy? Someone who doesn't even show his face?"
"Of course, if they decide to go on the offensive and attack me for my identity, I already have that covered."
"Taizo Kirihara has already deemed the leader of the Black Knight's as an ally. That's further reinforced by the fact that he knows Zero's identity." Tohdoh, who sat to the left of Katase, interjected.
"Yeah, don't bug my man, Zero!" Tamaki, who sat to the left of the masked man, added.
"Don't just shout like that." Ohgi, while sitting to their leader's right, scolded his friend with an arm punch.
Naoto sighed, "Why did I choose these two as my guards again? Oh yeah, because they know my identity, so I was forced into this."
The blood of the Samurai clenched their teeth in frustration, before calmly returning to negotiations, "So what are you suggesting?
"Isn't it obvious? On the day of the attack, we'll have Black Knight and JLF forces hidden around the area. Once the attack begins, we'll reveal ourselves, and encircle Britannia." Katase explained.
"And who came up with this strategy?"
"I did."
The Samurai leader glanced at Zero, who sat motionless in response, "Is that so… and what if we don't like this plan?" this news shocked nearly everyone in the room, "After all, it sounds like the JLF and Black Knight's are trying to pull off a big stunt to gain public favor. Leaving the Blood of the Samurai as an afterthought. So, what's in it for us?"
"You can't be serious!" Tohdoh shouted while standing up, "The fate of Japan could be changed with this battle, and yet you're looking for some kind of superficial reward?"
"Of course." the opposing leader smiled devilishly, "We're not running a charity here."
The miracle worker sat down, while muttering, "It seems I misjudged the Blood of the Samurai."
"No. Tohdoh, you did just fine by yourself. But it's about time I interfere." Naoto leaned forward and put his arm on the table, "So what? Are you just going to stand by as your people are slaughtered before your very eyes?"
"Oh? So you think we're weak, is that it?"
"No. It's the opposite, I think you're strong." this comment made the leader puff out his chest, "Step one: inflate their ego." Naoto smiled beneath his mask, "However, Britannia is stronger. That's why we need to team up."
"What!?" the Blood of the Samurai members exclaimed
"Step two: reaffirm your common enemy." Zero pointed around the room, "Everyone in here, the JLF, Blood of the Samurai, and even my own Black Knight's, have suffered defeat at the hands of Britannia." this brought the room's attention solely on the masked man.
"So? What are you suggesting?"
"Step three: offer a new solution." Naoto pointed at the Samurai's, "Simple. We'll team up to defeat Britannia, except only the Blood of the Samurai will take the credit for their defeat. How does that sound?"
"It's basically what I was suggesting." Katase's eye's narrowed.
"Except this time, he's appealing to their ego." Tohdoh silently approved of 'Lelouchs' speech.
"Hmm, that's quite the tempting offer…" Zero clenched his fist in anticipation under the table as the opposing leader went deep into thought, "Very well. So long as we get credit, we'll allow you to help us defeat Britannia."
"I'm glad we could come to an agreement." the masked man responded with a smile, "Though, I hope that arrogance will disappear once battle starts, as I think it'll lead to our defeat that day otherwise."
Somewhere in the Middle East.
"Princess Cornelia?" the aforementioned Princess' Knight, Guilford, called, "Are you alright?"
The witch of Britannia was currently reviewing battle footage from the other day, repeatedly rewinding a certain clip of a red Knightmare dashing across the screen, alongside two blue ones, "So… the Black Knight's are here, aren't they?"
"I believe so." Darlton added, "We've had reports of those same frames being present in Area 11 weeks prior."
"But why? Why are they here? Why take such a risk coming to the Middle East?"
"Perhaps they want to expand their operations?"
"Even so… there's nothing but a dying nation here. Why would Zero want to work with them?"
"Well, the same could be said about Area 11, my lady." Guilford explained, "Their people are currently hopeless, weak, and easily susceptible to any kind of propaganda that would empower their dead nation. Zero took advantage of this, and turned them into a proper rebellious movement, one that has led to numerous successful victories against Carine and her own. Of course, if you were in her stead, then we'd easily squash the pitiful menace."
Cornelia tilted her head to the side, before saying, "Then let's hurry up and finish off Area 18. I don't want that red-haired psycho near Euphie any longer than she has to be."
Her Knight placed a folder listing their next objective in great detail, "After numerous attempts at negotiating with the people of Zilkhstan, we've deemed it necessary to commence a full-on assault against their capital city, Gralbahd. If everything goes as planned, we'll have control of the city in a day."
"I still can't believe you tried to reason with those savages." Darlton muttered, "After all, they're just glorified mercs-for-hire. 'Land of the Warriors', what utter horseshit."
"I'll have you know, that those 'mercs' as you call them, are a part of the strongest fighting force the Middle East has. If this nation's leaders were smart, they'd have Zilkhstan leading the main counter-offensives. However, either due to pride, or stupidity, such a thing has not occured."
"That's enough." Cornelia put her hand on the folder, "We'll take care of Zilkhstan swiftly, then we'll move onto the rest of the Middle East, and if we come across Zero, we'll attempt to capture him. Although, if such action isn't possible, then we'll kill him. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Princess." Darlton and Guilford bowed.
The Witch of Britannia leaned into her G1's throne and thought, "Please… Euphie, I'll be there soon, so don't do anything reckless. I know you probably don't agree with what Carine has to say, but it's not her you should worry about. It's the one backing her… Guinevere… she's unpredictable due to the amount of political power she holds. Honestly, even I don't know what she wants. Perhaps she only wants to cause mayhem, or has some kind of greater purpose in mind. Either way, I'd rather avoid facing-off against someone with such political prowess." she picked up the folder and began reading up on Zilkhstan, "While I know I'd be able to take her on in battle, it's the political scene where we'd do battle."
"We've got enemy movement on a dune to our east." a crew member reported.
"Good. Now I can occupy my mind with something else." Cornelia stood up, "Prepare my Gloucester for battle, I'm taking the field personally."
February 8th. Random Hanger in Gralbahd, capital of Zilkhstan. 4:00 PM
"Ah! Zero, I'm so glad you could make it." Princess Shamna greeted the incoming group with open arms, "I trust you've brought what's been asked of you?"
"Greetings, Princess Shamna. It's truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Lelouch bowed slightly while holding a rolled up piece of paper in his hands, "And yes, we've brought the blueprints as asked, alongside the real thing." with a snap of his finger, C.C slowly rolled the Ghedo Vakka into the hanger, showing it off to the present soldiers.
"Excellent. It came out even better than expected." the Princess said with a smile while taking the blueprints out of Zero's hands, "I'll have these delivered to RD later, but for now, you must be tired, no?" she gestured to Kallen who was leaning against the Guren with her eyes closed, "Why don't I take you on a tour through the city? I can assure you, you won't be disappointed."
Finally, the red head approached Zero from behind, followed by Mario and Maya, "Zero, I suggest we take this opportunity to rest." which in reality, what she wanted to say was, "Oh! That sounds like fun!" or at least, that's what Lelouch thought.
Regardless, the Prince agreed. After such a long flight, coupled with the annoying path to getting here, they needed a little RR. "Alright. We'll take a look at the city, However, please keep in mind that I still want to meet with the King."
"Yes. Of course." Shamna led the group into the marketplace of Gralbahd, where hundreds upon thousands of citizens were buying fruit, colored ornaments, and even instruments. "As you can see, in our marketplace, you'll find only the finest products at your disposal." the Princess explained while looking at Kallen, "The finest silks," she turned to Maya, "Most stunning jewelry." finally, she faced Mario, who had an unamused look plastered on their face, so she moved onto C.C. "Wait a minute… don't I know you?"
The immortal shrugged, "Maybe… though, I doubt you know me personally."
Shamna's eyes narrowed, "Are you perhaps… a master?" Lelouch's eyes widened with shock, "I remember hearing about one leaving behind the order some time ago. Though, I never got their name."
"Really? That's a shame." of course, the 'master' didn't want to reveal herself now, as it would only cause complications in the future. One such complication, was the fact that the Farlaf Order, a religious group that split off from the Geass Order 300 years ago, didn't take kindly to the masters of their main Order.
"So, I hear you're the leader of Zilkhstan's logistics," Lelouch cut in, "What's that like?"
This seemed to work, as the Princess backed away from the witch and said, "Well, we're normally ignored by the rest of the Middle East despite our superior military prowess. It most likely has to do with how young our nation is compared to the rest." she rolled her eyes, "The old fools have no idea what we're capable of."
Silence overtook the group for a moment as random civilians passed by them without a care. Shamna's face contorted with anger, catching Zero's attention, "So… what now?" he asked.
However, their tour guide didn't even flinch. It was almost like she was in some kind of trance, one that made her muscles clench. After a minute, she returned, "Sorry about that. I have no idea what came over me. Shall we head to the palace now?"
Lelouch and Kallen glanced at each other, before following the Princess to their next destination.
"Ah, Shalio. It's so good to see you." Shamna greeted her brother, who was in a wheelchair, with a smile, "I hope you forgive me for being late."
"That's alright, sister." the boy responded, "After all, father hasn't arrived yet."
"Really? Were there complications with his conquest today?"
"I believe so. He wouldn't be late otherwise."
Lelouch's eyes locked onto Shalio's figure as he rolled around the throne room, greeting each new guest, "He reminds me of Nunnally…"
"Is something the matter, Zero?" the boy in question asked with an outstretched hand.
"Not at all." the masked man shook the Prince's hand, "Since your father's late, what shall we do to pass the time?"
"Perhaps we could discuss the current events of the world." Shamna suggested, "Let's wait in the dining hall."
After heading into the large dining hall, which was lined with large gold chandeliers overhead, stating the status of the owner of this grand palace. "Wow, I feel so small in here." Maya muttered as she gazed at the ceiling, "I'm pretty sure you could fit a Knightmare in here if you really wanted to."
"It pleases me that you like it." Shalio said despite Maya not stating she liked the room, "Father was never a fan of closed spaces, so he made sure there was as much room as humanly possible here."
"It seems he succeeded." Lelouch added as Kallen took a seat at the long table, across from Maya, who sat next to Mario. At the head of the table sat Shalio and Shamna. "So, where should we begin?"
"How about your revolution in Area 11, or rather… Japan?" Shalio began, "From what I hear, you're having trouble against a certain pilot of a White Knightmare."
Zero nodded, and tried to forget about Suzaku as he said, "While it's true that the Lancelot is causing us some difficulties, I assure you the next time we face it, we'll crush it without issue. After all, we've got its attack pattern figured out."
"Is that so? Can you send that to me?" Kallen glanced at Shalio through the corner of her eye, as he explained, "I want to become a better pilot, that way, I'll be able to lead my people to success in the future, since my father won't be around forever."
"To do that, you'll actually need a Knightmare in the first place." Maya informed while looking through her tablet, which she took from her Sougetsu.
"I'm aware of that. That's why I want to strike a deal with Rakshata to make me a Knightmare that's on par with your Guren." he turned to Kallen, "Which, by the way, I'm utterly infatuated with your fighting style." the Prince leaned closer to the red head, "Do you mind showing off your skills to me some time?"
While there wasn't anything flirtatious with the statement, Lelouch felt an odd strike of jealousy pierce his heart, which made him instinctively grab Kallen's arm and say, "Unfortunately, she's going to be very busy guarding me for this trip, so she won't be able to help you."
Due to the proximity with her boyfriend, the red head began blushing, though thanks to the display Zero was putting on, nobody noticed, "Oh really? That's a shame. After all, I'm a big fan of yours, Ms. Kozuki."
The Black Knight's all froze in fear, wondering the exact same thing, "How does he know her last name?"
"Shalio, let's not be rude to our guest." Shamna quickly reprimanded her brother, "There'll be plenty of opportunities in the future to see what they're capable of."
"Something's wrong here." a bead of sweat dripped down Lelouch's cheek, "The way they're speaking, it's almost like some sort of code…"
Unbeknownst to the group, Shamna currently possessed a Geass that allowed her to see six hours into the future, thus allowing her to see this entire meeting, along with a certain major event that would solidify Zilkhstan's military as a force to be reckoned with.
"Master Shalio." a servant wearing a white belly dancer's outfit (bedlah), approaching the group with a bow, "Unfortunately, King Shams won't be here until morning. As he has come across some difficulty with a stray Britannian battle group."
"Ah, that's a shame." the Prince responded, "It looks like we'll have to cut our conversation short. Besides, I'm sure you're tired from that flight of yours." he turned to the servant, "Show them to their prepared rooms."
Just as the group stood up, Shamna stopped Zero, saying, "Except you. We've created a special room to fit your… accommodations. I hope you appreciate it."
While Kallen was calm on the outside, she was slightly panicking, as she wanted to stay by Lelouch's side this whole time. After all, she was still skeptical when it came to Zilkhstan. She wouldn't put it past them to sell out Zero if given the chance. Despite these worries, Lelouch stopped her from following them by saying, "It's alright. You don't have to worry about me."
To the Zilkhstanian royalty, it seemed like a general statement granted to the Black Knight's, but only Kallen knew that it was directed at her. Of course, she couldn't just wash away with a snap of the finger. Later, she'd pay him a visit.
"And here we are." Shamna opened the door to a large, open-air bedroom with led to a balcony lined with foliage that looked over the grand water-front. "If you need to lock the door, you simply turn this switch, and it'll lock." she explained while demonstrating the feature. "Now, I'll leave you to our duties."
With those brief words, Shamna exited the room, leaving Lelouch to check for camera's after locking the door. Near the exit to the balcony, there was a fairly large pool, or maybe it was a bath? Either way, it had new water being filtered in through a lion statue, which seemed utterly unnecessary. In fact, on the couch the Prince was checking, there were one too many throw pillows. Nevertheless, after several minutes, he completed a full sweep, and crashed onto the bed without taking off his mask, "God… this is so tiring…" he muttered while slowly drifting off to sleep.
Although, it wouldn't be long until he was woken up by a sudden weight being put on top of him. In a panic, Zero turned around and tried to attack the trespassers, but failed to do so, as they pinned his arms above his head, "It's just me." Kallen's voice calmly cut through the panic. She was wearing a lavender-colored bedlah with her hair put down, giving her a very mature look.
"H-how did you get in? I'm pretty sure I locked the door." Zero asked upon recovering.
The red head's eyes turned to the balcony, "I… climbed in."
Lelouch smiled, "Of course you did." then his eyes wandered to his girlfriend's figure, primarily focusing on her toned stomach, which was exposed thanks to the outfit. Once they got their fill, they moved onto her arms, which were flexed, keeping his own in place.
"Why did you go silent?" Kallen retracted her hands, before placing them on the Prince's chest, causing him to blush, "Don't tell me… is my outfit bothering you?"
"N-not at all!" Lelouch frantically responded while gently pushing her off, to which she obliged.
But for how long would that be the case?
"Then what is it?" the red head asked teasingly while grabbing a pillow, sitting directly across from Zero, staring into his pitch-black mask.
"Why are you wearing that anyway?"
"I thought it didn't bother you~"
"Just… answer the question, please." the Prince pleaded while putting a pillow to his chest.
Kallen put a hand on her chin, pretending to think, "Well… these were provided by the servants to C.C, myself, and Maya. They said it was traditional wear, and that we should have it on while meeting the king."
This news annoyed Lelouch, as he instantly knew what they were trying to do, "I forbid you from wearing that tomorrow." he ordered firmly.
"Ho~ and why's that?"
"Because, I don't want some court ogling you tomorrow!"
The red head carefully moved a bang out of her eyes, "Is that so?" she leaned forward, putting her forehead on the cold mask, "It's so cute seeing you jealous."
"I-I'm not jealous! It's just… this kind of tradition is held in certain areas of Britannia as well. And quite frankly, I don't think it's appropriate."
"Then why didn't you mention the other two? You're only forbidding me from wearing this tomorrow."
"Th-that's because-"
Before he could finish his sentence, Kallen whispered, "Are there any camera's in here?"
"No." he answered immediately.
Following this answer, the red head reached to the back of her boyfriends head, and opened the Zero mask, before gently pulling it off him, "Look at that… you're blushing." she teased while staring at his red face.
"No I'm not." he muttered while hiding his face behind a pillow, "And even if I was… any man would, especially after seeing your-" as soon as the thought sprouted, Lelouch crushed it brutally, shaking his head trying to clear his mind.
However, just as he recovered, Kallen slowly pulled down the pillow, and kissed the Prince on the lips, taking him by surprise. Before he could return the gesture, she pulled away, "Looks like that got your attention."
Lelouch could feel his face heating up even more with each passing second, "W-where did you get so much confidence?"
Upon hearing him sputter, the red head lunged at her boyfriend, pinning him against the bed, "Go to sleep." she whispered gently, "You need to relax, and I know you need this, just like I do." her arms slowly snaked around his shoulders, before pulling him close to her chest. In truth, her heart was beating like a jack hammer. The only reason Lelouch couldn't see her red face, was because he was too busy hiding his own. It also helped that seeing his blushing face fueled Kallen's drive to tease him, while forgetting about her own.
"What if you get caught?"
"Nobody cares. Not here anyway. Besides, even if they somehow barged into this room, they'd be too focused on your identity."
At first, Lelouch squirmed, trying to free himself from his girlfriend's grip, but after a few moments, he surrendered, and sunk into the embrace, "Just know… if you start to snore, I'm kicking you out."
"What!? I don't snore!" Kallen protested.
The Prince chuckled as she gave him a death stare. "You're right, you don't." With a smug smile, the red head snuggled into her boyfriends neck, "Although… you do drool a lot in your sleep."
"Just shut up." Kallen muttered while biting his neck, causing Lelouch to yelp slightly.
It took a while, but the eventually calmed down, and began drifting to sleep. The sound of the fountain in the background helped to soothe their minds greatly, "Goodnight, Kallen." the Prince whispered gently.
"Goodnight, Lelouch." the red head whispered in return.
Meanwhile, in the outskirts of Gralbhad.
"Halt. No one can enter the city at such a late hour without express permission from King Shams." a guard stopped a hooded figure as they approached the gate, while his buddy aimed his sights on their guest, "Turn back now, or-"
In an instant, their necks were slashed, and the hooded was behind them with a shimmering red Geass symbol in their right eye. After that, he kicked the guards bodies into a nearby shrub while taking out his phone, dialing a number. With a single ring, the receiver picked up, "Master V.V, I'm approaching my final target.
"Then I trust you know what to do afterward?" the blond man asked.
"Yes, after this, I'll head to Area 11 and assist in the search to Master C.C."
"Good. You've done great work so far. Don't disappoint me, Rolo."
A gust of wind blew the hood off the mentioned boy, who had a serious look in his eyes, "Of course. With this, Area 18 should soon fall to Princess Cornelia's forces."
"I'll leave you to it." with a beep, the phone line went dead. Signaling the end of the call, and the start of Rolo's next mission: The assassination of King Shams.
AN: This is more of a setup chapter than anything else. Not going to lie, this might be the last chapter for this week as I haven't had the time to properly think of what to do next. However, if this ends up not being the case, expect the next chapter on Saturday. If it's not out by then, expect it on Monday indefinetly.
Also, Shamna mentioned that her Geass used to allow her to see into the future by six hours, before evolving into the 'go back in time through death' due to her desire changing.
