Code Geass and its characters belong to Gorō Taniguchi and Ichirō Ōkouchi.
I only own my OC, Lynn 'Rin' Rossellini (who is not a Mary Sue) and her family.
Zero's Lady
Chapter 21: The Chosen Knight
Suzaku walked out of a hangar of the Camelot Divison, only for him to smile when Cécile and Lloyd congratulated him.
"Congratulations, Suzaku!"Cécile praised."Your accomplishments have been acknowledged!"
"Unfortunately, it also means you're going to get more busier."Lloyd reminded smugly.
Suzaku simply smiled at his companions.
In Ashford Academy…
There was a small range of students of the Equestrian Club that with various horses practicing different equestrian sports for competitions such as show jumping, racing and many other things.
Among the riders were Rin.
Rin wore a navy blue jacket over a white shirt and a green tie with the Ashford logo on it and white trousers with black boots. On her hands were white riding gloves. On her head was a black riding helmet while her chestnut brown hair was styled in its usual 'cork-screw' curled pigtails.
The brunette was riding on her horse called Pegasus.
The foal had actually been a birthday present, bought from a travelling horse-coper.
He had grown from an adorable, rather gawky long-legged animal into a coal-black stallion of unbelievable beauty and elegance.
Rin knew whenever she rode him that she was admired and envied by everyone who came their way.
At the moment, she was getting herself and her horse in position to make a jump about three bars high.
As soon as Rin was ready, Pegasus galloped forward with a tap-tap from her legs, its hooves clip-clopping on the ground rapidly.
In exactly the right moment, the horse jumped over the bars as Rin praised him on his success.
"Good job, Pegasus."Rin remarked proudly."I knew you could do it."
Sometime after finishing her time in the Equestrian Club, Rin met up with Lelouch in the hallway of the school.
"It seems our popularity in the Black Knights are growing, Lelouch."Rin complemented.
A slight smirk appeared on Lelouch's face.
"It's mainly because of my Geass power."Lelouch stated."Without it, I don't think it would've been possible for me to start our rebellion against Britannia."
Rin shook her head.
"You have strength to oppose an Empire not just because of your Geass power, Lelouch."Rin reminded."It's because…"
"Because of you and our friends, Rin."Lelouch finished honestly."Sorry. That's what I meant to say."
"That's it."Rin chuckled in approval and then a thought came into her mind."Lelouch, may I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."Lelouch insisted.
"Do you miss your old life in Pendragon?"Rin questioned.
Lelouch frowned and shook his head.
"No. Britannia may be the country of my birth, but my home is here, Rin."Lelouch admitted."My home is Japan and I will do everything to set it free."
"The same with me."Rin agreed and looked down as she pressed herself against the wall."Though part of me wish I was back in Florence with my dad and Adeline."
Lelouch went over to Rin and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"You'll see them again, Rin. I promise."Lelouch assured in a soft yet firm tone."We just have to take one step at a time."
Rin slightly nodded as she stared at Lelouch before covering her mouth to giggle.
"What is it?"Lelouch questioned.
"We are a couple now right, so shouldn't we be going on dates?"Rin suggested.
"Yes."Lelouch agreed with a smug look."But you don't strike me as the type who would consider going to a movie or a trip to the mall."
The raven haired boy was more than aware that ordinary things or anything that was routine would bore his girlfriend.
"So how about a dinner date in a French themed restaurant this weekend?"Rin insisted in a shy yet seductive voice."I'll wear a nice dress."
Lelouch placed his hands on the wall, trapping Rin against his chest.
"How nice?"Lelouch sneered.
"Sorry."Rin teased with a wink."No spoilers."
Lelouch let out a sigh in dismay and removed his hands from the wall.
"Fine."Lelouch responded and then remembered something."Hey, Rin. About what we spoke about not so long ago. Did you find anything?"
"About what?"Rin asked.
"About who C.C might be talking when she's alone."Lelouch replied.
Rin suddenly felt butterflies in her stomach at her boyfriend's respond.
"I…I actually did, Lelouch."Rin answered, trying to stay calm."It turns out she is talking to someone named…Marianne."
Lelouch's eyes widened, eyebrows knitted in confusion, and breath almost caught in his throat.
"Marianne?"Lelouch said in disbelief.
"Yes. That's name of the person that Pizza Girl had been talking to."Rin stated with a troubled look."I honestly don't know what to say."
Lelouch didn't say anything as he looked down from his girlfriend's respond.
"C.C has been collaborating with someone called 'Marianne'."Lelouch thought with his eyes widened in anger and disbelief, his fists shaking."As in my mother? No...That can't be...That's impossible! My mother is dead! There is no way she could've survived from the injuries she received from her assassins!"
There was a look of fury in Lelouch's face before it vanished when he felt Rin embrace him.
"Lelouch, we're going to talk to C.C."Rin insisted."If she knew your mother, then she actually knows who killed her and why."
Lelouch nodded with a frown on his face.
"Yes."Lelouch agreed sternly."Let's go."
Lelouch and Rin then made their way to the Student Council Room to meet up with their friends.
Suddenly, the sound of a camera shot was heard causing both Lelouch and Rin to become alarmed before the couple became shocked at seeing the person before them.
It was Anya wearing the female middle class Ashford Academy uniform with her phone in her hands.
"Morning Lelouch Lamperouge and Lynn Rossellini."Anya greeted blankly.
"Lady Anya Alstreim!?"Rin said in shock.
Gino then walked forward wearing the male school uniform.
"Hey, we've been waiting for you two!"Gino greeted.
"Sir Gino Weinberg?"Lelouch questioned in surprise.
"You're the vice president, right?"Gino assumed politely."This is an honour."
"Don't be so formal."Rivalz advised.
Milly, Rivalz, Shirley and Nina then walked forward to the companions and new friends.
"Oh, right."Gino chuckled and sweat dropped."Anyway, we've both just enrolled here in Ashford. And while we're here we insist that our social status be ignored."
"They said they wanted the experience of being ordinary student."Shirley exclaimed.
"So I'm teaching them how to talk normal."Rivalz declared.
"I am really looking forward to this...old man."Gino stated.
Gino then placed his hand on Lelouch's shoulder.
"Right…"Lelouch answered quizzically with a raised eyebrow.
Then Rai, Kallen and Kaguya came into the room.
"Morning, everyone."Kaguya greeted happily and became nervous at the sight of two Knights of the Round."Uh…"
Both Rai and Kallen were both surprised to see Gino and Anya as well.
"Say what's going on here?"Rai asked.
"Rai, Kallen and Kaguya, meet the new official students here in Ashford Academy."Milly introduced."Gino Weinberg and Anya Alstreim. The Knight of Three and the Knight of Six."
Rin glared at Milly in complete annoyance.
"Madam President!"Rin scowled."Why didn't you tell me that the Knights of the Round would be coming?!"
"Chill out, Rin. They just came this morning."Milly sneered."But Gino and Anya are going joining us on the Student Council today."
Shocked looks appeared on Lelouch, Rin, Rai, Kallen and Kaguya.
"HUH?!"Lelouch, Rin, Rai, Kallen and Kaguya answered in unison.
Gino went over to Kallen with a smug look on his face.
"Why, hello there."Gino greeted."You must Baron Stadtfeld's daughter. Kallen, right?"
"Y-Yes."Kallen replied, acting like she was sick and feeble as usual when she was at school."I am. Why?"
"My, you are quite cute."Gino declared mischievously.
Gino takes Kallen's hand to plant a kiss on it causing the red haired girl to become shocked and blush furiously.
Rai gritted his teeth in anger at seeing Gino flirt with Kallen.
Lelouch glanced at Milly.
"Milly, may I have a word with you?"Lelouch suggested.
"Sure."Milly said with a nod.
Lelouch and Milly went to speak outside the Student Council Room.
"Milly…"Lelouch started.
"I know, Lelouch."Milly assured, putting her hand up."But my grandfather was the one that insisted this. Do you think that Gino and Anya might recognise you or Nunnally?"
"I've met Gino one time in a party held in the villa of the 12th Imperial Consort Leda rui Britannia; Castor and Pollux's mother."Lelouch exclaimed and let out an irritated groan."I found him completely incumbent."
Milly lightly chuckled at Lelouch's respond.
"What about Anya?"Milly asked.
"Anya used to visit Aries Villa to learn proper etiquette from my mother."Lelouch exclaimed."But I don't believe I have met her face to face before."
"You and Nunnally's names may ring a bell, but I doubt Gino and Anya may figure anytime soon that you are members of the royal family."Milly complemented."But then again, it won't be that surprising since our friends already know that you're royalty."
Lelouch looked down in thought.
The former Prince of Britannia had seen Gino as a child, due to the power of the Weinberg family, but doubted that the blonde-haired boy would still remember him.
As for Anya, he remembered that she had come to the palace to learn proper etiquette, but wasn't sure if she even remembered him as well.
He then brought his attention back on the Ashford heiress.
"We'll keep having a lower profile now that Gino and Anya are attending Ashford Academy."Lelouch suggested."But no one else must know about me and Nunnally. Otherwise the two of us will return to being political hostages."
"Don't worry, Lelouch."Milly assured with a wink."I'll make sure that won't happen."
Lelouch sighed, outwardly as in giving in.
"Right."Lelouch answered.
Lelouch now knew with Gino and Anya joining Nonette, he and everyone else in the Black Knights have to be extra careful on the actions they will take next.
In other words, the three Knights of the Round had to be defeated by Zero and the Black Knights.
Or else the idealistic future he was building for everyone he cared for would crumble before it even started.
However, Lelouch came out of his thoughts when he remembered C.C.
"Say Milly do you know where C.C could be?"Lelouch questioned.
"I think she's back in the clubhouse with Nunnally and Alice."Milly assumed."Why do you ask?"
"Oh, nothing."Lelouch declared with a slight smile."Just need to talk to her."
Lelouch began to walk in the hallway as angry look appeared on his face.
"A very clear and long talk."Lelouch thought grimly.
C.C, Alice and Nunnally were in the clubhouse doing some origami together.
Near them was a plate of taiyaki pastries that a certain brunette baked for this morning.
Alice watched in awe as C.C used and folded a sheet pink paper to create a butterfly.
"Here, Nunnally."C.C declared."I've made a chocho."
Nunnally completely giggled at what the immortal witch said.
"What's a chocho?"Nunnally asked curiously.
"It's the Japanese word for butterfly."C.C explained."The butterfly is a powerful symbol for young girls as they spread their wings and emerge into beauty and grace. Two butterflies dancing around each other is a symbol of martial happiness."
"Whoa."Alice chuckled as she munched on a taiyaki."That's really cool."
"C.C!"
C.C, Alice and Nunnally turned their heads, just in time to see Lelouch walk forward.
"Hi, big brother."Nunnally greeted.
"Hey, Lelouch."Alice responded with a slight wave.
"Is there something wrong?"C.C questioned.
"Not really. I just need to talk to you, C.C."Lelouch replied with a hint of irritation."Right now."
"Very well."C.C answered.
C.C stood up from where she sat and followed Lelouch out of the room, leaving Alice and Nunnally by themselves.
The moment the two of them were inside his room, Lelouch glared at C.C as she sat on the bed.
"What is it you wanted to talk about, Lelouch?"C.C asked casually.
"Something that you left out."Lelouch complemented."The truth about my mother's assassination."
The smile on C.C's face vanished at Lelouch's respond.
"What do you mean?"C.C questioned.
"Don't act dumb! Rin had recorded the conversations that you've been having when you were alone in my room!"Lelouch snapped."You mentioned a very familiar name! You said 'Marianne'."
C.C. felt a rush of cold heat as a stunned look appeared on her face.
"No more hiding secrets this time, C.C. I mean it."Lelouch scowled sternly."I want to know everything right now."
C.C's head bowed causing her eyes to covered by the bangs of her hair.
"Very well, Lelouch."C.C said with a weak smile."You should at least know since now you have your suspicions. No point trying to keep it anymore."
Lelouch simply frowned and folded his arms as he waited the immortal witch to start talking.
Then Rin came into the room as well and sat down in a nearby chair.
"Mind if I stay and listen?"Rin assumed.
"It's fine for me, Rin."Lelouch assured.
C.C simply frowned at seeing Rin before she let out a sigh and started talking to her accomplices.
"Before any of you were born, me and Marianne were accomplices. In other words, I made her contract with her like I did with you, Lelouch."C.C explained and slightly frowned."Though she never fulfilled her end of the bargain by becoming immortal through acquiring the Code."
"Lady Marianne had a Geass?"Rin said in awe.
"And what is my mother's Geass that she obtained from making a contract with you?"Lelouch questioned.
"Marianne's Geass allows her to transfer her own spirit into another person."C.C admitted.
Stunned looks appeared on Lelouch and Rin's faces.
"Transfer her own spirit into someone else's."Lelouch murmured.
"So the side effect of Lady Marianne's Geass is when her consciousness surfaces from the person that her spirit transferred to, she can speak with you telepathically."Rin guessed with a hint of shock."Then she could also control the body that her spirit transferred to as if it was her own. But if that's true this also means…"
"Mother cheated death."Lelouch muttered in disbelief.
C.C slightly nodded at Lelouch's respond.
"Yes. That's how Marianne was able to communicate with me."C.C answered."And used her Geass after being mortally injured by him."
"You mean her killer?"Lelouch assumed and glared at C.C."So you knew who actually killed my mother this whole time and never bothered mentioning it to me? Even though it was one of the most important thing that mattered to me?"
C.C looked down, but didn't say anything while Rin simply frowned at her.
"C.C, you might as well spill out the name of Lady Marianne's assassin."Rin insisted firmly."No point hiding it."
"I'm coming to that, Rossellini."C.C retorted with a hint of annoyance."At some point in her youth, Marianne met the Princes Charles and V.V. Eventually, she became one of Charles' main supporters and closest allies for their plan."
"Plan?"Lelouch scowled suspiciously."What plan?"
"As per a contract made between Charles and V.V. in their youth, with Marianne and myself in years later, they would destroy the gods and unite all humans, living and dead into one being."C.C declared."To be more clearer, we agreed to create a world without lies."
"A world without lies?"Rin scoffed."That's utterly silly."
"That all sounds like metaphysical nonsense to me."Lelouch retorted.
"Anyway, Marianne eventually earned the love of Charles above all his 108 consorts and the two of them actually began enjoying about one another."C.C exclaimed and then her frown deepened."However, at seeing Charles spending more time with Marianne, V.V became completely jealous of their relationship and decided to kill her."
A look of fury appeared on Lelouch's face while Rin paled at the immortal witch's declaration.
"Wait a minute!"Lelouch scowled."V.V was the one killed my mother and my father knew this whole time?!"
"Hold on, Lelouch. Something doesn't make no sense."Rin informed, trying to stay calm."If V.V was the one who shot Lady Marianne, then how did Nunna ended up caught up in the crossfire?"
C.C was silent for a moment before responding to the couple.
"Because V.V ordered his subordinates to have her placed there to make it look like she and Lady Marianne were attacked by terrorists to cover up his deed."C.C admitted.
Rin covered her mouth in utter shock.
Lelouch, however, scowled in anger and clenched his fists.
"My little sister was blinded and crippled for the sake of a lie."Lelouch scowled with a glare."To think the Emperor would ruin one of his own children's future to fulfil his selfish desire without any remorse."
Lelouch then went to sit in the sofa to silently take in everything he learned.
Rin stood up from where she sat to go sit near Lelouch and place her hand onto his to comfort him.
Though deep down, what they both learned was actually too hard to adjust.
"At least we now know who killed your mother and why, Lelouch."Rin complemented honestly."Along with some other things behind it."
Lelouch glanced at C.C.
"Do you know also the person who my mother transferred her spirit to, C.C?"Lelouch questioned with a suspicious glare.
C.C shook her head.
"I'm afraid not."C.C answered."I never actually saw her use the Power of Soul before, so I cannot be certain who her spirit is hosting in. It probably could be a member within Charles' court."
"If Lady Marianne's spirit is within someone else, she's probably hiding from V.V."Rin assumed and looked at Lelouch."But this also means Cornelia has nothing to do on what happened on that day in Aries Villa and no point questioning her about it. She did admire your mother more than anyone else."
Lelouch nodded in agreement.
"I'm glad."Lelouch stated with a relieved smile."I have no desire to kill another sibling."
At the Government Bureau…
Nonette took a sip from the glass of her favourite whisky, enjoying its smooth and soft taste with a rich vanilla sweetness.
The Knight of Nine looked through the files she had obtained and contained the truth behind Prince Clovis' actions of causing the massacre in Shinjuku.
Her eyes narrowed as she read every sentence in the file.
The Research Team of Code R was a team of researchers, who were in charge of a top secret Britannian Military research project founded and overseen by Prince Clovis.
The team employed people from the Rosenberg Institute under the leadership of Bartley Asprius.
It focuses was the research of C.C and the nature of the Geass ability, with the intent of duplicating her powers.
Nonette looked at the picture of C.C.
"C.C? An immortal being that grants supernatural powers?"Nonette questioned suspiciously."So she is the reason why Clovis caused that dreadful massacre. It was because of her?"
Nonette looked at another page of the file, only to become stunned.
"What?"Nonette questioned."She was experimented in numerous ways."
Nonette closed the file she got as she became lost in her thoughts.
"So Clovis started a massacre to cover the research that he was taking part in."Nonette muttered in disappointment."I have to tell Nellie when she comes back."
The Next Morning…
The Black Knights drive a submarine through the waters with Inoue standing at the viewport with a pair of binoculars in her hands as the lookout.
The purple haired girl stared at the horizon while letting out a small sigh.
"We used to have trouble getting even a single motorcycle. Now we have a submarine."Inoue complemented."The military district of India will be in big trouble if the Britannians ever find out. How did Rakshata do it?"
Inside the submarine, Zero began reorganising the positions of the core members of the group.
Zero and Shade stood in front of everyone while facing their comrades and standing behind the screen which showed Lord Kirihara's face.
"And now, I'd like to announce the new positions due to our little reorganization." Zero announced.
Shade brought up a notepad to announce the new commanding officers and the structure.
The screen shifts to show the new chain of command in the Black Knights.
"The Chief of Military Affairs will be Kyoshiro Tohdoh."Zero informed.
There was an applauding cheer for the famed commander to be the general again as Shade smiled in approval.
"The Chief Intelligence Commissioner, in charge of public relations and information gathering will be Diethard Ried."Zero declared.
The crowd became a little uneasy after the name came up.
Everyone in the submarine gave out grunts of disagreement as everyone turned to look at Diethard.
"This Britannian pretty boy?"Tamaki scowled.
"And let's not forget that he's a media figure."Urabe complemented.
"Zero, I don't mean to sound like a racist."Chiba said."But what's your reasoning behind putting a Britannian in such a sensitive position?"
"Reasoning? As you all know, I'm not Japanese either and one of the Britannian Emperor's children though I fight against Britannia."Zero reminded."But let's not forget that Shade, Naoto, Kallen and Rai are all half-Japanese. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. The point is that your actions are what matters and the abilities to produce results."
"And Diethard already has shown that he can be trusted."Shade complemented."So there is no reason to be suspicious of him anymore. He was actually the one that gave information about Port Yokosuka and that helped us aid General Katase in his escape."
Tohdoh smiled in approval at Shade's words, seeing how much his prized pupil had grown to a strong and independent woman.
"Right."Chiba apologised with a slight frown."My apologises."
"In addition, we'll be having two deputy commanders."Zero declared."Naoto Kōzuki and Tamahome Mendez."
The members of Naoto's resistance group and the Yamato Alliance all smiled at hearing their former leaders being selected.
"And for research and development, Rakshata."Zero admitted.
Rakshata smiled while her kiseru pipe was in her mouth.
"Who else?"Rakshata remarked.
"Captain of the Zero Squad: Kallen Kōzuki."Zero declared."Captain of the Shade Squad will be Rai Sumeragi."
"The Zero Squad?"Kallen said in surprise.
"The Shade Squad?"Rai questioned.
"The Zero Squad will be under Lelouch's direct command and the Shade Squad will be under my direct command."Shade exclaimed."In other words, you two are our elite guards."
"Elite guards."Kallen murmured in amazement.
"Cool."Rai chuckled excitedly.
Naoto smiled at Kallen and Rai.
"Well done, you two."Naoto praised proudly."You deserve it."
"Captain of the First Squad will be Shogo Asahina. Second Squad: Ryouga Senba."Zero exclaimed."Third Squad: Kizuna Kagesaki. And Tamaki will lead the Second Special Forces. That is all."
"I'm the man!"Tamaki cheered in victory.
Not far from the Black Knights was C.C fiddling with her hair, thinking of what she told Lelouch and his girlfriend yesterday.
"I've told Lelouch and Lynn of Charles' plan."C.C thought with a hint of worry."But no doubt that Marianne will tell him that I severed my connection with her. Especially, if V.V is going to…"
"Zero, may I add something?"Diethard spoke up.
Zero looked at Diethard.
"Hmm?"Zero responded.
"There's one issue that still needs to be dealt with."Diethard informed.
At the Government Bureau…
Today was the day of when Suzaku was nominated as Princess Euphemia's personal Knight.
The Honorary Britannian was dressed in white formal attire with a sheathed sword at his side.
Among those gathered were virtually every Britannian noble from Area 11.
However, not everyone approve of Suzaku becoming Euphemia's knight in the slightest.
As Suzaku walked down the aisle, the people around him begin exchanging racial slurs about him with each other, questioning why an Eleven should be Knighted, why they need to broadcast it,
"Who cares if he's an Honorary Britannian? Knighting an Eleven is just…"
"And broadcasting it live."
"How'd he ever win her favor, I wonder?"
"Well, even a princess has needs right."
A few nobles chuckled mischievously causing Nonette to glare at them in disgust while being near Gino and Anya.
Suzaku walked straight towards Princess Euphemia as she sat on her throne awaiting him.
At Ashford Academy…
Some of the students were watching the ceremony while a couple of them became outraged at the idea of an Eleven also instantly becoming a Major in the army with Nina cowering nearby.
"No! Are they kidding?!"
"This can't be happening!"
"They're making him a major! An Eleven!"
Nina didn't say anything, but winced unconformably as she listened to the broadcast as well.
At the Government Bureau…
"Suzaku Kururugi."Euphemia spoke up.
Euphemia began as she stood and Suzaku kneeled before her.
"Will though upon this day pledge they fealty to Britannia?"Euphemia asked."And stand as a knight to the crown?"
"Yes, your highness."Suzaku responded.
"Does though wish to abandon thyself, and be sword and shield for the sake of the greater good?"Euphemia asked.
"Yes, your highness."Suzaku answered.
Suzaku then unsheathed his sword and handed the handle towards Euphemia.
Euphemia took the sword in her hands and gently tapped Suzaku's shoulders with the blade.
"I, Euphemia li Britannia, do hereby dub thee, Sir Suzaku Kururugi…."Euphemia started.
At the Camelot Division…
Cècile and the division watched the ceremony from their own television.
"So, whose payroll is he on now?"the first member asked.
"I believe Lloyd's already working on that."Cécile answered.
"You mean…with him?"the first member assumed.
"Yes, well, it's not like I've ever met him, of course."Cécile complemented.
At the Government Bureau…
Euphemia handed Suzaku back the sword as he sheathed it and stood up to face the crowd of nobles.
The ceremony was finished, he was now officially the knight to Princess Euphemia.
Many of the nobles didn't even try to hide their faces of disapproval or even disgust.
It was deathly silent in the room until Lloyd genuinely clapped for Suzaku.
It wasn't just Lloyd, both Suzaku and Euphemia heard a series of claps from the side as they saw Darlton along with the Knights of the Round; Gino, Nonette and Anya.
Though the rest of the nobles still didn't approve, they too joined the applause.
At Zero's Mobile Base…
Lelouch, Rin, Naoto, Tamahome, Diethard, Tohdoh and Rakshata were in the middle of a meeting and discussing about Suzaku now that he was a knight of Princess Euphemia.
"Suzaku Kururugi."Diethard responded."He's become a focal point among Elevens who are Britannian supporters. I recommend he be assassinated."
Unhappy looks appeared on Lelouch and Rin's faces.
"Assassinate Suzaku?"Lelouch said in disbelief.
"You're serious?"Rin retorted.
Rakshata looked at Lelouch and Rin.
"He may be right."Rakshata responded."You two have been the focus of the resistance movement. The servile masses lack such a hero."
"People aren't moved by ideology alone."Diethard complemented."But the Britannians will hold this boy as a symbol. Therefore, I believe that taking him out right now would be the smart decision."
"I object."Tohdoh answered."The Japanese would be revolted by such a cowardly act."
"That's right."Naoto said with a glare."The Black Knights are the knights of justice and aren't the ones that kill the defenceless. Us killing Kururugi will also mean going against everything we stand for. If words get out of what you attend us to do, the Britannians will use the media as their advantage to make us look like the villains and the public against us. Not to mention, most of our own comrades in our organisation will see that the Black Knights are no different from the Britannians and just renounce."
"Naoto's right."Tamahome agreed sternly."One wrong move will just lead to our downfall which is the very last thing that any of us would want to happen."
Lelouch nodded at Naoto and Tamahome's responds.
"Let Suzaku be Euphemia's knight."Lelouch insisted with a frown."Killing him will just bring damage to our reputation."
"Are you sure that's wise, Zero?"Diethard asked.
"Of course it is, Diethard."Rin scowled."So what if Suzaku is now a knight of Euphemia? If we kill him, he will just become a martyr that could cause the end of the Black Knights like Naoto just said. Let him be a lapdog to Britannia, we all know in the end he will gain nothing. No matter what he believes is right or not."
After the meeting ended, Lelouch and Rin went to their private room.
Lelouch sat down fiddling with one of the black chess pieces while Rin sat on the table and ate an earl grey doughnuts with pomegranate glaze that she made for the two of them.
The brunette glanced at her boyfriend.
"You're thinking about Suzaku aren't you, Lelouch?"Rin assumed.
"Yeah."Lelouch replied.
Rin shook her head.
"Well, there's nothing we can do about it. Suzaku has chosen his path and nothing will change his mind."Rin declared and let out a scoff."He strongly thinks that Britannia can become better from changing it in the inside."
Lelouch lightly scowled as Rin finished eating her doughnut.
"His head is filled with idealist and self-righteous things."Lelouch retorted.
"Then why don't you use your Geass on Kururugi?"
Lelouch and Rin turned around to see C.C at the entrance of the room.
"Forget it, C.C."Lelouch commented."That is out of the question."
"Why not?"C.C asked."Because he's your friend or is it pride?"
"Just what do I use my Geass on him for?"Lelouch questioned.
"Tell him not to get in your way, so he won't fight you anymore."C.C suggested.
"We'll handle even without me using his Geass on."Lelouch assured with a frown.
"If you say so."C.C said with a shrug.
"So anyway C.C, about the plan that the Emperor, V.V and Marianne are planning."Rin complemented."If the three of them really planning to create a world without lies, why do they need you?"
"Because they want my Code of Immortality."C.C stated.
Stunned looks appeared on Lelouch and Rin's faces.
"Your Code of Immortality?"Lelouch questioned.
C.C gives a slight nod.
"Correct."C.C replied."In return of helping Charles, Marianne and V.V to create the world that they plan to make that suits their ideals, the Emperor would grant my wish to die."
A look of fear grew on Rin's face.
"But if the Emperor succeeds in dooming mankind and getting your Code, this would mean-"Rin started.
"The Emperor would become immortal himself."Lelouch scowled and glared at C.C."So it is obvious to say that the contract between you and I never existed to begin with even after you granted me my Geass power since you were already conspiring with the enemies."
"I apologise for deceiving and using you, Lelouch."C.C responded as she leaned against the wall."Anyway, Charles, Marianne and V.V are presumptuous to attempt this new world that they plan to create. But now that you both know the truth, I have no desire to help them anymore. You're enemies are my enemies now."
Lelouch scoffed at C.C's declaration while Rin gives the immortal witch a small smile.
"Our trust on you is now shaken, C.C."Rin declared."But since the Emperor is after you, the only thing we can offer for you in return is our protection."
"Are you sure?"C.C asked.
"Of course."Rin assured honestly."You're still a member of the Student Council beside a friend of ours. And friends always help each other out. Right, Lelouch?"
A small smirk spread on Lelouch's face when he glanced at his girlfriend.
"That's right."Lelouch replied smugly and glanced at C.C."Though you're the type of person that is not easy to figure out, lazy, causes endless problems, stuck-up, selfish and mostly stuff your own face with junk food."
"Right."C.C scoffed with a frown."I'm an unpredictable friend."
Rin slight chuckled in respond.
At the Government Bureau…
Euphemia was in her office and speaking to Cornelia on her laptop.
"You haven't said anything about it yet."Euphemia responded.
"Appointing a knight is a privilege of royalty."Cornelia exclaimed bluntly."It's out of my hands, even as viceroy."
"Don't you see Suzaku Kururugi is an honorary Britannian, and he's proved himself more than worthy of knighthood."Euphemia assured desperately."Sister, even you have to-"
"It's viceroy."Cornelia corrected strictly.
A small frown appeared on Euphemia's face.
"Viceroy, even you must know that he's deserving."Euphemia stated.
"Discrimination against the Numbers is our national policy."Cornelia reminded.
"Then it's time I tried to change that!"Euphemia declared.
Cornelia glared at her younger sister.
"Oh, is it now, Sub-Viceroy?"Cornelia retorted."Well, when you become empress, feel free to do so!"
At the Sword of Akasha…
Emperor Charles stood on the main platform of the Sword of Akasha, speaking to the only woman he ever loved and was one of his 108 Imperial Consorts.
"Marianne, are you certain?"Emperor Charles questioned.
"Yes, darling. C.C severed our connection. It seems that she is no longer our ally."
A scowl escaped from Emperor Charles' face before he spoke to his beloved.
"I think I may know why."Emperor Charles stated with a glare."C.C may have found a new reason to have faith in humanity, thanks to Lelouch's concubine."
"Lynn made C.C change? That's a rare change of events."
"That girl is now an absolute thorn on our side. Especially, if she and Lelouch are both aware of our plan."Emperor Charles scoffed."The only thing we can do now is pick up the pace, but we can't do much until we have C.C."
"Are you sure, Charles?"
"Construction of the Thought Elevator is proceeding as scheduled."Emperor Charles complemented.
"That is alright. In the mean time, I keep an eye on Lelouch and his allies."
"Yes, I understand."Emperor Charles replied.
Then a guard of the Geass Order walked up to the 98th Emperor of Britannia.
"What?"Emperor Charles asked."Schneizel?"
"Yes, Majesty."the guard answered."Your orders?"
A smirk sprung on Emperor Charles' face.
"You needn't interfere."Emperor Charles sneered."If he is that sure of himself, let him challenge me."
At Ashford Academy…
There was a party taking place as the students celebrated Suzaku becoming Euphemia's knight.
"Okay guys, time to raise a glass to Kururugi here!"Rivalz insisted as he poured orange soda in Suzaku's glass cup."Valued member of the Student Council and a knight of the realm! Now let's get this party started, huh?"
"CONGRATULATIONS!"
All the students cheered and lifted their glasses up in toast of Suzaku' success.
Gino laughed as he put his arm around Suzaku.
"Congrats, Suzaku."Gino chuckled."You're officially one of us now."
"Thanks, Gino."Suzaku said with a nervous smile."But I'm only Princess Euphemia's Knight."
"Right."Gino shrugged and grinned excitedly."Who knows? You may end up being a Knight of the Round someday."
"I doubt it."Suzaku chuckled sheepishly.
Anya slightly shook her head at Gino's respond as she simply drank her glass of pineapple juice.
Milly came toward Suzaku with Sayoko and Nunnally.
"You have Nunnally to thank for all of this."Milly declared.
"I'm sure you're tired of the celebrations."Nunnally remarked."If you don't mind, we wanna honour you too!"
"Not at all."Suzaku assured."It's really kind of you."
Kaguya came over to Suzaku.
"Hey, Suzaku."Kaguya greeted with a bright yet fake smile."Congratulations."
"Thanks, Kaguya."Suzaku replied."Where's Lelouch and Rin?"
"They're coming."Kaguya remarked."Like me, Lelouch and Onee-sama are so proud that your skills in the Britannian Military have been recognised."
"I'm glad."Suzaku chuckled.
In reality, Kaguya had wanted to slap her cousin and then remind him how they were almost killed by the Britannians and he let it happen.
She still wanted to, now that he was Euphemia's Knight.
But the Leader of the Sumeragi Clan knew giving an angry outburst at Suzaku won't justify or change anything he did.
Nina sat alone in the Student Council's meeting room at her computer in the corner and looked at a magazine with Euphemia's picture in it.
She was jealous that Suzaku was now Euphemia's knight.
"Oh, what am I gonna do?"Nina asked sadly."Princess Euphemia…"
"Good afternoon."
Nina was surprised and she looked and it was Lloyd came by as he entered the room.
"Have you seen Major Kururugi? They said I could find him here."Lloyd declared and then notice the things in Nina's computer."Oooh! Looks like you're working on some fun stuff!"
"You know what it is?"Nina asked.
"Oh, I can tell uranium isotope when I see one."Lloyd remarked.
Nina became happy as she as she went to her attention on her screen while Lloyd leaned over her chair.
"Wow, you know your stuff. And if you can get that uranium to absorb active neutrons, then it should split into high-speed neutrons and atomic nuclei."Nina exclaimed."The problem is you need to fuel the reaction with U-235, which only makes up 0.7 percent of all natural uranium. So even if we came up with some means of induce fission, we'd never have enough raw materials."
Kallen and Rai made their way inside the clubhouse, both surprised to see that so many students came to celebrate Suzaku in becoming Euphemia's knight.
C.C was in the ballroom, but was eating pizza than talking to the other students.
"So many students have come."Kallen complemented.
"It seems Suzaku is no longer treated badly when he first came to Ashford Academy."Rai assumed.
A frown appeared on Kallen's face.
"What's wrong, Kallen?"Rai asked.
"It's just that I can't stop thinking about what Suzaku did and what occurred from his action."Kallen exclaimed with a frown."He believes what we're fighting for is wrong and choose to become our enemy of his own accord. I get that Lelouch wants to help him. But…"
"If Suzaku is not willing to accept responsibility for what he has done and brings up some excuse, there's no point for him to join us."Rai complemented."I see what you mean, Kallen."
Than Shirley notice Kallen and Rai while holding two plates of pizza.
"Hey, Kallen!"Shirley called out."Can you help me over here?"
"Sure, Shirley."Kallen answered and glanced at Rai."Talk to you later."
Rai nodded at Kallen before she headed off to help Shirley give out pizza slices to other students.
Then Lelouch and Rin arrived into the party scene.
"Are you sure it is wise to try and convince Suzaku to join us, Lelouch?"Rin asked quietly.
"We have to try, Rin."Lelouch suggested."Otherwise, he'll end up killing himself."
The couple walked up to Suzaku.
"Hey, Suzaku."Lelouch greeted."Sorry we're late."
"Congrats, Suzu."Rin praised kindly.
"Hey, Lelouch and Rin."Suzaku responded, smiling at his childhood friends."Glad that you both made it."
"Of course, we would make it."Rin sneered with a smug look."We're best friends, aren't we?"
"Right."Suzaku said sheepishly.
"Bad news, Suzaku!"Lloyd called out.
Lelouch, Rin and Suzaku turned to see Lloyd and Nina walk into the ballroom.
"You just got even more work to do, I'm afraid!"Lloyd informed.
"Oh, right."Suzaku replied.
"You know him?"Lloyd asked.
"He is my boss."Suzaku admitted.
"Milly's fiancée and creator of the Lancelot."Rin thought with a small frown.
Gino and Anya walked to Lloyd.
"Hey, Lloyd."Gino chuckled."Have you come to celebrate too?"
"I'm afraid not, Lord Gino."Lloyd answered."Suzaku has a special job to do."
"Is it Zero and the Black Knights again?"Anya assumed.
Gino looked at Anya.
"Anya, not in public."Gino reminded."Nonette told you not to reveal any classified information."
"You mustn't worry about Lady Enneagram's wrath, Lord Gino."Lloyd remarked."We're all friends here."
Then Milly walked up to Lloyd.
"Lloyd, is something wrong?"Milly asked.
Nina glanced at Milly in surprise.
"Oh, do you guys know each other?"Nina asked.
"We are to be married."Lloyd declared.
This caused all the students in the ballroom including Rai, Kaguya, Kallen and Shirley to become surprised.
"HUH?!"
Lloyd smiled at Milly.
"Isn't that right, honey bunch?"Lloyd asked.
"Uh…yeah…"Milly said uncomfortably.
"Secret's out."Suzaku declared.
"So you knew?"Lelouch assumed.
Suzaku nodded at Lelouch while Rin looked at Milly and saw how unhappy she was to marry someone she didn't even love.
Then Rivalz ran up to Lloyd, Gino and Anya and Milly.
"Whoa! Whoa! What's going on here?!"Rivalz demanded and looked at Milly."Who is this guy?"
"Earl Asplund."Milly answered.
"Earl?! It's an honour, your lordship."Rivalz said in shock and looked at Lloyd."Now, what did you say your relationship was again?"
"She and I are betrothed."Lloyd admitted.
"NOOOOO!"Rivalz cried out dramatically and put his hands over his head.
Kaguya giggled at Rivalz's dramatic action of despair as she punched on her slice of pizza.
"Aw, Madam President already got a fiancée."Kaguya pouted between her bites."I'm so jealous."
"I doubt it's a good match."C.C said simply.
Gino simply smiled at Rivalz and put his arm around him.
"Cheer up, Rivalz."Gino insisted brightly."There are other cuties for you to choose from."
"I doubt it."Rivalz grumbled.
Anya frowned at Gino's behaviour.
"If Monica hears you say that she'll lose her temper."Anya thought bluntly.
Then Suzaku walked up to Lloyd.
"So…do I have military duties then?"Suzaku assumed.
"Yes, an important someone and others are arriving by boat."Lloyd explained."We're off to meet him. Along with the Lancelot and Princess Euphemia, naturally."
This caused girls to give excited squeals as the other students looked excited as well while Lelouch shared a knowing glance with Rin, Kaguya, Kallen and Rai.
Afterwards…
A Britannian ship was sailing in the ocean and heading to Shikine Island.
In the boat's bridge was Lloyd, Suzaku, Cécile, Nonette, Gino and Anya.
"Why Shikinie Island?"Suzaku asked."The Tokyo Settlement would have been a lot safer."
"Yes, I'm curious about that myself."Cécile complemented.
"I agree with you, Miss Cécile."Nonette agreed."It is strange that we're heading to this island."
Suzaku looked at Nonette with a surprised look.
"You didn't know, Lady Enneagram?"Suzaku asked.
"Ditto on that."Lloyd agreed.
"Same with us, Suzaku."Anya added.
"We are as clueless as you are."Gino remarked.
Cécile frowned at Lloyd.
"You still shouldn't have said anything."Cécile stated."After all, your loose lips got our plans leaked onto the Net."
"That girl was so charming, though."Lloyd chuckled."I couldn't resist."
Nonette frowned and shook her head.
"You were always never remorseful on whatever you did, Earlier Asplund."Nonette scoffed.
Lloyd simply shrugged and smiled at the Knight of Nine.
In the Black Knights' Submarine…
Zero and Shade were addressing their fellow comrades of their upcoming mission.
The comrades chosen for the mission was Naoto, Tamaki, Tohdoh and the Four Holy Swords, Rakshata, Kallen and Rai.
C.C and Kaguya were also present in the meeting and stood by listening.
"Euphemia is going to that island to meet a noble from their homeland."Zero exclaimed."Her knight Suzaku Kururugi will be accompanying her. That far out at sea, the enemy's strength will be limited. It is a golden opportunity. Our objective is the capture of the Lancelot and Suzaku Kururugi. Once we've won the battle, I want Kururugi taken safely into custody."
Looks of relieved smiles appeared on Kallen, Rai and Tohdoh's faces while Kaguya smiled in approval.
"So what happens after we got him?"Tamaki questioned.
"Don't worry."Zero assured."Just leave that to me and Shade."
Soon everyone went their separate ways to prepare for the operation.
In one of the rooms, Rakshata and her subordinates were managing the radar defense system.
"That's our spot, huh?"Rakshata assumed.
"You suppose it's going to work?"the first scientist asked.
"I think we'll be fine."Rakshata assured."The stealth effect we get as a byproduct seems to be working."
"How can you tell?"the first scientist questioned
"The Britannians haven't found us, have they?"Rakshata reminded."What's that tell you?"
"Oh, I see."the second scientist answered."You're right."
Shade showed Kaguya were the Rosen and the other Knightmares for the operation.
"Here are our Knightmares, my imouto."Shade exclaimed."The ones created by Rakshata herself."
Kaguya stared at the Knightmares of the Black Knights in awe.
"They're so cool."Kaguya complemented in awe."Do you think I'll ever get to ride on one someday, Onee-sama?"
Shade chuckled at her cousin's respond.
"I'm sure you well, Kaguya."Shade answered."But you'll need a lot of practice."
At Shikine Island…
Euphemia arrived with her companions on the island and were speaking with one of soldiers stationed there.
"Arrival time's right on schedule."the soldier explained."We've prepared a room for you back at headquarters if you care to wait there."
"Is it safe to assume that the ship is docking here?"Euphemia asked
"Yes, that hasn't changed."the solider answered.
"This will do fine then."Euphemia assured.
"Very well, I'll just arrange for an escort."the soldier commented.
Then suddenly there was a loud sound which surprised the soldiers, Euphemia and her companions.
The military base within Shikine Island was under attack and Lieutenant Colonel Fayer was shocked in what he was seeing.
"Terrorists?!"Colonel Fayer scowled."But how did they get here?"
An aircraft was brought down by the Slash Harken of Tohdoh's Zangetsu.
Then a Sutherland was brought down by Rai's Gekka.
Kallen's Guren Mk-II stormed forth, her deadly hand connecting with a Sutherland and quickly causing another explosion.
The Zero Squad and the Shade Squad was being commanded by Tohdoh and Naoto.
"Zero Squad, continue advancing!"Tohdoh ordered.
"Shade Squad, I want you covering them from their flank!"Naoto instructed.
"In the end, you're just a garrison unit!"Shade retorted.
Shade makes the Rosen use its sword to cut down an approaching Sutherland that attempted to gun her down.
In his Burai, Lelouch sat back as he watched another tower of the headquarters explode into flames.
"It's no wonder Tohdoh held off the Britannians once before without a single Knightmare. As it expected of Rin's Sensei."Lelouch thought with a smile."Now I only have to wait for Euphemia to receive word of our visit.'
At the port, a group of soldiers were informed on what was going on.
"Headquarters appears to be under some sort of attack!"A soldier declared.
"Huh?"Euphemia said in confusion.
"It must be the Black Knights."Anya assumed with a frown.
"And we did say this island had poor strategic position and safety."Gino remarked.
"We'll withdraw to the settlement."Cecile suggested and looked at the group of soldiers."Can you arrange an escort unit for her?"
"It's too risky to leave right now."the second soldier declared."They're jamming us with some kind of wide-range interference."
This caused Nonette to step forward.
"Have the Osenain ready."Nonette ordered."I'm going in."
"Yes, Lady Enneagram."the first soldier said with a bow.
Suzaku looked at Euphemia.
"You're going to be fine. Don't worry, Princess."Suzaku assured."I won't let any harm come to you."
"No, Suzaku, you and Nonette should help these men fend off the attack."Euphemia requested.
Suzaku looked at Euphemia in surprise.
"But Sub-Viceroy, he is an honorary Britannian!"the second soldier protested."We're almost certainly dealing with the Black Knights here. What if he turns the Lancelot against us?!"
This caused Nonette, Gino and Anya to glare at the soldiers for judging Suzaku because of his heritage.
"You do realise you're criticising a member of royalty, right?"Anya retorted in a soft yet deadly tone.
"Oh…uh…forgive me, Lady Alstreim."the second solider apologised."I didn't mean to…"
Euphemia glanced at Suzaku.
"Kururugi, demonstrate your valour for us today so that we may finally silence all these naysayers."Euphemia instructed.
Suzaku smiled slightly, crossing his arm over his chest.
"Yes, Your Highness."Suzaku answered.
Rai smiled in amusement as he watched the Guren Mk-II took down another Sutherland easily after he gunned down an enemy Knightmare by himself.
"She sure knows how to crack a punch."Rai mumbled in admiration.
Then Tamaki's Burai zoomed past the Rosen to finish the Sutherland that Kallen attacked.
"I'll finish it off!"Tamaki remarked.
Suddenly, a Slash Harken hits Tamaki's Burai causing him to easily be defeated.
Shade paused, at the sight of the explosion of Tamaki's Burai, and his hatch being ejected to safety.
The masked girl turned, searching for the source, and her eyes narrowed in at seeing the Lancelot.
"Suzaku."Shade murmured.
Shade smirked at the sight of the Lancelot, reeling back his Harken Slashes as the smoke cleared.
Suzaku paused at the sight of the Rosen which did not move to attack him.
Instead, the Rosen began retreating, only to come face to face with the Osenain.
"Have you come for a rematch, Knight of Nine?"Shade asked with an unfazed look.
"Guess that's what you get for trying to mess with a Knight of the Round."Nonette scoffed.
The Rosen fought the Osenain as the Tristan and the Mordred arrived in the battle scene.
From inside his Samurai, Naoto scowled at seeing the Knight of Three and the Knight of Six.
"They've come here too."Naoto muttered and contacted his comrades."Let's go with Phase 2 of the plan!"
Suzaku narrowed his eyes as he glanced at the direction, which seemed to be the large mountain behind the base.
From at the top of the mountain, standing aboard his Burai, stood Zero.
"Zero."Suzaku whispered with a glare."There you are."
Lelouch narrowed his eyes as he saw the Lancelot begin to move towards him.
"That's right, Suzaku."Lelouch thought."Come."
The Tristan and the Mordred notice the units of the Black Knights fleeing from the headquarter.
"Aw, leaving so soon?"Gino sneered with a mischievous look."We just got here."
"Gino, head after the unit being led by the Guren Mk-II."Nonette ordered as she watched the Rosen flee."Anya, you follow the unit led by the blue Gekka. This island is small, so we'll have them cornered in a couple of minutes."
"Yes, Nonette!"Gino and Anya answered in unison.
Meanwhile…
Colonel Fayer was on the phone with someone within the headquarters.
"Yes, thanks to Lady Nonette and the Special Corps."Colonel Fayer exclaimed and then got a respond."Wha–? But that would mean-"
The colonel then got a respond causing him to obey on who he was talking to.
"Yes, Your Highness!"Colonel Fayer answered.
Rai quickly made his Gekka move as the Mordred shot its Hadron Cannons at him as his squad made their escape.
"Just a bit longer."Rai muttered and contacted Kallen."Kallen, how are you and your squad handling the Knight of Three?"
"Gino is getting more on my nerves than he was in school!"Kallen scowled."What about you?"
Rai's Gekka made his Slash Harkens to go hit the Mordred, only for the Knight of Six to activate its Blaze Luminous from being hit.
"Anya is a dangerous opponent."Rai retorted."To think she is only one day younger than Nunnally."
Shade smirked smugly as she watched the Osenain try and hit the Rosen.
They were now in the sand dune of Shikine Island.
"Nonette, please stop this."Shade scoffed."You can't beat me."
"Then why are you running like a coward?"Nonette retorted.
"All part of the plan."Shade thought smugly."Just come a bit closer to where I want you."
Suzaku narrowed his eyes as he saw Zero's Burai leap into a sand dune.
"He's not equipped for that sand he jumped into."Suzaku thought."Could he be drawing me into a setup…using himself as bait?"
The Honorary Britannian then made his decision.
"Fine then!"Suzaku responded.
The Lancelot shot a slash harken from its right wrist to block Zero's path.
Suzaku prepared to run Zero through as the Lancelo drew its MVS and pointed it at the Burai's face.
"Zero, I got…"Suzaku started.
"Right where…"Zero continued.
"I want you."Rakshata finished.
Rakshata then pressed a button of the machine-like suit case she had that generated a wave that traveled along the ground and into the pit, shooting both Zero's Burai and the Lancelot.
Suzaku became stunned at seeing the Lancelot frozen.
"Huh?!"Suzaku gasped in disbelief.
Just before Gino's Tristan could hit Kallen's Guren Mk-II clearly and Anya could finish off Rai's Gekka, both of their Knightmares became deactivated as their systems went offline by the same kind of energy surge shot from them.
"Huh?"Gino said in disbelief."The Tristan stopped walking?"
Anya scowled as she attempted to make the Mordred go on.
"What the hell did they do?"Anya retorted.
Nonette paled at seeing the Osenain was all the sudden out of power.
"I'm out of power already?!"Nonette retorted.
From inside the Rosen, Shade smirked at the Knight of Nine's struggle to move her Knightmare Frame.
"I wasn't in the mood on having a rematch today, Nonette."Shade informed."I was only focused on following Zero's orders."
The Rosen then headed to where Zero's Burai was as Nonette glared at her opponent from inside the Osenain.
"Well played, Shade."Nonette muttered.
Suzaku tried to make the Lancelot move again, but failed in doing so.
"No good!"Suzaku muttered.
"We need to talk, Kururugi!"Zero called out."I suggest you come out!"
Suzaku glared at the Rosen, Tohdoh's Zangetsu, the Guren Mk-II, Rai's Gekka and the rest of the Knightmares that belonged to the Black Knights as they surrounded him.
"Your secondary system should still be functioning."Zero exclaimed."You'll be treated as a prisoner under international law. Of course, If you don't care to talk, we could just gun you down."
At the Port…
Euphemia, Cécile and Lloyd were informed that the Lancelot alongside the Knightmares of the Knights of the Round weren't able to move anymore.
"I don't care! Tell Suzaku, Nonette and the Knights of the Round to abandon their units!"Euphemia demanded."What can possibly be wrong with them?! Why can't they move!?"
"Something's happened to the Sakuradite that's powering Suzaku's Lancelot!"Cécile exclaimed."Somebody's interfering with it!"
"A Gefjun Disturber."Lloyd admitted.
This caused Cécile and Euphemia to become surprised.
"You mean–"Cécile started.
"But they're actually using it as a jamming mechanism."Lloyd scowled bitterly."I thought it was only theoretical. What a fool I am. It really is you, Rakshata."
Shade opened the cockpit of the Rosen before jumping off her Knightmare Frame and go into the sandpit to join Zero's Burai.
Then Suzaku lowered himself from the Lancelot's cockpit via its cable as Zero done the same while holding his pistol.
"I'll get straight to the point, Suzaku Kururugi."Zero informed."I want you to join us."
Suzaku glared at Zero and Shade.
"Is that a threat? Well, you can forget it!"Suzaku retorted."I already told you. Results gained through contemptible means are worthless to me."
A slight scowl escaped from Shade's mouth.
"Spoken like a true and clueless puppet that is nothing, but a slave to people who don't actually care about your beliefs and wellbeing."Shade scoffed."You call us the villains even though we're the ones at the front line and standing up to those that can't even defend themselves."
Suzaku frowned at Shade's respond.
"I admit you did some good helping the JLF and getting support from those who hide in the shadows."Suzaku replied."But you're methods are still wrong."
"Wrong?"Zero questioned in a unfazed tone."So you're clarifying 'the peace' that is brought to Japan by Britannia is a good thing? Japan's current peace is nothing but a land stripped from its freedom and rights by an empire that treats Non-Britannians as sacrificial throwaway pawns and discards them later on as they were anything but their equals."
Suzaku clenched both his jaw and fists before he continued talking to his foes.
"It is true that Britannia does unspeakable things to those that aren't even Britannians."Suzaku commented."But not all Britannians are evil. Princess Euphemia is trying to change all that. That's why I became her knight."
"Princess Euphemia li Britannia is a kind-hearted and open-minded person to everyone around her and treats everyone with respect even if they are not Britannian despite being a member of the Britannian royal family. But like all the members of the royal family that don't agree with the Emperor's ideology, she is overlooked or seen as weak."Shade declared firmly and then her tone sharpened."Have you met her older sister, Cornelia? The self proclaimed 'Goddess of Victory' and 'the Witch of Britannia'? She is quite prejudice towards non-Britannians and has deep hatred for the Japanese. You are no exception. Even though you're a Honorary Britannian and her younger sister's knight…Mister who stabbed his own father with a knife."
Suzaku's eyes widen in horror at Shade's words.
"How do you know that?"Suzaku asked.
"That's right, Kururugi. Kyoshiro Tohdoh and those close to him told us everything."Zero admitted."As a matter of fact, most of the Black Knights know your secret and a few want to strangle your neck on what you did. Despite causing Japan's immediate surrender, you can still save yourself."
"Huh?"Suzaku said in confusion.
"It is not too late to redeem yourself completey, Kururugi. There are other ways beside wanting to kill yourself over the mistake you did."Shade informed."No matter how far you've gone down the wrong road, you can always turn around and start again."
"We can show the people, not just of Japan, but the rest of the world that they all have a chance to have a better future."Zero declared."By standing together to fight Britannia."
Suzaku narrowed his eyes at his enemies.
"Fighting Britannia?"Suzaku scowled."Are you two serious?"
"Is that such a bad offer?"Shade questioned."Think about it. A world with no prejudice, discrimination, corruption and slavery. A world of freedom and compassion that can people live peacefully regardless of their race, religion, heritage, backgrounds or beliefs. A peaceful world for all humanity."
Suzaku didn't respond to Shade's reply.
The world under Britannian Rule wasn't really a gentle place.
It was actually quite cruel for all men, women and children.
But was joining Zero, Shade and the Black Knights really the answer?
Would Princess Euphemia approve as well?
However, his thoughts were interrupted by static-transmissions in his communications' device.
"Do you read me?"Colonel Fayer called out."Major Kururugi! Please respond!"
Suzaku held his communication device as he glanced at Zero and Shade.
"May I?"Suzaku suggested.
"As you wish."Zero said with a nod.
"This is Lieutenant Colonel Fayer! Commander here on Shikine Island!"Colonel Fayer declared."We're launching surface-to-surface missiles against the terrorists! Major Kururugi, your orders are to keep Zero and Shade there!"
Behind their masks, both Lelouch and Rin became shocked at what they just heard.
"They're giving him up to die!"Zero said in shock.
"We have to leave now!"Shade demanded.
Suddenly, Suzaku took out a pair of chain cuffs and put them on Shade to prevent her from escaping.
The Honorary Britannian them wrenched the gun from Zero's hand, grabbed him by the wrist and put him in a hold while keeping the gun trained on him.
"Kururugi, what are you doing?!"Zero demanded.
"I can't approve of your methods!"Suzaku retorted."All I can do is this!"
From inside the Samurai, Naoto became angry at seeing what Suzaku was doing.
"Why you-"Naoto growled.
"Don't move!"Tohdoh demanded."The field will effect you too!"
"But Rin-"Naoto started.
At the port, the small group of soldiers watched as a Portman approached them.
"We're assigning Portman here to escort them."the first soldier exclaimed."The sub-viceroy should be taken out of the–"
Then Euphemia, Cécile and Lloyd then rushed towards the soldiers.
"Wait!"Euphemia protested.
"You're going to destroy the Lancelot?!"Lloyd demanded.
"Kururugi is holding Zero there."the first soldier stated."This is our chance to kill him!"
"And whose idea was this?!"Euphemia demanded angrily."Major Kururugi is my personal knight!"
"It was a para-level one order."the first soldier declared."It can only be countermanded by the consensus of at least three ranking generals or the viceroy herself, I'm afraid."
"Then who exactly issued this order, Captain?!"Euphemia demanded."Get me a line to them immediately!"
"Para-level one order, Princess Euphemia."the soldier repeated.
Euphemia stood stock still a moment before rushing past the subordinates.
"Out of my way!"Euphemia scowled.
"Sub-Viceroy!"the second soldier called out.
Euphemia held on to the rope to get in the Portman.
"Contact the base! Tell them there's a chance I'll be caught in the attack!"Euphemia ordered."See if they'll initiate their launch then!"
"Please, stop this!"A third soldier demanded."Think what you're doing!"
As Euphemia climbed into the cockpit of the Portman, Cécile glanced up at a silent Lloyd.
"But they'll stop with the princess out there…"Lloyd started.
"I'm not sure they will, unfortunately."Cécile answered.
In the Submarine…
A shocked look appeared on Tamahome's face when he got a report of missiles heading to where Zero and his group were.
"Incoming missiles, confirmed!"Tamahome warned.
Kaguya gasped in shock at the report.
"Onee-sama!"Kaguya panicked.
"I'll give the evacuation order immediately!"Miaka declared.
In Shikine Island...
Nonette scowled as she kept kicking the cockpit of the Osenain to try and break it open.
The Knight of Nine then got a contact from Euphemia.
"Nonette! It's me!"Euphemia shouted."They're going to be launching missiles to where Suzaku is!"
"Don't you dare go and help him!"Nonette instructed."Cornelia is going to let me have it, if something happens to you!"
"I am on my way already!"Euphemia admitted."I have to save Suzaku!"
"Euphie, don't-"Nonette demanded.
Euphemia ended her contact with Nonette much to her dismay.
"Darn!"Nonette growled in annoyance.
Nonette then took out what appeared to be a lipstick with the small gold letters 'AR' on it and a small laser blade came out of it before she used it to cut the cockpit of her Knightmare Frame.
Once she was freed, Nonette started running to get to Suzaku and Euphemia as she contacted Gino and Anya.
"Gino! Anya!"Nonette ordered."Evacuate out of here right now!"
Suzaku threw Zero to the back of the hatch, blocking his only exit by taking his pilots seat, and keeping his gun levelled at his head.
"You're gonna die here as well!"Zero snapped."You don't have a problem with that?!"
Suzaku had an unsure look as Colonel Fayer contacted him.
"Your sacrifice isn't in vain, Major Kururugi."Colonel Fayer declared."We are about to put an end to the most dangerous criminal our homeland has ever known! They'll speak of your bravery for generations to come!"
Zero slammed his fist in the cockpit of the Lancelot, knowing that the lieutenant colonel was just lying to Suzaku.
"Shut up!"Zero growled.
Shade successfully removed the handcuffs that Suzaku put on her wrists and paled when she saw the missiles coming their way.
"Oh no."Shade thought in fear.
"All Knightmares, target on those missiles and throw up a barrage!"Tohdoh ordered."Empty your guns if you have to!"
The Knightmare Frames of the Black Knights then shot at the incoming missiles, throwing up a barrage of bullets.
Then Kallen and Rai then came out their Knightmare Frames before they started running to get to Suzaku.
"Suzaku, let Zero go!"Rai shouted."It's us!"
"Suzaku, it's Kallen Stadtfeld and Rai Elrod from the Student Council!"Kallen declared."Look at us!"
The duo called out to their friends, but their voices were blocked by the firing missles.
Euphemia rode on her Portman, trying to get to Suzaku as quickly as possible.
"Suzaku, you can't die now!"Euphemia cried out.
Nonette was running as fast as she can to get to Euphemia and Suzaku.
"Please, don't let me be too late!"Nonette begged in worry.
Suzaku aimed his gun at Zero and glared at him.
"A soldier must always follow his orders!"Suzaku declared.
Zero scowled at Suzaku's mindless respond.
"Certainly easier than following your own heart!"Zero snapped."How do you feel about this?!"
"You're wrong!"Suzaku argued."I have rules that I made and need to live by–"
Suzaku paused as suddenly a shadow of a fortress came over them.
Rakshata looked at the fortress above their beads.
"They completed a float system?"Rakshata commented."Well, I'm outdone."
Shade looked up at what was covering them and saw it was the Avalon.
But the masked brunette knew who exactly was inside the fortress as it revealed two red beams that were ready to blast at them.
"Just what we need!"Shade thought angrily.
From inside the Portman, Euphemia became surprised to see that the Avalon had arrived.
"That's…my brother's Avalon!"Euphemia said.
Tohdoh became shocked as the Avalon prepared to fire its two deadly beams.
"No, it can't be!"Tohdoh responded.
"I got Miaka's warning, Tohdoh!"Naoto declared."We need to leave now!"
Zero glared at Suzaku, angry that he wasn't trying to save himself.
"Damn it, Suzaku! Do something!"Zero demanded."You're going to die!"
"Better that than breaking the rules!"Suzaku argued.
"You stubborn fool!"Zero growled.
Zero's mask slid open slightly, revealing his right eye to activate his Geass, surprising Suzaku.
Then the Avalon fired its cannons at the people that was below it.
Regardless, if they were allies or foes.
The one who ordered the cannons of the Avalon to be fired was Schneizel el Britannia, the 2nd Prince and the Prime Minister of Britannia.
Though nobody was aware that V.V had watched everything with an evil smirk on his face.
Who ended up in Kamine Island? We'll find out in the next part of the story, so see you all again later:)