"At the end, it's not about what you have or even what you've accomplished. It's about who you've lifted up, who you've made better. It's about what you've given back." - Denzel Washington
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 27: The Vermillion Forbidden City
At the Government Bureau…
Euphemia made her way to the Advanced Special Envoy Engineering Corps's hangar to speak to a certain pilot of the Lancelot.
There the pink haired girl found Suzaku fiddling with his gold key that he used to activate the Lancelot.
"Suzaku?"Euphemia asked.
Suzaku looked up and became surprised at seeing his girlfriend.
"Hey, Euphie."Suzaku replied."What are you doing here?"
"Can I talk to you privately?"Euphemia suggested."Just the two of us?"
"Okay."Suzaku said with a nod.
Suzaku and Euphemia made their way to the lovely rooftop garden of the Government Bureau that was the exact image of Aries Villa.
"What is that you wanted to talk about?"Suzaku questioned.
"Since the Special Administration Zone of Japan ended badly and I am no longer a princess, I've decided to do something."Euphemia admitted.
"Which is?"Suzaku asked.
"I've been thinking about it carefully and I decided that I should join the Black Knights."Euphemia suggested.
A shocked look appeared on Suzaku's face.
"Euphie…"Suzaku started.
"What other choice do I have?"Euphemia said sadly."The Special Administration Zone of Japan was destroyed by a group hired by father to sabotage it. I didn't bothering thinking of the consequences of creating something that goes against Britannia stands for."
"But Euphie, the Black Knights are terrorists."Suzaku reminded."Now the world will be in more chaos than it will be since Zero and Shade-"
Euphemia frowned at Suzaku's respond.
"Suzaku, what are you saying?"Euphemia scoffed."Both Zero and Shade just made it clear to the whole world that they are fighting to free everyone. Not just the Japanese."
"But things won't end well for you either if you join them, Euphie."Suzaku retorted."How can Zero and Shade be even certain that the Emperor was responsible for the attack in the Special Zone?"
"Suzaku. Are you listening to yourself?"Euphemia argued."My father, the Emperor doesn't really care about bringing peace to Japan or any other foreign lands that Britannia had conquered. Since my reputation is ruined, I can't even go back to the homeland. I'll just end up being killed."
"Euphie, you're making a mistake."Suzaku stated.
"I don't think I am, Suzaku."Euphemia admitted honestly."I didn't make that much a difference as Sub-Viceroy of Area 11, but I have no doubt that Zero and Shade will welcome me with open arms. So I was wondering…if you would join me."
Euphemia offered her hand out to Suzaku while a stunned look appeared on the Honorary Britannian's face.
"What?"Suzaku questioned.
"Suzaku, join the Black Knights with me."Euphemia remarked."I don't have a place in Britannia right now. But please can you at least continue on as my knight and stay by my side?"
Suzaku looked at Euphemia's hand which reached out and was waiting for him to take it.
But he then shook his head.
"Euphie…I'm sorry."Suzaku answered."Britannia can't be fixed if it gets attacked by the Black Knights. I have no desire to join that path just like you."
Euphemia felt her heart begin to break at Suzaku's words.
"Even after everything they did, you still want to be in their side?"Euphemia asked with a hurtful look.
"I still believe Britannia can be changed from within."Suzaku stated."But if you don't believe that anymore, then I really can't be your knight any longer."
A hurtful look appeared on Euphemia's face as she lowered her hand down.
"I see. I understand. Guess our paths are no longer the same."Euphemia answered."But there is no way for me to convince you, right?"
"No there isn't."Suzaku replied.
Suzaku handed Euphemia the blue white winged brooch she gave him, but she simply placed it back on his own hands.
"Keep it, so that you don't forget about me."Euphemia insisted."Take care of yourself, Suzaku."
Suzaku simply nodded before giving a bow to Euphemia before walking away from her, leaving her alone in the garden.
A couple of tears fell down from Euphemia's eyes as she held her clenched fist close to her broken heart upon losing her knight.
"I guess we weren't meant to be after all."Euphemia thought in sorrow.
Near Port Yokosuka, various submarines that contained members of the Black Knights were heading out to sea to leave Japan and head to the Chinese Federation.
Kaguya giggled in delight as she sees the sun rising for a new day.
"This is it."Kaguya remarked, struggling to contain her excitement."Our first step to see a new place in the world."
Shade chuckled as she walked forward and handed a pink hoodie jumper to her cousin.
"Well, make sure to dress up warmly."Shade informed."We'll be arriving to the Chinese Federation at midnight."
"Yes, Onee-sama."Kaguya answered.
C.C spoke with Lelouch as he prepared to head out of the warehouse.
"Are you sure this is the right thing to do, Lelouch?"C.C asked."Your actions won't only effect Area 11."
"Yes. I'm aware of that."Lelouch declared."But the Black Knights aren't strong enough by themselves. We need all the help we can get."
"You're serious?"C.C questioned.
Lelouch gives C.C a smirk.
"Better than immediately ravelling the world to war."Lelouch commented.
Suddenly, Lelouch's phone started to ring, making him respond to see who was calling.
The caller's ID was what made his eyes widen.
"Euphie?"Lelouch whispered in surprise.
Back in Ashford Academy…
Various students in their classes were talking about the students that were no longer going to attend their academt.
"Is it really true?"A male student asked sadly."Lelouch, Nunnally, Rin and Kaguya had left school?"
"It's not just them."A female student commented."Rai, Kallen, Alice and C.C are gone too."
"Kallen?"Sophie gasped in worry."Did her sickness become worse?"
"I heard that Rin and Kaguya left to go and live in Florence."Meeya stated and held her chin in thought."I guess that is normal. Rin did say her father and his relatives live there."
"What of Lelouch and Nunnally?"A second male student questioned.
"Went back to the homeland as the teachers said."A second female declared."The same with Rai, Alice and C.C."
Milly, Shirley, Rivalz and Nina were gathered at the Student Council Room.
"I can't believe those guys suddenly left."Rivalz stated with a hurtful look.
"Yeah."Shirley agreed."This came so sudden."
"It's quite surprising that they all left at the same time."Nina said gently.
Milly gives her friends a small yet bright smile.
"We can only hope they all end up being safe."Milly requested.
Suzaku made his way to the clubhouse, only to find it surprise that Lelouch, Nunnally and Sayoko were no where to be seen.
"Hello? Lelouch? Nunnally?"Suzaku called out as he looked around."Miss Sayoko? Where are you guys?"
Suzaku checked both Lelouch and Nunnally's bedrooms and were surprised that all of their stuff was gone.
It was empty as the people who resided in the place were no longer living in the residence and the only things that were left were the furniture.
Suzaku then showed up in the Student Council Room causing Nina to focus back on her laptop.
"Hey guys."Suzaku greeted with a wave."What happened? Where are Lelouch and Nunnally?"
"They left school, Suzaku."Shirley admitted."They returned back to the homeland."
A look of disbelief grew on Suzaku's face.
"What?!"Suzaku responded.
"Well, Lelouch and Nunnally are royalty."Rivalz replied, feeling down and fiddled with a pencil."But it's not only them. Rin left to go to Italy with Kaguya to visit her relatives. Even C.C, Rai, Kallen and Alice are gone too."
Suzaku was lost for words.
Lelouch, Nunnally and Rin were all planning to leave Ashford Academy, but didn't bother even telling him?
That didn't sound like them.
Something didn't feel right.
Lelouch and Rin (wearing their civilian clothes) stood waiting at the shopping district of Area 11.
Soon Euphemia met up with them and was wearing her own civilian attire.
"Hello, Lelouch and Lynn."Euphemia answered.
"Euphie."Rin said simply.
Lelouch frowned at his half-sister.
"Euphie, why did you want to meet up with us?"Lelouch questioned."You know we're leaving."
"I've decided to join the Black Knights, Lelouch."Euphemia admitted.
Surprised looks appeared on Lelouch and Rin's faces at the respond from Euphemia.
"You want to join us, Euphie?"Rin said surprise."Are you serious?"
"Of course, Lynn."Euphemia replied with a firm look."I've failed being Sub-Viceroy of Area 11 and making a difference. But after hearing your speeches, I understand now that I need to find a new purpose."
"Are you sure you want to join the Black Knights?"Lelouch asked with an uncertain look."What about Suzaku?"
Euphemia's smile shrunk at the mention of her former knight.
"It turns out Suzaku wants to remain loyal to the Emperor even after I told him I wanted to join you."Euphemia exclaimed."He doesn't understand that Britannia can never change, no matter what he does."
"That sounds exactly like Suzaku."Rin retorted.
Lelouch looked down in disappointment.
"If Suzaku attends to remain a slave to Britannia, I don't think there's much we can do for him."Lelouch complemented."He chose his path. You chose yours."
"You know joining the Black Knights means you'll be seen as another enemy to the Empire, Euphie?"Rin reminded.
Euphemia nodded at Rin.
"Yes, Lynn. I'm aware of that."Euphemia responded."But I willing to help to create a better world where the Holy Britannian Empire is not controlling it. I'm tired of being treated unfairly and live in my older sister's shadow."
A slight smile grew on Lelouch's face.
"Very well, Euphie."Lelouch answered."Welcome to the Black Knights."
"Let's leave now."Rin suggested, noticing police cars approaching on the road."We don't want to attract more attention."
Lelouch, Rin and Euphemia immediately headed off from the shopping district.
At the Government Bureau…
Cornelia slammed her hands on her desk upon hearing what Nonette just told her.
"She did what?!"Cornelia demanded angrily.
"Euphie left to join Zero and the Black Knights, Nellie."Nonette replied with a sad frown."Though Kururugi told her she was doing a big mistake."
Cornelia pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration as she placed herself back on her seat.
"There's not much we can do then."Cornelia said with a frown."If Euphie wants to join the Black Knights, I'll leave her be."
"Are you certain?"Nonette asked.
Cornelia then removed her hand from the bridge of her nose to frown at Nonette.
"Nonette, when were you going to tell me?"Cornelia questioned.
A confused look appeared on Nonette's face.
"Tell you what, Nellie?"Nonette asked.
"That my half-siblings Lelouch and Nunnally were alive?"Cornelia retorted."Even Adeline's younger half-sister, Lynn?"
Nonette became utterly shocked at Cornelia's question.
"Cornelia, how did you-"Nonette started.
A scoff escaped from Cornelia's mouth.
"The puzzles slowly came together after we heard Zero and Shade's speeches."Cornelia answered with a frown."Darlton did say that the leader and co-leader of the Black Knights are willing to stamp out everything that Britannia stands for. But also, Lelouch and Lynn are two individuals that have grudges against the Empire. Another thing is the events that occurred in Kamine Island? I find it strange that Zero actually took care of Euphemia without hurting her? You done the same with Shade."
"Cornelia, I…I didn't mean to hide this from you."Nonette exclaimed with a guilty look."But Lelouch, Nunnally and Lynn didn't want to return to the homeland and become your father's pawns."
Cornelia glared down at her desk.
"I'm not going to complain because of what they did."Cornelia responded and her glare softened a bit."I was in charge of Lady Marianne's personal guard, but in the end I was the one who failed to protect her."
The purple haired princess' eyes narrowed a bit.
"I don't want to fight my brother and sister. Not even Lynn."Cornelia stated and let out a sigh."But they…they decided to fight against their own country and go against us, their family. That I really don't know what to say about that."
"Yeah I know what you mean."Nonette answered."I'm sorry, Nellie. I wanted to tell you the truth, but I just didn't know if you would have accused me of being crazy or something like that."
"It's alright, Nonette."Cornelia replied."It's understandable why you and Euphie wouldn't tell me. And yet…"
At the Ocean…
The submarines of the Black Knights were travelling underwater to head to China.
Inside one of the submarines, Rin stripped out of her uniform and stepped into the shower designated for the women.
Gender separated bathrooms and showers.
Just one of the many things she would have to get used to.
Thankfully, no one else was in there so she could shower in peace.
Across the far wall, a 3D mural had been painted of a lake surrounded by woods and mountains to help combat the claustrophobia of being trapped underwater.
As soon as the brunette turned it on however, instead of a relaxing cascade it felt like thousands of tiny needles were stinging her all over.
"Damn it!"Rin whispered in annoyance."What the hell's up with this thing?"
"It can't be helped."A female voice said simply."It's mixed with seawater."
Rin placed her wet long dark chocolate curly hair over her chest as she notice Inoue showering next to her.
"Hey, Inoue."Rin greeted with an awkward expression.
Both Inoue and Rin then continued showering in silence.
"So how is it?"Inoue asked.
Rin glanced at Inoue in confusion.
"How is what?"Rin said.
Inoue gives Rin a smirk.
"Your relationship with Lelouch?"Inoue questioned."Have you guys done it?"
Rin became shocked as her face turned utterly red in embarrassment.
"No! Not at all!"Rin assured quickly."I'm not that type of girl! I want to avoid anything amorous until marriage!"
Inoue laughed lightly at Rin's declaration.
"Man, Rin. You're so funny sometimes."Inoue chuckled."I know you respect yourself."
"So what about you and Sugiyama?"Rin asked.
A sad smile appeared on Inoue's face upon hearing the question from Rin.
"Technically, he isn't my boyfriend."Inoue exclaimed."It got pretty close a couple of times, but he still hasn't asked me out. At least not officially. So, maybe, we're just not meant to be."
Rin became quiet at Inoue's respond before she continued speaking to her.
"You know, a girl doesn't have to sit around waiting for a boy to make a move."Rin stated sagely."Sometimes, you have to hop on your white horse and go out and find Prince Charming yourself. After that, whether you have a fateful encounter or not is up to you."
Inoue looked at Rin with a surprised expression.
"Wow, Rin. That was pretty intense."Inoue complemented."Never pegged you as the type to give out romantic advice like that."
Rin shrugged in respond.
"Well, believe it or not, I actually went out with a guy before Lelouch."Rin admitted."We were both fourteen, but we never ended up kissing or anything like that."
Inoue smiled and raised an eyebrow at what Rin just said to her.
"Oh, does Lelouch know that?"Inoue asked.
"No."Rin chuckled slightly."But that boy I went out with before Lelouch was based on puppy love. So no sparks or anything ironic about it. A fourteen year old girl is a lady and a fourteen year old boy is a child."
"But you remember his name?"Inoue suggested.
"Yeah."Rin replied with a nod."His name was Akito."
In another part of the submarine, Lelouch was looking through files about the Chinese Federation.
Then Naoto came into his room.
"You wanted to see me, Naoto?"Lelouch assumed.
"Yes, Lelouch."Naoto answered."Even though we have Empress Tianzi and Xingke's support, there could still be people within the Chinese Federation that are not fond of us like the High Eunuchs."
"What do you mean?"Lelouch asked.
"The High Eunuchs are a group of eight men who use the Empress' power to control the Chinese Federation, leaving its people poor and starving while they live in opulence."Naoto admitted.
Lelouch frowned at Naoto's declaration.
"Yes. That is a problem."Lelouch complemented."Then we're going to need to find a way to rid the High Eunuchs somehow."
"Do you attend to use your Geass?"Naoto said.
Lelouch raised an eyebrow at Naoto.
"I already made it clear that I do not attend to abuse of my power and manipulate all of our comrades like chess pieces."Lelouch reminded."I'm not the Emperor or Schneizel."
Naoto gives Lelouch a reassuring smile.
"I know that, Lelouch."Naoto assured."You and Rin already did so much for us and in return all of us should give you both our support."
Lelouch smiled at Naoto.
"Thanks."Lelouch answered."In return, me and Rin are grateful to have you all as friends beside being allies."
Back in Ashford Academy…
Suzaku sat by himself in the living room of the clubhouse, thinking of his friends' disapperances.
"I don't understand."Suzaku scoffed."How could Lelouch and Nunnally just leave all the sudden? It doesn't make any sense."
"Would you like to know?"
Suzaku turned around and saw V.V in the entrance of the living room.
"A child? Who are you?"Suzaku said in confusion."How did you get here?"
"How do you do, Suzaku Kururugi."V.V responded."You may call me V.V."
Suzaku stood up from his seat, utterly confused by the child's strange name.
"V.V?"Suzaku asked.
"You are worried about Lelouch and Nunnally since you heard they went back to the homeland."V.V commented."But I can tell you the real reason why they left. For starters, they didn't go back to Pendragon."
A surprised look appeared on Suzaku's face.
"They didn't?"Suzaku responded with a hint of relief.
"Not at all. They're not too fond of their father as well as their other half-siblings."V.V admitted as his smirk grew."To be more clear, they're more interested in fighting their own family and homeland than being part of it."
"What do you mean?"Suzaku questioned."They were enjoying their lives in Ashford Academy and didn't desire anything else. How can they just leave all the sudden without telling their friends?"
"Oh my."V.V chuckled in amusement."I guess Lynn didn't bother telling you."
"You mean Rin?"Suzaku assumed."What does she have to do with Lelouch and Nunnally leaving? She left to go see her father and his relatives."
V.V's chuckled deepened at Suzaku's respond.
"That's a complete lie since she is far busy helping Lelouch with his quest to free the whole world from Britannia's iron fist."V.V sneered.
Suzaku froze at what he heard V.V respond.
"What are you saying?"Suzaku asked.
"Isn't it obvious, Kururugi?"V.V scoffed."Lynn Rossellini is Shade; Zero's right hand and co-leader of the Black Knights."
A shocked look appeared on Suzaku's face.
"Rin is Shade?"Suzaku repeated in disbelief and glared at V.V."No. That's impossible. You're lying."
"Am I?"V.V questioned smugly."How can you explain all the times that Lynn didn't attend Ashford Academy and seeing her tired a couple of times? Is it due to studying too much? Not at all. She's been busy helping Zero and the Black Knights' popularity grew as well as help their fights against Cornelia and her forces."
Suzaku felt anger rise within him.
"I don't believe you."Suzaku scowled.
"Really? Then believe it or not, I actually know the man who wears the mask of Zero."V.V remarked."Would you like to know?"
"How can you possibly know who is Zero?"Suzaku demanded with a hint of anger."Are you some kind of double agent that works for the Black Knights and secretly working for the Emperor?"
"Not really. But I can assure that I am an ally to the Emperor."V.V answered and smirked."Going back to the main subject. I can tell you that the person behind the mask of Zero is Lelouch vi Britannia."
Suzaku became stunned and shook his head as he slowly took in all the information he learned.
All this time.
Behind the individuals wearing the masks of Zero and Shade were none other than Lelouch and Rin.
His childhood friends.
His best friends.
It was them from the very beginning.
"Lelouch and Rin were Zero and Shade?"Suzaku murmured in shock as he remembered the events with his childhood friends and fighting the wanted criminals of the Empire."All this time…it was them?"
V.V let out a scoff.
"I can't believe you never figured it out after all this time."V.V retorted."And you're supposed to be their best friend."
Suzaku glared at V.V.
"How can you know that Lelouch and Rin are the ones wearing the masks?"Suzaku asked.
"The main question is, Kururugi, how can you explain Euphemia's change of heart and joining the Black Knights?"V.V asked evilly.
Suzaki paled at V.V's question.
"Euphie knew it was them?"Suzaku said.
"Since the incident in the Kawaguchi Hotel."V.V commented."I thought she would tell you since you were her knight."
"I'm not her knight anymore after she told me she wanted to join the Black Knights."Suzaku responded.
V.V became silent at Suzaku's reply.
"So Euphemia joined the Black Knights in their little crusade around the world?"V.V thought unfondly."So it's not just Nunnally then. Charles actually have planned to have capture that crippled little pest of his to draw out Lelouch and Lynn's attention from the Black Knights. No matter. It seems we need to use a new angle."
The immortal boy them brought his attention on Suzaku.
"And what you like to know something else rather intriguing, Kururugi?"V.V asked."Lelouch possess a supernatural power called Geass."
"Geass?"Suzaku said in confusion.
Empress Tianzi, Jiang Lihua, was ruling the most populated country in the world.
It was what his entourage kept saying over and over, but she hadn't been able to see this country.
It was forbidden for her to see the outside world.
But how could she solve her subjects' problems if she wasn't able to see her country?
She had the power of obedience, they had said, but she couldn't order her subjects to help the poor, to stop violence or to be good people.
Lihua was the Empress, but she was powerless.
And then Xingke had promised her to see the outside world.
He was a nice man, contrary to the High Eunuchs.
The young Empress of the Chinese Federation couldn't help to hide her excitement as Xingke walked up to her and gave her a bow.
"Hello, Xingke."Empress Tianzi responded."I take it that the Black Knights are on their way here?"
"Yes, Empress Tianzi."Xingke answered."They'll be here within an hour."
Empress Tianzi clasped her hands.
"That's wonderful news."Empress Tianzi commented."As my guests, I requested to hold a banquet as part of their welcome here to the Vermillion Forbidden City."
"Understood."Xingke replied."I'll make sure to inform Zero and Shade about it."
Empress Tianzi nodded in approval.
In the middle of the midnight hour, a submarine of the Black Knights arrived near the platforms of the Vermillion Forbidden City, the seat of the Chinese Empress and a large palace situated in the capital city of Luoyang.
The entrance of the submarine opened up before the ramp was released in the platform.
Kaguya, Naoto, Kallen, Rai, Diethard and Rakshata then stepped out followed by Tohdoh, the Four Holy Swords and various others.
Then finally Zero and Shade stepped out accompanied by C.C, Alice, Nunnally, Euphemia and Sayoko.
All of them were soon greeted by Xingke, Xianglin and Hong Gu.
"Welcome, Zero and Shade."Xingke stated."We've been expecting you and your comrades. Your speeches has showed the kind of people behind the masks."
Zero and Xingke shook hands with each other.
"I'm glad to hear that, Captain Xingke."Zero declared."The path ahead of us is arduous."
"That's precisely why tomorrow belongs to us alone."Xingke admitted.
Soon after, Zero, Shade and their allies were led inside the grand palace of Empress Tianzi.
The Knights of Justice alongside their leaders were surprised to see how young the Empress of the Chinese Federation was.
"Welcome, Black Knights."Empress Tianzi greeted as she headed down the stairs."I'm relieved to see that you all arrived safely."
"And thank you for offering sanctuary to us in your land, Empress Tianzi."Zero thanked.
"Your generosity and support means a lot."Shade said gratefully.
Empress Tianzi couldn't contain her excitement as she held Shade's gloved hand.
"I'm so happy to finally meet you, Shade."Empress Tianzi remarked with a hint of joy."I've been idolising you since the moment I say your Rosen fight against the Knight of Nine's Osenain for the very first time."
Shade smiled sheepishly at Empress Tianzi's respond.
"Umm…thank you?"Shade responded.
Xingke went over to Empress Tianzi to whisper something in her ear.
"Oh right."Empress Tianzi responded and glanced at the members of the Black Knights."You all must be hungry. Feel free to fresh and relax in your quarters. As soon as you're all ready you can join my banquet."
All the members of the Black Knights became excited at Empress Tianzi's declaration.
They had very little food to eat in the submarine, so of course a nice banquet of traditional Chinese cuisines is just what they need after a dangerous journey.
Both Rin and Kaguya let out sighs of relief as they relaxed in the onsen that was in the room that they were staying within the palace, the spring gave a panoramic night view of the gazebo and the city underneath.
A third of the world's landmass was occupied by the Chinese Federation.
It boasts the largest population in the world and has a storied history.
Perhaps due in part of its long history, the nation could be considered antiquated.
Young Jiang Lihua is the Tianzi, the symbol of their nation.
However, it is the High Eunuchs who hold the real power.
They manipulate the helpless Empress Tianzi from the shadows, asserting their own dominance and desires.
A group of despots.
They levy high taxes and oppress the people with their heartless politics.
The many are made to suffer for the pleasure and comfort of the few.
The Nation of China.
As large as it was, will eventually be eaten from the inside out by the parasites known as the High Eunuchs and then left to die.
Rin washed her face as she brought her attention back to Kaguya.
"Do you like the Empress, Kaguya?"Rin asked.
Kaguya smiled at Rin.
"Yes, Onee-sama. She is very nice."Kaguya replied."But she seems younger than me, Nunnally and Alice."
"Empress Tianzi of the Chinese Federation. Her birthday is on January 28, 2006, the 29th Day of the 12th Lunar Month."Rin remarked."So she is eleven years old."
"That must be hard."Kaguya suggested as she washed her arms."Having a lot of power when you're young and don't have parents to look out for you."
Rin nodded in agreement as she looked at the view of the city.
"Empress Tianzi must feel very lonely in the palace."Rin thought with a sad frown."Not to be able to go outside and be treated as the puppet of the High Eunuchs must be scary for her."
Suddenly, Rin got water splashed on her face by Kaguya.
"Hey!"Rin scowled.
"Onee-sama, you're looking serious again!"Kaguya laughed happily as she splashed Rin a bit more."You need to relax!"
"I'll make sure you do as well!"Rin sneered.
Both Kaguya and Rin laughed at each other as they had a water fight in the hot onsen.
At the Government Bureau…
Suzaku was frowning deeply as he sat by himself next to the Lancelot upon learning everything that V.V told him.
Lelouch and Rin were Zero and Shade.
The leader and co-leader of the Black Knights as well as the most wanted criminals in the Holy Britannian Empire.
All this time he was fighting them.
His best friends.
And he never realised it which made him feel like a total fool.
A scowl escaped from Suzaku's face.
He should've arrested them when he had the chance.
"Lelouch, Rin, all of us had the chance to live a simple normal life of happiness. But it turns out, we were all pretending to do so. Even myself."Suzaku thought with a glare."If you two think starting a rebellion against Britannia was a good idea, then I have no choice but to fight against you both. I have no other choice now. You two are not only my biggest enemies. You both are now have become the worst friends that I ever had."
Back in China…
Lelouch, Nunnally and Euphemia sat down together with Kaguya, Naoto, Tamahome and the rest of the Black Knights in a big yet grand dining room that had long tables covered with white cloth and brown chairs.
The doors flapped open and entering in the room were several butlers and maids in white combined dark blue robes and caps while carrying large dishes that steamed hot with very strong aromas.
The members of the Black Knights looked on with stars blazing from their eyes at the array of Chinese cuisine dishes that were spread out on the table before them.
The dishes in the table included kung pao chicken, sweet sour pork, peking roast duck, mapo Tofu, chow mein, spring rolls, wonton soup and various others.
"Whoa!"Alice chuckled in awe."So many dishes!"
"They look great."Naoto praised with a smile.
"This brings back memories."Kallen complemented.
"Let's dig in!"Miaka insisted as she picked her chopsticks."I'm starving!"
"We all are, Miaka."Yoshida retorted.
Immediately, the members of the Black Knights dug into their dishes.
C.C placed a pork bun in her mouth as Lelouch carefully fed Nunnally a bit of noodles.
"What do you think of the chow mein, Nunnally?"Lelouch asked.
"They taste great, big brother."Nunnally remarked happily."I like them a lot."
Euphemia silently giggled at seeing Tamaki and Sugiyama arguing over a peking duck before eating a piece of prawn from her wonton soup.
Tohdoh drank from his glass of xinjiang black beer as he brought his attention on the garden view outside the palace which was where Rin and Empress Tianzi were talking.
Rin was having lunch with Empress Tianzi at the gazebo near the palace.
The co-leader of the Black Knights wore a long white Chinese gown with faded ornate floral, leaf and vine designs covering it. The dress was lined in blue with three ornate clips on the chest and collar and had a large slit on the right leg. On her feet were white flats with floral leaf designs on them. Her long dark chocolate brown hair were tied in two small buns, one on each side of the head and the forehead was covered by straight-cut bangs.
"Is the char siu to your liking, Shade?"Empress Tianzi asked.
"Yes, Empress Tianzi. It's delicious."Rin praised."But please can call me Lynn or Rin as everyone else does."
"Okay, Rin."Empress Tianzi responded.
Rin ate a bit more of the char siu in her noodles dish while Empress Tianzi ate some of the sticky rice from her bowl.
"So what is it like?"Empress Tianzi questioned.
"Hm?"Rin said.
"The outside world, Rin."Empress Tianzi responded."Are the places wonderful and the hot food yummy as Xingke told me?"
"Absolutely, Empress Tianzi."Rin replied with a small smile and took a sip from her glass of suanmeitang drink."But the world would've been far better and peaceful if the Holy Britannian Empire wasn't conquering foreign lands and sucking them dry."
"I believe in you and Zero, Rin."Empress Tianzi assured."You two and the Black Knights have shown the Holy Britannian Empire is not invincible as the Emperor claims it to be."
Rin felt touched by the declaration from Empress Tianzi.
"That's very thoughtful of you to say, Empress Tianzi."Rin answered."We are going to need all the support we can get to free all parts of the world from Britannia's tyranny. Not just Japan or China."
"Then I'm happy to tell you that you, Zero and the Black Knights are welcomed to stay here for as long as you like."Empress Tianzi insisted kindly."The palace and the hotels here in the Chinese Federation are big enough for all your comrades."
"Thank you."Rin responded with a nod.
Empress Tianzi then raised her glass cup in toast.
"To peace, then?"Empress Tianzi suggested.
Rin noticed Lelouch and Nunnally enjoying their meals with the rest of the Black Knights before looking at Empress Tianzi while raising her own glass cup.
"To hope."Rin declared.
Empress Tianzi and Rin raised their cups in toast before the two of them continued eating their meals together.
And that's our chapter for now.
The Black Knights have settled in the Chinese Federation while Suzaku vows to crush them and their leaders. Even if the leader and co-leader are his own childhood friends. See you all later and have a lovely day!