Hello there everyone! As I told you before, I planned on giving you updates faster than before, and here it is! Honestly, there's not much to this. Just think of it as part of an episode followed by a commercial break. Nonetheless, I hope it does pique your curiosity. So…enjoy!
Eragon 01 was the largest Britannian Knightmare Fleetship in the Indian Ocean. Though much of South Asia was considered low priority, the empire still found it imperative to station security all over the world. The fleet consisted mostly of run-of the mill soldiers; no one particularly bad, but none of the soldiers did anything particularly noteworthy. This was considered a rite of passage for many; do a tour of duty here, and then you could move on to something better (or more exciting). However, that wasn't the case this year. That was made evident as two knights of the round waited on the deck: Gino Weinberg and Anya Alstreim waited patiently for the third player to arrive. To many, this was a sign of something serious about to happen. They couldn't decide if this was a good or bad thing.
As they looked to the sky, their wait was over. The Lancelot Conquista quickly eclipsed the sun and approached the carrier at high speed. It looked as though it was on a suicide mission to collide with the carrier, until it banked upward quickly at the last second, cancelling its trajectory and proceeded to hover down onto the carrier gently. Finally, the cockpit opened, and Suzaku descended off his line.
"Show off." Gino smirked. He then saluted, the other soldiers doing so as well. "Welcome to Eragon 01, Sir Kuurugi."
"You can drop the formalities, Gino." Suzaku said, though he smiled as well.
"Hey, cut me some slack." Gino protested. "We may be friends, and I may not be the most formal knight, but I DO show professionalism where appropriate." He then shook his hand. "Still, it's good to see you again."
"Likewise." Suzaku agreed.
"Let's go inside." Gino said. "If you're right about this, we can't just go in guns blazing. We're going to really have to think on this."
"If we are to have a chance against Zero, we have to plan effectively." Suzaku agreed. They walked down the line, Anya followed after them, texting away.
"After what happened in Area 18, India is the most likely place for Zero to hit next." Suzaku said in the private room as they gathered around a holographic war table, showing a topographical map of the subcontinent. "And I have reason to believe Zero will negotiate with them to take up arms with him in the war to come."
"Makes sense." Gino agreed. "India is neutral after all. Being close to Area 18 is also makes it the safest bet."
"Neutral, yes." Anya looked over the map, looking rather bored. "But becoming allies? Zero shouldn't hold his breath."
"True." Gino said. "While the Indians hate us, they are not interested in joining others in a world war; they're content to let the other countries hash it out, and, if possible, make their own power grab if all other players are unable to hold their winnings. The empire also hasn't shown any interest in the land, at least none that the emperor has expressed, so they shouldn't feel threatened by us immediately. Their politicians don't want to risk losing their positions over a war that would cost them dearly. And I don't think Zero has anything to offer them to think otherwise."
"Were he any other man, I would agree with you." Suzaku said. "But this is Zero we're talking about. Do not underestimate him." Suzaku sighed. Of course, there was one reason he was scared of Zero in this regard: his Geass. "He could easily ensnare the government and make them slaves to his will. I have to stop him before he gets a chance!" And he couldn't tell this to his fellow knights about this classified information; that made things that much harder to strategize with them.
"We may never know what Zero intends to do to turn them to his side." Anya conceded. "Let us assume he does anyway. We need to think about what we will be dealing with."
"You're smart for your age, Anya." Gino smirked, bumping her shoulder. "Well, the Indian military is quite formidable. Not on par with our own, but their country is the 2nd most populous in the world, behind China. If nothing else, they have numbers. That alone is enough to dish out heavy losses against us."
"Not to mention they're developing knightmares of their own." Suzaku said. "They're not as good as ours or the Black Knights, but it will be concern for us in the long run, even if Zero fails to sway them to his side." Zero then swiped the holographic windows away. "Which brings me to this person of interest: Rakshata Chawla." He put up the profile of the rather infamous Indian woman. "She was a co-worker of Earl Lloyd's and just as brilliant as him. She constructed the Guren for Zero, and is in league with the Black Knights."
"I see." Gino said. "She just might actually be the bargaining chip. She's indigenous to the area, and she has the intelligence to beef up their military."
"I think this is what should worry us more." Anya said as she swiped another window. Gino took a look at the information, and his eyes widened. "Well I'll be damned." He muttered.
"Indeed." Suzaku said. "Even with Zero's incredible powers of…persuasion, under normal circumstances he would most likely be unsuccessful at bringing them into the war. But this could throw things off balance."
"Perhaps, we can make them join the war, but on our terms." Gino threw out at random.
Suzaku smirked. "That actually does not sound that bad of an idea. But we'll have to revisit that another time."
"So, what now?" Anya asked.
"We will need to infiltrate India; quietly." Suzaku answered. "First, we will have to gather intel, look for familiar faces. Hopefully we can stop a problem before it occurs."
"We'll have to be careful; we're well known." Gino said. "If Knights of the Round are spotted in the country without the government's consent, it will cause an international incident."
"We'll have to think up of some good disguises then." Suzaku agreed.
"Then there's the matter of Zero." Gino said. "None of us know who he is under the mask. He could be right under are noses and we would never know it."
"You'll have to trust me on this one." Suzaku answered. His hands clenched slightly at the thought of catching him. "Believe me; I'll know what I'm looking for."
Anya sighed. "Perhaps we should depart for India immediately; we'll play the rest by ear."
"If you say so." Gino and Anya rose from their seats.
"Thank you for your time, my lords." Suzaku saluted.
Ohgi eyed the bridge as he observed the technicians at work, making sure the sub did not steer off course. He thought back to all the things the Black Knights had been through, from the Black Rebellion till now. It was quite a journey; he and many others were skeptical of Zero after their imprisonment, but in the end, they gave him a second chance. So far, he seemed to be proving himself. But he and many others dared not drop their guard. Still, after gaining allies in another corner of the world, it was a promising sign of things to come.
"Captain!" one shouted. "We are approaching the coast of India!"
"Let's park here!" Ohgi commanded. "Any closer and we will tip off the Navy! Inform Zero-sama we have arrived!"
"Yes sir!"
Lelouch carefully eyed his opponents as they flanked him. Kallen and CC circled him, preparing to attack. Both he and Kallen were dressed in gis, and CC in a sports bra and boxing shorts, along with sneakers and boxing tape around her wrist. Lelouch's eyes darted nervously between the two; he had finally made some progress, but he sincerely doubted that he was a match for either one. Which made facing them both even worse.
Suddenly, CC moved forward and punched. Miraculously, Lelouch managed to block it, but Kallen came forward with a kick of her own, hitting him in the ribs. Lelouch balked; it wasn't hard enough to break his ribs, but still, it hurt. Somehow, he managed to power through and punched back. While Kallen did block, the attack did surprise her, forcing her to call off her attack, if only for a second. CC kicked him in the back of the shin, forcing him to buckle. Lelouch quickly turned and punched her dead on. CC of course blocked, but the force of the punch against her small body caused her to fall back. For a second, it would just be Lelouch and Kallen. Kallen snapped a kick at him, but Lelouch grabbed her foot and flipped, taking her down with him. Kallen momentarily panicked, not expecting Lelouch to use such a tactic. As he tried to rise to pin her leg against her back, Kallen swung her leg across his and made him fall back down on his back. "UGH!" Before Lelouch could catch his breath, Kallen got back up and pinned him down under her knee.
The Geass user sighed. "I guess it's over."
"Only because you gave up." Kallen sighed, helping him up. "But seriously, you ARE getting better. A lot better."
Lelouch nodded. "I don't feel as winded as I used to." He observed as he grabbed a water bottle.
"That's why it's called conditioning." CC explained. "We do it more, you get used to it to the point it isn't so bothersome."
Lelouch chuckled. "You know, back then, I never imagined myself doing physical activities like this, not even out of necessity. I just found it to be a waste of time. I didn't see myself in such a career, and…well, I just didn't find it all that fun. It perplexed me why my classmates' had gym has their favorite subject."
"Now, it's a different story." CC said.
"True. Not just the physical need." Lelouch seemed to search for words. "I…I can't explain it, but it feels like my mind is getting stronger as well…"
"Zero-sama." Ohgi's voice announced over the intercom. "We've arrived at India's coastline. We're anchoring now."
"Excellent, Ohgi." Lelouch answered. "I will be with you in a few minutes. Zero out." Lelouch beckoned towards his two lovely trainers. "Well, shall we get dressed?"
Zero and the others observed the coast of India as captured by their periscope camera. "So, what's the plan now?" Ohgi asked. "You expect to just waltz right in and say hello?"
"In a manner of speaking…yes." Zero answered. "Unlike the former Area 18, India does have a democracy…"
"Albeit a flawed one." Fadah chimed in. "It's pretty synonymous with government corruption…"
"Regardless, we have much more reason to believe we can reason with them directly and become ACTUAL allies." Zero reiterated. "We got lucky with the Sand Hawks; it was as necessary for them as it was for us. But we cannot afford to repeat that strategy. Whatever the politicians of India may be, they are better than what Abbass was."
"I'm inclined to agree with you; we have a better chance of being heard out with the Indians without having to resort to extreme measures." Todoh said.
"Still, if we just fly over there in our knightmares, we will trigger an immediate attack." Kallen added.
"Once that happens, kiss friendship good-bye." CC finished for her.
"Actually, we will be bringing one knightmare over there, but we're not flying it." Zero answered. "We're going to swim part of the way."
"You mean Gawain?" Kallen asked.
"That is the Gawain Atlantean to you now." Rakshata interrupted, smirking.
"It is ready." Zero replied confidently. "In addition to aquatic capabilities, it also has superb stealth technology, undetectable to radar and can even fool the human eye. Until we get further inland, it should do its job."
"Wouldn't you be going alone though?" Chiba asked. "That's too risky. Even if you were to ditch your costume and use a different disguise, you'd be all alone out there. If something were to happen to you, you will have no way to defend yourself."
"I can't take you all with me, that much is true." Zero replied. "But I can transport several people with me inside the knightmare. Kallen and Fadah will accompany me; they're perfect body guards."
"Anything else you had in mind choosing us?" Fadah smiled coyly.
"Given your skin tone, you will also blend in rather easily." Zero answered hastily.
"Someone from the West or Far East would think that." She replied. "The thing about closely related ethnicities is that they tend to be able to tell each other apart easily while the differences are lost on other races. Hell, even I can't distinguish between the Japanese and the Chinese, but it seems you have no problem figuring out who is who."
"Nonetheless, you will still draw less attention than the rest of us." Zero answered. "Assuming, of course, you'll BEHAVE." Fadah only pouted as she looked away. "In addition, Rakshata will be coming with us." Zero told everyone.
"Rakshata?" Ohgi asked. "Why?"
"I would rather not say." The Black Knights' engineer said, her usual haughty demeanor subdued. "But if we are to succeed in this mission...I have to."
Zero looked to the side. A part of him wanted to reassure her, even permit her to recuse herself from this mission. But no; too much was at stake. They NEEDED her with them. "The reasons will become clear in due time, but for now it is mine and Rakshata's business." He assured everyone. "In the meantime, you will all be on standby. Do not approach the coast unless absolutely necessary." He cautioned them. "When the time is right, you will join me."
When all was said and done, the group that Lelouch had selected boarded the Gawain Atlantean and swam up to the coast. The three women were stationed in compartments added to the knightmare's hull; they were cramped, but they would do.
"Is everyone okay?" Lelouch asked on the comms.
"I suppose it's okay..." Rakshata answered. "I don't suppose that this would be a bad time to tell you I'm a bit claustrophobic?"
"I actually already knew that." Lelouch answered. "Sorry; it can't be helped. You yourself designed these pods, remember?"
"Don't remind me." She answered bitterly.
"Is there any reason CC gets to ride shotgun with you?" Fadah asked.
"I've experience with this machine before." CC answered, indeed riding in the seat ahead of Lelouch, steering it. "Back then, I was the pilot. Zero simply aimed the guns. And if we're to make it out of here without triggering a landmine, you best put your faith in me. Despite the stealth tech Rakshata had installed, we are not invisible, nor are we intangible obviously. Of course, you'd like, we can trade."
There was silence over the radio for a moment. "…no thanks. I'm good."
The Black Knights stared apprehensively at the radar screen, the red dot representing the Gawain. Though invisible to other systems, a homing beacon to the Black Knights' exclusive frequency was installed, allowing them to track their commander's movements. "Can they really get into the river?" Tamaki asked. "I mean, rivers can be deep, but they're not that deep, right?"
"India, in addition to their natural rivers, made several large canals to help with irrigation of their more arid areas." Todoh answered. "They're large and deep; word has it large whales have swam up for a large part of the way. if the rest of the Gawain's stealth tech holds up, they should be able to get in." Todoh sweated slightly. "I hope…"
The red dot entered the canal; it continued its journey until the radar could no longer detect them. "They're in!" one of the technicians announced.
The rest of the Black Knights clapped. "Now the real headache begins." Ohgi sighed. Knowing their track record, Ohgi knew something would go wrong…
Again, I know this is all very short, but this chapter will be divided into parts. Hopefully, the next update can come sometime within next month.
And while this is really not related to anime, I feel I need to make a little rant about Logan Paul.
I'll admit, I've never even heard of this guy until this controversy. Seeing what I am now, I don't have any desire to follow him whatsoever to say the least. The controversy started when he went into the Suicide Forest, found a dead body hanging from a tree, laughed and made jokes, and suddenly changed it into a PSA. Why on earth you would want to go into the Suicide Forest beyond the namesake escapes me, but he did, and I think it's been said to death his behavior was disgusting. Granted, none of us might know how we would react seeing a dead body, particularly one of a person who took his or her own life, but it wasn't smart to film it AND post it on Youtube. What's more, why on earth would you end such a video as a PSA? Was the goal to laugh at how pathetic suicidal people were (that's me trying to get into his mindset, not my own) and some weird peer pressure technique to make people not take their own lives? I don't know; to me it seemed he knew just what a douche he made of himself and wanted to still exploit the video with that half-assed PSA at the end, if you could call it that.
You would think that would be the bottom of the barrel for him, but oh no. It gets worse.
It turns out he was making a damn fool of himself during his entire trip to Japan. He dresses up in a Yukata and strawhat and proceeds to cause trouble at several temples, mess around at the fish market, dangle raw fish in front of several people and leaves them on a cab, buys a Game Boy Color only to smash it on the curb and demand a refund, pull his pants down in the middle of Tokyo (he was wearing beige shorts underneath, thank god) and then dress up like Pikachu and throw a stuffed Pokeball at random people and cars. Sadly, there's probably a lot more I'm missing, but I think that covers it quite sufficiently.
Now, some of you might be thinking "Well, he made a douche of himself, so what?" Here's the thing: he went into a foreign country. When you're a tourist in another country, you are essentially representing your country, like it or not. Let's say, hypothetically, a random person from another country pulled that shit here. Even better, let's make him either Hispanic or Middle Eastern (you probably get why I chose those two groups in particular). Put them in New York pulling the same crap LP did. How do you think many Americans would react? Short answer, they would want him out of the country ASAP. Not to mention, if you saw someone who was physically and culturally different from you acting like that, would you want MORE people to come to your home turf? There is a xenophobic problem in Japan, and given how homogenous the country is, Paul's behavior does NOTHING to help with that situation. None of us would fit in perfectly in Japan; I'd imagine I would make several blunders trying to fit in there. But I am certain that most of us wouldn't do any of these on purpose, and would carefully watch our behavior afterwards. Logan Paul knew what he was doing, because that's how he got famous in the first place.
Now, some would defend him saying that he's just doing what Johnny Knoxville and the Jackass crew did back in the day. To which I say, NO. The Jackass crew messed more with each other than complete strangers, and even they had their limits. Also, they pulled their pranks HERE. Not to mention there was a point to their comedy. And this is coming from a guy who doesn't even like Jackass.
It really makes me sad that this is the world we live in, where kids look up to this person whose only talent is to show what an asshole he can be, and apparently the only way you can become famous is just to act stupid instead of showing off a skill or creativity.
And while I find to be worthless, I am sorely tempted to make a petition to send Logan Paul to Singapore, hope he does the same shit again (unfortunately, he's probably smart enough not to), so we can watch him get canned before a live audience.
If you're curious about this and just NEED to see the footage, please don't go to his channel and give him views. Find others to comment on it. I personally recommend Double Toasted; I've followed those guys for years, they're funny and insightful, and they are very much on point with Logan Paul's behavior.
Sorry for the rant, I just had to get that off my chest. Hopefully, next chapter will be pure CG.