The corners of Shaing's mouth twitched up in an amused smile. So loyal. So determined. So capable. It was a rare thing, a subordinate as competent as Jean was. He was thankful for her service, even more so now with word of her success.

Well. Partial success.

He didn't have many details. Only a short, hasty message sent over an encrypted transmission. Kingsley secured in town of Westminster. On foot. Kururugi closing in, princess in area. Kingsley has a plan.

Still, it was better than what he had even a few short hours ago. And if Jean and Ashley were with Kingsley, there was even a chance that this would work out in their favor, even with Kururugi on their trail. He wished there was something else he could do, something to ensure Kingsley escaped Kururugi's clutches.

As it was, he was trapped in St. Petersburg. And for the moment, he had other matters to attend to. Matters such as the prince.

Schneizel el Britannia. The Second Prince, the Prime Minister, and one of the most beloved figures of modern history, at least to Euro Britannia, thanks to his patronage. By all accounts, the prince was a well-liked and amicable man, and a cunning diplomat as well.

And now he had come here, to Euro Britannia, during quite possibly the single most chaotic moment in its history.

Shaing grinned. It was a risk, certainly. If Schneizel was half as clever as Shaing had heard, there was a good chance he would pick up that not all was as it seemed here. Still, that only served to make things interesting, didn't it? And why exactly was Schneizel here? Did the Emperor send him? Did he choose to come of his own accord?

He wanted to find out. And now was his chance to.

He bowed as he entered the room. "Your highness," He greeted, his eyes scanning for any detail that might tell him something of the prince. "It is an honor to meet you, and a pleasure to host the Emperor's most lauded son."

Schneizel smiled. "I find that difficult to believe, given the events of the last few days. My sister's visit didn't end very well for you, did it?"

"It did not, no," Shaing admitted. "But the princess's betrayal, while shocking, was isolated. I have no reason to doubt your loyalty to the Emperor, your highness."

The prince's smile widened. "And I have no reason to doubt yours. I have heard much about you, Lord Shaing. That you confronted Cornelia during the chaos, attempted to apprehend her. That took a certain amount of courage. After all, in the eyes of many nobles, you are still only a number."

Shaing shrugged. "I am a loyal Britannian, and I took steps to defend the honor of Euro Britannia. Cornelia was a traitor, and I was not going to permit her to leave unchallenged."

"Make no mistake, it was the right choice," Schneizel said. "Only, it seemed to work out in the princess's favor." He took a sip of wine. "It makes you think, doesn't it? For as hard as you've worked, for as far as you come, most of them see you as nothing but an upjumped number. And they never will see you as anything else. Even as you tried to stop the princess from kidnapping Kingsley, they leapt to her defense at once because it was more believable that you were the traitor, rather than she. And yet, you say you are devoted to the Empire. Why? For what reason? You must know you will never be loved. Never trusted. By a few men, perhaps, but the world at large will never see anything other than your race."

Shaing's lips curled. This is a test, He realized. The prince was trying to get his measure, and he knew in an instant that any answer he gave would be heavily scrutinized.

"I hardly care for what the world thinks of me," He finally answered. "I owe them nothing. I don't serve Britannia for them. The late Lord Manfredi and his family saved me as a child, took me in and gave me a home. They raised me Britannian, and I am Britannian, heart and soul. I serve to honor their name, and do right by their decision to save a boy that they had no reason saving.

Schneizel paused, and the two of them stared in silence at each other. Shaing wondered what he was thinking. Did the prince believe him? He had told the truth, or enough of it that there was little difference. He was grateful to Manfredi's family, and he truly loved them. And in a sense, he recognized he was far more Britannian than he had ever been Japanese. Everything he did, he did for the sake of his adopted family.

Even if he could never tell them the truth. They wouldn't understand. No one understood. They all just accepted the world they lived in, as if it was something to enjoy. Something to cherish. A world where a rotten empire like Britannia was allowed to exist, a world where people like his mother and father were allowed to exist, a world where someone as innocent as Akito would have to suffer the agony of living.

And yet, everyone else seemed to take no issue with the cruel reality they were all subject to. And so he was forced to play along, for appearances sake. No matter. He had told the prince the truth. Everything, everything he did was for the sake of his family. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Do you know why I've come here?" Schneizel asked suddenly. "Now, almost completely out of the blue?"

"I really couldn't say…"

Schneizel rolled his eyes. "You're a clever man, Shaing. As I'm sure you've heard much about me, I wager I've heard at least as much about you. Don't pretend to be ignorant. It doesn't suit you. Now, tell me why I came." It was not a question this time.

Shaing sighed. "Kingsley," He said simply. "And all the problems he's caused."

Schneizel nodded. "Indeed. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what to make of it, not yet at least. It all seems a little unreal, don't you think? A princess turning traitor, the EU going through a coup, three Knights of the Rounds being deployed at once…" He shook his head. "Technically, I'm here primarily to serve as an ambassador to hopefully avoid conflict with General Smilas."

"Which will never work," Shaing said.

"Of course not," Schneizel agreed. "All the same, it must be tried."

"And you have something else in mind, don't you?" Shaing asked, his curiosity once again overcoming his caution. "You wouldn't come all the way out here just to speak with Smilas in person. And you certainly wouldn't go to the trouble of summoning me for a meeting personally. No, there's something else about Euro Britannia that interests you. Something specific." He grinned. "Kingsley, I assume."

Schneizel raised an eyebrow. "You're certainly very sure of yourself, aren't you? Some people might consider it dangerous, challenging a prince's word. I told you why I came here. What makes you think there's anything more to it?"

In the back of his mind, Shaing was aware this was only another test, a way for Shaing to gauge how much he was willing to reveal and how honestly he would act. The wise thing to do would be to simply play ignorant…but his curiosity was a powerful thing, and the opportunity to hold an actually interesting conversation with someone who could match him was not one that came often. The only one in recent memory he could think of was Kingsley, and he was half mad.

"Everyone wants Kingsley," Shaing said confidently. "The Emperor and Kururugi. The EU. The princess and Malcal." Me. "It stands to reason you would at least be interested in the man, if not willing to go after him directly."

"My father has made his wishes clear," Schneizel said carefully. "The matter of Kingsley is to be left in the hands of Sir Kururugi. Surely you aren't implying I would go behind our honored Emperor's back?"

Shaing grinned. "Are you denying it?"

Schneizel shrugged. "As I said, I am here to treat with Smilas. I have no doubt Sir Kururugi will prove up to the task of retrieving our dear advisor I've heard so much about. I'm quite looking forward to meeting him."

He didn't say no, Shaing noticed. So that was the game they were playing, was it? "I have no doubt the two of you would find each other's company agreeable, your highness." Did Schneizel know Kingsley was Zero? Was that why he came here? Or was he merely trying to learn what he could?

"You know, I have heard much of you as well, Lord Shaing," Schneizel said without warning.

The corners of his mouth twitched up in interest. "Oh?" He asked, intrigued. "And what have you heard? Nothing too scandalous, I hope."

"Many of your men have good things to say about you," Schneizel began. "That despite being a number, your loyalty and capability is beyond reproach. They call it an honor to serve under you." He paused. "Of course, your peers among the nobility aren't quite so polite."

"The scorn of the court has long ceased to have any hold over me," Shaing said. "I resigned myself to their unwarranted hatred a long time ago."

Schneizel tilted his head to the side. "I find myself wondering if all of it is in fact unwarranted," He said. "Oh, I'm sure they've come up with all sorts of nonsense about what you get up to, nasty rumors with no substance whispered about in a vain effort to discredit you. Still…when so many people are saying the same thing, one can only discount it as rumor for so long."

"And what exactly are they saying about me?" Shaing asked. His heart was racing in anticipation, sweat beginning to form on his brow. Dimly, he was aware his hand was beginning to shake, but he didn't care. This…this was what made living in this wretched world bearable, at least for the moment. These brief, fleeting moments of interest where he might actually encounter some form of a challenge.

The prince's blue eyes met his own, and he smiled charmingly, disarming the tension of the conversation with a single gesture. "Oh, I'm sure it's nothing. You've given us no reason to doubt your loyalty, Lord Shaing, and relying on the jealousy of the court for information…well, it's hardly a good way to judge the character of a man, is it? No, I prefer to form my first impressions in person."

"And?" Shaing asked, holding back a grin. "Have I made a good impression, your highness?"

"You've certainly made an interesting one," Schneizel answered cryptically. "I suspect I will be in Euro Britannia for a few days, possibly a few weeks depending on when Kingsley is found, and when Smilas chooses to attack. I do believe we'll be seeing each other again soon, Lord Shaing, and rather more frequently than I had expected."

"I am looking forward to it, your highness," Shaing bowed. "If you will excuse me, I have preparations to make. Smilas is testing our borders, and I must ensure our men are there to meet him. It hasn't spiraled out of control yet, but I'm sure his assault will come soon, likely before Kingsley is found. He won't want to miss the chance to use the chaos to his benefit."

Schneizel nodded. "Very well. You're free to go, Lord Shaing. I'll see what I can do to start organizing peace talks. In the meantime, I trust the men of Euro Britannia shall be safe in your hands."

With a final bow, Shaing left, immediately going over every word that had been exchanged between them. Schneizel was no typical spoiled noble, that much was clear. He was clever. He was dangerous. And he was interested in Kingsley.

How much did he know? Not just about Kingsley, but about him? He said the nobles were spreading rumors about him…nothing new, but what if they were saying something that may have caught his interest?

Shaing scowled. Farnese. He is at the root of this. Him or the Duke, or perhaps both. Andrea still suspected he had a hand in Manfredi's death, and the Duke would no doubt lend an ear to his old friend. And if the two of them had gone to the prince, hoping to make a powerful ally…

Hm. It was problematic, that was true enough, but he couldn't claim to be disappointed. No, if anything he was excited, far more so than he had been in years. Already, years of labor were coming to fruition. He had been given command of Euro Britannia's military, and his appointment had been confirmed by the Emperor himself. The Duke's power was in decline, and soon he would be in a position to take over. Kingsley was in Jean's hands, and now he even had an intriguing opponent to match wits against.

Yes. Yes, he was beginning to believe Kingsley coming to Euro Britannia had been the most fortuitous moment of his life. He was so close now, only a little more time was needed.

And then his work could truly begin.


"My Lord Kururugi," The police commissioner bowed nervously. "It's done, just as you said. My men have been sent to the bus stations, airport, the roads in and out of the city. No one will make it in or out of Westminster without us at least learning about it."

Suzaku nodded without much interest. It didn't really matter, not yet. Cornelia wouldn't leave without Lelouch, and Kingsley had made it clear he intended to stay for the moment. Blocking off the city was nothing more than a precaution, and not one likely to pay off. Still, better safe than sorry.

"Excellent work," He complimented. "Ensure no one leaves. And more than that, ensure no one tries to go to the radio station."

The Commissioner frowned. "My lord, wouldn't you want assistance? I can lend you some of my men for reinforcements."

Suzaku held back a snort. "Your offer is appreciated, but that won't be necessary." They'd only get in the way, possibly even get themselves hurt. "The three of us have the situation handled." Besides, if three Knights of the Rounds wouldn't be able to get Kingsley back, there's hardly anything a few poorly trained and ill equipped officers outside of their Knightmares would be able to do to help.

The Commissioner bowed once more and left. Suzaku sighed, turning back to Gino and Anya. They had taken a brief reprieve as he met with the Commissioner, taking the time to go over their Knightmares one last time before possibly going into a fight.

He didn't think it would come to that, especially with Cornelia and Malcal's group leaving their Knightmares behind, but he didn't want to be caught off guard.

He climbed into the cockpit of the Lancelot with a grunt. "Right then," He sighed. "That's taken care of. Are the two of you good to go?"

"Affirmative," Anya said flatly.

"Yep!" Gino said cheerfully, his tone a stark contrast to the younger girl. "We're all good here. We're finally going after Kingsley then?"

"Yes," Suzaku answered with a sigh. "We've already delayed longer than I would have liked, but we needed to make sure the exits to the city are covered."

"What are the chances the princess and that Europian girl have made it to Kingsley by now?" Gino asked. "It's been what, twenty minutes since Kingsley's broadcast? Thirty?"

"Thirty-two," Anya clarified.

Suzaku considered for a moment, then shook his head. "No, I doubt it. They're on foot, and they know we're looking for Kingsley as well. Or at least, they know I am. They'll be careful, keeping an eye out for us. It'll hinder their movement, but they'll still be heading for Kingsley as fast as they can. We should reach him with our Knightmares first, though."

"In that case, let's get a move on before they catch up," Gino suggested. "We have the lead for now, but there's no sense lounging around."

Once again, Suzaku found himself glad to be in the company of his fellow Knights. Gino and Anya were a refreshing change of pace. Sure, Gino was a little too carefree, and Anya a bit more detached than he was expecting, especially for someone of her age, but they were competent and operated on a similar level to himself. It was nice to be around people who could actually do their job once in a while.

Suzaku lowered the Lancelot's landspinners, taking off through the streets. Gino and Anya fell in behind him wordlessly, the Morded covering his back as the Tristan soared just above their heads.

They didn't move as fast as they had been in the woods. It wasn't a race anymore, now that they knew where Kingsley was. Now, they were in the middle of an unfamiliar city, one where their enemies could jump out at any second. He thought it unlikely Cornelia and Leila would have a chance to lay any sort of trap for them, especially without their Knightmares, but who knew? They had been in Westminster for at least a few hours now. Anything was possible.

They were careful, but they certainly didn't lag behind. In five minutes the radio station Kingsley had been broadcasting from came into sight…

And with it, twelve Knightmare frames there had previously been no sign of.

Suzaku tilted his head as he signalled for Gino and Anya to hold back. "Well," He blinked, taken aback. "This is interesting."


"Merde," Marco cursed, turning with a growl to face the newcomers. Their operation had been going smoothly, or so he thought. They had reached the source of the broadcast shortly after it ended, and from what he could tell they were the first to arrive. He had begun organizing his men to encircle the building before advancing and continuing the search inside, but present company had demanded he call the others back and form up to meet them.

Not that it would be enough, of course. No, he knew who these interlopers were. One of them, at least, and the other two weren't hard to guess. The Lancelot was a Knightmare frame he was quite familiar with from the General's reports. They had expected the possibility of running into him, but two other equally unique Knightmares?

The Emperor did not waste resources idly. Suzaku Kururugi's companions could only be two of his fellow Knights of the Rounds. Even as outnumbered as they were, three to twelve against some of the EU's finest…

Marco didn't delude himself into thinking this was a battle he could win. Even one of the Knights of the Rounds might have been able to take the twelve of them on alone. Two, and Marco's squad would be fighting an uphill battle just to make it out with their lives. But three?

Marco sighed, his shoulders slumping. I should have held back, He thought idly. He wasn't after Kingsley, or at least not just Kingsley. Leila was their primary target. But he had assumed that by taking Kingsley, he could force a confrontation with Malcal, set a trap. He thought he would be able to secure the military advisor before Leila, or Kururugi, or anyone else would be able to reach them.

Evidently, he had been wrong.

"My name is Suzaku Kururugi, Knight of Seven and Knight of Honor to Princess Euphemia li Britannia," The Knights voice rang out from the Lancelot's speakers. He found it odd Suzaku introduced himself as the dead princess's Knight. Wasn't she the one who orchestrated that massacre? "With me are Sir Gino Weingberg, Knight of Three, and Dame Anya Alstreim, Knight of Six. We are here conducting a lawful search and rescue in accordance with the laws of Euro Britannia, and the will of the Emperor. Identify yourselves immediately, or you will be considered hostile and will be dealt with accordingly."

Marco chewed his lip. He could try lying, of course, but what lie could he possibly come up with to explain the presence of twelve unmarked Knightmares bearing down on the location of Julius Kingsley? No, he had to try something else.

He considered his options. Not many of them ended with him still drawing breath, and even less with him returning to the General successfully. Still…it wasn't necessarily impossible. For the moment, at least, he needed to keep Kururugi talking.

"My name is Lieutenant Marco Dupont," He answered, deciding there was no point in further escalating by lying to Kururugi. He needed every scrap of goodwill he could garner. "I am leading a carefully selected team of Europian operatives with the objective of finding and bringing justice to the traitor, Leila Malcal. We have no interest in Julius Kingsley," He quickly clarified.

Suzaku snorted. "And yet here you are, surrounding his location. Was that simply a coincidence, then?"

"Kingsley escaped Leila Malcal's custody," Marco said. "It stands to reason she would seek him out. We only wish to lure her out and handle her ourselves. We are content with leaving Kingsley in your hands."

"Why is that?" Suzaku asked suddenly. "Kingsley is your enemy, and yet for some reason you call Leila a traitor. I would think you'd be doing your best to keep her safe, not capture her."

"The internal affairs of the Europian military is of no concern to you," He said. "As I have already said, we have no interest in Julius Kingsley. This doesn't have to end in a fight."

"You have trespassed into the heart of Euro Britannia," Suzaku reminded him. "Twelve of you, in Knightmares. You have surrounded the military advisor appointed by his majesty, granted the Imperial Scepter to bear his authority. By approaching armed against Kingsley, you have approached armed against the Emperor. And in doing so, you have signed your death warrants."

Marco shut his eyes, his shoulders tightening. "Must it come to this? We didn't come here for a fight against Britannia. All we want is Malcal."

"It must," Suzaku answered, sealing their fates. "Do not act innocent. You knew the risks. You knew how we would have reacted, or you wouldn't have bothered traveling in unmarked frames. You identified yourselves in a vain hope you could escape your deaths. You cannot."

He scowled. "Barbarian," He spat. "You cannot see reason? Are you so bloodthirsty you would not be willing to allow us to carry on our duty? We do not ask for your aid, only for you to stay your hand as we handle our own affairs. Are you so unable to overcome your prejudice to leave us be, even when it would work in your interest?"

"Yes," Suzaku said matter of factly. "As you said, we are barbarians. Britannia is not a forgiving place, Marco Dupont. Neither is it an entirely reasonable one, at times. Knowing this, you came here anyways. Knowing this, you did not flee. Knowing this, you identified yourselves. And knowing this, you will die." His voice was cold, unforgiving. Marco could quite easily see why he was called the White Grim Reaper.

And he did not doubt the Knights words for a second.

Was this a punishment then? Atonement for their sins? Should they have never gone after Leila in the first place?

He shook his head. It is not my place to decide. Who am I to pass judgement on men like the General? It was the General who would guide the EU to a better tomorrow. And Marco was willing to do whatever it took to reach that better future.

He knew this might have ended in his death, just as Suzaku said. And if he was going to die, he would do so with a clear head and a light heart. "Whatever I've done," He said solemnly, "Has been done for my people. For my country. I stand by my choices."

"You will fall by them as well," Suzaku said, and the Lancelot laid it's hand on the ground, preparing to charge.

"Perhaps," Marco said, sighing in reservation at his fate. Beside him, his men fell back a few feet, preparing for a fight. "But who knows? Perhaps fate is on our side today. Perhaps not." His eyes narrowed, and his voice turned to a snarl. "Either way, I aim to see if I can't drag at least one of you bastards with me!"

His Knightmare raised his arm, emptying his rifle as fast as he could into the Lancelot, even as the White Knightmare closed the distance between the two of them.


Urabe's head snapped toward the sound of gunfire coming from the radio station. He grimaced. That isn't small arms fire. That was a much higher caliber, and one he was intimately familiar with. That was the sound of a Knightmare's rifle.

Which meant Kururugi was here. Except…who would he be fighting with? He found the abandoned Knightmares at the edge of town, they seemed to be Europian design, at least as near as he could figure. Was Kururugi trying to drive Kingsley out of the building? No, that didn't make much sense. It seemed a waste to use a Knightmare's rifle against enemies on foot.

Unless…well, unless they weren't. Cornelia and that Europian woman Malcal might have left their Knightmares, but who said they were the only ones after Kingsley? After all, he was in Westminster as well looking for Kingsley, wasn't he? And the only reason he didn't have a Knightmare was because they couldn't afford to send him with one.

He picked up his pace, breaking into a run as gunfire rang out, growing louder and louder the closer he came. He could hear the crashing of metal, and the crumbling of stone as Knightmares were presumably thrown into the buildings around them.

Urabe scowled. How many of them are there?

He came around a corner, slowing down and coming in sight of the station. Something whipped past him faster than he could see, and for a moment he stood, frozen shock still. He blinked, remembering to breathe, and glanced behind him.

The decapitated head of a Knightmare lay resting in the street. Urabe slowly raised a hand to the side of his head, and when he pulled it away his palm was faintly stained red with blood. It grazed me, He thought fearfully. Had I been an inch closer, it would have taken off my head.

It was a humbling sight, and a terrifying one as well. He'd never been caught in the crossfire of a Knightmare fight before, not like this. He had always been one of the ones piloting a Knightmare.

He watched as the Knightmares fought with each other. They moved too quickly for him to keep track of, but he counted around a dozen of the plain, unmarked Knightmares, and they seemed to be fighting three ornate, individual frames.

One of which he recognized.

The Lancelot was a familiar sight to any Black Knight, after all, though it had been months and months since he had seen either it or its pilot. If that was Kururugi, then those other frames beside him were undoubtedly other Knights of the Rounds. And judging from how they held themselves against their enemy, he could easily believe it.

Even outnumbered and surrounded, the Knights were easily dominating. The unmarked frames came at them from every direction, and the Britannian's dealt with them almost effortlessly. The only person he had ever seen fight like that before was Kallen Kouzuki.

The street and buildings around them were quickly suffering from the clash. And he would as well, if he stood there standing around like an idiot.

He shook his head. He had no idea who the unmarked Knightmares belonged to, but he was glad for them. It gave him an unexpected opportunity, keeping the Knights occupied and providing him with a chance to enter the station alone as the Knights finished off the others.

He moved quickly, skirting around the edge of the combat and sticking to the walls of the buildings furthest from the fighting, until he had a chance to make a break for the station. He took it, running as fast as he could into the building before one of the Knightmares spotted him.

His hands fell to his side, pulling out his pistol as he looked behind him frantically. A moment passed, then another, and another. Once he was satisfied he had made it safely to the radio station, he allowed himself to turn his back to the door.

The weight of where he was hit him then. Kingsley was in this building. Zero was in this building. Eight months of nothing, and now he was in the very same building as Zero, for the first time since the Black Rebellion. It was a sobering thought, and one that only further strengthened his will. The Black Knights needed Zero back. And Knightmare or no, outnumbered or not, Urabe was going to get him back. Whatever it took.

"I was prepared for a number of parties to be interested in Kingsley, but a Black Knight? That's certainly a surprise."

Urabe immediately turned towards the sound of the new voice, raising his pistol and taking aim. One, two…six of them. Well armed as well. The man who spoke grinned. "You're a long way from Japan, little Knight. Shouldn't you be hiding away in some hole by now? Your days have passed, they died with Zero. Leave now, and we won't have a problem. We have no quarrel with you, but Kingsley is our concern."

Urabe couldn't place the man's accent. Not Britannian, obviously, and certainly not Europian. It sounded…Arabic, almost? He was outnumbered and outgunned…and without a plan, the best thing he could do was keep the stranger talking. "You know who I am," He said, taking in his surroundings while he bought time. There was a hall to his right, leading further into the station. A series of pipes ran over their heads, though what their purpose was he wasn't sure. "From my uniform, I assume. But I'm afraid I'm a little in the dark here. Would you care to introduce yourselves? I'd like to at least know the names of the men trying to threaten me."

The stranger grinned, bowing mockingly. "But of course! My name is Shesthaal, of the honorable House of Forgnar! The greatest soldiers Zilkhstan has to offer!" His grin fell to a light smile. "Of course, even if we weren't, you're still outnumbered. And we have a bit more than a pistol to fight back with. You have to know this isn't going to end well if you choose to fight. What do you have to gain here anyway? The Black Knights should have no interest in Kingsley. Japan is half a world away. If you're truly too stubborn to know when you're finished, at least bother to fight in the right country."

Zilkhstan. He was familiar with the name, but only vaguely. They were mercenaries of the highest order, well trained and well disciplined. General Katase had considered contracting them to help against Britannia, but Kyoto had never backed them with the funding to do so. Mercenaries made poor soldiers in a protracted campaign, especially against someone like Britannia, who could outbid them with a single prince's pocket change.

He was out of time. He could only keep rambling for so long, and Forgnar was right. One man with a pistol against six armed soldiers wasn't a fight he would be able to win.

Thankfully, it wasn't one he had to fight. "You don't know quite as much of the Black Knights as you seem to think if you truly believe I'd be here without a good reason." He flashed a grin. "Or if you think you've got me cornered." His aim raised a few inches, and he fired. A sharp burst of gas shot out at the mercenaries, and Forgnar jumped back with a curse.

Urabe used the distraction and turned, running full speed down the hallway, going deeper into the station. He bought himself a few seconds, and a chance to find somewhere to hole up. The mercenaries would be wary giving chase, but they would recover from the chaos and catch up before too long.

Still, even a few short seconds was a godsend.

He threw himself into the first room he came across, slamming the door behind him. He grabbed a nearby table, flipping it over and obstructing the door. He gathered a few chairs, and other items to support his little blockade. He took a moment to breathe, and look around.

He was in a security room of some sort. Only one entrance and exit, and cameras for the whole station. That was useful. He might be able to use that to find Kingsley…

The sound of hurried footsteps coming down the hall chased away those thoughts. He raised his pistol, backing up and taking aim at the door. The security room was a good place to make a stand, but if they got through the door he was dead. And he didn't doubt for a moment they had the capability to break it down. They came here to get Kingsley, after all.

Urabe scowled. Cornered into a hole, and unable to even look for Zero when he was so close. If he was lucky, then maybe Forgnar's mercenaries would decide it's better for them to grab Kingsley than waste time trying to kill a lone Black Knight.

But if they did that, then Urabe would still have failed. Zero would be torn away from him, and the Black Knights would flounder.

He took a deep breath, calming himself. The day is not yet over, He told himself. I've come out of worse situations alive.

And even if he didn't…if this was how he met his end…well, it was as good a way to go as any. Fighting for his people, for a cause he truly believed in, defiant to the last.


Shesthaal sighed, rolling his eyes as one of his men growled in frustration, slamming his leg into the door. "That isn't going to help," He pointed out.

"Gimme a few minutes," Cesar argued. "I can get through the door."

"We don't have the time," Shesthaal urged. "Kururugi is outside, and he's not alone. Whoever those Knightmares are outside, they won't last long. We need to get to Kingsley as soon as possible." He frowned. "Although…I don't like the idea of simply leaving the Black Knight here." He was only one man, but he was also one man who came all the way to Euro Britannia from Japan. He must have at least believed it was possible for him to get to Kingsley, which made Shesthaal suspicious.

And even if they did leave…Kururugi would still come. Likely before they found Kingsley. Not to mention his original captors.

Shesthaal sighed. "This little Knight is an annoyance," He said. "We can't afford to waste time breaking down the door to deal with him…but neither am I entirely comfortable leaving him to his own devices. He's capable enough to have come this far, who's to say what else he might achieve?"

"So what do you wanna do then?" Cesar asked.

"Stay here," He ordered. "Take a few men with you. Don't bother trying to get through the door, all you'd do is pointlessly risk your lives to kill one man who doesn't matter. But keep watch, ensure he doesn't come out. Once Kururugi comes, flee, and try to meet up with us again. If you can't find us, make for the rendezvous at the edge of town."

"What if it's not him?" Cesar asked. "What if it's the princess, or one of her lackeys?"

He shrugged. "Defend yourselves. Try not to kill the princess, but don't let that stop you if it comes to it. Buy us whatever time you can, then leave. Kururugi is one thing, but I doubt a spoiled princess and a few numbers will be much trouble." Cornelia was supposedly some General of the Empire, but though he knew little of Britannia's internal politics, he knew enough to gather it was likely nothing more than a ceremonial title. Their nobles were all the same.

Cesar nodded, then gave a vigorous salute. "It will be done. Namjala Latak!"

Shesthaal returned the gesture, and left Cesar to continue the search, his men trailing behind him. A sliver of concern began to creep into his mind, but he cast it aside.

They will be fine, He told himself. I already gave them leave to flee if Kururugi appears, and they can handle themselves against the Europians. They needed to keep moving, and ensure that they didn't leave the Black Knight unattended to interfere later.

Even so…that feeling in his stomach he first felt when they set foot in Euro Britannia had not left him. If anything, it had grown at the discovery of the Black Knight's presence. He hated how little sense it made. Why would one of them be interested in Kingsley? Enough to travel alone halfway across the world?

It didn't sit well with him, but he could do nothing other than keep searching.

Fate is on our side, He thought desperately. We are the soldiers of Zilkhstan, warriors of the Priestess.

And even if his suspicions proved true…what of it? They were the greatest soldiers on earth, their very nation guided by prophecy.

And after all, he specifically was blessed in another way.

He had been granted the divine gift of Geass. And with the Power of Kings, no foe would overcome him.


Hey everyone. Unfortunately, I got a bit of bad news this week. A week ago my laptop broke, preventing me from doing ANY work for any of my fics. I know some people can write easily on their phones, but I am NOT one of those people, lol. I tried it, but it just wasn't working out. And it REALLY sucks, because I just switched to biweekly, and before it broke I was making really good progress.

The good news is that I got a replacement literally yesterday, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to post this week's chapter, so I'm just glad I didn't miss an upload. Gonna keep working on it now. I'm feeling a little down, but eh, it is what it is. Thanks for reading!

Next Chapter: Sunday, January 26th