Chapter 4 a calm before the storm
The date was August 10 in the year 2010 of the Imperial calendar.
The Holy Britannian empire had just declared war upon Japan.
Confronted by Britannia's newest weapon, the formidable Knightmare frame, Japan fell to its enemy in less than a month.
The conquered nation was stripped of its freedom, rights, culture, and dignity.
Finaly, even its name was taken away.
11. The name of Japan and its people was replaced with a mere number. But now Britannia face's a new enemy. And that enemy is the Divine Fist
After the battle in the ghetto's Lelouch decided to leave Kenshiro and the other five masters for the time being and return home with his young but crippled and blind sister Nunnally. Lelouch was in Ashford Academy, his school, though he was having a hard time staying awake both from the battle as well as still thinking about Kenshiro and the five Nanto Seiken masters. He dosed off for a moment until he was hit on the head by the student council president, Milly Ashord.
"Wake up, Lelouch! I know you were sleeping. Your hands stopped moving." Milly said frustrated.
"Well, you don't have to beat me up over it, do you?" Lelouch complained
"Huh, serves you right for ditching me like that." Rivalz gloated.
"That's right. What was up with you yesterday?" Shirly questioned.
"Um well… Lelouch" was about to make an excuse until Milly cut in.
"That's enough, you guys. Let's not get sidetracked here." The student council sighs, "If we don't come up with a fix for the club activities budget, there won't be money left for anything at all." Milly explained.
"And if it comes to that point..." The quiet girl Nina Einstein said.
"The horse club will be pissed. We don't want 'em coming' in here on horseback.". Rivalz said jokingly.
"Rivalz, can't you be a more serious student council member?" Milly asked.
"You know, it would have been nice of you if you would have reminded us about this mess a day ago." Shirly told Milly.
"I would have to say a day later. Then we would have given up." Rivalz said.
"Good idea. We can still do that." Lelouch agreed to Rivalz's suggestion.
"GUTS!" Milly yelled out a spell.
"Are you trying that guts spell again?" Rivalz asked, confused.
"Yeah, I want you people to start putting your all into this." Milly exclaimed.
"I really don't think that your magic's going to do a whole lot." Lelouch said.
"Actually it's got me going, Madam President." Shirley said it with energy.
"Supple and willing, that's what I like." Milly complemented.
"I train hard in the gymnastics club." Shirly said with pride.
"That's not what I was getting at. You're a ten." Milly said look at Shirly's b*** size.
"Huh?" Shirly looking down on her chest
"From what I've seen in the girls' bathroom anyway, you've been filling out in all the right places, huh." Milly said it in a perverted way.
"Heh, heh," Rivalz laughed.
"What, what are you talking about, you perv?" Shirly yelled, covering her chest.
"Goodness, our president is just a lecherous old man at heart, tarnishing the meeting with his vile thoughts," Shirley remarked, appalled by Milly.
"Well, that's Milly for you," Nina pointed out.
"Look on the bright side. We managed to balance the budget, right?" Rivalz chimed in.
"They used poison gas?" a student exclaimed in shock.
"Man, that's unsettling. Shinjuku is only thirty minutes away," another student said, surprised.
"Oh my goodness! I saw smoke rising in Shinjuku; it must have been the gas," a female student declared.
"Is there any more news about it?" someone else inquired.
"Shinjuku?" Shirley echoed, puzzled.
"I heard about it in real-time from a friend. That's why I called you yesterday," Lelouch explained.
"Hey, look at the footage of those deceased Elevens," another student mentioned.
"Oh! Don't look at that!" a girl exclaimed in disgust.
"This is odd. Why would they conceal it?" Lelouch thought hard "Are they hiding Clovis's death to prevent anarchy? But if that's the case, when they do announce it..."
Lelouch felt sick hurry to the Washroom and throw up knowing that he killed Clovis with his own hands."Hmph, I suppose I'm not as resilient as I believed. And if I had to guess, they must have covered up what Ken and the others did. Figures they wouldn't want the world to know about men who can destroy Knightmares with their fists." The thought was still impossible but as they say action speak louder than words and their action was enough for him to be convince. Even how illogical it sounds.
At the G-2 base
"That ex-civil servant is such a fool," Jeremiah said, annoyed.
"Are you referring to Bartley?" Villetta questioned.
"The killer has breached our heaviest security twice already. This perfunctory inspection is a farce," Jeremiah stated, frustrated.
"I know that, but did you see Prince Clovis's body? When they found it, he looked like he had exploded from within," Villetta said. "But now that Prince Clovis is out of the way, we purebloods can..." She was cut off.
"Let me make that call. We still need to woo everyone over," he said confidently. "But now the real question is, who are those Elevens that humiliated us in battle?" Jeremiah wondered to himself, still upset at their loss.
Back at Ashford Academy
Lelouch was pondering Ken's and the others' next move when he noticed some girls chatting with a rose-red-haired girl named Kallen Stadtfeld.
"Yeah, I just need to take it easy for a bit," Kallen said calmly.
Lelouch realized she was the girl from the ghettos. That explained the familiarity.
"If I stay home any longer, I'll never catch up," she told her friends.
"What's up, buddy? Spot something you like? You've got a crush on her, don't you!" Rivalz teased.
"I'm just surprised; it's a rare sight. She hasn't been at school since the term began," Lelouch remarked.
"Kallen Stadtfeld. Rumor has it she's been ill, and she hardly attended school last year, too. Yet, her grades are among the best. Plus, she's from the wealthy Stadtfeld family," Rivalz continued his gossip.
"It's not like that," Lelouch objected.
"Ah, no need to hide it. Though she might be a bit too sheltered for you," Rivalz nudged.
All the girls, including Kallen, were having lunch when a bee started buzzing around, causing panic among everyone but Kallen.
"Aaah! A bee! A bee!"
"Oh my God, Kallen, run!"
"Quick, run away!" as the girls ran for their lives while Kallen slowly ran until she was completely alone. "I don't understand; why is a bee chasing me? I wonder if there's a hive nearby," she mused, swatting at the bee with her hands. "I hate this! I'm tired of feeling like an invalid!" she exclaimed, noticing Lelouch nearby. "Oh no, he saw me," she thought to herself.
"It's definitely her," Lelouch concluded internally.
"Do you need something?" she asked.
"I want answers," Lelouch demanded, using his Geass on her.
"Sure," she responded obediently.
"Were you piloting the Glasgow in Shinjuku?" he inquired.
"Yes," she admitted.
"Why resort to terrorism?" Lelouch probed.
"Because I'm Japanese, although technically, I'm half Britannian," she disclosed.
"A half-blood? I see. One more question: Did you see any of the men who destroyed the Knightmares in Shinjuku?" He needed confirmation.
"Yes, it was the one named Shin.".
So, it's the traitor Kensahiro who did warn him to be careful with him knowing he had all the answers. Lelouch decided to stop" as the Geass was off.
"Um, did you want something?" she inquired.
"No, I got what I needed here." As he began to walk away, he paused. "Oh, wait. Just to be sure—don't tell anyone about Shinjuku," he commanded.
"What do you mean, 'about Shinjuku'? Why would you say that?" She questioned.
He was taken aback by this but then realized his power only worked once on each person. "I see, so it only works once per person," he thought. "Never mind, I'll be on my way," he said as he walked away quickly.
"Hey, Lulu! Kallen!" As they both looked up, they saw Shirley calling out to them. "You know, it's time to head over to the chem lab! You'd better get a move on!"
"Oh crap, it's my turn to set up for class!" he exclaimed as he ran off to fulfill his school duties.
In the evening at the student council's clubhouse, within their secret abode, Sayoko was teaching Nunnally the delicate art of origami.
"What should we do? He might be late again tonight," the maid inquired.
"I'll wait. Big Brother promised we'd have dinner together tonight," Nunnally replied, hopeful.
"There, this one is done," Sayoko said, completing the paper crane.
"Oh, is it a bird?"
"Yes, it's a crane mistress," she explained to the young girl.
"How wonderful! The Japanese are so talented." Then she heard the door open, and Nunnally's gaze then shifted to the door.
"Lady Nunnally?" Sayoko questioned.
"I apologize for my tardiness," Lelouch announced as he entered.
"Hi, Lelouch! Welcome home," Nunnally greeted her brother.
"Indeed, welcome home, my lord," the maid joined in the welcome.
"There's no place like home, right, Sayoko? Right, Nunnally?" Lelouch affirmed with a smile.
Meanwhile, outside the council clubhouse
Unbeknownst to Ashford Academy, Kenshiro had arrived with a singular mission: to aid Lelouch's sister. Armed with the power of Hokuto Shinken, he was confident he could awaken her body's natural healing abilities. His actions were a gesture of gratitude towards Lelouch for his assistance and for saving the citizens of Shinjuku. Navigating his way through the school, Kenshiro located the concealed entrance to their residence and knocked.
Knock-Knock
"I'll get it," Sayoko said as she rose up to answer the door.
"Miss Sayoko had been teaching me the art of origami. With the right folds, a piece of paper can become birds, boats, almost anything". Nunnally ate but accidentally got some food on her face.
"Easy there. You don't need to tell me everything at once, you know?
"I'm not going anywhere," Lelouch assured her.
"Yeah, you're right. Thank you," she replied.
"You're very welcome."
"I'm so happy because you scared me a bit last night."
"Did I? Sorry. I just have a lot on my mind," he admitted.
"Hey, they say if you fold a thousand of these cranes, your wish will come true.
Is there anything you've been wishing for?" Nunnally inquired.
"No, not really. What about you? Do you have any wishes?" Lelouch asked.
"I wish the world was a gentler place," Nunnally expressed.
"When the day finally comes that you can see again, I'm sure it will be wonderful," Lelouch said with love.
"Really?" Nunnally asked.
"I promise," Lelouch assured.
"Master Lelouch," Sayoko called out.
"Yes, Sayoko?" Lelouch responded.
"There's a man here to see you," she informed.
"A man?" Lelouch echoed, puzzled.
Lelouch went to see who it was and was shocked and horrified to discover it was Kenshiro. Instead of his usual jacket and shoulder pads, Kenshiro was clad in purple and blue Chinese clothes, decorated with clouds and golden dragons (essentially the attire from Fist of the Blue Sky).
Lelouch finally spoke, "What the hell are you doing here!" he yelled as he didn't expect the martial artist to find him, let alone locate where he lives.
"I've come to help your sister," Kenshiro answered.
"What are you talking about?" Lelouch questioned.
"I can use Hokuto Shinken to heal her legs and restore her sight," he answered.
"What? Can your technique really do that?" Lelouch asked, hope evident in his voice.
"You've seen what Hokuto Shinken can do in battle; now it's time to see the good it can do for others." Hokuto Shiken can be described like a coin; both good and bad depend on the person using it.
Initially skeptical, Lelouch then remembered the power of the fist against the wicked; now it was time to witness its effects on the innocent.
"If there's a way to help her, then please do it," Lelouch gave his consent as he believed Kenshiro's words.
With a nod from Kenshiro, they walked into the dining room.
"Hey Nunnally, I have a new friend who would like to meet you," he announced.
"A friend?" Nunnally responded, puzzled.
"Hello, child," Kenshiro greeted in a kind and fatherly tone.
"Nunnally, this is Kenshiro. He's a new friend."
"Kenshiro? That name means you must be Japanese, right?" Nunnally inquired, Besides, his voice was very manly, like very hardboiled.
"Yes, I am Japanese, and I'm here to assist you, Nunnally," he replied.
"Assist me?" she asked, intrigued.
"May I take your hand?" Kenshiro requested, and Nunnally nodded in agreement.
As Nunnally's hand touched Kenshiro's, she gasped, surprised by the strength and size of his hand. She could feel his muscular hands and scars.
"Wow, your hand is strong, yet it feels so gentle," Nunnally remarked, astonished.
"Thank you, Nunnally. Now, I have a question for you: Would you like to walk and see again?" Kenshiro asked.
Nunnally looked surprised. "Yes, I would like that, but I don't think that's possible right now," she said.
"I can restore your sight and your ability to walk with my martial art, Hokuto Shinken," Ken replied.
"Huh?"
"By pressing the right pressure points, I can unlock your body's natural healing abilities. Your legs will heal in a month, but as for your eyes, you will have to open them by your will; it's up to you, Nunnally."
Nunnally thought about it and, believing it could work so she might see her brother again, spoke. "Will it hurt?" she asked, a little frightened.
"Not at all, but I won't force you to do it if you don't want to; you have to choose."
Nunnally spoke, "I want to see and walk again."
"Okay, Nunnally, I'm going to touch the back of your head where your pressure points for your eyes are located, then I will press the ones for your legs on your lower back, okay?"
"Okay," Nunnally said, a little nervous.
As Ken placed his hands on the back of her head and pressed his fingers, Nunnally felt a brief sensation as if the blockage in the nerves of her eyes had been removed.
In the thought elevator
"Argh!" Emperor Charles of Britannia screamed in agony as Nunnally managed to break the Geass he had placed on her.
"How is this possible?" Charles bellowed, both in anger and pain. Suddenly, a robed man rushed in. "Your Highness, someone has stolen the Scroll of the North and South Stars!"
"What!?" Charles exclaimed in shock, quickly deducing the thief's identity. "Marianne, how dare you! I restored your body, and this is how you repay me!?"
"Your Highness, shall I dispatch our forces to capture her?"
"No, let Marianne continue her little crusade for now. I have more pressing matters to address. The scroll will return to us in time." As Charles gazed up at the Big Dipper constellation with disdain, he sneered, "You think you can stop me, God? With these antiquated martial arts? Once the Ragnarok Connection is complete, you will be no more, and everything will be as it should."
But as Charles looked skyward, seething with rage, a golden Chinese dragon materialized. Its roar thundered across the heavens—RRRRROOOAAARRR! The dragon soared towards the Big Dipper itself, as if to signify that God had indeed accepted Charles's challenge.
On the rooftops of the capital city
Fleeing her pursuers, Marianne Vi Britannia leapt from roof to roof until she finally evaded them."Without this, he cannot begin the plan; the rest is up to fate," she murmured under her breath.
Marianne pulled out a locket, embellished with a golden Chinese dragon and fashioned in the shape of the Big Dipper. Upon opening it, inside was a photograph of herself alongside a young Lelouch and Nunnally. As she gazed at it, tears of remorse streamed down her face, recognizing her part in their suffering.
"Lelouch, Nunnally, I hope you can forgive me when all this ends," she murmured, gazing at the Big Dipper above and praying for a reunion shaped by destiny.
Ashford
Lelouch could no longer just stand by and asked with concern, "Nunnally, are you all right?" For the first time in years, Nunnally did something unexpected; she opened her eyes. Tears of joy began to stream down her face. "Le-Lelouch?" she uttered, her voice filled with happiness. Knowing she could finally see her brother's face again,
"Nunnally, how do you feel?"
"Lelouch, I can see again!" The little girl was overjoyed with happiness.
"Oh, Nunnally!" They embraced in a tender hug, sharing a moment of joy.
He then bowed his head in respect and offered his thanks to the person who healed the little girl's eyes. "Thank you, thank you so much, Kenshiro," he said, hope restored in his voice. But it's also that Lelouch believes in a person.
"You're welcome, Lelouch, and you too, Nunnally," Kenshiro replied with a small smile, then back to his grumpy look.
"Wow, Mr. Kenshiro, I knew you must have been a big boy, the size of your hands, but you're huge! You look like a fighter," Nunnally said, amazed by Ken's size and strength. It was the first time she saw someone tall, muscular, and manly.
"Thank you, Nunnally. You're really sweet to yourself," he responded as Nunnally blushed slightly. "Now, are you ready for me to help with your legs?" Ken asked.
"Yes, please," she said.
"Okay, now hold still," he instructed as he placed his hands on her lower back and pressed her pressure points. And with that, it was done.
"In a month, your legs will be fully healed. However, you will require physical rehabilitation for a while." Even Hokuto Shiken still had its limits.
"Really? Thank you, Mr. Kenshiro," she bowed, expressing her gratitude to the man for his help.
"One more thing," he said as he pulled out a necklace. "Here, Nunnally," he continued, placing it around her neck.
"Wow, this is really pretty," she admired the golden Chinese dragon with the Big Dipper engraved on it, the stars of the Big Dipper shining in different colors. "But what is it?" she inquired.
"It's a talisman of Hokuto Shinken; it will protect you if you are ever in danger. But remember to keep it with you at all times, okay?" he advised. Kenshiro doesn't know why, but the girl reminds him of Lin.
"Okay, I will never take it off, I promise," the princess said with a vow.
Lelouch then spoke, "I owe you a lot, Ken. Thank you, but I have a request. Will you be Nunnally's bodyguard? Sayoko is a good protector, but I'm afraid she may not be enough. Please," Lelouch implored, seeking Kenshiro's help.
Kenshiro agreed to become her protector even if he didn't smile so often. They all decided it was time to rest for the night.
2h ago the following day, the army was in the process of transporting Prince Clovis's body.
"And the research center?" Bartley inquired.
"It was transferred to Narita last night."
"Right then, I pray for your forgiveness, Your Highness," Bartley said with sorrow.
Suddenly, there was gunfire. "What's going on?"
"I hope you can see our determination now," Jeremiah declared.
"But I've already told you everything!" Bartley pleaded.
"You expect us to believe you don't remember? Clinging to that absurd excuse?" Jeremiah retorted, unconvinced.
"Just ask the others! They will corroborate my story!" Bartley attempted to explain, but the soldier was unyielding.
"Avoid responsibility? You're despicable! You won't be allowed at His Royal Highness's side any longer! I'm certain you know something about the men who bested us, and I will uncover it!"
At the Ashford Student Council clubhouse, Kallen was taken aback by an invitation to a small gathering where Lelouch announced exciting news about his sister.
"I wonder what Lulu's big surprise is?" Shirley pondered.
"Yeah, I wonder what it is too." Rivalz chimed in, echoing Shirley's sentiment.
"Well, Lelouch did mention it's about Nunnally; maybe it's her birthday," Nina suggested cheerfully.
Milly then entered with a cart full of food. "Whatever it is, it must be good. Shall we dig in?"
Lelouch also entered, a smile gracing his face. "Well, everyone, are you ready for the surprise?"
All nodded in agreement. "Okay, Nunnally, you can come in now."
Nunnally rolled in on her chair, her eyes still closed, then spoke. "Hello, everyone, here's the surprise." As she opened her eyes, revealing them to everyone, shock filled the room. "Hello, everyone, it's finally nice to see you all," she said joyfully.
"Nunnally, your eyes are open!" Shirley exclaimed, both happy and astonished.
"How is this possible?" Rivalz asked.
"You know the money I won gambling last time?" Lelouch inquired.
"Yeah?" Rivalz responded.
"Well, I found a doctor who was working on a new medical procedure that could restore Nunnally's sight and her ability to walk. So, I used the money to pay for the procedure on the condition that I not tell anyone about the process."
"Wait, you mean Nunnally can walk again too?" Milly questioned.
"Not yet; the process will take a month to complete, and she will need to go through physical therapy, but she will be able to walk again soon," Lelouch said with a smile.
"This is a time for celebration; let's dig in, everyone!" Milly exclaimed spiritedly.
As the party continued, Lelouch and Kallen stepped aside to talk in private. Kallen suspected he knew about her being a terrorist. However, he managed to clear himself of suspicion, and they returned to the party, only to be met with some dire news.
"Lelouch, it's awful," Nunnally said, upset.
"What is it?"
"Prince Clovis has been found dead," Milly announced.
"They're saying he was killed in a brutal manner," Rivalz added.
"Prince Clovis has been taken from us. He fought for peace and justice against all of the elevens. He died a martyr. We must all bury our sorrow and carry on his will," Jeremiah stated.
"We interrupt this broadcast with breaking news: a man suspected as the murderer has been captured. According to this report, the suspect is an honorary Britannian. Private Suzaku Kururugi, a former Eleven and honorary Britannian, has been arrested for murder." As Lelouch realized what Britannia was doing-frame his best friend—he knew he could not stand by idly. It was time to put his plan into action.
And that's it for now please tell me what in the reviews.