(A/N: So I still have 0 patrons, sad dragon noises, but the only reason I even re-opened it in the first place is because I'm moving out of my apartment on July 28th and therefore have to move back in with my parents because my employer is so toxic they dropped me to part-time back in December and I haven't been able to find a replacement job to supplement my income D:
But hey, you didn't come here to hear me talk about my personal problems. You came here to read some epic fights, and I hope I delivered. Have fun!)
24th Day of the Horsebow Moon
Kallen's energy lance and axe slammed repeatedly against Ayano's twin swords. As her right arm lance smashed against Ayano's left arm sword, the two were fiercely locked in combat in the air.
"Zero, do you copy?" Ayano called out to him. "I've got intel!"
"A little busy!" Zero shouted, having a much harder time on the open battlefield evading his enemy. Dimitri's frame was taking bullets like a champion, ignoring the impacts entirely and constantly giving Zero chase.
"Then multitask!" Ayano shouted, doing her best to evade Kallen. She dismissed her right arm sword, flew up and back and started firing energy shurikens to keep Kallen at bay. Kallen evaded the shots and then flew up and forward after her, energy axe poised to strike. Ayano barely had time to get out of the way.
"I set up a smokescreen! Talk! Make it quick!" Zero responded.
"The enemy is here to non-lethally rout the Duscur people!" Ayano told him, only to shout, "WHOA!" as she nearly had her frame's head taken off by Kallen's energy axe. "Dammit! Over and out! I gotta concentrate!"
As the smokescreen began to dissipate, Lelouch thought quietly, Rout non-lethally? That makes sense. Still…
"Prince Dimitri!" Zero exclaimed.
An angry Dimitri nearly impaled Zero with his two-handed lance.
Oh yeah, he's in a good headspace, Lelouch thought sarcastically. He charged his palms with magic. I'll have to settle this with combat. "Death Gamma!" After watching the Death Knight perform it a multitude of times, and researching the formula in Abyss, Lelouch finally could cast the spell all on his own.
Dimitri was blown back and onto his back by the attack.
Ah, Dimitri, such resilience to physical assault, yet so vulnerable to magic attacks, Lelouch thought. This will be over soon. Snapping his fingers, Lelouch fired three Death Gammas in a row. He could only cast the spell eight times a day without putting a strain on his body. So far, he'd blown through half.
However, the damage was already notable. Dimitri staggered to his feet.
"What's the matter, prince?" Zero questioned, hovering into the air. "Have you realized that no amount of high strung morals will help you beat me?"
"Hahahahahahahahahahahaha," Dimitri chuckled under his breath. "AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! DO YOU HONESTLY THINK I WOULD YIELD TO YOU, DAMNABLE CUR! I SHALL GUT YOU LIKE THE CRAVEN YOU ARE, AND MOUNT YOUR LIMBS ACROSS THE GATES OF FHIRDIAD!"
Dimitri rocketed from his spot and began fervently attacking Zero with all of his might. Zero barely had the speed to keep up. Whatever Lelouch had expected of Dimitri, it wasn't this. If anything, his lips curled into a frown.
So this is the true face of Prince Dimitri beneath his princely mask. A traumatized boy seeking revenge, broken beyond the point of sanity, Lelouch thought with pitied eyes.
Dimitri's lance took a swipe at the Zero Matrix's helmet in an attempt to smash it in, but Zero managed to duck underneath the attack just in time. Dimitri then drove the butt of his lance into Zero's visor. Seething with rage he went to clench the off-balance Zero around the helmet. Only with a sudden blast of Miasma was Lelouch able to push him back.
Tank fire blasted Dimitri then, blasting up dirt and gravel, but Dimitri didn't feel the pain. He kept charging towards Zero. He kept swinging away at him with frenzied rage.
For a moment, Lelouch didn't see Dimitri in the Azurian Pendragon, he saw the prince inside it, muscles bulging, face contorted into berserk rage. And, for a moment, he didn't see Dimitri, but rather himself. And over Dimitri's shoulder, not the ghost of King Lambert, but his mother, Marianne vi Britannia.
We've both been punished by this world, Zero thought, haven't we? Tempering his shields, he forced one to project in front of him to try and stop Dimitri's attack, but the lance shattered right through it and damaged the left arm of the Zero Matrix. Dimitri then thrust the lance forward for a headshot, but Zero was able to latch onto a nearby tank with a sticky web, press his legs to it, somersault into the air and over the tank, forcing Dimitri to give chase as he stared down the length of the tank's cannon.
Dimitri was about to throw the lance out of sheer habit, but then he saw the Duscurian soldier manning the tank. If he threw the lance, he would undoubtedly kill the soldier manning it. This…this was not the path to victory.
"Hold your fire," Zero said and walked out from the other side of the tank.
Dimitri watched Zero stand under the barrel of the cannon. He held his position.
"Prince Dimitri, I give you one more opportunity to join me," Zero said. "Although the liberation of the Duscur people would be unpopular by itself, your support would give rise to my revolution. It works out for both of us, don't you think? The Duscur people go free and reclaim their land, and I obtain the validation from one of the world's most influential people. A win-win scenario, wouldn't you agree?"
"Zero…I do not fault you for supporting the Duscur people, but I cannot support a violent revolution, no matter how well-intentioned. This is not the way! I will find a path to peace my own way!"
"You naïve fool. Fine. Have it your way. All units in alpha squadron," Zero said, pointing at Dimitri with his left index finger, "Subdue and capture Prince Dimitri."
"Zero, you are the fool if you think you can best me in combat. I am Prince Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd!" Dimitri declared as he activated his crest of Blaiddyd. "I am the future king of Faerghus!"
In a blur, Dimitri seemed to vanish from sight, chopping off the cannon of the tank Zero was standing under and Lelouch watched as Dimitri then chopped through the tank sideways, revealing the Duscurians within. He proceed to hurl them onto the ground swiftly.
"I am not bested in combat so easily. Fight me with one-hundred troops! Fight me with a thousand! I will defeat them all!"
Inside his Zero Matrix, Lelouch smirked, not because he relished the challenge, but because of how Dimitri sounded. He no longer spoke as someone losing themselves to rage and trauma, but as someone who reminded Lelouch greatly of Suzaku, a morally high strung person looking to do the right thing.
I was wrong…the trauma isn't who you are beneath the mask, it's what drives you to be the good king you relish to be.
Once again, Lelouch could see himself in Dimitri, but not as he was now, but older, stronger, in control of his own destiny, instead of fighting as a man behind a mask.
"Prince Dimitri Alxeandre Blaiddyd," Zero said, addressing the prince by his full name. "I respect the passion you have for your beliefs!" Zero activated his own Crest of Macuil. "Yet I will still call you a fool! My path is the path of justice!"
"You will not sway me with words! Show me the strength of your resolve, Zero! I will crush it, ON THE HONOR OF FAERGHUS!"
The battle had cranked itself up to the next level. Rather than take Dimitri head on, Zero was now using his troops to fire at Dimitri from afar. It was a shame that the Duscurians did not have more mages under their command, but Zero made up for that in spades. Whenever Dimitri was off-guard, Zero would take a potshot at him with Miasma.
"Enough of this!" Dimitri shouted and charged Zero's position.
And it was here that Zero finally pulled out an energy sword. He'd slowly been getting better with the weapon the past few moons, and he intended for that training to finally pay off. However, Dimitri was quite strong and his lance nearly smashed straight through Zero's guard.
In close quarters, Lelouch quickly realized why they called Dimitri the boar. He was relentless and a dangerous foe to face head on.
A punch to the head, a slash across the body, a slash along the inside shoulder, and then a thrust forward. Dimitri had Zero at his mercy in close range and with the power of the Crest of Blaiddyd, there was little Zero could do in the ways of fending him off.
Dropping down to a wide three-point stance, Lelouch panted. This isn't going well. Dimitri's strength…might eclipse even Suzaku's. I can't fail here though, not when I'm so close! He grit his teeth and furrowed his brow. But a good tactician always has a backup plan.
"Gamma squad, release the charges!"
Suddenly, explosions rocked the battlefield like a magnitude four Earthquake before smoke thicker than the heaviest fog coated the battlefield.
Damn him! Where did he go? A glint of dark magic in the darkness clued Dimitri in to Zero's position as wrapped his energy lance on a chain and hurled it at his foe, but he only felt the open air make contact with his lance. I missed?
Dimitri waited for Zero to return fire, but none came. More glints of dark magic appeared, but every time Dimitri appeared to miss.
I will waste what precious energy reserves I have left if I keep this up. Well played, Zero. I dislike having to hold my position while you scheme, but no matter what you are planning, I will find you, and I will crush you!
High in the air, Inoue and Shamir continued their duel. Bullets flew past the two women, sometimes colliding in the air.
Inoue could feel the pressure building as the shots continued to miss or collide. She fired a howitzer shot at the ground, impeding the march of members of the Duscurian force. She missed by a good distance, but she wasn't trying to wipe them off the map. That would go against the point of the objective entirely.
Shamir quickly realized that she wouldn't be able to outmaneuver Inoue in terms of firepower. She also had the disadvantage no matter her altitude. If she was above Inoue, she gave the woman free shots at the ground. At level altitude, Inoue had less trouble calculating her shots and Shamir could easily eat a howitzer blast herself if she wasn't careful. And if she flew below Inoue, well…any good sniper knew why you didn't cede the high ground to your opponent.
That left only one option really.
Shamir fired up the thrusters of the Jungle Artemis and began attempting to flank Inoue, making sure the shield side of her frame was facing the woman. She circled her in a wide angle. Inoue knew better than to fall for the oldest trick in the book. An amateur would fire directly at the target, but Inoue was an expert. She knew she had to fire where the Jungle Artemis would be, not where it was.
And that was exactly what Shamir was counting on. Making her own calculations in her head, Shamir raised her shield to eat Inoue's incoming shot, and then counter-fired right as soon as she felt the impact on the shield.
Inoue, unprepared for Shamir's return of fire, at that shot right to her shoulder, surprised. She didn't have time to dwell on it though, Shamir was already on the move. She kept firing, but Shamir kept returning fire, and scoring direct hits, even when Inoue tried to move out of the way.
I suspected as much, Shamir thought coldly, her frame is built out to be aggressive, not to hunt. That means her maneuverability is cut significantly.
This time, Shamir didn't have to counter-fire, she already knew how to tag Inoue before Inoue could get her shot off. She'd memorized the exact amount of time Inoue needed to reload between shots and was now able to shoot first. And with every impact, Inoue's frame was getting more and more shot full of holes. And, as a result, the Duscur forces weren't deterred by her howitzer blasts on the ground below.
Zero said no casualties of the Officer's Academy, so I should focus on shooting the limbs, Shamir stated. Of course…
Shamir had an idea and kicked her thrusters into high gear. With her next shot, she disoriented Inoue by taking a very angled shot that shattered Inoue's scope, as the energy based projectile went sailing into the clouds.
This is insane! I'm the best shot at the Officer's Academy! Inoue exclaimed internally. She stopped trying to aim at Shamir. She'd now broken from her location and was flying lower to the ground. Shamir pursued, but Inoue expected this. She fired up at Shamir, but Shamir countered with a shot of her own and then flew past her.
She's so fast!
Shamir was now ahead of Inoue and circling to get a perfect shot to completely blow off her sniper arm. Inoue fired her back-mounted Howitzer at an angle. Unfortunately, this was the wrong decision. Shamir flew backwards, now calculating in her head to compensate for the extra distance. She fired through the Howitzer blast, masking that she'd even taken a shot and perfectly shot right down the mouth of the Howitzer itself, causing an explosion. The blast sent Inoue into free fall, her systems haywire.
I'm the best shot at the academy, so why! WHY?!
She gazed up at Shamir's frame now with a perfect angle to fire straight down and finish her off.
Who are you?
Shamir fired her shot and completely blew off the sniper arm of Inoue's frame, the explosion accelerated Inoue's descent and caused her to crash into the ground, where her Mystic Eagle IX became disabled.
You may be the best shot at the academy, Naomi Inoue, Shamir thought, turning around and surveying the landscape, but I've always been the best shot in the knights themselves. You were never going to defeat me in a duel. She then sped off to look for Faerghusian commanders to pick off.
"Oz! Princess Marrybell! Inoue's been compromised!" Ohgi shouted over comms. "I just saw her get shot out of the air by a green knightmare. The Mystic Eagle IX lost power, but only after impact, so I think she's alive."
"All kingdom troops at this location," Marrybell radioed using her on board navigational computer, "Prioritize the safety of Naomi Inoue and lead her to this location," she said, drawing a line. "We don't want to lose one of our own."
"Yes, your highness!"
Despite Marrybell being foreign royalty, she was also the backup from the Knights of Seiros and commanded some level of authority. The rank and file would listen to her.
It doesn't matter that Inoue's been gunned down though, Marrybell said, looking at the map and how encircling plan was working. In just a short while, Zero will be trapped.
And that was when the Saintly Witch got fired upon by blast of Thoron.
Marrybell screamed, the shock ripping through her body.
"Mary!" Oldrin shouted over comms.
From where…? Marrybell wondered, gazing around. She didn't see an HLKMF anywhere. And then another Thoron ripped through her, zapping her once more.
"Mary, are you okay?"
"Focus on your objective, Oz! I'm not dead!" Marrybell shouted.
"But I'm your knight! I have to—AHHH!"
Oldrin was also suddenly cut off by the arrival of the Gleaming Blade.
"Oldrin Zevon," the frame's user stated. "You seem like you're gonna be fun to cut apart!"
"Oz!" Marrybell shouted, only to get tagged by another Thoron.
"Mary, I'm sorry, it looks like Zero has decided…to cut us off from the army."
On opposite sides of the battlefield, Marrybell and Oldrin were now engaged in single combat against peculiar enemies. Oldrin was now face to face with the Gleaming Blade.
"YOU!" Oldrin shouted. She recalled the frame from Saitama. It had been recorded and reported by Cornelia herself.
"Hahaha! It's a shame Princess Cornelia isn't here. I wanted another chance to carve her up again, but I suppose you'll have to do!"
"I don't understand…" Oldrin said. "Zero…claims to fight for justice, so why does he have someone as terror happy as you fighting at his side?"
"Pfft, who cares? I'm not here to debate morals and ethics. So you better start paying attention, Oldrin Zevon, or you're gonna lose your head!" She charged Oldrin's position, Oldrin raising a blade to block, protecting her from the otherwise nasty strike.
Meanwhile, Marrybell still hadn't located her opponent as another Thoron rocked the Saintly Witch. However, this time she was ready and she finally located her opponent. She gasped. It was that one, the one that Shez and Suzaku reported fighting, the mysterious woman that also fought at the Holy Mausoleum.
Marrybell started by firing off her drill missiles at the woman, but she cast spells to shoot them out of the air.
Magic powerful enough to match the hard light properties of the Saintly Witch? Who is she?
The mysterious woman floated further towards Marrybell and engaged her in combat. "Bolganone."
Fire consumed the general area of the Saintly Witch, but Marrybell flew over it before serious damage could be sustained. She made some of her rotating horn drills shoot beams at the woman, but she evaded the blasts. She was awfully quick for a mage.
The mysterious woman came close to Marrybell and then Marrybell felt some kind of energy clutch her entire frame. She was then hurled back as if hit with telekinetic force. No spell had been released. She simply felt the impact.
How could something like this exist? This went far beyond the pale of normal magic. What was going on?
She didn't have time to dwell on it. A blast of Thoron fired towards her. Marrybell evaded it. She armed herself with her drill lance and charged forward at the mysterious woman. However, she was halted in her tracks before she even got close, presumably by the same telekinesis that flung her back last time. However, this time, she was held still.
"You lack conviction," the woman said. She walked on air as though it were solid ground. She then put her hand on the roof of the helm of Marrybell's frame.
"Stop it! Get back!" Marrybell shouted.
Marrybell started to scream. She could see…so many things, the cosmos, a bunch of people in robes with strange emblems on their foreheads, worshipping some kind of cult. She saw…she saw a strange, mysterious boy with blond hair. She…she'd seen him before! Right before…right before!
Marrybell screamed more.
"Life can be painful. Life can sometimes be a lie. It is up to us to choose to continue living," the woman said, taking her hand away.
"STOP IIIIIIIIT! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" Marrybell shouted. She stumbled back, her frame, thrashing about as she covered the helm with her hands.
"Bolting."
KRA-KOOM!
A powerful blast of lightning tore through Marrybell's frame and sent her careening to the ground.
Even across the horizon, Oldrin could see this. "MARY!"
"Worry more about yourself!" Kronya shouted. She continued to make it difficult for Oldrin to go to Marrybell's side.
The mysterious woman floated down to the battered, frame nearly defunct, Marrybell. Marrybell struggled to get up, but the power of her HLKMF was almost drained. She had 10% and was dropping steadily, like a wound that was bleeding.
"You are an enemy of Zero, Marrybell mel Britannia," the mysterious woman said. She held her palm towards Marrybell. "Forgive me. What I do now isn't personal." She then raised her arm to the sky as powerful magic began to gather.
No! No not that spell! Move! I have to move! Help! Someone help me! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!
"Luna. Delta."
Marrybell started to scream before the pain had even reached, just from hearing those words.
"MARYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"
Oldrin's screams echoed loudly. Her body surged with panic and despair. And all of this was felt by her Lancelot Paladin.
She could see it, the spell tearing Marrybell's body and frame apart, leaving nothing behind other than scrap metal and a shower of blood. She could hear Marrybell's screams, despite being nearly half a kilometer away. She could remember all of her memories with Marrybell, all of the times that they…that they…
No…NO!
Marrybell was Oldrin's best friend, possibly something more. The idea of losing her was something that her heart simply couldn't bear. So, she would defy the fate before her. Despite the harassment of the Gleaming Blade, despite the distance to Marrybell and the near immediate activation of Luna Delta, Oldrin would persevere.
I must…I must…I must…I MUST! I MUST! I MUST! I MUST! I MUST!
Bending over backwards and with a flash of light, Oldrin let out a thunderous roar.
"What's…going on?" Kronya wondered, floating back.
Mary… Oldrin thought as she felt her entire body pulsing with power. I will protect you. Armor seemed to appear out of nowhere and then fold over the Lancelot Paladin's shoulders and upper arms, bulking it up and tempering the hard light metal. No matter what…that was the vow I made. No matter the distance, no matter the hurdle. The legs of the Lancelot Paladin extended downward, becoming longer, stronger. I am a Knight of Britannia! The crystal for Marrybell's HLKMF took the shape of a collection of small pyramids. No matter anyone's reasoning, I won't let them take Mary away from me!
Oldrin's screaming grew louder as the Lancelot Paladin's bright red color began to glimmer as if its paint job was emblazoned with numerous tiny rhinestones.
Mary… Oldrin thought amidst her screaming. I'm already giving it my all…
Oldrin's heartbeat began to synchronize with her crest, the pulse of both began to synchronize. As a stage two crest, Oldrin already had a lot of power from her crest.
…But today, she thought as her nervous system, heartbeat and all of her senses began to pulse rapidly into an explosive frenzy, I'll go…EVEN FURTHER BEYOND!
Oldrin felt it then, her entire body suddenly grow calm and tranquil before power exploded out of her and her crest of Ernest began to evolve. Her Major Crest of Ernest had reached its third stage. And with it, it synchronized with the Lancelot Paladin and brought its power to new heights. The helmet changed. Instead of sporting one horn or "plume" in the back, it now had three, one gold and two red. Instead of an array of twelve swords, Oldrin only had four, but they were bigger, thicker, almost like sword missiles. But, most strikingly of all, were the eyes. The emblem of the Crest of Ernest was etched into both and Oldrin now had a shield with a sword sheathed into it attached to her left arm.
No longer the Lancelot Paladin, this…was the Lancelot Avalon.
With her crest pulsing over her heart, not only did Oldrin have her crest over the eyes of her frame, but also over her organic eyes themselves. This was the true power of a major, third stage crest.
Before Kronya had even realized what was happening, Oldrin drew her sword and swept past the Gleaming Blade. In the next instant, a series of cuts surrounded Kronya and exploded her frame into dust, leaving the woman herself bruised and bleeding on the ground, but very much alive.
Oldrin didn't have time to double tap. Marrybell needed her.
Mary…I'm coming! Don't… "DON'T DIE!"
It all happened in a split second. The mysterious woman, C.C., raised her arm to cast Luna Delta, Oldrin transformed and then, in the next instant, Oldrin was behind C.C. and she was missing a hand, the very hand she needed to cast the spell.
Oldrin turned on a dime, taking a second sword she had on reserve and began slicing away at C.C, cutting her from shoulder to waist, spilling her blood.
Upon being struck, C.C. found that she couldn't move a muscle. The Crest of Ernest's power was its power to stop foes in their tracks, the power of the Thorn Dragon. No, not stop them in their tracks, as an off-shoot of the Goddess's power itself, any cut inflicted by a full power Crest of Ernest, would find their foe briefly frozen in time.
"I won't let you hurt Mary!" Oldrin shouted.
For the first time in her long life, C.C. actually contemplated her own mortality. Her regeneration was halted by Oldrin's strikes. She could barely feel the pain as the wounds opened. Yet, rather than beg for her life or even scream, she simply closed her eyes. If this was how it all came to an end, so be it.
Oldrin sliced C.C. apart, separating limbs and head from the torso. Her crest pulsed in her eyes.
Mary…Mary…Mary…
C.C was tossed about like a kite caught in a windstorm until her whole body crumpled to the ground in bloody chunks.
At this, Oldrin, exhausted, released her HLKMF and her crest's power.
"Oldrin!" Marrybell called out and caught her in her own exhausted body as she fell.
She gazed over at the half a head that was sliced side down and spilling blood onto the grass and cobblestones. She was shocked by what she saw. Isn't that…the woman that Lelouch saved? Why was a refugee here? But…more importantly, someone Lelouch had saved…had been a terrorist? But…no. Something about this felt wrong. Why was…what was…?
Marrybell didn't have time to dwell on it. Duscur forces were approaching and she and Oldrin were not able to keep fighting. Fortunately, the kingdom army burst onto the scene, driving the Duscur forces back, slaughtering them. This was the main force, the one that went beyond Viscount Kleiman's personal guard. Without her or Oldrin to direct the army…the Duscur people…would surely be slaughtered.
"Mary…" Oldrin said, exhausted, gazing up at her. "I'm sorry…I couldn't…finish the mission. But I…but I…"
Marrybell interlinked fingers with Oldrin and put her forehead to hers. "You did what you thought was right, Oldrin," Marrybell told her. "Thank you."
Kallen and Ayano both saw the Kingdom Army bursting onto the battlefield as the Duscur forces were driven back. From her vantage point, Ayano could also see Zero's force being cut off from everyone else.
"No…Zero…ZERO!" She made haste towards Zero's location, only to be cut off by Kallen. "Let me pass! I have to save Zero! He means everything to us!"
"And if you go out there, you'll die! I'll save Zero!" Kallen shouted.
"But…" Ayano protested.
"It's okay," Kallen said kindly. "I don't want Zero to die either. He…he gives the world hope."
At this, Ayano backed off from Kallen. Her guard was still up, but the sincerity in Kallen's voice lowered her aggression levels.
"I'm half-Japanese," Kallen told her. "I want what's best for the world, but…I have to do what I have to do as a member of the Green Pheasants today."
"You don't have to walk a different path," Ayano told her. "You can come with us."
"I…" Kallen actually considered this.
"Kallen! Where are you? We've almost completed our objective!" Ohgi radioed.
Kallen didn't immediately answer.
"Kallen? Kallen, respond!"
Ayano extended an unequipped hand of her HLKMF, offering Kallen the opportunity to join.
But Kallen hesitated and turned her back. "I'm on my way to assist Dimitri, Ohgi. He looks like he could use the help."
Ayano nodded. She'd tried her best, but she believed that Kallen understood. Perhaps not today, but perhaps another day, the red knightmare pilot would follow her truest desires.
By now, the smoke was starting to clear where Dimitri and Zero had clashed. Dimitri looked around, wondering where Zero would strike from…only to find several metal stakes in the ground, at different distances and angles, with a shoddy copy of Zero's helmet attached. Blinking lights resembling the color of charging dark magic were attached to the stakes.
And it was at this moment, Dimitri realized he'd been played. If Zero wasn't here, then where was…?
"Can everyone hear me?" A voice came over the comms.
"Viscount Kleiman," Dimitri responded. "Yes, of course we hear you."
"All forces, stand down immediately. I, Viscount Kleiman, do hereby relinquish all of my territory formerly held by the Duscur people."
What?! Dimitri exclaimed internally.
"That's impossible," Marrybell commented.
"Can everyone hear me?"
Dimitri and Marrybell's blood ran cold.
"Zero…" Dimitri spoke aloud.
"While you all were locked in combat and fighting a meaningless war, I managed to have a fantastic chat with Viscount Kleiman and he and I have come to an understanding."
While the members of the battlefield were only hearing this in their ears, Zero was broadcasting this to multiple channels via the aid brought to him by Diethard Ried.
"People of the world, today I have given partial liberty to the Duscur people! Today, we reclaim land forcefully taken by the Faerghusian people! Today, I aid the men, women and children persecuted for regicide they never committed!"
"Of all the blasted insanity!" Dimitri snarled and brought his frame's fist down onto a nearby tank, smashing part of it.
"No man may be denied his home, and no family denied their memories! Today, after four years of oppression, the Duscur people have been given back what was stolen from them! Perhaps not all of it, but enough to show that my words are not wind! I can make miracles! I can shape the world!"
"Zero…" Marrybell hissed.
Kallen stopped in her tracks. There was no need to save Zero. He'd already saved himself. She smiled. He was…quite the amazing man. She had to find where he called home. She wanted now, nothing more, than to fight at his side.
This could not stand though, in Dimitri's eyes. Viscount Kleiman hated the Duscur people. He wouldn't willingly relinquish his land back to them. He had to speak with the Viscount. And, as prince, he could easily get that chance.
As the battlefield became bereft of soldiers, C.C's body slowly pulled itself together and the woman was able to stand up on her own two feet before nightfall.
That was easily in the top five worst recoveries I've ever had to undergo, she thought, as her right arm, twisted out of its socket due to a poorly angled regeneration very violently, restructured itself back into place.
Because of the contract between her and Lelouch, she knew exactly where he was and floated towards him, finding him, in his Zero uniform, helping construct a Duscur encampment, with bright lights helping visibility under the moonlit sky.
"Oh, there you are," Lelouch stated. "I was wondering what happened to you."
"Apologies," C.C. responded. "Oldrin Zevon's crest evolved to its third stage and left me in a bit of a state. I fear my face may have been seen while I was lying in bloodied pieces. You may want to Geass her and Marrybell later."
"No. No need, not until the next operation you're a part of that they are. However, if I fall under investigation for rescuing you, we'll see," Zero told her.
"Pragmatic," she responded. "Typical of you." She looked around, seeing the construction going on. "What happens now?"
"Now the Duscur people rebuild. Yuri is getting in touch with the Savage Mockingbird to send some contractors to help with how scorched this landscape has become from their persecution," Zero stated.
"This won't hold," C.C. criticized.
"It will," Zero stated. "My Geass on Viscount Kleiman was very thorough. Prince Dimitri is also too soft to take back what was ultimate the Viscount's decision to give. I may not have earned his support, but I have definitely triumphed today."
"Shouldn't we be heading back so you're not late for class tomorrow?" C.C. asked.
"With this," Zero said, holding up a crystal of some kind. "I'll be fine."
"What's that?" C.C. asked.
"It's a warp crystal, an Agarthan specialty. I bargained with Thales to let me have one by sending Kronya to fetch one. They're rare, but with this, I can teleport anywhere in the world in an instant. It has a limited amount of uses, but in order to facilitate the Fall of Rome, Thales can't currently lose me as an ally."
"And when do you plan to turn on him?" C.C. asked.
"When the time is right," Zero responded, "And not before."
Dimitri had already radioed to Professor Hanneman that he and Dedue would be absent tomorrow due to what had occurred here in western Faerghus. Dimitri was presently waiting to speak with Viscount Kleiman after helping tend to the soldiers that had fought in the battle, helping to see them all off what was now Duscur land once again.
Viscount Kleiman's personal aide finally allowed Dimitri and Dimitri alone to speak with him.
"He's had a bit of a rough day," the aide said. "I'm sorry, but if it were not you making the request, your highness, I would have turned you away at the door."
"I understand, but that doesn't instill me with confidence," Dimitri said and stepped forward to head in, only for the aide to grab his shoulder.
"I know exactly what you're thinking and I don't think the Viscount seems much like himself right now either. Something about all of this doesn't feel right," the aide stated.
"While we're on the subject, how did Zero break in?"
"That's the darndest thing," the aide responded. "There are no signs of a break in, or even a fight. It's as if he waltzed straight past all of the guards and staff without even being noticed, as if he were invisible or something."
Dimitri groaned. This grew to be more and more of a headache by the moment. He shook his head and stepped into Viscount Kleiman's personal chambers.
"Ah, Prince Dimitri, good evening to you, your highness," the tall, young man of 27 said, bowing.
"Well met, Viscount," Dimitri said with a friendly disposition. "I've come here to ask, what made you suddenly decide to aid the Duscur people. You've always hated them for what they did with a burning passion."
"Zero was extremely persuasive," Viscount Kleiman stated. "I hated giving up my land, sure, but I understood that spilling blood needlessly would not have been for the good of the Kingdom."
"Viscount, you were the one who called us to aid," Dimitri stated.
"Like I said, Zero was extremely persuasive. I'd almost call him charismatic," Viscount Kleiman answered, seemingly honestly.
"Viscount, did Zero…do anything to you?" Dimitri asked. "People that have encountered Zero have stated they have suffered strange bouts of memory loss."
"Hmm? No, nothing of the sort. Zero and I chatted awhile. He had a treaty he wanted me to sign to help the Duscur people. Of course I fought back fervently with my words as much as I could, but Zero's argument was sound. If the Duscur people were not responsible for his majesty's death, then my anger towards them would be all for naught, the Goddess would never forgive me."
He really is a changed man, Dimitri thought. This is…bizarre. It was a good thing for certain, but bizarre nonetheless.
"I know I've caused a bit of trouble over all of this," the Viscount added. "But…if there was a power lurking in the shadows that caused Duscur people to be framed, then you have my full support in punishing them over the people that never did anything to deserve it. I know how much you purport that the Duscur people never did anything wrong. Consider me on your sign, your highness."
Dimitri did not like this. He did not like this one bit. On the one hand, everything had worked out…perfectly, but on the other…it had worked out too perfectly. Everything that Dimitri wanted to happen…happened. The Duscurians had their land back, and Viscount Kleiman was now their biggest supporter. Zero's word…had been good.
That was what pissed him off the most about all of this. The terrorist had managed to validate his own existence. He'd succeeded in helping the Duscur people through violence and deception. Surrendering to the facts of the matter, and feeling defeated, Dimitri let out a tired, "I thank you for your time, Viscount," and left not only the man's personal chambers, but his castle entirely.
Upon exiting out onto the public street, Dedue, Marrybell and Oldrin were all waiting for him.
"Well, what happened?" Marrybell asked.
"It's…as I feared. I do believe Zero did something to the Viscount to completely change his personality," Dimitri said.
"Is it necessary to believe that Zero did something?" Oldrin asked. "Could he not just have persuaded the Viscount while using the Duscur people's attack as a deception?"
"While that would be ideal, Lady Zevon," Dedue stated, "If his highness suspects foul play, I do believe it's best we take him at his word."
"Indeed, Viscount Kleiman has always been the stubborn sort. He wouldn't so easily cede his land, even if convinced of the Duscur people's innocence," Dimitri stated with frustrated sigh.
"Is there not anything we can do?" Marrybell asked.
"Gut feelings don't change legislation or public perception," Dimitri stated. "By now, Zero's broadcast has been seen by too many. Any attempt to make drastic changes would have to come from territory outside Kleiman territory. Unfortunately, Gaspard territory is defunct with a temporary vizier, and Dominic territory is far too sympathetic to the Duscur people."
"We should let Felix know," Oldrin said. "Lord Rodrigue needs to hear about this."
"I concur," Dimitri agreed. He exhaled harshly. "This is going to have massive ramifications on the political climate. If only we'd seen this coming."
"We focused too much on what was right in front of us, and not enough on Zero's true objective," Marrybell said. "Such deception…I'm reminded of Lelouch in a way, Claude too even."
"This does seem like a scheme either of them would cook up, yes. But, neither of them seem like the type to be this shrewd," Dimitri commented.
"Mhm," Marrybell replied. Part of her didn't sound convinced.
"There's always another option," Oldrin stated.
"There is?" Marrybell asked, picking her head up.
"Well, out with it," Dimitri requested earnestly.
"The Savage Mockingbird," Oldrin replied with a serious expression.
"The Savage Mockingbird?" Dimitri questioned. "I've not heard of them."
"Oz, that's just a legend," Marrybell stated. "A really sick one at that."
Oldrin shook her head. "They popped up six years ago, about a year before my mother was slain. I remember she would tell me about them, how they popped up seemingly overnight."
"Your mother…she was a knight of the round, wasn't she?" Dimitri questioned.
Oldrin nodded. "Good memory. Olivia Zevon, former Knight of Three. But, she was also the head of Britannia's largest black ops organization. So, she was well-versed in the criminal underground. The Savage Mockingbird is real, Mary. I know you don't want to believe that, but…"
"What is The Savage Mockingbird if you don't mind me asking?" Dimitri asked.
"They're the largest criminal underground mob boss in all the world," Oldrin stated. "They seemed to pop up overnight, starting with the Kingdom, and making their feelers into Britannia and Adrestia. Only the Leicester Alliance has not had dealings with them."
"A mob boss? They're the head of the criminal underground?" Dimitri questioned.
Oldrin nodded. "Nobody knows anything about them, not their age, gender, or even the slightest idea of what they look like. However, six years ago too many smaller underground thief groups became organized under a single banner. Organized crime surged, but nothing ever stuck. Public assassinations, additional smugglings, even racketeering and small business shakedowns."
"They're the worst sort of terrorist," Marrybell fumed. "All of their crimes are done out in the open, but all we can ever manage to do is arrest or detain their smaller time lackeys, if that."
"Most of their crimes can't be proven. They're extremely cautious and dangerous. My mother sent three of her best operatives after the Savage Mockingbird to try and capture them or learn any intel. None of them came back alive. Only a letter came back in the mail, along with a finger with the bone sticking out of it. There was a note that came with it "The Savage Mockingbird sends his regards.""
"Quite the morbid fellow," Dedue commented, looking shocked.
"Six years ago, was it?" Dimitri mused.
"I know what you're thinking and yes, it's possible. The Savage Mockingbird could have had a hand or even been the very assassin we seek in the Tragedy of Duscur," Oldrin stated, looking and sounding greatly concerned.
"Zero…The Flame Emperor…now the Savage Mockingbird…too many infamous figures with too little information to discern their identities," Dimitri stated, agitated.
"We'll figure it out," Marrybell said reassuringly. "It's unfortunate, but change for the better takes time."
"It does indeed, which is why I greatly dislike Zero just…coming in here and making a mess of things!" Dimitri exclaimed.
Oldrin suddenly appeared to be thinking about something deeply.
"What's on your mind, Lady Zevon?" Dedue asked.
"I was just thinking…how ironic it is that…change for the better is slow, yet tragedy strikes in an instant, and changes things for the worst all at once," Oldrin pointed out. "I wonder why that is. It seems terribly unfair."
"Change can sometimes happen for the best in an instant," Dimitri refuted. "What about the lottery?"
"That's good for one person, not the greater good," Oldrin pointed out.
"Ah, so that's what you meant," Dimitri conceded. After some silence, he then asked, "What should we do now?"
"We return to Rome tomorrow and carry on with the consequences," Marrybell suggested firmly. "Zero may have won this battle, but he won't win the war."
"I agree with that sentiment, and I do believe that may actually be the best course of action," Dimitri agreed.
"Then why ask?" Marrybell inquired.
"Look, I'm not the smartest man in the world. There are tactics and decisions I often greatly overlook as simple solutions to complex problems. I…simply wanted to believe…we had better options," Dimitri said, looking greatly upset.
"Prince Dimitri," Marrybell said, sharing his pitiable look.
"Hey, if you're going to have a pity party, invite the rest of us," Oldrin quipped, trying her best to keep the cheer in the air. She then looked more serious and focused. "This whole situation sucks, but like Mary said, we just have to move forward. We're the good guys here, not Zero."
"Agreed," Dimitri agreed with a nod. "Thank you, Oz."
Oldrin smiled. "Just doing my job."
"We should get some rest. The air is starting to chill," Dedue suggested. "A good sleep around a warm fire will help our weary bodies."
"Agreed," Dimitri nodded. "Let's turn in for the evening. Tomorrow will be a better day."
In agreement with the sentiment, the quartet found a quiet place to rest and would return to Rome tomorrow.
25th Day of the Horsebow Moon
It was late in the afternoon when Catherine found Shamir at the training yard, taking shots at customized targets designed to look like various insects. Shamir wasn't just shooting the targets with rifles, but also using energy knives as well. She hadn't missed yet, Catherine noticed, from surveying the area.
"Hey, partner. Missed you yesterday," Catherine said, approaching from behind.
"I had business to attend to," Shamir told her. "It was more important than being available than going out for drinks."
Ka-ploooooo
Shamir fired her rifle, scoring another bullseye. She then reloaded and prepared her next shot.
"You've been disappearing a lot lately," Catherine said to her. "It…feels like you're changing as a person."
"I'm the same person I've been since we met four years ago, Catherine. You're imagining things," Shamir stated.
She fired her rifle, scoring another bullseye.
Catherine, however, didn't look convinced. If anything, she looked terribly worried. "Hey, Shamir," she said. "If…if Zero asked you to do a job for him, would you do it?"
Shamir lowered her rifle and turned around. She met Catherine's worried gaze. "Where's this coming from?" If Catherine had an inclination that she was working with Zero, Shamir knew her goose was cooked, possibly Zero's as well.
"I just…I keep getting this nagging feeling in the back of my mind when you disappear, that you're going off and selling secrets about Lady Rhea to Zero. That…one morning I'm going to wake up and find Lady Rhea dead in her own bed, with a bullet from your rifle lodged in her throat."
Shamir snorted. "You have an active imagination there, Catherine." She gave Catherine a serious stare. "I owe Lady Rhea a great debt. Zero couldn't pay me enough to kill her."
"So, the line is drawn at killing Lady Rhea then?" Catherine asked.
Serious stares were now being exchanged. Catherine's was caused by her worries turning into suspicions and concerns, and Shamir's caused by being defensively professional.
"Shamir…don't tell me you…actually believe in Zero," Catherine said.
"Let's say for the sake of argument that I was. Is that a crime? I was under the impression the church allowed free speech," Shamir responded, keeping up her serious stare.
"Shamir, he aided Lonato's rebellion and he attacked the Holy Mausoleum."
"And more recently rescued Flayn, and helped the people of Duscur, what's your point?" Shamir asked.
"Doing good deeds doesn't make your crimes go away," Catherine said, face slowly contorting into rage.
"If he were getting paid by some kind of benefactor, he's just a merc doing a job at that point. We wouldn't be able to prosecute him under terrorist laws," Shamir stated.
"You have changed. If I'd talked to you about this a moon ago, you would have been suggesting ways to try and catch him, yet here you are defending him," Catherine responded.
"I don't ever recall having the highest morals, Catherine. Don't let your blind devotion keep you from hearing the truth on the matter. I agree that he may have committed crimes, but I'm not going to stand around and act like he hasn't also done some good for the world," Shamir said with a smirk.
"Unbelievable," Catherine hissed. "You're…you do actually support him."
"Nobody got hurt at the Holy Mausoleum and he was thwarted. You were at his debut for Lonato's rebellion. Even your report pointed out he only destroyed supplies and the only people killed were killed by your knights and Lonato's soldiers."
"And if he wasn't there, maybe Ashe wouldn't have had to kill Lonato!" Catherine shouted.
"That's not your responsibility!" Shamir shouted, knowing how Catherine felt about the Gaspard family.
"I…I know," Catherine conceded. "And yet…"
"It's not just Rhea you're worried about, you're afraid Zero will expose your dirty laundry to the world, ruining the church and Rhea without having to raise a hand in violence," Shamir pointed out.
"Yeah…I am," Catherine told her. "I've worked so hard to get where I've gotten, done a lot of good for the people…but that doesn't wash away my sins either."
"And what about me? I've killed people just to survive before and after I came to Fodlan, not all of it above board, are you going to arrest me for my assassinations?" Shamir asked.
Catherine didn't immediately respond.
"What's Lady Rhea's stance on Zero, if you don't mind me asking?" Shamir inquired. "I haven't really investigated it all that much."
"Lady Rhea is willing to suspend judgment on Zero for the good that he's done. I was surprised how elated she was that he managed to work out a deal for the Duscur people," Catherine said.
"See? Even Rhea's seeing reason," Shamir said with a smirk.
"She's also aware of Count Gloucester and Prince Dimitri's warnings," Catherine said with an attitude. "He's not our ally, Shamir. Zero is an enemy of the church and we need to act as such."
"Okay, okay, Catherine, no need to go all zealous warrior on me," Shamir responded, holding back a chuckle. She then said much more seriously. "If it makes you feel any better, I've got a lead on Zero as it stands. I don't know if it will lead to his capture, but I need to chase it down, even if I disappear every once and a while. We've been partners for four years," Shamir told her. "I think by now I've more than earned your trust."
Catherine sighed deeply. "All right, fine. Just…promise me one thing."
"What's that?" Shamir asked.
"Don't lose sight of who you are," Catherine pleaded. "You're not a murderer. And you're not a terrorist. You're my best friend, possibly more."
"All right, all right, Catherine," Shamir responded with a smile. "I won't disappear and leave you with a bouquet at the altar."
"Oh come on, I'm spilling my guts here!" Catherine complained. "Take me a little more seriously."
Shamir chuckled. "Sorry, but you're worrying over nothing, honest. No matter what happens, come what may." She smiled. "I'll still be me, no matter what."
Catherine felt reassured of this. "Thank you, Shamir. That means a lot."
26th Day of the Horsebow Moon
It wasn't often that Lelouch had to deal with nonsense early in the morning, even less often that that same nonsense came from Abyss. It was in between morning classes when Lelouch got a text on the phone he used for members of Abyss to contact him as Zero. At first, Lelouch suspected nothing, Yuri contacted him like this all the time to be discreet. However, when he saw the sender was Balthus he rolled his eyes.
"Hey, boss! Need help ASAP! Can't explain more! Low on time!"
Balthus in a panic was a rare occurrence. Clearly, Zero needed to make an appearance during the day. Was it worth it? If Lelouch went missing during the day, not just Byleth, but also Edelgard would get suspicious. He'd need a damn good cover story if he was going to skip class like this.
However, as Lelouch looked across the courtyard, he saw the familiar back of Bernadetta's head.
But maybe I don't need a cover story.
Lelouch made his way into the dining hall and walked into the back storeroom where Bernadetta was gathering ingredients for whatever she was going to cook. To make it seem natural, Lelouch strolled in. "Let's see, do we have any spare gouda back here, I…"
Bernadetta yelped and threw all of her things into the air as they inevitably clattered onto the floor.
Lelouch turned on a light. "Oh. Bernadetta. I didn't realize you were in here," he lied perfectly.
Bernadetta whined for several seconds, looking petrified. "What do you want, Lelouch? Every time I see you, you always act like you're up to something."
"I really just came in here for some gouda," he lied.
"Yeah, right!" Bernadetta shouted, not believing that for a second.
"I really do just need some cheese," Lelouch said, trying to defuse the situation.
Bernadetta sighed, frowning, trying not to escalate things. "It's the back," she groaned. "Now I have to pick all of this up."
"Want some help?" Lelouch asked.
"No, it's fine. I got it," she bemoaned, only to notice Lelouch already kneeling down. She sighed. No reasoning with him, as usual.
Lelouch deliberately reached for the box of rice Bernadetta was about to pick up off the floor. She froze.
"I…um…" she stuttered, gazing into his eyes, blushing. "…Handsome. NO! Wait! That's not what I…"
Lelouch chuckled, charmingly. "It's fine, don't worry about it. I get that compliment a lot. However…" He activated his Geass. "I was hoping you could do me a small favor."
For the first time since she'd become a streamer, Edelgard had invited Byleth to join her. She was still in the process of getting set up.
"So, what's this about?" Byleth asked. "You called it…streaming, but I don't see a water source anywhere."
Edelgard chuckled. "I don't get the terminology either, but it's about gaming. Have you played video games before, Professor?"
"I used to play racing games with Lelouch," she admitted.
"Excellent, so you should already be used to a controller," Edelgard said, shoving one into Byleth's hands.
Byleth just sat there quietly.
Edelgard then went live. "Good morning, chat."
Edelgard!
Woo! She has a girl!
Bisexual Empress!
200% chest! Let's go!
Pretty!
Special guest time!
Her chat was going nuts seeing Byleth.
Edelgard laughed. "Yes, yes, I don't normally ask for guests to join my streams. But, I've mentioned her before, this is my professor at Garreg Mach."
So many comments flooded the chat lying somewhere between the usual ship war or telling Byleth to blink, or saying the inside of her head must sound like elevator music.
"Today, I'll be having the Professor play one of our favorite games. She's never played it before and she knows nothing about it, so we'll see how she does. Sound like fun, chat?"
Unanimous approval flooded the live comments. Gift subs were tossed Edelgard's way from a few people.
She laughed. "Seems they like you."
Byleth waved amicably at the camera, even though she kept up a straight face.
Edelgard was about to load the game until she, out of her dorm room window, saw Bernadetta go running past the fishing pond in terror shouting, "MONSTEEEEEEEER! HEEEEEEEELP! IT'S GONNA EAT MEEEEEEEE!"
Edelgard groaned. "Would you excuse us, chat? One of my classmates is having another panic attack."
Big sisters to the rescue!
Hope she feels better!
It was amazing how agreeable Edelgard's chat could be with each other when they weren't engaged in ship wars or perving on her or Monica. And, of course, not that Byleth or Edelgard saw it, but at least one person perved on Byleth's butt as she left the room.
With Bernadetta running all over the place and under the effects of his Geass, Lelouch knew that before things could resume like normal, two things would have to happen.
One: Bernadetta would have to be calmed down from sheer panic, something Lelouch made extremely specific thanks to his Geass.
Two: Once calmed, someone would have to find her so-called "monster" which Lelouch just so happened to make a cat's shadow cast on the wall of the storeroom's dim lighting.
Byleth and Edelgard both had an obligation to help calm her down. Additionally, when Bernadetta was spooked, she was a typhoon of chaos. Things would get knocked over and broken more than Annette on days she was particularly spaced out. At the bare minimum, hours would pass and classes would be skipped. At best, he already had the plan to help when he returned.
As he entered Abyss, he already had a text from Edelgard. "Bernadetta's complaining about a monster. Help?"
"I stepped out into town until class. Be back later. Info?"
He then put his phone away.
Lelouch, now guised as Zero, was stopped by the Abysskeeper. "Hey, you. I got something to report. That Diethard guy has been shoving a camera in everyone's faces, says it's for a documentary he's trying to create. I don't know how much I like that guy, he's too clean."
"He's part of the media, feel free to ignore him. He's the most interested in me," Zero responded.
"Well, no denying that. Aside from Yuri, you're our shining hero, Mr. Zero. Glad to have you with us this fine late morning," The Abysskeeper said.
Yuri a local hero? That's interesting, Lelouch thought. He paid the Abysskeeper his usual tip and then went looking for Balthus. He found him…not in any of Balthus's usual spots, but, surprisingly, in the main town square.
"There you are. Thought I'd find you gambling or drinking."
"Hey, pal! Come on! I'm a productive member of society during the day," Balthus complained. "By night I'm the Balthus you know and appreciate, but during the day I'm the Generous King of Grappling. But that's not important right now! I need your help!"
"What's the situation?" Zero asked. Balthus not behaving in his normal capacity kept Lelouch from making jokes at the man's expense.
"So, this delivery vehicle came by earlier full of feathers, pillows and bedding. You know, a distributor."
"I know what a distributor is, yes," Zero replied. "Did they short us?"
"No, worse. Way worse," Balthus said. "So, there I am, minding my own business, when Hapi gets the brilliant idea of climbing into storage unit and taking a nap. "I figured she'd just catch some Zs on our new stuff. I turn my back for a few minutes to talk with a lovely lady. Turn back around, next thing I know the driver's taking off through the tunnel but suddenly no Hapi. Pal, I've looked everywhere. No sign of her."
"Okay, so she got a little disoriented and she'll wake up in a strange place. The Neverland can pick her up, or she can take public transit. No harm. No foul. It's not like she has a criminal record," Zero pointed out.
"No, you don't understand," Balthus panicked, sweating. "Abyss doesn't get its supplies from official channels. We gotta go underground and stuff. She's gonna wake up alone in, based on what everyone was telling me, Neo Japanese territory near the Adrestian Embassy."
"Okay…"
"There's a black market over there, Zero."
Ah. Now Balthus's worries made sense. Slave trafficking was illegal, but still very much a thing deep underground. Hapi was just one girl and Adrestia was crawling with shady people that would love to make a quick buck on someone of her appearance and youth.
"We'll take a small unit and a small transport vehicle," Zero rationalized.
"No, better we take the Neverland," Balthus reasoned. "We'll get there faster."
"Good point," Zero had to admit. "Hapi's continued survival is crucial. I'll rally the Black Knights. Let's go save Hapi!"
Because it was the closest to their territories, Kyushu, Neo Japan had the most Adrestian populated industry in Seirosian controlled Japan. Therefore, that's where their embassy sat, roughly midway between Nagasaki and Fukuoka.
On the bridge, Zero stood there with Constance, Yukiya, Balthus, Kronya, Shamir, and Ayano, ready to drop in and kick ass.
"Okay. We'll drop in, we'll find Hapi, we'll try to avoid being seen," Zero instructed. "Is everyone keen on the plan?"
"Simple enough," Yukiya stated.
"Skulking in the dark is what I do best, Zero," Kronya said with a smile.
"Simple job," Shamir nodded.
"Does anyone have any criticisms?" Zero asked. "Speak now or forever hold your peace."
"Yeah, I've got something to say," Yuri said entering the room. "And so does a certain someone."
Yuri stepped aside revealing…Hapi.
Zero whipped his head around. "Balthus!"
"Wait, wait, wait, wait! I can explain!" Balthus exclaimed, panicking.
"B, I can't believe you!" Hapi exclaimed, only to amend her statement. "Wait, yes I can. But that doesn't make me any less angry!"
"Explain O' Lying King of Grappling," Zero said calmly. However, internally, Lelouch was fuming.
"Look, I may be a scoundrel, but I stand by what I did. I really didn't have time to come up with a better plan," Balthus said, scratching the side of his temple.
"Spill it," Shamir said, walking up to him, glaring up at him. "What's really going on?"
"Okay, okay, okay, so…I got a tip-off something really important was being sold on the Black Market and I managed to get the location. This couldn't wait, I swear."
"How good's your intel?" Zero asked.
"If it's what I think it is," Yuri stated, staring at Balthus. "I think for once we can rest assured our friend here has his facts straight."
"Oh you bet your flamboyant haircut I've got my facts straight!" Balthus declared.
"Really? You had to diss the hair?" Yuri questioned.
"Just tell us all what's going on!" Kronya shouted, growing impatient.
"So, how the Black Market works is people show up, pay cash, walk out. Simple. Effective. People really aren't supposed to ask questions. But, every so often, you get these real hoodlum types that like to ransack the place. And it just so happens those hoodlums are about to target anything that isn't nailed down at this particular market."
"Ahhhh, combat. Lemme guess, we gotta slice up these hoodlums, yeah?" Kronya asked, excited for violence.
"Yes and no," Balthus said, nodding his head. "We gotta beat 'em to the punch…cause the Vajra-Mushti ended up being an item going on sale today."
"I'm not familiar with the name," Zero said. Contrary to popular belief, he was not omnipotent.
Shamir, surprisingly, knew the answer. "It's the name of a Hero's Relic, a powerful one. They're a pair of twin gauntlets, Vajra and Mushti, but you can't use them separately. They have to be together."
"And guess who's crest's stone is embedded in it? Yours truly!" Balthus exclaimed. "They used to belong to my mom, you know. Not sure how they ended up on the Black Market."
Zero didn't need to ask any more questions than that, not about Balthus's history, his mother, his crest, he just knew one thing: a hero's relic wielder in his army would be a boon to the might of his military. Even if that hero's relic happened to be best in Balthus's hands, Balthus was among the most physically powerful members of his army. A hero's relic in his hands and sticking the man on the frontlines…
"Balthus, we'll get your mother's priceless artifact back. Time was of the essence, but I must know, why did you lie?"
"Well…I…I didn't think you'd believe the truth, Zero. I thought I'd get laughed at. You know, everyone just sees me as the dumb, hard drinking partier—"
"Because you are," Hapi remarked to him.
"Not helping," Balthus uttered through gritted teeth, and then went back to pouring his heart out. "So, you know…I just…I figured if we were all going on a mission to save a friend, you'd rally the troops, get us all together. I…I wanna do right by my mom, Zero. Vajra-Mushti belongs in my hands."
"I cannot fault a man that wants to do right by his mother, nor a man uncertain of how much trust others hold him in," Zero stated. "Despite my earlier admonishments and aggravations, you made the right call. Black Knights, to arms! Let's get this relic back! Helmswoman Constance, land us as close to the coordinates as possible!"
"Your wish is my command, Zero! We shall claim what is rightfully ours! Headlong into the fray! AHAHAHA!"
A hero's relic for the Black Knights. With Duscur already backing me, having one under my control would only serve to boost the legacy I have built. I don't care how we got here, I only care that we succeed.
With the Neverland Mk. II landed in the clearing of some woods near the market, Constance lowered the exit ramp and the Black Knights proceeded out on foot in full uniform.
"Remember, let's not draw attention to ourselves and get this done quickly. Unless we spot trouble, I am not authorizing the use of HLKMFs!" Zero shouted.
"Copy that," Shamir said, sliding a clip up into a pistol, using the tire of the landing gear for the Neverland as cover.
"Black Knights, divide and conquer! This Hero's Relic shall be ours!"
(A/N: (bubbling noises) Don't mind me, just cooking a stew here. Needs more mushrooms. Er, anyway, y'all ain't ready for what's to come. I know I've said that before, but it's damn true. I just looked at my outline, I know what's coming next. Y'all ain't ready. Brace yourselves. Hopefully the chapter will be finished before I have to go back to work on the 23rd. Until next time though, as always, from all of me, to all of you, let your hearts stay human and your wrath draconic. Ja ne!)