Chapter 12: Prison Break
The next day in Area 11, Diethard and Ben were at the Black Knights mobile base talking with Zero via communications. Mainly about the latest updates on the structure of the Black Knights and the logistics of what they have already done as per Zero's orders.
"Everything's all set." Diethard spoke
"Yes, that's right. The training for the post-refit Guren Mk-II is proceeding on schedule." Ben said as he and Diethard see Kallen testing out the Guren in a training room. "Same goes for Fenrir team's Knightmares as well."
"Kyoto and the Militarized District of India have finally come to terms, so we're just waiting for Rakshata and her team to arrive." Diethard informed. "And the organization's changeover to a cell-based structure is now 92% complete. The members have also been ranked into 14 tiers. As you directed, we've infiltrated all Britannian warehouses."
"Not to mention with the Kanto block, combat personnel have been dispersed to 564 separate locations. 32 uncovered positions; with 11 of them being dummies." Ben added. "So far, 47 members have been apprehended which includes 12 of my informants. But since information is now firewall above class 8 members, the Brits aren't getting anything out of them."
"All right, then." Zero said on the other line. "But even though our captured members can't provide them anything useful to them, we should still get them back."
"I'll have some of my people on that." Ben replied
"And now that we have the unreserved support of the Kyoto group, we're seeing almost no more cases in citizen tipping off the authorities. On that list of Britannian supporters..." Diethard and Ben were shown a picture of Todoh by Inoue. "Yes, it's the group you made arrangements with. And we're still looking for information about Todoh and the Four Holy Swords."
"There is a possibility he was taken into custody by the Britannians. However, I can't be too sure yet until it's confirmed." Ben stated
"In the meantime, continue with the work." Zero responded
"One more thing." Diethard said. "Regarding the Chinese Federation."
"Yes, I'm sending C.C." Zero said. "Besides, there's another matter that needs my attention."
At the Area 11 airport, Lelouch was on the phone and nodded.
"Okay, I got it." Lelouch said as the person on the other line spoke. "Yes, I'm aware. Don't worry about it. I'll be there as soon as I can." he concluded, hanging up the phone and then looked at C.C. "Now then, are you ready?"
C.C. was wearing a blue business suit with glasses and black wig that was tied to a bun. "I am." she replied. "But are you sure you want me to be the messenger?"
"I am." Lelouch said. "Just remember if you look humble, they'll look down on you. That's how it works with the Chinese Federation."
"I don't know about that. But unlike you, I do have some humility." C.C commented
"Good. Now you can put that humility to use." Lelouch replied. "Remember the person we need a connection with is Li Xingke and his group."
"I know." C.C said. "They're the ones who you have your attention on the most."
Lelouch nodded. "And for good reason. How's your passport?"
"Not a bad forgery. I'm all set." C.C said as Lelouch watched her leave and then turned to leave the airport
"After last night..." Lelouch trailed in thought. "Suzaku, I finally understand..."
Then
After the night with Mao, Alice returned to Ashford academy. Unknown to her, Lelouch followed Alice back to Ashford as he noticed something had rattled her. Due to his short conversation with Kirihara on the way back to Ashford, he knew Alice was trouble by what she found out from Mao beforehand. She noticed Lelouch after she opened the door to see Suzaku in a mortified stated, as she glanced over the letter Mao deviously sent to torment him.
"Suzaku..." Alice gasped
"This mean that Mao was right." Lelouch thought
"You mean Prime Minister Kururugi's death wasn't a suicide."
"No, it was a cover up." Kirihara said. "Genbu Kururugi planned to issue a do or die resistance at the Britannian Empire when they invaded Japan. However, it never came to a fruition. The truth of the matter is..." he paused, taking a deep breath before he continued. "Genbu Kururugi was killed by his own son, Suzaku Kururugi."
"Why make that decision?"
"I made the claim that he committed suicide due to the disarray of our government. Without him, surrender was our only option we had."
"I understand, then. It was a necessary secret to keep hidden."
"Well, I suppose the question is what you plan to do with this information?" Kirihara asked
"Suzaku." Alice spoke, kneeling down beside her brother. "Did... did you kill your father?"
"I..." Suzaku trailed, nearly shaking from confessing the sin of patricide he committed on his father
"I see. So, it wasn't just your secret." Lelouch said
"Lelouch..."
"Kirihara. I believe that was his name. He claimed that prime minister Genbu Kururugi killed himself in order to stop those in his cabinet for calling a do or die resistance. The story was a necessary one, for Japan and Britannia."
"Thank you for that."
Now
The next day, Lelouch and Rai were walking together in their school uniforms. Malik and Carlito walked over to them, noticing they were possibly talking about whatever plan they were cooking up lately. Before one of them could ask what they had planned, someone called out.
"Lelouch!" they turned to see Suzaku
"What's up?" he asked
"You know Lelouch, they're gonna hold you back if you don't start coming to class."
"I could say the same about you." Lelouch replied to Suzaku
"I have to work." he explained. "It's just the Black Knights have really been on the move lately."
Malik's ears perked up at what Suzaku said. "I thought you were in engineering."
"We're... shorthanded, so they move me around." Suzaku said, with Malik feeling he was withholding information
"Still, how about dropping by for dinner more often?" Lelouch spoke. "Nunnally misses you. Are you free this evening?"
"Yeah, I could come tonight." Suzaku said. "But are you sure it's okay? I don't want to cause any-" Suzaku is interrupted when Rivalz arrived on his motorcycle and rushed over to Lelouch
"Watch it, geez!" Carlito exclaimed, with Rivalz ignoring him
"Hey, Lelouch!" Rivalz said in panic
"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" Lelouch asked
"Yeah, there's a problem. I hear the president's out doing the blind date thing again!" Rivalz said in an upset tone
"Oh, yeah. Today." Lelouch said in a nonchalant tone
"Today?!" Rivalz had a surprised look as he got in Lelouch's face grabbing his shirt collar. "Why didn't you tell me?!"
"Because of two reasons." Rai replied. "1: you'd cry. And 2: it didn't seem that important, to be honest."
"Boys don't cry!" Rivalz insisted
"And we all know that's not true." Lelouch commented
"It's okay. I didn't know about it, either." Suzaku added
Rivalz turned to Suzaku. "Don't give me your emo routine!"
Suzaku blinked confused. "Emo?"
"I guess compassion is in short supply these days." Lelouch said. "So, anyway, are we on for dinner tonight with Nunnally?"
"Sure. But what about school?!" Suzaku asked
"Don't worry about it,! I'll be right back! I'm just going to tell her about it!" Lelouch called out
Rivalz sighed loudly. "My life is over, and he's worried about dinner?"
"To be fair, you were doomed from the start." Rai commented. "This is nature's way of saying to let it go." he added, leaving with Malik and Carlito
In Lelouch and Nunnally's residence, Nunnally and Alice were in the common room and they were folding paper cranes. Alice had finished hers, putting it with the rest of the cranes and near Nunnally.
"That's another one done."
Nunnally felt it as she showed an impressed look. "This is great, Alice." she said. "You learned quickly during our time here today."
"I'm just glad I got to your level crane folding." Alice said, smiling. "This wasn't exactly easy to do."
"You're getting use to it, so far." Nunnally replied as the two continued folding origami on the table, having a good time
Euphie was being guarded by Darlton and her bodyguards as she walked over the curator of the Imperial Museum of Art.
"We will open Art Week with the dedication of the Clovis Memorial Museum of Art." the curator said. "You, Princess Euphemia, will select the first-place winner from among these submitted works."
Euphie looked at a painting showing a small house in the woods. "Oh, this one is nice!" she said with a smile. "I particularly like this morning."
"It's regrettable that our investigation revealed that the artist happens to be one-quarter Eleven." the museum curator said
Euphie was surprised before she followed with a frown. "Perhaps it shouldn't have been displayed here in the first place, then."
"Well, it is a delicate balance within our public." the curator explained. "Anyway, take a look at this painting right here." Euphie was shown a painting of Charles Zi Britannia with his fist in the air. "It was painted by the son of Marquis Nicolai." he spoke as Euphie frowned after looking at the painting
In the Headquarters of the Black Knights, Ohgi was sitting on a bench as he opened a lunch box filled with food by the amnesiac woman he encountered on the docks
"Octopus hot dogs..." he said, smiling as he looked at food she made for him. "That woman..."
"Excuse me." a voice said standing next to him, as seeing it was Inoue
Ohgi closed the lunch box, embarrassed. "No, these aren't what you think!"
"We have visitors." Inoue spoke. "They have an introduction from Kyoto."
Ohgi was surprised to see that the visitors were the Four Holy Swords. All four members consisting of Shogo Asahina, Nagisa Chiba, Kosetsu Urabe, and Ryoga Senba.
"The Four Holy Swords..." Ohgi paused as he bowed. "It's an honor to-"
"I'll get straight to the point." Senba interjected. "We've come to you today to ask for your help."
"How do you mean?" Ohgi asked
"Lieutenant Colonel Todoh has just been apprehended." Senba stated. "He sacrificed himself so that we could escape."
"Todoh's been captured?"
Lelouch was standing at the staircase of Ashford Academy as he leaned by a window, being currently informed about Todoh.
"I see." Lelouch said. "We'll help them. The Black Knights fight for the cause of justice. There's nothing odd about that."
Rai noticed Lelouch on the phone as he walked by. "Is that..." he trailed, receiving a nodded yes from Lelouch
"We'll use assembly method B-13." Lelouch said. "Take the section Knightmares via course 18, Washington will make sure we'll have what we need. You can have Diethard handle it. Also, alert those who are to rendezvous with us." he hung up the phone, looking out the window with a smirk. "This is good. With this, two chess pieces I've been waiting for will be mine today."
"What was that call about?" Rai asked
"Ohgi has told me the Four Holy Swords request the help of the Black Knights to liberate Todoh." Lelouch stated
Rai blinked. "Wait, Todoh got captured?"
"One of the Knights of the Round caught him. He became a distraction while his people escaped."
"Which means one thing... the Britannian military will plan his execution." Rai spoke, hand on his chin. "They might even find an executioner, so they'll be able to get it out of the way."
"Today, Kyoshiro Todoh will be executed." Guilford informed Cornelia at the Area 11 Knightmare train station
"I won't be present for that now that the Japan Liberation Front is defunct." Cornelia said
Guilford nodded. "Right."
"No, wait." Cornelia said, turning to face Guilford with a smile. "Let him handle the execution."
"And by him..." Cornelia and Guilford turned to see Nonette. "You mean you know who."
"Seems fitting to say the least." Cornelia replied. "I take it you wish to accompany me, Nonette?"
"Or if you prefer, I stay here with Euphie?" she coyly queried
Cornelia scoffed out a smile, turning to Nonette. "That would be preferable for you and the rest of the knights to stay here."
"Viceroy!" Euphie called out, approaching them
"Sorry to summon you like this." Cornelia said. "How's everything at the museum?"
"The dedication is later on." Euphemia informed. "Of greater importance though, the NAC reported there was unrest in Ishikawa."
"Probably backed by the EU or the Chinese Federation." Cornelia said. "And there have also been sightings of the Gun Ru units. Still, it's our chance to bring Hokuriku under control. I'll leave Darlton here while I'm gone. If anything happens, consult him." Cornelia took a folder that Guilford handed her. "Also, concerning what we spoke of earlier..."
Cornelia then gave Euphemia the folder as she opened it, and was taken aback.
"Is this..."
"You may choose any of them to be your knight." Cornelia said. "They're all excellent soldiers with respectable families."
Euphemia looked at the profiled pictures of military soldiers. Euphie looked at the pages with a sad expression, as Nonette seem to notice the look on her face.
"Euphie?" said person snapped out of thought as she glanced at Nonette. "Something on your mind?"
It's nothing, Nonette."
Later on, at the Imperial Museum of Art, a press conference was being held there as Euphie was standing behind a podium. Microphones were present as the press were also there, with Clara and Darlton standing by her right while the museum curator was to the left.
"Sub-Viceroy, is it true no Eleven companies were used in the construction of this museum?" one reporter asked
"W-Well, with a regard to that question, I-" Euphie said nervously as Clara walked by her
"We're looking into it right now, so we have no answer at this time." Darlton said, answering for her as Euphie glanced at him who nodded discreetly in return
"Idiot! Why bother asking Princess Euphemia about politics?"
"Keriman from Interstate." another reporter spoke standing up from his seat. "Your Highness, there have been rumors lately that you've chosen a knight."
Clara took a step forward. "Ladies and gentlemen, I ask you to keep your questions to a minimum."
"Lady Lanfranc, how long are you and the Knights of Two, Five, and Nine in Area 11?" one reported asked
"Has there been any progress in the pursuit of Zero and the Black Knights?" another asked as more questions were being asked by the press
"I should've went to the prison with the others." Clara whispered, annoyed
Under the freeways of the Tokyo settlement, the Black Knights mobile base was parked, and members were making preparations as they were getting ready to commence the operation. Minami, Yoshida, and Tamaki were working on Kallen's Guren Mk-II, while Harkov and some engineers were working on the Archangel, Yasuke, Valkyrie, and Lobo. The Four Holy Swords looked on as they watched the Black Knights continue with their preparations for the task ahead.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to throw ourselves in with the Black Knights?" Asahina asked
"Can you think of any other way to rescue Colonel Todoh?" Chiba spoke. "This is our only option."
"That's also what Kyoto said." Urabe replied. "That and they've lend us the new models."
"We're not ethnocentric, but after all, you already know that." Chiba responded
"We can worry about the details later after we've rescued the Colonel." Senba said
Asahina nodded. "I understand. But not matter where Todoh may be, it's the place I belong." he said proudly
Meanwhile, Ben was eyeing the work on the Guren.
"Look, just stuff 'em in and close the lid for crying out loud!" Tamaki said, impatient. "It's almost time to move out!"
"Take your time and treat it with the utmost care!" said a female voice, demanding
Ben along with Yoshida, Minami, and Tamaki looked over and they saw a dark skin woman with blonde hair wearing a lab coat. He also noticed her holding a small smoking pipe with two men who were with her that also wore the same lab coat attire, with one of them having a case in hand.
"It was far more fragile than any of you when I gave birth to it!" she said
"Huh?! Who the hell are you?!"
"That..." all three turned to Ben who smiled at the woman. "Is the woman responsible for creating the Guren, along with the Yasuke. Gentlemen, this is Rakshata Chawla and her team."
"Whoa, seriously?" Tamaki asked surprised
"That's right, I am the Guren's mother!" Rakshata replied, before looking at the Yasuke. "At least that old man and his crew of engineer have more respect for my first child."
"You have arrived on time." Zero said as he approached Rakshata
Rakshata smiled. "Well, this is the first time I get to meet Zero himself."
"The pleasure is all mine, Rakshata. I read a lot about you on the net." Zero said, shaking her hand
"About me?"
"The articles relating to medical cybernetics."
Rakshata sighed humorously. "I hate talking about the past." her gaze then turned to Ben Washington. "And who might you be? The handsome man you are." she complimented
"I get that a lot. Ben Washington of Australia." he introduced as he shook her head. "CEO of Ironwood incorporated, and a pleasure to finally meet you." he said, kissing her hand
"Flatterer." she glanced at Harkov and the team of engineers. "I must also thank you for retrieving my first born creation."
"You're quite welcome." Ben replied. "I wouldn't mind the two of us getting to know each other more..."
"Washington." Zero interjected
"Of course. Another time." Washington said, getting back to the task
Rakshata brought out a set of keys. "Anyway, here." she opened the case to show Knightmare suits. "A souvenir from Kyoto."
Kallen arrived, wearing a red Knightmare pilot suit with the Black Knights symbols and scanned on what she currently wore.
"Excuse me." she said. "Is this really going to improve the interfacing system?"
"Otherwise," Kallen turned to see Fenrir wearing Knightmare pilot suit similar to their color schemes. "I say we look ridiculous wearing these."
"No, of course not." Rakshata answered
"Huh?!" Kallen replied in a surprised tone
"It's going to improve your life expectancy." she said
In one of the holding cells in the Britannian prison, Todoh is in a white straight jacket kneeling on his knees with his eyes closed while awaiting his fate. Footsteps were heard but Todoh kept his eyes closed as a guard holding a rifle came by and stood in front of Todoh's cell with a smile.
"I just heard they changed your executioner." the guard said. "It's going to be Warrant Officer Suzaku Kururugi. You ought to be glad it's someone you know."
Todoh opened his eyes, thinking about Suzaku and the choices he had made. Meanwhile, in one of lounges. Lloyd just finished signing a document regarding the change of executioner and placed the pen down. However, another document placed in front of him as Lloyd was surprised and annoyed.
"What? You mean my signature again?" he asked
"Even though Princess Cornelia ordered this, there are still formalities to be followed." the warden explained as Cecile looked at Suzaku, who had an expression of horror. "A change of executioner is the most exceptional circumstances."
Suzaku couldn't believe that he would be the one to execute his former martial artist teacher as he was reminiscent of the past with the times he was in the dojo, training under Todoh. Suddenly an explosion occurred which got Suzaku out of his thoughts.
"What was that?!" the warden asked
"What happened?!"
They looked out the window to see what was going on, with Lloyd looking rather relieved
"Now, we're free of this hellish paperwork." he said pleased as John Giovanni, the Knight of Two arrived
"Lloyd, I have need of your pilot." he spoke, in a calm but urgent tone
"By all means." Lloyd replied, turning to Suzaku. "Go on, then."
At the exterior area of the prison, Sutherland units responded and appeared in order to contain the attack. However, shots were fired and Sutherlands were shot down one-by-one. Four Gekka Knightmare units appeared and they were being piloted by the Four Holy Swords. The Sutherland start firing at the Gekkas but the Gekkas dodged the shots and cut down the Sutherlands with ease. They were followed up by shooting another group of Sutherlands. They shot at another group of Sutherlands with their left arm mounted custom handguns. After shooting down the second group, they continued to move in with their next objective. The Four Holy Swords were determined and saying to themselves that they were going to rescue their commander. Two Sutherlands fired at them with rifles at the Gekkas piloted by Asahina and Urabe were able to move quickly and dodged their shots, countering them by cutting them down as Asahina used his Katen Yaibato. The two Sutherlands exploded, as Asahina looked back and was impressed with the result.
"These Gekkas are incredible!" Asahina said. "They're way superior to the Burais."
"You got that right!" Urabe said, impressed as his radars picked up three enemy units coming their way. "Looks like we're about to have more company on the way."
The guard pointed his handgun at Todoh, back in the prison cells.
"My superiors have just ordered that you be unofficially executed before you're liberated out of here." the guard said. "Any last words to say?" the door slid open for the guard to have a clear shot
"It's a life I gave up once before." Todoh said. "It's worth nothing."
"In that case, I'll claim your life for myself!" Zero declared
Todoh and the guard were shocked when the wall behind Todoh broke, crushing the guard in the heavy debris as he screamed. Appearing before Todoh was a Burai, Guren Mk-II, and Valkyrie as Zero came out of the the cockpit of his Burai.
"Zero." Todoh said
"Kyoshiro Todoh." Zero said. "The only Japanese who, seven years ago, brought the mighty Britannian forces to their knees in defeat."
"You mean Itsukushima?" Todoh queried. "You want me to perform a miracle for you as well?"
"That was no miracle." Zero rebuked. "It ended in victory because it was based on excellent intelligence work. That's why I want you."
"I pledged my loyalty to General Katase." Todoh replied. "Now that he is die, I wish to die too."
"Don't be a coward!" Zero strongly rebuked
"What?!"
"You must take responsibility!" Zero said. "Responsibility for the miracle that you made!"
Todoh was surprised by the things Zero had spoken as Valkyrie stepped out of her cockpit, and stared at him
"Todoh, this war is not over." she said. "You are still needed. The Four Holy Swords needs you! Japan need you!"
"The Area 11 resistance movements are more intense than any other Area because Japan surrounded before exhausting all of its military strength." Zero explained. "You failed to continue the great hope known as the miracle of Itsukushima!"
"You're saying it's my fault?" Todoh asked
"Yes. People grasp at illusions because they're desperate for miracles." Zero replied. "Why else has there been such rampant use of Refrain? You must endeavor! To the bitter end beyond all that's decent, and then you can die! Till the name of Todoh the Miracle worker has grown ragged and staggered!"
"You're telling me that the Japanese people can't accept defeat until then?"
"Until now, they had to accept it." Zero explained. "However, now that we're here there's hope because we can likely turn their dreams into reality."
Valkyrie extended her hand. "Will you do it, Todoh? Will you make the people of Japan's dreams into reality?"
Outside the Britannian prison, the four Gekkas piloted by the Four Holy Swords continued the battle as more Sutherlands had arrived. Two Gekkas shot their arm mounted handguns in the air. It was a signal in the form of a huge black truck broke through the wall with Zero's Burai, Valkyrie, and the Guren accompanying the truck. The truck was parked and the back of the truck opened revealing a black customized Knightmare frame of the Gekka model, but more advanced. The Burai came and stopped in front of black KMF and turned its back on it, with the cockpit opening up to reveal Todoh as he appeared out. The Four Holy Swords piloted their Knightmares to stop near Todoh and opened their cockpit, pleased to see their leader has been liberated before them.
"Colonel!" Chiba happily said
"Welcome back, Colonel Todoh." Asahina said
"Thank you." Todoh said. "You've all worked so hard for this."
"No effort at all, sir." Senba replied
Todoh nodded before entering the black KMF as the cockpit slid closed.
"Cooperate with Zero! Eliminate the remaining forces here!" Todoh ordered
"Roger!" the Four Holy Swords said in unison
In the cockpit of his Burai, Zero was pleased with the results that were happening on this operation so far.
"Our task is complete. Now all that remains is-"
Lelouch was suddenly taken aback when a slash harken was fired at his Knightmare, as the Guren used its fork knife to deflect it. The slash harken retracted and the Lancelot making its way to face them. Behind the Lancelot was the Knightmare Frames of the Knights of Two, Five, and Nine.
"Damn! What are they doing here?!" Kallen asked, glaring
"That cursed White Knight!" Zero scowled. "And he brought the Knights of the Rounds with him as well!"
At the Museum of Art, Euphie was looking at a painting and still examining them one by one as the curator walked toward her.
"Please, Your Highness." the curator whispered. "It's time for you to decide. We can't wait any longer."
"I know... but..." Euphemia whispered back, unsure. "I..."
Suddenly, there was a few rings that alerted everyone. Euphie, the curator, and Darlton's attention as the phones of every reporter quietly answered them. A soldier came by and whispered in Darlton's ears informing him of what's going on.
"Escaped?" Darlton whispered. "And Lady Lafranc is already on her way there, you say?"
Back at the prison, the five Gekkas charged to take on the Lancelot and the Knights of the Rounds present in their KMFs. The fight against the five Gekkas proved a bit troublesome for Suzaku as he was unable to land a single blow. One of them was close until the Knights of Two and Nine came to his aid. Then suddenly, the Yasuke, Archangel, and Lobo KMFs showed up to provide support against the Knights of the Round. The Lancelot Club blocked the attack of his Electro Magnetic Revolving blade using her Blaze Luminous cones.
"They're skilled fighters." Suzaku commented, in regard to the Four Holy Swords following Todoh's leadership
"Focus on your opponent, warrant officer Kururugi." John advised. "You must wait for the opportunity to strike your opponent to present itself. But you must also make sure they do not do the same."
"Yes, My Lord."
Zero was watching the Lancelot's movements on the monitor, along with the Knightmare of the Knights of the Round member present in the fight.
"Zero, do you have any data available on these units?" Todoh asked
"Anything is possibly. However, I want you to do exactly as I say."
"Ah, very well. I'll defer to you on this." Todoh responded
"All units, give him a distance!" Zero ordered
The Lancelot charged toward the Guren with its MVS, swinging it only for the Guren to dodge it by jumping in the air. The Lancelot jumped forward as the Gekkas prepare to surround it, only to dodge incoming grenade explosives from the Guinevere. Lancelot landed on the ground being covered by the Guinevere when the Gekkas tried to get close and surround him. The black Gekka countering the Lancelot Grail's MVS with a revolving katana, crossing weapons against each other as the Lancelot Club batted Asahina's Katen Yaibatou away from the impending attack. The Guinevere moved away from the Guren RWS left hand, keeping her distance from the Guren's grasp. When the Lancelot reacted by jumping backwards, it pointed the VARIS rifle but the Gekka was able to disarm the Lancelot of its VARIS before it could be used. Then out of nowhere, Todoh's KMF with Valkyrie's due to the use of her Geass came from behind the Lancelot as it thrust its sword toward the Lancelot. Suzaku recognize the move that was being done as Todoh cut the top of the pod, leaving the cockpit to be open revealing Suzaku out in the open.
"No way..." Rai said shocked
Alice's eyes widened. "S-Suzaku?!"
"It can't be..." Lelouch said in shock upon this revelation. "This whole time..."
Carlito gasped. "It's been him."
while shocked, Malik regained his composure. "So, it's been him the entire time."
"Suzaku... is that you?!" Todoh said in surprise
"No... It can't believe it!" Kallen said in disbelief
Meanwhile the Museum of Art, the prison break was being shown on display. Reporters in the museum along with the curator, were shocked to see that Suzaku was the pilot of the Lancelot. Mixed reception of the fact that the 7th generation Knightmare was being pilot by an Eleven, especially with the fact that said Eleven was once accused of killing Clovis. The very same one who was rescued by Zero as Darlton stepped forward while Euphemia looked on the monitor.
"That's enough!" Darlton said. "Turn the monitor, now!"
"No, wait! Please!" Euphie pleaded as Darlton was surprised by her response. "I'd like to watch this to the end!"
Back to the prison, everyone is reeling over the revelation of the Lancelot's pilot.
"Suzaku!" said person turned to Todoh. "Where do you stand? With us or with Britannia?"
"I have already chosen my path!"
"Then you must continue down that path!" Todo told him. "Regardless of whether you win or lose, you will achieve nothing unless you're prepared to sacrifice everything! And that goes for countries as well as individuals!"
"Zero, what do we do?"
"We fall back." Yasuke said
"How do you-" Kallen is cut off by Zero
"He's right. Todoh is the objective. Withdraw at once!"
Just at that moment, The Morgana arrived with Britannian reinforcements arrived. Fenrir deployed chaff grenades as smoke burst out, covering their escape. The Britannian reinforcements too late as the Black Knights, Fenrir, and Four Holy Swords along with Todoh fled the scene.
The reporters were watching the events of the prison after the end of the battle, fully witnessing Suzaku's actions.
"Suzaku... well done." Euphie thought to herself
"Damn traitor!" one of the reporters said surprising Euphie. "Why didn't he follow them?!"
"Cuz they're Elevens like him!"
"Of course! Even with the Knights of the Round it was a bit too much for that Eleven to swallow!"
Annoyed by what she was hearing, Euphie gripped the flower she held as she made her decision. "All of you!"
Darlton noticed her annoyed expression. "Princess Euphemia?"
"I will answer the question that was asked earlier. The question to who I select as my knight?" she then pointed to the monitor showing Suzaku. "The knight I have chosen is the young man you see before you. Warrant Officer Suzaku Kururugi!"
Back at the Mobile base of the Black Knights, everyone was relaxing while Fenrir were alone after what transpired at the prison.
"Zero hasn't come out yet?" Ohgi asked
"No, I called him but he wouldn't answer." Kallen said
"And Fenrir team?" Ohgi also asked
"They decided to be alone." Ben informed them. "After what went down in the prison, they requested to not be bothered right now."
"Well, Zero hasn't come out of his knightmare since then." Ohgi replied
Fenrir team sat down elsewhere near their Knightmares, all fours quiet after the event that transpired at the prison. The one thing on their mind was the revelation of Suzaku being the Lancelot pilot. Malik was in deep thought, realizing he should have put two and two together to the tale Suzaku told them. Instead of engineering, he's testing and is the pilot of their next gen Knightmare. Carlito carried a furrowed expression after the revelation, wondering what the rest want to do next. Alice on the other hand was mortified, finding out her brother, her half brother was the enemy they were facing. Vaguely recalling she used her Geass to move Todoh close to dealing the final blow against her brother. She gripped the sleeves of her outfit tightly, looking down gritting her teeth. And lastly, Rai was contemplating what Lelouch was thinking after the revelation they all faced regarding Suzaku. He seemed to have gotten his answer, when he heard Lelouch laughing due to his communicator. Rai knew one thing for sure, things were never going to be the same ever again after this revelation tonight. Not one bit.