Chapter 13: Confrontation
A submarine is driven through, in the ocean as Naomi Inoue acted as a lookout. She kept watched in case of any Britannian patrols or ships in the vicinity. The coast was clear so far, but she remained cautious and vigilant.
"We use to trouble getting any kind of transportation back then, even a single motorcycle. And now here we are, with a submarine." she said as Harkov walked by. "The military district of India will be in a lot of trouble if the Britannians found out. How does she do it?"
"Rakshata is a resourceful woman, my dear." he said. "With her and Washington, anything just might be possible. I believe the meeting is starting right now."
Meanwhile in the meeting hall, the meeting taking place between all members of the Black Knights, Todoh along with his Four Holy Swords, and C.C who was observing. Zero stood in front of everyone standing behind a large screen, facing the other members as Kirihara's face appeared on screen. Fenrir team just arrived with Ben Washington, making his way toward Rakshata as he leaned on a wall in watch of Zero.
"Now then, due to our recent reorganization, a few changes have been made." Zero said as the meeting began. "It's time we assign official positions to everyone, starting with myself as commander of the Black Knights. I trust there's no objections?"
Everyone looked around and nodded in agreement with no objections, as Archangel glanced at Zero. "Go ahead, Zero."
"Our new chief of military affairs will be Kyoshiro Todoh." Zero said, as murmur of agreements were heard with Todoh nodding in approval. "Taking charge of all intelligence, espionage, and public relations will be Diethard Reid."
Everyone turned to face Diethard as disagreements were heard.
"Nobody's taking that one lightly." Lobo whispered to Fenrir who nodded their heads in response
"Huh?! This Britannian pretty boy?!" the voice of Tamaki spoke upset
"Not to mention, his ties to the media." Urabe added
"Zero. I'm not racist but what's your reasoning for placing this Britannian in a sensitive position?" Chiba asked
"You are aware that some of us are not Japanese, are you?" Zero responded. "Let me be clear on one thing: what matters is the ability to produce results. Who you are and where you're from are of little consequence." he added as everyone calmed down at his words while Diethard smiled
"Alright, alright already! Geez..."
"Continue back to the topic, Zero."
Zero pointed to Ohgi. "The deputy commander will be Kaname Ohgi."
Surprised, Ohgi asked. "Me?"
"Do you object?" Zero queried
"No." Ohgi spoke as the former members of Ohgi's group stood around him, pleased
"Well, you were out leader to begin with." Sugiyama said
"A newbie can't take that job, right?" Minami asked
Yasuke walked past Ohgi. "You earned that position."
"Uh... thanks." Ohgi replied, taken aback by Yasuke's response
"For research and development, Rakshata." Zero said
Rakshata smiled. "Who else?"
"Yasuke will appoint a leader for a team specifically for stealth, infiltration, and undercover operations." Zero added
"I'll find the right one."
"With my help, of course." Diethard commented
"Now, for the captains of different forces." Zero spoke. "Captain of Zero squad will be Kallen Kozuki."
"The Zero squad?" Kallen asked
"Think of yourself as our personal force. An elite guard."
Kallen smiled. "An elite guard... Zero."
Zero then switched over to the large screen showing the hierarchy of the Black Knights. Shogo Asahina would be the captain of the First squad. Captain of the Second squad would be Ryoga Senba, while Kizuna Kagesuki would be captain of the Third squad. Chiba and Urabe were captains of the Fourth and Fifth squad, while Sugiyama and Minami were the captains of Sixth and Seventh sqauds. Yoshida and Inoue were captains of the reserve forces, with Washington of Chief of trading affairs. Harkov would lead the chief of engineers responsible for repairs and services to the Knightmare Frame, armored vehicles, and transportation. Yasuke would be commander of First Recon and Valkyrie in charge of the Rangers. Lobo would be in charge of Guerrilla Tactical Response while Archangel led the First Special Forces.
"And lastly, Tamaki was lead the Second Special Forces. That is all." Zero concluded
Tamaki was excited by his position. "I'm the man!" he exclaimed
"Don't let it get to your head, snowflake." Lobo chided. "There's training involved just like everyone else."
"Hey, stop calling me that!"
Kallen was surprised as she looked back to C.C who twirled a strand of her hair while leaning by a wall.
"There's no position for C.C? What does Zero have her for?" she wondered in thought
"Zero, may I add something?" Diethard asked. "There's one issue that still needs to be dealt with. Suzaku Kururugi." just the mention of Suzaku's name made Valkyrie grip her sleeves tightly as Yasuke noticed the tension
Suzaku wore his ceremonial clothing for his knighting ceremony and looked a bit nervous as he stepped. People had gathered for the occasion including Lloyd who was wearing his noble attire along with Darlton and Giovanni. Suzaku started walking down the aisle heading toward Euphemia who was sitting by her throne, with Nonette and Clara present as they were side by side. On the way, Suzaku could hear people talking about him. None of it sounding too pleasant, either. In one of the classrooms of Ashford Academy, students were watching the knighting ceremony and some of them were not happy with what was going on. Two students in particular who encountered Suzaku and Euphemia in Shinjuku were among the students not pleased with Suzaku being made a knight. Nina just sat in her seat and was unhappy with what was going on as she looked down, not saying anything. In the viceroy palace, Suzaku knelt before Euphemia as she stood up from her throne to stand in front of him.
"Suzaku Kururugi." she spoke. "Wilt thou upon this day pledge thy fealty to Britannia and stand as a Knight of the Crown?"
"Yes, your Highness." he responded
"Dost thou wish to abandon thyself and be sword and shield for the sake of the greater good?" Euphemia continued as Suzaku handed the hilt of his sword to Nonette who brought the sheathed sword close to the viceroy
"Yes, your Highness." Suzaku repeated
Euphemia held the hilt as she used the sword to knight Suzaku. "I, Euphemia li Britannia, do hereby dub thee Sir Suzaku Kururugi." she declared
In the ASEEC hangar, members of ASEEC were watching the knight ceremony in one of their rooms with the TV. Mariel watched from behind while she looked at the statistics of the Guinevere, when she received a call from here phone as she smiled to see who it was. Back at the ceremony hall, Euphemia handed Suzaku the sword as he sheathed it. Euphemia waved her hand, signaling Suzaku to stand up and face the crowd. Everyone just looked at Suzaku with displeased expressions. Lloyd suddenly clapped his hands, smiling. Suzaku and Euphemia saw the reactions of the others who saw Lloyd clap, which did not surprise Suzaku since no one wasn't clapping for him whatsoever. However, he and Euphie were surprised when Darlton along with Giovanni, Nonette, and Lafranc started clapping along the way, with a smile. The others simply just gave in and clapped for Suzaku. Cecile and the other members of members of the ASEEC clapped, including Mariel who were happy for Suzaku as they smiled.
Back at the Black Knights mobile base...
"Suzaku Kururugi." Diethard spoke. "He's become a focal point among the Elevens who are Britannian supporters. I recommend he be assassinated."
"Assassinate him?" Zero asked, as both Archangel and Yasuke glanced at Valkyrie who balled her fist
"He may be right." Rakshata said. "You are the focus of the resistance movement. The servile masses lack such a hero."
"People aren't moved by ideology alone. But the Britannians will hold this boy up a symbol." Diethard pointed out. "I think that taking him out would be the smartest decision right now."
"I object." Todoh said. "The Japanese would be revolted by such a cowardly act."
"And the Black Knights aren't in the business of killing the defenseless, either!" Ohgi added, strongly. "What would you prefer us to do? Get him when he's alone and kill him straight out?"
"Calm down" Diethard merely replied. " I'm merely suggesting we minimize our risk in the most efficient way possible. But it's Zero's call, of course."
Zero glanced at Valkyrie, noting her body language. "I will decide what to do with Suzaku Kururugi. Until then, I want no interference of Black Knight involvement without my say so."
Lelouch was in his private room in the mobile base while C.C was lying on the couch.
"What's so complicated?" she spoke. "Just use your Geass on him."
"Drop it." Lelouch said, not looking at her
"So stubborn. Why not use your Geass on Kururugi? Is it because he's your friend or is it pride?"
"All of it." Lelouch replied, clenching his teeth as he faced her
"You might have to kill him, otherwise-"
"No, from the start that was never a possible outcome." Lelouch interjected. "This isn't a delicate matter just for me. This also effects Alice and considering her current state after the revelation..."
At the viceroy palace, Euphie was in her office talking to Cornelia who appeared on the computer screen.
"You haven't said anything about it, yet." she said to her sister
"Appointing a knight is a privilege of royalty." Cornelia said. "It's out of my hands, even as viceroy."
"Don't you see Suzaku Kururugi as an honorary Britannian, and he's proven himself more than worthy of knighthood." Euphie stated. "Sister, even you have to-"
"Viceroy."
"Viceroy, even you must know that he's deserving." Euphie said
"Discrimination against the Numbers is our national policy." Cornelia pointed out, dismissively
"Then it's time that I try to change that!" Euphie said, strongly as Cornelia glared at her response
"Oh, is it now, Sub-Viceroy?" Cornelia responded, annoyed as Euphie glared back not intimidated and not backing down. "Well, when you become Empress, feel free to do so!" she said strongly, before turning off her screen
"That sure escalated quickly." Euphie turned to Nonette walk in the office. "Cornelia's not pleased with your chosen knight, I see." she said, sitting on the desk
Euphie sighed. "She is set in her ways like everyone else."
"That makes sense. Although..." Nonette glanced at her. "I do wonder what made you chose Kururugi in the first place."
"Well, it's..." Euphie trailed off, as it suddenly donned on Nonette why Suzaku would choose Suzaku as her knight. She looked at Nonette. "What?"
Nonette smiled at her. "It's nothing, Euphie. Then again, maybe it's what John wants."
"What do you mean?"
"I probably tell you this, but..." Nonette replied, heading to close the door to the office before turning back to Euphie. "There is a reason why we're here."
"Oh?"
"As you know, we're looking for a suitable candidate for a Knight of the Round. But we didn't tell you and Nellie along the rest, that the lucky candidate would become a Knight of Seven."
"Wait, does that mean... Suzaku-"
Nonette put her finger on her lips to shush her. "This will be our little secret, Euphie. There will be much to talk about with that knight of yours." she said, now leaving the office as she left a puzzled Euphemia alone
In the Ashford Academy clubhouse, there was a party for Suzaku celebrating his knighthood and many students were there to celebrate. Malik and Carlito were surprised as much as Suzaku when most were either scared of him or despised him. The clubhouse was filled with students celebrating with pizza and soda, as Malik and Carlito shrugged it off getting some grub. Rai on the other hand glanced at Alice, who wasn't herself ever since she found out Suzaku was the pilot of that white knightmare back in Narita and the prison. He goes over to speak with before Milly called out to him.
"Rai! Mind giving us a hand?" he glanced at Alice before going to help out Milly and Rivalz with more food and beverages they brought over for the celebration
"Okay, everyone. Time to raise a glass for Kururugi here!" Rivalz happily said. "Valued member of the student council and a knight of the realm! Now let's get this party started, huh?"
"How did all of this even happen?" Carlito asked
"Well, you have to thank Nunnally for all of this." Milly said to Suzaku
"I'm sure you're tired of the celebrations." Nunnally said with a smile. "If you don't mind, we want to honor you too!"
"Not at all. It's really kind of you." Suzaku said happily
"Hey Prez, where's Nina?" Shirley asked
"I told her to be here." Milly responded
Rai sighed. "She said something about a little research about uranium for a school assignment or something. I wasn't listening that well into it."
Shirley saw Kallen walk past her. "Hey, Kallen! Can you help me set out more pizza?" Kallen seem to ignore her not listening as she kept walking. "Hey! Are you listening?"
'This is for them, Zero and the Black Knights.' Kallen thought as she walked closer to Suzaku holding her hidden blade with the intent to kill him. 'If you don't do it here, then...'
"Hey." Lelouch appeared and grabbed her arm that held the blade, getting her attention as she stopped. "I think Shirley wants you to give her a hand." he said with a smile
"I'm sorry," Kallen freed herself, hoping to continue what she was doing. "But I'm right in the middle of something at the moment."
Suzaku noticed them and approached. "What are you doing? Maybe I could help you out." he said, standing in front of them
"Hey, Suzaku." Rai said, as Kallen quietly left after realizing she wouldn't be able to kill Suzaku leaving just Rai and Lelouch talking to him now
"Sorry I got held up." Lelouch said
"No problem. I'm just happy you could be here." Suzaku replied, happily. "Have you two seen the others?"
"Carlito's eating pizza while Malik is helping Rivalz hand out drinks." Lelouch stated, pointing to a different part of the room where Carlito eat pizza while Malik handed cups of soda to students. "And Alice," the three turned to see Alice sitting by herself before Carlito wheeled Nunnally near her. "Is now chatting with Nunnally it seems
"Wonder what's got her so down?"
"Bad news, Suzaku!" a familiar voice to Suzaku called out. "You just got even more work to do, I'm afraid." the students in the clubhouse turned to see Lloyd standing there and Nina with him in surprise
"Oh, right." Suzaku said
"You know him?" Lelouch asked him quietly
"He's my boss." Suzaku whispered
Carlito and Malik glanced at each other, before turning their attention to Lloyd as Milly approached him and Nina.
"Lloyd, is something wrong?"
"Oh, do you guys know each other?" Nina asked
"We are to be married." The revelation surprised everyone with the exception of Suzaku who simply sighed. "Isn't that right, honeybunch?"
"Um... yeah..." Milly said, slightly embarrassed
"Secret's out."
"So, you knew?" Lelouch asked
"I never imagine Milly of all people to be hitched." Rai commented
"Whoa, whoa!" Rivalz loudly said getting between Lloyd and Milly. "What's going on here?! Who is this guy?"
"Earl Asplund."
"EARL?!" Rivalz responded shocked before looking to Lloyd respectfully and bowed. "It's an honor, your lordship."
"Never figured an earl of nobility to be a scientist." Rai muttered
Rivalz turned to Milly. "What did you say your relationship was again?"
"She and I are betrothed." Lloyd answered
"NOOOOO!" Rivalz dramatically yelled
"I'm not hugging him if he cries." Carlito said, referring to Rivalz as Malik quietly chuckled
"So... do I have military duties then?" Suzaku asked
"Yes, an important someone and others are arriving by boat." Lloyd informed. "We're off to meet him. Along with the Lancelot and Princess Euphemia, naturally." Lelouch and Rai glanced at Carlito and Malik who nodded while every student was excited
"Suzaku." said person turn to see Alice. "Can I talk to you?"
"We are a bit of hurry, here."
"I know. I'll be right behind you in a minute." Suzaku said to Lloyd as he left, before turning to Alice. "What is it?"
Alice led him out of the clubhouse, where no one would hear them talking. Suzaku had noticed that Alice had seemed odd. Usually, she's relatively happy with Nunnally and the girls from the Student council have been trying to get her to loosen up a little bit in terms. This time, something was different. Something Suzaku could not exactly put his finger on, as he saw how tense she looked.
"Alice, what is it?"
"For how as long as you can remember, how long was my mother and I along with my sister with you and your father in the Kururugi household?" she asked
Suzaku was taken aback by her question. "Why, are you asking that-"
"Just answer the question, please."
"Since I was two years old, I guess." he answered, honestly. "Alice, what's all of this about?"
Alice sighed loudly. "I have been wondering how I'm going to say this to you, but the right time never came. So, I'm just going to say it out in the open. Suzaku Kururugi, I am your sister." she admitted
Suzaku's blinked before his eyes went wide. "What?!"
"I'm your sister. And so was Ingrid." she admitted. "Making us your half sisters."
"You told me and Lelouch what happened to your mother and sister, but you never told me how they died."
"I..." Alice trailed. "I can tell you later. Right now, it looks like you're needed."
A Britannian naval ship was sailing on the ocean, heading its way to Shikine Island. On the bridge, Suzaku, Lloyd, and Cecile were there along with the crew operating the ship. On deck, Mariel was overseeing the Knightmares on stand by when they approach the island.
"Why Shikine Island?" Suzaku asked. "The Tokyo settlement would've been a lot safer."
"Yes, I'm curious about that myself." Cecile said
Suzaku looked back in shock. "What- you don't know either?"
"Ditto." Lloyd replied with a smile, as Suzaku neither Lloyd or Cecile knew
"You still shouldn't have said anything." Cecile said, chastising Lloyd. "After all, your loosen lips got our plans leaked to the net."
"Well, what can I say? That girl was so charming." Lloyd said, rather pleased
The Black Knights were in the meeting room as Zero and Fenrir team were facing them. The rest were to their stations in the submarine, carrying out their appointed tasks.
"Euphemia is going to Shikine Island to meet a noble from the Homeland." Zero stated. "Her knight Suzaku Kururugi will be accompanying her. That far out of sea, the enemy's strength will be limited. It is a golden opportunity. Our objective is the capture of the Lancelot and Suzaku Kururugi. Once the battle is over, Kururugi is to be taken safely into custody."
Yasuke noticed the relieved looks of Kallen and Todoh, including Valkyrie over the order to take Suzaku alive.
"What happens after we get him? What then?" Lobo asked
"Just leave him to me." Zero replied
The members dispersed to prepare after leaving the meeting room. In one of the rooms, Rakshata and her team were looking over the devices that were going to be used in the operations. Harkov showed up in the room, seeing them check over the monitor to find the spot they were going to use before the operation.
"That's our spot, huh?" Rakshata asked
"You suppose it could work?" one of Rakshata's subordinates asked
"I think we'll be fine." Rakshata said. "The stealth effect we get as a byproduct seems to be working."
"How can you be certain of that, my dear?" Harkov asked
"The Britannians haven't found us, have they?" Rakshata queried. "What does that tell you?"
Harkov stroked his bearded chin, amazed. "Oh, I see it. You are right. Not to mention, a stroke of genius on your part."
"It is just a first step, though." Rakshata said
"You are off to a good start, then." Harkov replied
On the rails, Diethard watched and was soon approached by Zero and Valkyrie.
"What did you talk Kallen into doing?" he asked Diethard
"I told her to dig up what she could on Kururugi." Diethard merely replied. "Maybe I implied a bit more than that."
"Don't overstep your boundaries." Valkyrie said, coldly
"I don't recall ordering an assassination." Zero said, annoyed. "Did you not listen to a word I said?"
"I heard every word you said, and I agree with you completely." Diethard said, in a serious tone. "You want us to be the hammer of justice, right? We can't have people thinking we are cold blooded killers, I know. But we can hide the truth using the media. You can't change the world without getting your hands dirty. Am I wrong?"
Valkyrie looked at Diethard with narrowed eyes under her mask. "What are you really after?" she asked. "You may be demoted, but you're still a Britannian."
"Unless you don't need to join the Black Knights to change the world, do you?"
"I never mentioned this, but the first time I ever saw you was the night you rescued Kururugi..." Diethard paused before continuing. "And I trembled! It was like a new era had taken form and appeared before me! I wish to document you. As you build your organization and topple over the empire then take this world for your own! I wish to be there, documenting as it's being created! Nothing has made my heart dance even more than to watch history be made."
Valkyrie stared at him in disbelief. "Documenting?"
"If anything, I would say you're fabricating history. Right in the thick of it." Zero said in disbelief
"Objectivity is a fairy tale. In the end, journalism is a product of the human mind, like everything else." Diethard stated
"You're not to interfere in military affairs, understood?" Zero responded
"Yes, of course." Diethard said
Zero and Valkyrie left as they walked down the hall.
"Do you believe him to be telling the truth or lying?" Valkyrie asked
"His body language gave away everything. There was no lie to what he was saying, but we'll keep an eye on him." Zero replied
Euphemia and her entourage along with including the Knights of the Round arrived on Shikine Island, speaking to one of the soldiers stationed there.
"Arrival time's on schedule." the soldier said. "We've prepared a room for you back at headquarters if you care to wait there."
"Is it safe to assume that the ship is docking here?" John asked
"Yes, that hasn't changed, Lord Giovanni." the soldier responded
"This will do fine, then." Euphie said
"Very well." the soldier said. "I'll arrange an escort-"
Suddenly, a loud boom was heard as it surprised the soldiers along with Euphemia and her entourage. John glanced at Nonette and Clara who nodded back in response, as they rush to their Knightmares. The commander of the military base, Lieutenant Colonel Fayer was shocked at what he was seeing while the Knights of Two, Nine, and Thirteen headed to the attack where it began. An aircraft was destroyed by the slash harkens on Todoh's KMF, while a Sutherland was brought down by Lobo's who kicked it toward the next one before the Sutherland exploded. The explosion of the Sutherland served as a distraction as Yasuke plunged the blade of his KMF into the Sutherland from behind, killing the pilot in the process. Kallen used the Radiant Wave Surger to destroy another Sutherland. Valkyrie had just taken down more Sutherlands after she arrived, due to the speed of her Knightmare and power of Geass that allowed her to quickly disengage them from the battlefield. Todoh and the others would distract the Knights of the Round while they waited for Suzaku to show up, prepping the trap once Suzaku was close enough to sprung it ensuing his capture.
"Think he'll show up? This plan would be all for nothing if he didn't." Lobo spoke in a private and secure channel
"He will." Yasuke activated his Geass when he noticed something off in the distance. "And speak of the devil..." both moved out of the way from the incoming slash harkens from the Lancelot. "Right on time. You know the drill."
"On it." Lobo said. "Zero, we're bringing him to the spot now."
Yasuke signaled the Lancelot to come after them, leaving Suzaku to move the Lancelot to their direction. Elsewhere on the island, Todoh signaled the other Knightmares to move out and ordered them on to fire on the Lancelot. Both Yasuke and Lobo took a different route, as Suzaku spotted fleeing away from him on his Burai. The Burai then arrived and jumped down a sandpit.
"His knightmare's not equipped in the sandpit he jumped into. Could he be drawing me in for a setup using himself as bait?" Suzaku wondered, before jumping into the sandpit and arming his VARIS rifle at Zero's Burai regardless. "Fine then. Zero, I got you..."
"Right where..." Zero trailed
"I want you." Rakshata said as she pushed a button, with devices around the sandpit disabling the Lancelot and the Burai Zero piloted
"What?! It's frozen?!"
"We need to talk, Suzaku Kururugi." Zero spoke on the loudspeaker. "I suggest you come out. Your secondary system should be functioning. You'll be treated as a prisoner under international law. Of course, if you don't wish to talk, we could just gun you down."
Back in the ASEEC trailer, the team along with Euphie became aware of the Lancelot's inability to move
"He's not moving, Princess." they heard Nonette on the comm radio
"I don't care! Tell Suzaku to abandon the unit!" Euphie strongly suggested. "What could possibly be wrong? How come it won't move?"
"Something's happened to the Sakuradite that's powering the Lancelot!" Cecile exclaimed, regarding the predicament. "Somebody is interfering with it."
"Earl Asplund." said the voice of the Knight of Two. "Is it possible..."
"A Gefjun Disturber." Lloyd deduced in a dread tone, surprising both Euphemia and Cecile
"You mean-"
"They're using it as a jamming mechanism." Lloyd interjected, grimly. "I thought it was only theoretical... what a fool I am. It really is you, isn't it Rakshata?"
Meanwhile, at the sandpit, the Lancelot and Zero's Burai were surrounded by the other Knightmares of the Black Knights and Fenrir. Rakshata looked on standing next to the Gefjun disturber. Valkyrie was the last to arrive after setting up traps to halt the Knights of the Round, along with other forces on the island. She saw Suzaku was caught in the trap, as Zero or in this case Lelouch would attempt to either have him join their side or in custody.
"It looks like the range and endurance still need a little work."
"It still worked, my dear." she heard Harkov say on the comm channel. "It will be enough."
"I'll get to the point." Zero said while he and Suzaku were still in the sandpit, out of their Knightmares. "Suzaku Kururugi, I want you to join us."
Suzaku had an unhappy expression. "Is that a threat? Well, you can forget it! I already told you. Results gained through contemptible means are worthless to me!"
Lobo scoffed. "He can't serious believe that." he muttered to Fenrir, as Valkyrie looked down gripping her controls
"It's amazing how you still can say that." Zero replied. "Do you truly believe you can deny all that we have done and not call it virtuous, despite the will of the people?"
"I can admit you do help the people, but the way you go about it is not the way I would choose to." Suzaku said
"So, you wouldn't describe the peace we have now is worthless?" Zero asked. "If Japan had resisted to its very last breath seven years ago, what do you think would've happened?" he notice Suzaku taken aback as he continued. "The Chinese and E.U would have stepped in and split up Japan in three. They'd be fighting even now. Our current peace is the result of Japan's immediate and unconditional surrender."
"That's right." Suzaku said. "And I've been fighting to preserve my father's peace ever since it began!"
"That is absolutely wrong!" Suzaku and Zero turned to hear the Valkyrie speak through their comm channels. "Prime Minister Kururugi, elected by the people, didn't choose surrender. That decision was selfishly made by his killer."
Suzaku was shocked and surprised by what he heard, as Zero caught his reaction. Lelouch had reservations about bringing Alice along for the operation, but perhap he could use it to his advantage to pull Suzaku into joining him.
"That is correct." Zero said as Suzaku turned to face him. "With the government in chaos, surrender was the only logical choice. The will of the people was stolen from them... by a lone criminal pursuing his own selifsh agenda!"
Suzaku was shocked and took a step back.
"How on earth do you know-" Zero cut him off
"There's only one way for you to atone now." he said, now whispering into his ear. "Present the Japanese people with the choice they weren't able to make then. The path they were robbed of seven years. Fighting Britannia!"
"Fighting them?" Suzaku responded, upset. "That again?"
"It's an option worth exploring." Valkyrie pointed out through the comm channel both of them could hear, hoping to not have to fight her brother. "Or would you rather drag the people of Japan toward false future that is a pointless and worthless endeavor based on your egotism? How is that peace? In a time like this, the only way to seek peace to bring war."
"After all, justice is decided by the thoughts of the majority. If it's in the will of the people to fight can you truly call it wrong?"
Suzaku thought of Zero's question before hearing the sound of static, surprising both of them. "May I?"
"Zero." Yasuke said
"It's fine." he turned to Suzaku while Yasuke used his Geass to hear. "As you wish."
Suzaku pressed a button on his communicator to listen. "Major Kururugi! Do you read me? This is Lt. Col Fayer, commander of the base on Shikine Island! Please respond!"
"Sir."
"We're launching surface-to-surface missiles against the terrorists!"
"Damn it!"
"What? What is it?!"
"Major Kururugi, your orders are to keep Zero there!"
"They're ordering him to be cannon fodder for a bombardment!" Yasuke shouted to his team as Valkyrie suddenly shut down her Knightmare, and exiting out
Kallen noticed this. "What are you doing?!"
"Kallen!" she turned to Yasuke. "You and everyone else need to get out of here, now! There's no time to explain!"
Before anything could be happen, they saw surface missiles making their way to them. Suddenly, Suzaku rushed over and grabbed Zero by the arm
"Kururugi, what are you-?!"
"I can't approve of your methods!" Suzaku declared. "All I can do right now is this!"
"Why, you-"
"Don't move! You'll be affected by the field as well!"
"But-"
"Fall back, Kozuki!" Lobo yelled out as he along with Archangel and Yasuke got out of their Knightmares
"Harkov, take our Knightmares out of here just in case we don't make it in time!" Archangel said, running. "Tell your engineers."
"Archangel-"
"Just do it!"
"Suzaku!" said person turned to see Valkyrie. "Stop this! There is no way you can live out of this by staying on the side with Britannia!"
"You're going to destroy the Lancelot?!" Lloyd shouted, upset
"Kururugi is holding Zero there." a soldier informed. "This is our chance to kill him."
"Whose idea was this?!" Euphie angrily spoke. "Major Kururugi is my personal knight!"
"It was a para-level one order." the soldier explained. "It can only be a countermanded by the consensus of at least three ranking generals or the viceroy herself, I'm afraid."
"Then who exactly gave issued this order, Captain?!" Euphie demanded. "Get me a line to them immediately!"
"As I said, Princess Euphemia. Para-level one order." the soldier repeated
"Out of my way!" Euphemia rushed to one of the Portman, as she held onto the rope to get in Knightmare.
The others were surprised by this. "Sub-Viceroy!" one of the soldiers called out
"Contact the base!" Euphie said. "Tell them there's a chance I'll be caught in the attack! See if they'll initiate the launch!"
"Please, stop this! Think about what you're doing!" one of the soldiers pleaded, as Euphie moved the Portman to where Suzaku was
"They'll stop with the Princess out there." Cecile said, looking at Lloyd
"I'm not sure they will, unfortunately." Lloyd said
Back at the sandpit, missiles were flying toward their intended target. The Black Knights were firing at the missiles to prevent them from acquiring their target.
"Incoming missiles, confirmed!"
"Damn!"
"Hold on, I'm coming!" Kallen said
"Kozuki, don't!"
Once she drove the Guren into the sandpit, the effects of the Gefjun disturber shut it down. "Dammit!"
'You're going to die here as well!" Zero shouted at Suzaku. "You don't have a problem with that?!"
"Your sacrifice isn't in vain, Major." Fayer contacted. "We are about to put an end to the most dangerous criminals our homeland has ever known! They'll speak of your bravery for generations to come!"
"SHUT UP!" Zero yelled. "Enough of your meaningless lies! Do you people enjoy spewing nothing, but falsehood lies every time you speak! You know damn well that you will never credit Kururugi! To you, he is nothing more than a means to an end! A sacrificial and throwaway pawn! At least have the decency to be truthful about that!"
"All Knightmares, target on those missiles and throw up a barrage! Empty your guns if you have to!" Todoh ordered
"Suzaku, let him go!" Kallen shouted, getting out of the Guren's cockpit running toward toward them. "It's me, Suzaku! Kallen Stadtfeld from the student council!"
The clock was ticking as the Black Knights were trying to buy time to hit every missile possible. Euphemia on the Portman she took, trying to make her way to Suzaku. Archangel, Yasuke, and Lobo trying to make their way to get Zero along with Valkyrie and drag Suzaku by force. Valkyrie felt nearly exhausted using her Geass to get by a quick pace, moments after she stepped out of her Knightmare.
"A soldier must follow orders!"
"Certainly, easier than following your own heart?!" Zero accused. "How do you feel about this?!"
"Where..." Suzaku and Zero turned to see Valkyrie running close by to them. "Where do you find meaning in living just to die?!" she asked. "Does your life mean so little to you that you would end here leaving behind everyone who else cared about you?! How do you think they'll feel with you giving your life away for a worthless cause! To a point where the end of your live means nothing due to a corrupt system, one you blindly serve!"
Suzaku was shocked and taken aback before he responded with his answer.
"You're wrong!" he insisted. "I have rules that I made and need to live by-"
"How could you possible live by said rules, even if it means your death! You should know it will change nothing in the-"
Suddenly, there was a huge shadow that was hovering them as they looked and were surprised at what they saw. The group being led by Todoh were shocked by this sudden appearance at what they were seeing. In the sky, there was an airship that was hovering above them. The Black Knights opened fire, only to see that the airship was being protected by Blaze Luminous shields. Euphemia stopped the Portman as she looked and was surprised to see her brother's Avalon. The bottom of the ship opened up a cannon that was charging up, aiming directly at where Zero, Suzaku, Fenrir, and the Black Knights were located.
"Damn it, Suzaku! You're going to die!" Valkyrie shouted. "Do something! To hell with your orders! Save yourself!"
"Better that than breaking the rules!" Suzaku strongly replied
Zero's mask slid open around his eye. "You stubborn fool!" he said, activating his Geass as the cannon from the Avalon opened fire at its intended targets