Rescue mission and reveal
Lelouch was going about his normal routine at the academy; the only difference is that he was hiding Cornelia in the clubhouse in his room where she is safe. Right now the former princess is sleeping, as she is exhausted both physically and mentally.
It was better to leave her alone for the moment. When she's ready to talk to him.
Lelouch sat in the middle of the school's art studio in a position near identical to that of the Thinker with his hand underneath his chin, with more than a dozen students sketching him, and thank goodness Milly didn't propose a naked model.
This is both hard and complicated knowing Cornelia is living with us.' Lelouch thought about how to handle the mess.
"Come on, Lelouch. Quit moving around, will you?" Rivalz complained.
"Oh, sorry, guys." Lelouch tried to put himself back in the previous position.
"No, no, now your expression is totally different." Rivalz stood up and tried to make the adjustments himself. "This was like this, that went kind of like that, and this was here. There!" When he was finished, Lelouch looked nothing like how they started, complete with something of a clueless smile.
Resulted in several complaints from the other students, particularly some of the girls who preferred the more stoic face he put on.
"We'll open Art Week with the grand opening of the new Imperial Museum of Art. Princess Euphemia will select the first-place winner from the paintings we have on display," the museum curator said.
Euphemia and the curator were walking along with Darlton, Euphie's bodyguard, and Monica, who was just tagging along. The new viceroy had no choice but to attend to the so-called boring task.
Euphie looked at one painting that was labeled 'The Village.'.
"Oh, this one is nice," "I particularly like this painting."
"It's unfortunate to say that the one who painted this piece is one-quarter Eleven," the curator said.
Euphie got upset and was about to speak.
"So if that's the case, then why is it displayed up here?" Monica asked, "What's the point in having it up here?"
"Well, it's a delicate balance," the curator explained. "It's something to...appease the public."
Euphie glared at the curator, and the curator looked nervously at the glare that the third princess was giving him and went to direct his attention to a large painting of Charles zi Britannia with his fist in the air.
"Um anyway, take a look at this painting. It was painted by the son of Marquis Nikolai." The curator said, sweating.
Euphie looked at the painting and frowned.
"You don't seem impressed," Monica said.
"Hmph, I don't like it; it's like trying to curry favors". Euphie looked away annoyed. "I would prefer to choose my own. If you are just doing this to try to appease my heart, then you are making me angry".
The curator was surprised at Princess Euphemia's reaction and quickly shut up, knowing any word would just add oil to the fire.
'She's getting frustrated', Monica thought, seeing such an act even before herself.
Darlton just looked on and knew why Princess Euphemia reacted the way she did. With Cornelia hiding, Princess was getting angry and irritated; if someone forced her to do something she didn't want, she would lash out at that person.
'It's like she's a whole other person,' he thought. There was one time he found a dent that looked like a fist.
Corps hideout
Ohgi was sitting down eating his lunch as if nothing unusual until "Excuse me." General Katase walked onto the scene, getting their attention. "I hate to interrupt, but we have some very important visitors." He gestured behind him to reveal four individuals from the Japan Liberation Front, who bowed their heads.
"You're the… the Four Holy Swords!" Ohgi stood up and bowed his head in response. "But then he felt someone was missing because when the four Holy swords appeared, Todoh, the miracles would be theirs. "Where is Kyoshiro Todoh?"
Katase's face winced, as did most of the other Holy Swords. "That's why we're here," Senba answered. "Lieutenant Colonel Tohdoh has been captured. He sacrificed himself so that we could escape."
XXX
You're certain?" He asked.
"The Four Holy Swords as well as Kyoto have indeed confirmed it. Kyoshiro Tohdoh has been captured and is scheduled to be executed tonight."
"A schedule we'll have to change." Lelouch said with a smirk. "Get everyone ready; I'll meet you later this afternoon."
"Understood." The call ended.
"You seem happy," C.C. said, who was just wandering.
Lelouch had a small smile on his face. "Yes, one of the few people who could challenge me at chess during my stay at the Kururugi residence. He even taught me shogi. And he would be nothing short of instrumental in our battle against Britannia".
"I heard about the Miracle of Itsukushima." C.C. said. "Took down Britannia Knightmare's without using a single Knightmare frame. I would like to see how far the colonel could pilot one.
XXX
"Today, Kyoshiro Tohdoh will be executed," Darlton stated. "Even though he isn't that much of a threat compared to the Corps, it should deal a significant blow to the Area 11 resistance movement." Since the eleven view him as a symbol, an icon.
"I certainly wouldn't put it past Zero to attempt such a feat," Monica responded. "Unfortunately, I won't be present for that. So, we'll have to find a change of executioner."
"Actually, Viceroy Cornelia has already chosen Tohdoh's executioner." "It will be Suzaku Kururugi." She planned this ahead; if they managed to capture Zero, she wanted Kururugi to do it. To show his loyalty and avenge Prince Clovis at the same time.
"You know, I might actually approve of that choice. It'll give Kururugi a chance to test his loyalty." The knight of twelve approved of an opportunity if the eleven is loyal to the crown. Even such a thing was barbaric or questionable.
"Viceroy!" Euphemia called out as she walked onto the scene, "Sorry to summon you like this. How's everything at the museum, Your Highness?" Monica asked
"The dedication is later on," Euphemia replied. "Of great importance, though, is the N.A.C. reported there was unrest in Ishikawa."
"Probably backed by the E.U. or the Chinese Federation," Darlton assumed. "Given all that's been happening here in Area Eleven, I can't say I'm surprised." Darlton knew why with the princess in hiding those vultures are now scouring every opportunity they get. " Still, it's our chance to bring Hokuriku under control." Euphemia's face slightly winced.
"I'll leave Lord Darlton and the rest of the Knights here while I'm gone. If anything happens, consult them, your highness," said Monica, trying to be responsible as a viceroy, which she hated. But orders are orders.
"One more thing. I noticed you still haven't chosen your knight yet." Darlton handed Euphemia a binder; once she opened it, she saw the photo IDs and names of several Britannian soldiers. "You may choose any one of them; they're all excellent soldiers from respected families." He said it with a smile.
Ashford Academy Clubhouse
On the porch of Lelouch and Nunnally's residence, Lelouch, Nunnally Rai, and Suzaku were spending some time with each other, and they were having pleasant conversations about what they did when they were little.
"Yes, the pond does freeze solid during the winter," Nunnally said, "although Lelouch did scold me for skating on it."
"We had a pond at the Kururugi Shrine," Suzaku said. "It was small, but I used to catch crayfish all the time."
That's interesting, so how do you do it?"
"It's simple; you just tie a string on a frog's back leg." Suzaku replied with a smile.
Nunnally responded, "A frog's back leg?" "Oh my, that actually works? That's impressive."
"Yeah," Suzaku replied happily.
"The frogs here are different when it comes to making sounds, aren't they?" Rai said.
"Right, they go kero-kero, kero-kero," Suzaku replied.
"Kero-kero?" Nunnally asked.
"Yeah," Suzaku said with a nod.
Suzaku continued to make Japanese frog sounds, and Nunnally was impressed as Lelouch glanced at Suzaku. Wishing days of peace like this would last, but deep down knowing nothing would last forever.
"Suzaku!" A female voice called him.
Suzaku, Nunnally, Rai, and Lelouch looked, and they saw Cecile as she rushed over to them.
"Miss Cecile," Suzaku was surprised that she would come.
"Lloyd says that it's urgent!" Cecile said.
"Who's that?" Lelouch asked.
"She's a soldier, I work with her." Suzaku tried to explain without mentioning that he was a pilot, not an engineer.
Cecile arrived and noticed the people with Suzaku."Oh, friends of yours?" Cecile asked.
"Yes," Suzaku said happily.
"I'm sorry, but I need to pull Suzaku away from you," Cecile said with a smile.
"Oh, um…" Suzaku spoke, being concerned.
"It's okay, we understand," Lelouch said with a smile. "Go on and do what you need to do, okay?"
Suzaku smiled and nodded, "Right, okay."
"Please come again, Suzaku," Nunnally said with a warm smile. She still wanted to have Suzaku around.
"I will," Suzaku said happily. "I'll see you all later."
Suzaku left with Cecile and Lelouch; Nunnally and Rai looked on.
"Now then," Nunnally said as she looked at Lelouch, "it's time both of you took your leave as well."
Lelouch smiled at Nunnally, "Indeed."
" Yes we have something we need to do" Rai said.
"Exactly," Lelouch said with a nod.
XXX
Meanwhile in Shirley's dorm room, Shirley in her casual clothes was putting on her hair clip and ready to go hang out with Sophie, who was out the door.
"Shirley, I'm going ahead," Sophie said.
"Just hold on, will you?" Shirley responded.
Shirley got her hair clipped on and sighed, and then she brought out her cell phone and looked at the text that she got from Lelouch. The text detailed that he was leading the operation to rescue Kyoshiro Todoh and assured her to not worry and have fun with Sophie and assured her that he would discuss how she could help as things were moving forward. Shirley just smiled that Lelouch didn't look at her like a third wheel.
"Lulu…" Shirley then put her phone away in her purse and rushed out to catch up with Sophie.
XXX
At the same time, Kallen was researching Lelouch, and it appears she hit gold when she typed the words Lelouch Lamperouge on the internet, along with information on the commoner prince and his sister, who had a horrific accident that left her paraplegic and blind. She even saw the family portrait, and the likeness was remarkable.
'This was no coincidence,' she thought, continuing to study the details: "Exiled to Japan as a hostage for the Kururugi, he perished during the occupation. The more she read, the more questions came to her mind. However, the obvious question was why the previous prince became Zero and chose to resist Britannia out of vengeance.
No, if he sought vengeance, Lelouch would have kept his face hidden from her and her friends, and she would have chosen a few details that would make him easy to interpret. Furthermore, his swordsmanship was true Japanese tradition; the former royal would never be a spy.
The redhead was perplexed; she wasn't sure what to do. On the one hand, she was angry because he had lied to her, but on the other, she actually trusted him and knew he was sincere and wanted to assist her people, and this trust became stronger in her heart.
She needs to put her emotions aside, as tonight's operation is important to rescue one of the most important figures in Japan.
At Clovis Memorial Museum a press conference was being held at the museum before the ceremony would begin, and the reporters had quite a few questions to ask Sub-Viceroy Euphemia as Darlton and the museum's curator stood at her respective sides.
"Sub-Viceroy, is it true that no eleven companies were used in the construction of this museum?" One reporter asked.
"Well… with regard to that question, I…"
"We're looking into it right now, so we have no answer at this time." Darlton quickly and professionally responded.
"Idiot." A female reporter chastised the previous one as he sat down. "Why bother asking Princess Euphemia about politics?"
Another reporter stood up. "Kerryman of Interstate, your highness, there have been rumors lately that you're close to choosing your knight."
"Um… a knight…" Euphemia stuttered slightly. "Yes, you see, I'm…"
"Ladies and gentlemen, we ask that you please limit your questions to those concerning the museum only," the curator told reporters.
Euphemia gave a small sigh, wanting nothing more for this press conference to end. She wanted more than to use her time to find her sister and not involve herself in petty politics. And she was getting edgy as she wanted to punch something to help reduce her stress and anxiety.
Under the Tokyo Settlement Freeways
The Demon Slayer Corps Mobile Base was parked, and the 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 Rai was preparing to put on his mask while he was on guard duty. The Four Holy Sword looked on as they watched the Demon Slayer Corps continue with the preparations.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to throw in with the Corps?" Asahina looking around.
"Can you think of any other way to rescue Colonel Todoh?" Chiba replied.
"There's also the fact of what Kyoto said, that they'll lend us the new models." Urabe said,
"Well, their principles seem to be somewhat off," Asahina commented. Knowing how the Corps operates. Even though they use a Japanese theme for the organization, it doesn't mean their goals are aligned.
"Well, we're not all that eccentric, but you already know that," Chiba. Seeing the uniform look like a traditional Gakuran uniform, only more modern and modified.
"We can worry about the details after we rescue the colonel," Senba said.
"Right, but regardless, no matter where Todoh may be, I'll follow him, for it's the place where I belong," Asahina said proudly. For the holy swords, their true loyalty will always be to Kyoshiro Todoh.
"Look, let's just stuff them in and close the lid," Tamaki said, being impatient. "It's almost time for us to move out!"
"Don't tell me this is how you treated my children!" A new voice spoke up, belonging to a woman.
"Mother?!" Yoshida, Minami, and Tamaki looked over, and they saw a woman with long blonde hair wearing her lab coat over her clothes and holding a pipe with two men with her who wore lab attire, and one of them had a case in his hand.
"Who are you?" Tamaki asked suspiciously.
"I'm its mother"
"You've arrived on time." Zero walked onto the scene to finally meet the creator of the Gurren.
"And you must be Zero; it's a pleasure. I've heard a great deal of many things about you, the knightmare slayer.
"Knightmare Slayer?"
The scientist decided to explain, "Its title is 'It seems you continue destroying knightmare with only using sword and skill gain; the title is KS or knightmare slayer." Zero fame had already spread far and wide, which is why he was bestowed the title Knightmare Slayer.
"Wow, I'm honored and insulted at the same time." He would have preferred the dancing slayer or samurai heart.
"Don't be modest. I like the part that you keep destroying Earl's pudding. Lancelot is what makes me happy, and seeing you in person makes it more worthwhile."
"Thank you, I suppose." Zero didn't expect that.
"Looking at you, I could tell you possess both brawn and brain—a two-package deal. " The scientist licked her lips, savoring the look. As a woman, she wanted someone that could give her the gene she wanted, and Zero fit the bill.
Lelouch doesn't know why he felt a cold shudder behind his back, like Milly was up to something that would humiliate him.
Rai decided to change subjects. "We've been interested in your work for quite some time. Particularly your work in medical cybernetics."
Rakshata had something of a mix between an arrogant and humble smile. "I do hate talking about the past." She turned to Zero and brought out a set of keys. "Anyway, Zero here," Rakshata then opened up the case that had Knightmare pilot suits, "gifts from Kyoto."
Rai whistled, impressed seeing the suits they provided; unlike him and Lelouch, it wasn't their style.
Kallen arrived and wore a red Knightmare pilot suit with the Black Knights symbols."Excuse me, is it really going to improve the interfacing system?" Kallen felt the suit was a bit tight, especially the chest part.
"No, of course not," Rakshata answered.
"Huh?" Kallen was surprised by the reply.
"What it is really going to do is improve your survival."
Britannia Prison
In one cell of the prison, Todoh in a white straight jacket kneeled on his knees with his eyes closed as he awaited his fate. Footsteps were heard, but Todoh didn't open his eyes. A guard came by and stood in front of Todoh's cell with a smile.
"I was just informed that a change was made for your executioner; it's going to be Warrant Officer Suzaku Kururugi. You should be glad that it's someone you know."
Todoh opened his eyes and thought about Suzaku and the choices he had made. Meanwhile, in one of the lounges, Lloyd had just finished signing a document regarding the change of executioner and placed the pen down. However, another document was presented in front of him, and it didn't sit well with Lloyd for something he considered tedious.
"Wait, you need my signature again?" Lloyd asked.
"Even though Princess Cornelia ordered it, there are still some formalities that need to be followed," "a change of executioner is the most exceptional circumstance." The warden explained.
Cecile looked at Suzaku and saw that Suzaku was horrified at what he was ordered to do, and Cecile felt sad for Suzaku, and it was cruel. Suzaku couldn't believe that he would be the one to execute his former teacher, but he knew why. They're testing him to see his loyalty..
An explosion suddenly occurred, which got Suzaku out of his train of thought. They looked out the window and wondered what was going on. "Good, now we're free of this hellish paperwork," Lloyd said.
In the exterior area of the prison, Sutherland units responded and appeared in order to contain the attack. However, shots were fired, and Sutherlands were being shot down one by one. Four Gekka Knightmare units appeared, and they were piloted by the Four Holy Swords.
The Sutherlands started firing at the Gekkas, but the Gekkas dodged the shots and cut down the shooting Sutherlands easily. They followed up by shooting at another group of Sutherlands with their left arm-mounted custom machine guns. After shooting down the second group, they continued to move in.
The Four Holy Swords were determined they were going to rescue their commander. Two Sutherlands fired their rifles at the Gekka piloted by Asahina and were able to move quickly and dodge their shots. He then countered by cutting them down with his Chainsaw Katana, which caused the two Sutherlands to explode. Asahina looked back and was impressed.
"These Gekkas are awesome, way superior to Burais." Asahina compliments the new machine they're using.
"Yeah, you got that right," Urabe said, impressed, even though the seat adjustment was like riding a motorcycle.
XXX
Meanwhile, in the Black Knights' Mobile Base, Rakshata and her team were watching the battle and the data that they were collecting. They were discussing how things were faring with the Gekka models they gave to the Four Holy Swords while some of the core members were looking over things on the screens of their laptops. Rai was there to guard if anything were to happen, and also Lelouch felt he himself was enough for the prison break mission.
XXX
The guard pointed his handgun at Todoh. "My superiors just ordered that you be unofficially executed before you're busted out of here." "Any last words?"
"It's a life I gave up on before," Todoh said. "It's worth nothing."
"If that's how you feel, then perhaps I should claim it for myself!" Zero's voice declared.
Todoh and the guard were shocked, and then there was shaking and rumbling, and the wall behind the guard broke, and the guard screamed as he was crushed by the huge debris. Appearing before Todoh was the Gurren, and Zero came out of the cockpit.
"Zero," It was surprised and didn't expect the infamous Zero to come to his rescue.
"Kyoshiro Todoh, the only Japanese who seven years ago brought the mighty Britannian forces to their knees."
"Hmph, you're referring to Itsukushima?" Todoh replied, "Let me guess, you want me to perform a miracle for you as well." The colonel scoffed.
"What you performed was not a miracle," Zero rebuked, "that victory was the result of excellent tactical and intelligence work. For that Todoh, I wish for you to join me."
"I'm going to have to refuse Zero," Todoh replied. "I pledged my loyalty only to General Katase. However, since you're here, I give you my thanks for what you did. Thanks to you, General Katase and the others were able to escape. I thank you for making it possible. As long as General Katase lives, there is still hope, and as for me, I can die satisfied."
"Don't be so willing to die!" Zero rebuked strongly. As much as he wanted to say that Katase wanted him to be saved, he needed to see the colonel's conviction if Katase were to perish before he intervened.
"What?" Todoh responded, surprised by Zero's outburst.
"Someone like you shouldn't be ready to just die," Zero said. "After all, you need to take responsibility for the miracle you made!"
Todoh was surprised by the things Zero said to him. "Are you saying it's my fault?" He asked.
"Yes, people grasp at illusions because they're desperate for miracles." Zero stated.
"Are you saying that the Japanese people can't accept their fate until then?" Tohdoh asked.
"They had to accept it. However, now that I'm here…there's hope because I can likely turn their dreams into reality."
Tohdoh smirked at the response."I've made my decision."
"And now for the highlight of today's events, Princess Euphemia will select the grand prize winner." The curator announced as he gave Euphemia the flower. "The work upon which you place this flower will be deemed the winner, Your Highness." He said to her.
Euphemia turned around and looked at the portrait of her father, the one she was supposed to choose. The news reporters watched in anticipation. But she didn't follow what the curator wanted; she picked the one she liked before.
"This is the one I chose," as she put the flower on the one she liked.
"But your highness" The curator is trying to oppose her decision.
"Silence!" It was quiet, but everyone could feel a dreading feeling on their backs.
Everyone at the rear shouted quickly shut up. " This is my decision, and I have the right to choose which painting is the winner. If you force me to try to sugarcoat it, I will personally do something I regret".
The nobles and reporters stood quiet and silent and just accepted the decision. They knew why the princess acted rebellious in the death of Princess Cornelia. Princess Euphemi is going through a phase, as they say, and it seems she's taking her duty seriously, and her aura is intimidating. And she didn't put on that shy or helpless feeling anymore, like it was a mask.
XXX
The Four Holy Swords brought in a truck carrying Tohdoh's own personal Burai, painted black and with a red cape wrapped around. Zero and Kallen brought him over; Zero opened his cockpit, and Tohdoh stood up.
"Colonel!" Chiba said in joy.
"Welcome back, Col. Tohdoh!" Asahina said in relief.
"Thank you. You've all worked so hard for this." Tohdoh told his Four Holy Swords.
"No effort at all, sir." Senba said, thankful for the compliment.
"Cooperate with Zero! Eliminate the remaining forces here!" Tohdoh ordered them as he climbed into his Burai.
"Roger!" The Four Holy Swords said it together with vigor, knowing the colonel was safe.
Suddenly, a slash harken came soaring towards Zero. Kallen was able to defect. The harken belonged to the Lancelot.
"Oh great! Not you again!" Kallen said in annoyance.
"Kallen, leave it to me," Zero jumped down from the Gurren's shoulder and unsheathed his blade, pointing at the Lancelot. Suzaku stopped and backed away; the feeling of defeat at Zero's hands was starting to traumatize him.
XXX
"That's it? The white Knightmare that's given such trouble to Zero?" Rakshata asked sarcastically as she smoked her pipe, relaxing on the couch.
"Huh? Yeah." Ohgi said, confused by the sudden question.
"Hmm…" Rakshata thought as she analyzed the Lancelot. "Is this your handiwork, Lloyd?" She thought with annoyance. But then he smiled knowing one of his toys was going to be destroyed again. She kept all the photos of the destroyed Lancelot as souvenirs that she would shove right into Lloyd's face when they meet again.
XXX
Euphemia, Darlton, and the reporters watched the battle at the prison base go on through the TV screen that was there.
"That's crazy! One against five!" A journalist said astonished.
"But that Lancelot Knightmare will win. Another reporter countered, in equal amazement.
"What about Zero? He defeated Princess Cornelia even without a Knightmare frame? Another reporter said in doubt.
Euphemia looked in worry. "Suzaku..." she thought to herself.
"Listen, send in everything we've got. Then support Kururugi and make him report that we're wiping out the terrorists." Darlton ordered quietly through his earpiece.
At the same time, the knight of twelve was also watching the battle from her office; she was frustrated that she should be there fighting Zero and proving her worth, but instead she was doing a desk job. 'This is frustrating; I should be there.' She took a deep breath to calm down.
The last thing she needs to do is act like a mad vampire to kill, which is what excites him. Still, she must perform her duties; if the opportunity to battle Zero arises, she will seize it. Regardless, she wanted to know what the emperor thought of her.
XXX
The Lancelot was still trying to attack Zero, but like always, he was too fast for the Lancelot as it dodged every attack and Slash Harken. And like always, Zero could read Suzaku's attack so easily that he didn't have to use a breathing technique to subdue him. The only reason was Suzaku's morale not wanting to use brute force to kill Zero; that is why he is not using the Lancelot sword and gun.
"You killed Shirley, Father!" Zero dodged again.
"Zero because of you princess Cornelia is dead!" He fired a slash harken, but Zero easily jumped away.
"You cause all of this!" Zero cut the cable and dashed forward, cutting off the right leg of the Lancelot as it kneeled down.
However Zero wasn't done" Water breathing Tenth Form: Constant Flux"—Zero charges toward the Lancelot whilst performing a continuous flowing attack with their blade, which increases in strength and speed over time using momentum.
The attack seemingly took the form of a Japanese water dragon that accompanied the Lelouch in battle, and it was sighted. Everyone saw it and was in awe of the beauty and raw power especially the Holy swords and Todoh. That Zero was the manifestation of Kojiro Sasaki.
Suzaku detects the danger swiftly and draws out his MVS sword to counter it, swinging both blades as they collide, causing steam to explode from the combination of heat and water. But Zero's black blade was produced by forging a blacksmith's soul as it resonated; not wanting to be defeated by a weapon built of technology with no soul, it screamed out, and Zero could feel the blade breathing with a loud shout. The MVS sword began to crack and break, but Zero was not finished; the blade continued to fly, decapitating Lancelot's head and cutting through the cockpit ceiling.
This revealed who was operating the Lancelot, and everyone recognized him.
XXX
Euphemia, Darlton, and the reporters saw this revelation as well.
"That's Suzaku Kururugi! The one accused of killing Prince Clovis?" A reporter said in shock.
"That's enough! Turn off the monitor now!" Darlton ordered.
"Wait, please! I'd like to watch it to the end!" Euphemia told him, watching the screen, captivated..
XXX
Todoh arrived along with the five holy swords, releasing the cockpit sets and allowing them to see Kururugi piloting the Lancelot.
"Traitor!" Chiba shouted, seeing the face of the pilot who would lick the
"So it's true you really are Kururugi." Urabe didn't expect that the son of the prime minister was the pilot.
"So the rumors are true," Ashihana said.
"Tell me, Suzaku, why?!" Tohdoh spoke out to him as he opened his cockpit to reveal himself to him.
"Tohdoh Sensei!" Suzaku said in surprise before getting angry. "So then...you want to live more than you want to follow your own principles?" He asked in defiance.
"Do I disappoint you? Very well, then keep to your schedule and execute me!" Tohdoh said with a smirk, surprising Suzaku. What's wrong?! That's the reason you're here, isn't it?! It pains me to see that you have become a cowardly boy who's afraid of altering the status quo!" He said with passion in his voice.
"Denying everything in our society is pointless! Once I make them trust me, I'll have the power to change it!" Suzaku told him with equal passion.
"You're serious?" Tohdoh asked.
"I'm dead serious!" Suzaku insisted.
"Then you're an idiot!" Urabe said. "If you think just because you are piloting this thing and winning a few battles, Britannia would accept us".
"It's the only way, the right way."
"Then your delusional boy, I may be old, but I'm no fool to see that kind of thinking will never happen." Senba knew how those who think they're superior to others would never accept those who are below or different.
"It's still the only way, " he tried to justify.
"Then you're a delusional fool; you should have just hidden like the coward you are." Chiba was furious.
"I'll say let's finish him; his frame is malfunctioning, and I doubt he could take the five of us," Ashina suggested that they nip him in the bud.
All of them agree, except the colonel has second thoughts, and before they could say anything, Zero was the one to stop them.
"Stop! We came here to save Kyshiro Todoh."
"But Zero, if we don't do this, Kururugi will be the thorn in our side," Ashihana said.
"Then let him live; after all, he's just a loser who couldn't beat me at all," Lelouch said, trying to reason with them.
The word struck a nerve with Suzaku as he gritted his teeth, knowing it was true; no matter how many times he faced Zero, he just couldn't win.
"I have beaten him a lot of times, and it's much worse than living knowing the person here is me. Zero is that you couldn't beat me even with your fancy knightmare."
"Oh, living in shame that I can agree," Senba liked the idea.
"I agree with the notion that killing him would be too easy; it's better to let him live in shame knowing he can't beat Zero." Even Ashina agrees, as death would be too much of a mercy for the boy.
Both Todoh and Lelouch were relieved that they managed to avoid such a thing, but by doing so, Suzaku's psychological mentality was getting worse, and Zero didn't see him as a threat but as a toy to play with—that's all.
Then they heard the sound of the VTOL engine, knowing reinforcement was coming, and decided it was time to retreat.
Using smoke, the Corps escaped with little casualties, but at the same time, Suzaku was just quiet, thinking of the words of Zero calling him a sore loser, and in rage, he smashed the control panel hard until it broke. "Damn it, damn it, damn you, Zero!"
While at the same time, Princess Euphemia decided to choose her knight.
The Demon Slayer Corps were back at the warehouse as they decided to rest and celebrate their victory in rescuing Toidoh, and knowing he is with them, the corps are getting stronger.
Even Todoh was surprised to see Katase accept the change and well that he was part of the resistance. Seeing the remnants of the JLF increases the corps' trust in Zero.
While Lelouch was resting, drinking water in his private quarters, someone was knocking on the door. "Zero is me; can I come in?"
Sure. Kallen came in as the redhead opened the door, seeing Zero or Lelouch without his mask, focusing on the table with the report. As they say, there is no rest for the wicked.
"So how's everyone doing?" Lelouch asked.
"They're fine and happy that you saved Kyoshiro Todoh." Kallen approached slowly towards Lelouch back. "They know that we, the corps, both saved the colonel, destroyed the facility, and defeated Kururugi, who was the pilot of the Lancelot. We are all very happy."
"Good, I think it's a successful mission. You should go back to the others and relax; let all the stress out."
"I couldn't agree more." 'Click.' It was the sound Lelouch was familiar with as he turned around and saw the gun was pointed at him.
"Tell me who you really are, Lelouch vi Britannia."
Ah, another cliffhanger. Yeah, I felt it to be appropriate. Still, Cornelia needed time to finally open up a bit to the feeling of guilt knowing that she caused the death of her Darlton sons and Guilford. Suzaku is starting to suffer an inferiority complex and an identity crisis.
Euphemis is starting to make her own decision as she has had enough of being useless anymore, and everyone is starting to notice. The next chapter would be a culture exchange and a few revelations.
Zero the Uncaptured
If there's one thing about the multiverse, it's that it could happen anytime, and this was one of them, as Lelouch DS was sent to another universe again and met Sakuya Sumeragi. She didn't trust him at first using her geass, but Lelouch's will was strong, and as punishment, he slapped her in the ass like naughty kids, and she was sore.
Still in pain, she explained who she was, where he was, and when. That he was in Japan, Hokkaido, after it was invaded by the Neo-Brittania group of Brittania, still following Charles ideology, led by the man Norland von Lunebelg, who used the Situmpe Wall barrier to isolate the country, making it a police state.
Remember his time in Pendragon? He was said to be the next knight of the round, the knight of five, but his background was questionable. Lelouch may be young, but even his mother would tell him about the Knights of the Round.
This man would wear a mask and rarely interact with other rounds, rumors that he was Charles brother.
Then they meet Ash Phoenix, who would have been geass by Sakuya if Zero didn't intervene and tell her his reason for searching for her.
Ash told them about how he knew Sumeragi Jugo and how that person was both like a father figure and his benefactor. The man helped him escape, and he swore to protect Sumeragi Sakuya.
Sakuya didn't expect that, but Ash's words seemed genuine, especially when Ash told her one thing that only her father knew and knew: that Ash was sent by her father to be her protector.
With everything out, Zero thought of an idea to call themselves the mercenary corps of Hashira that handle any task that seems impossible to handle as a way to hide who they are. They agree with the plan, so they begin the tale of the unstoppable trio that frees her land and takes down the oppressors.
XXX
The Hashira trio introduce themselves to the seven stars of resistance, and of course,. They were distrustful of the foreigners that wanted to help, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Roze, Ash, and Kit, short for Kitsune (Lelouch's code name). Kit was a man wearing a Gakuran uniform with an oni mask that covered the top of his face and silver hair.
The trio works with the Seven Shining Stars to recapture Hokkaido to rescue their leader, Kensei Kuroto, and the other members held at the Abashiri Concentration Camp.
The operation was a success as they managed to not only destroy the camp but also capture the two brothers rather than kill them. Kit had the idea of humiliating them in the worst possible way by shaving their heads bald and carving words on their foreheads. And shot one of them in the leg and hand to let them feel what it's like to be shot.
XXX
The brothers arrived back at the palace along with their colleagues, looking at them with disappointment. Catherine just snickered at them, seeing their bald hands with the words A* and H*.
"Please, Lord Norland, we were tricked, and it wasn't our fault."
"Yes, said my brother, giving an excuse along with pictures of the perpetrator who attacked them.
He didn't buy the excuse, rather furious: "Leave," one word, Norland said, and the temperature in the room dropped. They knew his world was law, and it meant literally as they were forced to leave right now by jumping out of the palace to their death.
"Please give us a chance; we can do anything."
"Yes, anything."
The masked knight got up and went towards the sword decoration, pulled the short sword, and threw it at the brother's feet. "There can only be one.
"You wanted to stab my brother. "
"Only one use can survive."
Norland didn't say anything, but the brother got the word as Greede got the blade and stabbed Gran in the thigh. "Why?"
"Survive" was the only word knowing Norland wouldn't show mercy.
"Gran did the same and grabbed the blade to stab Greede. With their injuries, the stab was shallow as both brothers struggled to stab each other like mad men as they laughed and cried at the same time. The Einberg just watched the entertainment, except for one who just shivered in fear knowing the consequences
When Gran was the victor, he screamed, "I did it!" I won! I killed my brother! I survived, but in the end he died, succumbing to his wounds.
The leader of Einberg made a call: "Clean up this mess, " as he wasn't in the mood and wanted to discuss the situation tomorrow without the presence of something foul in the room. The others got the message and left.
Except for one, Catherine Sabathra, who looked at the photo of the masked swordsman whom she had an interest in.
This is just an omake of some of the anime I never did like how it goes, so I decided to write What If… Lelouch DS, who went dimension hopping, arrived, and how he changed the status quo.