Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass.
After months since the near end of 2023, I finally was able to write and get this chapter up. A lot of things happened during the time and that is why it took so long.
Start of Rebuild
At the site that was the destroyed Special Administrative Zone, the black long haired woman was about to throw the rock with Orpheus and Rai ready to shield Euphie but the woman was stopped when someone suddenly grabbed her wrist with the hand holding the rock in which made her drop the rock. The woman was shocked and looked seeing the person who just stopped her and it was Tamaki.
"That's enough Momoka," Tamaki said.
"Shinichiro," The woman named Momoka responded.
"Hey!" A male voice called out.
Momoka, Rai, Euphie, and Orpheus looked and saw Ohgi, Minami, Sugiyama, and Yoshida rushing over.
"Euphie, are you okay?" Ohgi asked.
"Rai, Orpheus, are you two alright?" Minami asked.
"Guys," Rai spoke, "Man I'm glad to see you fellas."
"Yes, we're fine," Euphie said feeling relived, "Thank you."
"Yeah," Orpheus said and then turned to Tamaki, "Tamaki, thanks for the back up."
"Sure, no problem," Tamaki said.
"Let go of me Shinichiro!" Momoka demanded.
Tamaki released Momoka's wrist and Momoka stepped back and holding her wrist that Tamaki held. Momoka clenched her teeth and glared at Tamaki.
"Hi Momoka," Tamaki greeted, "it's been a long time."
Ohgi, Minami, Sugiyama, and Yoshida stopped and faced Momoka as well.
"So Momoka, it really is you," Ohgi said with a solemn expression.
Momoka clenched her teeth in anger and turned to Euphie with hatred.
"Why?" Momoka said and turned to back to the five men, "Why are you willing to have these Britannians here?"
Ohgi, Minami, Tamaki, Sugiyama, and Yoshida went and stood next to Euphie, Rai, and Orpheus. Euphie was touched and felt glad while Orpheus and Rai smiled and were thankful while Momoka was fuming in what she was seeing and tears started to well up from her eyes.
"You guys are really the worse," Momoka continued, "being all buddy-buddy with Britannians, the same ones who caused us misery and despair for the past seven years."
"Not them," Ohgi said as he referred to Rai, Orpheus, and Euphie, "they never did… in fact, they were against horrible things their countrymen were doing, especially Euphemia."
"That's doesn't matter!" Momoka responded, "They are still guilty," Momoka then turned to Tamaki, "How could you Shinichiro? You have always said and boasted that you would never associate and have anything to do with Britannians but now look at you."
"Yeah, I have always said that in the past," Tamaki admitted, "but I have changed," Tamaki shrugged, "it happens. I have learned firsthand that not all Britannians are the same. There are always good and bad people no matter where you go, no matter what race, no matter their origins."
"That does nothing for me," Momoka said angrily, "it's all nothing but childish notion."
"Wait, please," Euphie pleaded, "Momoka, right? Let's talk about this. I'm sure we can—"
"Shut up!" Momoka responded angrily surprising Euphie, "You shut the hell up! I don't want to hear anything from you Euphemia li Britannia. You now being part of the Black Knights mean nothing to me! You are still a vile Britannian, one that was born from that damn royal family. The sister of that damn mass murderer of Shinjuku."
"That mass murderer of Shinjuku," Euphie replied and had a sad expression, "Of course you're referring to my brother Clovis."
"I will never accept you," Momoka declared, "I don't care what anyone else says. The Special Zone incident is still your fault. You were the target and people died as a result of just going after you. Their blood is still on your hands so I refuse to accept this and the fact they are accepting you, the fact that Zero and Void are accepting you, the fact that most people are fine with you here and it is sickening and I can't stand it," Momoka looked at Euphie with hatred, "You should have just died and things would have been a lot better if you died like your damn brothers!"
The young men with Euphie were shocked and angry at Momoka and the cruel things she said to enough and they were about rebuke her comments.
"That's enough!" A male voice said suddenly.
Momoka recognized the voice telling her to stop and got annoyed again.
"So now you're here," Momoka said as she turned around.
The person who spoke was Gen who was approaching them.
"Gen," Rai said.
"Please stop Momoka," Gen said with a sad expression, "It isn't like you to say cruel and nasty things."
"What do you know?" Momoka replied disgusted, "You and Keitaro are also the worse. I can't believe that you two are willing to join hands with these Britannians. I wonder what Mom and Dad would say. I wonder what Grandma and Grandpa would say. You betrayed our family! You're a disgrace to the Shimura Family Genjuro!"
"Shimura?" Orpheus asked surprised.
Gen just stood there staring at Momoka and then he shook his head.
"It's understandable that it was unjust with what happened," Gen said, "many people suffered and even died under Britannian occupation for the past seven years."
"Then why…?" Momoka spoke.
"That's why we have to move forward," Gen said, "Euphemia helped us and these two as well helped us. It's thanks to their contributions that we succeeded in freeing Japan. Disregarding their efforts just because they're Britannians is just shameful and despicable."
"Gen's right," Ohgi said as he walked over and stood next to Gen, "we have to move forward and acknowledge the efforts of those who helped making freeing our country a reality and these three Britannians who are our allies, our friends contributed to that."
Orpheus, Rai, and Euphie were happy at the things Gen and Ohgi had said but Momoka on the other hand refused to take in what they were saying and clenched her teeth in anger.
"I will never accept them," Momoka said in a venomous tone, "I will never accept any Britannians ever," Momoka pointed at Euphie, Rai, and Orpheus, "I will drive you and all other Britannians out of Japan."
"You better not and stop whatever the hell you are thinking that you plan to do," Tamaki said.
"Or what?" Momoka replied defiantly.
"Or we will have to deal with you the same way we deal with any enemy of the Black Knights," Gen said facing Momoka, "like how we dealt with Clovis, with Kusakabe and his men, with Cornelia and her forces, and how we dealt Castor and Pollux as well as those Pluton agents."
Momoka was shocked looking at Gen regarding the things he just said.
"You'll treat me the same way as Pluton and those Britannian assholes?" Momoka asked not wanting to believe in what was said.
"Yes, right now from what we're standing, you're acting no different from them and even Kusakabe," Minami said.
"Wait, we can talk about this," Euphie pleaded.
"Sorry Euphie," Yoshida said as he placed his hand on her shoulder and shook her head.
"You're not going to convince her," Minami added looking at Euphie with a sad expression.
Euphie was shocked and then looked down with a sad expression. Momoka was upset and clenched her fists and teeth.
"Momoka, I—" Gen spoke.
Momoka cut Gen off by giving him a hard slap to the face. This shocked the others and they were about to rush in to Gen's defense. Gen signaled them to stop with his hand and just looked at Momoka.
"I hate you all!" Momoka declared angrily as tears started to form from her eyes again, "I hate the Black Knights and you…" Momoka looked at Gen, "I hate you the most Genjuro! You're the one who should have died that day! You're a despicable brother!"
Momoka quickly turned and ran away. Gen just looked on seeing Momoka ran away and sighed heavily. Euphie ran over to Gen as she was concern for him.
"Gen, are you okay?" Euphie asked.
Gen turned to face Euphie.
"I'm okay," Gen replied, "don't worry about it."
"But…" Euphie spoke.
"I expected this reaction from her," Gen said and then looked at Rai and Orpheus and nodded, "well I'm sure it's obvious by now. Momoka is my sister and is the only family I have left."
"The only family," Rai replied, "you mean…"
"My parents died at the start of the war seven years ago," Gen said, "and over the course of that seven years, my relatives were being killed during the occupation, mostly due to the fact that they were part of resistance cells that were fighting against Britannian occupation."
"Your sister mentioned your grandparents," Orpheus said.
"Yeah," Gen said with a sad expression, "my grandparents were living in Shinjuku where they were one of the many victims of the massacre ordered by Clovis."
Euphie was horrified at the revelation of what happened to Gen's grandparents reminded of the Clovis's order against Shinjuku and the true reason why Clovis ordered such a heinous thing.
"I'm sorry," Euphie said softly.
"Hey now," Gen replied looking at Euphie, "you don't need to apologize. You weren't involved in this. Clovis was the one to blame and all those who took part of the massacre… besides, as far as I'm concern, my grandparents and the other people of Shinjuku got justice thanks to Lelouch."
"Yes," Euphie said with a nod, "the rest of you seem to know Momoka."
"Yeah, she was part of our group," Tamaki said, "she left us a few months before the time we took that capsule in which we thought was poison gas."
"Right," Rai said.
"Anyway, we should all get going," Ohgi said, "We got to help with the aid and help the rebuilding. We all got our tasks for now"
"Yeah, our jobs aren't done," Tamaki said, "We got get ready to set out to other countries to help the rebellions there against Britannian forces."
"We have to make sure to our eyes out of how the EU and the Chinese Federation responds," Minami said.
"Yes, we should go," Euphie said, "I just hope we can talk to her."
"ToMomoka?" Rai asked.
"Yes," Euphie said, "I know what was said but still I want to try to talk to her and work things out."
"It's understandable that you want to solve things," Orpheus said, "but there are some people who you can't reason with and it seems that Momoka is one of them."
Euphie looked down with a sad expression and the guys with her were concerned for the former third princess as they continued on their way. Meanwhile in the former Viceroy Palace, Zero and Void along with the Six Clan Leaders of Kyoto as well as Yun-seong and Talim were in a conference room and there was a huge monitor. The monitor turned on and it showed multiple screens of people who were there waiting and from different background.
"Greeting everyone," Zero said, "it's good to see you all."
"Hello everyone," Void said, "so good to see you all."
"Hello Zero," The people on the screen said, "hello Void."
"Now then," Zero said, "branch leaders of the Black Knights, let's us begin planning out the phase of our operations."
Pendragon, Holy Britannian Empire
In the stockade within the military base, Marrybell was facing Suzaku and who behind bars and determined to get answers from him.
"Tell me what you know Suzaku Kururugi and I will know if you're lying," Marrybell said.
Suzaku was caught off guard of what was being asked of him. Suzaku then just looked at Marrybell and shook his head.
"There is nothing more to tell," Suzaku responded, "everything that I told Prince Schneizel was all I know."
"So you insist on lying to me," Marrybell responded.
"I am not lying," Suzaku insisted.
"Oh yes you are," Marrybell said, "There is more to what you know."
"There isn't Your Highness," Suzaku said, "why won't you believe me?"
"I have reliable sources and can connect dots," Marrybell said and then she sighed, "Fine, I knew you weren't going to be honest with me. So be it," Marrybell stared straight to Suzaku's eyes and activated her own Geass from her left eye, "Suzaku Kururugi, you will answer my questions. You will tell me everything you know."
Suzaku was shocked as he noticed something on Marrybell's left eye as her Geass struck Suzaku. Suzaku looked dazed and seemed limped. Oldrin looked on seeing her princess use her own Geass to control Suzaku Kururugi.
"I really didn't' want to use my Geass on you like this," Marrybell said to Suzaku, "but I need to know."
Suzaku just looked on in a daze.
"Now then Kururugi," Marrybell continued, "tell me what you really know about the circumstances of the schemes of the massacre of the Special Zone, the reason for your actions, and… anything you know about Zero and Void."
"The truth is…" The Geassed Suzaku spoke.
Suzaku started to speak and Marrybell and Oldrin were surprised in what they were hearing about the truth of the things that Suzaku was telling them. Suzaku under the control of Marrybell's Geass told her and Oldrin about how VV approached him and told him the lies that Euphie was in danger by Zero and Void and he also told them the identities of Zero and Void and this caused the fourth princess to be shocked to learn the identities of Zero and Void adding to the fact that Cornelia and Nonette were able discover their identities as well and then Suzaku also spoke on the fact that Zero had him listen to a recording of the conversation between Euphie and VV and the true intentions of VV were and the conversation he had with Suzaku was just manipulation to get Suzaku to act out and disobeyed orders based on the lies that VV told him. Suzaku then spoke on Nonette's visit to him and when she told him that he needed to keep quiet and the possible consequences if you leaked the truth of what he knew including the fact that he was told that the emperor himself had Geass which allowed him to alter memories of those he used his Geass on. The whole thing shocked Marrybell and Oldrin. Not long afterwards, Suzaku was released from the control of Marrybell's Geass and was confused and noticed the way the two ladies were looking at him. Suzaku then noticed Marrybell's left eyes and was surprised.
"Your Highness, your left eye," Suzaku said.
"Yes I too possess the power of Geass," Marrybell responded as she deactivated her Geass, "and just so you know, I now everything that you truly know… including the facts that my siblings Lelouch and Nunnally are alive and they are Zero and Void, the leaders of the Black Knights."
Suzaku was wide eyed as he was shocked, "Did you use your Geass on me?"
"Yes I did," Marrybell said bitterly, "you should have been honest with me from the start… oh well it doesn't matter now. I know everything. Although I was already aware of my father and his connection to VV, I now know the fact that Bismarck, Jarvis, and Nonette are now connected and the lies that VV told you with his intent to destroy the Special Zone and have my sister Euphemia killed along with Zero and Void… my brother Lelouch and my sister Nunnally."
"So what are you going to do with the information you know after using Geass on me," Suzaku asked as he was bitter that Geass was used on me.
"Don't give me that," Marrybell replied and hen sighed, "Anyway I did say I had a proposal to give."
"And what is your proposal?" Suzaku asked.
"You know that your military career is destroyed for what you did during the conflict between the forces led by Schneizel and the Black Knights," Marrybell said, "you'll most likely be here for a year at most. I would actually like your help. If you agree to aid me, I'll talk to my brother Schneizel and get you out of here in no time although I won't be able to help get your rank you had before and you still won't be able to pilot the Lancelot. What I can do is that if you agree to aid me, not only will I get you out of here, I can have you work under me as one of my subordinates."
"And what is it you want me to aid with?" Suzaku asked.
"Going against VV and those connected with him," Marrybell said with determination, "including my father the emperor as well as assuring the safety my sister Euphemia."
Suzaku was surprised, "Princess Marrybell…"
"It's obvious my sister had dealt with a bad hand due the scheme of VV as well callous nature and response of my father, Emperor Charles zi Britannia," Marrybell said, "in fact, I want to try to work with my siblings Lelouch and Nunnally to go against VV and my father."
"Work with Lelouch and Nunnally?" Suzaku asked, "What do you mean?"
"They've been alive and well all this time," Marrybell said, "not only that, they are actually the masked leaders of the Black Knights, the organization that is opposing Britannia, the same organization that was able to free Japan from Britannian occupation. Considering everything I know so far and the events that have occurred recently, I think I understand why they never made it known to me or the rest of the family that they were still alive and well. So with that in mind, I would like your help in the matter Kururugi."
Suzaku was amazed in what Marrybell was saying but then he had a sad expression and looked away feeling ashamed.
"I understand Princess Marrybell but I wonder…" Suzaku spoke sadly.
"Kururugi?" Marrybell spoke.
"Do I even have the right to help them?" Suzaku asked sadly.
"Huh, what do you mean?" Marrybell asked as she was a bit confused.
"I turned by back Euphie when she needed me the most and be there for her," Suzaku replied, "I quit being her knight and possibly broke her heart in the process and with the decisions I made and what I tried to do with the way in getting her back, I doubt she would want to be anywhere near me. Lelouch and Nunnally would not let me be near her for what I did and the accusations I made towards them as well, especially Lelouch who would most likely kill me for going anywhere near Euphie."
Suzaku turned around and walked and then stopped as he leaned against the wall and sat on the floor. Marrybell was stunned and then she sighed with a sad expression.
"If you truly feel bad for what happened then that should be even more reason to aid me so that we can help my sister and oppose my father and VV," Marrybell said, "not only that, there is one more important reason in my quest to go against those two and those who would aid and work for them."
"What do you mean?" Suzaku asked looking at Marrybell with curiosity.
"VV and my father are planning something," Marrybell said, "and whatever it is that they are planning is not something that will be good for the world."
"Do you have proof of this?" Suzaku asked.
"I do have some proof to back up my suspicions and I know that they are planning something, something big," Marrybell said, "but as what is that they are planning, I still have no idea but we know that it is not good and it could be bad news for people in the world."
"I see," Suzaku responded.
"Suzaku Kururugi," Marrybell said, "son of Prime Minister Genbu Kururugi, childhood friend to my siblings Lelouch and Nunnally vi Britannia, and my sister Euphemia li Britannia's former knight, I ask of you, will you help me and put an end to what VV and my father trying to do before whatever they do ruin the world?"
Suzaku just looked on and had a sad expression.
Japan
In various cities in Japan, people including the Black Knights and Peace Mark were working together rebuild. Aid was being passed around in various places to help civilians and people were working together in trying to get back life before the occupation. In Kyoto, Keitaro was leading a group of Black Knights to help people in Kyoto. As he was overseeing the work on the restoration and rebuilding for the people in Kyoto, there was a woman that was calling him. Keitaro looked and saw his wife Motoko and had their daughter Yoko with her.
"Motoko, Yoko," Keitaro said.
"Daddy!" Yoko called happily.
Yoko rushed over to her father and hugged her father's leg. Keitaro responded happily by picking up his four-year-old daughter and giving her a hug. Motoko caught up to him and Keitaro hugged his wife as well. It was a happy family time for the three of them. They went somewhere to be alone as Keitaro had one of his subordinates take charge on overseeing the work in Kyoto.
"I'm glad we can be together like this," Keitaro said.
"I'm glad too," Motoko said happily.
"Daddy, are you going to come home now?" Yoko asked.
"I still have some work to do," Keitaro said, "but don't worry, when we get things done here, I'll spend the rest of the time with you. I promise."
"Really?" Yoko replied.
"Really," Keitaro said with a nod.
"Dear, is it really going to be okay?" Motoko asked.
"It'll be fine," Keitaro said, "I have already got permission from Zero."
"I see," Motoko said and then smiled, "thank goodness. But there's something I am concerned about."
"You're wondering if I will continue being part of the Black Knights," Keitaro deduced.
"Yes, I heard from Shinobu that the Black Knights will be going to other countries that are still occupied by Britannia," Motoko said as she was worried, 'I heard that it will be tough and you all will be spread out. It seems that it will be more dangerous than what we had going on here."
"I won't lie to you," Keitaro said, "it will be tougher for sure. Britannia is not taking well on the fact we wrestled our country out of their grip and fact that rebellions in those occupied countries are occurring has to be angering them even further. They're intending to end them with their sought out victories but we want to make sure they don't succeed."
"That is true," Motoko said, "but Keitaro, do you have to go with them?"
"Motoko," Keitaro said.
"You've done what you set out to do when leading the Yamato Alliance," Motoko said. "You fulfilled your promise. Can't you stay with us so that we can be a family again? From what you've been telling me, I'm sure that Zero and Void will allow you to quit and be with us again."
Keitaro opened his mouth a bit and closed it and thought about it. On one hand, he felt that he should continue being one of the key people of the Black Knights as one of the Deputy Commanders but on the other hand, he has been away from his wife and daughter for too long and he did fulfill his promise and Japan was now independent. Meanwhile in Narita, a group of Black Knights were working in aiding and helping with the repairs in Narita. The ones leading them were Todoh and the Four Holy Swords. More people arrived and it was Katase in casual clothes and the remaining members of the Japan Liberation Front who were also in casual clothes.
"General Katase," Todoh said as he and the Four Holy Swords greeted the old general.
"Please no need to be formal with me," Katase assured, "I'm retired now. I'm now just an ordinary citizen."
"Pardon, it's just hasn't sunk in to us yet," Todoh said.
"It's fine," Katase said, "anyways we came to help."
"We will happy to have your help," Senba said happily.
"Thank so you much for coming," Asashina added.
"We're just happy to see you all again," Urabe also added.
"We're very grateful," Chiba said with a smile.
"Hey, we're glad to be here," One of the former members of the JLF said.
"Of course, so don't hesitate to have us work hard," Katase assured.
"That goes for the rest of us," Another former JLF member said proudly.
"Very well then," Todoh said, "As you wish."
"So here we are," Katase said, "back here in Narita."
"Yes, when being part of the JLF, we had control of Narita," Todoh said.
"Yes, a lot has happened since then," Katase said.
"General Katase, it has been an honor to fight under your command," Todoh said.
Katase responded by looking at Todoh and smiled as he nodded.
"Of course, it has been an honor to have you as one of my subordinates," Katase responded, "I just wished a lot more of our comrades in arms were alive to be here and witness this day… including Kusakabe."
"General," Todoh said.
"I know what Kusakabe and his followers did is inexcusable," Katase said, "but still he still desired for Japan to be free. His desire was the same as ours."
"Yes I won't deny that as well," Todoh said.
"Well let's not bring ourselves down like this," Katase said.
"Yes you're right," Todoh said, "let's get started in rebuilding our home."
In Shinjuku as work was being done to help the people with aid and rebuilding of homes, Naoto and Kallen were praying in front of mass graves of the people who died during Clovis's massacre.
"A lot of people lost their lives here," Naoto said.
"Yes," Kallen said.
Naoto sighed sadly, "This is my all my fault."
Kallen was a bit surprised and turned to her brother.
"Naoto," Kallen said.
"This happened because of my failure as a leader," Naoto said with regret.
"N-No, that's not true," Kallen replied, "you didn't cause the massacre here. Clovis did and it was all to protect his secret."
"But it was my plan to steal that canister in which we thought was poison gas," Naoto said, "I wanted to expose that fact against Clovis. I underestimated how desperate he would be when he ordered the massacre here in Shinjuku. A lot of people died here because of it," Naoto clenched his teeth in sadness, "I have to live with that."
"I am just as much to blame," A male voice said suddenly, "perhaps it's me who is truly guilty."
The Kozuki siblings turned and saw that it was Jeremiah and Inoue was with him.
"Jeremiah," Naoto said.
"Oh Inoue," Kallen said, "You're here as well."
"We came to assist with the work here," Inoue said.
"Thanks, that's helpful," Naoto said.
"Naoto Kozuki," Jeremiah said, "it may not seem much coming from me, as someone who participated in this horrible farce here but I believe that you are not to blame for this. I was ignorant in what His Highness Prince Clovis was doing was doing but I did aid in this massacre. If anyone who should be guilty, it is me."
"Jeremiah," Naoto said.
"I ask of you seeing that you are close friends to my lord and lady, do not blame yourself for it," Jeremiah said, "I know you tried to expose what His Highness was doing using chemical weapons, although it was actually Miss CC was in the canister but still…"
"I get it Jeremiah and thank you," Naoto said, "I still feel bad about what happened but I appreciate your words."
"I do as well," Kallen said, "thanks Jeremiah."
"You have my thanks as well Jeremiah," Inoue said.
"We just have to move forward and honor the memories of those who have lost their lives and make sure that something like this never happens again," Naoto said.
"Deputy Commander Kozuki," One of Black Knights called out.
Naoto looked over and met with the Black Knight that called him and informed him of the status and Naoto nodded in response.
"Understood," Naoto said, "let's continue on with this."
"Yes sir," The Black Knight said with a salute.
Naoto signaled Kallen, Inoue, and Jeremiah and the three nodded and went to Naoto and then the four walked together with the Black Knight.
Headquarters of the Geass Order
Rolo was walking and then he stopped and kneeled in front of VV who was sitting on his throne.
"Excellent, you're here Rolo," VV said.
"Yes Director VV," Rolo said.
"Your mission will be starting soon," VV said, "I assume that you are well prepared."
"Yes I am prepared Director," Rolo responded.
"However there is a bit of change in the course of the plan," VV informed.
"A change sir?" Rolo asked.
"It's not much really," VV said, "you just won't be going to Japan directly. It's going to be tough and may lead to suspicion just going there directly. You'll first make a stop in Pendragon."
"The imperial capital?" Rolo asked.
"Yes, an operation will commence to reoccupy Japan and bring it back to the status of Area 11," VV said, "you're going to help in that operation."
Tokyo, Japan
In the one of the rooms of the old Viceroy Palace, Lelouch and Nunnally along with Alice, Sayoko, and the Clan Leaders of Kyoto were looking over the maps of the world and the marked countries that indicated to be occupied by Britannia.
"So what do you say Lelouch?" Nunnally asked.
"Going with what we discussed, all conditions should be cleared," Lelouch said, "Sayoko, make contact with that person in the EU."
"Understood Master Lelouch," Sayoko said with a nod.
"Kaguya," Lelouch said.
"The Chinese Federation?" Kaguya asked with a proud smile.
"Yes," Lelouch replied with smile and nod, "Contact Li Xingke."
"You got it darling," Kaguya said.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: The responses from the Chinese Federation and the EU and the planning to reoccupy Japan led by Cassius.