Chapter 16: School Festival
Washington laid to rest in bed, with his arms behind his head smiling. After the battle of Kyushu, he simply smiled at Alice's resolve. He knew her ever since he owed her mother, Elsa a favor. He was too late for her sister, but he could make it up by helping in whatever she needed. However, he didn't expect her and Zero to help out Suzaku Kururugi. Then again, Suzaku was her half-brother, and she had known the boy ever since she was born in Japan when her mother stayed there. A hand suddenly slapped his face as he was interrupted from his thoughts, turning over to see Rakshata. She wasn't the first and possibly won't be the last. The one before her was Naomi Inoue, one of the few female members of the Black Knights with long blue hair who at that point was drunk and celebrating the battle of Narita that night in the hot spring spa outside of Fuji.
"Best not to wake her." Wash said, quietly. "I should look into what Rakshata wanted on some ideas for Knightmare Frames Australia could use. Britannia won't know about that, so that' a plus side. Thankfully, I gave her the schematics for a new type of Knightmare Harkov was thinking about." Then all of a sudden, he heard a ringing sound as he turned to his cell phone. "Hello." he answered. "Hey, Harkov. Yeah, Rakshata will send you the details for some Knightmare designs. As to if it's a retrofit, modification, or new Knightmare entirely, that's something you would have to get to her about." Washington shook his head and chuckled. "Yes, she did show up for dinner. I did not have- Fine, it's her. So, I'll get back with you tomorrow. Bye." he hung the phone up, laying back in bed
In one of the classrooms in Ashford Academy, a female teacher with glasses gave off a stern expresson who held a night class for absent students. Students in particular were Lelouch, Suzaku, Rai, Malik, Carlito, and Alice.
"Yes, it is true that the invasion by the Chinese Federation and the terrorism of the Black Knights have disrupted our society." the teacher said, sternly. "But that is completely separate issue! The fact remains that the six of you have been absent from class far too often! I don't care how good your grades are or that you're Princess Euphemia's knight! If you don't Improve, you will repeat this year!"
"Stupid britannian school." Carlito muttered quietly
"Mr. Rojas, stop muttering!" the teacher shouted
Carlito groaned. "Yes, ma'am." he said as Alice and Rai gave the night teacher the work they did before leaving
"Well, they're already done." Malik commented. 'Although, considering how Kyushu turned out...' he thought
The next morning inside a warehouse within the Shizuoka Ghetto there was a large group of people gathering together for a discussion.
"I'm telling you, Zero is our savior!"
"Even Elevens can move up in the world! Just look at Suzaku Kururugi!"
"If it hadn't been for Zero, the Chinese Federation would have conquered Kyushu!"
"But it isn't what is said on the news."
"Cause the Britannians control the media!"
"I don't care as long as there's peace!"
"The peace of slavery! That's what Kururugi wants!"
The Black Knights Submarine was driving through the ocean, and inside of it within the Knightmare Hanger. The core members of the Black Knights who were from Ohgi's group were meeting Washington and Harkov.
"So opinions in the ghettos are split?" Ohgi asked
"Some are submissive, some are defiant." Yoshida said
"But they'll be shocked when they find out Zero's goal is to start an independent nation." Sugiyama said
"Yeah right, that's totally crazy!" Yoshida exclaimed
"We need to be realistic." Minami added
Tamaki was standing by the wall with his eyes closed kept out of the conversation before he spoke. "I agree with both of them." he said, surprising the others. "Well, isn't it true? If we stick with them, we might catch a huge lucky break! Maybe I'll even get my bureaucrat."
Washington raised an eyebrow at Tamaki. "Right..."
"A bureaucrat?! Seriously?!" Kallen responded surprised
"Hey, even I had a dream once!" Tamaki replied. "If I hadn't thrown in with the Black Knights, I'd probably be hooked on Refrain by now."
Ohgi was surprised once Tamaki mentioned Refrain and wondering if he could use it on the woman from the docks. 'Refrain might bring back her memory... so I could find out who Zero is. But what would I do if I knew?' he thought
"Ohgi?"
"Just proceed as planned, probably." Washington said
"He's right." Ohgi said. "I'll do my part just like everyone else."
"Are you sure about this?" Tamaki asked. "It could be a trap."
"But we need inside sources." Kallen pointed out. "They also said there's someone there from the Chinese Federation that Zero wants to form a connection with."
"I'll deal with the sources and find out if they're legit." Washington replied
"And I will proceed with the Knightmares and engineering, unless Zero has other plans in mind." Harkov added
"Anyway, tomorrow's the only time we'll be able to use the escape route Diethard set up for us." Ohgi said
Fireworks went off as it was the start of the annual school festival in Ashford Academy. Alice, Carlito, and Malik were walking on campus when the event took place.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting!" they heard Milly say with excitement in her voice. "The Ashford Academy school festival, which is the most open event in the Tokyo settlement, is about to begin! It will begin with this sound!"
"Wait, she doesn't mean..." Alice's face suddenly turned to dread
"Mean what-" Malik is cut off when...
"MEOW!" they heard Nunnally say on PA system, as cheering happily in excitement
"And I thought this school couldn't be any nosier." Carlito muttered
The school festival had begun as the students were working in their stands and for their own classes, while other students who weren't working on the festival were going to various places. Some students were doing food stands, while others were displaying pictures of Clovis, some of the Black Knights, and some of Lancelot. On one of the roofs of the school building, Rai was with Lelouch while he was on the phone with Diethard.
"That's what I thought. So even Sawasaki and his entourage turned out to be useful." Lelouch said. "We've covered all the tasks at hand."
"Plus, a little help from Washington's informants." Rai added as Lelouch nodded in response
"We gathered all the sector data on the emergency countermeasures that they left behind." Diethard informed Lelouch on the other line
Rai saw the members of the press as he ducked, taking Lelouch with him.
'The press? Why today?!' Lelouch thought
"Never thought they'd be here today of all days." Lelouch heard Rai mutter under his breath
"We've identified the solar panels used in settlement as well as energy storage sites." Diethard continued on the other line. "And what about that collaborator issue?"
"I've handed it most of it myself about 72% percent is complete." Lelouch replied. "And, Todoh?"
"He's drawing up a list of occupation targets broadcasting stations and such." Diethard said. "I need you to check them, including the dummy plans we're sending to Kyoto."
"I understand." Lelouch replied. "I'll confirm tomorrow."
"Oh, and I know we're late in reporting this to you, but regarding the operation of the Zero squad, Ohgi has-"
"There's trouble!" Lelouch and Rai turned to see Milly call out to both of them suddenly, running toward them in a panic. "There's huge, huge, trouble!"
"Hmm? Trouble?" Rai heard Diethard speak as Lelouch walked over to talk to Milly
"Ignore that. It's nothing." Rai said, leaving the roof. "Now, continue what you were saying."
Elsewhere in the Tokyo settlement, Ohgi was walking down the street with the amnesiac Villetta who still hadn't recover her memories. He didn't know much about her other than calling her Chigusa. They were both wearing simple casual attire as Villetta herself was feeling cheerful.
"Sorry, but an Eleven from the ghetto walking around alone would be-"
"It's all right." Villetta interjected, cutting him off
"If you're afraid that some Britannians might-"
"You needn't worry about me so much. I'm okay, really." Villetta stopped and admired a butterfly. "Anyway, is this going to help you with your work?"
"Yes." Ohgi said, stopping and facing her. "I can gather data for our development project."
Villetta smiled. "I understand. That's good, then."
'What am I doing?' Ohgi asked himself while he panicked on the inside as they continue walking. 'If I get the chance, I should hand over to the cops or a hospital. No, I can't... if they connect me to the Black Knights, it would implicate everyone. Even so, I can't just kill her... I can't.'
They both came to a halt at the front gate to Ashford Academy that was decorated for the festival.
"Here we are." Ohgi spoke
"Is something wrong?" Villetta asked
"No, I used to be a school teacher, so I felt a little nostalgic." he said looking at the festival
Villetta looked at him, curiously. "Why did you stop teaching?"
"My best friend since we were little kids. Well..." Ohgi let out a sad smile thinking of Naoto Kozuki, his deceased friend. "He's since passed on. You could say that I'm living out his dream in his place. It's kind of a heavy thing for me to carry around."
Villetta moved close to Ohgi as she held onto his arm. "Let's go in."
"No!" Ohgi exclaimed, surprised by her suggestion. "I can't go into a Britannian school, I'm an Eleven!"
Suddenly, four students came out the front gate to greet them, while Ohgi had spotted a couple of familiar faces to his left.
"That doesn't matter!" a female student said
"The campus is open today! Come on!" another female student said as well
"In you go, you two!" a male student said this time as they lead Ohgi and Viletta inside the school grounds
"Hey, I found them first!" the female student said, upset
Harkov turned to the female student. "Excuse me, my dear. Did you say festival?"
the student's attention changed to one of joy. "Yeah! Why don't you both come along!"
"Don't mind if we do." Washington replied
In one of the school kitchens, Suzaku was chopping up onions and took the chopped onions as he put them in a bowl.
"That's a relief." Suzaku said, smiling. "I thought you were never going to come back to school."
Behind him was Kallen who was surprised that Suzaku had already picked up on her presence.
"This was on purpose?!" Kallen asked. "Why didn't you tell anyone here in school... about who I am?"
"You're Kallen Stadtfeld right now, aren't you?" Suzaku responded. "Not Kallen Kozuki, right?"
"Are you trying to draw me in by acting friendly?" Kallen asked in a upset tone
"On the battlefield, I won't show any mercy. But I want to persuade you here." Suzaku said. "I know this is against the rules, but while we're at school, I'd rather change your mind here than defeat you in combat later."
"Something's different about you." Kallen said, noticing and didn't know what to make of things. Then suddenly, the door open to reveal Lelouch and Carlito.
"Suzaku, the truck's here." Lelouch said. "The cheese is being loaded up." then saw Kallen. "You're not sick, anymore?"
"Yeah, it's a relief."
"Oh, right. Thanks." Suzaku said
"Can't believe I got dragged into this mess." Carlito commented. "Figured I would just hide somewhere so that girl would never see me."
"Madame President can be tenacious, annoying so as evidence to the contrary." Lelouch said to him, before turning to Kallen. "You're here, too."
"Oh, um yeah." Kallen said with a smile. "And you're helping with the giant pizza?"
"Quote on quote helping." Carlito replied. "Alice is with Nunnally last I checked, Rai's on some other work, and I have no idea where Malik went."
"Clearly hiding from Madame Pres possibly." Lelouch commented, sighing. "He won't be able to hide from her, forever."
"Kallen. What we were talking about has nothing to do school, okay?" Suzaku said to her
Kallen nodded. "Yeah, I got it."
"What were you talking about?" Lelouch asked
"Oh, don't worry about it." Suzaku replied, in a assured tone
"Kallen, if you don't mind, could you go and check in with your class?"
"I don't mind."
"I DO MIND!" she yelled out as Kallen scared a couple, dressed in a square-shaped monster that sprung from the ground. Her face painted red and a third eye painted on her forehead. "This thing scares them?" Kallen clenched her fists in frustration. "I'm gonna get Lelouch for this! He should've told me I had to be part of the horror house." Kallen went down so that she could spring up to scare again. "The only person I let order me around is Zero!" Kallen looked at the screen and saw the signatures of two more people walking around. "Oh great, here comes another couple. Why couldn't they make this whole thing mechanical if they've got this dumb screen? It's sweltering inside here! It's like those early Glasgows! C'mon, move your ass. MOVE YOUR AAAAAASSSSSS!"
Kallen looked surprised as she saw the couple being Ohgi and another woman she didn't recognize.
"Ohgi?" Kallen spoke in surprise
Ohgi opened his eyes as he was surprised to see her. "You're back safe?"
"Fortunately, yes." Kallen awkwardly responded
Elsewhere in the campus, Cecile was having fun playing Whack-A-Mole that was using real students. However, Cecile kept hitting only one student who had blond hair and wore glasses. Other soldiers were with her and noticed what was going on, while Malik glanced after handing a food stand some supplies.
"The one she keeps whacking. Doesn't he look like Lloyd?" one soldier whispered
"No wonder." another soldier whispered back. "Working under that guy must really drive her out of her mind."
Malik spotted on one of the phones. "Right, the pizza's starting later." Lelouch said, hanging up. "Definitely don't have time to be doing this." he then answered the other phone. "Yes. Oh, the Drama Club? I've spoken to the Film Club about it." Lelouch hung up the other phone as Malik walked over to him
"Exhausting, isn't it?" Malik asked
"Exhausting would be an understatement." Lelouch replied as he thought. 'How can I prepare my coup d'etat, and that's even with Rai taking care of things for me right now but-'
He was cut off from his thoughts when a mallet suddenly hit Lelouch on his head, as Malik caught it
Cecile suddenly showed up. "I'm sorry!" she said, apologizing. "The handle just broke in two!"
"It's fine." Malik replied as he handed the mallet back to Cecile
'Soldiers? How peaceful the world truly is.' Lelouch thought in irritation and sarcasm
Cecile stared at Lelouch for a moment. "Say, aren't you Suzaku's friend?"
Malik changed the subject when he turned to Cecile. "Would you and the others like to try out our other games, ma'am?" he asked leading them away
"Hey, you, boy." C.C's voice suddenly spoke as Lelouch sighed. "Where am I supposed to go eat the biggest pizza in the world?" he turned to C.C wearing a Ashford Academy uniform and her hair in a ponytail. "Oh, so here you are."
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Tokyo settlement, Cornelia and her forces including the Glaston Knights with their own KMFs had arrived as they were standing in attention. Nonette and Mariel made their way catching up with Cornelia and Schneizel speaking with each other as they walked side-by-side them.
"Good work getting them here from Area 18 in one night." Schneizel praised. " Your forces are impressive, Cornelia."
"You flatter me." Cornelia said. "I'm honored that you deployed your regular troops to fill in for them, Schneizel."
"It was the least I could do." Schneizel said
"The Glaston Knights who were on standby in the Homeland have joined us here." Cornelia said. "And that means... we even have Sattel Waffes for the Gloucesters."
"I understand. And I'm going to play this card in my negotiations with the Chinese Federation." Schneizel informed
"Please do, Lord Schneizel. The sooner we gain an upper hand on this, the better." Mariel said
"What a great honor it is, truly." Schneizel said with a smile. "Being asked for assistance by Princess Cornelia, who is unmatched on the battlefield. Accompanied by the Knights of Five and Nine, no less."
"Such a Flatterer as always." Nonette commented with a smile
"Prince Schneizel, it's nothing. Really." Mariel added, slightly blushing
"Please, don't tease me about this..." Cornelia said in a sad expression. "Besides, surely you know that is no longer true. I've suffered many losses at the Black Knights as of late."
"But that doesn't mean I'm sincere." Schneized said to her. "I still believe that on the field of combat, you shine more beautifully and brightly than any flower or butterfly at a soiree. Yes, like the Flash herself. Any man would be lucky enough and worthy of your hand in marriage."
"Please, stop saying that." Cornelia said after her brother's praise and her embarrassment due to the flattery. "You know I'm only... now, where could Euphie have disappeared to? I told her I was coming to see you off."
"I had a long talk with her last night."
"Last night?" Cornelia asked
"Yes." Schneizel said, nodding. "And about the other matter... regarding Bartley's project."
"Oh, yes. I don't really mind." Cornelia said. "But will he actually be of use to us?"
At an unknown location, Knight of Two simply stared at Jeremiah in a large cylinder tube with green liquid along with some metal on his body and face.
Back in Ashford Academy, Lelouch had taken C.C hide in a storage building.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm asking about the biggest pizza in the world." C.C said
"I'll bring you some." Lelouch replied. "Now wait in your room!"
"I don't believe you, because you're a lair." C.C responded
"I'm not going to deceive you over a pizza!" Lelouch said in irritation and losing patience. "The military and the press are here. What if they see you?"
"I'll wear a disguise." C.C replied in a nonchalant tone. "I don't like cold pizza."
"Right now I have a school festival and a coup d'etat to run!" Lelouch said
Suddenly, they heard the doors open and look to see what was going on. Three people had entered the storage building, seeing Kallen, Ohgi, and Viletta.
"Why did you come to the school?" Kallen asked
"Well, you see-"
"Oh, that was my fault." Viletta said, cutting Ohgi off
"Who are you, anyway?" Kallen suspiciously asked. "You're not an Eleven. What's your name?"
"Ah... this is... she's my..."
"Kallen. This place is for authorized personnel only." Lelouch said approaching, seeing Ohgi in the process. 'Ohgi?' he though in his head while shocked
Meanwhile, Euphie and her bodyguards had just arrived in the academy. All three wearing civilian clothes and Euphie having on a hat and sunglasses to cover her hair and eyes.
"I'm really sorry about this, but there's something I want to talk to Suzaku about." Euphie said to her bodyguards
"It's all right, Your Highness." the female bodyguard said
Euphie began to recall her proposal to Schneizel in his office last night.
'Euphie, I think this is a wonderful idea you've come with."
"Really?! Then-"
"You should follow the path you believe in with all your heart. I'll discuss it with Cornelia so that she understands."
'Suzaku, my brother approved my idea.' Euphie thought happily. 'Now we can-'
Euphie was suddenly cut off from her thoughts when she bumped into someone. Unaware to her, that someone was Nunnally on her wheelchair as Sayoko and Alice were with her.
"I'm so sorry!" Euphie said. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Are you okay?" Nunnally replied as Euphie recognized her voice
"Huh? Nunnally?!"
"Huh? That voice, is it you?"
'Euphemia?! What is she doing here of all places?' Alice thought to herself
Malik and Rai were helping Carlito in getting everything settled for making the giant pizza. He still couldn't believe Milly Ashford to be crafting in using Shirley to run interference, or didn't know she was. In either case, Malik was helping out with the giant pizza much to his and Carlito's detest. But they had to keep up with the cover, as they were finished. They did watch Suzaku on a Ganymede, serving as a tosser for the giant pizza dough. Surprising to Malik and Carlito was the fact there were cheering at Suzaku. Considering the large number of Elevens here in the festival, they revered him from the looks of things. From the corner of his eye, he spotted Washington and Harkov at the festival watching Suzaku toss the giant pizza dough. He nudged at Carlito as he glanced and saw the two, before both of them walked over to them.
"Didn't expect to see you two here."
"What are you doing here?"
Washington sat down on a bench along with Harkov. "Just checking up on your progress." the old man said
"If this is about-"
"It's not about your infiltration with finding out about your class president's fiance." Washington stated. "How's Alice been lately?"
"Well, about her old friends, just fine." Malik said to him. "She's happy to see him again."
"And how are you two settling here?" Washington asked the two
"I'd be fine if we didn't have to participate in this damn festival. It feels..." Carlito trailed off, glancing at the people in the school festival
"Normal?" Washington interjected
"Weird, in our line of work as mercs." Malik replied before he smiled. "But yeah... normal."
Carlito nodded in reply. "Yeah, weird and normal."
"So, where is Alice and Rai among the crowd in this festival?" Harkov asked
"Rai went over to get something to drink. And Alice is..." Malik trailed until she saw her with Lelouch, Nunnally, and a girl with sunglasses and a cap on stairs. "Over there." he narrowed his eyes at the girl as his Geass activated. 'That girl. Is that who I think it is?' he thought
Just when Shirley called out Lelouch's name, a gust of wind blew by and blew off the girl's hat as it revealed her long pink hair. Malik's eyes widened at the sight of her hair, as he recognized who the woman was instantly.
"Is that Princess Euphemia?!" he heard Shirley blurt out
Shirley's outburst drew the attention of other people, and they wondered if Princess Euphemia was really there. The people on the campus heard and looked, seeing that it really was her on the stairs. The four of them did not like what was happening at the moment. Lelouch had already wheeled Nunnally away and took off as fast he could, with Alice already sprinting away as her bodyguards quickly rushed to her side. Members of the news team were excited and rushed over while a cameraman was linking up to their studio. The students were also excited and rushed over to Euphemia.
"Everyone, stop!" Suzaku called out. "Don't run! Please don't panic!"
Among the excitement, Suzaku neglected the controls of the Ganymede no longer had a hold on the giant pizza dough as it flew off and landed on top of a tree. Carlito screamed with his hands on his forehead while C.C looked horrified at what she just witnessed on the roof.
"Pizza..." she said, feeling crushed
"Well, that sure escalated." Washington commented as a few gunshots were heard as the mob stopped in their tracks to see soldiers. "And now deescalated, it seems."
Harkov nodded in agreement. "Indeed." now seeing the press and students of the academy rush in before being picked by Suzaku on the Ganymede
"Princess Euphemia! You're not hurt, are you?"
"I'm fine!" Euphie said. "Thank you, Suzaku."
Malik used his Geass to hear Lelouch and Nunnally near a small concession stand. 'Lelouch, and his sister are alright.' he thought turning to see Euphemia. 'But why is she here?'
"Princess Euphemia, down here! Can I get a statement, please?" a female newsreporter from H.I TV requested
"Could you please network this broadcast nationwide?" Euphie asked
"Huh? You mean go live now?"
"What's this now?" Washington said, wondering what was about to happen
"Euphie?"
"I have a very important announcement!" Euphie declared
In the Knightmare Hangar of the Viceroy's Palace, Guilford ran and saw Cornelia who was checking on Gluocester with Mariel and Nonette standing by.
"Your Highness! Princess Euphemia!"
"What is she doing now?"
Todoh and Rakshata were watching the news wondered what Princess Euphemia was up to.
"And we go to our special live coverage!"
"I am Euphemia." Euphie said. "Sub-viceroy of Area 11 of the Holy Britannian Empire. There is something of great consequence that I wish to tell you all today!"
"Now what?" Rakshata asked. "This little girl is making quite the fuss."
"I, Euphemia li Britannia, hereby declare the formation of Special Administrated Zone of Japan in the surrounding area of Mt. Fuji!"
Her words spread shock and surprised everyone worldwide
"What?!" Lelouch thought in the concession stand. "Britannia has-"
"They're recognizing Japan?!"
"Does this mean..." Harkov trailed
"I don't know." Washington replied
In the H.I TV van, Diethard had an expression of shock and anger. "Damn it!" he said slamming the console. "I never thought of this game! Even though it's only at a limited area!"
"Within the Special Administrated Zone of Japan, Elevens will be permitted to call themselves Japanese. Restrictions against Elevens and special rights for Britannian will no longer exist within this zone." Euphemia stated. "It will be a place for Elevens and Britannians live side-by-side as equals!"
'Stop this, Euphie!' Lelouch thought in his head. 'I already thought though every detail of that scenario! It's nothing but an empty dream!'
"Do you hear me, Zero?"
"What?"
Euphie looked around before she spoke again. "I don't care about your past nor who you are underneath your mask! I beg of you! Join us in creating the special zone of freedom!"
"She wants Zero to join her?!" one of the students spoke
"No way! Just think about Prince Clovis!" another student said
Back in the Viceroy's Palace, Cornelia was shocked and disgusted by what she heard in Euphie's announcement.
"WHAT IS SHE DOING?!"
"This won't bode well, will it?" Mariel asked Nonette, whispering to her
Mariel's father Lenard walked beside her, overhearing the conversation. "No, my girl. This will be not, and not many people will see it that way either."
Nonette gritted her teeth worried about her announcement. "Damn it Euphie. What are you getting yourself into right now?"
"Zero, help me rebuild a new future in Britannia!" Euphie said back in Ashford. "A place for everyone!"
People started to cheer for Euphie, but there were some who did not like the idea, and some began to question Euphemia's intentions. Alice and Rai shared worried and troubled glances, along with Malik and Carlito.
"The Japanese Zone? Why is she doing that now?" a female student asked in confusion
"That's pretty obvious. She's in love with an Eleven." another female student said
"Could something like this work? Or is it a falsehood?" Carlito asked after hearing the announcement
"No, this isn't a long term solution." Harkov replied. "Only time will tell what Zero's response would be regarding this proposition."
'No way in hell Lelouch would accept this.' Malik thought to himself
'Lelouch! Now we can be like before!' Euphie thought happily
'No, Euphemia' Lelouch thought glaring at Euphemia. 'The past is dead and gone! Nothing can ever change that!'