Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Code Geass.
Departure
CC looked at the new Knightmare that was lime green that matched her hair and Lelouch was with her seeing the new Knightmare.
"So, this is my new Knightmare," CC said
Yes, this is the Merlin," Lelouch said.
CC just looked at it and it and nodded.
"Alright then," CC said, "let's do it."
CC mounted on the Knightmare Frame getting herself familiar with it while Lelouch looked on. Meanwhile Euphie just got on the Knightmare Frame that was a GX 01 that was given to her and in which it got customized to suit her. She sighed as she thought about what Lelouch and Nunnally had told her earlier and she wondered if it was really a good idea for her special assignment. Euphie soon got off from her customized GX 01 Knightmare and then turned around and looked at her own Knightmare Frame. The former Third Britannian Princess suddenly heard a meow and was surprised. She looked and saw Arthur.
"Oh, it's you," Euphie said.
Arthur went to Euphie and purred as he rubbed himself on Euphie's leg. Euphie smiled liking what Arthur was doing.
"Arthur, there you are," A female voice said.
Euphie and saw three people and it was Milly, Shirley, and Rivalz. They were surprised and approached Euphie.
"Oh my, hello Euphemia," Milly greeted.
"Hey there," Rivalz said with a smile.
Shirley rushed over and approached Euphie.
"It's good to see you Euphemia," Shirley said.
"Oh my, it's good to see you again Milly and Shirley," Euphie said happily and then turned to Rivalz, "you… you're Rivalz."
"Yes, it's nice to meet you," Rivalz said with a grin, "it really is nice to meet you face to face Euphemia."
"I understand that you're also Lelouch's close friend," Euphie said.
"Yeah, he's my best friend from school," Rivalz said.
"Wonderful," Euphie said happily.
Milly, Rivalz, Shirley, and Euphie spoke with each other getting to know each other while Euphie held Arthur. As they kept talking to each other, the conversation went to about Nina and the actions she took.
"I'm still sad about Nina," Rivalz said.
"Nina," Euphie said with sadness.
"I wonder what's going to happen to her," Shirley said.
"I have no idea," Euphie said, "it seems that my brother Schneizel has taken her under his custody."
"And you didn't hear what he plans to do with her?" Shirley asked.
"No," Euphie said as she shook her head, "I did ask when we were doing negotiations but he would not say."
"He wouldn't say huh," Milly said.
"Well I'm sure Lelouch and Nunnally will be able to find a way," Euphie said, "I'll ask them about it later on. I'm sure you all would like to know."
"Yeah, if you could," Rivalz said.
"We just want to see if she's alright," Shirley said.
"We know it's strange considering what she did but we're still worried," Milly said, "She was our friend and someone in the Student Council."
"I understand," Euphie said, "don't worry I'll see what we can learn."
Arthur meowed and looked at Euphie looking a bit sad.
"Oh," Euphie said.
"I think Arthur misses Suzaku," Shirley said with sympathy.
"Suzaku…" Euphie said with a sad expression.
"I wonder what's happening with Suzaku as well," Rivalz said.
"Schneizel also has Suzaku in his custody," Euphie said.
Milly, Rivalz, and Shirley looked at each other and then looked at Euphie with concern.
Flashback: Ashford Academy
Euphie was facing the damaged Lancelot piloted by Suzaku on the roof of one of the building.
"I came to rescue you," Suzaku declared.
"Rescue me?" Euphie replied confused, "What are you talking about?"
"Euphie, it's not safe for you to be with the Black Knights," Suzaku said, "it's not safe for you to be with Zero and Void. Please come with me and I'll keep you safe."
Euphie looked at the Lancelot and stayed firmed as she shook her head.
"No, I will not leave the Black Knights," Euphie said, "I am part of the Black Knights now. I will not turn my back on Zero and Void."
"Euphie, you don't understand," Suzaku responded, "They're just using you for their own ends. Zero in particular plans to use you and then have you killed afterwards."
"What are you talking about?" Euphie asked.
"I know the truth about Zero and Void," Suzaku said, "I know who they really are and I'm not just talking who they are behind their masks."
"Wait, you do?" Euphie replied surprised.
The students who heard this were surprised as well and most were curious how Suzaku found out and wondered if he was going to revealed who Zero and Void were.
"I do and they are not the just people that they present themselves to be," Suzaku said, "Zero especially is nothing more but a con artist and if you stay with him, he will kill you."
"You're wrong," Euphie said shaking her head, "they would never do that. I don't how you may feel that you know but I know them better than you think," Euphie placed her right hand over her chest, "I know who they are. I know Zero and Void very well and they are who they present themselves to be and I know the others in the Black Knights are the same way and I trust them fully as they fully trust me."
"No Euphie, you're making a mistake," Suzaku rebuked, "Please come with me and I will keep you safe. I promise that I won't let anything happen to you."
"Suzaku," Euphie said with a sad expression.
"I made the mistake of leaving you before," Suzaku said, "I'm sorry that I did that. I never should have done that. You must have felt hurt and sad for what I did. Please let me make it up to you, let me be your knight once more. Please come with me and I will keep you safe. I promise I won't let anything happen to you. I can protect you and I can show you the falsehood that is Zero and Void."
"Suzaku, just stop," Euphie responded shaking her head.
"E-Euphie?" Suzaku replied taken aback.
"Please stop this," Euphie said sadly, "I'm not going back and I will not go with you. I don't feel safe going back and I know I will be killed there the moment I do."
"I won't let it happen," Suzaku insisted, "Prince Schneizel won't let it happen either. You'll be safe!"
Flashback End
Euphie sighed sadly thinking about Suzaku.
"Say Euphemia, how are you feeling right now?" Milly asked suddenly.
"Me?" Euphie replied looking at the three.
"Yeah, we know that Suzaku kind of abandoned you," Milly said, "you must have been hurt."
"I admit I was," Euphie said, "but I also understand that the two of us see things differently and have different paths that we want to follow. Suzaku chose his path and I chose mine and we both need to live with the choices we made."
"Yes so true," Milly said, "it's the same for us. We chose our paths as well."
"Yes and our paths is helping Lulu and Nunna," Shirley said happily.
"Yeah and you know," Rivalz said, "I'm glad they willfully let us in."
Euphie was happy and they continued having their conversation and petting and cooing Arthur in the process. Meanwhile in one of the meeting rooms, Naoto was discussing things with Ohgi, Tamaki, Sugiyama, Minami, Inoue, and Yoshida. Naoto and Inoue were surprised when they heard what happened when they faced a certain person.
"I see," Naoto said, "Momoka."
"Yeah, Momoka showed up," Sugiyama said with sadness, "and she came at us with such hate."
"She mostly directed her hate towards Euphie," Ohgi said sadly, "she blames her for what happened in the Special Zone."
"Damn, this is unfortunate," Inoue said.
"Yeah, it was really hard," Tamaki said with a frown, "especially for Euphie… and Gen since Momoka is his sister."
"I bet it was hard for you as well Shinichiro," Naoto said.
"Huh?" Tamaki responded looking at Naoto.
"I'm sure it was hard for you as well since when she was with us, you were close to her," Naoto said, "you two seemed liked close friends."
Tamaki looked away with a sad expression, "Yeah, it was," Tamaki sighed, "I'm really sad for Momoka… but right now, I want to focus on helping out Euphie."
"Tamaki," Ohgi said as he and the other were amazed with Tamaki's intent.
"I know we all have places we have to go to operate as Black Knights," Tamaki said, "and I plan to do what I can to make sure and come back to stand with them."
"Lelouch, Nunnally, and Euphie," Naoto said.
"Yeah, that's right," Tamaki said, "we made it far working together and I plan to stick with them to the end. It's where I belong. So with that, I won't let anyone stand against it… whether they be Britannian or Japanese… especially Momoka."
"Yeah, it's safe to say that we feel the same way," Ohgi said.
"That goes for us as well," A male voice said.
The group looked and saw Keitaro and Gen who approached them.
"Keitaro," Naoto said, "Gen."
"My sort of reunion with my sister was not well," Gen said, "but I won't let her or anyone else destroy what we built together and like you, I intend to follow Zero and Void and help out Euphie to the very end.
Inoue, Yoshida, Sugiyama, and Minami nodded at the things that Tamaki, Ohgi, Keitaro, and Gen said. Naoto nodded and smiled.
"We've come far with them and we will see things through to the end with them," Naoto said.
Meanwhile the Four Holy Swords dismounted from their new Knightmare Frames and met up with Todoh. Todoh nodded and was satisfied.
"Excellent, this will do well for you four," Todoh said.
"Sir," The Four Holy Swords responded in unison standing in attention.
"Our new Knightmares will serve us well in the upcoming battles," Todoh said.
"Yes, it's almost time to head out to other places," Senba said.
"Still I can't say that I like this arraignment," Asahina said.
"Hmm, something you're unsatisfied with Asahina?" Todoh asked.
"Well, I just wished we would have gone with you instead going to separated places," Asahina said.
"I agree,' Chiba said, "I personally would feel better if we were with you to assist you sir."
"I see," Todoh said, "I do appreciate the sentiment but think about why they arrange it this way. Zero and Void planned this with each of you being capable in your fighting prowess. To me, that tells me that they have faith in each of you."
"We're well aware of the faith they have in us and we're grateful for it as well as leading us to victory," Chiba said, "but still… I personally wished that they would have us aid you instead."
"Well it's not as though I will be going alone," Todoh said, "none of us will be alone in our missions."
"That's true and I agree," Urabe said, "I believe we'll be fine."
"Urabe, are you sure of this?" Asahina asked looking at Urabe.
"Yeah, they never led us wrong," Urabe said looking at Asahina, "it's like the colonel said, they have faith of our abilities."
"Yes I agree," Senba said as he had his arms folded, "in which we should make sure that they are not proven wrong."
"That is true," Todoh said, "you two are right."
"It'll be fine," Urabe said, "we should do what we're going to do and come back alive."
Asahina and Chiba looked at each and nodded in agreement and nodded to Todoh who nodded back and was pleased with his four close subordinates. Meanwhile Lelouch, Nunnally, Rai, Jeremiah, and Sayoko arrived in a meeting room and awaiting them was the Six Leaders of Kyoto. They all sat down in their seats and discussed on the current situation.
"It's almost time," Lelouch said, "we will be heading out and make our way to our respective destinations."
"And while you're gone, we will continue to oversee the rebuilding of Japan," Kirihara said.
"We'll use our funds and resources and up the reconstructions and rebuilding," Osakabe said.
"Glad to hear it," Nunnally said.
"However I must ask," Kubouin said.
"Yes, what is it Lord Kubouin?" Lelouch replied.
"Are you certain that they will make their move at the moment you mentioned?" Kubouin asked.
"Yes, I was curious about that as well," Munakata said.
"They will," Lelouch said.
"From the intelligence and the report we have received," Sayoko said, "we have determined that they will make their move at that time."
"It will actually be a surprise if they didn't strike back immediately," Rai added.
"Hmm, I suppose that we'll have to prepare," Yoshino said, "and fortunately, we have the means to do so thanks to you."
"It's not a problem," Lelouch said, "Esteemed Six Leaders of Kyoto, we will be heading out and leave things here in Japan to you and Euphemia."
"We will continue to rebuild with the help of our people," Kirihara said.
"Yes but wait," Kaguya said as she stood up and approached Lelouch.
"Kaguya?" Lelouch asked.
"Lelouch, Nunnally," Kaguya said as she looked at Lelouch and Nunnally, "Are you sure that I shouldn't come with you? I'm certain that I can help."
"We know you can," Nunnally said giving a kind expression, "But Kaguya, we need you here. We would feel better if you stayed here and helped and supported Japan. There are still many things that need to be done."
"Kaguya," Lelouch said as he stood up and placed his hand on Kaguya's shoulder, "everyone has a role to play and yours is here with the other leaders."
"Lelouch," Kaguya said.
"Don't worry," Lelouch said with a smile, "we'll be careful and come back."
"Do you promise?" Kaguya asked with a longing expression.
"I promise," Lelouch said with assurance.
Kaguya sighed and then smiled, "Okay, I will hold you to it. Please come back safe… especially you Lelouch. After all, we have to concentrate our future together."
"Ah… our future," Lelouch spoke.
Nunnally looked on and sighed while Rai, Jeremiah, and Sayoko shrugged and the other clan leaders of Kyoto chuckled in amusement.
"All right, time to make the final preparations and head out," Lelouch declared.
"Yes," Nunnally said.
Two more people arrived and entered the room and it was Diethard and Rakshata.
"Is everything ready?" Lelouch asked.
"Yes, everything is set and ready," Rakshata replied looking pleased.
"You just need to say the word and they will start," Diethard replied with a grin.
"Excellent," Lelouch said looking pleased.
Holy Britannian Empire
Within the Pendragon Military Base, a door that led to a meeting room opened and William looked and saw Jarvis who was sitting in a chair by a large round table. William sighed and closed the door behind him and approached the Knight of Two.
"Good to see you again William," Jarvis greeted with a smile, "I'm so glad things are going well for you."
"Why are you here Sir Trenton?" William asked annoyed with a glare.
"Hey now, no need to be so suspicious of me," Jarvis responded and after a bit of silence, he shrugged and spoke, "Fine, I came to see to make sure things were going as planned. It seems that both Villetta and Rolo have settled in well. That's excellent and I will add one more new person in for this operation."
"Yes things are going as you proposed," William said as he sat down in a seat that was across Jarvis, "I just wished it wasn't His Highness Prince Cassius that was leading this operation."
"It's understandable," Jarvis said, "but just endure it for now. But now I have to ask, what do you think of our fourth prince?"
William sighed as he shook his head, "I've heard things about him and it's because of the things that I've heard about him is that I have my concerns. Even with the intelligence that we received, I worry that he somehow is going to mess things up."
"Well just do what you need to do and don't worry too much of what happens," Jarvis said, "if it gets bad, it'll be on him."
"Is it really that simple?" William replied, "I'm a high ranking officer and also leading this operation so I could be demoted if it ends in failure."
"Not you," Jarvis assured, "you'll be fine."
"How can you be sure?" William asked.
"You just will," Jarvis said, "you don't have to worry about it. You should trust me on this. I mean, it wasn't long that you and I were family."
William sighed, "Speaking of family, how is your sister Helena doing?"
"Still bitter about your brother James," Jarvis said, "she's been complaining and ranting ever since she came back to our family manor. She still can't grasp on the fact that your brother chose that Japanese woman over her."
"Hmph, such foolishness," William said bitterly, "and it's because of my brother's selfish actions, I have to deal with being the head of the Stadtfeld Family. All I wanted to do was serve in the military but I now have deal with the responsibility of being the head of a house because of my brother's irresponsible decision."
"Hmm," Jarvis responded with a shrug.
"Are you not bothered by this Jarvis?" William asked.
"Personally, I really don't care," Jarvis said with another shrug, "it was obvious to me that even though your brother was married to my sister, he still had feeling for his Japanese woman. Everything he did was an act just for the rest of your family to get off his back… and to leave his two kids alone."
"Still I do not approve of my brother's recent choices and…" William said as he narrowed his eyes, "I will never approve of my brother's children born from a common foreign woman."
"My goodness," Jarvis said, "I'm sure James would be heartbroken to hear you say that."
"His feelings are irrelevant to me," William said as he stood up from his seat, "If you'll excuse me Sir Trenton, I have to make sure the final preparations are done. It won't be long before we move out and reoccupy Japan and I will make sure that it happens. Regardless in how I personally feel about Prince Cassius, I will support him as a loyal servant of Britannia."
"I understand," Jarvis said, "I have to head out as well. I'll be assisting our forces in Area 7."
"I see," William said.
William walked away and left the room. Jarvis was still sitting in the seat and sighed as he took his phone out of his pocket and dialed a number and place his phone on his ear. There was a ringing sound until someone picked up.
"Hello, it's me," Jarvis said, "… yes, that's right. It's time for you get started as well."
Jarvis got up from the chair and headed out as he was talking to someone on the phone. Meanwhile preparations continued in the homeland as military forces were getting ready. Knights of the Rounds were in their Knightmare Frames helping with the finishing touches by their engineers. Military commanders as well as some of the members of the imperial family were overseeing the soldiers under their commanders making their preparations to head out to fight against the rebellions. Meanwhile in the throne room within the Pendragon Imperial Palace, Charles was sitting on his throne and Bismarck kneeled before Charles.
"It seems that preparations are almost complete on all sides," Charles said.
"Indeed Your Majesty," .Bismarck responded, "most of our forces are able and ready to deal with the rebellions," Bismarck said.
"Hmph, all this just to quell the rebellions that were instigated," Charles said, "there's no way they would have had the gall to rebel like this without their intervention."
"I agree," Bismarck said, "but of course this is something that you actually expected this Sire."
"Yes, I did," Charles said, "after all, it's them… no, I should say really it's because of him, the one who inherit from me… and her."
Charles was actually thinking of Lelouch and then the door suddenly opened and Charles and Bismarck looked to see that it was Cassius who approached them. Charles was actually annoyed to see one of his sons just showed up.
"Greetings Father," Cassius greeted, "and you as well Sir Waldstein."
"What's the meaning of this Cassius?" Charles asked, "I did not summon you here so why have you come here?"
Cassius approached and kneeled before his father.
"Father, I came to personally thank you for giving me the opportunity to lead the operation to regain Area 11," Cassius with a proud smile, "I just wanted come here to assure you that it's won't be long and I will regain control that territory from those ungrateful monkeys."
"You came to bother me just for that?" Charles responded annoyed, "Well spare me your gratitude for I care not for your words, just your actions and results."
"Father," Cassius responded as his proud smile disappeared.
"Remember Cassius, you were insistent in getting Japan back in our control immediately even though it would have been fine that we would deal with it after dealing with the other rebellions," Charles pointed out, "so with all the bluster you were doing saying that gaining the control back with ease by your actions, you better pull through like you assured that you will especially since we have the intelligence that the majority of the Black Knights including Zero and Void will be leaving Japan to assist the other rebellions and the EU."
"I promise Father that I will," Cassius said, "I will not fail like Schneizel and Cornelia. In fact as a bonus, we know that Euphemia will still be in Japan so I will bring her back, dead or alive."
Charles was silent and just stared at Cassius while Bismarck narrowed his eye at the fourth prince.
"I care not what happens with Euphemia whether she's brought back here or not," Charles said, "but know this my son," Charles glared at Cassius, "should you succeed, you shall rule over Japan as Area 11 as Viceroy just as we discussed and I might be willing to discuss things further with you of your standing."
"Father," Cassius replied with glee.
"However," Charles spoke strongly surprising Cassius a bit, "should you fail, you will suffer the consequences for you failure. You have proven to be incompetent in the past. This is a great chance for you to redeem yourself and prove that you are indeed worthy. Do you understand Cassius?"
Cassius was bothered at the things that Charles said about being him being incompetent and was upset but kept his composure and looked at his father.
"I understand Your Majesty and I can guarantee you that I will succeed in bringing Area 11 back in the fold," Cassius said.
"Hmph then show that you are capable and prove yourself worthy Cassius," Charles said, "now leave and Cassius, do not come here to bother me with meaningless platitudes again."
"Of course… Your Majesty," Cassius meekly said.
Cassius stood up, turned around, and walked away leaving the throne room. When Cassius was out of the throne room with the doors behind him closed, he took a deep breath fired himself up.
"I have to do this," Cassius said with determination, "this is my operation and it must succeed. I will not run from it like Cornelia and I will not fail like Schneizel and will make everyone including Father take back their assessment of me being incompetent. I will not be looked down any further."
Cassius walked away and back in the throne room, Charles and Bismarck looked at the door that was closed.
"It seems that Prince Cassius was trying to show just how confident he was," Bismarck said.
"Nothing more meaningless bluster," Charles said, "it's unfortunate that Cassius has such potential but he doesn't really follow though."
"Either way, the site within Japan is still within our reach," Bismarck said looking at Charles.
"Yes, everything is still set as planned," Charles said, "the only thing left is CC. We need her back in the fold."
"She'll most likely be with Prince Lelouch heading for the EU," Bismarck said, "How would like to proceed on this Your Majesty?"
Charles thought about and then sported a smirk.
Japan
The majority of the Black Knights and Peace Mark was leaving Japan through either flagships in the air or ships on the sea and was all heading to their assigned destinations to help the rebellions and the EU. People from all over Japan were watching as forces of the Black Knights were leaving and heading to their destinations and most of the people of Japan were cheering the Black Knights on to succeed and come back. From rooftop view of the former Viceroy Palace, Euphie, the Six Leaders of Kyoto, and Diethard were watching the majority of the Black Knights leave and prayed for them to all return.
Holy Britannian Empire
The majority of military forces of Britannia were leaving through flagships, VTOLs, or ships to put down the rebellions that occurred simultaneously. People within the Britannian homeland were watching as the military forces were heading out. Nearby a stop, Nina was watching holding her luggage watching the military forces set out to leave to quell the rebellions. Nina had a sad expression and thought about Euphemia as she spoke her name. It was beginning as the fight for the rebellions and quell the rebellions would begin for both sides and they would be long and enduring campaigns as the same with the conflict to fight in the EU as well.
That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Lelouch and his group make their way to the EU while Cassius begins his operation to reoccupy Japan.