I'll be posting up a crossover between Code Geass and Lyrical Nanoha called "Kings of...
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Kings of Revolution [MGLN x CG]
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Chapter 1: A Boring Job
Alright. First chapter is edited and up. I should be able to update once every week until I've reached the current chapters, which are at a standstill as of now. Nonetheless, time to begin the fun.
"So, how are you doing?"
The voice belonged to that of a man in his late forties, but his gray hair and complexion suggested he was possibly older. He wore a brown uniform with a dark blue tie and boots, common to members of the Ground Forces of the Time Space Administration Bureau.
"Perhaps I should have accepted Subaru's idea of bringing some magazines with me. Maybe a book or two."
A young woman of about fifteen years of age, wearing a similar uniform to the older man, but there was a drastically obvious difference in rank between them. The girl had mid-back length purple hair and green eyes with a fair skin complexion and a black hair ribbon-tie.
"Well, you should have at least a month more of this before you can return to Mid-Childa. This is something everyone is assigned to do, especially for those involved in both the Navy and Criminal Investigations. It's a recommended experience to serve at least a short tour of duty observing undeveloped worlds. Just be happy it's not a full year, rather a few months," Genya Nakajima said to assure his daughter, Ginga, who couldn't help, but wonder who she accidentally upset to be shelved to such a duty despite what she and her father were told.
"I suppose, but this is arguably one of the worst jobs you can undertake."
"I prefer the term 'most boring'," Genya said trying to humor his daughter, who couldn't help but chuckle at the comment.
"I suppose, but I better get back to it. Give Subaru my best wishes and take care, father."
"I will just take it easy, Ginga."
With the video conference over, Ground Forces member of the Battalion 108, Private First Class, Ginga Nakajima returned to her duty of monitoring Un-Administered World #97. It was otherwise known as Earth, which was relatively peaceful ever since the Book of Darkness and Jewel Seed incidents eight years ago. But maybe peaceful wasn't the right word either as it was peaceful as far as the higher-ups in the Bureau were concerned; things were quite heretic locally.
Ginga wasn't the only one monitoring the planet as there were four other stations in places such as China and Japan, including a few smaller areas under her supervision, while the rest of the world was being watched from other observation outposts strategically positioned in orbit. As such, Ginga was briefed on recent history in the areas assigned under her watch.
One of the more recent major events that happened seven years ago, which happened to be in the same country where both the Book of Darkness and Jewel Seeds incidents took place. The result was, Japan was no longer an independent nation as on August 10th 2010 A.T.B. when the Holy Britannian Empire invaded the small nation, beginning a one-month war. By all accounts, the war was primarily to seize its Sakuradite mines, which was quickly becoming an increasingly invaluable resource. A key component in the production of Britannia's new war-machine, the Knightmare Frame was first used in the war against Japan's ground forces.
A month later after the conflict begun, Prime Minister Genbu Kururugi committed suicide to put a stop to the military's actions, despite having earlier called for a do-or-die resistance to the bitter end. However, rumors persist that the Prime Minister was, in fact, assassinated and the suicide was merely a cover story. But regardless, without Genbu to lead them, the Japanese government reluctantly surrendered to the Britannian Empire with Japan being renamed Area 11. The Japanese people were dubbed Elevens, losing their country's independence, name and culture.
This also forced the Bureau to remove their ground based agents since maintaining their presence in Britannia-occupied Japan became exceptionally difficult.
However, despite the defeat and loss of their country, much of the Japanese military that survived went into hiding, organizing into a resistance organization that would be known as the Japan Liberation Front. Over the next seven years, the JLF and other resistance groups that would form since then would attempt to challenge the Britannian Empire. Although some resistance groups were crushed, the Japan Liberation Front remained the Japanese's best hope for Japan to become an independent nation once more.
Regrettably, the success the organization made was limited and after seven years, Japan still remains as Area 11. But unknown to Ginga and others, something new was about to be introduced that would change everything.
At this very moment, currently inside a large up rise apartment building was a game of chess between an elderly man and a younger man in his late thirties, a member of the Britannian nobility playing for money for something or rather someone who was about to appear. He was wearing a brown suit with a blue tie, possessing an unusual hairstyle, but he had matching brown hair along with a beard and mustache as well as blue eyes. The elderly man wore a pair of glasses, had gray hair and a thin, scrawny appearance while wearing a white dress shirt and black vest with matching pants and shoes. Also present in the room were the nobleman's bodyguards as evident by the black suits they wore.
"Why don't you give it up already, old man? You don't have a chance against me," The noble declared, feeling absolutely certain of his victory while the elderly man he was challenging was trying to figure out a suitable move to make. But he was saved by a new arrival as the doors opened to the room.
"Oh, thank goodness, I am saved! I trust everything at school is going well?" The elderly man declared happily at the sight of a seventeen year old high school student wearing a black uniform trimmed with gold. He was on the thin and scrawny side, but he was quite tall for his age. He had black hair, purple eyes and a fair skin complexion with a bored expression on his face. Following him was a more sociable young man who the same age as he was except he had spikier blue hair, gray eyes and a more sun-tanned skin tone.
"What…a pair of schoolboys? I have to say, that is a desperate, but a very pathetic attempt at trying to win, old man." The nobleman commented, prompting the black haired student to grin before speaking.
"Well, look at this a nobleman…"
"I envy you boys today. You all have so much time on your hands. Time for regrets, that is."
The black-haired student took the seat that had previously been occupied by the old man, sitting behind the black chess pieces.
"What is your name?"
"Lelouch Lamperouge…"
"Whoa, how are you going to win this one? It's impossible, right?" Rivalz Cardemonde declared. Looking at the situation, the old man had been in position that was obviously needless to say pretty bad.
"Rivalz," Lelouch began calmly asking his friend a simple question. "When do you think we would have to leave in order to make our next class?"
"Twenty minutes, if we bust our hump."
"Well then, let's be sure that you drive safely on the way back." Lelouch readied himself after studying the chess board before him. "I'll need nine minutes." He turned to the old man beside him. "And about yesterday?"
"Understood, sir. We'll discuss it later." The elderly man replied.
"Nine minutes? You'll only have twenty seconds per move!" The nobleman pointed out as Lelouch calmly picked up the King.
"Plenty of time…"
"You start with the king first?"
The nobleman began laughing, but Lelouch only smiled, knowing that he was going to win.
Meanwhile in another part of the Toyko Settlement, but more closer to the heart of the settlement itself, was a large estate. Unlike most parts of the Toyko Settlement, it had a large number of trees and plenty of green grass. If you remove the walkways and the school buildings, the whole estate would appear to be a forest with large clearings. It was lunch time for the students of Ashford Academy as a particular group of students were sitting together on stone benches in a small circle eating box lunches together. They were all female students of the Academy, which was the same school Rivalz and Lelouch hailed from. They wore the same uniform, but there were differences in the socks they wore and the color of their uniform. The male uniform has a black coat while the females' were sandy colored and with a green tie.
"Where is Lelouch?" A busty, young eighteen year old woman with medium length blonde hair, blue eyes and dark blue socks inquired.
"I believe he and Rivalz have gone off gambling again. I think it was poker this time?" A quiet, shy girl with green hair asked. She wore a pair of large glasses and wore black socks.
"Those two are off gambling again!?" A girl with a slender and athletic figure possessing long orange hair and green eyes wearing a uniform identical to the blonde girl's. "Both of them are on the Student Council! I can't believe people as smart as them are wasting their talents on such stupid stuff! If they keep it up, they'll get held back."
"Oh, how cute…How I wish for my darling Lelouch to be more upstanding citizen of society," Milly Ashford teased which caused Shirley Fenette to blush.
"Please, madam President!"
"Good luck on that," The second to last member of their gathering spoke.
She was also a young woman around the same age as Lelouch with thigh-high white socks and mid-back length light brown hair, gray eyes and a fair skin complexion.
"Lelouch has been sneaking out of this school to gamble ever since he was sixteen. I find it doubtful you can break this habit of his easily."
"I agree, Sis. Lelouch is a very stubborn one," The girl's twin sister replied as the only difference between them was a more excitable personality in contrast to her sister's calmer demeanor and longer hair.
"You encourage him, Lotte!?" Shirley shot back at Lotte Liese as her sister Aria Liese calmly watched while trying to enjoy her lunch.
Elsewhere across town speeding along the highway was a cargo truck, seemingly unaware of the fact that a police VTOL was tailing them. The driver of the truck was a Japanese man in his late twenties with long black hair tied into a long-ponytail and blue eyes. He was wearing a blue uniform complete with cap on his head. Next to him sat a young woman with red hair wearing similar attire.
"Perfect, after all of the trouble we went through to finally steal this damn thing!" The driver snapped, noticing the police VTOL through his side mirror. "It's all because Tamaki couldn't follow Naoto's plan! And now we got a problem!"
A short time later Lelouch and Rivalz were leaving after in a time of less than nine minutes Lelouch had found the match. The duo exited the elevator after reaching the lobby where the two disembarked from as Rivalz congratulated his friend on his victory.
"I love playing against the nobility! Because when they lose, they pay out of pride! By the way eight minutes and thirty-two seconds is a new record!"
"He didn't have much time to move either. As opponents go, the nobles are tepid, nothing but over-privileged parasites."
"Well, why not challenge some of the Elevens? They are nothing like us Britannians." Rivalz suggested as the two boys walked outside, but before Lelouch could answer, the chatter of people outside drew their attention. A building-mounted television monitor displayed a terrorist bombing that took place in Osaka yesterday.
"What are these terrorists trying to prove by killing innocent people?" One bystander commented.
"Those Elevens terrify me." A female civilian commented as the image on the monitor changed to the Britannian flag, followed by a female announcer.
"We apologize for the delay. His Royal Highness Prince Clovis, the third Prince of Britannia will address the nation." The announcer spoke before the image faded away, revealing a young man in his early twenties wearing a royal garb complete with a purple and gold trimmed suit and white cape also trimmed with gold. Lelouch's eyes hardened at Clovis as the prince spoke in what was obviously a publicity stunt.
"To my imperial subjects!" Clovis spoke while Lelouch's eyes narrowed in hatred and disgust. "And, of course, to the many Elevens who cooperate with us!"
Yeah right…
Lelouch thought as Clovis went on to make his grand speech which was not only an obvious act, but it showed that Clovis was indeed a back actor.
"Do you not see? Right now my heart has been torn asunder! Into a heart filled with sadness and rage! However, as ruler of Area 11, I will not allow terrorism of any kind! The reason being that the battle we fight is a righteous one! A righteous battle to protect the happiness of all! Now then, everyone! Won't you join me in grieving for the agents who died in the line of duty for justice?"
"A moment of silence please," The female announcer spoke as everyone with the exception of Lelouch and Rivalz took part in the moment of silence.
"You're not going to join in?" Rivalz asked Lelouch, who was paying the meter that kept Rivalz's bike, a motorbike with a passage car attached to it, locked in their parking space.
"Are you?" Lelouch countered.
Rivalz chuckled slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed before climbing onto his bike, putting on a helmet, gloves and goggles. "It's sort of embarrassing."
"I agree," Lelouch replied before he added. "Besides, crying tears for them won't bring the dead back to life now, will it?"
"Dang, that's dark, buddy." Rivalz stated.
"It's all about self-satisfaction. It doesn't matter how hard you try. You can't do it. There's no way you can change the world…" Lelouch said, but in his thought he thought about it differently.
Not without overwhelming power at least.
As Lelouch and Rivalz were getting ready to leave the young man began musing to himself.
I was once born as Lelouch vi Britannia. But even so, the only family I have is a little sister who was crippled and blinded in the same incident that took our mother's life seven years ago. I was born the eldest sibling, but among the rest of my extended family, I am among the younger siblings, but my half-siblings are not worth mentioning. We were a prince and princess of the most powerful empire in the world until that man who was supposed to be our father exiled us to Japan when I spoke out against him. He denounced my claim to the throne after questioning him on his inability to protect our mother.
My life was uneventful until that day, but since that time our lives continued to come apart all around us as we had nothing, save our names and the title of political hostages given to us by the Emperor. If anything, all we had were the clothes on our backs. Even after Japan and Britannia went to war, we managed to survive. But only by seeking the help of the Ashford Family, we could remain hidden from Britannia after being declared dead in the war to protect us from the royal family.
Even now our futures are uncertain, but a friend of a girl I knew has given me something that could change everything. I was skeptical at first, but I know what I can do and how this power I have can prove to be useful.
At the specialized television studio within the Viceroy's Palace at the heart of the Toyko Settlement, the cameras were turned off and pulled away on the movable arms. Viceroy Clovis stepped down from the stage towards a small group waiting for him. Some of which were beautiful women in expensive gowns while high-level executives in suits stood with them.
"That was magnificent, Your Highness! No one would guess you were attending a party while doing that."
"After all, the Viceroy is the lead actor of Area 11," Clovis said as two servants removed the white cloak he wore over his shoulders. "I need to change costumes quickly."
"My…you are so self-confident."
"It's all in the performance; the public wants a charismatic prince, so I give them one."
"Untrue," An obese man in a brown suit with a black tie spoke, obviously the owner of the television studio and likely a member of the nobility as well. "Prince Clovis, our key purpose in life is to support and assist your reign in any way we can."
"His reign is a pathetic slam."
A man was leaning against a wall away from the gathering, reading a folder he was holding in his hand and observing the scene in disgust. He was in his late twenties with blonde hair tied into a ponytail. He wore a blue jacket, matching pants with a red turtleneck and black shoes.
"Y-Your Highness!" A man of large stature with a bald head said as he hurried into the room seemingly alarmed about something. He wore a dark gray uniform with a black cape with a monocle over his right eye.
"A soldier," the newsman noted.
"Bartley, how boorish of you," Clovis said, noticing General Bartley Asprius hurrying towards him.
"I beg your pardon your highness," Bartley said before whispering something to the Viceroy.
"Not another appearance…I hope not as dreary."
"YOU FOOL," Clovis suddenly snapped, drawing the newsman's attention.
"The police were informed that it was medical equipment, that's all! If I scramble the army, they'll be able to…"
"Deploy the Royal Guard!" Clovis ordered, bluntly interrupting his right-hand man. "Launch the Knightmares as well!"
"So tell me something," Rivalz asked bringing Lelouch out of his thoughts, "Why did you move with the King first?"
"If the King does not move, then how can his subordinates follow?"
"What's with a saying like that?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do have ambitions of running a major corporation or something?"
"No way, ambitions like that ruin your health." Lelouch replied before the sound of a truck's horn was heard from behind.
"What the hell?" Rivalz exclaimed as he tried to move out of the way.
The truck closed in from behind, leaving the two in danger of getting run down. Panicking, Rivalz turned hard and sped up to get away from the truck. Unfortunately, the driver made a sharp left turn off the highway, heading into a construction site. But it was traveling too fast to slow down, crashing into a metal frame-work of the structure being built.
Rivalz stopped the bike as he looked at the dust cloud that had arisen from the impact.
"Was that our fault?"
"I don't think so," Lelouch replied.
A crowd began to gather, looking over the crash site while Lelouch dismounted the bike when Rivalz was unable to start it back up. Suddenly, a glowing phenomenon of some kind could be seen from the truck, prompting Lelouch to remove the goggles he had worn. He tried to look at it more clearly, but the glow was already gone.
"Oh, man. The power line for the bike got cut!"
Lelouch didn't quite hear his friend, but he was distracted by the light he saw.
"Yeah, say Rivalz take a look at this," Lelouch said, but his attention was diverted by the growing crowd of people who began to comment on the scene.
"What happened, some sort of accident?" A female citizen asked what should have been obvious.
"Probably some drunk driver," Another citizen said, but this time, it was a man in a business suit.
"Yeah, it's already some moron," A third citizen commented.
"Hey, maybe someone should help."
All those idiots.
Lelouch thought disgusted by the lack of activity from the citizens, who should have been checking out the crash to see if anyone was alright. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Lelouch deposited his helmet and riding goggles into the side car of the motorcycle before hurrying to the crashed truck. As the crowd began commenting about Lelouch's involvement, the young man ignored them as he reached the trailer of the truck. But the driver cab was blocked to him.
"Hey, are you alright?" Lelouch shouted, but he got no response as he tried in vain to move a fallen steel beam cutting off access to the driver cab. When that failed, Lelouch began using a ladder on the side of the trailer to climb up and reach the driver seat that way. But as he did, Rivalz was forced to move the bike off the road, complaining about their situation.
"Yeah, yeah, I know it's the right thing to do. I wish the guy would quit flaunting his pride and give it a rest for a while! Now we're going to be late to school…"
After Lelouch reached the top of the trailer, he heard a voice call out to him.
It's you…finally, I found my…
What was that?
Lelouch shook the thought aside as he continued trying to reach the driver. But as he looked over an opening in the top of the trailer, the driver had regained consciousness. Once its driver, Nagata was wide awake, he quickly started the truck back up and threw it into reserve before racing away from the scene. His sudden reversal caused Lelouch to lose his balance and fall into the opening of the trailer, trapping him inside.
"Stop, I am in here!" Lelouch called out, but no one heard him. "Damn it, you would think they'd stick a ladder in here, too…"
"Stop the vehicle! Give yourselves up and you'll get a chance to defend yourselves in court! Surrender now!" A military pilot called out on a loud speaker as a trio of military combat helicopters closes in on the truck from behind. "Give up now or we'll shoot to kill!" the pilot warned before firing some warning shots to get his point across.
As the truck passed through a tunnel, Lelouch was stood behind a capsule-like device that the truck was transporting. But even if he found a way out of the trailer, he could either get shot or killed by falling onto the street below. However, when the door from the driver cab opened up, the young man took cover.
Lelouch watched as a redhead woman entered the trailer, taking off a blue uniform she had been wearing and showing a more revealing outfit underneath.
"Can you enter the subway through the Azabu route?" Kallen Kozuki asked as she began to board what resembled a Knightmare Frame at the back of the truck.
"Let's use it here! Why not?" The driver of the truck asked.
"Because that would mean a bloodbath!" Kallen snapped back as she climbed into the cockpit of a Knightmare Frame.
"Ugh…you're right…"
I have seen her before…
The young man could swear he recognized the woman from somewhere before, yet nothing came to mind. A few moments later after Kallen launched in her custom Glasgow Knightmare Frame, Lelouch tried to escape by jumping out of the back of the truck. It closed before he could even attempt such a risky escape.
"Damn it, these guys are real terrorists!"
Lelouch's situation was steadily getting worse and worse, but he still had a way out as he opened up the top of his school uniform to bring out a silver chain where at the end was a familiar blue marble.
Even if I use this, there is no chance I can make a clean getaway. I could be seen.
Other than the sounds of gunfire and explosions, there wasn't enough for Lelouch to provide a clear idea of what was going on outside. Yet from the way the truck was moving to the sides and increasing speed, it was clear that the military was in hot pursuit. As Lelouch contemplated his options, he found himself struggling to maintain his footing just as the truck made a sudden hard left turn. It was likely a quick evasive turn or quick escape in an effort to shake pursuers, although Lelouch suspected it was likely the former. The sound of gunfire and explosions faded, but the road became bumpy and the interior became darker.
It's getting darker in here and judging by the bumpy road, Lelouch thought before pulling out his cell phone to check if he still had service. I see. So we must be traveling through the old subway tunnels, heading for the ghettos.
Lelouch began looking around, but as his eyes passed over the discarded coat the female terrorist left behind earlier, he spotted a communication device.
I got to get out of here, but…Ok, I got it…I am not big on the military, but if I give them this terrorist communicator…No…I forgot…
The former prince thought he had a solution in mind, but quickly discarded it. He realized the solution could lead to further problems for him, especially considering the possible contents of what these terrorists might have stolen.
Suddenly, the truck hit a large hole in the middle of the tunnel it was driving through, stopping the vehicle in its tracks. Lelouch nearly stumbled over, but the young man grabbed hold of the large device the truck was transporting.
"What now, an accident?"
The truck's engine went dead moments later after struggling to get free. Lelouch took cover, but after the truck sat motionless for a few minutes, the doors on the left side of the truck's trailer opened up, revealing that the truck was stopped inside a subway tunnel. When Lelouch didn't hear anyone coming, the young man cautiously poked his head out from behind the device he had taken cover behind.
This is my chance. I better get the hell out of here.
Lelouch stepped into the open, cautiously looking outside the truck to make sure the area was clear before making a run for it. As he was about to run for it, a Britannian foot soldier flying through the air and preparing to strike the young man with a spinning roundhouse kick appeared suddenly. Lelouch deflected the kick with his arms, but the impact knocked him to the ground. Before he had a chance, the soldier seized Lelouch by the collar, pinning him to the ground.
"What the…are you Britannian?" Lelouch struggled to say, but the strong hand holding him down kept him from moving.
"That's enough mindless murder!" The soldier snapped as his gas mask slipped off, revealing his mouth.
"Wait! I am not with them!"
"Planning to use poison gas? Don't play dumb with me!"
"GET OFF OF ME!" Lelouch screamed as he tried to kick the soldier, who reacted by jumping away. The soldier got back to his feet, jumping back and assuming a defensive stance. "I am not here by choice! And if that's poison gas, it was made in Britannia, wasn't it?"
The soldier was shocked as he muttered, "My god."
"Mindless murder? Why don't you just obliterate Britannia!?" Lelouch shouted angrily.
"Lelouch! It's me, Suzaku," The soldier said as he removed his helmet, revealing his identity. Lelouch was shocked by this revelation as this was probably the last place on earth he was expecting his old friend from the days he had first come to Japan. They separated after the war between Britannia and Japan, having not spoken to one another since then.
"Suzaku," Lelouch said remembering the young boy he knew, his first real friend. But he was surprised by his career pathway, "You became a Britannian soldier?"
"Yeah, and what about you…are you," Suzaku began before Lelouch interrupted him.
"Just what are you saying?"
Suddenly, the capsule began opening up, emitting a hissing sound. Before Lelouch had a chance to react, Suzaku tackled the black-haired boy to the ground, putting his gas mask over his mouth to protect him from what the Japanese boy was sure would be poison gas. But instead, inside was a green haired girl with a white Britannian prison straightjacket.
"That's not poison gas. Who is that?"
After recovering Lelouch got up and demanded of the young man, "Poison gas; tell me the truth, Suzaku…this girl?"
"What's going on…the military is after this girl, but the terrorists assumed it was poison gas, weren't they?"
"I don't know," Suzaku didn't have an answer. "It's what they told us in the briefing."
Lelouch and Suzaku hauled the woman out of the truck and laid her out on the ground as Suzaku began undoing the restraints on her legs. But without warning, a series of large spotlights were turned on, illumining the area as over a dozen members of the Royal Guard stood in front of them. Lelouch's face paled as he immediately went for the blue marble he had moved into his pocket, knowing he was going to have to use it now, but…
"Stupid Monkey, being an Honorary Britannian will excuse you from this!"
"But sir, I thought this was poison gas!"
"SILENCE! You are supposed to follow orders!" The Royal Guard Commander snapped. He was a tall man, a typical racist Britannian at the worst with blue eyes, black hair and a scar on his face. He wore the custom red uniform of the Viceroy's Royal Guard. "However, in light of your stellar service record, I'll be lenient."
One of the commander's men handed his superior a pistol before handing it to Suzaku.
"Private Kururugi, you will use this and execute the terrorists."
Lelouch knew what this meant. He discreetly moved his hand with the marble out of his pocket and was about to activate his Intelligence Device.
"I am sorry sir, but I can't do that. He is just a civilian and I cannot do that."
"I see," Suzaku's superior said before shooting him in the back with the gun he had intended to give the young man.
"SUZAKU!"
"Now, school boy, it's your turn."
"You are going to pay for that!" Lelouch said as his blood was boiling.
"And how would that be possible?"
The commander fired a shot, aiming for Lelouch's head, but an energy field of purple energy deflected it. With a look of vengeful fury in his eyes, Lelouch opened his hand, revealing the marble as he spoke.
"Abyss Soul, activate in device mode prepare for battle!"
"Yes sir," Abyss Soul as the weapon suddenly transformed into a device form as Lelouch held it.
"What the hell is that!?" A Royal Guard said in fear.
"What do you call a Britannian who detests his own country?" Lelouch replied before aiming Abyss Soul at the Britannian Royal Guards. "Abyss Soul, Scatter Shot!"
The soldiers aimed their weapons at Lelouch, about to fire as a large amount of energy collected above the blue sphere on his staff.
"FIRE!"
A solid beam of purple energy shot out before breaking up into several separate beams, tearing through the shocked Royal Guards and killing them as some beams pierced their chests or heads for those unfortunate enough. The green haired woman was shocked as the Royal Guards dropped to the ground dead before Lelouch began laughing as his attire began changing.
At that moment, Abyss Soul transformed into a silver bladed staff while Lelouch's own appearance began to change as he donned what would be his own Battle Jacket. The casual clothing he was in vanished as he became garbed in black robes trimmed with gold and silver. He had a flowing black cape with a purple interior, gold plates of armor on his forearms, white cuffs at the end of his sleeves, a sleeveless black coat with silver armor plating on the shoulders and parts of the chest where the cape was attached and a high collar that covered the lower half of his jaw. The coat had a purple interior and a black belt with a gold plate going across his chest, attached to a parted skirt of silver scale mail armor that protected his thighs. The rest of his attire consisted of a form-fitting black leather shirt lined with gold and it came complete with a white cravat that bore a small blue gem on it, matching black pants and black belted boots with gold knee armor and three silver buckles on the sides of the boots.
Gripping Soul Abyss tightly Lelouch looked down at Suzaku's still form while his eyes burned with a righteous fury.
"If they want a war…then I'll give them a war!"
The demon had been unleashed.
Chapter 1
It was supposed to be a boring job
It was supposed to be a boring job
"So, how are you doing?"
The voice belonged to that of a man in his late forties, but his gray hair and complexion suggested he was possibly older. He wore a brown uniform with a dark blue tie and boots, common to members of the Ground Forces of the Time Space Administration Bureau.
"Perhaps I should have accepted Subaru's idea of bringing some magazines with me. Maybe a book or two."
A young woman of about fifteen years of age, wearing a similar uniform to the older man, but there was a drastically obvious difference in rank between them. The girl had mid-back length purple hair and green eyes with a fair skin complexion and a black hair ribbon-tie.
"Well, you should have at least a month more of this before you can return to Mid-Childa. This is something everyone is assigned to do, especially for those involved in both the Navy and Criminal Investigations. It's a recommended experience to serve at least a short tour of duty observing undeveloped worlds. Just be happy it's not a full year, rather a few months," Genya Nakajima said to assure his daughter, Ginga, who couldn't help, but wonder who she accidentally upset to be shelved to such a duty despite what she and her father were told.
"I suppose, but this is arguably one of the worst jobs you can undertake."
"I prefer the term 'most boring'," Genya said trying to humor his daughter, who couldn't help but chuckle at the comment.
"I suppose, but I better get back to it. Give Subaru my best wishes and take care, father."
"I will just take it easy, Ginga."
With the video conference over, Ground Forces member of the Battalion 108, Private First Class, Ginga Nakajima returned to her duty of monitoring Un-Administered World #97. It was otherwise known as Earth, which was relatively peaceful ever since the Book of Darkness and Jewel Seed incidents eight years ago. But maybe peaceful wasn't the right word either as it was peaceful as far as the higher-ups in the Bureau were concerned; things were quite heretic locally.
Ginga wasn't the only one monitoring the planet as there were four other stations in places such as China and Japan, including a few smaller areas under her supervision, while the rest of the world was being watched from other observation outposts strategically positioned in orbit. As such, Ginga was briefed on recent history in the areas assigned under her watch.
One of the more recent major events that happened seven years ago, which happened to be in the same country where both the Book of Darkness and Jewel Seeds incidents took place. The result was, Japan was no longer an independent nation as on August 10th 2010 A.T.B. when the Holy Britannian Empire invaded the small nation, beginning a one-month war. By all accounts, the war was primarily to seize its Sakuradite mines, which was quickly becoming an increasingly invaluable resource. A key component in the production of Britannia's new war-machine, the Knightmare Frame was first used in the war against Japan's ground forces.
A month later after the conflict begun, Prime Minister Genbu Kururugi committed suicide to put a stop to the military's actions, despite having earlier called for a do-or-die resistance to the bitter end. However, rumors persist that the Prime Minister was, in fact, assassinated and the suicide was merely a cover story. But regardless, without Genbu to lead them, the Japanese government reluctantly surrendered to the Britannian Empire with Japan being renamed Area 11. The Japanese people were dubbed Elevens, losing their country's independence, name and culture.
This also forced the Bureau to remove their ground based agents since maintaining their presence in Britannia-occupied Japan became exceptionally difficult.
However, despite the defeat and loss of their country, much of the Japanese military that survived went into hiding, organizing into a resistance organization that would be known as the Japan Liberation Front. Over the next seven years, the JLF and other resistance groups that would form since then would attempt to challenge the Britannian Empire. Although some resistance groups were crushed, the Japan Liberation Front remained the Japanese's best hope for Japan to become an independent nation once more.
Regrettably, the success the organization made was limited and after seven years, Japan still remains as Area 11. But unknown to Ginga and others, something new was about to be introduced that would change everything.
At this very moment, currently inside a large up rise apartment building was a game of chess between an elderly man and a younger man in his late thirties, a member of the Britannian nobility playing for money for something or rather someone who was about to appear. He was wearing a brown suit with a blue tie, possessing an unusual hairstyle, but he had matching brown hair along with a beard and mustache as well as blue eyes. The elderly man wore a pair of glasses, had gray hair and a thin, scrawny appearance while wearing a white dress shirt and black vest with matching pants and shoes. Also present in the room were the nobleman's bodyguards as evident by the black suits they wore.
"Why don't you give it up already, old man? You don't have a chance against me," The noble declared, feeling absolutely certain of his victory while the elderly man he was challenging was trying to figure out a suitable move to make. But he was saved by a new arrival as the doors opened to the room.
"Oh, thank goodness, I am saved! I trust everything at school is going well?" The elderly man declared happily at the sight of a seventeen year old high school student wearing a black uniform trimmed with gold. He was on the thin and scrawny side, but he was quite tall for his age. He had black hair, purple eyes and a fair skin complexion with a bored expression on his face. Following him was a more sociable young man who the same age as he was except he had spikier blue hair, gray eyes and a more sun-tanned skin tone.
"What…a pair of schoolboys? I have to say, that is a desperate, but a very pathetic attempt at trying to win, old man." The nobleman commented, prompting the black haired student to grin before speaking.
"Well, look at this a nobleman…"
"I envy you boys today. You all have so much time on your hands. Time for regrets, that is."
The black-haired student took the seat that had previously been occupied by the old man, sitting behind the black chess pieces.
"What is your name?"
"Lelouch Lamperouge…"
"Whoa, how are you going to win this one? It's impossible, right?" Rivalz Cardemonde declared. Looking at the situation, the old man had been in position that was obviously needless to say pretty bad.
"Rivalz," Lelouch began calmly asking his friend a simple question. "When do you think we would have to leave in order to make our next class?"
"Twenty minutes, if we bust our hump."
"Well then, let's be sure that you drive safely on the way back." Lelouch readied himself after studying the chess board before him. "I'll need nine minutes." He turned to the old man beside him. "And about yesterday?"
"Understood, sir. We'll discuss it later." The elderly man replied.
"Nine minutes? You'll only have twenty seconds per move!" The nobleman pointed out as Lelouch calmly picked up the King.
"Plenty of time…"
"You start with the king first?"
The nobleman began laughing, but Lelouch only smiled, knowing that he was going to win.
Meanwhile in another part of the Toyko Settlement, but more closer to the heart of the settlement itself, was a large estate. Unlike most parts of the Toyko Settlement, it had a large number of trees and plenty of green grass. If you remove the walkways and the school buildings, the whole estate would appear to be a forest with large clearings. It was lunch time for the students of Ashford Academy as a particular group of students were sitting together on stone benches in a small circle eating box lunches together. They were all female students of the Academy, which was the same school Rivalz and Lelouch hailed from. They wore the same uniform, but there were differences in the socks they wore and the color of their uniform. The male uniform has a black coat while the females' were sandy colored and with a green tie.
"Where is Lelouch?" A busty, young eighteen year old woman with medium length blonde hair, blue eyes and dark blue socks inquired.
"I believe he and Rivalz have gone off gambling again. I think it was poker this time?" A quiet, shy girl with green hair asked. She wore a pair of large glasses and wore black socks.
"Those two are off gambling again!?" A girl with a slender and athletic figure possessing long orange hair and green eyes wearing a uniform identical to the blonde girl's. "Both of them are on the Student Council! I can't believe people as smart as them are wasting their talents on such stupid stuff! If they keep it up, they'll get held back."
"Oh, how cute…How I wish for my darling Lelouch to be more upstanding citizen of society," Milly Ashford teased which caused Shirley Fenette to blush.
"Please, madam President!"
"Good luck on that," The second to last member of their gathering spoke.
She was also a young woman around the same age as Lelouch with thigh-high white socks and mid-back length light brown hair, gray eyes and a fair skin complexion.
"Lelouch has been sneaking out of this school to gamble ever since he was sixteen. I find it doubtful you can break this habit of his easily."
"I agree, Sis. Lelouch is a very stubborn one," The girl's twin sister replied as the only difference between them was a more excitable personality in contrast to her sister's calmer demeanor and longer hair.
"You encourage him, Lotte!?" Shirley shot back at Lotte Liese as her sister Aria Liese calmly watched while trying to enjoy her lunch.
Elsewhere across town speeding along the highway was a cargo truck, seemingly unaware of the fact that a police VTOL was tailing them. The driver of the truck was a Japanese man in his late twenties with long black hair tied into a long-ponytail and blue eyes. He was wearing a blue uniform complete with cap on his head. Next to him sat a young woman with red hair wearing similar attire.
"Perfect, after all of the trouble we went through to finally steal this damn thing!" The driver snapped, noticing the police VTOL through his side mirror. "It's all because Tamaki couldn't follow Naoto's plan! And now we got a problem!"
A short time later Lelouch and Rivalz were leaving after in a time of less than nine minutes Lelouch had found the match. The duo exited the elevator after reaching the lobby where the two disembarked from as Rivalz congratulated his friend on his victory.
"I love playing against the nobility! Because when they lose, they pay out of pride! By the way eight minutes and thirty-two seconds is a new record!"
"He didn't have much time to move either. As opponents go, the nobles are tepid, nothing but over-privileged parasites."
"Well, why not challenge some of the Elevens? They are nothing like us Britannians." Rivalz suggested as the two boys walked outside, but before Lelouch could answer, the chatter of people outside drew their attention. A building-mounted television monitor displayed a terrorist bombing that took place in Osaka yesterday.
"What are these terrorists trying to prove by killing innocent people?" One bystander commented.
"Those Elevens terrify me." A female civilian commented as the image on the monitor changed to the Britannian flag, followed by a female announcer.
"We apologize for the delay. His Royal Highness Prince Clovis, the third Prince of Britannia will address the nation." The announcer spoke before the image faded away, revealing a young man in his early twenties wearing a royal garb complete with a purple and gold trimmed suit and white cape also trimmed with gold. Lelouch's eyes hardened at Clovis as the prince spoke in what was obviously a publicity stunt.
"To my imperial subjects!" Clovis spoke while Lelouch's eyes narrowed in hatred and disgust. "And, of course, to the many Elevens who cooperate with us!"
Yeah right…
Lelouch thought as Clovis went on to make his grand speech which was not only an obvious act, but it showed that Clovis was indeed a back actor.
"Do you not see? Right now my heart has been torn asunder! Into a heart filled with sadness and rage! However, as ruler of Area 11, I will not allow terrorism of any kind! The reason being that the battle we fight is a righteous one! A righteous battle to protect the happiness of all! Now then, everyone! Won't you join me in grieving for the agents who died in the line of duty for justice?"
"A moment of silence please," The female announcer spoke as everyone with the exception of Lelouch and Rivalz took part in the moment of silence.
"You're not going to join in?" Rivalz asked Lelouch, who was paying the meter that kept Rivalz's bike, a motorbike with a passage car attached to it, locked in their parking space.
"Are you?" Lelouch countered.
Rivalz chuckled slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed before climbing onto his bike, putting on a helmet, gloves and goggles. "It's sort of embarrassing."
"I agree," Lelouch replied before he added. "Besides, crying tears for them won't bring the dead back to life now, will it?"
"Dang, that's dark, buddy." Rivalz stated.
"It's all about self-satisfaction. It doesn't matter how hard you try. You can't do it. There's no way you can change the world…" Lelouch said, but in his thought he thought about it differently.
Not without overwhelming power at least.
As Lelouch and Rivalz were getting ready to leave the young man began musing to himself.
I was once born as Lelouch vi Britannia. But even so, the only family I have is a little sister who was crippled and blinded in the same incident that took our mother's life seven years ago. I was born the eldest sibling, but among the rest of my extended family, I am among the younger siblings, but my half-siblings are not worth mentioning. We were a prince and princess of the most powerful empire in the world until that man who was supposed to be our father exiled us to Japan when I spoke out against him. He denounced my claim to the throne after questioning him on his inability to protect our mother.
My life was uneventful until that day, but since that time our lives continued to come apart all around us as we had nothing, save our names and the title of political hostages given to us by the Emperor. If anything, all we had were the clothes on our backs. Even after Japan and Britannia went to war, we managed to survive. But only by seeking the help of the Ashford Family, we could remain hidden from Britannia after being declared dead in the war to protect us from the royal family.
Even now our futures are uncertain, but a friend of a girl I knew has given me something that could change everything. I was skeptical at first, but I know what I can do and how this power I have can prove to be useful.
At the specialized television studio within the Viceroy's Palace at the heart of the Toyko Settlement, the cameras were turned off and pulled away on the movable arms. Viceroy Clovis stepped down from the stage towards a small group waiting for him. Some of which were beautiful women in expensive gowns while high-level executives in suits stood with them.
"That was magnificent, Your Highness! No one would guess you were attending a party while doing that."
"After all, the Viceroy is the lead actor of Area 11," Clovis said as two servants removed the white cloak he wore over his shoulders. "I need to change costumes quickly."
"My…you are so self-confident."
"It's all in the performance; the public wants a charismatic prince, so I give them one."
"Untrue," An obese man in a brown suit with a black tie spoke, obviously the owner of the television studio and likely a member of the nobility as well. "Prince Clovis, our key purpose in life is to support and assist your reign in any way we can."
"His reign is a pathetic slam."
A man was leaning against a wall away from the gathering, reading a folder he was holding in his hand and observing the scene in disgust. He was in his late twenties with blonde hair tied into a ponytail. He wore a blue jacket, matching pants with a red turtleneck and black shoes.
"Y-Your Highness!" A man of large stature with a bald head said as he hurried into the room seemingly alarmed about something. He wore a dark gray uniform with a black cape with a monocle over his right eye.
"A soldier," the newsman noted.
"Bartley, how boorish of you," Clovis said, noticing General Bartley Asprius hurrying towards him.
"I beg your pardon your highness," Bartley said before whispering something to the Viceroy.
"Not another appearance…I hope not as dreary."
"YOU FOOL," Clovis suddenly snapped, drawing the newsman's attention.
"The police were informed that it was medical equipment, that's all! If I scramble the army, they'll be able to…"
"Deploy the Royal Guard!" Clovis ordered, bluntly interrupting his right-hand man. "Launch the Knightmares as well!"
"So tell me something," Rivalz asked bringing Lelouch out of his thoughts, "Why did you move with the King first?"
"If the King does not move, then how can his subordinates follow?"
"What's with a saying like that?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do have ambitions of running a major corporation or something?"
"No way, ambitions like that ruin your health." Lelouch replied before the sound of a truck's horn was heard from behind.
"What the hell?" Rivalz exclaimed as he tried to move out of the way.
The truck closed in from behind, leaving the two in danger of getting run down. Panicking, Rivalz turned hard and sped up to get away from the truck. Unfortunately, the driver made a sharp left turn off the highway, heading into a construction site. But it was traveling too fast to slow down, crashing into a metal frame-work of the structure being built.
Rivalz stopped the bike as he looked at the dust cloud that had arisen from the impact.
"Was that our fault?"
"I don't think so," Lelouch replied.
A crowd began to gather, looking over the crash site while Lelouch dismounted the bike when Rivalz was unable to start it back up. Suddenly, a glowing phenomenon of some kind could be seen from the truck, prompting Lelouch to remove the goggles he had worn. He tried to look at it more clearly, but the glow was already gone.
"Oh, man. The power line for the bike got cut!"
Lelouch didn't quite hear his friend, but he was distracted by the light he saw.
"Yeah, say Rivalz take a look at this," Lelouch said, but his attention was diverted by the growing crowd of people who began to comment on the scene.
"What happened, some sort of accident?" A female citizen asked what should have been obvious.
"Probably some drunk driver," Another citizen said, but this time, it was a man in a business suit.
"Yeah, it's already some moron," A third citizen commented.
"Hey, maybe someone should help."
All those idiots.
Lelouch thought disgusted by the lack of activity from the citizens, who should have been checking out the crash to see if anyone was alright. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Lelouch deposited his helmet and riding goggles into the side car of the motorcycle before hurrying to the crashed truck. As the crowd began commenting about Lelouch's involvement, the young man ignored them as he reached the trailer of the truck. But the driver cab was blocked to him.
"Hey, are you alright?" Lelouch shouted, but he got no response as he tried in vain to move a fallen steel beam cutting off access to the driver cab. When that failed, Lelouch began using a ladder on the side of the trailer to climb up and reach the driver seat that way. But as he did, Rivalz was forced to move the bike off the road, complaining about their situation.
"Yeah, yeah, I know it's the right thing to do. I wish the guy would quit flaunting his pride and give it a rest for a while! Now we're going to be late to school…"
After Lelouch reached the top of the trailer, he heard a voice call out to him.
It's you…finally, I found my…
What was that?
Lelouch shook the thought aside as he continued trying to reach the driver. But as he looked over an opening in the top of the trailer, the driver had regained consciousness. Once its driver, Nagata was wide awake, he quickly started the truck back up and threw it into reserve before racing away from the scene. His sudden reversal caused Lelouch to lose his balance and fall into the opening of the trailer, trapping him inside.
"Stop, I am in here!" Lelouch called out, but no one heard him. "Damn it, you would think they'd stick a ladder in here, too…"
"Stop the vehicle! Give yourselves up and you'll get a chance to defend yourselves in court! Surrender now!" A military pilot called out on a loud speaker as a trio of military combat helicopters closes in on the truck from behind. "Give up now or we'll shoot to kill!" the pilot warned before firing some warning shots to get his point across.
As the truck passed through a tunnel, Lelouch was stood behind a capsule-like device that the truck was transporting. But even if he found a way out of the trailer, he could either get shot or killed by falling onto the street below. However, when the door from the driver cab opened up, the young man took cover.
Lelouch watched as a redhead woman entered the trailer, taking off a blue uniform she had been wearing and showing a more revealing outfit underneath.
"Can you enter the subway through the Azabu route?" Kallen Kozuki asked as she began to board what resembled a Knightmare Frame at the back of the truck.
"Let's use it here! Why not?" The driver of the truck asked.
"Because that would mean a bloodbath!" Kallen snapped back as she climbed into the cockpit of a Knightmare Frame.
"Ugh…you're right…"
I have seen her before…
The young man could swear he recognized the woman from somewhere before, yet nothing came to mind. A few moments later after Kallen launched in her custom Glasgow Knightmare Frame, Lelouch tried to escape by jumping out of the back of the truck. It closed before he could even attempt such a risky escape.
"Damn it, these guys are real terrorists!"
Lelouch's situation was steadily getting worse and worse, but he still had a way out as he opened up the top of his school uniform to bring out a silver chain where at the end was a familiar blue marble.
Even if I use this, there is no chance I can make a clean getaway. I could be seen.
Other than the sounds of gunfire and explosions, there wasn't enough for Lelouch to provide a clear idea of what was going on outside. Yet from the way the truck was moving to the sides and increasing speed, it was clear that the military was in hot pursuit. As Lelouch contemplated his options, he found himself struggling to maintain his footing just as the truck made a sudden hard left turn. It was likely a quick evasive turn or quick escape in an effort to shake pursuers, although Lelouch suspected it was likely the former. The sound of gunfire and explosions faded, but the road became bumpy and the interior became darker.
It's getting darker in here and judging by the bumpy road, Lelouch thought before pulling out his cell phone to check if he still had service. I see. So we must be traveling through the old subway tunnels, heading for the ghettos.
Lelouch began looking around, but as his eyes passed over the discarded coat the female terrorist left behind earlier, he spotted a communication device.
I got to get out of here, but…Ok, I got it…I am not big on the military, but if I give them this terrorist communicator…No…I forgot…
The former prince thought he had a solution in mind, but quickly discarded it. He realized the solution could lead to further problems for him, especially considering the possible contents of what these terrorists might have stolen.
Suddenly, the truck hit a large hole in the middle of the tunnel it was driving through, stopping the vehicle in its tracks. Lelouch nearly stumbled over, but the young man grabbed hold of the large device the truck was transporting.
"What now, an accident?"
The truck's engine went dead moments later after struggling to get free. Lelouch took cover, but after the truck sat motionless for a few minutes, the doors on the left side of the truck's trailer opened up, revealing that the truck was stopped inside a subway tunnel. When Lelouch didn't hear anyone coming, the young man cautiously poked his head out from behind the device he had taken cover behind.
This is my chance. I better get the hell out of here.
Lelouch stepped into the open, cautiously looking outside the truck to make sure the area was clear before making a run for it. As he was about to run for it, a Britannian foot soldier flying through the air and preparing to strike the young man with a spinning roundhouse kick appeared suddenly. Lelouch deflected the kick with his arms, but the impact knocked him to the ground. Before he had a chance, the soldier seized Lelouch by the collar, pinning him to the ground.
"What the…are you Britannian?" Lelouch struggled to say, but the strong hand holding him down kept him from moving.
"That's enough mindless murder!" The soldier snapped as his gas mask slipped off, revealing his mouth.
"Wait! I am not with them!"
"Planning to use poison gas? Don't play dumb with me!"
"GET OFF OF ME!" Lelouch screamed as he tried to kick the soldier, who reacted by jumping away. The soldier got back to his feet, jumping back and assuming a defensive stance. "I am not here by choice! And if that's poison gas, it was made in Britannia, wasn't it?"
The soldier was shocked as he muttered, "My god."
"Mindless murder? Why don't you just obliterate Britannia!?" Lelouch shouted angrily.
"Lelouch! It's me, Suzaku," The soldier said as he removed his helmet, revealing his identity. Lelouch was shocked by this revelation as this was probably the last place on earth he was expecting his old friend from the days he had first come to Japan. They separated after the war between Britannia and Japan, having not spoken to one another since then.
"Suzaku," Lelouch said remembering the young boy he knew, his first real friend. But he was surprised by his career pathway, "You became a Britannian soldier?"
"Yeah, and what about you…are you," Suzaku began before Lelouch interrupted him.
"Just what are you saying?"
Suddenly, the capsule began opening up, emitting a hissing sound. Before Lelouch had a chance to react, Suzaku tackled the black-haired boy to the ground, putting his gas mask over his mouth to protect him from what the Japanese boy was sure would be poison gas. But instead, inside was a green haired girl with a white Britannian prison straightjacket.
"That's not poison gas. Who is that?"
After recovering Lelouch got up and demanded of the young man, "Poison gas; tell me the truth, Suzaku…this girl?"
"What's going on…the military is after this girl, but the terrorists assumed it was poison gas, weren't they?"
"I don't know," Suzaku didn't have an answer. "It's what they told us in the briefing."
Lelouch and Suzaku hauled the woman out of the truck and laid her out on the ground as Suzaku began undoing the restraints on her legs. But without warning, a series of large spotlights were turned on, illumining the area as over a dozen members of the Royal Guard stood in front of them. Lelouch's face paled as he immediately went for the blue marble he had moved into his pocket, knowing he was going to have to use it now, but…
"Stupid Monkey, being an Honorary Britannian will excuse you from this!"
"But sir, I thought this was poison gas!"
"SILENCE! You are supposed to follow orders!" The Royal Guard Commander snapped. He was a tall man, a typical racist Britannian at the worst with blue eyes, black hair and a scar on his face. He wore the custom red uniform of the Viceroy's Royal Guard. "However, in light of your stellar service record, I'll be lenient."
One of the commander's men handed his superior a pistol before handing it to Suzaku.
"Private Kururugi, you will use this and execute the terrorists."
Lelouch knew what this meant. He discreetly moved his hand with the marble out of his pocket and was about to activate his Intelligence Device.
"I am sorry sir, but I can't do that. He is just a civilian and I cannot do that."
"I see," Suzaku's superior said before shooting him in the back with the gun he had intended to give the young man.
"SUZAKU!"
"Now, school boy, it's your turn."
"You are going to pay for that!" Lelouch said as his blood was boiling.
"And how would that be possible?"
The commander fired a shot, aiming for Lelouch's head, but an energy field of purple energy deflected it. With a look of vengeful fury in his eyes, Lelouch opened his hand, revealing the marble as he spoke.
"Abyss Soul, activate in device mode prepare for battle!"
"Yes sir," Abyss Soul as the weapon suddenly transformed into a device form as Lelouch held it.
"What the hell is that!?" A Royal Guard said in fear.
"What do you call a Britannian who detests his own country?" Lelouch replied before aiming Abyss Soul at the Britannian Royal Guards. "Abyss Soul, Scatter Shot!"
The soldiers aimed their weapons at Lelouch, about to fire as a large amount of energy collected above the blue sphere on his staff.
"FIRE!"
A solid beam of purple energy shot out before breaking up into several separate beams, tearing through the shocked Royal Guards and killing them as some beams pierced their chests or heads for those unfortunate enough. The green haired woman was shocked as the Royal Guards dropped to the ground dead before Lelouch began laughing as his attire began changing.
At that moment, Abyss Soul transformed into a silver bladed staff while Lelouch's own appearance began to change as he donned what would be his own Battle Jacket. The casual clothing he was in vanished as he became garbed in black robes trimmed with gold and silver. He had a flowing black cape with a purple interior, gold plates of armor on his forearms, white cuffs at the end of his sleeves, a sleeveless black coat with silver armor plating on the shoulders and parts of the chest where the cape was attached and a high collar that covered the lower half of his jaw. The coat had a purple interior and a black belt with a gold plate going across his chest, attached to a parted skirt of silver scale mail armor that protected his thighs. The rest of his attire consisted of a form-fitting black leather shirt lined with gold and it came complete with a white cravat that bore a small blue gem on it, matching black pants and black belted boots with gold knee armor and three silver buckles on the sides of the boots.
Gripping Soul Abyss tightly Lelouch looked down at Suzaku's still form while his eyes burned with a righteous fury.
"If they want a war…then I'll give them a war!"
The demon had been unleashed.
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Chapter 2: Rise of Zero
Got through a chapter much faster than I expected. Some of it is from how much I enjoyed these specific chapter that I just want to get them done.
Well, here it is. And you could absolutely see why, both during the chapter and the end and the gives a detour to Code Geass canon.
Well, here it is. And you could absolutely see why, both during the chapter and the end and the gives a detour to Code Geass canon.
Chapter 2
The Rise of Zero
"I am terribly sorry, Your Highness. We'll recover her, I assure you." Bartley said while under Clovis's gaze. But the blonde haired prince ignored him.
"We'll move onto the next stage of the plan."
"Your Highness?" Bartley muttered, knowing that the Viceroy had in mind.
"If word gets out about her, I'll be disinherited. Tell the homeland we're carrying out a plan for urban renewal." Clovis began as he stood up rising from his throne. "As Clovis, third prince of the Empire, I command you: Destroy Shinjuku Ghetto! Leave no one alive!"
It wasn't long before the Britannian Forces, having completely encircled the ghetto, began a one-sided massacre of the civilians living there as anyone in front of the Britannian Army was ruthlessly gunned down. No one was spared, not even children as the body count began swiftly rose. Artillery shelling ravaged the ghetto, dramatically increasing the body count.
"These filthy Elevens aren't even worthy of becoming Honorary Britannians! Wipe out every single last one of them!" Bartley ordered over an open channel as the massacre of Shinjuku Ghetto continued.
Lelouch hid underground within an old subway station, a distance away from where he had witnessed his first friend in Japan being shot in the back. The woman with green hair was still with him. As it was, the young man could easily leave her and escape, but something within him kept him from leaving. The ceiling above him rumbled as a result of artillery fire, which was enough of a sign for Lelouch that the Britannian Army was carrying out a liquidation of the entire ghetto.
All because of this girl, but just what is she?
"This chaos is all your fault, isn't it? Just what are you!?"
The woman didn't answer her, but Lelouch was combing through possibilities. Yet, without any additional information, he couldn't come up with any logical conclusion.
"Soul Abyss, scan the female subject and check for abnormalities," Lelouch instructed as the orb on the top of the staff glowed.
"Yes, sir," Soul Abyss replied before a wide-spread blue grid of energy scanned the young woman's body leading to these responses.
"Scan is complete…Unknown entity - the parameters detected are similar to an Anima Compositus."
I see. So could she be an Artificial Being? Like those Wolkenritter? Or something else?
The green-haired woman wanted to protest, but the binds over her mouth kept her from speaking.
"I'll have to investigate you later, but if you want to escape, then come with me."
A short time later above ground, a Sutherland was speeding by when he was suddenly waved down by what appeared to be a ground forces trooper. The Sutherland came to a sudden stop to speak to the ground forces soldier demanding.
"You there! What is your ID and unit, soldier?"
"I am Apolly Bay of 12th Reconnaissance Company," The soldier spoke before pulling a disc from his pouch pocket. "I obtained this disc from one of the terrorists. Could I ask you to transmit this to headquarters for me, sir?"
"A disc, huh," The pilot said opening up his cockpit. "I still need to verify your ID first."
"Right, understood, but," The Britannian soldier said before vanishing suddenly. The pilot standing outside of his cockpit hatch was confused before a magical blast nailed him, sending him flying from the cockpit. Lelouch appeared moments later before entering the cockpit, upon which he raised Abyss Soul over the controls.
"Alright, let's see if those special functions Peter installed in you work. System override," Lelouch commanded as Abyss Soul glowed. It began hacking through the controls wirelessly.
"Override Successful," Abyss Soul reported moments later as Lelouch was now in control of the Sutherland.
"Excellent, but we still need at least a dozen more."
Sitting alone in the Student Council Clubhouse, but more specifically within the council meeting room, seated at a computer was a student. Browsing the internet, reading up on scientific articles and news reports, she was a young woman around sixteen and seventeen with mid-back brown hair that hung freely. She wore a pair of blue hair clips and reading glasses with large lenses. She was obviously dressed in the female uniform of Ashford Academy with white knee-high socks. Next to the keyboard, she was eating a peanut butter cupcake with chocolate frosting on top. Her brown eyes were reviewing an article before a faint beeping could be heard suddenly from a watch-like device on her left wrist.
Knowing who it was, she sighed in annoyance. However, she decided to accept the call, knowing he would just keep pestering her if she ignored him.
"What do you want, Lelouch? I'm busy."
"Skipping out on Physical Education again, I assume?"
"You're the one to talk, but why call?"
"Quattro, I assume you are in front of a computer, right? Could you give me the latest news? Anything about Shinjuku?"
"I can, but," Quattro began before she stopped her sentence midway as she bore a suspicious expression. "Lelouch, just what are you up to? I know you were going to engage in some more underground chess matches today, but you always returned to school on time."
"I don't have time to explain, but I will when I return. I am in a bit of a...situation here."
"What kind of situation?"
Lelouch sighed, but he knew if he was going to get Quattro to work with him, he had to come clean. "Well, I was on my way back to Ashford when there was a bit of an accident. A truck nearly ran us down, but it ended up crashing into a construction site."
"I suspect you decided to play the good Samaritan again, didn't you?"
"Yes, but it happened after the power line on Rivalz's bike got cut during his effort to avoid us getting run down. The people gathered near the site like idiots, gawking at the crash."
"Well, what did you expect?" Quattro commented with a bored expression before taking a slip from her soda.
"Fair enough, but when I went to help, the truck turned out to be driven by terrorists who stole something from the Britannian Military."
Quattro spat out her drink in shock before demanding.
"WHAT! You…climbed into a truck being driven by terrorists!?"
"I know, of all of the trucks. Now, I'm in the middle of Shinjuku Ghetto and the Britannian Army is killing everyone. You know, gunning down civilians and bombing buildings?" Lelouch said rather casually, but he knew that Quattro would freak. He didn't even need to see her expression to confirm his suspicions as the young woman's face was frozen in a state of total shock. It wasn't long before she recovered and shouted.
"YOU GET OUT OF THERE NOW! YOU HEAR ME!?"
"Easier said than done. The Britannian Army has this entire place surrounded and I have someone else here. She was locked inside a capsule, mistaken to be poison gas bomb. Abyss Soul detected some abnormalities; I don't think she's human."
"As interesting as this may sound, you need to escape. Just take the girl with you and we'll deal with it when you return to the Academy."
"I need to move her above ground. I haven't used dimensional travel with a second passenger before."
"Damn it!"
Despite being frustrated, Quattro regained her composure and quickly began thinking. The computer brought up the latest news related to Shinjuku.
"The only news on Shinjuku are traffic restrictions. Why it's happening is unknown."
"Well, of course. Once they finish everything off, they'll release news that favors the military."
"Then, what are you going to do?"
"I'm gonna have to make an opening."
"Don't do it, Lelouch! The Bureau cannot find out about you."
"Then I'll do it the old-fashioned way. I got a terrorist communicator and a plan already in mind to turn this battle around without exposing my talents. I'll call you once I escape," Lelouch said before hanging up, leaving an irritated Quattro.
"That…ugh," The brown hair woman said before stopping her sentence.
Graham won't like this. I swear, as talented and intelligent Lelouch is, is he more trouble than he's worth?
Back at Shinjuku Ghetto, the former Britannian Prince was hiding in one of the old abandoned office buildings. The green haired woman sat quietly nearby as the sounds of battle echoed around them. Parked nearby was one of the Sutherlands he had stolen earlier while capturing a dozen more and hidden them in a mobile location. He was safe for now, but as Lelouch brought up a tactical display of the surrounding area with his Intelligent Device, he saw a three-dimensional map of the area around his current position.
They need to keep a lid on this information, so it will be hard for them to call in reinforcements. They will have to make do with the pieces on the board. But I'm stuck in here. Even if I could destroy a lot of them with Abyss Soul, I could attract the attention of the observation posts in orbit. Attempting to gain refuge carries its own risks as well. However…
In the distance, Lelouch saw a combat helicopter shot down.
I want payback for being dragged into your fight. And Suzaku…they'll pay for killing you.
With a plan in mind, the green haired woman finally spoke.
"How are you going to create an escape path?"
"I have captured a number of Sutherlands so far. The only difficulty left is to give them to the resistance group fighting here without them seeing me."
"I assume you forced the pilots from the machines?"
"I used a few tricks I had, but besides the one I captured for my own use, I removed the IFFs from the others."
"Then, why don't I give you something to help?"
"What?" Lelouch said as the green haired woman managed to free herself from her binds before standing up and putting a hand on Lelouch's shoulder. As his world was about to go white all around him, an unseen force suddenly sent the green haired woman flying back as if something within Lelouch rejected her. "What was that?"
For once in her long existence, the woman was completely shocked as her attempts to form a contract with someone had never been rejected in such a way before.
"I don't understand it…I wanted to form a contract with you."
"Whatever you were trying to with me, it clearly won't work," Lelouch said. He wanted to investigate the matter further, but he didn't have the time for this. "I need to go to work and deliver these Knightmare Frames to the terrorists."
"How will you do that?"
"I think I have an idea. However, I need you to stay hidden for now."
Meanwhile, back at Ashford Academy, another student was about to become aware of events transpiring. In the chemical lab, a teacher was standing before the board was using a black marker to write out a chemical formula for his class to see. The teacher standing at the board was surprisingly young for his age, being in his late teens to his early twenties with mid-back blonde hair tied into a ponytail with a bow of black ribbon. He had a fair skin complexion and wore a black suit underneath the white lab coat with a red tie, complete with black dress shoes.
"Technically, chemistry is the study of matter," The blonde haired man commented before putting down his marker and addressing his class directly. "But I prefer to see it as the study of change. Just think about this. Electrons, they change their energy levels. Molecules change their bonds. Elements, they combine and change into compounds. Well, that's all of life, right? It's the constant, it's the cycle. It's solution, dissolution. Just over and over and over. It is growth, then decay, then transformation. It is fascinating, really."
His name was Peter Vanderfloog. As far as people were concerned, despite being a simple chemistry teacher, he was very popular among the students for his engaging science lessons.
As he eyed the classroom before him, Peter's green eyes came to two empty seats, one of which was normally occupied while the other was sometimes empty. As the chemistry teacher continued his lecture into chemistry and its fundamentals, he opened up his mind and began reaching out, using telepathy he had with one of the missing students in question.
Quattro, why aren't you in class? Did something happen?
Oh, it's you…Well, something did happen and you are not going to like this...
Does it have something to do with Lelouch?
Regrettably it does…
Peter mentally sighed having a bad feeling about it.
I assume you are on your way to get him out of whatever mess he is in?
I am. I'll do what I can, but the situation is already spiraling out of control.
What exactly has happened?
Apparently, some kind of incident has happened in Shinjuku. The Britannian Army is wiping out its population and somehow, Lelouch got pulled right into it.
Peter was stunned, but he carefully kept his expression from changing while he kept teaching his class, as if nothing abnormal was happening. However, on the inside, several alarms were going off in his head.
Quattro, hurry to Shinjuku and stop Lelouch. I am worried he might do something foolish like openly use his magic. I know we have taught him to conceal it, but an unpredictable battle situation in Shinjuku could bring about a situation where he has little choice. I'll contact Graham and inform him of what has happened. Hopefully, he'll rendezvous with you and help with Lelouch if need be.
I know! I'll hurry...
Back at Shinjuku Ghetto, the situation was looking increasingly grim for the resistance group. Fighting a losing battle as the death toll kept rising, they were hopelessly outnumbered and badly outgunned. Inside her Glasgow, Kallen Kozuki was doing her best and among the only few who made any progress. But success was very limited and not enough to turn the tide of the battle. After shooting down another attack helicopter with a slash harken, a pair of Sutherland Knightmare Frames with red painted shoulders had appeared on the scene.
One of the Sutherlands was being piloted by Jeremiah Gottwald, the leader of the Purist Faction.
"Well, if it isn't our Glasgow friend."
Kallen spotted the two Sutherlands before taking off to evade them. They gave chase and it was only a matter of time before they close in on her. To complicate matters, she had thirty minutes left on her energy filler and once that was empty, that would be it for her. Yet, just as all hope seemed lost, an unexpected and unfamiliar voice spoke over the radio.
"The west entrance…"
"Huh?"
"Use the tracks to move to the west entrance."
"Who is this!? How do you know this code!?" Kallen demanded.
"That doesn't matter. If you want to win, then you are just gonna have to trust me."
"To win?" Kallen said as she hurried along. After some careful consideration and knowing she had very few other options, she leapt onto the train tracks on a bridge and began traveling west. As Kallen moved along the tracks, she spoke through the radio. "Ok, what do I do now?"
Suddenly, Jeremiah's Sutherland and his partner's Knightmare Frame were catching up to Kallen.
"You pathetic eleven, if you simply run away, then this hunt offers nothing in the way of sport."
Just when Kallen was doomed, a train came straight at her as the voice spoke.
"Since you trusted me, you are going to win. Now, jump onto the train!"
"Got it!"
Kallen leapt over the train's main engine and hopped across the cars, leaving Jeremiah to catch the train with his machine as he slowed it down.
"Trying to escape through that way? Hm, if that is your plan," Jeremiah said as the train came to a complete stop. "You there, go after the Glasgow!"
"Yes my lord," The Britannian pilot said right before jumping. He never got the chance to chase the red machine as a pair of slash harkens hit his Sutherland in the waist and neck, knocking its head off and sending the machine off the bridge.
Hidden inside a bit of rubble within an overlooking building was a third Sutherland, which was the culprit that had taken out one of its own.
"Shot by friendly fire?" Jeremiah said to himself before calling out to the other Sutherland, unaware of who was inside the cockpit. "What is your name and your unit? We're after the one-armed Glasgow!"
No response was given save for the Sutherland opening fire with its machine gun, pelting Jeremiah's machine and costing him the its left arm.
"Oh my god, a terrorist!?"
Jeremiah tried to pull back, but a bullet took out a landspinner along with most of his left leg, stopping him in his tracks. In an effort to counterattack, Jeremiah took aim with his Sutherland's machine gun, but he didn't see the red Glasgow rushing back to launch a counterattack.
"You son of a-!" Jeremiah began but the battle cry Kallen gave alerted Jeremiah to the approaching danger, giving the man time to eject and escape a possible death at the hands at the Glasgow.
"You saved me. But how did you get a hold of a Sutherland?"
Kallen asked her unknown rescuer, but when she looked at the place where he had been hiding, he was already gone.
What, where did he go?
"Kallen!" A man outside of the machine called as he approached with a group of three others, consisting of two men and a woman. "What the hell was that radio message earlier!?"
"What? He contacted you, too?"
"He sure did. And Yoshida's group should be here soon." Kaname Ohgi replied as he received a call from their mysterious helper.
"Are you the one in charge here?" the caller inquired, asking the man in his early twenties with brown hair, wearing blue jeans, a large brown jacket and a tan shirt underneath with a red headband on his head.
"Uh, yeah…"
"I present to you the cargo in that train over there. There are tools for your victory. If you want to use them to win, then follow my orders."
Kallen went over to one of the cars and opened it up, revealing some Sutherland Knightmare Frames inside much to her shock.
"There's more in here!" Naomi Inoue called out after checking another car.
"Here, too!" Shinichiro Tamaki added before Yoshitaka Minami commented.
"There is even more here, too…Maybe we should give this guy a chance!"
"All of this, but how?" Kallen asked herself. But seconds later, she was called on again.
"Woman in the Glasgow!"
"Uh, yes?"
"Stay where you are. Your unit is going to run decoy, you got that?"
"Understood," Kallen replied.
In the distance, Lelouch hid inside his Sutherland on one of the upper floors of the old Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. In hindsight, it was fortunate that he decided to stash them aboard a train.
"Energy filler status?"
"About fifteen minutes worth," Kallen replied quickly.
"Then recharge it. In ten minutes, I'll contact you with your next instructions."
Lelouch ended the radio transmission before reclining back in the pilot chair. He was determined to pull this off, yet the question remained as to how he would get to Clovis inside the G1 mobile base. He could eliminate most, if not all of the Britannian Forces, but still there was the matter of getting through. He could use his illusion spells to get by the guards. Lelouch was then back at square one when it came to clearing out the command bridge of any guards protecting Clovis and the Staff Officers.
Perhaps, it's best to see how events will progress before I consider that.
The former prince thought as it was too early to really say how events would go; he still had a battle to win after all.
Quattro was cautiously making her way through the Toyko Settlement, yet traveling as quickly as she could without alerting the wrong people to her movements and capabilities. Ten minutes later, Quattro was inside an old building, but in light of the situation, she changed out her school uniform for her Barrier Jacket. It was based upon the old body suit she and others like her had worn, but it was all black with gray patches, mirroring the patterns of her old Combat Suit. She wore it quite literally her entire life for the most part until up to a year old, where she traded out the blue and light blue body suit for something new.
On her hips were three plates of black armor with additional armor plating on her shoulders. Her boots had a small green gem on the top near her knees while her gloved hands had a large green gem on her palms. She wore a white cloak trimmed with gray and black feathers around the collar, which came with long white sleeves.
Yet, that wasn't all that was new. Instead of either the old uniform she wore or a Barrier Jacket, Quattro wore a new type of Assault Suit designed to be superior to the Barrier Jackets used by most mages. However, Quattro's suit doubled as a hybrid Intelligent Device, integrated into her own suit by extension. It not only enabled her to use magic, but her device and suit enhanced her other abilities and skills.
Quattro stood alone in the old, crumbling room as a number of holographic computer screens appeared around her. As did a set of piano keys on a green holographic setup.
"Let me see if I can find your exact position, Lelouch."
At that moment in another part of the ghetto, the resistance group's counterattack under Lelouch's command was about to begin.
"Hey, are you sure about this? They all had their IFFs removed," Tamaki questioned, obviously having some second thoughts about the whole plan. "What if this is a trap?"
"The other side has total advantage in this war! They don't need to set any traps!" Ohgi replied. "Alright people, let's move. Get to your assigned points."
It wasn't long before Lelouch called them.
"P1, can you move?" the former prince asked. "It operates basically the same to what you are used to."
"Can't you at least tell us who you are!?"
"I can't tell you anymore. These frequencies could be intercepted," Lelouch said. He moved on to avoid giving Ohgi a chance to question the matter further. "If Q-1 is on schedule, then two enemy Sutherlands will reach you in twenty-three seconds," Lelouch noted before adding to their shock. "Shoot them through the wall."
"He's out of his mind!" Tamaki exclaimed.
"Everybody, double-check your weapons," Ohgi ordered in response, which was confident unlike Tamaki.
"Are you serious!?"
Almost on cue, the red Glasgow piloted by Kallen was spotted by the Britannian Forces.
"Enemy spotted at point F-31!" An officer on the G-1 announced to Clovis, who sat on his throne.
"A feint eh? How pedestrian."
"Tell Lazio's squad to go straight in! And then, have Hugo and Valerie strike from the rear!" Bartley commanded, expecting an easy victory. But as the two Knightmare Frames moved in, they were ambushed by Ohgi and the others who gunned down the two Sutherlands through the wall as Lelouch commanded them to do.
"Sir Hugo and Valerie's units have been lost!" An officer reported.
"An ambush?" Clovis asked surprised that something like that happened.
"An ID signal can be a double-edged sword," Lelouch began as he sat in the cockpit of his Sutherland. "Besides, if the resistance fighters follow my orders, then all of the conditions for my victory will be met."
Lelouch reclined in his chair and began issuing more orders.
"P1, P5 and P7, move to the right and fire your slash-harkens towards 3'oclock!"
"You heard him! Do what the voice says!" Ohgi replied.
"Damn, what else does he want us to do?" Tamaki complained.
"P5, ready?"
"STOP CALLING ME THAT!"
For the next few minutes, the battle for Shinjuku Ghetto was experiencing a sudden turn around. The resistance group stationed in the area that had been losing was now suddenly finding itself stopping the Britannian Military successfully in their tracks. They had a long way to go until victory was achieved, but Quattro was overhearing a lot of the panicked chatter on the open communication lines among the Britannians. They tried to frantically change their codes, fearing their transmissions were being intercepted, but Quattro had already deduced what was going on.
I see. So Lelouch used some of the illusionary magic I helped teach him and used it to trick the Britannian pilots to get out of their Sutherlands. He then captured their machines and gave them to the resistance fighters to fight back against the Britannians.
"The enemy is moving towards G-2-8!" An officer reported.
"Send Lazio's squad! No, I mean, George's squad!" A panicking Bartley ordered as Quattro was listening in on conversations happening within the G-1.
"This means...the enemy has our military weaponry?" Clovis inquired, finally realizing one of the reasons why the battle had suddenly gone against them.
"Well duh, dumbass!" Quattro commented to herself. "It's more than just that. Lelouch is a natural-born prodigy, with a genius-level intellect and keen mind perfect for tactical and strategic planning. You, on the other hand, are a pathetic excuse for a military commander! As are your Staff Officers! I am shocked the resistance groups in Area 11 haven't made much progress with such dumbasses running the place."
No, wait. The Japanese are idiots, too. Because the so called resistance groups are a bunch of punk kids just fighting against the system and killing off their own kind as a result. The JLF is even worse because they are still fighting with outdated tactics and methods involving innocent civilians, that failed them badly in the war seven years ago.
Quattro thought, correcting herself mentally.
"Sir Williams has ejected! His unit has been lost!" Another staff officer cried out.
"Change our codes! They're intercepting our transmissions!"
"We already have, sir! Four times!" A second staff officer replied before Bartley snapped back.
"DO IT AGAIN!"
You idiots, Lelouch is sitting in one of your machines, using the IFFs inside the machine to track your movements. Your moves are so predictable that it's even easier for him to swiftly counter anything you try.
"This failure is unacceptable!" Clovis shouted.
"Oh, someone is a sore loser," Quattro muttered teasingly. Someone new then appeared on the main screen as she hacked into the cameras on the command bridge to actually see what was going on.
"Good afternoon," A man with short light blue-white hair said to Bartley, wearing a white lab coat with glasses on.
"WHAT IS IT? We're in the middle of an operation!"
"Yes, and it's not going well. I say, it's time to deploy the ASEEC Special Weapon," Lloyd Asplund suggested much to the annoyance of Clovis.
"We have no time for this!"
"I am not sure how much the Lancelot could make a difference. Granted, its performance as a machine of this planet's technological levels are impressive." Quattro noted as she recalled hacking some information from the Advance Special Envoy Engineering Corps pet project. It was the first seventh generation Knightmare Frame, the Z-01 Lancelot.
I suppose that depends on the pilot, but I am surprised they found someone since I read a lot of test pilots had refused because of its lack of an ejection block.
Pushing the thought aside, Quattro began fluttering through the other chatter in the area. She was trying to find the communication lines between the resistance fighters and Lelouch, who was no doubt calling the shots. It wasn't long before the brown haired woman found what she was looking for as she heard a familiar voice.
"R2, fire slash harken!" Lelouch said as a resistance fighter took out a combat helicopter. "B7, use UN ordinance!" An armored vehicle was just taken out before the former prince added, which continued to amuse Quattro. "N-group, you will continue your advance."
A group of five Knightmare Frames advanced upon a group of four enemy Sutherlands that were suddenly trapped between them and another group of resistance fighters.
"You bloody elevens! Arrragh-" The pilot cried out on an open channel before his machine went down.
"We just lost Lazio's squad!" A staff officer within the command bridge of the G-1 reported as all of their men fighting within the ghetto perimeter had been taken out.
"So, do it! We'll have to bring up Quincy's squad," Clovis commanded, not wanting to lose. But Quattro didn't need to be a gifted strategist to know that what he was doing was a bad move.
"My lord, that will break the encirclement!" Bartley warned.
A wiser move would have been to recall your forces to the ghetto perimeter and call in an airstrike. But you are not going to do that, are you?
"Close the breach with some of the units guarding me. All we know for certain is that enemy forces are here."
My god, that has to be the biggest tactical blunder I have ever seen! Lelouch is going to skin you alive for making such a stupid move! Now, how will you respond, Lelouch?
A short few moments of silence passed on the resistance fighter's end before Lelouch's voice was heard.
"You…Q-1, do you have an area map?"
"I do…It's a map of the old town, but it has no current landmarks."
"It will do," Lelouch replied as Quattro recognized the woman's voice for a moment there. She remained quiet and listened to Lelouch giving out new instructions before sitting back to enjoy the show. It was minutes later before the final stage of his battle was upon them.
"Alright, send in Bert and the others, too," Clovis replied hoping to crush his enemy with overwhelming numbers.
"You might as well order them to shoot themselves in the kneecaps while you are at it," Quattro said as Clovis's troops were closing in on what they were convinced to be the enemy's position. Little did they know that the resistance fighters Lelouch commanded had fled underground to slip away by traveling under them.
"Surround them, and then close in! Their forces are at that center dot. We'll finish every single one of them off!"
Quattro watched with a smile as she knew what was coming. The Sutherlands arrived at the center dot and unsurprisingly found nothing there. She imagined one of the Knightmare Frames at this moment, likely the last one taking up the rear, turning around and firing its slash harken to bring down the ceiling of the tunnel they were traveling through. In turn, it caused a devastating chain reaction as over forty-five Sutherlands were instantly taken out by the collapsing ground they had been foolishly standing on.
"Hook, line and sinker," Quattro remarked before clapping her hands together, applauding Lelouch's successful and brilliant display of tactics and laughing at Clovis's misfortune.
Seeing Clovis slowly backing away, she could imagine him thinking.
Who...who in the hell am I up against?
Cleary, the only person he could think of would be the legendary Kyoshiro Tohdoh of the JLF. But even he knew this was way superior to Tohdoh's capabilities.
"LLOYD!" Clovis called out as the man was clearly out of options.
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"Can it win? Will your toy beat them?"
"My lord, please be so kind to call it Lancelot."
That could be problematic, but whoever they got as a pilot will be the deciding factor.
After some careful consideration it was time to contact Lelouch directly.
Congratulations on your success so far Lelouch, but I think you know why I am here?
I was actually expecting you a little sooner. I assumed you enjoyed the show?
Very much so. You know, you got the ASEEC newest Knightmare Frame about to come after you.
I see, so what are you going to do about it?
Lelouch inquired to Quattro amidst their telepathic conversation. The response Lelouch got was the sound of chuckling in his mind.
I think I have a new toy to play with.
Minutes later near the G-1, the custom trailer carrying the Lancelot was preparing to launch the new Seventh Generation Knightmare Frame. While the Special Corps were preparing it for launch, a young man Lelouch assumed to have been killed right in front of him was just changing into a white and black pilot suit with a gold trim. Suzaku Kururugi, having survived being shot in the back, had been carrying a pocket watch that deflected the bullet, saving him from a lethal gunshot wound. Though the bullet's impact did some damage to his ribs, it wasn't enough to stop him from piloting a Knightmare.
"Have you read the manual?" A female voice asked him.
"Pretty much," Suzaku replied before exiting the medical trailer.
"Well done. You have scored at the top of your class in the simulator," Cecile Croomy said before Suzaku politely interrupted her.
"Hey look…about what you told me earlier."
"Huh…It could happen, but the possibility is zero."
"But that means there could be a chance, right?"
"Yes, I am afraid that's true," Cecile replied as Suzaku stepped out, heading towards the special dispatch trailer that carried the prototype Knightmare Frame while the tarp covering it was about to be removed. "Even so, you are not to do anything reckless; the new system is not outfitted with an ejection system."
"Ok, I understand Miss Cecile," Suzaku answered as the tarp came off, revealing a white Knightmare Frame. Its shape and design was unlike anything Suzaku had seen before, lined with gold and really looking like a giant white knight with green eyes. "Is that it?"
"Yes…the advanced weapon developed by us, the Advance Special Envoy Engineering Corps. Lancelot, the world's first seventh generation Knightmare Frame."
"Well, if you are ready, Suzaku, we shall begin with the initial start-up," Lloyd ordered as Suzaku made his way into the cockpit of the white machine. As Suzaku was entering the trailer, getting ready to board the Lancelot, Cecile began preparations for launch.
"Prepare start up, beginning from Phase 21. Equipping energy filler," Cecile said as the battery filler was installed and its systems began starting up.
But before Suzaku could climb in, the cockpit hatch suddenly closed. From there, everything went wrong for the Advance Special Envoy Engineering Corps.
It happened at the moment the energy filler was installed. Lloyd and Cecile lost control of the start-up procedures as the monitors before them were not responding. Suddenly, the Lancelot activated on its own before its connection cables disengaged themselves from the trailer. It turned its head to their shocked expressions before a feminine sounding electronic voice spoke.
"Nice toy! I'm just going to borrow it for a bit…BYE-BYE!"
The Lancelot took off at high-speed, leaving its pilot and a shell-shocked Lloyd and Cecile. The blue haired young woman was the first to recover as she tried to warn the G-1.
Lloyd Asplund was still in complete shock while Suzaku was completely speechless, uncertain of what to do or say. Upon mentally processing all that had happened, Lloyd Asplund suffered a complete mental breakdown. It began with his right eye twitching before he began screaming. When his voice tried screaming from his high-pitch, he began stumbling about. Grabbing the radio from Cecile, the very upset designer and creator of the beloved machine cried out on an open channel.
"Someone get me the army! The marines! The Royal Guard! OR THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND, BUT GET MY LANCELOT BAAAACKK!"
"Please, sir. Relax. I am sure it will be-" A nameless technician said, trying to calm his superior down. His attempts were met by Lloyd seizing the man by the throat and proceeding to strangle him.
"Relax…RELAX…HOW CAN I RELAX!"
"Lloyd, please get a hold of yourself!" Cecile pleaded with her superior, but it was no good as Lloyd picked up a wrench and with a battle cry ran out after his creation.
"Lloyd, no! That's suicide!"
"GIVE ME BACK MY LANCELOT!"
"No," Lancelot spoke as it turned around and flicked Lloyd away like an annoying insect. As his body impacted against the side of the trailer, he was knocked out. He was surprisingly uninjured for the most part, muttering random incoherent nonsense and insults before he was silent.
Suzaku could do nothing. He merely stood there as he didn't have any better chance of stopping Lancelot than Lloyd did. Instead, he tended to the fallen Lloyd by helping an engineer, who was trying to check him for injuries.
Quattro, on the other hand, was laughing like a maniac. She was clearly having a very good day as the young woman was about to turn what should have been their savor to prevent their defeat into their destroyer.
Cecile made a quick call to Clovis.
"What is it, now!? You already have authorization to launch the Lancelot!" Clovis snapped upon seeing the young woman's face.
"Your Majesty, we have a serious problem. The Lancelot has been hijacked remotely by terrorists!"
Clovis's face went pale. The blood drained from it seconds before the Lancelot began savagely attacking the Britannian Forces around Clovis's G-1 mobile command center. Quattro was laughing manically as she used the Lancelot to gleefully decimate their forces before attacking the G-1's defenses.
"Now, Lelouch, is your chance for a big finish to this battle," Quattro said while projecting her words mentally to the former prince.
For an editor's note: Quattro x Lelouch ftw.
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Chapter 3: Flames of Chaos
Alright, now it's time to introduce some of the mentioned Mandarin's forces, along with a few of their allies mentioned above.
Brace your yourself as this is going to get ugly.
Brace your yourself as this is going to get ugly.
Chapter 3
The Flames of Chaos
The Flames of Chaos
As blood was being spilled on Earth, there was a planet elsewhere in the universe with an environment similar to Earth's, yet the planet as a whole was completely different. Mid-Childa was the Time-Space Administration Bureau's Number One Administrative World and home of the TSAB Mid-Childan Main Office in the capital of Cranagan. In an empty parking lot in the middle of the city, a trio of white transport trucks was parked together in a row. Nearby, a black four-door car sat while its occupants stood near the trucks, speaking to their drivers.
"Now, do you have your instructions?"
The question came from a young woman who was about seventeen years of age with long purple and silver hairs as well as a fair skin complexion. She was beautiful for her age, especially with her eyes dressed in a black suit. It was decorated with a skirt, high heels, a black tie and a white blouse. In her hair, she wore a black headband to complete her look.
Standing next to her, a man in his early thirties and a bit taller than her. He had dark brown hair, a mustache and beard upon his face and brown eyes. He wore a black trench coat with a turtleneck sweater underneath, which concealed his large bulky muscular physique. Hanging from his left side stored within a black scabbard was a Katana like weapon with a silver and black handle. At the location where the hand guard would be was a large block like object with a red electronic eye and a magic cartridge ejection system.
"Yes, ma'am. We're ready to carry them out," Another large muscular man who was the leader of the three drivers spoke as the other two nodded their heads. Like his compatriots, he wore a black working jumpsuit with a belt around his waist. The leader of the drivers was a bald man while the other two had short brown hair.
"Good, but rest assured your families will be very well compensated. Your actions today will end the complacency of the TSAB. They think nothing for the suffering of the smaller worlds and bend their own laws as they see fit. Today, what begins shall mark the beginning of the end of the corrupt rule of the Time-Space Administration Bureau."
"Yes, madam!" The drivers saluted in unison before the woman saluted them back.
"For LOGOS!"
"LOGOS!" The drivers cheered before climbing into their trucks and driving off with zeal, but the term "zealots" might be more appropriate for them. Once they were gone, the woman brought out a cell phone before making a phone call.
"It's done. The men are on their way." The woman replied listening to the caller's response.
"Those men will not return."
"Of course. We know this is a suicide mission more or less. We'll likely lose the troopers in the back of one of the trucks, although the bombs will do what needs to be done."
"Victory is not measured by losses, Miss Tsukimura, but by what is gained."
The reply was electronically distorted to conceal the identity of the caller.
"I understand, Mandarin-sama. I assume you want me to unleash the prototype weapons as well?"
"Yes, but make certain you collect as much combat data as possible."
"I understand, sir…Leave it to me," Suzuka Tsukimura said before hanging up. Once the cell phone was back in her pocket, she couldn't help but grin with a dark smile.
How long have I waited for this? I'll make you sorry you three abandoned us.
"I'll take my team and we'll begin our assigned mission." The man with the katana said.
"Yes, and let's hope the Yoshimitsu Troopers will prove effective. If they can prove effective against the Time-Space Administration Bureau, then just imagine their effectiveness against the Britannians."
The man smiled wickedly before he added.
"It just makes me all the more eager to unleash them upon those Britannian pigs."
"Then lead them well, Lieutenant Colonel Kusakabe."
Elsewhere in the capital city, a military facility located near the outskirts had a wide open training field for professional training by combat instructors for the mages stationed there. At that moment, some of them were up in the sky, performing maneuvers while trying to develop some new techniques and combat methods. Just returning from her lunch break, a young seventeen year old woman, with blue eyes and long mahogany hair tied into a large single pigtail that hung from the left side of her head, stepped outside. The woman was wearing a white and blue uniform, complete with a blue skirt and bearing the ranks of First Lieutenant.
She was recognized as Nanoha Takamachi, a tactical instructor for the Aerial Tactical Instructor Corps of the Time-Space Administration Bureau.
While most of the instructors and their students were up in the skies, Nanoha was going to focus on training and tactical simulations on the ground for the afternoon. As she headed to an area on the training field reserved for her and her students for today, the young woman's mind began drifting as a cold wind blew past her. It was odd really… she had been thinking more of him recently.
Was it a sign or an ill omen perhaps?
Nanoha was originally from Japan on Earth. When the Britannian Empire conquered and turned it into Area 11, the Takamachi Family was relocated along with her friend Hayate Yagami and her family to Mid-Childa for their safety. As the situation in Area 11 worsened, taking into account the Britannian Empire's methods of ruling the subjugated Area, the former independent country was too dangerous for Nanoha and others like her to stay. Although her family was safe on this planet with her, a number of her friends were left behind.
Among them were Lelouch vi Britannia and his younger sister Nunnally. Of all of the friends she knew, except for another dear friend, the former prince from Britannia was different from the other children she knew. Perhaps that was why she was curious about him. But recently, she thought about him more and more, including the first time they met over seven years ago.
It was at the foot of the small mountain on the outskirts of Uminari City, near one of the mansions belonging to the Kururugi Family. Lelouch and his sister Nunnally vi Britannia had been staying there after the shrine was deemed an inadequate place to keep them.
Nanoha and her friend were walking together, planning on going to the sunflower fields, which were supposed to be near the estate. But along the way, they came across a group of Japanese school boys beating up on a small ten year old boy. They were viciously kicking him while the small boy laid helpless on the ground.
"This is Japan!" One of them shouted.
"Yeah, stay out of our country, you dirty Brit!"
Another boy was standing a distance away. He had short brown hair with curls wearing a hakama and a white dog watched the scene.
"Come on, fight back!" The boy shouted, kicking Lelouch in the gut as the former prince simply cowered and took it.
"Hey, you are supposed to be a prince, aren't you?" A third boy commented before kicking Lelouch again. "Come on, get up and fight! What are you, a girl? Some kind of mama's boy?"
"That's enough!" Nanoha shouted, approaching the three boys with an angry look on her face. "Stop beating up on someone who can't fight back!"
"Why do you care? This kid is a dirty Brit?"
"Who cares where he is from!?" Nanoha shot back.
"Oh yeah, and what about your friend? She looks like a Brit, too!" The tallest of the boys said as they were beginning to gang up on Nanoha and her friend. She was a blonde haired girl who didn't look Japanese, with red eyes and a fair skin complexion. She wore the same white and black school uniform as Nanoha, but her hair was styled into a pair of long-pigtails. Before anything further could take place, the brown haired boy who had been watching suddenly became outraged before rushing up to them without thinking as he shouted.
"STOP IT…THAT'S ENOUGH!"
Seeing the boy approach, the three bullies recognized him before running away. Nanoha and the blonde haired girl weren't sure about the identity of the brown-haired boy. For some reason unknown to them, his appearance prompted them to run away. Nanoha ignored the boy and went to the beaten up black-haired boy and tried to help him up. Lelouch refused her help and tried to push her away. Meanwhile, Suzaku began to verbally chew out the men supposedly assigned to watch Lelouch, believing them to be bodyguards.
"What were you doing!? What kind of bodyguards are you?"
"They are not bodyguards. They are just watchmen to make sure I don't run away or kill myself. Besides," Lelouch began turning to the girl who was kneeling on the ground in front of him. "Why did you help me? I am a Britannian!"
"Why should it matter where you come from? It's not right to beat up someone just because they come from a different country." Nanoha's seemingly simple answer surprised Lelouch a little as he wasn't expecting it. "I am Nanoha Takamachi and this is Fate Testarossa, what's your name?"
Lelouch was seemingly confounded by the girl's indifference to him being a Britannian. As the black-haired boy began to slowly rise back up to his feet, dusting himself off before, he answered.
"I am Lelouch."
Below where Lelouch had been lying laid some fish and some crushed vegetables the former prince had purchased from a nearby local market.
"Could you move?" Lelouch began asking Nanoha to move her foot off of something on the ground. "You are standing on my reward's card. I just need four more points and I get a discount."
"Oh," Nanoha moved her feet as Lelouch picked up a small card he got at the nearby local store. Lelouch surprised Suzaku, who observed the young man treating the card like something precious. To him, the idea of a Britannian Prince bending down to pick up the card and loose change seemed pathetic.
"It's your own fault, you know. Why don't you just except the food we give you instead of risking yourself going into town? It's not poisoned." Suzaku snapped at the black-haired boy.
"Don't be so mean to him!" Nanoha began, but Lelouch interrupted her.
"I know it's not poisoned!"
"Then eat it!" Suzaku shouted.
"I am here and I will live…I am living by my own strength and I won't be dead any longer. Not me and not Nunnally either," With those words, Lelouch picked up what food he had bought and began to limp away. While Suzaku was silent, Nanoha approached and tried to help him.
"Why do you keep trying to help me? I don't need it?"
"It's not because you need it, it's because I want to. You are hurt," Nanoha pointed out.
"I'll be fine…"
"I am still helping you."
"I don't understand why," Lelouch said sounding irritated.
"I told you already, I don't need a reason!"
What are you doing now, Lelouch?
Nanoha thought as she returned from her trip down memory lane. She arrived where her thirty students had been waiting for her, stood in uniform lined up together. But before Nanoha could begin, two of the three white transport trucks were driving up to the main building and were not slowing down. Instead, they were speeding up, intending to ram their vehicles into the building. Before impact, the trailers opened up as a dozen men came out in black cybernetic armor with artificial limbs and sword-like weapons.
Moments later, the trucks rammed into the building and set off the bombs they were carrying. Most of the surrounding area around the crash site was bathed in flames. The third truck came to a stop as a dozen more men in black full-body armor emerged from the truck, ready to provide support for the next approaching group of combat weapons.
Seconds later, at the large lake next to where the base was set up, a trio of large shadows approached the surface and erupted from the water. Landing upon the ground near the water's edge stood three gigantic bipedal, unmanned combat machines that moved more like animals than actual machines.
Each one crouched at a towering twenty feet with reverse joint legs. But if they stood up, they would be much taller. Each one had a long tail with a sword-like tip at the end while they had wing-like pods in place of arms and heads in the shape of a sharp beak-like head. Its eyes were a set of eight red glowing compounded eye sensors. Although a mechanical unmanned machine of combat, the machine had more of a streamlined design with black ridged segmented armor, trimmed with yellow lines protecting its organic-like inner workings. They also had a surprisingly amount of agility and flexibility despite their size.
Upon each of the three machines' blocky thighs were retractable dual rail gun turrets, equipped with specialized hypervelocity armor-piercing ammunition. On the shoulders near where the wings were attached to the main body were another set of retractable dual railguns. Concealed inside the left wings on each machine with storage and launchers for missiles and bombs. The right-wing concealed something different. On the back of the animal-like machine were more missile launchers, but for a different kind of purpose than those inside the left wings.
Releasing bone-chilling, electronic yet animalistic-like screeching-style roars, the three machines began their attack. Each of them launched missiles from the wing-like pods on their left arms, aiming for barracks and storage hangers while avoiding further damage to the main building. Several mages were moving to engage the machines, using their lance-like devices to fire beams of magical energy at the gigantic robots. To their shock and horror, the sphere-shaped barriers of pink energy surrounded the animal-like robots, absorbing the energy from their attacks.
An anti-magic field…No, there is something different about it.
Nanoha thought as she put her hand on a red orb she wore around her neck.
"Raising Heart set up!"
Within moments, Nanoha changed from her TSAB naval uniform into her barrier jacket. It consisted of a blue and white mini-skirt with a metal waist guard, styled after the Seishou Elementary School uniforms for female students. Her barrier jacket also came with a waist-attached cape and long white socks that went past her knees and red gems on the shoes. The red orb she carried transformed into her signature weapon, a staff with a golden near-complete ring with the red orb, now the size of a large tennis ball in the center, with a pink staff handle. Near the top were gold magazines, carrying magic cartridges.
Nanoha was ready for battle with Raising Heart Exelion in hand.
Taking to the air as her students followed with her the young woman calmly gave out orders.
"I want half of you to get the wounded. Take them off base to get medical attention and any non-combatants get them out of the combat zone! The rest of you with me!" Nanoha said as she spilt up her thirty students into two groups.
Back on Earth, another battle was coming to a close as the Lancelot under Quattro's control destroyed another armored truck. What remained of Prince Clovis's forces were now decimated. As the white Knightmare Frame went on its rampage, the only things in proximity that remained intact was its transport trailer and the G-1 base, although its external defenses such as its mounted turrets were destroyed. Anything else, however, was destroyed with along with any Sutherlands that attempted to stop the Knightmare Frame; its superior specs allowed it to easily outperform the older Knightmare Frames and make short work of them.
Worsening the situation for Clovis, Lelouch commanded Ohgi and his resistance cell to systematically wipe out the last of the Britannian forces making up the broken formation encirclement. Thanks to the panic and disarray happening at the G-1 base, the enemy's morale has been broken along with their chain of command. Effectively, Lelouch and Ohgi's resistance cell had just won the Battle for Shinjuku Ghetto as the Britannian Forces had sustained far too many losses to continue.
Now, the matter of Clovis himself remained.
As Ohgi, Kallen and the others mopped up the disorganized and demoralized Britannian soldiers, Lelouch approached the area where the G-1 in his Sutherland. Yet, as he approached, he recognized that he would need a mask. Lelouch solved that issue, using a simple illusion to project an image over his head in the form of a mask. He would just need to be mindful and careful that no one would attempt to hit him in the head.
As Quattro in the Lancelot stood guard, Lelouch emerged from the Sutherland triumphantly.
Quattro's help ensured my victory, but still…I can do it. I can…I can destroy Britannia!
Lelouch smiled audaciously under the illusion he was using to hide his face. As he got out of the Sutherland, the Lancelot laid its palm out, lifting Lelouch up to the G-1 shattered windows, near where Clovis and his staff officers stood. Most of them were trembling, but they stood ready to defend Prince Clovis to the death with handguns. The black-haired prince grinned as he held Abyss Soul in front of him, switching it into Shooting Mode, a bladed lance-like form with a longer silver blade at the top.
"STOP! In the name of Prince Clovis, I order you to stand down and surrender!" Bartley snapped.
He has to be joking, Lelouch thought as he almost burst out laughing.
Without speaking a word, Lelouch fired a red beam of energy from his staff, killing burning a hole through a Staff Officer's chest. The remaining officers and Bartley fired their handguns, but their bullets bounced harmlessly off his Barrier Jacket. Fortunately, no one considered aiming for his head. Lelouch didn't give them the chance.
Disappear, Sapphire Flare.
In quick session, Lelouch shot and killed Bartley and the remaining Staff Officers on the bridge until only Clovis remained.
"Clovis la Britannia, third prince of the Empire and Viceroy of Area 11…You have lost."
"W-Who are you!?"
"I am…Zero."
Meanwhile back on Mid-Childa, the black armored cyborgs dubbed "Yoshimitsu Troopers" invaded the main headquarters of the Tactical Instructor Corps. They fought their way to the main networking hub for the base, where the computer core that stored sensitive research and tactical data was being kept. Two combat mages tried to stop them, but as they approached, they got a good look at the invading soldiers. Their armor was seemingly part of their bodies with red electronic eyes. They had skull shaped masks and a full body suit of shorts with plates of black armor grafted onto their bodies. Their arms and legs were also completely cybernetic. In their hands, each one carried a katana-style sword with a yellow energy blade while their forearms had built-in rapid-fire energy weapons.
The mages put up a valiant effort when their katana blades met with their shields thanks to their defense spells. However, the black cyborgs were unrelenting their attacks, trying to force their blades through the magical barriers the mages had raised. Then from behind, a third Yoshimitsu Trooper appeared and cleaved into the backs of the two mages, killing them.
Back outside, two of the gigantic bipedal robots left heading for the city. The third stayed behind to engage the Tactical Corps Mages, with Nanoha and her students facing the monstrous machine. Its combat artificial intelligence brain was already devising a number of countermeasures, focusing on defense and collecting data before determining the best course of action.
"Tom and Saji, I want you two to attack from behind to draw its attention!" Nanoha ordered as her two students began attacking it from its backside, trying to find an opening in its defenses. "Samuel and Setsuna, I want you two to back them up and flank that thing!"
"Yes, madam!" The two students said as they flew towards their target point with devices ready. Nanoha took up position and fired upon it.
"Barrel Shoot," Raising Heart said as Nanoha fired a powerful shot at the walking tank. As expected, the walking robot raised its energy shield to deflect the shot.
"Keep hitting it, I think we might have it cornered!" spoke one of the mages, attacking it from a flanking position as everyone was hopeful they could defeat the robot.
However, their seemingly growing success was short-lived. Instead of attacking Nanoha, who was obviously the bigger threat, the robot turned its attention to her less experienced students. Its combat AI reasoned that if it targeted the weaker enemies, then it could force the stronger enemy to desist of an alpha strike and go to defense. It also took into surprising account all of its accumulated information on Nanoha Takamachi, including her personality.
Its back unit fired four missiles into the air, but they were different from the previous missiles it had launched earlier. They hung in mid-air, revealing that they were short-term airborne attack pods. As Nanoha and her students took up defensive positions and moved away, the pods opened up and released a hailstorm of Arrow-Class Mortar Rounds. The eight-rounds came falling towards the mages and once they were in range, each round suddenly shattered. Released were hundreds of hypervelocity flechettes made with an alloy that somehow disrupted their Mana fields. This weakened the mages' magic barriers, allowing the flechettes to not only penetrate their projected defenses, but they savagely shredded the students. Some were either outright killed or mortally wounded by the attack.
Nanoha was nearly unharmed because the machine didn't target her, but the flechettes launched were smart rounds, which were actually aiming for her students. Those below the A rank managed to keep their barrier up, but everyone else below that rank were not so lucky. Nanoha didn't have a chance to do save any of them. In an effort to save the few that remained, she used Axel Shooter to shoot down any new projectile missiles that launched from the machine's back.
The giant robot merely replied by using its rail guns against her remaining students, shooting off a heavy volley of hypervelocity bullets. One student barely recovering from the last attack was mowed down as were a few others, prompting Nanoha to immediately go on the offensive.
"DIVINE BUSTER!"
Nanoha opened fire as the pink beam hit its target dead on, but the machine's defense field weathered the attack and began absorbing the energy. Instead of counterattacking against Nanoha, the red-eyed machine continued picking off the students aiding Nanoha one by one. It then used the retractable turrets inside its hips and shoulders to shower high-velocity projectiles at the mages. The explosive tips caused havoc with their shields as some tore through the magic barriers that had been weakened by previous attacks.
To drive its advantage further, the mechanical beast released an ear-splitting mechanical howl, another one of its specialized attack. The howl was part of the machine's dubbed "Banshee Field" as sonic waves emitted from the machine attacked the mages' senses. What they were experiencing was an aural attack field that released a sound frequency in the ranges that harm the auditory system and wreck with the equilibrium of the victims.
My ears…what kind of attack is that?
The result was that anyone unfortunate enough to be in earshot endured what can only be described as the head of the victim ringing. As if someone had stabbed a chunk of glass into their ears and behind their eyes. Nanoha and six students who had been strong enough to throw up magical barriers against the mage-killer's last attack were holding their heads in agony. Despite her best efforts, Nanoha fell onto one knee, unable to focus as her ears were filled with a painful ringing and her vision became blurred. To completely disorient them and leave them vulnerable, the mage-killing machine raised its left-wing to unleash a cluster of Mana Burst Flash Bang Grenades. These were specialized grenades created to use against mages, which added to the harming sound of the Banshee Field, coupled with their blinding flashes. They released a short, but very intense, mana burst in the energy frequencies of sensor systems in devices, wrecking their sensorial systems for a few minutes.
It was probably the worst situation a mage could him or herself in during combat. Despite Nanoha's efforts to force herself back to her feet, her mind was a mess as her senses were badly disoriented. Even so, Nanoha cried out to her fellow mages who had been fighting alongside her.
"Retreat, all of you retreat!"
Sadly her words could not be heard. The mages under her instruction were in far worse shape than she was as they had blood dripping out of their ears and were closer to the mage killer. They lacked the means to defend themselves properly as it launched a set of fragmentation bombs from its left-wing and the finished with rail gun fire from its shoulder turrets.
The only benefit of what she was experiencing was that Nanoha couldn't hear the agonized cries of her fellow mages being slain until only she remained.
Nanoha's vision was slowly returning to her, but the ringing in her ears was barely dying down. Yet she couldn't see the mage killer closing in on her to finish her. Yet from the sky above a high-speed flying glowing marble flew straight at the machine. It managed to throw up its shield just in time, but that first move was just a feint. A large gray and yellow hammer equipped with a rocket booster delivered a stone-shattering blow to the head. The machine stumbled forward before falling onto its head. A small red-haired girl, styled into a pair of two queues that trailed behind her head. She wore a red Gothic Lolita-style dress with black frills and yellow ribbons, a large red hat with plush rabbit heads, and black and red boots. She took the chance to grab Nanoha and get her to a safe distance.
Taking cover behind the ruins of one of the destroyed warehouses from the initial attack, member of the Capital Air Force, 1321th Squadron Vita Yagami tried to tend to her friend.
"Nanoha, are you alright…say something?"
"Uh…Vita…my ears…hurt."
"Just stay here. I'll take care of this."
With her armed device mallet, Graf Eisen in hand, Vita went to engage the mage killing machine alone.
But as she quickly moved to close the distance, the sight of the devastation around her sank in. More so was Nanoha's condition and the knowledge that many of the mages here who underwent training under her were slain. It was more than likely the poor woman was torn apart over their deaths. This only caused Vita's blood to boil as her blue eyes took on a familiar and dangerous look. The redhead entered what could be considered her berserker mode.
"All of these people; how dare you do this…HOW DARE YOU!"
The recovered mage killer roared in response, moving to engage Vita head on. But the red-haired girl struck first.
"Schwalbefliegen Claymore," Vita called out as she generated a trio of basketball-sized ironic spheres that flew ahead of her.
Once they were ready, the girl used her mallet to launch them at high speeds towards the mage killing machine, but guided them to strike specific areas of the walking tank. Two of the large spheres rushed to strike from the sides while the third went straight for the machine. The first one hit its mark, but the mage killer used its shield to protect itself. The other struck the ground near its feet. Its shield still appeared, but the ground around it was destroyed, causing the machine to lose its balance and footing for a moment, giving Vita an opening.
"Giganthammer!"
"Explosion," Graf Eisen said as it loaded a magic cartridge and transformed once again from into its Gigantform. The two small faces of the two-sided mallet transformed into large octagonal shapes larger than Vita's head. At the moment its shield faded, Vita went in for an attack, striking the side of the mage killer's head with all she could muster, knocking the robot onto its side.
"You can't handle close quarters combat very well, can't you?" Vita shouted as she literally hammered away. She used hit and run maneuvers with Graf Eisen, dishing blows to the machine's head and upper torso.
The giant machine unveiled all of its retractable turrets and began firing, trying to hit the Knight of the Iron Hammer, though Vita's small size and quick movements gave her an edge. The machine's learning AI was growing more accustomed to fighting the small knight as its aim was getting closer to connecting with the fast-moving child. But a moment later, the machine suddenly leapt into the air, spinning its giant body around before managing to slap Vita in the face with its long tail. Vita was thrown back in pain, but the small aerial mage quickly recovered, flipping upright before landing on her feet.
Vita was now angrier than ever.
Charging at the machine, the Iron Knight was going to attack with more up close physical attacks. But the mouth of the machine opened up, revealing a cannon inside. Vita moved to the left and right to evade, but the AI of the mage-killing machine was already anticipating her attempts to dodge. It leapt into the air, releasing a cluster of missiles from its left wing, mixed in with a few Mana Burst Flash Bang Grenades. Vita dodged the missiles, but the flash bangs went off, blinding her and briefly disorientating her. She recovered just barely in time as the mage-killing robot fired its mouth weapon.
DAMN IT…Flash bangs mixed in with that missile attack to get me by surprise.
A high-pressurized stream of water shot out from the machine's mouth. There was an ionizing field around the water stream, enhancing the speed and adding the option to ionize the water splashes, releasing an electric burst shockwave attuned to the ionization frequency. Overall, it increased its destructiveness as Vita dropped down moving to the right, narrowly missing the stream. Sadly, her hat wasn't so lucky as it was torn apart by the stream of water. But the stream kept going cutting through the communications tower of the Tactical Corps Headquarters, almost splitting the whole building in two.
That could have killed me.
The machine was already moving to launch another attack. This time, it was planning to attack the Iron Knight with its own melee attack. Its right wing opened and unfolded a large sword that turned red. Pink energy powered up, running along the edges of the blade, creating a sword that used energy on the blade to increase its cutting power. The machine spun around, forcing Vita to drop to the ground and evade the large blade. She was suddenly coming under fire from the retractable turrets as she evaded. Moving in close, Vita was going to take out the legs. But at the last moment, the machine leapt up into the air, landing near the waterfront.
"For something so big it's freaking fast." Vita mutter before using telepathy. Hey, Signum! Where are those reinforcements!? I could use a little help over here and Nanoha has been badly hurt!
I am sorry Vita, but everyone is busy trying to deal with the other two machines.
Well, what the hell are they doing? Vita demanded to fellow her Wolkenritter and leader of their group.
Those two machines are using hit and run tactics all over Cranagan. Just about every other base and academy connected to the Bureau has been hit by long-range missile attacks from the water front. We can't pin them down; they keep moving from one location to another and we can't pin-point where they'll fire from until after they hit their target.
Oh, you gotta be freaking kidding me, Vita groaned mentally as she dodged more rail gun fire. She hurried to close the distance between her and the mage-killing machine.
I am sorry, Vita. I'll try to get over there as soon as possible, but I have my own hands full over here.
I'll head over to help Nanoha, another member of the Wolkenritter jumped in.
Shamal…
Just focus on destroying that thing, Vita. I'll be there as soon as I can to help Nanoha and anyone else who has been injured.
Thanks…I'll destroy this tin-can!
Vita was more determined than ever now to bring down the monstrous machine. To create an opening, Vita materialized a larger iron sphere. Using her hammer still in Gigantform, she sent the ball flying through the air after enhancing it with magic.
"Kometfliegen!"
Instead of attempting to block it with its shield, the robot leapt into the air again. It swiped its blade at the Iron Knight, who managed to not only dodge it. She began running up along the blade, making a beeline for the shoulder. However, between ducking and sidestepping high-velocity bullets flying at her, something unexpected happened.
A pair of two long wings made of pure energy erupted from the back of the machine, while it was flying through the air. It suddenly spun over and under in midair, performing three quick rolls which successfully shook the small child knight from its blade just as she reached the shoulder.
THAT THING CAN FLY!
Hovering above the mage-killing machine, Vita was quickly trying to decide her next course of action. But the red-eyed machine wasn't going to give her the chance. It fired another round of flash bangs, mixed in with dubbed "Hammerhead" missiles aimed at the child warrior. Remembering this tactic, Vita quickly backed away while swinging her hammer to take out the missiles coming at her, ready to close her eyes from the coming flash of light.
In the middle, the machine descended from the sky, preparing to strike Vita with its sword. Just as the flash bangs went off, she realized the coming attack and managed to block the sword strike with her hammer. Vita was struggling against the towering machine. One wrong move and the blade could cleave her in two. But the child-knight was stuck as its rail-guns on its shoulder and right hip were taking aim.
Damn it…I REALLY NEED SOME HELP RIGHT NOW!
"Divine Buster!"
A near point-blank range of pink energy tore through the right-wing of the mage-killer, causing it to explode and the sword that had been attached to it to break apart as Vita was now freed from that deadly deadlock. To her surprise, Nanoha readjusted her position and was standing upright again. The Ace of Aces had gained her second wind despite being injured. Nanoha flew in and floated on her back, pointing her Raising Heart straight up at the wing-like arm of the machine. The distance between her and the machine made it impossible for it to properly deploy its anti-magic shield, especially due to the deadlock it was engaged in with Vita.
It was a risky move, but it paid off as Nanoha had inflicted some real damage to the machine.
"You shouldn't be moving around."
"I am sorry, Vita. My hearing isn't working very well still," Nanoha replied as her hearing had been damaged by the machine's Banshee Field. Her injuries could be healed, but she could barely make out what Vita was trying to tell her.
Their chat was cut short as the black machine got back up. Despite losing a limb, it was still fighting. It began arching its back, prompting Nanoha to recognize what the machine was about to.
"Vita, we got to attack it! It's going to use the same field that immobilized me and wrecked my hearing!"
"Right," Vita replied as the two mages charged in to attack the mage-killing machine before it can employ its Banshee Field again.
"Axel Shooter," Nanoha said as she took aim with Raising Heart.
"Locked on," The pink and yellow device noted.
"SHOOT!" Nanoha cried out as a dozen pink spheres appeared around her, shooting out to hit the black machine, which responded by throwing up its anti-magic shield. But as it leapt up into the air, moving backwards to put some distance, Vita attacked crying out.
"Zerstörungshammer!"
"Zerstörungsform," Graf Eisen called out after using two magical cartridges before transforming. It grew even larger in size, becoming a gigantic hammer with a built in rocket booster on one end and a golden drill on the other. The machine became aware of the attack, but as it launched more missiles from its back, they were quickly shot down by Nanoha's Axel Shooter.
With a fierce battle cry, Vita brought Zerstörungshammer down upon the machine as it didn't have time to evade. In a desperate effort to survive the attack, it threw up its anti-magic field, but it couldn't withstand such a powerful physical attack. The hammer effortlessly tore through the shield and pretreated the back of the giant machine, driving its drill tip through its body and impaling it. The walking tank let out a terrible screech as if it was crying out in pain. Vita didn't stop as she poured all she could muster to drive her blow deeper to finish it.
At last after a full minute of screeching, the machine stopped moving as its red eyes shorted out, seemingly disabled.
"We did it," Nanoha said letting out a sigh of relief, but suddenly she saw something.
The eyes of the machine flickered back on before they began beeping in a quickening sequence. A terrible feeling built up in Nanoha's stomach as she quickly put some distance between her and the wrecked machine. Before that, she called out to Vita.
"VITA, GET AWAY FROM THAT THING!"
"Huh," Vita muttered as she noticed the blinking of the black machine's eyes. Realizing the likely meaning behind it, the child knight tried to hurry away from the wreck. But she only got a short distance away before the whole machine exploded in a massive fireball. The sheer size of the explosion engulfed what remained of the machine in flames, but the pressure wave released sent the Iron Knight flying through the air until she impacted a stone wall. Nanoha was thrown back by the pressure wave from the blast, but unlike Vita, she escaped injury as she was further away.
Nanoha hurried to Vita's side, horrified to see the girl partly burnt and injured with a black eye.
"Vita, are you okay? Please, say something!"
The obviously delirious Vita tried to sit up. She instead coughed up some blood before she muttered.
"S...sore…loser…"
Vita passed out much to the worry of Nanoha, but the girl was still breathing.
With one of the three machines defeated, two remained active.
The leader of the Wolkenritter, Signum was chasing a fleeing transport truck through the streets of Cranagan. Not too long ago, Signum had tried to help defend TSAB Mid-Childan Main Office as it came under missile attack, but the defenses at HQ were more extensive, unlike some of the other targets. Yet given the aggressiveness of the attack, the number of defenders was boosted as a precaution by the higher-ups as they tried to get more reinforcements. They dispatched a group of mages to deal with the two machines, but a call barely managed to come in that a facility nearby used to check in and store Lost Logia had been hit by a group of armed men.
So the attack from those robots was only a distraction to keep us from the Lost Logia Storage Facility.
This meant that the men had penetrated headquarters as the facility runs underground below the TSAB Mid-Childan Main Office. The facility away from HQ merely provided a means of easy transport and moving of Lost Logia without doing it above ground on public streets. Signum and several others were dispatched to the facility, but by the time they arrived, it was over with seven white transport trucks speeding off into different directions. Each of the Ground Forces mages took off for one truck, leaving Signum to choose the last one. She noticed it was initially heading deeper into the city before changing direction and heading towards the northern outskirts.
Signum followed the truck to keep it in sight, hoping it would lead her to the ringleader of the terrorists attacking them.
If I can catch the leader behind this, I should be able to stop all of this.
The chase came to an end as the truck sped out of the city, traveling along an old and barely used road. Its destination seemed to be abandoned research facility of some kind. The site had seen better days, but even through one of the buildings had exploded years before, the rest of the structure was still standing even when time had taken its toll. Parts of the parking lot were showing signs of grass and plant life. The surrounding area was a thick forestland area with a large number of trees. The truck pulled into an old unloading dock area for trucks used in the past. As it backed up to a loading platform, the terrorists were likely planning to off-load what they had stolen.
Landing on the ground near the parked truck, Signum readied her Armed Device, Laevatein as it was already in Schwertform.
The driver of the truck called out shouting out something in Japanese that surprised Signum. The man was quickly silenced as a yellow burst of energy tore through his body from behind and killed him. In moments, four Yoshimitsu Troopers exited from the truck, one being the trooper who had killed the man. Signum assumed a fighting stance, but a fifth man appeared joined the Troopers. Yet for the sake of his identity, he had to use a torn off piece of cloth as a makeshift scarf.
"Let's see here…pink hair, a sword and wearing a white and pink battle dress with armor plates. You must be Signum, Hayate Yagami's servant."
"Who are you?"
"Someone who would have wished to put down those two treasonous and unclean excuses of whores that forsook their honor as Japanese. But since you are here, perhaps we'll send them a message by giving them your head with a note on it." the ringleader said as he took out a small pocket knife. "Muramasa, Katana Mode."
"Yes, sir," A female voice said in Japanese as the small pocket knife transformed into an Armed Device similar to Signum's Laevatein. As the name of its mode implied, it was a katana-style blade with a long blade of at least sixty inches. The blade itself was blood-red, but it had a glow making it appear it was burning red-hot. The hilt was black trimmed with gold, but like Signum's weapon, it had a bolt action-type Cartridge System similar to hunting rifles with capacity of five cartridges. There was a mono-eye sensor above the hilt near the cartridge ejection slot while the bottom of the hilt was flat with a silver ring around the base.
Gripping the large katana with both hands the ring leader glared at Signum before adding.
"Anyone who serves those treasonous vermin, especially if they are friends with that second traitor Nanoha Takamachi, shall been see to it that both including you are punished."
Signum was furious with the labels they were not only putting on Hayate, but Nanoha as well.
"You will not walk away after insulting Mistress Hayate like that!"
"Neither shall you," the officer said as the four troopers under his command charged the pink-haired woman.
"Laevatein, Purple Lightning Flash!"
"Jawohl," Laevatein replied as flames surrounded the blade. The first trooper closed in armed with an energy blade in the form of a katana crossed blades with the Ancient Belkan knight. Pushing her foe back just as the trooper's comrades closed in on her, Signum backed off and launched a mid-range attack to thin down the enemies' numbers.
One of the troopers was overeager to attack her and overstepped himself. Signum swiftly disabled her foe by cutting his legs and arms skillfully to interrogate the trooper later.
Just as the disabled trooper dropped to the ground, his other comrades rushed to engage her.
Their speed and reflexes are well beyond your standard foot soldier, so they are cyborgs after all.
Signum thought as the situation was a little suspect, given their armor and overall appearance. Their speed and strength was an obvious sign of cybernetic augmentation. This was likely true, given that none of the enemy troopers before her have displayed any magical ability, although it was clear their leader had magical talent. Even so, the troopers made up for their lack of magic training with combat training, coupled with their cybernetic bodies and advanced weapons.
The leader of the Wolkenritter parried and fended off the attack of three Yoshimitsu Troopers at once with an impressive display of swordsmanship. Signum ducked her head to avoid a plasma round fired from one of the forearm mounted cannons from her foe. She then delivered a roundhouse kick to the side of the attacking cyborg's head, right before she swiftly disabled another enemy trooper by cutting key points of her foe's limbs to immobilize him.
Two troopers remained, but Signum noticed that their leader wasn't taking an active part in the battle.
What is he up too? Is he a coward? No, this doesn't feel right...
Signum cautiously kept her eye on while focusing on finishing off the last two Yoshimitsu Troopers as soon as possible. Suddenly, the eyes of the Yoshimitsu Troopers began glowing bright red as their speed and strength seemingly doubled. Their reflexes and agility were suddenly enhanced even further. The swordswoman was forced onto the defensive as she parried and deflected fast-paced sword attacks from her enemies, but it was difficult to keep up with them.
What happened. They weren't this fast before.
One managed to get a kick through, but Signum pulled back just in time before it could connect with her stomach. She moved into range of the other trooper's plasma weapon as he fired a shot aimed for her head.
"Panzergeist," Signum commanded as Laevatein ejected a cartridge to shroud the woman's body in a magical defense aura that protected her from the plasma shot. Had it landed, it could have inflicted some serious damage upon her if not run the risk of outright killing her. "Sky Fang!"
Signum unleashed a point-blank mana slash attack a trooper who thought he could take advantage of an opening he thought he saw his partner created. The trooper was badly injured by both the attack and impact of his landing against the wall of the abandoned building. He was removed from the battle for now, allowing the pink-haired warrior to focus on the last Yoshimitsu Trooper. But at that time, the bodies of the downed Yoshimitsu Trooper and the one still standing began glowing bright as the last trooper made a mad charge at the woman.
Years of accumulated combat experience and instinct kicked in at the instance as alarms went off in Signum's head. She wasn't sure what this was, but she knew she had to shield herself.
As the soldier got close to her, his body began glowing brightly before suddenly exploding along with his partner's body, engulfing Signum in a large fireball that devastated half of the parking near the unloading dock. When the smoke cleared, Signum was still standing, having raised a Panzerschild to protect herself from the bulk of the explosion.
I can't believe they would self-destruct like that…just who are these men?
"Well…even for a servant of a traitor, your skills aren't bad," the leader commented as the tri-point magical rune shield vanished. "However, it's time we get this real fight started."
This time without a word, Signum attacked first. She charged her Laevatein once more with flames, intending on defeating the leader and taking him alive. Their blades met as his Muramasa surged with electrical power, displaying a signs of possible electrical-type Mana Conversion Affinity. The two sword wielders were deadlocked before a moment before the two broke away.
"Raimei," he said as Muramasa ejected a cartridge before drawing a large amount of electrical energy into the blade. Fire and Lightning met in a shower of sparks and flame as the two warriors struggled to overpower the other, although Signum was trying to take her foe into custody alive. Suddenly, her opponent broke away and took to the air with Signum following in hot pursuit as the two mages engaged in a fierce display of aerial combat.
"Sky Fang!"
"Tengoku no sandā," the terrorist leader replied as he unleashed a ranged slash attack in the form of a bolt of lightning. The two attacks cancelled each other out as the two warriors continued their increasingly fierce battle in the skies above the abandoned facility. Signum quickly fired off another Sky Fang, but it was shielded by her opponent's own Panzerschild.
As the two formidable warriors continued their battle, the soldiers below them that Signum had disabled earlier had managed to crawl back up to their feet before limping away. They entered the facility where the cargo they had stolen from the TSAB had been unloaded by two of their other comrades. They were brought into the chamber where Suzuka was waiting for them in the center of transportation circle for long-range dimensional transfer spell.
"That is the last of it, but where is Colonel Kusakabe?"
"He is still engaged in battle with that mage from the Yagami Family, Mistress."
"I see. He better hurry up because the TSAB will dispatch mages to this location soon. And I don't want to lose all of this wonderful combat and performance data we collected." Suzuka remarked by tapping on a special PDA device.
Back outside Signum and her opponent, Kusakabe locked battles again as the two were struggling against the other. The Japanese man knew he needed to end this battle quickly.
"I guess I go no other option, Sandāāmā," Kusakabe said as his entire body was surging with electrical energy within moments. The man was standing before her one moment, but was suddenly behind Signum in the blink of an eye. Signum barely had time to block it, but even there, his attacks were coming much faster to the point Signum couldn't follow the blade with her eyes. That let alone realizing on instinct and years of experience to predict and counter the incoming blade strikes. Even so, as a true testament to her skills and experience as a warrior and mage, she held up against Kusakabe.
But things suddenly changed with one dirty cheap trick.
A loaded gunshot similar to a shotgun rang through the air as Signum suddenly fell backwards, but not before she saw the bottom of Muramasa's hilt pointed at her. Moments ago, while preparing a large special series of sword strikes, Kusakabe held the blade in a odd position before triggering a concealed projectile weapon inside the hilt. At the range it was at, it pierced Signum's barrier jacket and dealt her a serious wound.
He used a hidden weapon in his armed device, a dirty...cowardly trick.
But Kusakabe wasn't done yet as he delivered a lightning fast slash across Signum's torso before kicking her to the ground. She fell forty feet before impacting the pavement of the parking lot with Kusakabe landing near his downed foe with a good opportunity to finish her off.
"This is not how I wanted it to end, but I am short on time sadly."
"That…that was…a cheap, cowardly tactic," Signum said in-between coughs as a pool of blood formed from the wound she got from the surprise round that pierced her stomach and the slash across her upper torso.
"Your mistake was bringing a tool to a sword fight. As my superior states, your weapon yearns to be bathed in the blood of your enemies. Yet, you hold it back."
Signum glared at Kusakabe.
"Maybe next time, you can give me a real fight. Remember, I could have finished you right here and then."
With those words, Kusakabe began to walk away to rejoin Suzuka and the others. They afterward made their escape, leaving a badly wounded and furious Signum behind. Once Kusakabe was gone, Signum got to her feet in defiance, although she was struggling to stand. At that moment, however, a friend was trying to contact her, having only returned to Mid-Childa not too long ago.
Signum…do you read me?…Signum? Fate Testarossa demanded.
"I…Need…Medical…Help," Signum managed to say before she dropped to the ground and passed out.
Signum? Signum, are you okay? SIGNUM!
The attack on the Time-Space Administration Bureau came to an end. The two machines vanished into the oceans of Mid-Childa to shake off pursuers, leaving large-scale devastation in their wake.
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Chapter 4: The Wheels of Destiny Turn
The next chapter has arrived. Finally comes in something I've personally been waiting for. And then, there's the end.
"Now, Clovis," Lelouch said with a deadly seriousness in his voice as he pointed Soul Abyss at the face of the terrified prince. "You will do two things for me: One, you will order your men to stand down and let the Elevens go. Your little pet project is no longer in this area and if you keep it up, not only will I expose it to the public, but I'll kill you as well."
"You can't just order a Prince of Britannia around, you lowly-" Clovis began.
Lelouch fired off a blue burst of energy that made a hole in the wall, a few inches behind Clovis off from where his head could have been. Clovis was rendered silent when he realized how close that blast came to blowing his head apart like a melon.
"Is that your final answer? Or would you like me to rephrase that? You will tell them to stop, along with the destruction of any buildings or properties. Since we're at it, all casualties regardless of their nationality will be treated equally," Lelouch said as the tip of Abyss Soul began glowing bright. "Now, shall we try this again?"
Trembling and left with little to no options, Clovis activated the intercom by pushing a button under the armrest. Lelouch walked over to the console and set up a broadcast that would be heard among all of the Britannian soldiers within the area.
"Attention all forces, cease-fire at once! I, Clovis, third prince of Britannia and royal viceroy of Area 11, hereby command you to cease-fire at once! You will also cease destruction of buildings and property! All casualties, regardless if they are Britannians or Elevens, will be treated equally and without prejudice! In the name of Clovis la Britannia, you are hereby ordered to ceasefire! I will allow for no further fighting!"
The lights went off as Lelouch shut down all power in the command center.
"Are you satisfied?" Clovis demanded before Lelouch replied.
"Very. Well done."
"And what shall we do now? Sing a few lively ballads? Or perhaps a nice game of chess?" Clovis asked, which prompted a grin from under Lelouch's mask.
"That has a familiar ring."
Lelouch couldn't help but keep smiling as he was ready to squeeze the information he wanted from Clovis, though it was doubtful that he knew anything of value of what he sought. However, there was still the possibility that he knew something, but it was a question of what he knew and besides…
That girl and the capsule…I want to know just what the hell he was working on that would drive him to wipe out this whole ghetto.
Before Lelouch could question the prince, the doors flew open. A dozen Britannian soldiers poured into the room, aiming their rifles at Lelouch.
Damn it, but it's probably best I don't push my luck.
"Keep your word, Clovis, or I'll be back!"
"OPEN FIRE!" The lead soldier commanded as they opened fire.
"Protection Status: All Green," Abyss Soul said as a blue barrier of energy protected Lelouch from the bullets as they bounced off the shield. Abyss Soul's Active Protection automatically cast as part its auto-protection functions. Lelouch quickly backed away and leapt out of the command center and back into the cockpit of the Sutherland.
Lelouch, you better get the hell out of there! Quattro cautioned over their mental connection.
I know, but I don't think I need to tell you to give me a little cover.
Well, duh! I would never hear the end of it from Vanderfloog if I allowed something to happen to you!
Closing the cockpit as Abyss Soul switched back to Device Mode, the former prince took off in his stolen Sutherland, speeding away from the area. Fortunately, with most of their vehicles destroyed along with their Knightmares, they had no means of pursuing him. As a precaution, the Lancelot followed the Sutherland to protect it from any unexpected attacks. The two put some distance behind the G-1 and soon, all that Lelouch had to do was ditch the Sutherland and escape the ghetto.
Well, I got some good news and bad news. Which do you want first?
Just give it to me straight, Quattro.
Okay then, the good news is that Clovis is calling for a full retreat, so you must've really put the fear of god in him.
Then what's the bad news?
At that moment, Lelouch and the Lancelot were trapped in a Temporal Force Field. The area-type Force Field spell engulfed most of the Shinjuku Ghetto, leaving only Lelouch in his Sutherland along with the Lancelot and Quattro, who remained hidden. But Lelouch was unfortunately the target of the caster.
Oh…I see…
I think it's self-explanatory.
Lelouch brought the Sutherland to a stop when he spotted the one casting the spell standing twenty feet ahead of him. Ginga Nakajima stood before Lelouch in her barrier jacket that consisted of white pants and a black jacket with short sleeves with a bit of purple on it. There were shin plates on her legs and a small breastplate that covered a small area of her forward torso. Under that was a white turtle neck shirt with short-sleeves, fingerless black gloves and a belt with a gold clasp with black and trimmed cloth hanging over her hips. On her feet were a pair of white roller-blades trimmed with gold while on her left hand was a white gauntlet trimmed with purple. On the wrist were a pair of turning blades and a magic cartridge system in the form of a revolver barrel.
The gauntlet was a wearable intelligent device called Revolver Knuckle while paired with the rollerblade components, but both are at times dubbed together as Blitz Caliber.
Damn it, a member of the TSAB!
Lelouch eyed Ginga as his mind was already working to come up a series of contingency plans to deal with the threat before him. Ginga was silent as the tails of her purple bow on the back of her head moved with the wind.
Making the first move, Lelouch made a run for it while the Lancelot took off in another direction.
"Hold it!" Private First Class Nakajima Ginga shouted before she chased after the purple knightmare frame. This particular unit she's going up against gave off an unknown signature inside the cockpit. In other words, there is a mage on Earth stirring up trouble if not taking advantage of the war-torn earth to commit crimes while the planet is under surveillance from TSAB. Whoever the criminal is, he is either stupid or crazy to use magic while TSAB is still around. "You are under arrest!"
Ginga's instructions were to not be involved with the political affairs of Un-Administrated world #97. But she can at least perform her job as an officer to arrest the criminal before he caused any damage or exposes the existence of magic to the mundane people of Earth. It was hard watching the Britannians liquidate the Shinjuku Ghetto, but she knew what could happen if the existence of magic was exposed.
Her processor already gave her a simulation of what happened if someone discovered the existence of magic to the public. The previous two incidents that took place on this planet gave everybody in TSAB HQ a heart attack; especially the Book of Darkness Incident.
Therefore, Ginga has to resolve this problem immediately. But Lelouch wasn't planning on being arrested.
Gotta catch me first, Lelouch thought as he pushed the Sutherland as hard as he could before turning around. It kept moving, but only backwards before it fired off its machine gun. It shot at the buildings, causing stone and steel to fall. Lelouch hoped it would slow Ginga down or stop her, but the Ground Forces Mage leaped and dodged all of the falling debris.
"Tch!" She activated her barrier jacket when the Sutherland resorted firing its weapon at her. Thankfully, her defenses won't be easily destroyed by this level of attack. "You need more than that to break this shield!" She increased her speed as her roller-skates accelerated.
Her Revolver Knuckle spun as she focused her energy onto this one attack.
Suddenly, the Lancelot attacked by literally crashing through one of the buildings to intercept Ginga. It fired one of its forearm slash harkens, but as expected, Ginga evaded it. The white machine continued its attack, trying to deliver a roundhouse kick, followed by some fast horizontal chops. Ginga was about to punch the machine when it pulled back as the Sutherland hurled a Chaos Grenade. One the other side, the Lancelot backed away and fired its forearm mounted slash harkens. Ginga dodged the Lancelot's attack and used a tri-shield to protect herself from the fragmentation sent flying at her.
"Wing Road," The AI of her Blitz Caliber said as a blue road of magic formed below Ginga, providing a clear intercept path to the fleeing Sutherland with the Lancelot pursuing her. Charging at full speed, Ginga sped into the air, following the Wing Road. At that moment, Ginga once more collected mana into her left fist.
"Knuckle Bunker," Ginga drove her fist into the side of the Sutherland's cockpit, damaging the Knightmare Frame and stopping it in its tracks. However, Ginga soon realized there was no one in the cockpit. In the middle of the last combination attack, the pilot must have escaped his Knightmare Frame, which meant it was remote controlled.
Firing its slash harkens into the disabled Knightmare Frame, the Lancelot closed in. Although Ginga dodged, the Sutherland exploded in front of her. The purple-haired woman threw up a tri-shield to weather the explosion, but as she tried to find her unknown foe.
Hiding in a nearby building, Lelouch was taking aim at the TSAB member with Abyss Soul, transformed into Shooting Mode.
"Clearance confirmation, firing-lock is cancelled," Abyss Soul spoke as Lelouch had Ginga in his sights.
"Abyss Shoot!" Lelouch said as a torrent of blue magical power collected at the tip of his Intelligence Device.
Ginga sensed the attack just in time as she used Wing Road to retreat to the rooftops. It was just seconds before the column of intense magical power cut through the building Lelouch was hiding in and tore through the next one across the street. The magical beam of the Abyss Buster was large enough to easily engulf a whole Knightmare Frame in one shot. But the way the attack came at her left Ginga nervous as it seemed very familiar.
What insane magical power…just who is he? I haven't seen such magical power except for Instructor Takamachi.
Lelouch was a little flustered as his mind was already shifting gears. It was fortunate his illusion masking his face was still holding, otherwise the woman seeing his face would have complicated things.
Damn it, I was hoping to end this quickly, but I guess that won't be possible. I knew she would evade the gunfire and that chaos grenade, but that was only supposed to get her up to my Abyss Buster.
The former prince knew this wasn't going to be easy for him. For all of the training he got from Vanderfloog, the twins and even Quattro at times, he always had some issues with fighting in close quarter combat. For the most part, he didn't have anyone he could spar with in a mock battle. There was one other who could have trained him in hand-to-hand combat, but it was decided to wait until Lelouch was in more ideal shape and his reflexes were more up to par. On the plus side though, he had been put through a tough physical education regime thanks to Quattro and the twins who supervised.
Changing tactics, a blue magic circle appeared before Lelouch's feet as Ginga entered the crumbling remains of the building, noticing the magical circle at his feet. It was a magic circle, but inside of the circle was a pentagram with a complex series of runic magic symbols within.
What kind of magic circle is that? It's not Belkan or Mid-Childa.
"Assault Mode activated," Abyss Soul spoke as the Intelligent Device changed forms.
The head of Abyss Soul transformed into a lance with a bident-style blade and the blue orb in the middle. The sides of the two-prong blades were demonic-wing shaped and the blade on the left was longer than the other by five inches.
Once the Intelligence Device's transformation was completed, twelve mirror-like panels materialized around Lelouch as did four arrow-shaped devices fashioned after the head of Abyss Soul. Ginga decided to attack first as an indigo-violet Belkan Triangle appeared at her feet.
"Storm Tooth," The AI of Ginga's armed device said as Ginga charged forward with her left hand raised and the twin-gear like devices on her wrist began spinning. The mirrors scattered as Lelouch raised his hand with Abyss Soul speaking.
"Protection!"
A glowing Al-Hazard Magic Circle appeared in-between Ginga and Lelouch. Ginga drove her fist into it, intending to force her way through the magical shield. A few moments later and the shield began to crack until it shattered, but Lelouch quickly used his right hand to catch her fist, casting protective barrier around it to shield his hand from damage. However, the impact of the punch sent Lelouch flying backwards as Ginga kept pushing until the two went through the wall behind them.
Lelouch flipped in mid-air just in time to plant both of his feet, onto the side of the building across from the one he was sent flying out of.
"Seraph Wings," Abyss Soul noted as two pairs of small black feathered angelic wings emerged from Lelouch's back. His cape created openings for the wings to emerge from.
She is stronger than she looks, but it's my turn.
Lelouch rushed the woman with his Device pointed out, flying at increasing speed and playing a game of chicken with the young woman. Ginga didn't slow down, but she kept going as she raised her fist, intending to deliver a powerful punch to her foe. At the last second, Lelouch suddenly dropped, falling towards the ground with Wing Road passing over him. But before Ginga could turn around, Lelouch flew back up, attacking her from behind. Lelouch thrust forward with his Device, but the purple-haired woman backed away before counterattacking.
The masked young man ducked to dodge the punch, but Ginga quickly followed up with a kick to the face that knocked Lelouch off her Wing Road.
"Abyss Soul…Chain Grapple," Lelouch said as Abyss Soul replied, launching a blue chain of energy from the center that flew past Ginga before grabbing onto the wall of a building in the distance. Pulling back on Abyss Soul, the chain retracted and pulled Lelouch towards his opponent.
In passing, Lelouch knocked her back with the kick in the chest. To press his advantage, the Blaster Bits Lelouch conjured up earlier began their attack. They fired blue beams at the woman, forcing Ginga to throw up a tri-shield as Lelouch kicked off from the wall, taking aim with his Abyss Soul.
"Barrel Shot," Lelouch's Intelligence Device said as Lelouch fired a focused beam of blue energy. Ginga dodged it, but it struck one of the mirrors a distance behind her, scattering the beams before each of them hit the other twelve mirrors. "Mirror Prism!"
Ginga was suddenly trapped in a shower of blue energy beams. She was moved to the left and right to avoid being hit, but a few beams grazed her barrier jacket.
"Wing Road," The Blitz Caliber said before the blue road appeared below Ginga's feet. The young woman took off racing away before Lelouch could trap her.
She isn't bad; she reacted quickly to my attack and used that spell to quickly escape the area before I could pin her down.
Lelouch realized he would need to be a little more aggressive if he is going to subdue the woman without killing her. If he killed her, her demise would bring more TSAB agents actively hunting him down, Going for a non-lethal defeat was in his best interest.
His mirrors and blaster bits spread out as Lelouch took to higher ground.
It's more of a risk for me to be in the sky like this. But from what I am seeing so far, she doesn't seem to have any ranged attacks. Staying among those buildings would leave me in danger of a possible surprise attack, so staying in the air here is my best option.
The former prince thought as his mind went to work on plans to defeat the TSAB agent. But as soon as he got high above the buildings, the Wing Road appeared right under him, giving Lelouch little chance to react as he saw Ginga speeding straight at him.
Shit! She must have guessed I would retreat to the skies!
"Shooting Mode," Abyss Soul transformed back into its Shooting Mode before Lelouch projected a circular magic shield. Ginga's fist impacted the shield with the force of a freight train and she was using another Knuckle Bunker to overpower it.
But the latter was already preparing an attack when she broke through.
"Abyss Soul…Chain Whip," Lelouch said as the barrier finally broke and he dived to the side to evade. At that moment, a chain-like whip composed of blue magic emerged from the top of the orb on his device and grabbed Ginga's left leg. As Lelouch fell, he used his body's own weight to pull Ginga off her Wing Road.
As the two fell, Ginga struggled to break free. Lelouch called his mirrors and bits to support him as his Blaster Bits began firing at Ginga. To Lelouch's surprise Ginga used Wing Road again to stop their fall. But this time, she directed towards the ground in a downward slope, turning Lelouch's last attack against him. Ginga used the downward momentum to provide a huge boost of speed, which she used to drag her opponent along. Lelouch tried to regain his balance, but his body bounced off of the Wing Road, inflicting some light injury upon him.
After disengaging the chain-whip spell, he was freed. But as Lelouch was regaining his balance, Ginga was already coming around for another attack.
"Celestial Shooter," Lelouch called out as six blue spheres appeared around him before they fired at the approaching Ginga. She responded with another tri-shield as she kept charging at her foe. Yet as her fist was about to make contact it phased through Lelouch's body prompting Ginga to realize.
An illusion…
"Celestial Shooter," Lelouch called out again as his attack from above nailed Ginga, hammering the young woman with beams of blue energy and finally landing a blow upon her. Lelouch decided to press his advantage again, firing a shot from his Abyss Soul in tandem with his Blaster Bits. Ginga used Protection to shield herself as she rushed at Lelouch with Wing Road. She moved in spiraling and twisting routes to make aiming difficult for him.
But once again, her fist punched through in illusion.
So while I was being hit by his last attack, he created another illusion. But where is he now?
Before Ginga could find her foe again, Lelouch's Blaster Bits fired powerful magic bursts, destroying the Wing Road she was using and sending Ginga falling to the ground. Not given the chance to use her Wing Road spell again, Lelouch's blaster bits wrapped themselves around Ginga, trapping her in a binding spell. As Ginga struggled to break free, Lelouch began collecting his strength for one more attack, taking aim with a large sphere of magic forming above the tip of his Intelligent Device. The bindings were becoming undone, but her legs were tightly tied to prevent her from using Wing Road to escape. Before she could break free, Lelouch cast his spell while standing upon a glowing magical circle.
"Twilight Breaker!" Lelouch shouted, releasing one of his strongest attacks.
This time, Lelouch's aim was dead on. Ginga was engulfed by the beam and sent crashing onto the weakened roof, landing atop of pile of rubble. The blast was just enough where the woman was knocked out cold. Her barrier jacket was badly tattered, but for the most part, the woman was unharmed. Lelouch was breathing hard as the fight took more out of him than he had expected.
So, this is what real magical combat feels like.
Congratulations on your first victory, Lelouch, Quattro said through their telepathic link.
I am fortunate that she didn't have any back up...but that was too close. My close quarter skills are going to need improvement if I am going to face her again.
Well, let this be a reminder of why we were putting you through such a physical training regime. Remind me to ask Sayoko about pushing forward with your close quarter combat training when we get back.
Lelouch's expression soured at the mention of more intense physical training despite knowing it was necessary. He cast it aside as he made a hasty retreat, intending to be long gone before her opponent woke up. Granted, he was in far better shape than he was compared to when he was a child. But beside a lack of experience, if a fight drags on for too long, he could wear himself down.
His training was still far from finished.
Anyway, let's get out of here. The Lancelot?
Its energy filler is low, but if I can divert power from unnecessary systems, I think I can make it last long enough for us to hide it. The Lancelot can prove invaluable to us both on and off the battlefield.
Lelouch grinned as he understood what Quattro had in mind.
Good idea…
A large futuristic gray hanger trimmed with blue lights along the wall like a circuit board was located elsewhere in Japan. Kusakabe and Suzuka were examining the stolen Lost Logia they took from the TSAB. Opening up the first crate were individually sealed boxes with transparent tops, revealing the sole object gained within each box. They held a small blue diamond-shaped jewel with round edges known to the Time-Space Administration Bureau.
"The Mandarin will be pleased with our work," Suzuka replied with a smile.
"Yes," Kusakabe said, opening up the second crate that revealed a set of red gemstones sealed inside. "If our intelligence we got from the insider is right, then these Relics we stole should drive this Jail Scaglietti up a tree."
"More so, imagine we can do with these four, along with the other nine Jewel Seeds the Mandarin has already."
"Indeed…although I have to say, I am surprised by how much devastation we were able to inflict with just three of the drones alone. More so, our men tore through their mages," Kusakabe noted.
"Then you understand, Commander Kusakabe," A third voice echoed speaking with a electronically altered voice with a menacing tone to it. "The TSAB lacks a fundamental detail, making itself highly vulnerable against our forces."
Suzuka and Kusakabe turned their heads to see a man almost in all black and wearing a leather long coat. He had long sleeves that reached down past his knees with two straps going around the torso to close the coat. On the back was a coiled-circle dragon eating its own tail in gold print while upon his shoulders were two small golden serpent-like dragons. Black leather gloves were complete with leather combat boots and shin-guards. On his head, however, was his most distinguished feature; a helmet that encased the wearer's head in a black, metallic full head-mask with a single red electronic eye in the center of the face, creating an almost faceless appearance. The rest of the mask was smoothly polished metal with two air vents located along the lower jaw of the mask.
"Mandarin-sama," Suzuka said bowing respectfully.
"You two have done well. I am pleased with the results and valuable test data that had been collected."
"We apologize for losing one of the drones, sir," Kusakabe said snapping to military attention saluting.
"Do not worry. The destruction of it was in our plans. The windfall of data from the unit against high-leveled mages more than compensates us for this, not to mention the nanomachine self-destruct failsafe worked without fault. In addition, the data from the volunteers that gave their lives fighting the TSAB mages will enable us to far extend their potential. To the point where they will have to use their Seppuku Overdrive."
"In any case, Mandarain-sama," Suzuka quickly cast the compliments from her superior aside, pointing out their stolen loot. "We collected the Lost Logia as you instructed,"
"Excellent, these will advance our plans nicely."
"Smashing through the TSAB's forces seemed rather easy."
"It's because they don't understand the essence of true warfare like we do. They are the descendants mainly of the Belkan Culture, basically a Middle Age culture that rose due to the rests and relics of Al-Hazard. They didn't learn the lessons of ten millennia of conflict in all levels that Earth considers common wisdom. The fact that the Ancient Belkan people polluted their own world with Mass Weapons shows that they didn't understand the potential or the appropriate use of their technology for warfare."
"I think we can teach them that lesson more so, but what shall we do now? The Bureau won't take this lying down, of course." Suzuka asked.
"We'll deal with them in due time. For now we must adapt and improve our drones."
"Understood, sir. But what about my comrades in the Japan Liberation Front?" Kusakabe asked.
"The plans set up in order to ensure that they will be more than receptive to your and Suzuka's message in course. Soon, the JLF will join our cause for the betterment of Earth, and later the free worlds."
Almost a half-hour later, Ginga woke up, cautiously sitting up. The woman held her left arm, which was sore along with her whole body from her fall and enormous magical attack she had been hit with. Ginga rose to her feet as her Device returned to Standby Mode. She almost stumbled, yet managed to balance herself by propping herself against a wall.
How long was I out? I don't even sense him anymore, so he likely got away.
Mustering the strength, Ginga used a teleportation spell to return to her post in orbit around the Earth. She dropped into her chair, reclining into the seat. A part of her almost thought her foe was someone who just got his hands on a magical device, judging by the unknown magic symbol she saw at his feet. She cast that thought aside, considering his performance.
There is no way he is just some random local who got his hands on a device. He had training, that much I am sure of.
Worse yet, his power measured at least AAA+ rank easy, which only made Ginga sigh as she commented mentally.
Headquarters isn't going to like this.
Ginga didn't know, however, that Headquarters had other matters. More importantly, they were those happening right now with the drone attacks and soldiers of whatever organization that was behind it.
The sun was going down by the time Quattro and Lelouch returned to Ashford Academy with C.C. in tow. Both were back in their civilian attire, although they had taken a long about route to get back to the academy. It was the only means to avoid all of the road closures near Shinjuku Ghetto and ensure that they had shaken the TSAB agent off their trail. The two students also had to find a place to stash the stolen Lancelot. They cautiously reentered the academy, using the elevator from the waterway, but they were hoping not to run into the twins or worse, Vanderfloog as they led C.C. into the clubhouse.
"You don't think anyone else knows about what happened?"
"Other than you being mixed up in that incident at Shinjuku, I don't think so. But if we talk about it, then someone will find out," Quattro said while using her hands to gesture for Lelouch to be quiet.
"Right," Lelouch replied as the two hurried across the field to the Student Council Club House, which had been once used as a ballroom for special events.
As the two entered the front doors, they suddenly closed behind them with a slam. The two nervously looked over their shoulders to see Aria Liese closing the doors with Lotte. Moments later, an elderly man with gelled back gray hair entered, wearing a black suit complete with a red tie and white shirt and blue eyes. Walking besides the older man was Peter Vanderfloog, who seemed displeased with Lelouch as did the older man.
"You two have returned late…did you both have a fun afternoon?" Peter asked eyeing Quattro and Lelouch suspiciously.
"Well, things were chaotic, but Quattro helped me get out of it." Lelouch said keeping a straight face. The young man knew he was in serious trouble with his respective magic teachers.
"So I assume leading a resistance force to victory against Britannia and then beating up a TSAB agent can be considered a wild afternoon on the town?" Gil Graham said sternly.
"The situation was beyond my control and I had to do something."
"And who is this?" Peter demanded pointing to C.C.
"She calls herself C.C. She was the reason Lelouch didn't just leave Shinjuku. Apparently, Britannia was conducting experiments on her and has refused to say why."
"I see, so you not only challenged Britannia in the ghetto and fout a TSAB agent, but you also rescued and brought home a test subject." Graham said while he was mentally face-palm himself.
"We'll need to keep her hidden unless we consider killing her and dumping her body in the ocean or something," Peter mentioned off-hand.
"I doubt that will work with me," C.C. noted with a grin before looking at Peter as his expression changed to one of surprise.
"Because you aren't alive," Lelouch said bluntly.
"Last time that I checked, dead people couldn't reply to said statement," The green-haired woman replied.
"Sorry, I'm expressing myself wrong. What I want to say is...While you have the memories, beliefs and such of what you were, it looks like your physical body was destroyed. I think what you have now is an Artificial Human Body that it's linked to an unknown system or device. According to what I analyzed, you don't age or die. And you regenerate because of whatever program are you part of. It's set in regenerating you and restoring you. I don't know how you came to be like that, but that's something that I have only seen in Lost Logia of SS Rank and such."
C.C. was confused, but Peter stepped in addressing Graham
"I'll let you guys deal with these unruly children while I'll see to Miss C.C. here," Peter said walking up to the green haired woman, whispering something into her ear before the two walked away. Lelouch quietly observed the scene, wondering what was going on between them.
Do those two know each other?
Once the two were gone, Graham turned his attention back to Lelouch.
"The TSAB will now be looking for you. I want you to stay within school grounds and perhaps if we are lucky enough, they might give up after awhile." Graham said, stepping closer to Lelouch. "I know dealing with Britannia is part of the plan, but the situation will become dangerously complicated if the Bureau becomes involved in this. You understand?"
"I know, but I had hoped to question Clovis about my mother's death."
"I really doubt an idiot like him would have been involved in her murder," Quattro pointed out.
"Maybe so, but he might know something or have some idea of who might have been."
"True enough, but what about the Lancelot? We still need a proper place to stash that," The brown-haired female mentioned.
"You," Graham said as he now seemed more distressed than before. "You stole Britannia's newest Knightmare prototype!?"
"Well, I had so Lelouch could win and escape. Now, I am not certain where to hide it. If we are rebelling against Britannia, then the Lancelot will make a valuable bargaining chip for Kyoto. Hell, even selling its specs along with its battle data on the black market alone would bring in a nice amount of money, I can imagine." Quattro explained.
"Alright, Peter and I will relocate the Lancelot to a new location to hide it. As soon as things settle down, I'll see about setting something up with Kyoto. Until further notice, however, I'll be making sure you stay within the school grounds. Beginning tomorrow morning, Lotte will oversee your physical training. Quattro will be supervising you." Graham said putting one hand to his head. There wasn't much use to further speak of the matter.
"Wonderful. Maybe we can recreate that fight, so you can improve," Quattro exclaimed excited at the prospect.
You mean you just want to torture me...
Later that evening on Mid-Childa, but more specifically within one of the hospital rooms of High-Tech Medical Care Center, Nanoha awoke lying in a hospital bed. She slowly sat up and soon noticed next to her laid a sleeping Signum. Next to her laid an unconscious Vita.
"Please take it easy. The doctor said your ear drums have been healed but your other injuries need time."
Nanoha turned and saw sitting on a chair on her right hand side was a young woman with long blonde hair wearing a black uniform with silver trim. Her red eyes looked upon Nanoha sadly, but next to her was someone the same age as she was with page-boy style brown hair. She had blue eyes and a Ground Forces uniform with the rank of captain, belonging to the Special Investigations Office of the TSAB Surface Division.
"Fate…Hayate…both of you are here?"
"We were barely returning to Mid-Childa from our respective missions' off-world. But after we learned we heard what had happened, I tried to make contact with Signum while Hayate went to help you and Vita," Fate Testarossa explained before Hayate Yagami joined the conversation.
"Yes, but by the time I got there, you had passed out from a combination of injuries sustained and exhaustion. Vita was unconscious as well."
Hayate gazed upon the fallen forms of Vita and Signum. Although it was clear Vita had no doubt endured more injuries in comparison among the three, it didn't lessen the pained looked in Hayate's eyes to see her family in their current states. Nanoha was even harder to look at because Hayate knew while her injuries were not as severe as Signum and Vita, both she and Fate knew that Nanoha was far from okay. They knew she was dealing with the death of so many of her own students, most of which were slaughtered like cattle before her eyes.
"This attack I believe was directed partly at you and Mistress Hayate," Signum spoke opening her eyes.
"Signum, thank goodness you are awake," A relieved Hayate exclaimed with a tear in her eyes.
"Are you feeling better?" A small girl roughly the size of a doll asked, wearing a uniform similar to Hayate's. She had mid-back length, pale ice blue hair with blue eyes and a pale skin complexion.
"I am feeling a little better, Rein," Signum addressed Reinforce Zwei before turning her attention to Hayate. "Please forgive me for allowing the enemy to escape. I had them, but that Japanese man used a dirty trick to overpower me."
"Japanese man?" Fate inquired.
"Yes, his associates spoke fluent Japanese and their swords and fighting style were similar to that used by samurai warriors. They spoke ill of both you and Nanoha," Signum said with strong signs of restrained anger in her voice. She felt ashamed for allowing the ringleader to get away, especially after insulting Hayate and Nanoha. "They knew about where you came from and Hayate's involvement with the Book of Darkness."
"What!?" Hayate said genuinely surprised as that information was classified.
"But Earth, let alone Japan could not have been capable of producing such terrible weapons." Fate pointed out. The idea of people from Japan being involved in what was probably the worst terrorist incident since the founding the of the Time-Space Administration Bureau was considered bizarre.
"I understand, but it's possible some of them could have been recruited. Given what happened seven years ago, it's not impossible. Whoever spearheaded this attack could have told them of Nanoha and Hayate's secret as Bureau members to coax them into joining whatever group created those weapons." Signum said, trying to figure out the possible reason for their involvement.
Even then, it doesn't feel like it's enough of a reason.
As Hayate, Fate and Signum talked, Nanoha sat up in bed depressed and terribly saddened by events today. Well over half of the students under her care had lost their lives, but she kept thinking. Was there anything different she could have done to prevent it?
"Mistress Hayate," Reinforce said becoming aware of something.
"Rein…what is it?"
"Turn on the television. Shamal says there is a rouge broadcast being transmitted on all wavelengths."
Fate took hold of a remote and turned on a wall monitor as it revealed a montage of violent war images from Earth, specifically the battles between the European Union and Britannia. Next image came footage of the civil war happening on Southern Orussia. Lastly was footage of the drones attacking Mid-Childa, ending with an emblem of a serpent-like dragon in a circle eating its own tail and the words "LOGOS" under it.
The emblem vanished, revealing a masked man seated upon an orate throne made of jade with two Chinese dragon statues beside him. The rest of the room was an elaborate throne room with various weapons of war on display racks and cases ranging from swords to spears and even rifles. Raising from his throne, the man began his address to all watching his broadcast.
"Ladies, children, sheep…some people call me a terrorist. I consider myself a teacher. Lesson number one: heroes there are no such thing, especially among those of the Time-Space Administration Bureau. A corrupt interdimensional security force which is willing to cut deals with dangerous criminals when it benefits, betraying its own loyal officers and mages when it's acceptable and idly watch as worlds not a part of their organization are attacked by interdimensional terrorists. What happened today at the city of Cranagan on Mid-Childa was a rude awakening to open the eyes of the people of Mid-Childa. An awakening to the suffering they have allowed worlds that are aware of their organization, but unworthy to be a part of the TSAB, to suffer under constant warfare brought on by civil strife, lack of resources or both. And there is always a favorite, criminal terrorist groups assault their worlds with no help or real relief from the Bureau."
Nanoha, Hayate and Fate continued watching the broadcast shocked by his words.
"Allow me to introduce one such victim of the terrible cruel injustice the unfortunate people of the lesser worlds had to endure," The Mandarin said as he walked forward coming to a small little girl wearing a dirty tattered shirt and torn shorts with simple brown sandals on. She had blonde hair and blue eyes with a hurt expression on her face with a bandage around her forehead. "Tell them your name little one."
The man knelt next to the child gesturing for her to look at the camera.
"My name is Emily."
"Tell them where you are from?"
"I am from Orussia."
"A world known to the Bureau, but not an administrated one, but no longer a non-administrated world though. Yet it is one caught up in constant civil war as many did not take to the news of other worlds like their existence. Now tell us, Emily, what was life for you there?"
"I had only my mommy to take care of me, but we were always hungry because food was hard to find. Then when she tried to get food from the relief center the TSAB had set up, instead of helping us, we were taken."
"Taken to an administrative world for proper care?"
"No, we were taken to a place called the Vandein Corporation, a research facility on administrated world #16 Liberta."
"I see. Could you share with everyone what happened?"
"I never saw my mom much, but the men there stuck needles in me and did all kinds of painful things to me. I saw other kids like me, but some after awhile I never saw again."
"You see, this is how the TSAB handles things. Their corrupt leadership allows for abductions to be conducted from war-torn worlds like Orussia, where they can easily cover it up. For what…inhuman experimentation to turn people into living combat weapons and those who didn't make the cut would end up like poor Emily's mother, who became a glob of flesh as shown here." He stated as images of inhuman experimentations on subjects testing the effects of an unknown experiment and the end results of those who didn't quite make it.
The images were very difficult to look at for Hayate and the others.
"They allow these immoral acts just for the sake of their own benefit so they can reap the benefits without dirtying their hands. But upon this day, I am happy to announce those days are coming to an end. For today, we gave the Bureau a taste of what careless and corrupt management of the worlds under their watch can bring. Know that this is only the beginning for on this historic day, we shall begin a campaign of cleansing."
Mandarin turned to Emily and asked.
"Would you like to see the TSAB and the Vandein Corporation punished for what was done to your mother?"
The girl with tears in her eyes looked up at the Mandarin's shiny black mask.
"Please…I lost my mommy…please…punish them!"
"Very well," The Mandarin called for one of his subordinates a man wearing a black uniform trimmed with gold.
The man was in his late twenties with combed back brown hair, a clean-shaven complexion with green eyes with black gloves and boots. In his hands was a thin book-like device.
"Allow me to demonstrate to you one of our new advanced weapons we nicknamed Memento Mori. A mobile satellite weapon system that can silently move from one planet to another to deliver a little present. And those presents are actually a hollow platinum tube, each one filled with a tungsten rod added with a specialized warhead to pierce magical barriers. Each satellite carries at least ten such rods. Thanks to the special black paint coating they have and the size of the satellite themselves, not to mention possessing specialized stealth systems, they enter orbit around the target planet until they are in optimum position to drop its payload onto its target."
The Mandarin opened up the book-like computer as a series of holographic screens appeared, two showed the satellite and its target while the other three displayed the specifications of the satellite weapon along with status updates on the bombardment rods onboard.
"In case you are wondering we don't launch it or attach an engine to send the rod to its target…No, our delivery system is rather simple. What you are seeing is a perfect example of an effective kinetic bombardment weapon. We just drop it and gravity handles the rest, so how about a demonstration?" The Mandarin asked as he entered in a series of commands before hitting a red holographic button to launch the projectile. The rod was pushed out from the satellite and sending plummeting to the planet below as it gained momentum with each passing second.
Hayate, Nanoha, Signum and Fate were wide-eyed in horror as the projectile was already entering the atmosphere.
"No…this can't be happening," Nanoha muttered.
"The bombardment rod will hit its target, fifty thousand feet per second. The impact, coupled with the resulting destruction, will be equal to if not greater than a mass weapon bomb. The real difference is my bombardment rods are clean weapons so all destruction, but no pollution."
Seconds later, the bombardment rod hit its mark, a small island where a research facility stood. Upon impact, the entire island was engulfed in an explosion. A resulting catastrophic earthquake that literally tore apart the surrounding area sent large chunks of Earth up from the ocean around where the island was. The devastation stretched out for twenty miles all around, destroying anything unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity of the island.
"Justice has been served," The Mandarin said as he knelt down to the small child, patting her on the back before nodding to the subordinate. Sid subordinate closed the book-like device before placing it under his right arm to carry the child way.
"Thank you, Mr. Mandarin."
"The TSAB is too corrupt to be saved, so we shall rip it out by the roots and burn it down. Then from the ashes of the Time-Space Administration Bureau, a new, just and more effective organization shall rise from the ashes. One that shall protect and properly monitor all worlds administered or otherwise from external and internal threats to ensure their safety and stability. Furthermore, we will find and crush all forms of internal corruption and cleanse it from this world. This is a war of justice to right the wrongs and to remove the corrupt rulers of the TSAB from power and to eliminate the criminals who cut deals with them. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in history for justice is on our side as we have the numbers and the technology to fight the Bureau on equal footing. So for I, the Mandarin, let us begin for the revolution!"
The broadcast ended. Although it was fortunate a civilian target like a city wasn't hit, the girls were horrified by the destruction they just saw. Clearly, it was a battle against something the TSAB never faced before.
Chapter 4
The Wheels of Destiny Turn
The Wheels of Destiny Turn
"Now, Clovis," Lelouch said with a deadly seriousness in his voice as he pointed Soul Abyss at the face of the terrified prince. "You will do two things for me: One, you will order your men to stand down and let the Elevens go. Your little pet project is no longer in this area and if you keep it up, not only will I expose it to the public, but I'll kill you as well."
"You can't just order a Prince of Britannia around, you lowly-" Clovis began.
Lelouch fired off a blue burst of energy that made a hole in the wall, a few inches behind Clovis off from where his head could have been. Clovis was rendered silent when he realized how close that blast came to blowing his head apart like a melon.
"Is that your final answer? Or would you like me to rephrase that? You will tell them to stop, along with the destruction of any buildings or properties. Since we're at it, all casualties regardless of their nationality will be treated equally," Lelouch said as the tip of Abyss Soul began glowing bright. "Now, shall we try this again?"
Trembling and left with little to no options, Clovis activated the intercom by pushing a button under the armrest. Lelouch walked over to the console and set up a broadcast that would be heard among all of the Britannian soldiers within the area.
"Attention all forces, cease-fire at once! I, Clovis, third prince of Britannia and royal viceroy of Area 11, hereby command you to cease-fire at once! You will also cease destruction of buildings and property! All casualties, regardless if they are Britannians or Elevens, will be treated equally and without prejudice! In the name of Clovis la Britannia, you are hereby ordered to ceasefire! I will allow for no further fighting!"
The lights went off as Lelouch shut down all power in the command center.
"Are you satisfied?" Clovis demanded before Lelouch replied.
"Very. Well done."
"And what shall we do now? Sing a few lively ballads? Or perhaps a nice game of chess?" Clovis asked, which prompted a grin from under Lelouch's mask.
"That has a familiar ring."
Lelouch couldn't help but keep smiling as he was ready to squeeze the information he wanted from Clovis, though it was doubtful that he knew anything of value of what he sought. However, there was still the possibility that he knew something, but it was a question of what he knew and besides…
That girl and the capsule…I want to know just what the hell he was working on that would drive him to wipe out this whole ghetto.
Before Lelouch could question the prince, the doors flew open. A dozen Britannian soldiers poured into the room, aiming their rifles at Lelouch.
Damn it, but it's probably best I don't push my luck.
"Keep your word, Clovis, or I'll be back!"
"OPEN FIRE!" The lead soldier commanded as they opened fire.
"Protection Status: All Green," Abyss Soul said as a blue barrier of energy protected Lelouch from the bullets as they bounced off the shield. Abyss Soul's Active Protection automatically cast as part its auto-protection functions. Lelouch quickly backed away and leapt out of the command center and back into the cockpit of the Sutherland.
Lelouch, you better get the hell out of there! Quattro cautioned over their mental connection.
I know, but I don't think I need to tell you to give me a little cover.
Well, duh! I would never hear the end of it from Vanderfloog if I allowed something to happen to you!
Closing the cockpit as Abyss Soul switched back to Device Mode, the former prince took off in his stolen Sutherland, speeding away from the area. Fortunately, with most of their vehicles destroyed along with their Knightmares, they had no means of pursuing him. As a precaution, the Lancelot followed the Sutherland to protect it from any unexpected attacks. The two put some distance behind the G-1 and soon, all that Lelouch had to do was ditch the Sutherland and escape the ghetto.
Well, I got some good news and bad news. Which do you want first?
Just give it to me straight, Quattro.
Okay then, the good news is that Clovis is calling for a full retreat, so you must've really put the fear of god in him.
Then what's the bad news?
At that moment, Lelouch and the Lancelot were trapped in a Temporal Force Field. The area-type Force Field spell engulfed most of the Shinjuku Ghetto, leaving only Lelouch in his Sutherland along with the Lancelot and Quattro, who remained hidden. But Lelouch was unfortunately the target of the caster.
Oh…I see…
I think it's self-explanatory.
Lelouch brought the Sutherland to a stop when he spotted the one casting the spell standing twenty feet ahead of him. Ginga Nakajima stood before Lelouch in her barrier jacket that consisted of white pants and a black jacket with short sleeves with a bit of purple on it. There were shin plates on her legs and a small breastplate that covered a small area of her forward torso. Under that was a white turtle neck shirt with short-sleeves, fingerless black gloves and a belt with a gold clasp with black and trimmed cloth hanging over her hips. On her feet were a pair of white roller-blades trimmed with gold while on her left hand was a white gauntlet trimmed with purple. On the wrist were a pair of turning blades and a magic cartridge system in the form of a revolver barrel.
The gauntlet was a wearable intelligent device called Revolver Knuckle while paired with the rollerblade components, but both are at times dubbed together as Blitz Caliber.
Damn it, a member of the TSAB!
Lelouch eyed Ginga as his mind was already working to come up a series of contingency plans to deal with the threat before him. Ginga was silent as the tails of her purple bow on the back of her head moved with the wind.
Making the first move, Lelouch made a run for it while the Lancelot took off in another direction.
"Hold it!" Private First Class Nakajima Ginga shouted before she chased after the purple knightmare frame. This particular unit she's going up against gave off an unknown signature inside the cockpit. In other words, there is a mage on Earth stirring up trouble if not taking advantage of the war-torn earth to commit crimes while the planet is under surveillance from TSAB. Whoever the criminal is, he is either stupid or crazy to use magic while TSAB is still around. "You are under arrest!"
Ginga's instructions were to not be involved with the political affairs of Un-Administrated world #97. But she can at least perform her job as an officer to arrest the criminal before he caused any damage or exposes the existence of magic to the mundane people of Earth. It was hard watching the Britannians liquidate the Shinjuku Ghetto, but she knew what could happen if the existence of magic was exposed.
Her processor already gave her a simulation of what happened if someone discovered the existence of magic to the public. The previous two incidents that took place on this planet gave everybody in TSAB HQ a heart attack; especially the Book of Darkness Incident.
Therefore, Ginga has to resolve this problem immediately. But Lelouch wasn't planning on being arrested.
Gotta catch me first, Lelouch thought as he pushed the Sutherland as hard as he could before turning around. It kept moving, but only backwards before it fired off its machine gun. It shot at the buildings, causing stone and steel to fall. Lelouch hoped it would slow Ginga down or stop her, but the Ground Forces Mage leaped and dodged all of the falling debris.
"Tch!" She activated her barrier jacket when the Sutherland resorted firing its weapon at her. Thankfully, her defenses won't be easily destroyed by this level of attack. "You need more than that to break this shield!" She increased her speed as her roller-skates accelerated.
Her Revolver Knuckle spun as she focused her energy onto this one attack.
Suddenly, the Lancelot attacked by literally crashing through one of the buildings to intercept Ginga. It fired one of its forearm slash harkens, but as expected, Ginga evaded it. The white machine continued its attack, trying to deliver a roundhouse kick, followed by some fast horizontal chops. Ginga was about to punch the machine when it pulled back as the Sutherland hurled a Chaos Grenade. One the other side, the Lancelot backed away and fired its forearm mounted slash harkens. Ginga dodged the Lancelot's attack and used a tri-shield to protect herself from the fragmentation sent flying at her.
"Wing Road," The AI of her Blitz Caliber said as a blue road of magic formed below Ginga, providing a clear intercept path to the fleeing Sutherland with the Lancelot pursuing her. Charging at full speed, Ginga sped into the air, following the Wing Road. At that moment, Ginga once more collected mana into her left fist.
"Knuckle Bunker," Ginga drove her fist into the side of the Sutherland's cockpit, damaging the Knightmare Frame and stopping it in its tracks. However, Ginga soon realized there was no one in the cockpit. In the middle of the last combination attack, the pilot must have escaped his Knightmare Frame, which meant it was remote controlled.
Firing its slash harkens into the disabled Knightmare Frame, the Lancelot closed in. Although Ginga dodged, the Sutherland exploded in front of her. The purple-haired woman threw up a tri-shield to weather the explosion, but as she tried to find her unknown foe.
Hiding in a nearby building, Lelouch was taking aim at the TSAB member with Abyss Soul, transformed into Shooting Mode.
"Clearance confirmation, firing-lock is cancelled," Abyss Soul spoke as Lelouch had Ginga in his sights.
"Abyss Shoot!" Lelouch said as a torrent of blue magical power collected at the tip of his Intelligence Device.
Ginga sensed the attack just in time as she used Wing Road to retreat to the rooftops. It was just seconds before the column of intense magical power cut through the building Lelouch was hiding in and tore through the next one across the street. The magical beam of the Abyss Buster was large enough to easily engulf a whole Knightmare Frame in one shot. But the way the attack came at her left Ginga nervous as it seemed very familiar.
What insane magical power…just who is he? I haven't seen such magical power except for Instructor Takamachi.
Lelouch was a little flustered as his mind was already shifting gears. It was fortunate his illusion masking his face was still holding, otherwise the woman seeing his face would have complicated things.
Damn it, I was hoping to end this quickly, but I guess that won't be possible. I knew she would evade the gunfire and that chaos grenade, but that was only supposed to get her up to my Abyss Buster.
The former prince knew this wasn't going to be easy for him. For all of the training he got from Vanderfloog, the twins and even Quattro at times, he always had some issues with fighting in close quarter combat. For the most part, he didn't have anyone he could spar with in a mock battle. There was one other who could have trained him in hand-to-hand combat, but it was decided to wait until Lelouch was in more ideal shape and his reflexes were more up to par. On the plus side though, he had been put through a tough physical education regime thanks to Quattro and the twins who supervised.
Changing tactics, a blue magic circle appeared before Lelouch's feet as Ginga entered the crumbling remains of the building, noticing the magical circle at his feet. It was a magic circle, but inside of the circle was a pentagram with a complex series of runic magic symbols within.
What kind of magic circle is that? It's not Belkan or Mid-Childa.
"Assault Mode activated," Abyss Soul spoke as the Intelligent Device changed forms.
The head of Abyss Soul transformed into a lance with a bident-style blade and the blue orb in the middle. The sides of the two-prong blades were demonic-wing shaped and the blade on the left was longer than the other by five inches.
Once the Intelligence Device's transformation was completed, twelve mirror-like panels materialized around Lelouch as did four arrow-shaped devices fashioned after the head of Abyss Soul. Ginga decided to attack first as an indigo-violet Belkan Triangle appeared at her feet.
"Storm Tooth," The AI of Ginga's armed device said as Ginga charged forward with her left hand raised and the twin-gear like devices on her wrist began spinning. The mirrors scattered as Lelouch raised his hand with Abyss Soul speaking.
"Protection!"
A glowing Al-Hazard Magic Circle appeared in-between Ginga and Lelouch. Ginga drove her fist into it, intending to force her way through the magical shield. A few moments later and the shield began to crack until it shattered, but Lelouch quickly used his right hand to catch her fist, casting protective barrier around it to shield his hand from damage. However, the impact of the punch sent Lelouch flying backwards as Ginga kept pushing until the two went through the wall behind them.
Lelouch flipped in mid-air just in time to plant both of his feet, onto the side of the building across from the one he was sent flying out of.
"Seraph Wings," Abyss Soul noted as two pairs of small black feathered angelic wings emerged from Lelouch's back. His cape created openings for the wings to emerge from.
She is stronger than she looks, but it's my turn.
Lelouch rushed the woman with his Device pointed out, flying at increasing speed and playing a game of chicken with the young woman. Ginga didn't slow down, but she kept going as she raised her fist, intending to deliver a powerful punch to her foe. At the last second, Lelouch suddenly dropped, falling towards the ground with Wing Road passing over him. But before Ginga could turn around, Lelouch flew back up, attacking her from behind. Lelouch thrust forward with his Device, but the purple-haired woman backed away before counterattacking.
The masked young man ducked to dodge the punch, but Ginga quickly followed up with a kick to the face that knocked Lelouch off her Wing Road.
"Abyss Soul…Chain Grapple," Lelouch said as Abyss Soul replied, launching a blue chain of energy from the center that flew past Ginga before grabbing onto the wall of a building in the distance. Pulling back on Abyss Soul, the chain retracted and pulled Lelouch towards his opponent.
In passing, Lelouch knocked her back with the kick in the chest. To press his advantage, the Blaster Bits Lelouch conjured up earlier began their attack. They fired blue beams at the woman, forcing Ginga to throw up a tri-shield as Lelouch kicked off from the wall, taking aim with his Abyss Soul.
"Barrel Shot," Lelouch's Intelligence Device said as Lelouch fired a focused beam of blue energy. Ginga dodged it, but it struck one of the mirrors a distance behind her, scattering the beams before each of them hit the other twelve mirrors. "Mirror Prism!"
Ginga was suddenly trapped in a shower of blue energy beams. She was moved to the left and right to avoid being hit, but a few beams grazed her barrier jacket.
"Wing Road," The Blitz Caliber said before the blue road appeared below Ginga's feet. The young woman took off racing away before Lelouch could trap her.
She isn't bad; she reacted quickly to my attack and used that spell to quickly escape the area before I could pin her down.
Lelouch realized he would need to be a little more aggressive if he is going to subdue the woman without killing her. If he killed her, her demise would bring more TSAB agents actively hunting him down, Going for a non-lethal defeat was in his best interest.
His mirrors and blaster bits spread out as Lelouch took to higher ground.
It's more of a risk for me to be in the sky like this. But from what I am seeing so far, she doesn't seem to have any ranged attacks. Staying among those buildings would leave me in danger of a possible surprise attack, so staying in the air here is my best option.
The former prince thought as his mind went to work on plans to defeat the TSAB agent. But as soon as he got high above the buildings, the Wing Road appeared right under him, giving Lelouch little chance to react as he saw Ginga speeding straight at him.
Shit! She must have guessed I would retreat to the skies!
"Shooting Mode," Abyss Soul transformed back into its Shooting Mode before Lelouch projected a circular magic shield. Ginga's fist impacted the shield with the force of a freight train and she was using another Knuckle Bunker to overpower it.
But the latter was already preparing an attack when she broke through.
"Abyss Soul…Chain Whip," Lelouch said as the barrier finally broke and he dived to the side to evade. At that moment, a chain-like whip composed of blue magic emerged from the top of the orb on his device and grabbed Ginga's left leg. As Lelouch fell, he used his body's own weight to pull Ginga off her Wing Road.
As the two fell, Ginga struggled to break free. Lelouch called his mirrors and bits to support him as his Blaster Bits began firing at Ginga. To Lelouch's surprise Ginga used Wing Road again to stop their fall. But this time, she directed towards the ground in a downward slope, turning Lelouch's last attack against him. Ginga used the downward momentum to provide a huge boost of speed, which she used to drag her opponent along. Lelouch tried to regain his balance, but his body bounced off of the Wing Road, inflicting some light injury upon him.
After disengaging the chain-whip spell, he was freed. But as Lelouch was regaining his balance, Ginga was already coming around for another attack.
"Celestial Shooter," Lelouch called out as six blue spheres appeared around him before they fired at the approaching Ginga. She responded with another tri-shield as she kept charging at her foe. Yet as her fist was about to make contact it phased through Lelouch's body prompting Ginga to realize.
An illusion…
"Celestial Shooter," Lelouch called out again as his attack from above nailed Ginga, hammering the young woman with beams of blue energy and finally landing a blow upon her. Lelouch decided to press his advantage again, firing a shot from his Abyss Soul in tandem with his Blaster Bits. Ginga used Protection to shield herself as she rushed at Lelouch with Wing Road. She moved in spiraling and twisting routes to make aiming difficult for him.
But once again, her fist punched through in illusion.
So while I was being hit by his last attack, he created another illusion. But where is he now?
Before Ginga could find her foe again, Lelouch's Blaster Bits fired powerful magic bursts, destroying the Wing Road she was using and sending Ginga falling to the ground. Not given the chance to use her Wing Road spell again, Lelouch's blaster bits wrapped themselves around Ginga, trapping her in a binding spell. As Ginga struggled to break free, Lelouch began collecting his strength for one more attack, taking aim with a large sphere of magic forming above the tip of his Intelligent Device. The bindings were becoming undone, but her legs were tightly tied to prevent her from using Wing Road to escape. Before she could break free, Lelouch cast his spell while standing upon a glowing magical circle.
"Twilight Breaker!" Lelouch shouted, releasing one of his strongest attacks.
This time, Lelouch's aim was dead on. Ginga was engulfed by the beam and sent crashing onto the weakened roof, landing atop of pile of rubble. The blast was just enough where the woman was knocked out cold. Her barrier jacket was badly tattered, but for the most part, the woman was unharmed. Lelouch was breathing hard as the fight took more out of him than he had expected.
So, this is what real magical combat feels like.
Congratulations on your first victory, Lelouch, Quattro said through their telepathic link.
I am fortunate that she didn't have any back up...but that was too close. My close quarter skills are going to need improvement if I am going to face her again.
Well, let this be a reminder of why we were putting you through such a physical training regime. Remind me to ask Sayoko about pushing forward with your close quarter combat training when we get back.
Lelouch's expression soured at the mention of more intense physical training despite knowing it was necessary. He cast it aside as he made a hasty retreat, intending to be long gone before her opponent woke up. Granted, he was in far better shape than he was compared to when he was a child. But beside a lack of experience, if a fight drags on for too long, he could wear himself down.
His training was still far from finished.
Anyway, let's get out of here. The Lancelot?
Its energy filler is low, but if I can divert power from unnecessary systems, I think I can make it last long enough for us to hide it. The Lancelot can prove invaluable to us both on and off the battlefield.
Lelouch grinned as he understood what Quattro had in mind.
Good idea…
A large futuristic gray hanger trimmed with blue lights along the wall like a circuit board was located elsewhere in Japan. Kusakabe and Suzuka were examining the stolen Lost Logia they took from the TSAB. Opening up the first crate were individually sealed boxes with transparent tops, revealing the sole object gained within each box. They held a small blue diamond-shaped jewel with round edges known to the Time-Space Administration Bureau.
"The Mandarin will be pleased with our work," Suzuka replied with a smile.
"Yes," Kusakabe said, opening up the second crate that revealed a set of red gemstones sealed inside. "If our intelligence we got from the insider is right, then these Relics we stole should drive this Jail Scaglietti up a tree."
"More so, imagine we can do with these four, along with the other nine Jewel Seeds the Mandarin has already."
"Indeed…although I have to say, I am surprised by how much devastation we were able to inflict with just three of the drones alone. More so, our men tore through their mages," Kusakabe noted.
"Then you understand, Commander Kusakabe," A third voice echoed speaking with a electronically altered voice with a menacing tone to it. "The TSAB lacks a fundamental detail, making itself highly vulnerable against our forces."
Suzuka and Kusakabe turned their heads to see a man almost in all black and wearing a leather long coat. He had long sleeves that reached down past his knees with two straps going around the torso to close the coat. On the back was a coiled-circle dragon eating its own tail in gold print while upon his shoulders were two small golden serpent-like dragons. Black leather gloves were complete with leather combat boots and shin-guards. On his head, however, was his most distinguished feature; a helmet that encased the wearer's head in a black, metallic full head-mask with a single red electronic eye in the center of the face, creating an almost faceless appearance. The rest of the mask was smoothly polished metal with two air vents located along the lower jaw of the mask.
"Mandarin-sama," Suzuka said bowing respectfully.
"You two have done well. I am pleased with the results and valuable test data that had been collected."
"We apologize for losing one of the drones, sir," Kusakabe said snapping to military attention saluting.
"Do not worry. The destruction of it was in our plans. The windfall of data from the unit against high-leveled mages more than compensates us for this, not to mention the nanomachine self-destruct failsafe worked without fault. In addition, the data from the volunteers that gave their lives fighting the TSAB mages will enable us to far extend their potential. To the point where they will have to use their Seppuku Overdrive."
"In any case, Mandarain-sama," Suzuka quickly cast the compliments from her superior aside, pointing out their stolen loot. "We collected the Lost Logia as you instructed,"
"Excellent, these will advance our plans nicely."
"Smashing through the TSAB's forces seemed rather easy."
"It's because they don't understand the essence of true warfare like we do. They are the descendants mainly of the Belkan Culture, basically a Middle Age culture that rose due to the rests and relics of Al-Hazard. They didn't learn the lessons of ten millennia of conflict in all levels that Earth considers common wisdom. The fact that the Ancient Belkan people polluted their own world with Mass Weapons shows that they didn't understand the potential or the appropriate use of their technology for warfare."
"I think we can teach them that lesson more so, but what shall we do now? The Bureau won't take this lying down, of course." Suzuka asked.
"We'll deal with them in due time. For now we must adapt and improve our drones."
"Understood, sir. But what about my comrades in the Japan Liberation Front?" Kusakabe asked.
"The plans set up in order to ensure that they will be more than receptive to your and Suzuka's message in course. Soon, the JLF will join our cause for the betterment of Earth, and later the free worlds."
Almost a half-hour later, Ginga woke up, cautiously sitting up. The woman held her left arm, which was sore along with her whole body from her fall and enormous magical attack she had been hit with. Ginga rose to her feet as her Device returned to Standby Mode. She almost stumbled, yet managed to balance herself by propping herself against a wall.
How long was I out? I don't even sense him anymore, so he likely got away.
Mustering the strength, Ginga used a teleportation spell to return to her post in orbit around the Earth. She dropped into her chair, reclining into the seat. A part of her almost thought her foe was someone who just got his hands on a magical device, judging by the unknown magic symbol she saw at his feet. She cast that thought aside, considering his performance.
There is no way he is just some random local who got his hands on a device. He had training, that much I am sure of.
Worse yet, his power measured at least AAA+ rank easy, which only made Ginga sigh as she commented mentally.
Headquarters isn't going to like this.
Ginga didn't know, however, that Headquarters had other matters. More importantly, they were those happening right now with the drone attacks and soldiers of whatever organization that was behind it.
The sun was going down by the time Quattro and Lelouch returned to Ashford Academy with C.C. in tow. Both were back in their civilian attire, although they had taken a long about route to get back to the academy. It was the only means to avoid all of the road closures near Shinjuku Ghetto and ensure that they had shaken the TSAB agent off their trail. The two students also had to find a place to stash the stolen Lancelot. They cautiously reentered the academy, using the elevator from the waterway, but they were hoping not to run into the twins or worse, Vanderfloog as they led C.C. into the clubhouse.
"You don't think anyone else knows about what happened?"
"Other than you being mixed up in that incident at Shinjuku, I don't think so. But if we talk about it, then someone will find out," Quattro said while using her hands to gesture for Lelouch to be quiet.
"Right," Lelouch replied as the two hurried across the field to the Student Council Club House, which had been once used as a ballroom for special events.
As the two entered the front doors, they suddenly closed behind them with a slam. The two nervously looked over their shoulders to see Aria Liese closing the doors with Lotte. Moments later, an elderly man with gelled back gray hair entered, wearing a black suit complete with a red tie and white shirt and blue eyes. Walking besides the older man was Peter Vanderfloog, who seemed displeased with Lelouch as did the older man.
"You two have returned late…did you both have a fun afternoon?" Peter asked eyeing Quattro and Lelouch suspiciously.
"Well, things were chaotic, but Quattro helped me get out of it." Lelouch said keeping a straight face. The young man knew he was in serious trouble with his respective magic teachers.
"So I assume leading a resistance force to victory against Britannia and then beating up a TSAB agent can be considered a wild afternoon on the town?" Gil Graham said sternly.
"The situation was beyond my control and I had to do something."
"And who is this?" Peter demanded pointing to C.C.
"She calls herself C.C. She was the reason Lelouch didn't just leave Shinjuku. Apparently, Britannia was conducting experiments on her and has refused to say why."
"I see, so you not only challenged Britannia in the ghetto and fout a TSAB agent, but you also rescued and brought home a test subject." Graham said while he was mentally face-palm himself.
"We'll need to keep her hidden unless we consider killing her and dumping her body in the ocean or something," Peter mentioned off-hand.
"I doubt that will work with me," C.C. noted with a grin before looking at Peter as his expression changed to one of surprise.
"Because you aren't alive," Lelouch said bluntly.
"Last time that I checked, dead people couldn't reply to said statement," The green-haired woman replied.
"Sorry, I'm expressing myself wrong. What I want to say is...While you have the memories, beliefs and such of what you were, it looks like your physical body was destroyed. I think what you have now is an Artificial Human Body that it's linked to an unknown system or device. According to what I analyzed, you don't age or die. And you regenerate because of whatever program are you part of. It's set in regenerating you and restoring you. I don't know how you came to be like that, but that's something that I have only seen in Lost Logia of SS Rank and such."
C.C. was confused, but Peter stepped in addressing Graham
"I'll let you guys deal with these unruly children while I'll see to Miss C.C. here," Peter said walking up to the green haired woman, whispering something into her ear before the two walked away. Lelouch quietly observed the scene, wondering what was going on between them.
Do those two know each other?
Once the two were gone, Graham turned his attention back to Lelouch.
"The TSAB will now be looking for you. I want you to stay within school grounds and perhaps if we are lucky enough, they might give up after awhile." Graham said, stepping closer to Lelouch. "I know dealing with Britannia is part of the plan, but the situation will become dangerously complicated if the Bureau becomes involved in this. You understand?"
"I know, but I had hoped to question Clovis about my mother's death."
"I really doubt an idiot like him would have been involved in her murder," Quattro pointed out.
"Maybe so, but he might know something or have some idea of who might have been."
"True enough, but what about the Lancelot? We still need a proper place to stash that," The brown-haired female mentioned.
"You," Graham said as he now seemed more distressed than before. "You stole Britannia's newest Knightmare prototype!?"
"Well, I had so Lelouch could win and escape. Now, I am not certain where to hide it. If we are rebelling against Britannia, then the Lancelot will make a valuable bargaining chip for Kyoto. Hell, even selling its specs along with its battle data on the black market alone would bring in a nice amount of money, I can imagine." Quattro explained.
"Alright, Peter and I will relocate the Lancelot to a new location to hide it. As soon as things settle down, I'll see about setting something up with Kyoto. Until further notice, however, I'll be making sure you stay within the school grounds. Beginning tomorrow morning, Lotte will oversee your physical training. Quattro will be supervising you." Graham said putting one hand to his head. There wasn't much use to further speak of the matter.
"Wonderful. Maybe we can recreate that fight, so you can improve," Quattro exclaimed excited at the prospect.
You mean you just want to torture me...
Later that evening on Mid-Childa, but more specifically within one of the hospital rooms of High-Tech Medical Care Center, Nanoha awoke lying in a hospital bed. She slowly sat up and soon noticed next to her laid a sleeping Signum. Next to her laid an unconscious Vita.
"Please take it easy. The doctor said your ear drums have been healed but your other injuries need time."
Nanoha turned and saw sitting on a chair on her right hand side was a young woman with long blonde hair wearing a black uniform with silver trim. Her red eyes looked upon Nanoha sadly, but next to her was someone the same age as she was with page-boy style brown hair. She had blue eyes and a Ground Forces uniform with the rank of captain, belonging to the Special Investigations Office of the TSAB Surface Division.
"Fate…Hayate…both of you are here?"
"We were barely returning to Mid-Childa from our respective missions' off-world. But after we learned we heard what had happened, I tried to make contact with Signum while Hayate went to help you and Vita," Fate Testarossa explained before Hayate Yagami joined the conversation.
"Yes, but by the time I got there, you had passed out from a combination of injuries sustained and exhaustion. Vita was unconscious as well."
Hayate gazed upon the fallen forms of Vita and Signum. Although it was clear Vita had no doubt endured more injuries in comparison among the three, it didn't lessen the pained looked in Hayate's eyes to see her family in their current states. Nanoha was even harder to look at because Hayate knew while her injuries were not as severe as Signum and Vita, both she and Fate knew that Nanoha was far from okay. They knew she was dealing with the death of so many of her own students, most of which were slaughtered like cattle before her eyes.
"This attack I believe was directed partly at you and Mistress Hayate," Signum spoke opening her eyes.
"Signum, thank goodness you are awake," A relieved Hayate exclaimed with a tear in her eyes.
"Are you feeling better?" A small girl roughly the size of a doll asked, wearing a uniform similar to Hayate's. She had mid-back length, pale ice blue hair with blue eyes and a pale skin complexion.
"I am feeling a little better, Rein," Signum addressed Reinforce Zwei before turning her attention to Hayate. "Please forgive me for allowing the enemy to escape. I had them, but that Japanese man used a dirty trick to overpower me."
"Japanese man?" Fate inquired.
"Yes, his associates spoke fluent Japanese and their swords and fighting style were similar to that used by samurai warriors. They spoke ill of both you and Nanoha," Signum said with strong signs of restrained anger in her voice. She felt ashamed for allowing the ringleader to get away, especially after insulting Hayate and Nanoha. "They knew about where you came from and Hayate's involvement with the Book of Darkness."
"What!?" Hayate said genuinely surprised as that information was classified.
"But Earth, let alone Japan could not have been capable of producing such terrible weapons." Fate pointed out. The idea of people from Japan being involved in what was probably the worst terrorist incident since the founding the of the Time-Space Administration Bureau was considered bizarre.
"I understand, but it's possible some of them could have been recruited. Given what happened seven years ago, it's not impossible. Whoever spearheaded this attack could have told them of Nanoha and Hayate's secret as Bureau members to coax them into joining whatever group created those weapons." Signum said, trying to figure out the possible reason for their involvement.
Even then, it doesn't feel like it's enough of a reason.
As Hayate, Fate and Signum talked, Nanoha sat up in bed depressed and terribly saddened by events today. Well over half of the students under her care had lost their lives, but she kept thinking. Was there anything different she could have done to prevent it?
"Mistress Hayate," Reinforce said becoming aware of something.
"Rein…what is it?"
"Turn on the television. Shamal says there is a rouge broadcast being transmitted on all wavelengths."
Fate took hold of a remote and turned on a wall monitor as it revealed a montage of violent war images from Earth, specifically the battles between the European Union and Britannia. Next image came footage of the civil war happening on Southern Orussia. Lastly was footage of the drones attacking Mid-Childa, ending with an emblem of a serpent-like dragon in a circle eating its own tail and the words "LOGOS" under it.
The emblem vanished, revealing a masked man seated upon an orate throne made of jade with two Chinese dragon statues beside him. The rest of the room was an elaborate throne room with various weapons of war on display racks and cases ranging from swords to spears and even rifles. Raising from his throne, the man began his address to all watching his broadcast.
"Ladies, children, sheep…some people call me a terrorist. I consider myself a teacher. Lesson number one: heroes there are no such thing, especially among those of the Time-Space Administration Bureau. A corrupt interdimensional security force which is willing to cut deals with dangerous criminals when it benefits, betraying its own loyal officers and mages when it's acceptable and idly watch as worlds not a part of their organization are attacked by interdimensional terrorists. What happened today at the city of Cranagan on Mid-Childa was a rude awakening to open the eyes of the people of Mid-Childa. An awakening to the suffering they have allowed worlds that are aware of their organization, but unworthy to be a part of the TSAB, to suffer under constant warfare brought on by civil strife, lack of resources or both. And there is always a favorite, criminal terrorist groups assault their worlds with no help or real relief from the Bureau."
Nanoha, Hayate and Fate continued watching the broadcast shocked by his words.
"Allow me to introduce one such victim of the terrible cruel injustice the unfortunate people of the lesser worlds had to endure," The Mandarin said as he walked forward coming to a small little girl wearing a dirty tattered shirt and torn shorts with simple brown sandals on. She had blonde hair and blue eyes with a hurt expression on her face with a bandage around her forehead. "Tell them your name little one."
The man knelt next to the child gesturing for her to look at the camera.
"My name is Emily."
"Tell them where you are from?"
"I am from Orussia."
"A world known to the Bureau, but not an administrated one, but no longer a non-administrated world though. Yet it is one caught up in constant civil war as many did not take to the news of other worlds like their existence. Now tell us, Emily, what was life for you there?"
"I had only my mommy to take care of me, but we were always hungry because food was hard to find. Then when she tried to get food from the relief center the TSAB had set up, instead of helping us, we were taken."
"Taken to an administrative world for proper care?"
"No, we were taken to a place called the Vandein Corporation, a research facility on administrated world #16 Liberta."
"I see. Could you share with everyone what happened?"
"I never saw my mom much, but the men there stuck needles in me and did all kinds of painful things to me. I saw other kids like me, but some after awhile I never saw again."
"You see, this is how the TSAB handles things. Their corrupt leadership allows for abductions to be conducted from war-torn worlds like Orussia, where they can easily cover it up. For what…inhuman experimentation to turn people into living combat weapons and those who didn't make the cut would end up like poor Emily's mother, who became a glob of flesh as shown here." He stated as images of inhuman experimentations on subjects testing the effects of an unknown experiment and the end results of those who didn't quite make it.
The images were very difficult to look at for Hayate and the others.
"They allow these immoral acts just for the sake of their own benefit so they can reap the benefits without dirtying their hands. But upon this day, I am happy to announce those days are coming to an end. For today, we gave the Bureau a taste of what careless and corrupt management of the worlds under their watch can bring. Know that this is only the beginning for on this historic day, we shall begin a campaign of cleansing."
Mandarin turned to Emily and asked.
"Would you like to see the TSAB and the Vandein Corporation punished for what was done to your mother?"
The girl with tears in her eyes looked up at the Mandarin's shiny black mask.
"Please…I lost my mommy…please…punish them!"
"Very well," The Mandarin called for one of his subordinates a man wearing a black uniform trimmed with gold.
The man was in his late twenties with combed back brown hair, a clean-shaven complexion with green eyes with black gloves and boots. In his hands was a thin book-like device.
"Allow me to demonstrate to you one of our new advanced weapons we nicknamed Memento Mori. A mobile satellite weapon system that can silently move from one planet to another to deliver a little present. And those presents are actually a hollow platinum tube, each one filled with a tungsten rod added with a specialized warhead to pierce magical barriers. Each satellite carries at least ten such rods. Thanks to the special black paint coating they have and the size of the satellite themselves, not to mention possessing specialized stealth systems, they enter orbit around the target planet until they are in optimum position to drop its payload onto its target."
The Mandarin opened up the book-like computer as a series of holographic screens appeared, two showed the satellite and its target while the other three displayed the specifications of the satellite weapon along with status updates on the bombardment rods onboard.
"In case you are wondering we don't launch it or attach an engine to send the rod to its target…No, our delivery system is rather simple. What you are seeing is a perfect example of an effective kinetic bombardment weapon. We just drop it and gravity handles the rest, so how about a demonstration?" The Mandarin asked as he entered in a series of commands before hitting a red holographic button to launch the projectile. The rod was pushed out from the satellite and sending plummeting to the planet below as it gained momentum with each passing second.
Hayate, Nanoha, Signum and Fate were wide-eyed in horror as the projectile was already entering the atmosphere.
"No…this can't be happening," Nanoha muttered.
"The bombardment rod will hit its target, fifty thousand feet per second. The impact, coupled with the resulting destruction, will be equal to if not greater than a mass weapon bomb. The real difference is my bombardment rods are clean weapons so all destruction, but no pollution."
Seconds later, the bombardment rod hit its mark, a small island where a research facility stood. Upon impact, the entire island was engulfed in an explosion. A resulting catastrophic earthquake that literally tore apart the surrounding area sent large chunks of Earth up from the ocean around where the island was. The devastation stretched out for twenty miles all around, destroying anything unfortunate enough to be in the vicinity of the island.
"Justice has been served," The Mandarin said as he knelt down to the small child, patting her on the back before nodding to the subordinate. Sid subordinate closed the book-like device before placing it under his right arm to carry the child way.
"Thank you, Mr. Mandarin."
"The TSAB is too corrupt to be saved, so we shall rip it out by the roots and burn it down. Then from the ashes of the Time-Space Administration Bureau, a new, just and more effective organization shall rise from the ashes. One that shall protect and properly monitor all worlds administered or otherwise from external and internal threats to ensure their safety and stability. Furthermore, we will find and crush all forms of internal corruption and cleanse it from this world. This is a war of justice to right the wrongs and to remove the corrupt rulers of the TSAB from power and to eliminate the criminals who cut deals with them. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in history for justice is on our side as we have the numbers and the technology to fight the Bureau on equal footing. So for I, the Mandarin, let us begin for the revolution!"
The broadcast ended. Although it was fortunate a civilian target like a city wasn't hit, the girls were horrified by the destruction they just saw. Clearly, it was a battle against something the TSAB never faced before.
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Chapter 5: Falsehoods
Alright, next chapter, following the title for the series.
Early the following morning, Lelouch was running down a dirt road, though his expression was that of a man about to drop dead from exhaustion. He was in better shape than when he was child, but hauling a large log on your shoulder can wear you down. After ten laps, Lelouch dropped to his knees with the log falling a few feet ahead of him panting heavily. For his morning exercise, Quattro insisted that he wear the regulation suits invented by Peter, which by all appearances was a black undersuit with a light blue circuitry integrated into it.
The undersuit was the first of new advance bodysuits meant to be worn with Barrier Jackets. The undersuit was made of advanced materials that were thin, but fitting and comfortable. It was crafted to act as a circuit board to stabilize and reinforce the formation and maintenance of the Barrier Jacket over the user. Hence, its circuitry design upon the black material. The added factor that having magic flowing through it enhances the resistance of the body suit to physical impacts and regulating the flow of mana to ensure efficiently improved mana management. This made them ideal for training as well as particular combat use when worn under the barrier jacket. Lelouch and Quattro have taken to wearing them, although Quattro's was customized to work with the flow of energy that powers her cybernetics and IS.
Other than the body suit, he wore matching boots to be used with it. A bit on the scrawny side still, but Lelouch's arms and torso were slowly showing more definition. Quattro approached, wearing her Assault Suit and looking down at Lelouch with a disappointed look in her eyes.
"Is that all you got, Lelouch?"
"You…think…hauling a log around for ten laps is easy?" The former prince said in-between breaths.
"Don't say that, otherwise, how will you get stronger? I told Graham that I would make a real man out of you, so I will just do that."
"I don't think I'll be moving," Lelouch said finally catching his breath.
"Miss C.C," Quattro called as the green haired immortal approached in a golf cart. Mounted on the front on the passenger-side with a movable mount was an automatic baseball pitcher, repurposed into a gun complete with a laser sight.
"You can't be serious?" Lelouch said paleing at the set up.
"You have ten seconds to get back up," Quattro replied before climbing into the golf cart, taking hold of the baseball gun aimed at Lelouch, who was struggling to get back up. "Don't forget the log!"
"Just out of curiosity, where did you learn how to train people?" C.C. inquired with a smirk enjoying the show.
"Oh, I learned everything from this," Quattro cheerfully answered pulling out a small black pocket-book. C.C. took the book before reading the title out loud raising an eyebrow as she did so.
"Your Pocket Guide on How to Abuse a Training Recruit, written by Melissa Mao."
"Her methods are very effective…Graham wasn't making much progress, but once I began using this book and its suggested methods Lelouch has been improving." The woman replied cheerfully.
"I see," C.C. replied before looking ahead seeing Lelouch taking off panting heavily hauling the wooden log over his right shoulder.
"See…look, all he needed was the right motivation. Maybe next time, we'll start sparring matches with Sayoko as we had planned. His reflexes and strength should be more than adequate now."
"You are quite the intriguing person," The green-haired woman commented.
"Heh heh, I would say that this is just how I was made."
If I ever meet whoever created her, I got an Abyss Buster with his name on it. Lelouch thought as he forced his own body to press on.
The environment the two were in was a type of combat training simulator devised and created by Peter in an underground section below Ashford Academy. Composed of linked and solidified magical energy, it could be summoned and unsummoned whenever it was needed to create whatever land-based environments desired. At present, a simple running track had been created upon which Lelouch was being forced to run it under the supervision of Quattro, the Liese Twins and now C.C.
Speaking of whom, the livelier of the twins, Lotte was entering the track. She was dressed in a blue gym outfit complete with sweatpants and a matching jacket with a whistle hanging around her neck. Her sister was outside operating the controls for the simulation. It was likely out of concern for Lelouch upon seeing Quattro and C.C. on their armed golf cart she hurried to him.
"Hey, no sleeping! Get up! GET UP!" Lotte shouted, approaching with a megaphone in her hands. As the cat girl blasted the megaphone into his ears, Lelouch could only muse to himself as his body was too tired to go on.
Being taken prisoner by the TSAB seems like a better alternative than this.
The golf cart was slowly approaching as Quattro took aim.
"Better start moving Lelouch! Or do you want me to be sympatric and show pity on you?"
"DON'T YOU DARE," Lelouch snapped as he forced his own body back up. Quattro knew Lelouch was prideful and couldn't stand the idea of people offering him charity. He wanted to achieve his own ends on his own. Even so, he knew for toppling an empire that controlled one third of the entire world, he would need allies and resources. There was only so much a single person could accomplish alone. Lelouch, however, wanted to take pride at the things he is capable of doing on his own.
He wants to prove he isn't dead like his father deemed him to be and that he can survive on his own. Overall, his ability to fight back was excellent, Quattro through which brought a smile to her face.
"Very good. Just remember, Peter took your device to upgrade it. So you got to go all the way."
Lelouch got up again and began jogging again. His whole body was in agony, but running with him to offer some positive support was Lotte.
"Come on, Lelouch! You can do this!"
"Easy…for…you…to say…You are not hauling a large wooden log around!"
"Oh, don't say that! If you do, I'll give you a…uh…a big hug!" Lotte said with a big smile, but Lelouch found that hardly motivating.
Viceroy Clovis was in the Viceroy's Palace, already trying to lick his wounds and heal his wounded pride following yesterday's fiasco. Not only did he lose his prime subject of Code R, but also an overwhelming number of soldiers and Knightmares. He had hoped he could keep the homeland from finding out. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be as he got a call from the last person he wanted to talk to about his performance as Viceroy.
"I am terribly sorry to contact you this early in the morning. Clovis. But as both the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Empire, there is a matter upon which I must talk to you about."
This came from a man a bit older than with short blonde hair and light purple eyes. He wore a royal grab consisting of a white coat trimmed with gold and black. Underneath, he wore a purple uniform also trimmed with gold complete with a white cravat. On his hands were white gloves with matching pants and black shoes.
He was Schneizel el Britannia, Clovis's older step-brother and probably second in command for the whole Empire in a sense despite being the Second Prince.
"Forgive me, brother. I had a difficult day yesterday."
"So I have heard Clovis," Schneizel commented, causing Clovis's blood to drain from his face. "I am aware of the disaster in Shinjuku Ghetto; I heard from the division under my command in that area."
Unable to look at his older brother, Clovis couldn't mutter the words, but his silence and his body language was enough for Schneizel.
"I apologize to be the bearer of bad news. brother. But effective immediately, the Emperor has deemed you incapable of properly managing Area 11 and the decision has been made to replace you."
"What…Please, brother, let me explain!"
"I am sorry, Clovis. For three years, the situation in Area 11 has worsened instead of improving. With yesterday's incident, the homeland can no longer turn a blind eye. I assure that you will retain your inheritance and royal privileges, but you will be reassigned to a station more befitting of your talents."
"Isn't there anything that can be done?"
"I am afraid not. You are to remain in Area 11 until Cornelia arrives to relieve you as Viceroy."
"Cornelia is coming here!?" Clovis said with a look of shock. "I thought she was fighting in the Middle Eastern Federation!"
"Yes, but she is expected to finish establishing Area 18 within the next few days. Once she's done, she'll be coming here," Schneizel answered.
"I see, so there is nothing I can do then."
"The decision is final. Try to maintain a low profile to avoid further damage to your reputation."
Later that morning back at Ashford Academy, the former prince of Britannia managed to barely survive the morning exercise regime. Lelouch was trying to rest and recover from that workout as he slowly nodded off. A certain someone then proceeded to beat him over the head with a rolled up piece of paper.
"Wake up, Lelouch!"
Lelouch was rudely awoken by one Milly Ashford.
"I know you fell asleep because your hand stopped moving!"
"Well, you don't have to beat me up over it," Lelouch said shooing the rolled up paper away.
"Serves you right for ditching me yesterday," Rivalz mockingly pointed out.
"Yeah, what was up with you yesterday?" Shirley demanded as Lelouch tried to dodge the question. Milly then stepped in with the rolled up paper in her hands, taking a more authoritative stance.
"That's enough you guys, let's not get sidetracked here," Milly declared before adding. "If we don't come up with a fix for the school's activity budget then there won't be any money left for anything at all."
"If it comes to that point," Nina said sitting in her usual spot, the corner of the room at her computer.
"The Equestrian Club will be pissed. We don't want them coming in here riding on horseback!" Rivalz said light heartily.
"Rivalz, can't you take this a little more seriously?" Milly asked before Shirley jumped in.
"You know, you could have told us about this yesterday."
"I would have to say a day later. Then, we would have given up," Rivalz noted jokingly as Lelouch was quick to agree.
"Good idea. We can still do that."
"GUTS!"
Everyone else in the room shuddered at Milly's use of the word prompting Rivalz to comment.
"You are not using that 'Guts' spell again, are you?"
"Yep," Milly replied with a coy smile. "I want you people to be putting your all into this."
"I really don't think your magic is going to do a whole lot." Lelouch pointed out, but instead Shirley raised her and hand and spoke up.
"Actually, it got me going Madam President!"
"Supple and willing, I like that."
"I train hard at the gymnastics club!"
"That is not what I was getting at," Milly corrected as she eyed Shirley. "You're a ten." Shirley was genuinely confused for a moment before everyone else realized what Milly was referring to. "From what I see in the girl's bathroom anyway, you have been filling out in all of the right places, huh?"
Rivalz chuckled as he cast a glance at Shirley, prompting the orange haired woman to cover up her chest in embarrassment before shooting back.
"What are you talking about, you pervert!?"
Lelouch saw this would be a good time for an interruption. He noticed someone was missing and used that as an opportunity to steer the conversation in another direction.
"By the way, where is Quattro at?" Lelouch began before adding. "She would have been perfect for helping us out with the budget. She's good with numbers, after all."
"Oh her? Well...there was a special task I asked her to take care of for me. You remember the Student Self-Defense Force?"
"You mean, that bunch of vigilantes?" Lelouch inquired recognizing the name.
"Yes, as you know, they occupied one of the old clubhouse buildings on the far-side campus. They were a rouge cub to begin with, but due to some of their members having military and noble backgrounds, the school couldn't do much with them. However, there was an incident last week at the Toyko Concession, involving a hot dog stand which ended with one of them fighting the son of a powerful noble family. A misunderstanding, but when the police got involved, it really turned into a mess with most of the club members being arrested and expelled as a result."
So this noble whose son they harmed must have a lot of connections to pull that off, Lelouch thought.
"However, a few students remained and at the request of the police department and government bureau, the club is to be disbanded. But since the clubhouse is so old, the academy has decided to tear it down."
"I assume there is a problem with the remaining few members," Lelouch asked. His guess was spot on as Milly nodded..
"Well, some of the club members refuse to allow it to happen and even threats of being expelled haven't done much. We can't ask the police to go in, despite requesting it, since they haven't done anything wrong. The problem is that some of them are rumored to have access to firearms and the school is concerned about violence breaking out. So they asked if there was a way to resolve this peacefully. If they refuse still, then they will be kicked out of school, but getting them out of the club house without a violent conformation is the problem, especially if the bit about them having guns is true."
"Of course, if they did have guns, then we could just ask the police to get them out?" Shirley pointed out.
"Yeah, but we need proof." Rivalz added before Lelouch inquired. .
"So you sent Quattro?"
"But that's crazy she'll be-" Rivalz began worried for the young woman.
"She'll be fine," Lelouch said confident that nothing would happen. "In fact, I would worried more about those idiots than her."
Quattro was at present inside an old clubhouse, much smaller than the Student Council Clubhouse as it could only hold twenty-five people at most. Now, only eleven people remained, including the Student Council member currently inside. The rest were likely going to be serving a couple months to a few years in jail due to the incident that spiraled out of control at the Toyko Concession. Their overzealous tendency to enforce laws and promote discrimination against non-Britannians had gone overboard.
"So let me get this right, Miss Scaglietti, you are asking us to vacate the building and to disband."
"Yes, but I was asked to inform you that if you refused to leave peacefully, you will be expelled along with your fellow club members. At least, you will not go to jail," Quattro answered sweetly.
"Is that threat?" The current acting leader of the club asked. He was a young man about Lelouch's age with short brown hair and green eyes with a light muscular build likely a result of his military family background. Some of the other members were actually bigger and more bulkier than their leader, but Quattro wasn't the least bit worried as she stood before a table inside the room.
"Oh dear me no, but I wish to point out that your club was never actually recognized by the school. As a real club, that is, so I don't think it matters anyway." The girl replied before her sweet smile was replaced with an evil grin. "The way I see it you have two choices: either pick Option A, where you all leave the building peacefully and disband, or you can pick Option B. Trust me, you don't want to pick that option."
"How about Option C, we just kick your ass? You smart-ass bitch!" The leader declared.
"Okay then, Option B it is," Quattro replied as the members descended upon her.
The young woman responded by ducking the first punch thrown at her before countering with a vicious uppercut knocking the larger student off his feet. After impacting the wall and slumping to the ground unconscious, the other members of the club looked at their downed fellow club member with looks of shock.
"Holy shit! She knocked out Ted in one hit!" One member exclaimed prompting Quattro to crack her knuckles.
"So, do you intend to kick my ass or do you want to rethink your decision?"
"You can't take all of us you bitch! Everyone, GET HER!" The club's acting leader ordered as the remaining ten members moved to surround the woman, intending to overwhelm her with numbers.
I must remember to thank Miss Sayoko for the lessons, Quattro thought before she proceeded to take all of the remaining members of the self-defense club head on. The next student who got close to her was met with a kick to the face and stunned. Quattro grabbed and used him as a quick human shield against two other club members with fists swinging. They only beat up one of their own, allowing Quattro to get out of the circle they had formed.
A large bulky student turned around, only to meet four quick punches to the face before a right-hook sent him falling to the ground.
Three down…eight to go…
The young woman dodged a punch before delivering a powerful left hook before backing off from a second student. Jumping up, Quattro delivered a sweeping kick that knocked both of her attackers off their feet. Although one tried to stay on his feet, he was clearly reeling from the blow to the face. Seizing the chance, Quattro delivered a right hook, followed by right cross, sending the man falling back to the ground. Six students remaining, Quattro stood firm skillfully dodging and parrying punches and kicks before swiftly counterattacking.
One by one, they fell until at last the leader remained, who nervously looked at his fallen and battered members.
"So, how about you just surrender?"
"Surrender…no…no…fucking way!" The blonde haired young man said as he was clearly losing it, which caused him to pull out a handgun. Quattro didn't seem surprised or afraid, but rather it merely confirmed her suspicions.
As Milly and I suspected ,the club members do possess some firearms.
Laughing like a madman, the student pulled the trigger, but Quattro dodged the bullet. Before the student realized it, the gun was ripped from his hands. Then he was punched in the face a couple times in rapid succession before a sweeping kick knocked him off his feet. Yet as he fell back, Quattro brought her right hand down, delivering a bone break shot to the student's family jewels.
The student tried to scream out in pain, but a quick kick to the face knocked him.
Sometime later after regaining consciousness, the now former leader of the Self-Defense Club found himself on the hood of a police patrol car being handcuffed.
"So, you are finally awake. You are under arrest for illegal possession of arms as well as twelve counts of harassment, terroristic threatening and one count of attempted murder." The lead officer said as the remaining members of the club were already handcuffed being loaded onto a waiting police truck to ship them off to jail.
"I hope all of you will enjoy your time in jail." Quattro replied waving good-bye with a sweet smile.
"HOLD ON, WHAT ABOUT HER?" The leader shouted out struggling against the two officers holding him.
"She fought back in self-defense," The office replied before he added "Besides, she had a small camera on her so we got a recording of everything that happened."
"I guess I was lucky I had a hidden camera on me huh," Quattro replied with a cheeky smile, but she went in knowing she would need it despite her claims.
"We had heard rumors that your club was in possession of guns, but I am glad to know that she was more than capable of handling herself." An aged man in his late sixties said wearing a black suit.
"We were called after she fought all of you punks off." The officer added as two more of his men hauled the teen away. "Thank you, Miss Scaglietti, for your handling of the situation. I never would have thought these kids had such weapons on a campus like this, especially after that incident recently."
"Oh, not at all, officer. I am happy to do my part."
"I should also thank you for your help, Miss Scaglietti. I am glad my granddaughter has a capable member of the student council."
"It was nothing, Mr. Ashford," Quattro replied to Ruben Ashford the headmaster of the academy. The two watched as the remainder of the Student-Self-Defense Force was shipped off, thus effectively disbanding its club. She knew they wouldn't disband without a fight. But on the other hand, it did give her a chance to practice her new skills she had been learning.
After the police hauled the students away, Quattro was smiled, having completed her mission. She returned to the site of the now empty clubroom, where a bulldozer and its driver was waiting for the signal.
"Alright, time to tear that building down," Quattro called out happily as she signaled the bulldozer driver to go to work. Then the young woman watched with satisfaction as the old crumbling club house was torn down.
Mission Accomplished…
Meanwhile above the Earth, in her small outpost observation center, Ginga was having a video conversation with her superior. It was a man with black hair and a mustache, wearing a Dimensional Navy Uniform, who was over the observation posts for Area 11. After receiving her report regarding what had happened yesterday, she was contacted the following day. Once again after explaining everything that had happened in detail, her superior eyed the printed copy of her report before addressing Ginga on his screen.
"...And you allowed the suspect to make his escape."
"I have no excuse sir." Ginga admitted her mistake. Her head is covered with bandages and there is a band-aid on her left cheek. As for her pride, it's been crushed when the criminal she chased shot her down and overpowered her. To add insult to injuries, she had no choice but to return to her outpost station empty-handed and report her failure.
The paper work is also tedious as she wrote everything what happened to her. Truthfully, it makes her feel like a rookie on her first day on the job.
Her superior sighed. "Commander Gaiz is going to have my head for this...Too bad our hands are too full with this Mandarin character and his terrorist attack on Mid-Childa." He can feel a migraine once his superior officer Regius hears about this. The older man can feel his eardrums break under the Ground Forces commander scream, with the report for the incident tossed at his face. "Fix this Nakajima. As your commanding officer, I order you to capture this criminal as soon as possible."
"Yes, sir," Ginga saluted, feeling disappointed with herself. Now that uncomfortable part of her day was done, she decided to contact her father. It wasn't long before his face appeared on-screen.
"Ginga, I am glad to hear from you."
"Father, I just heard about what happened back home yesterday."
"Yes, we were suddenly attacked by three drones of unknown origins so far. The technology is unlike anything we've seen before. Only one of the three was destroyed, thanks to the efforts of Instructor Takamachi and Warrant Officer Vita Yagami, but the other two machines escaped."
"Are they alright?"
"Vita sustained more injuries, but nothing life threatening. Instructor Takamachi, on the other hand, sustained light injuries with some hearing damage…She is being released from the hospital today, so I assume that she has recovered."
"I see, but what about Subaru?"
"She was with her fellow academy trainees away from the city at the time of the attack. Maneuvers training out in the field." Genya replied as Ginga breathed a sigh of relief. "We're taking care of things here, but what happened to you?"
"Oh," Ginga said almost forgetting her injuries. "Well, I had a bit of an incident yesterday. I discovered a mage using magic openly to win a battle against the Britannian Military. It was in former Japan's Shinjuku Ghetto."
"A Mage? Anyone we know?"
"No, I ran his picture through our records, but nothing came up. He wore a mask, which made it even more difficult. He wielded an unusual Intelligent Device and used a magic system I have never seen before."
"Really? Could I see a copy of your mission report?"
"Sure, I still have it saved; I'll send you a copy."
Elsewhere on Mid-Childa, Nanoha and Signum were currently spending the day together, following their respective discharges from the hospital after receiving a clean bill of health thanks to Shamal's efforts. Nanoha was strictly ordered to take a few days off to recover returning to active duty as her superiors put it. Although physically fine, it was a question if the Ace of Aces was fine on the inside, considering what had happened.
"Here you two go...on the house," Shiro Takamachi said delivering the drinks that his daughter and friend asked for. They were more than willing to pay for it, but after hearing what befell the two women recently, he decided to cover it for them.
"Thanks, dad," Nanoha said managing a weak smile, but she was deeply saddened over the loss of her students.
"Thank you, Mr. Takamachi," Signum said politely, although she was able to better mask her own feelings on the recent savage attack yesterday.
Nanoha and Signum sat together at a table within the Midori-ya, the Takamachi family's new café they opened on Mid-Childa following their relocation. Although she was free to return to active duty it, considering what had happened to her friend, Signum decided to keep an eye on Nanoha. She believed that perhaps a day together with Nanoha would be the best medicine.
"So," Shiro began before asking. "Has the Bureau made any progress towards catching those responsible? I saw that broadcast from yesterday."
Nanoha was stunned, but seeing this Signum took over the conversation.
"Not yet, but the problem is that we have nothing to follow on. The emblem we recovered from one of the machines matches the emblem we saw on the broadcast. It proves that this 'Logos' produced the robots involved in the attack. In addition, the technology used in their design was unlike anything the TSAB saw before. Some of their weaponry, however, seemed to have been inspired by rail cannon technology and the chaos mines used by the Britannian Military on Earth."
"So, could these terrorists have Earth-based origins?"
"I don't think so, but their weapons might have inspired those used on the machines."
"I see, but didn't you fight one of them?"
"I did," Signum said recalling the large muscular man.
At first she thought the man was wearing advance barrier jacket of some kind, but it was during their battle did she realize the man had undergone a full cybernetic conversion process. It amounted to trading parts of his body like used car parts for powerful cybernetic limbs. His possession of his katana-styled Armed Device was also a sign of magic potential and skill. But during their actual battle, Signum noticed the man didn't have too much combat experience with magic, meaning he must have learned only recently. It was still merely a question when his instruction began; based on her observations, Signum expected the man had at least a couple years worth of training. However, his swordsman skills were another story as the man seemed to be highly skilled with a katana and close quarters combat.
No doubt about it, he had military training at least.
Signum was wounded due to the man's use of dirty tactics and hidden weapons within his sword, which left the Wolkenritter leader furious. It wasn't a defeat since the battle was left unfinished in some respect, but to allow such a blow to be delivered upon her by a foe using cheap and deceptive tactics left a bad taste in her mouth.
"I am certain I could have apprehended him if he didn't use such a dirty trick against me with his katana."
"What kind of trick?" Shiro asked curious.
"During the final stage of our battle, he hit me with a bullet concealed within the bottom of its hilt. I was open for a second attack upon which he took the opportunity and struck me with his sword."
"I know that trick. It was used by members of the Japanese Special Forces. Those who wielded katana blades sometimes modified them to possess a bullet concealed within the hilt. It wasn't popular for its dishonorable nature, but was more accepted for intelligence missions or assassinations," Shiro imitated the movements for proper usage of the technique in question.
"That's it!" Signum pointed out genuinely surprised.
"Japanese Special Forces..." Nanoha began seemingly shocked.
"Well, I was a bodyguard before I married your mother and spent some time in the military before then. Some of the people I protected had Special Forces members who employed that method. It worked to kill an enemy with a surprise attack if used just right."
"I see," Signum said, wondering if some of these terrorists had connections to Earth. It seemed unlikely, but the very limited amount of evidence they had so far seemed to suggest otherwise.
Fate was regrettably still on active duty and couldn't be with Nanoha due to her duty as an Enforcer, presently accompanying Hayate. The two were meeting an old acquaintance at the TSAB Main Branch Engineering Division Research Lab, where remains of the machine Nanoha and Vita had fought had been brought for analysis, hoping to determine where it came from and who built it. The duo entered a large room, where the almost intact right-wing of the machine laid.
For safety reasons, other pieces were being examined in separate rooms and locations nearby.
However, the right-wing was the most intact portion. Waiting for them with a white hard-hat was a young woman about twenty four years of age. With short pale green hair and light yellow eyes wearing glasses over them, she wore the blue uniform of the TSAB and a white lab coat over it.
"Thank you both for coming," Mariel Atenza said greeting the two women.
"Not at all," Hayate replied with a smile as Fate asked.
"I hope you and your team were successful in finding something."
Mariel sighed before she noted.
"I've been asked that question every hour and my team worked all night since these remains were delivered to us."
"I am sorry," Fate apologizing, but the older woman understood.
"I understand Fate, but this machine is unlike anything we have seen before. Our main problem is that there is very little left of it intact. Whoever designed it installed a well thought out self-destruct system, which left us with very little to examine. However, this limb that Nanoha managed to shoot off is still partly intact. It's not much, but the technology unbelievable. Even the gadget drones we have begun seeing two years ago don't compare to them."
"What!?" A shocked Hayate exclaimed. Mariel's worried expression was also alarming to say the least. The green-haired girl was clearly fascinated by technology, but the idea that someone managed to create such a deadly weapon was frightening at the same time.
"W-who designed this?" Fate inquired.
"I honestly don't know, but this…this goes against most of my knowledge. There is little to no magic outside of possibly energy sources. The rest is all hard physics and scientific knowhow. And the musculature in this," Mariel began using a small handheld device to bring up a small cross-section of the right-wing's internal workings near the joints, revealing small muscle like fibers. "Last year, I heard a scientist saying that this kind of fiber muscle technology could be possible in twenty years after researching the thesis of another scientist. Now I have a sample of such technology in front of me. Also, there is a dendritic energy transmission network all across the fiber, with a form of a mineral that my systems identify as a mineral ore known as Sakuradite."
Hayate was now rendered speechless for a few moments before she hesitantly asked. "What did you just say!?"
"E-eh!?"
"Repeat, what did you say at that last part?" Fate repeated.
"I double checked it, but the scan confirms its Sakuradite."
Fate and Hayate exchanged looks before the latter addressed the engineer. "Mariel, please make a copy of the report and put it in a data storage device. We'll be taking the data device straight to HQ."
"I understand…I kept the results of my examinations on an isolated terminal to protect it from outside hacking."
"Thank you," Fate said as Mariel prepared the drive, but Hayate was suspicious.
If Sakuradite was used, then it was likely part of its self-destruct system. That's must be why so much of its internal workings were destroyed while the right-wing remained almost intact.
The deeper they dug into the mystery of the Mandarin and his war machines, the darker the picture their investigation was painting.
Back at Ashford Academy, Lelouch, Shirley, Nina and Rivalz were walking into class just as the first period of the day was about to start. As the group entered the classroom, Shirley was still a bit incensed at what had happened with Milly.
"Geez, our president is just a dirty old man on the inside, sullying the meeting with her filthy mind."
"Yeah well, that is Milly for you," Nina said defending her long time childhood friend.
Rivalz chuckled trying to lighten the mood before pointing out.
"Look on the bright side. At least we got the budget balanced, didn't we?"
"Hello everyone," Quattro said greeting her fellow members of the Council as she was just arriving to class as well.
"Oh hey, Quattro, so we heard about what happened on the way here." Rivalz commented.
"We heard their leader pulled a gun on you?" Nina asked obviously concerned.
"I'm alright, it was nothing I couldn't handle." Quattro replied with a sweet smile before Lelouch added.
"See? I told you she could handle it."
"Thank you for having such faith in me, Lelouch," Quattro said as she stepped closer to him, putting a hand on his shoulder in an affectionate manner which irritated Shirley.
As everyone entered the classroom, a group of students were gathered before another sitting at one of the desks near the center of the classroom. She had familiar red hair, although it was styled differently, the eyes and her voice…there was no mistake as Lelouch set eyes upon her.
"Kallen, it has been ages!" One female student said joyously.
"Are you alright? Sophie has been worried sick!"
"Yeah, I just have to go easy for a little while," Kallen replied as Lelouch instantly recognized her.
Of course, that is why she is so familiar.
"Anyway, if I stay home any longer, then I'll never catch up," Kallen explained to her friends as Lelouch took his seat near the back by the window. It wasn't long before Quattro joined him, having noticed his interest in Kallen.
"I didn't know you had a preference for redheads."
"It's nothing like that, but this is a rare event. She hasn't been here since this semester started."
"Indeed," Quattro replied as she narrowed her eyes, hinting that she knew more than she was letting on, prompting Lelouch to open a telepathic conversation with her.
Okay, what do you know?
What are you talking about?
Don't play innocent with me, Quattro; I know you keep tabs and information on most of the students.
Ah, so you want to know about Kallen Stadtfeld? Well, as far as the people of the school know, she is the only child of the Stadtfeld Family who is one of Area 11's richest noble families. She appears to be sickly and has a long track record of absences, her grades are still among the top in the class. She was barely in school last semester, but what people don't know is that she actually prefers the name Kallen Kozuki.
What?!
Here at Ashford Academy, she puts on the front of a sickly student. In truth, she is a half-blood Britannian with a Japanese mother, actively taking part in resistance activities with her brother's resistance cell.
WHAT?!
Lelouch nearly fell out of his chair, but caught himself.
You knew about this and didn't mention it?
Well, of course, I did! I knew she took part in the battle yesterday. I recognized her voice on the radio myself.
And you didn't tell me why?
Simple…it's because you didn't ask.
Lelouch groaned mentally at the remark, but it wasn't long before Quattro inquired about something in regards to the girl.
So, are you contemplating we recruit her?
Does she have magical talent?
Nothing I noticed so far, but I can't say for sure until we can test her, although you know the chances are slim, Quattro replied mentally as class began. The two formulated a plan on what to do with Kallen with this information in mind.
We'll wait for now. When the time is right, then we'll reconsider.
Sounds good to me, Quattro thought before almost forgetting something. By the way, since we're on the subject of Kallen, I almost forgot.
What is it?
Tomorrow, the President wants us to induct Kallen into the Student Council. That could be a good time to begin your little scheme.
I see…Sounds like a sound idea.
Later that night, after the sun had set, Lelouch was looking forward to dinner tonight with his little sister. He knew he was coming home late, but as the former prince entered his sister's room, he saw her sitting in a chair with a white and green gown and white slippers on her feet. On her shoulder sat a white plushie-style kitten with red button eyes. She had long curly sandy brown hair and a fair skin complexion. Sitting across from her on the round table was a Japanese woman with short brown hair and brown eyes, wearing the traditional black maid uniform complete with the white hat and apron.
"Well…what shall we do? He may be late again this evening," Sayoko Shinozaki said to the girl she watched over.
"I'll wait…he said we would have dinner tonight," Nunnally Lamperouge answered as Sayoko smiled, just as she finished folding an origami crane out of pink paper.
"There, it's finished now," Sayoko handed the completed crane to the young girl, who reached out for it, expecting it in her hands.
The plushie cat's head moved, looking at the crane. What few realized was that the plushie cat acted as a type of sonar for Nunnally. Created by Peter Vanderfloog, it gave her a form of sight thanks to a link between them. In a way, the cat was a Hybrid Intelligent Device.
"Is it some kind of bird?"
"Yes, it's a crane," Sayoko replied.
"Wow, the Japanese are so skillful," Nunnally commented as Sayoko smiled, but Nunnally noticed something all of a sudden.
"Nunnally-sama?" Sayoko asked.
Moments later, the door opened and Lelouch walked in.
"I'm sorry for being so late," Lelouch said, walking into the room.
"Hi, Lelouch; welcome home," Nunnally greeted followed by Sayoko who did the same addressing the former prince.
"Yes, welcome home, milord."
"There is no place like it, Sayoko, right Nunnally?"
A half-hour later after changing into more casual clothing, consisting of black jeans with a sleeveless black shirt and a brown jacket trimmed with black, Lelouch sat at the dining room table and ate with his sister. Nunnally no longer needed her wheelchair as she did before and used a pink cane to move around. Her ability to walk was restored a few months ago, thanks to Vanderfloog and the technology he possessed. But she still needed some physical therapy, having not used her legs since she was six years old.
"Miss Sayoko was just teaching me the art of origami; fold a piece of paper the correct way and you can make boats, birds, almost anything." Nunnally explained before taking a spoonful of soup into her mouth. The girl was a little too eager to tell her brother, which caused some soup to slip out of her mouth.
"Easy," Lelouch said, picking up a napkin to wipe her mouth clean. "You don't have to tell me everything all at once. It's not like I am going anywhere."
"Yeah…you're right, thank you," The sandy brown-haired girl said.
"You're very welcome," The former prince replied as Nunnally giggled.
"I am so happy," Nunnally commented before she suddenly adopted a more serious expression. "Because last night you scared me a little…I heard about that fight you got into and thought you weren't coming back. I am glad Quattro helped you out of it."
"Sorry about that…I just wasn't expecting that to happen."
"But I," Nunnally was going to say, but decided to push the matter aside, not wishing to talk anymore of the Shinjuku Incident. "Well, I am just glad you are okay, but you know something." Nunnally held up one of the pink cranes Sayoko had made. "If you fold a thousand of these, your wish will come true. So is there anything at all you have been wishing for?"
"No, not really. What about you? Do you wish for anything?" Lelouch asked before Nunnally gave the idea some thought.
"I wish the world was a gentler place."
"When the time comes that you can open your eyes again, I am sure it will be."
"Really?" Nunnally asked hopefully.
"Yes, I promise."
Lelouch looked at his younger sister kindly. Deep down, he knew something would have to be done to bring about the world his younger sister wants.
The truth is, there are very few paths our futures can take. The Ashford Family is sheltering us for now, but how long can that last? Even though Graham and Vanderfloog are working together with us, if our secret was ever exposed, Nunnally could end up as a political tool or a casualty of royal ambition, Lelouch thought, knowing that he could escape capture, but Nunnally was more at risk. I have to make a world where Nunnally can find happiness at least.
Suddenly, Lelouch's thoughts were interrupted when Nunnally picked up his hands. The pinky of his right hand was hooked with her own.
"Sayoko taught me this the other day. It's called a Japanese promise," Nunnally explained before she began chanting in a song-like fashion. "Cross my heart…hope to die…eat a thousand needles if I lie, pinky promise song…hee hee!"
Lelouch was a little stunned before he spoke.
"Well, that's kinda scary. I might end up eating a thousand needles someday."
"That's right, so I better not catch you telling any lies, okay?"
"Don't worry, I'll never lie. I swear," Lelouch said before thinking.
Not to you at least…
"Then no more dangerous stunts like you did in Shinjuku, okay?"
"Well, uh..." Lelouch rubbed the back of his head.
An hour after midnight within the bedroom of one of the TSAB's Board of Directors and a Knight of the Saint Church, located in the Grand Cathedral in Northern Mid-Childa, was a young woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes. Wearing a white nightgown, she was seated at her desk with a cup of tea nearby. It was clear the young woman was having difficulty sleeping. Quiet for a time, Carim Gracia opened a drawer on her right hand side, where a stack of paper tied together with a string laid. Upon undoing the tie holding the stack together, Carim used her Rare Skill: Prophetin Schriften.
As the papers formed a circle around her glowing yellow, a new prophecy was being written, where upon the following would be seen once the translation was complete.
From the savage seas, three terrible beasts, whose cries will paralyze even the stalwart warrior, will herald the coming of the Kings of Revolution as our age nears its end. Born from betrayal and loss will arise the Dragon King, who shall usher in the destruction of law and blanket all seas in darkness. However, from a far-away land no longer free, the Demon King, born of loss and sorrow, shall lead us towards an age of peace shall as he rises up with his Knights. The Iron Maiden, the Fallen Jester and the White Devil shall guide one of the kings to decide our fate. Yet be warned, upon the return to the roots of Gaea, one king must fall. With his fall a new age shall begin. The age that shall come will be by the will of the victor of the war between the two Kings.
Carim then began the translation.
Chapter 5
Falsehoods
Falsehoods
Early the following morning, Lelouch was running down a dirt road, though his expression was that of a man about to drop dead from exhaustion. He was in better shape than when he was child, but hauling a large log on your shoulder can wear you down. After ten laps, Lelouch dropped to his knees with the log falling a few feet ahead of him panting heavily. For his morning exercise, Quattro insisted that he wear the regulation suits invented by Peter, which by all appearances was a black undersuit with a light blue circuitry integrated into it.
The undersuit was the first of new advance bodysuits meant to be worn with Barrier Jackets. The undersuit was made of advanced materials that were thin, but fitting and comfortable. It was crafted to act as a circuit board to stabilize and reinforce the formation and maintenance of the Barrier Jacket over the user. Hence, its circuitry design upon the black material. The added factor that having magic flowing through it enhances the resistance of the body suit to physical impacts and regulating the flow of mana to ensure efficiently improved mana management. This made them ideal for training as well as particular combat use when worn under the barrier jacket. Lelouch and Quattro have taken to wearing them, although Quattro's was customized to work with the flow of energy that powers her cybernetics and IS.
Other than the body suit, he wore matching boots to be used with it. A bit on the scrawny side still, but Lelouch's arms and torso were slowly showing more definition. Quattro approached, wearing her Assault Suit and looking down at Lelouch with a disappointed look in her eyes.
"Is that all you got, Lelouch?"
"You…think…hauling a log around for ten laps is easy?" The former prince said in-between breaths.
"Don't say that, otherwise, how will you get stronger? I told Graham that I would make a real man out of you, so I will just do that."
"I don't think I'll be moving," Lelouch said finally catching his breath.
"Miss C.C," Quattro called as the green haired immortal approached in a golf cart. Mounted on the front on the passenger-side with a movable mount was an automatic baseball pitcher, repurposed into a gun complete with a laser sight.
"You can't be serious?" Lelouch said paleing at the set up.
"You have ten seconds to get back up," Quattro replied before climbing into the golf cart, taking hold of the baseball gun aimed at Lelouch, who was struggling to get back up. "Don't forget the log!"
"Just out of curiosity, where did you learn how to train people?" C.C. inquired with a smirk enjoying the show.
"Oh, I learned everything from this," Quattro cheerfully answered pulling out a small black pocket-book. C.C. took the book before reading the title out loud raising an eyebrow as she did so.
"Your Pocket Guide on How to Abuse a Training Recruit, written by Melissa Mao."
"Her methods are very effective…Graham wasn't making much progress, but once I began using this book and its suggested methods Lelouch has been improving." The woman replied cheerfully.
"I see," C.C. replied before looking ahead seeing Lelouch taking off panting heavily hauling the wooden log over his right shoulder.
"See…look, all he needed was the right motivation. Maybe next time, we'll start sparring matches with Sayoko as we had planned. His reflexes and strength should be more than adequate now."
"You are quite the intriguing person," The green-haired woman commented.
"Heh heh, I would say that this is just how I was made."
If I ever meet whoever created her, I got an Abyss Buster with his name on it. Lelouch thought as he forced his own body to press on.
The environment the two were in was a type of combat training simulator devised and created by Peter in an underground section below Ashford Academy. Composed of linked and solidified magical energy, it could be summoned and unsummoned whenever it was needed to create whatever land-based environments desired. At present, a simple running track had been created upon which Lelouch was being forced to run it under the supervision of Quattro, the Liese Twins and now C.C.
Speaking of whom, the livelier of the twins, Lotte was entering the track. She was dressed in a blue gym outfit complete with sweatpants and a matching jacket with a whistle hanging around her neck. Her sister was outside operating the controls for the simulation. It was likely out of concern for Lelouch upon seeing Quattro and C.C. on their armed golf cart she hurried to him.
"Hey, no sleeping! Get up! GET UP!" Lotte shouted, approaching with a megaphone in her hands. As the cat girl blasted the megaphone into his ears, Lelouch could only muse to himself as his body was too tired to go on.
Being taken prisoner by the TSAB seems like a better alternative than this.
The golf cart was slowly approaching as Quattro took aim.
"Better start moving Lelouch! Or do you want me to be sympatric and show pity on you?"
"DON'T YOU DARE," Lelouch snapped as he forced his own body back up. Quattro knew Lelouch was prideful and couldn't stand the idea of people offering him charity. He wanted to achieve his own ends on his own. Even so, he knew for toppling an empire that controlled one third of the entire world, he would need allies and resources. There was only so much a single person could accomplish alone. Lelouch, however, wanted to take pride at the things he is capable of doing on his own.
He wants to prove he isn't dead like his father deemed him to be and that he can survive on his own. Overall, his ability to fight back was excellent, Quattro through which brought a smile to her face.
"Very good. Just remember, Peter took your device to upgrade it. So you got to go all the way."
Lelouch got up again and began jogging again. His whole body was in agony, but running with him to offer some positive support was Lotte.
"Come on, Lelouch! You can do this!"
"Easy…for…you…to say…You are not hauling a large wooden log around!"
"Oh, don't say that! If you do, I'll give you a…uh…a big hug!" Lotte said with a big smile, but Lelouch found that hardly motivating.
Viceroy Clovis was in the Viceroy's Palace, already trying to lick his wounds and heal his wounded pride following yesterday's fiasco. Not only did he lose his prime subject of Code R, but also an overwhelming number of soldiers and Knightmares. He had hoped he could keep the homeland from finding out. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be as he got a call from the last person he wanted to talk to about his performance as Viceroy.
"I am terribly sorry to contact you this early in the morning. Clovis. But as both the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Empire, there is a matter upon which I must talk to you about."
This came from a man a bit older than with short blonde hair and light purple eyes. He wore a royal grab consisting of a white coat trimmed with gold and black. Underneath, he wore a purple uniform also trimmed with gold complete with a white cravat. On his hands were white gloves with matching pants and black shoes.
He was Schneizel el Britannia, Clovis's older step-brother and probably second in command for the whole Empire in a sense despite being the Second Prince.
"Forgive me, brother. I had a difficult day yesterday."
"So I have heard Clovis," Schneizel commented, causing Clovis's blood to drain from his face. "I am aware of the disaster in Shinjuku Ghetto; I heard from the division under my command in that area."
Unable to look at his older brother, Clovis couldn't mutter the words, but his silence and his body language was enough for Schneizel.
"I apologize to be the bearer of bad news. brother. But effective immediately, the Emperor has deemed you incapable of properly managing Area 11 and the decision has been made to replace you."
"What…Please, brother, let me explain!"
"I am sorry, Clovis. For three years, the situation in Area 11 has worsened instead of improving. With yesterday's incident, the homeland can no longer turn a blind eye. I assure that you will retain your inheritance and royal privileges, but you will be reassigned to a station more befitting of your talents."
"Isn't there anything that can be done?"
"I am afraid not. You are to remain in Area 11 until Cornelia arrives to relieve you as Viceroy."
"Cornelia is coming here!?" Clovis said with a look of shock. "I thought she was fighting in the Middle Eastern Federation!"
"Yes, but she is expected to finish establishing Area 18 within the next few days. Once she's done, she'll be coming here," Schneizel answered.
"I see, so there is nothing I can do then."
"The decision is final. Try to maintain a low profile to avoid further damage to your reputation."
Later that morning back at Ashford Academy, the former prince of Britannia managed to barely survive the morning exercise regime. Lelouch was trying to rest and recover from that workout as he slowly nodded off. A certain someone then proceeded to beat him over the head with a rolled up piece of paper.
"Wake up, Lelouch!"
Lelouch was rudely awoken by one Milly Ashford.
"I know you fell asleep because your hand stopped moving!"
"Well, you don't have to beat me up over it," Lelouch said shooing the rolled up paper away.
"Serves you right for ditching me yesterday," Rivalz mockingly pointed out.
"Yeah, what was up with you yesterday?" Shirley demanded as Lelouch tried to dodge the question. Milly then stepped in with the rolled up paper in her hands, taking a more authoritative stance.
"That's enough you guys, let's not get sidetracked here," Milly declared before adding. "If we don't come up with a fix for the school's activity budget then there won't be any money left for anything at all."
"If it comes to that point," Nina said sitting in her usual spot, the corner of the room at her computer.
"The Equestrian Club will be pissed. We don't want them coming in here riding on horseback!" Rivalz said light heartily.
"Rivalz, can't you take this a little more seriously?" Milly asked before Shirley jumped in.
"You know, you could have told us about this yesterday."
"I would have to say a day later. Then, we would have given up," Rivalz noted jokingly as Lelouch was quick to agree.
"Good idea. We can still do that."
"GUTS!"
Everyone else in the room shuddered at Milly's use of the word prompting Rivalz to comment.
"You are not using that 'Guts' spell again, are you?"
"Yep," Milly replied with a coy smile. "I want you people to be putting your all into this."
"I really don't think your magic is going to do a whole lot." Lelouch pointed out, but instead Shirley raised her and hand and spoke up.
"Actually, it got me going Madam President!"
"Supple and willing, I like that."
"I train hard at the gymnastics club!"
"That is not what I was getting at," Milly corrected as she eyed Shirley. "You're a ten." Shirley was genuinely confused for a moment before everyone else realized what Milly was referring to. "From what I see in the girl's bathroom anyway, you have been filling out in all of the right places, huh?"
Rivalz chuckled as he cast a glance at Shirley, prompting the orange haired woman to cover up her chest in embarrassment before shooting back.
"What are you talking about, you pervert!?"
Lelouch saw this would be a good time for an interruption. He noticed someone was missing and used that as an opportunity to steer the conversation in another direction.
"By the way, where is Quattro at?" Lelouch began before adding. "She would have been perfect for helping us out with the budget. She's good with numbers, after all."
"Oh her? Well...there was a special task I asked her to take care of for me. You remember the Student Self-Defense Force?"
"You mean, that bunch of vigilantes?" Lelouch inquired recognizing the name.
"Yes, as you know, they occupied one of the old clubhouse buildings on the far-side campus. They were a rouge cub to begin with, but due to some of their members having military and noble backgrounds, the school couldn't do much with them. However, there was an incident last week at the Toyko Concession, involving a hot dog stand which ended with one of them fighting the son of a powerful noble family. A misunderstanding, but when the police got involved, it really turned into a mess with most of the club members being arrested and expelled as a result."
So this noble whose son they harmed must have a lot of connections to pull that off, Lelouch thought.
"However, a few students remained and at the request of the police department and government bureau, the club is to be disbanded. But since the clubhouse is so old, the academy has decided to tear it down."
"I assume there is a problem with the remaining few members," Lelouch asked. His guess was spot on as Milly nodded..
"Well, some of the club members refuse to allow it to happen and even threats of being expelled haven't done much. We can't ask the police to go in, despite requesting it, since they haven't done anything wrong. The problem is that some of them are rumored to have access to firearms and the school is concerned about violence breaking out. So they asked if there was a way to resolve this peacefully. If they refuse still, then they will be kicked out of school, but getting them out of the club house without a violent conformation is the problem, especially if the bit about them having guns is true."
"Of course, if they did have guns, then we could just ask the police to get them out?" Shirley pointed out.
"Yeah, but we need proof." Rivalz added before Lelouch inquired. .
"So you sent Quattro?"
"But that's crazy she'll be-" Rivalz began worried for the young woman.
"She'll be fine," Lelouch said confident that nothing would happen. "In fact, I would worried more about those idiots than her."
Quattro was at present inside an old clubhouse, much smaller than the Student Council Clubhouse as it could only hold twenty-five people at most. Now, only eleven people remained, including the Student Council member currently inside. The rest were likely going to be serving a couple months to a few years in jail due to the incident that spiraled out of control at the Toyko Concession. Their overzealous tendency to enforce laws and promote discrimination against non-Britannians had gone overboard.
"So let me get this right, Miss Scaglietti, you are asking us to vacate the building and to disband."
"Yes, but I was asked to inform you that if you refused to leave peacefully, you will be expelled along with your fellow club members. At least, you will not go to jail," Quattro answered sweetly.
"Is that threat?" The current acting leader of the club asked. He was a young man about Lelouch's age with short brown hair and green eyes with a light muscular build likely a result of his military family background. Some of the other members were actually bigger and more bulkier than their leader, but Quattro wasn't the least bit worried as she stood before a table inside the room.
"Oh dear me no, but I wish to point out that your club was never actually recognized by the school. As a real club, that is, so I don't think it matters anyway." The girl replied before her sweet smile was replaced with an evil grin. "The way I see it you have two choices: either pick Option A, where you all leave the building peacefully and disband, or you can pick Option B. Trust me, you don't want to pick that option."
"How about Option C, we just kick your ass? You smart-ass bitch!" The leader declared.
"Okay then, Option B it is," Quattro replied as the members descended upon her.
The young woman responded by ducking the first punch thrown at her before countering with a vicious uppercut knocking the larger student off his feet. After impacting the wall and slumping to the ground unconscious, the other members of the club looked at their downed fellow club member with looks of shock.
"Holy shit! She knocked out Ted in one hit!" One member exclaimed prompting Quattro to crack her knuckles.
"So, do you intend to kick my ass or do you want to rethink your decision?"
"You can't take all of us you bitch! Everyone, GET HER!" The club's acting leader ordered as the remaining ten members moved to surround the woman, intending to overwhelm her with numbers.
I must remember to thank Miss Sayoko for the lessons, Quattro thought before she proceeded to take all of the remaining members of the self-defense club head on. The next student who got close to her was met with a kick to the face and stunned. Quattro grabbed and used him as a quick human shield against two other club members with fists swinging. They only beat up one of their own, allowing Quattro to get out of the circle they had formed.
A large bulky student turned around, only to meet four quick punches to the face before a right-hook sent him falling to the ground.
Three down…eight to go…
The young woman dodged a punch before delivering a powerful left hook before backing off from a second student. Jumping up, Quattro delivered a sweeping kick that knocked both of her attackers off their feet. Although one tried to stay on his feet, he was clearly reeling from the blow to the face. Seizing the chance, Quattro delivered a right hook, followed by right cross, sending the man falling back to the ground. Six students remaining, Quattro stood firm skillfully dodging and parrying punches and kicks before swiftly counterattacking.
One by one, they fell until at last the leader remained, who nervously looked at his fallen and battered members.
"So, how about you just surrender?"
"Surrender…no…no…fucking way!" The blonde haired young man said as he was clearly losing it, which caused him to pull out a handgun. Quattro didn't seem surprised or afraid, but rather it merely confirmed her suspicions.
As Milly and I suspected ,the club members do possess some firearms.
Laughing like a madman, the student pulled the trigger, but Quattro dodged the bullet. Before the student realized it, the gun was ripped from his hands. Then he was punched in the face a couple times in rapid succession before a sweeping kick knocked him off his feet. Yet as he fell back, Quattro brought her right hand down, delivering a bone break shot to the student's family jewels.
The student tried to scream out in pain, but a quick kick to the face knocked him.
Sometime later after regaining consciousness, the now former leader of the Self-Defense Club found himself on the hood of a police patrol car being handcuffed.
"So, you are finally awake. You are under arrest for illegal possession of arms as well as twelve counts of harassment, terroristic threatening and one count of attempted murder." The lead officer said as the remaining members of the club were already handcuffed being loaded onto a waiting police truck to ship them off to jail.
"I hope all of you will enjoy your time in jail." Quattro replied waving good-bye with a sweet smile.
"HOLD ON, WHAT ABOUT HER?" The leader shouted out struggling against the two officers holding him.
"She fought back in self-defense," The office replied before he added "Besides, she had a small camera on her so we got a recording of everything that happened."
"I guess I was lucky I had a hidden camera on me huh," Quattro replied with a cheeky smile, but she went in knowing she would need it despite her claims.
"We had heard rumors that your club was in possession of guns, but I am glad to know that she was more than capable of handling herself." An aged man in his late sixties said wearing a black suit.
"We were called after she fought all of you punks off." The officer added as two more of his men hauled the teen away. "Thank you, Miss Scaglietti, for your handling of the situation. I never would have thought these kids had such weapons on a campus like this, especially after that incident recently."
"Oh, not at all, officer. I am happy to do my part."
"I should also thank you for your help, Miss Scaglietti. I am glad my granddaughter has a capable member of the student council."
"It was nothing, Mr. Ashford," Quattro replied to Ruben Ashford the headmaster of the academy. The two watched as the remainder of the Student-Self-Defense Force was shipped off, thus effectively disbanding its club. She knew they wouldn't disband without a fight. But on the other hand, it did give her a chance to practice her new skills she had been learning.
After the police hauled the students away, Quattro was smiled, having completed her mission. She returned to the site of the now empty clubroom, where a bulldozer and its driver was waiting for the signal.
"Alright, time to tear that building down," Quattro called out happily as she signaled the bulldozer driver to go to work. Then the young woman watched with satisfaction as the old crumbling club house was torn down.
Mission Accomplished…
Meanwhile above the Earth, in her small outpost observation center, Ginga was having a video conversation with her superior. It was a man with black hair and a mustache, wearing a Dimensional Navy Uniform, who was over the observation posts for Area 11. After receiving her report regarding what had happened yesterday, she was contacted the following day. Once again after explaining everything that had happened in detail, her superior eyed the printed copy of her report before addressing Ginga on his screen.
"...And you allowed the suspect to make his escape."
"I have no excuse sir." Ginga admitted her mistake. Her head is covered with bandages and there is a band-aid on her left cheek. As for her pride, it's been crushed when the criminal she chased shot her down and overpowered her. To add insult to injuries, she had no choice but to return to her outpost station empty-handed and report her failure.
The paper work is also tedious as she wrote everything what happened to her. Truthfully, it makes her feel like a rookie on her first day on the job.
Her superior sighed. "Commander Gaiz is going to have my head for this...Too bad our hands are too full with this Mandarin character and his terrorist attack on Mid-Childa." He can feel a migraine once his superior officer Regius hears about this. The older man can feel his eardrums break under the Ground Forces commander scream, with the report for the incident tossed at his face. "Fix this Nakajima. As your commanding officer, I order you to capture this criminal as soon as possible."
"Yes, sir," Ginga saluted, feeling disappointed with herself. Now that uncomfortable part of her day was done, she decided to contact her father. It wasn't long before his face appeared on-screen.
"Ginga, I am glad to hear from you."
"Father, I just heard about what happened back home yesterday."
"Yes, we were suddenly attacked by three drones of unknown origins so far. The technology is unlike anything we've seen before. Only one of the three was destroyed, thanks to the efforts of Instructor Takamachi and Warrant Officer Vita Yagami, but the other two machines escaped."
"Are they alright?"
"Vita sustained more injuries, but nothing life threatening. Instructor Takamachi, on the other hand, sustained light injuries with some hearing damage…She is being released from the hospital today, so I assume that she has recovered."
"I see, but what about Subaru?"
"She was with her fellow academy trainees away from the city at the time of the attack. Maneuvers training out in the field." Genya replied as Ginga breathed a sigh of relief. "We're taking care of things here, but what happened to you?"
"Oh," Ginga said almost forgetting her injuries. "Well, I had a bit of an incident yesterday. I discovered a mage using magic openly to win a battle against the Britannian Military. It was in former Japan's Shinjuku Ghetto."
"A Mage? Anyone we know?"
"No, I ran his picture through our records, but nothing came up. He wore a mask, which made it even more difficult. He wielded an unusual Intelligent Device and used a magic system I have never seen before."
"Really? Could I see a copy of your mission report?"
"Sure, I still have it saved; I'll send you a copy."
Elsewhere on Mid-Childa, Nanoha and Signum were currently spending the day together, following their respective discharges from the hospital after receiving a clean bill of health thanks to Shamal's efforts. Nanoha was strictly ordered to take a few days off to recover returning to active duty as her superiors put it. Although physically fine, it was a question if the Ace of Aces was fine on the inside, considering what had happened.
"Here you two go...on the house," Shiro Takamachi said delivering the drinks that his daughter and friend asked for. They were more than willing to pay for it, but after hearing what befell the two women recently, he decided to cover it for them.
"Thanks, dad," Nanoha said managing a weak smile, but she was deeply saddened over the loss of her students.
"Thank you, Mr. Takamachi," Signum said politely, although she was able to better mask her own feelings on the recent savage attack yesterday.
Nanoha and Signum sat together at a table within the Midori-ya, the Takamachi family's new café they opened on Mid-Childa following their relocation. Although she was free to return to active duty it, considering what had happened to her friend, Signum decided to keep an eye on Nanoha. She believed that perhaps a day together with Nanoha would be the best medicine.
"So," Shiro began before asking. "Has the Bureau made any progress towards catching those responsible? I saw that broadcast from yesterday."
Nanoha was stunned, but seeing this Signum took over the conversation.
"Not yet, but the problem is that we have nothing to follow on. The emblem we recovered from one of the machines matches the emblem we saw on the broadcast. It proves that this 'Logos' produced the robots involved in the attack. In addition, the technology used in their design was unlike anything the TSAB saw before. Some of their weaponry, however, seemed to have been inspired by rail cannon technology and the chaos mines used by the Britannian Military on Earth."
"So, could these terrorists have Earth-based origins?"
"I don't think so, but their weapons might have inspired those used on the machines."
"I see, but didn't you fight one of them?"
"I did," Signum said recalling the large muscular man.
At first she thought the man was wearing advance barrier jacket of some kind, but it was during their battle did she realize the man had undergone a full cybernetic conversion process. It amounted to trading parts of his body like used car parts for powerful cybernetic limbs. His possession of his katana-styled Armed Device was also a sign of magic potential and skill. But during their actual battle, Signum noticed the man didn't have too much combat experience with magic, meaning he must have learned only recently. It was still merely a question when his instruction began; based on her observations, Signum expected the man had at least a couple years worth of training. However, his swordsman skills were another story as the man seemed to be highly skilled with a katana and close quarters combat.
No doubt about it, he had military training at least.
Signum was wounded due to the man's use of dirty tactics and hidden weapons within his sword, which left the Wolkenritter leader furious. It wasn't a defeat since the battle was left unfinished in some respect, but to allow such a blow to be delivered upon her by a foe using cheap and deceptive tactics left a bad taste in her mouth.
"I am certain I could have apprehended him if he didn't use such a dirty trick against me with his katana."
"What kind of trick?" Shiro asked curious.
"During the final stage of our battle, he hit me with a bullet concealed within the bottom of its hilt. I was open for a second attack upon which he took the opportunity and struck me with his sword."
"I know that trick. It was used by members of the Japanese Special Forces. Those who wielded katana blades sometimes modified them to possess a bullet concealed within the hilt. It wasn't popular for its dishonorable nature, but was more accepted for intelligence missions or assassinations," Shiro imitated the movements for proper usage of the technique in question.
"That's it!" Signum pointed out genuinely surprised.
"Japanese Special Forces..." Nanoha began seemingly shocked.
"Well, I was a bodyguard before I married your mother and spent some time in the military before then. Some of the people I protected had Special Forces members who employed that method. It worked to kill an enemy with a surprise attack if used just right."
"I see," Signum said, wondering if some of these terrorists had connections to Earth. It seemed unlikely, but the very limited amount of evidence they had so far seemed to suggest otherwise.
Fate was regrettably still on active duty and couldn't be with Nanoha due to her duty as an Enforcer, presently accompanying Hayate. The two were meeting an old acquaintance at the TSAB Main Branch Engineering Division Research Lab, where remains of the machine Nanoha and Vita had fought had been brought for analysis, hoping to determine where it came from and who built it. The duo entered a large room, where the almost intact right-wing of the machine laid.
For safety reasons, other pieces were being examined in separate rooms and locations nearby.
However, the right-wing was the most intact portion. Waiting for them with a white hard-hat was a young woman about twenty four years of age. With short pale green hair and light yellow eyes wearing glasses over them, she wore the blue uniform of the TSAB and a white lab coat over it.
"Thank you both for coming," Mariel Atenza said greeting the two women.
"Not at all," Hayate replied with a smile as Fate asked.
"I hope you and your team were successful in finding something."
Mariel sighed before she noted.
"I've been asked that question every hour and my team worked all night since these remains were delivered to us."
"I am sorry," Fate apologizing, but the older woman understood.
"I understand Fate, but this machine is unlike anything we have seen before. Our main problem is that there is very little left of it intact. Whoever designed it installed a well thought out self-destruct system, which left us with very little to examine. However, this limb that Nanoha managed to shoot off is still partly intact. It's not much, but the technology unbelievable. Even the gadget drones we have begun seeing two years ago don't compare to them."
"What!?" A shocked Hayate exclaimed. Mariel's worried expression was also alarming to say the least. The green-haired girl was clearly fascinated by technology, but the idea that someone managed to create such a deadly weapon was frightening at the same time.
"W-who designed this?" Fate inquired.
"I honestly don't know, but this…this goes against most of my knowledge. There is little to no magic outside of possibly energy sources. The rest is all hard physics and scientific knowhow. And the musculature in this," Mariel began using a small handheld device to bring up a small cross-section of the right-wing's internal workings near the joints, revealing small muscle like fibers. "Last year, I heard a scientist saying that this kind of fiber muscle technology could be possible in twenty years after researching the thesis of another scientist. Now I have a sample of such technology in front of me. Also, there is a dendritic energy transmission network all across the fiber, with a form of a mineral that my systems identify as a mineral ore known as Sakuradite."
Hayate was now rendered speechless for a few moments before she hesitantly asked. "What did you just say!?"
"E-eh!?"
"Repeat, what did you say at that last part?" Fate repeated.
"I double checked it, but the scan confirms its Sakuradite."
Fate and Hayate exchanged looks before the latter addressed the engineer. "Mariel, please make a copy of the report and put it in a data storage device. We'll be taking the data device straight to HQ."
"I understand…I kept the results of my examinations on an isolated terminal to protect it from outside hacking."
"Thank you," Fate said as Mariel prepared the drive, but Hayate was suspicious.
If Sakuradite was used, then it was likely part of its self-destruct system. That's must be why so much of its internal workings were destroyed while the right-wing remained almost intact.
The deeper they dug into the mystery of the Mandarin and his war machines, the darker the picture their investigation was painting.
Back at Ashford Academy, Lelouch, Shirley, Nina and Rivalz were walking into class just as the first period of the day was about to start. As the group entered the classroom, Shirley was still a bit incensed at what had happened with Milly.
"Geez, our president is just a dirty old man on the inside, sullying the meeting with her filthy mind."
"Yeah well, that is Milly for you," Nina said defending her long time childhood friend.
Rivalz chuckled trying to lighten the mood before pointing out.
"Look on the bright side. At least we got the budget balanced, didn't we?"
"Hello everyone," Quattro said greeting her fellow members of the Council as she was just arriving to class as well.
"Oh hey, Quattro, so we heard about what happened on the way here." Rivalz commented.
"We heard their leader pulled a gun on you?" Nina asked obviously concerned.
"I'm alright, it was nothing I couldn't handle." Quattro replied with a sweet smile before Lelouch added.
"See? I told you she could handle it."
"Thank you for having such faith in me, Lelouch," Quattro said as she stepped closer to him, putting a hand on his shoulder in an affectionate manner which irritated Shirley.
As everyone entered the classroom, a group of students were gathered before another sitting at one of the desks near the center of the classroom. She had familiar red hair, although it was styled differently, the eyes and her voice…there was no mistake as Lelouch set eyes upon her.
"Kallen, it has been ages!" One female student said joyously.
"Are you alright? Sophie has been worried sick!"
"Yeah, I just have to go easy for a little while," Kallen replied as Lelouch instantly recognized her.
Of course, that is why she is so familiar.
"Anyway, if I stay home any longer, then I'll never catch up," Kallen explained to her friends as Lelouch took his seat near the back by the window. It wasn't long before Quattro joined him, having noticed his interest in Kallen.
"I didn't know you had a preference for redheads."
"It's nothing like that, but this is a rare event. She hasn't been here since this semester started."
"Indeed," Quattro replied as she narrowed her eyes, hinting that she knew more than she was letting on, prompting Lelouch to open a telepathic conversation with her.
Okay, what do you know?
What are you talking about?
Don't play innocent with me, Quattro; I know you keep tabs and information on most of the students.
Ah, so you want to know about Kallen Stadtfeld? Well, as far as the people of the school know, she is the only child of the Stadtfeld Family who is one of Area 11's richest noble families. She appears to be sickly and has a long track record of absences, her grades are still among the top in the class. She was barely in school last semester, but what people don't know is that she actually prefers the name Kallen Kozuki.
What?!
Here at Ashford Academy, she puts on the front of a sickly student. In truth, she is a half-blood Britannian with a Japanese mother, actively taking part in resistance activities with her brother's resistance cell.
WHAT?!
Lelouch nearly fell out of his chair, but caught himself.
You knew about this and didn't mention it?
Well, of course, I did! I knew she took part in the battle yesterday. I recognized her voice on the radio myself.
And you didn't tell me why?
Simple…it's because you didn't ask.
Lelouch groaned mentally at the remark, but it wasn't long before Quattro inquired about something in regards to the girl.
So, are you contemplating we recruit her?
Does she have magical talent?
Nothing I noticed so far, but I can't say for sure until we can test her, although you know the chances are slim, Quattro replied mentally as class began. The two formulated a plan on what to do with Kallen with this information in mind.
We'll wait for now. When the time is right, then we'll reconsider.
Sounds good to me, Quattro thought before almost forgetting something. By the way, since we're on the subject of Kallen, I almost forgot.
What is it?
Tomorrow, the President wants us to induct Kallen into the Student Council. That could be a good time to begin your little scheme.
I see…Sounds like a sound idea.
Later that night, after the sun had set, Lelouch was looking forward to dinner tonight with his little sister. He knew he was coming home late, but as the former prince entered his sister's room, he saw her sitting in a chair with a white and green gown and white slippers on her feet. On her shoulder sat a white plushie-style kitten with red button eyes. She had long curly sandy brown hair and a fair skin complexion. Sitting across from her on the round table was a Japanese woman with short brown hair and brown eyes, wearing the traditional black maid uniform complete with the white hat and apron.
"Well…what shall we do? He may be late again this evening," Sayoko Shinozaki said to the girl she watched over.
"I'll wait…he said we would have dinner tonight," Nunnally Lamperouge answered as Sayoko smiled, just as she finished folding an origami crane out of pink paper.
"There, it's finished now," Sayoko handed the completed crane to the young girl, who reached out for it, expecting it in her hands.
The plushie cat's head moved, looking at the crane. What few realized was that the plushie cat acted as a type of sonar for Nunnally. Created by Peter Vanderfloog, it gave her a form of sight thanks to a link between them. In a way, the cat was a Hybrid Intelligent Device.
"Is it some kind of bird?"
"Yes, it's a crane," Sayoko replied.
"Wow, the Japanese are so skillful," Nunnally commented as Sayoko smiled, but Nunnally noticed something all of a sudden.
"Nunnally-sama?" Sayoko asked.
Moments later, the door opened and Lelouch walked in.
"I'm sorry for being so late," Lelouch said, walking into the room.
"Hi, Lelouch; welcome home," Nunnally greeted followed by Sayoko who did the same addressing the former prince.
"Yes, welcome home, milord."
"There is no place like it, Sayoko, right Nunnally?"
A half-hour later after changing into more casual clothing, consisting of black jeans with a sleeveless black shirt and a brown jacket trimmed with black, Lelouch sat at the dining room table and ate with his sister. Nunnally no longer needed her wheelchair as she did before and used a pink cane to move around. Her ability to walk was restored a few months ago, thanks to Vanderfloog and the technology he possessed. But she still needed some physical therapy, having not used her legs since she was six years old.
"Miss Sayoko was just teaching me the art of origami; fold a piece of paper the correct way and you can make boats, birds, almost anything." Nunnally explained before taking a spoonful of soup into her mouth. The girl was a little too eager to tell her brother, which caused some soup to slip out of her mouth.
"Easy," Lelouch said, picking up a napkin to wipe her mouth clean. "You don't have to tell me everything all at once. It's not like I am going anywhere."
"Yeah…you're right, thank you," The sandy brown-haired girl said.
"You're very welcome," The former prince replied as Nunnally giggled.
"I am so happy," Nunnally commented before she suddenly adopted a more serious expression. "Because last night you scared me a little…I heard about that fight you got into and thought you weren't coming back. I am glad Quattro helped you out of it."
"Sorry about that…I just wasn't expecting that to happen."
"But I," Nunnally was going to say, but decided to push the matter aside, not wishing to talk anymore of the Shinjuku Incident. "Well, I am just glad you are okay, but you know something." Nunnally held up one of the pink cranes Sayoko had made. "If you fold a thousand of these, your wish will come true. So is there anything at all you have been wishing for?"
"No, not really. What about you? Do you wish for anything?" Lelouch asked before Nunnally gave the idea some thought.
"I wish the world was a gentler place."
"When the time comes that you can open your eyes again, I am sure it will be."
"Really?" Nunnally asked hopefully.
"Yes, I promise."
Lelouch looked at his younger sister kindly. Deep down, he knew something would have to be done to bring about the world his younger sister wants.
The truth is, there are very few paths our futures can take. The Ashford Family is sheltering us for now, but how long can that last? Even though Graham and Vanderfloog are working together with us, if our secret was ever exposed, Nunnally could end up as a political tool or a casualty of royal ambition, Lelouch thought, knowing that he could escape capture, but Nunnally was more at risk. I have to make a world where Nunnally can find happiness at least.
Suddenly, Lelouch's thoughts were interrupted when Nunnally picked up his hands. The pinky of his right hand was hooked with her own.
"Sayoko taught me this the other day. It's called a Japanese promise," Nunnally explained before she began chanting in a song-like fashion. "Cross my heart…hope to die…eat a thousand needles if I lie, pinky promise song…hee hee!"
Lelouch was a little stunned before he spoke.
"Well, that's kinda scary. I might end up eating a thousand needles someday."
"That's right, so I better not catch you telling any lies, okay?"
"Don't worry, I'll never lie. I swear," Lelouch said before thinking.
Not to you at least…
"Then no more dangerous stunts like you did in Shinjuku, okay?"
"Well, uh..." Lelouch rubbed the back of his head.
An hour after midnight within the bedroom of one of the TSAB's Board of Directors and a Knight of the Saint Church, located in the Grand Cathedral in Northern Mid-Childa, was a young woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes. Wearing a white nightgown, she was seated at her desk with a cup of tea nearby. It was clear the young woman was having difficulty sleeping. Quiet for a time, Carim Gracia opened a drawer on her right hand side, where a stack of paper tied together with a string laid. Upon undoing the tie holding the stack together, Carim used her Rare Skill: Prophetin Schriften.
As the papers formed a circle around her glowing yellow, a new prophecy was being written, where upon the following would be seen once the translation was complete.
From the savage seas, three terrible beasts, whose cries will paralyze even the stalwart warrior, will herald the coming of the Kings of Revolution as our age nears its end. Born from betrayal and loss will arise the Dragon King, who shall usher in the destruction of law and blanket all seas in darkness. However, from a far-away land no longer free, the Demon King, born of loss and sorrow, shall lead us towards an age of peace shall as he rises up with his Knights. The Iron Maiden, the Fallen Jester and the White Devil shall guide one of the kings to decide our fate. Yet be warned, upon the return to the roots of Gaea, one king must fall. With his fall a new age shall begin. The age that shall come will be by the will of the victor of the war between the two Kings.
Carim then began the translation.
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Chapter 6: His Name is Zero
Sorry for the delay, but the next chapter is finished in proofreading at least to my standards. The end will give a some revelations involving one of the OCs to this fic.
The next day Lelouch finished class, he and Kallen Stadtfeld were standing together inside the student council clubhouse, specifically inside the ballroom that never saw much use. Just the same, it worked well as a good meeting spot. Kallen was wondering why Lelouch, the Vice-President of the Student Council would bring her to this place. But Lelouch didn't show any hints of surprise or intention to harm.
"I didn't even know this room existed."
"It's the clubhouse for the Student Council," Lelouch began before he explained. "Originally, it was built as a ballroom for various special occasions."
"I see, but why did you bring me here?"
Before Lelouch can answer, Shirley's voice was heard from the top of the stairs.
"Here it is, I found it!" Shirley called standing up holding up a small microchip.
Nina and Rivalz were soon seen joining them as the black-haired girl accepted the microchip.
"Thank goodness, you found the lab data."
"Well, thank goodness. My ass was killing me."
"Did you guys find it? Because I am finished on my end," Milly said as she entered the room from the bottom floor, wheeling in a cart loaded with a couple of freshly prepared dishes. The young woman herself was wearing a blue apron.
"Oh, wow!" Rivalz said, impressed by the small buffet being laid out on the table.
"Way to go, Milly!" Shirley exclaimed cheerfully.
"You adore me, I know."
"So, just about everyone is here," Quattro said, arriving with a plate of cookies. Besides a few fighting lessons, the combat cyborg found partly by accident that she was a natural when it came to making baked goods.
"What is all of this?" Kallen inquired.
"Oh…Lelouch didn't tell you yet," Milly said as she stopped setting the table. "We're going to induct you into the Student Council. It was my grandfather's idea."
"The headmaster?" Kallen asked, knowing Milly's grandfather as the headmaster of the academy.
"Well, with your poor health, he thought being a part of the Student Council might be a little easier on you than joining any of the other clubs." Milly explained before turning to face Kallen to introduce herself. "I am Milly, by the way, President of the Council. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Thank you, the pleasure is all mine," Kallen replied politely.
"I am Rivalz, the secretary. If there is anything you need help with, I am your man."
"Hi, I am Shirley, alsa member of the swim club. Welcome!" Shirley greeted before Nina introduced herself.
"Uh…Hi there, my name is Nina. Nice to meet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Kallen replied as an unofficial member of the council was holding a pizza box in one hand while using the other for her cane. Following behind her was Quattro, who went to help Nunnally to set the pizza upon the table after depositing the cookies.
"Nunnally, where are you doing here?" Lelouch asked.
"This is Lelouch's sister," Milly said, prompting Nunnally to speak.
"I am still in the middle school group, so I can't be a part of the council yet."
"That's alright, but you are still a member to us," Rivalz said, willing to declare Nunnally an unofficial member of the council.
"Hello, its pleasure to meet you, Kallen," Nunnally said after putting the pizza box down.
"Thank you, you as well," the red-haired girl replied.
"Right," Rivalz said putting a bottle of Moet & Chanbon champagne on the table. "Shall we kick this off with a toast?"
"Huh, champagne?" Shirley asked, clearly confused by the appearance of the bottle as Nina questioned.
"Yeah, but we're on the Student Council. We shouldn't."
"Oh come on, loosen up, you guys," Rivalz said before trying to open it as Shirley tried to stop him.
"No way, we're going to get in trouble!"
Shirley began to take the bottle from Rivalz's hands. As they struggled, Nunnally was aware of what was going on, but her sonar detection she had could only show her so much. Milly brought a chair and gestured for Nunnally to sit down before giving her a glass of juice.
"Here you go, Nunnally."
"Lelouch, heads up!" Rivalz called out as he tossed the bottle to Lelouch who caught it, but Shirley went after him.
After a short struggle, Lelouch fell back on his rear, which caused the cork of the bottle to pop off. Although Kallen swat the flying projectile away, she was hit in the head by a steady stream of champagne soaking her.
"What just happened?" Nunnally asked as everyone else was badly embarrassed.
As Milly and Shirley were washing clothes, the young woman who got soaked was in the shower. The redhead was almost done, but she still needed a change.
"This is why I hate Britannians," Kallen grumbled before a knock was heard at the door.
"This is Lelouch. I brought some clothes, could I come in?"
"Sure, I drew the curtain back already," Kallen replied, closing the curtain before it opened moments later.
"Sorry about this," Lelouch stepped in with some clothes in his hands, trying not to look at the shower out of common courtesy for the young woman. "I know they can be a little over the top."
"That's okay. There is nothing wrong with cutting loose every once in a while."
"These are some of my clothes. I hope that's ok," Lelouch revealed as he put the clothes into a basket near the shower.
"Don't worry about it, but how did you manage to get to the boy's dorm and back so quickly?"
"I live here actually," Lelouch explained, surprising Kallen. "It would be hard for my sister to live in the dorms, so the headmaster lets us stay here as a favor."
"I see…"
"Anyway, I'll let you get to finishing up. Later," Lelouch then left the room. After the door closed, the redhead peeked to make sure the young man was gone. Kallen then went back to showering, but a pink pouch she carried was picked up by an invisible hand before a small note was slipped inside.
There we go, thought the invisible figure as it slipped back to her hiding place to wait until she could slip away. Just need to wait for Kallen to find it.
I dropped off the note, Lelouch.
Good job. Thank you, Quattro. How are preparations for our plan?
The twins tell me it should be ready by tomorrow, Quattro replied.
Good. If we play out our planned script, everything should fall into place. Provided nothing unexpected happens of course.
Then all that will be left is to destroy Clovis's career, Quattro thought evilly.
The following morning at the TSAB Mid-Childan Main Office in Cranagan, a meeting was being held between the leadership of Time Space Administration Bureau admirals, along with a few chosen others. The three legendary admirals were present, consisting of Leone Phils, Largo Kiel, and Midget Crowbel. Major Genya Nakajima and Major General Carim Gracia were also present. After the last few people who were summoned arrived, Carim took a seat and thought.
It's been a long time since the admirals have been gathered in one place.
Beginning the meeting a woman in her late fifties with gray hair styled into a braided ponytail, wearing a blue and white uniform.
"Thank you all for coming," Midget Crowbel, the Bureau Chief of Staff, began before adding. "To begin in our assessment of the Mandarin's capabilities, having examined the remains of the destroyed machine that attacked Cranagan, we have dubbed this Wyvern Drone Incident. That's the code name we have given the three drones."
"Director Atenza will explain the capabilities and design of these machines," Leone Phils, a man close to Midget's age with a black and gray officer's uniform, said gesturing for Mariel to address the gathering.
"Thank you," Mariel said adjusting her glasses before speaking. "The large drone we examined is nothing like the Gadget Drones we encountered in the last few years. Their technology is too different, far more advanced than anything I have seen before."
Using a remote she picked up from the table, Mariel pushed a button to show the same cross-sections of the wrecked right wing.
"Unlike the Gadget Drones, these machines use a type of muscle fiber made from carbon nanotubes for movement. Its size and flexibility make it a highly ideal component to give the machines high mobility and more life-like movements. Using such technology also leaves plenty of internal space, allowing whoever designed it to install a wide range of weapons," Mariel explained further using her remote to show the gathered leadership slides of Vita and Nanoha's fight as the drone displayed its weapons. "The fibers contract and move like a real muscle, giving these machines more organic inner-workings. No one has yet to develop technology like this anywhere among the TSAB administrated worlds; at the present, it only exists theoretically on paper. We tried to conduct further investigation on the other remains, but the self-destruct system these drones carried were very effective. Using a substance we identified as 'liquid sakuradite', it's detonated along with the main body to destroy the internal components, making an examination of them impossible. We discovered traces of it inside the right wing that was still partly intact, which did not blow with the rest of the body."
"I see. So what of the cyborg soldiers? Did your investigation reveal anything further?" Midget inquired.
"Most of them exploded like the larger drone did, but from my initial examinations, I am certain these men had undergone full cybernetic conversation. The lack of organic remains suggest they had their bodies from the neck down replaced with cybernetic components."
A few admirals gasped at the thought of so many people willing to undergo such a radical conversation process.
"How could this happen? How didn't we get any warning of this attack!?"
The outburst came from a large man. He was not really obese per sec, but quite large with brown hair and a beard. He wore a blue and white uniform with the rank of Lieutenant General. His name was Regius Gaiz, Commander of Cranagan Defense Forces.
"Lieutenant General Gaiz," Midget said rising from her chair. "We are all not pleased about recent events, but we are holding this meeting to plan our counterattack against this Mandarin. In the process, we must devise new defense plans and counters against his forces."
Back on Earth at Toyko Tower, or rather what remained of it, Kallen was presently wandering around the museum for Britannia's victory over Japan. She headed to the observation deck, where she was to meet with the man who helped them achieved victory a few days ago.
Yesterday afternoon, a note had been left for her, instructing her to come to Toyko Tower. It was from not only the man at Shinjuku, but someone who was also fully aware of her dual identity.
1600 hours, but why at Toyko Tower of all places? Kallen thought. trying the unknown savor. It was one minute after 16:00, but there was no sign of anyone who might have been the man.
As a precaution, the young woman wasn't alone. She had contacted Ohgi and and two of his fellow resistance members and friends to watch over her.
"Who do you suppose contacted Kallen?" Kent Sugiyama said as the three walked together, acting causal to avoid attracting attention.
"I don't know," Ohgi began, feeling uncertain it was Kururugi who contacted them.
"Yeah, but he could've been arrested after dropping that note," Toru Yoshida pointed out. "What if this is a trap or something?"
"I don't like this, we should go," Sugiyama said before a PA announcement was heard overhead.
"Attention please; paging Miss Kallen Stadtfeld of Ashford Academy. One of your personal items has been turned in at the kiosk on the observation deck. I repeat..." The announcer was saying as Ohgi and others turned around, seeing Kallen was already gone.
A short time later, Kallen arrived at the kiosk. The attendant presented her with a cell phone.
"I assume this cell phone belongs to you, Miss Stadtfeld," the female attendant said as Kallen took the cell phone with a curious expression. "Is there something wrong? It is yours, isn't it?"
"Uh, yeah. Thank you so much," Kallen replied before walking away to the observation balcony.
"Oh yeah, there is no debating it. Life is better here, thanks to Prince Clovis. I mean we were only able to rebuild this quickly because of Britannia." Ohgi said, trying to blend in as his companions walked up to the balcony. Around the same time, the cell phone began ringing with the caller ID showing only one name.
"Zero?" Kallen muttered looking over to Ohgi who nodded before the young woman answered the incoming call. "Uh, hello?"
"I want you to board the outbound train on loop line five and bring your friends."
"What?" Kallen replied actually shocked that this Zero knew about Ohgi and his companions following her or perhaps it was part of the plan the whole time.
"If you want to meet, then you best be there. Once you're on board, I'll contact you again."
Following the meeting, there were two other attendees aside Genya Nakajima. One was a twenty-one year old young man with black hair and dark blue eyes, wearing the uniform of an admiral of the TSAB Navy. Next to him was an older woman with long light green hair styled into a top-knot ponytail. Like her son, Lindy Harlaown was dressed in an officer's uniform with the same rank as her son, although rumor was that she was planned on retiring soon. The last two present were Hayate and Fate, invited after the meeting to discuss the results and the TSAB's plans for dealing with the Mandarin.
The group was at the Grand Cathedral of the Belkan Self-Govern Area, invited for a late lunch by Carim Gracia. Chrono Harlaown sat next to his mother and Fate while the group chatted about the meeting, waiting for their host to come.
"So other than tightening defenses and conducting searches, the higher-ups don't have any possible leads on the Mandarin?" Hayate asked sadly.
"Yes, but the problem is the evidence. We have too little to tell us anything further that could provide us with a trail to follow." Chrono replied.
"None of the admirals were happy about it, but that's where we stand right now." Genya added.
"Not that I blame them," Lindy commented before Hayate added.
"The only thing we have is that these drones and the leader Signum fought were connected to Earth."
"The leader," Chrono inquired. "I heard about the report where Signum faced the possible field commander for the whole attack, based on her assessment."
"Yes, but Signum mentioned to me that while with Nanoha at her parents' café, her father mentioned the weaponized hilt trick being was used by members of the Japanese Special Forces. Not a popular choice for samurai, but virtually identical when Nanoha's father demonstrated the fighting stance for its use."
Genya, Lindy and Chrono exchanged looks before Genya added.
"Well, there is no denying that the cyborg soldiers military training. But the fact they could have come from a primitive world like Earth, no offense," Genya apologized, looking to Hayate.
"Yet, there is the use of sakuradite, which is only richly found on Earth to our knowledge." Lindy pointed out, which had become increasingly popular among terrorist and criminal organizations as a component to make small compact bombs.
"Well, there might be something else. I don't know if it's related, but," Genya began but was interrupted when the door opened. Carim entered the dining room with her assistant, a young woman with short pink hair, light red eyes and wearing a black and white nun attire. Schach Nouera was wheeling in a tea cart as Carim took a seat next to Hayate.
"Forgive me for being late. I had a few things that stopped me along the way."
"It's alright, Carim. With all of the chaos happening in the last few days, I am not surprised you were delayed," Lindy said as Carim smiled at the older woman's understanding.
"Thank you, but maybe I should get to the real reason I called you all here."
"Is something wrong?" Fate asked.
"Not quite, but the other night, I had trouble sleeping. So I used my Prophetin Schriften."
"So you have a new prophecy?" Chrono inquired as Carim nodded in response.
"Yes and the prophecy I created was this," Carim said as she presented the interpreted prophecy. "From the savage seas, three terrible beasts whose cries will paralyze even the stalwart warrior will herald the coming of the Kings of revolution as our age nears its end. Born from betrayal and loss will arise the Dragon King, who shall usher in the destruction of law and blanket all seas in darkness. However, from a far-away land no longer free, the Demon King, born of loss and sorrow, shall lead us towards an age of peace as he rises up with his Knights. The Iron Maiden, the Fallen Jester and the White Devil shall guide one of the Kings to decide our fate. Yet be warned upon the return to the roots of Gaea; one King must fall, and with his fall, a new age shall begin. The age that shall come will be by the will of the victor of the war between the two Kings."
"By the Dragon King, you mean the Mandarin, but who is the Demon King?" Chrono asked.
"Three beasts from the sea, which must be those three Wyvern drones," Hayate pointed out as Carim also nodded before saying.
"My prophecy states that the coming of these Kings will bring about a great revolution, which could mean salvation for us or destruction. The Demon King is the one meant to stop the Mandarin."
"From a far-away land no longer free, the Demon King, born of loss and sorrow, shall lead us towards an age of peace shall rise up with his Knights. What could that mean?" Fate asked before Genya spoke up.
"Actually, we might have a possible suspect."
"You do," Lindy asked generally surprised.
"Yes," Genya said as he brought out a small pocket device to display his daughter's information. "I had wanted to talk to you about this later, Lindy, but I guess since the subject seemed more appropriate at this time. He's footage of a second mysterious man, another masked one my daughter attempted to arrest a few days ago."
"Where was this?"
"The Shinjuku Ghetto in Japan, now Area 11. According to her report, there was a massacre being carried out against the people living there; civilians including resistance fighters were being indiscriminately killed by the Britannian Military." The aged Major explained as the gathering was disgusted by the Britannian Military's actions. "However, the situation turned around suddenly when someone led them in a fierce counterattack, which devastated the Britannian Army and allowed them to escape. It ended when the leader of the resistance fighters confronted the Viceroy of Area 11, holding him at point-blank range with an Intelligence Device, model and type unknown, to force him to call off his forces."
Chrono, Fate, Hayate and Lindy were shocked before Genya brought up the recorded video of Ginga's confrontation with the masked man. The group observed the battle and his tactics, but the magic circle that appeared at his feet was the biggest eye catcher.
"What kind of magic system is that?" Carim asked as Genya was uncertain as she was.
"I don't know, but it isn't anything we have seen before."
"Could that be the Demon King?" Fate asked while Hayate silently observed the rest of the battle concluding with Ginga's defeat.
"I am surprised there hasn't been much mention of him yet. Didn't Ginga report this to her superior?" Chrono asked clearly suspicious.
"She did, but I assume Headquarters is simply too busy to deal with this issue as they got the Mandarin to contend with." Genya answered before Lindy said.
"Materials and people from Earth, but now this…Just what is going on?"
No one had an answer, but Chrono had his suspicions.
Back on Earth, a train was speeding across the rails, passing along the edge that separated the Britannian Settlement from the Ghettos. Kallen was in one of the cars with Ohgi and his companions who were watching nearby. Kallen was waiting on the train, but the cell phone rang again, prompting the young woman to pick it up.
"What is it, now?"
"Face forward and look to your right. What do you see?"
"The Britannian City, it was stolen away from us and built on our sacrifice."
"And on the left?" the caller asked.
"I see our city; remnants of a desecrated city after the Britannians sucked it dry."
"Good answer; Now, make your way to the front of the train."
After hanging up, Kallen and the others made their way to the front, hoping to find the mysterious caller from Shinjuku. As they neared, they noticed how crowded it got, but upon reaching the last car they found it empty, save for a lone figure standing at the opposite end with his back turned.
"This is too weird. Could this be a trap?" Sugiyama commented before Kallen demanded.
"Well, was that you in Shinjuku? Was that retreat order your doing?"
"Hey, we're talking to you!" Yoshida demanded as the man turned around.
He stood before them, wearing a two piece tight dark purple suit with golden stripes and long, wrapped sleeves. The outfit was a combination of Victorian fashion with that of a sleek bodysuit, elegant but practical. Worn over it was a black and gold cloak with crimson spandex inside and an enormous black cape encircling the head. Its immediately recognizable feature was a spiky black and indigo mask with a long variation of a gold bird-like emblem stretched over its bottom, completely hiding the wearer's face. Completing the attire was a pair of long black leather gloves and a white cravat.
The figure turned around addressing Kallen and the others asking a simple question.
"What do you think of my tour of the settlement?"
"Your tour?" Ohgi asked confused before Sugiyama commented.
"Oh come on, it couldn't have been this joker."
"I wanted you to fully grasp the two: The Settlement and the Ghetto." the man said, spreading out his arms and revealing the rest of his body suit he worn underneath. He gestured out to the two different areas on the sides of the train.
"Yeah, we know," Ohgi began stepping forward. "There is a difference between us and them, a very harsh one at that! And that's why we resist them!"
"You are wrong; Britannia will not fall to mere terrorism."
Fall, Ohgi contemplated his words carefully.
"It's little better than childish nuisance."
"What was that? You're calling us a bunch of kids!?" Sugiyama snapped, clearly offended by the statement.
"You should know your enemy; it's not people, but Britannia itself! It is a war you must wage, but not on the innocent! Take up your sword and fight for justice!"
"Oh please, that is all easy enough to say, isn't it? Hiding behind that mask, why should we even trust you?" Kallen shouted at the masked man as Yoshida also joined in.
"She's right! Lose the mask!"
"Right, are you going to show us your face or not?" Ohgi asked, but the man expected this.
"Very well, I'll show you...But rather than my face, bear witness to my power. If I can deliver to you the impossible, then I might have won your trust." Lelouch replied all the while he was smiling under the mask.
However, his moment was interrupted by an emergency call coming in. He brought out the phone he had been using to call Kallen.
"What is it?"
"Tell your friends that Clovis just gave orders for an airstrike against Shinjuku Ghetto," Quattro instructed on the other line.
"So he is going through it, but this quickly?" Lelouch was genuinely surprised at how early it was happening, but then again he knew Clovis would be feeling bitter about what had happened. They learned this when Quattro engaged in her usual hobby of information gathering. With what happened recently, she kept a close eye on military channels with the Viceroy Palace.
"Yeah, the chemical weapons and bunker busters are already moved to nearby airbase. It seems like he used other channels to get the orders though. He's likely trying to conduct the airstrike as quickly as possible to prevent any word of it getting to the people in Shinjuku. Tell them you got an ETA of four hours."
"WHAT'S GOING ON!?" Kallen asked, overhearing part of the conversation.
"Fine, I'll tell them," Lelouch hung up the phone as he returned attention to his visitors. "A problematic change in plans on the Britannians' part, but no change in the purpose of this meeting. The real reason I called you here was to alert you that the Britannian Military is planning a massive airstrike against Shinjuku Ghetto."
"Are you serious?" Ohgi replied as Lelouch nodded.
"Their excuse is to suppress chemical weapons in Shinjuku; their intent is to set up bombers with incendiaries and thermite. We have four hours to evacuate the ghetto before it burns for the four corners."
"Four hours!? How the hell are we going to evacuate the whole ghetto that quickly? People were just going back!" Sugiyama said before Yoshida added.
"The problem is convincing the people that an airstrike is coming."
"Then I'll buy you time," Lelouch spoke. "This is not what I had in mind as a demonstration of my power, but I shall do this. I'll stall for more time and if possible, I'll see if I can get Britannia to call off the airstrike."
"How the hell are you going to do that?"
Lelouch grinned under the masked before explaining his plan, although Quattro's intelligence help him the most in making preparations with the twins in building a little surprise he had devised.
Not exactly what I had in mind, but it's fortunate we were already preparing for a proper response…But this…this will work out to my favor far better than I had planned.
Almost four hours later, the sun had disappeared below the horizon as day gave way to night as a special party was happening at the Viceroy's Palace. Inside the lavished ballroom was a large gathering of over a dozen members of nobility, including key members of the military like Purist Faction leader Jeremiah Gottwald. He was dressed in uniform with two members of his faction present with him. One was a young woman with long bluish teal hair tied into a top-knot ponytail, a dark skin tone and yellow eyes. The other was a man with short light brown hair and blue eyes.
Also in attendance was Diethard Reid with his film crew in supervising Clovis's upcoming press conference. Diethard wanted nothing more to leave as the sight of the nobles and knowing possibly what the conference was going to be made the man feel nauseous. At the height of his party, Clovis checked his watch and smiled, knowing that the Shinjuku Ghetto would be completely wiped out in less than ten minutes. If he was going to lose his position as Viceroy, then he might as well wipe out the ghetto before he leaves Area 11.
As Clovis took center stage, the cameras came on as Diethard instructed the film crews with a sigh.
"Thank you all for coming tonight, but I have an announcement for all of Area 11 as well. So please, allow me a moment of your time. Within the next few days, Cornelia li Britannia, the second princess of the Empire will be arriving in Area 11 to assume the duties of Viceroy in my place. I have been recalled to the Homeland to assume more pressing duties."
As Clovis gave what could potentially be his last appearance on television, a large cake about fifteen feet high was wheeled into the large ballroom through the gigantic doors on the far side. It was being moved on a motorized cart, controlled by a woman wearing a white suit with black hair and a white hat, plus a pair of sunglasses as another identical woman followed in her steed. It was a gigantic cake with white frosting and the words "GOOD LUCK" written in red frosting. Some of the nobles had a feeling what was going to happen while Diethard groaned, mentally wishing for anything else than this current task.
But his wish came true as the top half of the cake suddenly exploded, showering the room with confetti and bright-colored ribbons. Clovis was about to shake it off the interruption as a premature oversight and was going to joke about it since it was heard on screen with the camera men turning to the cake. However, when the smoke cleared, there was no exotic dancing girl as many were expecting. Instead, there was a man wearing a black mask hat Clovis was very familiar with.
The man stood atop of what was a large device with attached tanks concealed within the fake cake. It looked like to be some sort of large bomb. Everyone gasped in shock as even Diethard was stunned, quickly gesturing for the cameramen to focus on the man.
"I am...Zero!"
Zero? What, as in nothing? Diethard Reid thought before the man calling himself Zero leapt down from the bomb he smuggled into the very heart of Britannian power and control over Area 11. Kewell Soresi and Villetta Nu of the Purist Faction were about to apprehend Zero. But along with the guards stationed around the ballroom, Jeremiah saw a remote in his hand.
"Stand down, everyone stand down! That man has a remote to detonate that bomb!"
"I thought I told you once before Viceroy Clovis to leave Shinjuku Ghetto alone. They no longer have what they sought and now you simply want to burn it all down for the sake of petty vengeance. I will not allow it, so I will ask you that you call off the bombers. Or else, if any part of Shinjuku Ghetto is destroyed, it will be send a signal to this bomb to set it off. Of course, I could always detonate it myself," Zero replied, holding the remote detonator tightly.
Clovis was furious as tried to turn the situation around.
"You'll die, too, you fool?"
"Maybe so, but I am not afraid to die for a cause I believe in. You can prevent this if you comply with my demands. Withdraw the bombers now! Or would you rather let certain secrets be leaked to the public as well?"
The blonde haired Viceroy paled at the mention of it, although he could just push Zero into setting off the bomb. Unfortunately, he didn't have the nerve to follow through on something like that, valuing his own life and position.
"Order the bombers heading for Shinjuku Ghetto to return to base! Do it now, damn it!"
A military officer saluted and went to order the bombers back to base. But in the meantime, the nobles were trying to slowly slip away and escape.
"As we wait, allow me this opportunity to make my own announcement to all of Japan. But most of all, I want Britannia and those who have power to heed my words carefully. I am burdened by sorrow, war and discrimination. Malicious deeds carried out by the strong," Lelouch began. "It's the same abhorrent interplay of tragedy and comedy, the world being lead further to despair and destruction by the evil that is Britannia. The Japanese people suffer, which is why I fight and shall fight against those who abuse their power. So long as the strong oppress the weak, my rebellion will rise and grow stronger. It begins today with this act of rebellion, consider this a formal declaration of war!"
"Zero, we got confirmation that the planes are turning back to base," A disguised C.C. communicated to Lelouch as an also disguised Quattro nodded.
"Very good Clovis, but attempt another stunt like that again and my lips about your real intentions for wanting to liquidate Shinjuku Ghetto will be exposed to the public." Zero said before pushing the button. "Till next time,"
What was thought to be an explosive bomb was instead a gas bomb as the entire room was blanketed in purple smoke, causing the men inside to panic.
"Find the terrorists!" Jeremiah roared, but with the room in such chaos, finding the three was virtually impossible.
Instead of rushing to the bottom floor, the trio quickly exited to the villa's hanger where a number of gunships and VTOL transport planes were kept. Quattro's Inherent Skill, Silver Curtain made it easy for the three to slip away and evade pursuit while the rest of the interior was in complete chaos. Once they were in the clear, Quattro deactivated her skill removing the invisibility she placed around herself and the other two.
"Ok, so what now?" C.C. asked.
"We're taking those, but do you know how to fly one?" Lelouch asked pointing to a group of six VTOL gunships.
"I am not a combat pilot, but I have flown before."
"Good enough," Lelouch replied as they each commandeered a gunship.
"Do you think Clovis will keep his word this time?" Quattro inquired starting up her gunship.
"I really doubt it, which is why we're doing this."
By the time they were in the air, the guards were too late upon realizing their escape plan. The gunships had vanished into the night sky and vanished off radar thanks to Quattro's abilities. Calling Ohgi on his cell phone, Lelouch picked up after a few rings.
"Did it work?"
"Yes, the bomber planes were turned back as you no doubt saw on television. How is the evacuation going?"
"Not a lot of people believed it as we expected. Once they saw that broadcast, they started moving."
"I see…My associates and I will take down the bombers with some hijacked gunships to ensure they cannot be recalled to attack the ghetto again."
"Are you crazy!?"
"Don't worry, they won't see us coming."
With that, Lelouch hung up as he and his fellow partners-in-crime were on an intercept course for the bomber planes rising to the proper altitude. Fifteen minutes of flying later the VTOL gunships caught up to the bomber planes that were unsurprisingly heading back towards Shinjuku. There were at least twelve bomber planes loaded with enough bombs to raze the ghetto.
"Alright Quattro, you take a third and we'll get the others," Lelouch ordered as Quattro broke formation.
"Heh, this will be easy," Quattro replied as she took aim with the gunship's Single Ventral Cannon. "Weapons are hot, opening fire!"
The Cyborg raked a line of bullets across the engines of one bomber plane, sending it towards the ground before moving onto the next one. Lelouch already shot down his first bomber with C.C. despite her earlier claims in shooting it down. She took down another after making Swiss cheese of the engines. With their computers unable to see the gunships, the gunners had to manually aim their weapons. One bomber went down after another before they could even get a shot off.
It wasn't long before all the bombers went down, effectively saving the Shinjuku Ghetto again. Even if Clovis managed to organize another bombing run, the ghetto was close to emptying.
Ginga was in pursuit of the three gunships, traveling on her Wing Road spell and armed with her Barrier Jacket. Before she get closer to them, another mage using the same Wing Road interrupted her. His was a bright yellow as he was traveling on his own black rollerblades. Both hands were two gauntlet-like devices similar to Blitz Caliber with black finishes trimmed with gold and red crystals on the rollerblades.
"Lightning Blaze!" The intruder said as his AI on his intelligence device replied with a male voice.
"Yes sir," Revolver Onslaught said as a surge of lightning magical power surrounded his whole body.
He connected his road to Ginga's and came straight at the woman, moving at a blinding speed as he accelerated to the point that he appeared as a bolt of lightning. Ginga raised her tri-shield in an effort to block it, but given his speed and the surrounding energy, he smashed through her shield. The young woman side-stepped to barely avoid the punch aimed for her head.
He came to a stop, allowing Ginga a close look at her opponent.
He wore a his normal white lab coat. On his shoulders were metal armor plates and under that was a black collar shirt trimmed with gold, complete with black pants and hip armor. He had shin guards and the sleeves of his coat were tucked into his Revolver Knuckle-style Devices. On his face, he wore a white porcelain mask complete with black disc-shaped sunglasses.
"Who are you?"
"Call me the Doctor. I know who you are, Ginga Nakajima of the Time-Space Administration Bureau. I must ask that you do not interfere in matters do not concern you."
"I have a duty to carry out and you are under arrest for impeding a TSAB arrest!"
"I see," the man sighed before adding. "Then forgive me for having to kick your ass here and now. It's nothing personal, but there are greater things at risk here than the fulfillment of a law code and sovereignty rights that no Earth nation acknowledges at all." The blonde haired young adult said. "I would have thought that Quint Stratos taught you to follow what your heart told you, which was right rather than blindly obey the letter of the law. Because if she had done like you are doing now, you would have ended up as a lab rat in a TSAB Cybernetics facility."
Ginga was shocked as she thought.
Then, he knows I am a combat cyborg? But how could he know that and my mother's maiden name?
Not giving much time, the man began his attack as he charged at Ginga, who ducked to avoid a right hook as the two mages engaged in close quarters combat. He tried a roundhouse kick, but the purple haired woman managed to deflect it.
"Storm Tooth," Blitz Caliber said as Ginga tried to deliver a serious blow, but he responded with another attack.
"Flash Step," the man said as his own device spoke.
"Lightning Blaze," The AI of his device called out as his body was once again energized with lightning magic. He suddenly moved past Ginga's incoming blow by sidestepping before moving behind her to strike. "Thunder Strike," The AI announced as the gears of his right wrist began spinning and charging with lightning mana.
Ginga ducked, but managed a successful counterattack with a swift kick to the stomach, knocking Peter back.
He's fast; I can barely keep up… and that lightning move that covers his whole body it isn't just for defense.
Ginga suspected the Lightning Blaze was tied his bursts of intense speed. Meanwhile, the recovered man was already moving to counterattack. He shot out his right hand as a yellow Al-Hazard Magic System circle appeared ahead of his hand.
"Zeus Gatling Gun," he called out as six yellow spheres formed ahead of the circle before releasing rapid successions of miniature lightning bolts. Ginga blocked with her tri-shield before moving out of his path, using her Wing Road spell with him in pursuit. Quickly turning around, Ginga went straight at him. As they passed each other, the woman dropped her head to allow the punch to fly over her before quickly turning. She charged to deliver a blow to his back.
The man tried turning around to fight back, but Ginga kept up her offense, punching the blonde haired young man in quick succession in the stomach before delivering a blow to the face. His sunglasses shattered a part of his mask broke, drawing some blood that stained her Revolver Knuckle.
One more should do it, Ginga thought as she was about to use Storm Tooth to finish the fight, but suddenly….
"Chain Bind," Another voice called out as the masked man named Zero arrived on the scene to back up his ally. Abyss Soul's blaster bits flew around the woman, ensnaring her with magic chains.
Ginga was caught, but this time she struggled to break free.
"Binding Circle," Quattro added as she arrived on the scene, trapping Ginga with her own binding over Zero's own Chain Bind as while remaining hidden from the investigator's sight.
"Damn it," Ginga snapped at the unfair odds of three vs. one as her first challenger turned around and brought his hands up to the sides of Ginga's head.
"I am sorry," he said before electrocuting Ginga with a burst of lightning magic, enough to knock the young woman out without seriously hurting her. He caught Ginga before she fell off her Wing Road, descending down to a group of buildings to leave the young woman.
"She'll just keep coming for us," Quattro said wanting to suggest a more permanent solution to the TSAB officer's attempts to arrest Lelouch.
"We can't kill her for a number of reasons, but one of them would be that it would only bring more members of the TSAB." the man showing to be Peter said, wiping his mouth of the blood Ginga drew as he regrettably passed himself more as a scientist than a fighter. "Besides, she is my sister."
Quattro and Lelouch jumped, prompting young woman to say, "I wasn't suggesting it."
"We should leave before she wakes up; C.C. is already waiting for us." Lelouch suggested, not wanting to get into an in-depth yet about his relationships.
Twenty minutes later, Ginga finally came to with a splitting headache. She thought she was going to win that fight, but she got double teamed by two others who were no doubt his accomplices. Frustrated and possessing one hell of a headache, the young woman used a transportation spell to return to her outpost office and report her latest failure.
Maybe I should check in with father, too.
Sitting at her desk with a bag of ice on her head, Ginga was examined the blood sample she found on her Blitz Caliber. She hoped she could find out the identity of the blonde haired man she punched in the face, but the scan turned up unknown. She attempted to figure out the parents of the young man by using her DNA scanner to examine it and then compare with other DNA files on record. If she could figure out the man's parents then maybe she could figure out his identity. That of course took time, prompting to search around activities of the recent incident as she waited.
From what she saw on the news, Clovis's career and life was now effectively ruined by a release of his experiments on the web, showing him and his team using a certain unnamed green-haired woman as a guinea pig. It also revealed the woman was what the terrorists of Shinjuku Ghetto had really stolen, which prompted Clovis to cover it up. The whole liquidation was to eliminate any potential witnesses to what was inside that capsule along with the terrorists.
This information was being released onto the internet, going viral overnight. All over the world, even a number of Britannians, despite their apathy for Numbers, were shocked by the abuses his administration done to the girl and his length he'd gone to keep it confidential.
I guess it's karma when you pay for your own troubles, Ginga thought as she read some of the reports along with the failed bombing attempt. She wasn't too interested in what the prince was trying to research with the woman, but it did remind her of her past childhood experience among other illegal research uncovered by the Bureau. Once the footage of the masked man she fought came on, calling himself Zero and deemed the suspect who exposed Clovis's actions, Ginga once again felt a pain. It was possible that he was trying to stop research of Lost Logia on an underdeveloped world aside from helping the terrorists win against Britannia. But his vigilante actions were spontaneous and unauthorized and the pain came from coming back empty handed once again.
That was apart from the blood analysis, who could give her more detail on who she's fighting. After an hour, she finally got some results, which made her jump.
No…this…this can't be possible…his mother…And the father's DNA...It's the same!
Ginga was prompted to make a call. It was late at night, but still her troubled mind couldn't wait until morning. It wasn't long before Genya appeared on the video phone between the two. He was obviously tried, but the panicked and dismayed look on Ginga's face snapped the Major wide awake.
"What's wrong Ginga? What happened?"
"I faced the masked mage again, or rather I faced one of his accomplices," Ginga began. "He used magic similar to me and mother, but the magic system was different."
"What exactly happened?" Genya asked.
"I fought him and got some of his blood on my Device. He wasn't in the database, but when I tried to search for his parents or people related genetically to him it pulled up two matches…Subaru and myself."
"WHAT!?" Genya said genuinely shocked.
"I…faced and punched my own brother."
Chapter 6
His Name is Zero
His Name is Zero
The next day Lelouch finished class, he and Kallen Stadtfeld were standing together inside the student council clubhouse, specifically inside the ballroom that never saw much use. Just the same, it worked well as a good meeting spot. Kallen was wondering why Lelouch, the Vice-President of the Student Council would bring her to this place. But Lelouch didn't show any hints of surprise or intention to harm.
"I didn't even know this room existed."
"It's the clubhouse for the Student Council," Lelouch began before he explained. "Originally, it was built as a ballroom for various special occasions."
"I see, but why did you bring me here?"
Before Lelouch can answer, Shirley's voice was heard from the top of the stairs.
"Here it is, I found it!" Shirley called standing up holding up a small microchip.
Nina and Rivalz were soon seen joining them as the black-haired girl accepted the microchip.
"Thank goodness, you found the lab data."
"Well, thank goodness. My ass was killing me."
"Did you guys find it? Because I am finished on my end," Milly said as she entered the room from the bottom floor, wheeling in a cart loaded with a couple of freshly prepared dishes. The young woman herself was wearing a blue apron.
"Oh, wow!" Rivalz said, impressed by the small buffet being laid out on the table.
"Way to go, Milly!" Shirley exclaimed cheerfully.
"You adore me, I know."
"So, just about everyone is here," Quattro said, arriving with a plate of cookies. Besides a few fighting lessons, the combat cyborg found partly by accident that she was a natural when it came to making baked goods.
"What is all of this?" Kallen inquired.
"Oh…Lelouch didn't tell you yet," Milly said as she stopped setting the table. "We're going to induct you into the Student Council. It was my grandfather's idea."
"The headmaster?" Kallen asked, knowing Milly's grandfather as the headmaster of the academy.
"Well, with your poor health, he thought being a part of the Student Council might be a little easier on you than joining any of the other clubs." Milly explained before turning to face Kallen to introduce herself. "I am Milly, by the way, President of the Council. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Thank you, the pleasure is all mine," Kallen replied politely.
"I am Rivalz, the secretary. If there is anything you need help with, I am your man."
"Hi, I am Shirley, alsa member of the swim club. Welcome!" Shirley greeted before Nina introduced herself.
"Uh…Hi there, my name is Nina. Nice to meet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Kallen replied as an unofficial member of the council was holding a pizza box in one hand while using the other for her cane. Following behind her was Quattro, who went to help Nunnally to set the pizza upon the table after depositing the cookies.
"Nunnally, where are you doing here?" Lelouch asked.
"This is Lelouch's sister," Milly said, prompting Nunnally to speak.
"I am still in the middle school group, so I can't be a part of the council yet."
"That's alright, but you are still a member to us," Rivalz said, willing to declare Nunnally an unofficial member of the council.
"Hello, its pleasure to meet you, Kallen," Nunnally said after putting the pizza box down.
"Thank you, you as well," the red-haired girl replied.
"Right," Rivalz said putting a bottle of Moet & Chanbon champagne on the table. "Shall we kick this off with a toast?"
"Huh, champagne?" Shirley asked, clearly confused by the appearance of the bottle as Nina questioned.
"Yeah, but we're on the Student Council. We shouldn't."
"Oh come on, loosen up, you guys," Rivalz said before trying to open it as Shirley tried to stop him.
"No way, we're going to get in trouble!"
Shirley began to take the bottle from Rivalz's hands. As they struggled, Nunnally was aware of what was going on, but her sonar detection she had could only show her so much. Milly brought a chair and gestured for Nunnally to sit down before giving her a glass of juice.
"Here you go, Nunnally."
"Lelouch, heads up!" Rivalz called out as he tossed the bottle to Lelouch who caught it, but Shirley went after him.
After a short struggle, Lelouch fell back on his rear, which caused the cork of the bottle to pop off. Although Kallen swat the flying projectile away, she was hit in the head by a steady stream of champagne soaking her.
"What just happened?" Nunnally asked as everyone else was badly embarrassed.
As Milly and Shirley were washing clothes, the young woman who got soaked was in the shower. The redhead was almost done, but she still needed a change.
"This is why I hate Britannians," Kallen grumbled before a knock was heard at the door.
"This is Lelouch. I brought some clothes, could I come in?"
"Sure, I drew the curtain back already," Kallen replied, closing the curtain before it opened moments later.
"Sorry about this," Lelouch stepped in with some clothes in his hands, trying not to look at the shower out of common courtesy for the young woman. "I know they can be a little over the top."
"That's okay. There is nothing wrong with cutting loose every once in a while."
"These are some of my clothes. I hope that's ok," Lelouch revealed as he put the clothes into a basket near the shower.
"Don't worry about it, but how did you manage to get to the boy's dorm and back so quickly?"
"I live here actually," Lelouch explained, surprising Kallen. "It would be hard for my sister to live in the dorms, so the headmaster lets us stay here as a favor."
"I see…"
"Anyway, I'll let you get to finishing up. Later," Lelouch then left the room. After the door closed, the redhead peeked to make sure the young man was gone. Kallen then went back to showering, but a pink pouch she carried was picked up by an invisible hand before a small note was slipped inside.
There we go, thought the invisible figure as it slipped back to her hiding place to wait until she could slip away. Just need to wait for Kallen to find it.
I dropped off the note, Lelouch.
Good job. Thank you, Quattro. How are preparations for our plan?
The twins tell me it should be ready by tomorrow, Quattro replied.
Good. If we play out our planned script, everything should fall into place. Provided nothing unexpected happens of course.
Then all that will be left is to destroy Clovis's career, Quattro thought evilly.
The following morning at the TSAB Mid-Childan Main Office in Cranagan, a meeting was being held between the leadership of Time Space Administration Bureau admirals, along with a few chosen others. The three legendary admirals were present, consisting of Leone Phils, Largo Kiel, and Midget Crowbel. Major Genya Nakajima and Major General Carim Gracia were also present. After the last few people who were summoned arrived, Carim took a seat and thought.
It's been a long time since the admirals have been gathered in one place.
Beginning the meeting a woman in her late fifties with gray hair styled into a braided ponytail, wearing a blue and white uniform.
"Thank you all for coming," Midget Crowbel, the Bureau Chief of Staff, began before adding. "To begin in our assessment of the Mandarin's capabilities, having examined the remains of the destroyed machine that attacked Cranagan, we have dubbed this Wyvern Drone Incident. That's the code name we have given the three drones."
"Director Atenza will explain the capabilities and design of these machines," Leone Phils, a man close to Midget's age with a black and gray officer's uniform, said gesturing for Mariel to address the gathering.
"Thank you," Mariel said adjusting her glasses before speaking. "The large drone we examined is nothing like the Gadget Drones we encountered in the last few years. Their technology is too different, far more advanced than anything I have seen before."
Using a remote she picked up from the table, Mariel pushed a button to show the same cross-sections of the wrecked right wing.
"Unlike the Gadget Drones, these machines use a type of muscle fiber made from carbon nanotubes for movement. Its size and flexibility make it a highly ideal component to give the machines high mobility and more life-like movements. Using such technology also leaves plenty of internal space, allowing whoever designed it to install a wide range of weapons," Mariel explained further using her remote to show the gathered leadership slides of Vita and Nanoha's fight as the drone displayed its weapons. "The fibers contract and move like a real muscle, giving these machines more organic inner-workings. No one has yet to develop technology like this anywhere among the TSAB administrated worlds; at the present, it only exists theoretically on paper. We tried to conduct further investigation on the other remains, but the self-destruct system these drones carried were very effective. Using a substance we identified as 'liquid sakuradite', it's detonated along with the main body to destroy the internal components, making an examination of them impossible. We discovered traces of it inside the right wing that was still partly intact, which did not blow with the rest of the body."
"I see. So what of the cyborg soldiers? Did your investigation reveal anything further?" Midget inquired.
"Most of them exploded like the larger drone did, but from my initial examinations, I am certain these men had undergone full cybernetic conversation. The lack of organic remains suggest they had their bodies from the neck down replaced with cybernetic components."
A few admirals gasped at the thought of so many people willing to undergo such a radical conversation process.
"How could this happen? How didn't we get any warning of this attack!?"
The outburst came from a large man. He was not really obese per sec, but quite large with brown hair and a beard. He wore a blue and white uniform with the rank of Lieutenant General. His name was Regius Gaiz, Commander of Cranagan Defense Forces.
"Lieutenant General Gaiz," Midget said rising from her chair. "We are all not pleased about recent events, but we are holding this meeting to plan our counterattack against this Mandarin. In the process, we must devise new defense plans and counters against his forces."
Back on Earth at Toyko Tower, or rather what remained of it, Kallen was presently wandering around the museum for Britannia's victory over Japan. She headed to the observation deck, where she was to meet with the man who helped them achieved victory a few days ago.
Yesterday afternoon, a note had been left for her, instructing her to come to Toyko Tower. It was from not only the man at Shinjuku, but someone who was also fully aware of her dual identity.
1600 hours, but why at Toyko Tower of all places? Kallen thought. trying the unknown savor. It was one minute after 16:00, but there was no sign of anyone who might have been the man.
As a precaution, the young woman wasn't alone. She had contacted Ohgi and and two of his fellow resistance members and friends to watch over her.
"Who do you suppose contacted Kallen?" Kent Sugiyama said as the three walked together, acting causal to avoid attracting attention.
"I don't know," Ohgi began, feeling uncertain it was Kururugi who contacted them.
"Yeah, but he could've been arrested after dropping that note," Toru Yoshida pointed out. "What if this is a trap or something?"
"I don't like this, we should go," Sugiyama said before a PA announcement was heard overhead.
"Attention please; paging Miss Kallen Stadtfeld of Ashford Academy. One of your personal items has been turned in at the kiosk on the observation deck. I repeat..." The announcer was saying as Ohgi and others turned around, seeing Kallen was already gone.
A short time later, Kallen arrived at the kiosk. The attendant presented her with a cell phone.
"I assume this cell phone belongs to you, Miss Stadtfeld," the female attendant said as Kallen took the cell phone with a curious expression. "Is there something wrong? It is yours, isn't it?"
"Uh, yeah. Thank you so much," Kallen replied before walking away to the observation balcony.
"Oh yeah, there is no debating it. Life is better here, thanks to Prince Clovis. I mean we were only able to rebuild this quickly because of Britannia." Ohgi said, trying to blend in as his companions walked up to the balcony. Around the same time, the cell phone began ringing with the caller ID showing only one name.
"Zero?" Kallen muttered looking over to Ohgi who nodded before the young woman answered the incoming call. "Uh, hello?"
"I want you to board the outbound train on loop line five and bring your friends."
"What?" Kallen replied actually shocked that this Zero knew about Ohgi and his companions following her or perhaps it was part of the plan the whole time.
"If you want to meet, then you best be there. Once you're on board, I'll contact you again."
Following the meeting, there were two other attendees aside Genya Nakajima. One was a twenty-one year old young man with black hair and dark blue eyes, wearing the uniform of an admiral of the TSAB Navy. Next to him was an older woman with long light green hair styled into a top-knot ponytail. Like her son, Lindy Harlaown was dressed in an officer's uniform with the same rank as her son, although rumor was that she was planned on retiring soon. The last two present were Hayate and Fate, invited after the meeting to discuss the results and the TSAB's plans for dealing with the Mandarin.
The group was at the Grand Cathedral of the Belkan Self-Govern Area, invited for a late lunch by Carim Gracia. Chrono Harlaown sat next to his mother and Fate while the group chatted about the meeting, waiting for their host to come.
"So other than tightening defenses and conducting searches, the higher-ups don't have any possible leads on the Mandarin?" Hayate asked sadly.
"Yes, but the problem is the evidence. We have too little to tell us anything further that could provide us with a trail to follow." Chrono replied.
"None of the admirals were happy about it, but that's where we stand right now." Genya added.
"Not that I blame them," Lindy commented before Hayate added.
"The only thing we have is that these drones and the leader Signum fought were connected to Earth."
"The leader," Chrono inquired. "I heard about the report where Signum faced the possible field commander for the whole attack, based on her assessment."
"Yes, but Signum mentioned to me that while with Nanoha at her parents' café, her father mentioned the weaponized hilt trick being was used by members of the Japanese Special Forces. Not a popular choice for samurai, but virtually identical when Nanoha's father demonstrated the fighting stance for its use."
Genya, Lindy and Chrono exchanged looks before Genya added.
"Well, there is no denying that the cyborg soldiers military training. But the fact they could have come from a primitive world like Earth, no offense," Genya apologized, looking to Hayate.
"Yet, there is the use of sakuradite, which is only richly found on Earth to our knowledge." Lindy pointed out, which had become increasingly popular among terrorist and criminal organizations as a component to make small compact bombs.
"Well, there might be something else. I don't know if it's related, but," Genya began but was interrupted when the door opened. Carim entered the dining room with her assistant, a young woman with short pink hair, light red eyes and wearing a black and white nun attire. Schach Nouera was wheeling in a tea cart as Carim took a seat next to Hayate.
"Forgive me for being late. I had a few things that stopped me along the way."
"It's alright, Carim. With all of the chaos happening in the last few days, I am not surprised you were delayed," Lindy said as Carim smiled at the older woman's understanding.
"Thank you, but maybe I should get to the real reason I called you all here."
"Is something wrong?" Fate asked.
"Not quite, but the other night, I had trouble sleeping. So I used my Prophetin Schriften."
"So you have a new prophecy?" Chrono inquired as Carim nodded in response.
"Yes and the prophecy I created was this," Carim said as she presented the interpreted prophecy. "From the savage seas, three terrible beasts whose cries will paralyze even the stalwart warrior will herald the coming of the Kings of revolution as our age nears its end. Born from betrayal and loss will arise the Dragon King, who shall usher in the destruction of law and blanket all seas in darkness. However, from a far-away land no longer free, the Demon King, born of loss and sorrow, shall lead us towards an age of peace as he rises up with his Knights. The Iron Maiden, the Fallen Jester and the White Devil shall guide one of the Kings to decide our fate. Yet be warned upon the return to the roots of Gaea; one King must fall, and with his fall, a new age shall begin. The age that shall come will be by the will of the victor of the war between the two Kings."
"By the Dragon King, you mean the Mandarin, but who is the Demon King?" Chrono asked.
"Three beasts from the sea, which must be those three Wyvern drones," Hayate pointed out as Carim also nodded before saying.
"My prophecy states that the coming of these Kings will bring about a great revolution, which could mean salvation for us or destruction. The Demon King is the one meant to stop the Mandarin."
"From a far-away land no longer free, the Demon King, born of loss and sorrow, shall lead us towards an age of peace shall rise up with his Knights. What could that mean?" Fate asked before Genya spoke up.
"Actually, we might have a possible suspect."
"You do," Lindy asked generally surprised.
"Yes," Genya said as he brought out a small pocket device to display his daughter's information. "I had wanted to talk to you about this later, Lindy, but I guess since the subject seemed more appropriate at this time. He's footage of a second mysterious man, another masked one my daughter attempted to arrest a few days ago."
"Where was this?"
"The Shinjuku Ghetto in Japan, now Area 11. According to her report, there was a massacre being carried out against the people living there; civilians including resistance fighters were being indiscriminately killed by the Britannian Military." The aged Major explained as the gathering was disgusted by the Britannian Military's actions. "However, the situation turned around suddenly when someone led them in a fierce counterattack, which devastated the Britannian Army and allowed them to escape. It ended when the leader of the resistance fighters confronted the Viceroy of Area 11, holding him at point-blank range with an Intelligence Device, model and type unknown, to force him to call off his forces."
Chrono, Fate, Hayate and Lindy were shocked before Genya brought up the recorded video of Ginga's confrontation with the masked man. The group observed the battle and his tactics, but the magic circle that appeared at his feet was the biggest eye catcher.
"What kind of magic system is that?" Carim asked as Genya was uncertain as she was.
"I don't know, but it isn't anything we have seen before."
"Could that be the Demon King?" Fate asked while Hayate silently observed the rest of the battle concluding with Ginga's defeat.
"I am surprised there hasn't been much mention of him yet. Didn't Ginga report this to her superior?" Chrono asked clearly suspicious.
"She did, but I assume Headquarters is simply too busy to deal with this issue as they got the Mandarin to contend with." Genya answered before Lindy said.
"Materials and people from Earth, but now this…Just what is going on?"
No one had an answer, but Chrono had his suspicions.
Back on Earth, a train was speeding across the rails, passing along the edge that separated the Britannian Settlement from the Ghettos. Kallen was in one of the cars with Ohgi and his companions who were watching nearby. Kallen was waiting on the train, but the cell phone rang again, prompting the young woman to pick it up.
"What is it, now?"
"Face forward and look to your right. What do you see?"
"The Britannian City, it was stolen away from us and built on our sacrifice."
"And on the left?" the caller asked.
"I see our city; remnants of a desecrated city after the Britannians sucked it dry."
"Good answer; Now, make your way to the front of the train."
After hanging up, Kallen and the others made their way to the front, hoping to find the mysterious caller from Shinjuku. As they neared, they noticed how crowded it got, but upon reaching the last car they found it empty, save for a lone figure standing at the opposite end with his back turned.
"This is too weird. Could this be a trap?" Sugiyama commented before Kallen demanded.
"Well, was that you in Shinjuku? Was that retreat order your doing?"
"Hey, we're talking to you!" Yoshida demanded as the man turned around.
He stood before them, wearing a two piece tight dark purple suit with golden stripes and long, wrapped sleeves. The outfit was a combination of Victorian fashion with that of a sleek bodysuit, elegant but practical. Worn over it was a black and gold cloak with crimson spandex inside and an enormous black cape encircling the head. Its immediately recognizable feature was a spiky black and indigo mask with a long variation of a gold bird-like emblem stretched over its bottom, completely hiding the wearer's face. Completing the attire was a pair of long black leather gloves and a white cravat.
The figure turned around addressing Kallen and the others asking a simple question.
"What do you think of my tour of the settlement?"
"Your tour?" Ohgi asked confused before Sugiyama commented.
"Oh come on, it couldn't have been this joker."
"I wanted you to fully grasp the two: The Settlement and the Ghetto." the man said, spreading out his arms and revealing the rest of his body suit he worn underneath. He gestured out to the two different areas on the sides of the train.
"Yeah, we know," Ohgi began stepping forward. "There is a difference between us and them, a very harsh one at that! And that's why we resist them!"
"You are wrong; Britannia will not fall to mere terrorism."
Fall, Ohgi contemplated his words carefully.
"It's little better than childish nuisance."
"What was that? You're calling us a bunch of kids!?" Sugiyama snapped, clearly offended by the statement.
"You should know your enemy; it's not people, but Britannia itself! It is a war you must wage, but not on the innocent! Take up your sword and fight for justice!"
"Oh please, that is all easy enough to say, isn't it? Hiding behind that mask, why should we even trust you?" Kallen shouted at the masked man as Yoshida also joined in.
"She's right! Lose the mask!"
"Right, are you going to show us your face or not?" Ohgi asked, but the man expected this.
"Very well, I'll show you...But rather than my face, bear witness to my power. If I can deliver to you the impossible, then I might have won your trust." Lelouch replied all the while he was smiling under the mask.
However, his moment was interrupted by an emergency call coming in. He brought out the phone he had been using to call Kallen.
"What is it?"
"Tell your friends that Clovis just gave orders for an airstrike against Shinjuku Ghetto," Quattro instructed on the other line.
"So he is going through it, but this quickly?" Lelouch was genuinely surprised at how early it was happening, but then again he knew Clovis would be feeling bitter about what had happened. They learned this when Quattro engaged in her usual hobby of information gathering. With what happened recently, she kept a close eye on military channels with the Viceroy Palace.
"Yeah, the chemical weapons and bunker busters are already moved to nearby airbase. It seems like he used other channels to get the orders though. He's likely trying to conduct the airstrike as quickly as possible to prevent any word of it getting to the people in Shinjuku. Tell them you got an ETA of four hours."
"WHAT'S GOING ON!?" Kallen asked, overhearing part of the conversation.
"Fine, I'll tell them," Lelouch hung up the phone as he returned attention to his visitors. "A problematic change in plans on the Britannians' part, but no change in the purpose of this meeting. The real reason I called you here was to alert you that the Britannian Military is planning a massive airstrike against Shinjuku Ghetto."
"Are you serious?" Ohgi replied as Lelouch nodded.
"Their excuse is to suppress chemical weapons in Shinjuku; their intent is to set up bombers with incendiaries and thermite. We have four hours to evacuate the ghetto before it burns for the four corners."
"Four hours!? How the hell are we going to evacuate the whole ghetto that quickly? People were just going back!" Sugiyama said before Yoshida added.
"The problem is convincing the people that an airstrike is coming."
"Then I'll buy you time," Lelouch spoke. "This is not what I had in mind as a demonstration of my power, but I shall do this. I'll stall for more time and if possible, I'll see if I can get Britannia to call off the airstrike."
"How the hell are you going to do that?"
Lelouch grinned under the masked before explaining his plan, although Quattro's intelligence help him the most in making preparations with the twins in building a little surprise he had devised.
Not exactly what I had in mind, but it's fortunate we were already preparing for a proper response…But this…this will work out to my favor far better than I had planned.
Almost four hours later, the sun had disappeared below the horizon as day gave way to night as a special party was happening at the Viceroy's Palace. Inside the lavished ballroom was a large gathering of over a dozen members of nobility, including key members of the military like Purist Faction leader Jeremiah Gottwald. He was dressed in uniform with two members of his faction present with him. One was a young woman with long bluish teal hair tied into a top-knot ponytail, a dark skin tone and yellow eyes. The other was a man with short light brown hair and blue eyes.
Also in attendance was Diethard Reid with his film crew in supervising Clovis's upcoming press conference. Diethard wanted nothing more to leave as the sight of the nobles and knowing possibly what the conference was going to be made the man feel nauseous. At the height of his party, Clovis checked his watch and smiled, knowing that the Shinjuku Ghetto would be completely wiped out in less than ten minutes. If he was going to lose his position as Viceroy, then he might as well wipe out the ghetto before he leaves Area 11.
As Clovis took center stage, the cameras came on as Diethard instructed the film crews with a sigh.
"Thank you all for coming tonight, but I have an announcement for all of Area 11 as well. So please, allow me a moment of your time. Within the next few days, Cornelia li Britannia, the second princess of the Empire will be arriving in Area 11 to assume the duties of Viceroy in my place. I have been recalled to the Homeland to assume more pressing duties."
As Clovis gave what could potentially be his last appearance on television, a large cake about fifteen feet high was wheeled into the large ballroom through the gigantic doors on the far side. It was being moved on a motorized cart, controlled by a woman wearing a white suit with black hair and a white hat, plus a pair of sunglasses as another identical woman followed in her steed. It was a gigantic cake with white frosting and the words "GOOD LUCK" written in red frosting. Some of the nobles had a feeling what was going to happen while Diethard groaned, mentally wishing for anything else than this current task.
But his wish came true as the top half of the cake suddenly exploded, showering the room with confetti and bright-colored ribbons. Clovis was about to shake it off the interruption as a premature oversight and was going to joke about it since it was heard on screen with the camera men turning to the cake. However, when the smoke cleared, there was no exotic dancing girl as many were expecting. Instead, there was a man wearing a black mask hat Clovis was very familiar with.
The man stood atop of what was a large device with attached tanks concealed within the fake cake. It looked like to be some sort of large bomb. Everyone gasped in shock as even Diethard was stunned, quickly gesturing for the cameramen to focus on the man.
"I am...Zero!"
Zero? What, as in nothing? Diethard Reid thought before the man calling himself Zero leapt down from the bomb he smuggled into the very heart of Britannian power and control over Area 11. Kewell Soresi and Villetta Nu of the Purist Faction were about to apprehend Zero. But along with the guards stationed around the ballroom, Jeremiah saw a remote in his hand.
"Stand down, everyone stand down! That man has a remote to detonate that bomb!"
"I thought I told you once before Viceroy Clovis to leave Shinjuku Ghetto alone. They no longer have what they sought and now you simply want to burn it all down for the sake of petty vengeance. I will not allow it, so I will ask you that you call off the bombers. Or else, if any part of Shinjuku Ghetto is destroyed, it will be send a signal to this bomb to set it off. Of course, I could always detonate it myself," Zero replied, holding the remote detonator tightly.
Clovis was furious as tried to turn the situation around.
"You'll die, too, you fool?"
"Maybe so, but I am not afraid to die for a cause I believe in. You can prevent this if you comply with my demands. Withdraw the bombers now! Or would you rather let certain secrets be leaked to the public as well?"
The blonde haired Viceroy paled at the mention of it, although he could just push Zero into setting off the bomb. Unfortunately, he didn't have the nerve to follow through on something like that, valuing his own life and position.
"Order the bombers heading for Shinjuku Ghetto to return to base! Do it now, damn it!"
A military officer saluted and went to order the bombers back to base. But in the meantime, the nobles were trying to slowly slip away and escape.
"As we wait, allow me this opportunity to make my own announcement to all of Japan. But most of all, I want Britannia and those who have power to heed my words carefully. I am burdened by sorrow, war and discrimination. Malicious deeds carried out by the strong," Lelouch began. "It's the same abhorrent interplay of tragedy and comedy, the world being lead further to despair and destruction by the evil that is Britannia. The Japanese people suffer, which is why I fight and shall fight against those who abuse their power. So long as the strong oppress the weak, my rebellion will rise and grow stronger. It begins today with this act of rebellion, consider this a formal declaration of war!"
"Zero, we got confirmation that the planes are turning back to base," A disguised C.C. communicated to Lelouch as an also disguised Quattro nodded.
"Very good Clovis, but attempt another stunt like that again and my lips about your real intentions for wanting to liquidate Shinjuku Ghetto will be exposed to the public." Zero said before pushing the button. "Till next time,"
What was thought to be an explosive bomb was instead a gas bomb as the entire room was blanketed in purple smoke, causing the men inside to panic.
"Find the terrorists!" Jeremiah roared, but with the room in such chaos, finding the three was virtually impossible.
Instead of rushing to the bottom floor, the trio quickly exited to the villa's hanger where a number of gunships and VTOL transport planes were kept. Quattro's Inherent Skill, Silver Curtain made it easy for the three to slip away and evade pursuit while the rest of the interior was in complete chaos. Once they were in the clear, Quattro deactivated her skill removing the invisibility she placed around herself and the other two.
"Ok, so what now?" C.C. asked.
"We're taking those, but do you know how to fly one?" Lelouch asked pointing to a group of six VTOL gunships.
"I am not a combat pilot, but I have flown before."
"Good enough," Lelouch replied as they each commandeered a gunship.
"Do you think Clovis will keep his word this time?" Quattro inquired starting up her gunship.
"I really doubt it, which is why we're doing this."
By the time they were in the air, the guards were too late upon realizing their escape plan. The gunships had vanished into the night sky and vanished off radar thanks to Quattro's abilities. Calling Ohgi on his cell phone, Lelouch picked up after a few rings.
"Did it work?"
"Yes, the bomber planes were turned back as you no doubt saw on television. How is the evacuation going?"
"Not a lot of people believed it as we expected. Once they saw that broadcast, they started moving."
"I see…My associates and I will take down the bombers with some hijacked gunships to ensure they cannot be recalled to attack the ghetto again."
"Are you crazy!?"
"Don't worry, they won't see us coming."
With that, Lelouch hung up as he and his fellow partners-in-crime were on an intercept course for the bomber planes rising to the proper altitude. Fifteen minutes of flying later the VTOL gunships caught up to the bomber planes that were unsurprisingly heading back towards Shinjuku. There were at least twelve bomber planes loaded with enough bombs to raze the ghetto.
"Alright Quattro, you take a third and we'll get the others," Lelouch ordered as Quattro broke formation.
"Heh, this will be easy," Quattro replied as she took aim with the gunship's Single Ventral Cannon. "Weapons are hot, opening fire!"
The Cyborg raked a line of bullets across the engines of one bomber plane, sending it towards the ground before moving onto the next one. Lelouch already shot down his first bomber with C.C. despite her earlier claims in shooting it down. She took down another after making Swiss cheese of the engines. With their computers unable to see the gunships, the gunners had to manually aim their weapons. One bomber went down after another before they could even get a shot off.
It wasn't long before all the bombers went down, effectively saving the Shinjuku Ghetto again. Even if Clovis managed to organize another bombing run, the ghetto was close to emptying.
Ginga was in pursuit of the three gunships, traveling on her Wing Road spell and armed with her Barrier Jacket. Before she get closer to them, another mage using the same Wing Road interrupted her. His was a bright yellow as he was traveling on his own black rollerblades. Both hands were two gauntlet-like devices similar to Blitz Caliber with black finishes trimmed with gold and red crystals on the rollerblades.
"Lightning Blaze!" The intruder said as his AI on his intelligence device replied with a male voice.
"Yes sir," Revolver Onslaught said as a surge of lightning magical power surrounded his whole body.
He connected his road to Ginga's and came straight at the woman, moving at a blinding speed as he accelerated to the point that he appeared as a bolt of lightning. Ginga raised her tri-shield in an effort to block it, but given his speed and the surrounding energy, he smashed through her shield. The young woman side-stepped to barely avoid the punch aimed for her head.
He came to a stop, allowing Ginga a close look at her opponent.
He wore a his normal white lab coat. On his shoulders were metal armor plates and under that was a black collar shirt trimmed with gold, complete with black pants and hip armor. He had shin guards and the sleeves of his coat were tucked into his Revolver Knuckle-style Devices. On his face, he wore a white porcelain mask complete with black disc-shaped sunglasses.
"Who are you?"
"Call me the Doctor. I know who you are, Ginga Nakajima of the Time-Space Administration Bureau. I must ask that you do not interfere in matters do not concern you."
"I have a duty to carry out and you are under arrest for impeding a TSAB arrest!"
"I see," the man sighed before adding. "Then forgive me for having to kick your ass here and now. It's nothing personal, but there are greater things at risk here than the fulfillment of a law code and sovereignty rights that no Earth nation acknowledges at all." The blonde haired young adult said. "I would have thought that Quint Stratos taught you to follow what your heart told you, which was right rather than blindly obey the letter of the law. Because if she had done like you are doing now, you would have ended up as a lab rat in a TSAB Cybernetics facility."
Ginga was shocked as she thought.
Then, he knows I am a combat cyborg? But how could he know that and my mother's maiden name?
Not giving much time, the man began his attack as he charged at Ginga, who ducked to avoid a right hook as the two mages engaged in close quarters combat. He tried a roundhouse kick, but the purple haired woman managed to deflect it.
"Storm Tooth," Blitz Caliber said as Ginga tried to deliver a serious blow, but he responded with another attack.
"Flash Step," the man said as his own device spoke.
"Lightning Blaze," The AI of his device called out as his body was once again energized with lightning magic. He suddenly moved past Ginga's incoming blow by sidestepping before moving behind her to strike. "Thunder Strike," The AI announced as the gears of his right wrist began spinning and charging with lightning mana.
Ginga ducked, but managed a successful counterattack with a swift kick to the stomach, knocking Peter back.
He's fast; I can barely keep up… and that lightning move that covers his whole body it isn't just for defense.
Ginga suspected the Lightning Blaze was tied his bursts of intense speed. Meanwhile, the recovered man was already moving to counterattack. He shot out his right hand as a yellow Al-Hazard Magic System circle appeared ahead of his hand.
"Zeus Gatling Gun," he called out as six yellow spheres formed ahead of the circle before releasing rapid successions of miniature lightning bolts. Ginga blocked with her tri-shield before moving out of his path, using her Wing Road spell with him in pursuit. Quickly turning around, Ginga went straight at him. As they passed each other, the woman dropped her head to allow the punch to fly over her before quickly turning. She charged to deliver a blow to his back.
The man tried turning around to fight back, but Ginga kept up her offense, punching the blonde haired young man in quick succession in the stomach before delivering a blow to the face. His sunglasses shattered a part of his mask broke, drawing some blood that stained her Revolver Knuckle.
One more should do it, Ginga thought as she was about to use Storm Tooth to finish the fight, but suddenly….
"Chain Bind," Another voice called out as the masked man named Zero arrived on the scene to back up his ally. Abyss Soul's blaster bits flew around the woman, ensnaring her with magic chains.
Ginga was caught, but this time she struggled to break free.
"Binding Circle," Quattro added as she arrived on the scene, trapping Ginga with her own binding over Zero's own Chain Bind as while remaining hidden from the investigator's sight.
"Damn it," Ginga snapped at the unfair odds of three vs. one as her first challenger turned around and brought his hands up to the sides of Ginga's head.
"I am sorry," he said before electrocuting Ginga with a burst of lightning magic, enough to knock the young woman out without seriously hurting her. He caught Ginga before she fell off her Wing Road, descending down to a group of buildings to leave the young woman.
"She'll just keep coming for us," Quattro said wanting to suggest a more permanent solution to the TSAB officer's attempts to arrest Lelouch.
"We can't kill her for a number of reasons, but one of them would be that it would only bring more members of the TSAB." the man showing to be Peter said, wiping his mouth of the blood Ginga drew as he regrettably passed himself more as a scientist than a fighter. "Besides, she is my sister."
Quattro and Lelouch jumped, prompting young woman to say, "I wasn't suggesting it."
"We should leave before she wakes up; C.C. is already waiting for us." Lelouch suggested, not wanting to get into an in-depth yet about his relationships.
Twenty minutes later, Ginga finally came to with a splitting headache. She thought she was going to win that fight, but she got double teamed by two others who were no doubt his accomplices. Frustrated and possessing one hell of a headache, the young woman used a transportation spell to return to her outpost office and report her latest failure.
Maybe I should check in with father, too.
Sitting at her desk with a bag of ice on her head, Ginga was examined the blood sample she found on her Blitz Caliber. She hoped she could find out the identity of the blonde haired man she punched in the face, but the scan turned up unknown. She attempted to figure out the parents of the young man by using her DNA scanner to examine it and then compare with other DNA files on record. If she could figure out the man's parents then maybe she could figure out his identity. That of course took time, prompting to search around activities of the recent incident as she waited.
From what she saw on the news, Clovis's career and life was now effectively ruined by a release of his experiments on the web, showing him and his team using a certain unnamed green-haired woman as a guinea pig. It also revealed the woman was what the terrorists of Shinjuku Ghetto had really stolen, which prompted Clovis to cover it up. The whole liquidation was to eliminate any potential witnesses to what was inside that capsule along with the terrorists.
This information was being released onto the internet, going viral overnight. All over the world, even a number of Britannians, despite their apathy for Numbers, were shocked by the abuses his administration done to the girl and his length he'd gone to keep it confidential.
I guess it's karma when you pay for your own troubles, Ginga thought as she read some of the reports along with the failed bombing attempt. She wasn't too interested in what the prince was trying to research with the woman, but it did remind her of her past childhood experience among other illegal research uncovered by the Bureau. Once the footage of the masked man she fought came on, calling himself Zero and deemed the suspect who exposed Clovis's actions, Ginga once again felt a pain. It was possible that he was trying to stop research of Lost Logia on an underdeveloped world aside from helping the terrorists win against Britannia. But his vigilante actions were spontaneous and unauthorized and the pain came from coming back empty handed once again.
That was apart from the blood analysis, who could give her more detail on who she's fighting. After an hour, she finally got some results, which made her jump.
No…this…this can't be possible…his mother…And the father's DNA...It's the same!
Ginga was prompted to make a call. It was late at night, but still her troubled mind couldn't wait until morning. It wasn't long before Genya appeared on the video phone between the two. He was obviously tried, but the panicked and dismayed look on Ginga's face snapped the Major wide awake.
"What's wrong Ginga? What happened?"
"I faced the masked mage again, or rather I faced one of his accomplices," Ginga began. "He used magic similar to me and mother, but the magic system was different."
"What exactly happened?" Genya asked.
"I fought him and got some of his blood on my Device. He wasn't in the database, but when I tried to search for his parents or people related genetically to him it pulled up two matches…Subaru and myself."
"WHAT!?" Genya said genuinely shocked.
"I…faced and punched my own brother."
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Chapter 7: Loose Ends
The next chapter is up. This one will give some more revelations, including a surprising new ally in Lelouch's arsenal.
Chapter 7
Loose Ends
The following morning, a tired Lelouch was serving himself breakfast consisting of toast with a side of pancakes. As the former prince sat in the dining room eating his meal, a small radio nearby played the morning news.
I better start getting used to these late nights, but the early morning training was already rough enough, Lelouch thought as he yawned.
As he waited for the inevitable news report to come, Lelouch listened to "Snow Rain" on the radio. He reflected last night as Peter's face was taking time to recover. In mid-flight back to the Academy, Quattro and the blonde professor began chatting.
I know about the saying "love hurts", but your little sister put a new spin to it.
Ehhh know, Peter said, clutching his swollen face before correcting himself, I know.
Peter, I think it's time you told us the truth about you. Who are you really? We know you and Ginga are related, Lelouch inquired, but Peter was silent for a few minutes.
Please wait just a little while more, Peter replied sadly as it something far from pleasant. Lelouch didn't push the matter further for now, but he did want to know the full story behind Peter Vanderfloog.
On the offhand, it's fortunate Peter was monitoring Shinjuku for that woman. I know I'm used to calling him Peter, but I wonder how long before the TSAB figure out his identity? Provided he doesn't tell me first.
Lelouch always referred to Peter by his current name, but he and Quattro knew that wasn't his real name. He remembered the first time he met the man, who adopted the name almost five years ago, when Lelouch was twelve years old.
He was returning from class, entering the Student Council clubhouse where an aged man in a black suit was waiting for him. Gil Graham eyed Lelouch carefully before speaking.
"Are you Lelouch Lamperouge?"
"Who are you?"
"I am Gil Graham; This is the first time we met, but I'm aware of a special talent very few people have. We're here with a proposal to see if you want to develop it?"
"Just what are you talking about? What talent?" Lelouch demanded before a set of yellow-colored magical binds ensnared his body. "What the hell?"
"That is what you call magic, but there is a bit of science to it." Peter said, stepping out from behind one of the pillars. He wore a white trench coat with a black suit, a green tie, and a pair of black sunglasses.
"Who are you?"
"You may call me Peter Vanderfloog for now, but that is not my real name. However, I know your current name is not your real one, Lelouch vi Britannia, former 17th heir to the Imperial throne."
Noticing Lelouch's shocked expression, Gil raised his hand, trying to calm the young man.
"Relax, Your Majesty. We have no intention of harming you, but we know you have a grudge against Britannia for the death of your mother. Peter has told me that much about you and given your talent, you might be interested in joining our campaign in toppling Britannia."
"What do you two have against Britannia? Why me, for that matter?" The former prince demanded.
"Because you want Britannia destroyed," Peter assured. "I won't deny we have other reasons for doing so, which I plan to explain to you. Most of all, you have the talent to wield magic like me. If Graham is right, you could be another Nanoha Takamachi."
"Nanoha," Lelouch muttered in surprise, recognizing the name before asking. "How do you know her?"
"We haven't met, if that's what you are asking, but Graham here is familiar with her talents."
"Indeed, we also know you are capable of what she can do. From what information I have about you, when you were in Japan eight years ago." Graham explained before adding. "During an incident at the time, I was…observing… and realized the latent magical power within you."
"I was also aware of you," Peter added. "Because my father has dealings with the Britannian Emperor. In fact, you could say he played a big part in Britannia becoming what it is today."
"Then…do you know about what happened to my mother?"
"Yes, but mind you I am not aware of the full details." Peter explained before he went on. "You weren't wrong to suspect a member of the Royal Family, but the Emperor knows who killed your mother, but chose to cover it up."
Lelouch's eyes widened at this revelation as he never expected such a thing. His mind went into overdrive.
"Why would he do that? Was one of his consorts behind it? But" Lelouch realized that didn't seem right. "No, he never did show much affection for any of his consorts."
"No, he was covering for his own brother, your uncle, who goes by the name V.V. these days."
"V.V? I...I never knew I had an uncle..."
"I'm not surprised you don't know anything about him. He handles a lot of the shady dealings and organizations within the Empire, to put it simply. I could tell you more, but the rest is a bit much to handle. I will explain the rest at another time, but I can tell you even I don't know V.V's reasons for killing your mother."
Lelouch dropped to his knees.
"We can help you find out the rest of the truth. But first, would you become our ally?" Graham inquired snapping Lelouch's mind back to the matter at hand.
"I never agreed to be anyone's ally!" Lelouch shouted.
"Then why don't we show you a sample of the power you can wield?" Peter pulled out a small box from his pocket that contained a large blue marble. "Take this, Lelouch. If you are as talented as Graham claims, this should confirm it."
Lelouch was hesitant at first, but he accepted the marble. It glowed brightly as the former prince heard a voice.
"Abyss Soul Active, User detected, Proceeding to imprinting."
"What is this?" Lelouch asked, looking at the marble curiously before a red beam shot out to scan his face.
"Imprinting completed, it's a pleasure to serve you, Milord," The small marble said as it transformed into Abyss Soul in Device mode.
Lelouch took the scepter-like object into his hands before asking, "What are you?"
"Abyss Soul, Assault Device Class-Omega, reserved by the Warlock Caste of the Al-Hazard Guardians," Abyss Soul replied.
"So, Mr. Lamperouge, are you interested?" Peter inquired which only prompted a smile from the young man.
"Good morning, Big Brother."
Lelouch snapped out of his trip down memory lane as Nunnally entered the dining room in her usual attire at home. The sandy blonde hair girl carefully took a seat next to her brother.Lelouch quickly exited his chair to pull back the chair for his sister.
"Morning, Nunnally," Lelouch said as he sat back down.
"I heard you were out late last night. You didn't do anything violent, did you?" Lelouch shook his head, which prompted Nunnally to point out. "You did promise me you would avoid doing anything too aggressive, didn't you?" Nunnally asked, although blind, was looking in his direction with a stone face. She made Lelouch a little nervous, but he managed to keep a straight face.
"Nothing much. we just stopped Clovis from bombing Shinjuku...The only thing we did was shoot down his bomber planes with stolen gunships, and then ruining his party was a smoke bomb." Lelouch admitted while under the stern expression of his sister.
"Did that evening include the incidents in Shinjuku that the non-official networks were mentioning? What really happened? Peter and Quattro didn't tell me why Clovis tried to wipe out the people there."
Lelouch couldn't help but faintly wince. Since a few years ago, when Nunnally's disability was healed by Peter with nanotechnology to repair Nunnally's spine and legs, the life of Nunnally improved. However now that she wasn't bound to a wheelchair, his sister was more assertive and perceptive of her surroundings and outside events.
"Yes," Lelouch admitted, deciding to give Nunnally the whole story. "Clovis lost something to Japanese rebels, and he...reacted in an exaggerated way, ordering a mass killing of the Shinjuku Ghetto residents. I ended up in there by pure accident as you might have heard, but either way, I had to start fighting them; otherwise, those people would have been killed."
"I see," Nunnally sadly confirmed, feeling disappointed in her older half-brother "Still, I can't believe big brother Clovis was involved in human experiments and went so far to cover up his own mistakes."
"Well granted, Clovis wasn't the sharpest member of our family we knew back then. I don't think any of us could have anticipated he would turn into a corrupt politician."
"We rarely see people for what they truly are as they grow, Nunna-Chan," Quattro spoke entering the room dressed in her school uniform. "I know that well. Imagine how it would have been if you had grown in Britannia where the events that shaped you and Lelouch never happened. You'd be blind to the truths of the world, eating and breathing the emperor's philosophy twenty-four-seven."
Nunnally couldn't help, but cringe to the example before Lelouch spoke.
"Good point, Quattro. Still, it only remarks the fact; if we want to stop people from being twisted like Clovis was, or suffer because they are in the path of Charles's madness, we need to stand and fight."
"It's a bit much for us to do alone. We need some more followers."
"I agree," The former prince said before thinking just as the song came to an end.
But who will serve in my army? Quattro and Ohgi's group aren't enough…
"By the way Lelouch, I thought you want to know that Peter has left for a shopping trip," Quattro said, picking up the morning newspaper she saw on the table before taking a seat at the dinner table.
"Shopping trip? What's so special about that?" Nunnally asked.
"He is going off world for a few supplies."
"He's doing that again…" Lelouch was obviously curious about the meaning behind those exact words.
It was almost mid-day on Mid-Childa as Peter Vanderfloog was walking through the streets of Cranagan. He wore a hat and a white trench coat, along with a large pair of sunglasses that concealed half of his face. It was a very risky move for him, but with the likely confrontation with Britannia and ultimately Logos, the chemistry teacher knew he had to prepare for what was coming. Of course, there was also the TSAB and Jail Scaglietti he had to remain mindful of.
To simply put, Peter's purpose on the planet was to do a little shopping.
Ok, all of the arrangements were made. If he kept up his part of the bargain, then he'll have everything ready for me.
Peter proceeded further down the street until he entered the northern industrial area of the city, where what he sought was located. Unknown to him, Hayate caught sight of him after leaving a café she had been having lunch at and followed him. She wasn't certain if it was the same man Ginga encountered the previous night, but his blonde hair and sunglasses struck her as oddly familiar. Deep down, something told her she had to follow him, but she wasn't ready to call for back up until she was absolutely certain.
Present with her was a familiar wolf-like creature with blue and white fur, wearing armor upon its feet. The fairy-like human, Reinforce also accompanied the young woman.
At this distance I can't help, but notice. He looks like Fate and with the photo Genya-senpai had, there is a resemblance.
Are you certain about this? Zafira inquired through their telepathic link.
I am almost possible, but I want you and Rein to stay back.
Understood…
Be careful Hayate-sama, Reinforce said, worried for the young woman's well-being.
The young woman smiled in appreciating the concern, but she kept a safe distance. Hayate recalled the run-in Ginga had with the masked blonde man, who used a device and magic similar to her. More shocking was that they shared the same mother. But who was the father?
More questions came up on the girl's mind, but she pushed them aside tail the person ahead of her.
Back on Earth, the former prince was out on his own shopping trip. The cat-girl twins were out doing their own thing with Graham and were nowhere to be found. Nunnally and her maid had also gone out, using the free day to take her out and about around the school. Quattro and C.C. were left alone at the dining room table. Quattro read the Cranagan Times with a front page article titled: Who is the Mandarin? C.C. was reading a magazine with a similar article about Zero.
"So why do you follow Lelouch? Or are you with Peter?" The green-haired woman began breaking the silence.
"I suppose part of it is my situation, but I prefer Lelouch over Peter."
"Really?" C.C. asked curious about the woman who was very literally not from around here.
"Let's just say, two years ago, I was in a bit of a sticky situation. I was one of the creations of Jail Scaglietti, another scientist who went rouge. I suppose I'm his daughter since I have elements of his DNA. Things changed, however, when I was doing a mission for the Doctor while working with my other sisters. We were to deal with a TSAB officer who had information that could expose him. However," Quattro fell silent for a few moments. "Well, things went pear shape very quickly and I was almost killed. My own sisters turned on me, having been tricked by my elder sister, who had been compromised by the Mandarin."
"You were set up then."
"Pretty much. Unlike some of my other sisters, I wasn't a skilled combatant."
"Yet, you survived somehow?"
"Peter rescued me and created a decoy of myself to fake my death, allowing me to slip away with him to Earth. I awoke almost a week later after recovering enough where I found out the details of events that took place."
"I see, so you've been here ever since?"
"More or less. I will say that I enjoy some of my new-found freedoms I have been partaking."
"Really now? So that means you are unlikely to return to this Doctor if provided the chance?"
Quattro put down the newspaper to address the green haired woman directly.
"Don't get me wrong. While I respect the Doctor for creating me, I have no intention of going back."
"Enjoying your new freedom too much?"
"You can say that and..." Quattro let her sentence trail off.
"Something else?" C.C. inquired with a smirk.
"It's nothing, but what about you? If you couldn't form this contract with Lelouch I heard about then, why are you still here?" Quattro inquired, trying to change the subject.
"There are a few things keeping me here," C.C. said while she thought back to the private conversation with Peter. Quattro noticed the slight change of expression, leaving her to wonder just what exactly they talked about. The young woman knew that he still had some secrets. Based on his family relations with Ginga Nakajima, she had some reasonable suspicions.
If she is the aunt of that woman, then…there can't be any doubt both he and Ginga are the children of the Doctor's former student and lab assistant. But he's supposed to be dead...or is he?
A half-hour later Peter entered a warehouse where a large transport truck sat there waiting for him along with two men. One of them was obviously hired muscle wearing a black jacket with gray pants with boots and a cap. Standing near the bodyguard was a man wearing a gray business suit with a red tie, holding a suitcase in his right hand. He had a tanned complexion with green eyes and blonde hair while his partner had silver hair and blue eyes with a pale complexion.
"Did you bring the money?" The blonde haired man demanded.
"I did, but do you have the goods?"
The blonde haired man smirked before gesturing for his bodyguard to open up the back of the truck, revealing a large amount of boxed electronic devices and components. Peeking out from behind a corner, Hayate was observing what was obviously a black market transaction taking place right in front of her.
Hayate recognized the blonde man besides her suspect as Derak Elman, a merchant who specialized in trading stolen technology and other equipment illegal to the open market. This meant he was also involved in weapons trading. His partner and bodyguard was Zak Juel, a former member of the Ground Forces.
Removing a small black case from his white coat, Peter cautiously approached the blonde haired black market dealer. He handed his case over as they opened it eagerly to examine.
"Raw sakuradite, complete with a good assortment of diamonds...Perfect." Derak replied obviously pleased as the now popular key ingredient for powerful small bombs used in terror groups. But due to it existing only on Earth and the tight watch they put upon the planet, sakuradite has been very difficult to acquire, giving a high market value.
"Could I examine the goods you brought me. I will then provide the pickup point for the rest."
"Of course," Derak replied.
Peter climbed into the back of the truck to examine the contents. But Hayate stepped back to make a call.
"This is Captain Hayate Yagami of Special Investigations contacting Battalion 108 HQ, please come in."
"Yes, Captain Yagami. What can I do for you?" A female voice inquired on an audio only transmission.
"Please connect me to Major Nakajima. I must speak with him."
"Understood, hold please…"
Moments later, Genya's face appeared on a small holographic screen.
"Hayate, is there something going on?"
"I am calling to report a transaction taking place in the industrial district. I am at Storage Warehouse 66, where one of the suspects involved matches the description of one Sergeant Major Nakajima encountered."
"I see. I'll dispatch a few units to your location, but it will take some time for them to arrive."
"I understand, sir," Hayate replied.
"However, I was just speaking to someone who should be near you location. I'll ask her to provide assistance."
"Understood and thank you."
Hayate ended her call brining out a small golden cross she wore around her neck.
"Blesses wind, Reinforce...Setup."
At that moment, Hayate began transforming into her Knight Armor, consisting of a white balmoral trimmed with black on the bottom. Next came a black mini-dress trimmed with gold and silver with a small long sleeve white jacket with black fingerless gloves. Completing her attire was a pair of black shoes and a gold staff with a cross-like top similar to a spear and six black angelic wings on her back.
Now ready with Schwertkreuz and the Tome of the Night Sky, also known infomously as the Book of Darkness, Hayate went back to observe her quarry. The blonde haired man she followed just about finished examining the goods being sold to him.
"Mistress Hayate," Reinforce Zwei called out, having changed into her Knight Armor similar to Hayate, but minus the hat and coat and the black was replaced with white.
"Where is Zafira?"
I am on the opposite side of the warehouse, Zafira replied through their link. Instead of his animal transformation, the Guardian Beast switched to his human form. He became a muscular, dark-skinned man with wolf ears and a tail. His cloths were a sleeveless blue knight clothing coat, black pants and metal gauntlets on his hands and feet.
Hayate-sama, Signum spoke through their connection.
"Signum, where are you at?"
I am on route to your location; Vita is on her way as well.
"Okay, but you have some time before he leaves. Here's how we'll do it," Hayate explained before she went on to explain her plan.
It didn't take Peter long to go through the contents of the truck. After climbing out, he proceeded to finalize his business arrangement with Derak so he could be on his way. Unknown to him, Reinforce made her way up into the rafters with her Book of the Azure Sky in hand, readying to cast a spell. Hayate was in position, but as Derak and Peter were closing the deal, his Intelligence Device telepathically warned him of the danger.
"Damn it," Peter muttered as he silently tried to warn the two men. Unfortunately, Reinforce saw the silent signal and quickly reacted casting Frierenfesseln. A ring of swirling water appeared around them, beginning to form a dome over the three men. Thanks to the advanced warning, the young man used Lightning Blaze and escaped before the dome closed and was flash frozen. Reinforce Zwei lost track of Peter before the latter appeared behind on standing on the rafters in his Barrier Jacket.
Where did he go?
"Nice try," Peter replied, hitting Reinforce with Thunder Clap, the electric stun attack he used on Ginga that knocked the small unison device out.
"Reinforce!"
"So, it's you Hayate Yagami," Peter said before using a quick flash move to close the distance between them. He was intercepted by Zafira but immediately jumped back to avoid a punch the Guardian Beast threw at him. Peter stood a distance away while Zafira rushed the twenty year old mage as the gears on his Revolver Onslaught began spinning rapidly.
"Zeus Gatling Gun," The AI of his device called out as Peter unleashed his attack. Zafira raised a shield of a white Belkan trigram in front of him, deflecting the shots. Peter attempted a bind spell to restrain the guardian beast, but his foe broke free right before counterattacking. In response, he raised a shield to protect himself, but the punch Zafira delivered sent a blast of white mana through, hitting the young man before his shield shattered. Peter's barrier jacket absorbed most of the attack, but there was still some damage.
The Guardian Beast was moving in to press his advantage, but Peter was determined not to fall here and opened his hands as he spoke.
"Lightning Sabers!"
In his hands, a pair of swords comprised of pure lightning mana materialized, taking the form of a pair of long-swords.
Meanwhile, Hayate had been preparing to provide support. Her difficulty was that her spells needed time for preparation due in part to the enormous amount of magical power within her. With the Book of the Night Sky opened, she was preparing one of said spells. Peter realized the danger as he used his blades to keep the Guardian Beast at a distance.
"Approach from beyond, mistletoe branches, become spears of the silver moon, shoot and pierce," Hayate chanted as a white Belkan magic sigil appeared near the ceiling of the warehouse.
Damn it, I can't waste time with her, Peter cursed himself for the present situation he did not want to happen. I'll have to apologize to Graham later.
"I won't let you finish that!" Peter declared, literally firing his wired right hand straight for Hayate. Zafira reacted quickly to cut connecting metal cables, but the arm kept going as the detached hand flew straight for Hayate. The rest of the wire attachments detonated, confusing Zafira for a few seconds.
Peter then attacked from behind, slapping the Guardian Beast with the blunt of his Lightning Saber, electrocuting the wolfman with an electric shock. After summoning away his sword, he took out a small black device from his pocket. Opening the device, a piercing sonic pitch was heard causing Zafira entire body to go numb Although he was aware of what was happening, he was already immobilized.
Meanwhile, the launched right hand was almost deflected by Hayate's staff, licking time to raise a shield. Having disabled the Guardian Beast, Hayate was open to attack from behind.
"Hayate…RUN!" Zafira called out, but it was too late. Peter used his lightning blaze and flash-step to get behind Hayate for a surprise attack, using the same device close to her left ear. Hayate felt her whole body go numb as her limbs went limp; Although conscious, she felt her whole body stiffening. Peter caught Hayate with one arm as she fell before rolling back into the warehouse. He laid the woman on the ground with her back leaning against a steel support beam.
"What…what did you do to me?" Hayate inquired as she struggled to move her body. Other than her eyes and the ability to speak, the young woman had been completely immobilized.
Using a few well-aimed punches the young man shattered the ice dome, freeing Derak and Zak from their intended captors.
"You guys better get out of here before more show up."
"Thanks," Derak said as he and his partner didn't waste any time escaping. Once the pair drove off in their vehicle, Peter turned to Hayate.
"What I hit you and your Guardian with was a Sonic Taser. It's a handy defense tool upon which I can paralyze your nervous system, specifically your body's ability to move." Peter explained before pointing to specialized earplugs he had in his ears. "Now don't worry, the effect will wear off in about thirty minutes."
Using his remaining hand, Peter pulled down his white coat, exposing his shoulder and his upper arm. Using his hand, he grabbed a part of his arm near where a few cables and wires were left hanging after the rest had exploded. Grunting in pain, Peter detached the rest of his artificial arm close to his shoulder, causing blood to bleed out. Wasting no time, the blonde haired man reached into his pocket to draw a small injector filled with a green fluid. He stuck the needle into his shoulder and injected himself, causing his injuries to heal and his right arm to regenerate completely before Hayate's eyes.
The regeneration was very painful as Peter cried out in agony. Once his arm had regenerated, his right-hand Revolver Onslaught reappeared after disappearing from his weaponized prosthetic hand lying on the ground.
"Now…that…was…painful," Peter said before regaining his composure. "I am terribly sorry for inflicting harm upon the three of you. I cannot allow myself to be captured."
"What are you doing with the contents of that truck?"
"I need supplies for the coming battles. Simple as that."
"I don't understand…What is your grudge against the Bureau? Why won't you work together with them?"
Peter regarded Hayate with a saddened expression. "I doubt you will understand. Given your experience during the Book of Darkness incident, I think you can at least grasp some measure of my intentions. But let me introduce myself, I can't reveal my true name and identity, but you may call me the Doctor for the sake of convenience."
"The Doctor? But that doesn't answer why you are doing this."
"I am someone who seeks to change everything. I am not an ally of the Mandarin, I assure you; I cannot agree with his ways. However, I cannot agree with the TSAB either because they created the Mandarin."
"What?" Hayate exclaimed in shock, "But how is that possible?"
"If you want to know, tell Fate to look up her family history. Better yet, ask if she remembers through the memories she inherited from Alicia about an older brother."
"An older brother," Hayate asked before Peter nodded.
"Yes, but I am not that older brother…Of course, if you are really clever, you might even find out my connection in all of this and grasp some of my motives. Can you not deny how interesting is in how the death of a small girl can cause so much?"
Is he referring to Alicia's death? But how is he connected to that? And what is his connection to Fate-chan?
"Anyway-" Peter began as he picked up the unconscious Reinforce Zwei before depositing her on Hayate's lap.
Suddenly, a blast of pink energy came shooting through the roof, almost hitting Peter. The young man dodged the beam, although it singed the right shoulder of his coat. The resulting impact of the blast left a small crater and a blanket of smoke and dust that filled the area. The person Genya was speaking about earlier then arrived on the scene.
"Are you okay?" Nanoha called out walking over to her fallen friends.
Zafira didn't reply, but it was clear that he was fine, prompting Hayate to ask. "Nanoha-chan, you're back on active duty?"
"Not yet, but Major Nakajima called and told me you needed some help, so he gave me permission to go ahead."
"I see, but Nanoha, make sure we take him into custody…He knows something about the Mandarin and…I don't know how yet, but he is connected to Fate-chan."
"He's what?"
"I don't quite understand it either, but it's all the more reason we need to take him into custody."
"Allow me to be a little clichéd then by saying 'You'll never take me alive!'" Peter said before a yellow Wing Road shot out through the hole in the roof Nanoha made. Using Lightning Blaze, he escaped with a much-needed boost of speed. On his face, Peter was very fearful and pale as he didn't expect to run into Hayate, let alone the Ace of Aces.
I don't stand a chance against someone of Nanoha's skill and level of power, but I can still escape. I just need her to follow me.
Peter thought as he already had a plan in mind. He only won over Hayate due to her difficulty of using her enormous magical output quickly enough to stop him. Nanoha was a very different story which has Peter running scarred for his life; A direct confrontation with Nanoha would only lead to his defeat.
"Are you going to be okay here?"
"I'll be fine, Nanoha...Just don't let him escape."
"Right," The woman took off after Peter.
As the dust finally settled, Nanoha was already long gone in hot pursuit of the blonde haired young man. But no one noticed an odd shape along the side of the truck, which began to flake away, revealing someone who should be getting chased right now.
"That was too close…If I got caught in a battle with her, I would lose for sure," Peter commented as his camouflage he used to hide broke away to the surprise of both Hayate and Zafira.
"Huh, but how did you?"
"I am not much of a combatant, just a scientist who invented a few things to get out of potential sticky situations. You have witnessed two of them while your friend is chasing one of my more ingenious ones yet." Peter explained as he climbed into the truck. "As much as I would like to explain, I should be running scared for my life. Who knows who I might run into next, so I am quitting while I am ahead. So with that, I bid you good day, Miss Yagami. And I do apologize for the inconvenience I caused you and your family."
Peter put the pedal to the metal as he sped off, trying to get back to his ship.
A distance away Nanoha was speeding through the air after her presumed suspect. Despite the considerable speed Peter had, the Ace of Aces was catching up to the decoy.
"Raising Heart…Axel Shooter," Nanoha said as she was waiting for a lock on confirmation.
"Locked on," Raising Heart replied as a dozen pink orbs appeared around Nanoha.
"Shoot," The Ace of Aces commanded as a dozen streams of pink energy shot out, converging upon Peter's fleeing decoy from multiple directions.
The decoy dodged and moved to the left and right before using a Panzerschild modeled after the unknown magic system he used to block the remaining shots. Using the shield caused the decoy to slow down, allowing Nanoha to catch up quickly and cut him off. Before the decoy could flee in another direction, Nanoha quickly cast a bind spell to restraining the young man. The mahogany haired woman then held the blonde-haired man at staffpoint.
"You are under arrest!"
"I think not," Peter declared as the decoy began inflating. It then exploded like a balloon with too much air. A momentarily confused Nanoha was covered in colorful confetti falling around her.
A safe distance away, the real Peter pulled the truck into a ruined warehouse. On the outskirts of the city, he just finished a short-range transfer spell to move all his goods onto his cloaked vessel he had taken almost six years ago. It was equipped with a still operational stealth system, but Peter wasn't wasting any time loading up as it was hovering above the building.
Once the ship was loaded, the young man realized his decoy, which he had infused with a large amount of his own mana, had just self-destructed.
Damn it, I am out of time…I better get out of here before-
"Hold it," A new female voice demanded. Peter turned to see Fate standing there with Bardiche in hand.
Crap, Peter thought. Next, I'll have the stronger of Hayate's knights after me…I cannot linger here. As he slowly turned around and kept both hands behind his back, he worked on a small remote he was holding to issue commands to his ship.
"Hands where I can see them," Fate insisted as her Device assumed its Zanber Form. The yellow energy blade was pointed at Peter's neck.
Damn it, I am in trouble…I put most of my mana into that decoy, not to mention the animations.
"I can't let you take me in. More is at stake than you realize!"
"You can explain yourself later, but you will not escape," The blonde-haired mage pointed out. However, she began experiencing a strange feeling. Something deep within her mind was beginning to stir upon looking at the young man before him. There was something oddly familiar about him, but Fate couldn't understand what.
"Lightning Blaze!" a young girl called out as an unexpected ally arrived on the battlefield. Fate spotted a girl, at least around the age of thirteen and fourteen, cloaked in lightning mana. Fate barely raised a barrier in time as the girl in question came charging at her.
Using this chance to slip away, Peter used a short-range teleport spell to board the ship.
"Wait!" Fate shouted, but her path was blocked by the girl opposing her. The girl's device was similar to her own, but polished black and silver in color with a red sensor-eye. Near the top was more identical to a glaive transformed into a long-sword form much like her Bardiche Zanber Form.
Their blades met. Despite a clear difference in age, they were evenly matched for the most part.
"Come on, Alicia. We got to go now," Peter called from the ship.
"Alicia," a shocked Fate exclaimed as the two girls pushed away from one another. "It…No…It couldn't be you!"
Standing before Fate, her opponent wore a white cloak over a black body suit trimmed with gold and silver, similar to the Barrier Jacket she had once wore years ago. Yet now, standing before her was a thirteen year old girl with long blonde hair with most of it hanging, the rest styled into a pair of pigtails tied with white bow-ribbons. She wore armored boots and forearm guards to complete her outfit.
"I am sorry. It's nothing personal, but I can't let you take him…Nee-san, that is."
"Who are you…No…It's not possible…" Fate began, but her sentence trailed sd she was trying to understand how a dead girl was standing before her. Not to mention the last time she saw her corpse, it had fallen with her creator into a dimensional rift.
"Yes, it's me. I would love to stay and talk, little sister, but Nee-san and I have to go."
"No wait-" Fate began but something within her had weakened. As memories seemingly suppressed flooded within her, Fate dropped to her knees, clutching the sides of her head with a terrible headache.
Alicia fled back aboard the cloaked ship. Peter was already at the helm, sitting in a sphere-like cockpit that gave him a full three-hundred-sixty degree view all. He sat in a cushioned pilot chair with controls on the armrests to steer and pilot the ship. Holographic controls floating near him provided him with system and navigation control and updates. Putting the full throttle into the engines, the ship lifted up into the sky. It quickly achieved escape velocity, fleeing into orbit.
As the invisible ship fled Mid-Childa, Alicia stepped out onto the small platform behind where Peter sat.
"Will Fate-chan be alright? She seemed to be in pain."
"She'll be fine, but I think the spell that suppressed the memories your mother didn't want Fate to have...has become undone."
"Then…she is going to remember him?"
Peter was silent for a moment before he answered.
"Yes, she will."
At the Tokyo Settlement, Clovis la Britannia was thinking how his week had gone. His inhuman experiments had been exposed to all of Area 11, although he was surprised that the Emperor hasn't dragged him back in chains yet. It was about to get potentially even worse as the man was standing by a large video monitor in an ornate hall. Instead of Schneizel, the soon to be former Viceroy was having a video conversation with his older half-sister. She had dark magenta hair and Indigo eyes, wearing a dark purple uniform trimmed with gold and white complete with white boots and gloves.
"Good afternoon, dear sister," Clovis began, trying to be as friendly as possible. Cornelia li Britannia's stern expression was a clear sign she was not in the mood for a simple friendly chit-chat.
"I'll get right to the point, Clovis. As you know, I will be formally relieving you of duties as Viceroy by order of our father. Both due to your lack of ability to bring Area 11 under control and...recent events. I called to inform you of the new Sub-Viceroy of Area 11…Euphemia."
"WHAT!?" Clovis was surprised by this bit of news. Cornelia's beloved little sister would be the last person she would want to bring as Sub-Viceroy.
"I understand your surprise, but know this...If anything happens to Euphemia before I arrive, you will be held responsible." Cornelia said. She put emphasis on the last part to relay Clovis the hidden message.
Clovis swallowed hard in understanding the hidden message perfectly; if he screwed this one up, he would potentially be sent back to the Homeland in a body bag.
"I understand perfectly, sister."
Chapter 7
Loose Ends
The following morning, a tired Lelouch was serving himself breakfast consisting of toast with a side of pancakes. As the former prince sat in the dining room eating his meal, a small radio nearby played the morning news.
I better start getting used to these late nights, but the early morning training was already rough enough, Lelouch thought as he yawned.
As he waited for the inevitable news report to come, Lelouch listened to "Snow Rain" on the radio. He reflected last night as Peter's face was taking time to recover. In mid-flight back to the Academy, Quattro and the blonde professor began chatting.
I know about the saying "love hurts", but your little sister put a new spin to it.
Ehhh know, Peter said, clutching his swollen face before correcting himself, I know.
Peter, I think it's time you told us the truth about you. Who are you really? We know you and Ginga are related, Lelouch inquired, but Peter was silent for a few minutes.
Please wait just a little while more, Peter replied sadly as it something far from pleasant. Lelouch didn't push the matter further for now, but he did want to know the full story behind Peter Vanderfloog.
On the offhand, it's fortunate Peter was monitoring Shinjuku for that woman. I know I'm used to calling him Peter, but I wonder how long before the TSAB figure out his identity? Provided he doesn't tell me first.
Lelouch always referred to Peter by his current name, but he and Quattro knew that wasn't his real name. He remembered the first time he met the man, who adopted the name almost five years ago, when Lelouch was twelve years old.
He was returning from class, entering the Student Council clubhouse where an aged man in a black suit was waiting for him. Gil Graham eyed Lelouch carefully before speaking.
"Are you Lelouch Lamperouge?"
"Who are you?"
"I am Gil Graham; This is the first time we met, but I'm aware of a special talent very few people have. We're here with a proposal to see if you want to develop it?"
"Just what are you talking about? What talent?" Lelouch demanded before a set of yellow-colored magical binds ensnared his body. "What the hell?"
"That is what you call magic, but there is a bit of science to it." Peter said, stepping out from behind one of the pillars. He wore a white trench coat with a black suit, a green tie, and a pair of black sunglasses.
"Who are you?"
"You may call me Peter Vanderfloog for now, but that is not my real name. However, I know your current name is not your real one, Lelouch vi Britannia, former 17th heir to the Imperial throne."
Noticing Lelouch's shocked expression, Gil raised his hand, trying to calm the young man.
"Relax, Your Majesty. We have no intention of harming you, but we know you have a grudge against Britannia for the death of your mother. Peter has told me that much about you and given your talent, you might be interested in joining our campaign in toppling Britannia."
"What do you two have against Britannia? Why me, for that matter?" The former prince demanded.
"Because you want Britannia destroyed," Peter assured. "I won't deny we have other reasons for doing so, which I plan to explain to you. Most of all, you have the talent to wield magic like me. If Graham is right, you could be another Nanoha Takamachi."
"Nanoha," Lelouch muttered in surprise, recognizing the name before asking. "How do you know her?"
"We haven't met, if that's what you are asking, but Graham here is familiar with her talents."
"Indeed, we also know you are capable of what she can do. From what information I have about you, when you were in Japan eight years ago." Graham explained before adding. "During an incident at the time, I was…observing… and realized the latent magical power within you."
"I was also aware of you," Peter added. "Because my father has dealings with the Britannian Emperor. In fact, you could say he played a big part in Britannia becoming what it is today."
"Then…do you know about what happened to my mother?"
"Yes, but mind you I am not aware of the full details." Peter explained before he went on. "You weren't wrong to suspect a member of the Royal Family, but the Emperor knows who killed your mother, but chose to cover it up."
Lelouch's eyes widened at this revelation as he never expected such a thing. His mind went into overdrive.
"Why would he do that? Was one of his consorts behind it? But" Lelouch realized that didn't seem right. "No, he never did show much affection for any of his consorts."
"No, he was covering for his own brother, your uncle, who goes by the name V.V. these days."
"V.V? I...I never knew I had an uncle..."
"I'm not surprised you don't know anything about him. He handles a lot of the shady dealings and organizations within the Empire, to put it simply. I could tell you more, but the rest is a bit much to handle. I will explain the rest at another time, but I can tell you even I don't know V.V's reasons for killing your mother."
Lelouch dropped to his knees.
"We can help you find out the rest of the truth. But first, would you become our ally?" Graham inquired snapping Lelouch's mind back to the matter at hand.
"I never agreed to be anyone's ally!" Lelouch shouted.
"Then why don't we show you a sample of the power you can wield?" Peter pulled out a small box from his pocket that contained a large blue marble. "Take this, Lelouch. If you are as talented as Graham claims, this should confirm it."
Lelouch was hesitant at first, but he accepted the marble. It glowed brightly as the former prince heard a voice.
"Abyss Soul Active, User detected, Proceeding to imprinting."
"What is this?" Lelouch asked, looking at the marble curiously before a red beam shot out to scan his face.
"Imprinting completed, it's a pleasure to serve you, Milord," The small marble said as it transformed into Abyss Soul in Device mode.
Lelouch took the scepter-like object into his hands before asking, "What are you?"
"Abyss Soul, Assault Device Class-Omega, reserved by the Warlock Caste of the Al-Hazard Guardians," Abyss Soul replied.
"So, Mr. Lamperouge, are you interested?" Peter inquired which only prompted a smile from the young man.
"Good morning, Big Brother."
Lelouch snapped out of his trip down memory lane as Nunnally entered the dining room in her usual attire at home. The sandy blonde hair girl carefully took a seat next to her brother.Lelouch quickly exited his chair to pull back the chair for his sister.
"Morning, Nunnally," Lelouch said as he sat back down.
"I heard you were out late last night. You didn't do anything violent, did you?" Lelouch shook his head, which prompted Nunnally to point out. "You did promise me you would avoid doing anything too aggressive, didn't you?" Nunnally asked, although blind, was looking in his direction with a stone face. She made Lelouch a little nervous, but he managed to keep a straight face.
"Nothing much. we just stopped Clovis from bombing Shinjuku...The only thing we did was shoot down his bomber planes with stolen gunships, and then ruining his party was a smoke bomb." Lelouch admitted while under the stern expression of his sister.
"Did that evening include the incidents in Shinjuku that the non-official networks were mentioning? What really happened? Peter and Quattro didn't tell me why Clovis tried to wipe out the people there."
Lelouch couldn't help but faintly wince. Since a few years ago, when Nunnally's disability was healed by Peter with nanotechnology to repair Nunnally's spine and legs, the life of Nunnally improved. However now that she wasn't bound to a wheelchair, his sister was more assertive and perceptive of her surroundings and outside events.
"Yes," Lelouch admitted, deciding to give Nunnally the whole story. "Clovis lost something to Japanese rebels, and he...reacted in an exaggerated way, ordering a mass killing of the Shinjuku Ghetto residents. I ended up in there by pure accident as you might have heard, but either way, I had to start fighting them; otherwise, those people would have been killed."
"I see," Nunnally sadly confirmed, feeling disappointed in her older half-brother "Still, I can't believe big brother Clovis was involved in human experiments and went so far to cover up his own mistakes."
"Well granted, Clovis wasn't the sharpest member of our family we knew back then. I don't think any of us could have anticipated he would turn into a corrupt politician."
"We rarely see people for what they truly are as they grow, Nunna-Chan," Quattro spoke entering the room dressed in her school uniform. "I know that well. Imagine how it would have been if you had grown in Britannia where the events that shaped you and Lelouch never happened. You'd be blind to the truths of the world, eating and breathing the emperor's philosophy twenty-four-seven."
Nunnally couldn't help, but cringe to the example before Lelouch spoke.
"Good point, Quattro. Still, it only remarks the fact; if we want to stop people from being twisted like Clovis was, or suffer because they are in the path of Charles's madness, we need to stand and fight."
"It's a bit much for us to do alone. We need some more followers."
"I agree," The former prince said before thinking just as the song came to an end.
But who will serve in my army? Quattro and Ohgi's group aren't enough…
"By the way Lelouch, I thought you want to know that Peter has left for a shopping trip," Quattro said, picking up the morning newspaper she saw on the table before taking a seat at the dinner table.
"Shopping trip? What's so special about that?" Nunnally asked.
"He is going off world for a few supplies."
"He's doing that again…" Lelouch was obviously curious about the meaning behind those exact words.
It was almost mid-day on Mid-Childa as Peter Vanderfloog was walking through the streets of Cranagan. He wore a hat and a white trench coat, along with a large pair of sunglasses that concealed half of his face. It was a very risky move for him, but with the likely confrontation with Britannia and ultimately Logos, the chemistry teacher knew he had to prepare for what was coming. Of course, there was also the TSAB and Jail Scaglietti he had to remain mindful of.
To simply put, Peter's purpose on the planet was to do a little shopping.
Ok, all of the arrangements were made. If he kept up his part of the bargain, then he'll have everything ready for me.
Peter proceeded further down the street until he entered the northern industrial area of the city, where what he sought was located. Unknown to him, Hayate caught sight of him after leaving a café she had been having lunch at and followed him. She wasn't certain if it was the same man Ginga encountered the previous night, but his blonde hair and sunglasses struck her as oddly familiar. Deep down, something told her she had to follow him, but she wasn't ready to call for back up until she was absolutely certain.
Present with her was a familiar wolf-like creature with blue and white fur, wearing armor upon its feet. The fairy-like human, Reinforce also accompanied the young woman.
At this distance I can't help, but notice. He looks like Fate and with the photo Genya-senpai had, there is a resemblance.
Are you certain about this? Zafira inquired through their telepathic link.
I am almost possible, but I want you and Rein to stay back.
Understood…
Be careful Hayate-sama, Reinforce said, worried for the young woman's well-being.
The young woman smiled in appreciating the concern, but she kept a safe distance. Hayate recalled the run-in Ginga had with the masked blonde man, who used a device and magic similar to her. More shocking was that they shared the same mother. But who was the father?
More questions came up on the girl's mind, but she pushed them aside tail the person ahead of her.
Back on Earth, the former prince was out on his own shopping trip. The cat-girl twins were out doing their own thing with Graham and were nowhere to be found. Nunnally and her maid had also gone out, using the free day to take her out and about around the school. Quattro and C.C. were left alone at the dining room table. Quattro read the Cranagan Times with a front page article titled: Who is the Mandarin? C.C. was reading a magazine with a similar article about Zero.
"So why do you follow Lelouch? Or are you with Peter?" The green-haired woman began breaking the silence.
"I suppose part of it is my situation, but I prefer Lelouch over Peter."
"Really?" C.C. asked curious about the woman who was very literally not from around here.
"Let's just say, two years ago, I was in a bit of a sticky situation. I was one of the creations of Jail Scaglietti, another scientist who went rouge. I suppose I'm his daughter since I have elements of his DNA. Things changed, however, when I was doing a mission for the Doctor while working with my other sisters. We were to deal with a TSAB officer who had information that could expose him. However," Quattro fell silent for a few moments. "Well, things went pear shape very quickly and I was almost killed. My own sisters turned on me, having been tricked by my elder sister, who had been compromised by the Mandarin."
"You were set up then."
"Pretty much. Unlike some of my other sisters, I wasn't a skilled combatant."
"Yet, you survived somehow?"
"Peter rescued me and created a decoy of myself to fake my death, allowing me to slip away with him to Earth. I awoke almost a week later after recovering enough where I found out the details of events that took place."
"I see, so you've been here ever since?"
"More or less. I will say that I enjoy some of my new-found freedoms I have been partaking."
"Really now? So that means you are unlikely to return to this Doctor if provided the chance?"
Quattro put down the newspaper to address the green haired woman directly.
"Don't get me wrong. While I respect the Doctor for creating me, I have no intention of going back."
"Enjoying your new freedom too much?"
"You can say that and..." Quattro let her sentence trail off.
"Something else?" C.C. inquired with a smirk.
"It's nothing, but what about you? If you couldn't form this contract with Lelouch I heard about then, why are you still here?" Quattro inquired, trying to change the subject.
"There are a few things keeping me here," C.C. said while she thought back to the private conversation with Peter. Quattro noticed the slight change of expression, leaving her to wonder just what exactly they talked about. The young woman knew that he still had some secrets. Based on his family relations with Ginga Nakajima, she had some reasonable suspicions.
If she is the aunt of that woman, then…there can't be any doubt both he and Ginga are the children of the Doctor's former student and lab assistant. But he's supposed to be dead...or is he?
A half-hour later Peter entered a warehouse where a large transport truck sat there waiting for him along with two men. One of them was obviously hired muscle wearing a black jacket with gray pants with boots and a cap. Standing near the bodyguard was a man wearing a gray business suit with a red tie, holding a suitcase in his right hand. He had a tanned complexion with green eyes and blonde hair while his partner had silver hair and blue eyes with a pale complexion.
"Did you bring the money?" The blonde haired man demanded.
"I did, but do you have the goods?"
The blonde haired man smirked before gesturing for his bodyguard to open up the back of the truck, revealing a large amount of boxed electronic devices and components. Peeking out from behind a corner, Hayate was observing what was obviously a black market transaction taking place right in front of her.
Hayate recognized the blonde man besides her suspect as Derak Elman, a merchant who specialized in trading stolen technology and other equipment illegal to the open market. This meant he was also involved in weapons trading. His partner and bodyguard was Zak Juel, a former member of the Ground Forces.
Removing a small black case from his white coat, Peter cautiously approached the blonde haired black market dealer. He handed his case over as they opened it eagerly to examine.
"Raw sakuradite, complete with a good assortment of diamonds...Perfect." Derak replied obviously pleased as the now popular key ingredient for powerful small bombs used in terror groups. But due to it existing only on Earth and the tight watch they put upon the planet, sakuradite has been very difficult to acquire, giving a high market value.
"Could I examine the goods you brought me. I will then provide the pickup point for the rest."
"Of course," Derak replied.
Peter climbed into the back of the truck to examine the contents. But Hayate stepped back to make a call.
"This is Captain Hayate Yagami of Special Investigations contacting Battalion 108 HQ, please come in."
"Yes, Captain Yagami. What can I do for you?" A female voice inquired on an audio only transmission.
"Please connect me to Major Nakajima. I must speak with him."
"Understood, hold please…"
Moments later, Genya's face appeared on a small holographic screen.
"Hayate, is there something going on?"
"I am calling to report a transaction taking place in the industrial district. I am at Storage Warehouse 66, where one of the suspects involved matches the description of one Sergeant Major Nakajima encountered."
"I see. I'll dispatch a few units to your location, but it will take some time for them to arrive."
"I understand, sir," Hayate replied.
"However, I was just speaking to someone who should be near you location. I'll ask her to provide assistance."
"Understood and thank you."
Hayate ended her call brining out a small golden cross she wore around her neck.
"Blesses wind, Reinforce...Setup."
At that moment, Hayate began transforming into her Knight Armor, consisting of a white balmoral trimmed with black on the bottom. Next came a black mini-dress trimmed with gold and silver with a small long sleeve white jacket with black fingerless gloves. Completing her attire was a pair of black shoes and a gold staff with a cross-like top similar to a spear and six black angelic wings on her back.
Now ready with Schwertkreuz and the Tome of the Night Sky, also known infomously as the Book of Darkness, Hayate went back to observe her quarry. The blonde haired man she followed just about finished examining the goods being sold to him.
"Mistress Hayate," Reinforce Zwei called out, having changed into her Knight Armor similar to Hayate, but minus the hat and coat and the black was replaced with white.
"Where is Zafira?"
I am on the opposite side of the warehouse, Zafira replied through their link. Instead of his animal transformation, the Guardian Beast switched to his human form. He became a muscular, dark-skinned man with wolf ears and a tail. His cloths were a sleeveless blue knight clothing coat, black pants and metal gauntlets on his hands and feet.
Hayate-sama, Signum spoke through their connection.
"Signum, where are you at?"
I am on route to your location; Vita is on her way as well.
"Okay, but you have some time before he leaves. Here's how we'll do it," Hayate explained before she went on to explain her plan.
It didn't take Peter long to go through the contents of the truck. After climbing out, he proceeded to finalize his business arrangement with Derak so he could be on his way. Unknown to him, Reinforce made her way up into the rafters with her Book of the Azure Sky in hand, readying to cast a spell. Hayate was in position, but as Derak and Peter were closing the deal, his Intelligence Device telepathically warned him of the danger.
"Damn it," Peter muttered as he silently tried to warn the two men. Unfortunately, Reinforce saw the silent signal and quickly reacted casting Frierenfesseln. A ring of swirling water appeared around them, beginning to form a dome over the three men. Thanks to the advanced warning, the young man used Lightning Blaze and escaped before the dome closed and was flash frozen. Reinforce Zwei lost track of Peter before the latter appeared behind on standing on the rafters in his Barrier Jacket.
Where did he go?
"Nice try," Peter replied, hitting Reinforce with Thunder Clap, the electric stun attack he used on Ginga that knocked the small unison device out.
"Reinforce!"
"So, it's you Hayate Yagami," Peter said before using a quick flash move to close the distance between them. He was intercepted by Zafira but immediately jumped back to avoid a punch the Guardian Beast threw at him. Peter stood a distance away while Zafira rushed the twenty year old mage as the gears on his Revolver Onslaught began spinning rapidly.
"Zeus Gatling Gun," The AI of his device called out as Peter unleashed his attack. Zafira raised a shield of a white Belkan trigram in front of him, deflecting the shots. Peter attempted a bind spell to restrain the guardian beast, but his foe broke free right before counterattacking. In response, he raised a shield to protect himself, but the punch Zafira delivered sent a blast of white mana through, hitting the young man before his shield shattered. Peter's barrier jacket absorbed most of the attack, but there was still some damage.
The Guardian Beast was moving in to press his advantage, but Peter was determined not to fall here and opened his hands as he spoke.
"Lightning Sabers!"
In his hands, a pair of swords comprised of pure lightning mana materialized, taking the form of a pair of long-swords.
Meanwhile, Hayate had been preparing to provide support. Her difficulty was that her spells needed time for preparation due in part to the enormous amount of magical power within her. With the Book of the Night Sky opened, she was preparing one of said spells. Peter realized the danger as he used his blades to keep the Guardian Beast at a distance.
"Approach from beyond, mistletoe branches, become spears of the silver moon, shoot and pierce," Hayate chanted as a white Belkan magic sigil appeared near the ceiling of the warehouse.
Damn it, I can't waste time with her, Peter cursed himself for the present situation he did not want to happen. I'll have to apologize to Graham later.
"I won't let you finish that!" Peter declared, literally firing his wired right hand straight for Hayate. Zafira reacted quickly to cut connecting metal cables, but the arm kept going as the detached hand flew straight for Hayate. The rest of the wire attachments detonated, confusing Zafira for a few seconds.
Peter then attacked from behind, slapping the Guardian Beast with the blunt of his Lightning Saber, electrocuting the wolfman with an electric shock. After summoning away his sword, he took out a small black device from his pocket. Opening the device, a piercing sonic pitch was heard causing Zafira entire body to go numb Although he was aware of what was happening, he was already immobilized.
Meanwhile, the launched right hand was almost deflected by Hayate's staff, licking time to raise a shield. Having disabled the Guardian Beast, Hayate was open to attack from behind.
"Hayate…RUN!" Zafira called out, but it was too late. Peter used his lightning blaze and flash-step to get behind Hayate for a surprise attack, using the same device close to her left ear. Hayate felt her whole body go numb as her limbs went limp; Although conscious, she felt her whole body stiffening. Peter caught Hayate with one arm as she fell before rolling back into the warehouse. He laid the woman on the ground with her back leaning against a steel support beam.
"What…what did you do to me?" Hayate inquired as she struggled to move her body. Other than her eyes and the ability to speak, the young woman had been completely immobilized.
Using a few well-aimed punches the young man shattered the ice dome, freeing Derak and Zak from their intended captors.
"You guys better get out of here before more show up."
"Thanks," Derak said as he and his partner didn't waste any time escaping. Once the pair drove off in their vehicle, Peter turned to Hayate.
"What I hit you and your Guardian with was a Sonic Taser. It's a handy defense tool upon which I can paralyze your nervous system, specifically your body's ability to move." Peter explained before pointing to specialized earplugs he had in his ears. "Now don't worry, the effect will wear off in about thirty minutes."
Using his remaining hand, Peter pulled down his white coat, exposing his shoulder and his upper arm. Using his hand, he grabbed a part of his arm near where a few cables and wires were left hanging after the rest had exploded. Grunting in pain, Peter detached the rest of his artificial arm close to his shoulder, causing blood to bleed out. Wasting no time, the blonde haired man reached into his pocket to draw a small injector filled with a green fluid. He stuck the needle into his shoulder and injected himself, causing his injuries to heal and his right arm to regenerate completely before Hayate's eyes.
The regeneration was very painful as Peter cried out in agony. Once his arm had regenerated, his right-hand Revolver Onslaught reappeared after disappearing from his weaponized prosthetic hand lying on the ground.
"Now…that…was…painful," Peter said before regaining his composure. "I am terribly sorry for inflicting harm upon the three of you. I cannot allow myself to be captured."
"What are you doing with the contents of that truck?"
"I need supplies for the coming battles. Simple as that."
"I don't understand…What is your grudge against the Bureau? Why won't you work together with them?"
Peter regarded Hayate with a saddened expression. "I doubt you will understand. Given your experience during the Book of Darkness incident, I think you can at least grasp some measure of my intentions. But let me introduce myself, I can't reveal my true name and identity, but you may call me the Doctor for the sake of convenience."
"The Doctor? But that doesn't answer why you are doing this."
"I am someone who seeks to change everything. I am not an ally of the Mandarin, I assure you; I cannot agree with his ways. However, I cannot agree with the TSAB either because they created the Mandarin."
"What?" Hayate exclaimed in shock, "But how is that possible?"
"If you want to know, tell Fate to look up her family history. Better yet, ask if she remembers through the memories she inherited from Alicia about an older brother."
"An older brother," Hayate asked before Peter nodded.
"Yes, but I am not that older brother…Of course, if you are really clever, you might even find out my connection in all of this and grasp some of my motives. Can you not deny how interesting is in how the death of a small girl can cause so much?"
Is he referring to Alicia's death? But how is he connected to that? And what is his connection to Fate-chan?
"Anyway-" Peter began as he picked up the unconscious Reinforce Zwei before depositing her on Hayate's lap.
Suddenly, a blast of pink energy came shooting through the roof, almost hitting Peter. The young man dodged the beam, although it singed the right shoulder of his coat. The resulting impact of the blast left a small crater and a blanket of smoke and dust that filled the area. The person Genya was speaking about earlier then arrived on the scene.
"Are you okay?" Nanoha called out walking over to her fallen friends.
Zafira didn't reply, but it was clear that he was fine, prompting Hayate to ask. "Nanoha-chan, you're back on active duty?"
"Not yet, but Major Nakajima called and told me you needed some help, so he gave me permission to go ahead."
"I see, but Nanoha, make sure we take him into custody…He knows something about the Mandarin and…I don't know how yet, but he is connected to Fate-chan."
"He's what?"
"I don't quite understand it either, but it's all the more reason we need to take him into custody."
"Allow me to be a little clichéd then by saying 'You'll never take me alive!'" Peter said before a yellow Wing Road shot out through the hole in the roof Nanoha made. Using Lightning Blaze, he escaped with a much-needed boost of speed. On his face, Peter was very fearful and pale as he didn't expect to run into Hayate, let alone the Ace of Aces.
I don't stand a chance against someone of Nanoha's skill and level of power, but I can still escape. I just need her to follow me.
Peter thought as he already had a plan in mind. He only won over Hayate due to her difficulty of using her enormous magical output quickly enough to stop him. Nanoha was a very different story which has Peter running scarred for his life; A direct confrontation with Nanoha would only lead to his defeat.
"Are you going to be okay here?"
"I'll be fine, Nanoha...Just don't let him escape."
"Right," The woman took off after Peter.
As the dust finally settled, Nanoha was already long gone in hot pursuit of the blonde haired young man. But no one noticed an odd shape along the side of the truck, which began to flake away, revealing someone who should be getting chased right now.
"That was too close…If I got caught in a battle with her, I would lose for sure," Peter commented as his camouflage he used to hide broke away to the surprise of both Hayate and Zafira.
"Huh, but how did you?"
"I am not much of a combatant, just a scientist who invented a few things to get out of potential sticky situations. You have witnessed two of them while your friend is chasing one of my more ingenious ones yet." Peter explained as he climbed into the truck. "As much as I would like to explain, I should be running scared for my life. Who knows who I might run into next, so I am quitting while I am ahead. So with that, I bid you good day, Miss Yagami. And I do apologize for the inconvenience I caused you and your family."
Peter put the pedal to the metal as he sped off, trying to get back to his ship.
A distance away Nanoha was speeding through the air after her presumed suspect. Despite the considerable speed Peter had, the Ace of Aces was catching up to the decoy.
"Raising Heart…Axel Shooter," Nanoha said as she was waiting for a lock on confirmation.
"Locked on," Raising Heart replied as a dozen pink orbs appeared around Nanoha.
"Shoot," The Ace of Aces commanded as a dozen streams of pink energy shot out, converging upon Peter's fleeing decoy from multiple directions.
The decoy dodged and moved to the left and right before using a Panzerschild modeled after the unknown magic system he used to block the remaining shots. Using the shield caused the decoy to slow down, allowing Nanoha to catch up quickly and cut him off. Before the decoy could flee in another direction, Nanoha quickly cast a bind spell to restraining the young man. The mahogany haired woman then held the blonde-haired man at staffpoint.
"You are under arrest!"
"I think not," Peter declared as the decoy began inflating. It then exploded like a balloon with too much air. A momentarily confused Nanoha was covered in colorful confetti falling around her.
A safe distance away, the real Peter pulled the truck into a ruined warehouse. On the outskirts of the city, he just finished a short-range transfer spell to move all his goods onto his cloaked vessel he had taken almost six years ago. It was equipped with a still operational stealth system, but Peter wasn't wasting any time loading up as it was hovering above the building.
Once the ship was loaded, the young man realized his decoy, which he had infused with a large amount of his own mana, had just self-destructed.
Damn it, I am out of time…I better get out of here before-
"Hold it," A new female voice demanded. Peter turned to see Fate standing there with Bardiche in hand.
Crap, Peter thought. Next, I'll have the stronger of Hayate's knights after me…I cannot linger here. As he slowly turned around and kept both hands behind his back, he worked on a small remote he was holding to issue commands to his ship.
"Hands where I can see them," Fate insisted as her Device assumed its Zanber Form. The yellow energy blade was pointed at Peter's neck.
Damn it, I am in trouble…I put most of my mana into that decoy, not to mention the animations.
"I can't let you take me in. More is at stake than you realize!"
"You can explain yourself later, but you will not escape," The blonde-haired mage pointed out. However, she began experiencing a strange feeling. Something deep within her mind was beginning to stir upon looking at the young man before him. There was something oddly familiar about him, but Fate couldn't understand what.
"Lightning Blaze!" a young girl called out as an unexpected ally arrived on the battlefield. Fate spotted a girl, at least around the age of thirteen and fourteen, cloaked in lightning mana. Fate barely raised a barrier in time as the girl in question came charging at her.
Using this chance to slip away, Peter used a short-range teleport spell to board the ship.
"Wait!" Fate shouted, but her path was blocked by the girl opposing her. The girl's device was similar to her own, but polished black and silver in color with a red sensor-eye. Near the top was more identical to a glaive transformed into a long-sword form much like her Bardiche Zanber Form.
Their blades met. Despite a clear difference in age, they were evenly matched for the most part.
"Come on, Alicia. We got to go now," Peter called from the ship.
"Alicia," a shocked Fate exclaimed as the two girls pushed away from one another. "It…No…It couldn't be you!"
Standing before Fate, her opponent wore a white cloak over a black body suit trimmed with gold and silver, similar to the Barrier Jacket she had once wore years ago. Yet now, standing before her was a thirteen year old girl with long blonde hair with most of it hanging, the rest styled into a pair of pigtails tied with white bow-ribbons. She wore armored boots and forearm guards to complete her outfit.
"I am sorry. It's nothing personal, but I can't let you take him…Nee-san, that is."
"Who are you…No…It's not possible…" Fate began, but her sentence trailed sd she was trying to understand how a dead girl was standing before her. Not to mention the last time she saw her corpse, it had fallen with her creator into a dimensional rift.
"Yes, it's me. I would love to stay and talk, little sister, but Nee-san and I have to go."
"No wait-" Fate began but something within her had weakened. As memories seemingly suppressed flooded within her, Fate dropped to her knees, clutching the sides of her head with a terrible headache.
Alicia fled back aboard the cloaked ship. Peter was already at the helm, sitting in a sphere-like cockpit that gave him a full three-hundred-sixty degree view all. He sat in a cushioned pilot chair with controls on the armrests to steer and pilot the ship. Holographic controls floating near him provided him with system and navigation control and updates. Putting the full throttle into the engines, the ship lifted up into the sky. It quickly achieved escape velocity, fleeing into orbit.
As the invisible ship fled Mid-Childa, Alicia stepped out onto the small platform behind where Peter sat.
"Will Fate-chan be alright? She seemed to be in pain."
"She'll be fine, but I think the spell that suppressed the memories your mother didn't want Fate to have...has become undone."
"Then…she is going to remember him?"
Peter was silent for a moment before he answered.
"Yes, she will."
At the Tokyo Settlement, Clovis la Britannia was thinking how his week had gone. His inhuman experiments had been exposed to all of Area 11, although he was surprised that the Emperor hasn't dragged him back in chains yet. It was about to get potentially even worse as the man was standing by a large video monitor in an ornate hall. Instead of Schneizel, the soon to be former Viceroy was having a video conversation with his older half-sister. She had dark magenta hair and Indigo eyes, wearing a dark purple uniform trimmed with gold and white complete with white boots and gloves.
"Good afternoon, dear sister," Clovis began, trying to be as friendly as possible. Cornelia li Britannia's stern expression was a clear sign she was not in the mood for a simple friendly chit-chat.
"I'll get right to the point, Clovis. As you know, I will be formally relieving you of duties as Viceroy by order of our father. Both due to your lack of ability to bring Area 11 under control and...recent events. I called to inform you of the new Sub-Viceroy of Area 11…Euphemia."
"WHAT!?" Clovis was surprised by this bit of news. Cornelia's beloved little sister would be the last person she would want to bring as Sub-Viceroy.
"I understand your surprise, but know this...If anything happens to Euphemia before I arrive, you will be held responsible." Cornelia said. She put emphasis on the last part to relay Clovis the hidden message.
Clovis swallowed hard in understanding the hidden message perfectly; if he screwed this one up, he would potentially be sent back to the Homeland in a body bag.
"I understand perfectly, sister."
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Chapter 8: The Rules Have Changed
Chapter Eight was done faster since it was shorter and I had more time. Perhaps I'l do these at a faster rate until we're up to a current chapters.
This one will some new Original Character backstory, specifically the man Fate was remembering. But first, we have some new groups getting into this mix of a war.
"And so once again, we have no leads on the Mandarin. But setting that matter aside, we are questioning if you are even worth supporting." One deep electronic voice said soon followed by another not quite as deep.
"I agree. In light of your promises, we wonder if the weapons and technology you can provide can even match the Mandarin's weapons."
"They shall. All I ask for is time and I will get you results," a man who appeared to be in his early thirties said. He had medium length purple hair, wearing a white lab coat and a blue suit underneath.
"You have time. Scaglietti. Pray that you don't end up wasting it, otherwise the consequences will be severe. Either produce us weapons to deal with the Mandarin's weapons or find intelligence that we can use. Those Combat Cyborgs and Drones could perform either task, correct?"
"They could," Jail Scaglietti answered.
"We hope, for your sake, that will deliver soon," The third member of the TSAB High Council stated before ending communications.
Jail Scaglietti stood in the heart of his main chamber of his underground base hidden in the woodlands of Eastern Mid-Childa. He was silent, but his eyes hid the seething in anger over recent developments. While he despised the true rulers of the Time-Space Administration Bureau, it was necessary in order to operate and carry out his work without interference.
"Doctor, we have some new intelligence with details you might be interested in."
The purple haired scientist turned his head and looked to his right-hand woman. She was identical to him in appearance, but her hair was longer and a lighter color. She was obviously female, wearing a white, button long sleeve shirt trimmed with blue giving it a uniform-like style with a bolo tie much like his. She wore a blue skirt with black stockings, blue gloves on her hands, and white shoes trimmed with blue and blue hair pins.
Jail Scaglietti calmed down slightly as he brought up a holographic screen to review the data.
On the screen, he saw footage and images from yesterday's unexpected run in with the mysterious blonde haired young man. He also observed Enforcer Testarossa's encounter with a girl who looked exactly like her. It caused the Enforcer to go into shock and lose consciousness for reasons the doctors examining her could not explain, although the whole thing seemed to be mentally related.
"Interesting, so this is the young man I have heard about, the same man that Type-Zero encountered?"
"Yes sir, he is," Uno replied.
"And evidence suggests that the Mandarin is tied to Earth somehow. So much is happening on that backwater planet these days..."
"Are you certain?"
"No but," Jail began as he started contemplating something for a few moments before he turned to Uno. "Summon Sein here. Call Dieci and Wendi as well."
"Yes sir…"
Meanwhile, in another corner of Mid-Childa, a certain blonde haired woman was lying in a hospital bed having been unconscious since yesterday. Fate was dreaming, but more accurate to say she was remembering.
Brother…where are you brother?
In her dream she saw herself as a child wandering through the hallways of an apartment complex that was familiar to her. The child version of herself was searching for someone as she observed the girl opening up closets and cabinets. After a time she began crying.
Big brother, stop being so mean to me! You are always so nice to Quint-chan and mean to me…
After sobbing for a bit in frustration a voice behind her spoke.
You are such a sore loser, Alicia.
Alicia turned around and saw a boy three years older than she was, with short blonde hair and reddish-brown eyes just like her own. They weren't twins per sec, but the resemblance between them was shocking to say the least. He was dressed in an orange shirt with blue jeans, wearing simple black sneakers.
I am not a sore loser, you big meanie! I'm going to tell mommy on you!
Then we just won't play hide and seek anymore.
The boy said chuckling, which only made even more tears appear in her eyes.
Geez, Alicia. I am sorry, but if you are going to be like this, how can we keep playing together while mom's at work?
But you…are…not…being fair, Alicia said in-between sobs.
I just want to spend as much time as I can with you since I'll be gone for a few days on that field trip I told you and mom about. You will be here all by yourself.
What about Quint-chan?
We're in the same class, so we are both on the same field trip.
The memory ended as Fate awoke, lying in a bed at the High-Tech Medical Care Center. Although her eyes were still trying to regain focus, a familiar voice spoke to her as someone else she knew hurried to her bedside.
"I am glad you are finally awake, Fate," Lindy spoke, dressed in her admiral uniform.
"Mother," Fate said, looking around now fully aware of her surroundings. "How long was I here?"
"You've been unconscious since yesterday. The good news is, the doctors found nothing wrong with you…Although…what you suffered yesterday was what Shamal and the others believe was an overload, to put it simply."
"I don't understand."
"I don't understand the details myself, but after conducting a full physical on you and finding nothing wrong, Shamal had a scan of brain conducted. We found evidence of magic seals that had been in place, designed to suppress memories. But something from yesterday finally caused those seals to break, unlocking those memories."
"Then it was," Fate realized as the only person who might have done that was her mother. But 'creator' might have been a more proper term in light of Lindy having adopted Fate years ago. "Why would she do something like that?"
"I don't know, but could you tell me what you remember?"
"I can try," Fate began as she started to explain the memories. Minutes later, the door opened and Hayate entered the room followed by Vita.
"I am glad you are awake, Fate…Is she okay?"
"Nanoha will be glad to hear you're awake. She'll be here soon," Vita noted, taking a seat near her bedside.
"That is good, but as you can see, she is fine. It seems her encounter with those two from yesterday awoke suppressed memories within her." Lindy began to explain, surprising the two.
"Suppressed memories?" Vita asked with a confused expression.
"I still don't quite understand it either. But why haven't we heard anything about Alicia having an older brother..." Lindy began before the door opened.
"Maybe I can help shed some light on that," Genya Nakajima said, entering the room with a small blue haired girl following behind him. She was no older than thirteen years old with green eyes, wearing a brown cadet uniform of the Ground Forces academy with a cheerful disposition. Tucked under Genya's arm was an academy yearbook, judging by the text on the spine.
"Major Nakajima…I wasn't expecting you," Lindy said genuinely surprised by the older man's arrival.
"Sir," Hayate said as she saluted to her superior before Genya returned it.
"I am sorry, but when I got the details from Nanoha and Hayate, I decided to see both of you as soon as possible."
"What do you mean?" Fate inquired curious to know what Genya knew.
"I wasn't sure at first, I admit. But after thinking about the DNA results and now these events, I am almost certain he must be somehow tied to this."
"Who?" Lindy asked.
"How much do you know about the Testarossa Family?"
"Only that Precia raised her daughter Alicia, but to our knowledge, she lived alone and Alicia was an only child." Lindy explained.
"But that is wrong, isn't it?" Fate began as she clearly remembered an elder sibling of Alicia's.
"Yes…Alicia Testarossa wasn't an only child. She had an older brother named Simon Testarossa."
"Simon? I never heard of him. In fact, when he pulled up records on Alicia no mention of her having a brother came up." The green-haired admiral admitted.
"Yes I know, because when I tried to research the matter further all the information was erased in the databases. However, some physical evidence of his existence remains." Genya said as he sat down on a chair next to Fate.
He opened the book, turning the page to a group picture. A young Genya Nakajima stood with a woman with long pink hair and red eyes wearing a Ground Forces Academy uniform. Next to her was a woman identical to Ginga, wearing an identical uniform. But standing next to that woman was a young man similar to Fate and Alicia, but his hair was shorter tied into a long ponytail. He also wore reading glasses and a white lab coat over a dark blue uniform.
"From the left, you'll recognize me when I was a young man, standing with Megane Alpine and Quint. The blonde haired young man is Simon. He was one of the finest scientists of Mid-Childa, a born prodigy since the age of five." Genya explained.
"Wow, is that mommy when she was younger?" the young Nakajima sister asked.
"Yes, this photo was taken before we graduated from the academy." Genya answered before addressing Fate and Lindy. "Although Simon was a student, he spent most of his time studying and working at the TSAB Science Academy. However, part of his lessons required him to attend Fourth Ground Forces Academy with us so he could receive proper combat training and instruction since he was called upon at times to conduct field research for the Science Academy as well as the TSAB Main Branch."
"I see," Fate said before noticing a picture sticking out from one of the pages. "Is that another photo of him?"
"Yes," Genya replied pulling out the picture which showed Quint and Simon, the first in a Ground Forces uniform while Simon wore the dark blue uniform worn by those of the Engineering Division. They embraced one another while the blonde-haired man affectionately had his hand over her womb, which had a very clear baby bump. "This was taken about later in their teen years."
"Why is Quint in the arms of Simon? I thought you two married?" Lindy inquired.
Genya sighed before he explained, "This is a point that I rarely mentioned. No matter if she learned to love me or not, she always loved him to the very end. Before Quint and I married, she was in a relationship with Simon. It wasn't surprising since they knew each other since childhood and attended the St. Hilde Academy of Magic together as children."
"Then, you mean Quint and Simon..." Hayate said.
"Simon was Quint's fiancé, but they grew closer as a result of the accident that killed Alicia." Genya explained as everyone was familiar with the accident that killed Alicia. "Simon was away on a field trip with his class on another world. When Precia became more obsessed with trying to bring back Alicia, she left Simon to fend for himself. No one would become aware of her illegal experiments years later until Simon himself alerted the authorities after they had a falling out."
"I see so," Fate said, suspecting the reason for her suppressed memories.
"She must have felt betrayed by her own son, but she abandoned him, didn't she?" Lindy inquired.
"Yes he was, but a family friend took Simon in and raised him; Quint helped Simon through those difficult times. Unlike his mother, he accepted Alicia's death, but he mourned for her just the same as Quint did."
"I see, so they were very close then growing up." Hayate commented, prompting Genya to nod.
"Yes they were, and as his career as a scientist was promising for him," The aged Major began but hesitated before he continued. "However, a terrible tragedy befell them."
"What happened?" Fate asked as she began looking at some of the pages of the yearbook.
"When they were both eighteen years old, Quint became pregnant with his child and the two were planning to marry after the child was born. However, complications arose during the final stages of pregnancy that almost killed her; Although the doctors did their best, Quint lost her child and fell into a coma. Simon was devastated, but the worse was still yet to come."
"What happened to him?" Fate inquired, but she had a bad feeling about it.
"As you know, he was a very capable scientist, but what drew the attention of the higher-ups was his work on nanotechnology and cybernetics. When he was ten years old, he wrote a thesis on molecular nanotechnology and its applications. It explained the possibilities of their use in advanced medical procedures and body enhancement, upon which to strengthen a Mage's body to better cope with the stress of their magical power. It made sense as there were cases of a Mage's own magic taxing their body to the point of breaking down upon itself like what had happened to your friend Nanoha. His thesis was so successful that he drew the attention of this man," Genya explained before opening up the yearbook near the end where a picture of a young ten year old Simon wearing a simple black suit with a red tie. Standing next to him was a familiar man Fate instantly recognized, presenting Simon with a Junior Science Fair Award.
"Is that…Jail Scaglietti?"
"Yes…this was taken before he became an interdimensional criminal. At the time, he was working at the Science Academy's Research and Development Department for the TSAB Main Branch. Impressed by Simon's thesis, Scaglietti brought him under his wing, becoming both his mentor and superior, working on a number of his research projects as a lab assistant. Simon studied at both the Science Academy while completing his required courses at the Fourth Ground Forces Academy all the while he worked with Scaglietti."
"But what happened to Simon after Quint's miscarriage?" Hayate asked already, knowing where this was going.
"Well apparently, when Scaglietti went rouge, Simon was put under investigation due to his working relationship with him at the time. During the investigation, they discovered that Simon was conducting an illegal project. His work was confiscated by the Bureau, according to what I heard, and the details of his research including his work into nanotechnology were never recovered. The Bureau tried to arrest him, but before they could get to him, there was an accident at a cabin out in the woodlands of Mid-Childa south of the city. Investigators believe that Simon was using the cabin as his own private research lab. When they arrived, they found his charred remains when some kind of accident that took place claimed his life. When Quint awoke a year later from her coma she was…well," Genya said stopping his sentence at that point with a pained expression on his face.
"But then, why was all information regarding him erased?"
"I don't know, but only someone with high-level access above admiral rank at HQ could have done it. Although Simon was confirmed dead, with the appearance of what genetics say to be his dead son and younger sister, I have a very bad feeling about this and the Mandarin himself."
"Yet you had your suspicious about this, didn't you? Ever since you saw the DNA results of the blood sample Ginga brought back?" Hayate began.
"I did, but I wasn't sure. I didn't want to jump to conclusions, but-" Genya began clearly hesitant of a dead girl being alive.
Hayate, Fate and Lindy were a little suspicious that Genya knew a little more than he was letting on. But they'd know if they believed the information was something that had to be shared. There was also a possibility that he was just uncertain. The only way to get the answers was to find and capture the young man for questioning.
"Anyway, when Nanoha arrives, I'll be sending word to Ginga."
"Is there something going on?" Lindy inquired.
"The decision has been made an hour ago to dispatch Captain Hayate Yagami. The Wolkenritter, Fate and Nanoha will be accompanying her. Once preparations are ready, they will travel with your son Chrono to Earth." Genya answered.
"Chrono will be helping them?"
"No, but he'll be busy dealing with another matter, cleaning out the corrupt observers. When I tried to check with Ginga's superior about the mission files she forwarded to me, we found that he supposedly never received them." Genya explained as Hayate already knew where this discussion was going. "After a quick investigation on our end, we found that his wife was receiving payments from off-world wire."
"So he was working for the Mandarin," Vita said with anger in her eyes.
"We think so, but we have to wait for word back from the interrogators at HQ. For now, he has been detained, pending further investigation to verify that he is involved with the Mandarin. Chrono has instructions to detain all of the other observers and hold them for questioning as my battalion will be conducting thorough checks on their backgrounds and money flow."
"Is Ginga alright?" Fate asked.
"She is for now, but HQ has sent her word to be careful until Hayate and the others arrive. I will give her more details when I speak to her."
Back on Earth at Ashford Academy, inside a small room with an intercom and broadcast system before them sat Lelouch and Quattro in school uniforms. They were lazily handling the lunch time broadcast, primarily being Quattro's task. Not wishing to deal with Milly today, Lelouch decided to sit in with the Combat Cyborg.
"Okay, let us begin with today's first request: Innocent Days by Pupil," Quattro began broadcasting to the academy. She read the back of the postcard with the song request on it while trying to sound as friendly as possible. "It's an okay song, so let's give it a listen shall we."
Quattro dropped the volume of the microphone so the people around the school would only hear the song. After confirming the amp and the configurations were just right, Quattro laid back in her chair. stretching her arms out before eating some of her miso soup for lunch. Lelouch was finishing his lunch, which was some rice and hot dogs, preferring a simple lunch for today.
"I am planning within the next few days to possibly meet with Ohgi's group and begin laying the groundwork for the organization."
"And the name of it?" Quattro asked before taking a spoonful of soup into her mouth.
"I was thinking of calling it the 'Order of the Black Knights'."
"Really," The cyborg said raising an eyebrow.
"Is there something wrong with the name?"
"Well, I don't think you could have come up with anything better. I do like the irony of a group of terrorists calling themselves knights."
Lelouch shot her a glare before saying. "We won't be utilizing the failed and pathetic methods these resistance groups have been using. We'll be taking the fight to Britannia itself and ultimately the force supporting it from the shadows."
"Yes," Quattro said as her eyes narrowed.
The song was beginning to end, prompting Quattro to raise the volume.
"That was Innocent Days by Pupil, so we're moving onto our suggestion box for the school festival coming up in a couple months. As you all know, the Student Council is asking for suggestions so please deliver your postcards to our suggestion box by the end of next month. Those we like will be put up to a vote for the rest of the school to pick."
The combat cyborg dug her hand into the suggestion box randomly, pulling up one post card with a cat on it.
"Let's see here…My name is Kitten-Chan," Quattro said, mentally groaning as she recognized both the handwriting and the nickname. She wouldn't be surprised if the school was now joining her in a collective mental groaning moment. "How about we have a festival about cats and people can dress as cats and have fun cat activities and..."
The combat cyborg couldn't even finish the rest of the postcard.
"Okay Lotte, must I remind you that ALL students are limited to one idea per entry? Sending us multiple postcards will not influence our decision," Quattro said as she went through the box, looking for one that wasn't by the easily excitable of the Liese twins. Unfortunately for the woman, they were all postcards Lotte had written. "Since we don't have any original ideas, I guess we'll move on. Let's step it up a little and play Unstable by Chaotica."
Quattro finished changing out CDs and set the track before dropping the volume once again.
"I'll talk to Milly and ask her to filter out the suggestion box for anymore of Lotte's postcards," Lelouch said, shaking his head at what was probably Lotte's twentieth attempt to get her cat idea through.
"I don't think it'll be a problem. Even Milly should be growing tired of it."
"True enough, but sooner or later, we might end up doing something involving cats."
"Please don't say that, otherwise it will happen."
Quattro chuckled at the prospect. If it did happen, then the young woman would be sure to skip school that day.
"Anyway...before I forget, what do you plan to do about Cornelia?"
"I'll deal with her, of course."
"I certainly hope you're not going to take her lightly. I have been researching her since the announcement and she isn't an idiot like Clovis. Her military career alone is impressive, but her other nickname as 'Witch of Britannia' is nothing to scoff at either." Quattro pointed out while thinking.
Compared to the military officers of the TSAB, she makes even the more battle hardened and strict commanders look like cuddly teddy bears. I doubt most of them could even stomach her methods, especially whether dealing with foes on the battle or in an interrogation room.
"All the more reason we need to begin building our strength up, but Ohgi and his group won't be enough. We need more men to join us."
"I agree with you," Quattro said, wondering if Lelouch was being cautious or not even considering the possible danger.
Sitting in the teacher's lounge, Peter was eating his lunch while across from him sat a very familiar English gentleman, wearing a blue suit with a light blue tie. Gil Graham was also posing as a teacher with world history being his primary subject. Although silently eating together, the two were having a telepathic conversation between one another.
Those cat familiars of yours are something, especially Lotte.
No matter how many years have passed, she still acts like a child sometimes.
Some things can't be helped.
Indeed, but that aside, I do want to thank you for incapacitating Hayate without hurting her.
I knew you wouldn't want her harm, which was why I dealt with her as quickly as possible. I'm only lucky she is not a capable combatant like her friends.
Speaking of which, your escape from Nanoha and even Fate was impressive.
Don't mention it. I'm just glad I got out uncaught. I was prepared for the possibility of running into the Bureau during one of my off-world trips, but never thought about Hayate of all people.
I understand your surprise, but this means the Bureau will be more focused on Earth now. If anything, they'll dispatch more mages to Japan. They'll likely be sending Hayate and her family, possibly along with Nanoha and Fate, given they grew up here.
I agree Gil, but still I'm concerned about him…the Mandarin.
I understand your concerns, but we've already past the point of no return. Nothing we can do about it now, but we'll need to remind Lelouch to act more discreetly.
I agree. If we don't do this, then this war will turn into a bloodbath before it's over. But regarding the Mandarin, what are Alicia's thoughts?
Peter didn't respond, but the sad expression upon his face was a clue enough to Graham that the girl wasn't taking it well.
In the middle school section, a meeting for one of the school clubs was taking place. Alicia was sitting at the head of a table, going went by the name Alicia Vanderfloog, listed officially as a relative of Peter Vanderfloog. Nunnally was also present, sitting to her right acting as the club's vice president, wearing the same school uniform as Alicia. Surprisingly present were the Liese twins, sitting across from one another.
"They rejected my idea for the Cats' Festival again!" Lotte said sadly, prompting her more serious-minded sister to pat on the back out of sympathy.
"Not everyone in the school loves the idea," Aria said sympathetically.
"We should talk to my brother," Nunnally clasped her hands together. "Maybe we can do a cute animals festival instead?"
"That sounds like a reasonable compromise," Aria said agreeing with the sandy brown-haired girl quickly.
"I like that idea…all members of the Ashford Academy Women's Association who agree, say yay," President Alicia Testarossa asked.
"Yay," Nunnally, Lotte and Aria said in agreement together.
"Alright, we'll speak with Milly later, but is there anything else?"
"We have the cross-dressing festival coming up again soon…Any ideas for that day?" Aria reminded the president.
"Thank you, yes, what should we dress up for this year?"
Lying in a bedroom room was C.C. listening to the song playing throughout the school. Although she was alone, but someone was talking to her despite being the only person in the room.
"This is certainly interesting, but I think you would like Lelouch's friend Quattro. She reminds me of you when you were younger," C.C. said, speaking to a familiar voice within her mind.
Oh really…
"Yes, but only from what I understand about her, she didn't have a childhood. Let's just say...she's different."
How so?
"It's hard to explain. With everything moving as is, I think things about to get more interesting." C.C. admitted while not talking about Quattro as a cyborg. Apparently it was at the request of Peter, who knew the full story her previous relationship with a certain someone close to Lelouch. In return for her silence though, among a few other concessions on her part, she was given an explanation of how Quattro came to be on Earth.
As her name implies, she was the fourth combat cyborg to be created, but she wasn't activated until her fifth sister was. Quattro was originally created to serve as a intelligence processing-type to support Scaglietti's first combat cyborg Uno. Later after upgrading her with illusionary and ECM capacities, her potential was boosted to become a rear commander for the other Numbers. Yet two years ago something happened, which nearly resulted in the demise of Quattro. Peter said one of her own older sisters tried to kill her on the doctor's orders, but C.C. got the impression that Peter wasn't telling her the entire story.
From the impression I got…something more must have happened, C.C. thought to herself.
Either way, the result was that Quattro joined their little group. During her recovery and treatment, Peter couldn't help but make improvements and upgrades for her. By his own admittance, it was a bad habit he had. It happened when he came across something or, in Quattro's case, someone who could be made better that the young man couldn't resist.
Quattro's Inherent Skill called Silver Curtain was previously granted her the ability to create illusions through the manipulation of electron waves. Thanks to new biomechanical implants and upgraded cybernetics coupled with the use of her new Assault Suit, Quattro's Inherent Skill was augmented significantly. The hybrid intelligent device integrated into the suit doubled as a miniature supercomputer for hacking computer systems and even seizing control of Knightmare Frames. The computer also filtered out unneeded information to further improve her new capabilities of hacking and taking control of electronic devices and machines.
Her new ability to use a magic system was limited, but she was now capable of defensive spells and a few offensive spells.
A dangerous woman she is, but her and Lelouch…They are a dangerous combination…
The following morning, Viceroy Clovis was on what would be his last day in office for Area 11. With all of his official work done, the blonde-haired prince thought he could at least spend his last day with his guest, who arrived in Area 11 yesterday. Still surprised, one of his beloved and favorite siblings had come to serve as Sub-Viceroy. Unfortunately when he arrived in her room, no one was there.
"Euphie…are you here?"
No one answered, prompting Clovis to look around. Arriving at the dresser, he found a note taped to the mirror. Clovis picked up the note, but moments later, a loud scream brought a guard running into the room.
"Your Majesty, are you alright?"
Clovis didn't answer, prompting the guard to slowly approach him. Upon closer inspection, he saw blood had drained from Clovis's face as he had a look of frozen terror upon his facial features.
"Prince Clovis, what's wrong?" The guard asked again before Clovis handed him the note.
Dear Clovis,
I want to see what Area 11 is like so I kinda sneaked out of the government building among all of those girls you had visiting you earlier. But don't worry I'll be back in a little while.
Love
Euphy…
"Princess Cornelia arrives tonight and-" the guard swallowed hard before he could finish.
"I know…" Clovis said finally, but he was clearly terrified of what Cornelia would do to him.
"Worried she'll kill you, sir?"
"Kill me!" The blonde-haired prince said half-jokingly and half-frightened for his life. "That would be merciful! If she discovers that Euphy left without guard and who knows to where she went with her bleeding heart, she will turn me into a soprano using a blunt wooden spoon, then shove that same spoon where the sun doesn't shine. And that it's the tamest thing that I can expect here!"
"I understand sir…I'll call the Royal Guard."
-----
Arriving for the first time on Earth was a trio of young women. All three of them for the most part wore identical uniforms that consisted of full-body suits of blue around the edges and limbs with light blue.
The leading one wore on her wrists and above her ankles blue ring-like devices and plates on her hips and shoulders. She had the Roman numeral six on a plate over her collarbone printed in yellow. She had short light blue hair, blue hair clips in her hair and light blue eyes. The other two, instead of ring-like devices on their wrists, wore forearm armor plating. One was another girl with red hair tied up into a top-knot, with red eyes and the number eleven marked on her. The last member of their group was a girl with long brown hair tied into a long ponytail with a yellow bow. She had matching brown eyes and a large cannon-like weapon wrapped up in tattered tan cloth. The three girls were taking up residence in an old office building in the middle of the Saitama Ghetto on behalf of their creator.
"Wow, what a dump we picked to stay at, but I say we should think of it as camping!" The red-haired girl said excitingly, trying to make light on their current accommodations.
"This isn't a very good defendable position," The taciturn girl with the long ponytail commented. "I will stay up for first watch."
"Relax Dieci," The leader of the trio said assumingly. "We are combat cyborgs. Who in their right mind will mess around with us?"
"But this doesn't seem like a safe neighborhood, Sein."
"You worry too much, Dieci," the third girl who by the name Wendi commented before adding. "I am sure we'll be fine; I mean, just look at that decaying scenery. Old buildings falling apart, clear signs of battle, plenty of wear and tear, no doubt complete with an obvious lack of maintenance."
"I don't see anything down there except for that little old lady," Sein joined in to assure their more serious teammate. "See? Even she is walking around this dump, so it must be safe, right?"
Suddenly as if fate conspired against Sein, a trio of men on motorcycles wearing blue jeans and boots surrounded the old lady. They wore a black leather jacket, a white shirt and a gray sweater. One pulled a knife on the old Japanese lady after the biker gang parked their bikes.
"Alright you old Eleven, hand over your money!" The threat even made Wendi uneasy, almost thinking he meant her number.
"Okay," The old lady weakly said, pretending to be reaching for her wallet in her purse before drawing out a handgun. She shot the Britannian biker leader dead in the head before shooting at the other two who tried to run away.
Sein and Wendi were speechless while Dieci looked at the scene seemingly unsurprised by it. As the old lady hobbled away, they didn't see anyone else let alone any police officers come to arrest her. A pair of younger Japanese residences then came out of the buildings to rob the dead bikers.
"I'll take first watch," Dieci repeated before checking her Enormous Cannon.
"Rough neighborhood," Wendi commented.
Even Sein was wondering if they should relocate.
This one will some new Original Character backstory, specifically the man Fate was remembering. But first, we have some new groups getting into this mix of a war.
Chapter 8
The Rules Have Changed
The Rules Have Changed
"And so once again, we have no leads on the Mandarin. But setting that matter aside, we are questioning if you are even worth supporting." One deep electronic voice said soon followed by another not quite as deep.
"I agree. In light of your promises, we wonder if the weapons and technology you can provide can even match the Mandarin's weapons."
"They shall. All I ask for is time and I will get you results," a man who appeared to be in his early thirties said. He had medium length purple hair, wearing a white lab coat and a blue suit underneath.
"You have time. Scaglietti. Pray that you don't end up wasting it, otherwise the consequences will be severe. Either produce us weapons to deal with the Mandarin's weapons or find intelligence that we can use. Those Combat Cyborgs and Drones could perform either task, correct?"
"They could," Jail Scaglietti answered.
"We hope, for your sake, that will deliver soon," The third member of the TSAB High Council stated before ending communications.
Jail Scaglietti stood in the heart of his main chamber of his underground base hidden in the woodlands of Eastern Mid-Childa. He was silent, but his eyes hid the seething in anger over recent developments. While he despised the true rulers of the Time-Space Administration Bureau, it was necessary in order to operate and carry out his work without interference.
"Doctor, we have some new intelligence with details you might be interested in."
The purple haired scientist turned his head and looked to his right-hand woman. She was identical to him in appearance, but her hair was longer and a lighter color. She was obviously female, wearing a white, button long sleeve shirt trimmed with blue giving it a uniform-like style with a bolo tie much like his. She wore a blue skirt with black stockings, blue gloves on her hands, and white shoes trimmed with blue and blue hair pins.
Jail Scaglietti calmed down slightly as he brought up a holographic screen to review the data.
On the screen, he saw footage and images from yesterday's unexpected run in with the mysterious blonde haired young man. He also observed Enforcer Testarossa's encounter with a girl who looked exactly like her. It caused the Enforcer to go into shock and lose consciousness for reasons the doctors examining her could not explain, although the whole thing seemed to be mentally related.
"Interesting, so this is the young man I have heard about, the same man that Type-Zero encountered?"
"Yes sir, he is," Uno replied.
"And evidence suggests that the Mandarin is tied to Earth somehow. So much is happening on that backwater planet these days..."
"Are you certain?"
"No but," Jail began as he started contemplating something for a few moments before he turned to Uno. "Summon Sein here. Call Dieci and Wendi as well."
"Yes sir…"
Meanwhile, in another corner of Mid-Childa, a certain blonde haired woman was lying in a hospital bed having been unconscious since yesterday. Fate was dreaming, but more accurate to say she was remembering.
Brother…where are you brother?
In her dream she saw herself as a child wandering through the hallways of an apartment complex that was familiar to her. The child version of herself was searching for someone as she observed the girl opening up closets and cabinets. After a time she began crying.
Big brother, stop being so mean to me! You are always so nice to Quint-chan and mean to me…
After sobbing for a bit in frustration a voice behind her spoke.
You are such a sore loser, Alicia.
Alicia turned around and saw a boy three years older than she was, with short blonde hair and reddish-brown eyes just like her own. They weren't twins per sec, but the resemblance between them was shocking to say the least. He was dressed in an orange shirt with blue jeans, wearing simple black sneakers.
I am not a sore loser, you big meanie! I'm going to tell mommy on you!
Then we just won't play hide and seek anymore.
The boy said chuckling, which only made even more tears appear in her eyes.
Geez, Alicia. I am sorry, but if you are going to be like this, how can we keep playing together while mom's at work?
But you…are…not…being fair, Alicia said in-between sobs.
I just want to spend as much time as I can with you since I'll be gone for a few days on that field trip I told you and mom about. You will be here all by yourself.
What about Quint-chan?
We're in the same class, so we are both on the same field trip.
The memory ended as Fate awoke, lying in a bed at the High-Tech Medical Care Center. Although her eyes were still trying to regain focus, a familiar voice spoke to her as someone else she knew hurried to her bedside.
"I am glad you are finally awake, Fate," Lindy spoke, dressed in her admiral uniform.
"Mother," Fate said, looking around now fully aware of her surroundings. "How long was I here?"
"You've been unconscious since yesterday. The good news is, the doctors found nothing wrong with you…Although…what you suffered yesterday was what Shamal and the others believe was an overload, to put it simply."
"I don't understand."
"I don't understand the details myself, but after conducting a full physical on you and finding nothing wrong, Shamal had a scan of brain conducted. We found evidence of magic seals that had been in place, designed to suppress memories. But something from yesterday finally caused those seals to break, unlocking those memories."
"Then it was," Fate realized as the only person who might have done that was her mother. But 'creator' might have been a more proper term in light of Lindy having adopted Fate years ago. "Why would she do something like that?"
"I don't know, but could you tell me what you remember?"
"I can try," Fate began as she started to explain the memories. Minutes later, the door opened and Hayate entered the room followed by Vita.
"I am glad you are awake, Fate…Is she okay?"
"Nanoha will be glad to hear you're awake. She'll be here soon," Vita noted, taking a seat near her bedside.
"That is good, but as you can see, she is fine. It seems her encounter with those two from yesterday awoke suppressed memories within her." Lindy began to explain, surprising the two.
"Suppressed memories?" Vita asked with a confused expression.
"I still don't quite understand it either. But why haven't we heard anything about Alicia having an older brother..." Lindy began before the door opened.
"Maybe I can help shed some light on that," Genya Nakajima said, entering the room with a small blue haired girl following behind him. She was no older than thirteen years old with green eyes, wearing a brown cadet uniform of the Ground Forces academy with a cheerful disposition. Tucked under Genya's arm was an academy yearbook, judging by the text on the spine.
"Major Nakajima…I wasn't expecting you," Lindy said genuinely surprised by the older man's arrival.
"Sir," Hayate said as she saluted to her superior before Genya returned it.
"I am sorry, but when I got the details from Nanoha and Hayate, I decided to see both of you as soon as possible."
"What do you mean?" Fate inquired curious to know what Genya knew.
"I wasn't sure at first, I admit. But after thinking about the DNA results and now these events, I am almost certain he must be somehow tied to this."
"Who?" Lindy asked.
"How much do you know about the Testarossa Family?"
"Only that Precia raised her daughter Alicia, but to our knowledge, she lived alone and Alicia was an only child." Lindy explained.
"But that is wrong, isn't it?" Fate began as she clearly remembered an elder sibling of Alicia's.
"Yes…Alicia Testarossa wasn't an only child. She had an older brother named Simon Testarossa."
"Simon? I never heard of him. In fact, when he pulled up records on Alicia no mention of her having a brother came up." The green-haired admiral admitted.
"Yes I know, because when I tried to research the matter further all the information was erased in the databases. However, some physical evidence of his existence remains." Genya said as he sat down on a chair next to Fate.
He opened the book, turning the page to a group picture. A young Genya Nakajima stood with a woman with long pink hair and red eyes wearing a Ground Forces Academy uniform. Next to her was a woman identical to Ginga, wearing an identical uniform. But standing next to that woman was a young man similar to Fate and Alicia, but his hair was shorter tied into a long ponytail. He also wore reading glasses and a white lab coat over a dark blue uniform.
"From the left, you'll recognize me when I was a young man, standing with Megane Alpine and Quint. The blonde haired young man is Simon. He was one of the finest scientists of Mid-Childa, a born prodigy since the age of five." Genya explained.
"Wow, is that mommy when she was younger?" the young Nakajima sister asked.
"Yes, this photo was taken before we graduated from the academy." Genya answered before addressing Fate and Lindy. "Although Simon was a student, he spent most of his time studying and working at the TSAB Science Academy. However, part of his lessons required him to attend Fourth Ground Forces Academy with us so he could receive proper combat training and instruction since he was called upon at times to conduct field research for the Science Academy as well as the TSAB Main Branch."
"I see," Fate said before noticing a picture sticking out from one of the pages. "Is that another photo of him?"
"Yes," Genya replied pulling out the picture which showed Quint and Simon, the first in a Ground Forces uniform while Simon wore the dark blue uniform worn by those of the Engineering Division. They embraced one another while the blonde-haired man affectionately had his hand over her womb, which had a very clear baby bump. "This was taken about later in their teen years."
"Why is Quint in the arms of Simon? I thought you two married?" Lindy inquired.
Genya sighed before he explained, "This is a point that I rarely mentioned. No matter if she learned to love me or not, she always loved him to the very end. Before Quint and I married, she was in a relationship with Simon. It wasn't surprising since they knew each other since childhood and attended the St. Hilde Academy of Magic together as children."
"Then, you mean Quint and Simon..." Hayate said.
"Simon was Quint's fiancé, but they grew closer as a result of the accident that killed Alicia." Genya explained as everyone was familiar with the accident that killed Alicia. "Simon was away on a field trip with his class on another world. When Precia became more obsessed with trying to bring back Alicia, she left Simon to fend for himself. No one would become aware of her illegal experiments years later until Simon himself alerted the authorities after they had a falling out."
"I see so," Fate said, suspecting the reason for her suppressed memories.
"She must have felt betrayed by her own son, but she abandoned him, didn't she?" Lindy inquired.
"Yes he was, but a family friend took Simon in and raised him; Quint helped Simon through those difficult times. Unlike his mother, he accepted Alicia's death, but he mourned for her just the same as Quint did."
"I see, so they were very close then growing up." Hayate commented, prompting Genya to nod.
"Yes they were, and as his career as a scientist was promising for him," The aged Major began but hesitated before he continued. "However, a terrible tragedy befell them."
"What happened?" Fate asked as she began looking at some of the pages of the yearbook.
"When they were both eighteen years old, Quint became pregnant with his child and the two were planning to marry after the child was born. However, complications arose during the final stages of pregnancy that almost killed her; Although the doctors did their best, Quint lost her child and fell into a coma. Simon was devastated, but the worse was still yet to come."
"What happened to him?" Fate inquired, but she had a bad feeling about it.
"As you know, he was a very capable scientist, but what drew the attention of the higher-ups was his work on nanotechnology and cybernetics. When he was ten years old, he wrote a thesis on molecular nanotechnology and its applications. It explained the possibilities of their use in advanced medical procedures and body enhancement, upon which to strengthen a Mage's body to better cope with the stress of their magical power. It made sense as there were cases of a Mage's own magic taxing their body to the point of breaking down upon itself like what had happened to your friend Nanoha. His thesis was so successful that he drew the attention of this man," Genya explained before opening up the yearbook near the end where a picture of a young ten year old Simon wearing a simple black suit with a red tie. Standing next to him was a familiar man Fate instantly recognized, presenting Simon with a Junior Science Fair Award.
"Is that…Jail Scaglietti?"
"Yes…this was taken before he became an interdimensional criminal. At the time, he was working at the Science Academy's Research and Development Department for the TSAB Main Branch. Impressed by Simon's thesis, Scaglietti brought him under his wing, becoming both his mentor and superior, working on a number of his research projects as a lab assistant. Simon studied at both the Science Academy while completing his required courses at the Fourth Ground Forces Academy all the while he worked with Scaglietti."
"But what happened to Simon after Quint's miscarriage?" Hayate asked already, knowing where this was going.
"Well apparently, when Scaglietti went rouge, Simon was put under investigation due to his working relationship with him at the time. During the investigation, they discovered that Simon was conducting an illegal project. His work was confiscated by the Bureau, according to what I heard, and the details of his research including his work into nanotechnology were never recovered. The Bureau tried to arrest him, but before they could get to him, there was an accident at a cabin out in the woodlands of Mid-Childa south of the city. Investigators believe that Simon was using the cabin as his own private research lab. When they arrived, they found his charred remains when some kind of accident that took place claimed his life. When Quint awoke a year later from her coma she was…well," Genya said stopping his sentence at that point with a pained expression on his face.
"But then, why was all information regarding him erased?"
"I don't know, but only someone with high-level access above admiral rank at HQ could have done it. Although Simon was confirmed dead, with the appearance of what genetics say to be his dead son and younger sister, I have a very bad feeling about this and the Mandarin himself."
"Yet you had your suspicious about this, didn't you? Ever since you saw the DNA results of the blood sample Ginga brought back?" Hayate began.
"I did, but I wasn't sure. I didn't want to jump to conclusions, but-" Genya began clearly hesitant of a dead girl being alive.
Hayate, Fate and Lindy were a little suspicious that Genya knew a little more than he was letting on. But they'd know if they believed the information was something that had to be shared. There was also a possibility that he was just uncertain. The only way to get the answers was to find and capture the young man for questioning.
"Anyway, when Nanoha arrives, I'll be sending word to Ginga."
"Is there something going on?" Lindy inquired.
"The decision has been made an hour ago to dispatch Captain Hayate Yagami. The Wolkenritter, Fate and Nanoha will be accompanying her. Once preparations are ready, they will travel with your son Chrono to Earth." Genya answered.
"Chrono will be helping them?"
"No, but he'll be busy dealing with another matter, cleaning out the corrupt observers. When I tried to check with Ginga's superior about the mission files she forwarded to me, we found that he supposedly never received them." Genya explained as Hayate already knew where this discussion was going. "After a quick investigation on our end, we found that his wife was receiving payments from off-world wire."
"So he was working for the Mandarin," Vita said with anger in her eyes.
"We think so, but we have to wait for word back from the interrogators at HQ. For now, he has been detained, pending further investigation to verify that he is involved with the Mandarin. Chrono has instructions to detain all of the other observers and hold them for questioning as my battalion will be conducting thorough checks on their backgrounds and money flow."
"Is Ginga alright?" Fate asked.
"She is for now, but HQ has sent her word to be careful until Hayate and the others arrive. I will give her more details when I speak to her."
Back on Earth at Ashford Academy, inside a small room with an intercom and broadcast system before them sat Lelouch and Quattro in school uniforms. They were lazily handling the lunch time broadcast, primarily being Quattro's task. Not wishing to deal with Milly today, Lelouch decided to sit in with the Combat Cyborg.
"Okay, let us begin with today's first request: Innocent Days by Pupil," Quattro began broadcasting to the academy. She read the back of the postcard with the song request on it while trying to sound as friendly as possible. "It's an okay song, so let's give it a listen shall we."
Quattro dropped the volume of the microphone so the people around the school would only hear the song. After confirming the amp and the configurations were just right, Quattro laid back in her chair. stretching her arms out before eating some of her miso soup for lunch. Lelouch was finishing his lunch, which was some rice and hot dogs, preferring a simple lunch for today.
"I am planning within the next few days to possibly meet with Ohgi's group and begin laying the groundwork for the organization."
"And the name of it?" Quattro asked before taking a spoonful of soup into her mouth.
"I was thinking of calling it the 'Order of the Black Knights'."
"Really," The cyborg said raising an eyebrow.
"Is there something wrong with the name?"
"Well, I don't think you could have come up with anything better. I do like the irony of a group of terrorists calling themselves knights."
Lelouch shot her a glare before saying. "We won't be utilizing the failed and pathetic methods these resistance groups have been using. We'll be taking the fight to Britannia itself and ultimately the force supporting it from the shadows."
"Yes," Quattro said as her eyes narrowed.
The song was beginning to end, prompting Quattro to raise the volume.
"That was Innocent Days by Pupil, so we're moving onto our suggestion box for the school festival coming up in a couple months. As you all know, the Student Council is asking for suggestions so please deliver your postcards to our suggestion box by the end of next month. Those we like will be put up to a vote for the rest of the school to pick."
The combat cyborg dug her hand into the suggestion box randomly, pulling up one post card with a cat on it.
"Let's see here…My name is Kitten-Chan," Quattro said, mentally groaning as she recognized both the handwriting and the nickname. She wouldn't be surprised if the school was now joining her in a collective mental groaning moment. "How about we have a festival about cats and people can dress as cats and have fun cat activities and..."
The combat cyborg couldn't even finish the rest of the postcard.
"Okay Lotte, must I remind you that ALL students are limited to one idea per entry? Sending us multiple postcards will not influence our decision," Quattro said as she went through the box, looking for one that wasn't by the easily excitable of the Liese twins. Unfortunately for the woman, they were all postcards Lotte had written. "Since we don't have any original ideas, I guess we'll move on. Let's step it up a little and play Unstable by Chaotica."
Quattro finished changing out CDs and set the track before dropping the volume once again.
"I'll talk to Milly and ask her to filter out the suggestion box for anymore of Lotte's postcards," Lelouch said, shaking his head at what was probably Lotte's twentieth attempt to get her cat idea through.
"I don't think it'll be a problem. Even Milly should be growing tired of it."
"True enough, but sooner or later, we might end up doing something involving cats."
"Please don't say that, otherwise it will happen."
Quattro chuckled at the prospect. If it did happen, then the young woman would be sure to skip school that day.
"Anyway...before I forget, what do you plan to do about Cornelia?"
"I'll deal with her, of course."
"I certainly hope you're not going to take her lightly. I have been researching her since the announcement and she isn't an idiot like Clovis. Her military career alone is impressive, but her other nickname as 'Witch of Britannia' is nothing to scoff at either." Quattro pointed out while thinking.
Compared to the military officers of the TSAB, she makes even the more battle hardened and strict commanders look like cuddly teddy bears. I doubt most of them could even stomach her methods, especially whether dealing with foes on the battle or in an interrogation room.
"All the more reason we need to begin building our strength up, but Ohgi and his group won't be enough. We need more men to join us."
"I agree with you," Quattro said, wondering if Lelouch was being cautious or not even considering the possible danger.
Sitting in the teacher's lounge, Peter was eating his lunch while across from him sat a very familiar English gentleman, wearing a blue suit with a light blue tie. Gil Graham was also posing as a teacher with world history being his primary subject. Although silently eating together, the two were having a telepathic conversation between one another.
Those cat familiars of yours are something, especially Lotte.
No matter how many years have passed, she still acts like a child sometimes.
Some things can't be helped.
Indeed, but that aside, I do want to thank you for incapacitating Hayate without hurting her.
I knew you wouldn't want her harm, which was why I dealt with her as quickly as possible. I'm only lucky she is not a capable combatant like her friends.
Speaking of which, your escape from Nanoha and even Fate was impressive.
Don't mention it. I'm just glad I got out uncaught. I was prepared for the possibility of running into the Bureau during one of my off-world trips, but never thought about Hayate of all people.
I understand your surprise, but this means the Bureau will be more focused on Earth now. If anything, they'll dispatch more mages to Japan. They'll likely be sending Hayate and her family, possibly along with Nanoha and Fate, given they grew up here.
I agree Gil, but still I'm concerned about him…the Mandarin.
I understand your concerns, but we've already past the point of no return. Nothing we can do about it now, but we'll need to remind Lelouch to act more discreetly.
I agree. If we don't do this, then this war will turn into a bloodbath before it's over. But regarding the Mandarin, what are Alicia's thoughts?
Peter didn't respond, but the sad expression upon his face was a clue enough to Graham that the girl wasn't taking it well.
In the middle school section, a meeting for one of the school clubs was taking place. Alicia was sitting at the head of a table, going went by the name Alicia Vanderfloog, listed officially as a relative of Peter Vanderfloog. Nunnally was also present, sitting to her right acting as the club's vice president, wearing the same school uniform as Alicia. Surprisingly present were the Liese twins, sitting across from one another.
"They rejected my idea for the Cats' Festival again!" Lotte said sadly, prompting her more serious-minded sister to pat on the back out of sympathy.
"Not everyone in the school loves the idea," Aria said sympathetically.
"We should talk to my brother," Nunnally clasped her hands together. "Maybe we can do a cute animals festival instead?"
"That sounds like a reasonable compromise," Aria said agreeing with the sandy brown-haired girl quickly.
"I like that idea…all members of the Ashford Academy Women's Association who agree, say yay," President Alicia Testarossa asked.
"Yay," Nunnally, Lotte and Aria said in agreement together.
"Alright, we'll speak with Milly later, but is there anything else?"
"We have the cross-dressing festival coming up again soon…Any ideas for that day?" Aria reminded the president.
"Thank you, yes, what should we dress up for this year?"
Lying in a bedroom room was C.C. listening to the song playing throughout the school. Although she was alone, but someone was talking to her despite being the only person in the room.
"This is certainly interesting, but I think you would like Lelouch's friend Quattro. She reminds me of you when you were younger," C.C. said, speaking to a familiar voice within her mind.
Oh really…
"Yes, but only from what I understand about her, she didn't have a childhood. Let's just say...she's different."
How so?
"It's hard to explain. With everything moving as is, I think things about to get more interesting." C.C. admitted while not talking about Quattro as a cyborg. Apparently it was at the request of Peter, who knew the full story her previous relationship with a certain someone close to Lelouch. In return for her silence though, among a few other concessions on her part, she was given an explanation of how Quattro came to be on Earth.
As her name implies, she was the fourth combat cyborg to be created, but she wasn't activated until her fifth sister was. Quattro was originally created to serve as a intelligence processing-type to support Scaglietti's first combat cyborg Uno. Later after upgrading her with illusionary and ECM capacities, her potential was boosted to become a rear commander for the other Numbers. Yet two years ago something happened, which nearly resulted in the demise of Quattro. Peter said one of her own older sisters tried to kill her on the doctor's orders, but C.C. got the impression that Peter wasn't telling her the entire story.
From the impression I got…something more must have happened, C.C. thought to herself.
Either way, the result was that Quattro joined their little group. During her recovery and treatment, Peter couldn't help but make improvements and upgrades for her. By his own admittance, it was a bad habit he had. It happened when he came across something or, in Quattro's case, someone who could be made better that the young man couldn't resist.
Quattro's Inherent Skill called Silver Curtain was previously granted her the ability to create illusions through the manipulation of electron waves. Thanks to new biomechanical implants and upgraded cybernetics coupled with the use of her new Assault Suit, Quattro's Inherent Skill was augmented significantly. The hybrid intelligent device integrated into the suit doubled as a miniature supercomputer for hacking computer systems and even seizing control of Knightmare Frames. The computer also filtered out unneeded information to further improve her new capabilities of hacking and taking control of electronic devices and machines.
Her new ability to use a magic system was limited, but she was now capable of defensive spells and a few offensive spells.
A dangerous woman she is, but her and Lelouch…They are a dangerous combination…
The following morning, Viceroy Clovis was on what would be his last day in office for Area 11. With all of his official work done, the blonde-haired prince thought he could at least spend his last day with his guest, who arrived in Area 11 yesterday. Still surprised, one of his beloved and favorite siblings had come to serve as Sub-Viceroy. Unfortunately when he arrived in her room, no one was there.
"Euphie…are you here?"
No one answered, prompting Clovis to look around. Arriving at the dresser, he found a note taped to the mirror. Clovis picked up the note, but moments later, a loud scream brought a guard running into the room.
"Your Majesty, are you alright?"
Clovis didn't answer, prompting the guard to slowly approach him. Upon closer inspection, he saw blood had drained from Clovis's face as he had a look of frozen terror upon his facial features.
"Prince Clovis, what's wrong?" The guard asked again before Clovis handed him the note.
Dear Clovis,
I want to see what Area 11 is like so I kinda sneaked out of the government building among all of those girls you had visiting you earlier. But don't worry I'll be back in a little while.
Love
Euphy…
"Princess Cornelia arrives tonight and-" the guard swallowed hard before he could finish.
"I know…" Clovis said finally, but he was clearly terrified of what Cornelia would do to him.
"Worried she'll kill you, sir?"
"Kill me!" The blonde-haired prince said half-jokingly and half-frightened for his life. "That would be merciful! If she discovers that Euphy left without guard and who knows to where she went with her bleeding heart, she will turn me into a soprano using a blunt wooden spoon, then shove that same spoon where the sun doesn't shine. And that it's the tamest thing that I can expect here!"
"I understand sir…I'll call the Royal Guard."
-----
Arriving for the first time on Earth was a trio of young women. All three of them for the most part wore identical uniforms that consisted of full-body suits of blue around the edges and limbs with light blue.
The leading one wore on her wrists and above her ankles blue ring-like devices and plates on her hips and shoulders. She had the Roman numeral six on a plate over her collarbone printed in yellow. She had short light blue hair, blue hair clips in her hair and light blue eyes. The other two, instead of ring-like devices on their wrists, wore forearm armor plating. One was another girl with red hair tied up into a top-knot, with red eyes and the number eleven marked on her. The last member of their group was a girl with long brown hair tied into a long ponytail with a yellow bow. She had matching brown eyes and a large cannon-like weapon wrapped up in tattered tan cloth. The three girls were taking up residence in an old office building in the middle of the Saitama Ghetto on behalf of their creator.
"Wow, what a dump we picked to stay at, but I say we should think of it as camping!" The red-haired girl said excitingly, trying to make light on their current accommodations.
"This isn't a very good defendable position," The taciturn girl with the long ponytail commented. "I will stay up for first watch."
"Relax Dieci," The leader of the trio said assumingly. "We are combat cyborgs. Who in their right mind will mess around with us?"
"But this doesn't seem like a safe neighborhood, Sein."
"You worry too much, Dieci," the third girl who by the name Wendi commented before adding. "I am sure we'll be fine; I mean, just look at that decaying scenery. Old buildings falling apart, clear signs of battle, plenty of wear and tear, no doubt complete with an obvious lack of maintenance."
"I don't see anything down there except for that little old lady," Sein joined in to assure their more serious teammate. "See? Even she is walking around this dump, so it must be safe, right?"
Suddenly as if fate conspired against Sein, a trio of men on motorcycles wearing blue jeans and boots surrounded the old lady. They wore a black leather jacket, a white shirt and a gray sweater. One pulled a knife on the old Japanese lady after the biker gang parked their bikes.
"Alright you old Eleven, hand over your money!" The threat even made Wendi uneasy, almost thinking he meant her number.
"Okay," The old lady weakly said, pretending to be reaching for her wallet in her purse before drawing out a handgun. She shot the Britannian biker leader dead in the head before shooting at the other two who tried to run away.
Sein and Wendi were speechless while Dieci looked at the scene seemingly unsurprised by it. As the old lady hobbled away, they didn't see anyone else let alone any police officers come to arrest her. A pair of younger Japanese residences then came out of the buildings to rob the dead bikers.
"I'll take first watch," Dieci repeated before checking her Enormous Cannon.
"Rough neighborhood," Wendi commented.
Even Sein was wondering if they should relocate.
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Chapter 9: Tours
Well, the next chapter is done. Below will give more insight to Quattro and how she joined up with Lelouch and his allies. Then there's the first meetup between Suzaku and Euphie.
Chapter 9
Tours
It was early that afternoon as Suzaku Kururugi, despite some trouble at the government building, managed to drop off some paperwork. It was on the behalf of his new superiors at the Advanced Special Envoy Engineering Corps or sometimes called the Camelot Research. A majority of his difficulties came from being an Honorary Britannian, but he was used to the treatment he received. There was no denying that his new superiors were much better than his previous ones. However for the past couple of days, his boss Lloyd Asplund has been, for a lack of a better word, a nervous wreck. Fortunately for him, his mood improved when he got word that his sponsor, Schneizel El Britannia was providing the funds and means to build another Lancelot.
Lloyd was out eagerly overseeing the construction of the new Lancelot unit, closely matching the stolen original. Suzaku was tasked by Cecile to drop off some documents before he was allowed the day off. As Lloyd wanted to make certain a repeat of that incident wouldn't happen again, he would be busy for the rest of the day.
"Excuse me," a kind voice from behind asked.
Suzaku turned around and came face-to-face with a beautiful young woman who appeared to be about as old as he was if not a bit younger. She had long pink curly hair with some of it tied into two large buns on the sides, light blue eyes and a fair skin complexion. The girl was dressed in a dress with an orange bottom while the top was a white blouse with a wide collar and long sleeves.
"Hello, I am new here. If you don't mind me asking, could you show me around? I am in a bit of trouble, you see."
"Uh, you are?"
"Could we wait on introductions please? Bad guys after me, so considering the situation, could you help me please?"
With school finally out, Lelouch and Graham were in the simulation room. The two men stood on opposite sides with a fully graphic holographic map laid out at their feet. They were having a war game, although the two men gave orders to their respective forces using holographic screens floating around them. The map below them, which had a very realistic look to it, allowed them to see the battle play out.
Instead of a modern battle, Lelouch and Graham had picked an old battle from world history. Although troops and battle conditions were the same as far as history books noted, weather conditions were set to be random. The battle in question they picked was one of the battles that led to the formation of Britannia, the Siege of Yorktown. Historically, George Washington, the leader of the American Revolution army lost. The Duke of Britannia had bribed Benjamin Franklin with the title of Earl and territories in the colonies, which was a key factor in their defeat.
Lelouch was in the same position as George Washington while Gil Graham was effectively filling the role of Lord Cornwallis, each man commanding their own respective forces. He didn't have the French to aid him, which Lelouch knew would have been a huge deciding factor in this battle. Yet as he scanned the battlefield with well over two dozen different outcomes he could make playing out in his mind.
"You cannot wait too long, Lelouch…Time can be a commander's greatest enemy."
"I know, but if I am too hasty in my decision, I could hurt my own chances for victory just the same."
"That is true," Graham said in agreement while Lelouch smiled at the challenge before him.
He undoubtedly enjoyed playing chess against the nobility for easy money and occasionally those he found challenging. Facing Graham in recreated simulated historical battles, however, were what he enjoyed the most. Of course, they just didn't play these games for the fun of it; the purpose was to train Lelouch in military tactics. Given Graham's experience as an Admiral of the TSAB, he was an excellent and invaluable teacher.
"So tell me, Lelouch, how do you intend to win this battle?"
Lelouch smiled at the response, who just said.
"Just wait and see…I might have an idea."
In another room of the underground base, Peter was busy dodging kunai knives being thrown at him. His trainer was a woman dressed in a black maid uniform complete with a white apron complete with the classic maid hat. Sayoko Shinozaki, as far as most people in Ashford Academy were concerned, was the maid and caretaker of Nunnally Lamperouge.
However, what not too many people knew was that Sayoko was a well-trained ninja or shinobi, depending on which term one preferred. She was also the 37th Successor of the Shinozaki School of martial arts, despite her age. Watching them as Peter tried to improve his combat skills was Quattro, who was enjoying tea from a white tea-cup.
She can cook, clean and take care of a disabled little girl as well as kick some ass for someone who doesn't have any cybernetics or magical talent.
Although Quattro had a hard time seeing Sayoko being able to stand against her more combat hardened sisters, there was no denying that her skill set was quite impressive.
Hmmm, if she was only converted into a combat cyborg with the right IS, she could give even Cinque a run for her money.
Dieci was keeping watchful guard at their temporary place of residence in the ghetto regrettably was in the company of Wendi. Their other sister was using her Inherent Skill, Deep Dive to discreetly move into the Toyko Concession, which was obviously much nicer.
Poking her head through the ground, hidden within some brushes emerging in the middle of a small park, the blue haired Number began looking around.
Maybe we should consider finding a better hiding place here...
"We haven't introduced ourselves yet, have we?" The pink-haired girl in Suzaku's company began. After some careful thought, she said, "My name is…Euphie."
"Euphie," Suzaku replied, raising an eyebrow. "Well my name is…"
"Don't tell me, I already know it," Euphie said, interrupting Suzaku before finishing. "You are a celebrity, the son of Prime Minister Genbu Kururugi, Private Suzaku Kururugi."
Suzaku didn't answer immediately. After looking around, he questioned what Euphie had told him earlier as he didn't spot anyone searching for the young woman.
"You lied earlier. There's no one pursuing you at all."
Seemingly ignoring what he had just said, Euphie hurried over to a cat. It had dark gray fur, a black patch of hair around its left eye and black fur on the tip of its tail. She knelt down looking at the cat before saying.
"Meow…meow," Euphie began as the scene surprised both Suzaku and the observing Sein. "Aw, does the kitty's paw hurt?"
The cat hissed at her defensively.
"Oh…meow meow," Euphie said, seemingly calming the cat down as she extended her hand. The cat sniffed it to assure she meant him no harm.
"Meow," The cat replied, rubbing his head against her hand affectingly.
"Meow meow meow," The pink-haired woman said before picking up the cat and holding him up to the Honorary Britannian.
Who is this girl, a cat whisperer? Sein thought, watching the whole thing.
Suzaku approached and was about to pet the cat when it suddenly bit his finger.
"Ugh!"
"Oh my," Euphie replied.
They look like tourists. Hmmm, maybe I'll just follow them.
Suzaku and Euphie left with the cat in their company. Unknown to them, Sein tailed them within the ground.
Back at Ashford Academy, Peter was breathing hard as he was down on one knee. He had some light cuts on his shoulders of his black shirt and the white pants he had been wearing.
"Maybe we should take a break," Sayoko suggested with four kunai knives held between her fingers on her right hand. The maid didn't seem to be the least bit tired.
"I suppose you're right."
"All things considered it's amazing you got away from that White Devil and her friend," Quattro commented, noting Peter's fighting skills needed much ore improvement. The young cyborg suspected that Peter at one point was well-trained in combat as a mage. His devotions to scientific pursuits and furthering his own knowledge between the time when he teamed up with Graham likely caused his fighting abilities to decline overtime.
"Quattro, why don't we spar for a bit?" Sayoko offered.
"Sounds like an entertaining idea," Quattro replied, standing up from her chair and changing into her Assault Suit. While Peter got out of her way, a kunai knife from the sleeves of her Silver Cape slipped into her hands.
Peter sat off to the side, watching the two women. Sayoko threw some kunai at Quattro, who deflected them by throwing the kunai she drew before they engaged in hand-to-hand combat. Peter watched as he recovered from wearing himself down, just realizing just how badly out of shape he was in.
If I stayed in proper shape, I could have trained Lelouch to be a better close-quarters combatant.
Peter watched as Quattro skillfully evaded Sayoko's attacks, having developed more into a well-rounded fighter. She preferred hanging back and assuming the role of a rear commander, but if push came to shove, then Quattro was capable of holding out in a direct fight. Quattro had no doubt improved, compared to where she was originally before she ended up joining their group two years ago. She wasn't as skilled as Sayoko, but Quattro was formidable coupled with the shinobi training she received that complimented her stealth abilities.
Yet, I wonder about her mental state…
The blonde-haired man wondered as he remembered two years ago when he first met Quattro. But he met someone else before meeting her, begging him to save Quattro as she was being forced to arrange the woman's demise. She had suspected Peter was no longer loyal to the Mandarin, so she tried to ask him while she was in control of her own actions. Peter knew that nanomachines within the woman's body kept her from telling Jail Scaglietti and anyone remotely connected to the TSAB of the Mandarin and all related to him.
However, Peter was a very different story, which provided an exploitable loophole and Quattro's life was saved thanks to the plan they worked out. Peter had reservations about Quattro, but her abilities and their use was a gamble he just had to take. Her injuries were serious, but they weren't fatal as he tended to them easily enough. Yet when Quattro remained comatose, Peter conducted a full examination to ensure she wasn't carrying any kind of devices such as a bomb or mind-controlling device. She was clean, but he did notice several things...
Back then, I found an undeveloped embryo meant to be some kind of clone of Scaglietti, likely a back-up plan for himself. I removed it after recalling what she told me about the double-edged sword they now possibly served. But…her cybernetics and abilities…they are…poorly developed and designed.
That was when Peter felt what could only be described as his inner-mad scientist coming out. He proceeded inject Quattro's body with nanomachines to better adapt to the upgrades her cybernetics would receive while integrating a few biomechanical ones to improve her original abilities. The nanomachines ensured streamlined integration of the organic and nonorganic components while optimizing her body's organic functions and ensuring her internal cybernetics were in working order. Most importantly, they served as a form of protection to prevent any foreign nanomachines from taking over her mind.
The real test came during that time two years ago, after being comatose for well over a week, when Quattro finally woke up.
Quattro's eyes fluttered opened, but the combat cyborg wasn't aware of the time she had been out for. The room she was in wasn't familiar; when her vision cleared, she saw she was in some kind of medical lab on a bed with a blanket drawn over her. Slowly, but surely, the woman sat up as she examined her surroundings.
Where am I…what happened?
Her memory was a bit fuzzy, but as she sat up in bed, the woman slowly began to recall what had happened last before losing consciousness. It began when she was tasked with an important and dangerous mission with her elder sister and mentor Due. According to intelligence collected by Due a high-ranking member of the TSAB Ground Forces had managed to come across information that threatened to expose the Doctor's plans as well as the TSAB High Council's involvement with him. This came without saying, the High Council requested to take care of the matter on their behalf, providing the location of the outpost he was inspecting as part of an inspection tour conducted on some of the administered worlds.
To ensure the information couldn't be transmitted anywhere else and to help provide cover for Due, Quattro was sent out for support. The mission seemed easy enough and for Quattro, she got to go on a joint mission with Due, who was the perfect combat cyborg in her eyes. Despite what she felt for her other sisters, Due on the other hand was perhaps the only one she held in high regard.
Yet something went wrong…
It was nothing wrong with the mission itself; it was carried out perfectly thanks to Quattro's abilities who had hampered their security systems, making it easier for Due to slip in. She even prevented the information the officer had from getting out. However, while waiting for Due to congratulate her for a job well done, but what happened shattered the combat cyborg's world.
Due had ordered Dieci to shoot Quattro and the resulting explosion seemingly killed her.
Quattro was in complete shock as she managed to detect the charging shot of Dieci's Enormous Cannon, but she didn't have enough time to evade. The young woman thought she had died, but clearly that was not the case. The only question Quattro had left was where she was.
"I see, so you are finally awake."
Quattro looked up from bed she sat up in seeing a young man in his late teens with mid-back blonde hair tied into a long ponytail and lab uniform.
"Who are you…Where am I?"
"You may call me Peter Vanderfloog, but as to where you are," Peter said before adjusting his glasses. "You are on Earth, which the Bureau has called Unadministered World #97."
"Why...am I here?"
"Because you were supposed to be killed, but due to fortunate circumstances we managed to have your demise faked anyway."
"Why…why did Due and Dieci try to kill me…Did the Doctor order it," Quattro said as her voice was shaking.
"Yes, but only because he had been lead to believe you were a traitor," Peter explained, prompting Quattro's eyes to widen. "Allow me to explain; because Due has been compromised…she has been conscripted into a double agent for a man calling himself the Mandarin."
Quattro's eyes widened further in horror, but she couldn't comprehend it.
Due's a double agent? I-Impossible…
"That can't be true…no…It just…can't."
But that brought Quattro back to the question earlier, why did Due try to have her killed?
"If it's any comfort, Due wasn't conscripted by the Mandarin willingly. She has been enslaved by the Mandarin using nanomachines he infected her body with, enabling him to control her."
"WHAT!?" Quattro exclaimed as her expression showed that she was shocked.
"I am not certain on the exact details, but on Due's latest long-term mission she had a run in with the Mandarin himself. She was beaten before being captured and subjected to modification and nanotech experiments that enslaved her. There were times she would be allowed control of her own actions, but otherwise the nanomachines within her would monitor and control her actions. Meaning she couldn't inform your creator of what happened or anyone else outside of the Mandarin himself. She was a prisoner in her own mind, effectively with no one aware of it." Peter explained as Quattro was lost in thought.
"But why would someone do that to her?"
"Because the Mandarin wants revenge against Jail Scaglietti, but he won't be content with killing him. No, he wants your creator to suffer. However, he needed an insider, so he could plan and wait for the perfect time to hit Scaglietti where he can do the most damage to him."
"Just who is the Mandarin?"
"He was a former associate of Scaglietti, but their working relationship broke down before you and your sisters were created. He became bitter and vengeful, but he isn't just aiming to destroy Jail Scaglietti…He wants to bring the entire TSAB down with him. His plans and preparations are already in motion."
"How…how I am alive then?"
"I mentioned Due at times could regain control of her senses. One of these moments was when I had returned to the Mandarin's main base to conduct my usual duties. You see…I once worked for the Mandarin as a researcher and following Due's modifications, I was asked to perform a check up on her while she was restrained."
Quattro's eyes remained widened, but she didn't interrupt.
"I was already planning to desert the Mandarin because of…let's just say a crisis of consciences. It was during these checkups, Due was allowed temporary release from the hold the nanomachines hold upon her mind. She was restrained, but during that time, I found out that the Mandarin intended to send her on a mission. It was to eliminate a potential liability to his revenge against Scaglietti and to test his hold on Due."
The combat cyborg didn't even need to wait for Peter to finish. The realization already came at her like a bullet train running her over.
"She was…forced…to kill me."
"Yes, but after some careful consideration, I told Due of my intent to turn on the Mandarin. She in turn told me of your abilities and so we concocted a plan to save you. I made arrangements so your death could be faked and hopefully the Mandarin is left unaware of our deception. Due wanted you to survive, which was why she brought Dieci along; she knew of your attachment and the care she had for you. Luckily, you were attempting to dodge Dieci, which barely missed your head. I think she found it difficult to bring herself to land a direct hit on you, but the explosion from the impact was enough to knock you from the cliff. Once you were in the river below, I swapped you out for a decoy I made beforehand while I snuck away with the real you. Although your wounds were more severe than we thought, I was able to heal you of your injuries. I made sure you survived and so I brought you here where I established a hidden base of operations for myself and those who wish to see the Mandarin brought down." Peter finished his explanation.
It was a risky gambit, but despite her impassive and profession exterior she displayed, Due knew from Quattro that she was among the morally conflicted of the cyborgs, so her survival rested upon Dieci missing a direct hit. Although he didn't mention it, Peter had raised a field to dampen Dieci's cannon shot in an effort to raise the girl's chances of survival. Quattro was completely speechless, but Peter was silent for a few moments before he brought out a small handheld device.
"Due asked I give this to you."
The combat cyborg eyed the device for a moment before accepting it. The small device had a thumb print scanner on it, which Quattro applied her finger to. Once the scan was complete, a small light glowed green as a holographic screen appeared before the young cyborg with the face of Due looking sad and vulnerable. A terrible state Quattro could never had envisioned, but she pulled away as she saw Due struggling clearly trying to keep herself in her own state of mind.
"I…I don't know how long I'll remain myself before these nanomachines take over again...But if you are seeing this Quattro...then...that means our plan worked. I am so sorry we had to do this... No one knows just how dangerous the Mandarin is. Because of the Mandarin's manipulations you cannot go back to the Doctor because...he and your other sisters think you're a traitor. What I did…I did for you. Your abilities make you a dangerous foe...and I am certain with…Le…no…Peter, I am sorry…your IS can be developed even further. Please, Quattro...I am asking you...as your your elder sister and mentor...aid Peter against the Mandarin...for at least your own sake if not our sisters and the Doctor. If the Mandarin caught wind of what really happened...then...I'll likely be killed for it...but it's worth knowing you are alive...and maybe...I can get some degree of revenge for you." Due said as she began sweating as she forfeit control.
It was clear on the expression on her face that on a rare instance, she was emotionally shaken to the core.
"Take care of yourself, but…no you hardly need that advise...I taught you well…In my opinion... you're the best among us…good bye."
The combat cyborg didn't utter a word as everything was a bit much for her to take in. But she knew going back to the Doctor was clearly a suicidal move; although Quattro didn't want to admit it, she would likely end up dead for real this time if anyone knew she survived.
"If you need anything, let me know.I'll give you some time alone."
Quattro didn't respond as Peter exited the room, glad that he hadn't mentioned his modifications, including the removal of the embryo. For a couple of hours, Quattro sat quietly up in bed with a disillusioned expression.
"So, who are you?"
The young combat cyborg looked to the doorway and saw someone different standing there. He wore a sleeveless black shirt with matching jeans with black hair. The boy observed Quattro closely before speaking.
"Are you that person Peter brought back?"
Quattro didn't say anything.
"So, why are you here?"
Still Lelouch got no response, which was beginning to irritate him.
"Are you deaf or something? I want to know why you are here. Its irritating enough that Peter doesn't say anything about this beforehand."
"I am not even sure if I should be alive…I…I don't know."
"You are here right now, so what's stopping you?"
The door slid open and Peter returned.
"Oh, I see you two have met. Quattro, this is Lelouch, our young Mage and military leader in training. Lelouch, this is Quattro, the combat cyborg I mentioned."
"I see, so she is the one you brought back from your trip." Lelouch said, looking into Quattro's eyes and noticing something about them.
"That is correct," Peter confirmed with a nod.
"The same look," Lelouch muttered.
"What did you say?" The blonde haired researcher asked.
"Oh…She doesn't look very tough," Lelouch said flat-out to the woman.
"Well, she isn't a combat-focused cyborg like some of her sisters, but I believe her abilities will no doubt prove invaluable to us."
"You said something about her using illusions and the ability to affect electronic devices, right?"
"Yes…her Inherent Skill allows her a degree of stealth capabilities, but she can interfere and tamper with machines. She can make what appears to be one fighter jet on radar into a thousand to confuse enemies for instance."
"I see, but a combat fighter might have been better for us," Lelouch said, but his inconsiderate words were irritating the young woman.
"You question my capabilities?"
"Yes, I do…"
These two are off to a good start, Peter thought sarcastically as he sighed, wondering if there was a reason for Lelouch purposely provoking Quattro like that.
Coming back to the present, Peter was resting his body when Graham suddenly entered the room with Lelouch in tow, having concluded their war game. The blonde haired researcher couldn't tell if Lelouch or Graham won since neither seemed to hold any visible signs on their expressions. But that was pushed aside as Graham drew a letter from his pocket.
"We got a response from Kyoto," Graham announced.
"They contacted us back?"
"Yes, they would like to meet Zero and are interested in the Lancelot."
"I see, but is Lelouch going alone?"
"No, but besides myself, they are allowing me to bring another," Graham began before facing Quattro. "Since you played a big role in its capture and having used it, would you be interested in accompanying us for this meeting?"
"Of course," Quattro said as she wiped from sweat from her brow.
As the afternoon was drawing to a close, Euphie and Suzaku spent the final half of their tour in the most unexpected places imaginable. Even now, Suzaku couldn't understand why a girl like Euphie would want to come to a place like Shinjuku. The majority of their tour was for the most part normal as they explored the Toyko Concession and famous locations around the settlement. Their earlier conversation repeated in his mind as he tried to comprehend just what was this young woman thinking.
You know, being here is just like being in Britannia. I feel right at home.
Oh, are you from the homeland?
Uh-huh, I was a student up until a few days ago.
A few days ago, so by student, do you mean a high school student? So what are you doing now? If you are in high-school, you can go sightseeing anytime.
Hehehe, you ask a lot of questions.
Uh…sorry…
Oh, I didn't mean it like that. You see, today is the last day of my vacation. I wanted to see as much of Area 11 as I could because I wanted to see what kind of place it is.
Well, you didn't need me for that.
No, I am glad I could see it with you.
Heh…is that right.
The duo was before a small memorial that had been established recently. Pipes and wooden boards were used as grave markers while a ruined wall behind them had photos and posters with images of the victims hung up. The area around the grave markers had flowers, including a few toys and wooden picture frames inside.
"Shinjuku Ghetto...ruined again…the people were beginning to return too."
Euphie and Suzaku looked at the grave markers solemnly. Lurking nearby was Sein, who continued to watch them, having benefited from Suzaku's little tour. Though she was familiar with memorials, she could understand much to why they'd have them here. More interesting is why the tourists would be interested and have so much pity on the place when she learned their military was responsible.
"They didn't use RGs on the Elevens, I knew they wouldn't!" A voice from above the hill behind them spoke. Up on the top of the hill near a damaged statue was a pair of Britannian high school students. Their black uniforms were clear indications they were from Ashford Academy. One of them was a large set young man with short blonde hair wearing an orange bandana on his head, holding a camera.
"Hey, look! Marks from Hummer Rounds! Get a clear shot, okay?" another Ashford Academy student called out, his companion who had short spiky black hair. He was posing in front of the statue as his larger set friend took a photo.
"Got it…"
Unfortunately moments later, three angry locals approached the two. One was Tamaki flanked by two others from the resistance group. He rushed to the two students, knocking the camera out of the hands of the portly student, who began backing away in fear.
"Get out of here, you damned Britannian bastards!" Tamaki snapped as the large one began to speak until he was cut off by Tamaki.
"How dare a lowly Eleven speak…"
"Don't call me an Eleven, I am Japanese!"
"Wrong, you seem to forget you people lost. You're nothing but a beaten dog!"
"Damn you racist pig!" Tamaki snapped.
Suzaku realized the situation would only get ugly unless he intervenes before he hurried.
"Please stop, no violence."
"Stay out of this!" Tamaki snapped while turning to slap the boy. It was only then that he saw his face and recognized him. "Hey are you…Suzaku Kururugi?"
"He's Genbu Kururugi's son…" Yoshida pointed out.
"Heh…so what? This guy is nothing more than a slave. Big deal, you are an Honorary Britannian. Nobody cares." Tamaki began before his anger flared up. "You sold your pride, your people and your soul and you call yourself JAPANESE!"
"No, you are wrong," Suzaku said in his own defense.
"I am not wrong, you stinking Britannian lapdog!"
Tamaki shouted as he threw a punch at the young man. Suzaku caught his arm before throwing him over his shoulder and slamming him on the ground.
"Stop please," Suzaku began, not wishing to allow things to escalate further. "I warn you, I've been trained in military combat. Don't make me fight against my own people."
"Like hell, we're your people!"
Tamaki snapped before one of his friends told him.
"Come on, just let it go already."
"Fine, lousy traitor..."
Tamaki and his group walked off as Euphemia approached with his belongings in hand. The nearby student picked up his camera to inspect it.
"Suzaku...oh my, are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
Suzaku said, but the two students directed their attention to the man who saved them. Instead of thanking him, they began complaining about their damaged camera, but most of all their own wounded pride.
"Forget about you, what about my LX-4 camera?"
"Damn it, some Honorary Britannian you are!" The other shot back. Had it been a Britannian who helped them, they might have displayed a different attitude.
"Why did you let them go? You should have killed them! I mean, what are a few dead Elevens to a guy like you. I mean who has taken care of you people for-" The fat student was saying before Euphie suddenly slapped him clear across the face.
"I will not allow you to insult this man any longer, you oaf!"
"What? You're a damn slut for being involved with this!" The fat kid began before a gunshot rang through the air. Everyone froze as tanned Britannian officer arrived on the scene.
"Speak another word and you'll dead before you utter those again!" Jeremiah Gottwald cautioned, glaring daggers at the two students.
A large group of Britannian soldiers and Knightmare Frames suddenly arrived on the scene, surrounding them and surprising everyone but Euphie.
"Are you alright, Princess Euphemia?" Jeremiah inquired, bowing respectfully to the young woman.
"P…Princess Euphemia…she's uh…" Suzaku and the two students exclaimed in shock before they dropped down on one knee. The two boys were panicking, especially as the chubby teen who told off a member of the Royal Family.
"My lady, I had no idea who you were. Please forgive me," Suzaku said respectfully.
"Please relax, Suzaku. I do want to thank you for escorting me around Area 11."
"With all due respect, Your Highness," Jeremiah appreciated the safety of Euphimea, despite being accompanied by an Honorary Britannian. "You really shouldn't have run away like that. You had your brother, Prince Clovis deeply worried for your wellbeing. If you had wanted a tour of Area 11, then I am certain one with a proper armed escort could have been arranged."
"Thank you, but I wanted to see Area 11 from a different perspective, especially if I am to become the Sub-Viceroy of this area."
Back at Ashford Academy, just as the sun was beginning to set, the arrangements for the meeting with Kyoto had been made. The day after tomorrow, Quattro and Graham would accompany Lelouch as Zero.
Quattro was in Lelouch's room as the two were discussing matters, especially as word was that the new Viceroy would arrive later tonight. Both teens sat before a small table with a chessboard set up and a game currently in play. Lelouch was the black pieces like usual and Quattro took control of the white pieces.
"I have to say, you have accomplished quite a bit in these few days. Unintended, but still," Quattro said before moving a white bishop.
"All of this chaos is merely a means to an end. The world is destined to descend into further chaos."
"You make it sound so easy. Surely, you know that your enemy is a nation that controls one-third of the entire world. And let's not forget the TSAB that will try to stop you with their foolish ideals and laws," The combat cyborg pointed out as Lelouch moved a black pawn.
"Really now?" Lelouch said a smug smile.
"Do you think wielding magic, having me and the others as allies, and this new organization you are going to build…Will it be enough? The upcoming foes we're facing may be too strong and large for such little resources and weapons alone."
"Is it good to be strong or bad to be weak?" Lelouch began as Quattro moved a white pawn. "Back then, when I was only nine years old, the world seemed like nothing special to me...until I learned what death was."
Lelouch said, recalling his mother lying on the stairs with his five-year old sister, her body riddled with bullet holes.
"Then I learned how ugly death was, but it was because I didn't want to know about it. After that, I learned just how cruel the world can truly be, a world without any hope at all."
Quattro moved a knight as Lelouch continued.
"Starvation, disease, filth, decay, racism, constant war and terrorism, altogether coupled with people who have us all trapped in a never-ending cycle of hate like rats running in a wheel. The cycle must be broken...somebody has to do it."
"That sounds so idealistic, but I doubt you're the first."
"Of course, it's doubtful that the one who does it will make all the troubles in the world go away. The world just isn't that simple and I'm not that arrogant of that fact. However," Lelouch said thinking of his mother and sister again. "No one should lose more of the people they love, but at the very least, a much gentler world must be achieved."
"How do you intend to achieve such a world?"
"It's simple," Lelouch moved the black King. "When somebody wins, the fighting will end."
Quattro had doubts it would go so easily.
I'll see how far you go.
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Chapter 10: Homecoming
Well, here's the next chapter. Mostly more development with Quattro's story behind her partnership-in-crime with Lelouch and more on how the Aces got to know him. Pay attention a little because this is more than mere filler and will come to play in the future developing chapters.
It's been about seven years since they left Earth, but now events had prompted a return to Nanoha and Hayate's homeworld. Returning to Japan was not easy for both of them, especially as they sat together inside a spacious living room within a large mansion, located in the middle of a wildlife preserve. Not long after their arrival, their only remaining contact in Japan, now Area 11, invited them to stay at her house. Sitting together on a sofa was Ginga Nakajima wearing formal wear, consisting of a blue skirt with a white shirt complete with a blue jacket and a red bow-tie and wearing black shoes, while next to her was Hayate and Fate.
Like Ginga, the two had adopted more casual wear. Fate wore a white turtleneck shirt with a yellow cross-pattern on the front, a black skirt, brown stockings, red and black shoes, and a black jacket. Her long blonde hair was tied into two long pigtails with light blue ribbons. Hayate's casual wear consisted of pink shorts with a white sweatshirt, complete with a hood and a white shirt underneath.
The trio sat together as Ginga was showed the group images of Shinjuku while reviewing the events that had happened days ago around the same time as the Wyvern Drone Incident on Mid-Childa. Ginga gave them a step-by-step of events that had transpired, although she hadn't told them the reason for the Britannian Army's indiscriminate killing of civilians, which was already very difficult for the young women to bear. Nanoha, Hayate and Fate understood all too well, but nevertheless with their arrival, they intended to get to the bottom of this. Even if it was finding Zero or the Mandarin, they would deal with both problems depending on which one presents itself first.
"So since the incident, there has been no sign of him staying in Shinjuku," Fate inquired to Ginga.
"No, and I have been trying to follow the resistance group he had contacted and collaborated with during the incident. Somehow, he found out the identity of one of their own and contacted that person directly, denying me an opportunity to catch him at the meeting he had arranged. However, I did discover that he met with them to warn them of Clovis's intent, so I waited in Shinjuku when he would come this way to stop the bombers."
"Which lead to your second encounter with Zero, but instead, you ran into his ally." Hayate said as Ginga nodded.
"I never expected it, but now with what happened on Mid-Childa and the fact an ally of his is my brother…I am not sure."
"If we want more information on the Mandarin then we need to capture him and Zero," Nanoha said, joining the conversation.
Her choice of attire consisted of blue jeans and a simple pink shirt. Nanoha stood by one of the large windows, looking out at the open grassy plains where she saw a trio of dogs running around outside.
"Tea anyone?" A fifth voice rang as a young woman around the same age as the three Aces entered the room, carrying a silver tray with a white tea-pot and cups. She had short light brown hair and light green eyes. She wore dark brown shorts and a light brown shirt with long-sleeves and bow tied on the front of it, complete with sandals.
"Oh, thank you, Alisa. Here, let me help you with that." Nanoha tried to help her old childhood friend, Alisa Bannings.
"NO…you are my guests, so please, let me serve you tea." Alisa insisted. Although she had grown up, there were still parts of her personality that were the same. Fate and Hayate chuckled at the exchange as Nanoha simply sweat dropped at Alisa's defiant expression. She then set the plate on the coffee table before the sofa most of the group sat on. "I know you are trying to be nice Nanoha, but I haven't seen you guys in person for almost seven years, okay?"
"I'm sorry, Alisa. I meant no offense!" Nanoha said with her hands, raised up defensively.
Alisa sighed in response before saying, "You haven't changed much..."
"I haven't…"
"Nope, you are still the same, just a little taller."
The old friends plus Ginga were staying at the Bannings Wildlife Preserve, a few miles outside of Nanoha and Hayate's hometown of Uminari City. Alisa was the head of their family's holdings in Area 11, including the Sakuradite Distribution and Shipping Operations near Mount Fuji. However, at the heart of the preserve was the Bannings Mansion. There was a large wide-open yard, where all twenty of Alisa's dogs were allowed to roam free.
At that moment, a maid entered the room. Whispering something into Alisa's ear, the woman opened her eyes wide in shock.
"What's wrong?" Hayate asked, noticing the woman's change in expression.
"Uh…well, it seems we have some unexpected guests."
On cue and led by another maid, Euphie and Suzaku entered with Jeremiah Gottwald in their company.
"E…Euphie," Alisa exclaimed clearly shocked by the third-princess's appearance. "I…I…I mean Princess Euphemia, it's an honor to have you here."
Nanoha, Hayate, Fate and Ginga were surprised as they were in the presence of a member of the Britannian Royal Family. More for the trio, it meant that they were seeing one of Lelouch's many half-siblings.
Euphie giggled at Alisa's expression.
"Relax, Alisa, no need to be formal. I just wanted to take time to visit you before I assume my new duties as Sub-Viceroy."
"You're the new Sub-Viceroy?" The brown-haired woman asked, also surprised by the news.
"Yes, so when time allows it, you and I can see each other since you're the only person I really know here."
During the exchange, Suzaku saw the familiar faces in the room and froze on the spot. The blonde hair and eyes were unmistakable, as were Nanoha's own hairstyle and eyes as few women had such an appearance.
"Uh, Mr. Kururugi, you know these people?" Euphemia asked innocently.
"Yes I do, Your Highness…I actually know almost everyone here."
"I am surprised to see you with Princess Euphemia...Suzaku. Other than that, it has been almost seven years since we last saw one another." Alisa began.
"That's a long story," Suzaku replied.
"Maybe we should tell them how we met," Euphie offered as she was intrigued to meet Alias's other guests. Jeremiah was clearly hesitant, but if there was trouble, he would step in.
Inside their underground base below Ashford Academy, two people were before a holographic screen displaying a section of Japan. They saw four dots in the shape of chibi-style faces of Nanoha, Fate, Hayate and Ginga. Peter and Gil observed the map with a grim expression.
"It was only a matter of time before they became involved in this," Graham pointed out.
"True, but I never expected it would be this soon."
"If anything, it was perhaps good luck on top of battle luck you managed to encounter the three Aces. Therefore, you could infect them with your special bacteria and monitor their movements."
"I suppose," Peter said in agreement as the blonde-haired young man had developed a harmless bacteria designed to emit special harmless radiation. With the right equipment, it was a very effective method of monitoring a person without them ever realizing it. Peter's father developed it originally, but the young man modified it, thus enabling him to tell the difference between the radiation signals so he could know who was who.
"We'll need to be ready for a confrontation with them soon."
"I know, but everything is proceeding too quickly."
"Are you talking about the recent attack on Mid-Childa?"
"Yes," Peter said before going on to explain his concerns to the aged former admiral. "I know he wants revenge on Scaglietti and the High Council along with the rest of the Bureau, but to attack so suddenly like this...I thought he was going to wait until Scaglietti began his attempt to take over Mid-Childa with the Saint's Cradle. Using his new spy within their ranks, I thought the Mandarin would have hijacked Scaglietti's plan along with all of his drones to conquer the planet. The Mandarin would force the man to watch while accomplishing the very plan, all stolen from at the last minute. I know it's not enough to simply kill Scaglietti…He wants to break him."
"That probably would have been sweet revenge, which would have been a very painful low blow for Scaglietti."
"Yes, I know, so why attack now and then reveal yourself? It doesn't make sense to me."
"You don't suppose something happened that could have prompted a change in plan?"
"It's possible, but I can't think of what exactly."
"Until we know more, we should proceed cautiously," Graham advised.
"I agree," Peter said with a nod, although deep down, he felt uneasy.
-----
Elsewhere in her room, Quattro was seated at her desk with the Art of War, written by Italian Renaissance political philosopher and historian Niccolò Machiavelli. However, the combat cyborg found the Art of War written by Sun Tzu to be far more engaging and appealing to her. Among the books on Earth, she had looked at Machiavelli's works were among her favorite pieces of literature, although Battle Studies written by Ardant du Picq wasn't bad either. As she was reading, she thought of the recent discussion she and Lelouch had about the strong and weak.
A weak life that can't do anything is no different from an insect's. No matter how many you kill, more will just keep being born. Playing with them and abusing them, throwing them in a cage and watching them suffer...it's supposed to be fun, but…
That was the mindset her creator, Jail Scaglietti had put into her with the help of her older sister Due. She was modeled into a cruel and sadistic woman ideal for long-term infiltration missions and ensured she could manipulate potential targets without becoming soft or conflicted if she grew close to them. For Quattro however, it was for a different purpose after the Doctor decided she could serve as a potential backup commander should, in the unlikely situation, Scaglietti and her sisters be defeated. For instance, should their base on Mid-Childa fall, she could easily activate the self-destruct without feeling any remorse or guilt. Had she been like some of her other sisters, they might have questioned performing such a task and may not even commit the act. Quattro on the other hand wouldn't, thanks to the special conditioning Due gave under Scaglietti's direction to ensure she could fulfill her duty.
After all, within her womb, she did carry a clone of him possessing his memories. Now that the clone was gone from her, her intended purpose was gone as well. It took some time to recover from her near-death at the hands of her own sisters after being set up by an enslaved Due. Without the Doctor in her life, the sadistic and manipulative Number wasn't certain what to do now. Weeks after initially meeting Lelouch, she questioned her continued existence, but an incident allowed her to find new purpose and reason to go on.
Three weeks after meeting Lelouch, the recovered cyborg was struggling to adapt to not just life on Earth. She had been practicing her new abilities Peter had granted her, including improved capabilities similar to Uno now incorporated within her. At the time, Quattro began wearing normal attire, which consisted of a white dress shirt with dark blue pants. Her normal combat suit was a lost cause with Peter creating a new one better for her.
Instead of spending another day in the underground base, Quattro was asked by Peter to assist him with a troublesome matter.
"So let me get this straight…your golden child, Lelouch got himself into some trouble?"
"Yes, apparently Lelouch was at Babel Tower gambling again. Everything went fine until he challenged a man notoriously known as the Black King."
"The Black King? That doesn't sound like an original name."
"Well, the name is nothing to scoff at since the man is a major player in the Britannian Underworld here in Area 11. He is also a prominent member of the Britannian Mafia."
"I think your little pet Mage is screwed."
"Not unless he uses Abyss Soul, but then that could draw the attention of the TSAB and we don't want that."
"Fine, I'll help you…Will be a good chance to try out my new abilities."
"And if you do find them, you might need this," Peter handed Quattro what looked like a large purse. Quattro peaked inside, finding a weapon and something else quite dangerous.
"I'll take care of it."
Using her new abilities, Quattro hacked into the tower's security systems. Using the recorded camera footage, she quickly found Lelouch's location. which was in the penthouse on the top floor. She modified security to remove traces of her and Lelouch from the surveillance footage before taking the elevator.
Normally you needed a security code, but that's no problem for me. I bet Uno couldn't acquire and rewrite security systems like I can now…I wonder what else I am capable of...
Quattro grinned evilly as she reached the penthouse.
"IS: Silver Curtain activate," The Number said before she became invisible. The elevator doors opened whereupon the surprise of the two bodyguards standing by the doors who didn't see anyone inside. Quattro calmly walked out and proceeded to enter the penthouse.
As for Lelouch he was in possibly one of the worst situations possible. He sat tied to a chair with a black eye after having won his chess match against the Black King. Unfortunately for him, he denounced Lelouch as a cheater and brought him up to his penthouse to "educate" the young man. However, the former prince knew it was more of a punishment than so called education as the man was clearly very sadistic intent on torturing him before inevitably killing him.
I got no choice…I got use it.
Don't even think about it, Quattro said, starting a telepathic communication with him.
It's you…
Yes, Peter asked me to save your troublesome hide.
How do you plan on getting me out?
Just watch and I'll prove I'm more capable than you thought.
Suddenly, a large obese man with dark skin and blonde hair with a beard came into the room. He wore a tacky looking brown suit as he approached Lelouch with five of his closest associates, who for the most part handled his businesses more specifically on his behalf. They wore black suits generally, but each one was a little different.
"Now little boy, we're going to give you a lesson in manners," The Black King said with an evil smile before someone behind them began speaking.
"No, how about I give you a lesson and if you don't pay attention, I'll blow us up." Quattro spoke as the Black King and five associates turned around. Quattro stood behind them with a large device, consisting of a metal tank attached to an electronic device with two smaller tanks linked to the larger five-gallon tank. "Now if you try to run or do anything else, I'll let go of this remote."
"Just who the hell are you?" The Black King demanded.
"Oh, I'm just a vicious piece of work, but I know all about you and your friends. As far as the public is concerned at large, you run an international trading and shipping company who has ties with a number of businesses and have several casinos including Babel Tower here in Area 11. To the criminal underworld, you are the Black King who uses his transportation business for illegal activities worldwide as part of an international slave trafficking and smuggling ring…now did I miss anything?"
"You forgot the assassination contacts I helped put out."
"Well, damn it," Quattro said cursing herself as her information dig was incomplete.
Something to practice on I guess.
"Is there a point to this?"
"You and all of your associates here are obvious criminals and are possibly the worst I have ever seen in my life." Quattro began as Lelouch, who everyone else seemingly forgot about, was struggling to free himself. At that moment, the real Quattro appeared next to him, using a knife to cut his bounds while trying to be as quiet as possible.
But…how are you-?
How am I in two places at once? The answer is simple, my Inherent Skill. Those idiots are talking to an illusion of me.
Is the bomb fake as well?
Yes, but I got the real one right here.
Quattro freed Lelouch and as the young man moved off the chair. The young woman set up the real bomb atop the seat, having already armed it. Taking hold of Lelouch, the combat cyborg activated her IS again and vanished before the two slipped out of the room, but Lelouch and Quattro made sure to lock the door from the outside, using a longsword from a weapon display rack to seal the door from the outside. As the two quietly made their escape to the elevator, confusing the guards who stood by even more.
"Perhaps we should ask the boss to check the elevator," a guard as said as it descended.
All the while, the Black King and his associates were stuck talking to an illusionary image of Quattro.
"Not only that, I'm afraid not one of you passes for a decent human being. Your continued existence is a complete insult to morality. I can't say that I'm much better. But oh, who am I kidding? Of course, I am better and now, I think I'll do the world a favor."
"WAIT…the boy is in here with us!" The Black King snapped.
"What boy?"
The gathered turned around, finally realizing Lelouch was gone and on the chair was the real bomb.
"Thank you idiots for being distracted," Quattro said as the illusion vanished. Inside a taxicab, the real combat cyborg pushed the detonator button. A liquid Sakuradite bomb, mixed with a special Ionized Aerosol and Mercury Fulminate solution it into a far more potent explosive, detonated with a devastating result.
The explosive device released a pressure cloud of near microscopical sakuradite particles. Then it released the second part, a charge of over 100 kilowatts that supercharged the cloud with electricity and ignited it. The added electricity turned the cloud into an inferno of around 4000 C°. The end result was that the penthouse was completely destroyed. Not even the corpses of the Black King and his associates survived intact.
"Oh my god, could that be the work of terrorists?!" Quattro exclaimed, acting panicked to the cab driver. "I am glad we left that place when we did!"
"Well, let's get the hell out of here! You said Ashford Academy, right?"
"Yes and please, no need to worry about how we get there."
"I heard that," The driver said before Quattro engaged Lelouch in a telepathic conversation.
So, do you have doubts about my capabilities now?
You pulled that off very well, but you seem fine with wiping out an entire penthouse full of people.
Don't tell me you're not shedding any tears for them?
Lelouch laughed mentally before replying.
Not at all, but you didn't hesitate to kill those men.
I guess you can say that's how I was created.
I see, so Quattro right?
Yes, and your name was Lelouch...
Indeed it was…
Since I went through the trouble of getting you out, I want to know why you even bother with such activates, Quattro inquired, clearly curious about Lelouch's gambling habits. It was clear the young man was very intelligent, yet why he chose to engage in underground chess matches for money seemed like a waste.
The answer is simple…it's because I am bored.
You're bored…well, that was hardly the answer I expected. At the very least, I could see that you did it for the money.
Well, it is true my victories do provide a very nice payout, Lelouch admitted with a smile on his face. But I have no interest in living day to day…not like the other students at the Academy. Until I met Peter and Graham, I was dead, nothing but an impotent corpse existing behind a false guise of life. I went day to day simply going through the motions of living, as if I were a zombie and I always had the feeling that I was gradually dying. I refuse to live that life and…I don't want to lie to myself anymore.
Then what do you want?
I want to change this world.
You? Change this world? A mere student?
Heh, it sounds impossible, I know. But I'm compelled by reasons that drive me to make it happen. I don't care if it's right or wrong, but it's going to happen because I DECIDE it's going to happen.
At that moment Quattro looked into Lelouch's eyes and saw hate, but she saw something else that intrigued her.
And the world will change because of that?
I'll change it…I'll destroy the old world and build a new, better one in its place.
Quattro laughed for a few moments before saying.
Now that's a bold statement. Lelouch, I want to see you live up to those bold words.
Lelouch smiled in response.
Then welcome aboard, Quattro.
Returning to the present, Quattro put down her book, having finished it while reflecting on everything that happened in the last two years while thinking about Lelouch. As time went on, she learned of what events shaped the formerly weak prince into the ruthless and calculating Mage. He was bent on revenge in his agenda against his father's own empire. The very idea of a former prince rebelling to destroy his father's empire seemed impossible to accomplish; seeing Lelouch's success so far and the fact he has considerable support behind him changed her mind.
It was during that time that Quattro had an epiphany.
Lelouch lost everything and was banished to this country expecting to die...but survived and now strives to destroy Britannia.
The former prince as a child, from what Quattro learned, was a pathetic weakling. Despite his physical weakness, Lelouch continued on. Even after suffering beatings from the local Japanese boys, he never gave up, but if anything it only fed the flames of his anger and desire for vengeance against Britannia. Even when the war came and Japan became Area 11, Lelouch still managed to survive that hell along with his friend and little sister.
What didn't kill him only made him stronger. Now, you can't call him a weakling anymore…
It was at that moment that it hit her. Quattro had also experienced a sample of what he endured, which was losing everything and her purpose in life. She was framed as a traitor to her creator and then disposed as one. Now, she was alive and more or less free to determine her own fate. But what could a former sadistic and manipulative cyborg like her do? Living a normal life seemed rather impossible for her all things considered, but that was when Lelouch's words about living as a zombie came to mind. If that is what a normal life meant, it was unacceptable, because Quattro deep down realized she could never accept that…she wanted more.
Being part of a revolution that could change the world and maybe even beyond sounds like a cause at least worthy for me to be a part of, but furthermore the young woman felt a degree of bitterness and betrayal at her creator and sisters.
Quattro was curious to see how far Lelouch will go. From all she had seen, he will go very far as long as conditions remain favorable to him. On the side, however, she planned to make her father and sisters sorry they were too quick to label her a traitor and attempted to kill her. She was going to make them sorry and prove she is superior to and more capable than her father's creations as the ideal revenge against him.
Why…because…
Quattro began thinking as a sinister smile appeared on her face.
Because I'll make it happen…
With her new purpose in mind, the young woman pulled out a new book she kept in a desk drawer. It wasn't a classic piece of literature though, nor was it a book about war and tactics, but rather it was a yellow book simply titled "Dummy's Guide to Relationships, Men and You, Women's Version".
As if on cue, Quattro heard the loud scream of a certain redhead, which could only mean one thing.
I guess that means it must be survey time for Kallen.
Quattro shivered at the thought as she had heard earlier that Kallen had been invited to a late night ladies only get together at the warm bath. Now she knew from Lelouch of what was happening as not only was Kallen being checked out, but they were collecting measurements from her unwillingly.
I should thank Lelouch regarding Milly, but I never thought there would be a bigger pervert than Sein. God forbid if those two ever become friends.
Back at Alisa Bannings mansion, everyone was eating at the dining room table while Jeremiah stood guard. Under the table, Sein raised her head up. The young Number didn't think her tailing of the princess and her tour guide would yield unexpected results like this. Now she was in the room with three of the TSAB's most infamous mages, including one of the Type-Zero combat cyborgs who preceded them. There was no doubt if she stuck around and was mindful to avoid detection, there was probably a good chance Sein could get some good intelligence.
Might lessen the area we would need to be snooping around, but…
Sein thought, but realized she was faced with a crisis as her stomach grumbled. Fortunately, no one heard what probably sounded like a tiger roaring with her stomach, still partly within the floor.
The…the…food smells so good…
Unaware they had another guest present in the room, the group carried on with conversation as Euphemia sat at the head of the table with Alisa on her right. Across from her sat Fate while everyone else sat dotted around the long table. Euphemia and Alisa had met when the young blonde haired girl returned to the Britannian Homeland for a time following the war between Japan and Britannia. They ended up going to the same private school and became close friends, especially as Alisa was left torn about leaving Suzuka behind in Japan.
"Excuse me, Alisa," Hayate interrupted them. "But have you managed to hear from Suzuka recently?"
"No, I still haven't, but," Alisa said before she adopted a sad expression. "I'll tell you more later on after dinner."
"I see, but have you heard anything regarding Lelouch at least?" Hayate asked, forgetting that there was a member of the Royal Family in the room along with a member of the Purist Faction.
"You knew my brother?" Euphemia asked as Hayate realized her mistake.
"Uh," Hayate said before Suzaku decided to take the bullet.
"Your Highness, when your brother was sent to Japan along with his sister Nunnally, they were sent to stay at the Kururugi Estate. I met your brother in late August a year before the invasion. Although we didn't get along at first, after Nunnally and I became better acquainted, she explained the details of what happened that had them sent to Japan."
"I see, so you must be the young boy he mentioned in a letter he sent me."
"Yes, I am…"
"So, how did four meet my brother?" Euphie said addressing Fate, Alisa, Hayate and Nanoha.
"Well, I met him after Suzaku did," Nanoha began retelling her first meeting with Lelouch.
Hayate reclined in the chair, mentally cursing herself for speaking about Lelouch in front of a member of the Royal Family whom she knew Lelouch despised.
Although, come to think of it…
Hayate realized that of all of the members of the Royal Family, she never recalled hearing anything judgmental regarding Euphemia from Lelouch. As Nanoha told Euphie how she and Lelouch met along with Fate, the brown-haired girl couldn't help but remember the first time she had met the former prince.
It was during the year 2009 A.T.B. on Christmas Eve, late afternoon as the sun was setting over Uminari University Hospital.
A nine-year old Hayate Yagami sat alone in her hospital room while on the right-hand side of her bed sat a small, white Christmas tree on the table. On the bed next to her sat a familiar large brown tome with gold trimming on it, including a cross-like emblem. As the girl sat up in her bed, bored out of her mind with little to do, a knock was heard.
"Come in," Hayate called, wondering if it was Signum and the others. When the door opened, she saw two familiar faces, Alisa and Suzuka dressed in their school uniforms. Although Alisa was still wearing her brown coat, Suzuka was carrying hers in her arms. However, there were some faces she didn't recognize: two others were clearly from the same school Alisa and Suzuka went to, but there were three others who possibly did not.
One of them was Suzaku, wearing a red T-shirt with blue jeans. The other boy was Lelouch, wearing a white short-sleeve dress shirt with gray pants and red suspenders. Finally, the girl with them was Nunnally, being pushed into the room by Lelouch.
"Good evening, Hayate-chan," Suzuka greeted before everyone else but Lelouch, Suzaku and Nunnally said.
"Good evening…"
"How are you feeling?" Suzuka asked as everyone approached Hayate's bedside.
"I am so bored, I might pick up another disease," Hayate replied, jokingly prompting most of the assumed girls to laugh.
"Let me introduce you to everyone," Suzuka said before gesturing to Nanoha first.
"I am Nanoha Takamachi."
"Fate Testarossa," Fate said before moving to Suzaku.
"Hello, I am Suzaku Kururugi. And this is..."
"I am Lelouch," The black-haired young man said, believing it was best not to use his surname. "And this is my younger sister, Nunnally."
"Pleased to meet you," Nunnally said, waving in Hayate's direction.
"I am Hayate Yagami. It's a pleasure to meet all of you."
"Oh, these are for you," Alisa said, bringing out a bouquet of flowers she concealed from Hayate's view.
Suzuka brought out a Christmas present wrapped in green wrapping paper, tied with a red ribbon bow on top.
"And here is a Christmas present."
Hayate was delighted by the gesture. although Nanoha and the others regrettably didn't bring any presents. It was mostly due to the fact that, for the group at large, this was their first time meeting Hayate. Suzaku, Lelouch and Nunnally were asked to come as the more people who visited Hayate, the better. Lelouch needed some more convincing, but Nanoha and Suzuka succeed after a little persuasion. The discussion went with Alisa talking for the most part, but the mood in the room slightly changed when Hayate's guardians arrived knocking on the door.
"Oh, it must be them," Hayate said before calling out. "Come in!"
"Coming in," Signum said as she, Vita and Shamal entered. Zafira was outside due to his animal form.
"Good evening," Suzuka and Alisa said as the two went to greet the three Wolkenritter.
"Oh good evening, Suzuka and A…" Shamal said, but her sentence stopped just as Fate and Nanoha turned around, the two groups seemingly recognizing one another. Vita instantly ran past them, putting herself in front of Hayate to act as a shield. Vita continued glaring at them until Hayate gently hit her on top of her head with a rolled up magazine.
"Stop that, Vita; that's not how you should treat my guests."
"B-But Hayate-chan," Vita began, but she never finished her sentence, leaving Nanoha to speak.
"Uh…it's nice to meet you, Vita."
"We mean no harm, so don't worry."
"Fine," Signum replied before Shamal, seemingly more at ease for now, offered to everyone else.
"I'll take your coats, so all of you relax."
Shamal took Signum's coat soon by Alisa and Suzuka's. Vita was still glaring at Nanoha which made the young girl feel uneasy.
"Uh, please don't glare at me like that."
"I am not glaring," The red-haired girl snapped back defensively before Hayate sighed.
"Come on, Vita, be a good girl."
Hayate seized the young girl's nose and began playfully squeezing it as a way of lightly scolding the girl.
"Uh well," Nanoha began as she was clearly at a loss for words. As a hushed exchange between Signum and Fate went on, Suzaku couldn't help but comment on the scene.
"You know that Vita kinda acts like you sometimes, Lelouch."
"Huh…I don't act like that," The former prince snapped back, drawing Vita' attention to the black-haired youth. But upon seeing his face, Vita froze seemingly shocked by his appearance in the room.
"Vita, is something wrong?"
"Oh…no…nothing Hayate-chan," Vita replied, snapping back to reality.
The discussion went on for a good hour as the girls were drawn into a large conversation. Strangely, Vita and Hayate's guardians excluded themselves from becoming actively involved, which Lelouch had noticed but didn't inquire of the matter. It wasn't his concern after all, yet couldn't help feeling something was strange. It wasn't that he noticed some obvious tension between Vita and Nanoha, but the fact that Vita was familiar to him somehow.
Why do I get the feeling we have met before?
"Lelouch-san," Hayate began snapping Lelouch back to reality. "Does your sister come to this place for physical therapy, too?"
"Oh…well…no," Lelouch replied quickly.
"That's too bad, it would be nice to have someone else I know take part with me," Hayate replied somewhat saddened by it.
Hayate's thoughts returned to the present, preferring not to remember certain events that came after that visit. Nanoha had finished telling her story of her meeting with Lelouch before Jeremiah calmly came around, coming to a stop behind Suzaku and proceeding to ask.
"Private Kururugi, I apologize to Her Highness, but I must inquire to Prince Lelouch's current whereabouts. If you know something, then I insist you tell me," Jeremiah said with a deadly seriousness in his voice.
"I honestly wish I knew. When the war began and with my father's suicide, we were separated. I don't know what happened to him once the landing forces made landfall midway through the war." Suzaku replied, although some of it both true and false.
"At least I am comforted to know my brother's time in Japan was pleasant. I assume Private Kururugi and you all here were the friends he mentioned in the same letter." Euphie said, surprising Nanoha and the others gathered at the table slightly.
"Thank you, Princess Euphemia, but I do apologize we couldn't tell you that your brother is alive," Fate began as she recalled; she, Nanoha, Hayate and the Wolkenritter were away from Earth before the war began on a mission for the Bureau. However before they returned, they were informed of what had happened and of the Takamachi Family's relocation to Mid-Childa.
No one took what had happened well, but nothing could be done at that point due to the Bureau's strict non-interference policy with the affairs of undeveloped worlds. However to the surprise of Fate and others, Vita went to Earth attempting to find Lelouch and Nunnally. Signum and Hayate were asked to retrieve her before she caused a disturbance, but the red-haired girl was unsuccessful in finding the missing royal siblings.
Once dinner was finished, a VTOL transport arrived to take Euphemia and Jeremiah back to the Viceroy's Palace. Suzaku was left behind as he would receive a ride back to the Toyko Settlement provided by Alisa with Euphemia ensuring for Suzaku's superiors that he wouldn't get into any trouble with them.
However, once Euphemia and Jeremiah were gone, Alisa gave the brown-haired boy her full attention. She had noticed something during his discussion with Euphie regarding Lelouch.
"Okay, where is Lelouch, Suzaku-Kun?"
"Alisa?" Suzaku asked, confused for a moment, which seemed to irritate Alisa even more.
"Don't dare to pull the 'Alisa?' card with me, buster. I knew you well then and I STILL know you. You saw Lelouch recently, you know his likely location, and you found him in the middle of some mess. Am I right?" Alisa snapped reading Suzaku like a book, having caught his expression change during the subject of the presumed dead prince.
Suzaku couldn't help but gape to Alisa's conclusions. Was the girl a psychic or what? Looking to the others, he saw the expressions of worry in the other girls, especially Nanoha's barely concealed hope.
"Yes…yes, I did," Suzaku admitted. "I wasn't expecting to see him, but we ran into each other recently."
"You did, so did you find him in the Tokyo Settlement?"
"No…We actually ran into each other at Shinjuku Ghetto during our skirmish with the resistance forces there."
Chapter 10
Homecoming
Homecoming
It's been about seven years since they left Earth, but now events had prompted a return to Nanoha and Hayate's homeworld. Returning to Japan was not easy for both of them, especially as they sat together inside a spacious living room within a large mansion, located in the middle of a wildlife preserve. Not long after their arrival, their only remaining contact in Japan, now Area 11, invited them to stay at her house. Sitting together on a sofa was Ginga Nakajima wearing formal wear, consisting of a blue skirt with a white shirt complete with a blue jacket and a red bow-tie and wearing black shoes, while next to her was Hayate and Fate.
Like Ginga, the two had adopted more casual wear. Fate wore a white turtleneck shirt with a yellow cross-pattern on the front, a black skirt, brown stockings, red and black shoes, and a black jacket. Her long blonde hair was tied into two long pigtails with light blue ribbons. Hayate's casual wear consisted of pink shorts with a white sweatshirt, complete with a hood and a white shirt underneath.
The trio sat together as Ginga was showed the group images of Shinjuku while reviewing the events that had happened days ago around the same time as the Wyvern Drone Incident on Mid-Childa. Ginga gave them a step-by-step of events that had transpired, although she hadn't told them the reason for the Britannian Army's indiscriminate killing of civilians, which was already very difficult for the young women to bear. Nanoha, Hayate and Fate understood all too well, but nevertheless with their arrival, they intended to get to the bottom of this. Even if it was finding Zero or the Mandarin, they would deal with both problems depending on which one presents itself first.
"So since the incident, there has been no sign of him staying in Shinjuku," Fate inquired to Ginga.
"No, and I have been trying to follow the resistance group he had contacted and collaborated with during the incident. Somehow, he found out the identity of one of their own and contacted that person directly, denying me an opportunity to catch him at the meeting he had arranged. However, I did discover that he met with them to warn them of Clovis's intent, so I waited in Shinjuku when he would come this way to stop the bombers."
"Which lead to your second encounter with Zero, but instead, you ran into his ally." Hayate said as Ginga nodded.
"I never expected it, but now with what happened on Mid-Childa and the fact an ally of his is my brother…I am not sure."
"If we want more information on the Mandarin then we need to capture him and Zero," Nanoha said, joining the conversation.
Her choice of attire consisted of blue jeans and a simple pink shirt. Nanoha stood by one of the large windows, looking out at the open grassy plains where she saw a trio of dogs running around outside.
"Tea anyone?" A fifth voice rang as a young woman around the same age as the three Aces entered the room, carrying a silver tray with a white tea-pot and cups. She had short light brown hair and light green eyes. She wore dark brown shorts and a light brown shirt with long-sleeves and bow tied on the front of it, complete with sandals.
"Oh, thank you, Alisa. Here, let me help you with that." Nanoha tried to help her old childhood friend, Alisa Bannings.
"NO…you are my guests, so please, let me serve you tea." Alisa insisted. Although she had grown up, there were still parts of her personality that were the same. Fate and Hayate chuckled at the exchange as Nanoha simply sweat dropped at Alisa's defiant expression. She then set the plate on the coffee table before the sofa most of the group sat on. "I know you are trying to be nice Nanoha, but I haven't seen you guys in person for almost seven years, okay?"
"I'm sorry, Alisa. I meant no offense!" Nanoha said with her hands, raised up defensively.
Alisa sighed in response before saying, "You haven't changed much..."
"I haven't…"
"Nope, you are still the same, just a little taller."
The old friends plus Ginga were staying at the Bannings Wildlife Preserve, a few miles outside of Nanoha and Hayate's hometown of Uminari City. Alisa was the head of their family's holdings in Area 11, including the Sakuradite Distribution and Shipping Operations near Mount Fuji. However, at the heart of the preserve was the Bannings Mansion. There was a large wide-open yard, where all twenty of Alisa's dogs were allowed to roam free.
At that moment, a maid entered the room. Whispering something into Alisa's ear, the woman opened her eyes wide in shock.
"What's wrong?" Hayate asked, noticing the woman's change in expression.
"Uh…well, it seems we have some unexpected guests."
On cue and led by another maid, Euphie and Suzaku entered with Jeremiah Gottwald in their company.
"E…Euphie," Alisa exclaimed clearly shocked by the third-princess's appearance. "I…I…I mean Princess Euphemia, it's an honor to have you here."
Nanoha, Hayate, Fate and Ginga were surprised as they were in the presence of a member of the Britannian Royal Family. More for the trio, it meant that they were seeing one of Lelouch's many half-siblings.
Euphie giggled at Alisa's expression.
"Relax, Alisa, no need to be formal. I just wanted to take time to visit you before I assume my new duties as Sub-Viceroy."
"You're the new Sub-Viceroy?" The brown-haired woman asked, also surprised by the news.
"Yes, so when time allows it, you and I can see each other since you're the only person I really know here."
During the exchange, Suzaku saw the familiar faces in the room and froze on the spot. The blonde hair and eyes were unmistakable, as were Nanoha's own hairstyle and eyes as few women had such an appearance.
"Uh, Mr. Kururugi, you know these people?" Euphemia asked innocently.
"Yes I do, Your Highness…I actually know almost everyone here."
"I am surprised to see you with Princess Euphemia...Suzaku. Other than that, it has been almost seven years since we last saw one another." Alisa began.
"That's a long story," Suzaku replied.
"Maybe we should tell them how we met," Euphie offered as she was intrigued to meet Alias's other guests. Jeremiah was clearly hesitant, but if there was trouble, he would step in.
Inside their underground base below Ashford Academy, two people were before a holographic screen displaying a section of Japan. They saw four dots in the shape of chibi-style faces of Nanoha, Fate, Hayate and Ginga. Peter and Gil observed the map with a grim expression.
"It was only a matter of time before they became involved in this," Graham pointed out.
"True, but I never expected it would be this soon."
"If anything, it was perhaps good luck on top of battle luck you managed to encounter the three Aces. Therefore, you could infect them with your special bacteria and monitor their movements."
"I suppose," Peter said in agreement as the blonde-haired young man had developed a harmless bacteria designed to emit special harmless radiation. With the right equipment, it was a very effective method of monitoring a person without them ever realizing it. Peter's father developed it originally, but the young man modified it, thus enabling him to tell the difference between the radiation signals so he could know who was who.
"We'll need to be ready for a confrontation with them soon."
"I know, but everything is proceeding too quickly."
"Are you talking about the recent attack on Mid-Childa?"
"Yes," Peter said before going on to explain his concerns to the aged former admiral. "I know he wants revenge on Scaglietti and the High Council along with the rest of the Bureau, but to attack so suddenly like this...I thought he was going to wait until Scaglietti began his attempt to take over Mid-Childa with the Saint's Cradle. Using his new spy within their ranks, I thought the Mandarin would have hijacked Scaglietti's plan along with all of his drones to conquer the planet. The Mandarin would force the man to watch while accomplishing the very plan, all stolen from at the last minute. I know it's not enough to simply kill Scaglietti…He wants to break him."
"That probably would have been sweet revenge, which would have been a very painful low blow for Scaglietti."
"Yes, I know, so why attack now and then reveal yourself? It doesn't make sense to me."
"You don't suppose something happened that could have prompted a change in plan?"
"It's possible, but I can't think of what exactly."
"Until we know more, we should proceed cautiously," Graham advised.
"I agree," Peter said with a nod, although deep down, he felt uneasy.
-----
Elsewhere in her room, Quattro was seated at her desk with the Art of War, written by Italian Renaissance political philosopher and historian Niccolò Machiavelli. However, the combat cyborg found the Art of War written by Sun Tzu to be far more engaging and appealing to her. Among the books on Earth, she had looked at Machiavelli's works were among her favorite pieces of literature, although Battle Studies written by Ardant du Picq wasn't bad either. As she was reading, she thought of the recent discussion she and Lelouch had about the strong and weak.
A weak life that can't do anything is no different from an insect's. No matter how many you kill, more will just keep being born. Playing with them and abusing them, throwing them in a cage and watching them suffer...it's supposed to be fun, but…
That was the mindset her creator, Jail Scaglietti had put into her with the help of her older sister Due. She was modeled into a cruel and sadistic woman ideal for long-term infiltration missions and ensured she could manipulate potential targets without becoming soft or conflicted if she grew close to them. For Quattro however, it was for a different purpose after the Doctor decided she could serve as a potential backup commander should, in the unlikely situation, Scaglietti and her sisters be defeated. For instance, should their base on Mid-Childa fall, she could easily activate the self-destruct without feeling any remorse or guilt. Had she been like some of her other sisters, they might have questioned performing such a task and may not even commit the act. Quattro on the other hand wouldn't, thanks to the special conditioning Due gave under Scaglietti's direction to ensure she could fulfill her duty.
After all, within her womb, she did carry a clone of him possessing his memories. Now that the clone was gone from her, her intended purpose was gone as well. It took some time to recover from her near-death at the hands of her own sisters after being set up by an enslaved Due. Without the Doctor in her life, the sadistic and manipulative Number wasn't certain what to do now. Weeks after initially meeting Lelouch, she questioned her continued existence, but an incident allowed her to find new purpose and reason to go on.
Three weeks after meeting Lelouch, the recovered cyborg was struggling to adapt to not just life on Earth. She had been practicing her new abilities Peter had granted her, including improved capabilities similar to Uno now incorporated within her. At the time, Quattro began wearing normal attire, which consisted of a white dress shirt with dark blue pants. Her normal combat suit was a lost cause with Peter creating a new one better for her.
Instead of spending another day in the underground base, Quattro was asked by Peter to assist him with a troublesome matter.
"So let me get this straight…your golden child, Lelouch got himself into some trouble?"
"Yes, apparently Lelouch was at Babel Tower gambling again. Everything went fine until he challenged a man notoriously known as the Black King."
"The Black King? That doesn't sound like an original name."
"Well, the name is nothing to scoff at since the man is a major player in the Britannian Underworld here in Area 11. He is also a prominent member of the Britannian Mafia."
"I think your little pet Mage is screwed."
"Not unless he uses Abyss Soul, but then that could draw the attention of the TSAB and we don't want that."
"Fine, I'll help you…Will be a good chance to try out my new abilities."
"And if you do find them, you might need this," Peter handed Quattro what looked like a large purse. Quattro peaked inside, finding a weapon and something else quite dangerous.
"I'll take care of it."
Using her new abilities, Quattro hacked into the tower's security systems. Using the recorded camera footage, she quickly found Lelouch's location. which was in the penthouse on the top floor. She modified security to remove traces of her and Lelouch from the surveillance footage before taking the elevator.
Normally you needed a security code, but that's no problem for me. I bet Uno couldn't acquire and rewrite security systems like I can now…I wonder what else I am capable of...
Quattro grinned evilly as she reached the penthouse.
"IS: Silver Curtain activate," The Number said before she became invisible. The elevator doors opened whereupon the surprise of the two bodyguards standing by the doors who didn't see anyone inside. Quattro calmly walked out and proceeded to enter the penthouse.
As for Lelouch he was in possibly one of the worst situations possible. He sat tied to a chair with a black eye after having won his chess match against the Black King. Unfortunately for him, he denounced Lelouch as a cheater and brought him up to his penthouse to "educate" the young man. However, the former prince knew it was more of a punishment than so called education as the man was clearly very sadistic intent on torturing him before inevitably killing him.
I got no choice…I got use it.
Don't even think about it, Quattro said, starting a telepathic communication with him.
It's you…
Yes, Peter asked me to save your troublesome hide.
How do you plan on getting me out?
Just watch and I'll prove I'm more capable than you thought.
Suddenly, a large obese man with dark skin and blonde hair with a beard came into the room. He wore a tacky looking brown suit as he approached Lelouch with five of his closest associates, who for the most part handled his businesses more specifically on his behalf. They wore black suits generally, but each one was a little different.
"Now little boy, we're going to give you a lesson in manners," The Black King said with an evil smile before someone behind them began speaking.
"No, how about I give you a lesson and if you don't pay attention, I'll blow us up." Quattro spoke as the Black King and five associates turned around. Quattro stood behind them with a large device, consisting of a metal tank attached to an electronic device with two smaller tanks linked to the larger five-gallon tank. "Now if you try to run or do anything else, I'll let go of this remote."
"Just who the hell are you?" The Black King demanded.
"Oh, I'm just a vicious piece of work, but I know all about you and your friends. As far as the public is concerned at large, you run an international trading and shipping company who has ties with a number of businesses and have several casinos including Babel Tower here in Area 11. To the criminal underworld, you are the Black King who uses his transportation business for illegal activities worldwide as part of an international slave trafficking and smuggling ring…now did I miss anything?"
"You forgot the assassination contacts I helped put out."
"Well, damn it," Quattro said cursing herself as her information dig was incomplete.
Something to practice on I guess.
"Is there a point to this?"
"You and all of your associates here are obvious criminals and are possibly the worst I have ever seen in my life." Quattro began as Lelouch, who everyone else seemingly forgot about, was struggling to free himself. At that moment, the real Quattro appeared next to him, using a knife to cut his bounds while trying to be as quiet as possible.
But…how are you-?
How am I in two places at once? The answer is simple, my Inherent Skill. Those idiots are talking to an illusion of me.
Is the bomb fake as well?
Yes, but I got the real one right here.
Quattro freed Lelouch and as the young man moved off the chair. The young woman set up the real bomb atop the seat, having already armed it. Taking hold of Lelouch, the combat cyborg activated her IS again and vanished before the two slipped out of the room, but Lelouch and Quattro made sure to lock the door from the outside, using a longsword from a weapon display rack to seal the door from the outside. As the two quietly made their escape to the elevator, confusing the guards who stood by even more.
"Perhaps we should ask the boss to check the elevator," a guard as said as it descended.
All the while, the Black King and his associates were stuck talking to an illusionary image of Quattro.
"Not only that, I'm afraid not one of you passes for a decent human being. Your continued existence is a complete insult to morality. I can't say that I'm much better. But oh, who am I kidding? Of course, I am better and now, I think I'll do the world a favor."
"WAIT…the boy is in here with us!" The Black King snapped.
"What boy?"
The gathered turned around, finally realizing Lelouch was gone and on the chair was the real bomb.
"Thank you idiots for being distracted," Quattro said as the illusion vanished. Inside a taxicab, the real combat cyborg pushed the detonator button. A liquid Sakuradite bomb, mixed with a special Ionized Aerosol and Mercury Fulminate solution it into a far more potent explosive, detonated with a devastating result.
The explosive device released a pressure cloud of near microscopical sakuradite particles. Then it released the second part, a charge of over 100 kilowatts that supercharged the cloud with electricity and ignited it. The added electricity turned the cloud into an inferno of around 4000 C°. The end result was that the penthouse was completely destroyed. Not even the corpses of the Black King and his associates survived intact.
"Oh my god, could that be the work of terrorists?!" Quattro exclaimed, acting panicked to the cab driver. "I am glad we left that place when we did!"
"Well, let's get the hell out of here! You said Ashford Academy, right?"
"Yes and please, no need to worry about how we get there."
"I heard that," The driver said before Quattro engaged Lelouch in a telepathic conversation.
So, do you have doubts about my capabilities now?
You pulled that off very well, but you seem fine with wiping out an entire penthouse full of people.
Don't tell me you're not shedding any tears for them?
Lelouch laughed mentally before replying.
Not at all, but you didn't hesitate to kill those men.
I guess you can say that's how I was created.
I see, so Quattro right?
Yes, and your name was Lelouch...
Indeed it was…
Since I went through the trouble of getting you out, I want to know why you even bother with such activates, Quattro inquired, clearly curious about Lelouch's gambling habits. It was clear the young man was very intelligent, yet why he chose to engage in underground chess matches for money seemed like a waste.
The answer is simple…it's because I am bored.
You're bored…well, that was hardly the answer I expected. At the very least, I could see that you did it for the money.
Well, it is true my victories do provide a very nice payout, Lelouch admitted with a smile on his face. But I have no interest in living day to day…not like the other students at the Academy. Until I met Peter and Graham, I was dead, nothing but an impotent corpse existing behind a false guise of life. I went day to day simply going through the motions of living, as if I were a zombie and I always had the feeling that I was gradually dying. I refuse to live that life and…I don't want to lie to myself anymore.
Then what do you want?
I want to change this world.
You? Change this world? A mere student?
Heh, it sounds impossible, I know. But I'm compelled by reasons that drive me to make it happen. I don't care if it's right or wrong, but it's going to happen because I DECIDE it's going to happen.
At that moment Quattro looked into Lelouch's eyes and saw hate, but she saw something else that intrigued her.
And the world will change because of that?
I'll change it…I'll destroy the old world and build a new, better one in its place.
Quattro laughed for a few moments before saying.
Now that's a bold statement. Lelouch, I want to see you live up to those bold words.
Lelouch smiled in response.
Then welcome aboard, Quattro.
Returning to the present, Quattro put down her book, having finished it while reflecting on everything that happened in the last two years while thinking about Lelouch. As time went on, she learned of what events shaped the formerly weak prince into the ruthless and calculating Mage. He was bent on revenge in his agenda against his father's own empire. The very idea of a former prince rebelling to destroy his father's empire seemed impossible to accomplish; seeing Lelouch's success so far and the fact he has considerable support behind him changed her mind.
It was during that time that Quattro had an epiphany.
Lelouch lost everything and was banished to this country expecting to die...but survived and now strives to destroy Britannia.
The former prince as a child, from what Quattro learned, was a pathetic weakling. Despite his physical weakness, Lelouch continued on. Even after suffering beatings from the local Japanese boys, he never gave up, but if anything it only fed the flames of his anger and desire for vengeance against Britannia. Even when the war came and Japan became Area 11, Lelouch still managed to survive that hell along with his friend and little sister.
What didn't kill him only made him stronger. Now, you can't call him a weakling anymore…
It was at that moment that it hit her. Quattro had also experienced a sample of what he endured, which was losing everything and her purpose in life. She was framed as a traitor to her creator and then disposed as one. Now, she was alive and more or less free to determine her own fate. But what could a former sadistic and manipulative cyborg like her do? Living a normal life seemed rather impossible for her all things considered, but that was when Lelouch's words about living as a zombie came to mind. If that is what a normal life meant, it was unacceptable, because Quattro deep down realized she could never accept that…she wanted more.
Being part of a revolution that could change the world and maybe even beyond sounds like a cause at least worthy for me to be a part of, but furthermore the young woman felt a degree of bitterness and betrayal at her creator and sisters.
Quattro was curious to see how far Lelouch will go. From all she had seen, he will go very far as long as conditions remain favorable to him. On the side, however, she planned to make her father and sisters sorry they were too quick to label her a traitor and attempted to kill her. She was going to make them sorry and prove she is superior to and more capable than her father's creations as the ideal revenge against him.
Why…because…
Quattro began thinking as a sinister smile appeared on her face.
Because I'll make it happen…
With her new purpose in mind, the young woman pulled out a new book she kept in a desk drawer. It wasn't a classic piece of literature though, nor was it a book about war and tactics, but rather it was a yellow book simply titled "Dummy's Guide to Relationships, Men and You, Women's Version".
As if on cue, Quattro heard the loud scream of a certain redhead, which could only mean one thing.
I guess that means it must be survey time for Kallen.
Quattro shivered at the thought as she had heard earlier that Kallen had been invited to a late night ladies only get together at the warm bath. Now she knew from Lelouch of what was happening as not only was Kallen being checked out, but they were collecting measurements from her unwillingly.
I should thank Lelouch regarding Milly, but I never thought there would be a bigger pervert than Sein. God forbid if those two ever become friends.
Back at Alisa Bannings mansion, everyone was eating at the dining room table while Jeremiah stood guard. Under the table, Sein raised her head up. The young Number didn't think her tailing of the princess and her tour guide would yield unexpected results like this. Now she was in the room with three of the TSAB's most infamous mages, including one of the Type-Zero combat cyborgs who preceded them. There was no doubt if she stuck around and was mindful to avoid detection, there was probably a good chance Sein could get some good intelligence.
Might lessen the area we would need to be snooping around, but…
Sein thought, but realized she was faced with a crisis as her stomach grumbled. Fortunately, no one heard what probably sounded like a tiger roaring with her stomach, still partly within the floor.
The…the…food smells so good…
Unaware they had another guest present in the room, the group carried on with conversation as Euphemia sat at the head of the table with Alisa on her right. Across from her sat Fate while everyone else sat dotted around the long table. Euphemia and Alisa had met when the young blonde haired girl returned to the Britannian Homeland for a time following the war between Japan and Britannia. They ended up going to the same private school and became close friends, especially as Alisa was left torn about leaving Suzuka behind in Japan.
"Excuse me, Alisa," Hayate interrupted them. "But have you managed to hear from Suzuka recently?"
"No, I still haven't, but," Alisa said before she adopted a sad expression. "I'll tell you more later on after dinner."
"I see, but have you heard anything regarding Lelouch at least?" Hayate asked, forgetting that there was a member of the Royal Family in the room along with a member of the Purist Faction.
"You knew my brother?" Euphemia asked as Hayate realized her mistake.
"Uh," Hayate said before Suzaku decided to take the bullet.
"Your Highness, when your brother was sent to Japan along with his sister Nunnally, they were sent to stay at the Kururugi Estate. I met your brother in late August a year before the invasion. Although we didn't get along at first, after Nunnally and I became better acquainted, she explained the details of what happened that had them sent to Japan."
"I see, so you must be the young boy he mentioned in a letter he sent me."
"Yes, I am…"
"So, how did four meet my brother?" Euphie said addressing Fate, Alisa, Hayate and Nanoha.
"Well, I met him after Suzaku did," Nanoha began retelling her first meeting with Lelouch.
Hayate reclined in the chair, mentally cursing herself for speaking about Lelouch in front of a member of the Royal Family whom she knew Lelouch despised.
Although, come to think of it…
Hayate realized that of all of the members of the Royal Family, she never recalled hearing anything judgmental regarding Euphemia from Lelouch. As Nanoha told Euphie how she and Lelouch met along with Fate, the brown-haired girl couldn't help but remember the first time she had met the former prince.
It was during the year 2009 A.T.B. on Christmas Eve, late afternoon as the sun was setting over Uminari University Hospital.
A nine-year old Hayate Yagami sat alone in her hospital room while on the right-hand side of her bed sat a small, white Christmas tree on the table. On the bed next to her sat a familiar large brown tome with gold trimming on it, including a cross-like emblem. As the girl sat up in her bed, bored out of her mind with little to do, a knock was heard.
"Come in," Hayate called, wondering if it was Signum and the others. When the door opened, she saw two familiar faces, Alisa and Suzuka dressed in their school uniforms. Although Alisa was still wearing her brown coat, Suzuka was carrying hers in her arms. However, there were some faces she didn't recognize: two others were clearly from the same school Alisa and Suzuka went to, but there were three others who possibly did not.
One of them was Suzaku, wearing a red T-shirt with blue jeans. The other boy was Lelouch, wearing a white short-sleeve dress shirt with gray pants and red suspenders. Finally, the girl with them was Nunnally, being pushed into the room by Lelouch.
"Good evening, Hayate-chan," Suzuka greeted before everyone else but Lelouch, Suzaku and Nunnally said.
"Good evening…"
"How are you feeling?" Suzuka asked as everyone approached Hayate's bedside.
"I am so bored, I might pick up another disease," Hayate replied, jokingly prompting most of the assumed girls to laugh.
"Let me introduce you to everyone," Suzuka said before gesturing to Nanoha first.
"I am Nanoha Takamachi."
"Fate Testarossa," Fate said before moving to Suzaku.
"Hello, I am Suzaku Kururugi. And this is..."
"I am Lelouch," The black-haired young man said, believing it was best not to use his surname. "And this is my younger sister, Nunnally."
"Pleased to meet you," Nunnally said, waving in Hayate's direction.
"I am Hayate Yagami. It's a pleasure to meet all of you."
"Oh, these are for you," Alisa said, bringing out a bouquet of flowers she concealed from Hayate's view.
Suzuka brought out a Christmas present wrapped in green wrapping paper, tied with a red ribbon bow on top.
"And here is a Christmas present."
Hayate was delighted by the gesture. although Nanoha and the others regrettably didn't bring any presents. It was mostly due to the fact that, for the group at large, this was their first time meeting Hayate. Suzaku, Lelouch and Nunnally were asked to come as the more people who visited Hayate, the better. Lelouch needed some more convincing, but Nanoha and Suzuka succeed after a little persuasion. The discussion went with Alisa talking for the most part, but the mood in the room slightly changed when Hayate's guardians arrived knocking on the door.
"Oh, it must be them," Hayate said before calling out. "Come in!"
"Coming in," Signum said as she, Vita and Shamal entered. Zafira was outside due to his animal form.
"Good evening," Suzuka and Alisa said as the two went to greet the three Wolkenritter.
"Oh good evening, Suzuka and A…" Shamal said, but her sentence stopped just as Fate and Nanoha turned around, the two groups seemingly recognizing one another. Vita instantly ran past them, putting herself in front of Hayate to act as a shield. Vita continued glaring at them until Hayate gently hit her on top of her head with a rolled up magazine.
"Stop that, Vita; that's not how you should treat my guests."
"B-But Hayate-chan," Vita began, but she never finished her sentence, leaving Nanoha to speak.
"Uh…it's nice to meet you, Vita."
"We mean no harm, so don't worry."
"Fine," Signum replied before Shamal, seemingly more at ease for now, offered to everyone else.
"I'll take your coats, so all of you relax."
Shamal took Signum's coat soon by Alisa and Suzuka's. Vita was still glaring at Nanoha which made the young girl feel uneasy.
"Uh, please don't glare at me like that."
"I am not glaring," The red-haired girl snapped back defensively before Hayate sighed.
"Come on, Vita, be a good girl."
Hayate seized the young girl's nose and began playfully squeezing it as a way of lightly scolding the girl.
"Uh well," Nanoha began as she was clearly at a loss for words. As a hushed exchange between Signum and Fate went on, Suzaku couldn't help but comment on the scene.
"You know that Vita kinda acts like you sometimes, Lelouch."
"Huh…I don't act like that," The former prince snapped back, drawing Vita' attention to the black-haired youth. But upon seeing his face, Vita froze seemingly shocked by his appearance in the room.
"Vita, is something wrong?"
"Oh…no…nothing Hayate-chan," Vita replied, snapping back to reality.
The discussion went on for a good hour as the girls were drawn into a large conversation. Strangely, Vita and Hayate's guardians excluded themselves from becoming actively involved, which Lelouch had noticed but didn't inquire of the matter. It wasn't his concern after all, yet couldn't help feeling something was strange. It wasn't that he noticed some obvious tension between Vita and Nanoha, but the fact that Vita was familiar to him somehow.
Why do I get the feeling we have met before?
"Lelouch-san," Hayate began snapping Lelouch back to reality. "Does your sister come to this place for physical therapy, too?"
"Oh…well…no," Lelouch replied quickly.
"That's too bad, it would be nice to have someone else I know take part with me," Hayate replied somewhat saddened by it.
Hayate's thoughts returned to the present, preferring not to remember certain events that came after that visit. Nanoha had finished telling her story of her meeting with Lelouch before Jeremiah calmly came around, coming to a stop behind Suzaku and proceeding to ask.
"Private Kururugi, I apologize to Her Highness, but I must inquire to Prince Lelouch's current whereabouts. If you know something, then I insist you tell me," Jeremiah said with a deadly seriousness in his voice.
"I honestly wish I knew. When the war began and with my father's suicide, we were separated. I don't know what happened to him once the landing forces made landfall midway through the war." Suzaku replied, although some of it both true and false.
"At least I am comforted to know my brother's time in Japan was pleasant. I assume Private Kururugi and you all here were the friends he mentioned in the same letter." Euphie said, surprising Nanoha and the others gathered at the table slightly.
"Thank you, Princess Euphemia, but I do apologize we couldn't tell you that your brother is alive," Fate began as she recalled; she, Nanoha, Hayate and the Wolkenritter were away from Earth before the war began on a mission for the Bureau. However before they returned, they were informed of what had happened and of the Takamachi Family's relocation to Mid-Childa.
No one took what had happened well, but nothing could be done at that point due to the Bureau's strict non-interference policy with the affairs of undeveloped worlds. However to the surprise of Fate and others, Vita went to Earth attempting to find Lelouch and Nunnally. Signum and Hayate were asked to retrieve her before she caused a disturbance, but the red-haired girl was unsuccessful in finding the missing royal siblings.
Once dinner was finished, a VTOL transport arrived to take Euphemia and Jeremiah back to the Viceroy's Palace. Suzaku was left behind as he would receive a ride back to the Toyko Settlement provided by Alisa with Euphemia ensuring for Suzaku's superiors that he wouldn't get into any trouble with them.
However, once Euphemia and Jeremiah were gone, Alisa gave the brown-haired boy her full attention. She had noticed something during his discussion with Euphie regarding Lelouch.
"Okay, where is Lelouch, Suzaku-Kun?"
"Alisa?" Suzaku asked, confused for a moment, which seemed to irritate Alisa even more.
"Don't dare to pull the 'Alisa?' card with me, buster. I knew you well then and I STILL know you. You saw Lelouch recently, you know his likely location, and you found him in the middle of some mess. Am I right?" Alisa snapped reading Suzaku like a book, having caught his expression change during the subject of the presumed dead prince.
Suzaku couldn't help but gape to Alisa's conclusions. Was the girl a psychic or what? Looking to the others, he saw the expressions of worry in the other girls, especially Nanoha's barely concealed hope.
"Yes…yes, I did," Suzaku admitted. "I wasn't expecting to see him, but we ran into each other recently."
"You did, so did you find him in the Tokyo Settlement?"
"No…We actually ran into each other at Shinjuku Ghetto during our skirmish with the resistance forces there."
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