Chapter 42: Prelude to Battle of Port Yokosuka

Marrybell's landed, but she's yet to go ont he hunt. No-one seems to be able to understand and actions and because of this, the Black Knights need to adapt and try to take her out before she can turn her fangs onto them.

In the days since Lelouch learned another aspect of the power he commanded, gaining access to a new side of it, things hadn't been smooth sailing. Yes, he wasn't as upset at Euphemia discovering them and visiting, but he could trust that she would keep her word, a point proven by the fact that since she came, he, Sayoko, or the menagerie hadn't seen a single suspicious person around campus.

He could even sit down with Chantal about what Kirihara told him, the exiled prince amused by how surprised she looked when he conjured a matchlock in his hand. It would seem there were some things about geass even she didn't know.

But the surprise announcement of Princess Marrybell mel Britannia's arrival in Area 11 was on his mind. The very next day, as he sat with the council for lunch, the news came on with his sister smiling as she addressed Britannia and Area 11 on her appointment to aide the Viceroy in hunting down terrorists and other elements that undermined the safety and prosperity of Area 11.

Her presence was an alarm bell to anyone who knew of her, and to him, who was intimately aware of how the imperial court operated. Cornelia is terrifying, a woman who carved a name for herself in the bodies of the people she subjugated and the armies she defeated. He could imagine now, in hindsight, that part of why she was sent was to sure up their image of strength against the Chinese and intimidate elements of the resistance into submission.

But it had failed, as his Black Knights hadn't just survived, but had soundly defeated her at Narita. Thus, the imperial court sent out another princess, not nearly as famous as Cornelia, but with a specialized skillset for confronting and handling terrorists. It also meant that the imperial court's pretence of moral standing was thrown to the wayside.

But she didn’t hit the ground running. Zero, the Black Knights, even Kyoto had all been waiting for the news of some ghetto being attacked, a terrorist cell being slaughtered down to the last man, or for Marrybell to make some other move, but she didn’t.

And that terrified him more than he could admit to his command staff, as it meant she was studying, she was preparing a custom-designed means of assault, and they needed to prepare for it, whatever it may be.

Line Break

As time went on, October came to an end without any issues, and November arrived. Just a few days into it, on the 3rd, the student council hosted another birthday, this time for their resident scientist, Nina.

Unlike Kallen and Nunnally's birthday, it was a much smaller affair, kept mainly to just the council as Milly for all her…Millyness wasn't one who would put people onto a spot if they genuinely wouldn't enjoy it, and Nina wasn't the type who would enjoy having a festival like a birthday.

Aside from a little song, it was as normal as Kallen would have expected, going on her own, with her experience with birthdays from her youth. Nina unknowingly put herself, at least to Kallen, in a position where she might have a crush on Nunnally because she spent most of the day close to the middle schooler. A blush on her face for most of it. And when Nunnally handed her a gift, which was revealed to be a new laptop with better modelling software for whatever Nina regularly did on the council computer, Kallen was surprised Nina didn't break out in tears and kiss Nunnally for it.

She would have assumed Lelouch saw it and would act on it, but he seemed notedly reserved during the entire thing. So maybe he already knew Nina had a crush on his sister, or maybe Milly or Nunnally had asked him not to give Nina a heart attack through terror.

It was fun, but also a couple of days ago, as now she and the rest of the Black Knights had been summoned for a meeting.

“Do you have any idea what this meeting is all about?” Sugiyama asked as they approached their mobile base. It was already November, and with it came a rising cold, so they had all worn thicker coats to keep warm.

“I haven't heard anything. What about you, Ohgi?" Inoue asked as she knew he had a meeting with Zero the other day.

Ohgi frowned, but didn’t answer as he reached for the door. “Well, I think it would be best if you all heard it from Zero.”

“Can’t you give us…” Kallen started, but paused as she and the rest entered. Inside, they spotted Katase, Tohdoh, and his Four Holy Swords, a given for a meeting they knew was important.

The outlier fame in the presence of a group of 3 people, all dark-skinned, marking them as foreigners, and dressed in white lab coats, but her instincts told her that the skinny man and the shorter, fat one weren't the ones in charge of this group. Still, it was the notably tall and beautiful woman with bright, long blonde hair lounging on one of the sofas. A purple mark on her forehead, turquoise eyes highlighted by thin, slanted eyebrows.

Unlike the 2 men with her, she didn't wear something like them under their coats. Instead, she sat with a revealing pink tank top, exposing her dark purple bra-covered chest, brown pants, and a brown smoking pipe. A pipe she had been smoking for a while, as the interior already had the faint smell of tobacco.

“Who are you?” Kallen asked.

“Where the hell did you come from? You’re not Japanese.” Tamaki added to that, pointing at the woman with clear hostility.

“A clever observation,” the unknown woman snarked, though Kallen and the rest had no clue what she said as it wasn't Japanese or English. I am not Japanese; I am Indian.” The woman added, this time speaking in understandable Japanese with a slight Indian accent.

“That doesn’t answer the question.” Tamaki barked back, Minami holding his shoulder before he did something stupid. The rest, for their part, looked towards the former JLF turned Black Knights, hoping they would have an answer for this.

“She was here when we arrived. Zero’s advisor already confirmed she was invited by Zero.” Urabe was the one who answered, as they had been surprised when she had been led in that strange woman. Having yet to make his appearance, Zero kept to his room on a call with Kyoto.

“Why’d he do that?” Tamaki asked, Kallen, rolling her eyes at how blunt and stupid Tamaki could be. It was like he reserved his brains for rare moments.

“Because, Tamaki,” Zero spoke up. The room turned to see their masked leader standing at the top of the stairs, along with Claude, his gaze locked onto Tamaki, not for the first time. That is Rakshata Chawla: the mother of the Guren, so please give her the respect she is due.” He gestured towards Rakshata, who gave them a lazy wave, but her attention remained on Zero.

Standing as Zero approached, she offered him her hand. “So, we met in person, Zero. I’ve heard a lot of things about you.” She greeted as Zero took her hand and gave him a firm shake.

“As have I, Ms. Chawla, or do you prefer Professor Chawla?” The masked man replied, causing Rakshata to raise an eyebrow in curiosity.

“I never tried for a PhD, and I had no need or desire for it, so if you must, it’s Doctor. But what did you mean by hearing about me?” She corrected him before asking, as she wasn’t someone who was well known outside certain circles.

“Your research into medical cybernetics was an interesting read.” At Zero's clarification, the masked man saw, if only for a moment, a flash of recollection in Rakshata's eyes, along with annoyance, grief, longing, and self-loathing before it settled in a smirk.

“I do hate digging into the past.” Zero nodded, recognising the meaning of her words as he gestured to their seats.

“Well then, shall we get things started?” The group all found somewhere to sit or stand, Zero seated at the end, the proverbial head of the table, flanked by Kallen and Tohdoh, Katase and Ohgi next to them.

Pulling out a secured laptop, he opened it and turned it on. In less than a minute, the video feed came on, revealing Kirihara's face, which seemed surprising. But then Kallen recalled how C.C. and Zero had outed the man's identity already, so he would have no need to keep the act up.

With everyone important present, Zero could start things. “I have been in talks with Katase, Ohgi, and Tohdoh about this, along with consultation from Kyoto's clan chief. Now would be a good time to announce those changes.”

“For obvious reasons, I am remaining as Commander of the Black Knights.” No one argued this or made any comments, as, like their leader said, it was a forgone conclusion; there was no point making something of it. However, it was something of a surprise when he gestured towards Ohgi. “My Deputy Commander would be Ohgi Kaname.”

Kallen blinked but smiled as she nudged Ohgi's side. He had no idea he had been made their number 2! He should have told them earlier.

“Nice one, man.” Yoshida gave Ohgi a thumbs up.

“You were our leader to begin with; you earned this man.” Sugiyama agreed with him. Ohgi might at times not know what to do or say, but he trusted the man to value their lives and mission and keep his head on straight. His being made Zero's second wound also meant they would have someone with clear power and influence over the enigma they called their leader.

“He's right. You could stand a little straighter. Women don't go for the meek.” Claude’s comment made Ohgi blush and got the woman some glares, but she hardly cared for them as she let Zero continue.

“Chief of Military Affairs will be Tohdoh Kyoshiro, while Chief of Foreign Affairs will be Katase Tatewaki.” There were mixed feelings towards it. For the 4 Holy Swords, it seemed like Zero was recognising their master and commander, respectively, and putting them into position to exercise authority and power. But it also seemed like a mixed match.

They weren't the only ones who thought that, as if they were honest, as happy as they were that Ohgi was made second in command, they had expected Katase to get that position over what he did. “That first one makes sense, but why put a former general into that role?” Inoue asked, to which Zero turned his attention to her.

“Because if you knew Katase’s record, you’ll know he has filled roles like this in the past, having been the military attaché to Japan’s foreign affairs ministry.” Zero revealed, which came as a surprise to them, as they all turned to the man.

“Granted, I spent most of that time at embassies in Europe. I was in Japan when the invasion started, and thus was able to defend my country," Katase confirmed, as he hadn't made as much of a name for himself during the invasion. Still, he was known to many as part of the defense, his time abroad having ended mere weeks before the invasion, when he was withdrawn from his post in Spain.

“I, along with Kyoto, have faith that you'll manage to find your rhythm, " Zero said but moved on to the next position.

“Chief of Finances will continue to be Yoshida Toru. You'll be in charge of a greater pool of funds and resources. As our official purse keeper, you'll work closely with Inoue Naomi, our Chief of Logistics.” Zero stated that Tamaki looked like he wanted to complain that he wouldn't be getting his old post back, but he thought better for once and kept his mouth shut.

“Oh, give a guy more work, why don’t you?” Yoshida complained but didn't reject the post. He just knew it would mean more late nights pouring over documents, calculator in hand. Now that he has the official job, maybe he should request aides for it.

“It’ll at least be easier getting stuff now, but I’ll try and keep the costs down.” Inoue gave a small, relieved smile as she recalled having to struggle just to get basics like a motorcycle, ammo, and food for their ghetto from smugglers and other criminals in the settlement.

It was never at a fair price, and more than once, she had to deal with unwanted advances, but carrying a gun tended to keep their comments to just comments. It had been easier since the Black Knights gained traction, but they had still been operating under Zero's budget, which wasn't nothing. It was a lot more than before, but with Tamaki blowing a good chunk of it…well, she hadn't been against his removal from the position.

“Claude Chesters, you’ll be Chief of Internal Affairs and Security.” The announcement got some reactions, mainly from the long-time members who barely knew Claude. Even Kallen, who knew more than the rest, couldn't say much about her, at least nothing that would be important. Claude, for her part, hardly seemed to care, but she had proven herself capable as Zero's co-pilot, so no one mentioned this.

“Chief of Research, Development and Medical Affairs, Rakshata Chawla.”

Rakshata seemed amused by the first part, but as soon as Zero brought up the third part of her role, her smile shrank as her eyes narrowed at the masked man. “Zero, you’re a crafty one, aren’t you?”

Zero was wise enough to know she was not pleased, though he couldn’t say why she did. What he could find about her said nothing to why she left medical science and began developing weapons. “You are, by far, the most capable to handle this task. It would be remiss if I didn't take that into consideration. Still, day to day of the medical division will be handled by your deputy, who you'll be able to choose from a list of medics drawn up from Katase.”

Rakshata huffed, but didn't fight it. Taking a drag of her pipe, she let the nicotine-laced smoke permeate her lungs before she let it out in a slow, controlled fashion. “I’ll need at least 3.”

“Done.” Zero couldn't care if she asked for 6 people; he had seen the list the former General delivered, and it could provide. But he could move from someone who seemed unhappy with her post to someone he knew would be ecstatic. “Captain of the Zero Squad will be Kōzuki Kallen.”

“Zero Squad?” Kallen asked, as she had never heard of it.

She was right to think that, but that was something that would change. “An elite guard under my direct command. Think of yourselves as my personal forces.” Zero explained, which seemed to please Kallen a lot. Maybe it was the Britannian influence because of the fairy tales she would read. Still, she could only see such a position as one of absolute trust in your character and abilities.

Zero, who had modelled himself as a man who valued results and capability, chose her- no, Tohdoh—for what was basically his dragon, and she couldn't help the shine that formed in her eyes at that. Along with the vow that she would live up to that trust, even if she had to fight uphill against overwhelming numbers, she'd deliver victory.

“Captain of the First squad, Asahina Shōgo. Captain of the Second squad, Senba Ryōga. Captain of the Third squad, Urabe Kōsetsu. Captain of the Fourth squad, Chiba Nagisa. Captain of the Fifth squad, Sugiyama Kento. Captain of the Sixth Squad, Tamaki Shinichirō.”

Zero rattled off the next series of names without much fanfare or pause, as they all shared the same role and rank in the order now.

“Splitting us?” Asahina asked, a subtle challenge to this decision from their new…leader.

“It was my proposal,” Asahina said, looking like he sucked on a lemon and lost a pint of blood at Tohdoh's statement. Truth be told, he suspected Zero would make the choice and knew it would receive pushback, so he saved them the headache by beating the masked man to it. That way, no one could say Zero was using him, though he couldn't deny that this was beneficial to the masked man.

“The Black Knights might have proven themselves the more capable force, but they're largely made up of former civilians who hadn't joined a rebel group beforehand.” Tohdoh continued, explaining his reasoning, which Zero nodded to.

“So, under the advice of my Chief of Military Affairs, we decided that we’ll take skilled and experienced members of the defunct JLF, such as the Four Holy Swords, and put them in command of a considerable knightmare forces, keep in mind that you’ll also be responsible for discipline and training them while other members will handle training of our foot soldiers and logistical staff.” Zero added, as there was a risk they could train these units to be loyal to them, and by proxy, Tohdoh, but it was a risk he had to take.

He would just need to trust that the old samurai was too honourable to build a shadow army within them. He was the type who, if he had issues, would voice them, no doubt privately, to prevent the chain of command from being undermined. A true military man, Tohdoh was.

The explanation still wasn't as well received as it could have been, but to the commanders who drafted it, it was alson't as bad. It seemed like Urabe wished to try and bring some levity to the topic, jokingly stating, “I feel bad for those in the second squad then. Senba has never been someone forgiving when it came to training. I still have nightmares about it.”

The eldest member of the Four Holy Swords scoffed, though a smile still formed on his face. “Please, if you were as disciplined as Chiba, you wouldn’t have had any issues. If anything, those under her will be whipped into proper fighting shape in no time at all.”

Both men looked towards Chiba, who grew just a little bashful and turned to look away. She didn't like to think about her training days, if for no other reason than Urabe's love of teasing her about them. Still, while she wasn't happy about being split from her master and didn't trust Zero all that much, she would respect Tohdoh's wishes here as he had been involved in this decision.

Besides, it was a compliment that she and the rest would be the primary training force for their united front. She wouldn't compromise on her high demands for fighters and would ensure she produced the best out of the Swords.

“Minami Yoshitaka,” Zero brought things back on track, looking towards the last man who had notedly not received a title or role. “You will be placed in command of the Ikaruga.”

“Ikaruga? Is that the name of our base?” Minami asked in confusion, to which Tohdoh smiled while Katase let out a quick laugh. This left Minami a little embarrassed about his error, but Zero raised his hand, sounding amused himself, though it was hard to tell with his voice so altered.

“No, I would not shame you with such a demeaning title. No, Kyoto has secured a new mode of transport for us from their contacts in India. A fully fitted Submarine capable of supporting maritime combat, and carrying our entire knightmare fighting force.” Zero revealed, which caused several jaws to fall as people sat ram straight.

“A-a submarine?!” Tamaki asked, as he wasn't a genius, but he had seen enough war movies to know what a sub was and that those things could be crazy good in battle.

“You can’t be serious.” Inoue was in as much disbelief as the rest. Zero had incredibly abundant resources, and Kyoto had serious cash and influence, but there was a difference between the Guren and a submarine!

Zero took some amusement in their shock, though he couldn't take credit for this boon as he gestured to Rakshata. “I am, if you need further explanation, you can thank Rakshata.”

With all but Zero, Tohdoh, and Katase looking at her like she had just pulled off a seemingly impossible magic trick, Rakshata did take some amusement out of it as she took another drag of her pipe. “Some people in places of power back home don’t like being a colony to the Chinese,” she explained, keeping it short.

“So, they're giving us some aid in exchange for what? Fighting for Indian independence?” Sugiyama asked.

Senba thought about it, scratching his chin in thought as he noted. “It’s not a bad idea. Besides, if half the stuff I’ve heard about the Federation is accurate, it can’t be pleasant for anyone to live there.”

“Hold on, isn't that a bit much? We're just getting our footing in Japan, and we need to worry about a second princess trying to kill us.” Asahina asked as it was all well and good to keep up the good guy act Zero seemed to have, but there had to be limits. This wasn't like a children's story where it would only take marching in, a couple of fights, and they would win. Corrupt and vile, the Chinese Federation was a superpower for a reason, and not even Britannia dared start trouble with them. At the same time, they were busy fighting the E.U.

“That is true; however, know that we're not expected to lend any aid to the Indians in the foreseeable future. Not when Katase's first deployment will be to China.” Zero revealed, which seemed all the more confusing.

“Allow me to explain things about that, Zero.” Before anyone could act or counter, Kirihara spoke up, and Zero bowed his head to the man.

“As you will, Clan Chief.” That said, Zero took a back seat and let Kirihara handle things.

“It sounds needlessly reckless to send one of our own into the fortress of a potential enemy. However, the fact remains that they’re still our biggest source of resources. If we can establish a foothold with the right people, it would go a long way towards our goals.”

“But couldn’t Britannia force them to shut it down?” “China isn't a stable country or ally; it won't take long before something leaks, and Britannia forces the issue, and I can't say they'll remain on our side.”

Kirihara did not have a position within the Black Knights, but he was still a man of great influence. Not just as the leader of Kyoto, who backed them, but because he knew who was behind the mask, and as Kallen suspected, he knew more about Lelouch than she did.

So when he talked, they listened. “You're quite right. The High Eunuchs would only support us as long as it benefits them, and if pushed, they'll only keep us around if we bend the knee.” Kirihara shook his head at the idea of being made a Chinese puppet. “That is why we're not contacting the High Eunuchs.”

“We have credible information that there is a splinter group within the Federation government that wishes to overthrow the corrupt and place the young empress into real power. We're in talks with them, but they seem receptive to the idea of Indian independence.” Kirihara explained, though he hadn't even told Zero who the source was, that it would be something of a surprise for him later.

“So, we undermine the greedy Eunuchs, gain a more friendly ally in China, and help another people gain independence in exchange for their help in our fight against Britannia?” Chiba asked, as she could see this as very much for Japan’s benefit, though incredibly risky.

“It is, and it's one we can't afford to ruin, so Katase would be leaving for China tomorrow. You won't be based in Vermillion Forbidden City but in Shandong, which I'm told is a secret stronghold for the secret rebellion, while also putting you close to 3 ports from which you can handle your affairs.” Kirihara stated, to which Katase bowed his head.

“I understand.”

Line Break

It was the end of another long day for Suzaku, and back in his quarters with the A.S.E.E.Cs, he was enjoying a nice, relaxing shower. He was a soldier through and through, and as an Eleven, it meant few privileges and indulgences. Still, if there was one thing he was grateful for, it was the shower.

No racism, no fighting, no death, no judgmental looks or critical thoughts. Even as he would recall things he would rather not, they would flow away like water into the drain. He could fall so deep into this state that his sense of touch would grow supercharged. He could just close his eyes and let the water flow over him, tracing his against his slightly tanned complexion and hard-earned muscles, drawing attention to the ridges and contours of his body, to places where scar tissue was ever so slightly more sensitive than the rest.

He didn’t use scented soaps, but he could feel his body slacken and stress drain away as he rubbed the stuff across himself, paying attention to get every nook and cranny. However, he didn't do anything more, not now, as his typical blissful 10 minutes away from it all was interrupted by one thought. One image in his head left him feeling on edge.

He wasn't the brightest light in the chandelier, and despite his father, he wasn't that good at reading faces or catching political double speak, but he knew one thing.

Marrybell was terrifying.

She wasn't scary like Cornelia; comparing the two would be comparing a wildfire to a poisonous predator. Cornelia was obvious; she wasn't subtle, and if she didn't like you, you knew it and would walk on eggshells around her. Marrybell could blend, she could watch, she could even keep the claws and fangs at bay, but you never knew when she would decide, you just knew she could rip your throat out and devour down to you bones without a shred of remorse, as it was not an evil act, it was not a cruel act, it was just nature at play.

And yet, that nature didn’t seem to follow the rules as he understood them. She wasn’t some pleasant soul like her sister Euphemia, but she seemed to be a pragmatist and an honourable warrior.

She had never once mistreated him and seemed to believe him worthy of the trust placed in him and the position he enjoyed. And while he could do without all the backhanded compliments about how he was better than 'his kind,' he knew that if he could foster some genuine pushes for change in the empire, he could perhaps argue the merits of the system as lacking.

But while she didn’t seem to despise him for being an Eleven who didn't serve as a servant, he still never felt safe with her. In the few times she would come around the A.S.E.E.C. to check up on her commissioned unit's progress, her smile did not seem genuine. It was always a little off, too perfect to be real.

He doubted most would pick up on this, as she seemed to build a quick following among the nobles and officials in the government. She hosted another two balls since she arrived and was the perfect host for both. She was charismatic, kind, patient, entertaining, and a firm figure. And yet, he didn't know. He had seen such things before, but he couldn't see through the masks, only recognise them as masks.

No, it wasn't her smile. She had frowned, even shown some annoyance with Lloyd's antics, or laughed at them. But Suzaku could never say with certainty if those expressions were real. But her eyes seemed as sharp as Lancelot's MVS. She never said anything, but the way she looked at him in particular, how she would smile like a cat who sported an ignorant rat…it pierced him and always left him feeling cold and uneased.

He had only seen this once when it was different. And that was during Euphemia's meeting with Cornelia's pick for her knight, Sapphire Kalas, who had arrived. There was a false report of a Zero sighting, and while she didn't move to handle it, just for a second—a moment he couldn't even be sure even happened—he saw past the mask.

And what he saw made him shiver to his bones, as that look, the gleeful lust for violence, one that was born from an unending rage and destruction. It didn't seem human. It shouldn't ever exist in a human, yet it did-and you'll never know it.

Not even Euphemia could predict what was going through her sister's head. She wasn't acting like Euphemia was expecting, as it had been nearly two weeks since she arrived. It seemed like Marrybell was more interested in politics and parties than in hunting down Zero.

He was drawn back from his musings when he heard someone knocking on his door, which was odd. He didn't get visitors, and Lloyd and Cecile knew he would be showering right now, but perhaps something came up. Lloyd sent someone to get him, so he shut the water off, quickly dried himself the best he could with a towel, wrapping it around his waist, and walked towards his door.

“Is that you, Gerald? I didn’t think that…”

Suzaku's statement came to an unceremonious end. Instead of seeing one of the A.S.E.E.C.'s technicians, he saw someone he had never seen before.

What awaited him was a soldier whose teal hair was tied into a side ponytail. Her bright blue eyes were just as surprised to see him as he was her, though it was no doubt because he was half-naked and still a little wet. Her uniform, with its red colour and gold accents, clued him in that she was a member of the Glinda Knights.

He could almost hear his execution order being given for what would surely be seen as some Eleven brute trying something with a Britannian woman. Still, instead of her gaze narrowing in fury or screaming, she cocked her head to the side and looked him over, which only made him feel all the more exposed and foolish.

"Hmm, yeah, I can see why she's into it, " the woman noted, leaving Suzaku flustered as he tried to cover himself up.

“P-pardon, I mean, please excuse me, my Lord, I should have properly dressed before-!”

She laughed, though it wasn't mocking or demeaning; it was jovial and friendly. “Chill, chill. I’m not mad you didn’t have time to throw on some pants. I could hear you in the shower.” She pointed out that it wasn't like the door and walls were that thick. "Besides, you don't have much to be embarrassed about, Suzaku, or should I say Kururugi? That's how Elevens address each other, right? By their last names."

Suzaku didn't know what to respond to, the compliment or the question, but the latter seemed more important. “Well, yes-”

"Good, well then, Kururugi. You should properly get dressed because you're on call for our next move. It's time for us to see for ourselves how you handle yourselves in battle, Kururugi." She smiled before she turned on her heel and marched off, leaving him confused and half-naked.

‘She didn’t even tell me her name.’

Line Break

That same day, at the port of Yokosuka, the Black Knights gathered, not for a meeting but for their first major operation since Narita, though Ohgi still had his doubts. “Zero, I’m not sure about this. I know that this is important, but…”

Zero sat on some rubble, almost like his throne, as he looked over the gathered group. It wasn't their entire force, as they only brought their recently created Zero squad and third squad under Urabe. Ohgi was present as an observer.

Zero glanced to the side, where a Britannian stood, 2 Black Knights watching over him, guns raised. “You’re the one who brought us this information, Diethard was it?”

"That's right. It's an honour that you'll meet me like this, Zero." Diethard replied, not bothering with Japanese as he was terrible at it.

“Marrybell seeks to wipe out the JLF and use the royal marines?" Diethard nodded to Zero's question as he explained how he knew.

"Correct, the network is already poised to broadcast a special report. There have also been rumours that Cornelia would be present to provide support.” That seemed to spread some discern amongst their ranks, though Diethard didn’t know why, only catching a few words here and there.

“How do they figure it out? Tamaki?” Kallen asked, as she wouldn’t put it past the guy who wasn’t here for things.

Zero ceased such questioning before it could grow into a nuisance. “Was it a fault on our end, perhaps Marrybell’s own skills at intelligence, or maybe a stroke of misfortune for us. Doesn’t matter what, all that matters is that it happened.”

“However, it seems that the enemy doesn't have the full picture. If they're going by reports, they would be reasonable to believe that Katase has no JLF soldiers to defend him. The only thing of worth in that ship is the 40 thousand tonnes of liquid sakuradite abroad. It’s a useful tool to gain favor with the Chinese, and a reason for the Britannians not to blow the ship up, and risk damaging the port.”

If Zero had been calculating things correctly, that much liquid sakurdite would have held the same blast yield as 120,000 tons of TNT. You'll need to be a madman to smoke close to such, nevermind start a firefight.

“But we can’t just leave them to die and go after Marrybell and Cornelia.” Ohgi advocated, as he had heard the plan already. He had tried to vote it down, but Zero, along with Tohdoh, had approved. Even speaking with Katase didn't help convince them; the old man resigned to his fate.

“Ohgi,” Zero silenced his deputy with but a word. “They, like us, are soldiers. We all understand how cheap our lives are and that when the time comes, we should lay them down for the sake of the mission and our dreams.”

Getting up, he addressed the gathered forces, his faceless mask leaving nothing but his voice. “Tonight, we get to do what we couldn't at Narita: capture an imperial princess. Priority is Marrybell, for she's the head of this new snake we face. Her knights are the second to that.”

Few smiled, knowing what was to come, but as it was during their raid on Code-R, they could only stomach it as they nodded. “Then begin preparations.”

“Z-zero!” Kallen called out as Zero turned to walk away.

“Yes, Kōzuki?” He asked, turning his head towards her.

“Will you be participating as well?”

Zero nodded. “Of course, and you’ll be at my side.”

Kallen's face hardened as she replied with a strong. “Understood!”

Diethard had to keep his face passive, but on the inside, he was crackling. He hadn’t caught the entire exchange, but he had enough to piece together that Zero’s plan was. ‘I wouldn't have thought, but he has no intention of saving the General. He's aiming to leave him to die as bait to strike at Cornelia.’

He wondered how the Viceroy would make it out of this, as they could just as easily fire on the damned ship and watch it go up in flames, taking out anything close to it. Even if she did survive that blast, her forces would be smashed, along with the Glinda Knights, who would surely be leading the charge.

He couldn’t believe it, he would see history in the deaths of 2 Imperial princesses.

Line Break

“He’s fleeing?”

Suzaku asked, as he was also present at the port and a detachment of the Viceroy's forces, who would be playing back-up to the Glinda Knights.

Sokkia Sherpa, the woman who had seen him in just a towel, nodded. The two stood in an open warehouse, their knightmares secretly brought in and made ready for the coming attack. "That's what we suspect. Since Narita, all reports and sightings of the JLF have ceased. It seems like they were more of a paper tiger than we realised, and they lost most of their fighting strength just retreating."

“But they could recoup-!” Suzaku had to stop himself, but Sokkia hardly cared, waving it off.

"Yes, they could, you and I both know there are plenty of Elevens dumb enough to join up with them, even with news of us being around, but the Black Knights are the new kids on the block. They're the popular ones." She wasn't so moronic that she would punish him for speaking the truth. Area 11 was a hotbed of terrorist activity, one which they should have dealt with sooner, but couldn't, but they could now.

Suzaku glared at the wall, furious with the JLF. “So, he’s running now? He can’t even disband the JLF and hand himself over?”

Sokkia shrugged. "I doubt he sees it as running. He's probably trying to build up support in China. They don't like us all that much either, and would love to use him as an excuse to try and muscle in. That isn't our thing; what is our thing is ensuring Katase never gets that far." Last thing they needed was the Chinese trying to invade under some false flag.

"We're leaving the boarding operation to the Royal Marines. You will be with us, supporting fire and ensuring any party crashes don't get past us bouncers." She informed him, which got Suzaku to give a stiff, pitch-perfect salute.

“I understand, my Lord. I will not fail.” She looked him over, but frowned as she laid a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"I'll be real with you, Kururugi. You're not going to like this part, but we're interested only in Katase. You see anyone else; you take them out, even if they're surrendering." She told him, which, as she expected, of what she could see, was a good man, horrified him.

“But…” Suzaku felt his mouth go dry, and his heart ceased in a vice grip.

“Orders straight from the top.” She sighed; she had long grown used to stuff like this. "I could speak with the princess, have her remove you from this and have you on perimeter duty as you've already proven yourself to the crown, you don't need to-"

“No, I’m fine…” Suzaku didn’t look fine, but he stubbornly insisted. “I can handle this. They…they’ve chosen the wrong path, and I can’t save them. Least I can do is ensure it’s quick.”

Sokkia could ignore his words for his own good, but she would respect his wishes. He just hoped he was prepared to deal with what came after.

Line Break

“It was nice of you to lend support, sister. I appreciate it.” Marrybell spoke up, seated in the supervisor’s office of another warehouse. One which houses both her units and Cornelia’s, including some of the new units Lloyd had manage to get done.

Cornelia sat cross-legged, still unpleased with her sister, but remaining cordial all the same. "I would be cross if I missed seeing this particular thorn dealt with."

"Yes, I can see why you're dead set on it. It was the JLF rats who attacked the hotel, wasn't it? It had to be…vexing to know Euphemia's life was in their hands. " Marybel's smile slips into a frown, though her grip on her teacup grows so tight that she nearly snaps it. But with a breath, she calms as she returns to her typical expression. “And you had to rely on Zero to get her out."

Cornelia narrowed her gaze. “I don’t know what you mean. Zero snuck in-”

Marrybell interrupted her with a laugh. She hardly looked annoyed or angered. "Sister, I'm hurt. Hurt, you feel like you need to lie to me. I know you let Zero through. The media might have never reported it, and the official report claimed he snuck in, but I know." She giggled, leaving her sister feeling on edge at that. A look to the side showed Guilford and Dalton equally nervous, though they hid it well.

Not well enough, but Marrybell wasn’t about to make a fuss over it. "I am not mad, sister. As much as it is disgusting that a Britannian, an imperial princess, would stoop to such lows," Cornelia ground her teeth together at the backhanded insult, as she hated how Marrybell could be so two-faced. "I'm not so close-minded as to not see why you did so, for it was either that, or we lose another sibling to those god forsaken islands."

And yet, at the same time, she could always detect genuine care in her words. At least, Marrybell seemed saddened and furious, even though they had lost siblings, not because it insulted the imperial family but because she loved them. Marrybell loved all their siblings, even the ones she hadn't met for reasons Cornelia couldn't discern.

“Have you spoken to Lila?” Marrybell hit her with a gut punch, one that made Cornelia hiss as she was tied to and failed to relax into her seat.

“I…I have not found the time.” She admitted with a grimace, thinking of the 13-year-old.

Marrybell sighed, and Cornelia couldn't tell if it was real as her sister spoke. "She was devastated by it. It was why she couldn't attend his televised memorial. She knew she would only cry, so she stood with me. I made some time to return home for it all."

Cornelia was happy if that was true, as they both knew their father wouldn't have cared for her tears. She certainly shed them when the emperor threw Clovis to the wolves, calling his death a result of his weakness.

“Losing family always hurts, but to lose it to cowards like terrorists, one who dares to flaunt about while hiding his face,” Marrybell seemed close to anger, genuine anger. Still, she pulled back before she could express it. "She's doing better these days. I try to call her every morning, though it's evening for her back in the Homeland. I like to speak with her before she goes to bed. Perhaps you and Euphie can join me."

And as she had been since Marybell arrived, Cornelia found herself on the back foot. "I…I would like. I confess I've been too busy to make time for it."

Marrybell snorted, but hid it to appear more like a princess should. "It happens to the best of us. I had to drag Schneizel away from his work to do it. He wouldn't be so swamped if father weren't so hands-off."

“Hands off?”

"Ma'am, we have the final report." Before Marrybell could answer the question, one of her Glinda Knights walked in.

“The ship?” Marrybell asked.

“Registered in Vietnam, we're still waiting on the details from the company recorded as its operator, but it's fair to assume it’s not heading for there.” The soldier replied, not even reading off the report, having memorised it.

“Contents?”

“Based on how low in the water it’s sitting, and its classification, it’s carrying close to 41,000 tons of Liquid Sakuradite.” That wasn’t good.

"Meaning we can't afford to recklessly fire on them, but it would also stand to reason Katase won't order any return fire, else he risks escalation and his own death," Cornelia muttered, as it was an effective means to keep them at bay.

“And the report of his sighting?” Marrybell hardly focused on that, her attention remaining on the facts.

"A man matching his build was seen boarding this morning, but our sporters haven't seen him on deck since. They have caught around 6 JLF personal, though they could be more." Marrybell frowned at that, her gaze shifting to the side as she seemed to consider all this while Cornelia and her people discussed things.

"Of course, he wouldn't show his face, even if he doesn't know he's already been discovered." Cornelia scoffed, as this was the same coward who hid in some mountain fortress and needed the Black Knights to bail him out when she paid him the smallest attention.

“It’s an opportune time to strike. With the JLF smashed, he’s running scared. Now all we need to do is close the noose around his neck.” Dalton stated, and Guilford agreed with him.

“Sister, we both have a grudge against this Katase fool, but yours is stronger, so would you like to take point?” The three turned to Marrybell; even her people seemed surprised by the offer.

"I would suspect you would want that," Cornelia replied, as she wouldn’t just take this at face value. S

Marrybell didn't dispute that, but her attention wasn't on these dregs. "I do, but I was sent here to handle the Black Knights, and I shall handle the Black Knights. You're more than capable of dealing with these JLF trash deluding themselves into fighting for a dead country."

Cornelia still felt like she was being played, but she could see that her sister was more focused on the bigger problem. “Very well, I’ll graciously accept this offer, Marrybell.”

“Excellent, then let’s send out the orders, when the fighting starts, we best be ready.” Marrybell smiled as she stood up and left.

Line Break

Started this a bit late, but I was able to get it done in time. With this chapter being fun as we're back to the action, at least the prep for it as writing for Marrybell, well, it's too fun not to do, and it helps to flesh her out more. Plus, with the canon timeline so thoroughly altered, I had to jump around a bit with what happened where to keep things consistent here.