Re: Code Geass: Dirge of Daedalus

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

CODE GEASS

DIRGE OF DAEDALUS

Turn Nineteen: Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Part 1)

"Conquest is easy, control is not. Those were the words of a wise commander who saw the difficulties in maintaining power over territory taken in conflict. Conquest of the whole of the world presented an even greater challenge then simply putting down the resistance or insurrection in one area once conquered. Control requires more finesse and tolerance if the conqueror is to ensure obedience or at the very least cooperation with the indigenous populous of his newly acquired fiefdom. When Schneizel made his bid for global domination, he did so with the cunning and skill of the Devil himself in the manner that all evil men seduce the masses...with a promise of peace."-Excerpt from the diary of Euphemia Li Britannia dated November 16th 2024 a.t.b.

"Greetings Zero," Schneizel smiled on the big-screen of the Avenger, "and the people of the world."

"Dammn him," Cornelia cursed under her breath as she and Gilford watched Prince Schneizel continue on with his speech.

Outside Princess Cornelia's warship, the Avenger, a battle raged between her KnightMare forces and those of the Russian Confederation.

"I hold in my hand the power to bring peace to the whole world." Schneizel lifted up a metallic ball-shaped device the size of an orange. Upon the top of this device was a red colored switch. Schneizel ran his finger over the top of the switch.

"Now what deviltry has my elder-brother concocted?" Cornelia scoffed as she watched the worldwide transmission with distain.

Gilford said nothing.

"Behold the power of peace," Schneizel smiled on the screen.

In an instant a green light washed over the Britannian and Russian KMF units in front of Cornelia's aerial armada; the machines dropped to the ground like lead as their power was drained from them.

"A Gehjun Disturber!" Gilford exclaimed in awe.

"So Schneizel, I see the acorn does not fall that far from the tree," Cornelia sneered.

"Milady?" Gilford inquired with a befuddled look.

"Schneizel is no different than my father was," She looked out at the mass of fallen KnightMares, "He's not interested in how he wins the world, so long as he wins. Just like Charles, he fails to see the bigger picture. That was how the Black Rebellion gained its impetus and why so many countries flocked to the UFN. The people hated us for crushing them and then persecuting them afterwards. Schneizel clearly thinks he can con people into believing him a man of peace by shutting down the military forces of warring states as if weapons are the reason people kill one another; his thinking is simplistic and childish. KnightMares don't kill people of their own accord it takes the will of the person inside it to pull the trigger, and that desire to kill will remain if we don't prove ourselves worthy of ruling this planet. The trappings of the old world order, where an elite few rule over the masses, is over! Lelouch ended it, but he failed to fully implement what must come afterwards due to his foolish arrogance."

Gilford looked outside to see the flashing light of smallarms fire amongst the fallen KMFs. "I see what you mean Princess. Even without their Frames our men are still fighting the Russians."

"Not just our men Gilford. Both groups of warriors understand why people go to war," Cornelia stared out at the melee as Schneizel rattled on over the viewscreen about his New World Order of peace. "They war for freedom, wealth, status, power, and for a chance at something more in life, they war to be masters of their own destinies. Peace may be a beneficial side-effect of war and conquest for the elite few who govern and gain power because of war, but it is hardly the natural state of things when peace is nothing more than the lack of all resistance to tyranny."

"If his goal is world-domination then what is Prince Schneizel playing at by pushing a message of peace?" Gilford enjoyed it when Cornelia expressed herself and her newly acquired ideals.

"He obviously has an inferior number of forces at his disposal, otherwise he wouldn't need to expend the enormous power required to create such a massive Gehjun field. I suspect he's systematically knocking out the power systems of all of the KMFs on the planet in order to give him the upper hand when he launches his attack against the homelands of the leading world powers."

"You think he intends to attack them all at once?" Gilford was awestruck.

"Yes, and we've paved the way for him by crushing all of Europe and the Mediterranean powers." Cornelia lamented.

"What shall we do my Princess?" Gilford asked distraught by the implications of Schneizel's plan.

Cornelia assessed the battle below them, "Send out recovery teams to collect our men and their KMFs. This battle is pointless now."

"Are we withdrawing?" Gilford queried her.

"Yes," She answered. "And order the fleet to set course for Japan.

"Japan?" Gilford was confused by her order. "May I ask why Princess Cornelia?"

Cornelia smiled at him, "Because Japan still holds 55% of the world's supply of Sakuradite and we need it to repair our KMFs."

Gilford gave her a perplexed look, "But why would the UFN help us?"

Cornelia tittered at his expression, "Because the only person Tohdoh hates more than me is Schneizel."

"Is this war really necessary?" Nunnally asked Jason as they sat together in the large observation room of the Argos sipping tea together.

Jason gave her a weak smile, "I'm afraid there have been political problems within our own governmental structure that have caused this unpleasant situation."

Nunnally eyed him cautiously, "You're not happy with this whole thing are you Captain?"

"Please Empress, call me Jason." He gave her a warm grin, "and no, I do not like any of this. It seems to me that we could have negotiated with the world for the resources we needed rather than ally with Schneizel and indulge his desires for world domination."

"Something has been troubling me about Schneizel that perhaps you can answer Jason," Nunnally looked directly into his deep-blue eyes.

Jason softened his expression as she did so, "You may ask me anything you like Empress and I will answer to the best of my knowledge."

Nunnally asked her question more impatiently than she had wanted too, "Do you know how Schneizel was able to break the Geass my brother put upon him?"

"A device we possess called a Dispeller," Jason told her as he pointed to his headband. "All Champions and gods wear one."

"Gods?" Nunnally asked.

Jason chuckled, "Yes...well...not actual gods I suppose, but it's what we call Champions, which I believe you call Geass-users, who've achieved immortality by obtaining a Code."

"I wasn't aware that a person could have both a Code and Geass," Nunnally was sure that someone had once told her a person lost their Geass power when they obtained a Code.

"A person looses their power of Geass only if they take their Code from the one who gave them their power in the first place," said Jason. "People who take their Code from an enemy or are given it by an immortal who is not the one that gave them their power are able to obtain a Code. The other way one gains both is to be of a particular bloodline and thus once Geass is given to them they automatically acquire a Code by natural means."

"I see," Nunnally said. "Where did the Code and Geass originate?"

"A noble question milady, certainly worthy of an oracle of this age," Jason answered. "Originally the Codes were made first in order to give mankind the means to travel the vast distances of space without being limited by the mortal restraint of a lifespan, food, water, and the like. Sadly the experiment was not a complete success."

Nunnally was perplexed, "How did it fail?"

Jason took a sip of tea to wet his throat before replying, "Food, water, and the basic necessities of life are still needed for the body to endure without dying repeatedly. Thus even with a Code the immortal must have the normal sustenance that mortals require."

"And Geass?" She ventured.

"Geass is a side effect of the genetic alteration of man. It, like the Code, changes the vibrational frequency that our atomic structure vibrates at and allows the person to connect with the very fabric of reality. The ancients called it the Eden Vital. Each person manifests their Geass differently as each individual connects to the fabric of reality in a variety of ways; usually based on some strong emotion or need that helps mold the creation of their power."

Nunnally was intrigued, "You mentioned that the Code was made for space-travel, does that mean there are Geass users in space?"

Jason's expression became grave, "Yes milady."

"You have done very well Medea," Sthenno said as she embraced the dark haired woman that walked off of the gangway of the Ithaca.

Medea hugged her back, "Thank you Sthenno."

"We now have the means to fully power Tartarus," Sthenno smiled.

"And crush all those who oppose us," Medea snickered. "We shall be invincible."

Sthenno raised an eyebrow, "Indeed, why should we leave this world when we can keep it for ourselves?"

"Does this mean you plan on using the Apollyon?" Medea inquired. The woman was visibly apprehensive about the device.

"I do," Sthenno told her with a cold expression. "We lack the troops to properly conquer this world by any other means. Once we've leveled a few of their cities these mortals will bow before us willingly."

"What of Schneizel?" Medea was curious as to what would become of this man Sthenno had put her faith in.

"I shall have my revenge upon him," Sthenno hissed.

"So your Hakodeshim were totally unaffected by the Gehjun field?" Rakshata asked the Red Dragon and Suzaku as they stood within the hangar of the Ikaruga at the feet of the large battlerobots.

"Apparently," The modulated voice of the Red Dragon answered through her mask.

"Do you think you can figure out why they're immune Professor Chawla," Suzaku asked.

"Well in all honesty I already know why," she waved her pipe towards the Gabriel. "The simple answer is that they're not powered by Sakuradite; exactly what powers them is a mystery in and of itself. Whatever the power source of these machines may be, it gives them the ability to self-repair which is nothing short of incredible. Where did you say you got them again?"

"From a friend of ours who's...how should we say...a bit eccentric?" The Red Dragon shrugged and turned her mirrored mask towards Suzaku.

Suzaku smiled at her, "Yeah, he's a weird guy, but his heart is in the right place."

"Huh?" Rakshata was confused. "Did I miss something?"

Suzaku was staring at the Red Dragon with a dreamy eyed expression when the Red Dragon responded to Rakshata, "No Professor," she giggled, "Suzaku's still a bit light headed from his experience on Hawaii."

Kururugi snapped out of his daze, "So Professor Chawla do you think you can find a way to insulate the other KnightMare Frames from Schneizel's Gehjun disturber by examining the Uriel and Gabriel?"

"I'm afraid not," Rakshata lamented. "Their design is too advanced for me to even begin to tinker with them. However, I may be able to garner something from the Greek machine we recovered on Kaminejima Island. I noticed that the casing for their Energy Filler is lined with a Lead alloy. Lead is a dense material that might be able to repel Gehjun particles."

"How soon do you think you can duplicate the Lead-alloy?" The Red Dragon asked. She was anxious to get the UFN forces back up and running again so they could rescue Nunnally.

"I'm afraid I'm not much of an alloy expert." Rakshata sighed. "I'll need Lloyd's help on this one which is why I asked you here Suzaku." She smiled, "You know Lloyd as well as anyone does, he won't listen to me on this, could you ask him to analyze this material for me?"

"Sure," Suzaku replied with a smile. "I'll ask him when we return to the Avalon."

"That reminds me," The Red Dragon said. "How soon do you think we'll get the okay to go back?"

"As soon as Zero clears you I think," Rakshata said with a tip of her pipe. "In fact I believe he'd like to see you two as soon as I'm finished with you....which I am."

"Then we should probably be on our way down to see him," Suzaku said with a wave to Rakshata.

He and the Red Dragon made their way our of the hangar deck leaving Professor Chawla to stare in wonder at the two machines before her.

"We need to get out after Gino NOW!" Kallen barked at Zero and Ougi. "Who knows what that little wench is doing to him?"

"We don't have the ability to do so Kallen," Ougi tried to calm her.

"Our current priority is to recover all our KnightMare Frames." Zero told her with a wave of his hand, "Then we can get underway after the Duchess."

"You're letting her get out a ways from us aren't you Zero?" Kouzuki asked with a scowl. "Gino was what she wanted all along and you knew it."

"Of course, and now that Evita has her prize she'll let her guard down and no doubt lead us right to Schneizel. Her fleet didn't set course for Britannia; they're headed for the South Pacific."

"Major Nu," one of the bridge bunnies called to Villetta who was silently observing the argument between Captain Kouzuki, Zero and Ougi.

"Yes?" Villetta asked.

"We've recovered Cmdr. Weinberg's Type-21J and the person who stole it. Shall I have him thrown in the brig Ma'am?"

"One moment," Villetta walked up the stairs to the mezzanine where the argument continued to ensue.

"HE'S NOT EXPENDABLE!" Kallen pointed an accusing finger at Zero, "When are you going to learn that?"

"To save the world from the totalitarian rule of Schneizel, we are all expendable." Zero told her calmly.

"You're as bad as Lelouch was!" Kallen didn't wait for him to retort, she turned and stormed off the bridge.

Ougi's eyes went wide as he choked down the urge to blurt out a laugh; he coughed heartily to clear his throat.

Zero simply watched her leave.

"I hate to interrupt," Villetta said as she walked onto the command platform. "But I need to know what you'd like me to do with the pilot that stole Gino's Samurai."

"Have him report to my personal quarters," Zero said to Villetta's surprise.

"As you wish Zero but..." Major Nu started to say.

"Don't worry," Zero put his hand up in a dismissive gesture. "I'll deal with him myself."

"That Son of a b!tch..." Kallen cursed out loud to herself as she walked towards the Devicer's lounge; she needed a nice strong drink to calm her emotions.

Kallen walked past the open door of the hangar deck when she caught site of Gino's Type-21J and the man who had stolen it standing next to the KMF talking with the deck chief.

"Enoch?" She recognized the man almost immediately. It was hard not to. His skin had a distinct gold-tinge to it in the fluorescent overhead lighting of the hangar deck.

"HEY ENOCH!" Kallen called out to him.

"Oh hi Kallen, how are you?" He called back as he walked towards the elevators at the left hand side of the hangar bay.

Kallen ran into the bay towards him, "Wait up!"

He held the elevator door open for her. "Can I assist you in some way Captain Kouzuki?" He asked her with a smile.

Her desperate blue eyes met his amber orbs, "I need your help with something."

"Oh...what can I do for you?" He asked in a meek tone.

Captain Kouzuki gave him a narrow eyed look as she pushed past him into the elevator, "You can give me the truth."

"About?" Enoch inquired as the elevator doors shut.

"Zero," She replied. "How is it that you are down here with that KnightMare Frame and yet Zero was on the bridge with me only moments ago giving orders?"

"Someone is standing in for me," He refused to lie to her, but he knew better than to expose Lelouch...just yet anyway.

Kallen brushed her hair back and put her hands on her hips, "Who?"

"Usually C2," He smirked.

She raised an eyebrow, "C2? I highly doubt that C2 was the one calling the shots in this last battle and she certainly is not the person I was just arguing with a few minutes ago. Tell me who was on the bridge."

Enoch gave her a devilish grin, "Ougi, Villetta, the bridge crew, and Zero. Who else would be there?"

"Stop toying with me," She barked at him. "I want to know who the man behind that mask is!"

Enoch's expression became sad, "If you learn that Zero is the person you hope he is would that make the pain go away? Is that why you hope beyond hope for it to be Lelouch?"

Kallen blushed, she was acting like an obsessed teenager and she knew it. "No it's not that...it's just...I can't let go."

"What about poor Gino?" Enoch asked. "Are your feelings for a dead man greater than those for the love that's staring you right in the face?"

Kallen's expression softened, "I'm not sure if I feel anything other than friendship for Gino. He's my wingman... and a good friend...maybe my best friend right now...I do care about him a lot I admit, but I'm not sure it's love."

Enoch put his hand on her shoulder, "True love often starts with real friendship...and it's hardly ever a sure thing at first."

"Wha?" Kallen stepped back. "Are you trying to imply that I'm in love with Gino?"

Enoch smiled at her as he spoke softly, "No, I would never presume such a thing. Only you know the truth that lies deep down in your heart, but it is clear that he loves you very much."

She looked away from Enoch, "I know he does, but we're too different. His family was Britannian nobility and mine was only half that. I was a Black Knight under Zero, he was a Knight of the Round...I mean...at the end he did change sides and...he did save me in the last battle...but still, it wouldn't work out."

Enoch moved over to look her in the face with a grin. "Opposites attract you know and never doubt who you are Kallen. I come from very humble beginnings. Before my transformation I was a farmer." He pointed a thumb at his chest in a nonchalant gesture, "and look at me now!"

Kallen giggled, "Yeah? You're a pretty interesting guy." She smiled at him and leaned towards him, "You remind me of Lelouch in many ways."

Enoch backed away from her into the rear of the elevator and put up his hands defensively, "Hold on a minute there beautiful...let's stick to Gino and you."

Kallen frowned, "why? Has Pizza-girl got her hooks into you already?"

"No...C2 and I already gave that whirl a while back and it didn't work." Enoch said as Kallen moved in closer to him. "But, that doesn't mean I'm available...besides, I'm far too old for you."

Kallen laughed, "You're too old? You don't look more than twenty-four to me."

Enoch let out a nervous laugh, "I'm a wee bit older than that love."

Kallen gave him a distraught look, "Well how old are you?"

END PART 1

Message Edited by Kodai_Okuda on 10-24-2009 05:17 PM

NEXUS ARCANA

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

CODE GEASS

DIRGE OF DAEDALUS

Turn Nineteen: Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Part 2)

"Oh how I've missed you!" Evita kissed Gino on the lips.

Commander Weinberg struggled in the straight-jacket prison suit he was bound in as the Duchess proceeded to examine him.

"You call this love Evita?" He moved his head to try and avoid her advances.

"I admit it's a little one-sided right now..." She cooed in his ear, "but men are so easily wooed. The key to their heart is through their genitals." Evita caressed his prison suit over his groin.

"It's not that easy Duchess," Gino snarled at her as he closed his legs. "I do have feelings for someone, but it's not you."

Evita looked down her nose at him, "Really? Is it that lowly half-breed Captain of yours?"

"Don't you DARE call her that!" Gino lunged at her in a fury.

Evita leapt back as a pair of guards entered the prison-cell to protect her. "So you're in love with a nip-mutt are you? How sad, a noble Knight of the Round such as you enamored with a Japanese w.hore, it's pathetic. I could understand if you just wanted to use her for sex...I suppose her being half-Britannian she is somewhat pretty, but to actually have feelings for her...that just won't do my love."

The Duchess snapped her fingers and a female officer entered the room with a tray containing a variety of whips. "Tie him to the harness in the center of his cell." She instructed the two guards.

"Evita, what the hell are doing?" Gino demanded as she selected a Cat-O'nines from the tray.

"I'm going to scourge those lustful demons for that vile woman Kallen from your body. When I'm done with you, you'll be begging for me to love you my dear Gino."

Gino gritted his teeth, "Never!"

The Duchess giggled manically as she struck him with the Cat-O'nine-tails.

"Where the hell is he now?" Lelouch paced the personal quarters he shared with C.C. and Enoch.

"Knowing Enoch, he's probably off chasing after some cute lady-crewman." C.C. snickered.

"I wasn't talking about Enoch..." Lelouch frowned. "I mean Suzaku."

"Well maybe he got detained by something," C.C. came over and kissed Lelouch on the cheek. "Stop being so uptight...we'll get Nunnally back, you know that. Schneizel needs her alive, so she's safe."

"It wasn't Schneizel that took her, of that I'm sure" Lelouch traced her cheek with his gloved hand. He leaned in and kissed C.C. on the lips. "Thanks for trying to comfort me C2, but I think that man Jason is taking my sister to someone else and I am concerned for her safety. Considering the instincts and feelings that Euryale transferred to me with her Code, I can imagine what erotic-horrors may await Nunnally and I fear for her."

"That won't be a problem," Enoch said as he entered the room; interrupting them. "Jason may be a fanatically-loyal dweeb, but he is no fiend. He'll respect the chastity of the Empress from anyone who would try to take it from her, of that you can be rest assured."

"Where've you been?" C.C. asked with a snicker. "You look like you just sat through a psychology session with a troubled teen."

Enoch winked at C.C., "Yeah...Kallen and I had a long heart-to-heart about her feelings for Gino. I convinced her that she ought to stop moping about this other idiot she was once in love with. I suggested to her that she needs a man in her life not a boy."

Lelouch gave him a narrow eyed look, "ha...ha."

C.C. laughed, "Oh come on Lelouch; you know that I like boys." She threw her arms around Lelouch's neck, "Enoch's just teasing you. He knows that even if you do still have feelings for Kallen that it would be cruel for you to be with her considering you're immortal now and she is not. Besides, would you want to be with her as she gets old and wrinkled while you remained young and handsome."

"My feelings for her are none of your concern," Lelouch scowled at C.C. and Enoch. "Even if I still do love..."

Lelouch was startled by the door to their room opening; he shrugged off C.C. and moved to grab his mask.

"There's no need for that Lelouch," the Red Dragon said as she closed the door behind her and Suzaku. "It's just us."

"Where the hell have you two been?" Lelouch demanded from Suzaku.

"I'd say the ear-to-ear smile on his face answers that question." Enoch chuckled upon seeing Kururugi's gleaming expression.

"Huh?" C.C. gave Enoch a perplexed look.

Lelouch was mortified, "Don't think that everyone is a lecherous as you are old man."

"Well actually," Suzaku took hold of the Red Dragon's hand. "We've been doing some catching up, but that's not why we're here. You wanted to see me?"

"Yes!" Lelouch snapped in irritation. "I need to know how soon your Hakodeshim will be ready for redeployment and if Professor Chawla has made any progress with finding a way to shield our KMFs from Schneizel's Gehjun weapon."

"Our Archangels are fully restored and ready," Suzaku said jovially. "And Rakshata says she may have found a way to insulate our KMFs from the Gehjun disturber, but she'll need Professor Asplundh's expertise in metallic alloys to design new energy-filler containers."

"I see," Lelouch said. "Then you'll have to remain here to protect this fleet while the Yamato no Orochi and I proceed to try and find Schneizel's headquarters."

"What about Nunnally?" Suzaku asked impatiently.

"What about her?" Lelouch barked.

"Shouldn't we go after the Argonauts to rescue her?" Suzaku growled at Lelouch.

"We don't have time for that now," Lelouch retorted.

"How can you say that about your sister? You know what she means to us!" Suzaku yelled at him.

"Us?" Lelouch asked snidely. "If she means so much to you Suzaku why didn't you stop Jason from capturing her in the first place? At least the old man has an excuse...his Type-21J was effected by the Gehjun field. The Hakodeshim are immune to the effects of such a weapon which is why I had you guarding Nunnally in the first place. Maybe if you were a better Devicer you'd have..."

"STOP IT LELOUCH!" The Red Dragon ordered him. "Suzaku cares about Nunnally as much as you or I do."

"You?" Lelouch scoffed. "How could you care about my sister as much as I do? What is she to you woman?"

The Red Dragon unfastened her mask and removed it.

Lelouch's eyes were wide as dinner-plates as he saw her face and flowing pink hair. "Uh...Eu..." he tried to speak as his knees buckled and he sank down onto them.

"Euphemia!" C.C. exclaimed in shock.

Euphie glared at her brother, "How dare you ask ME if I care about Nunnally! I care for her far more than you do Lelouch; I didn't use Geass upon her; I didn't try to use her for my schemes or as a tool. You did!"

Lelouch recovered quickly, "Euphemia is dead...I should know because I killed her. You're an imposter!"

"Imposter?!" Euphie turned to C.C. with a fierce look, "He's immortal right?"

C.C. was still stunned, "Yeah...um...sure he is, but why do you..."

Euphemia turned back to Lelouch with a sneer, "You childish stupidity made me do despicable things, then you tried to kill me to cover it up and now you have the gall to call me a liar...you little bastard!" She pulled her sidearm from its holster and shot Lelouch in the chest.

Lelouch dropped to the floor, the life gone from his eyes.

Euphemia gave Lelouch's corpse a sinister smile, "Guess nobody told you that payback's a b!tch."

"Euphie!" Suzaku yelled in horror.

"What?" She smiled at him and snickered. "He can't die Suzaku, and after what he's done...he deserves a thousand deaths like this."

"Oh for the love of....Euphemia, why the hell did you do that!" Enoch cried.

"What's the big deal?" Euphie asked Enoch with a shrug. "It's not like this gun can kill him."

"That's not the point!" Enoch picked up Lelouch's body and pointed at the large pool of blood on the chest of the Zero suit, "Do you have any idea how hard it's going to be to get this stain out? Not too mention the bullet hole."

Euphie blushed, "Whoops, guess I let my anger get the best of me."

Enoch gave her a surprised look, "Noooooh...Yah think?"

"The FORGE is at 100% operational status Prince Schneizel," Nina adjusted her glasses as she brought up a digital readout of the FLEIJA-Reactor on the viewscreen of the control station she sat at.

Schneizel looked over her shoulder, "Excellent work Nina. Now we'll be able to generate a field powerful enough to short out any Sakuradite powered machine. Even the Automatos machines of the Greeks should any of them resist the plan that has been set in motion. With this Gehjun Transmitter no one will be able to challenge us."

"How will you enforce your rule without the mechanized forces of the Greeks if they turn against you?" Nina asked him with a perplexed expression.

"Come with me," Schneizel said with a sinister grin.

Nina got up and followed Schneizel from the master-control room of the FORGE into an adjacent chamber that led out onto a balcony.

To Professor Einstein's amazement a legion of hundreds of Vincent-Ward, Gareth, and Gloucester KMFs stood within a courtyard that flanked one side of the building that housed the FORGE.

The light of the setting sun glinted off of their metal forms as a breeze whipped up off the ocean beyond that blew back Nina's hair as she surveyed the masses of KnightMare Frames.

Nina looked over at Schneizel, "With all do respect Prince Schneizel, what good are these fifth and seventh generation frames against the more modern weapons of the Greek legions, not too mention both Britannia and the UFN? Even if we knock out most of the tenth generation and newer frames, there are bound to be pockets of KMFs we miss and these machines are no match for them. The Greek Automatos have already proven their superiority over any KMF that is less than 10th generation."

Schneizel smirked at her, "My lovely Nina, this army is not what it appears to be. It is only the tip of the spear of my Order of the Silver-Cross. This legion will deal with any who resist my plan and simply enforce my rule upon the world after the Greeks use their Apollyon device."

"Apollyon?" Nina was intrigued.

"Yes," Schneizel smiled mischievously. "You see, while I was in Tartarus I had the pleasure of meeting a woman there who saw my vision of a New World as useful to her people's desire to leave this Earth for the stars. We struck a deal and she has agreed to give me the Apollyon device in exchange for my help via this Gehjun Disturber and the plans for your FORGE."

Nina was mortified, "You gave them the plans to my creation?"

Schneizel laughed, "Not yet Nina. She will have to deliver on her end before I'm ready to do that. You see, your FORGE would greatly improve the duration time of their spacecraft. Rather than having to hop through the cosmos from one Sakuradite deposit to another every few months, they could travel for decades without refueling."

"Why would you give them the plans for the FORGE? What does this Apollyon do that makes it so valuable?" Professor Einstein asked.

"It's a Titan-Automatos that projects a sphere to anywhere within five-thousand miles of it that folds space," He said with a sinister look.

Nina gasped in horror, "That would be like having a flying FLEIJA-gun that could teleport the Collapse-Effect-Sphere it generates to anywhere in the world! It's the Damocles all over again."

"Precisely," Schneizel smiled. "But a bit more compact and advanced; with a weapon like that in my power I shall create a permanent peace in this world."

"The Tartarus is now at full power milady," Hephaestus said as Sthenno watched the lights throughout the city come on in the darkness of the Antarctic night.

"Excellent Hephaestus," She said with a triumphant look. "And the Apollyon?"

"It is at full power," Hephaestus told her.

"Soon we shall dominate this world," Medea snickered as she walked into the control room of the central tower of the city.

"Indeed," Sthenno agreed as they both stared out at their rejuvenated city. "First we shall crush Schneizel, then the UFN, and finally the wrest of this pathetic civilization."

"Have you called out to the others at Jupiter?" Medea asked.

"Not yet," Sthenno told her with a smile. "Better we take command of Earth first. Once our power base is secure here, then we can contact Zeus and the others. Besides, we don't know how many of the other gods escaped the cataclysm and may by now have spread out over the local group of stars around Sol. Zeus and the others might have been defeated and there may be nothing but hostiles out there. I think it best that we proceed with caution before we expose ourselves to star-systems around us at large."

"Have our Cyclops and Minotaur legions been reactivated," Medea asked Sthenno.

"Yes," Sthenno said flatly. "Though I hope we don't need to use them. I'd like to have them intact when we spread out into this solar system. I've a feeling that we'll need them to fight off any adversaries we encounter. We've lost too much of our armed forces as it is. I'd hate to weaken our position any further."

A woman's voice spoke sharply from behind Sthenno and Medea, "You should have thought of that before you decided to take command Sthenno!"

Medea gasped as she turned around to see the woman and her entourage that stood at the back of the room.

"Surprised to see me Medea?"

Sthenno looked at the armor clad woman in horror, "I...I wanted to hand this world over to you before I woke you."

"Save your pathetic excuses for later Sthenno," the woman scowled as she walked gracefully over with her party of men in tow.

Medea got down on her knees and hung her head, "Forgive me milady."

The woman put her hand on Medea's head, "There is nothing to forgive Medea. You did as I would have commanded you to do and I commend your efforts which have brought Tartarus back to life."

Sthenno looked at Hephaestus with venom then turned to the armored woman, "So what is to become of me?"

The woman looked down her nose at Sthenno, "You will submit to my authority Sthenno and confine yourself to your quarters until I decide what to do with you."

"Yes milady," Sthenno said as she left the command center.

"Ares, have two of your Champions guard her," The woman told the tall armor-clad man at her right.

"Yes milady," Ares bowed and nodded to two men next to him. They left after Sthenno immediately.

"Hephaestus, contact Jason immediately. I wish to know his progress." the woman ordered the man.

"Yes milady," the man nodded respectfully and worked the controls of a nearby console. In a moment Jason's image was on the overhead viewscreen.

"Jason," the woman smiled, "I trust all went well?"

"The Empress is in our possession and we should return home in less than a day as per your plan milady." Jason said with a warm grin.

"Excellent work my Champion," she replied. "I look forward to seeing you in person soon."

Jason gave her a respectful bow. "As do I my goddess...Athena."

[Thanks for Reading]

Message Edited by Kodai_Okuda on 10-24-2009 05:23 PM

NEXUS ARCANA

anime_goddess05 · ‎06-09-2005

Appropriately titled chapter!!

Man that was intense! And now Athena's on the scene...oh boy.

Also, I almost peed my pants laughing when Evita brought out the whip. Oh man.

ANIME QUOTE OF THE MOMENT: “...what's this about?! Making enemies is something I've never...really avoided, but there's no reason for anyone to try to kill me!” – Edward Elric, FMA: Brotherhood
LITERARY/REAL WORLD QUOTE OF THE MOMENT: "The fact that I was a girl never damaged my ambitions to be a pope or an emperor." - Willa Cather, author
CODE GEASS REMIXED (my fanfic!) (Mad Respect to Kodai-kun!!) CG: Dirge of Daedalus Solomon FC Card

DeaconPhenix · ‎04-04-2008

Poor Gino. I hope they can free him soon so he can have a free moment with Kallen.

Wow Euphie went overboard! I laughed so hard when she pulled the gun and just blasted him/

With Athena revealing herself, it looks like theres going to be another swing in power now.

Well done, Kodai. This key battle is coming together nicely and I can't wait for the fireworks!

Bleach FF: Arc 1: The Battle of Four Dragons Arc 2: Eternal Tomorrow Arc 3: Destiny Exiled

REALLLLLLLL NASSSSSSTY

Laurcus · ‎06-08-2009

That chapter was very interesting, it looks like everything is going to hit the boiling point soon enough. Now for my random thought on this chapter, EUPHINATOR FTW! Everyone's really giving Lelouch a lot of hell huh.

On a side note everyone, it seems Sunrise might actually make new Code Geass.

http://hyper-parfait.blogspot.com/2009/10/code-geass-revival-re-a
dvent.html

http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/service/html_mail/geass_r2_36_e11/i
ndex.html

First link is where I found the info, second link is the official site.

Code Geass Revival Re:advent. I know for sure there will be a new picture drama shown live in tokyo in december at an event called the miraculous rebirth, but with the spring season of anime comming shortly after that.....who knows what else we might see soon lol. Who knows Kodai, maybe Sunrise is trying to steal your Code Geass sequel, hope you have it copywrited.

And as the sword pierced the heart of the great King, His heart called out to it's counterpart. His body slowly fell, his soul drifting away. As the great King lay before his only kin, he spoke his last words. Then, The great King, The God Emperor, The only one brave enough to die with our sins, stilled, Never to stir again.

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

anime_goddess05 wrote:
Appropriately titled chapter!!

Man that was intense! And now Athena's on the scene...oh boy.

Also, I almost peed my pants laughing when Evita brought out the whip. Oh man.

Thank you anime_goddess-chan!

The build up to the finale begins in this next chapter so I hope you all enjoy it.

Poor Gino, things are not going to go well for him in these next three chapters.

Love that sexy icon of yours BTW.

NEXUS ARCANA

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

DeaconPhenix wrote:
Poor Gino. I hope they can free him soon so he can have a free moment with Kallen.

Wow Euphie went overboard! I laughed so hard when she pulled the gun and just blasted him/

With Athena revealing herself, it looks like theres going to be another swing in power now.

Well done, Kodai. This key battle is coming together nicely and I can't wait for the fireworks!

Gino is in a world of hurt right now.

And it only gets worse from here...

Euphie makes up for it in the next chapter believe me.

Athena is the ultimate power among the Greeks of Tartarus, she is the Supreme Commander of the City. Only Hera and Zeus are above her and they're not on Earth.

Thank you DeaconPhenix, the battle-royale is right around the corner, but there are two major battles before that (lots of fighing in the next four Chapters, Chapter 25 is the wrap up BTW).

NEXUS ARCANA

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

Laurcus wrote:
That chapter was very interesting, it looks like everything is going to hit the boiling point soon enough. Now for my random thought on this chapter, EUPHINATOR FTW! Everyone's really giving Lelouch a lot of hell huh.

On a side note everyone, it seems Sunrise might actually make new Code Geass.
http://hyper-parfait.blogspot.com/2009/10/code-geass-revival-re-a
dvent.html
http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/service/html_mail/geass_r2_36_e11/i
ndex.html

First link is where I found the info, second link is the official site.

Code Geass Revival Re:advent. I know for sure there will be a new picture drama shown live in tokyo in december at an event called the miraculous rebirth, but with the spring season of anime comming shortly after that.....who knows what else we might see soon lol. Who knows Kodai, maybe Sunrise is trying to steal your Code Geass sequel, hope you have it copywrited.

Lelouch is going through a sort of military basic training by Enoch and the others because they care about Lelouch.

They know he needs to be broken down and then built back up so as to make him near impossible to defeat.

Thank you for the links Laurcus.

I really do hope they make an R3 or similar sequel.

If Lelouch is in it I hope they resurrect him instead of having him be the cart-driver since many fans will have a conniption if they go with him being the cart-driver.

Yes all the original characters of this story are copyrighted under the Bernes Treaty and Title 17 of the United States Code, in fact the terms I used for my side-story are trademarked names for my own Sci-fi novel, so if anyone uses the original images, characters, or terms of this story without my permission I will file in federal court.

Now, without further adieu...Turn Twenty of Code Geass: Dirge of Daedalus

NEXUS ARCANA

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

CODE GEASS

DIRGE OF DAEDALUS

Turn Twenty: Siblings (Part 1)

"How many were the hours that we played one against the other? So many matches; so many contests; I still remember how you gnashed your teeth and glared at me that time I beat you seven games in a row. Back then I had experience over you that came with age. Then some years later we met in an actual struggle, with real Knights, Bishops, Pawns and Queens on the chessboard of Area 11. There I overcame you again, but only because you underestimated me. When we held a second match in that conflict I moved my King, Damocles, in to solidify my victory and you used your King (Geass) to win a draw between us. That draw forced you to spare my life so Suzaku, your great Knight of Zero, could take your place as defender of justice in the world. How foolish of you my brother. You would have been wiser to uplift Kururugi to the status of Emperor, bewitch me with your power to be your Bishop, and take the Kingship of Zero for yourself. Then you could have protected our sisters from the pain of being a ruler of a nation hated by the world. Had you done that the world might have a chance against me should I lift this curse you've put upon me. But little did you or your Suzaku know that I knew there was a Geass temple somewhere in the Antarctic. I bided my time waiting for a chance to seek it out. Fate smiled upon me the day when Nunnally gave me my chance to go there. I knew as soon as I saw the coastline of that frozen continent that Fate had chosen me to find a way to free myself from your grasp and undo what you had done my brother- Lelouch."-Excerpt from the personal diary of Prince Schneizel la Britannia dated July 25th 2024 a.t.b.

"You're moving to far, tighten up your sword strokes," Enoch told Lelouch from where he sat Martial Arts style on the matted floor of the now private Dojo room of the Ikaruga.

In the center of the chamber Suzaku and Lelouch stood facing each other in full Kendo armor with Bokuto swords.

"Wow Lelouch, I had no idea you knew Kendo," Suzaku remarked as they crossed swords again.

"He doesn't," Enoch said in his firm sensei monotone. "He is drawing upon Euryale's sword fighting abilities through his subconscious from her Code."

"And you're trying to awaken those skills in Lelouch?" C.C. asked as she and Euphie nibbled on a cheese-pizza on the floor next to and just behind Enoch; C.C. had finished nearly three-fourths of the pizza while Euphie had barely eaten one slice.

"Yes," Enoch stated flatly as Lelouch parried Suzaku with impressive speed. "And after only one week of this he's getting much better at it."

"Can't he just try to access it through his Geass?" Euphie asked Enoch.

"Not according to the findings of the Geass Order," Enoch told her as he intently watched the series of strikes, blocks, and exchanges between Suzaku and Lelouch. "The Code that he has still retains the experiences of every person who had it before him. According to the findings of the Geass Order, a person with a Code should be able to access those memories and experiences and use them provided their body is capable of doing so."

Lelouch stepped to one side and dodged a sword thrust by Suzaku. He spun on his heel and flipped the wooden Bokuto sword out of Kururugi's hands. Lelouch raised the weapon in a final blow.

"Lelouch!" Enoch shouted.

Lelouch stopped himself and saluted Suzaku with the Bokuto as Kururugi reached down and picked up his own sword.

"You two have been at this for two hours now, are you tired Suzaku?" Enoch asked.

"A little," Kururugi admitted.

"Very well," Enoch looked at C.C. "Your turn."

C.C. stood up from the floor and accepted the Bokuto from Suzaku. "Shouldn't you give Lelouch a break?" She asked Enoch with a concerned look.

"No," Enoch said. "He needs to learn to control the influence of Euryale's personality on his own during times of weakness and stress. Her bloodlust just came out in him a moment ago, and I want Lelouch to learn to control that in a calm environment like this in case it manifests itself during a moment when it really matters. He must be master of her Code, not the other way around."

"I understand," C.C. smiled at Enoch then turned to Lelouch. "Sorry Lulu, I hope you don't get mad at me about this?"

"I would never," Lelouch said in a soft tone. "I too understand why Enoch is doing this, and I'm ready for it because I want to master this power!"

"Good," Enoch grinned. "Then let the match begin."

C.C. lunged at Lelouch, "Here I come!"

"How much longer until we reach Japan?" Akira asked Kallen as he walked up to where she was leaning on the railing of the ventral-aft observation-promenade of the Ikaruga.

"We'll be there within a few hours," Kallen replied with a weak grin as she stared out at the rising sun on the horizon over the ocean. "Why do you ask? Aren't you happy to be home?"

"I'm not so sure," Akira smiled at her. "I don't think Lady-Chairman Kaguya Sumeragi should have sent General Xingke out after Evita with his fleet at half strength."

"Why? A resupply fleet is on its way to rendezvous with his armada." Kallen looked at him with a raised brow. "Their energy fillers will be replenished soon and Xingke can track that sourly little wench to whatever Island-brothel Schneizel is hiding her in."

Akira was hesitant before speaking his mind, "Be that as it may Captain Kouzuki, I still don't like running back here, why aren't we getting replenished with Xingke's fleet. It seems like every time we take a step forward in this war we're forced to take two steps back because Zero has some new plan up his sleeve. It's aggravating...

"But necessary Akira," Kallen said. "Professor Lloyd and Rakshata haven't finished with the new energy fillers yet, but Cecile Croomy has discovered that Schneizel's Gehjun wave can't penetrate water with any measurable effect on KnightMare Frames beyond a few meters below the surface due to interference from all the minerals in the sea. Thus we're going back to Japan to acquire a submarine and hopefully new energy fillers that are Gehjun resistant as well."

"Even so we can't just leave Commander Wein..." Akira stopped.

"Don't stop yourself on my account Lieutenant Nobunaga. I'm glad you care so much about Gino," Kallen said. "Considering you only knew him for a few weeks."

Akira cursed himself inwardly, "Thank you Captain, but I still shouldn't have brought it up considering your relationship with Commander Weinberg."

Kallen was shocked, "Relationship!?"

Her reaction befuddled Akira, "Well...yeah...aren't you guys a thing?"

"NO!" Kallen put her arms on her hips. "Where did you get that idea?"

"Well Lt. Commander Shinichiro told us that we should be careful not to mention Commander Weinberg around you since he was your lover and that since he was now in the hands of Duchess Evita Ernst we were to talk about Commander Weinberg as little as possible."

Kallen became furious, but she wasn't exactly sure why. Was it because Gino was in the clutches of Evita, or because Tamaki was spreading rumors about her that weren't true, or was it something else...a hurt in her heart that hadn't been there before.

Akira took a step back upon seeing the anger in Kallen's face, "Uh...I'm sorry I brought it up Captain..."

Kallen's fury subsided as the pain in her chest erupted into emotion. She threw herself at Akira and wrapped her arms around him. She wanted to hold someone at that moment, anyone.

"Captain?" Akira blushed as Kallen cried into his shoulder and sobbed violently. Akira forced back his embarrassment and hugged her back. Nobunaga whispered into her ear, "Don't you worry Captain Kouzuki; I give you my word of Honor; we WILL get Gino back."

"I am so pleased to meet you Empress Nunnally vi Britannia," Athena said with a thin smile as Nunnally was escorted off the gangway of the Argos; her Knight of Orange, Jeremiah Gottwald, at her side with Jason and Heracles flanking them both.

The great aerial warship Argos sat next to its sister vessel, the Ithaca, within an immense domed hangar bay within the city of Tartarus Northern district.

"I wish I could be as cordial as you Ms. Athena," Nunnally walked up to her slowly. "But I'm afraid that under the current circumstances I can only say that I'm impressed with your skill as a tactician. I assume it is you who've been working this scenario of global conquest from the beginning and not my brother Schneizel."

Athena, at six feet three inches, towered over Nunnally as she looked down upon her. "Indeed, from nearly the very start of this operation I have been in charge of it. Sthenno, the goddess who gave your brother his power, had no idea that I was awake and had struck a deal with your dear brother Schneizel from the time he first left this frozen waste for Kerguelen Island."

Jason and Heracles exchanged confused looks.

Nunnally looked towards them momentarily then turned back to Athena, "Why did you choose a path of war rather then peace? We of Britannia would have helped you leave Earth and supplied you with the necessary Sakuradite if you had explained your plight to us."

Athena frowned and raised her chin at Nunnally, "I am not interested in your charity Empress." Athena lowered her gaze to meet Nunnally's eyes, "I have seen with my own eyes the type of kindness your Britannia has handed down to the people of this world. The thousands that have died and lived under the oppression your Empire provided." Athena's expression softened, "Your brother Schneizel was gracious enough to allow me to enter his mind and see for myself what kind of world Britannia has wrought."

Nunnally looked at her in horror.

Athena gently put her hand on Nunnally's shoulder, "Do not worry Empress. I also know that you are a benevolent leader, even your brother Schneizel was forced to admit that to me. You see, my power, my Geass if you prefer, forces all whom I use it upon to tell me the truth. While that may not seem very powerful to some, when combined with my skill in tactics, strategy, and warfare, it is the most powerful Geass I could hope for."

"Are you going to use your Geass upon me?" Nunnally asked defiantly.

"No," Athena said softly. "Even your enemies marvel at your integrity Empress Nunnally, I've no need to charm you to know you're telling me the truth. You are an Oracle after all. It is not you, nor the kingdom that you had created that concerns me. It is the future and whoever shall come after you now that your nation is in upheaval. The world as it is now consists of two major powers. A weak, corrupt, and dysfunctional United Federation of Nations, and an Empire filled with royals who even now usurp the rightful Sovereign of their nation in order to quell their own ambitions and solidify a new Imperial reign. Neither one will do."

"But Britannia would not be in upheaval had you not intervened," Nunnally said.

Athena waved her hand and scoffed, "Schneizel awoke Sthenno first and she would have used him to usurp you and then put herself in your place. It has always been Sthenno's desire to rule this world however, that cannot be allowed lest we violate the treaty we Olympians agreed to with the other former powers of γή (pronounced; Gé. Greek word for Earth)."

"Other powers?" Nunnally was intrigued.

Athena was surprised, "Surely you know the legends of Atlantis, Mu, and the other great kingdoms of the Gods?"

"Uh...I know some of the old legends about them, but not much of the details." Nunnally studied Athena. "How can you be sure the other powers are still out there?"

Athena gave her a mischievous smile, "Come with me Empress," Athena motioned to the stairwell at the far end of the aerial ship hangar that led to a series of tubular structures that could only be elevator shafts. "And I'll show you."

END PART 1

NEXUS ARCANA

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

CODE GEASS

DIRGE OF DAEDALUS

Turn Twenty: Siblings (Part 2)

"How goes the battle in Australia?" Xingke asked Tohdoh's image on the main monitor of the bridge of the Yamato.

"We've recaptured the capital," Tohdoh said with a sigh, "but it's still going to take a few weeks to finish routing the remaining insurgents. What news of your progress in locating Schneizel?"

"We're currently replenishing our entire stores of energy fillers for our KnightMare Frames, but we should be under way in a few hours." Xingke brought up a window on the monitor for Kyoshiro to see, "However, I've sent a scout team to keep track of the Duchess' fleet. They're currently two-hundred miles from our position hovering just off the Coast of Gambier Island."

"Gambier Island is a nature preserve now but it did have an abandoned military installation of the old Britannian Empire there." Tohdoh said as he put his hand on his chin in thought. "That could make for a useful base of operations...but why would Schneizel allow Duchess Ernst to lead us right to his front door? It doesn't make any sense."

"I agree," Xingke frowned. "Schneizel is not that clumsy. Chances are this is some kind of trap."

"Agreed," Tohdoh told Xingke with a raised brow. "But we still have to check it out. It is possible that Schneizel views himself as invulnerable due to his new toy and doesn't care if we know where he is."

"Then approaching the Island presents its own problem," Xingke said with a scowl. "We can't just rush in to our doom."

"No, I wouldn't even suggest it." said Tohdoh as he formulated a plan. "Where is Zero at this time?"

"The Avalon and the Ikaruga have returned to Japan for resupply and to rearm." Xingke said with clear disapproval.

"Hmmm...That's odd." Tohdoh growled. "What excuse did he use for doing that?"

Xingke cleared his throat intentionally to warn off the nosey sideways looks his bridge bunnies were giving his way, "According to Lady Kaguya, Zero demanded that they return to Japan in order to replace their losses and pick up a few new KMFs that Rakshata had for them."

"He's going at this on his own," Tohdoh sneered. "We're being left out of the loop on this by Zero's design General Xingke."

"Are you certain Kyoshiro, we know that Kururugi is no longer Zero, thus this new Zero is a complete mystery." Xingke said with apprehension mindful of the presence of his bridge crew. "Given the current circumstances and the actions of this Zero, we must assume that this new Zero is either that green-haired witch C2 using an incredible voice modulation device, or someone else who possesses the strategic knowledge and similar voice pattern to that of the late Lelouch vi Britannia."

"What do you mean?" Kyoshiro inquired with interest.

"During the battle over Hawaii, we monitored some of the transmissions between the Avalon and the Ikaruga. One such communiqué was between Empress Nunnally and Zero. The conversation was very personal and loaded with undertones that would seem to imply this new Zero knows the Empress personally. Also, Zero lost control of his voice during the verbal sparing and our sound analysis technicians have confirmed that the sound-wave generated by this new Zero matches that of Lelouch vi Britannia based on some of the old video footage we have of Zero's speeches during the Black Rebellion."

"I see," Tohdoh fumed.

Xingke was not surprised at Kyoshiro's angst, "Since Lelouch is dead I can only assume that the Britannians must have cloned him and this clone is now old enough to take his place as Zero, or they've found someone, perhaps a relative of his, which matches his voice almost perfectly and has intimate knowledge of the Britannian family."

Tohdoh looked at Li with a dark expression, "Or Lelouch isn't dead."

Xingke furrowed his brow, "No offense General Tohdoh, but we were both there when Kururugi slew Lelouch. There is no doubt that he was killed."

"Where Geass is concerned there is always doubt," Tohdoh grumbled.

"I suppose you could be right General." said Li with a huff; not wanting to argue the point. "However that doesn't change the fact that, at least for the time being, this Zero is assisting us against Schneizel and his Greek allies."

"That's true enough," Tohdoh said. "Although that means we must also acknowledge that Zero is working in concert with Kaguya."

"How do you know that?" Xingke asked.

"Lady Kaguya is the one who sent you to follow Duchess Ernst while she and Zero returned to Japan is she not?" Kyoshiro pointed out.

"She was the one that gave the order to me in person," Xingke stated firmly.

"I doubt she would have given such an order of her own accord. It's unlike her to be so strategic." Tohdoh snickered, "If Sumeragi were calling the shots on her own then I'd imagine you'd be chasing after the Argos not the Duchess since Nunnally is of greater concern to Kaguya then finding Schneizel's lair."

Xingke nodded, "I have to agree with you there. Nunnally is a dear friend of both Kaguya and Reika. I imagine that only Zero could convince them to return to Japan while the Greeks stole off with Nunnally."

"Which further leads me to believe that this Zero may in fact be Lelouch," Kyoshiro stated.

"I don't follow you," said Li with a befuddled look.

"Assuming that this new Zero knows Schneizel on a personal level," Kyoshiro raised his left eyebrow. "We can surmise that Zero knows that Empress Nunnally would be safe with Schneizel for the time being and thus he could return to Japan to acquire whatever equipment he would need to counter Schneizel's current strategy."

Xingke sighed, "So you're saying that this new Zero is aware of Schneizel's plan of action because he is behaving in a manner that suggests he knows how Schneizel thinks."

"Exactly," Tohdoh said with a smirk.

"That would suggest this new Zero has intimate knowledge of Schneizel's thought patterns." Xingke met Tohdoh's gaze. "If this is the case what would you have me do now General?"

"For now just hold your position there," Tohdoh brought up a digital window on the viewscreen. "Keep your fleet just to the North of the main Gambier Island, over one of the smaller atolls. The Indian Military Industrial complex has informed me that the Gehjun disturber Schneizel is using cannot penetrate ocean water beyond a few meters. Therefore, I want you to prepare a strike team of underwater KMFs as your defense perimeter in case Schneizel does use his Gehjun weapon and the Duchess takes advantage of this."

Xingke gave Kyoshiro a short bow, "It will be done General Tohdoh."

"Don't keep holding back on my account Lulu," C.C. said as she parried another swing of Lelouch's Bokuto.

"You know I don't want to hurt you," Lelouch taunted her. "How'd I get by without my favorite witch?"

"Oh? Is that how it is?" C.C. snickered as she thrust her wooden sword at him. "You'd be lost without me huh?"

"They've been at this for six hours Enoch," Suzaku said with concern. "Lelouch hasn't had a break or eaten in almost nine hours. You need to let him rest."

Enoch gave Suzaku a cold look, "No. He has learned and mastered in six days what it takes most Martial Arts students to learn in six times that amount in years. He can't afford to let up now."

Lelouch turned his Bokuto in towards C.C.'s thrust and flipped the sword from her hands. He brought the sword up to her throat, "Please forgive me but I believe I've won this match."

C.C. pushed the wooden sword away and winked at him, "Yeah? Does that mean you've conquered me?"

Lelouch took off his helmet and smiled at her, "Yes, and all your treasures are now mine fair lady."

C.C. leaned in and kissed him on the lips, "I accept your terms of unconditional surrender my Lord."

"Ah-HEM!" Enoch glared at them. "There'll be time enough to reward him later on this evening when you two are alone. For now he has one more opponent to face before we've finished for today."

"One more?" Lelouch asked in surprise. "Who?" He looked at his sister and grinned. "Surely you don't mean Euphie? Sure she's learned how to pilot a KMF quite well, we were all trained to pilot them as children, but she's no martial arts expert."

Suzaku made a cutting gesture with his hand over his throat as he silently mouthed "Lelouch don't" to his friend.

Euphemia stood up and tied her hair back with an elastic-hair-tie. "Lelouch, I'm going to have to make you eat those words."

C.C. passed the Bokuto to Euphie as the pink-haired woman walked onto the Kendo-mat.

"Ready?" Euphie asked with a wink.

"Don't you need a suit of armor?" Lelouch scoffed "I wouldn't want to hurt one of my favorite sisters."

Euphemia put the Bokuto over her head with the tip pointed towards Lelouch in a combat stance. "I guess I forgot to tell you that I'm a 7th Don in Gevurah-Krav Maga."

"What's Gevurah-Krav Maga?" Lelouch asked with a disturbed expression.

Enoch looked at Lelouch and grinned widely, "It's a highly refined version of Israeli Special Forces hand-to-hand combat techniques and is based heavily on Ninjitsu with emphasis on ending the fight as quickly as possible with the greatest amount of force."

Euphie gave him a warm smile, "Don't worry little brother I'll go easy on you."

"You're not still mad at me are you?" Lelouch asked in a nervous tone.

Euphie giggled, "We'll talk about it later. Right now...your butt is mine."

Nina Einstein walked along the white marble floor in one of the ornately decorated hallways of Schneizel's palace as the light of the setting sun washed the whole path in brilliant copper and gold as it shone through the huge picture windows that ran along length of the hall.

Professor Einstein was clothed in her lab-coat, white breeches, and pink blouse all of which ruffled slightly as a sea-breeze came through on of the open windows. She adjusted her hair as the wind blew it out of place and Nina turned to look out at the ocean beyond.

"This place is so beautiful," She said out loud to herself. "To think that it's little more than a prison for me."

"You shouldn't say such things," Kannon said as he rounded a corner at the far end of the hall. He was dressed in typical Britannian noble's garments; tight riding breeches, black knee-high leather boots, and a finely crafted surcoat which had a pair of tails in the back and was high-cut in front. Kannon's hair was pulled back in a ponytail held in place by a circular metal braid.

"Forgive me if I don't appreciate being kidnapped to come here," Nina scowled at him. "I realize that you had no choice in the matter Kannon, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm here being forced to help a man who's clearly lost his grip on reality."

Kannon hung his head, "I'm sorry I couldn't resist him Nina." Kannon Maldini walked up to her and took her hands gently in his, "I never meant to hurt you Nina."

"I know Kannon," Nina said with a slight smile. "We are all victims of Geass. Even Princess Euphemia was unable to fight against that power and she lost her life because of it."

"It's a terrible thing...Geass." Kannon said to her as his eyes moistened.

Nina caressed his face, "I know it is...are you still under Schneizel's power?"

"I don't know...I don't really remember when he told me to do what I did...and I can't remember even doing it." Kannon said embarrassed.

"Geass must cause a certain amount of brain-damage upon the recipient," Nina said more to herself than to Kannon.

"Pardon?" Kannon asked confused.

Nina looked up at him and gave him a warm smile, "I've been working on something for a long time Kannon. Since the end of the Demon Emperor's reign I've come to realize that it wasn't Lelouch vi Britannia which destroyed the whole of the Britannian Empire, it was Geass. It was Geass which caused Suzaku Kururugi to fire the FLEIJA that killed millions in Tokyo. It was Geass that caused Britannia to invade Japan. It was Geass which caused the death of Shirley Finette, and it was Geass that has allowed Schneizel to wage this war against the world. Now, once again it's causing mayhem and destruction. It is because of the evil and chaos that Geass brings that I've been working on finding out the source of this fiendish power. How it is that it's come into our world and how it is we can defend ourselves against it."

Kannon was stunned by her admission, "Do you really think you can put an end to the power of Geass?"

"I don't know yet," Nina admitted. "I don't have enough information about it, but I do know that it manifests itself as both a mental and physical power and that it has properties which allows the body to regenerate itself with what I've learned is called a Code."

"A Code?" Kannon was intrigued.

Nina adjusted her glasses, "Yes, a re-codification of a person's DNA pattern and thus genetic structure through the power that Geass comes from. Oddly enough this re-codification is temporary and a person can revert back to a normal human if this energy is passed onto another individual."

Her tone startled Kannon, "You sound as though you're going to war."

Nina's expression became cold and hard, "I am Kannon...I'm going to war with the power of Geass."

"You fight well for a newbie," Euphemia giggled as she walked out of the ladies locker room in her Red Dragon jumpsuit, wiping her wet hair with a large towel. She made her way up to where Lelouch was kneeling on the Kendo-mat; his body shook from exhaustion as it finally rested.

"Thank you Euphie but you still beat me." Lelouch looked around the room.

"Not really. You were pretty worn out by the time I got to test your mettle and you held your own up until the end." She wrinkled her nose at him, "Which reminds me...You should get out of that stinky armor and catch a nice hot shower Lelouch."

Lelouch put his hand on the back of his head, "Yeah...you're right." He stood up from the floor and removed his set of bogu (Kendo Armor) as his stomach grumbled.

"Hungry huh?" Euphemia said with a smile. "I see Enoch and the others haven't gotten back yet with the food."

Lelouch tittered, "Yah, C2 is probably trying to convince him to buy every kind of pizza on the menu."

She laughed, "She sure does like pizza."

"Yes she does," He smiled back at her as his stomach protested again. He looked down at it, "I guess my body wants food, but I don't really have an appetite right now." Lelouch gave her a sad look.

She cocked her head as she asked him. "What is it?"

"I'm really sorry Euphemia," He said with a sad-smile. "I never meant to hurt you."

Euphemia walked up to him and hugged him, "I know." Tears welled up in her eyes.

Lelouch's voice trembled, "I couldn't..." He paused to control his voice. "I couldn't stop my Geass. When I gave that order...I didn't mean it."

Euphemia squeezed him tight, "I know...you did what all foolish boys do. You boasted about how great you are and like all boys it backfired on you." She laughed through her tears. "I don't remember what happened, but I know what I did and I don't blame you for it anymore. If I hadn't been so selfish and stupid...so eager to be with Suzaku...I wouldn't have created the Special Administrative Zone and fallen into Schneizel's trap to thwart Zero."

He returned her embrace, "But it doesn't change what I did...I can't forgive myself."

Euphemia touched noses with him and looked into his teary eyes, "Well I forgive my little brother..." She gave him a devilish smirk while she tried to hold back the tears that ran down her face, "For everything but shooting me...you jerk."

Tears flowed down Lelouch's own cheeks, "You got me back."

She kissed him on the forehead, "Yah I did...so now we're even huh."

"I promise I'll never hurt you again," Lelouch said as they hugged again.

"Thank you Lelouch," She cried. "I don't know why we can't just be a family...you, Nunnally, Cornelia, me...and even Schneizel. I don't understand him Lelouch. Why is he such a monster? Why? He tried to kill us all...why?"

"Because it's all he knows Euphie..." Lelouch spoke softly in her ear yet his voice sounded distant. "The ghost of Charles Zi Britannia lives on in him...a twisted, sick fiend who wants nothing less than total domination of the world and annihilation of all those who oppose him. I should have killed him when I had the chance."

Euphie held his shoulders and looked directly at him, "NO Lelouch! Don't you dare blame yourself for what Schneizel has done! You gave him a second chance and HE chose this path, not YOU!"

The fierceness of her voice, its pain and anguish caused him to sob, "I....I tried Euphie...I tried to make the world a better place for Nunnally...for everyone."

"I know," She caressed his face and wiped away his tears, "Which is why I forgive you little brother, and why we're all trying to help you. Enoch sees the good in you. If he didn't he wouldn't be helping you. He wants you to do what's right. To defend the weak, protect the innocent, and hold individual freedom in the highest regard. It's why he and I want to help you stop Schneizel and save our sisters and our world."

Lelouch forced a smile, "I love you Euphemia."

Euphie kissed him on the cheek, "I love you too Lelouch."

C.C. burst into the room and stopped dead in her tracks. "LELOUCH!"

Lelouch and Euphemia were startled and broke their embrace.

Euphie blushed red.

"What is it C2?" Lelouch asked as he recomposed himself.

"You need to get into your Zero suit immediately and meet Ougi on the bridge!" C.C. exclaimed.

"Why? What's going on?" He asked unnerved by her urgency.

C.C. gave him a grave look, "It's Cornelia."

[Thanks for Reading]

Message Edited by Kodai_Okuda on 10-31-2009 09:45 PM

NEXUS ARCANA

anime_goddess05 · ‎06-09-2005

Wow, sweet chapter!!

Kallen hugging Akira was so awkward...LOL!!

Maybe it was just me, but C.C. seemed a little jealous...LelouchxC.C.xEuphiexSuzaku love square...oh man...

Also, thanks for noticing the icon. Glad you like it.

ANIME QUOTE OF THE MOMENT: “...what's this about?! Making enemies is something I've never...really avoided, but there's no reason for anyone to try to kill me!” – Edward Elric, FMA: Brotherhood
LITERARY/REAL WORLD QUOTE OF THE MOMENT: "The fact that I was a girl never damaged my ambitions to be a pope or an emperor." - Willa Cather, author
CODE GEASS REMIXED (my fanfic!) (Mad Respect to Kodai-kun!!) CG: Dirge of Daedalus Solomon FC Card

Laurcus · ‎06-08-2009

Oh man I gots to know what happens next! Hehe, it looks like Lelouch doesn't have the strength and stamina of an 8 year old anymore. Ahh, that scene with Euphie was shooo shweet. I can just imagine Lelouch getting that OH #^%$ look when Euphie explained that he was about to get his butt kicked. Is Lelouch a stronger fighter than Suzaku now?

Edit: OMG WHEN DID THEY ADD CODE GEASS ICONS!

Message Edited by Laurcus on 11-01-2009 08:37 AM

And as the sword pierced the heart of the great King, His heart called out to it's counterpart. His body slowly fell, his soul drifting away. As the great King lay before his only kin, he spoke his last words. Then, The great King, The God Emperor, The only one brave enough to die with our sins, stilled, Never to stir again.

azul120 · ‎11-03-2008

Actually I think C. C. was more in a panic over their encounter with Cornelia. Which makes me think, I wonder how her inevitable reunion with Euphie will go.

Here's a crossposted drabble of mine from Animesuki on what another Lelouch + Euphie interaction might be like within the confines of this story, only now in the presence of Suzaku, and potentially Nunnally and Cornelia if they show up:

Setting: Lelouch's quarters

Lelouch had just been joined by Suzaku and Euphemia (and possibly Nunnally and Cornelia, assuming they had returned to the flagship by now). All three were on the floor together, with the former, who was exhausted, resting on Euphie's lap, as she herself rested in Suzaku's adoring embrace.

"Even after so little time, you've made a lot of progress. I'm so proud, " marveled Euphie. "So why the long face?"

"I've been thinking. About too many things," replied Lelouch.

"Like what?", questioned Euphie. "You know you can always talk to your beloved half-sister."

"First, looking at how much you've changed, I can't help but feel terrible for it," answered Lelouch. "You've always been a gentle soul on the inside, but ever since that tragic incident, you've become a lot darker. Instead of 'kill the Japanese', I should have said something like 'admit your secret crush'. Or at the very least, try and think of some way to stop you from killing anymore Japanese without shooting you. I can be so rash sometimes. I'm sorry."

"What you did was rash, but at the same time, I was incredibly naive, and shouldn't have pressed the matter any further," Euphie responded. "The resulting nightmares were horrific and stripped me of my idealism, but to be optimistic about it, I like to think that I needed to grow up, sooner or later, one way or another."

"It's just that your kindness is one in a million, dear half-sister," said Lelouch. "And I would hate for that to be lost as much as I would hate to lose you again."

Lelouch sighed. Euphie looked concerned.

"Listen, the truth of the matter is... I would take a hundred bullets for you, even if I didn't have a Code."

Euphie giggled. "Oh, now no need to say such things."

Suzaku interjected, "I do believe he's serious. Euphie, did you know that he once nearly did that for Kallen? Schneizel had deceived the Black Knights into betraying Lelouch, and Kallen was the only one who was willing to defend him. But since they didn't want to hear it and had their guns ready, with her in the line of fire along with him, Lelouch lied to her in order to push her away so that she would be spared, instead of trying to defend himself in vain."

Euphie sobbed. "Really? I... don't know what to say. I'm so sorry, Lelouch, for shooting you. I need to keep my emotions in check, like Enoch's been telling me. Besides, I should remember that ever since you were exiled from home, you've experienced a lot of pain, anger and hatred, and it's up to us to help you heal those wounds. It's clear they've been the source of your most questionable actions."

"You think so?", said Lelouch.

"I know so," said Euphie. "A lot of your actions had been driven more by emotion than reason. Especially Zero Requiem, which was as much of an excuse for you to die as it was to unite the world. And did you really think 'spilling rivers of blood to make people forget the Massacre Princess ever existed' was the right way to honor memory? I think not!"

Euphie calmed down before resuming. "Listen, because of the way in which you were betrayed by Britannia, not to mention your anger towards its overall corruption and wanton oppression of the weak, you convinced yourself that extremism was the only path to make the world a better place. But you became so used to keeping secrets and hiding yourself beneath a web of lies, you alienated almost everyone around you. Including yourself.

"Look at Suzaku and Nunnally. You three were all once best friends, but at one point or another, that bond was broken between at least one of you. Friends are supposed to have a sense of love and trust between each other. Now I know that Charles and V. V. wanted to have a world without lies, and they were wrong. But is a world with too many lies any better?"

"No, it isnt," responded Lelouch. "I just felt I didn't deserve to exist in this world, much less be seen as a hero."

"And that's part of the problem!" exclaimed Euphie, a sense of concern draping her face. "You had also deluded yourself into thinking you don't deserve any happiness. The Zero Requiem may have ended with a lot of people being happily united, but it left behind a few holes. Even if not for Schneizel, you still left behind the few people who still loved you. Ever since your mother was killed, your father told you were weak and unable to stand on your own and exiled you and Nunnally from Britannia, leaving you to take care of her, and no one to lead you a guiding hand, you've felt the need to shoulder the weight of the world on your own, with no one to correct many of your mistakes. And yet you never stopped to think that other people might be willing to shoulder that weight along with you. Like me."

Tears started welling from Euphie's puppy dog face. The feeling was contagious, and both Lelouch and Suzaku were also verklempt before long.

Euphie continued. "And it's not just us needing you to be happy. We want you to be happy, too, because that would make us even happier. Your emotions are ours too," said Euphie with a serene smile.

"What does that have to do with any of this?" queried Lelouch with a quizzical face.

"You sure can be thick sometimes for a chessmaster," quipped Euphie. "Don't you see? We're trying to remind you of what it is to be loved and trusted, so that you don't feel the need to take drastic measures out of spite."

"But can I do that?" asked Lelouch. "I've never seen myself as a hero. I've always felt that such pretentions would hold me back from doing certain things."

"I think you're mistaken," answered Euphie. "You're just not the knight in shining armor type, and that's okay. You've always held results in priority, and that's actually a good thing. You just went about it the wrong way during your revolution against and reformation of Britannia, relying on the most extreme methods too often. And when just about everyone turned on you, you turned on yourself, thinking you had lost your right to exist in this world.

"But you're wrong," Euphie continued, with conviction. "You can change, and yet remain true to yourself. Remember when you launched that coup d'etat against the Chinese Federation when the Eunuchs were about to have the Empress married off in exchange for Britannian nobility at the expense of their people? What you did there gave hope to so many people across Asia, and also reunited Xing-ke with the Empress he swore to protect, even if it meant separating them for just a bit longer. Made me emotional when I heard about it. And that's what you are at your best, Lelouch, as Zero, a maverick fighting for on behalf of the common man."

"Maverick hero, huh?", responded Lelouch. "I think I could be that."

"I know you can, Lulu," said Euphie, with a reassuring tone, massaging Lelouch. "The world will be even better off, and so will you, and of course the rest of us who care for you."

"Yes," said Lelouch. "I actually was on that path, but lost my way after Shirley died and out of grief and guilt, since it was Geass that did it, I massacred everyone in the Geass Cult, which laid even more seeds of the Black Knights distrust in me."

"What happened to Shirley?", asked Suzaku. "You never honestly answered that question."

"It was Rolo," said Lelouch. "He immediately fessed up to it. He lied that it was because Shirley knew I was Zero, but I knew all along that he had unstable, homicidal tendencies, since he was raised to be an assassin. What I didn't know, and only learned when I arrived in C's World after I died, was that Rolo wanted to be my only sibling, and my desire to reunite with Nunnally razzed all of that. When Shirley, who had just regained her memories after being hit by Jeremiah's Geass canceller, happened to mention to Rolo that she wanted to see me reunited with Nunnally, Rolo snapped and mortally wounded her."

"So that was it!" exclaimed Suzaku. "And to think I accused you out of suspicion, and almost injected Kallen with Refrain. I am so ashamed of what I had become during that part of my life."

"It's alright," comforted Euphy, as she looked back and gently stroked Suzaku's cheek with her hand. "Now this is what happens when we let our emotions get the best of ourselves. We only end up hurting ourselves as well as other people." She turned to Lelouch. "So did you love Shirley?"

"Yes, yes I did," said Lelouch. "I didn't know it until not long before that when we were matched together at Milly Ashford's graduation school event, Cupid's Day. I realized that being with her actually made me happy. She didn't like how I didn't pay much mind to school, but I guess there was something she saw in me that kept her fixed on me."

"She said she once noticed you helping a person out on the street on your own accord," added Suzaku. "A few hours before she was killed, she asked me if anything had come between us, and when I told her that I couldn't forgive you, though I didn't mention this was regarding Euphie's apparent murder, she told me that she had already forgiven you, evidently for your responsibility in her father's death in Narita a year earlier."

"I got to her as she lay alone, dying, from Rolo's attack," responded Lelouch. "In her final moments, she told me she understood that I had been fighting against something in the world, and that she still loved me, even though I was responsible for altering her memories, which I did to make her forget what Mao did to her, and her father's death, and that she was destined to fall in love with me all over again every time."

"That is so heartbreaking," commiserated Euphie. "Your remaining vestige of happiness at the time, lost to sibling jealousy. You must have deeply hated Rolo for this?"

"Initially, yes," responded Lelouch. "At first I had simply resented Rolo for being a phony replacement for Nunnally, but now it was personal. Not only that, I not only felt responsible for failing to keep him in check, but also for eliminating all traces of Geass, which is why I demolished the Geass Directorate. However, when the Black Knights turned on me, it was Rolo who saved me... at the cost of his own life. His Geass, the ability to stop time, came with the price of stopping his heart every time he used it. He overused his Geass in order to flee the collective Britannian and Black Knight forces who were in hot pursuit of us. I may have used him, and tried to kill him, but he saw me as a brother, and gave his life to prove it. I owe him for that, especially it gave me the remaining drive I needed to face up to both my father and Schneizel."

"I see," said Euphie. "Even though I know only so much, I can already tell you went through a lot in your remaining year since I disappeared. No wonder why you lost your will to live. You're just like Suzaku," said Euphie, in an ironic echo of a comparison Nunnally drew of Suzaku to Lelouch when she called the former a liar, snarkily adding "masochist."

Suzaku gave off an amused smirk.

"I guess this is where you tell me to stop being like that, as you would Suzaku," responded Lelouch.

"Correct," responded Euphie. "When this is all over, I can picture all of us in the garden on top of the Villa, lying under the stars, like when we were young. This will be our future, and you WILL be part of it."

"Yes, that sounds nice," says Lelouch. "I pictured something a lot like that during my rebellion against Britannia. Once I was done creating a new, more peaceful world, my friends from Ashford and I would reunite to watch fireworks."

"That sounds wonderful," rhapsodized Euphie, excitedly. "We could do that too! It makes me happy to hear that you hadn't lost that spark, and I'm trying to make that inner light shine through the darkness."

Lelouch blushed. "Awww, thanks Euphie."

"Now don't be so modest! This is the Lelouch I loved to be around when we were little. And it's the Lelouch I'd love to see return, so I can spend time with him and be happy, along with my beloved sisters," said Euphie.

"I'm just a little sad that I couldn't share this happiness with Shirley," lamented Lelouch. "With her, it all would have been picture perfect." Lelouch immediately thought of a picture Clovis painted while in C's World of Lelouch, along with the rest of the Ashford gang, and even Kaguya and Euphemia, the latter embracing Suzaku from behind, in Ashford uniform. "Sometimes I worry that she's lonely up there in C's World without me, and on top of that, in all likelihood I won't be reuniting with her anytime soon," Lelouch finished.

"But she loved you, right?", said Euphie. "I'm sure she could easily wait a good hundred years to spend an eternity with you. And in the meantime, she'll be smiling down on you and the rest of your Ashford friends in the meantime. So try not to feel too bad for her."

"You're right," responded Lelouch. "I really do need to stop dwelling in the past, even if it does seem a little selfish in this case. On that note, I'm incredibly thankful that you've come back to us. You have no idea how much I've missed you."

"I know," Euphy softly smiled, a tear emerging from her eye. "I feel the same way about you. You've always been my favorite half-brother."

Lelouch blushed. "I wonder what I did to deserve such a wonderful, incredibly lovely half-sister."

"You are so silly sometimes," giggled Euphy, pinching Lelouch's cheek. "You may not think much of yourself that way, but you have a big, big heart. You may put up a rough exterior and do a lot of questionable things, but you are a beautiful person underneath. That's what Kallen and Shirley saw, and it's what I see too."

Lelouch looked slightly confused. Euphie retorted with a mock stern expression. "What's the matter now?"

"I don't know," said Lelouch. "I guess I'm afraid of the next moment you'll get angry at me right now."

"You're being paranoid, Lulu," said Euphie. "Haven't you learned that you don't have to keep up your defenses all of the time? Like right now? That's the whole point of being able to believe in someone else. Like your dear half-sister. I know I've picked up some temperamental issues in the past seven years, and can now break a few heads, but I promise I won't ever do anything to hurt you as long as you do the same for me, which I know you have. Because I love you. And I want you to be able to take that with you when it comes to the other people you hold close to you. Besides, you know I'd still much rather be a lover than a fighter." She finished with a giggle.

"Thank you Euphie," said Lelouch. "You've been most reassuring. I really do wish we wouldn't have anymore fights or misunderstandings between us. I've continually been under pressure to do what's important at the risk of appearing to be insensitive. I wanted nothing better than to rescue Nunnally myself, but Ougi and Enoch told me otherwise, and they were right, because too often my fixation on Nunnally got in the way of saving the world. It's damned if I do, and damned if I don't.

"It's alright," gently and softly reassured, softly brushing Lelouch's frontmost strands of hair. "You've carried a great deal of responsibility, and were forced to grow up too fast in your life. You've recognized your own flaws and mistakes, and handled things better than most other people could. When this conflict is all over, I promise it will be almost all smiles between us, sweetheart."

Lelouch sighed. "I look forward to that day. Though there's still this other feeling I can't shake."

"What other feeling?" asked Euphie.

"I'm even more of an odd case than ever," said Lelouch. "I've been dead for 6 years then revived, and on top of that, I have a Code, giving me indefinite youth and immortality."

"So?" said Euphie.

"So? I'm both a Rip van Winkle AND a Peter Pan case," answered Lelouch. "I've been out of the loop to the point where I was outsmarted by Nunnally, Kaguya, and Jiang Lihua. It's not that I'm jealous of them, but rather that I suddenly feel a little useless right now. I've also been outgrown by almost all three of them, as well as you. And because of my Code, I will cease to age while everyone around me will grow older and ultimately shuffle off this mortal coil. Except for people like C. C., Enoch, and I. Even if I were to have my name redeemed in the public, I don't think I could reappear ever again without people becoming suspicious of my lack of age."

"I can see how that last part would make you feel lonely," mused Euphie. "But other than that, yet again you're being too hard on yourself. You just need a little time to get back up to speed. You're still one of the greatest strategic minds on the planet, and perhaps our only hope against Schneizel. And no matter how old you are or look, we'll love you all the same, and will be there for you whenever you need us."

"Thank you Euphie," said Lelouch. "It does my heart a lot of good for you to be here for me. I never imagined that you would be so very insightful, and I mean that as a huge compliment."

"That means a lot coming from you, Lulu," said Euphie, smiling. "Hey, remember when Nunnally and I fought for your hand in marriage? I hope you're not jealous of Suzaku."

"Jealous? Naw," said Lelouch. "I couldn't think of a better man for Euphie, or anyone else I'd be prouder to call 'brother-in-law'."

"So we would have your blessing then? Yay!", screamed Euphie excitedly, after Lelouch nodded. "But, can I ever show my face again in public?"

"I think the Special Administrative Zone massacre could be chalked up to an impostor, with the real you mysteriously in captivity and subsequently in self-exile for the past 7 years," said Lelouch. "People may be suspicious, especially with the present turmoil, but I think it would do a lot of good for you to return to the forefront of Britannian politics, and represent their most humanitarian efforts. With your knowledge and insight, you could do a lot of good in this world."

"You're right!" responded Euphie. "Together with Nunnally, we can all help create that gentle world we always dreamed of. What do you think Suzaku?"

"Sounds great," he responded, still behind Euphie who was in his arms. "Hey, look, Lelouch is asleep!"

"He's had a long day," said Euphie, doting on her now sleeping half-sibling. "Our 'Demon Emperor', sleeping like an angel. He looks so peaceful."

"He sure does," Suzaku added. "What's say you and I doze off for a bit as well? I could go for a few z's right now."

"Oh, absolutely" said Euphie, with a yawn.

She, along with Suzaku, soon followed Lelouch into slumber, but not before shedding a tear of gratitude over her once near-impossible reunion with her loved ones, who, including her, were either dead to the world, or actually dead for several years, in Lelouch's case. All three were spread out on the floor, close to one another. Half-siblings. Best friends. Lovers. These were the among the bonds that were shared amongst the three. Time and circumstance had strained them, but here all three were reunited against all likelihood to the contrary, sleeping together in perfect peaceful bliss, a beautiful image of the kind and gentle world they had all longed for, that was becoming closer than ever in spite of the trials and tribulations they had faced.

I understand that this could stand to be edited down, not to mention edited in general for posterity. As I wrote this, "With You", "Lost Adolescence", and "Stories", came to mind. (The former two played during Lelouch's "form of happiness" epiphany during R2 7.) Sometime afterwards, I also thought of the recent Bleach opening theme, "Shoujo S" by SCANDAL.

There have been a lot of songs I've thought of during CG, but I'll get to those in another post.

Points to anyone who can spot any references here.

Message Edited by azul120 on 11-03-2009 09:38 AM

DeaconPhenix · ‎04-04-2008

Not an action packed chapter, but one verynecessary to set the stage for the finale. I liked that Kallen finallky broke down to Akira. It makes her a lot more human that way.

Nunnally is a tough position here. I wonder what Athena is up to.

Lelouch seems to be in the "montage" stage of gaining his power. It's good he has the link with Euryale or else this could take forever lol. His moment with Euphie was also something I've been waiting for. I'm glad they see eye to eye now.

Well, I know this is drawing to a close, but I just don't want it to end. I'll definitely be looking forward to future projects.

Bleach FF: Arc 1: The Battle of Four Dragons Arc 2: Eternal Tomorrow Arc 3: Destiny Exiled

REALLLLLLLL NASSSSSSTY

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

anime_goddess05 wrote:
Wow, sweet chapter!!

Kallen hugging Akira was so awkward...LOL!!

Maybe it was just me, but C.C. seemed a little jealous...LelouchxC.C.xEuphiexSuzaku love square...oh man...

Also, thanks for noticing the icon. Glad you like it.

Thank you anime_goddess-chan.

How do you think poor Akira felt? Although it couldn't have been too bad for a 17 year old guy to get hugged tightly by a bodacious 25 year old hottie.

C.C. was surprised and frantic about what was going on (as you shall see in the next chapter).

You are welcome...I like that shot of Kallen, she looks kinda Goth to me.

NEXUS ARCANA

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

Laurcus wrote:
Oh man I gots to know what happens next! Hehe, it looks like Lelouch doesn't have the strength and stamina of an 8 year old anymore. Ahh, that scene with Euphie was shooo shweet. I can just imagine Lelouch getting that OH #^%$ look when Euphie explained that he was about to get his butt kicked. Is Lelouch a stronger fighter than Suzaku now?

Edit: OMG WHEN DID THEY ADD CODE GEASS ICONS!
Message Edited by Laurcus on 11-01-2009 08:37 AM

I'm very happy you're enjoying this story.

Lelouch is now Uber-Lulu as I've "kicked him up a few knotches" in the bad-arse scale of CG.

Euphie is always a sweetie IMHO and I've endeavored to keep her that way while adding a bit of Street Fighter II's Chun Lee to her repertiore.

Lelouch is now a stronger fighter than Suzaku, and he has to be, because he is immortal and will be Zero forever while Suzaku is not.

Message Edited by Kodai_Okuda on 11-07-2009 11:36 PM

NEXUS ARCANA

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

Whoah, a fanfiction of my fanfiction!

All I can say is I'm flattered.

However, my romantic scenes are short and sweet because quite frankly I s^ck at drama...I'm a Sci-Fi writer not Jane Austin or Danielle Steel (who are fabulous IMHO).

That said I will state that in Turn 25: Table for Two (I have the title for the last Chapter! ) I shall attempt to be dramatic/romantic, thus you HAVE been warned.

NEXUS ARCANA

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

DeaconPhenix wrote:
Not an action packed chapter, but one verynecessary to set the stage for the finale. I liked that Kallen finallky broke down to Akira. It makes her a lot more human that way.

Nunnally is a tough position here. I wonder what Athena is up to.

Lelouch seems to be in the "montage" stage of gaining his power. It's good he has the link with Euryale or else this could take forever lol. His moment with Euphie was also something I've been waiting for. I'm glad they see eye to eye now.

Well, I know this is drawing to a close, but I just don't want it to end. I'll definitely be looking forward to future projects.

I know, there is a lull in the carnage.

Glad you liked Kallen using Akira as a "snuggie" of convience.

Athena is a scheming "B" as you will all see.

Yes Lelouch is in that part like in Final Fantasy when you're endlessly roaming the wastelands killing everything you come across in order to "level up."

Lelouch, Euphie, Suzaku, C.C., and Cornelia are going to become a team in the next few chapters that may have long term effect even after this "first arc" is over.

Code Geass: Dirge of Daedalus will end at Turn 25...however, I do have something planned for next year (winters are too busy for me to write more than a few short stories here) in the spring. I'll try to have some of the artwork done before then.

Now without any more blabbling on my part, here is Turn 21: Sisters.

NEXUS ARCANA

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

CODE GEASS

DIRGE OF DAEDALUS

Turn Twenty One: Sisters (Part 1)

"I remember when we used to run through the farm fields of Cyprus. Frolicking like wood-nymphs over vineyards of olives and grapes while our mother called for us in the distance. I recall how we entered the military together. How we fought to preserve the independence of our city and ultimately our rise to power. I blush at the thought of all the men we conquered together and the nights the three of us spent sharing a bed to drive away the loneliness. The Great War was agony for me when we were forced to fight on opposite sides of the world away from each other. Then the war ended and we were reunited for our long sleep and the journey we all hoped would lead us to a new promised land. But things did not go as planned. We overslept and might not have awoken were it not for fate smiling on us. Now one of you is gone, and a piece of me has died with you. The other is now a slave of the man-god called Zero and my heart wails in hurt and anger. My sisters I hold these memories close to my heart for they are dear to me. Without the two of you the world isn't worth living in and so it is with this vendetta in my heart that I throw off my bonds of loyalty and seek with pleasure revenge upon this world."-Excerpt from the diary of Sthenno goddess of Tartarus dated November 1st 2024 a.t.b.

Porsche walked briskly towards the cavernous hangar bay at the Southern end of the city of Tartarus. The Greek woman stopped and brushed back her long black-hair as she scanned the top of the gantry which held the Apollyon.

As Athena's designated gunner of the massive Titan-Automatos, Porsche made her way past numerous security checkpoints which only a few weeks prior had been dormant. Now the city which had been asleep for thousands of years was bustling with activity as its newly awakened denizens prepared for war with the world at large.

The Greek Devicer came to the top edge of the eight-hundred meter wide (2640 foot) circular hangar silo which held the giant metal beast in its bowels. Porsche stopped at a tubular, four-man elevator container which protruded from the metal floor and entered the lift. The cylinder had a bronze metallic floor and ceiling and crystal-clear walls that were uninterrupted save for the bronze doorframe and sliding door on the entry side.

The crystal tube started down the hangar shaft as soon as Porsche closed the door behind her. Her emerald green eyes took in the awesome view of the metallic abyss as the elevator took her deep into the stomach of the city of Tartarus.

The little elevator tube zipped down the side of the pit past scaffolding, power conduits, relay stations, control booths, until the twin spires of the top of Apollyon came into view.

The pair of two-hundred meter tall transmission towers extended up over the maintenance docks which covered the view of the lower bulk of the Titan. This level was where Porsche needed to board the mammoth Angel of the Abyss. The full height of the beast was 1120 meters (3696 feet) and its girth was 760 meters (2508 feet) from the tip of one of its four petal-like appendages to the tip of the opposite one. The four dome-shaped Aegis-Shield generators of the monster were clearly visible where they popped up over the maintenance scaffolding.

A small hover-truck was waiting for her as she stepped out of the elevator tube and onto the maintenance platform. Inside the truck was a female driver wearing the helmet and armor of a Hoplite; it was not unusual, but something about this chauffer made Porsche uneasy.

"We need to hurry," Porsche told the driver as she got into the vehicle. "I need to prepare for take-off immediately. Athena demands that the Apollyon be delivered to Prince Schneizel as soon as possible."

The female hoplite nodded and drove the vehicle as swiftly as the little machine could travel towards the huge mirrored-topped bronze blister that rose above the surface of the forward facing petal structure. In moments the machine came to a halt next to a boarding ramp that led up to an open access hatch on the side of the blister.

Porsche looked around the area, "Where is everybody?"

The female driver stood up and took off her helmet.

"Sthenno? What are you doing here?" Porsche asked in shock.

The twin sigils of Geass appeared in her eyes as she smiled savagely, "Putting my plan into motion...I Sthenno, Goddess of Tartarus command you..."

"She demanded we permit her to land Zero," Ougi told him as the Ikaruga faced off with the Avenger and Cornelia's fleet of aerial warships just off the Coast of Kaminejima Island.

"You did the right thing Captain Nu," Zero said as C.C., the Red Dragon, and Suzaku walked up from behind him onto the bridge of the Ikaruga. Zero turned towards the Red Dragon whose mirrored mask reflected his own. She nodded at him slightly before Zero turned back to Ougi. "Inform Princess Cornelia that we will meet her in the main hangar to discuss the refitting of her forces with the new energy fillers."

"But Zero we can't just hand over that technology to the Britannians!" Ougi exclaimed.

Zero put his hand on Captain Nu's shoulder, "trust me Ougi, if we are to truly unify the world against the Greeks then we must be the first to extend an olive-branch towards that goal."

"I couldn't agree more," Lady Kaguya said as she and Reika entered the command deck.

"Uh...Lady-Chairman Sumeragi...what an unexpected surprise," Zero stammered.

Kaguya winked at him, "You're fortunate that I'm here Zero. I wouldn't want you to have to face down big bad Cornelia alone without Nunnally here to protect you."

"Wait...You know?" Ougi blurt out while looked at her then Zero.

Kaguya glared at him, "Yes Ougi I do have ears you know thus I am able to deduce the current status of Zero."

Zero cleared his throat, "I see...well then Lady Kaguya, I trust that you'll lend me your expertise in this matter."

She put her arm through his, "Oh course Master Zero," Kaguya eyed him authoritatively, "so long as you behave yourself THIS time. If you do I might reconsider our previous engagement."

"Previous engagement?" Suzaku asked with a befuddled look.

Kaguya, who now stood shoulder to shoulder with Zero, lifted up her chin, "Yes my cousin, Master Zero and I were once quite close...I was too young then, but now..." She snuggled up to him, "I've certainly matured enough." Kaguya stuck her chest out to show how in six years her supple body had grown into womanhood.

Zero coughed, "I can see that."

C.C. grabbed Zero's other arm, "Haven't we had this little discussion before Lady Kaguya?"

"Oh C2?" Kaguya feigned surprise. "Are you still here? I'd thought you'd be off by now sniffing for a slice of pizza."

"What!?" C.C. sneered at Kaguya. "Why you little..."

"Ladies please!" Zero barked. "Cornelia is not a patient woman."

The Red Dragon put her hands on her hips and cocked her head as she addressed Zero, "What is it with you anyway?"

Zero only shrugged.

C.C. and Kaguya glared at the Red Dragon who put up her hands defensively, "Well...women fawn all over him...I was just curious as to why."

"Maybe because he like one of the gals," Enoch snickered as he walked onto the mezzanine of the bridge; he was dressed in a Black Knights uniform with the silver maple-leaf of a Lieutenant Colonel on his lapel.

Zero looked down at his rank insignia, "Think highly of yourself do you?"

"Always," The amber eyed man chuckled.

Kaguya looked at him with distrust, "And who might you be?"

Enoch took her free hand in his and kissed it as he bowed to her, "Lt. Colonel Enoch Apsu milady, Black Knight Special Operations Group."

Suzaku covered the smirk that crossed his mouth with his hand while C.C. rolled her eyes.

Sumeragi blushed, "Oh...it's a pleasure to meet you Lt. Colonel."

Reika walked towards Enoch and smiled at him, "I'm Empress Jiang Reika," she held out her hand, "I'm pleased to meet you also Lt. Colonel."

"The pleasure is all mine ladies," Enoch kissed Reika's hand; the girl turned beet red.

Kaguya and Reika giggled.

C.C. pulled Zero along, "Come on, we'd better get moving before the pleasantries get out of hand."

Zero's troupe quickly made their way down to where Princess Cornelia li Britannia stood awaiting them.

Cornelia was standing at the foot of the transport shuttle which had brought her to the Ikaruga with only Gilford as her escort.

"I trust that you were delayed for some good reason Zero?" Cornelia said as she came forward towards him as he and his group stopped a few yards away from where she stood.

"Yes, I had another matter to attend too," Zero told her as he walked forward to meet her.

Cornelia eyed Suzaku, "I see that you managed to escape punishment for your crimes. I find it hard to believe I can trust this Zero if he chooses to spare the life of a traitor." She looked back towards Zero, "Show me I can trust you before I even entertain the idea of an alliance."

Zero put his hand forward in an open palm gesture, "I understand your concerns Princess Cornelia li Britannia, and I am prepared to give you energy fillers which are resistant to Schneizel's Gehjun disturber."

Cornelia put her hands on her hips, "Energy fillers?" She sneered at him, "I'm not interested in trinkets and baubles from you Zero." She looked down her nose at him, "I want the truth from you."

"About?" Zero asked as he opened his arms wide in bodily suggestion of surrender.

"Who you are," Cornelia smirked, "I'm sick and tired of the childish superhero act...If I am to entertain the idea of an alliance between the UFN and Britannia I need to know the man that I'm putting my trust in...Take off that mask."

Enoch walked up next to Zero and stood by his side, "Forgive my impertinence Princess, but are you sure you want that information? It could have dire consequences. It isn't enough for you that the world puts its faith in Zero?"

Zero said nothing.

Cornelia eyed Enoch with contempt, "Who are you?"

"Let's just say I'm Zero's moral compass of sorts," Enoch winked at her with a smile.

Cornelia did not find the gesture amusing. She whipped her sword-gun from its holster and pointed it at Zero, "I'll not be trifled with by some moronic subordinate of Zero! TAKE THAT MASK OFF NOW!"

Kaguya and Jiang Reika both gasped while C.C. grabbed her own sidearm and unlocked her holster. Suzaku held onto the Red Dragon's hand as she gripped him back tightly with the tension of the moment.

Enoch rushed in front of Zero and smiled at Cornelia, "Put the gun away gorgeous, there's no need for hostilities. We want to help you not fight you."

Gilford sprinted up next to his Princess and drew his weapon but left it at his side.

"You wish to help me?" inquired Cornelia with scorn. "Then help me know that I can trust you."

"Zero is willing to give you what you need to defeat..." Enoch started but was cut short by Zero.

"It's okay Enoch; she deserves to know the truth." Zero said as he removed his helmet.

"YOU!" Cornelia snapped as her face contorted in anger. "You have no idea how long I've dreamed about this moment." She fired directly at Lelouch's head.

Lelouch pulled back as a hand moved with inhuman speed in front of his face.

Cornelia was stunned as Enoch opened his hand and held up the bullet between his index finger and his thumb, "Didn't I warn you about the consequences of seeing his face?"

Cornelia was too shocked to respond; the others were agape at the swiftness of the cybernetic man.

Enoch looked at Lelouch with a smirk, "I'm impressed you were going to let her have her revenge." Apsu winked at him, "Pity we don't have time for that right now, besides I think you've been through enough emotional boot-camp."

Lelouch sniggered, "I hope your right Enoch, because my sister is not so easily dissuaded"

He turned back towards Cornelia who gazed at him in bewilderment.

"Princess Cornelia, I understand your angst against your brother, but please listen to me when I tell you that he is being honest and sincere with you and wants nothing more than to make amends for his sins of the past." Enoch walked towards her slowly.

Cornelia's brow furrowed, "Sins of the past! You want me to forgive this monster after what he did!" She lunged forward with her gunsword and slashed at Lelouch.

Enoch moved to intercept her but Gilford fired on him forcing him to parry the rounds with his forearms to keep them from hitting Lelouch.

"Suzaku do something!" Kaguya yelled at him as she and the others watched in horror.

Suzaku made a move towards Cornelia but the Red Dragon was one step ahead of him. She outpaced him easily and ran up to intercept Cornelia but there was no time.

The Red Dragon grabbed Lelouch and tumbled with him to the floor to prevent Cornelia from slicing him in half.

"I'll not be denied my vengeance!" Cornelia bellowed. "I don't care that you killed our father...destroyed our nation...and set the numbers free. You were right to do so, but I can NEVER forgive you for Euphie! NEVER!"

Enoch deflected numerous rounds from Gilford's pistol before grabbing the weapon out his hand and ejecting the magazine, "No offense sir but that's about enough of that nonsense."

Cornelia swung her sword down at the Red Dragon and Lelouch, "Your interference has cost you your life!"

Princess Cornelia's sword swing was halted as Suzaku grappled with her from behind, "Stop...Princess Cornelia you don't understand!"

"Let me go you little eleven bastard!" Cornelia stomped on Suzaku's shin and broke his hold. She shoved him to the ground and pointed her weapon at Kururugi, "NOW YOU DIE!"

"CORNELIA DON'T!"

Cornelia froze at the sound of the female voice that had issued the command. She turned mechanically to look at the person who had barked the order only to see Euphemia's angelic face staring at her with a pleading look as she removed her helmet.

Euphie smiled at her, "hi" she said softly.

Cornelia's gunsword dropped to the floor as her strength left her. Suzaku got to her just in time to catch her as she slumped towards the ground; her gaze never leaving Euphie. Her mouth moved but no words came out.

"How?" asked Gilford in disbelief as he came out of his own shock.

Enoch grinned, "Me."

Gilford nodded slowly, "I understand now." He bowed his head an apologized, "Thank you Enoch Apsu for guarding this secret," his voice cracked slightly, "and protecting Princess Euphemia all this time."

Cornelia's lips trembled as tears welled in her eyes. She stood up as Suzaku let her go. In an instant Cornelia embraced Euphemia, "Oh God, Euphie...I thought you were dead!"

Euphemia hugged her back, "No...Enoch saved me."

Cornelia looked at her, "Who?"

"The moron," Lelouch said bluntly.

"Touché, it's about time you started to lighten up." Enoch giggled from where he stood next to Gilford.

Cornelia looked at Enoch and cooed, "My thanks to you."

Euphie gave Enoch a surprised look as Cornelia let go of her gently and walked towards Lelouch.

Princess Cornelia looked down her nose at Lelouch, "No thanks to you."

"Cornelia please...Leave what happened in the past." Euphie pleaded with her. "I've forgiven him...you must understand it was an accident."

"What say you Zero?" Cornelia spat the name.

Lelouch looked down at the floor, "I have no excuse for my actions. I made a stupid mistake and it nearly cost Euphie her life."

Cornelia's arm flew in one swift, fluid motion as she back-handed him across the face; nearly knocking him over, "imbecile! How could you be so reckless?"

"Cornelia! He's paid enough for his crimes!" Suzaku told her. "It was because he thought he killed Euphie that he had me slay him. He couldn't live with himself...you saw me do it!"

"Then how is it that he still lives now?" Cornelia demanded.

"I can explain that," C.C. said. "Your brother is now like me. A Geass user resurrected him and he killed her thus taking her Code."

"Meaning?" Cornelia was mortified.

"Meaning I am now cursed with immortality," Lelouch told her. "What more do you want of me sister? I'm now damned to live forever and thus I will serve this world in the capacity of Zero for eternity, is that not enough penance for me to pay?"

Cornelia's expression softened, "You poor stupid fool. If only I had known you and Nunnally were alive when I was Viceroy...I would have..."

"Don't," Lelouch pleaded. "We all made mistakes Cornelia...mine was taking on the world alone and thinking I could change it for the better without actually working to do so. Now I'm going to correct that mistake, and I need your help to do it."

Cornelia took hold of Lelouch's hands, "I'll forgive you Lelouch, on one condition."

He looked up at her, "What is it you ask of me?"

"That you never lie to us again or raise a weapon against your sisters."

He looked her in the eye, "I promise, on my honor and my life."

She smiled at him, "That'll due Lelouch." Cornelia hugged him. "It's good to finally have my little brother back." Tears streamed down her face.

"And you also, Cornelia," Lelouch returned her embrace.

"Holy **BLEEP**!" Jiang Reika blurt out.

"Reika!" Kaguya laughed.

The Tianzi put her hand over her mouth, "Did I just say that out loud?"

End Part (1)

NEXUS ARCANA

azul120 · ‎11-03-2008

Haha, glad you didn't think I was a crazy stalker, lol. Just a braindropping of my ideas.

Been waiting for this reunion of the li Britannias. Wonder how it's gonna go down now that Euphie's taken a few levels in tsundere.

Kodai_Okuda · ‎04-06-2008

CODE GEASS

DIRGE OF DAEDALUS

Turn Twenty One: Sisters (Part 2)

"Milady Athena," one of the technicians within the command tower of Tartarus turned around to face her; panic in the man's eyes.

"What is it Cicero?" She asked as if bored.

"The Apollyon has just taken off without permission." The man exclaimed.

"What?" Jason stated with concern. "Who would dare?"

"It's Sthenno," Nunnally said mechanically.

"Are you sure Empress?" Jason inquired.

Nunnally turned to him and nodded, "Absolutely."

"Impressive," Athena tittered. "You are of course correct."

"You know?" Jason asked his Goddess in surprise.

Athena grinned arrogantly, "Of course I know. It was obvious to me that Sthenno would take this course of action."

"Then why didn't you stop her?" Jason demanded.

"You're going to use her as a scapegoat aren't you...and allow her to destroy whatever she wants then pin the blame on her for this conflict." Nunnally said in a horrified tone.

"Precisely," Athena smiled at her. "And I shall spare your brother Schneizel and your people Nunnally. In return I expect that you'll purge your country of the progressive-radicals which threaten to institute an Oligarchy in the name of social justice and in its stead form a truly democratic republic."

Nunnally understood the lengths at which Athena would go to force a Greco-Roman form of government onto the whole of the Earth before the Greeks were ready to depart for the stars. She could feel Athena's determination and resolve to either save the world or destroy it.

"But that's insane!" Jason barked. "With all due respect milady, we cannot trust Sthenno not to use the core-gun of Apollyon."

"On the contrary my Champion," Athena sniggered. "I fully expect Sthenno to attempt to use the core-gun to fold the Iron-core of the Earth into deep space."

Nunnally was no cosmologist, but she knew that the Earth would break up into an asteroid belt if its core was jettisoned into space and all graviton force was lost. "That's monstrous!"

"Oh don't you worry Empress I've no intension of letting her get away with it." Athena smiled. "Your dear brother Schneizel will see to that." Athena pushed a button on a control station next to where she stood, "Won't you Prince Schneizel?"

His image came up onto the main monitor of the command center. He smiled down at them, "Of course my Goddess Athena...everything is going according to our plan."

Tohdoh and Captain Nagisa Chiba walked along the outskirts of what remained of an Australian military complex a little over two miles away from Sydney. Kyoshiro shook his head in disgust at the sight of the lines of mangled KnightMare Frames that were once all part of the UFN armed forces.

"Geass did all of this," He said under his breath.

Chiba looked up at him sympathetically, "We had no way of knowing it would come to this General."

"We should have been ready," said Tohdoh. "We were aware of the power of Geass, we knew we couldn't trust Britannia, but those fools in the UFN allowed themselves to be lulled into a false sense of security and we fell right in line with them."

Chiba put her arm through his, "General, you just going to have to accept that you're human."

Kyoshiro smiled at her, "Unfortunately." He leaned down to kiss her when the air-raid sirens screamed in the distance.

"An attack?" asked Chiba in a surprised tone.

"It must be," Tohdoh exclaimed. "But who?"

The contrails of flights of Type-21s passed over their heads towards the Coastline of the Australian city. In the next moment brilliant balls of light lit up the sky.

Chiba was on her cell-phone sized communicator in moments, "What's going on?" She demanded.

"Have them send a shuttle for us, our jeep is too slow, we need to get back ASAP!" Tohdoh told her as he watched a force of aerial warships lift off from the Sydney airbase some five miles away from them.

"Kyoshiro! The Musashi has identified the enemy as a single unit." Chiba said with frantic eyes.

"Single unit?" Tohdoh blurt out.

Chiba nodded at him as she listened to the person on the other end of the line, "It's some kind of mobile fortress."

"Tell them to wait for us to return before they begin an offensive-" Kyoshiro cut himself short as he saw threads of blue light rising from Sydney like rainfall in reverse.

His eyes grew wide in horror as he realized what was happening, "Chiba, tell them to get out of there!"

But it was too late, the filaments curved towards a point in the middle of the city that was level with the middle of the tallest skyscrapers within the metropolis. A ball of blue energy formed there and then in a flash the light expanded over the whole of the city, and engulfed it; the next instant Sydney was gone leaving only a huge pit where it once was. The pit was rapidly filled by the ocean whose current in turn **BLEEP** in the Musashi and its fleet of UFN warships; destroying the entire fleet.

Chiba and Tohdoh could only look on in horror as the spectacle played itself out before them.

"How many of them are left?' said Tohdoh desperate to know if any of the airships had survived.

Chiba was too stunned to speak.

"Captain!" Kyoshiro yelled at her.

Nagisa snapped out of her initial shock and pressed her communicator frantically. "I've got someone," she said more calmly now. "It's the Amagi."

"How far are they?" Tohdoh asked.

"Eight miles and closing," She answered him as a shadow passed over them.

Kyoshiro said nothing; he only looked on in awe of the massive thing.

Chiba's jaw dropped, "Good god, what is that thing?"

"I can't believe they're actually getting along so well," C.C. smiled at Euphie and Suzaku while Lelouch and Cornelia discussed their strategy to deal with Schneizel in the pair of comfy chairs in the center of Lelouch's personal quarters while the others sat at the coffee table on the far left of the room.

"Before he was exiled, Lelouch was Cornelia's favorite brother," Euphie stated sadly. "It is a shame that he was taken from her. All three of us used to vacation together at the beaches on the coast of the Florida region of the Empire. Cornelia and Lelouch would always go swimming together and it usually ended up in a splashing contest. She loved his attention and he hers. It hurt her deeply when Charles sent him and Nunnally here as political bargaining pieces."

"No wonder she was so angry with him when she learned he was Zero," Suzaku stated matter-of-factly.

"Um...he shooting me had a little bit to do with that too yah know," She pinched Suzaku's side.

"Ouch! Euphie!" He feigned being hurt.

"Don't whine," She teased him. "I thought you were the big bad Knight of Zero?"

"I am," he leaned in and kissed her on the lips. "But I'm defenseless against you Red Dragon."

"Okay, get a room or something," Enoch said as he set down a bowl of fruit and a pitcher of iced-tea on the Oak coffee table they were seated at.

C.C. looked at him longingly; scrutinizing his cargo. "Aw."

"No...no pizza," He said with a snicker. "Shouldn't you at least try to eat healthy once in awhile."

"I LIKE Pizza!" C.C. scowled at him.

Cornelia and Lelouch looked over at them. Lelouch raised an eyebrow, "You should just let her have what she wants don't you think?"

"Well if you think she deserves it Lelouch then maybe I can oblige her," Enoch cast C.C. a leer as he put the bowl of fruit down in front of Euphie and Suzaku and then walked out of the room. He returned a moment later with a cart that held a lidded tray atop it and numerous smaller dishes which had stacks of small sandwiches and various cheese snacks.

C.C. gave him a wide eyed look, "And what is under the lid of that tray?"

"Wallach!" Enoch picked up the cover to reveal a deep-dish twenty-inch diameter pizza. "I made this myself." He said with a wink. "It's a triple layer cheese-pizza pie with eight different cheeses, steak and chicken filling, and an extra-thick crust."

"For me!?" C.C.'s eyes were glistening.

"Yes gorgeous, all for you," Enoch smiled at her.

"Enoch, you're the best!" C.C. clasped her hands together and looked over the pizza-pie as if it were a masterpiece of art.

Enoch handed her a plate and cut a piece of the oozing triple-layer Italian dish for her. He barely placed it on her plate before she snatched a fork and knife from the food-cart and dug in.

"Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! This is divine!" C.C. said in ecstasy.

"You cook too huh?" Cornelia smiled at Enoch.

"Uh...yeah," he said with unease at the look in her eyes.

Gilford sighed and adjusted his collar uneasily.

Euphie whispered to Suzaku, "Oh crap, I think she likes him."

"Seriously?" Kururugi blurt out as he poured each of them a glass of Iced-Tea.

Euphemia grimaced as Cornelia twirled a lock of her hair and watched Enoch intently while he placed the dishes on the coffee table. Euphie turned to Suzaku, "Seriously."

"Lelouch you should try this pizza it's awesome!" C.C. swooned.

Lelouch rolled his eyes and slumped back in his chair, "Can we please get back to planning on our next phase of dealing with Schneizel?"

Ougi's voice came over the intercom, "Zero you're needed on the bridge at once."

Lelouch got up and rushed over to the nearest control panel, "What is it Ougi?"

"We have a serious problem," said Captain Nu in a frantic tone.

"Bring us down towards the general location of the Kraken," Sthenno demanded as Porsche flew the Apollyon high over edge of the Coastline of Kaminejima Island.

"As you wish milady," Porsche replied obediently. She piloted the massive machine steadily downwards. Its bulk was concealed by the moonless sky above it as it sank into the sea in complete darkness up to its four petals; leaving only the very top of the machine exposed above the water.

"Remain here with the Apollyon, I shall return shortly," Sthenno stated as she moved from the inline two-seat cockpit towards a door in its rear.

"I shall await your return milady," Porsche stated with a nod.

Sthenno entered the small craft-hangar at the front of the Apollyon and got into the hovercraft she and Porsche had come to the giant mecha in. Once inside the small conveyance she activated it and opened the outer door. Watch lapped at the edge of the small craft-hangar as Sthenno drove her hover-craft out it towards the shoreline that was over a mile away.

Within a minute she was at the shore next to the shadowy mass of the Kraken where it was anchored and surfaced next to Kaminejima Island.

Sthenno wasted no time in scaling the side of the Kraken and making her way to the upper hatch. She opened the egress and entered the ship; climbing down the ladder to the interior airlock of the vessel.

Medusa met her at the bottom on the other side of the airlock hatch with a guard detail. "So happy you could join us my sister, but you should not have come," Medusa told her sadly as she watched Sthenno from behind.

Sthenno turned around revealing that her Dispeller visor was down over her eyes. "I've come here prepared," said Sthenno as she used the device. Instantly the inverted blue sigil of the Geass-Dispeller filled the room.

Medusa held her head as Lelouch's Geass was lifted from her, "Uh...thank you Sthenno."

Sthenno lifted her tiara, "You're welcome Medusa." She embraced her sister and kissed her on the forehead. "I came here to rescue you, and to let you share in our vengeance against Schneizel and his wretched kin."

"But...what of Lelouch?" She asked confused.

"Who?" Sthenno inquired with irritation.

Medusa was fidgety, "Lelouch...I...never mind."

Sthenno regarded her with distrust, "You mean Schneizel's brother Lelouch don't you?"

Medusa blushed, "Yes."

Sthenno looked down at her and brushed the stray locks of hair out from in front of Medusa's face, "Do you desire this Lelouch so much that even without his spell upon you he still evokes feelings within you?"

Medusa met Sthenno's glare, "Yes." She answered rhapsodically.

"Where is he now?" Sthenno asked with venom.

"I don't know, he left with Enoch and a green haired Goddess." Medusa answered in a sheepish tone.

"ENOCH!" Sthenno spat. "You fancy a man who is in league with that Hebrew dog knowing that devil killed our sister."

"I can't help it," Medusa whined. "Lelouch is so beautiful. He's like a man in a woman's form, only not."

"He must be something to make you swoon so," Sthenno cracked a smile. "If I can acquire him I will, but for now we must depart. Athena will no doubt send forces to come and apprehend me now that I've stolen the Apollyon."

Medusa's eyes grew wide in fear upon hearing the name of the commander of Tartarus, "Athena is awake?"

"Yes, and we must make our revenge swift if we are to be successful." Sthenno told her with a grin. "I need you to pilot the Apollyon."

Medusa nodded, "but what of the Kraken?"

Sthenno gave her a confident look, "Porsche will take it back to Tartarus and explain to Athena why I took the mobile fortress. Even Athena should understand that my stealing the Apollyon was no insult meant to her. Of all people Athena should know that this is a matter of honor."

"We just detected it a few minutes ago," Ougi was clearly disturbed.

"What kind of enemy unit is it?" Cornelia asked as she, Zero, C.C., Gilford, and Enoch entered the bridge.

Villetta was nervous around Cornelia and didn't hide it, "It's some kind of mobile fortress...and it's big, really big."

"If they had wanted to attack they could have already," Zero said.

"We've received some preliminary reports coming out of Australia of Sydney being totally wiped out by an unknown enemy unit."

"It's the Apollyon," Enoch said in a dull tone.

"So soon?" Zero asked in surprise. "but I thought they still required more Sakuradite to power it."

"Apparently not," Cornelia said matter-of-factly.

"But why haven't they attacked Tokyo?" Ougi asked.

"Good question," Zero said.

"Guess Medusa lied to you huh?" C.C. snickered with a narrowed eyed look at Zero.

"Medusa?" Enoch gasped. "Of course! That's it!" Enoch kissed C.C. on the cheek. "You're a genius."

"Really, what for?" C.C. blushed.

"You think Sthenno is piloting that thing?" Zero inquired.

"Where is the Apollyon now?" Enoch asked Villetta.

"It's submerged just off the coast of Kaminejima Island." She answered him.

"Then we need to move quickly if we're going to have any chance of dealing with that monster easily." Zero stated in a hurried tone.

"Agreed," Enoch nodded.

[Thanks for Reading]

NEXUS ARCANA

azul120 · ‎11-03-2008

Oh man, at this rate, I fear for the moment for when Kallen lays eyes on Lelouch's face. Though I wasn't too surprised at Cornelia's initial reaction, given how testy she can get.

Lol at her flirting with Enoch. Poor Guilford.

Not to mention that Lelouch's love x-angle (re-)grows with Kaguya jumping right back in there.

Fun to see Suzaku back in aw shucks mode. And I guess you could say, in D&D-speak, that Lelouch is hitting epic-tier now.

And whose side is Schneizel on right now?

Message Edited by azul120 on 11-08-2009 12:31 AM

Message Edited by azul120 on 11-08-2009 12:39 AM

anime_goddess05 · ‎06-09-2005

Oh man, that was intense. I thought Cornelia was really going to snap!!

It was crazy how they were all sitting around eating while the world was getting blown up. >.>

Euphie and Suzaku are adorable, and I was yelling "dang it, really?" when Tohdoh and Nagisa almost kissed. ^_^ They need to kiss.

ANIME QUOTE OF THE MOMENT: “...what's this about?! Making enemies is something I've never...really avoided, but there's no reason for anyone to try to kill me!” – Edward Elric, FMA: Brotherhood
LITERARY/REAL WORLD QUOTE OF THE MOMENT: "The fact that I was a girl never damaged my ambitions to be a pope or an emperor." - Willa Cather, author
CODE GEASS REMIXED (my fanfic!) (Mad Respect to Kodai-kun!!) CG: Dirge of Daedalus Solomon FC Card

azul120 · ‎11-03-2008

Yep. Evidently after all this time, Cornelia still makes Euphie look like nothing in the rage department.

I know that it was because she was so trigger-happy pro-Britannian imperialist that Lelouch saw Cornelia as an enemy, after the way she exterminated the Blood of the Samurai and especially the Saitama ghetto incident. I wonder if that part of her past will be reflected on, especially since it was such a major point of disagreement between her and her own sister, Euphie (see: Suzaku as Euphie's knight).

Message Edited by azul120 on 11-08-2009 12:04 PM

DeaconPhenix · ‎04-04-2008

Cornelia's reaction was quite understandable, even though she almost killed a few people in the process lol. Her flirting with Enoch was funny. Guilford can never win.....

And Lelouch's harem grows ever larger haha. Medusa's crush is the funniest of all.

The Apollyon is pretty badass. Now that Sydney is gone, I wonder if they are going to be able to stop it before more cities get toasted.

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