17 Chapter Seventeen: Reign of Terror.

The time after the Revolution in Europe had been one of chaos before the rise of Napoleon and the later establishment of the E.U. This time was known as the Reign of Terror.

Fitting that the Knightmare Smilas had hidden away was called the Robespierre, the infamous leader of the Revolution. From the plans it appeared to be modeled after the traditional fashion of French musketeers.

"This is a beauty," said Lloyd.

When the three ships split up, Lloyd, Rakshata, and Cecile had split up between the three ships to offer their specialties, as well as keep an eye on specific Knightmares. Rakshata of course could not part with her precious Guren, and Lloyd would not leave his Lancelot in lesser hands, while Cecile was left to tend to the still mysterious Valiant.

"It's more advanced than anything I've seen from the E.U before," said Lloyd, going over the recovered plans for the new Knightmare. "More like something from the Eden Elite."

"And with the plans involving the Cthulhu's war path, the evidence of Simlas being involved with the Eden Elite is near damning," said Tohdoh.

Suzaku stayed silent as he watched Lloyd go over the weapons of the Robespierre. All he could think of was how Smilas was going to use this as a means to seize power, instead of fighting against the enemies of his people. This was exactly the kind of man he sought to destroy.

Maria and Alice held onto Rivalz tightly as they became jostled by the violent movements of the Valiant as it leaped and bounded in avoidance of the serpentine drone's beam cannon fire. As Rivalz dodged the attacks he activated one of the weapons of the Valiant, a built in cannon in the left arm. The hand began to retract and the canon took form.

'One last leap,' thought Rivalz.

Indeed he leaped away from the latest blast of the drone. And in the time from launch Rivalz aimed his own cannon and fired, releasing a bright red beam that struck true to the head of the drone.

"Are you two alright?" asked Rivalz to the two passengers.

Maria and Alice nodded their heads lightly, though they were clearly uncomfortable.

"Don't worry we're not far from the Palace," said Rivalz.

The Valiant rode off and as they traveled Rivalz hacked into the security systems of the city and saw that indeed more of those serpent drones were ravaging the city.

'Damn, these things will tear apart the city even if that big one is delayed,' thought Rivalz.

He looked up and saw that the Dagon was still avoiding the blasts from the ship. However he felt that whatever was operating that thing was just toying with them.

"Princess Cornelia, that thing's toying with you," said Rivalz over the communication channel. "It's faster and if anything it's just using you as a means to drop more of these drones. I repeat drones, not bombs."

"Roger," said Cornelia over the radio. "I was also able to get in touch with the Caesar Palace, they know you're coming and that we're friendlies. You should be okay to meet up with them. I'll be leading an emergency troop drop of my own to help deal with those drones until the Holy Orders are able to rally their ground forces."

"Meet you then," said Rivalz before cutting off.

As he drove the Valiant onward the proximity alert warned him of an oncoming missile strike from the side. Rivalz brought up the shield and deflected the missile. When the smoke cleared he saw several Knightmares bearing the colors of the Order of Michael.

"Knights of Michael," said Rivalz. "Your Grand Master has betrayed the oath of a knight and sided with the Demon Emperor. You don't have to do this. I have civilians in tow, remember your vows. You are knights bound by honor to defend those who cannot defend themselves. The Eden Elite made no such vow and now they are laying waste to your city, your nation. Join me, please, and we can stop this madness."

The Knightmares fired again and Rivalz brought up the shield once more.

"I repeat, I have have civilians," said Rivalz. "Lady Maria Shaing and her daughter Alice, the family of your Grand Master. Stand down."

"Eden Elite Commander Shin Hyuga Shaing has ordered Lady Maria Shaing and Alice Shaing euthanized," said the lead Michael Knight.

The two females gasped in horror while Rivalz's eye widened in sheer shock. Before his face settled in a scowl of pure anger. While keeping the shield up Rivalz shifted the arm that bore it into its cannon mode and opened fired on the lead Knightmare.

'This woman raised you,' thought Rivalz stealing a glimpse of Maria and Alice, seeing their misery and shock. 'This girl called you brother. And you condemn them to death? Damn you Shin Hyuga Shaing. Damn you to hell.'

Back at Castle Weisswolf, Lelouch now in his persona as Zero, had gathered his command unit and merged along with Leila's W-0 unit and the defected Ashley to the castle's war room to discuss the upcoming operation planned by both Leila and Lelouch.

"Due to the unusual circumstances, W-0 will be coordinating with the Black Knights to both withhold against the impending invasion from the Order of Michael and instigated the destruction of the Cthulhu," said Leila.

Behind them the screen displayed the planned route for Apollo's Chariot in conjecture to the route the Cthulhu was on, according to the information Suzaku had relayed to them.

"As W-0 has more direct experience with Apollo's Chariot they will be the ones to lay siege to the Cthulhu," said Zero. "Meanwhile the Black Knights will be working to guard the launching platform and Castle Weisswolf. Our main objective is defense, however if Shin Hyuga Shaing appears on the battlefield we are to take all measures in either his capture or destruction. He is a high priority target."

"Nice, but what I'd like to know is how the hell are we supposed to take out that giant flying metal squid bucket-head?" asked Ryo.

"You will speak to Zero with respect boy," yelled Jeremiah Gottwald.

"It is alright Jeremiah," said Zero. "Thanks to information Sir Ashley Ashra was able to retrieve on the Cthulhu."

Zero pulled out a thumb drive Ashley had given him and uploaded the information on the Cthulhu.

"It's not much but from what we can tell is that the Cthulhu only has one true operator, Lovecrest," said Zero. "The lower portion and tentacle-like appendages are used as a means to launch its bombs. The large red eye is actually a high powered cannon. Unfortunately as far as we can tell this is also it's only true opening."

"So we're literally cannon fodder," said Yukiya. "Lovely."

"Wrong," said Zero. "One of our own technicians has developed a high power explosive that if launched directly into the barrel of the cannon, could not only knock out the gun but severely disable if not completely destroy the machine."

He brought up the plans for a high powered explosive which had been developed by none other than Nina, who wound up joining Rakshata's faction of the technicians. She had apparently been developing the devices for some time now, even when she was a student with Lelouch at Ashford.

"Our plan is to use the glide system of your Alexanders we can draw the cannon's fire and when the opportunity arises one of you launches the device into the cannon," said Zero. "If any of you do not wish to partake in this operation say so now."

"We don't really have a choice," said Ayano. "That thing's blowing up everything. And it's not like staying here isn't a safe option either."

"Besides, a bomb like that would be so beautiful to see go off," said Yukiya.

"Jesus kid you're a real freak aren't you?" said Tamaki.

"Do you want to see just how freaky I can be...Eleven?" asked Yukiya with a shit-eating grin.

"Why you little..."

Ohgi held back Tamaki and Jeremiah clasped his hand over Tamaki's mouth.

The power of the Valiant, fueled by the righteous rage of its pilot, tore through the Order of Michael Knightmares. Along that same tome from the ship, several Knightmares, their descent aided by large parachutes landed in the city.

Cornelia, Guilford, and Dalton and a few of her personal knights. Cecile Croomey came along as well in a Sutherland of her own.

They had their own encounter with Order of Michael knights, but Cornelia's reputation as the Goddess of Victory was an earned one. And between her and her knights, Cecile even proving a competent pilot in her own right, the crimson bastards were little nothing more than speed bumps.

They soon met with the Valiant outside the Caesar Palace where several of the other Orders soldiers had gathered. The Grand Duke Velaines, as well as the other three Grand Masters, Andrea, Gaudefroy, and Raymond, stood to meet the Princess and the Unicorn.

"Princess Cornelia, it is an honor to meet you. Your sister Euphemia as well as the envoy of the Empress Tianzi arrived not too long before you," said Velaines.

"And Lady Marianne as well?" asked Cornelia.

"I'm afraid not, reasons best given when inside and away from this evil sky. And this is the Blue Unicorn of recent fame if I'm not mistaken.," said Velaines, admiring the blue of the Valiant. "Even here in Euro Britannia we've heard words of your heroic actions my young friend. Come out please, I would know of one so unique."

All eyes turned on the beautiful Knightmare as it's fore and hind legs merged in a standing motion and the former centaur-like machine stood as if it were a new colossus.

The cockpit, upon the back opened, and while Cornelia had expected Rivalz to done his mask, to her surprise he stood with his face exposed and at his side was Maria and Alice Shaing.

In one leap from the Knightmare, an impossible feat to the eyes of the Euro Britannians given the height of the Knightmare, Rivalz flew out with his segmented cape flowing in the air. He landed upon one knee before the Grand Duke, whose eyes were wide with the shock of the acrobatic feat.

"Your highness," Rivalz said. "I...I am the one they call the Blue Unicorn, though I did not ask for that name nor the fame that has come with it. What I did in Japan, I did so because my friends were in danger. It is because of my love for them I am here now, sworn to fight beside a few of them as a fellow sword and a shield to those others who have no swords of their own. And for those countless others who are left with no shield to guard them when knives bear down on them. Like Lady Maria and her daughter, under my protection. I won't have them harassed for Shin's actions, especially since Shin himself has ordered their deaths."

Velaines gasped at the idea that a son would order the death of his own mother and sister, adopted or no. The bile he felt rise in his throat at such a foul and evil notion threatened to spew forth and stain the blue shine of his kneeling guest. He gagged it down and cast a sorry glance to the frightened faces of Maria, holding her even more frightened daughter Alice. The betrayal must be striking them worse of all for the Duke knew well that Maria loved her adopted son Shin as if he were born from her own womb.

"A son...ordering the death of his own mother and sister," said Velaines.

"I heard it from the mouths of Michael Knights," said Rivalz. "Mouths that will speak no more."

There was an anger in Rivalz's words that Cornelia had never heard before. She was also still somewhat concerned with how Rivalz hadn't taken up his masked persona of Prince.

"Duke Velaines," said Rivalz, rising to his artificial feet. "I know you owe me no favor but I ask you to at least ensure Lady Maria and her daughter are protected here since I plan to help fight off this attack. But I want your word that they will not be mistreated while they're here. And know that if they are harmed in any way you will answer to me."

"You insolent little twerp..."

"Peace Gaudefroy," said Velaines. "Rest assured my boy Lady Shaing and her daughter will be treated with the upmost courtesy. On my honor as the Grand Duke I swear this Sir..."

"Rivalz Cardemonde, and it's not Sir, I'm not a knight," said Rivalz.

Cornelia noticed how once again he did not take the opportunity to use his alias. Regardless, the party followed into the palace's secure bunker and war room. Once there Cornelia's eyes immediately fell on the sight of Euphie, the younger girls staying close to her as a de facto leader in the apparent absence of Marianne.

"Cornelia," sighed Euphie in relief.

"Euphie, where is Lady Marianne?" asked Cornelia.

Euphemia and Xingke caught Cornelia up on the incident at the Chinese Consulate. About Marianne's capture and Bismark's soon departure to endeavor a rescue on his own.

The notion of her idol being frightened by both the Dagon and this mysterious Bludbierd shook Cornelia. However she fortified her will, knowing that this was no time to panic, work needed to be done.

"We will for now leave the rescue of Empress Marianne to the Knight of One," said Cornelia. "Right now our main objective is the elimination of that horror in the sky. Even though our ship has proven to be a distraction, it is still dropping these serpentine drones on the city, and its distinctive advantage in speed suggests that its merely toying with us all. At some point in time I expect it to truly utilize it's weapons again. The drones and the Order of Michael can be dealt with once ground forces arrive from the other three Orders. But that thing's weapons are in a class of their own. I take it my step-mother explained to you what Geass is?"

"Quite dramatically," said Velaines.

"Then our best option would be to use the Geass abilities we have at our disposal to our advantage," said Cornelia, beckoning to Rivalz.

"I tried to hack one of those drones but I wasn't able to do it," said Rivalz. "I don't know if that's because of the Dagon or what."

"Think you could take over the Dagon itself?" asked Dalton.

"No idea, I've never tried something that big," said Rivalz. "But...I think I could at least take it down if I could get on it."

"And how are you certain you could?" asked Farnese.

"I'm not," said Rivalz, his expression not really inspiring confidence. "But one of the key weapons of the Valiant is the sound sword it wields. In addition to giving off high powered sonic waves, anything it touches vibrates to pieces. It worked in Japan when I fought the mercenaries of the Midas Company. If I could get onto it and somehow stick to the wings I could probably use the sword to take out the wings and force it to the ground."

"And once it's on the ground even if its weapons are largely in tact we could still at least draw its fire to the ground and hopefully rally and air strike to finish it off," said Dalton.

"Assuming that you're able to even get on that thing," said Gaudefroy, still not impressed with Rivalz.

"Actually, given the Valiant's proven propulsion capabilities, and it's self modification abilities, we should be able to establish an float system on it based on the flight capabilities we've studied in Lady Marianne and Lord Bismark's respective Knightmares," said Cecile. "It should be a fairly quick process."

"Get to it then," said Cornelia.

Cecile and Rivalz gave a salute before turning to leave. Though before he fully left, Rivalz gave a final bow to Lady Maria and Alice.

"We're entrusting the safety of our city to a boy in a ridiculous costume, this is a joke surely," said Gaudefroy.

"That's no costume," said Cornelia. "He's an honest to god cyborg."

As the rocket launched, Kallen sat in her Knightmare along with a squadron Lelouch had given her personal command of. They were working in conjecture with the E.U soldiers.

She looked at the interesting design of the Knightmares, Alexanders they were called. They seemed to have an interesting insect theme to them. The European soldiers themselves seemed to eye the Black Knights with some suspicion, which Kallen could understand. But with all their attempts to make contact with their own military resulting in failure, they were essentially left to the wolves and with little options and war made strange bedfellows.

The idea of being in bed then brought the previous night back to Kallen's mind. She had finally done it, she had finally given her virginity to a man. And she assumed Lelouch had given her his virginity.

They had slept together after the victory against Mao and Rolo, but they had kept their clothes on. This time, this time they had stripped bare. Not a word had been said between them. They just gave into pent up passions.

But Kallen needed to know if Lelouch truly had feelings for her or if only her body was what he desired. That there could be a future for the both of them. That they could be a family like he said.

"Kallen?" asked Ohgi, over the radio.

"Oh, what is it? Is the Order of Michael in sight?" she asked.

"Not yet, I just wanted to talk," said Ohgi. "You seemed a little off recently. If you'd like we can switch to a secure channel."

Kallen switched and let Ohgi know about it.

"Is everything alright? I couldn't help but notice how you and Lelouch looked in the elevator earlier," said Ohgi.

"It's...it's personal," said Kallen.

From where he stood talking into his personal radio Ohgi couldn't help but scowl. He wasn't blind, he could tell from day one the feelings Kallen was developing for Lelouch over the past several months. He wasn't surprised that by now they were in bed.

Ohgi leaned against the wall and thought about what he was going to say next.

"Kallen," he said. "Do you love him?"

A few minutes passed in silence, but Ohgi already knew the answer.

"Yes," said Kallen.

Ohgi felt there was still some hesitation in Kallen's voice. He then heard the sound of oncoming footsteps.

"We'll talk later Kallen," said Ohgi. "Just be sure your able to focus when the fighting starts."

Ohgi cut communication and straightened himself, feeling who was behind him.

"There's something to be said about a young woman who falls into bed with the man who decapitated her brother," said Ohgi. "Wouldn't you say Lelouch?"

From behind him Lelouch's eyes narrowed at Ohgi who turned with eyes equally as narrow.

"Not that I would insult Kallen," said Ohgi. "Ever since Naoto...yes since he died as that thing wasn't Naoto, I kind of took his position. Not just as the leader of our cell but as Kallen's big brother. You know what that means Lelouch."

"Yes," said Lelouch. "I do. I do care deeply for Kallen. I...I want her to live."

"Specifically with you?" asked Ohgi.

"I...I proposed," said Lelouch.

"Then why do I hear unease," said Ohgi.

"It's..."

"Complicated," said Ohgi.

"Yes," said Lelouch.

Ohgi then walked up to Lelouch and grabbed him by the collar of his suit and locked eyes with him.

"Command me to be honest with you," said Ohgi.

"Excuse me?" asked Lelouch.

"You heard me," said Ohgi.

Lelouch's Geass became present in his eye and his mind cried out for Ohgi to be honest with him.

"Good," said Ohgi, red rings around his eyes. "I want you to know this and know that when I say this I am being true. I think you are a good man. I like you Lelouch, I respect you. I think you are the best means to the end of liberating Japan. But know this, if I believed you ever stood as an obstruction to meeting that end, I would take your life. Not because of a dislike of you, but because if it is a choice between you or my country's well being then the choice is obvious. I know I would not live long after that but I could die knowing that all the way till the end I fought with every fiber in my body, every ounce of blood pumping through my veins, every bead of sweat from my brow, I fought for the promise of a free and independent Japan. And that even if I have to be condemned as a villain or a traitor, I would still die with a smile on my face knowing I fought with absolute certainty that every action no matter how vile or how dishonorable was to meet that goal. And just as I would do so for my country know that I would be just as equally driven to defend those I love, including Kallen. I want you to understand this Lelouch and know that I am honest."

Ohgi released Lelouch's collar and the red rings vanished. He blinked for a moment but understood what had happened. Lelouch looked at him with an unchanged expression.

"I understand Ohgi," said Lelouch. "I've always understood. You are a true patriot of Japan. Willing to do whatever it takes for the benefit of your nation. Side with demons and witches if you must. Even go along with killing other supposed Japanese freedom fighters if you must. Willing to kill me, kill Zero, if you must. You're the most dangerous kind of man Ohgi. A man so certain in the righteousness of his goal that he'll do whatever unrighteous act he must so that it may be accomplished. Even worse, you're not doing it for yourself. You would do it for the generations that would succeed you. A selfless madness and a fanatical devotion to the ideal of a liberated Japan. You're so driven to this goal you would slay me knowing my mother, my sisters, my friend Suzaku, possibly even Kallen herself would take vengeance upon you and claim your life for taking mine, and bear no regret even to the end as your character is assassinated long after you already have been slain. You're someone I can admire. Although, I would say you're being rather foolish. Admitting you'd be willing to kill me if you had to. Brutus should not warn Caesar."

"I always thought Shakespeare was overrated," said Ohgi, with a small smirk.

Lelouch returned the smirk but then the alarms rang. The enemy was approaching.

The announcement that Leila Briesgau was dead rang out all throughout the E.U. Killed by both the soldiers of the Eden Elite and the 'incompetence' of the E.U government. This idea was further explored by recovered video footage of E.U soldiers, gasping for air amidst the gas covered cities, and apparently shooting at crazed E.U citizens.

The temporary order that Leila's image had established was shattered. All to make way for the rise of Smilas and the Robespierre.

"The corrupt and decadent rulers of our Union shall fall," said Smilas, standing before the Robespierre. "Fall beneath my blade and by my blade shall our Republic be made whole again."

As the general began walking towards the towering machine, dressed in the colors of France, one of his men opened fire on the others and several white colored, foreign looking Knightmares burst into the warehouse. They appeared to be led by one that held a distinctly Britannian appearance. The cockpit of the lead Knightmare opened and a figure dressed in the image of the grim reaper all in white stood. On the figure's torso Smilas could see the emblem of Geass represented.

"So, you are of the Order," said Smilas. "Did the Lady M.M send you?"

"In a way, yes," said the White Reaper. "I am Kira, the White Reaper. Come to claim your life as payment for the evils you've committed."

"I have known these machines with you to have operated at times in Japan," said Smilas. "Surely you know of the crimes against the Japanese people in Europe, orchestrated by the fools that run the Republic. You call my actions evils while allowing them to go unpunished."

"I would punish them in time," said Kira. "But you have shown to be just as corrupted. You knew of the attacks of the Eden Elite and are using them to your own advantage. Sacrificing those who followed you and using them as pawns in your own bit for power."

"Only because I can end their attacks," said Smilas. "The Robespierre is powerful enough to defeat the Cthulhu and using it in the memory of Leila Briesgau, I will rebuild what was shattered. But tell me, why would a warrior of the Order care about human morality? What would a warrior of the Geass Order care about the manipulation of mortals? The goal of the Geass Order is to rebuild their lost civilization and restore order to humanity. In what way are my goals and methods not similar to those of the Order?"

"I'm not concerned about the Order," said Kira. "I am concerned with the betrayal you have committed against those whom you were sworn to protect. The people of this Republic whom you've allowed to die under the threat of the Eden Elite. The soldiers whom you've now demonized in the eyes of the frightened people. You condemn the current government but your own actions have shown you would be more than willing to sacrifice the lives of the people you're claiming to do this for. You are nothing but a would be dictator."

"No my boy," said Smilas. "I am a revolutionary."

Before any could respond the Robespierre appeared to activate and it drew forth a large rapier style sword and pointed it towards the Lancelot.

Great walls had risen up around the perimeter of the enemy castle. Shin didn't mind, he would blast through those walls soon enough. Then he would finally liberate his brother from the evil of life.

"Lord Shaing, above you," cried out the voice of Jean Rowe.

Shin looked up and he drew his Knightmare, the Vercengenerix away as a crimson Knightmare with a large claw-like arm nearly slammed into him.

"What is this?" he roared.

"Shin Hyuga Shaing," a loud synthetic voice called out.

Shin looked up and saw a black ship rise over the wall and upon the wall a lone figure stood. A figure reported to have caused no small amount of trouble in Area 11. The figure of rebellion known as Zero.