Among the Black Knights all had their idea, each most scandalous than the other, about what usually occurred in the depths of the Gawain's cockpit. Evidently they couldn't be more wrong.

"So, will you tell me what you've been up to those past three days?"

"And why should I tell you C.C.? I thought all you cared about was the pizzas I brought back with me."

"Do you really think of me as that shallow?" A raised eyebrow was the only answer the green haired witch received from her accomplice, "Fine, be that way. I was just wondering what scheme could take you away from your oh so perfect plan of having your pacifist sister shoot at you… Just in case you didn't realize it by yourself I was being sarcastic."

Lelouch Lamperouge audibly groaned at this "Just know that when everything go as planned my victory will be certain."

"You sure seem confident, more so than usual anyway."

"Failure is no longer an option." He said with finality.

NWO

"He will not come."

"I think he will Suzaku , if he truly wishes for peace then Zero will join us. But I suppose we can begin anyway, considering his love for dramatics Zero is surely waiting an importunity to interrupt me and fall down the sky." Third princess Euphemia li Britannia whispered to her knight Suzaku Kururugi, turning to the heads of the Six Houses of Kyoto she addressed them, "Shall we begin?" at their unanimous nod she advanced the microphones at the front of the balcony overlooking the stadium housing the opening ceremony of the special administration zone of Japan. "On this day this day we came together to restore what was lost so long ago: the pride of a nation and its people, its very identity. Today, beneath Mt Fuji , Japan has reborn! Welcome back people of Japan!"

The crowd began to clap and cheer enthusiastically. "Admirably said, Your Highness!" a voice boomed from above, all eyes turned upward to gaze at a tall black and gold Knightmare frame descending from the clouds, a black masked figure standing proudly in the palms of its joined hand his cape billowing in the wind. Shouts of 'Zero' resonated as the masked vigilante and the Gawain floated to the officials "I must apologize for my tardiness princess Euphemia, but you surely understand that a warrior of Justice has so little time to spare."

NWO

Zero and the princess had left to negotiate the support of the order of the Black knights privately at the demand of the rebellion leader. "I deactivated the cameras, you can take off your mask now." Zero chuckled but complied nonetheless, revealing his handsome face to his sister, "Did you really have to cut off me just then? How am I supposed to resume my speech without being ridiculous?" pouted Euphemia.

Lelouch laughed heartily at her expression "Of course it was my intention, for I am Zero!" he then grew somber "I suppose I can't convince you not to go thought with your project? Can't you see there is no chance Britannia will allow you to succeed, don't you realize the risks?"

"I know I don't look the part but I am far from stupid! I know the nobles and even Father will belittle me and do everything to thwart the SAZ, even if I didn't Schneizel never stopped warning me of that…" Lelouch's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of their older brother "… but I feel every chance at a peace, even small, should be worth it. That's why I need your help, with you by my side I know that we can make it!"

"You're far too innocent for your own good." Mumbled Lelouch "But that is where your greatest strengh lies." he proclaimed shifting to his Zero persona "Your words moved me, without a doubt the world would be a much better place if led by people such as yourself. That is why the Black Knights and I, Zero, will support and shield you in your endeavors!" He extended his hand to hers "Sorry Euphie, I must protect you even from yourself but I'll make it worth!"

Euphemia graciously shacked his hand "Did you have to be so pompous?" at his solemn nod she burst out laughing "Aren't you full of yourself? You were so sweet back in the days, what could have changed you so? Maybe that green haired woman that came with you? They say love can change a man…" she teased him, prompting a look of quiet horror "So it is true! Oh Lulu, how could you forget about me so quickly, don't you remember the thrill of forbidden romance, and we were each other first kiss too! I'm so hurt…" she fake-sobbed.

Lelouch's face turned paler with each passing second of Euphie's teasing until he snapped "It didn't count!"

"What?"

"That kiss, it was on the cheek so it didn't count."

"It most certainly did."

"Kissing on the cheek at seven can't qualify as a romantic experience so forget it!"

"Very well." Came the monotone reply.

"Huh?" It was then that Lelouch noticed the vacant look in the princess' eyes "Geass? But how?" Turning around he brought the reflective surface of his mask in front of his face and indeed his geass had activated, he quickly tried to turn it off with no result, it was then that he felt a painful sting in his eye.

Coming back to her senses Euphemia saw her brother hunching over a table "Lelouch! Are you alright?"

Reining the pain in Lelouch straightened up and put his mask on "I'm fine, it's just the stress and lack of sleep from the past few weeks catching up on me. We should go back to the ceremony. The sooner this is over the sooner we can rest." He lied. "I must talk to C.C. soon. Things could have turned incurably sour…"

NWO

Back on the balcony Lelouch took a seat that had been added beside the princess', C.C. standing guard behind him as did Suzaku to the royal. They both had apparently fallen to a fainting spell shortly before the two negotiators return but had come back to their senses in time to assume their functions.

"…and it is with a great joy that I announce you that Zero and his Black Knights will be joining us…"

"ALL HAIL BRITANNIA!" A member of the security detail shouted, shooting down the other guards and aiming next at the shocked princess. Zero leaped in front of her as the shot rang and the remaining guard subdued the maniac. Zero fell to the ground, hit in the torso as Suzaku subdued the maniac.

The panicking crowd had begun to flee the stadium, under the supervision of a pedestrian detachment of the Black Knights. "Hugh, my ribs… And now time to call checkmate" The other attendeeshad been evacuated as well by their bodyguards and Euphemia was kneeling as his side obviously worried, raising shakily to his feet he waived a hand in a sign of reassurance "Please do not worry, my tailor thankfully thought that a bullet-proof lining would come in handy one day. But more importantly, what is the meaning of this treachery?"

Thanks to Diethard Reid's expertise all of Area 11 would hear the proclamation Lelouch geassed into the soldier and the chain of event resulting. "You eleven scum and the traitorous princess Euphemia really though we would just lay down and let you destroy the empire? The Emperor only let this farce go that far to squash you all at once. All hail Britannia!" Of course this no-name soldier's words would not normally any effect but to half of the soldiers and two third of the knightmare pilots overseeing the SAZ creation it was the trigger to a two-layered geass: to kill any opposition to the secondary objective to eliminate every Japanese on sight, hopefully creating enough chaos to prevent maximum civilian casualties.

A curious side effect took the shape of a white blur storming over the VIP lodge incapacitating any potential threats to his princess, aka the 2 Britannian soldiers present and then some more who ran in in the mean time, by gratuitous use of gravity-defying spinning kicks. Zero couldn't help but admire the beauty of said kick when applied to others than himself and his subordinates' frames.

The brown haired honorary Britannian grabbed Zero by his jacket and slammed him against a wall "Explain. Now!" he could feel the triumphant smirk hidden behind the mask "What have you done here? You are too prepared for all this to be a coincidence!"

"Isn't it obvious? You knew the emperor would not sit back and let you contest his ways… As to why my men appear so conveniently disposed, I just considered the possibility of a setup, with reason it seems." Zero stated calmly "Now tell me Suzaku Kururugi, where do your loyalties lies? To the princess you have sworn to protect or the empire that attempted to murder her? Do you really think you can change Britannia from within, that condoning your own people suffering is an acceptable price? The order of the Black Knights will protect the Japanese and the princess at all cost, this is your last chance to choose a side: Britannia or her prey. The just or the wicked!" With that he shook himself free and left toward the Gawain followed by his accomplice.

The white-clad knight turned to the shaken princess "Euphie? Wha-what's happening here?"

"I don't… It c… Suzaku, my father… I didn't think he would but Schneizel told me to expect this from him eventually."

"So you think we should take Zero up on his offer?" he asked eyeing the Britannian knightmares down below falling to the black frame slash harkens. "So all I've done so far doesn't mean anything… How can I help the people if all the army ask of me is to shoot them down?"

"Yes, innocents are dying and it's our only way to do something about it."

As the last opposing frame fell, crushed under the Gawain's feet, Zero's imposing unit raised to the lodge and the masked man voice boomed from its speakers "Have you come to a decision?"

NWO

"You still didn't tell me why you decided to abandon your first idea, it's not like you to go out of your way for just two people."

"If you must know, it was more heavily flawed than the operation at Narita. Once it would have been revealed that the whole thing was a set up the Britannian would not have let me go peacefully, the crowd would have panicked anyway and immediately caught in the cross fire, plus it would have given an army of hostage and a stronghold to the army. At least this way I could control nearly all the factors and risks."

"I must admit your little scheme proved itself extremely effective then."

"Indeed, not only are the Japanese ready to go to war but the Lancelot will soon be mine! That infernal machine will finally grate on someone else's nerves!" Lelouch smirked as Suzaku guided them from the knightmare's joined palms, his PDA indicating him the Lancelot's position at all time in case of emergency.

"That thing certainly did a number on you, didn't it? You sounded quite maniacal just then." C.C. teased.

Lelouch let out a cough to hide his embarrassment "Enough about that white nightmare, we have most important problem right now." He took off his mask revealing the still present sigil in his left eye "My geass won't turn off, how do you explain that?"

"I knew I sensed something… Don't worry, while I didn't think it would happen until a few more months or even years it's a normal evolution of your geass. I can arrange for a way to counter it but that will take some time, I suggest you to wear an eye patch until then."

"Fine" the raven haired youth pressed a few keys on the mech's control opening the radio link with his second in command "Oghi this is Zero, what's the status on your front?"

NWO

Oghi Kaname was surveying the progress of his troops aboard his Burai when he received Zero's message "We managed to reach the stadium and established a safe zone, apparently the civilians' evacuation went well, our men have just begun the count but we expect a low casualty rate, the Kyoto representative and princess Euphemia have been secured. Otherwise our troops are gaining ground swiftly due to the previous infighting among Britannians, however what appears to be general Darlton's unit has managed to retreat before we reached them, should I send the four holy swords in pursuit?"

'That won't be necessary, it seems that some, including general Darlton, were unaware of the operation and opposed it before our intervention, the least we can do is let them go for now.'

"Uh? Wasn't he in charge of the whole security here? I don't know much about Britannia but shouldn't the top officer included in this kind of thing?"

'Not if the man is your target's sister's right-hand man. Anyway I need you to send Q-1and teams P-7 and K-13 to those coordinates, we have an opportunity to seize a mobile command center, that and a little surprise too…'

NWO

Zero observed the Britannian G-1 and its Sutherland escort on their way to regroup with a counter-attack force from above. He glanced at his IFF transponder to check his men and ace's progress, the two snipers 'knight' unit safely reached its destination on a rooftop north of the mobile fortress' route and the five melee equipped Burai 'pawn' squadron had joined the Guren Mk-II on its south-eastern interception course, judging by their relative speed contact would occur in less than 90 seconds. "C.C., begin our descent…" opening the communication system he addressed his pilots "All units, 1 minute before assault, remember that this operation relies on coordination. Q-1 we're counting on you to tie up the loose ends!"

Lloyd Asplund was one unhappy earl, not even 30 minutes ago he was contently maintaining his precious Lancelot and in an instant a third of the transport's crew went nuts on the rest and the thirteen surviving soldiers, all sane at least, turn to him for guidance, as if it was his fault their commanding officer was the first to fall. Did they really expect that him being a noble would make him some kind of all knowing entity? Well he actually was but his domain was Knightmare engineering not politics! So there he was taking command of the ship heading toward the east and hopefully a safe, heavily guarded, heaven. His assistant Cécile Croomy just handed him a report when alarms flared "What the heck is happening now?" Some operative pushed a few buttons and the giant screen came to live presenting live feed from various cameras. Before anyone could react two of the escorting Sutherlands exploded on the north side while the Gawain the fingers of its left hand at the rear guard destroying four other frame opening the way for five of the elevens' Glasgow copies and a red curvy monstrosity, that could only be one of the foul Rakshata's creation, to tear through the remaining mechs under cover fire from long distance units. Under seconds their whole 15 frame escort has been torn to shreds. "Why didn't the radars detect them!" Looking around he remarked he suffered an operator shortage due to the previous riot and that unfortunately the radar station has been left unattended. Running at it he searched the map for any escape, he let out an exaggerated sigh of relief when he noticed twenty blue dots on the right side of the screen, surely the counter-strike avant-garde flying to his aid at high speeds and transforming simultaneously in bright orange 'Lost signal', gaping he glared at the exterior cameras feedback to see the Gawain's cannons cooling down from a Hadron strike.

'To the crew of this ship, this is Zero! Surrender now or suffer the consequences!' The sixth generation frame pointed its still steaming cannons at the unprotected G-1 'You have 2 minutes to leave unarmed.'

"Gee I guess we don't have much of a choice…" The pudding Earl grinned sheepishly at the shocked men and women.

NWO

The crew obeyed Zero instructions and joined the surviving Sutherland's pilots in front of the towering purple vehicle where three of the rebels pilots manacled them. The black and Gold giant landed and brought its right hand to the ground revealing a brown haired young man.

"So this is how they tracked us, uh Suzaku?"

The former soldier couldn't bring himself to look his 'mentor' in the eyes "I'm sorry sir. But I couldn't stand back, not after what happened today… Miss Croomy I…Please forgive me." He knelt beside the often mad scientist and reached for the Lancelot activation key and went inside the command center to find the machine, leaving Zero to placate the obviously agitated Black Knights.

Kallen Kozuki was literally fuming inside her cockpit "Zero! You can't seriously trust this guy! And let him get to his Knightmare too…" her companions were clearly agreeing with her, if their shouts of protest were any indication.

'Your concern is duly noted Q-1. I assure you that Kururugi has proved himself to me both by his actions and the strenght of his conviction, who are we to complain now that he finally see the light? Beside a large enemy force is still heading our way, we could use a little more fire power while holding for reinforcement…' Just as he finished the white silhouette of the Lancelot exited the G-1 launching bay VARIS riffle in hand accompanied by cries of one engineer about 'his baby'.

NWO

Finally what would be remembered as the Fuji's shame battle had ended with only minimal looses for the rebels as indicated the various reports scattered in front of Lelouch, he read them absentmindedly as he was busy sewing a gold vine motif on a purple piece of cloth.

"This will look absolutely fabulous on you." Said his gold eyed accomplice causing him to grunt in annoyance "So, how did you manage to geass that many soldiers?"

"You mean how I got my way through the barracks? You wouldn't believe how inconspicuous a pizza delivery boy can be to normal people, once inside nobody though twice about my presence. Then it was the usual: steal an uniform, geass left and right, it helped the higher ups decided that isolate them all in one place for safety."

"That's low, even for you… And I believed you didn't want to force your good friend to work for you too."

That had an effect on the rebellion leader who flinched slightly at the accusation "I didn't force anyone, I faced him with a reality he chose to ignore but already subconsciously acknowledged. As it stands I prevented him to lose much in the process."

"Whatever make you sleep at night…"

Lelouch sighed once again "They would never forgive if they knew, would they? And then there are all those people I endangered not even counting those who died."

"Probably not." She seemed to think for a moment "You did the right thing." She stated with finality "You know, usually I would usually tell I wouldn't judge you and stand by your side 'till the end no matter what kind of monster you become but you're actually less arrogant, you consider things can go not accordingly to your plans now… In a way you choose the most difficult path you could, for yourself that is. People greater than you had been destroyed by it and there is little others can do to help. You'll have to deal with the worst of it yourself."

The knowledge that someone understood his motives and accepted his actions lifted Lelouch's spirits, until his mind went back to his victims "How can I? Simply do my most and hope for the best wouldn't even cut it but can I do anything more? I hold to them to succeed, yes that's it, I must keep on no matter what until I make it all worthwhile and bear the consequences." He smirked "You almost sounded like you care, should I be worried?"

"There is so much more to me that you can even conceive."

"Is that so?"

"Of course, for I am C.C."

Lelouch let out a hearty chuckle "To think I ended up quoting you when I was with Euphie! Quite a scary prospect."

C.C. lips twisted in a smirk "At least you know to copy your betters."

Their banter was interrupted by a knock on the door "Zero, this is Suzaku Kururugi, me and the princess would like to thank you properly for your protection, is this a good time or should we come back later?"

The Geass user pondered the issue for a few seconds before slipping his brand new eye patch "Please enter." "Oh that will be good!"

The door opened "Thank yo… Le-lelouch!" The white clad pilot was standing wide eyed and frozen mid-step blocking the pink princess' way.

"Nice to see you too Suzaku. Why don't you take a seat, I understood you came here to thank me. I'm flattered, truly."

"Lulu please don't tease, that's very rude of you."

"Don't be such a spoilsport sister. I just broke the White Knight let me enjoy myself a little."

Said former knight broke out of his shock after this exchange "Euphie you knew? And Lelouch, now I see, I had my doubts before but… actually I can tell most of why now. Um, your eye? Does anyone else know?"

"No one outside this room is aware of my true identity. And that?" He pointed at his covered eye. "A silly thing really: I tripped when leaving the Gawain and hurt my eye, the swelling should go down in…" Lelouch glanced at his companion.

"Two weeks at most."

"… two weeks it seems. But where are my manners? Suzaku, Euphemia, may I introduce C.C. my -now that is difficult- special advisor? C.C., my friend and sister, I suppose you can tell who is whom." After they greeted each other he continued "I am sorry I have deceived you for so long but I didn't believe you would take it well then." He joked.

"I'm still not taking it very well now," Suzaku responded with a small smile "but it's not like I have much of a choice now, eh?"

Euphemia decided to move the conversation back to topic "Anyway Lelouch, we wanted to thank you to take us along but I have something to ask you."

"Am I right to guess it's about Cornelia? Don't worry I know she didn't take any part in… this. I'll do my best and more to capture her alive. You have my word." Lelouch took his sister's hand in his and tried to send her his most heartfelt smile. "Now I believe we must cut this meeting short, I fear I have more important matters to attend. Suzaku, will you join the Black Knights? Your help would be appreciated but I won't force you."

"I can't say I always fought for the Japanese if I back down now. I'll do it."

"Good, your new designation will be Q-2. Don't worry about the others they will eventually warm up to you, you should have a talk with Thodoh first though…"

Once his two guests leaved Lelouch took off his eye patch and putting on his helmet and adjusted his cape, everything had to be perfect for his grand revolutionary speech after all. Finally satisfied he went down the stadium corridors to the open field where a scene has been prepared. He walked at its center adrenaline already coursing through his system. It was his moment of truth, the conclusion of the last seven years of his live. He would deal a blow like no one ever has to the almighty Britannia and that man. He took a deep breath savoring this instant of calm before the storm he would soon unleash.

"People of Japan, People of the World, hear me! For so long I have witnessed the wrongs inflicted upon the powerless by Britannia and for as long I have hoped against hope itself that one day that she would change herself. And recently my hopes came true in the person of princess Euphemia li Britannia, her goodwill and sincerity touched my heart… Alas, Britannia showed us she doesn't share her princess' nobility and for her kindness princess Euphemia has been sentenced to death by her own blood as had been all of those that believe in her dream of piece. Britannia has declared war on all who oppose her then so be it! We will retaliate with the strength an courage of those that have nothing left to lose, and we shall prevail for Justice is on our side! On this day I proclaim the creation of the United States of Japan and declare war on Britannia! We will fight and take back what has always been ours!"

AN: Phew that's done, hope you enjoyed it. It's an idea that has been around my head for awhile and I glad to say I outwitted Lulu here, tactical genius my ***, well I don't have a plot over my head that try to *** me over and over but come on!

For those who fear a canon retelling an original story arc will be about the European front, expect a lot of plotting and backstabbing! Oh, and one word: Odysseus.

Omake:

Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

CITIZEN 1:It's a chainsaw!

RRRRRRRR

CITIZEN 2:It's a motorbike!

RURURURU

CITIZEN 3:It's… Charles zi Britannia!

CHARLES: RUUURUUUUSHUUUUUU!

Sorry I had to let it out.