A/N: Special thanks to Jameyofthemegacosmos, Icysnowsage, Gundam consultant and designer Redrat8, Seerking for contributing ideas and Darklord331, but a HUGE thanks to both Silkdreamweaver (chief beta reader and editor) and Greatkingrat88 for the massive beta work and chapter enhancements.
I am very sorry this chapter has come out so much later than intended, and from this moment forth new chapters will be posted as soon as the beta work is done.
But its almost funny considering the worries I had for the last chapter, THIS chapter ended up needing the most re-working, edits and making a whole new scenes my betas picked up, and personal sickness on my part only delayed things, among other things.
I'll explain more in detail at the end of the chapter.
Chapter 15
In the shadow of miracles
It had been three days since the Battle for Sadogashima. There had been a million things to see— evacuating the wounded, numbering the casualties, resupplying his unit, and so on. But Lelouch finally got the chance to get a full night's sleep. With the situation under control, he decided to tour the island to see the impact the battle had.
Yui, Mariko, Aki, and Tsukiko accompanied Lelouch. They were all in battle dress pants, a black shirt, a brown jacket, and black combat boots.
"Where are we headed?" Yui asked.
"Strictly speaking, we're supposed to tour the island's defenses, but I feel we earned ourselves a little rest and recreation, don't you think?" Lelouch said.
"You can say that again," Yui said, breathing out. "I… I can't believe we did it, you know? That we actually beat them. And… that we're all alive. I… I tried not to think about it, but… I didn't expect all of us to make it."
"I know how you feel." Lelouch nodded. "Wars inevitably mean sacrifices."
"I guess we got lucky," Mariko said. "But… yeah. Not everyone was so lucky."
Despite their success, they still took casualties in the hundreds, mainly from the troops stationed at the wall. It was a staggeringly low number compared to the tens of thousands of aliens they had killed, but every life lost was one not easily replaced.
"We weren't
lucky," Lelouch said firmly. "We were strong, and we were smart. We knew what we were up against and prepared accordingly. When they threw a curve ball our way, we responded quickly. You all made us proud. You made
me proud."
Lelouch fell quiet, a little surprised at the emotion that had come over him. He'd pushed it aside for the battle, but he'd been afraid for all of them. They all mattered to him, and that they were all here, still alive… it made him feel things he did not quite understand.
"We're proud of you, too," Yui said softly. The others nodded, vocalizing their assent.
There was a moment of profound silence between them. The group shared looks, and they all knew and understood- there was a bond between them now, one that nobody but soldiers could understand. They'd had their backs against the wall, risked life and limb, and gone through hell together, and they had come out of it stronger. It felt different between them now, in a way none could deny. Lelouch felt as if he'd give his life for any of them, and they for him. It was… new. Unexpected, but not unwelcome.
"Well," said Mariko, finally breaking the silence. "Yeah. That's… true. But right now, let's try and think of something other than the war, yeah? There'll be plenty more battles to come. For now, we're all alive and together, and I'd like us to do something with the little time we have that isn't just preparing for another battle."
"Sure," Lelouch nodded, glad to move on. "I am just grateful we got a break." He stretched his arms above his head.
"I hear you on that one," Aki said, with both hands behind her head. "I could barely drag myself out of my cockpit when it was finally over."
"I would've suggested a swim at the beach, but the island has nothing but rotting corpses as far as the eye can see. Heck, the waters around the island are still red," Tsukiko complained with a sigh, her hands on her hips.
"Well, that could take days to disperse, and that won't happen until they remove the carcasses, which can take much longer," Mariko remarked.
"All the worse for the people on this island. They can't leave until the corpses are cleared away," Tsukiko complained with a sour expression.
"Because of the human-like heads and faces on some of them?" Lelouch commented in passing, knowing the reason why.
Due to the human-like features of the BETA, many governments feared morale for the war would decline if people started assuming the aliens were some kind of biological weapon out of control. It didn't help that some of the smaller strains looked like humans, possibly recycled DNA from unfortunate prisoners.
Lelouch couldn't say this was a good idea, but perhaps it was for the best. In war, if desperation and fear set in with the public against a foe they couldn't stop, it could escalate into panic and chaos that could potentially damage the war effort.
"Yeah, command fears that too many people would assume the BETA are some bio-weapon gone nuts, which could be bad for unity and morale," Tsukiko replied, shrugging her shoulders. "I know it sounds stupid, but that's just how it is."
"Morale and discipline in an army has broken down for more trivial reasons," Lelouch said sagely. "I don't agree with their reasoning, but I understand the thought process behind it."
"So where should we go?" Aki asked with both hands behind her head, clearly not wanting to continue the depressing line of conversation.
"Let's try some food places or bars. Maybe some have reopened," Mariko suggested.
"Aren't we minors?" Yui asked, noticing the mention of the bar.
"We just beat back a horde of aliens coming to kill them all, and you think they'll turn us down over our age?" Mariko scoffed.
"Fair point," Yui shrugged.
Walking down the island road, they saw people out and about, tending to their fields, working as if nothing had happened despite the signs around them of the recent battle. There were more people in the fields, which had been devastated by the BETA after the first wall had fallen. Beyond the second city, towards the opposite side of the island, were more fields.
Life went on, even in the face of an alien invasion.
Lelouch's musings were cut short as Tsukiko spoke up.
"Hey, what's with the stalkers behind us," she asked, glancing over her shoulder.
"Huh?" Lelouch said.
Everyone turned around. Two young girls, one was around Lelouch and Yui's age, were following behind them at some distance. The first of them had shoulder-length brown hair and amber eyes. The second girl had long black hair and green eyes, but seemed to be a few years older.
"Uh," The first girl said timidly, caught like a deer in headlights. "Hello… are you guys the pilots of those machines? Like the one with the gun that vaporized the monsters with a cannon on its stomach?"
"They probably are. Wasn't one of the pilots an American or something?" The other girl with black hair pointed out.
"Well, that narrows it down," Tsukiko said, nudging Lelouch with a grin. "I guess you got yourself a couple of stalkers."
"Wait, hold on," Lelouch protested.
"It's nothing like that," the brown-haired girl exclaimed quickly. Tsukiko laughed, and both the girls and Lelouch glared at her.
"Sorry, but you were following us for a bit," Tsukiko stated, trying to calm tensions. "What I meant to say is, it sounds like Lelouch has some fans now."
"I suppose that's not surprising," Yui said, eyeing Tsukiko suspiciously with a hint of anger.
"So he
is the pilot. I heard he was a foreigner," the brown-haired girl said. "N-No offense."
"None taken," Lelouch replied.
"I told you," the black-haired girl said excitedly, looking at her friend.
"And you are?" Mariko asked, feeling introductions were in order.
"Right. Sorry. My name is Akeno Shikimori," the black-haired girl introduced.
"And my name is Sakura Usuki," the other girl said, bowing politely. "I wanted to thank you for your efforts. Everyone defending this island deserves thanks, but they say you're the one who held it all together and gave us this victory."
"Me?" Lelouch asked, confused.
"I've heard you have the favor of the Shogun herself despite not being born in Japan. People think you are special somehow," Sakura answered. "Some are calling you the Shogun's Knight."
"The Shogun's Knight?" Yui asked.
So I am already getting a cognomen, like my mother did? Lelouch thought.
Like Marianne the Flash…
Lelouch didn't notice it earlier, but as they walked through the farmland area, people pointed, stared, and whispered in hushed tones. Had they not been busy with work, he suspected they would have approached; they had a curious energy.
"I am just so glad we got to meet you first. Hey Sakura, get a picture of me with him!" Akeno exclaimed, throwing an arm over Lelouch's shoulder.
"I don't have my camera on me. I didn't know we would be running into him," Sakura replied.
"Okay," Akemi said, not easily discouraged. "How about your Unit ID number? We could send letters to you instead!"
"I, uh-" Lelouch said, a little stunned. He didn't
really want a ton of fan mail. How could he decline politely?
"I can help with that," Aki replied, smiling.
"Aki, shouldn't Lelouch be the one to decide that!?" Yui said with an annoyed look.
"What's the harm in it?" Aki replied, shrugging her shoulders. "He clearly has fans, and if they become friends, the more the merrier, right?"
"Maybe," Yui said. She was suspicious of the two girls, or at least of Akeno.
"Someone is feeling threatened," Tsukiko snickered, causing Mariko to elbow her lightly.
"What!?"
"I don't think Lelouch has been assigned a proper unit ID yet. Why don't I take your information instead? That way, I can give you the proper information once it's available," Mariko offered diplomatically.
Just like that, Mariko had averted a possible crisis, at least for Lelouch, who wasn't quite used to his newfound fame. After Kyoto and Sadogashima, he had expected some recognition, but this was a little more than he was prepared for.
All the more reason I should keep my identity a secret, Lelouch thought amusedly.
Meanwhile, Yuuhi met with Claude at the Shogun's Tokyo residence. Mana stood beside the Shogun herself, with Yuuhi and Claude seated at a wooden round table across from one another. Claude was smiling, but Yuuhi was serious. Dark rings under her eyes denoted the recent stresses of her work.
"I have good news," Claude said with a grin. "I've made arrangements with the Mining Union. They are more than interested in working with Lieutenant Lamperouge and Major Tsukuyomi. They rarely work with warships and the kind of machines they will have, so some mercenary work should help ensure a stable flow of credits and access to necessary resources for both the ship and your country."
"And the training for Lelouch's new squad in space combat? I trust the pirates won't be too much for them?"
Claude began laughing. Seeing Mana begin to draw a kunai from her sleeve, she abruptly stopped herself. "Oh, my apologies, Lady Shogun. That was just too funny."
"Could you elaborate?" The Shogun asked.
"Of course. Space pirates use whatever Ryders they can find from junkyards or on the black market. Those machines are at least around a hundred years old. All old-fashioned and run-of-the-mill."
"Ryders?" Yuuhi asked while Mana paid close attention.
"Since you're all familiar with different worlds besides our own, you should know that they all have their names for humanoid mechanical weapons," Claude explained, displaying a Takemazuchi using a handheld holo-device. Next was the Izanagi Gundam, then what Lelouch would identify as a Glasgow, and finally, a flashy pink robot with panels and a mechanical claw, "In your world, you call them Tactical Surface Fighters. The world where Gundams are known to them as Mobile Suits. Lelouch's homeworld has a similar weapon called a Knightmare Frame, and in the world where I'll be sending Lelouch, they refer to their machines as Ryders. If you want to simplify the terms, we can classify them all as 'Mecha' or 'robots.'"
"I see. What are their strengths and limitations?" Yuuhi asked.
"Good question. Ryders are built specifically to operate in space. Let's just say attempts to use them on a planet's surface with gravity have ended…
badly," Claude replied with a chuckle. "But depending on their weapons and the technology behind them, they can be quite dangerous with a skilled pilot behind the controls."
"In other words, as long as no one gets careless, they should have no problem with them," Yuuhi noted.
"Pretty much. Space pirates in the Ryuvian Galaxy use anything they get off a junk heap or the black market. But as I said, the New Empire models are hopelessly outdated. They use a metal shield and a laser weapon. Their ships are more of a threat, but even then, they just slap whatever weapons they can onto it. Overall, it should be easy money for Lelouch and his Gundam, which gives him a massive advantage. As for his squad, it will be good training for space combat," Claude replied confidently.
"Obtaining the rewards from the bounties should be an easy task, then?"
"Uh-huh. It also means access to resources for your country, and Lelouch will gain the supplies the ship will need, so logistics shouldn't be an issue," Claude replied reassuringly.
"Yes, but the crew we have may not be properly trained. Especially the engineers we had to put together on such short notice," Yuuhi said.
On the one hand, it was impressive how they could train and crew another advanced warship, but it was a skeleton crew at best. The crew meant for Lelouch and the
Takarabune had gone to Lady Kyoko instead. She was to assist their allies at the Suez Canal to ensure America wouldn't abandon its treaty obligations while cementing new deals and political arrangements she made with America, the UN, and Australia.
On the flip side, this left Lelouch- the man they were supposed to sponsor- without a ship. Claude had given them the nameless ship as a training vessel sufficient for Lelouch's current needs. The bigger problem was ensuring it had a capable crew, which meant finding suitable people- engineers, technicians, sailors, gunners, navigators- and vetting them all in a timely manner.
Yuuhi had heard the recent rumors about Lelouch. Most were positive; some were not, but there were just almost as many not-so-positive rumors about her. It didn't surprise her, but she had hoped his accomplishments at Kyoto and Sadogashima would overshadow the prejudices, but it seemed to have only barely diminished them. She'd had little choice but to outsource to foreign nations like Australia, ensuring both sides got a good deal out of it to avoid political backlash.
They had scraped together enough people to crew the ship, but besides finding those willing to work under a foreigner in command, having those with the needed skills was just as much of a headache.
"As for training, I did make arrangements with the Mining Union. In return for payment, their engineers will teach the engineering crew of his ship and those needing it. That should help both Lelouch and Japan since they need more engineers," Claude added. "I also made additional arrangements with the Asticassia School of Technology from Ad Stella Earth in the Parallel Galaxy."
"I see," Yuuhi said, uneasy about the arrangement.
The Parallel Galaxy, as Claude called it, was once a normal galaxy, but someone of Claude's similar capabilities had recklessly used their new abilities. Over time, it caused reality-destroying paradoxes. Claude and another were able to repair the damage by
patching the damage by basically
copying and pasting their Earth from a different time to replace much of the destroyed patches of reality, which had seemed the only way to restore the galaxy.
Some, like Mana, assumed Claude and her partners thought it a quicker solution. To prevent these Earths from becoming too similar, each one had subtle changes introduced, such as a rare resource or something else, to ensure they would diverge at some point in their history, avoiding any chances for further reality-destroying paradoxes. Yuuhi suspected Claude and her fellows had probably used their creation of multiple Earths to conduct experiments on their powers to study them further while avoiding further repeats of what happened. Thus, many alternative Earths were created, such as Lelouch's world and others.
Of course, it was questionable whether Claude was being honest about whether their Earth was indeed the original.
"Can this Benerit Group be really trusted?" Yuuhi asked, taking a sip of tea before her.
"Heck no," Claude replied, waving a hand dismissively. "But their drive for profits and desire to one-up each other can be useful."
Yuuhi didn't disagree with Claude's point, but the danger was still there, and she felt uneasy sending Lelouch and others to such a dangerous snake pit, even if it was just a school.
"I've spoken to Delling Rembran and the Burion Company and made all the arrangements. Don't worry. As long as nothing bad happens to Lelouch and the others, I won't punish them as a goddess," Claude stated with a wink.
"But aren't you prevented from using your abilities in such a way?"
"There are ways I can punish them using only small applications of my powers, and I've made sure they know I am the one girl they don't want on their bad side," Claude said, grinning. Yuuhi wondered what threats she had used to get them to comply.
"But of course, the Burion Company wants Lelouch to collect and bring them any mobile suits they find. In return, they'll support him and cover his entry into the school along with anyone else. Furthermore, they'll offer resources and support for his ship and whatever they can for the Empire of Japan. All of the necessary cover stories for Lelouch and those attending with him are taken care of, with special exceptions in place to cover their
absences."
"But you can't do this for Lelouch everywhere, can you?"
"Nope, the rest he'll have to do on his own. I'll keep supplying replacement parts for his and the Gundam as needed until you can handle them on your own," Claude said, wagging her right index finger to remind Yuuhi.
"Of course. I can only hope he'll be able to do his best then."
"Respectfully, ma'am, I must ask if it's alright to allow a child, no matter how capable, to handle such matters?" Mana protested calmly.
"I understand your worries, but I have faith in Lelouch. He's intelligent and driven, like me. The upcoming dinner I intend to host with him and others will allow me to demonstrate that," Yuuhi reassured.
"I think you got it all figured out. Very impressive," Claude complimented. "Tell me, do you expect you can really solve all of this as our Shogun? Not that I am questioning your abilities…"
Yuuhi gave her a look. "It's not a matter of 'expecting to.' I
have to. There is no other choice. I finally have the authority to do what is needed and give it all I've got. It will have to be enough. The alternative does not bear thinking about."
"Hear, hear," Claude said firmly. Even with their recent victory, they had a long road ahead.
Elsewhere, on Sadogashima, Lelouch and the gang had found an Izakaya restaurant for lunch. The place was called Shiratsuyu. It was small but had available seating, with only two other patrons at one of the other tables.
Sakura was allowed to come along after obtaining permission from her grandfather, who wanted her to learn more about Lelouch.
"How about I take care of the orders? Just tell me what you want. It'll be my treat," Mariko offered.
"If you're sure, I'll take some Teishoku with beef," Aki said, first to accept Mariko's offer.
"If you don't mind, I'll take some udon with soy sauce," Yui said humbly, not wanting to take advantage of Mariko's kindness.
"I'll go for some Teishoku with beef myself," Lelouch ordered.
"Yakitori with a side of rice," Tsukiko decided after deliberation.
"Sushi with some miso soup," Sakura said after hesitating.
"I'll take what Lelouch is having," Akeno answered.
After making their orders, the group sat down at a table. Lelouch sat with Yui on his left and Sakura on his right.
"Thank you for lunch, Lieutenant Amemiya," Lelouch said gratefully.
"Not at all. Please, call me Mariko. We're all off duty," Mariko replied politely.
Oh, do we have a new challenger? Aki thought with an amused grin.
Yui wasn't too concerned. Mariko normally didn't care much about maintaining proper formalities when off duty. Seeing how she had been quietly following them, Sakura's curiosity about Lelouch and his machine seemed innocent enough. "So, Lelouch, have you been living in Japan for a long time?"
"I suppose I have been living in Japan since I was nine," Lelouch replied. It was technically true, although it had been a
different Japan.
"That explains why your Japanese is so impressive," Mariko observed.
"Thank you. It was mostly self-taught, but I got better with time," Lelouch replied.
"That reminds me, I heard you were meant to join Lady Kyoko's White Fang, Mariko," Yui asked.
"You're wondering why I'm here and not in Suez?" Mariko said. "You can blame our treaty and our latest technological advancement for that."
From what I understand, most of the world's food production currently comes from Africa, Lelouch recalled.
Despite Japan's own food production, it pales in comparison to what Africa provides. I doubt Japan or most other nations can feed their populations and obtain the required materials for weapons against the BETA should the continent fall.
"Look at Lelouch; he knows what's up. Africa is the breadbasket of the world. It also houses millions of displaced refugees from Europe. If Africa falls to the BETA, it would be a disaster," Aki explained.
"But why would Japan be called to defend Suez?" Akeno inquired.
"For one, it is the best path for the BETA to pour into Africa," Yui explained. "It might sound cold, but Africa is worth more to America than Japan."
"Which means the Americans considered pulling their forces out of Japan to defend Suez," Mariko explained. "It's not just to feed their people but also protect the refugees who have flooded the continent. Even the Russians no longer have the means to grow their own food with their government operating from a portion of Alaska being rented to them by America."
"I get it. So with the new weapons and battleship, Lady Kyoko took them to go and relieve Africa, allowing the Americans to continue supporting us without worrying about Suez," Aki pieced together.
"That's right," Mariko said with a nod. "As powerful as the new machines are, there are still too few to drive back the BETA. Given our recent losses against the invaders, we just don't have sufficient manpower or weapons at the moment to begin pushing them back."
"The real problem is that defenders will become fatigued. The lack of manpower means many will have to hold the lines for hours without rotation. Not many opportunities for rest," Lelouch deduced.
"Correct," Mariko confirmed. "With the Americans supporting us, they can give our defenders much-needed rest and relief, easing the burdens of war. At the same time, America has promised its production capabilities to help mass produce the new weapons even faster so we can get them to our soldiers as soon as possible."
"I'm just a bit more worried about Japan's new position thanks to our new weaponry," Yui remarked. "At this moment, Japan has an
over-abundance of military firepower, which is surely attracting the world's attention."
"Come on," Aki patted Yui. "Sounds like more of a relief than you're making it out to be."
"Actually," Mariko said in a matter-of-fact tone. "All members of the Royal Guard assigned to the Shogun and as guards to other Regent Household heads are trained as shinobi."
Tsukiko's eye twitched in annoyance. Even worse, Mariko had made it sound like this was a commonly known fact.
"Well, to think the pilots of those super machines are here," a voice said.
Turning around, the group found that the occupants at the other table were Commanders Kaoru Sakazaki and Suzuno Ogura. The pair, having finished their meal, walked over to meet the group. They were dressed in the same uniform as Mariko.
"Funny, I didn't think to run to you two here too," Yui stated, surprised to see the base's squadron commanders.
"Suzuno and I like to come here. The food is good and usually quiet," Kaoru replied before looking at Lelouch. "I'm glad you had no problem making it through town."
"Why is that?" Aki inquired.
"You know how some of our people feel about foreigners, especially Americans," Suzuno said before expressing understanding to Lelouch. "Don't misunderstand. We are not ungrateful for your help in defending this island."
"I understand. It wouldn't be the first time for me. I lived in Japan since I was ten years old. I'd get hassled trying to buy groceries, and I couldn't fight back, or it'd get worse for me. You get used to it."
Thinking back on that, I am grateful for Suzaku's intervention. Without him, I doubt Nunnally and I would've survived that month Britannia fought against Japan for their nation, Lelouch recalled the invasion.
"Still, thanks for the help," Kaoru said.
"Pleasure to be of service," Lelouch replied.
Aki couldn't help but smile, which earned her a disapproving glare from Yui.
"What's so funny?" Tsukiko asked, eyeing Aki suspiciously.
"Nothing much. But aren't you worried, Yui?" Aki grinned mischievously at Yui.
"Worried about what?"
"You are so dense," Aki replied, shaking her head.
"About what?" Lelouch asked.
Although Yui eyed Aki with annoyance, the feelings underneath were quite different.
Of course, I do. Look at them surrounding Lelouch… I can't believe he doesn't notice. He's the dense one. No, wait- I shouldn't think that about him. Besides, he is too focused on his goals even to consider them, but…what does that mean for me?
Unaware of Yui's thoughts and Aki's implications, Lelouch was left to his own, much calmer thoughts.
Now that I think about it, was Michiru really assigned to our training unit just to protect me from Marimo's harsh methods, or was she there to ensure no one from within the unit would try to harm me?
Lelouch's thoughts were interrupted by Suzuno.
"By the way, did you see that ship the other day?"
"I saw it myself," Kaoru commented. "It looked like it was touching down on Ogi when they cleared a spot on the docks."
"It's one of the main ports for ferrying to the mainland," Mariko asked.
"The other one is Ryotsu, which is on the other side of the island." Suzuno said, "From what I've heard from reports, the ports at Ogi were better suited for that ship."
"I see," Lelouch said.
"So… Lelouch?" asked Akeno.
"Hm?" the exiled prince replied.
"I have to go soon, but… well, I was wondering- I was wondering if- if er, if…" She was blushing. Lelouch stared at her, nonplussed. What was her deal exactly? Did everyone get this flustered around a
war hero or something?
"If what?" He said, genuinely confused.
"Well, I was thinking- I was thinking-" She trailed off, a frustrated look. She took a deep breath, her face growing red as a tomato, and a strange look of determination came across her face.
"
I was thinking that I know you probably won't be stationed here forever, but while you are… you could, maybe take my number." She quickly handed over a small scrap of paper, taken from her pocket. A bit perplexed, Lelouch took it.
"Er. Thanks?"
"I was thinking we could… meet up," Akeno squealed, sounding a little desperate. "We could spend some time together. And… get to know each other."
"Like what?"
"...you know,
things. Use your imagination." He hadn't thought it'd be possible for her to get redder, but she did.
"Like… going out to lunch?"
"Like- like that, yes. And… other things."
"Like what?" Lelouch was genuinely confused.
"You- you're just impossible! I'm-" Frustrated she stood up, marching away in a huff. She walked away from them, pausing a few meters down the line to call out,
"Call me, okay?" before continuing to storm off. Lelouch looked over to his friends, utterly confused. A grin spread across Akeno's face, and along with Tsukiko, she burst out laughing. Even Yui smiled, ever so slightly.
"...will somebody tell me what's going on?" Lelouch demanded, a little irritated.
"Oh man, I know men can be dense… but you're a special case, aren't you?" Tsukiko laughed, wiping a tear from her eye.
"Be nice," Yui said firmly. "The thing of it is… how do I say this…"
"She wanted to sleep with you," Tsukiko said bluntly, "she was practically
throwing herself at you. All you had to say was
yes, I'll see you later, and you'd be guaranteed a lay."
"That- that can't-
really?" Lelouch stuttered.
"You can't be surprised, can you?" Tsukiko chuckled. "You're an officer. Some girls will go for that alone. You've got a nice uniform,
and you just helped win a major battle. You could have almost any girl you want, I think."
"I hadn't- I'm not that type of…"
"We know you're not," Yui said, reassuringly patting his arm. "But um. Yes. Tsukiko has a point. There's a certain type of girl, or guy too, who would do anything for someone in uniform."
"...
huh," Lelouch said. He was a bit floored. He couldn't fault the girls' logic, but…
He'd never really considered it. Sex had always seemed so… distant, secondary. The idea that he- Lelouch Lamperouge, scrawny and weak- could be considered
attractive. That would take some getting used to. But it was not an…
unpleasant thought.
At Ogi, Mana had just returned to check on the docked ship as repairs were underway. She walked along the docks, originally one of the ferry ports that transported passengers from Sadogashima to the mainland. While the crew made repairs on the outside hull, the island's garrison was busy using forklifts and bulldozers to clean up the remains of the battle. It had taken a good while to clear off all the alien carcasses before the ship could land.
It seems the damage to the ship isn't crippling, so we should be ready in a couple of days if all goes well, Maya thought before noticing someone approaching her from behind.
"It's you. I suppose we have you to thank for the supplies to repair the ship?" She said.
"Oh, is that how you greet me? How cold. Would it kill you to loosen up a little?" Claude said playfully, with both hands on her hips.
"What is it that you want?" Mana asked with a sigh.
"If only you could tell them about the BETA and let the people on this island go, you could've bought yourself some more time."
"You know why we can't do that," Mana glared, annoyed as Claude sidestepped her question.
"Well, with the mess that the Laser Fort made with its fight with the Gundams out in the open, it would be impossible to explain all that feasibly, given your ridiculous self-imposed conditions."
The Laser Fort had torn huge holes in its coastal walls, and it was hard for people to not see even miles away. Even now, its blasts' molten glass and charred half pipes were impossible to cover up. Many homes were obliterated, and many personnel outside the TSFs had been disintegrated as well. Explaining that incident would be tough, and they could only delay reporting what was happening.
"Speak no more of it. If you do, it will not matter if you're a time traveler," Maya raised a kunai at Claude. An instant later, though, Claude had teleported behind her.
"There's so much I'm doing for you, and that's your response?" Claude fumed. "You should be lucky I chose you girls. I'm giving you a chance to survive. Without me, within the next few years, your next enemy will be an enemy fleet of several hundred thousand spaceships. With each and every one of them larger, faster, more armored, and far more armed than the largest battleship you have. What were they called… the Yamato?" Claude scratched her head.
Maya was familiar with that class of ships. The Yamato was the largest ship class in the Imperial Japanese Navy. Arguably, they were some of the largest ships made in the world ever since their construction in World War II. The Yamato Kai was constructed shortly after, with their effectiveness proven against the BETA following their invasion.
"What do you mean?"
"That the Yamato-class Battleship is considered insignificant to them."
"Insignificant?" Maya raised an eyebrow.
"Imagine said vessel plus all of its guns being armed with weapons similar to those Laser-class BETA that's giving you trouble, plus shielding with the same science. Couple that with a compliment equivalent to six TFSs, and what you have there is a mere cruiser of the enemy fleet."
"You're saying a battleship like the Yamato is no more than a cruiser to them?" Maya's eyes narrowed.
"
Then, besides considering they're all piloted by
humans, multiply that firepower by the scale I just gave you…"
The Royal Guardswoman shuddered to think of an enemy on such a large scale.
If Lamperouge's enemy is that large, then yes, fighting them alone will be impossible.
"And that's just one kind of you'll be facing, too," Claude said. "For one thing, there are machines that can bend space-time like I can. Even smaller powered armor can be compacted into swords and necklaces, each capable of taking on an entire military superpower. There is even a space version of the BETA, attacking other life forms that look like cancer cells to them."
"And will this technology you are offering as a prize in your game help us against them?" Maya asked.
"Yes, provided no one beats him for it first."
Elsewhere...
"The answer is
no!" General Takigahara snarled, slamming his fist onto his desk. A gaggle of junior officers had forced him into this meeting, protesting their passivity and demanding action. There was a worrying amount of them, a dozen or so men, all troublemakers with more patriotic feelings than brains.
"General, we have to act. Japan is under occupation by alien scum. Our people are suffering. Did our forefathers sacrifice so much only for these
beasts to take it all from us?" Demanded Major Kigami. He was too young for his rank, in Takigahara's. A result of the dire situation the army was in.
There was a murmur of agreement running through the ranks. Takigahara surveyed the crowd, scanning through the command tent. The nerve of these people.
"You know we are stretched too thin," Takigahara hissed. "You
know a single misstep could cost us not just Japan but the world. The Shogun gave us an order, damn it!"
"The Shogun sits in her palace without caring a dime for the soldiers whose blood she sheds," scoffed Kigami. Again, a murmur of growing approval.
"What would you do, exactly? Disobey orders?" The General demanded.
"I would have us
act, General! I would have us take back what is rightfully ours instead of dallying."
"Officers have been executed for exactly the kind of insubordination that you're suggesting," Takigahara said, his voice low. "You will know your place and follow orders. That's final!"
"So you're telling me all we can expect from our leadership is more inaction?" Kigami questioned judgmentally.
"I expect you to do your duty and
obey! I expect you to-"
Mid-sentence, Kigami pulled out his sidearm and fired. The shot rang out, and Takigahara choked on his own words as he collapsed in his chair. There was silence among the officers for a moment until Kigami spoke up.
"Thus to all cowards. Now, prepare to move out. It's time to retake our lands from the invaders. We don't need foreign help or their weapons!" There was a loud cheer this time. They would make their own destiny, Shogun be damned.
Later that afternoon, Mana and Claude entered the hangar of the nameless ship. The Gundams were standing in single file on one side. Claude looked upon the war machines: the Izanami, Izanagi, Tsuna, Suetake, and the Kintoki. Of course, none of them were perfect in anything other than the line they were in. The Izanami had suffered serious damage, especially to its right arm, but it could be repaired easily. The Sadamitsu had suffered heavier damage, and though repairs were underway, the Gundams' state caused Claude to frown.
Nearby, Shimako and Kasuza were having a conversation by some crates.
"It seems surprising the BETA could adapt to our new weapons during the battle. The tactics they used indicate as much. But how could they have learned about our weapons so quickly?" Shimako contemplated before being lightly tapped on the shoulder by Kasuza.
"Kyoto! Where else would they have seen all of our tech in action!?"
"But it seems too quick," Shimako said, rubbing her head.
"Muuu," Claude pouted as she and Mana approached the pair. "To think that you would already put your toys in this condition! Don't you know how much time and money it will cost to bring these back to full spec!?"
"Aren't you providing all the spare parts and materials needed?" Kazusa asked.
"Yes, but only until you obtain your own source for them. Even then, I won't keep doing it indefinitely, so I would advise you to avoid damaging your toys too much," Claude warned.
"Maybe you should have given us some warning then," Lelouch said, walking in with Aki, Mariko, Tsukiko, and Yui in tow.
"What do you mean?" Claude asked coyly.
"You could've warned us about the Laser-Fort class," Yui stated, thinking about how Shimako was nearly killed.
"Did you seriously think after Kyoto, the BETA wouldn't adapt? Why, I didn't expect them to bring the Laser-Fort class into play so soon, but my point stands." Claude grinned and waved her right index finger. "Besides, no one you knew died, and you won anyway, right?"
"I suppose," Yui said resignedly, shooting her a sour look.
"Is there anything else we should know? Now is the time to share if you do," Lelouch said.
"No. Given the BETA you killed, the only ones left are still wandering around in areas Japan had lost," Claude replied. "With the loss of the hive in Korea, they should either return to the nearest hive or attempt to make a new one themselves."
"Then the focus should be preventing them from doing so," Yui said.
"The only problem would be where they could attempt to establish a hive with the forces they have left. Depending on its location, our ability to attack it could be hindered by the Laser-class roaming the countryside," Kazusa pointed out.
"They have no shortage of places to build a new hive," Shimako said sadly. Much of Japan's territory south of Kyoto had been lost to the aliens.
"Our saving grace might be that their limited numbers will be insufficient for building a new Hive," Lelouch pointed out.
"Depends on how many BETA are still roaming Japan and not throwing themselves at the Kyoto Defensive Line," Kazusa added.
"Too bad we just can't steamroll them already," Aki remarked, with both hands behind her head.
"The problem is we just don't have the manpower. If we send out men from the defense line to retake parts of Japan, it could open us up to an attack. Japan's losses and its chain of command being a mess left their forces stretched thin. They'll need to reorganize before attempting such operations," Lelouch pointed out.
"It might be safer to demolish cities like Kyoto," Tsukiko suggested. "You've got lots of smaller BETA strains roaming the buildings and tunnels running below it."
"Some might not agree with you on that," Mariko countered with a sad smile. "That being said, it would be safer to do so since the fighting badly damaged many buildings and structures. It may have to be demolished and rebuilt from scratch anyway."
"There are a lot of towns and cities that are a huge mess from the BETA surging through them," Tsukiko agreed as she folded her arms around her stomach. "It would be easier than trying to repair the buildings and risk more lives trying to clean out the smaller BETA strains,"
Without voicing it, Lelouch also agreed. In the decades since the invasion, reclaiming land lost to the BETA was a rare occurrence and sometimes short-lived. Even land currently held onto was constantly threatened with being overrun. Regardless, it was clear that for Japan to retake its lost land, it would need to clean out the lingering aliens in Japan.
Yui had invited Lelouch to the hangar the following day. Apparently, someone special had arrived this morning.
Curious, Lelouch stepped out of his room, heading for the hangar. Upon arriving, Lelouch quickly spotted Yui speaking to someone wearing the same yellow-colored uniform as her. He was an older man in his late thirties with short brown hair and amber eyes. Lelouch approached slowly, not wanting to interrupt their conversation, but Yui noticed his arrival.
"Lelouch, thank you for coming," she greeted.
"So this is the young man you've spoken so highly about," the man replied with a smile.
"Good day, sir," Lelouch said, bowing in the traditional Japanese fashion. "I am Lieutenant Lelouch Lamperouge. And you are?"
"Lelouch, this is my father, Takamura Masatada," Yui introduced.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lelouch Lamperouge finally," Masatada greeted Lelouch as he offered his hand.
"Likewise. Your daughter said you were behind the Type-82 Zuikaku and the new melee weapons they used. A most impressive feat."
"Actually," Masatada began with a knowing smile, "I was involved with creating the Gundams and the Minamoto Units."
"Huh. I thought Cumpa Rusita had designed those machines," Yui said.
"He did, for the most part. However, while he handled many of the technical details and adapted the various technologies used by the Gundams, someone familiar with Tactical Surface Fighters and the aliens had to be involved. Otherwise, the Gundams, especially the Mimnaoto, wouldn't be as user-friendly as they are," Masatade explained. "I laid out concept designs and design aims for what would be needed for them to face the BETA and other enemies, while Rustia handled the rest."
"That does make sense," Lelouch said. "It seems to have borne fruit."
"Remember, Yui, our family were swordsmiths in the past, famous for our craft. Creating something like TSFs and mobile suits can now be considered simply a new kind of sword for Japan," Masatada explained with a proud smile. "Most importantly, I am glad they performed beyond expectation with you two as pilots." The older man seemed moved, tears in his eyes.
"Father…" Yui said, taken aback.
"You have no idea how relieved I was to hear you protected your friends and survived your first battle against the enemy. Now you and all of your friends have stopped a second BETA invasion force in its tracks," Masatada said, taking a deep breath and composing himself. "As head of the Takamura Family, I am proud and honored you chose to be a pilot to defend our nation as part of the Royal Guard, but as your father, I was deeply worried for your well-being. Many who fight the aliens never survive their first battle."
"I understand, father. Although I don't regret my choice, I am sorry for the worry it has caused you and Mother," Yui apologized, an understanding expression on her face.
"It's fine. I am proud of you, but let's continue this conversation in your room. There is much I would like to hear," Masatada said, eager to catch up with his daughter.
Aki, Izumi, and Shimako watched from behind some crates. Tsukiko noticed them as she walked by, entered the hangar, and quietly walked up behind them.
"What the heck are you three doing? What are you, children?" She demanded loudly.
Aki, startled, turned around to see the older woman with both hands on her hips, giving them a look of disapproval.
"I was just here to make sure she didn't cause a scene," Shimako said fearfully, shying away.
"This is not uncommon for her to do. I can only apologize for her childlessness," Izumi said with a straight face.
"Oh, come on," Aki complained, snapping at her friends. "You turncoats, neither of you hesitated to join me in investigating Yui's love life!"
"Love life?" Tsukiko said before realizing what was going on. "Oh, I see- spying on your own friend to see how far she and Lelouch are as a couple."
"We're just trying to look after our friend," Aki lied.
"And this surely wouldn't be used as teasing material against Yui, would it?" Tsukiko pointed out.
"I think she got you there," Shimako said.
"You've always poked your nose into other people's love lives,
especially mine," Izumi stated, looking at Aki with irritation.
"Maybe you're jealous," Tsukiko teased with a grin.
"Jealous?" Aki said with a flash of anger. Tsukiko had touched a nerve. "Come on! Lelouch is already being introduced to Yui's dad. That's a clear sign something is going on between them."
Good deflection, Tsukiko thought.
"He's just visiting Yui. He almost never gets to see her due to his work. Given how much time they've spent together, he probably wanted to meet Lelouch too," Shimako explained, trying to defuse the situation.
"Which means there is nothing to suggest Lelouch is Yui's boyfriend. It's too soon for that. Relationships take time. Trust me, I know," Izumi pointed out.
"Okay, sure, but aren't you curious? I mean, aren't you interested in him?" Aki said before a look of dread appeared on her own face as Izumi's eyes flashed with anger.
Oh crap, Aki thought, realizing her mistake.
"You think I would just drop the boy I cared for and loved so quickly? You are a big idiot, Aki," Izumi said with barely restrained anger.
"Izumi, you know Aki just runs her mouth without thinking most of the time," Shimako said, intervening before Izumi could lash out at Aki. "Right, Aki?"
"Uh yeah. I am sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I mean, you both lost someone dear, so I just assumed you two would be close because of that." Aki cowarded under Izumi's angry gaze.
And what do you mean by 'most of the time,' Shimako? Aki thought, taking care not to redraw Izumi's anger. Thankfully, Izumi calmed herself down, much to Aki's relief.
"I suppose you are not wrong there. Our shared losses made it easy for us to become friends," Izumi admitted before warning Aki with a glare. "But next time, you better be mindful of what you say."
"Right, no problem," Aki said, feeling nervous.
Whew, I am glad that didn't escalate, Tsukiko thought. It was a thought also shared by Shimako. They hoped things would remain quiet, but neither knew that was impossible.
Inside Yui's cabin aboard the ship, Lelouch and Masatada were left alone while Yui went to get something from the mess hall. The air was tense, at least for Lelouch; he didn't know what to discuss. Was he supposed to initiate conversation?
"Well, from what I've heard, you and Yui spent a lot of time together," Masatada said, breaking the ice.
"Yes, sir," Lelouch answered.
"No need to be stiff around me," Masatada sighed. "It's bad enough Yui acts this formal at home when I've told her she could unwind a little. I guess Senya was too successful in raising her."
Very well, Lelouch had heard from Kazusa, Yui, and others how members of the Royal Guard's samurai families had to conduct themselves like the influential households back in his world's Japan. Yui and Kazusa's families especially seemed to be the favorite targets of the media, looking for the
slightest thing they could twist into a story.
"Right. Is Yui's mother doing well?"
"Yes. Senya has been relocated to a safer location north of Tokyo," Masatada answered. "But let's talk about you. Over a game if you don't mind."
Masatada gestured to the shogi board that lay set up on the table.
Is this why Yui had this board set up? Lelouch thought. Had Yui left just to get them to interact alone for a while?
"Certainly," Lelouch said, taking the silent gesture to go first, opening by moving the king.
"Interesting move." Said Masatada skeptically.
"If the king doesn't move, how can he expect his subjects to follow?" Lelouch answered.
"You are a curious young man, Lelouch. Very well then; let's have a game."
Around the same time, Yui was waiting in the mess hall, seated at a table. She sighed, feeling ridiculous. This was her excuse? It made her increasingly anxious.
What if Father doesn't approve of Lelouch? What if some disagreement happens between them? Yui thought as various scenarios filled her mind, causing her anxiety to grow. Before it could get worse, Kazusa broke her train of thought.
"Troubled?"
"Huh?!" Yui sputtered. She hadn't even noticed the other girl coming.
"What is going on?"
"I'm- it's silly. My father is here, and I made an excuse to get out so they could… talk."
"I see. Well, I would take it as a good thing."
"How?"
"Don't try to lie to me, Yui. You have a crush on him. So, you want to make sure your father approves," Kazusa questioned. Yui's cheeks reddened.
"I don't! It's, uh-" Yui began, but she trailed off under Kazusa's steely gaze.
"Then you won't mind if I or someone else claims him?" Kazusa asked with a smirk.
"You can't!" Yui cried, her anxiety spiking.
"Yui, the more successful Lelouch is, the more women will be drawn to him. Sooner or later, one of them will make a move. Either me or someone else." Kazusa warned.
"I…"
"Something to mull on while you wait for your father to finish his talk with Lelouch," Kazusa stated, taking her leave.
It was thirty minutes before an anxious Yui returned. She felt nervous as she approached the room.
What if her father didn't like him? What if he forbade her from seeing him? What if-
Despite her fears, she needn't have worried. As she approached, she could hear a spirited conversation.
"Knightmare Frames have a simplified control system, which doesn't use an indirect brainwave interface used by a TSF," Lelouch explained enthusiastically. "This makes them quick and versatile, although less powerful."
"I see. So the pilot suits are nothing like Fortified Suits either?" Masatada inquired.
"That's right. Just basic suits with limited protection and temperature regulation."
Yui, pausing by the door, found herself not wanting to interrupt. It was a great relief to hear them getting along. Looking at the table between them, Yui's eyes widened to see her father had lost to Lelouch in a game of shogi.
It doesn't look like his defeat was too crushing, so it must have been a hard-fought match, Yui thought, disappointed she missed their game. Judging by the pieces lost to either side, he had at least put up a fight.
"Oh! Welcome back, Yui. I trust you brought our drinks," Masatada called out. Yui froze like a deer in headlights for a moment before recovering.
"Uh, yes. Here you go…" Yui replied, handing the drinks over..
"Thank you. And you didn't mention you tried a Knightmare Frame simulator?" Masatada said, intrigued. "I'll have to ask that you tell me about that."
"Of course, father," Yui replied. "You see, the first principle in piloting a Knightmare Frame comes down to the cockpit layout, which differs from model to model…"
Her father listened with rapt attention as she began describing her experience.
Meanwhile, Yuzuka, Asagi, Haruka, and Haruko were in their Minamoto Units, inside an old cityscape training area. The training arena was filled with old, abandoned, derelict buildings, repurposed for live TSF combat. Despite signs of abuse from the many training sessions, many of the old buildings were still standing. Signs of various wear and tear from time and past training matches could be seen littering the landscape, much like the arena they had used for their mock battle against Mariko and her team. This time they were engaged in a live mock battle against their instructors, Marimo, Michiru and her new assistant Sayoko.
The training arena was an old city filled with old decaying buildings, repurposed into a training area for live TSF combat. Despite signs of use for training, many of the old buildings were still standing, signs of various wear and tear from time and past training matches could be seen much like the arena they had used for their mock battle against Mariko and her team.
"The four of us against three veteran pilots… uh, I don't think we're going to win this," Asagi said hesitantly.
"The point isn't to win," Haruka retorted .
"Yeah. It's about how long we last against them and how we do. That's what they will judge us on," Haruko said.
"So basically we're going to get our asses kicked, and we need to look good doing it. Got it," Asagi accepted with a nervous laugh.
"We just need to give it our all." Yuzuka was determined to make the best of it. "It's an opportunity as it's not every day that you can get feedback from veterans like them."
"That's the spirit," Haruka said encouragingly.
"Let's do this then," Haruko said. The group split up, traveling in pairs. They intended to operate in teams of two, keeping close enough that they could retreat or assist one another. It was just a matter of figuring out where Marimo, Sayoko and Michiru were. Their answer came swiftly, when the head of Asagi's machine got snipped with disabling paint from the right, knocking it out of battle as the upper chest was littered with shots in rapid succession.
"SHIT!" Haruko cursed. "Asagi is down, I repeat, Asagi is down!"
"Everyone shatter," Haruka commanded quickly, but Yuzuka had already gone after the source of the attack
,, intending to avenge Asagi.
"No, Yuzuka! You're walking into a trap." Haruka snapped. Yuzuka ignored her, boldly charging forward.
Unfortunately her attacker had already abandoned her sniper position. By the time Yuzuka reached it, there was no one there. Not a moment later Michiru ambushed her, cutting into her machine with a practice blade. Yuzuka, caught off guard, didn't stand a chance and became the second to go down.
"Damn it, we lost Yuzuka!" Haruka cursed, seeing the signal loss on her screen.
"That means the last two will be on us," Haruko stated. They were so, so screwed…
They had maybe a minute or so before Michiru was upon them- or so Haruka thought, but even as she weighed her options, Marimo and Sayoko began their attack. They
opened fire on Haruka and Haruko from opposite directions, catching the two in between them. The instructors had launched a pincer against them, having used the buildings around them as cover to sneak up on the two cadets. Haruko and Haruka quickly retreated, knowing that staying would be foolish, mindful to use the buildings as shields, while aware that Marimo and Sayoko were in pursuit.
"We have maybe minutes before Michiru joins them, so instead of just running… Haruko, how confident are you about doing an Allbright Turn?" Haruka called out. She heard Haruko gasp in surprise, but she said nothing, being entirely focused on avoiding being shot down. With two pursuing TSFs hot on their heels, stopping to turn around to engage them, even with the surrounding cover, was risky.
In such a situation, an Allbright Turn was the ideal counter maneuver. It was designed for going against a pursuing TSF in tight quarters. However, they both knew it was a risky maneuver to pull off given the level of skill demanded and strain it put on the pilot. Usually it was a tactic executed by veteran pilots, not recently graduated cadets. The TSF would need to kick off the hard surface of a building for a considerable vector change, allowing them to surprise their enemy with the sudden turn around and immediately perform a counterattack. If they pulled it off without crashing into a building or one another, they had a shot.
"Let's do it," Haruko called out. They were not about to lose without a fight.
With everything on the line, the pair began the maneuver. The oncoming buildings ahead, as old and damaged as they were, looked sturdy enough for them. Rushing forward and kicking off the surface of the buildings, both cadets felt the G-forces of the significant vector change. Their TSFs turned around, now facing their surprised pursuers. Without sparing a moment to feel triumphant, they opened fire upon Marimo and Sayoko.
Although Sayoko and Marimo were stunned by the pair succeeding in performing an Allbright Turn, they weren't caught off guard as much as Haruka and Haruko had hoped. Their shots did force the two instructors to split up to evade, as each one went down a different street. However, they had been struck, taking hits to the shoulders and lower torso. Glancing, but close enough that another hit would count as fatal. Invigorated by this reversal, Haruko and Haruka went from prey to hunter, pursuing the instructors. Haruka went after Marimo, while Haruko went after Sayoko, heading down the opposite street.
Or so they thought.
By the time they turned the corner in pursuit of their respective target, both were attacked, riddled with paintball bullets, causing their machines to shut down. The exercise was over. The machines headed back to the staging area and all pilots dismounted, assembling before the paint-smeared mechas.
"Not bad. You two performed an Allbright Turn without crashing and in your situation it was the right idea," Marimo complimented. "It could've worked, had you two been faster in executing it, as myself and assistant instructor Komaki did when you pursued us. Nevertheless you two performed better than Cadets Sendou and Minori and most of your fellow cadets. Your squad passes."
"Thank you, ma'am," all four squad members said together.
"That being said, Cadets Sendou and Minori will run six miles," Marimo said, causing Yuzuka and Asagi to freeze up. "For their poor performance, and for Cadet Sendou trying to play the lone wolf where these battles are meant to encourage teamwork."
"Yes, ma'am," Asagi and Yuzuka said in resignation.
Haruka and Haruko both sighed in relief. Avoiding a punishing six mile run was an added bonus.
"We've passed. We'll be an actual squad under Lelouch," Haruko said, feeling pleased.
"I can't believe you tried to go after one of the instructors on your own, Yuzuka. What were you thinking?" Haruka asked in disbelief rather than scolding her. Yuzuka should've known she was out of her league, taking a veteran pilot on alone.
"I…"
"Come on, go easy on Yuzuka," Asagi intervened. "She was just eager to prove herself as I was."
"Right," Yuzuka agreed.
"Come on, we better get our machines to the hangar. I don't know when the Major is going to come after us if we don't get to our punishment run," Asagi complained, but she knew not showing up would make it a lot worse.
Maybe I won't do anything like that again to impress Lelouch. I'll find a better way, Yuzuka thought.
It was late by the time Masatada left. Yui was exhausted from the questions her father had asked, mainly about her experiences piloting a Knightmare Frame. Of course, Lelouch wasn't spared from questions either, having been interrogated on the specifics in great detail.
Once everything was said and done they waved him off, leaving the two teens alone in the room.
"Your father is a good man," Lelouch said.
"Thank you."
"I am surprised there are considerations from the Empire for creating a Knightmare Frame," Lelouch mused.
"Well, the TSF might need replacing eventually. If we're going to reclaim lost territory, we'll need any edge we can get. If they stay for too long…"
Lelouch nodded. "I know. All ground near their hives becomes inhospitable. They just consume everything around them. Much of Europe will never be the same, even after we push them all out. It'd be decades before they're suitable for human habitation again."
"Given the current situation, who knows how many of the aliens could be lurking in the number of underground tunnels, buildings, bases, including those built into the mountains? We don't know if any of the aliens are still within any of those places, although buildings could be demolished and rebuilt," Lelouch noted. Larger BETA strains liked to use buildings as makeshift hovels to hide and ambush unsuspecting enemies. Something Lelouch and Yui had seen first hand in Kyoto.
"I think Knightmare Frames could be good for interior defense against the smaller strains," Yui pointed out.
"It'll be some time before any progress could be made to introduce Knightmare frames," Lelouch pointed out.
"Right," Yui said, joining Lelouch as he sat on the sofa, both taking a moment to relax and letting the topic rest.
"You should have more faith in yourself, Yui. don't be so hard on yourself." Lelouch said, suddenly.
"What? Where did that come from?"
"It's something I've noticed. Even when we were training, you tend to always hold a low opinion of yourself despite your efforts and accomplishments. You judge yourself too harshly," Lelouch said.
"I…" Yui trailed off, her voice growing soft.
"Is this because of your upbringing?" Lelouch asked. Yui nodded.
"I was raised by my mother to be what was expected of me, the next heir of my house, even as my relatives fought my father to convince him to adopt a son to be the heir instead. Slander and issues with my family name plagued me growing up, while I struggled to maintain the image everyone expected of me. Even during my first battle against the BETA I struggled with this, and it was only thanks to the hard training I was put through that it was possible until…"
Yui's voice trailed off. Lelouch knew what it was- the death of her friends from the previous timeline still weighed upon her.
"I see. As a leader, you question whether you can bear the burden of the weight from the lives under your command," Lelouch said, having come to better understand that burden himself. "More so if they are people you care about."
"Yes," Yui admitted, causing Lelouch to put a hand on her shoulder.
"Yet you managed to return to piloting a TSF, not just to save them but to keep fighting," Lelouch stated, impressed.
I am not sure I could've done the same, Lelouch thought, recalling his own experiences against the aliens. If their roles were reversed, he couldn't even imagine how he would've fared, had he lost Nunnally. It would have broken him.
"You're not so bad yourself. For someone who had trust issues, you've adapted well to commanding a squad and gaining, not only their respect, but their friendships too," Yui smiled back at him.
"I suppose so. Maybe it's because I don't have to hide who I am in this world, that probably helped," Lelouch admitted. "I've come to realize the value of trust. To beat an enemy like this, you
need trust, collaboration and teamwork. Kyoto was a reminder of that."
"So pragmatism helped ease you into working with others too?" Yui teased.
"I suppose."
Leaning back on the sofa, Lelouch's hand moved from Yui's shoulder to his side. A moment later, it was joined by Yui's hand on top of it.
"Thank you," Yui said, grasping Lelouch's hand.
"For what?"
"For helping me save my friends, I know I said it before, but…"
"I understand. It's not something you would ever have the chance to undo. I don't fully trust Claude, but I can't imagine anyone else would've said no to such an opportunity," Lelouch said. Yui leaned back, resting her head against his shoulder without realizing it. Lelouch noticed, but said nothing. In fact, a part of him welcomed it.
Her body was warm and presence was comforting. He enjoyed it. Lelouch had only ever felt such comforting warmth around his sister. Yui wasn't like other girls he'd dealt with. He felt… comfortable around her. He was always on guard, so used to keeping his walls up, so used to having to lie… but with her, he didn't feel the need.
Oh…
Realization struck. The reason he was drawn to Yui, at least in part, was that she was nothing like the girls he was used to being around at Ashford Academy. Not as flamboyant and over the top as Milly, nor too bashful like Shirley. He'd been surrounded by people who were never quite the right fit for his personality, in no small part because he'd been forced to hide his true self. Yui, by contrast, was just herself, didn't hide herself under a mask and was trying to do her best with the hand life dealt her. His inability to trust others did complicate things, and so he had always been unwilling to get to know them better.
Yui, despite being too harsh on herself, was capable, brave and willing to lead by example, a motto of her own family no less. She had proven herself worthy of her position as the next head of the Takamura Family despite the many obstacles placed in her way. Even after the horrific loss of her friends, she was still able to get back into a machine to battle the aliens once more and change their fate.
Could that be why I am drawn to you? No, that isn't it. I've been attracted to you for a while now. I was trying to deny it, because it could interfere with my goals, Lelouch thought.
It was why he had made so few connections; keeping people at arm's length had become second nature to him. Opening up to her felt… strange. Difficult. Both wrong and right at the same time. But his feelings had grown too much to let that get in the way. Even though he had never intended to, he had started to feel something for her.
Yui, for her part, struggled to put words or even definitions to what she felt for Lelouch. He was on her mind constantly, but whatever was there- and something
was there, undeniably- but she wasn't sure what it was yet. It was still taking form, still becoming. It was exciting, and more than a little scary. Either one of them could die in this war before too long, and yet she did not find herself wanting to pull away.
Just like him, she had an epiphany.
Just like Kazusa, he understands me better than anyone else. Our experiences in life were different, yet he could see me for who I was, not what everyone believed and wanted me to be.
None of her friends had been able to make her feel that. Not Izumi or Aki, and especially not Shimako.
Like Kazusa, he is driven by a sense of vengeance and a desire for justice for the wrongs made against him, his sister and his mother, Yui thought. But unlike Kazusa, Lelouch lacked an outlet for had been forced to live a false life, constantly looking over his shoulder growing up. Thinking on it, she had been more open with Lelouch than almost anyone in her circle of friends and family. In turn, Lelouch became more open with her as they spent time together. Yui could only imagine it was like some kind of release for him.
Is this the reason why I feel like this when I am near him? Is that why I get upset when he is around other girls?
Yui didn't know the answer, but the effect he had on her was undeniable. What her mind and heart wanted was to be closer to Lelouch. She wanted to be
more than friends.
They sat like that in silence for a while, until exhaustion took them and they fell asleep, leaned on one another.
Elsewhere in Japan, along the shoreline just outside of Wakayama, near Awaji Island, a fleeing group of Tactical Surface Fighters- specifically Japanese Type-77/F-4J Gekishin- sped away in retreat. They had murdered their commanding officers along with anyone else who didn't want to join their
righteous cause of retaking the lands stolen from them by the BETA. Had they been sane they'd have realized how foolhardy their efforts were, but they were driven by madness, desperation, and a patriotic drive that blinded them to the obvious danger. What had begun with four squads boldly moving to retake Japanese land from the BETA had been reduced to a single squad.
The aliens had been more numerous than they had thought, nor had they expected them to be lying in ambush. Now on the outskirts of the city, the treasonous pilots had a moment to breathe- or so they thought.
"I can't reach anyone else. I think we're all that's left," one pilot said, feebly trying the comms channel.
"There is no one left. Respectfully sir, I think we should fall back," another pilot said, addressing the ringleader of their coup.
"No, we… we… can't let these invaders have our homes," The ringleader argued. His body was shaking and his eyes were losing focus, on the verge of a complete mental breakdown.
"But sir, we just-" a pilot began to argue before an alert sounded in his cockpit. "Contact, we have an unknown unit coming at us from the northeast, it's…it's fast!"
"What? Who is the pilot?!"
In the distance, rapidly closing in on the squad of traitors, was a war machine. Although at first glance similar to the Minamoto TSF and MS hybrid machines, it had a GN drive similar to the Tsuna on its back, allowing it to fly across the ground. Its colors were blue with gold highlights, a Gundam-like face, but armed with a katana-like weapon in one hand and a small pistol-like weapon in the other.
"So you are the ones who betrayed Commander Nagasa and went rogue," Ikagura said coldly. "I guess the BETA saved me the trouble of having to hunt down the rest of your conspirators."
"Betrayed? You-" The maddened mastermind of the coup began to say, but was silenced as a beam shot from Ikagura's pistol struck his cockpit.
The other men panicked, firing their weapons at the approaching Gundam. Ikagura merely smiled as his machine was surrounded by a sphere of condensed GN particles, reflecting all of the bullets fired at him. Ikagura rammed one of the enemy TSFs, knocking it back before dropping his shield to finish the downed TSF off.
Another unit tried to strike him with its sword, but Ikagura effortlessly deflected it, using the forearm mounted beam shield. His counterattack saw his Gundam drive its sword into the chest of the attacking TSF, killing its pilot. The rest of the traitorous TSF pilots were shot by the Gundam's beam smart gun as they tried to flee.
"Foolish and cowardly, all of you," Ikagura stated, once he was sure all enemy TSFs were eliminated.
"Major, did you locate the enemy?" A communication asked.
"I did. They've all been eliminated. I must say, this Miyamoto is truly a marvel," Ikagura said, amazed by the combat capabilities of his machine.
Suddenly, a proximity alert in his cockpit warned him of BETA near his position. Spotting them in the distance, he saw something that was both interesting and alarming. Judging by the direction and speed in which they were moving, the aliens were entering the bay and out to sea.
"Headquarters, I've spotted a large group of BETA heading into the bay and out to sea. Do we have any monitoring stations still operational for eastern Japan? I want to know if there is another group of BETA attempting to flank our defenses, or…" Ikagura said as a horrible realization dawned on him. "They are trying to get around our defenses!"
"Yes sir, we're checking right now," an operator at headquarters replied, but Ikagura had a terrible feeling in his gut.
Could the BETA have been planning this in response to our change in tactics? Ikagura wondered. He couldn't tell if this was something the BETA had only started doing in light of their failure to invade Japan from the north through Sadogashima. Or maybe even before their attempt to overrun Sadogashima failed, they were already sending BETA into the sea to hit both their defenses from the north and south at the same time. The Major didn't know and that worried him greatly.
At that moment, off the coast of the city of Yokohama, the BETA emerged. With most military forces diverted to holding back the BETA advance at Kyoto and Sadogashima. There was nothing to stop them, not helped by the fact there were fewer sensors on that side of Japan with most focus on the other side. They rampaged through the city as if evening the score with a vengeance; the civilians were caught unaware of the danger until it was too late. Millions of lives were lost in hours. Few, if any, were able to escape the onslaught. The only fortune Japan would find in this sudden tragedy would be that the BETA wouldn't go beyond Yokohama, as they chose it as a location for a hive. In light of the threat of the Gundams, the alien creatures began fortifying themselves as more kept emerging from the sea to secure and reinforce the area.
In a few short hours, the city had been reduced to rubble, painted with numerous human bodies. Unfortunately, it would still be hours before word of the city's fall was heard due to the chaos of the latest insurrection. Distracted, Japan failed to notice the BETA, using the sea to bypass their defenses and flank them. If the destruction had been discovered sooner, there would've been at least some kind of scouting party searching for survivors.
Well, there
was someone around looking for survivors, but not just any. Amid the setting sun that reflected her hopes, she gazed out over the ruins..
"Looks like there aren't any survivors around here." the time traveler appeared out in the distance, placing her hand on her forehead.
The pink-haired woman pranced around, observing the corpses of whoever was left. Most were already stains on the floor or dismembered to various degrees that would make any normal person puke. Yet, Claude quickly looked around them to scan every single one.
"Oh," Claude pouted once more. "I thought with Lelouch around, some things could be smoothed out a bit, but it can't be helped."
A certain individual was on her mind that she needed to survive the attack on the city. With how…different things ended up with Lelouch's interference, she hoped the changes could prevent this from happening. When it
didn't change, her second option was confirming that a survivor made it out. Her dancing within the ruins was to keep the priority of this person's fate to the side, but from her findings, either that person was indeed dead or just missing. Maybe a different outcome awaited.
"Looks like I'm just gonna have to rely on the canon story now to clean this mess up," she grumbled. "But that means, there's going to be even worse things happening from here on out."
A/N: It seems despite Claude's best efforts, Yokohama still fell to the BETA, which sadly means certain events will still happen and allow for a certain someone to appear in the ruins in a couple years.
Anyone who knows the plot of Muv-Luv Alternative, I think they can guess what Claude was trying to prevent.
Now to explain the time it took to get this chapter out, a lot of it was due to a LOT of rewrites that I had to do when my betas noticed some issues with the chapter and there were some disagreements on ideas for scenes that took place too. One of which I should discuss is the character Akeno trying to get into Lelouch's pants, which the scene itself was presented as an idea to further highlighting the pros and cons of the new fame Lelouch now had. And Akeno was an OC created for this chapter, since none of the other characters around him seemed like the type that would do that, there are a few yes but none of them were around.
But this was also met with some concerns among the betas, so some changes were made, but a full agreement wasn't quite reach given that Lelouch begins to notice he had fallen in love with Yui while reasoning why he did so despite having not wanted a relationship not wanting it to get in the way of his goals, but that was no doubt easier to do when the girl in question didn't know the real him causing him to become drawn to Yui without realizing it initially.
And of course I tried to reflect this in Yui who is a tsundere, but different from Kallen in that she is can hide it well while her inner thoughts are a different story.
In this chapter was also meant to give some of the characters a chance to showcase their characters a bit more while wrapping up any last details before Lelouch and company will leave next chapter, make a pitstop along the way to their first world, but it will also introduce the new squad members a newly promoted Lelouch will command giving him a full squadron and a few new crew members to help take care of things.
That being said I've decided to close the poll on my profile page with Tabane's fate decided, which given the number of those calling for her demise the number wasn't higher.
For now I got no new polls to replace with, expect for one, but I thought nah.
Anyway that is all I got, and I do apologize for the delays with this chapter. Hopefully the next one, which is finished just in need of beta work will be out much sooner than this one. At the moment I don't have a timeframe on when it will be ready, but rest assured it will be out as soon as possible.
Thank you all for your patience and I hope you enjoyed the new chapter, and in chapter seventeen Lelouch and company will arrive at the world of Gundam Seed Destiny.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Also the specs for Major Takatsugu Ikaruga's machine which was the prototype for the Minamoto TSF/Mobile Suit hybrids, so they are similar which means generally it looks like a Type-94 Shiranui yet possessing the head of a Gundam.
Model number: TMP-07X
Code name: Miyamoto
Unit type: Test Model Prototype
Pilot: Takatsugu Ikaruga
Manufacturer: Unknown
Operator: Empire of Japan
First deployment: September 29th 2016 A.T.B.
Accommodation: pilot only, in panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit in torso
Dimensions: head height 17.7 meters
Weight: 53.2 metric tons
Armor: Trans-Phase Armor
Powerplant: Rechargeable Solar Energy Conductor.
Propulsion: Voiture Lumiere Propulsion System: A combat variant of the "Voiture Lumiere" propulsion system is mounted in the Strike Freedom's mobile weapon wings. Unlike the Voiture Lumiere used by GSX-401FW Stargazer Gundam, this combat variant uses an internal laser, instead of solar winds or an external power beam, and converts its energy into a strong light pressure which is then used as thrust. When activated, the system allows the suit to accelerate at incredible rates and to quickly dodge the most intense enemy beam barrages.
Equipment and Design Features
Quasi-Psycommu System: The Quasi-psycommu system was developed to extend the capabilities of remote control to non-Newtypes. This system can actively scan the pilot's brainwaves, no matter how weak they are, and then let the computer translate the thoughts into commands to be issued to remote weapons. Using the quasi-psycommu even non-Newtypes can control simple wire-guided remote weapons, such as INCOMs.
Coupling System
Intention Automatic System
Fixed Armaments
2 x Musarsuma anti-unit blades (combination beam and physical blade), mounted on hard points on the waist, hand-carry in use
2 x Beam sabers, mounted on the waist
2 x Rail Cannons, mounted on backunit, fold under the arms from behind when in use
2 x Anti-unit blade, combination physical blade with an energy beam surrounding the edge, attached to sub-arms
2 x Beam Shields, mounted on forearms
2 x beam gun, mounted on upper torso
2 x 75 mm CIWS, mounted on the head, dual-linked
Optional Armaments:
Beam Smart Gun, Rail Rifle prototype
