Code Geass - Bonds of Rebellion 44

Here's the next chapter. Anyway, I don't own Code Geass or any of the characters just the OC.

44. The Grip Of Damocles

—…

In the airspace above Mt Fuji, the battle ragged on as a F.L.E.I.J.A. warhead was launched and it took out more squadrons and this time, it took out a group of Customized Gareths and Customized Vincent Wards.

In the cockpit of the Guren avoided the blast but frown at all the numbers of people who couldn't.

"Another F.L.E.I.J.A. strike…" Kallen spoke upset at what was happening.

Bridge Aboard The Avalon

On the screen, Knightmare units of Lelouch's forces being sent in were shown being lost.

"Twammi fleet is totally obliterated," Cecile reported. "The operation…"

"I'm not going to stop it." Lelouch interrupted. "Stay just out of the Damocles range. The Avalon falls back as ordered. All units, attack in waves and force the Damocles to continue launching F.L.E.I.J.A.s."

Garden Room Of The Damocles

Nunnally was shaken and it was still hard for her to believe what she had just done and it frightened her.

"How easily…" Nunnally said shaken and with tears about to stream from her closed eyes. "It's so easy… For me to…"

"Nunnally, we're ready to fire the next one," Schneizel spoke through the communication.

"Right," Nunnally responded as she pushed the button again.

Bridge Aboard The Avalon

Another F.L.E.I.J.A. was launched from the Damocles and those on the Avalon saw more of their forces get destroyed.

"It renders tactics useless," Lelouch commented narrowing his eyes.

In The Air

After leaving his battle with Anya. The Sutherland Sieg piloted by Jeremiah was leading his unit against their enemies.

"However, if I can get within a tight range, they won't be able to use it!" Jeremiah said.

Jeremiah and his unit fired their shots at the Damocles and The Agravaine Meliodas along with Rolo's Vincent showed up as well since neither of them was slowed down by the enemy. All the Knightmares fired their respective weapons or blasters only to have all the shots blocked by the Damocles' shield.

"A Blaze Luminous!" Logan spoke surprised.

Bridge Aboard The Avalon

Everyone on the bridge saw the shield that protected the Damocles.

"But it's so immense," Sayoko uttered.

Cecile kept her eyes on the screen. "The Damocles was specially designed and built to achieve absolute air superiority. If it reaches a certain altitude, we'll lose our only chance against it!"

"Suzaku, Kallen, Logan, can you break through those defences?" Lelouch asked.

Suzaku appeared on the screen. "We're trying. But their power output is in a different league than ours."

Logan also appeared on screen as all three ninth-generation Knightmare Frames were unloading all their attacks on the Blaze Luminous. "Even with all their strength of our offence, we can't overcome their defence. It's leagues above even the Absolute Defence Field."

Kallen was the third one to appear on the screen. "There is good news though. I don't think they can fire a F.L.E.I.J.A. right now."

In The Air

The Lancelot Frontier that was piloted by C.C was flying next to the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N.

"And in turn, our attacks can't break through their shield," C.C said. "We may as well be spectators."

Bridge Aboard The Avalon

Cecile was getting a bit frustrated. "What can we do?"

"Is there nothing left but for the world to accept to cower before the crushing might of the F.L.E.I.J.A.s?" Sayoko wondered grimly.

Shirley shook her head. "No, we can't just give up."

"Why not? That offers a sort of peace, too."

Lloyd said that as he walked in and stood next to Cecile.

Cecile turned to Lloyd, "Lloyd…"

"Mass our remaining forces around the Avalon," Lelouch ordered them. We're going to launch a direct assault on the Damocles."

"Sure about that?" Lloyd asked with a smile.

"Your return here means it's nearly figured out, I presume," Lelouch said.

"The rest depends on you, Sir Raymond and Suzaku, Your Majesty."

The Student Council Room — Ashford Academy

Meanwhile, at Ashford, Milly and Rivalz remained in the student council room and were at a loss on what they should do while the battle to determine the future of the world was going on.

"Hey, Rivalz," Milly spoke.

"What's up, Prez?"

"It's amazing. I mean, when you think about it, our student council members are fighting for the whole world." Milly said.

Rivalz got a bit depressed. "What? Is that sarcasm? 'cause I wasn't able to protect Nina. Correct?"

Milly shook her head. "Don't beat yourself up. You did your very best."

"I tried. But I…" Rivalz trailed off, still upset.

"No. You really did." Milly assured him.

In The Air

In the middle of the battlefield in the sky, Anya was still fighting inside the Mordred against Lelouch's forces and the Black Knights. But now she was specifically fighting against Gino.

After arriving at the battle, he deliberately sought her and when he found her they started fighting while Gino was trying to talk to her.

The Mordred fired its Miniature Proximity Missile Launchers at the Tristan Divider, but it dodges around them and drew its two MVS blades.

"Anya, stop!" Gino shouted at her. "I don't want to fight you!"

"Then why would you come to a battlefield and why seek me out?" Anya stoically asked as she kept attacking.

"I only wanted to talk to you," Gino said as he kept defending against her attacks. "What Prince Schneizel's doing is wrong, you shouldn't be fighting for him."

"How strange of you, before you were trying to convince Suzaku to join your side because you thought what he was doing was wrong, now you're doing the same against me," Anya said as a matter of fact.

"That was different, I was directionless and didn't understand what it was I was supposed to fight for, but now I have that answer." Gino declared.

"Even so, you're siding with the Black Knights. That makes you my enemy." Anya decided.

Anya fired more Miniature Proximity Missile Launchers at him. Some of them hit the Tristan but it didn't stop it as Gino tried to close the distance.

"You're wrong!" Gino denied her statement. "I could never see you as an enemy. Don't you remember? We spent more time together than any of the other Knights of the Round, we went to Ashford together and joined the student council, you're one of my best friends. Anya don't you remember all we've been through!?"

Gino yelled as he closed the distance and brought down his MVS Swords on the Mordred. Anya activated her Knightmare's defensive system and covered the Mordred with its Blaze Luminous.

But unlike the Damocles, the Mordred didn't have an absolute defence and Gino's weapons were far stronger than his old Knightmare's. The result was, Anya's Blaze Luminous was shattered and Gino's Sword broke through, ready to slice through her armour.

But, after breaking through her shield, despite being in position to finish her off, Gino subconsciously hesitated and stopped his Sword from reaching as he didn't want to possibly kill her.

Unfortunately, for him, Anya didn't have that same hesitation and took advantage of the opening he created. The Mordred rushed in and tackled the Tristan, knocking it back a bit, then Anya brought out the Stark Hadron Cannon in order to finish things.

"I'll make you into another recording in my data log," Anya said before firing.

The Mordred fired the Stark Hadron Cannon at Gino's Knightmare and to defend himself, Gino attempted to use the Tristan Divider's MVS blades to block the blast. But despite how strong they were, they weren't enough to fully keep the cannon at bay and would soon break through.

Gino had no means of escape and grimly closed his eyes and grit his teeth as he realised he would soon die. "…Father."

But just before his Swords were destroyed by the Stark Hadron Cannon, Gino's life was saved when, out of nowhere, Sutherland Sieg rushed in and rammed into the Mordred, knocking it off balance and stopping the cannon.

With that, Gino was safe and became surprised when he saw Sutherland Sieg appear next to him.

"It seems I was on time," Jeremiah said.

"Orange boy?" Gino said surprised.

"You again," Anya said, regaining her Knightmare's balance.

"Sir Gino, allow me to take this battle in your place." Jeremiah requested. "I have unfinished business with this person."

"But, Anya is…" Gino trailed off, still upset.

"You needn't be concerned." Jeremiah cut him off. "I will make sure to handle the situation."

Gino took a deep breath and decided. "Whelp, it's not I can help much with the shape my Knightmare is in." He looked toward Jeremiah. "Just try not to kill her."

"I can't promise anything but I'll do what I can." Jeremiah compromised.

Gino then flew off in a different direction and now Anya prepared to fight Jeremiah.

"It won't matter which one of you I fight," Anya said quietly. "It'll all end the same way."

Ikaruga

On the Bridge of my Ikaruga, they had just received transmission and were reporting it.

"Dispatch from the Avalon, they said all preparations are complete," Futaba reported.

"So they finally finished it," Rakshata said.

"In that case, it's time I go," Euphie said decidedly, looking back at Hinata, Futaba and Minase. "Bring the ship over to the Avalon and then prepare a boarding line."

"Understood," Hinata said.

Bridge Aboard The Avalon

"Right, it's time." Lelouch declared as he stood up from his throne. "Have us line up with the Ikaruga and after that, I'm going to attack the Damocles head-on."

"Master Lelouch…" Sayoko spoke.

Lelouch faced all of them. "You have served me well. I'm grateful for the resolve you've all shown."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Lloyd, Cecile and Sayoko all said together.

"Meow." Arthur meowed.

"Shirley, you're with me," Lelouch told her.

Shirley nodded and complied. "Okay."

Bridge Of The Damocles

Schneizel was looking at the status of the battle and noticed how things hadn't changed much since the last F.L.E.I.J.A. was fired.

"Should we fire another F.L.E.I.J.A. now?" Schneizel suggested.

"We still have our Blaze Luminous and should wait for criticality," Kanon answered.

"Good point. But it's an excellent opportunity to eliminate the Black Knights. No, I suppose we shouldn't. That's too ambitious." Schneizel settled the matter.

Avalon's Knightmare Hanger

Lelouch and Shirley arrived at the Avalon's Hanger and Lloyd, Nina, and Cecile were there to greet them. Lloyd showed them the device that they just finished and Lelouch nodded with approval. He also saw that the Shinkiro was in Fortress Mode and was ready as well.

"Well, with this, everything is in your hands Your Majesty," Lloyd said.

"Good luck and please be careful," Cecile added.

"Thank you, both of you," Lelouch said. "I appreciate all that you've done."

"Um, excuse me," Nina spoke, "Lelou… Um, Your Majesty?"

Lelouch turned to Nina and replied. "Yes, Nina?"

Lelouch, Lloyd, Cecile and Shirley looked at Nina with curiosity.

"You're really going to do what you said you'll do, right?"

"Yes, I will," Lelouch answered. "This is a personal request from me. However…"

"It was Princess Euphemia's wish, too, wasn't it?" Nina finished where he started.

"Yes. Which is why I have to do it." Lelouch promised.

"But for the device to be completed, the environmental data needs to be entered into the final program. You should let me go with you." Nina requested.

"No. You've done enough for me, Nina. What you just said reveals your true feelings about this. Yes. You've done enough for me, besides, there's somewhere else you should be." Lelouch said as he looked over her.

Nina looked and saw that entering the Hanger front the hallway behind her was Euphie. With her were Logan, Suzaku and Rolo.

"Princess Euphemia?" Nina's eyes widened when she saw her arrive.

"Nina." Euphie addressed her.

"The gangs all here," Lloyd commented.

"We'll be going now," Cecile said with a respectable bow as she and Lloyd walked out.

"Princess… I…" Nina stuttered.

"Lelouch," Euphie said. "Is there a place where we can speak privately?"

"Of course, Shirley, please escort them," Lelouch said.

"Please follow me." Shirley urged the two of them as she, Euphie and Nina also left the Hanger.

With them gone, Lelouch turned to his three Knights who all stood before him. "I'm glad you all made it."

"There wasn't much opposition left so getting back to the Avalon wasn't too difficult," Suzaku said.

"But the Damocles could fire another F.L.E.I.J.A. any time now," Logan said.

"I know, that's why we have to take the opportunity, but first…"

Lelouch stopped and he and the others looked to see the Lancelot Frontier arrived in the hanger and C.C came out of the cockpit.

"C.C," Rolo spoke.

"Are you all right?" Lelouch asked her.

C.C was amused. "Well, that's a switch. Were you really worried about me?"

"You're a valued combatant," Lelouch replied.

C.C looked at the 6-tubed missile launching shield with a smile. "That's why I came to pick that up."

"Well, you got here at the perfect time, now all of us can charge the Damocles," Logan said.

"Then I guess I must have great timing." C.C then looked at Lelouch. "But still Lelouch, you're really going? You do realize that taking such action can mean you'll have to kill Nunnally yourself."

"I have no choice if she stands in the way of Operation Tabula Rasa," Lelouch said, having resolved himself.

C.C had a downcast expression. "Listen, don't all of you hate me for cheating you out of your own lives?"

Lelouch, Logan, Suzaku and Rolo were shocked at C.C's question.

She continued with a hint of regret. "By giving you your Geass, I affected your lives and drastically changed your fate."

"C.C, you…" Suzaku spoke.

"That doesn't sound like you, the immortal witch," Lelouch said with a bit of amusement.

C.C looked at Lelouch with concern.

Logan stepped forward and spoke. "C.C, getting the power of Geass you gave us was the best thing that ever happened to us, it gave us what we needed to start down our paths and in turn connected us to so many others."

"He's absolutely correct." Lelouch agreed wholeheartedly. "Geass put us on the path that led to our destiny and nothing more. Everything that followed was our own choice. Everyone is here now because of the choices they made."

"And thanks to the path that destiny led them to, people like me were able to make choices that allowed us to find our own way," Suzaku added with gratitude. "Honestly, if they hadn't attained Geass back then, I probably wouldn't be alive right now."

"Neither would I." Rolo joined in. "You didn't cheat us out of our lives, rather you were the trigger that finally made us take our lives into our own hands in a world we thought couldn't be changed." He said with spirit. "You're the reason we were able to start our rebellion."

"And because of that, we forged bonds that were unbreakable and irreplaceable that is the reason this entire battle is possible—Our bonds of rebellion." Logan proclaimed. "So don't apologise, C.C. Instead, let us thank you, for everything."

The four of them smiled and C.C felt glad as she had a smile as well.

"In all my life, I've never met men like you all anywhere," C.C said as she walked forward. "Especially you, Logan."

"C.C…" Logan spoke as C.C stopped in front of him.

C.C then leaned forward and planted her lips over his. No one said anything as C.C stole a kiss from Logan and after a few seconds, she moved back as he asked.

"What was that for?" Logan wasn't upset.

"I know we'll all return alive, but I still wanted something for good luck," C.C said before muttering under her breath. "And I wanted to have something over Kallen."

Logan barely heard her. "What? What about Kallen?"

"Never mind," C.C said.

With that settled, Lelouch, Logan, C.C, Rolo and Suzaku got to their Knightmares. They all entered their own ones and activated their engines as they flew up and out of the Avalon.

Avalon Hallway

Shirley was currently escorting Euphie and Nina through the hallway of the Avalon. After walking for a bit, they reached a crosswalk where there were three different directions they could go.

"Shirley, I think we'll be fine here," Euphie told her.

"Okay, I'll go back with Lloyd and miss Cecile," Shirley said.

She walked around the corner and left to give the two of them their privacy and once Shirley was out of sight, Euphie began to speak.

"Nina." Euphie started.

"Uh… Yes?" Nina nervously replied.

"If you don't mind my asking, why did you create the F.L.E.I.J.A. in the first place?" Euphie asked.

Nina looked down with guilt. "I was… Just trying to do whatever I could. I thought the F.L.E.I.J.A. would help stop all the fighting around the world." She explained. "But I didn't know, I didn't know things could have turned out so horribly, that I would be responsible for the deaths of so many people."

"You shouldn't blame yourself for that, on the contrary, you helped create a way to stop the F.L.E.I.J.A. and truly stop the fighting along with the Damocles," Euphie said.

"No I-I simply had to find my own answer to everything that's happened. That's all there is to it." Nina reasoned quietly.

"You're truly amazing." Euphie praised her. "Even though this isn't your battle and everything that's been done, you still looked for your own answer."

"No…" Nina whispered, denying her praise before looking up. "Pri… Miss Euphemia." She corrected, knowing she wasn't supposed to call her a princess. "Why did you come to the Avalon in the first place."

"To talk to you," Euphie told her.

"Me?" Nina became surprised.

"I made a selfish request to Lelouch to allow me to speak with you," Euphie explained with a saddened expression. "I wanted a chance to make things right after what happened the last time we spoke."

Nina knew right away what time she meant. The last time they spoke was back at the Vermillion City during the engagement party for the royal wedding, things ended very badly for them that night.

"I'm sorry things turned out the way they did," Euphie said apologetically. "I know there were better ways I could have gone about it but I had trouble controlling my emotions and—"

"No! You're wrong! I'm the one who should be apologising!" Nina shouted with a pained expression before speaking softly. "I'm the one who's sorry, sorry for everything. From the beginning, I never really saw you as a person, only a concept. Ever since that time you saved me during the hotel jacking, I was lost and afraid and immediately felt drawn to you after you saved me."

"Nina…" Euphie muttered.

"But now I understand, all I did back then was use you as a concept to make me feel happy, I thought of you as a princess and a goddess but never gave any thought or concern as to what you might want or how you were feeling, I just pushed all my emotions onto you and expected you to take them like it was your responsibility," Nina confessed with regret. "I never even tried to think of you as a person and only pictured you in my ideal image. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

Euphie walked up to her and placed her hands on Nina's cheeks, making her look up at her. "We can't always be accountable for how we feel, there were times when I also acted based solely on emotions without considering others who were involved."

"But even so," Nina continued. "It's because of how I felt that I became so detached after what happened the last time we spoke, I drowned myself in my wake to try to force myself to stop thinking about it. And then, I let Prince Schneizel manipulate me into making the F.L.E.I.J.A."

"My brother has always been good at getting people to do what he wants," Euphie said, sounding upset. "He has a talent for saying the right words and getting you to believe him, I think that's his best weapon."

"Still, I'm ultimately the one responsible, I don't know how I could ever be forgiven," Nina said, still saddened.

"Nina," Euphie let go of her face. "Do you remember what I said that time outside of the art museum in Tokyo?"

Nina looked at her, once again surprised.

"I said that you were a very special friend of mine." Euphie then held out her hand to her. "I would very much like it if that were still true. So, would you please be my friend once more?"

Nina stared stiffly at Euphie's extended hand and her dazzling smile before she felt flooded with emotions. She reached out and clasped Euphie's hand with both of her hands were staring down at the floor s tears leaked from her eyes.

"Yes," Nina's voice cracked. "You have no idea how happy that would make me." She cried.

In The Air

The Shinkiro was flying, heading for the Damoncles with the Lancelot Albion and the Agravaine Meliodas following him. Attached to the Shinkiro was a high-tech mechanical spear.

"I have to succeed no matter what," Lelouch said with determination. "This move must work!"

Meanwhile, piloting the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N. was Kallen who saw them heading for the Damocles while fighting, Gino and the Tristian were with her.

"It's Suzaku and the others." Gino also noticed them.

"Let's go, Gino," Kallen told him. "That's a cue."

"I'm on it," Gino said and the two of them also headed for the Damocles

Bridge Of The Damocles

The monitor was showing signals of enemy units coming towards the Damocles.

"Enemy Knightmares approaching." One of the operators reported. "The Shinkiro is leading them."

"Lower the blaze luminous away from the F.L.E.I.J.A. launch tube immediately. We're going to redirect our aim at the Shinkiro." Schneizel commanded before adopting an expression of pity. !Lelouch, discarding your life at the end? How unsightly."

"Realignment, complete." The operator said.

Schneizel nodded and then directed his communicator to the Garden Room. "Nunnally, it ends now. Can you do this?"

Damocles Garden Room

Nunnally answered with sadness. "Yes. Brother Schneizel."

Bride Of The Damocles

"Blaze Luminous lowered." An operator said.

Schneizel sees on the monitor that part of the Blaze Luminous is lowered. "Now."

In The Air

With that, a F.L.E.I.J.A. is launched at Lelouch and the others.

With the Shinkiro, Lelouch narrowed his eyes and opened his keypad. "Right. Entering data."

Lelouch began typing buttons on his console at a fast rate.

Bridge Aboard The Avalon

Nina, Lloyd, Cecile, Euphie and Shirley were watching through the monitor of the F.L.E.I.J.A. warhead heading for the Shinkiro and they had their thoughts.

"The F.L.E.I.J.A. changes composition from moment to moment." Nina thought. "If we collide it with the reaction corresponding to that composition, we can prevent it from reaching criticality."

"And if it reaches that point, it's possible to recapture and store the F.L.E.I.J.A.s power in a specially made containment field." Cecile thought.

"However, you need to input the local environmental data just prior to the detonation within a 19-second time frame." Lloyd thought.

"And even if you complete the program, you'll only have 0.04 seconds to execute." Cecile thought.

"Not to mention, the containment must surround the exact diameter of the F.L.E.I.J.A. It must be done in the exact timing and perfect accuracy." Nina thought.

Bridge Of The Damocles

Schneizel smiled when he saw the F.L.E.I.J.A. about to discharge.

"With this, peace will come," Scheneizel said.

In The Air

Lelouch quickly pushed the enter key and finished the data sequence for the F.L.E.I.J.A. Eliminator spear and activated it.

"Suzaku! Logan!" Lelouch called out.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" They both said in unison as both Knightmares closed in on the Shinkiro.

Lelouch detached the F.L.E.I.J.A. Eliminator from the Shinkiro and the Lancelot took it. The warhead was ready to explode and Suzaku roared as his eyes lit up with a red outline as the Geass compelling him to live gave him strength.

"Now!" Suzaku declared as he threw the F.L.E.I.J.A. Eliminator at the explosion. The F.L.E.I.J.A. Eliminator began to activate when it hit the F.L.E.I.J.A.

As it was doing that, Logan brought out his Knightmare's Sword—The Limitless and pointed it at the F.L.E.I.J.A. before switching the Sword to blaster mode. After that, he activated a new function which made the barrel of the blaster extend and the core had an electronic pulse coursing through it. Logan aimed at the explosion and wait until just the right moment and until his aim was perfectly on target, when the time came he roared. "FIRE!"

With that, he pulled the trigger his blaster fired a blue magnetic-like stream that stayed connected to the blaster and head for the explosion before it spread out and covered the F.L.E.I.J.A. in an electronic sphere that covered the explosion.

Bridge Aboard The Avalon

"It should work in theory. But…" Nina thought but was nervous as she held Euphie's hand for comfort and Euphie let her. "Princess Euphemia…!"

Everyone watched with bated breath to see what the result would be.

In The Air

The F.L.E.I.J.A. Eliminator vanished into the explosion and stopped it from growing as the explosion began to lose power. Then, the electronic sphere started moving and was pulled back along the magnetic stream until it returned to the Limitless. Finally, the blaster fully absorbed and contained the sphere and the explosion and another electronic pulse course through the weapon before it started glowing a bright shade of pink.

They had succeeded.

Bridge Of The Damocles

The people on the bridge were shocked to see what had just happened.

"The F.L.E.I.J.A.?" Kanon spoke surprised.

"It disappeared?" Diethard spoke with his eyes widened.

Bridge Aboard The Avalon

Nina was surprised, Lloyd grinned, Shirley and Euphie were happy and Cecile sighed with relief.

"It worked?" Nina spoke. "They did it? In 19 seconds and then in 0.04 seconds? And with exact timing along with perfect accuracy?"

"Thank goodness," Cecile said.

"Quite a feat they accomplished," Lloyd said with a grin.

"It's not too surprising," Euphie said with a smile as she thought back to the time the three of them captured the enemy base in Kyushu together. "Considering it's the three of them."

Shirley nodded in agreement. "Yeah, when the three of them work together there's nothing they can't do."

Bridge Of The Damocles

Schneizel frowned at what he had just seen.

"I didn't expect them to have made a toy like that," Schneizel commented.

In The Air

"Don't assume we're finished yet," Logan said.

He then aimed his blaster at the Damocles and prepared to fire. The full function of the containment field was just to stop and store away the F.L.E.I.J.A. but also to absorb it. Now the full force of the F.L.E.I.J.A.s explosion was in his weapon and he was about to fire it right back at them.

"FIRE!" Logan yelled as he pulled the trigger.

The Limitless fired a bright pink ball of light that was the same composting as the F.L.E.I.J.A. Once it reached the Damocles, it collided with the Blaze Luminous. The explosion spread and covered a large portion of the shield which shook the Damocles. When it faded, a chunk of the Blaze Luminous was destroyed and there was now a very wide opening in it.

Damocles Garden Room

There was a sudden shaking and it caused Nunnally to be surprised as her wheelchair was knocked over and fell to the floor, causing her to drop the Key. After the shaking stops, Nunnally tries to recover it.

"Where's the key? I must find the Damocles key!" Nunnally desperately reached around, unable to see it even though it was right next to her.

In The Air

"Even if it's the Strongest air shield system, there's nothing in the world the F.L.E.I.J.A. can't destroy," Lelouch said with satisfaction before commanding the others. "Now! Fly in!"

Not only the Lancelot and Agravaine, the Vincent and Lancelot Frontier arrived as well. Not only them, but the Tristan and the Guren also appeared.

"Everyone, let's go!" Logan ushered them.

All the Knightmares flew in past the opening with the Shinkiro leading the invasion.

Bridge Of The Damocles

"They've gotten through the blaze?" Kanon spoke shocked again.

"They have indeed," Schneizel said.

In The Air

The Tristan flew next to the Lancelot as Gino spoke to Suzaku.

"Awesome job, you guys actually pulled it off," Gino said happily.

"Well, it was a risk," Suzaku said. "Still, now there's nothing stopping us."

"This next put should be easy though," C.C said. "Just open fire and tear down the Damocles."

"Heh, don't have to tell me twice," Kallen said gladly.

"Everyone listen, Logan, Suzaku, Rolo, you three are to follow me inside," Lelouch instructed them.

"Right." The three of them said together.

"Kallen, Gino, C.C. I need the three of you to stay on the outside, keep attacking the Damocles and take out the shield system," Lelouch instructed them. "Can you do that?"

"Yes sir, not a problem," Gino said confidently.

"Right, we'll be sure to handle it," Kallen assured him.

"Leave this to us, just get going," C.C added.

"Okay, let's begin!" Lelouch declared.

With that, everyone brought out their weapons, ranged attacks, guns, energy wings and the Radiant Wave Surger as they open fire on the outer walls of the Damocles, breaking through and causing mass explosions all over.

Bridge Of The Damocles

Lelouch and his three Knights of the Round broke through and were now inside the Damocles and moving towards their destination. Meanwhile, on the bridge, the staff members were checking the status of what was happening and Schneizel got irritated with what was happening.

"Enemy infiltration, alpha-3!" One of the staff members said.

"Delta block, communications cut!" Another staff member informed.

"Float control room 6 has been destroyed!" Another staff member reported.

"Prince Schneizel!" A staff member cried out.

Schneizel composed himself with a smile. "My kudos, Lelouch. I salute you. For forcing me to implement my final plan."

Kanon and Diethard looked at Schneizel with raised eyebrows.

"Huh? You're really going to do that?" Kanon asked a bit surprised.

"Yes. Turn the Damocles into a prison for Lelouch and the others." Schneizel declared. "After we've abandoned ship, we'll obliterate the Damocles entirely with the F.L.E.I.J.A. What a fine coffin for him. I'm certain you'll be pleased with it, Lelouch."

Elsewhere Within The Damocles

Meanwhile, Lelouch and the others were still making their way through the corridors.

"If Damocles reaches satellite orbit, even our Knightmares would be useless against it," Suzaku said. "To win we need to stop Schneizel."

"I'm analyzing the internal structure," Lelouch said. "I have to break the password. What?"

"We have to hurry though, if Schneizel escapes now we may not get another chance," Logan said.

They then broke through a nearby wall and continued their advance as Lelouch thought to himself. "Is Schneizel on the control and command floor? Or else could it be…"

Damocles Hanger

Meanwhile, Schneizel, Kanon, and Diethard were riding the elevator down and heading for the jet.

"Damocles and F.L.E.I.J.A.s are simply machines in the end," Schneizel said. "We can always rebuild them."

"But sir, you know the Tromo Agency doesn't have the resources. Nor does Rosenberg." Kanon pointed out.

"That's true, however, if it's known that Lelouch was destroyed by the F.L.E.I.J.A. there will be plenty of organizations happy to build F.L.E.I.J.A.s for us," Schneizel said confidently.

"Isn't that basically terrorism?" Kanon asked unsettled by his intentions. "Besides, there's Princess Nunnally's opinion to consider also."

"Why care what she says?" Diethard noted. "Bait has no opinion."

Kanon was shocked "What do you mean? You're abandoning her?"

"World peace or a single life." Schneizel reasoned. "It's sad to say, but one cannot be compared with the other."

Damocles Garden Room

Meanwhile, Nunnally was still on the floor, desperately searching for the firing switch.

"Where is it… where is the key?" Nunnally had a pained expression. "I have to stop Lelouch."

In The Air

The battle was still raging on between Lelouch's forces and Schneizel's forces. The Sutherland Sieg was shooting missiles at the Mordred while Anya blocked them with her shield.

"We have to hold out here. Until His Majesty completes his mission!" Jeremiah loudly proclaimed.

"You really are persistent," Anya muttered as she kept fighting.

Three Flight Enabled Sutherlands appeared and started shooting at Jeremiah and he was forced to dodge them and Anya at the same time. Then suddenly, the same three Flight Enabled Sutherlands were shot down. Jeremiah didn't know what was happening and then they saw a Knightmare unit rushing toward them and it was an Akatsuki.

"Hold it, hold it!" Tamaki spoke loudly.

Jeremiah was surprised when heard that. "That voice?"

Tamaki's Flight Enabled Akatsuki was followed by two Command-Type Akatsukis and the Zangetsu. They took out the additional enemy units.

"You all?" Jeremiah faced them.

"The Black Knights." Anya noticed.

"Sup Jeremiah." Tamaki greeted him precociously.

"We came after we finished all the enemies on our end," Urabe informed him.

"I see, thank you for the support but please, let me handle this opponent on my own." Jeremiah requested of them.

"Can you succeed, your opponent is a former Knight of the Round," Todoh said.

"I am a current one." Jeremiah used that as his answer.

"Very well then, we'll cover the perimeter and stop any interferences," Todoh said. "Everyone, move out."

"Yes sir!" Chiba and Urabe said in unison.

"Kick her ass, Jeremiah!" Tamaki cheered before following them.

"You should have accepted their help," Anya said.

"No, I will defeat you in the name of my loyalty!" Jeremiah said loudly.

Outside The Damocles

Meanwhile, C.C, Gino and Kallen were still destroying the Damocles as the Lancelot Frontier moved in and was cutting down parts with one of its MVSs.

Kallen fired the Radiant Wave Surger long-range at it and watched another part explode. "Keep going, don't let up for a second!"

"My, you're certainly fired up, Kallen." C.C noticed with a hint of amusement.

"Of course I am. I have my country, something to avenge! And all of my ambition!" Kallen declared as she kept on firing. "All of those reasons to fight are why I'm here!"

"Well, I can't say I have any grand reasons like that," C.C said as she smiled. "All I have is a promise."

"Personally, I'd say that's not a bad reason either." Gino chimed in as he fired a Slash Harken.

"Oh, and what reason do you have to fight?" C.C asked.

"Nothing special," Gino said with a smile. "I'm just fighting to protect something I love."

He didn't wait for a response and they all kept up their assault.

Damocles Garden Room

Back in the garden room, Nunnally was still crawling on the floor searching for the key.

"The key… Where is the key?" She kept reaching around. "It's got to be here… I have to stop Lelouch… And it's all up to me to do it. If only I could…"

Nunnally stopped and gasped as seemingly out of nowhere, something was different.

Schneizel's Jet Within The Damocles

Schneizel, Kanon, and Diethard arrived with the guards escorting them.

"Standing by to launch." One of the operators said. "Rendezvous point with Sir Hartgren as planned. No changes. Course, clear. Ceiling, favourable. Please set the contact channel to Victor."

Schneizel, Diethard, and Kanon went inside the jet and when they did, there was a transmission and it surprised the three. There was a visual and it showed Lelouch sitting in a chair in the Damocles control room.

"I've been waiting for you, Schneizel," Lelouch said.

Diethard and Kanon were very surprised and Schneizel kept his composure.

"I see. I suppose this means that you have me in checkmate." Schneizel surmised.

They looked back and they figured that the guards behind them were affected by Lelouch's Geass.

Schneizel sat down. "Please tell me. I'm dying to know. Just how did you discover what my plan was."

"You're mistaken," Lelouch said. "What I anticipated was the pattern of your own nature."

"My nature?" Schneizel repeated.

Lelouch explained. "You don't have the desire to win."

Schneizel narrowed his eyes at Lelouch while Kanon and Diethard were a bit confused.

Lelouch continued. "You remember that chess match at the Vermilion Forbidden City. And the coup d'etat of the Black Knights. You only play games you can't lose."

"So you predicted that I will abandon the Damocles?" Schneizel asked.

"Schneizel, this time I'm going to make sure that you lose," Lelouch promised him.

"Meaning I'll be put to death." Schneizel said unshaken.

Horai Island

Meanwhile, at Horai Island, Villetta had been contacted about the current situation on the battlefield and was informing Claudio about it.

"Yes. The final battle will most likely take place within the Damocles." Villetta said. "Ohgi, I mean, the Secretary-General…"

"Either way, you're saying he's okay, right?" Claudio surmised.

"Yes," Villetta said.

While they were talking, in a nearby medical room, Cornelia, after surviving being gunned down by Schneizel, was brought here by Darlton and was resting in a bed while Darlton stood beside her bed and an unknown man sat on a chair beside her bed.

"My brother didn't kill me. I'm still here after all I've said and done. In a more normal world, he would be an excellent ruler." Cornelia pondered. "He isn't driven by the ambition that egoists have. I was a fool not to have seen that. Wouldn't you agree?" She asked Darlton.

"I'm afraid so My Lady, in the end, none of us were able to understand his true nature," Darlton said with regret. "Not until it was too late to matter."

"His nature was always impossible to understand, I've known him my whole life but he always felt like a stranger to me," Cornelia admitted before looking at the man sitting beside her as she reached out her hand. "And what do you think?"

The man reached out and took her hand, holding it tightly. The man was revealed to be Guilford who reappeared and left because he was ordered to by Lelouch and became emotional as he looked at Cornelia. "Princess, I…"

Cornelia smiled softly at him. "Guilford, you're never going to stop calling me that, are you?"

Darlton placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "Guildford, we're both relieved to have you back and see you are doing well."

Guilford shook his head. "No, I'm the one who is revealed, Darlton. Thank you for protecting her highness while I wasn't able to."

"It was my duty and my privilege," Darlton said proudly.

Cornelia looked at them both happily. "Both of you, I was unworthy of your devotion, but I'm grateful just the same."

Schneizel's Jet Within The Damocles

"I have a question." Lelouch started. "Were you intending to use the Damocles as a tool to dominate the world?"

"I wasn't," Schneizel answered. "I only wanted to give everyone what they wanted. To bring peace to civilization."

"Disregarding humanity's true nature?" Lelouch added.

"That's a matter of opinion." Schneizel retorted.

"Then you actually imagine that you can maintain the world in a perpetual state of now. But, life without change might be called anything except life. It's nothing more than experience." Lelouch reasoned.

"But, link those together and they become knowledge, right?" Schneizel noted.

Lelouch nodded. "Schneizel, you truly are superior. So superior you can't even see it. Yes. Emperor Charles sought the past, you seek the present. But I seek the future."

"But the future may prove to be worse than the present," Schneizel argued.

Lelouch shook his head. "No. It will be better. Because no matter how long it takes, people will continue to seek out happiness."

"Even though that will end up making people greedy." Schneizel then laughed. "Your foolery also knows no limit. You're really too emotional about this. Hope and dreams are merely names for aimless fiction."

"You're restricted. Since you belong to the symbol known as the royal family, which looks down on the world." Lelouch said with eloquence. "I've seen it over and over. The people who struggle against sadness, those who seek the future. How they all carry on wishing for happiness. Human nature is why I chose Geass and to wear a mask."

"Lelouch, you're contradicting yourself. You, who continually deny the will of others, are standing here before us affirming the will of humanity." Schneizel had a grin. "That's enough. Kill me now and be done with it. But, a F.L.E.I.J.A. will still decimate you. We will gladly give our lives to bring peace to the world."

Suddenly a hand was placed on Schneizel's shoulder and Lelouch paused for a moment and smiled.

"And that's how I came to my decision—" Lelouch started on the screen.

"—That I give you the gift of the words." Lelouch finished in person as he revealed himself standing right next to Schneizel with his Geass already activated. "You shall serve and obey my orders."

Schneizel was shocked. "Then you never intended to kill me at all. You wanted to…!"

Schneizel didn't get to finish as the Geass took hold of him. Kanon and Diethard were helpless as they were being held by two guards that Lelouch used his Geass on. Logan, Rolo and Suzaku also entered the jet and stood beside Lelouch.

"Highness…" Kanon watched in despair.

"Damn it! Why didn't I see it coming…" Diethard said as he looked around. "He anticipated Schneizel's thoughts and recorded that conversation."

Diethard and Kanon saw Schneizel getting up and kneeling before Lelouch.

"Order me to do whatever you wish, Master," Schneizel said loyally.

"I can't believe it worked," Rolo said impressed.

"It's been ages since we pulled this trick," Logan noted with satisfaction.

"But it worked for the same reason, the target was easy to predict," Lelouch said before looking down at Schneizel. "Schneizel, your willingness to let yourself be killed, is exactly what is led you to be defeated."

Diethard got freed and quickly grabbed the gun of the guard who held him and shot him and then pointed the gun at the guard holding Kanon. "Don't move!"

Suzaku and Rolo were a bit surprised at what Diethard had just done. Schneizel got up and Lelouch just ordered Schneizel not to do anything.

Diethard continued. "Zero, this story is finished!" Diethard looked at Lelouch with a vicious glare. "You never should've come this far! You shouldn't even be alive, you bastard!"

Diethard started to move the gun to point it at Lelouch only to get it shot out of his hand by another gun. Diethard and Kanon looked to see who had just shot the Britannian newsman and it was Logan who brought out his own gun and still had it pointed at Diethard.

Logan then sighed and looked at Lelouch. "Hey, don't you think it's time?"

"Yes, I believe you're right." Lelouch turned to Diethard and the man in question feared he would be controlled by Geass next, but instead Lelouch just spoke. "Code B.7.D."

Upon saying those words, Diethard froze and gasped as he looked straight up and a red light appeared around his pupils before they vanished and memories flooded back into his mind. In a second, he composed himself and smiled at them.

"I see," Diethard calmly looked around to assess the situation. "So the operation was successful."

Kanon was shocked while Rolo and Suzaku were confused.

"Operation?" Suzaku repeated.

"Diethard, what's going on?" Kanon asked. "Are you also under the control of Geass?"

"On the contrary, I was until a moment ago," Diethard answered with a smirk.

"Lelouch, what's going on here?" Suzaku asked.

"It's quite the story actually, a month ago, before we started our plan, I had Diethard speak with me privately." Lelouch started. "I gave him a mission to join Schneizel so he could serve as my mole."

"A mole?" Kanon repeated surprised. "But how, you never showed any signs of suspicion and you fully supported Prince Schneizel's plan."

"Yes, if I'm being honest, I would have liked to have seen the world Schneizel envisioned," Diethard admitted honestly. "The world envisioned by the man with the ambition to become God. But, since he was defeated by Zero and Soul, I see I made the right choice."

"Diethard was perfect for the job because of his mentality," Lelouch explained. "He isn't driven by loyalty or devotion whatsoever, he's only interested in being with whoever he believes will ultimately win. And if he decides that that's someone else, he'd turn over to their side."

"No one would question it if I turn coated left one group to join another, so no one suspected a thing, not even Schneizel," Logan added. "And to make sure it worked perfectly, Lelouch used his Geass on him to make him the perfect mole."

"I apologise for not telling you two." Lelouch told Suzaku and Rolo. "But it was better if only the least amount of people knew."

"That's fine," Rolo said.

"But what order did you give him?" Suzaku asked.

"Even if he could serve as a mole, I knew the possibility that he could become enamoured by and decided to honestly join him existed, so I used a very specifical command," Lelouch explained before saying it. "Until I give the signal, live as a follower of Schneizel."

"You used Geass to make him join Prince Schneizel?" Kanon asked, surprised again.

"Under the Geass, he did everything he would normally do, he was efficient, dutiful, and never showed signs of treachery, all he did was methodically send us information whenever he discovered something new. That's how we always stayed one step ahead of you in battle." Logan informed them. "The best mole is one that doesn't even realise he's a mole."

"And when the time came where they defeated Schneizel, he would deactivate the Geass and I would return to my real self," Diethard said with joy. "No one knew a thing."

"Diethard, you let yourself be used as their Pawn?" Kanon accused him.

"Of course, after all, the world is a game and people are mere Pawns in it," Diethard said pridefully. "I take great pride in being a Pawn that was used to checkmate Schneizel. Now nothing stands in their way, with this, they'll take the whole world in their hands before controlling Britannia on the surface and controlling the whole U.F.N from the shadows. That's the final objective of Zero and…" He wore a victorious grin. "The greatest deception in history."

Kanon understood there was no escape and gave one more despairing look at Schneizel. "Prince Schneizel, a man who sacrifices his own life without any hesitation. Such is the power of Geass."

"Now Schneizel. You can begin by cancelling the self destruct for the Damocles." Lelouch ordered.

"Understood." Schneizel obeyed. "However Nunnally is the one who has the F.L.E.I.J.A. control switch."

Lelouch was surprised. "Nunnally?"

In The Air

The Shen Hu was fighting continuously in the air as Xingke quickly dispatched any enemy forces that came his way with little resistance.

"Smash through their defences," Xingke said loudly.

"General Xingke, we have new orders from Zero." A Black Knight contacted him. "The Damocles is now open for attack, any available forces are to launch an offence against it."

"Right, understood." The Shen Hu took off and Xingke contacted all allies around him. "Pass this on, anyone who isn't in the middle of a battle, head for the Damocles!"

Xingke and many others made their way to the floating fortress.

Damocles Garden Room

Lelouch and the other three all walked in and were approaching Nunnally. Nunnally was once again sitting in her wheelchair which was upright and heard the steps and had the guess who it was.

"It's you, isn't it, big brother?" Nunnally asked.

"It is," Lelouch answered.

"And Suzaku, as well as Logan and Rolo too?" Nunnally asked. "You're all here as well?"

"Yes, Nunnally," Logan answered.

"All of us are here," Rolo said.

"It's been so long, but I still recognise the sounds of your steps, I used to hear them every day," Nunnally said as she gripped the Damocles Key. "The reason you're here must be this. Did you come for the Damocles key?"

"Yes," Lelouch confirmed her suspicion. "It's dangerous. Dangerous to you."

"Then that's why…" Nunnally started.

Lelouch stopped for a moment. "Hmm?"

Nunnally continued. "Why I won't close my eyes to things any longer."

Nunnally suddenly opened her eyes and it shocked all of them greatly.

"That's…" Suzaku gasped in disbelief.

"She can see?" Rolo thought, shaken at that fact.

"Impossible… Did she…?" Logan thought taken aback.

"She's broken father's Geass… with her own will?" Lelouch realized but still couldn't believe it.

"Now Lelouch. Will you use your Geass? On me as well?" Nunnally asked him with a determined look that none of them had ever seen.

To Be Concluded

And that's the chapter.

I changed up how they broke through the Damocles' shield because I wanted to do something that would require the strength of Lelouch, Logan and Suzaku. And it felt more exciting this way.

I also wanted to let Euphie and Nina reconcile because I thought despite everything, their relationship deserved to end on a better note.

And my idea of having Diethard being a Geassed mole was something I originally planned but decided on after a while and just seemed like something they would do. And it's not like he would have a problem with it.

The next chapter will be the final chapter of the story, I hope you all enjoyed the ride as much as I have because the climax will be one I'm sure you'll all be satisfied with.

Anyways thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed, if you want more leave a review, if you like the story click the follow/favourite, and as always have an awesome day.