The world had changed so suddenly.
“
"…Why…Are you kidding me?”
Like pitch-black wings that covered the sky, the bomber that flew from the other side of the line of sight carried the power to destroy everything.
"Are you trying to destroy my world again?! Charles G. Britania!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
He roared at the top of his lungs, carrying all the power he could muster.
He couldn't tolerate it and took everything away from him. When he finally healed his wounds and found a place to live, he tore it apart mercilessly again!
"Lelouch…"
This was the first time that his best friend had seen him in such despair. He was so worried that he wanted to go forward, but he was stopped by the sensible witch.
"Lord Lelouch…can only stand up by himself now…You have more important things to do, don't you, Pinnacle Vermilion Bird?”
The determined face that did not match his age revealed the deepest sorrow, but the naive Vermilion Bird naturally could not notice it.
The war had begun. He was Suzaku, the son of the Prime Minister of Japan. There was no need to say what he could do…
"I'll go find Uncle Fujito! Kagura, you must watch over Kallen and Lelouch!!”
Without waiting for a reply, the impulsive youth ran to the tent at the foot of the mountain. All he could do now was contribute to his country.
"Kagura…he…"
She covered her chest with both hands uneasily. At this moment, Lelouch was completely unlike the little boy that Kallen knew who could quarrel with her.
…That sadness…was like the darkest abyss, making Kallen uneasy…
“……”
The witch did not reply. She understood everything but could not change the pain in her heart.
…This pain was because the person she loved was in pain…
"Lord Lelouch, this isn't a place you should be.”
However, for the sake of the person he loved, what he should do was not to suffer with him, but to give him the strength to cheer him up.
“……”
There was no reply. It was a deathly silence. The roar of the distant bomber gradually reached his ears, but at this moment, Kagura could feel the silence.
Pa!
It seemed so weak against the roar of the plane, but it shocked Kallen, who was the most uneasy among them, so much so that she did not dare to move.
"Wake up! Lelouch V. Britania! You still have Na Nali, right? You don't have the right to stay here and grieve!!!”
He exploded with strength that he had never had before. He could clearly feel the crystal clear liquid brushing past his face, but he had to endure it and not lower his head. Her pure green pupils stared straight at the confused purple in front of her.
"…You're right…"
His slender fingers gently stroked his swollen cheeks, but the corners of his mouth curled up into a confident arc that the two girls were familiar with.
"I'm…Lelouch…Thank you, Kagura.”
He wiped away the water droplets on the girl's cheeks. At this moment, Lelouch was not the Lelouch who had lived in Japan for half a year and had completely become an ordinary child, nor was he the Lelouch who was happily laughing with his royal brothers and sisters in the Aries Palace.
…The current him did not have the qualifications…
"If you want to come…then give it a try!”
As he passed by, he gently stroked Kallen's dazzling red hair, calming the young girl's heart after experiencing such a huge change.
"I will protect you…Even if I can't do it now, I will find it back…Whether it's family, friends, or life, I will find it back for you!”
In response to the youth who had already decided on his path, the blood-colored bird in his left eye…spread its wings again after half a year.
===================================================
" The first team of Knighthood has landed. They will occupy the government building first. The landing team will land on the coast in five minutes!”
“yes，yourhighness。”
In the coastal area of Japan, the flag representing Britania fluttered on a large fleet. The mothership in the center of the formation was Britania's strongest battle queen, the second princess, Cornelia.
" As expected of the strongest combat force of the new era, Knight Mare. Just a few dozen of them…"
"Are you moved, Guilford?"
He looked at the well-ironed young man in a dark red military uniform beside him with amusement. His elegant face was more like a literary youth than a soldier. However, unlike on the surface, the young man who was chosen as a knight by her as the top student in her cohort was definitely not just for show.
"Yes, it would be a great honor to drive it to conquer the land for His Highness.”
"Hey, hey, hey, I'm the one blushing.”
There was no trace of the reserved air that a princess should have. The roses, which revealed the unique swift and violent charm of a soldier, always exuded a dangerous aura.
"There's no need to be tempted. You'll get what you want soon.”
“yes，yourhighness! We will definitely become the swords in Your Highness's hands and conquer all the places Your Highness points to!”
Guilloford showed his loyalty without hesitation. He had only been chosen as a knight for a few months, and he had yet to get rid of the excitement and glory. He would not do so in this life.
"... The place I'm pointing at... Is it..."
He repeated in a whisper," The place I'm pointing at in the future may be your hometown…Guilloford…"
"I wonder if Lelouch and the others are doing well…Damn it, why haven't they sent any news yet?”Corelia's heart was restless. She really wanted to find Lelouch and the others on her own, but... as the commander...
===================================================
"Na Nali!"
After struggling through the flood of refugees and moving in the opposite direction, Lelouch finally arrived at the dilapidated Pivot Wood Shrine.
In contrast to their journey here, the Japanese Prime Minister's house was now so quiet that one could even hear a pin drop. The only sound was the crackling of the burning trees around them.
"... It's really there..."
As expected, the broken image in front of him did not make Lelouch worry at all. He had come here just in case. He had already seen Na Nali's location in his left eye.
"-this is it!"
In the middle of the ruins, a large amount of rubble was painstakingly moved away, revealing a piece of ground that was no different from the original.
"Na Nali! Are you inside?"
"Brother!"
A weak response came from the ground. The ground that was originally normal gradually cracked.
This was the underground shelter of the Shuki family. He had entered this place with the Vermilion Bird before the arrival of the Britani army's bomber.
"Big brother!"
"Lelouch!"
Nunnally and the Vermilion Bird were both there. The Vermilion Bird rushed up excitedly and hugged Lelouch tightly. Nunnally also came up and held Lelouch's hand with tears in her eyes.
"…Are you guys…alright…"
He suddenly calmed down, and his body suddenly felt tired. The amount of exercise he had just done was also quite taxing on him.
"You are! I was just worried that you didn't know where this place was and wanted to go out and look for you!”
"Who do you think I am? Of course I know about such a small matter.”
Smiling, Lelouch, who had suddenly relaxed, finally had the mood to joke.
"Are Kagura and Kallen alright?"
"Don't worry, Kagura has been taken away by the six families of the capital. Kallen will be sent back to the Shodafelt family.”
He didn't know. Although he knew from his left eye that Kagura would be safe, he didn't see any sign of Kallen. That red-haired girl who was too energetic should not have appeared in Lelouch's world.
However, in order to make the Vermilion Bird feel at ease, he could only say this. She would be fine with Kagura by her side.
"... Then... I can only wait..."
They had to stay here for three days, or they would be discovered by the Britani army who were searching for survivors. Past experience told Lelouch this.
…Britania…What you have made me lose, I will one day get it back double…I swear!
What's going on?" I carried Na Nali on my back while Vermilion Bird followed behind me alone.
"Vermilion Bird, run!"
" But..." Vermilion Bird stopped, tears streaming down her face.
"Hurry up and leave! Vermillion Bird."
"Brother, where is this?"
"The nearby garbage dump, bear with it, it will pass very quickly.”The Vermilion Bird remained motionless.”I turned around. It was not the smell of garbage, but…the smell of rotting corpses. Looking at the corpses around him, he saw the stiff corpse of a little girl holding a doll. However, the doll was already unstrung and almost rotten. Lelouch pushed the wheelchair forward while holding back his vomit.
"What's going on, everyone…"
"Are you alright, Big Brother Vermillion Bird?" Na Nali wiped the tears from Vermilion Bird's face.
"I…"
"It will be fine. Vermillion Bird, leave quickly.”
Three days later.
They had finally managed to survive with the limited resources in the underground fallout shelter, and it was finally time to see the light of day again. The Vermilion Bird couldn't find Teng Tang, so he had no choice but to return.
"…Ha…"
"Big brother, Vermillion Bird…what's wrong?”
The two youths were rendered speechless by the scene in front of them. This was the first time they experienced the cruelty of the battlefield.
"…Nothing happened.”
After a few seconds of silence, he finally said nothing and carried his petite sister on his back.
Who knew how much pain his trembling hands contained…
The girl on the left was still holding a broken doll…
The woman whose chest had been pierced by a bullet on the right side was still holding a child who had lost his warmth…
This…was the hell known as the battlefield…
"Wuuu…wuuu…"
"…Vermillion Bird, don't cry!"
His companion, who had been holding back his tears, finally couldn't help but sob. These people who could never get up were his compatriots, the people he wanted to protect. However, he could not do anything.
" Absolutely…you can't cry…"
There was a sobbing tone in her determined words, but in the end, she held back her tears and did not let them flow out.
He didn't have the right to be willful…Before ensuring Na Nali's safety…
Thinking about it carefully.
The two of them didn't have the respect and respect that they should have for their fathers. What they had was just an illusion. An illusion was an illusion after all. It would not become reality.
Yes, it was.
One hated his father from the bottom of his heart, and in the end, he chose the path of killing his father and subverting his country. The other was bound by his father's death and struggled to escape from the shadow.
What kind of fate awaited them? What did they see? This was still unknown. The waves today were not small.
As they approached the border of land and water, they saw waves surging and waves rolling. There was no news of a typhoon today, so it should be just a little windy. Although there were clouds in the sky, the sun was still dazzling. The Vermilion Bird sat down on the soft sand and looked at the sea. He was wearing his usual white kimono top and navy blue pants.
However, he did not have a wooden saber by his waist, nor did he have one by his side.
Suddenly, the clouds covered the sun. At the same time, the Vermilion Bird was no longer calm, and its eyes suddenly changed.
He stood up and cast his sharp gaze behind him.
Over there.
"It's really not simple. I just tried to release a slight murderous aura.」
His tone was full of youthful arrogance. A tall figure emerged from the shadow of the rock. He was wearing a dark green military uniform, and his appearance was very similar to that of a sharp blade.
"Perhaps now is not the time to praise you. After all, I am no longer your teacher. It should be a long time no see, Vermilion Bird.」
[Mr. Fujido.]
The Vermilion Bird heaved a sigh of relief.
He smiled.
A man sat upright on a rock in front of Lelouch.
His posture was standard and his expression was respectful, but he was not Japanese. He was wearing a black coat and dark sunglasses with burn marks on his neck.
Lelouch silently turned his gaze to him. He did not know where the man had learned it from, but he solemnly placed his hands on his knees and lowered his head.
"Long time no see since Narita, Lord Lelouch.」
Yes, when Lelouch and Na Nali first arrived in Japan, this man was their only companion.
However…After the man finished speaking, Lelouch suddenly laughed.
[It shouldn't be in Narita.] The man raised his head and raised his eyebrows.
Lelouch continued,"It's not quite right to say that we haven't seen each other for a long time. We only met about twenty days ago. It seems that you have successfully escaped from here.」
In an instant, the air in the room seemed to freeze. However, it was only for a moment. The man took off his sunglasses.
That gaze seemed to pierce through the person in front of him
[So you've already discovered it.]
[No, it's just a guess.] Lelouch shrugged. "But when I think about it later, I feel that it was a little strange at that time. I've never seen such a low-level assassin. Furthermore, I've never heard of an assassin who doesn't carry a weapon.」
[I lost.]
The man smiled bitterly. Lelouch remembered that this was the first time he had seen such an expression.
[Actually, I was also reprimanded by the master after that incident.」
[I think so too.]
The man had not received any special training. Although he was the trusted aide of the " master," he was not good at wielding knives and guns.
That being said.
They were only two ten-year-old children, yet they had managed to put the Pinnacle Black Tortoise in such a sorry state. Without exception, all the elite special forces soldiers sent by that sinister man died miserably. Their faces were filled with horror. How laughable…
[What about today?]
Lelouch asked casually.
[Have you given up on the kidnapping plan?]
[Yes, I gave up.]
The other party answered honestly. It seemed that this man's personality was unexpectedly straightforward.
"Or rather, it's more appropriate to say that there's no longer a need to do so. I've convinced my boss, so I can at least save some face for myself.」
[Yes.] Lelouch narrowed his eyes slightly. "Although I roughly understand, there are still some things I'm not sure about. In the end, why did you kidnap me?」
"Of course, it's to protect you and your sister.」
"Do you think that the Ashford family has completely given up on me and my sister?」
[Are you serious?]
[Of course not.] Lelouch answered straightforwardly.
[If that was the case, my sister and I would have died in Japan.]」
This was the truth. Not even the Vermilion Bird or the Pedestal Clan knew about this.
[But even so, I still don't understand. My sister and I have already been stripped of our right to inherit the throne. What benefits can Ashford get from helping a prince like me who has no future?」
"Perhaps it can be said that our family motto is to find ways to gain benefits from places where we can't gain benefits.」The man's reply was still as flamboyant as ever.
Lelouch felt that even if he investigated this matter further, he would not get a result. Although he was unwilling, the other party's stance was even more unyielding now. In such an occasion, status did not matter.
Lelouch sighed softly as he thought of this. "I understand. I won't ask the same question again.」
[Thank you for your understanding.]
[Let's get to the point.]
"Then, I shall begin, Lord Lelouch and Lord Nunnally. Now, both of you are dead.」
This time, even Lelouch widened his eyes. However, his surprise immediately disappeared. Lelouch placed his index finger on his lips as if he was deep in thought. [So there's still such a trick. So the kidnapping is "
[This is the most practical move. Although it took me a little more time to use my specialty, I had already prepared all the data. Next, he just needed to find the right time and use the right method to submit it.」
[Does this mean that my sister and I are in a more and more dangerous situation?」
[Exactly.]
[You want us to give up our original identities and names?」
"Other than that, there is no other way to ensure your safety. As long as you are no longer a prince, those who want to take your life will have no reason to act.」
Lelouch fell into deep thought again. This didn't take too much time. Lelouch looked straight into the man's eyes and nodded.
[I understand.]
[You agree?]
[Indeed, this is the only way. But I have a condition."
[Condition?]
" I want to know who's after me and my sister. No," Lelouch's expression changed for the first time. His face was still innocent and tender. However, what appeared on his face was a terrifying aura like that of a ghost. Then, he asked in a clear voice that was the opposite of his expression. [Who killed my mother?!]
The man's expression froze for the first time.
The sea was still raging. The white waves kept surging. The Vermilion Bird and Teng Tang were quietly looking at the vast sea.
The two of them only spoke once.
[Can't the war stop?]
[Ah. Although no one wants to fight."
That was all. After that, only the sound of waves echoed.
Finally, the sun set in the west. Perhaps it was because of this, but Teng Tang stood up from the beach. He didn't say anything to the Vermilion Bird sitting on the beach and quietly left. He heard the rough sound of leather boots sinking into the sand.
However, before the other party could go far, the Vermilion Bird suddenly spoke.
"Fujido-san, I want to give up Kendo.」
Teng Tang turned around. The young man was still looking at the sea. He did not turn around to look at her.
Then, he continued. "But perhaps I don't think I'll give up my sword.」
Teng Tang stared at his back. He shook his head gently. [Is that so?]
"Thank you, Mr. Fujido. One day, I will repay you.」Teng Tang laughed. [There's no need for that. You've already given me a lot."
Teng Tang walked away. This was really just an insignificant agreement. It was small and empty, and even whether it could be realized was so vague.
It was the same for Lelouch and the Vermilion Bird. However, this was indeed a start. Their paths
[Vermilion Bird.] A voice called out from behind him. The Vermilion Bird turned around. The person who appeared on the white beach was Lelouch.
"What's wrong? Staying here alone?」
[Lelouch.] The Vermilion Bird did not answer. Instead, it turned its gaze toward the sea again.
he murmured. [When can we go fishing together again?]」
Lelouch said helplessly.
[You don't have to find a time. Can't you do it today?」
The Vermilion Bird smiled. "After becoming an old man who can't even walk, I hope we can still go fishing with Na Nali.」
Lelouch fell silent.
But soon, he laughed too. [That's not bad.]
[Yeah.]
[I will not lose to you then, Vermillion Bird.]」
[Yes.] I will definitely win, Lelouch."
[It's a deal.]
[It's a deal.]
Far away on the horizon. A small cloud disappeared.
********************************************************************
When she found out that Lelouch and Nunnally had unfortunately been hit by stray bullets on the battlefield and died, she hid in her room and did not come out for several days. However, she could only hide in such a space without anyone else. Only then could she hold her pillow and cry without any scruples. Tears flowed freely. For the first time, Cornelia felt despair about life. She wasn't very proud of the title of Princess of the Royal Family, but this title couldn't bring back her beloved brother and sister.
As for Yuffie, when she heard the news of Lelouch and Na Nali's deaths, she was in a trance. Her thoughts were instantly sucked out. She only saw the state of Lelouch and Na Nali's deaths. It was as if they were right in front of her. However, no matter how she ran towards them, no matter how hoarse her throat was, she could not touch them. She cried hard. The person she loved had left her just like that.
On the military training ground, the two girls had been thrown down countless times. They lay on the ground and panted heavily. Nonette looked at the two people on the ground. When Anya and Mosika heard about Lulu and Na Nali's deaths, they were stronger than they had imagined and did not cry. How would Nonette know? The two girls could only hug and cry in private. At this time, he could only rely on this good friend in front of him. After that, the two of them trained even harder than before. It could be said that the training was so reckless that even Nonette was shocked when he saw it.
Nonette looked at them and shouted," Was this all he could do? Didn't you want to help him take revenge?"
"It won't end so easily!" Mosika clenched her fists and shouted. She and Anya supported each other and slowly stood up. He charged at Nonette patiently, but after a few moves, he was thrown to the ground again. Mosika looked up at the sky, ignoring her dirty clothes. She murmured," Hey, Lelouch, you will look after Anya and me in heaven, right? Yes, you have to watch carefully. I will definitely avenge you and kill all the Japanese!”
Anya rarely smiled anymore. She didn't even speak to people. She only nodded in response. Every time she looked at the photo of Lelouch hugging her and smiling gently on her phone, Anya could not help but cry. "Lulu, you lied to me. You said you would come back for us. I promised you that I would only smile at you.”Perhaps, from now on, he would never smile again. She gently wiped away the tears on her face and smiled at Lelouch's photo.
Several months later. The Holy British Empire officially declared war on Japan.
The British army, equipped with the new weapon, the Knight, had dominated the entire Japan. In just a month, Japan was forced to surrender and became a new British territory, renamed District 11.
The two teenagers were separated by the war. When they met again, it was already seven years later.
Author Group: **
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