Chapter 250: Saving Private Suzaku
Nighttime.
Following the address given by Lelouch, Mahiro found a massive transport vehicle.
Upon boarding, he saw Lelouch sitting there in a brand-new outfit, with a helmet placed on the seat beside him.
"You're here, Mahiro-sensei."
"Yeah, I'm here. Where did you get this vehicle again?"
Mahiro glanced around his surroundings.
The interior of the compartment was spacious, with a hearse that was supposed to transport Clovis's body parked in the center, along with a Knightmare from the old era.
That peculiar shape and appearance—if he remembered correctly—should be the MR1 civilian mech, specifically designed for handling operations.
"Sensei, you know how it is."
A wry smile tugged at the corner of Lelouch's mouth.
How else could one obtain such a military transport vehicle?
It was undoubtedly acquired using Geass.
"But as for you, Sensei. Are you planning to proceed like this for the operation? I have another set of clothes here, so perhaps..."
"No need."
Mahiro firmly declined Lelouch's offer.
With a sidelong glance, he clearly saw a corner of white clothing peeking out from a bundle hidden under Lelouch's seat.
The design was almost identical to what Lelouch was currently wearing.
If he were to put that on...
"Let's not go through that trouble."
Mahiro snapped his fingers directly.
—「Parade」.
As the sound faded, psions surged forth and enveloped his body, instantly altering Mahiro's appearance.
First, his short black hair turned snow-white, gradually lengthening and shimmering with a crystalline glow.
Then, his pitch-black pupils gradually transformed into a vivid, blood-like crimson.
Finally, his ordinary casual clothes shifted into a white tailcoat, paired with white leather shoes.
One could say his entire outfit was white, with only his eyes standing out as a striking scarlet.
His entire demeanor had changed. If before he leaned toward a stylish man, now he was captivating, with an air of weathered elegance.
Like the elegance of a vampire.
Not a trace of Mahiro remained.
This was the Kushima Family's secret technique, 「Parade」—a perfect transformation.
"Such a convenient ability, Sensei," Lelouch sighed.
He had put in considerable effort to create such an outfit, yet the other party merely snapped his fingers and even altered his appearance.
"Want to learn?"
"Would you teach me?"
"You can't learn it."
The two exchanged a smile.
Faced with this fantastical, fairy tale-like ability Mahiro displayed, Lelouch showed no surprise.
After witnessing Mahiro heal Nunnally's legs—which even medical means couldn't cure—he had already grown accustomed to the strange powers Mahiro exhibited.
He even felt a hint of envy.
Compared to Mahiro's versatile magic, Lelouch's Geass seemed somewhat monotonous and awkward.
Although it could be used on a group of people, it could only control them once...
Still, Lelouch wasn't a greedy person. Having such power was enough to deal with Britannia!
"By the way, this operation shouldn't involve just the two of us, right?"
"Mm, I borrowed two terrorists... They've already arrived."
Just as Lelouch was halfway through his sentence, the transport vehicle's cargo door was knocked.
Standing outside were key members of the resistance "Red Moon"—Kallen Kōzuki and their leader Kaname Ohgi.
"Soon, it's almost time! Look, the bustling crowds along the way—everyone is waiting for the passage of the suspect in Prince Clovis's murder, the Honorary Britannian, Suzaku Kururugi!"
"Everyone awaits as the former ELEVEN is brought through the streets!"
Under the male commentator's narration, all televisions and radios in Area 11 were broadcasting the live coverage. Everyone—including Britannians, Honorary Britannians, and the ELEVENs living in the ghettos—was listening.
But their reactions varied. Along the route of Suzaku Kururugi's transport convoy, countless Britannians had gathered, waving their arms and denouncing Suzaku's crimes.
"Murderer! ELEVEN!"
"Take him down! Abolish the Honorary Britannian system!"
"Eliminate all ELEVEN monkeys!"
Amid the roaring anger of these Britannian citizens, the broadcaster continued stirring emotions.
"The voices of complaint and anger are growing louder! This is proof of how beloved Prince Clovis was by everyone! This is the voice of justice punishing terrorists!"
"To be filming such a program... I've really fallen low, haven't I?"
Inside the broadcast vehicle, a Britannian watching the scenes on screen and listening to the roaring crowds couldn't help but sneer with self-mockery.
He carried an arrogance completely different from others.
His name was Diethard Ried, a producer for the Holy Britannian Empire's television network.
Though technically a TV producer, what was being shown on screen wasn't what he truly wanted.
Grandiose incitement and exaggerated boasts, spreading nauseating lies—these were the best words to stir ordinary citizens' emotions.
But as the producer, Diethard couldn't help feeling ashamed of his actions.
Soon however, his attention shifted to the adjacent screen.
Because at that moment, Suzaku Kururugi's transport convoy had finally appeared.
"We can see him now—suspect Kururugi! Leading the convoy at the front is Margrave Jeremiah Gottwald, who has exhausted all efforts to resolve this incident! As acting governor, he's personally leading the team!"
Watching the same broadcast, the Red Moon resistance members—except for Kallen and Ohgi who had joined Lelouch's operation—were all observing the situation from their secret base.
Even now, the somewhat thuggish Tamaki Shinichiro remained doubtful... no, fundamentally unable to believe.
"There's no way they can do it! With just those few people!"
"But he said he'd show us how to turn the impossible into possible!"
Yoshida's voice sounded hesitant. He was one of those who had supported following the mysterious person's instructions during the Shinjuku incident.
"To actually obtain Clovis's hearse... This man might truly be capable of rescuing Suzaku Kururugi!"Similarly, Kaname Ohgi, who was waiting at the location designated by the mysterious man codenamed ZERO, Lelouch, gained a bit more confidence after witnessing ZERO steal the real Clovis's hearse."
Only then did he dare to go to the meeting alone with Kallen.
He had come
"Tamaki, don't bring your prejudice here! Just like last time in Shinjuku, if we hadn't followed ZERO's instructions, forget about defeating Britannia—we'd already be dead, and all our comrades in Shinjuku would have been buried with us!"
Inoue, who had been standing aside eagerly waiting for ZERO's appearance, was jolted awake by Tamaki's roar. She immediately flew into a rage, planting one hand on her hip while pointing accusingly at Tamaki's face, shouting angrily.
The merciless tone made the already hot-tempered Tamaki even more furious. He glared furiously at Inoue, the second girl in the Red Moon group besides Kallen.
"What did you say?"
"Inoue is right, Tamaki. If ZERO really succeeds in rescuing Suzaku Kururugi this time, we of the Red Moon will follow ZERO's leadership. If you continue like this, don't blame us for being harsh! I've tolerated you for too long—besides running your mouth, taking out your anger on others, and being arrogant, what else can you do!"
Sugiyama Kenji, who had been guarding the television, finally stepped forward. Unfortunately, he didn't support Tamaki but instead stood with Inoue and the others.
"That's right, we're going to follow ZERO! Tamaki, the new Red Moon doesn't need someone like you!"
Everyone except Tamaki had chosen to support and trust ZERO. Yoshida, who had spoken first, now felt emboldened and pushed Tamaki away from the television.
"Mi..."
Stumbling away from the television, Tamaki's face immediately darkened.
These people were acting like they were under Geass.
But such a reaction was actually normal.
That day in Shinjuku, if those black-clad figures hadn't appeared to repel the Britannian forces and destroy that white knightmare frame, most of them probably wouldn't be standing here today.
They had instinctively associated ZERO with those black-clad figures, attributing everything to ZERO.
As for Tamaki, he knew he had angered everyone and stopped talking.
Like a stray dog, he retreated to the back, only watching the television from a distance.
Meanwhile, from the television screen, everyone understood why Jeremiah had suddenly stopped.
Because a luxurious and solemn hearse was slowly approaching from the front of the motorcade.
"This is Position Five! A vehicle is approaching from ahead, already visible! This... this is Lord Clovis's special hearse!"
The security personnel's voice carried a note of disbelief.
The hearse moved at a steady, unhurried pace along the road, coming all the way from the intersection to appear before the public.
Because it was Lord Clovis's hearse, the Britannian military forces—even the pureblood faction knights—didn't dare act recklessly, especially since Jeremiah had given orders.
"They actually really... What are the guards at His Highness's memorial hall doing? How could they let terrorists steal His Highness's hearse!"
When Jeremiah saw the hearse approaching head-on from the front, his expression immediately changed dramatically.
After retrieving the hearse from that incompetent General Barret, he had personally arranged for Lord Clovis's new special vehicle. There was no way he wouldn't recognize it.
Yet it was precisely because he knew that Jeremiah was so enraged.
This was being broadcast live. If the media—no, if the general public—learned that terrorists had even stolen Clovis's hearse, his tenure as acting governor would be over.
No, such a blunder on his part would warrant far more severe punishment than that.
Perhaps even his nobility title could be stripped away.
He was aware of the identities of the incoming Governor and Vice-Governor to Area 11.
That one would absolutely not let him off easily!
No matter what...
He had to reclaim it!
"To dare counterfeit His Highness Clovis's hearse—show yourselves! Those who have defiled His Highness's vehicle!"
Jeremiah waved his hand grandly, his robust middle-aged voice amplified through the speakers.
"I am—ZERO!"
Screech!
Clovis's hearse halted before the convoy led by Jeremiah.
Then, the Britannian emblem curtain draped over the hearse suddenly self-ignited, revealing a figure concealed beneath a deep black cloak, wearing a mysterious black mask.
A mysterious, magnetic voice flowed slowly from beneath the mask, distant and arrogant.
But even more striking was the person beside the black-clad mystery figure.
A handsome man with white hair, red pupils, and pristine white attire—his exquisite features potent enough to intoxicate any woman's heart, his lips curled into a frivolous smile that seemed utterly nonchalant.
Yet the aura he exuded was akin to that of Britannian nobility.
Even seated silently atop the vehicle, his overwhelming presence was more than enough to announce his existence.
"Who are they? This mysterious person who suddenly appeared before the convoy, standing atop His Highness Clovis's hearse, calls himself ZERO! Who exactly is this self-proclaimed ZERO, and who is that white-haired man? What is their purpose in appearing here so abruptly...?"
The live reporter's words voiced the confusion of all the citizens. Who was this person standing on Clovis's hearse? What was his purpose in being here?
At this moment, everyone's attention was captivated by these two mysterious figures who had suddenly appeared.
Across all of Area 11, including both Britannians and non-Britannians alike.
"ZERO? Meaning 'nothing'!"
In the live broadcast control room, Diethard was one of the few who remained clear-headed. Not only had he discerned the true meaning behind the name ZERO, but his journalistic intuition also foretold that this could be an earth-shattering news story.
However, the situation had now spiraled completely out of control.
"Is this self-proclaimed ZERO a terrorist? If so, then his actions are utterly foolish!"
The on-site reporter continued to speculate, but without a doubt, this conjecture was the closest to the truth.
"Is it... an Eleven?"
On the convoy opposite the mysterious figure, Suzaku knelt on the transport vehicle, carefully observing the two across from him, speculating about their identities.
Meanwhile, hidden beneath the mask, Lelouch gazed through the transparent visor at Suzaku on the other side.
"Suzaku, what I owe you—I've repaid it all now!"
Lelouch murmured softly in his heart.
Due to the mask's concealment, no one could know what expression Lelouch wore at this moment.
Meanwhile, Mahiro sat atop the vehicle shed, silently watching the opposite side where the sinner Suzaku Kururugi knelt suppressed with an electrified collar forced upon him.
"...I hope you won't regret saving him someday, Lelouch."
To be honest, even knowing these two would eventually break apart, Mahiro found himself inexplicably anticipating this drama unfold.
Especially wondering how the Lelouch he had personally trained would act compared to the original version who faked the hearse theft but now had actually stolen a real hearse...
He truly wanted to know.
"Alright, ZERO, your showtime has ended!"
At this moment, Jeremiah had likely made his preparations. He suddenly spoke up, redirecting everyone's attention back to himself. Then, as cameras and surrounding soldiers focused on him, he drew his pistol and fired a shot into the sky.
Bang!
The gunshot reverberated, and the transport aircraft waiting for the signal immediately flew above Clovis's hearse. Four Sutherlands descended from the sky, landing heavily around the hearse from four directions, aiming their machine guns at the vehicle and everyone on it.
"Hahaha, I anticipated someone would come to rescue Suzaku Kururugi. Now, remove that mask from your head!"
Seeing the hearse completely surrounded, Jeremiah immediately declared victory, speaking loudly.
It was precisely for this moment that he had personally led the team, using the live broadcast to push his reputation to its peak.
This way, he could demonstrate his capabilities before the two soon-to-arrive Highnesses without diminishing the prestige of Lord Clovis and the Pureblood Faction!
"Hmph!"
Lelouch snorted coldly.
He then raised his right hand, brushed it past his mask, and similarly raised it into the air, snapping his fingers.
Snap!
Kallen in the driver's cabin had long been prepared, immediately pressing a red button.
Whoosh!
The modified hearse compartment instantly opened, releasing a dense white mist before everyone's eyes.
What appeared beneath the mist left everyone stunned.
What emerged first wasn't the expected coffin of Clovis, but a strange semicircular sealed capsule.
Ordinary civilians, even the Elevens watching television, might not recognize it, but most Britannian soldiers—especially Jeremiah's Pureblood Faction opposite—couldn't possibly fail to know.
This was the poison gas stolen by terrorists during the Shinjuku battle days earlier, which Clovis had been searching for. According to General Bartley, it contained a new type of poison gas capable of killing all Britannians in the Tokyo Settlement.
Of course, the truth was that it contained not poison gas, but a person.
Unfortunately, among those present who knew the truth, neither Lelouch nor Mahiro would reveal it. Clovis was already dead, his corpse lost to unknown whereabouts.
As for Suzaku, the electrified collar around his neck prevented him from uttering even half a word.
"What? Viewers at home can see it too, right? A strange mechanical device has emerged from Prince Clovis's hearse with unknown intentions. But Acting Executive Jeremiah and all the knights seem to be behaving very strangely!
We are now awaiting a statement from the terrorists!"
News reporters, like cats drawn to the smell of fish, extensively covered the device above, even giving it a close-up shot.
This sent a chill down the spines of Jeremiah and the others, making them realize the true intentions of the man known as ZERO.
"This guy has taken all the Britannian citizens here as hostages, and they don't even realize it!"
Understanding the opponent's goal, Jeremiah angrily aimed his pistol at ZERO across from him.
"Try shooting if you dare. You should understand what that means for you!"
"Director, turn up the volume! Move the camera closer, get a direct shot!"
In the control room, the voice coming through the speakers made Dido Hart realize that a shocking news story was about to break.
"But this is hard to handle!"
Unfortunately, the cameraman clearly wasn't very brave. This was only natural—standing there were terrorists, surrounded by powerful Sutherlands. If fighting broke out, they would definitely get caught in the crossfire.
No one wanted to die, especially not a meaningless death.
"Tch, what a useless guy!"
Dido Hart didn't think this way. As a true journalist, taking some risks was sometimes necessary to obtain important news.
And he perfectly demonstrated this with his actions.
Cursing, he directly turned around, grabbed a camera, ran out of the broadcast vehicle, and charged toward Prince Clovis's hearse, toward the man called ZERO above.
"Ah, what a boring show."
Mahiro sitting on the roof of the vehicle sighed softly.
His voice happened to reach Lelouch's ears, making Lelouch somewhat nervous.
Indeed, this was taking too long.
But Mahiro couldn't be bothered with him, instead turning his gaze toward Dido Hart who was running over to film.
"Hello~"
Mahiro waved at the camera lens, showing what he considered to be a charming smile.
This action made Dido Hart freeze on the spot.
Originally, he thought the terrorist called ZERO was the news, but up close, this white-haired man seemed much more interesting!
To be able to smile in such a desperate situation, surrounded by Sutherlands!
Not the slightest arrogance, nor any panic—just such a calm smile!!!
What absolute confidence must this man possess!
Meanwhile, Lelouch had already finished communicating with Jeremiah, even revealing the true murderer who killed Prince Clovis.
It was him, ZERO hiding his true identity!
And using the name "Orange," he took control of Jeremiah.
Amid all this chaos, with Jeremiah controlled by Geass blocking the way, Lelouch and Kallen managed to rescue Suzaku.
In the end, his role as Mahiro was nothing more than insurance.
Insurance to ensure everything proceeded smoothly, insurance to guarantee their safe departure.