Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Date: April 18, 2013 (One Month Later/ Time left in training: 4 Months, 0 weeks and 0 days)
Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base, San Diego, California
The sun bore down relentlessly over the sprawling desert of Twentynine Palms, its heat shimmering across the rocky terrain. Dust hung in the air as the hum of Knightmare Frames echoed through the Royal Training Area, a stark contrast to the stillness of the surrounding wasteland.
In the RPI-13 Sutherland training grounds, Lelouch vi Britannia and his group pushed their machines to the limit. Advanced maneuvers, precision targeting, and tactical engagements filled the hours. The once-daunting challenges of the boot camp were now second nature to them. Lelouch, despite his limited experience piloting Knightmares in his previous timeline, had adapted with a speed that bordered on uncanny. His mastery of the RPI-13 was evident in the way his machine moved—fluid, calculated, and lethal.
Nearby, Kallen Kozuki grinned as her own Sutherland outpaced several others in a mock skirmish. Over a secure personal channel shared among Lelouch's close companions—those who had become more than just comrades—her voice crackled through the comms.
"Lelouch," Kallen began, her tone equal parts teasing and impressed, "I thought I was good with the Glasgow, but this Sutherland feels like an extension of me. It's a whole different level."
Lelouch smirked, his voice calm yet edged with humor. "It suits you, Kallen. A freedom fighter piloting Britannian technology—it's poetic."
Others joined the private channel, their voices filled with camaraderie. Naomi and Ayame bantered about tactics, Ichijiku and Mutsuki offered analytical observations, and Kagari's laughter rang out like a melody over the static. Naomi, having piloted a Knightmare in the previous timeline, added, "I hate to admit it, but even I'm impressed with how fast we've all picked this up. It's almost... nostalgic."
The comms briefly shifted as Nunnally's soft, measured voice cut through. She was aboard Lelouch's G-1 Base, stationed nearby. "Brother," she began, her tone curious yet reflective, "if the Black Knights had access to Sutherlands in the last timeline, do you think anything would've changed?"
Lelouch's hands paused momentarily on the controls before resuming their deft movements. "That depends on many factors, Nunnally," he replied thoughtfully. "But one thing is certain—I would have told you everything sooner. That alone would have changed everything."
Their conversation was interrupted by an unexpected arrival. Cornelia li Britannia, her formidable presence amplified by the company of Euphemia and her Royal Knights, appeared in their own gleaming RPI-13 Sutherlands. Over a private channel, Cornelia's commanding voice reached Lelouch.
"Impressive work," she admitted, though her tone remained guarded. "Your group's performance is exemplary. Euphemia and I came to witness this progress firsthand... and to deliver news."
Euphemia chimed in, her voice warmer and more reassuring. "Lelouch, another member of the base staff has been apprehended. This one was the man who launched the tomahawk from Kentucky. He's being interrogated now. Hopefully, we'll get closer to unraveling this conspiracy."
Before Lelouch could respond, alarms blared across the training grounds.
"Enemy units detected!" a voice shouted over the base-wide comms.
From the horizon, an overwhelming force emerged: 20 RPI-11 Glasgows, 20 M60A3 Pattons, 20 M1A1HC Abrams, 10 M2A2 Bradleys, 10 LAV-25A2 ARVs, and an aerial contingent of 50 AH-1W SuperCobras and AH-64D Apache Longbows. The attackers moved with clear intent, their weaponry trained on Lelouch's group.
"It's an assassination attempt," Lelouch muttered darkly, gripping the controls tightly. The attackers' focus on his Sutherland left no doubt. "They think only pure-blooded Britannians deserve to rule or fight. Fools."
The battlefield erupted into chaos. Lelouch's team, already synchronized from weeks of training, responded with a precision that defied their numbers. Knightmares and tanks clashed amidst the swirling dust, their weapons roaring as the desert became a warzone.
At the G-1 Base, Nunnally watched the unfolding battle with a calm intensity. Her mother sat beside her, concern etched across her face. Nunnally turned to the female officer manning the missile defense systems.
"Target the attack helicopters," Nunnally commanded firmly, her voice betraying no hesitation. "Launch fifty RIM-66B Standard SM-1MR missiles. Bring them down."
The officer nodded sharply, inputting the command. Moments later, a volley of missiles streaked into the sky, their contrails cutting through the air like blades. One by one, the rogue helicopters exploded in fiery bursts, their wreckage raining down across the battlefield.
Lelouch's gaze flicked to the sky as the missiles struck true. "Nunnally," he murmured with a rare smile, "you truly are my sister."
The fight continued, but with the aerial threat neutralized, the tide began to turn in Lelouch's favor. The Sutherlands proved their superiority, and Lelouch's team fought with a unity and ferocity that left no doubt—they were not to be underestimated.
As the final enemy unit was taken down, the battlefield fell silent save for the crackling of fires and the distant rumble of retreating engines. Lelouch's voice echoed over the comms, calm but resolute.
After the Fighter and the remaining indicate enemies leaving the area
The battlefield was eerily quiet now, save for the crackle of distant fires and the low hum of cooling Knightmare Frames. Lelouch vi Britannia stepped down from his RPI-13 Sutherland, his expression a mask of calm that concealed the storm within. Dust clung to his dark coat, and the faint smell of burning machinery lingered in the air.
Not far from where his Knightmare rested, Lelouch spotted a lone figure sprawled on the ground—a man, barely alive. The blood pooling beneath him was stark against the parched earth, and his legs were twisted at unnatural angles. Despite his injuries, the man's trembling hands gripped a sidearm, a polished Beretta M9A1 pistol.
Lelouch's sharp eyes locked onto the man's face. Recognition sparked instantly: General Marcus Albrecht. The realization hit him like a jolt of electricity.
So, this is the mastermind behind the attack.
The General's breathing was labored, his lips curling into a bitter smile as he lifted the pistol to his temple. Lelouch's heart raced. He had no intention of letting the man escape judgment so easily.
With a swift, calculated motion, Lelouch drew his Colt Commander pistol from its holster. The weapon gleamed in the fading sunlight as he leveled it with precision. His finger tightened on the trigger, the weight of his decision bearing down on him like the desert heat.
BANG!
The shot echoed across the silent battlefield, a sharp, resounding crack that carried all the way to the Royal G-1 Base. General Albrecht cried out as the bullet struck his shoulder, the force sending his pistol clattering to the ground. He slumped forward, clutching the wound, his face contorted in pain and anger.
Lelouch approached slowly, his gaze cold and unyielding. He stopped just short of the General, lowering his pistol but keeping it ready. "You don't get to end your life on your terms," Lelouch said, his voice low and steely. "You orchestrated an attack on me, my sister, and my team. You will face justice—for your crimes, for your arrogance, and for your failure."
The General's defiance faltered as he looked into Lelouch's violet eyes, eyes that burned with a commanding intensity. For the first time, Marcus Albrecht felt the weight of his own insignificance.
The sound of approaching footsteps and raised voices drew both men's attention. Lelouch turned slightly as Kallen and the others from the G-1 Base came running, weapons drawn, their expressions a mix of relief and alarm.
"Lelouch!" Kallen called out, skidding to a halt beside him. Her sharp eyes darted to the bleeding General and the discarded pistol. "What happened?"
"There's no time," Lelouch said curtly, gesturing to the distance where figures were rapidly approaching. "His men are coming to retrieve him. We need to cut them off."
Before the group could react, Cornelia's Royal Guard, still in their Knightmare Frames, moved into position like silent sentinels. With a precision that spoke of ruthless efficiency, the Guards opened fire on the advancing forces. The air filled with the sound of heavy artillery and the roar of engines. The rescue attempt was crushed before it could begin, the would-be saviors falling one by one under the might of Britannia's finest.
When the dust settled, Lelouch turned his attention back to Albrecht, who now stared at him with a mix of fury and resignation. "Your men are dead," Lelouch said coldly, his words a blade to the General's pride. "Your rebellion ends here."
Albrecht sneered despite his pain. "You think you've won, boy? Britannia will never bow to a half-blood like you."
Lelouch's expression didn't waver. "And yet, here you are—broken, defeated, and at my mercy. Tell me, General, how does that make you feel?"
The General said nothing, his defiance now a hollow shell. Lelouch straightened, holstering his pistol with a fluid motion. "Take him into custody," he ordered, his voice echoing with authority.
As Cornelia's soldiers moved in to secure the General, Lelouch allowed himself a moment to breathe. Kallen stepped closer, her hand brushing against his arm in a quiet gesture of solidarity.
"You handled that well," she said softly, her usual fiery demeanor tempered by the weight of the moment.
Lelouch's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, his mind already moving three steps ahead. "This isn't over, Kallen," he murmured. "It's only the beginning."
Location: Command Center, Lelouch's Royal G-1 Base, Royal Training Area of the Boot Camp, Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base in San Diego, California
The Command Center aboard Lelouch's Royal G-1 Base buzzed with a subdued hum of activity. Screens flickered with data streams from the battle just hours ago, and the scent of burnt circuitry still faintly lingered in the air. Lelouch stood at the central console, his sharp violet eyes scanning the information as if willing it to yield more secrets. Around him, the room was tense but orderly.
The weight of the attack hung heavily in the air. The General had been subdued and taken away, yet Lelouch's mind churned with questions. This wasn't just about his mixed blood; there was a deeper conspiracy at play, one that gnawed at the edges of his thoughts.
With a measured breath, Lelouch reached for the console, inputting a secure code into the encrypted Royal Channel. A moment later, the screen in front of him flickered to life, revealing the imposing figure of Charles zi Britannia.
The Emperor of Britannia, resplendent in his regal uniform, looked surprised—shocked, even—to see his son on the line. For a brief moment, the mask of power and indifference that Charles so often wore slipped, replaced by a genuine curiosity.
"Lelouch," Charles said, his deep voice resonating through the room. "I did not expect a call from you, let alone through this channel. To what do I owe the honor?"
Lelouch's expression was calm but resolute. "Father, I've contacted you to report an attack against me, my team, and Nunnally. The orchestrator has been captured—General Marcus Albrecht. Upon interrogation, it appears he has connections to the previous attempts on my life and the sabotage of my efforts here in California."
Charles leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze locking onto Lelouch. "Albrecht…" he murmured, the name heavy with meaning. "So, you've uncovered more than just a petty coup attempt. Interesting."
As Lelouch spoke, the door to the Command Center hissed open. He didn't immediately turn, his focus remaining on the screen. But the familiar warmth of Kallen's arms wrapping around him from behind made him pause.
Kallen rested her head against his shoulder, her red hair brushing against his cheek as she hugged him tightly. "You did well out there, Lelouch," she murmured, her voice soft and reassuring.
On the screen, Charles's stern demeanor softened—a rare sight that would have been unthinkable in their previous timeline. A small smile curved his lips as he watched the interaction.
"Lelouch," Charles began, his tone carrying a hint of warmth rather than authority, "it seems life is better for you this time around. People like her, and those you surround yourself with, are what keep you grounded. Just as your mother has always been my anchor."
As if summoned by his words, the door opened again, and Marianne—inhabiting Anya Alstreim's body—stepped gracefully into the room. Her presence was undeniable, her confidence shining through Anya's petite frame. Following her was Nunnally, her automatic wheelchair gliding silently across the floor.
Marianne's smile was radiant, and her voice carried an almost teasing lilt. "Charles, are you stealing my lines now?"
Charles chuckled—a sound so uncharacteristic of the Emperor that it drew surprised glances from the command staff nearby. "Marianne, my dear, I simply speak the truth."
Nunnally, her serene face glowing with pride, came to Lelouch's side. "Brother," she said gently, her tone bright and eager, "may I give Father my side of the report?"
Lelouch nodded, stepping aside to allow his sister a clear view of the screen. Nunnally spoke with a calm authority that belied her age, recounting the events of the battle with precision. Charles listened intently, his expression contemplative.
When she finished, Marianne added her own thoughts, her gaze filled with pride as she looked at her children. "You've both done exceptionally well," she said warmly. "This was more than just a fight; it was a test of your unity and resolve. And you've passed with flying colors."
Charles's smile widened slightly. "Indeed. You have both proven yourselves today—not just as my children, but as leaders."
Lelouch inclined his head, his expression softening. "Thank you, Father."
Before the call ended, Charles spoke again, his tone laced with something that felt almost… paternal. "Lelouch, continue to surround yourself with those who strengthen you. And Marianne—ensure they do not lose sight of what is truly important."
Marianne smirked. "You know I will."
As the screen went dark, Lelouch turned to his mother and sister, his heart unexpectedly light. For a moment, the weight of their mission felt bearable, the bonds they shared unshakable.
Kallen's arms tightened around him briefly. "See? Even your father can be human."
Lelouch chuckled softly, his voice carrying a rare warmth. "Perhaps. But let's not test that too often."
The room filled with quiet laughter, a fleeting but precious reprieve from the storm they all knew was far from over.
Date: May 18, 2013 (One Month Later/ Time left in training: 3 Months, 0 weeks and 0 days)
Location: Combat Training Area, Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base, San Diego, California
Training: Combined arms test of the Infantry, Vehicles and Aircraft
The Combat Training Area at Twentynine Palms was alive with the roar of engines, the rhythmic thump of helicopter blades, and the crackling bursts of weapons fire. The combined arms test was in full swing, the sprawling desert transformed into a battlefield designed to challenge every recruit to their limit. For Lelouch vi Britannia and his group, this wasn't just training—it was a chance to prove their superiority.
Lelouch's calm voice came through the command net from his position in the M1130 Command Vehicle (CV). "Focus, everyone. This isn't just a test of our skills. It's a stage, and we're putting on a performance for those watching."
Inside the armored command vehicle, Lelouch's fingers danced across the console, coordinating his team's movements with surgical precision. The map before him lit up with data from drones and recon units, providing him with a clear view of the battlefield.
Kallen's voice came through with a fiery edge, her RPI-13 Sutherland storming ahead in the front line. "Understood, Lelouch. Let's show them what a real team looks like!"
Miyako Akiyama, piloting an M1A2 SEP v2 Abrams, chimed in with her usual sharp confidence. "If they didn't think we were elite before, they'll have no choice after today."
In the skies above, Haruka Mizuki's voice crackled with excitement as her AH-64D Longbow unleashed a barrage of precision rockets. "Targets neutralized. Lelouch, this Longbow is incredible. I've got overwatch and close air support locked down."
"Good work, Haruka," Lelouch replied, his voice steady. "Reika, ensure your A-10C Thunderbolt II clears a path for Kallen's advance. Infantry are massing at grid Delta-3. They'll need thinning out."
"Copy that," Reika Tsubasa answered. The distinctive growl of her A-10's GAU-8 Avenger cannon soon echoed across the battlefield. The sheer devastation left behind by the 30mm rounds drew gasps from the watching officers and instructors.
The Spectators' View
From the observation tower, a mix of Britannian officers, instructors, and high-ranking nobles watched the exercise unfold. Among them, Cornelia, Euphemia, Marrybell, Guinevere, and Nunnally stood with quiet confidence.
One instructor leaned toward another, his tone incredulous. "Are we certain these are recruits? They're operating like veteran soldiers—no, like elites. Look at how synchronized they are!"
A Britannian general, arms crossed, observed with narrowed eyes. "This isn't just skill. This is mastery. That boy in the command vehicle—Lelouch—is orchestrating this like a maestro. Every move is deliberate."
Cornelia allowed herself a small smirk. "That's my brother," she murmured, her pride barely contained.
Euphemia, watching with her characteristic warmth, added, "They've been through more than anyone here can imagine. This is their true strength, their unity."
Nunnally's smile grew as she listened to the praise. Though she said nothing, her heart swelled with pride, knowing her brother and his team were surpassing all expectations.
On the Ground
The chaos of the battlefield was almost artful. Lelouch's group operated with ruthless efficiency, their combined arms tactics overwhelming every challenge thrown their way.
An enemy M60A3 rolled into position to target Kallen's Sutherland. From above, Haruka's Longbow fired a precise Hellfire missile, obliterating the tank before it could fire.
"Thanks for the save, Haruka!" Kallen said, her voice fierce but grateful. She drove her Sutherland forward, cutting through infantry with precision rifle fire.
Reika's A-10 made another pass, her voice cool and professional. "Cleared the infantry threat. Lelouch, you've got two enemy Bradleys moving toward your position."
"Understood," Lelouch replied, his voice sharp. "Naomi, Kagari, take them out with your M1134 ATGMs. Time it perfectly."
"Roger!" Naomi called, her tone steady. Seconds later, two anti-tank missiles streaked across the battlefield, obliterating the Bradleys in synchronized detonations.
The Turning Point
As the test neared its climax, Lelouch's team faced an all-out assault: enemy infantry swarmed the flanks, supported by M1A1HC Abrams, AH-1Z Vipers, and RPI-11 Glasgows.
"Stay calm!" Lelouch commanded, his voice cutting through the noise. "Kallen, take the Glasgows head-on. Haruka, keep the Vipers off us. Everyone else, form a defensive perimeter around the command vehicle."
The group moved like clockwork. Kallen's Sutherland weaved through the enemy Knightmares, her rifle precise and deadly. Haruka's Longbow danced through the air, rockets and cannon fire raining down on the Vipers. On the ground, Lelouch's strategic orders ensured the infantry and tanks were methodically eliminated.
The Aftermath
When the final enemy target was destroyed, the battlefield fell silent. Smoke and dust hung in the air as Lelouch's group regrouped, their vehicles and Knightmares standing tall amid the wreckage.
In the observation tower, the officers erupted into applause, their earlier skepticism replaced with astonishment. "Exceptional," one muttered. "They could lead our forces into battle tomorrow."
Cornelia smiled, folding her arms. "They're ready for anything. Lelouch has ensured that."
Marrybell turned to her sister, her usually sharp demeanor softened. "We'll have to adjust our expectations. He's surpassed all of them."
Guinevere, typically stoic, nodded. "And to think, this is only training."
Nunnally, seated nearby, watched with glowing pride as the officers continued to heap praise upon her brother and his team. This was only the beginning of their journey, and she knew Lelouch would only rise higher from here.