//------------------------------// // Chapter 13: The Rebellion Against the Night // Story: Rebel Against The Night // by CrossoverManiac //------------------------------// Rebel Against the Night By CrossoverManiac Code Geass is owned by Sunrise, Inc. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is owned by Hasbro and created by Lauren Faust. This is a fan-based work not intended for commercial purposes. Character thoughts are italics. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chapter 13: The Rebellion Against the Night “I was made a laughingstock, Newsie News, and somepony must *pay*.” Diethard looked down at his hooves and noticed the wave of magical energy moving along his legs turning him to stone. “I can remove the Omega Line!” Diethard pleaded for dear life. By now, the magical aura has worked its way up his legs petrifying flesh and fur in its wake. “Do you really think you’re so indispensable?” Nightmare Moon sneered. “Circuit Breaker is more than capable of removing your accursed Omega Line.” “CIRCUIT BREAKER!” By now, the aura had moved up to Diethard’s chest. “TELL HER YOU NEED ME!” The magical aura paused. “Circuit Breaker!” The earth pony computer programmer heeded his Empress’ call and galloped to her side. “Is it true? Will you need Newsie News’ help?” Out of the corner of Circuit Breaker’s eye, Night Fire peered through the doorway, looked him straight in the eye, and shook his head. Circuit Breaker was no fool. Night Fire had always hated Newsie News, and he couldn’t completely blame him. Nopony really thought Newsie News was a true follower of the Empress and was dismayed why their goddess would elevate him to a position of prominence, but it was not their place to question her will...not to question her will...That's right. My loyalty is to my Empress. It's her best interest I must look after. Circuit Breaker swallowed his fears and pushed them down the depths of his stomach. “It could take months to get the system back online without Newsie News’ help.” The magic aura stopped moving over Dietard. “And how long will it take with Newsie News' help?” “Two weeks, tops.” Night Fire’s reaction was as Circuit Breaker expected: rage simmering just beneath the surface. His ire was fueled even more so by the magic aura reversing Diethard’s petrification. Nightmare Moon’s mane twisted around Diethard’s neck. “It looks like you’ve received a last minute reprieve, Newsie News. You have two weeks. Make the best of it and don’t disappoint me...again,” she said before loosening her grip. “You and Circuit Breaker get to work NOW!” Nightmare Moon called out to the ponies outside the studio. “Night Fire, I have a job for you.” Nightmare Moon’s high priest trotted into the control room with a scowl on his face while glaring at Circuit Breaker from the corner of his eye. “Yes, your majesty.” “Your number one priority is to capture Zero so he may answer for his crime. Place all other concerns to the side. This is your first priority, Night Fire.” “It shall be done, my empress. If Zero brings 235, we'll come with 235,000, your majesty.” “You're a fool, Night Fire.” All eyes turned on Diethard. Everypony, even Night Fire, was aghast that Diethard would still have the gall to speak. “You were in the military, Night Fire. Would a resistance movement really broadcast their numbers to the en...” “You're not fooling anypony,” Night Fire interrupted. “You're just trying to save face after humiliating our empress with you Ome...” “Silence!” Nightmare Moon snapped. Night Fire tucked his tail between his legs and backed away. “But he does have a point.” She then turned to Diethard. “You're the last pony to talk. But you have peaked my curiosity. Explain yourself...and it better be good.” “As I was saying before Night Fire shouted me down, the enemy wouldn't broadcast intel on their own forces? And why that exact number? This is obviously a coded message. I know the bastard and he's the type to slip a hidden message.” “Then tell us, Newsie News, what is the meaning of Zero’s hidden message?” “He say his regiments would be waiting where it all started and I know where because I was there when Zero made his first public appearance. That would be the most likely location.” “And what about that particular number 235?” Diethard cleared his throat and said nervously, “it shouldn’t take too long to decode.” “You don’t know, do you?” Nightmare Moon frowned. “These things take time, my empress.” “Don’t bother. The mangy outlaw won’t have time to put his scheme into play. Night Fire will see to it. And you have a mess to cleanup-yours!” Night Fire smirked at Diethard. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Euphemia opened her eyes to a void of pure darkness. Where am I? Her mind was in the mental state of fleeting amnesia just as awaking from a long rest. Her horn glowed brightly dispelling the darkness that once enveloped her private quarters. Euphemia was in her bed. The trays of rotting food were gone. Why is my room clean? I told the staff not to disturb me. Euphemia rolled over and strained to get on all fours. After a brief struggle untangling herself from the blankets, Euphemia slid off the bed and trotted through the bedroom door. “Sir Guilford? General Darlton?” Euphemia called out as she crept through the hallway. She turned the corner and called out their names. This time, a beam of light shone from a room on the other end of the hall. Euphemia squinted as the light source turned and shined a beam in her eyes for a moment before it pointed down. The source of light was an antiquated kerosene lantern. It dangled from the handle held firm in Sir Guilford’s teeth. The knight set the lantern on the ground and bowed to Euphemia. “Pardon me for blinding you, your majesty,” Guilford apologized. “Don’t worry, Sir Guilford, I’ll live.” Euphemia rubbed her eyes. “Where is everyone? The castle seems...empty.” “About a third of the royal staff was relocated as per Nightmare Moon’s edict. Even General Darlton was compelled to leave.” “Where is Darlton?” Sir Guilford pointed up. “All the winged ty...pegasi were relocated in settlements...in the clouds.” “Who’s left besides you?” At this point Sir Guilford frowned and his eyebrow lowered. “Your personal champion-Sir Reginald. You remember Sir Reginald, your majesty.” It was then the veil of forgetfulness common among those awakening from a long slumber faded and Euphemia remembered the last time she laid eyes on Sir Reginald and the verbal tongue lashing she gave him. Euphemia also remembered the vile accusations she hurled at Darlton and Guilford-that they purposely sent Suzaku on a suicide mission. “Of course I remember Sir Reginald. I was going to mention him, too,” Euphemia halfheartedly lied. “May I be forthcoming with you, your majesty?” “Are you asking to speak freely...” “Do you remember the bruises on Sir Reginald?” “I don’t recall seeing...” “He had gashes from a scuffle with one of the agents sent by the Office of Secret Intelligence, specifically the one that delivered Sir Kururugi to an island off the coast of Japan. He literally beat the man into submission just to find which island-Kamine Island to be exact.” Euphemia galloped across the hall as fast as her feeble constitution would permit and stopped within a few inches of Guilford’s face. She took a moment to steady herself less she collapsed. “Did you find Suzaku? Please tell me he’s alive.” Guilford grimaced and looked away. “Unfortunately, the caverns where your father and Sir Kururugi encountered Nightmare Moon collapsed. General Darlton flew to Kamine Island and confirmed the agent’s story.” Guilford said remorsefully. He regretted bringing up the subject as Euphemia choked back the tears. “I’d hoped Nightmare Moon was mistaken or lying but that’s not true, is it?” Euphemia said remorsefully. Guilford shook his head. “I’m afraid not, your majesty.” “I want a funeral for Suzaku. He deserves a state funeral but a private ceremony for his...” Guilford rushed to Euphemia’s side when she collapsed on the floor weeping. “Why does life take all the ones I love from me?” Euphemia threw her front leg over Guilford’s shoulder and pulled him into a tearful embrace. All Guilford could do was to stroke Euphemia’s tangled, knotted mane as his neck became moist with tears and snot. “Clovis, Cornelia, Lelouch, Father, and now Suzaku. They’re all gone. After the long embrace, Euphemia pulled away from Guilford and wiped her face. “I’m sorry for not showing proper decorum, Sir Guilford. I was...caught in the movement.” “To be blunt, I’m not the one you owe an apology to. May I speak freely again, your majesty?” “That won’t be necessary, Sir Guilford. I already know you’re about to say. I should ask Sir Reginald for his forgiveness for being an ungrateful bitch.” “I...uh...wouldn’t have put it so...strongly as that, your majesty,” Guilford stuttered. “I know you wouldn’t, but it needed to be said. Where is Sir Reginald?” “He’s tracking down one of the fugitives you were harboring.” “How did you...” “The ones that stayed behind told us.” “I didn’t believe even Earl Asplund would be some brash.” “Actually, it was the young girl-the one who invented the alternative power source.” “Why?” “According to them, she fled after Sir Reginald relayed a televised message from Zero.” “From...Zero?” Guilford nodded. “He resurfaced after taking control of a broadcast intended for Nightmare Moon.” “Oh thank God he’s still alive.” Guilford backed away with a look of utter shock and confusion at Euphemia's enthusiasm over the well being of Britannia's second worst enemy after Nightmare Moon. “Your majesty...Zero maybe the lesser of two evils, but he is no ally of Britannia. He murdered both your brother Clovis and your sister, the former viceroy.” “Well...uh...it's that...our priority is freeing Britannia from Nightmare Moon,” said Euphemia trying to justify her outburst, “and we have to...have to make the situation work to our advantage. Justice for Clovis and Cornelia must wait till then.” “Yes, your majesty,” Guilford grunted in disapproval. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Night Fire was not having a good night. What should have been a monumental occasion was turned into an utter farce. The wild ponies should have seen the Nightmare Moon he loved and worshiped with their own eyes. Instead, that bastard Zero stole the spotlight and humiliated his goddess by bringing down a portion of the great canopy. And the pony responsible for letting Zero hijack the broadcast, Newsie News, came out unscathed because Circuit Breaker opened his big muzzle. And now, all of Neighpan Island was in an uproar. Night Fire was in the Nightmare Palace war room speaking to an overly muscular earth pony stallion in armor. Maps of Neighpan Island and New Canterlot covered the walls and were dotted by thumbtacks representing skirmishes with rebellious wild ponies. “Sir, the Shadowbolts have successfully quelled all rioting in New Canterlot Castle but resistance in the wild pony ghettos is still strong.” Night Fire placed a hoof on his forehead and huffed. “Don’t you have any good news to tell me, Brawny Hooves? I’ve had a bad day, today.” “Don’t you mean night sir?” “I meant what I said, which is why it was a bad *day*. The wild ponies think the old order is coming back, all thanks to Zero’s little stunt.” Just then, the door cracked open and a bat-winged pegasus peered inside. “Permission to enter.” “We’re rather busy right now, Winged Eclipse? Can it wait?” “Sir, somepony has come forward claiming to have information vital to the capture of Zero.” Night Fire and Brawny Hooves looked at each other and then at Winged Eclipse. “Bring him in.” “Actually, it’s a mare, sir.” Winged Eclipse replied. He then looked over his shoulder and called out. “You can come in.” “So, wild pony,” Night Fire said the mare that just trotted in, “what information do you have, Miss...” “Fenette...Shirley Fenette. I know who Zero really is.” “Oh you do, do you?” Night Fire raised an eyebrow. “And why would you tell us that?” “Because I want Zero dead.” The loathing dripping from those words convinced Night Fire that, at the very least, her hatred was sincere. “Miss Fenette...or Shirley if you don’t mind. May I call you Shirley?” Night Fire paced around Shirley. “I’d prefer Miss Fenette,” Shirley said. She tensed up, part of her wanting to curl up in a ball. Night Fire circled around Shirley not unlike a shark. “Excuse my skepticism, but you’re a wild pony-a wild pony that was once a Britannian but a wild pony, nonetheless.” “This isn’t a trick! I know Zero’s true...” It only took a glance from Night Fire to silence Shirley, “...identity.” Shirley whispered the last part. “You have to admit, somepony coming out of the blue claiming to know Zero’s true identity is hard to believe. First, why would a wild pony, who chooses not to fully embrace the Empress’ kindness,” Night Fire pointed at his own cat-like eyes, “betray their leader?” “I never betrayed Lelouch! He betrayed us!” Shirley, realizing what she blurted out, cupped her mouth. “Lelouch betrayed you?!?” Night Fire frowned. “Is ‘Lelouch’ Zero or your boyfriend?” “I don’t know.” “How can you not know? Are you that ditsy?” “No. He did something to me.” “I bet he did plenty of things to a pretty little mare like you.” “That’s not what I meant. He did something to my memories. You can ask Princess Euphemia if you don’t believe me. She’s Lelouch’s sister.” “Euphemia is Zero’s sis...sis...” Night Fire snickered. “Yes, he’s a prince.” “She has quite the imagination, doesn’t she?” Night Fire nudged a guard. “More like a few apples short of a cart,” the guard chuckled. “I'm sure your boyfriend told you lots of things to get you in bed,” Brawny Hooves joined in. “I heard enough. Guards!” Two palace guards came forth. “Escort this wild pony out of the palace.” “I’m not lying!” Shirley galloped to Night Fire’s side. “You have to believe me. Zero will get more peop...ponies killed if you don’t stop him.” Shirley said with pleading eyes. “You know how to put on a good show, Shirley, but you sound more like a vengeful little filly crossed by her coltfriend. I don’t need another frantic mare claiming to know...” Night Fire paused to reconsider his initial impression of Shirley. Moonlight Blossom kicked up a fuss about knowing Zero's true identity before the Empress put that blowhard honorary knight in her place. Can it really be an coincidence? It wouldn’t hurt to question Moonlight. Know what?!?” Shirley asked. “Now that I think about it, there was somepony else that said she knew Zero's true identity.” Night Fire turned his gaze to the batwing pegasus that brought Shirley. “Winged Eclipse, Miss Fenette will be accompanying us to the servant quarters.” Then Night Fire gave Shirley a menacing glare. “I just hope for your sake both of your stories match.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The servant quarters was the stuff of nightmares. Not the ones that were the product of childish fears of monsters giving chase or coming to school naked, but those of dread and foreboding of a murky gray world populated only by menacing shadows and whatever hapless dreamer that stumbled into their hellish existence. That was the state of the servant quarters as word spread among the faithful that Night Fire was bringing a wild pony for a visit to a dwelling that was reserved only those who earned their place with the one true goddess. It was then everypony had to sneak a peek. Shirley quivered under the glow of ten thousand pairs of white burning orbs encompassing her; staring into her very soul. Some of them peered through open windows and doorways. A multitude hovered above and was accompanied by the beating of wings that synchronized with each other until they filled the murky landscape with a low bellow. Her chaperons, who surrounded Shirley, weren't much comfort either as their eyes burned with the same eerie glow. “Are you sure this Moonlight woman...” “That's mare to you!” Night Fire snapped at Shirley “I'm sorry. Are you sure she also knows Lelouch is Zero?” “Assuming you're not lying to us, then yes. She was making a big fuss about it before the Empress put her in her place.” Night Fire turned the corner of a multi-story complex. Shirley stopped just at the entrance. “What the hay are you waiting for?” One of the guards barked. “Move it, wild pony.” Night Fire twisted his neck and turned his head almost at a 180° angle. Shirley thought she was used to the extraordinary flexibility of their equine bodies but she yelped as Night Fire stared back at her with his glowing, cat-like eyes reminding her of the horror movie she watched as a child with her older cousin who was babysitting her while her parents were away that gave her nightmares for months. “Is there a problem, Miss Fenette?” “I...I...can't see. It's too dark.” Night Fire faced forward and then scanned the room. “You there,” he said to a horned shadow in the lobby, “we're escorting this sun-loving wild pony to the thirty-fifth floor and she needs a light to keep from tripping over her own hooves.” “Anything for the Empress' high priest.” The lobby brightened to a hazy glow from the light shining from a unicorn mare's horn. The mare trotted beside Shirley illuminating the way leading to the apartment complex stairwell. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barnstormer answered the knock at his door. “Oh hey Nighty. What brings you here?” Barnstormer said informally. “Global security. Where's Moonlight Blossom?” “You just came in the nick of time. MB was about leave for guard duty.” Barnstormer pointed at Shirley. “Is she a new acolyte and how come she hasn't been fully initiated?” “She isn't one of us...yet.” Night Fire said as he glanced back at Shirley with a devilish grin, which sent a cold shiver down her spine. “What do you want with Moonlight and how is it a matter of global security?!?” “It's about Zero.” “Oh, that scumbag! Moonlight and I will do everything in our power to help bring Zero to justice,” Barnstormer held a hoof against his heart. Just then, Villetta Nu peered out the doorway beside Barnstormer. “You called for me, sir?” Villetta asked. A smirk briefly appeared before Villetta took a more causal demeanor. She knew it wouldn't be long before Night Fire came knocking on her door for Zero's true identity. The thought of lying to Night Fire and keeping that brat alive on the off chance he could defeat Nightmare Moon crossed her mind. She even concocted an alternate persona for Zero: that Eleven pilot Kururugi Suzaku. It was at least more believable than a Britannian high school student, but then hope gave way to caution. No, the brat would be caught for sure and she would have answer for covering up his true identity. “I'm sorry to take up your time, but we have a pressing matter.” Night Fire presented Shirley to Villetta. “Moonlight, this mare claims to know Zero's true identity.” “She does?!?” Villetta stepped outside. The new mare quivered under Villetta's scrutinizing gaze. “Her name is Shirley Fenette.” Villetta Nu jumped back. “Not you!” “Something wrong, Miss Blossom?” “Why would you turn on him now!” Villetta pointed at Shirley. “What are you talking about?” Shirley asked. “Yes, please elaborate,” said Night Fire. “She shot me! She shot me to protect Zero.” “Wait! I shot you?!?” Shirley shook her head. “No! I would never! I don't remember.” “Is that true, Moonlight? She did...” Barnstormer traced the edge of the scar that graze the right side of Villetta's head before she backed away. “It's nothing to worry about Barn...” “YOU BITCH!” Barnstormer lunged at Shirley and was within inches off getting his hooves on her if not for Night Fire's guards restraining him. They piled on top Barnstormer “YOU HURT HER! YOU HURT MY MOONLIGHT BLOSSOM!” Barnstormer managed to get back on his hooves and were dragging the others with him. “LET ME GO!” “Barnstormer! Calm down!” Night Fire ordered. “I'LL KILL HER! I'LL KILL HER!” “I don't remember shooting her I swear,” Shirley cried. Villetta rushed to Barnstormer's side and embraced him. “Please Barnstormer, calm down. It's okay. It's okay,” she said while nuzzling up against Barnstormer. “Miss Blossom, I take it that this mare does know Zero's true identity,” said Night Fire. “Yes sir, she does.” “I want to hear it from your lips. What is Zero's real name?” “It's Lelouch Lamperouge,” said Villetta. “At least you two are in agreement over his first name. Tell her what Lelouch's surname is, Shirley.” “Lamperouge is an alias. His real name is Lelouch vi Britannia. “It is?” Villetta asked. Night Fire nodded. “According to Shirley, Lelouch is not only Zero but also a prince of Britannia.” “You mean that high school boy is a Britannian prince.” Villette gasped. Her eyes then opened wide. “Now that I think about it, the emperor did sent two of his children to Japan as a 'peace' offering just before the invasion.” “Two Britannian princes,” Night Fire raised an eyebrow. Villetta shook her head. “No, the other one was a princess.” “Nunnally,” Shirley blurted out. “You said something, miss?” “No, I...” “That's the other one's name isn't it-Nunnally. Thank you, Shirley.” “But Nunnally,” Shirley whispered, “she couldn't...she'd never...” Night Fire stooped down and looked at Barnstormer, who was still trying to break free, in the eyes. “You still haven't calmed down yet?” “You promise to punish her for what she did to my Moonlight!” Barnstormer demanded as he struggled against the guards. “Are you forgetting who's in charge, Barnstormer!” Night Fire said sternly. “No sir, I haven't,” Barnstormer settled down. “Moonlight Blossom put that little incident behind her. Right Moonlight?” Night Fire said while staring intensely at Villetta. “Yeah sure. All in the past.” “And she's the one that got shot. Now, if they let you go, will you behave yourself? You are the captain of the Shadowbolts, and I expect better from you.” “Yes sir.” “Let him go,” Night Fire ordered. The guards followed the command and piled off Barnstormer. As he got back on all fours, Shirley nervously braced herself out of fear the enraged stallion was only pretending to calm down. Instead, Viletta escorted Barnstormer back inside their apartment. “Why so nervous, Miss Finette?” Night Fire asked “I was afraid he'd...” “Go after you again,” Night Fire finished Shirley's sentence. “Oh don't worry about him...unless of course you don't cooperate then I'd have no choice but to let you two...settle things on your own,” he smirked. “But I told you the truth.” “Did you really think you'd just name drop Zero and crawl back to the ghettos with the other wild ponies? When Zero is captured and executed, we *might* be done with you. Till then, you're in it for the long haul, my little pony.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nina Einstein looked up at the partially-restored Lake Kawaguchi Convention Center Hotel. Nina could only glance at the top of the 80-story complex before flashbacks of the hotel-jacking where she, Shirley, and Milly was taken hostage by the Elevens. Nina laid a hoof on her pounding chest. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Flashback Nina gripped Milly's hand for dear life She always felt uneasy around them, even the honorary Britannians. But now she's being held at gunpoint by those people. Seeing Nina quivering in fear, Milly placed a comforting hand on her back. “E...El...Eleven,” Nina blurted out. “What did you say!” One of the terrorists yelled while giving Nina a nasty glare. He then pointed the sub-machine gun hanging from a sling over his shoulder at Nina “We're not Elevens! We're Japanese dammit!” Milly held Nina against her bosom trying to comfort her. “Yes, we're aware of that. Just lay off her.” “Then correct her! We're not called Elevens!” “Fine, we're correct her.” This time, Shirley was speaking on Nina's behalf. “How dare you speak like that to me!” The terrorist barked. “You three! Come with me to the next room and I'll teach you a real lesson!” All Nina could do is cry out 'no' over and over again. “I said get up NOW!” The terrorist grabbed Nina by the wrist and yanked her off the floor. “Let me go,” Nina cried out. Nina tried to pull away but the terrorist was too strong. She shrieked and cried out for mercy. “Stop it!” The voice came from a girl not much older than Nina but, unlike her, with a firm resolve as though being a leader was natural to her. “Who the hell are you!” The terrorist then shoved Nina to the floor. “I demand you take me to your leader right now. Understand.” Underneath the garbs of a commoner and cheap pair of glasses, she had the grace and beauty of an angel and the regal bearing of a noble woman. “What!” “You are addressing Euphemia le Britannia. The third princess of the Britannian Empire.” Everyone in the room, even the Eleven terrorists, were in shock, especially Nina who never would have imagined a noble woman, let alone a full-blown princess sticking her neck out for a mere plebeian like herself. “Are you alright, young lady?” She asked with a calm, soothing voice. “You haven't been hurt?” End of Flashback ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Princess Euphemia-I have to be strong for the princess' sake. Nina, renewed in her resolve by the woman she idolized...no...loved, pressed forward to make her Faustian deal with the devil in order to defeat an even worse demon. The newly (and heavily) refurbished Kawaguchi Lake Convention Center towered overhead. It was a obsidian dagger looming beneath Nightmare Moon's dark violet canopy. Nina steadied her hoofs and averted her gaze from the dizzying heights of the top of the massive skyscraper. Though she knew better, the feeling that massive structure would lunge upward stabbing the canopy wouldn't subside. Suppressing her agoraphobia, Nina pressed forward. Nina crept inside with her horn lit up. Unlike other unicorns, Nina knew how to focus her light into a beam not unlike a flashlight. Scaffolding lined the walls of the hotel lobby. “Nina Einstein, I presume.” Nina frantically scanned the lobby for the source of the voice that called out her name. “Zero!” Nina called out. “Show yourself.” “Look towards the reception desk,” said Lelouch. The spotlight glided across the lobby until it came to rest at a 12-foot long mahogany desk tucked into the corner of the room. Zero trotted into the light beam. He wore in the same full-body suit and mask as the night he openly challenged Nightmare Moon. “Miss Einstein, I am most pleased you understood the hidden meaning in my message” “Of course I did. 'Where it all begun'-it was here at the hoteljacking.” “Excellent deduction, Nina,” Lelouch congratulated the young mare. Though he made his first appearance at Suzaku's near-execution, it would the Kawaguchi Lake Convention Center that would hold the emotional connection for Nina that Zero's first public appearance didn't. “Now do you understand the rest of my message?” 'Regiments of 235 strong'-235 is the atomic mass of fissile uranium. And they're waiting for a leader, and that would be me.” Nina pointed to her chest. “You were the one to unlock the energy within the very atoms themselves and breathed life back into a Knightmare Frame. And that's not all uranium-235 is capable of.” “You don't want it as a power source.” Nina said in a strained voice. “I'm afraid a Knightmare Frame is no match for Nightmare Moon. If it could, we would have done away with that false god by now.” “I should have known,” said Nina. The apprehensive mare nervously rocked back and forth. Nina closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled. “Your plan is to release all of its energy in one destructive blow.” “An enemy the likes of which this world has never seen must be defeated by a weapon the likes of which this world has never seen.” “I...d...d...don't know...” “Do you not wish to free your fellow Britannians from Nightmare Moon? And what of your princess-the one being held hostage here in Japan?” “Euphemia,” Nina said with a hoof pressed against her chest just underneath her heart. “If you're not interested, I have no choice but to find some other means of defeating Nigh...” “NO!” Nina galloped across the lobby and skid to a stop next to Lelouch. “You need me.” Just as I have hoped, I can use Nina's infatuation with Euphie to bring her over to my side. I might not have to use Geass after all. “So you made up your mind?” Nina nodded her head. “Yes, I'll build an atomic bomb for you.” “I'm glad you put aside any doubts you had.” “Thank you, now give it to me.” “Give you what?” “The uranium.” “I didn't bring it.” “But you said it would be waiting for me where it all started.” “That's something I wouldn't just carry around. Just come with me. The Black Knights have a safe house set up with all of the equipment you'll need.” Nina shook her head. “No, I'll help but on my own terms.” “But why?” “'But why' you asked?!? You're the enemy of Britannia. I'm no fool, Zero. The moment Nightmare Moon is gone, you'll turn those weapons on Britannia. I came to you only because Nightmare Moon is a greater threat.” “I assure you, Nina Einstein, I have only the best interests of the world at heart and that includes Britannia.” “What sort of gullible fool you take me for! Now I know it was a mistake to come here.” “Nina, listen to me.” It was at that moment, the left side of Zero's mask slid open. “You must believe that I am acting in Britannia's best interest and that you must put total trust in me.” “You're right,” Nina said under the influence of Geass. “I must have complete faith in you. Take me to your safe house.” “I'm glad you reconsidered.” I should have gave little Nina more credit. A mind as brilliant as hers could not be so easily beguiled even with her infatuation with Euphemia as leverage. Fortunately, I still have my Geass and now I have the ultimate weapon - one capable of destroying both Nightmare Moon and Britannia. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cinnamon Delight galloped to Night Fire's side and nuzzled her lover's neck as he trotted in Cornelia's old war room where the deceased viceroy conducted meetings with her general and personal champion. Night Fire nudged Cinnamon's chin with his hoof and French kissed her.” “Where have you been? I haven't seen you since quarter pass the Little Dipper.” Just then, Cinnamon Delight caught a glimpse of Shirley as she and some of Night Fire's guards coming through the door. “Who's the wild pony?” She asked. “Is she a new acolyte?” “No, at least not yet. Believe it or not, she's Zero ex-girlfriend.” “But I never said that I was.” “I hope for your sake you're not,” Cinnamon sneered. “Our goddess doesn't take kindly to wild ponies causing trouble nor the slutty mares that won't keep their tails down for riffraff like Zero.” “I told you I'm not Zero's girlfriend.” “Now now settle down, fillies,” said Night Fire. “Shirley's questionable association with Zero is all in the past. She's had a change of heart and is now willing to help bring Zero to justice. Right Shirley.” Night Fire stared daggers at Shirley. “Yeah...right.” Shirley averted her gaze from Night Fire. “Unfortunately, the Shadowbolts haven't found any pony fitting your description of what's his name...uh...Lelouch...yeah that's it...we haven't found this Lelouch.” “Lelouch?!?” A bewildered Cinnamon Delight uttered. “I thought you were looking Zero...wait...is that Zero's real name?” Night Fire nodded. “So the rumors about Zero being a Britannian was true.” “But not all is lost. Lelouch may be in hiding, but his younger sister Nunnally...” “No she won't. Nunnally wouldn't get involved.” “And why not?” “She's a cripple and she's blind.” “Uh huh. Keep going.” “When Lelouch abandoned us at the refugee camps, he let Nunnally stay at the Tokyo Settlement and kept her safe.” “An overprotective Big Brother.” Shirley frenetically nodded. “Yeah, that's it. Lelouch would never let Nunnally get involved.” “This changes everything.” Night Fire then placed a hoof on Shirley's shoulder. “I was going to hunt her down and tortured her until she fessed up and ratted out her brother. But we can toss that plan into the trash bin of bad ideas.” “You really mean it,” Shirley said with a smile that only someone freed from a terrible burden could muster. “Of course I do. In fact, you've been such as a help to us, I'll honor your request and give your father a proper cremation and hoof the ashes over to you. All you have to do is help ID Nunnally for us.” Suddenly, the relieved smile disappeared from Shirley's lips. “But you said I convinced you not to go after her.” “No, you convinced me not to interrogate her. Instead, you've made the case for using her as bait for a doting brother,” Night Fire grinned. “What have I done!” “Why you help bring Zero to justice, of course.” “No!” Shirley shook her head. “I only agreed to...to...” “...betray Zero,” Night Fire completed Shirley's sentence, though Shirley wished he'd use a word other than 'betray'- one that didn't leave such a bitter taste in her mouth. “I thought I told you that you were in this till the bitter end. There is no going back.” “Please don't. I'll do anything just keep Nunnally out of...” Suddenly, Night Fire backhoofed Shirley. “I've heard enough of your whining.” A stream of blood ran from Shirley's bottom lip and along her chin and down her neck. “Whether you like it or not, you're helping us capture Zero. And if you don't, well, you've already lost your father. I'd hate it if you to lose your mother, too. Cooperate or suffer the consequences.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sayoko sighed over the choice of produce laid out before her at the numerous stands of the farmer's market. While objects in the sparse lighting appeared to have a different color than in the bountiful light of day, Sayoko could, through her years of training, discern an object's true appearance from the hue of a kerosene lantern or the light of the artificial night sky of the Nightmare Moon's canopy, and what she saw was not to her liking. Leafy vegetables were brown and withered from atrophy. Fruit, while nourished from the energy flowing from the canopy to the ground, were sickly and pale and lacked their usual vibrant colors. “I know how you feel lass,” Sayoko turned to a plump earth pony mare with a curly red mane and an amber coat. She was hitched to a two-wheeled cart. Inside was an assortment of the less-than-appetizing produce. “But trust me, it taste better than it looks.” “Oh hello Yamaguchi-san,” Sayoko politely greeted the mare. “I told you it's just Bridget. You needn't be so formal, lass.” Yamaguchi Bridget's husband was an old friend of the family who met his wife while working as a branch manager for a multinational corporation in Dublin. He had the misfortune of retiring in Uenohara near Mount Takao just before the invasion and she had the misfortune of being mistaken for a Britannian. Life has been hard for the Yamaguchi family as one was an outsider and often mistaken for one of the invaders and the other mistaken for a traitor literally sleeping with the enemy. Sayoko was surprised the two didn't take up the old practice of emperor worship and join Nightmare Moon's cult if for no other reason than to find a place to belong. “I'm glad I bumped into you-saves me the walk to Mount Takao. I heard you're taking care of a wee lass who can't walk or see. Is that true?” “I am. Her name is Nunnally Ashford, and she's Milly's cousin,” Sayoko lied. Yamaguchi Bridget patted Sayoko on the shoulder. “I'm terribly sorry I haven't been there to help even though your family was there for Hiroki.” Sayoko could tell by her apologetic tone that Bridget genuinely felt guilty even though she had her hands full taking care of her husband after his debilitating stroke caused by the strain of being transformed. He was already in bad health and the transformation pushed his body over the edge and almost killed him. “My primary concern is that Miss Nunnally will fall behind academically. I've been tending to Miss Nunnally since she was a full-time student at Ashford Academy, which has a very rigorous program for all the students. Though I was initially pleased she could take a short break in this laid back environment, I fear she'll become too lackadaisical.” “I know that's just your roundabout way of saying 'I don't need any help'. Well, it's too late. I went ahead and sign you up for a special program.” “A 'special program'?” “Tokiha Mai told me all about it. They give her a stipend to help with her sick little brother, Takumi. She even helped me fill out the paperwork." "And who are 'they'?" "The Nightmare Moon clan. It's suppose to be an assistance program for anyone takin' care of special needs children. Yeah, it's all just some PR malarkey but if we're stuck with Nightmare Moon, we might as well make the best of it. You should see a letter in the mail about it. Just put yer signature on it and get it notarized.” “Thank you for your help Mrs. Yamaguichi,” Sayoko bowed before sprinting down the road back towards the mountains. “Don't be in such a hurry. It won't be comin' for awhile.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A wrinkled-up piece of paper was being folded as it floated a foot above the table. After being folded several times, the paper drifted into waiting hooves. Nunnally inspected her latest attempt to relearn the art of origami, which was proving more difficult than when she had fingers to feel the folded segments. She tried to 'feel' the paper with her unicorn magic just like Lelouch taught her, but it lacked the nuance of the sense of touch of human fingers. Also her origami teacher, Sayoko, was even worse off than Nunnally. Unicorn magic was no substitute for hands when there is no sight to guide the power, but it was better than using hooves. Nunnally heard hooves clopping just outside. The origami fell on the table after Nunnally turned her attention to the door. "Sayoko, welcome back," Nunnally greeted her caretaker. Sayoko barged into Nunnally's room and threw open the closet door. "Sayoko, what are you doing?" There was banging and rustling inside the closet. Nunnally rolled into the bedroom. Sayoko was tossing throwing knives into a dufflebag on one of the two twin futons. "What's all that noise, Sayoko? What's wrong?" "I sincerely apologize, Miss Nunnally, but we must leave immediately." "But why?" "It's not safe here anymore." "Why not?" "Please trust me, Miss Nunnally." Sayoko zipped up the dufflebag while sliding a few of the smaller throwing knives into the dufflebag's side pockets. She took hold of another dufflebag and laid it on Nunnally's lap. "Please pack as much food as possible." "Yes Sayoko," Nunnally telekinetically rolled her wheelchair to the kitchen when she stopped. "There's a bunch of people outside. I can hear them." Sayoko looked through the window. She moved her head side-to-side and squinted. Then, suddenly, Sayoko grabbed a throwing knife with her teeth and tossed it through the window. A blood-curling scream followed the sound of shattering glass. Sayoko threw the dufflebag full of knives on Nunnally's lap, unzipped the bag, and hastened to the back of the wheelchair pushing it from behind. Sayoko and Nunnully wasn't even halfway to the exit when cat-eyed ponies burst through every door and window. Sayoko fluidly swiped three knives and tossing them at the intruders. All three knives hit their mark dropping three of the intruders. She then swiped two throwing knives with diamond-shaped on the end of the handle that stood out of place with the knives with a circular ring on the end of the handles and then threw them at two unicorns standing in the doorway. One of the unicorn chuckled as her magic caught the knives to midair, but the self-satisfaction was short-lived when the blades exploded in a brilliant white light. The screeching of blinded imperial cultists rang though the house. "MY EYES!" "SWEET EMPRESS! I CAN'T SEE!" Sayoko plowed through the unicorns blocking the entrance trampling them under hoof and wheel. When she felt they were far enough away, Sayoko galloped around the front of the wheelchair. She hastily tightened the safety belt around Nunnally's waist. "Miss Nunnally, I didn't have time to bring the harness. You have to hang on to me while I pull us to saf..." Sayoko suddenly pushed Nunnally and wheelchair away a split second before a pegasus came crashing down hooves first where they were. Sayoko spun around and kicked the pegasus in the windpipe killing him instantly. Sayoko rushed to Nunnally. "Grab hold of me before we're attacking aga...AHHHHHHHHH!!!" Before Nunnally had a chance to take hold of Sayoko, a well-placed lightning bolt struck Sayoko down. The remaining imperial cultists flocked around Sayoko stomping her underhoof. "Sayoko! Where are you? Please call out to me." "Okay everypony," said a voice overhead, "fun's over." Barnstormer, who was dressed in his Shadowbolt uniform, landed beside Nunnally. "We got what we came here for." "Where's Sayoko? What have you done to her?" "You really are blind," Barnstormer responded. "Please don't hurt her. I beg you, please." Nunnally was now in tears. "You better worry more about yourself, little filly." "Hey Barnstormer, what about her?" Asked one cultist. "Kill her," another cultist replied. "After the hell she put us through." "One earth pony mare gave you that much trouble," Barnstormer scoffed. "Sounds like you should be mad at yourselves." "You make it sound like we're wimps." Barnstormer snorted. "And maybe you are," he said. Groans could be heard among the cultists. "Is the wild pony mare still alive?" An imperial cultist lean over her bruised and bloodied body. "Yeah, but barely." "Leave her be. If she survives, she can tell Zero we have his baby sister." "What are..." Nunnally stuttered, "...no! I'm not Zero's sister. What are you talking about?" "Save your questions for Night Fire. He wants to have a word with you, princess." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Will Nina be able to construct Lelouch's ultimate weapon? What plans do Night Fire have for Nunnally? Find out in the next installment of Rebel Against the Night, which I hope won't take five years like the last time. Hopefully, the muses will be kinder to me as a part of their 2018 New Year's resolution.