A/N: had this chapter ready for a long time, before I even posted chapter five. However I tried to improve the chapter and maybe make it longer but I couldn't in the end. So I decided to post the chapter for those who wanted it. I'll probably work on some of my other projects for a bit and try to get them caught up, but in the meantime here is chapter six.

Thank you all who reviewed and for your input.

Chapter 6

Fall from grace

Ayano wasn't expecting the man who called himself Zero who risked his neck to save her to be a Britannian. Still she wasn't instantly hostile and took in better than Lelouch was hoping for initially. Still some of the situations he had expected were that Ayano would become hostile at the reveal of his identity, but that was among the very few expectations when compared to some of the much more likely situations he envisioned was where she could either be confused or uncertain of how to respond. After a brief stare down between the two Ayano spoke breaking the silence asking a question.

"Makes a little more sense on how you got your equipment and weapons, but I am trying to put my finger on exactly why. You want to bring down Britannian right, so what's your core reason for it?"

"My reason," Lelouch said as her calm response surprised him. "My younger sister who was crippled and left blind because the man who was my father couldn't protect her and mother. Then cast us away to a foreign land to be used no more than mere bargaining tools expecting us to die when war between Japan and Britannia broke out."

"Your father, he is the Britannian Emperor," Ayano said correctly guessing Lelouch's father.

"Yes I was Lelouch vi Britannia, but I am declared dead to the world under that name."

"Is that why you took the name Zero? For nothing or more appropriately because you are really a no one now since you said you are dead?"

Lelouch smiled at her response…she defied almost all of his expectations. "You are taking this a lot better than I thought. I almost thought you would have seriously questioned my intentions being a former member of the royal family."

"Maybe, but rather I prefer to think that you are probably more hell-bent on actually destroying Britannia. Unlike some resistance groups that are nothing more than a collection of juvenile delinquents you are actually dead serious. You risked your life to save me to prove a point didn't you that you can do where those other groups have failed?"

Lelouch could only smile before commented.

"Then you realize my rescue of you was a publicity stunt?"

"Maybe so, but it was an effective way of demonstrating your capabilities as well as your stance. You wanted to show Area 11 that you fight for justice and would save a person wrongly accused right?"

"Yes you are exactly right…although I wasn't expecting to recruit you."

"Don't sell yourself short…in fact you are the kind of group I was looking to join. I may be your first member, but so far from what I have heard on the streets that the other resistance groups are rather disappointing. You can do things they can't too so that helps."

"What about the Japan Liberation Front…what is your opinion of them," Lelouch inquired as he was curious to hear her response, but after a moment of careful consideration Ayano spoke.

"They just have no choice but to die out," Ayano replied as Lelouch was intrigued by the exact meaning of that statement. "I think even you understand why I say that…I wasn't just sitting around in France I had some access to some books some people tossed and my grandfather homeschooled me. But do you know that historically there are a few cases where such men reclaimed their government. You know why Lelouch?"

"Of course it's because they can't switch their way of thinking, even seven years ago they fought with this mindset and lost. They have some military power, but their mentality hasn't change since seven years ago and because of that they have no chance of liberating Japan. Even if they were successful they simply don't have the numbers to hold and defend Japan from retaliation from Britannia. If they were thinking of having the resistance groups help them on that front then they are fools. A vase that has been broken cannot be restored to its original state…those men are attempting to do so and its foolish."

"I couldn't have said it better myself," Ayano replied.

"Obviously I take it that you had already ruled out the Japan Liberation Front as a group to join."

"Even in France we hear news of the so-called fight for Japan's liberation through underground connections and such," Ayano explained before adding. "Needless to say I am not impressed with their progress."

Unlike most resistance groups the Japan Liberation Front was by far the strongest in Japan due to the military training their operatives had and the large sphere of influence they had. But so far they have only been successful at achieving only small victories and despite the hope the Japanese had for them. The JLF was no closer to actually liberating Japan. In fact one might even wonder if they even had a plan for overthrowing the Britannian occupation force and if not was resistance against Britannia their only plan.

Was the organization even thinking about the future?

Lelouch knew that was the underlying reason Ayano was hinting at furthering her decision to not even attempt to find the JLF to join them, but unlike the JLF Lelouch did have more large scale plans for the future and he had the determination to see them through.

"I understand…maybe as a whole they are like that, but I wouldn't doubt that on an personal level that the organization is different. If the organization does die out there might be some people worth preserving."

"You mean recruiting?"

Lelouch smiled at the comment.

"The situation would merely be convenient for me."

"Of course, but what do you have in mind now?"

"First we need to get you settled in and then collect information on what is happening among the resistance groups and start looking for some able-body recruits. However this Smilex Poisoning happening," Lelouch began as he allowed the sentence to trail off.

"You intend to stop it right?"

"I do, but now there isn't much I can do against it. The Joker has tainted the chemicals at the source so I don't even know how far this will spread. It has already reached the homeland and most of the other Areas throughout the Empire. All I can do is figure out the combinations in which the Smilex poison is triggered, but if I want to stop it for sure I need to take out the main manufacturing plant for the poison. The Joker obviously needed a large chemical processing facility to produce the qualities of Smilex and its component parts we have seen due to how far-reaching this problem has become."

"Ultimately you'll have to take out the place where it's made to stop it."

"Right, but I don't know if the Joker has more than one plant producing his poison. I have almost nothing on him to go by."

"What of the Britannians…with Clovis dead Area 11 is going to fall into chaos with other groups and criminals like to see the opportunity. This poison has been killing off Britannians so far right, so I have to ask you do you want to stop it."

Lelouch contemplated the question for a moment, but the part of him that hated Britannia and especially the royal family and the man called Charles zi Britannia. He would have liked to see them end up victims of the Smilex poison. However the other part of him thought different and had a different, but yet a more logical view on the matter.

"If it was only happening within the Britannian Homeland then yes I might have allowed it to continue, but this poison is spreading everywhere. It wouldn't surprise me if this reaches the Chinese Federation and the European Union. If this goes unchecked it could end up hurting my plans in the long-run."

"So you intend to stop him then?"

"I do, but I need find out more about the Joker and his organization. I might know someone who could answer a few questions, but I'll have to wait until tomorrow night to visit him," Lelouch explained before remembering something…his new Geass power. "By the way there is one thing about me that happened recently I should brief you on."

The following morning at the headquarters a current place of residence for the Advance Special Envoy Engineering Corps Lloyd and Cecile were reading the morning newspaper headlines on the internet. In one night alone after the death of Prince Clovis and Zero very daring rescue of Ayano Kosaka the whole of Area 11 descended into chaos.

"Koshigaya, Koshi, Hiroshima…this has been the seventh occurrence since that man Zero raised his head," Cecile commented while her superior added.

"It seems the other resistance members are putting up a valiant fight following his lead, but I hear Clovis isn't the only dead royal now?"

"So you have heard…Princess Carine ne Britannia and Princess Guinevere su Britannia were found dead this morning…guess what killed them?"

"Smilex…the Joker's poison has claimed two members of the royal family," Cecile said now visibly disturbed at how far it has reached.

"Not just the homeland, but I have heard of some similar deaths in the European Union and the Chinese Federation. They are trying to keep it quiet, but the manner of death seems to fit those who die of the Smilex poison. I think some higher-ups ended up dead," Lloyd added shocking Cecile as the Smilex and the Joker's deadly poisons has gone international.

"How could it spread so far, surely customs must have?"

"No he has tainted the source ingredients and chemicals used in the production of hygiene products. Heck for all we know there could be places overseas manufacturing this poison and not just one place, but no one seems to know just how extensive the Joker's organization is. He could be an international criminal or someone with some serious oversea connections."

"But is there any progress in stopping it?"

"So far none…the police and the military are trying to find a pattern, but seeing how crazy the man is on television I don't think there is a pattern," Cecile was silent uncertain of what to say as the young woman imagined that people in the homeland were likely panicking. "The Joker, this Mister Freeze and now Zero…they have changed things forever and its going to keep changing."

"What do you mean," Cecile inquired.

"It won't stop with their appearance. Just think how crimes are being carried out now…sooner or later how wars are fought is going to be changing too."

In the hideout below Ashford Academy while Lelouch was away and Sayoko was out shopping for a few pairs of clothes for C.C. and Ayano, but speaking of which the green haired woman was eating pizza while watching the news on Lelouch's computer monitor. Ayano being a little curious took a look around wandering into the workshop were Lucius was. It was obvious the man was busy at work at his bench working on Lelouch's Zero mask as he was modifying it to include a slide system to allow the young man to use his Geass, an interesting power he gained that Ayano had been briefed on. Ayano surprised Lelouch by taking the news he had a power that could compel a person just once to obey his orders, but his Geass like much of what he had was another tool to be used when the situation demands it.

"Could his power be similar to…no…never mind...it couldn't be."

Ayano was distracted from her thoughts as she looked around the workshop noticing some interesting gadgets and devices Fox had made or had once been collecting dust in the warehouse he had called home.

"Anything I can interest you in Miss Kosaka?"

"You can just call me Ayano," Ayano replied causally.

"Alright," Lucius replied as he kept working to finish modifying the mask.

"I am curious, why is someone like you working with Lelouch?"

"Well my company was my whole life and with it gone what can I do. Nobody wants me involved with their companies because of my reputation and my humanitarian efforts for the Japanese. But I suppose a part of it is that I got a little too carried away with my projects," Fox replied with a chuckle.

"I see…like that suit Lelouch wearers?"

"Exactly…the Nomex Survival Suit was meant to be for light infantry, but Britannia believed that a soldier's life was not worth 500,000 pounds. But since I have given it to Lelouch I have modified it and improved upon its original design."

"I see," Ayano said as she was looking around. "Is this the original suit?"

"Yes, but I think you'll notice a difference with that one. I originally made two pairs of suits for two test users including a back-up spare for each. I am sure you know that some Britannian units use female soldiers especially among those of noble familes who become officers."

"So you made two with a female user in mind," Ayano said as she saw an unmodified FoxTech Nomex survival suit, but unlike Lelouch's suit the one Ayano was looking at was more designed for a female wearer in mind. Its flexible titanium-dipped fiber undersuit was the same, but its second layer was where the position of the plates was different for obvious reasons.

"I don't think this armor would have worked well for a woman. Somehow I think this was more a request from some woman from a noble family?"

"Not exactly…some of the designers involved with its creation wanted it to be…sexy as they put it bluntly, but go on."

"A chest place in this kind of configuration creates the risk of cracking the wearer's sternum if she were to fall and not mention it is signed in a way to provide a good way to guide a bladed weapon to your heart. You still got to penetrate the armor through."

"An excellent observation, but if you are interested in it I could modify it to remove that design flaw," Fox offered.

"Me," Ayano asked.

"Well do you think you will be heading into a fight?"

"I am not sure, but it could happen. I am not exactly one for sneaking around like Lelouch through."

"I could work out something for you…we should talk more when I finish the modifications of this mask. I'll need your measurements through so I can adapt it more to your chest and modify the upper torso for your uh…you know to ensure proper spacing and proper protection."

"Of course," Ayano said understanding instantly. "I'll be around when you want to start, but until then I apologize for disturbing you."

"Not at all," Fox replied as Ayano was about to leave. However she saw something in a corner of the workshop where she eyed a set of design specs for a new kind of Knightmare Frame, but its shape and design was very different from anything Ayano had seen before. Its design suggested some kind of transformable frame.

"What else does Lelouch have?"

Later that evening after Sayoko returned Ayano was looking through some of the clothes and after choosing some she finally changed out of the prison uniform into a hot magenta spaghetti top, black denim shorts, a white scarf, black boots with pink thigh-high socks. C.C. however chose to remain wearing her current attire. Lelouch himself decided not to join them as he was upstairs having dinner with his younger sister Nunnally and being the cautious type that he was especially in matters about his little sister he had cameras in the clubhouse allowing him when he is in the hideout to keep an eye on his sister if need be. Oddly though Ayano alone was sitting before the screen quietly watching Nunnally with her older brother Lelouch, talking to the wheelchair bound fourteen year old girl.

"Today Miss Sayoko was showing me origami where if you fold a piece of paper the correct way you can make birds, boats and all kinds of shapes and animals," Nunnally exclaimed happily before slipping some of the soup she was eating. But in her excitement she accidentally spilled some getting some on the corners of her mouth.

Lelouch reacted quickly and wiped it away.

"Easy there you don't have to tell me everything all at once. It's not like I am going anywhere."

"Yeah you are right, thank you."

"You are very welcome," Lelouch said with a genuine smile.

Nunnally giggled before speaking, "I am so happy right now, because last night you scared me a little."

"Did I," Lelouch said as he avoided looking at her. "I am sorry…I just have a lot on my mind that's all."

"Hey," Nunnally began getting her brother's attention holding up a pink origami crane she had made earlier in the evening. "They say if you fold a thousand of these cranes your wish will come true, so if there has been anything you have been wishing for."

"No…not really, but what about you do you wish for anything?"

Nunnally put the crane down taking a moment to consider that before answering.

"I wish the world was a gentler place."

"When the day comes when you can finally see it I am sure it will be."

"Really," Nunnally asked hopefully.

"I promise," Lelouch said without hesitation.

Watching from the hideout Ayano seemed lost in a sense of nostalgia as she seemed lost in a distant memory from a long time ago where she saw herself as a younger child with another child who bore a resemblance to her, but was younger.

"Asami…"

Ayano thought remembering the little girl, but was shaken from her thoughts by a certain green-haired woman.

"Missing someone?"

The black-haired Japanese woman glared at the immortal woman in response before countering with.

"And you are not," Ayano said as her remarked slightly surprised C.C. "You may lie to others in their faces with that attitude but I can feel it, you are just as hurt as me or Lelouch. But you merely hide it better."

C.C. said nothing and went back to her pizza, while Ayano went back to watching Lelouch and Nunnally. The black-haired woman was just in time to observe something between the Lamperouge siblings. Nunnally had taken her brother's hand and hooked her left pinky finger around Lelouch's opposite pinky finger.

"Sayoko taught me this the other day, it's called a Japanese promise," Nunnally explained before she began moving her hand along with Lelouch's up and down as she chanted. "Cross my heart, hope to die, eat a thousand needles if I lie…pinky promise sung."

Lelouch was speechless for a few moments after his pinky became unhooked from Nunnally's pinky.

"Well that's scary I may have to eat a thousand needles someday."

Ayano raised an eyebrow at that comment.

"That's right, so I better not catch you telling any lies ok."

"Don't you worry I'll never lie I swear."

Ayano was quiet as she put one hand on the sky and looked at the scene lovingly, but it wasn't Lelouch and Nunnally she was looking at but rather the memory of a young girl who bore a resemblance to her.

Later that night somewhere near the south-eastern oceanic border of Area 11 on an island that hadn't been named, but the military records who had developed an interest in it recently called it Kamine Island the formerly unnamed island that was a few miles away from Shikine Island where a Britannian military facility was located. But on the uninhabited island Bob was overseeing a group of the Joker's goons finishing setting up a bomb built out of two water-heater size tanks filled with liquid Sakuradite while pressurized air tanks filled with another chemical with a electronic deceive at the heart of it. There was no timer on it, but the bomb was of the Joker's own design.

"We're ready boss," Bob replied as the bomb was armed waiting detonation from the Joker who held the remote.

At the moment the two were inside a large cavern where a set of ancient ruins stood where just opposite of the cave entrance was large stone door craved into the wall with geometric symbols upon it. In front of this door rigged with motion sensors to detonate if anyone got too close to it or even nudged the wrong way was the large bomb would explode.

"Let's move out gentlemen and then we'll watch the fireworks," Joker replied before he and his men cleared out of the cavern.

Around the same time back in Japan. After dinner with Nunnally, Lelouch went out as Zero taking the Tumbler as he was going out to find some information on the Joker. Sticking to the tunnels the masked young man headed into the Tokyo Concession where, after parking the Tumbler in a spot to keep it hidden, Lelouch ventured out keeping to the roof tops. Using a pair of devices to travel across the rooftops stealthily, one of them was a grapnel device on a handle attached to a round disc which held a large amount of 350-pound test monofilament. The cable was attached to two very powerful launchers at moveable tips that fire the line in two directions to allow the user to travel across long gaps horizontally riding along the line holding onto the handle of the launcher itself.

Lelouch hurried across the rooftop of an apartment building before drawing out his next tool he had, which used the same monofilament as his Line-Launcher but it was more unique. At first glance it looked like an unusual handgun, but it was a one-ok-a-kind gas-powered magnetic grapple gun that could allow its user to ascend up to high places very quickly. Using the weapon brought back some fond memories for Lelouch as he remembered the first time Lucius showed him the gun along with its companion the Line-Launcher and the harness set that went with it.

(Six months ago)

During his visit with Fox the two men had gotten into a discussion about Marianne as Fox remembered the former Knight of Two and the Empress of Britannia fondly. According to Fox, like the Ashford Foundation, FoxTech was also a supporter of the Imperial Empress and had assisted in the advancement of Knightmare Frame technology which includes the development of the Ganymede that she had made famous.

"Yeah I kinda miss her through, a terrible shame what happened to her children."

"I agree," Lelouch replied keeping a neutral expression.

"Here we are," Lucius said opening up a trunk where inside Lelouch saw the FoxTech Line-Launcher, a Grapple Gun, a harness with a metallic belt with a pair of black gloves. "Kevlar utility harness with utility and equipment belt with magnetized impact-resistant pouches and canisters built out of durable but lightweight metals."

Fox pointed to the grapple gun before moving to the Line-Launcher.

"Gas-powered, magnetic grapple gun that uses a 350-pound test monofilament while its brother the Line-Launcher here uses the same monofilament. But unlike the grapple gun that can help you reach rooftops pretty quick this can get you across deep chasms instead."

"These," Lelouch asked looking at the Nano-Gloves.

"These are Nano-Gloves, ideal for climbing and scaling difficult and even surfaces by using a powerful adhesive on the palms activated by an electric current. Unlike the grapple gun and line-launcher, these saw some use among some Black Ops and Special Forces units. But the gloves were all they were interested in and nothing else; however they eventually discarded their use. Right here is the whole set," Fox explained.

"Interesting," The former prince said as he examined the Grapple Gun.

"Here I got something else over here," Fox said gesturing Lelouch to a large metal container with four shelves similar large enough to store a person. The older man opened one of them up revealing what seemed to be a dark gray rubber suit with chest padding and plates on the limbs. "Here we are. Nomex survival suit for advanced infantry, kevlar bi-weave, reinforced joints."

"Tear resistant," Lelouch inquired before Fox knocked on the chest.

"This sucker will stop just about anything…even a knife."

"So it's bulletproof too?"

"Anything but a straight shot from a Knightmare Frame or a high-powered armor-piercing round," Fox explained while Lelouch felt out the suit.

"Why didn't they put it into production?"

"The military didn't think a soldier's life was worth 500 grand. So what's your interest in it, Mr. Lamperouge?"

"I want to buy it?"

"Really…for what purpose if I may ask?"

"Oh for personnel use," Lelouch replied trying not to outright lie.

"You expect gunfire at Ashford Academy your majesty," Fox replied stunning Lelouch.

"How did you know?"

"I met you a couple of times as a kid if you recall and someone like you isn't easy to forget since your eye color and hair look a lot like your mother's. I don't forget a face," Fox replied with a smile before adding. "Don't worry I am not offended that you lied about your identity I understand, but all I ask is that you don't treat me like and idiot and being a little more forthright with me on your intentions."

"Alright, but you might not like my intentions?"

"From where I stand these days your majesty that might surprise you," Fox replied.

"Ok, but call me Lelouch."

"Sure," Fox replied with a smile. "If you want to rebel against Britannia I got a few things you might be very interested in and maybe some ideas for improvement on that suit if you want to use it."

"Alright," Lelouch replied with a grin.

(Present Day)

As Zero, Lelouch reached his destination which was a small lounge and bar which was very popular among some members of nobility which seemed unusually given its size and seemingly remote location. But the truth of the matter was that this was a proper hangout spot for members of the Britannian Mafia and those involved with some of the various crime rings and gangs around Area 11. Using the different visions in his mask Lelouch zoomed in on the interior of the bar looking for the man he sought who might have the information he needs.

Looking around Lelouch zeroed in on his target who was a man in his early fifties with his black hair turning gray with brown eyes wearing a dark blue business suit with a red tie a slim figure sitting at the bar with other Britannian gangsters. Quietly creeping closer Lelouch used his grapple gun to fire a small audio-bug on a piece of adhesive hitting the window close to the bar allowing Lelouch to listen inside the bar through the glass. Hiding in the shadows Lelouch listened in while trying to focus on the voice of the man he was hoping to get information from. There were a number of background noises to flitter out, but Lelouch made some adjustments and got a respectable audio feed coming in now provided nothing interfered with it.

Arnold Stormwell was a notorious gangster and one of the major players in the Britannian Mafia operating in Area 11. He was famous for moving in drugs and illegal weapons and merchandise across Area 11's black market so if anyone was likely to know something about the Joker it would be him.

"I can't believe the Joker has gone too far…I should have asked him more about what he intended to do with those chemicals," Lelouch listened in on a conversation between Arnold and another gangster present.

"With that guy the less you know the better. I heard some guys who asked too many questions were never heard from again."

"I know…you got to be out of your mind to cross that guy."

"So have any of you heard when the Joker's scheme is going end? I mean is he holding all of Britannia hostage or something?"

"Nah I heard he has something else in mind."

"Then maybe I should have asked him what products to avoid using," Arnold commented before finishing off his glass.

"Sooner or later he has to put it a stop to it right?"

"Maybe, but with that clown you just can't be sure…anyway good night," Arnold said paying for his drink before leaving the bar.

Lelouch began to discreetly follow him watching for above waiting for an opportunity to question Arnold on any information about the Joker he apparently had. The young man wished he could use his Geass on him, but it was too risky to take off his helmet out in the open. Fox would have the spare helmet modified for that purpose and it was likely to be finished soon, but it merely meant Lelouch would need to do things the old fashion way.

His time came when Arnold entered an alleyway with some old statues above the alley lining the rooftops which were both solid and stable enough for Lelouch to use as an idea came to mind. As Arnold passed under some of the old statues Lelouch suddenly dropped down before grabbing Arnold from behind.

"WHAT THE HELL!"

The gangster barely had a chance as he was lifted up into the air before he was face to face with Zero who was perched on top of the statue holding him by the neck. Suddenly he dropped the man who screamed fearing he was going to die, but his feet during his ascend was tied to the same cable Lelouch had used to drop down and grab the gangster leaving him dangling thirty feet off the ground. Lelouch came down and positioned himself on a small ledge allowing him to be face to face with the man.

"Arnold Stormwell…you are one of the most well-known mobsters operating in Area 11 with a lot of connections on the Black Market…I want information about the Joker."

"The Joker I don't know what you are talking about?"

"I heard about how you were moving supplies for him, so tell me what you know or else," Lelouch threatened as he drew a pocket knife and moved it close to the cable holding the gangster up.

"You…you can't be serious."

"Want to find out," Lelouch replied without hesitation as he ran the knife's blade along the cable preparing to cut it. Hearing the sound of cutting the man began panicking trying to put out one excuse after another.

"I swear to god I don't know anything."

Lelouch said nothing as suddenly the cable was cut and man was about to fall, but Lelouch grabbed him by the leg.

"Now be more truthful or…well…my arm is getting tired."

"Ok ok…I don't know where the Joker is, but I know the drop-off point where I deliver the goods. I just drop them off and then leave…I SWEAR THAT'S IT!"

"What is this drop-off point?"

"It's the old Rainbow Puccho Factory in the Minato Ghetto."

In a quick series of movements Lelouch released the man who fell into a large dumpster which unknown to the man was full of cardboard, plastic and a lot of foam inserts which soften his landed quite a bit. He would be shaken, but for the most part he was surprisingly unharmed. Lelouch was gone by the time the man pulled himself out from the dumpster.

But on his way back to the Tumbler, Lelouch heard a large crash nearby prompting the young man to divert off his course to investigate the sound. Hurrying across the top of apartment buildings following a column of smoke Lelouch saw in the enhanced vision on his visor inside his mask the young man found a guardhouse destroyed. Judging by the debris a large vehicle had plowed through the small wooden building into a Knight Corp storage and shipping facility.

Investigating further as Lelouch proceed to guide in after switching his mask over to analysis mode to look for signs of where the vehicle had gone. At storage warehouse number forty-five, a large armored car was parked inside. Behind it laid the shattered remains of an automatic roll-down door. The door was frozen solid before the armored car rammed right through it shattering it like glass. Inside the warehouse five men were loading the armored truck with large green canisters that were the size of twenty-pound propane tanks. The canisters full of liquid nitrogen weren't among the only objects being stolen, because being loaded were high end electronic components and parts including electrodes and reaction sticks.

Supervising the theft was Mister Freeze who stood guard by the entrance following freezing an office were a pair of Security Guards stood, but the villain used his freezing gun to freeze the small office in ice trapping the men inside. The men helping Mr. Freeze were members of a Japanese resistance group based out in Saitama Ghetto, members of the Fierce Yamato Alliance. Besides stealing some of the equipment and canisters for himself most of the advance electronic parts and components were being stolen for someone else.

"Are you done yet," Mister Freeze asked as the truck was almost filled with all of the equipment and goods they needed.

"We're all set," A Japanese man with a dirty red jacket, gray shirt and black jeans commented.

Watching from the shadows from the roof of warehouse forty-four was Lelouch who was trying to get a clear shot at Mr. Freeze's face to identity him. He considered stopping them, but yet he wondered if he should. Lelouch recognized two of the men with Mr. Freezes as members of a resistance group operating out of the Saitama Ghetto. Finally turning Lelouch got a full face shot, but yet the question nagged at Lelouch…should he intervene or let them go.

Suddenly an incoming notice on the military channel came in, which made Lelouch's decision for him. It seemed someone among the Britannians had found the same factory in question being involved with the Joker. Now he was in danger of losing his only possible lead if the Britannians botch the situation somehow.

"I have to stop the Joker…his poison hygiene products are more of a serious danger than anything else right now."

At that moment Lelouch reasoned that the Joker was a much more immediate and dangerous problem especially given the electronic notice he received moments ago. He had hoped the explosion was somehow involved with the Joker but was disappointed. After collecting enough data Lelouch hurried off to head for Minato Ghetto. Meanwhile Mister Freeze and his allies got back aboard the armored car making a hasty escape. Very soon his revenge would be complete as all he needed were a few more valuable parts and components.

"Soon I will have vengeance upon the rest of those who have wronged me."

A/N: Mister Freeze is moving to target the rest of those who have wronged him, but Lelouch due to receiving an alert that someone else had found clues leading to the same factory Lelouch intended to investigate was forced to let Freeze go to deal with the Joker who was a far more serious threat all things considered.

Now the question is who found the factory before Lelouch and when he arrives where are the authorities. Find out in the next chapter and after this chapter I intend to increase the length of the chapters to add a little more meat to them. It's already well underway, but I stopped production midway to contemplate ideas.