Refugee Dome Site, Salvatian Moon Base territory

Dark Side of the Moon; Code Geass Universe

The Refugee Dome Site, located within the Salvatian Moon Base territory, stood as a safe haven amidst the chaos. This vast structure, nestled in the dark side of the moon, sheltered those who sought refuge from the oppressive regime of Britannia.

Inside the dome, the Japanese people had found a temporary home. The lush green grass of the dome's fields offered a strange sense of tranquility, and the refugee towns and apartments provided a space for them to settle, albeit for a short while. There was hope here, a flicker of life beyond their struggles, as they awaited the day Japan would be liberated from Britannia's grasp. In the field hospital, the severely wounded from the recent skirmishes received much-needed care, while others tended to their medical needs in the tents set up nearby.

Among them were Ishiwari Mayu, her sister, and a group of resistance fighters who had taken refuge in the dome. The sight of their new surroundings had left them stunned, the people they now relied on—Salvatians—being unlike any they had ever encountered before. These Salvatians, of various races, had provided the injured with medical aid, tending to them with the kind of care they had never received in the war-torn streets of their homeland. At first, they had been wary, uncertain of who these strange people were, but their actions spoke louder than their unfamiliar appearances. For now, they seemed trustworthy. Their weapons, once a constant companion in the fight against Britannia, were now set aside in this safe haven, no longer needed for the time being.

From a distance, they watched their people, receiving treatment from the medics and healers, silently observing the quiet efficiency of the Salvatians at work.

"Wow," murmured Yukawa Keiki, shaking his head in disbelief. "I never thought I'd see the day when aliens would save us."

At his side, Usui Wakumi gave a weary nod. "At least they didn't just leave us to die. It's a stroke of luck for all of us to be saved when everything seemed lost."

Furuse Kohei's voice was tinged with worry. "They said they saved only half of us and brought us here. But what about the others? What happened to Ohgi and the others?"

Hitarashi Ogai placed a hand on his shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. "I'm sure they're okay. I hated leaving them behind, but I'm confident they've found somewhere safe. With the way these Salvatians have dealt with the Britannians, they must have hidden somewhere the Brits can't reach."

Yukawa Keiki raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "How can you be sure?"

"I just know," Ogai said with quiet certainty.

Nearby, Shiro Mayu tugged at her sister's sleeve, her eyes wide with wonder. "Big sis, look at this place. It's massive! They told us this is a dome for refugees. It could be the perfect place to live without the Britannians hunting us down."

Ishiwari Mayu took in their surroundings, still processing everything. "I know... It's hard to believe a place like this exists. They've protected us and brought us to safety, far from Britannia. But who are these people, really? What do they want from us?"

Her thoughts were interrupted when a figure approached—an imposing Vindictarium knight, his dark elf features casting a shadow as he drew near.

"Are you the one leading your people?" the knight asked in a low, commanding voice.

Ishiwari Mayu hesitated, her mind racing. Before she could speak, Yukawa Keiki, ever the outspoken one, chimed in with a sharp tone. "Hell yeah we are!"

Mayu shot him a warning glance, but Yukawa, ever bold, gave a quick pull to her sleeve, urging her not to let him interrupt.

"Yes," Mayu said, her voice steady. "I lead them. It was Ohgi who truly led the resistance, but I am representing it now."

The knight regarded her with a measured nod. "Very well. I've come to bring you to the supreme leader. He wishes to grant you an audience."

Shiro Mayu, her curiosity piqued, blinked. "Supreme leader? Is he your leader?"

The knight's eyes gleamed with solemnity. "He is the supreme leader of Salvatia. Please, follow me."

...

Timeskip

A dropship descended toward the Constitutional Authority-class Super Dreadnought, heading straight for the massive hangar bay. Once the ship landed, the group followed a Vindictarium knight down the long stretch of the hangar toward the throne chamber. As they walked, their eyes were drawn to the array of mecha fighters stationed around the bay, undergoing maintenance. Some of these towering machines were similar in size to the knightmare frames they knew, though these were even taller. Salvatian troopers and marines patrolled the area, ensuring security as the group passed.

Furuse Kohei let out a low whistle, his eyes wide in awe. "Wow, look at the size of those things."

"Impressive," Hitarashi Ogai muttered, glancing at the towering machines. "They could crush knightmare frames like bugs underfoot."

Usui Wakumi looked up at the mecha fighters, a thought forming in his mind. "I wonder if the supreme leader will let us pilot those giant frames."

A voice interrupted their speculation. "They're called Mecha Fighters," the Vindictarium knight explained.

Furuse Kohei blinked in confusion. "Huh?"

"Mecha Fighters," the knight repeated. "These are part of our military arsenal. They're designed to face threats head-on and are extremely effective unless opposed by specialized anti-mecha weapons. Only stronger mecha fighters or something of equal power can take them down."

Hitarashi Ogai eyed the mecha frames being repaired in the distance. "Okay, but what about those? What makes them different from the giant ones?"

The knight nodded, following Ogai's gaze. "Those are Mecha Frames. They're similar to the knightmare frames you're familiar with, though slightly taller. Their cockpits are located in the chest, not at the back like you're used to."

Yukawa Keiki frowned. "Cockpit in the chest? I don't know much about knightmare frames, but how do you eject if it's damaged?"

"If you want to learn more about the mecha frames, you can speak with the chief mechanic," the knight suggested. "He'll be able to tell you everything."

"Got it," Keiki nodded, and the group continued onward.

They reached a large, square elevator that whisked them up toward the throne chamber. As the doors opened, the group stepped out, the Vindictarium knight gesturing for them to proceed while he turned to return to the elevator.

Before them sat Xavier Salvador, the Supreme Leader of Salvatia, perched on a grand black throne. Beside him stood Frieda Vordieus, the Supreme Magistrate. Legion dark knights stood at attention, wielding spear blasters, their presence imposing. As they approached, Xavier's voice echoed across the chamber, warm yet commanding.

"Are you the one in charge of your people?"

Ishiwari Mayu swallowed nervously before answering. "Yes. I am in charge of my people. My name is Ishiwari Mayu, formerly a corporal in the Japanese army. These are my companions: Yukawa Keiki, Furuse Kohei, Usui Wakumi, Hitarashi Ogai, and my sister, Shiro Mayu."

"Hello!" Shiro Mayu waved cheerfully at the supreme leader.

Xavier studied them for a moment before speaking again. "It's good to have someone with military experience. It will help in understanding how to combat the enemy."

Ishiwari Mayu gave a small nod. "Thank you. But I must ask, who exactly are you? A man told us you were the supreme leader. Is that true?"

"Indeed," Xavier replied with a slight smile. "I am Xavier Salvador, Supreme Leader of the Sovereignty Republic of Salvatia. I hold both the title of head of state and head of government. And beside me is Frieda Vordieus, the Supreme Magistrate and co-leader of the Legion Magistrate Directorate."

Frieda bowed gracefully. "Greetings."

"Nice to meet you, ma'am," Hitarashi Ogai said with a respectful nod.

Ishiwari Mayu turned back to Xavier, gratitude in her voice. "On behalf of the Shinjuku resistance, we thank you for saving us from the Britannians. Without your help, we wouldn't be here today."

Xavier inclined his head in acknowledgment. "I am simply doing what I can to save as many as possible, to bring them away from the reach of Britannia's rule over your country."

Yukawa Keiki, his curiosity piqued, spoke up. "Excuse me, sir, but... are you all actually aliens?"

"Yukawa!" Shiro Mayu hissed, glaring at him.

Frieda smiled gently, explaining, "To you, we may seem like aliens. But in truth, we are a people made up of various species, united as one. And as for me and Xavier, we are not from alien worlds—we are not human, but we share more in common with you than you might realize."

Shiro Mayu tilted her head, confused. "What do you mean, you're not human?"

Xavier Salvador leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady and resolute as he addressed them. "She's right," he said. "You see, we were not born in this universe. I understand if you find it hard to believe, but we come from a different universe entirely."

Usui Wakumi blinked in confusion. "A different universe?"

Hitarashi Ogai frowned, his mind racing with the implications. "Hold on. Are you talking about that Multiverse Theory nonsense those crazy scientists are always blabbering about?"

Shiro Mayu looked at him, a puzzled expression crossing her face. "What are you talking about, Ogai?"

Ogai shrugged, a wry smile crossing his lips. "I've heard about this group of eccentric European scientists who believe in something called the Multiverse Theory. It's the idea that our universe is just one of many, all existing simultaneously. Each universe might have its own set of physical laws, constants, and histories. Some versions of the theory say that every decision or quantum event spawns a new branching universe. It's all speculation, though. There's hardly any evidence to support it, and most people just laugh it off as nonsense. The scientists who believed in it pretty much disappeared after a while."

He glanced at his friends as he finished his explanation.

Xavier Salvador, unshaken, nodded. "What those so-called 'wacko' scientists from Europe believed? It's true. The Multiverse exists, and we are living proof of it."

The Japanese group stood in stunned silence, the weight of his words settling in. Doubt flickered across their faces as they struggled to grasp the enormity of his claim. With a deep breath, Xavier began to unfold their story, carefully omitting certain details. He spoke of their origins in an alternate timeline where the Holy Britannian Empire and Sakuradite had never existed.

He told them of Neohumans, beings who had severed their ties with Old Humanity to create a new vision for their species. Neotypes, he explained, were individuals who had undergone a transformation by having neoblood injected into their DNA, elevating them to the same level as Neohumans. Neotypes were not born of fantasy, but among them were beings like the alien Biosynths, who had been integrated into their society and treated equally in exchange for their loyalty.

As he spoke of their history, Xavier described the world of Salvatia before it was destroyed by a corrupted world core. Using his god-like powers, he had saved the planet, moving the separate continents to different worlds. The Sovereignty Republic of Salvatia had then settled on a new planet, naming it after their nation and began colonizing uncharted worlds.

The Japanese listened intently, though the overwhelming amount of information left them struggling to comprehend it all.

Yukawa Keiki shook his head slowly, disbelief in his voice. "Okay. That's... that's the most shocking thing I've ever heard."

Xavier Salvador's eyes gleamed with confidence as he rose from his throne. "If you doubt my words, a demonstration should convince you."

With a fluid motion, Xavier rose from the ground, effortlessly floating into the air. Flames ignited in his hands, swirling in a controlled dance, while energy orbs spun around him, casting an ethereal glow. The spectacle left the Japanese group speechless, their disbelief slowly giving way to awe. The reality of his power was undeniable, and their skepticism crumbled under the weight of what they witnessed.

Shiro Mayu gasped, her voice filled with wonder. "Whoa!"

Usui Wakumi shook his head, struggling to process the sight. "I can't believe it."

Furuse Kohei's eyes widened in astonishment. "Okay. This can't be a dream. If this isn't a dream, then he's got the power of a god!"

Ishiwari Mayu's voice trembled with disbelief. "This... this is something no human could possess. It's beyond comprehension."

After the display, Xavier descended gracefully, his powers fading as he landed. He flashed them a smirk, his voice calm but commanding as he addressed the group.

"Now, do you believe me?"

Furuse Kohei, still in shock, raised his hand with a firm thumbs up. "100%! Absolutely 100%! We believe you!"

Ishiwari, seeing the magnitude of his power firsthand, stepped forward with a desperate tone. "Supreme Leader, please help us liberate our homeland. With your military strength and god-like powers, you can free Japan and other nations suffering under Britannia's colonial rule. I beg you—please, free my people. I would give up my soul just to see Japan and its people freed from Britannia's control."

She bowed deeply, pleading for his help.

Shiro Mayu's voice cut through the air, her concern evident. "Ishiwari..."

Xavier met her gaze, his expression soft but resolute. "Yes, I can help you liberate Japan. But not in the way you think."

Ishiwari's confusion was palpable. "Huh?"

Yukawa Keiki's temper flared, his voice sharp. "What the hell do you mean by that?"

His outburst sent the Legion's dark knights stepping forward, their spear blasters raised in response to his insolence. But before tension could escalate, Frieda intervened, her commanding voice halting them.

"Let him explain."

Xavier nodded in gratitude as he turned his attention back to the Japanese group. "Thank you, Frieda."

He took a deep breath before continuing, his tone resolute. "I suspect that resistance groups are fighting to bring back the old Japan, the Japan you want to restore. But from my perspective, that old Japan is what allowed Britannia to conquer it in the first place. The government of the old Japan failed its people, distracted by conflicts in the Pacific theater while ignoring the greater threat. Britannia took advantage of that weakness and renamed it Area 11. Reviving the old country would be like using necromancy to raise the dead—it's gone, and it's not coming back."

Ishiwari's voice quivered with frustration. "But sir—"

Xavier's gaze hardened, his words cutting through her protests. "I've also received a report from the Office of Secret Intelligence that a surviving member of the Japanese government-in-exile, Atsushi Sawazaki, has aligned himself with the Chinese Federation. He's planning to retake Japan and reclaim its independence. But the truth is, his plan is to turn Japan into a puppet state of the Chinese Federation, so they can get access to the Sakuradite reserves. Sawazaki cares nothing for Japan's independence—he's only interested in regaining his own power."

Usui Wakumi's voice rose with anger. "That son of a bitch!"

The group recoiled in disbelief at the revelation, the thought of a former politician betraying Japan for personal gain leaving them shocked and disillusioned.

Xavier's voice remained firm. "That's why I won't restore the old Japan. What I intend to do is create a new Japan—a nation built on progressivism and strength. We must advance technologically to improve the lives of the Japanese people and all other nations under Britannia's rule. With my guidance, this change will happen, and nothing will stop me from achieving it."

Shiro Mayu, still processing the enormity of his vision, spoke up, her voice uncertain. "Wait... does that mean...?"

Xavier nodded, his resolve unwavering.

Xavier Salvador's voice was steady and resolute as he spoke. "That's correct. I'm going to liberate your country and help you regain your independence. But for now, we will do it quietly, from the shadows. My divisions are already spread across key locations. When we came down to rescue you in the Shinjuku ghetto, I had already laid the groundwork to establish footholds and build our numbers. We can't afford to rush into battle; trust me, I have a strategy I devised the moment we arrived."

Yukawa Keiki raised an eyebrow, skepticism in his voice. "Wait, you've had a plan the whole time? But with all the ships at your disposal, why don't you just order them to attack Britannia outright?"

Frieda Vordieus stepped forward, her tone calm but firm. "The Supreme Leader believes that it's more prudent to eliminate key targets first, weakening the enemy's military strength before striking. By attacking from the shadows, we can keep the Britannians on edge, unable to counter us directly. In the meantime, we'll liberate other Areas without alerting Britannia. This will help us gain stronger allies, as long as we protect their sovereign rights. Initially, we considered setting up a protectorate in the liberated Areas, but we scrapped that idea—it would only escalate tensions with the locals."

Xavier nodded in agreement, his voice steady. "Exactly. What we need is the perfect moment to make a grand entrance, to introduce ourselves to the world. This will involve more than just dealing with the Holy Britannian Empire. We'll also have to consider the United Republic of Europia and the Chinese Federation. Right now, my focus is on Sakuradite."

Furuse Kohei, still processing the information, asked, "Sakuradite?"

"If Britannia truly depends on Sakuradite," Xavier continued, "then it's in our best interest to find a way to neutralize their access to it. You know the saying: 'If I can't have it, no one can.'"

Ishiwari Mayu frowned, concern etching her features. "But by doing that, Britannia might struggle to gather more Sakuradite for their war efforts. Could they still manage without it?"

Xavier's gaze hardened, his voice unyielding. "Yes, I've already given orders for my chief scientist to create something that will neutralize Sakuradite. They won't be able to rely on it any longer."

Shiro Mayu's eyes widened as realization dawned on her. "But wait, the Knightmare Frames rely on Sakuradite to function. Without it, those machines would be useless."

Hitarashi Ogai nodded, adding, "Without Sakuradite, Britannia wouldn't be able to manufacture any more Knightmare Frames. We could either destroy their resources or steal what we need to power our own frames."

Xavier's expression remained cool and confident. "Exactly. But there's one thing you all need to understand—you won't be piloting Knightmare Frames anymore."

Usui Wakumi blinked in disbelief. "Wait, are you saying—"

"Yes," Xavier interrupted, "You'll be piloting Mecha Frames. Because we saved your lives, I'm giving you the opportunity to try out something far superior. These Mecha Frames will rival the Knightmare Frames with ease."

Furuse Kohei was stunned. "Hold on... You're serious about that?"

The Japanese group exchanged surprised glances, their minds racing at the thought of piloting something far more powerful than the Knightmare Frames.

Xavier's tone was unwavering as he continued, "I'm not joking. You'll each have your own Mecha Frame. And don't worry about energy sources. While the Knightmare Frames rely on Sakuradite, I've developed a completely new energy source that no other nation can replicate—not even yours. That's already covered."

Shiro Mayu's eyes gleamed with excitement as she turned to her sister. "Wow... Big sis, we should join him!"

Ishiwari Mayu looked at her younger sister, her heart heavy with doubt, but Shiro pressed on.

"Look, if we have access to those Mecha Frames, we can defeat Britannia. We can retake Japan, not as it was, but as a new nation, just like he said."

Ishiwari Mayu hesitated, the weight of the decision pressing on her, but she knew this could be their chance.

Ishiwari Mayu's gaze swept across her companions, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "What about you all? Are you truly alright with this?"

Hitarashi Ogai, ever the pragmatist, gave a thoughtful nod. "Well, he's the type of man who has a plan—not just to liberate Japan, but to defeat Britannia. Despite the vast armada he commands, he seems to know exactly what he's doing."

Yukawa Keiki, his eyes filled with determination, grinned. "Hearing that fills me with confidence. Whatever he's planning, count me in! I'm eager to try something new, something other than Knightmare Frames. It sounds like a step away from Britannia's grip."

Ishiwari Mayu turned to Furuse and Usui, her voice softer. "And what about you two?"

They exchanged a glance before responding.

Usui Wakumi spoke with quiet resolve. "If it means taking on Britannia, then I'm in. As long as he keeps his promise to liberate Japan in his own way, I'm willing to follow."

Furuse Kohei, his mind already considering the implications, nodded. "It's not a bad idea to join him. He seems to have a clear plan and knows how to execute it. And let's not forget—the real reason Britannia invaded Japan was for the Sakuradite. If he can neutralize it, no one will have access to it, and Britannia will face a crisis in their war effort to conquer the world."

Ishiwari Mayu listened intently, absorbing their words. She then turned to face Xavier, who was looking at her with quiet expectation.

Xavier Salvador's voice was steady and commanding. "So, Ishiwari Mayu, will you stand with me, not only to liberate your country but to reshape your world under a new order—one forged in my image?"

He raised his hand toward her, an invitation, a challenge. Ishiwari hesitated, her gaze flickering between his hand and the consequences of such a decision. She had always believed in the possibility of change, but this—this was something far greater. Xavier had the power, the vision, and the resources to shape the world. But could she trust him?

After a long pause, she made her choice. With a steady breath, she reached out and took his hand.

"I, Ishiwari Mayu, will humbly accept your offer to join you, as long as you help us reclaim our Japan."

Xavier's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Of course. I shall keep that promise, provided my plan succeeds in reshaping this world for the betterment of everyone's lives."

With that, their hands clasped firmly, sealing their pact. Ishiwari knew that, with Xavier's help, the dream of Japan's liberation was within their grasp. Now, all that remained was for them to make his plan work—by supporting him in every step of the way.