Disclaimer: Code Geass. not mine.

Summary: When everything starts falling apart, sometimes you just have to accept that fact and live with it.

Downfall

Lelouch, or rather Zero, stared in horror as waves of his Knightmares exploded. The IFF signal all disappeared and only static replied to his franctic calls. He staggered and fell into his seat in shock and disbelief. All the meticulous planning and preparations... all for nothing. Not a single part of this fucking plan worked. The smell of smoke and burned flesh filled the air and yet the sky was bright blue. The irony of nature never ceased to amaze him. He smiled bitterly and quietly ordered the Black Knight's retreat.

"Order the troops to withdraw" he said in a hoarse voice.

"But sir we can still..." his officer stammered

"No. There is no point in fighting this battle anymore." Zero cut him off abruptly.

"Kallen, shield our troops as they fall back, we'll regroup later."

"Yes Zero..." Kallen muttered eyes downcast.

The Black Knights glanced each other nervously as their leader wordlessly left the control room. The atmosphere was tense and threatened to suficate anyone that dared to breath. Neither of them dared to make a sound or face the fact that Zero's plan failed.

Lelouch entered his room and flopped onto his bed ignoring his roomate's inquisitive gaze. He screamed in frustration and threw his mask across the room.

C.C. studied him without saying anything and returned her attention to her magazine.

Lelouch started muttering angrily under his breath as if trying to get rid of his emotions by spilling them out.

"Where the hell did it go wrong... I swear that all the variables were calculated... How could he have known..."

C.C. raised her eyebrow but still kept her mouth shut, obviously enjoying the scene.

"Are you going to say anything or what?" Lelouch asked glaring at the witch

C.C. turned but merely smirked at him. That was the final straw.

Lelouch pounced on her and started unleashing a series of violent tirade, calling her all sorts of names.

C.C. stared at him emotionessly for she has already received too many insults in her lifetime.

He continued to lash out on her and even started physically attacking her. He slapped her across the face and started kicking her petite body. C.C. writhed in pain but did not eve attempt to retaliate or even protect herself. She just accepted his anger and took the pain. Blood started dripping for her mouth, staining the bed a glaring red. There were numerous cuts on her face and lip. C.C. looked as if a savage animal assaulted her.

Lelouch stared in horror at what he had done. C.C. wordlessly wiped her mouth and spat out the remaining blood in her mouth. He tried to apologize and hug her but his lips were sealed and his body was numb.

"I've had worse before" she said looking away. "During the winter, my masters would usually keep me in the toolshed and prevent me from entering their homes. The only time I was allowed in was when they sought my body for pleasure." she continued sadly. "They would then proceed to whip me until I fell unconscious and throw my wrinkled body..."

Lelouch cut her off by giving her a hug so strong that she was gasping for breath. The weight of his failures and C.C.'s pain was unbearable and he broke down right there in front of her.

Tears flowed from his eyes like streams of river. He felt ashamed and disgraced that he assaulted the only person that will always be faithful to him.