Name
Nunnally never called his name.
She kept him close. He was the last gift her brother had left for her, though she had not realized it at the time of her brother's death.
She'd accepted the duty of leading Britannia through the crisis period after her brother's death. Schneizel had requested to be one of her advisors, and she gratefully accepted. There was still much for her to learn, although she was learning quickly. She felt it her obligation to watch over the world her brother had protected, the world he had left for her.
Of course, he stayed by her side as well, interacting on her behalf as she worked to build new bridges with the countries that had been newly freed of Britannia's control. It was a slow process, and often disheartening. There was an incredible amount of anger toward Britannia that still roiled underneath the surface of diplomatic faces.
She visited each country, with him by her side. The world's hero, Zero. He went by no other name. He never showed his face. Yet the moment other dignitaries saw him with her, immediately negotiations began to proceed more smoothly. It was a miracle, what her brother had done to create this man.
Sometimes she would find herself watching him while he stood silently during meetings, watching over the proceedings behind the dark visor of his mask. She wondered if he was happy, or if he wished someone would call him by name. He never said a word, other than when absolutely necessary. He had transformed completely into the silent guardian.
She wondered if perhaps it was she who truly wanted to call him by name. It was lonely, being beside him and yet being unable to reach him. She knew she couldn't be selfish and contented herself with his presence.
Still it haunted her.
She understood that if he were to show his face, it would raise too many questions. After all, he was "dead." He had died in the service of her brother, the tyrant everyone hated. He had died a traitor to his country, to his friends. There would be no return for him anywhere.
The mask was heavy. She wished that he would rely on her, if only a little. If only for her own satisfaction.
She gathered herself and worked toward helping to shape the future instead. If she could ease a small amount of the burden off of his shoulders, if she could help him realize her brother's dream, it would be enough.
It had to be.
Someday, when everything was over, she would call his name.
And, if she was very lucky, he would answer.
Code Geass and its characters © Sunrise.