Those That Defy Fate

Arc I: Intertwined Destiny

Episode 1: Twin Messiahs

Lelouch vi Britannia didn't dare to meet the eyes of the Black Knights, nor that of his sister. Rather, he kept his gaze straight ahead, waiting for a figure that would never appear. The plan was simple, but at the same time, one that even his friend Suzaku was hesitant to agree to. His plans had been stained with so much blood, and the weight of his sins beyond what he could bear. He had planned for Suzaku to take his place, to bear the mask that represented hope, justice, and truth. And yet... he died.

"Nunnally... I know I can never earn your forgiveness, but... perhaps, one day, I..."

Makoto Yuki hissed past clenched teeth as his body was flung back, every morsel of skin found on his form screaming out in pain. The sheer pressure behind its presence was unfathomable, and the overwhelming force behind her power was beyond what humans could imagine. Even his Persona, Thanatos, was unable to defend him against it; it's form shattering upon the strength of the true embodiment of Death. His sword lay at his side, steel cracked beyond repair, and hilt broken into pieces.

"D-dammit, no... Am I... really going to die here...? Am I... failing them...?"

Lelouch frowned when he saw the Wards halting, thus causing confusion amongst the soldiers and populace that watched. Lelouch had noticed a familiar mess of blue hair dressed in black amongst the crowd, and winced. Even Rivalz was here? He shouldn't have been surprised, considering that the two were friends. Milly was no doubt watching this as well, disgusted by what she was watching. Still, why had they stopped? Lelouch focused his gaze on what was stopping the transport, and his eyes promptly widened.

"Suzaku!"

"Is this all we can do?" "Don't give up! We have to believe in him!" "Everyone, give him strength! Take my life if you must!" Nyx unleashed her wrath upon him once again, however his eyes widened when he saw three figures defending him. A crimson giant with long arms and legs, accompanied by a regal Roman warrior with the world in his palm, and at their side a woman dressed in a dignified black dress, a red mask hiding her face from the world, and a chain whip in her hands. Makoto's eyes widened, recognizing them from anywhere.

"Ken-kun? Akihiko-san? Mitsuru-san?"

Kallen's eyes widened alongside the Black Knights and Nunnally. There, standing in the middle of the road blocking their path was a figure adorned in a black cloak bearing a high collar with gold trims, a white cravat at his/her neck, and a purple black suit with gold tailings underneath. Of course, the most prominent feature was the regal black mask with the purple orb at the center. Even from so far away, she knew who it was. But... that should have been impossible! The one wearing that outfit was- Kallen's eyes widened again when she saw Lelouch's face splashed over with surprise, shock, and... relief.

"Could it be that, all this time, Lelouch was-?!"

"Yeah, I'm willing to risk my life too!" "He's going to face it, all by himself!" "No, he's not alone! I won't let him die!" The harbinger of man's destruction began to gather power, however at the same time, Makoto felt his own strength being returned to him. A figure adorned in crimson with a crimson jewel floated at his side, a woman with butterfly wings in strange patterns embraced him, and a floating bovine head with wings at either side with a jewel between its horns stood in front of him protectively. The previous figures joined their ranks.

"Yukari-san? Fuuka-san? Junpei-san?"

Lelouch's shock faded almost instantly, and gave off the devil's smile as he watched Suzaku, bearing the garbs of Zero, evade the heavy gunfire from both soldiers and Knightmares alike with almost inhuman speed, the results of his training as both a soldier and as a Knight of the Round. Jeremiah tried to strike him, but Zero used his back as a springboard, launching himself into the air and directly unto the platform where Schneizel was hung up, dressed in tattered clothes. Unbeknownst to the crowd, Jeremiah bore a smile.

"Go... Masked Knight..."

A series of barks echoed in the black void, followed by two familiar voices, one of which he never believed he would ever hear again. "I won't allow this world to be destroyed!" "Alright, let's do this..." Nyx was bombarded with attacks from three sides. A three-headed dog leaped to Makoto's side, followed by a woman carrying a spear while her body, adorned with a golden helmet and flowing white dress, was protected by a blue shield. Makoto's eyes widened further when he saw a black figure atop a horse, a spearhead sticking out for its chest.

"Koromaru? Aigis? Shinjiro-san?"

Suzaku ignored the harsh beating if his chest as he jumped at Nunnally's side, her face covered in shock, before he leaped again, this time before the throne of the Emperor of Britannia. Lelouch leaped to his feat, a gun in his hand. "You ignorant fool-!" The gun was knocked out of his hands by a purple blade, the cloak fluttering in the wind as Suzaku spread his feat apart, and reared the blade back. He gritted his teeth, tears threatening to fall from his face as he watched Lelouch develop a sad, yet satisfied smile.

"Lelouch... Dammit... I..."

"You're not alone! We're all right here with you!" Makoto lifted his head up as he watched what little power Nyx managed to gather be torn apart by a holy white figure cut down the transparent limbs to pieces, floating to his side. It bore the face of his dearest friend, Akinari, a look of peace on its features while a blade floated behind it with wings spread out. On its arm was the chain and coffins that were carried by the Greek grim reaper. He allowed a smile to appear on his face as he stood, feeling strength welling up within. He could hear them now... All of their voices reaching out to him.

"Even now, you're still saving me... Hamuko."

Lelouch gasped in pain as the blade was thrusted into his chest, blood surging out from the wind, and his body becoming limp. His body leaned against that of Suzaku's. He saw their faces, all of them in states of horror, shock, and sadness. He was confused, even seeing tears falling from Nunnally's face. Didn't they hate him for what he did? Didn't his sister curse his name? It was then that he heard Suzaku sobbing from beneath the mask. He felt a sad smile appear on his lips.

"You're punishment... shall be thus... You shall forever live behind that mask, acting as one who upholds truth... and justice..."

He stood to his feet. The figures that embodied the strength, courage, and resolve of his friends stood behind him to support him. His other self nodded in understanding, followed by a growl of acceptance. He took a step forward, power rising from within to meet Nyx's own power. The destruction that washed against him was torn away by those that helped him push forward. Their voices broadened his steps, allowed his strength to shine, and let him gain power that surpassed even that of Death itself.

"It's time to repay everyone."

"This Geass... I do solemnly accept..." Lelouch felt no pain as the blade was removed from his body, his legs starting to fail him. He fell forward, tumbling down the ramp before stopping to where his sister was. His vision was blurry, seeing nothing but the azure sky above him before he felt familiar, gentle hands caress his own bloody appendage. "Y-you mean... all of this was..." Lelouch smiled for a final time, silently cursing himself for allowing Nunnally to know the truth behind all of it. And yet... she wept for him. Perhaps he was not meant to be hated after all...?

"Yes... I..."

Makoto stared Death straight in the face, her power being crushed beneath his own. The voices had grown louder, becoming a chorus in tone with that of the soothing music within that of the Velvet Room. His other selves joined the chorus alongside that of the Personas that stood with him. He recalled Igor's words to him, and felt his arm moving upwards. "Behold... the last power you and I shall unveil!" A new surge of power swelled within him, finally stomping upon Nyx's strength of destruction. He couldn't help but smile as he felt light begin to surround him.

"To be honest, I still didn't care whether or not I lived or died..."

"Destroyed... the world..."

"But then.. I met you guys... And I found a place I could call home again..."

"And remade it..."

"So... before I go... At least let me say..."

"Anew..."

"Thank you... For everything."

And so came an end to the life of Lelouch the Demon Emperor, and so came the fruition of fulfillment of the life of Makoto, leader of the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad. Twin Messiahs, bearing the weight of humanity, each proving the resolve of man. Let the world know of their strength, and give them thanks for their actions.

Let the world remember the names of Lelouch vi Britannia, and Makoto Yuki...

Well, this is the beginning of my baby brother's project. God, I can't believe I was typing something Persona related... (shivers) Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this. For those that don't know, my brother is Demon's Anarchy of Pride, the author of the Code Geass fanfiction "R-eset". He is currently in the hospital after having been shot in the shoulder by a mugger when he was protecting his friend. The doctors say that there's a chance his arm will remain paralyzed, but knowing that idiot, he'll still be typing. He also saw the reviews the notice received, and wants to thank everyone for their support.

And with that, a message from my little annoying brother: "Please enjoy Those That Defy Fate to it's fullest!" This is Tao-Chow, and I am outta here.