A World of Sorrow
It had been six months since Suzaku had struck down Lelouch; six months in which the world had recovered from its wounds and begun a new era of peace. The United Federation of Nations had become a democratic superpower and worked to end all wars and bring freedom back. The latest development was the implementation of a Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which all member nations had become signatory to. By it, the racism and class discrimination which had flourished under Britannian rule was no more.
And yet.
Flowers bloomed on Suzaku's own tomb; Lelouch was reviled by all as a mad and sadistic autocrat. Nunnally could now see the truth of the world around her and the truth of her brother's last sacrifice. Zero knew that she was haunted by that day, just as he was – but they never had a chance to talk of it, for fear others might hear. The Black Knights had formally disbanded, and each member had made a new life for themselves. Zero reclined in the shadows, only emerging to throw his political weight behind another peacekeeping treaty.
And yet.
He had received a text message on his old number, sent by Kallen. All that it said was I understand. He had broken down when he read it, and added her to the small but poignant list of those who knew what Lelouch's final scheme had been. To those who would protect his best friend's memory even against the weight of history.
And yet…
There was something in him. Something lost. Something that had grown cold at all of the death around him, which was never warmed by the flames of forgiveness. It was the same thing that twisted inside whenever he looked into Schneizel's lavender eyes and commanded him, and watched the former cold-blooded strategist obey without question or dissent.
In the new world where war was no more, sorrow still lived. And Suzaku – Zero – knew full well that it would never die.
Author's Note:
It's been several months since I've last written fanfiction, and several years since I've posted it. If you've read to this message at the end, I just want to say thank you. I hope you enjoyed it and that it wasn't a waste of your time. I wanted to cover the post-Lelouch world and some of the characters' reactions, so there may be more to come in this department.
This drabble is dedicated to the one who originally lent me Code Geass. Even though you're not a fan of Suzaku, I hope you liked this little take on him. Thank you for the laughs and hugs. Now get offline and go and do some study.
So, yes. Please let me know what you thought of this! I wish you all well.