Slight turn of events today folks…but read on anyways! (I need to clear up a few things before I get back to lulu and CC)
Thx for all your reviews…they really helped, and yes I am aware that there a probably heaps of things that don't fit in quite right…but meh! It'll have to do for now! R&R
Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass or its characters
Chapter 2: Disclosure
Suzaku had to admit; he was a little overwhelmed wearing Zero's mask. People would hold themselves higher when he was around, put that little extra into their appearance, pretending to be more important than they really were. And they were always watch him through the corner of their eyes, like they expected him to turn around and pull them another miracle. Not people, vultures is probably a more fitting word. Circling and swarming around him with eager eyes, listening hungrily to his every word.
Being Zero had built a psychological barrier around him - it was alienating him from human life as he knew it. He felt stranded; forced into a realm that people aren't supposed to venture. It was all so foreign, to be treated like some temporal god after his notorious reputation.
The cape spoke for itself, but the main problems lay with the mask. Aside from the splitting headache it gave him, no one would look him in the eyes. Or rather, they couldn't, and it made him feel like some type of liar. Their eyes kind of wondered in the general direction of where his eyes would be, but never quite got them. With the exception of Sumeragi Kaguya, and that errked him to no end. Great. The only human contact he could muster was that of his annoying little cousin and the occasional whack on the back from Tamaki Sinchirou, who, had noisily forced himself up the ranks to Zero's Vice-personal Advisor, his Personal Advisor being none other than his 'murderer' Kouzuki Kallen, which was probably no better anyhow.
Even with his personalized Geass to live on, he didn't ever really feel alive. This was his punishment, his side of the deal – an object for the benefit of peace. A symbol, no more. If Lelouch is hatred, then Zero is hope. It was only now, as he wore this heavy mask, did Suzaku begin to wonder which was the greater burden. Either way, Lelouch had managed to shoulder both roles spectacularly, and that earned a bit of respect from Suzaku's side.
They had discussed other ways. The first one being pushing all the hate onto Schneizel, but Schneizel wasn't stupid, he'd see right through them. The second was to push it all onto Charles, make it look like he had abandoned the world, but there were too many holes in that. The third was when Lelouch nominated himself to be the lucky victim, and Suzaku had laughed in his face, then stopped, after realizing he was dead serious. After that, things fell into place one after the other; unfortunately for Lelouch. It was hardly a task to take Britannia in his hands, especially with the Geass. The Black Knight's already hated him, as did Schneizel. All he needed to do was make rest of the world think he was insane.
Suzaku had confronted Lelouch on that fate-filled day. It was a question that was still stuck on his mind: Now that they had finally achieved so much power, why not change Britannia from the inside?
Lelouch had rolled his eyes unceremoniously and answered;
"Because we are the only ones making the change. It means so much more if the people make the change themselves. Our changes will just seem like new laws to them. Trust me Suzaku, I have watched the Black Knights come so far purely on their chance to change. When Euphemia proposed the SAZ, no matter how happy the Japanese could have been, the change would have always been forced upon them. They would never be at rest knowing that at any moment Britannia could drop the proposal and wage war once again. Besides, there's no way the people would trust us, after Euphie…"
Euphiemia's death had affect Suzaku in many ways, too many to mention. He thought about her everyday, to make up for all the bad impressions she left in the minds of others. Lelouch had told him the truth about Euphemia's death and Suzaku had no choice to accept his words. He doubted Lelouch would lie to him at that point in time. Besides, it was Euphemia who always spoke so highly of Zero, knowing all along it was Lelouch behind the mask. In the end, Suzaku still wasn't able to understand his best friend, there are still many questions he needed to ask, needed to confirm. It didn't matter anymore though; Suzaku had already decided. Every time he thought of Euphemia, he would also think of Lelouch. Every day he would remember the sacrifices Lelouch made to make up for all those who would never know. And he would do this as a friend, that being his only incentive. To honor the most valuable friend he will ever know.
Three weeks After 'Zero Requiem'
Attendants: Xingke, Toudou, Kallen, Ougi, Tamaki, Rakshata, Lloyd, Cecile, Nunally, Viletta, Sumeragi Kaguya, Tianzi, Asahina Shogo, Chiba Nagisa, Schneizel, Kanon?, Cornelia, Guilford, and other randoms that are important…
Everyone silenced as Zero walked through the doors to stand at the head of the table. A mixture of disbelief, uncertainty and amazement were evident in their eyes. The man was an impostor and everyone knew it, but all the same, swish cape and blunt mask: it was Zero.
It had been three week since his return, three weeks since he reclaimed his name as the saviour of justice. Hell had broken loose within the remains of the Britannian army, but that's all they were now; remains. The UFN was the new Britannia: various countries had patched themselves together after regaining their independence and put their names on the list; it was a growing trend. But in the meantime it had given Suzaku a bit of work. They all demanded to talk to him in person, confirm for themselves he was real, or probably even just to meet the legendary man who killed Lelouch Vi Britannia.
Li Xingke, now as the second most powerful man in the world, stood and cleared his throat. "Zero." He said, dark eyes glaring towards the mysterious figure at the opposite end of the table. "We accept you as our leader as you are the one who seems to bring hope and peace to the people. However, we are aware that you are not the same man behind the mask as before, so will be weary until we know you can be trusted. But for now, at the very least, will you tell us what exactly happened three weeks ago?"
There was a murmur of agreement around the room. Suzaku eyed each person in turn, it seems they all knew of Zero's previous identity.
"What has happened in the past few weeks is revolutionary." He began, waiting for complete silence. "If I earn your approval, I am willing to play the role of Zero for the sake of everybody in this world. But that is all. If I am Zero, then no one shall know my identity. I will continue to bring the very miracles people anticipate but most of all, I stand by the same principles of justice as did the Zero created by Lelouch Vi Britannia."
There was a low rustle at the mention of the late Emperor's name. Toudou Kyoshiro frowned... obviously this Zero had a bit going on behind the scenes. "So you were aware of Zero's identity?"
Zero nodded. "That's right. I was aware of everything, as I hope you all were." Zero walked up to the monitor at the head of the room, reaching into his cape to reveal a small tape. "You see it is not me you should be thanking, but Lelouch. You may have realized, or perhaps not, that his death was what brought this new found peace, and united the world as one." Zero slid the tape into the receiver.
"I met with Lelouch just weeks ago, and he asked me to continue the legend of Zero. I agreed. And before you ask, there was no Geass involved in my decision." Zero paused to let his words sink in. "This is a tape he entrusted me to show you, the Black Knights, if everything went to his plans."
A dull humming resounded in the high-ceilinged room until the screen flickered to life revealing a face that caused a series of gasps. Black hair and impassive violet eyes stared back at the shocked people in the room. And Lelouch Vi Britannia spoke:
"The fact that you are listening to this tape, means that I must already be dead.
But it also means that you are now living in a more peaceful world, and for that, I can truly rest in peace.
I hope by now, you have realized the reason behind my actions. Please understand. All I wished for was a better world.
After I killed my father, I was left in an absurd position. The Black Knight's and the entire Britannian Army would have been left in my brother's hands, Schneizel El Britannia.
It was at that time that Kururugi Suzaku and I made a promise. We would carry out a plan based on fundamental human nature. We have both experienced pain in its most primitive state, so we understand, as you all probably do, that it is in our nature to blame our pain on others. The plan was simple. I had to bring the world to despise me, resent my rule, feel powerless, and most importantly; feel pain. Consequently, all of the world's hatred and suffering could be pushed onto me.
Then I must be killed; murdered in front of the entire world by none other than the most elementary symbol of hope and justice: Zero.
Zero will bring miracles once again, and at the same time destroy all hatred in the hearts of the people. Hope and peace at the same time.
We called this plan; the 'Zero Requiem'.
I have said it before and I'll say it again: 'Those that shoot others, must themselves be prepared to be shot at.' In short, for all the sin we had committed to get to this point, we would pay with our lives, taking all hatred in the world with us. We had to destroy the world of hatred before the creation of a more peaceful world.
Sumeragi Kaguya felt tears threaten her eyes as she stared at the recording of her fallen hero. When Lelouch had spoken to her that day at the UFN Supreme Council meeting in Ashford Academy... "the preparedness to destroy…", she had taken his words as those of a sinister dictator, not realizing his vital clue. She had failed Zero…
If this plan works, the aftermath may be only temporary, but it is all you need. So it is here I ask you, in the name of Zero, to grasp this opportunity.To change the world. Bring peace. So that your children and their children can live in a place that is beyond our imaginations.
Lelouch's face on the screen softened a little.
Lastly, I must thank you.
To all the members of the Black Knights… The devotion I saw, the companionship, the sheer faith, spirit and the trust… is unmatched. I cannot express how truly honoured I was to have worked alongside such incredible people. If I could choose, I would want all of the people in this new world to be like you, but that is in your hands now. I trust you will restore this world to more than I can possibly hope for. And with this war behind you, may you live the most fulfilling life you can, in compensation for the many who lost theirs. Perhaps somewhere in your hearts, you can forgive Suzaku and I for all we have caused.
Although, for the sake of world peace, I am still the 99th Emperor of Britannia, tyrant, destroyer of hope, destroyer of worlds.
Farewell all,
And good riddance Britannia."
The tape clicked off, leaving a room full of stunned people. No one spoke for while. Even through their suspicions, coming to the realization that Lelouch had good intentions was a difficult task, after considering the stunts he pulled. But it was the noble truth.
Ougi Kaname felt absolutely terrible. After all, he was the one that allowed Lelouch's identity to be revealed in the first place, which was where the problem had began. Then they were all fooled by Schneizel into believing they were under the influence of Lelouch's Geass the entire time, effectively turned them against Zero.
If they had only stopped to think things through instead of playing by their emotions and killing Lelouch on the spot, then maybe they would have realized there was no way they could have been under his Geass, because the thought of betrayal wouldn't even be crossing their minds. Even afterwards, they were shamefully used by Schneizel, still blinded by emotions of Zero's betrayal.
Kallen had been another matter. She had totally withdrawn into herself and refused to move on until she got her 'answers' from Lelouch. Ougi and the others had got a stab in the back after she admitted to knowing of Lelouch's identity all along. They had questioned her about him and how she knew, but all they got was a dejected look and silence so they didn't press the matter. Lelouch's death seemed to have cleared things up for her, to Ougi's relief. She had returned to her usual self. Almost.
Suzaku's eyes wondered around the table to rest on Nunally. This whole plan had been most unfair for her. He longed to comfort her, as she was still coming to terms with her brother's sacrifice and the overwhelming guilt of triggering FLEIA, killing thousands.
Xingke on the other hand, whose illness had been cured thanks to Cecile Croomy, appeared deep in thought. "If we are to assume that you worked with Lelouch, we would guess your identity as none other than Kururugi Suzaku."
Suzaku's eyes widened behind his mask. He watched his cousin, Sumeragi Kaguya look up at him hopefully, but Kallen spoke up. "It is impossible for Zero to be Suzaku, as I killed that man on Damocles. I watched his Knightmare explode right before my eyes." She said with a surprising pang of guilt.
Kaguya nodded her head, her eyes returning to their usual assertiveness. "I believe this man is Zero-sama. If he believes in the same things, then that's all that matters, right? All the people think he is the one who saved the world…and that's how it should stay. Zero-sama will always be our leader."
Suzaku made a mental note to be especially nice to Kaguya for a while. "I appreciate for your faith, Lady Kaguya. Kallen is right. The original plan was for Kururugi Suzaku to murder Lelouch, claiming Japan back, but because of Kururugi's death, Lelouch called upon me instead. In the end, it was the better idea."
Xingke was cynical at this statement, but there were no further questions on his identity, for which Suzaku was grateful. Most likely the Black Knights just needed time to think matters over. Considering they were originally terrorists, they were dealing with peace quite well; all they needed was a spirited leader for a kick-start.
"It's as Lelouch says. We have the potential to build a new world, so let's not disappoint him. It is our responsibility to carry on what he started." Suzaku cringed inside as he flicked his cape outwards for effect.
A strong wave of agreement was heard and the faces of hope for a new world shone with reinvigorated energy. Suzaku nearly smiled.
Back to the 6 month's after...
Cornelia slammed open the doors mercilessly and strode into the room. Her previous knight turned around, startled at the Princess's the loud entrance.
"Did you get the list?" She asked him impatiently.
"Yes, it's on the bench, I'll just get it for—"
"I got it." She said already at the bench. She picked up the papers and flicked through them with a frown on her face.
There were hundreds; a never-ending list of Lelouch's Geass victims, herself included.
Cornelia had spent the best past of a year trailing the origin on the Geass, and only to find her own father had been behind the entire thing. In her confinement she had managed to locate the files on all the experiment children in the facility. She had searched through them all to find something that may be useful against Zero. It was futile however, as every single Geass was unique, and had its own set of conditions.
But there was one thing that had stuck in her mind, the property they all had in common:
'…when the Geass user dies, all affects associated with the Geass are no longer relevant…'
These words swam through her head this through her head over and over whilst sorting through the list, pausing at a particular face.
--Earlier that day--
The purple princess regarded her brother sceptically. He looked back, an uncharacteristically innocent expression in his features.
"Schneizel, were under Lelouch's Geass when you surrendered to him in Damocles?"
The blonde man tilted his head, not comprehending. "Surrendered…?"
Cornelia frowned. His brother was definitely not himself. "Who do you serve, Schneizel?"
Schneizel's eyes glowed red and he smiled absently. "I serve Zero-sama of course. Who else?"
Cornelia let out a frustrated noise and turned on her heal, leaving her baffled brother behind.
--End--
She still held a grudge against Schneizel. Honestly, what was he thinking? 'Killing' her for her own safety? He had hidden so much from her for so long and used her for a purpose she did not agree with. His surrender had come across as a surprise; she had not expected Lelouch to outwit Schneizel. But it was just as well he had…
She had no opinion on the death of Lelouch. It was so ironic. She had been busily plotting against his demise since he announced himself Emperor, but the entire purpose behind his actions had been exactly the same; his demise. Instead of sending others to die for peace like most Kings; he sent himself. Cornelia knew she should have felt guilty for resisting him, perhaps he was not quite as demonic as she had claimed… but she didn't regret; after all that was what Lelouch had wanted. Frankly she felt a little annoyed inside, knowing that Lelouch had once again indirectly used her and many others in his scheming. He fooled everybody in order to save them.
Did she feel sad? Maybe. Lelouch's death had surfaced memories of Euphemia and painfully reminded her that she had outlived yet another younger sibling. The very siblings she had sworn an oath to protect in front of her father. Clovis, Euphie, Lelouch…
Cornelia started as a figure beside her cleared their throat, apparently seeking her attention.
Viletta Nu, no, Viletta Kaname, had changed dramatically in the past 6 months. There was now a sizable bulge evident under her not-so-tight uniform, her long hair was worn down with thin plaits weaved through, and a brand new ring on her left hand caught the light wherever she went. She smiled more, relaxed around others, and there wasn't always a frown on her brow. This woman had caught Cornelia's attention, as she had known more about Lelouch and his Geass than Cornelia knew herself.
"You asked for me, Your Highness?"
Cornelia nodded, placed the papers on the bench and walked over to the monitor, bringing up a picture of a green-haired woman. "It's about this one called C.C."
Viletta frowned at the familiar face she had hounded for so long.
"You said she was the one that gave Lelouch his Geass, whereas it was V.V. that gave it to those children. It could be that the Geass differs according to the contractor…So maybe Lelouch's Geass will never wear off…" Cornelia sighed. "But I really wish we knew more about this…Lelouch was definitely dead…"
"Do you know where his corpse is now?"
"It was cremated unfortunately, but that's not the issue. We need to find this C.C. to get her to reverse the affects of Geass, if that's possible, or at least tell us how. But the matter lies on her whereabouts. As you were previously the head of the 'Secret Intelligence Agency' for finding C.C., can I put you in charge again, Viletta Kaname?"
Viletta was taken aback at the very least. "But…we have no lead on her at all… she could be anywhere in the world!"
Cornelia rubbed her eyes and motioned to the list on the bench. "Find all these people and question them, they might know something, although I doubt it. I can organize a team, …but there can't be too many; this must be kept a secret."
Viletta nodded. "I understand."
Cornelia looked at Viletta seriously. "In the event that Lelouch had miraculously survived a sword through his heart, I believe they would be together…C.C. and Lelouch, do you agree?"
Viletta lightened a bit at that possibility. "Although I don't fully understand their relationship, I'd say it's very probable. I'll keep it in mind."
Cornelia seemed satisfied with that answer. "Keep me up to date with your findings. As for myself, I am going to continue investigating the contractors. Until then…take it easy."
Viletta nodded again, grabbed the list and walked out of the room, silver hair flowing behind her. She inwardly sighed: looks like she was back to square one again. Damn…should she tell Ougi of this? How would he react? Getting herself involved in matters such as these was not exactly the best thing for her future family, but it was way too juicy to ignore. Honestly…that Lelouch Lamperouge...no, Vi Britannia…he really knew how to mess her around.
There's now way her could be alive, the blood on the float had been DNA tested as his, and if his body was cremated...
Viletta contemplated the Princess's words and scoffed at how ironic they actually were.
"Miraculously survived…huh?"
