Author's Note: Onward! This should set up for chapter 3 to be where the show begins!
Inspiration: This story is the first fanfiction I've written that was inspired by a different one. Late Night Rebellion with Zero by nanoman79. Check it out if you want to see it the story that gave me an idea. Though it does get kind of nuts.
Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass to any extent. At all.
Turn 02
Choose! The Rock or The Hard Place?!
He didn't tell all the details to Sayoko over the phone, as you never know who might be listening, but he got his point across. He was deliberately vague, but she understood he was coming clean about his nightly activities that night. He promised to call her again when he got home so she knew to expect him. Getting through Ashford and into his home was not so surprisingly hard as he couldn't afford anyone to see him. He was thankful it was as late as it was so next to no one was wandering around campus.
Of course he wasn't expecting Sayoko's reaction when he entered the home. The teen was shocked to come to find out she was a recent recruit of the Black Knights and she was, pleasantly, surprised to find out his identity. Lelouch wasn't too happy as Sayoko was meant to be here with Nunnally and not out fighting with him, but he accepted it well enough. For now anyway.
She was worried, much like he himself was, about what Nunnally would do when he told her, but she agreed that today's events made it necessary. Sayoko went ahead of him, "Nunnally. Your brother is home and he has something important to tell you."
The young girl turned her head, curious, "Thank you Auntie. I wonder what it is . . ." She held out her hand and waited for him. Lelouch schooled his features beneath the mask before he wordlessly walked to his sister. He took her hand and she frowned, "Why are you wearing leather gloves, big brother?"
Taking a deep breath he finally spoke, "I have much to tell you, Nunnally."
As he feared she stiffened at the sound of his voice from within the mask. To his surprise she didn't say anything for several moments, "Why?" The man flinched as she gripped his hand harder, "Lelouch, you . . ." Nunnally trembled as she lifted a hand and went to bring it down to slap his face, but he gently caught her hand.
"Don't, " he gulped, "You can slap me all want, but let me take off the mask first. I-I can't let you hurt yourself by hitting me while I have it on. Please."
Tears streaked down her face, "How can you be Zero, but still be my loving brother? I . . ." He took off his mask and gently kissed her forehead whispering his apologies.
"I never wanted to involve you, but you have to know this was all for you. To create the gentle world you want. I would sacrifice everything for your happiness, Nunnally." He smiled brightly, though she couldn't see it, and gently held her hand.
"But you're all I need big brother," she sobbed as she pulled him into a hug. "I can't be happy without you."
He laughed softly, but it wasn't a mean laugh. "I love you too Nunnally, but there is a reason I came to tell you." Lelouch took another deep breath, "Today Zero met with Schneizel and what he wanted was to sign a treaty."
Nunnally gasped and turned her head up to his face, "You mean . . ."
The exiled prince nodded as he gently lifted a hand to his sisters cheek, "If I sign it tomorrow then Zero's Rebellion will end. Until the treaty is inevitably made null and void when that man wakes up anyway."
She smiled brightly as she realized her brother wouldn't leave her before another realization made her expression dim. "You said if."
Lelouch nodded, "I will sign it no matter what as it is the best deal we'll get, but . . . one of the conditions is that Zero takes off his mask and shows his face. Which is why I wanted to tell you before signing anything. I don't trust for my identity to stay hidden." He grimaced as he knew how his half-brother did things. It was likely he would have a picture 'accidentally' released to the public.
His sister gasped as she knew if that happened her life would change, "I did think of an alternative, but it would still somewhat oust us. Just not my identity as Zero. I . . . I was thinking about giving them just a bit of information about us still being alive in exchange for Zero not having to reveal himself. I would make sure it would be vague enough for Cornelia and Schniezel to not be able to easily connect the dots though."
"I see," Sayoko finally spoke up, "So no matter what your lives will likely change enormously. Both choices turn out the same essentially. You wanted to know what Nunnally thought of it before doing anything as well right, Lelouch?"
Nunnally sat stunned as her world tumbled down around her. No matter what she chose her life wasn't going to remain the same. No matter how much she wished she could remain here at Ashford with her brother forever she had always known better. A small part of her blamed her brother for becoming Zero, but she squashed it. She knew, if not now, that sooner or later things would have changed. Whether she liked it or not.
"In the end things will change no matter what happens now, but so long as I'm with you big brother . . . I am willing to bear the outcome of either."
Lelouch's gaze softened and he pulled her out of her wheelchair and held her close. "We will bear it together. I don't know if Schniezel will go for it, but it doesn't hurt to offer a second choice."
"I want to know why you killed Clovis," She spoke bravely as she turned her head to Lelouch. They had already spent half an hour talking through some things, but that was one of the few questions she hadn't asked him yet. She didn't like much of what he did, but understood there was some things he regretted. The sheer amount of damage done, and the civilian lives taken, by the landslide at Narita being one of them.
He sighed, "Clovis . . . he wasn't the man we remember. Do you remember the Shinjuku incident?" The nod from both women made him continue on forward. "I was there that day. Completely be accident I will be honest and I can tell you . . . those people didn't die from poison gas nor did the terrorists ever have such a weapon."
Sayoko's eyes widen, "You mean?"
He nodded, "The terrorists, who are now The Black Knights, did steal something from him, but not what was reported officially. From what I have gathered that it was a top secret project. He must have labelled it as poison gas to keep its true nature hidden as even the thieves thought that was what it was. He was afraid what would happen if the details went public. So to avoid being potentially disinherited Clovis ordered for every man, woman, and child in the ghetto to be killed. To ensure anyone who MIGHT run across it would be dead. Dead men tell no tales after all."
Nunnally gasped and choked back a sob, "How could Clovis do such a thing . . . The brother I remember would never do such a thing. That's a massacre!"
Lelouch nodded and was about to respond when he was interrupted by the bane of his existence. "So you finally told her did you?"
Nunnally whipped her head to where she heard the voice, "Miss C.C. is that you? Why are you here so late?"
"I'm his accomplice." She shrugged, "Stop glaring at me boy. You were going to tell her about me anyway and we both know it."
He frowned slightly, but nodded, "C.C. was what was in the capsule that was stolen from Clovis. I believe they were performing human experimentation on her." Lelouch looked at the annoying woman, "I found her on accident and she saved my life. Took a bullet for me actually." Nunnally squeezed his hand tightly in panic at his admission, "Though I was innocent I was very close to being killed by Clovis's Royal Guard. I owe her my life and so as a favor, since she is hiding from the military, C.C. has been living here."
"Mast-I mean Lelouch!" Old habits die hard and Sayoko still found herself referring to her family formally on occasion. She looked at him sadly as what he said sank in, "You helped the terrorists win didn't you?"
The boy nodded, "I couldn't stand by and allow the slaughter of so many people." He looked to the floor with dark eyes, "Reminded me too much of our time during the invasion only this time I could do something. After helping them defeat Clovis's forces I confronted him myself. I might have refrained from killing him if he hadn't seen my face, but it was his actions that day that sealed his fate. I did force him to order a cease fire before more unneeded death happened however."
Nunnally took a deep breath, "I see. I can't believe Clovis would do such a thing, but . . . I can feel it. You are telling the truth." She turned her head towards her brother, "What could have caused such a change in him? To make him so . . . uncaring towards the lives of people? Even if they ARE numbers. I don't understand. He was so gentle and caring when we were younger."
She giggled softly at a particular memory of Clovis, "Though I will admit he always did panic too easily and care too much about his image." She smiled not-so-innocently, "If it wasn't for his flirtatious ways one would assume he . . . played for the other team. Perhaps he did and played both sides?"
Lelouch looked at his sister in shock as C.C. grinned deviously, "Your sister is much more amusing than you, boy. You could learn a thing or two about humor from her."
"You have been around Mistress Milly too long, Nunnally." Sayoko laughed in amusement. Lelouch suddenly shivered as the thought of a teenage Nunnally acting like Milly Ashford shook him. He decided to ensure that didn't happen. Somehow, someway.
Thankfully the next day was Saturday so Lelouch didn't have to worry about making any excuses to get out of school. Though he did still have to say something so Milly would let him leave. He still had an hour before he needed to be at the meeting place, but Lelouch wanted to check up on what progress Deithard has made on his suggestion. So he had called on ahead as he made his way to the base.
Quietly arriving at the near empty headquarters he found the reporter waiting for him. "Good to see you here already, Deithard. I want to know how your inquiries have gone."
The man blinked, "How did you know I was already working on it?"
Despite the fact he couldn't see it Lelouch sent him a wry glance. "I've worked with you for quite some time now Deithard. You idea is interesting and you were quite into it. I think I can say that I know you enough by now to predict your actions. For the most part at least," the masked man chuckled lightly.
"I see. That makes sense." He nodded, "I remained fairly vague on the reasons why to the producer, but I did find a studio who was quite interested in the idea. It was, luckily, a studio that I trust to handle things well. Once you sign the treaty today we can go ahead and make our way to there. Then we can discuss directly with them."
Zero looked at Deithard for several moments in silence before he nodded in approval. "I have been thinking about the idea myself and I've found that it has grown on me. Besides. It would make a great way to not only earn funds legally, but improve the general public opinion about us."
Deithard grinned victoriously, "You prove how clever you are once again, Zero. Should I wait for you here after you leave?"
Lelouch gave a brief pause before answering the man, "Please do. Though if we are going to move that quickly I think it would be best if we use your Omega channel during the signing." He stood up straight and smirked confidently, "I'm sure Prime Minister Schniezel won't mind, but I'll make sure to run the idea by him once things have been discussed. Of course if he doesn't want to do so then we'll have to hold off on the talks until he is ready for an official announcement."
The tenacious reporter readily agreed with that, "Then I'll await your call should we need to postpone meeting with them."
"Thank you Deithard." Lelouch laughed openly, "Things have taken such a strange turn. We are going to sign a historic treaty with Britannia and should things go well I'll have my own talk show. Now all that needs to happen is for someone to off the Emperor while he is out of commission for me and I'll start to think that Lady Luck is finally working with me!"
Approximately half an hour later found Zero with Ohgi and Kallen flanking him as they rode up an elevator. "What happens after this, Zero?"
The man turned towards the girl, "We bide our time. Gather strength as we enjoy our normal lives."
His second in command looked at him oddly, "If we are signing a peace treaty why would we gather our strength?"
"Simple. This treaty is only going to last as long as the Emperor remains in that coma. The moment he is awake and hears about it . . . I suspect Schniezel will get an earful despite the sound logic behind this treaty and then he will order it to be made null and void. The treaty could last a week or several months."
Kallen faced turned red as her temper turned its ugly head, "So then what's the point signing this?! We could just go into hiding rather than give people false hope!"
The masked man nodded, "We COULD, but the problem is that Schniezel might decide to level the entirety of the Tokyo Settlement to ensure our likely destruction." His companions looked at him in horror, "He would do it from the safety of the Avalon of course and fire that massive laser into the heart of the ghetto first. Of course nobles would be warned while everyone else to be damned to oblivion."
They shuddered as they realized how many people would die from such a plan. "This really IS our best option. If he did such a thing it would serve as a warning to the EU and Chinese Federation to tread lightly and would make sure I wouldn't be around to succeed in any plan of mine to kill the Emperor. Even if we survived no one would dare follow our cause after that. A win/win for him in the end."
"I think I'm going to be sick," the red headed girl really didn't look very good and Zero nodded in agreement. "So many innocent people . . . Japanese AND Britannian would die." She immediately thought of the Student Council and shivered in fear. Realizing that some of the few truly good Britannian's she had met, despite how weird they were, would probably perish in such an attack. Her resolve hardened as she refused to allow them, her friends, to die. "I understand Zero. We can't allow that to happen."
All three of them reached an agreement as the elevator came to a stop and the doors opened. They left the elevator and Lelouch spoke directly to the both of them, "I am going offer Schniezel a second choice in the hopes he will go for it instead of the condition that I remove my mask. I want you, specifically Kallen, to not react when you hear a particular set of names. I will explain afterwards if you remain patient." She looked at him in confusion, but nodded in acceptance along with Ohgi.
The three members of royalty were waiting for them as they drew near and sat down with them. "I have a new version of the treaty written up that includes everything we decided upon yesterday. Of course I will let you read it over Zero." The Prime Minister cut right to the chase as he clearly wanted to get this done soon. He probably had to get home soon for the sake of keeping war from happening.
"Good. Before I read it I think it is time for my offer. I've talked it over and doubled checked my sources last night. You may want to sit down for this Cornelia." She narrowed her eyes in distrust, but his serious tone made her consider doing as he asked. The princess nodded with her lips pursed unhappily and sat down next to her Euphemia. "In exchange for not having to remove my mask I offer you information on the fates of Lelouch and Nunnally vi Britannia."
Kallen only didn't react as, along with the royalty across the table, she froze in shock. Cornelia growled, "They're dead! HOW DARE YOU! Your countrymen killed them for no reason which is what started the invasion and you know it!"
Lelouch didn't even flinch as Cornelia's sword moments later was inches from his mask, "My offer is still on the table. I have done my own investigation and I can tell you what exactly happened to them. If you choose to hear this in place of the removal of my mask." He stared ahead at Schniezel even as Euphie sent him a worried look. Not understanding what he was up to.
"Why should we believe such information would be correct, Zero?" The prince almost unnoticably narrowed his gaze at the terrorist.
"I suppose you can't fully trust me as I don't have documents proving what I know. This would be somewhat a leap of faith. Which as I understand isn't exactly you modus operandi, Prime Minister. The only thing you can trust is that I would honor my side of the deal and am not just trying to get out of removing my mask."
Euphemia bit her lip nervously as her sister refused to lower her sword and continued to stare angrily at Lelouch. "Relax sister. Please. This isn't the place for this." Cornelia grimaced unhappily before putting her sword away and sitting back down. She instead began sending death glares at the masked man that made even Kallen and Ohgi, who they WEREN'T directed at, sweat.
Schniezel was clearly considering his options and it was a few minutes before he shook his head. "I want to believe you would be telling the truth and the information would be new information at that, but . . . I can't take that chance Zero."
Lelouch sighed and nodded, "I understand. With that in mind before I get to the reading the treaty I have two final things to say. Only one is a new condition for the treaty." He looked towards his estranged family before sitting up straighter. "First things first. I want to be called within the hour when the Emperor wakes up. I don't want to be hearing about it first through the news. The fact of the matter is I'm going to need to protect my friends and family since I will need to remove my mask."
"What do you mean Zero?" Euphemia cocked her head to one side in some confusion, "The treaty does not allow us to harm them. So you have nothing to worry about."
He nodded, "True. So long as the treaty is in place I have nothing to worry about. The problem is this treaty is more a matter of convenience for the moment and will likely only stay in place until Charles finds out about it. He will most certainly claim that is goes against Britannia's values and will want it null and voided ASAP."
Suddenly Zero, surprising those around him despite the grim outlook, chuckled lightly. "Unless one of you want to kill the emperor for me now while he is in a coma . . . my rebellion is only postponed and not cancelled. I'd be completely up for it if you want to."
His brother and sisters just gave him incredulous stares before Schniezel began to laugh. "Your audacity is incredible! I must admit that it is somewhat admirable." Everyone realized that Zero just made joke that was simultaneously a serious offer and they followed their example. Even Cornelia laughed.
"No then? Well can't blame me for trying." That got a wide grin out of Kallen and Ohgi even as their laughs finally faded. "Still though. I hope that condition is acceptable." A nod from his brother made him feel better. "Good. Now as for the other? I won't be removing my mask here today. Even after I sign this."
The royalty went silent before Cornelia spoke, "Are you trying to get out of completing your end of the bargain?"
Lelouch shook his head, "Not at all. I won't go into too much detail as I still don't know them myself, but my . . . public relations officer came up with an interesting idea. I have a camera with me that I have set to the private channel I use. If you allow us to air the signing of the treaty live to people everywhere then his idea can come to fruition even sooner."
Schniezel looked at him in what could only be curiosity and confusion. "What idea did he have?"
"It was an interesting one. He has even already looked into making it happen. He wants me to get my own talk show."
Everyone's gaze immediately zeroed in on him, "What?" That was Kallen unsurprisingly being the first one to gather her wits and say what the others were thinking.
"I know it sounds odd and insane. Don't worry I thought the same thing . . . at first. Then I had all night and all morning to consider it. I think it is a decent idea. Because I don't trust my identity to get out I will reveal it myself to the world. I don't know if the show would run every night, but I think for the first week it could. As a celebration in a way. I propose that the first Friday after the show's debut I take off the mask live."
They all looked at him like he was crazy before Euphemia began to giggle. "That sounds just like you! It is so out of left field that only you could make it work." Kallen grinned again as she could only agree. Her leader DID do crazy things and somehow made them work how he wanted them to.
"My sister has a point, Zero." Schniezel nodded, "Fine. That will do. I hope we don't have to wait too long. After all how long the will coma last is a complete mystery."
Lelouch grinned, "You don't know my public relations officer. He's very good at his job. In fact when we leave here I'll be going to meet up with him. I actually wanted to show the signing of the treaty live for the fact that would make meeting with a producer that much faster. I suspect if you give it a week or so everything should be set up."
Cornelia was just shaking her head as she was slowly started wondering if they were being punked. Surely that was the only way Zero of all people would get his own television show. It had to be a joke . . . right?
He slid the treaty back to Schniezel, "Everything seems to be in order. No hidden loopholes or any fine print that gives us a bad deal. With that last stipulation I mentioned earlier now added to it I think we are ready to sign it. I think you will probably want to be the one to do the whole announcing the treaty to the world yourself. If I do it they will probably think I threatened you into it."
Zero got out his camera and handed it to Ohgi even as the Prime Minister agreed. "Much like you Zero I'm good at improvising. We'll have Cornelia and Euphemia as well as you body guard by visible as we sign it."
Things were quickly set up as they prepared for the announcement. Ohgi turned on the camera and all around Area 11 Schniezel's image began to appear. "Today marks a historic moment in the proud history our beloved Empire. In light of recent events Zero and I have come to an agreement. Here we sign The Treaty of Area 11."
"With this The Black Knights and Britannia will stop fighting and will help each other keep the peace. The native people of this Area are to be called Japanese once more however the name of this country will remain Area 11. Let us all come together on this momentous occasion and celebrate the peace and prosperity to come."
Ohgi zoomed out as Schniezel walked towards the table with Zero. The princesses side by side along and Kallen with her Black Knights mask on to protect her identity were in plain sight. The Prime Minister takes up the pen first and signs his name. Then he passes the treaty to the masked man and he nodded respectfully at his brother. He signs his alias of Zero in agreement before he stepped forward.
"To the Japanese people! With signing this treaty you can start picking yourselves up. Get a proper job without needing to become an Honorary Britannian and even rebuild your city! With this you have a chance for happiness so long as you are willing to reach out and grab it!" He extended his hand with a dramatic flourish, "To the Britannian people! Embrace this peace. It will be hard I know. Many of you were taught by your parents and loved ones since a young age to think of people like the Japanese as inferior. They were taught the same way as you were. I do not blame any of you. I blame the system that logic operates under!"
He curled his hand into a fist, "Together we can show the world we can co-exist! Can be friends with each other! Can love each other! Let's build a country where you don't have to be afraid of where you are in the Settlement just because of your nationality! Let's prove that a peaceful future is a viable option!"
The broadcast was cut off and left both Euphemia and Kallen looking at Zero with pride. Even Schniezel and Cornelia had to admit he was quite impressive, especially in person, with his speeches. "If that is all I really need to get back to the mainland. I expect you to start working with Cornelia, Zero. If that is the kind of world you want to prove then prove it with your actions. Same goes for you sister. Work with Zero."
Euphemia waved goodbye to Zero and Kallen and were leaving when Lelouch stopped them. "You really miss them, don't you Cornelia? Your siblings."
She paused and the only indication she gave towards her feelings was her hand curling into a fist and her body tensing. "Why does that matter, Zero?"
He smiled happily beneath his mask and nodded in content, "I see. In that case I offer a freebie to you. As an act of good faith." She turned her head to look at him in confusion, "They are alive and very happy in their normal lives, Cornelia."
Her face began to morph into one of anger again, but he stopped her cold. "I don't have a reason to lie to you. I would gain nothing. I just felt that I would offer a little bit of the knowledge my investigation turned up to you. To a sister who truly missed them. Who truly cares for the vi Britannia siblings even now." She stiffly nodded before walking out with her brother and sister in tow.
They waited several minutes before leaving themselves and Lelouch finally answered Kallen's unasked questions. "The Lelouch and Nunnally at your school ARE in fact the lost prince and princess, but don't approach them about it. What I told Cornelia is true. They are happy in their current lives. Now they are only royalty in blood." He nodded confidently, "You actually met the prince at the festival Ohgi. He was the young man with amethyst eyes and raven hair."
His second in command gaped at him, "How did I know you were at the festival? Isn't that obvious? I was there myself. Of course not in costume." He chuckled, "Also no. I'm not reading your mind." Ohgi's eyes widened and was unsure what to think as that is sure what it seemed like he was doing.
"I understand Zero. They just want to live a normal life. Away from the royal family for as long as they can." Kallen smiled as she resolved to not approach the siblings about their heritage as her leader asked. It was only fair. After all she wanted a normal life away from the Stadtfeld family with her mother and it would be wrong of her to deny such a life for others.
Author's Note 2: I think that does it for chapter 2. The next chapter should have the first "episode" of the talk show in it. After a little bit leads up to it of course. I hope you got some laughs out of this chapter. It's strange. I didn't even realize how long this one got until I had almost finished it. Oh well.