Flashback
-
December 27, 2018 a.t.b.
Ohgi's yard
A day after the assassination of emperor Lelouch and Suzaku's resumption as Zero, the remaining members of the resistance group spearheaded by Cornelia and several people who had fought against Lelouch's reign celebrated their success at the same time Viletta Nu and Ohgi's wedding reception was held in Ohgi's backyard.
Everyone, regardless of race, was invited.
In commemoration to their success, all discrimination and stereotyping was forgotten on that day. Both Elevens and Britannian's mingled together in mutual consideration for equality, and everyone work hard for the better good.
The sun was shining as the tree tops swayed by the fresh morning air, mixing with the eager voices on the ground as they discussed the future.
No one mentioned the mysterious identity of the man behind the mask who had performed the assassination, nor the tyrannical emperor who shrouded the world for one eternal moment in time. These were happy times, and it was wise to keep such disturbing thoughts at bay for now.
All except for the exempted few who were careful to discuss it only inside their minds, the guests avoided the topic like a plague.
/
"Lelouch… I miss you…" was Kallen's thoughts as she stood by the railing of the veranda overlooking a vast wilderness. To her mind, it sounded weak and frail, devoid of the usual vigor and temerity that was her characteristic. She was aware it was unlike her to show any form of weakness especially of the human heart, more so to the only people she treated as her second family, her war colleagues. That's why she kept it to herself.
It was shameful to mourn for someone whose death they were celebrating.
Staring far ahead towards the horizon, her sapphire eyes mirrored sadness and a deep longing for the inevitable. How could she ever deny it? Along with his death, his memories still prevailed at the back of her mind, lingering…pervading through her every day life. As much as she wanted to reject it, it was there, inevitably holding fast.
Lelouch… the mysterious guy who acted like she does in school: a student who posed no threat to anyone who might be interested. Equipped with enough guile to resist suspicion, they go over the motions of living like everybody else.
She had suspected but she did not know it was him. All she ever saw was the thin veil of disguise he had draped over himself, as much as she had. Thus, when the fateful moment eventually came, the whole world had fallen on top of her, and a new one had replaced it.
It was a place where her trust for Zero falters with every moment as Lelouch, the man who had chosen to callously betray and use them for his own goal.
It was also a place where a new emotion had settled in: love. She had grown fond of him, of his ideals, of his zeal for justice even at the expense of his own life. She found herself reflected in him.
That's why, despite everything, she kept his identity in secrecy, ultimately choosing not to divulge it to the other members of the black knights. It did not matter who he was in the end, because Kallen realized that despite everything he did, maybe even if he did something morally wrong and cruel, Lelouch was still Lelouch. And she loved him for that. It was an unexplainable attraction that irrevocably drew her to his snare, and she hated him for that. Kallen disliked the fact that she loved him, even until now.
Love conquered mistrust. Mistrust converted itself into usable energy in the form of blind yet unfaltering dedication.
Had she really been that blinded by him, all these time? Until now, his words of promise remain alive and vibrant in her heart, tearing it with the delicate ease of someone who knows it will never heal.
"'Never'…" she thought, "A dead end word signaling finality… Can it really end this way?" her heart clenched as she realized it was really over.
Lelouch was dead. Whatever was his intention to drive him to sacrifice his life remains clouded to her. Nor does she care about it now... Only grief and regret occupied her thoughts, her logic, her sentiments. Life without Lelouch, even the Lelouch who had used them so freely and abused them, was unbearable. She thought she could move on with life along with the simple knowledge that Lelouch's death was intentional.
She had vented her grief the day he was murdered but to remain oblivious now after the fresh experience of Lelouch's death was an improbable wish, just like how some of them might feel.
"Lelouch…Can I never learn how to move on?" abruptly, she stopped, furrowing her brows in an expression of disgust and surprise.
So…That was it.
"She can't move on."
His death, like his actions, remained in the hearts of those who still believed in his kindness.
Even as they gathered in this faux assembly of peace and enjoyment after days filled with strife, deep within, some of them had not moved on although they tried to show otherwise.
Thoughts like these were easy to come by, especially when they were as alone as her, standing by the edge of the railing overlooking the entire drop of valley and forest below, to be alone in this moment of silence.
Glancing around drearily, Kallen's wandering sight settled on two figures from afar. Frowning, she squinted against the sunlight to get a better look and saw the image of Nunnally with Cornelia towing her wheelchair from behind, chatting quietly as her sister moved the wheelchair. Their movements were inconspicuous and reserved as though they had just finished a private conversation.
As they pass by her, Nunnally, who already had her eyes wide open, beamed at her as she waved her hands in recognition, immediately forcing Cornelia to drop the conversation and face her way with a slightly perplexed look.
"Cornelia and I were just having a conversation over there." Nunnally was saying jovially as they approached Kallen's way. "What are you doing here, Kallen? Everyone's enjoying the party." Her tone was marred with the hint of doubt, or something she thought was suspicion.
Surely, that can't be the case.
Kallen stared back, to those eternally wide blue eyes, to Nunnally's hard-earned sight. Lelouch had laid most of his life forging the peace that will give harmony to the world as Nunnally opens her eyes once again, that her sight may first lay itself on green grass, blue skies and a harmonious place where she will ultimately bask in the peace and warmth of the people around her.
Seeing her now, her sight fully restored through sheer will,—the will to put an end to her brother's supposedly mundane plans—Kallen couldn't help feeling indignant.
"Your brother sacrificed his life for you. And what did you do? Sit in your wheelchair as you tried to do everything in your power to kill him?"
The thought came out sudden, and its harshness frightened Kallen for a moment that her expression changed enough to earn a comment from Nunnally.
"Kallen, is something wrong?" Nunnally and her voice made her nervous as she attempts to wake her up from these morbid thoughts of disaster as though she was mentally deranged.
Kallen, get a grip. The war is over. We are entitled to enjoy this peace while it lasts. Don't we at least deserve that? The other voice spoke.
There were always other voices.
"The truth is, no..." she thought inwardly, "…Not without Lelouch." She replied, this time without any shame.
And deep within her heart, she knew it was true. This peace would not be worth enjoying without Lelouch, who had made all these possible. He was dead, and she thought she knew why.
"It was…nothing." Instead, Kallen replied in a vague, faraway voice. After a while of pondering, Nunnally accepted her answer as it is.
Everyone was just so happy and enjoying themselves that she couldn't imagine anyone who would oblige to feel miserable because of what happened, except her.
"That is good to hear." Nunnally forced a smile through rigid lips, "These are times when we must forget our past and face the future…for the sake of those who sacrificed their lives for it…" Her voice trailed off along with the sad look in Nunnally's eyes but she immediately shook it off as she tried a more encouraging expression before Kallen's countenance.
"Oh, and by the way…" she smiled, almost shyly, "The picture taking for all the important guests together with the newly weds will take place in 10 minutes. Be there, alright?" Nunnally beamed a grateful smile once more before shifting her face to Cornelia's.
She sigh a warm breath of weariness as she patted Cornelia's hand that was holding the side of her wheelchair, signaling her to move along. Cornelia agreed with meek compliance, and as the wheelchair began to move along, Nunnally turned to Kallen before leaving, tears on her eyes.
For one moment, Kallen thought it was tears of joy.
//
The conversation with Cornelia had caught her off guard, although Nunnally had a fair idea it was bound to happen soon. Her elder sister, the second princess, had recently formed a resistance group against Lelouch's reign after she recovered from the gunshot wound, and now that it was over and done with, Cornelia was caught in a deadlock.
Will the high council decide to accept her back into the imperial anarchy that is the backbone of Britannia's government, to continue serving the people as a viceroy to the nation? Or will she received punishments due to a rebel criminal?
Regardless of Lelouch's deeds to Britannia, he was still the legal emperor, and Cornelia had still committed treason by going against his reign. It was especially a big deal since she was a royal blood.
Even Cornelia knew enough to preserve her life and dignity rather than suffer from senseless patriotism. And to do that, she must earn the favor of those who will be involved in this bid for her rights: the royal family. She especially saw potential in her other sister, Nunnally. She was, after all, the daughter of the imperial consort Marianne and sister to the demon emperor Lelouch, and she would play an important role in the negotiation process. Knowing that, the deed lay on convincing her. She would talk her way into hers if need be.
/
"Nunnally… There is something I must talk to you about…in private."
Cornelia's serious voice grabbed Nunnally's attention. Courteously, she excused herself from the guests and regarded her sister with a perplexed expression. As sisters with different mothers, she and Cornelia did not meet even once, except the times when they would cross each others paths in the palace when they were young. Nunnally was only aware of the royal family and their relation to her when she became the governor of Area 11, where social functions and introductions were part of the grand deal. She did not know much about Cornelia's personality, but she was willing to find out.
It appeared like that time was now. Her elder sister appeared dead serious.
"Yes. We may talk over the side of the veranda. Shall we?" she offered amicably.
/
"Is this about your involvement in the resistance group?" it was more of a guess, Nunnally thought, if she would take into account what she had gleaned from her sister in the past…
Surprised but undaunted, Cornelia nodded slowly, unsure of what to say as she held the handle of the wheelchair by her hands, Nunnally's back to her. She did not say anything.
Sighing, Nunnally spoke, "…I'm not sure what to say myself. It's been confusing lately…" she raised her eyes to look at the scene before her, stretching across the horizon endlessly. "I have been one of the many who has been responsible for my brother's tyrannical acts in the pasts, eventually leading to his death. And it pains me up till now…"
The silence stretched, broken only by the stirring wind as Nunnally stared ahead, wondering, reflecting. It hurt to remember.
Regardless, Cornelia strived to understand how she felt and use it in her favor. It was all or nothing.
"Nunnally…" she began, gripping the handle of the wheelchair tighter as she spoke, "Know that I only wish to serve Britannia. It is my greatest wish. Forming that resistance group was an ambition to free everyone from Lelouch's oppression. His actions and plans are too tyrannical despite its goal to unify Britannians and Elevens. His ascension to the throne had been acquired through unjustified means, his methods for justice are twisted. I had merely done what others would have done in my place."
"Even if I did present these reasons, the high council would not understand. I need your side to strengthen this resolve; that belonging to Britannia's royal family will once more be granted to me…" letting it trail off, Cornelia waited in agitation.
And as Nunnally listened, she remembered the moment when she cradled Lelouch in her arms and his memories went to her. Lelouch had ultimately desired for peace, and all these time, she had condemned him. It hurt, terribly, knowing what he did and what he went through just to achieve his goals while the rest of the world shunned him. If they only knew. Lelouch had endured everything for his plans, and she didn't see through it.
Now Cornelia was asking to aid her in placing herself back on the royal anarchy. Like the rest of the world, she had been part of the mob who had judged Lelouch by his actions. She was one of them.
Nunnally wanted to do everything she can in honor for her brother's unjustified death. It was the least she could do after everything she did to him.
Perhaps the world will know of Lelouch's true motives one day…And with Cornelia, that might be possible. She had to believe, because right now, she was willing to do everything in honor for Lelouch's death, accepting anything that offered themselves for its cause.
She sighed, placing her hands on her lap as she spoke softly, "My brother's death was miserable, but I can't keep clinging to the past…" looking ahead to the horizon, she decided.
"Cornelia, I will aid you in convincing the high council."
//
On another side of the Ohgi yard
This was ridiculous. It was awkward and annoying to mingle with Elevens despite everything done. Pretty soon, it will probably be a universal fact…maybe only to her.
Not that she minded that much.
Nina Alstreim sat on a bench by the side of one of the bungalows, her hands clenched tightly into fists and folded into her lap as she stared hard at the mingling two classes of guests passing by in front of her.
Elevens… There were Japanese everywhere. Their mere presence dug on the skin of her scalp and frayed her perseverance despite her resolve.
Her issues were already settled with, she knew that very well.
Lelouch was dead. The one who had killed her beloved Euphemia had been assassinated by Zero. She thought coming to this party would mark the end of her misery as well as her xenophobia on the Elevens. It was like a way to end things in order to begin a new one, and she knew many of them who had attended this party felt the same way.
Although, obviously, the fact that there was a new Zero was an unavoidable topic no matter how much they denied it--
--Just as she couldn't get herself to think why she decided to end her anti-eleven personality. She realized, with a faint glimmer of hostility, that she still abhorred Elevens, try as she might to reject it.
"Hey miss! Want some lemonade?"
The child voice came from beside her. Turning to look around, Nina saw it was a little boy holding a plastic cup half filled with lemonade along with an eager expression.
"An eleven…" Nina's thoughts were instant and ragged with repulsion. She instantly regretted it as she looked over the child again.
He appeared like a cute and fairly innocent young boy with dark hair and brown eyes… he couldn't possibly be a threat can he? It's not as though he would bite…
Conditioning herself for the last moment, Nina thought her fears were groundless and irrational and decided to be nice. She was just probably stressed by the sudden turn of events.
She was about to reach over and thank the boy when he reached forward and pushed the cup into her outstretched hands at the same time closing his hands on her arm in a grip.
"It's for you, miss!" he was saying eagerly when Nina stared at him wide eyed before uttering a hysterical frightened scream, immediately sending the boy to his back and running.
Some who noticed the incident stared at the departing boy, then to the girl who lay sprawled on the grass with the cup of spilled lemonade beside her. Her dress was not soaked but it was stained with her sweat as she panted inexorably.
Nina thought she could handle it, but the feeling was unbearable. It was like she was touched by something inhuman, sending shockwaves of disgust rippling through her skin, making her pulse ran like a jackhammer and her head to throb with sullen intensity. An uncanny surge of abhorrence engulfed her, making her tremble inexorably as the guests passed by her with a questioning stare before turning to mind their own business.
It was unexplainable. It was madness.
She thought she could never hate someone as she had now. She thought that part was over, it was past and far behind her to look back. But now, it returned, with more fiery and single-mindedness that it frightened her.
Nevertheless, not all little boys were elevens…
Nina dwelled on that thought with a careless loyalty that was almost worship until she was called for the picture taking. She went to it with a mechanical quality that nobody noticed.
//
The wedding went by in a blur.
There was no tension in the air, no malignancy felt.
If there was, it was cleverly disguised and hid.
Instead, happiness and joyful rejuvenation was in the atmosphere as the wedding rites were said and the bells rung cheerily and the doves released. The two couples, Ohgi and Viletta, stared at each other in bliss as the guests around them celebrated along with them.
"As we all gather here, Britannians and Elevens, we celebrate not only this union but also of the coming peace that awaits us!" Ogi was saying in his closing speech, "May we all strive towards that goal, regardless of who we are or what we hold against. It is time to be responsible for the future, because in the end, we'll be the ones to reap from it. Therefore, let's all take this chance to rejoice! Not for what we've lost, but what we've gained."
He ended his speech with triumphant cries on the background as they started gathering around to toast for his and everyone's success.
Hopeful and optimistic, they indulged in the moment, for it was there. And when the moment for the group picture came, everyone posed with a smile on their faces, happy and forever frozen in time, to serve as a reminder of a faith that was once practiced.
Chapter 3
Moving on
January 1, 2019 a.t.b.
Present day
Ohgi residence
The ticking of the clock seemed too long, each strike a loud tap on Kallen's heart as she waited. It was like something was insistently snapping a sharp twig on her chest, enough that her every heart beat felt like a jog.
To think, it was irrational and very ridiculous to feel this way in here, in the cozy living room of the Ohgi… She was here to do an errand from her mom, to pay her respects and congeniality to the Ohgi's as part of the New Year celebration and to announce her knighting as the Knight of One. But somehow, instead of feeling exhilarated, she felt empty and pathetic.
The feeling that's been gnawing on her since that time as she reflected on the veranda was back, stronger than ever. For the last few days, she fought against the irrational emotion like it was a stray piece out of place in her frame of mind and she thought she had succeeded. Being here, with the ticking of the clock and the pictures of the couple engaging happily in time, she thought she did nothing but denied it all this time. Now, it was just back in its rightful place.
"For god's sakes, Kallen. Get a move on." Kallen thought, painfully annoyed now. Drops of sweat began to trickle from her forehead, although it was not warm inside. "You're seeing a bunch of happy, loving pictures and hearing the household tick of a clock and you're already acting like a superstitious wench. He's dead. Let him rest. Shut it up already…"
"Kallen?" Viletta's soft voice called from the hallway, rousing her from her reverie.
She snapped her head to the direction and did not feel any better when she saw Viletta emerge, appearing very radiant and maternal. She walked to her place with a particular strut although she still appeared lean even when the mark of pregnancy was starting to bear down on her.
Smiling, she stood there and regarded her with a comforting expression, "I heard the news. You're the knight of one. You must be happy."
Kallen tried her best to appear grateful, because she was, "Yes, it's been an honor. Mother especially wants to send her wishes to you as well." Taking the wrapped package beside her on the couch, she handed it to her, "We wish you well on your pregnancy." Thinking she sounded lame and insincere, Kallen added, "So, have you decided what to name your baby?" she smiled.
Viletta's expression became mild as she caressed her belly gently, "No, not yet… Ohgi had been busy lately trying to earn money from his teaching career. He's been doing his best for the baby and me that I couldn't bother him with such things. He's especially serious now that I'm nearing my expected date of delivery, and by then he would be staying with me to watch over."
"He'll be a good father." Kallen commented.
"Yes… Sometimes, he's just pushing himself too hard these days that I feel sorry for him." Viletta smiled sadly, "I must do my best for him too."
Not knowing what else to say, Kallen decided to end the conversation. It was getting uncomfortable. "I wish you luck." She stood up to leave.
At this, Viletta looked puzzled for a moment but disregarded it. Everyone was just so busy these days.
"You too. Please do your best for Britannia's sake."
And as Kallen left, the ache still lingered in her heart.
//
Britannia's royal cemetery
In the outskirts of the new imperial capital, Pendragon
Nunnally stood by his grave, distantly wondering the number of times she had lain before like this, doing nothing but think and wonder.
How many days has it been since his death? How many tears had she shed?
Lelouch's death had affected her as deep as though she could already die. The grief was improbably scathing and hollow, feeling its bite on her frail mind.
Mourning for her brother's death during the days that followed his assassination, she carried along the memories he had left her. All these time, Lelouch had meant nothing but the better good of the nation, and she had been a hindrance to him. When her brother was fighting and doing inhumanities, it was all for her sake, that one day she may open her eyes to a better, brighter world where the people were not as destructive and less chaotic than they already were.
And she had condemned him till the last moment.
She had regretted everything, till the very tips of her sanity as she cried, alone and broken. When Lelouch's funeral came, the high council made it compulsory for her to attend, if only to stave off the angry vibes of the mobs later on. Even if they did not force her though, she would attend it. It was the least she could do.
The two most important people in her life were gone, and it partly had to do with her. She would have been obliged to feel wretched now, if not for the ambiguity a certain someone had left.
As she sits before his grave, the magnanimity of Lelouch's death felt puny and desecrated compared to the hope he had presented.
The possibility that Suzaku Kururugi was alive was strong on the back of her mind; a reason why she now lies before his grave.
As she sat in her pink wheelchair, all alone and unaccompanied amidst the vastness of the cemetery, she stared at the tombstone in front of her, feeling strangely purposeful despite this decision.
They said Suzaku died along with the explosion of his knightmare frame, and that he was purportedly dead. It was some two months ago, maybe more.
Nunnally remembered she didn't have time to mourn for Suzaku's death. When she found out he had joined Lelouch's faction, she had simply deduced that he was like Lelouch, a traitor to Britannia and a threat to peace. His death had come by in a blur, and she didn't have time to recognize it as she was spontaneously imprisoned by Lelouch along with the rest of the traitors. Two months after, as the chaos ensued and they were freed by the new Zero, a new question surfaced in Nunnally's mind: Suzaku.
She had never paid much attention to him, until now.
"Could it be possible…?" she thought, her eyes wavering as she stared at the grave, the soil that was once fresh now appeared dry and uncared for, with weeds starting to grow along the edges.
Thinking back to all the times when Suzaku had escaped from near death… That he had survived a number of times and lived…
Yes, even she could not deny the possibility, however small, that Suzaku was alive. And, knowing what Lelouch had left her, she also knew one other thing.
Suzaku was Zero.
And there was only one way to find out.
As Nunnally wheeled her way out of the cemetery, a thought burned on the back of her mind, empowering her bitterness and opening a new resolve.
January 2, 2019 atb
Kyoto airport
The peace agreement between Britannia and the rebel group Black Knights turned out smoothly as both sides exchanged hands and signed the treaty.
On Britannia's side, Nunnally and Zero stood by the descending stairs of the plane and were met by the leader of the other side, Kaname Ohgi.
Nunnally smiled a warm greeting and addressed the taller man, "Kaname Ohgi… You are the leader of the Black Knights?"
"…Formerly. I am now." He corrected, along with an apologetic smile which Nunnally understand well enough. He had started the rebel group, then Lelouch took over, and now he had just resumed his place. Familiarity crossed the distance between them although it was not exactly mutual. Just friendly.
Ohgi's sight browsed over the two of them, particularly eyeing the black hooded figure standing as stiff and unmoving as a sentinel nearby Nunnally. He managed to hide his frown as he regarded him with a level stare.
Zero.
The new Zero…
Those who knew well enough that Lelouch was Zero were aware that he was dead. And this one standing before them was a new one. Or it could be possible that they were being misled all these time, just like before… with Zero, nothing was certain.
Standing there, straight and unmoving, he would have been mistaken to be a cold ebony statue if not for the movement of his costume as it was whipped by the wind. It was as though Zero was a new person now, colder and much less lenient. Ohgi knew this even as the distances separated them or that mask covered his face.
Ohgi only wondered if Nunnally knew about him already. To think they must be together all this time, considering the emperor's wishes…
Meanwhile, the princess sat by her wheelchair, observing. It seems Zero's presence had bothered him too, just as much as he had her. His companions appeared agitated though they tried not to show it.
It all came as a shock. They didn't expect him to materialize out of the blue, especially when they saw him, the real Zero, die before their eyes. Nevertheless, the peace process must be carried out. Nunnally smiled warmly as Ohgi glanced back at her and held out the paper in her lap, to which Ohgi reached out to receive.
"This is the peace treaty. The emperor Schneizel declares peace with the Black Knights in an effort for world peace and unification of the opposing factions. Will you accept it?"
"Yes. Of course." He added with a smile and held out his hand for her to shake.
Nunnally looked at his hand first uncomprehending and then understood. She reached out her hand and when Ohgi had received hers in a handshake, he thought he was certain he saw Zero visibly shifted as though in reaction…
He immediately forgot about it when Nunnally released his hand and laughed warmly, "Well, do you have any plans of becoming a knight of the rounds now?"
Ohgi blinked. It was as though she had read his thoughts. Ohgi and Viletta had already discussed this ever since the emperor's announcement. And he had made a firm, final decision beforehand. Zero's presence had just confirmed his resolve.
Slowly, he shrugged, "No, I'm afraid not your highness... My priorities are with my family now, and I cannot have two responsibilities at the same time. Please understand. I wish to serve Britannia to the best of my ability, but I cannot accomplish that half-heartedly." With this, Ohgi genuflected before the princess in a much dignified manner while Zero stood, motionless and transfixed as a statue as he became an observer.
"I'm certain the emperor Schneizel would understand. Please, stand. There is no need."
Ohgi stood but he kept his head low. It was going to be embarrassing for his part but he had a family now. As bad as he wanted to serve the country and continue Lelouch's aspirations, he was forced to decline for the position and chose to teach instead.
//
New imperial capital, Pendragon
At the halls of the palace
It was a fine day outside the corridors of the Pendragon. The sunrays appeared majestic yet gentle in its warmth on Nunnally's frail body as she strolled along in silence, fresh flowers plucked from the garden on her lap and thoughts rewinding itself mercilessly in her mind.
It would've been a great change in her mood, but with the continuous signing of peace treaties, she felt drained.
Because Zero was with her.
The new Zero.
It could only be Suzaku… she thought with certain desperation, although half of her was unsure.
Something about him was different. But if she would bet he was Suzaku, he had to be. His movements and style were completely different than her brother's, and he certainly didn't like to talk much. In fact, he never did except in very important cases where it was necessary. And when he did, the tone of his voice was stricter, disciplined and framed with the hint of marked nobility though it was still sound and justified, a trademark of Zero. It sounded closer to Suzaku's.
Nunnally felt apprehensive. Each moment she spent with him felt as though she would just crumble and fall in abject helplessness. There was just something with being near him… His presence felt heavy and poignant that it exuded from him. It was like he emanates the essence of his existence just by being near.
Already, she was starting to dislike his suffocating, strong aura, yet…it felt familiar somehow. His presence had aided her in giving strength as she carried out the peace process, providing security and warmth during the times when she would've faltered in her resolve and given up.
And now, this confusion had her mind working for an answer. Is Suzaku really Zero?
She had to know…must know.
"Suspense must make a person sick…" she thought morbidly, "I feel like throwing up."
Drearily, Nunnally wheeled past the marbled corridor and idyllic columns, towards the main hall, when all of a sudden, just as she turned around a corner, a dark figure loomed across the way, blocking her path as well as her airway.
Zero.
The voice in her mind sounded like the gasp of an infatuated little girl, and before she could be aware of it, the Zero moved away from her path as though to allow her to pass through. He remained motionless and did not speak, at least for a while.
"Your highness," the strangely reserved voice spoke quietly, "You may pass by."
It felt like a dream. Was this even happening? Steadying herself for composure, Nunnally finally managed to get herself together and focus. Her mind was in an uproar, her thoughts in disarray. She didn't know what to respond, especially when Zero appeared to be content standing there as rigid as a guardian statue.
But right now… she badly needed some answers, more than anything.
"Zero, may I inquire what you are doing here?" the question was out before she could think twice, and it came out as it should: rude and imposing.
Nevertheless, the Zero remained unfazed.
Shifting his head to meet her question, he spoke in the same reserved manner, although it was gentler this time, almost with a care that wasn't like him, "I am currently ordered by his majesty to come and look for you... It concerns the peace treaties we have negotiated so far. He wishes to know our status, your highness."
We…
Our…
The words seemed especially loud in Nunnally's ears, and she blinked once before shaking herself to reality. What was wrong with her?
"He was just being accurate." her mind supplemented, then resumed back to her regal demeanor, thinking of another bypass to outwit him into admitting something she didn't know what.
"If that is so then, why did you allow me to pass?" she persisted.
This was ridiculous. This paranoid questioning will only bear down on her name, especially she was doing this to the "revered" Zero, whose real identity was enough to get someone to be executed, regardless of status. Still, her mind burned with the possibility that he was Suzaku.
She wanted to believe. It was all she had left.
Zero's composure broke a little, she saw as he made a slight twitch in his arm. Then he replied.
"Your highness, would you rather I had blocked your way when you were intent on passing by?" he replied, as casually as someone who knew common sense, his tone marred by the slightest hint of sarcasm.
"If he didn't have his mask, I think I'd see a lopsided grin on that face…" she was thinking, then decided to be meek, pretending to be submissive. He might have won, but she won't show weakness.
"Will you please escort me?" she had grunted instead as she cleared her throat, facing away from him, "It's been a while and the stroll had me tired." she suggested demurely.
Zero merely formally bowed and moved to her side, towing her from behind. On the way, the hand that held her flowers went to the side of the wheelchair, casually dropping the entire bouquet. It fell all over the marble floor and passed behind her. She found herself unconsciously holding her breath.
An endless moment stretched. Nunnally felt like crying. If he wasn't going to pick it up…
Suddenly, the masked man did pick it up. Slowly and surely, he handled it one by one as gently as someone handling fragile pieces of glass, his movements almost as feminine as it was careful.
Nunnally observed him from the corner of her eyes as she sat and waited, her breath seeming to get shallower by the moment. If she was going to go anywhere, she should begin now.
She drew in breath.
"Did you know…" she began, "…that I once had a friend?"
At this, Zero stopped with his gloved hand in mid-air, then resumed. He did not answer.
Nonetheless, she continued as he picked the flowers all around her, "He probably didn't know, but he was very special to me. His name was Suzaku Kururugi."
The dark figure behind her continued picking.
"…He had died then. It was so sudden and unexpected I didn't have time to know why. I felt miserable, not only because I haven't told him how much he meant to me but also because I haven't been entirely truthful." Nunnally looked up, tears welling on her blue eyes, "I loved him. And he had died not knowing it..." Tears started to fall from her eyes but she didn't really mind. If he was indeed Suzaku, he would at least show some reaction.
From behind her, Zero had finished picking the lot of the flowers and moved in front of her. For a while, he just stood there, as though waiting. Then he held out the flowers in his hand.
Instead of receiving it, Nunnally ignored it as she spoke, looking directly into the mask, "I felt weak... I couldn't do anything because I was lame. When I became the viceroy of Area 11, it felt like a plea for sympathy to honor my ideals. I had accomplished so little, yet many people loved me. It pains me to do nothing but watch." She looked up at that dark glass, wanting to make him see her grief, "I want to do something. I want to try."
Bracing herself, Nunnally placed both arms on the side of her wheelchair, drove her hands on the handle, and pushed herself up. For a moment as her body was suspended in mid-air, rearing to fall or collapse, Zero was torn between appearing indifferent and helping her back to her wheelchair. Either option didn't suit him.
That was when Nunnally had deliberately tried to stand up on her own two feet. She had succeeded in planting the palms of her feet on the marble floor but that was it. Tottering like a tower built on crooked edges, Nunnally fell forward towards Zero in front of her, who was quick enough to catch her in his arms.
Almost immediately, Zero's scent and masculinity filled her senses as she lay nestled in the warmth of his embrace. It was suffocating and comfortable at the same time, a reaction she had not bargained for. It caused her head to swoon and fill with fumes, making her feel dizzy. Yet, somehow, the nostalgic, familiar ease she found in his arms was hard to deny. It was similar with Suzaku's.
Before she could even be aware of it, Zero had swiftly and effectively laid her back on her chair, picked up the fallen flowers and placed them on her lap.
"You can't walk yet. Don't force yourself to do something you can't. You'll place more lives in danger with your meddling..." he said softly although his tone was on the verge of snapping.
Nunnally didn't notice much about that as Zero placed both hands on her wheelchair and wheeled her towards the main hall where the chamber of Schneizel awaits them.
"Suzaku… Can it be really be you, Suzaku?" she wished in her mind, wanting more than anything to glance behind and see him. But she knew it wasn't possible. If indeed it was him…
If it was him behind that mask… then he had changed.
To expose him now would be meaningless. He had decided to change for the sake of what he meant to achieve, and for now, that would suffice. Knowing Suzaku might be alive behind that mask, Nunnally was contented to lie near him like this, feeling his aura loom before her as she dreamed of the day when everything would be all right once more.
She longed for the day when he wouldn't have to wear a mask. He would be known as the hero who had continued to maintain peace in Britannia, and everyone would welcome him. How she wished it were true.
/
Hindrances…
It pained him to consider Nunnally on that category but she was. Suzaku knew he had to keep away from her if he meant to strive harder towards his goal. He couldn't afford to falter. But even so, he relished the moment he was able to be near her and feel her kindness. It was probably the longing, the irrepressible misery enforced on him that made him crave for company as well as care.
With this few moments as they were together, Suzaku allowed himself to dwell back to the memories they had shared together with Lelouch, to the time when nothing else mattered except themselves. Thinking back, it all felt like a dream. There was a time when he, Nunnally and Lelouch were together, happy and carefree. Now, things were different.
The turn of events was just going according to his plan. If this continues, he might just have a chance… He must not hesitate. Every moment counts.
And as Suzaku wheeled Nunnally towards the interior of the palace, as stoic as a knight tasked on a grave mission, his thoughts dwelled on the last moment where he had killed Lelouch and a thought flashed on his mind, as swift and blunt as the sudden plans in his mind.
"Jeremiah Gottwald." He thought with rabid intensity, his eyes losing its calm look to be replaced by something more feral and dire. And Suzaku realized he was not entirely correct in his plans. Something strayed off.
And as he left Nunnally inside the chamber, he excused himself for a moment as he cloaked the urgency in his movements, went outside the sunlight and took out the private cellular phone on his coat. He dialed several numbers, was answered, and talked in his normal Suzaku voice.
Chapter
end
TIMELINE REFERENCE: from chapter 1-3
DECEMBER 5, 2018 atb- Lelouch turns 18
DECEMBER 25, 2018 atb- Lelouch and Suzaku swears to accomplish the Zero Requiem as they meet in an altar/cathedral. Together, Lelouch tells him his plans for Suzaku to carry out after his death.
DECEMBER 26, 2018 atb- Emperor Lelouch's inauguration ceremony turns into an orchestrated assassination by a new Zero as the Zero Requiem plays out for the whole world to witness. Lelouch succeeds in becoming the symbol of hatred, carrying with his death the people's anger and resentment.
Cornelia mobilizes the resistance group to free the prisoners, especially Schneizel, and notices something suspicious about the new Zero.
Suzaku as Zero flees to a cave and vents his grief.
DECEMBER 27, 2018 atb- Viletta and Ogi's wedding is held at their yard, both as celebration of their attained peace and to finally be wed, becoming a way to unite elevens and britannians as they gather together.
During: Kallen remembers Lelouch and realizes she still has feelings for him.
Cornelia meets Nunnally to ask for her alliance in putting her back on the imperial anarchy as one who had once led a resistance group. Nunnally agrees, thinking it's for the good of Britannia.
Nina thinks she had moved on from her phobia against elevens, though it's still there.
DECEMBER 28, 2018 atb- After Cornelia is accepted back to the imperial monarchy with Nunnally's help, a meeting is held between the most important ministries and the entire imperial family, with the exemption of Nunnally who had attended Lelouch's funeral, to discuss the next one in line to become the 100th emperor of Britannia. Chaos ensues as Schneizel, under the influence of the Geass, kills everyone in the room, meanwhile allowing Cornelia to escape to be framed as the murderer.
It turns out Suzaku had been manipulating Schneizel using the Geass command "to serve Zero" casted by Lelouch before he died, ultimately making Schneizel his slave to do his bidding. He uses this to maintain and forge the peace Lelouch had envisioned while he remains obscured in the background as Zero. To do that, he must control britannia through Schneizel, and that can be done if he becomes the emperor. Thus, he commands schneizel to kill everyone involved and secure his position, meanwhile allowing Cornelia to be the scapegoat. Suzaku's identity was considered dead and he had to remain so as he hides away in his cave underneath the new Pendragon.
DECEMBER 30, 2018 atb- Schneizel, being the remaining and legible royal family member, is rightfully crowned as the 100th emperor of Britannia, with the circumstances that led to his coronation remaining obscured and covered up. Along with his promises for a brighter, better Britannia, he adds that Zero's identity be preserved and his integrity revered as one who had granted them peace. Anyone caught violating this shall be executed. War efforts will be projected to rebuilding infrastructures affected by the war, and traces of inequality will be abolished. All these said promises were scripted with Suzaku's command.
Kallen becomes the Knight of One and she accepts it.
Kaguya and the other remaining members of the Japanese faction hold a meeting to discuss the emperor's wishes for peace. Everyone agrees although some did not.
Meanwhile, Lloyd and Cecile infiltrated Suzaku's hiding place: the cave, but was still caught. They had found out about him and decides to help, for the sake of having someone man the new 10th generation knightmare frame they were currently developing. Suzaku spares their life and agrees, meanwhile reflects on his new task as the hero, Zero.
JANUARY 1, 2019 atb- The start of things to come was just beginning. Kallen feels the bite of longing as she visits the ohgi residence. She is starting her new job as the knight of one.
Early that morning, Nunnally visits Suzaku's grave, thinking of the possibility that he might be Zero. She had seen through Lelouch's memories after all, and as much as she regrets what she did to her brother, she felt Suzaku being alive or dead mattered right now. Meanwhile, she thinks of a way to find out.
JANUARY 2, 2019 atb- The peace process is initiated, starting with the rebel group, the Black Knights, asking them to become the knights of rounds. Ohgi declines for he has a family to support.
Nunnally starts her plans to find out Zero identity, expecting it to be Suzaku.
Zero realizes he had missed something.
To be continued…
Author's note
An important note to everyone.
Please read
For the last 2 chapters there were no author's notes. I believed placing that either prior or after the story would ruin its quality, or else forfeit its integrity. I realized that is not entirely the case. Having no way to inform my readers about my sentiments except through my profile is difficult, even if it's just an announcement or a serious case of asking for reviews. Placing it on my profile had been taxing, and there's no certainty it will be read. And I've placed what mattered there. (smug)
So from now on, you may see this "author's note" occasionally if it's needed. Also, I'm starting my campaign for gathering reviews! Please aid me in helping this story acquire reviews! ;) Just click on the button down there and that's one count. XD I understand begging or demanding may be harsh and rather an "improper behavior" to some extent. But understand. We, writers, are hardly being compensated except for these, like the rest of us. I just took time to complain about it. It's like reviews fuel our passion more~ XD So please take the time to review! The review may not necessarily be elaborate, although I might suggest what:
Like for this chapter: How was the plot going so far? Any grammatical errors? How about the change in Nunnally? What about the features?
Other than that, I'll take this chance to thank you for reading and waiting for this chapter to get updated!