Hola! I made some small edits to the previous chapters- nothing major, just small tweaks to dialogue so it flows better.
So... new chapter. I didn't want the odds to always be in Lelouch's favor- so I decided to bring Ohgi in. Here we go then!
"Um... I can explain!" Kallen shouted, standing up. "..."
"Well? Do you have an explanation?" Ohgi asked. "I realize that he's Naoto's father, but still! He's the Demon Emperor!"
"True," Lelouch admitted.
"Who's side are you on?" Kallen growled.
"Depends on Ohgi's actions," Lelouch muttered, before whispering to Kallen, "Push comes to shove, I haven't used Geass on him yet."
"I want answers now!" Ohgi shouted. "Tell the truth about Zero! What caused you to say and do what you did, Demon Emperor Lelouch?!"
"Ohgi... He's not who you think he is," Kallen confessed. "I know that you know that what he did was done for a reason- world peace- but the other decisions were-"
"I want to hear it from his lips, Kallen," Ohgi proclaimed. "Lelouch... who are you exactly?"
Lelouch sighed. It would be too easy to use his Geass on Ohgi- make him forget that he had seen Lelouch and leave. Kallen would never approve of it though, and Villeta would be suspicious.
"You don't know how easy it would be to use my Geass on you- just make you leave and forget you ever saw me," Lelouch sighed. Ohgi moved to shield his eyes, while Kallen threw Lelouch a bad look.
"Lelouch, he's a friend!" Kallen yelled.
"Did I say I would?" Lelouch responded. "No. I have no intention of using my Geass on anyone."
"Where was that attitude when you Geass-ed the entirety of the Black Kni-" Ohgi started.
"A lie," Lelouch said flatly. "I never used my Geass on any member of the Black Knights- save Kallen, when I asked if she was the pilot of the Glasgow in Shinjuku. If I had used my Geass on the Black Knights, you would have never accepted Schneizel's offer."
Ohgi opened his mouth to talk, before closing it to think.
"Yes Ohgi, I did use my Geass on Euphemia," Lelouch answered, reading Ohgi's mind.
This time Kallen spoke up. "Why? Was that the only way you could galvanize the people?!"
"You realize I now wear contacts, right?" Lelouch said. "I can no longer control my Geass. Now, can you guess when this happened?" Upon this, Ohgi's composure slipped, and he charged Lelouch, grabbing him at the collar.
"You think you can lie about something like that?!" He roared.
"You think I would?" Lelouch responded, aggravated. "You think I, Zero, would wish that thousands of people would be murdered, by a person I had wanted to ally alongside?"
Ohgi released him, backing up again.
"Coincidence," Lelouch stated. "Coincidence and a small, ridiculous comment turned into Princess Massacre."
"You never mentioned this to me," Kallen asked. "Why not?"
"I had originally intended for her to shoot me, non-lethally," Lelouch said. "And while I had a change of mind speaking with her, the outcome happened anyways."
"Do you regret it, Lelouch?"
Lelouch turned to Ohgi. "I do. Painfully so."
"If that's true..." Ohgi said, finally relaxing- if only slightly. "It somewhat changes my original opinion. Unless you lied that entire time."
"I'm surprised at you Ohgi. You're the Prime Minister of Japan, and yet you don't have me immediately executed," Lelouch said, sitting down.
"Not yet. Depends on your explanation of what happened- including the parts Kallen doesn't know, because I know you haven't told anyone everything."
Lelouch fidgeted. "Alright. I don't exactly have another option, do I?"
"How does the Death Sentence sound as an alternative?" Ohgi asked, attempting to intimidate him. At this, Lelouch only laughed, rubbing his neck.
"Lord Zero."
The man of the hour, Zero, turned around. "Yes, Xingke?"
"Troops have mobilized. We have Knightmare Frames on the ground at New Pendragon," Xingke responded. "The Shen Hu is ready to move on your command."
"The Shen Hu is to be in Britannia by 0800 hours on June 11th. You may move out," Zero ordered. "You will operate as the de facto commander during this time."
"Understood."
"Priority one is to ensure the Geass Order extremists are neutralized or taken into custody. Priority two is to ensure the safety of any public officials, chief among them Prime Minister Schneizel."
"Consider it done," Xingke stated, making his leave. Zero grabbed a remote, clicking it. Instantly, a large monitor activated, showing the inside of a Knightmare Frame Hangar.
"Rakshata."
"Hello there, Zero," Rakshata yelled, leaning into view. She appeared to have been working on something further in the Hangar- but it was hidden from view. "Should we skip the formalities and discuss my newest child?"
"Perhaps we should. How is Project-HAWK coming along?"
"A hassle, as expected. The shield system refuses to project, which was expected, but the reason? The integrated Gefjun disturbers! So, naturally, we tried to bypass that by decreasing engine size from a V8 to a V9 S55, but that means we have to rewire everything, including the H-"
"I'm sure it's something you will be able to solve. You have all the resources at your fingertips. And, if all else fails, maybe I can outsource the task to Lloyd Asplund," Zero teased. Even though he wore the mask, the man underneath was grinning. His teasing was effective, as Rakshata's face contorted in rage.
"As if the Earl of Pudding could accomplish this!" Rakshata yelled.
"The unfortunate thing is that I've already contacted him," Zero stated. "All he can provide is test data, but I'm sure it will be of use to you."
"Hmph. I'm sure I can find some way to use it- if only for the Harken Boosters or Float System-"
"I leave that to you. I also wish you the best of luck," Zero said, as the screen flashed away. Once the screen disappeared, Zero sunk into his chair, taking off the mask for a brief moment.
"Well, looks like your world peace is threatened, Lelouch," He mused, finding it odd to hear his voice without the modifier. As he did this, the phone on his desk began to ring. His phone was specifically tailored to instantaneously find the general location of the caller.
This call was traced to Belgium. Cautiously, Zero readjusted his mask, and answered the phone.
Lelouch causally rocked back and forth in a small rocking chair, eagerly awaiting to hear Ohgi's response. During the long amount of time Lelouch explained everything- which covered from the beginning to the end- in about 2 and a half hours. During this time, he had explained the origin of his hatred for Britannia, his acquisition of his Geass powers, the legacy of Zero, the failure of the Black Rebellion, the return of Zero, when the Black Knights turned on him, his reign as the Demon Emperor, and the Zero Requiem.
And while Lelouch waited patiently, Ohgi remained silent. Every now and again, he would open his mouth to speak, before closing it. The group remained in silence as the Prime Minister of Japan made his decision.
"Ohgi," Kallen spoke. "He is Naoto's father, and his is doing everything to get rid of Geass as a whole."
"I understand," Ohgi sighed. "The fact remains that he's killed millions. Every history book will always portray him as the most evil human in the history of man. For that..."
Lelouch gritted his teeth. "You already know I can't die."
Ohgi glared back at him. "You also told me that you only needed to destroy one Thought Elevator in Antarctica. You also said Lloyd Asplund knew its location. In which case we destroy it, and then announce your capture to the world."
"You're in the middle of a crisis in Britannia, and now you want to have Lelouch plastered all over the news?" Kallen muttered.
"Kallen," Ohgi frowned. "He's the largest mass murderer in history. He trumps a small group of terrorists."
"You were a small group of terrorists before I arrived," Lelouch retorted. "What happens when the next group shows up? When the next Zero arrives, only this time, against you?"
"The people wouldn't side with him," Ohgi responded. "If he wanted to make war out of peace, no one would follow him. They don't have a reason."
"Unless of course the Geass Order reveals that Zero had some power that allowed him to magically control people- not dissimilar to a recent news story Kallen had read for me about me," Lelouch remarked. "So what happens when they cast suspicion on Zero, saying that he might be the Demon Emperor himself, resurrected through unknown means? This would lead people to resent Zero, and maybe pressure him into removing the mask."
"In which case they'd know it was Suzaku, right?" Kallen finished his sentence. "Somehow I don't think many people would follow the Demon Emperor's right-hand man."
"Indeed," Lelouch stated. "In addition, if Schneizel is dead, your lead strategist is gone. Xingke would replace him- You know that the current Zero doesn't have the knack for strategy like me or Schneizel- but even Xingke wouldn't be able to live up to those expectations. If the Black Knights face rebellion from inside... I don't expect Xingke to be able to fix that. Nor can you rely on Zero to keep the Black Knights together- except for the die-hard members of the Black Knights."
Ohgi paused. "That runs on a lot of assumptions, Lelouch."
"True," Lelouch admitted. "Although regardless of what they do, they will slander the Black Knights. And Schneizel is already, for lack of a better term, out of commission."
"..." Ohgi remained silent.
"Or, do you think that you can get these people arrested or killed before ANY information leaks out to the Internet? It's probably there now."
"Lelouch!" Kallen shouted. "I get that you're rather... excited... about this scenario, but even I have to admit that your ideas are based too much on random chance."
"Well, at the end of the day, I just want to help, and then disappear," Lelouch admitted. "My return would only cause panic and confusion."
"Of course you would say that," Ohgi spat. "Listen, Lelouch, I believe every word you said. But you've done too much to be able to go free."
Ohgi's phone began to rang, surprising everyone. Ohgi eyed Lelouch angrily as he answered the phone.
"Hello? Tamaki, is that you? What is it? ...Alright. What's going on?"
After a moment, Ohgi's eyes went wide, and he reached for the television remote.
"Hello." Zero said. "Who is this?"
"...It's been a while, Suzaku."
Zero's eyes shot open, instantly recognizing the voice. "C.C."
"...It displeases me how disappointed everyone is when I call. Or they call me, either or."
"Are you the one that was responsible for this attack?" Zero asked. He could almost hear C.C. scoff.
"No. But you 'had to ask anyways', right?"
"Then, do you know who it might be?"
"No, but I can tell that something strange is going on. As far as I know, there wasn't any remaining members of the Geass Order still alive," C.C. revealed. "And it confuses me how they'd be able to acquire current-generation Knightmare Frames- current-generation technology which is, mind you, made by the Black Knights Military Force. I looked into it a bit after I found out it had happened."
"And? Any ideas?"
"..." C.C. remained quiet for a moment. "I think that if Schneizel was alive, he would have made a statement. Unless of course he was captured, in which case they might be trying to break the Geass Lelouch used on him."
"And? Would they ever be successful in doing so?" Zero asked.
"Doubtful. Unless they had Jeremiah, his Geass command could not be broken. Although I can't confirm that," C.C. stated.
"Alright. Do you have anything to add?" Zero questioned.
"...If the worst possible happens, make sure you go to Kallen," C.C. answered. "If all else fails, Kallen can fix it."
Zero paused. "How so?"
"I can't say... But so long as nothing happens, you should be fine. If not, go to Kallen and she will help."
The monitor in front of Zero began to light up. Someone was trying to contact him.
"I have to go, someone is trying to reach me."
"Good luck," C.C. said, hanging up.
Zero turned his attention to the screen in front of him. With a click of a remote, the screen flashed to life. On the other side was General Tohdoh.
"Zero, we have an issue. Pulling it up on the monitor."
The screen lit up, showcasing a news broadcast...
...the very same broadcast that Kallen, Ohgi, and Lelouch were watching. As soon as the television flickered to life, Kallen balked.
"What the hell?"
The broadcast displayed a particular freedom fighter, cloaked in a black cape. The reason called yelled out was because this man was supposed to be at a military base in Tokyo.
"People of the world... I am Zero!" Zero shouted, mimicking perfectly Zero's original appearance.
"That's obviously not the real Zero... so what are they playing at?" Ohgi asked, leaning into his chair.
"I dunno. Lelouch? Any ideas?" Kallen turned to face Lelouch. "Lelouch? You okay?"
It took both Kallen and Ohgi to realize that the broadcast had Lelouch completely petrified.
"Lelouch?" Kallen asked again, nervously. "What's going on?" Lelouch swallowed, his mind racing back to the victory of Schneizel.
"You shall serve Zero."
"That's what they did..." Lelouch muttered. "Well, in that case, we're in a pretty bad position." Their attention turned back to the Television, as Zero continued to speak.
"People, I cannot use words to describe my sorrow at what has happened in the world," Zero apologized, holding one arm forward. "I am the true Zero, the Zero who fought up until the original S.A.Z., before I was replaced by a malevolent usurper- the new 'Zero', the current leader of the Black Knights!"
Lelouch twitched at the mention of the Special Zone- but also recognized that mentioning it was a good move on behalf of whoever it was. "They mentioned the S.A.Z. as a means to remind people of a horrific event- unity. In unifying them, they make it easier to rally everyone against their target- the real Zero."
"This false leader, this evil demon, has been secretly manipulating everyone- including the Black Knights- so that he can enjoy his own power as the self-proclaimed 'king' of the people!" Zero elaborated. "You may have heard recently of a secret program developed by the Demon Emperor Lelouch- a secret mind-subjugation device- that he used to control thousands. This news is true. This 'Geass' was also the center of the 'Geass Order', the group of Terrorists who attacked Britannia earlier today.
"What has not been uncovered is that the usurper has acquired this power as well- and has used it to remain in power for years," Zero remarked. "This power- known as Geass- is not fully understood, but I can assure you that it does exist. Many have fallen victim to this power... I would be surprised if many of the Black Knights were not under this 'Geass' as well. And the thousands of Britannians that once served Lelouch as well.
"Perhaps some of the most tragic uses of Geass were those used on major officials- perhaps the saddest one being of Princess Euphemia," Zero proclaimed, his voice heavy with sorrow. And, it was that sorrow in his voice that truly angered Lelouch. "We may never know the full extent of his Geass usage, but the evidence is clear to see. And, while we can only speculate, it may be entirely within the realm of reason that the Demon Emperor succumbed to this power.
"Even I, Zero, had fallen victim to this power- remaining in my position, while subtly being controlled by a black-hearted evil. I do not take pleasure in knowing that I was responsible for allowing a madman to rise to power... and I shall repent on day. But today is not that day," Zero said, vehemently. "Today is the day that the world recognizes the horrors and atrocities committed by this man, and acts to remove the black demon from his position!"
"I concur with that statement, Zero."
As expected, Schneizel had appeared at the last moment, just to show everyone that he supported the "true Zero". The sight of him caused Lelouch's blood to boil, as it did Kallen's, and Ohgi's, and Suzaku's.
"I can say, without hesitation, that everything that Zero just said was true," Schneizel affirmed. "I call for the Black Knights to recognize the evil's committed by their leader, and I ask the rest of the world to help remove this dictator from power. As it stands, the Black Knights are watching or movements, and the false Zero stands as the ruler of all. I beg you, the people, to see this."
The broadcast ended suddenly, and Ohgi turned the TV off. "What does this mean for the world?" He asked, breathless.
"What does it mean?" Lelouch echoed, slowly turning towards Ohgi. "Damocles II."
