Hi everyone!

After last chapter I took a small break from writing, because I had absolutely no idea how to go about this one. That's also the reason for the questions last chapter, although the answers varied extremely it was still helpful. So THANKS to everyone who took the time answering them.

After a break I played with a few ideas and rewatched certain episodes, especially because I couldn't decide what to do with Viletta. I now have two good ideas that should fit well into the story.

And I really hate writing speeches… ugh (especially Lelouchs)

For being a pain at first this chapter is actually the longest chapter up to date, but it concentrates more on bringing everything together, so sadly, still no action. Hope you all will still enjoy it .

Have fun!


Chapter seven:

.

SAZ, Sunday, end of 5th week of reconstruction, opening ceremony

.

Lelouch was standing at a window in one of the classrooms of the new school on the top floor, looking out at the mingling people who were celebrating the start of the SAZ, or in the case of their Britannian visitors, viewing everything with interest. He was sure some of them only wanted to see what the SAZ was like while others surely were having not so peaceful reasons.

Euphemia had been adamant about a big opening ceremony, while he had wanted to keep it small and simple. They had found a compromise, especially concerning the financial aspect.

He was still anxious about this but he had done everything to ensure everyone's safety, but with all this visitors he would only calm down when they were gone again, even if he knew the possibility of an attack was fairly slim.

They were holding it after Fujinomiya in the more open space where the school and the Hospital were situated, so right in the middle. Part of the school would be used for different activities, while outside were small stands giving out information and traditional Japanese food was also available. He had let Milly's festival ideas inspire today.

Everyone who was interested to visit would be thoroughly checked at the gate, they also had to show some form of credentials and they would have to sign out again when they left, that was to ensure that they knew who was inside at all times. After they registered and gotten a visitor pass they would take a bus which would be traveling regularly to the site of the festivities and back again.

As Prince Schneizel was the main benefactor of the SAZ he had been invited too. And he was more than glad that his older brother seemed otherwise occupied and wouldn't come. He had given an interview the day before to give them his congratulations and to wish them luck and a peaceful start. He had also given permission to get help from the KnightPolice. Lelouch hadn't allowed them inside, but had stationed them outside the gate and along the wall surrounding the SAZ, it wasn't exactly needed but could be used to remind everyone that, for now, they had the protection of Britannia.

Around midday he had gotten a call from the on duty leader at the gate. Apparently some of the former inhabitants of the city were standing outside giving the visitors flyers about the unfairness that they had lost their home and had also brought a big transparent saying "Give us back our home – All Hail Britannia"

The KnightPolice had asked if they should arrest them or at least make them leave, but he thought that would be counterproductive. As long as they were not overly annoying to the visitors they should let them have this small get-together. It wasn't harmful and they should avoid a confrontation this soon.

"Zero-sama, you should get out there, the speeches will begin soon."

Urabe was probably right. He should be seen out there before he got on stage. And with him and CC as todays bodyguards there shouldn't be a problem. He had taken every precaution for today, trained soldiers and Black Knights were controlling the festivities in uniform as well as in civil and the security check at the gate was very thorough and he didn't think that anyone had been able to get inside through the mountains at this time, that would be tried later, for now they would try the easy way. And when they realised that they weren't able to get through the front door they would try the difficult ways and at that point he would have the security there up and running.

They made their way down, past the canteen where Mister Kitamura was overseeing that everything was perfect. The elderly man had come during the reconstructing phase and brought as much Japanese food as he could. He had overheard some of the workers praising him highly and had gotten interested in him. It had turned out that Kitamura had owned a well going restaurant before the invasion and had apparently tried to teach it to others in the last years so that the recipes wouldn't be forgotten over time. He had immediately hired him to provide the workers and given him enough supplies for all. Even some of the Britannian workers had become interested and liked it. Today he oversaw everything in the kitchen and come tomorrow he would reopen his restaurant. They had situated it near the gate so that outsiders could come and enjoy his meals. He liked the man and for his safety he had sought someone who would able to protect the man but was also interested in learning from him. They had found a young Honorary Britannian who had enlisted in the army to provide for his family, he was a fairly good fighter and with a little more training would be able to keep them both out of harm's way. His family would live near the restaurant and help out, it was a good deal for everyone.

As soon as he had stepped outside he could feel the difference, it was a little more chaotic than inside but everyone seemed happy enough. He could see Britannians who seemed interested in learning about Japanese culture, but also some that were trying to hide their disdain for the 'numbers'. He would make sure that one of his teams searched through the footage of this and get a clear picture of these people for the future.

Making his way towards the small stage he was often stopped, mostly by Japanese thanking him or wanting to talk to him, even some Britannians got brave enough to step up to him. At one point CC stepped closer to him, all tense, looking at someone standing a little bit away from the centre with a hateful look. As he made a step in their direction a guard in civil bumped into him, spilling a little of his drink over him. While the two argued they continued a little more quickly but he still stopped at some of the information stands, chatting with the people there about this and that, having to trust in everyone around him to keep him safe. He trusted CC, his continued survival was in her own interest and that alone was enough but apart from that they had grown closer in the last weeks. She was there when he needed help, she was the one he discussed ideas with, the one who was able to keep his mind on track, reminding him what really was important. So yes, trusting her with his life was something he was now easily able to do.

And Urabe had taken his job as bodyguard very seriously and he was easy to work with. Whenever CC was otherwise occupied in the last weeks he had taken over her duties and had never complained or questioned him outright, whenever he asked why he had done something the way he did he had only detected curiosity and always behind closed doors and never in the presence of others. He had opened up a little to him, had shared laughs with him when the older soldier recounted some of his conversations with the Britannians. At the beginning he may only have trusted in his loyalty to Tohdoh, but he was starting to see that the man really seemed to respect him and wanted to protect him not only out of a sense of duty.

They arrived at the stage and when he stepped up everyone started to quiet down. He got a nod from Darlton, another surprising development. Ever since the man read his security report he grudgingly respected him. He would still kill him at a moment's notice if commanded but had not been able to find fault with his work and at least accepted that he knew what he was doing. Euphemia was as cheerful as ever and Suzaku scowling. All in all the usual greeting he got from the three. Kirihara also was there, giving him a small bow and smirking at him.

He and Euphemia walked to the front of the stage under the watchful stare of their respective guards.

"Today is an important day for all of us. This is the opening ceremony of our Special Administrative Zone of Japan, which has only come this far so soon because of all your help, your dedication and your will to create a peaceful country. For that I want to thank you all!"

"Of course we still have much do to, but I trust in your wish to live peaceful side by side with Britannia and I also will do everything to continue our good work. Let us move towards the future together!"

Some of the gathered Japanese were screaming Euphemias name while most only applauded her.

"I too want to thank you all for your hard work and am sure that together we can show that even if we are different the wish for peace and freedom can unite even the most unlikely persons.

As long as we stay strong and work together we can overcome everything!" He had to stop here for a moment, the screaming and applauding was getting too loud. He held up his hand, showing he still wanted to say something.

"I too will continue to work hard so that we will be able to live here in peace, as will Princess Euphemia, we both know that without you all we wouldn't be where we are now. Together we all can create a country of peace and equality. But I will also always remember the sacrifices that have gotten us here today. Remember were you come from and strive for a better future!"

And with that the crowd was going wild, when he mentioned Euphy he had held out his hand and she had taken it with a smile to show their unity. So now they were standing in front of a roaring crowd, chanting their names. Soon the chanting of 'Zero' drowned out the princess' name.

.

-!-!-

.

They had moved from the stage back to a nearby building. Euphemia watched as Zero strode purposeful towards the entrance door, seemingly not moved by what just happened. He really knew how to move so many with just his words. She always had to think long on such things and write it down and sometime even rehearse it, he seemed to be able to do that on the spot.

They moved inside the prepared room and she motioned for Zero to accompany her to another while all of the others stayed there. Suzaku of course stayed by her side while she motioned to General Darlton to stay with the other leaders. She saw one of Zeros bodyguards also staying behind while the one who was clearly a woman shadowing the masked man. The room next door was small but enough for what she needed.

"Is there something you need, Princess?"

"Yes, I want to thank you again for all your help."

"I told you already there's nothing to thank me for. This is the wish of the people and that's the reason I'm here."

"I understand. If not for you cooperation we would never have gotten so many people to sign up for the SAZ"

"Princess Euphemia! You can't believe that!"

She turned to smile sadly at her knight. They had talked about this in the past, the both of them believing the other responsible for the number of people coming to join. But she had also seen the numbers.

"Suzaku, sadly it's true."

"No, I don't understand why they seem to support Zero more than you. That they seem to forget that it's because of you Princess that they have gotten back their freedom!"

Her knight was glaring at her masked brother again, it always hurt her to see that, knowing they were friends. She still hadn't been able to make Lelouch see reason and come true to his friend and maybe it was because of the way Suzaku was treating him as Zero. She wanted to try and make him realise that he wasn't so bad, maybe then Lelouch would unmask for him.

"It's not important. As long as we reach the people, does it really matter why they trust us?"

"That may be so. But I still believe they should be more thankful to you, Princess. It's only because of you that something like the SAZ was possible."

Before she could answer that, the modified voice cut through.

"If you really think that you're deluding yourself. The Japanese have no reason to trust Britannia, you may not like it or accept it but it's you who got so many to trust in the SAZ. You're still Genbu Kururugis son and a Japanese who accomplished a high position. So they trust the princess only because of you.

And I have always worked for the freedom of the Japanese people so the moment I accepted Euphemias proposition the faith in the SAZ increased. Maybe you should show your knight the statistics, so that he understands better. Now excuse me, I have other things to do."

He was always so cold while wearing the mask. But she nodded to him while he walked back to the door, already thinking about how to make Suzaku understand what he meant. She was startled out of her thoughts when he spoke again before opening the door.

"You should also think about why the SAZ was even approved."

And with that he left the room, followed by his guard.

"Euphy, what did he mean with that?"

A good question. She knew her brother would never say something like that if it wasn't important. In the last weeks he had often challenged her view on certain things and she had come to realise that nearly every time he was right. She would think on that later and ask him if she couldn't figure it out. For now she wanted to make Suzaku realise that Zero was important and not at all a bad guy without revealing his secret.


SAZ, 2nd Month, Week 2

.

He felt self-satisfied. He had just finished a meeting with the leaders of the SAZ and they had discussed the latest report they would send to Britannia. They had ascertained that they had reached their goal of self-sufficiency already. It had all worked out better than expected, they had of course had small bumps along the road but nothing overly difficult. But of course the really hard time would come as soon as Britannia withdrew from them. Since everything so far had worked so well Euphemia was almost giddy with happiness and he couldn't begrudge her this time of peace but sadly he feared that she was –again- ignoring reality and his warnings. He would wait and see.

He himself didn't have the luxury of enjoying this calm time, there were other things he had to plan, organise and achieve in the meantime so that when the SAZ started crumbling they were prepared. The Honorary Britannians who had left the army were reviewed to find the best leaders. He had found a few talented ones who were organising the different schedules of everyone and the best he had put at the gate.

At the moment he was on his way to one of his duties to which he had dedicated the most of his time in the last weeks before his time would be taken up by other matters. Next to the Aokigahara forest they had built a Shintō- shrine which he was now entering only to shortly leave it again through a backdoor which led directly into the forest. In the last weeks he had become accustomed to this strange forest where sound didn't travel. The small hidden signs along the way were easily detected through experience and he walked deeper. He didn't always use the route through the shrine, they had other, more hidden ways, in getting into the forest which was also used by the others. After some time he reached his destination. They had built a shooting range here to train the hidden Black Knights, for this purpose it was always Urabe who had bodyguard-duty on these days. As a trained soldier he was the one instructing them.

In the last weeks he had taken part in every training scheduled for the different groups. There would come a time when he would be preoccupied with other things so he used this phase to get as much training done as he was able to do. His mask was designed for maximum sight but his vision was still different than without.

The official army/police of the SAZ had an official training ground which he visited regularly to see how they were doing. The squad leaders who had been in the Britannian army the longest and in some cases had been in the army before the invasion too were overseeing the training there. Thanks to Euphemia they even got help from General Darlton and on occasion even Suzaku helped in hand-to-hand combat. He hoped that later, when he had worked on them more, he would be able to get them into Knightmare simulators without anyone knowing. Who knew, maybe he would find some hidden talents.

That's also what they did here. After they were done at the shooting range they went to a nearby cave where they had stationed some of their simulators. While the first teams made their way inside the others would be trained by Urabe in hand-to-hand combat.

He was overseeing and participating in the simulators. They always started with basics, climbing a building with slash harkens, traveling through difficult terrain and the like. After that were different missions, some of them he commanded and in others he was merely another team member. In the last weeks he had increased the difficulties in the missions he commanded, he expected them to follow even if his orders seemed to be leading them to death. It was important for them to understand that he would always do his best to lead them to victory even through the most uncommon methods. Rakshatas team had even made simulations of past battles like Shinjuku and Narita. He always ended these exercises with one mission where the frames were equipped with floating units. It was new and exciting that they were able to fly and even though at the end they were tired they still gave it their all. Rakshata had been able to get enough data from the Gawain to construct her own flight wings and it was important that they learned to handle this new way of fighting.

After they were done and the others were leaving, he and Urabe downloaded the battle data and discussed a few things.

"Are you satisfied with their development?"

"Yes, they all work hard and give it their all. It's easy to train them, how were the simulations going?"

"There are some who will most likely never get assigned to a Knightmare squad but even so they know that, they work hard. I've told them that we need more than pilots and will find them a place where they can use their talents. They accept that and it's still important that they know what to do should they ever sit in a KMF. That's why were also training with different frames be they Britannian made or our own models."

"You mean like the mission in Shinjuku were you only use Sutherlands?"

"Exactly. We don't know what the future will bring and being able to also operate a Sutherland may be the difference."

"It's sometimes scary how you think."

"Thank you... I think. Now let's get back, I'm drained."

"That's because you train with all three teams. They're beat after one round but you go through all three."

"At least this way Tohdoh can't complain about me having no endurance."

They shared a laugh about that. And it was the truth, piloting was mentally and physically draining and with his schedule he was not able to do more. Sometimes he found the time and had asked CC to show him a few tricks as he was more comfortable losing against her than any other. It was a blow to his ego, losing constantly against a woman, but she was also an immortal with decades of experience so he could justify it that way. But it wasn't a priority, he would never be good at it, it was only meant for a worst-case scenario and that he wouldn't be completely helpless. He had accepted that he was constantly accompanied by someone dedicated to his protection. His main weapon was still his mind and maybe his piloting skills. He didn't have the natural talent of Kallen but he had a knack for it and his new frame was playing to his strengths.

"While at this topic, Tohdoh asked if you could come with me to the hideout today. Apparently there are some things he wishes to discuss in person. I checked your schedule and as always you left it free after training."

"No problem. But we still have to go back to my office for a moment. And it's late enough that it wouldn't be suspicious if I leave already."

.

-!-!-

.

Whenever he was in their main hideout it was never calm, there was always some kind of activity but as soon as it was known that he would visit more people came to greet him or approached him because they wanted to discuss something.

He was first greeted by a technician giving him a report on the information front which he read through quickly.

"That's better than expected, well done. But please remain cautious, it's more important that the virus isn't detected. Whatever information we gain is great but being found would be a heavy blow to us."

"Understood Zero. We will move carefully."

"Thank you."

He was held up two more times before he was able to reach the planning room Urabe had told him the meeting would take place as he had left him as soon as he was held up the first time. He was surprised to also find Rakshata in the room but that would make some things easier. Beside her there also were the subordinates of Tohdoh present, so after he locked the door he took of his mask and cape which he lay down on one of the chairs.

"You look tired. We can keep this short if you want?" Even if he didn't like Tohdoh pointing that out he was still thankful for his consideration.

"No need. I too have something to discuss with you. Let's start, what do you have for me?"

"I've finished the modification on the Gejfun disturber you wanted."

"That's great! So we can finally begin preparations for mission 'End Game'."

"Yes, that's why I wanted this meeting. I have worked out our first targets and picked the team members needed. I would like to go over the plans with you before we start."

As they looked them over they only found small details which had to be adapted, overall Tohdoh had done a perfect job and he was thankful that he could leave that in his capable hands.

"We have also looked over your training data. I would need the Shinkiro again for two days to make slight adjustments, do you think you can arrange something?"

"I should be able to take a few days off before the 2-months-mark of the SAZ, should I leave it here or would Tokyo be better?"

"I can transport it from here easier."

"Ok, as soon as I have planned it out I will notify you."

He asked after the training of their hidden troops next and was happy to hear that they too had made good progress, especially in the flying simulations. It wasn't perfect, simulations were always different than real battle but it was all they could do in the meantime.

"How about Kallen, what's her data?"

"She is a natural in the air as much as in any other Knightmare. She has been able to meet Zero squad in the hideout near her home that we arranged for her. From what I heard she always works them near exhaustion whenever she has the time." Tohdoh seemed more than impressed with her skills and from him that was high praise but on the other hand he hadn't expected anything else from his ace. He was kind of sad that he wasn't able to interact much with her nowadays, outside of the Student council they were careful not be seen together too much. And their respective missions also kept them apart.

Chiba was the one to speak next "I have also been able to arrange some time with her for martial arts training. She is a good fighter, learns new things fast and is really motivated. I like teaching her."

"That's good to hear. Rakshata, if she takes to flying so well maybe you can think of something special for her, maybe a faster flight pack? She handled the speed of the Guren well from the start, we should match the speed in the air to that on the ground."

The scientist only nodded thoughtfully to that, most likely already thinking about it. He had to clear his throat to get her attention again.

"You mentioned last time that our allies in India have been doubting our alliance."

"Yes. They accept my word that you're still working towards the freedom of Japan and ultimately the freedom of my country, but they would like more reassurance."

"Then it's a good thing that I have been able to finally finish my latest plan which deals with the Chinese federation. As we have already discussed, they pose a threat to a free Japan as we saw with Sawasaki. We have come up with a few ideas depending on our intelligence . Here is what I propose, it depends on more information of course, but this is eventually something I want to do."

He handed out his newest plot which, if they could make it work, would even give them the chance to take on Britannia itself. He had put a summary at the front so that they could discuss it immediately, the detail they should read in their own time, he was exhausted.

Asahina was the first to look at him in shock. "The United Federation of Nations?"

.

-!-!-

.

SAZ, 2nd Month, Week 3, Sunday

"Lelouch-sama, the preparations are finished. We can start if you want."

He nodded to Sayoko and was about to get ready when someone knocked on their front door, he went to open himself and was surprised when he saw who their guest was.

"Suzaku! What are you doing here? Normally you call beforehand when you can visit." And it was true, it hadn't been often but whenever Suzaku was able to get away from the SAZ he had come to visit them but always asked if they had time. Ever since he had to leave him alone with 'Zero' his friend seemed to go out of his way to visit them.

"I'm sorry if I come at a bad time, but I had a short-notice meeting in the Tokyo settlement and thought i would drop in for a short visit before I travel back to Fuji."

"Normally it wouldn't be a problem, but we're in the middle of something."

"Onii-sama, is that Suzaku?" And of course Nunnally was able to hear him even two rooms away. Now he had to decide what to do. His schedule wouldn't allow it to postpone this.

"Yes, Nunnally he has come for a surprise visit. I just told him that he has bad timing."

"I understand. But it would be sad if we send him away when he hasn't much time for visits. You do trust him so why not let him join us? That way we could still spend time together?"

"A good idea. Please, come in Suzaku."

His friend stepped inside and looked at him puzzled. "What's going on?"

"We just wanted to start practice the new escape routes, you are welcome to join us but if you rather go back to your duties, I understand."

"Escape routes?"

"Yes of course. Or do you think that I haven't planned that we might be discovered and have to flee on short notice? I have recently reworked our security and some of the new routes are finished so we will test them today to see if I have to rework something."

"Well, if I'm not in the way I would like to stay, if that's really okay with you?"

"Of course, just stay with either Nunnally or myself."

While Suzaku greeted his sister he talked with Sayoko about a few things before they decided to start.

"Nunnally, first scenario: We are all at home and Sayoko stays to give us enough time, are you ready?" He got a nod from her so he took her wheelchair and ran to the back of the house while Sayoko took position at the door.

"It's route 3, it hasn't changed much, I just reworked it because of the wheelchair change." And with that he parked her in the corner of her room before he got down on his knees in front of her so he could carry her on his back. They made their way towards the back of the building where a hidden door let them inside a small room and to an elevator, Suzaku following them silently. When the elevator took them down Suzaku spoke.

"Wouldn't it be better if I carried her? I'm much fitter than you."

"That's true. But I can't rely on you, the chance that you are here when something happens is slim." That seemed to hit him harder than he thought it would, but it also showed him again that he had chosen a path that would separate them.

When they left the elevator an old wheelchair was waiting for them, not an electronical like Nunnally usually used but one with actual wheels. After he had gotten her inside he called Sayoko that they were done.

When Suzaku was surprised he explained that this was an old route, but before he had just took her here with her usual wheelchair. Since the Mao incident he had equipped it with GPS so they had to change it out so that the signal couldn't be followed.

They practiced some other paths as well, but not always going all the way. Some of the things waiting at the end of the tunnels would be too telling to show to his childhood-friend. Next were the scenarios were he wasn't at home and Sayoko would have to deal with everything alone. They went through the shutdown of the house were Nunnally helped, it was something they had had for a long time and it showed because his sister knew exactly were the remotes were. They were disabled for this occasion as it could be seen from outside if suddenly the windows were blocked by hidden steel blinds.

Suzaku stayed with him, observing everything.

"You have done that a lot haven't you?"

"Of course. Like I said, I don't take any chances."

"But why rework it now? Because of what happened with that strange Chinese man?"

"That's only part of the reason. It's actually because of the SAZ."

"What? Why?"

"Because it has the potential to draw unwanted attention to this area and that increases the risk of us being found." Lelouch said with a short sharp glance towards his friend.

"But the SAZ is working really well! There's finally peace in Area 11, so much that they're even withdrawing the ASEEC!"

"Ah, so that's the reason you came to Tokyo today. I assume they let you decide if you want to stay the pilot of the Lancelot or stay as Euphemias Knight"

"How do you know that?"

"That wasn't too hard to predict. You can't be both and the Lancelot is an experimental Knightmare so it's needed to be tested in actual combat and as you said, there isn't much to do here now that the SAZ has brought peace."

"How do you know such things?"

"I told you seven years ago that my mother was a test pilot of a Knightmare. And I piloted the Ganymede at last year's festival. I'm interested in such things."

"But you still haven't explained why the SAZ is the reason you reworked your security."

"I'm not sure that the peace will stay. Something like the SAZ has never been tried before and it will take more than roughly two months to show if it will work."

"Have you told that Euphemia?"

"Of course. In our first meeting. That's also the reason why we don't come to stay with her in the SAZ even though she is asking every now and then. I'm not as trusting as the both of you and will not endanger my sister. She doesn't know that I have taken such precautions but you can tell her what you saw today, I will not ask you to keep secrets from her. And her knowing about our escape routes is not something that would endanger us."

"You know that I will keep your secrets, even from her. I didn't tell her that I knew the two of you or that I knew you were both still alive until she discovered you on her own."

"But you shouldn't. You are Euphy's sworn knight, not ours. She is your only priority now. Ah, it seems like they are finished. Please entertain Nunnally while I discuss everything with Sayoko."

And with that he left his childhood friend, who looking troubled at their conversation while he hardened his heart and mind. Suzaku was outside his reach and he had to accept that finally. Both of them really, because they weren't kids anymore, playing knight and royals. They both had chosen their paths and even if Suzaku had become a real knight he himself would never be royalty again, not that he would want to. He was the leader of a rebellion and the future would likely only tear them more apart.

-!-!-

Suzaku watched him walk away, contemplating the look he had seen on his friends face. He may be able to hide from everyone else but he still knew him well enough that he was able to see the sad look in his eyes. Ever since he became Euphys knight he had the feeling that they were drifting apart, but he couldn't understand why. Sure, his childhood friend seemed to still hate Britannia but Euphemia seemed to be the exception. From what he had seen she was the only one in the royal family for whom he truly cared still. Lelouch had always been difficult to figure out even as a child but in the last weeks he was even harder to understand.

On one hand he was helping Euphy immensely with the SAZ, always there for here when she couldn't work through a problem on her own. She had revealed to him that she also wanted to build the SAZ for her two exiled siblings to give them peace and he had been ecstatic. But now Lelouch had shown him that he wasn't inclined to join them in the SAZ anytime soon, even when it was working so well. It was so great to see Japanese and Britannia work together and he was right in the middle of it. Seeing this peace come to life before his eyes, reinforced his belief that he had chosen the right path.

He joined Nunnally in the living room, seating himself next to her so she could take his hand if she wanted.

"Do you do these exercises often?"

"Not really. I know that we have had all of this for a long time but I have known about it only for a little over two years. Brother kept it secret until I was older."

"Sounds like him, always protecting you."

"Yes, I know. But sometimes…. Sometimes I think he shouldn't carry all this burden alone. I know that there is a lot he is not telling me, especially about seven years ago. I only have really vague memories about some of it. And whenever I asked about it, I wouldn't get a straight answer."

He took her hand in his, squeezing it reassuringly.

"I'm sure he has his reasons. He only wants what is best for you."

And he himself wasn't much different. Some of the things they had seen during the invasion where not meant for the eyes of children and it was the one time he had been glad about Nunnallys blindness, for he too would never tell her about that time.

.


SAZ, 2nd Month, Week 4, Wednesday

.

She watched her contractor sleep. He had arranged for a short break from the SAZ and she had insisted he use the time to rest, she knew him well enough and if she wouldn't watch out for him he would have mostly worked and he deserved a rest before the inevitable chaos that would soon break out.

She often had to intervene so that he wouldn't work himself to complete exhaustion. He did delegate more now but ultimately most decisions were left to him and he also had to arrange two lives in a way that would not arise suspicion. Considering all that it was even more astounding that he was able to accomplish so much.

He still had his emotional outbursts, she didn't know how often she had listened to him rant in the last weeks but it was also important that he got it out of his system and she didn't care if she had to listen to his , sometimes childish, tirades. It helped him keep his cool when confronted with difficult situations and that was what she cared about.

Mostly he ranted about the airheaded princess and her puppy, aka Euphemia and Suzaku. As she often played bodyguard she knew why he was often so frustrated. The two of them together were more than she could handle, she usually tried avoiding people like that. She had seen enough of the world to know that these two had no idea how the world around them really worked. It was nice and all to believe in the good of people but her decades of experience had shown her that mankind as a whole was not something to believe in. And it was funny how Lelouch used every opportunity and opening to slowly talk them out of their naïve opinions, sometimes not so subtly and other times in such a roundabout way that the she wasn't sure if the two even registered it. It was wearing at him that he often had to be so cold-hearted to them, not letting them fully enjoy the peaceful time of the SAZ but he had again proven to her why he was different. He would mourn for the lost friendship when he was alone but would still use the next opportunity to challenge their worldview. That was also why he treasured the visits of Suzaku so much, it gave him strength when they would slip into the easy companionship she had observed between them as boys.

It fascinated her how they had developed while she had been held prisoner by Clovis. While the experiences during the invasion had destroyed them both to a certain degree it was Lelouch who had come out on top. Staying true to himself, to his beliefs. Using everything to harden his resolve, accepting the harsh reality and continued on his path. Suzaku on the other hand had put his head in the sand, hiding behind a mask of righteousness and ignoring reality.

It had been some time since anything had held her interest for this long. There was always something happening and Lelouch was different from anyone else she had met. He may really finally be the one who would take her code in the end and in the meantime she would make sure that he wouldn't lose his mind to the evolving Geass, keeping him safe and doing everything to ensure he would reach his goals and the best part was that she was also beginning to enjoy herself. Maybe in her last days on earth she should allow herself to truly live.

Now she only had to decide what to do about the Geass Directorate. VV had played with her contractor and she didn't like that one bit, even if Lelouch came out of it unscathed. Of course he was of interest to the other immortal but she was sure that for now they didn't have to worry about it. VV was firmly on Charles side and as long as they hadn't acquired all Thought Elevators they most likely would let Lelouch do as he pleased, especially now that the ruins on Kamine Island were firmly in their possession. There was a high possibility that they would attack Lelouch again when they tried treeing Japan again. She had also reduced her conversations with Marianne, who had been especially curious about her sons plans for the SAZ. She may be 'dead' and somehow hiding in the World of C but she was certain that she was also communicating with her husband and she would protect Lelouch even from them.

Deciding when to reveal all of this to her accomplice was what kept her awake. He already had more than enough on his plate and as long as he wasn't in danger she was reluctant to reveal even more possible problems to him. For now she would watch out for him on that front so that he could concentrate on everything else.

.


.

SAZ, 3rd Month, Week 1, Tuesday

.

Lelouch was taking a small break from his paperwork. He couldn't fully concentrate on it today, so instead he had taken out his new chess-set and rearranged the pieces seemingly at random. It had been a gift from the Japanese for the success of the SAZ and as a thank you. When they reached the goal of self-sufficiency after two months they had decided to celebrate it in a small way. For those who wanted to attend they had organised a small shogi-tournament last Saturday where he had of course participated and the highlight of the day had been when he played against Kirihara and everyone present had watched their game. It was after he won his second round against him that Kirihara had presented him with his gift. It was a beautifully crafted chess-set and a shogi-set, both made out of wood from the cursed Aokigahara forest. He had been really touched by this gesture and it only made him more determined to go through with his plans.

They had been in the media on and off but with the official announcement that they had reached the goal set to them by Britannia it had increased in the last days. There had been many requests to visit and document the SAZ by different television station. It had been difficult ensuring that they only got visuals that were 'safe' but they had managed. There had been interviews with some inhabitants but the two most important ones had been with Euphemia and of course Schneizel.

While his sister had been her usual charming and happy self it was of course his older brother who had been noteworthy. He had of course congratulated them profusely, that they had exceeded his expectations to get everything working so well so soon. But he had also reminded everyone that Britannia was now withdrawing from them. It had been subtle of course, but it had more or less been "We don't care anymore". He was certain that it wouldn't take long before the first attacks came.

Just then his phone rang. He looked at it speculative, the number was from the security point at the gate, he had a pretty good idea what this would be. Sadly he was proven right yet again when he picked up.

"Zero-sama. It has begun."

-!-!-

He had left his office as soon as he got the call and was striding into the storehouse which was situated near the gate. There was a lot of activity, guards and other members of his security staff working around each other and it centred around the boxes which were all in the middle of the room.

The leader of this shift approached him.

"It's as you predicted, Zero. Some of the food supplies have been poisoned."

"For once I had really hoped to be proven wrong." He sighed audibly. It was only the second day of their perceived 'freedom' from Britannia and it was already starting. Before he could think more about it the guard spoke up again.

"Most of us didn't want to believe what you told us and when you showed us all the precautions you installed. But when your first prediction is this accurate I can't help fear that the rest will come true as well. I'm thankful for the reminder last week and we will take care to always follow the protocol to the letter. I will also talk to the other, we will make sure not to get sloppy. I promise Zero-sama!"

At least something positive was coming from all this. They would slowly come to realise that his paranoia had a reason and all the precaution he had taken had reason and would at one point prove vital. The longer this went on the more they would trust in him and he would be able to sway them to his side and be able to prepare them for the inevitable fall of the SAZ.

It was only a small start but as time went on the attacks would increase and come from all sides and they had to make sure that everyone would stay safe. It was the beginning of the end and he wasn't exactly sure if he should be happy or sad about it.

.

.


FINALLY! I can't tell you how much I have been looking forward to this. I'm kind of giddy at the thought of finally destroying the SAZ, especially because it was a freaking pain to make it come alive and trying to make everything work and fairly plausible.

Hope the 'timetable' I use is reasonable.

Until next time!