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Chapter Ten: Bloodbeard's Week Day One-The Stolen Armors
Lelouch and Kallen walked into the meeting room where everyone was gathered around the table.
"I'd say good morning to both of you but…we all know what today is," said Ohgi grimly.
"Day one of Bloodbeard's Week," said Tohdoh. "We have seven days to try and convince the UFN not to disband."
"And our reports from Kaguya say that's not going to be easy," said Xinke. "Our actions the other day have only heightened the paranoia of the delegates about the Britannian Empire, the United States of Japan, and the Chinese Federation about collaborating together to make super-soldiers."
"Not to mention we still have no leads on where Bloodbeard currently is," said Chiba.
"Let's not forget that we're also seriously underhanded here people," said Gino.
"What are you guys worrying about?" said Tamaki. "We can take whatever Bloodbeard and the UFN throw at us. Just look at what we did to Ferdinand and his buddies."
"Everyone did and thanks to Milly we're at least getting some good publicity," said Viletta. "But even with our powers we're still not out of the woods.
"She's right," said Guilford. "We can't remain silent anymore and we certainly cannot let Bloodbeard hide wherever he pleases."
"What you're saying is that we either direct all of our attention to finding one man or try to win back the trust of the UFN and keep the world from dissolving in a massive nuclear war is that it?" said Jeremiah.
"One or the other," said Guilford. "We don't have the resources to do both. I agree that the UFN is a definite priority but also is finding Bloodbeard and his hordes."
"He's right," said Chiba. "Bloodbeard and his monsters can't come out during the day. We can split our remaining forces to hunt them while they sleep and still handle our issues with the UFN."
"Bloodbeard's power is too impressive to challenge," said Tohdoh. "You saw the monstrous transformations he can manifest."
"But if we corner him then we…"
"Will be slaughtered like pigs," said Lelouch.
Everyone went silent, wanting to listen to their leader's plans. Cornelia was hoping Lelouch had something incredibly painful in store for Bloodbeard. Euphie's suffering was the final straw; she would not rest until Bloodbeard had paid for his crimes against her family.
"I think you've forgotten about what Bloodbeard really wants," said Lelouch. "His real goal is the Eternity Chalice."
The reminder of the cup was something that sent shivers down each of their backs.
"The Chalice is what Bloodbeard wants," said Lelouch.
"What is the Chalice?" asked Chiba.
"According to M.M its power of Absolute Providence helps to influence the health of the world and its people," said Lelouch. "Essentially it's the Holy Grail."
"Influences the health of the world and its people? What the hell does that mean?" asked Tamaki.
"I think what Tamaki is trying to say is what are the repercussions of Bloodbeard's obtaining of the Chalice?" asked Tohdoh.
"I believe I can explain that," said M.M appearing on the table out of nowhere.
"How do you keep doing that?" shouted Tamaki.
"A good magician never reveals the secrets of his tricks," said M.M. "Anyway, the Eternity Chalice is a direct conduit for the power of the Collective Unconscious, in short it is a faucet that eternally spills out the power of God, Absolute Providence. It helps regulate the ever ongoing flow of life's energies for the planet and the inhabitants. There are forces and powers beyond what you see and what you have ever learned. Should these forces be disrupted the energy flow of life will be gravely affected, sending the world into turmoil. The earth's plants and trees will have incredible trouble processing food and energy. The world's population will experience terrible illness both physically and mentally, resulting in plague and madness. I told you Lelouch that this once happened before."
"The Dark Ages," said Lelouch. "When Arthur was the one who held the power of the God-King. He was able to restore the Chalice and overcome the evil. At least…that's how the legend goes."
"The Chalice revealed itself to Arthur and he quested for it indeed," said M.M. "He was able to restore it and thus allowed the world to survive even…at the cost of his own life. But now you are the God-King Lelouch and should Bloodbeard's power of Absolute Corruption affect the Chalice, I fear it will do worse damage than anything from before."
"Worse than the Dark Ages? Worse than a possible nuclear war? My god what could possibly be worse?" said Nunnally.
"Absolute Providence will become Absolute Damnation," said M.M. "It will bring about…"
M.M stopped either for some sick dramatic effect or for the Knights to put two-and-two together.
"It will bring about what?" yelled Ohgi.
"The end of the world," said Lelouch.
M.M nodded and everyone shuttered in absolute terror. Cold sweat ran down the faces of everyone in the room. Even hardened veterans were sent into a shutter by the possibility that they were facing Armageddon.
"Make no mistake," said M.M. "The Doomsday Clock has started ticking. If the UFN crumbles then it will a triumph of chaos over order and the Chalice shall reveal itself to attempt to heal the wounded soul of humanity as it did once before. It will come to a worthy holder who can hold the power with great goodness."
"Hold?" asked Nunnally. "What do you mean hold?"
"The holder of the Chalice cannot use it even though they would," said M.M. "It is for the seekers of the Chalice, the ones who must quest to prove they are worthy of Providence."
"You said that about the person who could 'use' the Chalice," said Lelouch.
"It will present itself to the most worthy person to use it but it must be earned and thus be in the possession of someone who is worthy to hold it," said M.M.
"Is there really a difference?" asked Kallen.
"Yes," said M.M. "The holder is the purest little island in a great sea of despair. The user is the sailor who proves himself worthy to use the power granted to him."
"Is that why he wanted Euphie?" asked Cornelia. "To have her hold the Chalice so that he could corrupt it."
"Yes," said M.M. "Even though she wouldn't be able to use the power, she would want to use it only for good. Bloodbeard planned to force her to give him the Chalice and thus damn the world."
"So that means he'll go after Euphie again," said Suzaku.
"It is possible," said M.M.
"Then we should we do?" asked Nunnally. "I will not condone or approve of any action to kill Euphie if that is what you want M.M."
"Of course not," said M.M. "She is useless to Bloodbeard now. She will sleep until he is defeated and she is purified by the sheer power of the Chalice. Till then let her sleep. Let her climb the highest mountains, or swim the deepest ocean, and walk through the gentlest of meadows. Happy Bloodbeard's Week."
With that M.M was gone.
"Today marks the beginning of what has now been official called 'Bloodbeard's Week'," said a reporter on the television. "According to the super powered terrorist Amadeus Bloodbeard, the United Federation of Nations has until the week is out to disband or he will make good on his threat of death. We have received no word from the Black Knights on what will be done about this situation. On that note, high-ranking members of the Black Knights using what can only be called 'magic powers' to deter a massive terrorist attack. It has also been confirmed by our own Milly Ashford, currently recovering from her ordeal involving the terrorist known as Ferdinand the Hunter that Lelouch VI Britannia, called Lelouch the Godsend by some circles, was able to defeat the terrorist. This development has caused an impressive amount of publicity for the former Emperor; however with no official word we must all ask ourselves an important question about Lelouch VI Britannia: Friend or foe?"
"Turn it off," said Ohgi.
Gino turned the television off before anyone could blink.
"They have a point you know," said Gino looking at Lelouch. "Are you friend or foe?"
"That was uncalled for," snapped Kallen.
Lelouch didn't mind, he couldn't blame the people of the world. After all he had done to them why should they expect nothing but the worst from him. But now he had more important things on his mind than his reputation. He needed to do something about Bloodbeard and do it quickly. It would be easier to negotiate to the UFN if he wasn't around causing trouble. But Bloodbeard's lair had been compromised, but the city was large and the sewer system was large.
There was also M.M, he knew about Euphie's condition and was most likely the one who rescued him, Rivalz, and Suzaku when the bridge was destroyed. He delivered them to Bloodbeard's doorstep where a cursed Euphie was chained to his throne being ogled like a toy. He knew and yet did nothing. He sent others in his place. But in Lelouch's soul he knew M.M was someone he could trust.
"You are the leader Lelouch, not me," M.M's voice said in his head.
"What…now you can enter minds?" said Lelouch in his mind.
"Absolute Possibility," said M.M's voice. "I did know about Euphemia and I knew that she would be safer in your hands."
"The same hands that are stained with her blood? Lelouch thought.
"No one is ever truly without sin when in combat," said M.M. "She was a casualty of war. An unfortunate casualty but a casualty still. Just like…Shirley. And no, she is still among the dead. Bloodbeard resurrected Euphemia via some dark miracle for the sole purpose of obtaining the Eternity Chalice, no one else was raised and no one else should be. You have ventured already where gods walk and will venture to where angels dare not go…but it is not your place to interfere in the sleeping grounds of the dead. Let her, your false brother and the dear enchantress lie in their eternal peace."
"Peace? You call what happened to them peace?" cried Lelouch's mental voice.
On his face a furious scowl appeared, confusing those who were trying to get his attention. Kallen was closest and tried everything to bring Lelouch out of his stupor. She slapped him and he didn't respond.
"Lelouch?" Kallen asked worryingly.
"They may have died gruesome deaths but now they rest," said M.M. "If you continue to dwell on them and your failures then Bloodbeard has won half the battle. Let them rest and focus on the task at hand."
Lelouch wanted to argue but he knew that M.M was right. He still felt deep a pain from all of his loses but if he continued to dwell on them he could lose Bloodbeard's trail. He acted that way once when he was returned to Japan. He caught Bloodbeard a few times in the dark streets and always lost because he hurt for C.C.
"I will…focus M.M," said Lelouch.
"M.M?" said Cornelia. "M.M isn't here Lelouch."
"Surprising since he seems to be everywhere at once," said Tamaki. "I mean he keeps popping in and out uninvited or unwanted. What's with him?"
"And he knew that Euphemia was a danger and did nothing," said Chiba.
"Euphie had no control over herself," snapped Cornelia.
"That's not the first time," said Tamaki, immediately wishing he didn't say that when Cornelia shot him a deadly glare.
Guilford held onto Cornelia to try to calm her down and to keep her from murdering Tamaki. This didn't work as Cornelia grabbed the Japanese man and threw him against the wall. When Tamaki's head shook back into place his eyes opened and the symbol of Geass shone brightly. He opened his mouth and was about to let loose a scream before Jeremiah activated his Geass Canceller so that Tamaki couldn't let loose his scream. This gave Cornelia her chance to strike again. Her fist was caught by Ohgi's iron hand while his other iron hand clasped over Tamaki's mouth.
"Enough," he yelled. "Fighting among ourselves is not going to help the current situation."
"It's bad enough as it is already," said Viletta. "We only have one week to try and mount a counter operation."
Ohgi released Tamaki after he deactivated his Geass.
"Why don't we just have M.M tell us what to do?" said Tamaki. "He seems to know everything."
"M.M won't tell us anything," said Lelouch.
All eyes turned towards him.
"He merely influences," said Lelouch. "Pushing certain people in the right direction…though he keeps the final destination to himself apparently."
"Well use your Geass on him and make him…"
"I doubt an all-powerful immortal wizard is going to let himself be tricked so easily," said Tohdoh.
"Besides why would I want to control M.M?" said Lelouch. "He may be mysterious and slightly shifty but…I trust him."
"That's because you have some of…Arthur's memories in you," said Guilford. "In reality Lelouch you don't really know M.M."
"M.M hasn't done anything to make me distrust him," said Lelouch. "He saved me from the desert that Bloodbeard left me in."
"Didn't he also leave you in a rundown neighborhood without a penny to your name?" said Guilford.
"I actually gave him a quarter," said M.M. "He just didn't use it."
Everyone jumped in surprise as M.M suddenly appeared in the couch the silent Rakshata was lying on (as usual) with her head in his lap. This caused the Indian woman to nearly fall out but M.M caught her.
"Falling for me already aren't you?" laughed M.M.
Rakshata just blushed and got to her feet.
"Ugh…how long have you…?" Tamaki stuttered.
"Sorry, I was entertaining this rather enchanting and beautiful young lady I've met quite recently," said M.M.
Nobody needed to know that.
"Don't let my age fool you. I'm as spry and forceful as…"
"Why didn't you tell us about Euphemia?" yelled Chiba.
"Is that how you address your elders' young lady?" said M.M. "One so beautiful should never be so rude."
Chiba pulled back and blushed slightly while Tohdoh scowled at the wizard.
"I didn't tell you because it wasn't necessary," sighed M.M.
"Wasn't necessary?" shouted Cornelia. "You knew that my sister could have been used as a weapon by that…inhuman monster and did nothing."
"The duty of action falls to the king," said M.M. "I am merely the advisor."
"Well who the hell is the king?" said Tamaki.
M.M pointed to Lelouch.
"The boy who would be king," said M.M. "Lelouch is the one who will make the final call in the end. I merely advise and council to make sure he makes the wise choices. Although sometimes I…interfere."
"It was you who rescued me and Sayoko from Bloodbeard wasn't it?" asked Jeremiah.
"Indeed," said M.M. "You will have a very important duty to uphold sometime in the future Sir Gottwald and for that you need to be alive."
Jeremiah smiled at the thought of him having an important duty to his majesty.
"Besides, you'll have bigger issues then my withholding knowledge," said M.M. "It is Bloodbeard's Week, and there are going to be dark days ahead. By the end of the week on the hour of the Beast, the United Federation of Nations will make a decision that will either save the world or destroy it. It is your duty Lelouch, to make sure that doesn't happen."
Lelouch was actually taken aback by this responsibility. He was to ensure the security of the world and the Eternity Chalice.
"Hour of the Beast?" asked Nunnally.
"666," growled Tohdoh. "Six seconds, after six minutes, past six o'clock."
"He never mentioned anything about that," said Viletta.
"I wouldn't put it past him though," said Gino. "He'd probably find it funny and fitting."
"Yes," said M.M. "After all he does wield the power of the Beast."
"Absolute Corruption," growled Suzaku. "He used it on himself."
"He uses it on himself," said M.M. "You've seen Infected that resemble insects and you've seen him as an insect but he grew out an ape-like arm in his lair."
"So he can transform himself into a whole menagerie of monstrosities," said Xinke. "More good news."
"Damn it M.M, we need more information than you're giving out," shouted Cornelia. "Tell us everything you know about Bloodbeard."
M.M stared out at the Black Knights, unfaltering and unafraid. His stern gaze actually made them nervous. His power seemed vast and magnificent and not to be trifled with.
"There are ancient places in the world where even angels fear to tread," said M.M. "Legend says there is a pit that was formed when Lucifer fell from heaven as such men through their most violent, most ruthless, and most evil down into the darkness. In that pit where death awaits any unfortunate soul who cannot survive down there, a child was born. A son was born in darkness to a witch. The son would have been easy prey for the damned…but something about him was different. He was powerful and with only thieves and murderers to teach him he became something even the damned feared. He became the Lord of the Pit, the Witch-Man, and the Prince of Darkness."
M.M's way of telling the story actually made a few of the night's shiver. Lelouch himself was even trembling but…for a different reason. He felt a deep and terrible dread inside of his soul. At his side he could hear Caledflwch's strange cry in anguish. Lelouch felt a pain in his head and fell to his knees.
"Lelouch, what's wrong?" cried Kallen as she fell to his side in worry.
Cornelia and Suzaku also went to Lelouch.
"The memories of Arthur ring true," said M.M. "You know who your foe is."
"No," Lelouch cried.
He leapt to his feet and ran out the door.
"I'll get him," said Gino as he activated his Geass of Absolute Speed.
He was about to run off when someone grabbed his shoulder.
"No," said M.M. "He has demons to face."
Lelouch made it to his room and out onto the balcony. He grabbed onto the rail and hung his head over. He then opened his eyes to what he considered a terrible sight. Hundreds of citizens were at the entrance to the Black Knight headquarters, demanding answers and actions to protect them from Bloodbeard's evil. Someone looked up and saw him and shouts of angry and frightened citizens nearly deafened Lelouch. People were blaming him for causing the evil, others were begging him to save them, but all eyes were on him. All eyes were on the one man who had the power to save the world but didn't have a plan to work with. He wanted to say something but his once silver tongue was now rusted and all he could do was stand stupefied as the mortals below cried up to the God-King for him and his Angels to bless them. In a fit of stress and shame Lelouch left their gaze, with their curses and begging becoming louder by the second.
"I'm sorry," he cried silently. "I can't…I can't help you."
He slumped into his chambers and fell onto the floor in his depression. The great strategist did not know what to do with the knowledge and power he had in his hands. He didn't know how to handle confronting the people of the world…not when they can see the face he wanted them to hate. Perhaps Ferdinand was right and he used Zero like a crutch. How could he, with such an ugly bloodstained face, possibly win the love and devotion the world once had for a man with no face?
Behind the steel walls of the compound tiny termite-like creatures were chewing through wires and metal, silently disabling security systems and other alarms. They scattered and scurried all over devouring the wires and metal that helped the defenses. While the small creatures burrowed through the walls a snake-like creature slithered through the pluming and once through became a man. He heard a lone soldier whistling outside of his stall. He smiled, showing his sharp teeth.
Lelouch had fallen asleep listening to the anguished cries of the people. His dreams were nice when he slept with Kallen. But Kallen was not here to make the darkness of his regular dreams go away.
Lelouch stood in full suit with Caledflwch covered with coagulated blood and gore. He looked out at the world before him. The sky was red and black with fire falling from the heavens. The city was in absolute ruins as if a massive cataclysm had struck. Bodies of the dead and the deseased were everywhere, all stinking of rot, all ghostly and sad, but what frightened Lelouch most was what he saw in the street. He saw the dead bodies of his dearly beloved friends. Ohgi, Tohdoh, Milly, Rivalz, Suzaku, Cornelia, Nunnally, and…Kallen, they were all dead. Kallen was closest to Lelouch. She was lying in the street, naked and covered with her own blood, more on her stomach then anywhere else. She coughed up some blood and Lelouch rushed over to her, a slight pang of hope in his heart, that he might heal his beloved and take her away from this...hell. He knelt down and picked her head up as gently as he could, worry and fear sickening his heart. He knelt by his wounded queen and took her off the ground, tears of fear and hope falling from his face.
"Kallen, please," Lelouch cried. "Please don't die."
"Lelouch…," she coughed. "How…how could you do this to me?"
Lelouch was stunned by her words. He nearly dropped her but cradled her tenderly, almost obsessivly.
"How could…how could you fail and let Bloodbeard kill me?" she coughed in pain. "Kill me, our friends, our…our…"
With a mutilated hand she pointed to her stomach which Lelouch only now noticed was swollen and scarred. There came a realization too horrible…it left no room for sanity.
"…our…Child?" Kallen coughed before finally dying, a tear shedding for the lost child, the lost hope, and her lost life.
Lelouch dropped her corpse and rose with great fear. His bloodstained hands covered his face as he hyperventilated in panic.
"Ahhhh…" he cried in horror.
He continued to cry on and on until his bloodstained hands began to tear at his face and hair.
"Ahhhh…Ahhhh…" he cried as his flesh tore revealing…something else. "Ahhhh…ha…ha…ha, ha, ha, ha."
The screaming became laughing as Lelouch tore off his skin, not registering pain but only making him laugh louder. His black hair was pulled out and in its place sandy, curly, blonde locks grew. The blood attached itself comfortably to Lelouch's face, as if it belonged there always. He tore out his teeth and from the gums grew sharpened fangs.
The screams of terror became a roaring laughter of amusement as the being that was once Lelouch stood proudly in Lelouch's armor. In a flash of lightning it was clear to the dead and to the eyes of whatever god had the courage to gaze into this darkness, that the face of Lelouch…had become the face of Bloodbeard. To show that this truly was Bloodbeard, the monster walked over to the dead body of Lelouch's beloved queen, licking his bloodstained lips in delight. Seliva fell from his mouth and onto Kallen's bloodied stomach where was held the lifeless child of her and Lelouch, their symbol of hope for the future. His jaws widdened and he took a bite.
Lelouch awoke in terror and frantically clutched at his face, feeling for blood, for his hair, and feeling his teeth. He felt someone else grab at his face and reached out clutching the phantom before him. He then felt a pair of arms grab around his back. Panicking Lelouch hooked his foot around his enemy's ankle and jumped backwards. He heard an annoyed grunt and slammed the back of his head to his attacker's nose. Lelouch did it again and again until he felt someone grab at his face.
"Lelouch, look at me," he heard a strong feminine voice yell.
Lelouch's vision cleared and he saw Kallen looking him square in the eyes. She was alive and as far as Lelouch could tell…not with child.
"Calm down," she said softly while stroking his face.
Lelouch inhaled deeply, catching a whiff of her cherry scent. He relaxed his muscles and whoever held him restrained let him go. Lelouch got up and saw that Suzaku was the one who kept him from strangling the woman he loved. Lelouch's eyes began to foam with tears as he gazed into Kallen's worried face. He fell to his knees and held onto her torso with his ear pressed against her stomach. Kallen and Suzaku looked on with concern as Lelouch seemed to calm down just listening to her breathing. Kallen calmly inhaled and exhaled.
"It was a dream," Lelouch sighed. "Thank god."
"It sounded more like a nightmare," said Kallen. "Lelouch…what did you see?"
Lelouch looked up at her with fear and sadness clear in his gaze.
"Everyone was dead," said Lelouch. "Everything was destroyed. I…I held your body in my arms. You were dying and…blamed me for letting…for letting Bloodbeard kill you. Letting him kill everyone in the world. Letting him….letting him…"
"Lelouch please," Kallen cried, not wanting him to relive his nightmare that sounded horrible.
"Letting him kill our child," Lelouch cried loudly.
Kallen's eyes widened in horror and in shock. Suzaku was also stunned, but not as much as Kallen was.
"You…were with child when you died," said Lelouch. "In my hands which I used to tear off all the skin on my face. Under my face…Bloodbeard was underneath."
Suzaku didn't think he could be more horrified by Lelouch's dream. The sheer horror that ran in Lelouch's mind disgusted Suzaku to the core. Surviving the end of the world, holding the dying body of the woman he loved while pregnant, and tearing off his face to show that under his skin was a psychotic monster.
Suzaku saw Caledflwch lying on the floor. He knelt down and picked it up while Kallen was comforting the traumatized Lelouch.
Nunnally had her hands on her mouth as tears ran down her face. Suzaku had just related Lelouch's dream to the Black Knights and none of them liked the story.
"My god," sobbed Cornelia. "We can't let Lelouch face Bloodbeard."
"That's exactly what I was thinking," said Suzaku.
"But he's the only one who can fight Bloodbeard," said Tamaki.
"At what cost?" said Nunnally. "Lelouch's complete mental health is in danger. It would be cruel to put him against that…monster."
"We don't have a choice," said Chiba.
"Yes we do," said Suzaku. "I can hold Caledflwch. I can fight Bloodbeard."
"No, you cannot," said M.M.
The wizard's sudden presence demanded attention.
"I'm not going to discuss this with you M.M," said Suzaku. "You're mind games have already hurt Lelouch enough."
"That which leads us through trials will often lead us to triumph," said M.M. "Besides, you do not have the power of the God-King. Caledflwch is merely the conduit for that power. You have the worthiness to hold the sword as a Lelouch's Champion, but not the grace and glory that Lelouch has been blessed with."
"Blessed or cursed," said Cornelia. "Look what's happened to Lelouch. He's hurt and scarred, if we push him into another confrontation with that beast Lelouch could suffer a massive psychological breakdown."
"He will rise to the occasion," said M.M. "Now return the sword to its rightful master Sir Kururugi."
"I'm keeping the sword and Lelouch is going somewhere far from this damnation," said Suzaku. "I won't push him into insanity."
"And thus you would damn the world instead of sacrificing your friend," said M.M.
"I won't let Lelouch become a sacrificial lamb…twice," said Suzaku. "He's suffered enough."
"Are you saying this out of concern for your friend or because you feel guilty for killing him and are hoping that this will earn you his forgiveness?" said M.M cynically.
Suzaku lost control and ran out at M.M with Caledflwch. He was about to slash out when Nunnally shouted.
"Suzaku stop," Nunnally yelled.
Suzaku instantly froze in his tracks. He relaxed and looked at Nunnally.
"This is not what we need right now," said Nunnally.
Suzaku looked at Nunnally with intensity, but the young empress had a glare of command that Suzaku knew he couldn't match. He relented and threw the sword on the floor.
Lelouch was calmed by listening to Kallen's breathing. He held his ear to her stomach, hearing each churn, each beat of her heart, and each breath.
"I want to give you peace," Kallen said, lying down on the bed.
Lelouch kissed her stomach and Kallen giggled in delight. She then looked out at window which Suzaku had closed when he and Kallen had entered, figuring Lelouch did not need more trouble than he already had, and saw that the sun would be setting soon. That would be when Bloodbeard would make his move, if he did any move. She didn't want to upset Lelouch with words about Bloodbeard. He had such a horrible nightmare and she didn't want it to be made real. Just thinking about what he told her, the city destroyed, all of their friends lying dead, her dying in his arms…heavy with child, it was terrible.
Was that to be her fate? To die in her love's arm before giving birth to the beautiful child she would have loved with all of her heart? To leave such a wounded and gentle man alone in a world where he had lost his love and unborn?
No, she would not let that happen to him. And she knew he wouldn't let anything happen to her or their family.
"Lelouch…can I ask you something?" she asked.
Lelouch looked up to see her pleading blue eyes.
"Our…child, in your dream…did you see it?" she asked painfully.
Lelouch stared at her with a blank expression. Her eyes were quivering with fear. The child in the dream symbolized the hope that Lelouch held for the future and Kallen…she wanted to know about it.
"I…I didn't see it," said Lelouch. "It was still in your womb. But…I bet it would have been beautiful."
He crawled up to meet Kallen face to face.
"I think it would have been a girl," said Lelouch. "With red hair just like yours and eyes like mine. She'd be exactly like her mother."
Kallen giggled.
"But what if…it was a boy," said Kallen. "He might have my eyes instead of yours and then I'd have two Lelouch's running around the house."
Lelouch laughed and felt…good. This brought a tender smile to Kallen's face. Her beloved was being happy again.
When Lelouch stopped he stroked her soft face with his hand.
"You're…incredible," said Lelouch.
Kallen blushed and looked away but Lelouch brought her gaze back to him.
"Kallen," he said.
"Lelouch," she responded.
"I want to live a life with you," said Lelouch. "No more secrets, no more Knightmare Frames, and no more battles where one of us is at risk of losing the other. Kallen…I will end this."
"I don't want Lelouch to suffer anymore," said Suzaku. "He's been through enough. He's lost his entire life for a world that has shown him nothing but hatred and contempt. Why shouldn't he be happy?"
"None of us are saying he shouldn't," said Ohgi. "But…M.M's right; Lelouch is the one who holds this…Power of the God-King?"
"Absolute Greatness," said M.M. "Given to him by the collective unconscious on the advice of the Once and Future King of Britannia, Arthur Pendragon himself."
"I don't care what Arthur wants," said Suzaku. "For once let Lelouch have what he wants."
"Suzaku, your loyalty to your friendship with Lelouch is admirable," said Tohdoh. "But world is at stake. I understand completely about wanting to protect your comrade from further harm and if there were another way I'd take it, but there isn't."
"I'm not going to let any of you push Lelouch further," said Suzaku.
A tear rolled out of his eye, recalling what Lelouch had dreamt of.
"He doesn't deserve to lose his sanity," said Suzaku. "No matter what he did. He deserves to live."
M.M looked at the young knight with an unreadable face.
"You truly love your friend don't you?" asked M.M.
"More than you'll ever know," said Suzaku.
"Then wouldn't you say that your place isn't in Lelouch's throne but at his side?" said M.M.
Suzaku gazed up in confusion.
"Lelouch is bound and destined to fight Bloodbeard and face the depths of his sanity and sorrow," said M.M. "If he hopes to survive he will need the love of his dear friends and family. He is desperate and he is holding on because he has people he needs to protect. Protect him then, don't replace him, for right now he needs a friend more than he needs a champion."
"But that's what I want," said Suzaku. "To protect Lelouch before he is forced to be hurt again. I mean look at him. He's in no condition to be fighting or organizing battles. He's…he's damn near suicidal and now you want to just throw him out there like a piece of meat for a rabid dog? I won't let you, I won't let any of you hurt Lelouch again."
Suzaku's Geass activated and he took a stance. Tohdoh activated his own Geass just to be careful. The scenarios played out and it looked like it would end up a draw between Suzaku's strength and his strategies. The general smiled, he had taught Suzaku extremely well.
"Stand down Suzaku," said Lelouch from behind him.
Everyone turned and saw Lelouch and Kallen walking into the lounge holding hands.
"Lelouch, I won't let you face Bloodbeard again," said Suzaku. "He's destroying your mind."
Lelouch smiled and placed his free hand on Suzaku's shoulder.
"You're a great friend Suzaku," said Lelouch, "but my fight with Bloodbeard is my own. I can't ask anyone else to stand in my place. I've been hiding behind others far too long. I'm more concerned about all of you. If you want, you can all leave, pick up your lives, protect your families, none of you has to stay here and partake in my struggle."
Everyone was silent, Lelouch was worried about them. They weren't pawns to him. No one could find words to speak.
"I enraged or inspired Bloodbeard to do these acts of evil," said Lelouch. "The blame falls sorely on my shoulders. No one else's."
"Lelouch if you keep on this path it could destroy you," said Nunnally in worry.
"I am going to end it," said Lelouch. "One way or another."
Kallen matched Nunnally in worry and silently prayed that Lelouch would survive.
"Do you…have a plan?" asked Ohgi.
"No," said Lelouch. "That's why…I hope none of you leave. I…I can't do this alone. Please, help me."
A small shock went through the room and a smirk graced M.M's face. Everyone seemed confused at what had just happened. Lelouch VI Britannia asking for help, saying he couldn't fight this war alone, that was a strange and alien concept.
Ohgi stepped up.
"We all swore we were going to see this through," he said. "I personally couldn't sleep well at night when…when I know I left a good man to face hell alone."
Everyone else nodded in agreement with what Ohgi said. Even the most cynical of the bunch such as Chiba, Guilford, and Gino.
At that moment, when the hatchet was once and for all buried, an explosion rang out.
With Caledflwch in his hands Lelouch lead the charge as the super-powered Black Knights burst into the Knightmare hanger where they saw Bloodbeard standing atop the Mordred. A quick sweep around saw that the other Knightmare Frames were missing and large holes in the ground were present.
"Common thievery Bloodbeard? I expected something more," said Lelouch.
"First: does putting on a brave face and acting sarcastic to me make you feel like your old self? Second: you should know by now that I'm anything but common," said Bloodbeard.
Rumbling and more explosions were heard. Lelouch did a quick scan and saw that near the ground were Infected all wearing Black Knight uniforms.
"Our last One Hundred?" said Lelouch.
"Not very common now isn't it," laughed Bloodbeard.
Kallen activated her Geass and loosed a blast at Bloodbeard. An Infected leapt up and took the blast, turning into ash.
"Power of the Sun? Might not want to use that when near princess…slave girl Euphie," laughed Bloodbeard.
Hearing Bloodbeard disrespect Euphie in such a way sent Lelouch into a rage, along with Suzaku, and thus both charged out. Bloodbeard leapt into the cockpit of the Mordred and activated the Hadron cannons. In a flash Lelouch pushed Suzaku out of the way and focused his will into Caledflwch and the purple flames shot out and met the red energy blast. Suzaku got up and turned to the others. He and Kallen locked eyes and a plan formed instantly and without words. Kallen ran up and Suzaku activated his own Geass of Absolute Strength. He crouched down and cupped his hands. Once Kallen had her foot in Suzaku's hands he threw her up and she fired a blast of energy at the Mordred. It was strong enough to cause it to stumble and the Hadron blast lost its target. It fired through the walls and the ceiling. Lelouch took this opportunity to charge out but more Infected swarmed out at him. He was nearly side swiped by an Infected but an iron fist smashed into its insect-like face.
"We'll handle the Infected," said Ohgi. "You take Bloodbeard."
Lelouch nodded and leapt onto the Mordred. The Knightmare kept firing and tried to shake Lelouch off. He sunk his sword into its armor and Bloodbeard responded by initiating the flight gear and pointing the cannon to the roof. The Mordred flew out with Lelouch still hanging by the sword. The cockpit opened and Bloodbeard stood in full costume.
"I know who you are," said Lelouch.
"Really?" laughed Bloodbeard. "The old man told you about me?"
"I put it together," said Lelouch.
"And I guess taking what is rightfully mine is a dead give away," said Bloodbeard.
"I'm done talking," said Lelouch, pulling out the sword.
"I'm not," said Bloodbeard. "I'm just getting started. This is my week after all and I'm not going to stop until I have that Chalice."
"How dare you use Euphie like that?" growled Lelouch.
"I thought you were done talking? Whatever, I used her because she was so…easy," said Bloodbeard. "She's such an easy target. So naïve, so loving, like some angel that's too pure for her own good."
Lelouch struck out with Caledflwch fully charged but Bloodbeard drew something from behind his back. He took out a blow torch and blinded Lelouch, using his momentum to strike Caledflwch from Lelouch's hand. Lelouch clutched at his burnt eyes while Bloodbeard laughed on.
"Don't think I'm done yet," said Bloodbeard as he crouched down next to Lelouch. "I'll describe the carnage. First let's see how your friends are doing."
Lelouch tried to fight but Bloodbeard simply drove his hand into Lelouch's body. Lelouch chocked on his own blood as he heard explosions coming from the Black Knight compound.
"My Infected can be very good behind the wheel," said Bloodbeard.
The rest of the stolen Knightmare Frames, the Guren, Shen-Hu, Zangetsu, Tristan, and other frames were destroying the building of their former masters.
"I wish you could see this Lamperouge," said Bloodbeard. "It's not every day that a man gets to see his dreams die in front of him. I remember when Arthur was forced to see Camelot crumble before him. I remember the battle in which he and…ancient history that's all it is. You know the good thing about history? It always repeats itself. Oh there are differenced in the story but it's still there, the meaning that is. The bones of the epic. But you have to love how new elements are always added. I just added one."
He took out a remote detonator and held it to Lelouch's healing face. He pressed the button and a series of explosions sounded off into the city. Lelouch looked down and saw clouds of blue forming.
"Gas bombs?" said Lelouch.
"Drug bombs," corrected Bloodbeard. "You see I've learned over the centuries. I learned new ways of warfare with ever century. One of my favorites as you know is psychological warfare, something I'm wondering why you never used. Another thing you never used was…chemical warfare."
"What is that stuff?" gasped Lelouch.
"I had a particular interest in the drug known as Refrain," said Bloodbeard. "So I modified its formula. I give you Rapture, named for the first sign of the Apocalypse. Instead of making you relieve the best times of your life it makes you remember the worst and alters them. It turns them into nightmares so terrible you immediately snap your twig. It's absolutely lethal if inhaled, that was a glitch I never wanted fixed. I knew it was ready when I tested it on you back in the desert."
"The ghosts," Lelouch gasped.
"Not just the desert my friend," said Bloodbeard as he snapped Lelouch's spine and set him on the shoulder of the Mordred. He went back into the cockpit and took out a long piece of rope. He sat leisurely as both he and Lelouch watched the Black Knight headquarters be torn to pieces. Explosions from inside sounded off as well.
"I can corrupt other things too," said Bloodbeard. "Cockroaches are such useful pets and they make great suicide bombers."
Lelouch watched on in despair. All he had worked for, all he sacrificed for and all he dreamt of was being destroyed. Bloodbeard fastened the rope until it was a fine noose. He hooked it around Lelouch's neck and tightened it.
"She's surly dead by now," Bloodbeard whispered into Lelouch's ear. "Kozuki that is, not to mention Nunnally and everyone else. Even if they did…well I'm sure you've had dreams about it."
Tears flowed down Lelouch's face as Bloodbeard took the other end of the rope and fastened it to his wrist. He flew the Mordred down into the panic stricken streets and once they were above a maddened cloud they stopped.
"I'll have to thank Ferdinand for setting up these charges," said Bloodbeard. "I just might let him out of the pit. Anyway these people are in such a psychotic frenzy…they'll tear up just about anything. Imagine what they'll do to the Demon Emperor when he's made helpless in their midst."
He grabbed Lelouch by the noose and threw him down, still holding onto the other end. Lelouch heard and felt a loud snap in his neck and within seconds fear-maddened people began to tear and claw at his body like a school of piranhas to a worm on a hook.
The playing of a soft gentle flute stirred Lelouch. He opened his eyes and saw M.M standing over him playing a wooden flute.
"Bloodbeard's Week day Two," said M.M.
Lelouch sat up in pain and saw the numerous dead bodies in the street. It was just like his dream only without…
"Kallen," Lelouch screamed.
"She is alive along with the others," said M.M. "They are all alive."
"Where are they?" asked Lelouch as he began to stand.
"Scattered," aid M.M. "However Kallen Kozuki…"
"Is she alright?" Lelouch screamed as he grabbed M.M.
"She's looking for you," M.M said gently. "Go to her lad."
M.M pointed east and Lelouch ran out.
"I hate to keep a lady waiting, but one must never forget one's priorities," said M.M to himself.
Kallen ran frantically around the ruined and melancholy city. The grey clouds reflecting her mood. Her powers allowed her to shine in the gloom those who were still alive and affected by the drug saw her as some strange glowing angel from heaven coming to try and bring sunlight to the gloomy city of the dead.
"Lelouch," she cried out for the umpteenth time.
She couldn't find him anywhere and it was making her sick with worry. She tried to be strong like the woman he fell in love with but…everything that was happening was taken its toll on her.
"Lelouch where are you?" she cried out. "I need to know that you're alright. Just please, tell me that you're alright."
She fell to the ground in exhaustion. The battle had taken a lot out of her and her worry wasn't doing much for her health. Everyone was scattered by the chaos of the previous night. Nunnally was missing, that was the worst part.
"Lelouch," she cried. "Nunnally needs you. I need you."
As she slumped in exhaustion a figure dressed in red loomed over her. His smile revealed pointed teeth.
To Be Continued…Bloodbeard's Week: Day Two-Monsters and Miracles