TV Trope! I'm on TV Trope! Yeeaaahhh! Thank you very much amitakartok! Now I must collect a number of trope high enough for a personal page. That and made this fic awesome. Then become a billionaire with some obscure business, buy Sunrise and produce a 'Rebuild of Code Geass' with a less pathetic Lelouch, a real Yandere C.C., a Suzaku with a confused sexuality (for the lulz!), real mecha one hundred feet high, space bases, useful jets to bombing from the skies, missiles-type weapons...
Lelouch: We lost him.
Milly: You think is because of the joy?
Lloyd: I like those idea! Largest Knightmare means more space for weapons and systems.
Suzaku: Wait a minute! He want to mess with my sexuality just for fun!
C.C.: The thousands of yaoi fics out there suggest that he is not the only one. And that it is best to never make a story with two pretty boys as a main protagonists .
Lelouch & Suzaku: AAAAAARRRRGGHHHH! *heavy despair crash on them*
MisterSP: I know. I use them to make things easy.
Z-Breezy: Oh yes, is already under construction.
ReinZero: Don't worry, Hidan no Aria will be here. Not only it, I'm planning a lot of appearances from a great number of sources. I don't like (too much) OCs, so I will use OOC characters (who instead I like very much, especially if they make interesting changes). Battles take place not only inside Knightmares. Prepare to a world of conspiracies.
For the Six Houses of Kyoto of the remaining four one place is already assigned, but I gladly accept suggestions. Just remember: no OC but only characters from works like manga and anime works already existing.
THE NIGHT WHEN A DEMON AROSE
[*]
Lelouch came back into the house slamming the door violently. C.C., still sitting in the living room, turned her head and as expected, the boy radiated barely constrained anger. She decided it was best for the moment to drop the teasing.
"I saw the news. He is the soldier of Shinjuku, right? Kururugi, the same surname of Japan 's last prime minister."
"His son." Lelouch said. "A friend of mine. Nunnally and I spent the year before the war under his care. Although I do not know what kind of brain damage he received to have decided to join the army. I expected a move like that, only I did not think they would choose Suzaku. Oh well, sucks to be them. They touch my friends, I touch them." He cracked his knuckles and glanced at the green haired girl. "I contacted the redhead I mentioned earlier. She accepted. Tomorrow we will have to do some scene to convince his companions, choose appropriate clothing to mingle in the crowd; you will have to ensure that no one follows us. "
"As you command, my fearless Leader." She replied with a half-serious tone. "Do you have a plan?"
"I have ALWAYS a plan. A lot of plans currently. I'll be in my room. We will have dinner in twenty minutes." He left.
"Yeah, sucks to be them." She turned back toward the TV where a couple of reporters were still arguing about the case. Lelouch's obsession with the protection of his friends was borderline unearthly, but understandable given the boy's past. Certainly better than to become like his father and consider everyone to be disposable minions. He could still consider himself...human.
'Twenty minutes? Just enough time to order some pizza.' Lelouch's credit card suffered another substantial drain.
[*]
Once in his room Lelouch sat on the bed, pulled out a disposable cell phone and dialed the personal number of Clovis . He had a good supply of those, each with its own number, each ready to be thrown after a single compromising use. His brother answered at the second ring.
"I don't know this number. Who are you?" Distrustful. Good, he's learning.
"It's me, Lelouch."
"Lelouch! Glad to hear you again. What do you need? No wait, is for the Eleven they arrested?"
"Correct. Suzaku Kururugi, the son of Japan 's late Prime Minister Genbu Kururugi."
"The son of...! What is he doing among the Honorary Britannians?"
"I must remember to ask him. Now tell me, did you have some part in this?" The coldness of his tone dropped a few degrees.
"No, nothing. They just said that they had identified the culprit and had some hard evidence while delivering a vague report. But I still have some people loyal to me out there and made them do some investigating: it is obviously a political move to question and abolish the system of Honorary Britannians. But get this; Margrave Jeremiah Gottwald, the current leader of the Pureblood Faction, began his military career at the Imperial Palace as part of the personal guard of Empress Marianne."
Lelouch was shocked. Jeremiah Gottwald? The guy who gave the announcement? He tried to think back on the past times at the Aries Villa. He remembered Cornelia as the captain of the guards, but the faces of the other members were a blur. "What do you know of him?"
"I have his psychological report right here. Fanatically loyal to the Imperial Family, he suffered an emotional breakdown after the murder. He considered himself personally responsible for the incident. After months of therapy he recovered and resumed his career in the army. It seems he formed a group with two other officers: Knights of Honor Villetta Nu and Kewell Soresi. Both are citizens of the empire, but with foreign ancestors, the first Australians, the second Arabs, and you know how certain things create prejudices among the military. Gottwald is the same with German roots, but his noble title and the long history of it protect him. I imagine they aim to get hereditary titles to improve their lifestyle. Entering the Purebloods was probably the safest route. "
'Hmm, this Jeremiah guy seems an interesting fellow. Mother's guards were all her admirers, Cornelia personally assured it, so maybe I could convince him to switch to my side with the prospective of avenging her death. Too bad I'll have to humiliate him publicly.
Or maybe...yes, I can also use this to my advantage with the other two. Destroy their expectations in the current Britannia and then offer them a new world, a new hope. A few revelations about the dirty business of the old man, assurances that the real traitors are the current rulers of the country, a lot of charisma...yes, I have everything to gain and nothing to lose.' "Ok, what they are going to do?"
"A public procession to the court, where of course everyone from the judge to the defense lawyer already know the verdict. You plan to free him, right?"
"Correct. Tell me Clovis , do you have a personal car?"
"Huh? Yes of course, parked inside the palace. Do you want me to deliver it to you?" He asked, even though he did not understand what he could do with it.
"No, I want you to make sure it stays where it is and to make sure everyone knows that you're not going to be present." He answered, a detailed plan already forming in his head. A plan that was becoming clear even to Clovis who promptly turned pale.
"Lelouch! That is suicide!"
"Oh no, I will pull this off rather nicely. Switching to another topic, tell me did Bartley receive my plans?" During the week he had studied the blueprints of the so-called 'Knight Giga Fortress' and his direct neural control system and then used his knowledge of the Testament machine to improve it. The long, additional hours of study finally paid off. But seriously, the scientists of this world had superconductors; honest to God superconductors and they used them only to create better computers and Knightmares? Incompetent warmongers.
"Yes, he almost danced for the joy when he read them. He said he does not know how he did not think of the ideas you sent before, and thanks to them his projects will be ready much sooner than expected. He also commented that it looks like a technology tested for a long time. Lelouch, might I know where you picked it up?"
"It's a secret. Let's say I spent a lot of time in a place totally dedicated to research and development, not only militarily, and that I enjoy learning new things. I must go now, but be sure to follow the event on TV. It will be broadcast worldwide correct?"
"Yes, they will not miss the opportunity to show off."
"Perfect. Goodbye Clovis ." With that he closed the call. 'The scenario becomes more and more complicated. Of course I predicted it, except for the involvement of Suzaku.' His thoughts went back to his childhood friend and their recent meeting. 'I wonder if I can convince him to follow me. But at Shinjuku...that was not the Suzaku I remember. What happened to change you so much? The death of your father? The fall of Japan ? And why are you helping Britannia?' So many questions and Lelouch was not sure he wants to know the answer.
[*]
Kallen visited the Tokyo Tower the following day at the direction of Lamperouge. At the same place, hidden among the crowd, Ohgi, Tamaki and three others pretended to admire the display. She said that the mysterious voice had contacted her and agreed to meet her there, alone. Ohgi had immediately called for volunteers to escort her, not knowing that was what Kallen wanted. She still felt a little guilty to lying to Naoto's best friend, but she wanted to see what Lelouch had to offer. She did not want to admit it but the young Britannian intrigued her. So far she had drawn a clear line between the Japanese and the Britannians, the former friends and the latter enemies (she preferred to not think about the hypocrisy of her birth) but she had a new reality thrown in her face. She knew now that the Empire was cruel to everyone, even its own citizens. And with the skill which he had brought them victory, she wanted to see what else he could do with it.
She soon received the call to go out and take the monorail, after doing so she received another call telling her to exit at the next station and 'follow the girl with green hair'. Said girl was sitting on a bench in the station, a hat partially obscuring her face, and when she saw her she nodded her head, got up and headed toward an industrial area. With discretion Kallen approached her.
"Are you the contact?" She asked, her voice low enough to prevent others from hearing her.
"You see any others with such beautiful and luscious hair?" She answered with a smirk. "You can call me C.C.: a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Kallen Stadtfeld."
"C-Charmed." The redhead replied, unsure of the real intentions of the girl. And C.C.? Only the initials? Or was it a code name?
Soon they reached their destination, an old abandoned warehouse. The door lock was broken and after bringing them C.C. sat on a chair beside the door.
"Oi, oi, don't you think it's time to give us some explanation?" Tamaki started, but was immediately silenced.
"I'm just a guide. Go ahead, He is waiting. I have to make sure no one enters." C.C. replied. The hothead wanted to argue but Ohgi pulled him away. Eventually they reached the center of the warehouse: there, waiting for them half hidden by the shadow, was a figure wrapped in a cape. The darkness hid his body from the legs and up. The impression was of a bat ready for an ambush.
"Welcome." His voice was heavily distorted by some electronic device. "I trust the trip went smoothly?"
"Y-Yeah. Are you Accelerator?" Ohgi asked.
"The one and only. And you are Ohgi Kaname." At their gasps of surprise he simply chuckled. "Come now, I found Miss Stadtfeld, do you think you were any more difficult? So tell me, what is the reason behind your actions?"
"What else could it be? Obviously to resist Britannia!" He declared.
"A praiseworthy motivation." A pause. "However, the methods are wrong."
"Wrong? What do you mean?" Kallen asked. What was his game?
"Quite simple." He stepped forward in the light opening the cloak. They gasped and even Kallen was not expecting something like that. He was wearing a deep, rich, royal purple suit trimmed with gold and black. At the front were three white diamond shapes with oddly patterned lines around it, vaguely resembling a graph of vectors to the sides of the pattern (the same design of Canon Accelerator's first T-shirt). And over his head he wore a blank-faced helmet, black but for a deep purple faceplate and below that a stylized crimson bird in flight. "You are targeting the wrong enemy. You attacked civilians, but the military is the true foe that has conquered and now holds Japan . The only result of your actions is to provide justifications for the violence they inflict, to convince the world that they need to use an iron fist. Tell me, before Shinjuku has there been a victory against the Empire?" Their faces darkened. "Not one since Itsukushima . I'm not denying your bravery. You have courage, you could live oppressed but without risks like many others, bowing to Britannia. Instead you have taken the most difficult road, putting your life on the line for the sake of others and your country." He raised both of his hands. "And exactly because you have this courage you should spend it in order to obtain concrete results." He put his right hand on his chest. "Results that I can offer to you. To make Britannia fall, to show those arrogant how their strength is but a lie, to free Japan and regain the rights that have been stripped from you. Let us make them know fear. Not the one of terrorism but the absolute terror that shatters the sanity of lesser men, that make troops flee at mere sight and leads the enemy to build its own grave.
Let's show them victory! The two-thousand year old dream of Britannia superiority will end, by our hands."
His voice had taken on a majestic tone, discernible even through the device. He exuded absolute confidence and such passion that everyone, unwittingly, were affected. All but Tamaki with that thick skull of his.
"Oh please that's all easy enough to say, isn't it? Hiding behind that mask, why should we even trust you? You talk of fighting Britannia, but you spared one of their princes!" He yielded.
"And why I should trust you?" Lelouch remarked. They remained silent. "There's a reason why I wear this mask." He tapped at his helmet. "And I cannot risk taking it off except in front of those that I blindly trust. And while so far you seem trustworthy that is not something I can know for certain yet.
Regarding Clovis ...spared? Silly things like that are below me. The only reason he is still alive is because he is, quite simply, an idiot. Charles Zi Britannia has many children and those who hold political and military positions owe their positions, with few exceptions, to this simple fact without any real merit. And Clovis 's only skill is painting, the true masterminds behind the policy of this Area were his advisers who, just to be clear, were already dead even before I entered into the base and made him call off the massacre. Most of all, I think you will agree that having an incompetent enemy commander boosts our advantages." He was amused at his own joke. "But enough. You speak of trust? Very well. But rather than my face, bear witness to my power. If I deliver to you the impossible, then I might have earned your trust. Prepare yourself..." A rather dramatic pause, his left hand pointed at them and his right on his hips.
"...because I will shake the very foundation of your reality!" Inside his helmet he smiled at their confusion. A dangerous smile.
[*]
"Nice speech." Commented C.C. when, later and in street clothes, they walked along the city streets. "'Let's make them know fear', 'I will shake the very foundation of your reality'. Which anime did you steal that from?"
"Several various ones. I do not remember the exact names, Nunnally forced me to watch them with her." He casually replied. The Witch looked at his face and blinked. Nope, complete sincerity. "Just to be clear I do not like it either. But I need to be seen as a hero and the masses are familiar with this sort of cliché. It's just the simplest and fastest method. Is it deception? Yes. But my reputation will be a crucial factor in my future plans and if it is necessary for me to degrading myself so much, so be it."
"Degrading yourself? Why, don't you want to be a hero?" She asked. His answer was unexpected.
"I'm not a hero. I'm a villain." Seeing her confused expression he calmly explained. "I'm a selfish person, too selfish to be called 'hero'. Violent methods are the only thing I can use to pursue my goals, while a true hero protects everyone. I'm just a bad guy pretending to be the good guy in order to defeat the more villainous bad guys. I have no choice, and I'll hate every single moment I will spend pretending at this role."
The green haired girl pondered on his statements. Truly, Lelouch was a peculiar individual. The first time she saw him she expected a prideful and inexperienced brat and instead he was far more complex, a skilled mastermind full of determination and the awareness of being 'evil' without looking for excuses to justify his actions. So similar to his parents, yet so different. But there was one thing that she would argue against. "True heroes who can protect everyone don't exist." If they exist then why she was still forced to live in her personal hell?
"They exist. I saw one with my own eyes." Lelouch declared with confidence. "It is simply a rare inborn talent that needs the right conditions. If I, a 'true villain', will ascend then there is the possibility that a 'true hero' will rise as well and archive my objectives with less bloodshed. This way everyone wins."
C.C. stopped and stared at the back of Lelouch who, unaware of the chance, continued walking. 'Apparently I was not wrong. There are still ideals in him, only I did not think they were so...distorted. But his certainty...what is in your past, Lelouch Vi Britannia? What experiences have you had that have forged you in such a way?' Even with her centuries-old experience they were questions to which the Witch could not give answers, but remained firmly determined to find them.
She resumed walking, for the first time in a long, long time genuinely interested in another human being.
[*]
Facing Suzaku's cell Lloyd smiled at him. "Congratulations. Those two you asked me about weren't on the list of casualties." The boy sighed in relief. But then the scientist continued. "Not much luck on your end, though. You may get a trial, but no one is pulling for you except Cécile and myself, and there's nothing we can do."
Suzaku was confused. "But the court is where truth comes to light."
Lloyd blinked. "Who told you that nonsense? You'd be hard-pressed to find a place with more smoke and mirrors. The truth is obsolete here."
Suzaku's face hardened. "If that's how the world works, then I do not want to live here anymore. I have no regrets."
Lloyd shrugged, but before he left he spoke again, an odd and sad look on his face. "We all have regrets Kururugi. We live and in doing so we grab some opportunities and lose others. If you really do not have regrets then I'm afraid you've lived a very miserable life until now."
[*]
Only Kallen and Ohgi responded to his invitation, but he was expecting something like that. Rather, those two were all the help he needed. They had spent the last hours before the procession assembling various scraps until they had obtained an exact copy of Clovis's personal car. If you looked at it from a distance. More than enough for what he had in mind. The only problem arose when Kallen had expressed her concerns to his request to mount a bullet-proof window.
Concerns expressed even more clearly when he handed over to her a chauffeur's uniform asking her to act as the driver. He had assured her that it was just a precaution. The bullet-proof window, that is.
And now here he was, standing on top of a car and hidden from view from a flag, headed for a convoy escorted by about thirty soldiers, three Sutherlands and at least four others Knightmares on board of VTOL equipped with machine guns and perhaps missiles.
Just another night for the Accelerator. 'The only thing that I need to watch out is the count of dead. I will try to manage to keep it to zero, but I will not hold myself responsible if some idiot tries to be a hero.'
The radio sparked to life. "Lord Jeremiah, there's a vehicle coming right towards you."
Jeremiah looked at the communicator. "Terrorists? Shoot them down."
"No sir, it's Prince Clovis's transport!"
"What?" What was doing the Prince here? He lifted a hand to signal the others to stop and contacted the palace guards. Clovis was still there. But then who was on that car? A blind rage pervaded him. "Kewell, Villetta, it appeared some comedian is on the way. I will handle him." After a few seconds, the car bearing the Britannian flag came into view and stop about twenty meters away. "You dare think to usurp His Highness's transport?" The Margrave thundered. "Come out of there at once!"
In response flames erupted from the base of the flag, the symbol of the Empire crumbling to ashes to reveal a figure clad in darkness: a black mask and cape all that was visible. Everyone present gasped at the apparition and even more when he stepped forward opening the cape showing the royal outfit behind. He folded his arms over his chest and spoke. "Good evening Jeremiah Gottwald." His casual tone despite the situation sounded like a mockery. "Allow me to introduce myself: I am...Accelerator."
[*]
Inside their Sutherland: Villetta Nu and Kewell Soresi.
"Accelerator?"
"Is he alone? Is he going to die?"
[*]
In his room: Rivalz Cardemonde.
"Oh, now THIS is interesting!"
[*]
In the rebel's hideout: Ohgi Kaname.
"This is his plan?"
[*]
The little traitor, pardon: Suzaku Kururugi.
'Is he...an Eleven?'
[*]
Scared to death, right between the Sutherlands and Accelerator: Kallen Kouzuki.
'Aaargh! Why did I ever trust him?'
[*]
Inside the media van: Diethard Ried.
"Accelerator? Some kind of hidden meaning?"
[*]
In the Narita mountains: Kyoshiro Tohdoh.
'Take heart Suzaku. Someone is apparently willing to risk his life to save you.'
[*]
Pendragon: some Knights of the Round.
"Accelerator? If he is a Eleven rebel why he use a English name?"
"Bold move, I'll admit it. A pity it is totally useless."
"He...will die."
"Uuuoooh! What fancy clothes! I wonder if he is gorgeous even without them?"
"Umm, it is indeed a fancy move. There is obviously more behind it."
"More a suicidal move. But I agree with you my friend."
"...I have a bad feeling."
"Is it a Power Ranger! Or maybe a Kamen Rider? No, no...I know! He is a Tekkaman!"
[*]
In the Forbidden City : Zhou Xianglin and Li Xingke.
"What do you think Xingke-dono?"
"This...might prove interesting."
[*]
In her room: Sayoko Shinozaki.
'Accelerator?'
[*]
Pendragon: Charles Zi Britannia.
"If you are who I think you are...then, show me what power you have obtained!"
[*]
Kyoto : Taizo Kirihara.
"Another fool about to die."
[*]
Kyoto and other various cities across Japan.
"Accelerator? It is a new name."
"Hmph! At least someone who is a real man!"
"Oohh, are we witnessing the birth of a hero?"
[*]
Old England.
"Idiot! What kind of rescue mission is that?"
[*]
Tokyo Ghetto.
"... It almost seems like something that you would have thought...Nii-san."
[*]
Area 13: Cornelia, Dalton and Gilbert.
"Bah! Just another terrorist asking to be put down!"
"...No."
" Dalton ?"
"There is something behind, I'm sure of it. Some sort of plan."
[*]
Paris: H.H.
"My, my, it seems there is a joker among us. Perhaps, this is your work, C.C.?"
[*]
In the Homeland: Euphemia Li Britannia.
"Oh my...what's going on? Who's Accelerator?"
[*]
I'm not sure where: Schneizel El Britannia.
"Interesting. Despite the hopeless situation someone is trying to save this Kururugi. From where does his confidence come? After seven years of domination the backs of the Elevens is not yet broken? Or maybe...he is not even an Eleven?"
[*]
Back in Lelouch's house: C.C.
"This will be a massacre. Have fun Lelouch, but be sure to bring back alive the redhead: she may be an interesting contractor.
[*]
Their lab: Lloyd and Cécile.
"Look! If we're lucky we'll get back our precious specimen!"
"Lloyd..." She hit him.
[*]
Viceroy's Palace: Bartley and Clovis .
"Your Highness, how do you think he intend to get away?"
"Honestly? I do not know, but I know that Gottwald will not like finding out."
[*]
And now, back to the real stage. Jeremiah was startled for a moment before he recomposed himself. "I've seen enough Accelerator! This little show of yours is over!" He fired into the air and the team of Sutherlands dropped from the sky and surrounded the false car. The esper didn't even flinch as the wind blew his cape back, his only response at the order to remove the mask was a little tilting of the head.
"I don't think so. Instead I believe you will release the prisoner and let us go." His tone was commanding, the clear hint that what seemed a suggestion was actually an order.
"Like hell." The Margrave spat, the apparent calm of the rebel was beginning to get on his nerves. "He's charged with high treason for harming a prince and killing his entire personal staff! I can't hand him over."
Lelouch tilted his head again. "Well, if so then I'm confused." He lowered both arms and with slow and measured steps come down from the roof of the car and began to advance towards them. The barrels of the Sutherland's rifles moved in sync to keep him into aim. "If he is guilty, then who were the men I killed that day in Shinjuku?" He stopped about ten meters away and lifted up his head to meet the gaze of the Margrave. "Who was it I threatened to death so that he ordered the retreat?" He raised both hands as if to embrace the whole world. Or as if to make a puzzling statement. "Yes, tell me Jeremiah Gottwald: if I'm responsible for the crimes Kururugi is accused, why you have arrested him in my place?" The masked one proudly announced thereby shocking all those who were listening around the world. The crowds flinched back while the Knightmares moved to surround Lelouch, a choice that will not prove to be a wise one.
Jeremiah's blood began to boil. The true culprit, he had no doubt about it, had revealed himself right before him! Now he could finally fulfill his duty. "Then you have pronounced yourself guilty, scum!" He prepared to give the order to arrest the masked figure.
"Release Kururugi and let us go." Lelouch interrupted him, now completely serious and with his arms folded over his chest again. "This is both an order and advice for your wellbeing and that of your men."
'That's it!' The blue haired man thought, sick to the core of the other's irreverence. 'Do you want to die here and now that badly? Fine!' "On second thought a trial is wasted on trash like you. Men, take aim!" The four Sutherlands focus on Lelouch. "Do you have any last word?"
He shook his head. "An unwise choice."
"I agree. Fire!" The Assault Rifles fired simultaneously releasing a torrent of high-speed bullets, a lethal storm of destruction that encased Accelerator and strike true! In the same instant all the spectator, except a certain Witch, became aware of the obvious result.
The next instant all the four Knightmares exploded, shredded by the very bullets shot from their own weapons. The ejection systems kicked in and the cockpits were sent far away to safety.
Everyone froze, unable to understand what has just happened. And it was not an unreasonable confusion. Their very universe had just gone horribly wrong. The crackling of the Knightmares on fire, the rotation of the VTOLs's blades, the breath of the wind, despite all this they were encased in a frozen silence. A silence that was broken when Accelerator spoke again. His low tone sounded like a shotgun blast for all involved.
"I was talking about you, buffoon." He lifted a hand to massage his neck. Suddenly he leaped forward with a impossible speed toward Jeremiah's Knightmare, right hand outstretched. The glove touched metal and the legs were ripped off, causing the hull to collapse to the ground. The Margrave ended up thrown out of the cockpit and landed badly on the concrete, too stunned to react. Without stopping Lelouch stomped on the ground creating a ramp that stretched up to where Suzaku was and spat out pieces of asphalt that struck the two guards on the sides stunning them, leaving the bewildered boy unharmed.
Villetta was the first to recover; she pointed her rifle with the barrel a few inches from the esper's head and fired. The rifle and the arm wielding it exploded. Unfazed he reached over and touched with the tip of his fingers the robot. In an instant the entire map of the vectors operating within the machine printed itself in his mind, from the core power to the mechanical joints.
He twisted them and the Sutherland was wrecked from the inside, pieces of metal flying everywhere Villetta's cockpit was demolished, knocking out the poor woman. Lelouch quietly continued to advance.
Kewell at the sight of his companions being defeated so easily tossed away his weapon and screaming threw a fist at the black haired prince. When the two made contact his Sutherland suffered the same fate of Villetta's own. The esper did not even pause to take notice of this.
"Aahh, aahh...Fire! Fire!" Someone cried and the remaining soldiers opened fire with their machine guns, faces distorted with terror and despair. And truly it was a move born form desperation because many bullets missed him and those who hit him were sent back. After the sixth time a soldier fell to the ground wounded one of his companions evidently snapped because he grabbed a rocket launcher and aimed it at Lelouch.
"Hahaha! Die Eleven scum! Hahaha!" Laughing and crying at the same time he pulled the trigger and the projectile flew towards Accelerator. Who raised his hand and caught it in mid-air. But it was enough to trigger the explosive. With a mighty roar it exploded engulfing the esper with flames hot enough to melt steel and destroying everything within a radius of five meters. Even after the explosion the flames continued to burn, thanks to the special mixture capable of destroying a Sixth Generation Knightmare and killing the pilot at the same time, obscuring the view.
"That was overkill, you know?" If a brief spark of hope was born in someone those words killed it instantly.
It wasn't possible. It should not be possible. And yet once again the reality of the world had been replaced by something alien.
A figure stepped forward. Even in the middle of flames that must have been a few thousand degrees he was standing in a completely normal and natural way. The fire was burning around him and yet the only thing that seemed to influence him was the cape behind moving in the air propelled by the hot air. He waved his hand and the flames seemed to respond to the movement. A small ball formed in his palm and then faded away when he clenched his hand.
A sudden realization rammed on them: He was on a different level. He was past the level where you thought about how to take him on or that you might win if a miracle occurred. They felt that facing him would be like firing a gun towards a mountain.
Their minds could not take that. Breaking in screams unbefitting of Britannian soldiers they ran away leaving Accelerator and Suzaku alone. The esper continued to advance until he stood in front of the pale boy, he grabbed the collar and crushed it, throwing away the pieces. Passing an arm under the shoulder of the other he helped him up.
"Stop!"
Lelouch sighed. He turned back his head and, for real, Jeremiah Gottwald was there, bruised and with a gun pointed at him. "C'mon, you know it will not work. What's the point?"
"My honor..." He hissed between gritted teeth. "My honor prevents me from retiring before an enemy! Even if he is a damn monster like you!"
"Then do it." A shot echoed. The Margrave fell to the ground holding his right shoulder. "Truly you are a great man. It's a shame you waste your talent serving such a worthless master. I advise you to revise your expectations before falling into an abyss of no return. Just be glad that the first unsurpassable obstacle you've ever met is someone merciful like me."
"But you..." He managed to scream despite the pain. "...who the hell are you?"
"Who am I?" He repeated amused. "I am the One-Way Road. I am the harbinger of ruin. I am a terror unknown to mankind. I am a spirit of vengeance born from the prayers of the oppressed.
I'm the man who will destroy Britannia!" He declared turning to the camera, a voice full of charisma. "The burning flames of retribution will cleanse this corrupt nation of thieves and murderers! The enslaved will be freed, the slavers punished and this world will know once more justice!" He swept his cape. "Because..." His next words will become famous. Better, infamous.
"NOTHING CAN STOP THE ACCELERATOR!"
[*]
C.C.: What a show-off.
Lelouch: Say what you want, it worked.
Milly: Maybe too well: poor Rivalz is unconscious .
Lelouch: What happened?
Milly: He shouted something like "AWESOMENESS OVERLOAD!" and then passed out.