It's been a while, eh? Time to go back to work.
Sky Sephyrus: You did see a FSN reference, I'm a huge Type-Moon fan. The Lelouch of my fic is a person afflicted with chronic psychological problems (your mother is killed before your eyes when you were ten years old, your father casted you away, you're raised by a bunch of amoral mad scientists to be a perfect human weapon and you're telling me you are normal?) and used to violence. Suzaku's declaration is a slap to the face of all his convictions and efforts, but most of all the older Suzaku is nothing like the younger Suzaku of his memories, so is more easy to treat him as a stranger.
Chaosglory626: True, true. For Lelouch's weakness...why, to balance things you don't have to strictly weaken the hero, you can also strengthen the villains!
MisterSP: Much more. Much, much more. This will reach the same heights of awesomeness of Gurren Lagann.
AJ Katon: Thank you. This is exactly what I was hoping to convey: you can have dreams, but you can't pretend the world goes the way you want.
ReinZero: Things will go wrong for Lelouch. If not this fic would be just an horrible Mary-Sue monstrosity. Maybe, like I had occasion to observe, is a Like it or Hate it' fic, but nothing more. I write to entertain people, not to annoy them.
Neozangetsu: I completely agree with you. Archer, and Shirou, always tried to save everybody, regardless if they are capable or not. Their ideals are not wrong, but I always feel they don't use their heads. They don't think and just blindly change on. And they insist of doing it alone. Seriously, there is a reason if all the most famous Heroes of Justice like Power Rangers, Kamen Rider, the various mecha works and more works alongside others. 'United we stand, divided we fall', or something like that.
Unlimited Blade Works: Maybe I'll include a Zelretch cameo. Maybe.
Watcherinthevoid: A great fic. It's in my favorites.
MM Browsing: TAMNI girls are for Touma. At least in regard of romantic relationships. Which don't include Last Order and Misaka WORST. For the awakening: not bad, I'll consider it. To awaken you also need to undergo a personal growth, a revelation important enough to have an influence in the way the user lives his life. Lelouch will not gain dual skill. For the anti-matter and EMP...I am not sure, I need to review my knowledge of physics.
Orchamus: Thank you very much. I am even more motivate now.
Ultimabloodblade: No, it wasn't intentional, but I admint you are right, GARcher was and is always one of my favorite character.
Slayer End: Wow, if it is the case I have to do even more my best from now on. I know of the grammar and I'm working with beta reader to correct it piece to piece.
Windle: Don't like it? Don't read and ignore me. Offensive non-produttive comments like yours show only how your only pastime is makes people look worse so you can look better.
AFTERMATHS 1
Middle East
The wind howled furiously, twirling the sand into vortexes which ran randomly across the surface of what was once the Riyadh Province of the Middle Eastern Federation. The war against the Britannian Empire had been long and hard, but finally the end is near. Granted, the MEF was essentially giving away the land, given that one of the conditions for the imminent fusion with the Euro Universe was to cease the war with Britannia. Not that it was a great loss: the oil deep beneath the sands was useless in a world which run on Sakuradite and the majority of the territory was just a plain desert. Yet, direct orders from the Emperor were issued to claim this new Area as soon as possible. Speculations aside, the battles were over.
All but one.
Klank!
The Jousting Lance was thrust one, two, three times, planning to force the enemy into a position where it cannot defend. Then, the purple Gloucester took aim at the left side of the chest and thrust again: such a blow would shut down the enemy Knightmare without fail.
But the super-heated scimitar of the beige topaz-colored Knightmare swung even faster than before and parried the attack. The two fighters broke apart, silently studying each other amidst the burning military base. Suddenly the beige mecha, similar to the Gloucester but more slender and with a turban-like headdress helmet on the head, shifted his stance slightly before speaking.
"It appears," A proud male voice began in English. "that the order to retreat has finally come. Even if I would like nothing more that to finish this fight, I'm bound by honor to obey my superiors. Don't you think it is truly a pity, Second Princess Cornelia Li Britannia?"
"Do you really think I will let you escape, Field Marshal Tariq Ibn Ziyad?" Cornelia roared before changing again, determinate to take the head of his enemy. But before she can strike a sudden burst of fire from an undetermined direction force her to stop and dodge. The MEF Knightmare took the opportunity to escape, ignoring the angry screams of the Second Princess.
"Damn it!" Cornelia hit with both fist the console once she is sure she is alone. 'What 'I'm bound to honor'? You damn maggot have always someone hidden nearby to cover your escape when you're beginning to lose. You're nothing but a coward!'
"Your Highness!" A pair of Gloucester approached. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." She replied to Darlton and her personal knight Guilford. "Ziyad ran away. Again. It's a shame such a coward had me and my forces stalled for so long."
"I understand your concerns, My Lady." Guilford tried to soothe his commander's discomfort. "But I believe the most important thing is that now Area 13 is finally a reality."
"In regard to that," Darlton interjected. "about our next course of actions..."
"Forgive me for dragging you along to clean up my foolish younger brother's mess."
"No need, Your Highness. Our place is with you, wherever that may be. I was referring to...this 'Accelerator'. He is..."
"Just a comedian. A joke. A fraud." Cornelia interrupted. "A show full of mirrors and tricks, and the Acting Viceroy was a fool to fall to it. Don't tell me you believe he is really some sort of Superman?"
"I don't know what to believe, Your Highness. I have yet to see matters with my own eyes. Until then, like any other unknown, caution is in order."
"Point taken." Cornelia looked toward East, where Area 11 lie. 'Enjoy your remaining time Accelerator,' She thought to herself. 'I'm coming for you.'
Not too distant, inside an underground chamber concealed from the rest of the world, one of the twenty-six Immortals was contemplating the hollow spot where once rested a massive monolith, the door to one of Earth's Thought Elevators.
'A shame we need to live this place behind. Luckily it was possible to make it unusable by the Britannians.' "Nox. Lux." He called. From behind him a double pair of identical shinning red eyes appeared from the darkness. "Prepare your belongings. We are going to Area 11."
"To find this 'Accelerator' fellow, uh?" A enthusiastic male voice replied. "He sounds like an interesting guy, even if a bit of a Ham. Do you think we need to bring along our supplies of Kryptonite?"
"For Heaven's Sake, brother." A female voice sighed. "Try to be more serious when work is involved."
A week after the (in)famous debut of Accelerator and Kururugi's rescue Lelouch was sitting on his desk in the middle of the classroom. Taking advantage of the teacher's lateness the vigilante in incognito was reading the newspaper while the rest of the class was gossip about last week's events. Not interested at all in the rumor-mongering of his fellow students (sheltered kids indoctrinated by Britannian propaganda, all of them, with the exception of Kallen and possibly Rivalz), he nonetheless keep up a concerned expression for the sake of appearance. Although while he read the piece of paper he smirked internally. 'This is the best so far: the vile Accelerator had used advanced holographic projections to deceive the minds of the valiant Britannian soldiers and audience. They also claimed they have already found the devices and not only destroyed them, but also developed a countermeasure. This is just too funny. Maybe at the beginning it would have been plausible, but after thirteen different excuses only the most fanatical's will buy it.'
All in all things were looking good: Ohgi's group still possessed seven of the Sutherlands stolen at Shinjuku, carefully hidden in an old warehouse, he could not ask for a better starting reputation and the morale of the current Area leadership had fallen to the very bottom. Gottwald was removed from his position as the acting Viceroy and demoted, while Clovis under his suggestion had asked for a replacement from the Mainland, declaring he will instead act as the Sub-Viceroy.
The only problem was the low number of people under his command: newbies can be trained, but physical presence can't be resolved so easily. They were not the only terrorist groups in Tokyo, hell, Japan was full of them. However in the end that was the problem: they were terrorists. Kallen and her friends were an exception, a diamond in the rough, but the rest he suspected were full of haters and cowards, while what he needed were soldiers, people capable of hearing orders and the skill to put them into action. People capable of managing a rebellion. Like the JLF, where Tohdoh was still alive and kicking ass. Lelouch had nothing in contrary to working with them, even give them the reins, they were after all the legitimate Japan's old army. But to reach them he needed results. And to obtain results he needed soldiers. The obvious approach was to start recruiting and selecting the ones with potential, hoping to find a decent amount of suitable ones.
"The kind of things they come up with, eh, Leouch?" His musings were interrupted when Rivalz spoke up. "I mean, isn't it badass and all, a masked vigilante that could single-handedly wipe out squads of Knightmares, alone?" The sheer joy on the blue-haired teen's face almost took the esper aback, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Yeah, badass. And scary as hell. The authorities can deny it all they wanted, but it's clear that Area 11 is in the center of a storm. They are all scared of becoming the next targets and hurry to leave the country. Just two days ago more or less twenty-three students have retired, cause: 'transferring of the family abroad' ."
"And you?" He learned close. "What is your opinion?"
"My opinion," He replied pushing the other teen away with a hand over his mouth, their faces too closer for his comfort. "is that, while I am not a fan of the Empire's ideology, one of the reasons I transferred to Australia in the first place," He kept his voice very, very low. "neither I approve of terrorism. Taken, Accelerator so far has only engage with the military, but even so the higher ups will use all of their power to crush any and all uprisings, especially the successful ones. It's not too much of a stretch of imagination to see this country in great turmoil in the future."
Rivalz swiftly turned serious. "...Yes, you're right. Do you think the school would be involved? I mean, if there is a big fight..."
"It's possible, even if I hope not. As civilians the least we can do is stay out of the way. And as the Student Council it is our duty to ensure the safety of the students. It may be best to start discussing possible emergency and evacuation plans in the meetings from now on." 'So not to have you all on my conscience when I will retake Japan. I have no intentions to involve innocents in my quest for...for what? Justice? Please, I'm not worthy of such a word. Revenge? More fitting. But it would be a meaningless revenge if in the process I sacrifice the innocent. Doing so would make me the same as my father. More difficult? Yes. But then again...
Just because something is difficult, it doesn't mean it's not worth doing it.'
Inside the Government courthouse Suzaku calmly walked toward the main door. He was dressed in normal civilian clothes, with extra-large sunglasses obstructing his now notorious face. A few bandages covered his wounds from his jailers' abuses. On his back a bag had his few possessions.
He had been found innocent, all thanks to Accelerator taking the blame. At the memory of the black-clad vigilante Suzaku shivered, one hand instinctively reaching for his throat, five bruises in the shape of fingers still visible. But more strong than the pain of the flesh was the pain of the soul.
'Drown in your ideals, Kururugi Suzaku, and die!'
He scared him. Even more of the memory of when he murdered his father. There was something in the man that scared him to no end. It wasn't his powers, nor his attempt of killing him (he still has no idea why he didn't do it). It was the rage: the pure, unadulterated rage that flowed from him when he rejected his ideals. Like his words had struck a cord inside the terrorist that must never be touched.
You could say he is afraid of knowing why the dream of a gentler world can cause such a reaction in a person.
But before he can step outside someone grabbed him on both shoulders, dragged him inside a nearby room and closed the door without even giving him the time to reacting.
"Who..?" He whirled around, ready to defend himself. Any further words died in his throat.
Lloyd. Lloyd with a smile so wide it could put the Joker to shame. Lloyd with eyes even more sparkly than the ones of Dumbledore, like someone had skinned Edward Cullen and used it to make corneas. Lloyd with Cécile behind him, who was holding a recorder and a palmtop and was repeatedly bowing while uttering 'I apologize' over and over again with a quite frightened face.
"So...you talked with him?" The foppish researcher asked with a voice dripping hunger of all things.
"Who...?" Suzaku repeated, unable to form a more complex sentence.
"Accelerator."
"Uh...yes."
"Tell me." He all but ordered, now deadly serious.
"Tell you what?"
"How he manages to do what he does. How he reflected back projectiles. How he destroyed things with naught but a touch. How he survived inside flames hotter than lava. He had to have said something. He has to have. Tell. Me. Everything. He. Said. And. Did!"
At the end of his rambling he was shaking Suzaku so strongly the poor Japanese boy was on the verge of retching.
Later that afternoon, looking into the more mundane zones of the Tokyo Settlement, a careful observer can find a very interesting sight. To be more specific, a girl.
Long, blonde hair tied into a ponytail, while at the front two long braids tied with two identical red ribbons coiled around them like a spiral under an azure fedora with a white band. She wore a simple pair of white pants, a matching shirt with the logo of a famous chain of pizza shop and over it a short sleeve blue jacket. To complete the look a pair of Chelsea boots and large sunglasses concealing her bright blue eyes.
She is none other than Monica Kruszewski, the incognito Knight of Twelve of the Knights of the Round. Despite the claims of sending her along with Cornelia she was already there on Area 11 since the past two weeks as part of her personal vacation. The Knight of One Bismarck Waldstein covered for her to let her enjoy the break, with today being the last day.
Monica sighed. The masquerade was required to hold off fans and journalists, something imperative to every Round who wished to enjoy some time alone in public, but that doesn't make it suck less. 'I wish I don't have to dress like this. Why can't I wear a dress? A cute, yellow dress? But nooo, if I wear something even remotely similar to the uniform or any other social clothing I run the risk of being recognized! And what was that 'you look so good in man's clothes'? Damn Jacqueline, what did they teach at the maid school? If I found it's just your twisted sense of fashion...' Her hand twitched, the burning desire to punch the living daylights out of the nearest person on sight being promptly suppressed without a single facial muscle changing. Now, most people think of Monica Kruszewski as a quiet and demure girl who doesn't like to socialize much, is extremely professional and while not as talented in Knightmare riding like the rest of the Rounds makes up for it with quick thinking and strategy. Her most close comrades know better.
'At least I have enjoyed a nice vacation. Area 11 is a beautiful place and the local culture is so different from the Mainland. That thing I read yesterday, that by praying to a shrine the local god would grant your desires. Curses in particular are the most likely to succeed. So, if I were to wish for a very slow, gruesome and painful death to the bigot...Fufufufu!' For just a moment her face twisted into a deranged grin backed by a bloodthirsty aura which sent goosebumps along the spines of the nearby people before disappearing again under the mask.
The bigot in question was Luciano Bradley, Knight of ten and Vampire of Britannia. Like the namesake suggested he was a very violent fellow who enjoyed slaughter and killing foes and friends alike and wasn't afraid to admit it. Only his battle prowess and loyalty to the empire saved him from being punished. So no one liked him, especially the blonde, to the point you could say they have a real feud. It was some time after Monica's promotion as a Round: the jerk tried to take advantage of the confusion and grabbed Monica's behind.
They barely stopped her at the last second from cutting open his jugular with a paper knife. After that and another string of similar episodes (mostly broken arms and fractured ribs) they all begin to keep their distance. She and Luciano still tried to kill each other though.
'Even if the cursing doesn't work I still got to be far away from the bastard for two weeks. More if this work takes long. And I am fairly sure it will be. A single man capable of stopping Knightmare Frames alone is a completely new type of case. Imperative is to understand how he does it and which weaknesses he possesses. Lady Cornelia is strong but too straightforward; she will likely try to use direct methods, treating him like an ordinary foe. Too dangerous. First of all I need to interrogate the soldiers present and read the report on the broken Knightmares. Then...'
"Out of the way, please. Look out below!" Came a voice from above. Looking up in surprise she saw a pink haired girl falling from above. Reflexes ingrained by training kicked in and she held out her arms, catching her. A bit of a strain, but nothing much. She looked up. From a window, very high on what she realize was the Government building, there was a rope made from what looked like bedsheets tied together. But it was too short, the fall would have killed or at least broke something. Did she just save a suicide? Then she looked at the girl and her eyes widened.
'Princess...Euphemia?'
"I'm so sorry! I didn't realize there was somebody down here when I jumped!" The klutzy princess exclaimed getting up. She didn't appear to recognize the Knight, with the shock wearing off Monica allowed herself a little smile, just a little tug up of her lips.
'Yes, same, old Euphie.' "...No problem. But why did you jump?"
"Oh, yes! The truth is, bad guys are chasing me!" Monica's eyebrow raised. What an obvious lie: the last time someone had tried an assault on a member of the royal family all the criminals, fifteen grunts and two infiltrators, were gunned down before they could come near even seventy meters. No one takes risks anymore after Empress Marianne. She shook her head. "I find that hard to believe. After all..." Before the baffled look on Euphemia she reached and pulled of the sunglasses and the hat. "There is no way Her Highness Cornelia would allow her sister to be in any kind of danger."
The pink haired girl's eyes widened. "Monica!" She shouted joyfully, hugging the other girl. "I missed you so much! Ooh, I'm so glad to see you again. When was the last time I saw you? Ah yes, your promotion to a Knight of the Round. About that, congratulations! But they didn't even allow me to speak to you. Phooey! How have you been? And..." Truly, her mouth was a machine gun capable of firing words faster that the speed of the sound.
Monica stiffened, embarrassed. "Ah...Your Highness, please...it's not proper for you to address me so informally... "
"Nonsense! We are or we are not childhood friends? Did we not play together with Lulu and Nunna at Aries Villa? Didn't...oh! Sorry, Monica, I..." Euphemia quickly apologized noting the darkening of the other girl's mood at the mention of the late siblings. More specifically, Lelouch.
"No, I'm fine. Please, don't anguish yourself." The Knight of Twelve reassured her friend, her mind wandering briefly to the memories of the boy to whom she owed everything. "Your...Euphie, what are you doing here alone? Don't tell me you have escaped your guards?"
"I have no choice." She pouted. The sight was...rather cute. "Today's my last day of freedom before I become Brother Clovis's assistant and I want to see more than another museum full of propaganda and a rich noble house. Uhm...Got it!" She clapped her hands. "Why don't you escort me? If I have a Round with me nobody will complain, right?"
'Nobody except Cornelia. If she found out Round or not she will strangle me. And then shoot me. Maybe the contrary if for some miracle she is in a good mood.' Monica grimaced. Still, how can you say no to Euphie when she gives you the puppy dog eyes? Besides, if someone asked she can always say she could not disobey a direct order from a Royal Family member. "Yes, I'd love to."
Meanwhile, C.C. had been questioning Lelouch about his goals. They were seated in the sitting room, the former eating pizza and the latter doing homework.
"Do you really believe you can change the world alone? Even if you're semi-invulnerable your opponent may simply be too large and strong for you."
The boy raised his head. "A pertinent question." He then looked out the window. "Back when I was ten, the world seemed to be such a terribly sad place, without hope.
Starvation. Disease. Racism. Constant war and terrorism. Strong preying upon the weak. Many innocents dragged by the wickedness of few. The people are living a never ending cycle of hate. This cannot be allowed anymore, the cycle has to be broken. Somebody has to do it."
The witch quirked an eyebrow. "And you are that somebody?"
He smirked. "I never said I'm going to do it alone. This is what the symbol know as 'Accelerator' is for. My fight isn't against a nation, but an ideology and the instruments which had brought it. If I want to break it I have first to free the people from its shackles, show them that an alternative is possible. All across the planet is full of heroes capable of doing it, they need just an opportunity. And I am that opportunity."
"...You have such faith in humanity. Why?"
"I have seen the worst humanity has to offer. But I have also seen the best. For all the sinners there is always a saint. Against all the villains a hero will always rise. Humans are fickle creatures with infinite potential, and I believe in it because I saw it happening." Suddenly he seemed pondering something. "Hey, when all things are done do you want to come to Academy City with me?"
She blinked. "Why?"
He shrugged. "Because it is, simply put, a better place. No Code, no Geass, no superpowers bent on world-domination. Sure it has its own can of worms but the principles of the French revolution are more spread. Just thinking maybe you want to begin anew in a place where no one is hunting you."
"..." She took another bite of pizza. "I will think about it."
Aaaand, stop. Sorry about this: the chapter was originally longer but I decided to split it into two pieces. The reason? I'm going on a week-long vacation and I want to leave you something to read in the meanwhile. Enjoy ;)