Code Geass: the Black Prince
Has it been long enough yet?
Chapter 14: The path to the end
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Lelouch lay completely flat on his ridiculously massive bed in the viceroy's palace. His arms were extended on both sides yet still didn't reach the ends. He stared up at the ceiling his face blank, but his mind still racing. Now that he finally was rid of Mao, he was able to solely focus on his rebellion. Multiple options as to the step of the Black Knights came and went, each being thoroughly scrutinized, then stored or discarded.
The events he would soon engineer would lead up to a climactic conclusion he knew would bring a monumental change in not only Britannia, but the entire world. So now all that was left was deciding what series of events would best lead to a new world he desired. Perhaps it was arrogant of him to think it, but he felt as if every obstacle had finally been cleared. The stage was his to control, and nobody stood in his way. His father couldn't care less about the situation in area eleven, and Schneizel, from what Lelouch could tell, could not afford the attention. He knew for a fact that the two of them were the only bit of opposition Lelouch could possibly face. But by the time they caught on, it would be far too late.
He had a vague idea of how the future would play out. The only thing he truly desired out of this was to create a new an better world for Nunnally. So no matter the consequence, anything was worth achieving that goal. And what he had planned would certainly do just that.
We're nearly there now.
"Lelouch?"
Lelouch snapped out of his thoughts at the voice, turning his head to see who called him. In the doorway was a certain pink haired knight.
"Anya, what is it?" He asked, exhaustion in his voice.
"Oh, I was just trying to find where you went yesterday. I thought you were going to go see Nunnally." Anya answered, still near the doorway.
"It was pretty late, I didn't want to wake her." Lelouch explained.
"Did you take care of that Mao?" She asked with whatever concern her monotone voice could show.
"Yes. I finally did." He yawned, still laying on the bed. "You'd think that I'd finally be able to sleep easy after removing him, but I still couldn't."
He gave a faint smile. "All I can feel is excitement now. I can't sleep."
"So you know what your next move is then?" Anya asked.
"Mine? Yes. But Zero's...not exactly." He responded without moving from the bed.
"Where the Black Knights stand, you have some versatility in options." She said.
"Yes, and for now, I need to build a Britannian power base in area eleven to rival the Black knights, otherwise there won't be any show to put on."
"So we need to strengthen area eleven." Anya asked in confirmation.
"More or less. The only problem is I haven't been actively making allies since the old Black Knights. And the only contacts from then have already come to me themselves."
Anya remained quiet a moment, as if thinking of something. "Why not try branching out then?" She suggested.
Lelouch frowned, unsure of the idea. "Like to another area? I've thought of it at least..."
"Something like that. If there isn't anything here than go to another area. Right now, the most recent, and most unstable colony is area 18. If Zero were to attempt to expand to area 18, the only other individual besides yourself capable of stopping him is Schneizel, and he won't care. You can absorb most of the military assets left over from the annexation of 18 when you move in to assist them."
Lelouch rose to sit on the edge of the bed. "That, and it makes Zero look more bold. It expands the conflict to more then just one area, who knows where it could go from there." He nodded, and then looked at Anya. "That's...actually a really good idea."
Anya gave a faint smile. "Thanks." She replied, almost in a whisper.
"I'll tell Ohgi to gather the Black Knight's senior staff, and we'll come up with an articulate way to 'liberate' 18." He smirked, thinking over the future possibilities. "This could be the way to bring things to its grand finale."
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Kallen was walking through an expansive hangar, knightmare frames tightly packed to the sides, and small construction sites lining through the entire room. Even now, the Black Knight's base was still growing as more and more people and assets were added to the pile. She even heard that Kyoto was actually starting to be pulled into the Black Knights as well. To think that she had some part in the creation of an organization that surpassed everything in Japan. It was incredible.
After a moment she passed by her pride and joy. The unique red knightmare that belonged to her alone lay in its own hangar bay apart from everything except Zero's Beta Gillingham. She slowed for a moment to look at it before continuing on into the hallways leading to the barracks.
A little further down the tunnel, she came to the room being used as a meeting room for the senior staff. It had been a while since she came to the Black Knight's headquarters, so she hoped she could find Zero for something to do.
However, upon entering the expansive room, she found Ohgi sitting at the center table, with no one else to be found.
Ohgi seemed to be looking over some sort of financial lists, and Kallen approached him before speaking. "Ohgi, have you seen Zero anywhere?"
He looked up at her from his work. "Kallen, I wasn't expecting to see you."
She huffed. "I was just looking for something to do. School has been slowly killing me."
Ohgi frowned, looking back at the papers a second. "Well, he hasn't been here for a while actually. This stuff here is something he normally does."
"Where did he go?" Kallen asked, sitting down in one of the various chairs surrounding the table.
Ohgi shrugged. "Don't know. I get calls for orders and stuff, but I haven't seen him for several days longer than his usual absences."
"Do you think he might be in trouble or something?" Kallen asked, concerned.
Ohgi shook his head. "I don't think so. I mean, there was that issue with that Mao guy he was pretty adamant about, but I think he resolved that just recently."
Kallen put a finger to her chin, thinking about something. "I think I remember Lelouch talking about that actually; at school."
"Wait," ohgi said. "You go to school with the viceroy?"
"Yeah...I'm pretty sure I said that once." Kallen responded
"Huh." Ohgi commented. He sat there a moment, trying to come up with something. "What if you were to get close to him, try to get some useful information?"
Kallen visibly reeled back. Just thinking of the idea was awful. "Are you serious?! Do you really think I could actually do that?!"
Ohgi shrugged, unaffected by her outburst. "I'm only saying that it would be a big help if you could get something out of him."
Kallen folded her arms, violently shaking her head. "The only way I'd ever do that is if Zero himself told me to."
"Then why don't we ask him?" Ohgi suggested.
Kallen glared at him. "Fine. Go ahead."
"Alright." Ohgi pulled out his phone, and began to call Zero. He was the only one, as far as Kallen knew, who could contact Zero. But that didn't exactly mean he would always answer.
Ohgi put his phone on the table so Kallen could hear the conversation as well. To her surprise, the call was answered.
"What is it Ohgi?" Zero asked.
"I was talking to Kallen, and we realized that she actually goes to the same school that Viceroy Lelouch does. So I thought she might be able to get close to him to learn something for us." Ohgi explained. "If you want her to, that is."
There wasn't even a second delay before Zero answered. "Sure."
Kallen banged her head against the desk, dreading the idea. Looks like she had something to do now.
"Also, while I'm speaking to you; I want you to gather together the senior staff. I have something to tell all of you." Zero said.
Ohgi blinked, surprised. "O-okay, when do you want to?"
"As soon as possible. Just contact me when you're all together. I'll come immediately." Zero told him.
"Sure, I'll get right on it." Ohgi replied.
"Good. Let me know."
With that, the phone went dead, leaving Kallen and Ohgi wondering just what Zero wanted to tell them all.
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Euphy sat on a small chair in front of her brother's office in the viceroy's palace. She has been asked to speak to Lelouch earlier that day, but she ended up waiting for him for what have must been fifteen minutes now. She sat patiently, watching the occasional maid or even officer pass by the hallway, glacing at her, and then the Japanese boy standing beside her.
Lelouch had ordered Suzaku to maintain a somewhat position as her bodyguard until more official announcements could be made. He stood stock still to her right, his gaze unwavering from all the cold stares he received from people passing by. But none of them dared say anything, they knew who put him there, and they didn't want to argue with him.
She let out a heavy sigh, prompting a glance from Suzaku. She understood that Lelouch was likely very busy, and it wasn't that she had anywhere to be going...but she could at least be doing something better then this.
"Suzaku?" She called, trying to start a conversation.
"Yes, your highness?" He responded, turning just his head to see her.
Euphy wished he wouldn't call her that, but given the situation, she wouldn't try to correct him. "You once told me that you knew Lelouch, from when he went to Japan."
Suzaku nodded. "He and Nunnally came to my home for a few months, before the war broke out."
"Yes. I remember my sister Cornellia desperately rushed to try and find them the moment the invasion began. We were afraid that we had lost them."
Suzaku gave a small smile. "You know, there were times I thought we weren't going to make it."
She gasped, slightly terrified despite the fact it happened so long ago.
"Lelouch and I were determined to make it out of there alive. I think the biggest reason was for Nunnally. We both pushed on for her. Lelouch was angry, because of that. Angry that his little sister's life was in danger. He believed it was because of his father. He hated the emperor for abandoning them. He felt he was lied to, that he was used even after giving everything he had."
Euphy looked down, recalling what she remembered from all those years ago. "The Lelouch I remembered was kind, and friendly to everyone. When his mother died, everything about him changed. In just the short time before he left I felt I was saying goodbye to a completely different person. Then I saw him for the first time in years, and I didn't know what to think. He looked so... intimidating. He still held the same features, but a mask that hid something worse."
A tear found its way down her face, surprising her. "First Clovis, and Cornellia. What if Zero goes after Nunnally? I don't know what Lelouch would do...and I'm terrified. My kind brother has become something I can't recognize. I want to help him, but I don't know if I can."
"Lelouch cares about you." Suzaku said. "Even if he doesn't say it anymore, I can tell he will do everything he can to protect you. He's changed since then, but nothing's changed what he cares for. So just know that whatever he does is for you, and for Nunnally."
Euphy smiled. "Yeah, and we should do everything we can to help him. Even if I can't do the things he does, I can find a way to help, I know I can."
Suzaku nodded in agreement. But before he could speak a loud slam caught they're attention. A door at the opposite end of the hall had be shoved open, and though it came a raven haired teen whose face had never shown more animosity.
"L-lelouch, whats..." Euphy began, speaking quietly.
Lelouch kept a rigid pace, Anya close behind with a genuine face of concern. "Lelouch, slow down!" She called, hand reached toward him.
Euphy stood as lelouch drew closer, and Suzaku took a step forward.
"You're dismissed Euphemia." Lelouch spoke sharply, without even looking at her.
"What's wro-"
"Go!" Lelouch shouted, barely glancing at her.
Euphy shrunk back, watching lelouch shove the door open, promptly step inside, followed by a flustered Anya. Before she could say anything the door flew closed in her face.
She stood there a moment, completely shocked.
"What?"
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Anya stood in front of the door, her arms folded and an annoyed glare on her face.
Lelouch was standing on the other side of the desk, his back to her. Anger steamed off him personified by the furious tapping on the window sill.
"Well?" Anya broke the silence. "Are you going to tell me what's going on?"
Lelouch didn't speak, he just kept tapping with his fingers, without moving.
"Lelouch." Anya pressed.
"Mao isn't dead." Lelouch finally spoke.
She raised an eyebrow, confused by the statement. "What do you mean?"
"I just got a call from the OSI. His body disappeared, exchanged with a trail of others all the way out the door." Lelouch answered, barely containing his anger.
Anya didn't answer. Lelouch stopped tapping. "FUCK!" He screamed, slamming his hands on the desk. "Why won't he stay dead?!"
He clenched his hands into white knuckled fists. "Now he's gone AGAIN, and I have no way to know what he's going to do!"
He stayed there, bent with his fists on the desk. Anya finally decided to speak. "Who is Mao?" She asked. "You told the OSI he worked for Zero. And you told the Black Knights he works for you."
She glared at him, his eyes still away from from hers. "Clearly, none of those are true."
Lelouch continued to look down, he loosened his hands, and his posture. "I...I can't tell you."
Anya looked at him confused, and mostly annoyed. "What do you mean you can't?"
"Because..." He turned his head, keeping his eyes away from her.
"You promised to not keep secrets remember? You know you can trust me."
He finally looked at her, allowing her to see the pain in his eyes. "But I don't know if you will trust me."
Anya blinked. That was definitely not what she expected. She let her arms fall, and moved to be level with Lelouch, whose gaze was once more on the ground. "There is nothing you could say or do that will keep me from staying at your side."
That was something she believed more than anything. Her memory was always so hazy. Her life before meeting lelouch was nearly completely lost to her. The only thing she felt sure about was him. The only memories she had were times with him. And everything she was, because of him. There was a small voice in the back of her head that told her it was right. It told her she was meant to be beside him. A voice that wanted her to protect him.
And she agreed with it.
"How many times do I need to tell you that?"
Lelouch raised his head so the two of them came face to face. He showed what she took as a look of gratitude. She was grateful as well, not only for what he had done for her well-being, but that he just may trust her completely after all.
"You may want to sit down for this one."
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When Deithard heard that Zero called an executive meeting, he wasn't expecting this. Nevertheless, such a declaration only further excited him.
"You want to expand to area eighteen?!" Ohgi exclaimed, clearly being the more skeptical one.
"Yes. I've considered many options over the past few days, that being the reason for my absence. This is what I have come to decide."
"But will that even work?" Ohgi questioned.
"Yeah! Why should we even help them out anyway?!" Tamaki objected.
Deithard for one was ecstatic for the idea. He understood the pros and cons, and knew what kind of advantage they Black Knights would have there. And of course he knew that many of the individuals here would not, and the would need...persuasion. But he would leave that in Zero's more than capable hands.
"We will help area eighteen because we are the Black Knights." Zero declared. "Are we not Knights for justice? More then just some resistance group?"
Zero's helmet seemed to scan the room, looking for any sort of resistance or objection. "Our war is against Britannia itself. And all those it oppresses. If we bring together all the lands that Britannia has brought under its heel we would possess a strength that rivals the empire itself. We will be united in our cause and our enemy. Our gift of justice would be more than just a dream, but a reality."
The group of Black Knights suddenly became rather quiet, including Tamaki.
"But why eighteen?" Kallen asked. "It's so far from where we are."
"Because area eighteen is the most recently established, and the most susceptible to revolution." Deithard guessed. "Isn't that correct?" He said, glancing at Zero.
"It is." He responded. "Cornellia hardly conquered the middle east a few days before arriving here in eleven."
The senior staff collectively nodded, beginning to understand what kind of move this would be.
"More than likely Lelouch himself will be obligated to follow us to area eighteen. He has no idea what kind of forces we are in possession of. When the time is right, we can strike here in eleven when his attention is focused elsewhere."
"So we go to area eighteen, and fight to liberate them too, then what?" Ohgi asked.
"Then we will move to another. The Black Knights will become a global force against Britannia itself. That has always been our end goal. This is the way we will achieve it."
"I for one think it is an excellent idea." Deithard commented, drawing everyone's attention. "It's what we fight for. It will show the entire world we are more then just a Japanese terrorist group, but an organization the entire world must respect."
"And I think so too." Kallen added. "We should fight for justice for everyone, not just Japan."
"I'm in too. I ain't gonna let Britannia control anyone!" Tamaki decided, remarkably different from his earlier comment.
"I know what we stand for and everything, but can we really fight in a completely different area? Are we actually capable of it?" Ohgi asked, still unsure of it.
"Do you not trust I have thought this through Ohgi?" Zero said acting hurt. "Don't underestimate my resources. An expansion like this will be more than possible for us now."
"When could we start this?" Ohgi wondered.
"This won't be immediate. There we be a lot of planning and preparation before we can begin. Some of which we will start now." Zero answered.
Ohgi gave a sigh. "Well, we better get started."
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Anya had left the meeting shortly before the group began going into further details. Primarily because she was supposed to go be with Nunnally. For once she actually would have rather stayed, because it was her idea, she wanted to be there to see it come to fruition. She felt proud of herself that she was able to give Lelouch the right idea to push his plans further along. But she was even more happy he had confided in her his biggest secret. The power he possessed called Geass. Had it come from anyone else she would never have believed them. But there was no hesitation. It was still mind blowing however, that something of the supernatural like that actually existed. She understood his fear that kept him from telling her sooner, and she wasn't going to hold it against him for keeping it from her because of it. In fact it actually made her happy that he was concerned about her trust more than anything. He had wanted to use it on her there, to insure her he could never use it on her again, but she refused. She would never distrust Lelouch, and she even felt there may be a time when he could use Geass on her to help somehow. Either way, she wouldn't make him. She knew her loyalty to him wasn't fake. It had always been there. He was the one thing that was clear to her, and she wouldn't let go of it.
Anya had just finished putting Nunnally bed, once again apologizing for Lelouch's absence; and promising that he would be there soon. She wished he would just finally make some time for Nunnally. It would make the girl happy, and Lelouch more than definitely needed nunnally's curing smile right now.
She sat down at the table in the kitchen, idly toying with the dishes Sayoko set for the morning. Lelouch had explained to her who Mao was, and why he was such a threat. And she came to realize why Lelouch was loosing sleep over him. In the end, she encouraged him to ignore Mao, or at least let him be. He was beaten already, and if he ever tried to come back again he would have a hard time doing it. Reluctantly, he accepted, and decided to focus on area eighteen, which was something he definitely should be worrying about right now. Whatever Mao wanted, he wouldn't get it. And if he ever tried to bother Lelouch again, she would kick his teeth in.
"My that's rather rude isn't it?"
Anya paled upon hearing the unfamiliar voice. And whipped around and out of the chair to face a young man covered in bandages; his eyes glowing with an unnatural red hue that burned through the darkened room.
"You don't even really know me and that's how you would greet me? That's rather harsh. Although, I suppose Lelouch told you all there is to know about me."
"Y-you're Mao?!" She stuttered, taking a step back. How did he get here?
"See that's my secret." He gave a demented smile, clapping his hands together. "But you don't get to keep secrets from me."
Anya kept backing up until her hand came up against the table. "Stay back!" She shouted.
"What a selfish little girl you are." Mao began, slowly stalking toward her. "The moment you first saw Lelouch, he was all you ever thought about, even when you knew that wasn't meant to be."
He laughed a little, shaking his head. "My, you with the women..."
Mao kept drawing closer, his footsteps hitting kitchen tiles. "When his mother died you used it as a way to get close to him. You attached yourself to him and became his knight."
"I was just trying to help him!" Anya protested.
"Oh really? Is that why you constantly picked fights with other girls around him? I think Lucile comes to mind for you right? You want him all for yourself. You don't want anyone else to be near him don't you?"
He clapped his hands again, the grin on his face even wider. "And we both know the one person who's closer to him than you. The one you're so jealous of."
"No! I don't know what you're talking about!"
Mao laughed. "Lelouch told you what I can do. It's your brain after all."
He backed away from Anya, and headed toward the hallway.
"I'll tell you what."
He disappeared for a second, leaving Anya panicked and slightly terrified.
Mao reamerged, pushing a wheelchair inhabited by a sleeping young girl. "I'll get rid of her for you. Then Lelouch will be all yours."
"N-Nunnally!" Anya cried out, but she couldn't move.
"All you want is to be with your beacon of hope in a world that you can't remember. And this little girl is in your way. I'm doing you a favor by getting rid of her, that way Lelouch won't blame you." Mao said, pushing Nunnally along past Anya and toward the door.
Anya took half a step forward, and stumbled on to her knees. "No...no I just..."
"But you want her gone. Don't you?"
"NO!" Anya screamed, putting her hands over her ears. "Stop!"
Mao gave a little chuckle. "This is just too easy."
He fired a single bullet into Anya's crumpled body, effectively preventing her from trying to stop him. He then pushed the wheelchair outside if the dorm, leaving a broken girl alone inside.
"Now for the fun part."
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I didn't realize that the line with Anya getting shot was not initially in there. I shorty put it back in.
Also, bear with me with Mao. I know he isn't a favorite, but hopefully you'll all be satisfied.