Yup, one more chapter. Again, not beta'd. So I hope I fixed the worse errors. If you find any reading, I'd be obliged if you point them out! Enjoy!

0000~L~0000

Lelouch had set an alarm on his phone to go off the moment the class of hostages was rescued out of the surveillance quarters where he had locked them in. It was a good thing too, because at the moment it went off, he was completely engrossed in his game.

Chess. Who would ever have thought his love for the game, which had given him tactical advantage so many times in the past, could be used as a weakness against him too? He shook himself, tearing his eyes away from the problem on the board. It was hard, but the demon knew how to be strong: Lelouch stood. "I still don't believe it's a sure win for white, but I admit it is a pretty strong position, brother. However, I really have to go now."

Schneizel, his half-brother and successor, tapped a finger on the board. "You're just going to leave this hanging as is?"

"I am afraid so." The demon Emperor admitted. "Some of us have other responsibilities, you know."

The blond, broad shouldered Emperor smiled politely at that, remaining seated at the little table. "That may well be so… Still, could you please give me one reason to let you leave from here?"

Lelouch snorted, taking out the detonator and starting the counter. "This building is going to blow up - or, actually fold in – in five minutes. I have little to worry about, even if this place does come down on my head. But I doubt the same can be said for you."

"That is fascinating." The new Emperor admitted, not looking troubled in the slightest. "And if you're ever looking for a side job, I have about a hundred scientists in my employ that would simply kill to have a look at such as yourself." Schneizel paused, inspecting his immaculate fingernails. "But it's hardly a reason to let you go and wreck your havoc as you have been doing these past few weeks."

"I'm sorry. Have I been a burden to you?"

"Well, let's just say that the Britannian royal family is at an all-time popularity low." Schneizel smiled thinly, tossing his long blond hair over a shoulder with a measured hand gesture. "Just tell me this, little brother: where does it end?"

There was only one way to respond to that: putting both hands in his pocket, Lelouch grinned wickedly. "But brother, I've only just begun."

A tired sigh as the big man started putting away their pieces. "This has already worked far better and faster than even your first try. Everyone is tripping all over themselves to unite and form a strong front against you. The problem, however, remains: how do you get rid of the world's symbol of hate, if such a symbol has become immortal? And when the rumor is proven, will it not simply drive the people to despair?"

Schneizel finished putting the pieces away and held box and board out to his left; Kannon materialized there seemingly out of nothing to take his master's burdens. "You've put yourself into a position that is near impossible to maintain, not to mention get out of. Unless you are willing to let this escalate into another arms race… Still, to me, your position is little more than an interesting problem. A puzzle. And I do love solving puzzles."

The pair made their way to a black limousine, Schneizel pausing one last time to look back as the door was opened for him. "Just remember there might still be a… semblance of a life open to you, if you just allow yourself to ask for my help."

With that, the black limousine drove off, out through the front entrance. Apparently, they had communicated with the road-block, because they were easily allowed to pass through.

The demon ground his teeth in annoyance. If it was not annoying enough that the pompous bastard seemed to think Lelouch actually needed his help, he had to go and step all over his carefully laid-out plans too just to come and mention that. But he had wasted enough time down here. Three minutes left; he started by putting an earpiece to his phone, and giving C.C. a ring: "I'm going out now." He announced.

The witched hummed: "Still working on the third one here; he's a hard one to corner."

That made sense; it was hard to picture a Sutherland getting cornered at all by a girl of C.C.'s demure statue. "I'll walk really slowly." He consented. Then with his best royal swagger, he walked out of the garage's main exit, out into the rising sun and the lights from the few police cars left out there.

The place was a chaos; almost all cars had left after the racer, but quite a few officers on foot were left. Some cars had hemmed others in, there were newspapers and cups and other litter left all over the street. police lights were lined up and aimed at the building but most were off by now, the sun creeping over the horizon to make them obsolete.

At the sight of the Demon Emperor strolling out of the building however, a semblance of order was returned. Predictably enough that consisted of the officers taking aim at him. A sultry female officer even fired off a bazooka in what he imagined was meant as an intimidating warning shot.

Lelouch sighed dejectedly as he turned and watched the smothering remains of his top-hat drift down to the street. Granted, it was a rather foppish thing, and likely he had made enough of a point going around with it by now. But he had still put in real manual labor into making it; that by itself made it a museum worthy piece.

"That is just how all of you commons manage your problems, is it not?" He raised his voice so all of the squad members would be able to hear him, but his glare was intended for the female officer with the bazooka. Talk about unnecessary. With another, slightly over-exaggerated sigh he scooped up the hat and patted out the flames. He had another full minute of time to fill. "Always violence, violence. Sword through the heart does not work? Let's try a gun. A bullet to the head not permanent? Let's try a rocket launcher."

The female officer he had addressed scowled and pushed out a hip in what could only be the true French manner. "Raise 'or hands and drop to the floor, and we might decide not to pump you full of lead before taking you in, demon."

Probably because executing that command would leave him with a concussion at best. The demon smiled thinly. "Has it ever occurred to any of you to cur my royal wrath in a different way? A hug? Flowers? A letter of apology perhaps?"

Another officer came up next to the female, his accent thicker even then the woman's: "Zis is your last sjance to surrender. Ve mean it."

In answer Lelouch arched an eyebrow. "How about I dictate to make it easy for you all?

"'Dear Demon Emperor Lelouch. We're sorry about trying to kill you. Please come back to rule us all. We realize now, all those other leaders just don't have that psychopathic megalomania that made us fall for you in the first place.

"Yours forever, the World.'"

The Demon treated them to a wanton grin: "Have that petitioned and signed by the world populace and I think I might forgive you."

French police were not the most violent of types; in fact, compared to the 'crack-down' mentality of the old Britannian force, they would be considered nearly pacifistic in nature. But right now, they were about ready to shoot him. Fifteen seconds left to stall though. So he stepped back, tone becoming wistful and soft as he studied his ruined hat. "I just wanted to be loved you know."

Well, that was not quite working. But at least they seemed to be considering finding an alternative to the lead-pumping idea. Ten seconds; he heaved another sigh: "Well; that, and absolute obedience." The guns were back, aiming straight for his face. Five.

"And, of course, the right to blow up anyone who gets into my way."

Two.

One.

And behind him, a sky scraper started to fold in on itself like a card house. Dust fanned out, filling the streets with a grey, thick substance. And out, and thicker, until it was impossible to see, impossible to breath. This was the part where he had to, sadly, do the part he actually sucked at.

Which was, of course, to run.

0000~S~0000

Exasperated, Suzaku tried again to make his case in this three-way call: "I did not betray you! I killed him; twice! He just… came back."

Tohdoh cut in again: "You'll have to excuse us for having trouble believing that. No, Zero; I've already taken over from the local police. This time we will be taking care of this problem."

Suzaku-as-Zero tried again: "But you need to take him alive! Surely, you can see the panic it will cause when… "

Xingke: "Don't worry, Zero. My Shen Hu will stomp his bloody remains into the ground until not even your parlor tricks can bring him back. I just need another half hour; this float system is pretty fast, but not half as fast as those jets. Just keep them there, Tohdoh."

"I didn't trick anyone…" Suzaku supposed Zero's voice was not really suitable for a hurt, wronged tone. In any case, no one seemed to believe him. It was a lost cause. With a sigh, he closed the connection, dialing a totally different number instead: All this bickering would never amount to anything. He should stick with what he did best, after all. "Cecile?"

There came a surprised, but civil reply.

"Can I talk to Lloyd?"

The engineer did not even ask why Zero was calling: "Oh dear. I'm afraid he's indisposed right now. Can I take a message?"

0000~L~0000

Lelouch kept the breathing mask pushed to his face with a bit too much force, as he took a pause at a street corner. The mask had probably come loose due to all that running. Yes; that was it. He had inhaled dust; that was why he was having a coughing fit.

Thank god he would not need to do any more running now.

Just as the demon had pepped himself into continuing, the ground shook as hulking frames pulled up around him, land spinners grinding to a full stop. When the dust cleared and tremors stopped three old-fashion Sutherlands had surrounded him.

Even knowing they were coming, they made an impressing front; so to regain his composure, Lelouch laughed loudly. "I was wondering when you'd put knightmares up against me. It is good to know that, as soon as the going gets though, all those lofty morals go out right out the window."

Three pairs of anti-personnel barrels trailed to him, and for a moment he was afraid they had not even opened their audio channels. That would have ruined his plans. "You will surrender right now."

"I think not. I have a better idea." With a swipe of the hand, he replaced his red blazing contact lenses. "Lelouch vi Britannia commands thee, turn into pint-size pixies and fly away!"

The three frames froze almost comically for a drawn-out moment, before the commander noted: "We know your curse only works through direct eye contact, demon. We're well protected here as our visual feed come through our fact-spheres."

As casual as was possible under the circumstances, Lelouch put his hands on hips and shrugged. "Some things get better with practice you know; I won't know for sure until I try. But maybe an easier command… Lelouch vi Brittannia commands thee: become my ever faithful servants on Wednesdays! "

The commander had had enough. "You will raise your hands and shut up, or we will shoot you to tiny bits!"

Just for laughs, the demon did raise his hands. "I did get the day right didn't I? It is a Wednesday?"

None of the knightmare pilots were amused; and the 'warning shots' left Lelouch a lot less interested to try his luck. Those were big, big bullets these units were carrying. "Right… baby steps… think baby steps…."

The pilots had had enough; and so did the demon. Behind the outline of the three frames, Lelouch watched a lone figure emerge from a rooftop. C.C. brought the detonator high over her head, indicating she was ready to push it.

With a dramatic flourish, the demon raised his voice: "Lelouch vi Britannia, commands thee, eject from your frames right now." And all three pilots eject from their seats in unison as he turned and swaggered away.

0000~K~0000

Kallen grimaced, making another sharp turn. It was bloody hard, with these jets tailing her, to keep the trail relatively clear for Lelouch to walk. Another dive down, and this time she didn't bother with disarming the officer she caught in the racer's arm.

Instead, she made another U-turn and placed the hapless man on a rooftop. He took a few pot-shots at her, but her cockpit was strong enough to weather such standard rounds. Again, she shot into the fray. Or maybe she was the fray. God, it felt good!

But then suddenly, a long-range beam was shot at her. It grazed her, and Kallen turned to see the shooter, finding a custom Chinese Knightmare frame flying up towards her fast. But damn, weren't they outlawed? A Sutherland was bad enough; but this machine was in a totally different category. Without a second though, she fled.

Kallen didn't have the firepower to fight such a machine in her racer. She knew that. Also, there was smoke coming from her wing. But she was faster than the Knightmare; much faster. And almost impossible to track with anything but visual; she just needed to put her racer down without the Knightmare pilot spotting her. "C.C., are you ready to be picked up?" She asked through her com-link. "I might have a little problem here."

0000~CC~0000

It appeared that Kallen too was acquiring a taste for dramatic understatement. Because when the girl didn't pick C.C. up at the bridge as planned, but instead landed a smocking racer underneath it, C.C. though the 'might be a problem' was a definite.

Quickly, the witch jumped down and opened the engine hatch. "Cooling's blown." She concluded quickly.

"Can you fix it?" the red ace asked, climbing out the cockpit.

C.C. shrugged. "We'll use some river water and plug the hole with duct-tape, and I think we can at least make it back."

"Great." said the red-head, throwing C.C. her pilot helm. "Please take care of it. I'll go save Lelouch."

Wait. What? "Kallen! That was not the plan. The plan is you stay in the racer and…"

C.C. sighed, as she realized the ace pilot and bodyguard had already run off. Apparently she took that second job even more serious then the first. C.C. could hardly follow now, as this racer needed to be put back into the air before an enemy managed to locate and secure it. Well, C.C. supposed she'd be able to fly the thing somewhat. Still: This might be a problem.

0000~L~0000

No, this is definitely a problem. Lelouch had dragged his heels at every corner by now, making every detour he could think of. Still, he found himself at the river's edge. In the light of rising sun, the dark water sloshed down below, invisible in the shadows.

There was no Gurren racer here to pick him up.

The situation got even worse when blaring sirens announced the arrival of even more police cars. Well, that would not have been a problem that much, had said police cars only carried more French police officers to the scene.

Instead, they brought a full platoon of his ex-allies, the black knights. At their head stood a flustered Tohdoh, as un-amused by the situation as ever. A whole different set of weapons clicked as these men took their aim.

"Well, this seems familiar." He managed in a wry tone.

And then it got even more familiar; from out behind the Knights came a strangled cry, and a thud. Then up and over their heads she came flying, with a beautiful flip-screw: his bodyguard and Black Queen. Ah, to be able to do that he would almost be tempted to resort to exercise as well. Almost.

Still, he could not help but notice his ace was missing her racer.

Kallen seemed to think that the least of her worries; she skidded to a halt in front of him, spreading her arms, back turned to him. As if her flesh alone would stop the rounds of semi-automatics that were about to come their way.

"Don't shoot!" she sounded almost panicked.

"Kallen…" He had sort of mentioned the coming back from the dead part, had he not? She was making an awful scene though. He thought he might need to point out the obvious: "Let's not get overdramatic here. I died twice already; and though it's not a pleasant experience, I am still here."

"I'm not!" Kallen's voice started to gain strength; but it didn't seem reason had returned: "I refuse to make the same mistake twice."

"It wasn't a mistake the first time. And it certainly isn't now."

"Suppose." Kallen threw another quick glance over her shoulder, fear plain in her eyes. "Just suppose I buy this coming back from the dead story. How do you even know you can do it again? What if you really do stay dead this time?"

"Good point." Lelouch conceded. "But I think I have far better chances then you, agreed?"

Tohdoh growled: "Move aside, woman. We don't want to hurt you, but if we have to…"

But Kallen got stubborn: "I'm not walking away again. I promised myself I wouldn't."

Well, Lelouch considered, women were not known for their skills in logic to begin with. And Kallen, particularly; well, there was actually only one kind of logic Kallen really, truly understood. And so he reached out, tentatively, to grab the back of her jacket's collar. And pulled.

*shove*

Down she went, falling; the expression on her face was almost comical to behold: Surprise and disillusion and anger all in one. Then she faded into the dark shadows over the water.

"splash."

And there it was; mission accomplished. Except of course a few of those Black Knights – ex Black Knights, Lelouch reminded himself – were running up to look into the water below: Time for a little distraction.

"Gentlemen!" he called; "Ladies…" for there were a few, especially as the French police were also arriving. "Keep your eyes on the hands please." with a slow and deliberate gesture he went for his pocket, pulling out his gun. "I am about to perform my most famous trick."

0000~T~0000

Tohdoh grimaced, walking closer with his own still-smoking gun to inspect the body. This was a nasty business, to say the least. Yes; a macabre sight; especially when Tohdoh realized that, despite the numerous holes in the demon's chest blooming red, he was still breathing.

Or trying to: a weak, gurgling sound that would hardly have been heard if not for the sudden silence. But it was a lost cause: the sprawled heap that was left of the demon might tremble from pain at the extremities, but his eyes were already glazing over, oblivious to his body's despair. Or uncaring: whatever else could be said about the Demon Emperor, he did not fear death.

The eyes seemed to focus on him somewhat, as Tohdoh took aim for a mercy shot. "For what it's worth, I am sorry it turned out this way." He was not really sure why he bothered talking to this corpse; but somewhere, beyond all the injustices and atrocities committed in this boy's name, Tohdoh still retained some of his initial admiration. Now though, he was committed to fix Zero's error and end this monster's life. "Now for the good of everyone, stay dead this time."

The Demon's expression before the bullet exploded itself in his face burned itself into the old warrior's mind. Tohdoh let out a calming breath; not fearing death was one thing, but why had the boy looked at him with an expression like that? With a smirk that suggested Tohdoh had just made some cosmic joke, but was not aware of it?