Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

R-eset

Part 6: Recurrence to Zero

Stage 32: Steps

Unless things had changed, the only event Lelouch needed to prepare himself for this upcoming month was the attempted infiltration by the small ragtag group from Kururugi's old regime. He couldn't remember who the old man was, only that he was just an insignificantly short-sighted fool that couldn't realize the Japan he wished to bring back would be a relic of the past, fated to crumble before it had a chance to stand.

However, there were no thoughts of preparation running through that brilliant mind of his. No. Rather, Lelouch was focused on what the Director of Geass had told him in their meeting. His mind was still trying to process everything he was told. From the existence of countless worlds, all apparently modeled after himself. All because he asked the Collective Subconscious to not stop time when his foolish parents attempted to destroy it. He had no idea that his actions warranted such an action. He briefly wondered exactly what could have spawned this "irregularity" or what it even was, but those thoughts were pushed aside.

Up until that point, his focus had been to keep to the current course. To fight back against Britannia, act smarter, and correct all of his mistakes. But that had now changed. The origin of Geass. Of this ghost that granted a Geass that came with a terrible price.

It was starting to become too much for him to understand. He sighed heavily and let his face fall into his hands. It had been six days since the operation at Kamine Island, and that time was devoted to him trying to live a school life. Tohdoh and Suzaku's insistence that he take some time off and let them handle things. Kallen had backed their decision, and C.C. made sure to enforce it. He did try to fight back, but with all of his allies fighting back against him, he had no choice but to fold.

Speaking of allies, Lelouch thought back to Rai. Since capturing Alice Halliburton, a fact that Nunnally wasn't at all pleased with and had to be placated by ensuring Alice was treated as humanely as possible. The girl was a menace and made trouble for everyone, shouting profanities. It reached to the point where they had to install sound proofing just so everyone could work without any distractions. She also didn't touch any food provided to her. At least, not until Rai had been made her new guard. Alice's infatuation and history with the lost and forgotten prince worked to their advantage, as she had been far more comfortable around him.

The only real downside was her trying to convince him he was on the wrong side, and that he needed to come home with her. Lelouch honestly thought he was dealing with another Ohgi situation, but much to his relief, Rai had refused by saying he had no attachments to the royal family. And even if he did, he had no family left besides his half siblings, Nunnally and Lelouch.

"At least something is going right..."

He still needed to interrogate Alice about the Geass Order. Use his new Geass if he had to. And more importantly, he had to find Rolo. He still had been unable to acquire information about him from her. And he needed to find him as soon as possible. Given how things were escalating and drastically diverging, who knows what role this world will give Rolo.

Given his track record and affiliation, he would likely be an enemy or assassin sent against them. And without Jeremiah's Geass Canceller, they have no way around his Time Stealing Geass.

But above all...he needed to talk with his brother.

Make no mistake, Lelouch still harbored some feelings of animosity towards Rolo for killing Shirley in the original timeline, but he couldn't push away the feelings of brotherly love he had developed for the assassin. They were not as powerful as his feelings towards Nunnally, of course. In fact, his hate for Rolo dwarfed whatever love he did have for him, but he loved Rolo as a younger brother all the same. Perhaps, if things had played out differently, he could have helped change the boy for the better. He had a small window of opportunity this time, but every second, that window was growing smaller and smaller.

He had to find a way to deal with Rolo. Either by convincing him to join...or to bring an end to him himself, with his own two hands.

It wouldn't be an easy decision, Lelouch understood that much. But it was one he would have to make, sooner or later.

For now, he supposed, he could focus on the tasks at hand. He needed to plan for the upcoming siege in Kyushu, but that wouldn't stop him from making plans to deal with Rolo. There was also the Special Zone of Japan event to consider. This time around, Lelouch was going to make damned sure that he'd protect Euphie and prevent that massacre from happening ever again. Even if he had to bleed a hundred times over to make sure it happened.

"...wait. Isn't the Culture Festival coming up soon?"

Shit. That meant the giant pizza was still going to be a thing. And knowing C.C., after having been cheated out of it two times, would make sure it would happen for real. He sighed and drooped his head, shaking it in dismay. Since she and Milly had become fast friends, he was sure the two had something mischievous planned as well. What, he didn't dare think.

Finished dueling with some rather unpleasant thoughts, Lelouch was about to leave his room and head off for school since it was still early in the morning. He stopped when he felt his cellphone go off in his pocket. Fishing it out, he looked at the collar ID and frowned. It was from Ohgi. Meaning there was some business to discuss.

He wasted no time in answering the call.

"What is it, Ohgi?"

"Sorry to bother you this early, Zero, but we got a situation."

"Good or bad?"

"We...don't know. We got a message from some group called Peace Mark. One of their leaders wants a meeting."

"Peace Mark?"

Lelouch wasn't familiar with that name. He chalked it up to another aberration to this new timeline.

"Yeah. Apparently, they're a giant network of people who manage and deploy other resistance cells from across the globe. They're mostly focused on Britannia, but they've had some operations elsewhere, like the EU and the Chinese Federation. They're also well affiliated with Kyoto, too!"

Lelouch's eyebrows rose to meet the fringe of his hair.

"Interesting...did they say why they wanted to meet with us?"

"They said they were interested in working with us for an upcoming operation. They want us to meet with one of their operatives. Someone named Oz."

"Oz?"

The name sparked some memories. Back during his childhood, Nunnally and Euphemia had made a friend with someone in the court. One of the nobles who had been close to the vi Britannia family. He couldn't remember their name or face, but he knew they were a girl and came from a rather prestigious noble house. He did, however, remember her nickname.

Assuming his train of thought was correct, it did raise some curious questions. Why would someone from a noble house work with terrorists?

"Any information on this Oz person?"

"Apparently, they're one of the best mercenaries in their organization. They also lead a small group with a pretty high success rate. They're also a bunch of hellraisers also. They have a hard time working with anyone that isn't one of theirs. But they trust Oz over everybody else."

"I see. When did they want to meet?"

"They said they would leave it up to us, if we wanted to accept."

Lelouch took a moment to think about this. On one hand, he would be trusting an unknown group he had no prior knowledge of. Given how events were already changing, he knew the risks involved. On the other hand, if Peace Mark was as genuine as they claim, then it would grant them more access to resources needed to combat the Empire and Beleth.

It would seem that this was a risk he would need to take.

"Schedule a meeting this weekend. Preferably someplace outside the Britannian patrols. Ever since Kamine Island, they've started to step up their game."

"Understood!"

The call ended there. Lelouch sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. If only things could be simpler...

While Lelouch was dealing with his own dilemma, the li Britannia siblings finally had some time to themselves. Just as they had done before back in the original timeline, Cornelia and Euphemia sat in the recreation of the Aries Villa. Cornelia had enjoyed its beauty before, but now she couldn't help but find it bittersweet. All of this beauty and tender love, made by her brother who had changed so much.

"Cornelia? Is everything okay?"

Hearing Euphie's voice again... Cornelia felt like she was going to cry her eyes out.

"I'm fine, Euphie. Just dueling with unpleasant thoughts. That's all. Still, I'm amazed Clovis managed to recreate Lady Marianne's villa to such amazing detail."

"Yes. If I recall, Clovis used his own personal funds to create it. Not too long ago, I believe he also made the painting of Lelouch and Nunnally as well."

"That was at the art museum, wasn't it? Perhaps I should see it myself."

Not that she really needed to. And she knew Euphemia wouldn't need to see it again, either. Not when their younger brother and sister were alive and well. Cornelia's face twisted slightly when she remembered Lelouch. She had discovered the truth behind the Zero Requiem, of how he willingly became a monster in the eyes of the world so that he could die and bring peace. Her heart felt like it was cut to pieces, but there was still some lingering bitterness and hate for Lelouch. Yes, Euphemia was alive, but that didn't change the fact that Lelouch had killed her.

Even if the whole events behind the Special Zone Massacre had been little more than a mistake. Don't misunderstand, she wanted to forgive Lelouch. She truly did. But a small part of her wouldn't let her.

"Say, sister? May I ask you something?"

"Hm? Was is it?"

"Why did you agree to make Suzaku my knight of honor? You never had a high opinion of him."

'Or any Number, really.' Euphemia thought, but kept her mouth shut. Cornelia pursed her lips.

"True...but he has proven his loyalty to Britannia, and to you, multiple times. Admittedly, he wasn't my first choice to be your knight, but compared to the other candidates, he showed the most promise. That...and I once heard his family looked after Lelouch and Nunnally while they were in Japanese captivity. I wanted to confirm for myself what sort of person he was."

"So, you put him in a position where he could be monitored?"

She could hear the disapproval in her voice, but Cornelia couldn't tell her the real reason she made Suzaku Kururugi her knight.

"Yes. But there's another reason. One you'll have to figure out for yourself. By the way, Euphie...have you given any thought to marriage, yet?"

She smiled wryly as Euphemia's cheeks turned red.

"W-what brought this on all of a sudden?!"

"It is a fair question. You're becoming a fine young woman, and you're almost fit for marriageable age." Cornelia reasoned.

"B-But its still too early for that!"

"Perhaps, but you never knew when Father or the council might call for an arranged marriage. I'd hate for you to end up like our eldest brother. I pity the poor man, being forced to play along with these stupid politics."

"Yeah..."

Euphemia agreed. She felt bad for Odysseus. He has to be part of an arranged marriage to secure political power in the Chinese Federation. Out of all the royal family, Odysseus was the only person who could be considered a genuinely nice person, with no ulterior motives. He had even confessed to Euphemia that, at some point, he wanted to find a way to avoid the political marriage and find another way to gain a foothold in the Chinese Federation, especially considering that Empress Tianzi was but a mere child. A girl like that had a bright future ahead of her, were it not for the oppressive Eunuchs hindering her path at every step.

"What about you Cornelia? When will you get married?"

"Sometime soon, I suppose. Though the man would have to meet my standards first. I won't accept anything else."

That being said, of course, she already knew who she wished to marry. She smiled, thinking what sort of face Guilford might have when she would propose to him. Or maybe he'd surprise her and he would confess first.

The weekend had arrived faster than Lelouch had expected. Peace Mark had requested a meeting in the afternoon, ironically where the invasion from the Chinese Federation was to take place. Despite Peace Mark's assurances that the meeting would be secure, the black prince would be a fool to think otherwise, hence requesting some guards. They allowed him to be accompanied by three people he trusted. Naturally, it would be Tohdoh, Kallen and Ohgi.

The building was well-guarded. The area was also close to the ghetto borders, so Britannian convoys were often. To camouflage the meeting, Peace Mark had prepared Britannian Sutherlands and plants to ensure the meeting went smoothly. Armed guards all stood ready to defend at a moment's notice. The ones outside were dressed in Britannian uniforms to keep up the ruse.

In under two minutes, Lelouch could honestly say he was impressed. Even more so when he met Oz, who greeted him the moment he entered the building, flanked by two of his own men.

"A Britannian...?"

Oz smiled slightly at Kallen's bewildered expression.

"Surprising, don't you think? Of course, from what I've heard, you have no shortage of Britannian recruits yourselves."

"Hm, you have a point. So, you're Oz?"

"Correct. And you're Zero, I assume? I have to admit, I was expecting someone...a little more intimidating."

Lelouch smiled wryly as he shook hands. Oz's hands were rough, but they were firm and resolute. His posture and the way he glanced warily at his entourage told him that he was also trained.

"One of the higher ups is waiting for you further in. Please follow me."

Tohdoh raised an eyebrow.

"I was under the impression you would be our contact throughout this talk of cooperation?"

"I'm part of it. He originally hadn't intended on attending these talks, since he was preoccupied with another matter, but he finished up his task earlier than anticipated."

"I see... Who is this superior of yours?"

"He calls himself Wizard. Odd name aside, he's one of Peace Mark's most influential backers."

"Really? We certainly must be doing something right if someone like that wishes to meet with us personally."

"You have no idea. Your actions have stirred the world more than you may realize..."

Oz said nothing more as he led then inside the building. As they walked, Ohgi glanced around the halls and leaned forward slightly, his voice hushed.

"Zero. On the off chance things go south, what do we do?"

"If worst comes to worst, I'll use that."

He didn't want to admit he had Geass aloud to unknown parties. For all he knew, Oz was listening to Ohgi's hushed whispers. Still, he understood the afro-haired man's concerns. They were walking straight into the lion's den. They had to use the utmost caution here. Still, he had to admit that Oz now had him curious. He was Britannian, but there was something more to it than that. He wasn't sure why, but his presence made him feel...off. Not in the sense that he made Lelouch wary, but rather that he had something that made Lelouch curious. What, he didn't know.

The group was led into an elevator, where they were cascaded further down. The ride was done in tense silence. Oz hadn't so much as turned to speak with them at all, only adding to the paranoia. Tohdoh kept a hand firmly on his katana, and Kallen was only a breath away from grabbing her knife. You could cut the tension with a butter knife.

The elevator stopped and they stepped out. After a minute of walking through another corridor, this one shorter and without any guards, they finally arrived before double doors. Oz pushed them open as he announced his arrival.

"Sir, I've brought them as requested!"

Zero and his Black Knights entered the room. It was fairly spacious and clean, a stark contrast to the rest of the dilapidated building. Rubble was wiped clean from the floor, and the furniture was clearly new. In the center of the room sat a circular wooden table, with steel chairs circling around it. Sitting on one of these chairs was a man dressed in a rather flamboyant suit, colored black and white with a crimson red mask covering the upper half of his face. White hair spilled down to his shoulders.

"Wow. And here I thought your outfit was flashy..."

Lelouch chose to ignore Kallen's remark and instead stepped forward. The man, Wizard, looked at him with eyes glimmering with intrigue behind his mask as he stood up, maneuvering around the table before extending a hand.

"I am Wizard. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Zero."

"The pleasure is mine."

The two grasped the others hand in a firm, unrelenting grip.

"Nice grip you have there. Speaks volumes of your character."

Zero nodded, feeling the same. The two released their grip before Wizard gestured for them to take a seat.

"Come. We've much to discuss."

"I'm so boooored..."

Suzaku glanced over at Gino, who was lounging about against the railing. In the background of the hangar, Lloyd and Cecile were issuing orders and directing the technicians as they worked on their respective Knightmares. Off to the side, the former Knight of Zero caught Anya sitting near a console, on her phone and likely updating her blog as per usual.

"If your bored, Gino, you should study. Even if you are the Knight of Three, you're still a student."

"I don't wanna. I want action. Just give me something to go up against. Anything. Hell, I'll take an uprising over exams any day."

'Be careful what you wish for, Gino...' Suzaku thought. An uprising was in the works. Or it was, until the Collective Subconscious decided to drop a bombshell on them with a whole universal collapse threatening to happen.

"Hey, Suzaku. Why don't we spar? Just you and me!"

"Sure, so long as we're using training units."

"Aw, come on! Where's the fun in that? Let's have at it with our personal Knightmares! I wanna see how your Lancelot holds up to my Tristan!"

"That depends, do you wanna have Lloyd talk your ear off about damages to the systems and proper maintenance and all that stuff? Because he will if we end up damaging our units."

Gino pouted.

"Spoilsport... Hey, speaking of the Lancelot, did they manage to find Alice?"

"Unfortunately, they haven't made any progress on her whereabouts." Suzaku lied. "They're still looking for her."

"Damn. She's been gone for days. Hope she wasn't captured by the enemy..."

"She'll be fine."

The two boys looked over at Anya, who had spoken up for the first time since they entered the hangar.

"She's tough."

"Hm... Your right, Anya! I'm sure she'll be fine. She was handpicked by the Emperor. By the way, what'cha doing over there? Are you still looking through your blogs?"

"No. Photos."

"Oooh! Can I see?! Can I see?!"

Suzaku sighed. Be in the original or new timeline, Gino was so hyperactive. He wondered how Anya could tolerate him so much. He liked Gino, but even he could be a bit much at times! Anya, nonetheless, nodded and handed him her phone. With glee, he began to browse through and showed them to Suzaku. Some photos had been during their time at Ashford, with one picture in particular featuring Lelouch with that damned Hanya Mask behind him. Another showed off what Suzaku thought was before all of this. A photograph of all the Knights of the Round, minus Luciano (thank god for that), gathered and hosting what looked like a welcoming celebration.

The next one though...

"Whoa... Hey, doesn't this kid look like Lelouch-sensei?"

Anya perked up and took the phone back. There, sure enough, was a boy - a noble by the look of him - with raven hair and violet eyes. His resemblance to Lelouch was uncanny. But Suzaku knew that this was indeed Lelouch vi Britannia from during his time as a prince. From when he was still a member of the Royal Family before his fated banishment.

"When was this...?"

"You don't remember taking this, Anya?"

She shook her head. She didn't remember taking this photo before. She glanced at the date the photo was taken. 'Seven years ago...' she thought before she suddenly felt a headache forming. 'Was this...from before I...?'

[Oh dear. This is sooner than I thought. Awa...how cute! Oh, Lelouch was such a cheek-pincher back then! Still, this could be bad. I'll have to tell Charles first chance I get...]

Okay, so a few people have been complaining to me about how this story was going. One guy in particular was telling me that this story was going off the rails with the reveal of Beleth.

I'll say this: this was planned from the get go, ya dingus. I ALWAYS planned on revealing Beleth. Well, at least when the skull ghost Geass thingie showed up in Akito.

Anyway, I'll be going off the radar for a while. I've got some things to take care of in real life. School and all that shit. Oh, and Devil May Cry, too. No way I'm gonna miss kicking ass with Nero and Dante.

Peace out y'all! And don't do anything I wouldn't do.