Code Geass: Lionheart of the Revolution

by Karndragon

Lelouch made an important decision when he was a child and it leads him to make different choices in his life and now as he decides to fight against his own country of Britannia and the injustice that goes with it, Lelouch takes action on a different path of his rebellion.

69. Stage Setting

Disclaimer: I don't own or have anything to do with Code Geass.

Stage Setting

Suzaku was sitting on a bed in a room within the Avalon and looked at the small television and was watching the event that was happening in the Special Zone. He was watching Euphie giving her speech of her support of Japan being freed from Britannia and made it known that she was going to be part of the Black Knights. Zero and Void were standing next to her. Suzaku was sad as he looked at Euphie and then he looked at Zero and had resentment towards him.

"Zero," Suzaku said, "no, I should say… Lelouch…"

"Geass?" Suzaku spoke.

Flashback: In the Knightmare Hanger

Suzaku looked at VV surprised as VV nodded.

"That's right," VV said, "that's the power that Zero possesses. This power allows him to control people and make them do what he wants. It activates from his left eye and when given eye contact, he gets them under his spell to make them say and do what he wants."

"So it sort of a hypnosis," Suzaku said.

"Sure, something like this," VV said, "although he rarely uses this power, he nonetheless has it and he has used it. He used this power on Clovis."

"Prince Clovis?" Suzaku replied.

"That's right," VV said, "he used this power to force Clovis to confess what he was doing. Otherwise, there was no way Clovis would have actually confessed to what he was doing with the Code-R Project and why he ordered the massacre in Shinjuku and even though it was clear to him that he was trapped, he still would not have given up and confess. He did the same to Jeremiah."

"Lord Jeremiah?" Suzaku replied.

"Yes, you remember that you were charged for Clovis's death," VV said, "and Jeremiah had brought the charges against you. Did you ever find it strange that when Zero confronted him, he suddenly ordered for your release and even went far in making sure that you and Zero got away and ordered his subordinates to allow you escape as well?"

"Isn't it because that Zero had dirt on Lord Jeremiah?" Suzaku replied, "Something like what Prince Clovis was doing, whatever it was of 'Orange' which was being used as blackmail."

"That was nothing more than a bluff, a lie to be exact," VV said, "the truth is that Zero used his Geass on Jeremiah to make him give the order for your release. Of course because of what he did with how he manipulated things, everyone else in the Purist Faction with the exception of Villetta Nu resented Jeremiah with his credibility along with the others of the Purist Faction starting to become damaged. Jeremiah made the claim that he doesn't remember what happened and he was telling the truth. After Geass is used on the person, the person subjugated loses part of their memories and have no clue what happened. It was the same with General Bartley Aspirus and the rest of Clovis's staff with him. Zero used the Geass on them to make them leave so that Clovis would be all alone in the bridge of the G-1."

Suzaku was shocked and thought about what he was told.

"So in other words, Zero made up the lie on Lord Jeremiah and ruined his reputation and was why he was targeted by own colleagues," Suzaku said, "he's intentionally caused the conflict between them and that conflict led Lord Jeremiah of being targeted and leading a chain of horrible events."

"Correct," VV said, "and not long ago, he did the same thing to Castor and Pollux before killing them."

Wait what?" Suzaku replied shocked, "Prince Castor and Prince Pollux are dead and he used his Geass on them as well?"

"Yes, of course like Clovis, he used his Geass on them to make them confess in what they were doing and about using Pluton to orchestrate the massacre in the Special Zone," VV said, "otherwise those two would have kept quiet and not tell Zero and Void anything and would not been able to use them to get back in Area 11 but they did."

"I see now," Suzaku said, "but even after getting the truth from them, instead of turning them in for what they've done, Zero just decided to just kill them If he had just turn them in, they would have faced punishment for what they done but instead he just killed them and just wanted to use that to paint all of Britannia as the same for what happened and use that as the excuse to incite rebellion."

VV was internally enjoying how Suzaku was painting Zero.

"Well Castor and Pollux knew that Zero had Geass," VV said.

"Did they really?" Suzaku asked surprised again.

"Yes," VV said and then put on a sad expression, "I suspect that Zero really killed them because he didn't want them to inform people of the power that he possessed. So maybe he did kill them for some sort of justice or retaliation for the Special Zone, but it is most likely the true main reason was it was to simply silence them."

"Yes that sounds right," Suzaku said with bitterness, "So did he use his Geass on anyone else?"

"Not that I know of," VV said, "but we can never be sure and of course that will change for the future when he gets desperate."

"What about Void?" Suzaku asked, "About Nunnally? Does she know?"

"Yes she's aware that her brother has Geass," VV said, "and she's completely fine with it."

"Right… because it's her brother," Suzaku said.

"With that in mind, do you now think it was wise for you to leave Euphemia with the Zero and Void?" VV asked.

Suzaku flinched and had his head down in sadness.

"Euphemia… she made her choice," Suzaku said, "and decided to walk a path that I can't follow."

"And what do you suppose will happen if Zero, if Lelouch used his Geass on Euphemia?" VV asked.

Suzaku was shocked and looked at VV.

"He… he surely wouldn't do that," Suzaku replied, "He… he wouldn't, right?"

"Are you sure?" VV asked, "While it's true as far as I know that he hasn't used his Geass on any of his followers and allies and not even his sisters but… how long do you think will be before there is a situation where he does use his Geass on Euphemia?"

"What…?" Suzaku responded.

"Right now Euphemia trust Lelouch and Nunnally completely," VV said, "there is no doubt that Lelouch would use that as his advantage. It may not be long since Britannia will no doubt retaliate to stomp down on this revolution that Zero and Void are cranking up."

"I know that but what are you saying about Euphemia?" Suzaku asked with worry.

"Euphemia has no idea what she really got herself into," VV said, "she doesn't know about Geass and eventually she will be used as a pawn for his scheme. Don't you want to get her out of there before it's too late? Before it actually comes to that?"

"I… I doubt she would believe me if I told her what you just told me," Suzaku said, "and I doubt she would like it if I got her out of there."

"That's true," VV said, "but like I just said, she has no idea what she got herself into. Lelouch hasn't used his Geass on any of his allies and followers but that will change as Britannian forces comes in to put a stop of the Area 11 being free from Britannia's control and of course, the people in Area 11 will suffer the consequences because of the Black Knights. You know that better than anyone."

Suzaku was horrified at what he believed that it was truly going to happen.

"It won't be easy and sure Euphemia may resent you at first," VV continued, "but would you rather have that or allow Euphemia be used by Lelouch with his Geass and then be tossed aside as a tool or even killed just for him to cover his tracks? You know that is the kind of thing that he will do and you can't count on Nunnally to do the right thing either. She would rather stick with Lelouch than actually have a conscious and do right for her sister."

"No, I don't want that," Suzaku said, "I know that Euphie is making the wrong choice despite who they are behind the masks."

"You should know what to do," VV said and then grinned, "Eventually Euphemia will be grateful to you down the line and you could be rewarded for your efforts. Think about it, you want to help Area 11 the right way after all."

Flashback End

Suzaku looked at the small television and was watching Euphie.

"Euphie, I'm sorry I left you," Suzaku said, "I will fix my mistake and even if you resent me for this, I will get you out of there and I will do what I should have done earlier."

Suzaku took something out of his pocket and it was his own cell phone.

"Lelouch and Nunnally," Suzaku said, "I will save Euphie from you and your schemes. I now see the truth of your lies and fraud. It's too bad that you people who follow and support you don't see who you really are but regardless, I will put an end to your plans. Japan cannot achieve freedom by your methods."

Meanwhile in the Black Knights' Mobile Base that was stationed on the road between Saitama and the Tokyo Settlement, Rai and Alice were watching through the huge television of the speech that Euphie gave with Zero and Void standing beside her.

"This is it," Alice said with a smile, "she's one of us now."

"Yeah," Rai said although she had a sad expression.

"Rai, what's wrong?" Alice asked looking at Rai with concern.

"Well it just how it came to be," Rai said, "all those people that were killed by Pluton and Euphie being targeted."

"Yeah, I know what you mean," Alice replied.

"She may not show it," Rai said, "but I bet she's still shattered over what happened."

"…Yes but that's why we're here," Alice said, "we'll be there for her and be her support… especially you Rai. After all you are her friend."

"Yes… but so are you Alice," Rai said.

"Oh…" Alice replied surprised.

"Don't tell me that you're actually surprised," Rai said smiling at Alice, "she and Nunnally said themselves that you're their friend."

"I… see," Alice said feeling joy.

"Oh so nice," VV's voice said suddenly, "be all friends to each other."

Alice and Rai were shocked and quickly turned around and there was someone there and it was VV.

"VV," Rai said surprised.

"Why are you here?" Alice said surprise and with anger.

"It's been a while Alice," VV said with a smirk and he turned to Rai, "It's been a long time… Raius."

Rai quickly pulled out his handgun and pointed at VV.

"Are you serious Raius?" VV asked as he was annoyed, "You're going to just point a gun at me?"

"Well it can't be helped," Rai replied, "I know you can't die but I can slow you down and beat the hell out of you."

"So barbaric," VV replied shaking his head, "is this how you repay someone who restored your memories?"

Rai and Alice were surprised again and Rai narrowed his eyes at VV.

"I see," Rai said, "it was you. You caused that weird incident at Kamine Island. Were you the one who transported us and the others to Kamine Island?"

"Yes I did it to observe you all," VV said.

VV was suddenly shot in the head by Rai who fired his gun. Afterwards Rai and Alice went over to VV's body. They moved in and then VV quickly moved his right arm and pulled out a gun from his pocket and pointed his gun at Alice and Rai which caused Rai and Alice to quickly move as VV got up he was bleeding from his forehead.

"So rude," VV complained, "but I guess I should expect it from someone who killed his own father and brothers."

"What do you want VV?" Alice asked.

"…I'll cut to the chase," VV said still pointing his gun at Rai and Alice, "Raius and Alice, you two as well as the rest of the Black Knights will fail."

"Huh, is that all you want to say to us?" Rai asked.

"Your sad little plan to liberate Area 11 is going to fail," VV said with a smirk, "I'm not sure if Zero and Void are underestimating the Britannian forces or they are overestimating themselves and all of you in the Black Knights. Either way you will fail so I actually came here to help you out."

"Help us?" Alice asked confused, "What do you mean?"

"You all are going to fail and I'm feeling generous so I'm offering you two to save yourselves and join me again," VV said, "All will be forgiven for you two if you do so."

Rai and Alice looked at VV and then they looked at each. VV smiled but stop smiling when he heard them laugh. VV was annoyed at the laughter coming from the two people he gave Geass to.

"And why are you laughing?" VV asked with a glare.

"How could we not laugh?" Rai replied still laughing, "The ego, the ego that you have to think that we would join after everything that you have done," Rai stopped laughing and gave VV a hated glare, "Cut the crap VV. Do you really think we would join you after what you did? You returned my memories and with it, the memories of what you and Charles did and how you played me from the start."

"Don't think it's not the same for me," Alice said with hatred towards VV, "especially after what you did to my sister."

"Your sister?" VV responded, "Hold on, that wasn't me… the blame goes to Colonel Madd."

"Of course it is… by your order," Alice said, "I know you gave the order. You just had Madd relay that order and had Pluton carry it out."

"…That… that was your own fault," VV said, "If you had just stop snooping around on things that don't concern you, your sister would still be alive."

"Bastard!" Alice roared.

"Hey now, no need for the vulgar language," VV replied, "You're too young to saying such vulgar language Alice. Anyway I'm going to ask you again, will you two come back to me?"

"No," Rai replied, "hell no, we're not going to join you."

"We'd have to be fools to go back to you," Alice added, "After what you've done to us, there's no way we would go back. We're Black Knights, that who we are."

VV sighed as he shook his head not impressed.

"You really are stupid," VV responded, "did you forget? I'm the one who gave you both Geass. I'm the reason you can do things with your Geass and you have the nerve to betray me. You two have no loyalty but okay fine," VV put his gun away, "I won't kill you both… yet."

"What?" Rai replied with a raised eyebrow.

"Like I said earlier, this rebellion that you are taking part of will fail," VV said with a smile, "so what I'm going to do is watch. I'm going to watch as the Black Knights fail to free Area 11 as the military rains down on you all. Zero and Void are the hearts of the Black Knights and this rebellion, once they are captured and executed, the Black Knights will fall and this stupid rebellion will be crushed," VV sported a sadistic grin, "and when that happens, I'll be right there and then I will end you two as you two and the rest of your band of misfits are inflicted with despair and hopelessness."

"We will win," Rai said with determination, "we won't fall."

"And besides, what makes you thinks we're just going to let you walk away?" Alice asked, "We know that there are certain siblings who have a bone to pick with you."

"I'm the one that decides on how things go," VV said as took something out of his pocket, "not you two and especially not Lelouch and Nunnally. Of course I will use this time to get CC."

"Wait, CC?" Rai replied.

"Why do you want CC?" Alice asked.

VV didn't answer and he quickly threw something on the floor and it caused a smokescreen. It caught Rai and Alice by surprise as they covered their mouths and coughed as VV got away and left the Mobile Base. Not long afterwards, VV arrived at a place and he met with someone and was pleased to see the person.

"Very good," VV said, "let's go."

Sword of Akasha

Charles was looking on and saw what was happening to his immortal older twin brother and he was not impressed.

"Big brother," Charles said as he shook his head with a scowl.

"It looks like VV may be acting too careless," A girl's voice said, "or just too cocky."

"Yes," Charles said, "although he may have already planted the seed of his little scheme."

The pink haired girl arrived and stood next to Charles.

"So now the next stage has been set," The girl said, "Euphie has joined the Black Knights. I'm sure Lelouch and Nunnally are happy about this."

"I'm sure they are," Charles said and then he smirked, "well now Lelouch and Nunnally, it's your move."

The pink haired girl looked at Charles and she smiled.

"You look entertained," The pink haired girl said.

"Hmph, does it?" Charles replied, "Well you might be right… although," Charles simply shrugged, "…yes, Castor and Pollux are quite bitter about this."

"Oh you already spoke to them?" The pink haired girl asked.

"I have," Charles said, "and I just had another conversation with Clovis as well."

Japan

Things were happening in the Special Zone has people cheered for the Black Knights with the cheers for Euphie. Not far from the Special Zone, Cornelia was watching and Guilford, Darlton, and the Glaston Knights who were all Darlton's sons were with her.

"Princess, are you sure you're okay with this?" Guilford asked.

"To be honest, no, I'm not okay with this," Cornelia replied, "I rather that Euphie be with me right now. But I understand why she chose this path and I won't stop her and besides, there's something that I have to do myself."

"We're with you Princess Cornelia, no matter what," Claudio Darlton said.

Cornelia turned and faced Darlton's sons.

"Thank you," Cornelia said, "I appreciate your loyalty."

"You're all made me proud," Darlton said with a nod.

"Father," Bart Darlton said.

David, Alfred, and Edgar Darlton nodded in response.

"Cornelia!" Marrybell called out.

They looked and saw Marrybell and Oldrin was with her.

"Marry," Cornelia said.

Marry faced Cornelia with concern.

"Cornelia, is Euphie really joining the Black Knights?" Marrybell asked.

"You heard her in her speech in the Special Zone, did you not?" Cornelia replied.

"But why?" Marrybell asked, "Does she really believe this is right idea for her?"

"She does," Cornelia replied.

"And you're not going to stop her?" Marrybell asked.

"No, I will not," Cornelia said, "just as I won't do anything when the Black Knights leads the charge to have Japan independent."

Marrybell and Oldrin were surprised as they both felt that it was out of character of Cornelia.

"I'm shocked that you would go along with it," Marrybell said.

"Yes I know," Cornelia said, "but what happened made realize that there are deep corruptions and it showed that I do not have control like I thought I did."

"So what are you going to do?" Marrybell asked.

"Well first I will return to the Homeland and I will face the emperor," Cornelia said.

"Facing Father?" Marrybell replied with concern.

"I know I'm going to get a barrage of disapproval for this," Cornelia said, "but regardless I will move forward and I will unveil the vile scum hiding within the empire. As for the Black Knights, I know that they will keep Euphie safe."

"How can you be sure?" Marrybell asked.

"I finally learned who Zero and Void are really are," Cornelia said.

"Wait, what do you mean?" Marrybell asked.

"I still won't forgive Zero for killing my Royal Guard," Cornelia said, "but I now I desire the same thing that Zero, Void, and the Black Knights want," Cornelia then faced Marrybell, "my question to you Marry, what do you plan to do moving forward?"

"Me?" Marrybell asked.

Marrybell had her hands together and had a downcast expression and Oldrin looked at the princess with concern.

"Your Highness," Oldrin said.

Marrybell looked over to the view of the Special Zone. Cornelia then informed Marrybell of the fates of the Pluton agents led by Kinman and their brothers, Castor and Pollux.

"I see," Marrybell said with her head down, "so not only has Zero killed our brother Clovis, he now has killed our brothers Castor and Pollux."

"Yes," Cornelia said.

"Are you okay with that?" Marrybell asked.

"No, I'm not okay with it," Cornelia said, "but those two had no problems trying to have not only Euphie killed but you and me as well."

"I know," Marrybell said with sadness, "I know but still… and not only that, you killed Kinman and those Pluton agents and it was Zero who let you have your revenge against them."

"Yes, he did," Cornelia said.

"I don't like that Zero killed our brothers," Marrybell said, "but after everything that has happened, I suppose that it could not be helped," Marrybell faced Cornelia, "still though Euphie…"

"I know," Cornelia said with a nod, "I know…"

In the Special Zone, Euphie was speaking to the people and some of the other Black Knights who welcome her. The Six Leaders of Kyoto were with her as they were speaking to her as well. Void was watching and was happy for Euphie but she was also concern because Zero had left to go somewhere. It made her very worried for her brother. In the building near the zone, Zero was walking and entered a room and closed the door behind him. Afterwards, Zero took off his mask and sat on the long couch that was there. Lelouch was relieved that he was able to help Euphie but he was angry at himself for what happened in the zone as people were killed. Lelouch couldn't stand the fact that people had been killed and clenched his teeth in anger. The door suddenly opened and he looked and saw that it was CC.

"CC," Lelouch said.

"I knew I find you here," CC said as she closed the door behind her.

"I guess you would," Lelouch said with a sad smile, "well everything is going well for now. We'll finally be able to free Japan. Euphie is safe and is with us as new member of the Black Knights. Our allies in other nations are ready as well waiting for our signal."

"Yes everything is going as you and others have planned," CC said, "I'm really impressed with you all… especially with you Lelouch. You continue to impress me every time."

"Thanks CC," Lelouch replied, "I'm happy to hear that."

CC placed her hand on Lelouch's left cheek which surprised Lelouch as he looked at CC who had a concerning expression.

"Lelouch, you don't need to force yourself," CC said.

"…Is it that obvious?" Lelouch asked with a sad smile.

"Yes," CC said, "I know it may not be much from me but I will say it anyway. Lelouch, what happened here is not your fault."

"CC…" Lelouch spoke.

"It is obvious to me that you're blaming yourself for what happened here," CC said, "but as you said to Euphemia, this isn't on you."

"But it is," Lelouch said with a sad expression, "I should have known that they would go this far. Innocent people have died. People who have survived but lost people they cared about and even have been traumatized by the events. Euphie suffered and was even blamed and targeted for the attack."

"But you proved her innocence," CC pointed out.

"Yes but will it give closure to her?" Lelouch replied with sadness, "This tragedy that occurred wounds her very core. Not only that, I know she's hurt for what happened with Suzaku. The fact that he willfully turned his back on her especially when she needed him the most is absolutely upsetting."

"You plan to be there for her, don't you?" CC replied.

"Of course I do," Lelouch said, "and not just me…"

"Yes, you and Nunnally both will be there for her," CC said, "after all, she is the sister that you both love dearly."

"Yeah… she's very dear to us," Lelouch said, "if something happened to her, I… I don't know what I would have done."

CC hugged Lelouch to her chest which surprised Lelouch.

"CC?" Lelouch spoke.

"Lelouch, you really are a kind person," CC said, "both you and Nunnally are kind."

"You really think so?" Lelouch asked, "It's obvious with Nunnally… but are you sure with me?"

"Yes I'm sure," CC said, "I do believe so," CC smiled, "and I'll be right there with you all the way so please, don't put yourself down for what happened. You led the protection to save lives and helped save Euphemia's life. I'm sure this is part of the reason why she is willing to join you and Nunnally in the Black Knights."

"Thank you CC," Lelouch said happily, "thank for being by my side."

"Of course, I am your accomplice," CC said, "and I am also a proud member of the Black Knights."

Lelouch got his head and faced CC with a smile.

"Yes, yes you are," Lelouch said, "and I look forward for you to continue to be with us."

"You got it," CC said with a smile and nod.

"I should go," Lelouch said, "I need to lead the charge for Japan's independence."

"Right behind you," CC replied with a smile.

Lelouch stood up from the couch putting on his mask leaving the room with CC. As they walked together, they were met by Kallen.

"Kallen," Zero said.

"Zero," Kallen said.

Kallen looked and saw Zero and CC together and it made her a bit upset but she shook those thoughts for now.

"Kallen, how are things so far?" Zero asked.

"Everything is set," Kallen said, "but before that, Rai and Alice, they had a 'visitor'."

"A visitor?" Zero replied.

"Yes, it was him," Kallen said, "the one called VV."

Zero and CC were surprised.

"VV?" CC spoke.

"Yes," Kallen said.

"Are Rai and Alice…?" Zero asked.

"They're fine," Kallen assured, "but unfortunately, VV got away."

"I see," Zero said, "this may become a problem."

"I agree," CC said, "we'll need to ask Rai and Alice."

"True," Zero said.

"Zero," A male voice called out.

Kallen, Zero, and CC looked over and saw Jinta and Sayoko approaching them.

"Jinta," Zero said, "Sayoko."

"Master Zero," Sayoko greeted.

"I took care of the matter of Castor and Pollux," Jinta said.

"Thank you," Zero said, "and the others…?"

"They are all are just about to be at the place and waiting for you," Sayoko said, "along with Lady Euphemia and the Six Clan Leaders."

"Good, let's go," Zero said.

Preparations were being made in Japan. People were lining up to join with the Black Knights. Knightmare Frames were being deployed all over Japan and ready to act in defense. People were rallying behind the Black Knights. Members of Peace Mark and the Japan Liberation Front were aiding the Black Knights and making their preparations. As this was going on, there was someone who was watching and was the masked benefactor for Peace Mark. The masked man held his hand over his heart and then he went on his way.

Pendragon, Holy Britannian Empire

In the lounge within the Imperial Palace, several princes and princesses were sitting and had watched the news report of the Special Zone in Japan and Euphemia's declaration of joining the Black Knights.

"Unbelievable," Cassius said upset.

"It is amazing that Euphemia would have the gall to betray Britannia and us to join the Black Knights," Guinevere said annoyed.

"So now she wants to lay in bed with the Black Knights," Carine said, "well if she wants to do that, that's her choice. She'll have no right to complain when she's executed."

"So it has now come to this," Odysseus said with a sad expression and he looked at Schneizel who sat next to him, "Schneizel, are we really going to do this?"

"Yes, we can't just let this stand," Schneizel responded, "Preparations have already been made. We will be retaliating against this rebellion in Area 11."

"This is just right thing to do," Carine said, "after all we can't let those Numbers think they can just do what they want."

"The Black Knights must be put down," Guinevere said, "and Euphemia will answer for her betrayal. Honestly, what is Cornelia doing? Why isn't she doing anything about this?"

"That is a good question," Schneizel said, "but I hope she would contact us and tell us what's going on. I haven't heard anything from Marrybell."

"Hmph, who would have thought that our sisters were so incompetent," Cassius said with a venomous tone.

"Cassius, that is not fair," Odysseus said, "I'm sure that they have reasonable explanations."

"And I'm sure they will have no problem explaining themselves before our father the emperor," Cassius said.

"Yes, I suppose so," Schneizel said.

Schneizel and the others siblings in the lounge continued to watch the news report of the happening in Japan.

Tokyo, Japan

The core members of the Black Knights were meeting in the large conference room of the Viceroy Palace. The Six Leaders of Kyoto were among them as well. Zero and Void faced their members and the Clan Leaders of Kyoto. Someone was walking and stood between Zero and Void and the person wore her own Black Knight uniform.

"Everyone, we're pleased to add a new member in our organization," Zero said, "the former Third Imperial Princess, Euphemia li Britannia."

"Hello everyone," Euphie said with a smile, "it's nice to meet you all."

"It's time has come," Zero said, "freeing Japan begins now and with that, we shall defend it when our enemies come but we will prevail in this."

That's it for this chapter. Next chapter: Britannian forces counter against the Black Knights.