When Suzaku returns to his cell and barks at him to stand, Lelouch laughs. He laughs because this was his best friend. The one person he dared to trust, only to have it thrown into his face. Suzaku prefers the people who shot, framed, and sacrificed him over Lelouch's friendship.
It hurts.
It shouldn't.
Lelouch knows betrayal. The Emperor, the man whose filthy blood he shares, cast aside his duties as a father to promote his foolish narrative of power. He exiled his children, then left them to die. They were mere tools and, when their use waned, condemned to death. The Emperor had no need for a mouthy brat, who didn't know his place, or a blind crippled girl.
Now, the Emperor prepares to decide his fate, while Lelouch waits in the dungeons below.
Lelouch laughs because Suzaku does not understand. Cannot understand. Blinded by his despair, he thinks capturing Zero actually means something. It's a desperate attempt to fill the chasm left by Euphie's death.
Sweet, kind, innocent Euphie, who lay dead because of Lelouch's poor choice of words.
Only a fool thinks he can control a supernatural power. By its nature, the rules are mutable. After Mao, he should've been wary. Instead, he foolishly thought he would never fall prey to such weakness.
Euphie died because of his arrogance. Now, Lelouch will join her.
He has prepared himself for this eventuality. He won't give the man the satisfaction of begging for his life. The only question is what form his execution will take.
Will he be paraded on live television in his Zero suit and sentenced to death by firing squad? The filthy secret that a former Britannian prince turned against the Empire dying with him. Or will the Emperor make a spectacle of his identity and prove that even his own children cannot escape justice?
His school friends would be shocked. Confused. He hopes the Ashfords won't be punished for sheltering him and have done nothing wrong, but since when is the Emperor known for mercy?
Revealing him as a prince is risky.
If the Emperor wants a spectacle, he only needs to unmask Zero and show the world Lelouch Lamperouge. A Britannian schoolboy raising the arms of rebellion? People would be shaken.
No, more likely, the Emperor will keep his execution a quiet affair. Maybe the rest of his family will be invited to teach them a lesson in the futility of plotting against him, but the public will never know.
A quiet death, letting Zero fall into obscurity.
All the blood he spilled will have been for nothing. The sacrifices, all in vain. After his death, nothing will have changed. Only Nunnally will now be alone.
Lelouch laughs because instead of meeting his father as a vengeful crusader, he returns home as a prisoner. Once again, his fate rests in his father's hands.
And Lelouch?
Lelouch can do nothing. Only beg.
Beg for Nunnally's sake. His only reason for living, now torn away. In a way, death will be a mercy. Lelouch can finally rest in a pool of shattered dreams and unfulfilled promises. But he will rest.
The anger which propelled him further, extinguished.
"Shut up," Suzaku snarls, dragging him to his feet.
With his death, his friends will be able to move on.
Lelouch quiets, his lips thinning, as he studies Suzaku's face and searches for a sign. Did he regret any of this? Would he really condemn Lelouch to die at the Emperor's hands?
Yes. Otherwise, they wouldn't be here.
The time has arrived.
"You should have killed me," Lelouch whispers. "Why go through this farce? The judge, jury, and executioner are one and the same. My fate is already decided."
Suzaku pushes him forward roughly. "Unlike you, I'm not a murderer."
Because of Euphie. Now, Suzaku walks the path of blood, thirsting for revenge.
"Please..." Lelouch stumbles. "Protect Nunnally. She's innocent. She had nothing to do with this."
Suzaku is silent, and Lelouch fears he will be denied even this small mercy.
"She'll be safer than she ever was with you," Suzaku finally says.
Lelouch flinches. It's not a promise. Not an oath. Offers no comfort. Because Suzaku is right. Lelouch endangered his sister by being Zero. Suzaku doesn't see that without Zero, Nunnally would still be in danger. The threat is more insidious.
He will have to beg for her sake. Prostate himself before the Emperor. The bastard took everything from him, and he has to beg to protect the last precious thing he has.
It sickens him. But that never stopped him. The results are all that matters.
...
Suzaku's hand covers Lelouch's left burning eye, preventing him from using geass. Still, Lelouch bides his time, doesn't allow himself to succumb to despair just yet. He only needs one mistake to exploit. A small flicker of hope to change the course of this losing battle.
The doors to the throne room open. The hand still covers his eye.
At the end of the red long sprawling rug is the throne. And there, for a moment, he glimpses the Emperor before Suzaku pushes his head back down. The Emperor, his greatest enemy, is ready to cast judgement. Being so close is agonizing. He only needs a moment to cast his geass and order the man to die. Less than five seconds.
But Suzaku, as always, is there to foil him. Only this time, he's close, his warm hand searing into his oily skin, instead of raining down hell on his forces from the Lancelot.
Gracefully, Suzaku kneels, the picture of perfect submission. His left arm crosses his chest and his right hand slams Lelouch's head into the ground.
There is no chance to use his geass now. Not with Suzaku's domineering hand pinning his head into the ground. Lelouch can barely see, having to resort to twisting his head to glimpse anything out of the corner of his eyes.
Silence envelopes them and Lelouch's heart batters in his chest.
He's so close... But Suzaku is unrelenting.
The Emperor finally deigns to speak, sounding bored, as if Lelouch's very existence is inconsequential to him. "The former 17th heir to the Imperial Throne, Lelouch vi Britannia. It has been a long time, hasn't it, my errant son?"
After everything, this is what he has to say? Nothing about his rebellion. Nothing about exiling him. Nothing about his mother.
Furious, he finds the burst of energy to lift his head off the ground. He will kill that man. "How dare you!"
Suzaku slams his head back down on the ground. "I won't let you use your geass."
Seriously? Lelouch would be doing Suzaku a favor. This is the man who ordered the invasion of Japan and has oppressed countless. The entire world would be better off without him.
But as always, Suzaku doesn't understand.
"Your Majesty, I have a request," Suzaku says. "Please, sire, allow me to join the Knights of the Round, the twelve strongest knights of the Britannian Empire."
"As a reward for capturing Zero, is that it?" the Emperor asks without a hint of emotion.
Lelouch twists his head to look at his former friend in disbelief. "You!"
"I told you before, Lelouch, that I was going to change this world from the inside," Suzaku says.
"Even if it means selling out your friends?!" Lelouch asks, not understanding this subservient stranger inhabiting the body of his first friend. That friend would never have done this. Would never have fallen so low. Would never have cast aside his pride.
"That's right," Suzaku says without a shred of mercy.
Lelouch prepared himself for an execution. For Suzaku turning him in because he killed Euphie. But to be traded like common cattle for a promotion?
He isn't prepared for that. How dare Suzaku shatter his world even further. Everything is out of his control except his reactions, and Suzaku must upset those as well.
The Emperor, perhaps sensing his rage, laughs. "Very well, I like the answer you just gave him."
No...
Surely, not.
The Emperor would never upset his own doctrine of Britannian superiority by allowing a Number into the Rounds.
Right?
The Emperor rises, his footsteps echoing through the grand throne room. "Now then, as a Knight of the Rounds, I order you to depart."
Wait... Is this his chance?
"Your Majesty, his geass," Suzaku protests.
"Without eye contact, it is useless. Now, leave," the Emperor orders.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Suzaku says and stands.
Lelouch takes a moment to glance at his retreating friend and mourn his absence, before turning to glare at the Emperor. The man, wearing a pair of sunglasses, smirks.
With his hands bound behind his back, Lelouch is unable to do anything as the man kneels and lifts up his chin. The double doors behind them swing shut with a resounding thud. It is just Lelouch and the Emperor now.
"My unworthy son, who raised the banners of rebellion even though he was a prince. You have made quite a mess, haven't you... Zero?"
Instinctively, Lelouch growls. A mess? He made a mockery of Britannian forces.
Still... While the Emperor may be toying with him now and he is prepared to accept the consequences, he must think of Nunnally. She is innocent. Having her be punished for his crimes is unthinkable.
"Your Majesty," he spits. Inhaling, he pushes down the hatred. "Nunnally-"
"Ah, your sister. She remains unaware of your extracurricular activities. I hear she asks for you everyday."
The man has her. He has his sister. Lelouch failed, utterly. Suzaku has sold him and sworn loyalty to this man. The only one who would protect her is Lelouch, but he is in no position to do so.
How he hates this.
"Nunnally is innocent," he begs. "Please, Your Majesty, don't punish her for my crimes."
"The great and powerful Zero would beg on behalf of a cripple," the Emperor mocks.
"Yes." The word burns on his tongue. For Nunnally he can do this. "I'm so-"
He can't.
He must.
He will.
For Nunnally.
"I humbly beg for your forgiveness," Lelouch bites out. Oh, how he longs to free his hands and wrap them around the man's neck. "My actions were misguided, and I'll accept your judgement. Just please, Your Majesty, keep Nunnally out of this."
The Emperor lowers his sunglasses, the purple eyes peeking over the edge.
"Die!" Lelouch commands, not taking a moment to consider his luck. This is his only chance. He will still die when they find him next to the Emperor's cooling corpse. But the Emperor will be dead and that makes it worth it.
"I think not," the Emperor says dryly. "Did you really think I would be so foolish?"
He pulls back, showing his right palm. On it, in bright red, rests the geass sigil. Just like C.C., an immortal witch.
No...
The Emperor cannot be an immortal as well. He already has every advantage in their war. Lelouch's geass merely helped level the playing field.
For the Emperor to possess a power even greater?
For the Emperor to have the ability to grant geass to his legions?
For the Emperor to be invulnerable?
How can the world be this unfair?
"I see a bloody demonstration won't be necessary." The Emperor reaches forward, clasping his shoulder. "You lost before you even began."
"Get your filthy hands off me," Lelouch shouts. He refuses to accept all those deaths were in vain.
"And a moment ago, you were begging for Nunnally's sake. I see how much you believed those words."
The bastard is toying with him, but he is immortal, and Nunnally's life rests in the palm of his hands.
"My apologies, Your Majesty. I forgot myself."
The Emperor's hand runs through his hair, mimicking a fatherly gesture, and Lelouch fights to remain impassive. Chuckling, the man releases the straps which keep him bound.
"You will not attempt to strike me?" he asks, as Lelouch does not move.
"I think we both know how futile that is," Lelouch whispers.
"So you can learn." The Emperor rises. "Come."
...
The Emperor leads, befitting of his station, and Lelouch silently follows, waiting for his sentence. Strangely, the Emperor does not seem to be interested in his execution, nor does he speak. If Lelouch wishes to, he can turn around, run, and try to break free. With his geass once again unimpeded, the guards would fall, slaves to his will.
But the Emperor has Nunnally, and with her, he has no need to bind Lelouch in literal chains. He cannot leave his sister to suffer in his place.
The Emperor stops before a large darkened window. With a press of a button, it clears, revealing a modest bedroom. And within, Nunnally.
Lelouch takes an involuntary step forward. The Emperor's arm bars his way forward. His sister is so tantalizing close, separated by a mere window and an immortal.
"To prevent any misunderstandings of your position here," the Emperor says and darkens the window once more.
She is utterly at his mercy, and the Emperor has none. Lelouch's actions will either protect or condemn her.
"Your Majesty, what is it you want?" Lelouch asked, head bowed. Begging is futile.
Clasping his shoulder, the Emperor pushes him further along the hallway, away from Nunnally. "As I said, you have made quite a mess. And when a child throws a tantrum,"-the absolute nerve to belittle Lelouch's achievements-"they must clean up their mess. Isn't that right, my son?"
"Of course, Your Majesty," Lelouch says. There is nothing else he can say with his sister's life on the line.
"Make yourself presentable," the Emperor orders as they enter a small suite through a concealed door. The room is sparsely decorated but lavish for a commoner. A small box waits on the center table, and the Emperor opens it, withdrawing an eye patch. "A sensor within will relay your position at all times. Should you remove it, I will receive an alert and so will various other backup parties."
Lelouch accepts the black eyepatch, holding it in his hand. A small purple crystal, cool to touch, hangs from it and embroidered in silver is the Britannian sigil. Hesitantly, he slips it on. His vision feels strangely restrained without the aid of another eye. In the mirror, he can see himself, and his eye, which holds the hammer to shatter Britannia, covered by her sigil. The crystal brushes against his cheek, and he clenches his fists, resisting the urge to scratch and tear this mockery off his face.
He is about to be used.
"Your clothes are over there," the Emperor says.
The fine silk of the clothes slips through his fingers. The colors are rich and predominantly purple, a royal color. He knows now what the Emperor wants, but cannot understand nor accept. While not mercy, it is far too close.
"How will I be of use, Your Majesty?" he asks and picks up the cape with a golden clasp.
"Your mother's killer is dead," the Emperor says instead, and Lelouch's breath catches in his throat. Dead... "His name was V.V."
"An immortal," Lelouch whispers. Somewhere, C.C. is out there, and he has to wonder if she knew.
"Yes. Killing an immortal is a troublesome business. He held a grudge against your mother for earning my affections, and you asked too many questions."
His hand curls into the fabric, and he disregards propriety to change and take a moment to calm his racing mind. The immortal is dead. He is being given decadent clothes instead of being left to rot in a cell or brought to face a firing squad. The Emperor still has use for him. Lelouch will resume the mantle of a prince.
"Suzaku won't be happy," Lelouch says, securing the clasp. The clothes fit too perfectly, as if they had been waiting for him to accept his birthright all this time.
"Sir Kururugi has no say. He will pilot his knightmare and do as he is told," the Emperor answers, and there is ruthless pragmatism. Suzaku never had a chance. He is still a Number despite now being a knight. The Emperor will make use of him until he is irrelevant and discard him. "You will perform your part as well."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Will I be allowed to visit Nunnally?"
"Bring me results first." He grips his shoulder and pushes him forward. "They expect an enthusiastic prince who is thrilled at his exile being overturned, and you will give them one. Make your mother proud."
The same mother the Emperor abandoned. But that isn't quite right. Perhaps the Emperor only killed V.V. to gain immortality for himself, or it was in part to avenge her. The chessboard has changed so drastically in a span of a few turns, disrupting his plans. What use is manipulating the Chinese Federation to provide sanctuary for the Black Knights now? He is trapped in the palace with his sister hostage. None of his plans or backup plans take into account an immortal Emperor. A crippling oversight with no solution.
"Smile," the Emperor orders and the doors swing open.
Father reunited with son. Their old argument, forgotten. And brought together again by Zero's unrest. A bright future ahead of them.
Already, the media is taking notes and crafting the narrative. Before they leave, the Emperor's agents will review their pictures and quotes to ensure nothing unflattering is leaked. A media circus. A pompous affair.
At the steps leading to the throne, the Emperor releases the grip on his shoulder and ascends. Lelouch descends to his knee, the picture of subservience. This is an image which the press will share. The world will see him pledging his allegiance. The Emperor is smiling. He never smiles; Lelouch is now the favored son. No one will ever trust him to conspire against the Emperor, believing he'll sell them out.
Even the sign of affection is another chain to tie him down.
"On this day," the Emperor declares, "we mark the return of His Imperial Highness, Lelouch vi Britannia, 17th in line to the throne. His years in exile have afforded him much time for reflection, and the chance to experience the world as a Britannian citizen subject to the same laws as the common man. Unfortunately, Zero's reign of terror necessitated his premature return."
A hundred cameras are focused on Lelouch and the Emperor. Later, they will dissect their every facial expression to garner and construe greater meaning and unwittingly play into the Emperor's hands. Lelouch allows the briefest frown, before adopting a general pleased expression.
How the narrative has changed. Eight years ago, he was the disobedient son and thought to never be seen again. Seven years ago he was declared dead and his and Nunnally's name sung on soldiers' lips to justify a brutal occupation. But people have forgotten. Today, they will leave, and Lelouch will be the favored son whose exile had been pre-planned to allow him a unique education and protect him from the brutality of court. His mother's status as a commoner would soothe the skeptics. His unusual life was simply to honor her.
"For ensuring His Highness's safe return and capturing Zero," the Emperor continues.
The doors open and Suzaku enters the throne room. He pauses momentarily upon seeing Lelouch, but expertly hides the brief flash of anger. Lelouch's lip curls, and he quickly smothers the expression. They are supposed to be friends. Friend, enemy, traitor, and soon-to-be knight kneels beside him, his neck bowed.
The Emperor accepts a sword from one of his attendants. "I knight Sir Suzaku Kurururi, a member of the Knights of the Round, and bequeath him the title Knight of Seven. Sir Kururugi, do you swear-"
Lelouch watches in silence as Suzaku accepts new chains. If Lelouch tells him of Nunnally, will he rescue her? Seeing Suzaku's victorious grin, he closes his eyes. No. He cannot risk it, for if he tells the Emperor then Lelouch will bear the consequences. Here, in this court, he is all alone.
The guards drag in a Britannian man wearing Zero's costume. Using a Japanese man would've been more believable to the general populous. There will be conspiracy theories for years to come that the real Zero escaped. In a way, Lelouch has, directly into the clutches of a greater foe.
The man is trembling as the Emperor reads his crime. Besides him, Suzaku is on the verge of protesting but at least has the sense to mind his tongue. Zero must die, so another man will take Lelouch's place.
The blood splatters across the stone floor. They went with a traditional beheading instead of a firing squad or lethal injection. At least the sword was sharp, one clean blow was all that required. Lelouch doubts the man appreciates the cleanliness in the scant few seconds it takes for brain activity to cease.
He probably should feel something. This man took his spot and paid for the sin of his crimes.
Superimposed over the head, eyes still open, is not his own face, but Nunnally's. He cannot feel guilt while she depends on him.
The Emperor clears his throat, and the excited clamor of the crowd immediately ceased. "Unfortunately, Princess Cornelia suffered grave injuries in defending Tokyo. With Zero's death, the time for rebuilding has begun, and with it, new leadership. As of now, Prince Lelouch is the new viceroy of Area Eleven and tasked with restoring order."
To eradicate the last remnants of the rebellion Lelouch had raised. It's cruel and effective. Lelouch knows the Black every code. Their influential personalities. Their capabilities. He will be expected to utilize that knowledge. Any hesitation is treason, and Nunnally will suffer the consequences.
He can't; he will. How much time can he buy without incurring suspicion? How much time until Kallen returns to the Black Knights and enlightens them to the doom coming their way. She ran upon discovering the truth. That Lamperouge, her lazy classmate, was the glorious revolutionist. He hopes when she sees the broadcast, she has the courage this time to stand and demand answers. It's the only way to stop him.
Court is dismissed. Lelouch and Suzaku continue to kneel, all alone.
Foolishly, Suzaku speaks when the door closes. "Your Majesty, that was not Zero."
The Emperor's eyes narrow. "Zero is dead Sir Kururugi. Whose corpse quells dissent is immaterial."
"Zero is not dead," Suzaku declares. "Lelouch is Zero. He killed Euphie, but you welcomed him back into the royal family. Where is the justice in that?"
"Prince Lelouch is the proper form of address, Sir Kururugi," the Emperor says coldly. "How I dispense justice is left to my discretion and beyond your right to question. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Suzaku answers dutifully, although Lelouch can see the tension in his shoulder and other subtle signs of anger. He has become skilled at pretending that nothing bothers him.
"Dismissed," the Emperor says, rising. He leaves without a second glance back.
The door closes, and Suzaku snarls, taking a half step forward and hands rising. "You dare-"
"I thought you wanted me to accept my punishment," Lelouch says, suddenly too tired. He only wants the blissful release of sleep to silence his mind desperately trying to find an escape, but every thought circles back to the same problem-Nunnally.
"Punishment? This is a mockery." Suzaku grabs the collar of his shirt. "You killed her!"
He had. She wanted him to join her, and in a way, he now has.
"You truly are a monster. Smiling at your sister's death."
Lelouch stops the hand, moments from his cheek. "Sir Kururugi, assaulting royalty is a capital offence. You asked His Majesty for justice. Do not blame me because it did not abide by your expectations."
He doesn't await a reply and walks off without a second glance. May Suzaku for once taste bitter betrayal. Lelouch is done holding his hand and waiting. They aren't friends. Not when Suzaku is why Nunnally is in danger.
Lelouch is a monster, more terrifying now that Zero is dead. Suzaku freed him from the welcome chains of morality and sentiment but abandoned him to the clutches of a demon.
Entering his room, Lelouch laughs and tears well in his eyes. His hands tremble, and he grabs a pillow to stifle his too prominent weakness. Before geass, he was a walking corpse. Only kept upright by necessity while waiting for future plans to pay dividends. He is dead again.
He rubs his eyes furiously, and his hand stops at the treacherous eyepatch. Hands clenching, he lowers his arm. His left eye itches.
A light knock interrupts his internal screams of despair because he still can't find a way to escape. Composing himself, he opens the door and stares at two young Knights of the Round. Gino Weinberg. Anya Alstreim. Neither particularly noteworthy in his research beyond their age.
Alstreim steps in first, quizzical eyes examining the room. Her serious expression feels much too old. Somewhat like C.C. but lacking the proper aloofness. He wonders if his own face has aged. He can't remember the last time he got a full night's sleep.
"The Emperor has assigned us for your protection," she said monotonously.
So these are his new jailors. His new immediate enemies who could destroy him with a single wrong word.
"Your eye patch is awesome, dude," Weinberg says and leans forward inquisitively. "Hey, Anya? Do you think I can get one?"
"I prefer you with two eyes." She trails her finger along the walls and opens various empty cabinets. "I see we don't need to help you pack."
"I am ready whenever His Majesty needs me," Lelouch answers. He has no belongings to call his own here.
Alstreim nods and her red gaze shifts to him, piercing through him. "We will stop by your old school."
"Um, Anya?" Weinberg interrupts. "The Emperor said to go directly to the Viceroy Palace."
"He won't mind," she says with a surprising amount of authority. "We should leave now."
"I think she likes you." Weinberg stops at his side and watches her recede. "I guess you and Suzaku really didn't have time to grab anything when Zero launched his attack. I'm glad that you managed to escape. Cornelia is still recovering in the hospital from the attack. And Eupie... He had to have done something. You're quite fortunate to have a friend save you."
Lelouch inhales sharply and strides forward without a word
"So how was it living with the commoners?" he asks, rushing to catch up. "Do they really make food in those electrical boxes? Because I tried once, and it caught on fire, and Anya was very cross with me."
Ignoring the chattering, Lelouch boards the plane and warily watches as Anya grabs the seat across from him and observes him intently. Unlike Weinberg, she is far too attentive to easily fool.
"So what are you looking forward to now that you're back? Your old man seemed happy at least."
Lelouch grits his teeth. Happy perhaps to have won. Although that isn't entirely true. The Emperor could have executed him. With immortality, Lelouch is utterly worthless in the grand scheme of things. Britannia will continue to govern undisputedly under his iron fists and would do so for centuries to come without respite. Yet the Emperor hadn't. Instead, he claimed to have avenged his mother's death, and that an immortal was responsible. Nothing makes sense.
"Have you ever piloted a knightmare? We could do that together. Because I heard your mother-"
"Enough," Lelouch snarls. "We are not friends, Sir Weinberg. Your purpose is to report my every action to the Emperor. Your pathetic attempts to gain my confidence are as transparent as they are worthless."
"They're not," Alstreim says softly. "He is being earnest, and the Emperor gave us no such orders."
Gino nods, leaning back. "We're to prioritize your safety above all, even our secondary mission. Some green haired lady that we're supposed to apprehend."
They are lying. Have to be.
Closing his eyes, Lelouch leans back and lets the abyss consume him. Within, Euphie greeted him in her blood stained dress and a broken smile. She cries and he comforts her as she rightfully tears into his skin. The pain is better than acknowledging Nunnally's shadowed form in the corner begging to see him. He doesn't deserve her. She is still pure, and he is bathed in blood and about to sully his hands further. Except this time, there is no cause, just a primal need to survive.
Suzaku's harsh grip pulls him roughly away from Euphie as he shouts obscenities. He is unrecognizable. Lelouch has done this as well. Failed to save him.
"Lelouch," Alstreim says softly, and the light is blinding as he opens his eyes. "We're here.
Ashford Academy stands pristine compared to its surroundings although subtle signs of the battle disturb the aura of peace. Shattered shingles knocked loose from the roof and lying on the ground. Cracks along the outer walls. Flattened soil from knightmares. Yet the students are mingling on campus as if nothing happened. He hates them for being unaffected. Their luxuries wash away any moments of terror.
A girl passes them and freezes. Whether it is because he has returned or because the announcement has aired, Lelouch does not know. He quickens his pace to the club house.
Their apartment is untouched. Nunnally's clothes are neatly folded together, and he wonders where Sayoko is now. He grabs a bag and transfers them reverently. Hopefully, he will be allowed to give them to her even if he isn't allowed to see her himself. She never liked new, unfamiliar environments.
"Aren't those girl clothes?" Weinberg asks.
Lelouch stands up and walks past him without a word and begins sorting through Nunnally's various trinkets to find the ones she would most appreciate. In the kitchen, he pulls out the small bag of illegally acquired candy, hidden behind miscellaneous pots and pans. Nunnally grew fond of them during her stay at the Kururugi shrine, and he isn't one to deny her the few things she asks for.
Except his time... And now they are apart.
"Lelouch!" Milly shouts from the door, her eyes darting between him and the two Knights of the Round. "You look nice?"
The rest of the student council with the exception of Nina stands behind her. They look so relieved, and Lelouch ignores the pangs of guilt as he turns away without a word. Talking will endanger them.
"Lelouch, we were so worried. Especially when Zero-" Shirley breaks off with a half sob. "What happened to your eye!"
Lelouch keeps his eyes firmly focused on packing away Nunnally's school assignments. She probably does not need them anymore, but he wouldn't put it past the Emperor to neglect her education. He doesn't care enough to accommodate her needs.
"Hey, let me go! Who do you even think you are? Lelouch!" Shirley shouts. Apparently, the Emperor hasn't released the news yet.
"Shirley, you should go," Milly pleads. "There are some things-"
"No. I've been worried sick. You and Nunnally disappeared without a word, and I kept thinking the worst. Lelouch, look at me! Please?"
"Hey man," Rivalz says. "It's totally not cool ignoring us. Oh come on, let us through. We're his friends!"
"This is because of your gambling isn't it?" Shirley asks.
"Did you get into trouble? We can help you. I know I don't have much, but I can get you a loan. I'm sure you'll earn it back after a few chess matches," Rivalz offers. Lelouch doesn't deserve him.
"Or Suzaku could help." Sadly, Shirley adds, "He's been gone too."
"Ma'am," Gino says firmly. "Either you step back, or I will forcibly remove you."
"I-I'll kick you! In the knees. You can't do this to Lulu. I won't let you."
Lelouch finally straightens and turns around. "Shirley, you are not going to do anything but leave. All of you need to go. I doubt we will be seeing each other again."
Milly steps forward, biting her lip. "Is Nunnally fine? We lost track of her when... the Black Knights breached the school."
"She is-" The lie dies on his tongue. "She is with my family."
"Dude? I thought you didn't talk to them," Rivalz says, his brows scrunched together. "You hate them."
Sir Weinberg shifts awkwardly, and Lelouch wonders how much of the truth he knows. What has the Emperor told him? Perhaps if he knew more, he would cease to be so amicable.
"Things change, Rivalz," Lelouch says and picks up the bag with Nunnally's items. "I'm leaving... and I am sorry."
"What about your stuff?" Alstreim asks, looking up from her phone.
"I won't need it." His clothes aren't befitting a prince, and anything else is likely to either draw questions or expose a weakness for the Emperor to utilize.
As they step into the hallway, Lelouch keeps his gaze focused straight ahead and doesn't react to the numerous, frantic questions from his friends. They know something is wrong, and his heart twists painfully as they refuse to abide by common sense and depart. They finally fall silent when Weinberg forcibly shoves Shirley away.
Lelouch should say something. Shirley does not deserve this. He has already taken her father from her. Then stained her hands in blood and stole her beloved memories. Yet, she is here, somehow, still fighting for him.
He continues walking. It is for the best. If either knight thinks he returns the affection of the student council, their life will be ruined.
"Lelouch!" Milly shouts, running up to him. Besides him, Weinberg stiffens while Alstreim doesn't even bother to glance up from her phone. "Was it Suzaku?"
"Yes," he whispers. He expected his voice to be filled with rage; there is only despair. The flames of anger have simmered, and he is unimaginably cold.
"Kallen was a-" Milly tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "Please, don't-"
"I won't have a choice." Lelouch holds her gaze and hopes she understands. "Of course, there is a chance she was misled."
"You knew, didn't you?" Milly asks, astute as always.
"Of course. Nunnally was at risk." Inclining his head, he says, "Goodbye."
Goodbye to Ashford. Goodbye to the promises of a better tomorrow. Goodbye to Nunnally's peaceful world.
"That was cold," Weinberg mutters.
Good. Then they are safe. All that is left is to cast aside his heart.
His head hurts.
This all came from the simple question: What would Charles have done if he couldn't use his geass on Lelouch?
I will be continuing this but very slowly, and I won't be committing to regular updates. I have to be in a particular mood to write tragedies and unfortunately don't see this having a happy ending. You have been warned. Fortunately, this shouldn't be too long. I will refrain from giving my estimate because they are always wrong.
Leave a comment on your way out? :)