I do not own Code Geass or X-Men. They belong to Studio Sunrise and Marvel Comics, respectively.

Speaking of Code Geass, did you guys know that there is an announcement about the franchise that happened today? They announced a new game and a new anime in 2021. I'm looking forward to learning more about them.

Anyway, on to the story. Watch out for changes.

Enjoy!

"I still don't agree with this" Cornelia said through the screen of the video chat.

"I know sister. But this is the right thing to do. And it will help deter future conflicts."

Euphemia knew that tensions were rising in Japan. There was still so much violence after the invasion. People were still getting hurt. She couldn't stand by anymore.

Cornelia sighed. "I still think it's risky. But you already made the choice. And even Schneizel agrees with you. I can't stop you anymore" Cornelia took a deep breath. "All I can do is wish you luck."

Euphemia smiled. "Don't worry sister. I'm sure everything will turn out well."

The video call ended after that. Euphemia was now left alone in her office with nothing but paperwork and her own thoughts.

"Today will work. It has to. We can finally have peace if it does."

Smiling softly, her eyes darted to a picture frame she kept on her desk. One that she had since childhood. A picture of her and her siblings when she was younger. There were two in particular that stood out to her.

"Lelouch. Nunnally. Today is for you."

Inside the stadium announcing the SAZ, a young man was steeling himself in a mirror. He was different from most of the people in the stadium. It wasn't just his red hair and past experiences that made him different. He was Japanese, an Eleven. Different from the Britannians he had to work with.

He knew that once he was seen on TV next to a bunch of Britannians, he might lose the support he once had. His own sister might not want to look at him anymore. The people of Japan would probably see him as a traitor.

But the thing was, he wasn't even fighting for Japan anymore. At least, not exclusively. He still wanted to see the country liberated, but he also had another group of people to look out for now. Another people that needed his help. And this was the best way he knew of to do just that.

There was a knock at the door.

"Naoto?"

The young man, whose eyes were hidden behind red sunglasses, responded

"It's fine, princess. I'm almost out."

"Ok. I just wanted to make sure. They're almost ready for us."

Naoto could hear the princess as she left. He sometimes worried that her naivety would get her in trouble, but he tried not to focus on that right now. He had other problems to contend with. Like how the world was about to reach him. And what he was.

Fixing the glasses on his face, Naoto turned to leave. It was time to try and make peace.

"I still don't think this is a good idea."

Within the shadows of an abandoned warehouse, a young man stepped out of the shadows. He had dark hair, violet eyes, and a small scar behind his left ear. He was wearing a black jumpsuit, one accented with purple highlights around his hands and feet. A long black cape flowed behind him, and a black metal helmet with a purple orb obscuring the face was in his grip.

"We've been over this Cera. The time for hiding is over" he said. "Besides, you still agreed to help me."

A young woman stepped forward to meet him. She had green hair and amber eyes, and she was wearing nothing but white. Her face, while young, seemed aged by the lines under her eyes.

"What makes you think the time for hiding will ever end Lelouch? You know they will never accept us."

"I know that. I am not going to appeal to them."

A moment passed, before Cera's eyes widened in realization.

"You're going to appeal to us."

"Exactly. I will give them a force to rally behind. They must know that they are not alone. That they have no reason to fear anymore."

"We both know that last one isn't true," Cera said sadly. "Even if all of our kind came to you, the humans would still resist. There would still be war."

"That is inevitable. Humans will always fear the very thought of their own extinction. They would rather destroy that which is different than attempt to understand. No one is exempt from their cruelty" Lelouch said bitterly.

"I know. But-" Cera looked down. Tears were threatening to fall from her eyes. "I don't want a war. I- I don't want..."

"Cera," Lelouch said, holding her cheek in his hand. "I don't want a conflict either. But do you honestly think we have any other choice? After what happened with Todoh? After with... Nunnally?"

Cera closed her eyes to hold back the pain. Lelouch did as well. Both names bought back painful memories neither of them wanted to revisit.

"I don't want to fight. But we can't hide forever. That's no way to live."

Steeling herself, Cera held up her head. "You're right. I know you are. It's just that I never thought... we would actually make it to this point. I- I don't know."

Dropping his helmet to the ground, Lelouch grasped her other cheek in his hand. "You're not weak Cera. I won't lie and say I'm not afraid either. But I can't let things keep going this way."

"I know."

Smiling gently, Lelouch pulled Cera closer to him.

"I promise, this will all work out in the end. We'll finally be able to live once this is all over. We'll be free."

For the first time in a long time, Cera smiled.

"I'd like that."

Without a moment of hesitation, they both leaned into each other. Their lips taking no time to meet.

The kiss was long, passionate, and full of longing. They both knew it would be along time before they could embrace each other like this again.

When they separated, the tension of the moment was relieved. At least in part.

"I've picked a name," Cera suddenly said.

"A name?"

"You once said I should pick a new name. One that will reflect what I really am."

"You remember that?" Lelouch asked. He had told her that years ago, sometime after they had both met.

"Of course I do" Cera teased.

"What is it?"

Cera took a moment to answer. She almost seemed to hesitate.

"C.C. I'll be C.C."

"C.C?" Lelouch rolled the name off his tongue. "Strange, I'll admit. But I think it fits."

"I know. That's why I chose it."

Smiling fully, Lelouch picked up his helmet. "I had mine picked years ago. It's time to let the world know what it is."

"Can I learn it?"

Both Lelouch and Cera turned to see someone else standing in the building with them. He was a young man about Lelouch's age, with brown hair and green eyes. He was wearing a jumpsuit that had a white top and black button. And he looked at both of his friends with an annoyed expression.

"I'm sorry. Am I interrupting?"

"No. No." Lelouch and Cera both let go of each other. They both made a mental note to get back at Suzaku for this.

"You know your role for this plan, right?" Lelouch asked his old friend.

"I'm on standby. Don't do anything unless things go wrong. Nothing too complicated."

"Good. We all know our parts?" Lelouch asked.

Cera nodded, her resolve now set. "Make sure not to stay around too long. I plan to escape the moment my part is over. We don't need you to risk too much on the first outing. I'll be waiting at the safe house."

"Anything else you feel the need to remind me of?" Lelouch asked.

"Yes. Make sure to change into some normal clothes to buy pizza. I don't think the cape will get you any discounts."

Lelouch chuckled. "Of course."

Their hands held each other for a brief moment. Suzaku had the decency to look away this time.

"Make sure you come back."

"Don't worry. I will."

The two then walked their own ways. Cera made her way to the back exit, followed by Suzaku.

Lelouch places his helmet on his head, securing it in his spot. He then spins his index finger, making the front door open itself.

"It's time to change the world."

"I think this might be a bit much."

The entire stadium was surrounded by Knightmare frames. Only a few were manned and active, but all of them were imposing figures. Every person that came for the ceremony, a number that was currently surpassing the hundreds, was nervous whenever they looked at them.

"They are all here for your protection, Princes Euphemia" Andreas Darlton, one of Cornelia's top officers and leader of Glaston Knights, informed her. "Trust me, no one will attempt to harm you while we are here."

"You're missing the point," Euphie thought while frowning. The goal of the zone was to get everyone to feel secure and at ease with each other. To try and heal some of the damage that the invasion had left.

Having a bunch of giant war machines laying around was not helping to ensure confidence. It made it look like the Britannians were expecting a fight.

But Cornelia had made her choice and signed all the paperwork. That meant that she couldn't just send them away. So she was stuck with them.

"Just make sure not to activate them unless absolutely necessary. Understood Darlton?"

"Yes, My Lady!"

Saluting like a good soldier, Darlton then left the room to check with the stadium security team.

Naoto came up to Euphie shortly afterward. "Don't take this personal Euphie. This high-level security isn't because no one has faith in you. It's because of what happened... with Clovis."

Yes. It was her brother's murder months ago that increased tensions in the country. The persecution of the Japanese was increased, and so was discrimination. That was why she wanted this Special Zone to work. If it did, there could be peace between Britannians and Japanese.

"I know. I just wish the road to peace would be easier. I guess that's just wishful thinking"

Smiling, Naoto placed his hand on her shoulder. It was a violation of so many protocols, but there was no one else around. He also never care much for protocols. And neither of them cared anyway.

"We'll get there Euphie. It will be better."

Euphie smiled at the thought.

"After all, you owe me," Naoto said cheekily. Euphie had to giggle at him. The two then get to their positions to prepare for the ceremony.

"What is this crap?! Do they really expect us to believe any of it?"

The loud and obnoxious voice belonged to Tamaki, a member of a Japanese resistance cell. He, along with fellows Ohgi, Sugiyama, Inoue, and the young Kallen, formed the basis of the cell. And right now, they were all watching the SAZ announcement on TV.

"Maybe it is," Ohgi said, catching most by surprise. "Naoto called me. He said he had a role to play."

"And you believe him?" Inoue asked. "No offense Kallen, but we haven't seen your brother in almost a year. Can we trust him on this?"

Kallen wanted to say yes without a doubt. But she did have doubts. She trusted Naoto, especially since they shared the same condition. But she wasn't sure if she trusted the Britannians.

Kallen rubbed her gloved hands. "We'll have to wait and see."

Having no other choice, the cell members turned back to the TV.

Inside a small block connected to the Special Zone Stadium, the broadcast team was getting busy preparing. Right now, the only footage being shown to the world was a bunch of b-roll of the stadium and a few people inside. That included the remnants of the old Japanese government and a few high-ranking nobles who pledged funding to the zone.

Outside the block, two guards stood to watch at the door to the room. Neither of them was expecting any trouble.

Until they saw a hooded woman in white walking towards them.

"Halt. Who goes there?"

The woman kept walking.

"I said stop. Drop on your..."

"Drop your weapons and let me pass. Once you hear the door close, resume your duties. But don't disturb me."

"Understood," both men said in unison.

"Thank you," the woman said as she walked inside. She made sure to lock the door before turning to the broadcast crew.

"Hey. Who are you?" One of the technicians asked. "You're not supposed to..."

"Be quiet and get back to work. Don't do anything unusual until I tell you to."

Quieting down, each crew member went back to their tasks. It was just business as usual.

The woman pulled back her hood, letting her long green hair flow free. She then put two fingers to her temple and sent out a message.

"All clear here."

"Good."

Floating high above the stadium, Lelouch was unseen by anyone below. But he could see the stadium fine. He could see the people in their seats. The stage where announcements would be made. He could also see the Knightmares.

His targets.

Reaching into his back pocket, Lelouch pulled out several small metal rods. Turning his hand, he allowed them to drop towards the ground. But with a flick of his hand, he directed them toward the Knightmares. Making them fluid, he had the rods snake their way inside the machinery.

For a brief second, each of the Knightmare's eyes glowed, before returning to normal.

"My part is complete for now. Suzaku?"

"I'm on stand. Just reach out if you need me."

Now he just had to wait for the ceremony to start.

Taking a moment, Lelouch glanced at the helmet he held in his hands. He released a breath.

"The design has been making it hard to breathe. I've been thinking of changing it."

"To what?"

Thinking for only a second, Lelouch held his hand over the helmet. It soon began changing shape.

What once resembled a spiky fish-bowl was now shaped more like a missile head. The face was not completely open, with the purple outline of an "M" adorning the front.

"It looks kinda dorky to me. And it leaves your face open. What if they see what you look like?"

"At least I can breathe in it. And it doesn't matter if they learn who I was. Once they see who I am, what I am, the message will be clear," Lelouch said as he tested the new helmet on his head. If C.C had any other remarks about it, he couldn't hear it.

Another aspect of the mask that he did not realize was that it did cover his face. It covered it in a shadow that obscured all his features. The only thing visible was a pair of violet eyes.

Taking the helmet off again, Lelouch said, "I like it."

"If you insist," was the teasing response. "Does the "M" have anything to do with that new name you won't tell me about?"

"Don't worry. Everything will become clear soon enough."

"Our little sister truly is amazing, isn't she?" Scheinizel said through the screen of a video call.

"You know I'm opposed to this, right?" Cornelia responded.

"Yes, but the benefits certainly outweigh the concerns you bought up. The terrorist groups in the country, while small and scattered, have been a nuisance to us for months now. Ever since Clovis was killed, they have become more bold and outspoken. The opening of the zone will make them lose their popular appeal."

Cornelia frowned at the reminder of her brother's death. While they may have never been especially close, and she might have found him idiotic, he was still her brother. And she loathed losing another one in the same country.

"Besides, we all agreed that she should take more responsibility as Sub-Viceroy. This is a very good way to start."

Cornelia sighed. "I suppose you're right. I may not like this, but it's too late to stop it now."

Schneizel smiled. "Don't worry sister. Once this is over, I'm sure we will all be able to rest peacefully for a while."

"It's almost time."

Euphie had to take deep breaths to keep herself calm. A lot was riding on her now. She had to do this right. Her speech was prepared and practice. And she knew which words and gestures to avoid.

It would be fine. There would be no panic. There would be no massacre.

Everything would be...

"They're ready for you Euphie."

Terrible.

She looked back at Naoto, who gave her a curt nod. "Alright. Let's go."

The two walked towards the stage. The hallway itself was dark, but it was brightened more and more as the two neared the exit. Seconds later, the two were outside.

And the sight took Euphie's breath away.

There were so many people here. Britannians and Japanese alike. And all of them were here because they believed in her. In her vision for peace. She would have had tears in her eyes if not for what was required of her.

It was now or never.

"They're ready for you, your highness," Darlton said, directing her sight to a microphone at the center of the stage. Steeling herself, Euphemia walked to the stage.

Applause began the moment she reached it. The Britannian people were happy to see their princess. The Japanese were happy to have someone in power who seemed to genuinely care about them.

"Thank you! Thank you so much," Euphie said, fighting to hold back tears of joy. It seemed that today would work out.

"I would like to start by-"

SSSSSCCCCREEEEE

Suddenly, all that could be heard from the microphone was feedback. The sting of the sound was making everyone cover their ears. And it continued for almost ten seconds, after which everyone was disoriented.

"I-I'm sorry about that. But let's..."

*CLICK*

At that moment, every single Knightmare in the stadium was moving, their guns loaded and locked.

"What is happening? Darlton, who gave the order to activate them?"

"No-No one your highness. This wasn't supposed to happen."

Concerned, Euphie watched as the Knightmares moved around, seemingly without pilots. They blocked the exits and pointed their guns at anyone who moved towards them.

"Find out what's happening now!" Darlton yelled into his ear. "Fix this right..."

Whatever Darlton was about to say was cut off by a sight no one expected to see today. Even in their most outlandish fantasies, no one could have expected what was now being seen.

Several Knightmares were now floating above the ground. They continued to rise until they were now standing on the roof of the stadium. They just stood in place, weapons ready. As if nothing unusual had occurred.

"Wh-What's happening?" Euphemia mustered, her voice quivering in fear.

"It's quite simple."

All the thousands of eyes of the stadium turned upward. They could now see a man floating down towards them.

The man was wearing what looked like a black, purple, and red bodysuit, and he had a dark cape flowing from his back. His head was covered by a helmet, one that had a purple "M" embroidered on it.

"I am here to make an announcement."

The situation inside the broadcast room was no better than that outside. The cameramen and operators had no idea what was happening anymore.

"Who is that? We need to..."

"Don't cut the broadcast. Make sure the world sees this."

"Keep focused. This is big news. Don't lose sight."

"Actually, try to get closer. Make sure you can hear him."

"I want a closeup. And make sure the audio can reach him."

"Yes Sir!" Every single broadcast worker, under her control, got to work

C.C smiled. Now the plan was in motion.

Now the world would see.

Suzaku grinned as his eyes were on his phone. Lelouch was on the stage now.

The message was about to be sent.

His feet touching the ground, Lelouch relaxed onto the ground. He could feel the thousands of eyes on him, watching as he had descended from the sky.

"Who are you?" One of the soldiers on the stage asked. He seemed to be of high rank. One of Cornelia's men, perhaps? "I said, who are you? Are you responsible for all of this?"

It didn't matter who he belonged to. He was annoying.

With one hand gesture, Lelouch pulled the guns away from every soldier and security detail. Just to deter any actions against him, he cocked the guns and had them pointed at their original owners.

"You humans really do love your guns" he mused. "Stay where you are. I'll not allow interruptions."

"Why are you doing this?"

His eyes turned to the Japanese man standing next to Euphie. He recognized the red hair and slim build. He knew his sister. But unlike her, it seemed that Naoto was here to sell out his people.

Disgraceful.

With one flick of his finger, Lelouch pointed another gun straight at Naoto's head. He wouldn't dare make a move.

The (minuscule) threat of the humans neutralized, he turned to face the people of the stadium. With a swift turn of his fingers, all of the cameras were turned to him. Now he had the world's attention.

It was time for the message.

Euphemia couldn't believe what she was seeing.

This man had dropped from the sky and thrown a wrench into every one of her plans. The Special Zone was meant to bring the people of Britannia and Japan closer together. It was supposed to create a sense of peace that would help wash away the stains of war.

But now they were all being held as hostages. The man, who could somehow move things with his mind, had taken control of the Knightmares, blocked the exits, and turned everyone's weapons against them. How was he doing that?

But a bigger question was just who was he? His head was covered in a helmet, and his face was covered in a dark cover. The only features she could make out was striking amethyst eyes.

And his voice. There were natural confidence and arrogance to his tone, along with a powerful conviction.

"People of the world. I am Magneto. And I have come to deliver a message."

This will now be a full story with an ending in sight. I'm looking forward to both the journey and the destination. I plan to have fun getting there.

Like I had said, this story will be slightly different from the original Rallying Cry, but it will follow the same basic plotline. Just a few details will be different.

Like the ones you just saw. Naoto is alive, and he is helping the Britannians for his own reasons. I'll reveal those reasons later on.

Also, Suzaku is working with Lelouch now. I always liked it when the Unholy Trinity (Lelouch, CC, and Suzaku) work together, so I decided to keep him with his childhood friend this time around. I'll reveal his mutation at a later date.

Finally, Euphemia isn't going to figure out who Lelouch is just yet. I'll be saving that for later. Also, the aspect of the helmet covering Magneto's face is something I took from some comics and the X-Men Evolution cartoon. I always did like that aspect, so I decided to implement it.

Anyway, leave me your thoughts in the reviews, and I will see you all next time.

Bye!