A/N: So I've noticed a review or two for my newest chapter, thanks guy's! And I suppose it's only fair that the Author's Note for the start of this chapter is a bit of a shout out and response to the two newest reviewer's! So without further delay, time to get to it!
Spiral-Voltron-ZERO0Q1: I'll make sure to update this story as often as I can, thing is I've also got a number of other stories that I would also like to work on and continue, this is all also a bit of a learning process for me, so the quality of my writing will change and improve over time so do keep that in mind. My focus can shift from time to time, so while I'm doing a fair bit for this story right now, I might end up having my attention's shift to a different story and fandom altogether for a time, to say nothing of the fact I might just get stuck with writer's block for a while and not find myself able to work on ANYTHING for a time. Thank's for the supportive word's regardless, I won't disappoint you!
IS6A6E: I DO plan on having LelouchXKallen be a thing, however as to WHEN I get to it and HOW I make sure it fit's into the wider narrative I'm putting together... I honestly can't say just yet, I'm pretty much trying to create a story that can do well enough to feel like it's a possible variant of Code Geass proper, while also making sure it stand's out enough compared to other stories that do thing's of a similar degree, even if the change's they make are rather different or drastic compared to what I have planed (Or rather for now anyhow...) So I hope you can imagine how difficult it is to have a romantic sub-plot be included without having it feel like it take's away from the main story or that it has no place involved, not to mention you need to understand that the thing's the character's have to put up with with the main story alone would make it hard to find a good time for romantic interaction's, for Lelouch and Kallen for example, they will have to deal with being some of the key figure's in a Rebellion against the world's leading superpower and having to look over their shoulder's because they are concerned of someone finding out about such thing's, also I plan of having the 'Wraith's' play a key antagonistic role that is separate from the standard role of just being 'tough opponent's' that our Black Knight's have to deal with, maybe not so much the individual unit's themselves, as in many way's they are more akin to robot's that act on a higher intelligence's order's and directive's with varying degrees of autonomy. But just because they don't have any free will doesn't mean they are dumb, nor does it mean it'll be easy to deal with them, think of the Wraith's as operating as a mixture of 'Secret Police' and 'Murder Bot's' with a fair amount of 'Elite Hunter-Killer's' mixed in. Or to put it more simply, even the more basic unit's can single handily deal with moderately well ranked and equipped force's of an actual Military on the scale of Britannia's, add that to the fact the Black Knight's are mostly composed of Freedom Fighter's who have no real formal training or discipline... Also I should mention that the 'Basic' Wraith Unit's aren't the only 'special' Unit's that are under the purview and command of the Lord of Wraith's, you could say he has a rather twisted thought process and like's to come up with all sort's of way to demoralize his opposition, as in a matter of speaking, when your enemy can no longer find the will to fight back, they will be easy to destroy and use as you please. Also he has a way at looking at other possible universes and that he might get a bit, inspired shall we say with what he see's that can be rather tormenting if his own opponent's were to face those very same thing's, all I'm going to say is, don't be too shocked if a number of thing's you see in this story remind of some thing's from other fiction's, not the exact same either, more like recreation's meant to evoke the same amount of terror and dread, with none of the thing's that might prove problematic for him in the long run... Also he has a habit of finding individual's who are a certain kind of malicious and twisted mindset and is willing to offer them position's of power and influence, so long as they know that if they were to try and break loyalty and act on their own, then he would simply have his Wraith's 'remove' the individual in question from whatever position they are in and have them bring the person in question to him for 'experiment's' that he find's would be absolutely agonizingly fitting for what he want's out of them. It's a good incentive for any would up usurper's and upstart's to know that if they try anything then they would be most likely used to test his newest idea of cruelty and pain, and also having the process recorded for the replacement to know not to try the same mistake's their predecessor did...
So That's it for the shout out's! I'm going to let you all know that at least for now I'm going to be focusing on the lead up to the invasion and some part's during it and the immediate aftermath of the surrender, and then I'll have a time skip to the year the whole thing REALLY begin's that we should all know by now, all I am going to say is that once we get to the proper start of our Rebellion, thing's are going to be rather different in some rather key and major way's, let's just say my Lelouch isn't so callous as to kill other's without considering the repercussion's and not take action's that would most likely cause unnecessary collateral damage's if he can help it, of course he know's that people will die no matter what he does, he just want's to keep the one's he care's for from being the most likely to die or suffer. Also there isn't going to be a Zero Requiem, why? Cause my Lelouch see's no real reason to commit to such an action when there are too many variables to ensure a long term success rate, he tries to think's thing's through to it's logical conclusion. And as such has decided that making himself the target of hatred and scorn of the world, only to then be 'killed' by 'Zero', would only prove to be as effective as long as the truth of the matter doesn't come out, and how in all likely-hood, that would be impossible if only due to how even the best kept secret's end up being found out and exposed for what they are, I think I should remind you that my Lelouch has already lived at least one other lifetime's worth of experience, which is as a variant of myself that had lived through all the craziness of our current decade and somehow managed to live long enough to die of old age, and consider how many big secret's and scandal's that had been kept hidden for decade's have begin to come into the limelight and people are talking about it, not to mention any other huge reveal's that he would experience in his own version of the future and whatever that would entail. Regardless I think I've taken enough of your time with this long winded Author's Note, let's get on with the story!
Code Geass: Specter of the Rebellion
Chapter 4
A brief respite, and the prelude to war...
Kururgi Shrine, August 1st, 2010 a.t.b
Genbu Kururgi was not a man who showed any sign of fear often, as Prime Minister of Japan, it was to be expected that he would hide any indication of fear for the sake of his Nation and his people, to show strength and defiance against those who would seek his people crushed. But after seeing the Emperor and Empress of Britannia, and the 11th Prince and 4th Princess, as well as one loyal guard who would act as the children's caretaker should the worst outcome happen, fall out the sky in midair due to a figure that looked more like a suit of armor possessed than anything else. It was enough to leave him a bit nervous, though he knew well to keep it mostly hidden.
But it was when George Lux Britannia told him of why all of this happened did Genbu visibly shake and sweat in fear of what would be coming for his people next...
He looked at George and asked "What about Bismarck, will he be alright?"
"He'll be fine, it only appeared worse because of how it was described, he's my Knight of One for a few reason's, one being his resilience." The exliled Emperor said, sipping his given cup of tea.
George and Marianne had changed out of their regal attire and into more simpler clothes, the whole group had in fact upon arriving at the shrine, both to lessen possible attention, and because they were soaking wet from falling into the water hour's ago, the two of them and Genbu were in the dining room sitting around a traditional Japanese table in a formal sit, and had just finished talking about what led up to this moment, how an entity that called itself 'Lord of Wraith's' had shown up announced in the throne room, and had said that they would all be killed, and how a man who looked like an older version of George, as well as that twisted, damnable brother of his Vincent, had came in and said that they were the rightful ruler's of the Empire, and of how Bismarck attempted to fight them, only for the so-called 'Lord' to bat him away if he were but a mere fly, insignificant and merely a pest to be swatted aside, and how even the Knight of One's power couldn't predict what would happen.
Though he had never seen it himself, Genbu was aware of the Power's that the like's of Bismarck and the Emperor and Empress held, the so called 'Power of King's', Geass.
It was honestly a surprise that out of all of those who would be privy to such a secret, that he would be chosen among the many possible foreigner's and outsider's to be told of such important information, as well as to the fact that there were a number of key location's that were appernalty created by a people who used Geass to connect with the so called 'Collective Conscious" or "God" in more simpler term's.
And more importantly, how one such site was on an island within Japanese water's, and was no doubt one of the main objective's the upcoming invasion of Japan, aside from the public one of obtaining the vast amount of Sakuradite of course. Which apparently was rather Minor by comparison.
But most terrifying, was just how easy it was for the Britannian Military to be broken by these 'Wraith's' as they were known, apparently Princess Cornelia was instructed to be only inform the least telling amount of information to Lelouch, so as to imply it was only the capital's own force's that were being affected, but somehow that Boy figured that it was affecting the entire empire and that more Importantly, that they weren't going to win in a regular fight, that the only result's were to fight and be utterly destroyed, with the replacement forces being made to follow the doctrine's that the 'Lord of Wraith's' and his accomplices felt most effective, and have a Britannian Military that had no care for the concern's of Warfare, be it either for it's opponent's solider's or it's own. Or to leave and have the military give up, have only some of the Military act on the plan's and action's the new regime wanted to instill across it's armed force's, and hope that enough resentment would build among the the more 'virtuous and noble in intent' so as to allow the framework for a schism among the rank's to divide the enemy's power base to allow a greater chance of success, and to then reestablish the 'proper' head of the empire once again.
Genbu took a sip from his own cup and said "I am impressed that the boy figured out such an effective long term strategy. I doubt it was an easy decision to accept from any of you, much less of those back in your homeland."
Marianne spoke up next "Lelouch is without a doubt, skilled at making effective strategies that take into account many variable's. He knew what sort of cost's both option's would take, and went with the one he felt he could use to his future benefit. I'm sure those who could understand such a thing would be among those loyal to his cause when the time finally came."
Genbu couldn't help but notice the phrasing and asked "His cause? Don't you mean Your cause? If you'll forgive me saying this, but does that mean you two won't try to reclaim the throne, are you going to just leave to him?"
The two barely took any time before coming up with a response "He said he had no intent of taking the Throne for himself if he could help it, but if neither of us were to live by the time he cast out the usurper's. Then yes he would have claim of the throne and be crowned Emperor."
Genbu couldn't help the look of disbelief on his face and in his voice "But why? He isn't first in the line of succession, and even if he was, do you really think the rest of royal family would just accept him taking over and skipping the line?"
George was rather clam when he spoke "While I may have fathered them, I am aware of how many of my children are not suited to taking the role of ruling Britannia, take Clovis for example. I am certain he would like nothing more than hosting all matter of parties and ball's and painting to his heart's content. Do you really expect someone like him to take an interest in the throne, much less lead effectively on it? Or as an opposing example, Schneziel would not consider thing's in such a way that his rule would cause more problems that it would solve, to say the least that he would use such power to effectively attempt to rule the people with an Iron Fist, which is something that would only cause more instability down the line, and Odysseus? He may be the oldest, but in truth he's more useful as a candidate for political marriage, or should I list out how many of my potential successors would be lacking in key way's to ensure a better world. Truthfully I find it somewhat ironic that out of all the various children I have sired to take over my place, the most effective one's I'd place as my designated successors are born from a woman of 'commoner stock', at least if I were to say as such to those pathetic Noble's who wouldn't shut up about how they weren't deserving of being candidate's for succession."
Genbu could see the logic behind the argument, noting how many of the potential heir's to the throne has a number of fault's that made them less-than-ideal for ruling the Empire, if only with regard's to the rest of the world if nothing else, though he did had one more question to ask with regard's to it.
"If you had to choose between Lelouch and Nunnally for the throne, who would you pick and why?"
The answer surprised him somewhat, given it came from Marianne "Why, Lelouch of course."
When she noticed that he wanted an explanation she clarified "Oh don't get me wrong, I love both of my children equally and fairly, it's just that I know Lelouch can act to ensure his time as Emperor is one spent ensuring there are no attempt's to overrule his authority and that any potential problem's posed by certain individual's or group's would be dealt with before they can become a real concern, not to mention he would no doubt ensure to gain the appreciation of the people, be they noble's or commoner's alike, and ensure that if anything were to happen to him, that his work would not be undone with his early leave of being Emperor. And that his work would continue with or without him"
Again Genbu could see the sound logic in what was presented to him, while he was aware that both children had the mean's to be capable ruler's, he could tell that Lelouch would do what was needed and to the exact degree required so as to ensure a stable and secure foundation for any he would appoint as to take over should something happen to him, and that young Nunnally might have some reservation's about resorting to certain action's...
Until Marianne decided to finish off by saying "Of course, that is if he doesn't merely do what he feel's is needed, than give the throne over to Nunnally afterward's to ensure it stay's that way of course."
That was rather surprising for Genbu to hear at the very least, in the sense the Lelouch would merely just take whatever action's he felt he had to as Emperor, only to then just afterward's give up the Throne to his sister, as far as he knew, it would only be naturally expected for one who claim's ruler-ship of an empire to maintain said rule for as long as possible. The fact that the boy would be willing to give it up after only however long he felt it deserving to be felt, strange for one of the Britannian Imperial Family to engage in. Considering the history of the Royal Family's period's wherein it was unheard of for such thing's to occur. Even in Japan the house's of Kyoto made certain to hold onto whatever power and influence they held and would never give any of it up for anyone!
"What do you mean by that exactly?" Genbu asked, voicing his internal thought's.
George had a bit of a melancholic look in his eye's as he spoke "I suppose it's because of how I told him often of what my Parent's wanted to achieve during their rule, my Father wished to change the government to be more serving to the people, and not simply benefit from the populace. I suppose you could say he had an understanding of what the true want's and goal's of Washington's Rebellion was, to have a government that would ensure it's people could feel as if they had a tangible role to play, and not simply be used by whatever the head's of state required them to be at any given moment. Although my Father said that he did not feel the method of Government they wished to use would be effective without major alteration's. That at least the idea of having the state act for the betterment of it's populace, rather than have the populace act for the betterment of the state. Is something that I think many yearn for, even if not in such simple word's as these."
In truth Genbu could understand why such an ideal could be what some would wish to strive toward's, if for no other reason then how it would have the populace feel that they have a tangible reason to cooperate with their government, for if the populace suffer's, then the government suffer's as well. It is something anyone can understand, but few realize just how much of an impact that can truly be until it's too late, such is how many great empire's once thought unbeatable had fallen, because they failed to account for their own people's, instead focusing on the ambition's of only a select few individual's who lacked the foresight to know when to hold back, and when to relinquish control when there is too much to manage. Although his government would like to boast and claim otherwise, in truth it was very much an oligarchy, only rather than have said oligarch's be rather blatant in their control and presence, they would instead offer support to political candidates that would be of use and service to them, while causing all matter of roadblock's and issues for anyone that they felt would give them issues, a dead body with questionable material implying someone here, a 'leak' of scandalous information there. And then there was the tried and true method of 'Bribe them more than your competition could hope to offer to make them switch side's and support you'.
And Europa Universe? It's member's kept bickering and auguring over petty issues and personal slight's so that almost nothing actually important got done, and even then it was rare to see such action's be actively enforced by those who would actually do the most in achieving said goal. It was honestly only the fact that Britannia was a common threat that was the real binding force between the E.U.
The Chinese Federation weren't really much better than the Japanese government-wise but at least the Kyoto group knew better than to puppeteer their 'leader' than the Eunuchs have been, at least not in such a obvious matter, honestly the only reason why that girl couldn't do anything was because she was too young, and in truth Genbu felt she shouldn't be forced into such a role, yet the Eunuchs demanded it and so it would be, at least until they decided to stop trying to act friendly with each other and started going at each other's throat's like dog's, the Kyoto houses knew better than to risk open conflict in the street's at least and the unnecessary damage's and loss of material and capital to go along with it...
Then he heard a young, child's voice speak up from right behind him saying "I know your thought's on the gobal situation because I've thought of them myself, and if you must know, just because Nunnally is so nice and sweet, doesn't mean she can't act tough and harsh when she need's to, it's just a greater effort on her part to make it look convincing than it is for me."
Genbu went stiff and frigid, caught totally unaware at how the boy not only managed to get right behind him without him noticing, but to also know exactly what he was thinking!
George simply let out a tired sigh and said "Lelouch, what did we say about you sneaking up on stranger's?"
Lelouch gave a slight pout and said "To not do so because they might be a threat, but Mr. Kururgi isn't a Threat though!"
Genbu finally turned around and asked "And why aren't you sleeping? It's late." And it was late, given how it was 5 in the morning.
Lelouch turned to look him in the eye and said "I learned how if you want to adapt to a new time zone, staying up for a full day can help you adjust faster, and I can't sleep, even if I wanted too."
Marianne could tell her son was bothered by something and asked him to sit on her lap, Lelouch however declined and offered to simply sit in between her and his Father instead.
Figuring that the boy would simply listen to what they were about to discuss even if he told him to go to bed. Genbu cleared his throat and brought the subject back to what they were meant to go over.
"You say that Britannia will invade Japan, how long could we hold out?" He asked, his voice flat and serious, demanding an answer from those in front of him, royalty or not they had information that he needed.
To his surprise it was Lelouch who answered "If they are unable to deploy their KMF's initially? A few month's until they start bringing them in. If they have them from the very start? I would guess a few week's, at maximum, barring travel time for replacement part's and equipment. And that's with what the projection's I was privy to before our exile, now? I think it would be fortunate enough that most of the old military was spared decimation and haven't been replaced, so at least they won't resort to merely using chemical weapon's on civilian population center's, but assume the absolute worst case regardless. That's what I would do at least"
He figured he would humor the boy, since he seemed so certain of himself, and asked "In that case, what would you suggest then as a grand strategy? And how did you even know about such estimate's anyhow?"
Lelouch had a playful look on his face "I overheard them talk about it when they thought nobody else was around, not to mention a lot of other useful blackmail material, so that's how I figured it out." Then his expression turned deadly serious, one that should not be possible for an 11 year old boy to have as he continued. "As for strategy, I would have the Japanese force's put up a set amount of resistance, if only to make sure that it would not appear to be to easy of a victory to the Britannian Commander's, then after, a few hour's, I would accept a total, unconditional surrender."
Genbu couldn't help but raise his voice in anger and fury at what the boy suggested "A FEW HOUR'S! THAT'S HOW LONG YOU WOULD SUGGEST WE WOULD FIGHT FOR?! OF WHAT GOOD WOULD THAT POSSIBLY BE?!"
George felt to try to speak to diffuse the situation "Lelouch perhaps it might be-" but was cut off by Lelouch holding a hand in front of his mouth, with Marianne also trying to speak up but also being motioned to be silent.
Lelouch was clam and composed when he spoke, as if he was not just yelled and and berated in front of his parent's and said "Mother, Father, while I understand you wish to protect me and keep me safe, I can not rely on either of you two to do so for my whole life, if I am to be an Emperor that you suggest I can be, then I must deal with this on my own. Kururgi-San, if I may continue please, I was not finished."
Genbu took a few second's to compose himself and had to admit that he was impressed with how the young prince demanded to be allowed to stand up for himself and hold his ground on his own, certainly more than what Suzaku would do in this situation, although he had to admit he was being rather harsh on his own son, he felt it was needed since he would have to endure far worse once he would be known to the world proper.
"Very well, but do not delay." He said.
Lelouch then took a deep breath and said "I would allow the military to fight for a time so as to ensure the Britannian Military would not feel that it was too easy of a victory, therefore they would not place as such massive effort's to locate potential fall back position's or stronghold's to fortify and resist in, as well it would allow the Japanese people feel that they could have done more if they had the mean's to meet the Britannain Military on equal ground, therefore causing influential figure's such as the Kyoto House's to have a position to acquire Knightmare Technology and the mean's to produce them as well as the motivation to do so after seeing how they performed in active combat. It also has a secondary purpose to separate those who can prove themselves to be adaptable enough to, if nothing else, ensure the enemy force's would take some effort with their Glasgow Frame's than they would normally expect, in fact I would go so far to say that there is one person who could actually lead a conventional force against the Britannian Military and actually win, assuming no 'Wraith's' or similar such force's get involved that is."
"Oh, and who would this be." Truth be told, Genbu had looked through the record's and data on the various General's and Commanding Officer's in the military and the only one who he felt could stand a chance was-
"Kyoshiro Tohdoh" Lelouch and Genbu state in unison.
"I am impressed you would suggest him above anyone else, might I ask why?" Genbu asked, wishing to the reason behind Lelouch's decision.
"I did a cursory background check on him, both Military and otherwise, only record's you can find through public access mind you, so don't worry about me finding out of anything classified." He explained.
"I find it hard to believe that is your main reasoning." Genbu flatly stated, certain there was more to it.
"Suzaku mentioned how Tohdoh train's him, that combined with the information I had already put together about him. Helped ensure I had been correct about my assessment." He finished.
Genbu was a bit shocked, not so much that Suzaku told him anything, but that he even talked to Lelouch in the first place, as he almost NEVER talked to anyone, aside from his cousin when she was around that is, who was his own age, and while Genbu loathe's and hate's that fact, he knew that if Suzaku was known to the world, it would make him an easy target for any potential enemies, both foreign and domestic in origin...
Marianne decided to interject for a brief bit. "Lelouch is rather well known for being relentless in figuring out other people, even going so far as to constantly ask them about what he want's to just enough to make them feel uncomfortable to not hide it, but not enough to make them outright refuse. I even heard some people suggesting having him be the royal interrogator with how well he get's information."
Genbu then realized a 4 thing's...
1. He knew it would be tantamount to suicide to make an enemy of Prince Lelouch due to his skill's.
2. The prince could find out all matter of thing's to exploit in interacting with anyone around him.
3. These fact's made it far more clear why Lelouch would be the first choice to made Emperor should it be needed.
And 4. That if somehow the boy obtained a Geass, then he would be borderline unstoppable...
That last point made Genbu shiver a little as he considered what Lelouch with such a strange Power could achieve, even if the boy didn't really need it, it would make his goal's much easier to achieve, even if the power was rather minor in it's affect's...
Lelouch then finished with one last thing "Oh and if I where you, I would have everyone believe I committed suicide, it would give the Japanese people a martyr to rally behind, and upon your return you could claim that you have returned from the dead to enact justice on your people, I would also suggest a way to make it look really convincing too, that though I would have to leave up to you."
Genbu realized at that moment that needed to make sure Suzaku would spend as much time with Lelouch as possible, so as to learn the skill's he would need for the future ahead of him, and that this boy was worthy of his respect. And that the one's who claimed to 'rule' Britannia now should have made sure the boy was killed, because they now will face a boy who will grow to be a threat they can not simply crush with mere force.
And then Lelouch's expression and voice lightened up considerably as he asked "Hey, is it okay if I want to play with your son Suzaku? I think he and I could be friend's, and I would really want to be friend's with him, maybe even best friend's!"
Genbu couldn't help but have a genuine smile at the boy as he said "Of course you can, I think it would be good for him to have a friend his age, the only other kid he know's is his cousin, and I don't think that would be fair of me to keep him from interacting with anyone else outside his family."
Lelouch then absolutely beamed with such a radiant smile Genbu thought the boy was going to start glowing as he said "Thank you!" and ran off to find Suzaku, who Genbu knew would be up by now as part of his daily schedule, noticing the time was now 6:30 A.M.
George spoke up after being quiet all this time and said "He's something else am I right?"
Genbu couldn't help but nod, a slight smile still on his face and said "He definitely is. I think our son's are going to get along well together."
Marianne smiled as well as she said "I'm glad, they seem like kindred spirit's those two. I hope only the best for them both."
All the while, the armored figure that had stood outside the screen door kept it's vigil, of course it had heard everything, and it had this going on in it's thought's.
'Everything's going so well. Best prepare for the absolute worst, isn't that right? Partner?"
And elsewhere, in the Japanese home for a young Red Haired Girl, her own guardian figure thought in response.
'We can manage it, even if they have to go on without us for a few year's, do you think he'll accept a Geass?'
And elsewhere, a young green haired woman thought as an interjection.
'He know's how it work's, he won't lose control over it, though I wonder if it's going to be same power as what you've said all of those 'other me's' wound up giving their version's of Lelouch, or if it'll be something else entirely?'
'We can't say for sure yet, it's best we just get ready for the coming storm...' The two figure's replied with, their mental conversation over, they all go back to their own thought's and plan for what they have to do in the next 9 day's...
A/N: So that's it for this chapter, next one will be dealing with the invasion proper, expect to see some proper action this time, also more interaction's from our mystery sentinel's! You can expect them to be doing a lot once the Invasion begin's in Ernest, as well as a bit of an insight as to what they think about, nothing too revealing, I don't want to reveal all my big thing's too soon ;P. Beside's that though, I hope you all enjoy this chapter! Not much else for the closing note's, other than make sure to leave a review! And that I'm still willing to hear if anyone has any idea's on giving Lelouch an original Geass, if not then I'll just give him his 'classic' Absolute Obedience. Although I think the detail's I listed here the Genbu was able to realize should tell you that my Lelouch REALLY doesn't need it. Although I could just make it so that he instead decline's the offer of a Geass, although that might be to predicable and easy, what are your guy's thought's on the matter? Make sure to write a review and let me know! Anyhow, till next time!
