A/N: So, I got 352 Visitors at least on the day I uploaded the previous chapter. I have to say that I am rather impressed and somewhat honored that many people would be willing to view my story, to say nothing of the amount of folks I probably wouldn't be able to track on Mobile or the like. I'm glad so many of you are interested in a story written by a guy who really doesn't all that much to be talked about. I hope this story will be enough to impress you all as we go along with it. And that I hope to one day revisit the various other attempts I have made in the hopes I can bring them to life properly. I plan on focusing on one story at a time when I write, so I can get them all done in a reasonable time. Even if it takes a lot longer than I would have set out from the onset, I am okay with that. I just want to make a good story, nothing more, and nothing less. Anyhow, let's get on with the story shall we?


Code Geass: Specter of the Rebellion

Chapter 23

Kamijne Island

Kamijne Island, September 4th 2017 a.t.b

Lelouch P.O.V.

Well, at least we aren't dead.

'Gee, ya think?'

I know that was sarcasm, otherwise I wouldn't hear you if I was dead.

'Oh yeah? What makes you so sure.'

...

'Well?'

Okay, you have a point, but I think the fact I can feel a bit of pain from having landed on the ground should be enough to indicate we are alive still.

'Fair enough, you gonna get up and check who we landed with?'

Sounds fair. Besides I'd rather not waste time as it is.

I get up to see that I am along a beachside, and notice rather quickly that Euphie is there with me. I can't help but smile underneath my mask and walk over to her.

"Are you alright Sister?" I say, offering my hand to help her up.

To which she grasps in kind and accepts my offer of aid, saying "I'm fine, and you Lelouch?"

"I'm alright, aside from a slight ache from the landing I assume, nothing serious." I tell her.

"Are you going to take that mask off? I doubt anyone would be looking in this area for a while." She says, and I do agree that the likelyhood of anyone having any sort of surveillance that might notice me is rather slim to the point of it being a non-issue.

'Plus it gets kind of exhausting having to keep that mask on all the time, doesn't it?'

Not that much, but with the sun bearing down as it is, it would be best to take the mask off.

Thankfully it is rather easy to remove the mask and facecloth and try to keep them in an easy to reach location.

Euphie smiles at me as she looks at my face. "You look great, considering everything that's happened."

Hmm, should I?

'Yeah, if only for the look on her face.'

"I'm sure you remember how I look rather well, including as to the fact this island contains ruins which are connected to a thought elevator." I tell her with a knowing tone and rueful smirk. The look of utter surprise on her face is so worth it.

THUD!

The fact she falls unconscious right after though, not so much.

'Give her a jolt?'

Eh, why not?

ZZT!

"Ow!" Euphie exclaims as she gets up.

"Sorry, didn't know what else I could do." I offer, it isn't much, but I hope she doesn't mind it all that much.

"It's alright, at least now I get what Suzaku meant about how annoying it feels when you do that." She says.

"Can't say I'm surprised. With how close the two of you are, it is only natural." I tell her.

She looks at me for a moment, then sighs and says. "What exactly do you know?"

'Careful Lelouch, don't want to reveal everything now do we?'

Of course not, however I know she'll know if I am lying in any real way.

'Well, she might be alright if you just give her some things to work with...'

Fair, I suppose I could let her know some things anyhow.

"Well, I know that you have memories of a previous timeline of sorts that resulted in you dying after an attempt of yours to grant the Japanese people some amount of freedom. And that Suzaku also has memories of that same timeline as well. Also I am aware you probably existed after your Death in a sort of ghost like manner, possibly by the actions of the World of C, or perhaps some other force was at play. Regardless, I know how in the end, my rebellion succeeded, with me arranging my death after gaining the hatred of the world as a Demon Emperor. Leaving Nunnally to take the throne and create a better world in my place." I explain to her in neat order. I have no doubt she'll question how I know any of this.

"And you know this how?" She asks me.

'Right on cue, right?'

Pretty much, now I'll just hope she'll accept my answer, at least for now.

"You recall how when Father showed me to my Guardian that I interacted with it and it glowed a bright light, yes?" I tell her, to which she simply nodded in response. "Well, the fact is that it showed me such things, to warn me how I should go about things differently in such a way if it ever came down to it. And how I knew you and Suzkau had lived such things, why it was simply a matter of coming to the most reasonable answer after thinking about it for a time." It is a simple enough answer, and is also reasonable and valid what everyone 'knew' regarding me and what I had watching over me.

"Okay, I suppose there is more to it than what you are telling me. But I was told to wait till after things got to a point." She tells me, and we both know what she means.

'At least she probably won't be the one ordering the massacre to occur this time around.'

It's not a great fact to be content with, but with how things are. We should be grateful for what little we have, whatever that might be.

"There is more to it though, mind if I share it with you?" She offers, and I'll admit it would be good to know what she and Suzaku had dealt with.

"We have time, why not?" I tell her.

I just hope I can do what I can to ensure it isn't a reality...

Kallen P.O.V.

For what it's worth, I'm glad Suzaku was willing to not bother looking at me while I showered.

'The fact he took you saying that you knew he was a time traveler in a matter of speaking rather well and not pass out means he would have figured you would have noticed at some point.'

Yep.

'Think he buys the explanation we gave him about your Guardian showing the future he came from when you came in contact with her?'

Not really, but it's not like it is important right now.

"So, you going to explain what happened after Nunnally took the throne from Lelouch?" I asked him, he knew that I knew there were things that I wouldn't have known in it's entirety. And that I was shown a sort of 'common version' of the events of the Black Rebellion, and that some things I wouldn't have been aware of following all of that.

He sighs and looks at me. "I just want to warn you, it gets rather rough towards the end."

"With everything that I have seen and know, I think we both know I can take it." I tell him, and besides, I have dealt with far worse than what he has...

Much worse than anyone ever should...

"Okay, well I warned you." He says before going into what happened after Nunnally took over as the Empress of Britannia.

Euphemira P.O.V.

"At first, everything seemed to be going rather well. It seemed as if you really managed to create a lasting peace for everyone. But there were things no one ever knew about Geass, not to mention that there would always be someone who would be willing to wage war if they really wanted to..." I explained, recalling how after people had cheered enough about the Death of 'The Demon Emperor' they began to try and work things out, and how wrong they all went.

"Let me guess, Schneizel broke free from his Geass command?" Lelouch answered. Of course he would have assumed as much, it would only make sense when he thought about it.

I nodded and said. "Pretty much, yeah. He didn't try and show it at first though. He just kept it hidden from everyone..."

Suzaku P.O.V.

"He was smart about it as well, and while all that time went on, he made sure to get enough resources and power to enact his plan when it was time." I said.

"To threaten the world with his Sword of Damocles, right?" Kallen offered.

"Pretty much, expect he didn't want to leave any chance for him to get beaten again." I told her, honestly. This is the part that bothers me the most.

"What happened?" She asked, but she knew what most likely occurred.

Man, I hate having to go over this again...

Euphemira P.O.V.

"He targeted everyone you cared about Lelouch, at first it was small and simple, people who weren't in the public eye all that much. But then, he started going after others. What he did to Ohgi and Viletta... I..." I start tearing up, not just that I saw what happened, but how he made it so everyone knew what happened as well.

He has a hand reach out in a comforting gesture. "It's okay, you don't have to go over how that happened to them, the fact it happened is enough to me." He tells me, his voice is even, but I can see the pain in his eyes...

Suzaku P.O.V.

"It was after he took out Ohgi and Viletta did he really start moving ahead with his plans. And he began assaulting the Black Knights in full. His forces where too much for them to handle. Todoh-sensei and Chiba tried to do what they could in helping lead what little forces remained. But they died along with the others. As for Britannia, those loyal to Nunnally tried to hold him back, but he wound up crushing them all the same. Not even having Cornelia and Guliford be recalled back into active duty when they shouldn't have been was enough." I explained. Oh how things got so screwed up...

"And the reason the Second Princess and her Knight were kept off was because?" Kallen asked me, but she could probably guess why.

I couldn't help but have a sad smile as I told her. "They were going to have their first child. Nunnally even ordered Cornelia that she was to take time off and care for her child with her husband."

"They got married? Guess it was bound to happen sooner or later, right?" Kallen said, a bit of a sad smile in her own eyes as she could understand how sad that was...

Euphemira P.O.V.

"They were so excited as well, they said if it was a girl they would be name it after me. And that if it was a boy they would name it after you." I told Lelouch, honestly I couldn't help but remember my smile when they talked about it with Suzaku that one time.

"I can't help but feel honored they would be willing to name their child after me, even knowing what kind of baggage my name would have." He says, a bit of a smile as I am sure he was envisioning the image of Cornelia and Gilbert with a small child alongside them.

I couldn't help but frown as I told him what happened next, knowing how much he felt about the subject. "He made sure Nunnally knew what would happen when she went to consult him on these matters, he was smart to keep his involvement hidden, right until he decided to get rid of her. Not only that, but he made sure she would have felt the most pain as well..."

Suzaku P.O.V.

I could tell Kallen was only just holding back tears after I let the fact of what Schneizel did to Nunnally settle in. Honestly I don't blame her for that sort of sadness and rage. I know Lelouch would have felt as much if not even more so.

"Then what happened?" She asked me, after taking a moment to calm down.

Oh boy, this is going to be rough...

"After a while, it seemed as if we would lose. Then we found a way to strike at him right as he was about to make his 'Grand Gesture' with his Damocles. You took the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N Eight Elements, and I used the Lancelot Zero. We both launched a last ditch assault to stop him, or at the very least. Take him down with us. Gino and some of the others did what they could to offer a way in, but in the end we wound up crashing into it. Our Frames were wrecked beyond belief, but we both know it was a suicide mission anyhow." I told her. And I went into detail about how she managed to wreak all of the soldiers Schneizel had, and how she stopped just short of the doorway to where he was.

How I saw her die right in front of me, and how I made sure to Kill Schneizel, even if it was the last thing I would ever do...

Lelouch P.O.V.

...

'...'

If I ever come across that version of Schneizel. I am killing him, no matter what anyone else says.

'Agreed.'

"Sister, I am sorry I wound up failing in such a key way." I tell her, trying to keep my anger as contained as possible.

She gives me a comforting hug. "It's alright, you did your best. And now we have a chance to do it again, only better than before. After all this world isn't the same as that one. I don't blame you for what happened."

"Even when I ordered you to kill all the Japanese?" I am hesitant to say it aloud, but I could tell such a command is gone from her and would never happen again.

"No, and I don't blame you for shooting me. I was honestly glad that you did it. Suzaku wouldn't because he cared for me, and definitely not Nelly. The fact is, you were the only one who could have stopped me. And even if I managed to fight it off long enough to regain some amount of control. I would have just used it to end myself." She tells me, and I tighten my hold on her. I know all too well the sort of thoughts that entails, while I never allowed myself to fall victim to such thoughts, I knew plenty enough about those who did.

"It won't happen again. I promise. My Geass isn't Absolute Obedience, so it won't even work the same way anyhow." I told her.

"Then you don't have to worry about anything. After all you aren't so alone anymore now, are you?" She said, and it was kind of her to reassure me. But she doesn't really get how alone I feel, the fact that Kallen feels different from everyone else is something I am curious about, but I have no intention of forcing an answer out of her, if she wants to tell me something important, then she will.

'And are you going to tell her?'

I...

'Well?'

I- I suppose if I had to reveal it one at a time, then I would start with her. Though I'd rather explain it to as many as possible, if only because it would be exhausting having to go over the same story over and over again...

'I'm sensing a 'but' here...'

It's, hard to go over the memories from back then, it isn't really something I want to recall, if only because of how much of an impact it had on me. It's not that I am unwilling to face it at some point. It's just that right now, I can't really afford the luxury to do so.

'Such is our situation that we are forced to hide such key things from those we hold dear and close to us.'

Indeed, but one day, whether it is by our choice or not, they will know. I just hope they will be okay with the fact I hid such an important thing from all of them.

'They probably will, it's just a thing they will need to get used to knowing about is all.'

You have a point there...

"It's getting late, guess we are going to rest for the night huh?" Euphie says.

"You are going to rest, I'll keep watch in case someone or something comes close by." I tell her.

"Other than Suzaku and Kallen you mean?" She asks me, and it's reasonable for her to wonder why I would do so.

"Yep, that and go over some of the last bits of getting ahold of the Gawain, and this time I probably won't have to deal with it getting damaged beyond repair." And while I do plan for all matter of possible outcomes, I would much rather simply work on getting the Druid System out and not have to do so with a wrecked Knightmare.

Euhpie gives me a flat look and asks "How exactly do you manage to get enough sleep?"

I can't help but smirk and say "I manage however I can. Not to mention I am used to doing all-nighters."

She looks at me for a moment, shrugs and says "Just try to get some decent sleep at some point Lelouch, I'm sure Nunnally would say the same thing."

I can't help but chuckle a little "She does, but I know how she does it at times, as I'm sure you do to Nelly's annoyance. Speaking of her, she still trying to act like she doesn't have feelings for Gil still?" I ask with a mischievous grin.

To which Euhpie has a matching grin and says "Yep. They are both acting like nothing is there between them."

"Well, as siblings that only want the best for our dear sister, it's only fair we look into having them realize their shared feelings, no?" We both know we share the same general thoughts about this, after all siblings look out for one another in all things don't they?

"Indeed, think we should get Nunnally involved? I know Suzaku has mentioned it a few times." I can tell she is having as much fun with the idea as I am.

Meanwhile...

Darlton P.O.V.

I can't help but wonder just how it is that Kururgi, Prince Lelouch, Princess Euphemira, and that Kallen girl managed to get onto the Island. Then again I suppose somethings will never be explained no matter what we think. I recall Cornelia's expression as she saw what happened as the Avalon fired it's cannon. And I could just tell part of her wanted to shoot her elder brother in the face for that. But we had no other choice but to go along with what was planned out anyhow, which is to say doing a whole lot of nothing for us...

I am used to that being the case, but even still it gets dull after a while, so one can't help but think about things. The fact Cornelia seemed to have a slight shiver meant someone must have been talking about her, probably planning something involving her, and was thinking about including others in on whatever they were planning. Needless to say, I think it is rather obvious the answer to all those factors...

Cornelia for her part just has a soft whine at the things her closest siblings and whoever else they involve will put her through, and I'm sure Gilbert has a similar train of thought going as well if the fact he is trying to focus on anything other than Cornelia is anything to go by.

I can imagine it will be something to say the least, not to mention it might even be a bit funny as well. And such levity would do a lot for Morale as is. I recall the looks of the men when it was announced we would be sent to Area 11. Most of them seemed relieved at the fact we would not be asked to conquer another region for those who sit on the throne unwantedly, though it was also a fact that the only reason we managed to live so long was because we did whatever was demanded. And even if we had been made to look like fools over the course of all that has happened so far, a number of the men actually didn't mind that. I guess they got tired of being praised for conquering other people's lands for no real reason other than to just do it.

Still, the fact the Second Prince seems to be rather at ease with everything so far, it is, odd, to say the least.

i just hope whatever they have planned it will be enough to distract him at least for a little while. The look in his eyes about all of this concerns me.

Later on by the beach...

Lelouch P.O.V.

I have to admit, if it weren't for the fact this Island held ruins that contained the means to access the collective 'soul' of humanity, this would have been a nice island to possibly have people come visit as a resort perhaps.

'And yet what you just said is WHY it can't be the case, not to mention there are a number of islands which are rather nice in their own right.'

Fair enough, I hope we can visit such an island at some point when this is all over...

'Don't lose hope! After all people are relying on you!'

I know, it's just, all of this, it can get rather exhausting...

'Well, you ARE leading a resistance force against an Empire that has control of much of the world, and is easily the dominant super-power. Did you really think it would be easy or not exhaust you?'

When you put it like that, no, but honestly I can deal with all of that, I do suppose I might do better with some more sleep though...

'See, progress! And at least you did actually sleep a good amount this time around.'

I get it alright. It's not ideal, but I don't really have the time to set aside more often than not.

'Makes you wonder just why no one ever really figured it out from school given how tired you would be at times.'

Guess it's because unless it affects them in any major matter, they are willing to ignore how exhausted I am, it's not great, but it's how people are, I can't change that, nor should I really. It's not my place to decide...

'I'd say that just proves how much more capable you are compared to the rest of them. Just because you have access to all kinds of Power, doesn't mean you should use it whenever you face something difficult...'

That much is true...

'...'

...

'...'

Seems like the sun is about to rise, I'll never get tired of it.

'Yeah, I can get used to it. Here's to more sunrises for all of us.'

Indeed.

I soon begin to hear Euphie stir and look as the Dawn's ray's hit upon her face as the sun begins to rise and shine on us.

I can't help but smile at her, a sense of warmth in my chest I have grown to understand as being the kind siblings have for one another over the years.

It's a feeling I hope to never have fade, I'd rather not lose the few siblings I actually care for.

'And we won't...'

Right, we aren't going to screw up this time, and hopefully I can call Suzaku and Gilbert my brothers-in-law by the time this is over. If anyone tries to kill either of them...

'They will find that we will have NO MERCY for the likes of them...'

Do you think it's justified that I have such a mindset?

'You are just looking out for your sisters well being, nothing wrong with that...'

I'm pretty sure most brothers try to scare any prospective boyfriends when it comes to their sisters...

'Then again, you aren't like most brothers, and besides that you know both of them won't mistreat their respective princesses...'

I suppose you have a point there. I wonder what hijinks I could come up with?

'Like that one time you messed with Guinevere to get back at her on behalf of Nelly?'

Hmm, perhaps nothing as extravagant, though I do think it will be a good idea to share it with the others at some point, if only because it is still Hilarious!

'Not to mention a good warning to not incur your wrath. I wonder if there is any footage left from back then?'

I'll have to ask Nelly, since she would have been the one to oversee said footage.

"Morning Lelouch." Euphie says with a sleepy yawn.

"Good Morning sister dear. You slept well?" I ask her.

She stretches a bit, cracking her back a little as she says "Good enough, honestly it was rather refreshing not having to be in such a posh sleeping arrangement all the time."

She then gives me a hard look "You DID sleep, right?"

I can't help but sigh. "Yes, about six hours worth. Give or take an hour or so." I tell her.

She has a flat look on her face. "Really? Six hours? That all you sleep on?" She deadpans.

I know she will press me for it otherwise, so I just admit it to her. "It's actually the most I've slept in few years really. Most of the time I was lucky to get around 5 hours at a time."

She has a look of annoyance that I would sleep so little, but it then turns to understanding as she realizes I would have good reason to sleep so little

"It's because of what happened after the invasion, right?" She asks me, and she isn't wrong, only that there is a fair bit more than that.

I simply nod and mention we should get going, she doesn't say anything but agrees, we have a busy day ahead of us, so it is best we just get on with it now...

'You aren't going to mention some of what went on to anyone?'

I suppose I will confide with Kallen about this, she might even mention some of what happened to her in exchange...

'Whatever you say...'

...

Kallen P.O.V.

Well, everything has been going rather well so far.

'And yet you can't help but think how all of this is going to get screwed up, don't you?'

Can you blame me? With everything going on, I can't expect it to all line up evenly all the time, now can I?

'Point taken...'

At least Suzaku isn't trying to hold me up or anything like that...

'Not like anyone would notice that fact, well, anyone who wouldn't be in the know anyhow that is...'

Yeah, that is something I suppose we should be grateful for.

'...'

...

'So, what now?'

Aside from getting everything set for our stealing of the Gaiwan? Not that much I think.

'Yeah...'

Hmm, might as well try to make some chatter with Suzaku. Not like we have much else to do in the meantime.

"So, how are things for you anyhow Suzaku?" I ask him, seems like a simple enough starter for a conversation.

"It's... Alright." His response.

"Just alright? I find that a bit doubtful." I respond, does he really think I'd accept something like that?

He sighs and looks at me. "What do you want Kallen?"

Honestly, what does he think I want?!

"You really think I'd accept that you are just fine?! How can you possibly be fine seeing people who you have seen DIE in another lifetime?" I tell him, and really who wouldn't be affected by that. I know if I had been around the people I saw die in my old life, I'd...

I would...

...

'Kallen?'

I-I...

'KALLEN! SNAP OUT OF IT!'

Wh-what?

'You were starting to get caught up again...'

Seriously? Damnit, I thought I would be past that already.

'Can you ever really get past something like that though?'

...

'Well?'

You made your point...

'Don't blame me, it's just who you are...'

I GET IT ALREADY!

"Is everything alright Kallen?" Suzaku asks me while seeming curious...

Don't give anything away, don't give anything away...

He sighs and turns back to continue walking. "I know you'll explain things on your own time, whatever that is exactly. All I am going to tell is that, I just try my hardest not to just start breaking down into tears when no one is looking, it's never easy seeing so many faces and having the image of them being so lifeless appear for just a moment..."

Wow, that's...

"Suzaku..." I try to say something to him, but he just has a somber smile on his face as he looks at me.

"The worst ones were when I'd see Euhpie, as well as Lelouch and you, alongside Nunally at times, but she wasn't as frequent. Everyone else wasn't as often, but it still hurt all the same..." He tells me, what gets me the most is how he sounds so normal when talking about it all. As if seeing the faces of everyone you knew and cared for being dead was just a normal thing...

I have my hand rest on his shoulder, and give him a comforting squeeze, like the kind I'd recall Naoto give me when I was younger. I doubt it'd really be much, but I can tell in his eyes he understands the sentiment and appreciates it. We don't really talk after that exchange, it's not like we have much time to go over such things right now anyhow...

'We have enough to do as is...'

Yep, that we do...

Lelouch P.O.V.

Suzaku and Kallen should be here soon. Then comes the hard part...

'Actually getting to the Gaiwan...'

Yeah, that will be an issue...

...

'...'

...

Euhpie notices how we have some time and seems intent on asking me something, normally I wouldn't mind answering her questions, however the look on her face means she probably intends on teasing me about something...

"So, what is your relationship with Kallen exactly?" She asks me with a bit of a smug look on her face...

'Of course of all the things she would ask it'd be that...'

I try to keep my tone even and calm as I do my best to respond. "She is a capable Pilot and the one who I confide in. I wouldn't have her as the head of the Zero Squadron if I didn't think she deserved the position."

Euphie, of course, isn't interested in that reply. "You know that isn't what I mean Lelouch..."

I can't help but sigh, knowing exactly what she is referring to. "No Euphie, I have not attempted any serious efforts to court her or the like."

She looks at me with a slight amount of disappointment in her expression and sighs loudly "Honestly Lelouch, I can tell you care for her deeply. At this rate Nelly and Gilbert will get together before you admit any sort of feelings for Kallen!"

I am rather annoyed how my Body decides to make me blush then and there as I try to respond effectively. "Don't be ridiculous! I'd imagine we would have to lock those two up in a closet and only bother to let them out when they finally admit it before those two confess on their own!"

Euphie does giggle a little at the idea, which makes me chuckle a little at how the idea of those two dealing with the situation would be. However my expression takes on a more somber tone as I continue. "Besides, it's not like we'd have time to enjoy the sort of things most couples do, with our roles in the Black Knights being what they are, not to mention so long as the usurpers and the one who lords over time are in power. I can never allow myself any real amount of self-indulgence because it can all be taken away at a moments notice..."

Euphie recognizes what I mean and frowns. The fact I can't be allowed to enjoy my life due to the real chance I could find myself facing an unexcepted end from the slightest of slip-ups... Some might consider it unhealthy Paranoia, however if they were in my position, I'd imagine the ones who would manage to live long enough would be those who would find my reasoning to be rather sound after they saw what happened to those who weren't careful enough...

"I wish it didn't have to be like this..." Euphie tells me with a sad look in her eyes. One I can't help but mirror as I also wished it wasn't so, but I also know from my old life how things rarely ever went your way exactly as you would prefer. So I learned rather quickly to adapt to what life threw at me and how to work my situation to my advantage in whatever way I could.

It was that line of thinking that made sure I could survive after, IT occurred...

'Few people realize just how great things are until you lose it all...'

...

...

...

Thankfully it isn't long before Suzkau and Kallen arrive. And now the four of us are simply trying to figure out what would cause us to 'fall down' and get to where we need to be. Suzaku suggests I try to use my Geass in some way to see if that would cause a reaction in the ruins.

And while I have tried to not really use it, simply because I have no intent on being reliant on such a power, I do suppose it would be worthwhile to try and see what I can do with it. I close my eyes and focus on just feeling everyone around me and the various links we share, both between ourselves and others...

Though I am reluctant to use my Geass when I consider just clever words and information about those who I intend to deal with as more that sufficient. I have made an effort to see what it can grant me aside from just being able to have others do as I require by focusing my intent or otherwise having a command for them to act upon. As for what said effort has unveiled...

Well, for one thing it allows me to 'see' the connections between myself and others, often visualized in the form of chain links or as a length of rope, with the health/strength of said bonds represented in the overall 'quality' of whatever it is visualized as, if seen as a chain link for example and seemed to give off a sense of rusting or otherwise a weakening of the links, that would suggest that the connection is at risk of being severed by either party in question, I have made sure to take a good look at the status of the Black Knights and thankfully it seems as if my connections between them all have only grown stronger over time with no indication of them breaking any time soon, and I make sure to be rather meticulous in my study of said connections, making sure to see the slightest sign of it weakening and getting a sense of why it is that way so I can correct it in short order. It also has the effect of allowing me to get a general idea of what kind of connection said links they are exactly, as to how I can make sense of it, I suppose it can be best described as just what sort of feeling I get when looking at the link in question. Suzaku and Euphie for example have a link that I can best describe as a bond between lovers in a matter of speaking. The fact I can sense the intensity of it means I know those two won't be having any sort of issues that would force them apart. Of course even knowing that, I'm sure Nelly will be pulling the 'Threatening Big Sister' card on Suzkau when he intends on being in a proper relationship with Euphie. I've also noticed similar such links between Todoh and Chiba, even if it does feel as if it is rather 'mild' in it's expression. I can tell it is a rather strong link that even if those two have no intent on actually acting on it any time soon, it is something the two of them have in mind and will probably try to work it out at some point. I can't help but smile as I know both of them have been through a lot in their own right, along with the rest of the Four Holy Swords, which between them all a deep bond really only shared by fellow soldiers who have dealt with some of the worst things to occur on the battlefield.

As for some other examples, I can tell how Ohgi and Viletta, even if they both will deny it rather heavily, do have a firm connection that seems to be leaning towards a romantic link more and more as they continue to interact. Even if She had him turn against Zero in another lifetime, I don't hold anything against either of them and wish that things work out for both of them. I also can tell the Loyalty Jeremiah and Sayoko have for me and Nunnally is of a sort many would be envious and wishing they had for themselves, yet I also sense the hint of potential affection between the two of them that could be rather impressive in it's own right if given the chance to grow. And I can not help but feel it would only be fitting as a way to repay them both for all they have done. That and I can't help but find the idea of playing matchmaker to be a rather fun idea.

Speaking of a certain Matchmaker... I can tell Milly has a bit of a pining for Rivalz, and I look forward to getting back at Millicent Ashford for all her constant teasing and antics by seeing her be so flustered when I have her and Rivalz be in various antics that leave them rather close... That and the fact she and her Grandfather have cared for me and Nunnally and given us a solid living arrangement even despite the risks involved... Well, I'm sure old Ruben wouldn't mind me making sure his granddaughter got together with the boy she happened to fancy, now would he?

'If anything, he might very well help you out on that effort given how you got her out of an arranged marriage with Loyd...'

Well, there is that to consider, as well as making sure she doesn't cause any antics while we are busy as well. Anyhow, I've also noticed Shirley to have a link that seems to go for a rather long distance, granted said link feels like it is really something she isn't really aware of, not to mention it seems to go all the way to Euro Britannia for whatever reason...

'Any idea who she might have a connection to that far out?'

I can't say for sure just yet, though whoever it is, I hope it means Shirley can have a good life. She really deserves better...

'I think that goes without saying, anyhow, want to see what other links you can sense?'

Right, can't waste any more time...

Focusing my sense of the various connections to those who are on the island as we are, I can pick up the feeling I attribute to Loyd, Darlton, Nelly and Gill, as well as one other of notice...

'Is that, Schneizel?'

It, does feel like him, however it feels, wrong...

'Do you think?'

Given how I can sense his link to Suzaku and Euphie, and how EXACTLY it feels, I would have to assume as much...

'Think we could just kill him?'

Unlikely, and besides that, I doubt it would be easy to get the actual Brother I recall spending a fond time with easily if this one is taken out rather soon...

'Talk about a shitty situation...'

Best to let the others know what I sensed...

I open my eyes and the others are concerned given how my face has a rather stern and upset expression, as if I found out something they will not like to hear. Which is rather accurate given what I can sense.

I look at Euphie and Suzaku in particular and tell them "Looks like you'll get that chance for payback for all that happened in your prior lives after all..." and my tone is half between a somber realization of what I will have to deal with, and a righteous fury that I can't help but feel is justified.

Suzaku and Euphie understand what I mean instantly, and as expected Suzaku is trembling with barely contained rage at the fact the asshole who ruined his old life and all he sacrificed to be in vain is somehow alive and present here, not to mention most likely expecting us to appear any moment now. As to what he'll do is anyone's guess, I can only hope things will progress as they had in prior instances, however I need to be prepared for things going a different turn at any moment...

Suzaku P.O.V.

He's alive...

THAT FUCKING ASSHOLE IS ALIVE!

I can't help how I grip my hands so tightly that if I wasn't wearing gloves, my palms would start to bleed with how tightly I am doing so...

"Suzaku, as much as I would like to see that twisted excuse of a brother dead as you do. I'm afraid you can't do that as soon as we get in our places." Lelouch tells me.

And as much as I'd rather just take my service pistol and fire every last round into that asshole of a Prime Minster, I also know that Lelouch is right, as is usual...

Euphie can't help but frown at the fact yet another half sibling of hers is replaced with a version she'd rather not deal with, even more so due to the fact we both know this version in particular...

Kallen seems rather concerned as well. "How are we going to deal with him?" She asks, and I have to admit it is a good question.

Lelouch takes a moment to think, before saying "For now we should just leave him be, unless he indicates otherwise, we shouldn't try to provoke him, as it stands we have no idea where the 'native' Schneizel is being possibly held. And this one probably knows what we plan on doing, as such we need to be ready to adapt to the situation as need be. Not to mention who knows what else he is capable of, also it is imperative you explain this to Cornelia, Darlton, and Guliford as soon as possible and you are sure there is little chance of having unwanted listeners. I know it may not be much, however we need to be ready to deal with whatever happens. We are unsure what this version of Schneizel is capable of, for all we know he might be using the body of the native Schneizel as a puppet for his own use. Quite simply, try to go about this as is expected of you all, we will try to figure out a method of dealing with him when the time comes. Also, assume he won't hesitate to use all manner of methods in future conflicts. That includes a 'Sword of Damocles' type of scenario." And I can tell by his tone and expression alone he is rather serious, the thought of that asshole using the body of the Schneizel of this reality as little more than a puppet or vessel like some sort of malicious Yokai of legend is rather worrisome, not to mention I can tell Euphie is devastated by the thought of her elder Brother, who by all accounts would be much more decent and reasonable compared to the one we dealt with before, having to suffer watching a more cruel version of him live out his life and all that it entailed...

It just gives yet another reason to despise that Lord of Wraith's for all it's done...

I just hope the two aren't in the same body, if only because I want that asshole to know just how much I want to get back at him...

Kallen P.O.V.

To think there is yet another reason to be angry at the Lord of Wraiths and it's accomplices...

'Yeah, well lets hope it's not a case of those two in the same body, I'd like to make that asshole SUFFER for what he's done!'

I'm afraid we'll have to get in line, Suzaku seems intent on being the first one to get some well deserved payback...

'Now that I think about it, think we should mention to Lelouch our idea?'

I-I'm not sure, I mean he is the Figurehead of the Black Knights, if I were to attempt to have a noticeable role or appearance, then it might cause issues...

'I'm sure he'll be alright with it. Besides it's not like you will be noticed all that much given how you will be in the cockpit for the most part. Just have it as a outfit so if you end up getting caught out of it they can't tell who you are after they get past the hairstyle change.'

That is a rather sound logic, honestly it kind of makes you wonder how people can't really tell such a minor difference from something like Hairstyle.

'Guess it's what they think of a person from their looks alone? I mean how one presents themselves from a glance can tell a lot for a person, and even if two people look alike, they can have such a difference you wouldn't really believe they are the same from what little differences they have.'

Yeah, I mean, how else would it become such a trope for those who live double lives being able to go about unnoticed by a simple style change?

...

...

...

Anyhow, it isn't long before suddenly the floor beneath us begins to glow with the symbol of Geass and I try to mentally prepare myself for whatever we will be dealing with...

Thankfully things go about as typical in this case, our landing causes a bit of a ruckus, and the various soldiers attempt to get at me and Lelouch while we end up commandeering the Gaiwan, and honestly, I can see why Lelouch would use it as his command unit. Not to mention the DRUID system it has really is something only he would be able to use to it's fullest, if one didn't know any better, you'd think Schenizel made it so only someone on the level of Lelouch could operate it, then again he probably would either find someone who could at least do a decent job, or for his own personal use. To be honest I don't see the second Prince and Prime Minister being the sort to take the field, then again the Gaiwan seems more for a command role with combat being suitable if it came down to it. I wonder if Lelouch will have to resort to using what he can from it into making the Shinkirō after all?

Not to mention it kind of feels nice being in the same frame with him...

'Oh? Seems like you wouldn't mind a few, other things, with him eh?'

GAH! WHAT AM I THINKING?! I NEED TO FOCUS!

'Come on, you know those soldiers aren't being that effective.'

Even still, who knows what will show up...

Lelouch P.O.V.

I will say this Brother, your Camelot team are rather skilled when it comes to coming up with new Knightmare Frames...

'Not to mention the co-pilot system isn't exactly something you see often for a system like this.'

Indeed, I wonder why exactly he bothered to come up with such a system in the first place?

'Have one Devicer focus on regular operations while the other focused on manning the DRUID system?'

Possible, however he would need people who are rather skilled in their respective aspects to make both sides of it function effectively.

'Think he was planning on using one of those seats for himself?'

Hmm, possible, while he isn't one for leading near the battlefield, I can see him using it as a means of trying to inspire his forces to fight harder, though he wouldn't really be doing much of the actual fighting I'd imagine, he just isn't that interested in such matters and would let others do it for him...

'Makes you wonder who his co-pilot would be?'

Probably one of the more competent Knight's under his command, though he could also have Kanon act as his intended co-pilot for all we know...

'Think it would amount to much?'

Hard to say, however I doubt he wouldn't have Kanon in the position he has if he didn't have at least some amount of skill involved...

Regardless, it was rather easy to get ahold of the controls and even though it's combat systems are locked down, I already feel more capable with the Gaiwan than with that Sutherland I was using Prior. Though I know that my 'Project' will be far greater than even the Shinkirō when I am finished with it...

'Of course there is the issue of actually getting all the parts to finish it, right?'

Nothing a fair amount of time spent salvaging various battlefields and from prior frames won't help, though getting a real amount of standardization in the parts would be a good help, I'll have to settle for just using what I can otherwise for the most part...

'The fact that even with your parts being how they are it doesn't appear as a Frankenstein of a Mech as some might imagine it to be really is something.'

Well I do put an effort to ensure it is evened out in all of the sides of it, wouldn't want it to be unbalanced on any one side and provide a real weakness to be exploited after all...

'Smart indeed. But even still there are some things you just can't iron out on your own, at some point you will have to let everyone else know what you are working on...'

Indeed, I know Loyd and Rakshata will be rather fascinated and no doubt would intend on figuring out how I made it all work together. However I'm sure they will be rather good help when it comes to working on it in earnest...

Right now though, we should go to where the Black Knights are at and regroup with them. And thankfully it was rather easy to get away when you have a Knighmare Frame that is capable of Flight, and even though it is through said mech, the sensation of being able to fly is one that I find to be rather liberating...

Just as we are about to leave out of range, I hear the Radio crackle and that Pathetic and vile version of my elder Brother's voice comes through. That in and of itself is not really an issue, but it's what he says that bothers me...

"You might have gotten away with the Gaiwan, Zero. However I can't help but wonder, exactly what is there that lies underneath all those masks you and that Pilot of yours wear all the time? Is there anything of substance there at all? Or are the masks you both wear all there is to either of you?"

I shut the radio off before he has the chance to say any more. Honestly hearing that annoying, condescending, IRRATITNG, WORTHLESS LITTLE!

'Wait, calm down, it's not worth getting angry over him, he is just trying to get at you both. You know how he is...'

You, you are right. He wouldn't get the position he has if he wasn't able to try and get at people's heads as he is known for...

'Yeah, don't worry about him!'

Even still...

'What?'

I-I worry he has a point, when you take away all the masks, just who am I really?

'Okay, WHAT THE HELL MAKES YOU THINK HE HAS A DAMM POINT?!'

Kallen P.O.V.

'WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT ASSHOLE AND LOSER HAS A POINT IN SAYING YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE ANYTHING UNDERNEATH IT ALL!'

It seems Lelouch's own Ranger is not pleased with his line of thinking given how he seems to flinch as I do...

'Well I'd have to agree with him! Honestly why should either of you worry about all of that!'

Ho-How can I honestly say I know much of anything? What really belongs to me and simply my image of acting as Kallen Kozuki-Stradfield? Who am I really underneath it all?

'Are you really going to let a MAINUPLATIVE PIECE OF SHIT AND UTTER MANIAC CAUSE YOU TO HAVE AN EXSTENTIAL CRSIS?!'

I...

'WELL?'

I-I...

'ARE YOU GOING TO LET THAT ASSHOLE WIN?!'

No...

'No WHAT?'

NO, I WON'T ALLOW MYSELF TO BE WORN DOWN BY HIM! I REFUSE!

'Good answer.'

And with that Lelouch and I find ourselves reunited with the others on the Sub...

And I am rather glad to be back amongst them all...

As Lelouch helps me out of the cockpit he tells me to meet him in his quarters later for 'a very important conversation'...

'He probably want's to confide in you what he felt after what Schneizel said to us.'

It's the only thing that really makes sense...

"Hey Kallen, you alright?" Naoto asks me as he looks at me, trying to see if I have any sort of injuries...

If I let what Schneizel said keep getting at me, I probably would be questioning if I really have the right to be considered a sister to Naoto. But you know what...

I.

Don't.

Care.

I just simply tell Naoto that I'm alright and give him a tight hug. It's been awhile since I really shared one with him, thankfully he is able to get that I am in fact alright...

Honestly, as far as I am concerned, just because you might be born to play a certain role, doesn't mean what you do doesn't have anything of you involved, I could have chosen to not go along with my role, and yet I did, not because I had no choice. But because even if I had a choice, I'd do it all anyways!

That is what I am, not simply a resistance fighter or a Kozuki or a Stradfield or a Black Knight. Those things help make part of who I am, but in the end. I am what I want to be, and no one can take that away from me!

I just hope Lelouch has been able to come to a similar conclusion, I'd rather not have to deal with him being unsure of who he is...

'You should share with him your idea. At least that way it should help him feel more solid about himself if he hears your reasoning...'

You know what? I think I will...

Lelouch P.O.V.

I feel a bit more at ease now that I have had time to myself and reaffirm as to who I am...

'Like that worthless asshole who calls himself your elder Brother can break you!'

He's not the same one I grew up with getting tied in chess with you know.

'Yeah I know, even still anyone who thinks you have nothing to your identity doesn't know a thing about you.'

While part of me wishes I could be annoyed at your attempt to validate my ideas. I feel like it isn't the same as so many brats often enjoyed basking in no matter what instance or what have you often do.

'...'

I am just saying, that's all...

'Yeah, I just find it annoying how some people find that validation is the only thing that matters in the world, really shows how fragile they are...'

Indeed.

Soon enough I hear knocking at the door that I can tell is Kallen wanting to enter, I walk up and open it to let her in. While my Quarters are a bit of a step up compared to most simply because I am the head of the Black Knights, it really isn't that much of an increase really, partly to assure the others who know my identity that I am not some spoiled Royal who expects some amount of Luxury. And also the fact that it simply isn't easy to get all that much better with regards to such things simply because I want to be efficient with our Finances...

"Please, make yourself comfortable." I tell Kallen, motioning her to find a comfortable place to sit and relax.

She seems to figure the best place to do so is to sit next to me on my bed, which isn't anything improper in and of itself, after all she did much the same back in my room at Ashford, it is just something she might prefer is all.

I take a deep breath before turning to her and looking at her. "So, I suppose it would not be wrong to assume what that version of my Brother said had bothered you somewhat also." I tell her, her wordless nod is enough to confirm what I figured she was also dealing with...

"Well, it seems both of our respective sup-personas managed to knock some sense into us as it were." I tell her with a bit of a smile, to which she responds with one of her own and a bit of a laugh, honestly her laugh is a bit soothing to me, and something I wish she did more often.

After a bit of the two of us just taking a sort of comfort being near each other, Kallen decides to continue our little session of confiding in each other. "So I've been thinking. I know how you being Zero makes you the sort of Leader of the Rebellion and all. But I figure that just having you as the only real noticeable member of the Black Knights to stand out might bring it's own issues. I get that you are trying to go for an idea that everyone can be 'Zero' as a general concept. But let's be honest, it also means that if something happens to you, we won't really have anyone else to rally behind if it gets bad." And I can understand her logic, and indeed part of me being Zero was to indicate that anyone could become the mask, but I also know how that can be a major weak point for our enemy to expolit. Best case is that the others simply try to focus on keeping everything more or less together, worst is that everything starts to fall apart with me being taken out of the picture, be it temporarily or in a more, permanent, manner...

"I've been aware of the possible risks involved, however I didn't wish to force anyone else into such a position, and lets be honest, I can't exactly see most of the Black Knights having that sort of magnetism, I mean can you imagine Ohgi or, gods forbid, Tamaki?" I tell her, and we both share a long laugh at the mental image of Tamaki trying to draw people's attention in his own attempt at a Zero Costume...

'I wonder if we should make him do it as a dare or bet?'

Ideas for another time, though I'm sure it would be some good levity for everyone...

After we manage to calm ourselves down after a well deserved amount of laughter. "To be honest, aside from perhaps Todoh, I can't really see any of the others really doing all that much better, and even he would only really get that much from the Japanese side of things. And that is only because of his skill as a military commander, I am not sure if he could handle the other things involved in the sort of role needed all that well." Kallen points out, and indeed it was that sort of logic that had me appoint him as simply the head of military operations, while Todoh-sensei is a skilled military commander, he very much so has no real intent on getting involved with the more 'civilian' side of things that the Black Knights are a part of, he is very much so a Soldier first and foremost, things such a Politics and the various other aspects that a Rebellion like ours run on is not his strong suit, though I would not be surprised if he tired his hardest. I am sure he knows as well as I do he would only have a semi-decent performance in non-combat related events...

"So, what did you have in mind Kallen?" I ask her, though if my understanding of various tropes is anything to go by...

"Well, I figured perhaps I could offer myself as a sort of counterpart to your Zero persona?" She says with a slight nervous tone.

'Yeah, exactly what you figured she'd say...'

Indeed, all things considered however, it makes a great deal of sense and is very much so logical given everything...

'Such as?'

The fact she managed to not only lead her Brother's resistance group alongside him despite all the issues that would involve. As well as the fact she is an excellent Devicer who's skills are capable enough to compare with my own in many ways. And lastly the fact she has been able to keep it hidden for so long from mostly anyone who might have given her an issue if it was found out. Not to mention it would also help ensure a better means of providing cover for her in case she would be caught outside of the Guren or whatever other Knightmare Frame she happened to be in...

'Practical as much as symbolic, no?'

Indeed.

"I believe that is an excellent idea Kallen, I assume you have in idea as to what your alter-ego would be?" I tell her. And given the surprised look on her face she didn't really expect me to approve of her idea without some sort of hesitation or reluctance on my end. However the way I see it having her be something of an additional Icon would be a real boon to our efforts, not to mention her status as a child of a Britannian Father and Japanese Mother would help go a long way in getting the two peoples to look past shared distrust and resentment on both sides...

Kallen for her part manages to recover rather easily and gets a sheet of paper that held a design for an outfit. Overall it is rather impressive, it really just is a few minor additions to her current Piloting uniform as well as a Mask that is simple yet also fitting for her.

"As a matter of fact I do, and I have a name for it as well, Queen One." She tells me, and honestly I find it rather fitting given how she would take her codename and use it in such a way that I can't help but smile at her warmly. The two of us spend some time going over how we could improve on various design aspects of both our outfits as well as how we would go about getting her own made...

I do believe it would be fair to see that old costume maker again to give him something he could work rather well on.

'I'm sure he won't mind! If anything he seemed happy we would be willing to offer him something to work on!'

I suppose it is only fair given how much of importance Kallen has among the Black Knights that she should be granted the proper recognition she deserves...

Suzaku P.O.V.

I'm sure Lelouch and Kallen are doing well enough right now, I doubt that the asshole's words really will have that much of an effect on them, if it did then it would have been fleeting most likely.

Still, doesn't change the fact I just want to PUNCH THAT STUPID GRIN OFF HIS FACE!

However, I know such behavior would be unbecoming and suspicious of me, so instead I just keep most of it under wraps, let the fool thinks it's because 'the terrorists' got away.

You'll get your comeuppance yet you bastard, just you wait...

However the look in his eyes bothers me.

It's like he is simply getting ready for a game, but not one that he is starting from the beginning..

Rather, it's like he is getting ready for a 'Round Two' of whatever he thinks he is playing...

As he passes me and Euphie, I tighten my grip just so slightly around her, trying to keep her comfortable while that madman is still around.

And right as he walks by us, he says something so quiet only Euphie and I can hear, yet his words send a frigid chill up my spine, something that I'd imagine not even being in the realm of Yomi could compare to...

"I'm looking forward to seeing how our game goes this round, Knight of Zero..."

Needless to say, the two of us just go to where Cornelia, Darlton, Loyd and Guliford are at...

They can tell something about the Prime Minister bothered the two of us, and we went to a place on the island we knew no one would overhear us.

And once we were absolutely, 100%, certain we wouldn't have any listeners. Euphie went into her sisters arms and just started crying, while I just let out a growl of pent up anger out that soon turned into a bit of a yell of rage. Thankfully where we were the sounds wouldn't carry along to be heard elsewhere, and if anyone DID happen to hear, they would assume it was because of our time spent with Zero and one of his soldiers...

Those idiots don't know a damn thing about them at all!

Cornelia P.O.V.

When I saw Euphie and Suzaku alongside Lelouch and who I assumed to be Kallen Kozuki-Stradfield. Part of me was tempted to order a cease-fire simply because I was worried one of the grunts would end up shooting Euphie or Suzaku even, thankfully the four of them moved with such ease and practice that made it seem as if they had already dealt with such a thing, or at the very least were rather well practiced in going about their movements...

Still, what Schneizel said in the radio that was connected to the Gaiwan concerned me, it was like he knew it was Lelouch underneath the mask...

When he walked past Suzaku and Euphie, to which my sisters Knight seemed to be trying to protect her from our elder Brother, I figured he whispered something to the two of them that seemed to bother them heavily. The fact the two of them quickly lead me, Guliford, Darlton, as well as Asplund to an area no one would hear us, I was rather concerned as to what happened. Only to suddenly have Euphie break down and tears and hold onto me as if our lives depended on it, all the while crying and sobbing so much on a level I have NEVER seen before...

Not even with the worst we dealt with from those in the homeland caused her to cry so much and with such intensity...

I tried to hold her in as comforting a gesture as I can, given how sudden she acted it caught me rather off guard, that, and I am not exactly the most skilled when it comes to things like this. And when I look at Suzaku, all I can tell is that he has such a level of Rage, that any words I try to use probably won't do it justice in indicating just how much he has. That and the fact I can hear him growling not unlike a Wolf makes me worry just what exactly was said that caused them to react this way...

After a few minutes was spent just trying to get Euphie to calm down, Guliford decides to ask what exactly happened. Euphie pulls away from me for just a moment to tell Suzaku that 'we can tell them, they deserve to know'. And while some might assume they would be referring to something that would be reason for a scandal, however we all just knew that wasn't the case and the reason was probably something worse...

Part of me wishes they didn't tell us.

Hearing how they once lived in a different timeline, of the sort where Charles and that Demon brat V.V. came from, and how things went there. Of how so many died...

Lelouch's friend Shirley losing her father at the battle of Narita due to Lelouch not accounting for possible damages beyond the battlefield proper from the landslide. Kallen finding her Mother high on Refrain, unable to cope with the loss of her Son, who died prior to Lelouch obtaining the power of Geass, which was different from the one he had in this timeline. How he let the last of the JLF die at their Last Stand, that he in part set up as a means to ambush us. Euphie planning a Special Administration Zone where the Eleven's could be treated as Japanese and be referred to as such...

How Lelouch came to her, and asked a simple question that was meant to be a joke, only for her eyes to shine with the power of Geass as that same rhetorical question wound up being taken as a command, his Geass going rampart without him even knowing it. And having her walk out to the stage, only for her to order all the soldiers present to 'Kill all the Japanese'. And that Lelouch had no choice but to shoot his own Sister to have her die, just to make it all stop...

Euphie broke down in tears again for a moment when they got to that part. And now I understand why Lelouch used that example of things that could have gone wrong, and why he would have been so willing to die if it ever got that far...

Suzaku, left in grief at the loss of the one he loved, began to loose his humanity it seemed, desperate to die, as he not only had the blood of his Father's, who he killed to put an end to the war and have everyone assume it was suicide, but was also partly to blame for the death of his Princess...

He talked about how Lelouch had the Black Knight's do a full scale assault, and it seemed as if it they would actually win. Only for Lelouch to leave right at the time they needed him the most. And why would he do that?

Because Nunnally was kidnapped, of course. A younger, blind and crippled Nunnally, who had no idea what her Brother was even doing...

And Suzaku held such shame as he told about how he killed so many of the Black Knights, not even caring how many he slew, all because he realized Lelouch was the one behind Euphie's death by issuing that command, though he said it seemed far to easy to have that be the case, and has figured ever since either V.V. or Charles were the one's behind Lelouch's Geass going rampart as it did on some level. Either way the battle ended in failure for the Black Knights, leaderless and unable to continue, they scattered to the winds, and Lelouch?

Suzaku held so much guilt and regret in his voice as he described how he brought Lelouch to Charles, and held him down while the one who called himself Emperor gazed into his eyes and used his own Geass on Lelouch, imposing on him 'False Memories of a False Life'. At first Charles simply figured to use Lelouch's talent and brilliance to aid with the front against the E.U. who seemed to be doing rather well because of a mere squad known as the W-0 unit, composed of misfit Japanese youths who lived in rather unpleseant conditions not much better than those in Area 11, and expected to run mostly suicide missions at that. And so Lelouch, or rather Julius Kingsley as he was known then, managed quite an effective amount, even if that unconventional squad managed to make it out alive with a former Knight who decided to defect after what he what he was really fighting for. I recalled about how the Breisgau's had fled Britannia due to fear's of being targeted for their views, while the royal family were not exactly one's most would dare target for having views that differed from most of the Nobility, if it were fellow Nobles who were the target of such distaste. Well, it is no surprise that they would flee to have a chance at a better life, and their daughter Lelia seems like a capable young woman. I hope we can get her and her subordinate's to aid us, though to be fair I wouldn't be surprised if she would be willing to do so, given how the E.U. seems willing to throw Eleven's away as expendable soldier's...

After Suzaku and 'Julius' left the management of the E.U. front to Schneizel. They went back to the Homeland only for Charles to yet again use his Geass on Lelouch, as to why Lelouch never used his own, it was because it was placed under a mental cage that was only reinforced to ensure no possible 'incidents ' could occur and left now Lelouch Lamprouge, who thought of himself as a mere High School student who was simply smarter than others, to be kept under close watch at Ashford Academy, under the watchful eye of V.V.'s Geass Directorate. And had an agent of theirs who was a young boy named Rolo, he seemed to end up actually being more loyal to Lelouch because of his kind and caring nature back then, in the sense of being a overprotective younger brother, which for most would be harmless...

However, Rolo was an assassin who had been killing grown men and women since he was a child. And his Geass had the ability to halt a persons perception of time, making it seem as if time had frozen, a skill that could be valuable. If only it didn't come with the caveat that doing so would also stop Rolo's heart in the process...

It had been a year since the world last heard of Zero, and even Zero himself didn't know who he was. But the Black Knight's were far from gone, I myself had abandoned my post as Viceroy in hopes of finding the truth of what happened to Euphie for myself. They managed to break the cage that kept the actual Lelouch locked away, and he returned with a vengeance, I suppose they expected something like this to happen for the one who would take over as Sub-Viceroy would be dear Nunally, who Charles had been so cruel as to make her forget she even had a Brother by the name of Lelouch in the first place. I couldn't help the surge of anger at that fate befalling upon the Lelouch and Nunnally I knew. However I had to admit, it must have been an impressive feat for Lelouch to have planned having a whole number of people (and a dog for some reason?) to be with him in a stadium as one among many things he did to cause trouble upon his return, foiling the plot to marry the young Empress Tanzi to Odysseus was something I am rather thankful for, while I do not mean to be rude to my eldest Brother, I can't say I'd approve of him being forced to marry a mere girl who isn't that much older than some of his sisters! The fact the High Eunuchs were willing to sell out their empress and their people for Nobility was rather distasteful in my eyes, I only hope they suffer for attempting such antics in our timeline as well...

Euphie wound up describing what happened for some things though, as she had wound up being something of a Ghost it seemed after her death. She never really explained what happened exactly upon her death, but we didn't really bother her about it. Well, everyone except Asplund, who for the most part was simply fascinated about the various Knightmare's that were built after his Lancelot, and seemed rather eager to get to work on the more advanced versions of it...

I couldn't help but sigh at his antics, though Suzaku for his part seemed to actually lighten up for a bit, as if he figured Loyd being his usual self was something of a reprieve for him...

Still, hearing about how Lelouch and his Black Knights found the facility where the Geass Directorate 'Made' it's new agents. How they just took children and forced them to receive Geass, only to try and brainwash those who had promise to do whatever was ordered. At least, those who actually lived long enough to get a Geass, and survived even receiving one...

I could only imagine what Lelouch must have felt when he ordered all of them to die. Did he think he was simply sparing them from a worse fate? Or was he so full of anger and rage that he simply did it out of spite? I can't even say for sure if I hate what he did, or feel it might have been the lesser of two evils...

Whatever the case, things kept escalating to a point where a second battle for the Toyko Settlement began, only this time, things wound up getting worse. Lelouch had commanded Suzaku to live prior to the first time they wound up on this island. And that command went off once he and Kallen were locked in a brutal battle...

Only thing is, Suzaku's Lancelot Conquistador had something far more devastating than a VARIS Rifle...

The fact the principal force of said weapon was made by one Nina Einstein did not make it easier. Even Loyd was shocked into silence when Suzaku explained just how much devastation it unleashed. And that was from a Cannon attached to a Knightmare! If such a force was used as part of a bomb or missile...

Suzaku must have known what I was thinking and simply said 'Just wait until we get towards the end'...

And they continued on about Lelouch's Second Black Rebellion, how he wound up being betrayed by his own Black Knights after Schneizel told them about his Geass, everyone expect Kallen it seemed at least. Not only that, but as far as he knew, Nunnally was dead as a result of the F.L.E.I.J.A. going off. That, combined with Shirley being killed by Rolo, I'm amazed Lelouch didn't just let them all kill him, then again it might have also been because of Rolo getting in the way, getting Lelouch to safety, at the cost of him overusing his power and having his heart stop for good. At least Lelouch made sure to give his 'brother' a proper burial...

And then, after all of that, he wound up going face to face with Emperor Charles Vi Birtannia and his version of lady Marianne. Who wanted to, in essence, 'Kill God' or as Suzaku said Lelouch put it 'A stagnant world that held no meaning'. And Lelouch wound up using his Geass to ASK the collective conscious of all Humanity to 'not halt the march of time'. He could have commanded it to, and yet he simply asked it...

The fact Suzaku described the Fading of the Father and Mother who figured bringing the end of the world as we knew it as a better fate for all their children makes me feel lucky for Father and Lady Marianne being as they are in this instance. And yet, even after all of that. Things were not yet done. Lelouch decided to take then the Throne and become the 99th emperor, after most of those who would have opposed him were either dead, or swiftly under the command of his Geass. And then after that was more or less assured, he made sure to have the whole world hate him. Granted at least Nunnally was alive still by that point, and Schneizel wound up being forced under the command of Geass after he tried to rule the world under the threat of a global 'Sword of Damocles'. And then I realized what Suzaku meant earlier by waiting till they got towards the end. The fact Schneizel even named the Airship as such indicated just how deadly it was. And gave me reason to worry about my elder brother's motives...

The fact Nina came up with a device to disarm such bombs before they went off was something I hope she can come up with in this instance, if only to be as a just in case type of situation, granted I am sure Lelouch is planning on motivating her to do it also. And then, finally, once almost everyone in the world hated Lelouch and thought of him as nothing more than a Demon Emperor, did his REAL plan finally reached it's endgame...

And truly, it was a work of utter GENIUS that only Lelouch could pull off. While I have no doubt he had to adjust it over time, it was something he always wanted for Nunnally since she always wished for it. A Kinder and Gentle world, that is what she wanted. And I know my younger half-sister well enough that it wouldn't surprise me in the least...

And yet, I can't help but tear up as I hear Suzaku speak, his voice racked with sobs as he is just only able to keep his voice even enough to make it easy enough to understand what he says...

How Lelouch had him dress up in the guise of Zero, having already appeared dead to the world in one last battle between himself and Kallen. How he interrupted what was meant to be an exectution for Nunally, Kallen, and a number of the other Black Knights, myself having joined them in opposition against Lelouch. And how he went past the guards with ease, including a cyborg Jeremiah who had been the one to take the fall rather than Kerwell back during Zero's first appearance.

He could barely get the words out as he described how the blade that Zero had pierced Lelouch's chest. How he killed his friend, no, his BROTHER in all but name. And how Lelouch's final words where to Nunnally, who understood what he planned all along and told him how much she loved him and wanted him to stay, how he destroyed the world, and made a new one...

Lelouch, you really are something beyond the rest of us...

Even Loyd actually shed a few tears, though for him it was really at the fact that Kallen wound up beating his Perfect Lancelot. Still, I like to think he actually might have found the story at large to be something to care for, however unlikely it might be...

After we all took a bit to simply let our emotions go for a bit and get it all out of our systems. Suzaku explained what happened after what had been called the 'Zero Reqiuem'. How Nunnally became the 100th Empress of Britannia, and how she managed to become an Empress beloved by all the peoples of the world. And yet, I know that she would have been crying inside, how even if Lelouch granted her wish of a kinder and gentle world, it was world that he was not a part of...

And for a time, it seemed as if things would be going well, there were a few incidents of course, as there would always be SOMEONE causing an issue, such as how one time a minor nation that profited off the constant war that had been going on for so long had caused a ruckus once it became apparent that the possiblity of such wars came to a screeching halt. But aside from that, everything seemed to be well...

Until it wasn't that is...

The rage I saw before from Suzaku began to build up once more as he described what lead up to it. At first it was minor things, a few accidents that led to former Black Knights dead, then how it began to progress to active members, then again to the Prime Minister of Japan and his wife and Children, who happened to be Ohgi and Viletta, as odd as that seemed at first glance...

Hearing him talk about my own death along with Guliford, how we wound up getting together after so many years, and finally awaited our own child. Only to die before we could even know if we would be naming it after Euphie or Lelouch...

Guilford had his arm around me in a comforting gesture, I leaned into him and didn't separate from him even after we got past that...

In the end, the truth was revealed as to who was the mastermind behind it all. It turned out Schneizel broke free from his Geass, though in doing so, he went well and truly insane in the process. And got it in his head that if he couldn't have the world, then no one should...

It was found out after he killed Nunnally, and hearing the description of how they found her body. I could feel a strong rage of my own start to build inside...

It wound up coming down to just Kallen and Suzaku being the only ones who could stand against him, and I can only imagine what they managed to achieve. Loyd seemed saddened how he never got to 'Finish' his Lancelot truly, with the mad prince seeming to decide to kill him rather than risk him causing any more issues. However hearing Suzaku talk about the final battle. How they gave it everything they had, Kallen dying just before she could face the man who ruined the world the one she loved died to create. And yet, from what he described, I could tell Kallen had already died inside when Lelouch did, it reminded me of some people who I encountered which had lost the one they felt was their only love. My heart ached for the young woman, and I will do all I can to ensure this version of her doesn't have to suffer the same fate!

Ultimately though, it seemed the mad Prince had the last laugh. As with his death, enough warheads would go off that would ensure the world would be pretty much dead. The fact that Suzaku and Euphie managed to share a kiss before it all ended was sweet, if not romantic even. Still, the next thing they knew, they found themselves being born again, literally. And so it finally came to where things are now it seemed...

Honestly, what is it with those four having to be put through utter HELL all the time! Just WHY?!

"Now that you know our pasts. You probably have a good idea why we reacted as we did." Euphie says.

What exactly could he have said that...

...

"Don't tell me..." I trail off, wanting to hope I am wrong.

But all I get are somber nods from them both, only confirming what I wish wasn't true.

"If anything, it's probably like Clovis." Suzaku says.

...

...

...

DAMN IT ALL! FUCKING HELL! WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN ALL THE FUCKING TIME!

Guliford-Gilbert, squeezes tighter to let me know he is there, and I just move from leaning to straight up hugging him. Tightly, and while if anyone else could see it they would probably say all matter of things about us...

Right now though...

I.

DO.

NOT.

FUCKING.

CARE!

Guliford P.O.V.

Hearing everything Suzaku and Princess Euphemira had to say about that other timeline was, difficult, at times.

Knowing of how things could have ended up, how they DID end up at the end of it all...

It feels, odd, hearing them talk about your own death while you are still alive.

And while normally I don't try to think of anything romantic towards Cornelia, a part of me can't help but feel a sense of warmth when they described how we seemed so excited to have a child of our own, and truth be told, naming it after either one of her beloved siblings who died to make the world better, even if they were scorned by that very same world, it seemed only fitting to try and make sure the legacy of such a name to not be simply one the world would forever hate...

It makes the fact the two of us from that instance never found out what they would be having come into their world all the more tragic.

And not only that, but the maniac who was behind all of that death and destruction is now HERE! Part of me would like nothing more but to go up to that smug bastard and just beat that pretty face off of him for everyone else to see the real monster underneath!

Even still, I try to keep myself calm, not only for my sake, but for that of my Princess as well.

Cornelia...

I can tell how much anger you have my dear Princess, and I can only imagine the sorrow you have at the fact your family had to deal with so much pain...

I will do all I can to ensure your safety, for I am your loyal Knight, and I shall NEVER leave your side...

It is not simply an oath that binds me, but because of how I care for you...

"Hmm, how do you suppose we should proceed with all of this?" Asplund asks. And while normally his behavior and antics can be somewhat annoying at times, right now, it is rather useful.

I feel Cornelia hold tighter against me, and I rest my chin upon her head to try and offer something of a reprieve for her.

Suzaku then explains what Lelouch told him, and I have to admit, it is a reasonable take of the situation. We don't know where our Schneizel is. Much less know if the current one is simply using the 'native' ones body as a puppet or some such occurrence, which, given everything that has occurred, is not that strange. It is saddening however, the idea of being trapped in your own body and mind, unable to do anything but watch as someone else does all as he wants with it to achieve whatever ends he may have, even knowing that you might hate what is happening before your very eyes. I figure that mad man might even relish it on some level...

Whatever the case, we will deal with it however we can...

After we spent a bit more time just trying to get ourselves calm enough to be presentable to others. We finally began to walk back to where the Avalon was at. And instantly as soon as we came back, it seemed something was up.

Darlton had one of the soldiers report on what the situation was, and needless to say, hearing the fact that a fleet bearing the former Japanese Flag had invaded Fukoka Base and appeared to be establishing forces already was a bit concerning, however Suzaku seemed to grin at the hearing of said report. Which was slightly concerning, however I figured he could do with something to vent his frustrations out on. We could all use something to keep ourselves occupied...

Ranger P.O.V.

And now one pair of secrets have been partly revealed, at least they have managed to strengthen their bonds as a result with those who they serve beside...

'Let's just hope when the second pair reveal their secrets that it will be a simillar result.'

Indeed, for now, lets just sit back and enjoy the show that will unfold before us...

'Yeah, it'll be quite a show indeed!'


A/N: Wow, I've been stuck on this for a while now, but I finally got it all done! Hopefully I can get a few more done before the year is out, however even if that isn't capable of occurring, I hope you all can enjoy the holidays for whatever you happen to celebrate, and hopefully next year will finally start seeing the world begin to be less crazy than it is right now. Bit of wishful thinking on my end, however I want to try and feel something of a sense of hope at least! Not a whole lot to say for the rest of this, however I think you all know what is going to happen next... Also this has been something I've got stuck on for a few months so don't be surprised if I appear to go over old plot points again. Other than that, hope you enjoyed this chapter and the story at large so far!

Oh, and please make sure to leave a review while you are at it! Thanks a ton!