The Demon and the Red Moon

Chapter 20

("I'm not going anywhere," Kallen declared softly.) Lelouch frowned again at the memory. He was sitting up in the bed. Zero's helm was held in his right hand. Lelouch didn't look at the form curled into his side. His right shoulder throbbed numbly, the gunshot pain deadened by a white pill from an unmarked bottle.

The stitches seemed secure enough, Lelouch decided, though his last stitches still stuck in his memory. Lelouch paused when he realized with morbid bemusement that he'd probably seen more blood in his lifetime than any of his siblings.

Kallen stirred with a soft moan and wrapped an arm about his torso.

He'd tried to push Kallen away, and Lelouch knew he wasn't wrong to want to. Suzaku was just another in a line of people that were hurt around Lelouch. The prince hadn't believed in fate, and only recently been made open to the possibility, but Lelouch began to think something was following him, or he was a shadow of death.

He could leave. Disappear from Kallen's knowledge, use his Geass, and vanish. Perhaps leave Japan. He could take up a new identity elsewhere, perhaps. The Europa Union was a possibility. Or the Chinese Federation.

Lelouch immediately noticed two problems with such a plan. A few more came to him after a few moments of thought. One, Japan was the forefront of Britannia's technological development. The supply of Sakuradite in Japan and the appearance of the Lancelot confirmed it. Japan was too powerful not to try to take.

Secondly, the idea of leaving Kallen caused the prince's heart to suffer a sudden twisting pain that had nothing to do with injury. And she was too smart. She'd realize that another man in a mask after he disappeared, Kallen would figure out Lelouch's new identity.

And Schneizel was here. Lelouch would never have a better chance. If he could get Schneizel he could break Britannia in a stroke. Lelouch would be a few steps from the old world destroyed, ready to be made anew.

Kallen would be free. Suzaku would be free. Nunnally would be free.

"Lulu," Kallen muttered softly. Lelouch blinked, stunned from his thoughts by Kallen speaking. He looked down and Kallen was glaring up at him sleepily with a single eye. "Come to sleep," Kallen insisted. Lelouch shuffled in the bed to lay his head down. Kallen snuggled close to him and wrapped both arms around his shoulders, her head seating naturally into the crook of his neck, as if they were designed for each other. After a short moment, Kallen's head lifted again to plant a quick kiss on Lelouch's jawline.

"I love you," Kallen murmured as she drifted off.

Lelouch's eyes, formerly beginning to shut, shot wide. His heart either melted or exploded, and the prince was not sure which.

0.0.0

Euphemia entered the room that had been set up for Nunnally. Euphie's sister was sitting in her chair, surrounded by servants. Nunnally seemed deep in thought, or was focusing on appearing calm.

"Nunnally?" Euphie called, drawing the blind girl's attention to the older princess.

"Euphie?" Nunnally asked for confirmation.

"May I please speak to my sister alone?" Euphemia addressed the room. The servants quickly obeyed without comment. Euphemia knew she didn't really need to ask but phrased her command politely. To do other felt wrong. Once the doors closed behind Euphie, the princess took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry," Euphie declared. "I wasn't smart enough to keep your secret." Nunnally's mouth opened with surprise. "I wanted to keep you and Lelouch away from our family, because I knew that Lelouch would be devastated for you to return to that."

"Big sister," Nunnally said, surprising Euphemia. "Please let me have your hand?" Nunnally held her own hand out in invitation. Euphemia was given pause by the idea but moved forward and placed her hand in Nunnally's. Nunnally's brow furrowed slightly as if deep in thought.

"You really wanted to protect big brother and I," Nunnally declared. "And if you tried then I can forgive you if you think it was your fault."

"I was to blame," Euphie declared. "Lelouch probably hates me for it."

"Next time you see Lelouch," Nunnally ordered. "Explain this to him: I returned with brother Schneizel because I didn't want to be a burden on anyone, especially Lelouch. When he's able to live his life without worrying about me he can find someone to really make him happy and forget about all the horrible things that have happened to him."

Nunnally smiled, then gasped at a thought. "Maybe he'll end up marrying Kallen and the three of us will be sisters!"

"Nunnally," Euphemia exclaimed, stunned by her half-sister's wisdom.

"I would like to be able to live with Lelouch again someday, but I also want him to have his own life. Nothing makes me happier." Euphemia paused at Nunnally's words.

"And you want to feel the same about Suzaku," Nunnally declared. Euphie gasped. "You can't hide it from me Euphie. You really care for Suzaku too. You should tell him. I heard he was hurt badly when Zero tried to kidnap me. Good thing Lelouch ordered him away."

(Lelouch ordered Zero away?) Euphemia thought with a start. (Nunnally doesn't realize Lelouch is Zero.) Then Euphemia remembered Suzaku.

"Nunnally, I have to go," Euphie declared. "But I'll try to tell Lelouch about you being safe, and I'll check on Suzaku for you." Euphie quickly left after Nunnally said her goodbyes.

0.0.0

Ohgi had spent the earliest parts of morning working on the Black Knights. Once the sun was fully up, however, Ohgi suddenly realized he needed to check on Villeta. Kaname was walking to his old apartment when he began to think about Villeta and Zero.

Zero had much earlier acted against terrorists attacking a school, but yesterday had done all but the very same thing himself. Zero's hypocrisy soured Ohgi's thoughts. Villeta claimed to know who Zero was.

Ohgi was stunned from his thoughts by his cell phone ringing. Ohgi withdrew the device and saw that it was Kallen calling him. Ohgi flipped it open, smiling despite himself. Part of him still saw Kallen as Naoto's little sister, acting as a cheerleader and nurse for the old resistance cell.

"Hey Kallen," he greeted, jovially.

'Hey, Ohgi,' Kallen greeted warmly. 'I was calling for a favor. You have any old clothes a friend can borrow, some of your smaller stuff?' Ohgi paused instantly. He didn't want to suddenly find out that Kallen was sleeping with some loser, or worse, a Britannian noble.

"For who, exactly?"

'Just a boyfriend,' Kallen answered quickly. 'But he doesn't have any clean clothes at the moment. He just needs to borrow a set for today, then he can get some of his own later today.'

"Your boyfriend," Ohgi stated slowly, accusatory, "needing a set of clothes at this hour?"

'Ohhhggggiiiiiiiii,' Kallen said, in a plaintive groan.

"Where do you need me to drop them off?"

'Naoto's old apartment,' Kallen answered, pleased with herself.

"So what's this loser's name?" Ohgi was teasing her now.

'Lelouch,' Kallen answered, after a pause.

"Sounds Britannian," Ohgi noted with disapproval.

'French, actually,' Kallen replied. 'Well, on his mother's side.'

"Fancy. He go to that school you go to?"

'You're not my brother,' Kallen growled, irritated, though there were no harsh feelings.

"Whatever," Ohgi declared, chuckling. "I need to visit my old apartment and it's in the same building. Might take me a little while though. See you in a bit."

Ohgi had just unlocked his door and started to enter when he was hit. His head was twirling in his skull with the impact. His hand began to go for his pistol, hidden inside his jacket, when another blow made his vision flash white an instant. He was halfway in the door. The door swung closed on his leg and another blow hit him on the back. Ohgi's balance was thrown off and he went down. As he fell he drew the pistol to try and point it away from him.

Villeta saw the pistol and lashed her club, the leg of the chair into Ohgi's arm twice and kicked the pistol in his grip. The weapon flew away. Ohgi was trying to turn. Villeta raised the improvised club high and prepared to strike again.

"Where's Zero?" Villeta asked, snarling.

"I don't know," Ohgi declared, desperately. "He calls us, honest." Villeta growled and raised the club higher slightly. "I don't even know who he is."

"He's a school boy named Lelouch Lamperouge," Villeta declared, he club held high. Ohgi's face shifted to a stunned expression. Villeta could see in Ohgi's eye that he recognized the name.

"That's not a common name, is it?" Ohgi asked. Villeta's eyes narrowed, confused. "For a french guy, that's not a everyday kinda name is it?"

"He's Britannian." Ohgi didn't react.

"I might know where he is right now, and it's very close."

0.0.0

Lelouch was sitting in his sleeping trousers, deep in thought. Kallen had showered, and dressed in some of her spare clothes that she'd kept at the apartment, and fixed a breakfast for herself and Lelouch. C simply stole some of Kallen's clothing and left to her own devices. Kallen had declared good riddance, and Lelouch didn't speak up to disagree, so lost in thought.

Kallen was worried all morning that he might have simply shut down from his attack last night, that he'd finally closed off to the world. She was extremely relived when Lelouch had finally spoke.

"I need to see Suzaku," Lelouch declared.

"What?" Kallen asked, dumbstruck. "Suzaku know's you're Zero, if you go and see him-"

"I know the risks," Lelouch declared. "But if he's alive or dead, even if he knows, I have to see him. It might be my last chance. When Ohgi delivers the clothes, I'll head to the hospital and see him."

"Do you have to?" Kallen asked, concerned. Lelouch considered this.

"If you could have spoken one last time to Naoto," Lelouch said. "Would you?"

Kallen frowned with acceptance.

There was a knock at the door. Lelouch quickly snatched up the one t-shirt that fit in him in the apartment, and thus, with his sleeping trousers, covered as best as he could, he stood up. He was a carefree playboy again. It was an uncomfortable camoflage for Lelouch. He preffered being aloof, but he had to seem like Kallen's boyfriend.

Lover. Lelouch paused. Kallen had said the l-word. He was her lover. The door opened before Lelouch's camoflage was back in place, and Lelouch looked up to see Kallen stepping aside to let in Ohgi.

Along with Villeta Nu. The Britannian Knight was this close to Lelouch. She knew who he was. And she was ALIVE. Mao had caused far more damage than had initially been thought. Lelouch didn't drop his camoflage.

This game was different now. He had been prepared to seem to be an innocent boyfriend that Kallen had finally brought to her apartment. But now Villeta was here, and knew that Lelouch was Zero, and knew that Lelouch knew. But it was possible Ohgi didn't know. Lelouch calmed himself.

"Hey, you're a friend of Kallen, right?" Lelouch asked, turning his face as if he remembered Ohgi all of a sudden. "Yeah, that day near the old Tokyo Tower. Sorry I bumped into you." Ohgi blinked at Lelouch, surprised, and scanned Lelouch's face for a moment. The he recognized him.

"Yeah," Ohgi said with a smile, or perhaps just acting friendly. Ohgi's eyes flashed to the corner of his eyes towards Villeta. "Sorry, I brought a date too." Ohgi looked down at the bag in his hand. "Brought you a set of clothes. Hope they fit." Ohgi tossed them to Lelouch..

Lelouch watched Villeta carefully. She was wearing a sundress that didn't pad up her frame much. If she was hiding a weapon, it was very small, or else well hidden elsewhere. But Ohgi's jacket was bulky. And Lelouch could tell he was carrying a pistol still.

Lelouch caught it after a second's flight time. He glanced inside and smiled at the clothes inside. A button up shirt and slacks in a darker coloring.

"Magnifique," Lelouch said in French, smiling back up a Ohgi. "Merci beaucoup."

"Why did you need a set of clothes anyway?" Villeta asked, acting bemused at Lelouch's playboy attitude and manner of speech.

"It was stupid," Lelouch declared, pulling the shirt out of the bag. "Kallen and I were on a date, and I made the mistake of trying to sneak up on her. Before I knew it I was in the fountain." Lelouch was chuckling and acting jovial. Even managing to make his eyes reflect the emotion. But he did not close his eyes. He kept his gaze firmly on the pair, and especially Villeta.

"Glad we could help then," Villeta declared. Ohgi looked surprised at the dark woman. "I guess it's time to go then, Kaname. Catch you later." Villeta's tone was jovial. Lelouch smiled.

"Watch your back," Lelouch called back as the pair left.

When the the dark woman and the Japanese man got back to Ohgi's apartment, Ohgi finally broke the mask and spoke.

"Why did we just leave him be?" Ohgi asked, confused.

"It's obvious," Villeta declared. "They're gonna leave the apartment in a little while. And when they do we can search for more evidence. Then we'll handle Zero. Not before." Villeta backed away from Ohgi as she spoke.

0.0.0

Kyoshiro Tohdoh was a warrior. More than that he was a true samurai of Japan. Had been since he was young, training to be a soldier. Then he was trained as a leader. And Tohdoh had excelled at his studies even then, mastering the necessary logistics, learning to use intelligence, to use terrain.

Tohdoh had even spent a year abroad in a Britannian Military Academy and a leave at the Britannian's Royal Rifle Company. Before Itskushima, Tohdoh had only been a lowly colonel, and not ever expected to rise above that rank, until perhaps he was too old to serve in a combat role, and only then as a retirement promotion.

After Itskushima, Tohdoh was suddenly thrust into the leadership of the defense of the entire country. He'd been able to use a bit of intelligence and knowing the terrain to hold Itsukushima. A miracle, it was claimed. But a miracle only delayed an eventual loss. And Tohdoh was lauded for it.

But this current situation was even less tenable than Itsukushima.

The Black Knights simply didn't have enough people. Despite the meteoric rise in recruitment, Zero simply couldn't turn millions of people unafraid of fighting Britannia. Tohdoh couldn't blame them, if he were vocally honest. And the Black Knights had more than enough resources.

The Republic of India had delivered the submarine that was to act as the Black Knights first real naval power, though it was truly small in comparison to Britannia's latest arrival of a battleship-group.

And that flying ship Ohgi had described.

So no, no matter that they had almost 500 knightmares and a thousand other people with almost 2 rifles and other weapons for every man, they didn't have enough to wage war against Tokyo and the Britannian forces therin. And Tohdoh had told Zero as much.

'I've already begun on a method to negate the numerical advantage,' Zero had declared, and said no more.

"Sir," Senba suddenly said. "A message from the sub. They have radar contacts. From China."

0.0.0

Suzaku was awakened by a nurse. The knight was drowsy and winced as the bed forced him to a more sitting position. His chest felt as if he'd been beaten with a hammer repeatedly in just the one spot. Then he noticed a bolt of pink hair in the center of his vision. Eyes widening as he realized Princess Euphemia was in the room, Suzaku attempted to sit upright rapidly, and deeply regretted it with a pained groan.

"Suzaku, don't hurt yourself," Euphemia ordered, concern edging her voice. "I'm glad you're alive."

"I wish I wasn't," Suzaku declared.

"Don't," Euphemia ordered, suddenly serious.

"It's what I deserve," Suzaku replied, not looking up at the princess.

"What sin could you have committed that deserves such a punishment?" Euphie demanded, irritated and pleading.

"I killed my father," Suzaku quickly replied. Euphemia's face turned to an expression of shock. Suzaku took the expression as one of horror. "My motive may have been just, but motive can't excuse the act. Japan was at war, and losing. My father raved that all true children of Japan would resist the invaders, or die trying. Then he began to shout that the royal hostages would be used to test the attacker's resolve."

"But Japan surrendered," Euphemia exclaimed, confused.

"Anyone who knew him," a familiar voice interrupted.

Euphemia turned. Lelouch frowned at her in return, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Surrender was out of character for Genbu Kururugi. After his death the ministers in charge of the government were divided and many fled. Without clear leadership, if Japan had not surrendered the army would've splintered and Japan as it was would've been gripped by chaos. Surrender was declared instead, and Japan as it was remained together, even if it was held together by the might of another nation."

Lelouch stepped forward to face Suzaku. The Japanese knight didn't look at the prince, still wincing as he was speaking.

"But," Lelouch added, still looking at Suzaku, "The results brought on with despicable means," he paused as Suzaku recognized what Lelouch was repeating. "Those means aren't worth anything, are they?" It was a blatant accusation. Lelouch frowned at Suzaku's pained face even it was still not looking at the prince. The accusation left a bad taste in his mouth.

"Lelouch, what are you doing here exactly?" Euphemia asked. Lelouch ignored her.

"You're not the first person who failed to live up to his own ideals. I believed that you would be willing to help me with defeating Britannia for this very reason. I admit, I thought you'd done it the entire time. But even I had some doubts. To hear you all but confess to the act..."

"Hypocrisy is just a sign of being human!" Euphemia declared, surprising Lelouch enough to look back at his half-sister.

0.0.0

The machine dropped the can of coffee noisily. Kallen was about to bend over to get it when she blushed and remembered she was wearing a dress, not her usual shorts. The red head glanced behind her to see the full waiting room.

Kallen sighed and knelt with her back to the machine to grab the coffee.

"Waiting for a friend?" a child asked. Kallen blinked and looked at the child who had spoken. A blonde wearing a very good tailored suit and the longest silver blonde hair she'd ever seen.

"Boyfriend, actually," Kallen replied with a smile. "You" The boy made a thoughtful sound before he blinked his purple eyes (A little lighter but kinda like Lelouch's,) Kallen thought to herself.

"Oh, no," The child replied. "I'm meeting a stranger. I need to give him something to deal with a problem."

"That seems a big responsibility for such a little kid," Kallen noted blithely. The child smiled in response to Kallen's words and grinning face.

"I'm older than I look." kallen agreed with a thoughtful sound and eyed the ceiling. Lelouch and C both seemed to have the same problem in different ways.

"I know what that's like," Kallen commented.

0.0.0

"I honestly didn't come here to discuss politics. I wanted to see you one last time, and you're alive, so my concerns are addressed." Lelouch rounded on his heel, his coat swirling around him. He was walking from the room.

"What concerns?" Euphemia asked. Lelouch stopped.

"I consider you a friend," Lelouch declared, looking at the knight over his shoulder. "Andd Nunnally loves you very much as well. Truth be told," Lelouch added with a smile, turning. "I envy you in a way. You've lost your country, and destroyed everything your father stood for. You wallow in shame over something I've wanted for a very long time."

"That reminds me," Lelouch mentioned, looking at Euphemia. "You and I have unfinished buisness, sister. Nunnally has been taken from me because of you." Lelouch's smile was gone and Euphemia stared at Lelouch, suddenly intensly aware that she was unguarded. Lelouch's eyes started to burn red.

"Wait, Lelouch!" Suzaku suddenly shouted. Lelouch looked back to Suzaku. Lelouch was perfectly silent, his geass lighting through his eyes. "She stepped between Schneizel and Nunnally. She pleaded them to leave Nunnally at Asheford with you. I did as well." Lelouch closed his eyes, smirking.

"You seemed to have made a poor argument," Lelouch noted pointedly, then opened his eyes, staring at Euphemia again.

"I don't have your power," Euphemia replied, meeting Lelouch's gaze with confidence that she did not have. "Would you order me to kill myself, like the men in Kawaguchi? You'd deny my free will, my desire to live, my very life? You have the power, so you can make the choice for me, just like father made the same choice for you."

Lelouch's eyes widened, rage showing in them through the glow. He closed his eyes and inhaled, and opened them without the glow.

"I didn't think you cruel," Lelouch declared. "But you dare to compare me to that man?"

"You aren't cruel as well? You buried a town in mud and drowned thousands. What of them? Your hands are bloody."

"And yours are just as bloody by inaction," Lelouch refuted.

"Then help me," Euphemia asked. Suzaku and Lelouch both recoiled a bit. "A specially administered zone to give Japan an identity once again."

"Charity isn't justice," Lelouch refuted. "I'm done with this debate." His eyes lit up once again.

"Wait!" Lelouch's eyes went back to Suzaku at the knight's shout.

Lelouch waited.

"Would you begrudge me a favor as my friend?" Lelouch didn't react to Suzaku's question, as if he was waiting for Suzaku to speak his favor.

"Go ahead," Lelouch said simply. "I won't stop in my goal to destroy Britannia, and I won't join Euphemia's charity to the Japanese. You get one favor."

Suzaku paused, thinking. Lelouch simply waited.

(What will you ask, Suzaku? I could order Cornelia to put you in charge of Area Eleven, would that please you?) Lelouch was curious as to what Suzaku would demand. The Knight was like as to unknowable to Lelouch.

"You and I are too different," Lelouch commented. "Perhaps that's the source of our friendship. Tell me your favor, I'm eager to hear it." Suzaku met Lelouch's eyes. "We've saved each other's lives many times, you and I. And we both know where we really stand now, so out of my curiosity, do you regret any of that?"

"No," Suzaku declared, a wistful smile.

Lelouch merely smiled.

"Suzaku," Euphemia said. "I've come to care for you very much. I came to tell you that. Whatever your crimes in the past, all of them can be forgiven. As my Knight I will support whatever you decide." Lelouch stared at Euphemia, stunned.

"I've found out what my favor will be," Suzaku declared. "Promise me that no harm will befall Euphemia. Swear on it, Lelouch!" Lelouch looked back to Suzaku. Then the Prince turned away, walking away.

"Very well," Lelouch declared. "I'm glad for you, Suzaku. But I'm warning you as well. My reckoning is coming, Suzaku. Stay in bed and stay out of my way."

Lelouch hadn't looked back until he got to the lobby. He gave a sad smile to Kallen.

"Thank you for understanding," Lelouch told her. "It didn't change much."

"You were in there for a while," Kallen noted. "You weren't making out in-" Kallen blushed and winced. "Um...never mind. Weird dream one time."

"Hungry?" Lelouch asked, choosing very deliberately to ignore any odd dreams of Kallen's.

0.0.0

Cornelia entered the darkened hangar walking before Earl Asplund and Cecile, who both seemed rather uncomfortable.

"The Lancelot is a very formidable machine," Cornelia commented. Lloyd blanched slightly at the implication.

"I do love having my work being appreciated, but why are we in the spare parts shed?"

Cornelia stopped and put a hand on her hip.

"We're in the spare parts "shed" as you call it," Cornelia declared. "Because spare parts aren't all that you built, is it?"

The formerly dark hangar suddenly lit up with bright overhead lights. A massive yard of knightmare parts appeared. A few where simply white and gold as spare parts for the Lancelot. But a fell set were white and blue, with a head modeled with a partially assembled single horn like a rhino's.

"Unit 2 wasn't ready, the performance wasn't consistent," Cecile declared. Lloyd made a sound and paused to watch Cornelia.

"'Consistent?'" Cornelia asked. Cecile sighed.

"It functioned by the frame was made with too much sakuradite, depending on the heat and power intake and heat overload the unit's effectiveness could go from 65% to over 300, but it was too uncontrollable. We tried tests, but the heat would kill any pilot, and the stress would be more than even Suzaku could handle in our simulations."

Cornelia frowned angrily.

"You think," Cornelia began angrily, turning to glare at Cecile. "That an eleven could be more suited to such a machine as a Knightmare Frame, over a true Britannian?"

Cecile merely stepped back, slightly alarmed.

"So exactly what are you asking, your highness?" Lloyd asked, amused.

"Assemble it," Cornelia declared. "I'll be using this Lancelot Unit 2 to finally put an end to Zero and his Black Knights."