August 23rd. UFN. Mt. Fuji.
Lelouch didn't know how to feel about the current situation. On one hand, he and his companions were saved. However, on the other hand, he was currently at the mercy of his nation's greatest enemy.
And it was his own creation.
The entire world was staring with eyes glued to their screens as the picture showed none other than Zero. The masked revolutionary, the original leader of the Order of Black Knights. Britannia's most dangerous enemy and the person who was believed to be dead two times by now was standing atop his old Knightmare, which was used by the White Emperor for the last few months.
'Feels weird not being the centre of attention in the room, so to speak.' Lelouch knew that there were just as many people who were confused to see the famous emperor in Japan when he was supposed to be in Britannia. Well, there went his element of surprise for the future phases of the plan. 'All thanks to 'Zero'. She better have a good explanation for changing our plan to such a degree.'
Of course, Lelouch knew who was under the mask, he was the one who gave Zero's mask to this person with instructions on how to act and when. This attack had nothing to do with that. However, Zero decided to change the course of their original plan and now Lelouch was completely in the dark while the masked hero waved his arms to the side.
'I don't wave too much, stop that.' Lelouch critically analyzed every movement Zero did as the masked person turned toward the news helicopter. 'Wait, why is the news here… is that Milly?!'
Zero's mask was at the mercy of the camera as a helicopter flew closer. Surprisingly none of the Britannian Knightmares tried to kill their infamous public enemy number one or attempt to rescue their beloved emperor who might be a hostage. Instead, the Second Knight of the Round silently flew nearby, the same was the case for the Red Lotus of the Black Knights. For the outside viewer who knew nothing of the real machinations behind the scenes, this might have looked as if everyone was frozen from the sheer shock of seeing Zero again. Well, it might have been the case for a majority of people.
"Hear me, world! I have returned!" Zero announced once again with a dramatic pose that made Lelouch roll his eyes. She was doing it wrong. "Death won't stop me from making miracles and once again I will come back to fix this broken world! I know what many of you think. How can he be alive? Didn't he die after the second battle of Tokyo? Why did Zero save Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia? What are the Emperor of Britannia and Chairwoman of the UFN doing together inside the mountain as it blew up? What does he intend to do now? Fight Britannia? Kill their emperor while Zero has him at his mercy?" After the last part, Zero looked at Lelouch who stood tall and proud, openly challenging him, if only for the sake of the show.
'People love theatrics when they are done right.' Lelouch thought, and no one could convince him otherwise, not even his witch.
Zero's gaze turned back to the camera as he continued. "Well, since today is my third coming, I see no reason to not answer these questions. Let's start with the easiest one, my return. As all of you might know I was believed to be dead. That I succumbed to my wounds after that terrifying weapon took the lives of millions in a single moment! The official version my Order of Blacks Knights announced isn't a lie, as far as they knew I was dead. However, my death was nothing but a facade to trick my enemies among the empire… as well as my own Knights." These words most likely caused a second shock among the masses, especially to the intended audience. "Indeed, my life was in danger because of unknown conspirators within my own Order. I do not know their identity yet, but because of them, I had to fake my own death and hide until the right moment."
This will cause an uproar among the ranks of Black Knights. Both Zero and Lelouch knew who was responsible for the assassination attempt. However, until now it was publically believed that Zero died because of his wounds. If it turns out that assassins within his own group are the ones responsible for his disappearance, the outcome might be a witch hunt inside the Order. One glance at Kaguya told him that she came to the same conclusion.
'The original members might try to debunk everything Zero said. That he isn't the real one and that the original died months ago. They knew that I was Zero, so this one must be fake no matter what. There will be those who will believe them, but if Zero will play his cards right, it won't matter.' After all, it doesn't matter what the general person thinks when their leadership is more than happy to eat a convincing lie and go along with it because it is convenient. 'It won't be convenient for the leadership of Black Knights, but the leaders of the UFN will think otherwise.'
"This moment came today when I learned that His Imperial Majesty, Lelouch vi Britannia, along with the Angel of Europe and Chairwoman of the Federation were trapped inside the ruins of Mt. Fuji. These people are the ones I considered necessary for the future of the world where we can achieve peace among all nations. You heard me right, world! I, Zero, the one who rose up against the evil of Britannia, now seek to fix this broken world with the new Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia!" Zero turned once again to Lelouch and offered him his hand. The Emperor decided to oblige and climbed up on top of the Knightmare cockpit, now standing next to his past self. "He isn't his father. He won't repeat the sins of his predecessors. Should he fall from the right path of justice and peace, I will be there to assist him, as I did before. Isn't that right, Your Majesty?"
'Another bombshell of the news. I will give credit where it is due, you have good timing.' Not to mention when and how to use the opportunity. Lelouch turned his head and saw that Milly's news helicopter was flying closer and closer. His childhood friend had the most confused expression that was screaming 'I want answers right now!' of which Lelouch was more than happy to deliver. 'Let's give the world a good performance, Zero.'
"I am pleased to see you once again, Zero." The world was having a stroke by now, Lelouch was sure of it. "I was worried that our last meeting would be the final one. But I'm glad that you managed to survive their assassination plot. After all, I wouldn't want my saviour to die before I could repay my debt."
"Please, Your Majesty. All I did was offer safety and a place to hide from another victim of Charles zi Britannia. Your father was a rare breed of monster, not even above leaving his own child on the battlefield to die. You might have been the prince of a nation that I swore to destroy in the past, but I wouldn't dare judge you for the sins of your family. I see that you managed to escape Ikaruga on my Shinkiro when my Knights mistook you for the enemy. I'm sorry on their behalf." Zero slightly bowed while Lelouch raised his hands to stop him.
"Zero, there is no need. If it weren't for you I would have died because of F.L.E.I.J.A. on that night. As for your Shinkiro, it was a useful tool that kept me safe ever since I took it. I apologize for that, but I'm afraid the Black Knights weren't very friendly on that day, it is understandable though. I hold no grudges."
"Then I'm glad that everything turned out mostly fine. Never would I expect a simple boy I picked up on the field of battle to be able to bring Charles zi Britannia to the justice he deserved and change Britannia so much. I knew you weren't a mere man, but I did not expect you to become such a noble emperor. I have my own grudge against the Britannia your father ruled, but yours isn't my enemy as far as I can see. For achieving what I could not, you have my gratitude. As thanks for completing that part of my goal, you can keep the Knightmare." Zero turned towards Shinkiro. "Sorry that I had to take it from you today, it was only for one ride."
Lelouch warmly smiled, hoping Milly was filming everything. "What can I say but thanks for saving me again, as well as Lady Malcal and Lady Sumeragi."
Either Zero or Lelouch will need to clarify it later in some public interview, but for now, it was enough context for everyone. As far as people thought, Zero found and saved Lelouch before he even became an emperor. This should be safe enough to minimize any negative impact for both of them from their respective sides. The Britannians wouldn't be angry that their beloved leader was hiding all this time with the enemy who caused them such grief. Meanwhile, Japan and the other nations within the Federation won't think it was some kind of Zero plot. As far as people understood, their meeting prior to the Second Battle of Tokyo was just a coincidence.
'Well, it won't be a simple coincidence for some, but their opinion will be irrelevant.' Zero coming back in a time of high tensions between two superpowers might be just the miracle the Federation was looking for. Lelouch could see that Kaguya already figured just as much. 'The way her eyes sparkled once she understood where we were going with it was adorable.'
Zero saving the emperor when he was just a nameless nobody trying to survive was safe enough, but why come to save him and why was the chairwoman with him? Good questions that many still had.
The masked man turned to Leila and Kaguya. "Kaguya Sumeragi, I'm thankful for your coming here. And even though the meeting was spoiled by whoever is behind this act of terrorism, I'm happy to see that there are people who value the future and peace of the world above their personal feelings."
This was it. Kaguya was given a choice, to either play along and accept whatever plan Zero, no, Zero and Lelouch were doing at the moment. She could refuse and speak the truth, that she was tricked by a redheaded ace pilot who was just as confused by what was going on as anyone else. However, this also might be her only chance to get a good ending where neither the Black Knights nor Britannia needed to fight anymore. And it meant that she and Lelouch could be… well, why not give it a chance?
"Next time… there will be no need to hide your identity from me, Lord Zero." Kaguya accepted her role in Lelouch's plan, at least for now. The rest of the Black Knights' leadership won't be happy with it, but they were going to mistrust her anyway. Once the world saw her and Lelouch next to each other, her fate with them was already decided.
'Ohgi, Tohdoh, and even Xingke won't have a choice but to suspect she was compromised. That she no longer has control over her mind and was turned into a puppet under my Geass. Sorry, Kaguya. As I said I didn't want to put you into such a dangerous situation, but it was inevitable.' Lelouch would make sure she was safe no matter what. He either lost or turned against himself every person whom he once considered his friend from Kururugi Shrine, Kaguya won't become another casualty because of his schemes.
"Forgive me for this, Goddess of Victory. However, it was the only way to make sure you will come to this meeting. Once all three of you were here, I hoped to arrive shortly after. Together we would have drafted the future peace agreement between the Holy Britannian Empire and the Federation of United Nations." Zero let his words sink in for everyone on either side.
'Another bombshell of the news. You're doing a pretty good job giving everyone a heart attack, Zero. Bravo.' Lelouch had the desire to start clapping if only to see the reaction of the people. Who could blame him? The peace agreement between two superpowers which was pretty much ready to start a war any day? That was a big change of plans for everyone. 'Of course, I never planned to cancel my invasion of the UFN, but let's say I was ready to wait a little bit longer if only for the Black Knights to lose their heads over Zero's actions.'
There was a ceasefire agreement between the UFN and Britannia, but it wasn't officially signed. When Lelouch took over he made sure to only announce his desire to stop conflict with the Federation, but never committed to it entirely. Until Zero stepped in and apparently planned to make the White Emperor sign a peace agreement. It might be a window of opportunity for those who want a peaceful existence between two superpowers, or just need more time to rearm themselves.
"Since we were unable to agree on any concrete terms today, I offer another meeting. This time an official one between the empire and federation."
Lelouch thought about it for some time. "You know I can't say no to something like this. However, we need a better place than the one we tried today."
"True… what about the Ashford Academy?" Lelouch had to fight against scowling at Zero. The masked bastard knew he was staying there and allowing a meeting there meant Lelouch to move from his old home.
"Sure, I see no issues here." The Emperor of Britannia now was forced to stay in the official government building in order to allow the Black Knights to check Ashford on their own. 'No more freedom of moving freely, hooray, ew.'
"Splendid! I suppose it is time to finish our meeting, even if it didn't go the way I wanted." Zero looked at the Lancelot lookalike that was flying nearby. "I and lady Sumeragi will depart with our ride." The red Knightmare descended as the pilot quickly understood his intentions, floating right next to them to offer its claw as a stepping point. Zero offered a hand to Kaguya as they carefully climbed on it. It seemed as though they forgot they were talking over the lava flow, or perhaps no one cared anymore. This was a strange place to hold an unofficial public meeting between all of them.
Guren picked up both Zero and Kaguya before they flew away. Lelouch watched for a few moments as the UFN 'side' left him and Leila on top of his Knightmare. He was pleased that Milly's news crew hadn't left yet, so he might use them to get an impression from the people as always. Meanwhile, the White Emperor breathed deeply as he analyzed his current situation.
"What now?" Leila was silent until now as she didn't have anything to add to the conversation. She was in the same boat as Lelouch when they saw Zero, absolutely lost. "This wasn't part of your plan, Lelouch."
"No, it wasn't. But plans have a tendency to change rapidly. Zero saved us and now we moved to the next phase earlier than expected. Never mind, we have no choice but to go along with this scenario." Lelouch cast a look towards Mt. Fuji. "Right now let's focus on the aftermath of this accident and help rescue efforts. It is always a good image when the Emperor and his trusted advisor go out of their way to assist the people."
Leila turned towards the news helicopter. "I doubt people want to see their beloved emperor exhausted and unable to do any physical work."
"Then it is a good thing I will be using the Shinkiro and mainly coordinating the rest." Lelouch offered her his hand. "If you want, milady?"
Leila eyed the red cockpit. "Does this thing have enough space for two?"
"We will fit in. Or is the European Messiah afraid of sharing close quarters with me?" Lelouch sent her a knowing look, but Leila didn't look flustered.
"Nope, don't have any issues. Let's go, Your Majesty." She said without a second thought as the two entered the Knightmare. Inside the black and gold machine, Lelouch was taken aback by Leila's boldness as she calmly sat on his lap, even though there was room for her at his side, but he wasn't about to protest. Of course, the news crew definitely filmed this as well, Lelouch genuinely didn't know if it was the best or not.
While the Britannian side was dealing with nature, the Order of Black Knights had a difficult time trying to understand what the hell was going on and most importantly, what to do with Zero, again.
UFN controlled part of Tokyo.
A few hours had passed since the incident in the mountain and Kaguya was exhausted beyond relief at this point. Not merely because of the near-death experience, that part was actually quite tame all things considered. No, her biggest problem was the aftermath and all uncertainties that come with it. Such as dealing with the return of Zero, even if she understood perfectly that it wasn't the same Zero because of the fact Lelouch was with her the entire day.
Despite the return of the masked revolutionary, even if he wasn't hers, the biggest subject was Zero's peace agreement proposal. Kaguya didn't know if it was part of Lelouch's secret plan, but she was confident the handsome oni played a hand in this. However, for now, the Chairwoman had to focus on another issue, namely the three faces on the screen before her.
"So, Miss Chairwoman, is there a reason you decided against coming to Ikaruga as we asked?" Even when Xingke tried to sound calm there was some dangerous undertone in his voice, no wonder many people found him intimidating among the UFN politicians, or maybe because he was one of the eunuchs' enforcers in the not-so-distant past.
Next to him, on a second screen, Ohgi nodded. "After what happened we need to know everything, Kaguya! We can't be sure if-"
"If the Demon Emperor used his Geass on me?" Kaguya glared at him. "And how would you know if I'm under his control or not? Would you believe anything I will say? Will you even allow me to speak out or will you just gun me down like you tried to do with him?"
Ohgi's eyes went wide. "W-what?! Kaguya, we wouldn't-"
"Enough, General Secretary." Tohdoh stopped him as the old general took a deep breath and turned his attention back to the girl. "If you don't want to come on board Ikaruga, you're leaving us no choice but to suspect that you're hiding something, Miss Chairwoman."
"Yes! Especially with this Zero next to you. How can we trust him when we don't know who he is?" Ohgi asked while Kaguya fought the urge to roll her eyes.
'That didn't stop all of us in the past.' Currently, the new masked miracle maker was inside one of the guest rooms the UFN embassy had to offer, naturally under the protection and watchful eye of the Red Lotus herself. After the incident in Mt. Fuji, Kaguya decided that coming to the finished embassy was the best course of action. The Order of Black Knights will try something stupid and might either arrest or kill Zero if they went to Ikaruga. At the present, such a move would jeopardize any opportunity UFN had and Kaguya couldn't allow it. 'This isn't the same Zero, but they might be good enough for UFN to use the chance and achieve a safer position against Britannia.'
Kaguya sighed. "I want all three of you to understand that I feel safer inside the embassy, not to mention I would prefer to work from here instead of wasting time on investigations. You know this isn't the same Zero as Lelouch simply because he was right next to us and looked just as surprised as everyone else was. So, it is impossible for the new one to have Geass. Zero arrived at the scene right in the end and we didn't interact in any matter."
"That might be true, but what about Emperor Lelouch himself?" Tohdoh pointed out an easy flaw in her story. "The two of you were inside Mt. Fuji for a prolonged time. How can we be sure that you aren't under his influence right now?"
She could point out the anti-Geass machine on Horai Island. However, such a move might cause more harm than good. Not only it was impossible to predict how exactly the rest of the Black Knights would react after today's events. Even if Kallen, Kaguya, Tamaki and Rakshata would speak in favour, this might cause even more distrust among the members of the Order. For them, everything might be too out of the left field, and the timing would be too suspicious. For now, Kaguya was against mentioning that machine, at least for the time being. Besides, she had no military control over Horai Island and couldn't guarantee anything.
"I can say that I can defy Lelouch's orders but I doubt it will convince anyone of you. However, it matters little what you think, General Tohdoh." Kaguya's tone becomes colder. "I'm still the Chairwoman of the Federation and my responsibility to the UFN is that I must fulfil no matter what its military leadership might think."
Xingke quickly understood where she was leading with it. "The other members of the Federation already talked over it?"
Kaguya nodded. Right after she arrived at the embassy she quickly assembled an unofficial meeting between the UFN leadership. Of course, many of them had little time to prepare, but the majority of them agreed on a few things. Such as the new Zero being too useful to discredit him in the eyes of the UFN's people. They didn't know who was under the mask, and frankly, they didn't care too much. It might have been the real deal, a nobody with the mask or a proxy sent by the Black Knights to raise the spirits among their soldiers. For the time being, it was good enough for the politicians.
'They don't know who the original Zero was, have no idea about Geass and aren't as worried as the Black Knights. Not to mention, Zero and Lelouch knowing each other prior to the later coronation might be a great bonus in their eyes. Both anti-war and pro-war factions within the Federation would want to humour peace agreement talks if only to achieve their own goals. With an anti-war group, it is easy to guess what they want, while those who want war with Britannia will have additional time to prepare for the conflict, they know they need more time. The only ones who aren't happy are the leadership of the Order, but they aren't too important in their eyes.'
Kaguya winced when she remembered the words of Lelouch. The Federation's leaders won't like the idea of Japanese Black Knights telling them what to do and not to do, especially when the only thing the Japanese can offer is manpower and battle experience.
'The first can be replaced by people from any UFN nation if needed, while the second was losing its importance thanks to joint military training. The Japanese side of the Black Knights was always first to lead in the conflict, but without direct conflict itself and Zero they were losing their prestige.'
"A majority of the Federation agreed to the peace agreement Zero imposed on both us and Britannia. In their eyes, it is a perfect chance to win either full peace between the two nations or more time to prepare our armies. Either way, they want to sign the peace treaty." Kaguya looked between all three men on the screens. "And this means they want the new Zero to be there as well."
This was the part none of them would approve of. After today's events, they wouldn't trust Kaguya as they did before, not to mention this new Zero. But the Japanese princess hardly cared. They couldn't just shoot her as they tried with Lelouch, not unless they wanted to start infighting within the Order. In the eyes of the world, the Order of Black Knights would appear to go mad, some would think that the conspirators Zero mentioned today were the original Order. Which was true, Kaguya had to admit.
"The stance of the Black Knights on this matter isn't as important as you would like to think. If anything, the rest of the Federation will be happy to replace the current leadership if they think it is for the best." Kaguya warned them. "So instead of accusing me of the things you cannot prove, I would recommend watching over your own actions. Ohgi, Tohdoh, tell me, what do we want?"
"A free and prosperous Japan," Tohdoh answered in a heartbeat.
"Exactly, but we cannot achieve it without the help of the UFN. With today's attack and loss of Mt. Fuji's Sakuradite resources, the rest of the Federation will have even more doubts about trying to liberate Japan through military means."
Ohgi's slammed his fist against the table on another end of the screen. "You can't be serious! After everything we did-"
"It was precisely because of everything we did, General Secretary." Xingke signed tiredly. "The Order of Black Knights failed to free Japan two times by now, even with the old Zero. Our last attempt ended in complete disaster, millions perished and Zero was believed to be dead. The rest of the UFN will be reluctant to agree to only a risky move from our side. I'm not happy with the current situation, but we cannot go against the will of the masses or we will be labelled as tyrants no better than our predecessors."
"What about the wishes of the Japanese people who want their homeland to be free?" Ohgi shot back, visibly angry.
Tohdoh stepped in. "I would advise both of you to stop this and focus on our current issues. Namely, this new Zero. We know nothing about him or what to expect from him. While the politicians might see him as the godsend who will fix their problems with Britannia, we know better than that. At worst, this new Zero might cause a split among our ranks. Our people who knew nothing about real Zero's actual identity might believe the new one is the real deal and side with him instead of us."
"Publicly discrediting him or trying to silently deal with him won't work either, General. The word will get out and it will be the end of the Black Knights." Kaguya pretty much threatened them, making all the grown men look at her with scandalous looks. "I would advise against toying with any idea that might ruin the future of Japan and our people."
The conversation was going nowhere and all of them could sense it. The Black Knights could try to send squads to 'rescue' both Zero and Kaguya for some chat on the Ikaruga. However, it was obvious that the Japanese princess would be against it, not to mention Kallen was a wild card. Well, Kaguya knew how the redhead would act and was confident Ohgi and Tohdoh were too. Neither side brought up their ace because it was another can of worms everyone was too exhausted to discuss tonight.
Tohdoh was the first to break the silence. "Very well, for the time being, we should go along with the plan of this Zero. However, we will make preparations for whatever will happen next."
"You can't be serious!" Ohgi cried out while Xingke stayed silent. "You know this is some sort of a trap!"
"And we will prepare for it. Kaguya is right, going against this new Zero now will be bad for us, but we know he will try something. The moment Zero tries to step out of the line, the Order will move. However, you shouldn't get carried away either, Lady Sumeragi." Tohdoh narrowed his eyes. "Our people have a good memory and a stubborn spirit. The Japanese people won't look kindly on traitors of the nation."
'Ironic coming from a person who betrayed his own leader.' Kaguya stayed silent, seeing any kind of aggravation was pointless at this point. All four of them were exhausted and wanted to stop this conversation, it was visible from their tired expressions. "I won't, General. I hope the three of you will have a good night."
The military leadership of the Order bid their goodbyes before closing the call. The chairwoman took a deep breath before walking out of her office. 'They are a major pain in the ass, and yet they are still better than a good half of UFN diplomats I have to deal with. Maybe because they aren't even trying to hide their true intentions and hope for the best.'
Being a chairwoman was sometimes way too much work than it was worth, but she had to prevail. Until today, however, Kaguya was confident in her stance in this crazy world, but now? After talking with Lelouch face to face, she wasn't so sure anymore. What should she do now? Well, the green-eyed princess had limited options. Blaming Lelouch wasn't fair considering the explosion wasn't his doing, but right now Kaguya wouldn't mind seeing the Emperor's face if only to complain and rant about everything. Beyond simple venting, she would have liked just talking to him again, it was refreshing.
'Huh, maybe I just want to make up for the missing time.' They knew each other since childhood, back when Kaguya naively thought that marrying Lelouch would improve the relationship between Britannia and Japan. 'I wish it was that easier back then or now… gosh, I need to stop even thinking about this idea lest I will disappoint myself again.'
As she left her office, Kaguya made her way towards the only guestroom that was occupied at the moment. Despite the embassy being finished, the building was pretty much empty, save for the guards posted outside. Knowing that the Black Knights might try something, Kaguya decided to minimize the security within the mansion. Guren was still there, with its pilot being pretty much the only bodyguard for Zero for tonight. However, despite how risky it sounded, Kaguya felt confident it was more than enough.
And she was correct to think so, judging by a strong smell of cheese coming from the room.
Once Kaguya entered the room, she wasn't too surprised to see the current scene in front of her. The guest room looked quite luxurious considering the Black Knights' usual preference for minimalism, with the curtains fully drawn to not allow anyone to see what was inside the chamber. Zero's cloak was lying on the floor, surrounded by dozens of empty pizza boxes. The masked revolutionary himself, no, herself was sitting on the sofa. The mask was lying on the small table before the sofa as one slender female leg used it as a footrest. The current person behind the mask itself was lazily eating another slice of pizza while the famous ace of the Order was yelling at her for lack of manners.
"How many times do I have to tell you this, C.C!? Don't leave empty boxes on the floor! It will attract cockroaches!" Kallen Kozuki yelled at the green-haired pizza eater who didn't even bother to look her way.
The gold eyes lazily glanced at Kallen after the redhead finished her tirade. "So far those boxes only attracted your attention, Kallen."
"You-!"
Kallen closed her mouth before she could curse C.C, even if the curses had no effect on the witch.
"I swear to God, you didn't change at all! It is just like when we were sharing the room!"
"If it makes you feel better, during my time in Britannia, Lelouch's room was always clean." Kaguya's interest perked at this.
"I bet it was! You probably had a bunch of servants clean up after you!" Kallen pointed her finger at C.C accusingly.
"Close, it was Lelouch's job. Something something can't allow anyone to see the emperor's room in such a state. Even with an army of servants, that boy would prefer looking after himself whenever he could, not that those zealous servants would allow it."
C.C giggled at the memory of her warlock trying to avoid having staff do literally everything for him and failing at it most of the time. "Speaking of Lelouch doing all the chores, you can do them for him for tonight."
"Oh jeez, thanks, your highness. This lowly knight couldn't think of a higher reward for her services." Kallen mockingly bowed.
"Then get to work, Knight of Zero. And don't slack off or I'm reporting it to your Emperor. Who knows, mayhaps he will lower your rank all the way to the fifth knight and you will be lower than you know who."
C.C's usual Cheshire smile made Kallen want to strangle the immortal witch if only to let out her frustration.
"I bet she would like that."
"As if I would allow Cinder to be my superior, ha!"
Kallen laughed while starting to collect the empty boxes. This was no different from the way both she and C.C lived together before. Seeing that the pizza lover won't say anything, Kallen glanced at the third person in the room.
"Kaguya, if you don't have anything to say then at least help me."
"I-you noticed me?"
Not that Kaguya even tried to hide, or could. She was just silently observing the two women, feeling somewhat pleased to see their friendly conversation. Was it friendly? Kaguya was lacking any proper knowledge of how regular people acted as friends. Tianzi didn't count, being a thirteen-year-old child and having only a Chinese warrior for a friend. Thinking about it, the majority of people whom Kaguya knew and were around her age were a bunch of weirdos.
"Sure we did it. Now, are you gonna help or not?" Kallen asked while Kaguya blinked.
"You're not even going to pretend you aren't with Lelouch anymore?"
Kallen shrugged. "What's the point? By now Lelouch should have filled you in, besides, I'm not the greatest actress."
"And not the greatest cleaner either. Less talking and more working, Kallen." C.C reminded her while Kallen showed her the middle finger. "Good evening to you too, Kaguya. Say something or I will start thinking every Black Knight is as disrespectful as our Kallen."
Kaguya looked at the green-haired woman who was only wearing a white shirt that looked too big on her. Knowing to whom the mask and overall costume belonged before, it didn't take long for the Japanese princess to figure out whose shirt it was. Kaguya's face took a brighter shape of pink as she thought about the things she read in pre-invasion manga. So the cultured texts of Japanese artists of the past weren't lying…
"Agh," Kaguya cleared her throat. "Hello, Lady C.C., or should I call you Zero from now on? Perhaps at least until you will stop wearing his costume for whatever phase of the plan Lelouch planned next?"
Kallen noticed something. "You don't look surprised about this."
"I was surprised when I saw Zero back on Mt. Fuji, but quickly got over it. After talking with Lelouch and listening to his goals, I managed to come up with some theories about who might be under the mask of Zero." Kaguya spoke as she moved closer and sat next to C.C who gave her a sly smile. "I heard from Kirihara that you were once Zero's double. Knowing Lelouch's love for complicated schemes and the timing of Zero to the rescue made me realize that you are the best fit."
"Is that so?"
"Also-" Kaguya took one of the pizza slices and took a bite of it. "Because I haven't seen you next to Lelouch."
Both C.C. and Kallen blinked. The latter was the first to question it. "Wait, really?"
"What can I say? Sometimes childish logic and guessing might be the right answer. Remembering how lady C.C. was always next to Lelouch when he was Zero, seeing him without her was kind of jarring, even after he became emperor. I already accepted that you two were inseparable." Kaguya didn't know why but she was sure C.C. gulped and were her ears red? "Actually, now that I think about it, Lelouch's speech about Geass would have been more believable if Lady C.C. was there as well."
"I told him that bringing me along would have helped, but that boy was sure that he and blondie would do the trick. But now I'm glad that I wasn't there or I wouldn't be able to save his ass and you two." C.C. ate another slice before mumbling under her nose. "-leaving it to D.S., she would never shut up about it."
Kaguya heard something new, no, someone. "Who?"
"Someone capable of terrorizing our double here, heh." Kallen smiled warmly at the memory of D.S. annoying C.C., bless her soul for that. "I actually think you two would get along very well… and that's pretty scary."
"You speak like I already joined your group." Kaguya looked down. "Just because I'm pleased to see Lady C.C. and won't allow the Black Knights to take her as Zero doesn't mean I agreed to join Lelouch."
"Yet." C.C lazily added. "You didn't say yes to him because of your responsibilities. I have already seen this melodrama dozens of times."
"Real life isn't fiction!"
C.C waved away. "Of course. Fiction needs to be credible. No one is forcing you to say yes or no. Lelouch is perfectly fine with waiting while you watch the show he prepared for you."
"What show?" Kaguya didn't bother to hide her interest. For all the anger and tears she cried after learning Zero true identity and mystic power, Kaguya could never stop enjoying Lelouch's theatrics, even when he was the emperor.
"His plan." Kallen started. "He wanted to deal with the Order before focusing on his brother. Originally, he wanted to start a simple invasion, but after some thinking, he decided that the Black Knights deserved the experience of the last play before being defeated… his words, not mine." she quickly added.
"And you're ok with it, Kallen? I can understand why Lady C.C. is doing it, but you?" Kallen was always a fighter, a rebel, just like her brother who died for the dream of a free Japan. If Kallen stuck with the Black Knights she might have seen this dream come into reality, at least Kaguya thought so before. Now she wasn't so sure.
'Considering that I'm to be arrested or even killed by my fellow Japanese for simply talking with Lelouch, I'm not sure if the Order has what it takes to free Japan anymore.' If they were willing to betray and kill their leaders, could they be trusted with the fate of the nation?
"I will follow and obey Lelouch because I trust him. I know that he won't rule for the sake of power like the rest of his family. He will lead Japan into a better future, I'm sure of it. And if needed, I will be there to assist him, to be his support no matter what." Kallen spoke with confidence and a warm smile, absolutely sure of her choice. "I'm willing to trust Lelouch because I love him."
Both C.C. and Kaguya listened to her in silence. The Witch wordlessly agreed with Red Lotus's words, every part. Meanwhile, all Kaguya could do was laugh bitterly.
'Huh, betraying your people and organization because of the boy, how cliche and simple.' Kaguya silently took another bite of pizza, she felt salty. 'I wish I could be like this, say her words without any worries too.'
The Witch noticed that the Chairwoman wasn't looking very lively anymore. Deciding that she might as well offer some of her century's worth of wisdom, C.C spoke. "You don't have to choose between your own feelings and expectations of others. You cannot please everyone and there is no point trying to do so."
"What are you talking about? I cannot turn my back on my people and my nation. I have a responsibility."
"What responsibility? The one placed on you by some old geezers who died, never able to accomplish half of your achievements? You are a teenage girl who is chairwoman of a global superpower and manages to control dozens of politicians, a literal hell in itself and you can maintain order there. Kaguya, you're being too restrictive on yourself, thinking there is only one way for Japan to be free and that it cannot be under Lelouch's control because he is Britannian."
C.C. moved closer to the Japanese princess. "In a way, you're thinking in the same way as the Britannian nobility did before Lelouch wiped them out. Dividing nations into numbers, not giving them a chance to exist together. Who cares about what the nationality of the leader is if they do a good job and think of everyone as equal no matter their origins? For Lelouch, the Britannian Empire is just a tool to use in order to achieve his goals. He told me this plenty of times. His nationality means nothing to him. The legacy of his nation disgusts him. He doesn't differentiate between people, all of them are equal in his eyes, without exception."
"And it means it is okay for Britannia to control Japan and everyone else? After everything it did?" Kaguya wasn't against Lelouch leading, if anything she would have supported him. However, Lelouch doesn't want to lead nations behind the mask of Zero, he wants to control the world under the banner of the empire, even if it is the most convenient tool for him. "It will be unfair for all those who died fighting against Britannia, dying for the sake of the dream to see their home free."
"You aren't wrong, but if we judge everything like this then no nation deserves anything good," Kallen commented. "I mean, every country on this planet did fucked up stuff towards others. Just look at Japan's history. The Japanese Empire was just as cruel as the Britannian one, only less competent. The same goes for China and everyone else. And what? That didn't stop the UFN from being formed where everyone is willing to listen to the former enforcer of Chinese rule and Japanese teenagers without a nation. People are willing to look beyond the bloody past if it means moving towards a better tomorrow."
Kallen looked to the side as a small smile formed on her face. "My own mother was ready to forget that my father was a Britannian noble if it meant she could be with her family, with me. She never cared that her father was part of the system that took over her home and killed her countrymen, she knew he wasn't part of it and that he was a good man. Lelouch never approved of his family's past. He was a victim just like you and me, Kaguya. And now he wants to make sure nothing like that will ever happen again."
Kaguya stayed silent, now even more conflicted than before. These two sounded so sure of themselves, so convincing. Until you realize they were advocating for world domination and the absolute dictatorship of one person.
This was insane, pure madness.
The madness that Kaguya wanted to accept at his point.
'Lelouch won't stop unless he is dead.' And Kaguya didn't want that, not after learning everything.
'What alternative does the world have? UFN? I'm not sure the Black Knights can act as its protectors anymore if they are willing to act like the Britannian nobles we fought against… I just don't know anymore… what should I do?'
Wait and see? For what? For Schneizel to trick the Order again, only to betray them later? For Lelouch's predictions to become true and for the rest of the UFN to abandon Japan because it is no longer valuable to them? Kaguya didn't know anymore.
"What are his plans anyway? I don't know how to answer yet, but at least let me know his plan or parts of it. I did bail you out of the Black Knights' hands for now. I think I deserve to know more." She glanced at two of them who shared a look before Kallen started.
"As long as you promise you won't report it-"
"Kallen, please." Kaguya massaged her nose bridge. "At this point, the Order will arrest me with the two of you if I tell them anything that might trigger their fight or flight response, which is a wide list. As far as they know, I'm your and his partner in crime, and I doubt there is anything I can do to change that anymore. So go ahead and tell me your diabolical plan of world domination."
The redhead took a deep breath before she started. "Well, originally-"
Britannia controlled part of Tokyo.
"The original plan was for our dear C.C. to dress as Zero and act as a convenient guest of importance among the Black Knights. Of course, the original return of Zero was scheduled to happen in a few days and not today, but the situation forced C.C's hand."
D.S started as she took a sip of wine, making sure the other two were listening. At the moment, the head of OSI was sitting carefree on a sofa inside the government building, next to the Second Knight of the Round and the Emperor's Advisor. Both Cinder and Leila were quite exhausted after everything that happened today. Once the masked man left on Guren with the chairwoman, the Britannian side returned to their work on the mountain.
It took them the rest of the day to get any actual progress in the rescue works. There were few survivors, but it was less than half of the complex workforce. The White Emperor heroically was among his subjects, not afraid to jump into the fire to save his people. And that's what every news outlet will tell the masses. With enough footage and eyewitnesses, the empire used terrorist exploitation as much as possible, at least as some kind of bonus.
However, since the emperor was seen in Japan when he was supposed to be on the mainland, many started to ask questions about how it was possible for him to be in two places at once. Thankfully for today, the maid didn't have any official meetings or public speeches to give as the emperor's imposter. A quick call from D.S. and Sayoko made sure to not appear as Lelouch anymore. Now, the maid ninja and the cyborg bodyguard were on their way to Japan, with Nemesis to back them. Mainly because their poor little master almost got himself killed inside the mountain. They were the reason why Lelouch had to stay inside the government building for tonight when the Emperor would have preferred to stay in his old room in the academy.
"We knew about this part." Cinder was informed about Lelouch's idea to place a new Zero inside the Black Knights, as were the rest of the knights of the round in order to make sure there was no confusion. "And I can see the point of revealing Zero earlier, the circumstances were good for it."
"More importantly, it saved the three of us from that trap. Thanks to C.C.'' Leila was quite often annoyed by the Witch, but won't deny that she was her saviour today. No matter how rocky their first meeting went. "Huh, I actually forgot that I collapsed my old castle on C.C. when we met in Europe."
D.S giggled. "Oh yeah! Poor C.C. was quite furious about it back then." Leila looked embarrassed about exploding the entire castle and burying the green-haired witch under it. "Don't sweat over it, C.C. moved on… well, at least she stopped wanting you dead so that's a plus right?"
"Sure." Leila deadpanned as she took the wine glass D.S. offered to her. "What was the original intent for Zero to return? Something as flashy as Mt. Fuji?"
"Nah, a simple skirmish between Britannia and the Black Knights on the border checkpoint of agreed zones inside Tokyo. We planned to start small fighting among regular troops, no Knightmares at the start, and then have both sides raise tension inside the city. Only for the great Zero to appear out of nowhere and stop the bloodless fight from turning into a full-out battle. C.C. was supposed to pilot one of the stolen Gareths." D.S. remembered that there were multiple scenarios they prepared for C.C. to make an appearance. "All of this is not so important anymore."
"That may be so, but what now?" Leila looked between them. "Black Knights, at least those who know about Lelouch being the original Zero won't just sit back and wait. They will try to take down this new Zero."
"And that's what we want." Cinder's usual cruel smile was a normal sight for them at this point. "For the idiots to make a wrong move so we could use it to deal with them. The original Order of Black Knights will act and will try to arrest Zero. There will be a backlash from others, the ones who know nothing. Using Kallen's knowledge about her little group of conspirators, and with the new Zero's words of failed assassins within the Order, those in the dark will put 2 and 2 together and realise that their leadership tried to murder their hero. This will lead to short infighting that weakens the Order, to the point where its effectiveness will be severely cut. And then Britannia will make their move while the UFN is too busy with the schism in their only functional army that can give us a proper fight. It will be over as soon as it starts." The Second Knight of the Round didn't bother hiding her lust for the upcoming war, no matter how short it might be.
"Out of all the Knights of the Round, you give the impression of the sanest one, but then you start talking." Leila was at least glad that Cinder was on their side and was as bloodthirsty as the infamous vampire knight before her.
Cinder snorted in a very un-lady-like way. "Sometimes you need a precise tool that can be used to deal with any infection on the body. That's my role, to be Lelouch's most useful tool to use."
"Kinky. I'm sure he finds enough uses for you in the bedroom." D.S. winked at her but both ladies just rolled their eyes, only one in the case of Cinder. "Speaking about our lover boy, where is he?"
"His Majesty is busy giving an online conference at the moment. After today's event, it is best to make a clarification of everything public as told by Zero to avoid any misunderstanding among the people." Leila would have preferred if he was here with them, to relax and talk about the upcoming peace agreement talks. However, the Emperor needed to make sure his people were on the same board as him. "Right now he should be talking about how Zero found him right before the Second Battle of Tokyo and offered him shelter. Basically just repeating what Zero said."
"Neat, cool, really nice. We have another issue. I felt a Geass user nearby." D.S.'s carefree smile disappeared as she spoke while the other two paused. "Not in the city or in the county, at least not anymore. I was busy talking with the little girl-whose-name-we-don't-say, and felt the weak signal of another Geass user."
"There is only one Geass user who isn't dead yet or captured." Cinder narrowed her eye.
Leila nodded, remembering her own encounter with an albino boy back in Rome. "Rai from Peace Mark."
"Yup, the little bastard was here, or so I think. After using the Thought Elevator, my connection with C's World isn't very stable and I might not sense everything as regularly. The last time I sensed him, he was moving towards China… I already told Lelouch about it."
"And his reaction?"
"He wants to monitor every ship that comes from the Chinese side to Japan and for me to stop my talks with her. I will focus on looking for Rai's signal while OSI will spy on any Black Knight's ships in the sea."
Leila sighed. "Ok, this should be good enough for now. That Rai… I bet he was behind the explosion."
"That might be the case, but it means that either Peace Mark or Schneizel ordered this, for what reason we cannot be sure yet."
Cinder yawned. "We know what they want, to destabilize Britannia and weaken Lelouch's regime before attacking. This most likely was just a coincidence that Lelouch was there. Heh, the imbeciles didn't know they had their only chance to kill him." Cinder grinned dangerously. "They won't get another opportunity like this ever again."
"Good." D.S finished her glass before with one gulp. "Oh! Now does anyone want to fool around while daddy Lulu is busy?"
Cinder cringed. "Please don't call him that, the internet already ruined that word enough for everyone."
"Oh come on! I bet you two were using some pet names in the bedroom as well. Oh, wait-!" D.S looked apologetic as she raised and clasped her hands. "I forgot not everyone here is an adult woman, sorry Leila."
"Eh?" Leila stared at D.S coldly. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"That you're a virgin, Leila." Cinder simply stated a fact while Leila's face became red.
"My sex life-"
"-complete lack of it-" D.S quickly added.
Leila glared at her already intoxicated OSI chief. "-is none of your business! I'm a soldier! I was the leader of the entire army and had more pressing matters than worrying about romance."
"What about Akito Hyuga?" Cinder wondered. "I heard rumours about the two of you being closer than a simple commander and soldier."
Leila waved away. "Akito is like a brother to me-"
"Normal brother or 'brother' case similar to Princess Marrybell?" D.S interrupted her again and Leila wished she had anything to throw at her. There was a bottle of wine, but the blonde didn't want to actually hurt the dark pink-haired shit-talker or waste wine.
"Of course, it's a normal one! W-0 is like a family to me and there was nothing between us romantically!"
"Good, it means you're cool with sleeping with Lelouch?"
"Absolutely." Leila nodded before she realized what she said. With a face as red as a hadron blast, she tried to deny the previous statement. "Wait, what?! I meant-!"
"Didn't hear no," D.S said as she stood up and started walking towards the exit. "I'm calling Lulu. Tonight I will finally have my first foursome!"
Cinder grabbed her hand and forced her to sit down. "The last thing the Emperor needs is for a drunk OSI chief to ask him for sex while he is giving a speech to the entire world."
"Oh come on! I'm sure he will love it! Come on, Cindy, I'm sure you want it too!" The Second Knight of the Round stayed silent, despite her eye looking at the side and actually considering the proposal. "See? You are already thinking about it! I'm going after our Lulu."
"How about we talk about different stuff!" Leila shouted, mentally not ready for what D.S. wanted, at least not tonight.
"Like what?"
Leila tried to think about anything else but intercourse. However, thanks to the pink-haired succubus her brain couldn't get rid of the images of Lelouch...naked...with the-
"Wait!" She stood up suddenly. "I found photos about Lelouch's time in the Academy."
"Like when he was a student?" Cinder blinked. "What about them?"
That didn't sound as exciting as D.S.'s idea to be completely honest-
"These ones!" Leila pulled out her phone and showed them the photos Lelouch's counsel president sent to her while the raven-haired boy wasn't looking. The photos were interesting, to say the least.
Cinder's eye went wide, her cheeks becoming red. "I-is that-?"
"Lelouch dressed as a cat boy! Yay!" D.S. completely forgot about her previous plan as her attention was focused on the current photos, this was a treasure trove of information! And she was OSI Chief so her words were legitimate.
"Yup. And there is more." Leila showed them the rest. "Here Lelouch is dressed as a princess. Here is the one when Ashford had rabbit day, don't ask me, Milly is a weird one."
"Everyone is a weirdo, but not everyone can force the prince in hiding and future emperor into crossdressing or cosplaying!" D.S was having a blast. She must get a copy of every photo out there, it was too good. "With this, we can blackmail Lelouch into doing anything we ask of him!"
"He most likely would have agreed to anything regardless." Cinder pointed out.
"Even being tied to bed again? Maybe this time even blindfolded?" D.S. asked them with a cheeky tone.
"..."
"..."
"I stand corrected." Cinder had to clean her nose as she felt blood coming out of it.
And so the rest of their night transformed from talking about future plots and coups to discussing what photo of Lelouch looked cuter. Was it the one with cat ears or with bunny ears?
"We will need to make new ones."
D.S suggested, no, stated and the other two immediately nodded. Both Leila and Cinder already had flustered expressions from looking at all those photos, some of them quite revealing. Milly Ashford was a dangerous individual, and one they will need to hire in the future for more of this. Three ladies of His Majesty found something they could agree on completely.
Down in the meeting room, the White Emperor felt a chill run down his spine. Lelouch vi Britannia felt as if something terrible haas just occurred and he felt absolutely helpless at the moment.
Cambodia.
In the deep jungles of their hidden base right next to the construction site of Damocles, a lone royal was busy with her demons. Well, the Demon in her case. The puppet empress of Britannia silently sat in her room as she tried to analyze what to do now when the phantom her brother created was back and alive, standing right next to her older brother.
'It is obviously a replacement but what does Lelouch want to achieve?' Nunnally knew that the new Zero wasn't sent by either the Black Knights or her faction. 'Zero would be an issue for both the Order and Schneizel, plus it cannot be a third party. Wizard and his leftovers from Peace Mark were busy preparing for this explosion in the first place, Zero couldn't be their doing. So it leaves only Lelouch, but what does my brother want to get with his former mask being alive again?'
Place a puppet inside the Federation and control the Black Knights by using Zero? It might have been a good plan if only the original members of the Order didn't know the real identity of the original Zero.
Trying to destabilize UFN with the new Zero sounded like the best option, but Nunnally felt like there was more to it. Lelouch always loved to overcomplicate everything for the sake of his vision. Whatever his goals were, this Zero was a big issue since it could potentially end as the best tool to use once the fighting between Lelouch and the Order of Black Knights started.
'Although, now that I know the entire history of what happened, the war against Lelouch isn't what I would call my wish.' Schneizel and Cornelia want to fight Lelouch and Nunnally will play along until she will be ready to make her own move. 'Granted, I'm limited by everything around me, but at least I'm still capable of using a certain tool I have.'
"Your Highness, Lord Kururgi arrived." The voice of her duplicitous servant X spoke from outside as Nunnally allowed them to enter. Soon the Knight of the Round was sitting inside the little princess's chamber. Her servant remained outside.
"You wanted to see me, Nunnally?"
She nodded. "I'm sure everyone else knows what happened today."
"Zero." Suzaku tiredly sighed. "I don't want to imagine what scheme Lelouch planned now. I feel like I will lose time and patience trying to understand his plans."
"He sure likes to complicate life. Reminds me of his attempts to provide for us three when we were travelling across Japan." Recalling that time after Britannia invaded as a pleasant memory wasn't right, but Nunnally couldn't deny there were some warm feelings for the time when the three of them were together.
"I remember how Lelouch would make his elaborate traps, trying to catch animals for us. But none of them ever worked out. Lelouch was a terrible hunter and didn't have the patience to fish." Suzaku didn't smile upon remembering their childhood, instead, he had a slight frown. "Nunnally, you wanted to talk about our past?"
"No, of course not. The past is the past, no point in trying to distract ourselves with it. I wanted to talk to you about your next mission."
Suzaku's expression changed to his usual battle-ready self. "His Highness already has an order for me?"
"Yes. Following the new Zero's declaration of peace agreements between Britannia and Federation, we decided that there is a need to act before it is too late." Suzaku nodded, fully understanding that leaving Lelouch to do as he pleases was a terrible idea. "So, once the official date of peace talks will be announced we will prepare. On the day of the talks, you will be sent to interrupt the peace talks between Lelouch and Zero."
Green eyes went wide. "Wait! You want me to-"
"To use your Lancelot and crush at the Ashford academy right when both leaders will sign the peace treaty." For anyone else, it would have been a suicide mission, but Nunnally knew Suzaku would succeed. If only because she saw the images of the Geass command given to him by that woman. "You will interrupt both sides and announce that the new Zero is an imposter. During all this, reporter Diethard Ried will broadcast a video of how the Black Knights cornered the real Zero and how he revealed his true identity right after the second battle of Tokyo."
"The entire world will see that Lelouch was Zero…" Suzaku came to the conclusion while Nunnally nodded.
"Exactly. Once everyone will see that Zero and Lelouch were the same people, he will lose the support of the Britannian masses while the new Zero will be suspected to be a puppet. Your role will be to make sure neither Lelouch nor his masked puppet will give any order. The Britannians in Tokyo won't attack you while you have their leader as a hostage. Meanwhile, we will announce everything Lelouch has done while hiding under the mask of Zero." Of course, it was unlikely Lelouch would lose all of his loyalists. His legions alone won't betray him, but the chaos that will be birthed because of this broadcast should be powerful enough to paralyze Lelouch's regime, or so Schneizel planned.
"I see…" Suzaku saw the potential in this idea. Especially because it would directly prove to the entire world that Lelouch was nothing but a liar and manipulator. Of course, it didn't mean that once he showed up that Suzaku won't be attacked, but with Lelouch's life on the line, his Geassed slaves will have no choice but stay put. "In that case, I will start preparing for the mission-"
"There is another matter I want to discuss with you." Nunnally looked troubled by something and Suzaku immediately kneeled beside her.
"Something wrong, Nunnally?" Suzaku couldn't help but feel protective and care for the little crippled girl, especially now when her own brother treated her as the enemy.
Nunnally carefully pulled out a small device. It looked like some kind of transmitter.
"What is it?"
"I'm not sure but it was inside your Lancelot. This was given to me by the woman who looks after your Knightmare."
"Mariel," Suzaku whispered her name.
"Yes. She approached my servant and asked for an audience with me, stressing that no one should learn about it." She could feel that Suzaku became concerned. "She said it was placed inside Lancelot's Active Core and that it could potentially act as a switch. She didn't know what it was placed there for or by whom, but she was worried that it could be used to turn your Knightmare-"
"Into a bomb," Suzaku concluded. It went without saying who would order such a thing. "So, His Highness doesn't trust me."
'After everything you did to your former masters and allies, who could blame Schneizel?'
"Or he wants to use you as the bomb during the peace talks. If both the Emperor of Britannia and Zero died there then it would have resulted in a full-out war between the Empire and Federation. The chaos might be something Schneizel wanted all this time, with the secret weapon he will be unstoppable if both sides are too busy. He always kept his true intentions hidden from everyone else. Just like Lelouch." Nunnally made sure to add the last part to have maximum effect on her oblivious knight.
"..." Suzaku stayed silent, but the blind girl could feel his anger. Good. The Japanese knight never saw the silver-tongued second prince as someone he can consider a friend or comrade, but now it was even worse.
'When the time comes, Suzaku will listen to me and not Schneizel or Cornelia.'
Nunnally couldn't inspire loyalty in armies or make masses kneel before her, but she could make sure at least one person listened and obey her command.
"After all, I did it for him… Prince Schneizel-"
"Suzaku!" Nunnally leaned forward to take his hand into hers, and with a warm tone, she spoke. "Please. I understand how you feel. Brother Schneizel is a liar, no better than Lelouch, but right now we all share the same goal and enemies. I ask you, please wait until we deal with Lelouch. After that Schneizel will answer for his crimes as well, I will make sure he will be judged fairly as I promised to the people of Britannia." The small empress doubted the White Reaper cared about the fair court, but she needed to be careful and not say something that would make Suzaku suspect her.
"Trial, yes," Suzaku mumbled before standing up. "I'm thankful for your honesty, Nunnally. No, Your Majesty. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to start preparing and make sure nothing else was placed inside my Lancelot."
"Good." Great, she had him wrapped around her finger. "Of course, it goes without saying but don't tell anyone about this, Suzaku. Your friend Mariel was already informed to stay silent." her foolish knight nodded, understanding the danger of spreading that news. "And Suzaku, be careful, please. Despite how my brother and sister might treat you, I need you, my knight."
"I won't let you down, Nunnally. Never."
And he won't have enough time to fail her. The empress had the use for her knight, but only for a limited time.
"It is a little unnerving to see someone like you use the poor fella like that," X said as she and Nunnally were now the only occupants of the room.
Suzaku left shortly after Nunnally made sure he knew which royalty to follow in the future. The princess leaned further in her wheelchair as she tiredly sighed.
"This is the only tool I have to use against others. Their pity, love and desire to protect me. It works only on a few people, the situation might improve in the future depending on which scenario will play out."
X narrowed her eyes. "I still can't understand your endgame."
"And you won't because it isn't part of your job. Now, about your task." Nunnally raised her hand and X reluctantly gave her a communicator. "This is it?"
The triple agent nodded. "Yes. This should allow you to hear every conversation Wizard has with Rai. There is a voice changer that will make you sound like Wizard to confuse Rai as you asked. Don't ask me where I got all of it."
"I'm not interested in how it was done, only what results it will bring."
In the eyes of the X, it wasn't something too strange. Nunnally had her plans and wanted to spy on the masked noble. Rai was just a field agent who was on a mission. Despite knowing that Rai was part of Oz's team, X decided to play along and hoped to learn Nunnally's end goal. What the spy didn't know was that this Rai had a powerful Geass that can be used to help Nunnally achieve her personal wish, the one neither Lelouch, Schneizel, or Suzaku will ever see coming.
All Nunnally needed to do was give only one command for Rai to carry out. Even if the boy didn't succeed, as long as he creates enough chaos among the Order, it would be enough for Nunnally.
'After all, who would expect a little crippled girl to cause so much trouble.'
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Ok, let's wrap it quickly. 'Zero' is back, and those among readers who guessed her identity were correct. Honestly, sometimes I'm scared by how well some readers predict future plot points I spent a long time trying to write. Not just here, but my crossover as well. Makes me worried If I'm predictable or if you guys can read my mind across the globe.
Anyway, C.C is Zero. Yes. The original plan was described by Lelouch's ladies and now, we're finally reaching the finale of R2ю (you know what it means :3). Nunnally is scheming, Lelouch is busy and D.S is thirsty. The only new thing is Leila opening a pandora box in the form of Lelouch's past in Ashford's wacky festivals.
Anyway, thanks to our editor Kingpin Lunamaria, have a good day every-
Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. I created AO3, name Imperator0slave (had to wait a week to get an invitation, wth) and posted my stories there. Just to be safe. will always be my main site while AO3 is just a safe holder.
And now let's do Coeur Al'Aran thing :3
Next chapter: 3rd of November