I'm Zero

After what happened yesterday Kallen was already in front of the clubhouse waiting for Lelouch. after Shinjuku there were a lot of questions she wanted to ask. Who was the voice? She suspected Lelouch as the voice and commands were like him.

As she once played chess with him and lost in just five minutes and she didn't even try hard during the first match.

"Kozuki-sama, Master Lelouch is waiting for you," said Sayoko the Japanese maid, greeting her fellow countrymen.

She nodded and entered the clubhouse, following the maid as she showed her master sitting on a chair drinking tea.

"Hello, Kallen. How about we discuss this with a cup of tea?"

The redhead looked at the boy suspiciously. Casually he addressed them without fear but complied as she sat but didn't even touch the cup.

"Are you the one that guided us to fight back?"

"Yes." As the answer was obvious.

"And what reason would a Britannia student like you go to such lengths to assist our resistance?"

Lelouch didn't deter. "Because it's the right thing to do. Simple as that."

She was shocked by the answer. "Why are you in the truck?"

"I saw there was an accident and decided to help, unlike all the other bystanders."

"Seriously? You got involved in us because of an accident?" It sounded like a joke, honestly.

"What reason would you go to great lengths to steal the capsule that involved Clovis' royal guard?"

"We heard that it's poison gas!" was her explanation.

Lelouch could admire their dedication, if not for their misinformation. Clovis' fake poison gas was to scare everyone instantly, only to attract unwanted attention. That sacrifice was for nothing.

"Kallen, whatever is inside that capsule is not poison gas," said Lelouch dropping the truth bomb.

"What?"

"It's a person Clovis captured, a girl probably, someone that knew his secrets that had her hidden inside."

"No that can't be. we were told to be poison gas."

"You were lied to. They wanted to scare anyone from trying to steal it. You all caused this massacre for no reason."

"You're lying!" She slammed the table causing the cups to spill their drinks. The revelation as she didn't want to belive.

"It's better you see this." Lelouch showed her the documents, including a voice recording in which from Clovis's last entry of massacring the Ghetto as he ordered.

Kallen was shocked beyond belief; the deaths of hundreds of innocents were on their hands. She wanted it to be a lie but the truth was in her hands with Clovis's signature was there including the royal seal. She felt sick and wanted to throw up right now.

"I won't sugarcoat whatever you did was beyond reckless and stupid the casualty was high I know that the road of hell paved with good intention but there are times it doesn't work that way." She could defecate at this point.

"I'll let you tell it to your friends. You don't have to, but I would; actions have consequences, especially big ones." He got up leaving the distraught redhead.

As he walked he heard footsteps knowing who it was. "Nunnally."

The little girl was walking, no longer bound in a wheelchair only using her stick; all of that rigorous and extreme rehabilitation paid off, enabling her to walk again. Through the method of breathing style, she was able to heal her legs, eventually.

It was mostly Beast-Breathing, as it was the style best suited for her with its increasing senses, her hearing reaching echolocation levels, and enhanced touch due to her blindness. Also, she loved animals.

"Now, don't you be too hard on her." Nunnally knew Kallen like the others. She also liked her as they were similar in a way as both have brothers.

"I only said what needed to be said."

"Oni-sama, you sound like an old man." That gave him pause. "Just kidding." Nunally's smile then flipped upside down as Lelouch told her what happen to Clovis. "I hope Covis will be reincarnated to be a better person." She prayed for his soul just like Tanjirou would do.

"I know Nunnally. Me too."


The situation with Clovis was kept quiet as nobody wanted to let the public know that his highness was assassinated that easily. Bartley was stiff knowing he was close to his highness and knew of the consequences while Jeremiah, one of the purists, was just distraught knowing he failed again but he just couldn't see why prince Clovis had a peaceful look during his demise.

While at the same time the Camelot division was looking at the damaged Lancelot with intrigue and fear. Whatever did this to the Knightmare was frightening.

"There are traces of water here." Cecile examined the cuts.

"Using water to cut?"

"So?"

"Don't underestimate. It's just water; it's how we cut diamonds."

"So what kind of technology is that to be used in combat?" Cecile asked in fear.

"That's the thing; there's no trace of water anywhere except where the Lancelot lost its part… I need to create a countermeasure, but how?" as the Earl thinking away.

It was a distraction the situation with Suzaku as he was frame for the crime he didn't commit as away for the purebloods using him either way both Llyod and Cecile hands are tied.


Resistance base (as they say)

"Kallen, please tell me that is some kind of sick joke." Ohgi pleaded in fear and despair as he read the documents so many times.

"I'm sorry ,It's the truth."

"So we just killed a bunch of our countrymen because we stole some kind of secret project?! Not poison gas as they say?!" Inoue's eyes started to water.

"And out of fear, that asshole prince order a massacred of everyone in Shinjuku to keep his dirty secret?"

"Yes," Kallen said in dismay

A chair was kicked. "Damn it; so basically Nagata died for no reason!" Tamaki shouted in rage.

"…."

Everyone let their heads down in shame knowing it was their fault. The death of civilians including elderly and Children were on their hands and it makes them feel sick thinking about it.

"What about the voice," Ohgi asked Kallen if she knows anything.

"He said he would call us when the time is right."

"How do you know this person?"

"He goes to the same academy." That surprised him. "He's that friend that I told you all about at Ashford."

"You mean the Britannia guy that knew our culture and that you were half Britannia half Japanese?"

"That's the one."

"Are you sure we can trust him? I mean, he's Britannia."

"He said that it was the right thing to do." As it was obvious answered.

Everyone was still skeptical as they still didn't trust the boy Lelouch even if Kallen vouch for him. Time would tell.


Lelouch was lifting a heavy sword as part of his training while his friend was researching the Knightmare parts they obtained from Shinjuku. He needed to increase his muscles to hasten his slashes.

"Got anything with the parts we stole?"

"Whatever it is it surpasses the fifth generation; it's more like a six, no, the seventh generation of Knightmare frame."

"This is worrisome. It means Brittania is now able to create the seventh generation in time!"

Rai was the amnesiac boy that Lelouch and Milly found in the forest during the time he was dancing. He didn't remember who he was and where he came from, just his name. So Milly decided to shelter him and he owed both Lelouch and Milly gratitude.

"We on the plus side the junk Knightmare you found was a between six and seventh generation a prototype I can modify it with the parts that we stole." The club as it called when Lelouch found it, was half destroyed and rusted. Rai seems to be a genius in his way even though he has amnesia.

"That's good news, Rai."

"I aim to please. Besides, I owe you guys for giving me a place."

"Think of nothing. I'm more surprised we found you in Ashford grounds along with a Nichirin blade you were holding for dear life."

"I don't know why; that blade just felt important to me."

"I understand the feeling." Lelouch knew if Rai had the blade that meant he can use breathing style, and he did.

Then a ringing was heard as Lelouch looked at his phone. It was Nunnally, using speed dial. "Nunnally, what is it?"

"Big brother, look at the news quickly!" Nunnally said, her voice in fear and distraught.


Complying, Lelouch looked at Rai's laptop at the news. It showed that Prince Clovis was dead and that the name of the preparatory was Kururugi Suzaku, an Honorary Britannia, who was the one who assassinated him. He was surprised that Suzaku was alive… although, it didn't take him long to guess that the purebloods were the ones responsible for the accusation to demolish the Honorary system they found to be a nuisance.

At the same time, the student council was also watching the news with distraught that Royalty was assassinated.

Shirley was afraid and wished Lelouch was here, but he wasn't here as was busy with something else. She had a crush on him, on this mysterious and quiet boy; in that one incident, her curiosity and admiration became deeper feelings. Then one day the boy changed, becoming more open and more energetic than ever as if happening upon some kind of journey of discovery.

This new change was a bit shocking for her as if she couldn't recognize him at all. She should be happy, but when Lelouch was talking to Kallen Steadfield as if they were closer she felt distraught. Milly even introduced her and Lelouch called her name in a familiar tone. Even so, she brushed aside for being friends.

Milly was watching the news thinking about how Lelouch would react and how he changed. He distrusted everyone, seeing everything as a threat to him and Nunnally. Now he was a proper kind person who stuck his head out for others. He also excelled at sports, to which he and such didn't mix. She had to wonder if he was replaced by a replica.

Then she remembered that winter night how Lelouch was dancing in front of the fire; the sacred dance that elevens do for good fortune and harvest. The dance was mesmerizing as if someone merged dance with swordsmanship.

And she wanted to learn it.

Lelouch had no reason to say no, so he thought about teaching Milly a breathing style and she pulled it off. It wasn't perfect but she could take down a few thugs if needed. Training would be needed to manifest water breathing properly.

Rivalz was thinking about Lelouch right now and what would he do about the news. Probably defend the eleven about something. He would always give the elevens supplies or something even when they threw rocks.

They understood and were grateful for his kindness. Riv even asked why, to which Lelouch said, "It's the right thing to do. They didn't deserve to be treated like this."

Then Lelouch said something that even shattered his perspectives, "Rivalz, if you feel weak or useless, set your heart ablaze. Grit your teeth and look straight ahead no matter what." When both of them looking at the sunset.

He had always been the normal one among the student council. But Lelouch's words inspired him to be better. Or at least like him, which was something the guy told him that he should strive to surpass himself. It was too mature for someone his age.

Nina was watching the news. She was still afraid of eleven, but Lelouch came and rescued her. He explained why they attack her out of spite just because she was Britannia and of course, it was their fault she said. But Lelouch explained to her as he brought her to the Ghetto, making her see their life and how hard it was, the loss of their home, culture, and name.

Lelouch then said, "You don't have to forgive the ones who try to assault you but do not hate others out of spite." Hearing this Nina's anger and fear were gone as she just looked around how miserable the eleven was as she saw a little girl holding a dirt doll with dear life like it was the most valuable thing in her hand.

Seeing this she understood what Lelouch trying to tell her "I'll try, Lelouch."

"That's the only thing I asked."

Nunnally was fearing her childhood friend Suzaku. He was accused of assassination, but Suzaku would never do such a thing. Knowing Lelouch, he would try to help him. She wanted to help but wasn't ready for it yet.

Nunnally learning how to walk was through the story of Kamado Tanjirou, inspiring Nunnally to try harder. Especially with Nezuko rescuing her brother despite her inhuman blood and Tanjirou never giving up on Nezuko's humanization.


"You want our help to free Kururugi from captivity?" asked Kallen of Lelouch. They along with Rai were there with Ohgi after she sent the message. The others weren't in the spirit after learning the truth about Shinjuku.

"Yes, Kallen."

She just sighed rubbing her head from the migraine. "Lelouch, we've known each other for a year now, so I'll just say this is suicidal, even for you."

"I know and have a plan to save him."

"So Rai, you're included in this situation." Kallen looked at the new transfer student. (as they say in papers)

"Yes and I owe Lelouch a debt. Also, this might help with remembering my past."

"So these are the ones that helped us during the Shinjuku incident?" asked Ohgi looking at Lelouch and Rai.

"Yes, this is the Britannia boy I told you about."

"You do have trust issues."

"Pot, kettle, black." Kallen knew how Lelouch was as his title the ice prince.

"All right I deserved that. Anyway, we needed to do this. Otherwise, the purebloods will abolish the Honorary system and those who worked would be jobless or worst."

Hearing about the pureblood brought her to shiver and scowl, knowing those bigots would think inbreeding was natural. And unethicality. But knowing them she couldn't let those bastards do whatever they wanted. "I'm in."

"Kallen!?"

"Oh, we have to do this; if not, all the deaths we caused would be meaningless including Nagata."

Hearing this the former teacher just sighed. "Alright, I'm in. So what's the plan?"

"It involves paper mache."


The parade started as the Britannia looked at the former son of the prime minister with hate, cursing, and pointing fingers at him. Suzaku said nothing as he accepted his execution. Until, out of nowhere, a Clovis ride vehicle was blocking the road.

The crowd murmured in confusion until someone emerged from the flames. Unveiled was a masked man. He was wearing a tight suit with a purple scarf ( Similar to the Zero outfit but more aerodynamics )

"I am Zero," Lelouch announced for the world to hear.

"Zero?"

"Who's that?"

"Some kind of actor?"

Jeremiah wasn't impressed. "Zero huh? You dare insult his highness Clovis? Men, surround him!" Upon his orders, the men brandished and aimed at the man. "Now, how about you take that mask off?"

Rather than be afraid, he snagged his fingers revealing the capsule. The one that was believed to have poison gas inside. Jeremiah, Kewell, and Villetta were stunned and mortified in what they were seeing.

"What the-?!"

"T-That's…" Jeremiah spoke.

Villetta came out of her cockpit of her Sutherland, "Lord Jeremiah, be careful. That's—!"

"I know Villetta! I know!" Jeremiah clenched his teeth in fear.

"Yes, Jeremiah. You also didn't know what was inside of this thing."

'Bastard," Jeremiah said in a low tone, 'he's taken every Britannian here hostage and he did it without them knowing it.'

Kallen was already shivering in fear along with Ohgi inside the vehicle.

"What do you want?"

"An exchange with the prisoner."

"Preposterous! Kururugi killed his highness Clovis! He will be executed."

"No, he wasn't. It was I." The camera zoomed in on Zero as he held the Nichirin blade for all to see. The blade gleam in it's glory as Diethard was recording the moment.

"It was you!" Angered, Jeremiah gritted his teeth hard. Not only did the man kill Clovis, but he confessed and did it so proudly. Like he wasn't even afraid of them.

"Careful now; unless you want everyone to know about Clovis' secret project."

"What?! How do you know that?!" Jeremiah gaped in fear. All around, citizens whispered wondering what he was talking about. This stranger would dismantle his credibility if he wasn't silenced.

"It's called orange." He then spoke as the audio picked up how Clovis initiated the massacre curiosity of Rai to make it more believable.

Lelouch knew Jeremiah and the purebloods didn't know what the secret project was. They weren't even aware of the name. But, they were indeed falling for it. He pressed the button as the capsule released the gas, causing the crowd to run in panic at what they believed to be poison gas.

The chaos happened as the Knightmares aimed at Zero. Quickly jumping, he slew them both instantly while whispering: "Third Form: Flowing Dance." Lelouch swung and bent the blade into a winding motion while dancing in a flowing pattern. His blade sliced everything in its path as a result, including the Knightmares' legs. As both Kewell and Villete knightmares crash.

As he rushed towards Jeremiah, he slashed the legs causing him to fall. From there, Lelouch quickly nabbed Suzaku and leaped away.

Mission accomplished.


Lelouch explained that situation to Suzaku, as well as the truth of Clovis' massacre. After that…

"Join me."

"I refuse. This is not the way I want to go." He turned around.

"Where are you going?"

"My court-martial." Suzaku got ready to leave, before turning back to Lelouch. With a stoic face, he spoke, "Thank you for saving me," in what he dared to be his final words.

Lelouch felt something wasn't right; the Suzaku he knew would spur rage about his people being slaughtered. What is this?

No. The memories of how he smiled when knowing he disobeyed an order from Royal guards already meant death.

"Before you go, I request a spar if that's all right."

Suzaku stopped, confused. He wasn't the only one either; everyone who heard him turned to Lelouch in surprise. That was when Lelouch continued, saying, "They say we can understand each other through sparing, which is why I suggested it."

It's actually a good idea; Suzaku needed to know of Zero's strength, so why not humor the man? "I accept."

Both opponents were now far apart, wielding wooden swords for their spar. Rai was wearing a hood covering his hair and a mask to function as the referee.

He shouted, "Begin."

Suzaku made the first move as he made a vertical slash. Zero just dodged it easily as he could see the sword's movement. Even as more came at him, Zero proceeded to avoid every wooden swipe.

Suzaku was frustrated as the Masked man was higher in skill than him. Maybe even Todoh Sensei. No wonder he destroyed those Knightmares so easily.

"Fight back already!"

"I intend to." Lelouch swung the sword, parrying every attack that Suzaku made. Each slash his sword made felt empty as if Suzaku was a training dummy devoid of soul or fighting spirit.

Triggered, Suzaku gritted his teeth in rage as the person in front of him couldn't be beaten. If he couldn't beat this person in a spar, he could never change Britannia.

Kallen was watching from the shadow, seeing Lelouch toying with Kururugi. That pretty boy was dominating like a pro. Ohgi couldn't believe it either.

Lelouch decided to finish this. "First Form: Water Surface Slash." With little force, Lelouch made a slash. Suzaku saw water manifest from out of the sword, catching him off guard as he was disarmed. "I've seen enough. Go, Kururugi. Go back to your master, and hope we don't have to face each other again."

It was a harsh lesson, but Lelouch needed to steel his heart. Suzaku didn't say anything, but this felt like a master was disappointed with its students and didn't want to look at them anymore. He just walked away in shame.

"Shouldn't we detain him?" Rai asked.

"Don't. He's not right in mind, body, or spirit at all."

"What do you mean?" Ohgi asked a bit confused.

"When I sparred with Kururugi, I could feel he was devoid of fighting spirit. He might have the strength and skill, but with no conviction, he's just a robot."

"Are you saying that the former Son of the prime minister-"

"… is a dead man walking."

Following a pause, Kallen made a suggestion. "We should tell everyone."

"If anyone knew that the son of the prime minister of Japan has no spirit, it would break every Japanese person's spirit," was Lelouch's response as he kept walking. "The Japanese are already hanging by a thread. They need someone to look up to. Still, we have accomplished our mission and we need to lay low for a while."

He turned back to them, saying, "Until we meet again, Kallen and Ohgi."

"Of course."

Everyone dispersed and went their way, not knowing such an event would bring a hurricane to the world.


This situation was how Lelouch influenced others after the journey he saw he wanted to better. In the canon, the Kozuki resistance never did know of the consequences of their action.

Not much in this chapter as it's more like Lelouch debut

The spar is something that Lelouch needed to gauge Suzaku's situation and find to be a puzzle.

Rai's personality is the smart one in the group as sometimes in lacks in the Black knights' team and Rakshata doesn't count as she's more scientist than Donatello or Gwen. Both brains and brawn's.