Chapter 6: Crimson Queen

OP 1 - Colors (First Opening for the story)

The flames of hell rage, Tokyo stands in the sunset, Britannia illuminated by the light of the sun.

(Moments that seem like they can change both of me)

Azmodan appears erupting in a pillar of blue fire soaring into the sky as it twists around.

(And even the world is always right next to me)

Athena stands off looking off into the distance with images of her, Lelouch, and Nunnally as children happily playing together. Before shifting to her as a Black Knight, Nunnally in royal clothing, and Lelouch as of now Julius Kingsley as he clenched his fist.

(Gazing at the irritation, I can't hide and myself as I stand stock still)

Azmodan then creates a surge of flames, appearing as the new Zero and the Black Knights appear one by one. Then it shifts to Suzaku standing alongside Anya and Gino of the Knights of the Round, then to the gang at Ashford.

(Despite my hesitation, despite my worries, despite my regrets, I should decide. With one word you've given me, my bewilderment vanishes)

C.C falls deep into the sea as a hand reached out towards her.

The Geass Symbol blaze's forth.

(Light shines in my once empty room)

The Guren flies through the sky battling against the Tristan. Guilford & Todoh clash in their respective Knightmare.

(The sky I gazed up at is so blue and serene)

Julius stands atop Gawain M-2 across from the Shinkiro piloted by Azmodan & Athena as she has tears fall down her cheek calling out to her brother.

(I decied to open up the window that was shut)

Azmodan unleashed a stream of flames towards V.V as he piloted his Knightmare through the air unleashing its slash harkens towards him only for them to be burned away.

(Moments that seem like they can change both me and even the world are always right next to me)

Then the last image stands with Azmodan staring at the sunset with blue flames escaping his eyes and looking onward towards the future.

...

Area 11 - One of the Ghettos

Within one of the Ghettos, what remains of original Japan was now a ruined city and is now one of the surviving safe places that many were using now. Those that fought against Britannia Army & forces in the Black Rebellion. The Black Knights were the main forces of taking safe heaven and they now so few in numbers now. The majority of them were either captured to be sent to prions or killed during the rebellion.

We see a figure working on a red Knightmare of sorts, was hard to tell due to it being covered in white covers. The figure was a young woman with a slim yet strong build and fair skin. She had red hair that was spiked up and big blue eyes that had a fiery passion in them. She wore a magenta suit that hugged her figure like a second skin and keeps the zip to her neck down a bit. She also has a red headscarf around her forehead.

This was Kallen Kozuki, a proud member of the Black Knights, being their Ace of sorts, and captain of Zero Squad.

Kallen had come to this Ghetto after the events of Kaime Island and was having a major mental conflict with what she had seen before her eyes. Zero, the person she strongly look up to was really Lelouch, the man she didn't like, both were one & the same. She didn't stop Suzaku from capturing Zero...no Lelouch or Zero, she wasn't sure! She didn't stop the capture and blamed herself deeply, feeling a loss of hope ever since she got back to Japan.

The red-haired pilot sighed before sitting on the ground and placing her right hand on her forehead, taking some deep breaths. There were conflicts about what to do next without Lelouch, without Zero. The Black Knights may be finished.

Then all of a sudden, the nearby TV at the workstation came on and surprised the red-haired teen with what she saw next. It wasn't the news, media making proud reports of Britannia smashing down the rebellion & Black Knights. No, this time, the TV screen showed someone on a nice sofa chair and not anyone from the media station or the emperor taking over the news for his mouth speech but someone else completely different.

"Greetings, Britannians, Japanese, Chinese, European, and so on," The mystery voice spoke before showing it a white-suited mask that belongs to Zero on the sofa.

"The hell!?" Kallen said in total surprise as this was her first time seeing this white version of Zero. She didn't see the first performance but shall see the second and feel different very soon.

"For those that I haven't seen my last statement or Britannia wants to keep the rise of a new Zero hidden to avoid a public panic. Like the phoenix, I have risen from the ashes of the rebellion and shall finish what my predecessor has started. It's time to choose a side!" Zero stated with his right arm was soon brought forward like offering a helping hand towards those in need & support.

"Follow me, I shall help bring forward that vision for you all and rise together to new heights," Zero started which he then placed his right hand back in his cloak.

"But those that are not with us and against the shining future...through our fire, you all shall fall!" Zero finished, a big warning, and his performance wasn't done.

Kallen didn't say a word but was deeply captured by this new Zero's words and performance.

"Black Knights...those that have escaped & went into exile, come follow me as you did with my predecessor & we shall rise against Britannia & those that are corrupted. Those that are in chains and losing hope in the wall of the enemies & hammed by the high in power, don't fall into despair. I promise this; we shall save you from despair. I shall replace that with hope...hope and strength. The fight is not over...I shall be one to who personality drags the emperor himself, straight into the depths of Hell," Zero said, no promises, and his words strike many hearts.

This deeply affect Kallen and wish she could hear more from this new Zero but sadly the TV went blake and understood the message clearly. No more hiding and having despair, not now. She can feel her heart starting to beat all of a sudden with a sense of new hope in it. A new purpose to fight again and something else which the last part caused her to blush but fight it off.

With Azmodan/Zero

"Whoa...that was more enjoyable than the last time," Azmodan commented as he now have his mask off and stepped out of view of the show once the performance was down.

"You know how to make an entrance, Azmodan," CC commented with a smirk, knowing her friend can be very excited about showing his performance.

"Well, in order to make a combined nation against Britannia and not allow them to make false rumors. Thus I need to make another performance; an aftermath one! They remind those that I'm different from the past one," Azmodan informed.

"That's very true...how many you think would join us?" Euphemia asked.

"Hmm hard to say now. I think around the hundred, maybe two hundred. The Black Rebellion might have to be the bloodiest one in all of the areas and would be a striking inspiration for others to start rebelling. And my speech adds fire to the rising flame," Azmodan replied.

"I see," Euphemia said, cupping her chin in thought, and would agree to that.

"Oh on that subject; I have a feeling a certain redhead would be the first to this safe house as she too knows the location," CC reminded.

"Who?" Azmodan asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Kallen - Ace of the Black Knights and full of fire. She would most likely be captured by your speeches and be demeaning to know who you are," CC explained.

"I sense a but," Azmodan said, knowing the green-haired witch has more information.

"She has this hero crush on Zero," CC smirked.

"Oh boy...," Azmodan shook his head at that.

"Oh my, it seems Lelouch got some attention onto himself. And you, Azmodan, got a bigger one now," Euphemia commented.

"(Sigh), I have a feeling I would have to deal with the Ace very soon and we shall see what her purpose is. I wonder what Lelouch saw in this Kallen person to be the head of Zero Squad & top ace as well," Azmodan admitted, being a bit interested and wondering what this, Kallen truly was.

Azmodan then took his mask back and placed it on along with his cape/cloak.

"Time to meet the Crimson Queen of the Black Knights," Azmodan/Zero said, taking his leave.

"You think we should go with him?" Euphemia asked, concerned.

"Hmm Nah, he would be fine. He knows how to handle a woman with a fiery personality and passion," CC replied with a sly smirk forming up on her lips and wondered how the meeting between one of the fieriest women she ever met & the Prince of Lust.

Small Time - Outside the Safe House

Zero walked around the streets of the area of the safe house, keeping an eye and smelled some filth around the area. He had a feeling they may cause trouble for this Kallen person. Their desires were sick as dirt but, his help won't be needed when he walked around the condor, he saw a few men being punched in the face or kicked down below while being thrown out onto the streets as he walks.

The two men were about to pull out their guns but they were too slow as the white-masked man reached for his cloak and brought out his whip, snapping it alive and striking with quick speed. The whip strikes hit the two men's hands, causing them to scream in pain and dropped their weapons.

"Run along, little piggies. Run along," Zero darkly taunted, causing the two men to run scare with their tails behind their legs and was humorous to him.

Zero chuckled at such cowards as he put his whip back and soon heard the sound of a knife being pulled out, seeing who this Kallen person was and would admit she did look hot with wearing that skin-tight suit. And reminded him of a demoness back home. Her eyes may be blue but are like a storm and had fire and passion in them.

"I can assure you, I mean you no harm, Kallen of the Black Knights," Zero assured, now speaking calmly.

"Who are you?" Kallen demanded who is this white-masked version of Zero, even though she saw his performance but wasn't sure fully about following this new Zero after the last one.

"Who? Who is merely the form following the form of 'what' and what I am is a man in a mask," Zero replied.

"I can see that," Kallen glared.

"Of course, you can. I didn't mean to question your power of observation. I'm merely remarking upon the paradox of asking a masked man who he is as it's a bit silly you know?" Zero cleaned with a shrug of shoulders.

"Okay...right," Kallen said, surprised by that.

"However, on this most beautiful of nights, allow me to explain the character of this dramatic persona that I'm taking part in," Zero informed while putting his head down for a second, like thinking for a moment.

"Voila!" He shouted, waving his cape & cloak outwards as he brought his arms to the side, surprising Kallen and caused to almost jump in response.

"In view before you and everyone; a humble young man who shall bring the ideal of new & gentle world forward, free of corruption, and shall bring performances forward onto stages for all to see. Thus not just an idealist but a revolutionary who aims not to bring back the past, a long-dead Japan but rather a new one that shall have a place in the future and many others as well. All of us coming together to end the snake, head of corruption that allows moving forward unchecked. This masked person has vowed to bring miracles to life and personally send the emperor & those corrputed to Hell!" Zero explained as he brought some knives, leaving behind a mark on the wall. The very symbol of Geass has become the symbol of the Black Knights as well.

"Everything has a beginning and ending, hence a Zero. One to bring out everything for those that follow and later nothing to those that are against this revolutionary. Hehehehe," Zero said until he laughed a bit but calm himself.

"Of course, our evening out is to end for now but let me say; it's my very good honor to meet you Kallen and you may call me Zero," Zero greeted after finishing his explanation and did a good bow to the surprised red-haired beauty.

"...are you crazy...?" Kallen asked, being in total surprised by such an explanation and the only one on her mind.

"I quite imagine they would say so," Zero smirked with a shrug of his shoulders.

This was a start of an interesting friendship that was created today.

...

Pairings:

Azmodan x Harem (So far but the request to come): CC, Charlie Morningstar, Euphemia li Britannia, Kallen Kozuki, Cornelia li Britannia, Athena Ainzworth/vi Britannia, and rest in works

Lelouch x Shirley