Prototype Aside 0.03 Geass and Ceass
Consciousness Terminology
Consciousness/Stream of Consciousness = What one is currently experiencing. Surface thoughts, memories, and sensations.
Unconsciousness = Memories stored. Experience and Knowledge.
Subconsciousness = A separate, independent part of one's brain.
- Collective Subconsciousness = A separate sub-dimension. A controlled "Personal Domain". Or a "pit stop" of higher collective consciousnesses. Usually, a thought elevator that "disturbs thought" (protects from higher powers) is required to create or support a larger subconsciousness.
Dimensions
Our World: Realm of the Gods
- "Watchers", Inter-dimensional Interlopers
Ex: You, Me, Cassandro Williams*
Stream of the True Collective Consciousness
- True "God", Monad, Dimensional Supervisor(s)
Note: Is beyond Time and Space.
Ex: Caretaker of Spacetime (Akito the Exiled)
Arc Gate: Various Parallel/Alternate Realities
(Nightmare of Nunnally, Movie-verse, etc.)
C's World: C's Collective Subconsciousness: "Heaven/Valhalla/Avalon"
- False God "C", Angels, Deceased Codebearers' and Geass-users' Souls
Ex: Former CC, Mao, Rolo, Charles, VV (Victor), Marianne*
C's Collective Unconsciousness: "Purgatory"
- The Dead, Souls of Alive Geass Users
Ex: Suzaku's Dad, Shirley*, etc.
Earth: "'Reality'"
- Everyone "alive", Codebearers (Fallen Angels), Geass Users
?'s Collective Subconsciousness's: "Hell"
- N/A for disclosure
?'s Collective Subconsciousness's: N/A
- N/A for disclosure
Code Geass and Ceass; Terminology and Origin
"If Geass is the 'Power of the King', then that makes your new ability, 'The Power of a God'." - CC, Aside 0.01
"C" (God) + Geass = "C"eass
Ceass. A special power that can only be granted by those that can call themselves a "God". Or rather, one that no longer has the need to call themselves one. In her case, "C", or the God of the Code Geass universe/subdimension, sacrificed her dying self and gave all of her powers to Lelouch. Just like Charles gave him his Code in his "last moments".
CC was actually wrong about naming Lelouch's power "Ceass" as C herself named it "Code Geass" or "Code's Geass". CC and Lelouch will be called out on it later. In addition, Ceass and Geass are two entirely different powers. I (and CC) just wanted to name it to abbreviate "C's Geass" into Ceass and so I didn't need to constantly reiterate "True Geass", "Complete Geass", "Code Geass", or "Code Ceass" every paragraph without confusing you with the title.
And please. No "See Ass" or "C ass" jokes. Though CC was nicknamed "Pizza Butt" by the fans during the show's runtime. So, I guess it works?
CODE
In this fanfic's canon, there are going to be a total of 24 Codebearers; one for each letter. Though obviously I won't be showing all of them. The Codebearers I plan on using are AA, BB, CC (x2), DD, EE, II, LL, SS, NN, VV (x3), ZZ, the Four Cardinals of Eden Vital, and ("Santa Muerte").
They also traditionally take their initials, but there's no-one stopping them from claiming to be another.
Immortality
At the moment they make a contract, Geass users are "recorded". Their memories, stream of consciousness, and soul remain intact and are stored in the collective unconscious of the World of C. Kept in a perfect state of nothingness. Upon gain code, a person is freed of this "purgatory". They can travel in the World of C, though aren't necessarily free to go where they wish. After all, Eden Vital controls that world and has technology that beggars belief.
In other words, the C's World/the Collective Subconsciousness acts as a "soul jar" that keeps one's thoughts and memories safe, and then re-transmits them to one's broken/damaged body on Earth, which regenerates.
Connection to the World of C
By activating their Code, a Codebearer can (re)connect themselves to the World of C and their soul stored there. In doing so, they can exchange thoughts and memories between their two "selves". One can remove one's memories from one's body on Earth, but the "soul" in C's World can never forget. The limit to the memories they can steal away are to the time that they originally gained geass.
However, if a codebearer wishes to transfer their consciousnesses, then a codebearer needs to activate a thought elevator or a select number of ruins. In the World of C, they can then return in certain locations or using some devices from Eden Vital.*
Connecting Others to the World of C
If a codebearer "Connects to the World of C" while having physical contact (direct physical contact, and indirect physical contact via knightmare) with a "mortal". Then one can also bring a mortal's conciousness into the stream of the collective unconsciousness (purgatory). This grants them visions of those that have died, and not ascended or have geass. This is what happened to Suzaku and CC at Narita.
Connection with Geass Users and Other Codebearers
If one activates code to "connect to the World of C" on a linked Geass User or fellow Codebearer, then the victim is forced into the unconscious of the Codebearer, and experiences some of their memories. Again, what happened to CC and Lelouch at Narita.
This transfer of memories is further refined when used between two Codebearers. When they connect together, it is easier to "pick and choose" what memories they want to show or hide.
Furthermore, even minor telepathy between Codebearers is possible while in physical contact. However, distance does not matter though, if one of them is in the World of C/a thought elevator.
*Note: For "whatever reason", Lelouch's 'soul' does not exist in the World of C. As such, he requires a thought elevator to transfer there safely, though he can briefly glimpse the world upon total death of his body on Earth. The forces of Eden Vital spent too much time looking for him in C's World, which is another reason why they haven't contacted him yet. They later bring him over by binding an artificial soul to him.
Lelouch's Geass: [The Authority]
"Authority" - noun - the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
Lelouch's geass remains largely the same, being able to command those he looks at. It still relies on eye contact. People wearing masks and eye protection still won't be affected. Jeremiah can still remove his geass. In addition, he is still unable to "Order" Codebearers.
However, now Lelouch can only use this ability after activating his "Ceass". Furthermore, any orders he casts on others will only remain for the duration of the Ceass's activating, disappearing after it deactivates. This is a double edged sword, since he can "recast" his power, but can't keep people as his slaves forever. Lelouch, who values free will, won't be using his original geass very often.
Lelouch's Ceass; [The Hope]
"If only I had power! Power to escape this place! Power not to lose to the world!" - Lelouch, R2 episode 1
"Lelouch. There's only one way to redeem your sins. Turn your Lies into Reality." – Suzaku, R2
"Turning lies into reality is... an arduous task. It require discipline." - Schniezel, R2
Lelouch's Ceass is the power is the ability to manipulate people's perceptions, memories, emotions, and even thoughts. This often takes two main forms: Realistic Illusions and Active Manipulation.
Realistic Illusions
This is what Lelouch used to create The Birthday Miracle in the OVA.
Lelouch can manipulate the senses and perception of humanity to show them a false reality. The illusions even passively affect memories and even common sense. Everyone in the World is affected. Even Codebearers are affected to a degree. But if they realize that they are under an illusion, they can concentrate to dispel the illusion on themselves (and those they touch and connect to the World of C). Lelouch does not need to be present in order for the illusions to manifest and the illusions he creates automatically continue existing until Lelouch deactivates his Ceass. An illusion of a coffee cup that he summons can be seen by everyone, even say, a person who's been teleported halfway around the world. It will even be seen through a camera, when active. Thought it will have no bearings on recordings after the Ceass is deactivated.
Applications
Initially, he will use it most often uses it to turn invisible or change his appearance. This is the most easiest ability; it doesn't tax Lelouch if he begins it when no one is looking and Lelouch can maintain it basically forever. However, it would be more difficult to change his appearance after someone has already seen his face and easier to mask his face if they hadn't seen it.
With slightly more difficulty, he can also create false objects and such devices. Something as simple as a cup of coffee. Or perhaps, say... a FLEJA warhead?
And though difficult, he can also alter the surroundings and environment, dispelling his reality and substituting his own.
However, as he uses it more and more and learns more about it, Lelouch can use his Ceass to perform truly terrifying deeds. Lelouch's control over his Code, Geass, and Ceass will only grow with time...
Limitations
It is more difficult to conjure up an illusion right in front of someone. If he creates it while no one is watching and then "reveals" it, then the suspension of disbelief is upheld and is therefore the illusion is much easier to create.
And of course, the illusions do not actually affect the real world; only the perception and sensation of it. Cameras and other recording devices can still record him and can be replayed showing the true reality, necessitating a disguise. This also reduces the stress from needing to have his illusions constantly on.
However, it has a physiological and physiological effect on Lelouch's mind and body due to his incomplete/"corrupted" Code. Creating illusions places a certain set amount of "stress" on Lelouch. At first, the stress will slow down Lelouch's heart, affecting his already piss poor physical condition and his formidable concentration. However, if the stress is too much, then the Ceass will cause Lelouch extreme physiological pain. If Lelouch can't handle it, then his automatically illusions shatter. The stress is reset once Lelouch deactivates his geass, after which he has a three-minute cooldown before he can show people illusions again.
Physical contact with CC (sharing her code) also reduces the stress and the pain resulting from it. In addition, the psychological pain brought about by uses of the geass can be resisted by determination, mental strength, willpower, and training. As Lelouch uses his Ceass, he can take on more and more stress. Narratively, it's an effective way to manage how Lelouch uses his powers.
The amount of stress depends on the normal expected "disbelief" in the illusion. Using his ability to actively create "unrealistic" illusions is generally more taxing than a simple or believable one. For example, creating another false cup among others won't do much. But completely transforming the environment is difficult. Presenting contrary evidence or logic against the illusions will also create strain, but cannot break someone out of the illusion (unless Lelouch gets too stressed out and deactivates his Ceass). A particularly critical or logical person can easily rack up more stress.
However, this also goes the other way around. People who are reminiscing about the past or who are suffering from fear, depression, or confusion are more vulnerable to its effects. People who reject the truth. Evidence that "proves" his illusions make them easier to create. It also is affected by wishes; if someone "wishes" against Lelouch's deception/false reality. For example, Lelouch can become or maintain invisibility rather easily as people don't believe that he is alive. One could also deceive an arrogant man into believing he's won easily. And people who have "accepted"* the "truth" of his ability won't cause any strain at all. In fact, it actually fuels his power. Furthermore Lelouch/Zero, the man of miracles, can do "anything". So, the more people "believe" in Lelouch, the stronger his power becomes; exactly like a god.
Active Manipulation
Lelouch doesn't know about it as of Year 2 of L.S., or it's full capabilities
This harsher ability allows Lelouch to control people's perceptions and senses to an even greater degree. However, Lelouch MUST cast both his normal geass (have direct eye contact) at the same time. This ability also inflicts way more stress upon people. But the the trade-off is worth it.
He can use his ability to simulate the power of other geass, even those that he hasn't seen. He can stop people's conciousness entirely, creating an effect similar to Rolo's geass. He can remove their perceptions, making others blind. He can control people's movements like a puppeteer. More cruelly, Lelouch could force someone to experience sensations of extreme pain and suffering (though it would just be easier to connect them to the Collective Unconsciousness). He can also temporarily create "people", who act according to his own logic/will! Though they are soulless and can't remember anything that Lelouch doesn't know about them. Finally, while active, Lelouch can also (un)consciously affect other people's actions and decisions. In this way, he can temporarily "order" people, though this is the most taxing of his "illusions".
SPOILERS: Total Manipulation
Lelouch doesn't know about it, Not Unlocked
Can manipulate a person's ENTIRE consciousness: Memories, Personality, Habits, etc. This requires that Lelouch have his Ceass Active and successfully activate both his Geass (eye contact) and Code (physical contact).
Access to ?: ?
- N/A for disclosure, Massive Spoilers
Fixation (Permanently Active)
- N/A for disclosure, Spoilers
Awakening: The Power of a God
- N/A for disclosure, Massive Spoilers
Access to ?: ?
- N/A for disclosure, Massive Spoilers
Example: (numbers aren't accurate)
0) Normal State:
- Cannot use Geass normally
- Can activate Ceass
- Can use Code Powers to connect people to the "World of C"
1) Ceass Activate: Stress Capacity (SC) = 0/1000 SC
- As SC increases, increase stress on Lelouch's Heart
- Use "Active Control" +50 SC (x #person)
- Use Geass "Order" +20 SC (x #cast)
- Use Ceass "Illusion(s)"
o "Fake News" (Disbelief) +20 SC (x #person)
o Hard Illusion (Doubt) +10 SC (x #person)
o Normal Illusion (Personal) +5 SC (x #person)
o Easy Illusion (Confused Target) +2 SC (x #person)
o "Miracle" (Target Believes Capable) +0 SC (x #person)
2) Ceass Deactivated: SC 1000+/1000 or Lelouch dispels
- All Geass "Orders" dispelled
- All Ceass "Illusions" dispelled
- All Stress relieved
- Three minute cooldown till reactivation of Ceass.
Lelouch's Prototype/Concept Ceass
Originally, I was going to have it so that using Lelouch's Code Geass of Absolute Obedience would be area of effect and would carry the risk of granting "worthy" people geass. In that way, I was going to suggest a theme of "you reap what you sow", reinforce the concept of "White Goes First" in Chess, and have Lelouch take some blame and responsibility for his actions. I also wanted Lelouch's geass to change to work in area of effect instead eye contact. Ultimately, I scrapped the idea when I realized how convoluted the situation would have to be to get the antagonists in a situation in the past where they were geassed.
Lelouch's Code, Geass, and Ceass Symbolism
I have incorporated ALL of those details with the Ceass I've given Lelouch. (And his Nemesis(es). At least the major ones anyways, as they technically get an exception. I'll tell you about them when they come up.)
C/God wanted Lelouch to carry on her wishes to make a better world. His new Ceass also allows him to live freely with CC. But it also reflects how Lelouch lied to the world, ran away from his problems, and attempted and "faked" his death in the Zero Requiem. Lelouch, who wanted redemption from his sins in death, gained immortality. Making his entire sacrifice a lie.
The fact that he has to lie to people about stuff like that literally hurts his heart and causes him stress and pain. It's appropriate since he was killed by being literally stabbed in the Heart. In addition, his Ceass reflects how Lelouch forces himself to NOT feel for other people's problems and keep some people at a distance by hiding his identity. It's also appropriate given that Rolo, who had a similar weakness, died right next to him.
Code, Geass, and Ceass Symbolism: (Incomplete)
*(I'll update the list as time goes on, need to include other geass users. Update old ones too)
Geass. "The Power of the King."
Most geass offer their user an extremely easy way to get what they want. For example;
Lelouch's geass gave his the "right" to rule others.
CC's geass allowed her to become "loved".
Mao was able to "understand" others.
Rolo was able to find some sort of stability.
Leila Malcal (from Akito the Exiled) was able to protect her friends.
Charles was able to stop the bloody fight for the throne.
*VV (assuming he had some invisibility power) wanted to escape from the world's misery.
Marianne was a tomboy commoner who rejected gender roles and nobility. Jealous of how others were born. Her power allowed her to possess others.
Bismark was probably able to beat Marianne that one time he claimed he used it against her.
*The original CC would be able to make others confess their sins.
Even Jeremiah "Orange" Gottwald was able to beat Zero and his geass (initially) and prove his loyalty.
C (God) was able to become a benevolent god; to link the minds and hearts of the people; to recreate people and remove their sins.
However, it is also ironic, using a power that either doesn't give them what they truly want and/or forces them to sacrifice their strongest values and principles.
Lelouch valued free will and hated being told what to do, but gained the ability to strip free will away and become the ultimate master.
CC wanted Love, but "there was so much love for me that I couldn't identify what was true love at one point."
Mao who respected privacy but became insane/supersane and while he understood others, nobody understood him.
Rolo's heart would stop.
*Leila values memories with her friends. Leila's Geass resets time, so no one remember the suffering but also the bonds made when facing them.
Charles, who valued memories, gained an ability to take them away.
*VV became "invisible" to those he cared about.
Marianne valued freedom of expression, but her geass repressed the emotions and freedom of Anya.
Bismark wanted pride through honor and glory, but was unable to achieve it in his own heart since he considered his geass "cheating".
*The original CC was forced to endure hearing about other people's problems.
Jeremiah's geass canceler had no tangible drawback that I can think of.
C (god)'s True Geass first stripped her people of their own freedom, freedom of thought, and suffering. It made them obedient slaves.
Geass is fixated when a person is conflicted.
The geass truly awakens once a person truly understands what they want or what will truly fulfill them. And how they will do it.
Lelouch understood he would have to sacrifice himself and his inability to fight against those he loved and the World.
CC understood what she sought was someone that understood her. When she realized she desired true love (and perhaps redemption).
Charles probably realized that what he was doing was trying to create a world where his children wouldn't have to fight another. VV: "Charles, what have you learned about becoming Emperor." Charles: "That all people are liars. That this country called Britannia never changes.*"
*Marianne realizes that she wants to care for her family and children.
This also goes for Codebearers gain and lose their code. It's when they make a contract to make the new Codebearer take their legacy and wishes.
Lelouch, who desired redemption in death, was given immortality. Making his sacrifice a lie.
CC learned of the ugliness of love.
*Charles and VV lied. Charles lost his wife and his brother.
PS: Should I include Shirley? I'm basing this fanfic off main canon, but I could add her on. If she didn't die, she'll be an idol with Kallen in K1 Sidestory. She'll be "in the bowl" but have no luck with LuLu mid-story (as of current plans). On the other hand, if she died vs Mao, then I'll be "returning" her and have her mother appear as a side character, swearing vengeance. And also giving more PTSD to LL, which is always fun.