A/N: first I want to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter.
I do want to clarify one thing about Makoto and how I portrayed his character. I intended to make Makoto more human than someone who would be akin to Suzaku, but not that he is someone who fully supports Lelouch and his methods but rather someone who is genuinely neutral in a sense.
I have no intention of changing his character, but I think Makoto would recognize the issues in both Lelouch and Suzaku's views, although Suzaku's peaceful way of changing the system from within might be more preferable Makoto recognizes that would be impossible with Britannia's current system of government and the number of those with wealth and influence benefit from such a system would not give it up so easily.
This was meant to reflect his more down-to-earth personality aspect, but changing his character was not something I intended. He is still the optimist and pacifist that he is in the series, but Makoto just recognizes that some problems in Area 11 cannot be solved easily even though he would prefer a more peaceful solution.
I hope that cleared things up a little, so without further delay let us move on.
"Dialog from a flashback and the person reading something in their mind"
Thoughts (unless used to emphasize a word in a sentence)
Chapter 20
Attachment
The following day Fuyuhiko was sitting at his desk in quiet contemplation, after being dropped off at the Kuzuryu Grounds last night along with Peko, his sister and their prisoner he had informed his father of what had happened. Needless to say, although he wasn't happy with his daughter wandering off like she did he was even less pleased upon learning his most trusted lieutenant had been betraying him behind his back.
By now the former lieutenant was likely spending his time in the Toyko Bay with a new pair of cement shoes after his father confirmed the man's treachery.
It was later that evening that Fuyuhiko spoke with Natsumi while Peko was also present in her sister's room, standing guard by the door. Natsumi sat on her bed while Fuyuhiko stood in front of her younger sister.
With both arms folded under his chest, Fuyuhiko said, "You know what I am going to ask."
"Yeah, AND!"
"What the fuck were you thinking? You know what kind of organization the Black Knights are," Fuyuhiko snapped.
"They wouldn't go after us," Natsumi argued back.
"That's not what I mean," Fuyuhiko pointed out. "You could end up dead or worse if you got captured by Britannia."
This time Natsumi snapped, "YOU DON'T THINK I KNOW THAT!?"
Fuyuhiko was surprised by her outburst, but it did little to deter him.
"You just want us to accept that?"
"No, but its better than rotting away here doing nothing," Natsumi answered with a tear in her eye.
Fuyuhiko had no retort, and maybe he should've known that Natsumi would never be satisfied with being kept locked away inside the mansion.
"I know," Fuyuhiko said understanding that his younger sister hated her isolation. "Anyway, I should say you should know that father will consider backing the Black Knights if they prove capable, although he is concerned about their Knight of Justice bit."
"I don't think there will be any reason to worry, although Zero proclaims the Black Knights are Knights of Justice he is willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goals," Natsumi explained. "He told me everything he does is with the goal of overthrowing the occupation and bringing Britannia down."
"Then he is a liar?"
"No," Natsumi replied, "that knight of justice bit is true to an extent. Zero told me he despised how other resistance groups always went after civilians and never really tried to actually fight against Britannia. Going after civilians doesn't accomplish anything; expect to turn any potential source of support against you."
"Basically he'll do whatever it takes as long as it doesn't backfire on him," Fuyuhiko asked which Natsumi nodded in confirmation.
"More or less, but his ultimate objective is Britannia's destruction."
"It will probably be awhile before Zero works his way to that goal," Fuyuhiko said.
"Yeah, but if Area 11 becomes Japan again, I am not overly concerned with how he gets there. But," Natsumi said before an expression of puzzlement appeared on her face. "It was weird though he seemed very interested in Hajime Hinata?"
"Who?"
"Hajime Hinata, he was the guy who saved my life when Sato tried to kill me. He was one of my classmates I told you about?"
"Oh right," Fuyuhiko before recalling the name and the time Natsumi mentioned him. "What about it?"
"Zero was very interested in learning about anything I knew about Hajime and became more interested when I told him about his involvement in saving my life and Sato being executed by the authorities for attempting to murder a student on Hope's Peak Academy grounds."
"You think that Zero might be investigating something fishy going on that he is tied to?"
"Maybe, but Hajime doesn't strike me as the kind of person who would end up on Zero's radar. I don't know really, but the whole thing struck me as really odd."
Returning to the present Fuyuhiko mulled on what he had learned from Natsumi, although on the one hand, it wasn't something to be concerned about he did agree that it was odd for someone like Zero to be interested in a nobody.
Or, Fuyuhiko realized internally, Zero knows something we don't.
Around the same time, Lelouch was meeting with Kyoko in-between one of the smaller school buildings that connected the gym with the main building. With no one else around, Kyoko handed Lelouch a folder filled with documents the Ultimate Detective had collected over the course of her investigation into Ruruka Ando. Judging by the thickness of the binder Lelouch believed that Kyoko was either very thorough, found a lot of dirt on her, or both.
"I assume you were quite successful," Lelouch began.
"It was easier than I had imagined, but I guess you don't have to worry much from the school," Kyoko replied.
"How so," Lelouch replied accepting the folder from Kyoko.
"The headmaster doesn't seem to have a problem with students as long as their actions don't attract unwanted attention that could damage the school's reputation. No matter how morally questionable their actions and hobbies are," Kyoko pointed out coldly.
All things considered, Lelouch was hardly surprised given the people who run Hope's Peak Academy are conducting tests on humans and are fooling people to pay for their untalented child to attend the reserve course to fund said experiments.
"You are right, especially when the people they sent to investigate Sayaka seemed more concern about protecting the school's reputation," Lelouch said in agreement.
"Sometimes I wonder how the school has not only managed to stay in operation but why it was given so much freedom and special privileges."
"That's an excellent question," Lelouch replied. "I don't believe that story fed to the public."
Kyoko nodded, "I agree there must've been something else."
I'll be sure to get some information on that tomorrow night, Lelouch thought.
Suddenly the duo was interrupted by Kokichi who ran past the two before doubling back to ask Kyoko and Lelouch a question with a big smile on his face.
"Hey, are you two dating or something," Kokichi asked, but his question earned him glares from Kyoko and Lelouch.
"We are having a private discussion, nothing more or less," Lelouch snapped.
"Private huh," Kokichi asked with a mischievous grin.
"It's nothing like that," Kyoko said before asking to change the subject, "why are you running?"
Kokichi shrugged his shoulders, "No reason."
"You pulled another prank on the Student Council again didn't you?" Lelouch asked correctly guessing the reason Kokichi was on the run.
"What makes you think that?"
It was either fate or tempted by Kokichi's remark that the voice of someone shouting was heard.
"There he is!"
The voice came from two men, one of was towering young man with long limbs. They were jet-black school uniforms, but it only furthered their seemingly inhuman appearance coupled with their pale skin and waist-length black hair. Their facial features seemed more akin to a lizard than a human with a long tongue hanging out of his mouth.
"We got you now you bastard," the second student shouted.
He was about as a tall as the first student standing with him, but a fundamental difference was the muscular frame the eighteen-year-old possessed. He had a tanned complexion with black hair tied into a short ponytail with a stern expression upon his face. Unlike most male students he wore his uniform without the standard coat and rolled up the white sleeves of his shirt. He wore red suspenders and a yellow tie.
Isshiki Madarai (Ultimate Bodyguard) and Tomohiko Gōryoku (Ultimate Boxer) glared daggers at Kokichi, but before he could flee, he was suddenly interrupted by Kotomi who hurled a needle at Kokichi's forehead. Thanks to Kokichi being successfully distracted by the two most imposing members of the Student Council, Kotomi was able to come around the corner of the building opposite of where they stood surprising Kokichi with her needle attack.
Kotomi's needle was stuck upon a pressure point on Kokichi's forehead that rendered his body completely immobile. He was still breathing, but it seemed the rest of Kokichi's body and higher brain functions were seemingly turned off.
Lelouch was intrigued by what he had just witnessed, so he started waving his hand in front of a frozen Kokichi to see if he would respond in any way. His eyes didn't move in the slightest nor were there any signs of him reacting in any way.
"Other than the fact he is still breezing Kokichi is frozen," Kyoko said thinking out loud as she was just as intrigued by what Kotomi did to him.
"Everything except what he needs to stay alive has been basically switched off," Kotomi explained with a smirk.
"Triggering such a pressure point to immobilize someone like this can't be as simple as you've shown it to be," Lelouch pointed out.
"You're right it's not," Kotomi acknowledged. "To get this kind of effect is extremely difficult and requires very high precision because you must strike that pressure point just right. I suppose the best way to describe it would be like trying to hit the top of a pin from ten feet away."
"I see," Kyoko said as she was silently impressed by Kotomi's ability to paralyze people with a well-placed needle in the right pressure point, although, on the other hand, it was a worrying skill.
"Excuse me," Tomohiko said as he picked up the immobile Kokichi, handling him like a stiff board.
"Considering what you can to do to him I am surprised he would keep pulling whatever pranks he has been doing to you guys," Lelouch said with a curious expression wishing to find out details.
"It's easy if the target is stationary, but if he or she is running around, then it's challenging to land it."
"Hence why two of your fellow council members acted as a distraction," Kyoko deduced.
"I am sure whatever you got in mind for Kokichi is well deserved," Lelouch commented.
"Trust me it is," Kotomi said casting a glare at the frozen Kokichi. "Anyway sorry for interrupting you two. Have a good day."
With that, the members of the Student Council left with a captive Kokichi in tow.
"That was a little sudden," Lelouch commented.
"Indeed," Kyoko said in agreement.
"Anyway," Lelouch said as he sought to get their discussion back on track. "What do I owe you? I'll pay whatever price you ask."
"Don't worry about it," Kyoko replied with a dismissive hand gesture. "I had no intention of charging you, especially with how easily collecting this information was."
"I appreciate the gesture, but if there is any way I could offer my assistance you can ask me, so we'll call it even. Does that sound fair," Lelouch asked.
"Fair enough," Kyoko answered with a nod.
Once she concluded her business with Lelouch, the Ultimate Detective returned to her room in the student dormitory. Kyoko locked the door once she was inside before making a beeline to her desk by her bed where she two plastic binders resting side by side. One had a black cover while the other was red. After sitting down in her chair, Kyoko flipped open the black folder revealing its contents to be filled with notes attached to various newspaper clippings related to Monokuma and Ultimate Despair.
The other binder contained information related to Zero and the Black Knights.
Sitting down at her desk Kyoko began reviewing all of the information she had collected. Kyoko found it both perplexing and intriguing at the growth of Ultimate Despair and the Black Knights. However, where she trouble understanding how Ultimate Despair grew so quickly given their aims and ideology the growth of the Black Knights were easier to grasp. The Black Knights were known as the Knights of Justice they claimed to be quickly proved they lived up to that expectation. Ever since the hotel takeover, they intervened in they had eliminated various drug rings and exposed corrupt politicians who sold off food and supplies meant for welfare for the Japanese to fill their own pockets.
Yet it's all a means to an end I am sure, Kyoko thought.
The results of Zero's actions allowed him to gain a lot of public support from the Japanese people. The fact that Zero didn't target civilians and went after the powerful who abused their as he proclaimed only won over more of the local populace.
He might be in a better position to deal with Ultimate Despair, but what will happen when they clash? Kyoko wondered internally.
Later that night Chisa Yukizome was quietly slipping from one corner to another. She was dressed in her standard attire expect that she swapped out her apron for a black cap to hide her long hair and disguise her identity. It wasn't much of a disguise, but unless someone got close to her or switched on the lights no one would recognize her. The hallways in the Future Foundation administration building were dark, but Chisa came prepared with a pair of night vision goggles Juzo provided her. They had belonged to a student and were confiscated during an incident that saw the student suspended, so Juzo sneaked them out of the school contraband lock up for her to use.
This is easier than I thought, Chisa thought.
On the other hand, Chisa couldn't help but worry that this was too good to be true. All things considered, security should've been much tighter. Instead, the halls were virtually deserted with the security cameras, and other measures seemingly shut down.
Juzo lifted this Committee Member's Security Card, better get the most out of it. Maybe I can find out why security is so light, Chisa thought as she continued to make her way to the office of the Steering Committee member whose security card she had.
Outside in another corner of the school grounds Lelouch, dressed as Zero, was approaching the statue of Hope's Peak Academy's founder. The man known as Izuru Kamukura was an elderly Japanese man with the top of his head bald with white hair flaring out from the sides with a beard and mustache dressed in a suit holding a cane with both hands. Following him was Mukuro and Nagito who wore the Black Knight face-shield with the hat to conceal his identity. Kallen was also with them armed with an assault rifle, but like Nagito she wore the black face-shield and the cap to hide her identity.
Waiting for them by Izuru Kamakura's statue was a man who was in his forties with short brown hair and green eyes with a depressed expression on his face wearing a black suit.
Lelouch was grinning under his mask as the youngest member of the Steering Committee waited for them.
Putting one of them under my Geass was the hardest part, Lelouch mused internally.
Thankfully upon putting members of Hope's Peak Security under his Geass, which were the same security force employed at Future Foundation headquarters, provided Lelouch with the means to find an opening. Lelouch learned that older and more senior members of the committee were paranoid men especially towards the younger members of the committee. Lelouch discovered that the youngest member, Reo Shiki had a love for Curry Rice. The members of Academy security recorded where Reo went around the academy, and one constant was that every other day he would go to the academy cafeteria to pay the Ultimate Cook to make him the best curry rice he had ever tasted.
He was quite dismissive of me, but one moment of eye contact was all I needed, Lelouch thought.
Now he had Reo under Lelouch's control and thanks to Mukuro distracting Teruteru. Lelouch was able to not only use him as a means to reach Hajime, but he was able to obtain everything related to the Kamakura Project, but Lelouch had documents and records related to every dirty secret and project they were tied to.
Lelouch wanted to have enough dirt to not only bury the Steering Committee but to provide them with a one way trip to the gallows for their actions.
"Evening Mr. Shiki," Lelouch greeted, "you will lead us to Izuru Kamakura."
With a nod of his head, the Geass ensnared committee member used a remote to open a hidden passageway. The ground in front of Izuru Kamakura's statue slid back revealing a secret staircase leading underground.
Kallen watched silently, but like Nagito she was wondering how he got a member of the Steering Committee to help them.
Meanwhile peeking out from the corner of a nearby building was C.C., who had silently followed Lelouch to keep an eye on him.
Around the same time, Junko was humming the theme song to an old spy television series as she sat behind Monokuma's controls. The insidious mechanical toy plushie was currently crawling through the ventilation ducks of Hope's Peak Academy. Thanks to Lelouch putting the night shift of the academy's security under his Geass with orders to not only ignore all unusual occurrences but to erase all recordings of tonight's events and replace them with a copy of footage from the previous night to cover up his actions tonight.
For Junko, this was a golden opportunity for her to conduct her own mission.
Monokuma was dressed in a black turtleneck sweater with a matching black fanny pack around its waist. With the layout of the academy's ventilation system memorized the mechanical bear moved about the ducts, which was until the bear reached its destination.
Despite the noise, Monokuma's movements in the vents made none of the academy's security guards paid him any mind thanks to the orders Lelouch gave them through his Geass. Junko even had Monokuma perform a dance before of the security cameras as a test, which security didn't react at all too.
"Alright," Monokuma said as he drew a tool from his fanny pack. "Time to go to work."
Using an electric screwdriver with a long flexible neck, Monokuma slipped the tool through the gaps in the vent before maneuvering the turned head into position to unscrew the screw holding the vent to the wall. Monokuma would repeat this process until all of them were undone allowing him to open the vent. Once Monokuma was inside the office he resealed the vent behind him.
"Now where is the computer," Junko said as she scanned the room through Monokuma's eyes.
Once Monokuma spotted the computer the mechanical plushie made its way over to the side of the desktop computer where Monokuma began using its electric screwdriver to unscrew the side panel. Upon gaining access to the computer's internal components, Monokuma pulled out a small cylinder shaped device that was the size of a thumb drive. The small device had the same color scheme as Monokuma with a single wire.
"Upupupu," Monokuma laughed as he attached the wire before inserting the device into the computer. Once he saw the green light blink confirming a successful setup Monokuma put the panel back before resealing the desktop computer. "Once Mr. Asplund logs on little Monaca will see his password, and once she has it, she'll do some raiding."
The transmitter Monokuma installed has a keylogging program, but it could also allow Monaca to remotely access his computer from any nearby location using a laptop with the receiver. Once the keylogging program obtains Lloyd's password, Monaca could remotely access the desktop computer after hours, remotely switching it on, to begin raiding all of his files related to the Lancelot, and anything else developed by the ASEEC.
New Knightmare Frames, new technology,and weapons, whatever he has stored on this computer will belong to little Monaca, Junko thought with a sly smile.
Once his task was done Monokuma exited the office through the door since he didn't need a card key to open it from the inside, but once he was outside his red eye began glowing as Monokuma cast his gaze upon the Lancelot.
Meanwhile, inside the underground research facility below Hope's Peak Academy, Lelouch led his group towards the room Hajime Hinata, or rather Izuru Kamakura he was being called now was being kept.
Security was nonexistent thanks to the fact that most of the underground complex was dependent on cameras and sensors from the central control room. Another reason for this Lelouch suspected was a means of information control because there was a risk if too many of their security staff knew about their experiments then the risk of exposure was higher. Lelouch deduced that the most trustworthy of their security staff, or rather those who are loyal or more likely they had something over them to ensure their silence was tasked with security over the underground complex.
Hence how Zero and the Black Knights made their way through the complex with no resistance.
A short time later the group arrived at a white door locked using a retina scanner by the door. Lelouch gestured for the entranced Steering Committee to open it the door.
"Be on your guard, but be careful not to appear threatening since I am not sure what to expect beyond this point," Lelouch cautioned.
The committee member opened the door revealing a medium sized room beyond it. Had the lights been on it would've been a completely white room, but it was dark and almost empty except for a single metal framed bed at the center of the room. Sitting upon it was the room's lone occupant.
Why am I feeling so tense, Lelouch thought as he felt a chill in the room he boldly stepped into.
The light from the door behind Lelouch illuminated the bed ahead of him revealing a figure seated upon the bed dressed in a black suit with three white buttons, a black tie and a white dress shirt underneath. The rest of his attire consisted of likely a black belt and matching loafers. The young man who had once been Hajime Hinata possessed long flowing black hair that reached past his knees, his skin had become pale as a result of year-long isolation, and his eyes were red adding an air of intimidation to him.
"Are you the one who was once Hajime Hinata or do you prefer Izuru Kamakura?" Lelouch asked as the young man merely looked back at him with cold indifference.
An uneasy silence filled the room, although the tension in the room caused Mukuro to adopt a defensive stance. Nagito was curious about this Ultimate Hope while Kallen feeling the tension around them felt nervous.
With no response, Lelouch decided to keep speaking to somehow get a response from him.
"What is your purpose? Are you simply a slave to the committee who creates you?" Lelouch asked, but he was met with silence from Izuru.
Lelouch carefully began weighing his options, but given the lack of response coupled with an apparent lack of emotion, Lelouch realized he had few options before him.
I didn't want to resort to this, but, Lelouch thought as he activated the switch on his mask to reveal his Geass.
Before Lelouch could speak, Izuru tossed the pillow at Lelouch. He had barely any chance to register Izuru throwing the cushion because of how quick his hand moved akin to that of an old western quickdraw.
By the time Lelouch knocked the pillow away Izuru was no longer in his line of sight, but...
"Zero-sama," Mukuro cried out in alarm as she attempted to shoot Izuru. Unfortunately, Izuru was moving faster than the eye could track before he not only swiftly disarmed before a single blow sent her flying across the room.
With Null's defeat, Kallen intervened, but like Mukuro she was swiftly disarmed before she could fire and was sent flying into a wall behind her. Nagito pulled a pistol, but unlike Kallen and Mukuro he had both a clear shot and time to shoot.
"Huh," Nagito exclaimed upon realizing the gun he held was jammed, " it's jammed!"
Suddenly in one fluid motion, Izuru stepped to the right side of Nagito.
"If it's good luck I have that too," Izuru said calmly as he took the gun from Nagito before fixing the pistol.
Nagito was watching in stunned awe at who was probably the most talented person Nagito had encountered. At the same Izuru was standing behind Lelouch with the gun pointed at his head.
He disarmed Kallen, Mukuro, and even Nagito so easily, Lelouch thought while grasping at how quickly it had happened before he could adequately react to what was happening.
Then again Lelouch realized there was very little at this point he could do against Izuru.
"What was that," Izuru demanded, but his tone carried a sense of curiosity instead of anger.
"How did you realize what I would do?"
"Logically speaking an infamous terrorist such as you, despite your accomplishments, couldn't have reached me this easily given the resources you likely possess," Izuru explained before casting a quick glance at Reo who was still standing silently outside.
Around this time Kallen and Mukuro began to recover as they struggled to their feet.
"Seeing a member of the Steering Committee in your company who appears to be a trance suggests that you must've done some akin to brainwashing. There is that fact that I am familiar with how he acts when he and the others visit, so him standing there placated and following your instructions confirms my analysis of the situation and your intent to use it on me," Izuru answered.
I see, so he does indeed possess superhuman analysis abilities akin to Junko, Lelouch realized, although he suspected as much.
"You are half correct, but if you are interested in details. I'll tell you in exchange if you answer my questions," Lelouch offered while hoping to create an opportunity in the subsequent discussion to turn it around. "I will make no further attempts to use my power on you. We both can agree any further attempts on my part will not end well for me."
"Very well," Izuru said as Lelouch closed the slide panel on his mask. "Tell me what is that red glow from your eye is."
"My power is called Geass," Lelouch began, "it was granted by an immortal woman through a process I cannot explain. My Geass grants me the power to, just once, compel anyone to obey an order I give no matter what it is."
Kallen was shocked by this revelation, but Nagito understood how Zero was to achieve some of his feats. However they were forewarned about this revelation, but Zero didn't give them any details fearing they wouldn't believe him or get the wrong impression.
"It's best if you see it in action, but remember this, had I wanted to control you we wouldn't be having this discussion."
Those were the words Zero spoke before they slipped into Hope's Peak Academy, but the revelation that possessed the means of making anyone obey an order just once allowed Kallen and Nagito to grasp how security has completely ignored them and how Zero got a member of the Steering Committee to help them. Their curiosity overcame whatever concerns they had at the moment, but now that they were convinced of Zero possessing such power they were now eager to learn the details.
"I see, so you ordered security to ignore all unusual activity and destroy any evidence of your presence," Izuru said easily deducing the orders Zero gave to Hope's Peak Academy Security.
"Correct, catching each member of the night shift security wasn't an easy task I assure you compared to putting a member of the Steering Committee under my control," Lelouch explained. "They will not remember anything while under my Geass even if I had ordered otherwise, which I believe it is due to my Geass interfering with the subject's brain and cannot recall their memories of what happened while under its effects. All I need is direct eye contact with the victim, and even transparent objects like glasses or even sunglasses don't poise to be a problem. I can reflect it off an optical surface."
However, Lelouch decided to withhold information about the range limit to his Geass because that could be the only advantage he would have left. He had expected this meeting to turn sour and Lelouch feared he might've not gotten the chance to use it on Izuru regardless. This was a young man mentally and physically enhanced to carry every known talent studied by Hope's Peak Academy, so Lelouch had prepared to reveal his Geass as a price to pay to potentially gain Izuru as an ally.
It was a huge price to pay, but it had a much more substantial risk associated with it. Unfortunately, it was Lelouch's only option at this point.
I suspected he would likely possess ultimate-level analysis capabilities, but none of the information gathered had a complete list of his talents. Furthermore, I couldn't besure of what his mindset and personality would like, Lelouch thought.
Lelouch suspected the likely talents Izuru was implanted with, but he didn't know what to expect from Izuru himself and what would his personality be like knowing any traces of Hajime Hinata were likely purged. Even if it was an accident or a byproduct of the process of converting him to the Ultimate Hope Lelouch knew it would probably benefit the Committee more if Hajime's personality and memories were wiped from him.
Even easier given their cover-up involving the murder of his parents, Lelouch added internally.
Upon confirming he did possess Ultimate Analysis Lelouch knew his contingency plan of piquing Izuru's interest in the supernatural and unknown power of Geass would provide the means, hopefully, to bring him to his side.
Or at least have Izuru leave the academy to get him away from both the committee and Britannia, Lelouch thought aware that convincing Izuru to join him would be difficult.
Still, Lelouch didn't like the fact he had to reveal details about his Geass let alone tell anyone its limitations.
Remember if Izuru could defeat Mukuro, Kallen, and Nagito this easily then he'll crush your rebellion if Britannia pushes the committee to unleash him against you, the logical aspect of Lelouch's mind reminded.
"This immortal you mentioned granted you this power?"
"Yes, although I don't fully understand how the process works. C.C. made contact with me in Shinjuku Ghetto, and through that exchange, my mind was transported to some kind of place that I simply cannot describe where I received this power," Lelouch explained.
"Why did you call the one who granted you the power immortal?"
"Because through reasons unknown to me before granting the power of Geass she was shot in the head," Lelouch answered before adding. "I am not sure if it's because of her position as a granter of Geass power, but she recovered from being shot in the head when she tracked me down a few days later. She is also immune to my Geass, but beyond that, she hasn't been forthcoming about any further details."
Izuru was quiet as if processing all he has learned.
"If you want to find out more including its origins you would probably try to convince the one who gave me this power to reveal that information," Lelouch pointed out.
"Your real goal is for me to leave this place isn't it?" Izuru deduced, but Lelouch wasn't surprised at this point.
"I admit that is true because from a tactical perspective you represent a dangerous element to my own plans. Joining me and the Black Knights would've been a more preferred outcome, but have you simply leave this place works for me either way so Britannia and the Academy cannot use you against me," Lelouch answered.
"Your goal is to overthrow Britannia rule and liberate Japan?"
"No," Lelouch admitted to Kallen's surprise, "but that is part of my plan. My ultimate goal is to destroy Britannia but to do that I must liberate Japan so I can work to unite the world against it. Once that is accomplished the world shall change. Even if Japan was liberated there is nothing to prevent Britannia from reconquering it or there is the fact the Chinese Federation could conquer it to prevent it from falling into Britannian hands again."
"Change the world," Izuru said as his mind began flittering through hundreds of different possibilities.
Aside from what would potentially happen if Zero failed Izuru predicted dozens of possibilities of what would happen if Zero was successful. Depending on how he dealt with Britannia, but one of many similar options he deduced was that if Lelouch completely destroyed Britannia as he proclaimed then the resulting power vacuum would lead to a worldwide conflict between the remaining superpowers seeking to fill the void.
Zero will likely take precautions against this given his plan to unite the world, but the leaders of the other superpowers might betray him, Izuru thought.
Regardless Izuru contemplated the possibility that someone would likely use the resulting war to one side's advantage. Not only did the other superpowers, the Chinese Federation and Europia United, come to mind so did Ultimate Despair. However, Zero's Geass power introduced an unknown variable to his predictions coupled with the likelihood that Zero wasn't the only one with such power that further complicated his predictions.
Could supernatural phenomenon we dismissed in the past exist as well, Izuru wondered which further complicates his prediction.
Such a thought intrigued him instead of frustrated him.
"Where is this woman you gave you Geass?"
Lelouch smiled beneath his mask, "if you want to meet her and obtain a Geass you'll need desire. My power came from my own desire to bring about change and to command others. You seem to lack desire Izuru Kamakura. Otherwise, you'll receive a Geass with a predictable power, but if you find something to desire strongly, it could lead you to obtain a power that could be more interesting."
Izuru said nothing, although he knew Zero was trying to appeal to his desires for something unpredictable that he couldn't comprehend easily. It was something Zero was able to recognize that no one has.
It was working too.
"The person you were," Lelouch began now taking his biggest risk yet. "Hajime Hinata was close to the Ultimate Gamer Chiaki Nanami. Perhaps she can lead you to find something to desire."
Nagito was intrigued and surprised that the person Izuru was had a bond with his class representative, but more so he was curious how Zero knew that.
"What purpose could the Ultimate Gamer serve?"
"If my suspicions are right then I doubt Hajime would forget her so easily even if you have overwritten him. She indirectly motivated him to take part in the project that birthed you," Lelouch said. "Maybe for you, she could help find desire or do you think you'll find it through any other means?"
Izuru was silent, but said "how boring."
After a moment of silence, Lelouch realized that Izuru was gone upon Kallen pointing that out.
"He's gone Zero."
Lelouch turned around, and Izuru was nowhere to be seen.
"This is not the outcome I wanted," Zero said while sighing internally.
"Yet he has left the academy, so part of your objective was achieved," Nagito added hopefully.
"True enough, but what happens now is up to him."
"Zero, this power of yours," Kallen began before Lelouch used a wave of his hand to interrupt her.
"We'll wait until we away from here to have this discussion since you are more likely to believe the story now," Zero explained before gesturing for Kallen, Mukuro, and Nagito to follow him.
Meanwhile, as Lelouch and his group began to leave school grounds, Monokuma was inside another office using computer access to order equipment. Junko was making use of a Steering Committee member's office and another student's pull he had to make the order all the more convincing and legitimate. The location where the delivery would be made would be questionable, but Junko was certain no one would notice because they'll be more concerned with tracking down their Ultimate Hope.
If Lelouch was successful like I know he will be, their Ultimate Hope will be gone, and they'll be going into Defcon five over disappearance I am sure, Junko thought as she was grinning from ear to ear.
Besides with all of the questionable and shady deals the committee members conduct on what seemed to be a daily business Junko was confident no one would look into it.
Even though I didn't need the equipment that much it will divert attention and ensure some eager parties will blame the wrong people, Junko thought insidiously.
At that same moment, Chisa was also inside the office belonging to a member of the Steering Committee, but contrary to Junko the young woman was deeply concerned by how easy it was to sneak in and hack the committee member's computer. Others might've felt joy at how easy infiltrating one of the most secured locations in Area 11 would've been, but for Chisa, she was deeply concerned because it shouldn't have been this easy.
I should be happy with how easy this has been, but this feels wrong, Chisa thought as she was finishing copying all of the information she had discovered about the Izuru Kamakura Project.
"I can't believe this," Chisa said quietly while thinking out loud, "human experiments, just what they were thinking?"
Chisa couldn't grasp what motivated them to human experimentation, and the picture only got worse because the personality of the test subject was ultimately suppressed to the point they were destroyed as a person. The fact it was likely Hajime, whom Chisa was aware of that Chiaki was close too, only worsened and increased her feelings of horror.
It was also these same things that made her feel alarmed at how easy it was all going.
Just finish up and get out of here, Chisa thought since she couldn't do much at this point beyond completing her assignment.
Chisa could only hope that Kyosuke could do something with this information to put a stop to this madness.
Later that evening, it was almost midnight, when Lelouch returned to his apartment where Junko was waiting for him having finished her own mission for the evening. Things might not have gone as planned for Lelouch, but everything for Junko went well all things considered. The rest was up to Monaca to take care of for the later stages of their plans.
Lelouch sat down on his bed while Junko moved closer to him before placing her hands on his shoulders to begin massaging them.
"So, how did it go?"
"Well, you can probably guess that their Ultimate Hope didn't join me."
Junko didn't seem too surprised, "I suppose that is something that had to be expected."
"However he has left the school so at the very least Britannia can't use him against me."
"Neither can the school if they were looking to curry favor with the Britannian Empire, right?"
"Yes that is also true," Lelouch said in agreement. "I wish I knew what he intended, but I can't say at this point."
"Do you think he'll track you down?"
Lelouch shrugged his shoulders, "If he wants to find C.C. yes, but I don't think he has enough information to use right now."
"I suppose, but how did Kallen and that other guy take the news about possessing a power that compels people to do what you say," Junko asked.
"It went about as I expected, although I can't blame them for being suspicious," Lelouch answered.
It was difficult to convince them of not only his obtainment of his Geass, but he hadn't used it on them except Kallen. Lelouch didn't fault them for being suspicious, because might've reacted similarly if he was faced with such a revelation. How he addressed, it would've been different though, but regardless he convinced Nagito, Kallen, and Ohgi to keep quiet about his possession of Geass after revealing the Britannians have access to users who possess similar powers. It really helped when Lelouch pointed out that he wanted to keep the circle of those who knew small to prevent the Britannians from finding out what they knew chiefly because Tamaki couldn't keep his mouth shut.
Ohgi and Kallen didn't offer an argument.
"At least they didn't turn on you," Junko pointed out.
"I suppose, which I am thankful for."
"Yeah, but if they did Mukuro would've killed them."
Lelouch didn't respond to that, but he knew had they threatened him then Mukuro could've easily killed them both. Kallen was a skilled fighter, but she stood no chance against someone deemed to be the Ultimate Soldier thanks to her agility, strength, skills and combat experience that exceeded Kallen's expertise.
"Nagito, on the other hand, was surprisingly the most accepting," Lelouch added trying to steer the conversation in another direction.
"I heard about that guy from Mukuro and from a few people around school. Even after meeting him I am convinced the guy clearly has some screws loose," Junko commented before adding internally.
And probably the biggest hope fanboy I have met.
"True, but his luck has been more of my concern. Other than what happened with Izuru there have been no problems so far," Lelouch said as his most significant concern with Nagito was his luck that he feared could one day rebound on him.
"Do you have a plan for that?"
"Nothing concrete considering how his luck works."
"So you are basically expecting that rebound to happen when you are at your most vulnerable?" Junko asked, which she assumed was correct when Lelouch didn't answer her immediately.
Junko smirked as a thought came to mind.
"By the way, there is something on a more personal note we need to talk about," Junko whispered seductively into Lelouch's ear. It prompted Lelouch to be on his guard because he had a suspicious feeling where Junko would attempt to steer the conversation.
"And what would that be?" Lelouch asked knowing he would regret asking, but he knew there was no avoiding this conversation.
"It's about Mukuro."
Lelouch was a little surprised as he wasn't expecting that to be the topic of the conversation, "is there something wrong!"
"Kinda and I found out about this from C.C. recently after you took my virginity," Junko explained.
Lelouch began to realize where this conversation was heading as he pieced together what could explain some of the slight mood changes in Mukuro.
"Mukuro is in love with you," Junko said to Lelouch's surprise because he never noticed any indication of such feelings from her. "I know she did a good job hiding them from you, which didn't help her win your heart before I did."
"I assume Mukuro didn't tell C.C. did she?"
Junko nodded, "Yep she was crying when she found out what happened between us that night."
"I see," Lelouch said feeling regret at having been oblivious to her feelings. "I should apologize to Mukuro."
"You could," Junko began before a smile appeared on her face, "or could accept her feelings and invite her to join us."
I knew it, Lelouch as his eyes narrowed having suspected Junko would suggest that.
"I don't see Mukuro as the type who would share," Lelouch pointed out.
"Are you about?"
"She doesn't strike me as that type," Lelouch quickly pointed out. "Besides I don't understand why you are so set on having me sleep with other women?"
"Not just with other women, but those with either the connections or the skills, or both, to further your goals," Junko answered. "Besides if two women like the same guy then what's wrong with a little sharing?"
"Loyalty could be a problem," Lelouch said offering a counter. "You obliviously don't see other couples encouraging that."
Junko shrugged her shoulders, "I suppose that could be a problem, and that is something that happens among Britannian couples with the nobility, but we aren't like them."
"Not enough to convince me," Lelouch shot back coldly, but Junko responded by seductively whispering in his ear.
"Are you sure you won't be convinced?"
"Unlikely," Lelouch replied holding his ground.
He knew whatever temptations Junko threw at him would probably work to some degree, which Lelouch blamed on his body that was of a teenage boy and hormones. Regardless Lelouch had no desire for any kind of harem, and even if he loved them unlike his father and his consorts, Lelouch didn't want one because they would be a potential distraction and he couldn't think of anyone except Junko who would be willing to share sleeping with the same man.
Maybe, Milly, Lelouch thought, which he quickly made a mention note to avoid mentioning Milly to keep him from giving Junko any ideas.
Thankfully Junko dropped the conversation before pulling him back to capture his lips with a kiss.
On the other hand, Lelouch thought he should do something about Mukuro, although he wasn't sure if an apology alone would be sufficient.
Two days later, during the morning hours, Ruruka had an unexpected summons to the Headmasters office, and while meeting with Jin Kirigiri inside his office, her boyfriend was waiting outside. Ruruka wasn't sure what to expect so she put up a neutral front, especially when she saw Jin Kirigiri regard her with a stern expression. No matter what Ruruka couldn't think of any reason she could be in trouble with the academy's headmaster.
"Thank you for coming so promptly Miss Ando," Jin began. "I do apologize for the sudden of the summons, but this is a matter we need to discuss."
"Is there something wrong?"
"Some troubling information has come to my attention, and I wanted to talk to you about it before it becomes a problem that could negatively affect your standing in this school," Jin answered causing Ruruka to become concerned. "Are you aware that the candies that you made have been laced with chemicals provided to you by the Ultimate Pharmacist have seen use as a method of promoting and selling of narcotics? I know your creations tend to have a very addictive quality to them, but your addition of using some of the creations of the Ultimate Pharmacist and your selling to some very questionable people have us concerned."
Ruruka was shocked, but offered a protest, "but I never sold my candies to any."
Jin cut her off by revealing a handful of photos he had kept hidden in a drawer of his desk. He drew them out before laying them on his desk for Ruruka to see.
"The man here you are talking to was arrested last night during a police raid as part of their efforts to crack down on narcotics in Area 11. Your candies now laced with Refrain were found among the evidence they seized," Jin replied with a stern expression.
Ruruka was shocked, although she never really asked what people used her candies for as long as they paid her well for her creations.
"We know this was being done without your knowledge, but I felt we should talk to avoid any potentially compromising situations for you. I don't have a problem with how you develop your talent, but if it's something that could damage the academy's reputation, then the committee will ask me to step in."
"I understand, and I promise to be a little more careful in the future," Ruruka said feeling relieved, but that had been quite a scare for her.
"Good and since you are here there is a related matter I wish to talk to you about," Jin said. "We insist you stop using Miss Kimura's creations in your candies."
"Huh," Ruruka said clearly surprised.
"In light of recent events we believe this is for the best, and it has been brought to my attention that your constant interference has hindered the development of her talent," Jin said with a certain harshness in his voice. "Especially, since we have learned she created a cure for the after effects of long-term usage of Refrain."
Ruruka was stunned, but she knew it would be problematic if she spoke against the Headmaster.
"We are offering you improved facilities for your own talent in exchange for your cooperation," Jin offered.
So you are bribing me, Ruruka thought.
"I guess I accept," Ruruka said with reluctance, but a part of her was angry wondering who had pulled strings to do this.
At that moment Lelouch sneezed.
"Bless you," Makoto offered sitting across from Lelouch with a chessboard between them.
"Thanks, although that was sudden," Lelouch replied before moving his knight to claim another victory. "Anyway, checkmate."
Makoto sighed in registration, "you beat me again."
"You are showing improvement, because you aren't on the defensive as much as you were in the past," Lelouch offered sagely as Makoto approached him about wanting to learn how to play chess.
Lelouch wasn't sure what brought this sudden interest about, but he saw no reason why he shouldn't oblige Makoto and give him some advice. Not to mention it gave him more time to contemplate how he could best handle the situation with Mukuro.
"Thanks, I guess," Makoto replied modestly, but his current losing streak was discouraging a little.
"Don't worry you won't walk out this classroom a master of chess by the end of the day," Lelouch pointed out. "You have shown good adaptability, so with more experience, you'll improve."
Makoto's mood brightened at the comment, but suddenly Lelouch felt his cell phone vibrating in his pocket indicated he received a text message.
Lelouch drew his cell phone halfway out of his pocket to glance at the message, which brought a smile to his face.
Looks like I'll be busy tonight avenging Sayaka's friends, Lelouch thought as he had something to look forward to.
Another matter on his mind was the whereabouts of Izuru Kamakura. Lelouch confirmed through those had under his Geass to provide information when he asked them using a code word that Izuru Kamakura was gone much to the panic of the Steering Committee who was using their resources to track him down to no avail.
Will he seek out Chiaki I wonder, Lelouch thought as he found no indication to suggest otherwise.
Lelouch finished setting the board for another game.
I guess I'll just have to wait and see, Lelouch thought within an internal shrug of his shoulders knowing there was little he could do until he heard something or some new information was presented to him.
Later that evening Chiaki was making another run to the few if only, remaining retro game store left in Area 11. A game store was too kind of a title, but in reality, the store salvaged various retro video game consoles and games from searching ruined buildings, junk piles and other locations they would've been disposed of at until the employees came along to restore them if they could. Many video games produced by Japan were scrapped and dumped at the various landfills when Japan became Area 11.
Regardless this store was an essential place for the Ultimate Gamer.
The only problem was that the store was located in the Yamanashi Ghetto, which was a dangerous place even for those who were Japanese because most of it was controlled by Britannian gangs. The lack of law enforcement and the fact they didn't care about the people who lived in the ghetto were left to the mercy of the gangsters. Being the smallest of the ghettos in the Tokyo Area didn't help matters.
"Here it is," the scruffy man behind the counter said presenting Chiaki with a well preserved and cleaned up game disc.
"You actually found a copy," Chiaki said with a sparkle in her eyes.
"We were lucky we found it in such good condition," The older Japanese man explained, "I guess the last owner was pretty serious about gaming, so it was locked inside a safe we found in a landfill."
"That's pretty serious, or he was probably a serious collector," Chiaki mused as she examined the disc.
"Well, the copy of Castlevania is all yours now."
"The Ultimate Remastered Collection," Chiaki added with stars in her eyes.
"Well be careful getting home, the streets have become a lot more dangerous lately," The shopkeeper warned.
With her bounty safely tucked away in her backpack, Chiaki began making her way home. However, she was very cautious as she kept to the shadows to avoid being spotted by the Britannian gangs that prowled the streets at night. She knew how dangerous walking around the ghetto was, so she wore casual clothing consisting of a white dress shirt, a blue skirt and a matching jacket with a hood while wearing the same backpack.
Chiaki feared that remaining dressed as a Hope's Peak Academy Student would attract more trouble more easily than her being Japanese.
It's kinda weird, but since yesterday I can't shake the feeling I am being watched, Chiaki wondered as she slipped behind some old boxes while trying to stay out of sight.
Every time she had made the journey to the Yamanashi Ghetto, Chiaki had always managed to avoid the local gangs that roamed the streets at night. Unfortunately for tonight, Chiaki would not be lucky because an accidental misstep knocked over a can caused by her nervousness at the feeling of being watched by someone.
That misstep was more than enough to alert a group of young Britannian adults dressed in the stereotypical wear of a biker gang.
"Well now we haven't seen you around before, and you look kinda hot for a piece of Eleven trash," One of the larger of the bikers with a buzzed hairstyle wearing a leather jacket with jeans and boots.
The rest of his gang snickered as they closed in on Chiaki, but before she could run for it, a familiar voice spoke from behind the biker gang members.
"How boring…"
All eyes, including Chiaki, turned before standing under a lit street lamp was Izuru Kamukura as his red eyes glared at the biker gang in front of him with a bored expression.
"Well a number who obviously can't afford a decent barber," the gang leader said drawing a switchblade knife, "be smart and get lost."
Izuru said nothing, but he responded by throwing a rock he had picked up earlier with enough force behind the throw to knock the biker gang leader out with a direct hit to the forehead. The tall muscle-bound brute fell to the ground with a resounding thud prompting his other fellow bikers to draw weapons to attack Izuru.
One used a long metal chain as a make-shift whip, another had a knife, and the last one drew a pistol from his jacket. The show of weapons did little to deter Izuru who swiftly, moving faster than the eye could track, to disarm the one armed with the chain before using his body as a shield. Then in one instant, Izuru used the chain to catch the arm of the gangster holding the gun disarming himself as well before pulling him closer to punch him in the face.
Then Izuru tossed his shield onto an abandoned car shattering its front windshield upon impact.
Realizing they were outmatched the last member, the one wielding the knife, rushed Chiaki to use her as a shield. However Chiaki began backing away at the moment the thug rushed towards her, but Izuru recognizing he would attempt such a tactic threw the gun at the back of the man's head with enough force to knock him out.
Chiaki on the other hand in her retreat slipped on an oily substance before falling back and hitting her head on the ground knocking her out.
The last thing she saw before slipping into unconsciousness was Izuru approaching her.
Monokuma Theater: (Bachelor Edition Killing Game Part 3)
Junko watched the scenario presented by the simulator play out, but within the gym the following day Karen had summoned Aiko to the gym to have a private discussion with the young girl. During their conversation, Karen broke into tears worried about her mother, but Aiko failed to notice the knife Karen had stolen from the kitchen concealed on her person.
"I am sorry Aiko," Karen said drawing the knife ready to slit Aiko's throat as the girl recognized the danger too late began screaming.
"Karen please don't do this!"
"I have to," Karen replied without a hint of regret, but suddenly her eyes began to roll back as her whole body went limp.
With Karen's grip loosened Aiko quickly broke free just in time to see Karen slump to the ground dead and standing behind her was Celeste holding a bloody cleaver from the kitchen.
"Thank you, Celeste, you saved me," Aiko replied happily.
"Saved you," Celeste seemed a bit uncertain, "sure you can believe that. Regardless I knew Karen was obviously lying to you."
It wasn't long before everyone arrived in the gym, but Monokuma had also arrived on the scene applauding Celeste.
"ALRIGHT," Monokuma cheered, "we got our first murder and Celeste gets to walk out of here."
"WHAT," Aiko and everyone else exclaimed in shock.
"But she saved my life from Karen," Aiko said before it dawned on her that Celeste merely saw an opportunity and took it under the pretense of saving Aiko's life by killing Karen.
"Murder is murder," Monokuma answered dismissively, "so out you go."
Junko was a tad disappointed, but a part of her had a feeling something like this would happen. Celeste got to exit the school over the angry mutterings of those left behind from some of the students. Even though it was sure to begin the Killing Game thanks to Karen's failed attempt and Celeste having willingly killed her to escape.
"Mental note to self: do not offer First Blood Perk in the future, especially if someone like Celeste or Byakuya is among the players."
A/N: Well another chapter down and Izuru is now on the loose and has met up with Chiaki once more after a few days following his run-in with Zero.
I have to say I had a lot of trouble with that scene because initially, I was going to have C.C. involved, but then I realized it wouldn't work out as planned. Some of my original ideas for the encounter between Izuru and Lelouch didn't feel right, so I kept trying different angles until I had something that I felt worked better.
Then there was the scene with Ruruka and the headmaster which was a little tricky because I wanted to keep it within Ruruka's character and realistic even though some of my readers were hoping whatever dirt Kyoko got on Ruruka would lead to her getting kicked out. I felt the route I went with would work best and be enough of something that would prompt the school administration to get involved, although given Jin's character and his views on talent. I worked to keep that in there, but at the same time, the committee would probably insist he intervene on a matter especially if the reputation of the school is at stake.
Now on my views of pairings and why I am not likely to do a harem (even I know some were hoping for it I do feel I owe those who were an explanation), because part of the reason is Junko and the fact that anyone else who ends up sharing Lelouch's bed could end up dead or drive to despair. I worry those things could lead Lelouch to be suicidal by the end of the story on top of everything else I have planned. I had actually wanted to try my hand at a deconstruction harem for once, but as I weighed my options and took into account my future plans for events I began to reconsider involving anyone else with Lelouch beyond Junko and Mukuro.
Part of it was that even if I went ahead with some of my ideas and I decided to kill off members of the harem, but since some of those, I am considering to kill off had died in the series/games their deaths would've had much of a meaningful impact on the reader. Lelouch would be affected yes, but it probably wouldn't work out or have the effect I would like. On the other hand, I did intend for Mukuro and maybe one other to potentially serve as an anchor to help hold Lelouch together, but I don't think it would quite work out as planned.
Hence my reasoning the pairing will be Junko and Lelouch with Mukuro set up to fill the spot (if and when Junko and Lelouch fall apart) or if conditions are right, I might consider Junko sharing Lelouch with Mukuro whichever benefits the story best. However I am still on the fence about this approach, and I am very carefully weighing all of my options so I would appreciate it if I could hear your options on this and how you feel about it and what could be an alternate route I could take.
Speaking of which I have a new poll on my profile to get a reader's option of which future Lelouch and Danganronpa character pairing I should do if I do another crossover in the future after this one.
Thanks for reading and I look forward to your reviews.