Here's the next chapter. Anyway, I don't own Code Geass or any of the characters just the OC. This chapter won't have any fighting and will be much more about dialogue and moving the plot forward. But considering the last chapter was filled with fighting I figured this is appropriate. I was planning to make this chapter shorter so I could gloss through it but then I decided that this was also a necessary part of the story so I gave it the attention that it deserved.
29. Problems Without A Solution
In the Britannian capital Pendragon, there was thunderous applause in the great hall as the Emperor—Charles Zi Britannia walked over and stood behind the podium, gripping his gloved hands on the sides of the podium. Charles looked on, being as intimidating as ever.
"The world lies." Charles started. "Thou shall not commit murder. Thou shall not bear false witness. Thou shall not cheat. Thou shall not steal. Thou shall not covet thy neighbour's wife. All of these are lies. Mere illusion. Nothing more. They don't want to be killed. They don't want to be robbed. Using the twin lies of justice and morality. The weak are endeavouring to protect themselves. But the first truth there is that the strong devour the weak. So let us feed upon people, upon wealth, upon riches and power. We of Britannia shall feast upon the raw flesh of the world itself. We must crush this deception and bring forth the truth." He then raised his fist in the air and shouted. "All hail Britannia!"
"All hail Britannia. All hail Britannia. All hail Britannia." The audience chanted in unison.
The chanting continued in the great hall.
Lelouch's Residence, Bedroom
It was now the day after the Black Knights battled against the Britannian forces above the Pacific Ocean. Now it was dawn at Ashford and Lelouch had just woken up. Shortly after he got up from his bed there was a knock on his door and soon Rolo walked.
"You're awake," Rolo said.
Lelouch looked down. "Yeah… It's today isn't it." He said quietly.
Rolo nodded with a frown. "That's right. Today is the day the inauguration speech will be broadcast."
"Yes, and then Nunnally will officially become the Viceroy," Lelouch said unhappily.
"Are you going to be okay?" Rolo asked concerned.
"I'll be fine." Lelouch got out of bed. "Regardless of the situation I still have my mission, I can't afford to flutter. Besides, Nunnally will be protected, I can at least be assured of that.
Lelouch got changed into his uniform and began to think about the situation. "What Nunnally desires and the future Nunnally has chosen, I still have no idea what they are, or why they brought her to Area 11. My sister's safety has been guaranteed. She has the Britannian military forces to protect her, and Suzaku, too. I trust him to do that. Yes, as I'd once hoped he would, and even after I can no longer safeguard Nunnally."
Student Council Room
Later that day, the members of the Student Council were getting ready for the annual school-wide trip. Shirley was doing research while Rivalz was packing equipment. Lelouch though was sitting by himself and staring at the screen of his laptop.
"Look at this. It says this temple was built a thousand years ago." Shirley said fascinated.
"That's great." Rivalz brushed off, clearly not interested. "Have you seen the water pistols? I got one for everyone but I can't find them."
Rolo then walks up to Milly and sees her reaching into a box.
"Hey, what's all the stuff, Prez?" Rolo asked.
"Some nets, candles, wigs, fireworks and a tambourine." Milly listed everything in the box.
"So are those for a class trip?" Rolo asked curiously.
"Just leave it to me. This will be my second time, you know?" Milly said proudly.
"Right," Rolo replied with an unsure smile.
Rolo then turned and saw Lelouch with a downcast expression. Rivalz and Shirley noticed his silence and turned as well to see Lelouch was still staring at his computer screen.
"What's wrong, Lulu?" Shirley asked, getting his attention. "You just seem sort of down."
Lelouch turns to them and puts on a smile.
"No, I'm fine." Lelouch lied.
"Can't sleep 'cause you're thinking about how much fun the trip'll be?" Rivalz guessed.
"You're correct. Yeah, I'm excited about it." Lelouch went along with it.
"Lulu, you are just like a little boy." Shirley berated with a small laugh.
"Still though, it's times like this you wish Logan was here," Rivalz said off-handed.
"Huh? Big Brother?" Rolo asked.
"Yeah, it is a shame. This'll be the only time we get to go on this trip." Milly said, disappointed. "It just won't be the same without him."
"But Prez, don't you always complain about Logan being around because he never follows your orders?" Shirley pointed out.
Milly crossed her arms and looked away.
"That was that and this is this," Milly said as if that decided it.
"True though," Lelouch said looked out the window. "Things are always easier to deal with when he's around."
Suddenly a ringing sound was heard from the school loud-speaker signalling an announcement.
"Attention all students. The inauguration speech of the new viceroy of Area 11 is about to begin. Please assemble in the auditorium." The Announcement speaker informed.
Lelouch became more downcast after hearing that, and even Rolo looked down.
Area 11 Government Bureau
At the Government Bureau Nunnally was sitting on the Viceroy's throne in the main hall, with Suzaku at her side along with her assistant Alicia Lohmeyer. A large number of people gathered in person to hear the speech and many of them were nobles including Lloyd who was also wearing noble attire. There were also camera crews broadcasting the speech around Area 11. Nunnally soon began her speech.
"How do you do, everyone." Nunnally began using a special touch-based book. "I am Nunnally vi Britannia of the royal family, 87th in line to the imperial throne. Due to the unfortunate, untimely loss of Duke Calares recently, I shall be assuming the viceroyship of Area 11 in his place. I am physically challenged in that I am unable to see or walk. Therefore I shall be depending on all of you for help in various things."
Ashford Academy
At Ashford in the auditorium, all the students were lined up and watching the speech on a widescreen.
"But she's so young," Rivalz whispered through the speech. "How could that girl be a viceroy?"
"She's a royal princess," Shirley whispered back.
Lelouch just frowned as the speech continued.
Black Knights Submarine
On the main bridge of the Black Knights Submarine, the Black Knights were also watching the speech on the large screen. The ones watching were Soul, Euphie, Kallen, Ohgi, Tamaki, Minami, Sugiyama and a few others.
"Please, help me to help you." Nunnally continued on screen.
"She wants some help, huh?" Tamaki asked drily.
"This all screw up things," Sugiyama said unhappily.
"Keep watching." Soul instructed them.
Area 11 Government Bureau
"I realize that this is unexpected but I'd like each one of you to cooperate with me on this." Nunnally proclaimed which got Suzaku's attention. "As your new viceroy, I wish began the expansion of the Specially Administrated Zone of Japan."
This announcement made everyone present gasp, as they were all shocked and appalled by what Nunnally had just suggested. None were more shocked than Suzaku however.
"That's absurd!" A man nobleman spoke out.
"I can't believe she would even mention the name!" Another nobleman said displeased.
Black Knights Submarine
The Black Knights were also shocked by what they were hearing. Never expecting this development to take place.
"With the expansion of the Special Zone, more land around Area 11 will be used as territory for the Zone. Those who were unable to live in the Zone before due to a lack in housing or space will now be able to within this new location added to the Zone." Nunnally continued. "Britannians and Numbers would have equal status. Elevens would be allowed to safely call themselves Japanese once again."
"Nunnally." Euphie thought upset by what she was hearing.
"This could be a problem." Soul thought.
"Although the Special Zone was met with dissatisfaction before and was unable to completely stop the conflict, I do not believe that establishing the Zone was a mistake. We need a gentler world. And those of you in the Black Knights, I ask you to please participate in the Special Zone." Nunnally requested. "You helped maintain the Zone until now, I ask that you do so again."
"What?" Kallen asked.
"So what should we do?" Tamaki asked unsurely.
"What can we do?" Ohgi asked unsurely.
"Mistakes have been made, but we can take the first positive steps to settle things the right way. I believe this with all my heart." Nunnally finished, thus ending the speech.
Area 11 Government Bureau
A short while after the speech was over Suzaku was pushing Nunnally's wheelchair out of the main hall and into the hallway while the people who were present were still there whispering amongst themselves.
"You surprised me, Nunnally," Suzaku said while walking. "You are trying to create more territory for Japan's Special Zone."
"Suzaku, what Euphie wanted to do, I mean in the beginning, it wasn't wrong, was it?" Nunnally asked, reaching out and holding his hand.
"No. I can assure you, Euphie wasn't wrong." Suzaku said sincerely. "It's just, things were more complicated than we realized at the time."
Nunnally let go of his hand and Suzaku kept pushing her wheelchair down the hall.
Black Knights Submarine
The Submarine was now docked at Yokosuka Harbour and Soul was currently on the phone with Lelouch.
"How are you feeling after the speech?" Soul asked.
"I'm not sure. But I never thought she'd be planning this." Lelouch said on the other line.
"It's a surprise, but in a way, it's not hard to figure out," Soul noted. "She believes that with the Zone the fighting will stop and given enough time the people will see eye to eye. In other words, what Euphie originally believed when she first made the Zone."
"Yes, and like Euphie, she doesn't understand that this isn't a true solution at all," Lelouch said upset. "She honestly believes that the only problem the Special Zone had was the fact that it couldn't hold enough Elevens due to a lack of space and resources, but there's so much more than that."
"Euphie knows that too, that's why she's upset as well. Anyway, we're all planning to discuss how we should respond to this." Soul informed him. "I'll keep you updated on any developments."
"Thanks, I'll try and figure something out myself as well. Talk to you later." Lelouch said before he hung up.
With that Soul then walks into the Submarine's monitoring room where Kallen, Tamaki, Ohgi, Minami and C.C were already inside and having their own conversation.
"Man it's crazy, that kid Viceroy wants to repeat what the Euphemia did way back when."
"Not many Japanese people will want to take part in it," Ohgi noted.
"After having things go smoothly at the start and then watching it all go ta hell? Not a chance!" Tamaki agreed.
"So, what are we gonna do then?" Minami asked.
"Have a showdown with the Britannians!" Tamaki suggested excitedly.
"Even if we've got our Knightmares now we don't have a solution to deal with the Zone." Ohgi pointed out. "We can't just rush into a fight, that'll make things harder."
"We'll just ask Zero what to do of course—" Tamaki started, but was interrupted by the sound of the door opening again.
"That's right!" Kaguya said, entering the conversation.
"Lady Kaguya." Kallen greeted.
"I'm in agreement with Tamaki. However, why isn't Master Zero here?" Kaguya asked upset looking around. "Considering his new wife awaits him eagerly, In fact, he failed to write even once while I was waiting for him in the Chinese Federation."
"Maybe he dumped you for someone else," Tamaki suggested, offhandedly.
This promoted Kallen to blush because Tamaki was referring to her, Ohgi to start an argument with Tamaki, and Soul to sigh at the way they were acting at a time like this.
"Don't be ridiculous." Kallen hastily denied. "It's not true. seriously, it's not!"
"That doesn't matter at all to me," Kaguya said surprising them, also stopping Ohgi and Tamaki. "The greatest men succumb to feminine charm. Grown-up men have basic physical needs."
"Lady Kaguya, what are you saying?" Kallen asked unsurely.
"Thank goodness," C.C added nonchalantly. "You are a lot more generous than you seem."
"I so appreciate you keeping him company while I was away. Thank you." Kaguya said holding out her hand to C.C.
"No need to thank me," C.C said accepting her handshake.
"Here, you as well, Kallen," Kaguya said.
She turned and reached out her other hands towards Kallen's, though she didn't want to her hand was paced atop C.C's and Kaguya's.
"We three who support Master Zero…" Kaguya said happily. "Oh, that makes us three ladies of his court, doesn't it?"
"His court?" Kallen and C.C asked in unison, not getting it.
"Oh wait," Kaguya said as if she realized something. "C.C, would you prefer to be in Master Soul's court instead?"
"Huh?" C.C tilted her head, still not getting it.
"If you're done, we have more important matters to discuss," Soul said, hoping to end this conversation. "It's Euphemia, she's been in a slump ever since the inauguration speech."
Kallen looked down when she heard that. "Well, I guess that isn't unexpected."
"Yeah, it's a bummer," Tamaki said. "The Special Zone started out as her idea and now her little sister is trying to do the same thing, while she's on our side. Must be rough."
"And what's more we can't support the Zone this time, we've already declared our independence and started to work towards creating our own nation," Soul added. "Fighting isn't the ideal choice but cooperating was never an option."
"There's something else that came up," Orpheus said, suddenly entering the room.
"Lyra?" Ohgi asked.
"What are talking about? Did something happen?" Minami asked.
Orpheus nodded. "We've just a communication from the Government Bureau's channel, it was the Viceroy requesting a negotiation."
"A negotiation request?" Ohgi asked surprised. "Does she want to discuss the Zone with Zero and Soul, or just Zero?"
"Not exactly," Orpheus said, shaking his head. "She's want to negotiate with Euphemia."
That got everyone's attention. They knew that it made sense all things considered, but what could they possibly accomplish by talking at this point.
"Lyra, give this information to Euphemia," Soul said heading for the door. "Regardless of what happens, this is something she'll decide for herself."
"Where are you going then?" Ohgi asked.
"I'm going to where Zero is," Soul said before walking out the door.
Tokyo Settlement Hospital
In a hospital ward within the Tokyo Settlement, Lloyd walked into a patient's room to greet the others.
"Salutations and greetings…" Lloyd said happily before looking around confused. "Where's Suzaku?"
Inside the room were two hospital beds, one was for Guilford who was recovering from injuries he received from the last battle, while Cecile was sitting on a chair beside his bed, along with a small table with a tray of sandwiches and a glass of water. The second bed was for Suzaku and it was currently empty.
"He refused to stay here. He went after the Black Knights." Cecile informed him worried. "We were right in the middle of his complete physical, too."
"Well, that's typical of our boy. I'm not surprised." Lloyd picked up one of the sandwiches to take for himself, this made Guilford look nervous. "We have to perfect Conquista, right?"
Lloyd took a bite of the sandwich and begins to grimace.
Cecile smiles. "So, how is it? I mixed peanut butter with turmeric, sugar and wasabi paste and spread it on rye bread!" She listed which made Guilford grimace as well.
"That's typical of you…" Lloyd said as he bolted out of the room.
Ashford Academy
The next morning at Ashford, all the students were getting ready for the school trip. There were buses parked outside the school, all the students were with there with their luggage and they were all ready to depart. However, Lelouch had still yet to show up and Milly and Rivalz looking around the campus for him.
"Where's Lelouch?" Milly asked.
"Dunno. What is up with that guy?" Rivalz asked his hands on his hips.
Shinjuku Ghetto
Later that day, it was now evening and the sun had begun to set. In Shinjuku, the ghetto was now being reconstructed and was currently a redevelopment sector the construction site Lelouch was sitting by himself on a metal beam. He was wearing his casual clothes and had a downcast expression on his face while he was lost in thought.
"I figured you'd be here." A voice said that got Lelouch's attention.
It was Logan, dressed in casual attire, who was walking up to Lelouch and stopped in front of him.
"At times like these, you always go somewhere quiet so you can be alone with your thoughts," Logan said.
"You're here in the ghetto?" Lelouch asked confused. "What about the Black Knights?"
"I was with them until a little while ago, don't worry," Logan assured him. "Besides, the only reason I'm here is to talk to you. Considering the situation we're in."
Lelouch looked down again. "Yes… I know."
"Not only can we not join the Zone because it still has the same problems as before, but we also already declared the establishment of the United States of Japan, joining the Zone now would mean having to take back everything we've said and done. That would only push people away from the Black Knights," Logan explained. "At the same time if we start a fight now that'll turn this Area into a battlefield before we're ready, even civilians will be caught up in it."
"Sorry but, right now I'm not thinking about all that," Lelouch said honestly, still keeping his head down.
"I know that," Logan said, knowingly. "As always, you've always got the same thing on your mind; Nunnally."
"I don't know what I can do at this point," Lelouch said. "For me, as long as I remain, as long as Zero remains it'll only be in the way of what Nunnally desires."
"You mean a more gentle world?" Logan asked. "You realize that desire isn't possible with her way of thinking."
"Even so, I can't possibly fight against her," Lelouch said.
"Well, you aren't the only one who feels that way," Logan informed him. "Just yesterday Euphie was requested by Nunnally to negotiate."
"I see, I'm guessing she wants to talk to Euphie hoping they can reach an agreement in having the Black Knights cooperate." Lelouch deduced.
"That seems like the case, but Euphie still hasn't responded. She doesn't show it but, fighting against Nunnally is a hard thing for her too." Logan said.
"I can see why," Lelouch said, holding his hands together. "I'm honestly torn right now, I have no idea what I can do."
Logan looked at him silently for a moment. "Are you sure about that?"
"Yes, I am," Lelouch answered. "No matter how many times I think about it, I can't find a solution to all this."
"Is that what you think?" Logan asked doubtfully. "Are you honestly telling me that you've thought of every possible option?"
"I have," Lelouch answered.
"Sorry but, I don't believe that," Logan said, making Lelouch look up at him. "I think it's more like, you can't think of a solution you'd be happy with."
"What?" Lelouch asked.
Logan sat beside him and smiled.
"Do you remember back when we were kids and, you, me, Nunnally and Suzaku talked about what happiness would look like if we could give it a physical form?" Logan asked reminiscent.
Lelouch nodded. "I do, if I'm not mistaken I think it was Suzaku who said that the shape of happiness might resemble glass. His reasoning made sense. He said that even though you don't usually notice it, it's still definitely there. You merely have to change your point of view slightly, and that glass will sparkle when it reflects the light." He then smiled thinking back on it. "I doubt that anything else could argue its own existence more eloquently."
"I feel the same way, and I think you should think of it like this. The situation you're in is the same, you can't find happiness yet but if you change your point of view a bit you'll see it was right in front of you the whole time." Logan explained. "Right now you think you can't find a solution, but if you just stop and think about this a different way, you could end up figuring out what you should do, or rather what you want to do."
Lelouch looked as though those words made him think, but he still had trouble understanding.
"But even if I think of something I won't be able to see any happiness, not without Nunnally," Lelouch argued.
"Maybe because you still haven't tried to find it," Logan argued. "I do believe that fighting for another's sake isn't a bad thing, but that doesn't mean it should be the only reason you fight. Or do you honestly believe that being with Nunnally was the only time in your life where you were happy?"
Lelouch looked as though those words had an effect on him, they made him think on it. And so Logan continued.
"You know, lately people have been telling me I've become better at leading but the way I see, I'm still no genius compared to you," Logan said, with honesty. "That's why I'm confident that if anyone can figure out what we should do next, it's you. I've always thought that."
Logan stood back up and footsteps were heard. They both looked to see Rolo approach, who walked up to them.
"Lelouch, you were here this whole time?" Rolo asked, before turning to Logan. "I guess you were right, Big Brother."
"It was just a hunch." Logan shrugged.
"Rolo," Lelouch noted before remembering. "Oh that's right, I left so suddenly without telling anyone."
"Well, should we head back to Ashford?" Rolo asked.
Lelouch stood up and Logan stepped forward. "I think I'll go as well."
"What, why?" Lelouch asked confused.
"Two reasons, one it's been a while since I've seen the place," Logan answered.
"What's the second?" Lelouch asked.
"I'll tell you later," Logan said.
And with that, the three of them walked off to the school.
Area 11 Government Bureau
In the main office of the Government Bureau Nunnally was sitting in front of a large computer screen with Lohmeyer by her side, on the screen was Charles who had called her a moment ago to talk.
"Tell me, Nunnally. Why would you request this? Why did you want to be Viceroy of Area 11 after learning Zero had returned." Charles asked.
"Because, my entire life, I've lived under the protection of my big brother, Lelouch. I may not know where he is at this moment, but I'm sure that he is out there watching me at every turn. Therefore I don't want to make an embarrassing decision as viceroy while he is looking over my shoulder." Nunnally explained honestly.
A.S.E.E.C. Knightmare Hanger
After a while, Suzaku had returned to the ASEEC's Knightmare Hanger and stood by the railing in front of the Lancelot. Looking downcast he took out his, Knight badge—that represented being Euphie's Knight in the past and held it close to him.
"Euphie, I wanted to do what I could to help you, however I could, but now." Suzaku thought upset. "What can I do now? I honestly want to support Nunnally and protect her, but this'll only make things more difficult for Euphie."
Suzaku lowered his arm and put the badge away.
He then let out I sigh. "I wish I knew what to do."
After that Cecile walked in and came up to him.
"Suzaku." Cecile addressed.
"Miss Cecile." Suzaku turned to greet her. "Has there been a response from the Black Knights?"
Cecile shook her head. "I'm afraid not."
Suzaku looked back at the Lancelot. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I can't even begin to guess what direction things will take."
Ashford Academy
Later that day it was now nightfall and the sky had darkened. It was then that Lelouch, Logan and Rolo had returned to Ashford. The whole campus was now completely deserted as all the students and staff had already departed for the school trip. Thus leaving the place empty.
"That's right. Everybody's gone on a school trip." Lelouch noted.
"That makes it easier," Logan said. "If no one's here, I don't have to worry about being seen.
"Should we go after them?" Rolo asked.
"No." Lelouch shook his head. "An empty birdcage suites me just fine for now."
After Lelouch said that, suddenly they hear the sound of fireworks in the sky and look up to see a series of fireworks been set off on the roof of the main school building.
"Who's firing?" Lelouch asked confused.
"Why not go check," Logan suggested.
Lelouch decided to go and ran to the school building. After reaching the stairs, running up to the roof and opening the door, he is surprised to see Rivalz, Milly and Shirley on the roof launching fireworks.
"Hi, welcome back, Lulu." Shirley welcomed him with a smile.
"Light some off, too, Lelouch. We have plenty of leftover from the festival." Milly advised him.
"Why are you…what about the school trip?" Lelouch asked, still confused.
"We couldn't leave you here crying while we three went to have fun," Rivalz said jokingly while setting off more fireworks.
"'Cause the important thing about vacations isn't where you spend them, it's all about who you spend them with!" Milly said sincerely.
Shirley nodded. "Exactly."
Lelouch then notices that Shirley is holding a blue paper crane "Why …is that a…"
"Oh, you mean this? These are supposed to make your wishes come true. So I made one!" Shirley said happily. "For the life of me, I can't remember who taught me how to make them, though."
Lelouch knew the person she couldn't remember was Nunnally but decided to dwell on that right now, so instead, he asked. "And what did you wish for?"
"It's already coming true…" Shirley said quietly before she spoke up. "Oh, a part of it. I wanted to set off fireworks with everyone."
"Everyone?" Lelouch questioned.
"For Nina, Kallen…" Shirley listed.
"Logan And Suzaku." Rivalz added.
"It goes without saying you and Rolo." Milly finished.
What they didn't realize is that Logan and Rolo were on the other side of the roof door, hidden from sight and could hear the whole conversation.
"And because I only folded one crane, you are the only one who showed up," Shirley said holding up the crane.
Lelouch's expression changed. He knows had a smile that looked as though he was at peace with himself. When he looked at the others in front of him, he pictured Kallen, Suzaku, Logan, Rolo, Nina, Arthur and of course Nunnally being there like they were a year ago. And then thought back to what Logan said before they arrived here. Along with Nunnally first told him in the beginning.
Flashback: Earlier Today
"I feel the same way, and I think you should think of it like this. The situation you're in is the same, you can't find happiness yet but if you change your point of view a bit you'll see it was right in front of you the whole time." Logan explained. "Right now you think you can't find a solution, but if you just stop and think about this a different way, you could end up figuring out what you should do, or rather what you want to do."
"But even if I think of something I won't be able to see any happiness, not without Nunnally," Lelouch argued.
"Maybe because you still haven't tried to find it," Logan argued. "I do believe that fighting for another's sake isn't a bad thing, but that doesn't mean it should be the only reason you fight. Or do you honestly believe that being with Nunnally were the only times in your life where you were happy?"
Flashback: One Year Ago
"Hey, they say, if you fold a thousand of these cranes, your wish'll come true. So if there's anything at all that you've been wishing for?" She asked Lelouch.
"No, not really. What about you? Do you wish for anything?" Lelouch asks her.
Nunnally thinks for a moment and then answers. "I wish the world was a gentler place," Nunnally said.
Flashback End
"That's right. A gentle world is this close. Even if we were clouded by phoney memories, a transparent glass…always…always…always…" Lelouch thought to himself.
Now with a clear mind and a new understanding, Lelouch turns around and starts to walk away, surprising the others.
"Lulu?" Shirley asked.
Lelouch stops and turns back to face them. "Everyone, right now there's something I have to do, but I'll launch fireworks with you again someday. We will… We'll do it together right here. I promise."
He said that with a smile and that made all of them smile as well, they were glad to know Lelouch was now at ease. Lelouch then walked down the stairs and went back outside with Logan and Rolo.
"This was the second reason, wasn't it?" Lelouch questioned Logan. "You wanted me to see this."
Logan nodded. "Rolo told me what they were planning to do, so I decided to bring you here to see it."
"And so you brought me here because you know that seeing this would help gain a new understanding of what I should do, and to help uncloud my mind," Lelouch said.
"I can't see the future, Lelouch," Logan said, jokingly. "I just thought that this would help put you at ease."
Lelouch smiled. "Well it worked, now I understand what you meant. My battle…it isn't about Nunnally anymore. Or maybe it never was, it was truly about all the people that are precious to me, that's the happiness that Nunnally spoke of when she wished for a more gentle world." He looked up at the sky. "I can't believe it took me so long to see that."
"So have you decided on what you're going to do now?" Rolo asked.
"Yes, I have," Lelouch said, sure. "Call Euphie, it's time we of the Black Knights give our answer."
And with that, the three of them departed to return to the Submarine base of the Black Knights.
Black Knights Submarine
A short while ago Lelouch had called Euphie and told her his new plan on what they can do about the Special Zone and how they can find a solution without fighting. Euphie then explained Zero's solution to the rest of the core members of the Black Knights and finally as Lelouch instructed Euphie responded to Nunnally request to negotiate. Right now Euphie was alone in a private room aboard the Submarine and in front of her was a computer screen, before long Nunnally appeared onscreen.
"Hello, Nunnally." Euphie addressed, but she didn't smile.
"Euphie." Nunnally addressed with a smile. "I'll glad you finally agreed to answer my call."
"I'm sorry that I kept you waiting," Euphie said. "Still I never imagined our first talk after more than a year would be under these circumstances."
"Euphie," Nunnally spoke upset.
"You said you wanted to negotiate as the Viceroy of Area 11." Euphie addressed her, trying to stay on subject. "Then I as a representative of the Black Knights will handle all negotiations."
"First let me ask a question," Nunnally said. "Tell me why? Why did you join with the Black Knights? Before you were just working with them to run the Special Zone, but now you've become a member of their inner circle and declared yourself an enemy of Britannia." Nunnally spoke, both confused and desperately wanting answers. "Please tell me, why would you do all this?"
Euphie had a downcast expression, she knew others would be upset and saddened by the choices she made but she expected that from the start, yet it hurt her to she Nunnally saddened by her actions. Still, she knew she had a duty to fulfil and she couldn't let herself waver, thus she resolved herself.
"You ask why? It's because of the things I came to understand during my time here. When I became the Sub-Viceroy I was introduced to the true nature of the system Britannia operates and despite being a Princess I didn't want to just blindly go along with it when I felt it was wrong." Euphie explained. "But I was just a figurehead that didn't have the power or authority my sister had so I didn't know how, until I created the Japan Special Zone."
"You did a good thing by creating the Special Zone." Nunnally insisted. "Britannian's and Japanese could live as equals."
"I was naive Nunnally," Euphie argued. "I didn't understand at the time that while my intentions sounded good on the surface, the fact was it could never have worked the way I wanted it to. And more than that, I was willing to give up everything in order to bring peace between both sides and yet, over the course of this past year all I've done was drive a bigger wedge between them."
"But that doesn't mean you had to switch sides." Nunnally pointed out. "Even if you weren't a Princess anymore you're still of the royal family, Brother Schneizel and Sister Cornelia would've welcomed you back."
"But what then Nunnally? Are you saying I should have just returned home with my tail between my legs, forced to continue watching as the people of this nation had to endure more struggles while I do nothing, all the while surrounded by siblings who don't see a problem with this or rather support it?" Euphie asked seriously. "I could never forgive myself if I turned my back on Japan."
"Even if it means turning your back on your homeland?" Nunnally responded.
Euphie was silent for a moment before answering. "All I'm doing is taking the option that I believe is right rather than having myself regret not taking it in the future, and these choices I've made are what I feel is right," Euphie said honestly. "Even if you or no one else agrees, I truly believe that I'm where I belong and doing what I want to do."
"But that doesn't mean we have to fight each other, no matter how you do it, fighting will only bring greater conflict," Nunnally said, sure that what she was saying was true. "A gentler world can be made if we work together instead of against each other, and we can if you don't give up on the Special Zone. If we try again we can fix the problems of the past and—"
"I think you misunderstand." Euphie interrupted. "I never said I planned on fighting you, in fact, I agreed to your negotiations to tell you that we of the Black Knights are planning to expect your proposal."
"You are? Do you mean that?" Nunnally asked hopefully.
Euphie nodded. "Yes, in fact, Zero and Soul, as well as all the core members of the Black Knights, have unanimously reached an agreement, we shall participate willingly in the Special Zone." She declared.
To Be Continued
And that's the chapter. The chapter was pretty cut and dry compared to the last one but I need things to be this way to keep the story on point. Moving on, yes Nunnally's plan was different, this time since the Zone didn't get destroyed from the beginning but instead slowly flew apart Nunnally thought up a different solution. It's still a naive one but that's just how she is.
When it came to cheering up Lelouch, I wanted Logan to be the one to help get him out of his funk because since their best friends and both each other's closest confidant I wanted to do another demonstration and so I used this as an opportunity to do so. And at the end with Nunnally and Euphie, I wanted them to have a moment together and to have a chance to talk by themselves. Nunnally wanted to hear Euphie's reasons for the choices she made and Euphie told her while showing she's not the Euphie she used to be. Anyways thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed, if you want more click the follow/favourite, and as always have an awesome day.