Game777 – Stick around and find out, mate. Your patience is impressive, I gotta say!
Otaku – Indeed, innit?
Time Baron O Beefdip – You have no idea how much those words made me smile, man. Guess the only way you can find out if things make sense is, welllllll… keep readin'.
Fortune favors the patient sometimes. Thanks so much for reading, guys.
[*****]
BLACK KNIGHTS MEDICAL PLAZA
The mighty, seemingly untouchable Black Knights were freaking out. Everyone was in a panic, especially the higher-ups. Tamaki, the progenitor of many a long-winded complaint, enough to fill a book, was remarkably silent, and he walked around with this stunned look on his face all day. Naomi and Sugiyama tried to act blasé about it, but their twitching eyes and twiddling thumbs gave it away. Yoshida kept checking his handheld for updates so often it was like a nervous tic. Minami had barely left moved from his spot all day. But Kallen was probably the most concerned of them all.
She hadn't left Lelouch's side for more than a few moments at a time. The dull, rhythmic beeps of Lelouch's cardiac monitor had drilled their way into her brain.
Zero was unconscious, had been for quite a few days. And the Black Knights were terrified. To them, no Zero meant no hope, especially in the wake of Ohgi's decision to leave. The physicians said they were doing their damnedest to keep Zero hydrated and healthy. They were almost always in the room with Kallen, checking over Zero's vital signs and stats, intent on keeping the self-proclaimed savior of Japan alive and well. They had to remove his mask in order to help him breathe; mercifully (and wisely), they didn't comment on his distinct Britannian features.
He looks thin. Thinner, anyway.
"…Does anybody else know?" Kallen muttered, pursing her lips.
"Dunno," Naomi admitted, stuffing her hands in her pockets, as powerless as everyone else. "I've talked about it with Diethard, and he promised to keep things under wraps. If word does get out that Zero's down and out, he'll whip up a story that implies otherwise."
"…Good." Kallen then groaned. "What am I saying, this isn't good. If it was good, he'd be up and giving orders or whatever he does. Managing things."
"The workload's not so bad."
"I know. It's not the workload I'm concerned about."
"Yeah, you 'n me both, Kal," Naomi confessed, running a hand through her hair.
"If anybody in the JLF knows, Ohgi's been pretty quiet about it," Sugiyama put in, leaning against the drab beige walls, arms folded and eyes sagging. "Then again, he's been pretty tight-lipped with his information regarding the JLF. They probably don't tell him much."
Beep. Beep. Beep.
"…In the event that Zero doesn't wake up," Kallen apprehensively began. "And I have hope that he will, but still… what all needs to be done?"
"Eh, just destroy Britannia," Sugiyama said, flashing a thumbs-up. "No biggie."
Kallen smiled and rolled her eyes. "What else?"
"Need to meet with Kyoto or else Rakshata's gonna have an aneurysm," Naomi pointed out, running over a list. "Typical supply runs… figure out where the Purists' latest hideout is… and generally keep things in check."
Beep. Beep.
"Which is, in itself, proving to be a herculean task," Sugiyama noted.
Kallen thought of Naoto and immediately regretted it.
Lelouch, you made a promise you'd save everyone. Don't break your promise. Please come back. Without your morale, I'm not sure what we'll do.
She looked over at Zero's mask, placed atop a stray observation table. It was dusty, but otherwise in good shape. She wanted to hold out, just to see what it felt like, but she was worried it would crumble into dust or something.
I'm willing to take the torch if you need me to… but I won't be thrilled with it.
[*****]
SHINJUKU
Lelouch, after double-checking he wasn't followed, found the stand he was looking for. It was a weapons shop – Lelouch remembered the one. It belonged to the man that smuggled some of his finest weapons for the opposition. Ohgi gave him some kind of codename, but it had been so long that Lelouch didn't care to remember. Being immortal and all made him forget all sorts of little things, like what he ate for breakfast last timeline, or which one of his classmates he murdered, or what he was fighting for in life.
To be free, of course.
Lelouch approached the weapons stand. The kindly-looking weapons dealer gave him a surprised, almost apologetic, glance.
"I'm sorry, we're closed for the day," the man recited, clipping his words.
"I'm not Britannian police, calm down," Lelouch reassured him. "In fact, I'm with Ohgi."
The man immediately relaxed, and a peaceful look washed over his face. "Ah, yes. You're probably here for the shipment of Knightmare e—"
"You will give me your cellphone or whatever device you use to contact your mystery customer, and then tell me how to contact them."
The Geass took its effects and the dealer's shoulders' slumped. He handed Lelouch a cheap, disposable phone, the kind a person used if you wanted to really operate under the radar. "The number is already there in the contacts. You may identify yourself using my codename—"
"Yeah, whatever. Thanks for the free phone." Lelouch whipped out a sword and sliced the motherfucker's head off.
Always wanted to do that. Not as cool as I thought it would look.
That done, Lelouch closed up shop for the man out of the kindness of his heart, but not before pawning a pistol along with some ammunition. Lelouch slid the pistol under his vest, up towards the hollow of his back, making sure the safety was on. He wiped the blood off his samurai sword and walked out, scrolling through the dealer's contact information until he found the familiar Contact Name.
The phone dialed. Lelouch walked away from Shinjuku, contemplating his options for dinner. Sushi sounded really good at the moment, and he entertained the possibility of getting some soup as well.
Click.
"Doragon? You know this number's for emergencies or schedule changes only. If it's the former, then—"
"Hey."
A pause. The tension was tangible. "…No fucking way. Lulu?"
"Mao. It's been a while."
"Too long, buddy! I missed emotionally destroying you, and manipulating everyone you loved."
"Don't worry, I've been picking up the slack on the latter. I've basically got everyone at Ashford under my fingers."
"Well, godspeed to you, then! But you didn't call me… no, you didn't steal my associate's cellphone just to catch up about your evil mastermind thing, did you?"
"Nope."
"You could have just called, you know."
"Didn't want you tracing my number."
"Lelouch, I read minds. I probably already know it."
"Then tell me."
"…Eh, it's been a while. But when we meet next, I'll remember it for sure."
Lelouch rolled his eyes, glanced up at the darkening sky. "How'd you know I wanted to meet up?"
"You're predictable. Plus, I just narrowed down my options. You can't kill me, you didn't call me to brag, and you're actually talking to me again, which means you want something."
"As perceptive as ever."
"How're your plans to escape the loop?"
"We'll talk about that soon."
"When do you wanna meet?"
"Now."
"Done and done. I can make time."
"I'm going to order takeout. You want anything?"
[*****]
KURUME
Finding Mao's hideout was surprisingly pretty easy. It was a closed-down storefront on some no-name strip mall on the outskirts of downtown Kurume. There was a Japanese "For Lease" sign adorning the front, and there were posters and graffiti smeared everywhere, covering the windows. The door was locked, but there was an intercom. With nothing to lose, Lelouch pressed it and waited for a response.
"…You the revolutionary Mao asked for?" a tomboyish voice responded.
"Yeah, it's LL. You probably recognize my portfolio. Takeout's coming over in about ten."
The door unlocked, and he was greeted by a girl clad in black and dangling a big keyring around her index finger. She gave him a sharp gaze, looked him over, then nodded.
"You're not dumb enough to walk around here without a smoker. Mind if I take it?"
"Yeah, sure," Lelouch pulled out his pistol and tossed it towards her. She caught it and unceremoniously tossed it into a tub on the right.
"Welcome to our palace. You may come in."
Lelouch did just so. The room he was in looked like a perfectly normal office, but to Lelouch's surprise. They'd set up a bunch of desks and file cabinets, complete with functional computers, landline phones, shortwave radios, and monitors. If Lelouch didn't know any better, he would have thought he was in a driver's license office or something. It was incredibly professional-looking, especially considering the kind of work Mao did.
"Noticed your school 'form," the girl said as they walked into an adjacent hallway. "Hell's a schoolboy doing with terrorists? Anarchist power fantasies or some bull?"
"You've got it down pat. I actually shot your boss once, did you know that?"
"Damn, and you lived to tell the tale? Go figure."
The girl led him into Mao's garish office, and Lelouch was surprised at how much Mao hadn't changed. He looked exactly the same. White clothes, white hair, huge visor, thin as a rake, looking like he'd been plucked right out of a prison facility… or an insane asylum. Mao had a few rings bedecking his fingers, and his hair was a little neater than beforehand, but other than that, he was the same firebrand Lelouch loved to hate and hated to love.
Mao rose, folding his arms and smirking. "Hey, Lulu. Your hair's getting shaggy."
"A little too busy for haircuts. Mind if I take a seat?"
"By all means! Hell, take the couch. Jun! Get up and go make yourself useful," Mao ushered, shooing the current couch inhabitant away.
Lelouch sat where Jun did, practically sinking into the couch like it was a plushy cloud. The girl from before leaned against the wall near the door, keeping a close eye on Lelouch.
"What's the status on takeout?" Mao questioned, setting aside some paperwork.
"When I was talking to your receptionist girl, ten. So probably eight or seven minutes now."
"Wonderful. And, uh, you weren't followed, right? You're too smart for that, but I just have to check for the record, y'know."
"Yeah, you're fine."
"Ever considering working for me?" Mao baited, steepling his hands.
"Yeah, no. Refrain dealing's not my forte. But thanks for the offer." Lelouch's cellphone buzzed, and he checked it once more.
[21 UNREAD MESSAGES]
KALLEN (1) – Zero, meeting's in five mins I believe. I just had to…
MILLY (4) – [Latest] Can you please tell Rivalz to get o…
SUZAKU (6) – [Latest] Plz talk to me I'm so fucking desper…
JEREMIAH (1) – Hey man, wanna hang out? Me and Villet…
RIVALZ (9) – LELOUCH I CAN'T FEEL MY LEGS PLZ HEL…
"It should be! Do you have any idea how much money this rakes in? The Elevens eat this shit up like it's candy!" Mao insisted, gesturing for emphasis.
"Hmm, I've considered it, but it would go against Zero's whole shtick," Lelouch noted, pulling up Kallen's message.
[8:13] – Zero, meeting's in five mins I believe. I just had to check, you're usually here earlier, sir. Is everything alright? Sorry if I'm being invasive. If you can't make it, do you have any orders for us?
"Like you care about that anymore."
"True. I'd forgotten how freeing it was to just do whatever you wanted." Lelouch sent a message back to Kallen.
[8:13] – […] do you have any orders for us?
[8:20] – [LELOUCH]: iunno surrender or something
There was a buzz on Mao's walkie-talkie; he nodded to the "receptionist" girl, and she walked out of the room, Lelouch's pistol hanging on a sling around her waist.
"How's C.C.?" Mao asked, softly.
"Managing, I guess," Lelouch shrugged. "You know what she's like. She doesn't say anything, avoids the topic. And when she does say something, it's always so damn cryptic and hard to figure out."
"But she's alright?"
"She's managing. That's all I know."
"Thanks for that Geass, by the way. It really helped quiet the voices in my head. They're just like quiet white noise now."
"Don't put that on a resume. But you're welcome. I was going to kill you, though. It was her idea."
Mao smiled, and he looked young again. It almost made Lelouch sick, but he let it pass. The door re-opened, and a terrified-looking delivery girl came in, clutching two plastic bags.
"U-um… delivery for Lulu?"
Mao started clapping. "Finally! Tomoya," Mao gestured to the bodyguard (?) girl. "Bring those here."
"You got the sushi, two rice bowls, the Mongolian beef, and two soups, correct?" Lelouch said, without missing a beat. The Tomoya girl brought the food over, her hand resting on her hip where Lelouch's pistol hung.
"Y-yes, um… that'll be…"
"I don't give a fuck, keep the tip," Mao dismissively said, tossing a wad of dollars at the girl. She caught them and almost tripped over herself. There had to be at least forty thousand yen in that roll of bills, maybe more. Lelouch was suitably impressed.
"T-thank you!"
"Nah, just kidding. Tomoya, do a coin flip!"
She did just so. The coin landed on tails.
Lelouch smiled. "I like this one." He turned to the delivery girl and turned on his Geass. "Go slam your head against the fridge until you die."
The wilting power of Geass took effect, and the girl nodded and walked out to find a fridge. They heard the sound of thumps through the walls and everyone started laughing.
"Oh man, that was a great idea, Mao," Lelouch huffed, wiping away some tears.
"I know, I know, I'm an evil genius. Let's eat."
They ate in virtual silence for a time, occasionally commenting on the taste of their food.
Thumpthumpthumpthump.
Lelouch set his soup down and looked at Mao, chowing down on his Mongolian beef. "C.C. and I are going to go along with the Fail-Safe plan."
Mao almost choked on the portion he had in his mouth; luckily, he managed to swallow it down. "Buh! Okay, did I hear that right? Like, that plan you said you were never gonna try unless there was nothing else you can do?"
"Yes. Kaguya's already on board, so's C.C. and I."
"And the Directorate?"
"They'll listen to reason. Well, if they value their health, they will."
Mao picked at his rice, his chopsticks tapping on the rim of the bowl. "And you need me, right?"
"Yeah, your Code would help with the time-space continuum."
"You do know the ramifications of what happens if this plan fails?"
Lelouch listlessly waved Mao's concerns away. "The usual. Cosmic evisceration, our souls will be ripped across time and space, and we'll experience pain and anguish greater than a thousand suns. Nothing to sweat over. I mean, we're immortal."
"Doesn't mean we're impervious to pain, Lamperouge!" Mao protested, tapping his chopsticks against the side of his visor. "I mean, fuck dude, cosmic evisceration!"
"If you don't want to participate, I won't hold it against you," Lelouch confessed, finishing off his bowl of soup with a slurp. "But C.C. would appreciate it."
Mao groaned, ruefully leaning back in his chair. "You just had to pull out the C.C. card, didn't you?"
"I like having my options open."
"There's no guarantee this plan will work."
"Yes, there is. It's called a Fail-Safe for a reason."
"Anything can happen."
"True. But we've already been through hell and back. Not like this'll be any different."
"For the record, I have no idea what the two of you are even talking about," Tomoya pointed out.
"And you better keep it that way," Mao said. He looked chastened. "Lelouch—"
"You want to make her happy, right?" Lelouch said, pulling out all the stops.
"Ugh. Yes."
"Well, she's not gonna be happy if we remain like this…" Lelouch ate a piece of sushi, and swallowed as he began to ruminate. "Kallen – the redhead girl, the one that isn't Shirley – once chewed me out for just sitting around and letting violence and war wash over me, chastised me for accepting a way of life she and dozens of others condemned. Of course, she didn't know I was Zero at the time, but still. She was one hundred percent right. This is the same scenario here, Mao, but on a more convoluted scale."
"Yeah. The Sumeragi girl told me about the timelines and my head was swimming."
"I'm not saying I need your help right now," Lelouch said, sawing his way through his sushi and rice. "I'd just like a guarantee that you'll think about it."
"And my perfectly legitimate business here?"
"We'll take care of things," Tomoya pointed out. "Give us some credit."
Mao took off his visor and looked directly at Lelouch. His eyes were so pink, like Rolo levels of pink.
"…I'll think about it," Mao promised. "But only if I get to talk to C.C. again."
"Done and done. I'll tie her up if need be."
"Kinky." Mao resumed eating. "Oh, and if you don't mind, tell your Black Knight splinters to stop taking down my dealers."
"Yeah, sure."
[*****]
Lelouch walked outside and tightened his scarf. He'd been wearing a lot of scarfs recently – he'd forgotten how cozy they were, no matter the season. Mao had pickpocketed the delivery girl's car keys and loaned them to Lelouch, as "payback for dinner tonight". Which was good, because Lelouch had ditched his motorbike about a mile back and really didn't feel like going back for it. Well, it wasn't really his motorbike, he just copped it off of Rivalz when the idiot was high on paint thinner again.
He loaded into the surprisingly roomy car and saw an address scribbled on the dashboard, as well as a lukewarm pizza balanced on the passenger's seat.
Why the fuck not.
Lelouch pulled out and drove away from the storefront-turned-drugcenter. He thought about turning on a news station, but all they ever talked about anymore was the war / revolution / terrorism. In his past lives, he might have gotten a kick out of that – it was great ego-stroking material, and it was one thing to actually experience his adventures as Zero, and another thing to hear about them from other people. But now, long after the luster of revolution had overstayed its welcome, Lelouch got tired of hearing news about the war. It was all same shit, different day.
He turned on some tunes instead. Some overproduced J-pop song came on. Lelouch vaguely recognized the melody, but not the lyrics. He noticed a half-finished can of Tab in the cup-holder, and took a drink. Not half-bad. It wasn't great, but it wasn't awful, either.
Eventually he arrived. The house in question was a shitty-looking one-story flat. It was really shitty-looking, like Shinjuku levels of shittiness.
This pizza is probably fine dining to these people.
Lelouch opened up the box and planted a C4 explosive smack-dab in the middle of the pizza, making sure to cover it with cheese, just to be polite. He walked up to the door, and he noticed there was no doorbell. There probably was a doorbell once, but it either fell off or broke. Lelouch settled for knocking really loudly. A few dogs started barking, he heard the sound of someone randomly vomiting, and the sound of turning locks. The door opened, revealing a tired-looking Japanese man.
"Oh! You have pizza, yes? Th—"
Lelouch pushed the man out of the way and chucked the pizza inside, throwing it like a Frisbee. It landed smack dab in the middle of the living room. The damn dogs kept barking.
"On the house," Lelouch said, taking his leave and closing the door behind him. He loaded back into his (the delivery girl's, really) car, pulling out of the driveway. There was another trashy-sounding J-pop song on the radio, this time with a woman vocalist.
Lelouch pulled out the C4 detonator and clicked it. The resultant, faraway explosion was very satisfying.
"This is my jam."
