Chapter 4

Orange? Return of Zero

Kallen stood there frozen. Lelouch, you...bastard...How could you let this… She couldn't think anymore, for the pain in her heart became too great. She tried to fight it, as she always did, but she just couldn't help but cry. And as the tears raced down her face, she looked at Lelouch, aka Zero, aka the Demon Emperor of Britannia.

"I will give you some time to think this over. If you want to follow me again, meet me at Tokyo Tower at 17:00. And make sure that the others follow you." Lelouch instructed. "And if not, then my plans are void. Welcome back to reality, Kallen." He said about to walk out the door.

"Lelouch! I demand to know: What do I mean to you?" Kallen asked him, her tears now bursting from her eyes.

Lelouch stopped for a second as he reached for the door, remembering the last time she had asked him that very same question. He wanted to turn around to face her, but that would be wrong of him. "Kallen, you are my friend, and always will be to me. The question you should be asking yourself is 'What does he mean to me?"

"You jerk,... why are you doing all of this? How are you doing all of this?"

"I'll explain how I'm doing this after the debut of Zero, if you so choose to follow me. As for why, I'm going to correct the mistakes I've made in the past, to wash away the blood from Euphie's hands, my hands. Suzaku's, and yours too, Kallen."

Kallen's heart was utterly in despair. Wash away all the blood. I'll believe that when I see it. But Lelouch…

"Lelouch, I'll follow you until the end this time, but only under 1 condition."

"I am grateful Kallen, and quite willing to do most things for your help. What is your condition?"

"I want you to be honest with me this time. When your Zero, you can fool us to your heart's content. But when we're here, I want to hear nothing but the truth from you."

"As I once told C.C., I accept the conditions of our deal." He told her, giving her a smile. He turned, and his attitude immediately shifted. "By the way, you know I can see you, right?"

Kallen, looked down, seeing that her naked body was completely exposed while she was talking to him. She fell to her knees, and closed the curtain, embarrassed beyond belief. Why didn't I remember that. She gasped as she heard Lelouch's voice.

"Um, I won't tell anyone. Later." He promised.

Lelouch...

Lelouch walked with Kallen, just as they had done before in the past.

"I'm planning to change Narita, Kamine Island, Tohdoh's rescue, The Special Zone for certain, maybe even the debut of the Black Knights. But for now, we are going to try to remain as close to the original script as much as possible." Lelouch explained.

Kallen listened, trying her best not to show her true face in public. "And who are you planning to restore? Besides me and Suzaku, who else is going to be in on this?"

Lelouch checked for possible scenarios. I should definitely avoid awakening the Student Council, and many of the Black Knights as well. "Jeremiah, Tohdoh, Ohgi, and Villetta when the time comes."

"When?"

"When they're ready. I also have a plan to thoroughly hide C.C. this time."

"How are you going to do that? Remember Lelouch, you need to be honest with me this time."

"I haven't worked out the details yet. But you should be able to figure it out when we rescue Suzaku."

"Are you going to awaken him then?"

"No, I need him to remain with Britannia for now. Let's just focus on the task at hand for now." Lelouch walked in, seeing the council staring sadly at the T.V.

Nunnally turned towards him, her eyes still shut, but he could tell that there was some saddening pain in her heart. "Lelouch, it's awful."

Just like last time. And any moment now, Jeremiah will present a speech about Clovis. Perhaps this is the best time to awaken him. Yes, that will accelerate my plans significantly. "What is?" Lelouch lied. I have to lie to Nunnally this time, regardless about how I feel about it.

Milly began to speak, sounding more concerned than sad. "Prince Clovis has been found dead."

"They're saying he was killed." Rivalz proclaimed

On the television, Jeremiah appeared, still the leader of the Purists. My Knight of Orange, fret not. You shall serve your master again soon.

"Prince Clovis has been taken from us. He fought for peace and justice against all of the Elevens. He died a martyr. We must all bury our sorrow, and carry on his will." He said, making him seem a personal friend of Clovis.

We interrupt this broadcast with breaking news. The man suspected as the murderer has been captured. According to this report, the suspect is an honorary Britannian. Private Suzaku Kururugi, a former Eleven and honorary Britannian.

I repeat, Suzaku Kururugi arrested for murder.

(That night, in the clubhouse)

Lelouch mustered his might, lifting his sister up, and putting her to bed. As he pulled the silky covers over her, Nunnally began to speak.

"That was Suzaku they mentioned on the news, wasn't it?"

Lelouch knew that Suzaku was being used as a scapegoat. I need to reassure Nunnally.

"Yep, it looks like he's still alive."

Nunnally looked up at Lelouch, and his heart began to ache again "Yeah, it's been ages since we've seen him since the war ended. Lelouch, what they said about him on the news. It wasn't true was it?"

Lelouch: "Of course not. Suzaku would never do anything like that." Lelouch told her, knowing otherwise. "They've just made a mistake."

Nunnally smiled, looking slightly relieved. "Yeah... must be."

Lelouch looked at Nunnally, begging his own heart not to betray him. He forced on a smile. "Right. Good night, little sister." He said. He flicked the light switch, then left the room in darkness.

(In the Shinjuku ghetto)

"That's why we should've issued freaking statement sooner! We could've taken credit for it!" Tamaki barked. He simply yelled at Ohgi about not taking the credit for something they didn't do.

Ohgi kept silent lost in his own thoughts. Zero… is this your handiwork? He shifted his thoughts turning towards the photo he had of them. Oh Naoto. I'm not cut out for this, I'm no leader. But Zero might be.

(In the gymnasium, at the start of the day.)

The principal had gathered an assembly of the student body and facility. He walked to the podium. His voice was old and deep, like a patriotic veteran.

"Truly this is bitterly painful incident for all. Clovis, the viceroy of area 11, a beloved prince, has been lost to us forever. However, we can and will bear the weight of this tragedy, and from this darkest of hours draw strength."

As the halls from the gymnasium flooded with students, Lelouch found himself talking to Shirley. He didn't want to tell her what was going on, but his heart had finally betrayed him, and he began to spill.

"The purebloods what?!" Shirley gasped.

"Well, from what I understand, they're saying that only pureblood Britanians should be allowed to serve in the military." Lelouch explained. "Their view is one of their own can never be a criminal. But if the criminal is an Eleven, it paves the way for them to shut down the practice of granting natives honorary status."

Rivalz came after him, looking excited. "Hey Lelouch! You've got anything done on later? After all, classes have been cancelled for the day, and hawk has been asking for a rematch."

Shirley became enraged, giving them both a scolding order.

"You are not gambling you guys! Can't you find anything better to do?!"

"Come on. Don't be such a stick in the mud." Rivalz told her. Shirley gave him her stink eye, which Rivalz returned with a smile on his face. They just keep enjoying the good ol times.

However, I should tell Rivalz that I've quit doing it. Lelouch told himself, trying to block out the guilt he felt when he saw Shirley.

He began to began to speak. "She's right though. Maybe it's time to quit."

Rivalz' jaw dropped into a "Huh?"

"The truth is, even that was beginning to bore me. I've found a better pastime actually.

Shirley's eyes widened, almost like a puppy dog's. "You did? I don't get it."

It's adorable the way she...Snap out of it, Lelouch!

Rivalz looked at him desperately. "You'll cut me in all the action too, right?" he begged.

Lelouch gave him his signature clueless look, and forced out a chuckle.

"A-Hahaha. Better not. It's not really your thing."

(at Tokyo Tower)

The sun had began to set, and the settlement's lights were beginning to come on. Kallen didn't like the lights of the settlement in the past. But now I love them. They show me a city full of life. She froze right there, remembering the F.L.E.I.J.A incident. She shook it of, remembering that it wasn't going to happen again.

The Audio tour had started, and began playing a one-sided history lesson.

Britannia's resounding victory over Japan opened the unenlightened nation's eyes to it's true place in today's world order. Since then, the empire and area 11 had walked hand in hand down the road to revival.

Kallen stared at the old map of Japan, remembering what Lelouch had told her. "17:00 at Tokyo tower." Lelouch, I want to believe in you again, but even so.

Attention please. Paging Miss Kallen Stadtfeld, Ashford Academy. One of your personal items has been turned in at the desk on the observation deck. I repeat.

"Hi. I'm assuming that this phone is yours, ma'am." the secretary her, wearing a fake smile.

"Uhm, something wrong? It is yours isn't it?"

Kallen put on her smile, and gently took the phone "Yeah. Thank you so much." Like hell this is mine. If Lelouch needed to show me this all again, he would've… done this. Kallen stared at the red skyline, wondering what Lelouch would do different this time.

Ohgi walked towards the guard rail, and began to lean on it.

"Oh yeah, there's no debating. Life is better here thanks to Prince Clovis. I mean it's all due to Britannia that we can rebuild as quickly as we did." Oghi lied. Life is better my ass! I can't even make a decent living things are so bad.

Kallen heard the phone ring. The caller ID said Zero. Lelouch. She thought as she answered it. She pretended not to know who it was, so the the others wouldn't know that she knew it was Lelouch. "Uhm... Hello?"

Lelouch responded "Kallen, I see that you decided to follow me. That's good. Now then, I want you to board the outbound train on loop line five, just like we did before. And bring the others. You should know the rest."

Kallen: "Understood." Lelouch, if you keep your promise, I'll follow you to the end this time.

Attention all passengers if you become aware of any suspicious items on board, please alert mutual personnel by using the nearest inter-telephone.

Kallen gazed around the train, noticing that all of the other passengers had a geass put on them. Just like last time. Kallen thought. Her feelings were twisted right now, but she knew she had to see Lelouch about this, regardless of what the others would think. The phone began to ring.

Lelouch began to instruct her. "I need you to answer my questions like you did before. Now, face forward and look to your right. What do you see?"

"The Britannian city. It was stolen away from us and built on our sacrifice."

"And on the left?"

"I see our city. Remnants of the desiccated city after the Britannian sucked it dry."

Lelouch chuckled. "Good. Now make your way to the front of the train."

Kallen inched over person after person, seeing the geass that Lelouch put onto all of them. As she moved past them, Ohgi and the other soon-to-be Black Knights followed her. A old man approached her and began to speak.

"Excuse me madam, but all those who wish to see Zero must put on these visors. He says that it is for your own protection." He handed each of them a visor. Lelouch, are you planning on telling them about… The radio came on, cutting off her train of thought.

The next stop is Okubo. Okubo is next. Those wishing to transfer to the Chuo-Sobu line should exit at the next stop. Okubo will be next. Once again. Those wishing to transfer to the Chuo-Sobu line should exit at the next stop.

Kallen looked at her old master Lelouch, what are you up to? She quickly reset her mind.

"Is that you Zero?"

Yoshida looked at Zero, then turned to Ohgi. "You think it's a trap?"

"Well, was that you in Shinjuku? Was that ceasefire your doing?" She lied.

Yoshida went on. "Hey, we're talking to you."

"What do you think of my tour at the settlement?" He told them, suddenly turning towards them.

Ohgi was startled. A mask? He really does want to protect his identity. "Your tour?"

Tamaki scowled, then began barking as usual. "Come-on, there is no way it was this joker! I mean come on, what's with the elaborate plan, and these stupid visors while you're at it.

"I wanted you to fully grasp the two" Lelouch raised his hands to the side, one after another "the settlement' and 'the ghetto."

"Yeah, we know. There is a difference between us and them. A very harsh one. And that's why we resist them." Ohgi stated with anger in his eyes.

"You are wrong. Britannia will not fall to terrorism."

"Fall?" Ohgi gasped out.

Does he think that he can lead us to fight an all-out war with Britannia? That's insane. He thought in disbelief

The Demon Emperor saw their confusion, and decided to use it. "It's little more than a childish nuisance."

Yoshida became irritated. "What was that? You call us a bunch of kids?"

"You should know your enemy. It is not people, but Britannia itself." Lelouch lectured. "It is a war you must wage, but not against the innocent. Take up your sword! Fight for justice!"

Tamaki once again barked. "Oh please! That's all easy enough to say, isn't it? Hiding behind that mask...why should we even trust you?"

"He's right! Lose the mask!"

Suddenly, Kallen walked between the Rebels and Lelouch, raising her arms to shield Lelouch, like she had done in the past. "Wait a minute. We'd be dead right now if it weren't for Zero."

Tamaki was getting pissed as usual. He raised his voice, and pulled out a gun. "Get out of the way Kallen!"

Lelouch, wearing his mask of Zero, answered. "I cannot in good conscience remove my mask, for it would reveal more than just who I am. You see, I have a power that is unlike anything you have even heard of."

Lelouch, you telling them about Geass?! What… actually, if they know ahead of time, it would prevent them from turning on him later later.

"The ability is known as Geass, the power of the king. Charles zi Britannia had a geass of his own. But as per the rules of the power, it is different for each person. His was to rewrite memories, while mine is to make anyone obey me."

"What?!" They all screamed, even though Kallen was fully aware of his Geass.

"To make anyone obey you huh? Then how the hell do we know your not controlling us right now?!" Tamaki demanded, sounding like a dumbass as always.

"If I had used my geass on you, you would have no memory of the events before or during my control over you. Additionally, I can only use my geass once per person. I also require direct eye contact, and things like sunglasses can obstruct my power. There are limits to my range of use, as well as triggers and duration of use. Such powers have these limits." The man calling himself Zero had completely stupefied the band of rebels, with the exception of Kallen.

"That would explain the mask and visors. But then again why? If you have control of such power…" Ohgi began to ask before being cut off by Zero.

"They are necessary precautions, for this power is an evolving one. Eventually, the power itself will be too powerful to deactivate. I'm giving you these precautions ahead of time to prevent any accidental use of my power."

"Hold on a minute!" Tamaki screamed. "Are you guys really buying this bullshit?! How do we know he's not bluffing?"

"He's right. If you do have such a power, then prove it!"
Zero stood there silent, then pulled out a radio. "If a demonstration is what you require, then I will gladly oblige." He spoke into the radio. "P1, begin stage 3."

I thought they would be skeptical at first. "As you noticed on the train, all of the passengers were extremely still, not moving an inch unless you moved them. That is because I ordered them to remain still. I can make anyone obey me, to do anything, to kill themselves, to obey me completely, or even commit murder if I wanted to."

"Wait a minute, does that mean you were responsible for Clovis killing the Japanese?"

"I am not. For I had only recently acquired this power, after Clovis had given the order." Lelouch turned to the left slightly, seeing the old man bringing a man into the meeting.

"Here he is, as you requested Zero." the old man said. The old man had brought a blonde haired man into the car.

"Please, I'll pay whatever you want, just don't kill me. I beg you, please, I have a wife and 2 beautiful children."

"As you can clearly see in his eyes, I have not used my geass on him yet. Those I have put a geass on have a red glow in their eye."

"Now that I think about it, many of those people had a red glow in there eyes." Kallen reassured.

"Well whoop-dee-do. You still gotta prove it. So take off the mask if you need to."

"I will not need to, for there is a compartment in my mask that reveals my eye, which allows me to use my geass." Lelouch had told them nearly everything about his geass. All tasks at hand have been cleared. Now then… Lelouch opened his eye covering, revealing his geass.

"Woah! He ain't lying!"

"Now, Zero commands you, forget everything about this meeting." Lelouch commanded. The rebels stared at him, amazed when the man said "Understood".

Kallen tried to create a performance, but had seen him use his power too much to be surprised by it. Oghi and the others were left speechless.

He really took control of that guy. Ohgi thought, being unable to speak. Maybe he just was looking at him in general. No, he was looking at all of us, which means these precautions he set up worked. If this ability is what he says it is, then we may have a chance.

"Now then, given these circumstances, anyone who wants to join me will meet me in the Shinjuku ghetto in 2 hours."

(Later)

Nunnally sat there, on the verge of tears. Her friend is a murderer? No that can't be Suzaku, It isn't true. IT'S NOT TRUE! And all the while, all she could do is hope and pray that he'd be alright.

Margrave Jeremiah, integral in settling this case, will be presiding over the trial as acting council. The announcer said. With the system being rigged, there was no way Suzaku could expect to survive. The pureblood ambitions will be met today. Jeremiah Gottwald, Lady Marianne will be avenged today. And no one will ever meet a fate like hers again. He promised himself.

Suddenly, he heard the radio come on. An officer began to speak to him. "Acting consul Jeremiah."

Jeremiah, bored already, merely asked. "What is it?"

The officer made his report. "Sir, there is a vehicle approaching the main highway from third avenue. We just let it through as you instructed, but…"

"Do you believe the target could be a terrorist's vehicle?"

"Well Sir, it's Prince Clovis' car."

Jeremiah froze, shocked at the audacity of the terrorists. "The prince's car?" He immediately shifted his face into a confident smile. "Well,...looks like we've got a comedian. Don't worry about it. Just let them through to us." He switched his microphone on, and made his orders clear. "All forces hold here!"

Suzaku greeted the harsh floor of the transport unit with a bang. The hard metal roofing left his head with a few scrapes and bruises.

"Ah?" What's happening here? He asked himself. Out of the corner of his eye, he could make out a vehicle.

The announcer went hysterical to say the least. This is not a scheduled stop. Could there have been some sort of accident? This is site 5. There is a vehicle approaching them.

Jeremiah was pleased. His efforts to bring the military forces he had with him were not for nothing. There they are. Ready to die for this, you filthy elevens!

The vehicle was a plain white limousine, only with a second level in the back seat. It's rims were lined with gold colorations. And at the front of the vehicle's rear, a huge Britannian flag. The news reporters couldn't believe their eyes, but they reported it anyways.

It's, it's Prince Clovis' personal transport! And it's heading straight for the cavalcade!

Ohgi shuddered in shock. "What a... It's straight forward. What is he planning?"

Kallen kept her eyes on the road ahead. Lelouch, this what you did last time.

Jeremiah's temper flared. "You dare desecrate His Highness's transport? Come out of there!" he demanded.

All of a sudden, the Britannian flag ignited, and nearly instantly went up in flame. Rising behind the ashes, a figure appeared. It was lelouch, donning his persona of Zero. Time to begin the show. Lelouch thought to himself. He emerged from the shadows, revealing himself to the world.

"I am... Zero!" he declared.

"Zero?" Villetta said to herself.

Who is this person? This man calling himself Zero, standing before a full military convoy. Who is Zero?

That's it. Let it all sink in Jeremiah. You'll be turning traitor to the Britannians any minute now.

Are we gazing on a terrorist? Certainly not the wisest if such as the case.

Suzaku stared at Lelouch in awe. Is he... an Eleven?

Now I'll return the favor, Suzaku. He promised. Just as I did before.

Jeremiah gripped his gun. "I've seen enough, Zero. This little show of yours is over." With his heart bent on uncovering the meaning behind this little stunt, he fired his gun into the air. In that instant, 4 Sutherlands dropped from sky carriers, surrounding Lelouch and Kallen.

"First things first. Why don't you lose that mask?" Jeremiah thought Your done Zero.

Lelouch stood still for a moment with cold sweat running down his body. Steadily, he reached for his mask. He grabbed it, then lifted his hand up and snapped his fingers. Just like last time, the box fell apart, revealing C.C.'s canister.

"What in the...!?" He cried, the atmosphere transforming around him.

Villetta got out of her Knightmare, looking determined to warn Jeremiah. "Be careful, he's got the…"

That's right Jeremiah. You never saw inside this thing. Therefore, you assume it holds poison gas.

Suzaku raised his head, determined to speak. "Wait. You don't understand…" He was shocked instantly with his restraining collar. Damn it! Zero's using the canister to make it look like he's going to use poisonous gas. Wait...how did he get his hands on that thing?

Can all of you watching at home see this? It's some sort of device, although its purpose is unclear. Stay with us and we'll see if this so-called terrorist has anything to say.

Jeremiah cringed in anger, wanting to move in. But his concern for the people blocked his mind from giving the order.

Zero, you god damn bastard! He's taken every Britannian here hostage, and he's done it without them even knowing it. He struggled, but forced himself to point his gun at the terrorist.

"Do you intend to shoot? I think you know full well what will happen if you do." Lelouch bluffed.

Jeremiah lowered his gun, disappointed at his own reluctance.

"Fine, what are your demands?"

"An exchange. This, for Kururugi."

"Like hell! He's charged with high treason for murdering a prince. I can't simply hand him over."

"No. You're mistaken, Jeremiah. Kururugi is not the murderer. The man who killed Clovis...was myself!"

Ohgi held in a scream, but still uddered "Aw Crap! There is no way out of this".

Kallen turned on her radio. "Stay calm Ohgi, I have faith in Zero."

Kallen, are you feeling alright. You never trust anyone from the start, and certainly never put your faith into anyone. Ohgi pondered. She must truly believe in Zero. And if Kallen can put her faith in him, so can I.

He tapped his foot twice, and Kallen began to move the the limo raised his hand, gesturing towards the crowds.

"For a single Eleven, you'll save scores of precious Britannians. I find that to be a bargain."

Lelouch activated his geass, waiting for the shift.

Jeremiah had reached his limit "He is mad, I tell you. Disguising its truck as his highness'! He'll pay the price for mocking the crown!"

Immediately, all four Sutherlands pointed their guns towards Zero's truck. Lelouch had seen this all before, and so did Kallen. All I have to do is hold them off until… Lelouch felt a click in his brain. It's ready.

"Careful. Tell me Jeremiah, do you…" Lelouch opened the compartment in his mask. "REMEMBER ORANGE?"

"What the hell are…" was all Jeremiah could manage, being overtaken by the green colored Geass.

He remembered his accusations of being Orange, the way he failed at Narita, the geass orders' experiments, his assignment to kill Lelouch, when Lelouch revealed his true identity to him, when he swore his loyalty to Lelouch, the genocide of the Geass Order, the F.L.E.I.J.A incident, when his master became Emperor, the Battle for Damocles, his working at a orange farm, and finally… the Zero Requiem. Lord Lelouch? He smiled, seeing his true master once again. My loyalty for you has been revived. I will follow you no matter what. That is Jeremiah Gottwald's oath of loyalty, my master. He swore in his head.

The soldiers were communing among themselves. No one understanding what Orange really meant. All of them were looking back an forth between Zero and Jeremiah.

If my lord revived my memory now, then I have to assume that he wants to keep the original script intact for now, and he wants me to use Orange to his advantage. If so...

"Alright, understood. You there, release the prisoner." Jeremiah ordered, prepared to sacrifice his life for Lelouch.

"What on earth are you doing, My Lord?" Villetta asked him

"Get that man over here. If the public knew about Orange, it will be a disaster." He warned.

Villetta gasped vaguely at her lord, not understanding anything he was doing. "Huh?"

"I'll explain later, but right now we have to let Kururugi go." He told her, getting inside his Sutherland.

Jeremiah switched on his speaker. "Hand him over. Nobody gets in his way." He drew his Sutherland's gun.

"No. What are you thinking? You can't do this!" A voice said to him. It was Kewell.

Jeremiah looked at his old friend with a small hole in his heart. But that will not waver my loyalty to Lord Lelouch. "Lord Kewell, this is a direct order! Insubordination is punishable by death right now." He warned, raising his gun to his Kewell's Sutherland.

The soldiers backed away, but not before they released Suzaku's handcuffs. The Sutherlands backed away, Suzaku unsure about this commotion. This is just plain terrorism. But if I don't go with Zero, these people will probably die. Damn you Zero. He told himself, walking towards the would-be terrorist.

Suzaku looked at the mask of his rescuer with a strange feeling of deja vu. He looked directly into his eye area, and asked.

"So, who the hell are you?" Before being shocked by his collar as he spoke.

Lelouch, now playing the role of Zero, saw his old friend with a sense of joy. However, now is not the time to be sentimental. "As I thought, they didn't allow you to speak." Ohgi pulled the switch, and their getaway Knightmare presented itself.

Villetta's temper rose, looking at her key to victory walking away. "Lord Jeremiah If they get away, we'll lose everything." She got inside her Knightmare, and drew out her gun.

Kallen's eyes filled with determination behind her sunglasses. "It's time to go, Zero."

"Well then, 'till next time." Lelouch said, releasing the water vapor he placed inside the unit.

Villetta had reached her temper. "You cowardly Eleven." She said, trying to shoot her gun. Out of the blue, Jeremiah attacked her Sutherland, knocking her gun out of his master's way. Villetta gasped at Jeremiah.

"Lord Jeremiah, what are you ...?" She managed, before he cut her off.

I will not allow them to capture you, master, much less harm you. He turned on his speaker. "You heard me, Villetta! Stand down now!"

Lelouch and Kallen flung themselves into the air, and the knightmare had fired a landing area. As they sunk into the rubbery elastic, they found themselves inside Ohgi's transporter.

Ohgi smiled with a sense of relief and accomplishment. "Yes! It worked! Now we can…" Suddenly, they were under heavy fire.

"You imbecile!" Kewell screamed "There's nowhere for you to run!"

"Lord Kewell!" Kewell gasped, realizing that Jeremiah's Sutherland was next to him, pointing a gun towards him. "Are you going to follow orders or not? And believe me, there will be repercussions. All units, do I make myself clear? Do everything in your power to help them get away."

"Man, I didn't really think he could do it." Yoshida said, looking ecstatic Who is this guy?"

Tamaki blew his mouth off, dimly fickle as ever. "I knew he was the real deal right from the start. I was just testing ya, to see if you believed in him or not."

"You really gotta give the guy credit." Ohgi said admiringly "Nobody else could've pulled that off."

Ohgi felt a squeeze coming from his back. He turned his head, and saw that Tamaki was giving Ohgi a bear hug.

"See, we all believe in Zero, right Ohgi?"

Ohgi's expression changed looking more serious. He looked up at the sky. Naoto, we've always thought that a full-on war with Britannian wasn't a possibility at all. But maybe with him, and this geass power of his, it is. I truly believe that Zero is the successor of your dream.

Lelouch looked at Suzaku, the man who had killed him, his Knight of Zero, Euphie's Knight, and the greatest adversary he ever fought.

"It looks like they treated you rather roughly. Now you know what they're really like, Private Kururugi. Britannia is rotten." Lelouch told him. "If you wish to bring change to this world, then join me."

"So, is it true?" Suzaku asked. "Are you really the one who killed Prince Clovis?"

"This is war. Why wouldn't I kill an enemy commander?"

"And the gas? Those were civilians out there."

"A bluff to help things along. The result, not a single death."

"The result? That's all that matters to you, I suppose. Huh…"

"Come join me. The Britannia you serve is a worthless dominion."

"Maybe that's true, ... but this nation, it can be changed for the better, and from within."

Lelouch chuckled on the inside. You haven't changed Suzaku, but your still naive right now.

"I see. I will not force you to join us then. I only offer the chance to join us any time you see fit."

What?! Suzaku was stunned. The way he was talking sounded like he truly hated Britannia. But he doesn't even question why. Something's off about this guy. "In any case, my court martial is in an hour."

"You are aware that they originally decided to give you a trial so they could find you guilty, correct?" Lelouch remarked, knowing Suzaku's stubbornness. Suzaku sneered, and walked away from his rescuer.

Lelouch turned around, and saw Kallen. She quickly came to him, her body still high off of adrenaline. She looked around, peering into the shadows for anyone. They were completely alone.

"Lelouch, was it really such a good idea to let him walk away?" She asked him, wondering why he didn't just use his geass to revive his memory.

"I let him go so that the charges would be dropped. In doing so, he will wander around the city, and meet Euphie."

"But why? Euphie did the special zone for you and Nunnally mostly."

"I can't be certain of that." He said, taking off his mask. Kallen saw him smile. A genuine smile for once. "Besides, they make a wonderful couple."

Yes, apparently. Private Kururugi has made contact with the authorities. It would seem that Zero has released him. However, now that the original charge against Eleven is thrown into a question, it's very possible Kururugi would be found innocent and acquitted.

Nunnally smiled, happy that her friend was going to be alright right. Thank goodness.

For things in perspective on all of this, we now turn to our leader analyst …

The television turned black, and the sounds of heavy breathing filled Nunnally's ears.

"Miss Sayoko?" Nunnally asked.

"No, my lady, but I am here to help you…" The rugged man promised her, bowing in respect.

"Jeremiah Gottwald, at your service."