Disclaimer: All songs belong to the original artists.
HOLY CRAP! I'M NOT DEAD! I'm sorry everyone, December was a hell of a month for me. School problems (Finals, had to bring 3 C grades up to A's because I slacked off), medical problems (was coughing up blood for the greater part of a month), girls (Of course I have love problems, what teenager doesn't?), and so on. Special thanks to my beta-readers for looking this over. Big thanks to Spirit_HellFire, he gave me the intro to this chapter. Anyway here is chapter 5, enjoy!
Chapter 5: Emergence
The Emperor's room, as all who have had the privilege of entering it's mammoth sized doors could attest to, could only be described by one word: Magnificent.
Canvases, both from current and ancient artists, draped the enormous walls. Countless Roman columns stood firmly and highly on both sides of the deep red carpet linking the door to His majesty's Throne, each encasing archaic artifacts of bygone eras and civilizations that had caught His Majesty's eye. Huge chandeliers beautifully and skilfully created from crystals hung overhead, further adding to the awe inspiring sight.
Upon the end of the rep immensely long red carpet were stairs leading to the Huge Throne itself; the exact throne that the original Demon King Lelouch became reined as the supreme ruler to all.
The self-proclaimed emperor of the world and the most powerful person in existence, The Demon King Lelouch, was sprawled very unking like on that cursed chair. He swished the contents of his wine glass around, frowning at the blood red liquid.
"Zero." He said imperiously. "What type of wine is his? It looks to be newly developed."
Zero stepped forward from beside his master and gently took the glass. He examined it quietly from behind his mask for a few seconds with a talented sophisticated eye before passing it back. "I believe it's called Angel Sangue, a recently developed wine from Italy."
Lelouch swished the wine a bit more, his eyes half open as he observed the wine sloshing around like a miniature lake. He carelessly threw the wine glass behind his back and it shattered against the floor with a loud crash. "Have the people who created it executed. They call it wine? A pathetic excuse." Zero nodded silently and stepped back, making a mental note. Suddenly a loud beeping sound emerged from the right arm rest of Lelouch's throne. Sitting up straight and fixing his appearance, Lelouch adopted a calm cynical look as he pressed the button. A hologram shot from under the arm rest and hovered in mid air in front of Lelouch.
The image of a young man appeared in front of them, crystal clear and as if he was there in real life. The sounds of gunfire and artillery echoed loudly behind him, crisp and real. "Emperor Lelouch!" The man gasped, wiping away the blood on his brow. In the background men hid behind cover, peering over and firing. The towering walls of the canyon made for only simple attack and retreats. "The Chinese defenses were stronger than we expected in the Dragon's Crevice! Our attack was repelled and they're counter attacking and gaining ground fast! We need you to send Lord Zero! Hurry we-GAHHH!" A large explosion sent the man and what remained of his head flying. The hologram fizzed and closed, the connection dead.
Sighing wearily, Lelouch turned to Zero. "Well Zero. You know what to do. The repairs should be done on the Lancelot, and the Chinese won't have theirs ready yet. Remember to attach the float device we've been working on. Now is a perfect time to try it out. Oh and send some servants to clean up the wine." Zero nodded and bowed before leaving the room, his cloak swishing as the doors shut. Letting his head fall back, Lelouch closed his silver eyes and let his lips turn upward in a slight smile. "Being King sure is hard." He chuckled to himself, wishing he had a glass of wine.
"Haishin, send your squad to reinforce our left flank! Lee-Shang, replace Quan's group and press forward!" The men nodded and saluted at Ling before running to perform their commands. Peering his head from behind the large rock he was hiding behind, Ling allowed himself a grim smile as his blue eyes scanned the battlefield, taking in every detail. His long blue hair was tied in a ponytail, flowing down to his waist. His sharp angular face was coated in sweat and dust. Bodies lay sprawled on the battlefield like leaves from a tree in Autumn, numerous and to some, beautiful. The canyon had been to narrow for any types of vehicles. So all the fighting had been done with only men. A majority of the bodies were soldiers who served Lelouch. They had been decimated after falling into his trap. He had given the illusion of the Chinese defenders being hard pressed and had ordered a fake retreat. Excited and full of blood lust, the soldiers had chased after him. Ling chuckled softly as he remembered the boulders that had fallen on the shocked and horrified soldiers. His troops had then pressed forward against the remaining soldiers and had been pushing them back steadily.
"INCOMING!" Someone screamed, and Ling instantly looked toward the sky, praying it wasn't what he thought it was. An all too familiar knightmare frame was fast approaching. It's white armor shined brilliantly in the sunlight, and Ling couldn't help but stare in admiration for a few seconds. Reality slammed him in the face as he saw the man next to him drop his weapon and begin to scream in terror, his eyes wide and foam beginning to emerge at the corners of his mouth.
"Damn it." He said, slamming his fist into the hard stone. He gripped his rifle tightly, swearing in frustration. With over 10 million soldiers the Chinese Federation's military had vastly outnumbered Lelouch's Army. Yet China did not have the resources to keep their technology up to par and distribute it to 10 million soldiers. Lelouch's forces with their superior armor and weapons had taken the fight out of every Chinese soldier in the canyon, they just weren't properly equipped to deal with the problem in front of them!
"All units, focus fire!" Ling yelled, aiming his rifle. The screams of hundreds of rifles dominated the air and the bullets swarmed through the air like an angry mob. Stone splintered, dust swirled, and rubble was sent flying as the men desperately tried to bring down the white knightmare. The death bringer landed with a soft thud, sending dust and debris flying. The men backed away slowly, their faces twisted with fear and apprehension as death stared them in the face. Slowly the knightmare reached to its waist, it's movements slow and deliberate. A soft hum reverberated through the air as a pair of metallic purple blades emerged, glinting dangerously against the harsh sun. With a loud slam the wheels slid out from the Lancelot's legs, and it surged forward. The blades flashed skilfully in the sun, weaving a tale of destruction and death. The men screamed as the blades sliced through them as easily as they were jelly.
"RETREAT!" Ling yelled, desperately waving to his men. A man hefted a rocket launcher, and fired it at the Lancelot. It nimbly dodged the incoming projectile and it exploded against the side of the canyon, sending debris falling to the ground. His mind working furiously, Ling screamed to his remaining men "Quickly! Bury it in debris! Shoot at the cliffs!" A series of muffled explosions followed by large bangs followed his order. Debris rained upon the Lancelot, which looked up just as the rocks began to crush it. A weary cheer emerged from the remaining soldiers as the dust settled and the large pile of debris became visible. Ling gave a relieved sigh and turned to Lee-Shange, a grin on his face. A soft hum emanated from the large pile, and it exploded outward, sending shrapnel and debris everywhere. To his left, Lee-Shang fell grabbing his knee, blood pouring out of it from a large rock. The Lancelot's green shield disappeared and it straightened, turning to the soldiers. The two blades shimmered and hummed in the distance, coated with blood and dust.
"Ling!" Lee-Shang gasped, his face twisted with pain. "Run! You're our...China's only hope!"
Ling remained rooted to the spot, his instincts screaming at him to run. "I can't run!" He though, bitter tears rolling down his dirty face. "The blood of China's greatest military commander, the one who defeated Zero runs through me! But it's still under repairs from last time, and we never figured the Lancelot would be back so quickly! I can't lose! I CAN-"Ling flew backwards, slamming into a rock a few feet back. He struggled to keep his eyes open and he saw his subordinate, Quan, giving him a pained grin, having pushed him that far away. Before Ling could scream a warning the Lancelot had appeared behind Quan, it's blade raised in the air. Quan was separated into two, the grin still plastered on both sides of his face. Ling gave a pitiful cry as he saw the men he had trained with and grown up with slaughtered before him. The Lancelot moved quickly and efficiently, dismantling the men with a careless ease. The last men finally shuddered and died, and the battleground became eerily silent. The Lancelot turned to face Ling, the sun no longer shining on the white frame, for it hidden by the blood and gore of his friends and men. Ling gripped his side, blood leaking out of it, and attempted to stay awake. He gave a final effort to straighten up before the pain and darkness overwhelmed him. He slumped to his side, eyes closed. The Lancelot looked at him, hand straying near its sword, before sheathing it and flying off. The night grew silent and the only creatures that moved were the carrion birds and wolves, there to feast on another's work.
The Black Queen grinned at the stunned men, the Geass symbol in her left eye exploding outwards. "Now....What are your phantoms?" The bird symbol traveled through Kuro's eyes as it reached his mind, and with a distant clink, changed everything.
"No..." Kuro muttered, taking a step back. "Get back! I killed you! I KILLED ALL OF YOU!" He began to flail wildly with his knife, his face white with fear, a desperate feral look in his eyes.
"Kuro, whats up?!" Jan said worriedly, taking a step forward. Kuro's eyes bulged as he turned and sliced Jan's neck. Jan fell forward, a pained confused look on his face, and landed face first in a growing pool of his own blood.
"NO! PLEASE! PLEASE!" Kuro sobbed, the knife dropping from his shaking hands. He backed into a wall and slid down into a sitting position, sobbing. "GO BACK! I'M SORRY ALREADY! PLEASE! LEAVE ME ALONE!" His body shook with fear and his breathing was erratic with sobs punctuating it. His body convulsed, before relaxing. A look of horror remained permanently etched on his face, a testament to the last sights he had seen in this world.
The Black Queen stood in place, in shock. "So...powerful." She whispered, her voice weak and fragile. A crazed laugh escaped her lips as her legs slid out from under her. Her body shook feebly as the laughter slowed and the realization of her actions hit her. She spun around and collapsed, barfing onto the floor. She turned around and flopped on her back, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. She panted, her mouth wide open, her face devoid of blood. "I killed them...So horribly...I'm a monster...I"m a monster...." She shook her head weakly. "No! They...They deserved to die. If I'm going to change the world...By myself now...I need to be like this." She reassured herself for a few more minutes before sitting up. She turned to find R.R.'s body, deciding to give it a proper burial. She bolted upright and gave a gasp of "That's impossible!" The large bloodstain was there, still fresh and reeking. But the body was gone. Her eyes darted around as she searched the warehouse, body tensed like a spring, the Geass symbol in her left eye ready. A soft chuckle made its way to her ear. She spun around and looked upward, her eyes widening in disbelief. R.R. gave a small clap and jumped from the pile of crates he had been sitting on. He landed gracefully like a cat and straightened up, looking her in the eye. The geass symbol traveled from her eye, and R.R. could see the panic and horror evidently on her face.
"Not surprising, I did just come back from the dead." He thought grimly. A strange sensation swept through his body, cool and refreshing, before leaving.
The Black Queen took a step back, her hands shaking.
"Do you honestly believe me I would be stupid enough to grant you such a powerful power if it could be used against me?" He told her casually, stepping forward. His violet eyes intensified as he stared at her. "Now, are you ready to begin? We made a contract, after all."
She shook her head, not understanding and still in shock.
"I'm immortal. Although I may die, I always come back to life." He stated cooly, lifting his head to show her his newly formed neck. She gave a disgusted and startled cough, calming down a bit. R.R. laughed and walked toward her, raising an eyebrow. "Have you calmed down yet..." He stopped, suddenly realizing all this time he didn't know her name. "What is your name?"
The Black Queen averted his gaze and looked to the ground. "I don't know..." R.R. looked at her, surprise evident on his handsome face. "My parents died when I was too young to remember...I've been told they were killed by Lelouch's men. I struggled to survive living in the streets, another nameless conquered. I discovered chess, and became what I am today...The Black Queen. I have no name..." She muttered, her slim beautiful figure shaking with grief.
A gentle hand descended upon her shoulder and she looked up. "I don't like the Black Queen, it doesn't suit you. How about...Lucia." R.R. said softly.
A soft sob escaped her lips as she hugged R.R. tightly, tears of joy leaking down her face. He embraced the girl and held her close, arms wrapped around her petite frame. "Thank you." She murmured softly.
He released her and stepped back, a soft smile on his face. "No problem, Lucia."
Lucia stopped, savoring the sound of a name that was hers. For once she felt human, more than just an obstacle or a slot machine from which money could be won or lost.
"Lucia. I need to know this now." R.R. asked, tone serious and eyes narrowed. "Will you trust me? Will you follow me?"
She was silent, her eyes not meeting his. She looked up and violet eyes connected as she replied equally as serious. "For now, yes. You have saved my life and given me a power that rivals all. For now, I have no reason as to not trust you."
R.R. felt a shiver run down his spine at the words "for now." "Maybe she's onto my real identity...She is smart enough if I should give her enough clues."
"What should we do now?" Lucia inquired.
"Rest. It's been a long day for us both, we need some sleep."
Lucia nodded and waved a finger in front of R.R.. "I know just the place. I always carry some of my winnings with me so sleep shouldn't be a problem. But we need to be careful, no doubt the incident today will have people recognizing our faces."
R.R. nodded and they slinked off, making sure not to catch the eye of a passerby. People had the annoying habit of remembering things they shouldn't.
"It's odd." R.R. breathed, looking around. "It's deserted." And he was right. A cold wind blew through the night, sending scraps of paper tumbling down the streets. Suddenly, behind him, Lucia gave a short loud laugh. R.R. turned around and hissed urgently at her. "Shush! Someone will hear us!"
Lucia stepped out from the shadows into the middle of the street and shrugged, a knowing grin on her face. "I forgot what day it is. It's Saturday night! No one will be out on the streets."
"Why not?" Asked R.R., stepping out from the shadows after her.
Lucia pointed down the street. A faint glow rose into the sky and the distant sound of music was barely distinguishable. "It's the Nightly Jam. A few months ago a few people gathered in the park and listened to music. Soon people came and eventually it grew. Now its like...its like..."
"A rave." R.R. finished with an astonished look on his face.
Lucia nodded, rolling the unusual word around her tongue. "Rave. Yes, that's the perfect word for it. Anyhow, we should be safe for now. The hotel we will be staying at is nearby, but people will be too focused on the music to notice us."
R.R. couldn't help but grin as he saw the mass of people moving in the park. Thousands of limbs moved separately and together, dancing with the sound of the music. A strong, rhythmic hypnotic beat rang out through the park.
R.R. looked to his right and saw, to his amusement, Lucia tapping her foot to the song, a distant smile on her face. "I used to come to these. They were...amazing." She remarked. The words of the music made their way to R.R.'s ears and despite himself he found that he rather liked the simple yet catchy words.
One more time
We're gonna celebrate
Oh yeah, alright
Don't stop the dancin'
One more time
We're gonna celebrate
Oh yeah, alright
Don't stop the dancin'
One more time
We're gonna celebrate
Oh yeah, alright
Don't stop the dancin'
One more time
We're gonna celebrate
Oh yeah
One more time
One more time
I'm just feelin' celebration tonight
Celebrate
"Hurry up R.R." Lucia chuckled, tugging at his arm.
Awakened from his stupor R.R. followed Lucia, silently resolving to visit one of these.
"Ahhh, hello." The old man at the counter greeted as R.R. and Lucia entered the hotel, putting down a magazine. His wrinkled face had a homely smile on it and he gave the aura of friendliness. His white hair had deserted the top of head in favor of his temples. A pair of delicate glasses rested on the bridge of his nose.
He raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Lucia's guest and remarked humorously "I see you have a guest?"
Lucia waved a hand dismissively. "Get your mind out of the gutter you dirty old man."
The man chuckled and handed Lucia a key. "Of course. I'll expect payment tomorrow morning." The two walked to the nearby elevator just as it opened. Two young girls, around sixteen, stepped out. Their long blond hair flowed to their waist. Tight t-shirts made their slim curves even more pronounced, and their large breasts caused the man at the counter to peer over his magazine. They giggled and eyed R.R. approvingly. Lucia ignored them and walked by into the elevator, R.R. following. Suddenly R.R. gave a loud yelp just as the two girls burst into a fit of giggles.
The doors slid with soft swoosh and Lucia turned to R.R.. "What was that about?"
"I think one of them pinched my ass..." R.R. said in disbelief, his face tinged red. Lucia laughed as the elevator swished upwards to their floor. It opened and Lucia quickly exited. R.R. cautiously peered out, on the look out for any more teenage girls. With a sigh of relief he followed Lucia to their room. "Exquisite." He stated as he stared into it. It was a large room, with two odd circle looking beds. A flat, large TV was attached firmly to the wall. A refrigerator was at one side of the room and a desk was next to it. A bathroom was to the right of the door with a large tub and shower. Very much like his room in Ashford, except bigger and accommodated for two.
"Different from what your used to?" Lucia asked.
"Yes. Back when..." R.R. stopped and glanced at Lucia from the corner of his eye.
She was watching him intensely, waiting for him to slip up so she could learn more about the man who had entered her life.
"Damn it! I can't let anyone know more than necessary about me! If they find out who I am and where I'm from..." A tense silence entered the room, smothering both of the occupants.
After a few seconds Lucia walked over to the window and peered out. "The rave is almost over, the final song should start in a minute or two. That means it's rather late. Let's get to bed, shall we?" She jumped onto the odd circular bed. R.R. noticed the mattress sink and change, molding into the shape of her knees. Pressing a button on the side of the bed, a dome emerged from the sides of the bed and created a half circle on top of the build.
"Goodnight." Lucia said, her voice coming crystal clear though the dome.
R.R. smiled, grateful for the bed. The last time he had slept in a bed was the night before his execution, and he was eager to feel its comfort again. He slid into the bed and pressed the button on the side, closing the door. He was plunged into total darkness. He closed his eyes, waiting for the familiar feeling of satisfaction and happiness to come, the feeling that he was at peace with the world. With a pang he realized why the feelings weren't coming and why his last sleep in a bed had been so comfortable. He had slept with C.C. that night, and they had spent the night hugging each other tightly, safe and content beyond words, hiding from the grim realization of the Zero Requiem, just like lovers would. Music from the rave slipped into his dome, the words echoing around. The beat was slow and soft, the words harmonious and sorrowful.
I need you more than anything in my life
I want you more than anything in my life
I'll miss you more than anyone in my life
I love you more than anyone in my life
A tear rolled down his cheek as unable to contain himself, R.R. began to sob softly. He pulled the covers up closer and cried, the feeling of loss in his heart a large hole that could never be filled. Across the room, Lucia lay awake on her back. She closed her eyes as she listened to the sounds of R.R.'s crying. "I'm sorry." She mouthed mournfully, unable to say it herself. Outside, the rave began to close. The music stopped and the lights died down as the people made their way home. And inside his own bubble of sorrow and pain, alone now and forever, R.R. cried for the one he had lost.
And finished! You might have noticed that both the songs I included were Daft Punk. The first one was One More Time, and the second was Something About Us. Anyway the reason I put them in is I had been listening to Daft Punk non stop, and I needed to get it out somewhere. Right now Daft Punk just fits my mood. Because half their songs are all lovey dovey. I'm getting head aches from my current love status lol. I saw a childhood friend a few months ago. I see her a few times a year, and I've always very much liked her. However this year when I saw her she was absolutely beautiful, and I'm pretty sure I saw stars. Anyway I'm a lovesick puppy who's dealing with another girl problem at school while I have this childhood friend on my mind. SO YEAH SCREW MY LIFE -_-
Once again apologies for the long wait. I've been reading a few mangas as well (updated in my profile, they're all good ones I recommend), new videogames, and all the crap I mentioned before. Oh and congratz to the people who wanted Lucia for the Black Queen's name! Elizabeth seemed a bit too archaic to me, it just didn't ring quite as well as Lucia. Shizuku was the same thing. I'm sorry if your disappointed, but don't worry! One little name won't make you hate the story (I hope). Anyway just a heads up, I hope to break 500 reviews pretty soon. I'm just going to set up goals as I go along really. Now the next chapter will be quicker than this one took hopefully, since I'm not really busy at all for the next month. As always thanks for the reviews, more R/R, and enjoy life!
-FIWE