(A/N: Spring Break is here so I am treating you all to a new chapter. Enjoy. Also that's not Elmer's glue on Tsubaki's uniform in that scene taking place after midnight.)

Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass or Mirai Nikki

3rd Person pov

Lelouch got home that evening hearing Nunally talking to someone. He was surprised to find that person to be Suzaku.

"Oh Suzaku what are you doing here?" Lelouch said with a friendly tone.

"Oh Big Brother you're here," Nunally said with a smile, "I was worried, it's really late," Nunally said.

"Yes and long past your bedtime. What are you still doing up anyway?" Lelouch asked.

"She couldn't sleep because she was waiting for you," Suzaku said, "You're awfully mean to make her worry about you like that," he said in jest.

"Sorry, I got tied up with things," Lelouch said.

"Tied up like with some new lady friend," Suzaku joked. Lelouch shoved him in the arm.

"Sayoko," Lelouch called for her.

"Yes master Lelouch," Sayoko came in from the adjoining room.

"Take Nunnally to her room and prep her for bed would you? I have some things I'd like to discuss with Suzaku," Lelouch said.

"Yes right away young master," Sayoko took Nunally with her.

Lelouch and Suzaku went out to the study to talk in private. Lelouch knew C.C would be using his bedroom so that was off limits for now. "So Lelouch," Suzaku said as the friends sat down on opposite couches, "Do the words diary holder mean anything to you?"

Did he figure it out? No…how could he? I covered my tracks too well. No, he wouldn't be asking in such a manner if he was sure of himself, Lelouch rationalized. "Should it?" Lelouch asked.

"Ummm," Suzaku was at a loss for a return statement. Great now what? Yuno would've had no reason to lie when she mentioned Lelouch like that, or was she just doing that to sew discord. Well, I won't fall for it. No wait…didn't she say Lelouch betrayed her and Yukiteru? But betray them how? He has to be a diary holder. He's hiding what he knows. I can't back down. I'm sorry Lelouch, but I have to know the truth. "I'm sorry Lelouch, but lying isn't going to get you out of this. Tell me the truth, you're in the survival game aren't you?"

"Survival game? Is that some new online game? Sorry I haven't had much time to—"

SLAM!

Suzaku slammed his hands on the table and glared at Lelouch.

Lelouch let out a deep breath, "Fine. It seems you know too much already, no sense in my trying to hide it. Just how long have you known?"

"First answer me this, why did Yuno say you betrayed her and Yukiteru?" Suzaku asked.

"I'm sorry I believe you are working with Euphimia. I am not your ally," Lelouch said, "Therefore I see no point in providing you with such knowledge as to how I operate."

"I don't want to be enemies Lelouch, neither does Euphie. We want to form an alliance with you," Suzaku told him, leaning back and sitting upright.

"Sorry, but I'm not allying myself with the nation that kicked me out and devours the weak," Lelouch said.

"Isn't that what this game is about though, only one survives? What's going on here is no more different than your current struggle as a Britannian prince!" Suzaku reminded Lelouch.

"There's more going on here than just a struggle for inheritance," Lelouch told him, "Did Euphie tell you what the stakes were riding on this?"

Suzaku nodded, "She said that the winner would inherit the throne of god."

"Exactly, the ultimate prize is being played for. To some that means any and all individuals are expendable. Suzaku, you should get out of this game while you still can, before Euphie sacrifices you for her own selfish needs," Lelouch told him.

"Follow your orders even if it means death and follow them without question. That is the pride of the Glaston Knights. If I must die to ensure Euphie's survival I will do it!" Suzaku announced proudly. Lelouch grit his teeth and sneered. "Don't misunderstand me though, I think this whole thing is ludicrous. Lelouch, help me speak to this Deus guy. I don't want to see either you or Euphie die for the sake of some ridiculous game, even for the ultimate prize."

"Then you shouldn't have gotten involved, you should've remained ignorant of the whole thing. You have a choice to make right now. You can leave and continue to serve Euphie. Or you can leave Britannia, protect me, and ensure that I become the next god. What do you say?"

"Are you really asking me to choose?" Suzaku asked.

"I'm not. I'm just revealing to you the truth you wish to bury. I don't like either myself," Lelouch responded. "But that's what it boils down to Suzaku. You can't chase both hares or you'll catch neither. I'm not asking you to make a decision right this minute, but eventually you'll have to decide where your loyalties lie." Suzaku was stuck he couldn't utter a single syllable. Lelouch, as a friend, reached out to assist him, "Like I said it's still early on in the game. You don't have to make that decision now."

"But right now you don't have anyone to protect you. You're vulnerable!" Suzaku told him.

"I'm not as vulnerable as you might think," Lelouch said with a grin.

"Huh?" Suzaku was confused.

"Let's just say I have a couple of allies of my own the way Euphie has you. If your concerned about my safety, rest assured I won't be dying off anytime soon," Lelouch said.

Suzaku released a breath he didn't realize he had been holding, "That's good."

Lelouch decided to change the subject away from the survival game, "I saw your promotion on the news. Congratulations."

"Thanks," Suzaku beamed and scratched the back of his head, "I was a little surprised Euphie picked me of all people though."

"So I take it you'll be piloting the Viceroy's Gloucester to properly lead the knights into battle," Lelouch said.

"Actually, believe it or not, I've got a pretty sweet Knightmare already, considered more advanced by the Britannian army, so I'll be using that as opposed to the Viceroy's Gloucester," Suzaku said.

"Oh really?" Lelouch was impressed.

Suzaku took it to mean as though Lelouch didn't believe him, "It's true you know. Did you see the news broadcast at the hotel jacking?"

"What about it?" Lelouch asked.

Suzaku pointed to himself, "That white Knightmare that was seen for a few brief moments on camera, that's mine."

That's…yours…? Lelouch kept a good poker face, but internally he was in shock. "So just how advanced is it?"

"Lloyd would kill me if I gave away specifics," Suzaku rubbed the back of his head, "but as long as it's out there the Sub-Viceroy will have nothing to worry about. After all it took out that linear cannon beneath the sub-level the JLF was using."

That's just great, Lelouch sighed internally. "Would it be ok to assume it's the most technologically advanced Knightmare out there?" Lelouch asked.

"Actually Yuno and Yukiteru hijacked a Knightmare that wasn't supposed to go out in use for another 5 years. How they got it to activate is beyond us. Be careful of Yuno if you see her too. She has some strange power," Suzaku told him.

"Strange power?" Lelouch questioned, intrigued.

"She's like some sort of bio-engineered warrior or something. I don't know what's going on, but I want to look into it. She's dangerous Lelouch, really dangerous."

I sort of already knew that with the incident with Minene Uryu, but this sort of hits it home. "So what's being done about the hijacking?"

"That I can't say, but once Viceroy Schneizel takes his post things will hopefully get better," Suzaku told Lelouch.

"Ah yes Schneizel," Lelouch looked to the side.

"Oh right, he's your rival isn't he?" Suzaku remembered.

"One of these days I'll beat him," Lelouch swore.

Suzaku smirked, "Yeah hopefully."

"Lelouch, I know you said you won't ally yourself with us, but you don't want to see Euphie die either do you?" Suzaku asked.

Lelouch looked down, "No I don't," he admitted.

"Then for the sake of preserving both your lives, if you won't be our ally, at least exchange information with us. As they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend," Suzaku said.

"Hmph, indeed," Lelouch agreed, "Still, I probably don't know much more than you do. The only other diary holder I know of is Minene Uryu, but you already know about her." Lelouch kept Tsubaki a hidden secret to himself.

"Well alright then," Suzaku said and got up, "Glad the chaos doesn't have to come between us," Suzaku put out his hand, "At least for now."

Lelouch shook it. "Yeah." Lelouch agreed. He led Suzaku to the door and watched him leave. He then went to his room and began to vent his frustration. Dammit! I can't believe it! That white Knightmare that keeps causing me all that trouble…is Suzaku? Dammit! What the hell am I supposed to do now? He rearranged his chessboard to reflect this new information. Suzaku Kururugi and Lelouch Vi Britannia may now be allies, but Zero and the White Knightmare are still bitter enemies. I'm sorry Suzaku. In the end we'll have to be enemies after all. But…Lelouch whipped out his phone, As long as I have this, I can watch your every move as I know it to be.

"Caught between your goals and friendship I see," C.C's voice came from Lelouch's right.

"Eavesdropping again?" he asked her.

"Not intentionally," she lied.

"Hmph," Lelouch huffed.

"What do you plan to do now?" C.C asked him.

"I move on with my current plan as if nothing's changed. The Black Knights' goal is still to assist Tsubaki Kasaguno and stop her Dead End," Lelouch said.

"Ah yes, you're supposed to meet her tomorrow night to discuss plans as to how to prevent this right?" C.C asked.

Lelouch nodded, "And you'll be coming with me. Miss Kasaguno wants as few allies with me there as possible."

"She certainly sounds like a strange girl," C.C said.

"You're one to talk," Lelouch told the immortal witch.

"Point taken," C.C responded.

Lelouch looked at his phone for Schneizel's drop down date. Good he won't arrive until two days after the operation is complete. I'm in the clear from the looks of it. Whoever is after you Miss Kasaguno I'll strike them down with an iron fist and then you'll be in my debt and you and I shall rescue Minene Uryu from her captor, eliminating another enemy from the competition. And then I shall lead the Black Knights to their first major victory.

The Next Night

Lelouch, in his Zero masquerade with C.C at his side, arrived on the Kasaguno religion grounds. He was let inside and saw the large crisscross wooden cage in front of him. A prison? Lelouch looked on with curiosity.

"Welcome honored guests," a voice came from behind the cage.

Lelouch stepped straight up to the cage and saw Tsubaki behind it. He looked at her face. Her eyes…

"Ah so your face is completely shrouded in mystery," Tsubaki responded. "Hmm, and who is your partner?"

"You asked me to minimize the amount of allies I brought with me. My friend here is the only ally I have that is not an official member of the Black Knights," Lelouch responded.

"I see," Tsubaki said. "Very well then, shall we discuss operations for three nights from now?"

"Before that," Lelouch said, "Let's talk about you. If the Black Knights are to guard you I should know everything I can about you. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Tee hee," Tsubaki giggled, "Not a problem. Ask away Zero," she said.

"I think the most obvious question should be what's with this," he waved his hand around the wooden cage.

Tsubaki giggled like a little girl again, "I have had very bad eyesight since I was very young, hence I have had to live in this prison since I was little. Three days ago Euphimia Li Britannia took me from this cage to go sightseeing. I was very happy. Unfortunately it seems she is also a part of this little game," Tsubaki said.

"Yes, she is the 4th," Lelouch responded.

Tsubaki laughed again, "That's just like you Zero to know everything. I made the right call in asking for your help."

"You seem to think of the 3rd Princess as your enemy, but what about me?" Lelouch asked, "I am also a diary holder."

"I must rely on you to survive right now," Tsubaki said, "So for now I will hold a truce and ask for your assistance."

"Very well," Lelouch subsided.

"Do you have a plan in mind Zero?" Tsubaki asked him.

"If I am permitted to freely wander about the grounds I believe I can conceive of a way to stop your predicted death," Lelouch announced.

"Out of the question," a man with a bald head, white hair and a beard rose to his feet. Lelouch looked in his direction.

"My lady you cannot permit these strangers to simply do as they please. They are not of the Britannian high order. It's the same as letting criminals roam free about our grounds," the man shouted.

"Then let me ask you something…"

"Funatsu, Cult Elder Funatsu," the man said.

"Let me tell you something Funatsu, do you believe that her ladyship, Miss Kasaguno can be saved without my assistance?" Zero asked. Without giving Funatsu a chance to answer Lelouch continued, "To counter evil sometimes you must utilize greater evil. If the angel of death wishes to strike, then it must be countered with a noble demon."

"Zero is right Funatsu we cannot rely on Britannia or Miss Euphie for such a task. Zero is the one I place my faith in. 'Those with power fear us. Those without it, rally behind us.' Those were your own words," Tsubaki said.

"Indeed they were," Lelouch answered, smirking behind his mask. Funatsu sat down grudgingly. Lelouch then went over the top with a grand speech, "Members of the Omakata religion have no fear. I, Zero, shall protect her ladyship Miss Kasaguno from her predicted fate. By daybreak, four days from now, Miss Kasaguno shall still breathe and her attacker shall lie as a corpse. This I shall promise you. Now then," Lelouch walked to exit the main building, "If you'll excuse me."

Tsubaki watched Zero leave the hall with a grand smile on her face.

12:15am

"Zero don't you need to be focusing on other forms of studying," C.C tried to goad Lelouch into going home, getting some sleep and concentrating on his schoolwork.

"This is more important," Lelouch said and continued his work.

"I hate stubbornness," C.C sighed.

Lelouch grunted and continued his work. Using my Chessmaster Diary I've been able to conceive the perfect plan. It's just a matter of kicking out the bugs to prevent any problems from occurring. I should've asked Tsubaki for her diary's abilities back there, though if I did she would've asked for mine and I can't let anyone know the sort of ability this thing has. I'll become a huge target if its power is public knowledge, same with my Geass. Lelouch put down his pen after a few more minutes of writing and leaned back against his chair. "That should do it," he said and pocketed all of his manuscripts and notes. "C.C let's go," he said to her. The green haired witch got up off the ground and followed Lelouch out the door. But first, let's pay our client a little bit of a personal visit. Lelouch handed C.C his documents and other plans and templates. "Hold these for me," he said and entered into a well hidden door. He walked down the incredibly narrow path way until he emptied out into a spacious room. He saw the back of Tsubaki's head. "Still awake?"

Tsubaki turned her head sharply. "How did you get in here?" she asked.

"I am Zero, seeker of the truth and defender of justice. I can break into prison just as easily as I can break out of one," he told Tsubaki. He noticed that all the lights were off. "No one's in here but us am I right?"

She turned sideways and nodded. Lelouch walked over and stood in front of her. "Is there anything you wish to discuss with me, one on one? If this were just a matter of turning over a Dead End flag you could've concealed the truth and asked for assistance from the Britannian army using your standing as a noble clan. Or you could've asked the 1st for help as he's turned over two dead ends so far. Something else is going on behind the scenes Miss Kasaguno and I want to know what it is."

Tsubaki stood up. "Those with power, fear us. Those without it, rally behind us."

"You love quoting that don't you?" Lelouch chuckled.

"Because it is the sole reason I called you here. I am powerless. My position as leader of the Omakata religion is just a front. I'm nothing more than a toy, selfishly used day in and day out for the sake of the religion," Tsubaki said solemnly.

Lelouch took notice of the white splotches on Tsubaki's kimono, her clothes.

"I am just a slave in my own home," Tsubaki told Lelouch. "The real head of this cult is the man who spoke against you earlier."

"Funatsu," the name left Lelouch's lips like snake venom.

Tsubaki nodded. "Originally this cult was not in good standing with Britannia. However, to protect the cult's good name my parents pleaded with the late Prince Clovis and he protected the clan from disbanding. And then, five years ago, his visits started becoming more frequent. He started even wanting to become an honorary member of the cult. Three years ago," Tsubaki shuddered and turned around, still shivering "Three years ago he succeeded. My parents were enraged and the cult became divided between them and Funatsu. And then a year later my parents died in an accident and my position was established as head of the clan, but it was just a front." Tsubaki wrapped her arms around her front and placed them on her shoulders. "Clovis would continually appear out of the blue and participate in the rituals of the clan, sending us funding and making us a highly established noble faction, despite our origin. Funatsu even declared an arranged marriage and a year from now I was supposed to be married to Prince Clovis. I was to be his bride and Clovis to step up to be the next in line for Britannia due to his being the first to be married. This was all done under the table. None of the officials knew about it." Tsubaki seemed to be rather traumatized at recalling such a memory. She shook it off and turned to face Zero. Her eyes were converged and she had a fist clenched. "And then you came along and you shattered my nightmare with a single act. You killed Clovis." Tsubaki became calm and looked up at Zero, her eyes softened. "I had hoped that with Clovis gone that the cult would be disbanded and I could be free, but we remained ever close to Britannia. I'm just a bargaining chip for the next Britannian prince to come along and have their way with me." She approached Lelouch and put her hands on his shoulders. "Zero," she said with pleading eyes, "Help me. Put an end to my nightmare. You're the only one I can trust," a single tear fell from Tsubaki's face to the floor.

Lelouch wiped Tsubaki's tear stained eye with the side of his index finger. "So Clovis and Funatsu have brought you hell for a long time now. Fear not," he said, "I'll end your nightmare Miss Kasaguno."

"Zero," Tsubaki wrapped her arms around Lelouch's narrow frame and let out a few sobs. Lelouch put a comforting arm around the back of her shoulders.

It seems like my plans will have to change somewhat to reflect this new information. Lelouch told himself. Clovis, how could you? Even in death you still manage to hurt the innocent.

After Tsubaki's sob fest she and Lelouch stood apart from one another. "Zero, let me see your face," she said.

"My…face?" Lelouch questioned.

"My eyesight is rather poor, even in the dark. Even if you show me your face no one will be able to see it clearly. Our cult has a regulation against security cameras. There is no one here besides us. If you show me your face no one will know what you look like. Not even me," Tsubaki stated.

Lelouch approached Tsubaki and spoke clearly, "My face is of no importance. My identity is void. What you see is not a man, but a symbol."

"I see," Tsubaki said. She approached Zero and stroked her hand down the side of his mask, feeling the cool metal on her hand. "Then to that symbol I grant this offering." Tsubaki stood on her tip-toes and pressed her soft lips to Zero's visor. It was a good five seconds before Tsubaki removed her mouth. She wiped where she had kissed with her robe.

Lelouch blushed behind his helmet. He had no idea that Tsubaki felt that strongly about his alter ego, but he wasn't about to go mixing business with pleasure. However, her actions gave him incentive to ensure her survival. Failure was no longer an option. He reached out and pet Tsubaki on the head. He then ran his hands down through her raven hair, taking notice that, like her uniform, it too had some splotches. Tsubaki's hair eventually fell at her side and Lelouch replaced his arms across his body. "I will save you Miss Kasaguno," Zero told her, "The night your assailant attacks shall be your greatest nightmare yet. Endure it and I can promise you a life without living in fear."

"Thank you, Zero," Tsubaki smiled.

"It's no trouble at all," Lelouch walked towards the door. "Now if you'll excuse me I must prepare for the night of your attack." Lelouch then disappeared into the darkness. He took his things back from C.C and the two headed back to Ashford Academy.

The Next Day

After the Student Council meetings Lelouch went straight to his place. He flipped open his phone and looked for Yukiteru and Yuno under his contacts. To deceive your enemies, you must first deceive your allies. He said. I apologize Tsubaki, but in order for my plan to work I must increase the danger.

Shinjuku ruins

As Yukiteru and Yuno continued to gather supplies and food from a trashed convenience store Yukiteru's phone began to go off. He put what he was carrying on the ground and took out his phone. He looked at the caller ID. Lelouch? Why is he calling me? He obviously knows what happened. It was all over the news. I don't get it. Is this about the game? Yukiteru nervously answered. "Wh-what is it?" he asked.

"Good you picked up. I was worried you wouldn't answer," Lelouch's voice came from the other line.

"Lelouch did you really betray Yuno and me?" Yukiteru asked.

"I only told you that the Sub-Viceroy was the 4th, how was I supposed to know that would drive you to mount an attack. I am impressed you and Yuno managed to kill the Subviceroy though," Lelouch as if he hadn't a care in the world.

"That's not funny Lelouch," Yukiteru scowled.

"He hold on now, stop painting me out to be the bad guy here and listen to what I have to say," he said.

"I'm listening," Yukiteru brooded.

"I've discovered the identity and location of the 6th," Lelouch said.

"You did?" Yukiteru was impressed.

"Yes, but she's a bit underhanded with her tactics. She plans to ask for your help to override a Dead End prophecy, but in exchange she plans to hold your mother hostage," Lelouch stated.

"She what?" Yukiteru shouted.

"You have two days to prepare," Lelouch said and hung up.

"Wait! Lelouch!" Yukiteru shouted, but the line went dead. "Damn it!" Yukiteru snapped his phone shut.

"Yuki what's wrong, you look troubled," Yuno said to Yukiteru.

"Yuno, you have to listen to me for a moment," Yukiteru said with a straight face.

Lelouch's room

"Phase one complete," Lelouch said aloud and picked up my radio transmitter. "This is Zero," he spoke into it.

"Sir Zero, is there something you need? We were certain we wouldn't be hearing from you until the night of the attack," the responder said.

"The situation's changed slightly, put Funatsu on the line," Lelouch ordered.

"Right away," there was background noise and Funatsu eventually picked up the receiver.

"This better be important Zero," he said.

"Of course it's important," Lelouch said, "I want you to listen to everything I have to tell you."

Shinjuku ruins

"Yuki we can't do that!" Yuno cried out. "It's a trap, Lelouch is deceiving us again!"

"I know, he might be, but, but I want to make sure my mother is ok. He said they didn't plan to kidnap her straight away, investigating now won't do anything," Yukiteru told her.

"It's a trap Yuki, he's obvious formed an alliance with the 6th. He wants to kill the 6th and us simultaneously. Forget about your mother and listen to me," Yuno made to grab Yukiteru's wrist, but he pulled it away.

"No, I-I'm not going to sacrifice my mother over this stupid game. Lelouch finds our alliance important that's why he told me this in advance," Yukiteru was hysterical, "We have the Pelleas and we have your powers. Even if it is a trap there's no danger right? Right?"

Yuno looked at her phone.
Yuki wants my help to save his mother. I have to help Yuki.
"Ok, I'll help you Yuki," Yuno agreed.

"Thank you Yuno," Yukiteru smiled. The two kissed to seal the deal.

Lelouch's bedroom

"Very well, I shall do as you have asked Sir Zero. I am grateful to be of some use to you," Funatsu said.

"Now that's a much better attitude than what you were giving me yesterday," Lelouch teased.

"Make no mistake I find giving you this much free reign to be unnecessary, but even I don't want her ladyship to die. I want to save her more than you do. You're just a hired renegade, we are her people," Funatsu said.

You just don't want me uncovering your dirty secrets. Too bad for you that I already did, Lelouch smirked to himself. "I will see you the night after tomorrow. Please inform her ladyship of the role she is to play in this role of the plan."

"Understood," the line went dead.

"Phase two complete." Lelouch looked at the clock. "Time for phase three."

The Black Knight's hideout

When everyone had assembled at the hideout Lelouch began going over battle plans and how each member would move at each specified time to guard Tsubaki. He already factored in Yuno and Yukiteru into the equation, knowing they would show up, but he marked them as assailants. He marked the original assailant as the leader. Lelouch would be the only one who knew exactly how things stood, but to make sure the outcome went perfectly smooth, to make sure that, in the end, Tsubaki would live he left out details of the plan to each person he contacted and even gave false information to throw people off, but even with false information to his allies, Lelouch still had all the facts. That simple notion alone would make sure that he could contain the confusion at any time.

When he finished explaining things to the Knights he said, "Does everyone understand the plan?" Everyone nodded. "Are there any questions as to the specifics of the operation?" Kallen raised her hand. "Kallen?"

"Will we be safe without piloting Knightmares?" she asked.

"Not everything can be solved with the use of stolen Britannian technology, besides you have to walk before you can drive right?" Lelouch asked back.

"But we can all easily pilot Knightmares," Tamaki said.

"I don't think that's the point Zero is trying to make," Ohgi said. "You're trying to get us to understand that this is how things will be from here on out. You are the strategist and these will be your plans. That's how things are going to work from here on out. Am I wrong?"

"No you're correct," Lelouch responded, "Now then I shall see you all the night after tomorrow an hour before the operation starts, in front of the Omakata grounds. Now then, dismissed!"

To be continued…

(A/N: Boy Tsubaki sure has placed Zero on a pretty high pedestal. It's a shame she doesn't know the irony of her statement about being a bargaining chip for the next Britannian prince XD. Still what is Lelouch exactly plotting by involving the 1st and the 2nd into his twisted little plan? What is his plan even? Will the 12th make an appearance like the last time? Will Lelouch be able to expose Funatsu for his misdeeds? How many people think Clovis couldn't be more of a scumbag than he already is now? Why am I asking so many questions? With the exception of those last two, find out all that and more on the next Ultimate Paradox.